By Dave Buhlman
If you feel that the country's government only needs a little trimming around the edges, a policy touch-up here and there, most of the candidates for president will satisfy your desires. Their voting records, speeches, and responses in the debates have indicated essentially more of the same, maybe with a little different twist, or just an adjustment of the deck chairs on the ship of state.
If, on the other hand, you feel that our problems run deeper and require significant shifts in the way the federal government is operating, then Congressman Ron Paul should be your choice on January 8. He is the only candidate calling for sharp turns in the direction we have been traveling for at least several decades. The policy reversals supported by Congressman Paul include ending the undeclared war in Iraq, pulling out the troops that we now have in 130 countries, and drastically cutting foreign aid to governments around the world. Trade deals, such as NAFTA, that hurt American workers would be jettisoned, and relationships with other sovereign countries would proceed on a mutually beneficial basis that helps ordinary Americans. If terrorists persist in their cowardly murders after these changes, Congressman Paul will deal with them swiftly and effectively without committing thousands of our troops to the effort.
Because the federal government has no constitutional role in many arenas, including education, funding for the massive federal Department of Education, and a number of other unconstitutional federal agencies, would not be included in President Paul's budget. With these sensible changes, billions of dollars would not have to be expended, which would reduce taxes, and the weight of the enormous public debt we are putting on the backs of our children and grandchildren.
With the liberty enshrined in the Constitution as the underlying theme, Congressman Paul would carry his efforts into the Oval Office against the Patriot Act, the Military Commissions Act , the War on Drugs, and other laws which allow the federal government to snoop into the lives of ordinary Americans. Using the billions saved from cutting back on government expenditures here and abroad could result in the elimination of federal income taxes on wage earners. With these readjustments to expenditure priorities, no one would have to be cut off from benefits, although a phasing out would have to begin to stop the government from being used in so many arenas to redistribute wealth, as is done in communist and socialist systems.
Over six million dollars was raised for Congressman Ron Paul in one day on December 16, which broke the one-day record for donations. On November 5, over four million dollars was raised for the campaign of this medical doctor, who has delivered over 4,000 babies and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. So, although much of the mainstream media has Congressman Paul stuck in the second tier of candidates, the thousands who donated, along with thousands of others who desire deeper changes, could result in some welcome surprises on election day.
As a former two-term New Hampshire Republican State Representative, I respectfully urge you to join me on January 8 to give this very decent man and trusted leader a victory in New Hampshire. Let's again show the pundits how off base they can be.
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, a published author, and a strong supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
12.28.2007
Dear Diary
Hampton Union 12-28-07
By Ron Dupuis
Dear Diary; Me, being a mans man, a manly sort of man, a masculine man, a man secure enough in his masculinity to keep a “Diary”, I do hereby submit the following inner most privet thoughts and neurotic feelings concerning the year past. If, indeed, as in the past, you, Dear Diary, allow me to rant and rave without the jaundice nonsensical type comments I receive from the pointy headed liberals in my life, I MAY make some mildly humorous, yet succinct , prognostications concerning 2008. It’s up to you.
Let me begin with a brief rundown of Christmas at the Dupuis household. It was great despite beginning at 5:30. The fireplace was roaring and the coffee was hot. My wife, the lovely Dorene, received all the jewelry she desired and an array of items that seemed to be necessary in order for this to be a home and not just a house. Santa was particularly generous to Miss Casey, our thirteen year old. She now has more computer capabilities than the Apollo 11 space capsule.
I was thrilled when my 2008 “Vast Right Wing Conspiracy” membership card arrived by secret messenger. As you know” Dear Dairy” we have been responsible for everything bad that has happen to the Clintons since the 90’s. From Whitewater to the $100,000 stock swindle, from Paula Jones to the Rose Law firm missing documents, from the Health Insurance failure to Chinagate, it was us. We are even responsible for fixing up Clinton with Lewinski. Wait until people see what we have in store for them in 2008.
Recently a question came my way from one of my pointy headed liberal friends (yes Dear Diary, there are liberals in my life whom I consider friends) as to why this column seems to trash Democrats all the time, and are there any Democrats that I like?
My response was immediate; “I trash Democrats because they make it so easy”, and “No there are no Democrats that I like.”
There are Democrats that I like as you, and only you know Dear Diary. Bill Richardson comes to mind. He has a wealth of experience both foreign and domestic. Joe Biden has a theory on how the situation in Iraq should be resolved that merits a “look see.” Barack Obama is an honest man, but because of his lack of experience the only chance he has of becoming President is if he steals it as Kennedy did in the sixties or Gore tried to do in 2000.
That’s about it for this entry Dear Diary. As usual you have allowed me to vent my inner most thought without comment and I thank you. As promised, here are a few predictions for the coming year.
1. Mitt Romney will not be the Republican nominee for President.
2. The Patriots will win the Super bowl.
3. The Democratic race is so close that it will be a “brokered” convention and Obama will emerge the winner.
4. Bill Clinton will be involved in a scandal so huge that it will rock Hillary’s campaign and upon losing the nomination she will file for divorce.
5. Whether they sign left handed pitcher Johan Santana or not, the Red Sox will win their second in a row World Series.
6. I will quit smoking.
7. If John McCain announced today that Sen. Joe Lieberman has agreed to be his V.P., they would not only win the Republican nomination but would go on right to the White House.
8. Finally, I will receive more comments concerning this column than anything else I’ve ever written.
Until next time, thank you Dear Diary.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
By Ron Dupuis
Dear Diary; Me, being a mans man, a manly sort of man, a masculine man, a man secure enough in his masculinity to keep a “Diary”, I do hereby submit the following inner most privet thoughts and neurotic feelings concerning the year past. If, indeed, as in the past, you, Dear Diary, allow me to rant and rave without the jaundice nonsensical type comments I receive from the pointy headed liberals in my life, I MAY make some mildly humorous, yet succinct , prognostications concerning 2008. It’s up to you.
Let me begin with a brief rundown of Christmas at the Dupuis household. It was great despite beginning at 5:30. The fireplace was roaring and the coffee was hot. My wife, the lovely Dorene, received all the jewelry she desired and an array of items that seemed to be necessary in order for this to be a home and not just a house. Santa was particularly generous to Miss Casey, our thirteen year old. She now has more computer capabilities than the Apollo 11 space capsule.
I was thrilled when my 2008 “Vast Right Wing Conspiracy” membership card arrived by secret messenger. As you know” Dear Dairy” we have been responsible for everything bad that has happen to the Clintons since the 90’s. From Whitewater to the $100,000 stock swindle, from Paula Jones to the Rose Law firm missing documents, from the Health Insurance failure to Chinagate, it was us. We are even responsible for fixing up Clinton with Lewinski. Wait until people see what we have in store for them in 2008.
Recently a question came my way from one of my pointy headed liberal friends (yes Dear Diary, there are liberals in my life whom I consider friends) as to why this column seems to trash Democrats all the time, and are there any Democrats that I like?
My response was immediate; “I trash Democrats because they make it so easy”, and “No there are no Democrats that I like.”
There are Democrats that I like as you, and only you know Dear Diary. Bill Richardson comes to mind. He has a wealth of experience both foreign and domestic. Joe Biden has a theory on how the situation in Iraq should be resolved that merits a “look see.” Barack Obama is an honest man, but because of his lack of experience the only chance he has of becoming President is if he steals it as Kennedy did in the sixties or Gore tried to do in 2000.
That’s about it for this entry Dear Diary. As usual you have allowed me to vent my inner most thought without comment and I thank you. As promised, here are a few predictions for the coming year.
1. Mitt Romney will not be the Republican nominee for President.
2. The Patriots will win the Super bowl.
3. The Democratic race is so close that it will be a “brokered” convention and Obama will emerge the winner.
4. Bill Clinton will be involved in a scandal so huge that it will rock Hillary’s campaign and upon losing the nomination she will file for divorce.
5. Whether they sign left handed pitcher Johan Santana or not, the Red Sox will win their second in a row World Series.
6. I will quit smoking.
7. If John McCain announced today that Sen. Joe Lieberman has agreed to be his V.P., they would not only win the Republican nomination but would go on right to the White House.
8. Finally, I will receive more comments concerning this column than anything else I’ve ever written.
Until next time, thank you Dear Diary.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
12.20.2007
MERRY CHRISTMAS?? OF COURSE
Hampton Union 12-21-07
By Ron Dupuis
Every year at about this time, no matter what publication is carrying the IMHO column, the subject matter is usually about pointy headed PC’ers who manage to tick me off with their politically correct greetings. The end result is a column filled with deep seeded resentment for these dolts whose only mission in their empty lives seems to be aggravating me. Not this year.
The Christmas season is moving along quite nicely this year for the Dupuis family. The CHRISTMAS TREE is up and decorated. It’s not the holiday tree, or the Yule tree, or even the winter festival tree. In the Dupuis home it’s the CHRISTMAS TREE, and nothing less.
(Authors note; for years it was tradition in our family to go to a tree farm and find the most beautiful evergreen appropriate for our needs, harvest it, and drag in home for further use. Trees are a crop that should be planted, managed, and harvested, like any other crop. For the past few years we have switched to a silk artificial tree. Not because of any nonsense Al Gore has claimed, but simply because it is a lot cheaper and easier to maintain.)
The neighborhood CHRISTMAS party was a huge success adding to our family’s ongoing holiday happiness. This year instead of crowding into one house and drinking eggnog while discussing everything from children, to lawn care, and eventually politics, the Grandview Terrace Christmas Committee decided to do a Christmas Tour. It was sort of a traveling party with five different homes and five different holiday staples. I felt it was great because just when the political discussions were about to get a little heated, we had to put on coats and hat and walk to the next host family. The festivities were capped off with about thirty of us singing carols at the front door of one particular family who because of poor health could not get out. A true neighborhood Christmas.
The ordeal of Christmas shopping has become more of a bonding experience with my thirteen year old daughter. The only gift I am required to purchases is one for my wife and with the wisdom of a young female at my side I’m more secure and less of a confused, disorientated husband searching for the perfect gift, for the perfect women. Of course before entering the mall I have to explain to my sometime self centered offspring all the reasons why Mom does not need a Hollister hoodie or an Abercrombie and Fitch vest.
The Christmas dinner plans have been made and for some strange reason instead of me preparing the main meal, my wife has decided that this year the task will be all hers. Visions of sleeping late were quickly thwarted when it was announced that my responsibility would be the traditional early morning breakfast.
So much for sleeping in.
For the sake of repeating my self “the Christmas season is moving along quite nicely for the Dupuis family this year.” There is no reason for me to issue my yearly fatwa calling for a jihad against all you pointy headed PC’ers. You may wish me “Happy Holidays” and I’ll just smile. You may wish me a “Seasons Greetings” and again, I’ll just smile. In fact, you may wish me anything you feel is Politically Correct, and I will just smile.
Smile and, of course, wish you and all your PC friends, and anyone else who happens to be within the sound of my voice at the time a very, very MERRY CHRISTMAS.
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
By Ron Dupuis
Every year at about this time, no matter what publication is carrying the IMHO column, the subject matter is usually about pointy headed PC’ers who manage to tick me off with their politically correct greetings. The end result is a column filled with deep seeded resentment for these dolts whose only mission in their empty lives seems to be aggravating me. Not this year.
The Christmas season is moving along quite nicely this year for the Dupuis family. The CHRISTMAS TREE is up and decorated. It’s not the holiday tree, or the Yule tree, or even the winter festival tree. In the Dupuis home it’s the CHRISTMAS TREE, and nothing less.
(Authors note; for years it was tradition in our family to go to a tree farm and find the most beautiful evergreen appropriate for our needs, harvest it, and drag in home for further use. Trees are a crop that should be planted, managed, and harvested, like any other crop. For the past few years we have switched to a silk artificial tree. Not because of any nonsense Al Gore has claimed, but simply because it is a lot cheaper and easier to maintain.)
The neighborhood CHRISTMAS party was a huge success adding to our family’s ongoing holiday happiness. This year instead of crowding into one house and drinking eggnog while discussing everything from children, to lawn care, and eventually politics, the Grandview Terrace Christmas Committee decided to do a Christmas Tour. It was sort of a traveling party with five different homes and five different holiday staples. I felt it was great because just when the political discussions were about to get a little heated, we had to put on coats and hat and walk to the next host family. The festivities were capped off with about thirty of us singing carols at the front door of one particular family who because of poor health could not get out. A true neighborhood Christmas.
The ordeal of Christmas shopping has become more of a bonding experience with my thirteen year old daughter. The only gift I am required to purchases is one for my wife and with the wisdom of a young female at my side I’m more secure and less of a confused, disorientated husband searching for the perfect gift, for the perfect women. Of course before entering the mall I have to explain to my sometime self centered offspring all the reasons why Mom does not need a Hollister hoodie or an Abercrombie and Fitch vest.
The Christmas dinner plans have been made and for some strange reason instead of me preparing the main meal, my wife has decided that this year the task will be all hers. Visions of sleeping late were quickly thwarted when it was announced that my responsibility would be the traditional early morning breakfast.
So much for sleeping in.
For the sake of repeating my self “the Christmas season is moving along quite nicely for the Dupuis family this year.” There is no reason for me to issue my yearly fatwa calling for a jihad against all you pointy headed PC’ers. You may wish me “Happy Holidays” and I’ll just smile. You may wish me a “Seasons Greetings” and again, I’ll just smile. In fact, you may wish me anything you feel is Politically Correct, and I will just smile.
Smile and, of course, wish you and all your PC friends, and anyone else who happens to be within the sound of my voice at the time a very, very MERRY CHRISTMAS.
MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
12.19.2007
Winter: Not dead yet
---by Micheal
One of my favorite scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is the spoof on the Black Plague. For those of you not as intimately familiar with the movie, this is where Eric Idle is pushing a cart of "bodies" through the muddy village streets calling out "Bring out yer dead!" At this call, John Cleese comes out with an old man over his shoulder. "Got one for you." At this, the old man says, "But I'm not dead." Cleese scolds the old man. "Oh shut up. You will be in a minute." The old man protests again. "I'm feeling bettah. I think I'll go for a walk..." Cleese scolds again, "You're not fooling anyone..."
I was thinking of this scene when I was snow blowing off my driveway -- again -- after last Sunday's snow storm. Last year, we had no snow until late January. People who promote the dire scenario of global warming were quick to point to 2007's brown January as proof of doom to come. (Though I'm not sure how not having to snow-blow figures into doom.) This winter, we've got 17 inches of snow on the back deck, and it's not even officially winter yet.
This year, it's like winter, slung over shoulder of the global warming alarmists, is protesting, "But, I'm not dead." The alarmists are probably parroting Cleese by saying "You're not fooling anyone." But, to my eye, winter seems particularly healthy this year. Not at all ready for the "dead" cart of climate doom.
I know some of my snow-hating friends won't appreciate this, but I'm kind of glad to see the snow. Oh sure, it's not fun to drive in, but NOT leaving myself 5 minutes to get someplace and driving 100 miles per hour seems to have mitigated that problem. On the plus side, my raspberry bushes and perennials have a nice insulating layer of snow on them, so the frost won't kill the roots. And, the landscape looks Currier & Ives picturesque. We're getting the much sung-about white Christmas! The kid in me thinks that's pretty cool.
I think it's nice to see a good ol' fashioned winter again. But you know, if things do warm up over the years to where snowy winters live only in grandpa stories, that's okay too. I'll try my hand at growing oranges. Change need not automatically be bad.
However, I won't spend any time worrying over where I'll plant those orange trees. Winter has reminded us all that he's not quite dead yet.
One of my favorite scenes from Monty Python and the Holy Grail, is the spoof on the Black Plague. For those of you not as intimately familiar with the movie, this is where Eric Idle is pushing a cart of "bodies" through the muddy village streets calling out "Bring out yer dead!" At this call, John Cleese comes out with an old man over his shoulder. "Got one for you." At this, the old man says, "But I'm not dead." Cleese scolds the old man. "Oh shut up. You will be in a minute." The old man protests again. "I'm feeling bettah. I think I'll go for a walk..." Cleese scolds again, "You're not fooling anyone..."
I was thinking of this scene when I was snow blowing off my driveway -- again -- after last Sunday's snow storm. Last year, we had no snow until late January. People who promote the dire scenario of global warming were quick to point to 2007's brown January as proof of doom to come. (Though I'm not sure how not having to snow-blow figures into doom.) This winter, we've got 17 inches of snow on the back deck, and it's not even officially winter yet.
This year, it's like winter, slung over shoulder of the global warming alarmists, is protesting, "But, I'm not dead." The alarmists are probably parroting Cleese by saying "You're not fooling anyone." But, to my eye, winter seems particularly healthy this year. Not at all ready for the "dead" cart of climate doom.
I know some of my snow-hating friends won't appreciate this, but I'm kind of glad to see the snow. Oh sure, it's not fun to drive in, but NOT leaving myself 5 minutes to get someplace and driving 100 miles per hour seems to have mitigated that problem. On the plus side, my raspberry bushes and perennials have a nice insulating layer of snow on them, so the frost won't kill the roots. And, the landscape looks Currier & Ives picturesque. We're getting the much sung-about white Christmas! The kid in me thinks that's pretty cool.
I think it's nice to see a good ol' fashioned winter again. But you know, if things do warm up over the years to where snowy winters live only in grandpa stories, that's okay too. I'll try my hand at growing oranges. Change need not automatically be bad.
However, I won't spend any time worrying over where I'll plant those orange trees. Winter has reminded us all that he's not quite dead yet.
12.17.2007
A Little Rain on McCain
By Dave Buhlman
Senator John McCain is clearly the chosen candidate of the establishment. With endorsements by the ultra-liberal (i.e., socialist) Boston Globe, the formerly conservative New Hampshire Union Leader, and the the lead newspaper in Iowa, McCain has had a sweep thus far of the announced newspaper endorsements.
None of these Orwellian organs of truth is concerned about the following in Senator McCain's record.
He is the co-author of the McCain-Feingold Incumbent Protection Act that outlaws any naughty talk by certain activists about incumbents 60 days before an election. So the so-called conservative Senator joined with one of the most liberal senators to restrict free speech and protect their cushy jobs at one of the upper public troughs. So for McCain, the First Amendment guarantee of free speech was just a suggestion. Newspapers are exempt from the smothering aspects of McCain's Incumbent Protection Act so maybe that's why they had no qualms endorsing the straight talker.
His affection for illegal immigration knows no bounds, although he has recently pretended that he's gotten the message from American citizens that they want the laws actually enforced. Before joining with Senator Kennedy to author an amnesty bill for illegal immigrants, McCain strongly opposed Proposition 200 in his home state of Arizona. Prop 200 was an effort to prevent any more hospitals from closing in Arizona due to the weight of the demands for services by illegals. Other institutions in his state were also crumbling under the influx from Kennedy's previous immigration reform bill, but that meant little to McCain. He was on a mission to help the corporations get and keep cheaper labor from south of the Rio Grande, and any suffering that brought to his constituents in Arizona was just too bad. And it was just too bad for all of America if they did not want lawbreakers rewarded by the Amnesty bill he cooked up in Kennedy's kitchen. President Bush was all for it, as were many Republicrats in Congress, so it was a joyous, bipartisan screwing of the American people. But it was stopped, at least for now.
No need, I guess, to go back to the Keating Five scandal of the 1980s in which Senator McCain had a starring role as a recipient of largesse from Keating the Cheater.
On freewheeling immigration from the south, all of the Republican candidates, with the notable exception of the two Congressmen - Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo - were all for it before they were recently heard to be against it. They all heard that the congressional switchboards were shut down due to the enormous call volume from outraged Americans during the summer and fall that defeated the McCain-Kennedy Amnesty bill and some nuthouse plan by a Democratic Senator called the Dream Act. This act was a dream for illegals and a nightmare for the beleagured American citizens who are just trying to survive all of the weight of the world the government loads on their shoulders, from fighting and funding wars to high taxes to pay the interest on the national debt.
So far as I know, all of the Democratic candidates for president love illegal immigrants and are not much concerned about the additional murderers and rapists that come in amongst the hoard. I know that's stating the obvious, but out of disrespect, I didn't want to leave the other corporate political party out of the mix.
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, a published author, and a strong supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
Senator John McCain is clearly the chosen candidate of the establishment. With endorsements by the ultra-liberal (i.e., socialist) Boston Globe, the formerly conservative New Hampshire Union Leader, and the the lead newspaper in Iowa, McCain has had a sweep thus far of the announced newspaper endorsements.
None of these Orwellian organs of truth is concerned about the following in Senator McCain's record.
He is the co-author of the McCain-Feingold Incumbent Protection Act that outlaws any naughty talk by certain activists about incumbents 60 days before an election. So the so-called conservative Senator joined with one of the most liberal senators to restrict free speech and protect their cushy jobs at one of the upper public troughs. So for McCain, the First Amendment guarantee of free speech was just a suggestion. Newspapers are exempt from the smothering aspects of McCain's Incumbent Protection Act so maybe that's why they had no qualms endorsing the straight talker.
His affection for illegal immigration knows no bounds, although he has recently pretended that he's gotten the message from American citizens that they want the laws actually enforced. Before joining with Senator Kennedy to author an amnesty bill for illegal immigrants, McCain strongly opposed Proposition 200 in his home state of Arizona. Prop 200 was an effort to prevent any more hospitals from closing in Arizona due to the weight of the demands for services by illegals. Other institutions in his state were also crumbling under the influx from Kennedy's previous immigration reform bill, but that meant little to McCain. He was on a mission to help the corporations get and keep cheaper labor from south of the Rio Grande, and any suffering that brought to his constituents in Arizona was just too bad. And it was just too bad for all of America if they did not want lawbreakers rewarded by the Amnesty bill he cooked up in Kennedy's kitchen. President Bush was all for it, as were many Republicrats in Congress, so it was a joyous, bipartisan screwing of the American people. But it was stopped, at least for now.
No need, I guess, to go back to the Keating Five scandal of the 1980s in which Senator McCain had a starring role as a recipient of largesse from Keating the Cheater.
On freewheeling immigration from the south, all of the Republican candidates, with the notable exception of the two Congressmen - Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo - were all for it before they were recently heard to be against it. They all heard that the congressional switchboards were shut down due to the enormous call volume from outraged Americans during the summer and fall that defeated the McCain-Kennedy Amnesty bill and some nuthouse plan by a Democratic Senator called the Dream Act. This act was a dream for illegals and a nightmare for the beleagured American citizens who are just trying to survive all of the weight of the world the government loads on their shoulders, from fighting and funding wars to high taxes to pay the interest on the national debt.
So far as I know, all of the Democratic candidates for president love illegal immigrants and are not much concerned about the additional murderers and rapists that come in amongst the hoard. I know that's stating the obvious, but out of disrespect, I didn't want to leave the other corporate political party out of the mix.
Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, a published author, and a strong supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
12.12.2007
It's My Space
Hampton Union 12-14-07
By Ron Dupuis
If you are a Democrat, there is absolutely no reason to read this column. Because of his recent surge in all the polls, both locally and nationally, and because this is my space to express my “humble opinion” each and every week, and because I want a man in the White House who is GOD fearing and not afraid of his faith, I’m going to sing the praises of my favorite Presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee.
For tunneled vision, close minded Democrats, instead of reading any further, there are several options. One is to gather up your laptop and go to one of your cherished, pretentious coffee shops, order a double mocha latté with foam, sprinkles and whatever, sit by a window and pretend to do some work. Your image will be enhanced if you have one of those tumor looking phones hanging off your ear. Another option would be to watch Oprah. You never can tell, there may be a free new car in your future, or perhaps a refrigerator. Finally you may find a group of Hillary supporters, join hands and sing a few verses of “Cumby-yah”, then sit down and discuss the “vast right wing conspiracy” that is trying to destroy her.
(Authors note; the monthly meeting of the V.R.W.C. society has been changed from Tues to Wednesday. Members are urged to contact the secret underground message center for further details.)
Now, my praises for Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Mike Huckabee is a down to earth un-pretentious, blue collar type of guy. The son of a firefighter who always held at least two jobs, Mike was the first member of his family to graduate from high school. Inheriting the work ethic of his Dad, Mike held two, sometimes three jobs, in order to get through college. After overcoming what seemed tragic health issues for his wife (cancerous tumor) during the first year of their long time marriage, Mike decided to let his faith in GOD define his character. A belief he still hold today and especially during this campaign.
On a few of the major issues;
Fair Tax Plan; I like it because it does away with the I.R.S. and all the lawyers, C.P.A.’s and accountants that make a living preying on the average citizens hard earned dollars because of a failure to understand how to best file returns. It is a little complicated for me to do it justice so I urge everyone to look up www.fairtax.org.
Border Security; First and foremost “Build the fence”. Mike has received the endorsement of Jim Gilchrist founder of the Minutemen, a group that has been in the forefront of border security for the last five years.
Health care: The current system is broken. We don’t need a mandated government program. What we need is a consumer based system that promotes and rewards early preventative care. Enough said.
When you are climbing in the polls, your competition is worried and will say any thing to discourage your vote. I urge everyone who is a Republican to go to www.mikehuckabee.com and read the Governors position on all of the issues.
I’ve met with Mike Huckabee several times. I’ve questioned his positions both privately and in public forums. I have read everything I could find concerning his candidacy, both good and bad. The Dupuis family has even had him as a guest at our home. Our conclusion is that there is no other person we would like to see win the Republican nomination than Mike Huckabee.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
By Ron Dupuis
If you are a Democrat, there is absolutely no reason to read this column. Because of his recent surge in all the polls, both locally and nationally, and because this is my space to express my “humble opinion” each and every week, and because I want a man in the White House who is GOD fearing and not afraid of his faith, I’m going to sing the praises of my favorite Presidential candidate, Mike Huckabee.
For tunneled vision, close minded Democrats, instead of reading any further, there are several options. One is to gather up your laptop and go to one of your cherished, pretentious coffee shops, order a double mocha latté with foam, sprinkles and whatever, sit by a window and pretend to do some work. Your image will be enhanced if you have one of those tumor looking phones hanging off your ear. Another option would be to watch Oprah. You never can tell, there may be a free new car in your future, or perhaps a refrigerator. Finally you may find a group of Hillary supporters, join hands and sing a few verses of “Cumby-yah”, then sit down and discuss the “vast right wing conspiracy” that is trying to destroy her.
(Authors note; the monthly meeting of the V.R.W.C. society has been changed from Tues to Wednesday. Members are urged to contact the secret underground message center for further details.)
Now, my praises for Gov. Mike Huckabee.
Mike Huckabee is a down to earth un-pretentious, blue collar type of guy. The son of a firefighter who always held at least two jobs, Mike was the first member of his family to graduate from high school. Inheriting the work ethic of his Dad, Mike held two, sometimes three jobs, in order to get through college. After overcoming what seemed tragic health issues for his wife (cancerous tumor) during the first year of their long time marriage, Mike decided to let his faith in GOD define his character. A belief he still hold today and especially during this campaign.
On a few of the major issues;
Fair Tax Plan; I like it because it does away with the I.R.S. and all the lawyers, C.P.A.’s and accountants that make a living preying on the average citizens hard earned dollars because of a failure to understand how to best file returns. It is a little complicated for me to do it justice so I urge everyone to look up www.fairtax.org.
Border Security; First and foremost “Build the fence”. Mike has received the endorsement of Jim Gilchrist founder of the Minutemen, a group that has been in the forefront of border security for the last five years.
Health care: The current system is broken. We don’t need a mandated government program. What we need is a consumer based system that promotes and rewards early preventative care. Enough said.
When you are climbing in the polls, your competition is worried and will say any thing to discourage your vote. I urge everyone who is a Republican to go to www.mikehuckabee.com and read the Governors position on all of the issues.
I’ve met with Mike Huckabee several times. I’ve questioned his positions both privately and in public forums. I have read everything I could find concerning his candidacy, both good and bad. The Dupuis family has even had him as a guest at our home. Our conclusion is that there is no other person we would like to see win the Republican nomination than Mike Huckabee.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
12.11.2007
CUT OF YOUR HEAD
By Dave Buhlman
In the 1960s we used to quip derisively to each other, "If you want to lose ten pounds of ugly fat, cut off your head."
It certainly is not Seinfeld-level humor, but it worked well enough for us a few times, just as long as it wasn't overused.
Of course, even fat guys who definitely needed to lose some serious ugly fat would not follow through on this suggestion because to do so would render them dead, and in a very messy way. So it just wasn't worth it. A little lighter, headless, but unable to appreciate the achievement. Not a good deal.
Another not so good deal that has actually come our way is the response by the President and Congress to the attacks of 9-11. They needed to react to a serious assault, but instead of hitting the real perps where it hurts, they began the process of cutting off the constitutional rights of a few hundred million innocent "fellow" Americans. This is not the right solution to address this problem, anymore than cutting off one's head to lose some weight is the right thing to do.
Since 9-11 our leaders have allowed government snoops and stooges to spy on innocent civilians, suspended habeas corpus (enshrined in the Magna Carta in the year 1215), allowed the military to be used within the United States, thereby gutting posse comitatus, run up the national debt to nearly $10 trillion, unleashed a torrent of unnecessary tasering of civilians, and created yet another useless mammoth bureaucracy in the form of der Homeland Security Department to protect der fatherland, but mainly to provide yet more public employment on the backs of beleaguered taxpayers.
For those paying attention to these frightening attacks on our civil liberties, the willy-nilly willingness of our elected federal politicians to infringe on our rights is a bad sign of things to come. It's as if all of these big, long bills were already sitting in a word processor somewhere in the bowels of the Capital just waiting for a reason to hit the print button and bring these bills directly to a vote without bothering to even read them. Such a string of usurpations, foisted upon us in a warm and fuzzy bipartisan spirit, one in which Bush, Pelosi, Kennedy and McCain could readily agree to the same script, means that there are no current roadblocks for further attacks on the liberty and privacy of ordinary Americans. The outsider, Bin Laden, could never have accomplished this deterioration in a million Ramadans. It had to be an inside job.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, published author, and avid supporter of returning our country to constitutional government. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
In the 1960s we used to quip derisively to each other, "If you want to lose ten pounds of ugly fat, cut off your head."
It certainly is not Seinfeld-level humor, but it worked well enough for us a few times, just as long as it wasn't overused.
Of course, even fat guys who definitely needed to lose some serious ugly fat would not follow through on this suggestion because to do so would render them dead, and in a very messy way. So it just wasn't worth it. A little lighter, headless, but unable to appreciate the achievement. Not a good deal.
Another not so good deal that has actually come our way is the response by the President and Congress to the attacks of 9-11. They needed to react to a serious assault, but instead of hitting the real perps where it hurts, they began the process of cutting off the constitutional rights of a few hundred million innocent "fellow" Americans. This is not the right solution to address this problem, anymore than cutting off one's head to lose some weight is the right thing to do.
Since 9-11 our leaders have allowed government snoops and stooges to spy on innocent civilians, suspended habeas corpus (enshrined in the Magna Carta in the year 1215), allowed the military to be used within the United States, thereby gutting posse comitatus, run up the national debt to nearly $10 trillion, unleashed a torrent of unnecessary tasering of civilians, and created yet another useless mammoth bureaucracy in the form of der Homeland Security Department to protect der fatherland, but mainly to provide yet more public employment on the backs of beleaguered taxpayers.
For those paying attention to these frightening attacks on our civil liberties, the willy-nilly willingness of our elected federal politicians to infringe on our rights is a bad sign of things to come. It's as if all of these big, long bills were already sitting in a word processor somewhere in the bowels of the Capital just waiting for a reason to hit the print button and bring these bills directly to a vote without bothering to even read them. Such a string of usurpations, foisted upon us in a warm and fuzzy bipartisan spirit, one in which Bush, Pelosi, Kennedy and McCain could readily agree to the same script, means that there are no current roadblocks for further attacks on the liberty and privacy of ordinary Americans. The outsider, Bin Laden, could never have accomplished this deterioration in a million Ramadans. It had to be an inside job.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, published author, and avid supporter of returning our country to constitutional government. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.
12.07.2007
Hampton Union 12-7-07
WORKING KNOWLEDGE OF ENGLISH
By Ron Dupuis
I realize I'm going to catch a lot of flack for this, especially from the politically extreme left, however, I've had it up to here (visualize my hand, palm down, right above my eyeballs) with people who work with the public unable to converse in America's common language.
My frustration had been building for some time and seemed to reach a flashpoint a few days ago while trying to resolve a computer program problem. The person on the other end of the phone line seemed to have an understanding of what I was trying to convey but I had absolutely no idea as to what he was telling me. It didn't help when every time a question was finally understood and answered, he found it necessary to say in a most extreme polite manner "Tank you bedy much, sir."
It gets better. After what seemed an interminable amount of time and about a thousand "tank you bedy much sirs," it was time to resolve some issues of online ordered Christmas gifts that had yet to arrive. My intention was to not only check on the tardy packages, but also place an additional order if indeed it was practical to do so. The female on the other end had the sweetest little child-like voice; almost all in Spanish. It got so frustrating for the both of us; she had to hand me off to her supervisor.
Perhaps a quiet lunch with my daughter will ebb my mounting contravention.
Upon arrival at our favorite deli where we order the same items practically every visit, we found a new clerk who spoke a language that sounded something like a combination of Slavic and pig Latin. Repeating our gastric desires at least three, perhaps four times, the aforementioned clerk managed still to screw it up. Not just by forgetting a condiment or garnish, but instead delivering an item so foreign that we could not even find any resemblance on the menu.
A few weeks ago House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., refused to bring to the floor a bill passed by the House that would protect employers from federal lawsuits for requiring their workers to speak English. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who sponsored the amendment was quoted as saying "I cannot imagine that the framers of the Civil Rights Act intended to say that it's discrimination for a shoe shop owner to say to his or her employees, "I want you to be able to speak English on the job."
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission feels differently. Their view is that English only policies are not relevant to job performance or safety. One Texas congressman was quoted as saying that "If it is not relevant, it is discriminatory, it is gratuitous, it is a subterfuge to discriminate against people based on national origin."
Now here is where I'm going to receive all the flack from the political left. I have had it up to my proverbial eyeballs with trying to get through life's everyday activities struggling with ongoing communication problems. From this moment on, if there is anyone, store clerk, phone rep, or even sandwich maker, who does not understand me or whom I don't understand, I will take my business elsewhere and find someone who has a working knowledge of English. In My Humble Opinion, it is not the fault of these poor people who are trying to make a living despite a huge language barrier, but instead the fault of our government who by its lack of common sense allows this problem to persist.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, former state representative and freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or vist his Web site at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
By Ron Dupuis
I realize I'm going to catch a lot of flack for this, especially from the politically extreme left, however, I've had it up to here (visualize my hand, palm down, right above my eyeballs) with people who work with the public unable to converse in America's common language.
My frustration had been building for some time and seemed to reach a flashpoint a few days ago while trying to resolve a computer program problem. The person on the other end of the phone line seemed to have an understanding of what I was trying to convey but I had absolutely no idea as to what he was telling me. It didn't help when every time a question was finally understood and answered, he found it necessary to say in a most extreme polite manner "Tank you bedy much, sir."
It gets better. After what seemed an interminable amount of time and about a thousand "tank you bedy much sirs," it was time to resolve some issues of online ordered Christmas gifts that had yet to arrive. My intention was to not only check on the tardy packages, but also place an additional order if indeed it was practical to do so. The female on the other end had the sweetest little child-like voice; almost all in Spanish. It got so frustrating for the both of us; she had to hand me off to her supervisor.
Perhaps a quiet lunch with my daughter will ebb my mounting contravention.
Upon arrival at our favorite deli where we order the same items practically every visit, we found a new clerk who spoke a language that sounded something like a combination of Slavic and pig Latin. Repeating our gastric desires at least three, perhaps four times, the aforementioned clerk managed still to screw it up. Not just by forgetting a condiment or garnish, but instead delivering an item so foreign that we could not even find any resemblance on the menu.
A few weeks ago House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., refused to bring to the floor a bill passed by the House that would protect employers from federal lawsuits for requiring their workers to speak English. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., who sponsored the amendment was quoted as saying "I cannot imagine that the framers of the Civil Rights Act intended to say that it's discrimination for a shoe shop owner to say to his or her employees, "I want you to be able to speak English on the job."
The Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission feels differently. Their view is that English only policies are not relevant to job performance or safety. One Texas congressman was quoted as saying that "If it is not relevant, it is discriminatory, it is gratuitous, it is a subterfuge to discriminate against people based on national origin."
Now here is where I'm going to receive all the flack from the political left. I have had it up to my proverbial eyeballs with trying to get through life's everyday activities struggling with ongoing communication problems. From this moment on, if there is anyone, store clerk, phone rep, or even sandwich maker, who does not understand me or whom I don't understand, I will take my business elsewhere and find someone who has a working knowledge of English. In My Humble Opinion, it is not the fault of these poor people who are trying to make a living despite a huge language barrier, but instead the fault of our government who by its lack of common sense allows this problem to persist.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, former state representative and freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or vist his Web site at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
12.02.2007
Carbon and the lynch mob
---by Micheal
The mob is all worked up. The rabble rousers preach from their soap boxes about impending ruin unless "someone does something." The mob wants to lynch someone, anyone, to avert the prophesied ruin. The soapboxers point at carbon. "There he is! Get him!" Everyone takes off with torches and pitchforks in hand. The hunt for the villain d'jour begins.
When did Carbon start wearing a black hat? When I was in school, Carbon was just a humble element on the periodic table, Atomic number 6, stable with 4 outer electrons, etc.. The stuff of graphite and organic molecules. Now, carbon is THE demon which threatens to kill us all. Who'da thunk? He seems like a nice quiet guy, as they always say.
Lynching poor carbon is a fairly recent phenomenon, but a highly suspect one too, judging from the bandwagon rhetoric. The populist theory to explain global warming is to blame "greenhouse gases." Despite the media fiat declaring all scientific debate ended on the matter, there are quite a few scientists who think the warming is due to other factors, not carbon. (The atmosphere of Mars is 95% CO2, and Mars is a very very cold place.)
John Coleman, founder of The Weather Channel, points out that global temperatures started rising around 1880 before carbon dioxide levels increased. How did carbon manage that? Like many lynch mobs, they may be stringing up the wrong guy, but that hasn't usually bothered lynch mobs much. They're upset, so someone must pay. Doesn't matter who.
Carbon has become the latest nasty thing which the environmentally pious ostentatiously remove from their lives, much like red dye or animal-tested products or transfats used to be. Now to be fashionably correct, one must be "carbon-neutral" or be striving to reduce one's "carbon footprint." Like poor ol' carbon is a toxin. I'm all for reducing oil use, material consumption and increasing recycling, but I'm not buying all this self-righteous gush about halting global weather changes by doing driving a hybrid. Hogwash.
You just watch. This rush to lynch poor carbon will result in a flurry of "new" products touting their "low-carbon" this or "carbon-neutral" that. Of course, Low Carbon Super Ultra Regular Bleach will be the exact same product it was before it was "low-carbon", but that won't matter. Flocks of well-meaning, but woefully uniformed people will plunk down buckets of dollars for all these scam products thinking that they're making a difference. It won't make one whit of difference.
You're certainly free to buy Carbon-Lite toaster pastries or Low-Carbon Latte, but if you think you're somehow saving the world through pious consumerism, you're not. You're just making some hucksters rich.
The mob is all worked up. The rabble rousers preach from their soap boxes about impending ruin unless "someone does something." The mob wants to lynch someone, anyone, to avert the prophesied ruin. The soapboxers point at carbon. "There he is! Get him!" Everyone takes off with torches and pitchforks in hand. The hunt for the villain d'jour begins.
When did Carbon start wearing a black hat? When I was in school, Carbon was just a humble element on the periodic table, Atomic number 6, stable with 4 outer electrons, etc.. The stuff of graphite and organic molecules. Now, carbon is THE demon which threatens to kill us all. Who'da thunk? He seems like a nice quiet guy, as they always say.
Lynching poor carbon is a fairly recent phenomenon, but a highly suspect one too, judging from the bandwagon rhetoric. The populist theory to explain global warming is to blame "greenhouse gases." Despite the media fiat declaring all scientific debate ended on the matter, there are quite a few scientists who think the warming is due to other factors, not carbon. (The atmosphere of Mars is 95% CO2, and Mars is a very very cold place.)
John Coleman, founder of The Weather Channel, points out that global temperatures started rising around 1880 before carbon dioxide levels increased. How did carbon manage that? Like many lynch mobs, they may be stringing up the wrong guy, but that hasn't usually bothered lynch mobs much. They're upset, so someone must pay. Doesn't matter who.
Carbon has become the latest nasty thing which the environmentally pious ostentatiously remove from their lives, much like red dye or animal-tested products or transfats used to be. Now to be fashionably correct, one must be "carbon-neutral" or be striving to reduce one's "carbon footprint." Like poor ol' carbon is a toxin. I'm all for reducing oil use, material consumption and increasing recycling, but I'm not buying all this self-righteous gush about halting global weather changes by doing driving a hybrid. Hogwash.
You just watch. This rush to lynch poor carbon will result in a flurry of "new" products touting their "low-carbon" this or "carbon-neutral" that. Of course, Low Carbon Super Ultra Regular Bleach will be the exact same product it was before it was "low-carbon", but that won't matter. Flocks of well-meaning, but woefully uniformed people will plunk down buckets of dollars for all these scam products thinking that they're making a difference. It won't make one whit of difference.
You're certainly free to buy Carbon-Lite toaster pastries or Low-Carbon Latte, but if you think you're somehow saving the world through pious consumerism, you're not. You're just making some hucksters rich.
12.01.2007
NO POLITICS ON THANKSGIVING
Hampton Union 11-30-07
By Ron Dupuis
Being the political person that I am, it's very difficult not to discuss politics during this election cycle.
"No politics!" That was the declaration made by my wife as we packed for our trip to the "Big Apple" for the Thanksgiving weekend.
"Whenever we travel you always seem to get into a political discussion with someone that causes your daughter and I a great deal of discomfort and distress."
"That's not true" was my reply.
"Yeah?" "Well, there's a waiter in Connecticut that you made so angry that he brought us our food, late, cold and over cooked all because you asked him if he had a green card."
"I was just being a little inquisitive, and besides, he had a strange accent and didn't speak English very well."
"He was from the South, you dolt." "I'm warning you, don't ruin this trip by discussing politics with anyone" was her final word.
"I'll try," I promised meekly.
The moment the car we hired to take us to the airport pulled into the driveway I knew I was in trouble. The driver and owner of Beauchamp's Car and Limo Service was none other than old friend Joe Beauchamp, someone I had not seen in several years. Since we had both run for public office years ago, naturally the conversation turned to politics under the glare of my wife in the back seat. When the glare from the rear got so intense it could be felt by both Joe and I, we cut the conversation short and made the rest of the trip in inane sports banter.
At the airport while waiting for our flight, I spotted a woman wearing a "Huckabee for President" T-shirt. Since my wife and daughter were in the ladies room, and Gov. Huckabee was my early endorsement, there was a need for a forbidden "political discussion." The Huckabee supporter was Shannon McGinley of Bedford. She told me she and her husband are strong supporters of Gov. Huckabee and will be hosting a coffee for him at their home on Dec. 1. We were in the middle of discussing all of the governor's attributes that make him a viable candidate when my wife returned. Hoping not to have been busted, a hasty retreat was made to the waiting area where I sat staring straight ahead.
"You're not trying very hard" was my spouse's comment.
"Yes dear," was the only response I was able to muster.
The rest of the holiday weekend was spent with a multitude of traditional Thanksgiving events and political discussions of every kind. The New York City police officer who recognized my New England accent when I asked for directions to where they blew up the parade balloons immediately told me he was from Gloucester, Mass. When I confessed to being from New Hampshire he asked me how Mayor Rudy Giuliani was doing. At the parade when my wife mistakenly informed a family from Alabama that I wrote a column for a New Hampshire newspaper, all they wanted to discuss is the primary and how their favorite candidate, Hillary, was doing. For that particular forbidden "political discussion," I place the blame squarely on my wife.
Outside of Macy's department store, while waiting for my wife and daughter, who were inside with an abundance of credit cards trying to make me a much poorer man, a conflict began with a number of follower of someone called Pastor Tony Alamo. Admittedly, it was I who initiated the conversation by asking who their favorite candidate for president was.
"Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of course" was the immediate reply.
After a long "political discussion" as to their foolish thinking, and in my best sarcastic manner I said "Besides that, he's not doing very well in the polls." I'm pretty sure I heard them praying for my blackened soul as I walked away.
I kept my mouth shut during the rest of the trip.
Being the political person that I am, it's very difficult not to discuss politics during this election cycle.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, former state representative and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his Web site www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
By Ron Dupuis
Being the political person that I am, it's very difficult not to discuss politics during this election cycle.
"No politics!" That was the declaration made by my wife as we packed for our trip to the "Big Apple" for the Thanksgiving weekend.
"Whenever we travel you always seem to get into a political discussion with someone that causes your daughter and I a great deal of discomfort and distress."
"That's not true" was my reply.
"Yeah?" "Well, there's a waiter in Connecticut that you made so angry that he brought us our food, late, cold and over cooked all because you asked him if he had a green card."
"I was just being a little inquisitive, and besides, he had a strange accent and didn't speak English very well."
"He was from the South, you dolt." "I'm warning you, don't ruin this trip by discussing politics with anyone" was her final word.
"I'll try," I promised meekly.
The moment the car we hired to take us to the airport pulled into the driveway I knew I was in trouble. The driver and owner of Beauchamp's Car and Limo Service was none other than old friend Joe Beauchamp, someone I had not seen in several years. Since we had both run for public office years ago, naturally the conversation turned to politics under the glare of my wife in the back seat. When the glare from the rear got so intense it could be felt by both Joe and I, we cut the conversation short and made the rest of the trip in inane sports banter.
At the airport while waiting for our flight, I spotted a woman wearing a "Huckabee for President" T-shirt. Since my wife and daughter were in the ladies room, and Gov. Huckabee was my early endorsement, there was a need for a forbidden "political discussion." The Huckabee supporter was Shannon McGinley of Bedford. She told me she and her husband are strong supporters of Gov. Huckabee and will be hosting a coffee for him at their home on Dec. 1. We were in the middle of discussing all of the governor's attributes that make him a viable candidate when my wife returned. Hoping not to have been busted, a hasty retreat was made to the waiting area where I sat staring straight ahead.
"You're not trying very hard" was my spouse's comment.
"Yes dear," was the only response I was able to muster.
The rest of the holiday weekend was spent with a multitude of traditional Thanksgiving events and political discussions of every kind. The New York City police officer who recognized my New England accent when I asked for directions to where they blew up the parade balloons immediately told me he was from Gloucester, Mass. When I confessed to being from New Hampshire he asked me how Mayor Rudy Giuliani was doing. At the parade when my wife mistakenly informed a family from Alabama that I wrote a column for a New Hampshire newspaper, all they wanted to discuss is the primary and how their favorite candidate, Hillary, was doing. For that particular forbidden "political discussion," I place the blame squarely on my wife.
Outside of Macy's department store, while waiting for my wife and daughter, who were inside with an abundance of credit cards trying to make me a much poorer man, a conflict began with a number of follower of someone called Pastor Tony Alamo. Admittedly, it was I who initiated the conversation by asking who their favorite candidate for president was.
"Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ of course" was the immediate reply.
After a long "political discussion" as to their foolish thinking, and in my best sarcastic manner I said "Besides that, he's not doing very well in the polls." I'm pretty sure I heard them praying for my blackened soul as I walked away.
I kept my mouth shut during the rest of the trip.
Being the political person that I am, it's very difficult not to discuss politics during this election cycle.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, former state representative and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his Web site www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
11.28.2007
TASE DAYS
By Dave Buhlman
"Don't tase me, bro", screamed the student who was being dragged out of that Kerry speech last month. As it turns out he was looking for some publicity in this show he set up, and tase him they did. Ouch! He survived. Tasers were supposed to be used by police in lieu of the deadly force of a firearm, but lately it seems as though it's used for ease of capture when a little trained muscle would do the job.
There was another tasing incident at Vancouver Airport where the recipient of the taser from Vancouver police did not survive. This Polish fellow was exercised over something real or imagined and two airport security guys were keeping an eye on him. They called in the real police, those trained to handle incidents such as this, and a lot more. Four male officers, who all looked to be in good shape, approached this guy, who had his back to a glass separator. After a minute or two, one of them hit him with the taser, the guy collapsed, and died on the spot.
I have top-level respect for police officers and in no way am I just tossing that out. They perform feats of bravery that would make many men cower in fear. And even in their slow times, their presence creates a significant deterrent to the activities of the criminal element. But I wonder why four trained officers could not take down an unarmed man who, although agitated, presented no apparent immediate threat. I believe that, as part of their training, police officers learn to handle people, with various holds and pressure points, etc., so it seems they could have easily subdued this guy. Instead they tased him and he died. Before tasers, police seemed to able to do these take downs rather easily, as easily as we did as completely untrained teenagers when dealing with other untrained, unarmed teenagers in various situations.
I suppose tasing is a lot easier than getting the hands on a guy, getting him to the ground and handcuffing him, even for four trained officers. There have been hundreds of tasing incidents in recent months, some of which resulted in death. Of course, it's not possible for police officers to know who will die when they tase them, but when someone does die from a tasing, a death penalty has been administered by government agents on the spot, even if unwttingly.
If tasing has become, or will soon become, the default position for police officers in non life-threatening situations, in lieu of wrestling to the ground, then we might have to consider outlawing tasers, or at least clearly defining when they can be used. On-the-spot executions are not the American way.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, published author, and dedicated supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
"Don't tase me, bro", screamed the student who was being dragged out of that Kerry speech last month. As it turns out he was looking for some publicity in this show he set up, and tase him they did. Ouch! He survived. Tasers were supposed to be used by police in lieu of the deadly force of a firearm, but lately it seems as though it's used for ease of capture when a little trained muscle would do the job.
There was another tasing incident at Vancouver Airport where the recipient of the taser from Vancouver police did not survive. This Polish fellow was exercised over something real or imagined and two airport security guys were keeping an eye on him. They called in the real police, those trained to handle incidents such as this, and a lot more. Four male officers, who all looked to be in good shape, approached this guy, who had his back to a glass separator. After a minute or two, one of them hit him with the taser, the guy collapsed, and died on the spot.
I have top-level respect for police officers and in no way am I just tossing that out. They perform feats of bravery that would make many men cower in fear. And even in their slow times, their presence creates a significant deterrent to the activities of the criminal element. But I wonder why four trained officers could not take down an unarmed man who, although agitated, presented no apparent immediate threat. I believe that, as part of their training, police officers learn to handle people, with various holds and pressure points, etc., so it seems they could have easily subdued this guy. Instead they tased him and he died. Before tasers, police seemed to able to do these take downs rather easily, as easily as we did as completely untrained teenagers when dealing with other untrained, unarmed teenagers in various situations.
I suppose tasing is a lot easier than getting the hands on a guy, getting him to the ground and handcuffing him, even for four trained officers. There have been hundreds of tasing incidents in recent months, some of which resulted in death. Of course, it's not possible for police officers to know who will die when they tase them, but when someone does die from a tasing, a death penalty has been administered by government agents on the spot, even if unwttingly.
If tasing has become, or will soon become, the default position for police officers in non life-threatening situations, in lieu of wrestling to the ground, then we might have to consider outlawing tasers, or at least clearly defining when they can be used. On-the-spot executions are not the American way.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, published author, and dedicated supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
11.27.2007
Who promised steady temperatures?
---by Micheal
I can't turn on a radio or a TV these days without being harangued about global warming. Scientists on both sides of the issue argue back and forth. That's not unusual. Scientists are always doing that. What sends up scam-warning flags for ME is all the non-scientist hype trying to stampede me into paying for just about anything the scammers can think of.
Remember back in 1998 and 99? The world was doomed because of Y2K. Everybody and his uncle told us to throw our money at the problem. Only massive spending would stave off the collapse of civilization. Buy a generator. Buy gold coins. Buy guns. Fund this. Fund that. Quick, they said. Spend spend spend. Only YOU parting with your cash will save the world!
Remember all that hype? This global warming hype has very much the same sound to it.
My latest scam flag went up when listening the (Democrat) mayor of Austin Texas lecturing people about global warming. As an ersatz Al Gore, he does power point presentations. During it, he says, "It's not supposed to be 120 degrees in Fargo North Dakota."
Huh? Who mandated what temperatures towns are "supposed" to have? Even the scientists who argue about global warming agree that the earth has been warmer and cooler in its past. Why do people so automatically assume that whatever temperatures a city had in 1940 are what it's "supposed" to have -- forever? The world was warmer than it is now, during the Medieval Warm Period. I'll bet that spot along the Red River, which would someday become Fargo, had lots of days over 120 degrees.
Michael Griffin, NASA Administrator, caught a load of flack last May when he questioned this unspoken orthodoxy of global stasis. "I guess I would ask which human beings -- where and when -- are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right there today, right now, is the best climate for all other human beings. I think that's a rather arrogant position for people to take."
Who said Fargo is "not supposed" to have a summer day reach 120 degrees? Why is the 100 degree day the ideal? Fargoians might not like 120, but who granted them (or anyone) the right to whatever climate they prefer? This allusion to some phantom standard which NO ONE actually made, is a major scam flag.
Anyone who is rushing you to spend money so that this place or that can be guaranteed a changeless climate is scamming you. Watch your wallet.
I can't turn on a radio or a TV these days without being harangued about global warming. Scientists on both sides of the issue argue back and forth. That's not unusual. Scientists are always doing that. What sends up scam-warning flags for ME is all the non-scientist hype trying to stampede me into paying for just about anything the scammers can think of.
Remember back in 1998 and 99? The world was doomed because of Y2K. Everybody and his uncle told us to throw our money at the problem. Only massive spending would stave off the collapse of civilization. Buy a generator. Buy gold coins. Buy guns. Fund this. Fund that. Quick, they said. Spend spend spend. Only YOU parting with your cash will save the world!
Remember all that hype? This global warming hype has very much the same sound to it.
My latest scam flag went up when listening the (Democrat) mayor of Austin Texas lecturing people about global warming. As an ersatz Al Gore, he does power point presentations. During it, he says, "It's not supposed to be 120 degrees in Fargo North Dakota."
Huh? Who mandated what temperatures towns are "supposed" to have? Even the scientists who argue about global warming agree that the earth has been warmer and cooler in its past. Why do people so automatically assume that whatever temperatures a city had in 1940 are what it's "supposed" to have -- forever? The world was warmer than it is now, during the Medieval Warm Period. I'll bet that spot along the Red River, which would someday become Fargo, had lots of days over 120 degrees.
Michael Griffin, NASA Administrator, caught a load of flack last May when he questioned this unspoken orthodoxy of global stasis. "I guess I would ask which human beings -- where and when -- are to be accorded the privilege of deciding that this particular climate that we have right there today, right now, is the best climate for all other human beings. I think that's a rather arrogant position for people to take."
Who said Fargo is "not supposed" to have a summer day reach 120 degrees? Why is the 100 degree day the ideal? Fargoians might not like 120, but who granted them (or anyone) the right to whatever climate they prefer? This allusion to some phantom standard which NO ONE actually made, is a major scam flag.
Anyone who is rushing you to spend money so that this place or that can be guaranteed a changeless climate is scamming you. Watch your wallet.
HOLIDAY MEMORIES
By Ron Dupuis
Thanksgiving will always have a special meaning in my heart.
Whether during good or difficult times, the Dupuis family has always managed to reflect on how happy we were to have each other.
In the fifties, my Moms large Irish family of twelve brothers and sisters would take turns hosting the holiday festivities. Traditional turkey with sage and onion stuffing, fresh hand mashed potatoes, squash, peas, and an abundance of vegetable side dishes that would satisfy the most discerning of diners, would be the standard fare at any of the Dupuis, Lovett, Gould, Birmingham, Cameron, or O’Day, households. After dinner, while the coffee and pies were being warmed up, someone almost always began to sing. It was usually Uncle John, who thought he was a tenor, but was instead, in all sincerity, a bad baritone. The songs started out as some Irish ditties such as “The Iceman”, continued about the “troubles” back in the “Old Sod”, and eventually became a clan collaboration of Christmas carols. After an emotional version of Silent Night by all, the coats were gathered and good-by’s were said among developing plans for Christmas when we would be reunited all over again.
The sixties and seventies held both low and high points for me and my family. The lowest being one particular Thanksgiving eating a cold plate of turkey inside a hooch on the outskirts of DaNang Viet Nam. Despite being separated from my immediate family, there was a company of battle tested Marines, my extended family at that particular time, that were determined not to allow anything or anyone interfere with our meager celebration.
Since the early eighties there has been nothing but happiness for the Dupuis family during the holiday season. It was when I courted and eventually married my beautiful and understanding wife Dorene (she reads everything I write and I need the brownie points). There have been Thanksgivings in Florida where a twenty pound turkey was barbecued on a backyard grill. A disaster by most standards since it looked great on the outside, however, was pink throughout. There was the Thanksgiving when we invited all of Dorene’s family to our new home and I forgot to remove the giblets package from the bird before cooking. There was the Thanksgiving at a sister in-laws home where unbeknown to everyone except my wife, Patches the cat had died sometime during the night. The entire day was spent preventing our four year old lovely daughter Casey (she reads everything I write and I need the brownie points) from patting the “sleeping” cat in the corner. Finally, there was the Thanksgiving when Mom and Dad closed the family restaurant, invited the entire clan, along with all the help and a few regular customers, to a catered traditional dinner with all the trimmings. Being the lone hard core Republican among a family of Irish Catholic Democrats, I was regulated to the role of water boy when the Kennedy-esque football game developed in the parking lot.
Thanksgiving, to me and my family is a period of both reflection and anticipation. We discuss what has made us stronger and healthier in past years. We don’t dwell on the mistakes, and there have been many, but instead on the events that have made our family into a lasting, loving unit that will continue to grow.
We look forward to the Christmas season and beyond, no matter what it may have in store. More that that, we look forward to being with each other and sharing a life that for the last twenty five years seems, to us at least, second to none.
Because of these memories and because of my families’ values; Thanksgiving will always have a special meaning in my heart.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
Thanksgiving will always have a special meaning in my heart.
Whether during good or difficult times, the Dupuis family has always managed to reflect on how happy we were to have each other.
In the fifties, my Moms large Irish family of twelve brothers and sisters would take turns hosting the holiday festivities. Traditional turkey with sage and onion stuffing, fresh hand mashed potatoes, squash, peas, and an abundance of vegetable side dishes that would satisfy the most discerning of diners, would be the standard fare at any of the Dupuis, Lovett, Gould, Birmingham, Cameron, or O’Day, households. After dinner, while the coffee and pies were being warmed up, someone almost always began to sing. It was usually Uncle John, who thought he was a tenor, but was instead, in all sincerity, a bad baritone. The songs started out as some Irish ditties such as “The Iceman”, continued about the “troubles” back in the “Old Sod”, and eventually became a clan collaboration of Christmas carols. After an emotional version of Silent Night by all, the coats were gathered and good-by’s were said among developing plans for Christmas when we would be reunited all over again.
The sixties and seventies held both low and high points for me and my family. The lowest being one particular Thanksgiving eating a cold plate of turkey inside a hooch on the outskirts of DaNang Viet Nam. Despite being separated from my immediate family, there was a company of battle tested Marines, my extended family at that particular time, that were determined not to allow anything or anyone interfere with our meager celebration.
Since the early eighties there has been nothing but happiness for the Dupuis family during the holiday season. It was when I courted and eventually married my beautiful and understanding wife Dorene (she reads everything I write and I need the brownie points). There have been Thanksgivings in Florida where a twenty pound turkey was barbecued on a backyard grill. A disaster by most standards since it looked great on the outside, however, was pink throughout. There was the Thanksgiving when we invited all of Dorene’s family to our new home and I forgot to remove the giblets package from the bird before cooking. There was the Thanksgiving at a sister in-laws home where unbeknown to everyone except my wife, Patches the cat had died sometime during the night. The entire day was spent preventing our four year old lovely daughter Casey (she reads everything I write and I need the brownie points) from patting the “sleeping” cat in the corner. Finally, there was the Thanksgiving when Mom and Dad closed the family restaurant, invited the entire clan, along with all the help and a few regular customers, to a catered traditional dinner with all the trimmings. Being the lone hard core Republican among a family of Irish Catholic Democrats, I was regulated to the role of water boy when the Kennedy-esque football game developed in the parking lot.
Thanksgiving, to me and my family is a period of both reflection and anticipation. We discuss what has made us stronger and healthier in past years. We don’t dwell on the mistakes, and there have been many, but instead on the events that have made our family into a lasting, loving unit that will continue to grow.
We look forward to the Christmas season and beyond, no matter what it may have in store. More that that, we look forward to being with each other and sharing a life that for the last twenty five years seems, to us at least, second to none.
Because of these memories and because of my families’ values; Thanksgiving will always have a special meaning in my heart.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
11.21.2007
FALSE ADVERTISING
By Dave Buhlman
Last year, Governor Lynch and legislative leaders got together to reinstate the state’s motto on the highway signs at the entrances to New Hampshire. Previous to the change, the signs read, “You’re Going to Love It Here”, or “It’s Better Here Than There”, or it’s “Neither Here Nor There”, or something like that.
They changed the signs to read, “Live Free or Die”, clearly the best, most moving motto among the fifty states. But these signs, and the state motto itself, need to change because it’s clearly false advertising. New Hampshire does not abide by this motto anymore. This is especially true after the Legislature and Executive Council were taken over by the Democrats in the 2006 elections.
Previous to the Democrats taking over, the Republicans ran the show and were able to keep a light lid on the infinite spending desires of the bureaucrats and their numerous supporters, most of whom are those saddled with masters degrees in social work that are useless outside of government bureaucracies. No realistic budget cutting could happen under the Republicans, because they too were beholden to the established spending patterns. They raised the cigarette tax and felt pretty good about it. But that was about it for increased taxes and fees during my four years there as a backbencher Representative.
The Democrats have raised the cigarette tax again, increased motor vehicle registration fees, increased tolls, and added another fee on all real estate transactions to support the CowChip (aka, LCHIP) program of using public money to buy property from wealthy landowners so the property can be set aside for squirrels, birdies and opossums. The Democrats also pulled a Mussolini by eliminating smoking in private bars and restaurants in order to protect the health of the employees who freely choose to work in these establishments. Then they turned their know-it-all guns on the social arena and eliminated the very sensible Parental Notification bill, and created a category of civil unions. It all just feels so good to intrude fascistically into the operations of private businesses, come between parents and children in what could become life-or-death abortion decisions, and toss away centuries of bedrock tradition to declare that men and men and women and women unions are acceptable in New Hampshire.
The second year of this session begins next month and one has to shudder at what could be on the Democrat agenda. Perhaps a broad based tax to support and “adequate” education which includes instructions in Yoga, a cornerstone prayer/meditation procedure in polytheistic Eastern religions. Or maybe there will be some more restrictions on gun ownership and hunting. Then there’s the trans fat threat to deal with, and the obesity “epidemic”, especially involving the heart rending Fat Kids aspect. If there are so many Fat Kids, does that mean that the “Healthy Kids” program is failing? It must need more money. The Healthy Kids budget needs to be fattened up.
In the sacred name of truth in advertising, it’s time to change the state motto. How about, “We’re Blue Here Now Too”.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, a published author, and a supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
Copyright 2007
Last year, Governor Lynch and legislative leaders got together to reinstate the state’s motto on the highway signs at the entrances to New Hampshire. Previous to the change, the signs read, “You’re Going to Love It Here”, or “It’s Better Here Than There”, or it’s “Neither Here Nor There”, or something like that.
They changed the signs to read, “Live Free or Die”, clearly the best, most moving motto among the fifty states. But these signs, and the state motto itself, need to change because it’s clearly false advertising. New Hampshire does not abide by this motto anymore. This is especially true after the Legislature and Executive Council were taken over by the Democrats in the 2006 elections.
Previous to the Democrats taking over, the Republicans ran the show and were able to keep a light lid on the infinite spending desires of the bureaucrats and their numerous supporters, most of whom are those saddled with masters degrees in social work that are useless outside of government bureaucracies. No realistic budget cutting could happen under the Republicans, because they too were beholden to the established spending patterns. They raised the cigarette tax and felt pretty good about it. But that was about it for increased taxes and fees during my four years there as a backbencher Representative.
The Democrats have raised the cigarette tax again, increased motor vehicle registration fees, increased tolls, and added another fee on all real estate transactions to support the CowChip (aka, LCHIP) program of using public money to buy property from wealthy landowners so the property can be set aside for squirrels, birdies and opossums. The Democrats also pulled a Mussolini by eliminating smoking in private bars and restaurants in order to protect the health of the employees who freely choose to work in these establishments. Then they turned their know-it-all guns on the social arena and eliminated the very sensible Parental Notification bill, and created a category of civil unions. It all just feels so good to intrude fascistically into the operations of private businesses, come between parents and children in what could become life-or-death abortion decisions, and toss away centuries of bedrock tradition to declare that men and men and women and women unions are acceptable in New Hampshire.
The second year of this session begins next month and one has to shudder at what could be on the Democrat agenda. Perhaps a broad based tax to support and “adequate” education which includes instructions in Yoga, a cornerstone prayer/meditation procedure in polytheistic Eastern religions. Or maybe there will be some more restrictions on gun ownership and hunting. Then there’s the trans fat threat to deal with, and the obesity “epidemic”, especially involving the heart rending Fat Kids aspect. If there are so many Fat Kids, does that mean that the “Healthy Kids” program is failing? It must need more money. The Healthy Kids budget needs to be fattened up.
In the sacred name of truth in advertising, it’s time to change the state motto. How about, “We’re Blue Here Now Too”.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative, a published author, and a supporter of our Constitutional Republic.
Copyright 2007
11.19.2007
Oxymoronisms
---by Micheal
Sometimes it's the littlest things that stop you in your tracks. A couple weeks ago, I had one of those moments. I went down to the laundry room to get some bleach to try on some vinyl siding stains. I picked up the bottle, but stood staring at the label. I was stuck.
My wife's maternal instinct for things being too quiet must have kicked in. She called downstairs, "Did you find the bleach?"
"Yes," I said. "But what's with this label? It says this is ULTRA Regular Bleach? How can something be both Ultra AND Regular?"
I could hear her eyes roll. "Don't let it send you into another one of your end-of-civilization-as-we-klnow-it rants," she said. "It's just bleach. Go clean the siding."
I was still stuck. Ultra, from the Latin, means "beyond." An Ultra-liberal is beyond ordinary liberal. Ultra-light, is beyond ordinary lightness. That's what Ultra means. "Regular" also comes from the Latin, in this case the root regula, meaning "a rule." Things are regular if they meet some regulation (There's another english word built on regula, by the way.) Something "regular" has met some benchmark or standard.
So, does something Ultra Regular no longer meet the regulation? Or is it supposed to mean it's very very regular? Whatever the heck that means. Is that like saying someone spelled a word Super Correctly? Huh? It was either correct or it wasn't. Or, can you spell "cat" with a more excellent "c" than someone else? Guess I never did.
"But this is oxymoronic!" I finally said out loud. "This is like saying something can be Extremely Average. Hyper Plain, or Super Ordinary. It doesn't make any sense."
"You're not going into another rant about how 'words don't mean anything anymore', are you?" She said with a sigh. "It's just a stupid label. Go outside."
She was right, as usual. I was going into one of my word rants. "Ultra Regular" was meaningless marketing fluff. It pretended to mean something, but was meaningless. Marketing hacks are corrupting our language, replacing the original meanings of words with generic fluff. These new fluff words get strung together like beads, having no real meaning beyond "Buy me! Buy me NOW!" When we, the consumer-lemmings, no longer jump at plain products in sufficient numbers, the marketing hacks tack on another fluff word to pique our interest. The marketeers must imagine a shopper saying, "Ultra Regular must be better than plain regular. I'll buy it."
Sadly, the marketeers are probably right. Many of us fall for it. No doubt, in time we'll see Super Ultra Regular bleach when Ultra Regular isn't exciting enough anymore. Eventually, our children will see Extreme Maxima Super Ultra Plus Regular Bleach, and decide to buy it because it simply must be better than boring old-fashioned Maxima Super Ultra Plus Regular Bleach. (of course, it will be just plain ol' bleach)
As it turned out, Ultra Regular bleach didn't get the stain off my siding. (Probably paint spatters, not mildew) The scary part is that with my failure, I could hear my inner consumer-lemming whispering, "Maybe you should get Super Ultra Regular next time. Maybe that will work...."
Sometimes it's the littlest things that stop you in your tracks. A couple weeks ago, I had one of those moments. I went down to the laundry room to get some bleach to try on some vinyl siding stains. I picked up the bottle, but stood staring at the label. I was stuck.
My wife's maternal instinct for things being too quiet must have kicked in. She called downstairs, "Did you find the bleach?"
"Yes," I said. "But what's with this label? It says this is ULTRA Regular Bleach? How can something be both Ultra AND Regular?"
I could hear her eyes roll. "Don't let it send you into another one of your end-of-civilization-as-we-klnow-it rants," she said. "It's just bleach. Go clean the siding."
I was still stuck. Ultra, from the Latin, means "beyond." An Ultra-liberal is beyond ordinary liberal. Ultra-light, is beyond ordinary lightness. That's what Ultra means. "Regular" also comes from the Latin, in this case the root regula, meaning "a rule." Things are regular if they meet some regulation (There's another english word built on regula, by the way.) Something "regular" has met some benchmark or standard.
So, does something Ultra Regular no longer meet the regulation? Or is it supposed to mean it's very very regular? Whatever the heck that means. Is that like saying someone spelled a word Super Correctly? Huh? It was either correct or it wasn't. Or, can you spell "cat" with a more excellent "c" than someone else? Guess I never did.
"But this is oxymoronic!" I finally said out loud. "This is like saying something can be Extremely Average. Hyper Plain, or Super Ordinary. It doesn't make any sense."
"You're not going into another rant about how 'words don't mean anything anymore', are you?" She said with a sigh. "It's just a stupid label. Go outside."
She was right, as usual. I was going into one of my word rants. "Ultra Regular" was meaningless marketing fluff. It pretended to mean something, but was meaningless. Marketing hacks are corrupting our language, replacing the original meanings of words with generic fluff. These new fluff words get strung together like beads, having no real meaning beyond "Buy me! Buy me NOW!" When we, the consumer-lemmings, no longer jump at plain products in sufficient numbers, the marketing hacks tack on another fluff word to pique our interest. The marketeers must imagine a shopper saying, "Ultra Regular must be better than plain regular. I'll buy it."
Sadly, the marketeers are probably right. Many of us fall for it. No doubt, in time we'll see Super Ultra Regular bleach when Ultra Regular isn't exciting enough anymore. Eventually, our children will see Extreme Maxima Super Ultra Plus Regular Bleach, and decide to buy it because it simply must be better than boring old-fashioned Maxima Super Ultra Plus Regular Bleach. (of course, it will be just plain ol' bleach)
As it turned out, Ultra Regular bleach didn't get the stain off my siding. (Probably paint spatters, not mildew) The scary part is that with my failure, I could hear my inner consumer-lemming whispering, "Maybe you should get Super Ultra Regular next time. Maybe that will work...."
11.17.2007
Can You Handle the Truth
By Ron Dupuis
Old business:
There has never been a reaction, good or bad, to anything I've ever written for any publication, as large and diversified as what has been received concerning last weeks "23 Undeniable Truths" column. The e-mails and calls are still coming in. Here is my response to a few of the criticisms and compliments.
Undeniable truth #2: "Despite what Al Gore says, the Earth as we know it is not coming to an end."
Response to the gentleman who walked up to me while I was buying chainsaw oil to help a friend harvest some trees: Get a life. It is physically impossible for me to put my saw there, and besides it would probably hurt.
Undeniable truth #5: "The photo of Barack Obama refusing to place his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance will hurt his chances in the general election."
Response to local resident Brendan Kelly who correctly pointed out it was the national anthem that was playing, not the pledge and how Obama was standing was perfectly acceptable.
Response: You are right, Mr. Kelly and I was wrong. However, that photo created a powerful image and for those undecided who do not learn the truth the perception will be the truth.
Undeniable truth #15: "Hillary Clinton will continue to play the gender card as long as there are "dumb" women who will for that reason vote for her."
Response to the lady who chastised me for calling women "dumb": Anyone, female, male, cross gendered, trans-gendered, or gender bender, who votes for a woman simply because of her gender is dumb. I stand by that.
Undeniable truth # 16: "No matter how much money he raises, Congressman Ron Paul will never become president."
Response to Mr. Louis Rose of Jacksonville, Fla.: Ron Paul has an important message concerning fiscal policy and our monetary system and he should be listened to. Unfortunately, this does not qualify him to be president and most voters realize that.
Undeniable truth #23: "The assault on God and Christmas has already begun."
Response to the angry person who wrote me and told me what to do with a Christmas tree: As with the chainsaw, it is physically impossible for me to put it there and besides it would still hurt. Merry Christmas to you, sir.
New business:
Last weekend was spent renewing old acquaintances with Gov. Mike Huckabee and his campaign staff. The governor spoke at two events and was, "In My Humble Opinion," at his absolute best. This man does not speak in platitudes as many of the candidates, but instead he speaks of solid, cognizant ideas for solutions facing the next president of the United States.
"Our health-care system is just that, "health care" not a "health" system. The cost of treating chronic disease under the present system is at 80 percent. If we had a "health" system that encourages and treats good health in the early years, the cost of treating chronic disease would be drastically reduced. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict or funded through higher taxes. We need to get serious about preventive health care in the early years."
The governor continued. "I'd like you to join me at the best 'Going Out of Business' sale I can imagine — one held by the Internal Revenue Service. Am I running for president to shut down the federal government? Not exactly. But I am running to completely eliminate all federal income and payroll taxes. And I do mean all — personal federal, corporate federal, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, self-employment."
Mike Huckabee does not have the funding other candidates have, yet he is in the top tier of presidential contenders because of his ideas, sincerity, and hard work. When asked who this columnist endorsees, I simply refer to the sign on my lawn, the bumper sticker on my car or the button on my lapel. I like Mike Huckabee for president.
For more information go to www.mikehuckabee.com.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, former state representative and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his Web site at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
Old business:
There has never been a reaction, good or bad, to anything I've ever written for any publication, as large and diversified as what has been received concerning last weeks "23 Undeniable Truths" column. The e-mails and calls are still coming in. Here is my response to a few of the criticisms and compliments.
Undeniable truth #2: "Despite what Al Gore says, the Earth as we know it is not coming to an end."
Response to the gentleman who walked up to me while I was buying chainsaw oil to help a friend harvest some trees: Get a life. It is physically impossible for me to put my saw there, and besides it would probably hurt.
Undeniable truth #5: "The photo of Barack Obama refusing to place his hand over his heart during the Pledge of Allegiance will hurt his chances in the general election."
Response to local resident Brendan Kelly who correctly pointed out it was the national anthem that was playing, not the pledge and how Obama was standing was perfectly acceptable.
Response: You are right, Mr. Kelly and I was wrong. However, that photo created a powerful image and for those undecided who do not learn the truth the perception will be the truth.
Undeniable truth #15: "Hillary Clinton will continue to play the gender card as long as there are "dumb" women who will for that reason vote for her."
Response to the lady who chastised me for calling women "dumb": Anyone, female, male, cross gendered, trans-gendered, or gender bender, who votes for a woman simply because of her gender is dumb. I stand by that.
Undeniable truth # 16: "No matter how much money he raises, Congressman Ron Paul will never become president."
Response to Mr. Louis Rose of Jacksonville, Fla.: Ron Paul has an important message concerning fiscal policy and our monetary system and he should be listened to. Unfortunately, this does not qualify him to be president and most voters realize that.
Undeniable truth #23: "The assault on God and Christmas has already begun."
Response to the angry person who wrote me and told me what to do with a Christmas tree: As with the chainsaw, it is physically impossible for me to put it there and besides it would still hurt. Merry Christmas to you, sir.
New business:
Last weekend was spent renewing old acquaintances with Gov. Mike Huckabee and his campaign staff. The governor spoke at two events and was, "In My Humble Opinion," at his absolute best. This man does not speak in platitudes as many of the candidates, but instead he speaks of solid, cognizant ideas for solutions facing the next president of the United States.
"Our health-care system is just that, "health care" not a "health" system. The cost of treating chronic disease under the present system is at 80 percent. If we had a "health" system that encourages and treats good health in the early years, the cost of treating chronic disease would be drastically reduced. We don't need universal health care mandated by federal edict or funded through higher taxes. We need to get serious about preventive health care in the early years."
The governor continued. "I'd like you to join me at the best 'Going Out of Business' sale I can imagine — one held by the Internal Revenue Service. Am I running for president to shut down the federal government? Not exactly. But I am running to completely eliminate all federal income and payroll taxes. And I do mean all — personal federal, corporate federal, gift, estate, capital gains, alternative minimum, Social Security, Medicare, self-employment."
Mike Huckabee does not have the funding other candidates have, yet he is in the top tier of presidential contenders because of his ideas, sincerity, and hard work. When asked who this columnist endorsees, I simply refer to the sign on my lawn, the bumper sticker on my car or the button on my lapel. I like Mike Huckabee for president.
For more information go to www.mikehuckabee.com.
Ron Dupuis is a New Hampshire resident, former state representative and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his Web site at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
11.09.2007
UNDENIABLE TRUTHS
By Ron Dupuis
If you type in "Undeniable truths" on your computer, the results may vary from biblical studies to bio-tech foods. Here are 23 not listed by importance, succinct, yet mildly amusing, political, undeniable truths authored by your right-winged, radical columnist and prognosticator extraordinaire. Comments are always welcome only if complimentary.
1. Republicans can't wait to run against Hillary Clinton. Any Republican candidate will crush her in the general election.
2. Despite what Al Gore says, the Earth as we know it is not coming to an end. His "Chicken Little" doctrine is one THEORY and nothing more.
3. Theory; a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact. (From the dictionary)
4. Question any foreign visitor to this country and you will learn that America has the best health care system in the world.
5. The photo of Barack Obama refusing to place his hand over his heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance during a recent ceremony will hurt his chances in the general election, if indeed he receives the Democratic nomination.
6. Republicans are terrified of running against Gov. Bill Richardson for the presidency.
7. Most clear-thinking Americans don't want to read, listen to, or watch any more news stories about Britney Spears or Rosie O'Donnell.
8. The federal government should shutdown the U.S. Department of Education and pink slip Secretary Margaret Spellings. Individual states and parents should hold the responsibility of educating our children.
9. Bill Richardson, John McCain, and Mike Huckabee, in that order, are the three candidates in the presidential race with the best sense of humor. Only two have a chance of being president.
10. New Hampshire Democrats feel that John Lynch is unbeatable in seeking a third term as governor. He's not.
11. Our young men and women of the all volunteer military are heroes of the highest caliber and nothing less.
12. We are quickly reaching the point where the Iraqi government should be told "Get it together or else€¦"
13. "Or else.." will happen during the next administration.
14. Gas prices will hit $4 a gallon during the next administration.
15. Hillary Clinton will continue to play the "gender" card as long as there are dumb women out there who will vote for her for that exact reason.
16. No matter how much money he raises ($3 million in one day last week)Congressman Ron Paul has absolutely no chance of ever becoming president of the United States.
17. Same sex marriage and abortion WILL NOT be an issue during the 2008 election for president.
18. Most card-carrying members of the A.C.L.U. refuse to recognize that their founder was bent on destroying all Christian-Judeo principles that America was founded on.
19. Many Americans feel that abortion is simply a tool that allows single women to have sex with men who they wish not to bear children with. (Original thought; Ann Coulter).
20. Despite all the Republican candidates for president invoking the name of Ronald Reagan, only one truly emulates him.
21. In 1979, the federal government promised to pay 40 percent of the states special education cost. It has reneged on that promise and will continue to do so.
22. No matter how many flying saucers he sees, Dennis Kucinich has absolutely no chance of ever becoming president of the United States.
23. The assault on God and Christmas by liberal, pinheaded grinches has already begun and it's not even Thanksgiving yet.
Ron Dupuis is a longtime New Hampshire resident, a former state representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His Web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
If you type in "Undeniable truths" on your computer, the results may vary from biblical studies to bio-tech foods. Here are 23 not listed by importance, succinct, yet mildly amusing, political, undeniable truths authored by your right-winged, radical columnist and prognosticator extraordinaire. Comments are always welcome only if complimentary.
1. Republicans can't wait to run against Hillary Clinton. Any Republican candidate will crush her in the general election.
2. Despite what Al Gore says, the Earth as we know it is not coming to an end. His "Chicken Little" doctrine is one THEORY and nothing more.
3. Theory; a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact. (From the dictionary)
4. Question any foreign visitor to this country and you will learn that America has the best health care system in the world.
5. The photo of Barack Obama refusing to place his hand over his heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance during a recent ceremony will hurt his chances in the general election, if indeed he receives the Democratic nomination.
6. Republicans are terrified of running against Gov. Bill Richardson for the presidency.
7. Most clear-thinking Americans don't want to read, listen to, or watch any more news stories about Britney Spears or Rosie O'Donnell.
8. The federal government should shutdown the U.S. Department of Education and pink slip Secretary Margaret Spellings. Individual states and parents should hold the responsibility of educating our children.
9. Bill Richardson, John McCain, and Mike Huckabee, in that order, are the three candidates in the presidential race with the best sense of humor. Only two have a chance of being president.
10. New Hampshire Democrats feel that John Lynch is unbeatable in seeking a third term as governor. He's not.
11. Our young men and women of the all volunteer military are heroes of the highest caliber and nothing less.
12. We are quickly reaching the point where the Iraqi government should be told "Get it together or else€¦"
13. "Or else.." will happen during the next administration.
14. Gas prices will hit $4 a gallon during the next administration.
15. Hillary Clinton will continue to play the "gender" card as long as there are dumb women out there who will vote for her for that exact reason.
16. No matter how much money he raises ($3 million in one day last week)Congressman Ron Paul has absolutely no chance of ever becoming president of the United States.
17. Same sex marriage and abortion WILL NOT be an issue during the 2008 election for president.
18. Most card-carrying members of the A.C.L.U. refuse to recognize that their founder was bent on destroying all Christian-Judeo principles that America was founded on.
19. Many Americans feel that abortion is simply a tool that allows single women to have sex with men who they wish not to bear children with. (Original thought; Ann Coulter).
20. Despite all the Republican candidates for president invoking the name of Ronald Reagan, only one truly emulates him.
21. In 1979, the federal government promised to pay 40 percent of the states special education cost. It has reneged on that promise and will continue to do so.
22. No matter how many flying saucers he sees, Dennis Kucinich has absolutely no chance of ever becoming president of the United States.
23. The assault on God and Christmas by liberal, pinheaded grinches has already begun and it's not even Thanksgiving yet.
Ron Dupuis is a longtime New Hampshire resident, a former state representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His Web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
NO WORRIES
By Dave Buhlman
There is one thing that most of those making laws in America have in common – few, if any, have to worry about paying the mortgage and other bills.
This wealth gives them the luxury of dictating to the rest of us, while needing to have no concern about any negative impacts on themselves. They have carefully insulated themselves from the ill effects of larger and more intrusive government, devalued dollars, victim disarmament, public schools that have become indoctrination centers for secular humanism and the “rightness” of homosexuality, and trade agreements that send more and more good American jobs to other countries. Some of these directors of society inherited their wealth (Bush, Kennedy), while others earned it. Those who earned it break down into two groups – the ones who worked hard and smart building a business (Romney, although he inherited decently also), and those who latched on to the largesse of government, either through lucrative contracts or good government jobs at good wages (Hillary, Cheney, Guiliani). For the latter group, were it not for good government connections (right, Neil Bush?) or jobs (right, Larry Potts, formerly of the FBI) they would be consumed in various depths of worry about the future of their families, like many of the rest of us. But they’re all set, thanks.
Things are going so right financially for this monied nobility, that they have the time and resources to plague the rest of us with their offensive schemes and laws. Some want to give amnesty and more benefits to illegal immigrants who broke our laws to get here. Others want to reach in deep to private businesses and dictate to them that they have to treat certain classes of people better than other classes of people in workplace decisions. Still others thinks its just swell to take jobs from Americans and send them to other countries, or have those from other countries come here to take American jobs through visa programs that benefit corporations here and abroad. The Clintons are particularly big on this and have the donations from foreigners to prove it. Then another group wants to attack Iran, thereby shedding more American blood, increasing our debt load, and causing even more hatred of the American empire. The war-lovers, of course, rarely if ever put their own kids in harms way. That’s the role of regular Americans. For them, the idea of war is not to personally sacrifice anything in the battles, but to make sure that some other poor s.o.b. does, while those who plan the wars make even more money. For many of them, more war means even less worries as their bank accounts fill to overflowing.
The creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and similar protection rackets, has created more jobs for regular Americans, but the purpose of these jobs is to police and control other Americans. The purported target – the terrorists – continue to go about their business, while we are forced to de-shoe in airport lines and even have our private parts displayed via special cameras. Many of us also have to battle bureaucratic red tape to get our names off of terrorist watch lists. These lists are so long and therefore useless that they were it’s entirely possible that they were created by choosing people at random from telephone directories. All this we have to go through to go visit sick Aunt Rita in Amarillo.
Other than laws that create more useless jobs for Americans, such as der Homeland Security bill, the only law passed that I can think of that actually benefited regular Americans was the tax change about ten years ago that resulted in our not having to pay capital gains on the sale of a primary residence within, of course, strict upper limits. As long as we’re on tax laws, there may come a day when the federal government will actually show us the law that requires Americans who earn all of their money in one of the 50 states to pay taxes on that “taxable income”. Producing this requirement and liability for this tax in the tax code has taken awhile so far, but we continue to hope against hope that they’ll come clean.
The best thing the elites could do is to put their well-coiffed heads together and begin to repeal the laws that hurt regular Americans and waste big money. It’s a big job, but nobody has to do it. Too bad.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term State Representative from the sovereign State of New Hampshire, a published author, and a strong supporter of abiding by the Constitution.
There is one thing that most of those making laws in America have in common – few, if any, have to worry about paying the mortgage and other bills.
This wealth gives them the luxury of dictating to the rest of us, while needing to have no concern about any negative impacts on themselves. They have carefully insulated themselves from the ill effects of larger and more intrusive government, devalued dollars, victim disarmament, public schools that have become indoctrination centers for secular humanism and the “rightness” of homosexuality, and trade agreements that send more and more good American jobs to other countries. Some of these directors of society inherited their wealth (Bush, Kennedy), while others earned it. Those who earned it break down into two groups – the ones who worked hard and smart building a business (Romney, although he inherited decently also), and those who latched on to the largesse of government, either through lucrative contracts or good government jobs at good wages (Hillary, Cheney, Guiliani). For the latter group, were it not for good government connections (right, Neil Bush?) or jobs (right, Larry Potts, formerly of the FBI) they would be consumed in various depths of worry about the future of their families, like many of the rest of us. But they’re all set, thanks.
Things are going so right financially for this monied nobility, that they have the time and resources to plague the rest of us with their offensive schemes and laws. Some want to give amnesty and more benefits to illegal immigrants who broke our laws to get here. Others want to reach in deep to private businesses and dictate to them that they have to treat certain classes of people better than other classes of people in workplace decisions. Still others thinks its just swell to take jobs from Americans and send them to other countries, or have those from other countries come here to take American jobs through visa programs that benefit corporations here and abroad. The Clintons are particularly big on this and have the donations from foreigners to prove it. Then another group wants to attack Iran, thereby shedding more American blood, increasing our debt load, and causing even more hatred of the American empire. The war-lovers, of course, rarely if ever put their own kids in harms way. That’s the role of regular Americans. For them, the idea of war is not to personally sacrifice anything in the battles, but to make sure that some other poor s.o.b. does, while those who plan the wars make even more money. For many of them, more war means even less worries as their bank accounts fill to overflowing.
The creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and similar protection rackets, has created more jobs for regular Americans, but the purpose of these jobs is to police and control other Americans. The purported target – the terrorists – continue to go about their business, while we are forced to de-shoe in airport lines and even have our private parts displayed via special cameras. Many of us also have to battle bureaucratic red tape to get our names off of terrorist watch lists. These lists are so long and therefore useless that they were it’s entirely possible that they were created by choosing people at random from telephone directories. All this we have to go through to go visit sick Aunt Rita in Amarillo.
Other than laws that create more useless jobs for Americans, such as der Homeland Security bill, the only law passed that I can think of that actually benefited regular Americans was the tax change about ten years ago that resulted in our not having to pay capital gains on the sale of a primary residence within, of course, strict upper limits. As long as we’re on tax laws, there may come a day when the federal government will actually show us the law that requires Americans who earn all of their money in one of the 50 states to pay taxes on that “taxable income”. Producing this requirement and liability for this tax in the tax code has taken awhile so far, but we continue to hope against hope that they’ll come clean.
The best thing the elites could do is to put their well-coiffed heads together and begin to repeal the laws that hurt regular Americans and waste big money. It’s a big job, but nobody has to do it. Too bad.
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term State Representative from the sovereign State of New Hampshire, a published author, and a strong supporter of abiding by the Constitution.
11.07.2007
INTERGENERATIONAL CANNIBALISM
By Dave Buhlman
So you’re a member in good standing of AARP, the leading proponent of socking it to your children and grandchildren, and you’ve just attended a nice birthday party for your seven year old grandson. Your social security and/or pension checks are rolling in, the house you bought in 1966 is all paid for, and you’re planning the next vacation to some faraway destination.
Life is good.
You paid about 40 percent of your income over those forty years to the various government protection racketeers, and yet were able to end up all right financially. That’s due in large part to being born at the right time and starting married life/buying a house when the dollar was relatively stable. That stability continued long enough for you to get settled in comfortably with a monthly principle, interest and property tax bill of just over two hundred dollars for a house that cost $15,500 in 1966. You were even able to buy a vacation home on Cape Cod, bending elbows at the local gin mill with some of the slickest politicians in the world – Massachusetts legislators.
And you love your children and grandchildren, and will leave them all that you have upon your passing. Your houses, bank accounts, IRAs, 401ks, and jewelry will all be theirs, at least what’s left of them. But the other item you and your friends who run the Abominable Association of Reprobate Pretenders will leave these innocents is a mountain of debt.
So, as you hug that precious seven year old grandson, tell him how social security must never be tampered with, and that we need endless war and troops in 130 countries in order to be safe. Tell him that you put the cost of the sheiks, shirkers, charlatans and shysters on the big credit card issued by the privately-owned Federal Reserve Bank to the federal government. Add that when he starts his working career, with about two hundred grand of college debt on his back, he will be forced to pay the government fifty to sixty percent of his income to support social security, military adventuring, welfare bums on Wall Street and Main Street, and medical and dental care for illegal immigrants and congressmen. Tell him the truth, but without actually gnawing on a piece of his arm flesh. That would be too obvious.
The acknowledged debt is about nine trillion dollars. When the unfunded liabilities, such as social security and Medicare are factored in, this debt balloons to about sixty trillion. His share will be…a lot. As this debt grows and the Fed intervenes, the value of the dollar continues to drop meaning that all purchases cost more. For those who can pass off these increased costs, things are manageable. But for those who cannot, including the vast majority of Americans who work to survive, things get real tight. So they borrow, and borrow some more, emulating the solons in Washington City. The solons, however, have the taxes of about a hundred twenty million people as collateral for the debt they put on our backs, while too many Americans have only a dwindling paycheck to back up their borrowing.
But it’s important for you to support a safe candidate for president in 2008, one that won’t rock this Titanic load of funny money and irresponsibility. Neat Romney, Julie-Annie (thanks, Devvy), and Queen Hillary have given the necessary assurances to the money power that things will roll right along, even if they have to roll over your precious grandson.
You will be sure to scoff when you’re with your friends, at presidential candidate Ron Paul, who wants to bring America back to our core values – sound money via the abolition of the Fed Bank, no empire and its associated bloodletting, a severely reduced federal government, no income tax, and the reestablishment of the freedoms we had in 1912, the year before the twin monsters of the income tax and the Fed bank were created by Washington City. But when you’re alone and you see a Ron Paul ad, and think about where we are as a country, compared to when you were growing up, you will know that he’s right. Please follow that through with a vote for him in the Republican primary, even if you have to switch your registration to do so. Give that grandson a chance, and maybe even prevent him from having his guts blown out as a brave grunt in a 2020 UN assault on Uzbeckapoo.
So you’re a member in good standing of AARP, the leading proponent of socking it to your children and grandchildren, and you’ve just attended a nice birthday party for your seven year old grandson. Your social security and/or pension checks are rolling in, the house you bought in 1966 is all paid for, and you’re planning the next vacation to some faraway destination.
Life is good.
You paid about 40 percent of your income over those forty years to the various government protection racketeers, and yet were able to end up all right financially. That’s due in large part to being born at the right time and starting married life/buying a house when the dollar was relatively stable. That stability continued long enough for you to get settled in comfortably with a monthly principle, interest and property tax bill of just over two hundred dollars for a house that cost $15,500 in 1966. You were even able to buy a vacation home on Cape Cod, bending elbows at the local gin mill with some of the slickest politicians in the world – Massachusetts legislators.
And you love your children and grandchildren, and will leave them all that you have upon your passing. Your houses, bank accounts, IRAs, 401ks, and jewelry will all be theirs, at least what’s left of them. But the other item you and your friends who run the Abominable Association of Reprobate Pretenders will leave these innocents is a mountain of debt.
So, as you hug that precious seven year old grandson, tell him how social security must never be tampered with, and that we need endless war and troops in 130 countries in order to be safe. Tell him that you put the cost of the sheiks, shirkers, charlatans and shysters on the big credit card issued by the privately-owned Federal Reserve Bank to the federal government. Add that when he starts his working career, with about two hundred grand of college debt on his back, he will be forced to pay the government fifty to sixty percent of his income to support social security, military adventuring, welfare bums on Wall Street and Main Street, and medical and dental care for illegal immigrants and congressmen. Tell him the truth, but without actually gnawing on a piece of his arm flesh. That would be too obvious.
The acknowledged debt is about nine trillion dollars. When the unfunded liabilities, such as social security and Medicare are factored in, this debt balloons to about sixty trillion. His share will be…a lot. As this debt grows and the Fed intervenes, the value of the dollar continues to drop meaning that all purchases cost more. For those who can pass off these increased costs, things are manageable. But for those who cannot, including the vast majority of Americans who work to survive, things get real tight. So they borrow, and borrow some more, emulating the solons in Washington City. The solons, however, have the taxes of about a hundred twenty million people as collateral for the debt they put on our backs, while too many Americans have only a dwindling paycheck to back up their borrowing.
But it’s important for you to support a safe candidate for president in 2008, one that won’t rock this Titanic load of funny money and irresponsibility. Neat Romney, Julie-Annie (thanks, Devvy), and Queen Hillary have given the necessary assurances to the money power that things will roll right along, even if they have to roll over your precious grandson.
You will be sure to scoff when you’re with your friends, at presidential candidate Ron Paul, who wants to bring America back to our core values – sound money via the abolition of the Fed Bank, no empire and its associated bloodletting, a severely reduced federal government, no income tax, and the reestablishment of the freedoms we had in 1912, the year before the twin monsters of the income tax and the Fed bank were created by Washington City. But when you’re alone and you see a Ron Paul ad, and think about where we are as a country, compared to when you were growing up, you will know that he’s right. Please follow that through with a vote for him in the Republican primary, even if you have to switch your registration to do so. Give that grandson a chance, and maybe even prevent him from having his guts blown out as a brave grunt in a 2020 UN assault on Uzbeckapoo.
11.06.2007
Admiration, Respect, Dignity
By Ron Dupuis
Here are some names you should read out loud. Read them with admiration, respect, and dignity. John Sanders of Las Vegas Nevada, Geoff Miller of Cleveland Ohio, John Rosenlund of Vermont, S Franklin of San Antoine Texas, Angela Johnson of Texas, and Sheri Williams of Oregon. These are just a few of ninety eight military men and women that touched U.S. soil for the first time in over a year at Pease Airport, 6:30 a.m. last Tuesday morning. They are heroes, each and every one of them. They are heroes because all are volunteers that were willing to leave their families, their Mothers and Fathers, wives, children and sweethearts, in order to serve and fight an increasingly unpopular war. They are heroes because they are willing to do what is asked of them by politicians who sit safely behind a desk in Washington D.C... Finely they are heroes because they are willing to serve, work, and at times fight, for a people who are struggling to achieve freedom. A freedom similar to what we enjoy here in America.
Here are some other names you should also read out loud, and again, with admiration, respect, and dignity. Bud Owens of Stratham, Frank Kervin of Kensington, Roger Dirck of Dover, Jack Brodie of New Market, Ed Johnson of Rye, Cherie Monnell of Cape Neddick, and Nancy Jones of Berwick Maine. More heroes. The difference is that instead of going to a far off land of unfamiliar culture and traditions to help a struggling population achieve freedom, these heroes walk silently among us here at home. They install our carpets, attend to our sick, care for our children, and work in our banks. They range from high priced executives to stay at home Moms. They also give up their time and sleep, three, four and sometimes five and six times a month in order that a show of support and a smiling face is the first and last thing our military personnel will see in the U.S. when going off to, or returning from Iraq.
“We’re Republicans, we’re Democrats, we’re Independents” one seasoned “Pease Greeter” remarked. “We are Veterans, from all branches of the service, Army Air Force Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.” “We have men and women who served and fought during WWII, we have men and women who served and fought during Korea.” “We have men and women who served and fought during Viet Nam, and we have men and women who served and fought during the first gulf war.” “And, believe it or not,” he continued “we have men and women with no military connection at all.”
There is one last “hero” that needs to be mentioned here. She was an elderly lady sitting most of the time, some feel because of her age. She had what best can be described as a “care worn” half smile on her face. When asked as to why she attended these greetings she said that she had two sons in the service and did not want anything to happen to either one of them or “these young people leaving for Iraq this morning.” “One of my boys is in Iraq now and the other will be there next month.” “I’m scared for my boys and for these young heroes here.” When I tried to reassure her that everything will be alright., she simply smiled and said “Thank you, however I’m really scared.” “You see I lost my husband in Viet Nam .”
I was left speechless. Here is a woman who lost her husband in the prime of his life and yet was willing to support her two son’s military careers. And still have time to get out at 6:30 in the morning in order to support other sons and daughters.
God bless you Nancy Jones of South Berwick Maine. And may he keep your two sons safe.
For further information concerning the “Pease Greeters” pleas call Ed Johnson at 603-766-0502 or visit there web site at www.peasegreeters.org
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
Here are some names you should read out loud. Read them with admiration, respect, and dignity. John Sanders of Las Vegas Nevada, Geoff Miller of Cleveland Ohio, John Rosenlund of Vermont, S Franklin of San Antoine Texas, Angela Johnson of Texas, and Sheri Williams of Oregon. These are just a few of ninety eight military men and women that touched U.S. soil for the first time in over a year at Pease Airport, 6:30 a.m. last Tuesday morning. They are heroes, each and every one of them. They are heroes because all are volunteers that were willing to leave their families, their Mothers and Fathers, wives, children and sweethearts, in order to serve and fight an increasingly unpopular war. They are heroes because they are willing to do what is asked of them by politicians who sit safely behind a desk in Washington D.C... Finely they are heroes because they are willing to serve, work, and at times fight, for a people who are struggling to achieve freedom. A freedom similar to what we enjoy here in America.
Here are some other names you should also read out loud, and again, with admiration, respect, and dignity. Bud Owens of Stratham, Frank Kervin of Kensington, Roger Dirck of Dover, Jack Brodie of New Market, Ed Johnson of Rye, Cherie Monnell of Cape Neddick, and Nancy Jones of Berwick Maine. More heroes. The difference is that instead of going to a far off land of unfamiliar culture and traditions to help a struggling population achieve freedom, these heroes walk silently among us here at home. They install our carpets, attend to our sick, care for our children, and work in our banks. They range from high priced executives to stay at home Moms. They also give up their time and sleep, three, four and sometimes five and six times a month in order that a show of support and a smiling face is the first and last thing our military personnel will see in the U.S. when going off to, or returning from Iraq.
“We’re Republicans, we’re Democrats, we’re Independents” one seasoned “Pease Greeter” remarked. “We are Veterans, from all branches of the service, Army Air Force Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.” “We have men and women who served and fought during WWII, we have men and women who served and fought during Korea.” “We have men and women who served and fought during Viet Nam, and we have men and women who served and fought during the first gulf war.” “And, believe it or not,” he continued “we have men and women with no military connection at all.”
There is one last “hero” that needs to be mentioned here. She was an elderly lady sitting most of the time, some feel because of her age. She had what best can be described as a “care worn” half smile on her face. When asked as to why she attended these greetings she said that she had two sons in the service and did not want anything to happen to either one of them or “these young people leaving for Iraq this morning.” “One of my boys is in Iraq now and the other will be there next month.” “I’m scared for my boys and for these young heroes here.” When I tried to reassure her that everything will be alright., she simply smiled and said “Thank you, however I’m really scared.” “You see I lost my husband in Viet Nam .”
I was left speechless. Here is a woman who lost her husband in the prime of his life and yet was willing to support her two son’s military careers. And still have time to get out at 6:30 in the morning in order to support other sons and daughters.
God bless you Nancy Jones of South Berwick Maine. And may he keep your two sons safe.
For further information concerning the “Pease Greeters” pleas call Ed Johnson at 603-766-0502 or visit there web site at www.peasegreeters.org
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
10.31.2007
OF OUR OWN HOUSEHOLD
By Dave Buhlman
In the New Testament, Jesus warned his followers that some members of their own household would oppose their belief in Him and persecute them for that belief. That surely did happen back then and continues today.
In the "household" of the United States, we have powerful members who oppose the Constitution and our sovereignty. It has been said that we will be defeated by forces from inside our own country and that no outside force could do it. This undermining seems to be happening fairly regularly, with fellow family member citizens undermining the interests of the United States and its citizens.
A recent example of this undermining effort is that of Governor Eliot Spitzer of New York. He is pushing hard to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants despite the fact that illegal immigrants have broken our laws by entering the country illegally. Spitzer is the former New York Attorney General so he is obviously well aware of what the laws are and what they mean. Based on this, he should be investigated by the federal prosecutor for New York, and perhaps indicted, for being an accessory after the fact of the crime of entering the country illegally. He is aiding and abetting lawbreakers, which is against the law.
Spitzer has plenty of company. President Bush, Senators McCain and Kennedy, and many other members of the elite have pushed hard for amnesty for illegal immigrants. Last week the Senate defeated -for the fifth time- a bill to benefit illegal immigrants. These proponents have no shame; they will be back for another try. All of them have taken their oaths a number of times to support and defend the US Constitution, but apparently they have evolved beyond such pedestrian considerations as abiding by oaths to some rarified level where oaths are taken for show but are overridden by some supposed loftier agendas. But the result then is a nation ruled by the opinions of men, and not by law. That approach leads to tyranny because there is no restraint on the elites who choose their own path, laws and constitutions be damned.
The pot is being stirred for a Security and Prosperity Partnership and North American Union intended to erase the borders between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We have the best government ever devised by the mind of man, so there's nowhere for us, and our standard of living, to go, but down. But our form of government has been otherwise eroded with a number of laws that decrease our liberty to allegedly gain more safety. These began in greater earnest in 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing, and continued with the Patriot Acts after 9/11. If these laws are indeed good ideas and are seen to be increasing our protection, then we will get more of them. Maybe the day is soon coming when those expensive overhead electronic message signs will read "PULL OFF AT THE NEXT REST STOP IN THE NAME OF SAFETY". In the rest stop, police will ask us for our identification, destination and purpose of being on the highway. If we respond correctly, we will be sent on our way, wiping the sweat from our brows. If we don't....
In the New Testament, Jesus warned his followers that some members of their own household would oppose their belief in Him and persecute them for that belief. That surely did happen back then and continues today.
In the "household" of the United States, we have powerful members who oppose the Constitution and our sovereignty. It has been said that we will be defeated by forces from inside our own country and that no outside force could do it. This undermining seems to be happening fairly regularly, with fellow family member citizens undermining the interests of the United States and its citizens.
A recent example of this undermining effort is that of Governor Eliot Spitzer of New York. He is pushing hard to give drivers licenses to illegal immigrants despite the fact that illegal immigrants have broken our laws by entering the country illegally. Spitzer is the former New York Attorney General so he is obviously well aware of what the laws are and what they mean. Based on this, he should be investigated by the federal prosecutor for New York, and perhaps indicted, for being an accessory after the fact of the crime of entering the country illegally. He is aiding and abetting lawbreakers, which is against the law.
Spitzer has plenty of company. President Bush, Senators McCain and Kennedy, and many other members of the elite have pushed hard for amnesty for illegal immigrants. Last week the Senate defeated -for the fifth time- a bill to benefit illegal immigrants. These proponents have no shame; they will be back for another try. All of them have taken their oaths a number of times to support and defend the US Constitution, but apparently they have evolved beyond such pedestrian considerations as abiding by oaths to some rarified level where oaths are taken for show but are overridden by some supposed loftier agendas. But the result then is a nation ruled by the opinions of men, and not by law. That approach leads to tyranny because there is no restraint on the elites who choose their own path, laws and constitutions be damned.
The pot is being stirred for a Security and Prosperity Partnership and North American Union intended to erase the borders between Canada, the United States, and Mexico. We have the best government ever devised by the mind of man, so there's nowhere for us, and our standard of living, to go, but down. But our form of government has been otherwise eroded with a number of laws that decrease our liberty to allegedly gain more safety. These began in greater earnest in 1995 after the Oklahoma City bombing, and continued with the Patriot Acts after 9/11. If these laws are indeed good ideas and are seen to be increasing our protection, then we will get more of them. Maybe the day is soon coming when those expensive overhead electronic message signs will read "PULL OFF AT THE NEXT REST STOP IN THE NAME OF SAFETY". In the rest stop, police will ask us for our identification, destination and purpose of being on the highway. If we respond correctly, we will be sent on our way, wiping the sweat from our brows. If we don't....
10.28.2007
CHINESE MATH
By Ron Dupuis
The conversation in most normal American households;
“What are we doing for dinner tonight?”
“I’ve got a good idea”, “let’s do Chinese Take Out!”
O.K. but I want everyone to remember that we have a budget” Dad’s voice of reason exclaimed. “For some unknown cause this stuff is becoming very expensive” Dad muttered to himself.
I’ll take the Kung Pao chicken” Mom declared. “It’s only $5.50.”
“And I’m going with the Moo Goo Gai Pan” Dad said. “For another $5.50.”
“How about little Sally”, “What do you think she would like?”
I don’t know “Mom said. “She’s at the supermarket bagging grocery’s to earn enough for her braces.” “How about Noodles and Vegetables for her?” “That’s nice and soft.”
“And of course, fortune cookies for all three.”
The conversation at one particular household in Chappaqua New York
“What are we doing for the campaign tonight?”
“I’ve got a good idea”, “lets Take Out the Chinese” Dad said.
O.K. but I want you to remember that we have a budget.” “There are print ads to buy and T.V. spots to produce and purchase,” was Moms response.
“We had better get started.”
“I’ll begin with the Aerospace industry.” “That major favor I did them in the ninety’s should be worth a few million” Dad said.
“I’m going with Norman Hsu and the apparel industry.” “He’s always good for a bundle” Mom said.
“What about daughter Chelsea” Dad queried?
“Don’t worry about her” Mom replied. “She’s working on Wall Street and her firm has already donated thirty thousand dollars through their employees.”
“We’ll keep the money nice and soft for her.”
“Don’t forget fortune cookies” Dad said. “Dish washers, busboys, and wait staff can send us anonymous contributions through fortune cookies.”
“What a great idea.” “I’ll get Charlie Trie right on that” Mom replied gleefully.
________________________
One cannot be sure if the Clintons feel that they have become as inscrutable as some of their Chinese friends, or if they feel that the American voting public is simply a mouth breathing, slack jawed, drooling dolt with no memory whatsoever. The current “Chinese fund raising crisis” plaguing Hillary Rodham Clinton’s bid for President of the United States is nothing new. Suspicious Chinese fund raising has been around since the first Clinton campaign in the early nineties. Names like Johnny Chung, John Haung, and Charlie Trie appear and re-appear on the list of most favored friends of the Clinton ilk. All of them Clinton fund raisers and most convicted felons. One even had ties to the Chinese military intelligence community.
Most political observers feel the Chinese connection began when President Clinton shifted regulation of technology exports responsibility from the State Dept to the Commerce Dept. Evidently feeling that this was not enough, President Clinton then signed a waiver that circumvented the entire law. This allowed defense contractors like Loral and Hugh to export to China anything they desired, such as modern satellite communication systems and defense electronics. Bernie Schwartz and Michael Armstrong, CEO’s of Loral and Hughes respectfully, each donated over a million dollars to the Clinton re-election campaign. Go figure!
The saga continues with candidate Hillary Clinton receiving two thousand dollar donations ostensibly from the dish washers, waiters, and busboys throughout New York’s Chinese community. Donations to the tune of over three hundred thousand dollars. From people living at the bottom of the economic ladder, making perhaps eight hundred dollars a month. When a major New York newspaper checked out the addresses provided by campaign reports many turned out to be fraudulent. Others were run down tenements occupied by people who had never heard of the listed donor.
Does anyone see a pattern here? A pattern by the Clintons that reaches as far back as the nineties. It seems to be true that the candidate who raises the most money generally wins the election, and the Clintons, through their Chinese friends seem to be well on their way in achieving both goals.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his web site at
imho-nh.blogspot.com
The conversation in most normal American households;
“What are we doing for dinner tonight?”
“I’ve got a good idea”, “let’s do Chinese Take Out!”
O.K. but I want everyone to remember that we have a budget” Dad’s voice of reason exclaimed. “For some unknown cause this stuff is becoming very expensive” Dad muttered to himself.
I’ll take the Kung Pao chicken” Mom declared. “It’s only $5.50.”
“And I’m going with the Moo Goo Gai Pan” Dad said. “For another $5.50.”
“How about little Sally”, “What do you think she would like?”
I don’t know “Mom said. “She’s at the supermarket bagging grocery’s to earn enough for her braces.” “How about Noodles and Vegetables for her?” “That’s nice and soft.”
“And of course, fortune cookies for all three.”
The conversation at one particular household in Chappaqua New York
“What are we doing for the campaign tonight?”
“I’ve got a good idea”, “lets Take Out the Chinese” Dad said.
O.K. but I want you to remember that we have a budget.” “There are print ads to buy and T.V. spots to produce and purchase,” was Moms response.
“We had better get started.”
“I’ll begin with the Aerospace industry.” “That major favor I did them in the ninety’s should be worth a few million” Dad said.
“I’m going with Norman Hsu and the apparel industry.” “He’s always good for a bundle” Mom said.
“What about daughter Chelsea” Dad queried?
“Don’t worry about her” Mom replied. “She’s working on Wall Street and her firm has already donated thirty thousand dollars through their employees.”
“We’ll keep the money nice and soft for her.”
“Don’t forget fortune cookies” Dad said. “Dish washers, busboys, and wait staff can send us anonymous contributions through fortune cookies.”
“What a great idea.” “I’ll get Charlie Trie right on that” Mom replied gleefully.
________________________
One cannot be sure if the Clintons feel that they have become as inscrutable as some of their Chinese friends, or if they feel that the American voting public is simply a mouth breathing, slack jawed, drooling dolt with no memory whatsoever. The current “Chinese fund raising crisis” plaguing Hillary Rodham Clinton’s bid for President of the United States is nothing new. Suspicious Chinese fund raising has been around since the first Clinton campaign in the early nineties. Names like Johnny Chung, John Haung, and Charlie Trie appear and re-appear on the list of most favored friends of the Clinton ilk. All of them Clinton fund raisers and most convicted felons. One even had ties to the Chinese military intelligence community.
Most political observers feel the Chinese connection began when President Clinton shifted regulation of technology exports responsibility from the State Dept to the Commerce Dept. Evidently feeling that this was not enough, President Clinton then signed a waiver that circumvented the entire law. This allowed defense contractors like Loral and Hugh to export to China anything they desired, such as modern satellite communication systems and defense electronics. Bernie Schwartz and Michael Armstrong, CEO’s of Loral and Hughes respectfully, each donated over a million dollars to the Clinton re-election campaign. Go figure!
The saga continues with candidate Hillary Clinton receiving two thousand dollar donations ostensibly from the dish washers, waiters, and busboys throughout New York’s Chinese community. Donations to the tune of over three hundred thousand dollars. From people living at the bottom of the economic ladder, making perhaps eight hundred dollars a month. When a major New York newspaper checked out the addresses provided by campaign reports many turned out to be fraudulent. Others were run down tenements occupied by people who had never heard of the listed donor.
Does anyone see a pattern here? A pattern by the Clintons that reaches as far back as the nineties. It seems to be true that the candidate who raises the most money generally wins the election, and the Clintons, through their Chinese friends seem to be well on their way in achieving both goals.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his web site at
imho-nh.blogspot.com
10.21.2007
ENTERING DANTE'S RINGS
By Dave Buhlman
In "The Inferno," Dante described rings of hell wherein varying degrees of pain and suffering were adminstered.
This past week, several stories brought us into the rings, and there is likely no turning back. We simply don't have the stomach for it anymore.
In Norway, several "educators" thought it would be a good idea to allow toddlers in day care the option of masturbating themselves and others as part of... what is hard to say. These heroes stood right up in public and proclaimed this idea as both enlightened and helpful for the development of the children. They will probably be praised by other "enlightened" individuals, including all of the pedophiles who will be clamoring for teaching jobs. Instead they should be arrested for, at the very least, child endangerment.
In Caliphonia, on our western edge, Governor Arnold signed a bill to prohibit the use of terms in public schools such as "Mom" and "Dad" because these terms might offend those otherwise oriented - homosexuals, lesbians, cross dressers, transgendered, transspecied and other Hillary Clinton voters. Thus he caved in to pressure from this minuscule minority of the offbeat at the expense of the 99.99 percent of the people (including even all of his illegal immigrants) who support the thousands of years of success generated by the traditional family. Also, for a bonus, each individual will be allowed to use the bathroom or lockerroom he/she feels most comfortable in. So if a young, heterosexual male wants to declare that he may be otherwise oriented, he can slip in to the girls rooms for a look. No doubt such an invasion of privacy will just thrill the gals. Too bad, kids, Arnold says you must accept this for the greater advance of society. Arnold posed a lot for homosexual skin mags in the seventies, so his decision to favor the warped over the normal is not the biggest of surprises.
President Bush, who responded during a debate in 2000 that Jesus Christ was his favorite philosopher, now declares that we're all praying to the same God and that all religions are pretty much the same. If he hadn't kept up the act of being a real Christians to pander to the airheads following the supposed Christian leaders of our day, that would have been okay. Then he would be among the majority of elites who feel that everything is beautiful, especially the big no-bid contracts handed to them by the feds. They do not claim any core beliefs, beyond stealing more form the feds and filling up their investment accounts, so at least they're not hypocrites. But W sure is, with his special Muslim dinner last week in the White House to celebrate the end of Ramadan. First, Mr. President, Jesus Christ was not a philosopher, such as Immanuel Kant, but He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, who died as the One Redeemer for the sins of mankind. For Christians, such as myself, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. No one else is. As a Christian, W should know and believe that we will all be judged by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ upon our deaths. This includes the popes, Muhammad, Buddha, the chief rabbis, me and W.
"Be ye hot or cold, but not lukewarm," said the Lord in the Book of Revelation. Would that our president could understand this simple concept.
In "The Inferno," Dante described rings of hell wherein varying degrees of pain and suffering were adminstered.
This past week, several stories brought us into the rings, and there is likely no turning back. We simply don't have the stomach for it anymore.
In Norway, several "educators" thought it would be a good idea to allow toddlers in day care the option of masturbating themselves and others as part of... what is hard to say. These heroes stood right up in public and proclaimed this idea as both enlightened and helpful for the development of the children. They will probably be praised by other "enlightened" individuals, including all of the pedophiles who will be clamoring for teaching jobs. Instead they should be arrested for, at the very least, child endangerment.
In Caliphonia, on our western edge, Governor Arnold signed a bill to prohibit the use of terms in public schools such as "Mom" and "Dad" because these terms might offend those otherwise oriented - homosexuals, lesbians, cross dressers, transgendered, transspecied and other Hillary Clinton voters. Thus he caved in to pressure from this minuscule minority of the offbeat at the expense of the 99.99 percent of the people (including even all of his illegal immigrants) who support the thousands of years of success generated by the traditional family. Also, for a bonus, each individual will be allowed to use the bathroom or lockerroom he/she feels most comfortable in. So if a young, heterosexual male wants to declare that he may be otherwise oriented, he can slip in to the girls rooms for a look. No doubt such an invasion of privacy will just thrill the gals. Too bad, kids, Arnold says you must accept this for the greater advance of society. Arnold posed a lot for homosexual skin mags in the seventies, so his decision to favor the warped over the normal is not the biggest of surprises.
President Bush, who responded during a debate in 2000 that Jesus Christ was his favorite philosopher, now declares that we're all praying to the same God and that all religions are pretty much the same. If he hadn't kept up the act of being a real Christians to pander to the airheads following the supposed Christian leaders of our day, that would have been okay. Then he would be among the majority of elites who feel that everything is beautiful, especially the big no-bid contracts handed to them by the feds. They do not claim any core beliefs, beyond stealing more form the feds and filling up their investment accounts, so at least they're not hypocrites. But W sure is, with his special Muslim dinner last week in the White House to celebrate the end of Ramadan. First, Mr. President, Jesus Christ was not a philosopher, such as Immanuel Kant, but He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity, who died as the One Redeemer for the sins of mankind. For Christians, such as myself, the Lord Jesus Christ is the Alpha and the Omega. No one else is. As a Christian, W should know and believe that we will all be judged by Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ upon our deaths. This includes the popes, Muhammad, Buddha, the chief rabbis, me and W.
"Be ye hot or cold, but not lukewarm," said the Lord in the Book of Revelation. Would that our president could understand this simple concept.
10.20.2007
MYRIAD MATTERS
By Ron Dupuis
This week I’m offering a potpourri of “humble opinions” and questions on matters that have been in the news lately.
The New Hampshire Primary- If you feel all the controversy is about New Hampshire not having a better representative cross section of the American public you would be wrong. Take a look at the campaign donations raised by candidates of both parties. The tab is well over one hundred million dollars. Most of which is spent in the early primary states like New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina. It’s no surprise to anyone that a financially depressed state such as Michigan is seeking a bigger slice of the pie. Bill Gardner, hang in there.
Phony Soldier Issue-Recently talk show host Rush Limbaugh (genuflect please) made a comment to a caller who was discussing both military and non-military people that claim to have fought battles both in Iraq and elsewhere Evidently an anti-war group of veterans was using a young man by the name of Jessie MacBeth as their public poster boy. MacBeth not only claimed to be a once wounded Iraqi war veteran, he also purported to have killed, under orders from his superiors, over two hundred innocent women and children. The veterans group was about to send this young man on a nation wide tour with legitimate veterans who were opposed to the war in Iraq when the truth was revealed. It was during this discussion of this incident that Rush (genuflect please) used the term “phony soldiers”, clearly referring to MacBeth. As someone who has listen to Limbaugh for nearly twenty years I can truly say that I have never heard one word of malignment toward our military. If fact just the opposite is true. Rush (genuflect please) has not only visited with the troops in places like Afghanistan, he has always offered nothing less than total support for their effort.
Rush Limbaugh (genuflect please), hang in there.
Birth control for 6th graders-While many New Hampshire Representatives consider the re-introduction of the Parental Notification Law, our country cousins in the progressive state of Maine are weighing the practice of issuing birth control prescriptions to middle school students without any parental knowledge. Apparently the city of Portland operates seven Health Centers in its public schools in an effort to provide access to health care for its students. Students who have permission to be treated at these clinics are already allowed to receive condoms at all of the facilities. Now the Portland School Committee is considering the practice of issuing birth control prescriptions to middle school children, as young as 11 year old, again, without parental notification.
New Hampshire Representatives, hang in there.
Sandy the Burglar- Lets pretend you are the Human Resource officer for a large corporation responsible for the well being of millions of people all over the world. Your assignment is to find someone to serve on the Board of Directors. The result of your effort is the hiring of a disbarred lawyer, and convicted felon who was convicted of stealing and destroying documents of his former employer.
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign announced the hiring of former National Security Adviser Sandy Burger as a unpaid adviser to the campaign. Berger was convicted of stealing classified documents from the National Archives by hiding them in his socks and down his pants. He was also convicted of destroying some of those documents. Many politicians, both Democrats and Republicans questioned Senator Clinton’s actions. Sen John Cornyn of Texas was quoted as saying “I think anyone who would surround themselves with advisors like that is demonstrating bad judgment.” Rep. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan said that the Clinton campaign should “ clearly distance themselves from Sandy Berger. This person should not be a key adviser to any of the leading candidates.”
Senator Cornyn of Texas and Representative Hoekstra of Michigan, hang in there.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
This week I’m offering a potpourri of “humble opinions” and questions on matters that have been in the news lately.
The New Hampshire Primary- If you feel all the controversy is about New Hampshire not having a better representative cross section of the American public you would be wrong. Take a look at the campaign donations raised by candidates of both parties. The tab is well over one hundred million dollars. Most of which is spent in the early primary states like New Hampshire, Iowa, and South Carolina. It’s no surprise to anyone that a financially depressed state such as Michigan is seeking a bigger slice of the pie. Bill Gardner, hang in there.
Phony Soldier Issue-Recently talk show host Rush Limbaugh (genuflect please) made a comment to a caller who was discussing both military and non-military people that claim to have fought battles both in Iraq and elsewhere Evidently an anti-war group of veterans was using a young man by the name of Jessie MacBeth as their public poster boy. MacBeth not only claimed to be a once wounded Iraqi war veteran, he also purported to have killed, under orders from his superiors, over two hundred innocent women and children. The veterans group was about to send this young man on a nation wide tour with legitimate veterans who were opposed to the war in Iraq when the truth was revealed. It was during this discussion of this incident that Rush (genuflect please) used the term “phony soldiers”, clearly referring to MacBeth. As someone who has listen to Limbaugh for nearly twenty years I can truly say that I have never heard one word of malignment toward our military. If fact just the opposite is true. Rush (genuflect please) has not only visited with the troops in places like Afghanistan, he has always offered nothing less than total support for their effort.
Rush Limbaugh (genuflect please), hang in there.
Birth control for 6th graders-While many New Hampshire Representatives consider the re-introduction of the Parental Notification Law, our country cousins in the progressive state of Maine are weighing the practice of issuing birth control prescriptions to middle school students without any parental knowledge. Apparently the city of Portland operates seven Health Centers in its public schools in an effort to provide access to health care for its students. Students who have permission to be treated at these clinics are already allowed to receive condoms at all of the facilities. Now the Portland School Committee is considering the practice of issuing birth control prescriptions to middle school children, as young as 11 year old, again, without parental notification.
New Hampshire Representatives, hang in there.
Sandy the Burglar- Lets pretend you are the Human Resource officer for a large corporation responsible for the well being of millions of people all over the world. Your assignment is to find someone to serve on the Board of Directors. The result of your effort is the hiring of a disbarred lawyer, and convicted felon who was convicted of stealing and destroying documents of his former employer.
Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign announced the hiring of former National Security Adviser Sandy Burger as a unpaid adviser to the campaign. Berger was convicted of stealing classified documents from the National Archives by hiding them in his socks and down his pants. He was also convicted of destroying some of those documents. Many politicians, both Democrats and Republicans questioned Senator Clinton’s actions. Sen John Cornyn of Texas was quoted as saying “I think anyone who would surround themselves with advisors like that is demonstrating bad judgment.” Rep. Peter Hoekstra of Michigan said that the Clinton campaign should “ clearly distance themselves from Sandy Berger. This person should not be a key adviser to any of the leading candidates.”
Senator Cornyn of Texas and Representative Hoekstra of Michigan, hang in there.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
10.14.2007
TO MUCH FREE TIME
By Ron Dupuis
The other day, after spending about twenty minutes playing games with a telemarketer my wife stated that I had “way too much free time on my hands.”
Before the “Do Not Call” registry, telemarketers had pretty much a free hand as to when, where, and how irritating they were allowed to be. For awhile that changed. Threats of heavy fines curbed these minimum wage hawkers to a point where a family could enjoy an evening meal together without suffering the anxiety of having to decide whether or not to join the “Beef of the Month” club.
All this is beginning to change. The calls are returning at an even more intense frequency.
The incident that prompted my wife’s comments was a call that informed me that I had won four round trip tickets to any destination in the country. Immediately realizing that it was some sort of scam, I decided to have some fun by taking it, with a little humor of course, to the logical conclusion; no tickets for me.
“Mr. Dupuis, you have won four round trip tickets to any destination you choose, to be used at any time you choose.” “Isn’t that wonderful” the obnoxiously perky, high pitched voice suggested?”
“That certainly is” I responded. “As a matter of fact, at this very moment I was planning a get-a-way for a week or so.” “Just don’t send the tickets here”, “send them to my girlfriend’s house.”
I was then informed that it would be necessary for me and my girlfriend to pick up the prize tickets at a time share vacation resort a few hundred miles away. All we had to do, after enjoying a buffet breakfast, is listen to a ninety minute, no pressure presentation as to the joys of owning a time share at their
wonderful, modern resort facility. We would then receive the precious ducats and be on our way to any destination we choose.
Miss high pitched perky voice then inquired if my girlfriend and I, despite “no purchase necessary”, would have any interest in buying a time share.
“No” I responded. “I don’t think my wife would appreciate it.”
A pregnant silence, then a curt “Thank you for your time.”
The line went dead in the middle of “What about my tickets?”
A little research taught me that any time you put your phone number on a receipt or e-mail address for that matter, a company has a right to call you with “No purchase necessary’ offers, despite being on the “No call” list.
The same research produced some other tidbits of information concerning telemarketers.
First; at times your phone will ring and there is no one there. That is a machine recording the time you are home and answering the phone to be used at a later date for a live person to call. The best defense is to repeatedly hit the # key as fast as possible which will confuse the recording machine and throw your number out. If you have the time and strength, the next best defense is to keep the live person on the phone as long as possible. I once told a telemarketer that I was a Federal agent investigating a possible homicide at this location and needed their name and a call record as to how many times they called. I told another male telemarketer that I suspected him of being the man who has been running around with my wife for the last year and if I ever caught him he would pay with his life. I led another persistent person who was trying to sell me “Fruit of the Month for the next decade or so by exclaiming that I was not only allergic to fruit but also eighty seven years old and had just been informed that there weren’t too many months left. You’ll be surprised how quickly the call is terminated and how, over time, you hear less and less from these people.
My wife may be right. Perhaps I do have “way too much free time on my hands.”
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
The other day, after spending about twenty minutes playing games with a telemarketer my wife stated that I had “way too much free time on my hands.”
Before the “Do Not Call” registry, telemarketers had pretty much a free hand as to when, where, and how irritating they were allowed to be. For awhile that changed. Threats of heavy fines curbed these minimum wage hawkers to a point where a family could enjoy an evening meal together without suffering the anxiety of having to decide whether or not to join the “Beef of the Month” club.
All this is beginning to change. The calls are returning at an even more intense frequency.
The incident that prompted my wife’s comments was a call that informed me that I had won four round trip tickets to any destination in the country. Immediately realizing that it was some sort of scam, I decided to have some fun by taking it, with a little humor of course, to the logical conclusion; no tickets for me.
“Mr. Dupuis, you have won four round trip tickets to any destination you choose, to be used at any time you choose.” “Isn’t that wonderful” the obnoxiously perky, high pitched voice suggested?”
“That certainly is” I responded. “As a matter of fact, at this very moment I was planning a get-a-way for a week or so.” “Just don’t send the tickets here”, “send them to my girlfriend’s house.”
I was then informed that it would be necessary for me and my girlfriend to pick up the prize tickets at a time share vacation resort a few hundred miles away. All we had to do, after enjoying a buffet breakfast, is listen to a ninety minute, no pressure presentation as to the joys of owning a time share at their
wonderful, modern resort facility. We would then receive the precious ducats and be on our way to any destination we choose.
Miss high pitched perky voice then inquired if my girlfriend and I, despite “no purchase necessary”, would have any interest in buying a time share.
“No” I responded. “I don’t think my wife would appreciate it.”
A pregnant silence, then a curt “Thank you for your time.”
The line went dead in the middle of “What about my tickets?”
A little research taught me that any time you put your phone number on a receipt or e-mail address for that matter, a company has a right to call you with “No purchase necessary’ offers, despite being on the “No call” list.
The same research produced some other tidbits of information concerning telemarketers.
First; at times your phone will ring and there is no one there. That is a machine recording the time you are home and answering the phone to be used at a later date for a live person to call. The best defense is to repeatedly hit the # key as fast as possible which will confuse the recording machine and throw your number out. If you have the time and strength, the next best defense is to keep the live person on the phone as long as possible. I once told a telemarketer that I was a Federal agent investigating a possible homicide at this location and needed their name and a call record as to how many times they called. I told another male telemarketer that I suspected him of being the man who has been running around with my wife for the last year and if I ever caught him he would pay with his life. I led another persistent person who was trying to sell me “Fruit of the Month for the next decade or so by exclaiming that I was not only allergic to fruit but also eighty seven years old and had just been informed that there weren’t too many months left. You’ll be surprised how quickly the call is terminated and how, over time, you hear less and less from these people.
My wife may be right. Perhaps I do have “way too much free time on my hands.”
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
RACISM, MEXICAN STYLE
By Dave Buhlman
When several of us New Hampshire State Representatives introduced bills last year to oppose illegal immigration, a few of the pro-lawbreaking dolts accused us of being racist. What tripe! That's the best they could do - attack us with worn out lies.
Now comes President Bush's boon companion, former Mexican President Vincente Fox, to offer his stale, offensive rhetoric:
"NEW YORK (AP) - Former Mexican President Vicente Fox said Monday that the United States is letting racism dictate its policies, especially when it comes to immigration.
'The xenophobics, the racists, those who feel they are a superior race ... they are deciding the future of this nation,' he said, without naming names, in an interview with The Associated Press.
In his first interview to promote his new book, 'Revolution of Hope,' Fox applauded President Bush's desire to pass an immigration accord that would allow more Mexicans to work legally in the U.S. "
It has been said that wrapping oneself in the flag is the last refuge of a scoundrel. For Vincente, wrapping himself in what he knows are lies is the refuge of a manipulator who has no truth in him. He should be tarred and feathered and ridden out of town on a rail. Instead the controlled media lackeys will swoon over him and his recently published book, "Yankee, Get Out of Your Home", or something like that.
The majority of Americans of all colors oppose the Bush/Kennedy/McCain amnesty program for illegal immigrants. These Americans are either citizens or those who are in this country legally. They are standing up for the rule of law and to protect their jobs and families from the invasion from the south orchestrated by the elite both north and south of the Rio Grande. The real racists and shallow thinkers are those who scoff at these law-abiding beliefs, like the President and his collaborator friend Fox. They tell Americans to shut up and take what the government dishes out. Worse, to paraphrase Moe of the Three Stooges, they say to us, "You'll take it AND you'll like it!". What ever happened to the concept of shame?
Regarding Fox's above comment about "superior race", do check out the web sites of La Raza and similar racist sites. Their praise of Hispanics is reminiscent of what you'll see on a National Socialist (Nazi) web site about the white race. Different colors, same idiotic racial biases.
It appears that Bush, McCain, Kennedy, and other collaborating quislings in Washington, DC have little to no allegiance to the concept of country, and were probably lost in a day dream when reciting their oaths of office. They are way out of step with those they purport to lead. May they fade into history soon, and their names be spoken no more.
30
When several of us New Hampshire State Representatives introduced bills last year to oppose illegal immigration, a few of the pro-lawbreaking dolts accused us of being racist. What tripe! That's the best they could do - attack us with worn out lies.
Now comes President Bush's boon companion, former Mexican President Vincente Fox, to offer his stale, offensive rhetoric:
"NEW YORK (AP) - Former Mexican President Vicente Fox said Monday that the United States is letting racism dictate its policies, especially when it comes to immigration.
'The xenophobics, the racists, those who feel they are a superior race ... they are deciding the future of this nation,' he said, without naming names, in an interview with The Associated Press.
In his first interview to promote his new book, 'Revolution of Hope,' Fox applauded President Bush's desire to pass an immigration accord that would allow more Mexicans to work legally in the U.S. "
It has been said that wrapping oneself in the flag is the last refuge of a scoundrel. For Vincente, wrapping himself in what he knows are lies is the refuge of a manipulator who has no truth in him. He should be tarred and feathered and ridden out of town on a rail. Instead the controlled media lackeys will swoon over him and his recently published book, "Yankee, Get Out of Your Home", or something like that.
The majority of Americans of all colors oppose the Bush/Kennedy/McCain amnesty program for illegal immigrants. These Americans are either citizens or those who are in this country legally. They are standing up for the rule of law and to protect their jobs and families from the invasion from the south orchestrated by the elite both north and south of the Rio Grande. The real racists and shallow thinkers are those who scoff at these law-abiding beliefs, like the President and his collaborator friend Fox. They tell Americans to shut up and take what the government dishes out. Worse, to paraphrase Moe of the Three Stooges, they say to us, "You'll take it AND you'll like it!". What ever happened to the concept of shame?
Regarding Fox's above comment about "superior race", do check out the web sites of La Raza and similar racist sites. Their praise of Hispanics is reminiscent of what you'll see on a National Socialist (Nazi) web site about the white race. Different colors, same idiotic racial biases.
It appears that Bush, McCain, Kennedy, and other collaborating quislings in Washington, DC have little to no allegiance to the concept of country, and were probably lost in a day dream when reciting their oaths of office. They are way out of step with those they purport to lead. May they fade into history soon, and their names be spoken no more.
30
10.08.2007
RON PAUL FOR PRESIDENT
By Dave Buhlman
I fully support the nomination of Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) for President of the United States.
The main reason for my support is that Congressman Paul is a strong advocate for abiding by the US Constitution and, with his votes in Congress, has proven that he means it. Paul, along with the other 534 members of Congress and all state legislators, took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. But unlike most of the others, he takes his oath seriously. He knows, for example, that there's no role in the Constitution for the federal government to be involved in education, so he opposes all schemes that bring the federal leviathan into the local classrooms. He also knows that, to go to war, Congress must pass a Declaration of War, not some smarmy resolution substitute. Had our government abided by this requirement, many thousands of American lives would have been saved instead of being lost on foreign battlefields where we were not wanted. The brave ones who died in these unconstitutional wars, and those who fought alongside them, were and are so much better than the leaders who sent them on the mission. So much better.
Congressman Paul supports a return to sound money and the abolition of the privately owned federal reserve banking system. He knows that it's not "federal" and that there are no reserves. It's not an exciting subject, but we all feel the effects of the Fed's fiat money when we shop. It's not that prices have just gone up; it's that the value of the fiat dollars have gone down because the Fed keeps issuing too many of them. The founders had it right when they set the requirements for our money in the Constitution.
As a medical doctor who has delivered about 5,000 babies, he is solidly pro-life. Since 1973, the number of abortions that have been carried out in this country now approach 50 million. That's death on a grand scale, matching that perpetrated by Mao, Stalin and Hitler. Congressman Paul respects and believes in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments which leave the power not granted in the Constitution to the sovereign states, such as New Hampshire.
Recently, Congressman Paul raised a significant amount of money for a "second tier" candidate. This will allow him to carry his message to more Americans, and shake the establishment even more. If you want real change in this country, please support Ron Paul.
I fully support the nomination of Congressman Ron Paul (R-TX) for President of the United States.
The main reason for my support is that Congressman Paul is a strong advocate for abiding by the US Constitution and, with his votes in Congress, has proven that he means it. Paul, along with the other 534 members of Congress and all state legislators, took an oath to support and defend the Constitution. But unlike most of the others, he takes his oath seriously. He knows, for example, that there's no role in the Constitution for the federal government to be involved in education, so he opposes all schemes that bring the federal leviathan into the local classrooms. He also knows that, to go to war, Congress must pass a Declaration of War, not some smarmy resolution substitute. Had our government abided by this requirement, many thousands of American lives would have been saved instead of being lost on foreign battlefields where we were not wanted. The brave ones who died in these unconstitutional wars, and those who fought alongside them, were and are so much better than the leaders who sent them on the mission. So much better.
Congressman Paul supports a return to sound money and the abolition of the privately owned federal reserve banking system. He knows that it's not "federal" and that there are no reserves. It's not an exciting subject, but we all feel the effects of the Fed's fiat money when we shop. It's not that prices have just gone up; it's that the value of the fiat dollars have gone down because the Fed keeps issuing too many of them. The founders had it right when they set the requirements for our money in the Constitution.
As a medical doctor who has delivered about 5,000 babies, he is solidly pro-life. Since 1973, the number of abortions that have been carried out in this country now approach 50 million. That's death on a grand scale, matching that perpetrated by Mao, Stalin and Hitler. Congressman Paul respects and believes in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments which leave the power not granted in the Constitution to the sovereign states, such as New Hampshire.
Recently, Congressman Paul raised a significant amount of money for a "second tier" candidate. This will allow him to carry his message to more Americans, and shake the establishment even more. If you want real change in this country, please support Ron Paul.
10.01.2007
The Carbon Hustle
-- by Micheal
I know I've been a little preoccupied lately, so I've not followed the Carbon story very closely. There's been firewood to get split and stacked for winter, and the last of the tomatoes to get in before frost. For whichever reason, I've not been following the Carbon Causes Global Warming story as closely as others have been. This might actually be a good thing, though. Sometimes it helps to come in half way through the show. Doing so avoids clouds of back story confusion. I'll give you an example.Years ago, I annoyed my mother in law by walking up behind her while she was watching one of her favorite Soaps. Not knowing any better, I proceeded to identify the characters (by type). "Oh, she's the floosie, she's the perpetual victim, he's the shallow-minded cheater," etc. She argued that I only saw 10 minutes of the show. How could I possibly know anything? She's been watching it for years, knowing all the characters' back stories, etc.
Was I wrong, I asked? She didn't want to admit it, but had to confess that my assessments were right. All her years of watching had only clouded her judgement. "Poor little Jessica" was abused as a child, or never really recovered from so-and-so's suicide, blah blah blah. Whatever. She was mean-spirited busybody. I could see that in a matter of minutes. All that back story stuff was just a distraction.
I feel the same with this Carbon story. I look up from my firewood stacking and it seems everyone around me (mostly Democratic candidates) are hawking the idea that Carbon emissions are the 11th plague which is going to ruin the world. What strikes me odd, is what people are pushing as the solution: Sell Carbon Credits.
Any time spending money is a proposed solution to a problem, I'm instantly suspicious. At bit of looking into it doesn't help. Big carbon producers can "buy" a lesser polluter's cleanness? How in blazes does this help? The greater polluter didn't pollute less. He just paid money. The pollution remained the same. Talk about vaporware. Now the lack of carbon has become a commodity that can be bought and sold. Factories buying the nothing which another factory did not make? Factories "selling" their nothings as if they were a commodity? Doesn't this strike anyone as bizarre? This sounds exactly like farm subsidies, which I've been told is a bad thing.
The other thing that strikes me a little odd, is that everyone is harping on Carbon. Why? A little online research tells me that 72% of greenhouse gas emissions are carbondioxide (mostly from power plants), with 18% being methane -- almost all of that from the agricultural sector. (i.e. Cows) Since methane is 20 to 60 times as powerful as a greenhouse gas than carbondioxide, that means that methane outweighs carbon something like 7 to 1. Why are we fussing over carbon so much? Why isn't everyone bellyaching about Methane Credits? Why is there no Democratic candidate pounding the podium for burpless cows?
Why? Because there's no money in cow bellies. You can't negotiate with a cow to burp less so you can drive your SUV the same as you always have. No. The money is in the hands of wealthy industrialists. They generate carbon. So? go after the money.
This whole Carbon emissions thing is starting to smell like one giant hustle. An elaborate scam to transfer money from wealthy industrialists to less wealthy ones. The world (warmer or not) goes on unaffected. Maybe my many years of listening to politicians and demagogues has made me cynical. But as soon as they start talking about spending money (usually MY money) to solve their problem d'jour, I instantly don't believe them. It smells like a hustle to me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)