Congress, Constitutional Law, Justice, Military, Politics

Resolutions and Dreams for 2011

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.

59 thoughts on “Resolutions and Dreams for 2011”

  1. 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………..

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AscPOozwYA8&fs=1&hl=en_US]

  10. 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.

  11. 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.

  12. 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.

  13. 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…

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  19. 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.

  20. I resolve to try and be kinder to all that I meet…put a little sunshine in there lives…..

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