It’s that time again – time for the Great American Cooter Festival. What’s a Cooter Festival, you ask? Simply put, it’s a festival held yearly by the City of Inverness, Florida, in celebration of the Cooter. The people of Inverness really like to show off their Cooters and they have food, drink and all sorts of fun things to do.
One of the women from the Fish And Wildlife Division actually showed her Cooter to a reporter. He was rather impressed by its overall appearance.
I mentioned it on Facebook last night and, of course, got some interesting feedback. The exchanges went something like this:
“So are you going to the Cooter Festival?”
“I doubt it. I went last year and had my fill of Cooter for a while.”
“Yeah…. When you’ve seen one Cooter you’ve seen them all!! LOL
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far. You’ve got big ones and small ones. Some are more colorful than others. Some are really pretty and others not so much…”
“I’ve heard some Cooters smell bad. I don’t know – I’ve just heard.”
“I suppose it depends on where they live…”
The jokes spread and continued and there was even a video about the Cooter Festival on Youtube. Many people think the Cooter Festival is a bit much. One man even said it’s degrading to women. I personally feel if it’s degrading to the Cooters themselves. After all, they’re just poor little water turtles who like to live in the lakes and eat plants.
What were you thinking?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Be As Proud As I Am
Yesterday morning I watched an interview of Sheriff Paul Babeu of Pinal County, Arizona. Babeu, an outspoken critic of the Obama administration’s policies concerning illegal immigration, said he may run for Congress because he believes “the real deficit in Washington is one of leadership. It's clear that Washington is broken. To fix it we'll need leaders unafraid to make tough decisions, leaders more worried about the next generation than the next election. I believe it may be time for a new Sheriff in Washington."
While the pun was noted, one of the things that caught my ear was Sheriff Babeu’s statement that “We need leaders who are proud of America and still believe she is the greatest nation on Earth.” I have to agree with him. I was disappointed and embarrassed when President Obama, soon after inauguration, went on his “Apology Tour” to the Middle East.
After President Obama won the Democrat nomination for President, Michelle Obama made her infamous statement “For the first time in my adult life I’m proud of my country.” She disappeared from the public eye for a while after that since many Americans weren’t pleased with her statement but one can’t help but wonder if President Obama had/has the same feelings. If so, why would he want to run for President? I can only think of one reason and that would be to change America into a country he could be proud of. Mr. Obama was, after all, raised by socialist/Marxist parents (mostly his mother) and was a follower and teacher of Saul Alinsky. So if he believes America needs to be changed, what other change could it be than to take her toward bigger government and far-left leaning policies.
I realize he hasn’t pushed us too far to the left yet however, I am of the belief that if he wins re-election the mask will come off and the true Barack Obama will surface. And I believe if given a second term Mr. Obama will push much harder and make things happen despite our normal democratic process.
I want a President and representatives who like America and what she stands for regardless. Certainly we could do some things better. But America has always been a world leader and an example for others to follow. We are the most generous nation in the world when it comes to helping other nations – even those with whom we’ve been to war. We are a friend to most and we still stand for freedom and fairness. And those who don’t appreciate America for her values and standards, as far as I’m concerned, can feel free to find a country that feels as they do. Our borders are open in both directions these days. (But you may not find other countries so accommodating.)
I served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and worked for the Federal government for 22 years. I love my country and while she’s not perfect, I won’t apologize to anyone for her. I want a President who is at least as proud of our country as I am. Is that too much to ask, I wonder?
While the pun was noted, one of the things that caught my ear was Sheriff Babeu’s statement that “We need leaders who are proud of America and still believe she is the greatest nation on Earth.” I have to agree with him. I was disappointed and embarrassed when President Obama, soon after inauguration, went on his “Apology Tour” to the Middle East.
After President Obama won the Democrat nomination for President, Michelle Obama made her infamous statement “For the first time in my adult life I’m proud of my country.” She disappeared from the public eye for a while after that since many Americans weren’t pleased with her statement but one can’t help but wonder if President Obama had/has the same feelings. If so, why would he want to run for President? I can only think of one reason and that would be to change America into a country he could be proud of. Mr. Obama was, after all, raised by socialist/Marxist parents (mostly his mother) and was a follower and teacher of Saul Alinsky. So if he believes America needs to be changed, what other change could it be than to take her toward bigger government and far-left leaning policies.
I realize he hasn’t pushed us too far to the left yet however, I am of the belief that if he wins re-election the mask will come off and the true Barack Obama will surface. And I believe if given a second term Mr. Obama will push much harder and make things happen despite our normal democratic process.
I want a President and representatives who like America and what she stands for regardless. Certainly we could do some things better. But America has always been a world leader and an example for others to follow. We are the most generous nation in the world when it comes to helping other nations – even those with whom we’ve been to war. We are a friend to most and we still stand for freedom and fairness. And those who don’t appreciate America for her values and standards, as far as I’m concerned, can feel free to find a country that feels as they do. Our borders are open in both directions these days. (But you may not find other countries so accommodating.)
I served eight years in the U.S. Air Force and worked for the Federal government for 22 years. I love my country and while she’s not perfect, I won’t apologize to anyone for her. I want a President who is at least as proud of our country as I am. Is that too much to ask, I wonder?
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Joe Biden and the truth meter....
A few days ago, Joe Biden, the Vice President of the United States, told a group in Flint, Michigan, that the murder rate had tripled and incidences of rape have quadrupled since the “police force was cut in half.“ He went on to say if the Republicans don’t pass President Obama’s jobs bill these rates would continue to skyrocket. Only problem is – it’s all lies.
FBI statistics show that the murder rates and incidents of rape in the country overall have decreased in the last year. State statistics in Michigan show that while the murder rate in Flint doubled from 32 to 66, it did not triple and the incidents of rape actually went down by 6%. Even the Police Chief of Flint stated Biden’s statements were inaccurate. When confronted with the facts Mr. Biden continues to defend his statements as true and told one reporter “Check the numbers. Don’t mess with me.”
FactCheck.org slammed Vice President Biden with a headline that reads “Biden’s Whopper in Flint, Mich. Apparently they too understand that Biden’s generous embellishment of facts and numbers just isn’t quite correct in a country where truth and transparency are supposed to be standard for members of the President’s cabinet. Going around telling blatant lies to the American public in an attempt to get a jobs bill passed is not only pathetic but unbecoming of the Vice President. Mr. Biden needs to stop spreading lies and claiming them to be facts just for Democrat political gain. Of course, the Obama jobs bill is mostly an excuse for more government spending so the only real difference is that the jobs bill hasn’t been proved to be a major falsehood, yet. Biden’s repeated statements have been disproved.
Anyone want to speculate on whether or not Biden is the VP candidate next year?
FBI statistics show that the murder rates and incidents of rape in the country overall have decreased in the last year. State statistics in Michigan show that while the murder rate in Flint doubled from 32 to 66, it did not triple and the incidents of rape actually went down by 6%. Even the Police Chief of Flint stated Biden’s statements were inaccurate. When confronted with the facts Mr. Biden continues to defend his statements as true and told one reporter “Check the numbers. Don’t mess with me.”
FactCheck.org slammed Vice President Biden with a headline that reads “Biden’s Whopper in Flint, Mich. Apparently they too understand that Biden’s generous embellishment of facts and numbers just isn’t quite correct in a country where truth and transparency are supposed to be standard for members of the President’s cabinet. Going around telling blatant lies to the American public in an attempt to get a jobs bill passed is not only pathetic but unbecoming of the Vice President. Mr. Biden needs to stop spreading lies and claiming them to be facts just for Democrat political gain. Of course, the Obama jobs bill is mostly an excuse for more government spending so the only real difference is that the jobs bill hasn’t been proved to be a major falsehood, yet. Biden’s repeated statements have been disproved.
Anyone want to speculate on whether or not Biden is the VP candidate next year?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Killing Anwar Al Awlaki... Should Obama Be Prosecuted?
There are many differing opinions about the killing of Anwar Al Awlaki, ranging from “Great job, Mr. President” to “You’re a murderer and you’re violating the Constitution, Mr. President.” Mostly conservative radio talk show host, Michael Savage, said last night that Obama should be charged with a war crime for killing Al Awlaki. He said Al Awlaki was still an American citizen and, as such, was entitled to a trial and due process. I must voice my disagreement.
Anwar Al Awlaki left the United States and moved to the Middle East. Once there he joined Al Quaeda and denounced his U.S. citizenship. Granted he didn’t do it legally, as Dr. Savage pointed out, but in my book that doesn’t matter in the least. Al Awlaki encouraged and even plotted with terrorists to attack the United States. In my humble opinion, if you turn against your country and plot to kill Americans you’ve given up your right to due process and are fair game for a well placed missile or bomb. Personally, I am glad Al Awlaki is dead and I applaud the President for allowing it and the military or CIA operatives who made it happen. I hope these incidents continue and that we can get as many of our enemies dead as possible. But that’s just me.
Should President Obama or others in the chain be prosecuted? Not in this case. A case might be made for prosecuting Eric Holder but that’s another story or another subject. I believe, regardless of his earlier stances on the wars, that Obama is now doing the right thing concerning the wars. So I’ll give credit where due. Keep it up, Mr. President, and you might get to finish your first and only term to completion…
Anwar Al Awlaki left the United States and moved to the Middle East. Once there he joined Al Quaeda and denounced his U.S. citizenship. Granted he didn’t do it legally, as Dr. Savage pointed out, but in my book that doesn’t matter in the least. Al Awlaki encouraged and even plotted with terrorists to attack the United States. In my humble opinion, if you turn against your country and plot to kill Americans you’ve given up your right to due process and are fair game for a well placed missile or bomb. Personally, I am glad Al Awlaki is dead and I applaud the President for allowing it and the military or CIA operatives who made it happen. I hope these incidents continue and that we can get as many of our enemies dead as possible. But that’s just me.
Should President Obama or others in the chain be prosecuted? Not in this case. A case might be made for prosecuting Eric Holder but that’s another story or another subject. I believe, regardless of his earlier stances on the wars, that Obama is now doing the right thing concerning the wars. So I’ll give credit where due. Keep it up, Mr. President, and you might get to finish your first and only term to completion…
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Things You May Not Know About Herman Cain...
It’s been said, by pundits on the left and right, that Herman Cain is a joke in the Presidential primaries. Janeane Garofolo said the other day that Republicans will elect Cain simply because he’s black and they’ll try to use that against Obama. The truth is that Herman Cain is an intelligent, business savvy, viable candidate who has moved up in the polls recently.
People are starting to realize that Cain sounds more intelligent and capable than the other candidates. I’ve liked him from the beginning. About the only way Republicans may benefit from his being black is that it will be more difficult for hateful liberals to call Republicans racists if they nominate a black man for President. Kinda difficult to toss that R word out there if the Republican candidate is black as well. But, of course, they’ll try.
I have been reading about Mr. Cain and am even more impressed now then I was. He is extremely successful, intelligent, has successful business experience, and an education that’s been made public (unlike our current President.) Many haven’t taken the time to look closely. So I thought I’d share.
What you may not know about Herman Cain....
He’s not a career politician (in fact he has never held political office). He’s known as a pizza guy, but there’s a lot more to him. He’s also a computer guy, a banker guy, and a rocket scientist guy.
Here’s his bio:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science.
• Mathematician for the Navy, where he worked on missile ballistics (making him a rocket scientist).
• Computer systems analyst for Coca-Cola.
• VP of Corporate Data Systems and Services for Pillsbury (this is the top of the ladder in the computer world, being in charge of information systems for a major corporation).
All achieved before reaching the age of 35. Since he reached the top of the information systems world, he changed careers!
• Business Manager. Took charge of Pillsbury’s 400 Burger King restaurants in the Philadelphia area, which were the company’s poorest performers in the country. Spent the first nine months learning the business from the ground up, cooking hamburger and yes, cleaning toilets. After three years he had turned them into the company’s best performers.
• Godfather’s Pizza CEO. Was asked by Pillsbury to take charge of their Godfather’s Pizza chain (which was on the verge of bankruptcy). He made it profitable in 14 months.
• In 1988 he led a buyout of the Godfather’s Pizza chain from Pillsbury. He was now the owner of a restaurant chain. Again he reached the top of the ladder of another industry.
• He was also chairman of the National Restaurant Association during this time. This is a group that interacts with government on behalf of the restaurant industry, and it gave him political experience from the non-politician side.
Having reached the top of a second industry, he changed careers again!
• Adviser to the Federal Reserve System. Herman Cain went to work for the Federal Reserve Banking System advising them on how monetary policy changes would affect American businesses.
• Chairman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. He worked his way up to the chairmanship of a regional Federal Reserve bank. This is only one step below the chairmanship of the entire Federal Reserve System (the top banking position in the country). This position allowed him to see how monetary policy is made from the inside, and understand the political forces that impact the monetary system.
After reaching the top of the banking industry, he changed careers for a fourth time!
• Writer and public speaker. He then started to write and speak on leadership. His books include Speak as a Leader, CEO of Self, Leadership is Common Sense, and They Think You’re Stupid.
• Radio Host. Around 2007—after a remarkable 40 year career—he started hosting a radio show on WSB in Atlanta (the largest talk radio station in the country).
He did all this starting from rock bottom (his father was a chauffeur and his mother was a maid). When you add up his accomplishments in his life—including reaching the top of three unrelated industries: information systems, business management, and banking—
Herman Cain may have the most impressive resume of anyone that has run for the presidency in the last half century.
In my opinion, Herman Cain is far more qualified to lead the country and get it back on track than our current President. To borrow from Dennis Miller… (Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.
People are starting to realize that Cain sounds more intelligent and capable than the other candidates. I’ve liked him from the beginning. About the only way Republicans may benefit from his being black is that it will be more difficult for hateful liberals to call Republicans racists if they nominate a black man for President. Kinda difficult to toss that R word out there if the Republican candidate is black as well. But, of course, they’ll try.
I have been reading about Mr. Cain and am even more impressed now then I was. He is extremely successful, intelligent, has successful business experience, and an education that’s been made public (unlike our current President.) Many haven’t taken the time to look closely. So I thought I’d share.
What you may not know about Herman Cain....
He’s not a career politician (in fact he has never held political office). He’s known as a pizza guy, but there’s a lot more to him. He’s also a computer guy, a banker guy, and a rocket scientist guy.
Here’s his bio:
• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics.
• Master’s degree in Computer Science.
• Mathematician for the Navy, where he worked on missile ballistics (making him a rocket scientist).
• Computer systems analyst for Coca-Cola.
• VP of Corporate Data Systems and Services for Pillsbury (this is the top of the ladder in the computer world, being in charge of information systems for a major corporation).
All achieved before reaching the age of 35. Since he reached the top of the information systems world, he changed careers!
• Business Manager. Took charge of Pillsbury’s 400 Burger King restaurants in the Philadelphia area, which were the company’s poorest performers in the country. Spent the first nine months learning the business from the ground up, cooking hamburger and yes, cleaning toilets. After three years he had turned them into the company’s best performers.
• Godfather’s Pizza CEO. Was asked by Pillsbury to take charge of their Godfather’s Pizza chain (which was on the verge of bankruptcy). He made it profitable in 14 months.
• In 1988 he led a buyout of the Godfather’s Pizza chain from Pillsbury. He was now the owner of a restaurant chain. Again he reached the top of the ladder of another industry.
• He was also chairman of the National Restaurant Association during this time. This is a group that interacts with government on behalf of the restaurant industry, and it gave him political experience from the non-politician side.
Having reached the top of a second industry, he changed careers again!
• Adviser to the Federal Reserve System. Herman Cain went to work for the Federal Reserve Banking System advising them on how monetary policy changes would affect American businesses.
• Chairman of the Kansas City Federal Reserve Bank. He worked his way up to the chairmanship of a regional Federal Reserve bank. This is only one step below the chairmanship of the entire Federal Reserve System (the top banking position in the country). This position allowed him to see how monetary policy is made from the inside, and understand the political forces that impact the monetary system.
After reaching the top of the banking industry, he changed careers for a fourth time!
• Writer and public speaker. He then started to write and speak on leadership. His books include Speak as a Leader, CEO of Self, Leadership is Common Sense, and They Think You’re Stupid.
• Radio Host. Around 2007—after a remarkable 40 year career—he started hosting a radio show on WSB in Atlanta (the largest talk radio station in the country).
He did all this starting from rock bottom (his father was a chauffeur and his mother was a maid). When you add up his accomplishments in his life—including reaching the top of three unrelated industries: information systems, business management, and banking—
Herman Cain may have the most impressive resume of anyone that has run for the presidency in the last half century.
In my opinion, Herman Cain is far more qualified to lead the country and get it back on track than our current President. To borrow from Dennis Miller… (Of course, that’s just my opinion. I could be wrong.
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