The Way I See ItBy cj pollickLocal Budget Meetings - Pretty much no controversy, low turnout of concerned residents, Ho, Hum, sometimes we get what we deserve. Some Good News - For the second year the Super Boat National Championship Festival is coming to Clearwater October 1st - 3rd. Check the article on the front page for times and details. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Dream Ticket - Can you even imagine politicians, whether local or national, who would actually say what they mean and mean what they say? Could you imagine someone willing to stand on principle and not blow with the window? Someday- dreamer. Treat Them With Love And Turn The Other Cheek - Even though the liberal minded American media has found time to ridicule and demean a less than conventional pastor in mid-Florida for threatening to burn dozens of copies of the Koran, the same "fair and balanced" media does not ridicule and demean leaders of Saudi Arabia, where the only allowed religion is Islam (zero tolerance for any other religion.) Worse, Christians and Jews are considered enemies of Islam, as taught such from early school ages. Burn the Bible? No, you are not allowed to even have a Bible or wear a cross or star or Buddha or any other non-Islamic religious symbol throughout Saudi Arabia. Only one religion is allowed-it is the law of their land. Yet, our President has referred to the Saudi Leader as a "wise and good man" and, the Saudi leader has said the same about Barack Obama. No religious tolerance in Saudi Arabia, but the same Saudi leaders expect religious tolerance throughout America. The Saudis boldly state they consider Christians and Jews as enemies, but we dare not say the same about them. Hmmm, is there a problem with this picture? The pastor in mid-Florida is clearly inciting religious emotions that many people would rather avoid (for fear of radical Islamic repercussions.) Is the pastor wrong to burn dozens of copies of the Koran? Most people would say yes. Religious tolerance is something that is a part of our nation's history. Burning copies of any religion's holy book is something not done in America, regardless of the reason. The pastor is wrong, but his act is not worth all of the attention it has received. The much bigger story is the lack of religious tolerance in places like Saudi Arabia where Christians and Jews had best be careful what they wear, say, and read. Most Americans do not support the Florida pastor burning Korans, however, the same Americans would like places such as Saudi Arabia to loosen their laws in favor of greater religious tolerance. How much tolerance should those who hate Americans expect from Americans? Crist Gets Kudos From Homosexual Groups - Even though Democrat candidate Meek said, "It's a little too little, too late," gay and lesbian groups appreciate new support by Charlie Crist for gay and lesbian adoption, and elimination of "Don't ask, don't tell" in the US military. This new political position by Crist to garner more Democrat votes has annoyed supporters of Democrat Party candidate Kendrick Meek, "Where has he (Crist) been?" asked one Democrat supporter. As Crist moves further and further left in his political opinions, it makes many once Crist conservative supporters wonder how they misread this charismatic career politician. "How could we have been so wrong in supporting Charlie Crist?" stated one Pinellas County Republican, "How many of our GOP officials aren't really what we thought they were?" The change of political persuasion by Crist perhaps became more apparent when Crist realized he could not beat GOP opponent Marco Rubio in the primary. Rubio is currently leading Crist in most polls. Perhaps the irony of Crist's new opinion regarding gay and lesbian adoption is that Crist still opposes gay and lesbian marriage (considering it a state's right to decide.) Other elections? Rick Scott the GOP candidate for governor has now obtained support from most GOP statewide groups in his quest to "get to work" and help create jobs in Florida. The shock of Scott's stunning win over GOP party favorite Bill McCollum has renewed GOP support and Tea Party support for a gubernatorial candidate who is not a part of "insider" politics in Tallahassee. Rick Scott is a successful businessman who paid much of his campaign funds from personal funds, unlike other career politicians. Scott has also said the next governor needs to create jobs and cut wasteful spending-not a bad message for voters to consider during this terrible national recession. His opponent? Alex Sink, current financial elected official in Tallahassee and previous Bank of America executive and wife to Bill McBride, (former Democrat candidate for the governor's seat.) Bottom line, hold on for a wild ride between now and November 2. Changes In Cuba - Fidel Castro recently said, "Communism does not work today." Of course, anyone who has followed Castro's reign in Cuba knows that Communism does not work. The nation has a weak economy, government run businesses, and no citizen input in important political matters. Cuba has been a dictatorship under the rule of one man, Fidel Castro. Now the same dictator, who is reportedly sick, proclaims that his way of life has not worked. Millions of Cubans have not enjoyed the quality of life he had expected under Communism. Castro was wrong, but how can things be changed for the better? Expanded capitalism/private enterprise in Cuba. Castro is supporting more private ownership of businesses. How much? Over 500,000 government jobs will be eliminated in favor of private enterprise in Cuba. Yes, expanded private enterprise instead of less (as we are observing in the US.) Free enterprise in Cuba? Imagine the business potential of this amazingly large Caribbean Island nation! Disney in Cuba? Atlantis in Cuba? Open boating and fishing in Cuba? Real estate development opportunities in Cuba? Amazing. The way I see it, it is too bad Castro had this "awakening" during his last days instead of a decade ago. Cuba is only 90 miles from Key West and is a land of tremendous investment opportunities. Medical care? Cuba has many well-trained physicians and medical staff. Communism/Socialism has failed in Cuba. Perhaps our elected officials in Washington can learn from Castro's mistakes, but don't count on it! Open doors with Cuba? It is about time. Increasing National Debt - According to the government data, President Obama has added more to the national debt in the first 19 months of his presidency than all the presidents from George Washington through Ronald Reagan combined. Increasing Poverty Level - The number of people in the U.S. who are in poverty is on track for a record increase on President Obama's watch, with the ranks of working-age poor reaching 1960s levels. Distancing From Party Agenda - According to the New York Times, two years after arriving in Washington on a message of hope and change, Democratic candidates are not extolling their party's accomplishments, but rather distancing themselves from their party's agenda. Lobbyists Distribute The Cash - The New York Times failed to report that Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) receives twice as much cash, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) receives three times as much cash as Minority Leader John Boehner. Tea Party Movement Making A Difference - Tea Party Activists and concerned voters have a loud voice in the upcoming election. They are being heard; their opposition should not rest easy. Informed voters are tired of the same old "party-line" rhetoric. War Room Defending "Obamacare" - The newly launched "Health Information Center" will spend millions of your tax dollars building a "war room" to defend Obamacare from repeal. No End To Government Benefits - According to the Tax Policy Center, nearly half of all Americans live in a household in which someone receives government benefits, more than at any time in history. Climate Legislation Still Looming - House and Energy Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman promised to pass climate legislation in 2011 if Democrats maintain control of the House. Football Mania - USF learned that they could play even with Florida's football team…if their young quarterback would not have made so many errant throws (interceptions.) USF has a young football team that has much to learn. Florida's team must improve if they plan to beat the likes of Tennessee and Alabama. Miami played a tough Ohio State and convincingly lost. Alabama is the real deal-just ask Penn State fans. The Oregon Ducks could be one of the top two teams in college football (Boise State is not.) Georgia? Georgia Tech? But, South Carolina proved it could run the ball (even with Tampa's Garcia at quarterback.) Michigan and Notre Dame proved that neither team is all that good. Virginia Tech? Best to keep an eye on Villanova in I-AA, they could become I-A next year and play in the Big East Conference. North and South Dakota football? In the NFL, the Bucs barely beat the helpless Browns. Cowboys lost, New England is for real, Colts lost, Miami narrowly beat Buffalo, Vikings lost but Packers won, Chicago beat Detroit due to an amazing end-zone call and Tebow scored a touchdown for Denver (in a loss.) Keep an eye on Philadelphia since Michael Vick could become their starter. Rays Vs Yankees - The Rays and the Yankees have been seesawing back and forth between first place in their division, which makes for a very exciting baseball season locally. Go Rays! "Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened." |