Something to think about. Folks, first I want to wish ya’ll a Happy New Year. I think we have reason to at least hope for a little better economic year. I am writing this column from Cape Cod, MA., where I am spending the holidays with my oldest daughter, Karen, and her husband, Tommy, and their golden retriever, Guinness. Guinness is a very smart dog and knows his audience well. One bark and everyone drops everything and springs into action.
Since my arrival on the Cape, we have had two winter storms with the snow piled up in the neighborhood of two feet deep. This winter scene certainly brings back memories of growing up in this area. And speaking of snow, I remember when I was a college student back in the late 1950s at Boston University and lived at the Lambda Chi Alpha frat house, with my second floor bedroom (with double windows) directly facing the Charles River. The window frames were loose against the outer brick wall and it was not unusual after a winter nor’easter to have snow blow right past the frames depositing a snowdrift in our bedroom. Not surprisingly, the room was affectionately called “Little Siberia.” The room above was called “Big Siberia” and was assigned to some of B.U.’s hockey players.
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While appreciating the Cape winter scene, I came across an interesting article (The Boston Globe, 1-01-10) on bank failures by state since 2008. Since 2008, and during a time of deep recession, the New England states have not had one bank failure. This means no bank failures in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, or Connecticut. That does not mean they did not or do not have problems. Case in point, Stoneham Savings Bank, a small community bank in Massachusetts that has been in existence for 154 years, has had the worst year in its history. But they are working their way through these very tough times.
It appears that these latte-sipping liberals might have some clue about banking and finance.
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Eric Holder, our Attorney-General, has made the decision to hold Khalid Shaikh Mohammed and four others accountable in our civilian court system in New York. As you are no doubt aware, this decision has created much turmoil.
I for one, support this decision. Hundreds of terrorists have been tried and have received justice in our court system. The Republicans and their leaders, unfortunately appear to be frozen by fear. Bringing the jailed terrorists to the U.S. would invite attacks say the critics. I would suggest we have already been attacked. The evidence indicates terrorists do not need much of an excuse to attack U.S. assets wherever they exist. Facts and evidence do not appear to be a Republican strength. There are risks associated with any fair trial in a democracy, whether it be in a civilian court or a military tribunal. There is nothing that I know of that inherently assures a conviction in a fair military or civilian trial. In fact, I would suggest that the military folks may be even more demanding.
I can assure you that the military desires no part of an unfair trial or one that guarantees a guilty verdict. The Republicans need to take a deep breath and summon some courage. I believe we are attempting to regain some of our values and ideals.
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Thirty-nine Republican U.S. senators voted to try and block debate on the healthcare reform bill. They failed. O.K.—according to them, their vote was supposed to save Americans from—dare I say it—“government-run healthcare.” What these Congressional folks evidently don’t want you to know is that their healthcare insurance is approximately 75 percent paid for by you and me—our tax dollars.
Better yet, right there in the Capitol is the Office of Attending Physician (OAP). Who do you think pays for this first-class healthcare center? We do!! Let’s say Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Minority Leader, is giving a speech and he unfortunately chokes on the words “government-run healthcare.” He can proceed, either on his own power or with help, directly to the OAP for immediate tax-paid relief. How do you spell HYPOCRITE?
(Some information provided by Hightower Lowdown, December 2009)
(Pete Jackson of Heber Springs is one of two local contributors to Progressive Voice, a “liberal viewpoint” column which runs on the third Friday of the month)
Heber Springs, Ark. —
