America … Who are You, Now?

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I work hard. I’m not rich, but I have enough.
I take care of my family, provide for their needs.
I haul my weight and that of my family.
I will work to take care of them,
I don’t need subsidies or tax dollars spent on me.
Nor do I want to be taxed so those who choose not to work
and procreate more of their kind can live off my earnings.
Got it? Now lemme alone so I can work!

Once upon a time, America was inhabited by hard-working, proud, legal immigrants, grateful for a place to thrive and raise their families without fear of oppression for political, religious, or ethnic reasons. From the war ravaged European nations or nations undergoing harshly difficult times, these new Americans were eager to become part of the ideal for which America stood: … land of the free and the home of the brave!

They brought with them their skills and talents and employed them with great zeal to prove their gratitude to the new nation founded on principles of personal liberty, the likes of which none had experienced previously. Naturally, they settled in neighborhoods that took on the characteristics of their homeland culture: the Italians, the Irish, the German, the Slavic, the Mexican, the Puerto Rican, and so on. This was not so much built on a fear or hatred of others as it was a comfortable familiarity with those from similar backgrounds. But, human nature being what it is, fear and hatred grew and wove its ugliness in, around and through our neighborhoods, and emphasized our differences rather than our similarities.

Gradually, fear and hatred swallowed up the personal pride and deep gratitude shared by our great grandfathers and great grandmothers. Our current society, crying out for handouts, is the result.

This is America to me.

I was taught the notion of the American “melting pot” with neighbors from just about every imaginable European background. There were the McCutchean’s two generations out of Scotland. The Henrici’s with 5 daughters, the Midocks with a back yard ice-skating rink, the Amslers, the Dills, the Allens, Amicis. It was not a big deal. The Polumbo’s were “rich” because they had a NEW car. The Perez family talked funny, but they were really nice. America was different than other places because we could be different and still be friends.

I was taught to be polite to everyone and to respect people. I was taught to behave. I was taught not to lie or cheat. That when I did, I really only hurt myself.

I was taught to treat others the way I wanted them to treat me. To plant seeds of respect to reap respect. To plant seeds of kindness and it would come back to me in my time of need.

I was taught to respected every person equally – There really was such a thing a “color-blindness,” maybe not everywhere, but where I grew up, it existed. A person’s sexuality was a completely private thing and simply not an issue. I know how foreign this sounds, but … it was real once.

Where has MY America gone?

• I believe there are more people who care and want to help one another than there are those who only want to take.
• I believe there are more people who believe in God than those who choose not to, but I also believe NEITHER side needs to shove their beliefs on the other.
• I believe there are more people who understand responsibility and accountability than those who don’t.
• I believe there are more people who live by a moral code than those who don’t know right from wrong, but those who don’t need instruction.

Nearly one half! Can you wrap your head around those numbers? Of the billions spent by our Federal government, almost HALF is handed out to those unable? or unwilling? to work and become self-reliant. Whatever happened to the individual desire for independence, for fulfillment, and accomplishment? Don’t we teach our children to be independent and self-reliant?

“There was a time in America when being on the public dole was a bad thing, today it is rapidly becoming a way of life. Getting this number back down to size is not going to be pain free.” (Clifton is a Conservative and blogs at Another Black Conservative

America Needs to Re-discover
Her Identity

Maybe we should ask the rest of the world to help us re-define our American Identity? Do we want to be known as the Global Bullies? or the Good Neighbor? The New Age Robin Hood (stealing from the rich and giving to the poor?) or The New Age Emancipator, freeing individuals to rise above their circumstances and find a noble purpose in wholesome work and daily, self-sustaining life?

Many of our minority citizens have a strong leaning toward the liberal side of the fence because they have been taught to believe that the “HELP” programs are for them, and demonstrate the compassion of the Democratic party. I beg to differ! Think it through! Many of these lovely, hard-working Americans have pulled themselves up out of the roots in slavery only to become enslaved once again to the slave-master government. How is government, foodstamps, welfare dependency freedom??? The goal of our republic is to provide the possibility, the availability of freedom sufficient to pursue individual and personal happiness, not doled out by the government in monthly increments, but as built and designed by the individual for the individual! In America, it is about the individual! Individual rights secure individual freedoms to live out our individual lives as we each see fit. However, freedom is only freedom until mine steps on yours.

What is important to you?

freedom to worship, or not, as you see fit, or allowing the sterilization of America from all religious affiliation and influence?

freedom to say what’s on your mind, or intimidation by way of political correctness?

freedom to live as you choose or a multitude of restrictions on your lifestyle?

freedom to build a family or state issued “family units”?

freedom to choose your friends or political pressure toward certain group affiliations?

freedom to pursue purposeful work or government assigned “lemming” work?

time to pursue hobbies, pleasures, enjoyments or no money or time for such frivolousness?

happily involved in volunteerism or or hoarding in fear?

helping others out of compassion or taxed enough to feed those who don’t want to work?

Help up or hand out?

“I predict future happiness for Americans
if they can prevent the government
from wasting the labors of the people
under the pretense of taking care of them.”

Thomas Jefferson

Lloyd Marcus at American Thinker (via Diary of a Mad Conservative)

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A prefect opportunity to President Obama to BE a leader and take an outspoken stand on the behavior of these mobs … like so many other opportunities, has been shoved aside. Maybe when he is all rested up, eh?

Folks, I believe human beings are responsible for their behavior.  However, as America's first black president, fair or unfair, Obama's presidency comes with enormous responsibility in terms of its influence on black youths.  This is why it is so unfortunate that American black youths' ultimate role model is a characterless, race-baiting political hack. While I am not saying president Obama is responsible for the epidemic of black youth flash-mob … Read More

via Diary of a Mad Conservative

Thomas Jefferson ~ An American Hero Speaks Today

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Thomas Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early in life and never stopped.

At 5, began studying under his cousin’s tutor.

At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.

At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.

At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.

At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

At 23, started his own law practice.

At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

At 31, wrote the widely circulated “Summary View of the Rights of British America †and retired from his law practice.

At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence .

At 33, took three years to revise Virginia ’s legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.

At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.

At 40, served in Congress for two years.

At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.

At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.

At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.

At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.

At 57, was elected the third president of the United States .

At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation’s size.

At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

At 65, retired to Monticello .

At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.

At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.

At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence along with John Adams

Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future:

John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: “This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone.”

“When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe .” — Thomas Jefferson

“The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.” — Thomas Jefferson

“It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world.” — Thomas Jefferson

“I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.” — Thomas Jefferson

“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” — Thomas Jefferson

“No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.” — Thomas Jefferson

“The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.” — Thomas Jefferson

“The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” — Thomas Jefferson

“To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.” — Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

“I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.

If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property – until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.”

Are you paying attention???

ECCLESIASTES 10:2

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The heart of the wise inclines to the right,
but the heart of the fool to the left.

Ha! That is actually what it says!!! I didn’t make this up!

The Average American Soldier

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SGT Joseph Prince, a soldier from 3rd Platoon, Company A, Task Force 3-66 Armor, pulls security while Iraqi Army soldiers search a house during a patrol Thursday in Tahweela, Iraq. The IA, supported by soldiers from Company A, kicked off Operation Dark Wolf Pursuit One to execute the “clear, hold and build” strategy in southern Balad-Ruz District of Iraq’s Diyala Province. (Ben Bloker/Stars and Stripes photo.)

Who is the Average American Soldier?

The average age of the military man is 19 years old. He is a short haired, tight-muscled kid who, under normal circumstances is considered by society as half man, half boy. Not yet dry behind the ears, not old enough to buy a beer, but old enough to die for his country. He never really cared much for work and he would rather wax his own car than wash his father’s, but he has never collected unemployment either.

He’s a recent High School graduate; he was probably an average student but not because he’s stupid – just a kid. He pursued some form of sport activities, drives a ten year old jalopy that he’s damn proud of, and has a steady girlfriend that either broke up with him when he left, or swears to be waiting when he returns from half a world away. He listens to rock and roll or hip-hop or rap or jazz or swing and a 155mm howitzer.

He is 10 or 15 pounds lighter now than when he was at home because he is working or fighting from before dawn to well after dusk. His grammar isn’t always the best, thus letter writing is a pain for him, but he can field strip a rifle in 30 seconds and reassemble it in less time in the dark. He can recite to you the nomenclature of a machine gun or grenade launcher and use either one effectively if he must.

He digs foxholes and latrines and can apply first aid like a professional. He can march until he is told to stop, or stop until he is told to march. He obeys orders instantly and without hesitation, but he is not without spirit or individual dignity. He is self-sufficient. He has two sets of cammies: he washes one and wears the other. He keeps his canteens full and his feet dry.

He sometimes forgets to brush his teeth, but never to clean his rifle. He can cook his own meals, mend his own clothes, and fix his own hurts. If you’re thirsty, he’ll share his water with you; if you are hungry, his food. He’ll even split his ammunition with you in the midst of battle when you run low.

He has learned to use his hands like weapons and weapons like they were his hands. He can save your life – or take it, because that is his job. He will often do twice the work of a civilian, draw half the pay, and still find ironic humor in it all. He has seen more suffering and death than he should have in his short lifetime.

He has wept in public and in private, for friends who have fallen in combat and is unashamed. He feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through his body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ‘square-away’ those around him who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking.

In an odd twist, day in and day out, far from home, he defends their right to be disrespectful. Just as his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather did, he is paying the price for our freedom. Beardless or not, he is not a boy. He is the American Fighting Man that has kept this country free for over 200 years.

This is the guys! Then there are the American fighting women! She has many things in common with her male camrades, but she is also sassy, playful, and plays as hard as she works. She’s an “activist, a Doer, not a watcher! She’s resourceful, creative, and takes care of her mind as well as her body. She, too, has wept in public and in private for friends or strangers fallen, unashamed. She feels every note of the National Anthem vibrate through her body while at rigid attention, while tempering the burning desire to ‘square-away’ those around her who haven’t bothered to stand, remove their hat, or even stop talking. She is fiercely patriotic, and she loves her country! She serves alongside the guys, putting up with their innate crudeness, without batting an eyelash. She looks beautiful with or without makeup. She can march and shoot at least as well as her male counterparts, and looks good doing it! She is proud to be an American. Proud to be a soldier, proud to be woman!

They ask nothing in return, except our for friendship and understanding, and maybe an occasional prayer. Remember them always, for they have earned our respect and admiration with their own blood. These soldiers do their part as tradition tells them, of going to war when and where our nation calls us to do so.

As you go to bed tonight, remember this shot: a short lull, a little shade, and a picture of loved ones in their helmets.

Letter from "Home" (Anywhere, USA)

Fallen Soldier All Alone

Fallen Soldier Far From Home.
Trickling Down His Face A Tear,
Forgetting How It Feels To Fear
Death And All It’s Fate And Glory.
Now It’s Here, No Need To Worry.
Fallen Soldier Waiting for the End
Fallen Soldier Far From Home
He’s One Of Those They’ll All Forget;
But He’s the One Thing You Should Never Forget.
The Life He Lived, The Goals He Set,
The Ones He Loved, The Ones Who Wait
To See His Nearly Forgotten Face.
Fallen Soldier All Alone
Fallen Soldier Far From Home
Now Breathing’s Just A Waste Of Breath
And Living’s Just A Waste Of Death
As He Searches For A New Address;
A Brand New Home Free Of Loneliness.
Fallen Soldier All Alone
Fallen Soldier Far From Home
Lying Motionless On The Ground,
The Battle Raging All Around.
For Now He Is Not All Alone.
This Fallen Soldier Is Welcomed Home.
***
-Unkown Author-

**Putting it in Perspective
Thank You, Soldiers**

BEKINDREWRITE ~ Inspiration Monday XXIII

In Defense of Freedom

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In Defense of Freedom
Article just over a year old, but … interesting, eh?

10 JUNE 2010 The Heritage Foundation’s second annual “Protect America Month” came to a close [June 2010]. The program was designed
• to express commitment to America’s national security,
• advocate for increased defense spending,
• point out the constitutional basis for government’s role in protecting America, and
• to examine the threats to the United States.

John Ashcroft, former Attorney General of the United States, delivered the closing speech.

Attorney General Ashcroft began by asserting his belief that “the defense of America is tantamount to the defense of freedom. And freedom is worth defending.” He astutely reviewed his understanding of the definition of freedom, and how American exceptionalism plays a vital role in contributing and sustaining freedom around the globe.

He rejected the common argument that freedom and national security must be balanced. Rather, freedom is the highest value with no parallel. However, in order to maintain it, it must be secured. Therefore, the two are not counterweights to each other. Rather, national security protects America’s freedom, and ensures that freedom stays intact…

The former Attorney General also noted that America’s reckless financial conduct will have grave national security implications for future generations who might be unable to finance their defense. Moreover, if America reveals a lack of self-sufficiency to the world by becoming a debtor to the world, it signals America’s weakness. Funding national security should be one of government’s main priorities.

America’s current Attorney General, Eric Holder, appears to have no clear rules guiding his decisions in reference to which defendants go to a military tribunal versus a federal court. His decisions appear to be arbitrary and capricious. Though he is the head of the Department of Justice, national security does not seem to be his paramount priority. CONTINUE READING

Technology to aid DoD mental health services

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Mental Health breakthrough

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash., July 29, 2011 — Imagine being a psychologist sitting across from your patient.

Now imagine that patient is actually hundreds of miles away.

The first-ever live Introduction to Telemental Health Delivery Workshop at the National Center for Telehealth and Technology’s, or T2, headquarters on Joint Base Lewis-McChord last week offered guidance to providers on offering mental health services from a distance — in this case, using videoconferencing technology.

“The (Department of Defense) is pushing for this form of care because it’s a way to reach a lot of people who otherwise wouldn’t get care,” T2 clinical health psychologist Dr. Greg Kramer said. CONTINUE READING

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Vietnam Veterans Speak Out against Obama’s Socialism

Help Launch the Tea Party Debt Commission!

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Help Us Launch the Tea Party Debt Commission!

We are proud to announce Contract from America and FreedomWorks are launching our own Tea Party Debt Commission! During the next several months we will be holding grassroots activist hearings around the country and developing a budget that, at a minimum, cuts $9 trillion and balances the budget.

In preparation for those discussions, we are asking for your input. What are your spending cut priorities? What tough choices would you be willing to make? Please click below and help us get started.

Click here to begin

Here’s your chance to have a say. If you click the above link, you will be shown a series of options from which to choose only one. If you are unsure about an issue, open a new window and do a search – inform yourself! Together, we can re-make America for our children and grandchildren!

Sign the Birthday card for Obama & Let him know how great he is!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Honest Leadership???? hahahahahaha

So … I received a lovely email to day from Michelle, asking us all to send Barack Birthday wishes. I thought it might be nice if we, terrorists and hobbits, did exactly that.

Barbara —

Every day, I see Barack make choices he knows will affect every American family. That’s no small task for anyone — and more proof that he’s earning every last one of those gray hairs.

This has been a busy week in Washington, but today happens to be Barack’s 50th birthday. I’m writing to you because this year, the girls and I would like to do something a little different.

I’m asking friends and supporters [and terrorists and hobbits, too] of this campaign to wish him a happy birthday by signing his card, and sharing why you’re on this journey with us.

Your names and notes will become part of a book that tells the story of this campaign — who’s building it, why we’re in this thing, and what he means to us. We’ll deliver a copy to Barack and send one to our campaign offices across the country.

Sign the card for Barack.

Don’t be shy, Americans, our President needs to know exactly how much we appreciate him and all he’s done for our great nation. I know I will not be shy!

All Aboard the Crazy Train

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Well, if it wasn’t obvious before it sure ought to be now. The liberal media elite have gone around the bend and over the cliff. The Crazy Train they’ve been riding has finally crashed.

And it’s all because of those nasty conservative Tea Party Republicans.

The same liberal journalists who won’t call a real terrorist a terrorist can’t go 10 seconds without calling conservative Republicans terrorists. Or “Wahhabis,” as Chris Mathews described them on MSNBC.

Or “Hezbollah,” as Tom Friedman described them in the New York Times.

Or as ‘suicide bombers” as Tina Brown the editor of Newsweek described them on “Morning Joe.” MORE HERE

Well, yes, the opponents believe they are on to something BIG! We’re past the simple “belittling” stage, on to the really “grown up” slander. And, prey tell, what might their objective be?

To TERRORIZE???

In their over-the-top effort to re-elect the current “Traitor” to another round in the oval office, the lackey-left media is pulling no punches in their attempt to the reverse the President’s current course downward. It is simply despicable behavior for so-called professional journalists!!!

Since when is it a BAD thing to stand up for what you believe? THANK GOD, most Americans are TOO SMART to fall for their under-handed shenanigans, right?

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