Even when we don’t, Thank goodness the Media does.

‘BP Chief Yachts While Gulf Oil Spill Burns’ Fox News/Associated Press, ‘BP Chief Draws Outrage for Attending Yacht Race’ New York Times, ‘Tony Hayward Attends Glitzy Yacht Race As Oil…‘  Huffington Post,

‘BP’s Tony Hayward at Yacht Race in England as Oil Spills in Gulf’‘ Politics Daily, ‘Tony Hayward at Yacht Race Angers La. Officials’ CBS News, and on, and on.

Even when we don’t care, the media will find a way to exploit about anything. “BP’s Tony Hayward watching son’s yacht race while the Gulf oil spill heads towards the gulf.” As though we are to believe nothing is being done in the gulf the moment Tony Hayward turns his head. It is ridiculous to believe Americans all in all are as gullible as the media make us out to be. So what if President Obama is on vacation at a time aggressive actions are playing out in Afghanistan and on and on the media merry-go-round continues, 24/7.

Is it a surprise the Department of Justice under Eric Holder will not file charges against the two Black Panther members clearly intimidating voters outside a Philadelphia polling location election day 2008? Was there the media coverage given to this question of voter intimidation and possible hate crime issues, as to Tony Hayward’s day in the sun with his family? No.

Is it a surprise that President Obama selected a divisive, questionably socialist to head up Medicare and Medicaid? However, Dr. Donald Berwick appointed today July 7th 2010 to oversee Medicare and Medicaid is probably the most transparent, open, honest person in the Administration. In time past, and presently, without reservation, Dr. Berwick believes Healthcare should be the catalyst for wealth re-distribution.

It is one thing to forgive, another to conveniently, hypocritically forget the moral crimes and political racism of Senate Robert Byrd. Watching Presidents Clinton and Obama white wash, sweep under the rug the racial bigotry of a ranking U.S. Senator, then file and support a lawsuit against the State of Arizona  to stop, not what they believe to be a conflict with federal law, but racism. Racism where there is none. And let’s not forget the bashing given to a soon disgraced senior Senator, Trent Lott of Mississippi in 2002 for seemingly praising Strom Thurmond’s segregationist Dixiecrat presidential run in 1948. WOW! Every paper, and Media outlet in America and the world acted out as though they were his Judge and jury in the court of public opinion. However, in the case with Senator Byrd, from the New York Times to the White House it was forgive and forget.

Don’t get me wrong, as a Christian I believe we should forgive, but we shouldn’t be as foolish as to forget, least we fall for the same baloney repeatedly. We achieve peace with forgiveness, we learn not to fail, by not forgetting,  remember this, always. I’m not meaning to rag on Senator Byrd, for the better part of the last half of his service to America, he did right, what rubs me wrong, is the hypocrisy of the media and our political leaders, when it suits them best. I gather that’s how you play the game, but it’s a shame…I’m david and this is david’s opinion…7 07 10.

My Jonathan came Marching Home…I Thank God, This Memorial Day week.

Wednesday this past week before the Memorial Day weekend, my son Jonathan came marching home from a year serving combat duty in Afghanistan.  His family saw him off to war, his family saw him step off the plane when he returned. I Thanked God for Jonathan’s safe return, then thanked Jonathan for his service to the people of America.

I knew from conversations with Jonathan over the months he was in Afghanistan, what he had seen, and was part of, was ugly, every war is, you need not be a participant to know this. With God by his side, and the great men, he served side by side with, Jonathan managed to keep his head on straight, and did all he was there to do.

With grandparents on both sides of Jonathan’s family having served in WWII, though deceased, we honor them, and all soldiers who have given all Americans the precious freedoms we all too often take for granted, on this Memorial Day.

I’m david and this is david’s opinion…5 31 10.

Just a second opinion on sb1070

I see no ‘ends justify the means’ logic in the new Arizona Senate Bill 1070 as some would have you believe. Sure politics may have , I am sure of, played some role in the signing of Sb1070. Governor Jan Brewer fighting a tough re-election this year, has been up to recently, a lack luster Governor and somewhat weak spine when it came to controversial yet important issues for the voters of Arizona.

Now Governor Brewer has stepped up to the plate signing into law the controversial Senate Bill 1070, not immigration reform, but a reinforced steroid injected enhancement of the already existing Federal law enforcement handling illegal immigrants to Arizona. I have read the legislation and the recent amendments appeasing those that wanted to argue apples and oranges semantics of the new laws text. Political move by Governor Jan Brewer signing this law, sure, racism, evil, Nazism, Fascism, Isolationism? Not at all and none of the above.

What may have been a law of good intent by the Arizona State Legislature, an unintentional political boost for Governor Brewer, and for all other intentional and unintentional purposes (even of those opposing sb1070) may prove to be what will force the hand of a weak Federal Government over the past couple of decades, with regards to fully addressing the ILLEGAL Immigration issue(Problem) here in the greatest nation on earth.

I can only hope President Obama like Governor Brewer will develop some spine for facing head on this Illegal Immigration issue in Arizona and Nationally, politically charged or with genuine good intent and heart, the President needs to make his move now. Not next year.

I am david and this is david’s opinion  5 04 10

Those who gossip, are societies arsenic

Recently I attended an Independent political meeting of conservatives in Arizona. Not going to name the group, because the issue of gossip is none partisan and it is my job to attend political meetings of all affiliations and all have this problem from time to time. When gossip of any kind enters a debate or discussion, I am sickened, then angered. 

 During  preparation for a straw vote to be taken a constituent raised their hand for the floor, repeating nothing but gossip, and not firsthand gossip at that, claiming the most popular candidate (single) was gay (Her words). I was immediately sickened and angered by her remarks. (Gossip) The Chairman then tabled, by requested vote, the straw poll. Not needed in my opinion since an endorsement didn’t have to be made, and a straw poll would have been interesting, tough this gossiper may have turned the tide.

 Although the issue of a candidate’s gender orientation may not be important in general, as an elected politician, it could make a difference in how he or she my vote on certain issues. But that wasn’t the initial feeling I got from the babbler. What I got was dirty, nasty, gossip, hatred and loathing, I could continue.  As a Christian there is no room, as most would agree for gossip and most of all bigotry, to use another nasty and distasteful word. As I have attended political meetings and rallies across America, I see the fanatics on the right and the Loons on the left spew their arsenic about one politician or another. And it is blindsiding good people, who may be a good person, candidate, or politician.

 I did try to get the straw vote to proceed, but lost the vote by one or two, it was close. I don’t argue that your decision to vote for a candidate may be swayed in part by a gender orientation issue, you have that right, and you may very well be right in your reasoning. But to vote against someone or argue against one candidate or another purely from a bigotry point of view is wrong and in my opine, not Christian. I am david and this is, david’s opinion 3/9/10

In the cross fire between Politics and Bullets

On Patrol in Afghanistan November 09

Our military men and women are in the cross fire between Politics and Bullets. With President Obama playing ‘what is going to be the most politically correct decision.’ While our enemies the Islamic extremist, terrorist thugs in Afghanistan and Pakistan  play with Bullets and Bombs killing our American sons, daughters, fathers, mothers, sisters and brothers of all faiths, nationalities and color. If we are actively seeking to break up and destroy our enemy there then the President of the United States should get the United States of America’s troops the hell out, now!

 

President Obama is pussy footing around with the lives of our service men and women every day. In case anyone is still living in the Bush past, Mr. Bush is no longer the President and President Obama has been in office nearly a year, twenty-five percent of his entire presidency is gone and from what I have seen of it, gone up in smoke, would be my summary of the first quarter of his presidency. This leaves me with little hope for the next 3 quarters to come.

 

However, let me be clear, I don’t sit in the White House and I expect you don’t either. We are not privy to all the facts and are limited to what we read, for me that is a vast amount of information from hundreds of sources around the world daily. Moreover, you have the same access to information, from both sides of every coin and if you use that information to come to conclusions about what you write, I can respect that.

 

My beef is that the President has beyond our Intel and information, yet can’t decide on Afghanistan,  why not? And don’t give the lame excuse that more time is needed to make a better decision, based on previous mistakes by past presidents. That’s DUCK Dung. President Woodrow Wilson delayed more than two years before entering full board the United States into World War.. His indecision for reasons given by our current Administration caused hundreds of deaths and the sinking of many U.S. merchant and passenger ships. Wilson’s lack of back bone to stand up to an obvious threat to the world nearly cost the world. Again history repeats itself with WWII (World War II) FDR a true isolationist, and politician first, through his indecisiveness again cost thousands of American lives and ships at Pearl harbor and abroad before entering WWII. Another obvious threat to the world at large, Islamic extremist Terrorist groups like Al Qaeda and Taliban factions and on, and on, are a threat to world peace.  Either we fight this war on terror as a war, or we should get out.

 

The New York Times on Saturday reported this “While President Obama’s decision about sending more troops to Afghanistan is primarily a military one, it also has substantial budget implications that are adding pressure to limit the commitment, senior administration officials say. ” The article goes on to place a million dollar yearly price tag on each of our men and women serving in Afghanistan. Now my son, your daughter, father, mother, sister or brother has a government price tag on their life. And that in part decides whether they get what is needed to sustain, or win the fight in Afghanistan. Can we expect the same reasoning, cold calculating, time consuming judgment, and policy making with a Government run healthcare plan? In that possible scenario, my life is worth zero…

 

The bottom line, I don’t want my son’s life placed between Politics and Bullets. Give him what he needs to accomplish his supposed mission there, or bring home every last one of our brave men and women serving in combat.

 

I am David and this is David’s opinion…11 16 09   May God’s light continue to shine upon all those serving America bravely.

Thank You Son…

 

Each Veterans Day I celebrate  and honor those Veterans, who have served in the military of the United States of America. The two Veterans whom I honor most, my Mother and Father. Both served in World War II. Mother as one of the first Army Corps Wac (Women’s Army Corps) nurses, Dad with General George Patton in Europe.  However, this year the number one soldier on my mind is yet to be a veteran, he’s my (19) year old soldier son, Jonathan. He is a private serving in Afghanistan close to the Pakistan border.

 

For half of Jonathan’s youth becoming a soldier is what he wanted, though he could never, nor has shared, or been able to explain why he wanted to be a soldier. For each soldier there may be a hidden sense of duty to serve in the military, yet the overwhelming reasons lie deeper, only known to the soldier. In the end does it really matter? I know our entire family is proud, and awaiting Jonathan’s safe return.

 

The communication company that sells phone cards to soldiers overseas gave each free minutes for Veteran’s day. I’m very grateful sense, I, along with each member of Jonathan’s family were the benefactors of the communication company’s generosity. I received my call from Jonathan late last night. Jonathan has called a couple of times before since being deployed in June of this year. Any time I can hear his voice it’s a blessing from God. I know every member of the family feels the same when they receive Jonathan’s call as well. It’s as though I can give him some protection from my voice, and he may feel the same when he talks with his family, a sense of security that Uncle Sam can’t ever give.  I know Jonathan is a good soldier and stands strong on his own two feet, he’s been trained well, and has great support from other veteran soldiers serving with him.

 

Nonetheless, a parent never stops worrying about their children regardless of that child’s age. My prayers go out to all of America’s Service men and women, and to our veterans, Thank You for your service and for giving every American a sense of protection and security of our own.

 

I’m david, and this is my Opinion…111109.

Harry Reid’s Senate Healthcare Bill proposal is a Crap Shoot at best…

Senator Harry Reid’s Senate Healthcare Bill proposal is a Crap Shoot at best, and he knows it.  Do you? Fox News yesterday had this to say with quotes from Senator Reid; “Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday that Senate Democrats will include in the health care reform bill a government-backed health insurance program that allows states to opt out if they can come up with an alternative. “I think it’s the fairest way to go,” Reid said of the “opt out” proposal.

The “opt out” proposal would set up a national insurance plan with government seed money and be run by a private, not-for-profit board. Under the proposal, states would have to prove they can provide comparable coverage in order to exit out of the federal plan. The plan would also negotiate rates with providers just like private insurance companies do, presumably keeping premiums on a level playing field with the private industry.”

 The Nevada Senator has rolled the dice, but it’s the American people who are sure to crap-out. This Congress is likened to a runaway big-rig truck, running over States and individual rights. States in poor fiscal condition are of course going to opt to keep the Federal healthcare (Public Option), those who don’t will need time to put before the people a vote for a State sponsored healthcare program, after all States as a rule recognizes individual rights vs. a Federal government that more or less, more. Mandates. If not, then State legislatures risk a backlash in their next elections.

 This leaves the question, how much time do States have to offer healthcare competitive to the Federal government, and who makes the decision it meets the standard before the Feds force the national (Public Option) on the State? I’m not sure what the majority of America thinks with one Poll after other reporting various numbers, but I don’t want a Public Option in any healthcare reform. There are many gradual steps that Congress could take with expediency that would offer a more progressive, cautious, less precarious proposed Healthcare reform. Simple steps, Tort reform with regards to the Health Industry, break down barriers of interstate monopolies, allowing all Insurance Companies to compete in every State, unions and on, and on.

 President Obama has and continues to drag his feet on making a decision to deliver, as promised, the additional troops and equipment to our soldiers fighting in Afghanistan, I have a son there. The President’s indecisiveness has been going on since he started to fulfill his promise to use a surge strategy in March of this year, but that fizzled out leaving our soldiers with an incomplete strategy and mission. Now with General McCrystal’s assessment and others the President continues to wait on deciding on how to proceed with Afghanistan. My Point, what’s the rush with massive all at once healthcare reform that has to include any Public Option at all.? The President can leave our soldiers at great risk with indecision for six months, yet Healthcare reform can’t wait. Baby steps Mr. President, please.

I am david and this is, david’s Opinion    102809.

On the Write Again

December 30th 2008 marked my last entry. It was December 30th 2008 my son left for boot camp in the U.S. Army. Last night Jonathan left for Afghanistan, combat duty. It’s times like this and when the daughters with my grandchildren come to visit, then go. That we truly realize how short a time we had with them while they were children. My son is a mere nineteen year of age, if his maturity and adult status were previously in question. Jonathan will soon face that point of no return into club adulthood. I’m not cheering. Business has been great the past several months, for which I place most of the blame on, for the lack of writing. After 23 years as a freelance writer and comedian, I’ve built a small by strong and in demand Internet Media Company headquartered in the White Mountains of Arizona. I had hoped with the success of Media DUCK Global, I’d have more time to write. Wrong. However, it looks like that is changing with more staff. And God willing you’ll be reading more and more of, David’s Opinion. I am david, and this is david’s Opinion… 70109.

I, Jonathan, and Grandson Ian

When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah! Hurrah!

Jonathan left home this morning flying from Los Angeles California to Fort Leonard Wood Missouri, where he’ll begin basic training with an accelerated MOS 21 Bravo training as a Combat Engineer. Three months, then deployment. Jonathan is a brother, stepbrother, uncle, brother-in-law, and best friend to all in the family. Most of all, Jonathan is I and his mother’s son. Our only son.

Mixed feeling about Jonathan joining the U.S. Army, would be an understatement. Even Dr. Quack for a moment, turned on edge. After all Dr. Quack can remember a baby Jonathan strapped in a baby backpack on my back while the Doctor and I entertained alongside the USO for military men, women and veterans throughout America over the years. Most notedly in Fallon, Nevada. Fallon a frequent engagement for (7 or 9) years if memories serve me. And an event at the County Fair where Jonathan’s sisters attended as well, several times. Ah the memories.

The days leading to this day have been emotional. Until yesterday when I realized my discontent was my self-ishness. Jonathan could be going to Africa with the Peace Corp, and I’d have the same feelings. But there’s a significant difference between going off with the Peace Corp, Vs going off to combat training with the U.S. Army and then deployment to where?

Fathers, Mothers, sisters and brothers can hold onto memories, but not an object, or person, in this case Jonathan forever. As parents we easily find our self trying to do so, but as a parent we ultimately find the strength to let go and let the eagle fly. Knowing that if we as parents have done our best, and loved well, he’ll return home ‘God Willing’ frequently.

I can’t answer any more so, than Jonathan himself why he volunteered to potentially, most likely go off to war. Jonathan and I share a bonded soul. He, if ‘God Wills.’ Will be, an exceptional warrior. With a heart loyal and loving. And the strength and character of a lion needed to be a warrior. Jonathan, ‘Will come marching home again.’ It is perhaps Jonathan’s greatest strength, his loyalty to God, family, and those he serves.

Of all the memories I have of Jonathan. The greatest is of his willingness to serve and help others. But being a partial product of the Xbox generation he graduated from High School with a disproportionate picture of self-worth. As a son, brother, uncle and friend there could be none better. But for a young man close to nineteen and a Xbox graduate. The reality of life and what to do with it, was a sobering cold shower, and truth needed to be faced. It was no secret Jonathan had his mind-set for years on being in the military. But when the realty of Jonathan joining the Army hit me, it was an awaking in itself, opening the door to many emotions.

I’m not going to psychoanalyze my son’s reasoning. I am proud of his strength to choose his own path, whether it had been something else or as is, the U.S. Army. Our souls bonded, that’s not a franchise Jonathan has shared alone with me. His is a loving soul that’s bonded with the entire family, rooted in loyalty, a trait he will bring to the U.S. Army.

Despite Jonathan’s successes and failures I have always been proud of him. The same of my daughters. As they have all shown of me. That is, loyalty for God, Family, and Country, what else is more important? I pray, Jonathan will come home marching again, Hurrah! Hurrah!…I am david and this is david’s Opinion. 123008

When Johnny comes marching home again,

Hurrah! Hurrah!

We’ll give him a hearty welcome then

Hurrah! Hurrah!

The men will cheer and the boys will shout

The ladies they will all turn out

And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.

The old church bell will peal with joy

Hurrah! Hurrah!

To welcome home our darling boy,

Hurrah! Hurrah!

The village lads and lassies say

With roses they will strew the way,

And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.

Get ready for the Jubilee,

Hurrah! Hurrah!

We’ll give the hero three times three,

Hurrah! Hurrah!

The laurel wreath is ready now

To place upon his loyal brow

And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.

Let love and friendship on that day,

Hurrah, hurrah!

Their choicest pleasures then display,

Hurrah, hurrah!

And let each one perform some part,

To fill with joy the warrior’s heart,

And we’ll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home

Lambert, Louis (Patrick Gilmore). “When Johnny Comes Marching Home”. Boston: Henry Tolman & Co. (1863)

If Only, What’s Important at Christmas, were What’s Important, Everyday of the Year…

What a blessed world we’d have. On a Day when many if not most this Christmas are thanking God above for what we have, rather than what we are missing out this Christmas. It could be missing family, diminished finances, the list goes on. We easily forget the spiritual and yes even the secular reason of Christmas. Wether it’s the secular idea of giving, sharing, family, and a long, but often too short Winter’s Nap before returning to business as usual after the New Year. Or the spiritual celebration of God’s greatest gift in the birth of his Son Jesus Christ. Christ, whose life model we excel to imitate, miserably I might add. But God knows the heart and I thank God for that everyday.

Grandfather taught I should celebrate Christmas everyday of the year. Not the Idealism, but the spirit. Not necessarily a material gift to someone everyday, how about a gift of servitude to the world. At the least, the boss, associate, partner, co-worker, wife, child, parent at your side each day. What can you do to make their day, this day better. How great would that be? I can honestly say, it’s great.

How about the spirit of believing everyday of your life what you have, what I have, is all we will ever need. Stress be gone, greed say ‘Hasta La Vista.’ The greatest gift God could give to mankind was His own Son. In part the example for our daily model is, we should give part if not all of ourself to one another.

Regardless that you subscribe to the same belief as I or not. The spirit of Christmas is reasoned. The world is proof goodness flows. The catch is that you, we, must have faith. We can believe anything, at any given moment. But it’s faith that defines the strength of our believe. There isn’t the need for despair with faith, when that faith is rooted in the true meaning of Christmas. If you haven’t found this to be your path. God is patient.

Wishing all, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…I am david, and this is david’s Opinion…122408