Very bad headline - I couldn't resist - sorry! (Seems like a few years ago Pluto was deemed a non-planet. Not sure how that works.)
However, this Saturn that is going away is not the celestial type but a money losing entity owned by GM. Nice idea. Small well built American made cars to compete with Honda et al. As they lost 20-30 billion on the brand over the years, it seems likely that GM wishes they hadn't tried that experiment. What does it say when in the mid-80's you dream up a new brand and say you are going to make the quality cars? I mean, what does it say about Chevy, Pontiac, etc. when you make that statement?
Anyway, they thought they had it sold and the deal fell apart, thus Saturn goes the way of Pontiac, Oldsmobile, and, yes, Pluto.
By the way, they are trying to sell Saab and Hummer (the most ridiculous vehicle ever built in a world with shrinking oil supplies and growing air pollution).
I do feel bad for the 13,000 Americans who will be out of jobs related to the building and selling of the Saturn line.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Medical Insurance - Yes, Again
Here is an interesting perspective on the need for medical insurance reform, or even a single payer system. The author's name is Kwak but I don't think he is a quack - in fact, he is totally reasonable.
http://www.truthout.org/080709A
http://www.truthout.org/080709A
Monday, September 28, 2009
Ugliness Breeds Ugliness
No, I am not talking about human procreation. Ugly statements by public figures, be they small-minded congressman, conservative talk show hosts, or members of the clergy, do have an effect.
Today on Facebook a question was posed by a user (not Facebook itself) about Obama being killed. It specifically asked:
"Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care."
Personally I hope the Secret Service finds the person and then flogs him/her in public. Too bad that won't happen. The person will end up on Rush's show and they will say he is a hero and misunderstood.
Today on Facebook a question was posed by a user (not Facebook itself) about Obama being killed. It specifically asked:
"Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care."
Personally I hope the Secret Service finds the person and then flogs him/her in public. Too bad that won't happen. The person will end up on Rush's show and they will say he is a hero and misunderstood.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Nostalgia
This was sent to me and it brought a nostalgic feeling. My younger readers (read my kids) will laugh no doubt - reasonably I might add.
HEY, WASN’T THAT US?
Sometimes we would separate to do things on our own, But we knew where the others were without our own cell phone.
Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend, And didn't need insurance or a lawyer to defend? The way that he took care of you or what he had to do, Because he took an oath and strived to do the best for you.
There was a time when mailed letters came right to your door, Without a lot of junk mail ads sent out by every store. The mailman knew each house by name and knew where it was sent; There were not loads of mail addressed to "present occupant."
There was a time when just one glance was all that it would take, And you would know the kind of car, the model and the make.
They didn't look like turtles trying to squeeze out every mile; They were streamlined, white walls, fins, and really had some style.
Oh sure, we had our problems then, just like we do today, And always we were striving, trying for a better way.
This life seemed so much easier and slower in some ways, I love the new technology but I sure miss those days.
HEY, WASN’T THAT US?
A little house with three bedrooms and one car on the street. A mower that you had to push to make the grass look neat.
In the kitchen on the wall we only had one phone, And no need for recording things, someone was always home.
We only had a living room where we would congregate, Unless it was at mealtime in the kitchen where we ate.
We had no need for family rooms or extra rooms to dine, When meeting as a family those two rooms would work out fine.
We only had one TV set, and channels maybe two, But always there was one of them with something worth the view.
For snacks we had potato chips that tasted like a chip, And if you wanted flavor there was Lipton's onion dip. Store-bought snacks were rare because my mother liked to cook, And nothing can compare to snacks in Betty Crocker's book.
Weekends were for family trips or staying home to play, We all did things together -- even go to church to pray.
When we did our weekend trips depending on the weather, No one stayed at home because we liked to be together.
Sometimes we would separate to do things on our own, But we knew where the others were without our own cell phone. Then there were the movies with your favorite movie star, And nothing can compare to watching movies in your car.
Then there were the picnics at the peak of summer season, Pack a lunch and find some trees and never need a reason.
Get a baseball game together with all the friends you know, Have real action playing ball -- and no game video.
Remember when the doctor used to be the family friend, And didn't need insurance or a lawyer to defend? The way that he took care of you or what he had to do, Because he took an oath and strived to do the best for you. Remember going to the store and shopping casually, And when you went to pay for it you used your own money?
Nothing that you had to swipe or punch in some amount, Remember when the cashier person had to really count?
The milkman used to go from door to door, And it was just a few cents more than going to the store.
There was a time when mailed letters came right to your door, Without a lot of junk mail ads sent out by every store. The mailman knew each house by name and knew where it was sent; There were not loads of mail addressed to "present occupant." 
There was a time when just one glance was all that it would take, And you would know the kind of car, the model and the make. 
They didn't look like turtles trying to squeeze out every mile; They were streamlined, white walls, fins, and really had some style. One time the music that you played whenever you would jive, Was from a vinyl, big-holed record called a forty-five.
The record player had a post to keep them all in line, And then the records would drop down and play one at a time.
Oh sure, we had our problems then, just like we do today, And always we were striving, trying for a better way. Oh, the simple life we lived still seems like so much fun, How can you explain a game, just kick the can and run?
And why would boys put baseball cards between bicycle spokes, And for a nickel red machines had little bottled Cokes?
This life seemed so much easier and slower in some ways, I love the new technology but I sure miss those days. So time moves on and so do we, and nothing stays the same, But I sure love to reminisce and walk down memory lane.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
Deficit - (squared)
Dick Cheney - my choice for criminal prosecution of Bush era pols stated recently that the deficits of Barack Obama are unconscionable.
In 2002, when critics questioned him about the rapidly rising deficit under George Bush he replied, "Reagan proved deficits don't matter, we won the midterms. This is our due."
Hypocrite. Unreasonable.
In 2002, when critics questioned him about the rapidly rising deficit under George Bush he replied, "Reagan proved deficits don't matter, we won the midterms. This is our due."
Hypocrite. Unreasonable.
Fondy Revisited
On August 24th I wrote about the union at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, WI voted down a contract proposal despite knowing that the company would move to Stillwater, OK. Fondy would have been devastated.
Turns out that two weeks or so later the union asked Merc to allow another vote, which they did, and lo and behold - it passed! Smart move - now the 800 or so members didn't decide the fate of the sleepy little town for the other 35,000 citizens.
Turns out that two weeks or so later the union asked Merc to allow another vote, which they did, and lo and behold - it passed! Smart move - now the 800 or so members didn't decide the fate of the sleepy little town for the other 35,000 citizens.
Friday, September 18, 2009
You Have to Appreciate Cleverness
On the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, there is a ceremony called Tashlich. Jews traditionally go to the ocean or a stream or river to pray and throw bread crumbs into the water. Symbolically, the fish devour their sins. Occasionally, people ask what kind of bread crumbs should be thrown. Here are suggestions for breads which may be most appropriate for specific sins and misbehaviors:
For ordinary sins - White Bread
For erotic sins - French Bread
For particularly dark sins - Pumpernickel
For complex sins - Multi-Grain
For twisted sins - Pretzels
For tasteless sins - Rice Cakes
For sins of indecision - Waffles
For sins committed in haste -Matzoh
For sins of chutzpah - Fresh Bread
For substance abuse - Stoned Wheat
For use of heavy drugs - Poppy Seed
For petty larceny- Stollen
For committing auto theft - Caraway
For timidity/cowardice - Milk Toast
For ill-temperedness - Sourdough
For silliness, eccentricity - Nut Bread
For not giving full value - Shortbread
For jingoism, chauvinism - Yankee Doodles
For excessive irony - Rye Bread
For unnecessary chances - Hero Bread
For telling bad jokes/puns - Corn Bread
For war-mongering - Kaiser Rolls
For dressing immodestly - Tarts
For causing injury to others - Tortes
For lechery and promiscuity - Hot Buns
For promiscuity with gentiles - Hot Cross Buns
For racist attitudes - Crackers
For sophisticated racism -Ritz Crackers
For being holier than thou - Bagels
For abrasiveness - Grits
For dropping in without notice - Popovers
For over-eating - Stuffing
For impetuosity - Quick Bread
For indecent photography - Cheesecake
For raising your voice too often - Challah
For pride and egotism - Puff Pastry
For sycophancy, a**-kissing - Brownies
For being overly smothering - Angel Food Cake
For laziness - Any long loaf
For trashing the environment - Dumplings
For those who require a wide selection of crumbs, we suggest aTashlich Mix available in three grades (Taslich Lite, Medium, andIndustrial Strength) at your favorite Jewish bookstore.
For ordinary sins - White Bread
For erotic sins - French Bread
For particularly dark sins - Pumpernickel
For complex sins - Multi-Grain
For twisted sins - Pretzels
For tasteless sins - Rice Cakes
For sins of indecision - Waffles
For sins committed in haste -Matzoh
For sins of chutzpah - Fresh Bread
For substance abuse - Stoned Wheat
For use of heavy drugs - Poppy Seed
For petty larceny- Stollen
For committing auto theft - Caraway
For timidity/cowardice - Milk Toast
For ill-temperedness - Sourdough
For silliness, eccentricity - Nut Bread
For not giving full value - Shortbread
For jingoism, chauvinism - Yankee Doodles
For excessive irony - Rye Bread
For unnecessary chances - Hero Bread
For telling bad jokes/puns - Corn Bread
For war-mongering - Kaiser Rolls
For dressing immodestly - Tarts
For causing injury to others - Tortes
For lechery and promiscuity - Hot Buns
For promiscuity with gentiles - Hot Cross Buns
For racist attitudes - Crackers
For sophisticated racism -Ritz Crackers
For being holier than thou - Bagels
For abrasiveness - Grits
For dropping in without notice - Popovers
For over-eating - Stuffing
For impetuosity - Quick Bread
For indecent photography - Cheesecake
For raising your voice too often - Challah
For pride and egotism - Puff Pastry
For sycophancy, a**-kissing - Brownies
For being overly smothering - Angel Food Cake
For laziness - Any long loaf
For trashing the environment - Dumplings
For those who require a wide selection of crumbs, we suggest aTashlich Mix available in three grades (Taslich Lite, Medium, andIndustrial Strength) at your favorite Jewish bookstore.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Rush-isms
Rush Limbaugh is the second most powerful man in the world - behind the U.S. President.
This is how Rush flexes his power:
During the September 26, 2007 broadcast Rush called service members who advocate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq "phony soldiers." (Rush is a General now?)
"He is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He's moving all around and shaking and it's purely an act. ... This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting." (Rush is a doctor now?)
"And don't forget, Sherrod Brown is black. There's a racial component here, too. And now, the newspaper that I'm reading all this from is The New York Times, and they, of course, don't mention that." --on the 2006 Ohio Senate primary race involving then-Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), who is white. (All of those pain killers must have made him color blind.)
"Too many whites are getting away with drug use...Too many whites are getting away with drug sales...The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them, and send them up the river, too." --in 1995
"I am addicted to prescription pain medication." --in 2003 (If he would have just sent himself up the river.)
"Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society." (he being the great looking, svelt guy that he is)
"The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies." (Hmmm - I wonder what Rush really thinks about Black people)
"The only way to reduce the number of nuclear weapons is to use them." (Responsible use of the airwaves indeed)
"Character matters; leadership descends from character." (Seems like he should have more character as he is the 2nd most powerful person on the earth)
"Take that bone out of your nose and call me back." Response to a black caller he was having a hard time understanding in the 1970s. (Like all of these, I challenge anyone to say in what context this would be acceptable?)
Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson? (I know I dislike Rush when he can make me feel sorry for the ridiculous Jesse Jackson!)
and finally this gem, which seems quite apropos for these times.....
It's one thing to have a sizable minority like the Democrats stand in your way, but it is just unacceptable when a tiny, tiny, tiny fraction of Republicans in Congress also rear up in opposition and join the liberal Democrats to derail an agenda. At some point that has to be faced. It has to be faced because these RINOs, these moderates, are undermining our agenda on taxes; they are undermining our agenda on spending; they are undermining our agenda on oil drilling, and they are undermining the war on terror — and I'll give you some names. You want some names? Here they are: Olympia Snowe, John McCain, George Voinovich, Mike Castle, Christopher Shays, and about 30 to 35 others. (this from 2005 and Rush baby was unable to deliver the GOP follower's votes in a sufficient manner to beat Barack Obama.)
This is how Rush flexes his power:
During the September 26, 2007 broadcast Rush called service members who advocate U.S. withdrawal from Iraq "phony soldiers." (Rush is a General now?)
"He is exaggerating the effects of the disease. He's moving all around and shaking and it's purely an act. ... This is really shameless of Michael J. Fox. Either he didn't take his medication or he's acting." (Rush is a doctor now?)
"And don't forget, Sherrod Brown is black. There's a racial component here, too. And now, the newspaper that I'm reading all this from is The New York Times, and they, of course, don't mention that." --on the 2006 Ohio Senate primary race involving then-Rep. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), who is white. (All of those pain killers must have made him color blind.)
"Too many whites are getting away with drug use...Too many whites are getting away with drug sales...The answer is to go out and find the ones who are getting away with it, convict them, and send them up the river, too." --in 1995
"I am addicted to prescription pain medication." --in 2003 (If he would have just sent himself up the river.)
"Feminism was established so as to allow unattractive women easier access to the mainstream of society." (he being the great looking, svelt guy that he is)
"The NAACP should have riot rehearsal. They should get a liquor store and practice robberies." (Hmmm - I wonder what Rush really thinks about Black people)
"The only way to reduce the number of nuclear weapons is to use them." (Responsible use of the airwaves indeed)
"Character matters; leadership descends from character." (Seems like he should have more character as he is the 2nd most powerful person on the earth)
"Take that bone out of your nose and call me back." Response to a black caller he was having a hard time understanding in the 1970s. (Like all of these, I challenge anyone to say in what context this would be acceptable?)
Have you ever noticed how all composite pictures of wanted criminals resemble Jesse Jackson? (I know I dislike Rush when he can make me feel sorry for the ridiculous Jesse Jackson!)
and finally this gem, which seems quite apropos for these times.....
It's one thing to have a sizable minority like the Democrats stand in your way, but it is just unacceptable when a tiny, tiny, tiny fraction of Republicans in Congress also rear up in opposition and join the liberal Democrats to derail an agenda. At some point that has to be faced. It has to be faced because these RINOs, these moderates, are undermining our agenda on taxes; they are undermining our agenda on spending; they are undermining our agenda on oil drilling, and they are undermining the war on terror — and I'll give you some names. You want some names? Here they are: Olympia Snowe, John McCain, George Voinovich, Mike Castle, Christopher Shays, and about 30 to 35 others. (this from 2005 and Rush baby was unable to deliver the GOP follower's votes in a sufficient manner to beat Barack Obama.)
Race - Jimmy Carter vs. Barack Obama
Jimmy Carter indicates that a number of conservatives that oppose Barack Obama are racist in their thinking. President Obama says he doesn't think that at all. Hmmm.
Based on the race relations in this country, it seems likely that some of the automatic dismissal of ideas is because President Obama is half Black. You cannot in good faith rail about ACORN (which we should) and not rail about Halliburton. You cannot rail about the rising deficit when you didn't rail about the rising deficit under George Bush. If you do those things, which the GOP is currently doing, then you have to ask why?
I believe Barack Obama is being disingenuous when he says he thinks this rancor isn't race related. A talking head on TV last night made an interesting point - sorry I don't recall her name - but she stated that it is in his best interest to not play the race card for political expediency sake. Sounds plausible to me.
In the end, as usual, the answer lies in the middle. Some uninformed individuals who oppose Barack Obama and hope for his failure, hope he dies or is killed, etc. are doing so at least in part because of race. It would be naive to think otherwise.
Likewise, it is unlikely that the majority of Obama critics are doing so because he is dark skinned. I think they simply don't like any idea, no matter what it is, if it comes from a Democrat. Take for example, the President discussing staying in school and doing one's best - somehow that became a "liberal" idea and something that might come from Saddam Hussein.
Based on the race relations in this country, it seems likely that some of the automatic dismissal of ideas is because President Obama is half Black. You cannot in good faith rail about ACORN (which we should) and not rail about Halliburton. You cannot rail about the rising deficit when you didn't rail about the rising deficit under George Bush. If you do those things, which the GOP is currently doing, then you have to ask why?
I believe Barack Obama is being disingenuous when he says he thinks this rancor isn't race related. A talking head on TV last night made an interesting point - sorry I don't recall her name - but she stated that it is in his best interest to not play the race card for political expediency sake. Sounds plausible to me.
In the end, as usual, the answer lies in the middle. Some uninformed individuals who oppose Barack Obama and hope for his failure, hope he dies or is killed, etc. are doing so at least in part because of race. It would be naive to think otherwise.
Likewise, it is unlikely that the majority of Obama critics are doing so because he is dark skinned. I think they simply don't like any idea, no matter what it is, if it comes from a Democrat. Take for example, the President discussing staying in school and doing one's best - somehow that became a "liberal" idea and something that might come from Saddam Hussein.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Politeness
There is a fair amount of debate and speculation flying right now about civil discourse, or lack there of, or even simple politeness.
I suppose that I learned to be polite from my Mother (she can comment and correct me if I am wrong.) I think my grandparents were polite people, at least in front of me. If they were impolite normally, but not so in front of me, then they taught me that being polite was preferable. I suppose the Lutheran ministers I was around and school rules also fostered politeness.
I hope that Laurie and I have imparted to our kids that being polite and respectful is a useful skill that costs nothing. I think we have.
Recently I ran into a family at a restaurant that I know from our kids' hockey years. The father and I coached against each other for several years and H.S. hockey together. He demanded his kids refer to other parents by their proper last name - Mr. Olson for example. Any way, when I ran into them, the now 22 year old son, said, "Great to see you Mr. Olson." I actually think that is kind of quaint. I liked it, even if it is going too far back into the past. A simple, "Great to see you Jeff" would have sufficed.
I think of politeness sort of like recycling - if you can be polite, or not, and it cost the same, why not be polite? If you can toss the empty soda can in a garbage bin, or the bin right next to it that has "Recycle" printed on it, and it cost the same, then why not recycle? It is painless.
Do I think I am always polite? No I don't, but that doesn't mean that I should just give it up and be rude all of the time. That would be unreasonable.
I suppose that I learned to be polite from my Mother (she can comment and correct me if I am wrong.) I think my grandparents were polite people, at least in front of me. If they were impolite normally, but not so in front of me, then they taught me that being polite was preferable. I suppose the Lutheran ministers I was around and school rules also fostered politeness.
I hope that Laurie and I have imparted to our kids that being polite and respectful is a useful skill that costs nothing. I think we have.
Recently I ran into a family at a restaurant that I know from our kids' hockey years. The father and I coached against each other for several years and H.S. hockey together. He demanded his kids refer to other parents by their proper last name - Mr. Olson for example. Any way, when I ran into them, the now 22 year old son, said, "Great to see you Mr. Olson." I actually think that is kind of quaint. I liked it, even if it is going too far back into the past. A simple, "Great to see you Jeff" would have sufficed.
I think of politeness sort of like recycling - if you can be polite, or not, and it cost the same, why not be polite? If you can toss the empty soda can in a garbage bin, or the bin right next to it that has "Recycle" printed on it, and it cost the same, then why not recycle? It is painless.
Do I think I am always polite? No I don't, but that doesn't mean that I should just give it up and be rude all of the time. That would be unreasonable.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
ACORN and Halliburton
ACORN is in deep S__t! Republicans and some Democrats have moved to get their federal money cut off - good. They claim ACORN is breaking the law. Or, at a minimum, a number of ACORN employees have been caught doing bad things on video. I trust the videos have not been altered - or at least I hope not. Seems likely that these workers did do wrong, so as I said, cut off the dough.
While the Senate is at it, they should cut off Halliburton as well. That company has high level employees who have committed and been convicted of crimes. No difference. Cut em' off! Hmmm - have you heard any Republican go after Dick Cheney's old stomping ground? I wonder why not.
In the end, ignoring Halliburton doesn't make ACORN actions right and ACORN should be cut off. I am just asking if it is reasonable to go after this Republican thorn and not go after Halliburton?
While the Senate is at it, they should cut off Halliburton as well. That company has high level employees who have committed and been convicted of crimes. No difference. Cut em' off! Hmmm - have you heard any Republican go after Dick Cheney's old stomping ground? I wonder why not.
In the end, ignoring Halliburton doesn't make ACORN actions right and ACORN should be cut off. I am just asking if it is reasonable to go after this Republican thorn and not go after Halliburton?
Time To Plan Ahead - GOP
The beauty of blogging is you get to express your views as if they will make a huge difference. Since I don't have the bully pulpit of a Rush Limbaugh, or his following, it seems unlikely that I will get my wish. So what - here it is anyway.
I would like to see the GOP come back to power in the Senate and House. If they can do that without turning us into the anti-education, anti-minority, and hypocritical country that I fear, then perhaps they can again aspire for the White House.
The GOP needs a moderate, reasonable voice - actually one similar to the McCain of 2000. Not exactly him, but someone applying some common sense to matters. The person should believe:
I would like to see the GOP come back to power in the Senate and House. If they can do that without turning us into the anti-education, anti-minority, and hypocritical country that I fear, then perhaps they can again aspire for the White House.
The GOP needs a moderate, reasonable voice - actually one similar to the McCain of 2000. Not exactly him, but someone applying some common sense to matters. The person should believe:
- Smaller, more effective government is an ideal but you can't just lop off whole parts without determining the effect - it will take time, but is worth the effort.
- De-regulation is a great idea that doesn't work when not monitored - HEAVILY
- You cannot call for getting government out of our lives and then ramble on about abortion, and stem cells, and music lyrics, and movie content (in other words - stay out of our lives except in areas of social items and free speech) (Yes, I know the Dems have this same problem, only in reverse, but I don't really care about them - they have the power)
- You cannot be elected by being against education
- Religious beliefs should remain just that - beliefs. The person should acknowledge that religious beliefs are one set of principles that make up the person. You cannot be elected by thumping the bible and telling everyone else how to live their lives. Too many people find it offensive. Maybe in the bible belt you get elected to the House but stagnation will follow.
- Moderate Democrats are easier to move "across the aisle" than it is to move moderate Republicans "across the aisle." This is true as the majority of Americans still believe in self determination - picking yourself up by the boot straps - and getting what you deserve. This provides a good basis for Republicans. If this were not true, Republicans would never win since there are many more Dems than Republicans.
- Guns and people kill people. Trust that polls are correct that most Americans believe we have a right to own guns and we will not be the next England. If the candidate just doesn't' waste much time on this, he/she will be better off.
- Family Values hypocrisy is incredibly damaging to the party and the country - it creates tremendous cynicism.
- Lastly, they need to be able to take responsibility for their actions and decisions and let this guide them. Ronald Reagan despised the idea of air traffic controllers bringing the U.S. to a grinding halt - he took responsibility and fired them, replaced them, and moved on. Barack Obama knows, and states clearly, that he is aware that he "owns" the health care crises if his plan doesn't work and he will be held accountable by the electorate. Bush Jr. and Clinton never really got this lesson and while elected twice each, their legacies are tarnished in part because of it.
This is my reasonable GOP candidate. Where is he or she?
Afghan War
I seem to recall that during the debates, one of the few areas that Senators Obama and McCain agreed was on the Afghan War. In my opinion, Barack Obama was pretty clear on a number of items that he would pursue and has attempted to do just that. For example.....
Democrats are good at pointing out, correctly, that candidate Obama was elected overwhelmingly (at least by U.S. Presidential elections standards) on a platform calling for an overhaul of the health system. Thus the most liberal part of the party considers that a "go" for full reform.
On the other hand, the most liberal part of the party isn't in favor of pursuing the Afghan War with such vigor. Interesting because Obama was pretty clear that he believed Afghanistan and the mountainous areas of Pakistan are the training ground of Al Qaida. He also stated, again correctly, that we took our eye off the ball after we dethroned the Taliban and then moved erroneously to Iraq. Iraq clearly had nothing to do with 9-11 and WMD may or may not have existed. So while we wandered around in Iraq, losing thousands of troops only to remove the bad man Saddam Hussein, the Taliban regrouped and began to have its own surge in Afghanistan. Bad, bad, bad.....
McCain and Obama still agree and the U.S. military command thinks we need to step it up in order to "win." I don't know that I think we will ever "win" in the traditional war sense since these radical dudes simply hate us and their own people as well. They want fundamental rights for long-bearded men and that is it. But we can eject them once again and help secure the place on a more permanent basis. That would be as close to a win as possible.
Democrats are good at pointing out, correctly, that candidate Obama was elected overwhelmingly (at least by U.S. Presidential elections standards) on a platform calling for an overhaul of the health system. Thus the most liberal part of the party considers that a "go" for full reform.
On the other hand, the most liberal part of the party isn't in favor of pursuing the Afghan War with such vigor. Interesting because Obama was pretty clear that he believed Afghanistan and the mountainous areas of Pakistan are the training ground of Al Qaida. He also stated, again correctly, that we took our eye off the ball after we dethroned the Taliban and then moved erroneously to Iraq. Iraq clearly had nothing to do with 9-11 and WMD may or may not have existed. So while we wandered around in Iraq, losing thousands of troops only to remove the bad man Saddam Hussein, the Taliban regrouped and began to have its own surge in Afghanistan. Bad, bad, bad.....
McCain and Obama still agree and the U.S. military command thinks we need to step it up in order to "win." I don't know that I think we will ever "win" in the traditional war sense since these radical dudes simply hate us and their own people as well. They want fundamental rights for long-bearded men and that is it. But we can eject them once again and help secure the place on a more permanent basis. That would be as close to a win as possible.
Monday, September 14, 2009
My Apologies
There is suddenly a rash of ridiculous events and then a rush to apologize. Now, I have always liked when someone could admit they made a mistake and apologize accordingly. I probably would have supported George Bush longer had he admitted the mistake of Iraq. But, he couldn't and thus I felt he failed as a leader.
Serena Williams pointed her finger and her racquet at a lines woman officiating her semi-final match at the U.S. Open. The match was going badly and she apparently snapped. Bad behavior followed by a bad PR explanation, followed by a better apology a couple of days later.
Kanye West, a rap singer (I think) interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for an award at the Video Music Awards. He actually walked on the stage and said Beyonce deserved to win. Unbelievable. He has, of course, since apologized. Of course the eloquent Beyonce had handled the situation earlier and gave Ms. Swift her proper due.
Representative Wilson, who now claims he is a victim, apologized (sort of) to the President after yelling out, "you lie" during a speech in front of a joint session of congress. Unbelievable.
Perhaps these people should think before they act. At least in Serena's case she was in the throws of an athletic event and competing at the highest level. The intensity can almost (but only almost) make you understand her lack of professionalism. Wilson and West have no such fall back. They were just rude and unreasonable.
Serena Williams pointed her finger and her racquet at a lines woman officiating her semi-final match at the U.S. Open. The match was going badly and she apparently snapped. Bad behavior followed by a bad PR explanation, followed by a better apology a couple of days later.
Kanye West, a rap singer (I think) interrupted Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for an award at the Video Music Awards. He actually walked on the stage and said Beyonce deserved to win. Unbelievable. He has, of course, since apologized. Of course the eloquent Beyonce had handled the situation earlier and gave Ms. Swift her proper due.
Representative Wilson, who now claims he is a victim, apologized (sort of) to the President after yelling out, "you lie" during a speech in front of a joint session of congress. Unbelievable.
Perhaps these people should think before they act. At least in Serena's case she was in the throws of an athletic event and competing at the highest level. The intensity can almost (but only almost) make you understand her lack of professionalism. Wilson and West have no such fall back. They were just rude and unreasonable.
Friday, September 11, 2009
9-11
8 years ago on 9-11 this country was attacked. What followed was a time of fear and apprehension. But what also followed, for a short while, was a singular determination among the citizenry. In fact, I think people were simply nicer to one another in the U.S.A. We were all attacked - white, black, Hispanic, Muslims, Jews, Indians, Native Americans, etc. Everyone was attacked on that day. Thus we rallied.
Fast forward 8 years - what a terrible difference. A worthless war in Iraq has cheapened the success of whooping Afghanistan, and now having to toil there once again. Partisan politics so thick that the ex-VP gets heckled for giving away money, the President gets totally disrespected by a small minded dunce from S. Carolina, the Attorney General is pursuing CIA operatives that helped keep us safe, Rush Limbaugh's hateful self is in charge of the GOP, etc.
9-11 was a tragedy - losing the ensuing civility so completely is perhaps even more of a tragedy and more deadly. Totally unreasonable.
Fast forward 8 years - what a terrible difference. A worthless war in Iraq has cheapened the success of whooping Afghanistan, and now having to toil there once again. Partisan politics so thick that the ex-VP gets heckled for giving away money, the President gets totally disrespected by a small minded dunce from S. Carolina, the Attorney General is pursuing CIA operatives that helped keep us safe, Rush Limbaugh's hateful self is in charge of the GOP, etc.
9-11 was a tragedy - losing the ensuing civility so completely is perhaps even more of a tragedy and more deadly. Totally unreasonable.
Bad Behavior
Now an anti-abortion activist has been killed in Michigan. Sort of a role reversal, but bad behavior none-the-less. I suppose we will need to see if this shooting was related to his stance, but seems quite likely.
Speaking of bad behavior - and I remind you that I don't like Dick Cheney - the ex-VP and his wife were in Wyoming to open an international studies center, for which they paid. Nice gesture, one good for the university and its students. Apparently about 100 people decided it was proper to heckle the man. Bad.
Somethings just aren't right - like yelling at the President or heckling a man and woman who just donated more than $2M to enhance education for young folks in Wyoming.
Speaking of bad behavior - and I remind you that I don't like Dick Cheney - the ex-VP and his wife were in Wyoming to open an international studies center, for which they paid. Nice gesture, one good for the university and its students. Apparently about 100 people decided it was proper to heckle the man. Bad.
Somethings just aren't right - like yelling at the President or heckling a man and woman who just donated more than $2M to enhance education for young folks in Wyoming.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Jackie Gingrich Cushman : Failure of Imagination, Unity of Purpose - Townhall.com
Jackie Gingrich Cushman : Failure of Imagination, Unity of Purpose - Townhall.com
This was sent by Newt Gingrich - the proud papa of Jackie. I am sure the site on which it resides is not my fave, but the message is still good. Even if I don't agree with all of it, I don't see finger pointing, etc., just a call for action in a civil manner. Nice.
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This was sent by Newt Gingrich - the proud papa of Jackie. I am sure the site on which it resides is not my fave, but the message is still good. Even if I don't agree with all of it, I don't see finger pointing, etc., just a call for action in a civil manner. Nice.
Shared via AddThis
Hard to be a Moderate Republican
I realize that the most conservative of Republicans don't really care if they have me in camp or not. Unfortunately for them, and lucky for us, there will never be enough of the very conservative, Christian conservatives to dominate elections on a national level. Clearly they can dominate local elections. Thus, on a national level, they need to reel in millions of fiscal conservatives that are more socially liberal in order to stay relevant. People like me.
It is hard to go back to the GOP. Take yesterday for example:
Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina yells and points at the President of the United States during a speech that is in part about having civil discussions about how to fix health care. He said, "You Lie" in response to Obama saying that illegal immigrants will not be eligible for medical coverage. In fact, in the version out there right now, they would not be covered. Of course, they will continue to show up at emergency rooms, thus getting the most expensive form of care imaginable.
In another development, one that I find to be just another in a long line of hypocritical actions, Mike Duvall stepped down from the California Assembly. He is a Republican who has a perfect rating from one of those conservative, Christian coalitions. Perfect? So he says he is a good devoted family man. Now he says he didn't really do any of these things that he described in detail (and on tape), but was just story telling. Sure - and the Senator didn't really toe tap in the Minnesota bathroom, and Hyde, Livingston, and Gingrich didn't really have affairs, and the Governor didn't really go to Brazil to be with his Internet lover, and blah, blah, blah...........
What makes this even worse is the likely woman he had an affair with is a lobbyist that lobbies his energy committee in California. Geez, where are the ethics?
Back to the dunce Wilson - as my son said in a tweet.....Rep. Wilson's idiocy helped his likely rival for next year's election raise $100k in 8 hours. Like I said, it is hard to be a moderate Republican.
It is hard to go back to the GOP. Take yesterday for example:
Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina yells and points at the President of the United States during a speech that is in part about having civil discussions about how to fix health care. He said, "You Lie" in response to Obama saying that illegal immigrants will not be eligible for medical coverage. In fact, in the version out there right now, they would not be covered. Of course, they will continue to show up at emergency rooms, thus getting the most expensive form of care imaginable.
In another development, one that I find to be just another in a long line of hypocritical actions, Mike Duvall stepped down from the California Assembly. He is a Republican who has a perfect rating from one of those conservative, Christian coalitions. Perfect? So he says he is a good devoted family man. Now he says he didn't really do any of these things that he described in detail (and on tape), but was just story telling. Sure - and the Senator didn't really toe tap in the Minnesota bathroom, and Hyde, Livingston, and Gingrich didn't really have affairs, and the Governor didn't really go to Brazil to be with his Internet lover, and blah, blah, blah...........
What makes this even worse is the likely woman he had an affair with is a lobbyist that lobbies his energy committee in California. Geez, where are the ethics?
Back to the dunce Wilson - as my son said in a tweet.....Rep. Wilson's idiocy helped his likely rival for next year's election raise $100k in 8 hours. Like I said, it is hard to be a moderate Republican.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Now Can Politicians Get Back to Work?
Now that Rush et. al. got everyone fired up for no reason about Barack Obama's speech to kids, and now that it has been delivered, can the politicians get back to work?
On second thought, perhaps not all places want there person to get back to work. What to make of the Oklahoma state senator, Steve Russell who said, "As far as I am concerned, this is not civics education - it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality. This is something you'd expect to see in North Korea or Saddam Hussein's Iraq."
Where do they find these people?
This is the same state that wishes to join Kansas by making creationism the only thing taught in science in regard to how the world evolved - effectively eliminating Darwin's Evolution.
At any rate, Newt Gingrich sent a tweet yesterday saying the President was right to deliver a stay in school message. Good for Newt. Laura Bush made a positive statement as well. Thank goodness. Perhaps the GOP will have some sense after all. I can only hope that reasonableness will return.
The thing of course is that many children didn't hear this fine message because of ridiculousness like that presented by Senator Russell.
On second thought, perhaps not all places want there person to get back to work. What to make of the Oklahoma state senator, Steve Russell who said, "As far as I am concerned, this is not civics education - it gives the appearance of creating a cult of personality. This is something you'd expect to see in North Korea or Saddam Hussein's Iraq."
Where do they find these people?
This is the same state that wishes to join Kansas by making creationism the only thing taught in science in regard to how the world evolved - effectively eliminating Darwin's Evolution.
At any rate, Newt Gingrich sent a tweet yesterday saying the President was right to deliver a stay in school message. Good for Newt. Laura Bush made a positive statement as well. Thank goodness. Perhaps the GOP will have some sense after all. I can only hope that reasonableness will return.
The thing of course is that many children didn't hear this fine message because of ridiculousness like that presented by Senator Russell.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
October 1, 1991 George Bush Talks to School Kids
Here are excerpts (chosen by me, spoken by Bush) from the official text of the 10-1-1991 2,096 word speech given by then-President George Bush Sr.
"Thank you, Ms. Mostoller, and thanks for allowing me to visit your classroom to talk to you and all these students, and millions more in classrooms all across the country.
....today, I'm here to talk to you and challenge you. Education matters, and what you do today, and what you don't do can change your future.
It (a report on the state of education) sets forth a challenge to all of us: Work harder, learn more, revolutionize American education. I know you've heard about stanines and percentiles, surveys and statistics, but here's what all that fancy talk really means: Education means the difference between a good future and a lousy one.
Progress starts when we ask more of ourselves, our schools and, yes, you, our students. We made a start nationally now by setting six National Education Goals to meet the challenges of the 21st century. By the year 2000, at least 9 in every 10 students should graduate from high school. We should be first in the world in math and science. We need to regularly test student's abilities. Every American child should start school ready to learn; every American adult should be literate; and every American school should be safe and drug-free. Reaching those goals is the aim of a strategy that we call America 2000, a crusade for excellence in American education, school by school, community by community.
Unless things change, between now and 1996 as many as one in four of today's eighth graders will not graduate with their class. Imagine: Out of a total of nearly 3 million of your fellow classmates nationwide, an army of more than half a million dropouts.
I ask every student watching today: Look around you. Count four students. Start with yourself. No one dreams of becoming a dropout, but far too many do. Which one of you won't make it through school?
The fact is, every one of you can. Let's make a pact then right here. Let's work to see that 5 years from now, you and your friends will be more than sad statistics. Give yourself a decent shot at your dreams. Stay in school. Get that diploma.
Let's go back to the future. In the fall of 1996, 5 years from now, nearly half of today's eighth graders who get their diplomas will enter the working world. More than half the graduates will stay in school and become the college class of the year 2000.
The question each student watching today should ask is: Where will I be, where will I be 5 years from now? Will I be holding down a good job and maybe working toward a better one, or will I be out of school and out of work? Will I be on a college campus, or out running the streets?
When it comes to your own education, what I'm saying is take control. Don't say school is boring and blame it on your teachers. Make your teachers work hard. Tell them you want a first-class education. Tell them that you're here to learn.
Block out the kids who think it's not cool to be smart. I can't understand for the life of me what's so great about being stupid. If someone goofs off today, are they cool? Are they still cool years from now when they're stuck in a dead-end job? Don't let peer pressure stand between you and your dreams.
Take control -- challenge yourself. Only you know how hard you work. Maybe you can fake, maybe, just maybe you can fake your way into a job, but you won't keep it for long if you don't have the know-how to get the job done. If you don't work hard, who gets hurt? If you cheat, who pays the price? If you cut corners, if you hunt for the easy A, who comes up short? Easy answer to that one: You do.
Let me leave you with a simple message: Every time you walk through that classroom door, make it your mission to get a good education. Don't do it just because your parents, or even the President, tells you. Do it for yourselves. Do it for your future.
Write me a letter -- and I'm serious about this one -- write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address.
To all the students across the country who watched us here in this great classroom today, may I simply say thank you and good luck to you this school year."
I felt certain that you would reasonably want to know what was said. Do you recall an outcry against President Bush? I do not.
It was a great message then, it is a great message now!
"Thank you, Ms. Mostoller, and thanks for allowing me to visit your classroom to talk to you and all these students, and millions more in classrooms all across the country.
....today, I'm here to talk to you and challenge you. Education matters, and what you do today, and what you don't do can change your future.
It (a report on the state of education) sets forth a challenge to all of us: Work harder, learn more, revolutionize American education. I know you've heard about stanines and percentiles, surveys and statistics, but here's what all that fancy talk really means: Education means the difference between a good future and a lousy one.
Progress starts when we ask more of ourselves, our schools and, yes, you, our students. We made a start nationally now by setting six National Education Goals to meet the challenges of the 21st century. By the year 2000, at least 9 in every 10 students should graduate from high school. We should be first in the world in math and science. We need to regularly test student's abilities. Every American child should start school ready to learn; every American adult should be literate; and every American school should be safe and drug-free. Reaching those goals is the aim of a strategy that we call America 2000, a crusade for excellence in American education, school by school, community by community.
Unless things change, between now and 1996 as many as one in four of today's eighth graders will not graduate with their class. Imagine: Out of a total of nearly 3 million of your fellow classmates nationwide, an army of more than half a million dropouts.
I ask every student watching today: Look around you. Count four students. Start with yourself. No one dreams of becoming a dropout, but far too many do. Which one of you won't make it through school?
The fact is, every one of you can. Let's make a pact then right here. Let's work to see that 5 years from now, you and your friends will be more than sad statistics. Give yourself a decent shot at your dreams. Stay in school. Get that diploma.
Let's go back to the future. In the fall of 1996, 5 years from now, nearly half of today's eighth graders who get their diplomas will enter the working world. More than half the graduates will stay in school and become the college class of the year 2000.
The question each student watching today should ask is: Where will I be, where will I be 5 years from now? Will I be holding down a good job and maybe working toward a better one, or will I be out of school and out of work? Will I be on a college campus, or out running the streets?
When it comes to your own education, what I'm saying is take control. Don't say school is boring and blame it on your teachers. Make your teachers work hard. Tell them you want a first-class education. Tell them that you're here to learn.
Block out the kids who think it's not cool to be smart. I can't understand for the life of me what's so great about being stupid. If someone goofs off today, are they cool? Are they still cool years from now when they're stuck in a dead-end job? Don't let peer pressure stand between you and your dreams.
Take control -- challenge yourself. Only you know how hard you work. Maybe you can fake, maybe, just maybe you can fake your way into a job, but you won't keep it for long if you don't have the know-how to get the job done. If you don't work hard, who gets hurt? If you cheat, who pays the price? If you cut corners, if you hunt for the easy A, who comes up short? Easy answer to that one: You do.
Let me leave you with a simple message: Every time you walk through that classroom door, make it your mission to get a good education. Don't do it just because your parents, or even the President, tells you. Do it for yourselves. Do it for your future.
Write me a letter -- and I'm serious about this one -- write me a letter about ways you can help us achieve our goals. I think you know the address.
To all the students across the country who watched us here in this great classroom today, may I simply say thank you and good luck to you this school year."
I felt certain that you would reasonably want to know what was said. Do you recall an outcry against President Bush? I do not.
It was a great message then, it is a great message now!
Friday, September 4, 2009
Stunning
Giving a speech to school children encouraging them to work hard and pursue their education and dreams is now no good according to some conservatives in the U.S.
Hmmm - I wonder how much the Rush Limbaughs of the airwaves have to do with this ridiculousness? The Republican Party's chairman in Florida, Jim Greer, stated he is "appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology".
Pursing education to the best of your ability is socialism? I wonder if he objected when George Bush Sr. made the same speech in 1991? Did Rush? Of course not!
Really, what should happen is the kids and the parents should watch or listen and then discuss what they heard. Parents could be supportive of things they heard and liked (education is important, etc.)and could state what they didn't like. Especially with older kids, they could have a dialogue to see what their kid thought. Wow - what a concept - teaching your kid to think critically for themselves, rather than listening to Rush et. al. or the liberal media, and letting them decide for you.
We are in a global society, competing with decision makers and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Our kids must learn to think for themselves and they cannot if they are sheltered from offensive, liberal language like, "stay in school and do your best."
Totally unreasonable response which is simply a political stunt at the expense of a small percentage of kids in this country.
Hmmm - I wonder how much the Rush Limbaughs of the airwaves have to do with this ridiculousness? The Republican Party's chairman in Florida, Jim Greer, stated he is "appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology".
Pursing education to the best of your ability is socialism? I wonder if he objected when George Bush Sr. made the same speech in 1991? Did Rush? Of course not!
Really, what should happen is the kids and the parents should watch or listen and then discuss what they heard. Parents could be supportive of things they heard and liked (education is important, etc.)and could state what they didn't like. Especially with older kids, they could have a dialogue to see what their kid thought. Wow - what a concept - teaching your kid to think critically for themselves, rather than listening to Rush et. al. or the liberal media, and letting them decide for you.
We are in a global society, competing with decision makers and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Our kids must learn to think for themselves and they cannot if they are sheltered from offensive, liberal language like, "stay in school and do your best."
Totally unreasonable response which is simply a political stunt at the expense of a small percentage of kids in this country.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Being President - A Mixed Bag
Being President of the U.S. must be pretty heady stuff. It must also be a ridiculous job. You run for office on a pretty clear message - fix health care with a public component, close Guantanamo, fix foreign relations, etc.
Now, as President you try to do just what you said and the weak congress cowers in the corner, the Rush blowhard types blow hard, etc.
All told, I don't think all the cool planes, retreats, state dinners, etc would be worth being surrounded by people who are not acting in any one's best interest but their own. Totally unreasonable job.
Now, as President you try to do just what you said and the weak congress cowers in the corner, the Rush blowhard types blow hard, etc.
All told, I don't think all the cool planes, retreats, state dinners, etc would be worth being surrounded by people who are not acting in any one's best interest but their own. Totally unreasonable job.
Swine Flu or H1N1
Both names for this new flu sound terrible and scary if you ask me. The very reasonable Dr. Gupta from CNN offered the following (excerpted here.)
Sanjay Gupta wrote after visiting some hospitals:
The doctor who met me started by saying he was giving the media a C+ in its overall coverage of H1N1, and blamed his busy ER, in part, on the media for stoking fears.
"Fair enough," I answered back, "but, how do I get to an A?" In order to get there, I wanted to report clear, concise answers about what a parent should do with a sick child. So, here we go.
Point 1. As things stand now, the vast majority of children who develop flu-like symptoms this fall will have a few miserable days, and nothing more. And those days are best spent at home -- not in the ER or a doctor's office.
Point 2. If you are worried, you should call your pediatrician's office first. Don't take your child in without calling. Two reasons: Your child may not have H1N1, but could become exposed by being around sick children. And, after several hours of waiting, you are still likely to be told the basics -- plenty of fluids, rest and dose-appropriate acetaminophen for a fever. After all, it is still the flu we are talking about.
Point 3. One doctor told me a way to think about things that was helpful. He said "remove the term H1N1 from the equation." If your child had regular flu, would you take him to the hospital? If the answer is no, then don't take him/her to the hospital now.
Point 4. Yes, hearing between 30,000 and 90,000 could die from H1N1 is scary, but keep in mind -- around 40,000 people die from the regular or seasonal flu every year. The numbers may not be that much different, yet there is not panic about the regular flu. As things look now, H1N1 is causing only mild to moderate illness, not the widespread deaths people are worried about.
Point 5. There are some children who should be seen by their doctor. Call your doctor if:
• A baby younger than 12 weeks has a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• A child, older than 12 weeks has a fever for three days
• A child's fever returns after a 12-24 hour time period
• A child is not passing urine or making tears for more than six hours
• A child does not smile or show interest in playing for several hours
Dial 911 if:
• A child cannot speak while trying to breathe
• Has a blue or dark purple color to the nail beds, lips or gums
• Is not responding to you because he is too tired or weak
One point that was reinforced to me over and over again by the pediatricians is the best place for a sick child is at home. And, with regard to school -- after 24 fever-free hours without the aid of medications, he or she can go back.
This is the advice that my wife and I will be following this fall for our own children. Hope it is helpful to you, and the media can score an "A," at least this time around.
Sanjay Gupta wrote after visiting some hospitals:
The doctor who met me started by saying he was giving the media a C+ in its overall coverage of H1N1, and blamed his busy ER, in part, on the media for stoking fears.
"Fair enough," I answered back, "but, how do I get to an A?" In order to get there, I wanted to report clear, concise answers about what a parent should do with a sick child. So, here we go.
Point 1. As things stand now, the vast majority of children who develop flu-like symptoms this fall will have a few miserable days, and nothing more. And those days are best spent at home -- not in the ER or a doctor's office.
Point 2. If you are worried, you should call your pediatrician's office first. Don't take your child in without calling. Two reasons: Your child may not have H1N1, but could become exposed by being around sick children. And, after several hours of waiting, you are still likely to be told the basics -- plenty of fluids, rest and dose-appropriate acetaminophen for a fever. After all, it is still the flu we are talking about.
Point 3. One doctor told me a way to think about things that was helpful. He said "remove the term H1N1 from the equation." If your child had regular flu, would you take him to the hospital? If the answer is no, then don't take him/her to the hospital now.
Point 4. Yes, hearing between 30,000 and 90,000 could die from H1N1 is scary, but keep in mind -- around 40,000 people die from the regular or seasonal flu every year. The numbers may not be that much different, yet there is not panic about the regular flu. As things look now, H1N1 is causing only mild to moderate illness, not the widespread deaths people are worried about.
Point 5. There are some children who should be seen by their doctor. Call your doctor if:
• A baby younger than 12 weeks has a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• A child, older than 12 weeks has a fever for three days
• A child's fever returns after a 12-24 hour time period
• A child is not passing urine or making tears for more than six hours
• A child does not smile or show interest in playing for several hours
Dial 911 if:
• A child cannot speak while trying to breathe
• Has a blue or dark purple color to the nail beds, lips or gums
• Is not responding to you because he is too tired or weak
One point that was reinforced to me over and over again by the pediatricians is the best place for a sick child is at home. And, with regard to school -- after 24 fever-free hours without the aid of medications, he or she can go back.
This is the advice that my wife and I will be following this fall for our own children. Hope it is helpful to you, and the media can score an "A," at least this time around.
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