Sassy11's Blog

Get Your Act Together!

The mantra for our nations top 3 automakers should be, "Get Your Act Together".  One of the most largely comprised industries in the United States; yet when they go to Washington to present their case for a bailout, they left their homework.

Apparently the dog ate it, someone on the union floor chewed it up and spit it out, or they just didn't do their homework for a bailout.  Why?  

Additionally, why are they not thinking ahead by putting together a plan.  Yes, a restructuring plan.  One where the unions are not in control.  Let's face it folks, the high fees and the unions hammering home about their concessions does not help this country.   No one wants to support a group or buy into a group that is not capable of getting their act together.  The floundering auto industry is not the American publics fault, in fact it is the fault of the automakers and the unions.  Truetexan said it best in one of his blogs, let the unions bail them out.  I'd have to agree. 

Many think, hey you got yourself into the floundering mess due to your own negligence.  Therefore, file Chapter 11.  Then, America you can dissassociate/divorce yourselves from the unions.  GM has been failing for years.  This did not just happen overnight.  No one can borrow right now.  So why not let the curtain fall and end the trauma?

Don't they realize that many people who are unemployed will gladly head up to Michigan and work in those factories without a union involvement?  Obviously they spent all of their money on frivolity over the years and not on their education.  Because if they had the smart people on their team, those people would be clamoring and advocating to them to restructure.

Do you think the unions have helped destroy the big 3 auto industry?  Oh, and why aren't the people on their design teams thinking about truly globally impacting the world, design compact cars that are affordable.  Cars that use less fuel, but travel 55mph or more from point A to B.  Why spend all of your manhours and money on gas guzzling vehicles.  

Me, I'd say, "Get your act together.  Present a strategy to me on how you plan to restructure yourself."

If you could say anything to the auto industry, what would you say if they came to you for a bailout?

Since many of you know I love American Idol.  I'm in my American Idol pre-emptive mode with the Country Music Awards ceremony.  Therefore while watching the CMA's a spirited discussion took place.  My husband and I have this long standing disagreement as we were reminded once again while watching the CMA (Country Music Awards).  One of us thinks Jennifer Nettles sings too twangy (overly enunciated tWANgy) and through her nose.   Now, the song "Stay" is well written, so that doesn't count.  We are talking, when she sings a solo, not as a group.  But, Taylor Swift another one of us thinks sings bad and questions just how she became so popular.  Her vocals are truly weak. 

My question, which one of the females - Jennifer Nettles (from the group Sugarland, not the group her voice) or Taylor Swift would make you scream and run for the hills if you had to be locked up in a room and listen to either of their songs 24/7?

I want to do something new said the voters. John McCain couldn't have won in such a difficult climate as this, nor the unsurmountable challenges he faced in his bid for Presidency, it was reaching too far. If Pres. Bush and Vice Pres. Cheney hid out and didn't surface until after election day, it still wouldn't make a difference because voters were on a mission to replace Republicans so far to the left that they would be liberal in their rage. Additionally, Pres. Bush's huge unpopularity and this simply is just the wrong time to be a Republican mantra was the wind behind McCain's bid for Presidency. It is unfortunate, but people are in a fired up mood, when their pockets are empty.

There wasn't anything left to give said middle class, immigration stagnation, overburdened healthcare and then the double whammy whopper - 401k's and houses so foreclosed that lenders still can't figure it out. Throw in the Wall Street crisis, it was a bad recipe politically. People were ticked, no one's middle class shouting was being heard. Lawmakers were too busy dealing with the extremely poor and those who were rich. Middle class voter children were left out in the cold, with no one to offer them hope.

No two ways about it. We can analyze it to death and discuss it until our next political season, they were ticked. Displaced voter rage, anger and one armed voter bandits? People taking silent majority action the best way they know how, voting in droves with one thing in mind: "Replace, Let's kick some voter behind, Adios, Hit the road folks and Change!

You have to remember, if we look back in history that people make decisions for various reasons. Let's look at British History for example, Winston Churchill who was replaced by Prime Minister Clement Attlee. How did it happen? At that time Britian was clamoring for universal healthcare (does that sound familiar?). Hear that Democrats, you didn't coin that term. The dubious distinction goes back in time to around 1945, right after Hitler was dead and Germany was defeated. Apparently, Churchill didn't agree with it. Let's not forget they had much to rally for - Hitler was dead, England's fight against the Nazi's was vindicated, and he was gallant and lead them out. So you have to marvel at the first-time Prime Minister in Clement Attlee's ability to take the coveted cup of leadership away from Churchill. I'm sure the voters when they saw his name thought death, destruction, pent up anxiety out of that gloomy period and no healthcare.

If we look here on our own soil, Roosevelt beat Dewey with a slim margin, and Abraham Lincoln was not without his woes either. 

So it will be little wonder when voters saw McCain's name they would remember the rage against Bush, the rage that burns through the night with that epic cry for help and no one on Wall Street wanted to be bothered. That rage which doesn't see facts, validity or reasoning. The type of repressed anger that makes voters forge onward. 

No one on Capitol Hill wanted to save the little people "middle class" and offer them some crumbs, help them with some relief in their gas woes, the special interest and lobbying still persists. Instead many lawmakers politically running past the little people who were on the highways across this nation, with empty gas cans - their voices not being heard, stiffled by the sounds of being ignored and rampant lawmaker rhetoric. The droves of people from every side of the aisle Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independant...middle class wants to be heard and they demand it.   God, please hear the cries of your children.

Check this out for all of you political comedy lovers.  The Mt. Rushmore chat with Obama is hilarious...

http://www.thenoseonyourface.com/

Sen. Obama said on the stump this week:
"they wanted to make a virtue out of selfishness"  as he was referring to Sen. McCain and Sen. Palin.  Yet, I missed something over the week.  Since when is Sen. Obama absolved from answering serious tough economic questions? Why can't he give an accountability without being the "Agent of Sarcastic and Dismissive" when it comes to his extremist associations?  Since when did he become the Obamanator when it comes to quelching his Acorn ties?  Since when did he become "Mr. OpineSupreme"  on economic issues?  The stump grind knock down one, two punch or the hoof and mouth rhetorical promises perhaps provide him with justifiable stump kick "Change Water repackaged Redistribution of Wealth" with some HoodSpin Speak is what we've become accustomed to over the Obama Presidential race.  When are we going to step up and ask Mr. SelfRighteous Obama to stop the tap dancing around tough questions?  The only thing in bondage is the tireless and relentless themes that process through, as the attacks get louder and louder in the haughty self-righteous tones on the stump grind.

So let's get this straight on that hot air spun in the Obama easy bake oven of economics.  Obama doesn't understand why people want to keep their hard earned tax dollars?  But we all know, that if he is elected, he will tax everyone across the board in order to usurp presidency.  Politicians lie all the time, just run the reels of many famous stump promises from previous years.  The lies just endlessly roll onward.  Wait, I hear his promises and his lips are moving.  Therefore, we know he's still promising as his lips are still moving...

Obama needs to know that middle class is taxed and stretched as far as they can go.  They have nothing left to give.  So I guess he's saying middle class should get off their high horse and dole out the remainder of funds, which equals to NOTHING left to give.  If anyone wants to give, then by all means, give away to your hearts content on April 15th, write your check out to the government.  If you want to keep it, how dare you?  You selfish brats with no patriotic duty.  Your pockets may be empty, but Obama needs your money now for redistribution, cough it up selfish people.   Does this sound like a Marxist, Socialistic, er, Soviet, I mean repackaged and seasoned to good ole' "Change"?  

Feel free to share your last minute Halloween (Fall Festival or Costume party) stories.  My coworkers and I were discussing this yesterday about how resourceful people can be at the last minute.  Over the years I've seen some really creative last minute costume ideas.  Some of them were so clever. 

Here's several to get us started:  One of my friends said her daughter dressed up like a laundry basket (clean clothes for some of you witty comedians).   Plenty of people remember getting an old sheet and making a ghost costume (Casper the Friendly Ghost), before we had such an abundant marketing of comic book character costumes many of the guys remember tying sheets or towels around their neck to represent a super hero, another one said she made her own pumpkin and mini-pumpkin for her daughter costume.  A host of friends who went to Catholic school have some really fun and creative costumes they wore as children. 

Tell me your favorite last minute Halloween costume ideas or something you saw that was truly creative for a costume. 

ACORN has so many fraudulent activity if you look at the history of its conception you begin to get nauseous.  So to Barack Obama who wants to dismiss and divert his involvement with ACORN, well guess what accountability is our right.  Yes!  American taxpayers of ALL party lines want answers. 

This time you can't dump your smear garbage or the snears and jeers at George Bush.  No, you can point those fingers back at ACORN.  Just do a research on the fraudulent activity and you can see where ACORN is virtually a group that begs us as taxpayers to dissolve it. 

Why do we need rotten groups spoiling the voter process?  Why do we need people fraudulently and blatantly singlehandedly swinging the election?  Why do we need these outright executive frauds and the felons involved?  Why is it necessary to continue a rotten relationship?   This is an abusive group that is no better than wife beaters who swing their fists at the wives.  This time, we as the Taxpayer Joe's and Jane's of this country are getting beat up constantly by this devious group.  Why is this abusive organization allowed to exist and have no accountability, nor any of its key executives serve time in the federal pen?  Why are we so niave that we allow Obama and the Democrats to sweep this rotten group out of the way, just so they can get ahead politically?  All the while, they are benefiting the most!

Acorn keeps promising that they will clean up their act.  So far they have not.  I am not telling people what to do.  However, I am asking people to clearly look at the facts, listen to the rhetoric and seriously demand accountability with this group.   A full scale investigation from a non-partisan committee should be looking into this matter.  This group seriously needs to have oversight and attention.  We should be asking the Democratic party whether or not Obama was the official elected candidate when he was running against Hillary Clinton.  I have my doubts that he has actually won fair and square. 

In fact, in years to come we will probably find out that Hillary Clinton was the victor, not Obama.  You might be able to run, divert and coverup, but in the end you cannot hide.   This is not reform nor change.  In fact, it smells like the same ole' dirty style politics that have been used for many years.  This is not real change that anyone with a conscience can overlook.  Wake up America!

Stop the abuse.  I urge everyone that can write to contact your State Representatives and Congressional men and women across this country.  Plead with them to demand for this group to be investigated and held responsible for their malicious voter fraud activity. 

The economy is driving many people to the Democrats this Presidential season.  In order to give us a break from the current political topics, let's ponder a few thoughts.  If our Government elected dunderheaded officials were wise they would truly evaluate intelligent policies, instead of supporting pinheads that got us into this debacle.   I don't know about you, but I'm fed up with the bluster blather bologney that comes out of the mouths of our elected officials in Congress.  Therefore, here are a few ideas that Joe the Plumber (the poster boy for the campaign trail) and many middle class citizens truly want.  Keep Joe the Plumber in business.  If he doesn't have customer's then guess what, there won't be a spread of the wealth.  A few ideas, see what you think or feel free to add yours:

1.
No outside companies should be handling votes.  Why can't the voter registrations be matched with motor vehicle registration or state issued I.D. registration's database?  It is virtually a gapping hole in our voting process to allow such fraudulent voter activity.   I think the entire voting process should be revised in all of our states.  Many of the states are not in compliance.  In fact, the government should insist that they are stepped up to compliance and those that don't, should be withheld from voting in a general election until they get their state's voting in compliance. 

2.
Why can't the government see that helping the homeowners with the foreclosed mortgages would be the better solution.  In fact, address which banks hold the foreclosed mortgages, pay those off and get them away from the market.  In fact, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that the money distribution on this bailout is fouled up.  I know of many people who wanted to buy foreclosed homes.  In fact, they had cash (letters of credit) stating they had the capital.  Guess what, the banks turned them down.  Why?  Because the banks wanted the full amount of the appraised value of the homes.  Something is off don't you think?   These homes that were foreclosed were not in the best of shape.  In fact, it would take about $60,000 (plus the accessed value that the bank is trying to make off the mortgage/foreclosure  Example:  $200,000 valuation of home and repairs to bring home up to livable status an additional $60,000 - investor would spend $260,000+or more to bring the homes up to standard.  That is because virtually 60% of the homes have been destroyed by the previous owners, vandals, etc.). 

The realtors, lending institutions and buyers for homes are having a hard time due to the roadblocks.  Why not remove some of those roadblocks and get the economy back on track?  Tax break incentives to those that pay off their mortgages, reduce the interest rate of the mortgages, stop letting everyone buy a home with any stronghold group such as ACORN, Countrywide, CSI and other special interest lobbyists, reduce the aisle of lobbyist cartels in Washington - Pharmaceuticals, Insurance, and other "special" interest groups. 

3.
Have an outside non-partisan committee from around the country hold a Healthcare Reformation forum.   Gather ideas from all people, businesses and healthcare agencies.  Let the people design their healthcare reform.  Then if someone wants to tweak it in order to present it to Congress, then go for it.  But, the people of this country need affordable healthcare.  Middle class americans need to step up to the plate and let your voices be heard loud and clear.  You should be able to have insurance that carries with you for the rest of your life.  You should also have tax credits whether you have children or not.  This means, that it shouldn't just pinpoint or target one group.  Single people need affordable healthcare as well.   If you've worked and paid your taxes, you bet your bailout dollars every citizen deserves healthcare.  Reform Healthcare - Muy Pronto - Comprehende!  Not next year, not in the next century, but this year!

"When times get tough the tough get going."   I've heard that mantra all my life, so have many of you.   Having parents, Grandparents, Great-Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and many friends over the years who lived through the Depression it has always been in the forefront of my mind.  A keen awareness to never take anything for granted.  I used to listen to the older people speak about their struggles during the Depression.  Countless stories they've shared over the years, when many people found them to be boring, I did not. 

Really felt like I was being allowed access into something that could be beneficial in years to come.  Folks, there was a time when many of us didn't have air conditioners.   It was the norm across the nation.  Comfort was getting underneath a shade tree, having attic fans and some of you might remember those box fans inside the window as you struggled to sleep during humid Summer's here in the South.  If you worked in the fields, you gingerly cut open watermelons for all to share.  To quench the thirst from the searing heat.  Sitting on the porch playing checkers, rolling out the BBQ pit, then playing volleyball, badminton, croquet or horseshoes in the back yard.  There was one vehicle that the family owned and everyone had to coordinate their activities around that one vehicle.  A familiar chant, "Do you need anything from town?" was all too common.  

There are ways for us to get by on less.  Sure, they do involve horrible struggles.  I assure you that many of you do have the fortitude and the backbone to meet those challenges.   Many of the Seniors have been deceased for awhile.  Now, I'm reminded of those talks we had and the hours of learning that was imparted to me.   When Hurricane Ike blasted into the Gulf Coast it reminded me of those times.   After sorting through the rubble and coming to terms with the damages, comforting my friends, neighbors and loved ones it reminded me that in tough times, we can survive.  If we pull together as a team and endure the struggle.  Those 12 days of hardship back into time with Hurricane Ike reminded me of those facts.   Many of us pulled our time together.  Some of us had vehicles that were damaged, so we asked many neighbors what they needed if one of us got into town.  Phone lines were down, many of the cell phones didn't work either.  Lots of technology, but hardly any of it was doing anyone good.   Battery powered items were better suited for the days ahead.  Listening to the radio at night reminded me of my youth listening to many talk shows and lively discussions from some callers able to have phone access. 

A huge 100 year old oak tree blocked our access out onto the road for a couple of days, but the ladies within my community were troopers.  The other side of the access road was covered with a lot of water, so we were a bit trapped, but not for long.   We took note of our supplies, put together our creativity and came up with coordinated plans.   If only the Government needed us...Man, all of us on my two blocks are economic wizards compared to the doofus thinkers on Capitol Hill.   So with the whirl of the generators blurring through the air.  Which I'm now thinking that all of those meditation waterfalls many of you have with different settings....rainfall, rainforest, birds chirping...that the manufacturer's need to add one more setting, the sound of a generator.   I'm pretty proud of many of us who endured without assistance from generators.  

My refrigerator is sparkling clean, all the housework was done, and the smell of scented candles infused the air.   When the city came by and finally started cutting the old tree down, we almost didn't want them to complete the task.  Why you ask?  Because it really bonded all of us, made us appreciate each other more, and we were getting by without having to rely upon any Government assistance.  On our block was one family that stayed holed up inside their "compound", they didn't make contact with anyone, nor care if anyone was struggling.  You always have that type of attitude in our society.  It never phased all of us. 

Everyone experiences "cabin fever" during those hot humid days being cooped up inside the home.  So, I diligently gathered up the laundry and headed out to find a Washateria.  Haven't seen the inside of one of those in a long while.  Remember vowing as a teenager that I would save every last dime earned to someday get a washer and dryer so that I didn't have to lug them to the laundry mat.  Well, the old friend welcomed me back.  This time there was a surprise.  Many of you know that I love plants, flowers and all types of gardening.  I've been praying for over a year to get a garden club of some sort started in my community.  Guess what, my kindred gardener spirit was sitting next to me at the Washateria!   Both of us struck up a lively discussion on craft projects, then moved into the fav zone - plants.  She has been searching for a garden club for over a year too.  Guess what, she lives in the next community over.  Go figure!  God is truly great.

We did it one neighbor at a time, tuned our thinking caps back into the resources many of us endured as children.  All of us knew we could survive.   My message to each of you in all of this ramble is that when times get tough, the tough get going! 

God bless all of you still struggling with the recovery of Ike.  Thanks to Fox News, and the team of reporters who helped all of us during the disaster.   Thanks blogger friends for keeping the discussions always lively and spirited.  May God pull us all through this economic period.

There are many intelligent people in this country.  However, half of them are no where to be seen with our political leaders on both sides of the aisle within this country.  If there are, please accept my apologies.  Additionally, toss me some links so that I can review what they are thinking or proposing on the "Mercy Rescue Mission.....a.k.a. "Code word: Bailout"  Those with the muscle to get the creativity flowing, just barely ink by on slim threads of Senate and House votes.  There could be alternatives and I've got several.  See what you think about these "rescue" options:

1.  Create an FTIC (Federal Trade Insurance Corporation) that would encompass energy and all trades on Wall Street.  Currently we have FDIC, which many of you who have deposits and savings at your bank know about.  With a creation of an FTIC it would help in the future.  It would be trade insurance so to speak.  Yet, it needs to be governed by the Government. 

Additionally, all pension funds that ANY working class American puts into a fund should be insured.  Basically, the Government should stay out of the worker's retirement funds (401K).  Furthermore, banks should be told by the government to diversify among themselves.  Simply put, banks should conduct only savings and deposits.  All investments should be made separate and apart from banks.  Home mortgages should be separate as well.  In fact, if you look at my proposal above with the creation of an FTIC (Federal Trade Insurance Corporation), it could work.  All foreign trade could also be included in this entity.  Corporations who are American owned, yet set up business in foreign countries should be taxed.

This would also encourage that a tax surcharge would be put back into the economy.  Each time a stock is traded or sold, a percentage of the money would be deducted from the transaction.

2.  The wealthy in America should be able to foot this payout bill also.  Better yet, why not tax the large corporations too.  They have scammed and skimmed off the top in the past with many tax breaks.  a.  Large corporations should be taxed at least a 2% rate.  b.  Wealthy Americans should pay a percentage as well on this bill.  c. Go back to initial good banking practices and not these sub-prime forced to hand out loans to every special interest group.  If you can't afford it, you don't need it.   d.  Give tax incentives to people who buy a home and pay their mortgages off.  

3.  Health insurance needs to be revised.  If no politician in this country can address it and get it done, then the Physicians and Americans of this nation need to demand that it get reformed.  This health care crisis is a real problem in this nation.  It needs to stay on the agenda and get something accomplished for our working class Americans.  Both sides of the aisle have had over 35 years to get it fixed.  Get it done or next year the American citizens will vote that every politician will not receive any of their healthcare benefits, until this nation's citizens get the healthcare they need.

4.  Immigration is a real problem.  I don't care what poll or what special interest group says that there is no problem.  Guess what, it is real.  The American citizens see it daily and now many of our jobs across this nation are being affected by the inadequacies on this issue.  Healthcare and other money that should be appropriated to our tax paying citizens is not there for any legal citizen when they truly need it. 

5.  A salary cap should be instituted in this country for all executives in major corporations.  It is absolutely astounding that many get to profit without any liability or penalties.    If the company is investigated, then all money (even those gained from any stock market) should be turned over to the stockholders and employees of any bankrupt company.  It is appalling that money grubbers with sticky fingers get to keep their cash, profit off the gullible in their company and the public - no pardon's!

6.  A separate investigative committee not connected with any political agenda should spear head investigations of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 

7.  Dental and Medical coverage should be in one healthcare package.  Not separated as many plans allow it currently. 

Feel free to add to the list or to discuss the list.   Begin thinking again.   Unleash your potential for thinking. 

American taxpayers across the country are outraged.  Many of the working class citizens have been struggling for a long time.  Paying their bills, purchasing the essentials for daily needs as we have seen a spike in food, gas and medical needs.  Viritually everyone in the working class sector is screaming foul from both sides of the aisle.  Congress and our State Representatives tune us out.  Flip the channel of loud outcry is if it was bad air static and too much loud noise.   This is like being slapped and kicked in the face, in fact the taxpayers are taking a beating. 

Yet, the lawmakers want us to take a lickin' and keep on tickin' like a Timex watch.  The wealthy have no clue what the working class citizens are experiencing in this country.  Help me understand why no one from the American Realtors Association is not addressing the crisis of mortgages.  Because, it certainly affects their ability to buy and sell the homes that average citizens are selling in the free market.   So much emphasis has been concentrated on the foreclosures, barely anything has been addressed.  No one (our politicians) is addressing the area that would help bring about a recovery.  All of the big boys and gals on Wall Street need to have their assets frozen.  In fact it was one of my major complaints with another failed group. Here in Texas it was known as the big "E". 

The people who got us into this mess get to walk away from the freight train wreck debris with no accountability.  Sure, maybe in 5 years.  Yeah, right after we find and locate them after they get on their private jets to zip into Dubai or some foreign country for protection.   In fact, so much attention is focused upon the freight train going downhill, that barely anyone is addressing the fundamentals.  We need people in the housing market buying and selling.   Therefore, why not have tax incentives?

Bottom line, no one is addressing the snowball effect that will ensue.  I am entirely surprised that the American Realtors Association is not screaming louder on this mortgage crisis bailout plan.  Why not open the tax credit up to buyers who are not purchasing foreclosed homes, allow the free market homes to have some leverage.  There are no tax revenues at all for a person to buy or sell a home.  Yet, very few people want to buy into the train going downhill.

The wealthy are not absolved from this either.  Those who have horded money and refuse to give some of it back to the working class.  You are accountable just as much as the wall street manipulators.  Hope some of you are happy when a loaf of bread will cost you a wheel barrow full of money.   When that runs out, you will have to deal with the working class citizens.  You can find us.  We are here in the streets making our way.  Some of you in the wealthy crowd are no better than the criminals in jail.  In fact, you are just like them.  Just dressed in different suits and dresses.

Just wanted to give a shout out to everyone.  Have a super day!

"A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars."  - - Revelations 12:1

The Archangel Gabriel called her "full of grace" because she never was deprived of sanctifying grace, and consequently she possessed this grace in the first moment of her conception.

Since God himself had announced from the beginning of the world that Mary was destined "to crush the head" of the infernal serpent through her Divine Son, she could not have begun her life by being wounded herself by his poisonous bite and subject to his power. 

Reason, too, approves of Mary's Immaculate Conception, for this privilege corresponds with her sublime vocation.  She was the throne of God, the wonderful place in which the Son of God chose to dwell for nine months. Her womb was the chosen place honored by the mysterious working of the Holy Spirit.  If everything that comes in contact with God must be pure and immaculate, purity was necessary for her, the vessel in which the Son of God formed His Flesh and Blood.  Her Immaculate Conception is a brilliant witness to the sanctity of Jesus, her Son.

If Jesus, the Son of God, could choose for His Mother her who pleased Him most, He would surely choose one acceptable to the Blessed Trinity and worthy of the great honor for which she was destined.  Mary was, therefore, not only free from all actual sin, but she also remained exempt from original sin; otherwise, she would not have been a Mother suitable for Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As Eve received natural life from Adam, Mary received spiritual life, the life of grace, through her Son.  If Eve was originally immaculate, Mary, who is superior to Eve in merits, could not be inferior to her in dignity.  Since Eve was immaculate in her formation, Mary, must have been immaculate in her conception.

God Himself has testified to Mary's Immaculate Conception by miracles.  We should be grateful to God for the grace of Baptism by which we were cleansed from original sin and spiritually regenerated and sanctified.  We ought to ask the Immaculate Virgin Mary to guard us against every sin, above all against every mortal sin, lest we lose the grace of God, infinitely greater than all the riches of the world.

Finally, let me end with this beautiful prayer:

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of Mercy,
our life, our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve;
to thee do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.

Turn then, most gracious advocate,
thine eyes of mercy toward us;
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V./ Pray for us O holy Mother of God,
R./ that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Source of all information:  Catholic Catechism, Catholic Book Press and Treasury of Novenas, and the Holy Bible (biblical quotes).

I knew the heading of this would grab some attention.  Now, on to the subject that has me ticked off with humanity.  Why are people destroying holy objects?  Come on, surely your parents or religious leaders have taught you better.  Then why is it necessary for "hooligans" street or any other religious group "hooligans" to go to a house of worship and destroy or deface the Blessed Mother of our Lord, Jesus Christ?  I quote from page 2 of the Catholic Herald:  "Three different statues of the Virgin Mary have been vandalized on the grounds of All Saints Church."  Crimestoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and charging of a suspect(s) responsible for vandalism at All Saints Church in the Heights area. 

Catholics are honoring the lives.  Not worshipping them.  Therein is the difference.  Don't get these two confused, HONORING

Come on people of this planet.  Recently read my Catholic Herald at the horrendous activity that transpired.  Oh my goodness this breaks your heart.  Why are people out there knocking the head of the Virgin Mary off the statue, destroying or defacing any christian statue?  This is simply mean, ignorant and grossly out of hand.  Catholics do not worship idols, we are honoring their lives.   Jesus Christ's Mother is Mary.  Mary gave birth to Jesus Christ.  Mary, the Mother of Jesus Christ should be honored and respected.  Not defaced, destroyed and treated like garbage that you throw in the trash.  Anyone who does such a malicious thing, is seriously in need of prayer and intervention.  What a horrible thing to do to the Mother of Jesus Christ, Our Lady of Lourdes, Virgin Mary.

Anyone have any thoughts on the subject, feel free to express yourself.

Good grief the general election is turning into various little twists and turns.  Our economy doesn't help matters.  But, wow how goofy are these candidates?  Come on, the people on the streets know that the smooth talking jive just isn't going to cut it.

I've heard them bounce the energy subject around like a ping pong tournament.  Each blames the other party.  When in fact, BOTH parties need to accept responsibility.  Now there's a novel idea....don't look for that to happen. 

Give these political stupidos (McCain and Obama) the boot.  None of these bozoo's can really get the right thing done.  To be quite honest, it will take an extraordinary person to do so. 

Until the Republicans and Democrats get off their hidden agendas in Congress, nothing can get resolved.  What say you people?