Doe vs Bolton Revisited in US Supreme Court

I learned about Doe vs Bolton a couple of years ago when reading up on Roe vs Wade on the internet. What I didn't realize at the time was that Roe vs Wade gave us "legal" abortion through the first trimester only. Doe vs Bolton gave us abortion on demand.

Now, both unnamed women in Roe and Doe have come out against abortion. "Doe" did not have an abortion and apparently is very pro-life, but her ACLU lawyer, whom she hired to help her with a divorce, did not agree. The elitist ACLU lawyer saw a poor, uneducated woman about to have a fourth child while her other three were in foster care because of an abusive husband. All "Doe" wanted was a divorce. Somehow, she became linked to millions of abortions and it makes her sick to her stomach. Now, she is trying to get the decision overturned or retried in the US Supreme Court and the case is coming before the justices soon!

"Doe"'s name is Sandra Cano, and here is part of what she had to say as reported by World Net Daily:

"… I am Sandra Cano, the former "Doe" of Doe v. Bolton. Doe v. Bolton is the companion case to Roe v. Wade. Using my name and life, Doe v. Bolton falsely created the health exception that led to abortion on demand and partial birth abortion. How it got there is still pretty much a mystery to me. I only sought legal assistance to get a divorce from my husband and to get my children from foster care.

I was very vulnerable: poor and pregnant with my fourth child, but abortion never crossed my mind. Although it apparently was utmost in the mind of the attorney from whom I sought help. At one point during the legal proceedings, it was necessary for me to flee to Oklahoma to avoid the pressure being applied to have the abortion scheduled for me by this same attorney. Please understand even though I have lived what many would consider an unstable life and overcome many devastating circumstances, at no time did I ever have an abortion. I did not seek an abortion nor do I believe in abortion. Yet my name and life is now forever linked with the slaughter of 40-50 million babies. "

"Over the last 32 years, I have become a prisoner of the case. It took me until 1988 to get my records unsealed in order for me to try and find the answer to those questions and to join in the movement to stop abortion in America. When pro abortion advocates found out about my efforts; my car was vandalized on one occasion and at another time, someone shot at me while I was on my front porch holding my grandbaby. "

To read the rest... Supremes to reconsider landmark abortion case
Plaintiff in Doe v. Bolton case says ACLU attorney pushed her to have abortion
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52210

JKarl on Voter ID

SOCIAL ENGINEERING OR REASONABLE COMPASSION?

Some of you may recall that approximately six months ago, I wrote an opinion piece on the proposed Missouri Voter Protection Act and its requirement for a voter to produce a valid photo ID card in order to cast a ballot. Inasmuch as the proposed legislation also provided reasonable safeguards for granting exceptions to those whom for one reason or another may be physically or financially unable to comply, I concluded that the objection amounted to little more than a tempest in a teapot.

To say that I am simply astounded by Cole County Circuit Judge Richard Callahan's ruling the law unconstitutional as its enforcement would particularly burden women and the poor just might be the understatement of the decade. Is it not now a virtual certainty that we have succeeded in elevating the perceived "victimhood status" of the socially, physically, financially and gender disadvantaged to the ultimate level in social engineering?

At the very least, I find the very notion that, by virtue of being considered poor, elderly, physically challenged or female, one may automatically be excluded as incapable of performing the responsibilities of citizenship to be openlypatronizing ----an idea that should be rejected as repugnant by all Missouri citizens. The exceptions authorized for those incapacitated or otherwise unable to conform with the established process along with the right to cast a provisional ballot for those lacking proper identification would seem to satisfy all reasoned or logical objections.

Additionally, the allegation that this legislation was enacted by one of the political parties specifically to disenfranchise a disadvantaged element which exists in only the other party is utterly beneath contempt and callously insults a particular voting bloc. Admittedly both major political parties are often guilty of exaggeration and downright manipulation of fact as tools for swaying voters but, to identify all of the economically, socially and physically challenged with but one particular political affiliation goes beyond patronizing.....it is despicably offensive.

Judge Callahan's ruling also poses difficulties in the interpretation of the legality of several existing requirements for individuals to produce valid photo identification, problems sufficiently severe as to open if not Pandora's Box, then at least a can of worms. For example, does the U. S. Postal Service regulation that one must produce a picture ID to retrieve held or registered mail infringe upon the Constitutional rights of patrons? The airlines require passengers to show identification which includes a photo before boarding the aircraft or presenting luggage for the baggage compartment, while a similar procedure is required of one picking up tickets ordered ahead for sporting events, concerts and shows----is this also a particular burden to women and the poor and as such now forbidden?

His stated comparison of a license to drive with the right to vote is indisputable in that a license to operate a vehicle is a privilege while voting is the inalienable right of all who have met the requisite age and citizenship in good standing requirements. Nevertheless, should the positive identifying the eligibility of an individual presenting him/herself at the poll be of lesser importance than that of applying for a driver's license or boarding an aircraft?

Obviously empathetic to the plight of the disadvantaged, the judge ruled with the best of intentions but was sold a damaged bill of goods by a coalition of the well meaning yet unrealistic and the demagogues of openly partisan and self serving politics. While there may be some individual costs pursuant to proof of citizenship, there is also a cost for food, clothing and other living expenses. While the idea of easing the burden on those least able to bear it is indeed a noble one, it does not justify their relegation to the status of second class citizen by the condescending assumption that they are somehow incapable of navigating the system.

The right to vote is sacrosanct but entails certain responsibilities and obligations....Freedom is never free.

JKarl, Colonel USMC Retired

FYI from Rep J: Many years ago, I remember a friend who could not drive because of the fact that he had epilepsy. However, he had a state issued ID that was similar to a driver's license. And these licenses aren't all THAT expensive. We all have ID numbers via the state.

Martin Luther King Jr, Republican

According to the chair of the National Black Republican Association, Frances Rice, Martin Luther King Jr was a Republican. Oh, how the truth must come out about Democrats and their pension for lying about their racist pasts.

She starts her editorial like this... "It should come as no surprise that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a Republican. In that era, almost all black Americans were Republicans. Why? From its founding in 1854 as the anti-slavery party until today, the Republican Party has championed freedom and civil rights for blacks. And as one pundit so succinctly stated, the Democrat Party is as it always has been, the party of the four S's: slavery, secession, segregation and now socialism."

Read the whole enlightening article for an accurate history of politics in the 1960s.

Why Martin Luther King was a Republican
http://www.netscape.com/viewstory/2006/08/15/why-martin-luther-king-was-republican/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.humanevents.com%2Farticle.php%3Fid%3D16500&frame=true

Kudos for Condi

If you're still looking for the real "straight talk express" in the Republican party, here she is. Her statements on Bill Clinton's behavior in his interview with Chris Wallace are right on the money.

"The notion somehow for eight months the Bush administration sat there and didn't do that is just flatly false - and I think the 9/11 commission understood that," Rice said during a wide-ranging meeting with Post editors and reporters.

"What we did in the eight months was at least as aggressive as what the Clinton administration did in the preceding years," Rice added.

One particular point that Clinton made that the hubby and I both said, "That was a lie", was when he said he was the first president to come up with a comprehensive plan for fighting terrorism. It rang false to us, and Condi proves the point.

The secretary of state also sharply disputed Clinton's claim that he "left a comprehensive anti-terror strategy" for the incoming Bush team during the presidential transition in 2001.
"We were not left a comprehensive strategy to fight al Qaeda," Rice responded during the hourlong session.

She also made many other points...

"I would just suggest that you go back and read the 9/11 commission report on the efforts of the Bush administration in the eight months - things like working to get an armed Predator [drone] that actually turned out to be extraordinarily important," Rice added.

"Richard Clarke was the counterterrorism czar when 9/11 happened. And he left when he did not become deputy director of homeland security, some several months later," she said.

"I think this is not a very fruitful discussion. We've been through it. The 9/11 commission has turned over every rock and we know exactly what they said," she added.

Asked about recently leaked internal U.S. intelligence estimates that claimed the Iraq war was fueling terrorist recruiting, Rice said: "Now that we're fighting back, of course they are fighting back, too."

"I find it just extraordinary that the argument is, all right, so they're using the fact they're being challenged in the Middle East and challenged in Iraq to recruit, therefore you've made the war on terrorism worse.

"It's as if we were in a good place on Sept. 11. Clearly, we weren't," she added.

"These are people who want to fight against us, and they're going to find a reason. And yes, they will recruit, but it doesn't mean you stop pursuing strategies that are ultimately going to stop them," Rice said.

The best for last!

"When are we going to stop blaming ourselves for the rise of terrorism?"

Rice Boils Over At Clinton
http://www.nypost.com/seven/09252006/news/
nationalnews/rice_boils_over_at_bubba_nationalnews_.htm

Chris Wallace's Interview with Bill Clinton

My personal thoughts on Bill Clinton's behavior:

1. He was physically aggressive. He was using his finger to poke Wallace's leg. He was moving into Wallace's personal space very quickly from the back of his own chair. He was absolutely getting in his face. I now have no doubt whatsoever that he raped Juanita Brodderick.

2. He was name-calling. He used the words "neo-cons", "right-wingers" and accused Wallace of a "conservative hit job". When a former president has to fall back to name-calling, it's one of the saddest days on the planet. He had no dignity towards the slightest criticism and he lost the argument.

3. He sounded like a conspiracy theorist. It goes along with the name-calling because those are the same kind of names that liberal internet argumentors use to describe their disgust with conservatives. He also accused Wallace of some sort of conspiracy theory to cover up the fact that Rupert Murdoch was support his global initiative. What??? Now, I know where all the liberals get their inane ideas. From HIM! I can't help but wonder if I've run across him in a chatroom before.

4. He kept making the comment about "saving more people" before he died. Does he actually believe that he is a savior? Complete arrogance. Someone has convinced him that he is omnipotent when he .... ya know... isn't.

5. He bashed both Bush presidencies. He said when you are in office, you are "at mercy of the events". Then, he said that the economic data on the deficit he saw when he went into office (after Bush 41) was not good and compared it to when Bush 43 had to deal with 9/11. You getting that one? Then he bashed Bush 43 on the treatment of Richard Clarke and pretty much blamed Bush 43 for 9-11 because he demoted Richard Clarke. I think there was more to it than just that.

6. He played the blame game. He blamed the CIA and FBI for "refusing the certify that bin Laden was responsible" for the attack on the USS Cole. He blames some right-wing conspiracy media for people having such questions on their minds. He blamed Karl Rove for Democrat losses in 2002 by using fear tactics.

7. His utmost arrogance showed through. His tone was whimsical of himself in the beginning. He wanted to tell of all the wonderful things that he did, thus bragging about himself. He would not stop talking, as if he were the most important person in the room. He actually believes that he "made" peace in the Middle East. He is just quite full of himself, and what shows that most of all is his reaction to the critical question asked of him, not only by Chris Wallace, but the viewers who emailed Wallace. THE PEOPLE. How dare the serfs ask the king such a thing, eh?

I saw the real Bill Clinton last night, and I onlyTHOUGHT Hillary was shrill.

Transcript: Clinton on Fox News Sunday
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,215397,00.html

JKarl on the Death Penalty in Missouri

IF IT WALKS LIKE A DUCK.....

Perhaps I am overly suspicious, but I believe we are seeing what appears to be an end run around both the laws and the will of the people of the state of Missouri in the rulings of U. S. District Judge Fernando Gaitan regarding the method of executing Missouri's dully tried and sentenced inmates. Although the death penalty was reinstituted by statute here in 1976 and polls show an approval percentage of more than two-thirds concurrence, the anti-capital punishment movement just may have found a kindred spirit on the bench.

Setting aside the opinion of at least ninety percent of us who would lose little sleep over and probably relish the idea that convicted murderers such as the subject of this ruling might suffer a smattering of discomfort during the execution phase, the fact remains that quasi-legal maneuvers to subvert established due process are neither proper nor welcome. The question "Does Judge Gaitan's ruling conform to reasonable standard?" is fair game for discussion.

For the record, being neither a doctor nor a lawyer, I claim no expertise beyond reading, listening and paying attention for the best part of my 71 years on this earth. Additionally, I have no intention of discussing the morality, deterrent effects, revenge quotient or any of the real or fictional ideological issues relating to capital punishment....instead, I hope to keep it on a common sense, pragmatic plane.

The problem as posed by the court is one of rendering to a certainty that the execution protocol does not violate constitutional guarantees against cruel and unusual punishment as Judge Gaitan surmised in his ruling that an inmate might be in "tortuous pain" should the injection not be prepared or administered properly. This begs the two very obvious questions as to what constitutes discomfort to the extent that it is tortuous or "cruel and unusual" and who is best equipped to determine whether pain is in fact present in an inmate under sedation......the court or trained medical personnel?

From a layman's point of view as to what constitutes tortuous pain, I must wonder if the judge has ever been administered the injection in his gums and palate to enable a dentist to perform extractions, root canals and other delightful dental procedures without causing undue suffering to the patient. I doubt seriously that any reasonable person could conclude that the short but intense discomfort experienced by the patient being so anaesthetized be characterized as "cruel and unusual."

In addition, I do have fairly extensive experience gained from observation of the treatment of battle-related wounds, having watched U. S. Navy Medical Corpsmen treat casualties in the field. This often involved the injection of morphine or other related opiates or pain killing drugs to severely wounded Marines or Sailors thus enabling them to rest comfortably and free from pain.

Accordingly, would it not appear reasonable and logical to conclude that anyone trained and properly certified to administer medications by intravenous method could also be considered qualified for this procedure?

As stated at the outset, I just might be somewhat prejudiced; however, this contains all of the ingredients of judicial activism or, at the very least, overdose of individual jurisprudence in that a Federal District Judge has rendered some highly subjective judgments which are at odds with the will of the legislature as well as with that of the people of this state. When a ruling fails to meet the test of common sense, established precedent and the law as well, it is open to serious question.

I shall leave it to you to decide: "If it looks, walks and quacks like a duck, can it really be a swan?"

JKarl Colonel USMC Retired

The Difference Between Christians and Muslims

To see the difference between current Christian and Muslim popular thoughts, one merely has to compare these two news articles...

#1. Christians pray that Muslims find Jesus
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/
1110AP_Praying_for_Muslims.html

#2. "Green Flag of Allah Will Fly over Vatican"
Sheik rejects pope's gestures to Muslims,calls for holy war against 'this little racist'
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=52102

#1. When Muslims begin the holy month of Ramadan this weekend, Christians worldwide will be praying along with them. But Muslims may not welcome the support. In a campaign called the "30 Days Muslim Prayer Focus," Christians will be asking God to help Muslims accept Jesus.

#2. Sheik Abu Saqer, leader of Gaza's Jihadia Salafiya Islamic outreach movement, which seeks to make secular Muslims more religious, called for holy war against the pope.

#1"We believe on both sides from our Scriptures that we have a message for all humankind, so that witnessing by word and deed needs to be part of both of our ways of living and acting and conversing with others," said Dudley Woodberry, a leading Christian scholar of Islam and professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, an evangelical school in Pasadena, Calif.

#2. "We did not need the words of the pope in order to understand that this is a Crusader war against Islam and it is our holy duty to fight all those who support the pope, who follow him and who did not condemn what this small racist had to say," said Abu Saqer, speaking to WND from the southern Gaza city of Khan Yunis.

#1. Like Christianity, Islam is a missionary faith, teaching that Muslims are following the true path and directing them to introduce others to their beliefs. Christians say that instead of trying to silence each other, both faiths should find a way to live together peacefully despite their competing religious mandates.

#2. "The day will soon come when the green flag of La Illah Illah Allah (There is no god but Allah) and Muhammad Rasul Allah (Muhammad is the Prophet of Allah) will be raised upon the Vatican and all around the world and on the fortresses of those who want to destroy Islam, because they know that this religion obliges them to face the truth that Islam is Allah's favorite religion. And until they join Islam, hell is their last station," Abu Saqer said.

#1. But in the past couple of years, interest has grown again, with about 70,000 prayer booklets expected to be shipped this year, he said. There are no worldwide figures on participation, but the prayer book is being distributed in local languages in more than 30 countries.

#2. Last weekend, Palestinians wielding guns and firebombs attacked five churches in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, including Anglican and Greek Orthodox churches in the north Samaria city of Nablus and a Greek Orthodox church in Gaza City. A group calling itself the "Lions of Monotheism" claimed responsibility for the church attacks, saying they were carried out to protest the pope's remarks.

#1. "This is a very constructive tool, instead of hating or fearing or being angry," said Paul Filidis, director of the campaign. "It's hard to hate people you pray for."

#2. "We are deeply sorry for these acts that we condemn," he said. "But I am sorry that this little racist did not think of the consequences upon the Christians in the Arab world when he insulted our prophet. It is an open war – the Muslims against all the others."

New Orleans photos - Lakeview

A couple of weeks ago, I visited my sis who lives in the New Orleans area and she took us around Lakeview, an affluent neighborhood that had been hit hard to Katrina. Scroll down for photos...

	This house has been worked on a little, but take note of the slab to the right. That used to be someone's home.
	Doesn't this house look like something built in the 1990s in a classic suburb of a big city? As you can tell, it wasn't only shotgun houses in the wards that were damaged.
	I took this photo so that you can see the waterline from the flooding. What you may or may not be able to see is that there are actually several waterlines with one that is higher than the obvious one. The water rose to a high point, then levelled off and sat for awhile, thus the dark waterline.
	This home has some stained glass towards the top and looks to be one of the more historic homes in the area. It has one of those Xes spray painted on it.
	I think what gets me about this one is the big oak tree in front that has been stripped bare. Lakeview obviously had alot of oak trees. This one doesn't look like it will come back.
	A better picture to give you an idea of what this neighborhood might have looked like before Katrina. Notice that what was probably some nice houses with beautiful trees is now littered with trailers and work vehicles. My sis says the streets were always that bad, so you can't blame Katrina for the cruddy roads.
	I took this photo because of all the junk in front of the house. According to my sis, this doesn't even begin to compete with all the debris that was left in the streets after many of the houses were stripped bare.
	A better look at one of the Xes spray painted on the abandoned houses.
	A boat in the middle of a neighborhood. It had to travel several miles to get where it landed. Whether it was towed there or was swept inland, I couldn't say.
	It's so sad, but many of the houses I saw were like this one... see through...
	This house was obviously lifted off of its slab and carried by water until it came to rest upon this tree.
	The good news is that some have started to rebuild their homes. Like this house, it looks quite good, but if you look closely, you can see where they have replaced outside boards which were damaged by water.
	The 17th street levee that busted and caused all the commotion in this mostly white neighborhood.
	What many of these residents are now living in.
	God bless those who died in this terrible tragedy. Photo taken at the Metarie Cemetery near New Orleans.

Islamic Fascists Attack Christian Teenagers

World Net Daily and the Voice of the Martyrs teams have been very good at exposing Christian persecution in the world. Today, they have an article exposing Islamic Fascists and their hatred for Christians.

The young lady to the left is Noviana Malewa and she is from Indonesia. She and three teenage girlfriends were walking to school when they were attacked by SIX machete weilding Islamic-fascists. Noviana was lucky to escape alive. Her three friends were all beheaded and their heads left on the front steps of a church in the area. They also left a note that said, "We will murder 100 more Christian teenagers and their heads will be presented as presents."

Nice folks, these Islamic-fascists. (/sarcasm)

Noviana has gone through several surgeries to help along her healing process, but nothing can heal her scars from that brutal attack that day. She knows Islamic-fascism first hand as do all of those who lost loved ones on September 11, 2001. It's the same brutal fanatics at work, and they MUST be defeated.

Machete Attack Survivor Working on Rehab
http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?
ARTICLE_ID=52070

Voice of the Martyrs
http://www.persecution.com/

Chavez, the Kook Fringe Left

Chavez was out in rare form today. And look at the book he's hawking. I have a feeling that Cindy Sheehan introduced him to that one.

However, there was this one statement...
"He later proposed that the United Nations move its headquarters from New York to Venezuela."

There are days when I might agree with that particular sentiment...

Chavez Calls Bush "devil" in Insult Ridden Speech to U.N.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,214709,00.html

Thailand, a Democracy No More

You may have heard that there was a coup in Thailand. Most Americans tend to shrug at these kinds of things, but here are some points that you need to know about what is happening there.

1. In Southern Thailand, Buddhist monks have been beheaded in great numbers by Muslim "separatist insurgents", also known as unpatriotic rebels. 1700 people have died.

2. Thailand is currently a Buddhist majority nation under attack by Islamic fascists. The Thailand police do not put up with terrorism from anyone.

3. The General who has staged the military coup is a Muslim. He has declared martial law and promises to give the government back to a democracy after some reforms have been made.

4. Prime Minister Thaksin has been criticized for his handling of the situation in Southern Thailand and the Muslims there claim to be oppressed. (sound familiar?)

5. Prime Minister Thaksin's capitalist ventures have also been criticized, and for this the military has a coup.

6. Thailand was about to have an election on Oct 15, and Prime Minister Thaksin's party was poised for a landslide win. They also had landslide wins in 2001 and 2005.

My speculation is that this is not just a military coup, but an aggressive Muslim coup. I will wait and see how this turns out, but I would not be surprised if one of the reforms this General wants to impose is for women to wear hijabb and for Buddhist to pay taxes to an Islamic caliphate in order to stay Buddhist, thus turning all Buddhists and women into second class citizens. These people could not win at the polls, so they did only thing left for them to do. They attacked, literally.

Thai Commander Takes Over After Coup
http://articles.news.aol.com/news/_a/
thai-commander-takes-over-after-coup/
20060919112909990007

Muslims Protest. Ho Hum.

Seems as if some backwards Muslims are angry about some words the Pope said about Muhammed. So what do they do? Why, they go into the streets and act like animals, of course. I imagine that many radical Muslims will use this as a convenient excuse to kill more Christians and to invade and terrorize Christian nations. Just look at how they reacted to some innocent cartoons. Talk about Medieval.

It's like I always tell people in chatrooms, if you hate someone or something enough, then you will believe any absurdity as long as it legitimizes your hate. The people in that photo are prime examples.

They want the Pontiff to apologize. Will the Muslims apologize for attacking Constantinople, Spain, Jerusalem and hmm... New York, London, Bali... or for murdering young girls in Thailand for being friends (Muslim and Christian)? What Muslims say, do and believe every day is much more offensive than anything this new Pope has ever said. I think Muslims are the ones who owe a great big apology to the whole world for declaring religious war on us all.

Muslims Leaders Demand Apology for Pope's Remarks
http://www.guardian.co.uk/pope/story/0,,1873914,00.html

Amnesty International Finally Recognizes War Crimes When They See Them

Amnesty International report: Hezbollah guilty of war crimes

Amnesty International has accused Hezbollah of "serious violations of international humanitarian law, amounting to war crimes" during the recent Lebanese war. In a report published in London Thursday, the human rights group condemned the "deliberate targeting" of Israeli civilians by Hezbollah. The report states that 43 civilians, including seven children, were killed in these Hezbollah attacks.

During the month-long conflict, Hezbollah fired nearly 4,000 rockets into northern Israel, killing 43 civilians, seriously injuring 33 others and forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to take refuge in shelters or flee, the report said. Approximately a quarter of all rockets were fired directly into urban areas, including rockets packed with thousands of metal ball bearings.

http://haaretz.com/hasen/spages/762447.html

Jkarl on the Minimum Wage

THE MINIMUM WAGE MYTH

I suppose that, like most subjects triggering wide controversy, a representative case can be made by both sides for raising the minimum wage. After all, no one with any sense of compassion or equitable treatment of those in the work place wishes to see people already disadvantaged to be paid less than a living wage, particularly in the United States where the underdog is habitually held in high regard.

As this is an election year issue, we are inundated by all manner of claims attesting to such tragedies of millions of families of four essaying to eke out a living on an hourly wage of $5.15 per hour, equating to about $10,700 dollars per year... far less than the $20,000 estimated requirement to maintain that family above the poverty level. That this is nowhere near adequate to provide the basics of food, clothing and shelter, let alone the color TVs, automobiles and latest designer clothing and sneakers included among the "necessities" is an inarguable proposition.

While accepted as fact by a wide spectrum of our population, this apparent disparity begs more than a cursory approval but rather a detailed scrutiny of the essential material employed to arrive at the conclusion. Regardless of the relative popularity of any position, the devil usually emerges in the details of examining the truth of the matter stated therein.

The Current Population Survey estimates for 2004, supported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2005, concluded that there are approximately 2.0 million workers at or below the minimum wage or, about 2.5 percent of hourly wage workers. Of these employees a majority (86.3 percent), are teenagers living at home, single workers without children and dual earners, one of whom is usually a part time worker.

When one takes an objective look at these figures with the aid of simple arithmetic and common sense, a totally different picture emerges. The bulk of these jobs (3 out of 4) are in highly transient service operations, primarily in fast food or food service enterprises. Accordingly, we are looking at sandwich and hamburger shops, pizza parlors and delivery and similar places of entry level employment.

It should be easily recognized that the fast food industry and other employers of teens enjoy but a very low profit margin inasmuch as their product is aimed at the obviously less affluent among us...those without the deep pockets required of those accustomed to tablecloths, waiters and other such amenities which don't accompany the dollar fifty cheeseburger, taco or sausage pizza. To remain in business, these franchises must keep costs affordable while paying a reasonable minimum entry level wage.

It does not require an extraordinary intellect to realize that for these entrepreneurs to remain solvent while also showing a profit, should the minimum wage be raised, they are faced with three choices, 1. Lay off employees, 2. Raise prices on the product or 3. Absorb the higher wages as a cost of doing business, eventually going broke as a result. The economics of success mandates that along with providing an affordable product while paying the usual overhead to include employee wages, the proprietor must also show a profit which enables he or she to continue to earn a livelihood.

Thus, it is now clear that the politics notwithstanding, the claims that the current minimum wage forces families to live at the poverty level are little more than an effort to appeal to false notions planted in the minds of a well meaning but ill informed voting public. The casualties of the raised minimum wage, be they lost jobs, businesses or buying power, become quickly forgotten statistics, while the proponents of this higher wage trumpet their false championship of the working poor.

Anyone familiar with economics and the law of supply and demand understands the proper venue for establishing the minimum wage remains the marketplace....the officeholder or seeker who refutes this is not being honest with his/her constituency.

9.10 or 9.11?

Bitterness, rudeness, Godlessness.
Why are people so mean to each other?
Well, I have a routine to follow and bills to pay.

The morning is beautiful, but I’m unaware.
Has my coffee kicked in yet?
Oh, well… another early morning of wrong notes, struggling tones and lack of effort to prepare.
Why do I have this job?

It’s over, and my day is starting.
Kids are bustling in and something about a building and a plane….
Must be talking about the Empire State building and the crash…. I haven’t thought of that in a while.
Amazing, the building is still standing.

Bells are ringing….
I had better get ready before the tardy bell rings.
Glimpses of the internet and confirmation from other teachers and parents that this was no accident?
How bad is this going to get?

First period is done, but now my band is coming in.
Another plane crash?
This must be war, but why?

Numbness, anger, hate…
The Pentagon
A crash in Pennsylvania
I pray it will end.

The Towers have fallen.
How?
Beautiful examples of engineering….. a mass of twisted steel, concrete, and humanity.

The building is quieter than usual.
The halls are less crowded.
The work continues. Thank God it is 4:15.

We sit in church and pray.
Strange we came this Sabbath, but neglected the ones before…..
God still loves us, but I’m angry with those worshipping a false idea.
Is that Christian? I suppose only one human was perfect.

It is a strange experience to drive around town.
People are courteous, blinkers mean something, yellow lights mean caution, and open parking spots can be filled by the person in the other car…. walking is fine.
It feels good to be human and American.
Everyone here has good in their soul, even if it has collected a little dust, rust, and stiffness from lack of use.

That is what I miss.
It is not hard to be nice to your fellow man, but it must be even easier to be cruel.
As time passes we seem to get closer to 9/10/01.
God’s rays shone on us for a moment, but we are good at making clouds.
Why? I thought we preferred sunny days.

Written by RepJ's hubby on 9/11/06

Marty Proctor, Floor 101, North Tower, World Trade Center

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Marty Proctor was working for Cantor-Fitzgerald on the 101st floor of the North Tower (Tower 1) of the World Trade Center, just a couple of floors above where Mohammed Atta drove and crashed American Airlines Flight 11 in his fervor to kill as many Americans as possible. Unfortunately, he got to Marty as well as many of his co-workers.

Cantor-Fitzgerald lost the greatest number of workers that day. 685 to be exact, or roughly 2/3rds of their workforce. Marty was among that number, so let's take a moment to remember him.

I found an interview of his sister, Mary, who spoke highly of Marty and detailed her family's struggle those first few days. The interview was posted on a website for "Mass Retirees Online" which seems to be a website for retired state workers.



“During the first week we kept holding out hope,” said Mary. “Early on, there were reports of a few survivors being found in the rubble. It was heartbreaking for my mom and dad...At a certain point, there was acceptance that he was not alive, but we still wanted closure. My parents sent Marty’s dental records and a lock of his hair for DNA to New York officials. Everyone wants closure, however that may not be physically possible in many cases.”

Mary said that Marty loved New York. “He lived in Connecticut for a short period of time, but when he landed a new job with Cantor Fitzgerald Securities, he moved back to his condo on Water Street in Lower Manhattan, a five minute walk from the Trade Center. He loved his job and he loved New York.”

Marty, we hardly knew ya.

National Horror Strikes a Personal Note: Mass Retirees Online
http://www.massretirees.com/members/nationalhorror1101.html

Cantor-Fitzgerald Victims List:
http://sep11.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantor_Fitzgerald_victims

Xavierian Brothers High School Memorial for Marty:
http://www.xbhs.com/xaverian.aspx?pgID=1564

Another online memorial for Marty: http://www.september11victims.com/september11victims/VictimInfo.asp?ID=2201

"A Tribute to the Victims of 9-11" coordinator:
http://www.jamulian.com/db911/

USSGeri

Over the weekend, I found out that a very good internet buddy of mine died of a heart attack. USSGeri kept the political fires going in the AOL chatrooms and inspired many of us to be as passionate as she was.

She also loved hockey (Red Wings) and baseball (Tigers). She traded recipes online and was a great humanitarian in her hometown in Michigan.

I've dedicated this photoshopped picture of the USS Ronald Reagan to USSGeri. Geri is now with her husband and is in Heaven and I know that one day we will meet again. God bless her family and God bless such a wonderful lady who left our Earth last Thursday.

Jaycee's Tribute to USSGeri: http://journals.aol.com/jaycee7109/Jayceecommentaries/entries/2006/09/03/rip-ussgeri/346

DollarZ's Tribute to USSGeri: http://journals.aol.com/dollaryz/tribute-to-geri/

Unemployment at 4.7%

Drudge has on his website two articles reporting on the 4.7% unemployment rate. One by Reuters and one by Breitbart. The differences between the two articles are stunning. What's more stunning is that the media is quite silent about the 4.7 unemployment and when they do mention it, it's so they can tell us "uneduated ones" that it's only make-believe.

Anyway, check this out...

Reuters opens with: "U.S. employers added a moderate 128,000 workers to their payrolls in August, in line with expectations,"

While the Breitbart article opens with: Hiring perked up in August as employers added 128,000 jobs, pulling down the unemployment rate to 4.7 percent, sending a Labor Day message that the economic expansion still has staying power.

Reuters tells us about the 4.7 unemployment rate w/a twist: The closely watched report on nonfarm payrolls from the Labor Department also showed the unemployment rate dipped to 4.7 percent, after a surprise jump to 4.8 percent in July.

Breitbart: The tally of new jobs last month was slightly stronger than the 125,000 that economists were forecasting. The nation's unemployment rate dropped down a notch from a five-month high of 4.8 percent in July. Job gains for June and July also turned out to be better than previously estimated. In June, employers boosted payrolls by 134,000 positions and in July they added another 121,000.

What about the "soft" aspects? Reuters: Average hourly earnings rose a scant 0.1 percent, or 2 cents, last month. Over the past 12 months, earnings have risen 3.9 percent - matching the revised July gain as the highest since June 2001.

Many economists, however, had braced for a sharper 0.3 percent monthly rise that could have fostered concerns over potential interest-rate hikes.

In addition, the length of the average work week dipped by 0.1 hours to 33.8 hours, pulling down an index of overall hours worked in a potential sign of soft growth.

Breitbart: Workers' average hourly earnings edged up to $16.79 in August, a 0.1 percent increase from July. Economists were forecasting a bigger, 0.3 percent advance. While workers welcome strong wage growth, economists worry that a rapid and prolonged pickup in wages can ignite inflation fears.

Over the 12 months ending August, wages grew by a strong 3.9 percent. The last time this figure was higher was in June 2001.

Then, Breitbart cuts to the heart of the matter of why these two articles are so different...
Economic conditions _ especially those where people live and work _ are likely to be on voters' minds when they go to the polls in November.

Breitbart: Jobless Rate Dips in August
http://www.breitbart.com/news/2006/09/01/D8JS2KCO1.html

Reuters: U.S. Employers Add Moderate 128,000 Workers in August
http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=businessNews&storyid=2006-09-01T123232Z_01_N31389454_RTRUKOC_0_US-ECONOMY-PAYROLLS.xml&src=rss&rpc=23