Too Much Of A Good Thing

As the war in Afghanistan escalates I find myself wondering what we have learned about fighting a war this day and age.

The complaint reigned loud and long in Iraq that our troops were ill equipped for the type of warfare they were encountering. Their body armor was inferior as was the armor on their vehicles. Our uniformed troops stood out like sore thumbs for the enemy to pick off then disappear into the countryside indistinguishable from the civilian population.

So we improved their body armor and reinforced their vehicles. However, the roadside attacks continue, IEDs are in plentiful supply and still the insurgents fade into the population - unless they blow themselves up in a suicide mission.

Now we are increasing troop strength in Afghanistan and better protecting our troops but to what end? They continue to be visible as a uniformed force and their increased protection has weighed them down to the point of decreased mobility.

Believing those who feel the war in Afghanistan is not one we can win, maybe we would do well to withdraw. It's the same old argument. We can't change the world. This long after the 9/11 attack would seem to make the capture of bin Laden academic. One, we still don't know where he is. Two, we don't even know if he is. He has plenty of advocates who will continue what he began whether he is still alive and at the helm or not.

Needless to say, I am anti-war. Especially when we continue to employ that which works in conventional warfare when the wars we are now engaged in are anything but. The new and improved body armor along with other required gear necessitates lugging an additional 80 pounds into combat. To add insult to injury, soldiers are becoming prone to orthopedic injuries. That circumstance can take them out of action all together. That may be good for the soldier but not so good for winning a war!

I found it interesting that these loads are equivalent to those worn into battle by medieval knights. Which force is most likely to succeed? Our troops burdened like the knight in the illustration or the fleet footed Robin Hood from the BBC series outpacing him? This is how it should be, Robin Hood, the good guy, winning. In reality it's just the opposite.

New armor, lighter in weight, is in the works. The trouble is it doesn't cover as much of the torso. Plus it won't be available for several years. So what are we supposed to do here? Will the enemy be sure to fire at the area known to be covered by the vest? Whew. This is wearing me out.

I've got a better idea. Another Dogwalk theory. Let's not wage war in the first place!

Will Oprah Review Rod's Book?

I have a lot of blogging acquaintances who are writers. Some do it for fun; for others it's quite a serious undertaking. I wonder how frustrated they are when they see the likes of Joe the Plumber getting a book deal. It seems to me to be quite a slap in the face for serious, talented penmen.

Now I learn that former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has inked a six figure book deal with the intent of exposing the "dark side of politics"! The reason I wonder about Oprah is because of her history of promoting books as non-fiction which are not. I am guessing Mr. Blago's book will be much the same.

After all why would he go to a "maverick" publisher? The rationale is that he can be more forthcoming than might be the case with a major publisher. I don't know. Oprah's authors had pretty good publishing houses behind them. It's just that the editors were far to busy to have the "facts" checked.

I'm really picking on Oprah unfairly. She's been burned often enough, I doubt she'll allow it to happen again. What I do worry about, though, is what Blago will say about any and everybody he feels has wronged him. They may have to spend years trying to disprove the written word.

That being a possibility, I wish Mr. Blagojevich the same success that Joe the Plumber met at his first book signing. Six in attendance and five books sold.

As for those of you reading this who are writers, apparently the road to success in the publishing business is to be a complete idiot or a crook. Talent? What's that?

One Man's Pork Is Another's Bacon!

Kathleen Parker's column in today's Spokesman Review talked about how Bobby Jindal's Republican staff nearly did in his political ambitions by the way they framed him in his response to Obama's speech to Congress. As an aside, I agree that he is one of the bright spots in the Republican gloom and left to his own instincts he'll do just fine.

The point of this post, however, is something that was mentioned almost in passing in the column. She pointed out an instance where he was emphasizing excess pork in the stimulus bill. She also mentioned one attributed to Sarah Palin as a gaffe along the same lines. Jindal's was the mention of "volcano monitoring" as wasteful spending. I think not. Just think about it.

Palin's was a reference to fruit fly research as silly spending. Then Parker points out that fruit fly research is crucial to medical research. Did you know that? I did not.

Now I'm going to jump on the media and watchdog groups. True, there are a lot of projects that raise many an eyebrow with good reason, but now I'm wondering how many, even though they may sound silly, are not.

We know the media has become personality driven, too many reporters are lazy and substance is often lacking not to mention objectivity. I would like to see an explanation of pork projects paired with a justification before I'm so quick to condemn them.

Congress embeds pork in bills. They all have computers, cell phones, land lines, Blackberries and web sites. More and more are utilizing Twitter. Spare me. It's not like they don't have better things to do. Point being, they are not difficult to access. So ladies and gentlemen of the media, those of you who still have jobs, how about doing a little probing about these projects and inform those of us who still listen to you or read your papers. Just in case you wonder why there are so few of us and your papers are folding around you, it may be because you're not doing your jobs. I'd not expect to get this information from a columnist. I would expect it from a reporter.

Mass condemnation because we don't like pork no longer makes sense. If you guys want to continue to take home the bacon, talk to us about pork!

"Food" for Thought

Do you ever get tired of hearing about all the studies being done which, if we don't take them to heart, we'll find ourselves in an early grave? One making the rounds regards women and alcohol. How drinking at all spells doom, offsetting the one that says red wine is good for the heart.

Another current one is about how coffee may help deter skin cancers. The creme de la creme made the headlines last night. Which diet is the best for you? The one that works! Go figure!

Some metabolisms do better with high carb, some with low carb. I am told blood type can play a role as well as ethnic background. Some of us are just more prone to chunkiness than others. I cannot, however, argue with the calorie count as long as the type of calorie is left open for discussion.

I know myself that I do better on a high protein regime. Of course. That's because I love breads and pastas. I also know, even though the hype tells me I can eat all I want, that isn't true. Calories do count. I also know that after I've lost some excess I tend to get careless. I usually start adding in larger portions. I am not a bird, after all. Then comes the bad stuff with the good intention of making up for it the next day; then the next and so on. You get the picture. That's why my annual ritual is to go on the South Beach induction for the first two weeks in January. I get really bad during the holidays. Figuring that lasts from left over Halloween candy through New Years, even if I've held my own all year up to that point - it's blown. It's no mystery.

Contrary to competing studies, exercise also plays a role. It helps keep things in check. At the very least it maintains a degree of muscle mass and cardiovascular health. This can be particularly crucial if you believe in the adage you are what you eat.

You could suffer the same fate of that of a young Russian who was offered a tidy sum of money to satisfy his appetite with a couple of female friends. He succumbed from a heart attack after earning his fee. To assure his success he consumed an entire bottle of Viagra. This is definitely a case where he should have paid attention to the studies. The "exercise" lasted twelve hours. If I recall correctly, the ads advise calling your doctor after four. Talk about "blues" in the night!

Two Faced?

Remember during the primaries when people wanted to be snarky about Hillary? They posed the "does she or doesn't she" question about Botox. She probably did and in so doing sure set a trend!

According to USA Today Cosmetic procedures pick up prior to Obama inauguration. Dermatologists in cities across the country have seen an upswing in requests for no down time quick fixes in anticipation of inaugural parties, be they in D.C. or their own home towns! Even men. What! They look great with crows feet and gray at the temples!

This stimulus package of Obama's certainly is far reaching. He's encouraged those who can do so safely to go out and spend. Who'd have thought that in so doing the government will not have to dole out bailout money to cosmetic surgeons?

I'd have thought the increase might be due to all our local TV anchors paring years off their appearance with the onset of hi def television. Now there are numbers that would save an industry. Add to that journalists, politicians, lobbyists and lawyers who have inundated one cosmetic dermatologist, she ought to be in fat city for years to come! The key here, of course, is the fact the treatment wears off. Brilliant!

Ah, you who doubt Obama can pull off this economic recovery really need to "face" the facts!

"Toy Story" Congressional Style

I've become increasingly aware of two truths in politics. No matter how charismatic the President elect may be, how sincere, how well meaning, how able, he'll always have Congress to muck things up.

This time around it's a double whammy because his own party is in power. I have a reader who was at odds with my support for Obama, fearing what might be down the road with one party in control. I didn't disagree with his premise. But the more I watch these men and women we've elected, it seems to me it matters which party holds the power. They're all nuts!

Take for example a column in this morning's Wall Street Journal, Pelosi's Toy Story. It informs us of a law to go into effect in February that will require all unsold children's books and toys and clothing that have not been tested for lead and so certified to be scrapped. Do these people ever, ever think of the ramifications of their actions?

This action is so ludicrous I'm having trouble comprehending it. One more over reaction. Plus the question of how did any of us survive our lives to this point before Big Brother Government became paramount?

How many toy makers have the ability to get their products tested? You know, like the grandfatherly guy down the street that makes toys and sells them at fairs? Books? Is there really lead in paper and ink? Clothes?

Yes, toy safety has been an issue. Especially those made in China. An across the board destroying of those not "tested" however seems a tad extreme. Plus, what about the toys, etc. from those very same shelves that have already been sold or will be prior to the February date? Are those poor children doomed to death by lead poisoning? I rather doubt it.

When Congress passed this legislation in August Nancy Pelosi chortled, "With this legislation, we will not only be recalling, we will be removing those products from the shelves." Well, add the toy stores, especially the little independents, to the bailout list!

What was she thinking? Rather than passing just plain stupid legislation in attempt to woo us into believing they are actually doing something why don't they put in the hours necessary to think these things through?

I know the reason. It would take away from their campaigning which begins the day after they are elected.

I was so enthralled with the Obama candidacy and election, I totally forgot who caused all the problems he campaigned against in the first place. Mostly Congress by their actions or lack thereof.

Funny. When I was a kid the paint in my room had lead in it. I never ate it. I had toys with button eyes and fuzzy fur. I never ate any of that either.

I guess I just never had the taste for it.

Joe The War Correspondent

Wow! The fewer qualifications you have the better job you can get! Heck, I ought to be Michelle Obama's Press Secretary! I was browsing around and found this AP headline: Joe the Plumber to become war correspondent. Yep. He's being sent to Israel to cover the Gaza war. Let's see. Samuel J. Wurzelbacher. He could be Jewish. Which would give pause to the credibility of his reporting. But then if he's German, that would too! Never mind the fact that he's not even licensed as a plumber what's more a journalist!

He told WNWO-TV in Toledo he'll be spending ten days covering the fighting. From safely behind the lines I'm sure. Even the likes of NBC's Richard Engel are being kept on the Israeli side of the border. That's probably okay for his purposes though. He just wants to let "Israel's average Joes' share their story." I won't look for objective journalism here!

The big question, however, is who would hire him? It wouldn't be MSNBC. They are far too liberal these days and already have a full roster of "personalities". FOX. It must be FOX. The icon of conservative reporting. Nope. As lopsided as their viewpoint is, they for the most part have reporters with at least a modicom of journalistic experience. None of the major networks nor CNN would send him. That duty is reserved for their anchors. Then who?

Searching, searching. Here we are. PJTV.com. A conservative web site.

What does PJTV stand for? Pajamas TV. Seriously.

Oh well. Yawn.

American Technology Will Always Win Out!

I've always been of the mind that if you don't understand the culture in which people are raised, or live, you can't truly understand the people. Sometimes catering to that knowledge is all that's needed to open the flood gates of communication.

Take the Pope. It's long been known that he has a penchant for sartorial elegance. After all he wears Prada. That's all fine and (ahem) "dandy". High fashion has been dominated by the European houses for years. Therefore it's quite appropriate.

But technology is a different story! The good old US of A comes to the fore. It would seem the Vatican has approved utilizing technology to bring the book of daily prayers right onto iPhones! True, an Italian priest who is technically savvy along with an Italian web designer came up with the concept, but the iTunes technology it was adapted from is as American as, well Apple pie!

Even more intriguing is the prospect of letting professionals rather than politicians undertake professional endeavors! For instance, what does it take to get Afghan chieftains to cooperate with us rather than the Taliban or Al-quada? Politicians seem to think bribing them with money and arms is the best way. Wrong! Especially if said chieftain is elderly and has several nubile young wives. What works best for? The little blue pill! Joby Warrick of the Washington Post reports utilizing Viagra, a Pfizer product, can bring a chieftain around to our side quite quickly.

Pretty smart of our experienced operatives, don't you think? Even the brand makes a difference. If they used Cialis, there would be a huge additional expense. Especially for a chieftain with multiple wives! Where would they get all those bath tubs? Not to mention the water needed to fill them!

One Man's Pleasure; Another Man's Penalty!

I haven't watched much football this year. The game has become so regulated that the fun and spontaneity has gone out of it. Heaven forbid you rough up the quarterback. Heck, let them wear the necessary padding like the guys who really get beat up! Put some sizzle back into the game!

The Seahawks against the Jets was the exception to this season's viewing habits. I really wanted the Seahawks to give Mike Holmgren a win for his final home game as coach. So did the team and their enthusiasm showed after what has been a dismal season.

Penalties were few but the ones called brought to mind just how ridiculous the league has gotten with the penalties for "excessive" celebration! Jason Wilson's snow angel! What was so egregious about making a snow angel? Because there was snow! Go figure. If there had been no snow and he had made a "grass" angel no problem. But snow is considered a prop. A prop? Props aren't allowed since Terrell Owens hid a Sharpie in his sock, whipped it out after scoring, signed the ball and gave it to a fan.

Oh, I get irritated with the show boaters at times. Especially when their team is down by a gazillion points, someone finally scores and they act as though they've just won the super bowl before they get blindsided. That, however, is just a minor irritation.

But a snow angel? From a member of a team who had few highlights this season? Come on guys.

Sometimes it's not so bad living in a dog's world. Bacchus makes snow angels in the winter and grass angels in the summer with no penalty what so ever!

Random Acts Of Kindness

There is one random act of kindness that I would welcome with open arms. That Mother Nature quit dumping on us! Snow that is. Snow blowers are breaking down faster than the parts stores can restock. To think it was only February when we last went through this and another storm with "significant" snowfall is due Christmas eve.

It is the time for neighbors to rally around neighbors. KREM 2 has just wrapped up another of it's "Big Dig" efforts where people armed with shovels, blowers and plows were sent out to the far and not so far reaches of the community to help people dig out. I haven't heard of a single refusal of help!

That leads me to a story out of Eugene, Oregon, where a group of high schoolers decided to form a club to see if they could change the world with one random act of kindness at a time. Their initial efforts were met with skepticism, expulsion from a mall by security officers and being questioned by police! What a shame!

The "Random Acts of Kindness Club" was the brainchild of a high school senior who felt her community wasn't doing enough. While some of what they gave is a bit esoteric, the thought is what counts. They gave free hugs at a football game. They offered leaf raking services and were actually turned down. One woman told them to "Go do your random acts of kindness somewhere else!" Wow, kids. C'mon over!

Another called the police fearing the kids intended to burglarize her house. During Black Friday they gathered at the mall to give out cards with a mint wishing recipients a "nice day". That one seemed to catch on until security booted them based on the mall's "no solicitation" rules. The fact that they were actually giving something, not soliciting made no difference.

Not to be daunted, the next venture is a hot chocolate giveaway. According to club founder Kelsey Hertel, "People can't accept the fact that there are other people who just want to be nice." She also observed, "Our culture is so based on greed that people don't believe goodness is real."

It's nice to see such an astute young lady trying to make a difference. It's a shame, that as a young lady, she has met so much opposition from those of us who ought to be doing the teaching. I hope with time her venture becomes more successful.

It's also nice to know that in our little corner of the world acts of kindness are the norm, no matter the age of those performing them.

Puppy Love

It occurred to me this morning, watching Bacchus struggle through snow as deep as he is tall, that many of our pets suffer consequences similar to our own. Health issues being one. And how some of us are more fortunate than others.

In today's USA Weekend magazine, there was a heartwarming article about Woodson, the lab who appeared as the five month old Marley in Marley and Me. Woodson, unknown to his breeder and trainers at the time, had been born with a severe case of hip dysplasia. It was discovered some time after his acting duties had ended and he had become the family pet of the author of the book on which the movie was based.

When he called the breeder to let him know, he was offered the same choice many of us in similar positions, have had. Return the pup for a healthy one. Everyone knows what that means. The pup would likely be euthanized. Needless to say Woodson had already become a family fixture and the option was no option at all.

We've been through that with two of our Saints. The first was a $50 cull. Had I not had a soft heart he would have been destroyed. The breeder was that blunt. He had even been isolated from his litter mates. There was nothing physically wrong with him. He just was not up to breed standards. His ears were more like a Bassets than a Saints. He had double dew claws which they hadn't bothered to remove and he'd had no shots. I took him anyway. He became our Ugly Mug to be a companion to our first Saint, Snifter. He was one lucky dog. He had a family who loved him and a vet who, if possible, loved him even more and he had a good life. He had a good life.

Bacchus is the second case. He was the expensive guy. His breeder had mated his mother with a Saint from the breeder from whom we got Oaf, our third Saint. Oaf had such a sweet disposition, we couldn't resist getting another from his line.

When we arrived to pick him up he was freshly shampooed and waiting in his crate. He was adorable. By the way, the breeder tells us, he has entropion in both eyes. You don't have to take him if you don't want to. Right. As we handed her our check.
that results in the lashes rubbing against the eye which, depending on where it hits, can cause blindness. Then the other whammy. Would we have him x-rayed for dysplasia before he was nine months old. Though neither parent had the malady, she wasn't sure it wasn't in the gene pool and she needed to know whether or not to breed either parent again.

Wow! After having driven from Rochester, NY to Virginia to pick him up! We took him anyway. He's had two surgeries on his eyes and they've been corrected as much as is prudent. And he is dysplastic in both hips.

He's been on a supplement regimen since day one. So far so good. The formulation is so good my chiropractor suggested I take it too. Unfortunately the flavor that makes it palatable for Bacchus is awful. I'll stick with a non-liver flavored human version, thanks.

Both dogs are pretty darn fortunate. Though born with unpreventable maladies, they both landed in families that love them to pieces and will do anything the budget will allow to give them full and happy lives. Both families are fortunate enough to have the means to do a lot. If Woodson should need a hip replacement, he will no doubt get one. He's just a kid.

Bacchus, knock wood, will remain comfortable for a good long time yet. He'll be nine soon. That's getting up there for a Saint, but I'm heartened that he's doing better than me!

Lucky dogs. I wish all the kids out there who have health problems from day one could receive the care these guys do. Oops. I'm not going to get into the politics of health insurance on this one.

"Bushed" Bush

Have you noticed how terribly, terribly tired George Bush looks these days? Like every last ounce of energy has been sapped from his being. I actually feel badly for him.

Here is the man who has held the most powerful position in the world for the past eight years and reduced it to something far less. I wonder what his expectations were when he first took office.

Though President-elect Obama tells us there is only one President at a time, it hardly seems so. He's on television all day every day announcing policy and introducing those who's responsibility it will be to carry it out. Bush has been pretty much relegated to giving exit interviews.

I found his talking points memo, titled "Speech Topper on the Bush Record", a sad commentary for it's brevity. Some of the main points included his keeping us safe after 9/11, the lifting of the economy through tax cuts, curbing AIDS in Africa and maintaining the honor and dignity of his office.

Listening to the media pick this apart has been interesting. It would seem to be moot as to whether his actions as President kept us safe after 9/11 or it was so planned by those who attacked us. The economy is anything but stronger. To his credit he did a great deal to curb AIDS in Africa. There is so much more that needs to be addressed that was not.

Maintaining the honor and dignity of the office. Some speculated that meant the absence of a "Lewinsky" type scandal. That's fair, but when you consider the number of our rights that have been diminished if not obiterated, taking us into a war based on faulty intelligence, his fuzzy logic on what is and is not "torture" and the inept response to tragedies of nature within our own borders, I wonder about that dubious "accomplishment".

I wonder if once he's out of office he'll come to see his tenure more as we see it or if he will live out his days believing that history will vindicate his actions because of his pureness of motive.

As most former Presidents, he plans to write a book. I wonder if it will be introspective or defensive. It may have a great deal to do with whether six months out of office he looks rejuvenated or still an exhausted version of his former self. He should look tired. It might indicate he has actually spent some sleepless nights along with we the people he was elected to lead. Introspection may give him some peace. Defensiveness will confirm what many already believe. He never did quite get it.

Global Warming Gives Me A Chill!

The temperature was 1 degree F with a -20 wind chill as I dressed to take Bacchus for our morning stroll. He was tucked comfortably under the edge of the bed snoring contentedly as I pulled on long johns, flannel lined jeans, sock liners, winter weight socks then insulated boots. Then a T-shirt under a turtle neck topped with a chamois cloth shirt before the sweater and my beloved -30 degree parka. Next came the neck gaiter, to pull over my chin and mouth, ear muffs tucked under the wool ski cap and the hood of the parka for good measure. Oh yes, the lined and insulated ski gloves. I was ready.

Bacchus rolled over on his back to get his tummy rubbed. I could barely bend over to reach it. Then he was ready and we were off. "Don't come back until he does something!" Hub shouted after me as I opened the door to the howling wind. Right.

Being the paranoid that I am I didn't want to keep Bacchus out too long. His winter coat is still a bit sparse and he refuses to wear his mutt luks but off we went. We stopped a half dozen times between the door and the road so he could check out business that was his own but one can never be sure. The road was a sheet of ice so I made him walk down our side which he didn't want to do because he does his business on the other side. So about halfway past the neighbors we gingerly made the crossing. Nothing.

Not liking the wind in his face he finally agreed to turn around and head back toward home. Just as resolutely he sauntered right past the drive and on north. Still nothing. Okay. That's it dog. We've been at this for 20 minutes. That's the limit for me if not for you!

Into the warm kitchen we went and out the back door he went. He doesn't like the water he has in the laundry room. The ice cold water in his dish, frozen actually, has much more appeal. I topped it off with some fresh and he was happy. Come back in? Not a chance. Note the photo. I gave him another few minutes than made him come into the warmth and he repaid me by taking my place on the couch to watch "Meet the Press." Fine.

I'm out in the office now. He's still on the couch. I scanned the headlines on Yahoo and laughed out loud at the following teasers:

Obama left with little time to curb global warming 41 mins ago
More outages possible in ice-ravaged Northeast 14 mins ago

It occurred to me Obama has little time left because we're about to enter a new era of global cooling! I've always believed in the cyclical nature of these weather phenomenon and never bought into all the arguments regarding global warming because scientists, real scientists, not Al Gore, refute many of the assumptions with fact. Now it would seem NASA is in agreement with the oncoming of global cooling.

It all goes to the old saying "What goes around comes around". You watch. In about the same span of time lyrics from some old standards will be merged. How about "In the good old summer time snow is glistening". And it won't mean summer in the southern hemisphere!

Politicians - The Gift that Keeps On Giving!

I was doing a stretch that needs to be held for several minutes when I heard Hub come into the house. He's usually very good about leaving me to myself while I'm going through my routine so I was somewhat surprised. He stood in the doorway and said, "You Democrats!" Knowing I'm not a Democrat, I knew he had something pithy to say. Well, that ended the serene stretch as I burst out in a belly laugh.

"The Governor of Illinois arrested for trying to "sell" Obama's Senate seat? The Governor?? "

As soon as I could I came out to the office and began reading. Where to begin? It's all over everything! A couple of things caught my attention right off the bat. Chicago based (don't you love it?) Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney that handled the Valerie Plame/Scooter Libby mess was in charge of the investigation that led to the arrest of Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff (sound familiar?). I mean, how dumb can you be Rod? This Fitzgerald guy is good! It's like deja vu all over again!

The second thing that caught my eye was his mop of hair. What is the correlation between male politicians with "big" hair and the sleaze factor? Read John Edwards. Maybe none. Eliot Spitzer had barely any hair!

The allegations against Blagojevich are more far ranging than merely trying to make a few bucks from selling a senate seat. The U.S. attorney's office released a 78 page criminal complaint to coincide with the arrest! Wow!

Just Sunday I wrote a post making light of some Australian politicians being threatened with breathalyzer tests before entering Parliament due to some indiscreet behavior at parties following meetings. I commented at the time, rather proudly, I was glad our politicians didn't really need anything more than an IQ test. It is not required, obviously.

Heck, Alaska's Ted Stevens, a Republican, was just defeated in his re-election bid after being found guilty of corruption charges. The same holds true for Louisiana's William Jefferson, Democrat, who was under indictment for similar charges. Don't these guys ever learn?

The comics have been mourning the loss of the Bush administration because it has been such a treasure trove of material. I don't think they need worry! Especially if Al Franken, the Democratic challenger for Norm Coleman's Minnesota senate seat keeps "finding" votes that had eluded election officials all this time.

My solution for the Australians was to nix the breathalyzer test in lieu of fewer post meeting parities. My solution for our politicians is to make the IQ test mandatory!

But then, what would the comedians do?

"Team Of Rivals" Or Team WITHOUT Rival?

Well, it's finally official! Hillary Clinton is the Secretary of State designate. No surprise there!

Much is being made of two things. One is the question of how all these Clinton retreads can represent change. And two, can the team of rivals work together or will monumental egos get in the way.

Point number one. With the world as it is today, the fact that Obama is putting people into top offices that have a great deal of experience is of comfort. It comes as no surprise that they are Clinton retreads. After all he is a Democrat and these men and women are the ones who have the necessary experience. Hillary probably has the least applicable experience of any of them. She is, however, bright and able, has a great deal of pride and a hefty ego. There is no way she will embarrass herself in that office.

As for how they will get along. Obama has indicated he expects and will encourage lively debate. No one doubts that is what he will get. I'm going to do something a bit out of character for me. I'm going to disagree with the pundits who insist on foreseeing strife and chaos. I'm going to forecast cohesive and well thought out policy decisions as a result of that lively debate.

During "normal" times, whatever that means these days, I would see each of the strong personalities trying to carve out their own glorious niches. But not today. There is far too much at stake. This past week in India has come as a strong reminder of how fragile peace and well being can be. Look at Thailand. Look all around us. The beheaded bodies being found all along the Mexican border around Tijuana. It's a grim, grim world out there.

The world can no longer tolerate the posturing of egos. It will expect, if not demand, hardcore diplomacy from seasoned professionals, no matter the nationality.

The world as we know it has already been permanently altered with the economic meltdown. It can ill afford additional problems from a lack of strong leadership and diplomacy. I would like to believe each and every cabinet appointee is well aware of what is at stake for not only our nation but the world. I would like to believe each realizes his or her part in finding solutions. I would especially like to believe each and every one of them knows, from Obama on down, that the world needs America to be all that it can be.

It's not just Obama's team. It is our team. And we, as a nation, have been and can be again, a team without rival. That, friends, is all the change I need.

Black Friday: What A Way To Start The "Holiday"

Black Friday has come and gone. It is called "Black" Friday because it is the day when retailers go from red, if they've had a slow year, to black. Often, as is the case this year, the meaning may more closely follow along with these lyrics from Les Mis:

Red...The color of desire! Black...The color of despair!

So it was at a Wal-Mart where a worker was trampled to death by over zealous shoppers. So filled with desire were they that when store management announced in despair that people had been seriously injured and would everyone cease shopping and vacate the store, it was to no avail.

It leads me to wonder if we as a nation really ever take a close look at our behavior. If we did we'd understand why the rest of the world has come to dismiss us. This is a a prime example.

Here we are at the beginning of one of what Christians are supposed to consider the most Holy time of the year. It doesn't mean that any more, not at all. It begins the time of year where pious pronouncements rule. A headline shouts Atheists will post own display telling of another episode of demanding equal representation of displays on government property. I'm willing to wager this is a nationwide occurrence and has become as annual an event as the Black Friday shopping madness.

Also in this morning's paper was a superb column, Bible passages at times contradict Christian message . In it the writer talks of all the versions of the bible that are "out there" and how they vary from one to another. He also talks of how passages tend to be cherry picked and interpreted to suit various ambitions.

This is of course not news to those of us interested in such. People, at least in this country, are free to believe in what they like. What I have a problem with is hypocrisy. I couldn't live with myself if I knew I had been a part of actions causing a death in the name of getting a "bargain". For Christmas.

To me the reality of "Christmas" has been reduced to frenzied shopping, parades, lights, presents and more presents and the cheaper the better. No thanks.

When December 25th actually rolls around store decorations will have been up for over three months, the music will have gotten tiresome and the "spirit", if it isn't hot buttered rum or spiced wine, will be cranky. Actually attending a church service may be more obligatory then heartfelt.

No thanks. We'll have our tree. Yes. Tradition, memories of family and times long gone. Our peace and good will will be toward one another and those of our friends who make no demands on our views in the name of a book or a being that isn't being well served in the first place.

It's Not JUST About Hillary!

As the drama of "will she or won't she" drags on, we ladies who are looking for some satisfaction, other than Sarah Palin, have been missing a bet!

Today's news seems to be filled with "she will" but there are so many other women being considered for top jobs we ought to be clicking our heels in glee!

Janet Napolitano, already Governor of Arizona, for Homeland Security; California Representative Jane Harmon for National Intelligence Director; Kansas Governor Kathryn Sebelius for Energy or Education or Inez Tenebaum or Linda Darling-Hamond. Sebelius again along with Jane Garvey for Transportation. EPA - Lisa Jackson, Mary Nichols and Kathleen McGinty. Commerce - Laura D'Andrea Tyson. Veterans Affairs - Tammy Duckworth. HUD- Renee Glover. Labor - Linda Chavez and Maria Echaveste. Counting Hillary that's fourteen women being considered for cabinet positions!

No small accomplishment. If I was a teacher I'd be assigning my students to Google each and every one of these women to find out who they are and how they attained the level of accomplishment necessary to rate such consideration. I'm willing to bet, too, that each and every one of them can name the periodicals from which they get their news!

One thing for sure, Obama is not sexist. On that note I'm going to borrow from the poster above and add it to the Obama slogan. This one is for the ladies. "We can do it. Yes we can!"

That Pesky Constitution!

Wow! Talk about throwing a monkey wrench into the works! It looks like the Obama organization is getting it's baptism by fire and he hasn't even entered office!

Now, we must remember that Hillary has not officially been offered the job of Secretary of State. It has merely been discussed. It has also been discussed with the better credentialed Bill Richardson. It has been implied it's Hillary's if she wants it as long as (her) Bill falls into line. Some reports say he is; others say he is dragging his feet on some details. That could be a blessing for Obama - and a way for a graceful "out".

It has been revealed that there is a section of the Constitution that may bring the curtain down on this act of political theater. Article 1 Section 6 to be exact. It states:

"No Senator or Representative shall, during the Time for which he was elected, be appointed to any civil Office under the Authority of the United States which shall have been created, or the Emoluments whereof shall have been increased during such time; and no Person holding any Office under the United States, shall be a Member of either House during his Continuance in Office.”

The keyword here is "emolument". Salary.

Hillary was in the Senate when the Executive branch salaries were raised three times - $183,500 in 2006 to $186,600 in 2007 to the current $191,300. Check out Level 1.

If the section of the Constitution being discussed is being interpreted correctly, it would seem Hillary is ineligible for the post.

What does Obama do now? Does he cater to the Clintons or does he uphold the Constitution? Stay tuned.

What's In A Name?

Much is being made over what the Obamas should name their new puppy. Two suggestions Nora O'Donnell mentioned yesterday had me chuckling. Bark Obama. If the choice were to be a Pit Bull - Lipstick.

Lipstick. A Pit Bull with Lipstick. If Obama were to carry on the Bush tradition of nicknaming everyone, I'd think Lipstick would be a good name to give Rahm Emanuel! He was chosen for just that trait and if he has a sense of humor I'd guess he'd embrace it.

In thinking back on some of the nicknames Bush bestowed, it's no wonder his relations outside his bubble were sometimes strained. Vladimir Putin - Pootie Poo or Ostrich Legs or former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chretien - Dino, short for Dinosaur.

One may have had a sense of ones standing in the inner circle by some of those names. Condoleezza rice as Guru versus Colin Powell as Balloon Foot. Dick Cheney probably demanded his - Big Time. In good times Karen Hughes probably enjoyed High Prophet rather than the alternative Lima Green Bean.

Others were just plain fun and appropriate Hogan (as in Heros) for John McCain while California Senators Boxer and Feinstein shared a theme, Ali and Frazier.

Affection had to be mutual for Karl Rove to have enjoyed being referred to as Turd Blossom while former FEMA Director Michael Brown had to wonder if he was even on the radar with nothing more than Brownie.

Then there was the gamut of the media where Candy Crowley could bask as Dolce, Spanish for candy, while the at other extreme Maureen Dowd was dubbed Cobra.

What will we do without the code? We have the Bushs showing their Texan graciousness to the Obamas during the transition, though Barney has not let the media forget his contempt.

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was gracious during an apology from Obama for an attempt at humor that got it all wrong but was in no way meant to be mean spirited.

Maybe it's best we forget both Pit Bulls and lipstick and let Mr. Emanuel be simply Chief of Staff. A return of graciousness practiced by those in government will serve us all well. Now, can we start on talk radio?

Citizen Bloggers

Now that our collective anxieties have been put to rest until the next political upheaval, I've been thinking about how much the candidates owe the blogosphere. Not the political blogs, nor the professional bloggers, but the citizen bloggers. Like most of those who read mine and I theirs. We have become a vital link in a world quickly losing it's print media.

We have suffered from it locally when the Spokesman Review first cut the North Idaho edition and the gutting that has taken place since. Now I read that delivery is being stopped in at least a portion of the Silver Valley. Who knows; we may be next.

The bottom line rules. The sad thing is that not everyone has a computer on which to fall back. More and more segments of the population are going to be even less informed than they are now.

Those who do have computers are the lucky ones. Next they have to have time and lots of it to wend their way through the headline sites. Another learning curve will be which sites are liberal, which conservative and which just plain nuts. Then they need to find Snopes and other fact checking sites to determine if what they are reading is factual. The same holds true for the big league Blogs. Research, research, research.

Maybe we little one-off sites are of most value. I think again of my little cadre of ladies that carried on a long and passionate support network for the Obama candidacy. I'm sure there were hundreds of such groups for all manner of candidates. Just regular folks letting the world know what they think and why.

From my own experience, I know we have an impact. Be it positive or negative depends on the perspective of the reader. Every once in awhile, however, when it comes to your attention that your posts may actually have an impact it's gratifying. Both The Chicago Sun Times and Reuters picked up a post I had written back in early October on why I supported Obama. The Sun Times ran it a few days before the election and again yesterday along with Reuters. The combined activity from the headline generated nearly 16,000 hits on the combined sites.

I, of course, get nowhere near that level of activity on a normal day, but every once in awhile something I write, and not always political, will hit the eye of the big guys.

It's nothing super intellectual, just what I think and why. It's out there for anyone and everyone to see. It's out there to let the world know how one senior lady living in northern Idaho feels about what is going on in the world. No more. No less.

If what I wrote about Obama, however, generated one single vote other than mine it was well worthwhile. Even if it didn't, it presented a rationale. That too was worthwhile.

So you see? We little, one-off bloggers, part of some 60,000,000 out there, have more of an impact than we may imagine.

Sixteen thousand hits on a headline. Not bad!