I can't confirm this was REALLY written by David Letterman, but I received this in an email tonight and thought I'd go ahead and post it.
Try to read this article by David Letterman, without thinking Democrat or Republican.....
David Letterman wrote this; it's the David we don't often see....
'As most of you know I am not a President Bush fan, nor have I ever been, but this is not about Bush, it is about us, as Americans, and it seems to hit the mark
'The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some Poll data I found rather hard to believe.
It must be true given the source, right?
The Newsweek poll alleges that 67 percent of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed and 69 percent of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President.
In essence 2/3 of the citizenry just aren't happy and want a change.
So! being the knuckle dragger I am, I started thinking, 'What are we so unhappy about?''
A.. Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 Days a week?
B.. Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter?
C.. Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job?
D.. Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year?
E.. Maybe it is the ability to drive our cars and trucks from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state?
F.. Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter?
G.. I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough either.
H. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.
I.. Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home.
J.. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames, thus saving you, your family, and your belongings.
K. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss.
L.. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.
M. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world?
Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy. Fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S. , yet has a great disdain for its citizens.
They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.
I know, I know. What about the president who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31 percent approval rating?
Is this the same president who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11?
The president that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession?
Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks?
The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?
Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show?
Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad?
Think about it......are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day.
Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom.
There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a ''general'' discharge, an 'other than honorable'' discharge or, worst case scenario, a ''dishonorable' ' discharge after a few days in the brig.
So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69 percent of Americans?
Say what you want but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds it leads and they specialize in bad news.
Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts.
How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner?
The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by 'justifying' them in one way or another.
Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way......Insane!
Turn off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage.
Then start being grateful for all we have as country.
There is exponentially more good than bad.
We are among the most blessed people on Earth and should thank God several times a day, or at least be thankful and appreciative.' '
With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks,
'Are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'
David Letterman
Friday, October 31, 2008
May the Best Man Win
TGIF! I have looked forward to this weekend since last Sunday. THIS is State Finals weekend for Indiana State Marching Band and Lawrence Central is looking FANTASTIC (of course so is Carmel, Avon, Homestead, etc...). This is an exciting year for LC and Emily is getting a little sad that she only has three more weekends to perform this show. I will try to get pictures and post them on Sunday.
We had two birthdays this week...Lola turned 2 on Thursday and Mark on the 27th inched closer and closer to the big 5-0.
Nathan has been getting more and more hours and is apparently a pizza pro. He does cook for us occasionally, has for years, and he DOES make the best homemade pizza I've every had. My favorite dish he ever cooked for us is Roasted Red Pepper soup. Now I'm not a fan of the red pepper, any pepper really, but this stuff was so good I wanted to take a bath in it!
Lyndsay is working hard with her two jobs. She has to be at work before I even get out of bed some mornings. I guess that's the price you pay for providing the best bagels in town.
Actually, "work is the price you pay for money". (another of my "favorite sayings" for those of you who remember THAT post) She is still hunting and gathering items for her apartment and we are making plans behind her back about all the things we can do with the extra space she will leave behind.
So that's the family update. We all look forward to Tuesday. Regardless of the outcome; there will be both happy and disappointment in our household. I will say that this election (and having a mixed bag of ideas in our home) has forced all of us to keep an open mind, debate with civility and not listen to the news for our news!
We had two birthdays this week...Lola turned 2 on Thursday and Mark on the 27th inched closer and closer to the big 5-0.
Nathan has been getting more and more hours and is apparently a pizza pro. He does cook for us occasionally, has for years, and he DOES make the best homemade pizza I've every had. My favorite dish he ever cooked for us is Roasted Red Pepper soup. Now I'm not a fan of the red pepper, any pepper really, but this stuff was so good I wanted to take a bath in it!
Lyndsay is working hard with her two jobs. She has to be at work before I even get out of bed some mornings. I guess that's the price you pay for providing the best bagels in town.
Actually, "work is the price you pay for money". (another of my "favorite sayings" for those of you who remember THAT post) She is still hunting and gathering items for her apartment and we are making plans behind her back about all the things we can do with the extra space she will leave behind.
So that's the family update. We all look forward to Tuesday. Regardless of the outcome; there will be both happy and disappointment in our household. I will say that this election (and having a mixed bag of ideas in our home) has forced all of us to keep an open mind, debate with civility and not listen to the news for our news!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Spirit of Central
You can't even imagine the high level of excellence that Marching Bands achieve here in Indiana. Our State competition is coming up and there are so many bands that could come out as the State Champion! Keep your fingers crossed for us!
You can pick Emily out if you watch real close...about midway through the short clip (hope this posts right!) she leaps over from the right to the 50 and does a toss.
Friday, October 17, 2008
What do YOU think?
“From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” Karl Marx in 1875.
Those who want to go directly to hell, they can follow capitalism. And those of us who want to build heaven here on earth, we will follow socialism.
Hugo Chavez
So"cial*ism\, n. [Cf. F. socialisme.] A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor.
The alleged goals of socialism were: the abolition of poverty, the achievement of general prosperity, progress, peace and human brotherhood. The results have been a terrifying failure—terrifying, that is, if one’s motive is men’s welfare.
Instead of prosperity, socialism has brought economic paralysis and/or collapse to every country that tried it. The degree of socialization has been the degree of disaster. The consequences have varied accordingly.-Ayn Rand
“Or they say, ‘Chavez is regulating prices. He is violating the laws of the marketplace.’ How many times have they criticized me for nationalizing the phone company? They say, ‘The state shouldn’t get involved in that.’ But now they don’t criticize Bush for having nationalize . . . the biggest banks in the world. Comrade Bush, how are you?”
The audience laughed and Chavez continued.
“Comrade Bush is heading toward socialism.”
Republican Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky said that when he first heard about the bailout plan, "I thought I woke up in France. But no, it turns out socialism is alive and well in America."
Those who want to go directly to hell, they can follow capitalism. And those of us who want to build heaven here on earth, we will follow socialism.
Hugo Chavez
So"cial*ism\, n. [Cf. F. socialisme.] A theory or system of social reform which contemplates a complete reconstruction of society, with a more just and equitable distribution of property and labor.
The alleged goals of socialism were: the abolition of poverty, the achievement of general prosperity, progress, peace and human brotherhood. The results have been a terrifying failure—terrifying, that is, if one’s motive is men’s welfare.
Instead of prosperity, socialism has brought economic paralysis and/or collapse to every country that tried it. The degree of socialization has been the degree of disaster. The consequences have varied accordingly.-Ayn Rand
“Or they say, ‘Chavez is regulating prices. He is violating the laws of the marketplace.’ How many times have they criticized me for nationalizing the phone company? They say, ‘The state shouldn’t get involved in that.’ But now they don’t criticize Bush for having nationalize . . . the biggest banks in the world. Comrade Bush, how are you?”
The audience laughed and Chavez continued.
“Comrade Bush is heading toward socialism.”
Republican Sen. Jim Bunning of Kentucky said that when he first heard about the bailout plan, "I thought I woke up in France. But no, it turns out socialism is alive and well in America."
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Movin' on
We've come to the end of the debates and I've gotta say, I still have a few questions!
Dear Candidates,
Could you each define what your idea of a "small business" is? This would help a lot of people understand where they stand within your plans. I'd also like to understand your plan for a war in both Iraq and Afganistan, where are you going to get enough soldiers? More National Guard? Less in Iraq? Help me out here. Blah, blah, blah, tax plan, blah blah, blah, health plan...blah, blah, blah.
Whew, now that I have that out, on to the family.
Mark is still the studious student and flying through his classes. He goes to school, does homework, goes to the YMCA regularly, helps with housework, all while working full time...great guy
Flying the Coop:
Lyndsay was approved today for her first apartment. She won't be too far from home, and not moving out until December but I am already starting to miss her! At the same time, I am very proud of her and her independant nature. By the way, if you have any old, patched up chairs or lamps you no longer use, send em her way!
Pluggin Along:
Nathan got his first paycheck Monday. Yippie!
Choose your weapon:
Emily is working hard and the band show is awesome! She has a few great spots up front (she does love to be the center of attention) LC has won 1st place in several contests this year and of course I think they are simply the best. You can see a short video on indianamarching.com (go to video vault and look for Lawrence Central). I've tried to post a link here (hope it works). As you watch, Emily is to the right on your screen, first to toss the rifle.
Lawrence Cetnral 9/13/08
Queen Lucy:
Lucy had to make a visit to the vet on Saturday for an antibiotic. She is doing much, much, better, but I'm a little embarrassed...she's already 10 yrs old and I've had her at 8 or 9 I guess for a couple of years. (Her b-day is 1/29/98) Darn, I missed an excuse for birthday cake!!
Dear Candidates,
Could you each define what your idea of a "small business" is? This would help a lot of people understand where they stand within your plans. I'd also like to understand your plan for a war in both Iraq and Afganistan, where are you going to get enough soldiers? More National Guard? Less in Iraq? Help me out here. Blah, blah, blah, tax plan, blah blah, blah, health plan...blah, blah, blah.
Whew, now that I have that out, on to the family.
Mark is still the studious student and flying through his classes. He goes to school, does homework, goes to the YMCA regularly, helps with housework, all while working full time...great guy
Flying the Coop:
Lyndsay was approved today for her first apartment. She won't be too far from home, and not moving out until December but I am already starting to miss her! At the same time, I am very proud of her and her independant nature. By the way, if you have any old, patched up chairs or lamps you no longer use, send em her way!
Pluggin Along:
Nathan got his first paycheck Monday. Yippie!
Choose your weapon:
Emily is working hard and the band show is awesome! She has a few great spots up front (she does love to be the center of attention) LC has won 1st place in several contests this year and of course I think they are simply the best. You can see a short video on indianamarching.com (go to video vault and look for Lawrence Central). I've tried to post a link here (hope it works). As you watch, Emily is to the right on your screen, first to toss the rifle.
Lawrence Cetnral 9/13/08
Queen Lucy:
Lucy had to make a visit to the vet on Saturday for an antibiotic. She is doing much, much, better, but I'm a little embarrassed...she's already 10 yrs old and I've had her at 8 or 9 I guess for a couple of years. (Her b-day is 1/29/98) Darn, I missed an excuse for birthday cake!!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Born in the USA
Yet another campaign was threatened this week to stop playing a song on the trail that they had paid the copyright fee for. It has happened to both camps...Obama..not allowed to use "Soul Man"...probably a good thing in the long run...and McCain is no "Hero" to the Foo
Fighters.
Ultimately, these artists don't agree with the politics of the of the user and therefore have asked, demanded, threatened lawsuits if they continue to use the song on the campaign trail. The thing I don't agree with about this is that these artists have put their "product" on the market for purchase (copyright fees). These campaigns paid the fees. To me, it's not a lot different than buying a sweater at Macy's, then the designer decides they don't like the way it looks on you, so you are asked not to wear it any longer.
I pay to download music all the time. I love Pink's edgy songs and Madonna (being a product of the 80's) will always hold a special place in my heart. I've paid to use their songs, bought CD's, and even albums back in the day. Knowing I don't always agree with these gals on politics; would they ask ME to stop playing their music?
I've heard that Hank Williams Jr. is set to perform at a Palin/Mc...oops...McCain/Palin rally. I would get a kick out of it if he'd dedicate "All My Rowdy Friends" to Obama, considering some of his past affiliations. I personally think having Hank "live" is a little risky though because, well, Hank tends to speak his mind and not always in a sane, stable manner. Maybe that is fitting for this campaign.
None of us would want these rallys to be devoid of music. Music energizes, and it would be awkward to intro Joe Bidden with orchsetra music or John McCain with humming. If Sarah Palin has paid to use "Bringin' Sexy Back or Lady Marmalade" and Obama forked over thousands to walk onto stage to "Crank Dat or I've Got Friends in Low Places", we could judge them on song choice, but the artists who recorded these songs should be out of the picture. Hey, I bought the ugly sweater, and if I want to belt it I can. It now belongs to me.
For me, this whole fiasco has highlighted the intolerance of the famous.
Bottom line is this...Attention famous people...we like you for your voice; your catchy tunes, don't assume we really care about your political views too. Your fans are a diverse bunch.
Fighters.
Ultimately, these artists don't agree with the politics of the of the user and therefore have asked, demanded, threatened lawsuits if they continue to use the song on the campaign trail. The thing I don't agree with about this is that these artists have put their "product" on the market for purchase (copyright fees). These campaigns paid the fees. To me, it's not a lot different than buying a sweater at Macy's, then the designer decides they don't like the way it looks on you, so you are asked not to wear it any longer.
I pay to download music all the time. I love Pink's edgy songs and Madonna (being a product of the 80's) will always hold a special place in my heart. I've paid to use their songs, bought CD's, and even albums back in the day. Knowing I don't always agree with these gals on politics; would they ask ME to stop playing their music?
I've heard that Hank Williams Jr. is set to perform at a Palin/Mc...oops...McCain/Palin rally. I would get a kick out of it if he'd dedicate "All My Rowdy Friends" to Obama, considering some of his past affiliations. I personally think having Hank "live" is a little risky though because, well, Hank tends to speak his mind and not always in a sane, stable manner. Maybe that is fitting for this campaign.
None of us would want these rallys to be devoid of music. Music energizes, and it would be awkward to intro Joe Bidden with orchsetra music or John McCain with humming. If Sarah Palin has paid to use "Bringin' Sexy Back or Lady Marmalade" and Obama forked over thousands to walk onto stage to "Crank Dat or I've Got Friends in Low Places", we could judge them on song choice, but the artists who recorded these songs should be out of the picture. Hey, I bought the ugly sweater, and if I want to belt it I can. It now belongs to me.
For me, this whole fiasco has highlighted the intolerance of the famous.
Bottom line is this...Attention famous people...we like you for your voice; your catchy tunes, don't assume we really care about your political views too. Your fans are a diverse bunch.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Lift up your voice
It takes guts to get up and do karaoke...this is why most people need to have a few shots of liquid courage first!
Some of the best times I've had has been watching people sing! The first time I ever went to a place that had karaoke was problably 1998. There were some very serious singers there, but my personal favorite was the big guy who got up and sang "I'm too sexy for my shirt". There is a little place down the street that Mark and I have gone to a few times. Talk about serious...some of these people have made their own music mix on cd and bring them in and wait for their three minutes of fame.
I say let's have fun with it. I just don't think the audience appreciates those serious individuals the same way they do when say, Lyndsay sings "I like big butts". Anyone who knows me, knows my all time favorite karaoke song to perform...and yes, I perform...is "Love Shack". "Me and Bobby McGee" was my most embarassing ever...and I completely missed Nathan doing Johnny Cash at the beach due to a restroom break. The funniest I've ever watched (in horror) was a guy about 60 yrs old do "Funky Cold Medina". There is a limit!
Songs are fun, and every one of us sing....in the car, while cleaning, in the shower..heck, I can sing; just doesn't sound great when I do it.
My Mom was a singer at heart. She and my Dad both deepened my love for music and I see the result in my own kids who probably know songs the average teen has never heard. (You know your a redneck when you get a David Allen Coe CD from your Grandfather for Christmas)
You'll notice a few songs playing while you browse the site. These are the ones that no matter what, always make me think of my Mom. Next time I get a chance at Karaoke, maybe I'll give "Delta Dawn" a try.
Some of the best times I've had has been watching people sing! The first time I ever went to a place that had karaoke was problably 1998. There were some very serious singers there, but my personal favorite was the big guy who got up and sang "I'm too sexy for my shirt". There is a little place down the street that Mark and I have gone to a few times. Talk about serious...some of these people have made their own music mix on cd and bring them in and wait for their three minutes of fame.
I say let's have fun with it. I just don't think the audience appreciates those serious individuals the same way they do when say, Lyndsay sings "I like big butts". Anyone who knows me, knows my all time favorite karaoke song to perform...and yes, I perform...is "Love Shack". "Me and Bobby McGee" was my most embarassing ever...and I completely missed Nathan doing Johnny Cash at the beach due to a restroom break. The funniest I've ever watched (in horror) was a guy about 60 yrs old do "Funky Cold Medina". There is a limit!
Songs are fun, and every one of us sing....in the car, while cleaning, in the shower..heck, I can sing; just doesn't sound great when I do it.
My Mom was a singer at heart. She and my Dad both deepened my love for music and I see the result in my own kids who probably know songs the average teen has never heard. (You know your a redneck when you get a David Allen Coe CD from your Grandfather for Christmas)
You'll notice a few songs playing while you browse the site. These are the ones that no matter what, always make me think of my Mom. Next time I get a chance at Karaoke, maybe I'll give "Delta Dawn" a try.
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