The War in Afghanistan

Too many people have failed to study history here. We must finish the job in Afghanistan. Unlike Iraq, Afghanistan is a haven for terrorist and a hotbed of opium production. The U.S. has no choice but to achieve a complete and total victory here. I know many of you consider me liberal, but when it comes to defense, I am more conservative than most. We have to achieve what the Soviets failed at; the complete defeat of radical Islam in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The form of Islam that exist in this part of the world is an affront to all that is decent. Women and young girls are relegated to a status just above the chattel slave while children are treated slightly below the status of animals. How can a free country who espouses the ideas of democracy and yes Judeo-Christian values sit idly by while this continues to occur. Whether we like it or not, we are the world's policeman and have been since Teddy Roosevelt. Failure to act as such not only hurts the world but endangers us as well. Too many liberals and even some conservatives say, "this is their culture, we don't need to impose ours". That is a ludicrous comment. We are simply bringing this country back into at least the 19th Century (1800's). Right now they are in the middle ages.

Healthcare Speech

I agree with the majority of President Obama's speech. However, I strongly disagree with any plan that forces anyone to purchase insurance who chooses not to do so. I understand the rationale behind it but it is still wrong. It is just as wrong as when states force people to purchase automobile insurance. Sure, it makes perfect sense, however it is still a fundamental violation of a person's right to privacy. Part of the right to privacy (which isn't in the constitution but has been interpreted) is the fundamental concept of economic freedom to manage one's own affairs. However, by and large, the plan as put forth by President Obama made pretty good sense.

President's Speech to School Children

It’s been a long time since I decided to sit down and put my thoughts to paper but I think the time is here to restart my blog.
First of all, this Tuesday is a unique day. The President plans on speaking to the nation’s school children in a “back to school” message that has been given by his predecessors as well. However, this address is being scrutinized by the right and lauded by the left. The right wing seems to think it is the next Nuremburg address and could lead to the founding of an “Obama Youth” movement reminiscent of the Nazi organization of the 30’s and 40’s. The left seems to believe it could possibly be the next “Sermon on the Mount” coming from their self-proclaimed political messiah. The truth lies no-where in between. It is simply a speech to the school children of America encouraging them to stay in school and achieve goals that they set for themselves and not let their home situation be an excuse for not behaving or achieving to their fullest. We need to avoid the “Kool-Aid” drinkers of the left and right in the world and try to be informed before we make quick decisions and comments. Here is the speech to be delivered on Monday. http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/

Back To School Brings Hope and Caution

As an educator, I am excited about returning to school. Most of the students, whether they admit it or not are also excited. However, with this excitement come worry about the financial situation many of them face at home. In our community many businesses have shut down, cut back, or are on the brink of closing. Part of me says the old addage, "Don't worry be happy" applies. On the other hand, we cannot blindly ignore the environment around us. I guess the most important thing for all of us to do is to try and embrace the history of it all. Teaching the Great Depression will be easier now that we have the "Great Recession" to compare it to.

July 4th Weekend Slideshow in Columbus Georgia

CLICK THE IMAGE BELOW TO VIEW PHOTO SLIDESHOW/MOVIE

Sarah Palin Resigns as Alaska Governor

Ok, first of all, Sarah Palin has every right to be upset with the media's obsession with her family. David Lettermen apologized for his comment which was mistakenly made toward the younger daughter, however, the main stream media and the blogosphere has been unrelenting in their characterizations of her as some overzealous mad woman. Can you imagine the outrage if it had been the Obama girls who were being maligned? When a persons' Downs Syndrome child is the focus of jabs and remarks, a journalist's professionalism has to come into question. I disagree with many of Sarah Palin's political views, however, I cannot allow myself to be amused by cruel and malicious treatment of her family.

Healthcare Reform: Pro's and Cons

Hey, I am just throwing this out there. It seems that wherever you go someone is harping about how bad our system is or how bad socialized medicine is. What is amazing to me is that there seems to be almost no consensus on this issue. Thoughts? Ideas? HELP