The Bailout vs Pork Spending

I promised myself not to get politically involved with other's comments on posts that I wrote. Political agenda's should not enter into our discussions. Unless that is, you are trying to make adjustments to the truth by incorrect bias. Everyone has their view. Here's mine.

Personally, I resent individuals trying to play the blame-game on our previous President, Bush. I am not so naive as to think that one person was responsible for the suffering that is now being shared in this country. It was pure and simply, greed. The type of greed that says everyone can have everything that they want even if they cannot afford it. Especially if someone can make a profit on you, the consumer.

We are at each other's throats in disunity in this country so, stop all the political games and mudslinging. Yes, it is estimated that we have been going through this crisis for approximately 18 months, and even experts cannot agree on this one. Do we as Americans have a plan besides tearing at each other's political affiliation? Nothing divided has ever stood, and we are wasting precious time.

Today, the cost of the barrels of oil is up substantially, and as well, the cost of gasoline is rising. Is the stimulus plan effectively working? And of course, what choice have we but to give it some time. When I was asked which stimulus plan I was referring to, President Bush or President Obama, I thought it necessary to reply. Do not insult my intelligence.

The September (TARP) of $350 Billion, was issued in order to facilitate the bail out of banks--called Troubled Assets Relief Program. This was an anti-recession effort put forth by the Bush administration and was called a "profitable bailout" meaning, all money was loaned, and at 8% interest annually.

The stimulus package under the current administration was, as I understand, not well read through and contained what is known as "pork spending." Can you deny that? To our detriment and that of our children, I wish I were wrong.

I have been silent long enough. Are we to pretend that we did not lose huge amounts of "retirement money" or that government wastefulness has not occurred? Perhaps our loved ones are dreaming when their hours have been cut at work as well as their incomes. Yet, for the sake of employment, must do the same amount of work, for less. We are told not to enter into the recession. That's like burying your head in the sand. Saying it doesn't exist doesn't make it go away. High prices are just the tip of the ice burg. Now, we hear of higher sales tax. That is just the beginning. Why is it nothing is done to curb the profits of the fat-cats still wheeling it in? Let's all look to see what "fat" can be trimmed from the over inflated budgets. Reinvest in words like, if-maybe-no and consolidate. Is it a need or a want? Or, how about, is this expense foolishness?

This is good. When people are busy blaming, or fighting they accomplish nothing. Are you mad yet? Join the club.

Stand in line, the deflated dollar only goes so far. It's your buck.

Madness

What is wrong with the judges. They are letting people off scott free. People have gone crazy, everywhere. I've never seen such madness.

It's a different age. We are seeing the start of something big and bad and irreversible. Our youth are becoming more violent and destructive. Just heard a story about a fight between two guys that put one seriously in the hospital clinging to life. Years ago guys would put up their dukes and duke it out, then came the handshake. It was never for blood.

Someone tell me what is going on? Do you think for a moment that the dictator in North Korea would think twice about letting go a nuclear device, when I heard he is seriously ill? What would he have to lose?

Who doesn't feel badly for the two young girls who have been given a twelve year sentence, undeserved in conditions that are extreme. What did they do that merited that?

The stimulus program has failed. There are no new jobs. The unemployment rate is staggering. The economy is not doing well. Binge spending will guarantee our demise. So what's next? An increase in gas prices and besides everything else that's out of whack, more of the same -- a worsening recession since the great depression.

Isn't it time someone said something? Who's minding the store? We are going in the wrong direction, that's certain.

New England Tradition

Late spring brings out so many good traditional treats from the garden. Raw Rhubarb, with a little bit of salt on it is the way some natives enjoy it.

The way I like to use Rhubarb is in a traditional pie. A recipe that goes back to the 1820's when this perennial plant know as Rhubard, became available in Maine and Massachusetts. I remember tasting it as a very young child and making a face, like having tasted a sour lemon.

The stocks of the plant look somewhat like celery and have a crab-apple greenish color, speckled with red. They are known for their tartness and when cooked with another fruit like strawberries or apples, produce a sweet-sour effect.

We use little sugar, and as in years past, it has been a favorite at this time of the year served with light cream. The vegetable is cut up and cooked until fork tender, arranged in a shell alternately with strawberries and baked like an apple pie until the crusts and filling are cooked.

The Rhubard contains many B vitamins, a host of minerals, protein, vitamin C and calcium. It is a powerhouse nutritionally for your family and is known to help curb your weight. Never should Rhubard be over consumed, as it is known to have a laxative effect.

I'm sure you've heard of Rhubard jam, which is another way to enjoy this fine spring vegetable.

We do not have any growing in our garden as previous generations did so we pick up ours up at the local grocery store where the toxic leaves have already been removed.

Another tradition in our family is the homemade crust. We use a butter flavored spread, (Smart-balance), which is heart-healthy, and unbleached flour. Using the spread and flour and the two-fork method, criss-cross cut into a pea sized mix, in which we add small amounts of water, mixing by hand until it becomes a ball. Knead slightly on floured surface, and roll dough until smooth. Cut and line a pie pan, add the filling, then the top crust. Bake at least 20 minutes at a 400 degree pre-heated oven until golden brown, then we lower the temperature to 350 degrees for approximately thirty minutes.

Wish you could join us for what will be a wonderful and healthful dessert, the Strawberry-Rhubarb pie.

To quote my mom "good eating!

Saturday of Souls

Today we began with a church service for those who have died in our family, as well as friends and those we did not know. It was also a special day in our town as we had a festival. While taking our grandson to the parade, my brother rode by on his bike and stopped to have a few words with me. He was with his son, Matthew. Jayne his wife was walking with us for a short time, then went to look at some of the crafts tables.

John, my youngest brother, mentioned that it was D-Day a day that we don't forget in our family. When I was a young child, my mom would take us around the cemeteries to talk about those she remembered and one particular soldier, who was buried close to her father, her "uncle Charlie." John talked about Uncle Charlie today. Uncle Charlie was the half brother of my grandfather. I didn't know either one of them. My grandfather was born in the year 1895 and Charlie October 4, 1918. They were 23 years apart yet they were close. My grandfather Stanley and his wife Valida adopted Leo, their son in 1919. That made his son closer in age to his half brother Charlie than himself.

Life was very difficult in those days. It was during WWII with it's impending threat that hung over their heads and was on their minds and hearts.

Young Charlie was listed as an Army enlistee, Ft. Devens, MA in Feb. 26, 1942 with the rank of Pvt. Warrant officer. He knew that his life along with his friends, would make a difference in this world. Freedom is worth the fight. So, on D-Day June 6, 1944, Charlie was killed in action during the invasion of Normandy, where he gave his life at the age of 26.

In 1945 my grandfather passed away at the age of 50, eighteen months later. My grandfather came to this country to know freedom. Charlie was born here and died abroad so you can know freedom.

I'm no longer the little girl looking at the flag on Charlie's grave, but I haven't forgotten. Peace does not come without a price. Happiness is worth fighting and dying for, let us not forget.

I didn't know you, uncle Charlie, but I thank you for your bravery and sacrifice. I will continue to remember you. A new Honor Roll Monument on Main Street, proudly displays your name.

Across this great nation, families are recalling their loved ones today, as they too recall D-Day known as the longest day.

Baby Steps

Here's the rule, if you cannot go to the potty, then at least do it in the bathroom. That is what you call baby steps. It means you become aware that you must go to the potty at some point.

What is going on with all that talk about peace is precisely the same in my mind. Eventually, you will need to acquire peace. The goal is difficult. What prevents you from doing what you both know is right? No, it just drags on and drags on. Your all stubborn to a fault.

The baby step rule means to go to the table to hear what steps need to be done to accomplish this goal of peace. Just do it!

I am tired of hearing all the excuses. What are the alternatives? Meanwhile, more discomfort and suffering. You cannot hide any more, the whole world is watching, and we're in your face. We are talking to you. Are you listening?

Its like the body, when one part suffers, the whole suffers with it. Will the day come for Peace? Will you work to give Peace a chance? How do you accomplish this? "Baby steps".

We are all brothers accountable to the same creator, our God. God is our ally in this cause. Like children, we don't want to share. Stop the crap. Why can't we just get along. We need to work together to resolve many problems before it is too late. We have been trying to help for so long, but now it is up to you.

Instead of "what's in it for me" try "what's in it for us."

The world needs to be a better place. Let's agree to do that. It begins with me. So, I will decide to obey the first rule, and that is to do it in the bathroom. Yeah, I know...It stinks!

The time for speeches are over, you have had much advice and you now know what you have to do. Put your faith into action. After all, we are our brother's keeper, all part of the human family. What are you waiting for?

Window Cleaning

What a wonderful time of the year, when you can open your windows and let in the clean air. It's June and the pollen that prevented window opening in May, is past. I enjoy this time of the year when I can get out of bed in the morning and sit outdoors with a fresh cup of coffee. First, I throw open the drapes and let the sun come in. With that said, that's when the positives end, and I find myself staring at the crusted over windows with tons of soot. When your home alone, that's when you see all the dirt.

It definitely is a combination of the wood and coal burning stove of my neighbor and the pollens which dominate the air in May. On Tuesday, I scrubbed the windows at least three times with a well-known window cleaner and rinsed with my jet spray, wiping them thoroughly, then replacing the screens. I wonder if you can appreciate the labor of trying to reach the picture window from each side window. Needless to say, I work hard at what we have always called "spring cleaning." On Tuesday, my family came over for dinner, and as they sat in the living room, we couldn't help but see the film that was left behind. I was certain that I got it all, taking precautions not to wash the windows in the sun, knowing that it would cause streaking.

If you know me, then you know that I would wash them over again. So, this morning after the threat of rain, about nine o'clock, I removed the screens and rewashed the windows. This time using the old-fashioned method, vinegar and newspaper.

There isn't a better way that I know of, (the proof is in the putting). They shine like mirrors and there are no streaks. This time of the year I find intensely busy. In between the four loads of laundry, and dishwashing, dinner and gardening, it was a full day.

Tomorrow, I hope to wash the remaining windows. Still haven't caught up to my ironing, but the closets and storage areas have been cleaned and the winter clothes have been exchanged with summer attire. I hope to clean the oven and refrigerators, and make my husband's favorite cookies.

Next week, it will be time to wash the rugs. I enjoy having everything clean and in its place, after all, there is no place like home. There is a great satisfaction at a job well done.

Our Local Radio Station

Did you ever have an experience when something put you in a bad mood and you remained that way all day?
Tonight I was talking to family about today's A.M. broadcast. It was the worse ever. We all can't be wrong. Why something is not done about that big-mouth know-it-all is beyond us. Today, an invited guest, who was being interviewed about the big event on Saturday, got to say very little because, Dicky Do thought he should talk for her. He is the authority on all subjects. Fr. Peter never got to sign-off his show because he couldn't get two words in edgewise, as usual because Dick stole the show once again. He has the biggest ego I've ever heard anyone having, and it's always all about him.

What a shame, it used to be a good radio station at one time. My friend said she tunes in to make fun of just how stupid he can make himself look, getting a big laugh. Most days, when it's just Dick, my other friend and I joke about how we just turn the radio off. My husband says the same thing.

I think they have lost all their radio listeners. Soon, I will be so fed up, I may have to turn it off permanently. Too bad Fr. Peter, you ramble a bit, but only because there is no music and even though you may invite a guest, that does not mean we will be hearing from them, that is if Dick is around. Your show is enjoyable.

It is midnight, but I wanted to post this after the family left this evening. It is the first chance I get today. Just to let you know, that I am so dissatisfied with the station manager, don't expect me to be in support of anything that has to do with it's set-up at the June 6Th. fun day. We will not be stopping by at your booth, even if you have "free-bees."

I would be sparing myself the embarrassment with its affiliation. Further, in the future, because it just made my day, so to speak, I will be tuning it out. Frankly, I can't take it anymore.