On The Air with Tim Philbin

Speaking Up For Women

2009-04-23T18:03:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

While reading the paper the other day I was shocked at the sexism, bias and blatant disregard for the equality of women in our society.

Where is the National Organization for Women on this subject? Will the ACLU file an immediate lawsuit to right what is clearly an unjust law?

Why aren’t liberals flooding the state house, the White House, the halls of congress with phone calls, letters and protests to undue a clear injustice to women.

For years we have heard the moaning and whining of feminists that women should be treated the same as men, given a chance to break through the “glass ceiling” , a place at the table so that all women may realize their full potential.

I seem to remember court cases that eventually forced “men’s clubs” to admit women. Yes, it is time that the remnants of bias, sexism and unfair treatment due to ones gender are stopped.

I for one will gladly lend my support to the cause.

What cause you ask?

A local newspaper reported that there was a proposed change in the law that would favor men and ignore women.

Here’s what they wrote – “Two rites of passage. One simple form. That's the concept behind proposed legislation that would automatically register young men with the Selective Service when they apply for their first driver's license. Proponents say the measure will ensure that teenage boys don't miss out on the many federal benefits that accompany Selective Service registration.”

What?? Women are not required to register with the Selective Service!

How old fashioned. Women have for years fought for their equal rights. If feminists want women to be treated the same as men then who am I to disagree?

Hey guys let's change this unjust law so WOMEN will be required to sign up as well.

Hey, NOW crowd, be careful what you wish for – you might just get it.

Arresting Development

2009-04-21T12:22:00.001-04:00

By Tim Philbin

If I understand a recent “out of town newspaper” story, the legislature will be in charge of shielding children of crooks from seeing mommy and/or daddy from getting arrested. The resultant trauma can be devastating for the child.

No doubt that the kids would be upset to see a group of armed men (police) come in to the house and cuff someone.

But why is it the legislature’s responsibility?

According to the story, "Witnessing the arrest of a parent contributes to increased anxiety, fear, anger and symptoms of mental health disorders and can have significant, negative long-term implications for children's well being.”This legislation is about ensuring the well being of Vermont children impacted by their parents' criminality."
The way to fix this problem does not take an advanced degree in sociology although that may be what these people want you to believe.

How about mom and dad NOT breaking the law!

It’s simple; say to yourself “today I will not break the law”. If you don’t break the law you will not be subject to arrest and your children will not be forced to watch you hauled away in the back of a police cruiser.

It does not “Take a Village to Raise a Child” it takes a mom or dad that loves their child more then themselves. That puts the child’s’ well being before their own.

If more parents followed that simple premise many of our societal problems could be resolved.

The Great Obama Power Grab

2009-03-30T12:31:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

Who would have thought that the warranty on new cars would be guaranteed by President Obama and his administration?

Yes that is what the President said today. In fact his exact words were, “let me say it as plainly as I can -- if you buy a car from Chrysler or General Motors, you will be able to get your car serviced and repaired, just like always. Your warrantee will be safe. In fact, it will be safer than it's ever been. Because starting today, the United States government will stand behind your warrantee.”

Does that mean you will have to drive to the White House or the Senate garage to get your oil changed? I haven’t seen the fine print yet.

All of this comes about after the President rejected the latest offer by General Motors and Chrysler to restructure their companies in an effort to get more tax payer money to bail ‘em out.
Mr. Obama fired the head of GM, Rich Wagoner a man with over 30 years with the company and effectively took over the private company.

I don’t claim to be a constitutional scholar but what section of that revered document allows the President to fire the head of a private firm and seize control of the company?

This latest grab for power should have even the old Bush critics (of too much power in the presidency) sitting up and taking notice.

Well maybe not.

After all Mr. Wagoner in part of that newly hated group of corporate executives and “rich people” that are now the new enemy of the state.

Who or what is next?

God help us.

Finally My Voice In The Wilderness Is Heard

2009-03-18T12:35:00.001-04:00

By Tim Philbin

What a bunch of phoneys!

I watch in amazement as each takes a turn showing their sorry faces on TV to express their contrived outrage over the now notorious bonuses paid to AIG executives.

The thieves in congress should be reminded that THEY are responsible for our money and any miss appropriation of our money is their fault. They gave AIG the money (our money) and should have known, attached strings, questioned management, or found out how this money way going to be spent.

Here’s what one columnist, Michelle Malkin wrote on the subject.
“Over the weekend, cloaked in their finest populist costumes, the Beltway's hair-sprayed and powdered politicians and White House aides took to the airwaves to inveigh against $165 million in employee-retention payments made by the government-backed insurance giant.

The checks were mailed Friday, but the March 15 bonus deadline had been on the Capitol Hill radar screen since December.

But it wasn't until last week that the hapless court jester of the Obama administration, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, scrambled to rein in the payments.

AIG Chief Executive Edward Liddy basically told him to buzz off.

Geithner, the primary architect of the original $85 billion AIG bailout last fall, "reluctantly" approved the bonuses.

And now his outraged boss has ordered him to scour every legal nook and cranny possible to get the money back.

Spare me President Obama's finger-wag. He's "outraged?" Meh.

Two weeks ago, Team Obama forked over another $30 billion for the basket-case company after it reported $61.7 billion in fourth-quarter losses.

That's on top of the first $85 billion round and the second $38 billion round under George W. Bush - both of which Obama supported. (Obama, by the way, collected more than $101,000 in AIG campaign contributions.)

Don't talk to me about how the Obama administration opposes rewarding failure. And don't talk to me about all the politicians stampeding to tax AIG's bonuses.

Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, the corporate crony who is the largest recipient of AIG donations, is now leading the charge to tax the retention payments in order to recoup the $450 million the company is paying to employees in its financial-products unit.

But Dodd, it turns out, was for protecting AIG's bonuses before he was against them.

Fox Business reporter Rich Edson pointed out that during the Senate porkulus negotiations last month, Dodd successfully inserted a teeny-tiny amendment that provided for an "exception for contractually obligated bonuses agreed on before Feb. 11, 2009," which exempts the very AIG bonuses Dodd and others are seeking to tax.

Pay no attention to what his left hand was doing. Dodd's right fist is pounding mightily, mightily for the sake of the taxpayers. The hypocritical indignation on the Hill is bipartisan.

On his Twitter page last night, Sen. John McCain huffed, "If we hadn't bailed out AIG = no bonuses for greedy execs."

Well, if the GOP presidential candidate had held fast to his opposition to such doomed corporate bailouts in the first place, maybe bailout-a-palooza wouldn't have spiraled into the gazillion-dollar mess it inevitably became.

If Washington's newfound opponents of rewarding failure want to do taxpayers a favor, how about giving back their automatic pay raises? How about returning all their AIG donations?

How about taking back all the bailout money to all the failed enterprises, from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to AIG, the automakers and the big banks? Barry? Harry? Nancy? John? Chris? “

Thank you Michelle, finally someone else has heard my rants or the last few months and is paying attention.

They're Looking For You!

2009-03-10T11:00:00.003-04:00

By Tim Philbin

The following has just cleared the wires. Obamaniacs will take to the streets to seek out supporters (and non supporters alike). Of Mr. Obama's Socialist agenda.

Are names to be taken? What happens if you don't pledge your support as the article reports?

Does this not remind you of Chairman Mao and his army of volunteers parading around with The Little Red Book. My God is this the beginnig of the end of America?

Warn your friends and neighbors, call every talk show you can think of, write to every nespaper (if they will print it) and warn them of this gathering of information on all Americans. This is like a nightmare happening before our very eyes.

Prepare yourself my fellow patriots

______________

"US President Barack Obama mustered his powerful campaign army on Monday, calling on his millions of supporters to lobby on behalf of his budget and economic plan.

The appeal to back the president was made in an email and video sent out by "Organizing for America," the organization which morphed out of Obama's campaign machinery to push his agenda when he entered the White House.

In the video, Mitch Stewart, the director of Organizing for America, urged the president's supporters to take part in the "Organizing for America Pledge Project."

"The pledge project is an ambitious effort to map out and identify support for President Obama's economic blueprint across towns and communities in America," Stewart said.

"We're doing that by asking people to pledge your support for the broad initiatives outlined in President Obama's economic plan.

"Once you do, we will ask you to build support in your own communities by forwarding this pledge by email, by knocking on doors and by making phone call," he said. "We will show in every state, in every congressional district the hunger, for leadership and long range thinking that's in too short supply here in Washington."

Stewart said Obama's budget provides a "bold blueprint for our country's future.

"It addresses three of the most pressing challenges facing our nation: health care, energy and education," he said.

"That's the good news. The bad news is that as a result the special interests and the old habits in Washington will dig in even more.

"It's up to you to make sure that they don't stand in our way.

"By pledging and building support you will be taking the first steps towards establishing a nationwide grassroots network, neighborhood by neighborhood, standing side by side with President Obama as we bring about our agenda for change."

The appeal to grass roots supporters closely follows the tactics used by Obama during his triumphant election campaign and is another sign that the president plans to use the organization to help pass difficult legislation.

Obama's campaign manager, David Plouffe, has stressed that Organizing for America is not aimed at twisting the arms of members of Congress but meant to keep activists engaged on issues such as health care, energy and the economy"

Leadership 101

2009-02-26T07:25:00.001-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Remember Lee Iacocca, the man who rescued Chrysler Corporation from its death throes? He's now 82 years old and has a new book, 'Where Have All The Leaders Gone?'.

Lee Iacocca Says:
'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder! We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course.'
Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America, not the damned, 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!'
You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore.
The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the 'America' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you?
I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis! (Iacocca elaborates on nine C's of leadership, with crisis being the first.)
Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down.
On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A hell of a mess, so here's where we stand.
We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving.
We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country.
We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia, while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs.
Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble.
Our borders are like sieves. The middle class is being squeezed every which way. These are times that cry out for leadership.
But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point.
Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo?
We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened.
Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm.
Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.
Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it?
Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debit, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry.
I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on Fox News will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change?
Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope - I believe in America. In my lifetime, I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: The 'Great Depression,' 'World War II,' the 'Korean War,' the 'Kennedy Assassination,' the 'Vietnam War,' the 1970's oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11.
If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'You don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a "Call to Action" for people who, like me, believe in America'. It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had 'enough.'

We Have To Pay For This Too1?

2009-02-23T20:58:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Here's a bit of news I just got.

"The massive government bailout of the nation’s financial system could help thousands of illegal immigrants who obtained home loans from banks that were encouraged to offer them by the federal agency in charge of preserving and promoting public confidence in the system.

The controversial $700 billion bailout will offer foreclosure relief for those at risk of losing their homes and that includes thousands of illegal immigrants who got mortgages from U.S. financial institutions thanks to a push from Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which began encouraging banks to offer services to illegal immigrants a few years ago.

Headquartered in Washington D.C., The FDIC insures more than $3 trillion of deposits in U.S. banks and is managed by a five-person board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the Senate. In the last few years the agency succeeded in getting several large lending institutions to offer a variety of banking services to illegal aliens, including home loans.

Now U.S. banks routinely offer services to people without Social Security numbers by accepting the Mexican identification called matricula consular to open accounts. Some states—like Illinois and Wisconsin—even used millions of dollars in public funds to provide low-interest home loans for illegal immigrants with no credit history or documentation in the U.S.

The loan default rate among illegal immigrants is high because they are inherently unreliable, are prone to fraud and may be forced by circumstances to return to their home nation at any point, according to a congressman representing a state that operated a large mortgage fraud ring featuring hundreds of unqualified borrowers that used fake identities to get money."

The veteran Colorado Representative, Tom Tancredo, wanted to assure that the bailout, didn’t offer incentives for illegal aliens. In a letter to his colleagues in Congress, Tancredo asked that safeguards be included on the bailout plan to verify the legal residency and identity of potential homebuyers. This will prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining federally backed home loans and assure that U.S. taxpayers are not absorbing their debts or bad loans made by banks to illegal aliens. (Complete details on the eligibility will not be announced until March 4th, when the program will start.)

Could it be a coincidence that the area’s hardest hit by home foreclosures happen to be illegal immigrant sanctuaries like Las Vegas, large parts of southern and northern California and the famous Arizona sanctuary of Phoenix?

People,People, People

2009-02-16T16:15:00.003-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Stop all the bitchin and moanin!

Can anyone tell me where is it written that the USA owes any of us a house, education, health care or even food?

Get off your backside and go fend for yourself.

I was watching TV an saw people whining and crying about their lot in life and how it' s so tough to get by or take care of a family. Here's a bit of news ---NO ONE - NO ONE is owed anything by this country except a chance to try and possibly succeed. And as far as that goes let me share what my daddy told me, "even if you fall on your face - at least you are going in the right direction".

When the President was holding a town hall meeting his handlers rolled out a bunch of "OH WOE IS ME" types. With all that misery on the evening news I guess he figured his stimulus bill would be more acceptable to the audience.

One women cried that she had no kitchen! Yes, a kitchen. When the President told her he was going to help her the audience applauded like she had just won "the prize behind door number three"
You have got to be kidding!!! We owe people kitchens??? Want to know why they applauded??? I will explain in a future post.

Wake up people it's time to build your ARC. The storm IS coming. (more about the "ARC" later)

They're Smoking What?

2009-02-13T12:13:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Many years ago (more then I care to remember) teenagers who chose to smoke had a particular brand of cigarettes.

Maybe you too could name the "brand" that was the one every one had to have. It was a status symbol, the one every cool kid had. No they were not Virginia Slims. Can you name it?

If you said Marlboro you are right. It was "THE" brand, soft pack or hard.

Now the CDC has done a study to discover what we knew so many years ago that this brand was preferred by more then half of all teen smokers. And do you know why?

According to the study it's not peer pressure, preference or looking "cool". It is all the advertising done to adults that is spilling over onto teens making them smoke. You might even call it "second hand advertising". Can you remember the last time you saw a tobacco ad?

Again, more bureaucrats justifying their existence by spending our money so they can tell us what we already knew. Oh yes, now they can go after the tobacco companies for MORE money to stop this blight on the American landscape. It is also timely in that state governments are out of money.

Don't you just love when a plan comes together!

Government Health Care - Government Rationing

2009-02-10T12:15:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

I hate to say I told you so, but...

Yes a little known provision in the new "stimulus" plan would allow a new governmental agency to choose who should get, how much and what kind of treatment based on a still yet to be determined governmental review process.

Who uses the system the most? Well sick people especially elderly sick people.

Doctors and hospitals who violate the directives would face penalties. In short, rationing would be determined, encouraged and enforced. Hope all you baby boomers are paying attention because you are the next elderly generation who might see this new plan hanging over your hospital bed.

But it's not just the elderly, what about the severely disabled or chronically ill of any age? They too would have their treatments reviewed and determinations made as to what should and should not be allowed.

There is a silver lining though. Those with lots of money (remember the democrats are now the party of the rich according to the US Census) can buy "private" health care anytime they may need it. It may be on a Caribbean Island some place but it would be available.

Just remember all of you that wanted change ... you got it.

Those Who Live In White Houses

2009-02-05T12:05:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

The President says he "will not tolerate" Wall Street CEO earning more then $500,000 in compensation while their companies are getting taxpayer bailouts.

Why reward failure is his attitude

I'm not sure if the President has checked his own CEO compensation package. It's a goody bag full of freebies that he gets and unlike others doesn't have to pay tax on any of it.

Yes he gets $400,000 in pay, plus a $50,000 expense account, a free chef, vacation home, two jets at his disposal, and a rent free home.

If the President was honest with himself and the rest of us he should look at the crooks who let this mess get started in the first place. It was the members of congress that allowed the bad mortgages to be issued (under the guise of social engineering) to people who should not have gotten them in the first place. They refused to correct the problem, while taking money from the political action arms of Fannie May and Freddie Mac.

Yes, even then Senator Obama was to blame but I don't hear him not "tolerating" the pay raise that members of congress just got from the taxpayers.

Stop grandstanding and get down to work fixing the problem you and your friends created.

Show Them The Money

2009-01-07T12:04:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Remember all those politicians calling for the heads of Wall Street types that were being paid huge sums of money for overseeing failed or failing companies?

It was so bad that many in Washington wanted to limit corporate bonuses, pay raises and overall corporate compensation. It was even part of the 2008 Presidential campaign.

After all how could they justify getting so much when people across the country were loosing their jobs, homes, life savings, retirement funds while at the same time paying more for gas, heating oil, food and so much more?

Maybe they had a point. But as my mother said what is good for the goose is also good for the ... you get the idea.

Now the people who were supposed to oversee all of Wall Street, encouraged the mortgage mess, and refused to develop a rational energy policy are now ready to get an automatic pay raise themselves.

What a bunch of phonies . It's always do as I say not as I do.

If anyone needs to feel our pain its the folks in Washington and Montpelier.

Here's a simple idea - if we the people don't make money neither will they!

Good For The Democrats !

2009-01-06T12:04:00.003-05:00

By Tim Philbin

I am so tired of hearing the Republicans moan and complain. Either put up or shut up!

When Republicans controlled the Senate they constantly complained that the Democrats were standing in their way to advance legislation. At the time I said that rather then whine and cry about their plight just change the rules and work around the oposition. Thye either couldn't or wouldn't.

Now that the Dems have control of the House they are doing just that. With a few rule changes the GOP will be shut out from having almost any say on legislation.

Sometimes the mantle of leadership means - get this - "LEADING" or at least taking charge.

So no belly aching from you GOP ers out there.

There is another side to this - if "anything" goes wrong, the economy, foreign affairs, ethical violations no one cam blame the Republicans.

That means that the Democrats have two years to fix all of the nations problems.

Be careful what you wish for.

Someone Save Our Kids

2008-12-02T12:12:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

A new study has pointed out that children are being "harmed " by TV, the Internet and other types of media.

It's so bad that parents are asking "policymakers" to take action to protect our kids from this latest menace.

Here's a better idea and it doesn't involve a bunch of politicians, policymakers or bureaucrats doing a darn thing.

Turn the TV and video games ...OFF !

Wow what a unique idea. Parents being responsible for the children they chose to bring into this world.

If they refuse to bow to your wishes then get rid of the darn thing.

Give your children chores to do, force them to play outdoors and if old enough, encourage them to get a job.

It is not governments job to do what you should be doing. Contrary to what others may have told you - it does NOT take a village to raise a child. It does take a parent living up to their responsibility of being the adult in the house

Change With A Small "c"

2008-11-25T13:56:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Remember the last election?

Like who could forget! It went on for about 200 years.

Remember the slogan of the now president elect? Every time he spoke he said it. It was the basis for his "throw the bums out" populist appeal to voters. He even blamed his opponent for being one of "them" - whatever them was.

People fawned all over the guy because he represented "change". Yes, he was the "change" candidate. He was going to "change" the culture of Washington. He promised "change" for the little guy, the forgotten, the hard working tax payer by making the rich fat cats pay more.

Maybe those who voted for him should have read the sign more carefully. That was CHANGE with a small "c".

Well guess what happened to the change guy? He changed!

President elect Obama has been surrounding himself with Washington insiders, Wall Street advisers and big money men (some who were behind the financial meltdown we are now facing) and has already started speaking about scaling back some of the changes he touted so loudly during the campaign.

I hate to say I told you so but... the more hings change the more they remain the same.

The Man With A Plan

2008-11-21T12:09:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

So where's the plan??

During his campaign for re-election Gov. Jim Douglas said he was the "only" candidate with a plan to revitalize Vermont's economy.

Really!? So where is it?

I don't know what the Governor is waiting for. In case he has not heard another local business has just announced they will be laying off almost one hundred of its current work force. That's half the folks that work there.

Not good news , especially with the holidays a couple of weeks away.

With revenue to the state down, young people moving out, jobs disappearing, costs to live here going up and taxes on the rise people are wondering where and when will this plan kick in.

There is a need for leadership to to change the perception that this state is not "open for business".

Doing The Wright Thing

2008-11-19T12:10:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Burlington City Council president Kurt Wright is insisting that a private company come before city leaders and explain their latest marketing scheme.

At issue are pictures on Burton snow boards of Playboy centerfolds (never mind that you can't see much). The council, under Wright's direction voted 12 - 1 in favor of a resolution calling upon the local company to come before the group with an explanation and get an earful from various community organizations that don't like the pictures.

According to Mr. Wright the city council has a "responsibility" to put pressure on businesses to do the right thing.

Oh really?

And what is or better yet who will decide what is the "right" thing for each business to do?

Maybe in a socialist state governmental agencies can appoint themselves the ultimate power to oversee the private sector. In our society the market will decide.

If potential buyers find the pictures so offensive they won't buy the product and thereby forcing the company to change their marketing and design programs.

Until then the Burton snow board company should use the age old argument that as been the cry by many on the left that they are merely expressing "artistic free speech".

That may not work because it's not the "Wright"thing to do.

A Great Way To Say ThankYou

2008-11-11T12:04:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

I came across this Associated Press news story and think it well worth repeating on this forum.

Would you like to send a holiday greeting to a GI, but aren't sure how to do it?

The American Red Cross can help. The Red Cross is launching its Holiday Mail for Heroes campaign today, allowing people to send their cards with a message of thanks and cheer.

The cards will be screened for hazardous materials, sort and packaged then delivered to military bases and hospitals, veteran's hospitals, and other locations during the holidays.

They must be received by December 10th to insure delivery by Christmas.

Send you mail to:

Holiday Mail For Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

A great way for us to thank those who guarantee our safety and security.

Who's To Blame?

2008-11-06T15:18:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

It's been twenty four hours since a new President has been chosen and already the planning for the next election has begun.

I know what you're probably thinking, this was the longest campaign in U.S. history. That may be true, but just like the World Series the big game may be over yet the preparation for the next one is underway.

As part of that process both the democrats and republicans will try to figure out the successes and failures of their respective campaign strategies. At GOP headquarters resignations are the order of the day. On the Dem's side it's who will get a piece of the brass ring.

Maybe I can offer some help.

Obama won and McCain lost over the "vision thing". Obama had one. McCain either didn't, couldn't articulate it or changed it during the coarse of his ill fated try for the White House.

For their part the Dems found the Reagan play book read it, understood it, made it their own and now control the executive, legislative and soon the judicial branches. You may not like the vision but they executed their strategic plan brilliantly.

So you GOPers must understand that your future is not in looking like the other guy but articulating a vision that is distinct, based in principles and easily identified by the American people. In short, stop trying to be "democrat light" and revive the Reagan Revolution.

I Want It Now

2008-11-05T12:27:00.002-05:00

By Tim Philbin

Have you been listening to the morning after election spin doctors about the Obama promises?

Now we are being told that all the goodies that were promised may "take time" to deliver. After all we have an economy in shambles, a terrible deficit, and are fighting a war on two fronts .

Excuse me?!

Less then twenty four hours after wining a landslide victory over the "failed policies of George Bush" by promising "change" from the old to the new, a vision of "hope" that will fix Washington so all people will benefit not just some, we are now being told - not so fast.

Sorry it doesn't work that way.

According to some of his own promises President elect Obama has said that 95 % of all Americans are going to get a tax cut (not to mention another stimulus check from the government). People who are in foreclosure will get a house, no more oil from the Middle East, there is going to be help paying for the gas in your car, free or discounted cars and since health care is right - free health care, oh yes and free college too. And there's lots more.

Since we are also promised a break from the failed policies of the past, no more promising and not delivering.

I WANT IT NOW! All of it. And please have it delivered in the next four years.

How is the new President going to deliver on this "change" ? Well, according to the most recent census the majority of rich people live in democratic districts (and paying more taxes is a patriotic thing to do) rich democrats should start paying up.

The reality is the more things change chances are that the more they will remain the same.

Trying To Have It Both Ways

2008-10-29T18:26:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

"One man one vote", "every vote counts", "true democracy" these are just a few of the catch phrases thrown around by the left when trying to convince the rest of us of their vision of participatory democracy.

What they really want is limited participation by the masses.

Case in point - A few months ago a group of concerned citizens decided they wanted a say in how their tax money was spent on education. The local school board wielded tremendous power and was in charge of all the school budgets.

Expenses continued to spiral upward and out of control. For the most part there were fewer students, more employees and the cost of education had nearly doubled in a few years.

Sure the local voters had a say about who served on the school board but that didn't seem to make a difference.

After a good deal of work the voters had a chance to weigh in by way of a ballot issue that would give them a say on the school budget.

True Democracy you might say,one man one vote, every vote counts etc. Well not when the citizens might vote against one of the pet issues of the left, education. Citizens could be in a position to disrupt the stranglehold the teachers union had on taxpayers wallets.

Local newspapers editorialized about the pitfalls of allowing "one man one vote" on this issue.

It passed and voters now have a say on the budget.

Now that same newspapers editorial writers are complaining about the Electoral College system that is used to select the President of the United States.

Why should the process that gives little states a great deal of clout be abolished?

Why it's fairer, one man one vote, every vote should count, true democracy.

I find it rather ironic that it's only true democracy when the far left thinks it will benefit them,

Cruel And Unusual

2008-10-21T14:48:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

How dare we make those poor victimized souls, who just happen to find themselves imprisoned in the local jail perform acts that were so inhuman they felt they had no other choice but to stage a riot.

Not only do they have to suffer the indignity of being locked up for a period of time but now the Corrections Department is forcing them to ... well, do what the prisoners must consider to be cruel and unusual.

No it's not digging ditches or splitting rocks in the blazing hot sun with no rest or water. The new rules according to local reports include "cleaning their cell block, maintaining personal hygiene, exercising and following the rules of the prison". The final straw was when a prisoner was told he could not spend the whole day in bed.

Talk about the inmates running the asylum - you have got to be kidding.

When members of our community are struggling to pay their own expenses (not to mention the $50,000 a year cost to incarcerate these jokers) why not make these bums work in our state forests cutting and splitting wood all day to be given to folks to heat their homes this winter.

Prison should be a place to be avoided at all cost not some college dorm or vacation resort.

You've Got To Be Kidding

2008-10-15T12:08:00.003-04:00

By Tim Philbin

The Department of Public Service is going to spend $15,000 of our money to study how to reduce the cost of home heating oil.

They will be taking bids from "consulting firms" to analyze such things as "alternative fuels harvested from Vermont forests".

Fifteen thousands dollars for a study to discover an alternative fuel in Vermont forests?

It's called - WOOD !

Gov. Jim Douglas has asked for the study to be completed by March 2009.

It's called WOOD !

Advocates said the study won't be out in time to help folks this year but the information gathered will be able to help consumers in advance of the next heating season 2009 - 2010.

It's Called WOOD !

Someone call the Governor and let him know that WOOD has been discovered in Vermont forests so we can save ourselves a few bucks!

But It's For A Good Reason

2008-10-14T12:20:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

Remember the 2000 election ? You know, the one in which George Bush was said to have stolen the outcome from Al Gore. With the help of the Supreme Court George was able to have himself declared the new leader of the free world. Or least that is what some would have you believe.

Fast forward to the 2004 election.

Similar accusations were being thrown around so much so that Democrats had a small army of lawyers ready to challenge the outcome of votes across the country.

The media constatly covered accusations of "potential" fraud. There were even stories about voter machines that could be rigged to change the outcome.

No vast conspiracy was uncovered. Sure there were some snafu's as happens every election day.

Today however a vast conspiracy seems to exist to fix the election outcome yet no news organization seems concerned enough to give it much coverage.

Voter registration fraud is being investigated in a number of states. An organization close to democrats and presidential candidate Barack Obama, ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) is at the heart of the problem.

Yes, the same group that pressured banks to make home mortgage loans to unqualified borrowers. Yet the press is giving little play to the problem.

I guess if it helps the right person win the White House it's OK because it is for a good cause.

That Was A Debate?

2008-10-08T13:00:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

I was barely able to keep my eyes open while watching last nights Presidential debate. I'm not sure if it was the candidates or what they were saying.

Probably both.

For his part Senator Obama thought that every question/issue was the most important "issue of our day". Senator McCain was trying his best to tell us "we can do it", whatever "IT" was.

What I saw was two Washington insiders using political speak to tell us why they would be better than the other guy to manage the mess (which by the way they created) this nation finds itself in.

What I didn't hear was "the vision thing"; that picture of the "shining city on the hill" . They both presented a list of what they will do for us if only we vote for them.

Please! How stupid do they think we are?

But me ears did perk up when Senator Obama said he want to help people pay for their homes and their everyday bills. I quickly reached for my most recent bill from CVPS and felt relieved knowing if he's elected I could just mail it to him at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and he'll take care of it.

He just might get my vote!

Now It's OK ?

2008-10-02T12:09:00.002-04:00

By Tim Philbin

At $700 billion the so called "bailout bill" was just too expensive. It was a designed to help rich Wall Street types. At least that is what we were told by both the politicians and their friends in the media.

It was a three page piece of legislation that would alleviate the credit crisis facing the financial markets. But it gave too much power to the Treasury Secretary without solving the underlying problem.

Those problem were the direct result of lax lending standards initiated and encouraged by members of congress through quasi governmental agencies known as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

No wonder Americans called their elected officials in the US House and by a margin of 100 to 1 TOLD them not to vote for the bill.

The Senate decided to weigh in with their solution. They offered up a new piece of legislation. This one, 451 pages long, costing about $850 billion also had no investigation or resolution of the underlying cause. This time it was a GOOD bill that would save "Main Street" not Wall Street.

They almost dislocated their shoulders patting themselves on the back for showing "leadership" in resolving the problem.

What they failed to mention was the money they porked up the bill with to make it "sweeter" to members so they could win votes.

No wonder we have the problems we do in the financial markets with these kinds of thieves overseeing the American piggy bank.

It's Always Been About The Money

2008-10-01T12:00:00.003-04:00

By Tim Philbin

You don't actually believe that a tax increase on cigarettes is designed to change public attitudes or get people to give it up, do you?

If you need any more proof just check out what is happening in New Hampshire.

The state legislature voted in the spring to increase the tax on cigarettes if tax revenues from the sale of the product did not hit $50 million dollars.

Well it looks like "sales" will not meet the goal so the price will be going up. Yes, fewer sales (fewer smokers) translates in to less dollars for politicians to spend.

I thought it was a good thing if cigarette usage went down?

Not if you are depending upon the cash for other projects.

I guess if paying more taxes is the patriotic thing to do (according to one presidential candidate) I guess smoking more is too !

A Good Start

2008-09-30T12:26:00.003-04:00

Looks like some of the thieves that caused this financial crisis are gonna get theirs. The Justice Department and their minions are looking into the financial practices of CEO's and if they cooked the books.

In addition to the private sector getting a 'once over' the causes of this mess (mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac) are facing a federal grand jury investigation into their bookkeeping.

Unfortunately they're only going back to 2007.

It is my hope that investigators look and every one including members of Congress. What was their culpability in overseeing these two quasi governmental institutions.

All they have to do is follow the money.

Who got paid off? Who got the PAC money, special consideration or constituent goodies?

It's on the public record.

They too need to be investigated to see if they looked the other way when they should have been watching the cookie jar.

What they will find will shock most of us.

Who's To Blame?

2008-09-25T12:10:00.000-04:00

The "Blame Game" is in full swing in Washington. I'm sure you have heard some of it, it's Wall Street, the rich and powerful insiders, George Bush and his lack oversight... the list goes on.

Heck, some are even blaming "capitalism".

Here's a great rule of thumb. Whenever the guys and gals in Washington begin to blame every one for a problem it's usually because they had something to do with it. This mess with the mortgage meltdown is no exception.

An even bigger indicator of their guilt and culpability is when they decide to hold hearings and investigations. That is a sure fire indication of their guilt.

You probably have heard that Congress has asked for the FBI to investigate Wall Street CEO's and what they did or didn't do to create this mess in the financial markets.

Be advised this problem is the direct result of social engineering of home lending practices, inside cronyism by leading Democrats and select GOPers and personal profiteering by political friends and former colleagues.

Deny if you want but the facts do not lie ... which is more than can be said of the biggest complainers on Capital Hill