Art Space

If you have not heard about "Art Space" yet I would encourage you to read on. Art Space is a cluster of former retail store spaces grouped principally at the east end of Macon Mall. The store spaces range in square footage from 900-50,000, and can be used to meet countless needs among the arts community. I first heard about this exciting venture a few weeks ago at a meeting of the Middle Georgia Art Association. They announced that the Art Space would conduct an Open House on Tuesday, June 23 from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

I attended this event and was impressed with the areas set up for the Art Space. This as well as the proposed Poplar Street Project downtown as well as the recent grant for the College Hill project indicates to me that Macon can soon be on the move.

USS Ranger (CVA-61) 2009 Reunion

Mobile, Alabama

June 18 - 20, 2009

Everyone knows that the Flower Child was in the U. S. Navy many, many years ago. Here you see him with his Bride at the Dinner Banquet and Dance at the recent USS Ranger (CVA-61) Reunion held in Mobile, Alabama.

After we toured the USS ALABAMA (BB-60) we visited the Aviation Museum. We were able to find an A-4 Attack Aircraft that had actually flown from the USS Ranger.

Here we are posing near the ground tackle (anchor chains) just forward of the two sixteen inch mounts. Each of the projectiles weighed more than 2000 pounds and could land some 22 miles away within ten feet of the target. This is awsome considering that the fire control systems employed on this Battleship were 1938/1939 technology.

Of course this is "The Flower Child" as he posed on the Bridge Wing. You can see the guns and the bow of the USS Alabama in the background.

Every U. S. Navy Ship Reunion always conducts a Memorial Service for those Sailors who have died since the last Reunion. Shown here is part of the crowd as we rendered honors to our Nation's Flag during the course of the Memorial Service.

A great Reunion and a great opportunity to visit Mobile, Alabama.

Arts Advocacy - Macon, Georgia

June 16, 2009

I was fortunate to be able to attend the 2009 Arts Advocacy Breakfast at Vineville Academy of the Arts here in Macon, Georgia on Tuesday, June 16, 2009.

After a delighful breakfast everyone was welcomed by appropriate officials. Mr. Bullard of the Bibb County School System spoke to us and listed five goals for the event:

1. Identify the skills to be integrated into effective education
2. Examine and realize the impact Arts in Education
3. Development of a method for effective teaching
4. Engage Scholars/Students in the learning process
5. Interact with others

Dr. Fritz Mengert was introduced as the keynote speaker and he presented everyone with a paper which summed up his presentation. You can learn more about him at:

http://www.fmengert.net/

He discussed how a new born quickly realizes the following:

1. Responds to movements - patterns
2. Responds to smell - senses - learns the smell of the parents and other family members
3. Responds by trusting - learns who can be trusted - the sense of touch

The Brain develops:

Patterns - as a child matures the patterns of life, such as walking, dancing, etc.

Smell - this sense is transmitted directly to the brain. Smell is a bonding experience. What do the people around a new life smell like?

Touch - any parent can tell you that a baby will respond to touching. Of major importance is stroking the backbone. This stimulates the brain. We all also know that the act of rocking a baby is a positive activity.

As a baby matures they must be able to talk and walk at the same time. This is a stable brain at work. It is known that language makes the brain work.

Therefore we now know that vocabulary is critical to a properly developing brain.

He concluded this segment with this comment:

"Movement, Sound, Smell and Vocabulary is critical for brain development."

In order to develop a brain the child must be exposed to the Arts. Reading to a child is also vital. In this regard, read something that is exciting and of interest to the child.

Education that works right is all about the arts.

Well educated children are able to ask questions. This is also vital. Teach students to ask questions. "The brain runs the show." In former times it was thought that the heart runs the body.

Teachers have the vital rold of building brain health. That stated, the whole process begins in the home.

Parents and Teachers must teach a child:

1. Who they are
2. Where they are
3. Instill the concept that everyone is their Brother's keeper

Thus Piano/Dance/Drawing accelerate brain development. Movement/Color/Line Art is critical to brain development and also reading readiness.

Dr. Mengert concluded by letting us all know that Boys develope slower. They must be able to run and balance before they can be effective readers.

Everyone needs to read interesting stuff and focus on "What I want to know."

We have bright kids, but we are challenged to teach interesting stuff.

To recap the statement concerning "Who they are/Where they are/Being a brother's Keeper" we can rephrase to this:

1. Be Smart.
2. Be Curious
3. Be Nice

We the adults and education leaders need to "understand arts are critical to the brain."

I was glad that Mr Bullard from the Bibb System was in attendance. I was shocked to realize that not one of the eight members of the Bibb County Board of Education were not there. Admittedly, several have full time employment.

Just days prior to this "2009 Arts Advocacy Breakfast" everyone in Georgia learned that the three highest scoring High Schools in the State had strong "Arts Components" in their educational scheme. I would have thought that our duly elected leaders would have cared enough to attend this informative event.

The flowering shrub in this post is a Vitex which is a part of the landscaping at Bibb County's Vineville Academy of the Arts.

It Finally Happened

Even AT&T has acknowledged that Warner Robins and Houston County are expanding at a faster rate than Macon and Bibb County. As everyone knows, I reside in West Bibb County very near I-475 mile marker 9.

Today I received my new AT&T Phone book good through June 2010. We all have heard that Warner Robins is growing, but just never thought it would happen this fast. We are now considered in the Warner Robins area as far as the phone company is concerned.

Middle Georgia Challenge

Today I issue another Middle Georgia Challenge. Even though this water tank is in Macon, Georgia anyone who resides in Middle Georgia, or has lived here and can identify the street that is closest to this water tank will win the Challenge.

As always, there is a deadline to post your comment on this Blog with your answer as to which street this water tank is near. The deadline is Monday, 2400, 22 June 2009. You must post your answer in the comment section of this Blog. Again, please remember that this water tank is in Macon, Georgia. The first individual to post the correct answer before the deadline will earn a casual lunch for one from the Flower Child at a delightful lunch spot in Middle Georgia. Those who have won in the past will quickly inform you that my favorite place is "The Pig in A Pit" near the Bass Pro-Shop or "Five Guys Burgers and Fries" on Tom Hill Blvd.

Good Luck and enjoy the Macon Scene!!

Health Care in the U. S. A.

Is our current administration and the U. S. Congress ignoring the situation in Iran and North Korea by throwing up this Health Care Screen?

Here we have two enemies of our Country developing Nuclear Weapons Technology and our Senators and our President are working on Health Care for all.

Just the other day I heard a commentary where everyone needs Health Care and that no one should be denied Care!!! A great sounding concept and one that surely will secure future votes.

But has anyone considered the expense? Has anyone considered that many who currently do not have health care are the very people that set themselves up by restricting their own educations when they dropped out of High School. What have they done since that event? Have they obtained their G.E.D. to improve their employment situation?

Our nation is the most compassionate country on Earth. People from around the World seek to live in the United States. That is a fact that no elected official can deny.

Yet we have a President and a U. S. Congress that feels we are a bad country because we do not provide for everyone's needs and wants.

At the rate we are currently proceeding we will have nice hospitals and lovely waiting rooms and people waiting for their free health care with clerks determining who should be treated.

If Health Care is in such a terrible situation in the United States why do people from Canada seek their health care when they winter over in our Sunbelt?

I would suggest that it is certainly time that our duly elected officials consider what we really need. We need to protect our country from the Terrorist and actually confront North Korea and Iran as they seek the delivery systems and/or technology to produce Nuclear Weapons.

What good is free health care in the U. S. A. if we no longer have our freedoms that people from all over the world seek as they dream of living in America?

Or, are we going to let the citizens of Israel take care of Iran and hope that the North Koreans fail in developing their Delivery Systems?

If you scroll through my Post today you will note that I have featured several U. S. Navy Post. Please be aware that I realize that our Airmen, Soldiers and Marines have also given a lot to protect our freedoms. Our freedoms that will soon disappear if we do not do what is proper in the Global Community.

Every Veteran or their Families will quickly inform anyone that "Freedom Is Not Free!!!"

If you doubt that fact, please go and visit a National Cemetery. In fact people of all races and economic levels have defended this Country at great expense. A quick trip for most citizens of Middle Georgia to Andersonville National Cemetery will quickly bring you to reality.

Alan's Home Coming - Fall 1978

On Board the USS Hull (DD-945)

This is the sign that my Family used to signal me that they were on the Pier as the USS Hull (DD-945) approached. A great day!!!!!

The Flower Child as a Sailor

Alan as a Seaman during his time in USS Ranger (CVA-61) 18 April 1962 - 18 July 1964. Prior to detachment from Ranger he made YN3 which means Third Class Petty Officer.
Chief Petty Officer Thiese shown here during his tour of duty in USS John Paul Jones (DDG-32. The John Paul Jones was in the Long Beach Shipyard for a regular overhaul in 1976. The site of this picture was outside of Navy Housing in San Pedro, California.

This is a picture that was taken on 28 June 1978 as YNC Thiese prepared to participate in "Parade at Quarters" as the ship entered Hong Kong, B.C.C.

The Flower Child's Legacy

Just a few years ago, during the 1980s my Bride was the Chairwoman of the Flower Show held at the Georgia State Fair in Macon, Georgia. Then like now there was a youth division. Our two sons participated. Each is displaying his award and standing near his entry.

Home Comings

A Very Special Event in the Life of a Sailor

NORFOLK, Va. (June 12, 2009) Family members await the return of Electronics Technician 3rd Class Louis Catanzaro aboard USS Nashville (LPD 13), returning after a five-month deployment. Nashville served as the Africa Partnership Station for the U.S. Africa Command in the U.S. Sixth Fleet Area of Responsibility providing maritime security operations throughout the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa. This is the last deployment before decommissioning of the Nashville. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class John Suits/Released)

I, The Flower Child, remember my three homecomings from major deployments on three different Navy Ships.

My first homecoming was in 1963 when I was assigned to the USS Ranger (CVA-61), which was an attack aircraft carrier. We were returning from a major deployment to the Western Pacific as a major component of the U. S. Seventh Fleet. We returned to our homeport of Alameda, California. No one was waiting for me even though I was hoping against hope that someone from Iowa would be there.

My second homecoming was in 1971 when I was assigned to the USS Sellers (DDG-11), which was a Guided Missile Destroyer homeported in Charleston, South Carolina. We were returning from a major deployment to the U. S. Sixth Fleet.

My third homecoming was in the Fall of 1978 when I was assigned to the USS Hull (DD-945), a true destroyer homeported in San Diego, California. We were returning from a major deployment to the U. S. Seventh Fleet. This homecoming was very special to me. My Bride of six years and our two sons were on the pier waiting for me. A great day to be certain.

PACIFIC OCEAN (June 9, 2009) Capt. K.J. Norton, commanding officer of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), left, salutes Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Noel Myers as he holds the flag that was presented to him after his father was laid to rest during a burial at sea ceremony aboard the ship. Ronald Reagan is on a routine deployment to the western Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy/Released)

I can recall one burial at sea ceremony during my tour of duty in the USS Ranger (CVA-61). It was a very emotional and memorable event.

Yes, the return from a deployment and a burial at sea are certainly memorable "Homecoming " events in the life of a Sailor and his Family.

Fourth Annual Fort Hawkins Car Show

Remember the fender skirt era? Of course the Laker pipes on the side are certainly neat reminders of a bygone era also!!!

Most mature males remember that there are several types of six packs. One you can consume, one you can exercise for and of course this hot engine set up!!

Informal information received indicates that there were at least 280 cars at this show. I hope that you have enjoyed my pictures here. Additionally, it is my hope that there will be a Fifth Annual Fort Hawkins Car Show in 2010.

Where is My Newspaper?

Like most inhabitants of this Planet Earth, the Flower Child has a daily routine. On Sunday Mornings it has been the normal schedule to sleep in to about 6:30 A.M. and they go and pour a cup of Coffee and travel to the end of the driveway to retrive the Sunday Edition of "The Telegraph."

This morning the Flower Child walked to the end of the driveway to be shocked. Today, as was the case a few Sundays ago, there was no newspaper. So, back into the West Bibb County Home to turn on the Electronic Media. The normal routine is to never turn on the Television or even the Radio until after Sunday Services. No extra noise needed.

However to obtain even a bit of news the Television was turned on in lieu of a Newspaper. The concern I have today is while an occasional printing problem or delivery problem is to be expected it appears that concept is to print the Newspaper in some remote City to save funds and personnel at the expense of Customer Service.

We have all heard that on a National basis that the print media is experiencing reductions in the readership so our local paper appears to be reducing the level of customer service to enhance their own demise.

Make no mistake, I fully support reducing cost. As a farm kid many years ago I experienced first hand the enhancement of production systems to produce more foodstuffs at a reduced cost. Farmers had two choices. One was to follow the old, but established methods and loose the farm or to get modern and employ higher efficiency equipment and technology to reduce the cost of production. In the end, farmers are producing more oats for Cheerios and more corn for Corn Flakes as well as food products for Cattle and Hogs. Their level of customer service has improved.

Maybe electronic technology has contributed to the decrease of newspaper readers, but I can certainly state for a fact that it now appears that they are also contributing to their own demise.

In this age of Blogs, Internet and Television Streaming it is still nice to get the printed word. Unfortunately the printed word may not be with us much longer.

I still treasure the obits of my loved ones. I have them laminated and use them as bookmarks. Can you do that with a DVD? Yes you can, but a DVD has to have equipment to beappreciated. A bookmark only needs the reader's eyes.

Fort Hawkins Benefit Open Car Show

The Fourth Annual Show - Saturday, June 13, 2009

Look closely and you will see the blue oval. This unique automobile drew a lot of attention. It was a non-judged display entry from Riverside Ford, Lincoln and Mercury in Macon, Georgia.

Of course there were older automobiles on display. This one also sports a blue oval. While I did not stay around for the judging to be complete I did enjoy the show and appreciate what the exhibitors do to assist in raising funds for Macon's Historic Fort Hawkins - The Birthplace of Macon, Georgia.

Of course not all automobiles were from the same manufacturer. This special car has a unique heritage also.

Unless you are like me, the Flower Child, you will have no memory of the famed "road runner." This also was a special automobile in it's day.

There were several cars in the show that represented a major automobile maker in our United States of America. This Monza Spyder convertible was well maintained or restored.

The show was very nice and gave me an opportunity to "Take a Kid to a Car Show." Although my grandchildren are a bit too young, I did take a "kid" although he is quite grown up to the Car Show. We both enjoyed the show.

Grandparents Day

Today our Grand Daughter visited us in Macon, Georgia. In addition to visiting Rosa Taylor School where Her Dad attended Elementary School we also visited Henry Burns Park on Ingleside Avenue.

Of course no outing would be complete without a visit to a Baskin Robbins. Years ago this facility was located on Ingleside Avenue but today we traveled to Tom Hill Sr. Blvd to acquire our ice cream.

After an appropriate afternoon nap she had our outline etched on concrete by her Grand Mother with a chalk sketch.

So far she has not acted out so we do not yet have to take her home to her parents. Life is Good!!!!!

War on Terrorism

or???????

Somebody wake me up from my bad dream!!!! I heard a commentator on a Newcast yesterday stating that our President, or Commander in Chief was going to implement, or has implemented the policy that enemies of our Country apprehended in the ongoing War on Terrorism in foreign countries will be given their Miranda Warning.

I simply cannot comprehend how this can be made effective policy as our Marines, Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen are facing the enemies of our Nation. I was never taught that the provisions of our Constitution of the United States and our Laws applied to enemies. This is Leadership gone bad. How can this be done.

For those, who like me were never arrested and/or caught I will quote the Miranda Warning here:

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have the right to speak to an attorney, and to have an attorney present during any questioning. If you cannot afford a lawyer, one will be provided for you at government expense."

During my time in the U. S. Navy I had to present a United States Flag to several Widows of Sailors who lost their lives. How can any Officer, Chief or Petty Officer present a Widow or a Mother the Flag of our United States of America at the funeral of a loved one knowing that our Commander in Chief has established such a dreadful policy.

Enemies of our Country should not enjoy the same rights and responsiblities as the Citizens of our Great Nation, The United States of America.

Or maybe that is what this action is all about. Our President is the Leader of the World. Please wake me up from this terrible dream.

Flower Child's Grow Boards

You first saw this image on February 9, 2008. I built this Grow Board for our First Grandchild who was born on October 2, 2007. I placed a measuring tape on the edge of the Board and it can be affixed to a wall next to a door trim. I made decals to be place on the front of the board to show the growth of our Granddaughter. The lettering on the top states: "See Raegan Grow."

On December 29th, 2008 our second Grandchild arrived. In order allow the growth of this Grandson to be properly recorded I built a second grow board. This system allows for the child once he reaches adulthood to take the grow board with them to their first home. I developed this system to eliminate the pencil marks on the door trim. Please note the John Deere Color scheme I used on this grow board.

This is a view of the top end of the grow board for our second grandchild. It has the caption of: "Watch Graham Grow!!" I had to get this one completed because during the first years of life I have printed decals for a growth marker every six months and Graham will soon be six months old.

Contentment

During the month of May I received a letter from a peer of mine which contained a comment that I have reflected on quite a bit lately.

The comment was: "So I think perspective is key to contentment. God first in all things keeps us humble....."

I replyed to the letter today and let it be known that I most certainly agree with the that statement. All too often we become engaged in seeking more at the expense of true happiness.

As I reviewed my photo album I found the picture that I decided to use for this Blog Post. It shows the Flower Child enjoying a book. If I remember correctly it was a book about World War II and the U. S. Navy Submarine Service. The book focused on the life of the crew of a World War II Submarine and certainly delivered a message to me. I am well blessed and can certainly Thank those who have served our great Nation.

Thank You!!!!

U. S. Navy In Action

I suspect that many readers here are wondering how "The Flower Child" is reacting to the recent valuation of his home here in Bibb County, Georgia.

Many years ago when I was in the Navy I worked for a survivor of the Bataan Death March. I will always remember his mantra for keeping calm, cool and collected. He always encouraged his subordinates to get the big picture.

Well, this week the big picture is what our United States Navy is doing in the recovery of the flight recording box from the tragic airplane accident off of the coast of Brazil. Here is a quote from the U. S. Navy News Website which also includes the picture I have posted above:

" DULLES, Va. (June 8, 2009) Kevin Pollard ties down a 15,000-pound undersea cable for transportation to Brazil. The cable, capable of reaching a depth of 20,000 feet, will be attached to an underwater pinger locator from Naval Sea Systems Command's Supervisor of Salvage and Diving to help locate the flight data and cockpit voice recorders of an Air France passenger aircraft that went down in the Atlantic Ocean. (U.S. Navy photo by Oscar Sosa/Released)"

We the citizens of the United States of America can take great pride in what our Military is capable of doing on a world wide basis to help and assist all countries.

23rd Gaudet Baseball Camp

Macon, Georgia, June 5th, 2009

During the opening ceremonies various Community Leaders spoke to the Campers and encouraged them to do their best both at the Camp and in Life.
Of course no Camp is complete without a "Water Break" for the Campers and even the volunteers.

As anyone can comprehend, running a Camp such as this takes a great amount of administrative detail. Here you see the "Front End Manager."

The on field details are managed by Jim Gaudet and his wife keeps all the volunteers in line from checking in to security after the Camp. Each Camper must go home with the proper adult.

Please note that in yesterday's post that I gave the incorrect name for the Summer 2009 Baseball Team which will be playing at Luther Williams Field. The correct name is "Great South League" and this league features college level baseball players who desire to hone their skills during the Summer.

2009 Gaudet Baseball Camp

Macon, Georgia's Historic Luther Williams Baseball Park

23rd Annual Camp

At least 246 Children from Middle Georgia from the ages six through nine attended the Morning Session of the 23rd Annual Gaudet Baseball Camp. The view above is a shot of the Volunteers who staffed the six skill stations, the founder of the Camp, Jim Gaudet a former Major League Baseball Players and on the far right in the background Middle Georgia's Civic leaders from the County Commissioner to the Commander of the Warner Robins Air Force Base as well as City Council Members and Officials from the various Law Enforcement Organizations of Middle Georgia.

The afternoon session was attended by at least 139 Children from the ages of ten through twelve.

In spite of the potential for rain today these young citizens enjoyed the opportunity to learn baseball skills as well as receive tickets to the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame as well as the first Home Game of the 2009 Macon Giants, a Baseball team in a Southern Independent League. The Gaints will face a Team from Albany, Georgia tonight.

The reward for all the volunteers who assisted in this Camp was seeing the happy faces on these youthful Baseball Campers

Power for Peace

Many years ago when the Flower Child served our great Country in the U. S. Navy the Motto of the United States Seventh Fleet was "Power for Peace." The U.S. Seventh Fleet operated in the Western Pacific and the motto was very appropriate during the Cold War.

" GULF OF ADEN (June 2, 2009) Members of the visit, board, search and seizure team from the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) and members of U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and security Team 91112 motor past Gettysburg. The team inspected a dhow that was later deemed not suspect. Gettysburg is serving as the flagship for Combined Task Force (CTF)151, a Turkish-led task force commanded by Turkish Rear Adm. Caner Bener. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Eric L. Beauregard/Released)"

" Members of the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team and members of U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety and security Team 91112 conduct maritime security operations."

All of us in the United States can be very proud of our Warriors who are currently serving our Country and all freedom loving peoples of the world in "The War on Terrorism." As you can ascertain from the information from the first picture of this post, this operation is not just being conducted by the United States Navy.

Citizen Satisfaction

Coming to America

Yesterday I wrote a rather long Post about Citizen Satisfaction. This image certainly reinforces my comments. See the quote from the Website which displayed this image:

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (May 28, 2009) Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen recite the pledge of allegiance during a naturalization ceremony at the USS Midway Museum. Marine Corps Master Sgt. Cutberto Orozco led the pledge of allegiance for ninety-three San Diego based service members representing thirty-two countries during the ceremony. (U.S. Navy photo by Legalman 1st Class Jennifer L. Bailey/Released)

These young citizens gave up their citizenship in various foreign countries to serve in our United States Military so that they could gain citizenship in our great Country. I do not think for even one moment that they are regreting their choice. As I view the above picture it appears that these young citizens are happy to be here. Additionally they are willing to give their lives for a country they believe in.

Thank You to these new Young Citizens. You are in a long line of people who have dedicated their lives to keeping America the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Congratulatons and Well Done!!!!

God Bless America!!!!!

Customer Satisfaction

or

Citizen Satisfaction

The editor and publisher of The World This Week simply can not sit idly by and watch the events that are happening in our World.

But first a bit of History. The Customer Satisfaction segment of this Blog reflects back a few years when a certain automobile company introduced a "New Luxury Car Line." The commercials stressed the fit and finish of this fine automobile and it had a luxury price tag. A few months later the commercials stated the fact that the car purchasing public had given this luxury automobile the highest customer satisfaction ratings that any automobile had ever achieved. My reaction at that time was if a customer spends more than two or three times the price of a normal automobile for this new luxury automobile do you think they will actually report their dissatisfaction with the new luxury automobile that they had just purchased. No one wants to think that they were fooled into a purchase that was unwarranted. Of course this new luxury automobile continues to be sold and is actually performing quite well. Although we did see a period where many used auto dealers set themselves up to resell this automobile but they quickly went by the wayside simply because they could not provide the service.

So the final segment of this Blog Post will relate to Citizen Satisfaction. We all know that millions of citizens of countries around the world seek to live in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. Yes, you and I know this Country as the United States of America.

Yes, You and I know that thousands of our Heroes have given their lives to allow these Freedoms to be enjoyed in our United States of America. Yes, there are millions who still are in life who served their Country so that everyone can enjoy freedom in the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. I say again, we have people struggling every day just for the opportunity to live in the United States of America.

That fact alone should allow us all who are Citizens of the United States of America to actually be satisfied. Yes, we do have our problems, but we are well regarded by peoples from around the world. Admittedly we have our enemies, but consider for a few moments who they actually are. They are people like the terrorist who have tried to bring our country down.

The freedoms we and many citizens around the world were also purchased with a very high price. As I stated above, many have died for our freedoms and many more have served. A very high price indeed. I also realize that many, many citizens are satisfied with the United States of America. Many, like me just do not desire to see what is currently happening.

No American Citizen should have to apologize for being a Citizen of the United States of America. We as citizens can certainly be proud of our great country. We have assisted millions of peoples around the World to enjoy freedoms in their own countries. Yet we have a group of individuals and yes some segments of our media who are currently striving to apologize for America. The America we know as the United States of America has a proud legacy and a great heritage. I can not comprehend how any citizen of our Country can even think that we owe an apology to any other Nation of this Earth. If you are looking for perfection here on earth, which should be our lofty goal, please be aware that it will not happen until the word "Peace" is totally understood. Peace on Earth is also a lofty goal, but true peace passes all understanding.

Before you think that the Flower Child has lost it, if you do not agree I have one suggestion for you - Love It or Leave It.

Warm regards.

Rush, Rush, Rush!!!

First of all I will admit that I am older than the average citizen. I also know that I have observed many cultures around our World as I traveled at the expense of the Government of the United States of America.

In 2008 the majority of the citizens of our Great Country voted for Change. The candidate presented an excellent concept and won the hearts and votes of many citizens. We all know that our current President took office on January 20, 2009.

Since that date the President has continued to present himself as a candidate versus a real Leader of the United States of America. Without going into a long discussion of the Changes, I recall the GITMO edict which appears to now being reconsidered. Enough stated about that Change. Our duly elected Congress, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have enacted legislation without even reading it. We are rushing, rushing to fix the problems that confront our Great Country.

At this point in time I would propose that our duly elected leaders, commencing with the President, the U. S. Senate and the House of Representatives actually take some time out so to speak and consider the long term consequences of their recent action. Can we afford to pay for all the new changes that have been enacted in this rapid manner?

I can recall one event in our Nation's History where rapid action was called for. That was on December 8th, 1941. At the current time we have a leader in North Korea who plans on testing the will of our new President. Yet the duly elected leaders are more caught up in __________ (you fill in the blank).

From my point of view our Nation is facing a crisis that can not be ignored. The Leader of this Country as well as other Freedom Loving World Leaders need to link arms and implement a solution to the North Korean Crisis.

If we need to rush, rush, rush, the North Korean Missile/Nuclear Warhead Threat must be the first order of business.

Mr. President, the campaign is over. We all now must get on with the important events without rushing, except for the North Korean situation, and do what is correct for the long term welfare of our United States of America.

Our Nation is well over 232 years old. History reminds me that the Roman Empire and the British Empire did not last much longer than 200 years. It it our turn? Or, can we turn this situation around by employing prudent leadership.

We the People must expect better than what we are currently receiving. There is no doubt in my mind that simply rushing solutions through the system may be the downfall of America. There have never been any easy answers, yet our current Leaders think that with the stroke of a pen that any problem can be resolved. Oh, I forgot, you also need to have/call a press conference and explain what is going on so that we all can understand. Never mind the fact that most U. S. Citizens respect history and know full well what is going on. We simply can not ever spend our way out of debt, which appears the mantra of our Current Washington Crowd.