We like to soften our political rants every once in a while with something a little humorous, so please enjoy.
All too rarely, airline attendants make an effort to make the in-flight safety "lecture" and announcements a bit more entertaining.
Here are some real examples that have been heard or reported:
1. On a Southwest flight (SW has no assigned seating, you just sit where you want) passengers were apparently having a hard time choosing, when a flight attendant announced, "People, people we're not picking out furniture here, find a seat and get in it!"
2. On a Continental Flight with a very "senior"flight attendant crew, the pilot said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we've reached cruising altitude and will be turning down the cabin lights. This is for your comfort and to enhance the appearance of your flight attendants."
3. On landing, the stewardess said, "Please be sure to take all of your belongings. If you're going to leave anything, please make sure it's something we'd like to have."
4. "There may be 50 ways to leave your lover, but there are only 4 ways out of this airplane"
5. "Thank you for flying Delta Business Express. We hope you enjoyed giving us the business as much as we enjoyed taking you for a ride."
6. As the plane landed and was coming to a stop at Ronald Reagan, a lone voice came over the loudspeaker: "Whoa, big fella. WHOA!"
7. After a particularly rough landing during thunderstorms in Memphis, a flight attendant on a Northwest flight announced, "Please take care when opening the overhead compartments because, after a landing like that, sure as hell everything has shifted."
8. From a Southwest Airlines employee: "Welcome aboard Southwest Flight 245 to Tampa. To operate your seat belt, insert the metal tab into the buckle, and pull tight. It works just like every other seat belt; and, if you don't know how to operate one, you probably shouldn't be out in public unsupervised."
9. "In the event of a sudden loss of cabin pressure, masks will descend from the ceiling. Stop screaming, grab the mask, and pull it over your face. If you have a small child traveling with you, secure your mask before assisting with theirs. If you are traveling with more than one small child, pick your favorite."
10. Weather at our destination is 50 degrees with some broken clouds, but we'll try to have them fixed before we arrive. Thank you, and remember, nobody loves you, or your money, more than Southwest Airlines."
11. "Your seat cushions can be used for flotation; and, in the event of an emergency water landing, please paddle to shore and take them with our compliments."
12. "As you exit the plane, make sure to gather all of your belongings. Anything left behind will be distributed evenly among the flight attendants. Please do not leave children or spouses."
13. And from the pilot during his welcome message: "Delta Airlines is pleased to have some of the best flight attendants in the industry.
Unfortunately, none of them are on this flight!"
14. Heard on Southwest Airlines just after a very hard landing in Salt Lake City: The flight attendant came on the intercom and said, "That was quite a bump, and I know what y'all are thinking. I'm here to tell you it wasn't the airline's fault, it wasn't the pilot's fault, it wasn't the flight attendant's fault, it was the asphalt."
15. Overheard on an American Airlines flight into Amarillo, Texas, on a particularly windy and bumpy day: During the final approach, the Captain was really having to fight it. After an extremely hard landing, the Flight Attendant said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Amarillo. Please remain in your seats with your seat belts fastened while the Captain taxis what's left of our airplane to the gate!"
16. Another flight attendant's comment on a less than perfect landing: "We ask you to please remain seated as Captain Kangaroo bounces us to the terminal."
17. An airline pilot wrote that on this particular flight he had hammered his ship into the runway really hard. The airline had a policy which required the first officer to stand at the door while the passengers exited, smile, and give them a "Thanks for flying our airline." He said that, in light of his bad landing, he had a hard time looking the passengers in the eye, thinking that someone would have a smart comment. Finally everyone had gotten off except for a little old lady walking with a cane. She said, "Sir do you mind if I ask you a question?" "Why, no, Ma'am," said the pilot. What is it?" The little old lady said, "Did we land, or were we shot down?"
18. After a real crusher of a landing in Phoenix, the attendant came on with, "Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain in your seats until Capt. Crash and the Crew have brought the aircraft to a screeching halt against the gate And, once the tire smoke has cleared and the warning bells are silenced, we'll open the door and you can pick your way through the wreckage to the terminal."
19. Part of a flight attendant's arrival announcement: "We'd like to thank you folks for flying with us today. And, the next time you get the insane urge to go blasting through the skies in a pressurized metal tube, we hope you'll think of US Airways."
20. Heard on a Southwest Airline flight. "Ladies and gentlemen, if you wish to smoke, the smoking section on this airplane is on the wing and if you can light 'em, you can smoke 'em."
21. A plane was taking off from Kennedy Airport. After it reached a comfortable cruising altitude, the captain made an announcement over the intercom, "Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain speaking.
Welcome to Flight Number 293, nonstop from New York to Los Angeles.
The weather ahead is good and, therefore, we should have a smooth and uneventful flight. Now sit back and relax... OH, MY GOSH!" -----
Silence -----followed, and after a few minutes, the captain came back on the intercom and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I am so sorry if I scared you earlier. While I was talking to you, the flight attendant accidentally spilled a cup of hot coffee in my lap You should see the front of my pants!" A passenger in Coach yelled, "That's nothing. You should see the back of mine!"
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Monday, August 18, 2008
Roll Call - Revisited
Another installment of Roll Call. Get to know your Senators. Information on the senators was taken directly from their websites.
Pat Roberts (R) Kansas
Energy - In order to stabilize energy prices, we need to find new energy resources at home to increase our supply. With this in mind, I support the exploration and production of our oil and natural gas resources in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Furthermore, I support additional exploration and production in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and off our shores.
In addition to finding new sources of fossil fuels, we need to look to renewable resources to help meet our energy needs. Kansas plays a vital role in the renewable energy industry. Kansas is home to 7 operating ethanol plants with many more in development. Currently ranked 7th in the nation, Kansas produces 170 million gallons of ethanol per year with an additional 40 million per year scheduled to come on line soon. As most Kansans know, the Great Plains and prairies provide a plentiful amount of wind. Several utility companies have come to realize this and have invested in wind energy in Kansas.
Environment - With my support, in 2005 and 2007 Congress passed and the president signed into law two bills (P.L.109-58 and P.L.110-140), which begin to decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy and increase our supply of domestic energy resources. Among other things, the bills promote the development and use of renewable energy resources produced and harvested in Kansas, including ethanol and wind power. For example, the 2005 law provides incentives for Kansas oil and gas producers to explore resources within our own country.
Small Business - I have long supported efforts to help small businesses grow and expand. Small businesses are America's job creators. They create hope and opportunity for our entrepreneurs and workers, and are essential to our nation's economic prosperity. In the past decade, more than 60 percent of all jobs were created by small businesses. These businesses employ more than half of the nation's private-sector workforce. According to the Small Business Administration, 69,241 businesses with employees in Kansas, an estimated 96.6 percent, or 67,120, are small firms.
I support tax policies to encourage small business growth and to reduce the regulatory burden on these businesses.
Although most working Americans receive health insurance from their employers, small businesses find it particularly difficult to offer benefits because of the high cost. Small businesses should not have to choose between staying in business or offering health insurance to their employees. This is why I am a cosponsor of S. 1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act. This legislation allows small businesses to pool together and purchase health insurance, giving these businesses better purchasing power, much like large businesses such as Microsoft or Ford have long enjoyed. These plans, known as Small Business Health Plans (SBHPs), will give small businesses an affordable choice for health care and will allow these businesses to choose a health plan that best fits their needs. (Blogger Comment: As long as it isn't socialized medicine and doesn't involve federal funds, we're for the Small Business Health Plans.)
Second Amendment - I am a strong supporter of congressional efforts to preserve our Second Amendment right to bear arms. Furthermore, I am opposed to actions that infringe on those rights and do not effectively reduce crime and violence. Firearm laws should only be enacted with the intent to punish criminal activity. Rather than chipping away at fundamental liberties backed by the Constitution, we should target the real problem-mainly crime. Attempts to reduce violent crime must focus on punishing criminals, not punishing law-abiding citizens and businesses.
Immigration - I have and will continue to support legislation that strengthens the security of our borders and reduces illegal immigration. I will carefully scrutinize proposals that affect our nation's immigration policies and will work to ensure that Americans are first in line for available jobs and that those remaining jobs go to a legal workforce.
With the growing diversity of our work force in Kansas, it is essential for our continued economic growth that official business is conducted in English. I have long supported declaring English as the national language of the United States. We have an obligation to ensure that non-English speaking citizens have an opportunity to learn English and fully share all the economic, social and political opportunities existing in Kansas and the rest of the nation.
Family - Throughout my years as a public servant I have consistently supported efforts that promote strong family values based on a strong moral foundation. I believe that every life is a precious gift that we all have a responsibility to protect. As my record clearly shows, I oppose abortion on demand and the federal funding of abortions. In addition, I continue to oppose the use of tax dollars to fund abortion services at home and overseas.
Along this line, I am a cosponsor of the Marriage Protection Act. The resolution proposes to amend the Constitution to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. I support this legislation because I believe it is wrong for a select minority to impose their definition of marriage on the nation, as we have witnessed through the actions of some state supreme courts.
Kansas adheres to a longstanding policy that does not recognize same sex marriages. That policy was confirmed in April 2005 when seventy percent of Kansans voted overwhelmingly in favor to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. I continue to support efforts that preserve the institution of marriage as a cornerstone of our society.
Carl Levin (D) Michigan
Education - Senator Levin has worked consistently to make the federal government an effective partner in helping Michigan communities meet new and growing challenges to our public education system.
In 1979, his first year in the Senate, (Blogger Comment: The people of Michigan need to consider replacing Senator Levin. Thirty years in one political office makes a career politician, which is never a good idea, regardless of how much the politician is liked. Career politicians eventually lose sight of the state and people they represent and get lost in their personal power and ambitions, and many times involve their politics in the political maneuverings of lobbyists. There may not be a term limit law, but the American people can impose term limits by voting the person out of office. We feel this way about all politicians, Republican or Democrat.) Senator Levin supported congressional efforts to create the U.S. Department of Education, making it a cabinet level agency, with a mission to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout our nation's schools (Blogger Comment: this is not the role of government, especially at the federal level). Today, the department's elementary and secondary programs serve over 15,000 school districts and more than 50 million students attending over 92,000 public schools (Blogger Comment: Yet, education is still not “equal” throughout the nation. That’s because equality can’t be achieved by an agency in Washington, D.C. There are stories across the nation of inner city schools not receiving the attention and funding that higher economic areas receive. The local communities, parents especially, need to be involved in the education of local youth. They are the ones who have the most to gain with educating their children.). The department also provides grants, loans and work-study assistance to more than eight million higher education students.
Senator Levin believes federal funds for education should be targeted to help recruit and train quality teachers, reduce class size, repair aging school buildings, integrate technology into the classroom, provide after-school activities for all children and help establish a system that holds schools (Blogger Comment: what about parents?) accountable for children's academic progress. (Blogger Comment: while these ideas sound good, federal funding for education is not the role of the federal government. Furthermore, part of the reason we have parents who are disconnected from their childrens’ education is because the federal government is trying to assume the parents' responsibility. First and foremost, family should be involved in education and next should be the local communities. Just because they hold public office doesn’t mean that the members of Congress or the President know anything about educating children.)
Minimum Wage - Senator Levin is an original cosponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would raise the minimum wage by $0.70 in three increments, with an end result of a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. On January 10, 2007, the House of Representatives passed the minimum wage increase. The Senate passed the minimum wage bill on February 1, 2007.
Senator Levin believes that a full-time minimum wage job should provide a minimum standard of living in addition to giving workers the dignity that comes with a paycheck. These lower paid workers, many of whom have entered the workforce due to the welfare reform, should be rewarded for going to work, not penalized by a poverty level wage.
A higher minimum wage has the potential to ensure that lower paid workers will be protected from falling into poverty and possibly back on the welfare rolls. (Blogger Comment: In addition to not being professional educators, elected officials are also not economists. It would be wonderful if everyone could live above the poverty level. It’s a shame that there are people who have to work so hard for so little. Unfortunately, significant minimum wage increases would shut down small businesses and lay off workers at larger businesses since neither could afford the pay increases. We would see a huge increase in inflation and joblessness. There is no quick or easy way to fix this problem. However, low wage jobs can be used to provide needed experience to move to more stable businesses with higher wages.)
Prescription Drugs - While prescription drugs hold the promise of healthier lives for the American people, the high cost of those drugs puts them out of the reach of too many. In the worst cases, our citizens go without these drugs; or they try to make their prescription last longer by only taking one pill when they should take two; or they skip a day. For many seniors, prescription medications are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in the United States at affordable prices. Far too often, seniors must choose between paying their utility bill or paying for their prescription.
Senator Levin has traveled throughout Michigan and listened to the stories of citizens who are trying to pay for expensive prescriptions. They wonder why our neighbors in Canada are able to buy the exact same drug, manufactured in the United States, for half the price. Senator Levin's office conducted a survey in July 2003 of ten of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs. In every case, the prescription cost significantly less in Canada than the same drug in the United States. A survey done by the Associated Press in November 2003 found that prices for ten of the most popular drugs are 33% to 80% less expensive in Canada than in the United States.
Senator Levin has long been a supporter of drug re-importation legislation, allowing Americans to buy U.S.-made drugs at Canadian prices. In 2005, he co-sponsored a bipartisan bill, the Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act (S.334), that would allow U.S. licensed pharmacists and drug wholesalers to import FDA-approved medications from Canada. (Blogger Comment: There are two issues here. The first is that Canada has socialized medicine which means that the Canadians are still paying high prices for their drugs; they are just paying the majority of it through their approximately 35% or more income tax, not to mention Canada’s 15% sales tax. It just appears that they are paying half price for prescriptions at the counter. The second issue is that America has a problem with insurance companies. Insurance companies monopolize and control American medicine. Before we entertain the idea of socializing our own medicine, we need to address the monopoly that insurance companies have on our health care.)
Pat Roberts (R) Kansas
Energy - In order to stabilize energy prices, we need to find new energy resources at home to increase our supply. With this in mind, I support the exploration and production of our oil and natural gas resources in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Furthermore, I support additional exploration and production in the eastern Gulf of Mexico and off our shores.
In addition to finding new sources of fossil fuels, we need to look to renewable resources to help meet our energy needs. Kansas plays a vital role in the renewable energy industry. Kansas is home to 7 operating ethanol plants with many more in development. Currently ranked 7th in the nation, Kansas produces 170 million gallons of ethanol per year with an additional 40 million per year scheduled to come on line soon. As most Kansans know, the Great Plains and prairies provide a plentiful amount of wind. Several utility companies have come to realize this and have invested in wind energy in Kansas.
Environment - With my support, in 2005 and 2007 Congress passed and the president signed into law two bills (P.L.109-58 and P.L.110-140), which begin to decrease our dependence on foreign sources of energy and increase our supply of domestic energy resources. Among other things, the bills promote the development and use of renewable energy resources produced and harvested in Kansas, including ethanol and wind power. For example, the 2005 law provides incentives for Kansas oil and gas producers to explore resources within our own country.
Small Business - I have long supported efforts to help small businesses grow and expand. Small businesses are America's job creators. They create hope and opportunity for our entrepreneurs and workers, and are essential to our nation's economic prosperity. In the past decade, more than 60 percent of all jobs were created by small businesses. These businesses employ more than half of the nation's private-sector workforce. According to the Small Business Administration, 69,241 businesses with employees in Kansas, an estimated 96.6 percent, or 67,120, are small firms.
I support tax policies to encourage small business growth and to reduce the regulatory burden on these businesses.
Although most working Americans receive health insurance from their employers, small businesses find it particularly difficult to offer benefits because of the high cost. Small businesses should not have to choose between staying in business or offering health insurance to their employees. This is why I am a cosponsor of S. 1955, the Health Insurance Marketplace Modernization and Affordability Act. This legislation allows small businesses to pool together and purchase health insurance, giving these businesses better purchasing power, much like large businesses such as Microsoft or Ford have long enjoyed. These plans, known as Small Business Health Plans (SBHPs), will give small businesses an affordable choice for health care and will allow these businesses to choose a health plan that best fits their needs. (Blogger Comment: As long as it isn't socialized medicine and doesn't involve federal funds, we're for the Small Business Health Plans.)
Second Amendment - I am a strong supporter of congressional efforts to preserve our Second Amendment right to bear arms. Furthermore, I am opposed to actions that infringe on those rights and do not effectively reduce crime and violence. Firearm laws should only be enacted with the intent to punish criminal activity. Rather than chipping away at fundamental liberties backed by the Constitution, we should target the real problem-mainly crime. Attempts to reduce violent crime must focus on punishing criminals, not punishing law-abiding citizens and businesses.
Immigration - I have and will continue to support legislation that strengthens the security of our borders and reduces illegal immigration. I will carefully scrutinize proposals that affect our nation's immigration policies and will work to ensure that Americans are first in line for available jobs and that those remaining jobs go to a legal workforce.
With the growing diversity of our work force in Kansas, it is essential for our continued economic growth that official business is conducted in English. I have long supported declaring English as the national language of the United States. We have an obligation to ensure that non-English speaking citizens have an opportunity to learn English and fully share all the economic, social and political opportunities existing in Kansas and the rest of the nation.
Family - Throughout my years as a public servant I have consistently supported efforts that promote strong family values based on a strong moral foundation. I believe that every life is a precious gift that we all have a responsibility to protect. As my record clearly shows, I oppose abortion on demand and the federal funding of abortions. In addition, I continue to oppose the use of tax dollars to fund abortion services at home and overseas.
Along this line, I am a cosponsor of the Marriage Protection Act. The resolution proposes to amend the Constitution to define marriage as the union of a man and a woman. I support this legislation because I believe it is wrong for a select minority to impose their definition of marriage on the nation, as we have witnessed through the actions of some state supreme courts.
Kansas adheres to a longstanding policy that does not recognize same sex marriages. That policy was confirmed in April 2005 when seventy percent of Kansans voted overwhelmingly in favor to amend the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman. I continue to support efforts that preserve the institution of marriage as a cornerstone of our society.
Carl Levin (D) Michigan
Education - Senator Levin has worked consistently to make the federal government an effective partner in helping Michigan communities meet new and growing challenges to our public education system.
In 1979, his first year in the Senate, (Blogger Comment: The people of Michigan need to consider replacing Senator Levin. Thirty years in one political office makes a career politician, which is never a good idea, regardless of how much the politician is liked. Career politicians eventually lose sight of the state and people they represent and get lost in their personal power and ambitions, and many times involve their politics in the political maneuverings of lobbyists. There may not be a term limit law, but the American people can impose term limits by voting the person out of office. We feel this way about all politicians, Republican or Democrat.) Senator Levin supported congressional efforts to create the U.S. Department of Education, making it a cabinet level agency, with a mission to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout our nation's schools (Blogger Comment: this is not the role of government, especially at the federal level). Today, the department's elementary and secondary programs serve over 15,000 school districts and more than 50 million students attending over 92,000 public schools (Blogger Comment: Yet, education is still not “equal” throughout the nation. That’s because equality can’t be achieved by an agency in Washington, D.C. There are stories across the nation of inner city schools not receiving the attention and funding that higher economic areas receive. The local communities, parents especially, need to be involved in the education of local youth. They are the ones who have the most to gain with educating their children.). The department also provides grants, loans and work-study assistance to more than eight million higher education students.
Senator Levin believes federal funds for education should be targeted to help recruit and train quality teachers, reduce class size, repair aging school buildings, integrate technology into the classroom, provide after-school activities for all children and help establish a system that holds schools (Blogger Comment: what about parents?) accountable for children's academic progress. (Blogger Comment: while these ideas sound good, federal funding for education is not the role of the federal government. Furthermore, part of the reason we have parents who are disconnected from their childrens’ education is because the federal government is trying to assume the parents' responsibility. First and foremost, family should be involved in education and next should be the local communities. Just because they hold public office doesn’t mean that the members of Congress or the President know anything about educating children.)
Minimum Wage - Senator Levin is an original cosponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would raise the minimum wage by $0.70 in three increments, with an end result of a minimum wage of $7.25 an hour. On January 10, 2007, the House of Representatives passed the minimum wage increase. The Senate passed the minimum wage bill on February 1, 2007.
Senator Levin believes that a full-time minimum wage job should provide a minimum standard of living in addition to giving workers the dignity that comes with a paycheck. These lower paid workers, many of whom have entered the workforce due to the welfare reform, should be rewarded for going to work, not penalized by a poverty level wage.
A higher minimum wage has the potential to ensure that lower paid workers will be protected from falling into poverty and possibly back on the welfare rolls. (Blogger Comment: In addition to not being professional educators, elected officials are also not economists. It would be wonderful if everyone could live above the poverty level. It’s a shame that there are people who have to work so hard for so little. Unfortunately, significant minimum wage increases would shut down small businesses and lay off workers at larger businesses since neither could afford the pay increases. We would see a huge increase in inflation and joblessness. There is no quick or easy way to fix this problem. However, low wage jobs can be used to provide needed experience to move to more stable businesses with higher wages.)
Prescription Drugs - While prescription drugs hold the promise of healthier lives for the American people, the high cost of those drugs puts them out of the reach of too many. In the worst cases, our citizens go without these drugs; or they try to make their prescription last longer by only taking one pill when they should take two; or they skip a day. For many seniors, prescription medications are becoming increasingly difficult to obtain in the United States at affordable prices. Far too often, seniors must choose between paying their utility bill or paying for their prescription.
Senator Levin has traveled throughout Michigan and listened to the stories of citizens who are trying to pay for expensive prescriptions. They wonder why our neighbors in Canada are able to buy the exact same drug, manufactured in the United States, for half the price. Senator Levin's office conducted a survey in July 2003 of ten of the most commonly prescribed prescription drugs. In every case, the prescription cost significantly less in Canada than the same drug in the United States. A survey done by the Associated Press in November 2003 found that prices for ten of the most popular drugs are 33% to 80% less expensive in Canada than in the United States.
Senator Levin has long been a supporter of drug re-importation legislation, allowing Americans to buy U.S.-made drugs at Canadian prices. In 2005, he co-sponsored a bipartisan bill, the Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act (S.334), that would allow U.S. licensed pharmacists and drug wholesalers to import FDA-approved medications from Canada. (Blogger Comment: There are two issues here. The first is that Canada has socialized medicine which means that the Canadians are still paying high prices for their drugs; they are just paying the majority of it through their approximately 35% or more income tax, not to mention Canada’s 15% sales tax. It just appears that they are paying half price for prescriptions at the counter. The second issue is that America has a problem with insurance companies. Insurance companies monopolize and control American medicine. Before we entertain the idea of socializing our own medicine, we need to address the monopoly that insurance companies have on our health care.)
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven
“Real, personal sacrifice never was placing an animal on the altar. Instead, it is a willingness to put the animal in us upon the altar and letting it be consumed!” - Neal A. Maxwell-
There is a hymn that we sing in church that has the line "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." The song doesn't say who is the receiver of the blessings. That's because the possibilities are endless. Certainly the person receiving the sacrifice of the giver is blessed by the gift. Because the receiver has been blessed, he or she usually wants to be part of helping others, thus passing on the blessings. If each recipient continues to help others as he or she has been blessed, there is just no end to how many people can be helped.
Most assuredly the giver is always blessed. Sacrifice can be defined as giving up one thing for something better. No award, no plastic surgery, no amount of fame or money can increase a person's feelings of self worth more than voluntarily sacrificing for the good of another. What we do each day reverberates in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our communities. It has been said that "no man is an island" meaning that everything we do is felt in some way by someone else.
Sacrifice teaches us something about ourselves. What are we willing to do in time of need? Do we help others, or do we turn our backs and walk away, clutching our money, time, and belongings selfishly to our chests?
Truman G. Madsen told about a visit he made to Israel with Hugh B. Brown. In a valley known as Hebron, where tradition has it that the tomb of Father Abraham is located, Mr. Madsen asked Mr. Brown, “What are the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?” After a short moment of thought, Mr. Brown answered, “Posterity.” Mr. Madsen wrote: “I almost burst out, ‘Why, then, was Abraham commanded to go to Mount Moriah and offer his only hope of posterity?’
“It was clear that Mr. Brown had thought and prayed and wept over that question before. He finally said, ‘Abraham needed to learn something about Abraham’ ” (The Highest in Us [1978], 49).
God has promised certain blessings to those who are willing to sacrifice. He teaches us about the law of Tithing in the Old Testament book of Malachi, chapter 3, verse 10. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." He will open the windows of heaven for paying tithing. How much more will he do for us when we reach out to lift another and share his burden?
There is a hymn that we sing in church that has the line "sacrifice brings forth the blessings of heaven." The song doesn't say who is the receiver of the blessings. That's because the possibilities are endless. Certainly the person receiving the sacrifice of the giver is blessed by the gift. Because the receiver has been blessed, he or she usually wants to be part of helping others, thus passing on the blessings. If each recipient continues to help others as he or she has been blessed, there is just no end to how many people can be helped.
Most assuredly the giver is always blessed. Sacrifice can be defined as giving up one thing for something better. No award, no plastic surgery, no amount of fame or money can increase a person's feelings of self worth more than voluntarily sacrificing for the good of another. What we do each day reverberates in our homes, our neighborhoods, and our communities. It has been said that "no man is an island" meaning that everything we do is felt in some way by someone else.
Sacrifice teaches us something about ourselves. What are we willing to do in time of need? Do we help others, or do we turn our backs and walk away, clutching our money, time, and belongings selfishly to our chests?
Truman G. Madsen told about a visit he made to Israel with Hugh B. Brown. In a valley known as Hebron, where tradition has it that the tomb of Father Abraham is located, Mr. Madsen asked Mr. Brown, “What are the blessings of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?” After a short moment of thought, Mr. Brown answered, “Posterity.” Mr. Madsen wrote: “I almost burst out, ‘Why, then, was Abraham commanded to go to Mount Moriah and offer his only hope of posterity?’
“It was clear that Mr. Brown had thought and prayed and wept over that question before. He finally said, ‘Abraham needed to learn something about Abraham’ ” (The Highest in Us [1978], 49).
God has promised certain blessings to those who are willing to sacrifice. He teaches us about the law of Tithing in the Old Testament book of Malachi, chapter 3, verse 10. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." He will open the windows of heaven for paying tithing. How much more will he do for us when we reach out to lift another and share his burden?
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Nightmares Are Made Of These
"Politicians and diapers have one thing in common. They should both be changed regularly and for the same reason." ~ anonymous
Scary Bridge Segment: This is the Harry (not to be confused with the Harry pictured above) Nice Memorial Bridge in Maryland. What's that thing in the middle? It looks like a carnival ride. Won't be driving on this bridge either.
A Match Made in Hell ~ Harry Reid & Nancy Pelosi
Scary Bridge Segment: This is the Harry (not to be confused with the Harry pictured above) Nice Memorial Bridge in Maryland. What's that thing in the middle? It looks like a carnival ride. Won't be driving on this bridge either.This will be a short post today. The Olympics are beckoning us to be one with our recliners and celebrate the American spirit of couch potatoes watching athletes on TV. America rocks!!
Friday, August 15, 2008
Roll Call, Part Deux
Another Roll Call. The below senator information was taken directly from each senator's website. Please remember your hard-won freedoms when selecting a candidate in the voting booth.
Saxby Chambliss (R) Georgia
Education – As the husband of a teacher who worked for more than 30 years in the classroom, Senator Chambliss knows there is no more important job than educating America’s young people. A supporter of the landmark education reform law, No Child Left Behind, which seeks to ensure America’s children are reaching their learning potential, Senator Chambliss has held a series of listening sessions across Georgia. Chambliss’ events are designed to bring federal education officials together with Georgia educators so that Georgia education professionals can have their voices heard about how to improve the program and how the program is being implemented in Georgia.
Housing - Owning a home is part of the American dream, but unfortunately, the downturn in the housing industry has had a ripple effect across all sectors of the financial market and the economy as a whole. Georgians have certainly felt the impact of this crisis. In an effort to reinvigorate the housing market, I am an original co-sponsor of S. 2566, legislation sponsored by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) to provide a federal income tax credit for the purchase of certain new and foreclosed upon homes. This legislation passed as an amendment to the Foreclosure Prevention Act, which will help prevent declining property values for homeowners=2 0and hopefully bring the market back to an even keel. A similar tax credit was invoked by Congress in the mid-1970s, when the housing market was in a similar crisis. I will also continue to work to ensure that the free-flow of information between the borrower, broker, and lender is open and fair.
Border Security - In 2007, during the immigration bill debate, we listened and heard overwhelmingly from Georgians that they do not trust the federal government to enforce our immigration laws. Taking immediate action to secure our borders is what Georgians demand and deserve, and it is the best way to restore credibility with the American people. We must secure the borders first and foremost, because that is where the problem originates and where it must be stopped. I voted against the final immigration reform bill because it was not good enough for Georgia and Senators were not given ample time to debate amendments to strengthen the bill. I have rejected proposals to provide amnesty for illegal immigrants and I have called for the creation of a tamper-proof biometric ID card for foreign workers.
This year I also joined a group of Republican Senators in forming the Senate Border Security and Enforcement First Caucus. The Caucus is a platform to let Americans know that some members of the Senate are continuing to push for enforcement of immigration laws that are already on the books, to act as the voice of those concerned citizens who have expressed their opinions time and time again for better interior enforcement and border security, to push for stronger border security and interior enforcement legislation and to work together in the Senate to defeat possible future legislation that offers amnesty.
Taxes - Throughout Senator Chambliss’ career in Congress, he has worked hard to deliver tax relief. In the spring of 2003, Senator Chambliss supported, Congress passed, and President Bush signed into law the “Economic Jobs and Growth Package,” one of the most historic economic growth and tax relief measures in a generation. By putting money back into the pockets of working American families, there will be more money to spend on school supplies, school clothes, needed home improvements, or other important family necessities. Allowing working men and women to keep more of their hard-earned money means families will buy more products—hopefully Georgia products – that will in turn help create jobs and boost the economy. Congress must also continue working to eliminate the marriage penalty, the capital gains tax on investments, the death tax, and further lower marginal tax rates across the board for working men and women.
Health Care - Americans need greater access to health insurance, and we must ensure that families are able to choose the best plan suited for them. I do not believe a Washington-run, big government health care system is the answer. I am an original cosponsor of S. 1019, the “Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act,” legislation to provide individuals and families with tax incentives to allow them to afford to purchase their own health insurance. This tax break would put people on the same playing field as corporations, and employees would no longer have to pay more for the same coverage provided through work and could take their coverage with them if they decided to change jobs. Private insurance companies would have to cater to individuals’ needs, and individuals will have the power to choose the plan best suited for them. As the Senate debates this issue further, I will continue to work to see that Americans are provided with quality, affordable health care. This is a critical issue that faces every single American family and we must get it right.
Second Amendment Rights - As an avid sportsman, Senator Chambliss has been and will always be a staunch supporter of 2nd Amendment rights. Throughout his career in Congress, he always defended the rights of law abiding Americans to bear arms for not only recreation, but also protection.
Tom Harkin (D) Iowa
Education - Ensuring that every person in Iowa and America has a quality education requires federal leadership at three levels. (Blogger comment: Why?) We must properly fund the No Child Left Behind law so that we have a realistic chance to close the achievement gap and modernize our schools, and make changes to the law to give states the flexibility they need to properly educate our children. We must do more to make a college degree and the greater skills, higher salary and better employment opportunities that it brings, more affordable. (Blogger comment: Good goal. That can only be achieved if the government gets out of our way.) And we must make new investments in maintaining and improving our edge in math and science education and other initiatives that will help keep the American economy strong.
Creating a Wellness Society - My aim is to recreate America as a "wellness society" focused on fitness, good nutrition, and disease prevention - keeping people out of the hospital in the first place. (Blogger comment: Another good goal. As long as the federal government stays out of it and encourages private enterprises, who actually know what they are doing in this area, to take the lead and be involved. Also, a "wellness society" cannot be mandated; it has to be voluntary.) At the same time, I am working to maintain America’s standing as the world leader in biomedical research. This means generously funding (Blogger comment: Sure hope that "generously funding" means his own personal money and not taxpayers money.) the search for cures at the National Institutes of Health, and removing arbitrary restrictions on embryonic stem cell research at the federal level.
The Healthier Lifestyles and Prevention (HeLP) America Act - The journey to a wellness society begins with a giant step forward, and that is why I have introduced the Healthier Lifestyles and Prevention America Act, also known as the HeLP America Act (Blogger comment: Seriously? This is what our Congress spends their time working on? Sounds like they need a cut in pay and more time at home with their families). This legislation takes a truly comprehensive approach to wellness and disease prevention. It provides tools and incentives to schools, employers, and communities. It aims to create better nutrition, physical activity and mental health opportunities for kids in schools. It gives the Federal Trade Commission authority to regulate unfair marketing to children (Blogger comment: Certainly we agree that there are some poor marketing choices being channeled to children. However, parents have to be responsible for teaching their children healthy choices and limiting TV watching. It doesn't matter how well-intentioned the program, it's not the government's role). It provides incentives to build bike paths and safe sidewalks. And it requires nutrition labeling on menus in chain restaurants.
Addressing the Home Foreclosure Crisis - While individual buyers should be held accountable for buying a home they simply could not afford, financial institutions also need to be held accountable for questionable lending practices and risky packaging of sub-prime mortgages into untested financial products (Blogger comment: the accountability for financial institutions comes when they have customers who can't pay their loans. Running out of money and negative word-of-mouth comments from disgruntled customers is the consequence for risky lending. Consumers need to be responsible with their buying.)
To prevent these abuses in the future, I have cosponsored the Foreclosure Prevention Act. This legislation seeks to help struggling families remain in their homes by expanding refinancing opportunities and allowing for the modification of mortgages on primary residences in bankruptcy in some cases. Of the two million homeowners facing foreclosure, an estimated 600,000 would receive relief under this bill.
The bill would also provide funding for agencies like the Iowa Finance Authority so they can provide direct assistance to people who need to refinance their mortgages (Blogger comment: as long as the taxpayers aren't picking up the tab. This is a community problem, not the federal government's. We are not opposed to helping others -and we do help whenever we can-, even those who made bad choices and brought the consequences on themselves. We are opposed to the government being involved in any way. It's not their role and when they do get involved, they make a complete mess of it. Anyone remember Hurricane Katrina and FEMA?) It allows distressed borrowers to renegotiate the mortgages on their homes during bankruptcy proceedings - an option that is currently allowable on vacation homes and family farms.
Saxby Chambliss (R) Georgia
Education – As the husband of a teacher who worked for more than 30 years in the classroom, Senator Chambliss knows there is no more important job than educating America’s young people. A supporter of the landmark education reform law, No Child Left Behind, which seeks to ensure America’s children are reaching their learning potential, Senator Chambliss has held a series of listening sessions across Georgia. Chambliss’ events are designed to bring federal education officials together with Georgia educators so that Georgia education professionals can have their voices heard about how to improve the program and how the program is being implemented in Georgia.
Housing - Owning a home is part of the American dream, but unfortunately, the downturn in the housing industry has had a ripple effect across all sectors of the financial market and the economy as a whole. Georgians have certainly felt the impact of this crisis. In an effort to reinvigorate the housing market, I am an original co-sponsor of S. 2566, legislation sponsored by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) to provide a federal income tax credit for the purchase of certain new and foreclosed upon homes. This legislation passed as an amendment to the Foreclosure Prevention Act, which will help prevent declining property values for homeowners=2 0and hopefully bring the market back to an even keel. A similar tax credit was invoked by Congress in the mid-1970s, when the housing market was in a similar crisis. I will also continue to work to ensure that the free-flow of information between the borrower, broker, and lender is open and fair.
Border Security - In 2007, during the immigration bill debate, we listened and heard overwhelmingly from Georgians that they do not trust the federal government to enforce our immigration laws. Taking immediate action to secure our borders is what Georgians demand and deserve, and it is the best way to restore credibility with the American people. We must secure the borders first and foremost, because that is where the problem originates and where it must be stopped. I voted against the final immigration reform bill because it was not good enough for Georgia and Senators were not given ample time to debate amendments to strengthen the bill. I have rejected proposals to provide amnesty for illegal immigrants and I have called for the creation of a tamper-proof biometric ID card for foreign workers.
This year I also joined a group of Republican Senators in forming the Senate Border Security and Enforcement First Caucus. The Caucus is a platform to let Americans know that some members of the Senate are continuing to push for enforcement of immigration laws that are already on the books, to act as the voice of those concerned citizens who have expressed their opinions time and time again for better interior enforcement and border security, to push for stronger border security and interior enforcement legislation and to work together in the Senate to defeat possible future legislation that offers amnesty.
Taxes - Throughout Senator Chambliss’ career in Congress, he has worked hard to deliver tax relief. In the spring of 2003, Senator Chambliss supported, Congress passed, and President Bush signed into law the “Economic Jobs and Growth Package,” one of the most historic economic growth and tax relief measures in a generation. By putting money back into the pockets of working American families, there will be more money to spend on school supplies, school clothes, needed home improvements, or other important family necessities. Allowing working men and women to keep more of their hard-earned money means families will buy more products—hopefully Georgia products – that will in turn help create jobs and boost the economy. Congress must also continue working to eliminate the marriage penalty, the capital gains tax on investments, the death tax, and further lower marginal tax rates across the board for working men and women.
Health Care - Americans need greater access to health insurance, and we must ensure that families are able to choose the best plan suited for them. I do not believe a Washington-run, big government health care system is the answer. I am an original cosponsor of S. 1019, the “Universal Health Care Choice and Access Act,” legislation to provide individuals and families with tax incentives to allow them to afford to purchase their own health insurance. This tax break would put people on the same playing field as corporations, and employees would no longer have to pay more for the same coverage provided through work and could take their coverage with them if they decided to change jobs. Private insurance companies would have to cater to individuals’ needs, and individuals will have the power to choose the plan best suited for them. As the Senate debates this issue further, I will continue to work to see that Americans are provided with quality, affordable health care. This is a critical issue that faces every single American family and we must get it right.
Second Amendment Rights - As an avid sportsman, Senator Chambliss has been and will always be a staunch supporter of 2nd Amendment rights. Throughout his career in Congress, he always defended the rights of law abiding Americans to bear arms for not only recreation, but also protection.
Tom Harkin (D) Iowa
Education - Ensuring that every person in Iowa and America has a quality education requires federal leadership at three levels. (Blogger comment: Why?) We must properly fund the No Child Left Behind law so that we have a realistic chance to close the achievement gap and modernize our schools, and make changes to the law to give states the flexibility they need to properly educate our children. We must do more to make a college degree and the greater skills, higher salary and better employment opportunities that it brings, more affordable. (Blogger comment: Good goal. That can only be achieved if the government gets out of our way.) And we must make new investments in maintaining and improving our edge in math and science education and other initiatives that will help keep the American economy strong.
Creating a Wellness Society - My aim is to recreate America as a "wellness society" focused on fitness, good nutrition, and disease prevention - keeping people out of the hospital in the first place. (Blogger comment: Another good goal. As long as the federal government stays out of it and encourages private enterprises, who actually know what they are doing in this area, to take the lead and be involved. Also, a "wellness society" cannot be mandated; it has to be voluntary.) At the same time, I am working to maintain America’s standing as the world leader in biomedical research. This means generously funding (Blogger comment: Sure hope that "generously funding" means his own personal money and not taxpayers money.) the search for cures at the National Institutes of Health, and removing arbitrary restrictions on embryonic stem cell research at the federal level.
The Healthier Lifestyles and Prevention (HeLP) America Act - The journey to a wellness society begins with a giant step forward, and that is why I have introduced the Healthier Lifestyles and Prevention America Act, also known as the HeLP America Act (Blogger comment: Seriously? This is what our Congress spends their time working on? Sounds like they need a cut in pay and more time at home with their families). This legislation takes a truly comprehensive approach to wellness and disease prevention. It provides tools and incentives to schools, employers, and communities. It aims to create better nutrition, physical activity and mental health opportunities for kids in schools. It gives the Federal Trade Commission authority to regulate unfair marketing to children (Blogger comment: Certainly we agree that there are some poor marketing choices being channeled to children. However, parents have to be responsible for teaching their children healthy choices and limiting TV watching. It doesn't matter how well-intentioned the program, it's not the government's role). It provides incentives to build bike paths and safe sidewalks. And it requires nutrition labeling on menus in chain restaurants.
Addressing the Home Foreclosure Crisis - While individual buyers should be held accountable for buying a home they simply could not afford, financial institutions also need to be held accountable for questionable lending practices and risky packaging of sub-prime mortgages into untested financial products (Blogger comment: the accountability for financial institutions comes when they have customers who can't pay their loans. Running out of money and negative word-of-mouth comments from disgruntled customers is the consequence for risky lending. Consumers need to be responsible with their buying.)
To prevent these abuses in the future, I have cosponsored the Foreclosure Prevention Act. This legislation seeks to help struggling families remain in their homes by expanding refinancing opportunities and allowing for the modification of mortgages on primary residences in bankruptcy in some cases. Of the two million homeowners facing foreclosure, an estimated 600,000 would receive relief under this bill.
The bill would also provide funding for agencies like the Iowa Finance Authority so they can provide direct assistance to people who need to refinance their mortgages (Blogger comment: as long as the taxpayers aren't picking up the tab. This is a community problem, not the federal government's. We are not opposed to helping others -and we do help whenever we can-, even those who made bad choices and brought the consequences on themselves. We are opposed to the government being involved in any way. It's not their role and when they do get involved, they make a complete mess of it. Anyone remember Hurricane Katrina and FEMA?) It allows distressed borrowers to renegotiate the mortgages on their homes during bankruptcy proceedings - an option that is currently allowable on vacation homes and family farms.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Headlines From the Year 2029
We were both very busy today, so we're posting an oldie but goody just for giggles.
HEADLINES FROM THE YEAR 2029
Spotted Owl plague threatens northwestern United States crops and livestock.
Baby conceived naturally! Scientists stumped.
Couple petitions court to reinstate heterosexual marriage.
Iran still closed off; physicists estimate it will take at least 10 more years before radioactivity decreases to safe levels.
France pleads for global help after being taken over by Jamaica. No other country comes forward to help the beleaguered nation!
George Z. Bush says he will run for President in 2036.
Postal Service raises price of first class stamp to $17.89 and reduces mail delivery to Wednesdays only.
85-year $75.8 billion study: Diet and exercise is the key to weight loss.
Average weight of Americans drops to 250 lbs.
Global cooling blamed for citrus crop failure for third consecutive year in Mexifornia and Florexico.
Abortion clinics now available in every High School in United States.
Senate still blocking drilling in ANWR even though gas is selling for 4532 Pesos per liter and gas stations are only open on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Massachusetts executes last remaining conservative.
Supreme Court rules punishment of criminals violates their civil rights.
Average height of NBA players is now nine feet, seven inches.
New federal law requires that all nail clippers, screwdrivers, fly swatters and rolled-up newspapers must be registered by January 2030.
IRS sets lowest tax rate at 75 percent.
Florexico voters still having trouble with voting machines
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Roll Call
"There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." ~ Robert Heinlein
We will be posting information on Congress members who are up for re-election in November. Even though you may not live in their state, it’s good to get to know the people who legislate in Washington, D.C. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have taught all of us that, regardless of the state he/she represents, their decisions and votes impact all of us.
Jeff Sessions (R) Alabama
Senator Jeff Sessions is a former U.S. Attorney and Attorney General for Alabama. He believes in appointing judges who refuse to legislate from the bench and are bound by the Constitution to interpret the rule of law as it is written.
Senator Sessions is a fiscal conservative who believes in low taxes and less spending. However, he has also worked to help Alabama receive over $51 million in federal environmental funding from the Department of Interior through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP). That may be a problem for fiscal conservatives who want government funding and spending to be significantly decreased.
On July 24, 2008, Senator Sessions introduced an amendment to legislation pending in the Senate that would increase production of American energy by opening more than 800,000 acres of the Gulf of Mexico to new oil and gas exploration.
The following is from Senator Sessions’ website:
“We have an energy crisis in this country, and we need to pursue every avenue that leads to energy independence and lower prices for consumers,” Sessions said. “That includes more conservation, transitioning to alternative fuels, and producing more American energy here at home.”
The amendment would open a rectangular stretch of land, referred to as the stovepipe, that runs from approximately 25 to 100 miles due south of Alabama’s Gulf coast. The Mineral Management Service estimates the area contains 180 million barrels of oil and 1.42 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The stovepipe is highly regarded by energy experts because its relatively shallow waters and close proximity to existing pipelines limit the need for new infrastructure, allowing production to come online more quickly than in some deepwater areas.
New drilling technology makes it possible to produce offshore energy safely. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita moved through an area of the Gulf of Mexico that was home to more than 4,000 offshore rigs. Following the storms, Department of Interior Secretary Gale Norton reported that “Despite such intense winds and powerful waves offshore, we experienced no . . . significant spills from any offshore well on the outer continental shelf.”
The below link will take you to Senator Sessions voting record.
http://sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=LegislativeResources.VotingRecord
Mark Pryor (D) Arkansas
Social Security: “ We must preserve and protect Social Security. To that end, I am strongly opposed to taking money out of the Social Security trust fund and investing it in the stock market.”
Taxes: “As Senator, I will work to lower taxes for working families and fight for the needs of everyday Arkansans, because the state's economy revolves around these individuals. I support updating and modernizing our tax laws to shield small business owners and family farmers from the estate tax. I am working toward a bipartisan solution to increase the estate tax exemption to $5 million ($10 million for married couples) and reduce the tax to a 35 percent marginal rate. For estates worth more than $30 million, the benefit of this exemption would be phased out. I do not believe full repeal of the estate tax is a fiscally responsible option at this time. However, my approach eases the estate tax burden for all families and most likely erases it entirely for virtually every small business owner and family farmer in Arkansas.” (Blogger comment: Does the Democrat party know about this guy? If he keeps talking about lowering taxes, he’ll be kicked out of the party.)
Education: “I support traditional ideas, like raising teachers’ salaries to keep our best and brightest educators in the state. I support providing our high school students with the opportunity to further their education at institutions of higher learning, regardless of their economic background. Also, I will work hard to increase Title I funding for disadvantaged children and reduce class size for students in first through third grades.
“But the system also needs an influx of new ideas, such as providing all young children with early developmental skills that are needed for future success. As your senator, I support increased funding to Arkansas schools for modernization and repair as well as investments in professional development for teachers so they can better educate their students.”
Health Care: “ I support tax credits to help employers obtain health insurance for their employees and tax credits for individuals who purchase coverage on their own. I also believe that Congress needs to make health care more accessible to rural families and help rural health care providers cope with rising costs and the difficulties of providing services in sparsely populated areas.” (Blogger comment: Ahhh… that sounds more like the Democrat party. Whew! We were starting to wonder what we were going to do with the extra money we would get from the tax cuts he supports. Evidently it’s going to go towards college tuition and health care.)
We will be posting information on Congress members who are up for re-election in November. Even though you may not live in their state, it’s good to get to know the people who legislate in Washington, D.C. Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid have taught all of us that, regardless of the state he/she represents, their decisions and votes impact all of us.
Jeff Sessions (R) Alabama
Senator Jeff Sessions is a former U.S. Attorney and Attorney General for Alabama. He believes in appointing judges who refuse to legislate from the bench and are bound by the Constitution to interpret the rule of law as it is written.
Senator Sessions is a fiscal conservative who believes in low taxes and less spending. However, he has also worked to help Alabama receive over $51 million in federal environmental funding from the Department of Interior through the Coastal Impact Assistance Program (CIAP). That may be a problem for fiscal conservatives who want government funding and spending to be significantly decreased.
On July 24, 2008, Senator Sessions introduced an amendment to legislation pending in the Senate that would increase production of American energy by opening more than 800,000 acres of the Gulf of Mexico to new oil and gas exploration.
The following is from Senator Sessions’ website:
“We have an energy crisis in this country, and we need to pursue every avenue that leads to energy independence and lower prices for consumers,” Sessions said. “That includes more conservation, transitioning to alternative fuels, and producing more American energy here at home.”
The amendment would open a rectangular stretch of land, referred to as the stovepipe, that runs from approximately 25 to 100 miles due south of Alabama’s Gulf coast. The Mineral Management Service estimates the area contains 180 million barrels of oil and 1.42 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
The stovepipe is highly regarded by energy experts because its relatively shallow waters and close proximity to existing pipelines limit the need for new infrastructure, allowing production to come online more quickly than in some deepwater areas.
New drilling technology makes it possible to produce offshore energy safely. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita moved through an area of the Gulf of Mexico that was home to more than 4,000 offshore rigs. Following the storms, Department of Interior Secretary Gale Norton reported that “Despite such intense winds and powerful waves offshore, we experienced no . . . significant spills from any offshore well on the outer continental shelf.”
The below link will take you to Senator Sessions voting record.
http://sessions.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=LegislativeResources.VotingRecord
Mark Pryor (D) Arkansas
Social Security: “ We must preserve and protect Social Security. To that end, I am strongly opposed to taking money out of the Social Security trust fund and investing it in the stock market.”
Taxes: “As Senator, I will work to lower taxes for working families and fight for the needs of everyday Arkansans, because the state's economy revolves around these individuals. I support updating and modernizing our tax laws to shield small business owners and family farmers from the estate tax. I am working toward a bipartisan solution to increase the estate tax exemption to $5 million ($10 million for married couples) and reduce the tax to a 35 percent marginal rate. For estates worth more than $30 million, the benefit of this exemption would be phased out. I do not believe full repeal of the estate tax is a fiscally responsible option at this time. However, my approach eases the estate tax burden for all families and most likely erases it entirely for virtually every small business owner and family farmer in Arkansas.” (Blogger comment: Does the Democrat party know about this guy? If he keeps talking about lowering taxes, he’ll be kicked out of the party.)
Education: “I support traditional ideas, like raising teachers’ salaries to keep our best and brightest educators in the state. I support providing our high school students with the opportunity to further their education at institutions of higher learning, regardless of their economic background. Also, I will work hard to increase Title I funding for disadvantaged children and reduce class size for students in first through third grades.
“But the system also needs an influx of new ideas, such as providing all young children with early developmental skills that are needed for future success. As your senator, I support increased funding to Arkansas schools for modernization and repair as well as investments in professional development for teachers so they can better educate their students.”
Health Care: “ I support tax credits to help employers obtain health insurance for their employees and tax credits for individuals who purchase coverage on their own. I also believe that Congress needs to make health care more accessible to rural families and help rural health care providers cope with rising costs and the difficulties of providing services in sparsely populated areas.” (Blogger comment: Ahhh… that sounds more like the Democrat party. Whew! We were starting to wonder what we were going to do with the extra money we would get from the tax cuts he supports. Evidently it’s going to go towards college tuition and health care.)
Incompetence
If you can cast doubt on the skills and abilities of others, there is no end to the things you can fail at without being noticed.
Harry Reid - Incompetence
Isn't that redundant?
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