Pure, Unadulterated Joy

Don't forget to vote this Tuesday! Nov 8 - here's where to go to vote in person

By Joy A. Kennelly

Now that I've been living in Texas, it's been shocking to hear exactly how many people are still leaving California. If you live there still, why?:)

In any case, according to one Republican friend she said they've been signing up over 100,000 new Republican voters this year in Texas alone. Do you blame them? Crime has exploded in Democrat-run states, the border is still wide open contrary to the lies told by this administration which many in Texas deal with constantly, and homeless are everywhere in Democrat-run states. Here are some pictures taken on a Hobb's ranch in Brackettville, Texas. Can you imagine your personal yard having this many uninvited visitors? This is what the media never shares...

I had the privilege of hearing the former head of ICE speak recently and the stories he was sharing were so horrific I had to plug my ears or else have nightmares. I don't have a problem with immigration, but I do have an issue with illegal immigration and especially unchecked like under Biden. Don't believe the lies that it's under control. It's not. The news is just not covering it. You might recognize these gentlemen because I believe the top is the former ICE Director and he's been a guest on numerous news shows.

Numerous people are moving away from Austin because of the increased crime and homelessness. In fact, Austin is near the top of depreciating home values due to this and an inflated real estate market.

And when gas prices are over $6.00 in Los Angeles, food prices have skyrocketed everywhere, and rent too, at a certain point you have to look at the base cause of this explosion of awfulness and realize your vote makes a difference. 

It always amazes me when I hear Democrats complain about their horrible cost of living, crime, and everything else going on, but still are clueless that it's their party causing it. Then they move to states like Texas and want to ruin them too. 

A woman on Facebook said 2 of her friends left CA for red states and planned to vote blue because they were avowed communists. I wish those who think socialism, communism, defunding the police, open borders and every other crazy idea they throw around so cavalierly would live in the hell holes they create rather than refusing to take responsibility.  

So, we can be friends if you vote differently, but just realize I consider you a low-information voter who enjoys denial. LOL Because if you really looked at states like California, New York, Minnesota, Michigan, and other Democrat-run states with any facts, logic, and reality, you would see that the reason for all the ailments in your communities is due to Democrats.

Not that Republicans are perfect by any means. I just look at it as the lesser of two evils. And God forbid anyone stupid enough to think Gavin Newsom has helped California do anything other than fail to decide to help his run for the presidency we are all doomed. He is worse than his Aunt Nancy Pelosi.

And don't get me started on Paul Pelosi's late-night tryst gone wrong. That's all. Oh, and if you want to see where to vote in Texas, here's the link: https://www.votetexas.gov/voting/where.html 

If you live in Brewster County, here's who has been recommended by someone who is actually a Dem and yet supports the Republican for County Judge.

Brewster County

Brewster County Judge
Republicans: Greg Hennington

And if you live somewhere else, go here: https://www.usa.gov/election-day

That's all. Have a good night. 

 

 

Today's message and prayer during Church of the Highlands 21 Days of Prayer is on fire!

Romans 12:1-2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

WOW WOW WOW!

Today's message and prayer at the Church of the Highlands was on fire! Here's the link if you want to hear and watch and see how thousands of people around the country are lifting up prayer requests for things that matter to you and society right now:

https://21days.churchofthehighlands.com/media/ce65242a-7a76-496a-a4c7-83a20f0f15ec

Today's 21 days of prayer is all about spiritual attacks on the family and encouraging us to put on the full armor of God. We need to step into our place of authority and fight the devil.

Ephesians 6:10 - 13  

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 

Be encouraged! Do not shrink back and be destroyed, stand in your purpose and your calling. Do not flee, Nehemiah 4:14  “Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

 

Focus on the home and believe God can do great things. This is what the pastor was preaching and praying for today and encouraged all of us to pray too. That we would have: 

 

1. Homes built on the Word of God

2. Homes will have a spirit of unity, established in prayer

3. Homes filled with children in love with God. 

 

I have been so blessed and encouraged as I follow along daily I just had to share and encourage others to join me.

It's been really amazing to see what I'm praying for manifest in real life too. I've been praying for our government officials, our country, my alma mater, my friends and their families, my family, my favorite celebrities, Hollywood, and whoever and whatever God brings to mind as I'm lifting up these prayers to Him.

 

I believe in the power of prayer. I believe in God's goodness. I believe in the power of God's truth. love and ability to change lives and circumstances.

 

I see it in my own life and in certain things happening in the country today which is why I have to write and share this with you to encourage you to join me in the final days of this amazing experience.

There's so much evil and darkness in the world right now. Wouldn't it be nice to have some light and encouragement in the midst of it? That's why I'm doing this. It changes my whole perspective and gives me encouragement that God is in control and He wins over the evil going on right now.

I think of this shocking story which you can read in full detail by clicking the link... Madonna Accused of Pornography and Child Trafficking in Southern Africa – Ethiopian World Federation Urges President of Malawi to Conduct Investigation  By Jim Hoft Published January 18, 2023 

 

Or this one: Gay Couple Allegedly Pimped Out, Made Child Porn With Adopted Children

 

I can't help but wonder if people praying for those caught in sex trafficking, human trafficking, and other abuses against children haven't caused these to come out now. I know I pray for that to end.

 

There's been too many women and children sex and human trafficked across our borders which is heartbreaking to me. The U.S. Department of State estimates between 14,500 and 17,500 victims are trafficked within the United States each year.⁴ An estimated 72% of these victims are immigrants.

 

When I think about it, all I can do is pray for our borders, for the people caught in the crosshairs and that God will intervene, give our government officials wisdom in handling it, and that we will have law and order once again. It's out of my hands...

And on the flip side, I see positive news happening that makes me feel good: 

 

1. Cancer Plummets, Guinea Worm Eradicated, Bye-Bye Ebola—3 Huge Wins for a Healthier Humanity

 

2. Alec Baldwin to be charged in fatal 'Rust' shooting 

I know some may not think Alec being charged is positive, but I've been praying there will be justice in the world and I think it IS manslaughter when someone deliberately points a gun at someone and shoots it, fake or not.

 

I'm also tired of celebrities literally getting away with murder as Bruce Jenner did in that fatal car crash. I also feel sometimes we have to go through hard times to trust in God, not ourselves. Perhaps Alec will turn to God now?

3. Biden’s Covid ‘emergency’ has become a well-worn, flimsy crutch

 

But enough of me and my opinions of what's happening in the world, let's get back to God and his will for our lives.:)

 

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible and I hope it encourages you too: Jeremiah 29:11 ¹¹ For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for prosperity and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

 

And here's a musical version with sign language!

So! I hope this encourages and challenges you to join me as we continue our journey through the 21 Days of Prayer with the Church of the Highlands!

 

They have a great app for pray called Pray First which you can find in both iPhone and Android stores. And I like having the church app too because it makes it easier to find the message. You can also just watch on your computer. Whatever works! Just pray! 

 

God bless your day as my friend Ashley always says. If you'd like some worship music to play in the background as you go about your day, here's some I just found. 

Have a great week! I plan to!

 

 

 

 

Join me and many other frustrated #California residents to learn more about the #recallgavin2020 #recallgavinnewsom efforts! #vote #Failedleadership

Thank God for Black Preachers and other thoughts this 9th day of the riots, protests and looting. #BLM #LOVECONQUERSALL #Justice #peace

By Joy A. Kennelly

Have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised to see the peace marches happening in Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach yesterday. But while it's easy to march, it will be interesting to see if the white people marching decide to hire black people for more than delivering their groceries, their take-out orders, or retail jobs. I hate to say it, but talk is cheap and action means more when taken in a new positive direction. 

So, all you investors and celebrities living in the South Bay in your mansions, will you hire minorities on  your sets? Fund their startups? Rebuild their businesses? Fund their dreams? Or merely march once, figure you've done your civic duty and go back to your normal lives feeling better about yourselves? Will you donate to help change inner city kids lives? Will you recognize the constant threat of violence so many children grow up under with no hope for a way out of the vicious cycle because their parents aren't able to get out of years of systematic poverty? 

And yes, minorities do hold some of the responsibility for their situations, just like I do mine. I'm just saying, let's take the high road and create a bridge to another life rather than wave at them from the other side and wish them well. 

And that's all I'll say on that for now. 

I listened to a black preacher my friend Maria and my little Mom used to love named Creflo Dollar who really spoke to me this morning. I want to share the scripture he shared and how he shared it because maybe you need a little encouragement today too. I always love black preachers because they've been through some things and they get how much we need God in times like these. Sometimes I think white preachers are so far removed from the trenches minorities live with on a daily basis they just can't give the comfort necessary to those of us living with the nightmare on a daily basis.

Last night I had numerous thugs walking around near my place setting off fireworks - not just fireworks, cherry bombs that sounded like bombs. Firecrackers that sounded like gunshots. Finally I had enough and yelled at them to cut it out. Then I saw more going off and I called the police. The idiot dispatcher was like where is it? I gave them a general vicinity and because she still refused to understand I told her I'd go do her job for her and raced over to the street the largest display was coming from only to find a group of young kids. 

Interestingly though, earlier, down the street I heard what sounded like a domestic violence disturbance from the messed up house down the street and kept waiting for someone to yell for help. It eventually subsided so I didn't report it. However, when I raced out of my house to track down the explosions I saw a black guy wearing a hoodie scurrying away and two cars ran the stop sign to get away too.

This is my life right now. And what minorities live with on a regular basis in these low income neighborhoods.

I was so mad I called Maxine Waters and demanded she do something to make it stop. I also tweeted at her, and all the black bishops leading these congregations in the hood, and all the black politicians doing nothing to quell the unrest. Whether or not it does any good will have to be seen. But I felt better. LOL

Sometimes you just need to yell and scream which is why I understand why people are "peacefully" protesting. However, allowing Antifa to run wild and not report it as news is where the media is failing society. They're so intent on libeling our President they refuse to report anything else than that which is a total disservice to the black officer who lost his life due to looters, the black businesses that have been devastated, the black homeless living in DTLA and under the bridge near Otis, or anywhere you drive in California lately.

WE HAVE TO DO BETTER! WE HAVE TO REPORT WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON AND STOP BLAMING TRUMP FOR EVERYTHING. WE HAVE TO REALIZE GAVIN NEWSOM HAS DIVERTED FUNDS CONSTANTLY FROM THE STATE BUDGET DESIGNED TO TAKE CARE OF OUR VETERANS, OUR HOMELESS, OUR UNEMPLOYMENT, OUR SENIORS AND USED IT FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT CITIZENS.

At a certain point we either defend our state and our rights as citizens to live in a city that is devoid of corruption, or accept the results of it. Gavin Newsom acts like Robin Hood, only the poor people he thinks he's saving aren't who most normal people want him to save. We want him to save our Veterans, our Homeless, our Seniors and when he spends $150 million to save illegals I have a problem with that. BIG PROBLEM.

Who is going to bail out the businesses that were just ransacked, looted and damaged? Why are celebrities saying defund the police when they have expensive security protecting them? When will they be as defenseless as the rest of us to hear how insane what they're saying is, or who they're funding is? I just can't understand the depths of ignorance and self-righteous posturing I see. But then again, you may consider what I'm doing the same. LOL And therein lies the conundrum. 

I know I said I wasn't going to say anything else, but this really, really, really bugs me. And 140 characters in a tweet aren't enough to express my sheer frustration and anger at the lack of protection, leadership, and sanctity of human life I see in all areas of California administration. 

I'm glad Jamie Foxx, Stephen Jackson and others are in Minneapolis calling for justice. I stand with them. There needs to be change and justice, but you have to also realize this isn't a one-sided conversation. Watch this:

I was happy to hear Andrew Cuomo back off his statement criticizing the NYPD after what they're having to face with organized rioting. If you don't believe me, then believe this soviet since so many of you love Russia.:)

Or how about Investigative journalist.Winner of Alfred I duPont–Columbia Uni Silver Baton, multiple Emmys, Edward R. Murrow Awards etc Lara Logan Has No Agenda on Fox Nation Just read her twitter feed because it's all there: https://twitter.com/laralogan?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Saw this just now and feel it fits my thoughts today. 

And with that, I will close out this missive with the words of the Pastor I promised to share earlier, but then got fired up sharing something else.:)

Psalm 91: 1 - 16

 I DECLARE Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.^[a]

I DECLARE I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
    my God, in whom I trust.”

I DECLARE Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.

I DECLARE He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

I DECLARE You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.

I DECLARE A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.

I DECLARE You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

^{I DECLARE} If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
    no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.

 

I DECLARE For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;

 

I DECLARE they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

 

I DECLARE You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

 

I DECLARE “Because he^[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

 

^{I DECLARE} He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Amen and Amen. May God bless the reading of His word and God bless you. 

Don't forget! Tonight's Presidential debate!

And do yourself a favor, watch this analysis of the Libya crisis to prepare. I know, it's Fox News, but get over your bias and watch it because it's one of the few media sources to actually show the way this President has handled this crisis using real news stories in a chronological manner.

You may be shocked at what you see...

 

In honor of tonight's #debates courtesy of @HubSpot @pizzahut @bostonmarket @joshhafer @JetBlue @BarackObama & @MittRomney -Enjoy!:)

By Joy A. Kennelly

If you're new to social media and want a great resource, you MUST start reading and following Hubspot.com. I have loved their information for years and really enjoyed reading the book, Marketing Lessons from the Grateful Dead WHAT EVERY BUSINESS CAN LEARN FROM THE MOST ICONIC BAND IN HISTORY by David Meerman Scott and Brian Halligan, CEO of Hubspot.

If you're a band or a musician, that book should be a must-read for you. Don't worry, lots of short chapters, easy-to-understand information, and if you like the Grateful Dead, bonus!:)

In any case, just wanted to remind you tonight is the debate. I think I heard Obama might even show up this time. LOL 

Oh, and for those making a party of it, here's some food suggestions. Pizza, anyone?

 Or, what about Boston Market?

 

Or for those who like liquor with their debates...

"Along with launch of its left wing and right wing bourbons, the Heaven Hills Distillery also launched two separate Facebook pages in support of each position. And for every Facebook like they receive, Heaven Hill Distilleries is also donating $1 to the Veterans of Foreign Wars. I like that a lot! 

Or, print this out and follow along in the bar or at home. It will make the lies told easier to take.

Or for those who like coffee, you've probably heard 7/11 store is offering red and blue cups for the election? Apparently, their sales have actually have predicted past elections, but what I found funny is when Stephen Colbert, or was it Jon Stewart, who said it wasn't accurate because Mormons don't drink coffee! LOL

And my favorite ad because I hear people say this all the time...

 

Read more: http://blog.hubspot.com/blog/tabid/6307/bid/33707/8-Clever-Ways-Brands-Are-Newsjacking-the-Election-for-Marketing.aspx#ixzz29Vi6FZjs 

So! Enjoy the debate. I plan to watch the first bit and then am escaping to my Bible Study because I need to keep a good perspective on this election.:)

And for all my Democrat friends reading this, HAPPY HALLOWEEN! I'm sure this picture is scaring you to death! LOL I was shocked to see how many South Bay homes proudly displayed these signs. Hmm...

10 Reasons to Kill OBAMACARE By: Jane Hamsher -72% are mad as hell and not going to take it any more.

I posted this blog back in December of 2009 and am reposting it because it's just as valid today as it was back then. This is why Obamacare better not be approved in the Supreme Court. Your rights are being taken away and you're allowing it. Read this and see if you don't agree at the end of reading it. 

By Joy A. Kennelly

Tonight I'm just re-posting Jane Hamsher, whose bio is impressive: "Jane’s work has appeared on the Huffington Post, Alternet and The American Prospect. She has appeared on CNN, MSNBC and PBS and is the author of the best selling book Killer Instinct. She has produced such films Natural Born Killers and Permanent Midnight and currently lives in Washington, D.C."

Before I get to her amazing healthcare article, just thought you'd like to know according to The Word Doctor's, Frank Luntz's latest poll regarding Obamacare: 72% of Americans are mad as hell and not going to take it any more.

Nice to hear I'm not alone in my thinking that passing Obamacare is egregious corruption.

For those of you who don't know Frank Luntz, he's the focus group guru on America who even President Obama has said, "When Frank Luntz invites you to talk to his focus group, you talk to his focus group."

Here's an excerpt from Frank's website: "The Word Doctors is a powerhouse in the profession of message creation and image management. We have counseled Presidents and Prime Ministers, Fortune 100 CEOs and Hollywood creative teams in harnessing the power of language and visuals to change hearts, change minds and change behaviors."

Click here for more information, but don't forget to come back and read Jane Hamsher's article. You won't want to miss it.

Frank has also written the #4 Wall Street Journal Best Selling Business book and #6 Best Selling Hardcover Business book entitled, What Americans Really Want...The Truth about our Hopes, Dreams and Fears. He's extremely qualified to make this assessment of the current state of American's opinions.

Please sign up to be part of his upcoming focus groups here to have your voice heard: http://www.theworddoctors.com/signup.php

Now without further ado, the independent thinking progressive, Jane Hamsher's article. According to Larry Johnson's blog, No Quarter, "She has given approval for her list to be shared with everyone, so go for it! As Jane points out, it is irrelevant whether we’re on the left or right: All of us agree that this legislation is a disaster."

By: Jane Hamsher Monday December 21, 2009 7:10 am

 

FDL has become the go-to place for coverage of the health care bill due to the work of our incredible team. Jon Walker’s second-to-none knowledge of the health care bill has made the policy and political analysis he offers up at  FDL Action a driving force. Dave Dayen’s reporting at the FDL News Desk, Marcy Wheeler ’s research and in-depth analysis at Emptywheel, Laura Flanders’ interviews at GritTV, our FDL team of writers and editors, and our community members at The Seminal provide the most independent and comprehensive picture of what’s happening moment-by-moment on the health care debate to be found anywhere.

So, I asked them to help make it simple: how do we let people know what’s going to happen to them if the Senate bill passes? Everyone put their heads together and came up with a list:

Top 10 Reasons to Kill Senate Health Care Bill

1. Forces you to pay up to 8% of your income to private insurance corporations — whether you want to or not.
2. If you refuse to buy the insurance, you’ll have to pay penalties of up to 2% of your annual income to the IRS.
3. Many will be forced to buy poor-quality insurance they can’t afford to use, with $11,900 in annual out-of-pocket expenses over and above their annual premiums.
4. Massive restriction on a woman’s right to choose, designed to trigger a challenge to Roe v. Wade in the Supreme Court.
5. Paid for by taxes on the middle class insurance plan you have right now through your employer, causing them to cut back benefits and increase co-pays.
6. Many of the taxes to pay for the bill start now, but most Americans won’t see any benefits — like an end to discrimination against those with preexisting conditions — until 2014 when the program begins.
7. Allows insurance companies to charge people who are older 300% more than others.
8. Grants monopolies to drug companies that will keep generic versions of expensive biotech drugs from ever coming to market.
9. No re-importation of prescription drugs, which would save consumers $100 billion over 10 years.
10. The cost of medical care will continue to rise, and insurance premiums for a family of four will rise an average of $1,000 a year — meaning in 10 years, your family’s insurance premium will be $10,000 more annually than it is right now.

Background information on each point:

1. Hardship Waiver And Restrictions On Immigrants Buying Insurance Undercut Arguments For An Individual Mandate, by Jon Walker
2. What’s in the Manager’s Amendment by David Dayen
3. MyBarackObama Tax by Marcy Wheeler
4. Emperor Ben Nelson: All Your Uteruses Are Belong To Me by Scarecrow
5. The Senate Bill is Designed to Make Your Health Insurance Worse by Jon Walker
6. Best way to “Fix It Later” Is With No Individual Mandate Now by Jon Walker
7. The Senate Health Care Bill is Built on a Mountain of Sand by Jon Walker
8. The Devil in Anna Eshoo’s Details by Jane Hamsher
9. Liveblog of the Dorgan Reimportation Amendment by David Dayen
10. Answering Nate Silver’s 20 Questions on the Health Care Bill by Jon Walker

The Senate bill isn’t a “starter home,” it’s a sink hole.  It needs to die so something else can take its place. It doesn’t matter whether people are on the right or the left — once they understand the con job that’s about to be foist upon them, they agree.  That’s why Harry Reid and President Obama are trying to jam it through as fast as they can, before people get wise.

So email the list to your friends and family, tweet it and spread the word.

Sign the petition: kill the Senate bill.

Sign up for www.theworddoctors.com

 Again, I did not write the above except the introduction. If you hold a different opinion, or have other information that counters what is stated, please feel free to leave a comment as I always want to hear the other side. Doesn't mean I will always agree with it, but am open to hearing another perspective.

President Obama promised Change as his campaign promise. Are backroom deals, bribery, and the total lack of transparency what you voted for?  Is he really still the Hope and Change you voted for as President? Or a sleazy politician like everyone else?

Think about it.

Have a good night.

California vs. Georgia - NO Comparison. #GA RULES!:) #in

By Joy A. Kennelly

After reading this article on the latest insanity imposed by CA legislators (a crime for hotels to have flat sheets - read the full article here: NANNY STATE MADNESS: CALIFORNIA‘S PROPOSED ’FITTED SHEET’ LAW)

I realized this epitomizes what I hate the most about CA and why I left even though I'm a 2nd Generation Native. Sheer madness of over-regulation, over-taxation and a myriad of other issues best stated by friend, Jody Eldred, here:

"I am SO glad they are FINALLY addressing this. It has been ruining our state. Illegal immigration, crime, a ruinous business climate, borderline bankruptcy, housing foreclosures, some of the highest unemployment in America, horrible schools, amoral values run amuck, the porn industry capital of the world, climbing abortion rates, torn up highways and streets... these PALE in comparison to the valiant efforts of our state legislators in this noble cause."

My thoughts exactly. 

It's soooo nice to be living in a state that has it's government head on straight and leave behind a state that is like an immature, out-of-touch teenager who thinks the world revolves around their every thought.

Oh, and let's not forget the desire to be the first green state and in so doing, driving business out of LA in droves, raising taxes, creating the third highest unemployment in the country, and a state that doesn't have a budget, is deep in debt to the tune of $26 billion, raids city coffers to pay for what they can't afford, and has no leadership.

Those of us who grew up in CA remember the first time now Governor Jerry Brown was in office and know he has no better idea of how to lead this state now than when he did the first time! Even Gavin Newsom agreed with me which was an anomaly since I would normally never agree with anything he says.

Here's an excerpt of my Letter to the Editor of the LA Times which never ran, but holds true even today: "CA has been primarily a Democrat-run state for many, many years and we wouldn't be in this mess if there wasn't such a state-imposed government chokehold on the ability of businesses to operate here.

I'm a 2nd generation native CA and grew up in the 70's with a father who believed in solar energy, raising our own food, recycling, composting and everything else eco. I remember our state as one everyone wanted to come to and CA being called the 'Golden State.'

Since that time it has progressively (and I use that word intentionally) gone downhill. Recently, a potential celebrity facialist client explained the reason she wanted to hire me to market her business was because 30% of her rich clientele had left the state.

We have one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, businesses are fleeing to TX, AZ, and anywhere else they aren't taxed to death, both of my sisters have left and my parents and many others have, or plan to, leave also.

Governor Brown, as someone bought and paid for by the unions, those of us ... in CA look forward to the time you truly act independently and make the tough decisions to pull our state away from the brink of disaster."

It will never happen, but one can dream right? Now on the flip-side, Georgia has the following going for it:

"Domestically, our state tax rate is very competitive, and state law mandates that Georgia’s budget is continuously balanced. Both the legislative and executive branches of state government has worked for years to create and maintain an excellent environment for business growth and success. 

Examples include passage of the single factor corporate tax apportionment, integrated plant theory for sales and use tax exemption, improvements to the existing BEST Job Tax Credits and the creation of new tax credits for strategic industry growth. 

In addition, Georgia is a right-to-work state with a highly skilled workforce, world-class universities and technical colleges. For 2010, Georgia has maintained its longtime Standard & Poor’s rating of AAA, a Moody’s AAA credit rating and a Fitch AAA rating. 

If you want to know how business-friendly Georgia’s climate can be, simply look around the state. It’s home to some of the world’s most recognized corporations, including Georgia-grown Coca-Cola, CNN and The Home Depot.

These three native companies are joined by at least a dozen other of the world’s most well-recognized firms in taking advantage of what the state has to offer. Among them: UPS (above), Delta Air Lines, AFLAC Insurance, Newell Rubbermaid, CIBA Vision, Gulfstream Aerospace and most recently NCR."

So nice to live in a state where those in leadership are adults and have business as an aspect to treasure, support and encourage, rather than kill, drive out-of-state, or out-of-business.

If you want to learn more about Georgia, then check out these sites: www.georgia.org, and http://www.knowatlanta.com/ 

I debated between Texas and Georgia, but the reason I went with Georgia is because my friend is here and loved it; I needed more lush scenery than the arid desert-like conditions of Texas; I loved the churches out here having admired them from afar for many years; and I thought I would know within three months whether or not I wanted to stay.

I knew within a week this is where I am supposed to be. It just feels right. I'm dating, there's more opportunities to create and find work, and it's absolutely gorgeous. I love the trees and scenery. My grandmother is from Georgia and a part of me feels like I've come home in some odd way.

What I struggle with now is wanting all my friends in CA to move out here, and then not wanting anyone to spoil my experience because then I would be responsible for helping them acclimate as my friend has me.

However, maybe in time when I feel more settled and ready to be hospitable, it won't matter as much. But until I can drive to the Perimeter Center Mall and not drive around lost for 15 minutes or so looking for a simple store I know is there without having to rely on my GPS to get me back on track, I think for now I am enjoying the freedom from any expectations of the people I left behind.

Sometimes a fresh start is just that. Fresh. No attachments. No entanglements. No past responsibilities to drag you down. No dead end relationships to hurt you any more. No mean people to gossip and attack you any more.

A fresh start with fresh possibilities.

Just nice, down-to-earth Southern people who, upon hearing I'm new to Georgia, say with a warm smile and sincerity in their voice, "Welcome to Georgia." 

Thank you. I do feel welcome here and appreciate your Southern hospitality.

Means a lot.:)

@myfoxla Thanks for @janicehahn update #Gang Intervention #Money #Controversy Not Over Yet Whoa

Gang Intervention Money Controversy Not Over Yet FOX 11 News video report.

Published : Thursday, 07 Jul 2011, 1:01 AM PDT

• 

  Reporter:
  Chris Blatchford

  Posted by: myFOXla.com Web Staff

Los Angeles - The FOX 11 News investigation that's at the center of a heated political battle in the South Bay.

Next week in a special election, voters will choose between Janice Hahn and Craig Huey for the 36th Congressional District.

Huey supporters have been going door to door with copies of an investigation reported by our Chris Blatchford three years ago about Janice Hahn.

Last week, Hahn's attorneys sent us a cease and desist demand to stop us from doing a followup story, but we've decided it's important to set the record straight.

 

Story Script:

CITY COUNCILWOMAN JANICE HAHN, 3 YEARS AGO, ABRUPTLY CUT-OFF THIS INTERVIEW.

DURING THIS 25-MINUTE SESSION, WE WERE PRESSING HAHN FOR MORE THAN WE WERE GETTING AS WE ASKED HER ABOUT USING GANG MEMBERS AS PAID INTERVENTION WORKERS.

THREE TIMES HER PRESS AIDE INTERRUPTED AND TRIED TO STOP THE INTERVIEW.

IT ENDED WITH A FINAL QUESTION: SHOULD CONVICTED DRUG DEALERS AND RAPISTS WORK AS GANG INTERVENTION WORKERS?

JODI LINK/DEPUTY D.A. 
"The evidence in this case was absolutely overwhelming."

THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE HAHN INTERVIEW, CONVICTED ARMED ROBBER, DRUGGIE, AND RAPIST STEVE MYRICK -- A P.J. CRIP GANG MEMBER FROM WATTS KNOWN AS "PJ STEVE" -- WAS SENTENCED TO 2-LIFE TERMS IN PRISON.

HE HAD "TRUST NO BITCH" TATTOOED ON HIS ARM...

"He showed no mercy."

...WHEN AT GUNPOINT, HE THREATENED TO KILL, THEN RAPED A YOUNG WOMAN IN FRONT OF HER BOYFRIEND DURING A HOME INVASION ROBBERY.

PJ STEVE'S DEFENSE ATTORNEY -- AT THE SENTENCING -- PRESENTED A CERTIFICATE FROM JANICE HAHN...

JAMES P. COOPER III/DEFENSE ATTY. 
"That commended Mr. Myrick on his efforts to bring peace to the community."

DURING THIS 2006 INTERVIEW WITH HAWTHORNE POLICE AFTER HIS RAPE ARREST, PJ STEVE QUICKLY EXPLAINED HE WAS PART OF -- WHAT HE CALLED -- THE "PEACE MOVEMENT."

"I started working with Janice Hahn, ya know what I'm saying."

HE SAID HE WAS TO BE PAID FOR HIS EFFORTS.

"We got a cease fire in Watts right now. And we had to bring everybody to the table like, people that Janice Hahn couldn't get out and reach."

"Do you get paid for that or what?"

"Yeah. Actually I get paid from Jim Brown. I just got put on his payroll."

FORMER NFL GREAT JIM BROWN, WHO FOUNDED A GANG INTERVENTION PROJECT CALLED AMER-I-CAN -- AT THE TIME OF OUR ORIGINAL STORY -- NEVER RETURNED REPEATED PHONE CALLS AND E-MAILS. 

"So you work for Janice Hahn and Jim Brown?"

AMER-I-CAN EXECUTIVE MONIQUE BROWN NOW SAYS, MYRICK "WASN'T ON THE PAYROLL."

IN ANY BETWEEN 2004 AND 2006 -- PJ STEVE BARED HIS BUTTOCKS IN FRONT OF A CROWD, TOLD COPS TO "KISS HIS ASS," WAS CAUGHT WITH AN OPEN CONTAINER OF BOOZE AND MARIJUANA, AND VIOLATED 3 ORDERS TO STAY AWAY FROM THE IMPERIAL COURTS PROJECTS. 

"But all the time I was sent over there by her''

HER, HE SAID, MEANING JANICE HAHN.

"That's why I'm out right now. Miss Hahn got me out like 3 weeks ago."

LATER -- IN THIS DAILY BREEZE ARTICLE -- HAHN INSISTED, QUOTE, "THE ONLY THING I'VE EVER DONE IS CALL AND ASK WHAT THE BASIS OF AN ARREST WAS... I NEVER CALLED TO GET ANYONE OUT OF JAIL."

BUT AN ANGRY CITY ATTORNEY WHO WAS PROSECUTING THE MYRICK MISDEMEANOR CASES -- AND WHO DOES NOT WANT TO GO ON CAMERA -- NOW GIVES THIS QUOTE TO FOX 11 NEWS: "I WAS TOLD HAHN'S OFFICE CALLED AND SAID PJ STEVE WORKED FOR HER, AND BECAUSE HE WAS A GANG INTERVENTION WORKER THEY ASKED FOR AN O.R. RELEASE AND IT WAS GRANTED."

"She got me off so it's cool."

Read more and watch the actual newscast by veteran reporter, Chris Blatchford, my news hero: http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/news/local/gang-intervention-money-controversy-20110707#ixzz1RR46JjBq

Now do you see why Craig Huey is a better choice for the 36th District? Go to his website to learn more: www.craighuey.com Janice Hahn is a career politician who is only concerned about running for office, not running our district properly.

Don't believe me? Read this LA Weekly article: http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2010/06/fact-checking_janice_hahn.php

Craig Huey, on the other hand, has been a successful small business owner in the South Bay for over 20 years. He understands what it takes to run a business, create jobs, build our economy, why excessive taxation isn't working and will help stop our state from the brink of disaster.

If you agree, here's a fun way to get involved to help Craig Huey get into office and keep Janice Hahn out:

BIG NEWS!  Both Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and Assemblyman Tim Donnelly will join us on Saturday, July 9^th at the Huey for Congress Headquarters in Torrance.   

 This is the day volunteers from all over California will jump on the bus and travel here to walk and phone for Craig Huey.  We expect hundreds to be joining Los Angeles County Republican volunteers that day.

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher

Please join Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and our newest Assemblyman, Tim Donnelly, to help elect another strong conservative in Congress.   And be sure to thank Tim for his courage and leadership in Sacramento!

JULY 9TH, 10:00AM

"BRING IT HOME" NEIGHBORHOOD WALK - 72-HRS TO ELECTION DAY!

Victory Headquarters

9AM - 4PM Walk and Phone

Barbeque and concert to follow.

23211 Hawthorne Blvd. Suite 200A  

Torrance, CA 90505

310-365-9024 (PLEASE CALL TO RSVP)

OTHER WAYS YOU CAN HELP:  

1.     CALL NIGHTS - Make phone calls to voters 

MONDAY-THURSDAY, 6-9PM at the headquarters.

2.     SPECIAL PHONE BANK AND WALKS FROM THE SANTA MONICA CRAIG HUEY HEADQUARTERS 

Courtesy of Robert Kronovet Realty

3019 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica

Daily 10AM to 8PM

Call Maureen Johnson to RSVP (310) 486-5735

3.     PREP NIGHTS - Help make and prepare precinct packets

FRIDAY, 3-8PM at Torrance location.

4.     WALK & TALK - Walk a neighborhood precinct 

SAT, 10AM or SUN, 1PM from either headquarters.

5.     MAKE CALLS ONLINE - Click Here to begin making calls now: 

MAKE CALLS NOW

(NOTE: If you receive a certificate error, just click on "Continue To This Website")

6.     WALK YOUR OWN NEIGHBORHOOD - Email walk (at) craighuey (dot)com 

or call 310-365-9024 to request your walk packet to be emailed.

Thanks for reading. Don't forget to vote July 12! Tell your friends and neighbors! 

@BBC on Bush's Visit to England in 2003, Calendar Girls, @NYTimes on David Mamet's "The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture," Ringo and @SEIU

By Joy A. Kennelly

May I say how much I love the BBC reporting? It's always fair, balanced, factual, and where you can simply learn the news, rather than political posturing on either side of the parties as is so often the case here in America.

Leave it to the Brits to be dry and to the point! LOL

I love the British, can you tell?:) In fact, I'm watching Calendar Girls again starring Helen Mirren (one of my favorite actresses) and Julie Walters, a darling talented actress I was able to meet at some DGA function years past. 

  "A very British story, with a very British heart, CALENDAR GIRLS is based on an uplifting and very inspiring true story that is quirky, poignant and hilarious." Remember that film? I'm watching it again because I love the story and acting so much.

Here's the original women's site to allow you to know the actual backstory of this true story: http://www.seecalendargirls.com/ Apparently, you can still see the play performed by much younger fully nude women now in England.

Leave it to the British!:) 

Back to my original point about the BBC and Bush. After I posted that article about Obama's visit to England I discovered the BBC had written a very interesting comparison between the two President's visits which I would like to share with you for your reading pleasure in the effort to be balanced because I will always admit when I'm wrong.

Unlike some politicians we know...:)

Obama v Bush: A tale of two state visits

By Vanessa Barford BBC News

 "Barack Obama has completed his three-day state visit to the UK. But how did it compare with the last state visit by a US president, when George Bush came to the country eight years ago in 2003?"

You must read the full comparison here because it's great: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13508572

The journalist who wrote this review on Mamet's book apparently doesn't live in Los Angeles, or only reports his opinion, rather than facts:

"Much of 'The Secret Knowledge' serves as an intellectual riposte to the words and deeds of militant leftists who are dead, repentant, or irrelevant. And while Mamet justly indicts the tri-pronged scourge of political radicalism, economic socialism, and ideological totalitarianism, he identifies this phenomenon not with the regimes of Venezuela, Iran, Libya, or even North Korea, but with mainstream American liberals."

Now obviously, this journalist wasn't aware of this recent communist activity here in our very own Downtown Los Angeles, or he wouldn't have written what he wrote. If he is clueless, perhaps others might not be aware either.

If you can prove this is wrong, please do, but unfortunately, I believe this is accurate. I didn't write it, merely reposting it here for your reading (dis)pleasure courtesy of someone who goes by the name Ringo...

 

"While we slept  ....... Pictures taken downtown Los Angeles on May Day co sponsored by the SEIU and various Communist groups

Look at the pictures below…were they taken in Cuba? Venezuela? Bolivia? Ecuador, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Argentina, maybe Puerto Rico?

Nope…Los Angeles, USA just 4 days ago…this is what happened while we slept…while we went to school, went to work, while we raised our families. While we watched CNN or CBS, ABC or NBC or listened to NPR or read the New York Times and never saw, read or heard a minute of coverage of this travesty…while we let our guard down and we let the Marxist/Socialist/Communist Left and Progressives creep into our schools, the unions, the media and our government…banners and posters with the images of Ernesto “Che” Guevara (Castro’s executioner) and Lenin would make Fidel Castro, Joe Stalin or Karl Marx proud to be an American!

A May Day rally in Los Angeles, co-sponsored by the SEIU and various communist groups, as well as other unions, reflected yet another step in the normalization of self-identified communist and socialist ideologies in the Obama era. Not only did the SEIU help to organize the rally in conjunction with communists, they marched side-by-side with communists, while union members carried communist flags, communists carried union signs, and altogether there was no real way to tell the two apart.

Southern California citizen journalist and photographer “Ringo” was on hand to record the day’s events, and posted a full-length photo essay on his site Ringo’s Pictures. To bring this important photo essay to a wider audience, I present here a small selection of Ringo’s May Day pictures; visit his site to see dozens more photos from the rally.

Photo Credit: Ringo

When I tell people that public political rallies are more and more being led by communists and socialists, most folks simply don’t believe me. Aw, come on, you’re just giving decent protesters an extreme label, they say. No, actually, I’m not: The communists freely and proudly declare their affiliation.

And the SEIU has no problem marching arm-in-arm with them.

“Smash Capitalism” is a slogan the SEIU apparently endorses — or at least doesn’t mind marching behind.

Photo Credit: Ringo

In case you think the SEIU is some peripheral out-of-the-mainstream organization:

The SEIU devoted $28 million to Obama’s campaign, making the SEIU “the organization that spent the most to help Barack Obama get elected president.” Furthermore, who is Obama’s favorite White House guest and one of his closest confidants?

The individual who has visited the Obama White House the most: SEIU President Andy Stern, who has visited 53 times.

Obama is closely linked with the SEIU.

The SEIU is closely linked with communists.

You do the math.

Note how the Communists that day (like the women on the right in this photo) carried solid red flags symbolizing their ideology. Keep that in mind as you view the next photo…

Photo Credit: Ringo

Photo Credit: Ringo

One of the SEIU leaders picked up a Communist flag and led a contingent of rank-and-file SEIU members. Everyone was OK with that.

The way you can identify the SEIU members in all these pictures: They’re the ones in purple t-shirts carrying blue-and-yellow signs.

So, as you can see, the communists and the union members intermingled as the march progressed.

In case you were wondering what the SEIU was saying during all of this, the SEIU chanted “Legalization or REVOLUTION!” Clear enough?

And it wasn’t just the SEIU at the march — other “normal” unions like the AFL-CIO were on hand as well.

Photo Credit: Ringo

Photo Credit: Ringo

Photo Credit: Ringo

Until recently, the average American has regarded fascists and communists as equally noxious and equally malignant. As well they should have. But the drive these days by the left side of the spectrum is to make communism and socialism somewhat less remarkable and more palatable. For two years they angrily denied the Tea Party accusation that Obama’s policies and supporters had a socialist bent.

But in recent months, as the accusation had started to gain traction, the new leftist tactic has become: 'What’s so bad about socialism after all? You’re demonizing a very popular and respectable ideology!'”

Now do you see why I agree with this reviewer's take on his book: "

Famed playwright and screenwriter David Mamet came out of the ideological closet three years ago as a newly minted conservative.

The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture lets Mamet smash the liberal groupthink he blindly called his own for too long.

The book, a scattershot series of essays unified by Mamet’s striking prose, doesn’t read like a typical conservative manifesto. Would Sean Hannity or Ann Coulter expound on the id, the ego, and the superego in explaining how liberals brush aside inconvenient facts?"

You can read the full article here: David Mamet Demolishes the Left’s Sacred Cows

I especially enjoyed reading the NY Times review where the reviewer states: "While reading your new book, “The Secret Knowledge,” I thought, My God, in crucifying liberals, this guy is going to infuriate a huge chunk of the people who pay money to see plays. Are you concerned that you’re alienating your public?" 

 And David Mamet's answer...

"I’ve been alienating my public since I was 20 years old. When “American Buffalo” came out on Broadway, people would storm out and say, “How dare he use that kind of language!” Of course I’m alienating the public! That’s what they pay me for."

Read more here: David Mamet Explains His Shift to the Right By ANDREW GOLDMAN Published: May 27, 2011

 

Because folks, maybe that's why you read me too. LOL

Don't worry. I won't be covering any more deep topics for a little bit. About to become very busy and don't want to offend too many people for too long because that can become a bit boring, don't you agree?:)

Hope you enjoyed your weekend. I sure did! 

Please remember to vote on November 2. Our future and children depend on it.

 

This was produced before the electionn a month ago. I've just found it, but like what it has to say. Please remember to vote. It's a sacred right we hold as American Citizens and your vote does count.

Thank you.

#Social Media Optimization Summits, #Social Media Week, #Start-up Mixer, & #Musicians Institute - Part III Final Wrap-up

By Joy A. Kennelly

Now that my life is settling down a bit, I finally have the time to write about my recent experiences at the Social Media Optimization Summits in Dallas, TX, the recent seminars I attended during Social Media Week here in Los Angeles, the Start-up mixer at Wokcano in Santa Monica I enjoyed, and teaching Social Media and Fan Management at the Musicians Institute.

What some people don't realize, but I'll keep reminding them until they understand this fact, is believe it or not, there are women interested and involved in technology contrary to the young Meetup leader who thought women in the audience at a recent tech event meant we were there solely to look for a husband. lol

Can you believe it? He was a little drunk so I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt for speaking without thinking. Kinda like Jerry Brown allowing his associate to call Meg Whitman a "whore" and then his not apologizing for them during the Gubernatorial debate last night.

 

DUMB and Sexist! I'm really tempted to call Jerry's number and bawl him out since NOW continues to support him. Why? I don't know. Blind adherence to their "religion" I suppose.

But I digress...

Now to give you a little of my tech history. I've been around this industry since the 90's when the dot com craze first hit and produced a very successful online film festival called Media & Entertainment Festival (affectionately nicknamed ME Fest) for Penton Media back in the day.

I have friends who have produced, marketed, and sponsored tech events which I always attend and also keep up-to-date on information by reading and attending conferences. In fact, heading to Las Vegas tomorrow to hit blogWorld too.

I've been incorporating digital marketing into my PR & Marketing strategy for clients for over ten years. I also used to attend all the tech events VIC (Venice Interactive Community) threw and still fondly remember the HUGE party held at the Skirball Center just before the tech crash.

Anyone else remember?:)

If my recent positive experience at Wokcano for the Start-up meeting is any indication of the growth of tech again, I'm sure LA is primed to explode. I enjoyed hearing Investor Mark Suster of GRP Partners sound a rallying cry to tech heads in Los Angeles to stand their ground and refuse to leave for SFO & Seattle to help build up our LA Infrastructure for bigger long-term growth.

I micro-blogged during his talk (editing out his profanity) and you can review that here:

#Mark Suster of GRP Partners speaking @Wokcano

The common thread out of the talks I attended during the Dallas conference seemed to be:

1. Listen to your audience to hear what they're saying about you and your brand

2.Create a strategy based on that research

3. Then contribute.

Here's some highlights of the people I heard once my talk was over.

Jodi Gersh spoke on the Power of Place and analyzed a variety of geo-location tools out there. Her favorite is GoWalla, whereas Jason Falls enjoys Whrrl.

I'm giving Whrrl a whirl although GoWalla is intriguing because of the passport aspect since I love to travel and it would be fun to have a place to showcase my trips while I'm out and about.

I liked having the Geo-Location overview from a marketing person's perspective because then the following week during Social Media Week in Los Angeles, I was able to hear some of the CEO's of even newer geo-location services share their presentations on what made their geo-location service better than the others.

If you click here, and here, it will lead you to my micro-blog coverage of that series on Geo-Location Marketing which was sponsored by Moment Feed. Great evening.

Completely different perspectives and different ways of presenting information, but that's what makes Social Media so interesting. It's constantly evolving due to the creativity and technology utilized by people all over the world.

It's not just about Foursquare people!:) Even though there are now 3 million users using it, this entire type of marketing really isn't mainstream just yet which is limiting it's reach and visibility.

Jodi mentioned even more options too: Foodspotting, footfeed, tri-out, aroundme, tonight.im, m.check.in and to be honest, I haven't had the time to check them out. If you do, let me know what you think.

I ducked in and out of a few Social Media Optimization Summits seminars to make sure I heard as much as possible and if my notes are scarce, that's why.

I popped into Jun Loayza's "How to Implement Ambassador "Experience" Campaigns who stuck with corporate examples for his talk. I never gathered whether or not he was behind the strategies presented, or merely sharing other's successes as examples.

Here's one of his case studies for review. Click the highlighted name to learn more about the actual social media activities for this successful Ford Fiesta launch:

FORD FIESTA MOVEMENT

11 mil social network impressions

2.5 mil shares

11k videos 15k tweets 13k photos

38% gen y

What I enjoyed about his presentation was the direct ROI examples. People still have trouble understanding the value of social media vs. traditional public relations thinking they're separate and don't support each other, but I have never found that to be the case.

Traditional media relations is currently fueled by social media believe it or not. Sometimes the first place journalists learn about what's hot is on social networks. They also regularly read blogs, and constantly comb the internet looking for stories of interest.

I remind people of this all the time, because I have numerous journalists, civic leaders, celebrities, publicists, and others who pop in to read my blog due to my coverage of such a wide variety of topics. I never want to be focused on only one subject because I have a wide interest in all kinds of things and consider my blog more of a magazine style format, than an analysis of just one topic.

Again, I digress.

Back to examples of Ambassador campaigns that worked courtesy of Jun Loayza:

1.      Sharpie Squad - http://blog.sharpie.com/2009/05/meet-the-sharpie-squad/

2.      Red Bull University - http://www.redbullu.com/

3.      The Dew Crew - http://www.carsoncritique.com/college-career/my-job-as-a-mountain-dew-brand-rep-part1/

4.      Charmin – Enjoy the Go http://www.charmin.com/en_US/enjoy-the-go/index.php

As always, Fashion is on the cutting edge of social media and Jun shared how his company had helped create the LG campaign using popular fashion bloggers to spread the news. (Where was my invite? LOL)

Apparently, Jun's company, www.postrank.com, (according to him,) is recommended over Technorati  to find bloggers (which I find hard to believe knowing the CEO of Technorati and learning in another seminar Technorati is considered the 4th largest social network, but hey, Jun may be right among a certain tech demographic...)

His bottom line was determine what you want to accomplish, find the influencers who will help you achieve your goals, and then implement the strategy to achieve your goals. I asked what a band could do to and was given some good ideas which I'll be able to share with my students.

I attended the luncheon where I heard a few speakers including Shashi Bellamkonda from Network Solutions who discussed optional trends in New Media.

He basically gave a bunch of links and a quick highlight of each. You can find it on the company site here somewhere (I don't have time to research it for you.:): http://blog.networksolutions.com/

The speaker I most enjoyed hearing present was Erica Campbell, Senior Manager of New Media Marketing for Rent - Video & Photo Sharing for Optimum Growth & Brand Exposure which you can review here:

Video & Photo Sharing for Optimum Growth & Brand Exposure

View more presentations from Erica Campbell. Be warned, there are 175 slides and trust me, she had to talk REALLY, REALLY fast to go through all of them in the three hours allotted for her chat.

That said, it was great and even though this was applied to the apartment rental industry, the principles apply across the board to any industry and her presentation is excellent.

And I'll close with this speaker since you're probably tired of reading so much data all at once, right?:) Now you know what I feel like after attending all these conferences and seminars! lol

Strategic Planning by Jenn Kane Co.

KD Paine Measurement Checklist:

1.      What are your objectives?

2.      What audiences are you targeting?

3.      How would you prioritize these audiences?

a.      Media, influencers, bloggers, competitors, etc.

b.      Prioritize how you’ll reach them.

4.      What are your Key Performance Indicators?

a.      If this is really working, then>>>>

5.      What is the right measurement tool?

a.      Where will you know you’ve achieved this?

                                          i.     Socialmention.com – free! Use with Kids

                                         ii.     Peoplebrowsr

                                        iii.     Alterian

                                        iv.     Raidan6

                                         v.     Klout

                                        vi.     PR Newswire

                                      vii.     Jive

                                     viii.     www.search.twitter.com

Setting Benchmarks

               To define “Return,” ask:

a.      What are we measuring, and why?

b.      What does success look like?

c.      How will we know when we get there?

d.      Are there incremental milestones worth noting?

There's more, but you should hire Kane Consulting since that's all I have time to cover at the moment. Sorry. :) I enjoyed her talk because I've utilitized a lot of her suggestions as a leader of goal setting groups over the years.

I really enjoyed my experience in Dallas, TX because I was able to hear from a wide variety of speakers from all over the country and everyone was very interesting. Kudos to Tami for putting on a great conference which is sure to only grow as word gets out.

Now here's a great video of the Social Media Week seminar I attended at the House of Blues
entitled: "THE NEXT STAGE OF ENGAGE: BRINGING ONLINE MUSIC COMMUNITIES TO LIFE" with some great panelists.

I learned a lot and had other information confirmed to share with my students.

I'm teaching Social Media & Fan Management in the Musicians Institute's Music Business Program and am delighted to be working with such ambitious entrepreneurial students.

My kind of people!

Okay, that's all for now. Gotta run. I have a store launch to attend with my friend. Let me know what you think of what I've written!

#Obamacare: Yet another reason to hate it. Wake up America! It imposes Sharia Law here!

I didn't write this, but did check snopes and it appears to be true. No wonder no Democrats are touting it as they run for office. They know we're screwed if it goes through. Especially those of us who are Jewish or Christian.:

Dhimmitude (UNCLASSIFIED)

Everyone.....Remember this on election day!

Dhimmitude - Do You Know What It Means?

It just keeps coming---more surprises every day.

Subject of Dhimmitude - It's on pg 107 of the healthcare bill.

I thought you would like to know about this. 
I looked this up on Google and yep, it exists! It's a REAL word.

Word of the Day: Dhimmitude 

Dhimmitude is the Muslim system of controlling non-muslim populations (that's us folks!)conquered through jihad. Specifically, it is the TAXING of non-muslims in exchange for tolerating their presence AND as a coercive means of converting conquered remnants to Islam.

The ObamaCare bill is the establishment of Dhimmitude and Sharia Muslim diktat in the United States . Muslims are specifically exempted from the government mandate to purchase insurance, and also from the penalty tax for being uninsured. Islam considers insurance to be "gambling", "risk-taking" and "usury" and is thus banned. Muslims are specifically granted exemption based on this.

How convenient. So I, Ann Barnhardt, a Christian, will have crippling IRS liens placed against all of my assets, including real estate, cattle, and even accounts receivables, and will face hard prison time because I refuse to buy insurance or pay the penalty tax.

Meanwhile, Louis Farrakhan will have no such penalty and will have 100% of his health needs paid for by the de facto government insurance.

Non-muslims will be paying a tax to subsidize Muslims. Period. This is Dhimmitude.

Dhimmitude serves two purposes: it enriches the Muslim masters AND serves to drive conversions to Islam. In this case, the incentive to convert to Islam will be taken up by those in the inner-cities as well as the godless Generation X, Y and Z types who have no moral anchor. If you don't believe in Christ to begin with, it is no problem whatsoever to sell Him for 30 pieces of silver. "Sure, I'll be a Muslim if it means free health insurance and no taxes. Where do I sign, bro?"

I recommend sending this post to your contacts. This is desperately important and people need to know about it - quickly.. 

(Amish are also excluded.)

I think I could become Amish a whole lot easier than Muslim!! 

I checked this on Snopes it is true:

: Health Insurance Exemptions

"http://www.snopes.com/politics/medical/exemptions.asp"

Are various religious groups exempt from requirements to obtain health insurance?
...Health Insurance Exemptions Claim: Scientologists, Amish, Christian Scientists, and Muslims will be exempt from requirements to obtain health insurance....
...The ObamaCare bill is the establishment of Dhimmitude and Sharia muslim diktat in the United States. Muslims are specifically exempted from the......of government. Believe it or not, if you are a Muslim you may claim a special religious exemption to Obama-Care that is denied to main-stream Christians...

Join the Great American Voter Revolution on November 2, 2010, JUST VOTE THEM OUT. REMEMBER, Liberals are running out of "Other People's Money".

Barack Obama says Islam has always been a part of America's story... Not!

Received this letter  from a friend and thought I'd post it for consideration while I continue blogging on something else. Wake up America!

Please take a moment to watch this informative news show exposing the deadly Muslim Brotherhood in America right now you won't hear about on mainstream media. This is homegrown terrorism and it's allowed by our government! It's just shocking to me.

Now on to the actual letter I received...

Barack OBAMA, during his Cairo speech,  said:   "I know, too, that Islam has always been a part of  America 's story." 

 AN AMERICAN CITIZEN'S RESPONSE:   

Dear Mr. Obama:  

Were those Muslims that were in America when the Pilgrims first landed?  Funny, I thought they were Native American Indians.    

 Were those Muslims that celebrated the first Thanksgiving day?  Sorry again, those were Pilgrims and Native American Indians.    

 Can you show me one Muslim signature on the United States Constitution?  Declaration of Independence ?  Bill of Rights?

Didn't think so.   

Did Muslims fight for this country's freedom from England ?  No.  

 Did Muslims fight during the Civil War to free the slaves in America ?  No, they did not. 

In fact, Muslims to this day are still the largest traffickers in human slavery.  Your own half brother, a devout Muslim, still advocates slavery himself, even though Muslims of Arabic descent refer to black Muslims as "pug nosed slaves."  Says a lot of what the Muslim world really thinks of your family's "rich Islamic heritage," doesn't it Mr. Obama?  

 Where were Muslims during the Civil Rights era of this country?  Not present.  There are no pictures or media accounts of Muslims walking side by side with Martin Luther King, Jr. or helping to advance the cause of Civil Rights.  

Where were Muslims during this country's Woman's Suffrage era?  Again, not present. 

In fact, devout Muslims demand that women are subservient to men in the Islamic culture.  So much so, that often they are beaten for not wearing the 'hajib' or for talking to a man who is not a direct family member or their husband.  Yep, the Muslims are all for women's rights, aren't they? 

 Where were Muslims during World War II?  They were aligned with Adolf Hitler.  The Muslim grand mufti himself met with Adolf Hitler, reviewed the troops and accepted support from the Nazi's in killing Jews.   

 Finally, Mr. Obama, where were Muslims on Sept. 11th, 2001?  If they weren't flying planes into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon or a field in Pennsylvania killing nearly 3,000 people on our own soil, they were rejoicing in the Middle East.  No one can dispute the pictures shown from all parts of the Muslim world celebrating on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC and other cable news networks that day.

"

("We will be closed on Friday, September 11, 2009 to commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Ali")

 Strangely, the very "moderate" Muslims who's asses you bent over backwards to kiss in Cairo , Egypt on June 4th were stone cold silent post 9-11.  To many Americans, their silence has meant approval for the acts of that day.  

 And THAT, Mr. Obama, is the "rich heritage" Muslims have here in America .. 

 Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot to mention the Barbary Pirates.  They were Muslim. 

And now we can add November 5, 2009 - the slaughter of American soldiers at Fort Hood by a Muslim major who is a doctor and a psychiatrist who was supposed to be counseling soldiers returning from battle in Iraq and Afghanistan... 

That, Mr. Obama is the "Muslim heritage" in America.

When will people wake up to this homegrown terrorist threat within our own country? This is why I'm against the NYC Mosque as stated perfectly by Christine Brin:

"The issues at stake in the Ground Zero Mosque and the Shariah Index Project are not about Americans supporting the Constitution’s protection of religious freedom. 

Americans support that protection.

The issues at stake here are about Americans protecting the Constitution from Shariah-adherent groups using the protective guise of religious freedom to attack the Constitution itself – using a triumphal Ground Zero mosque as “the base” for a project to institutionalize Shariah in America."

You can read more background information on the actual plans at:

Ground Zero Mosque’s Hidden Websites: Follow the Shariah

Please share this important information.

Dig4Kids Fundraiser update & Welcoming Troops home from Iran & Afghanistan 8/11/2010

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just in case you're looking for images from the Fashion, Food & Wine Festival fundraiser last night over at Raleigh Studios benefitting Dig4Kids, I will have more to share soon. I invited my photographer friend, Angelique Chacon, to shoot for me since my cameras are acting up right now and she's got a great eye and much better camera.

In the meantime if you continue scrolling through my blog, you will be able to read commentary of last night's wonderful event (but just realize my Blackberry camera has limitations right now!:) I had no idea so many Olympic athletes came out of the Manhattan Beach Open. Really amazing to see them live and in person which was a real treat.

What I also appreciated was seeing how down-to-earth and real everyone was in spite of, or because of, their achievements. What surprised me though, was to learn how many had bad tempers since I always thought everyone playing had good sportsmanship. Guess we're all human, right?:) Maybe they've outgrown it since they're no longer competing.

It was just fun to relive certain memories as the videos played showcasing each honoree's life story. I grew up in the 70's and 80's living on the beach and totally remember all those hairstyles and clothing. And I'm pretty sure I probably went to school with a few of the athletes who became famous for beach volleyball too because their last names sounded familiar.

In high school, I hung out with the church & smart kids crowd though which is why it's not as close a memory as it is to others.:) Plus, being as freckled and light skinned as I am, I burn so quickly I couldn't stay out on the beach too long which kept me out of the volleyball world too.

Moving right along.

I saw this video and just had to share it here too because more people need to see it. I don't care what you think of Bush, it is very classy to take time from your retirement to welcome our troops home and let them know how much you appreciate their efforts.

(Unlike a current vacationing President... Sorry, it just needed to be said and you know it too.)

If anything, watch it to recognize our troops and realize how much we owe them for our current freedoms. I for one, am very grateful. I love America and will always support it.

God Bless!

#Islam, #NYC Mosque, #Pat Condell on #Ground Zero and the #Jihad and #Hollywood

By Joy A. Kennelly

Seeing as today is the first day of Ramadan, I thought I'd share a little Muslim culture with you all.

Recently I was chided rather strongly by a Hollywood Producer friend of mine for a joke about Muhammad and Obama I had sent which I thought was funny and many others did too. Guess he agrees with Comedy Central's decision to censor South Park too? And he thinks it fine they received death threats? South Park's Depiction Of Muhammad Censored AGAIN

Well, apparently he failed to see my sense of humor surrounding this whole Islam thing in a big way. I have to hear jokes about Christianity and think a little give and take between religions is fine. However, his response and attitude got me to thinking.

Seeing as he has two films in production, leads a busy social life, and enjoys political discussions only with people who think exactly the same way as he does, I realized he probably wasn't aware of certain political aspects of Islam and its affect on countries who allow it to infiltrate which is why he has such a high opinion of the Muslim faith. (BTW, I use the word infiltrate appropriately because that's what is done by this socio-political movement.)

My friend doesn't know, or else why would he defend a religion that believes in killing gays, no freedom of speech, stoning and oppressing women, and all kinds of other awful things like killing Jews (of which he is one) that I personally find extremely abhorrent and repulsive.

However, don't let me try to persuade you that the idea to build a super Mosque near Ground Zero (even though there are 100's nearby already) is completely insane, here's a wonderful British, Atheist Comedian named Pat Condell to give you his opinion on the stupid idea in case you hadn't heard the news yet. He will explain this so much more clearly than I will ever do so.

Plus, for those who are too busy to read, here's a video to make it easier to watch and learn.:)

And for his non-religious rant against ignorant people who support Islam - Enjoy! I like how he just tells it like it is - straight up and British. Take it with a stiff upper lip I say old chap. Don't get your knickers in a bunch. And all the other silly British sayings we Americans like to quote. lol

And for those who can't believe Bloomberg is really going forward with a Mosque at Ground Zero, here's a Muslim Canadian Congress Board Member, Raheel Raza, who agrees with Pat and myself that building a mosque there is in extremely poor taste and a slap in the face to those who were killed in 9/11.

Please click this link to read her letter: http://www.muslimcanadiancongress.org/

She's EXTREMELY articulate and someone you will definitely want to hear discuss this issue. Get over the fact it's on Fox News. If you don't learn to expand your mind beyond CNN and MSNBC you'll stay ignorant a lot longer.

And I say that in the kindest manner possible.

And because I always like to throw in a little humor when I can, just in case you also haven't heard of the efforts by Red Eye Host, Greg Gutfeld, to build a gay Islam bar right next to the proposed mosque, here's coverage from multiple sources (not just FOX!) which is very funny and provocative.

Or just click his name above - it says it all there too.:)

And to cap it all off in a very visual manner, here's a little Cheers parody to leave you with. If you care to sign the petition denouncing the Mosque being built on Ground Zero you can do so here: We Oppose the Mosque at "Ground Zero"

 Watch this last video with caution because if you thought my innocent joke might offend, you aint seen nothing yet.:) Don't worry, it's only 51 seconds long. How offensive can it be?

But on a more serious note, if I haven't lost you already, please read this which I posted a year ago regarding: "America as the Last Man Standing" - In light of what's happening worldwide have to share Speech by Geert Wilders, chairman of the Party for Freedom, the Netherlands, 25 September 2008, Hudson Institute

and if you're still not convinced, read this article adapted from Dr. Peter Hammond's book: Slavery, Terrorism and Islam: The Historical Roots and Contemporary Threat.

And I quote:

"Islam is not a religion, nor is it a cult. In its fullest form, it is a complete, total, 100% system of life.

Islam has religious, legal, political, economic, social, and military components. The religious component is a beard for all of the other components.

Islamization begins when there are sufficient Muslims in a country to agitate for their religious privileges.

When politically correct, tolerant, and culturally diverse societies agree to Muslim demands for their religious privileges, some of the other components tend to creep in as well.

Here's how it works:

As long as the Muslim population remains around or under 2% in any given country, they will be for the most part be regarded as a peace-loving minority, and not as a threat to other citizens. This is the case in:

United States -- Muslim 0.6%
Australia -- Muslim 1.5%
Canada -- Muslim 1.9%
China -- Muslim 1.8%
Italy -- Muslim 1.5%
Norway -- Muslim 1.8%

At 2% to 5%, they begin to proselytize to other ethnic minorities and disaffected groups, often with major recruiting from the jails and among street gangs. This is happening in:

Denmark -- Muslim 2%
Germany -- Muslim 3.7%
United Kingdom -- Muslim 2.7%
Spain -- Muslim 4%
Thailand -- Muslim 4.6%

From 5% on, they exercise an inordinate influence in proportion to their percentage of the population. For example, they will push for the introduction of halal (clean by Islamic standards) food, thereby securing food preparation jobs for Muslims. They will increase pressure on supermarket chains to feature halal on their shelves -- along with threats for failure to comply. This is occurring in:

France -- Muslim 8%
Philippines -- 5%
Sweden -- Muslim 5%
Switzerland -- Muslim 4.3%
The Netherlands -- Muslim 5.5%
Trinidad & Tobago -- Muslim 5.8%

At this point, they will work to get the ruling government to allow them to rule themselves (within their ghettos) under Sharia, the Islamic Law. The ultimate goal of Islamists is to establish Sharia law over the entire world.

When Muslims approach 10% of the population, they tend to increase lawlessness as a means of complaint about their conditions. In Paris , we are already seeing car-burnings. Any non-Muslim action offends Islam and results in uprisings and threats, such as in Amsterdam, with opposition to Mohammed cartoons and films about Islam. Such tensions are seen daily, particularly in Muslim sections in:
Guyana -- Muslim 10%
India -- Muslim 13.4%
Israel -- Muslim 16%
Kenya -- Muslim 10%
Russia -- Muslim 15%

After reaching 20%, nations can expect hair-trigger rioting, jihad militia formations, sporadic killings, and the burnings of Christian churches and Jewish synagogues, such as in:

Ethiopia -- Muslim 32.8%

At 40%, nations experience widespread massacres, chronic terror attacks, and ongoing militia warfare, such as in:

Bosnia -- Muslim 40%
Chad -- Muslim 53.1%
Lebanon -- Muslim 59.7%

From 60%, nations experience unfettered persecution of non-believers of all other religions (including non-conforming Muslims), sporadic ethnic cleansing (genocide), use of Sharia Law as a weapon, and Jizya, the tax placed on infidels, such as in:

Albania -- Muslim 70%
Malaysia -- Muslim 60.4%
Qatar -- Muslim 77..5%
Sudan -- Muslim 70%

After 80%, expect daily intimidation and violent jihad, some State-run ethnic cleansing, and even some genocide, as these nations drive out the infidels, and move toward 100% Muslim, such as has been experienced and in some ways is on-going in:

Bangladesh -- Muslim 83%
Egypt -- Muslim 90%
Gaza -- Muslim 98.7%
Indonesia -- Muslim 86.1%
Iran -- Muslim 98%
Iraq -- Muslim 97%
Jordan -- Muslim 92%
Morocco -- Muslim 98.7%
Pakistan -- Muslim 97%
Palestine -- Muslim 99%
Syria -- Muslim 90%
Tajikistan -- Muslim 90%
Turkey -- Muslim 99.8%
United Arab Emirates -- Muslim 96%

100% will usher in the peace of 'Dar-es-Salaam' -- the Islamic House of Peace. Here there's supposed to be peace, because everybody is a Muslim, the Madrasses are the only schools, and the Koran is the only word, such as in:

Afghanistan -- Muslim 100%
Saudi Arabia -- Muslim 100%
Somalia -- Muslim 100%
Yemen -- Muslim 100%

Unfortunately, peace is never achieved, as in these 100% states the most radical Muslims intimidate and spew hatred, and satisfy their blood lust by killing less radical Muslims, for a variety of reasons.

"Before I was nine I had learned the basic canon of Arab life. It was me against my brother; me and my brother against our father; my family against my cousins and the clan; the clan against the tribe; the tribe against the world, and all of us against the infidel." -- Leon Uris, 'The Haj'

It is important to understand that in some countries, with well under 100% Muslim populations, such as France, the minority Muslim populations live in ghettos, within which they are 100% Muslim, and within which they live by Sharia Law. The national police do not even enter these ghettos. There are no national courts, nor schools, nor non-Muslim religious facilities. In such situations, Muslims do not integrate into the community at large. The children attend madrasses. They learn only the Koran. To even associate with an infidel is a crime punishable with death. Therefore, in some areas of certain nations, Muslim Imams and extremists exercise more power than the national average would indicate.

Today's 1.5 billion Muslims make up 22% of the world's population. But their birth rates dwarf the birth rates of Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, Jews, and all other believers. Muslims will exceed 50% of the world's population by the end of this century."

And this commentary is from someone else who sent me this to begin with:

"Well, boys and girls, today we are letting the fox guard the hen house. The wolves will be herding the sheep!

Obama appoints two devout Muslims to Homeland Security posts. Doesn't this make you feel safer already?

Obama and Janet Napolitano appoint Arif Alikhan, a devout Muslim, as Assistant Secretary for Policy Development.

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano swore in Kareem Shora, a devout Muslim who was born in Damascus, Syria, as ADC National Executive Director as a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC).

NOTE: Has anyone ever heard a new government official being identified as a devout Catholic, a devout Jew or a devout Protestant...? Just wondering.

Devout Muslims being appointed to critical Homeland Security positions? Doesn't this make you feel safer already??

Was it not "Devout Muslim men" who flew planes into U.S. buildings 8 years ago?
Was it not a Devout Muslim who killed 13 at Fort Hood?
Please forward this important information to any who care about the future of our respective countries.?

And now back to me and my opinionated opinion:

And why is a Devout Muslim, the financier of this NYC Mosque, representing the United States around the world is beyond me too. Oh, you haven't heard that either? What news station are you listening to? Might be time to expand your news horizons a little bit... lol

Here is all the info on this guy since I know you're busy.. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf

And since no one else will say it, let me let the Muslim Canadian Council express it best:

The MCC challenges Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf about his claim that building the mosque will increase tolerance for Muslims when the evidence is the exact opposite. “Do you not understand that building a mosque at Ground Zero is equivalent to permitting a Serbian Orthodox Church near the killing fields of Srebrenica where 6,000 Muslim men and boys were slaughtered?” the letter asked.

And that's all she wrote.

Happy Ramadan. Now don't you feel culturalized? lol

#Surfrider Foundation's reaction to the #BP Oil Spill - worst eco disaster in our history

By Joy A. Kennelly

If you've been reading my blog, or following my philanthropic activities for any length of time, you will know I have supported Surfrider Foundation in numerous ways over the years.

I've held fund-raisers on their behalf, like this one: SBPC's Surfrider Benefit/Tasting Party at The Shore hosted by She's Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd

By Joy A. Kennelly

THE SOUTH BAY PROFESSIONAL CONNECTION AND THE SHORE RESTAURANT TASTING PARTY BENEFIT  BY CHEF DAVID LINVILLE RAISED MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR SURFRIDER FOUNDATION  TV Land’s She’s Got the Look Finalist, Melissa Todd, Hosted June 25, 2008

Click here for the entire story.

I've covered and volunteered for their big 25th year anniversary event: 

Surfrider 25th Anniversary Gala raised $150k! Incubus, Pearl Jam & Actor David Chokachi honored

By Joy A. Kennelly

(W)anted to share the wonderful 25th Anniversary Surfrider Foundation fundraiser myself, and two of my friends, Angelique Chacon and Erica Forrette, volunteered for this past Friday evening.

We had the best time! Here's a little photo essay of our time there:

This is what it looked like when we arrived. There was a "blue" carpet in honor of the occasion.

You can click Surfrider 25th Anniversary Gala raised $150k! Incubus, Pearl Jam & Actor David Chokachi honored to read my event coverage of the entire event because it really was amazing.

I've also attended local chapter meetings to learn more about what they're doing to protect the ocean because I love the ocean so much too having grown up on the Strand and in the South Bay. I never joined though because it didn't really jive with how I view ecology and helping people.

However, I am still shocked that their main way of responding to the LARGEST ECO DISASTER IN OUR HISTORY!!!! is to participate in a nation-wide event called Hands Across the Sand to protest off-shore drilling.

Forget the fact that right now most of our oil comes from the Gulf of Mexico, fisherman's lives are devastated by the BP Oil Spill, and volunteers are needed to help clean up the beaches, no, this eco group has decided a passive protest of simply holding hands is the best way to help this situation.

When Eco/Green initiatives supersede saving human lives and our wildlife and the ocean they claim to care about and want to protect, that's when I call this activity stupid, misguided, waste of time, total waste of volunteerism, and a blight on the eco landscape. 

I know it's hugely popular and many people are expected, but I just had to express my devil's advocate opinion because there's so much that all the hand-holding volunteers could actually do to help our ocean rather than stand in a line protesting. Why not protest BP's refusal to accept more help now? Why not write letters or protest Obama's handling of this disaster and demand safety inspections that are actually followed? Why not storm Congress and demand they do something to help our LA wildlife and oceans more? Why not ask that the moratorium be lifted since over 40,000 people's lives are also being devastated? Why not boycott BP gas stations?

Here's a link to a website called Volunteer Louisiana to register as a volunteer when they're ready to have more, or when the volunteers get tired of holding hands and actually want to do something tangible to help right now.

What if every single volunteer donated $10 to support American citizens struggling in the after-math of this horrific oil spill? Here's some guidelines to consider if you decide to go this route:

"Confirm the Need before Collecting

Donors should be wary of anyone who claims that "everything is needed." Many groups have been disappointed that their efforts and the goods they collected were not appreciated. A community hit by a disaster, however, does not have the time, manpower or money to dispose of unneeded donations. Get precise information and confirm the need before collecting any donated goods."

And here's a way to research how you can donate to a reputable organization:

"The National Donations Management Network is a FEMA supported system that is managed by The Aid Matrix Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit headquartered in Dallas, Texas, USA, with offices in Germany and India. More than 35,000 leading business, nonprofit and government partners leverage our solutions to mobilize more than $1.5 billion in aid annually, worldwide. The donated goods, money and services impact the lives of more than 65 million people. Donations needed in Louisiana by VOAD are listed on Aid Matrix and partners can respond to those needs. (www.aidmatrix.org)"

And here's information on the organization that was established to help with this:

The Louisiana Business Emergency Operations Center (LA BEOC) was activated on April 28, 2010 response to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill to facilitate offers of assistance to the United States Coast Guard and BP, in the event that their efforts to contain the spill 48 miles off the coast of Louisiana were unsuccessful. The exploration well is located in the Mississippi Canyon Block 252, operated by British Petroleum (BP) and owned by Transocean Ltd.

On April 20, 2010, an explosion occurred on the rig, resulting in the tragic deaths of 11 workers and many more injured who were subsequently rescued at sea. On April 22, 2010, the rig sank into the Gulf of Mexico, leaving a damaged riser spilling an estimated 5,000 barrels of crude oil into the Gulf every day.

This incident has been declared a “spill of national significance” by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (AND ONE OF THE LARGEST ECO DISASTERS OF OUR TIME BY ALL OTHERS!) and a full-scale emergency response plan has been launched by the responsible party – BP – and the U.S. Coast Guard in an effort to contain the oil spill, cap the undersea well, and mitigate the consequences to the gulf coast. Louisiana and other Gulf States stand ready to assist the BP-Coast Guard response efforts when called upon to do so.

For the most current information on the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, please visit http://emergency.la.gov/  or deepwaterhorizonresponse.com.

For the most recent updates on the oil slick projections, please visit here

I'm sure this hand holding event will be wonderful and just another example of the power of the eco peeps, but c'mon! There's so much more you could be doing than simply standing holding hands ACROSS the sand. You could be raising money, helping LA fishermen and their families in some capacity, pressuring BP & President Obama to do more, protecting our wildlife and oceans.

Heavy Sigh. I just don't understand eco people sometimes...

#Illegal Immigration - A little history lesson many tend to conveniently forget/#Snopes

DISCLAIMER - I DID NOT WRITE THIS. I AM SIMPLY SHARING IT IN LIGHT OF WHAT'S HAPPENING IN AZ TODAY OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION. AND BECAUSE I'M NOT SURE THE TEXTBOOKS ARE TEACHING THIS RIGHT NOW.

What did Hoover, Truman, and Eisenhower have in common?

Here is something that should be of great interest for you to pass around. I didn't know of this until it was pointed out to me.

Back during The Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover ordered the deportation of ALL illegal aliens in order to make jobs available to American citizens (who) desperately needed work.

Harry Truman deported over two million Illegal's after WWII to create jobs for returning veterans.

And then again in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower deported 13 million Mexican Nationals! The program was called 'Operation Wetback'. It was done so WWII and Korean Veterans would have a better chance at jobs. It took 2 Years, but they deported them!

Now....if they could deport the illegal's back then - they could sure do it today.. lf you have doubts about the veracity of this information, enter Operation Wetback into your favorite search engine and confirm it for yourself. 

Reminder: Don't forget to pay your taxes... 12 million Illegal Aliens are depending on you!"

And in case you're thinking of checking this on Snopes, here's a little information on that particular site which my aunt sent me. Again, I didn't write it, but am posting it for your info:

"I always suspected David and  Barbara Mikkelson who were behind "Snopes" were Obama and liberal oriented --now we know!!  

Who watches the watchers?      

Please read it all to the bottom!

Guess we have to use "Truth or  Fiction" now .

For the past few years  www.snopes.com  has positioned itself, or others have labeled it, as the  'tell-all final word' on any comment, claim and email . But for several years people tried to find out who exactly was behind  snopes.com  

Only recently did Wikipedia get to the bottom of it -  kinda makes you wonder what they were hiding .   Well, finally we know . It is run by a husband and wife team - that's right, no big office of investigators and researchers, no team of lawyers       
It's just a mom-and-pop operation that began as a hobby . 

David and Barbara Mikkelson in the  San Fernando Valley of  California  started the website about 13 years ago - and they have no formal background or experience in investigative  research .   

After a few years it gained popular ity believing it to be unbiased and neutral, but over the past couple of years people started asking questions who was behind it and did they have a selfish  motivation? 

The reason for the questions - or skepticisms - is a result of snopes.com  claiming to have the bottom line facts to certain questions or issue when in fact they have been proven wrong .     

Also, there were criticisms the Mikkelsons were not really investigating and getting to the 'true' bottom of various issues .

A few months ago, when my State Farm agent Bud Gregg  in Mandeville hoisted a political sign referencing Barack Obama and made a big splash across the Internet, 'supposedly' the Mikkelson's claim to have  researched this issue before posting their findings in snopes.com .  In their statement they claimed the corporate office of State Farm pressured Gregg into taking down the sign, when in fact nothing of the sort 'ever' took place . 

I personally contacted David Mikkelson (and he replied back to me) thinking he would want to get to the bottom of this, I gave him Bud Gregg's contact  phone numbers and Bud was going to give him phone numbers to the big  exec's at State Farm in Illinois who would have been willing to speak with him about it .   

He never called Bud . In fact, I learned from Bud Gregg no one from snopes.com  ever contacted anyone with State  Farm .   Yet, snopes.com  http://snopes.com/ ; issued a statement as the 'final factual word' on the issue as if they did all their homework and got to the bottom of things - not!

Then it has been learne d the Mikkelson's are very Democratic (party) and extremely liberal .   

As we all now know from this presidential election, liberals have a purpose agenda to discredit anything that appears  to be conservative. There has been much criticism lately over the Internet with people pointing out the Mikkelson's liberalism revealing itself in their web site findings ..  Gee, what a shock?

So, I say this now to everyone who goes to snopes.com to get what they think to be the  bottom line facts . . . 'proceed with caution .
Take what it says at face value  and nothing more . 

Use it only to lead you to their references  where you can link to and read the sources for yourself . 

Plus, you  can always Google a subject and do the research yourself. It  now seems apparent that's all the Mikkelson's do . 

After all, I can personally vouch from my own experience for their 'not' fully looking into things ..

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snopes.com  ;

I have found this to  be true also!  

Many videos of Obama I tried to verify on Snopes  and they said they were False .. . . Then they gave their Liberal slant . . . . !!!     I have suspected some problems with snopes for some time now,  but I have only caught them in half-truths . If there is any subjectivity they do an immediate full left rudder .       www.truthorfiction.com   A better source for verification, in my opinion .

I have recently discovered that Snopes . com is owned by a flaming liberal and this man is in the tank for  Obama . There are many things they have listed on their site as a hoax and yet you can go to Youtube  yourself and find the video of Obama actually  saying these things . So you see, you cannot and should not trust  Snopes . com . . . . ever for anything that remotely resembles truth! I don't even  trust them to tell  me if email chains are hoaxes anymore .

A few conservatives told me about snopes.com a few months ago and I took it upon myself to do a little research to find out if it was true . 

Well, I found out for myself that it is true . 

Anyway just FYI please don't use Snopes . com anymore for fact checking and make your friends aware of their political leanings as well.

Many people still think Snopes.com is neutral and they can be trusted as factual.

We need to make sure everyone is aware:  that Snopes is a hoax in itself"

Preparation for Memorial Day - Thank a Veteran!

For the record, I didn't come up with this, but love the sentiment and had to share in hopes you will honor and thank a Veteran this Memorial Day. We owe them our lives!

Keep it 
Moving, please, even if you've seen it before.

It is the 
VETERAN, 
Not the preacher, 
Who has given us freedom of religion. 

It is 
The VETERAN, 
Not the reporter, 
Who has given us freedom of the press.

It is 
The VETERAN, 
Not the poet, 
Who has given us freedom of speech.

It is 
The VETERAN, 
Not the campus organizer, 
Who has given us freedom to assemble. 

It is 
The VETERAN, 
Not the lawyer, 
Who has given us the right to a fair trial. 

It is 
The VETERAN, 
Not the politician, 
Who has given us the right to vote. 

It is the 
VETERAN who 
Salutes the Flag, 


It is 
The VETERAN
Who serves 
Under the Flag, 


ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD, 
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM. 

I'd be EXTREMELY proud if this reached as many as possible. We can be very 
Proud of our young men and women in the service no matter where they serve.

Wake Up America! #Terrorists are crossing our #US/Mexico borders. #BP Oil Spill - slow moving #in

By Joy A. Kennelly

I know Illegal Immigration is such an unpopular topic, especially here in liberal, pro-illegal immigration California, but I bet if you really knew who was coming over you would change your mind immediately. 

Now I have absolutely nothing against LEGAL immigration, but ILLEGAL scares me because it's not the peaceable loving Mexicans you may know and have illegally working for you, but it's hardened criminals, drug dealers and TERRORISTS from Middle Eastern countries crossing our US/Mexico border in Arizona!

Here's a video from the City of Tuscon where their City Council considered suing the state and a LEGAL immigrant speaks up to oppose this very passionately. Very interesting to watch. (Spoiler - Everyone claps at the end!)

Back to ILLEGAL Terrorists and others crossing our border.

Here's what an Atlanta-based Channel 2 news station discovered earlier this month:

"Records show last year, agents caught a quarter of million people trying to enter the U.S. in the Tucson sector alone. According to those documents, a lot are from Mexico or South America, but hundreds of them aren't and are from nations like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran.

(Note - these people are nicknamed OTM - Other Than Mexican)

Since January, border patrol agents say they have been on the lookout for 23 Somalis with ties to al-Qaida. Jailers released them from a Mexican prison and some law enforcement officials said they think they are headed for the U.S. border.

Click the link here to see the list of illegals and their OTM demographics:  Download Terrorists crossing our borders

"We showed it to Georgia Congressman Paul Broun, who is on the Homeland Security Committee. He said he hadn't seen it before.

'It's shocking to see the number of people from Middle Eastern countries coming in on that list,' he said. 'I tell you this is something our committee members really need to see. I'd like to have a copy of that list to take with me back to Washington so I can share it.'

Congressional reports show that Mexican drug cartels tightly control the smuggling of both people and drugs. Law enforcement said they fear the cartels are helping smuggle terrorists and weapons into the U.S."

Here's a link to the Atlanta News Coverage in full: http://www.wsbtv.com/news/23434492/detail.html This is really shocking and needs to get out. Make sure to click on the little TV icons because then you see the accompanying video which really shows what's going on. (The link doesn't work here otherwise I would post it too.)

But in case you're more of a photographic learner, check out these pictures taken in the Sonoran  Desert of the debris left behind from illegal immigrants.

Perhaps those who are into saving the environment might want to reconsider their opinion on illegal immigration being ok since this is actually a dry river bed that eventually flows out into the ocean. It is estimated over 5,000 backpacks and other debris are strewn throughout this 1.5 mile wash.

From the Lonely Conservative blog: "Government officials and border activists say the garbage dumped in the desert by illegal immigrants and their smugglers is staggering.

And the cleanup is costing taxpayers millions.

In 2006 alone, more than 1.18 million pounds of trash was collected along southern Arizona border, many in the meeting spots where immigrants rest, change clothes and wait to hitch a ride further north with a smuggler.

'You can find everything,' said Shela McFarlin, special assistant for international programs at the Arizona Bureau of Land Management. 'Blankets, airline tickets, Bibles, wedding pictures, photos of children, school reports, because clearly people don't tend to throw away everything they've brought with them — they're forced to.'"

 

Why is Human Trafficking OK in America? I just don't get those who think this is OK! It's evil and totally isn't what God wants. If Pelosi ever actually read her Bible she would realize that fact.

Here's what Got Questions? says the Bible's answer is:

"Romans 13:1-7 makes it abundantly clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government. The only exception to this is when a law of the government forces you to disobey a command of God (Acts 5:29).

Illegal immigration is the breaking of a governmental law. There is nothing in Scripture that contradicts a nation having immigration laws. Therefore, it is a sin, rebellion against God, to illegally enter into another country."

 

I just don't understand why more media isn't covering the real news in this story rather than the BS so many keep spouting off that is totally erroneous.

And for those who still believe CNN has the final word on news over Fox News, here's something on Illegal Immigration from one of their reporters just for you. You will be surprised.

Or maybe not....

And for those who don't seem to understand I get my news from a HUGE variety of sources not just Fox News, here's an excellent, balanced shocking review of what's really going on with the BP Oil Spill from the PBS News Hour today:

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/environment/jan-june10/oil_05-24.html

I have to admit, watching the BP Oil spill coverage made me cry because I love the ocean so much and feel so angry/helpless because President Obama is stalling on doing anything. DO SOMETHING ALREADY! Stop protecting big oil and prevent this from being the worst oil disaster in the history of the world. (according to Oilprice.com)

My heart goes out to the people living in the area who are losing their way of making a living because of this environmental horror. I'm sorry, but it truly is.

I just checked out my favorite ocean charity, Surfrider Foundation, to see what they were doing about this and found this site called Gulf Oil Spill Tracker they're referring people to.

If you have the time or desire to volunteer in Florida, they have also suggested contacting Volunteer Florida to offer your services.

That's all. I've been feeling overwhelmed and deeply saddened by the way our country is being handled right now on so many levels today due to lack of sleep. I woke up today at 4am and it finally caught up with me.

Got a lot of work done, but going to bed early.:)

I have hope though because God is ultimately in control.

My parents and I got together and prayed for our country tonight because I was so upset. I don't cry easily. Praying together for our country is something I don't believe we've ever done before as a family, but all this man-made mess is something God needs to handle now because it is totally messed up!

And on so many levels... And no politician is going to save us. Only God.

I feel better too now that I've turned everything back to God and shared my heart with you. Another friend and I prayed together earlier for the upcoming CA elections today too. Our state is failing so badly we are in a state of emergency with our economy. We need a miracle!

I just feel like praying over everything going on right now! Feel free to join me. Even if like Breakeven sings in their song Falling to Pieces, it means you're praying to a god that you don't believe in.

We need God's help now more than ever in my humble opinion.

Here's some verses to encourage you. They have me. God bless you richly.

Psalms 29:11 The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace.

Isaiah 26:3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Romans 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

Happier news tomorrow. I promise.

#Christian World View, #Social Justice, #Illegal immigration, #ChuckColson, #RickWarren #Obama and other social/political views on issues

By Joy A. Kennelly

What I liked about the Election Forum is we weren't told how to vote, just presented the facts and invited to make our own decisions. It's important people are educated to what is actually going on in Government and stop sticking their heads in the sand as more and more of our individual rights are being systematically stripped away by those in power.

Then I learn how the terms "Social Justice" and "Social Economics" are permeating our culture and watch Pelosi stumble around trying to quote scripture while admonishing the church to support illegal immigration and I wonder, where's the separation of church and state? Where's the public outcry on pushing religion or personal beliefs down our throats? 

Where's the ACLU now? Remember the ACLU back in 2001 during the Bush era? What's Wrong With the Faith-Based Initiative? March 27, 2001 by Margaret Crosby, The Daily Journal  

 "The genius of the American constitutional system is its recognition that mixing church and state damages both religion and democracy.... It threatens to end the separation of church and state as we know it, by funding pervasively religious institutions."

(Please click the article above "What's Wrong with the Faith-Based Initiative?" because it is really good at explaining much better where the ACLU used to stand on this issue, and where it is silent now when it suits their ideology.)

Isn't mixing of church and state what is being proposed by Obama now in light of offering money for greening of church institutions? Click here for an article explaining this: The Green Shepherd The White House wants churches to advance its climate change agenda. BY Meghan Clyne

Correct me if I'm wrong, happy to hear otherwise, but for some reason I don't think you will because I'm right. Truth hurts doesn't it?:)

Where's the church leaders willing to stand up against this misuse of church power and scripture to push ideology that is clearly against the inherent word of God? Pelosi can't even quote the Bible reference she hasn't read the Bible in so long.

Where's the outrage over this blatant misuse of church & religion for political gain? Wait, I know liberal friends, it suits your purposes now so it's ok...:)

How do we expect any liberal Democrat to actually know what the Bible says when they can't even read their own Healthcare bill or more recently, the AZ immigration law? LOL (I can't take credit for that one, a Facebook friend reminded us of their literacy silliness.)

Here's Attorney General Holder on CSpan being asked if he's read the AZ Bill SB 1070 which is only 10 pages long which you can read for yourself by clicking the link above:

 Here's Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano being questioned on the AZ law:

And lastly, here's our very own President Barack Obama laughing about the AZ Bill SB 1070 even when he has confessed to conveniently not reading it either. I especially like this video since it explains why the Bill was enacted in light of all the crime, drugs etc.

Others must like it too since it has over 1/2 million views here on YouTube:

Going back to my original question about Pastors, Religious Leaders, synagogues and churches standing up for what's right and not buying into Pelosi's political religious posturing, I remembered Chuck Colson and Rick Warren's Bible Study series on the Christian World View I attended recently.

Here's the description from Chuck Colson's site "The Colson Center for Christian World View" which states:

"Why Does It Matter What I Believe?

By: Rick Warren|Published Date: February 18-19, 2006|Source: Reframing Your Worldview Sermon Series, Saddleback Church

Stressing the idea that beliefs can have serious consequences, Warren explains the idea of worldview and its applicability to all of life.  He emphasizes that Christians who are new creations can choose to pursue true beliefs rather than holding on to old ones.  Following another speaker’s overview of a sampling of worldviews prevalent in today’s culture, Warren counters the idea that sincerity is all that matters or that you can pick and choose what you like from incompatible worldviews, and illustrates the nation’s moral dilemma with current surveys about biblical worldview. 

Rather than living double-minded lives, Christians who desire true change that must begin inside ought to strengthen their worldview by learning the truth, discerning what is false, turning away from the world to God’s word, and concerning themselves with God’s kingdom.

Because worldviews have huge consequences and false or incompatible worldviews are responsible for the problems in  our lives, our culture, and our culture’s institutions, Christians cannot continue to hold onto false beliefs but must be changed by the renewing of their minds.

Found In: Religion/Sprituality > conflict of worldviews > Article

Related Scripture: Revelation 12:13-17"

I think that flies in the face of people asking why Republicans don't support illegal immigration, don't you? What always flabbergasts me in this debate is how people can blindly cling to charity at the loss of justice. I hope pastors and others who read that description above will consider incorporating it into their curriculum to help combat the erosion of our religious freedoms upon which this great country is built and provide a foundation for those to stand up for what is right.

Yes, God is God of love, but he's also a God of justice. If we search the scriptures, that is evident over and over and over again. Romans 3:23:  ²³for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Not some, all.)

"The Bible also says: “You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors” (Psalms 5:6).

God says: “For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and iniquity” (Isaiah 61:8),

and David recognized, “You, O God, do see trouble and grief; you consider it to take it in hand. The victim commits himself to you; you are the helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:13, 14).

How much is God’s heart for justice a part of His character? What does it have to do with knowing the one and only God? ...We can truly have hope in the midst of a dark world in light of four unchangeable truths about God: God loves justice and abhors injustice, God has compassion for those who suffer injustice, God judges and condemns those who perpetrate injustice and God seeks active rescue for the victims of injustice (Good News About Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World, pg. 69-70)." (As taken from the blog: The God of Justice)

And here's another example taken from the blog Got Questions? click on the link for the full article below:

Question: "What does it mean that God is a God of justice?"

Answer: Justice is a term used for what is right or “as it should be.” Justice is one of God’s attributes and flows out of His holiness. Justice and righteousness are often used synonymously in the Bible. Since righteousness is the quality or character of being right or just, it is another attribute of God and incorporates both His justice and holiness.

We cannot begin to understand God’s justice unless we first understand sin. Sin is lawlessness (1 John 3:4) and iniquity (Daniel 9:4-5; Micah 2:1; James 3:6). It embodies everything contrary to God’s holy nature and is offensive to Him. Thus, sin is a crime against God and justice demands a penalty of death and separation from Him for it (Romans 1:18-32; 2:5; 3:23).

But God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to pay that penalty for us (Romans 5:8-11; 6:23) and made salvation available to all who believe in His name (John 1:12; 3:15-17; 20:31).

I actually started out to write my personal world view and how it's been shaped by travel, faith and the beach, but realized I needed to provide a foundation first which I've done here. Now to layer it later...I have to run since I'm way late for church. More to come.

Happy Sunday. Here's a blessing from the Bible I always love having said over me which I hope blesses you too:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Amen.

#Six Man at #Manhattan Beach City Council Meeting Tonight in #LA Times

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just in case you missed the LA Times article on May 3rd covering the Manhattan Beach Six Man Volleyball review at tonight's City Council Meeting, here's some highlights and link:

Manhattan Beach to consider curbing massive volleyball tournament

Since 1961, the city has hosted the Charlie Saikley 6-Man Volleyball Tournament. But attendance has grown to 60,000, and businesses and residents complain about excessive partying and trash.

May 03, 2010|By Jeff Gottlieb

..."Last year, an estimated 60,000 people crowded the beach during the tournament's first day — almost twice the population of the city, and many times more than attend the Manhattan Beach Open, beach volleyball's premier event. The sand was so packed that teams had trouble getting to their next match on one of the 42 courts.

'It was scary," said Manhattan Beach hotel and restaurateur Michael Zislis. "There were so many people on the beach, I've never seen anything like it.'...

As the tournament has grown from a local event attended by a few thousand volleyball aficionados to one that has gained a national reputation as a great party, some in Manhattan Beach are wondering whether it needs to be scaled back.

'I don't even know if you can call most of the people who show up fans,' said tournament director J Parker Saikley. 'They just heard through the Internet it's a party.'

Which is why the City Council on Tuesday (tonight) is expected to take steps to control the crowd for the July 31-Aug.1 event. The panel is mulling moving the tournament date so fewer people attend, adding more security or fencing the area.

Though alcohol is banned on the county-owned beach, spectators sneak it in. In a report to the City Council, the Police Department said it has seen more drinking in recent years, especially among the underage.

Residents and businesses complain about attendees leaving behind beer bottles and other trash, urinating in public and partying into the early morning.

'It's either going to be no tournament because of that blatant disrespect for law and rules of the tournament, or it's going to be much more regulated so it's going to take fun out of it,' Saikley said."

Oh, and if you're curious about the entire proposal being presented tonight, check out the AVP's website here since they've uploaded all six pages.

#Daily Breeze coverage of #Steve Poizner's #Hermosa Beach campaign stop

I wasn't able to attend, but just found this article I thought some of you might enjoy. Interesting to me that Steve Poizner is gaining on Meg Whitman. Should be an interesting race now...

Since someone I once considered a friend recently called me a political operative (whatever that means, but totally laughable), here's an excerpt from the Daily Breeze article posted earlier this evening entitled

Poizner campaign stops off in Hermosa Beach

By Nick Green Staff Writer

"In a campaign appearance that at times had an evangelical flavor, it was clear Poizner was preaching to the converted as he hammered home his familiar themes of stopping illegal immigration, cutting taxes and eliminating the state deficit.

Among his platforms: exporting 40,000 nonviolent offenders to out-of-state jails to cut costs and eliminate jail overcrowding, growing the economy to offset the lost revenue from tax cuts and cracking down on employers who hire people in the country illegally.

'There's only one real conservative in this race and you're looking at him,' said Poizner, flanked by twin bright red signs that read, 'Tax cuts for everyone.'

'If you want a third term of Governor Schwarzenegger there's someone else you should vote for," he added. "I do believe in across-the-board tax cuts, she opposes them.'"

I hope that was enough political operative for you.:)

#Gary Bauer's End of Day on #Obamacare, Biden & public polls

An excerpt from Gary Bauer's End of Day newsletter. Go here to sign up if you like what you read. I love the insider insights myself: http://www.cwfpac.com/cwf_eod_request.php

"I just watched Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and several hundred cheering congressmen celebrating their big socialist healthcare victory at the White House. In a city known for the hubris of its politicians, I have seldom seen a more arrogant display of raw political power. Biden introduced Obama, and when they hugged at the podium, Biden’s whisper into the president’s ear was picked up by the microphone just inches away. Biden said, “This is a big f-----g deal.”

Biden’s crassness aside, it is a big deal, and Obama made it clear today that they are ready to have a political fight to the death over it. They are convinced that America has embraced socialism, and they are planning to ram it down the throats of those of us who haven’t. What’s next -- massive new energy taxes or a massive new amnesty? Will you fight back?

But while Democrats are celebrating, the American people are far from sold on ObamaCare. Yesterday, CNN released the results of a poll conducted last weekend, just as the House of Representatives was debating and passing ObamaCare. Here are key findings:

By a 20-point margin – 39% in favor to 59% against – Americans opposed the healthcare “reform” bill.

62% believe the legislation will cause medical expenses to increase. Just 16% believe it will lower costs.

47% believe their family will be worse off because of the legislation. Just 19% believe their family will better off.

45% believe seniors will be worse off. Just 20% believe senior citizens will be better off under ObamaCare.

And what about the claims that the bill will reduce the deficit? Many Democrats who switched their votes frequently cited this talking point. The problem for them is that only 12% of the public believes ObamaCare will save money. A whopping 70% expects that government-run healthcare will cause the deficit to go up.

They are right. This bill is “paid for” by massive tax hikes and a number of budgetary gimmicks. For example, the “doctor’s fix” alone would cause ObamaCare to run a $60 billion deficit. So Democrats just took it out of the bill. But just consider the government’s track record – Social Security is bankrupt. Medicare is bankrupt. The Post Office is bankrupt. Obama has added $2 trillion to the national debt in 421 days. And now he’s going to run your healthcare too."

Joy again. Now here's my two cents. Many, knowing my Christian faith and beliefs like to say this is what Jesus would have wanted. To them, I say hell no! Whoops, I swore, but I'm trying to get a point across.

Not once in the Bible does it say Big Government will save you. Not once does the Bible say to pursue the Machiavellian rule and the end justifies the means. Not once does the Bible say it's ok to lie, cheat and steal or bribe your way to a result.

In fact, the Bible I read says in Matthew 5:

"1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2and he began to teach them, saying: 3“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. 10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

And here's some words of wisdom from a great Biblically-oriented site called: Proverbs - A Bible Study which takes common Proverbs and explains what they mean in easy-to-understand language.

Here's an example as it relates to how the passage of Obamacare was handled:

Proverbs 11:1 (NKJV)
1 Dishonest scales are an abomination to the LORD, But a just weight is His delight.
The note in my NIV Bible says that, “In a culture with no bureau of weights and measures, cheating in business by falsification of standards was common…” God calls those that follow HIM to be very careful NOT to cheat others in any way! He says that cheating is an “abomination” to Him. The word, “abomination,” as defined in the Online Dictionary, means, 1. Abhorrence; disgust. 2. A cause of abhorrence or disgust. 3. an action that is vicious or vile; an action that arouses disgust or abhorrence.

This would be another form of lying, and John 8:44 (NKJV) says, that if you lie, 44 You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

Proverbs 6: 17 lists lying as one of the “Seven Deadly Sins” that God hates!

As we can see, God feels quite STRONGLY about cheating and lying, which go hand in hand. Revelation 22:14-15 (NKJV) makes this VERY clear!"

The Border - it would be funny if it weren't true. Stop amnesty & spending our money. Please.

I didn't write this, just sharing since some people don't seem to have a grasp of reality on illegal immigration. Here's the perspective of many Americans just in case you were curious how we really feel about amnesty now being proposed by Obama so quickly on the heels of Obamacare:

"THE BORDER

IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.

IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.

IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.

IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.

HOWEVER, IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET
• A JOB ,
• A DRIVERS LICENSE,
• SOCIAL SECURITY CARD ,
• WELFARE,
• FOOD STAMPS,
• CREDIT CARDS,
• SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
• FREE EDUCATION,
• FREE HEALTH CARE - AND THE BABY IS AN AMERICAN!
• A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON TO ASSURE YOU HAVE RIGHTS
• BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
• THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION … THIS IS PATHETIC."

Welfare Nation - here's the truth.

I didn't write this, but I've known women living on welfare and here's a prime example of what we just voted in.

"I don't know if this makes me mad, or just sick of the stupidity that has brought it to pass  
 I wants my Obama money.......I wants it now!!!
 
Sharon in her Section 8 home! 
  Sharon Jasper has spent 57 of her 58 years dedicated to one cause and one cause only, and has nothing to show for her dedicated servitude...
    She has lived in Section 8 housing all but 1 of her 58 years.  It was a legacy passed down from her parents who moved into Section 8 housing in 1949 when she was six months old.  She has passed the legacy down to her children, but fears they may have to get jobs to pay for the utilities and deposits.
She laments about her one year hiatus from the comfort of her Section 8 nirvana, ' I tried it for a year -- you know, working and all.  It's not anything I would want to go through again, or wish on anyone in my family, but I am damn proud of that year.'
Sharon  was moved out of her St. Bernard housing project after hurricane Katrina and into a new, yet albeit, substandard quarterage.  As can be noted from the above photo of her new Section 8 home, it is repugnant and not suitable for someone of Sharon Jasper's seniority status in the system.  'Don't be fooled by them hardwood floors,' says  Sharon  .  'They told me they were putting in scraped wood floors cause it was more expensive and elegant, but I am not a fool -- that was just a way to make me take scratched up wood because I am black.  The 60 inch HD TV?  It may look nice but it is not plasma.  It's not a plasma because I'm black.  Now they want me to pay a deposit and utilities on this dump.’  'Do you know why?'
  She has held her tongue in silence through the years of abuse by the system, but it came to a head at the   New Orleans   ' city council meeting where discussions were under way about the tearing down of the St. Bernard projects.  When a near riotous exchange between groups opposing the tearing down of St. Bernard and groups wanting the dilapidated buildings torn down and newer ones built,  Sharon unleashed verbal hell with her once silenced tongue.  The object of her oratory prowess was an acquiescent poor white boy in attendance.  The context of her scathing rebuke was, 'Just because you pay for my house, my car, my big screen and my food, I will not be treated like a slave!' and 'Back up and Shut up!  Shut up, white boy!  Shut up, white boy!'
   Recapping from the mental log of the city council minutes in her head,  Sharon  repines, 'Our families have been displaced all over the United States.  They are being forced to commit crimes in cities they are unfamiliar with…  It is a very uncomfortable situation for them…  Bring them back, then let's talk about redevelopment.'  
Sharon directs the reporter's attention across the street to Duncan Plaza where homeless people are living in tents and states that, 'I might do better out there with one of these tents.'  She further lamented her sentiments about her situation, 'I might be poor, but I don't have to live poor.'
============ ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Any wonder why this country is in the shape it is?  Maybe we should all just chip in and get her the plasma TV she so richly deserves! 
Remember to pay your taxes -   Sharon   needs your help
Spread the wealth!
 
My friends before you delete it because it upsets your ‘Social Correctness’ stature… you might want to verify the truth of the above claims.  Here’s a Thread that will take you to the Federal HUD website for the homeless: http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/topics/homelessness
 
A few weeks ago [March or April] we discovered part of BO’s “CHANGES” have been already implemented…free cell phones for the poor and 70 minutes use time per month [all paid by you].  Next will be the National HealthCare that will raise your taxes so the Democrats can force us to pay for the day to day medical care of worthy people like Sharon Jasper [second generation leach… see above] and to the “illegal immigrants” BO and the likes are going to give full medical care to.  OH YEAH…I almost forgot…the Democrats said last week there going to lower the Medicare budget by half a billion dollars, and at the same time drop the age to qualify down to either 55 or 60 so that… along with the 12 million illegal immigrants the White House states will be covered…won’t affect negatively the quality of your medical care.  Please realize the number of doctors practicing will remain the same or lesson [many say they will quit practice], and the remaining doctors will have millions more patients to care for.  Boy you can bet that free complete medical care will increase the illegals’ coming into America .
 
Are the real Americans that dumb…they can’t see through the lies… or do they just refuse to admit voting for the “Union Organizer” or “Welfare Representative” for President was a big mistake… along with giving the control of the Congress and the Senate to the Democratic Socialists Party was even a bigger mistake.  Say goodbye to Capitalism."

 

Healthcare explained again in plain English 2nd version - please read

I haven't written any of this, but am passing it on because I believe if more people really knew what was in this proposed Healthcare bill you wouldn't be so happy about it being passed into law.

We had a great prayer time over this issue this morning and I feel confident God's will is happening no matter what.

Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” 

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

Now here's the email for you to fully understand what is being voted on. Don't let this pass!

"On Sat, 3/6/10, Fred Ouellette wrote:

 This letter appeared in the Indianapolis Star (which is owned by the same people who own the Arizona Republic) and was sent to a very popular Indiana Senator.  This just goes to show everyone what pressure these Democrats are currently under, so continue to let them know how you feel about the healthcare bill.

An  Indianapolis doctor's letter to Sen. Bayh  about  the Bill.

Note: Dr. Stephen E. Frazer, MD practices as an anesthesiologist in Indianapolis, IN.

  Here is a letter I sent to Senator Bayh.. PLEASE copy it and send it around to all other representatives. --- Stephen  Fraser

 

Senator  Bayh,
  
As a practicing physician I have major concerns with the health care bill before Congress. I actually have read the bill and am shocked by the brazenness of the government's proposed involvement in the patient-physician relationship. The very idea that the government will dictate and ration patient care is dangerous and certainly not helpful in designing a health care system that works for all. Every physician I work with agrees that we need to fix our health care system, but the proposed bills currently making  their way through congress will be a disaster if passed.
  
I ask you respectfully and as a patriotic American to look at the following troubling lines that I have read in the bill. You cannot possibly believe that these proposals are in the best interests of the country and our fellow citizens.

 
Page 22  of the HC Bill:  Mandates that the Govt  will audit books of all employers that  self-insure!!

Page 30 Sec 123  of HC bill:   THERE WILL BE A GOVT  COMMITTEE that decides what treatments/benefits  you get.

Page 29 lines 4-16 in the HC bill: YOUR HEALTH CARE IS  RATIONED!!!
  
Page 42 of HC  Bill:  The Health Choices Commissioner  will choose your HC benefits for you. You have  no choice!

Page 50 Section 152 in HC bill: HC will be provided to ALL  non-US citizens, illegal or  otherwise.              

Page  58 HC Bill:  Govt will have real-time  access to individuals' finances & a  'National ID Health card' will be  issued! (Papers please!)
 
Page  59 lines 21-24 HC Bill: Govt will have direct access to your bank accounts for elective  funds transfer. (Time  for more cash and carry)

Page 65  Sec 164 HC Bill: Is a payoff subsidized plan for  retirees and their families in unions &  community organizations:  (ACORN).

Page 84 Sec 203 HC Bill: Govt mandates ALL benefit packages  for private HC plans in the  'Exchange.'
  
Page 85 Line  7 HC Bill:  Specifications of Benefit  Levels for Plans -- The Govt  will ration your health  care!
  
Page 91 Lines 4-7 HC Bill: Govt mandates linguistic  appropriate services.  (Translation:  illegal aliens.)
  
Page 95  HC Bill Lines 8-18: The Govt will use  groups (i.e. ACORN & Americorps to sign up  individuals for Govt HC  plan.

Page 85 Line 7 HC  Bill: Specifications of Benefit Levels  for Plans. (AARP members - your health care WILL  be rationed!)

Page 102  Lines 12-18 HC Bill:  Medicaid eligible  individuals will be automatically enrolled in  Medicaid.  (No choice.)

Page  12 4 lines 24-25 HC: No company can sue  GOVT on price fixing. No "judicial review"  against Govt monopoly.

Page 127  Lines 1-16 HC Bill:  Doctors/ American  Medical Association - The Govt will tell YOU  what salary you can make.

Page  145 Line 15-17: An Employer MUST  auto-enroll employees into public option  plan. (NO choice!)

Page  126 Lines 22-25: Employers MUST pay for  HC for part-time employees AND their families.  

(Employees shouldn't get excited  about this as employers will be forced to reduce  its work force, benefits, and wages/salaries to  cover such a huge expense.)

Page 149 Lines  16-24: ANY Employer with payroll 401k  & above who does not provide public option  will pay 8% tax on all payroll!  

(See the comment above in parenthesis.) 

Page 150  Lines 9-13: A business with payroll  between $251K & $401K who doesn't provide  public option will pay 2-6% tax on all  payroll.
  
Page 167 Lines  18-23: ANY individual who doesn't have  acceptable HC according to Govt will be taxed  2.5% of income.

Page 170 Lines  1-3 HC Bill: Any NONRESIDENT Alien is  exempt from individual taxes.  

(Americans will pay.) (Like  always)

Page  195 HC Bill: Officers & employees of the GOVT HC Admin. will have access to ALL Americans' finances and personal records. 

Page 203  Line 14-15 HC: "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax."   (Yes, it really says  that!) 

(a 'fee'instead)

Page 239  Line 14-24 HC Bill: Govt will reduce physician services for Medicaid Seniors.   

(Low-income and the poor are  affected.) 

Page 241  Line 6-8 HC Bill:   Doctors: It doesn't  matter what specialty you have trained yourself  in -- you will all be paid the same!

Page 253 Line  10-18: The Govt sets the value of a  doctor's time, profession, judgment, etc.   

(Literally-- the value of  humans.)

Page 265 Sec 1131:  The Govt mandates and controls productivity for "private" HC industries.
  
Page  268 Sec 1141: The federal Govt regulates the rental and purchase of power driven  wheelchairs.
  
Page 272 SEC.  1145: TREATMENT OF CERTAIN CANCER HOSPITALS -  Cancer patients - welcome to rationing!
  
Page 280 Sec 1151: The Govt will penalize hospitals for whatever the Govt deems preventable  (i.e...re-admissions).

Page 298 Lines  9-11: Doctors: If you treat a patient during  initial admission that results in a re-admission -- the Govt will penalize  you.
  
Page 317 L 13-20:  PROHIBITION on ownership/investment. (The Govt  tells doctors what and how much they can own!)
  
Page 317-318 lines  21-25, 1-3: PROHIBITION on expansion.  (The  Govt is mandating that hospitals cannot  expand.) 

Page 321  2-13: Hospitals have the opportunity to apply  for exception BUT community input is required.   

(Can you say  ACORN?)
  
Page 335 L 16-25 Pg  336-339: The Govt mandates establishment of 2 outcome-  based measures.

(HC the way they want --  rationing.)

 
Page 341  Lines 3-9: The Govt has authority to disqualify  Medicare Advance Plans, HMOs, etc.   

(Forcing people into the Govt  plan)
  
Page 354 Sec 1177: The  Govt will RESTRICT enrollment of 'special needs people!'    Unbelievable!
  
Page  379 Sec 1191: The Govt creates more bureaucracy via a "Tele-Health Advisory Committee."   

(Can you say HC by  phone?)
  
Page 425 Lines 4-12:  The Govt mandates "Advance-Care Planning  Consult."  

(Think senior citizens end-of-life patients.)
  
Page  425 Lines 17-19: The Govt will instruct and consult regarding living wills, durable powers  of attorney, etc.  

(And  it's mandatory!)

 
Page 425  Lines 22-25, 426 Lines 1-3: The Govt provides an  "approved" list of end-of-life resources; guiding you in death. (Also called 'assisted  suicide.')

Page  427 Lines 15-24: The Govt mandates a program for  orders on "end-of-life."  

(The Govt has a  say in how your life  ends!)
  
Page 429 Lines 1-9: An "advanced-care planning consultant" will be used frequently as a patient's health deteriorates.
  
Page 429 Lines  10-12: An "advanced care consultation" may include an ORDER for end-of-life plans..   

(AN ORDER TO DIE FROM THE GOVERNMENT?!?)

Page 429  Lines 13-25: The GOVT will specify which doctors can write an end-of-life order.  

(I  wouldn't want to stand before God after getting paid for THAT job!)   

 

Page 430  Lines 11-15: The Govt will decide what level of  treatment you will have at end-of-life! 

(Again -- no  choice!)
  
Page 469:  Community-Based Home Medical Services =  Non-Profit Organizations.  

(Hello?  ACORN Medical Services  here!?!)
  
Page 489 Sec 1308:  The Govt will cover marriage and family therapy.

(Which means Govt will insert itself into your marriage even.) 

Page  494-498: Govt will cover Mental Health Services  including defining, creating, and rationing  those services.

Senator,  I guarantee that I personally will do everything  possible to inform patients and my fellow  physicians about the dangers of the proposed  bills you and your colleagues are debating. 
  
Furthermore, if you vote for a bill that enforces socialized  medicine on the country and destroys the doctor-patient relationship, I will  do everything in my power to make sure you lose your job in the next election.
  
Respectfully,
  
Stephen  E. Fraser, MD

 

Dear  Reader,

I urge you  to use the power that you were born with (and  the power that may soon be taken away) and circulate this information to as many people as you can reach." 

Healthcare Bill explained in plain English - if you thought IRS was invasive...

By Joy A. Kennelly

Because none of us can bear to read through the 1,000 page healthcare bill, I thought you'd enjoy some highlights because if you really knew what was in the current bill you would realize why so many people are up in arms against it.

Here's a few points that disturb me because It's really draconian if you think about it.

1. The Government will have direct access to your bank account and can take money when they want.

2. Government committees will decide what type of healthcare and how much of what they assign you will receive per year.

3. Organizations like Acorn will receive payment and it's a subsidy to unions too.

4. You will have no choice whether or not you're enrolled in Medicaid.

5. No judicial review against the monopoly of the Government and no company can sue the Government for price fixing.

6. Doctors & AMA - the Government will tell you how much money you can make and every doctor, regardless of specialty will receive the same amount of money.

7. All you small business owners out there? You will be required to pay for part-timers healthcare benefits too. And you will be taxed if you don't.

8. And young people? If you're not insured you will be taxed an additional 2.5% above all the rest of the taxes you pay because you're a bad, bad, bad young person and not taking care of your health like you should.

There's a whole lot more BS, but I'll let you watch the video for yourself because they give you page and line quotes to back up what we've all been saying all along.

It's the wrong bill, at the wrong time.

Watch the video! The truth shall set you free!

Nothing Obama, nor Reid, nor Pelosi or anyone can do now will get it to pass as it currently is. And I'm not the only one saying this. Barney Frank anyone? I love this guy sometimes, rarely, but sometimes. Especially when he says:

Taken from The American Spectator: "The following was read on MSNBC by Rachel Maddow, and I transcribed it off the screen:

'I have two reactions to the election in Massachusetts. One, I am disappointed. Two, I feel strongly that the Democratic majority in Congress must respect the process and make no effort to bypass the electoral results.

If Martha Coakley had won, I believe we could have worked out a reasonable compromise between the House and Senate health care bills. But since Scott Brown has won and the Republicans now have 41 votes in the Senate, that approach is no longer appropriate.

I am hopeful that some Republican Senators will be willing to discuss a revised version of health care reform because I do not think that the country would be well-served by the health care status quo.

But our respect for democratic procedures must rule out any effort to pass a health care bill as if the Massachusetts election had not happened.'

STOP SHOVING IT DOWN OUR THROATS! It's the economy! Stop your personal agenda and start listening to the people.

We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more!

And if you don't believe me, read this media watchdog site: What the Liberal Media Aren't Telling You About Obama's Healthcare Plans

Okay, time to get off my soapbox. Nothing like a little political rhetoric to start the day right.

If even one person reads this and is educated, it's worth it. If any politicians read this and back out of their support, then it's worth it too. God hear our prayers.:)

SCOTT BROWN -The truck people have spoken. Long live truck people!

By Joy A. Kennelly

Tonight is so historic politically I just have to say, GOD BLESS AMERICA! And God bless Scott Brown! WE THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN!

This is such a refreshing referendum like no other against the current out-of-control spending, bribing, non-transparent, non-economy focused, tax-crazy, elitist government.

Can you hear me now?

And enough with blaming Bush - it's been a year already. Get over it. This is your fault all the way Mr. President. No progress with only Democrats in control of the House and the Senate - this is all your failure.

Be a man and own it. And move forward humbled and aware in America we operate with checks and balances - not one party rule.

Are you reading this Barbara Boxer? Dianne Feinstein? Jane Harmon? We don't want government healthcare as it currently is shoved down our throats, nor massive debt for our children. We want jobs. We want our lives back.

We're coming after your jobs next. Consider yourselves warned!:)

The truck people are rolling into DC!:)

Here's how historic tonight is for those who don't follow the news or politics and didn't even realize there was a special election in MA that is going to shut down healthcare bills and hopefully open the door for a new, real bi-partisan healthcare bill that won't include bribes, special deals with unions and a whole host of other bogus deals that are unconstitutional. 

Enough with making history - it's been made tonight. God bless MA!

From Gary Bauer:

"MASSACHUSETTS TO OBAMA: “CHANGE IS COMING!”

As of now, it appears as though the people of Massachusetts have sent an unmistakable message to Barack Obama and Washington Democrats: “Change is coming!” While some Boston precincts have not reported, Brown’s lead appears safe. The magnitude of Scott Brown’s remarkable victory – unimaginable just one year ago – is truly historic.

• Massachusetts has not elected a Republican to the United States Senate in nearly four decades.
  
  
• This election was for Ted Kennedy’s seat, previously held by John F. Kennedy. Obama has ended “Camelot.”
  
  
• Healthcare “reform” was a key issue for Ted Kennedy, and the key issue of this campaign. Brown unapologetically campaigned against Obama’s job-killing bill. Barney Frank said, “If Scott Brown wins, it’ll kill the health bill.” Other Democrats echoed Frank’s fears. The people of Massachusetts voted for Brown. They voted for hope – the hope that we could do better – not for Big Government socialism.

The message is clear. Political and media establishments are in shock tonight. Liberals coast-to-coast are rushing for their Maalox. Referring to the upcoming November elections, one major liberal donor in Silicon Valley said that Brown’s win is, “not just the canary in the coal mine. It’s the flock of dead ravens landing on the lawn.”

Democrats are nervous and running scared. Some aren’t even waiting for the results tonight. Rep. Vic Snyder (D-AR) threw in the towel this weekend and announced that he won’t seek reelection. Recent polls showed Snyder losing by a wide margin, dragged down largely by the voter backlash against ObamaCare. Snyder is a lot smarter than many of his Democrat colleagues. If Obama’s socialism can’t sell in Massachusetts, then scores of Democrats in much more moderate areas of the country are doomed."

Me again. Balance in government is good. We need our checks and balances. Center is good.

Long live America and Democracy with a capital D. Now let's get back to fixing our economy!

A Home for the Holidays - whole lotta love going on; then the Healthcare bummer

By Joy A. Kennelly

A Home for the Holidays is one show I have always skipped every year it comes on TV on because of my own adoption (almost wrote "open" adoption, but since the adoptive parents aren't really honoring it...).

Decided to give the show a whirl this year and I'm glad I have. It's filled with so much love and hope I really enjoyed it. Plus, the music was great. I remember when it first came on the air I had pitched my own adoption story because back then I was so happy with everything since the adoption had just happened.

Glad the producers didn't have me participate back then because I would hate to have something like that following me around now. That said, I think this was a very sweet show. I hope all the children and teen-agers get adopted.

If you go to Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, you will find all the details on the show, and how to adopt or foster a child if you have room and love to share as a foster parent. Wish I did - have the room and the resources to do so. I love kids and may have to consider it more seriously once I find a full-time job.:)

Years back I did publicity for a foster care organization called A Home Within which taught me a lot about this topic.  A Home Within "seeks to heal the chronic loss experienced by foster children by providing lasting and caring relationships to current and former foster youth.

We connect foster youth with volunteer therapists through our Local Chapters in communities across the country. We improve the lives of foster youth through direct services, professional training, public awareness, and advocacy.

A Home Within is the only national nonprofit organization focused exclusively on the emotional needs of foster children and youth. You can make a difference by volunteering, donating, or referring a child to our programs.

Need more information? Contact us."

I hope you do contact them if you're a counselor wanting to make a difference in a child's life, a foster parent seeking help with your foster child or children, and/or a media outlet looking for an interesting, heart-warming organization to feature at this time of year, or simply a potential volunteer. They have chapters all over the U.S. and help is always needed.

Now onto another topic that is taking up a lot of news time - the Healthcare debacle. Yahoo had posted comparisons between the House and the Senate bills which you can read here, but I haven't bothered because I'm still so disgusted at Chicago-style politics I could puke.

I hope you have been writing and calling your "representatives" since they need to know your real feelings - although they're not listening. Still wondering where the Constitution and We the People is in all this.

Here's a great web site I just learned about called GradeGov.com - you get to grade your representative! "They work for you - remind them." is their slogan.

Isn't that great?

I'm giving Jane Harmon, Dianne Feinstein, and Ms. "Call Me Senator" an "F" on listening to their constituents, an "F" on following the Constitution, and an "F" on doing the right thing for the American people.

What I enjoyed hearing recently is that in ten states numerous Attorney Generals are considering suing since the Government run healthcare (Obamacare) is unconstitutional. 

McMaster, 7 others to probe health care bill

By LEROY CHAPMAN JR. - [email protected]

"South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster and top lawyers from seven other states said Tuesday they are looking into whether the federal health care reform bill is unconstitutional.

The move comes a day after U.S. Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, both South Carolina Republicans, asked McMaster, who is seeking the GOP nomination for governor, to look into whether a no-cost Medicaid deal given to Nebraska is legal.

U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, a Nebraska Democrat, got a concession that will give his state a 100 percent federal reimbursement for Nebraska's Medicaid spending. The federal government will reimburse other states at 91 percent under the proposed bill."

Click here for the rest of the article in case you're still unaware of what a major bribe Nebraska took to vote for this damn bill. And you will be paying for it too with increased taxes whereas they are exempt. Don't believe me? Read the article.

As I heard on TV the other night, "Just because it's historic, doesn't mean it's right."

There are also states planning to nullify whatever is created in DC because that is also our right as Americans. Gotta love the Constitution's checks and balances. If only CA had smarter leaders we would do the same, but it will never happen until we get them out of office which I am going to do everything in my power to make a reality.

I, and others, can only pray for God to intervene in this devious, horrible debacle being voted on at 7am in the morning. It's in His hands now.

Now to get back to baking and wrapping.

Anger against Obamacare & the lack of transparency, bribes, and other BS to pass it

By Joy A. Kennelly

I've tried real hard not to be political on this blog, but Obamacare passing in the wee hours of the morning is total BS. Where's the transparency now President Obama?

And the fact that the White House receptionist hangs up on you when you call and wouldn't allow me and you, the American Citizens they are beholden to and supposedly work for, to leave a message for my representatives - Jane Harmon, Dianne Feinstein and Ms. "call me Senator," whatshername is infuriating.

I'm embarrassed I even went to O's inauguration and thought it might be Ok with him in office. Whatever happened to "We the People"? The Constitution? That's all I want to know. I'm so disgusted with this travesty of justice, the bribery "Louisiana Deal" and more bribery "Corn Husker Deal" involved.

Health Care Bill clearing.

Sickening. Despicable. Total Travesty.

Exactly as the Wall Street Journal says:Change Nobody Believes In  "A bill so reckless that it has to be rammed through on a partisan vote on Christmas eve."

And people who think nothing is wrong with this passing are going to be in for a shock when their health costs go through the roof, health care is rationed, Medicare is deeply cut, they are fined for not having insurance, our national debt continues to go through the roof, taxes are increased ($518 billion), a bailout for insurance companies, and everything else this means.

Millions of people will STILL be uninsured too!

And the benefit for all this doesn't even kick in until four years after it takes affect. Hello? What is wrong with this picture? Like anything else the government is responsible for running is successful.

Really????? Really?????

Post Office, DMV, Amtrak anyone? I'm just furious. We are totally and royally screwed.

It's like everyone in Congress and the Senate looked at America and say F U. We will do whatever we want because we can. I feel like I'm living in a totalitarian country right now with dictators telling me how I will now live. 

Sorry, just had to vent because I don't have insurance and know this is going to affect me personally. And not for the good. I don't care what they say.  If you haven't figured it out yet, the Government lies.

Passing Obamacare this morning is so wrong on so many levels. Wake up America! You are losing your freedom and rights right under your noses. 57% of voters said it would be better to not pass it according to the Rasmussen Poll today. Why isn't DC listening?

I am so angry. I wrote the White House, my "representatives" Jane, Dianne and Ms. Call me Senator, and told them exactly how I felt. I encourage you to do the same. Click the links above. They need to hear from you.

I need to take up kick boxing again, start dancing or something active to get rid of this energy. Totally ruined my love buzz. Definitely not a Christmas present I asked Santa for this year.

God help us all. And God Bless America - we need it.

The only good thing to happen politically today is that Copenhagen was a total wash - no binding treaties and really nothing accomplished. Whew. Gotta love the snowstorm too. But the EPA regulating carbon dioxide... that's another story.

Daily Breeze's Coverage of Hermosa Beach Elections for your reading pleasure

Fishman, Duclos, Bobko take Hermosa Beach council seats

HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL

by Andrea Woodhouse Staff Writer

Posted: 11/03/2009 11:58:21 PM PST

» Results: City contests

» South Bay election results

Hermosa Beach voters awarded City Council seats to two frequent candidates and the current mayor Tuesday, but ousted a two-term incumbent.

With all seven precincts reporting in the race for three seats, Howard Fishman led the eight-candidate field with 24.8 percent of the vote, handily snagging the seat he declined after a victorious run four years ago.

Jeff Duclos, a longtime local activist with several council bids under his belt, won a seat with 18.3 percent of the vote, and incumbent Kit Bobko earned a second term with 15.8 percent of the vote.

A third term eluded Councilman Michael Keegan, who he earned just 13.7 percent of the vote.

Councilman J.R. Reviczky did not seek a fifth term.

For more of this article, please click here.

Hermosa Beach City Council Election Results - Fishman, Duclos and Bobko as of 8:17pm

By Joy A. Kennelly

I'M THRILLED! LOOKS LIKE IT'S HOWARD FISHMAN, JEFF DUCLOS AND KIT BOBKO FOR OUR NEW HERMOSA BEACH CITY COUNCIL! 

You can see the final results here: http://rrccmain.co.la.ca.us/0019_CityContests_Frame.htm

Now if you'll excuse me, I have a victory party to attend. YEAH!

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN - Michael Keegan is out! Jeff Duclos and Howard Fishman are in!!!!!

Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition!:)

This has been a great election night all over the United States! Yeah NJ and VA too! Whoo hooo!

Keith Hemstreet's misinformation of Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate, Jeff Duclos - response

By Joy A. Kennelly

I have requested Keith to update his : http://www.smalltownhermosa.blogspot.com with accurate information, but until he does so I want to clear the air in case people read it and believe what he says about Jeff Duclos which is erroneous.

Because others might have similar questions, here's the dialog that occurred privately between Keith, Jeff and myself. Please take a moment to read it if you will.

Original comment from Keith:

"Hello Joy,
Duclos makes a big point of not accepting tax payer financed health care if he is elected to the Hermosa Beach City Council.  I have found that people are quick to give away benefits they don't need.  Do you know where he gets his health insurance from?  I'm wondering if he gets it from Cal State Northridge?  Wouldn't that be from the tax payers?  I sent him an email, but have not heard back.

Also, have you signed up for his newsletter?  If you do, you get a message asking if you want news from Ron and D Williams  Groups.  I did a search on that name, and I found political contributions around the country.  Any idea who that is?  I'm still looking.

Keith

I knew Jeff responds to everyone whose email he receives and figured he just hadn't seen the email and I was right.

Here's Jeff's prompt response to Keith which is what I've asked him to post out of courtesy:

"Thanks for the opportunity to respond.

I did not get your email, Keith. If you don't mind, please resend it to my [email protected] address so I can make sure there is not a problem there.

To your questions: I currently have basic HMO coverage which I pay for. I am only a part time instructor, so I don't get the health care package offered full time Cal State staff. I'd love to have fully paid health care for myself and my family. I do not give this benefit up lightly. I can assure you, my wife is not happy about my decision. But it is not right to do so. To accept these overblown benefits at the taxpayers expense would make me another part of the problem, of a system that is over-compensating senior staff and attracting people to city government for the wrong reasons. My pledge to serve my community has nothing to do with acquiring paid benefits or political career building. It's about contributing to building a better city and giving back to Hermosa Beach for the life it has afforded my family for 30 years. That's the way the best of our council members from the pat looked at the job. We are about to have three new School Board members taking on a very tough and often thankless job. They are receiving no compensation. But I should ask for paid health care, a car allowance and retirement benefits for a position that is not, by definition, a career job?

As to your last question, I use a system called Constant Contact to distribute my email newsletters and messages. It is very efficient and affordable, but you do have to accept some advertising. I'll look into this company you mention. I was not aware of it on the email and thanks for bringing it to my attention.

Jeff"

And here's my response to Keith:

Hi Jeff, Thanks for responding so quickly to Keith.

Keith - I have known Jeff personally and professionally for a very long time. He is very straight shooting, speaks the truth, thinks about the long-term consequences before making decisions and loves Hermosa Beach.

Please consider voting for him! If you're at all questioning his abilities, please take the time to call him on the phone or meet with him. I'm positive you will walk away with a good idea of the man.

Unlike most PR professionals I've met in Hollywood, he is not a spin doctor and basically operates from a truth-based position (as do I.) Hope this helps! I think the other candidates you're choosing (Fishman and Midstokke) are great selections and Jeff will definitely make a great addition to your roster!

Tell your friends and family. We need quality, straight shooting people in office who put the community first - like Jeff Duclos.

That's all. Just had to clear the air and defend the candidate I believe will do best for Hermosa. My computer has been fighting a virus which has in turn greatly slowed me down, but just bought a new antivirus system and it's whacking away.

More to come.

2009 Hermosa Beach City Council Debate Re-Broadcast Schedule & Internet site

Here is the latest Time Warner Channel 8 and Verizon FIOS Channel 31 Re-Broadcast Schedule for the The Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Assoc. City Council Candidate Debate that took place this past Thursday, October 1, 2009 at the Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers.

2009 Hermosa Beach City Council October 1, 2009 Debate Re-Broadcast Schedule:

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

4:40 pm and at 9:40 pm

_____________________________

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

2:10 pm and at 7:10 pm

__________________________

Thursday, October 8, 2009

2:10 pm and at 7:10 pm

__________________________

Friday, October 9, 2009

2:10 pm and at 7:10 pm

_______________________________

Saturday, October 10, 2009

2:10 pm and 5:10 pm and 7:10 pm

_____________________________

Sunday, October 11, 2009

2:10 pm and 5:10 pm and 7:10 pm

_____________________________

 Monday, October 12, 2009

 4:40 pm and at 9:40 pm

_____________________________

This 2009 HB City Council Candidate Debate can also be viewed on the Internet from the City of Hermosa Beach website, by clicking here. If that link doesn't work, click here.

This information provided courtesy of The Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Assoc.

"Neighbors working together for a better Hermosa Beach"

 www.HBneighborhood.org/

Hermosa Beach City Council Debate questions & televised schedule

This blog post courtesy of Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Association newsletter (in edited form). Their motto is "Neighbors working together for a better Hermosa".

"See you tonight at the Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate Debate sponsored by the HBNA. If you can not make the Candidate Debate, it will be broadcast live on Time Warner Channel 8 and on Verizon Channel 31.

The debate will also be re-aired on Channel 8 and Channel 31 at 12noon on Friday, October 2, 2009. The public is invited to (attend tonight's debate scheduled at  Hermosa Beach City Hall located at 1315 Valley Drive and) ask the candidates questions during the debate. All candidates campaign information is located here.

(Personal aside from Joy - I recently heard that a convict who had been released from prison at 9am in El Centro made his way to Hermosa and was arrested by 10pm that same evening. Due to the state's budget crisis, thousands of criminals are going to be released back onto the streets. Is Hermosa now a mecca for criminals and is that really what we want for our community? This year alone there were increased sexual assaults and robbery. Hermosa Beach monthly year-to-date crime stats can be viewed here. )

Hermosa Beach City Council Candidate

Debate Format & Questions

 Sponsored by the

Hermosa Beach Neighborhood Association

Thursday, October 1, 2009 – 7pm to 9pm

Hermosa Beach City Council Chambers

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 7 p.m. - Start Time

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 Open Comments by Moderator regarding the debate format.

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 City Council Candidates Opening Statements:

 Each City Council candidate will have 2 minutes for an opening statement. 

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Debate Question 1:

Building a large 500 car multi-level parking garage in Hermosa Beach could provide around 400 new "in lieu" parking spaces. 

Under current zoning law in Hermosa Beach, these 400 new "in lieu" parking spots would now make possible the knocking down of existing single-story commercial buildings to be replaced by 30-foot tall, 2-story buildings with zero setback.

Is building a new 500-car multi-level parking garage in Hermosa Beach a good idea? How much of the existing single story commercial buildings on Upper Pier Avenue should be knocked down to be replaced by 30-foot tall, 2-story buildings with zero setback?

Each candidate has up to 1 minute to respond. 

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 Debate Question 2:

A recent Upper Pier Project status report presented to the Hermosa Beach City Council states that there is a Projected Project Shortfall of over $1,300,000.  This is the projected amount that is needed to complete the Upper Pier Project.

From the September 22, 2008 Hermosa Beach City Council Meeting - Quote from the PIER AVENUE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT STATUS REPORT: 

"Staff will come back to Council on October 13th to get formal Council authorization to advertise for bids. 

 Included with that item will be the list of project elements that can be constructed at a later date.
The main elements include new streetlights, street trees, and raised median with landscaping.
These items will be bid as "bid alternatives" which can then be eliminated from the construction contract as needed to bring the project within budget."

Small business owners on the south side of Upper Pier Avenue have stated that the loss of the storefront parking would cause them economic harm or possibly close their business.

Regarding the Upper Pier Project's possible "bid alternatives which can then be eliminated from the construction contract as needed to bring the project within budget"--

What is your opinion regarding eliminating the 5-foot wide, curbed center median with landscaping, for budgetary reasons?

Eliminating the curbed center median would also address the public safety concerns, brought up by the Hermosa Beach police and firefighters, because the 5-foot wide curbed center median would cause an unwanted obstruction and may slow the emergency response of police and fire vehicles on Upper Pier Avenue.

What is your opinion of also eliminating the proposed 30-inch wider sidewalks for budgetary reasons?

Eliminating both the 5-foot wide curbed center median and the 30-inch wider sidewalks would also allow the additional street width and keep the existing slant parking as is -- both without the loss of any storefront parking for on Upper Pier Avenue.

 Each candidate has up to 1 minute to respond. 

Debate Question 3:

According to the California Department of Justice - Criminal Justice Statistics Center – CJSC for each of the seven years from 2001 to 2007, Hermosa Beach has had more than double the number of adult misdemeanor arrests a year, on a per capita basis, when compared to Manhattan Beach or compared to Redondo Beach.  Why?

Each candidate has up to 1 minute to respond. 

Debate Question 4:

A new law passed in March 2009 in Hermosa Beach that granted any restaurant that closed by 10 p.m. the ability to obtain an ABC On-Sale Beer and Wine license by right.

This new "alcohol by right" law eliminated the Conditional Use Permit process for restaurants that close by 10 p.m. and that want to obtain an ABC On-Sale beer and wine license.

In the past, all Hermosa Beach alcohol outlets had to go through the Conditional Use Permit in order to obtain any ABC On-Sale license, no matter what the closing time.

Before this "alcohol by right" law was passed in 2009, all Hermosa residents and homeowners within 500 feet of the new ABC license were notified by mail and the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission held public hearings and voted to approve or deny any new ABC license to sell beer and wine in a restaurant.

Should the City of Hermosa Beach restore the notification of all residents and homeowners within 500 feet of the new ABC On-Sale license to sell beer and wine, no matter what the closing time of the restaurant?

Should the Hermosa Beach Planning Commission restore the holding of public hearings and then vote to approve or deny the new ABC On-Sale License to sell Beer and Wine, no matter what the closing time of the restaurant?

Should the Hermosa Beach City Council restore the holding of public hearings and vote to approve or deny any new ABC license to sell beer and wine, no matter what the closing time of the restaurant?

 Each candidate has up to 1 minute to respond. 

Debate Question 5:

What are the Hermosa Beach Police Department officers’ opinions regarding adding or upgrading alcohol outlets after midnight? 

In 2008 and currently, what would be a rough estimate of the percentage of the number of people arrested in Hermosa Beach that are in some way involved in alcohol related crime or intoxicated at the time of their arrest?

Would strict enforcement of the 50-50 law with verified documentation reduce the alcohol related problems that the HBPD has to deal with from restaurants that over-serve alcohol?

Is there a net economic benefit to the city from adding more alcohol outlets or alcohol sales after midnight in Hermosa Beach?

 Each candidate has up to 1 minute to respond. 

Debate Question 6:

Would you add new or upgrade existing adult-oriented businesses in Hermosa Beach? 

Under current zoning, businesses such as bars, nightclubs, pornography stores, massage parlors or tattoo shops are allowed to open on Upper Pier Avenue and in the rest of the Hermosa Beach commercial zones.

Is there a net economic benefit to the city from adding more adult-oriented businesses in Hermosa Beach?

 Each candidate has up to 1 minute to respond.

Questions from members of the public:

 Members of the public can come forward to ask questions from the podium.

Each member of the public will be limited to one question. 

Questions from the public will be directed to all candidates.

Each candidate will have up to 1 minute to respond to a question from the public.

City Council Candidates Closing Statements:

Each City Council Candidate will have 2 minutes for a closing statement.

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End of the debate.

President Obama's speech to students - just the right note!

By Joy A. Kennelly

I LOVED IT! President Obama got it so right!

I'm choked up writing this because I needed to hear his speech just as much as these children did. I think he encouraged and challenged me, just as much as he has all these children.

Life is hard. Success doesn't come easy. You have to work hard for everything you're going for. You have to set goals. Don't let failures define you.

SO true.

Here's the whole speech transcript because I know I'm paraphrasing.

It was so nice not to hear anything bashing the past or partisan, but an extremely non-partisan, goal-oriented, and very forward looking speech given by the leader of the free world. I get so tired of always hearing about the past and partisan whatever in his other speeches, this speech was quite refreshing.

Thank you Mr. President.

I liked reading too, that Laura Bush broke her silence to support President Obama because education was/is her passion. "Mrs. Bush was interviewed in Paris, where she was helping promote global literacy as part of a United Nations meeting."

She's still such a classy lady. I admire her very much.

It was also fun to see my alma mater, Mira Costa High School, featured on TV as a classroom of high schoolers watched the speech too. Some MCHS students are involved with drugs and alcohol without much parental supervision or support as evidenced by a growing population involved with our local Project Touch program.

I saw a lot of this issue while attending MCHS even when I was attending oh so many years ago, but avoided it by being so involved in my church. Not all students do drugs or abuse alcohol, but there is a large percentage who do which is sad to me.

Maybe these students will be challenged to stand up to peer pressure now? One can only hope.

I was really happy to see MCHS embracing this opportunity. There are a lot of really good students striving for educational goals too, don't get me wrong. I just wanted to point out the drug/alcohol issues since just because you attend a nice high school in a good neighborhood, it doesn't mean you're immune to bad influences.

Hope I don't offend anyone. Just stating my truth.

Back to today's speech.

Thank you President Obama. I may not always (or ever) agree with your politics, but today, I am proud to have you as my President and leader. I felt like you were a great role-model to so many children who don't have fathers and/or don't have a positive male role model in their life to give them this type of advice.

I do agree with the conservatives who were upset with the original classroom lesson plan and possible intent of this speech, but am so happy the White House was receptive to feedback and adjusted their message accordingly once a loud enough uproar was heard.

Maybe next time the uproar won't be needed and we can move past partisan politics and simply be Americans once again.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to job hunting. I am looking for writing and/or social media type work if you hear of anything. Thanks!

God bless America. God bless our youth. And God bless you!

Obama is African - according to Ghana newspaper! I KNEW IT!!!!

Perhaps you already know that O's Kenyan grandmother told a reporter in an interview that she was present at his (sorry, should be uppercase h) His birth in Kenya in 1961.  And that shortly thereafter the Kenyan government placed a gag order on O's relatives forbidding them to speak to the media anymore without permission.

 

And that the Kenyan ambassador to the US let it slip in a radio interview that O was born in Kenya.

 

And perhaps you also know that someone in Hawaii found a divorce decree from O's parents' divorce in 1964 that mentions a child born in Kenya.

 

All that news is old news.

 

But this just in...

 

A few days ago a Ghana newspaper made mention of our president having been born on the African continent.  Quote is below and the link to the online story follows.  I doubt this will remain online for long.  Ghana will certainly soon be paid a visit by O's henchmen.

 

"For Ghana, Obama's visit will be a celebration of another milestone in African history as it hosts the first-ever African-American President on this presidential visit to the continent of his birth."

http://www.modernghana.com/news/226379/1/history-beckons-as-prez-obama-arrives-tomorrow.html

Cable News should chg to Cable Opinions by blowhards - all channels!

By Joy A. Kennelly

I haven't posted in awhile because I've been slammed and also enjoying my visiting sister and her kids, but after turning on the "news" today, just felt like sharing in case any of the "NEWS" BLOWHARDS who happen to stumble across my blog see themselves and realize they're making politics a joke - all channels and all sides.

I just wish there was one station other than the BBC which simply reported what was going on without personal commentary and bias. Just give me the news. I don't CARE about your personal opinion. If I wanted to know it, I would ask.

I bet if some news company actually did that, then they would get a viewership just for being unique in this day and age. I could be wrong, but I wish someone would just try. Enough with your bias, personal opinions and other nonsense. Just tell me what's going on and let me draw my own conclusion.

Oh, and for the record, sending me an email supposedly from Obama telling me Sotomayer is wonderful doesn't ring true either. Kind of makes me sick to my stomach actually. What about fixing the economy buddy? The "stimulus" plan now being positioned as "recovery" plan is what we call in certain circles a "spending" plan. Spend first and then figure it out afterward.:) Doesn't always work does it?:)

Lastly, in case you care, tonight, July 14, is the night to attend the Hermosa Beach City Council meeting to speak out against the proposal re: increasing business taxes unequally throughout the city. I know I've been a proponent to raise business taxes in the past, but not in this economy, not so unfairly, not favoring bars and psychics to the detriment of hard-working small business owners who are struggling enough as it is.

Here's a link with all the details: City Council Agenda & location details I know a lot of people are planning to attend, but since I'm on a "mini-hiatus" from Hermosa's political scene, I'm skipping it to attend another event. I've had enough of the BS.

Have a good one. I plan to.

Why won't Obama release the positive results of the interrogation already?

By Joy A. Kennelly

This has been an extremely busy day which included waking up at 3:30am for whatever reason, a political debate with a new Iranian friend I met doing community service - (don't ask, I'll tell you all about it soon I promise because it's a very entertaining story), the capture of more potential terrorists announced upon my return home, my TLC Empowerment Group event at Luna G with Pharmacist Mindy Oumi, Coach Sherry Marshall, and Personal Shopper, Greycie which was fun, a quick visit with Coach Lori Ketkar during her amazing Standup Leadership launch event at The Shore, a quick visit to the tail end of the Republican meeting, and wrapping it up listening and watching the "debate" of Obama's view on terror vs. the former Defense Secretary and VP, Dick Cheney.

All I want to know is, why won't Obama release the positive results of the terrorist interrogations. What's good for the goose is good for the gander. If he doesn't have the guts to present both sides in a "transparent" manner as he throws around so frequently, then shut up about the entire thing and get on with protecting our country from terrorist threats.

I don't care what he nicknames them, just get 'em out of the realm of possibility and stop pussy footing around like he doesn't know what the hell he's doing. I can't stand men who don't say what they mean and do what they say. Let your yes be yes, and your no be no already!

Be a man Obama and enough with the teleprompters already. I will enjoy the day when someone takes a recent speech of O's and speeds it up to show what a puppet he looks like moving his head from side to side so frequently. This isn't a court of law - this is the office of the Presidency - it's ok not to be perfect, just do what's right.

That's all. Another early, busy day again and I'm exhausted from this one. Could be why I'm feeling rather short-tempered about the whole thing.

SOOOOO looking forward to the weekend!

Sad news, but happier times soon. Mark 5/21 on your calendars!

By Joy A. Kennelly

For those of you who are interested in the latest news regarding all the cool projects and people I'm working with on a freelance basis, check out my professional blog: www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr

I haven't written such a good long one in a long time so please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you think ok?:)

Today has been kind of gloomy day and as a result I have been a little down. Doesn't help that earlier I was reading the book, The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade (Hardcover) which brought up emotions because I could relate to so many of these women's stories despite my adoption being open and  a totally different experience.

I think loss is loss not matter how you slice it. Sometimes it just hits a little harder than others.

Speaking of which, just learned that someone I enjoyed parrying with on our local This is Hermosa forum, Gary Mallette, died on May 7, 2009 which is very sad news.

Here's a link to his obituary - Gary M. Mallette.

If you knew him, please consider clicking through to the www.lafuneral.com link and leaving a condolence message for his family. I'm sure they'd appreciate it. A memorial service is planned later this summer.

Now just because generally I'm a happy person, here's an article to ponder: Happiness Is ... Being Old, Male and Republican

How do you like them apples LV? I guess one out of three aint bad. lol

Moving right along. Here's a link with news on who and what to vote for on Tuesday, May 19th special election (Vote for Teresa Hernandez!) and I quote from the www.socalgop.com site:

The Southern California Republican Coalition is taking the lead in the grassroots opposition to Proposition 1A.

The Governor may want to increase your taxes....  The California legislature's Democrats may want to increase your taxes....  The California Republican Party and its Chairman may not be willing to take a position....  The Chairman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County may not be willing to take a position....

But make no mistake grassroots Republicans know a HUGE TAX INCREASE when they see one -- and so does the Southern California Republican Coalition.  The SCRC emphatically OPPOSES Proposition 1A.  It is a tax increase disguised as a spending cap that has not teeth.  The public employee unions may love it, but every tax payer in this state knows better.  The SCRC is leading an advertising campaign against 1A - Please click to donate today online.

"Prop 1A is a huge tax increase disguised as a shame, weak spending cap. The voters are not as ill-informed as legislative and party leaders may wish them to be.  The tax payers of California are not buying their lies.  The Democrats lied, and the Economy Died - and we refuse to go along to get along!" says Southern California Republican Coalition Chairman, James Crean.

"We oppose raising taxes for so many reasons.  We are in a serious economic downturn and increased taxes means there is less money to spend to spur the economy which is needed to lead to real job growth.

"The legislature just increased our taxes by $42 Billion dollars and now they want to add another $16B in tax increases.  That will do only one thing - cause everyone who pays taxes to look at moving out of California, especially those that run businesses in order to lower their product costs in order to stay competitive when prices are dropping across the country," says Crean.

There were no real cuts made in the legislature's prior budget, nearly all cuts were shame cuts in job positions with no one in the job or they were reductions in the year to year growth without any real decrease.  The Democrat legislature does not have any backbone for real cuts and the more taxes we give them, the more ways they will find to grow government and continue to pay off the public employee unions, such as the California Prison Guards union, the California Teachers Association union, and the Service Employees International Union.

In a time when real citizen's 401K and retirement savings accounts values are dropping, the unions are bankrupting the state with enormous retirement benefits that often lead to union employees earning more in retirement than when they were employed by the state of California.  Yet the unions are making no concessions, preferring to raise everyone else's taxes to pay their addiction to tax payer's money.

"The only informed vote on Proposition 1A is NO," says SCRC Chairman Crean, "and we are taking a lead position with grassroots voters to inform voters to vote NO on 1A along with NO on the other propositions.  I hope folks will go to www.SoCalGOP.com and make even a small contribution to save us from more tax increases."

CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRC NO ON 1A CAMPAIGN

If you want to hear a great speaker, consider putting this on your list of things to do for Thursday, May 21:

Beach Cities Republican Club Next Meeting

Club President: Peter Kesterson

Next Regular Meeting: Thursday May 21st, 6PM Dinner (no host), 7PM Speaker

Speaker: Ron Prentice, CEO, California Family Council

Topic: Ron Prentice is the CEO of California Family Council, formally associated with Focus on the Family and also working alongside Family Research Council.  California Family Council (CFC) was formed in 2003 with Ron as the founding director.  With offices in Southern California and Sacramento, CFC’s mission is to protect and promote Judeo-Christian principles in California’s culture.  They do so by communicating the analysis of current legislation, creating pastor and grassroots coalitions, and educating the general population on the issues of the day.  Ron also serves as the Chairman of the ProtectMarriage.com – Yes on 8 Coalition, working with dozens of national, state, and local groups to bring about a victory for traditional marriage in California.

Location: Sizzler Torrance, 2880 Sepulveda Bl. (Between Crenshaw & Hawthorne).  NOTE: we now have the full meeting room due to the large monthly turnouts.  No more standing room only!

All are welcome - Members and non-members alike! This event is Free

Click Here for Membership Information

And for those of you interested in making positive changes in your life, don't forget to sign up for the Standup Leadership seminar entitled Leading Change at www.leaderyou.com which will feature Coach Lori Ketkar and distinguished Naval officers, CAPT Luke and First Brigade Commander, Juliane, at The Shore Restaurant and Lounge from 5:30pm - 8:30pm.

Here's a link to a recent teleseminar so you have a taste of what to expect from this amazing evening: http://www.audioacrobat.com/play/WKfRv16Q

Lastly, for those who want to learn more about our upcoming TLC Empowerment Group which starts June 3, 2009 at TLC Pharmacy, join Business and Life Coach Sherry Marshall, TLC Pharmacists' Annabell and Mindy, me and Perfect Body from 4pm - 6pm at Luna G located at 323 Pier Ave in Hermosa Beach, CA that same Thursday night, May 21.

Check out Luna G's latest designer clothing for men and women and unique gifts, taste GoChi Juice and TAIslim, meet Perfect Body trainers and the rest of us and have fun mixing and mingling.

Just think? Two great events on the same night! Hermosa Beach is the place to be Thursday night!

Back to your regularly scheduled Sunday.

I've been enjoying mine since I rode my neighbor's bike to the Healthy Living Festival in Manhattan Beach at the Metlox Plaza and blogging. 

Time to go home and get ready to go out for drinks at that new Redondo Beach restaurant named Maison Riz.

That's my kind of place if you're taking notes. :) Gotta run!

Congresswoman Jane Harmon & Beyonce's latest

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just a couple little video quickies to keep you occupied while I begin crafting my Scottsdale, AZ travel masterpiece and client updates. lol

What is the story on Congresswoman Jane Harmon? Anyone know the truth? I've met her and find her extremely dynamic which is why this is disheartening to say the least. How trustworthy is Gawker?

Here's their coverage - anyone know anything please leave a comment. That means you Alex and Michael.:)

Congresswoman Waddles Into Israeli Spy Storm

Jane Harman's Media Tour Gets Off to a Bad Start

Jane Harman Caught on Tape, Peddling Influence

Okay, enough of that. If you have an opinion or information, please share it because I'm sure we'd love to know the truth. Heavy Sigh.

Now on to something fun and entertaining highlighting one of my favorite Beyonce songs - If you like it put a ring on it. (I've linked to a blogger with a very interesting take on the lyrics and message - check it out and then check out the cool dance video below!)

Beyonce 100 Single Ladies Flash-Dance Piccadilly Circus, London for Trident Unwrapped

Gotta hand it to the Brits. They may have bad teeth, but man can they dance! Okay, now I've got some blogging to do. Have a good one everyone.

Tax Day Tea Parties, Miss California debacle and other "extreme" politics

By Joy A. Kennelly

Just returned from a wonderful trip to Scottsdale, AZ and will be writing about that on my professional blog - www.thejoywriter.typepad.com/thejoywriterpr since it's client related.

However, right now, I just need to unload this since it's been on my head ever since tax day. Read on at your own risk. Consider yourself warned, extreme politics ahead. lol

If you're not in the mood to read my political viewpoint, wait awhile and I'll have another blog on cool Scottsdale places to stay and things to do shortly. Just give me some time because it takes awhile to upload pix, create links etc.

I'm going to quote a lot of people in this blog because they say it better than I could, but before I get into that, since when does a major Queen get to tell another potential Queen she doesn't receive her crown just because she happens to hold a different opinion than the first said Queen?

You know what I'm talking about don't you? The Miss USA pageant heard round the world. Of course, the entertainment media is spinning it that the Miss California contestant was the one in the wrong, but sorry, judges who hold political and personal viewpoints that are contrary to popular opinion don't get to dictate what the general public still holds dear.

85% still believe that marriage is between a man and a woman no matter how hard this is spun. Here's back up if you don't believe me, hunt around, I'm sure it's on there. You might actually enjoy the read, click here. 

You can read more about it here: "The way miss California answered her question lost her the crown, without a doubt!" Perez told Access Hollywood after the pageant.

I'm sorry, but this is wrong. Since when does a gay man dictate who represents the US in beauty pageants and especially the Miss USA pageant? Apparently the organizer is also gay hence the question, but it was really wrong and not the right platform for the gay agenda in my humble opinion.

Here's his BS reasoning:
Trash blogger retracts apology to Miss California USA; invokes the “c-word”

And more on good 'ole CNN's Larry King in case you missed it - especially notice the comments if that's your thing. Leave one why doncha? 

In Case You Missed It…

I'm sure there are those who disagree, but I'd love to hear from those who agree because I'm sure I'm not alone in this sentiment. Don't be shy. I've been trying not to blog about gay marriage because I'm not in the mood for the hate that automatically comes by expressing a religious opinion in this day and age, but this BS by Perez Hilton takes the cake.

Enough already! Okay, I feel better. Moving right along.

To: Friends & Supporters
From: Gary L. Bauer

Tea Party Triumphs

The coast-to-coast Tea Parties protesting outrageous government spending were a tremendous success. By one estimate, more than 340,000 Americans participated, and that is probably a low number. Fox News recorded an incredible boost in viewership because Fox was the only network where anyone interested in the events could get fair and balanced reporting.

For example, Susan Roesgen of CNN engaged one protestor over a sign he had suggesting President Obama was a fascist, and the supposed reporter called it “offensive.” But when covering a rally in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, she took no offense to a protestor dressed as George W. Bush with a Hitler mustache and horns.

(Click hereto see a comparison of Roesgen’s biased reporting by our friends at the Media Research Center.) But far worse than Roesgen’s bias were the vulgarities and gutter humor expressed by other so-called journalists at CNN and MSNBC. I doubt one person in one hundred understood their inappropriate jokes, but our media elites sure had a good laugh.

How about our politicians -- did they get the message? Not Nancy Pelosi. She said the Tea Parties weren’t grassroots but Astroturf funded by “some of the wealthiest people in America to keep the focus on tax cuts for the rich.” They don’t get it. The issue is government spending and an ever-expanding bureaucracy that is encroaching upon our liberty. Pelosi was joined in her scorn by liberal Democrat Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), who condemned the Tea Parties as “despicable” and “shameful.”

Actress and liberal activist Janeane Garofalo went even further, telling MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann that the protestors were just ignorant bigots. Here’s what she said: “Let’s be very honest about what this is about. …It’s not about taxes. They have no idea what the Boston Tea party was about. They don’t know their history at all. It’s about hating a black man in the White House. …This is racism straight up…”

The Left’s vitrol is proof that the Tea Parties were a success. If they had flopped, no one would be talking about them. But the Left’s reaction illustrates the cultural war that continues to rage in America. The Left has great tolerance for obscene homosexual “pride” parades, protests by illegal aliens, anarchists and anti-military, anti-America radicals like Code Pink and ANSWER. Yet when hard working, decent Americans protest the government’s growing demands on their liberty and labor, the Left loses its tolerance and derides its fellow Americans as “despicable, shameful racists.”

Elections have consequences. And the past two elections have given us the most leftwing president and Congress in history. In just a few short weeks, they have given us a $1.5 trillion “stimulus bill,” a $410 billion “omnibus” spending bill and a $3.5 trillion “bankrupt us” budget bill. You, your children and grandchildren are going to get stuck paying the bill!

But the Tea Parties will be meaningless if the activism of April15th is not translated into effective political action in November 2010. I pray that everyone who attended a Tea Party will get active in their community, engage friends and family members, register new voters, volunteer for conservative candidates and support conservative organizations like Campaign for Working Families. Working together, I believe we can make America “a shining city upon a hill!”

Are You on the President’s Enemies List? (Joy's note: You might be an extremist if... click here for the DHS report on 'right-wing extremism.)

Last week, Barack Obama’s message to the world was: “the United States is not and never will be at war with Islam.”  This week, Barack Obama’s Department of Homeland Security’s message to conservatives was:  the United States may soon be at war with you.  Earlier this week I told you about the new Department of Homeland Security report warning of the threat from “right-wing extremism,” which I’m sure was just coincidentally released as the Tea Parties were about to be held.

In my Human Events column today, I explore the report further and remark on what it says about an administration when it seems more concerned about an imaginary threat from its citizens than it is about actual terrorists who have attacked us and promise to do so again.  You can read and comment on my column here.  Thank you.    

Gary Bauer wrote the above and he's not the only one with this warning.

Check out this article entitled:
Md. Guard Issues Warning to Staff about Local TEA Party Protestors

Can someone please tell me if the gay rights movement ever warranted a national guard response? What about during the protests for gay marriage? Still trying to see how people like the ones I've taken pictures of during the South Bay Tax Party and others I've received via email warrant police action.

Here's some videos first to give you an idea of almost 350k people who stood in to make their voices heard all over the Southland.

Van Nuys Tea Party videos here.

Radio Talk show Host Kevin James at Tea Party Van Nuys

And my absolute favorite,

Victoria Jackson at Van Nuys Teaparty Apr 15, 2009

Gotta love a former SNL Comedian who prays and speaks out against Obamanation. Whoops, that's very close to abomination isn't it? No pun intended, but... Back to the pictures.

Pete Kesterson, the local South Bay GOP leader, invited him to speak at an upcoming meeting. I'll let you know...Or just check out www.socalgop.com and sign up for the newsletter which will give you all the details of any upcoming TEA parties and much more!
Watch out! These sweet ladies are extremists in disguise. GIVE ME A BREAK!

This man spoke and struck quite a chord because he actually is opposed to Obama's welfare nation concept. He was afraid to come out to the rally, but was so warmly welcomed it made him tear up. I think I even recognize a local Joy in there too. See her smiling face? You never know who you will find at these events. All good people though - just fed up!

Or read this article on the protesters in Temecula:
TEMECULA: Turn out high for Temecula 'tea party'

I contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. -- Winston Churchill

Here's some pix that are circulating the internet. If you're the photographer, I hope you don't mind my posting them here. Shoot me your name and I'll give you credit. Otherwise, happy to remove too. Your call in spreading the news...





Better watch out, grandma's after Obama.
Oh my!

Baby, you're in trouble now! Growing up to be a regular 'ole extremist now. Uh huh, uh huh. OY!
The cute brunette is Michelle Malkin, a noted conservative blogger. Guess you might be an extremist if you have the "audacity of hope" to challenge the status quo?


My personal favorite is this one! Give me freedom, or give me chocolate!

I find it ironic since so many people believe Obama is such a wonderful leader to quote this real great African-American leader, but so be it. In my mind there is no comparison between the two men on so many levels.

"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."  Martin Luther King, Jr.

Getting back to my original point, after watching the film, State of Play, over the weekend it's beginning to make sense why there are all these "military" responses to people standing up for their rights and why all the CIA documents were revealed. (More after this special report.)

Here's today's report prepared by the staff of Campaign for Working Families which also helps explain this drastic breach of confidence:

“Inexcusable Lapse”

Last week, President Obama made public previously secret details of the government’s interrogation methods used on suspected Islamic terrorists. Yesterday on Fox News Sunday, former CIA Director General Michael Hayden told host Chris Wallace that he, current CIA Director Leon Panetta and three other past CIA directors all objected. Hayden added that he called three top White House officials to warn against the declassification of this sensitive information.

Friday, Investors Business Daily published a scathing editorial entitled, “Inexcusable Lapse,” regarding the president’s decision to publicize the interrogation memos. Here are some excerpts:

“We are told by President Obama’s senior adviser David Axelrod that the president agonized for four weeks over the ‘weighty decision’ to make public memoranda detailing the specifics of the CIA’s tough interrogation of high-value terrorist detainees such as 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammad. For most other presidents, it would have taken maybe four minutes, required little soul-searching and resulted in the opposite choice.

“…What could have possessed him to make public the steps our interrogators go through, the limits of pain and discomfort they (but not the prisoners) know they will not exceed, and the analytical classification and specific purpose of each of the various techniques? …

“What the president has given to our enemies is a treasure chest of defensive weapons. Within the caves of the mountainous Pakistan/Afghanistan border, Islamofascist plotters must wonder how self-destructively corrupt their American adversaries have to be to allow such materials to land in their hands. The piece of information that may be of most value to terrorists is the government’s assessment that waterboarding was ‘the most traumatic of the enhanced interrogation techniques’ and implicitly the most effective. ...Presumably the issue is academic since the Obama administration has officially prohibited waterboarding.

“There is no more valuable tool for subjects of interrogation than to know what they will be subjected to. How in good conscience could our president have given this gift to those trying to destroy us?”

Now for those of you who have seen the movie, you'll know what I mean when I say I think Obama is preparing the country for privatization of government security. If you don't agree, watch the film and get back to me. I'm sure you'll see how much money is involved and your eyes will be opened once and for all.

This is an excellent film. All the acting is SUPERB! Brilliant casting, suspense, writing and directing. Especially loved the commentary on the media, blogging and politics. But that's me! They were speaking my language.

Okay, that's all for now. This oughta give you something to think about for awhile. Just know, you are not alone in this and there are more people than you realize who believe the same way as you and me. Speak up! Or forever lose the right I'm afraid.

Hermosa Beach Tax Revolt party bus to Pasadena April 11, 2009 9:30am

My friend just sent me this - Enjoy!:)

JOIN THE BEACH CITIES REPUBLICAN CLUB AS WE GATHER A ROWDY CREW AT HERMOSA BEACH PIER. We will then caravan to old town Pasadena on a party bus equipped with a sound system, bar set-up, U-shaped seating for 40, strobe lights, and flat screen TVs! BYOB and make some new friends while you fight for an important cause! What a great way to meet other patriots and do some networking!

In Pasadena, we will be marching with the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition to exercise our first amendment right to gather, protest and voice our opinions against the increasing assault to our wallets!

•We will meet at the Hermosa Pier at 9:30am for our Tax Tea Party. Public parking lot is at 13th St. and Hermosa Ave.
•At 11:00am, we will board the bus to head to old Town Pasadena.
•At 12:30pm, we will join our friends in Pasadena for another tea party and rally.
•We will depart Pasadena at approximately 3:00pm to return to the South Bay.

There are limited seats on the party bus, so you must purchase your tickets in advance for $19.50 online at www.socalgop.com

If you only want to attend the Hermosa Beach event, and not the party bus to Pasadena, you can! It's free! Bring your friends!

Here's video coverage while mainstream media pretends this didn't happen

By Joy A. Kennelly

I didn't taken any video, but found these online and thought you might find them as interesting as I have.

I'm posting this talking head guy's video first because he is explaining why this is Tax Revolt by John & Ken from KFI 640 even had to happen. "We're not being represented well and people are angry about it.... Apathy is consent. If we don't stand up to the government then it will happen down the road again."

Click here to watch more of this guy's measured take on the issues. He talks awhile first and then shares video. Please watch and learn. This one has what John & Ken were talking about, the parade I reference and new signs I didn't see because we arrived at 4pm after it had started.

REVOLT, REPEAL, RECALL!

Our state has been filling up with illegal aliens over the past few years and we're spending 13 BILLION dollars a year to pay for them. We've lost 1 million people last year alone who've left because they've had it with the state of our economy, the government and our issues as a state. I'm seriously considering leaving myself and I love California.

Here's video to elaborate on why people are so frustrated:
http://video.google.com/videosearch?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=tax%20revolt%20fullerton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iv#source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&q=tax+revolt+fullerton&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=iv&start=10

Here's a clip of people chanting: Heads on a Stick! Heads on a Stick! Click here to view.

Here's a clip of the sounds of the event! It was quite exciting. Click here to view.

And more of the barbaric actions - it was funny... Click here to watch and see for yourself.

Okay, that's all about that, but here's some future events planned which I will probably cover as well. Time to take action people. Take our country back from elected officials who are robbing our children and our children's children.

There are more Tea Party events planned nation-wide which you can learn about here at: http://taxdayteaparty.com/teaparty/california/

You can watch more videos, see other's pictures of this day and learn about additional protests at this Pajama TV website: http://www.pjtv.com/?cmd=view-event&event-id=140

Have a good night and realize you can either complain and do nothing, or do something. I choose to do something. I hope this helps you realize that you too can make a difference too. And I leave you with this other blog called Just Americans Making Ethical Statements. Check out some of their great articles and pictures of other events and issues you might appreciate.

And this one too which will really make you think: Obama White House Parties on as “Rome” Burns because I don't think O really gets it. Do you?

That's all.

KFI 640 John & Ken's Tax Revolt 2009 in Fullerton, CA photo essay

By Joy A. Kennelly

All pictures posted here are copyrighted and require photo credit of my name, Joy A. Kennelly, if used in paid media. Please contact me to request permission.

Please note, I am posting my personal experience of this fun day attending KFI 640 John & Ken's Tax Revolt 2009 in Fullerton, CA with my friend Joe. It's nothing I've ever attended or listened to on the radio before, but wanted to be part of because I have a feeling this is the tipping point for our generation.

I do not agree with every sign every person held, but do agree with the spirit and overall message of the event. I hope that as a result of people making their voices heard our Government wises up and realizes "We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it any more!":)

The tea bag theme continued and it was the hot accessory.


This was a child wearing this one. Very sad commentary on the future of our children.



There were games for people to play. I liked the shoe throwing one the best.
I liked these two old guys the best. It would be a great picture with or without their signs. Just two old friends out at the park.lol
My Republican friend Joe who took me was very happy her shirt said she only dates Republicans. Here's Joe against the crowd when we arrived.

It was a very male-domination themed event - Heads on a Stick were some of the rallying chants. Also, all the crushing of Arnold's previous movie memorabilia was a little too aggressive for my taste, but again, I just think people are getting fed up with being ignored. When you mess with people's money, then they have a tendency to get mad.

There were lots of interviews going on everywhere, but I don't know who for. I'm assuming independent filmmakers and newspapers. No major news coverage, but I think it's because they didn't realize how huge the crowd was going to be. I expected a few hundred, but police estimates the crowd over the course of the day was around 15,000.

It was a lot of fun to be there and feel like you were making a stand against excessive taxation. Now to see if any of these politicians actually listen.
 

 

Even before we arrived at the main area there was a parade that wrapped around the block with people carrying flags and tooting whistles. Everyone really got into it and there were plenty of costumed people making statements.

 

This one was one of my favorite representations of taking "lemons" and making "lemonade" out of the budget crisis. Too hilarious. 

 

 

 

 

Prop 1A should make everyone angry. Apparently it's not a "Spending Cap" at all, but an extension of higher taxes by two years thus still giving them what they want, only delayed a little. Very interesting way of doing politics - hide and manipulate the facts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Afterwards Joe & I went to get something to eat and come down from the event. People had moved from the central area and taken their messages to the streets. Drivers were honking in agreement as they drove past.

It was a really fun afternoon and I really enjoyed seeing that I'm not alone with being fed up in how my state and country is being dragged down by excessive taxation. What I liked most about this rally is that there were all ages, all politics, all races represented.

Now to see if Sacramento and DC listen. I'm sure this isn't the last time you'll be seeing protests and I would bet they become more and more frequent AND bigger and bigger until REAL change takes place.

I'm going to suggest Hermosa Beach Pier Plaza as a possible gathering place for another Tax Revolt event because I'm sure there's plenty of people who would show up and it would boost our Downtown economy big time if the dining and dishing I saw in Downtown Fullerton was any indication. What a pleasant area.

On another note, I wonder if O and Arnold will put John & Ken of KFI640 on their radar now... LOL I'm sure Rush could use the break. These are the radio announcers who helped recall our last Governor, Grey Davis. They don't mess around and mean business. I hope Washington and Sacramento take heed.

That's all for now. I do have more to share about what else has been going on aside from politics, but need to get out and enjoy the sunshine a little bit today.

Have a good one!

Interesting sites I've found that you might appreciate too

By Joy A. Kennelly

My sister turned me on to this one and I'm not going to tell you who it is because I want you to read it objectively. I've bolded my answers - would love to hear what you answered.

Here's a bit of the transcript from a recent show:

"So I'm going to just ask you right now just to think of these things and just answer out loud. Just say to yourself yes or no. Yes or no. Is this who I am? Is this what I believe? Because I believe you and I agree on most of these.

1) Yes or no: Do you believe America is a good place, that we've lost our way over the years, that we have done bad things but generally speaking we tried hard. We try to make amends. We have tried to do the right thing. Just like everybody else, we fail from time to time and we have truly lost our way in the last 20 years. But gosh, if you look at America, she's good and our founders were good and our founding documents are good. We've just strayed too far away from them. Yes or no.

2) Yes or no: I believe in God. I may not go to the same church or synagogue or mosque as the majority of people in America, but I believe in God and he is the center of my life, and God does not tell people to behead others or to persecute others that see God in a different way. As long as that god is not telling them to persecute others. Yes or no.

3) Yes or no: It is my responsibility to try to be better and a more honest person than I was yesterday. Sometimes I fail, I'll make mistakes, but it's my main mission to be better than I was personally than I was yesterday.

4) Yes or no: The family is sacred. I and my spouse are the ultimate authority under God when it comes to my family. I raise my family, and that comes with a grave responsibility. If I fail, I answer to God.

5) Yes or no: If you break the law, you pay the penalty. Justice is blind and no one is above it.

6) Yes or no: I have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, but that is not a guarantee of equal results.

7) Yes or no: I work hard for what I have, and I will share it with others that I choose when I choose, should I choose. Government cannot force me to be charitable.

8) It is not un-American for anyone to disagree with my opinion, but my opinion or others' opinions may be anti-American. Anti-American rhetoric would be anything that is destructive to the Constitution and our country as our founders understood it. Yes or No - not sure how I feel about the latter half, but do believe in the first part.

9) And the last one is the government works for me. The government answers to me. I do not answer to the government. Yes or No (I think. This one feels like a trick question.)

How many are there? One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine. There are nine of them. Do you agree with seven of them?

Here's what I want you to do. Step one: No matter where you are right now, I want you to take a picture of yourself. I want you to take a picture, and I ask you and you'll understand as we go in the next couple of weeks, I want you to ask as many people as you know, do you believe in these things?

Just seven out of nine.

Do you believe in them? Then will you please take a picture of yourself. If you ask your family and you ask your children tonight, do you believe in these things. Take a picture of your spouse. Not as a family. Take them one at a time and send them to me, e-mail them to me w[email protected] This is how much I believe that you are not alone."

Okay, that's all for now on that one. I hope you do consider sending in a picture because I think this is going to be an amazing project even though I don't know what it is just yet. Here's who put this together: http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/21018/

Surprised? I like it. What do you think?

Curious about what is really in the Government Spending Plan Obama is pushing? You can read it here. I bet this is one of the first pieces of legislation that will ever actually be read all the way through for once: www.Readthestimulus.org

I'm tired, but just felt like sharing. Had another nice day. Will share later.

Interesting commentary re: Radical Homosexuals

Seeing as this isn't going away, here's some interesting commentary's on this topic of hate which I didn't happen to write, but do agree with wholeheartedly.

Why The Prop 8 H8ters Lost

by Kevin McCullough

Here's an excerpt - click on the link above for the entire article. See?

"There has been much "hate" described in media reports since election day in the nation, much of it related to the passing of Prop 8 as a Constitutional Amendment for that state and as such is no longer touchable by a state sanctioned court. Yet hate has abounded, not from the corners of Jewish synagogues, Mormon temples, Christian churches or Catholic cathedrals. Those are just the places we've been told "hate" resides.

The "hate" was also not found in any single ethnicity, political party, or geographical demographic.

No the side that has been doing all of the hating since election day in the troubled parts of our nation have been militant activists radicals, who happen to be mostly white, mostly godless, and nearly completely all choose to engage in homosexual behavior.

It is the radical activists roaming the streets, pushing elderly women to the ground, staging obnoxious protests outside places of worship, and in some cases interfering in the midst of worship services that have expressed all of the hatred seen since election day. They have even taken to harassing people on their way to or from the church door and their car.

But these haters are ignorant and as such, many Christians, Mormons, Catholics, and Jews have shown compassion upon them.

How are they ignorant?

For one they don't seem to understand the validity of Constitutional authority, Constitutional law, and Constitutional rule. They are running around ginning up the pathetic gatherings of theirs to "override" Prop 8. They don't seem to understand that the court is under the authority of the Constitution in the state of California. They don't seem to understand that if some Kangaroo judge attempts to hijack the resounding will of the people, having now passed in two landslide victories--even when outspent on the matter 6 to 1, they will have anarchy on hand. Given that to shred the explicit language of a state's sovereign constitution is to suspend all law, and all authority found in the law.

Secondly they don't seem to understand that those of us who choose not to engage in homosexuality, and even those who do--but do not take to acting like the equivalent of broodish animals--aren't fooled by what is attempting to be done. The activists keep marching, screaming and forcing spittle to fly in little old ladies faces, for what end? To change the definition of a word. Prop 8 didn't say that those who are protesting like wild coyotes can't create a contract in which every arrangement in life that they would like can be legally protected and allowed for. There is no discrimination going on against those who choose homosexual sex, they may still practice it, obsess about it, discuss it, believe it, and do it. But there is also no value in looking at the sacred sexual union of a man and a woman--with all the societal potential that such a union provides--and summarily saying that all other sexual unions should be considered the same exact thing. They are not the same biologically, emotionally, nor physically and it is easy to determine this.

Thirdly they are being grossly dishonest. No one has attempted to refuse a constitutional right to any of these persons. Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman. The society has a right to sanction such a union because of that union's potential to insure the future of that society. Those who engage in homosexual actions cannot conceive. Those who do, do so simulating either heterosexual behavior either with a human or via artificial means. But nonetheless the ingredients that are required must be present to bake the proverbial cake.

But further on this point those who engage in homosexual behavior are still under NO discrimination. They can legally protect their estate, visit their partners in hospitals, and even dictate the conditions under which fidelity to that union be observed or insure adulterous penalties."

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Radical Homosexuals Trample a Cross, Harass a Granny, Crash a Church, and Threaten Joe the Plumber’s Life

by Doug Giles

Here's some excerpts from his blog too. Get real people. These marches are not peaceful and never will be.

"Can you imagine what would happen if a gang of angry male Christian activists started shouting down and shoving around some nice old lesbian during a religious rally right after ripping her rainbow pride flag from her hands and waffle stomping it?

How much television coverage do you think that spat of stupidity would spawn? What kind of outrage do you think the gays would gin up over such an inexcusable and pathetic act?"

"And lastly to the radical gay guys, do you really believe that this kind of belligerent behavior is going to make Americans capitulate to your cause? Who came up with this strategy? Was it the same guys who thought that Clear Pepsi would be a real winner?"

Book Review of The Homosexual Agenda: Exposing The Principal Threat To Religious Freedom Today
by Alan Sears and Craig Osten
Reviewed by Sandra Alexander
13 June 2004

This book reveals where the homosexual movement is taking us, with its "six-point strategy" for changing societal perception of homosexuality. This strategy takes society through four stages, and we are now past the third stage and into the final and fourth stage leading to the moral demise of a culture.

In the Introduction to their book, The Homosexual Agenda, Mr. Sears and Mr. Osten ask the question, “How far down the road have homosexual activists taken us toward their goal of unbridled sexual behavior and silencing of the church?” (p. 14) They then describe the four stages which lead to the moral demise of a culture, stating that the homosexuals, after quickly passing through the first two stages, are now finishing the third stage, (‘The Mobilization Stage’) developing a common language and strategy for presenting their case to the public.

“They [homosexual advocates] reframed the issue, taking it out of the moral realm, and presented it as a ‘human rights’ issue. Those who opposed their argument were deemed ‘hateful’ or ‘intolerant’ toward those that are ‘different’ - even though the group’s only identification is that of a chosen sexual behavior.” (p. 14) This strategy is working, because “once an issue has been redefined from a moral absolute to an individual choice, society starts to be reprogrammed that the arguments of the group are valid and therefore special privileges for previous ‘injustices’ and for the affirmation of the behavior occur.” This is stage four, “The Legitimization Stage.” (p. 14) The authors warn us that we have now reached stage four and they ask the question, “How has one to two percent of the population achieved so much success in transforming American culture and restricting religious freedom?” (p. 17)

Okay, that's all for now. If you're interested in reading more, just click on the links. Very interesting is all I have to say - at least for now. How much longer till my voice is silenced? Are we living in America or what? Too weird. Never experienced anything like this before, but I guess there's always a first time right?

Damn. God bless 'em.

Oh, the small minds of so many who disagree with me

By Joy A. Kennelly

This will hopefully make you laugh as much as it did me. People come up with the craziest things when they search my name - now the biggest laugh is that I hate gays. What a crack up. They have no idea how many gay people I know and love and have in my life, yet "they" in their infinite wisdom have decided that's the case.

Totally cracks me up. I hate what certain ones are doing, but that's not saying I hate them as people. Just the stupidity of some of their current political actions. I would say that about any group that is wasting tax payers money and have actually.

I just calls them as I sees them. Now to get back to more pressing matters like organizing more big parties, more publicity for legitimate issues and other fun stuff.

See ya around. Don't be a stranger unless you're small-minded. Don't have time for that.

Another gay protest story which is really sad and disheartening.

By Joy A. Kennelly

While the battle for married sodomy vs. domestic partnership sodomy wages on on the This is Hermosa forum, I've decided to put my focus elsewhere since the topic is beginning to get a little too graphic for me.

You too? You're not alone. Stop the madness!

Apparently now there's a nation-wide protest march planned for 11/15. You have to hand it to the gays & lesbians behind this movement. They really are good at organizing parades and protests. I guess all these years of organizing gay pride events is really paying off.

I'm sorry, it's just kind of funny to me. I either find the humor in the situation or remain angry that this is such a waste of taxpayers money and a mockery of the Democratic process.

Just so those of you reading from around the world realize, you may see a lot of gay protests going on, but this doesn't accurately reflect the state of our country's opinion towards this issue.

Straight people are not as angry and you won't be seeing any of us protest. You will also not see any other religious denomination other than the Episcopals supporting this movement either which is why the mainstream media consistently only interviews that denomination. Makes for a better story to have a church in an uproar, when in reality many are quite content with the decision and relieved truth be told.

Interesting, eh? You also won't read about this disturbance that happened recently in a Michigan church in the mainstream media which is really quite appalling and a poor reflection of the tolerance supposedly so a part of this movement. Yeah, right.

Michigan liberals attack Lansing congregation in the middle of Sunday worship - this is a blogger's version of what happened. Now for the media who was part of the publicity stunt's version - read the comments too because then you'll really see what America thinks of this stupidity.

Gay Anarchist Action Hits Church

Just thought you'd like to know. Scary isn't it? What a few radicals won't do to mock people with differing beliefs. Again, I ask you. Where's the tolerance? It's not there and it will never be there if this keeps up.

I also thought you should know that now that Obama is in office it looks like our CA Governator is attempting to curry his favor since he's now wanting to impose a 10% sales tax to our state and is NOW in favor of same sex marriage when before, while stumping for McCain, he wasn't.

Isn't that interesting?

Just goes to show what kind of influence Ms. Shriver actually has behind the scenes. Maybe Arnold's off the cuff remark that he's been sleeping in the garage is true and he got tired of not enjoying some of his married rights. HA!

Ironic how that works isn't it?

I called and emailed Arnold myself because I'm sick of politicians using public office to hold forth on personal views when they oppose what the people of CA have voted and approved in not one, but two elections. Spout off on your own time. Stop wasting ours. Sorry, that's just how I feel.

That goes for you too Mayor Villaragosa - hey, isn't his name supposed to split in half now that he's getting or has gotten a divorce? Just curious. Sorry, I'm feeling testy this morning and just feel like pushing back a little against the status quo that seemingly is accepting this BS. And it totally is BS.

However, since I don't want to receive new death threats like I have recently on Facebook from some stupid Danish students, I'll close for now.

Have a good one!

Great article: "Answering Advocates of Gay Marriage"

By Joy A. Kennelly

I have to upload some pix from the fun events I've attended over the last few days, but felt compelled to raise awareness on this very well-thought out, well-researched, informative article answering the 20 claims people make when advocating gay marriage.

The authors are quite diverse which I appreciate and think you will too. Here's an introduction to their backgrounds:

"Our approach has been both comparative and dialogical. One of us is a man, the other a woman; one is Jewish, the other Gentile; one is gay, the other straight; one specializes in Western civilization, the other in Eastern civilization; and so on. As a result of our collaboration, we have been able to gather a great deal of evidence, both historical and cross-cultural, to support our answers to the claims made by advocates of gay marriage."

The entire article is great and very lengthy, but well worth the read. What I especially enjoyed reading were these points in particular because they relay historical credence to the position so many of us feel and haven't been able to express as readily:

"Claim 9: Gay marriage has had historical and anthropological precedents: ²⁶

Actually, it has had not even one precedent as the norm of any society. Some societies have allowed exceptions to the norm, yes. And some powerful chiefs or kings have defied all norms. But the marital norm for every society has always been heterosexual. It is worth noting at this point that any society could have used culture to mitigate the tendency toward heterosexuality. Any society could have encouraged gay marriage and still reproduced itself; women could always have found ways of procuring sperm, for instance, and men could always have abducted children. But this approach has never been adopted as a norm.

Research on the history and anthropology of gay marriage, so far, has been done mainly with advocacy in mind: supporting gay marriage by finding precedents for it. By academic standards, this material reveals several important substantive and methodological flaws. Some precedents are ambiguous, for instance, because they are merely analogies to marriage. Gay love is said to be like marital love, an initiation ritual into same-sex warrior bonding is said to be like marriage, and so on. Other precedents are taken out of context. It is true, for instance, that some Amerindian societies allowed men to marry other men. But, judging from the information that has been recorded, these societies made sure that only a few men were allowed to do so or that their husbands had already married women and produced children so that demographic survival was not endangered. As for Nero, the Roman emperor, he married a man but in a moral context — a degenerate aristocracy in which murder was rampant and even a horse could be made a senator — that few today would find edifying. Do we really need to take moral instruction from him? Many precedents are irrelevant, moreover, because they refer only to gay relationships, not to gay marriage; the former are not the same as the latter and are not now, in any case, being challenged. Sometimes, moreover, evidence is indirect. Sometimes arguments are made from silence. Sometimes, important information is even ignored (such as subsequent banning of gay marriage).

Even if there were anthropological and historical precedents, however, these would be utterly irrelevant from a moral perspective. Just because something has been done in some other society at some other time, after all, doesn't mean that it should be done in our society at this time. One obvious example should make this clear. Slavery has been practiced in many societies. Should we therefore consider reinstituting that institution? Doing so would be a moral non sequitur, to say the least.

Claim 10: Banning gay marriage is like banning interracial marriage (This is the one that I resonated the most with because certain people throw this in my face knowing that I date interracially. I totally and completely disagree with this argument and this explains why on another level too.)

Actually, it is not. This argument is based on a reductive analogy between racism and heterosexism. Most people today would agree that the state should have no right to prevent interracial marriage, and some now argue for the same reason that it should have no right to prevent gay marriage. Both racism and heterosexism are forms of prejudice. Both are due to a combination of ignorance and malice. Both are evil. But the analogy is seriously flawed, because it assumes that all those who oppose gay marriage, like all those who oppose interracial marriage, are bigots. Some are, but others are not.

Marriage between people of different races was indeed banned because of racism. But that was only one example of a larger phenomenon. We refer to endogamy, marriage only with those from inside the community. And endogamy is not always caused by racism. Sometimes, for instance, it is caused by religion — that is, by the urge to perpetuate a religious culture. These societies ban interreligious marriage but usually accept marriage to converts, regardless of their racial or ethnic origins.

In any case, endogamy is a cultural variable. Many societies practice exogamy, after all, marriage only with those from outside the community. Endogamy cannot be considered a universal feature of marriage and should not, therefore, be required by law in a diverse society. Marriage between men and women really is a universal feature, on the other hand, both historically and anthropologically. And for a good reason: bringing men and women together for both practical and symbolic reasons. The prejudice of some people notwithstanding, in short, there can be a morally legitimate reason for maintaining the heterosexuality of marriage.

Besides, how many advocates of gay marriage would argue for polygamous marriage as well? Some would, no doubt, but not many. Although we do not advocate polygamy, we also do not see anything inherently wrong with it.²⁷ Because a good case could be made for it, following precisely the same logic as that of the case made for gay marriage (see claim 17), it would be dishonest for advocates of the latter to trivialize it due to political expediency.

Claim 13: Anyone who opposes same-sex marriage is homophobic: (This is another good one because I've been called an intolerant bigot and worse by those I've tried to discuss this issue with despite the clear evidence I am not. Good points all!)

This argument amounts to verbal terrorism. By "homophobic" is meant prejudice and hostility, although this word actually connotes the neuroticism of a phobia. The implication is that only evil or sick people can possibly disagree with any claim made by gay people. (Never mind that not even all gay people are in favor of gay marriage.)

Moreover, this is an ad hominem argument. It is easy to trivialize arguments by attacking the personal integrity of those who make them. That way, you need not deal with the argument itself.

Claim 20: But gay people are a small minority. Allowing them to marry would mean nothing more than a slight alteration to the existing system and would even add support for the institution. What's all the fuss about?

(This one I'm excerpting to make a clear point, but it's much longer when you click the original article.)

This argument is disingenuous, to say the least. If the alteration were so slight, after all, why would (some) gay couples insist on access to marriage? The question is worth asking, because gay couples in Canada³⁴ already have most of the benefits conferred by marriage and more can be added. Ostensibly, only the word "marriage" is at stake.

Neither we nor our opponents can predict now precisely what these consequences would be or when they would appear. And that is our point. Why rush into this? Given more time, we might be able at least to make an informed decision. With this in mind, consider what might indeed change as a result of redefining marriage to include gay couples.

People would not riot in the streets, to be sure, if gay marriage were legalized. In the immediate future, not everyone would even notice the results. Religious communities would be the first big losers, because religious freedom would become increasingly hard to defend. Even if exceptions were initially made so that religious communities would not be forced to marry gay couples, these exceptions would eventually be challenged in the courts. The latter would have to choose, after all, between two competing rights: freedom of religion versus equality. Guess which one is most likely to trump the other (see claim 14)."

Here's the original article in its entirety if you care to read it. I highly recommend it. I've decided that anyone who wishes to discuss this issue further with me will only be referred to this because it's so clear and logical.

"Answering Advocates of Gay Marriage

KATHERINE YOUNG AND PAUL NATHANSON
Attention: The Catholic Education Resource Center notes that the persons writing this article are neither Catholic nor in full agreement with the Church's teaching on homosexuality. Nevertheless, the urgency of the issue of gay marriage at this time and the compelling arguments raised against it here, make this paper an important resource."

Got to hand it to the Catholic Church for being open-minded enough to advocate another's viewpoint that isn't Catholic simply because it answers the pressing questions of our society. Something I wish the Christian church would be more proactive in doing, but at least I can pose it here as a resource too.

I will say that people's lack of tolerance for another's dissenting viewpoint by marching and holding angry news conferences is beginning to backfire among general society. I think there was much more sympathy towards this issue before the backlash, but I could be wrong. I just know I'm tired of it as many others are.

I went out to Hollywood last night for a screening and we drove over to Hollywood and Highland afterward only to be greeted by the entire block in front of the Gruman's Chinese Theatre heavily barricaded with hundreds of cop cars and motorcycles blocking the angry chanting protesters from continuing down Hollywood Blvd with their signs.

Since when did I choose to live in a police controlled state? Since when is legisation that people vote on not accepted? Reasonable people I've dealt with on other subjects normally and without rancor have suddenly become rabid in their accusations and attacks on me and my personal beliefs. Why is that acceptable? Where's the love? Where's the tolerance? I don't get it.

Even today, someone has suggested that a government referundum be passed to run myself and the other lone dissenter out of Hermosa Beach - ha ha - very funny - but how much longer before it becomes a reality that anyone who chooses to express a religious, intelligent alternative viewpoint is run out of a community simply by virtue of expressing themselves?

Is this really what America has come to? If so, I want no part of it. However, I believe that truth will win out and reality will begin to settle in leaving those who continue this immature display of anger and protest as nothing more than a minor blip on the news radar.

At least one can hope right? Enough with the angry lesbian. Enough with the angry crowds who feel nothing about hitting and attacking innocent people. Especially the ones who spit on the old lady going to get her perscription. Shameful. Where's the tolerance and love?

I know I've experienced reverse discrimination years ago in college when my girlfriend and I accidently wandered into a gay restaurant to have dinner on the patio. We were harrassed and ridiculed so much by the gay men sitting around us we eventually moved inside to get away from their comments and abuse.

Many of the guys who were appalled at their counterparts behavior came up to us afterward to apologize and express their concern that of anyone who should know what it feels like to be ridiculed and attacked it should be those men sitting out there.

Maybe we all need to take another page from Rodney King's book and begin to ask the question again, "Can't we all get along?" I really don't see the discrimination gays are proclaiming is happening other than this issue. Do you?

They don't have to sit at the back of the bus. They don't have to drink out of separate water fountains. They don't have to only go to gay restaurants (although many do). They don't have to live in certain areas of the city (although again, many do). They don't have to hide their gay relationships out in public. They can wear t-shirts, have bumper stickers, hold parades, hold events, and many other things that hetero people do. Where is the discrimination?

It just irritates me when people equate our civil rights movement to this movement because as far as I know, there really is no comparison. If anything gay people are more accepted as part of society than many other minorities!

I'll get off my soapbox because I'm tired of standing on it. I just needed to voice my opinion because who knows how much longer I'll be allowed to if the thought police and others have their way. I love and appreciate all my gay friends. I want you to know and understand that fact once and for all.

I just needed to share some thoughts that we don't always discuss because if this causes you to change your opinion on our friendship, then so be it. I will accept your decision. However, I hope that we can agree to disagree and realize there is room in this world and our friendships for a wide divergence of opinion.

Accepting the fact that we need to agree to disagree because this is America still and we all have Freedom of Speech and freedom of expression. Doesn't mean we'll always accept each other's viewpoints, but we need to respect them nonetheless.

Thanks for reading.