In this post by Alyssa, she outlines Donald Trump's cry for attention by pushing to see President Obama's birth certificate. In my opinion, since Obama made it through the elections, this issue is old news and shouldn't even be discussed. I'm surprised that Obama actually showed his birth certificate, and didn't just brush him off.
I don't know if I agree that this confrontation was brought on by Obama's skin color. I really think that this was just an annoying attempt by Trump to get some attention.
It is hard to believe that anyone, from either political party would favor Trump as their preferred candidate for the Republican presidential nomination in 2012. I agree with Alyssa, that this seriously sounded like a joke. I think that Trump probably hurt his cause more then helped it by being a nuisance. This is a great example of how celebrities sometimes get way too full of themselves. Maybe his money has bought him all sorts of luxuries and beautiful women, but money should in no way be the only prerequisite for a presidential candidate. Yes, celebrities and politics do not mix.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
The Bad Boys Next Door..........
Our neighbors to the South, Mexico are currently fighting a vicious war against drug cartels. The violence keeps getting worse. It is sad and scary that these heinous crimes are happening so close to home. Why doesn’t this problem take more precedence with or press and government? We have brutal terrorist’s right next door!
“More than 15,000 narcotics-related homicides occurred in 2010 alone, an increase of almost two-thirds compared to 2009.” Travel.state.gov. “According to Government of Mexico figures, 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence in Mexico since December 2006.” It is estimated that some 300 tons of cocaine pass through Mexico to the U.S. yearly-Wikipedia .
The United States has made some effort to help fight the Mexican cartels. In June of 2008, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to provide Mexico with $400 million and Central American countries with $65 million in an agreement called “the Merida Initiative.” This funding was supposed to continue, in varying amounts, over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be used to purchase aircraft, surveillance software, and other goods produced by private contractors in the United States. In addition to providing equipment, the money was to be used by the Mexican military and law enforcement. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like these efforts are working.
In February of 2011, the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon said that the U.S. government isn’t doing enough to help Mexico in its fight against drug cartels. He said that the U.S. government should help by reducing drug use in the United States. I hate to break it to Mr. Calderon, but he is stating the obvious.
I’m not real sure what we can do to better this situation. I find it bothersome that these cartels seem to have such an upper hand. I certainly think this issue is more important than some of the other worldly affairs we are involved in at the present time. It is no wonder we have so many immigrants trying to illegally relocate their lives to our country. In addition to the poverty problems they face, they also have to be afraid of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This war should become more of a priority.
“More than 15,000 narcotics-related homicides occurred in 2010 alone, an increase of almost two-thirds compared to 2009.” Travel.state.gov. “According to Government of Mexico figures, 34,612 people have been killed in narcotics-related violence in Mexico since December 2006.” It is estimated that some 300 tons of cocaine pass through Mexico to the U.S. yearly-Wikipedia .
The United States has made some effort to help fight the Mexican cartels. In June of 2008, the U.S. Congress passed legislation to provide Mexico with $400 million and Central American countries with $65 million in an agreement called “the Merida Initiative.” This funding was supposed to continue, in varying amounts, over the next three years. The funding was supposed to be used to purchase aircraft, surveillance software, and other goods produced by private contractors in the United States. In addition to providing equipment, the money was to be used by the Mexican military and law enforcement. Sadly, it doesn’t seem like these efforts are working.
In February of 2011, the president of Mexico, Felipe Calderon said that the U.S. government isn’t doing enough to help Mexico in its fight against drug cartels. He said that the U.S. government should help by reducing drug use in the United States. I hate to break it to Mr. Calderon, but he is stating the obvious.
I’m not real sure what we can do to better this situation. I find it bothersome that these cartels seem to have such an upper hand. I certainly think this issue is more important than some of the other worldly affairs we are involved in at the present time. It is no wonder we have so many immigrants trying to illegally relocate their lives to our country. In addition to the poverty problems they face, they also have to be afraid of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. This war should become more of a priority.
Friday, April 15, 2011
The FDA strikes again.......
“Ideas on America”, by Jaime has an interesting blog titled, “Risk of Imported Foods”. I don’t understand why we can’t use our own resources instead of other countries. We are blessed to have a country with almost all varieties of terrains. What do really need from other countries that we can’t grow here?
So these other countries are sending us their pick of poison, pesticides, so that we can send them our money instead of supporting local famers? The good ol FDA has got our backs on this one right?-WRONG! These other countries are not held to the “standards” that our country holds for food safety.
In addition to the plethora of diseases we can’t cure, there is a major uprising of severe food allergies in our country. My two children both are highly allergic to a couple different foods, (neither me nor my husband are). No one knows the cause. Because of this, I don’t buy anything, knowingly, that is internationally transported. I can barely trust our own regulations, much less those of another country!
Another point made in Jaime’s blog is that the food isn’t as fresh. It would be great if we could just support our local farmers instead of outsourcing. The faster locally grown food can sell, the less poison, eh hem, I mean pesticide we will consume.
I agree that the funding we use for the transport of imported foods could go towards the FDA, so that they can be more thorough on our inspections and regulations. I don’t mean to sound selfish, but when are we going to start focusing on taking care of our own country? Thank you Jaime for a most interesting blog!
So these other countries are sending us their pick of poison, pesticides, so that we can send them our money instead of supporting local famers? The good ol FDA has got our backs on this one right?-WRONG! These other countries are not held to the “standards” that our country holds for food safety.
In addition to the plethora of diseases we can’t cure, there is a major uprising of severe food allergies in our country. My two children both are highly allergic to a couple different foods, (neither me nor my husband are). No one knows the cause. Because of this, I don’t buy anything, knowingly, that is internationally transported. I can barely trust our own regulations, much less those of another country!
Another point made in Jaime’s blog is that the food isn’t as fresh. It would be great if we could just support our local farmers instead of outsourcing. The faster locally grown food can sell, the less poison, eh hem, I mean pesticide we will consume.
I agree that the funding we use for the transport of imported foods could go towards the FDA, so that they can be more thorough on our inspections and regulations. I don’t mean to sound selfish, but when are we going to start focusing on taking care of our own country? Thank you Jaime for a most interesting blog!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Café FDA- Today’s Special- Carcinogens
Almost everyone in America has in some way been affected by cancer. Instead of trying to cure this horrible disease with painful and often ineffective treatments, why aren’t we focusing on the causes? How much research is actually being done on the prevention? Is cancer being served to us daily at the dinner table?
Carcinogens are found in all sorts of products that we use daily. Deodorants, soaps, shampoo, cleaning products, and yes, our foods, all contain these chemicals. Dyes, added to our food have been shown in studies to cause cancer. These dyes are still added to our foods to look more appealing. Sadly, this is aimed at our kids in many products. Where is the FDA?
There are studies that show links between these consumed chemicals and other health issues also, such as ADHD, obesity, and food allergies.
Why does the government allow miscellaneous chemicals to be ingredients in our food? Countries in the European Union follow a precautionary principle to protect their consumers. So, if something hasn't been tested to be safe, it's not sold. Companies make two formulations: one "safe" version of the product for the E.U. (and China) and one "questionable" ingredients version of the product for the U.S. Is it too much to ask the FDA and the processed food companies, such as Kraft for example, for the same value to be placed on the lives of the American kids that has been placed on the lives of kids in the UK? Manufacturers are scared to remove these sketchy ingredients in the American versions in fear of potentially being sued after admitting there was something wrong with their product in the first place.
The more I read about the possible carcinogens in our products, foods and materials we are exposed to daily, including the air we breathe and the water we drink, it angers, shocks and depresses me. Doesn’t our government care about us? Whose side is the FDA on? The American people, who rely on them for protection against harm or the big manufacturer’s who’s main goal is one thing…………………money.
Carcinogens are found in all sorts of products that we use daily. Deodorants, soaps, shampoo, cleaning products, and yes, our foods, all contain these chemicals. Dyes, added to our food have been shown in studies to cause cancer. These dyes are still added to our foods to look more appealing. Sadly, this is aimed at our kids in many products. Where is the FDA?
There are studies that show links between these consumed chemicals and other health issues also, such as ADHD, obesity, and food allergies.
Why does the government allow miscellaneous chemicals to be ingredients in our food? Countries in the European Union follow a precautionary principle to protect their consumers. So, if something hasn't been tested to be safe, it's not sold. Companies make two formulations: one "safe" version of the product for the E.U. (and China) and one "questionable" ingredients version of the product for the U.S. Is it too much to ask the FDA and the processed food companies, such as Kraft for example, for the same value to be placed on the lives of the American kids that has been placed on the lives of kids in the UK? Manufacturers are scared to remove these sketchy ingredients in the American versions in fear of potentially being sued after admitting there was something wrong with their product in the first place.
The more I read about the possible carcinogens in our products, foods and materials we are exposed to daily, including the air we breathe and the water we drink, it angers, shocks and depresses me. Doesn’t our government care about us? Whose side is the FDA on? The American people, who rely on them for protection against harm or the big manufacturer’s who’s main goal is one thing…………………money.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A Pirate's Life for Who????????
“Pirates mock the notion that the U.S. is a superpower, as a bunch of young men, riding tiny boats, lightly armed, seem unstoppable,” Amitai Etzioni.
This article written by Amitai Etzioni, a sociologist and professor of international relations at George Washington University, sort of brings to light the issue of pirate attacks in our oceans. Here is the link, Etzioni's thought's on Pirates
In his blog he explains how these pirates are getting away with the crimes they commit with a slap on the wrist. They are not being treated as terrorists, but instead as criminals with a “catch-and-release philosophy.” They are rarely aggressively confronted. Etzioni goes on to give examples of pirates that were captured, and set free with basically no disciplinary actions.
These pirates are brutal and dangerous. He suggests that our Navy ships should be allowed to fire on unknown ships approaching them. Also, he brings up a good point about our advanced technologies, like radars and sonars. Why are we unable to find these hoodlums of the seas? He says that many attacks on innocent people are not reported, because it is “bad for business”. It seems as if this problem is being sort of swept under the rug of the public.
Mr. Etzioni’s intended audience was the American people. I think his opinion is credible. He was named among the top 100 American intellectuals in 2001; and has won awards in behavioral sciences and sociological practices. In my opinion, Amitai Etzioni hit’s it right on target, pirates are terrorists and should be treated as such.
This article written by Amitai Etzioni, a sociologist and professor of international relations at George Washington University, sort of brings to light the issue of pirate attacks in our oceans. Here is the link, Etzioni's thought's on Pirates
In his blog he explains how these pirates are getting away with the crimes they commit with a slap on the wrist. They are not being treated as terrorists, but instead as criminals with a “catch-and-release philosophy.” They are rarely aggressively confronted. Etzioni goes on to give examples of pirates that were captured, and set free with basically no disciplinary actions.
These pirates are brutal and dangerous. He suggests that our Navy ships should be allowed to fire on unknown ships approaching them. Also, he brings up a good point about our advanced technologies, like radars and sonars. Why are we unable to find these hoodlums of the seas? He says that many attacks on innocent people are not reported, because it is “bad for business”. It seems as if this problem is being sort of swept under the rug of the public.
Mr. Etzioni’s intended audience was the American people. I think his opinion is credible. He was named among the top 100 American intellectuals in 2001; and has won awards in behavioral sciences and sociological practices. In my opinion, Amitai Etzioni hit’s it right on target, pirates are terrorists and should be treated as such.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Guns, guns, guns
I found this commentary by Ted Nugent, the rock star, about gun control. http://edition.cnn.com/2007/US/04/19/commentary.nugent/index.html
The commentary is a couple of years old, but I think it still applies to the current issue of whether handguns should be allowed on college campuses.
Mr. Nugent’s intended audience was gun control advocates. In addition to being a multi-million album selling rock guitarist, he is a gun rights activist and serves on the board of directors of the National Rifle Association. Ted Nugent is a strong advocate of the right to bear arms. He has been quoted as saying that the second amendment is the only gun license or carry permit any law abiding citizen should need. In the late 1990s, Nugent began writing for various magazines, and he has written for more than 20 publications. Ted Nugent is known for being very outward with his opinions. He spent some time being a radio show host, shocking the people of Detroit with his opinions. He also has considered running for governor of Michigan.
In the mentioned commentary, Ted Nugent is giving examples of events in America, where deranged gunmen have attacked citizens. The point he is making is that if someone would have been there with a concealed handgun, they might have been able to defend themselves and others. He is trying to convince the reader that taking away our right to carry a concealed handgun makes citizens defenseless against attackers.
I understand Mr. Nugent’s point of view, but I think there is a time and place for guns. In general, I do think that people should be able to have concealed weapons. Currently there is a lot of debate over whether or not guns should be allowed on college campuses. I don’t think they should be allowed on campuses, at least not in the hands of students. I think that there should be security guards, and/or teachers with permitted firearms. The thought of my kids one day going to school with an abundance of guns around them is disturbing. When you look back at most of the attacks on our college campuses, the gunmen have been young. Guns in college sounds………….dangerous.
The commentary is a couple of years old, but I think it still applies to the current issue of whether handguns should be allowed on college campuses.
Mr. Nugent’s intended audience was gun control advocates. In addition to being a multi-million album selling rock guitarist, he is a gun rights activist and serves on the board of directors of the National Rifle Association. Ted Nugent is a strong advocate of the right to bear arms. He has been quoted as saying that the second amendment is the only gun license or carry permit any law abiding citizen should need. In the late 1990s, Nugent began writing for various magazines, and he has written for more than 20 publications. Ted Nugent is known for being very outward with his opinions. He spent some time being a radio show host, shocking the people of Detroit with his opinions. He also has considered running for governor of Michigan.
In the mentioned commentary, Ted Nugent is giving examples of events in America, where deranged gunmen have attacked citizens. The point he is making is that if someone would have been there with a concealed handgun, they might have been able to defend themselves and others. He is trying to convince the reader that taking away our right to carry a concealed handgun makes citizens defenseless against attackers.
I understand Mr. Nugent’s point of view, but I think there is a time and place for guns. In general, I do think that people should be able to have concealed weapons. Currently there is a lot of debate over whether or not guns should be allowed on college campuses. I don’t think they should be allowed on campuses, at least not in the hands of students. I think that there should be security guards, and/or teachers with permitted firearms. The thought of my kids one day going to school with an abundance of guns around them is disturbing. When you look back at most of the attacks on our college campuses, the gunmen have been young. Guns in college sounds………….dangerous.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Our students learning Arabic? Time to panic................
I found this article on CNN.com about a school district southeast of Fort Worth Texas.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/10/navarrette.arabic.curriculum/
Mansfield Independent School District had made plans to implement an Arabic language studies program. The program was supposed to be integrated into elementary and intermediate schools, but not as a separate course. It was also supposed to be offered as an elective to middle school and high school students. The Arabic language studies program was funded by a federal five-year $1.3 million grant awarded the district by the Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) of the Department of Education. The grant was sought after by the school system because the federal government lists Arabic as a critical language since there is a shortage of and a demand for people who are proficient in it.
Now because of the commotion cause by the parents of these students, the grant money will probably have to be returned, and the program canceled.
The parents were upset because they weren't notified ahead of time. Also, inaccurately, they believed the school district was going to contribute to the funding. In addition, they were unhappy about not being involved in the decision to start the program in the first place.
The article goes on to argue that the parents are being driven by fear, ignorance, and prejudice.
I think the article is worth reading because it is a touchy subject for Americans. In my opinion, Americans learning the language of the biggest group of people who threaten our future as a peaceful nation wouldn't be a bad idea. Other countries all over the world learn English, and it's not because they love us.
http://www.cnn.com/2011/OPINION/02/10/navarrette.arabic.curriculum/
Mansfield Independent School District had made plans to implement an Arabic language studies program. The program was supposed to be integrated into elementary and intermediate schools, but not as a separate course. It was also supposed to be offered as an elective to middle school and high school students. The Arabic language studies program was funded by a federal five-year $1.3 million grant awarded the district by the Foreign Language Assistance Program (FLAP) of the Department of Education. The grant was sought after by the school system because the federal government lists Arabic as a critical language since there is a shortage of and a demand for people who are proficient in it.
Now because of the commotion cause by the parents of these students, the grant money will probably have to be returned, and the program canceled.
The parents were upset because they weren't notified ahead of time. Also, inaccurately, they believed the school district was going to contribute to the funding. In addition, they were unhappy about not being involved in the decision to start the program in the first place.
The article goes on to argue that the parents are being driven by fear, ignorance, and prejudice.
I think the article is worth reading because it is a touchy subject for Americans. In my opinion, Americans learning the language of the biggest group of people who threaten our future as a peaceful nation wouldn't be a bad idea. Other countries all over the world learn English, and it's not because they love us.
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