Going through past columns recently, I noticed I've talked at least a couple of times about what constitutes country music. Here I go again. Just when did Def Leppard become a country act? Or T-Pain?

Both showed up on the recent CMT Awards show to honor country music videos. That's surprising in itself since lately CMT has more programs like "My Big Redneck Wedding," John Rich trying to make D-list "celebrities" into country performers and reruns of wife-swapping, out-of-control-youngster and house-rebuilding shows than country music.

Anyway, I'm really not a musical snob. I like all kinds of music, some just a little better than others. Sometimes it's interesting to hear different artists try something different, although I still seriously doubt Tony Bennett could ever really sing a country song. The irony is that George Strait could sing one of Tony's songs with no problem. Even Willie could do a Tin Pan Alley tune (remember his "Stardust" album).

But when it comes to country, it's hard to find honest-to-goodness country music these days. There's not a whole lot of singers doing songs like Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Conway Twitty, or Hank Williams these days. They sang real country music (although George Thorogood contends Hank Williams really had the first rock song with "Move It On Over").

Country music today is becoming dominated by performers who would have been pop acts not so long ago and by pop performers who haven't been doing so well in that genre. Darius Rucker, the former front man for Hootie and The Blowfish, is one example. He's gone country, and is doing well with it, and a couple of his earlier songs probably could pass as country-style now. I wish him good luck. He's said he'd like to do a duet with Charlie Pride, and I know that's a song I'll listen to.
Taylor Swift is one of the best young music performers today. She writes, she sings, she performs like it's going out of style. I like her, but she ain't country. Actually, Swift and many of her peers are almost interchangeable with their pop sounds. Again, I like some of them, but it just ain't country (nor is Def Leppard, whose lead singer sang with Swift at the awards show).

Some of the young "hat acts" with their brims pulled low, their scowls and growls and hot guitar licks aren't really country to me, either. I think they're wannabe rock stars who decided they couldn't get far in that field so they went country.

Actually, country seems to have become a homogenized catch-all genre these days, at least the nationally marketed country. You still can find independent artists who really do sing country music thanks to local VFW halls and the Internet.

Now, if some of them could just move their music careers up a notch or two, there'd be some more country in country music.

Sonny Garrett is editorial page editor of The Baxter Bulletin and a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists.

Emotions are sometimes strange, volatile, and unpredictable. They do not always respond to logic and reason. They do, however, respond to action. If you have occasional feelings of loneliness, discouragement, or discontentment, the best way to kill such negative emotions is to work them to death. Almost nothing is as bad as it first seems, and there’s nothing like a hard day’s work to put everything in proper perspective. When you begin to feel negative emotions, dwelling on your misfortunes only makes you feel worse. Do your best to put them out of your mind and think about more positive, constructive things. Physical labor can help. Choose a task that doesn’t require a great deal of concentration, and then focus on accomplishing the task at hand.

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This past week America lost three iconic individuals from the entertainment industry; Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Michael Jackson. Each will be remembered in their own unique way, and each was responsible for creating a piece of television and music history. No one can think of the 70’s without remembering Farrah Fawcett as one of the beautiful ladies that made up “Charlie’s Angels”, or her provocative 1976 poster. Ed McMahon was a much a part of the Johnny Carson show as Johnny himself. Each night viewers heard Ed say the famous words, “Now here’s Johnny”. Michael Jackson lived with America for four decades, and in that time gave us songs and dance moves that will forever be part of music and our memories. He also was involved in controversy that will be part of his legacy.

Each time a famous person dies in the entertainment business the media, and America, puts them under the microscope of public opinion. Some will continue to defend, while others will continue to condemn. Michael Jackson is a prime example. As the story of his life begins to unfold within the media Michael emerges as a very tragic figure. The problems he had concerning past allegations of child molestation are being examined in greater detail, and his physical and emotional condition is being questioned. Everyone reading this has an opinion of Michael’s guilt or innocence pertaining to the allegations, with the real truth only ever being known for certain to the accusers and Michael. His family has now issued a request that a second autopsy be conducted to explain what happened. They want to know who was to blame. I guess they can look in the mirror and see who was to blame for his bizarre behavior, and if the truth is to be told, many in America can do the same.

America has gotten so caught up in the worshiping of the rich and famous, that we have trained these people that they are above normal behavior expectations, and above the law in some cases. Some will argue that this is not true and use Michael Vick as a poster child for “no one being above the law”. But we can always retort with names like O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake. Both should have been in prison for murder. Both had jury trials and were acquitted while the evidence was overwhelming for a conviction. Why do we continue to condone bad behavior, or look the other way when it comes to America’s rich and famous? Did anyone ever take the time to examine the allegations and testimony against Michael Jackson? There were several children accusers and while some may have been lying, some had very credible testimony. Also, there was testimony from adults who confirmed Michaels unlawful behavior with children, and since the time of the trial, three of the jurors have stated they may have gotten the verdict wrong. But his fans, and the leaches around him continued to tell him he was a good guy and did nothing wrong.

I remember watching TV during his trial and seeing a couple interviewed that had flown from Australia to stand outside the courthouse. They stated they knew he was innocent and had come to give him support. How did they know he was innocent? They had never spoken to him or been privy to anyone that was close to Michael. They knew Michael Jackson was innocent only because he was a good entertainer and he sang songs they liked. Well I hate to tell you all this, but just because a person can sing and entertain well does not make them a good person. To be fair, Michael did do a lot for certain charities, and was very active and generous in many ways, but the good does that erase his possible “dark side”. Let’s look at David Allen Coe, the country singer. He has certainly sung some memorable songs, but that does not erase the fact that he may not be the pillar of the community. I believe he demonstrated he is, or was a racist with one of his earlier albums. He is an ex-convict and had a relationship with the Outlaws Motorcycle gang. I don’t consider Coe next in line for saint hood. But he is still a good traditional country singer. Just as Michael will always be remembered as one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived, let’s not confuse the entertainer with the man. Right or wrong, that’s the way A.P. American sees it. Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No text available...

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Today, I will delete from my journal
two days: yesterday and tomorrow
Yesterday was to learn from
and tomorrow...well that will be
the consequence of what I can do today.
Today, I will face life
with the sure knowledge that this day
will never return.

Today, is the last opportunity
I have to live intensely,
as no one can assure me
that I will see tomorrow's sunrise.

Today, I will be brave enough
not to let any opportunity pass me by,
my only alternative is to succeed.
Today, I will invest my most valuable resource:
my time in the most transcendental work: my life...
Today, I will spend each minute
passionately, to make today a different
and unique day in my life.
Today, I will defy every obstacle that appears on my way,
trusting I will succeed.

Today, I will resist pessimism, and will conquer
the world with a smile and a positive attitude
of always expecting the best.

Today, I will make of every ordinary task
a sublime expression,

Today, I will have my feet on the ground
understanding reality and the stars' gaze,
and thus will invent my future.

Today, I will take the time to be happy
and will leave my footprints and my presence
in the hearts of others, not just in the sands of time.

Today, I invite you to begin a new season
where we can dream
that everything we undertake is possible
and we fulfill that dream,
with joy and dignity.

Today, why not perform a random act of kindness...?

And, if there are those that you love, tell them,
you don't know when it might be your last opportunity.
Tell them, as I have just done...today.
...Mark


Have a good day, my friend and a better tomorrow!

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What do the following have in common?

-The assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Pakistan
-275 citizens reported killed in Nairobi Kenya in January of 2008
-Violent demonstrations in 2001 in Sir Lanka
-400 people killed in Nigeria in December of 2008
-Violent clashes with authorities in Mongolia in July of last year
-193 citizens killed in Ethiopia in 2006, and a report of 102 people killed in May of 2007 in the Philippines

All involved violent opposition to an election in that specific country. Much like what has happened in Iran this past week.

On June 12th Iran held its presidential election. Post election results reported that the incumbent, Mahmoud Ahmadinejab, had won and would remain President of Iran. The election results were disputed by a large number of Iranian citizens who supported Mir Hossein Mousavi. Protest began to turn violent and continues to escalate. This escalation is still occurring even after the supreme religious leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, notified the Islamic Shiite dominated country that Ahmadinejab had indeed won. Some deaths caused by the protest were reported, but now the Iranian government is censoring news and media outlets to stifle the current situation. But with the advent of modern social networking technology such as twitter and face book, images concerning the situation there are continuing to be released to the world. A 16 year old Iranian female was captured on video dying as she lay mortally wounded by a bullet. She was a student in Iran and reports state she was talking on a cell phone when shot by a gunman. She is being called "Neda," Farsi for the voice or the call.

As most will remember, America had a disputed election in 2000 between Bush and Gore. Many still believe Bush stole the election. The intent of this A.P. American segment is not to debate who should have won in 2000, but to observe that during the dispute, which eventually was heard before the Supreme Court, no violent rioting or killing occurred. Were Americans upset? You bet they were, but not to the point where the streets of America became unsafe with violence, and clashes between American citizens and government elements transpired. What makes America different? Why can Americans agree to disagree and still not digress to violence?

Any student of American history will tell you that America has had its share of protest and violence. America’s independence was born out of protest, and we have continued to use the tool of protest as a means to get our government’s attention. Some protest were waged to solicit the inalienable rights of all men such as the civil rights movement, while other protest have been used to influence government on certain issues such as tax reform and immigration laws. Most protest in modern America have been orderly, such as the Million Man March, while others have turned violent such as what happened after the Rodney King verdict, the L.A. Watts riots and Kent State. But through it all the foundational security and stability of America were never threatened.

The 1960’s and 70’s were a volatile time for America. President Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, as was his brother Bobby five years later. Martian Luther King and Malcolm X also lost their lives to violence. Students were killed at Kent State and America experienced the Watergate scandal that eventually led to President Nixon resigning office and validation of American government corruption. The anti-war movement began and anti-government organizations such as the Weathermen were spawned. It became the age of the “hippie” and “flower children”, the Black Panthers and youthful rebellion. Through all the turbulence however, America still stood firm and secure.

America has been through a lot since its birth during the American Revolution. It has withstood many tests since 1776. It has had its dark moments when justice was not served to all, and some may still feel the sting of injustice in some respects. But America has always attempted to self reflect and correct historical wrongs, and ensure that mistakes made were never repeated. I believe America has been able to do this because its citizens have always submitted to a rule of law, understood the importance of education and have been bound by the threads of a Christian faith. Hopefully America will continue to understand the importance of these three things and how they have “glued” us together as a people. No business could ever expect to be successful or continue to flourish without certain principles and loyalty that are shared by all. A country is no different. The protest in Iran this week should be a means to remind all Americans that they are blessed to live in America, and remind them of the extraordinary foundational rights and privileges we all share. Right or wrong, that the way A.P. American sees it.

In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte , North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because of his struggles with Parkinson's disease. But the Charlotte leaders said , 'We don't expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.' So he agreed.
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, 'I'm reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century. Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn't find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets.
It wasn't there, so he looked in his briefcase but couldn't find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn't find it. The conductor said, 'Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I'm sure you bought a ticket.
Don't worry about it.'
Einstein nodded appreciatively. The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket.
The conductor rushed back and said, 'Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don't worry, I know who you are. No problem. You don't need a ticket. I'm sure you bought one.'
Einstein looked at him and said, 'Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don't know is where I'm going.''
Having said that Billy Graham continued, 'See the suit I'm wearing? It's a brand new suit. My wife, my children , and my grandchildren are telling me I've gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion.
You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I'll be buried. But when you hear I'm dead, I don't want you to immediately remember the suit I'm wearing. I want you to remember this:
I not only know who I am .. I also know where I'm going.'

Hey Moby,

Hope you had a great weekend and an even better Father’s day. My name is Andrew and I'll be a senior at the University of Georgia next year. I have been a loyal listener of your morning show for the past couple of years, and this summer I have not missed a single morning, as I am in the car everyday while I drive to work.

I am sure you heard about the tragic loss of the Georgia Theatre over the weekend in Athens. As a community, we lost much more than just a music venue. The Theatre was the kind of town-defining place that was a big part of Athens for all of its residents, as well as the university students.
Some of my best nights of college have been at theatre. Over the past three years I can remember seeing Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert, Drive By Truckers, Carrie Underwood, Robert Earl Keen, Corey Smith, The Avett Brothers, Rhett Akins and Eric Church, which to this day remains my favorite concert I have ever seen.

I know you have a full schedule in the mornings with the pledge, wake up song, hymn, and small town soap box (all which I think are great), but I was wondering if during the beginning part of your show tomorrow you could take the time to play a song in remembrance of the theatre.
Any song of remembrance will do, just whatever song you think is appropriate Moby!
Keep up the great work. GO DAWGS AND YEAH BABY!

Andrew Maxey
---------------------------------------------
Loosing The Georgia Theatre is akin in tragic music horror as loosing Nashville’s Mother Church, the Ryman would be.

The Georgia Theatre, The Fillmore, Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, and a select few music venues will always be in the memory of musicians and fans that remember a certain, life-changing event that occurred there, and will forever be etched in their memory. Where were you when you heard Elvis had died, when the shuttle had exploded, when Kennedy had been shot?

What happened that you’ll never forget at the Georgia Theatre? There are many, many cousins in this radio family that now tearfully recall that event, and are in tears this morning that they can’t take their children someday, and explain what happened there that one night so long ago. To those in mourning for the Georgia Theatre, our hearts go out to you. The American music is grief-stricken for your loss.

Mr. Moby,
Just wanted to take a minute to thank you for having the “marbles” to say something about the CMT Awards and country music, in general, not really being country music at all. For the last 8yrs I’ve been a full time country musician. I’ve had the opportunity to play with several legends in our industry and I’m very proud of what I’ve done. However, the state of country music right now literally turns my stomach. I want to just stop playing all together, but I have to support my family. I was talking to a friend of mine (Dave Macaffee, the drummer for Toby Keith and he also played on Jamey Johnson’s last project) about this and he said “you know how to tell if you music sucks? You’ll hear it on the radio” and he’s right. It’s so sad to think that something that I’ve put so much effort into, has really been reduced to
“how do you look?”
“How old are you?”
“how do you wear your hair?”
“oh, you’ve got talent? That will help”

I’m so sick of it. Shoot me!
Love your show, God Bless America, God Bless Country Music,
Yeah Baby Jeff Brewer

Hey Jeff,
I hear you, brother, I do understand your frustration, and I don't totally disagree with you.
Having given your email some serious time, I wanna share with you what I'm thinking.
Consultants, and bean counters have really overshadowed & homogenized the entertainment part of the entertainment business.
Executives in suits that cost more than the combined value of my first three cars are deciding what's valid art and what is not, and which cubby hole is fits in.
We're told that money can't buy happiness, but all too often it's been proven that it can buy stardom.
Yeah, the award show last week was many things, but it sure the heck wasn't country. I haven't heard a soul say that it was.
Refer back to the executives I mentioned. Nobody asked the country audience what they wanted, it was researched, analyzed, and decided for us what country was for that three hours.
I'd be much more comfortable if those decisions were made by somebody that could at least tune a fiddle or a banjo.
I've said many times over the years that talent was a very small portion of commercial success, and many times wasn't even required. If that's not true, I challenge those executives to explain the success of quite a few recent sensations, some of which were on the CMT Awards.
As you and Dave would agree, it's most often how old you are, how hot you look and your fashion sense that can get you out of the honky tonks, and ultimately on the air.
However, as cute as the line is, I take exception to your "How can you tell if your music sucks? It's on the radio." analogy.
If that's absolutely true, than have your drummer friend tell it to his bosses Toby Keith & Jamey Johnson. I'm pretty sure there'll be a butt-whoopin' comin'.
If having your music included in a radio stations playlist of songs it plays, explain Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, & George Strait.
Those are some very established examples that disproves your "it sucks if it's on the radio" theory.
Also, I'd add to this that it certainly doesn't apply to Zac Brown, Josh Turner, Sugarland and so many others that have surfaced in the past few years.
I'll be the first to admit, there are some "hits" that make me scratch my head and ask how on earth?
But it's easy for musicians that haven't had that big break, or haven't adequately impressed the right gate keeper, to claim the entire industry unfair because they haven't made it to the big stage, the stadium audiences, and the brightest spotlights. In truth, there are very few crimes they wouldn't commit for their shot at a string of hits.
There are quite a few examples I've heard over the years that felt snubbed when the truth of the matter was they really just weren't good enough. A bitter truth, but a truth none the less.
In those cases, their close friends, their mamas, girlfriends, and groupies (everybody that can play three chords has groupies) have them totally convinced their lack of "a deal" and absence of fame and fortune is somebody else's fault.
To those superstar wannabes I say stop your whining, keep practicing, keep the fire burning, don't lose the passion, and accept the fact that most folks that want to be fighter pilots have to find happiness in the cockpit of a Cessna.
You don't get to go as fast, & you may get old before you get where you want to be, but you're still flyin'!!!
I need to thank you for inspiring a Small Town Soap Box.
Yeah baby,
MOBY

I am a student of history. Professionally, I have written 15 books in
six languages, and have studied history all my life. I think there is
something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is just a
banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis.. Yes, these exist
but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now
coming into a sharper focus.
Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it
because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people
react to it. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something
happening within our country that has been evolving for about 10 - 15 years.
The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.
We have spent two or more decades intentionally de-industrializing
our economy. Why?
We have intentionally dumbed down our schools, ignored our history,
and no longer teach our founding documents, why we are exceptional, and why
we are worth preserving. Students by and large cannot write, think
critically, read, or articulate. Parents are not revolting, teachers are
not picketing, school boards continue to back mediocrity. Why?
We have corrupted our sacred political process by allowing unelected judges to
write laws that radically change our way of life, and then mainstream
Marxist groups like ACORN and others to turn our voting system into a banana
republic. To what purpose?
Now our mortgage industry is collapsing, housing prices are in free
fall, major industries are failing, our banking system is on the verge of
collapse, Social Security is nearly bankrupt, as is Medicare and our entire
government. Our education system is worse than a joke (I teach college and
know precisely what I am talking about.) The list is staggering in its
length, breadth, and depth.
We are at war with an enemy we cannot name for fear of offending people of the same
religion who cannot wait to slit the throats of your children if they have
the opportunity to do so.
And now we have elected a man no one knows anything about, who has
never run so much as a Dairy Queen. All of his associations and alliances are with real radicals in their chosen fields of employment, and everything we learn about him, drip
by drip, is unsettling if not downright scary (Surely you have heard him
speak about his idea to create and fund a mandatory civilian defense force
stronger than our military for use inside our borders? No? Oh, of course.
The media would never play that for you over and over and then demand he
answer it. Sarah Palin's pregnant daughter and $150,000 wardrobe is more
important.)
I have never been so afraid for my country and for my children as I am
now. This man campaigned on bringing people together, something he has
never, ever done in his professional life. In my assessment, Obama will
divide us along philosophical lines, push us apart, and then try to realign
the pieces into a new and different power structure. Change is indeed
coming. And when it comes, you will never see the same nation again.
I thought I would never be able to experience what the ordinary, moral
German felt in the mid-1930s. In those times, the savior was a former
smooth-talking rabble-rouser from the streets, about whom the average German
knew next to nothing.. What they did know was that he was associated with
groups that shouted, shoved, and pushed around people with whom they
disagreed; he edged his way onto the political stage through great oratory
and promises.. Economic times were tough, people were losing jobs, and he
was a great speaker. And he smiled and waved a lot. And people, even
newspapers, were afraid to speak out for fear that his "brown shirts" would
bully them into submission.
And then he was duly elected to office, with a full-throttled economic
crisis at hand [the Great Depression]. Slowly but surely he seized the
controls of government power, department by department, person by person,
bureaucracy by bureaucracy. The kids joined a Youth Movement in his name,
where they were taught what to think. How did he get the people on his
side? He did it promising jobs to the jobless, money to the moneyless, and
goodies for the military-industrial complex. He did it by indoctrinating
the children, advocating gun control, health care for all, better wages,
better jobs, and promising to re-instill pride once again in the country,
across Europe , and across the world.
He did it with a compliant media - And he did this all in the name of justice and . . .. change. And the people surely got what they voted for. Read your history books. Many people objected in 1933 and were shouted down, called names, laughed at, and made fun of. When Winston Churchill pointed out the obvious in the late 1930s while seated in the House of Lords in England (he was not yet Prime Minister), he was booed into his seat and
called a crazy troublemaker. He was right, though .
Don't forget that Germany was the most educated, cultured country in
Europe . It was full of music, art, museums, hospitals, laboratories, and
universities. And in less than six years - a shorter time span than just
two terms of the U. S. presidency - it was rounding up its own citizens,
killing others, abrogating its laws, turning children against parents, and
neighbors against neighbors. All with the best of intentions, of course.
The road to Hell is paved with them

Moby,
Just wanted to let you know that I was listening to the show while getting ready for work and heard Jonah. He is so grown up. I remember when he was just a little guy. It broke my heart when you and Kelly broke up and you were so hurt. I remember how Jonah would spend time with both you and your ex and sometimes that was really hard on you. When you cried, I cried. After you left Kicks, I searched the internet for you to see if you had gone some where else and then found you here (I don’t count the time with the rock & roll channel). Now my mornings start out great because you are there to brighten my day.
I remember when Jonah had his first son, but did not realize he was 23 and now the father of another baby. I could hear the pride and joy in your voice this morning when you talked to him to find out about Caleb and how he is doing. I almost fell out when I heard he slept through the night last night. I never had that kind of luck and my baby is 8 years old now. I hope you get some pictures up soon on the internet.
Well I will let you go, I know you are busy daddy and grand dad. Have a great day and I will be listening tomorrow morning.
Cindy Trent Cumming, Ga
----------------------------------------------------
Well, thank the good Lord above I don't wear mascara, cause your email would have just ruined it.
To a lot of folks in radio, this radio family we have doesn't exist anywhere except in my mind.
Emails like yours prove them wrong, and confirms what I've always known. On this morning radio show, we really do care about each other,
and look forward to spending a few hours together early each day.
Thank you for stepping forward. Cindy.
Like Tristin, his big brother, Caleb is a beautiful baby boy. I look at him, and can't believe that's he's the second seed of my seed.
God is good, and time is short. I'm so grateful for the many blessings I've been allowed to enjoy on this Earth, and can't imagine the glorious magnitude of
what is to come on the other side.
Sure will be nice to see Mama & daddy again (Mama Moby, and Papa Moby).
Nannie & Papaw are there, too. I'd like to think they've seen their great-great grandsons.
I know we go as naked as we came, but I'd sure like to take some pictures.
By the way, between the two of us, we wrote a Small Town Soap Box.

- Dear Moby: -- I have to say I like you. I don't always agree with some of the things you say, but I like that you speak your mind. I think that is what is wrong with the world. People just say what they think people want to hear, and keep the rest to themselves. Yes I did vote for Obama. We need someone different in the office that is not afraid to "change" things. America is not the same and we do need help. Keep up the good work and keep reminding people why they are Americans. Thanks. Yeah baby -- Phone: Sincerely, heather Cox Rome, Ga

The great thing that still does exist in America is our right to disagree.
I do agree that change was needed, but not unplanned haphazard unrecoverable debt-incurring change. Not change that lets our security be compromised. Not change that gives control of everything we see, touch and think to the federal government.
Change was not needed that removes the incentive to exceed, and simply takes from the driven, passionate, and successful, which is another phrase that describes the evil rich to give to the lazy & unmotivated, which are those on welfare like dad, grand daddy, and their children and grand children have been and will be.
At some point there has to be a boot strap to grab, and pull for all they’re worth to assist themselves, and their families.
God bless the poor, and yes, we owe it to our morality and Christian teaching to assist them, but it is crazy to make that help, and those changes be government mandated.
Change was not needed that in ever increasing doses involves government in more and more of our personal lives.
The role of government is to be as little involved in the lives of citizens as possible.
If it's only about change for change sake, then you should be quite happy with your choice.
But if you feel America should remain a free-thinking independent republic, if that's what lights your candle of patriotic pride, at what point will you stand look at Washington and say, "Back off, Barrack." & “Put a sock in it, Pelosi.”?
All this said, Heather, I thank you for listening, for disagreeing without anger, and for being a cousin in the radio family.

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Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It's then I have to remember
That it's in the valleys I grow.

If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God's love
And would be living in vain.

I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it's in the valleys I grow.

I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.

My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan's loss.

Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I'm feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it's in the valleys I grow.

Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.

Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it's in the valleys I grow!

In the words of Marvin Gaye, “What’s Going On”? Some things that we do, or don’t do in this country, gets me a little perplexed. Take California for instance. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his state are currently suffering from a $24 billion deficit. If the budget crisis is not addressed, California will run out of money next month. The Governor has already called for 5,000 state jobs to be eliminated, and a 5% pay cut for the remaining state employees. California’s various social programs, robust state employee retirement benefits, illegal immigration and safe haven cities have contributed to this fiasco. But even when Schwarzenegger attempts to take corrective action, the Obama Administration puts up a roadblock.

One of the budget cuts that California has suggested is trimming $74 million from a subsidy program involving unionized health-care workers. These specific health-care workers give in-home health care. The health-care providers in question are members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU). The SEIU was very active in giving President Obama campaign contributions and also personnel for election related activities. Currently the state of California contributes $12.10 an hour in reference to health provider wages. This is not what they actually are paid per hour, but what the state’s share is in reference to their hourly wage. California proposed to decrease its share to $10.10 because of the budget crisis. The Obama Administration has stated that if California lowers its share, it will withhold approximately $6.8 billion in stimulus funds from the state. I wonder if any of the $5 million per month the SEIU gets in union dues ever finds its way to the coffers of the Democratic Party.

 
You will all be happy to hear that Boston Massachusetts hosted a celebration of gays and transsexuals. On May 9th a Youth Pride Day event was held with a “prom” that evening inside City Hall. Boston Mayor Thomas Menino issued a proclamation welcoming homosexual and transgender youth to the celebration. The event was sponsored by the Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Trans-gender Youth organization. Some of the activities at the event were an Elvis transgender parade with condoms and pro-homosexual material being given out. You will all be happy to know however, that it was announced that “sex on the dance floor” would not be tolerated. It was also for individuals under 22 years of age. I’m happy to see that the City Hall of Boston, a government facility, is being used to do something for the city’s youth.

I don’t guess the city of San Diego was as tolerant of gatherings when it threatened to file a summons on Pastor David Jones and his wife for a bible study gathering at the pastor’s house. On this past “Good Friday”, while Pastor Jones was conducting a bible study, an employee of San Diego came to his residence and informed him it was illegal to have the gathering. By San Diego standards it was a “religious assembly”. Pastor Jones was told that to continue the gatherings would necessitate the need to obtain a Major Use Permit. What brought us to a time in America where you can have a gay and trans-gender rights event at a City Hall, complete with a proclamation, but you can’t have a bible study gathering at your own house without a permit?

I discussed the security issue concerning illegal immigration in an earlier A.P. American segment. The intent was not to generate ill feelings toward illegal immigrants, but to voice concerns of how illegal border crossings are decreasing America’s safety. As stated in my earlier article, in 2005, over 650 people illegally attempting to enter the U.S were from countries of special interest. As you remember, Special interest countries are those “designated by the intelligence community as countries that could export individuals that could bring harm to our country in the way of terrorism.” Well, it seems al-Queda has recently shown interest in our southern border as a method of entry for terrorist.

A video that aired on the Arabic network Al-Jazeera shows Abdullah al-Nafisi, a professor in Kuwait, stating how the Mexican border could be utilized to send terrorist and weapons into America. Nafisi states in the video:

"Four pounds of anthrax -- in a suitcase this big -- carried by a fighter through tunnels from Mexico into the U.S. are guaranteed to kill 330,000 Americans within a single hour if it is properly spread in population centers there. What a horrifying idea; 9/11 will be small change in comparison. Am I right? There is no need for airplanes, conspiracies, timings and so on. One person, with the courage to carry 4 pounds of anthrax, will go to the White House lawn, and will spread this 'confetti' all over them, and then we'll do these cries of joy. It will turn into a real celebration."

It is sad but America is under attack. Take the incident that occurred in Arkansas on June 1st. Two Army soldiers were shot outside a recruiting station. One, Private William Long, was killed, and the other, Private Quinton Ezeagwula, suffered gunshot wounds that he will recover from. As the investigation unfolded it appeared the shooter was a Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, 23, also known as Carlos Bledsoe. Muhammad was on the FBI’s radar because of his traveling to Yemen and being arrested for using a Somali passport illegally. It seems Muhammad shot the two young men for simply being American servicemen. Long and Ezeagwula were smoking outside an Army recruiting station when they were shot. After his capture, Muhammad admitted to the crimes and stated in an interview he gave via phone to the Associated Press:

“I do feel I'm not guilty. I don't think it was murder, because murder is when a person kills another person without justified reason. Yes, I did tell the police upon my arrest that this was an act of retaliation, and not a reaction on the soldiers personally. It was an act, for the sake of God, for the sake of Allah, the Lord of all the world, and also a retaliation on U.S. military. U.S. soldiers are killing innocent Muslim men and women. We believe that we have to strike back. We believe in eye for an eye. We don't believe in turning the other cheek.”

I could go on with other examples that make me ask myself what is going on in this country. Have our leaders gotten so fixated on saying and doing anything that will get them re-elected that they have replaced doing what’s right for America, with doing what’s right for them? How can a city let a government building, it’s City Hall, be utilized for a gay rights function, but another city determines that a Pastor cannot have a bible study at his home? How can President Obama’s administration show more loyalty to a labor union, than to one of the states of the Union? How can we continue to disregard that illegal immigration is one of the greatest threats to America’s security? We all better try to answer the question of “what’s going on” in America, before it is too late. Right or wrong, that the way A.P. American sees it. Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!

I took offense to an email, and responded in the same tone as I was addressed.
The blue print is me, the black print is he. When I finished writing, I laughed But it's a Soap Box in the purest sense of the term.

Good day sir,
So, this is all because I compared a Chinese politicians toupee being ripped off his head to the George Bush shoe throwing incident? The fact I found humor in both offended you?
As we're knee deep in the 2nd "100 days", there's much about life in America to be horrified about. The lack of patriotism, absence of honor, dignity, sense of purpose, fear of God, love of country, and respect of authority. THESE are things that deeply offend me. Government control of more and more of things the private sector should have absolute dominion over, makes me madder at Washington than I've ever been. Compared to the real problems we all face, the show throwing thing pales by comparison.

Allow me to respond to you one segment at a time.

Maybe I am just a little overlly sensitive on the matter,
(having read this entire rant, I'd like to tell you, I deeply believe you are)
but I do not see the reporter throwing a shoe at President Bush as funny in any way, shape, or form! ( Bush chuckled about it himself. Lighten up. The waste of flesh that threw it was drug from the venue, arrested, and went to prison)
In the country the reporter is from that is considered one of the worst insults that can be made toward another person. (The devil with all of them. Throw the other one, and find out what a real insult feels like cowboy.)
It does not have the same meaning here, but the intent remains the same. (I don't really care. We're the United States, or at least we used to be.)
How is this any different from our president being threatened with another type of physical harm.
 (No different really. That guy would go to prison too.)
Would any other country in the world laugh at this if it had happened to their leader while visiting out country? (I don't concern myself with that.)
Many countries in the world would consider it an act of war even if it were a private citizen. (They're wrong. If they push it, we can certainly show them what an act of war really is.)
I consider it a personal attack on our country and the citizens of this country laugh about it. (Again, so did President Bush)
Would the news media consider it so funny if it had happened to their "messiah"? (You really need to refocus. There are much larger fish that need frying these days.)
Would you think it was so funny if it had not been put on the evening news and made fun of. (We'll never know, will we?)
I though you were patriotic enough to expect respect for the president no mater who it is. (Sir, don't you ever call my patriotism to question. THAT, I do not take lightly, and as opposed to flinging a wing tip, really is offensive.)
I do not care for President Obama in any way, (Well, we have that in common.)
but I would feel the same if he were attacked, (again, we agree there)
it is an attack on our country, our way of life, and the principles this country was founded on. (I've yet to hear a devoutly patriotic word leave his lips, and I can't imagine he and Michelle arm in arm facing Old Glory, and singing to the top of their lungs, God Bless America. Apologies for what America has been we've all heard. )
I will be the first to admit President Bush had some problems and made mistakes, (he did, but I could not have done better. How about you?)
but he deserves the respect of the citizens of the United States. (He kept us safe from 2001 till 2009 As citizens of the country, we'll never know the horror his administration protected us from.)
He was too busy having to defend everything he did to be an effective president and the very people that think this type thing is funny contributed to this. (Let me recommend a good therapist for you. Just what is your patriotic background?)

I promise to leave your name out of this, but I want you to know I AM grateful to you for writing tomorrow's Small Town Soap Box.
Invest in spell a check, brother and do it again sometime.
Thank you for that.
MOBY

Moby received the following email...

---------------------
I wanted to give ya'll some disturbing information on our wonderful president. I work with the Catch-A-Dream Foundation which provides hunting and fishing trips to children with life-threatening illnesses. It is a great program needless to say. This past weekend we had our annual banquet/fundraiser event in Starkville . As part of the program, we had scheduled Sgt. 1st Class Greg Stube, a highly decorated U.S. Army Green Beret and inspirational speaker who was severely injured while deployed overseas and didn't have much of a chance for survival. Greg is stationed at Ft. Bragg and received permission from his commanding officer to come speak at our function. Everything was on go until Obama made a policy that NO U.S. SERVICEMAN CAN SPEAK AT ANY FAITH-BASED PUBLIC EVENTS ANYMORE.
Needless to say, Greg had to cancel his speaking event with us. Didn't know if anyone else was aware of this new policy. Wonder what kind of news we all will receive next?
----------------------

After several phone calls and e-mails, turns out the story isn't true. Snopes.com has the story... read about it here.

Not too long ago I had "one of those days." I was feeling pressure from a writing deadline. I had company arriving in a couple days and the toilet was clogged. I went to the bank, and the trainee teller processing my deposit had to start over three times. I swung by the supermarket to pick up a few things and the lines were serpentine. By the time I got home, I was frazzled and sweaty and in a hurry to get something on the table for dinner.

Deciding on Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup, I grabbed a can opener, cranked open the can, then remembered I had forgotten to buy milk at the store. Nix the soup idea. Setting the can aside, I went to plan B, which was leftover baked beans. I grabbed the Tupperware container from the fridge, popped the seal, took a look and groaned. My husband isn't a picky eater, but even HE won't eat baked beans that look like caterpillars.

Really frustrated now, I decided on a menu that promised to be as foolproof as it is nutrition-free: hot dogs and potato chips. Retrieving a brand new bag of chips from the cupboard, I grabbed the cellophane and gave a hearty pull. The bag didn't open. I tried again. Nothing happened. I took a breath, doubled my muscle, and gave the bag a hearty wrestle. With a loud pop, the cellophane suddenly gave way, ripping wide from top to bottom. Chips flew sky high. I was left holding the bag, and it was empty.

It was the final straw. I let out a blood curdling scream. "I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!" My husband heard my unorthodox cry for help. Within minutes he was standing at the doorway to the kitchen, where he surveyed the damage: an opened can of soup, melting groceries, moldy baked beans, and one quivering wife standing ankle deep in potato chips. My husband did the most helpful thing he could think of at the moment. He took a flying leap, landing flat-footed in the pile of chips. And then he began to stomp and dance and twirl, grinding those chips into my linoleum in the process!

I stared. I fumed. Pretty soon I was working to stifle a smile. Eventually I had to laugh. And finally I decided to join him. I, too, took a leap onto the chips. And then I danced. Now I'll be the first to admit that my husband's response wasn't the one I was looking for. But the truth is, it was exactly what I needed. I didn't need a cleanup crew as much as I needed an attitude adjustment, and the laughter from that rather funky moment provided just that.

So now I have a question for you, and it's simply this: Has God ever stomped on your chips? I know that, in my life, there have been plenty of times when I've gotten myself into frustrating situations and I've cried out for help, all the while hoping God would show up with a celestial broom and clean up the mess.

What often happens instead is that God dances on my chips, answering my prayer in a completely different manner than I had expected, but in the manner that is best for me after all. Sometimes I can see right away that God's response was the best one after all. Sometimes I have to wait weeks or months before I begin to understand how and why God answered a particular prayer the way he did. There are even some situations that, years later, I'm still trying to understand. I figure God will fill me in sooner or later, either this side of Heaven or beyond.

Do I trust Him? Even when he's answering my prayers in a way that is completely different from my expectations? Even when he's dancing and stomping instead of sweeping and mopping:? Can I embrace what He's offering? Can I let His joy adjust my attitude? Am I going to stand on the sidelines and sulk, or am I willing to learn the steps of the dance he's dancin' with my needs in mind? I'll be honest with you: Sometimes I sulk. Sometimes I dance. I'm working on doing more of the latter than the former. I guess the older I get the more I realize that He really does know what He's doing. He loves me and I can trust Him. Even when the chips are down.

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How's this for apocalyptic literature. This was written by a
pastor's wife in biblical prose as a commentary of current
events. It is Brilliant.

And it came to pass in the Age of Insanity that the people of  the land called America , having lost their morals, their initiative, and their will to defend their liberties, chose as their Supreme Leader that person known as "The One".He emerged from the vapors with a message that had no meaning; but He hypnotized the people telling them, "I am sent to save you. My lack of experience, my questionable ethics, my monstrous ego, and my association with evil doers are of no consequence. For I shall save you with Hope and Change. Go, therefore, and proclaim throughout the land that he who preceded me is evil, that he has defiled the nation, and that all he has built must be destroyed." And the people rejoiced, for even though they knew not what "The One" would do, he had promised that it was good; and they believed. And "The One" said "We live in the greatest country in the world. Help me change everything about it!"

And the people said, "Hallelujah! Change is good!" Then He said, "We are going to tax the rich fat-cats." And the people said "Sock it to them!" "And redistribute their wealth." And the people said, "Show us the money!" And then He said, "Redistribution of wealth is good for everybody" And Joe the plumber asked, "Are you kidding me? You're going to steal my money and give it to the deadbeats??" And "The One" ridiculed and taunted him, and Joe's personal records were hacked and publicized. One lone reporter asked, "Isn't that Marxist policy?"

And she was banished from the kingdom! Then a citizen asked, "With no foreign relations experience and having zero military experience or knowledge, how will you deal with radical terrorists?" And "The One" said, "Simple. I shall sit with them and talk with them and show them how nice we really are; and they will forget that they ever wanted to kill us all!" And the people said, "Hallelujah!! We are safe at last, and we can beat our weapons into free cars for the people!"Then "The One" said, "I shall give 95% of you lower taxes." And one, lone voice said, "But 40% of us don't pay ANY taxes." So "The One" said, "Then I shall give you some of the taxes the fat-cats pay!" And the people said, "Hallelujah!! Show us the money!"

Then "The One" said, "I shall tax your Capital Gains when you sell your homes!" And the people yawned and the slumping housing market collapsed. And He said, "I shall mandate employer- funded health care for EVERY worker and raise the minimum wage. And I shall give every person unlimited healthcare and medicine and transportation to the clinics." And the people said, "Give me some of that!" Then he said, "I shall penalize employers who ship jobs overseas." And the people said, "Where's my rebate check?" Then "The One" said, "I shall bankrupt the coal industry and
electricity rates will skyrocket!" And the people said, "Coal is dirty, coal is evil, no more coal! But we don't care for that part about higher electric rates." So "The One" said, "Not to worry. If your rebate isn't enough to cover your expenses, we shall bail you out. Just sign up with ACORN and your troubles are over!"

Then He said, "Illegal immigrants feel scorned and slighted. Let's grant them amnesty, Social Security, free education, free lunches, free medical care, bi-lingual signs and guaranteed housing..." And the people said, "Hallelujah!!" And they made him King! And so it came to pass that employers, facing spiraling costs and ever-higher taxes, raised their prices and laid off workers.
Others simply gave up and went out of business and the economy sank like unto a rock dropped from a cliff. The banking industry was destroyed. Manufacturing slowed to a crawl. And more of the people were without a means of support.

Then "The One" said, "I am the "The One" - The Messiah - and I'm here to save you! We shall just print more money so everyone will have enough!" But our foreign trading partners said unto Him, "Wait a minute. Your dollar is not worth a pile of camel dung! You will have to pay more..." And the people said, "Wait a minute. That is unfair!!" And the world said, "Neither are these other idiotic programs you have embraced. Lo, you have become a Socialist state and a second-rate power. Now you shall play by our rules!"

And the people cried out, "Alas, alas!! What have we done?" But yea verily, it was too late. The people set upon "The One" and spat upon him and stoned him, and his name was dung. And the once mighty nation was no more; and the once proud people were without sustenance or shelter or hope. And the Change "The One" had given them was as like unto a poison that had destroyed them and like a whirlwind that consumed all that they had built. And the people beat their chests in despair and cried out in anguish, "Give us back our nation and our pride and our hope!!" But it was too late, and their homeland was no more.

You may think this is a fairy tale, but it's not. It's happening RIGHT NOW !!!

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I guess in every person’s life they have special events that are embedded in their memory. Events that had such impact on them they could tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing at the time of the event. For my Dad it was the day President Kennedy was assassinated. He told me that he was getting a haircut when he heard the news. It was on the TV that was playing in the barber shop. Everyone just “froze”, and listened to the reporter tell the sad story. He told me that every man in the barber shop had a tear in their eye, and all were mad because someone one had shot their president. It was the south and everyone voted Democrat. But that didn’t really matter. Because back then, the president was the leader of your country, America, and even if you didn’t vote for him, you respected him.

I guess the first real event that was seared in my memory was the day Elvis Presley died at Graceland. I remember it well. My family was in Daytona Beach Florida for a vacation, and my Dad and I were in a hotel inquiring about a room. My Dad didn’t like the price so we decided to leave and continue to look for a place to stay. We walked back to the car and found my mother crying profusely. My Dad asked her what was wrong, and for a while she was so upset she could not say. Finally she told us that the radio had reported Elvis had died. My Mom was a big fan. I still remember when Elvis came to town down in Georgia for a concert, and how my Mom, her best friend, and her best friend’s Mom stood for hours in a line to get a ticket. There was no Ticketmaster back then. If you wanted a ticket you stood in a line. They were like three teen age girls when it came to Elvis. He was the King.

I never was as big of an Elvis fan as my mother by any stretch of the imagination. I really did not understand the significance of him back then. He was just a singer to that 16 year old boy on vacation with his family in Daytona Beach. But as the years have come and gone I realize that he was much more. He was a person that became part of American history. A character that was larger than life. He was an American icon whose life will be remembered forever. He was an American legend. I guess you can say the same about General Motors. It is an American legend. But just as Elvis passed from us, so it seems this American business icon may also pass.

GM is a 101 year old company and was the world’s largest car manufacturer until Toyota eclipsed it in 2008. GM produces more than 9 million vehicles per year in 34 countries. It employs 234,500 people worldwide with 91,000 of those people employed here in the United States. It provides benefits to approximately 493,000 people on an annual basis. GM solicits business from 11,500 vendors and pays those vendors $50 billion per year for various parts and services. Yep, GM is a giant. It’s sad that this giant is slated to close 14 factories, shed 29,000 of its work force, and cut 2,400 dealerships. It has also been taken off the DOW index. We could debate the causes of GM’s current state of affairs and argue if the federal bailout should be given, and argue still if the bailout will save GM. But the sad truth is, a company as American as John Wayne is in jeopardy of becoming extinct. Will it make it? I hope so.

GM filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy this past week in an effort to save itself. It will re-appear as a more scaled down, profitable company on paper. It is projected to have approximately $7 billion less in structural cost in 2010 than it had in 2008. But the new GM will still need to sell about 2 million vehicles per year in America alone to be profitable. It has an uphill climb ahead to maintain its customer base, attract new buyers and fight off the other car manufacturers who will also be aggressive in the global vehicle market. As bankruptcy will help GM in many ways, it could also tarnish a buyer’s perception of GM and cast doubt on future stability. It is the classic case of “we will just have to wait and see what the future holds.”

GM’s problems are much more than a study of how a gargantuan business can fail. It communicates that the world as we know it is changing, and some of the things that were foundational pillars 50 years ago in America are now crumbling. Fixtures of Main Street America such as K-Mart, Sears, and now GM have become endangered species, along with some of our values and freedoms. The world is changing around us very quickly in so many ways. I can remember when a GM vehicle was the only car my Dad would buy or drive. But then again, I can remember when I said the Pledge of Allegiance and prayed every day before school began. Yep, the world is changing.

Elvis was reported to have bought over a hundred Cadillac’s in his lifetime with the first being a 1954 Series 60. I guess it’s a good thing that “The King” is not around to see this mess involving GM. He would probably get ulcers worrying about the future of his beloved Cadillac. I can see him wearing his white sequined jumpsuit sitting on the front porch of Graceland deep in thought. Wondering where in the world is he going to be able to buy a Cadillac if GM goes under. Right or wrong, that’s the way A.P. American sees it. Yeah baby!!!!!!!!!!

The Last Crusade By Paul Williams Friday, June 5, 2009 - Canada Free Press

Speaking at the University of Cairo, President Barack Hussein Obama said that Americans are indebted to Islam for the great contributions Muslims have made to the history and development of the United States. “I know that Islam has always been a part of America’s story,” Mr. Obama told the throng of unenlightened Muslims. “The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. . . And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States.” Mr. Obama went on to say: “They [Muslims] have fought in our wars. They have served in our government. They have stood for civil rights. They have started businesses. They have taught at our universities. They’ve excelled in our sports arenas. They’ve won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building and lit the Olympic torch. And when the first Muslim American was recently elected to Congress, he took the oath to defend our Constitution using the same holy Koran that one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, kept in his personal library.” No one at the Egyptian University or the international media took issue with the President’s bizarre interpretation of American history, Let’s set the record straight once and for all. Sorry, Barack Hussein, but there were no Muslims among the passengers on the Mayflower or the settlers at Jamestown. Muslims were conspicuously absent from the ranks of George Washington’s Army of the Revolution and played no role in the creation of the American republic - - save for the fact that the new country’s first declaration of war was against the forces of Islam in the form of the Barbary pirates.1 Despite popular folklore, few Muslims numbered among the 12 million black Africans who were shipped to the New World from the 17th to 19th centuries. The Muslims, in fact, were not the slaves but the slave traders. In a Herculean effort to materialize at least one Muslim living in America before the Civil War, Muslims in America, an Islamic website, point to the name of Mahomet, the great grandson of the founder of the Mohegan tribe, on a gravestone in Norwich, Connecticut. The name of this Native American, they argue, resembles that of the prophet, and, therefore, he must have been a convert to Islam. Surprisingly, there is no record of any Islamic American among the enlisted and conscripted forces of World War I, let alone among the blue and grey armies of the Civil War. Oh, yes, Jefferson did possess a copy of the Koran which Keith Allison, our first Muslim Congressman, used to make his oath of office. But what was Jefferson opinion of Islam? Did he believe the Muslim religion represented a salubrious influence in world affairs? Far from it. In 1786 Thomas Jefferson, then US ambassador to France, and John Adams, then US Ambassador to Britain, met in London with Sidi Haji Abdul Rahman Adja, the Dey’s ambassador to Britain, in an attempt to negotiate a peace treaty with the Barbary Pirates based on Congress’ vote of funding. To the US Congress these two future Presidents later reported the reasons for the Muslims’ hostility towards America, a nation with which they had no previous contacts. “...that it was founded on the Laws of their Prophet, that it was written in their Koran, that all nations who should not have acknowledged their authority were sinners, that it was their right and duty to make war upon them wherever they could be found, and to make slaves of all they could take as Prisoners, and that every (Muslim) who should be slain in Battle was sure to go to Paradise.” Thomas Jefferson had it right. Barak Hussein Obama the 44th President of this Christian based nation has it wrong.

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Seldom do two consecutive Soap Boxes reflect so near the same topic, I was not going to let this Army mom go unacknowledged:

DEAR MR MOBY,
I'M NOT USUALLY ONE TO COMPLAIN ABOUT THE CHOICES OTHERS MAKE...THIS IS A FREE COUNTRY AND ONE CAN DO AS HE WISHES...BUT AS THE MOTHER OF 3 OF THIS COUNTRIES FINEST SOLDIERS (PERSONAL OPINION) I FOUND THE ACTIONS OF THIS PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL EXTREMELY OFFENSIVE! I RECENTLY ATTENDED THE GRADUATION CELEBRATION OF MY 5TH GRADER FROM A (BARROW CO) PUBLIC SCHOOL...AT THE BEGINNING OF THE CEREMONY WE WERE INSTRUCTED TO STAND AND SAY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND HAVE A MOMENT OF SILENCE (MIND YOU THAT WE ARE IN THE FAMILY LIFE CENTER OF A LOCAL CHURCH) THE COUPLE DIRECTLY BEHIND ME STOOD AND FACED THE FLAG BUT THE MAN DIDN’T PLACE HIS HAND OVER HIS HEART NOR DID HE RECITE THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE...I FELT AN INCREDIBLE SENSE OF RAGE AT HIS ACTIONS (OR LACK OF ACTIONS) HERE HE IS ATTENDING THE GRADUATION OF HIS CHILD FROM THE PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT OUR GOVERNMENT HAS MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL CHILDREN REGARDLESS OF RACE OR RELIGION FREE OF CHARGE...AND HE CANT HONOR THE FLAG OF OUR COUNTRY? THE COUNTRY THAT GIVES HIM THE FREEDOM TO ATTEND THIS GRADUATION TO HONOR THE HARD WORK OF THESE CHILDREN...THE FUTURE OF AMERICA...AS HE STOOD THERE DRESSED IN TORN BLUE JEANS AND A ROCK BAND SHIRT WITH A SMUG LOOK ON HIS FACE. I THOUGHT OF MY 21 YR OLD SON WHO LEAVES FOR AFGHANISTAN NEXT MONTH AND MY 19 YR OLD DAUGHTER WHO GAVE UP COLLEGE TO FOLLOW IN HER BIG BROTHERS FOOTSTEPS AND MY 18 YEAR OLD SON WHO ALSO CHOSE TO DEFEND FREEDOM LIKE HIS OLDER SIBLINGS...THE MEMBERS OF MY FAMILY WHO COULD NOT ATTEND THEIR LITTLE BROTHERS GRADUATION BECAUSE THEY WERE RISKING THEMSELVES LIFE AND LIMB TO DEFEND THIS GREAT NATION SO THAT WE MAY CONTINUE TO GATHER IN SMALL TOWN CHURCHES AND HONOR THE HARD WORK OF OUR CHILDREN. I HOPE SOMEDAY THAT MAN REALIZES JUST HOW LUCKY WE ALL ARE TO LIVE FREE...TO HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHOICES...GOD BLESS OUR SOLDIERS...GOD BLESS AMERICA!
SINCERELY, LEAH DANIEL PROUD ARMY MOM!
(Leah, that wasn’t a man, that was an arrogant, & ignorant punk that deserves his butt kicked. He doesn’t understand our very basis of life in America. Fear of God, Love of Country, and respect for Authority. and you’ve inspired this morning’s Small Town Soap Box.)

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Dear Moby,
I listen to you every morning on my way to work. Your support of our military men and women deeply touches me. I have a 24 year old son-in-law in the Navy who just returned from Afghanistan on April 1. My daughter, who is not quite 23, also a Sailor, arrived in Iraq on April 2, and my son who just turned 19, a Marine, arrived in Okinowa on April 3. I am very proud of all 3 of them. To be so young and willing to gladly lay down their lives for our freedom is something that should make us as Americans all proud.

Since April 1, I have experienced 2 other groups of people that also should make us proud. When my son-in-law returned from Afghanistan, he could give me no flight information because of security reasons. All he could give me was a tentative date, and to tell me to check with the USO when I arrived at the airport. We found the USO office and explained our situation. This group of volunteers bent over backwards for us. They gave us breakfast and a comfortable place to sit while we waited for them to find our son-in-laws flight. There were probably 50 or more children in uniform there. I say children because the oldest one there looked to be no more than 25. They were alone, in a strange airport going to places where they would most probably see things none of us should have to see. These USO volunteers treated these kids like they were their own. As a military mom, it was very heart warming to know that when my own children were on their way to their deployments, there would be people just like these people, who would treat my children with the love and respect all of our service men and women deserve.

The other group came to my attention last night. They are the American Red Cross. I have heard about them my whole life, but other than participating in local blood drives, I really never gave them much thought. I have no way to contact my son or daughter right now because of where they are other than email, and there is no guarantee when they will get those. A very dear friend of our family has cancer. She is like a grandmother to my children. Last night we were told if we wanted to see her, we needed to get to the hospital right away. Knowing that my children obviously couldn't get there, we were told if they could get to a phone, to call the hospital and they would be allowed to talk with her. I tried email, but when I hadn't gotten a response in an hour, I had to try other avenues. I called recruiters, help lines, their friends that are in the service with no luck. Finally I called the Red Cross. After taking my children's information concerning their rank and where they were stationed, I was told someone would be back in touch with me. Within the hour, my son and daughter had both called home and called the hospital to talk to their Mimi. The Red Cross also called back twice to ensure I had heard from both of them. It is not possible for my daughter to come home yet because of where she is and what she is doing, but the Red Cross has helped to arrange an emergency leave for my son, and hopefully he will be home Saturday for a 10 day leave.

To all of the military families out there, these 2 organizations are wonderful support groups for our children and for us as well, and I believe they deserve a big yeah baby too.
God Bless all of our military personnel that give so much and ask so little in return. And God Bless the USO and American Red Cross for being there for our children when we can't be.

Elizabeth Atkins
Proud Military Mom

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 As I start to reach middle age, I sit and wonder, what happened to my America? When I was little everybody knew everybody, and everybody’s business, and if you were told to stop something you did stop because every body knew. What happened to my America?
There were no colors of skin, and everybody played outside with everybody. There were those who were good fighters those who got beat up, and those that neither had to fight or get beat up. What happened to my America?
We played outside from sun up to sun down, and never worried about who was riding down the street. A gang shooting would have been considered a water gun fight gone a-rye. What happened to my America?
Families were the source of love and authority. They consisted of a mother, father, grandparents, uncles and aunts in control of you, your sisters and brothers. If one told you something it was the same as if you were told by your parents. What happened to my America?
People were proud to an American, and we said the pledge loud and proud and dared anyone to stop us. We had prayer in schools every morning regardless of religious views. Children respected their elders and when asked to do something they did it for fear of what their parents might do not if but when they found out. What happened to my America?
 Today we have children raising children and grandparents trying to raise their children’s children. Children think they are entitled to everything without putting forth an effort, and parents who are best friends with their children instead of being parents. Nobody knows their neighbors much less will give them the time of day. Children are expected to be given everything just because they want it, and if not parents use inappropriate colorful language or the threat of suing to get what their children want. What happened to my America?
Let me tell you. We have gotten away from family values, such as a hard days work for a days pay. Elders are to be valued and not treated like dirt. Parents are parents first and friends later. Families shared values and talked around the dinner table. And last but not least, America was the home of the free because there are men, & women who are willing to give their lives so that those spoiled rotten self entitled children might have a chance at a better life. That’s what has happened to my America!
Yeah Baby!
Tammy White

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Last week I was in Atlanta , Georgia attending a conference. While I was in the airport, returning home, I heard several people behind me beginning to clap and cheer.
Moving thru the terminal was a group of soldiers in their camos.. As they began heading to their gate, everyone (well almost everyone) was abruptly to their feet with their hands waving and cheering.
When I saw the soldiers, probably 30-40 of them, being applauded and cheered for, it hit me. I'm not alone. I'm not the only red-blooded American who still loves this country and supports our troops and their families.

Of course I immediately stopped and began clapping for these young unsung heroes who are putting their lives on the line everyday for us so we can go to school, work and home without fear or reprisal.
Just when I thought I could not be more proud of my country or of our service men and women, a young girl, not more than 6 or 7 years old ran up to one of the male soldiers... He kneeled down and said 'hi.'
The little girl then asked him if he would give something to her daddy for her.

The young soldier, who didn't look any older than maybe 22 himself, said he would try and what did she want to give to her daddy. Then suddenly the little girl grabbed the neck of this soldier, gave him the biggest hug she could muster and then kissed him on the cheek.

The mother of the little girl, who said her daughter's name was Courtney, told the young soldier that her husband was a Marine and had been in Iraq for 11 months now. As the mom was explaining how much her daughter Courtney missed her father, the young soldier began to tear up.
When this temporarily single mom was done explaining her situation, all of the soldiers huddled together for a brief second... Then one of the other servicemen pulled out a military-looking walkie-talkie. They started playing with the device and talking back and forth on it..

After about 10-15 seconds of this, the young soldier walked back over to Courtney, bent down and said this to her, 'I spoke to your daddy and he told me to give this to you.' He then hugged this little girl that he had just met and gave her a kiss on the cheek. He finished by saying 'your daddy told me to tell you that he loves you more than anything and he is coming home very soon.'

The mom at this point was crying almost uncontrollably and as the young soldier stood to his feet, he saluted Courtney and her mom. I was standing no more than 6 feet away from this entire event.
As the soldiers began to leave, heading towards their gate, people resumed their applause. As I stood there applauding and looked around, there were very few dry eyes, including my own. That young soldier in one last act of selflessness turned around and blew a kiss to Courtney with a tear rolling down his cheek. We need to remember everyday all of our soldiers and their families and thank God for them and their sacrifices.

At the end of the day, it's good to be an American.

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(This is also published on "AP AMERICAN" Blog)

One of my favorite country songs is “I saw God Today” by George Strait. I’ve been a George Strait fan for as long as I can remember and that song I think is one of his best. It helps me to remember to never take life, or the ones you love for granted, and many times our heart will see more than our eyes ever will. I was raised in the south and going to church on Sunday was just part of life. You knew on Sunday at 11:00 AM you and the family would be sitting on a pew getting ready to sing a hymn and listen to a sermon. The church my family went to was very small, as most churches across America are. The mega-church phenomenon of today did not exist. When I think about today’s mega-churches, Joel Osteen and Rick Warren come to mind. On any given Sunday they preach to a crowd that rivals some sporting events, and their popularity with Christian America can also rival most celebrities.


Osteen and Warren both have very charismatic ministries and both have written best sellers that generate a tremendous amount of income. Both seem to be very frugal in their lifestyle. Osteen is reported to take no salary from his church, and Warren reports that he lives off 10% of his royalties and donates the rest. It is very admirable on both of their accounts. But the truth is, both are very wealthy men and preachers of the gospel. The vast majority of the “white haired warriors” that preach in small churches throughout this great country of ours are not wealthy people. They go about the task of doing the Lords work with not a lot of monetary reward or recognition. Each Wednesday night and all day on Sunday they can be found spouting the word with a bible in one hand and a handkerchief in the other. This is where I believe the “real” gospel is being preached. It is also where I had the opportunity to see God for the first time.


I went to a small southern Pentecostal Holiness Church. The preacher had to preach loud in the summer time to be heard over several window air conditioning units that were always running on “high”. The air conditioning was needed because when the service got cranked up, there was a lot of running, healing and speaking in tongues. I learned early that being in the spirit works up a sweat. The church also issued out “paper fans” propelled by the human arm if you were not lucky enough to sit by an air conditioning unit. One of the most prolific characters at the church, and the man who helped me see God for the first time was one of the deacons named “Brother Jack”.


Brother Jack was a painter and a carpenter by trade during the week, and a very dedicated deacon at all times. I never knew him to miss a service other than the times he would take his family on vacation. Brother Jack could not read or write, but had managed to memorize the bible by listening to audio tapes. He was always prepared to “heal” the nearest person in need, and would preach a sermon every now and then. Brother Jack had a very unique “healing stance” that he would always use during the deed, and his sermons at times were a little confusing. Since he could not read and relied on memory to quote scripture, he would sometimes tell the congregation to turn to one passage but begin quoting another. Everyone loved him and didn’t seem to mind.


The church eventually got enough funds to buy a bus. It was just an old yellow county school bus bought at an auction, but it served its purpose. Brother Jack lived near the church and it was only natural that he became the “keeper of the bus”. Back in those days in the south, if a church had padded pews it was known as a “place of worship”, but if it had a bus and padded pews, it was known as a “cathedral”.

I remember one weekend during the summer when all the young people in the church were going to a youth retreat. The retreat was way out in the country, and Brother Jack and Brother Clements were going to be our chaperones. During the trip we found ourselves on a desolate stretch of a two lane highway. The bus began to shake and Brother Jack pulled over. He found that the bus had developed a flat tire. A flat tire is nothing to get excited about unless you have no spare, which was our case. Brother Jack got out and started to pray and ask God to fix the flat tire. I’m not saying that Brother Clements, the other chaperone, didn’t have the same amount of faith, but while Brother Jack prayed he began to walk. After a while I guess Brother Jack needed more “prayer” power, so he got everyone off the bus to help him pray. I can still see us all beside that lonely road praying for God to “heal” the tire. We prayed for about an hour and then Brother Clements returned in a tow truck. Another thirty minutes and we were on our way.


After we arrived at the youth retreat we had a service that night. During the service Brother Jack stood up and said he wanted to testify. Brother Jack told everyone there about our ordeal getting to the retreat, and how the devil had tried to prevent it by flattening one of the bus tires. He went on to tell how God had not let the old devil win, and had fixed the bus tire so we could get there. That was not the way I remembered the tire repair happening, but I was just a young boy back then and Brother Jack was much more experienced in the mysterious ways God. I had no reason to doubt Brother Jack, and I concluded that I had obviously seen God that day for the first time. He had looked nothing like I had thought. Actually, he looked pretty ordinary. He was wearing work clothes with a shirt tag that read, “Willard’s Garage”, and he was driving a tow truck smoking a cigarette.


The above story is not to make fun of Brother Jack or the power of God. It was only meant to illustrate one of the many fond memories I have of growing up in a small southern church. I still believe Brother Jack was one of the godliness men I ever met, and the power of God is extraordinary. Now as I look back on that day many years later I firmly believe I did see God that day. I saw him in the songs we sang as we drove to the retreat. I saw him in the love Brother Jack showed for us and his church. I saw him in my best friend who sat beside me during the trip. I hope in the coming years America continues to hold on to the values and faith the Christian religion has given it. Our belief in God has been instrumental in creating the greatest nation on earth. It has been the thread of America’s fabric, and the azimuth that has kept many of us on a course of hope during trying times. Every time I see one of my kids, my wife, a good friend, or just sit by a slow rolling river and fish, I can truly say, “I saw God today”. Right or wrong, that’s the way A.P. American sees it. Yeah baby!!!!!!

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