SUBMITTED BY LAWRENCE RAFFERTY, GUEST BLOGGER
Now that the end of the year is just hours away, I thought it would be nice to put into writing some of the New Years resolutions that I have for 2011. This year has been a year of highs and lows for myself and for the country. These resolutions are my hopes and dreams for myself, the country and the world in the coming year.
My First resolution is that the troops in Afghanistan and Iraq come home and that the United States rids itself of the military industrial complex that President Eisenhower warned us about many years ago. I realize that I am asking for a lot, but I can dream, can’t I? Just imagine the corporations that Congress could bankroll with all of the extra funds that would be available if we are no longer spending billions on wasteful war spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. We could even use those extra Billions to help find a cure for Cancer or AID’s or MS. Heck, we could maybe find a cure for all of them with that kind of spare change!
My Second resolution is that the economy returns to full employment. I am not talking about just improving the unemployment situation. I am talking about jobs for everyone. To achieve this goal may actually require corporations to hire Americans to do work here in America, but now that corporations are treated like citizens, they should pitch in to help the country. Related to this resolution is the hope that Congress can see the way to make it beneficial for corporations to hire Americans to work here and not to outsource American jobs overseas. I apologize in advance to the United States Chamber of Commerce for taking away a large source of income from them. They will just have to work harder on the domestic donors.
My Third resolution is that “Obamacare” actually be improved to include a strong Public Option or a “Medicare for all” provision that will actually improve the health care for all Americans. Having a “Medicare for all” or true Public Option plan would assist our employers who compete against companies in countries that actually care about their citizen’s health. It would also provide me with great entertainment as I watch the Tea Party and Fox News pundits heads explode in true HD!
My Fourth resolution is that the Obama Adminstration’s Justice Department should begin to follow the rule of law no matter how disturbing or politically inconvenient it may be. They can start by investigating and prosecuting any and all Bush officials who authorized and approved of torture techniques under the guise of “enhanced interrogation techniques”. Since both former President George W. Bush and his Vice President, Dick Cheney have admitted to authorizing the water boarding of detainees in television interviews and in print, the investigation should not cost the taxpayers too much. If that investigation finds other current or former politicians involved in acts of torture, the taxpayers would just be getting more bang for their investigative buck!
My Fifth and final resolution is more of a personal one. It is my hope and prayer that my family has a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. I also hope that the Bulls win the NBA Championship and the Black Hawks win another Stanley Cup. I also hope that da Bears win the Super Bowl and that the Cubs lose to the White Sox in the 2011 World Series. (Sorry Professor) Now I know I am dreaming! I hope I don’t wake up!! Happy New Years to all.
rafflaw-
I second your resolution on ending the wars, but would add Pakistan and Yemen to your list. I expect the administration will save the war with Iran for the 2012 election cycle.
About 50% of foreign bases could immediately be closed without consequence to our national security, and another 50% again within five years. The empire should be wound down and the nation returned to a Swiss-style posture. This would do more to advance our national security and prevent terrorist attacks than anything attempted in decades. Never mind the benefit to our economic security and wealth.
What is wrong with this picture?
You are right Puzzling about Pakistan and Yemen. The base issue would be taken care of by my dream of getting rid of the military industrial complex. Great graph!
Rafflaw,
You are a gentleman and an all-around swell guy (for a lawyer!). However, I think that your 5th personal resolution regarding your family is the only real achievable goal—and a fine one—because it is the only one over which you have some direct control. Regardless of those other 4 issues, you, others, and I are fortunate that we have lived long enough to see our grandchildren born. My granddaughter, who was born/delivered early (preeclampsia) has spent her entire 3-months of life in the hospital, was allowed to go home today for the first time. She struggled against some very slim odds of survival and that is why I did not mention her birth earlier, although I had previously posted that I would become a grandpa. Such occurrences help us tough, ornery ol’ cusses put life into proper perspective.
Moreover, I would be remiss if I did not say how fortunate we all are that another swell guy, Mike Spindell, got to go home from the hospital and begin communicating with us again after such a brief period of convalescence. Overall, 2010 was a swell year after all.
Therefore, keep on pursuing solutions to those other 4 laudable resolutions and even if those efforts “are in vain”, dreaming is still permitted..
This old guy—among several others herein—is still hanging around and dreaming, regardless of the outcome, at 70 years old:
“Just a dream I dreamed in vain…”
I second all the good wishes, hopes and dreams for the coming year. I would like to share my dream with all the Turley bloggers. This is the Corries, a wonderful Scottish duo. The dark haired singer is Roy Williamson, who lost his battle with cancer a few years ago, leaving silver haired Ronnie Browne to go on as a solo act. Roy Wiliamson may be best known for composing the Scottish National Anthem, Flower of Scotland.
I had the strangest dream:
I hope that you hope that DOJ will investigate itself for incarcerating me without published procedure or a criminal charge.
Personally, I’d like to see real Access to Courts for everyone everywhere.
I’d like to see US Courts expand their staff to include enough magistrates and clerks so that everyone can actually get a timely hearing on every motion. I don’t even think that that would have any net cost to the government because of the inefficiencies and expenses involved with delays, illegal imprisonments, illegal court orders, etc.
Otteray Scribe,
That is a beautifully melodic, lyrical, and contemplative song.
I also want to thank you for posting the ‘Mull of Kintyre’ by the ‘Rhine Aero Pipes and Drums’. Without question, that is the finest instrumental rendition of all that I have seen/heard.
FFLEO, Thank you very much. I love The Corries, who could be poignant or funny, but always musically innovative. In the same theme as the Strangest Dream is the heart rending Green Fields of France. The timeless song by Australian Eric Bogle has been recorded by many, but I think this is the best version. This may be the most powerful anti-war song ever written. It is so powerful because it is not a rant, but a sad lament. As you might surmise, I am in a reflective mood tonight. I went to the National Cemetery every day this week to visit my son, so I am more than a bit sad about the empty chair at our home this day.
Otteray Scribe<
'Green Fields of France' is a favorite of mine along with 'The Band Played Waltzing Matida'. This video with lyrics is excellent. .
Former Federal LEO, I’m very glad to hear that your granddaughter came home today, I know you and your family must be on cloud 9, congratulations!
Otteray Scribe, I am saddened by the news that you have an empty chair at your table today and that your sons life was cut short, my thoughts are with you.
Were it not for my remembering a story I once read, to the effect that President Eisenhower chose to not state, and memory is always suspect, he shortened “military industrial congressional complex” by leaving out “congressional,” getting rid of the military industrial complex might usefully address a national need.
Stories are just stories.
Or, are they?
Does or doesn’t it take three to tango?
Whatever.
Yet the dance goes on, paying the piper?
“The Court is forever adding new stories to the temples of constitutional law, and the temples have a way of collapsing when one story too many is added.” – Robert H. Jackson, Douglas v. Jeanette, 1943…
Another beautiful song regarding a tribute to those lost. This is from the Civil War Era.
‘The Vacant Chair’
My wish for 2011 is that the philosophy of Marxism and it’s many permutations are finally relegated to the ash heap of history. It is about time to put that lie in the cesspool from whence it came.
Thanks Lottakatz!
Lottakatz, Thank you for the kind thoughts. Would it not be wonderful if our strangest dream came true. We can only hope an pray.
“My wish for 2011 is that the philosophy of Marxism and it’s many permutations are finally relegated to the ash heap of history. It is about time to put that lie in the cesspool from whence it came.”
Right next to the lie that is unfettered capitalism. Thanks, Citizens United and the corporatists Roberts and Ailito! Thanks for screwing our country but good!
I’d also like to say I’d like to see government quit wiping itself with the Constitution in 2011 and put corporations back on their leash instead of doing their bidding for “campaign contributions”, but I might as well wish for Congress to grow a spine and a conscience. I understand sociopaths far too well to expect that to happen.
Speaking of sociopaths, I’d also like to see Bush and Cheney on trial for the war crimes they’ve bragged about and Obama realize that no, he really doesn’t have the Constitutional authority to execute citizens without due process because he was elected President and not Emperor.
Enjoy watching this once great nation burn at the hands of its “elected” leaders!
It’ll be quite a show.
My dream is to see some banksters wearing orange jump suits in 2011.
My resolution is to refrain from laughing as we watch the Tea Party candidates that were elected work their magic on the GOP.
My dream is to get official recognition that I was wrongfully imprisoned by USMS without a criminal charge or published procedure.
And get a court settlement for my extortion by former judge Naughty Nottingham,and agents for Underwriters at Lloyds London, the City of Steamboat Springs CO, Elizabeth Wittemyer, Faegre & Benson, the Steamboat Pilot, WorldWest LLC, Mutual Insurance, Jerome Schaefer, O’Brien Butler McConihie & Schaefer, Kevin Bennett, Jane Bennett, Randall Klauser, Klauzer & Tremaine lawfirm, Anthony Lettunich, Lettunich & Vanderbloemen and /or their associates as a way to stop me from getting a hearing on the merits on my First Amendment Retaliation and Defamation claims.
My dream is to be safe and able to move on in my life.
FFLEO,
I have wondered over these last few weeks about your grandchild but decided not to presume to disturb your family’s privacy by asking knowing that what ever the situation, you would chose your own time to tell us.
As I have mentioned before, my youngest granddaughter was born with a life threatening heart situation and required full open heart surgery. She is 100% now and very busy catching up to her peers.
Thus it was with a poignant joy that I read your post concerning your granddaughter’s situation and rejoiced in my heart at the wonderful news that she is able to now snuggle into her own bed, her own swing … her own home. Hold her close, Grandpa, and hum a soft cowboy lullaby as you rock her to sleep. This is the lullaby I’ve sung to all my kids and grandkids and after surgery this was the only thing that quieted my newest grandchild and put her to sleep. (Adjust the lyrics for a girl) This is Michael Parks and his Mother singing:
Thank you Federal Leo for that very touching heart felt bit by John McDermott, it made me sit here and i felt my soul weep for the foolishness of what I saw on the screen. It would be very nice to believe that this foolishness going on in the world would cease and desist but the reality is that it wont and will continue. It says much in the negative about our human condition…………pity that eh……………I wish everyone here a sincere Happy New Year and all the best in 2011, lets stive to make it better……….
I resolve to try and be kinder to all that I meet…put a little sunshine in there lives…..
AY,
I too should subscribe to being kinder more often. Former Fed,
I am glad to hear of your Granddaughter’s trip home! That alone will brighten anyone’s day. Congratulations Grandpa! Otteray, I wish you and your family nothing but great memories and peace. I know the Holidays can be difficult when you have lost a loved one.
Blouise, congrats to you too for your granddaughters health. To come through a crisis like that with a child really toughens your spine, but softens your heart at the same time.
Buddha,
I wouls like to second your statements about the Bush/Cheney cabal as well as your statements that Obama does not have the authority to kill citizens without due process.
There should be due process even if a killing isn’t planned.
RE: assination of US citizens
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128831726
FFLEO,
My latest grandson was born about the same time as your granddaughter, which occurred a week before my heart transplant. I know the fear I felt before the birth for both my daughter and grandson to be and the joy when all was well. I can imagine though what you and your family had to endure during those three months of doubt and fear. I’m happy to hear that she has now returned home from the hospital and assume her prognosis is good. As parents and grandparents we both know the joys of parenthood, while at the same time fearing for the health and safety of our offspring. The older I get, the more I feel that life is but a crap-shoot and we must be thankful when we roll sevens on first passes.
As for resolutions for this coming year my chief one is that I allow myself to enjoy each day of this new life I’ve been given.
With my temperament this would be the greatest change I could make.
Blouise,
I vividly remember that you inquired at least once regarding an update on my grandfather status. There was a juncture when my daughter-in-law’s and her child’s lives were at stake. I wanted to wait for some good news and more certainty before I mentioned more than that I would be a grandfather sometime in December.
My son’s wife is a very healthy mid-twenties young woman and this condition came as a complete surprise to her prenatal care providers. She was doing everything right. Fortunately, my son owns his own business, which is successful, and his insurance has covered most of the *astronomical* hospital bills. He told me a sad story of other preemies in the hospital whose parents could not or did not visit their kids often-or not at all. Maybe there are couples out there who will eventually adopt the neglected babies. The doctors and nurses stated that those preemies who thrived and survived were the ones who had the simple, but abundant, therapy of skin-to-skin contact with *both* of their parents.
Since you are a grandmother, I knew that your interest—and that expressed by some others here—was maternalistic. Had you and others here not inquired, out of genuine concern, I likely would not have been so informative, that is, to the extent an introvert can inform on such a subject. I appreciate the concern displayed by all of those here. I understand too, that you and LK are having difficulties with familial health issues. Just remember that some old cusses like me simply do not know how to respond to such personal crises, except to say that we care for your health and happiness and that of your family.
I am very proud of the way my son and his wife have handled this birth of their first child.
Otteray Scribe,
As a parent I was so saddened to hear about your loss. There is little comfort that any of us can give to you because the death of a child is beyond the ken of anyone who hasn’t experienced it. I would only hope that as time passes you can come to terms with it, even though the sadness will always remain. I wish you the best in your time of need.
Rafflaw/Mike Spindell,
Since your grandsons were also born in the fall of 2010, I ponder what lies in store for these kids if we are unable to resolve those first 4 resolutions…
FFLEO,
You touch my heart with your concern always for others which you constantly display through your words and your music posts.
Thank you for thinking to tell us about your daughter-in-law and son. As a mother of a daughter who withstood a difficult pregnancy and delivery, I was very concerned as to the health of your daughter-in-law … physically and mentally.
We old folk know how the stresses and strains of life’s problems can rend the love between a man and a woman. My daughter and son-in-law grew closer and stronger through their ordeal and I am so very happy to read your words and know that your son and daughter-in-law experienced the same growth and strength. Their family unit will continue to gain in love and joy and the bond will be a strength for all of them.
Spending time in a preemie unit or in the infant cardiac unit is a gut wrenching experience as one cares for one’s own and wants to help with all those other tiny, helpless babies. I saw things there that I will never be able to talk about.
You have many fun times to look forward to … her first birthday party will put you over the moon!
Keep us informed when she does something spectacular like the her first step, her first word, the first time she hugs you. In this often ugly world it is the wonder of grandchildren that bring us the happy tears.
Anonymously Yours
1, January 1, 2011 at 9:19 am
I resolve to try and be kinder to all that I meet…put a little sunshine in there lives…..
====================================================
… your inner puppy dog has always been evident to me.
Former Federal LEO,
What a wonderful gift that your granddaughter is now at home. The past three months had to be indescribably difficult. I hope that all of you thrive, as you celebrate each new moment of her life.
Blouise,
Thank you….
OS,
I feel your loss….it takes time…time does heal…
The story behind it…..
Blouise & Anon Nurse,
Thank you both. There was a time when there was a dearth of women posting herein. I am pleased to see that has changed for the better.
Otteray Scribe
I post the extraordinary video with some magical moments mostly for you since you will understand why after viewing it. For others viewing it, you might also understand.
Former Fed,
If we don’t make some progress on the first four, it will be a tough road ahead for our grandkids. I hope I can stick around for awhile and give them a helping hand!
AY,
I love that Eric Clapton song. Wasn’t that song about his son who died in a fall from a window in a highrise? So Sad,but a great song.
Wonderful, soulfully uplifting, strong testament to the human condition, never judge what you see as what you see may not be as you see it…………..thank you for sharing this.
FFLEO: That was a wonderful selection, and then during the post performance interview, the background orchestra played Mull of Kintyre softly. Very moving, to say the least. Here is a version of the wonderful Paul McCartney tune that few may be familiar with. Glen Campbell sings and plays the pipes.
M. Wrytter,
I think feedback such as yours assists with fleshing-out good threads like this one. We all have life stories that are relevant to the topics posted. If we each can divulge a tad of those experiences to others, who knows what good will derive from our discussions. The large balance of discussions within this blawg are positive and full of insight.
Welcome aboard.
Thank you for the ” welcome aboard “……..much appreciated.
I agree fully with you as in each of us there is a story, or perhaps a story of one we know or knew. For the short time I have been here I have read many things and been touched by them in a positive manner as I feel that this is what we should give back in life from what we have learned by dint of experience both good and bad…..I believe that that is our lot in life to share what we have learned in all aspects & respects……………….and again FFLEO, much thanks………..
That rascal AnonY wrote:
“I resolve to try and be kinder to all that I meet…put a little sunshine in there lives…..”
__________________
To wit I present:
——-
“…in the end, only kindness matters.” -Jewel
anon nurse,
That is a great line from the Jewsl song, but the Everly Brothers are more my speed! Good night!
I love the Everly Brothers and play their songs constantly.
Thanks for the Everly Brothers tune, FF LEO — it might have been the best ending for this thread… And thanks to all for the songs that soothe, refresh, calm… Very nice selections.
Great thread, rafflaw. Appreciate all the comments, as well.
May all our dreams and resolutions come true.
Former Federal LEO posted the following message and video:
January 1, 2011 at 10:01 pm
That rascal AnonY wrote:
“I resolve to try and be kinder to all that I meet…put a little sunshine in there lives…..”
__________________
To wit I present
http://www.youtube.com/v/F3j0f299IiA?version=3
(Thanks for the Janey Cutler video, as well. Wasn’t trying to steal your thunder, FF LEO…
Reposting, because it may be the best ending for this thread, as I noted above.)
This is from Former Federal LEO:
http://www.youtube.com/v/F3j0f299IiA?version=3
Starting the NY off right.
(Can’t get it to post…)
Former Federal LEO, The Everly Bros. selecton was icing on the cake, thank you and to the other EB fans, Rafflaw and Bluise, is “Roots” not one of the best albums EVER? By the end of it (“Turn Around” and “Sing Me Back Home”) I’m always a bit weepy.
Blouise,
M. Parks is an under-rated actor. I would not have evre heard that song if you had not posted it, thanks.
Anon nurse,
No problem, Ma’am! Viva YouTube!
Lottakatz,
I like the Everly Brothers because thay sang many of the old folk tunes in addition to their 50s/60s pop songs. Of those later songs this is among my many favorites,
Also, I got my swept-back hair style from them and ol’ Rowdy Yates on Rawhide…
” Rowdy Yates”……Rawhide…………..now there was a dude
FFLEO,
Belated congratulations on your granddaughter coming home.
She’ll have you wrapped around her finger in no time at all, grandpa!
Former Fed,
I loved Rawhide growing up. Do you remember Bronco Lane?
rafflaw,
I do remember Bronco and especially the theme song. I ‘spect the old ladi…er, the women here ’bout our age remember him too and the theme lyrics (at the end of this great video review of the program).
Young ladies (got any herebouts?), get ready to swoon as your predecessors did in the 50s/60s…
SwM,
Thanks for the Dream footage … I’d never seen that particular clip before
FFLEO, Ricky Nelson is way better lookin. I fixed my daughter some black eyed peas and cornbread for the New Year yesterday.
Swarthmore mom,
Ah, that steadfast Texas tradition; that sure sounds good. I did not even open a cold can of black-eyed peas this New Year, although I do have a can or two in the cupboard within at least a year or so ago of the expiration date…
You ladies sure had a lot of handsome 50s/60s drifting TV cowpokes for which to swoon.
The king of all those real men heroes had to be Clint Walker of Cheyenne fame.
For those who have lost, this may be the most mournful song known to man:
Mingus wrote the original was an attempt to recreate the blues played by his band after they learned about the death of Sax great Lester Young.