Romney's VP Short List

Romney is the apparent Republican Presidential nominee, so it's time we get to understand him, his beliefs, and his character better. I've compiled a list of books below to assist in this endeavor. What about the VP candidate? It'll be a while until this person is disclosed but let's look at the front runners:

Books about Romney:

Below are books on the VP short list candidates:




From Fox News VP List:

GOP Rep. Paul Ryan appears to be in the top mix of any list, to be sure. The Wisconsin congressman campaigned in his home state with Romney for five days around the Tuesday primary, helping the former Massachusetts governor win convincingly in a three-state sweep.


Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/06/romney-looks-for-winning-combo-in-narrowing-vp-field/#ixzz1rMayGx4z

Several other contenders meanwhile claim to be taking themselves out of the running, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio. That doesn't mean they wouldn't change their minds if asked, but the volume of political figures shunning the VP spotlight suggests Romney's choices might be limited.

Ryan, while not a lock, is seen as a natural complement in a GOP ticket that has Romney as the Harvard-educated financier at top and Ryan, who rose from working-class roots to chairman of the House Budget Committee, as a running mate. Ryan's deficit-slashing budget proposals have helped make him a rising GOP star.

“Paul Ryan is a very interesting vice presidential candidate,” said Republican strategist Taylor Griffin, partner of Washington-based Hamilton Place Strategies. “The assumption, which is the correct assumption, is that Ryan would bring serious leadership. And whatever you say about Paul Ryan, he’s a serious guy.”


Though the Romney campaign has downplayed talk of a Romney-Ryan team, Hamilton points out that President Obama appears to recognize Ryan’s power and influence, consider much of his roughly 37-minute speech Monday was a withering attack on Ryan’s budget proposal.


Like other GOP strategists, Hamilton, who most recently worked on Sen. John McCain’s 2008 presidential campaign, thinks Rubio would be a good running mate too, despite Rubio suggesting he is not interested.


Beyond helping secure the Hispanic vote, Rubio as the son of Cuban immigrants presents the America Dream and will appeal to conservatives, Hamilton said.


“He made success out of very meager beginnings,” he said Thursday. “And you satisfy the base with the vice president, which frees you to appeal to the middle.”

GOP strategist Elliott Curson agrees that Rubio will appeal to the GOP base but suspects Romney is feeling pressure to pick GOP challenger Rick Santorum, who has strong support among Tea Party members and voters in the Deep South.

“Voters might come out for Rubio. They will come out for Rick,” said Curson, a media consultant on Ronald Reagan's 1980 presidential campaign.

Among the other names mentioned are New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie -- powerful, but perhaps too powerful for vice president, Curson said. Christie, discussing the VP speculation, has suggested he wouldn't be too comfortable as someone's No. 2.

Another name that has recently surfaced is first-term Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from the swing state of Ohio.

Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said Thursday that voters should not automatically assume Romney will pick a vice presidential candidate from a swing state rich in electoral votes.
In fact, a vice president has never come out of Florida, and the last one from Ohio was in 1944, Sabato said.
“It’s amazing how many of these presidential candidates bypass these mega-swing states,” he added.

As for a female candidate, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has said she would decline a Romney offer, and New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez has said she is not interested.

Other names include Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, South Dakota Sen. John Thune and former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty.

Though most suspected to be on the short-list have demurred, Curson and Hamilton said that’s just part of the strategy because announcing too early kicks in opposition research -- and perhaps more importantly campaigns need to create buzz with a surprise pick.
“Keep them guessing until the end,” Curson said.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/04/06/romney-looks-for-winning-combo-in-narrowing-vp-field/#ixzz1rMarCq2G



Books about the VP Short List candidates.

Obama using his Judicial appointments to change America.

Obama is using the court to push his agenda when Dems cannot win the vote, A federal judge has invalidated parts of Wisconsin Gov Scott Walker's law that restricts collective-bargaining rights of most public unions..

District Judge William M. Conley ruled that the state could not require a recertification vote every year for some public-employee unions, and could not ban unions from collecting dues. Conley was nominated by Obama and confirmed in 2010.

In 2001, State Senator Obama gave an interview with Chicago Public Radio where he stated that the supreme court could be used as a mechanism to redistribute wealth in the country and that a failure to do this was one of the tragedies of the civil rights movement. He stated that the court was not structured to bring about redistributive wealth, and may not be the best mechanism to achieve that goal.

During the 2008 campaign, Senator Obama was asked about the type of person he would appoint as a supreme court justice. Senator Obama stated that there were two criteria: intellectual qualifications and the academic credentials to perform, and an empathy for the people involved. He stated that he wanted his appointments to protect people who had no money or political power and not be too involved in abstractions. Senator Obama was also critical of the recent history of only choosing people for the bench that came out of academia.

Senator Obama also stated during the campaign that while he did not view it as a litmus test, he would not appoint a judge that did not believe in the validity of Roe vs Wade. He stated that the right of women to choose was at stake in the election with the likely retirements of two liberal justices in the next four years.

In appointing Justice Sotomayor, President Obama remarked that she had a terrific life story and a great deal of empathy for her fellow man. He also reinforced previous statements that he viewed gender and race as important factors in deciding a judicial appointment.

Despite previous statements that he disagreed with the reliance on academia for judicial appointments, President Obama selected a second Justice in Elena Kagan who had spent her entire life in academia with a brief service as Solicitor General.

President Obama's statements and actions suggest that he views the life story, gender, race and political views of the person being appointed as important factors in selecting a judge.

Obama is determined to leave a legacy of Judges that desire to push a social agenda, and not support the law of the land.  We cannot offord four more years of Obama's Judicial appointments.
Vote Nobama in 2012!

Obama Care Town Hall, Featuring Senators Coburn and Barrasso

During the debate over Obamacare, Democrats and the president claimed that the law would lower health care costs, create hundreds of thousands of jobs, protect Medicare, and allow Americans to keep their health care plans. Two years later, it's clear that not one of those promises will be kept. Instead, the health care law will drive up families' premiums by more than $2,000, force cash-strapped state governments to shoulder more than $100 billion in new Medicaid costs, take more than half a trillion dollars from Medicare, and encourage employers to drop health care coverage for up to 35 million Americans. And far from creating jobs, the health care law will actually result in 800,000 fewer jobs over the next decade. It's time to repeal Obamacare and replace it with commonsense, step-by-step reforms that will actually lower costs.

See the Coburn and Barrasso video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe6pWI_kklU&feature=youtu.be

See Borken Promise video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44U-Wl5CUXM&feature=youtu.be

Olympia Snowe's exit interview. Obama gets an "F"

Olympia Snowe surprised everyone when she decided not to run for reelection.  As one of the most moderate of Republicans she has a unique view on politics, she gives Obama a "Fail" on his ability to work across party lines.. Here is the link to the interview. http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/power-players-abc-news/frustrated-senator-olympia-snowe-gives-obama-f-101657433.html

Obama is Blind to Health Care Waste by SCA and DBA Contractors.

Obama is blind to health care waste by contractors.  While Obama pushed through a Health Care program that nobody wants, he turned a blind eye to programs funded by the US Government to contractors that are meant to pay for benefits based on an hourly fringe rate. Many of these contractors pay this health care fringe out in wage to their employees this allows the employee to use Health Care Fringe dollars to purchase cigarettes and beer and remain uninsured.

Here are the two laws governing these contracted employees  

Service Contract Act http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-sca.htm  These employees perform services such as Food Service, Custodial, Security and Admin Support on military bases or federal buildings.   The hourly fringe rate for Health and Welfare is currently $3.59 an hour. There are thousands of uninsured employees under these contracts receiving an extra $7,000 a year meant for health coverage, approximately half of contractors do not mandate or provide coverage.

Davis Bacon Act http://www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-dbra.htm  These employees perform work on federal construction projects. Health and Welfare Fringe rates can range from $4.00 to $25.00 an hour. There are thousands of employees under these contracts and most employers pay the fringe in wage.

While congress is trying to figure out how to save tax payer money, someone with some clout needs to push to close the cash option loop hole on these laws, and save billions of dollars from being wasted.  This money should be used only to purchase group health coverage as intended, or go toward the Employee's retirement if they have a non government provided group health plan already in place from another employer or Spouse's employer. This money should also not be allowed to be administered by Union plans which is often the case with SCA employees,

Obama can't control Gas prices, but Bush could according to Dems.

I found this from the Washington Post.
Dems have quite the double standard, don't they? Please share on Face Book or Twitter to expose the truth that the media glosses over in blind support of Obama.

This Washington Post poll demonstrates an interesting phenomenon. In 2006, 73 percent of Democrats believed the Bush administration could reduce gas prices. Today, just 33 percent of Democrats believe there is anything President Obama can do about them. That’s a 40 point swing. (To be sure some Republicans have also flip-flopped on this, but only by an 18 point swing.)





Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2012/03/22/democrats-bush-could-control-gas-prices-but-obama-cant/#ixzz1pycdRPrH

Blue Zone Retirement

Blue Zones are areas with unusually large populations of centenarians (People over the age of 100).

"Blue Zones" author Buettner has identified nine common denominators of blue zone residents, what he calls the Power 9. Blue zone residents move naturally, in order words, they're not hopping in their cars to get everywhere. Blue zoners tend to walk a lot. They have a positive outlook, and a purpose. People in blue zones work less and know how to relax. They don't eat too much, and they tend to eat a Mediterranean diet low in saturated fats. Blue zone residents also belong to a social network and make their families a priority too.


Another striking feature of blue zone centenarians is that they tend to stay healthy up until the end of life. Many people are afraid to live to be 100 because they worry about being sick for a long time. But in the blue zones, people lead a long and healthy life. The end stage of life is very short, and there's little or no debilitation.”

Five Blue Zones have been identified by Buettner:


1. Sardinia Italy : One team of demographers found a hot spot of longevity in mountain villages where men reach the age of 100 years at an amazing rate.


2. The islands of Okinawa Japan: Another team examined a group that is among the longest lived on Earth.


3. Loma Linda, California: Researchers studied a group of Seventh Day Adventists who rank among America's longevity all-stars.


4. The Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica, was the subject of research on a Quest Network expedition which began on January 29, 2007.


5. Icaria Greece The April '09 expedition to the island of Ikaria uncovered the location with the highest percentage of 90 year-olds on the planet - nearly 1 out of 3 people make it to their 90s. Furthermore, Ikarians "have about 20 percent lower rates of cancer, 50 percent lower rates of heart disease and almost no dementia.


Residents of the first three places produce a high rate of centenarians, suffer a fraction of the diseases that commonly kill people in other parts of the developed world, and enjoy more healthy years of life.


Read more about the Blue Zones in the books linked here.

Kony 2012

My son brought Kony 2012 to my attention this morning. He watched this youtube video and was moved enough to ask me to watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc

To assist in this cause I wanted to do my part by trying to educate on who Kony is, and what to do next.
Read the below, then go to www.kony2012.com and sign the pledge. This is not a Republican or Democrat issue, this is a Human issue.

The below is copied from www.kony2012.com

WHO IS JOSEPH KONY?

JOSEPH KONY IS THE WORLD’S WORST WAR CRIMINAL. IN 1987 HE TOOK OVER LEADERSHIP OF AN EXISTING REBEL GROUP AND RENAMED IT THE LORD’S RESISTANCE ARMY (LRA).

THE LRA HAS EARNED A REPUTATION FOR ITS CRUEL AND BRUTAL TACTICS. WHEN JOSEPH KONY FOUND HIMSELF RUNNING OUT OF FIGHTERS, HE STARTED ABDUCTING CHILDREN TO BE SOLDIERS IN HIS ARMY OR “WIVES” FOR HIS OFFICERS. THE LRA IS ENCOURAGED TO RAPE, MUTILATE, AND KILL CIVILIANS–OFTEN WITH BLUNT WEAPONS.

THE LRA IS NO LONGER ACTIVE IN NORTHERN UGANDA (WHERE IT ORIGINATED) BUT IT CONTINUES ITS CAMPAIGN OF VIOLENCE IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC, AND SOUTH SUDAN. IN ITS 26-YEAR HISTORY, THE LRA HAS ABDUCTED MORE THAN 30,000 CHILDREN AND DISPLACED AT LEAST 2.1 MILLION PEOPLE.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF KONY 2012?

INVISIBLE CHILDREN HAS BEEN WORKING FOR 9 YEARS TO END AFRICA’S LONGEST-RUNNING ARMED CONFLICT. U.S. MILITARY ADVISERS ARE CURRENTLY DEPLOYED IN CENTRAL AFRICA ON A “TIME-LIMITED” MISSION TO STOP KONY AND DISARM THE LRA. IF KONY ISN’T CAPTURED THIS YEAR, THE WINDOW WILL BE GONE.

WE ARE TAKING ACTION TO ENSURE THESE TWO THINGS:

1) THAT JOSEPH KONY IS KNOWN AS THE WORLD’S WORST WAR CRIMINAL.

2) THAT THE U.S. MILITARY ADVISERS SUPPORT THE UGANDAN ARMY UNTIL KONY HAS BEEN CAPTURED AND THE LRA HAS BEEN COMPLETELY DISARMED. THEY NEED TO FOLLOW THROUGH ALL THE WAY AND FINISH WHAT THEY HAVE STARTED.

WHY ARE WE MAKING JOSEPH KONY "FAMOUS"?

INVISIBLE CHILDREN’S KONY 2012 CAMPAIGN AIMS TO MAKE JOSEPH KONY FAMOUS, NOT TO CELEBRATE HIM, BUT TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR HIS ARREST AND SET A PRECEDENT FOR INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE. IN THIS CASE, NOTORIETY TRANSLATES TO PUBLIC SUPPORT. IF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT THE CRIMES THAT KONY HAS BEEN COMMITTING FOR 26 YEARS, THEY WILL UNITE TO STOP HIM.

SECONDLY, WE WANT KONY TO BE FAMOUS SO THAT WHEN HE IS STOPPED, HE WILL BE A VISIBLE, CONCRETE EXAMPLE OF INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE. THEN OTHER WAR CRIMINALS WILL KNOW THAT THEIR MASS ATROCITIES WILL NOT GO UNNOTICED OR UNPUNISHED.

Election 2012, I'll vote Nobama

It’s been a long while since my last blog.  To be honest I’ve been a bit discouraged with the whole political system and the party lines drawn in the sand over every issue.   I’m a capitalist, I believe in a strong defense, the right to bear arms, I’m socially conservative, I’m pro environment, and pro energy independence, and against the Obama Health care plan.   Why is it only the Leftist Socialists candidates can claim to be pro environment in the US? Why can’t a conservative be concerned about our environment? Some stands by environmentalists are silly, such as the recent pipeline Obama blocked from being built.  Seriously?  We already have pipelines crisscrossing the areas of concern.  It may take us 50 years to wean ourselves completely off oil. Do we want to use tankers to bring the oil to us? Increasing the risk of an oil spill at sea? Do we want to continue to fund nations supporting terrorism with oil dollars? We need to use the oil from our continent if we can, until we can convert to cleaner more sustainable sources.

I’m a Republican but I have no excitement over any of the candidates.  I probably agree with Gingrich on most issues. Gingrich does have a pro environment stand, but if you believe the pundits his baggage will almost guaranty an Obama victory, and who wants that? The Republican candidate will most likely be Romney. Who leans or has leaned left on many issues except the environment.  His disdain for wind and solar technology, and his Romney care plan in Mass are just a couple of the turnoffs I have regarding him.  Somehow we the people with common sense must bring an environmental awareness to the Republican Party.  How many millions of votes will the Left win because of close minded beliefs by the right on the environment.  This is a topic that could and should expand the base if both sides of the coin were allowed to be relevant in discussion.

Obama Health Plan facts

Please help us get this information into the hands of as many people as possible by forwarding it to your entire e-mail list of family and friends. Here is a copy of the ObamaCare health plan. You better read it because you will be forced to live with it! July 31, 2009
Here is an overview of the ObamaCare health care bill (HR 3200) which Congress is about to force every citizen to live under, except members of Congress.Members of Congress will be exempt from being forced into this plan. They will have their own. The liberals, Democrats and some Republicans - while forcing you to join the plan - refuse to include themselves. Members of Congress will have a better plan which gives them freedom you will be denied.You can read an updated and revised overview of HR 3200 compiled by Liberty Counsel.Or, go to the full text of HR 3200 and read directly from the government website what this bill does!
http://www.liberty.edu/media/9980/attachments/healthcare_overview_obama_072909.pdf
Your Senators and Representative will soon be home for the August recess of Congress. Get a car load of friends and go meet with your Senators and Representative. Find out where he or she is holding Townhall meetings. Go to those meetings and ask for some answers! Some of them may try to avoid discussing ObamaCare. Don't let them!Find your Senators and Representative local offices here.Take Action! • E-mail your Senators and Representative,asking for a schedule of their Townhall meeting during the month of August. Once you get the information, get a carload of friends and attend the Townhall meeting.• If your Senators or Representative is not holding Townhall meeting, ask why not.(We have been told that many of those favoring ObamaCare aren't holding meeting because they don't want to answer questions about ObamaCare.) Then ask for an appointment at his or her district office nearest you.


Thank you for caring enough to get involved. If you feel our efforts are worthy of support, would you consider making a small tax-deductible contribution to help us continue? https://donate.afa.net/default.aspx?noseal=
Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon,Founder and ChairmanAmerican Family Association Donate with confidence to AFA (gifts are tax-deductible)

Please take a few minutes and invite your friends to AFA ActionAlert.

Green Collar Vets

I found this organization and wanted to share it with you, they have a lot of information on their site for upcoming Green job fairs for Vets.


Green Collar Vets is a nationwide organization that promotes operations at a grass roots level. We believe in the power of local communities to support their veterans' needs and opportunities, as well as their local emerging Green industries.
Our goal is to ensure that those servicemen and women, who have served our country with distinction, and are now interested in civilian careers that lessen our dependence on oil, or lessen the impact of toxins in our environment, have a guiding hand to find that job - and the additional support to be successful in it. The end result will provide a competent, professional workforce for the installation, operation, maintenance and management of green products and services across the country. THE MILITARY VETERAN NEED:In 2006, 175,000 servicemen and women entered the civilian labor market in 2006. The same year, 110,000 Reservists returned home from periods of active-duty service and resumed their civilian careers. These numbers are expected to increase. Newly-separating veterans face significant challenges returning to civilian life and securing meaningful employment that will support themselves and their families. - Unemployment among young veterans is about 15%, or roughly three times what it is overall in our economy. - Many veterans have been trained in wartime specialties that are not transferable to the civilian sector, such as weapons specialists, munitions handlers, gunners and infantrymen. - Wartime disabilities may be physical or mental, according to the 2009 IAVA report.- While the GI Bill provides valuable educational benefits for veterans, many of 'green' employment opportunities require training, licensing, or certifications that are not yet covered by this benefit.THE GREEN BUSINESS NEED:RAPID GROWTH The American Solar Energy Society 2008 Green Collar Jobs report forecasts 37 million jobs from Renewable Energy (RE) and Energy Efficiency (EE) by 2030. Investment in these industries is soaring and supported by the new Obama administration. LABOR SHORTAGE In spite of massive lay-offs and rising unemployment in 2009, America’s growing green economy faces a looming labor shortage in sectors like manufacturing, construction and installation. The National Renewable Energy Lab has identified a shortage of skills and training as a leading barrier to renewable energy and energy efficiency growth. This includes lack in the workforce of adequate scientific, technical, and manufacturing skills required for EE/RE development; lack of reliable installation, maintenance, and inspection services; and failure of the educational system to provide adequate training in new technologies.
THE GREEN COLLAR VET INITIATIVEGreen Collar Vets links this group of multi-skilled individuals, who have proven their desire to make the world a safer place, with the rapidly-growing, multi-faceted industries that are based on making the world a better place. It is a natural fit.NATIONAL OUTREACH: Our stakeholders are veterans, 'green' employers, and their communities.Our Phase II Website will assist a veteran to research what the various green careers are, who offers training, and where these jobs are located. It will assist employers and qualified veterans to find each other. LOCAL OUTREACH: Starting in Texas, and branching out to communities across the United States by 2010, local chapters of Green Collar Vets will oversee 'green' scholarships and training programs for qualified veterans. Communty resources for career counseling, resume writing, interview skills, and other services will be coordinated. Volunteers will visit local military bases to speak at transition programs. They will visit hiring 'green' employers to connect veterans with these good jobs that pay family wages and provide opportunities for advancement along a career track of increasing skills and wages.
BECOME INVOLVED!1. Friends of Green Collar Vets: Use the CONTACT page and we'll add you to our e-newsletter list, which makes it easy to track our progress and find opportunities to help our veterans.2. Veterans: Use the CONTACT page to view eligibility requirements for our services and let us know of your interest. You will receive our 'veterans only' Green Jobs Report newsletter. Older 'been-there, done-that veterans' may want to mentor someone in your area. We can facilitate that.


http://www.greencollarvets.org/

Montgomery GI Bill time limitation follow up. Contact information to the Armed Services Committee.

Please contact your Congressman and Senators regarding the Montgomery GI Bill 10 year time limits. Almost 70% of these funds are never used, now with the stimulus program signed by Obama the Vets were forgotten. These funds could have been reactivated, enabling Vets to retrain and hone their skills to find work. A bill in 2007 attempting to do so never got to a vote. Please push your Congressmen and Senators to relook at this Bill "Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate) S 1261, 110th CONGRESS"

Below are the current Members of the Armed Services Committees.


Senate


FULL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
DEMOCRATS
Carl Levin (Michigan)Chairman
Edward M. Kennedy (Massachusetts)Robert C. Byrd (West Virginia)Joseph I. Lieberman (Connecticut)Jack Reed (Rhode Island)Daniel K. Akaka (Hawaii)Bill Nelson (Florida)Ben Nelson (Nebraska)Evan Bayh (Indiana)Jim Webb (Virginia)Claire McCaskill (Missouri)Mark Udall (Colorado)Kay R. Hagan (North Carolina)Mark Begich (Alaska)Roland W. Burris (Illinois)
REPUBLICANS
John McCain (Arizona)Ranking Member
James M. Inhofe (Oklahoma)Jeff Sessions (Alabama)Saxby Chambliss (Georgia)Lindsey Graham (South Carolina)John Thune (South Dakota)Mel Martinez (Florida)Roger F. Wicker (Mississippi)Richard Burr (North Carolina)David Vitter (Louisiana)Susan M. Collins (Maine)

House Committe Members

Ike Skelton, Missouri, Chairman
John M. McHugh, New York, Ranking Member
John Spratt, South Carolina
Roscoe G. Bartlett, Maryland
Solomon P. Ortiz, Texas
Howard P. “Buck” McKeon, California
Gene Taylor, Mississippi
Mac Thornberry, Texas
Neil Abercrombie, Hawaii
Walter B. Jones, North Carolina
Silvestre Reyes, Texas
W. Todd Akin, Missouri
Vic Snyder, Arkansas
J. Randy Forbes, Virginia
Adam Smith, Washington
Jeff Miller, Florida
Loretta Sanchez, California
Joe Wilson, South Carolina
Mike McIntyre, North Carolina
Frank A. LoBiondo, New Jersey
Ellen O. Tauscher, California
Rob Bishop, Utah
Robert A. Brady, Pennsylvania
Michael Turner, Ohio
Robert Andrews, New Jersey
John Kline, Minnesota
Susan A. Davis, California
Mike Rogers, Alabama
James R. Langevin, Rhode Island
Trent Franks, Arizona
Rick Larsen, Washington
Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania
Jim Cooper, Tennessee
Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Washington
Jim Marshall, Georgia
Michael Conaway, Texas
Madeleine Z. Bordallo, Guam
Doug Lamborn, Colorado
Brad Ellsworth, Indiana
Rob Wittman, Virginia
Patrick Murphy, Pennsylvania
Mary Fallin, Oklahoma
Hank Johnson, Georgia
Duncan Hunter, California
Carol Shea-Porter, New Hampshire
John Fleming, Louisiana
Joe Courtney, Connecticut
Mike Coffman, Colorado
David Loebsack, Iowa
Tom Rooney, Florida
Joe Sestak, Pennsylvania
Gabrielle Giffords, Arizona
Niki Tsongas, Massachusetts
Glenn Nye, Virginia
Chellie Pingree, Maine
Larry Kissell, North Carolina
Martin Heinrich, New Mexico
Frank M. Kratovil, Jr., Maryland
Eric J.J. Massa, New York
Bobby Bright, Alabama
Scott Murphy, New York
Dan Boren, Oklahoma

Obama and the National Day of Prayer

America,
Here's your President regarding prayer, so disappointing:

President Obama is distancing himself from the National Day of Prayer by nixing a formal early morning service and not attending a large Catholic prayer breakfast the following morning. All Mr. Obama will do for the National Day of Prayer, which is Thursday, is sign a proclamation honoring the day, which originated in 1952 when Congress set aside the first Thursday in May for the event. For the past eight years, President George W. Bush invited selected Christian and Jewish leaders to the White House East Room, where he typically would give a short speech and several leaders offered prayers. White House press secretary Robert Gibbs said Tuesday. "Prayer is something the president does every day," he said. "We're doing a proclamation, which I know that many administrations in the past have done." Pressed by reporters as to the lack of a formal ceremony, Mr. Gibbs said the proclamation was Mr. Obama's choice. "That's the way the president will publicly observe National Prayer Day -- privately he'll pray as he does every day," he said. Shirley Dobson, chairwoman of the National Day of Prayer Committee, said the group was "disappointed in the lack of participation by the Obama administration."

Spending time wisely

I recieve a daily email from Christ Notes and a Weekly Wisdom email as well. I thought I'd share this weeks Wisdom on my Blog as it spoke to me today.
If you find it ineresting check out http://www.christnotes.org/


Are you causing more problems by not dealing with problems?
When a problem is concealed and not dealt with it tends to compound and become worse. For example, say you have a child who doesn't take school seriously and who studies infrequently. If you don't deal with that problem, it will likely get worse because your child will fall further behind in school. However, if you confront the problem—though it certainly won't be easy to confront—then you will likely prevent that problem from causing more and bigger problems in the future.

There are times when confronting others might inconvenience you, but not confronting them will only invite much bigger problems later. Permit yourself some inconvenience now in order to resolve problems before they worsen. Do not allow problems to multiply because you're afraid to confront.
Likewise, if someone sins against you, you should not simply ignore what happened because doing so could cause the problem to escalate. Instead, Jesus says you should confront the problem: "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over" (Matthew 18:14).
In situations where it's really challenging to deal with a problem, it may take more love to confront someone and tell them the truth—even though it hurts—than it does to simply pretend nothing is wrong. In other words, it may be easier to let the problem slide, but to do so is not love.
You can spend your time, waste your time, or invest your time. It's your choice.
We all have exactly 24 hours in one day. No more; no less. You will use that time on what you consider to be important.

No one else is forcing you to do anything. You only commit to things because you choose to; so, your schedule reveals your priorities. Examine your schedule, and you might be surprised when you discover what your priorities turn out to be.
Instead of scheduling your priorities around your life, you ought to schedule your life around your priorities.
What should those priorities be? In Matthew 6:33, Jesus says, "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Of the Ten Commandments, the very first commandment God gave was: "You shall have no other gods before me." The Bible is clear: God should be our number one -- most important -- priority.
In John 15:1-4, Jesus talks about pruning off things that produce no fruit. That is, he tells us to cut off anything that does not have meaningful, eternal value, which means that we are to get rid of anything that doesn't further our relationship with God. Clearly, God doesn't want to be number ten on a list of top ten priorities. In fact, God really doesn't even want to be number one on a list of ten; God wants to be number one on a list of one!
You could spend or waste your time doing meaningless things; or you could invest your time in order to achieve maximum eternal impact.
When you seek God as the only thing you need, he will take care of everything else (see Matthew 6:33). In Luke 10:38-42, we learn the story of Mary and Martha. As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!" "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." That's what it means to seek the only meaningful, eternal thing -- God.
Therefore, prune your life. List practical ways that you can cut out the junk in your life in order to focus on knowing God better, seeking him and knowing his word and his truth. That's the only thing needed -- that's how you invest your time wisely.

WHO update 7

Here is the most recent data from the World Health Organization.



Influenza A(H1N1) - update 7
1 May 2009 -- The situation continues to evolve rapidly. As of 06:00 GMT, 1 May 2009, 11 countries have officially reported 331 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection.
The United States Government has reported 109 laboratory confirmed human cases, including one death. Mexico has reported 156 confirmed human cases of infection, including nine deaths.
The following countries have reported laboratory confirmed cases with no deaths - Austria (1), Canada (34), Germany (3), Israel (2), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (3), Spain (13), Switzerland (1) and the United Kingdom (8).
Further information on the situation will be available on the WHO website on a regular basis. WHO advises no restriction of regular travel or closure of borders. It is considered prudent for people who are ill to delay international travel and for people developing symptoms following international travel to seek medical attention, in line with guidance from national authorities.
There is also no risk of infection from this virus from consumption of well-cooked pork and pork products. Individuals are advised to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis and should seek medical attention if they develop any symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Related linksInfluenza A(H1N1) web siteDaily updates will be posted on this site.

H1N1 5/1/09 update

H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu)
H1N1 Flu website last updated May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of H1N1 Flu Infection(As of May 1, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
TOTAL COUNTS
141 cases
1 death
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
CDC continues to take aggressive action to respond to an expanding outbreak caused by H1N1 (swine flu). CDC’s response goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by this emergency.
CDC continues to issue and update interim guidance daily in response to the rapidly evolving situation. Early this morning, CDC provided interim guidance on school closures. Supplies from CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) are being sent to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. In addition, the Federal Government and manufacturers have begun the process of developing a vaccine against this new virus.
Response actions are aggressive, but they may vary across states and communities depending on local circumstances. Communities, businesses, places of worship, schools and individuals can all take action to slow the spread of this outbreak. People who are sick are urged to stay home from work or school and to avoid contact with others, except to seek medical care. This action can avoid spreading illness further.

GI Bill 10 year limit, and the Stimulus Law

Dear Vet, You have 10 years to use your Montgomery GI Bill benefits.
Once you have separated from the service you have 10 years to use all of your benefits. Although separating from service "starts the clock" on your 10-year time limit, you should know that if you rejoin active-duty service for more than 90 days, during the 10- year period, your 10-year clock is reset. In other words, you get 10 years from your last discharge.

Almost 70% of funds are never used. Now with the stimulus program signed by Obama the Vets were forgotten. These funds could have been reactivated, enabling Vets to retrain and hone their skills to find work. A bill in 2007 attempting to do so never got to a vote. Please push your Congressmen and Senators to look at this Bill pasted below.

Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007 (Introduced in Senate)
S 1261 IS
110th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1261
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes.
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
May 1, 2007
Ms. CANTWELL (for herself, Mr. HARKIN, and Mr. BROWN) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs
A BILL
To amend titles 10 and 38, United States Code, to repeal the 10-year limit on use of Montgomery GI Bill educational assistance benefits, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the `Montgomery GI Bill for Life Act of 2007'.
SEC. 2. REPEAL OF 10-YEAR LIMIT ON USE OF VETERANS EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
(a) Restatement of Certain Continuing Authorities With Repeal- Section 3031 of title 38, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
`Sec. 3031. Extension of entitlement expiring during quarter or semester or after completion of major portion of course
`(a) If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled in an educational institution regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013 of this title, expire during such quarter or semester, such period shall be extended to the end of such quarter or semester.
`(b) If an individual eligible for educational assistance under this chapter is enrolled in an educational institution not regularly operated on the quarter or semester system and the period of such individual's entitlement under this chapter would, under section 3013 of this title, expire after a major portion of the course is completed, such period shall be extended to the end of the course or for 12 weeks, whichever is the lesser period of extension.'.
(b) Conforming Amendments- Chapter 30 of such title is further amended as follows:
(1) In section 3018C(e)(3)(B)--
(A) in clause (i), by striking `(i)'; and
(B) by striking clause (ii).
(2) In section 3020--
(A) in subsection (f)(1), by striking `Subject to the time limitation for use of entitlement under section 3031 of this title, an individual' and inserting `An individual'; and
(B) in subsection (h)(5), by striking `Notwithstanding section 3031 of this title, a child' and inserting `A child'.
(c) Clerical Amendments-
(1) HEADING AMENDMENT- The heading of subchapter IV of chapter 30 of such title is amended to read as follows:
`SUBCHAPTER IV--GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS'.
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 30 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to subchapter IV and the item relating to section 3031 and inserting the following new items:
`subchapter iv--general and administrative provisions
`3031. Extension of entitlement expiring during quarter or semester or after completion of major portion of course.'.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF 14-YEAR LIMIT ON USE OF SELECTED RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE BENEFITS.
(a) Repeal- Section 16133 of title 10, United States Code, is repealed.
(b) Clerical Amendment- The table of sections at the beginning of chapter 1606 of such title is amended by striking the item relating to section 16133.
SEC. 4. REPEAL OF TIME LIMITATION ON USE BY DISABLED MEMBERS OF EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOR RESERVE COMPONENT MEMBERS SUPPORTING CONTINGENCY AND OTHER OPERATIONS.
Subsection (b) of section 16164 of title 10, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
'(b) Entitlement of Disabled Members- (1) The maximum number of months of educational assistance under this chapter to which is entitled a person who is separated from the Ready Reserve because of a disability which was not the result of the person's own wilful misconduct incurred on or after the date on which the person became entitled to educational assistance under this chapter shall be governed by section 16162(d) of this title.
'(2) The provisions of section 3031 of title 38 shall apply to the entitlement to educational assistance under this chapter of a person covered by paragraph (1).'

Immune system and fighting the flu.

How well protected are you against the common cold and flu? Even if you've had a flu jab, you need to wash your hands religiously and take vitamin C for extra insurance. You may even want to try the herb echinacea when you first start feeling grotty. Remember also that what you eat may help prevent or treat these common illnesses. Try the tasty ideas below, and you just may avoid getting sick this season.
1. Chicken soupIt’s been called nature’s penicillin and is at the top of the list for its curative powers. Hot chicken soup helps clear clogged airways, and the nourishing broth will give you more energy. Add plenty of vegetables, including onion and garlic, for extra healing power.
2. Hot and spicy foodSome people swear by garlic, horseradish, chillis or spicy sauces to help ease congestion. Cook Indian or other ethnic foods that contain these ingredients, or simply add a spicy sauce to foods for extra zip.

3. GarlicThis fragrant bulb contains a flavoring agent called alliin which acts as a decongestant. Garlic is also believed to act as an antioxidant and destroy free-radicals, the active oxygen molecules that damage cells, so add garlic liberally to your favourite foods.
4. FluidsStay hydrated with plenty of liquids. Instead of coffee, fizzy or sweetened drinks, have plenty of water and pure fruit juices. Hot beverages work better for some people, so consider chamomile or peppermint herbal tea, or sip on hot water with a slice of lemon.
5. Citrus fruitsReach for citrus fruits to increase your vitamin C intake. Drink orange juice for breakfast, snack on half a grapefruit, or add tangerine slices to a lunchtime salad. Getting an increased amount of vitamin C is especially important if you smoke, as smoking increases both your risk of catching a cold and your body's need for this protective vitamin.
6. Vitamin C sourcesCitrus fruits aren't the only foods high in vitamin C. Potatoes, green peppers, strawberries and pineapple can help as your daily cold-fighting food arsenal.
7. GingerMany people find fresh ginger root helps treat the coughing and fever that often accompany colds and flu. Try making a ginger tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over 2 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
RememberA daily routine of high-fat, high-sugar junk foods, skipped meals and lots of caffeine can make you more susceptible to minor illnesses like colds and flu. Instead, make sure you eat plenty of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and low-fat protein to keep your immune system strong. Think of nutritious foods as part of your cold-and-flu armour, and you'll be ready to do battle whenever illness strikes.



Eat immune-boosting foods on a daily basis. A healthy diet, including a few proven immune-boosting foods, is one of the best ways to avoid catching the flu. The best flu-fighting foods are:
Fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables - Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are packed with healthy phytonutrients that can strengthen your immune system, lowering your susceptibility to the flu virus.
Fresh raw or lightly-cooked garlic - Garlic has strong natural antiviral properties that can help to fight off a flu virus. Also, garlic provides a strong boost to your immune system, especially when eaten on a regular basis.
Green Tea - Like garlic, green tea has shown the ability to both kill viruses and to stimulate the immune system to fight off flu infections, especially when used daily. Try to drink 3-6 cups of strong green tea per day during the flu season.
Cayenne Pepper - Cayenne has a long list of health benefits and is believed to be a mild immune-booster. Also, cayenne contains large amounts of natural vitamin A, considered to be an important "anti-infection" nutrient.

Swine Flu Update 4/29

Swine Influenza (Flu)
Swine Flu website last updated April 29, 11:00 AM ET
U.S. Human Cases of Swine Flu Infection(As of April 29, 2009, 11:00 AM ET)
International Human Cases of Swine Flu InfectionSee: World Health Organization
The outbreak of disease in people caused by a new influenza virus of swine origin continues to grow in the United States and internationally. Today, CDC reports additional confirmed human infections, hospitalizations and the nation’s first fatality from this outbreak. The more recent illnesses and the reported death suggest that a pattern of more severe illness associated with this virus may be emerging in the U.S. Most people will not have immunity to this new virus and, as it continues to spread, more cases, more hospitalizations and more deaths are expected in the coming days and weeks.
CDC has implemented its emergency response. The agency’s goals are to reduce transmission and illness severity, and provide information to help health care providers, public health officials and the public address the challenges posed by the new virus. Yesterday, CDC issued new interim guidance for clinicians on how to care for children and pregnant women who may be infected with this virus. Young children and pregnant women are two groups of people who are at high risk of serious complications from seasonal influenza. In addition, CDC’s Division of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) continues to send antiviral drugs, personal protective equipment, and respiratory protection devices to all 50 states and U.S. territories to help them respond to the outbreak. The swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is susceptible to the prescription antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir. This is a rapidly evolving situation and CDC will provide updated guidance and new information as it becomes available.


States /# of laboratory confirmed cases/Deaths
Arizona 1/0
California 14/0
Indiana 1/0
Kansas 2/0
Massachusetts 2/0
Michigan 2/0
Nevada 1/0
New York City 51/0
Ohio 1/0
Texas 16/1
TOTAL COUNTS
91 cases
1 death

CDC Update

Swine Flu Update
With the recent outbreak of swine influenza, you are provided with updated information for you to share with your employees. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated guidance and new information on their website, as information becomes available.
Swine Flu Update
Please see below for an update as to the progression of Swine flu in the U.S. Keep in mind there are vaccines available to be given to pigs to prevent swine influenza however, there is no vaccine to protect humans from swine flu. The seasonal influenza vaccine will likely help provide partial protection against swine H3N2, but not swine H1N1 viruses which are currently circulating.
Situation in the United States
As of 11:00 AM ET on April 28, 2009, CDC has confirmed 64 human cases of swine flu in the United States:
California: 10 cases
Kansas: 2 cases
New York City: 45 cases
Ohio: 1 case
Texas: 6 cases
For more information, please see the CDC Swine Flu website or visit www.cdc.gov/swineflu or call 1-800-232-4636.
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.