THEY WALK AMONG US

Angels go before us and prepare the way for our success.  I know this to be true, for I have witnessed it many times in my own life and in the lives of others.  When actively engaged in good works, we are surrounded by the presence of angels, for their "calling" is to assist us in this life.  The word calling is an accurate interpretation, because one must first have the desire to be in their presence, or to call it forward.  During times of struggles there are myriads of angels to call upon and although, it doesn't eliminate the challenges, the blessings of our faith will sustain us. 

On a few rare occasions, I was permitted to see angels.  I am not certain why I was allowed this privilege, but I can testify that it is  "a perfectly natural experience" when it's happening.  Sometimes, people become doubtful in their ability to converse with sacred beings and ignore the promptings.  Little children have an advantage, because they have recently descended from the arms of God and the veil is very thin. Remember, we are Heavenly beings having an Earthly experience and the purpose of this journey is to find our way home.  There are many who find the path instantly, others who, stumble around their entire lives and then there are those who intentionally ignore the signs. 

The earliest recollection I have of a spiritual anomaly is when I was six years old.  Denny, my older brother, had memorized The Lord's Prayer and taught me each verse by heart.  One night, I awoke and became frightened from the flickering shadows against the walls in my room.  I was so scared that I couldn't get out of bed or even run down the stairs to safety.  The lights were coming from passing cars on the city streets and casting silhouettes around the room.  This heightened my imagination and triggered my fears.  Petrified from this experience, I started to recite The Lord's Prayer and instantly, I felt the comfort of an angelic being.   

This new experience was the direct result of my prayer.  The anxiety and fear vanished and I instinctively accepted the authority by which the angel came.  I would like to be able to say that the room lit up and I heard the sound of angelic trumpets, but that was not the case.  The experience was delicate and precise, in the form of a perfect image and at the level of wisdom a child could understand.  I have never questioned or had any doubts, for my spiritual intellect accepted this truth. 

Children are sharp and intuitive, they are very receptive in a spiritual nature.  As adults, our senses become dulled through our preoccupation in and of the world, but children are able to maintain a higher level of frequency.  Jabez, my three year old grandson, is an example of the spiritual acuity of a child. These little ones are not far from Heaven's gate and sometimes, they have a perfect view beyond the veil.  His recent encounter prompted me to write this story.

JABEZ' ANGEL

This past Monday, March 27, 2011, I received an emotional phone call from my daughter, Leah.  Jabez, their three year old son, was looking up and noticed a small transparent particle floating from the ceiling.  

"Mommy, what is that?"

"What Jabez?"

"That?"  (Pointing to the ceiling)

"Oh, that's part of your angle's wing."  His mother said randomly and just for fun.

"Jabez, do you have an angel?"
"Yes."

"What does your angle look like? Does he wear blue, green or white?"
"He wears only all white and he has white long hair." (By now he had peeked her interest.)

"Well, how does your angel talk to you when you see him; with his mouth or do you hear him in your head?"
"He doesn't do either, he talks just in my heart."

"What does your angel do when you see him?"
"He sometimes puts his hands on my head and I can feel it to my legs"

"Always remember your angel, Jabez, because your angel must love you very much!  Is your angel just for you or is he other people's angel too?"
"He's lots of people's angel, he even visits our neighbors."

                               

                                   ~~~

"If you want to see the reflection of God's face, look directly into the eyes of a child and you will understand why He sends angels to watch over them."  Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

THE DEVIL'S EYE

This is a difficult story for me to write and it brings back experiences that I've spent years trying to shut out.  When I think about it, I am physically sick and I get angry and emotional.  I don’t blame myself.  I was too young and innocent to understand what was happening or to recognize the warning signs, but in this reoccurring nightmare the monster was real!

I believe parents are supposed to protect their young and home is a child's safety zone, in this case I was wrong.  Some parents are the hand of evil that destroys a perfect life or what could have become of something wonderful.  I hate it; I don’t like it when bad things happen to good people, especially children!  It’s absolutely unforgivable!

This story is about my childhood friend and her struggles to hide a dark secret.  A story so ugly that it’s hard to let it pass through my mind one more time.  It’s the vicious murder of innocence; the chain of betrayal and lies that came by night and stole the virtuous life of a child.  Children should never be forced to live in fear at the hand of a loved one and these evil demons are murderers! 

Joyce moved into my home town when I was in seventh grade.  She was a beautiful girl with a sweet personality and an exceptional friend to everyone.  I was fortunate to have her living a few blocks from my home and we became inseparable.  She was a blessing to be around, one of joyful spontaneity and her friendship became the best part of my life.

She was a loving person, one who had a personality that complimented her contagious giggle.  Together we did all the fun things that teenagers do.  We talked about boys, hung out after school and spent almost every weekend together. I thought I knew everything about her, but I couldn't see into the dark corners of a shattered life.

There was a fragile side to Joyce.  Many times she would drift into another world, a million miles away from the moment, and it makes me extremely sad to think about it now.  In all the years we spent together, I had no idea she was fighting for her life and struggling to escape the dark entity that was devouring her innocence.  A monster so frightening, that I believe she completely blocked out the reality of what was happening to her. 

When I looked back over the years, the evidence was there.  There was one particular night when we were having a sleepover at her house.  We were talking quietly in the bedroom, when I heard someone coming up the stairs case.  It was after midnight and it scared me, but the look on Joyce’s face was more disturbing.  Her father opened the door and she quickly replied that I was sleeping over.  He left the room without saying a word, but I saw something in his eyes that frightened me.  I didn't know how to interpret what I had seen at such a young age and it still haunts me today.  

As the years passed by, we graduated from high school and remained close friends.  When I got married, time and distance came between us, and I didn't see her again until our ten year class reunion.  That night she confided in me about her father and the years of sexual abuse.  I was devastated as I listened to her painfully confess what he had done!  She told me that a person can die a thousand deaths and never really die at all!  

It was clear that this evil man had destroyed her life.  For years she had drown herself in alcohol and drugs, but couldn't seem to kill the ugly images in her mind.  I listened to her for over an hour; I was withdrawn and nauseated with sorrow.  If becoming aware of this horrifying tragedy had such a devastating affect on me, then what had the years of abuse done to my friend?  

At the end of the evening we hugged, said our goodbyes and then I watched as Joyce walked away.  I cannot describe the sick feeling that overcame me after hearing what she had endured, it left me paralyzed.  How did she survive all those years in outer darkness?  The fear, pain, guilt, denial and shame had consumed what little peace she managed to find within her tarnished life.  For two decades this monster had broken her spirit and murdered her soul, but by no fault of her own!  

I never thought I could hate anyone, it's not in my character, but I despised him!  He was not worthy to hold the title, Father.  Real fathers are the men who protect their children - not prey upon them!  This demon had stolen her childhood and killed any potential future she might have had.  He disabled this beautiful human being who was filled with a marvelous light and energy; it should be a crime punishable by death and with no human capacity in this life for forgiveness!  It's just too severe.  His justice will come when he's held accountable for his actions in the council of Heaven.  

Joyce and I saw each other again in 2003.  Her father had died several years prior and taken his evil deeds to the grave.  She told me that the pain of her childhood was still present, but the eye of the devil was no longer upon her and she was relieved that he was gone. 

Multiple Scleroses is her challenge today and she strives daily to live a full and complete life.  I love and respect her for having the courage to develop the best results from the most horrifying circumstances.  The surmountable strength it must have taken for her to endure, is beyond my mortal comprehension.

I have learned that there are many things going on around us and we need to be observant.  We are "our brother's keeper" and if there is something amiss, strange or seemingly inappropriate, then it's our responsibility to act upon our intuitions.  I have taught my children not to turn a blind eye to the things going on around them; ask questions, pry open the doors and be consciously seeking after the truth - for when good people do nothing, evil prevails!  Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

The Profile of an American Soldier

I would like to reflect on the courage and strength it takes to be an American soldier. This story is in honor of the brave men and women who are willing to sacrifice everything, for the safety and well being of others.  Those individuals who protect this country with their lives and preserve our freedom.  Personally, I can't imagine waking up in a third world country and walking through the halls of death.  I must admit, I don't have that kind of courage, but I am very grateful to those who do! 

I believe it takes a special type of person to be a soldier, and I honor the exceptional men and women who protect my rights to live in freedom.  They are the superheroes of my world. Throughout the years, we have marveled at the powers of Superman, Batman, Ironman, Wonder Women and so on.  We love to believe that human powers can transcend mortal capabilities.  We applaud the victory that they have over their evil nemesis, and we celebrate as if it were our defeat. 

These fictional heroes are immortal and in nearly a century not one has ever died during their incredible quests for justice; nor do we believe they ever will.  Soldiers are the superheroes of this nation.  They are those individuals who are willing to lay down their lives today, to provide a better tomorrow.  I find this to be a superhuman characteristic that is above and beyond all the others.  'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' John 15:13

What does it take to be a soldier? The brave souls who, in the early morning hours are boarding a plane to travel to a foreign land.  They kiss their families goodbye, abandon their dreams and walk bravely into the unknown! The days are long and the nights are endless.  I am in awe of this level of courage. While most people are afraid of the dark, soldiers are ready to respond at the peril of their lives. 

This story is written in honor of my son, Brian, who enlisted in the National Guard right after the attacks on 9/11.  He, his wife and four children have a wonderful life together, but shortly after he witnessed the terrorist attacks, Brian made a conscious decision to be prepared.  

As a mother, I feared for his safety, but I understood the level of his commitment when he said, "The 9/11 attacks on American soil was a wake up call for me.  I don't want to second guess myself when it comes to protecting my family or my country.  I want to be trained and skilled to defend what I love the most!"  Brian will be deployed for a second term in Iraq on June of 2011.  The National Guard are trained to defend this country, within the boarders of our homeland (unless during times of war) yet, this is the second time he will be deployed.  

I respect and honor those dedicated soldiers, both past and present, who have made it possible for me to live without the fears of being stripped of my freedom!  The freedom to learn, the freedom of speech and the freedom to believe as I desire, and every moment Americans spend enjoying these privileges, they should be praising the worth of a soldier. 


Recently, I visited the National Mall in Washington DC.  I was among hundreds of people walking through the Memorial on that particular day and it was so reverent that I could hear my own heart beating. When I came to the Vietnam Memorial, I looked across the rows of names carved in the walls, it was sobering.  The tears flooded my eyes as my fingertips moved across the lettering that was engraved in the black granite.  It took me a while to find his name, but it was there among the thousands that were etched in stone.  Leonard Brenoke had died at the age of nineteen on foreign soil and a million miles away from home.  My sobs were audible now, it was just too much to comprehend the magnitude of my young friend's sacrifice. We were classmates in the small hometown of Moscow, Idaho.  Lee (as we called him) and I had gone to school together for seventeen years, but I had gone on to live a wonderful life and his was over before it had begun.  He had planned to come home, marry and raise a family, but his dreams would never be realized.  

Before I left, I embossed his name on a piece of paper with the material that was provided for guests.  In my heart, I thanked Lee for the time we spent together as friends, and for the courage it must have taken for him to give up his life.  He would have been pleased to know I was there and from time to time, I think about his laughter and sweet smile.

When I hear of people protesting against our American soldiers, I realize that having a brain doesn't always mean it's attached to the cerebral cortex.  These people fail to understand that freedom, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were never free; a heavy price has been paid to allow this privilege.  One can look back through history to realize the value of living in a free nation, one that is under God, with liberty and justice for all. 

Below is a list of dictators who have reigned in horror and terror upon the earth. This list is a good indication of the damage evil men can do in a lifetime! 

Idi Amin, leader of Uganda killed 300,000 1971-1979.

Kim II Sung, leader of North Korea killed 3 million people 1948-1994.

Ante Pavelic, leader of Croatia killed 300,000 people 1941-1944.

Saddam Hussein, leader of Iraq murdered over 2 million people 1979-2003.

Theoniste Bogosara, leader of Rawanda killed 1 million people in 4 months, April-July 1994.

Pol Pot, leader of Cambodia killed 1.4 million people 1975-1979.

Moshamed Surharto, leader of Indonesia killed 2 million people 1967-1998.

Adolph Hitler, leader of Nazi Germany killed 11 million people 1939-1945.

Joseph Stahlin, leader of USSR killed 20 million 1929-1953.

Mao Tse Tung, leader of China exterminated 35 million people 1949-1976. 

                
             JUST A COMMON SOLDIER

 He was getting old and paunchy and his hair was falling fast,

And he sat around the Legion, telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he had fought in, and the deeds that he had done.
In his exploits with his buddies; they were heroes, everyone.

And tho' sometimes, to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
All his Legion buddies listened, for they knew whereof he spoke.
But we'll hear his tales no longer for old Bill has passed away,
And the world's a little poorer, for a soldier died today.

He will not be mourned by many, just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary and quite uneventful life.
He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way,
And the world won't note his passing, though a Soldier died today.

When politicians leave this earth, their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing, and proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell their whole life stories, from the time that they were young,
But the passing of a soldier, goes unnoticed, and unsung.

Is the greatest contribution to the welfare of our land
A guy who breaks his promises and cons his fellow man?
Or the ordinary fellow, who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his Country and offers up his life?

A politician's stipend and the style in which he lives
Are sometimes disproportionate to the service that he gives.
While the ordinary soldier, who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal and perhaps a pension small.

It's so easy to forget them, for it was so long ago,
That the old Bills of our Country went to battle, but we know
It was not the politicians, with their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom, that our Country now enjoys.

Should you find yourself in danger, with your enemies at hand,
Would want a politician with his ever-shifting stand?
Or would you prefer a soldier, who has sworn to defend
His home, his kin and Country and would fight until the end?

He was just a common soldier and his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us we may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict, then we find the Soldier's part,
Is to clean up all the troubles that the politicians start.

If we cannot do him honor while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least let's give him homage at the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline in the paper that would say:                    
Our Country is in mourning, for a soldier died today.

                      By, Lawrence Vaincourt

If there was a law that stated: In times of war, all government officials are required to exchange salaries with soldiers.  I can guarantee there would be no war!  Politicians will never give away their money, but they liberally give away someone else's life. 

Brian, your family loves you and we will be praying for your safe return.  Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.

Seeing the dark side of our beautiful planet.

"Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!" These were the famous words spoken by Oliver Hardy to Stan Laurel, when the two were in an impossible situation.  The comedian team, from the classic era of early American cinema, were constantly getting themselves in and out of trouble.  Their audiences were captivated by their fumbling antics.  Stupid and ignorant always works well in the movies and while it's not productive in real life, lately it seems to be acceptable behavior in the personal lives of Hollywood actors.  

The 'Leave it to Beaver' world, where life was tranquil, wholesome and safe is a thing of the past. Today, our teenagers have become the spectators in a pathetic arena, much like the crowds of ancient Rome, and many parents are turning a blind eye to the harmful affects that this is having on their family.  We are slowly watching the degradation of our world, and television is becoming the threshold to our lowly demise.  Young kids are getting consumed in the dark side of a pendulum that's swinging out of control.  The producers of these reality shows probably don't allow their own children to watch half of the trash that they are subjecting to the younger generation!  

I was saddened when I saw a clip from an episode of the Osborn family.  Filthy obscenities made up the majority of the parent's vocabulary and it was continuously flung at their children!   All for the sake of what, entertainment and money?  It's not surprising that two of their three children have been to rehab twice, for serious drug addictions.  In an interview with, Sharon Osborn, she stated that she was troubled because her children were having so many problems.  Dah, the apple doesn't fall very far from the tree!

The news is filled with stories about Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, Mel Gibson, Charlie Sheen and so on.  Lately, we've seen their faces in mug shots more regularly than on the big screen and it becomes nauseating.  If the Hollywood degenerates don't lead the next generation astray, then shows like Friday Night Lights, Jersey Shore, Vampire Diaries, Skins and Shameless will continue to suck out what little virtue is left!  This generation of young people are being exploited on a steady diet of sex, foul language, violence, drugs and alcohol.  Sometimes, I wonder what planet we're on! Parents need to become more proactive!  If the audiences dwindle for these disgusting programs, they will be cancelled and replaced with entertainment that is more conducive!  

I have always been very selective in the type of entertainment that was in my home.  My children knew that I would take a bullet to the heart, before I would let anything destroy their brilliant minds and spirits.  Once I found a cassette tape in the car that wasn't in harmony with the standards of our home and without hesitation, I pitched it out the window going 65 mph down the freeway.  My son, who was in the car at the time, informed me that it belonged to one of his friends who'd forgotten it there.  I told him to tell his friend that he could find it somewhere along the side of the road, on I-15 going north.  My son told me a few years later, (after he became a father) that he respected my ability to be consistent and not only did I set the standards, but I lived by them.   

We are paying the ultimate price in allowing the media to exploit the young minds of our children through sex, violence and drugs.  Teen pregnancy is at an all time high, alcohol and drugs are destroying our youth daily, suicide is the leading cause of deaths in teenagers and sexually transmitted diseases are reaching epidemic levels. There are 253,500 new cases of sexually transmitted infections in the state of Wisconsin alone - every year!  The Center for Disease Control states that our children are being sexualized in ads, movies and on the internet.  We are literally ruining the lives of millions of children and future generations when we sit back and do nothing.  My personal belief is, "It's a dark society that allows its youth to become perverted by the lack of responsible supervision, if we do nothing, evil will perpetuate." 

The beautiful world we once knew is slowly slipping away through the ignorance of apathy.  Our planet is no longer a safe place to dwell.  I wouldn't be surprised if the crop circles covering the earth are messages to advanced civilizations in outer space.  The extra terrestrials who have visited this planet and witnessed how we are raising our young, might be sending out warning signals..."There is no intelligent life form on earth!"  By Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day.   

THE GRIM REAPER OF DISASTER

There are fears that America could be affected by nuclear fallout from Japan.  The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has admitted it's possible that the fallout could reach the United States this coming week.  The catastrophic earthquake in Japan has caused a destructive nuclear disasters second only to Chernobyl.  Scientists warned yesterday of a 'worst case scenario' in which the highly radioactive material could be blasted into the atmosphere and blown toward the West Coast. "Right now it's quite possible that there could be some radiation floating over the United States," said Nuclear Regulatory  Commission spokesman David McIntyre.

The chief nuclear plant manager wept as the Japanese finally admit that the radiation is serious enough to kill many people. They didn't act fast enough and the truth is coming into light; there will be long term affects.

California is monitoring the situation in hopes of keeping a handle on things, which is frightening because they can't even monitor the levels of garbage in their tap water!  Potassium iodide (the treatment for radiation fallout) is disappearing off the shelves and the people of this nation would like the truth, the hole truth and nothing but the truth; not after the fact.  I don't want to glow in the dark!

We are headed for very shaky times.  You can choose your opinions, but you can't choose your facts.  I am not a rocket scientist, but I know that sizable earthquakes cause a shifting in other parts of the world. I have read reports from several seismologists who all agree, more quakes are coming that are equal or greater to the ones we have witnessed.

The head of Italy's National Institute of Geophysics, Enzo Bosch, said that the impact was strong enough to disturb the Earth's rotation and a sizable earthquake can affect the way the planet spins on its axis. Boschi explains that the rotating Earth resembles a spinning top. The planet's axis does not always point in exactly the same direction, but wobbles slightly, describing small measurable circles at the poles.  A very large earthquake, one of a magnitude of 9.0 or greater, can shift enough mass relative to that of the entire Earth and alter the rotation.  It is recorded that the earthquakes in Japan has shifted the Earth's axis 6.5 inches.

The laws of physics proves that in order for something to move, it must be hit with greater or equal force. When the Earth shifts dramatically, the pressure is going to have an affect on other parts of the world.  This national disaster has completely reshaped the coast line of Japan and the visible signs are shocking.  The tsunami carved out two bays, thousands of feet inland and buried homes and businesses in its unforgiving path.  

Let's take a closer look at our own lives. How can we be prepared to overcome a disaster of this magnitude?  Emergency preparedness has warned us to have a duffle bag packed with warm clothing, a blanket, a first aid kit and enough food and water for 72 hours (for every family member). The duffle bags should be kept where they can easily be accessed in case of an emergency.  It only takes ten minutes to put this kit together, but it could save lives during a crises.  It would be very painful to explain anything to your children when they are cold and hungry. 

Mother Nature is not a respecter of persons and Father Time, waits for no one.  It would be smarter to be prepared than to come, face to face, with the Grim Reaper. By, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day. 

THE LUCK OF THE IRISH

My great grandfather migrated to the United States from Cork County, Ireland, during the potato famine in 1845.  My father had a great love for the Irish traditions and when my brother was born, my father gave him the Irish name of "Paddy" for his middle name.  I thought it was a fine name, but as we got older, my brother promised to break my arm in two places if I ever told anyone!  So, mum was the word, but as you can see - I am not taking it to the grave.  

Today is the celebration of St Patrick's Day.  It was originally an important religious day and a celebration of the teachings of Christianity, by St Patrick.  I don't know if, St Patrick, would be green with envy in the commercialization of his special occasion or how he would feel about a breakfast of green eggs and ham... and certainly pinching him would be out of the question!

I have always considered myself to have the luck of the Irish and although, I have never kissed the Blarney Stone, been to Bilberry Sunday or died my hair green; the Irish blood proudly runs through my veins.  I too, love the traditions of my father, and I'm almost certain that there's a little leprechaun waiting for me at the end of the rainbow with a pot of gold, or a pot of stew or whatever he has in that pot of his.  

It's one fine St Patrick's Day!  By, Linda Sumner Urza

JAPAN'S HELL AND HIGH WATER

March 11, 2011, a massive 8.9/9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the Pacific Ocean nearby Northeastern Japan around 2:46 p.m. causing tsunamis, blackouts, fires and nuclear explosions.  The survivors, who have nothing left, refuse to give up hope.  

There are many lessons to be learned from this tragedy that will enlighten our future.  Even though it's difficult to focus on enlightenment in the midst of crises, we can be greatly inspired through the strength of others. 

I watched in horror, along with most of the world, as the tsunami swept away the lives of many.  I found myself in tears and tried to imagine how one could deal with such tremendous loss; husbands hunting for wives and mother searching for their small children.  I cried, as did many around the world.  We stayed glued to our glass screens as if watching this national disaster unfolding on a crystal ball, and nothing could be done to stop the horrific images.

What have I learned from this tragedy?  I have learned that there are many powerful demands within the natural elements.  I have learned that thousands of lives can slip away in the blink of an eye, but there is a great resiliency of human strength and courage in the face of death.  I witnessed the depth of despair in the hallow faces, yet saw something almost sacred within their eyes.  It was a childlike innocence, to remind us of how vulnerable we can become in the midst of chaos.    

Also, I have learned that the integrity of the Japanese people is beyond reproach! There is absolutely no looting, stealing, or gangs pilfering the land; for you see, it's beneath Japanese culture to descend to that level of disrespect. They share what provisions they have with one another, and when it's gone - they all go without! The nights have been bitterly cold with temperatures barely above zero and many have no blanket, water or food.

Fresh water is scarcely available and when the water trucks are empty, people wait patiently for several hours for another truck to return; no yelling, no protests and no unkind words! I see many carrying the elderly on their backs and walking for miles to safety. I watched as tender hands pulled a little child from the deep rubble and then the humble crowd celebrates the victory of one more life!   

This horrific event has touched the hearts of millions around the world and set a standard of excellence in the face of disaster.  Our compassion and prayers go out to the many people of Japan who are suffering.  May we all come together to lift their burdens in the coming hours of darkness, and as we watch from the warmth of our surroundings, a peace will come knowing that we have made an effort to ease their pain. 

Please, please donate to the Red Cross - even if it's only a couple of dollars, it will make a difference!  By, Linda Sumner Urza, One fine day. 

THE TRUTH HURTS

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam War veteran and served five terms in the Massachusetts State Senate. He posted this statement on his blog and asked to pass this message on to others.  Baby Boomers, pay attention to what has happened to our country under our watch!  This is not going to be pleasant to read and the truth hurts, but it's not too late to wake up.  We could actually turn this ship around and head for higher ground. When you read his statement, please think of your responsibility to make this country better - because you were in it... "I'm 63 and I'm Tired"by Robert A. Hall I'm 63.  Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked hard since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my  job or my income, and I worked to get where I am.  Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired.  Very tired.  I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.  I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes."  Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help.  But if they bought Mc Mansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the left-wing Congress-critters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them with their own money. I'm tired of being told how bad America is by left-wing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood Entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers.  In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Christian people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela . I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools of girls;  of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery";  of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.   I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities  (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless  children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of U.S. Senators from Illinois.   I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation.  I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less arrogantly of an all-knowing government.  I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.  I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate.  My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live.  Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.   I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do.  Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off?  I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I #@*# sure think druggies chose to  take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.  I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime.  What's next?   Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"?   And, no, I'm not against Hispanics.  Most of them are Catholic, and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion.  I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person, who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record  and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military.... Those are the citizens we need.  I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military.  They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people than themselves.  Do bad things happen in war?  You bet.  Do our troops sometimes misbehave?  Sure.  Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years and still are?  Not even close.  So here's the deal.  I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims, who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the  girls were Christian.  Then we'll compare notes.  British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.   I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption.  Read the papers; bums are bipartisan.   And I'm tired of people telling me we need  bipartisanship.  I live in Illinois , where the " Illinois  Combine" of Democrats has worked to loot the public for years.   Not to mention the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet.   I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught.  I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.  Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor."  The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.  I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions.  I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.  Yes, I'm tired.  But I'm also glad to be 63.  Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making.  I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.  By, Robert A. Hall "Our forefathers would roll over in their graves to learn what has become of the "Land of the free and the home of the brave".  If you want to make a difference, we all have to change the course of direction.  Our posterity will inherit our neglect and irresponsibility.  As our values continue to decay, so will the future of this country." Linda Sumner Urza