United States Policy; Attack, Appeasement, Alienation, No Diplomacy
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Days ago, our Commander-In-Chief reminded us of the need to remain vigilant. He admonished anyone who might think to talk with those who politically, philosophically, or perhaps physically have the potential to oppose "us." The President of the world's superpower 'wisely' proclaimed ""Some seem to believe we should negotiate with the terrorists and radicals, as if some ingenious argument will persuade them they have been wrong all along." America's leader addressed Israeli lawmakers and said, "We have heard this foolish delusion before. As Nazi tanks crossed into Poland in 1939, an American senator declared: 'Lord, if only I could have talked to Hitler, all of this might have been avoided.' We have an obligation to call this what it is -- the false comfort of appeasement, which has been repeatedly discredited by history." As a protective parent might alert an easily frighten child, the President of the United States forewarns his citizens. "Do not speak to strangers." It matters not that statistically, evidence shows those we know may be more dangerous. Close associates can harm "us." Those we have yet to encounter in our daily lives are not scary; they are unfamiliar.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 17, 2008 at 09:00 PM in Aggression, Americana, Communities, Communities and Communication , Defiant Diplomacy, Politics, War Kills [Mind, Body, Spirit], Xenophobia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
The Elections and Ethics; Gas and Gratification
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Americans speak of the divide within this country. Most accept the labels. We are a nation of Red states and Blue regions. People define themselves as Conservatives or Liberals. West Virginian primary election voters, who were asked, reinforced the notion in this nation we are not unified. One fifth of those polled stated, skin color influenced their decision. Former Senator John Edwards often expresses his distress for what he sees as "Two Americas." The one time Presidential candidate reminds us of why the common folks clamor. The rich get richer while the poor become more impoverished. For some of those who fight to endure, a "gas tax holiday" is thought essential. Others believe such a measure will negatively effect the infrastructure and the environment. In Grand Rapids, Michigan on May 14, 2008 a Black man and a white man stood on a stage together united and equal. Some, in this splintered nation of ours, thought this was a sign. Perhaps, Americans would finally come together as one.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM in Americana, Elections, Environment, Ethics, Ethics and Profits, Oil, Oil Companies , Possessions Own Us, Price of Petroleum | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
A Country Divided Will Fall; Clinton "Will Win."
Hillary: "I'm taking it to the floor of the Convention!" Pt1
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Some pundits say it is over. The Democrats are ready to come together as one. The primary results came in late on Tuesday May 6, 2008. Before the tally was final, Barack Obama took the stage. He congratulated Senator Clinton; Presidential hopeful Obama was conciliatory. Hillary Clinton offered an overture. "This has been an extraordinary experience." Political experts muse, thank goodness. The Party needs to heal. The North Carolina and Indiana primaries were decisive. The campaign has been too divisive, disruptive. Distractions aplenty were destructive. If the Democratic Presidential contenders continue to battle, most believe these diversion will be no less damaging. Countless, citizens and columnist say, Hillary Clinton cannot survive.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 8, 2008 at 09:00 PM in Elections, Hillary Clinton | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
"It's the Economists Stu***!"
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Something momentous occurred and the news media said nothing. The press spoke of North Carolinian voters, and those in the Hoosier State. Citizens in these regions would cast their ballots today. The results, undoubtedly, would be significant. While no one, and nothing can lessen the impact of what is expected to ensue, before the polls closed, another event quietly occupied the attention of many. The occurrence is meaningful, noteworthy and will effect the election. A prominent person, one who had long remained neutral in regards to the Democratic primary race finally expressed his opinion.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on May 6, 2008 at 01:00 PM in Economics, Elections, Hillary Clinton, Mark Thoma, Economist’s View | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Reverend Wright, Senators Obama and Clinton, Moral Issues; Reality of Relationships
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Clerics and parishioners are in the news. In truth, Reverend Pastor Jeremiah Wright and Barack Obama are discussed each day, in most every hour. The quality and quantity of familiarity within that relationship is the topic of much conversation. Hillary Clinton espouses, moral issues matter. Many within the electorate agree. The ethical principles of a Presidential hopeful will have a profound effect on the nation, and the planet. As Jennifer Wills ponders the scenes as they play out before an eager public, she reflects on her own life. She thinks of the trials, and tribulations that she feels when she loves friends as much as family.
Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 30, 2008 at 11:00 PM in Approval or Love, Elections, Ethics, Hillary Clinton, Looking at Life, Political Campaigns, Politics, Presidential Politics | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Barack Obama Venerates; Separates Self From Reverend Jeremiah Wright
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
At times, what is true for us, is not valid for those we cherish. The individuals we love most, who may have guided us through our life travel, do not experience the world as we do. People, even Pastors, are not always [W]right; nor are they necessarily wrong. People have perspectives, perceptions, and pain. Sadly, we humans, breakable beings that we are, are easily hurt. We rant and rage as we fight to survive. Souls are fragile. No one can save us, not G-d, or self. The enemy is within. The Almighty may give us tools. However, he cannot lead us from the temptation to defend ourselves when we believe we are wounded. Nor can the Lord help us to understand how, when we harm one, we injure many. Barack Obama understands this to his core. The hopeful Presidential aspirant addressed this truth.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 29, 2008 at 03:36 PM in Elections | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Hillary Clinton; The Campaign Crisis and Elizabeth Edwards' Choice
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Democrats are divided. Progressives once certain that they would support the Party nominee, are now, no longer sure that they can. People on the Left for the first time in their lives are looking to the "Right." Staunch Liberals state they will vote Republican in 2008 if the candidate of their choice is not the Party's nominee. Many Democrats say they will not vote at all. Much damage has been done. The political process has become a play for power or an attempt to create chaos.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 25, 2008 at 09:00 AM in Elections | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Mother Earth Catastrophically Ill. Humans; Cause and Cure?
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Mother Earth is catastrophically ill. Our Mother is warm with fever. Scientists at the National Research Council report the temperature on the Earth's surface has increased one degree Fahrenheit (0.6 degrees Celsius) during the last century. The consensus is her children gave rise to the heat that now harms her.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 22, 2008 at 01:00 AM in Environment | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
April 15; From Learning to Love, To Loving to Learn
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Dearest Gary . . .
Once again, it is time to speak of the past, to reflect on the present, and to acknowledge a future that would have never been without you.
Today is tax day. This date is looked upon with doom and gloom. On April 15 many in America are reminded of what for them is a burdensome task. In 1947, as the calendar page turned for the fifteenth time in the fourth month of the year, Jackie Robinson put on his first Brooklyn Dodgers uniform. Color lines were broken in professional sports. Centuries earlier, in 1743, the Revolutionary War ended on this date. The Continental Congress ratified articles of peace. The sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln was assasinated in 1865. John Wilkes Booth did the deed in the Ford Theatre. In the twentieth century, the Titanic sank and my cousin Alexander was born. I too came alive on this date. For me, April 15 is the first day of the Renaissance.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 15, 2008 at 11:00 AM in Personal | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Floridians Consider Taxes, Budget Cuts, and Effects the Everglade State
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
On April 15, as Floridians rush to file tax forms few think of more than the burden. The cost of living in the Sunshine State is high. Levies are higher. Each year, the toll these expenditures take on the lives of individuals and families increases. Many citizens in this Southern State cry, "We need some relief!" Representative have heard the call and responded. Yet, the reaction may not be as thoughtful as it first appears to be.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 15, 2008 at 08:00 AM in Communities, Congress, Economics, Florida | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Issue Number One; Economic Insecurity Breeds Bigotry, Bias and Bitterness
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
He was a beautiful bouncing baby boy. He was born to two parents that love him dearly. Even before his birth, indeed, prior to conception, this little fellow was the apple of his parent's eyes. His biological beginning was carefully calculated. As the seeds of life developed into a bright-eyed baby, the people he now knows as Mom and Dad thought of little else but Maxwell. The soon to be proud Papa and Momma anxiously anticipated the day they could hold this bundle of joy. Each of his parents was eager to meet and greet the small, sweet face of the guy that they would call Max. Maximum value, supreme significance, marvelously magnificent, all this was and would be their son. After Max was delivered and during any political season, such as this, Mom and Dad feel certain Max is issue number one.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 11, 2008 at 11:00 PM in American Dream, Americana, Domestic Security, Dreams Live and Die , Economics, Elections, Immigration, Immigration Politics, Iraq War, Looking at Life, Oil, Politics, Ted Stevens, Republican Senator, Terrorism, Xenophobia | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Six Months. Six Years. Six Centuries. Perpetual War
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Many Americans may wish to believe that if Arizona Senator John McCain were elected, he would ensure that this nation remains engaged in battle for eons. The conventional wisdom is Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton will "bring the troops home." Citizens, mostly Independents and Democrats, may blame the Republicans for conflicts that seem endless by design. Of course, when war is in question, countless Americans contemplate the current conflicts. Nearly everyone with some exceptions, places the onus on President George W. Bush, Vice President Richard B. Cheney, former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, or any of the other Neoconservatives in the Cabinet. Yet, these individuals and groups are not the only creators of combat. Any man or woman who believes, at times, war is the best, last, or the only option is culpable. Citizens throughout the globe have accepted the notion wars will always be. Hence fighting is, forever.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 9, 2008 at 11:00 PM in Afghanistan, Bush 43 Administration, Hillary Clinton, Iraq War, Violence, War and Peace, War is in the Wind, War, The Last Option | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
America in Iraq; Bull in China Shop
"Bull in China Shop" Art By Vic Roschkov [Canadian Editorial Cartoonist]
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Americans are five years into a battle gone awry. Citizens of the United States cry out, "too much blood has been spilled, too many lives and limbs were lost," we the people want to, "Bring the troops home." Hence, Congress holds hearings. The inquiry is intended to help define the future. For many it is time to exit Iraq and end a futile war. The people have questions; when and how will we complete a failed mission. On April 8, 2008, the Senior Commander of multinational forces in Iraq, General David Petraeus, and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker, American envoy to Baghdad, spoke to United states Senators and attempted to address the public's concerns.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 8, 2008 at 11:00 AM in Iraq War | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)
Calm Communicators Unite Us. Cruel Commanders Divide Us
copyright © 2008 Betsy L. Angert. BeThink.org
Americans are at odds. As a nation, we are splintered. The parts do not function as a whole. Some wish to control and command. Others prefer to work for the common good. As we stand, we are a country divided.
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Posted by Betsy L. Angert on April 4, 2008 at 08:00 AM in Abuse, Aggression, Americana, Approval or Love, Art of Loving, Have or Be, Children, Compassion, Conflict, Complex, Dreams Live and Die , Emotional Decisions, Emotional Intelligence, Empathy and Evolution, Family, Functioning, Fables | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)