Sen. Mitch McConnell & 'HIS' Financeers

Lately, it has come to our attention that Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) initially had backed financial and regulation reform of Wall Street. Recently, he met with a 'band of few' of these types of entities and has since returned with a profound sense for the obvious (according to him). He now is against reform of Wall Street. Why? No one really knows but I'll just bet its' those executives within Wall Street that are his (and many other Republicans) campaign coffers. It does not matter whether they're conservative or what, Republicans love the smell of money. Like sharks in the water, they feed, thrive on it. I know we all do to some point, with repubs its obscene! 

"I guess Senator McConnell and his band of merry Republican men and woman (brood) are like that old adage from a movie; Jerry McGuire: SHOW ME THE MONEY!!"

Until next time, take care of yourselves. YOU ARE the ONLY one who will....the politicians won't!

WD

The Three Stooges?

Hello one and all out there in TV, internet and 'never-never' land. Recently, I was perusing the news headlines online with regard to the 'aftermath' or 'after effects' from the recently passed Health Care Bill just signed into law today. I watched a short news video about this...at the tail-end of it, a protester was holding up a sign that read: 'The Three Stooges' with photos of Senate Majority Leader, Senator Reid (D-NV), House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and President Barack Obama. The protester went on to state; "They are killing this country!"

Dear Sir, I beg to differ. If there is anyone or anything that's killing this country...might it be the Congress? The Democrats? How bout the Republicans? (The party of "no") How bout all the illegal immigrants who don't and can't vote or complain when they don't get health care (being here illegally mind you)? Or, try this thought out; how bout all those who either didn't bother to vote, said that their vote doesn't count OR just didn't bother to go to the polls because they're tired, or were confused or misguided? Sir, regardless of what you might think of these public servants or how much you agree or disagree about their politics or philosophy. Does it not say something about them that at least they're doing something? Knowing that this very issue might cost them an election which in turn will be not only good for the country, yet after six decades get health care? Think about that won't you? Its obvious that you don't think of anything else. I think you complain just to either hear yourself complain or are attempting to get the attention which you sorely are lacking.

For all of you who might think this posting is abit personal...it is. I am a disabled veteran who can only get seen for service-connected injuries and illnesses. However, I do get seen for those who are not 'service-connected.' But, everytime that I do, I am asked if I have any additional health insurance. I don't and can't afford one at this present time. "I am for this bill. I believe the reconciliation bill now in the Senate will relieve or delete all those 'special' projects, 'earmarks,' 'pet projects' or 'vote enhancements' to getting a Senator's vote in favor of this bill. This health care bill will help those who not only can't help themselves, but assist those who can't afford health insurance, help those from making such catastrophic decisions of either food, medicine or a much-needed surgery. despite what we've heard, the political pundits have said or all those misleading or misguided ads by either the Republican Party, 'special interest' groups and or those groups whose sole purpose is to either defeat or get the bill passed...I say; "Back off and let democracy work for itself! The People will decide whats right and wrong. The People will be the deciding factors who will notify their elected officials and if the People are displeased...they will enact a special inalienable right of term limitation...their vote on election day. So I say to you Sir and all those aforementioned...stop will the misleading, misguided propaganda! You're wasting everyone's time and losing our interest."

Everyone who shall read this, everyone who might agree or disagree, everyone who might have another take on this subject matter...your voice is important, your vote is important. In the meantime, allow our officials to either be wrong, right or indifferent. Lets not make a mockery of the process, procedures and or insult the science and institutions of our government with remarks less stellar and professional of that vermin might capitulate.

WD

President Obama, Speaker Pelosi and the "House of Cards"

Well here we are again....at the crossroads of American politics, rhetoric AND (depending on party affiliation) an agenda. It seems that one side or the other as well as the Speaker of The House have their own versions of the health care reform bill due for a vote on Sunday....I believe it is at HIGH NOON at the earliest. The President states; "Yes we can." All the while the American people are saying; "No we don't." Then there is the House Speaker for whatever reason fails to get her point across with the American people. I guess that is why the congressional job approval rating is in the single digits. Where did all those great House Speakers like Tip O'Neil, Sam Rayburn, John McCormack and Jim Wright? Why don't we have these stellar individuals serving today.....speaking for the American People? Why? The American People are 'fed up' with the way issues are being handled and dealt. It is like-minded individuals suchlike Nancy Pelosi who are jamming issues like the Health Care Bill down our throats like a nurse practitioner taking a throat culture!

The Congress and yes even our illustrious White House gang of cohorts need to be dealt with as in "voted out of office!" We need new people, new faces and with fresh bold ideas who aren't afraid to make hard decisions and not those based on the needs of the special interests (who claim they are for the American People), to ascertain 'earmarks' and 'special funding' for pet projects in their state; "Are ya getting this Sen. Nelson?" "You to Senator Reid-NV." Oooops! Sorry. He'll be leaving soon anyway, my bad.

The "Houses of Cards" needs to come tumbling down by a special vote on term limits. No, I'm not saying enact special legislation that requires a limit on number of years served or for what terms. The American People (us), we have that right to delegate term limits whenever you or I go into a voting booth. We never needed Harry Truman to enact legislation for a President to serve no more than two four-year terms, we as a people..."We the People" could always taken care of that. But, the politicians did it for us with their (our) special interests in mind and as to further state the prevention of an 'imperialist' Presidency.

President Obama does have some time left. The remaining time he has left shall be his 'presidential proof in the pudding' so-to-speak. If he can get the economy going again and strong, create millions of new jobs, reduce the price of gas and relieve the average consumer of cost burdens, reduce our dependency on foreign oil, deal strongly with Iran, take on China, pay down our national debt, tackle and resolve our enormous immigration problem, REDUCE TAXES, improve our children's education/our schools, have us as a free nation not be so indebted (if ever again) to China and drastically improve our national image at home and abroad. If he can do all that....he might....HE MIGHT be re-elected. As it stands right now....its doubtful. The House of Cards will come tumbling down like a game of "52 Pick-Up." In this case, it might be "435 Pickup Plus Two."

WD

Happy Belated New Year and I'm Back!

Hello one and all! I took some much needed time off and rest these past few weeks. Due to the holidays and 'some' personal, family 'stuff.' I felt the time off would do some good...and it has! I'm better rested now and let's charge ahead on the matters of the day and our time.

As you know, there is a health care debate. Should there be a public option or not is the real question. It is the quintessential piece (article) of the overhaul legislation whether it lives or just goes away. In my opinion: I really think some form of legislation will make the President's desk for his signature and soon. It may not be all that he wanted or we 'as a people' required, but it's a start. The late-Senator from Massachusetts (Ted Kennedy) used to say; "We got to take what we can get now and work on the rest later." HE WAS RIGHT! 

I predict Harry Reid (D-NV) will loose his bid for reelection. His lackluster style and 'cronyism' way of doing things to get the job done leaves a bad taste in one's mouth like....like cold coffee; 'strong and bitter.' Martha Coakley (Atty Gen, D-Mass) who wants to succeed the late Ted Kennedy will also loose her bid and aspirations to gain the seat. Why? To take time off (away) from the people of Massachusetts campaigning and go to a lavish fund-raising event in Washington D.C. with a room full of lobbyists just wasn't a smart move. Ex-Lax moves smoother than that and the blame is on her campaign staff. Her Republican rival (Brown) will win the race by at least 10 points or more! (MY PREDICTION)

Kudos to President Obama for his quick and decisive actions to set into motion the much needed aid for ravaged Haiti. It is utter and complete total devastation there. An entire country (so it seems), its capital city (Port-Au-Prince) was leveled to the ground. For him to seek the assistance of two former Presidents (Clinton and Bush) ought to be commended. He has also lead the way for the world community to get the much needed supplies, food and aid in their to help as soon as possible. Providing security and the prevention of looting is also on the list. For looters to take advantage of such a situation is shameful!!!!

Finally; Rush Limbaugh. It seems as of late he has put his foot in his mouth (again). For him to make comments that President Obama was taking advantage of the situation in Haiti to 'shore up' his political base with regard to "light-skinned and dark-skinned blacks" is like the Iranian President (Mahmoud Ahmadinejad) saying that the Holocaust never took place. Mr. Limbaugh is a tried and true, pure-bred, flag-waving, 'self-indulgent' wanna sell my books so I can make a lot of money Republikan (subliminal message). Everything he says is propaganda in the world according to Rush. (No wonder they didn't want him anywhere near, let alone an owner/investor of an NFL football team!)

Until next time; "Keep your feet on the ground, where ever you're standing is where you are."

Sincerely,

Wes Dodrill

“Merry ‘merriest’ of Christmas’s One and All”

Dear Friends: 

During this time of year, we must not forget the things we have and those we cherish. For we are fortunate and blessed with so many special things and loved ones that sometimes we tend to forget what Christmas is really all about…the birth of the Christ child and the ‘act’ of giving (helping those who cannot help themselves or are having a hard time). There are those who are homeless, indigent or simply with nothing (no means for subsidence). “WE as a people” of all nations, from near or far, whatever origin or culture, no matter your faith or religion, it is sometimes OUR obligation not to ‘pay back but to pay forward.’ Would it not make the heart grow just alittle bit fonder and the world a better place if WE joined together and help those who cannot help themselves? 

Just the other day, as I was taking my twelve-year-old to school, a local radio station here had a charity drive going, entitled: “Christmas is for children.” It’s a volunteer drive that the radio station and local businesses sponsor take requests from those families with children who simply cannot afford a single, solitary toy for their dear little one(s). The radio dj would send out a request over the airwaves about a certain child ‘wishing,’ ‘hoping’ for a specific toy. It didn’t have to cost too much, something simple and dear to their heart (e.g. a Barbie Doll, an art set with paints/crayons and colored pencils, or monetary donations, etc). A child who goes without at Christmas time is reprehensible. Would it not put a smile on a child’s face and teach them about the world being a good place and for the most part ‘people do care?’ 

Therefore; “Why don’t we not pay back but pay forward?” It’s a ‘win-win-win’ opportunity that offers so very much. Christmas is for everyone. “May God Bless You One and All.”

Warm Regards and Merry Christmas,

Wes Dodrill

Tiger Woods, 11 women and a partridge in a pear tree

Well sports fans, here we are yet again, another famed sports hero (so-called) has tasted the 'forbidden fruit.' For the life of me Tiger, WHY! You have the world on a string, the sports first 'billion-dollar' man and you go and do this. WHY! You have a lovely wife and two beautiful children. WHY! Did you think no one would find out? Did you think because of your status that you're above reproach? Well, do you! WHY! If your wife and you 'redo' your prenup, then she ends up taking the children to Sweden (where she just bought a mansion) and all that money....well, you deserve everything that's coming to you. WHY!

This scandal you and you alone have brought on to yourself is like that Christmas song; The Twelve Days of Christmas. You replaced the part where there were 'eight maids a milking,' to 'Tigers eleven maids a milking.' Tiger, they milked you as you were somehow took advantage of them. WHY! Gatorade has discontinued your drink, many of your commercials were (at the present time) been pulled from airing. What company in their right mind would want to associate their business with a 'philanderer?' I know, somehow you thought (or didn't) that no one would see or say anything. How naive is that! WHY! Children use to look up to you and say; "I want to be like Tiger Woods." If any of mine were to say or tell me that...given your present state of 'affairs,' (pardon the pun) I would strongly discourage them from doing so.

"Tiger Woods, you ought to be ashamed of yourself. You have brought great dishonor not only to yourself, but to your family, Especially on your wife and two children. How do you feel now, Tiger? One question remains; "Was it  worth it?" WHY? Only you have an answer to that question.

Respectfully,

WD

Party Crashers and the Secret Service

Here we are in the dawn of the 21st century with all of its' technological advances and we (Secret Service and WH Social Office) can't even protect the President, First Lady, the Vice-President and quite possibly the Prime Minister of India. Why? Was it oversight? Was it a 'clerical' error? Perhaps, it was ego! Yes, ego!! Apparently (until this has all been verified) the party crashers spoke with an official of DOD who assists the Secretary of Defense (SECDEF). According to the couple, they believed they were invited. (I wonder if it was a grand illusion or illusion of grandier?) Consequently, they still were not on any list to be admitted (authorized) into the White House, State Dinner for the Prime Minister of India. Earlier, they crashed the dinner for the Congressional Black Caucus and were 'very promptly' escorted out. How, I wonder. Yet, these two maniacal, self-ingratiating 'wanna-bes' took it upon themselves to  attend (crash) the State Dinner at the White House. Why? Was it for the purpose because it was there, like climbing Mount Everest? Was it because they wanted to rub elbows with Washington's 'holy-poloi?' Yes and no. They wanted to crash the State Dinner not only to see if it can be done, but see if they might get in for greater monetary or financial gain. The wife (Michaele Salahi) is trying to get on a reality show on Bravo TV (The Real Housewives of D.C.). Why the husband (Tareq Salahi) was there is anybody's guess, probably wanted to 'feel' and 'look' important like everyone else there. Consensus is that's something is lacking; status, class, prestige, or money, etc. THE FACT REMAINS AS TRUTH WILL BE TOLD (PROVED) SOON ENOUGH THEY WERE NOT INVITED!

Enough of that, what about those at the White House who are suppose to handle all those security checkpoints and lists? Obviously, there was a complete and total breakdown in operations (blame squarely on the shoulders of Director Mark Sullivan). There obviously was no one at the gate (or door) as guests arrived to check those authorized 'off the list' (a difficult list to get on  by-the-way). Someone, somewhere along the way must have said to someone; "Its ok, let them through. I know them, they're good." (Pentagon official; Michele Jones). So lets' see if we have this straight:

1. Breach in White House Security: blame Secret Service.
2. Official (from the Office of the Social Secretary) not present at entrance to 'check' guests off the list.
3. Party-crashers (YES!); Michaele and Tareq Salahi knowingly broke through security checkpoints (for which they still may face criminal and or punitive charges; felony and or otherwise).
4. A Pentagon official (Desiree Rogers) with an ego from here to the moon who more than likely is not use to either being challenged or contested with.

 This is a group of individuals who set a 'prime' example of what not to do or be when it comes to physical security, protection of the President, when one has big dreams or delusions of grandeur or on an ego trip. Each and everyone of these ought o be held responsible and brought to some sort of action or actions for what they did or did not do. It is appalling that they (some) of these officials or servants of the government act in a manner that's somewhat less than stellar. As for the Salahis; they are what Webster defines as: 'epic' fibbers.

WD

Iran's Ulterior Motive or Agenda

Hello one and all, sorry I haven't posted these past few days. I've been alittle under the weather, doing fine now...much better. On to 'other' more important and serious matters at hand...

Today, on one of the cable news outlets, I learned (if their sources are reliable) that Iran will (not so distant future) commence military exercises to 'better protect' their nuclear facilities (Particularly the not-so-ultra secret facility in Qom). What are they thinking? What do they expect? A theocracy which appears to be 'self-serving' and are adamantly afraid of losing their hold on power. THEY established (shortly after the Iranian Revolution that overthrew the Shah, 1979) the Iranian Guard. Basically, their job is to keep the 'so-called' social order within their society. We all have seen how they 'keep' and 'restore' order recently after the unrest, post-Presidential election. 

Nonetheless, their 'one-time' position on any additional nuclear facilities was that no others had existed. Recently, once more, we have all learned of the 'good word' of the Government of Iran has been. There is such another facility in Qom. After satellite photos proved them to be very wrong...as if they were intentionally hiding it. What was their agenda then? All along to date, they have claimed that their nuclear intentions is for 'peaceful' and 'power' purposes (i.e., to supply themselves with increased amounts of electricity). Several countries, the United Nations (particularly the IAEA) have all demanded they either halt their program or allow visual 'on-site' inspections. They thought about it for a short time and that fell through. What was their motive then? More recently, they publicized that they would send their spent fuel for enrichment uranium outsourced to Russia and have it returned to supply their facility that is supposed to be used for electrical supply purposes. What was that supposed to prove? Better yet, what was that suppose to prove to the world? They recently went back on their word.

Given their present state of affairs, refusal for inspections and now to hold military exercises to 'better protect' their nuclear facilities...what's their ulterior motive on that? It doesn't take a rocket scientist (or a nuclear physicist) in this case to put two-and-two together...they want a fully operational nuclear facility! One in which not only produces a power supply for their country (a cover) but one that manufactures nuclear weaponry. THEY WANT TO BE IN 'THE CLUB' IN THE REGION. Their intent is just that. They believe that if they have nuclear capabilities that no one will bother or interfere with their so-called right to sovereignty. This sovereignty is held together by fear and intimidation. Plus, their intentions regarding the State of Israel is another matter. One in which we all better keep our eyes as well as our attention  on and remain there. I predict that whatever the status is there in Iran...if it gets unmistakeably and dangerously close to them getting the nuclear capability they need. Israel may rethink their policy on this issue and attempt to do something about it, then we all must be concerned about that.

The entire world, the United Nations ought to keep this issue at the top of their list of 'things to do' before it gets out of hand or proceeds any further on Iran's part. Remember; "An open wound that bleeds, bleeds. An open wound that is allowed to bleed and not paid proper attention to becomes poisonous."

Respectfully,

WD

 P.S. View related and recent news article at Yahoo:
         http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091122/ap_on_re_mi_ea/ml_iran_war_games

“The Bow”

Recently, President Obama made a swing through the Asian countries, by week’s end this week he’ll be in South Korea. However, when he was in Japan and was greeted by the Emperor of Japan, he bowed. Some (mostly political pundits, critics and perhaps even most Republicans) say he bowed ‘too low’ that might have displayed a weak America or weak leadership. I highly doubt this. If one were schooled and had any knowledge whatsoever in Asian culture and tradition; that the lower the bow…the more respect and honor one exhibits to whom they’re bowing to. That’s all and nothing more. There’s no ‘weak’ America, no weak leadership, no ‘less-than’ Presidential President here at all. What’s all the hub-bub! I think President Obama showed and paid an enormous amount of respect to the Emperor and Empress of Japan. It was a show of good will, a demonstration of our having good relations (showing respect to the Japanese as a strategic partner in the region). “So, to all of you political strategists, pundits, ‘spin doctors,’ ‘nay-sayers,’ critics, news analysts (syndicated and cable), and those who simply like to complain about something…anything; get over it! It was nothing more than America paying its’ respect to a country’s monarch.”

JFK vs LBJ

Well, here we are...in a quagmire of sorts with this thing called; "the Afghan War." Oh! The Afghan War to fight terrorism. For those of you history buffs, the Obama Administration has decided to 'drop' the to fight terrorism portion and call it simply, a war.

Where this thing gets tricky is that there are brave men and women (America's Finest) are the ones doing the fighting, securing and dying over there. The commanding general for the U.S. forces in Afghanistan (Gen. McCrystal) has requested several thousand more 'additional' troops to get the job done. Its been weeks and our 'pride and joy,' 'illustrious,' bright young President still has yet to make a decision on whether to approve or disapprove. He's had several options and of late he has gathered his 'meeting of the minds' of a National Security Council and most senior military advisers and directed them to come up with so-called 'revised' options. Now, today while he's in Japan (on the first leg of his Asian trip) he wants to include a plan of "how to get out of Afghanistan." Its LBJ all over again! He's running this war from the White House. President George H.W. Bush (during Desert Storm) let his military commanders run the show and keep him advised and updated. Look how well that worked out! He (President Obama) blames Bush '43' for leaving this war as he put it; "on his doorstep." He's in to one-year of his Presidency...its now HIS war and his alone. He needs to 'fess up' and make some substantive decisions (he needs to lead and act).

ANALYSIS: "President Obama, give your commanders on the ground in Afghanistan what they need to get the job done! Stop running this war from the White House! Every time you have to make a decision like this, don't call a meeting of your advisers (again and again) to the Situation Room for frank discussions and requesting more options. Make a decision! The longer you wait, the more time you take...it just adds that much more stress, pressure (not to mention) danger in harm's way for our troops. YOU SIR have no idea whatsoever of what its like to serve in the military. YOU NEED TO LISTEN and DECIDE! 

What we have is a scenario of "JFK vs. LBJ." On the one hand, as described above, President Obama is reminiscent of the decision-making to LBJ. I suspect all the while (he) President Obama wants to be like JFK and the Vietnam Conflict. He sends advisers but does not get too involved. He stated just before his assassination that in Vietnam; "It's their war. They're gonna have to fight it. Its' up to them whether they win it or lose it." It has been alleged that the Karzai Government in Afghanistan is corrupt. This has been stated so on more than one occasion. So why Mr. President, why are we there?

One final thought; Mr. President. I am nearing my fifty-first year in this life time. I have seen a great deal. Seen things most generations won't ever see or witness... ever! Society has changed, this much is true. So has our government and its way of doing business. Our government officials and  most senior advisers there in your White House are too soft. You're too worried about what others might think!  You're too wrapped up in party politics! Some of you, need to grow a spine and 'get tough' with the Afghanis, the Iraqis, the Chinese, the Russians, the Iranians, the Japanese, the North Koreans and so on. President Obama, you need to show the world that we're the United States of America.

"Mr. President, I remember Jack Kennedy. I recall how he and his senior staff worked to making tough choices expeditiously. Jack Kennedy was tough (when needed). He made sound decisions on the spot and not weeks at a time before he decided. President Obama...you're no Jack Kennedy."

WD

P.S. "I can't help but think the real reason why President Obama wants out of Afghanistan and Iraq is the economy. The U.S. economy is slow in recovery...we spend way too much (at tax-payers expense) on Afghanistan and Iraq. He wants to get it off the books. Its pulling his numbers (over-all job approval rating) down."