Smoothie, foodie, and especially hoodie.
These diminutive -ie suffixes are what your great grandparents attached to everything. Smoothie: no idea from whence it came. Foodie: the new Epicureans. Disgusting. Hoodie: Used to be awesome when worn by medieval mysterious types and 1980s athletes. Hood rats and slackers champion their wear today, but there's nothing diminutive about cultural rot.
31 March 2012
29 March 2012
Essay: "John Glenn's true hero"
Author unknown.
For half a century, the world has applauded John Glenn as a heart-stirring American hero. He lifted the nation's spirits when, as one of the original Mercury 7 astronauts, he was blasted alone into orbit around the Earth; the enduring affection for him is so powerful that even now people find themselves misting up at the sight of his face or the sound of his voice.
But for all these years, Glenn has had a hero of his own, someone who he has seen display endless courage of a different kind:
Annie Glenn.
They have been married for 68 years.
He is 90; she turned 92 on Friday.
This weekend there has been news coverage of the 50th anniversary of Glenn's flight into orbit. We are being reminded that, half a century down the line, he remains America's unforgettable hero.
He has never really bought that.
Because the heroism he most cherishes is of a sort that is seldom cheered. It belongs to the person he has known longer than he has known anyone else in the world.
John Glenn and Annie Castor first knew each other when -- literally -- they shared a playpen.
In New Concord, Ohio, his parents and hers were friends. When the families got together, their children played.
John -- the future Marine fighter pilot, the future test-pilot ace, the future astronaut -- was pure gold from the start. He would end up having what it took to rise to the absolute pinnacle of American regard during the space race; imagine what it meant to be the young John Glenn in the small confines of New Concord.
Three-sport varsity athlete, most admired boy in town, Mr. Everything.
Annie Castor was bright, was caring, was talented, was generous of spirit. But she could talk only with the most excruciating of difficulty. It haunted her.
Her stuttering was so severe that it was categorized as an "85%" disability -- 85% of the time, she could not manage to make words come out.
When she tried to recite a poem in elementary school, she was laughed at. She was not able to speak on the telephone. She could not have a regular conversation with a friend.
And John Glenn loved her.
Even as a boy he was wise enough to understand that people who could not see past her stutter were missing out on knowing a rare and wonderful girl.
They married on April 6, 1943. As a military wife, she found that life as she and John moved around the country could be quite hurtful. She has written: "I can remember some very painful experiences -- especially the ridicule."
In department stores, she would wander unfamiliar aisles trying to find the right section, embarrassed to attempt to ask the salesclerks for help. In taxis, she would have to write requests to the driver, because she couldn't speak the destination out loud. In restaurants, she would point to the items on the menu.
A fine musician, Annie, in every community where she and John moved, would play the organ in church as a way to make new friends. She and John had two children; she has written: "Can you imagine living in the modern world and being afraid to use the telephone? 'Hello' used to be so hard for me to say. I worried that my children would be injured and need a doctor. Could I somehow find the words to get the information across on the phone?"
John, as a Marine aviator, flew 59 combat missions in World War II and 90 during the Korean War. Every time he was deployed, he and Annie said goodbye the same way. His last words to her before leaving were:
"I'm just going down to the corner store to get a pack of gum."
And, with just the two of them there, she was able to always reply:
"Don't be long."
On that February day in 1962 when the world held its breath and the Atlas rocket was about to propel him toward space, those were their words, once again. And in 1998, when, at 77, he went back to space aboard the shuttle Discovery, it was an understandably tense time for them. What if something happened to end their life together?
She knew what he would say to her before boarding the shuttle. He did -- and this time he gave her a present to hold onto:
A pack of gum.
She carried it in a pocket next to her heart until he was safely home.
Many times in her life she attempted various treatments to cure her stutter. None worked.
But in 1973, she found a doctor in Virginia who ran an intensive program she and John hoped would help her. She traveled there to enroll and to give it her best effort. The miracle she and John had always waited for at last, as miracles will do, arrived. At age 53, she was able to talk fluidly, and not in brief, anxiety-ridden, agonizing bursts.
John has said that on the first day he heard her speak to him with confidence and clarity, he dropped to his knees to offer a prayer of gratitude.
He has written: "I saw Annie's perseverance and strength through the years and it just made me admire her and love her even more." He has heard roaring ovations in countries around the globe for his own valor, but his awe is reserved for Annie, and what she accomplished: "I don't know if I would have had the courage."
Her voice is so clear and steady now that she regularly gives public talks. If you are lucky enough to know the Glenns, the sight and sound of them bantering and joking with each other and playfully finishing each others' sentences is something that warms you and makes you thankful just to be in the same room.
Monday will be the anniversary of the Mercury space shot, and once again people will remember, and will speak of the heroism of Glenn the astronaut.
But if you ever find yourself at an event where the Glenns are appearing, and you want to see someone so brimming with pride and love that you may feel your own tears start to well up, wait until the moment that Annie stands to say a few words to the audience.
And as she begins, take a look at her husband's eyes.
The Czech Republic kickin' knowledge
“The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting an inexperienced man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama Presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their President. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The Republic can survive a Barack Obama. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their President."
- UNK
- UNK
'80s icon Lee Iacocca still kickin' knowledge
Friends, would you believe that Lee Iacocca is 82 years old and is still KICKIN butt? Check out his latest rant.
Just as true today as it was when his book first came out.
He was, and still is, a brilliant businessman! Often we need to be reminded of Iacocca's words.
Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes? He's now 82 years old and has a new book, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.
Lee Iacocca Says:
'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage with this so called president? We should be screaming bloody murder! We've got a gang of tax cheating clueless leftists trying to steer our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even run a ridiculous cash-for-clunkers program without losing $26 billion of the taxpayers' money, much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'trust me, the economy is getting better..' Better? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the Democrats out, along with Obama!'
You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore..
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs.. While we're fiddling in Afghanistan , Iran is completing their nuclear bombs and missiles and nobody seems to know what to do. And the liberal press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the ' America ' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?
I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with thumb up your butt and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here's where we stand.
We're immersed in a bloody war now with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.. But our soldiers are dying daily.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the world, and it's getting worse every day!
We've lost the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are going to skyrock again, and nobody in power has a lucid plan to open drilling to solve the problem. This country has the largest oil reserves in the WORLD, and we cannot drill for it because the politicians have been bought by the flea-hugging environmentalists.
Our schools are in a complete disaster because of the teachers' union.
Our borders are like sieves and they want to give all illegal's amnesty and free healthcare.
The middle class is being squeezed to death every day.
These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point..
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping the government will make it better for them. Now, that's just crazy.. Deal with life.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, look what Obama did about it!
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.
I have news for the Chicago gangsters in Congress. We didn't elect you to turn this country into a losing European Socialist state. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on NBC or CNN news will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America .. In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years since 9/11.
Make your own contribution by sending this to everyone you know and care about. It's our country, folks, and it's our future. Our future is at stake!
Just as true today as it was when his book first came out.
He was, and still is, a brilliant businessman! Often we need to be reminded of Iacocca's words.
Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes? He's now 82 years old and has a new book, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.
Lee Iacocca Says:
'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage with this so called president? We should be screaming bloody murder! We've got a gang of tax cheating clueless leftists trying to steer our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even run a ridiculous cash-for-clunkers program without losing $26 billion of the taxpayers' money, much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'trust me, the economy is getting better..' Better? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the Democrats out, along with Obama!'
You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore..
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs.. While we're fiddling in Afghanistan , Iran is completing their nuclear bombs and missiles and nobody seems to know what to do. And the liberal press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the ' America ' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?
I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with thumb up your butt and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here's where we stand.
We're immersed in a bloody war now with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.. But our soldiers are dying daily.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the world, and it's getting worse every day!
We've lost the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are going to skyrock again, and nobody in power has a lucid plan to open drilling to solve the problem. This country has the largest oil reserves in the WORLD, and we cannot drill for it because the politicians have been bought by the flea-hugging environmentalists.
Our schools are in a complete disaster because of the teachers' union.
Our borders are like sieves and they want to give all illegal's amnesty and free healthcare.
The middle class is being squeezed to death every day.
These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point..
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping the government will make it better for them. Now, that's just crazy.. Deal with life.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, look what Obama did about it!
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.
I have news for the Chicago gangsters in Congress. We didn't elect you to turn this country into a losing European Socialist state. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on NBC or CNN news will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America .. In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years since 9/11.
Make your own contribution by sending this to everyone you know and care about. It's our country, folks, and it's our future. Our future is at stake!
22 March 2012
Flotsam and jetsam
Just a few notes. Drove myself to the doctor this a.m., made the mistake of tuning into NPR. Today's topic? Standard NPR white people talking about [white] racism in the U.S.. Some overzealous neighborhood watch chairman shot a black person, which is no doubt a tragedy - had heard mention made very briefly in the news last week. Allegedly, this was racism, or at least NPR's roundtable wished to perpetuate that. What a great way to start the day: Let's start the day with some "progressive" white guilt and keep beating that drum of disunity and disharmony.
For added good measure, the fart-snifting liberal femme summed up her feelings stating,
"Blah blah racist blah racist blah blah SEXIST TOO."
...Progressives.
---
The new desk working name is "The Desk of High-Minded Indignation."
---
Have lived in the same home for a number of years and in the midst of my average subtopian life, have watched kids sprout up quickly. (Do I change as well?)? The kid two doors down apparently started JROTC and was explaining this to his friends while on the way home from school. LT Poopers and I passed and complimented him on his uniform. That has to feel good for him, and I've done my good deed for the day. I've also done my small part to keep Communism and Islamo-fascism on uneasy footing.
---
As I learn more of
For added good measure, the fart-snifting liberal femme summed up her feelings stating,
"Blah blah racist blah racist blah blah SEXIST TOO."
...Progressives.
---
The new desk working name is "The Desk of High-Minded Indignation."
---
Have lived in the same home for a number of years and in the midst of my average subtopian life, have watched kids sprout up quickly. (Do I change as well?)? The kid two doors down apparently started JROTC and was explaining this to his friends while on the way home from school. LT Poopers and I passed and complimented him on his uniform. That has to feel good for him, and I've done my good deed for the day. I've also done my small part to keep Communism and Islamo-fascism on uneasy footing.
---
As I learn more of
- Economies,
- Economic liberalization and the
- Non-Aligned Movement, of
- Critiques and praise for international financial institutions
- and Agreements,
- People protesting WTO (and not knowing why),
- China booming and U.S. bailing,
- Cities like Detroit failing due to mismanagement and ... liberalism,
- Public[?!] vs. private unions (go, Gov. Christie!)
- Unfirable federal and state bureaucrats
- the Difficulty of creating business
- the Overabundance of regulation (in the waiting room, I watched a newsman on the boob tube apply for a permit to sell lemonade in NY) Check out REGULATION NATION, here: (LINK)
- the Mediocrity of the wealthy Republican candidate with nice hair and a big bankroll
21 March 2012
Where have I been lately? Where have YOU been! Ladies and gents, I've been manning the Desk of Doom, or the Desk of Recondite Ramblings (working title for my very own "Resolute Desk" - can't wait to settle on the right name), reading and writing until my eyes become very bleary. This no t.v. thing is working out quite well, however, I will stop short of arguing that it's left a vacuum of distractions.
Still, it's good news to me that more and more Americans are cutting their umbilical - they're getting rid of cable once and for all.
Clark Howard on his radio program last week mentioned that 5.1M Americans have ditched their crap cord. That's a significant percentage of people fed up with vapid programming, indicative of a potential new wave of hold-outs resisting the itinerant media culture. People are reporting savings of ~$600 -$1200 yearly, no small potatoes.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/internet-cable-tv-ditching-cable-114200485.html
07 March 2012
Arizona Gov. Brewer: "No amount of distortion can hide the absolute truth"
One of Gov. Brewer's best speeches on the issue of American border soverignty. From the Border Security Conference and Expo at the Phoenix convention center, 06 MAR 2012.
---
I stand here today aiming to make a simple case on the subject of America’s border with Mexico and our illegal immigration policy. I know my words will be distorted by those who disagree. My opponents have already painted me as hard-hearted and uncompassionate. They’re wrong. My career, my record, my life … all stands as proof as to how wrong the critics are.
The truth I’ve come to share with you is anything but hateful. It has nothing to do with skin color, nothing to do with extremism. Instead, it’s rooted in FREEDOM. My truth shares the spirit of our Founding Fathers' quest to “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty.”
We MUST secure Arizona’s and America’s southern border.That is my truth. We must secure our border to keep our citizens safe. We must secure our border because we are a nation of laws. We must secure our border to ensure our vital and valuable and continuing relationship with Mexico.
There is no other choice, no better option. There is no next-best, easier truth. Of course, there are those in Washington who will tell you … from 3,000 miles away … that our border is more secure than ever.
Tell that to the survivors and friends of Robert Krentz, a dedicated, community-minded man shot to death on the same Cochise County ranch his family has called home for more than 100 years. Tell that to the friends and relatives of a brave and noble border patrol agent – Agent Brian Terry – a victim of a border gang that was armed by our own federal government – allowing guns to be shipped into Mexico in the scandalous Fast-and-Furious Operation.
Tell that to the Arizonans who wake up to find a drop house raid in progress, or who witness high-speed chases on our freeways and in our neighborhoods, or who spend hours in an overburdened emergency room on a Saturday night, waiting while consoling a suffering child. Tell that to our taxpayers, forced to bear the expenses – including state and federal prison cells overflowing with thousands of illegal alien felons – at a total cost of more than one billion dollars each year.
Those are the facts, plain and simple. Our opponents, the self-styled do-gooders, try mightily to bury them. They spin and shout, hate and denounce. To disagree with them, I’ve learned, is to suffer incredible verbal abuse. But, let me assure you, I can live with those consequences, because I believe in the truth and I believe in taking action to protect our hard-won freedoms. Besides, no amount of distortion can hide the absolute truth.
The federal government – Republicans and Democrats alike – has failed every single American. All of us. Washington’s abdication of responsibility is the overarching outrage of America’s illegal immigration crisis. America’s failure to understand this problem at a national level – and deal with it – has haunted border states like mine for decades.For years, Washington has stood idly by, letting our southern border grow more porous and more dangerous.
For years, they’ve tolerated a situation that every day encourages the wanton violation of our neighborhoods’ integrity and safety. The freedom I believe in should be protected by a framework of laws enforced consistently and impartially. I believe in a prosperity that should be enjoyed by all – on both sides of the border. I believe in a relationship with Mexico that celebrates a partnership – one that encourages a dynamic trading environment – a testament to international understanding and friendship. For that to happen, there must be commitment on both sides of the line. Without that commitment, we will have only more of the same.
If Arizona and America are to thrive over the next two decades, Arizona, Washington, D.C., and Mexico must work to create a legal and secure framework to grow our economy and Mexico’s … together. Arizona needs a border that is secure in preventing illegal immigration but effective in promoting swift and easy legal entry. We need ports of entry that facilitate the efficient transaction of goods and products between Arizona and Mexico, our largest trading partner. We cannot allow outdated ports of entry to result in excessive wait times that push legal commerce and industry to other states. We are making progress. Our largest commercial crossing at Mariposa will go from 4 to 12 passenger lanes this year, and is doubling its number of commercial inspection lanes.
Likewise, we have just recently completed expansion at the Lukeville port of entry and opened a brand new commercial port of entry at San Luis II.But we can’t stop there.Last month, I traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico and joined my good friend Governor Padres to meet with business and government leaders representing Arizona and Sonora. I told them that our two states represent a border region, and this region is competing worldwide for jobs and economic development. A secure border – one that blocks criminal trafficking but facilitates legal trade and commerce – is not contrary to our shared goal of economic prosperity. It is simply essential.
In closing, let me say that with the help of individuals like those of you in this room today, we’ll continue to push for an effective border that protects our citizens while welcoming tourism, trade and commerce. We’ll push for a border that aids Arizona’s economic growth – and Mexico’s economic growth, without enabling the crime that threatens our citizens.And, we’ll push for the federal government to finally fulfill its obligations to the American people when it comes to securing our border and enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.
Standing strong with all of you, I know we can do this. Again, thank you all for being here. May God bless you and the great state Arizona. And may God always bless and protect the United States of America.
---
I stand here today aiming to make a simple case on the subject of America’s border with Mexico and our illegal immigration policy. I know my words will be distorted by those who disagree. My opponents have already painted me as hard-hearted and uncompassionate. They’re wrong. My career, my record, my life … all stands as proof as to how wrong the critics are.
The truth I’ve come to share with you is anything but hateful. It has nothing to do with skin color, nothing to do with extremism. Instead, it’s rooted in FREEDOM. My truth shares the spirit of our Founding Fathers' quest to “form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty.”
We MUST secure Arizona’s and America’s southern border.That is my truth. We must secure our border to keep our citizens safe. We must secure our border because we are a nation of laws. We must secure our border to ensure our vital and valuable and continuing relationship with Mexico.
There is no other choice, no better option. There is no next-best, easier truth. Of course, there are those in Washington who will tell you … from 3,000 miles away … that our border is more secure than ever.
Tell that to the survivors and friends of Robert Krentz, a dedicated, community-minded man shot to death on the same Cochise County ranch his family has called home for more than 100 years. Tell that to the friends and relatives of a brave and noble border patrol agent – Agent Brian Terry – a victim of a border gang that was armed by our own federal government – allowing guns to be shipped into Mexico in the scandalous Fast-and-Furious Operation.
Tell that to the Arizonans who wake up to find a drop house raid in progress, or who witness high-speed chases on our freeways and in our neighborhoods, or who spend hours in an overburdened emergency room on a Saturday night, waiting while consoling a suffering child. Tell that to our taxpayers, forced to bear the expenses – including state and federal prison cells overflowing with thousands of illegal alien felons – at a total cost of more than one billion dollars each year.
Those are the facts, plain and simple. Our opponents, the self-styled do-gooders, try mightily to bury them. They spin and shout, hate and denounce. To disagree with them, I’ve learned, is to suffer incredible verbal abuse. But, let me assure you, I can live with those consequences, because I believe in the truth and I believe in taking action to protect our hard-won freedoms. Besides, no amount of distortion can hide the absolute truth.
The federal government – Republicans and Democrats alike – has failed every single American. All of us. Washington’s abdication of responsibility is the overarching outrage of America’s illegal immigration crisis. America’s failure to understand this problem at a national level – and deal with it – has haunted border states like mine for decades.For years, Washington has stood idly by, letting our southern border grow more porous and more dangerous.
For years, they’ve tolerated a situation that every day encourages the wanton violation of our neighborhoods’ integrity and safety. The freedom I believe in should be protected by a framework of laws enforced consistently and impartially. I believe in a prosperity that should be enjoyed by all – on both sides of the border. I believe in a relationship with Mexico that celebrates a partnership – one that encourages a dynamic trading environment – a testament to international understanding and friendship. For that to happen, there must be commitment on both sides of the line. Without that commitment, we will have only more of the same.
If Arizona and America are to thrive over the next two decades, Arizona, Washington, D.C., and Mexico must work to create a legal and secure framework to grow our economy and Mexico’s … together. Arizona needs a border that is secure in preventing illegal immigration but effective in promoting swift and easy legal entry. We need ports of entry that facilitate the efficient transaction of goods and products between Arizona and Mexico, our largest trading partner. We cannot allow outdated ports of entry to result in excessive wait times that push legal commerce and industry to other states. We are making progress. Our largest commercial crossing at Mariposa will go from 4 to 12 passenger lanes this year, and is doubling its number of commercial inspection lanes.
Likewise, we have just recently completed expansion at the Lukeville port of entry and opened a brand new commercial port of entry at San Luis II.But we can’t stop there.Last month, I traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico and joined my good friend Governor Padres to meet with business and government leaders representing Arizona and Sonora. I told them that our two states represent a border region, and this region is competing worldwide for jobs and economic development. A secure border – one that blocks criminal trafficking but facilitates legal trade and commerce – is not contrary to our shared goal of economic prosperity. It is simply essential.
In closing, let me say that with the help of individuals like those of you in this room today, we’ll continue to push for an effective border that protects our citizens while welcoming tourism, trade and commerce. We’ll push for a border that aids Arizona’s economic growth – and Mexico’s economic growth, without enabling the crime that threatens our citizens.And, we’ll push for the federal government to finally fulfill its obligations to the American people when it comes to securing our border and enforcing our nation’s immigration laws.
Standing strong with all of you, I know we can do this. Again, thank you all for being here. May God bless you and the great state Arizona. And may God always bless and protect the United States of America.
05 March 2012
On the scourge of misleading subject lines
"HELP HELP!" I came running when I heard the woman yelling in distress. I thought, maybe this is my chance to help somebody that really needs it. "No time to waste," I thought - "Quit thinking! Get in there and help that woman!"
"HELP! My fiance and I are thinking about purchasing a home in Riverwalk...Does anyone have any tips/advice on this area???
What are the pros/cons of living there? Thanks for your help!"
When I arrived, there was nobody there, so I slowly ducked back out, and ...the onlookers had left.
There was nobody, nobody, save a visibly shaken subject line curled up into a ball on the asphalt, and a search-this-forum button,
...
...with a single tear running down its cheek.
THE END
03 March 2012
FATCA (t) is F(u)BAR
Excerpt:
Pelerin, Monty. (April 5, 2011) "When Government Turns Predator". American Thinker. Retrieved from http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/04/when_government_turns_predator.html
Hypothetical Case 1: Jim lives in a foreign country and has dutifully filed a US income tax return each year, but was unaware of FBAR filing retirements. Jim operates eight accounts: four retirement accounts (which he reported on his annual tax returns), two trading accounts, a checking account and a high interest savings account. The highest balance in these accounts is $1,000,000 over the last six years. His current balance is $800,000 after the market dip.
Jim doesn't know what to do. After great worry, he enters the Voluntary Disclosure Program. The IRS assesses Jim a $250,000 FBAR penalty. In order to pay the penalty, Jim must withdraw funds from his retirement accounts forcing an additional tax liability of $100,000 on the income. Jim is no longer able to retire because his $800,000 has been reduced to $450,000, solely as a result of IRS capriciousness.
Hypothetical case 2: Nancy is a teacher and mother of three, married to a citizen of the foreign country where she has lived for fifteen years. She dutifully filed her taxes in the US, but never knew about FBAR. A friend entered the Voluntary Disclosure Program and was assessed $14,000. She contemplates the renunciation of American citizenship, because her foreign husband owns a successful business and Nancy is a signer on business accounts. She fears exposing her husband's business to the IRS and also fears that upon her death, the IRS will seek its pound of flesh from her estate. She renounces citizenship, though it breaks her heart.
Pelerin, Monty. (April 5, 2011) "When Government Turns Predator". American Thinker. Retrieved from http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/04/when_government_turns_predator.html
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