This afternoon, after Church, we drove for the two “G’s” … gas and groceries. Listed price at the pump …. $3.13!
It caused me to think back to the “Good Ol’ Days” when gas was cheaper. Even this time last year, when our current Congressman, Gus Bilirakis, was first sworn in, gas was at $2.27.
The good news is that this year's budget contained 23% less pork than the all time high year for Congressional earmarks back in 2005.
Regardless, Conress continues to bleed red with spending including 12,881 earmarks, totalling $18.3 billion.
The number is according to the group, Taxpayers for Common Sense, which makes it it's mission to watch for such excess spending. You can find a complete listing on their website at http://www.taxpayer.net/.
It's time for a change and some fiscal sanity in Washington!
Apparently the Berkeley City Council voted this week to tell the U.S. Marine Corps to remove its recruiting station from the city's downtown.
According to press reports, the Council even said that the Marine recruiters would be considered “uninvited and unwelcome intruders” if they stayed.
What are they thinking?
We need to encourage our young adults to serve our nation. Certainly not all are suited for nor desire military service, but service can be offered in a varitety of ways, including local volunteering or the more involved Americorps.
The assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was a senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are for the people of Pakistan who lost a leader dedicated to democracy and for her family, including three daughters who lost their mother.
The death of Bhutto is a setback both for Pakistan and for countries wanting peace and stability in the region. Particularly because it is a country already possessing nuclear weapons, this tragic incident should be a wake-up call that the Iraq war has distracted us from the real fight against Al Qaeda in the region of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
With attention focused on Faith, Family and Friends
We want to send you this wish for a Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
There are, of course, many men and women wearing the uniform of our country that could not be with their family & friends today. We are thankful for them, keeping us safe here at home.
Below are a few links that point you to websites through which you might be able to share the spirit of the season. While I have no connection or involvement with any of the websites and thus am not endorsing their services, they have been suggested by some of my friends and colleagues.
While driving to work, I heard on the radio that the federal government is running up our national debt to the sum of $1 million every single day! This fiscal irresponsibility continues to drain our economy and further shrink the value of our dollar.
The news report went on to note that the total national obligation works out to an indebtedness equal to $30,000 for every man, woman and child living in America. I presume that doesn't include illegal immigrants, but that's another issue for another time!
Congress must exercise restraint and control it's spending. Our families have to live within our means .... we should expect nothing less from our Government.
Veterans Day is an opportunity for us all to pay homage to the Veterans who have contributed so much to protect our great Nation and preserve our heritage of freedom.
Nearly 10 years ago I had the honor of visiting with General Paul Tibbets, the pilot of the Enola Gay whose mission over Hiroshima helped hasten the end of World War II.I started our discussion with a simple, “thank you”, and emphasized that if it had not been for him and his successful mission, I might well not be alive today.
General Tibbets appeared a bit puzzled by the comment, but quickly realized the significance.It’s been estimated that a million lives were saved because WWII was ended when the Japanese recognized the power of the atomic bomb.
He had no regrets he emphasized; and would do it all over again.He didn’t like war, but was proud that he helped bring about peace.He signed a picture for me that I still keep hanging on my wall.It’s inscribed with a simple, “You’re Welcome”.
General Paul Tibbets passed away last week at the age of 92.Remembering him is yet another reason to say “Thanks” to a veteran on November 11.
John Dicks is the former Mayor of Plant City.He is a candidate for Congress.
