Tonight’s headlines on Yahoo! illustrate my point perfectly:

Haiti hit by largest earthquake in over 200 years
AP sources: Employer health mandate may be dropped
AP Exclusive: Obama wants $33 billion more for war
Cold weather and growing sales mock death of fur

Okay, I actually read the article about the earthquake in Haiti.  Those poor, poor people!  As if their very existence was not suffering enough.  My heart goes out to them.

The healthcare thing has begun to sound like a permanent droning in my ears. “Obama” wants this and that (yet they keep showing pictures of Pelosi. . . ewwww) and they keep changing their minds.  At first, I was really concerned.  Now I’m beginning to think they’re going to carry on for years, and accomplish nothing.

Obama wants more for the war.  Of course he does.  He totally lied about getting our military home.  Change?  Yeah. Sure.

Now, the “death of fur” thing is funny to me.  All of those self-righteous people who condemned others for wearing fur must have forgotten about how furs were one of the key ingredients to surviving  winters all over the globe throughout history.  And, when people get really cold, they want what works best.

So, I’ve come to the conclusion, yet again, that the world has gone mad.  I just hope everybody else can see it, too.  Sometimes it gets a little old being the only one to proclaim that the emperor has no clothes!

I have been reading headline news, and feel sick.  Honestly, I couldn’t care less if Sarah Palin just resigned as governor of Alaska.  And I think it’s stupid that Obama and McCain are still being compared to one another. (“Obama, McCain Invoke Nation’s Founders in Dueling Independence Day Speeches“).  I personally don’t care what either of them has to say, and am quite convinced that neither of them has any insight or understanding, whatsoever, about our “Founders”.  Well, I suppose that if McCain had been alive at the time he would have been at those secret meetings of the Sons of Liberty, but he would have been the one they would have been worried about blowing their cover, due to his fiery temper!

Our “Founders” were brave men, Patriots, one and all, who were not only willing to give their lives for FREEDOM, but DID give their lives! They did not sell us out to other countries.  They would have died before bowing down to a Muslim leader!!!!!!!  They fought hard, soaking our fields and filling our rivers with their blood, that we might have the freedom to sit here today and kill unborn babies, promote special interest groups above the greater good of the rest of the country, that we might give away our wealth to lazy, no-good losers who have no intention of ever getting a job or to illegal immigrants who would be more than happy to work, but no longer have to. Today, we are taking the coward’s way of closing our eyes, and hoping it will all be okay in the end.  Our “Founders” knew better!

Our “Founders” fought for freedom, for states’ rights, for God.  They believed in prayer, and lots of it.  Not prayer to Allah, either, or to the ‘goddess’.  But prayer to the Almighty God of the Bible.  They went to church, and they protected their families.  They had integrity and dignity.  They were men (and women!) of strong moral character.  Please do not talk to me about  un-American men like Obama on the day we celebrate the freedom that he is working so very hard to destroy.

Today I will remember our Founders, and I will remember that they died for our freedom.  And I will pray, very hard, for our country, and for everyone who thinks freedom means being able to do whatever they want with no accountability.  Freedom is anything but “Free”, and our Founders understood that very well.

Click this link to read it:Lord of the Czars

Absolutely brilliant!

The problem is, my brain goes in too many directions at once, all the time.  And I can’t even blame the children for that, I’ve always been this way!  For example, last week, I wanted to blog about so many things that I wound up not blogging about anything.  For example, I had a really great blog post floating around in my head entitled “Dude!  Where’s My Plane?” about Obama pretending he didn’t know that someone took AF-1 and did a low flyover of NYC, terrifying the people of Manhattan and causing them to evacuate buildings and have major PTSD flashbacks of 9/11!!  All for a “Photo Op”????  I hope Obama is smarter than that, but at the same time, that would simply mean that he really is that sinister, to intentionally terrify his own people like that.  (Good thing he didn’t try a stunt like that over Dallas or Houston!)

Or I could talk about homeschooling.  About Faith, and how she’s been so busy lately digging up herbs in our yard and woods, and drying them, chopping them and making herbal remedies!  Our kitchen smells kinda funny from time to time, but I am so proud of her! Or about Alex, and how he did so well in school this year, and how funny he was co-hosting the HCHA Talent Show last week (see pictures all over Facebook!!), or about how Kendall is finishing up his first year at UNC-A, and how much he is enjoying studying Journalism, and how cute he is running around with a digital microphone and interviewing everyone he can.  I could say that Gaylon is still in Texas, and that we’re still in North Carolina, and it still stinks!  Our house hasn’t sold yet (duh.) and we are going to move to Texas at the end of the summer anyway, to be with him and get the kids plugged in.

Then I thought about how I’d like to discuss how well my genealogy research has gone lately, and how much I have enjoyed getting in contact with cousins I didn’t even know about down in Central Texas on the Adams side.  We’ve exchanged pictures and information and it’s just been incredible! And did I mention I’m building a website just for genealogy?   That way I can not only separate my genealogy from my political and religious views, but I can keep from boring to death the few readers I have who are not related to me!

And then there is my Catholic Faith, which I am usually pretty low-key about, because I have so many friends who are not only Protestant, but have been taught that Catholics are not Christians, and must be ’saved’!!  My Jewish friends are much more understanding of me being Catholic, probably because of that whole persecution thing.  But I absolutely LOVE being Catholic, and there are so many things I could ‘blog’ about, that might help people understand our faith, our beliefs, our Christianity.  That would probably be best in a separate site, as well.

So, what to do?  What to blog about??  It’s not like there are all these people reading my blog, and hanging on the edge of their chairs waiting for my next post!  Most of my close friends don’t read my blog at all, and of my family, I think only Gaylon, Kendall, Mom and occasionally Faith read it.  And of course, Lishi, (Kendall’s fiance) who is one of the only people who ever leaves me a comment. (And of course, Laura R. and Laura S.!!  I love my Lauras. . .)  I know there are a few folks scattered across the country who read it, but they never comment.  I tried a Poll once, and only a few folks participated in that, so perhaps the bottom line is this:  I blog for me.  If someone doesn’t like what I have to say, they certainly don’t have to read it.  Lishi’s brother, Steve Skojec, always has really great taglines for his blog, like “Cogito, Ergo Blog” (I think that was it. . . . I don’t remember exactly, and now he’s changed it) or his current one “You Didn’t Ask, But I’ll Tell You Anyway”.  Okay, that one really fits my situation, as well. LOL.  I’ve never met Steve, but I love his blog!

So, yeah.  My blog will probably continue to be a collection of randomness, and my title, “Chasing Thoughts” is probably very appropriate.  Maybe someday I will actually be able to focus on one thing for a great length of time.  But then, I will finish writing those books I’ve started, and not worry about blogging!

William Petersen’s fellow cast members refer to him as “The King”, because he is truly an amazing actor, and Gil Grissom is truly an amazing character.  I will even venture to say that there has never been another character on TV like Grissom.  We have been inundated with characters who think they are “all that” in some fashion or another.  Gil Grissom never tried to be tough or sexy or all-knowing.  As a result, he was all of those things!!

Can Fishburne replace Petersen?  Of course not.  I doubt he’ll even try.  He will create his own unique character.  And, while I like Laurence Fishburne, I don’t think CSI will ever be the same again. *sigh*  We’re gonna miss you, Grissom!

Well, my friend, Angela, sent me a link to an article that was written two years ago, but still applies today.  A few statistics are off, but the point is well made.  Even in this shaky economy, Americans have more tangible blessings than they can count.  And that, I believe, is what is wrong with most of us.  We are spoiled rotten.  And like all spoiled rotten brats, we always think we need “more”.   I think Craig R. Smith of WorldNetDaily says it far better than I could, so I am quoting his article below, in full.  To view the site, visit: Made in the USA: Spoiled Brats.

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 same magazine that employs Michael (Qurans in the toilets at Gitmo) Isikoff. Here I promised myself this week I would be nice and I start off in this way. Oh what a mean man I am.

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 2/3s of the citizenry just ain’t happy and want a change.

So being the knuckle dragger I am, I starting thinking, ”What we are so unhappy about?”

Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4 percent of these unhappy folks have a job? 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?

Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough. Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all involved. Whether you are rich or poor they treat your wounds and even, if necessary, send a helicopter to take you to the hospital.

Perhaps you are one of the 70 percent of Americans who own a home, you may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of having 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. 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. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90 percent of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

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 percent 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 brats safe from terrorist attacks? The commander in chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases 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. Just ask why they are going to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book and do a TV special about how he didn’t kill his wife but if he did … insane!

Stop buying the negative venom you are fed everyday by the media. Shut 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 a country. There is exponentially more good than bad.

I close with one of my favorite quotes from B.C. Forbes in 1953:

‘‘What have Americans to be thankful for? More than any other people on the earth, we enjoy complete religious freedom, political freedom, social freedom. Our liberties are sacredly safeguarded by the Constitution of the United States, ‘the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of man.’ Yes, we Americans of today have been bequeathed a noble heritage. Let us pray that we may hand it down unsullied to our children and theirs.”

I suggest this Thanksgiving we sit back and count our blessings for all we have. If we don’t, what we have will be taken away. Then we will have to explain to future generations why we squandered such blessing and abundance. If we are not careful this generation will be known as the ”greediest and most ungrateful generation.” A far cry from the proud Americans of the ”greatest generation” who left us an untarnished legacy.

So what is my idea?  Feed all that extra money into the economy!  Now, I am no good with numbers, and don’t have a clue about economics, but even in the face of trillions of dollars of debt, I’m sure a few million dollars could help!  After all, when I have a debt to pay, I’m expected to start small and work my way up.  Why don’t these candidates prove how dedicated they are and prove to us that they will lead by example?  I know it’s not technically their debt.  It ain’t mine, either, baby!  But I have to help out, whether I like it or not.  I think they should have to, as well.

Last night, on the news, I actually heard Obama say something I agreed with. He proposes that the companies being bailed out should be held accountable, and made to pay back, with interest, the amount they receive from the government to stay afloat. Yes, that is a great idea, but my friend, Angela, sent me an email this morning that outlines an even better plan. At least to my non-mathematical mind! Let me know what you think:

Good afternoon my fellow Americans,

I’m against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG. Instead, I’m in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.
*To make the math simple, let’s assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.
*Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child.
*So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..
*So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.
*My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.
*Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
*So let’s assume a tax rate of 30%.
*Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
*That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
*But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in their pocket.
*A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?

*Pay off your mortgage – housing crisis solved.
*Repay college loans – what a great boost to new grads
*Put away money for college – it’ll be there
*Save in a bank – create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
*Buy a new car – create jobs
*Invest in the market – capital drives growth
*Pay for your parent’s medical insurance – health care improves
*Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean – or else

Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.

If we’re going to re-distribute wealth let’s really do it…instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( “vote buy” ) economic incentive that is being proposed by one of our candidates for President.

If we’re going to do an $85 billion bailout, let’s bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!

As for AIG – liquidate it. Sell off its parts. Let American General go back to being American General. Sell off the real estate. Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.

Here’s my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn’t. Sure it’s a crazy idea that can “never work.” But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!

How do you spell Economic Boom?

I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion We Deserve It Dividend more than I do the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC. And remember, The Hoover plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.

Ahhh…I feel so much better getting that off my chest.

Kindest personal regards,

Thomas J. Hoover — A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic

PS: Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it’s either good for a laugh or a tear or a very sobering thought on how to best use $85 Billion!!