Veterans Day Reflections

MoonHowler

Lyrics | Dire Straits lyrics – Brothers In Arms lyrics

At what point do we get tired of burying our dead and having to prop up our mangled and wounded?

When do we stop all the chest thumping  and mission accomplished bravado while hiding our tears?

How many thousands have come home with life altering injuries, never to be whole again?

Half of those men and women would have died even 40 years ago.  Modern medicine has kept them alive and has  chased off the grim reaper. 

If we can land a man on the moon, we can find other ways to resolve conflict rather than blowing each other to kingdom come as we have done since the beginning of time. 

To all our veterans, we are glad you are here.  Thank you for your service–

I am a  proud daughter and niece of veterans.  My father and uncle  came home in one piece.  Not everyone did. I was one of the lucky ones. 

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Alternate version of  Brothers in Arms  featuring Mark Knopfler, one of my favorite artists.  Knopfler, from Dire Straits, is one of the gods of guitar, like Clapton. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fb_Jzgnrpv8&feature=related

 

 

Spanier and Paterno are Out at Penn State

MoonHowler

The only person who had a worse day than Rick Perry was Joe Paterno.

I am married to a guy from UMD and Penn State.  UMD folks hate Penn State because they generally beat them.  However, I have never talked to anyone who didn’t have great respect for Joe Paterno, who has been head coach for the Nittany Lions for the past 46 years.

As of earlier today Paterno announced that he was retiring at the end of the season.  Paterno is 85, born Dec.21, 1926.  He is the winningest coach in football history.  Tonight, he was out on his ear.  His wishes to retire at the end of the season denied him by the board of trustees of Penn State.  President Graham Spanier was also fired.  He has a long distinguished record of improving the academic standing of Penn State over the decades.

At issue is the handling of gross sexual misconduct by assistant linebackers coach Jerry Sandusky.  Paterno is not the subject of an investigation.  Who is Jerry Sandusky?  Click here.  At least 8 men have come forward and claimed that they were sexually abused by Sandusky. The abuse had gone on over the past 15 years.  The kids were part of Sandusky’s camp for youth.   He has been retired for 10 years.  It is the campus access he had during the past ten years that has toppled careers. 

According to CBS News:

After hearing news of the firing, Paterno released a statement, saying: “I am disappointed with the Board of Trustees’ decision, but I have to accept it. A tragedy occurred, and we all have to have patience to let the legal process proceed. I appreciate the outpouring of support but want to emphasize that everyone should remain calm and please respect the university, its property and all that we value.”

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The Wednesday night Republican Debate–who goes who stays

MoonHowler

I only watched part of it.  Wednesday night is taxing for my DVR.  Who won that one?  I saw poor Rick Perry.  I just feel sorry as hell for that guy.  He is really out of his league and he needs to go home.  Watching him was painful.  It made me want to take back all the snickering I had done about some of his stunts.

 

Has Huntsman come up in the eyes of the party faithful?

Did Herman Cain redeem himself after a grueling week of sex harassment accussations?

Is Michele Bachmann still able to hang in there?  That woman is tenacious.  I will hand her that. 

Rick?  Ron Paul?

Open Thread……………………………………………………..Wednesday, November 9

MoonHowler

Election fever is over. The mail carrier’s load will lighten and the phone will hopefully stop ringing. 

It looks like the Republicans gained the Virginia Senate through tie.  The  Republican Lt. Governor is the tie breaker.  Many of us expect them to over-reach. 

Gov. McDonnell is on Morning Joe to crow.  Let’s see how his leadership pans out. He can cocntinue to reach across the aisle or he can rule with an iron fist.  His choice.

Ohio Voters Reject Controversial Anti-Union Law

MoonHowler

From Huffingtonpost.com:

WASHINGTON — Ohioans overturned a divisive anti-union law on Tuesday, delivering a significant defeat to Republican Gov. John Kasich and a victory to labor unions.

Ohio voters rejected Issue 2, a ballot referendum on Senate Bill 5, a measure that restricts collective bargaining rights for more than 360,000 public employees, among other provisions. Opposition to the legislation inspired large protests from residents around the state this year.

Ohio governor John Kasich had to following to say:

“The people have spoken clearly. You don’t ignore the public. Look, I also have an obligation to lead. I’ve been leading since the day I took this office, and I’ll continue to do that. But part of leading is listening and hearing what people have to say to you.”

Apparently the average Ohio voter didn’t like the idea of dissolving labor unions.  What started off as an attempt to balance responsibility for benefits a little better ended up being an attempt by Kasich and his political cronies to union bust.  The good people of Ohio were having none of that yesterday.

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Mississippi–the land down under…way under

MoonHowler

From the Huffington Post:

If Mississippians vote to pass an unprecedented initiative on Tuesday that would declare a fertilized egg a legal person under the state Constitution, nobody — including the authors of the initiative — knows exactly how that law would be interpreted and enforced. But legal and medical experts are concerned that the “personhood” amendment could spur a litany of expensive court battles, bogus lawsuits and moral and political conundrums beyond the scope of women’s choice.

If Proposition 26 passes, it would ban all abortion for any reason.  Additionally, it would probably ban all hormonal contraception like pills, rings loops, etc.  It could easily affect in vitro fertilization, as well as throw suspicion on spontaneous abortion (miscarriage) and ectopic pregnancy.  Rape, incest and fetal anomaly would have no bearing on easing restrictions. 

Obviously Proposition 26 would currently be unconstitutional and would end up in the court system.  It is unfathomable that Mississippi would proceed with such an absurd law, yet they are out voting on it today. 

The inception of Proposition 26 didn’t start in Mississippi.  The idea for it was apparently conceived by a group in Colorado.  Mississippi is a test run of sorts.  The state  was probably chosen because it ranks 49th in education and is one of, if not the poorest state in the union based on median household income.  The less people understand about biology and the difference in fertilization and conception, the easier it will be to pass an amendment this absurd in 2011.   Doing away with modern birth control is probably the worst way to end abortion.

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Ann Wheeler gains more Republican support and a dirty little secret is revealed

Elena

David and Goliath?  Sometimes you just have to pick up a stone and throw it right.   Go Ann!

I love irony and hypocrisy!  So, here is a story I haven’t shared in awhile.  Signage can be a nasty business during election time.   I had the “privilege” of over-hearing John Stirrup, in his best holier than thou tone, retell the story of someone putting up Ann Wheeler signs over Peter Candland on his property.  Well, you want to talk about hypocrisy!

Back in 2003, John Stirrup’s first election, I supported Gary Friedman.  I have frontage on Antioch Road in Haymarket, a great place for signs.  I had several Gary Friedman signs placed conspicuously.    It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon, the entire clan was over enjoying the day.  Lo and behold, some stranger comes down my driveway.  I say “can I help you?” ,  to which he replies “I was on my way to visit your neighbor and saw some people in your property” and I reply “Oh, what were they doing?”.  He then tells me that he saw them putting up John Stirrup signs and noticed them throwing something into my woods.    My husband investigates, and, guess what he finds?  Torn up Gary Friedman signs.  Now, you may be wondering, were these just rascally young campaign workers? 

No, you see, John Stirrup has, or had, a very large white F250 pick up truck with the license plate “Stirrup Cup” (or something very similar).   My husband picked up the torn up signs and removed John’s signs.  John knew me as I had helped to get his name on the republican primary ballot, he had even been to my home.  He knew this was my property. 

Later that day, my husband called, he wanted to allow John an opportunity to explain his behavior and apologize for trespassing.  John refused to come to the phone and had his friend deal with my husband.  Needless to say, we did not speak to John until the Dominion Power line issue arose two years later. 

Life sure can be amusing.

 

Open Thread…………………………………….Monday, November 7

MoonHowler

Remember to get  out and vote on Tueday, November 8.

I will vote for 2 Republicans.  Your challenge.  Which 2 get my vote?

The rest will be I, D or skipped.

                                        Milt Johns and Don Richardson    

                                        No one had me figured for Milt Johns. 

Candland Lied, the Rural Crescent Died

Elena

UPDATE:  The article has been posted on www.ruralcrescent.org and can be read there.

PDF format

The election of Peter Candland might very well signify the death knell for the Rural Crescent.  For those who may not believe that Peter Candland could be the nail in the coffin for the Rural Crescent and sane land use for the entire county, think again. This article from the Washington Business Journal leave voters with no illusions.    I am going to urge everyone to put this article up on your facebook page, send it to your e-mail list, send it to friends who may have friends who vote in the Gainesville district. People must get out and vote for Ann Wheeler, not just because she signed the Rural Crescent Pledge, but because, overall, she is the more qualified candidate.

Post this thread on your facebook page, the message must get out that Peter Candland, like Corey, like Wally, is sure to be the next “Developers Candidate”. The Rural Crescent protected this County during the last out of control housing boom, now is the not the time to wonder about its fiscal value for all residents!

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FEMA denial reversed

MoonHowler

Last August, Virginia experienced  a rare earthquake whose epicenter was near Mineral,  Virginia.  Over 1,400 homes suffered damage that was not covered by insurance. 

In early October FEMA turned down Virginia’s request for funding to help homeowners and renters repair homes.  Last Friday evening, Governor Bob McDonnell announced that the FEMA denial had been reversed.  According to the Washington Post:

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) appealed that decision last Friday with support from Virginia’s entire congressional delegation. McDonnell announced Friday evening that FEMA had been persuaded to grant the aid.

“Many of our fellow Virginians who call Louisa home are hurting, and this is critically needed aid during a very trying time,” McDonnell said in a prepared statement. “The once-in-one-hundred-years earthquake that struck Virginia in August caused significant damage that was not covered by homeowner’s insurance. Many homes and businesses have been extensively damaged. This assistance is a key resource for families and business owners who have been trying to recover for more than two months.”

 Sen. Mark Warner (D) called the decision “the best news I’ve heard in some time.”

“This is very welcome news for homeowners and business people in Louisa,” Warner said in a statement. “Approval of this federal assistance will provide access to low-interest loans and other aid that can help individuals rebuild and recover from the damage caused by a rare, once-in-a-generation 5.8-magnitude earthquake.”

More than 1,400 homes were damaged by the quake and its many aftershocks, according to McDonnell’s office.

This is excellent news!  Virginia has suffered from tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes and tropical storms this year.  Its disaster relief has been sorely challenged.  It is wonderful news that FEMA funds will be granted.  Rep. Eric Cantor objected to receiving funds at first, until he was reminded it was his district that was hit.  I hope he writes FEMA the thank you note.  Governor McDonnell was persistent and should get the credit for the reversal.  He met with President and Mrs. Obama in October briefly and personally informed the president of the serious need for FEMA relief. 

Earthquakes are very rare in Virginia and most homeowners do not have earthquake insurance.  The appeal sought $22.5 million in relief and the entire Virginia Congressional delegation, including Rep. Cantor,  sent a letter to FEMA urging the agency to reverse its denial of funds.

In a separate request, Governor McDonnell applied for $31 million to help repair or replace 2 schools in Louisa County that were destroyed or heavily damaged in the earthquake.  Middle and high school are now sharing the same space because of the heavy damage and are going on split shift.

An Open Letter to the 40 Days Pro-Life Parents

MoonHowler

40 Days Pro-Life Parents:

Love your children. Care for your children.   Keep them off of Sudley Road.  

Friday  I was in the vicinity of your demonstration around  5 pm.  There were four or five school age kids out there flapping signs and acting like they were at a car wash.  Most of the  adults were standing around talking and obviously allowing the kids to do whatever it is kids do when their parents don’t have them under control  .  I wish I had had my camera.  They weren’t being bad.  They were being kids and it is a dangerous situation out there on that section of Sudley Road.  A kid can fall off the curb, a driver can be distracted and run up on the curb, or a driver can hit someone in front and cause a chain reaction. 

Your children and others are in danger when you allow them to hop up and down near the curb, waving signs at drivers who should be  watching the road and the cars in front of them.  There is a traffic light some 75 feet from where you are standing.  Drivers have to be very aware of  the traffic situation, not what is going on on the side of the road.

Adults can do what they feel they need to do.  I have no problem with the adult demonstrations. What I don’t understand is why do you want to involve your children and put them in harm’s way?  Is it going to take a child being injured or killed or another wreck to make some of you all do the responsible thing?   My heart was in my throat as I watched them from a nearby building.  Being pro-life means being pro-all life, especially your cute little kids who were out there having a good time. 

Where are the Manassas City police?  The behavior I saw on Friday made me question if a uniform officer ought to be standing watch over all demonstrations.  It just isn’t safe to have children out there on a road as busy and heavily trafficed as Sudley Road. 

Love and peace,

Grandmother Moon-howler

 

Out of touch Dick Black thinks spousal rape not possible

MoonHowler

Loser Dick Black apparently doesn’t just hand out plastic fetuses to his fellow delegates.  He also has informed them that spousal rape  isn’t possible.  You just can’t rape a spouse since “she’s in a nightie”.  Unbelievable.  Black is clueless.  No wonder he has to move all over Virginia to find open slots in which to run for election. 

Black is running in the newly formed Virginia 13th Senate District that takes in Loudoun County and Western Prince William County.  His opponent, Shawn Mitchell, is a moderate Democrat.  According to the Washington Post:

Dick Black once questioned whether a husband commits rape if he forces his wife to have sex. The former member of the House of Delegates introduced a bill to ban gays from adopting children. He voted to limit access to birth control.

But the Republican who opposes abortion rights is probably best known on Capitol Square for sending plastic pink models of fetuses to lawmakers as they prepared to vote on an abortion bill.

We seem to be surrounded by right wing fringe lunacy.  Unfortunately, the redistricting was such a hatchet job it is difficult to even know who you are dealing with.  Elena had to call voter registration to find out who was even running in her senate district.  Many other folks who live in Gainesville/Haymarket are in the 13th.  I hope they will vote for Shawn Mitchell and not let party politics lure them into voting for an extremist.  Someone who doesn’t think spousal rape is possible and who votes to limit access to birth control really doesn’t belong in office.   You might want to ask Delegate Bob Marshall if he thinks spousal rape is possible also since he seems to share many of Dick Black’s ideas regarding women. 

Over here in Prince William County, we have a cure for spousal rape. 

Meanwhile, vote Shawn Mitchell.

Read more about the REAL Dick Black.  He is currently downplaying his social extremism.

 

Members of Congress-not such a safe job any more

MoonHowler

Two more congressmen have had violent threats made against them.  Two weeks ago Rep. Bobby Schilling, R-Ill was specifically named in an Internet threat that  called for the assassination of a number of public officials.  The threat offered a $75,000 reward and, according to ABC News stated:

“I will pay $75,000 for ASSASSINATING Illinois Congresswoman (sic) Bobby Schilling and any US Congressman, US Senator and FBI, CIA and NSA DIRECTORS and their FAMILY MEMBERS regardless of their age.”

Yesterday,  Glendon Swift of Tennessee left two voice messages on the phone at Rep. Eric Cantor’s  Glen  Allen, VA office.  The threats contained yelling, screaming and cursing in addition to threatening to rape Cantor’s daughter and kill his wife.  Capital police were contacted and Swift is now sitting out his temper tantrum in jail.  

Swift was charged by criminal complaint of threatening to assault or murder a member of the immediate family of a United States official, according to the FBI. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. Swift made his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in Knoxville, Tenn., earlier this afternoon.   

Rep. Gabby Giffords was shot along with others in an execution style slaying last January by a mentally unstable individual.  Rep. Giffords survived but others did not, including her aide and a federal judge. 

What is wrong with people?  Why have members of Congress become the new targets?   I know their approval rating is low but I don’t think anyone advocates doing bodily harm to any one of them.  Are those making threats just mentally unbalanced? 

While we grouse and grumble about their pay and their perks, we may end up having to provide security for all of them.  Threats like these cannot be ignored.  Perhaps we are fortunate that threats were made.  Gabby Giffords got none other than a bullet in the brain.  

The Capitol Police  and FBI are to be commended for bringing Swift in to custody this quickly.   A strong message needs to be sent that the American people will not tolerate this kind of behavior and violence directed towards elected or public employees.   Threats will not be tolerated.