"Gone" Barack Obama

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The Gift

Change Your Thinking

It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking..

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.. Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.0A Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.' Epilogue: There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. 'Today is a gift, that is why it is called

"The Present" .'

A young man, many years ago, who loves his country

I am a 100% disabled veteran who retired in 1983. I come from a family who gave over 137 years of active duty service. My dad served 33 years Army, then the Army Air Corps, then last of his long and decorated career, in the Air force (Passed away in 2007, buried at Arlington National Cemetery) by brother Mike, served 26 years in Army Intelligence, first ASA, then later the U. S. Army Intelligence and Security Command (INSCOM), after a long decorated career, he was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in 2001). My Brother Maurice, the only one to serve outside the Army, but in the Navy, a long and decorated career, and retired a number of years ago. I have another brother who served a long and decorated career in INSCOM) prior to his retirement, but continued to serve in the same field as a civilian! And last but not least, my son, who served a long and very decorated career in (INSCOM), took part of the action in Somalia, known as "Black Hawk Down). After getting out, he spent many years in Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi and now places in that region that I am unable to provide. So, as you see, with my 22+ years in first ASA, which later became INSCOM, I had a long and very decorated career, which included the Purple Heart, Two Bronze Stars, one with a V device for Heroism, the Air medal received a number of times, along with three Meritorious Service Medals, and a number of other decorations that, along with all of my families military decorations, mean a great deal to me, as they provide evidence of a family of well, very well decorated soldiers, who loved and served their country. I served from 1963 - 1983, receiving my purple heart in Viet Nam, at a small RVN LZ or post, during the Tet offensive, blocking the NVA from retreating from HUE. I was in the 3rd Bde, of the 1st Air Mobile Cav Division. To say I am proud of my service, or the service of any of my family would be words that would fade away as there could never be enough words to express the pride I have for serving, knowing my whole family (All the Gregory men volunteered to serve, and did, while one of my sisters served in the National Guard out of Portland Organ. My dad cried at his retirement, my brother and I both cried at our retirements, and I would have to guess, but believe all the Gregory men shed tears when they said fair well to active duty service (But we all continued to serve after we left active military service. I know this was just for a comment, but I could not leave out my family's service, as we all gave a little of ourselves because of the love we have for our country. I continue to pray for my son, who I can not speak of at the moment. My brother Marshall, and my Brother Mike both served either under me, or with me. One in Africa, and the other in Germany. My son, served in the shadows of us all, giving what he had, and what he had was very special, and I, with so much to tell, must come to an end. I wish you all good luck, and to those in the 7th Cav, "Gary Owen"!, I will not forget A Shau Valley, Camp Evans, Dak To, Khe Sanh, Hue, PleiKu, Chu Lai, and Cam Ranh Bay (Where I landed and took my 3 day jungle Training, before joining my Bde, up North. But each of those cities named had very special places, as did the LZ's, some mentioned and some not. What amazed me most is that out of 360 days, I spent all but 8 days in the field, as they say, or in the jungle might be more meaningful. 5 day's RR to Hawaii, where I spent every moment with my young wife, then back to Viet Nam. The only other time I spend out of the field was Da Nang, where I woke up after sleeping for three days when I passed out at PK-17, after not sleeping for days. This is where I was wounded, my first day there, on 3 Feb, 1968, it was Tet, my Tet was just outside Hue, in a small ARVN LZ or post, where many died, many wounded, many fought for what we all believed in, an America we loved, an America we wanted to return too and feel that we were appreciated for what we were doing and did. An America who loved us as much as we loved her. It was an interesting view each of us had of our America. God Bless America, and all those who know what it is to be a citizen of this great country, no matter who leads her, she always makes it back, always returns to what she is, great, powerful, a little magic in her. God bless all the souls who have giving the ultimate price, observed others make that sacrifice, and those who just cared about being an American! God Bless us all! Mfgjr

Fixing Whats Broke!

Let me start by letting you know that I am a Viet Nam Vet, now 100% disabled Vet, filled with the desire to work on fixing what is broke, and the only way I have is to speak out. My voice still works as does my brain (at least some of it according to my wife). But as a Viet Nam Vet, I have heard the rumors relative to reducing benefits, taxing health care for veterans (Tri-Care) and I am concerned for obvious reasons. So, I think about things like Social Security, Medicare, and programs that I, along with millions of Americans paid into for most of their lives, if they are my age, which is in the mid 60's. I keep hearing about those in congress and the White House telling us that although we have no money, they want to create programs that will smother us. What is wrong with our elected leaders in Congress, in the Senate, and in the White House. Why can they not see that we should concentrate on fixing whats broke before we spend more of what we don't have, it's called money. Where is the leadership on this, who is making the decisions, who is really the "boss" of we have one at all. Would it not make more sense for our government to fix what they broke, by over spending in the past. Social Security is something Americans paid for as they worked all their life, and so they paid for medicare as well. Our government took that money and spent it on other programs, depleting the funds Americans paid for by having money taken out of their pay checks to pay for a promise made by our government when they started the programs. As you know, they kept on taking money from programs we, the people, paid into, knowing in their hearts their government would not take their money and blow it on programs to protect their seats in congress, both the House and Senate, yes, even the President. Now, knowing that they have raped Social Security, and Medicare, they now want to create something called "Universal Health Care" another program that will require congress to deplete what is left in our current programs. Why would we want congress to make promises knowing that there is no money to fund it, so let's just bankrupt all the promised programs, that did not come in by taxes, but money we contributed to programs that we, as American citizens, trusted our government to protect, and ensure that all Americans that paid into them would receive the benefits of those programs promised. But, as we all know, when they want to create more programs, they just take money from wherever they can, reducing what the programs in place have to offer, and here we are, and for what, a government who only knows how to take, take and take, the giving are the American citizens ("We the People"), and we the people better know what to do come 2010 and 2012. Let's stop electing likable candidates, unless they have the background and moral ethics to be who we want them to be, our representatives, legislating what "We the People" want, not what the elected officials decide they want for their private agendas and projects. Keep their fingers out of the programs they are breaking, fix them first before they legislate one more program, outside National Defense. We need smart legislators, not corrupt elected officials without ethics or moral fiber. God help us if we can not, or will not study our next candidates to be elected by "We the People" to govern this nation. We must be smarter, much smarter when we choose those who we entrust with the money we voluntarily give to our government, that we trust to spend wisely, and in good faith we hand them our money to ensure programs promised to those citizens "We the People" are maintained and healthy, not stealing from it, without our involvement to fund their private agendas in their States where their seats in Congress House and Senate, are in danger, by some honest politician, if there is one, who will challenge the dishonest elected official, using the money "We the People" have voluntarily handed over to our government that we trusted to spend it wisely, with care, knowing how hard we worked for each dollar we gave, took out of our paycheck, out of our pockets, out of our family's food money, medical insurance money (for their health), money to cloth our children, money for the family transportation, money we use to give to our churches so that they may feed the needy, yes, we voluntarily handed this money over to our government, to spend on programs that over the years our government promised would be their for us, "We the People" who are now tired, less able to work and further provide much more, voluntarily to our government, that we trust so much. Would it not make more sense to fix that which is broken and promised to "We the People" first, prior to giving it away to others who have never provided a single penny to build these programs, but still benefit from them because "We the people" voluntarily gave until they could give no longer give. No one ask us if they could use the money for their pet projects and personal agendas, but they did. Wonderful, we can count on our government to take what is left to fund what was promised to we "old" folks, and give it away, or take it to spend on what ever they have in mind, without even once thinking about asking "We the People" for permission, or involve us in any use relative to their private state projects. They don't mind cutting important military programs while we are at war, diminish the intelligence community (something I know a little about, as I spent over 20 years in that field (United States Army Intelligence and Security Command) or better known as INSCOM. We better pray for better and smarter elected leaders in the future, before we run out of time. Mfgjr

Rescue America

I am intent on one thing as I grow older and find that in my retirement I still have a purpose in life. You know the old saying, Old soldiers never die, they just fade away. Well, I am not ready to fade away just yet. I am ready to make a difference in encouraging as many people (and old soldiers) think about what a huge mistake this nation made when it voted into office, and I mean the president of the united states of America, a progressive, a socialist, someone who wants to change the face of America forever. Now I have never considered race in my life as anything but a man of a different color or culture, etc. That mind set has not changed, nor do I think race should ever be considered when thinking about who we are electing into office to lead this country. What we should and better consider is what is their social thinking, where are they in their head when it comes to making decisions for the most powerful country in the world. How will the changes that he or she makes effect the culture and values of this great land for the four or eight years they are in office. Are they honest, do they reflect the conservative values of a nation born by a God who has blessed this nation with wonders that are evident from sea to shining sea, from the great mountains of the north, to the colorful deserts of the south. Blessed with treasures and resources that abound in almost every state, in every area of the country, that would allow America, if allowed, to almost be self dependant should it be necessary, or if we chose to do so. America is the most giving land in the world, but as she is deliberately made poorer, as is her population of ethnic groups that make up America, across her wonderful land, from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It is of utmost importance that America is saved, returned to the conservative values that make her the great nation that she is. But each day America watches, on TV, hears it on the radio, on a daily basis, that she is being corrupted in both the House and Senate of our Congress, as well as the White House, and the administration that fills it's halls, and rooms. Changing America from a capitalist, democratic, republic that she was, to a progressive, socialist country she is becoming. Motivations or reasons for this phenomenon is really irrelevant at this point. It makes no difference as to the "Why?" or the "How?" did this happen, the impassability of this ever happening in America even being a question. It is happening, it is here, it is real, and it is not going to change unless we get involved and make changes take place, it's called using the most powerful weapon "We the People" have in our arsenal. It's called the "Vote", and if you don't think that is a powerful weapon, check out the way those currently holding seats in the House, Senate, and most of all, the White House, are reacting to those little things called "Tea Parties", and the prospect of this movement of the 9/12'ers taking hold, could actually make a difference, with massive changes the casual effect during the 2010 and 2012 elections, with the end result being a change in government, riding corrupt elected officials currently holding seats in the House and Senate, replacing them with dedicated, educated, motivated, and as important than anything said yet, patriotic, wonderful men and women who will repair the shredded documents called the "Constitution" and the "Declaration of Independence", reminding the nation that "We The People" and their "Vote" do count, and without a single violent act, the nation restored to what she was/is, a nation of patriots, who will never, under any circumstance allow this nation change from a Republic, into a Progressive, Socialist nation. It will be challenged due to the blind elections that caused this enormous challenge in the first place. The American people, no matter how hungry for change, the change was never change from freedom too Socialism. It will happen, the return to our America will happen (and when I say "our America" I mean without any reservations, "our" means, all Americans, no matter what culture or heritage makes up their person, all races, religions, political affiliation or patronage, and no matter what or who they are, that is what I mean by "Our America" should there be any question by those who are always suspicious and lack any trust in their fellow man/woman. I feel comfortable with who I am, and what motivates me to try and capture the attention of every American who cares about this great land, to remember that "We The People" can rescue our wonderful country from those who would change who she is, that just will not happen, "We The People" will just not allow that to happen. We will do what is necessary, we will Vote, and Vote we will, in 2010 and 2012. I have faith in my (our) America, and the wonderful people who make up the passions that make her the Greatest Nation On Earth! We want her back, and you can't have her! Once again, starting 2010, America will come alive again, and start to breath the breath of freedom, exposing the corrupt officials who will have lost their seats of power, riding them from our country's capital, replacing them with patriotic, mindful men and women who have learned before they enter their positions in the House and Senate, that the People put them their to "represent us" and we, the people, can remove them if they forget that they are not the power in this country, "We" are! So, remember to Vote next year, and know who you are voting for, research and study them before you enter the voting booth and cast the most important thin you will ever do, your vote! God bless America! God Bless every American who never forgets that America will allow every man and/or woman to achieve any goal they might want, they only have to earn it by educating themselves, and/or working hard at what ever choice in life you make. So, God bless you all. To those who would have changed this great land from a fee God loving nation, too a nation of robots, corrupted by the progressives and socialists that now hold the power in Washington. Their time is coming, try and sleep tonight those who are on the opposite side of who we are, sleep will be difficult, if it comes at all. We are coming, we are coming with our votes, and many of you will learn the power of the vote in the near future. To those who have abuse the entrusted their positions of representing their state, and the people who trusted them, be afraid, be very afraid, we really are coming, your time in Washington is almost over, election booths will be filled with the noise of change, real change, the kind that America really wants, a free nation of conservatives. To late to change if you hold a seat in the House and Senate, and yes, the White House! Get used to the idea of relocating, and better get a head start, this change you all wanted will be fast and furious. And then, We The People can sleep at night, without fear that we will wake up in a socialist country, it ain't going to happen! Don't you just love this great country of ours. We don't even have to fire a shot and we can change those who govern us. We the people are charged with the protection of our nation. So, come 2010, lets "Getter Done"! Thanks for allowing me to take up so much space on your web or link, I never really know what exactly it is, as I am not computer literate. God bless America, and God bless you all! Mfgjr

Freedom is NOT Free

Washington Times Breaking News: Fired inspector general files lawsuit [vs. Obama]; Charges political motivation
Posted by Freedom is NOT Free on July 18, 2009 at 3:53pm
View Freedom is NOT Free's blog
By Stephen Dinan (Contact) Saturday, July 18, 2009The inspector general President Obama fired last month filed a lawsuit Friday to get his job back, claiming the firing was politically motivated and broke a 2008 law governing how watchdogs can be dismissed.Gerald Walpin, inspector general of the Corporation for National and Community Service, was removed June 10. In a letter telling Congress of his decision, Mr. Obama said he no longer had confidence in Mr. Walpin, but did not elaborate.Mr. Walpin says he was fired because he targeted an Obama supporter, Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, in a successful investigation that resulted in Mr. Johnson and an academy on which he formerly served as executive director repaying half the $847,000 it received in government grants.He also said in its haste to dump him, the administration never interviewed him or any of his staff - an omission Mr. Walpin said in his lawsuit violates a 2008 law meant to protect government watchdogs.The law requires that Congress be notified 30 days before an inspector general is dismissed, and Mr. Walpin contends that the administration has yet to meet the requirements for who should be notified and what reasons must be given.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment Friday evening.Mr. Walpin became inspector general for CNCS in 2007.Earlier this year Mr. Walpin issued reports that found that St. Hope Academy, founded by Mr. Johnson, had misused some of the nearly $850,000 in grant money it received from the federal AmeriCorps program. The academy has agreed to pay back about half the money.But his actions in the investigation were criticized by the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of California, Lawrence G. Brown, who said the inspector general was out of bounds in pushing his case against the mayor and hindered the prosecutor's own investigation.Days after the firing, a White House lawyer wrote a letter to a small group of senators explaining that Mr. Walpin at a May 20 meeting was "confused, disoriented, unable to answer questions and exhibited other behavior" that led the board of the corporation to question his ability to serve as inspector general.Though it's not part of the suit, Mr. Walpin's lawyers said in their legal brief that the case "raises serious questions of age discrimination" because of the accusations that Mr. Walpin, who is in his late 70s, seemed unable to function.The suit was filed in federal district court in Washington, D.C.Fired inspector general files lawsuit

Dedicated to my son Wayen Michael Gregory

Well, there is this fellow known only as Bob C in the 9/12 Project and he and I have different point of views. He is well intended, but we certainly look at America through different lenses.

This was my response to his last remarks to me: I thought it was important enough to include in my blog. So, here it is boys and girls:

Bob C.. I have read your responses and come to the conclusion that your view of America and mine will probably never meet. When I served in the intelligence community, and I don't have any problem in saying which ones I served with (Army Security Agency and United States Intelligence and Security Command, which both supported a host of agencies that would and did include the CIA, NSA, and DIA and classically others that I'll not mention. In working with these hero's of America I found that America truly misunderstands deeply just who and what these agencies do, and the sacrifices made by the men and women of these agencies. The people, the country, our wonderful Nation call America, was always what was the driving force behind the wonderful men and women who gave their lives, limbs, and at time their minds. I worked from the bottom to the highest levels and received awards for the changes in how some of the work was done. Always, never once, did I feel or hear or think that anyone I came in contact with did what they did for any reason other than preserving the gift of the American culture. My brother gave his life in defending those against the very ones now trashing our constitution and destroying the American way of life. My Brother (and I can't use his name) served with me, actually at the time, under me, in Ethiopia in East Africa, another brother served with me in Europe (I'll say no more about that, accept that he is still there and continues to work for this country, and his heart breaking the administration is destroying the intelligence community and cutting the defense budget on weapons that make the difference in combat. And then there is my son, my wonderful son, who I got into this business of gathering intelligence, analyzing it and ensuring that our president and certain members of congress receive this sensitive, very vital intelligence, knowing the potential that it may be placed in the hands that will leak it out to the press, as has been done in the past, by those seeking power and money rather than preserving the sensitive information, to be read by the president and certain members of congress, and to go not further, other than those with the need to know, in the military. All this is to remind you that we have wonderful people in our government and military, who give their lives, sacrifice their family life (my son has only seen his wife for a total of one year out of the six they have been married, because he knows his work is so vital, especially now, to preserve our nation as one that tries to rid the world of countries that are not democratic in nature, but it takes a host of various agencies and groups to turn things around. One thing I learned in one of my classes, in the advance intelligence course that my brother, now deceased, and I both went through, is that the hardest thing to change in people is "human behavior". It is a slow process and the Communists are masters at it because they have the patience to wait, out wait those of us who are trying to spread democracy rather than socialism, or communism. So, when I hear someone in our own groups stay on one theme of spewing progressive, socialist, communist and fascist ideas, it concerns me, as I watched this done in countries that I was working with patriots to change their views about their own countries, and lean more towards our beliefs. I know that there are many times that those in the business I was in for so many years, failed America and misused their place in time and abandoned the moral ethic that we all, or most of us at least, worked so hard against. I will continue to believe in America, the American people, and most important, our constitution and bill of rights. I fight to the end to defend against those who would shred either. Thanks Bob C for the time you took to answer what you felt compelled to do. It reminds me that America is made up of many different views and ethics, moral values and a process of thinking. That is what makes America great. I'll not argue with your thoughts Bob C, nor will I engage in debate with one who has a mind set as strong as mine. I'll not change who I am, nor do I think you will change who you are. I feel your intentions are honorable and well meant, but we do have a very different point of view of America, the agencies that protect her, and the parties that govern us. I do agree with you on the point of that if we do not change out the democrats, and some republicans, this nation is doomed to be a third world country, and that is something that as long as I have the breath in my body, I will fight against all who fail to see the good in America and try to introduce whatever bad they can find. This has been a real challenge for me to type out and will be my last attempt to explain who I am or where my thoughts were born. I am who I am, and I am proud to say I feel good about that. I pray that we can make the changes in congress and the White House in time, so I revert back to what I always say: Vote, Vote, Vote in 2010 and 2012 and rid congress of those we need to get out and vote in those who will serve America the best. I love this country, enough to give my life if need be, and I will eventually pass on, with only one hope, and that is that we won, we managed to inflict maximum pain to the democratic party and put people in congress that will do what they were elected to do, "The people's business" as so often is said in the halls of congress. I will never forget that it is "We the People" who those we elect answer to, so let's make them answer to us and vote them the heck out, and some good people in. Sorry for this lengthy post. Mfgjr