Obama's Stimulus Package vs. My Stimulus Package

So this lovely little Trojan Horse Obama's pushing on the American people is now up to a whopping $887 billion dollars and it's still being voted on in the House of Representatives. It's supposed to climb even more, because well, there wasn't enough fat in the bill when Obama delivered it to the House, so they had to add their pork and then the Senate will add their pork, damn pigs, and deliver an addition $1 trillion dollars in debt to the American people.

And I found some other items being funded by this stimulus package. Remember ACORN? The amoral, unethical organization which is being investigated in numerous states for voter fraud, being accused of extortion and more? Yeah, $4.19 billion of the $887 is going to ACORN. I'm enraged and stunned. $650 million to digital television conversions. $400 million to global warming research. Has anyone taken a look outside? Has anyone looked to history and realized that climate is a cyclical thing which is following the same cycle it has for millennia? Are we living in the Twilight Zone? Is someone going to yell PSYCH! We're just kidding. We know this won't stimulate anything but more criminal activity.

When will the insanity stop. Let's stop and consider this for a moment. When you are dealing with your own budget, have you found spending yourself into oblivion being successful? Ever? Of course not. Economics is economics and 2 plus 2 will ALWAYS equal 4. So I'm not sure what it says about American politicians that they've lost understanding of this very simple math. So simple even I can figure it out, which is saying something. I hate math! And even I know that the governments answer to the current economic crisis is doomed to failure. Increasing the growth of the federal government in every aspect of our lives and hasten the dwindling Constitutional rights of the American people.

So I came up with my own stimulus package. I mean shoot, a 5-year-old could do a better job then the politicians are. I'm 45, so mine just has to be better:

Point One: Pull back aid from every country in the world. We can't even pay our own debts, we have no more money to give out. Time to all due all the loans we have administered to countries around the world. I mean, hey, they supposedly all hate us now anyway. No sense in paying them to hate us.

Point Two: Shut down the useless government agencies who do nothing but bring harm to the American people. As an example, some programs I would shut down are the EPA, Department of Education, Department of Agriculture (leave the farmers alone to grow their product and sell it to their fellow citizens. The government got involved and our farmers have been in trouble ever since), The Department of Health & Human Services, Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Point Three: Revamp Welfare to pattern itself after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' welfare program. If you can't do that, junk the thing. Make people go back to work.

Point Four: Distribute the $887 billion as follows:

$100 billion to support the development of America's resources and end our dependence on foreign oil. Remove the obstacles to development of shale oil, oil, coal, wind, electric and other current and future sources of energy. This would produced millions of jobs.

$200 billion to the U.S. Military so that they be adequately armed and protected, development of technology and weapons, etc.

$300 billion to establish a single department which will purchase mortgages with exorbitant rates and allow hard-working Americans, not illegals but Americans, to have their mortgage payments reduced to a reasonable amount with the interest remaining low and a portion of interest and late fees paying into Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

$287 billion made available in low interest loans to small business owners and corporations, who show exactly what will be done with the money and follow suit, to increase their businesses.

That's it! Nothing else. No pork. No pet projects. No baseball diamonds, gardens, lawns or anything else. If the states want these things, then they must work their budgets accordingly and handle it. Even if it means the governor is out mowing the lawn!

So that's it. That's what I would do with the $887 billion. And when the Senate adds $113 billion to the tab, I'd throw that at energy development. The funds that quit pouring out of the country, the increase of profits from energy and the payment of outstanding loans will be used to hammer away at the debt. NAFTA will be stopped cold. It's harming the U.S. economy more than it is helping. Holy cow, turn me loose on Washington to knock some heads together and get some things done. Better yet, let's impeach Obama and his Veep and put Mitt Romney and Sarah Palin in charge. America will be whipped into shape in no time at all and reason will reign once again.

Updates on Obama's Convert Democracy to Socialism Package

We have some updates on Barack Obama's Convert to Democracy to Socialism, otherwise known as Stimulus, Package.

First: It now appears that the $300,000,000 set aside for contraception and STDs is being taken out of Obama's little Trojan Horse to the American people. Hallelujah, $300,000,000 down and $819,000,000 plus to go.

Second: Robert Reich (former Secretary of Labor under the Clinton Administration), a highly influential Democrat and FLAMING liberal stated to a salivating Rep. Charles Rangel at a January 7th Congressional hearing::

“I am as concerned as many of you are that these jobs not simply go to high-skilled people who are already professionals or to white male construction workers.”

Stunning. Absolutely stunning. Is it possible our federal government will disperse funds based on color rather than skill, ability to work hard and education? No, it cannot be. And I am going to state right now, education can be gained through traditional methods or through self-education. There is no excuse for an uneducated individual, not anymore. Public library, city programs, church programs, the internet, books, conversation, study, perseverance . . . all of these things are within the capabilities of anyone in America. But those things won't matter, you just not better be white. Brilliant, an ever quicker to destroy America.

Yes, it is possible this is exactly what the Obama Administration will demand. I mean, come on, check out what Glenn Beck reported from the CBO (Congressional Business Office):

$26 billion of the $820 billion will be spent in 2009.
$110 billion will be spent in 2010.
$103 billion will be spent in 2011.
$53 billion will be spent in 2012.
$63 billion will be spent between 2013 and 2019.

THIS is the much needed JOLT to the American economy that will save us? Hell no! It's more of the same liberal tax and spend that extended the Great Depression into the 40's. This is more of the fiscal irresponsibility Franklin Delano Roosevelt used to almost destroy Americans across the nation. They are doing NOTHING different. It didn't work in the 30's and 40's and it WON'T work now. Sheesh, Dumas said, paraphrasing, "those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it." We're not even one hundred years out from the Great Depression. How could Democrats not have learned that lesson when EVERYONE else did.

Let's go on.

Less than $5 billion of the $30 billion set aside for highway spending will be spent in 2009-2010. So much for creating jobs and fixing the infrastructure. Quick jolt? I think not.

$1 in $7 of the $18.5 billion dollars set aside for energy effiency will be spent in the next 18 months. $1 in $7! Obama is reversing all the Bush energy policies, including the lifting of bans on offshore drilling and the drilling for shale oil in Utah, Colorado and Wyoming. These policies were going to produce hundreds of thousands of jobs, reduce dependence, if not eradicate, on foreign oil (purchasing our oil from established enemies who wish to destroy America is the most ASININE thing the federal government has done and continues to do.) Obama stated during the campaign that he had no problem with $8 a gallon gas, just that it couldn't go up quickly or the American people would revolt. So yes, I can understand why Obama would only spend $1 in $7 of the $18.5 billion set aside.

And specifically breaking every dollar down:

Energy

$32 billion: Funding for "smart electricity grid" to reduce waste
$16 billion: Renewable energy tax cuts and a tax credit for research and development on energy-related work, and a multi-year extension of renewable energy production tax credit
$6 billion: Funding to weatherize modest-income homes

Science and Technology

$10 billion: Science facilities
$6 billion: High-speed Internet access for rural and underserved areas

Infrastructure

$30 billion: Transportation projects
$31 billion: Construction and repair of federal buildings and other public infrastructure
$19 billion: Water projects
$10 billion: Rail and mass transit projects

Education

$41 billion: Grants to local school districts
$79 billion: State fiscal relief to prevent cuts in state aid
$21 billion: School modernization ($15.6 billion to increase the Pell grant by $500; $6 billion for higher education modernization)

Health Care

$39 billion: Subsidies to health insurance for unemployed; providing coverage through Medicaid
$87 billion: Help to states with Medicaid
$20 billion: Modernization of health-information technology systems
$4.1 billion: Preventative care

Jobless Benefits

$43 billion for increased unemployment benefits and job training.
$39 billion to support those who lose their jobs by helping them to pay the cost of keeping their employer provided healthcare under COBRA and providing short-term options to be covered by Medicaid.
$20 billion to increase the food stamp benefit by over 13% in order to help defray rising food costs.

Taxes

Individuals:

*$500 per worker, $1,000 per couple tax cut for two years, costing about $140 billion.
*Greater access to the $1,000-per-child tax credit for the working poor.
*Expansion of the earned-income tax credit to include families with three children
*A $2,500 college tuition tax credit.
*Repeal of a requirement that a $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit be paid back over time.

Businesses:

*An infusion of cash into money-losing companies by allowing them to claim tax credits on past profits dating back five years instead of two.
*Bonus depreciation for businesses investing in new plants and equipment
*Doubling of the amount small businesses can write off for capital investments and new equipment purchases.
*Allowing businesses to claim a tax credit for hiring disconnected youth and veterans

[Sources: Associated Press: Highlights of Senate economic stimulus plan; January 23, 2009; WSJ: Stimulus Package Unveiled; January 16, 2009; Committee on Appropriations: January 15, 2009]

When is the money being is going to be spent, and on what?

• Only $26 billion out of $274 billion in infrastructure spending would be delivered into the economy by the Sept. 30 end of the budget year, just 7 percent.

• About $907 million of a $6 billion plan to expand broadband access in rural and other underserved areas would be spent by 2011, CBO said.

• Just one-fourth of clean drinking water projects can be completed by October of next year.

• $275 billion worth of tax cuts to 95 percent of filers and a huge infusion of help for state governments is to be distributed into the economy more quickly.

[Note: The CBO's analysis applied only to 40 percent of the overall stimulus bill, and doesn't cover tax cuts or efforts; a CBO report outlining all of its costs is expected in the next week or so.]

• The Obama administration said $3 of every $4 in the package should be spent within 18 months to have maximum impact on jobs and taxpayers; if House or Senate versions of the bill do not spend the money as quickly, the White House will work with lawmakers to achieve the goal of spending 75% of the overall package over the next year and a half.

[Source: AP: Three-quarters of stimulus to go in 18 months; January 22, 2009; Bloomberg News: Much of Stimulus Wont Be Spent Before 2011, CBO Says; January 20, 2009; link]

Who will be spending the money? Will the states be receiving any money to spend, community organizations? Churches?

The economic stimulus plan now moving through Congress would shower billions of federal dollars on state and local governments desperate for cash:

• The House stimulus bill includes an extra $87 billion in federal aid to state Medicaid programs.

• It allots some $120 billion to boost state and city education programs.

• There's $4 billion for state and local anticrime initiatives in the legislation, not to mention $30-plus billion for highways and other infrastructure projects.

• $6.9 billion to help state and local governments make investments that make them more energy efficient and reduce carbon emissions.

• $87 billion to states, increasing through the end of FY 2010 the share of Medicaid costs the Federal government reimburses all states by 4.8 percent, with extra relief tied to rates of unemployment.

• $120 billion to states and school districts to stabilize budgets and prevent tax increases and deep cuts to critical education programs.

Overall, about one-quarter of the entire $825 billion recovery package would be devoted to activities crucial to governors, mayors, and local school boards - making them among the plans biggest beneficiaries.

[Sources: Committee on Appropriations: January 15, 2009; Reuters: Roads, energy, states win in US stimulus plan;15 January 2009; Christian Science Monitor: States to win big in stimulus sweepstakes; House bill allots almost one-quarter of the $825 billion recovery package to states, localities. How will that boost the economy?; January 25, 2009; Link]

This is Obama's big plan? This is the quick much needed JOLT to the economy? This is the bill that has be pushed through quickly and without hesitation. Translation: "Don't read the 400 pages, it's good I promise. Just sign off on it, after all, I am the president. You can trust me."

Why hurry? None of this creates jobs. None of this stimulates the economy. None of this saves failing businesses. None of this keeps people in their homes. None of this saves jobs. What's the big hurry? Oh yeah, time to make the federal government bigger and bigger until the rights of each American citizen insured by the Constitution of the United States of America are completely gone.

Call your senators and your congressman. Demand they vote NO on Obama's stimulus bill. Be you Democrat, Republican, Independent or a member of the American Ice Cream Party (I'm not joking) no one can see this as saving the American economy. Not if you have a modicum of intelligence or common sense.

Saving this economy would involve:

• Lowering taxes for corporations and small business
• Pursuing and developing domestic energy independence, such as shale oil and other traditional fuel sources WHILE developing alternative sources. Not shutting down traditional fuel sources, abusing the American people and demanding that alternatives be developed. Both is needed, not one or the other.
• Not developing national healthcare because the America cannot afford it.
• Not providing tax refunds to people who don't pay taxes
• Encouraging the growth of business in the private sector, tax breaks, etc.
• Do the opposite of everything Franklin Delano Roosevelt did in regards to the economy. The exact opposite!

These are just a few things. So demand Congress listen to their constituents. Obama's package does nothing for the American people and everything for the special interests and lobbyists driving his agenda. Oh yes, even though he promised no lobbyists, he has one serving in his administration right now. Call your senators and congressman. This package must not pass.

Tell Obama to keep his Trojan Horse. We don't need it.

Obama's New Stimulus Package

Undaunted by the dismal failure of the first stimulus package, Obama and his cronies (Congress) are pushing through a second one at one trillion dollars. I thought America's economy was in trouble? I thought the debt America currently carries was too heavy and the results of a "failed Bush administration." So yeah, let's immediately bump that up by a trillion dollars. That'll make things better.

400 pages of "guaranteed to make America fall face down in the gutter" are being delivered to the House and the Senate this week. The President has asked them to pass it quickly. In other words, "... don't read it. Just rubber stamp it. After all, I am a god."

But let's take a look at Obama's stimulus package.

Has he implemented tax cuts or made the Bush tax cuts permanent, a tried and true method of stimulating the economy? No.

But he did put aside $200 million for lawn care and park projects. Whew! That'll spark the economy.

Oh yeah, and he put aside $300 million for contraception and STDs. Uh huh . . . here's a news flash. Quit having indiscriminate sex like drunken bunnies and then we can use that $300,000,000 for something like, I don't know, helping failing businesses, people losing their homes . . . And then we wouldn't have to face FOCA (Freedom of Choice Act) and be using MY hardearned tax dollars to pay for the wholesale slaughter of infants.

I know the porn industry has asked for a bailout. And I'll be perfectly honest, I didn't read all 400 pages of Obama's Alice in Wonderland stimulus package that guarantees our children and grandchildren WILL have a crippling debt to manage. So I don't know what else is in there, but the PORK in this package has the little piggies squealing all over Washington, D.C.

Is no one else stunned by this? I beg of you, contact your senators and congressmen, it's time to stop the madness. Writer letters to your newspapers. Call into radio shows. Talk to friends and family. Demand Congress vote NO on this package. It's not going to help you. It's not going to help me. It's not going to help the Ma and Pa businesses around the nation. It helps no one but special interests and lobbyists.

$500,000,000 for lawns and sex! Really? I guess that's stimulus of altogether different kind.

The only kind of stimulus package that could do any good would involve tax cuts, strict government budgets, no pork (I can't believe I even have to say that one) and no more spitting in the face of God. Yeah, I'm talking about the one who created all of heaven and earth. Not the wannabe sitting in the Oval Office.

This is where we stand and be counted, my fellow patriots. Stop Obama's stimulus package from being passed.

And what great and important thing did Obama address this last weekend?

"President Barack Obama advised Republican leaders Friday that they shouldn’t be listening to Rush Limbaugh if they plan on getting along with him."

"You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told the GOP leaders, according to a report in the New York Post, in the midst of discussions on his planned $1 trillion stimulus package. (Newsmax.com, Sunday, January 25, 2009 7:57 PM)

Oh good, because people like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and others are the voice of conservative Americans. Obama doesn't want anyone disagreeing with him . . . at all. Can anyone say "communism"?

Obama's Clarion Call for Support

I've had so many people ask me why I don't support our new president. I look at them, or my computer screen, completely dumbfounded. Yes, he is my president although Barack Obama was not the man I voted for and I fought against him winning with everything in me. But now that the inaugural fawning has been completed and the media is still swimming in conjugal bliss, I paid attention to what Obama did his first days in office. I will continue to check every single day (www.whitehouse.gov) to see what other Executive Orders he signs and what constitutional rights continue to slip away. I will call him on it, and call upon my friends, associates and family to do the same.

So let's take a look at what Obama wants us to come together and support him over no matter what we believe.

The closing of Guantanamo Bay. Support him? No. The last thing I was is more enemies with the burning desire to ultimately destroy America on American soil and with access to our prison cultures. Signed.

The closing of naval bases and detention facilities. Support him? No. I don't agree this is a wise decision, and find this one and the one above to foolish beyond all reason. Signed.

The sweeping away of the ban on partial birth abortions and the denial of medical care to infants who survive abortion. Not yet signed. And a big fat HELL NO!

The "remaking of America" as he stated it in his proclamation for renewal and reconciliation. Nope, nuh uh . . . if it involves the rewriting of the Constitution - No. If it involves the restructuring of government into a communist regime - No. If it involves socialist principles - No.

He's a very sly man. Calling for this unity and in so doing attempting to paint those of us who are true Americans as divisive and hateful. Nothing could be further from the truth. We have the Constitutional right to disagree with our leaders and to vote them out of office when we perceive they are damaging America. Barack didn't wait at all before beginning to chip away at what is left of America.

On January 23rd, it was reported by MSN.com that Obama "ended the War on Terror as defined by the Bush Administration." This administration which kept another attack from happening on U.S. Soil. This administration who took the war off our soil and onto the soil of the Middle East, that the battle may be fought far from American shores. This administration who used everything at its dispoal to root out and stop multiple daily terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. Check http://www.mipt.org/ to discover how much the Bush Administration stopped and tell me Obama made a wise decision. He's opened us up to and made us vulnerable to an insidious, cowardly enemy without stopping to consider the consequences. It doesn't bode well for the next four years.

Karl Marx, the architect of communism stated in 1867:

"Owners of capitalism will stimulate [the] working class to buy more and more of expensive goods, houses and technology, pushing them to take more and more expensive credits, until their debt becomes unbearable. The unpaid debt will lead to bankruptcy of banks which will have to be nationalized and [the] State will have to take the road which will eventually lead to communism." Karl Marx, Das Kapital, 1867

So no, President Obama, I will not blindly fall behind you and follow with stars in my eyes and greed and foolishness warring in my heart. I will stand, as Americans have stood before, and defend my country from enemies both within and without. I will not "go quietly into that good night" but will call loud and clear to patriots across the land. Now is the time to stand. For as each day goes by the America we love will slip more and more away. If we hope to defend democracy, we must rise up with pen and voice and make it clear, we will not take it anymore.

Long live the America my ancestors fought and died over. Long live the America I love. Long live freedom and democracy. Long live the Constitution of the United States of America. Long live hope. Long live the right to pursue a dream. Long live the right of the people to privacy. Long live America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

An Evening with N.C. Allen at Provident Book

Thursday night was the first meeting of the Provident Ladies Book Group. N.C. Allen, author of the "Faith of our Fathers" series, was there with her new book "Legend of the Jewel". She rocked! It was so much fun.

She spoke about how she began writing, how each of her series came about. Why she writes and more. She was fun and informative. Then she took questions and we had a discussion that ran the gamut of topics.

Nancy's book was 20% off for the entire month of January, so that those of us wanting to participate in the book group could purchase it at a discount. I didn't have the chance to do that, but I purchased it last night, because the 20% discount went through closing. I can't wait to dive in and read it.

Provident Book provided discount cards for each of us, to be used as many times as we want between now and Feburary 26th when H.B. Moore will be speaking about her new book Abinadi.

There were drawings for gifts, cookies and just too much fun all the way around. What a great way to spend an hour on a rainy Thursday night. Just fun, fun, fun! I'll be a regular attendee, that's for sure.

You know what else, they have the most incredible candy selection! They had jelly beans the size of ping pong balls, okay, not quite ping pong balls but REALLY close. The gift bag they gave N.C. Allen had them in it. I blinked a couple of times to make sure I was seeing things right. I WAS! Of course, I still had the silver lamé jumpsuit stuck in my head, I didn't touch a single one! But on May 31st, I'm going to go get me so. Just a few, because I love jelly beans! No, I am not going to eschew my new healthy lifestyle, but I'm going to have those jelly beans as my treat. Not to mention, Provident Book and Humdinger Toys has the best salt water taffy. Okay . . . "Super Trouper lights are gonna find me, shining like the sun . . . la, la, la, la-a."

Back to Book Group. Karlene Browning, the store's assistant manager, took pictures last night so I grabbed them off the Provident Books & Humdinger Toys blog to share with you.

Sandra, Me (Candace) and N.C. Allen a.k.a Nancy Allen

Eileen, N.C. Allen a.k.a. Nancy Allen, Tristi

Karlene and N.C. Allen a.k.a. Nancy Allen

Things to Do Before Twist 'n Shout Concert

1. Lose weight - Working on it . . .
2. Learn Song - Check!
3. Perfect Song - Working on it . . .
4. Practice, practice, practice - Check!
5. Buy Hair - Check!
6. Buy Shoes (Not wearing those boots for love nor money.)
7. Book makeup artist
8. Book appointment with Wendy, the super hairstylist
9. Buy Spanx
10. Buy Jumpsuit
11. Peform
12. Breathe. . .
13. Eat a jellybean!

Tickets ($5.00 per person) for the May 30th Twist 'n Shout concert are now available. Please email me with Twist 'n Shout in the Subject line. I'll respond and we'll work the details out. You can pay via cash (in person), personal check (after it clears tickets will be sent) or Paypal (electronic check). There are 535 seats, with 400 seats currently available, as the tickets are going quickly. Don't wait until the last minute! I've spread the word everywhere and am startled at the number of people who want to see me in my Super Trouper costume. So buy your tickets soon, I definitely want all my friends in Blogland there!

Obama's Day of Renewal and Reconciliation

It didn't take 24 hours and Barack Obama issued executive orders that sent me climbing the walls. He is so incredibly short-sighted. I had hoped that since being elected the NSA had given him a come-to-Jesus moment about the dangers America faces from Muslim extremists engaged in a futile and useless jihad which brings about such hatred and destruction targeted toward the nation of Islam. But no, he shrugged that off and immediately issued four executive orders:

The closing of Guantanamo Bay and redistributing the prisoners to prisons around the nation. First, the prisons have shown little enthusiasm for having our enemies within their walls. Second, that's just what we need, jihadist extremists with the destruction of America as their goal influencing our criminal element. There's a wise and wonderful combination. Our new president has no grasp on reality, whatsoever.

He issued the order to close naval bases and detention centers.

He issued the order to have the CIA follow all the interrogation methods of the army field manual. No more information for us.

And he issued the order to ensure lawful interrogations.

Obama is very concerned about the people who have no compunction in chopping the heads off civilians, raping and murdering their own people and generally wreaking havoc on all people. He has very little concern about bringing this level of insanity and criminal element onto U.S. soil although no one wants to house them.

And moreso, Obama has issued his first national proclamation . . . didn't waste any time did he:

Tuesday, January 20th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
A National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As I take the sacred oath of the highest office in the land, I am humbled by the responsibility placed upon my shoulders, renewed by the courage and decency of the American people, and fortified by my faith in an awesome God.

We are in the midst of a season of trial. Our Nation is being tested, and our people know great uncertainty. Yet the story of America is one of renewal in the face of adversity, reconciliation in a time of discord, and we know that there is a purpose for everything under heaven.

On this Inauguration Day, we are reminded that we are heirs to over two centuries of American democracy, and that this legacy is not simply a birthright -- it is a glorious burden. Now it falls to us to come together as a people to carry it forward once more.

So in the words of President Abraham Lincoln, let us remember that: "The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 20, 2009, a National Day of Renewal and Reconciliation, and call upon all of our citizens to serve one another and the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twentieth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

# # #

He wants "the common purpose of remaking this Nation for our new century." Obama stated very clearly what he wanted to do . . . although he pays lip service to democracy, socialism, nay communism, is his watch cry and has been for decades. Remake our nation? No. I emphatically state that I will not allow democracy to be destroyed under the threat of this recession. The government is too much in our lives now and I will fight, and fight hard, to keep that ever encroaching intrusion from going any further. But I cannot fight this alone. Each American must stand up to Barack Obama and the Congress . . . we cannot let them destroy what so many men and women have died to protect.

As he spoke of Americans, he separated us into Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and nonbelievers. Is that how he sees America? Because the America I see are people from all walks of life . . . Americans who get up every day and work hard to make each day a little better. I don't separate them into religions or color . . . Americans are Americans to me. Unifier? I think not.

The preacher he had give the benediction ended with "that white does what's right." Which statement was wholly and completely offensive. Is this the tenor of the Obama administration? This unifier, with his unholy vision of America, began the dissemination of the American people with a few choice words. When the preacher said "may yella be mella" and continued on with his offensive words, Obama smiled and shook his head.

That spark of hope I had, against all reason, knowledge and hope, has been firmly and completely extinguished. Wow, 48 hours, that didn't take long.

Next in his sights? Lifting the ban on partial birth abortion, denying medical care to the infants who survive abortions and approving the wholesale slaughter of American babies. You think I'm kidding? Watch. He tried it in Illinois . . . now he'll just sign the bill that has been languishing in congress.

How long can the Lord protect and defend America with such a leader?

He wasted no time and neither should we. Call your duly elected congressmen and senators and let them know that shutting down Gitmo is a bad, bad idea and you don't approve. We must stand up America. He is wasting no time, and neither should we. Obama wants renewal and reconciliation at the cost of the America we know and love. That's the price. See things his way or be labeled a divider, bigot and unpatriotic individual. Guess what Obama, I don't see anything your way and I am none of the above. You don't get a free ride . . . period. I still stand with the likes of Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh and others. For truth is what matters. Freedom is what matters. Not socialism. Not communism. Not hate.

Barack Obama's Inaugural Speech

For the 44th time, we have had a smooth and painless transition of power.

All in all, President Obama gave a beautiful, powerful speech. A lot of good stuff, if he really believes it. And some worrisome.

Here is the text of the enter speech. Judge for yourself.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Washington, D.C.
Barack Obama takes the oath of office and gives inaugural speech

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet. (Worrisome.)

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord. On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics. (Is he identifying vehement disagreement with socialist/communist policies as conflict and discord? Or is he talking about Congress? Depending on the answer, worrisome.)

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sahn.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works (these words, stated by a man who once said the Constitution didn't go far enough in addressing the redistribution of wealth, a distinct Marxist, thereby communist, principle, is very, very scary) - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet (again, past words which have fallen from this man's lips make these words terrifying). We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

# # #

This is a powerful speech and it did speak to my heart on many levels, save the concerns pointed out above. When President Obama makes good decisions and policy, I will praise and support him. Should he attempt to do what he stated he would do during the election, that I will fight with my last breath.

If he supports our military, as he stated above he does, then he has my respect.

If he finally understands the threats we as Americans face from our enemies, then he has my respect.

If he truly stands for the American people in the area of energy independence, instead of in our way, then he will have my respect. If he stops the production of shale oil and eschews all relief for the American people in pursuit of alternative fuels . . . I'll fight him. We need both, not one or the other.

If he leads in a wise and firm manner, defending the Constitution in its entirety not rewriting it, then he will have my respect.

I don't hold out much hope that he will not attempt to do what he has stated:

Redistribute the wealth.

Rewrite the Constitution.

Tax the American people into oblivion (the Bush tax cuts have expired . . . we just got an automatic tax hike.

Dictate to Americans how they are to eat, dress and live.

and so much more.

I have a little hope right now that he has been given enough information since his election that he is ready to lead as we must be lead, not in a socialist/communist manner . . . but true to the democracy he spoke of in his speech. There's a spark in my heart . . . let us see if it is extinguished in the upcoming months.

I'm not as excited as everyone else is about Barack Obama being president. I was raised to not see color, and I do not. And yet all I've heard, from everywhere, is that Barack Obama is to be respected because he's black and he was elected. Who a person is on the inside and what he or she stands for is far more important to me that what is on the outside. I want to see what the man does now that he is at the reins. How will he conduct himself as president? Will he defend the American people and our Constitution? Will he stand for the military and lead them wisely? Will he truly look to the economic crisis at hand and handling it wisely or will he return to the Democrat way of doing things with the tax and spend philosophy? Will he understand, as he seems to above, the power, strength and privilege of America?

Not privilege as in money and riches. But privilege as in being born in the greatest nation on earth. The responsibility we have to buckle down and pull this nation back from the brink, but with democratic principles not socialist or communist principles? What will Barack Obama do now?

If I am to have hope, am I to have in spite of the Reverend Joseph Maury's prayer and his closing remark of "that white may know what is right." That unites? That unifies? Where's the racial divide now?

We shall see. We shall see.

Twist 'n Shout: Tickets for the May 30th Twist 'n Shout concert are now available. Please email me with Twist 'n Shout in the Subject line. I'll respond and we'll work the details out. There are 535 seats, with 500 seats currently available, as the tickets are just now going on sale. Don't wait until the last minute!

Health: Oh No! I have to wear that?!

So, my sister has convinced me to participate in her upcoming Twist 'n Shout Spring Concert. This is my sister's company and I'm so proud of her and I just couldn't say no. Especially since this number was my idea.

Hey, I'm a Mama Mia fan, what can I say. Loved the movie. Loved the music. So I opened my big mouth and told my sister she HAD to have the Super Trouper number at her next concert. That came back to bite me on my proverbial bottom!

She asked if I'd sing the numbers, oh yeah, she threw in Dancing Queen, with her and another woman. I was worried, but I went ahead and said yes. I haven't sung in public in over 10 years . . . well, I sang with my siblings at my father's funeral, but I'm pretty sure that was it! I was worried about that until I saw the costume! Holy crud! Silver lame (lamay), bell bottoms, oh the horror! Me and my big mouth!

I checked out a few products that are supposed to help you lose weight and decided that it would be better to leave those things alone. Besides, some of them taste really nasty!

Diet and exercise are my bywords for the next five months. I WILL be in shape before I have to wear that costume in public. I will. I will. I will.

So what am I going to do?

Cut out the sweets. All of them. No more cookies. No more cakes. No more pies. And most of all . . . no more Dr. Pepper! Good thing I actually like salads. Vanity, thy name is Candace. Once a week I will allow myself a small treat, but not in excess. Vitamin water and filtered water will be my main drinks with my one glass of milk every night which enables me to have a solid nights rest.

Exercise? Almost all cardio. Treadmill, elliptical, swimming, daily crunchless abs exercises and light weights. I will be working out every day, but lifting weights only 3 times a week. Yes, 5:00 a.m. will begin seeing my face once again. Humiliation creates a lot of incentive. Trust me!

Why have I chosen this path? I've been wanting to get back in shape for a long time. I used to be model beautiful (not anorexic, cocaine snorting thin, but thin and beautiful) . . . and then I got married. (Alvin really hates it when I say that.) Somewhere along my 30's I started to thicken up and put on weight. During events over the last three years I've let my eating and DP habit get out of control. So I'm heading back to the diet and exercise of my 20's and early 30's.

I've had occasion to think about how I used to eat and take care of myself and I realized today, I miss it! I liked feeling strong, healthy and full of energy. I enjoyed looking good in my clothes. That was a good time. I'm getting it back!

So in case you can't remember what those costumes looked like? Picture something along these lines in silver lame (lamay) and no flounces on the sleeves to hide things!



Oh yeah, I will be ever diligent! Wish me luck . . . believe me, I'm going to need it! May 30th is D-Day . . . in other words, that is performance day. Oh boy!

Oh yeah, and you're all invited. Unless you hate me and then really, don't bother. Really.

Purchase tickets by calling 801-404-4731.

Where: American Leadership Academy
1172 Del Monte Rd
Spanish Fork, Ut

When: May 30th - 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Why: Just for the sheer fun of it, of course!

Who: Twist 'n Shout Performance Company

yourLDSneighborhood has added exciting new things to its website. Please drop by and take a look, browse around, check out our vendors, our radio station, our authors, our musicians and more. Check out the Neighborhood.

And while you're there, subscribe to the yourLDSneighborhood Newsletter. In addition to being able to shop in the new virtual neighborhood, the newsletter brings you articles, products, services, resources and interviews from around the world-all with an LDS focus. Look for issues delivered to your email inbox every week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Update: Tickets for the May 30th Twist 'n Shout concert are now available. Please email me with Twist 'n Shout in the Subject line. I'll respond and we'll work the details out. There are 535 seats, with 500 seats currently available, as the tickets are just now going on sale. Don't wait until the last minute!

What I'm doing right now: Practicing the first four notes of Super Trouper over and over.
What I'm listening to: Super Trouper, natch!

President Bush Makes Farewell Address to the Nation

The end of an era has come to pass. On January 20th, for the 44th times, the United States will enjoy a peaceful transfer of power from the George W. Bush Administration to the Barack Obama Administration. This is the beauty of the American way and the government set up by our founding fathers.

Today, I wanted to share the last words of George W. Bush, as a sitting president, to the American people. Do I agree with everything he's done? No, I do not. But I do appreciate much of what he's done and know, with no question, that he has always had America and her people uppermost in his thoughts for the better part of his life. He loves the Constitution, as is, and appreciates the beauty of what the American people enjoy. So thank you, President Bush.

From Whitehouse.gov

8:01 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT: Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence -- a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey that we have traveled together, and the future of our nation.

Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.

Tonight I am filled with gratitude -- to Vice President Cheney and members of my administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.

This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house -- September the 11th, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon, and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son's police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.

As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation. I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.

Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists' movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.

There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil night and day to keep us safe -- law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Our nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. And America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander-in-Chief.

The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.

This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We're standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients -- to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.

For eight years, we've also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America's air and water and lands are measurably cleaner. And the federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.

When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America's free enterprise system.

Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I've always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.

The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.

While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.

At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.

As we address these challenges -- and others we cannot foresee tonight -- America must maintain our moral clarity. I've often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense -- and to advance the cause of peace.

President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, "I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past." As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.

I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America's character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.

We see America's character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We've seen it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.

We see America's character in Bill Krissoff -- a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan -- a Marine -- gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old -- 18 years above the age limit. But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America's wounded warriors -- and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.

In citizens like these, we see the best of our country - resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there's more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other - citizen of the United States of America.

And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you.

END 8:14 P.M. EST

Return to the Neighborhood.

And while you're there, subscribe to the yourLDSneighborhood Newsletter. In addition to being able to shop in the new virtual neighborhood, the newsletter brings you articles, products, services, resources and interviews from around the world-all with an LDS focus. Look for issues delivered to your email inbox every week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

Finally! Schwarzenegger See the Light of Day

At last! Some common sense reason by someone in power. I pray the rest of the states follow Governor Schwarzenegger's lead. It is time we stop letting the environmentalists hold us hostage. Look at the state of the nation right now. You can place a large percentage of the blame for our troubles on the environmentalists and the government bureaucracies who cater to them. The rest you can toss at the gross greed and irresponsibility of our banking and housing organizations and our democrat controlled Congress. But back to the environmentalists. Cut them off at the knees and let's take this portion of America's economy and vitality back.

Yes, we are stewards of this earth and must be wise in caring for the earth. But environmentalists cast wisdom aside decades ago and dove headfirst into the frothing at the mouth, wild-eyed "the sky is falling, the sky is falling" mentality. So much so that it is a miracle that anyone with a thinking mind bothered to listen.

Just a little reminder of what environmentalists have wrought:

Controlled burns save forests and yet in California, where environmentalists have ruled supreme and not allowed these without a fight, fires rage year round. There is no more fire season in California, it simply is on fire all the time. Blame that on the environmentalists not understanding how nature and man should work hand in hand to keep everyone safe, not just the furry little creatures of the forest.

A large portion of the blame for our energy crisis can be placed square on the shoulders of environmentalists. How? Well the technology has been developed to safely and clean plumb the resources of the earth for our energy needs, but environmentalists, and yes Obama is one of them, refuse to accept them and would prefer to see us shot back to the Dark Ages rather than follow a thinking, modern technology method to insure our quality of life.

I see celebrities hawking charities to save the polar bear, or save pets, or save this or save that . . . but in this economic turns, I've yet to see anyone with power or money stand up and say, "Let's gather together as Americans and save our people." We've donated hundreds of millions of billions of dollars to countries in trouble worldwide, but why have we not said to our own people, "We can pull out of this. Let's put our minds, hearts and wallets together and keep people in their homes and companies in business. Let's hold a fundraiser for the American people." That would keep the government out of our business . . . because that's what Americans use to do, take care of our own. When did that stop? When did Americans decide it was better to have the government take care of them than to take care of themselves?

So there are three examples of the extreme danger environmentalists pose to the American people. So now, to the article which made me smile today:

So read what William Warren has to say . . . love it! Stand up. Be heard. Be counted. Your livelihood is at stake . . . are you going to hug a tree or feed your family?

Hit the Road, Jack!
By William Warren
on GetLiberty.org
Posted 13 January, 2009

The environmentalist power elite in California is quickly turning green with envy now that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is bucking them for a change and siding with the people of California instead.

In fact, the Greens are fuming—far more so than the automobiles they so very much loathe.

In an uncharacteristic—yet highly welcomed—move, Mr. Schwarzenegger has decided to terminate the long-standing environmental regulations that currently serve as roadblock to vital state highway projects and development as a whole. The importance of such a move is heightened by the fact that California is mired in a colossal economic abyss and the removal of draconian eco-restrictions would significantly ease the state’s fiscal burdens—to the tune of some $1.2 billion.

Moreover, the proposed 10 highway projects would create 22,000 jobs over the next three years, the Governor says.

Unfortunately for the environmentalists—who have relished and abused their warm symbiotic relationship with the Governor for years—their crusade to thwart the dubious threat of “Global Warming” flies in the face of the economic viability of the state, the traffic concerns of its residents, and employment opportunities for its workers. As the Los Angeles Times tells it:

“Schwarzenegger has infuriated the Sierra Club and other groups with such proposals and with a letter he sent to President-elect Barack Obama last week asking that federal environmental reviews be waived on the highway projects.

‘This is a stunning turnaround by the governor, and I am baffled by it,’ said Tom Adams, board president of the California League of Conservation Voters.”

And Mr. Adams is entirely correct. Such actions do represent a turnaround—a turnaround that will hopefully prevent California from further veering away from the road to recovery and senselessly careening further into the slough of economic despond.

Mr. Adams also added that “[The Governor and GOP] want to hijack the budget process to enforce minority rule on the environment,” which, of course, ignores the fact that the California assembly is Democrat controlled, and a vast majority of Californians would likely prefer cold cash to hot rhetoric.

Among the projects causing this indignation among the Green ranks are a carpool lane expansion on U.S. 50 in Sacramento, a freeway-widening project in San Diego County, and a tunnel drilling plan into the Berkeley Hills. All of which could cut down on pollution by alleviating traffic back-ups and long commutes.

The real problem the California hot earthers have with Mr. Schwarzenegger’s proposal, of course, is not that it would increase pollution, but that it would decrease their powers. This despite the fact that the Governor would surrender his own prerogatives, as well. As the Times article states:

“Under Schwarzenegger's plan, environmentalists would not be alone in losing influence over how projects are constructed. The power of the governor's own resource protection agencies to intervene would also be weakened: A panel of administration appointees would be able to waive state regulations.”

Clearly, its time for the people of California—as well as their compatriots nationwide—to understand that the environmentalist lobby really cares very little about the well being of those who would suffer most from their economic antideluvianism. In fact, they would prefer to see any and all growth and prosperity stifled—and if that means a return to the Dark Ages for the hai polloi…well that’s a price the elitist hot earthers are more than willing to pay.

Operating under the false banner of “save the planet,” the Greens ultimate priority is to save their power. Faced with mounting evidence that mankind has nothing to do with global climate shifts and that the earth may indeed be cooling, environmentalists are starting to feel the pain of power erosion.

Now, with the recent nasty breakup with former best-buddy Arnold Schwarzenegger, their authority has been compromised within their very own stronghold of safety—California.

If the Greens can be checkmated in California, then there is indeed hope that the rest of the country can avoid the economic car wreck looming on the national horizon.

William Warren is a contributing editor of ALG News Bureau.

Recipe: Apple Pie

Good old fashioned Apple Pie. You know the old saying, "It's as American as Apple Pie." Well this recipe is the Apple Pie recipe to end all Apple Pie recipes. My husband lives for when this graces our kitchen table. When he is sick or in the hospital, this is what he wants because it makes him feel better.

Not chicken noodle soup.

Not warm tea.

Not cuddled up in a warm blanket on the corner of the couch with a cup of hot chocolate, a box of Kleenex and Mama Mia playing on the television. Oh wait, that's me. Sorry!

No, my husband doesn't want any of this, he wants Donna's Apple Pie. So she graciously shared the recipe with me, I tweaked the seasonings on the apples (I'm incapable of not tweaking a recipe, much to my husband's dismay), adding cloves, ginger, nutmeg and allspice to the cinnamon/sugar mixture.

And truly, it is apple pie from heaven!

Apple Pie

This recipe makes enough pie crust for top and bottom. If you have the Pampered Chef
stoneware pie plate, this recipe fits that perfectly.

Pie Crust

Prepare and refrigerate in a ziplock bag for 24 hours.

2 2/3 C. Flour
1 t. Salt
1 c. Shortening (butter flavored)

Using a pastry cutter, work ingredients until they crumble, becoming small balls.

Add:

6 to 8 T. Water.

Work into dough, form in a ball and put in ziplock bag and store for 24 hours. Trust me, store it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to roll out and keep in one piece.

Preheat oven to 400°

Pie Filling

5 Cored & Peeled Apples (Granny Smith, Jonathans or Jonagolds)
¾ C. White Sugar
½ C. Brown Sugar
2 T. Flour
2 t. Cinnamon
1/8 t. Nutmeg
1/8 t. Cloves
1/8 t. Ginger
1/8 t. Allspice
Dash of Salt
2 t. Lemon Juice

Mix together.

Divide pie crust dough in half and roll each out to form the top crust and bottom crust of the
pie. Place the bottom crust in the pie plate and add the apple mixture.

Add:

2 T. Butter, crumbled and sprinkled over top of pie filling.

Place the top crust over the top and pinch the edges together. Take ¾” strip of aluminum foil
and tuck around the edges of the crust to keep them from burning. Place in preheated oven
and bake for 55 to 60 minutes.

Let cool for a minimum of 30 minutes. Best when warm and served with vanilla ice cream.

Happy Eating.

Sponsored by:

Recipe: Lasagna

I'm not in the mood for a health blog today, so I'm going to post another recipe for you.

Years ago I had a fantastic recipe for lasagna. When I say fantastic, it was perfect beyond all belief. I found it while I was at Ricks College (now BYU-Idaho) and I made it to impress a basketball player. If I remember correctly. I did impress him, but he went off months later and married a cheerleader anyway. Nonetheless, the lasagna ended up being the better part of the deal. In the midst of moving from Rexburg to Provo (BYU-Provo) I somehow lost that recipe. I hunted high and low and couldn't find it no matter what I did!

So I began searching again. Most lasagnas I tried were sweet and I really hate sweet lasagna. Years and scads of lasagna later I decided to head over to Food Network and check out Emeril Lagasse's lasagna. I followed the recipe carefully and just had to tweak it to make it perfect for me. I know, I shouldn't be messing with a recipe by Emeril, but I had no choice. The taste wasn't quite what I wanted until I added my secret ingredient and changed one or two things. So here is Emeril's recipe with a Candace twist. Sorry, Emeril, you rock, I swear!

This recipe heads toward the middle and stops short of difficult. So be patient, read the entire recipe before you begin and realize you're going to need several hours (at least 2 for the meat sauce, although I like it to simmer most of the day) and plan accordingly.

Lasagna

Meat Sauce

2 T. Light Olive Oil
1 lb. ground beef (93/7)
2 lb. sausage
Salt
Black Pepper
1/2 c. dried onion flakes
2 T. chopped garlic
2 28 oz. cans of peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
1 small can tomato paste
4 c. water
1 t. thyme
2 bay leaves
2 t. dried oregano
2 t. dried basil
Pinch of crushed red pepper
2 oz. Parmigiano-Regianno
2 T. of McCormick's Spaghetti Seasoning

In a large saucepan, over medium heat, add the oil. In a mixing bowl combine the meat. Season with salt and pepper and mix well. When the oil is hot, add the meat and cook for 4 to 6 minutes. Add the onion, season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and tomatoes, season with salt and pepper. Whisk the tomato paste with the water and add to pan. Add the thyme, bay leaves, oregano, basil and red pepper. Stir in the McCormick's Spaghetti Seasoning. Mix well and bring to a boil, reduce the meat to medium and simmer for approximately 2 hours. Stir occasionally and add more water if necessary. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, taste and season to taste with salt and pepper and the cheese. Remove from heat and let stand before applying to lasagna.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

Lasagna

2 c. fresh ricotta
8 oz. grated provolone
8 oz. grated mozarella
8 oz. grated romano
1 egg
1/4 c. milk
1 T. dried basil
1 T. chopped garlic (fresh)
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
1 small can of sliced olives (drain and set aside)

1 Recipe of Meat Sauce
1/2 lb. grated parmigiano-reggiano cheese
1 pkg. dried lasagna noodles

In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta, provolone, mozarella, romano, egg milk, basil and garlic. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper.

Assembly

Spread 1 1/2 cups of the meat sauce on the bottom of a deep dish lasagna pan.

Sprinkle 1/4 of the grated cheese over the sauce.

Cover the cheese with a layer of the dried noodles.

Sprinkle another 1/4 of the grated cheese over the noodles.

Spread 1 cup of the meat sauce over cheese and dried noodles.

Repeat the process ending with noodles, sprinkling olives over the last layer of noodles and then add the remaining meat sauce over the top, sprinkle with mozarella and slide into oven.

Bake until bubbly and golden, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with green salad, corn and garlic toast.

Happy Eating.

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