In the absence of a coast- to- coast railway system and the increased cost of airplane tickets- riding the bus is the traditional equivalent to covered wagons. Disheveled pioneers wait in long lines to secure a place and stand like packed cattle with all their belongings. They know nothing is ever on time and are shuffled on and off the wagons in a frenzied rush. It’s survival of the fittest: to save your seat, avoid screaming children, and not be left behind to the elements of cold, and wind and rain. An occasional driver loses his way and the unfortunate passengers circle the wagons like in the old western TV series that never reached their goal. But everyone eventually gets to their destination. Some whose baggage mysteriously jumped ship. Others so tired that they hardly recognise their baggage anymore.

 But one thing is certain. The characters are colorful, often scary, but always entertaining. The bus is the only place you can see emanciated black skeleton creatures, any number of jumbo sized women, and nomadic people on the move. One moving to California, one desperate to get to Chicago, and one truck-driver/gigilo going home to plan his next conquest.  (Actually he was quite helpful when it came to herding the people back on the coach, guarding luggage, and roping stray children as they romped down the isle.) Like zombies, they disembark- mere ghosts of who they were  just 48 hours before. The strangest thing is that they’re willing to jump back on this rolling circus and do it all again.

There should be an advertizing campaign for these daring pioneers. “Do You Have What it Takes to Ride the Bus?” The bold, the brave, and the incredibly addled people who consider it normal to be suspended in time for as long as it takes to reappear in a totally new destination.

This is not to say that riding the bus is bad. It has a few advantages.

1. They don’t let chickens ride the bus so you don’t have to worry about that outrageous squawking.

2. You get to know everybody’s busines: Who’s been arrested, who has a stash of weed available, and who’s spitting mad because they just got bumped from their priority seats.

3. You get to sample fine fast food cuisine from across the nation.

4. You get to learn a whole new vocabulary of words you never heard spoken and get your daily dose of nicotine at every stop.

4. You can critique various bus station bathroom styles and decoration options with your fellow travelers.

5. You get to hear the grisly details of assaults, robberies, and heated discussions between African American street punks discussing the technological aspects of the new millenium.

So if by chance you find yourself riding in one of these metal glass coaches with the satisfying smell of soilded diapers in the air and coughing kids jumping up and down on the seats while you’re trying to sleep: just close your eyes and remember what it was like in the old days to suffer not only Indian attack but the stifling dryness of extreme temperatures and uncertainty of arrival alive. Be happy that in this  modern civilization we can travel in style.

Thumbs up Greyhound! You’ve come a long way baby.

      There’s a story about the tower of Babylon. People all spoke the same language and had become very strong. So God came down and confused everyone so they scattered and the land was no more. What is the strength in a unified front? History says it is the most powerful force that exists outside of love. One nation. One goal. One collective of minds. But what do we have to say for ourselves when politicians want to weaken this with tolerance, apathy and dissemination of our nationalism?  Sure America is a melting pot of immigration and a collection of various cultures. No one will contest this fact. However when you see our products in Spanish and English and our children are forced to learn other languages in school, are we still Americans?  Or are we becoming just an appendage of Mexico? There is no cultural discrimination here- just a question of our loyalty.  Our country broke away from British rule just to be sublimated quietly into giving up our English language for Spanish?

     In Austria, which is heavy with nationalism, a new phenomenon exists. For centuries these lands of Europe have fought Turkish invasion. You can see it everywhere in Eastern Europe- fortified houses, fierce savage architecture, and a heavy determination to preserve traditional folklore. But now there are so many Turkish immigrants in Vienna, that they’re considering teaching Turkish in schools and making Austrian children learn the language. It’s a very quiet invasion now, and nobody seems to notice as the German culture slips into obscurity and the new occupants smile with so easily won conquest. It seems the best wars are not fought with force, but with a slow overwhelming repopulation of the territory.

    Is this what’s happening in America? Are we losing our strength because we can’t hold on to the thing that made us great in the first place? Maybe this new generation doesn’t remember what our ancestors fought for. Shouldn’t we be more like Babylon and less like that soup with so many ingredients that you can’t even distinguish what’s in it?

     I’d like to go see the Alamo when I get back to the states. Texans died defending their right as Americans. English speaking Americans.  Does it mean anything anymore or is it just a silent forgotten memorial in peoples’ minds? It was the first remnants of Babylon. Everything since then is just silent conquest as we wait to be controlled by another culture. Think about it.

For all practical purposes in this 2008 Presidential election, we might as well spin the wheel and see who’ll be running things for the next 4 years. Party lines are being crossed, and it’s down to the wire-more of a question of black or red- “Do we vote for the black man or the woman?” ” Is he too old?”  “Is she too much like Barbie?” “Is he really Muslim?” “Will he just be another Bush?” With all these questions circulating, maybe we’re going about it the wrong way.

Instead of speculating who might do the best job, we can employ the rule of opposites. Who will make America look the worst during their term?  Saturday Night Live and other comedians have been having a big laugh lately making the candidates look stupid, incompetent, and even downright ditzy.  Are we prepared for the onslaught of political blunders displayed around the world?

Can we handle minute by minute hospital footage of John McCain’s every small sniffle because of those who bate their breath waiting for he moment of proof that maybe he’s too old to run the country?  Or folksy Sarah Palin’s continuing saga of As the World Turns with her family,  non-existent foreign relations, and her not so presidential-like Hey ya’ll to her basketball girls in Alaska.

On the other hand what if well dressed Obama shows up wearing gold chains and low rider pants, speaking to “the brothers” out there and slowly turns our white conservative atmosphere into a racial free for all? Plus what is this masquerade about Biden being just like the “regular Joe” out there? With a $350 thousand dollar house and all the trimmings. I don’t think so.

Do we really need to give the world’s biggest players more ammunition to discredit America?  Is there a snowball’s chance in (you know where) that any of the candidates can stand up to Putin, Sarkozy, Merkel, Brown, Hu Jintao, Musharraf, Ahmadinejad, …….and be totally credible, in the eyes of Europe? Sure it’s only 4 years, but a lot can go down the drain pretty rapidly and with anti-American sentiment already running at an all time high, being an American in a foreign land having to defend your country’s policies every waking moment is like trying to stop a tidal wave with a Q-tip.

So let’s just spin the wheel. Accept where it falls and get on with life as it will be. At least we’ll be assured in the days to come that it was just the luck of he draw.

Today in Suceava, Romania the election of officials from the Liberal Democratic Party is underway. Thousands gathered in the town square for a mass celebration. As with politicians everywhere- the candidates were kissing babies, hugging children and assuring voters that change is evident. Music blared from the stage and the young cheered with excitement. This is not an everyday occurence in a country where the feeling of Securitate still hangs like vapor in the air.

It is not easy to bring change. But the time is ripe, and Gheorghe Flutur seems to have all the right moves in gaining confidence of the people.

Only 25 years ago, this event would have had a different outcome. Instead of cheering and anticipation, eating ice cream, and waving orange banners- there would have been soldiers firing into the crowd, children lying dead on the streets, and the idea of democracy trampled under the feet of totalitarian government. I stand in awe as I wander through the people- looking at their faces.

Amazingly, Romania has come a long way. The young are no longer afraid to speak out. Sure food is more expensive now that the country has joined the EU. Electricity is almost unpayable, and there is still no social help for the aged. But hope lies in future generations, in future elections, and in the progression of freedom.

Even the women are involved and this is no simple task in a patriarchal society where their rights are small and their opinions overlooked. However, time marches on and their influence will also grow, as the country begins to recognize their value as voters.

I don’t know about you, but these children have a lot to look forward to. In the days ahead, instead of their parents going off to Italy for work and leaving them behind to grow up alone- like many here have been- a chance for life, unity in families and a quality in existance is beginning. Here is democracy in action.

Maybe we Americans didn’t invent the word “Democracy” but we sure believe in its power.

Americans may have to shoot their way into Burma to get food and aide to the people in need. At this point since the cyclone hit, food shipments have been held, naval ships waiting with aide are not allowed in to Burma and even relief workers aren’t given visas. Dead bodies line the countryside and people are desperately needing food, shelter, and water. There is also risk of epidemic disease. It’s not a joke, but a determination at any cost- to help in this crisis. They are even now considering dropping food shipments in by plane without permission. Since when do you need permission to save an entire people? See Link report:

http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739053,00.html

Wow- those Americans are a determined bunch huh? You ever see the cartoon “Underdog?” Evidently the country is still primitive, secretive and unwilling to provide for its own citizens. Foreign journalists are not allowed to show the world these acts of deliberate genocide of the Burmese people. More than 100,00 have presumably died already, and by not allowing help- the government is purposely letting those affected by this tragedy die.

And to make matters worse- This is from the Herald Sun: BURMESE officials have been accused of selling aid supplies intended for cyclone victims by volunteers who are running their own mini-aid missions to the area.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23693360-663,00.html

So even if people try to give- there is almost no way for the help to get there. Seems like they could use a little un-official intervention, don’t ya think? People may complain about us Americans- but when the rubber meets the road…who’s gonna come to the rescue, huh?

If you don’t know anything about Burma then you have a treat! A very wonderful person in my opinion has placed this movie Beyond Rangoon on the web. It is one of my all time favorites. It will give you some idea of the people and its oppressive government system…”…suffering is one promise life always keeps…” Well worth watching!

http://beyond-rangoon.blogspot.com/2007/11/based-on-true-story.html

Also- Here is an over view of the historical Underdog cartoon and its characters-quite amusing!

http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/8850/udog.htm

I leave you with these inspiring words from Underdog himself:

When in this world the headlines read
Of those whose hearts are filled with greed
Who rob and steal from those who need
To right this wrong with blinding speed
Goes Underdog! Underdog! Underdog! Underdog!

Speed of lightning, roar of thunder
Fighting all who rob or plunder
Underdog. Underdog!

Sounds like Americans? Oh yeah… You go dog, Go!

Uncle Sam is sending an urgent message today…. He is imploring, demanding, asking gently in this time of recession that Americans come to the aid of their country. Just like in World War I-when people came together to fight a common enemy- this time the enemy is the powerful force of the falling dollar.

I propose a countrywide experiment. If Americans can go one day, or one week or one month and buy as much American home grown things as possible….it’s entirely probable that we will see the rise of the dollar and our economy. You can’t grumble and complain about what you won’t lift a finger to help.

“There are 293 million people living in the United States. If each one would shift $20 a month in spending from foreign made products to American made products, that would create 5 million new jobs.”

What is still made in America, really made in America? See if you can identify these::

Classics: Cracker Jacks, Blue Bell Ice Cream, Jack Daniels Whiskey, Benjamin Moore Paints, Silly Putty, Ivory Soap, La-Z-Boy Chairs, Stetson Hats, Slinky Toys, U.S. Playing Cards, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Louisville Slugger Baseball Bats, and Zippo…

Ones you might not be aware of: Yankee Candles, Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Creative Memories Scrapbooks, Longaberger Baskets, Stride Tool Company, Burt’s Bees, Kitchen Aid, Ridley Motorcycles, K’Nex, and Oreck Vaccuums…

Online stuff:

http://www.americansworking.com/ and www.madehereinamerica.com

are good sights for finding products Americans work. I Love Starbucks to death but it might be nice to try some Hawaiian coffee.

http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/

Online catalog of stuff.

What you can do:

Buy more stuff. American made stuff. Things produced in China, France, Thailand, etc. don’t count do they? For a list of French companies you aren’t aware of- see the fine print at the bottom of this website:

http://www.madeinusa.org/ It’s interesting how many foreign items we normally buy……

Eat at local Mom and pop restaurants so you can help them buy more stuff.

Read the labels on products. Investigate a little. Ask yourself “where does it come from?”

Shop local farmers markets for fresh produce.

Buy novelty gifts at small private owned shops-and help them buy more stuff.

What could happen if I don’t? Common understandable excuses:

I don’t have time.- because time is money. However,buying foreign made things invests only in other countries, people lose their jobs, and conglomerates replace private ownership.

I don’t shopping online. Thenm just look for what local stuff you can.

I don’t care. Well, then we will all see the rise of future generations with a more European controlled America as their investors buy up our land and our companies.

We don’t lose anything by trying. We may lose everything if we don’t. So go out today on this grand experiment. Do your part to invest in America and invest in yourself.

This moment in time…….Uncle Sam Needs You!

Will the REAL candidate for president, please stand up? In this world of pretenders, America has had quite enough of having to vote for nothing more than the ‘Lesser of two evils”. Where are the war heroes? Where are the people who have lived, cried, worked and sweated with normal Americans to feed their families? All we ever get anymore is “Career Politicians.” Is this what was intended at the very beginning of our History when our forefathers created the job? Huh? At least President Reagan was an actor instead of born and bred blue blood material.

Why can’t we nominate someone more personal to be our next president instead of the current circus we are presented with? Some people speculate that a Clinton/Obama or an Obama/Clinton ticket would be great. But what you end up with is the same: A woman who is possibly corrupt to the core, with a track record of mysterious deaths while pushing her husband into office, or a man with less experience than other ones in history, riding on the coat tails of his color for the black vote.

It is a race related or sex related contest with neither one having the qualities for election that is vital to running our country the next 4 years, or the next four minutes for that matter. How could we possibly think that this is a good option for our people?

What are our values? This is what I see as the basics of what our people need:

Truth, justice, fairness,

Work with adequate pay for our jobs.

Experienced, affordable medical care for ALL social classes.

Affordable university education.

Compensation for our soldiers and their families with a promise of war resolution.

Stability of our economy with less export and more emphasis on small business and American made products.

Remember: The President is Commander and Chief of the Army and Navy of the United States. He or she can declare war, make friends and enemies of foreign nations, pardon people in jail, stabilize or wreck our economy, enact laws which can be helpful or harmful to our families, and establish the atmosphere we will live in for maybe the next decade of our civilization. Who do we really want to give this power to?

Be brave. If nothing changes before November, we’d all be better off at voting time to just put a big black X on NONE OF THE ABOVE.

The top headlines of the news today describe a situation in Texas that may be the biggest child custody case in U.S. history and has many Texans concerned. Their main question is “How can something like this be happening right under our noses?” The spotlight is centered on the Mormon community and is not likely to extinguish any time soon.

It is not certain exactly how many women and children were taken from the compound into state custody, but officials have said that interaction with the children is a curious thing. They have no concept of what a crayon is, no toys, and a hostility toward outsiders- believing that they are the ‘devil’ and told to avoid them AT ALL COSTS.

The main girl of 16 who originally called and filed a complaint of abuse against the group- has vanished into thin air as well as another female caller from the Colorado area. Police are beginning to suspect that maybe she didn’t exist at all, when maybe they should suspect foul play in her disappearance instead.

The main leader is in jail and a female representative of the women in the group spoke to reporters in an apparently coached speech displayed on television. She used exact figures, big words, and spoke like a politician of the ‘land of the free and the home of the brave’ as well as comparing their confinement to the Jews of Nazi Germany extermination camps.

All this media coverage has authorities and residents of Utah examining their own dismissal of what may be happening with child sexual exploitation in the name of this religion.

Here is an excellent comment found on the Times Online, about the topic:

I’m currently living on Baker Street, San Angelo, West Texas and Fort Concho, where the 417 children plus various mothers from the FLDS “Yearn For Zion” sect are being protected, is at the end of this street.

I’m a British author (Sarah Holland,  http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/sarah-holland/ and I can SEE these women and children with my own eyes every time I drive or cycle past the fort. I’m appalled at some of the comments I read above from my countrymen back home in England. The women and children at the Fort are absolutely terrified of what’s happening to them. They’ve been brainwashed on an horrific scale, trained to believe sexual abuse of minors is God’s dearest wish and that if an elderly man wants to have full sexual intercourse with lots of different 12 year old girls in his care this is a cause for joyous celebration.

People here are saying, rightly, that this is like the M. Night Shyamalan film THE VILLAGE, where an entire community do not realize the world outside exist

Sarah Holland, San Angelo, TX 76903, USA

Thank you Sarah for giving us a realistic view.

Hide and seek was the game of choice this past week in San Fransisco. The Olympic Torch kept popping up in unexpected places in an effort to confuse protesters and keep control of the thousands of people who turned up for the event. Then it was off to Argentina, where the tour went smoothly except for some water balloon bombs trying to extinguish the flame. Next stop is Tanzania.  Will it be a tug-of war, capture-the-flag, or ring-around-the-rosie ?  The whole world is holding their breath to see what is next.

No one seems to care that the Olympics are about SPORTS. Not politics, not human rights, not building the egos of one country higher than another.  This is not to say that Beijing has no influence in the matter. This is a very important step for the Chinese.  More than 3,500 children havebeen named “Olympics” in the country so far and they are so concerned about success that they have even installed many sit down toilets for the occasion.

When China was chosen to host this historic event, everyone knew they were communist, so why the surprise? Why the protests?  Its a little too late to say “oops”.

“What do you mean, I’m pregnant?”

“Oh, I have to pay for this house the next 30 years?”

” I have lung cancer because of smoking;… really?”

So we protest. We carry our multi-colored signs.  We stand in the streets and try to extinguish the biggest thing in a young athletes life. Is this right?  Can’t we stop all this childish maneuvering and accept that we are merely spectators?  Probably not.

Well, I for one would love the chance to attend the Beijing Olympics! See for myself what the huh-bub is all about. All I need is a round trip ticket from America, entrance fees to the games, a great place to stay, good food, and a generous Chinese benefactor for me and my husband to accomplish this monumental task. Any takers??????????????????????? Godspeed!

The last day of NATO negotiations ended here in Romania with key figures wearing dark ties and the propaganda machine in full swing.  Even before Dictator Putin arrived on the scene, it was declared on the media that he had won a major victory and that America was very low in the world’s estimates.  This didn’t seem to phase president Bush and he seemed to enjoy himself at the meetings. While visiting the Black Sea, he commented that his ice cream was “the best I’ve ever had.”  This is Texas humor, a Texan’s impression.  But commentators swarmed against him and insisted it would have been better had he complemented their salami-  (a traditional specialty).

Another interesting moment in the circus was the close inspection of dignitaries wives.  What is she wearing, how is she sitting, waving, who is she looking at?  But the best of show was the wife of President Rahmon of Tajikistan who won the Miss Nato award when she swept in to meetings like Audrey Hepburn in  the movie ‘Roman Holiday’.

Not allowing the Ukraine into NATO became a sore spot.  It is unclear why Albania was accepted-(because many say they weren’t ready).  However, after visiting the Ukraine a few times myself and having to pay the police bribes at the border- (every one)- then after the border- (every policeman that approached you),  then in the car- (each policeman that stopped you for having foreign plates)- (and paying the next policeman who stopped you two minutes later), I am not surprised.

It was also comical when Romania rejected America’s offer for anti-rocket protection and then later accepted after soliciting for funds that no one else could afford to give.

So the summit began with dignitaries in burgandy and red ties to show their power.  The next days faded to shades of blue- friendly, peaceful, democratic. At dinner the night of the third day, President Bush was shown wearing a yellow green reptilian colored tie which was plainly a fashion disaster or a cleverly devised plot to disarm the other dignitaries.  His specific choice spoke volumes.

Possible interpretations include:

“I don’t take myself too seriously”.

“You can laugh with me tonight,  and maybe underestimate me, but tomorrow it’s you and me, pal.”

“Come on guys, it’s only NATO, can’t you just have a little fun for a change?”.

“We’re America. We aren’t worried and we don’t really have to prove anything.”

In the long run, I was very proud to have my president in town and to have the journalists praise Laura Bush for being the most friendly woman of the whole group when she greeted them and waved.  In all the news coverage, I can’t remember seeing anyone else smile at all.

A job well done guys.