Saturday, August 21, 2004
DOING THE “AT”
It is rare that we come across a novel in which a precise setting plays such an overpowering role.
In the eastern United States we have a thousand miles of mountain trail running from Georgia to Maine called ”The Appalachian Trail”- spoken of with respect and appreciation as “AT” by those who live and love the type of outdoor living the trail encourages. It is one of the created wonders of this homeland of ours large unknown and unappreciated by the bulk of the population.
One does not,normally, associate crime with such an area but the novelist Jess Carr, who grew up in the Southwest Virginia area of the trail wrote an historical novel in l985 about a double murder of two hikers on the famed trail. It is a book which will endure for many years for several reasons. This is,I think, one of the few novels I have read which do a convincing job of analyzing what the long range influences of our sixties ideas concerning morality and social conduct have taken in our culture.
The very concept of the Appalachian Trail remains unique in so many ways as people discover it for the first time. The sheer grandeur and immensity of the trail through the backbone of the ancient, worn-down mountain range is something you will find is difficult to ignore.
Novelist Jess Carr uses a real-life murder which took place in the area and invents a memorable host of mountain people, visitors, government officials, families and relatives which is most convincing.
I read an older, library copy of the novel and I noted there were an exceptionally large number of dog-eared pages as one neared the middle of the book. That was, to me, was indicative of the fact that much of the first part of the novel gets to be tedious reading for anyone other than experienced hikers and trail devotees. I felt there was too much detail of segments of the trail which did not strike me as being different from others. The evidence of many dog-eared corners indicated a great many readers had difficulty doing more than a few pages at a time. Once the murders are committed the action takes over and move along rapidly. I found no more book-marks.
I am not the person to write a straight “review”of this book because I,personally, knew a score or more of the actual people who actively cause the tragic story to move and live.
It all a bit too close to me to see it distinctly without associating other known aspects of those people's lives. I still know some of them. The owner and trainer of the dogs used it the search efforts lives nearby and works as nurse nearby,having “retired” from her “Search and Rescue” team work.
“Murder On The Appalachian Trail”, by Jess Carr, was published in 1985 by the Commonwealth Press, Inc. Radford, Virginia and may not have had as wide a distribution as it might have received with a larger, nation-wide firm, but it is out there and it is available. Get a copy. Read it.
You will gain a new appreciation for the “AT”.
A.L.M. August 20, 2004 [c537wds]
Friday, August 20, 2004
DARE TO EXCEL!
If we learn any one thing from the Olympic Summer Games being held in Athens, Greece this week, let it be that we re-gain our national will urging that we dare to excel!
We have, in recent decades, allowed a tragic malaise to develop which has crippled our will to win; deadened ambition and remained as a cumbersome weight on the fattened forms of self-satisfaction..
We are being told to be more than mere spectators ; active players; participants rather than casual onlookers.
Our intent should be not so much on setting new records, but in intentionally, honestly and eagerly working to exceed what has gone before. It is a national attainment for all of us as we witness Mary Lou Retton of 1984 fame, congratulating Carley Patterson, from Baton Rouge, LA.. of 2004, as one congratulates the other – the old welcomes the new – as she sets new records in gymnastics in the current series of Olympic Summer games. Other names are being added daily, but those two are symbolic of the re-birth of initiative, drive, enthusiasm and the will to win which permeates many of the teams we have in action in the ancient homeland of the Olympiad concept.
Vast portions of our life today do not, in any way, resemble “games” - certainly not competition played for enjoyment. We are beset with social, religious, economic and other differences which are deeply ingrained in historical circumstances , and our wars and rumor thereof, are our burden. We have carried the load long enough. We have lived by the rules imposed upon us by such handicaps and we need to study and re-study the basic rules of conduct to see what can be eliminated and determine that which must be nourished and sustained. We do that in sports each time new records are established. We improve the manner in which we use the gifts of agility and performance we possess. The basic, almost mechanical nature of movements we are “built” to perform do not change. The setting of new records comes from our newly found discovery of better, more efficient ways to make use of the abilities we have had all along ....untrained, untried, unused. Discovered and disciplined - they make us pioneers, inventors, leaders, innovators, record-setters in sports or in other fields of human activity..
We are in special need of new understandings of the basics of government. Many of our old records - of which we are justly proud - can be
bettered. We cannot remain spectators and gawkers. We must be dedicated to Olympic-style dedication. We must take part in the activity to merit it's blessings
A.L.M. August 19, 2004 [c455wds].
Thursday, August 19, 2004
AT WHAT LEVEL?
Are we “cooling off” concerning our attentiveness to Home Security?
It would seem that we are doing so. Many people now more or less ignore many of the security rules which were put in place after 9-11 and it is, I think, understandable that we have begun doing so. The wisdom of doing so will be decided by future history.
Where are we at the present time?
Exact points are impossible because we don't know the potential peaks or depths to which such statistics can move. We, however, as individual might to well to consider our own, individual stance in regard to safety in our small portion of the total security picture for the nation .
And we can and do have personal reasons which are valid for either accepting or refusing to follow such directives. The choice is ours ...yours ...mine. The end result is obscured by events and changes which have not, as yet even taken place.
Let me cite several example concerning such restrictions from the days of World War II in England. Many of us met up with such rules, and regulations which were hinderences and unworkable theories quite often.
When we first arrived in England from the States American soldiers were fitted out with gas masks of WW I vintage ...the big, shoulder hung tote-bag style and it was required that you had one on your shoulder when you took to visit the nearby city. I learned my lesson with the first few minutes and returned to my starting point were I rented a locker from the Red Cross in which we checked three such gas masks. I never actually wore one into the city once I realized that we were a small minority possessing them and perhaps half a million citizens among whom we moved as guests had none. The Gas Mask rule was ignored and I never had a MP stop me for not having one with me in town. Even military justice exhibited good common sense at such times.
In our first tin-hutted village there was in the midst of the them a cross-shape concussion wall type air raid “shelter”. Open to the sky the crossed brick walls were packed with dirt on the out and they were open to the foggy sky above. During the evening hours,I don't remember when, there was the somber moan of the he air raid alarm sirens from a far, and, in accordance with existing regulations, our officers woke us demanding immediate departure to the air raid shelter. By the time we got there the all clear moan had sounded nd we noticed that the British units on each side of us had slept peacefully through it all. We suffered out first “casualty” when a lanky kid from from Philadelphia scraped the side of his face diving against the brick -walled haven.
Within a few a hours a third regulation was crushed by common sense.
At some early hour our Commanding Officer had the proper call which caused us to form a sleepy company front and to respond to roll call in total darkness. He then set us in motion to march to the Mess Hall which was half a mile or so through the woods. At that point the door of the British Commanding office burst open and British voice demanded “Halt!” He was in base command, and lectured our officers by saying: There would be no formations of any kind on the base. Troops were then instructed to meander off to the mess hall through the woods, purposely avoiding any set path or roadway. We cheered his speech and went on our way mess-ward.
I remember that first mess, too. What a mess of a mess that mess was!
Imagine one hundred and nine hungry GIs fresh from state-side with American stocked rations on board the “Queen Mary” meeting British Army rationed menus for the first time. Ersatz sausages and Powdered Eggs mainly, big slices of rough brown bread and coffee or hot tea. As the new air base we were helping to start firmed up, so did our rations though U.S. supply lines.
We learn so much from experience and by this time,those who work at, for instance, American airports must realize there are certain rules and regulations which are best forgotten.
So, we seem to be in a questioning period in our estimates of what national security must be. That would seem to be a good thing. Perhaps we can eliminate some of those pesky little textbook “Do's and Don'ts”.
Common sense protects our common good.
A.L.M. August 19, 2004 [ 776wds]
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS
Sand, sunlight and sea water!
What a fine combination for curative action for both Man and Beast!
Sand can be a efficient abrasive, speedily removing dying cells from the body surface, the warming sun beams of seek out impurities above and beneath that surface and eliminates their powers to harm the body, and sea water, with its saline additives is, in itself a remedial substance which washes away impurities and salves the affected area with a thin crust of protective salt.
It is unfortunate that this package Nature provides for our good health coincides with Nature's own schedule of disruptive hurricanes and tropical storms which inhibited the use of the health package. It can be argued that the distribution system in at fault because those of us who live far from the seashores do not have this sand, sun and sea water advantage readily available. Instead, we in the mountains are recipients of yet another such natural package of healthful ingredients good to the soul-side of Man. We are blessed with endless flows of fresh, mountain air; with a wide variety of visits without borders overlooks viewing places where one can see forever, and there is a impressive setting on which an expanse of trees, mountains, valleys, and hints of kindred folk such as ourselves living in a vast, free and every expanding setting in which our lives are nurtured, blessed and made fruitful. Flat-landers ...sea-siders will cry “Unfair” because they lack so much of that which we consider essential to living.
Wherever we live there are natural advantages which make it better - even “best” - for you and your family. It is more difficult for us to appreciate that which we have close by and to long for the type of natural inducements offering better health in some other section. All areas, oddly enough, find favor in the eyes of some, especially if they are forced by economic necessities or for other reason, to be absent from their native surroundings.
We hear more these days a of the use of “alternative” type of treatment in matters of public health. Who we are, where we came from, where we have been and doing what, all seem to join in creating our individual panacea for treating so many maladies. I won't say that any one of them is better than any of the others, but I will point out that the vast majority of people, when asked to write down a list of our most-used “alternative” treatments fail to mention one of the most natural of them all.
So few people realize that the number one choice is “prayer.”
A. L. M. August 17, 2004 [c457wds]
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
SPEED SPORTS
So often, it seems we predicate our enjoyment of sports events on the quality of speed.
As I get older, I find that either sports have changed radically and get more attention through dependency on speed, or that I have simply slowed down and can't keep pace with what is happening. Games moves faster or I react slower. It is one or the other and I am not entirely sure which is correct.
Why, for instance, should I now find I watch soccer games on TV rather than football? I watch golf tournaments and baseball game but shy away from basketball, volleyball, stock car and formula racing, but still look for horse racing, sulky competitions, and even foot races and field events. Baseball endures, forever,it seems although I get lost if things move along too rapidly. This is thing about speed being at the base of so many things goes back, I suppose, to my early days of riding atop the high back seat of my Uncle Andrew's fine Saxon Touring Car back in the early 1920's. That my first memorable encounter with speed because he used to rev that fine old car up to sixty miles per hour or better - or worse – my brother and in high, wing-like back seats above the in cloud of dirt road dust we were creating with spinning, wooden-spoked wheels.
I learn a negative lesson from that from that childhood experience, I think. We realized at the time that what we were doing was risky and, I'm sure we knew it was against the law of common sense as well as that of the Commonwealth of Virginia. To have such memories has kept me off of such curious forms of self-elimination as what have been loosely-called “roller coasters” in our leading family-style theme parks. You are not about to catch me on one of those flip-flopping, loop and counter-loop, whiz-bang, thundercrunchers - the thrill rides of our century. It may well have changed my view of sports activities, as well and made me favor less abusive types.
I remember when, Sir Malcolm Campbell, came from England with especially built sports cars which were driven up to as much as three hundred miles per hour on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. and we all agreed that was about as fast as we might ever move. Then, we talked about moving at the speed of sound; then breaking the sound barrier and who knows where we might be at the moment on some undetermined mach scale or other? Everything else is faster... why not sports?
There was s time, when I could look at a football game and know where the ball happened to be. No more. It hasn't been there at all, the explanatory diagramming shows me. I watch basketball and get the feeling it consists of sweating giants running endlessly from one end to the other in a restricted area seemingly only intent on knocking each other down as they strive to lower a ball into a hoop - maybe - and head back to where they came from. To do it all over again until somebody blows a whistle and they all hitting each others hands held high. I have come to prefer to watch a golf ball descending majestically through the sky to plop ever-so-lightly and to roll to within a few inches of the cup or far beyond it into the rough. I'd much rather see a soccer ball being driven from one player to another skillfully caused to elude the foot of an enemy player to be counter-claimed by another a pair of players. I can see it. I can keep up with it most of the time, and feel good about my attainment as a sports-watcher.
The final, honest look at it all, however urges me to accept the idea that I am guilt of lack of appreciation for sports which attract thousands of new fans daily. I don't particularly like admitting I've slowed up that much, but I find some satisfaction in knowing that you too will, in time, wish activity could take everything a little slower so you could stay with it.
A.L.M. Aug 17, 2004 [c708wds]
Monday, August 16, 2004
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
OLYMPICS
Thus far, the Olympic Games in Athens have progressed very well and I have heard nothing of any terrorist actions being taken against them. The organizers have taken unusual steps to guard against such an occurance, remembering. that which happened not too many years ago in Munich. This year, I understand, the number of guards on duty at the games actually outnumbers that of the players in the games themselves.
The fact that there has been not one observable action in Athens by terrorist groups, and that is something which is worthy of special notice and consideration by the rest of us outside of the Olympic aura. The international games were seen as a prime potential target by terror groups because of the assured world-wide attention such action would create. Sports events, in general, throughout the world, are inviting targets because of the mass of people drawn together in one location. Imagine the carnage which would erupt if an attack were made on an American Stock Car race spectator crowd; a bowl event of any kind and kind; almost any major arena enclosure show. The absence of attack in Athens -Parius suggests that we might consider that our work designed to disrupt the flow of terrorist plans have been successful to an appreciable degree. The Evil Ones have missed some opportunities to make their point evident and it is good for us to think that our protective shields have worked and are working and that their abilities to organize and field such operations has been severely crippled.
I notice a comparative calm about the games themselves. There is contention among competing nations, of course, among the nations but in the past there was, along with it all, a political oriented sort of enmity which clouded the sports sentiment. Competition has been stiff. The United States has not been, as yet, accused of monopolizing the winning of gold medals - with just one in hand at the moment. There is a noticeable lack of political bickering and that is good for the games. Such tensions do not make for the best of relations and harm the unity needed for the success of the venture. Limited by the nature of our television coverage in which one network does it all to suit their time requirements. Events have moved along , as planned, which gives the lie to criticism from some who insisted the facilities would not be ready in time and that they would be second-rate and inefficient.
I realize some of you have red this far and made ready to remind me that the Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece are not yet finished! That's true. Disaster could yet take place, but we must begin to expect better things - not more trouble. I seem to see in the sucess of this series of games a sign, you might say, of better, safer times ahead for all of us. Certainly, Iraq itself is not a prime example of peacefulness at the moment with new insurrections arising constantly against the new government and the U. S. presence there.
Our greatest threat at the moment might well be home-made.
We are in the midst of a Presidential Election in which the military histories of the two candidates have been grossly politicized to a dangerous degree. Molehills have become mountains; ditches appears to be chasms, and ruts are meandering canyons. We are at a point which requires we make a choice, and it is not as easy, not as simple as we thought it was going to be. We have deceived ourselves by talking ourselves into political corners where principles are subject to what we can get out of it all.
Ironically, that is not the central principle of the games being played in Athens where fairness, honesty, tolerance and forbearance are required. We have not practiced such basics in our political lives for a long, long time and it is a weakness which may well be seen, and understood, by those who would do us harm.
A.L.M. August 15, 2004 [c682wds]
Sunday, August 15, 2004
WHAT ELSE CAN HAPPEN?
It is bad enough that the Governor of the state of New Jersey, having engaged in unseemly conduct with a male associate, feels he must resign his office. The request arrived urgently, but it seems he doesn't want to hurry into actually departing the tainted area.
If the act was, in itself or for other reason cited, so despicable that resignation is dictated, why put it all off for three months? Under current law for the Garden States if the Chief Gardener, the Governor, falls short of that which was expected and leaves, his troubled trowel is handed over to the head of the state Senate. But, there is a legal, ninety-day limit. Only then can the incumbent party keeps the office in their possession, for the law requires an exit before the ninety days automatically triggers a special election for a new governor.
The Governor, admitting he has been a bad boy, accepts due punishment but wants the official spanking put off for three months or so. The request is , obviously, to foil any new election proceedings being mandated..
If granted, such a plan enables the ex-governor to, more-or-less name his successor. What happen then is any ones guess, because it is difficult to place any real confidence in a man who has, himself, admitted dire wrongdoing.
Many citizens of our nation will look at this incident with horror and disgust, but to add yet another layer of intrigue and falseness to the strange deed that brought it all about this tawdry activity. It is unfortunate for all of us, that this scandal surfaced during the current Presidential Election campaign. Kerry people will claim that Bush people are using mentions of the scandal unfairly as election fodder when it is really a local, New Jersey problem, not a national one at all.
The fact that the resigning Governor added his sex mate to the his state's payroll in a $110,000 per year Home Security position for which he was not qualified, is an even worse aspect of the entire situation.
What can we expect next?
If this scandal has been known to exist in the New Jersey area, what about the rest of the states? Who can better such a show? What does this sort of conduct say to the rest of the world at a time when we're looking for friends and followers?
Jay Leno has commented on it on late night TV: “...another Democrat saying: ' I did not have sex with that woman!'” Other wit-wizards have been less discrete.
It is, on the whole, a shameful thing for New Jersey and for all of us indirectly. A friend of mine commented: “A few months ago people were wondering what President William Jefferson Clinton's actual, true 'legacy' to our nation was going to prove to be. We are now beginning to see it appearing in our national stance and actions.”
A.L.M. August 14, 2004 [c498wds]
WHAT ELSE CAN HAPPEN?
It is bad enough that the Governor of the state of New Jersey, having engaged in unseemly conduct with a male associate, feels he must resign his office. The request arrived urgently, but it seems he doesn't want to hurry into actually departing the tainted area.
If the act was, in itself or for other reason cited, so despicable that resignation is dictated, why put it all off for three months? Under current law for the Garden States if the Chief Gardener, the Governor, falls short of that which was expected and leaves, his troubled trowel is handed over to the head of the state Senate. But, there is a legal, ninety-day limit. Only then can the incumbent party keeps the office in their possession, for the law requires an exit before the ninety days automatically triggers a special election for a new governor.
The Governor, admitting he has been a bad boy, accepts due punishment but wants the official spanking put off for three months or so. The request is , obviously, to foil any new election proceedings being mandated..
If granted, such a plan enables the ex-governor to, more-or-less name his successor. What happen then is any ones guess, because it is difficult to place any real confidence in a man who has, himself, admitted dire wrongdoing.
Many citizens of our nation will look at this incident with horror and disgust, but to add yet another layer of intrigue and falseness to the strange deed that brought it all about this tawdry activity. It is unfortunate for all of us, that this scandal surfaced during the current Presidential Election campaign. Kerry people will claim that Bush people are using mentions of the scandal unfairly as election fodder when it is really a local, New Jersey problem, not a national one at all.
The fact that the resigning Governor added his sex mate to the his state's payroll in a $110,000 per year Home Security position for which he was not qualified, is an even worse aspect of the entire situation.
What can we expect next?
If this scandal has been known to exist in the New Jersey area, what about the rest of the states? Who can better such a show? What does this sort of conduct say to the rest of the world at a time when we're looking for friends and followers?
Jay Leno has commented on it on late night TV: “...another Democrat saying: ' I did not have sex with that woman!'” Other wit-wizards have been less discrete.
It is, on the whole, a shameful thing for New Jersey and for all of us indirectly. A friend of mine commented: “A few months ago people were wondering what President William Jefferson Clinton's actual, true 'legacy' to our nation was going to prove to be. We are now beginning to see it appearing in our national stance and actions.”
A.L.M. August 14, 2004 [c498wds]
WHAT ELSE CAN HAPPEN?
It is bad enough that the Governor of the state of New Jersey, having engaged in unseemly conduct with a male associate, feels he must resign his office. The request arrived urgently, but it seems he doesn't want to hurry into actually departing the tainted area.
If the act was, in itself or for other reason cited, so despicable that resignation is dictated, why put it all off for three months? Under current law for the Garden States if the Chief Gardener, the Governor, falls short of that which was expected and leaves, his troubled trowel is handed over to the head of the state Senate. But, there is a legal, ninety-day limit. Only then can the incumbent party keeps the office in their possession, for the law requires an exit before the ninety days automatically triggers a special election for a new governor.
The Governor, admitting he has been a bad boy, accepts due punishment but wants the official spanking put off for three months or so. The request is , obviously, to foil any new election proceedings being mandated..
If granted, such a plan enables the ex-governor to, more-or-less name his successor. What happen then is any ones guess, because it is difficult to place any real confidence in a man who has, himself, admitted dire wrongdoing.
Many citizens of our nation will look at this incident with horror and disgust, but to add yet another layer of intrigue and falseness to the strange deed that brought it all about this tawdry activity. It is unfortunate for all of us, that this scandal surfaced during the current Presidential Election campaign. Kerry people will claim that Bush people are using mentions of the scandal unfairly as election fodder when it is really a local, New Jersey problem, not a national one at all.
The fact that the resigning Governor added his sex mate to the his state's payroll in a $110,000 per year Home Security position for which he was not qualified, is an even worse aspect of the entire situation.
What can we expect next?
If this scandal has been known to exist in the New Jersey area, what about the rest of the states? Who can better such a show? What does this sort of conduct say to the rest of the world at a time when we're looking for friends and followers?
Jay Leno has commented on it on late night TV: “...another Democrat saying: ' I did not have sex with that woman!'” Other wit-wizards have been less discrete.
It is, on the whole, a shameful thing for New Jersey and for all of us indirectly. A friend of mine commented: “A few months ago people were wondering what President William Jefferson Clinton's actual, true 'legacy' to our nation was going to prove to be. We are now beginning to see it appearing in our national stance and actions.”
A.L.M. August 14, 2004 [c498wds]
WHAT ELSE CAN HAPPEN?
It is bad enough that the Governor of the state of New Jersey, having engaged in unseemly conduct with a male associate, feels he must resign his office. The request arrived urgently, but it seems he doesn't want to hurry into actually departing the tainted area.
If the act was, in itself or for other reason cited, so despicable that resignation is dictated, why put it all off for three months? Under current law for the Garden States if the Chief Gardener, the Governor, falls short of that which was expected and leaves, his troubled trowel is handed over to the head of the state Senate. But, there is a legal, ninety-day limit. Only then can the incumbent party keeps the office in their possession, for the law requires an exit before the ninety days automatically triggers a special election for a new governor.
The Governor, admitting he has been a bad boy, accepts due punishment but wants the official spanking put off for three months or so. The request is , obviously, to foil any new election proceedings being mandated..
If granted, such a plan enables the ex-governor to, more-or-less name his successor. What happen then is any ones guess, because it is difficult to place any real confidence in a man who has, himself, admitted dire wrongdoing.
Many citizens of our nation will look at this incident with horror and disgust, but to add yet another layer of intrigue and falseness to the strange deed that brought it all about this tawdry activity. It is unfortunate for all of us, that this scandal surfaced during the current Presidential Election campaign. Kerry people will claim that Bush people are using mentions of the scandal unfairly as election fodder when it is really a local, New Jersey problem, not a national one at all.
The fact that the resigning Governor added his sex mate to the his state's payroll in a $110,000 per year Home Security position for which he was not qualified, is an even worse aspect of the entire situation.
What can we expect next?
If this scandal has been known to exist in the New Jersey area, what about the rest of the states? Who can better such a show? What does this sort of conduct say to the rest of the world at a time when we're looking for friends and followers?
Jay Leno has commented on it on late night TV: “...another Democrat saying: ' I did not have sex with that woman!'” Other wit-wizards have been less discrete.
It is, on the whole, a shameful thing for New Jersey and for all of us indirectly. A friend of mine commented: “A few months ago people were wondering what President William Jefferson Clinton's actual, true 'legacy' to our nation was going to prove to be. We are now beginning to see it appearing in our national stance and actions.”
A.L.M. August 14, 2004 [c498wds]
|
