The quintessential element of democracy is that “The People” have to accept the cost of it, the essence of which is their willingness to carry out their ‘citizen responsibility.’ That means Americans actually have to do something, not just wait for the corruption of special interests to mortgage their future.

George Pataki, former Governor of the state of New York, gave us all of the wisdom we need to understand and solve the problem when he said, “When government takes responsibility for people, then people no longer take responsibility for themselves.” Somebody should find a way to etch that on every car bumper in America. Freedom and dependency are unable to coexist. That you might choose responsibility over dependency is the politician’s, the legal system’s and the main stream media’s greatest threat. The essence of government spirit is to keep us united under a common bond, whatever [fear] that may be. And let’s face it, we are so easy to unite [scare].

In the beginning of the end, the populous tends to believe that they can hire mercenaries for their duties. That is what is happening to America right now. Every great civilization from time immemorial has eventually violated this truth and in return their government was lost to the ages.

Americans have become apathetic to an ever more intrusive form of government and, most ironically, less inclined to take up their Citizen Responsibility. Americans face a host of serious issues, many of which they treat with a herd mentality, protected by the drove grazing preoccupies them, until they sense the siren call of eminent danger. And, like the wildebeest on the Serengeti even though others regularly perish, as long as it is not them they go back to grazing.

America is desperately trying to move on from the Bush presidency and that Barack Obama has offered that “Dream”. The recent stock market debacle, Lehman Brothers, the Fannie and Freddie crash, AIG and the $700 billion Wall Street bailout has rightfully enraged Middle America. The U.S. financial system and the world financial markets are so stressed right now that it threatens the very social fabric of our nation, one that our fathers and their forefathers have already fought and died for. Will we keep our American entrepreneurial spirit, which we have bragged about and paraded before the world for 200 years, or will we give way to a new form of socialism because we have hit a speed bump?

This is no reason to go off the deep end, throwing away our ideological sense of America in order to remove ourselves. Barack Obama is assembling his dream team, and the liberal media have already gone out to celebrate… just a minute… not so fast… history abounds with examples of people wanting out of a bad situation and then being taken to worse. Most people will reject these words, but I can’t help myself from writing them. This is the “herd instinct” in human nature. It is in our psychic that under threats we cannot perceive [or manage] we want to join the socialist masses. Socialism is the very essence of government, of security, of the ‘covenant of the fence’, however we need to know where we are running… before we run over a cliff. Most people stranded on an island-of-hell don’t ask many questions when someone throws them a lifeline of hope. Maybe they should ask, but most people don’t.

Socialist regimes throughout history have promised hope and change. I’m surprised, even dumfounded, that many Americans are acting blinded by speeches without details, the evidence for which is that they are not asking questions and demanding answers. The peoples yearning for betterment cannot override our common sense. Most important, people want change because they are frustrated by the relentless liberal media attacks on America’s foundation. They want change… for change’s sake.

Americans cannot throw our constitutional heritage out the window for the promise of hope. The America we have known for over 200 years is an uplifting struggle for fairness, equality and a uniquely American idealism. It’s not perfect, but let’s not mess it up now.

Don Snyder is an American who is fed up with the low fat, salt free diet of bull crap he gets every day from the mainstream press more aptly referred to as the mainstream mess. He can be reached at dsnyder@twc.net

by Frank Vanderlugt

The Iraq War has had its protestors since the very beginning. Protestors called attention to the fact that the US government was never forthcoming with its evidence of the “weapons of mass destruction” that were supposedly the reason for starting the Iraq War.

As the WMDs never did surface, those against the Iraq War point out that our country went to war on false pretenses, but those who have supported the Iraq War will say that at least a dictator was taken out.

However, those against the Iraq War include most of the rest of the world. America has some supporters who are fighting alongside American soldiers in Iraq–the so-called “Coalition of the Willing”–but 92% of the allied soldiers are American, and the few nations that have supported America are pulling out more and more soldiers as years go by.

Even those Americans who supported the Iraq War initially are starting to turn against the Iraq War as the war drags on years beyond initially promised, no clear goal for “winning” the Iraq War has been defined, and President Bush gets lower and lower approval ratings.

A number of groups for those against the Iraq War have surfaced, perhaps most infamously MoveOn.org with its “General Betray Us” ad in The New York Times. Worrying about condemning an ad as “tasteless” despite being free speech detracts from the real issue: Most Americans are against the Iraq War and they want their children, parents, friends, and family who are soldiers to stop being put in harm’s way for no reason.

Veterans Against the Iraq War (vaiw.org) and Iraq Veterans Against the Iraq War (ivaw.org) are protest groups against the Iraq War from the very heroes who have fought to defend this country, and their opinions against the Iraq War deserve to be heard.

If you’re not a veteran, you can show your support for groups against the Iraq War like Antiwar.com and ExitIraq.org. Antiwar.com features the latest news, articles, and other resources for those against the Iraq War. You can sign up for a free newsletter to stay informed, view photos of the American soldiers who have lost their lives, and even submit your own articles or stories on the Iraq War.

ExitIraq.org is the North West Indiana Coalition Against the Iraq War, which welcomes members from anywhere across the US to join. See a live calculator of the cost of each second our troops are in Iraq, which will have to be paid back someday with higher taxes. Show that you’re against the Iraq War by purchasing bumper stickers, car magnets, and t-shirts. Support the against the Iraq War mission by donating for billboards that say “Out of Iraq” to be posted across the US.

Despite what some people have said, just because you’re against the Iraq War doesn’t mean you’re unpatriotic. In fact, it’s standing up for what’s right despite persecution that got the revolutionaries to fight off the British and create these United States of America in the first place.
About the Author
frank j vanderlugt owns and operates http://www.iraq-war-2010.com Iraq War

When we only see terrorism, war, hate, and crime, this video tells me there is still hope. This video gave me the biggest smile ever…. Group Hug!!

“Sometimes, a hug is all what we need. Free hugs is a real life controversial story of Juan Mann, A man whos sole mission was to reach out and hug a stranger to brighten up their lives.

In this age of social disconnectivity and lack of human contact, the effects of the Free Hugs campaign became phenomenal.

As this symbol of human hope spread accross the city, police and officials ordered the Free Hugs campaign BANNED. What we then witness is the true spirit of humanity come together in what can only be described as awe inspiring.

In the Spirit of the free hugs campaign, PASS THIS TO A FRIEND and HUG A STRANGER! After all, If you can reach just one person…

Music by Sick Puppies. Their album is out April 3rd called “Dressed Up As Life”. Go out and support these guys.”
(Visit http://sickpuppies.net or http://myspace.com/sickpuppies for the music)

By D Mann

Many wounded returning Iraq War Veterans are not being advised well about filing their VA claims for benefits. Most of the time, the only assistance the veteran receives is one printed sheet that they get during the discharge process that tells them to get on the VA website and to file their claim electronically. If an Iraq veteran has been wounded with a permanently disabling injury, the veteran needs to file a claim.

Unfortunately, returning vets with PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) are often mentally unable to complete the forms needed to file a claim. Their stress levels leave them unable to concentrate on the task of completing the forms, gathering documents needed, and stating the cause of their PTSD. Simply writing down the events frequently leaves them so stressed and anxious that they are unable to function on a daily basis. Ironically, these veterans need help with their PTSD as soon as possible.

Vietnam veterans fought the VA to be acknowledged as disabled with PTSD. PTSD is nothing new. In wars past, it was called “shell-shock” (World War I) and “combat fatigue” or a “nervous condition” (World War II).

Gulf War veterans, too, have “undiagnosed” problems with aches and pains and odd symptoms that doctors are unable to put their finger on to treat. These veterans, too, need to file VA claims. Their problems are caused by exposure to harmful chemicals and gases that were used by both sides fighting in the Gulf.

Returning Iraq War veterans that have permanent injuries, burns, scars or other problems from combat are advised to file VA claims. Scars, especially on the face, are considered “disfiguring” and are worthy of a disability rating by the VA.

Even if a disability is rated at zero-percent disabling by the VA, it is important for these young veterans to have the disability acknowledged by the VA. As a person ages, disabilities that seem very tolerable at 25 years of age become arthritic and painful to a person at 50 years of age. The disability can be re-rated at a later date and it is much easier to have a disability re-rated at a higher rating than to try to establish the disabilty 30 years after discharge.

Deborah Mann and her husband, Richard, have helped many veterans with their disability claims for over ten years. The Manns have helped veterans get claims as far back as 1955 and are masters at dealing with the Veterans Administration.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=D_Mann ]]> http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/2007/04/08/our-returning-iraq-war-veterans/feed/ 0 http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/2007/02/15/how-to-adopt-a-soldier-with-prepaid-phone-cards-for-soldiers/ http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/2007/02/15/how-to-adopt-a-soldier-with-prepaid-phone-cards-for-soldiers/#comments Thu, 15 Feb 2007 19:04:09 +0000 Christine http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/?p=178

by: Brian Hawkins

There is over one hundred thousand troops serving our country in Iraq to protect our freedom. Its been five years since that horrible September eleven day that shock our country. We all can remember that day and where we were when it happen. But do you remember the feeling that you had that you wanted to help in any way possible to these victims? Well our US soldiers still need your help in any way possible. Its time for American to remember what our US soldiers are doing to help our country and to remember that there is still a need to support our troops overseas.

Hopefully the new September eleventh movie that is out will help Americans remember what we are fighting for or at least think about our troops and hopefully reach out to support our troops. Our military families have done what they can to support there family but its up to our citizens to step in and realize that our soldiers could use more support now. International military care packages have had some great donations in the past but the numbers our slipping and its time for American and corporate companies to realize what they can do to get in involved with things that our soldiers really need. The px has most of our common day items but military care packages can help to give the personal touch of knowing that we care. Another way to help let our soldiers remember what there fighting for is to have a better way to stay connected with there friends and family they left behind to protect our freedom. The need for inexpensive International military prepaid calling cards for soldiers is in huge demand. The international PX are not providing our soldiers with the best military phone card rates possible and its up to our military families and supporters to find other solutions to let our soldiers talk for as long as they want to there true support of family and friends. With the use and ability of military cell phone calling cards for soldiers, there is more ways for our soldiers to connect with every spare min. they have. That is what keeps our soldiers spirit alive during these long tour of duties.

Do a search online for how you can adopt a soldier with military care packages and military calling cards for soldiers. Get involved and promote these websites and services that are trying to help support our troops. Now is the time more then ever to support our troops. Give what you can and get active in helping our troops call home with cheap military calling cards for soldiers and personal letters to send in military care packages today.

Article Source: http://articlefree4all.com

Phone card doctor specializes in cheap military phone cards for soldiers and inexpensive prepaid International calling cards a> at http:// http://www.prepaid-international-calling-card.net/

]]> http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/2007/02/15/how-to-adopt-a-soldier-with-prepaid-phone-cards-for-soldiers/feed/ 0 http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/2006/12/27/garys-war-angel/ http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/2006/12/27/garys-war-angel/#comments Wed, 27 Dec 2006 07:10:14 +0000 Christine http://www.pleasureislandonline.com/?p=159

By Deanna Cisneros

We crossed the border into Baghdad that day—March 18, 2003, and were settling in for a rare operational pause. We had to reload and wait for our supplies to catch up.

As night fell, I realized that I had been awake for 72 hours, but it was my turn to watch the perimeter of the camp and keep all secure. I was to continually scan the horizon with my NVG’s (Night Vision Goggles). This eyewear allowed me to see in the darkest of nights—which it was in the desert.

Soon I was in my bed back home feeling the most comfortable I had ever felt. I was warm—so warm—not cold at all. The peace engulfed me.

Suddenly, I felt my daughter tapping me on my shoulder. She was tapping, tapping and saying, “Daddy, wake up Daddy, Daddy, wake up”. I woke with a start thinking that I would be seeing my daughter’s sweet face looking down at me. Instead, I saw movement along the horizon through my NVG’s!

I called the movement in over the radio to verify whether it was an enemy force or a friendly force—we always had to verify what we saw with the other sentry’s. “Verify target at 11 o’clock, verify target, verify!” was the call. In the distance you could hear “verify, verify, verify!” as the other sentry’s followed the same protocol.

Needless to say, the sighting was verified to be enemy forces—and the enemy was engaged. No one wanted that horrible ending—but it saved countless lives.

Through the soul of my sweet daughter, Isabella—our whole platoon was saved. Her love and devotion for me, her father, came through in such a strong spiritual way I will never forget.

Brook Noel

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before.
What is Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store?
What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.
~Dr. Seuss

I don’t know about you, but I have certainly been engaged in that familiar pre-Christmas holiday hustle and bustle this past week. Each day boxes have been arriving with gifts ordered online and I think I have purchased one of each design of wrapping paper that Walmart carries. I have been traveling most of December so far, and last night finished setting out my holiday decorations and table centerpieces.

While I have been doing all of these activities with holiday spirit and a love for this time of year, I have also spent a lot of time reflecting on which holidays in the past, were the most memorable.

Each of my most memorable holidays, had the same thing in common. The holiday spirit went beyond the four walls of our house and wrapped around the community or another family.

When my brother and I were little, we saw the true joy of giving from my mother. Although we didn’t have a lot to give, my mother still found a way to share the holiday spirit. I remember one particular year, a man in our small town had muscular sclerosis. His illness had been progressing and he was now wheelchair bound. He didn’t have the ability to cut down his Northwoods Christmas tree, and his family was without the means to purchase one. My mother found an additional tree, and we piled it atop our little car (quite a funny sight as the tree was so large I dare say it was a cousin of a Redwood)! Fortunately he only lived a mile away and we dashed through the snow to deliver it. The feeling we had as we carried this tree through their door was so overwhelming– I knew that feeling was the “spirit of Christmas.” His family cried at the gesture and we all sang songs together and enjoyed cider around the beautiful tree.

Giving is an important part of all of my memorable holidays (and days in general). Whether the gift be small or large, connecting to the community outside of these four walls allows the spirit of the holidays to spread.

Mark Twain wrote, “To get the full value of joy you must have somebody to share it with.” While that is true on a daily basis, I believe it is especially true at this time of year.

The holidays haven’t always been the happiest time for our family. My older brother died suddenly just short of the holidays eight years ago. My mother and I had already finished our shopping and as we sadly stared at this wrapped presents, we went back to the one thing we do very well–giving. We carefully selected a friend of his to receive each thoughtful gift. And while the holidays can be a sad time, or a stressful time, when we connect to something bigger than ourselves, we can find the true joy and meaning of “holiday spirit.” And that spirit is something you won’t find under the tree, and you won’t find in the shopping flyer of the Sunday paper.

Your Turn:
This week, find a way to spread the holiday spirit through kindness. Here is a simple idea I discovered while reading a magazine last night.

Last night I was reading a story in Family Circle about a mother whose Marine son was in Iraq. She began an effort of building Christmas stockings (with a goal of 1400) for troops that are overseas. Operation Stocking Stuffer by Julie Ann is a wonderful example of the holiday spirit.

In the article it included this simple link, if you are looking for an idea to reach out during the holidays. “If you don’t know any soldiers overseas but still want to send someone a gift, try Treats for Troops. Soldiers register on the site and are matched up with gift giving civilians. You can select a soldier by branch of service, home state, gender or birthday. Or if you don’t have a preference, they’ll send your package to the soldier who’s been waiting the longest. www.treatsfortroops.com

Here are some gift-giving ideas from Julie Ann (most oft requested items) – beef jerky, corn nuts, protein bars, Frisbees, Nerf balls, Chapstick, disposable cameras, Olive green T-shirts and socks (because laundry is hard to do), baby wipes (for hygiene), hand and foot warmers.

Julie Ann’s organization can be accessed here =>http://www.operationstockingstuffer.org/

By Laverne John Riley Jr

Ordered to those far off lands; into God and generals hands.
Circumstance where faith must roam; wish for me to soon be home.
Prepared for this? No one can say. Duty calls my place today.
Between commitment and my life; I hope I live to see my wife.
Beyond such want, and even more; behind my will I lock the door.
Courage calls and I must say; what plans lay kept for me today?
Marching toward uncertainty; unto grips of destiny.
Hands are filled with cold blue steel; I pray for strength, to God I kneel.

Men mingle in their deathly dance; compromise has lost its chance.
Over bodies, trenches, mines; seared within my shattered mind.
Fight or flight to live or die. Over head those bullets fly.
Behold my life, has lost its gold. Spent by hate before I’m old.
Explosions lamp, a rumbling noise; waypoints hold a soldiers poise.
Guided glow by compass hand, in darkness through this foreign land.
One eye open, one eye shut; a soldier digs a shallow rut.
Taking turns, a resting day; I hope my dreams take me away.

Staring stars bring thoughts too soon. Does my lover see that moon?
Is it that to call our own? Somewhere between the lands we roam?
A soldier thinks, a soldier cares, a soldiers boots begin to wear.
Soldiers pray mail calls their name; letters keep a soldier sane.

As some may live, some will die; leaders laugh, leaders cry.
When ugliness of man has spoke. When battle fields have cleared of smoke.
Some will ride among a plane; some will ride upon a boat.
Families wait and set their clocks; the silent ones ride in their box.
Home will never be the same. Parts of me do not remain.
Deathly faces in my dreams. Wakened by familiar screams.
Within my role, I’m still not here. My soul is forced to live in fear.
Time is served but never done; a mind at war that’s never won.

So if it’s said; if it’s lied. That veteran soldier’s never cried.
That killing fuels a soldiers will. That soldiers crave a battles thrill.
That vision’s of a man’s demise excites a soldier through their eyes.
If any carry such a thought; you’ll know they never truly fought.

Trust me to say…I know too well.
Somewhere between this life and hell; they sacrificed themselves as well.
If soldiers had a chance to say; a statement gave upon release.

A soldier my friend…would wish for peace

L.J.Riley Jr. / Compassionpwr@juno.com / Published2006 / Copyright2006

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laverne_John_Riley_Jr.

By Kathryn Lively

Holidays away from loved ones are never easy, especially if a loved one is stationed overseas with his or her military unit. Deployment only adds another element of uncertainty we don’t want to consider. Recent years have seen thousands of our soldiers deployed to other parts of the world, missing Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas presents. Yet, while they work in a job that offers little opportunity for holiday vacations, we are able to remain safe stateside and enjoy the gifts our loved ones in the military give us daily – security and peace of mind.

Nothing warms a soldier’s heart more, of course, than to receive a gift from home. Whether it’s a letter or a small gift, just the simple act of jotting a note that says “I love you” brings a piece of family to an otherwise lonely place. Unfortunately, not everybody overseas is as fortunate to get such things from home. So why not strive to show appreciation for everyone who fights for us, that we may live in freedom? Why not give back to those who give selflessly for us and our country?

This year, add a soldier or sailor to your holiday gift list. You would be surprised to know how even a small care package will be appreciated by someone stationed in Iraq or elsewhere in the Middle East. In a place where one cannot simple pop over to the corner store for supplies, to receive a package mixed with practical items may be considered a luxury to some now. Just a few items one might want to consider giving include:

Hard candies and gum – Satisfy a soldier’s sweet tooth with a bag of peppermints or sour fruit jawbreakers. Chewing gum is not always in easy supply overseas, too, and such items won’t take up much room in a package. Avoid sending chocolates or anything else that may melt en route.

Drink mixes – Most fruit-punch and lemonade mixes are available in single serving envelopes. Send a box for a soldier’s water bottle, to make a refreshing treat.

Eye drops, lip balm, travel soaps – Especially if a soldier is stationed in a desert region, days and nights can be uncomfortable. Dry heat and sand irritate the eyes and chap the skin, so such items would be greatly appreciated.

Books – Occasionally, there is downtime, yet little to do. Mass market paperbacks – romance and mysteries, thrillers and fiction – are especially prized. If you are interested in just sending books overseas, you can arrange to ship through most booksellers.

Phone cards – Small, inexpensive, and very practical. One card gives the gift of conversation with family for a soldier. Especially on holidays, this is a very thoughtful gift that can bring a soldier closer to home.

Once you have decided what to send, you will need to know where and how to send your care package. Sending a military care package isn’t exactly the same as mailing within the country, as there are restrictions with regards to size and content when shipping to any APO/FPO address. A simple search on the Internet for “care packages for soldiers” will yield a wealth of information so that your package will arrive safely to a grateful soldier this holiday season.