Military Families Blog Archives for September 2008
Welcome to our Military Families Blog Archives. On this page, you'll find information posted on www.Military-Money-Matters.com in September 2008.
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Ronald Reagan is Back?
For several months now, we've lamented the fact that we wish we had the opportunity to vote for Ronald Reagan again. It seems that with all the problems this country is facing, we need as much as ever his brand of strong leadership, statesmanship, common sense, and Peace Through Strength.
Well, along comes Michael Reagan, Ronnie's eldest son, and tells us he recognizes his father in one of the candidates this fall. And it's not John McCain . . .
Brigadier General Jimmy L. Cash, USAF (Retired), was at one time the man with his finger on the nuclear trigger of this country, as head of our missile defense and response complex.
According to Major General John R. (Jack) Farrington, USAF (Retired), General Cash "was the only person who could initiate a nuclear attack after advising the sitting President of a missile launch by our enemies and our need to respond. No political or civilian type in the US had more knowledge about day to day military actions around the world."
Here, General Cash explains the critical importance of completing our mission in Iraq.
It should be noted that he is neither Democrat nor Republican. I hope that you will read it with an open mind, and seriously consider what he says.
The future of this great country depends on enough voters understanding what General Cash is saying, before the election in November!
What's causing the current crisis on Wall Street? Is it deliberate? I don't pretend to know what's going on with the economy, but I have to admit the comments in this e-mail hit me right between the eyes when it hit my mailbox today.
Is it possible that someone is deliberately causing so much financial misery for millions of Americans right now, in order to swing this election?
I don't know, but I can't dismiss the idea as beyond the realm of possibility, either. And it's
Election '08: Before friendly audiences, Barack Obama speaks passionately about something called "economic justice." He uses the term obliquely, though, speaking in code — socialist code.
The Obama campaign sinks to new lows with its ad mocking John McCain because he doesn't use the internet or e-mail without assistance from staffers or his wife.
Well, perhaps the Obama campaign staffers are internet-savvy enough to use e-mail to send out campaign messages and solicitations, but as Ed Morrissey pointed out over at HotAir.com, they apparently don't know how to execute a Google search. If they had bothered, it wouldn't have taken more a few minutes to figure out that their latest ad is not only cruelly mocking a war hero for his combat injuries, it is also making a masterful display of their ignorance and arrogance.
This ad makes it pretty clear that neither Barack Obama NOR those surrounding him are "ready to lead." Apparently none of them has a clue what John McCain endured in service to this country -- and emerged even more determined to serve her.
Apparently they haven't bothered to do their research on their opponent, read any of his books, or even run a simple 2-second Google search.
The number one issue to me is that the dollar is weak. That simple fact sends out a huge message around the world that things are not going so good in the USA. Something is wrong here in the USA and we need to
September 11 - Another Date That Shall Live in Infamy
Let us all stop for a moment today to remember those innocent victims of terrorism on September 11, 2001, including their families.
And let us take a moment also to remember the men and women in uniform, protecting our freedom around the globe, and their families.
And let us be forever grateful that we were so fortunate to be born in the greatest country on Earth. Let us always strive to be worthy of such a blessing.
In this tribute, we pause for a moment to remember . . .
I believe the Bush administration has awoken a "Sleeping Giant" with its Eight years of lies, deception, repression, and Unconstitutional policies and laws. This "Sleeping Giant" is composed of the Majority of Young Americans between 18 - 30 years old who typically do not vote, and most have never even registered before. There is
In this YouTube video titled "Dear Mr. Obama," an Iraq War vet delivers a personal message to the Democratic Presidential nominee, explaining that what the U.S. is doing in Iraq is not a mistake. Be sure to
Last night was the thrilling culmination of a magical week. I can't elaborate on what the speakers said or the level of celebration, except to say that it was louder than you can imagine, everyone was in tears at some point, and that's more balloons than anyone should see in a lifetime. Oh. And the confetti was partially made up of quarter-sized discs with John and Sarah's pictures.
A couple of highlights that you may not have seen on TV: Waiting for the elevators with Miss Roberta (John's mom), the secret service suddenly asked everyone to clear the area so that she could depart, making quite a scene. Her retort, "I keep waiting for my glass slipper to fall off!" Beautiful woman. Sharp as a tack [at 96 -- and there are those claiming that John's too old at 72. They obviously haven't met Miss Roberta!].
On the bus to an evening reception at the art museum near the Xcel Center, we got a little stuck in traffic and our route was cut off by a large mob -- maybe 200 or more -- of dismounted infantry anarchists. They were advancing rapidly on our bus, quick march, about
Most of you interested enough to read this probably watched the convention last night, so I won't reiterate what you already know. Suffice to say that being there live was a remarkable experience.
The level of enthusiasm was a night-long crescendo, gradually rising from merely loud with Michael Steele's address, to really loud for Rudi's, to positively thunderous for Sarah Palin. The response was so great that I was a bit concerned that John McCain might have trouble matching it. Then he walked out on the podium and the roof of the Xcel Center started
Last night, at the Republican National Convention, Mike Huckabee told an inspiring story about a remarkable Arkansas teacher using unusual methods to teach her high-school social studies students an appreciation for the freedoms they enjoy.
Little Rock teacher Martha Cothren uses some unorthodox teaching methods in her social studies classroom at Joe T. Robinson High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. But she gets her message across.
On the first day of school in September 2005, with permission of the school superintendent, the principal, and the building supervisor, she had all of the desks taken out of the classroom.
When the kids walked in for first period, there were no desks. They looked around and asked, "Where are our desks?"
The teacher said, "You can't have a desk until you tell me how you earn them."
We're excited to have this opportunity to bring you news directly from the floor of the Republican National Convention.
Our guest author is Bob Stumpf, USN (retired), former Flight Leader of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration squadron. Bob is attending the convention as an alternate delegate from Florida, and is blogging about his experiences for Vets for John McCain. Bob has graciously agreed to allow us to share his postings with you.
We're all so tired of the media hype (and hypocrisy), and it's refreshing to have reports we can believe, from one of our own. For most of us, it's as close as we can come to being there ourselves.
Thanks so much, Bob, for allowing us to share your thoughts with our readers. To read Bob's posts, click the link below.
Sarah Palin is the US's answer to Margaret Thatcher!
Anyone who thinks she cannot handle the job or deal briskly and efficiently with ANY issue, including foreign governments? Well, they haven't met our Sarah.
As an Alaskan resident as well as a resident of Wasilla, AK, where Sarah Palin was at one time Mayor, I can speak with confidence.
Barack Obama was a relative unknown when, less than five months into his first term as a U.S. Senator, he announced his bid for the Presidency of the United States. Since that time, journalists have searched three continents to provide voters with answers to the question "Who is Barack Obama?"
Obama "Connected to Challenges Faced by Everyday Americans?"
Ellen wrote:
I confess when I first heard McCain would be the Republican candidate, I was excited. I thought I could be happy no matter which party won.
But after studying his voting record on issues that matter to me, like the environment, consumer protection issues, the war, and personal freedoms, I came to the conclusion that there was no way I could vote for him.
I am happy to be voting for Obama and Biden. I respect them both and am very impressed with Obama's independence and connection with the challenges everyday Americans are facing. I am looking forward to this election and a renewed vision for America in 2009! __________________________________
Ed. note:
Hi, Ellen. We thank you for contributing to our election discussion.
We're wondering if you would share with our readers where there is evidence that Obama has ANY "connection with the challenges everyday Americans are facing."
Contrary to Jeremiah Wright's assertion, Barack Obama has no idea what it's like to live as a poor black man. He grew up in a white family, enjoyed an elite education out of the reach of most Americans, and now lives in a home he paid more than $1.6 million dollars for, purchased with the help of
For the past two and a half years, Lt. Colonel Jeffrey Chessani, USMC, has been investigated and prosecuted for his involvement in the so called "Haditha massacre" - a "massacre" that never happened.
Now - after devoting 20 years of his life to defend ours ─ he faces criminal charges as a result of a legitimate combat action taken by four of his Marines after they were ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq, on November 19, 2005.
You may have heard that the military judge in the case dismissed the charges against Chessani, citing unlawful command influence. But the government has appealed the decision, and
After a recent lawsuit filed by an avowed atheist to have the motto "In God We Trust" removed from U.S. currency, NBC has posted a poll to find out how America feels about keeping God in our country (or at least on our money).
Here's your chance to let the media know where we, the people, stand on our faith in God, as a nation.
It never ceases to amaze us that these fanatics don't seem to understand that what our Constitution and Bill of Rights guarantee us is Freedom OF Religion, not Freedom FROM Religion. That means we are free to practice any religion we choose, including no religion.
If this man is so offended by having that motto on his money, I'm sure there are plenty of homeless and hungry people who would be happy to relieve him of the burden of carrying around that offensive cash! We'd be happy to take it off his hands. He clearly has too much of it, if he's hired lawyers for this.
This nation was founded on Christian principles, and it is clear that our founding fathers intended for it to be that way. We believe that's one of the things that sets us apart as one of the most principled nations on the planet (even if it does look like things have been slipping lately, and more in some places than others!). We're still so much better off here than we would be anywhere else.
It's time for the silent majority to speak up! Don't let the actions of a noisy few take away the rights of the rest of us. Stand up and be heard.
Please vote on this important subject right away, before NBC takes the poll off the web page. Vote now.
Cheeseburger, Fries and Drink, On the House for the Soldier with I.D. (one time only), courtesy of the red, white and blue.
What a great example of a celebrity who "puts his money where his mouth is" (pun intended), and shows his gratitude to our service members not only with his song, "American Soldier," but also by buying them a meal.
Thank you, Toby Keith, for setting an example for others, and thank you, Nathan, for writing to let us know.
So if you happen to be in or near OK City and have a hankerin' for an all-American cheeseburger meal, now you know where to go!
In this historical perspective, writer Ray Kraft examines the War on Terror, or as it is probably more accurately described, the War Against Islamic Extremists.
New Hampshire Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter has just introduced a critical piece of legislation, the "Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act"(H.R. 6774).
"Our men and women in uniform deserve to know that if something happens to them, their children will be taken care of," said Congresswoman Shea-Porter. "The Protecting Military Family Financial Benefits Act will help
Here's another aspect of "knowing your neighbors" that's very important to your safety, and especially that of your children. Find the locations for all registered sex offenders living or working near your home. In addition to giving you their address, and the crime(s) of which they've been convicted, it also
Many of you have those days that you remember that were life changing. For most of us, we remember our graduations, the day we married the love of our life, and the birth of our children. These events will always bring a smile to our face and joy to our hearts. Our lives were greatly impacted and the overall impact has been a blessing.
Not that our jobs don't bring frustrations and headaches at times, our spouses at times cause us to question our sanity, and our teenage children sometimes cause us to yearn for the empty nest, but overall we reflect and remember the good times, especially on the birthdays or anniversaries.
The anniversary that I remember today isn't one that your first response is that of blessings and laughter, trust me -- I've already shed many tears today.
"In the dog days of summer, John McCain's political personality has become so fuzzy that even some Republicans are worrying about his viability. But if you want a reminder of why McCain should be a formidable candidate, take another look at
Indio is a beautiful young Siberian Husky that was rescued from a Tucson shelter last November. He came to us scared, sick and covered with bite wounds in varying stages of healing. He'd obviously had at least one run-in with another dog, or possibly a coyote. He had an intestinal infection and was terrified of everything. When he saw another dog, he would hit the ground. In the course of veterinary visits to treat his problems, we discovered that he's almost blind.
What does this article have to do with military families? Nothing, except that this family of veterans is caring for this handsome dog, and we're asking for your help.
We have had the privilege of serving as a foster home for Indio since November, and he's wiggled his way into our hearts! With lots of love he's regained his confidence, so he’s a much happier dog now. He has a very loving and affectionate personality.
But we've learned that Indio has juvenile cataracts and is almost blind. Since Indio is so young, less than 2 years old, we really want to give him his sight back if possible.
We'd be very grateful if you'd click on the donate button below, which will take you directly to ASHRA's PayPal account, where you can make a donation to help Indio. Even $5, $10, or $20 will help. If you can afford more, that would be wonderful. Your donation is tax deductible.
If you've been following the "Berkeley Marines" situation with us, and the other counter-recruitment nonsense across the country, we think you'll enjoy
It's an age-old question used when describing the uncommon valor found in the American service men and women who defend our freedom on a daily basis, and especially those in combat situations.
It's the question that popped into my mind, along with tears in my eyes, five minutes into this Pentagon Channel special that follows the lives of several severely wounded warriors, to see how they are coping with their lives after combat. These service members were first featured in a Pentagon Channel program several years ago, while undergoing rehabilitation for their life-changing injuries. This program is a follow-up to report on their progress two years later.
The life of Army Staff Sgt. Jay Fondgren was changed forever in an instant in Iraq, when a "platter charge" took both his legs and
The ongoing war on terror is exacting a heavy emotional toll on military families. This is no surprise. The life of the military family has never been an easy one, with frequent upheavals of the family and very little sense of control over their lives, not even the place where they live, even in peacetime. But the emotional toll of the war we find ourselves currently engaged in may be the heaviest of any previous generation of service members.
Military Town Hall meeting apparently is too scary for Obama!
Remember Democratic front-runner Barack Obama's oft-repeated assertion that he'd be happy to debate John McCain "anytime, anywhere" on foreign policy, Iraq, etc.?
Well, a group in Texas has called Obama's bluff, and it turns out that's exactly what it was. Once again, it has been
Additional Military Families Qualify for Stimulus Payments
Additional military families now qualify for economic stimulus payments from the IRS.
Under the newly-enacted HEART Act (Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008), married members of the military may receive economic stimulus payments this fall, even if their spouses or children don't have Social Security numbers.
USAA, the financial services giant that serves only military members and their families, has announced a new car-buying service. The recent launch of the Online Auto Loan and Car-Buying Service allows USAA members to handle all the steps of buying a car - from choosing the car to financing to arranging insurance - without ever having to leave home. This new service will save members money and create a vast improvement in the dreaded car-buying experience.
This is yet another example of USAA's ongoing commitment to provide its members with the finest financial products and services no matter where they are — in the comfort of their home, in a tent in the desert, or on a ship at sea.
The State of Connecticut offers FREE tuition at any of its state colleges or universities to eligible active duty military personnel and veterans.
In May, the legislature passed, and the governor signed into law, a measure that extends the offer of free tuition to the surviving spouse and children of military personnel killed on active duty.
For more information, please click the link below.
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This is the first of a multi-part IBD Series: 
John McCain is a man of his word. 
USAA, the financial services giant that serves only military members and their families, has announced a new car-buying service. The recent launch of the Online Auto Loan and Car-Buying Service allows USAA members to handle all the steps of buying a car - from choosing the car to financing to arranging insurance - without ever having to leave home. This new service will save members money and create a vast improvement in the dreaded car-buying experience.
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Blue Angels:
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Do That?
Climb in the cockpit
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Hoss Pearson
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Mysteries of the
Blue Angels
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