A Gun in the Home
Imagine being a ten year old boy home alone with your eight year old sister. There is a knock at the door. You tell your sister to be quiet. The knock becomes more insistent, and ultimately two grown thugs kick your door in.
That is what happened at a Port Allen, Louisiana apartment complex. The boy and his sister ran to hide in a closet. The home invaders quickly gave chase. They snatched open the closet door, pouring a blinding light on the trembling children.
But the ten year old boy had grabbed his mother's handgun as he closed the closet door behind himself and his sister. Because that handgun was in that home, two children are alive and well, and two armed criminals who would assault and quite probably kill without remorse are behind bars. Their juvenile get-away driver is in jail as well.
In case this video feed ever goes down, the boy shot one of the criminals, Roderick Porter, in the mouth with the handgun. Porter and his accomplice, Dean Favron, turned tail and ran from the armed adolescent. They did not run because they changed their mind about hurting children. They were not reformed. They had no religious conversion. No, the epithany they had was that the boy they had threatened had the means and the willingness to kill them dead, to place them rotting in their graves if they did not retreat. That is why they ran. The boy's willingness came from his resolve to live and protect his sister. The means came from the gun his mother kept in the home.
This home invasion occured in a part of town that is not exactly economically privileged. Chances are, the gun was an inexpensive type, such as a Hi Point or possibly even a Raven or Bryco. The type of handgun used is not important. The thing is, the gun was there, a boy was willing to use it to save lives, and the handgun worked. Tonight, in Baton Rouge Louisiana, three violent armed criminals are in jail awaiting trial because of that boy and that gun. In Port Allen, a mother tucks her children into bed and thanks God she had a gun in the home.
Borrowed from,, http://xavierthoughts.blogspot.com/ Please go and read his Blog,, i do daily.
I totaly agree with this,, we all teach our children, yes, No,, Hot and Cold,, why not how to defend themselves,, the world has gotten meaner,,
and then poof
Paul Helmke, put that in your pipe and smoke it.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Excellent Quote for a saturday
"In planning any operation, it is vital to remember and constantly repeat to oneself two things: 'In war, nothing is impossible provided you use audacity,' and 'Do not take counsel of your fears.'" -- General George S. Patton Jr., Letter of Instruction, March 6, 1944.
Beware the DOOM SAYER
and then poof
Beware the DOOM SAYER
and then poof
Health care
"Just as people use vastly different amounts of gasoline, they also use vastly different amounts of medical care -- especially when an appointment with a highly trained physician costs less than a manicure. Insurance plans that force everyone in the plan to pay for everyone else's Viagra and anti-anxiety pills are already completely unfair to people who rarely go to the doctor. It's like being forced to share gas bills with a long-haul trucker or a restaurant bill with Michael Moore. On the other hand, it's a great deal for any lonely hypochondriacs in the plan. ... You don't have to conjure up fantastic visions of how health care would be delivered in this country if we bought it ourselves. Just go to a grocery store or get a manicure. Or think back to when you bought your last muffler, personal trainer, computer and every other product and service available in inexpensive abundance in this capitalist paradise. ... Isn't food important? Why not 'universal food coverage'? If politicians and employers had guaranteed us 'free' food 50 years ago, today Democrats would be wailing about the 'food crisis' in America, and you'd be on the phone with your food care provider arguing about whether or not a Reuben sandwich with fries was covered under your plan. Instead of making health care more like the DMV, how about we make it more like grocery stores? Give the poor and tough cases health stamps and let the rest of us buy health care -- and health insurance -- on the free market." --columnist Ann Coulter
The Gipper
THE GIPPER
"Governments that set out to regiment their people with the stated objective of providing security and liberty have ended up losing both. Those which put freedom as the first priority find they have also provided security and economic progress." --Ronald Reagan
"Governments that set out to regiment their people with the stated objective of providing security and liberty have ended up losing both. Those which put freedom as the first priority find they have also provided security and economic progress." --Ronald Reagan
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
First Lady? I think not
MICHELE OBAMA'S ATTENDANTS
No, Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession. Just think Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War. And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary.
How things have changed! If you're one of the tens of millions of Americans facing certain destitution, earning less than subsistence wages stocking the shelves at Wal-Mart or serving up McDonald cheeseburgers, prepare to scream and then come to realize that the benefit package for these servants of Miz Michelle are the same as members of the national security and defense departments and the bill for these assorted lackeys is paid by John Q. Public:
1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)
2. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C. (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary)
4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady)
5. Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
6. $90,000 - Medina, David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)
8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady)
9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady)
10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
11. Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady)
13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)
14. Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)
15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady)
16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady)
17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)
18. Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)
19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)
21. Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant)
22. Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)
There has never been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life. One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense, when even Hillary, only had three; Jackie Kennedy one; Laura Bush one; and prior to Mamie Eisenhower social help came from the President's own pocket.
Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom travelled aboard Air Force One to Europe.
Quote "this is the first time I have ever been proud of my country" what a wench
that is all
Holy Smokes,, forgot to credit Theo,, http://www.theospark.net/
No, Michele Obama does not get paid to serve as the First Lady and she doesn't perform any official duties. But this hasn't deterred her from hiring an unprecedented number of staffers to cater to her every whim and to satisfy her every request in the midst of the Great Recession. Just think Mary Lincoln was taken to task for purchasing china for the White House during the Civil War. And Mamie Eisenhower had to shell out the salary for her personal secretary.
How things have changed! If you're one of the tens of millions of Americans facing certain destitution, earning less than subsistence wages stocking the shelves at Wal-Mart or serving up McDonald cheeseburgers, prepare to scream and then come to realize that the benefit package for these servants of Miz Michelle are the same as members of the national security and defense departments and the bill for these assorted lackeys is paid by John Q. Public:
1. $172,2000 - Sher, Susan (Chief Of Staff)
2. $140,000 - Frye, Jocelyn C. (Deputy Assistant to the President and Director of Policy And Projects For The First Lady)
3. $113,000 - Rogers, Desiree G. (Special Assistant to the President and White House Social Secretary)
4. $102,000 - Johnston, Camille Y. (Special Assistant to the President and Director of Communications for the First Lady)
5. Winter, Melissa E. (Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
6. $90,000 - Medina, David S. (Deputy Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
7. $84,000 - Lelyveld, Catherine M. (Director and Press Secretary to the First Lady)
8. $75,000 - Starkey, Frances M. (Director of Scheduling and Advance for the First Lady)
9. $70,000 - Sanders, Trooper (Deputy Director of Policy and Projects for the First Lady)
10. $65,000 - Burnough, Erinn J. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
11. Reinstein, Joseph B. (Deputy Director and Deputy Social Secretary)
12. $62,000 - Goodman, Jennifer R. (Deputy Director of Scheduling and Events Coordinator For The First Lady)
13. $60,000 - Fitts, Alan O. (Deputy Director of Advance and Trip Director for the First Lady)
14. Lewis, Dana M. (Special Assistant and Personal Aide to the First Lady)
15. $52,500 - Mustaphi, Semonti M. (Associate Director and Deputy Press Secretary To The First Lady)
16. $50,000 - Jarvis, Kristen E. (Special Assistant for Scheduling and Traveling Aide To The First Lady)
17. $45,000 - Lechtenberg, Tyler A. (Associate Director of Correspondence For The First Lady)
18. Tubman, Samantha (Deputy Associate Director, Social Office)
19. $40,000 - Boswell, Joseph J. (Executive Assistant to the Chief Of Staff to the First Lady)
20. $36,000 - Armbruster, Sally M. (Staff Assistant to the Social Secretary)
21. Bookey, Natalie (Staff Assistant)
22. Jackson, Deilia A. (Deputy Associate Director of Correspondence for the First Lady)
There has never been anyone in the White House at any time that has created such an army of staffers whose sole duties are the facilitation of the First Lady's social life. One wonders why she needs so much help, at taxpayer expense, when even Hillary, only had three; Jackie Kennedy one; Laura Bush one; and prior to Mamie Eisenhower social help came from the President's own pocket.
Note: This does not include makeup artist Ingrid Grimes-Miles, 49, and "First Hairstylist" Johnny Wright, 31, both of whom travelled aboard Air Force One to Europe.
Quote "this is the first time I have ever been proud of my country" what a wench
that is all
Holy Smokes,, forgot to credit Theo,, http://www.theospark.net/
Monday, July 27, 2009
survival of the sickest
survival of the sickest
Drug addicts may be given priority access to the swine flu vaccine under plans being drawn up by the health authorities, it has emerged.
Professor Lindsey Davies, director of the Department of Health’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness unit, said that those suffering from long-term maintenance conditions such as heroin addicts who are receiving methadone treatment could be included in the “vulnerable” groups that will be targeted first.
The revelation will cause controversy at a time when there is increasing public disquiet about the potential effects of swine flu, which claimed 100,000 victims last week alone and has claimed more than 30 lives in this country so far.
Drug addicts may be given priority access to the swine flu vaccine under plans being drawn up by the health authorities, it has emerged.
Professor Lindsey Davies, director of the Department of Health’s Pandemic Influenza Preparedness unit, said that those suffering from long-term maintenance conditions such as heroin addicts who are receiving methadone treatment could be included in the “vulnerable” groups that will be targeted first.
The revelation will cause controversy at a time when there is increasing public disquiet about the potential effects of swine flu, which claimed 100,000 victims last week alone and has claimed more than 30 lives in this country so far.
pResidential Report Card
Obama's 1st Quarter Report
Observations on the President's Early Days:
1. Offended the Queen of England . . .
2. Bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia . . .
3. Praised the Marxist Daniel Ortega . . .
4. Kissed Hugo Chavez on the cheek . . .
5. Endorsed the Socialist Evo Morales of Bolivia . . .
6. Announced we would meet with Iranians with no pre-conditions . . .
7. Gave away billions to AIG also without pre-conditions . . .
8. Expanded the bailouts . . .
9. Insulted everyone who has ever loved a Special Olympian . . .
10. Doubled our national debt . . .
11. Announced a termination of the space defense system the day after the North Koreans launched an ICBM . . .
12. Despite the urgings of his own CIA director and the prior 4 CIA directors, released information on intelligence gathering . . .
13. Accepted without public comment the fact that five of his cabinet members cheated on their taxes and two others withdrew after they couldn't take the heat . . .
14. Appointed a Homeland Security Chief who quickly identified as "dangers to the nation", groups including veterans of the military, and opponents to abortion on demand, and who ordered that the word "terrorism" no longer be used but instead referred to such acts as "man made disasters" . . .
15. Circled the globe so he could openly apologize for America 's greatness . . .
16. Told the Mexican President that the violence in their country was because of us . . .
17. Politicized the census by moving it into the White House from its Department of Commerce origins . . .
18. Appointed as Attorney General the man who orchestrated the forced removal and expulsion from America to Cuba of a nine-year old whose mother died trying to bring him to a life of freedom in the United States . . .
19. Salutes as heroes three Navy SEALS who took down three terrorists who threatened one American life and the next day announces members of the Bush administration will likely stand trial for "torturing" a terrorist who played a part in killing 3000 Americans by pouring water up his nose . . .
20. Flew Air Force One Low over New York City, causing panic in the streets . . .
21. Sent his National Defense Advisor to Europe to assure Europe that the US will no longer treat Israel in a special manner and they might be on their own with the Muslims . . .
22. Began the process of nationalizing the Auto Industry and the Insurance industry . . .
23. Announced that for intents and purposes the Health Insurance Industry will be nationalized . . .
And he thinks he’ll be re-elected???? And you know . . . he probably WILL because "our liberal press loves him"
1360 more days to go . . . God help us all!
Observations on the President's Early Days:
1. Offended the Queen of England . . .
2. Bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia . . .
3. Praised the Marxist Daniel Ortega . . .
4. Kissed Hugo Chavez on the cheek . . .
5. Endorsed the Socialist Evo Morales of Bolivia . . .
6. Announced we would meet with Iranians with no pre-conditions . . .
7. Gave away billions to AIG also without pre-conditions . . .
8. Expanded the bailouts . . .
9. Insulted everyone who has ever loved a Special Olympian . . .
10. Doubled our national debt . . .
11. Announced a termination of the space defense system the day after the North Koreans launched an ICBM . . .
12. Despite the urgings of his own CIA director and the prior 4 CIA directors, released information on intelligence gathering . . .
13. Accepted without public comment the fact that five of his cabinet members cheated on their taxes and two others withdrew after they couldn't take the heat . . .
14. Appointed a Homeland Security Chief who quickly identified as "dangers to the nation", groups including veterans of the military, and opponents to abortion on demand, and who ordered that the word "terrorism" no longer be used but instead referred to such acts as "man made disasters" . . .
15. Circled the globe so he could openly apologize for America 's greatness . . .
16. Told the Mexican President that the violence in their country was because of us . . .
17. Politicized the census by moving it into the White House from its Department of Commerce origins . . .
18. Appointed as Attorney General the man who orchestrated the forced removal and expulsion from America to Cuba of a nine-year old whose mother died trying to bring him to a life of freedom in the United States . . .
19. Salutes as heroes three Navy SEALS who took down three terrorists who threatened one American life and the next day announces members of the Bush administration will likely stand trial for "torturing" a terrorist who played a part in killing 3000 Americans by pouring water up his nose . . .
20. Flew Air Force One Low over New York City, causing panic in the streets . . .
21. Sent his National Defense Advisor to Europe to assure Europe that the US will no longer treat Israel in a special manner and they might be on their own with the Muslims . . .
22. Began the process of nationalizing the Auto Industry and the Insurance industry . . .
23. Announced that for intents and purposes the Health Insurance Industry will be nationalized . . .
And he thinks he’ll be re-elected???? And you know . . . he probably WILL because "our liberal press loves him"
1360 more days to go . . . God help us all!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Veterans News Retired Activities in Orlando
Retired Activity Day in Orlando
Do you live in or near the Orlando, Florida, area? Do you have a free day on Saturday, August 15? NAUS Veterans Benefits Advisor Mike Plumer and other NAUS volunteers will be staffing a table at the Retired Activity Day being put on by Ft. Stewart. It will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the International Plaza Resort & Spa, 10100 International Drive, Orlando, FL.
There will be a morning speaker's program and a "County Fair" that will begin immediately following the morning program. Representatives will be available to provide information/assistance and issue ID cards. Retirees, family members and friends of all military services are invited to attend.
Mike will be at the table to answer any questions you might have on current legislative efforts in Washington and any questions on your VA benefits. We hope you can attend and bring your friends and neighbors to become NAUS members.
Please get the word out,, this should be informative and fun,,,Poof
Do you live in or near the Orlando, Florida, area? Do you have a free day on Saturday, August 15? NAUS Veterans Benefits Advisor Mike Plumer and other NAUS volunteers will be staffing a table at the Retired Activity Day being put on by Ft. Stewart. It will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the International Plaza Resort & Spa, 10100 International Drive, Orlando, FL.
There will be a morning speaker's program and a "County Fair" that will begin immediately following the morning program. Representatives will be available to provide information/assistance and issue ID cards. Retirees, family members and friends of all military services are invited to attend.
Mike will be at the table to answer any questions you might have on current legislative efforts in Washington and any questions on your VA benefits. We hope you can attend and bring your friends and neighbors to become NAUS members.
Please get the word out,, this should be informative and fun,,,Poof
Quote Of The YEAR!
PALIN: "Let us continue to love our country, be proud of our country . . . NEVER APOLOGIZE FOR OUR COUNTRY!"
Quote Of The Day!!
It took Obama six months to pick a dog, but he wants a Health Care Bill by next week?
Veterans News
The 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games
The 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games were held in Spokane, Washington, July 13-18. The competition offered 17 different sporting events for veterans who use wheelchairs because of spinal cord injuries, amputations, and neurological diseases. The games promoted rehabilitation through rigorous competition in events such as basketball, rugby, softball, and hand cycling. A special "Kids Day" program allowed children with disabilities to meet the athletes and be introduced to wheelchair sports. Check out the photo gallery from this great event by clicking here.
Training Grants for Veterans
The Department of Labor recently announced 17 grants, totaling more than $7.5 million dollars, to provide approximately 3,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers related to "green jobs." Fields of employment include energy efficiency and renewable energy, modern electric-power development and clean vehicles. To view more information about this initiative, visit the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration website and look for the "green jobs" heading. More information on the Labor Department's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans is available on the Department of Labor website.
Pass this on let a Veteran know,, thanks yall...Poof
The 29th National Veterans Wheelchair Games were held in Spokane, Washington, July 13-18. The competition offered 17 different sporting events for veterans who use wheelchairs because of spinal cord injuries, amputations, and neurological diseases. The games promoted rehabilitation through rigorous competition in events such as basketball, rugby, softball, and hand cycling. A special "Kids Day" program allowed children with disabilities to meet the athletes and be introduced to wheelchair sports. Check out the photo gallery from this great event by clicking here.
Training Grants for Veterans
The Department of Labor recently announced 17 grants, totaling more than $7.5 million dollars, to provide approximately 3,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers related to "green jobs." Fields of employment include energy efficiency and renewable energy, modern electric-power development and clean vehicles. To view more information about this initiative, visit the Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration website and look for the "green jobs" heading. More information on the Labor Department's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans is available on the Department of Labor website.
Pass this on let a Veteran know,, thanks yall...Poof
Tricare update
On TRICARE, Senate NDAA Agrees with House Version, with President and with NAUS
Earlier this year, NAUS President MG Bill Matz hand-delivered a letter to the White House that called on President Obama to not submit a budget calling for an increase in TRICARE fees and premiums.
As you know, The White House contacted MG Matz directly to let him know that there were no plans for TRICARE increases.
When the House passed its National Authorization Bill, it followed the President’s position on TRICARE.
We see now that the Senate, too, has followed the President’s position on TRICARE fees.
Having fought TRICARE fee increases over the past four years, NAUS is most pleased to see the strength of the President’s promise to NAUS kept by Congress, as there are no TRICARE increases in the either version of the bill as it goes to final conference.
contact your congress creatures,, Poof
Earlier this year, NAUS President MG Bill Matz hand-delivered a letter to the White House that called on President Obama to not submit a budget calling for an increase in TRICARE fees and premiums.
As you know, The White House contacted MG Matz directly to let him know that there were no plans for TRICARE increases.
When the House passed its National Authorization Bill, it followed the President’s position on TRICARE.
We see now that the Senate, too, has followed the President’s position on TRICARE fees.
Having fought TRICARE fee increases over the past four years, NAUS is most pleased to see the strength of the President’s promise to NAUS kept by Congress, as there are no TRICARE increases in the either version of the bill as it goes to final conference.
contact your congress creatures,, Poof
NDAA, National Defence Authorization Act closer to compleetion
Senate Passes S.1390, NDAA Act moves to Conference with the House
On Thursday, the Senate approved its version of the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (S.1390) by an overwhelming majority vote of 87 to 7. The bill provides approximately $680 billion for the national security activities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.
As approved, the bill contains many important provisions to improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform, including a 3.4 percent pay raise for active duty troops and an increase in manpower levels for all of the services.
The bill also contains several key NAUS-endorsed amendments: Sen. Bill Nelson’s (D-FL) amendment to repeal the SBP/DIC offset; Sen. Chuck Schumer’s amendment to improve military and overseas absentee voting; Sen. John Kerry’s (D-MA) amendment to provide earlier retirement for Guard and Reserve forces to Sept. 11, 2001; and, Sen. Richard Burr’s (R-NC) amendment to ensure that spouses of active duty military members would be guaranteed to maintain original State of residence, if they choose, for voting purposes.
NAUS also is very pleased to note the addition of an amendment to conduct a study on adding the National D-Day Monument in Bedford, Virginia, to the National Park System. The small town of Bedford had the highest per capita loss of military members killed during the Allied invasion of France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. We applaud Senators Webb and Warner of Virginia for their amendment to honor the “Boys of Bedford.”
Also, a key NAUS-endorsed amendment offered by Sen. Chuck Schumer was added to the bill to ensure that the votes of U.S. troops and other Americans living overseas are counted in upcoming elections. Voting improvements for overseas American voters has been a NAUS goal for more than a decade. Protecting the vote of our deployed troops is the main cause for the establishment this year of the Association of Military and Overseas Voting Rights (AMOVR), which is co-Chaired by NAUS Legislative Director Rick Jones.
One of the highly controversial amendments removed funding in the reported bill for building additional F-22 “Raptor” fighter aircraft. However, after the vote on the F-22 funding, a report from the Pentagon was made public which indicates that the F-35 fighter program, which is intended to meet and fill the nation’s combat aircraft needs, is two years behind schedule. This is most disturbing and NAUS wonders why this report was not made available to legislators and staff while the F-22 debate was ongoing.
Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) successfully added an amendment to the NDAA that helps put service-disabled veteran-run businesses on equal footing in the competition for small business government contracting programs.
The amendment is in response to two GAO decisions released in September 2008 and May 2009 that contradicted a long-standing SBA interpretation that the Agency’s procurement programs should be treated equally when it comes to awarding contracts. The decisions stated that certain programs had preference over all other small business contracting programs. Accordingly, the amendment will provide equity for the SBA’s small business contracting programs. NAUS applauds this action to protect earned benefits.
NAUS is greatly disappointed, however, to see Majority Leader Harry Reid’s amendment to extend concurrent receipt for all medically retired military (Chapter 61s) not given a vote. The Reid amendment was offered but never considered. A similar amendment is already included in the House version of the bill, so it will be part of the upcoming negotiations between the House and Senate aimed to resolve differences in the two bills.
While the House has yet to appoint its conferees, the Senators appointed to the conference committee include: Sens. Levin, Kennedy, Byrd, Lieberman, Reed, Akaka, Nelson (FL), Nelson (NE), Bayh, Webb, McCaskill, Udall (CO), Hagan, Begich, Burris, McCain, Inhofe, Sessions, Chambliss, Graham, Thune, Martinez, Wicker, Burr, Vitter and Collins.
Before appointing conferees, the Senate renumbered its version of the bill to agree with the House numbered bill. As the bill goes to conference, it will carry the House number, H.R. 2647. This means there are now two different versions of H.R. 2647, the Senate passed version and the House approved version. Differences between the two bill will be ironed out in a conference between the House and Senate.
We encourage you to contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel on the issues contained in the NDAA and any other that affects you. Please use the NAUS CapWiz site to send them email. Your efforts assist us tremendously in working for the important legislation that helps all active duty, retirees, veterans and their families.
contact your congress creatures, that is all Poof
On Thursday, the Senate approved its version of the fiscal year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (S.1390) by an overwhelming majority vote of 87 to 7. The bill provides approximately $680 billion for the national security activities of the Department of Defense and the Department of Energy.
As approved, the bill contains many important provisions to improve the quality of life for our men and women in uniform, including a 3.4 percent pay raise for active duty troops and an increase in manpower levels for all of the services.
The bill also contains several key NAUS-endorsed amendments: Sen. Bill Nelson’s (D-FL) amendment to repeal the SBP/DIC offset; Sen. Chuck Schumer’s amendment to improve military and overseas absentee voting; Sen. John Kerry’s (D-MA) amendment to provide earlier retirement for Guard and Reserve forces to Sept. 11, 2001; and, Sen. Richard Burr’s (R-NC) amendment to ensure that spouses of active duty military members would be guaranteed to maintain original State of residence, if they choose, for voting purposes.
NAUS also is very pleased to note the addition of an amendment to conduct a study on adding the National D-Day Monument in Bedford, Virginia, to the National Park System. The small town of Bedford had the highest per capita loss of military members killed during the Allied invasion of France on D-Day, June 6, 1944. We applaud Senators Webb and Warner of Virginia for their amendment to honor the “Boys of Bedford.”
Also, a key NAUS-endorsed amendment offered by Sen. Chuck Schumer was added to the bill to ensure that the votes of U.S. troops and other Americans living overseas are counted in upcoming elections. Voting improvements for overseas American voters has been a NAUS goal for more than a decade. Protecting the vote of our deployed troops is the main cause for the establishment this year of the Association of Military and Overseas Voting Rights (AMOVR), which is co-Chaired by NAUS Legislative Director Rick Jones.
One of the highly controversial amendments removed funding in the reported bill for building additional F-22 “Raptor” fighter aircraft. However, after the vote on the F-22 funding, a report from the Pentagon was made public which indicates that the F-35 fighter program, which is intended to meet and fill the nation’s combat aircraft needs, is two years behind schedule. This is most disturbing and NAUS wonders why this report was not made available to legislators and staff while the F-22 debate was ongoing.
Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) successfully added an amendment to the NDAA that helps put service-disabled veteran-run businesses on equal footing in the competition for small business government contracting programs.
The amendment is in response to two GAO decisions released in September 2008 and May 2009 that contradicted a long-standing SBA interpretation that the Agency’s procurement programs should be treated equally when it comes to awarding contracts. The decisions stated that certain programs had preference over all other small business contracting programs. Accordingly, the amendment will provide equity for the SBA’s small business contracting programs. NAUS applauds this action to protect earned benefits.
NAUS is greatly disappointed, however, to see Majority Leader Harry Reid’s amendment to extend concurrent receipt for all medically retired military (Chapter 61s) not given a vote. The Reid amendment was offered but never considered. A similar amendment is already included in the House version of the bill, so it will be part of the upcoming negotiations between the House and Senate aimed to resolve differences in the two bills.
While the House has yet to appoint its conferees, the Senators appointed to the conference committee include: Sens. Levin, Kennedy, Byrd, Lieberman, Reed, Akaka, Nelson (FL), Nelson (NE), Bayh, Webb, McCaskill, Udall (CO), Hagan, Begich, Burris, McCain, Inhofe, Sessions, Chambliss, Graham, Thune, Martinez, Wicker, Burr, Vitter and Collins.
Before appointing conferees, the Senate renumbered its version of the bill to agree with the House numbered bill. As the bill goes to conference, it will carry the House number, H.R. 2647. This means there are now two different versions of H.R. 2647, the Senate passed version and the House approved version. Differences between the two bill will be ironed out in a conference between the House and Senate.
We encourage you to contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel on the issues contained in the NDAA and any other that affects you. Please use the NAUS CapWiz site to send them email. Your efforts assist us tremendously in working for the important legislation that helps all active duty, retirees, veterans and their families.
contact your congress creatures, that is all Poof
Friday, July 24, 2009
HA HA HA,, well said.
"Today, we're spending like we're Paris Hilton, regulating like we're Ralph Nader, nationalizing like we're Hugo Chavez, printing money like we're the Weimar Republic and taxing like we're, well, the Democratic Congress." --former Georgia Democrat Sen. Zell Miller
Quote Of The Day X2
"Be extremely subtle, to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious, to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent's fate." --Sun-Tzu (c. 544-496 BC)
"The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most necessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it." --economist Adam Smith (1723-1790)
"The statesman who should attempt to direct private people in what manner they ought to employ their capitals, would not only load himself with a most necessary attention, but assume an authority which could safely be trusted, not only to no single person, but to no council or senate whatever, and which would nowhere be so dangerous as in the hands of a man who had folly and presumption enough to fancy himself fit to exercise it." --economist Adam Smith (1723-1790)
National Resource Dirtectory
National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online resource for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families and those who support them. The NRD provides information on, and access to, medical and non–medical services and resources across the country which will help them reach their personal and professional goals as they successfully transition from recovery to community living. The NRD is an online partnership of the Department of Defense, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as numerous Veteran service and benefit organizations; non–profit community–based and faith–based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations.
Go Here for all the info:
www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/nrd/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=6006
The National Resource Directory (NRD) is an online resource for wounded, ill and injured Service Members, Veterans, their families and those who support them. The NRD provides information on, and access to, medical and non–medical services and resources across the country which will help them reach their personal and professional goals as they successfully transition from recovery to community living. The NRD is an online partnership of the Department of Defense, Department of Labor and Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as numerous Veteran service and benefit organizations; non–profit community–based and faith–based organizations; academic institutions, professional associations and philanthropic organizations.
Go Here for all the info:
www.nationalresourcedirectory.gov/nrd/public/DisplayPage.do?parentFolderId=6006
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Lots of reports on the Taliban Today
Quite Frankly I am tired of how some in the media,, and some editors make it a point to interview the most stupid people in the world,, and then post it as fact,, come on people,, have ya not noticed we are damn tired of the sensationalizing ,, tired of the "Make News" stories,, how about we report on real news,, how bout we do real journalism and actually DO in dept reporting and investigations instead of the tired and worn out beat the drum Journalism we have come to expect,, have ya not seen the demise of printed news,, have ya not seen the demise of viewers? Holy Crap,,
anyway,, I gots to Jet,, Yall take care,, Poof
anyway,, I gots to Jet,, Yall take care,, Poof
Monday, July 20, 2009
Retired Veteran News
Disabled Retiree Bill Heads to Senate
June 29, 2009
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
House Approves Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act
Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) delivered the following remarks during the consideration of H.R. 2990, the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009. The bill includes a one-year fix to relieve the disabled veterans tax by expanding concurrent receipt, which would make more disabled veterans eligible to receive both military retired pay and veterans disability compensation. H.R. 2990 was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 404 to 0.
“The one group of retirees that have endured great hardship, but have been among the last to be embraced by reform, is the disabled retiree with less than 20 years of service. This group of retirees had been ignored by even the most reform-minded advocate until the Democratic Congress acted to include them in the Combat-Related Special Compensation program when the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 was adopted. And yet this group of retirees has perhaps the most compelling story to tell. Many of these service members were on track to serve a full military career but were blocked from serving 20 years because of their disabilities. It is this group of retirees that were disabled at younger ages and often with young families. As a result, they are often the most financially stressed.
Read the rest here.
http://www.military.com/news/article/disabled-retiree-bill-heads-to-senate.html
Good info for retired Veterans,, pass this along.
Poof
June 29, 2009
House Committee on Veterans' Affairs
House Approves Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act
Washington, DC – House Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) delivered the following remarks during the consideration of H.R. 2990, the Disabled Military Retiree Relief Act of 2009. The bill includes a one-year fix to relieve the disabled veterans tax by expanding concurrent receipt, which would make more disabled veterans eligible to receive both military retired pay and veterans disability compensation. H.R. 2990 was approved in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 404 to 0.
“The one group of retirees that have endured great hardship, but have been among the last to be embraced by reform, is the disabled retiree with less than 20 years of service. This group of retirees had been ignored by even the most reform-minded advocate until the Democratic Congress acted to include them in the Combat-Related Special Compensation program when the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 was adopted. And yet this group of retirees has perhaps the most compelling story to tell. Many of these service members were on track to serve a full military career but were blocked from serving 20 years because of their disabilities. It is this group of retirees that were disabled at younger ages and often with young families. As a result, they are often the most financially stressed.
Read the rest here.
http://www.military.com/news/article/disabled-retiree-bill-heads-to-senate.html
Good info for retired Veterans,, pass this along.
Poof
Letter From Senater Nelson
Dear Brian,
Today I testified at a Senate hearing about the persistent and deadly risk posed by the prevalence of the Burmese python in Florida.
Invasive species like the Burmese python are wreaking havoc in our most treasured environments. Some estimate there are upwards of more than one hundred thousand of these deadly pythons in the Everglades National Park. The crown jewel of our national park system has been transformed into a hunting ground for these predators.
And last week the unthinkable happened.
An eight-foot Burmese python escaped from its container in a home northwest of Orlando. The pet snake bit a two-year-old girl and wrapped itself around her body. By the time the paramedics had arrived, the child had been strangled.
And this is not an isolated case. Over the last ten years, at least 17 people have been the victim of an attack. Seven have died.
It took this tragic event to bring back focus to this problem – and there’s something we can do about it.
I filed a bill in February (S. 373) which would declare pythons as injurious animals and halt the importation and interstate commerce of these deadly snakes.
The state of Florida has been working from its end to get a handle on these snakes. They now require a yearly registration fee, owners must display knowledge of handling and care, and snakes are now micro-chipped – so if one got loose you would have a chance to chase them down. Now it’s time for the federal government to step up
Today I testified at a Senate hearing about the persistent and deadly risk posed by the prevalence of the Burmese python in Florida.
Invasive species like the Burmese python are wreaking havoc in our most treasured environments. Some estimate there are upwards of more than one hundred thousand of these deadly pythons in the Everglades National Park. The crown jewel of our national park system has been transformed into a hunting ground for these predators.
And last week the unthinkable happened.
An eight-foot Burmese python escaped from its container in a home northwest of Orlando. The pet snake bit a two-year-old girl and wrapped itself around her body. By the time the paramedics had arrived, the child had been strangled.
And this is not an isolated case. Over the last ten years, at least 17 people have been the victim of an attack. Seven have died.
It took this tragic event to bring back focus to this problem – and there’s something we can do about it.
I filed a bill in February (S. 373) which would declare pythons as injurious animals and halt the importation and interstate commerce of these deadly snakes.
The state of Florida has been working from its end to get a handle on these snakes. They now require a yearly registration fee, owners must display knowledge of handling and care, and snakes are now micro-chipped – so if one got loose you would have a chance to chase them down. Now it’s time for the federal government to step up
More Veteran News
New AF Wounded Warrior Program
Week of July 13, 2009
The Air Force recently debuted its new Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC) program to assist wounded warriors and their families. RCCs work closely with family liaison officers, patient liaison officers, medical case managers, and a host of support agencies to ensure the right level of support and entitlements are delivered to recovering Airmen and eligible family members. RCCs are currently assigned to the National Capital Region and San Antonio. The program is slated to expand to 15 additional RCC positions this month at Air Force bases across the country. For further assistance or information regarding the RCC program, active-duty, Reserve or Guard members should call the 24-hour assistance line 1-877-USAF-HELP.
Week of July 13, 2009
The Air Force recently debuted its new Recovery Care Coordinator (RCC) program to assist wounded warriors and their families. RCCs work closely with family liaison officers, patient liaison officers, medical case managers, and a host of support agencies to ensure the right level of support and entitlements are delivered to recovering Airmen and eligible family members. RCCs are currently assigned to the National Capital Region and San Antonio. The program is slated to expand to 15 additional RCC positions this month at Air Force bases across the country. For further assistance or information regarding the RCC program, active-duty, Reserve or Guard members should call the 24-hour assistance line 1-877-USAF-HELP.
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