Am I ready for Christmas?

   Wow, it's almost Christmas.  It seems like summer just ended a few weeks ago and new we're getting ready for Santa.  This year, I have done my shopping almost exclusively online.  It seems to be working quite well with minimal headaches.  Yes, I know, I'm a little late in getting on the online shopping thing, but better late than never.
  We've decorated the house and are getting out the cards to friends and family, but it still feels like we're running out of time.  How does this happen?  It's not like Christmas really ever sneaks up on anyone as it occurs every year on December 25th.  It shouldn't come as a surprise that Christmas is less than two weeks away, but still, here it is sneaking up on me yet again.
  Oh well, I'll be ready.  It will be great to spend time with family and friends, exchange gifts, and just reflect of the many positive things in our lives.
  I wish all of you a peaceful and joyous holiday season and best wishes for the coming year.

Pearl Harbor Anniversary - Thank a Veteran

   Today is the 68th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.   World War II was probably the last well-defined conflict involving the United States.  The axis powers clearly presented a dangerous threat to our way of life and they had to be defeated.
   As our WWII veterans are getting fewer, we should take a moment to thank them for their service.  In fact, we should thank all of those in military service who are sacrificing so we can live in relative safety and comfort.  Our service men and women pay a large price to do their duty, so whether we agree with the war or not, it wasn't their decision to be at war and we owe them all a debt of gratitude for their efforts.

More of the same

    I'm dismayed to hear about more troops being sent to Afghanistan.  This region has been at war sine the days of Alexander the Great and it certainly doesn't seem like it's going to stop any time soon.  Having supported Obama, I was hoping that he would stand up and battle big oil and corporate America to lead us back into prosperity.  The billions upon billions being spent in battle could best be put to use here at home.                
   We could use it to rebuild our roads and railways, for healthcare, education, etc.  It really makes me wonder who is in control of our country, but I'm afraid I know the answer.  It's the big financial giants who dictate policy and we get it shoved down our throat as a governmental decision.