The One Star Blog

Expecting a Miracle from Government?

2005-09-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Okay, I just have to say this: Those who were expecting a miracle from the government(s) were looking in the wrong place. Miracles have never come from a temporal government, in all of recorded history.

What is the point in looking for perfection from the elected leaders of the City of New Orleans, State of Louisiana, or the United States of America? These leaders are human, and they are doing the best they can. "Hindsight is 20/20", the saying goes, and it is true in this case. Emergency preparations were begun in advance of the landfall, but no one knew exactly where the hurricane would hit or what the results would be. I don't think we know, even at this point, what the full ramifications of this disaster will be. We're all Americans, and we're all in this together.

What is the value, at this point, in finger-pointing? I hate to have to state the obvious, but here it is: The "crystal ball" is broken at the White House, and it's been broken since long before this country was founded.

Get over it. Roll up your sleeves, pitch in and do whatever you can, even if that is just donating money.

Katrina Disaster Relief Day Today

2005-09-01T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today is the Kartina Disaster Relief Day in the Blogosphere, and while I have few, if any, readers, I want to encourage everyone to make a donation today. I am choosing the Salvation Army and the Red Cross for my donations.

Even if you have already donated, please make another if you possibly can. It looks as if we Americans are "on our own", for the most part. We have the will, resourcefulness and resources necessary to accomplish great things, but it will take a long time to recover from this disaster.

I believe there will be challenges beyond anything we can imagine right now, but one simple thing we can do today is donate money to help in the initial relief efforts. There is overwhelming need, and we must meet it with an overwhelming outpouring of money, prayers, and willingness to do whatever we can to help.This morning I learned that dear family friends, whose home is right up against Lake Ponchatrain in the area where the levee broke, are safe in Houston, where they are staying with relatives! Not all are so fortunate, so I really encourage a generous donation to the Salvation Army and/or the Red Cross today.

Our New "Adopted" Soldier

2005-07-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

We have a new (as of the end of June) "Adopted" Soldier, who we received through Operation Airconditioner. This is the third soldier we've adopted through Operation A/C, and our first two are safely back in the states (which is why we've "adopted" another). I tried another group, which sounded good, but I didn't end up with anyone to "adopt" after six months, so I went back to the tried-and-true. (By the way, I hear that Soldiers' Angels is good, also).

Our new "Adopted" Soldier is named Leonal. He has responded to my emails, and has thanked me for the care package and letter I've sent. He's a busy guy, in a busy company, so I don't expect too much detail in the way of replies-- it's enough for me just to know that he is okay! Our last soldier was in Bagdad and had access to email regularly, which Leonal does not, but that doesn't matter. While I really loved getting longer emails from our last soldier, and even photos (occasionally), I also believe that Leonal is doing an important job on behalf of all of us, in an armor division, and I am happy to support him and his friends, whether I receive thanks or not.

Dear Leonal, Please know that we are all thinking of you and praying for you and your friends, and for all the troops serving our country. Thanks so much for your service!

And We Need to Know This... Exactly Why???

2005-07-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Today, on the front page of my local Sunday paper, often called the "Austin Un-American Mistatement", is a really stupid article, written by Douglas Jehl and David E. Sanger of the New York Times. It is an article about something which did not happen. Now, why would the newspaper put such an article on the front page, as the lead article?

I know there are plaques being sold which say something like, "In 1828 Nothing Happened in This Place", but I don't think I've ever read a front-page newspaper story about a negative before. Imagine the headlines: "Tornado Halted Plan to Form", "Stock Market Halted Plan to Fall 230 Points", "Austin Man Halted Plan to... ". Well, you get the idea.

In reading the lead story today, headlined "Bush Halted Plan to Sway Iraq Election", I learned that 1.) there was concern in Bush's Administration about Iran trying to influence the January elections in Iraq, 2.) there were discussions about whether or not to try to provide "covert support" to candidates which weren't favored by Iran, 3.) this was discussed with certain members of congress which should have been privy to the discussions, 4.) no one knows whether Bush actually signed off on this or not, BUT, in the end, 5.) the decision, by the Bush Administration, was to do NOTHING to influence, one way or another, the election in Iraq, so nothing was done.

Okay. I "get it"-- the sky is not falling.

This is important for us to know... why? I'm confused, because this seems like a supreme waste of time and effort for a newspaper which is losing circulation. The article cites "a dozen current and former government officials from Congress, the State Department, intelligence agencies and the Bush Administration" and says "None would speak for the record, citing the extreme sensitivity of discussing any covert action". Am I impressed? The journalists spoke with a dozen people, none of whom would speak for the record, and none of whom could confirm any fact beyond the fact that there was lots of discussion.

Back in "the old days", my parents told me, the newspaper was referred to as "the weekly wiper" and was recycled in the outhouse. I had pondered renewing my annual subsription, which runs out in August, but realized that, with the easy availability of toilet paper and flush toilets, there is not much reason to subscribe to a newspaper anymore.

So, Austin American-Statesman, here's a headline for you: "Reader Halts Plan to Use Our Newspaper Instead of Toilet Paper

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with the Brits

2005-07-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Today Americans are keeping all the Brits in our thoughts and prayers, especially those in London, and express our sincere sympathy to those whose loved ones were killed or wounded in these horrific, cowardly attacks on innocent citizens. Today I watched, with admiration, as the Brits reacted to these attacks by displaying same grit and steel they became known for during the Second World War. I was very impressed with the citizenry, and with the well-trained, courageous "first responders". I am thankful the Brits have such leadership as Tony Blair, and the wonderful Mayor of London, Ken Livngstone, who seems to be an inspirational and courageous leader, as Rudy Guiliani was for New York after 9/11.

"Compromise"?

2005-05-23T20:47:00.000-07:00

I have not been blogging lately for two major reasons: 1.)various deaths in family and need to do stuff about that, and all the various feelings, etc. and 2.) no one reads my blogs anyway, so I didn't think I'd be missed.

Tonight I have to blog to blow off some steam-- because I am really furious at a number of spineless worms who call themselves Republican Senators, and most especially at the proverbial snake-in-the-grass, John McCain. I have already written numerous emails pledging lack-of-support, but I'm still mad.

I have read blogs trying to say this is a good thing, drawing the Democrats in (kind of like Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch), but I don't think so-- I think the Republicans are the ones who have been suckered.

As Captain Ed said at Captain's Quarters, "The net effect is that an even smaller minority in the Senate has hijacked the confirmation process than we saw during the filibusters -- and like all tyrannies, we can only hope for benevolent despotism rather than disaster.

And we can thank Bill Frist for his lack of leadership and resolve for taking a majority and turning it into a minority."

I was immediately suspicious when I heard references to "trust" during the news conference announcing the "compromise". Next was the announcement that only three up-or-down votes would be guaranteed as part of the "compromise". My son thought I was crazed when he heard me moaning and yelling (at the t.v.) "No.... No!!!!! What idiots!!!! They're getting nothing!!!!" as the details were announced. That was my first, visceral reaction, and I think it will be proved true (though I hope not).

I know I won't give any money or other support to McCain, ever, and I don't plan to support the Republican Senatorial or Congressional fundraising efforts unless and until the Republicans repeal or drastically modify the McCain-Feingold bill's provisions which cripple the common people's ability to speak out during election campaigns.

Operation Photo Supports Our Troops

2005-02-12T16:56:00.000-08:00

Have you recently purchased a new digital camera, as I have, and have no further use for your old one? Support our troops and their families by donating your used (but functional) digital camera to Operation Photo. Other links with information and news stories about the project can be found here.

Think how much it would mean, if you were separated from loved ones, to receive digital photos via email from time to time. You can make that possible through this great program. Your used, older model digital camera may be donated to the families of our troops, and, in return, you will receive a tax deduction from Operation Homefront and a discount when ordering prints online from 30 Minute Photos Etc.

Although the Eastman Kodak Co. is donating 100 cameras and Olympus is donating 50 cameras, the founders of the program were hoping to have 10,000 cameras donated by Valentine's Day. Let's help them make more than that goal by the end of February!

Requests for cameras have far outpaced donations, and they really need our help.

So, if you receive a new camera from your sweetie for Valentine's Day, or just plan to buy one soon, please consider making someone in our armed services very happy by donating your used camera to Operation Photo. Please pack your camera carefully and mail it, along with the user-manual and any accessories to:

"Operation Photo", in care of:
30 Minute Photos Etc.
92 Corporate Park Plaza
Irvine, CA 92606

For information, check links above, email info@30minphotos.com or call (949) 474-7654

Congratulations to Our "Adopted" Soldier

2005-02-12T16:30:00.000-08:00

Our "adopted" soldier, recently returned home from Iraq, has gotten married! We are wishing them all the very best, as she and her husband begin their new life together. She is a very special person, and we are so pleased for them both.

A Historic Day Today, and a Silly Day Tomorrow

2005-01-30T20:48:00.000-08:00

Today was a wonderful day, as we saw the pictures and videos of Iraqis, in great numbers, who went and voted despite threats of violence against them. It was emotional and moving to see how much this meant to them, and how brave and hopeful and happy they were on voting day.

Tomorrow will be a very silly day: Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day. I was not aware of "Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day" until I read an article in the Austin American-Statesman on Friday, but it seems that tomorrow, January 31, is the day. It was started in 2001 by WVNI FM Radio Station "Spirit 95", in Bloomington, Indiana. Tomorrow the station plans to hold the "1st Annual Bubblympiad", but I have no idea what the Bubblympiad will entail.

The Sealed Air Corporation, which makes Bubble Wrap (registered trademark, but I don't know how to type the little-r-in-a-circle), has a page on the website about Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day, too. Bubble Wrap in various colors is the focus at this website, which is also appreciating the product, but the most fun Bubble Wrap webite is the Virtual Bubble Wrap site, where you can pop "virtual Bubble Wrap", and listen to the realistic Bubble-Wrap-being-popped sounds! It's oddly satisfying and addictive-- almost like real Bubble Wrap. It's a Shockwave Flash online game, and there is a link to download free Macromedia Flash Player, if you need it.

So, while the Iraqis are concerned with trying to make a safe and free country for their children and grandchildren, some in our great country are only concerned with political posturing and pontificating, in ways that are about as useful and meaningful as popping Bubble Wrap. My prediction: Look for the release of lots of air tomorrow, from Bubble Wrap and from politicians.

Update: Read Captain Ed's post. We don't even have to wait until tomorrow!

It's Morning in Iraq

2005-01-29T20:02:00.000-08:00

It is now 10 p.m central time, 11 p.m. eastern time, and officially "voting time" in Iraq-- the polls are open. My prayers and best wishes are with those Iraqis brave enough to turn out and vote today.

In the United States, Hugh Hewitt and Radioblogger were in San Diego yesterday, and spoke with some of those Iraqi ex-patriots who were voting at the only Iraqi election site west of the Mississippi. There are wonderful photos posted at Radioblogger. The "photo of the day" is at Powerline, of 70-year old Mehshin Imgoter, a 70 year old man who was overcome by emotion after voting because his son, killed by Saddam's forces during the 1990-91 Shiite uprising, was not able to see this day and vote.

Mudville Gazette, Iraq the Model, and Friends of Democracy will be reporting on the voting, just as they have been reporting on the news leading up to the election. They will be good sources of "real" information, from those in Iraq, in real-time. Reading their blogs, one realizes that while many in Iraq are not thrilled to have the U.S. Military in their country, these same people seem to realize that voting is important and the only way forward to having control over their own country. They seem to have pride in their country and hope, for the first time, that their voices will be heard and will be important. They seem to think that Iraqis will be brave enough to claim their country from the insurgents and make it their own.

I get so angry when Democrats say there are "not enough" Iraqi Police or Iraqi National Guardsmen or Army being trained, when they know as well as anyone that these Iraqis have been targeted and killed in great number! The insurgents have killed them at graduation ceremonies, returning from maneuvers, at police stations, etc., and the Democrats act as if those brave and patriotic Iraqis never existed-- as if they shouldn't be counted.

We will have to wait and see what happens in the future, but I will keep those voting on this historic day in my thoughts and prayers, as well as our brave troops doing their best to protect the voters and voting process. May God bless them all.

The Kennedy Doctrine

2005-01-28T06:57:00.000-08:00

Ted Kennedy is now calling for immediate withdrawal of our troops from Iraq. I call this "The Kennedy Doctrine": If things aren't looking good, beat feet away from there and to h--- with them. (Hey, it worked for him at Chappaquiddick!)

What surprises me is that Kennedy doesn't seem to realize how bad it makes him look when he advocates running off and letting the Iraqis drown, or when he refers to "waterboarding", when objecting to the nomination of Alberto Gonzales: ("I mean, it certainly appears to me that water boarding, with all its descriptions about drowning someone to that kind of a point, would come awfully close to getting over the border... but I certainly wouldn't have had a part of that, as a human being.")

If Kennedy was such a great politician, I think he'd have a better sense of timing and a better ear for how things will sound. Really, why is he choosing to advocate the Kennedy Doctrine now, only three or four days prior to the Iraq elections?

An article in the Washington Times today begins, "Sen. Edward M. Kennedy yesterday said U.S. troops, instead of defeating the insurgency in Iraq, are spawning it, and he called for immediate withdrawal of 12,000 troops after this weekend's election and a complete pullout by early next year." The same article made a point of noting, two different times, that Kennedy is out there alone on this (at the moment), saying "His call for withdrawal did not gain much support among his colleagues yesterday." and "Mr. Kennedy's call stands at odds with recent statements from other senior Democrats."

When the going gets tough, Ted Kennedy gets going right outta there! What a guy.

Update: An excellent selection of excerpts from Kennedy's Jan. 27, 2005 speech, with great commentary is found at New England Republican's blog. Thanks, N.E. Republican.

Update #2: Read the reaction of Haider Ajina, an Iraqi-American, to Kennedy's remarks at Powerline. While some Americans may laugh at the pickled-brained pontifications of Kennedy, not everyone in the world realizes the man is a joke. Ted Kennedy carries a powerful last name because of his dead brothers. He should honor their memories by keeping his mouth shut.

Didn't Democrats Ever Listen to Their Mothers?

2005-01-24T21:07:00.000-08:00

"Don't cut off your nose to spite your face" and "Sit down and be quiet-- you are making a spectacle of yourself" are two things mothers commonly say to their children. Because I'm a mother, the recent shenanigans and pontifications by Democrats in Congress have brought to mind these two Momisms. I can't quite decide whether these Democrats never listened to their mothers or whether they never grew up.

Captain Ed made the point brilliantly, when he said, "It's reminiscent of the line from Animal House, when Otter says, 'I think that this situation absolutely requires a really futile and stupid gesture be done on somebody's part.' Bluto answers, 'We're just the guys to do it.' The Democrats have become the party of stupid and useless gestures."

Some of these "stupid and useless gestures" are somewhat amusing to watch, like the temper-tantrums of two-year-olds, but these Democrats seem oblivious as toddlers to fact that they are, at the very least, embarrassing themselves. They do not seem to realize, or don't care, that there could be other, more serious consequences from their temper-tantrums, acting-out, and cheap shots for political advantage. Around the world, others are watching and reading reports of their antics in our MSM, and some are trying to undermine our national will, interests and safety, while this bunch of buffoons repeatedly show themselves to be self-centered, long-winded, short-sighted and completely unconcerned about facing the challenges which lie ahead for our country with any sort of seriousness and national unity. I thank God the "grown-ups" are in charge in this administration.

The "stupid and useless gesture" of delaying the confirmation of Condoleeza Rice made it impossible for her to attend the inauguration of Viktor Yushchenko in Ukraine as Secretary of State. Even Dianne Finestein, Barbara Boxer's co-Senator from California, and a Democrat, seems to be aware of this downside, because she said on Fox News Sunday, "I happen to strongly support Condoleezza Rice. I don't want to see her diminished in the eyes of the world. I want to see her confirmed. She will be." (emphasis mine).

In my opinion, "stupid and useless gestures" by the Democrats and the MSM, working together, can undermine our effectiveness in fighting the global war on terror. Spreading "leaked" or sensitive information, publicizing specific war strategies and plans, highlighting and defining our weaknesses, criticizing and diminishing our President in the eyes of the world (to borrow Finestein's phrase) are definitely not helpful and might endanger our country and our troops.

Opposition to Social Security reform is another example of Democrat "stupid gestures", but I don't know how useless it will be. Colin McNickle, in an op-ed titled Lies, smears, ignorance & weakness, wrote, "President Bush's plan to reform Social Security is doomed to failure. You can smell it in the wind. If the massive disinformation campaign being waged by political, academic and media liberals doesn't kill it, then the many invertebrate weasels who pass for conservatives and Republicans these days surely will." Here is a visual illustrating the "stupid gestures" the Democrats are using to avoid any serious discussion of the need to make changes in Social Security. Aren't these little Democrats just a barrel of fun?

Unfortunately, I don't find them very amusing.

Update: Captain Ed comments on the "temper tantrums" too. Excellent post at Captain's Quarters.

2005-01-14T20:59:00.000-08:00

Haloscan commenting and trackback have been added to this blog.

CQ's "World Relief Day" on January 12th

2005-01-12T20:45:00.000-08:00

Update 1/12/05: Today is the big day! "World Relief Day" donations have been very generous, far surpassing the original $5,000 goal. Check the current total, and please make a donation, if you haven't already. Many thanks to all who have donated.

Update 1/6/05: Check this slideshow from World Vision with photos of their relief efforts so far.

Original post 1/1/05: Captain Ed, of Captain's Quarters, has declared January 12th "World Relief Day" in the Blogosphere, and he challenges us all to donate the amount of our take-home pay for January 12th (one day's take-home pay) to World Vision Asia Tsunami Relief. I have already donated to World Vision, and I encourage everyone to do so. Captain Ed is providing a link for donations, and you may donate in advance of January 12th, or on the day itself. One day's take-home pay is just a suggestion, because all donations-- as much or as little as you can afford-- will be of great help!

Update 1/3/05: Thanks so much, Captain Ed, for linking to my humble blog, and welcome to any new visitors. While we are now focused on helping with disaster relief, please don't forget to support our troops! Please feel free to look around (here's a link to the main page), or at my other blog, "Hookahi Hoku".

Major Mike's Blog

2005-01-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

Today I discovered, thanks to Hugh Hewitt, a new blog by Major Mike. He currently has two posts, and I enjoyed them very much. He writes well and has some excellent points. I guess I'm just partial to these USMC guys (witness my husband).

In his post titled "Gut Check America" Major Mike discusses the need for steadfast courage, will, and perseverance, both individual and national, as we fight an asymmetiric war in Iraq and the Global War on Terror.

This brought to mind an excellent article (actually, the text of a speech) by Melanie Phillips, titled The reporting of Iraq and Israel: an abuse of media power, Talk at Limmud conference, 27 December 2004 . While somewhat long, it is a cogent, interesting, well-reasoned view of the specific ways media reporting has worked to undermine the individual and national will to fight. While Ms. Phillips specifically refers to the media in Britain, many believe her arguments and conclusions apply to the media in the United States, as well. While somewhat long, it is a very interesting, cogent, well-reasoned presentation. Here is an excerpt from the introductory portion, in which she presents her thesis:

"Britain is gripped by an unprecedented degree of irrationality, prejudice and hysteria over the issues of Iraq, the terrorist jihad and Israel. All three are intimately linked; all three, however, are thought by public opinion to be linked in precisely the wrong way. This is because all three have been systematically misreported, distorted and misrepresented through a lethal combination of profound ignorance, political malice and ancient prejudices.

This systematic abuse by the media is having a devastating impact in weakening the ability of the west to defend itself against the unprecedented mortal threat that it faces from the Islamic jihad. People cannot and will not fight if they don’t understand the nature or gravity of the threat that they face, so much so that they vilify their own leaders while sanitising those who would harm them.

Yet that is what is happening. Public debate in Britain is now marked by a collapse of objectivity, truth, fairness and balance. Logic and morality have been stood on their heads. Victims are portrayed as oppressors, while mass murderers have to be understood and sympathised with. The outcome is an ugly and dangerous climate in which prejudice and lies have achieved the status of unchallengeable fact; a climate which is now being eagerly manipulated by terrorists who know that if they ratchet up their barbarism and distribute the video the result will merely be an ever greater public clamour for Tony Blair to split away from President Bush and shatter the coalition in defence of the free world.

The public has been grossly misled by the British media, and falsehoods have become accepted as fact, so much so that any statement of actual facts which undermine this mindset are excised from the debate altogether.

In this talk, I will first of all look at the twisting of the reporting, then suggest why this has happened and then finally discuss the effect it is having."

Ms. Phillips then presents and analyzes the specific ways the BBC and other media have distorted, rewritten, or failed to report much of recent history through their reporting. She gives many examples, contrasting actual events, speeches, and reports with the way these are reported by the media. She covers much territory as she examines the media's shaping of public perceptions about Israel, Iraq, and Islamic terrorists, and the reasons, methods, and dangers of media distortion. This speech is well-reasoned and interesting to read. I hope you will read all of it. In pdf format, it is 17 pages, but reads quickly. Here is the final paragraph of her speech:

"It is this weakness and moral confusion that comprise the great goal of terrorist strategy; it is this that has characterised the west’s response to Islamic terror for many decades; it is this that has brought us to where we are today. In the war that has been declared upon the free world, the western media’s abuse of power is perhaps the most lethal weapon of all."

Cookies, Crafts and More Ways to Support Our Troops

2005-01-06T19:59:00.000-08:00

This great slideshow, with a beautiful, moving song, salutes our troops serving in Iraq.

Who can resist cookies for a good cause? Stampers "U.S. Armed Forces Series" Cookies are vanilla-almond flavored cookies, packed 18 per box, which are imprinted with the seals of our Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Army National Guard, and Air Force National Guard. A portion of the proceeds from each sale are donated to the National Military Family Association. These cookies are available in some grocery stores, or may be ordered online from from Cookie Club of America.

What would you do if you were recuperating in a military hospital? Go nuts with boredom? Help Hospitalized Vets, a nonprofit founded in 1970, provides craft kits and "Craft Care Specialists" to help those in military and V.A. hospitals. A donation of $8.00 will provide one kit to one patient. These craft kits can help with physical therapy, provide entertainment, and help the patient develop a new interest or discover a new talent. (I have supported this group for years, and often receive postcards of thanks from "real people" who received kits I've donated).

Operation Homefront supports the families of deployed troops, helping them with urgent needs, such as car, home, or appliance repairs, moving or transportation needs. Many military spouses live on a very limited budget, so unanticipated major expenses can create real hardship for these families. Operation Homefront seeks volunteers and donations of services from local repair businesses, as well as donations of money. If there is a military base near your community, please look at their website, linked above, and see what you can do to help.

Salute America's Heroes provides job training, special housing assistance, and other services to those who have been seriously injured in service to our country. Now a special project of Help Hospitalized Vets (see above), Salute America's Heroes needs donations so they can continue to provide these important services.

Our "Adopted" Soldier is Home!

2005-01-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

Our "adopted" soldier is home, safe, from Iraq! I hadn't heard from her for several weeks, and, even though I knew she probably wouldn't write while "in transit", I rejoiced to read her short email today. She arrived back in the States before Christmas, and I know it was an especially wonderful one for her family! I've posted a photo here.

Our prayers are with all our troops, serving around the world.

Rose Bowl Victory for 'Horns, 38-37 over Michigan

2005-01-01T18:19:00.000-08:00

What an exciting Rose Bowl game tonight! The Michigan team was excellent, and the Texas team did some really stupid things (a fumble at exactly the wrong time, and too many penalties), but I think both teams can be really proud of the way they played. Of course, being a Texan, I was pleased (a massive understatement) when U.T., with 2 seconds left in the game, kicked a field goal to win 38 to 37.

Without talented, versatile QB Vince Young, who was undoubtedly the star of the evening, I think the Longhorns would have lost. On the other hand, without the stupid penalties (why get two face-mask penalties-- so avoidable) U.T. probably would have won more decisively. I'm definitely not a football expert, and, ordinarily, I wouldn't care about this Rose Bowl game. But this year, when Senator Barbara Boxer made such a big deal about Texas being chosen (rather than Cal), I suddenly developed more interest than usual.

Aloha and Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

2004-12-31T23:50:00.000-08:00

Check my other blog, Ka Ho'okahi Hoku, for a photo plus my New Year's Eve message and thoughts. Also, the "2003-2004 Person of the Year Award" for my humble blog, given to Kumu Keola Donaghy. Everything I said there applies to you here on this blog, as well.

"Congressional Oversight" THIS, Senator Boxer!

2004-12-30T20:58:00.000-08:00

Texas Tech over Cal 45-31!!!

Upset because her favorite team was not chosen for the Rose Bowl, Senator Barbara Boxer of California wrote, on December 10, 2004, to Kevin L. Weiberg, of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS), whining and threatening the BCS with "Congressional oversight" by the Senate Commerce Committee (on which she serves). Read the whole letter, which is posted on her website.

Senator Boxer was upset because "THE University" (University of Texas at Austin) was chosen over University of California at Berkeley to play in the Rose Bowl, and now she may begin to understand why! I remind Senator Boxer that University of Texas beat Texas Tech (yes, the same Texas Tech which just pulverized Cal tonight in the Holiday Bowl) this year by 30 points!

I was going to send Senator Boxer a nice e-card, just to cheer her up tonight, but she doesn't give her email address on the website. (You have to use a special form on her site, where it is clearly stated she only replies to people from California).

Remember, Senator Boxer: "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You"---Hook 'Em Horns!

Operation Hero Miles

2004-12-27T16:56:00.000-08:00

An easy way to support our troops stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan: donate your unused frequent flyer miles through "Operation Hero Miles". If you are like me, you have extra unused airline miles in at least one account! This program needs donations of airline miles from Delta, Northwest, and Southwest Airlines.

American, Independence, Pan-Am and US Airways are also participating, but are not accepting donation of airline miles. They are providing flights free of charge to soldiers and their families through this program.

Read about this program at the website, and donate your miles through their links to Delta, Northwest and Southwest Airlines.

Do you really need to save them for that ticket you may not be able to use? Do you have miles which will expire before your next vacation? Help a soldier attend a family funeral, or the birth of a child, help a soldier's family fly to the bedside of their loved one, in a military hospital far from home.

Operation Hero Miles is in partnership with Fisher House Foundation, which provides a place for families of wounded servicemen and women to stay while their loved ones are hospitalized (a link to Fisher House is provided on the website, click to learn more).

Merry Christmas!

2004-12-25T09:44:00.000-08:00

It's the first day of Christmas, and a beautiful, cold, clear, sunny day in Austin, Texas. After two overcast days, it seems as if "the weary world rejoices, as yonder breaks a new and glorious dawn", just like in the Christmas carol!

I have a big salmon filet on the smoker-grill, corn pudding (with jalapeno) in the oven, and pumpkin pie on the counter. We're going to have Christmas dinner in a few hours at our friends' house, where they will be providing the beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, green beans, and other goodies, plus wine and fellowship. We are so blessed to be here safe, in a warm house, able to worship and work and play as we choose, in our great country.

This morning I've been thinking of, and praying for all those serving our country, and the great debt of gratitude we owe them. Our family's "adopted" soldier should be leaving Iraq very soon, if all goes well, and I pray that she returns safely to Ft. Hood. I have never met her, but I love getting her emails, especially because she reminds me what wonderful people we have in our military services. She's so young, but brave and funny.

I've been thinking, also, of "The Twelve Days of Christmas", and can't decide exactly when they got lost. Most Americans will wake up tomorrow thinking Christmas is over, when the Christmas season is actually just starting today, and won't be over for twelve more days.

When I was a child, we didn't put our Christmas tree up until Christmas eve, and took it down after January 6th, which is Epiphany, the celebration which follows the twelve days of Christmas. Now, the Christmas trees are put up after Thanksgiving, and are a fire hazard by Christmas.

Not many people know of Epiphany these days, and the "Twelve Days of Christmas" have become "the six weeks of Christmas shopping". For centuries, Epiphany was celebrated with high significance, yet the only place I know of where it is still a "big deal" is in New Orleans, where it is celebrated more traditionally, with parties and King Cake, as the beginning of Carnival season. I guess there must be older Catholics, Episcopalian, and others who remember Epiphany, but I never hear any mention of it.

So, I just want to encourage you to celebrate the birth of Jesus a bit longer this year, because today is only the first day of Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone!
(Mele Kalikimaka i na mea a pau!)

On my other blog, I posted some thoughts (and lots of links) on Hawaiian language (and Christmas) last night.

Hawaiian Music + Supporting Our Troops

2004-12-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Oh, Bliss! Ua hau'oli au! (I'm so happy!) Two of my favorite things: Hawaiian music, and support for our troops, together in one package! It may be too late to order one, but everyone should know that Kenneth Makuakane has produced a cd of Hawaiian music, called "A Warrior's Christmas", specifically to be sent as a gift to the Detachment 1 HHC 100th Battalion 442nd Infantry and Company A 411th Engineers Battalion from Hawaii, currently deployed overseas, and those preparing to deploy in February 2005.

This a great idea, which could be emulated by others around the country: music contributed by local artists to raise the spirits of our troops, and sent as a gift of love! All the artists contributing to "A Warrior's Christmas" waived royalties to make it possible to do this. Some extra copies were made for sale to the general public in Hawaii (see link), with all monies going to defray the cost of making the cd's for the troops, and any extra money to be donated to help their families left behind in Hawaii.

It is my understanding those extra cd's are mostly sold... there might be some copies (available for a donation of $10.00) but you will have to hurry. See information here. (You could also just send donations for the families of these "warriors", I imagine, even if the cd's are sold out).

Mahalo nui loa to Kumu Keola for publicizing this on his great website, NahenaheNet, and to Kenneth Makuakane, a wonderful producer of Hawaiian music, and Makuakane Music, for doing this great project to support the troops from Hawaii and their families!

For more ideas on how to support our troops, check out my previous posts here and here.

New Version of "Twas the Night Before Christmas"

2004-12-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

Today I received the following poem, forwarded in an email (mahalo to Jay!), and wanted to share it. The anonymous originator of the email claims it was written by a Marine. Whoever wrote it, I think it's worth sharing:

Subject: Twas the Night Before Christmas

Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney with presents to give,
And to see just who in this home did live.

I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by mantle, just boots filled with sand,
On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,
A sober thought came through my mind.
For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,
I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.
The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,
Not how I pictured a United States soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?
Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?
I realized the families that I saw this night,
Owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,
Because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice;
I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,
My life is my God, my Country, my Corps."

The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent and still
And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark, night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,
Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, It's Christmas Day, all is secure."

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right.
"Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all a good night."

At the end of the email was this: "This poem was written by a Marine. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable.....PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will becoming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed. "

Prepaid Phone Cards (and more) for Our Troops

2004-12-08T22:48:00.000-08:00

From Hugh Hewitt's site today (Mr. Hewitt was posting from an email sent to him):

"The number ONE request at Walter Reed hospital is phone cards. The government doesn't pay long distance phone charges and these wounded soldiers are rationing their calls home. Many will be there throughout the holidays.
Really support our troops --Send phone cards of any amount to:
Medical Family Assistance Center

Walter Reed Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW

Washington, DC 20307-5001

They say they need an "endless" supply of these -- any amount even $5 is greatly appreciated. Walmart has good prices on AT&T cards, Sams Club is even better, if you are a member."

Actually, prepaid phone cards are much desired by all our troops, wherever they are. I had read that AT&T prepaid phone cards were best to send to our overseas troops, but didn't understand why until I did a bit of internet-research, and here is my best understanding of what I found. (Please correct me, someone, if I am misunderstanding this):

1.) It seems that not all calling cards are equal: there is a difference between the rates (cost per minute) for "International" and "Domestic" calling cards, and even a difference between "units" and "minutes" among various types of calling cards. There is even a different kind of calling card required for "ship to shore" calls from most U.S. ships!

2.) In Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, the military "phone centers" to which our troops have access have phone service provided by AT&T. Some other types of cards might (or might not) work, but an AT&T prepaid phone card definitely will. The Military Exchange has negotiated a special low price with AT&T for these global calls, but not with other companies. These negotiated rates seem to be based on "units", rather than minutes. There seems to be some formula whereby "minutes" (on minute-types cards) is converted into "units", which are then applied to the cost of an actual phone call (there is an explanation and a chart on the first website listed below). This can get confusing when you have different rates from different companies, so this is probably why we are advised it is best to send AT&T prepaid phone cards, especially ones designed to be used for our military (see websites below).

3.) Don't worry too much about the cards you send to Walter Reed Medical Center (see above), because "domestic" cards from AT&T should work just fine.

The Army and Air Force Exchange Service features two programs, "Help Our Troops Call Home" and "Gifts from the Homefront". Any person or organization may buy Military Exchange Calling Cards through the "Help Our Troops Call Home" program. These are the AT&T cards specifically designed for our troops serving in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Kuwait. One card costs from $14.99 (plus 37 cents shipping) for a 200-unit phone card, up to $39.00 (plus 37 cents shipping) for a 550-unit card. The cards are available in multiples, and as special cards for businesses or groups to order (imprinted with logo, etc.) This site also sells the special "ship to shore" cards mentioned above. Cards may be sent to you, to a specific service person (if you know name/address), or to an anonymous "Any Service Person". You can even choose which of several groups will distribute your "Any Service Person" card (for example, American Red Cross, Air Force Aid Society, Fisher House, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, or USO) when you order the card. (This is the site featuring the chart and discussion of the difference between minutes/units/various rates, etc.)

The AAFES also allows you to buy and send gift certificates through their "Gifts from the Homefront" program. These gift certificates may be used by our troops, or their families, to buy things at any local military exchange (BX/PX), through the Exchange Catalog, or the Exchange Online Store. Again, this may be sent to a specific individual, or to "Any Service Person".

AT&T has links to help you buy their prepaid phone cards (imagine that!). The company recently announced it has donated over $6 million in phone cards to our troops, and lowered the per-minute rate of ship-to-shore calling by 50%. They now offer prepaid internet access with CyberZone Gift Cards and Accounts ,which can be used at certain bases in Germany, Kuwait and the U.S. Not all troops will have access to a AT&T CyberZone internet center, but locations and details are available on the website.

Some Ways to Support Our Troops

2004-12-06T14:27:00.000-08:00

This information isn't new, but I thought I'd bring these links together in one post. There are so many good organizations, many of them started and run by dedicated volunteers, and this is not an exhaustive list, merely a place to get started.

Supporting our troops does not have to be an expensive proposition! A number of sites help you send a letter or an email, which will be very much appreciated, but require little more than your time or the cost of a card or stamp. Care packages, a real morale booster, vary in cost, depending on the price and weight (for postage) of what you choose to send, so these can be made to fit any budget. Some organizations would appreciate donations of money for their particular projects. With so many options, please look through the list, click on the links and check out their websites, before you decide the best way you can support those serving our country.

This list is in no particular order, except I will start with a personal favorite, because my husband served as a Marine.

1. The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund collects donations of money to help injured Marines and their families with unanticipated expenses, such as lodging, food, and childcare. This is an all-volunteer effort, and your donations are tax-deductable.

2. The Wounded Warrior Project collects donations of money to provide backpacks filled with comfort items to the injured at Walter Reed Medical Center. You can read a full description on their website. Donate a filled backpack for $99.00, and write a message to go with it, but I imagine they will appreciate donations of whatever amount you can afford.

3. Operation AirConditioner is a great group, started by the mother of a soldier who served in Iraq, and it does several things:
a.) There is an address on the left side of their page where you can send thank-you notes and cards for hospitalized soldiers. I write a few notes whenever I have time, and then mail them, in a large manila envelope, whenever I have about 20 or so.
b.) They will help you adopt a soldier, by sending you the name and address of an actual soldier (they chose for you) who you can write and send care packages to. I have adopted two different soldiers through this site.
c.) They collect donations of money to send air conditioners, heaters, socks, gloves and boots to our soldiers.

4. Any Soldier, Inc. is another group, started by an Army Infantry Soldier with the 173rd Airborne Brigade, who served in Iraq. They will help you adopt someone to write to and send packages to, and have Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine contacts, serving over 41,000 soldiers. You are given a choice of over 700 contact persons and then write to one, at their address, adding "ATTN: Any Soldier". They will then pass your letter along to "any soldier" in the unit who don't get much or any mail, and that person may write back to you. The site also provides a way to give (tax-deductable) donations of money on their site.

5. Treat Any Soldier is allied to the Any Soldier, Inc. group, above, but is also separate. It provides an easy way to send "Care Packages" to an anonymous "any soldier" or to your personal soldier, if you have a specific name and address. The prices range from $16.95 to $49.95. Check this website for ideas, even if you want to buy and send your own packages. I do prefer to send my own packages, but I think this is a pretty fair deal, and the postage costs are clearly specified for each package before you order.

6. My Soldier will help you adopt soldier (click on "My Soldier info" on the top right on this website). It was started by a Manhattanville College student who served in Iraq, but this program has the full support of Manhattanville College behind it. This program will they assign you a contact (provided by Operation Military Pride) in a unit, whereas Any Soldier, Inc. (above) allows you to pick your own unit or branch of service, I think. This program also sends you a red rubber bracelet to wear, and a special baseball cap to send to your soldier, along with your first letter. This group also accepts donations of money.

7. Spirit of America is a very great organization! It requests donations of money for our troops to help them finance projects which promote goodwill and help the Iraqi people. The importance of this cannot be underestimated!!! PLEASE, please look at their website and see the wonderful things they are doing, then contribute what you can.

8. The USO is a and well-known group which does many things for our troops. If you log on to their website you can read about their many programs to help and entertain our troops overseas, and support their families at home. You can donate money, help with blood drives, volunteer in your own community, donate phone cards to our troops, and get lots of other information. Plus, any donations are tax-deductable.

9. Operation Dear Abby is a site where you can send a holiday greeting or thank-you message to "any member" of the five Service Branches: Navy, Marines, Coast Guard, Army, or Air Force.

10. To Our Soldiers is a site where you can send an email to any and all of our troops (any soldier) or to a specific individual or unit, I think. Check out the site for details

11. A Million Thanks, a wonderful site, began with an idea by Shauna Fleming, a 15-year-old student, and is sponsored by Lutheran High School in Orange, CA. They collect letters and emails of thanks and support for our troops, and have sent more than one million at this time! They also collect used cd's to send to our troops, and donations of money to help wih their projects. Get out the Kleenex before you click on the two "Theme Songs" (with videos!) on this site.

12. Soldier's Angels was started by a mother whose son served in Iraq. This site will help you adopt a deployed or wounded soldier. They also request money donations, and have many other ways and projects to help our troops.

13. Instapundit has a great list, including some of the same groups I mention here, but which has others as well. Please check his list, too.

I will try to update this, from time to time, but this should give you plenty of places to check out and some very good ways to make a difference. Please, begin now to support our troops!

A New Name and Address

2004-12-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Yippee!!! The Minnesota Master of the Horse, Warden of the Collegiate Peaks, and State Sommelier of California, the great Hugh Hewitt has honored my humble blog!

Mr. Hewitt, in his capacity as "official right-wing talk radio blogger star registry", said: "Ka Ho'okahi Hoku has successfully petitioned for Equualus. (Maybe the blog will change its name to something that can be remembered.)"

This humble blog is thrilled and honored to be a small and insignificant constellation among all the constellations of the right-wing blogosphere! Taking Mr. Hewitt's suggestion, my blog now has a new name and a new URL, which may be more easily remembered.

The previous incarnation of my blog, called Ka Ho'okahi Hoku (which means The Lone Star in Hawaiian) may be viewed here. I chose the new name, "The One Star Blog", because none of the variations of "lone star" I could think of were available for the URL, and, also, because mine is a rather insignificant little blog (as in a one-star rating).