Musings of the Chronologically Challenged™ Fourth Generation

 

(Note: The following was supposed to be for tomorrow morning -- but my fantastic nemesis of Piquance.Impudence.Ordnance fame has scooped me again. Don't miss her rant, Like "No Lips", it's better than mine!)

Weren't we doing fine with 49 states?
LOS ANGELES — A textbook review process in California has changed or eliminated references to everything from the Founding Fathers (search) to hot dogs, leaving many to charge the state with distorting history in the name of political correctness.

"Distorting history"? Isn't "changing" history distorting it?

That’s because many California textbooks will no longer feature pictures of hot dogs, sodas, cakes, butter and other kinds of food that are not considered nutritious.

Tofu anyone?

Nor will the books contain any phrases judged to be sexist or politically insensitive.

Goodbye to Snowmen. "Let's make a Snowperson!"

The Founding Fathers are now referred to as "The Framers," in an apparent effort to make them sound less male-dominant.

DUH! They WERE all males!

There will be no more reading about Mount Rushmore, where the faces of four U.S. presidents are carved into stone, because it appears to offend some American-Indian groups.

Uh - how to put this - - - I don't believe FACES in the granite is the problem the Native Americans have with Mount Rushmore. I do believe Mount Rushmore is in the Black Hills, which is a holy place for the Indians and one of the last reclaimed pieces of land taken back by the US government by breaking a treaty. (Info from my head and I really should google - but I'm almost sure.)

This is a prime example of letting the dissenting voices of a few, warp the outcome of an issue affecting all. Work has been underway for over a decade on the Crazy Horse Memorial in South Dakota, a la Mount Rushmore. Chief Crazy Horse was an Oglala Sioux. The "dissenting voices" of "some American-Indian groups" are likely from other Indian Nations that perhaps do not have a mountain from which to blast out an image of their own tribal hero. Although, according to historians of the time, he was never photographed, a picture of a handsome young brave is presented here as Crazy Horse. "There was never a photograph taken or a likeness made from first hand witness of Crazy Horse"; so said Mari Sandoz in the biography, Crazy Horse the Strange Man of the Oglala. Even if the picture is not authentic, the accompanying bio is excellent. He definitely was a leader the Sioux could be proud of.

Read the entire article here and learn why I can no longer be called a "serior citizen". Fine. I'd rather be called a Groovy Granny anyhow!


posted by HCL at 10:12 PM

 

Reminder
Alternative Concert
Mike Gallagher is sponsoring a concert in Spartanburg, SC on May 1st, the same night the Dixie Chicks are booked there for a concert. The proceeds from Mike's gala will go to a military personnel relief fund for Iraqi veterans and their families. This has not been widely publicized (that I've heard) but Mike told about it on tv this morning and announced that anyone who had already bought Dixie Chick tickets could present them at his concert and GET IN FREE!! The Alternative Concert will feature Marshal Tucker Band, Shiloh, and Ty Nelson,









posted by HCL at 4:28 PM

 
From Ian, Gardiner, ME
This is what should happen for anyone who defends our country's honor and ideals.
As it should be.
Semper Fi

The following was received from a USMC friend and is worthy of your read and forwarding......... It was written by a Marine Capt. on escort duty from St. Louis MO for a young Marine killed in Iraq.

Sir,

As you can see, I have cc'ed a lot of people on this because I wanted to get the word out as quickly as possible. 1stSgt Berg, GySgt Bontkowski and I went to St. Louis International airport tonight to meet the body of Corporal Evan James when he came in on an American Airlines flight.

When we found out the time and airline of his arrival, Gunny Bontkowski called the Airport Operations to arrange for us to be on the tarmac to meet the body and put it in the hearse. What happened next would choke up the hardest Marine.

We arrived at the airport and it seemed like every airport cop employed there was around to make sure that we got on the tarmac. The plane pulled up and the casket (in the travel dunnage) came down the ramp and we loaded it into the hearse.

As we left the tarmac with an airport police escort, the gate guards saluted.

We then picked up our escorts from the Missouri State Police.

We passed by the gate of the Missouri Air National Guard unit and their guards were rendering full honors to our convoy.

The Airport police had blocked off ALL traffic in and out of the airport when we departed. The state troopers were in the lead and in trail.

State troopers had also blocked off I-70 so our convoy would easily get on the highway. The troopers escorted the hearse to Hannibal, MO, where it crossed the state line into Illinois.

At that point, the Illinois State Police took over the escort duties all the way to La Harpe, IL.

The police captain of the airport police arranged all of this.

Gunny Bontkowski is getting names so that we can send them our humble thanks.

Is there any way that LtGen McCarthy or Gen Hagee can send something once we get the names of the people in St. Louis that made these honors possible? They went well out of their way to honor a Marine they did not know from Adam.

Words alone cannot express the pride, humility, and emotions that we felt for Cpl James and the Marine Corps.

Semper Fi,
Capt John Bruzza, USMC






posted by HCL at 11:01 AM

 

LINK-O-RAMA

LT Smash has a succinct and historically accurate letter to French President Chirac here.
Thanks to Susanna at Cut On the Bias for the link.

Here's a lovely French travel advisory for American tourists. Thanks to Acidman for link. And also for this link to Right We Are - where he is stalking. I have warned the lovely ladies.

Moon Maiden from Wallace, NC, sent this progressive growth piece from Pearls of Light, a new site. They are taking introductory FREE subscriptions here for a limited time.

I've learned that I like my teacher because she cries when we sing "Silent Night" ~~ Age 6
I've learned that our dog doesn't want to eat my broccoli either ~~ Age 7
I've learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back ~~ Age 9
I've learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again ~~ Age 12
I've learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering someone else up ~~ Age 14
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me ~~ Age 15
I've learned that silent company is often more healing than words of advice ~~ Age 24
I've learned that brushing my child's hair is one of life's great pleasures ~~ Age 26
I've learned that wherever I go, the world's worst drivers have followed me there ~~Age 29
I've learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it ~~ Age 30
I've learned that there are people who love you dearly, but just don't know how to show it ~~ Age 42
I've learned that you can make someone's day by simply sending them a little note ~~ Age 44
I've learned that the greater a person's sense of guilt, the greater his or her need to cast blame on others ~~ Age 46
I've learned that children and grandparents are natural allies ~~ Age 47
I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow ~~ Age 48
I've learned that singing "Amazing Grace" can lift my spirits for hours ~~ Age 49
I've learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone ~~ Age 50
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights ~~ Age 52
I've learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills ~~ Age 52
I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die ~~ Age 53
I've learned that making a living is not the same thing as making a life ~~ Age 58
I've learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage ~~ Age 61
I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance ~~ Age 62
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back ~~ Age 64
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you ~~ Age 65
I've learned that whenever I decide something with kindness, I usually make the right decision ~~ Age 66
I've learned that everyone can use a prayer ~~ Age 72
I've learned that it pays to believe in miracles. And to tell the truth, I've seen several ~~ Age 75
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one ~~ Age 82
I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back ~~ Age 85
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn ~~ Age 92
I've learned that you should pass this on to someone you care about. Sometimes they just need a little something to make them smile.
PS: Which age do you feel like?
Author Unknown

Looking for the Perfect Job?
My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned... couldn't concentrate.
Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the ax.
After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it, mainly because it was a sew-sew job.
Next I tried working in a muffler factory, but that was too exhausting.
Then I tried to be a chef. I figured it would add a little spice to my life, but I just didn't have the thyme.
I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.
My best job was being a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
Next was a job in a shoe factory. I tried, but I just didn't fit in.
I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, ! but the work was just too draining.
So then I got a job in a workout center, but they said I wasn't fit for the job.
After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian; but there was no future in it.
My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit, because it was always the same old grind.
SO I RETIRED AND FOUND I AM PERFECT FOR THE JOB.
(You don't stop laughing because you've grown old. You grow old because you stop laughing!)










posted by HCL at 11:21 AM

 
Old Is When - - -
Seems to be a lot of chest-beating and P&Ming from bloggers who lament they're "getting old". Many of them are parents of very young children, and unless they waited until they were ancient to have kids, they don't know what really "old" is.

Old is an outlook on life more than a number. I'll bet you can think of someone you were in high school with who was "old" even then. I can. Some unfortunate (and frequently unhappy) folks have never been young at heart. Maybe it's young at heart, maybe joie de vivre (forgive my French!), but I find that making "a joyful noise" every day, and giving thanks that I am able to do so, helps me keep a younger outlook.

Old is when you can remember the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and wondering what war was when the adults said, "Oh my God! We're at war." Remembering comments of young married people as the concept of families torn asunder began to sink in. Sitting quietly, hearing President Roosevelt's "Day of Infamy" speech, live on the radio. Not even the shuffling of feet was allowed. But when everybody learned that "all we have to fear is fear itself" the tension was relieved, because Americans were united and fear was not an option. (For an Indigo WW2 recollection, see Sunday, 1/5/03 - scroll to "History Project")

Old is when you can recall the sadness adults expressed on hearing of the death of Ernie Pyle. They knew this Pulitzer Prize winner through writings about the war. I only knew his name through the adults. I now know what a great journalist and hero he was. He died at the front on Iwo Jima, April 18, 1945 with US Marines. For additional information on Pyle and samples of his gut-wrenching essays, check out the links here.

Old is when you watch History Channel on television and don't see much you can't remember, unless it happened before WW2.

Old is when you remember the Korean War, not as a "Police Action", but as a time of great sadness and apprehension when my love was facing the draft.

Old is remembering the terror of Viet Nam and having a draft-age son to fear for. Remembering returning veterans being spat upon by the radicals of the time; knowing one of these vets from Little League, when he had two legs. Being an eye witness to the Civil Rights Movement, but not quite comprehending its significance until I could look back on it.

I could go on in my reveries, but hopefully my "young" 40 and 50 year old fellow blogging friends are getting a perspective on where I'm coming from by now. Old is when you can look back over 68 years and be thankful and happy for the many blessings in your life. That is chronologically old, but spiritually young. And that is ageless.




posted by HCL at 11:02 AM

 
Fantasy Presidential Address
What follows is the text of a presidential address to be given by President Bush on July 4, 2003. The source of this material remains unidentified.

My fellow Americans:

As you all know, the defeat of Iraq's regime has been completed. The discovery and destruction of all weapons of mass destruction have been covered thoroughly in the press. A new Iraqi government has been established and appears to be stable. Our mission in Iraq is complete.

This morning I gave the order for a complete removal of all American forces from Iraq. This action will be complete within 30 days.

It is now time to begin the reckoning.

Before me, I have two lists. One list contains the names of countries which have stood by our side during the Iraq conflict. This list is short. The United Kingdom, Spain, Bulgaria, and Poland are some of the countries listed there.

The other list contains everyone not on the first list. Most of the world's nations are on that list. My press secretary will be distributing copies of both lists later this evening.

Let me start by saying that effective immediately, foreign aid to those nations on List 2 ceases immediately and indefinitely. The money saved during the first year alone will pretty much pay for the costs of the Iraqi war.

The American people are no longer going to pour money into third world hellholes and watch those government leaders grow fat on corruption.

Need help with a famine? Wrestling with an epidemic? Call France.

In the out years, together with Congress, I will work to redirect this money toward solving the vexing social problems we still have at home.

I am ordering the immediate withdrawal of all US forces from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and all other Middle Eastern nations. Leave us alone. Solve your own damn problems. Need help? Call Germany.

On that note, a word to terrorist organizations. Screw with us and we will hunt you down and eliminate you and all your relatives from the face of the earth. Thirsting for a gutsy country to terrorize? Try France, or maybe China.

Regarding the nation of Israel, I have this to say. It seems like everybody has forgotten what happened to European Jewry during the 1930s and World War II. Our nation will never permit the destruction of Israel. No way, Jose.

Nevertheless, to Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Yo, boys. Yank yer heads outta rectal defilade and work out a peace deal. Just note that Camp David is closed. Maybe all of you can go to Russia for negotiations. They have some great palaces there. Big tables, too.

I'm ordering the immediate severing of diplomatic relations with France, Germany, and Russia. Thanks for all your help, comrades. We are retiring from NATO as well. Bon chance, mes amis.

I have instructed the Mayor of New York City to begin towing the many UN diplomatic vehicles located in Manhattan with more than two unpaid tickets to sites where those vehicles will be stripped, shredded and crushed. I don't give a damn about whatever treaty pertains to this. Pay your tickets tomorrow or watch your precious Benzes, Beamers, and limos be turned over to some of the finest chop shops in the world. I love New York.

A special note to our neighbors. Canada is on List 2. Since we are going to be seeing a lot more of each other, you folks might want to try not pissing us off for a change. Mexico is also on List 2. President Fox and his entire corrupt government really need an attitude adjustment. I have a couple extra tank and infantry divisions sitting around. Guess where I'm gonna put 'em? Yep, border security. So start doing something with your oil. Oh, the United States is abrogating the NAFTA treaty---starting now.

It is time for America to focus on its own welfare and its own citizens. Some will accuse us of xenophobia. My response is simple and direct: if you can play that word in Scrabble, do it as soon as your turn comes round.

Some will accuse us of isolationism. I answer them be saying darn tootin'. Nearly a century of trying to help folks live a decent life around the world has only earned us the undying enmity of just about everyone on the planet.

It is time to eliminate hunger in America. It is time to eliminate homelessness in America. It is time to eliminate World Cup soccer from America.

We will develop energy independence. We will restructure our nation for its isolationist destiny. I will be sending legislation to Congress tomorrow proposing the first
actions that that august body should take as we move in a new direction.

Finally, I have decided not to run for a second term of office. The First Lady and I will retire to our Texas ranch and have some fun. Laura and I have been talking about takin' one of those cruises up to Alaska. Personally, I could care less who gets elected in 2004. Throw a little fascism into the mix and elect Senator Clinton. She can appoint the editorial board of the New York Times to her Cabinet.

To the nations on List 2, a final thought. Drop dead.

To the nations on List 1, a final thought. Thanks guys. We owe you.

God bless America.

Thank you and good night.


posted by HCL at 9:49 PM

 
Maybe It's Dog Week
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read." ~~ Groucho Marx (1890 - 1977)
"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man." ~~ Mark Twain
"Some days you're the dog, and some days you're the hydrant." ~~ Unknown
"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea." ~~ Robert A. Heinlein
"Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in." ~~ Mark Twain
"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole." ~~ Roger Caras

Senior Moment?
I may have posted these musings before. If so, apologies. If not, it's still true, so here goes:
Do you remember about 2-3 years ago in some frozen Artic location (can't remember which Pole) an entire frozen mammoth was discovered? A large entourage of anthropological scientists from all over the world rushed to the site to observe the dig. The ice-packed pachyderm was ultimately dug completely out and found to be in perfect condition, even after being frozen for thousands of years. The entire project was filmed (of course) and later presented as a television special on one of the educational channels. The close-ups showed in great detail the mammoth's hair, eyelashes, feet - its entire humongous body. The show did not, however, include the autopsy. It must have been a sight to see when they opened that critter up. Probably the largest amount of feces those scientists had ever seen in any one place. Assuming that none of them had ever visited France, that is.

Lawyer’s Turn
~~The Post Office just recalled their latest stamps. They had pictures of lawyers on them, and people couldn't figure out which side to spit on.
~~ How can a pregnant woman tell that she's carrying a future lawyer? She has an uncontrollable craving for baloney.
~~ How does an attorney sleep? First he lies on one side, and then he lies on the other.
~~ How many lawyer jokes are there? Only three. The rest are true stories.
~~ What do you call a lawyer gone bad? Senator.

>^..^< PUSSYFOOTIN’
"There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast." -- Unknown
"Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through snow." -- Jeff Valdez
"In a cat's eye, all things belong to cats." -- English proverb

That should about do it for this morning.













posted by HCL at 1:07 AM

 
Rottweilers

Kevin McGehee's "Get Well, Vicky!" headline caught my eye. "Vicky of Liquid Courage has had her vacation from blogging involuntarily extended due to an attack by a Rottweiler -- obviously not an anti-idiotarian one, at that. Go here to leave her a message of sympathy and encouragement."

After following Kevin's suggestion, thoughts of Rottweilers and dogs in general flooded my lame brain. Yesterday was "Bug Man Day" at my house. The exterminator calls himself Bill the Bug Man. He has been coming around for years and my lovable Rottweiler knows him well. My Rott is an inside dog and is always glad to see visitors. She remembers anyone who has ever visited before and greets each person at the door like an old friend with her welcome "hula" - which is Rottweiler for tail wagging.

KJ (the Rott) really likes Bill, but she is offended by his sprayer. She follows it around the house, barking and growling visciously at the apparatus, while Bill sprays away with one hand and pats KJ's head with the other. I really think it is their special game by now and both of them seem to enjoy it. Bill laughed at KJ as usual yesterday and commented on how friendly she was in comparison to many of the dogs he encounters. He remarked that the little dogs were the only ones that had ever bitten him. (Bill is a retired Marine and is not easily inhibited by dog or man!) He displayed a mark on his neck where he said a Chihuahua had "attacked" him a few days before. I commented that I would have thought a little dog would have bitten his ankle. Bill explained that the Chihuahua was in his owner's arms, and when Bill walked past, the little demon sailed out of her arms and attached himself to Bill's neck!!!

Although Rottweilers, German Shepards, and Pit Bulls get the bad press because their attacks do more damage, any breed of dog can be programmed to attack. For that matter, even a cat. KJ was born and has been raised inside - with cats, in fact. When I first got KJ, I got some Rottweiler books to inform myself on the breed. One thing I learned, and have observed in KJ, is that Rotts are "visually alerted" dogs. The literature says that while many dogs are sound or scent excited, Rotts are stimulated most by what they see. Since KJ is housebound, she watches the outside world through large windows. What she sees determines her reaction. Things in motion are verboten in her territory. She hates wheels turning - on anything - and creates quite a ruckus at her window when a strange vehicle, bicycle, go-cart, or even skates go by on the street. But the most alarming thing she sees through her window is a runner. Apparently she perceives something running (person, another dog, etc.) as a threat to her jurisdiction and this elicits her most violent reaction. A Rottweiler owner should never allow free run of his/her dog. Joggers can not be predicted nor confined. Rottweilers should be.

Conversely, the very first time KJ ever saw a child, she was gentle, loving, and licking! Her first juvenile friend was a five year old boy who used her for a pillow on the floor in front of the tv. Once he was walking around with a cookie in his hand and KJ snatched it and promptly ate it. The feisty little boy reacted immediately with a fist to KJ's nose as a reprimand. That really hurt her feelings. But she didn't steal the next cookie from him.

KJ is a torment to female visitors here at the beach. They always have something delicious on their smooth legs. Her favorite flavor is pina colada, but she takes whatever comes in the door. The ladies fuss and fume at her and even slap her away. KJ is not fazed. I saw a cute plaque once that said "Beware of Dog. She can't hold her licker." Wish I had gotten that for my front door.

KJ is a Dr Jekyl and Ms Hyde dog. Always Dr Jekyl inside the house, but I wouldn't have her loose outside and risk the wrath of Ms Hyde.

From Another Rottweiler Source
Thanks to Misha for this link: Death Threats Flood Anti-Hollywood Celebrity Websites

Alternative Concert
Mike Gallagher is sponsoring a concert in Spartanburg, SC on May 1st, the same night the Dixie Chicks are booked there for a concert. The proceeds from Mike's gala will go to a military personnel relief fund for Iraqi veterans and their families. This has not been widely publicized (that I've heard) but Mike told about it on tv this morning and announced that anyone who had already bought Dixie Chick tickets could present them at his concert and GET IN FREE!! The Alternative Concert will feature Marshal Tucker Band, Shiloh, and Ty Nelson,









posted by HCL at 8:52 AM

 
Blogroll de la Semana

redneckin
Possumblog
South Knox Bubba
Yorkieblog
Zander
Da Goddess
Gut Rumbles
Compleat Redneck
Gone South
Cut on the Bias
Kevin McGehee Zone
Rottweiler Man
Blogs of War
The Safety Valve
Thomas Sowell
Rachel Lucas
Walter Williams
Neal Boortz
Right Wing News
Best of the Web

posted by HCL at 8:48 PM

 
A Kiss For KISS
On April 18, John Hawkins at RWN posted: Gene Simmons -- A Celebrity Who Gets It?: Gene Simmons of Kiss, a man who freely admits he's to left of center politically, wrote a surprisingly powerful editorial on his homepage defending the invasion of Iraq and America itself. It was so good that I thought I should I quote a big chunk of it here on RWN...
(Even if you don't appreciate Kiss, you may appreciate what Gene Simmons had to say. Link above and read the whole "big chunk".)




posted by HCL at 9:32 PM

 
American Hero
Please go here for a beautiful tribute to Pfc Lori Ann Piestewa, the first American woman killed in combat for the United States Military. Pfc. Piestewa was an American Indian of the Hopi Nation, and room mate and best friend of Pfc Jessica Lynch, the rescued soldier.

Incidentally, at 9:00 tonight (Friday) A&E is telecasting a special documentary about the rescue of Pfc Lynch. Bill Curtis will be the host.
posted by HCL at 10:12 AM

 
What's Not To Like?
Checked here lately? Remember folks, this is the World Wide Web! Anyone, anywhere may read what Americans have to say about their United States. The site is still being updated and maintained. Go read what others have posted, and post something of your own about how you feel about YOUR state. There's still room for more comments and I haven't heard anything about a time limit. If this is your first visit, take time to read the Introduction too for background history about What's Not To Like? This will tell you what is planned for these comments and it will make you want to have your say!

Zanderisms
~Z~ Half the people you know are below average.
~Z~ 99% of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
~Z~ A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel so good.
~Z~ The colder the x-ray table, the more of your body is required to be on it. (This one is DEFINITELY true!)

Newspapers
1. The Wall Street Journal is read by the people who run the country.
2. The Washington Post is read by people who think they run the country.
3. The New York Times is read by people who think they should run the country and who are very good at crosswords.
4. USA Today is read by people who think they ought to run the country but don't really understand the Washington Post. They do, however, like their statistics shown in pie charts.
5. The Los Angeles Times is read by people who wouldn't mind running the country, if they could spare the time, and if they didn't have to leave LA to do it.
6. The Boston Globe is read by people whose parents used to run the country and they did a far superior job of it, thank you very much.
7. The New York Daily News is read by people who aren't too sure who's running the country and don't really care as long as they can get a seat on the train.
8. The New York Post is read by people who don't care who's running the country as long as they do something really scandalous, preferably while intoxicated.
9. The San Francisco Chronicle is read by people who aren't sure there is a country or that anyone is running it; but whoever it is, they oppose all that they stand for. There are occasional exceptions, if the leaders are handicapped minority feminist atheist dwarfs, who also happen to be illegal aliens from ANY country or galaxy as long as they are Democrats.
10. The Miami Herald is read by people who are running another country but need the baseball scores.
11. The National Enquirer is read by people trapped in line at the grocery store.











posted by HCL at 2:53 PM

 

INCOMING

Tales of a DC Travel Agent
I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.

I got a call from a Candidate's Staffer, who wanted to go to Capetown. I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information then she interrupted me with, "I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts." Without trying to make her look like the stupid one, I calmly explained, "Cape Cod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in Africa." Her response ... (click).

A Senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando. He said he was expecting an ocean-view room. I tried to explain that is not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, "Don't lie to me. I looked on the map, and Florida is a very thin state!!!"

I got a call from a Lawmakers Wife who asked, "Is it possible to see England from Canada?" I said, "No." She said, "But they look so close on the map."

An Aide for a Bush cabinet member once called and asked if they could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed they had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, "I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between the gates to save time."

An Illinois Congresswoman called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:20am and got into Chicago at 8:33am. I tried to explain that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she could not understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went very fast, and she bought that!

A New York lawmaker called and asked, "Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know who's luggage belongs to who?" I said, "No, why do you ask?" She replied, "Well, when I checked in with them they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I'm overweight, and I think that is very rude!" After putting her on hold for a minute while I "looked into it" (I was actually laughing). I came back and explained the city code for Fresno, CA is (FAT), and that the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.

A Senator's Aide called in inquiring about a trip package to Hawaii. After going over all the cost info, she asked, "Would it be cheaper to fly to California and then take the train to Hawaii?"

I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman who asked, "How do I know which plane to get on?" I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, "I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these darn planes have numbers on them."

A Lady Senator called and said, "I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, FL. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?" I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane. She said, "Yeah, whatever!!"

A Senior Senator called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China. After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him he needed a visa. "Oh no I don't, I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those." I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, "Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!"

A New Mexico Congresswoman called to make reservations, "I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York" The agent was at a loss for words. Finally, the agent: "Are you sure that's the name of the town?" "Yes, what flights do you have?" replied the lady. After some searching, the agent came back with, "I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere." The lady retorted, "Oh don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!" The agent scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, "You don't mean Buffalo, do you?" "That's it! I knew it was a big animal", she admitted!!!

Should we be worried about the state of the union?
from Don and his Associates in Winston-Salem, NC - I assume it's a joke!

Bore Blogs
This new Blogosphere phenomenona is a great renovation, IMO. Sometime a sentence or two will suffice to carry a point, but it seems almost a Blog World obligation to present a journalistic treatise. I'm no journalist. I just have a few thoughts/opinions to share occasionally. Anyhow, Bore Blogging is my cup of tea, and all six of you who read Indigo Insights may be seeing some of it here. Just a warning.

No Mas!
SKB is praying for no more soup. But, judging from the following "True Story", I fear the end is not in sight.

True Story
An RN night nurse, had had a particularly trying night, monitoring and answering the questions of two new nurses. About 3 a.m., two doctors came by her station where she was busily doing paperwork. One Dr. asked, "What are you working on so hard?" "Oh," she replied, "just finishing up some notes for my book." "You're writing a book?" the doc asked. "Yes", says she. "Chicken Soup for Dumbasses." The docs woke up patients laughing so loud!









posted by HCL at 1:28 PM

 
Weekend, Weekend, Weekend

After seeing how diligently Bubba and the Emperor worked to "keep us informed" over the weekend, taking my weekend off seems to be a dereliction of Blog Duty. Already having been chastised by a couple of my "faithful" for light blogging lately, a jump on the new week may redeem me somewhat. So here's an early start for Monday.

AWSOM
According to Bubba's link to The Dave and Heather Page, Operation AWSOM stands for "Americans Who Suppport Our Military" and they have set up an e-mail address where you can send supportive e-mails to our military men and women who are serving abroad. The e-mail address is OperationAWSOM@msn.com. Take a few minutes and send an e-mail saying thanks, or that we are thinking about you, hoping you come home safely!

Chronwatch Says
Doc Farmer, who resides and works in Doha, Qatar, has been spending some of his Arabian nights thinking about the situation back in the USA, and he'd like for someone to 'splain a few things to him. In fact, quite a few things.

Overlawyered.com
April 10-13 -- Employers liable for not filtering raunchy spam? At least if workers have complained, employers may be at risk of liability under sexual harassment law if they fail to install blocking software on email inboxes, say various legal experts. Quotes our editor (Declan McCullagh, "Por nspam: Are employers liable?", CNET News, Apr. 7) (DURABLE LINK)
(Does this mean the only way I can keep from being sexually harrassed is to come out of retirement and get back to a desk?)

Happy Easter to the Younguns
Turn up speakers and call them!

Don't forget a ragged blogroll is below!!! Check them out.


















posted by HCL at 12:39 AM

 

Yet Another Blogroll (sigh)
Yes, it’s true. I could screw up a one-car Iraqi funeral!! But until I can get one where it should be, here’s a temporary blogroll.

redneckin
Possumblog
South Knox Bubba
Yorkieblog
Zander
Da Goddess
Gut Rumbles
Compleat Redneck
Gone South
Kevin McGehee Zone
Rottweiler Man
Best of the Web
Rachel Lucas
Baghdad Bob (just for fun!)








posted by HCL at 4:13 PM

 
JOANIE - DO NOT LINK HERE!!
Everyone else - with the exception of Yorkie Lady, from whom the link was purloined, please do link, if you missed "To America's Soldiers" yesterday.

To America's Soldiers
An open letter.
BY BARBARA J. MAKUCH
">I want to thank you for my existence. I want to thank you for your sacrifices, and for your courage, because without your heroism, this world would indeed be a different place. Were it not for the brave soldiers who liberated my father from Dachau, and my mother and her family from the Nazi slaveholders, I would not be here today. Nor would millions of others, all of whom remain indebted to you.


Joanie Alert (skip this too)
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — The fall of Baghdad provoked shock and disbelief among Arabs, who expressed hope that other oppressive regimes would crumble but also disappointment that Saddam Hussein did not put up a better fight against America.

Thanks to Rachel for link. Now read her entire blog, "This is all very strange" for her usual excellent input.



posted by HCL at 3:47 PM

 
INCOMING

(Just a story about a typical group of service members. It could have happened with any group this reporter might have come into contact with. This is what the buddy system is all about.)

CNN live interview with Martin Savidge on Sunday, 30 March 2003:
Martin Savidge of CNN, embedded with the 1st Marine battalion, 1st Marine Division, was talking with four young Marines near his foxhole this morning live on CNN. He had been telling the story of how well the Marines had been looking out for and taking care of him since the war started. He went on to tell about the many hardships the Marines had endured since the war began and how they all look after one another.

He turned to the four and said he had cleared it with their commanders and they could use his video phone to call home. None of these Marines had been able to talk with their families for many weeks. The 19 year old Marine next to him asked Martin if he would allow his platoon sergeant to use his call to call his pregnant wife back home whom he had not been able to talk to in over a month. A stunned Savidge, who was visibly moved by the request, nodded his head - yes. The young Marine ran off to get the sergeant.

Savidge recovered after a few seconds and turned back to the three young Marines still sitting with him. He asked which one of them would like to call home first? The Marine closest to him responded without a moment's hesitation, "Sir, if is all the same to you we would like to call the parents of a buddy of ours. Lance Cpl Brian Buesing of Cedar Key, Florida, who was killed on the 23rd of March near Nasiriya. We would like to see how his folks are doing and let them know their son died bravely."

At that Martin Savidge totally broke down and was unable to speak. All he could get out before signing off was,
"Where do they get young men like this?"
contributed by Brenda, Greenville, NC

Wish You Were Here
For all the free people that still protest. You're welcome.
We protect you and you are protected by the best.
Your voice is strong and loud,
but who will fight for you?
No one standing in your crowd.

We are your fathers, brothers, and sons,
wearing the boots and carrying guns.
We are the ones that leave all we own,
to make sure your future is carved in stone.

We are the ones who fight and die,
We might not be able to save the world,
Well, at least we try.

We walked the paths to where we are at,
and we want no choice other than that.
So when you rally your group to complain,
take a look in the back of your brain.

In order for that flag you love to fly,
wars must be fought and young men must die.
We came here to fight for the ones we hold dear.
If that's not respected, we would rather stay here.

So please stop yelling, put down your signs,
and pray for those behind enemy lines.
When the conflict is over and all is well,
be thankful that we chose to go through hell.

Corporal Joshua Miles and all the boys from 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines, Kuwait
Peace-n-Love-n-GOD Bless
contributed by Mark, New Jersey

European History
A long time ago, Britain and France were at war. During one battle, the French captured an English major. Taking the major to their headquarters, the French general began to question him.

The French general asked, "Why do you English officers all wear red coats? Don't you know the red material makes you easier targets for us to shoot at?"

In his bland English way, the major informed the general that the reason English officers wear red coats is so that if they are shot, the blood won't show and the men they are leading won't panic.

And that is why from that day to now all French Army officers wear brown pants.
contributed by Melva, Swansboro, NC

The Whipping
An Englishman, a German and a Frenchman are all in Saudi Arabia, sharing a smuggled crate of booze when, all of a sudden, Saudi police rush in and arrest them. The mere possession of alcohol is a severe offence in Saudi Arabia, so for the terrible crime of actually being caught consuming the booze, they are all sentenced to death! However, after many months and with the help of very good lawyers, they are able to successfully appeal their sentences down to life imprisonment. By a stroke of luck, it was a Saudi national holiday the day their trial finished, and the extremely benevolent Sheikh decided they could be released after receiving just 20 lashes each of the whip.

As they were preparing for their punishment, the Sheikh announced: "It's my first wife's birthday today, and she has asked me to allow each of you one wish before your whipping."

The German was first in line, he thought for a while and then said: "Please tie a pillow to my back." This was done, but the pillow only lasted 10 lashes before the whip went through. When the punishment was done the German had to be carried away bleeding and crying with pain.

The Frenchman was next up. After watching the German in horror he said smugly: "Please fix two pillows to my back." But even two pillows could only take 15 lashes before the whip went through again and the Frenchman was soon led away whimpering loudly (as they all do).

The Englishman was the last one up, but before he could say anything, the Sheikh turned to him and said: "You are from a most beautiful part of the world and your culture is one of the finest in the world. For this, you may have two wishes!"

"Thank you, your Most Royal and Merciful Highness", The Englishman replied. "In recognition of your kindness, my first wish is that you give me not 20, but 100 lashes."

"Not only are you an honorable, handsome and powerful man, you are also very brave". The Sheikh said with an admiring look on his face. "If 100 lashes is what you desire, then so be it. And your second wish, what is it to be?" the Sheikh asked.

The Englishman smiled and said, "Tie the Frenchman to my back."
contributed by Karl, Hubert, NC

Reminder from French's Mustard
The makers of French's Mustard made the following recent statement:
"We at the French's Company wish to put an end to statements that our product is manufactured in France. There is no relationship, nor has there ever been a relationship, between our mustard and the country of France. Indeed, our mustard is manufactured in Rochester, NY. The only thing we have in common is that we are both yellow".
contributed by Bob, Kinston, NC

(Indigo note: Hey, I just pass these on. I don't tell my keypals to be PO'd at the French. They tell me! )




posted by HCL at 3:39 PM

 

Material for Acidman's Next Employee Lambaste

Boss, Can I take the day off?
Let's take a look at what you are asking for....
There are 365 days per year available for work.
There are 52 weeks per year in which you already have 2 days off per week, leaving 261 days available for work.
Since you spend 16 hours each day away from work, you have used up 170 days, leaving only 91 days available.
You spend 30 minutes each day on coffee break. That accounts for 23 days each year, leaving only 68 days available.
With a one hour lunch period each day, you have used up another 46 days, leaving only 22 days available for work.
You normally spend 2 days per year on sick leave. This leaves you only 20 days available for work.
We are off for 5 holidays per year, so your available working time is down to 15 days.
We generously give you 14 days vacation per year which leaves only 1 day available for work and I'll be Damned if you're going to take that day off!!!

posted by HCL at 10:28 AM

 
Not Enough Crow
There's just not enough to go around to all the naysayers, doom and gloomers, Bush Bashers, peaceniks, and all others of little faith. May they choke on it!

Today was a good day to be retired. Nothing stopped me from being glued to the television set every possible minute. Started out like any other morning with "zoo duty" (i.e., feeding all demanding animals), getting a pot of coffee going, then turning on TV for the news. From that moment on, I was mesmerized all day. I tuned in just as tanks were driving around the circle in Baghdad and tore my eyes away from the screen only long enough for a coffee refill. It was a "You Are There" moment and after the Iraqi citizens stormed Saddam's statue, I was in for the long haul. How passionately determined they were to tear down that statue. How patiently United States Marines waited for Baghdad citizens to vent their hatred and years of pent-up anger This was not a time for clock-watching, and I don't know how much time passed (seemed half the day) before the citizens either asked for or accepted an offer of help. After a little "tweaking" from a couple of Marines, the sadistic murderer's image came down and the crowd pounced upon it.


Mama Don't March!
Below is a letter from a serviceman writing home to his mother. It is really an eye opening letter. Captain Smith's dear wife emailed this to me today. Obviously written a few weeks ago, it is still right on.

A California mother whose son is right now in Kuwait poised to knock Saddam's block off, wrote her son asking how he would feel if she joined other relatives of service members in an anti-war demonstration in Hollywood next month. After reading her son's response, she elected not to participate.

Dear Mom:

It's really your decision to march if you want to or not. You are the one who has to decide if what we are doing out here is right or not. My opinion is not yours. I do, however, have things I would like for you and Grandma and everyone else at home to know.

I am a United States soldier. I was sworn to defend my country against all enemies, foreign and domestic. People may not agree with the things we are ordered to do. I would like to address those people by telling them that terrorism is not only a threat to us as Americans, but to many other innocent people in the world. What type of country would we be if we didn't defend the rights and freedoms of others, not because they're Americans, but how about just because they're human?

We live in a country where people feel secure with their daily lives. They do business like usual and don't worry about the thought of terrorism actually happening to them. The people of 9-11 thought the same thing. We now know that it can happen to anyone at any time. Yet as Americans we're afraid of losing our soldiers to defend our security. I can only speak for myself when I say that my life is an easy expense to ensure that my family and friends can live in peace.

I strongly believe in what we are doing and wish you were here to see for yourselves the honor and privilege that American soldiers aboard this ship are feeling, knowing that we are going to be a part of something so strong and so meaningful to the safety of our loved ones. Then you would know what this potential war is about. We will stand tall in front of terrorism and defeat it. We as soldiers are not afraid of what may happen. We are only afraid of Americans not being able to understand why we are here. I ask for your courage as Americans to be strong for us. I ask for your understanding in what we believe is right. I ask for your support in what we are sworn to do: defend our country and the life of all. We will succeed in our task and will end the threat of terrorism in our back yard. We will also end the threat of terrorism in our neighbors'.

We have to remind ourselves of what this country stands for: life, liberty and justice for all. In order to maintain those rights we have to stop the threat of terrorism. I am proud to be here. I will be coming home, but not until I know that it's going to be safe for all Americans and for everyone I love.

My family is first. My country is where they live. I will defend it.

Lonnie J. Lewis
Navy corpsman
C Co. 1/4 WPN PLT
UIC 39726
FPO AP 96613 9726

P.S. Mom, please send this to everyone who has a hard time understanding why we are here. Ask the paper to put what I've said in a column so that others will know why we are here and what we are here for. I love you all and will be home soon. I left my address so that if anyone feels like writing to let me know how they feel, they can.



posted by HCL at 4:29 PM

 

Hello Again!
All three of you who missed me, raise your hands! Comments have disappeared again, but please email me at indigoinsights@hotmail.com.

Wanted: Private Secretary

Can’t believe the amount of puter work to do after being on my birthday hiatus. Almost like going on vacation and getting back to your job and wondering if it was worth it when you see the pile-up on your desk you’re faced with when you get back.. But in this case – a definite YES. What a wonderful birthday celebration I had with my family in Greenville. This birthday blast will require its own blog and I’ll get to it ASAP. But first, I need to play some catch-up.

This was in my mail box, attributed to Rush Limbaugh. I don’t know if he said it or not, but whoever said it, it sure is thought-provoking:

The media has been impatient since day one claiming that the war is taking longer than anticipated (by whom?), but it's all a matter of perspective.
-We're going to take Iraq in less time than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound. That was a 51-day operation.
-It took less time to find evidence of chemical weapons in Iraq, than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.
-It took Teddy Kennedy longer to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick, than it took the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard.
-We're going to take Iraq in less time than it took to count the votes in Florida in the year 2000!
Rush Limbaugh

And from Bob of Kinston, NC, this, without a URL, so I’ll have to paste up the whole thing. Hopefully, a browsing war-protester will come across it.

Where were you? WHERE WERE YOU?

Where were you in 1980 when Saddam invaded Iran? Where were you when the chemical weapons filled the Iranian trenches? Where were the protests? Where were the marches on the Iraqi embassies? As well over one MILLION were killed, as weapons of mass destruction were used, where were the protests?

When Saddam invaded Kuwait - where were you? When the systematic rapes began, with women assaulted in front of their children, children raped in front of their fathers - WHERE WERE YOU? Where were the speeches? Where were the celebrities? WHERE WERE YOU?

When Saddam set fire to his own oil fields, when one of the greatest ecological disasters in history was perpetrated by this one single despotic individual - where were you? Where were the environmentalists? WHERE WERE YOU?

When Saddam used chemical weapons - AT LEAST 40 times - on his own people .... where were the protests? When 5,000 died in a single gas attack, women and children falling in the streets from the poisonous and forbidden chemicals .... WHERE WERE YOU? The pictures were shown on television sets across the globe. Saddam gassed his own citizens as the world watched .... but where were the protests? Where was the outcry? Where were the pickets outside the Iraqi embassies? Where was the name calling and flag burning then? WHERE WERE YOU?

As word of the atrocities in Iraq began to leak out, just as it did not so long ago in 1943 from within the Third Reich -- when your own organizations like Amnesty International and The International Red Cross -- began to report on the routine use of torture, the rape rooms built specifically for the sexual torture of girls and women, as the stories leaked out of human beings being fed through plastic shredders, feet first, as they screamed ..... WHERE WERE THE PROTESTS? Did you not believe the pictures? Did you not believe the footage on your screens? Did you not believe the Iraqis themselves, the scarred women and hollow-eyed men, as they told their stories and begged for YOUR help? Where were you then?

Where were you, as Iraqis began to suffer under sanctions, as 5,000 a month starved and Saddam built palaces --- WHERE WERE YOU? Some of you protested your OWN governments -- for instituting a containment policy that you NOW claim is the only answer -- but where were the protests against Saddam? WHERE WERE YOU? When Saddam's net worth was reported a month ago as well over $2 BILLION dollars, as you read of his many, many palaces, and as his people starve, WHERE ARE THE PROTESTS?

When the Persian Gulf War ended, and that first United Nations resolution was violated by Saddam and his regime - where were you then? Where were the protests? What about the second resolution? The third? The seventh? The ninth? The 14th? The 15? The 17TH? WHERE WERE YOU THEN? Those of you claiming that the U.S. and the FORTY PLUS countries acting with her today are violating international law - WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THOSE RESOLUTIONS WERE VIOLATED? Where were the protests and chants and signs and burning flags? As 17 resolutions and 12 years of defiance passed by, as the weapons were built and the inspectors expelled, as the citizens starved and despot grew richer -- WHERE WERE YOU? Where were you every time he sent money to terrorists in Palestine -- an act openly boasted of by Saddam on national television - where were the protests? Where was the outcry?

Perhaps most of all, where were the protests once the actual people of Iraq, the exiles and dissidents and survivors, told their stories – WHERE WERE YOU? As Iraqi women testified before Congress, begging for American help, begging for the end of the Hussein regime – WHERE WERE YOU? Where was Martin Sheen and Sean Penn and the Dixie Chicks? Where was Sheryl Crow and Susan Sarandon and Barbra Streisand? Most of all – WHERE WERE YOU?

Where were you TODAY when Iraq fired scud missiles, the very weapons they swore they did not have, the very weapons YOU promised they did not possess? WHERE WERE YOU? Where were you yesterday when the French announced, contrary to all logic, that they WOULD enter the fray if chemical weapons were used --- those same weapons that are, of course, non-existent. WHERE WERE YOU? As Saddam ordered uniforms of our nations, so that his soldiers could slaughter his own people and blame others ---- WHERE WERE YOU? When the oil wells began to burn - WHERE WERE YOU?

Perhaps the answer is a simple one -- you refuse to support your country, and you always protest AGAINST your own nation. That might explain your perpetual absence, your eternal abandonment of your own stated ideals ..... EXCEPT. Except if that was true, WHERE WERE YOU during military action in Haiti under the previous U.S. administration? Where were you during our presence in Somalia? Where were you when we attacked forces in Bosnia? Where were you as we attacked Afghanistan and Sudan? WHERE WERE YOU? What could POSSIBLY explain your absence then? Where were your protests and your hatred and your venom?

Where were they as we bombed Kosovo for weeks on end, as bombs rained down in the Serbian city of Belgrade .... WHERE WERE THE PROTESTS? When our last President stood before you, and announced a policy of regime change in Serbia, as we began that action WITHOUT UNITED NATIONS APPROVAL --- even as the French predictably protested -- WHERE WERE YOU? As civilians in Kosovo and Serbia died so that we could remove a despot – WHERE WERE YOU? Had SERBIA attacked us at some point? Did Milosevic provide weapons to terrorists? I assume he must have .... because if not, WHERE WERE YOU?

And perhaps most of all, when that last President, acting properly and courageously, announced a policy against Iraq in 1998 almost IDENTICAL to that of the current administration - WHERE WERE YOU? As the bombs fell in Baghdad during Operation Desert Fox --- WHERE WERE YOU?

Time after time after time after time ..... WHERE WERE YOU? Where was your hatred, your bitterness, your self-righteousness ..... where were your signs and marches and rants? WHERE WERE YOU? Where were you when it mattered -- where were you when you could have helped?

Maybe saddest of all --- today, as war begins, a war that would have been quicker and more humane without your mindless displays of partisanship, a war that very well might have been avoided BUT FOR your actions --- WHERE ARE YOU? As your sons and daughter, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, march into battle today -- whether that action is right or wrong – WHERE ARE YOU when they need you? When will the burning flags turn into banners of pride in those who, right or wrong, are doing their very best to keep you safe? Where are the signs of love and pride for those who may give their lives for your country?

WHERE WERE YOU THEN? WHERE ARE YOU NOW?







posted by HCL at 8:52 PM

 
Letter from radio station website in Lubbock TX, home of the Dixie Chick that spewed forth about our president

Name: LT Layne McDowell
Date: 03/15/03
Time: 01:54:49 PM
Comment: An open letter to the Dixie Chicks:

Earlier this week, while performing in London, you stated that you were ashamed that our President is from your home state. I wonder if you realized how many Americans would be listening.

This American was listening. This Texan is ashamed that you come from my state!

I serve my country as an officer in the United States Navy. Specifically, I fly F-14 Tomcats off carriers around the world, executing the missions that preserve the very freedom you claim to exercise. I have proudly fought for my country in the skies over Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan without regret. Though I may disagree wholeheartedly with your comments, I will defend to the death your right to say them in America. But for you to travel to a foreign land and publicly criticize our Commander in Chief is cowardice behavior. Would you have so willingly made those comments while performing for a patriotic, flag-waving crowd of Texans in Lubbock? I would imagine not.

How dare you pocket profits off songs about soldiers, their deaths and patriotism, while criticizing their Commander in Chief abroad, even while they prepare to give their lives to ensure your own freedom of speech? Please ask yourself, what have you done to deserve that sacrifice?

Do not try to justify your comments by claiming that you made them only because you care about innocent lives. Never once in our history have we committed troops to war for the purpose of taking innocent lives. We do it to protect innocent lives, even yours. If the world leaders of the late1930's had had the vision and courage of our present Commander in Chief, perhaps the evil men who caused the death of millions in WWII would have never have had the opportunity to harm a soul. The potential loss of millions of lives in the future at the hands of today's evil men necessitate action.

In a separate correspondence, I am returning to you each and every Dixie Chicks CD and cassette that I have ever purchased. Never again will I allow my funds to support your behavior. All you have done is to add your name to a growing list of American "Celebrities" who have failed to realize that they have obtained their successes on the backs of the American blue-collar workers such as our servicemen and women.

To Natalie Maines: This Texan, this American, will continue to risk his life to guarantee your freedoms. What will you do to deserve it?

(in the Mail Box from JD, Greenville, NC)

posted by HCL at 12:05 AM

 

Another miracle!!!!! I'm sure it was an accident, but obviously I did something right!!!! The blue header is up on my end. And while, I'm here again, goodbye until Monday. Out of town for a few days.


posted by HCL at 10:34 PM

 
Acute Blogitis

The guy who runs the show over at redneckin' told me I had surely PO'd some serious cyber gods! As usual, he is right. (He didn't mention that I had also PO'd my blogdaddy - but that's another blog!)

I still don't know what happened, but in a fit of total desperation, plus pique, tonight I attempted to at least get the gawdawful red off my Indigo page. Yeah, I know. You still see it sometime. But the good news is that magically, as if a wand swept over the page, the Archives reappeared!!! .

So now, as best I can remember how this page SHOULD appear, I only need to fix:
~~ the header -- Indigo Insights (instead of one word)
~~ home page to blue as well as archives (permanently)
~~ get blogroll back up
~~ get email addy back up
~~ get Comments back up
~~ get back site meter

Oh - the heck with it. Just please see this from an old blog in the archives. It seems even more meaningful now.

And with legs, eyes, and fingers crossed - - - POST & PUBLISH!!!!

posted by HCL at 10:31 PM

 

TWIMC or ICYGAS

Looks like Indigo is on hiatus too. Not self-imposed, but Blogger-imposed. Don't know what happened. And NO, I did NOT mess with the template, Artist Previously Known as Chuck. Anyhow, everything's so awry, skewed, and discombobulated, there's no way to post a new blog. I'm not even sure this will go up. Blogroll disappeared too. OK. You got me, Blogger. I give up for now.
posted by HCL at 5:57 PM