Every single news channel is covering Inaugural Weekend. I'm bored already and can't wait for it all to commence on the 20th. How much can a person watch of a train going from city to city?
Yes, we have made history with a person of color being elected President, but some of this seems to have crossed a ridiculous point. I keep hearing about the cost. $150 Million, approximately is the cost for this Inaugural - Wow! How many starving people would that feed? Yeah, I know, we are making history, so let's spend away. I just can't help the sarcasm, folks. That is quite a bit of money to spend on a party.
I am looking forward to what our new President is going to accomplish over the next four years and I wish him the very best. I am just bored to tears with the stage shows and the grand entrances and the expensive parties with all the hoopla attached. He is just a man, an elected official who we expect much from in the way of leading our fine Country. I look forward to how he is going to lead much more than how he presents himself at parties, or how he gets to those parties.
I find it fascinating that President Obama will be sworn in the day after the US celebrates the designated Federal Birthday Holiday of Martin Luther King, Jr. I wonder if President Obama will echo Dr. King's famous "I have a dream" words in his speech - (I hope he does, for they surely are befitting!).
After the train rides, after the parties, after the celebrations and all the hoopla, this fine Country of ours will have a new leader - President Barack Obama. A serious turn in the pages of history will have taken place for the United States of America. On the 21st of January business as usual will be the order of the day and the hoopla will be the song of yesterday.
I look forward to January 21st, and a new and brighter tomorrow for all of us.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Child Named Adolf Hitler Removed From Home
Just when you think you could possibly have heard every crazy story out there - something comes along that simply takes the cake!
In Holland Township NJ, New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services removed a 3 year old little boy named Adolf Hilter and his two sisters, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation, and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie from their parents because of the kids names, allegedly, although the agency is refusing to comment on the reasoning behind the removal - stating it does not comment on specific cases.
The Police Chief David Van Gilson has stated that his department received no reports of negligence or abuse.
The parents Heath and Deborah Campbell were supposed to appear for a hearing today at the Hunterdon County Justice Center but the hearing was postponed.
I don't know.. I guess I can honestly say that people have the right to name their kids whatever they want to - and these kids very well may grow up and find themselves standing in front of judge asking for a legal name change and it will be granted - but can family services come and take your kids away because they don't like what you named them - and there is no finding of neglect or abuse (which will come out, whether or not there is an abuse situation, when they have their day in court)? Or if there are no former reports against this family as stated by the police Chief? Really? Even if it is as disturbing and shocking as Hitler? (Yeah, it's twisted and the parents are weird, and these kids are definitely going to have a rough go of it growing up - but unless there is cause other than the names you can't remove them, can you?)
People name their kids weird stuff all the time, albeit, not quite as out there as Hitler or Aryan nation, but people do and some of us sit back and wonder what these people who do this are thinking.
Some strange names:
Dweezil Zappa
Moon Unit Zappa
Diva Muffin Zappa
Fifi-Trixibelle Geldolf
Kafka Jones (Tommy Lee Jones child)
Tiger Lily Heavenly Hiraani (the child of Michael Hutchence & Paula Yates)
Moxie Crimefighter (the child of Penn Jillette)
and David Carradine named his kid I.P. Freely
(granted not quite as unusual or absurd or disturbing as Adolf Hitler )
But, is this just cause to remove kids from their homes, if this is the case? I don't like the names at all, but I say no it is not - not if there isn't any evidence of anything other than the state disapproving of the childs name.
Apparently this entire thing started when the parents asked the local grocery store bakery to put the childs name on a birthday cake. At least that is what I figure from watching this story at this link :
here is a news story and following that an MSNBC video
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/warren-county/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1231909557111320.xml&coll=3
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28655143/
I don't know. What do you all think? Does the state have a right to remove a child from the home based on the name the parents gave the child? If so, why not do something about it at the time the birth certificate was filed? Take them to court on day one and fight it then, I would argue. If the assumption is they are going to infiltrate their kids minds with racism and bigotry - then aren't we sending out the message that all bigots and racists should not be allowed to reproduce? Who is going to police that? Again I do not approve of the names, but we do live in a country that celebrates freedom. I think it's wrong to remove the kids - but I also think it's wrong to saddle one's kids with weird names - but that is just my opinion - and of course we all have one..
In Holland Township NJ, New Jersey's Division of Youth and Family Services removed a 3 year old little boy named Adolf Hilter and his two sisters, JoyceLynn Aryan Nation, and Honszlynn Hinler Jeannie from their parents because of the kids names, allegedly, although the agency is refusing to comment on the reasoning behind the removal - stating it does not comment on specific cases.
The Police Chief David Van Gilson has stated that his department received no reports of negligence or abuse.
The parents Heath and Deborah Campbell were supposed to appear for a hearing today at the Hunterdon County Justice Center but the hearing was postponed.
I don't know.. I guess I can honestly say that people have the right to name their kids whatever they want to - and these kids very well may grow up and find themselves standing in front of judge asking for a legal name change and it will be granted - but can family services come and take your kids away because they don't like what you named them - and there is no finding of neglect or abuse (which will come out, whether or not there is an abuse situation, when they have their day in court)? Or if there are no former reports against this family as stated by the police Chief? Really? Even if it is as disturbing and shocking as Hitler? (Yeah, it's twisted and the parents are weird, and these kids are definitely going to have a rough go of it growing up - but unless there is cause other than the names you can't remove them, can you?)
People name their kids weird stuff all the time, albeit, not quite as out there as Hitler or Aryan nation, but people do and some of us sit back and wonder what these people who do this are thinking.
Some strange names:
Dweezil Zappa
Moon Unit Zappa
Diva Muffin Zappa
Fifi-Trixibelle Geldolf
Kafka Jones (Tommy Lee Jones child)
Tiger Lily Heavenly Hiraani (the child of Michael Hutchence & Paula Yates)
Moxie Crimefighter (the child of Penn Jillette)
and David Carradine named his kid I.P. Freely
(granted not quite as unusual or absurd or disturbing as Adolf Hitler )
But, is this just cause to remove kids from their homes, if this is the case? I don't like the names at all, but I say no it is not - not if there isn't any evidence of anything other than the state disapproving of the childs name.
Apparently this entire thing started when the parents asked the local grocery store bakery to put the childs name on a birthday cake. At least that is what I figure from watching this story at this link :
here is a news story and following that an MSNBC video
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/warren-county/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1231909557111320.xml&coll=3
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28655143/
I don't know. What do you all think? Does the state have a right to remove a child from the home based on the name the parents gave the child? If so, why not do something about it at the time the birth certificate was filed? Take them to court on day one and fight it then, I would argue. If the assumption is they are going to infiltrate their kids minds with racism and bigotry - then aren't we sending out the message that all bigots and racists should not be allowed to reproduce? Who is going to police that? Again I do not approve of the names, but we do live in a country that celebrates freedom. I think it's wrong to remove the kids - but I also think it's wrong to saddle one's kids with weird names - but that is just my opinion - and of course we all have one..
Monday, January 12, 2009
Senator Roland Burris - Finally
Just a few moments I had the pleasure of watching Illinois Senator Roland Burris (D) give a press conference.
He started this press conference by thanking those he will be working with and who have helped put this mess surrounding his appointment to bed.
"I am truly humbled and honored" Senator Burris stated, and "thankful for the opportunity to serve."
He also stated:
"I would like to publicly thank Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid" and his fellow State Senator from Illinois Dick Durbin saying that "Never once did I doubt their intentions were other than to protect the Senate as an institiution.."
He went on to defend the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, suggesting some have treated him unfairly in all of this. He said that he owes Sec.of State Jesse White "a debt of gratitude", and White's is an "autograph I cherish".
In defense of White's refusal to certify his appointment he said that Jesse White stood up for what he believes is right and "His actions reinforce him to be an honorable man."
When questioned about the current scandal with Governor Blago - this honorable and dignified man said about the scandal that "Darkens our states image" - "Remember the old saying that it is always the darkest before the dawn."
Then with the God given class he was born with stated he was "Looking forward to serving in the US Senate."
Humbling...What a guy. The citizens of Illinois should be proud to be represented by this man.
He started this press conference by thanking those he will be working with and who have helped put this mess surrounding his appointment to bed.
"I am truly humbled and honored" Senator Burris stated, and "thankful for the opportunity to serve."
He also stated:
"I would like to publicly thank Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid" and his fellow State Senator from Illinois Dick Durbin saying that "Never once did I doubt their intentions were other than to protect the Senate as an institiution.."
He went on to defend the Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, suggesting some have treated him unfairly in all of this. He said that he owes Sec.of State Jesse White "a debt of gratitude", and White's is an "autograph I cherish".
In defense of White's refusal to certify his appointment he said that Jesse White stood up for what he believes is right and "His actions reinforce him to be an honorable man."
When questioned about the current scandal with Governor Blago - this honorable and dignified man said about the scandal that "Darkens our states image" - "Remember the old saying that it is always the darkest before the dawn."
Then with the God given class he was born with stated he was "Looking forward to serving in the US Senate."
Humbling...What a guy. The citizens of Illinois should be proud to be represented by this man.
Bush's Final Press Conference
This morning President Bush gave an interesting Final Press Conference from the White House.
Below is a video of part 4/5 of the Press Conference.
You can find a copy of the written transcript in its entirety on many of the news source links here on the right hand side page of the blog - or you can just click Fox Raw Data
The you tube video links (parts 1-7 follow this part 4 video and excerpt transcript.)
Here is the video part 4/5 where the President is being asked about his thoughts on mistakes he has made throughout his Presidency. He gave very candid answers.
I will allow all readers to form their own opinions on The Presidents outgoing, final statements.
The full Final Press Conference can be viewed in sections through the video links below.
Press Conference Video Link Part One
Press Conference Video Link Part Two
Press Conference Video Link Part Three
Press Conference Video Link Park Four/Five
Press Conference Video Link Part 6
Press Conference Video Link Part 7
(much thanks to twolf10 on youtube for getting the entire final press conference online!)
Below is a video of part 4/5 of the Press Conference.
You can find a copy of the written transcript in its entirety on many of the news source links here on the right hand side page of the blog - or you can just click Fox Raw Data
The you tube video links (parts 1-7 follow this part 4 video and excerpt transcript.)
Here is the video part 4/5 where the President is being asked about his thoughts on mistakes he has made throughout his Presidency. He gave very candid answers.
I will allow all readers to form their own opinions on The Presidents outgoing, final statements.
The full Final Press Conference can be viewed in sections through the video links below.
Press Conference Video Link Part One
Press Conference Video Link Part Two
Press Conference Video Link Part Three
Press Conference Video Link Park Four/Five
Press Conference Video Link Part 6
Press Conference Video Link Part 7
(much thanks to twolf10 on youtube for getting the entire final press conference online!)
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Just An Update
When I was going through my blogging history, trying to clean them all up and add them together - I came across my last article and posted response from Senator Reid. Here are the links to those articles and here is the Senator's response. The article was in reference to the illegal wire tapping by President Bush. He has always been very good about responding to all of my requests for answers to my questions, and those of my readers.
http://soundoffusa.blogspot.com/2006/09/president-requests-more-power.html
http://soundoffusa.blogspot.com/2006/09/response-from-senator-reid.html
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Response from Senator Reid
September 6, 2006
Mrs. Sandra Bonadonna
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mrs. Bonadonna:
Thank you for contacting me regarding warrantless wiretapping by the National Security Agency (NSA). I appreciate hearing from you.
As you may know, last December, The New York Times reported on the existence of a covert program under which the NSA monitors the telephone calls and e-mails of individuals, including Americans, without obtaining a warrant under the procedures set forth in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Although Administration officials contend that this program is limited to people with ties to terrorism, additional concerns were raised by a USA Today report that the NSA also has collected the phone records of millions of American citizens.
On August 17, 2006, a federal district court judge in Detroit ruled that the warrantless wiretapping program violates the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution and the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that requires the government to obtain a warrant for intelligence wiretaps involving people in the United States. The Justice Department immediately filed an appeal of this ruling, and the surveillance program will continue for the time being.
You may also be interested to learn that Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced legislation (S. 2453) that would largely authorize the NSA program, subject to a review by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. While Senator Specter deserves commendation for conducting oversight of the NSA program, I believe that his legislation would amount to ratification of a program that does not adequately protect the privacy of innocent Americans.
The court's ruling is the latest example of how the Bush Administration has failed to implement balanced and effective anti-terror policies. The Administration's decision to ignore the Congress and skirt constitutional protections has jeopardized the security and liberties of the American people. It is time for the Administration to work with the Congress to develop effective tools to prevent terrorist attacks.
Please be assured that I am continuing to monitor this matter. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers Senator Specter's legislation and related proposals.
My best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
HR:ss
http://soundoffusa.blogspot.com/2006/09/president-requests-more-power.html
http://soundoffusa.blogspot.com/2006/09/response-from-senator-reid.html
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Response from Senator Reid
September 6, 2006
Mrs. Sandra Bonadonna
Las Vegas, Nevada
Dear Mrs. Bonadonna:
Thank you for contacting me regarding warrantless wiretapping by the National Security Agency (NSA). I appreciate hearing from you.
As you may know, last December, The New York Times reported on the existence of a covert program under which the NSA monitors the telephone calls and e-mails of individuals, including Americans, without obtaining a warrant under the procedures set forth in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Although Administration officials contend that this program is limited to people with ties to terrorism, additional concerns were raised by a USA Today report that the NSA also has collected the phone records of millions of American citizens.
On August 17, 2006, a federal district court judge in Detroit ruled that the warrantless wiretapping program violates the First and Fourth Amendments of the Constitution and the 1978 Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) that requires the government to obtain a warrant for intelligence wiretaps involving people in the United States. The Justice Department immediately filed an appeal of this ruling, and the surveillance program will continue for the time being.
You may also be interested to learn that Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has introduced legislation (S. 2453) that would largely authorize the NSA program, subject to a review by the secret Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court. While Senator Specter deserves commendation for conducting oversight of the NSA program, I believe that his legislation would amount to ratification of a program that does not adequately protect the privacy of innocent Americans.
The court's ruling is the latest example of how the Bush Administration has failed to implement balanced and effective anti-terror policies. The Administration's decision to ignore the Congress and skirt constitutional protections has jeopardized the security and liberties of the American people. It is time for the Administration to work with the Congress to develop effective tools to prevent terrorist attacks.
Please be assured that I am continuing to monitor this matter. I will be sure to keep your thoughts in mind as the Senate considers Senator Specter's legislation and related proposals.
My best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
HARRY REID
United States Senator
HR:ss
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