Columns, Commentary and Common Sense

July, 2009

July 21, 2009
Remembering Walter Cronkite
By Thomas J. Basile

     On a summer day in the late 1970's a family walked onto the studio floor at the CBS Evening News in New York, a few hours before the newscast. Two adults and a small boy with bushy brown hair made their way up to that famous desk where Walter Cronkite brought us the world every night. The boy's father was a veteran CBS technician. His mother was a housewife and more than a little nervous about what was about to happen.
     The father had brought his son to CBS that afternoon to meet his idol. It wasn't Reggie Jackson. When most young boys wanted to be baseball players or firemen, this youngster loved the news. More specifically, he was captivated by Cronkite. He dreamed of being able to reach people, inform people and speak to them the way Uncle Walter did. He was five.
     The father pointed out the famous world map on the wall, walked his son into the bustling newsroom and finally into an office just off the studio floor. Behind the desk sat the most trusted man in America.
     He was an icon and a national treasure, yet he still carried himself and treated people like that young reporter from Missouri. Not intimidated by celebrity, the young boy and the news anchor quickly began a conversation. Cronkite was amused. The boy's parents shook their heads almost in disbelief. Cronkite bent down to try to talk to talk to the boy at eye level. On a glossy photo he wrote "To Thomas - who is after my job, and undoubtedly will get it - Wishing you all good luck - Walter Cronkite."
     Later that year the boy invited the newsman to his birthday party. While Cronkite graciously declined the invitation, one afternoon a gift arrived. Cronkite had sent a football, signed by Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Bart Starr that had been a gift from the football great sent earlier that year.
     It still sits on my desk in a glass case. He actually told my father, "Make sure he plays with it." I would see him again only on a couple of occasions as I grew up and he drifted out of the public eye.
     We lost more than a pioneer of television last Friday with the passing of Walter Cronkite, we lost someone who personified the American spirit and in doing so touched our lives. All of us can take a lesson from the way Cronkite tackled his responsibilities, both professionally and personally, with an unswerving pride and dedication. He showed us what it meant to be impartial, sincere, and principled while still achieving greatness. He was, after all, the personification of American excellence.
     The media, in particular should take note of his example. Infotainment and bias had little place in Uncle Walter's world. Today, in an era when everyone is a columnist and news is unabashedly editorialized, we should hope that Cronkite's example will be instructive. In his absence, some journalists have helped foster a culture of distrust and seemingly unwieldy cynicism, fueled by increased competition, sensational coverage, innuendo and loose facts. The skepticism that the media has fostered, one can argue has boomeranged on journalism itself making a man like Cronkite not just a rarity but a virtual impossibility today.
     When he left the anchor chair in 1981, I didn't lose interest in delivering the news, but rather began to listen more to another prominent communicator named Ronald Reagan. Over time, my focus changed but any sense I have that one can in fact reach people, help them understand their world and hopefully live better, all started with Walter. Today I teach political communications and have had the privilege of serving in government at the local, state and Federal level helping articulate the policies that impact our lives. I've been behind the camera, and have spent time in front of it as well.
     My father instilled in me a sense of decency and purpose. Watching Cronkite made me realize early on that one person's voice and example can have a great impact on many. Reagan combined the two, inspiring in me a sense of duty and a passion for public service. All three are gone now leaving me to live by their example, in my own way and poorly by comparison. But I will try.
     The young boy with the bushy brown hair is gone too, but the man who writes this in his place owes you Walter a debt of thanks. Good night. Rest well.
 

July 14, 2009
It's Bush, Stupid 
By Thomas J. Basile

June, 2009

June 6, 2009
Don't Date on My Dime Mr. President 
By Thomas J. Basile

     So, the President and the First Lady decided to have a night out on the town last Saturday.  As the White House travelling press corps drooled over the sharply dressed first couple, the Obamas left the confines of the White House for dinner and a show in New York.  To see the photos, they looked to be all class.  Unfortunately, this was a classless move and nothing more than an arrogant display of limousine liberalism.
     As a New Yorker and as a taxpayer, let me tell you loud and clear Mr. President – come as often as you’d like on official business.  Date your wife somewhere else.  In fact, do the taxpayer a favor and stay in Washington. 
     The media, in typical fashion, were duped by the White House who placed the cost of the President’s jaunt to Gotham at a mere $24,000.00.  Guess what?  They lied. 
     As the American people muddle through the worst economy and the highest unemployment in a generation, the President’s night out cost the taxpayer much more than people realize.  The media are giving him a pass on the trip, or so it seems, but every unemployed, overtaxed American should do the exact opposite. 
     I’ve had the privilege of travelling in that White House bubble and know full well that the Obama Date Night was an appallingly expensive affair.  The following is only a partial list of the necessary personnel, government assets and expenses to the taxpayer for the President’s Saturday night on the town:

Air Force One
Perhaps they felt a little better about themselves because the White House chose to use a smaller Gulf Stream 5 aircraft instead of the 747 usually reserved for Presidential travel.  However using the smaller plane, while good optics and cheaper required the use of two additional planes for staff, security and press.  The cost of operating the Gulf Stream alone is estimated more than $10,000 an hour.  The size and cost of the additional aircraft was extra, not to mention additional assets needed on stand-by in case of emergency.

Marine One and the Marine Helicopter Detachment
Moving the President around is an expensive and complicated task.  While the Air Force takes care of the planes, the Marines handle the helicopters.  For the New York Date Night, at least three of the Presidential Marine helicopters had to be flown to New York ahead of him.  Routes are always practiced by the military for the visit and personnel, who require accommodations, are also sent in advance to liaise with the City and other critical resources. 

The United States Secret Service
More than any other Presidential asset, the Secret Service are an indispensible part of Presidential travel.  Just because this was a short trip doesn’t mean that the Service worked fewer hours in planning and used fewer people.  When the President is concerned, there is no half way.  Without going into detail, Obama’s night out probably required no less than three dozen agents ranging from transportation specialists to snipers to post-standers.  Wouldn’t you know it, all those guys get paid too.  If they had to be there in advance, and were brought in from out of town they needed hotel rooms and an operation center at a New York Hotel too. 

White House Advance and White House Communications
The President doesn’t go anywhere without an advance team, which typically ‘drops’ in a destination city between three and six days ahead of a visit.  The American taxpayer picks up the transportation, salaries, per diem and lodging for the team of between three and six advance people that handled this visit on the ground.  Staff require office space at a New York hotel, typically the Waldorf=Astoria.  The White House Communications Agency also had to send personnel to New York to ensure that the President is in constant communication with the Military and other government officials. 

The New York City Police Department
One word – overtime.  Whenever the President goes anywhere, it takes literally hundreds of local police to ensure he travels securely from one place to another.  In addition to intelligence gathering and other functions, local police also ensure that the areas around the President’s location are locked down.  According to pool reports the President’s motorcade on Saturday consisted of at least ten motorcycle cops and several police cruisers.  Dozens of additional police would be needed at each stop and virtually every intersection along the President’s itinerary.  On a Saturday night, that means that a good chunk of the officers assigned to ‘Date Night Duty’ on the NYPD made time-and-a-half costing the New York taxpayer tens of thousands of dollars.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
There were also fees for the use of the Wall Street Heliport and other costs associated with renting ramp space at JFK Airport. The Port Authority Police Department also had to dedicate and pay personnel overtime from public coffers to support the visit, because the NYPD doesn’t have jurisdiction on airport property.    

      Still think it was only $24,000?  It was probably closer to ten times that. Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush took a lot of flak for their time spent outside of Washington.  Both had far more respect for the taxpayer than spend-thrift Obama.  Bush went out sparingly in Washington and never came to New York on a strictly personal trip.  When he was in Manhattan, he came on official business and restricted his travel to avoid inconveniencing the tens of thousands of drivers and pedestrians who are often bottled up by closed streets and frozen zones in the nation’s largest city.  Obama’s night out Saturday forced the closure of the FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, Times Square and 6^th Avenue. 
     Additionally, Bush and Reagan both spent their “off time” at either Camp David or their ranches, because it was easier on the White House assets and the Secret Service. Out of respect for security personnel, staff and their families, not to mention the taxpayer, President Bush also restricted his travel during holidays.  It would never have entered Bush’s mind to plan a trip like this – especially at a time when so many Americans are struggling.    
     Now that’s respect.  That’s class.  Take a lesson Mr. President – and stay off Broadway.
 

May, 2009

May 20, 2009
Obama Charts Middle Course With New Car Rules
By Thomas J. Basile

   As you know, I'm not one for lavishing praise on the President, but it is important to give credit where credit is due.  Yesterday’s announcement by the president of new emissions and mileage standards will hopefully, and at long last sound the death-knell for the old gas guzzler in the driveway. The announcement is a rare breath of fresh air, pardon the pun, from Washington regulators and policy-makers. Environmental regulation in this country has lacked the necessary balance that can make it effective. Regulators and legislators often try to do too much too quickly, forcing years of costly litigation or in an effort to show some environmental progress, craft uninspired rules that do little to help the planet.
   The Obama administration got it right this time. The auto industry has been avoiding the issue of fuel efficiency for years. With the technology available to provide greater fuel efficiency than 40 MPG already in existence, some may say that the Obama plan doesn’t go far enough. Not true. By bringing all the parties to the table and charting a middle course, Obama is doing everything he can to nudge industry in the right direction while avoiding the litigation that would stall any progress.
   Bolstered by the Federal government’s new role in saving the big three from financial ruin, they brought environmentalists and industry together, to create a proposed regulation that is reasonable in scope for consumers, industry and the environment. This isn’t a classic case of Federal government over-regulation. The proposal actually streamlines emissions and MPG requirements by removing a layer of state regulation that can drive up costs.
   Should we be producing cars that get 50 or even 100 miles per gallon? Sure. The way we power our transportation hasn’t fundamentally changed in decades. It’s 2009 and we should be doing much better.
    That’s where private sector innovation comes in. The American consumer should be demanding that their automakers now go beyond compliance with these new rules and up the ante on the government. Industries of all kinds have done it time and time again over the past decade. It’s the green wave we’ve been seen begin to pervade virtually every consumer offering.
    Now the automakers, who should be starving to engage today’s more eco-responsible consumer, have an opportunity to take the kind innovation not long ago reserved only for the Prius into the mainstream.
    Obama has done his part. Hopefully, these regulations won't be perverted into something outrageous and onerous, but only time will tell.  Now the great American enterprise system should show the world once more what we can really do, with a little nudge from government.

APRIL 2009

April 1, 2009
Obama Creating a New Culture of Dependency  
by Tom Basile

      Racing toward the 100-day mark President Obama, together with the Democratic leadership are bringing us the change we were promised.  Certainly America wanted something different after last year’s campaign.  However, change for the sake of change is a dangerous thing in the complex world we live in, and Americans should be wary of the direction we are heading.  Recent poll numbers suggest that Americans, in particular Independent voters, are realizing that despite the centrist rhetoric the President is a devoted apostle of the Left.  Those independents and even Republicans who had hoped Barack Obama would make good on his pledge to drive a middle course, have spent the last two months watching the President sign the largest special interest giveaway, discretionary spending increase and expansion of government in US history. 
     Using this deep and biting recession as a blank check, our government has created dozens of new programs, approved increases in the federal workforce and is poised to give a hand-out to millions of Americans.  In January, then President-elect Obama pledged that there would be no pork in the stimulus bill yet he singed a spending package that was like Christmas in February for Pelosi, Reid and dozens of pet projects and interest groups.  To be sure, both Democrats and Republicans are to blame for the size of the stimulus bill. 
     Yes, the era of big government is back, but there is more at work here than just increasing the welfare rolls.  There is more at work here than offering a handout to the 40% of Americans who don’t pay Federal income taxes.  This expansion of government power and influence is potentially much larger and more calculated than we’ve seen before. 
     What we are seeing is a new culture of dependency.  This effort by Obama is intended to create or reestablish new and larger constituencies for the Democratic Party using an expansion of government power.  Last year it was “Yes We Can!”  This year it’s “No you can’t - but government will do it for you.”  People from all walks of life across the country will owe their increased services and perhaps their very livelihoods to government, or more appropriately the Democratic Party.
     There is perhaps no more egregious an example of this alarming trend than the first salvo by the Obama Administration toward reducing the charitable deduction.  The top 1% of American households by adjusted gross income contributes up to 40% of all charitable donations each year.  Why would Obama begin lowering the deduction, especially during a recession? - Dependency.  The Democrats could care less about any drop in philanthropic giving.  After all, government will pick up the slack.  The demise of charities large and small will only provide fertile ground for more government programs, a larger bureaucracy, and increases in government jobs, grants and spending.
     More services and programs mean more Democratic voters.  The New Deal was perverted into a permanent expansion of government, intensified with the Great Society programs that nearly bankrupted the country.  They maintained an underclass of sorts that served as reliable Democratic votes for decades.  After eight years of Bush and several before of Clinton, who adopted much of the Republican legislative agenda when it came to entitlements, the Democrats are now drunk with power. 
     It’s time Americans realized that this train is barreling down the tracks.  To paraphrase Jefferson – the government that can give you everything will also have the power to take everything from you.  After criticizing the Bush Administration for years about spending and some supposed massive power grab, the Obama-Pelosi-Reid troika has hit a new low on the hypocrisy meter.
     The President and his allies in the Congress are capitalizing on the fear and uncertainty that exists in too many American households.  They know people are tending to more important issues like job security, mortgage payments, foreclosure or even putting enough food on the table.  What Americans don’t realize is that the Democrats are mortgaging our future and tilting us toward socialism for the sake of fortifying their stronghold on Washington.  We are seeing just the beginning.  Hefty tax increases are yet to come along with the government-administered national healthcare program that Americans still don’t want.
     America rose to the pinnacle of civilization because sensible leaders believed it was the power of the individual that should celebrated.  It was that individual’s ability to achieve through their own passion and ingenuity that made this nation “the last best hope of earth.”  What we face in these times is not merely a deep recession, but the creation of a new culture of dependency that threatens the very foundation of our greatness. 

FEBRUARY 2009

February 1, 2009
Iraqis Go to the Polls - Left Couldn't Care Less  
by Tom Basile

     There was a lot going on this past week.  I couldn't get enough of all the "Change We Can Believe In" sweeping across the nation.  We have a Treasury Secretary who wrote off his kid's summer camp on his taxes, a HHS Secretary nominee who's been taking money from the healthcare industry while failing to pay more than $120,000 in taxes, and a new deputy secretary of defense who was a top lobbyist for Raytheon.  Just think, all that and I haven't even mentioned Obama-Pelosi proposed trillion-dollar spending spree.
     The most important event that occurred this past week didn't happen in Washington.  You wouldn't know it from listening to the President, the Congress and reading the websites of the major news organizations on Sunday but Iraq held it's provincial elections on Saturday with no major incidents of violence.  Between 50 and 75% of eligible voters turned out to more than 6000 polling places in 14 or Iraq's 18 provinces.  They chose from among more than 14000 candidates for provincial councils that will hold local budget authority and control.  With Iraqi-led security forces leading the way and participation among Sunni voters higher, the provincial leadership will be more representative of the country's ethnic diversity.
     The White House did not issue a statement about the elections.  The websites of the New York Times, CNN, USA Today, MSNBC and others buried their coverage of the election on Sunday below the fold on screen.  The San Francisco Chronicle ran a story Sunday morning on page A7.  The New York Time put any substance on page A12.  The New York Daily News is providing a 34 page color pullout on Michelle Obama this weekend (as if that's necessary under any circumstances), but has only limited coverage of the Iraqi elections. 
     Disgraceful.  The leftist media, is again showing its utter contempt for the nation's continuing mission in Iraq by refusing to give the successes achieved the attention they deserve.  I'm not terribly shocked.  I dealt with media bias every day I spent in Baghdad working for the Coalition.  The media long ago decided for all of us that the mission was at best a waste of time and at worst a failure.  For our men and women in uniform, failure was never an option.  For the media and the left, victory was abhorrent.
     If Pelosi, Reid, Obama and the radical left had their way, we would have withdrawn all troops two years ago.  Iraq would be in chaos, the achievement of this weekend would not have been possible and the Democratic leadership would have more fodder for their protectionist arguments. 
     The media and the left have their new President, yet Iraq is still a thorn in their side.  They are slowly realizing that withdrawal won't be in 16 months, that all the troops may not come home even by 2011, and that much to their chagrin, this great historic gamble might actually pay off.
     They would rather you just forget about Iraq.  They want you to focus on the urgent need for more government intervention in the economic crisis.  Of course, in typical liberal fashion, after criticizing the cost of the Iraq mission, they are preparing to spend more money in one bill than Iraq and Afghanistan have cost the taxpayer since the war began - pork by the billions, dozens of new government programs and a resurgence of the welfare state all in the guise of stimulating the economy.
     Before Iraqis went to the polls in 2005, there had never been a free election in a Muslim country in the Middle East.  More than 300 million people had never cast a ballot, or had real power to effect the leadership and direction of their nation and their lives.  The people of Iraq, who have stood in line at polling places risking their lives to participate in their government have each played an important role in securing their freedom for themselves and their children.  It is a dramatic achievement that beats back any assertion that people in predominantly Muslim countries, don't want, don't deserve or can't handle self governance. 
     I remember speaking with people in the region during the 2005 elections.  With a sense of complete disbelief in their voices they asked me, "Are they really voting?" and "Will it really matter?"  The answer was yes. 
     Yes, America played a critical role in making that a new reality.  This nation has once again paid with the blood of its brave men and women in uniform to advance the cause of freedom and basic human rights.  Despite the mistakes that were made and the challenges we faced, we should be proud of our effort.  There is more work to be done in Iraq and much of it will be for the Iraqis to do, but we have clearly laid the foundation for something truly remarkable - a functioning democracy, a free society that respects its neighbors and fundamental human rights - all in the heart of the Middle East. 
     We are closer now to victory in Iraq than we have ever been.  My sympathies to those on the left - but for those who truly care about America’s ideals, its place in the world and the promise of freedom, this was a good weekend.

JANUARY 2009          

January 20, 2009
Our Gift to the World
by Tom Basile

     No, I’m not talking about Barack Obama.  I’m talking about the Presidential Inauguration.  As someone who has helped manage the last two Inaugurals, and went to Clinton's second, I can tell you that we spend a lot of time concerned with all the balls, concerts and gala events that coincide with any Presidential Inauguration.  While it has never cost $170 million before, the spectacle and events are all part of the process, as well they should be.  The Inauguration is a time for people to come together and celebrate America’s promise. 
     As with so much else, though, we spend more time concerning ourselves with which celebrities will be on hand or what the First Lady will be wearing rather than paying close attention to just how significant a moment the Inauguration really is - not just for us as Americans but for the world.  The events are nice, but say so very little about us as a nation.  They have their place but have little lasting meaning.  They are for the few, but what happens at the Capitol is for all of us.
     We need to think bigger about this historic day and drill down into what really matters.  At the risk of sounding dramatic, what happens in this country every four years on January 20th, is truly our gift to humanity.  The peaceful, dignified transition of executive authority from one popularly elected head of state to another is an American creation.  It had never occurred before until Washington handed the reins of power over to Adams in 1797.  Never mind the fact that the office Adams once held has grown to be the most powerful in world history.  That moment, when the President-elect places his hand on the Bible and swears to uphold the Constitution remains democracy’s proof of concept for the world to see. 
     The election is only part of the process.  The Inauguration is the culmination.  If an elected leader never takes office, the will of the people has no effect. 
     Not impressed yet?  Don’t feel that swell of pride?  Consider that after the swearing-in ceremony the former President and the new President walk down the East Front steps of the Capitol.  One man salutes the other.  The outgoing President boards a Marine helicopter and leaves Washington.  He not only willingly hands over power, but in an additional gesture, sending a powerful message to his people and the world, the former president leaves town.  It is symbolic really.  But the importance of that act is vital to the transition of one independent administration to another.  The people’s choice then stands on his own as Head of State.  For me, that is the most powerful moment of the day. 
     If these trying times have given any doubt to Americans about the stability, strength and vitality of our Republic, let the Inauguration serve as a reminder of both our blessings and our legacy.  Even without Obama’s highly anticipated Inaugural Address, it is a moment that should make the hair on the back of your neck stand on end.  If you watch intently enough; if you lose yourself in the moment - for an instant - you can almost feel the Presidency on your own shoulders.  You can feel the rush of history around you.  You can experience what it is like to have the power to lead. 
     In the days and weeks ahead, we all should listen for the echo of that special moment on the West Front of the Capitol.  We should find that moment; that moment that reaffirms the principals of our Republic, that transforms one man into an icon and that makes us believe in the greatest of possibilities for our own lives.   That’s more thrilling than any parade, concert, or overcrowded Inaugural Ball.  That’s our gift to the world.

January 12, 2009
For Bush - The Words Never Mattered
by Thomas J. Basile

     President Bush gave his last White House press conference today, and frankly it's not important what exactly he said.  Of course the media will focus on any admission of mistakes or failures, but as with so much else when it comes to the Bush Presidency simply what Bush says cannot and should not be our focus.  Clearly, the inability of the President, or on many occasions his staff, to effectively articulate policy is partly to blame for the poll numbers that have hung around the Administration's neck for going on three years.  
     As history begins its work or judging the time George W. Bush at the helm of this great nation, there is something deeper about him that is overlooked.  People are often lost in the great chorus of criticism and hate that has drowned out and pushed aside some real truths about the 43rd President of the United States.
     I was always taught that actions speak louder than words.  Let's face it, Bush isn't a talker.  That much is certain.  He's a doer.  Voters often reward form over substance.  They also respond to rhetoric over results.  In the case of George W. Bush, the American people have had a leader these past eight years who communicated in a very different way than Reagan or the man who will occupy the office only a short time from now.  It's not something that plays well on television or is crafted by a focus group dial-testing for hours on end. 
     To like and respect Bush was a challenge for all of us to look deeper into the man.  It required a willingness to see passion, commitment, courage and faith.  It required us to believe that behind the misinformation were simple beliefs and indisputable facts that provided a firm foundation for a remarkable resolve.  It meant looking beyond the shrill critics to see facts, appreciate risks and promote a world view that is in keeping with best intentions of our founding documents.  Perhaps a little too deep for our fad-ridden, reality TV and on-demand culture.
     These messages weren't best conveyed behind a podium.  They were delivered in the form of a warm embrace at a shelter for victims of 9/11.  They were delivered to small groups of tornado and hurricane victims in the rubble of their homes. They were delivered in holding the hand of the widow of Shuttle Columbia astronaut.  They were delivered with tears flowing to the families of fallen soldiers in the Oval Office and on bases coast to coast, far away from the prying eyes of the media. I know.  I was there on many of those occasions.
      His message was simple - "I will be strong for you." Bush would not be governed by the media, the polls, the French, the UN or any other force on Earth other than the Constitution of the United States and his dedication to preserving our way of life.  I will always contend that one of the reasons the liberal cognoscenti hated him so much, was they just didn't understand how someone they labeled as so utterly stupid could have the strength of character, steadfast resolve and unbending confidence to stand alone against all the critics for what he believed was right.  That is how George W. Bush communicated effectively.  That lonely march will be remembered by history long after  our time here has ended.
      As a Republican, was I happy with the spending?  No.  Was I happy with the lack of a domestic policy in the second term?  No.  Did I think that the Mission Accomplished banner was one of the biggest political blunders in recent memory? Yes.  But during a time when the world changed; when we witnessed the evolution of modern warfare; when the old battle lines were erased from the map, George W. Bush's vision of planting the seeds of freedom in the Middle East as a long-term strategy for fighting the hate of the terrorist philosophy, may very well prove more powerful than any soaring speech to a crowd of thousands.  I saw that too when I served the Coalition in Iraq.
       George W. Bush can be viewed as a lonely man in these waning days of his Presidency.  He should welcome it and to an extent, so should we.  Whether you agree with him or not, Bush's loneliness is a badge of honor.  He's not a talker.  He's a doer.  His actions to keep this nation safe and expand the hope of freedom speak volumes about a man some call a cowboy.  Well, America needs more John Waynes these days.  Where there is no security, no words can compensate.  One last time - Thank you Mr. President. God Speed.

January 3, 2009
When the Going Gets Rough - YES Be Thankful America
by Thomas J. Basile

     It's 2009 and at the expense of dredging up campaign rhetoric from 2008 - we do need some hope and change.  All signs point to the fact that this is going to be a rough year economically.  Unemployment is on the rise, folks still can't get loans, the car companies are teetering on bankruptcy, and the Congress is talking about mortgaging our future.  On the foreign policy front, elections loom in Iraq and Afghanistan, which will quite possibly precipitate a spike in violence, and the Israeli-Hamas conflict is intensifying.  Those are just a few of the challenges overseas.  The media is peddling its doom and gloom in virtually every headline, beating into the public psyche that all is wrong with our nation and the world.    
        At times like these, Americans need to take stock of their own lives.  They need to find and focus on those things for which they should be thankful.  Contrary to the Hope and Change message delivered so eloquently by President-elect Obama, hope and change doesn't start with Presidents or government.  It starts with people.  You and me.  True, the bully pulpit can certainly be helpful toward improving the mood of the nation, but at this point, it is a real concern that Americans look too much toward Washington to solve problems. 
        The heart of the nation is aching as we enter this new year.  That is precisely why we need to put down the paper with the dreadful headline, turn off the tv with murder, mayhem and misery on the screen and look inward.  Don't ignore the problems out there - just don't be solely focused on them.  The nation isn't falling apart.  Perhaps if we read more history, we'd have a better perspective.   
       We live in the strongest, safest, most powerful, most stable, most innovative, most resilient nation on earth.  We need to take comfort and have confidence who we are as a people.  All the talk about a depression, and all the Bush-bashing over the years has had the effect of making people question those facts.  We need to accentuate the positives - take a long look - not at all we want - but all we have.  And we have more than most.  No matter how bad the economy gets, we need to remember that Europe, Russia and the Middle East are doing worse and will feel the effects longer.  2009 should be a time to focus on family and friends; our children and on self improvement.  The strongest bonds; the most personally fulfilling and transformational times in our lives can be the toughest moments.
        With Washington looking at throwing billions at a laundry list of problems and the recession continuing, put things in perspective America - and lets make 2009 better than 2008.  

DECEMBER, 2008

CALLING ALL MEMBERS OF THE SILENT MAJORITY...
by Thomas J. Basile   

        Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire has permitted an anti-religious display next to the nativity scene in the state capitol.  The display basically says that there is no God and that religion is the cause of all the intolerance in the world. 
        The Governor, for her part, says she's just trying to be fair to everyone. Got that - EVERYONE.  Huh?  Did I mention she's a Democrat?  I only bring it up because they are usually the ones who fall for this politically correct crap.  According to a recent study some 92% of Americans believe in God.  Another 5% of so-called atheists are really agnostic and actually believe in some higher power. 
         So the good governor in order to appease a small handful of her constituents goes out of her way to insult almost everyone.  It is intolerant and disrespectful to trash religion during the holidays in my view, especially right next to a religious display.  The governor is just too PC to understand. 
         These kinds of incidents are going to continue to happen until people or faith or people who aren't offended by 'In God We Trust' on our money, a moment of silence in a locker room, Halloween, kids dressed up as Indians at Thanksgiving etc - rise up and let their voices be heard. 
          Secularists and the media want to drive their agenda by giving hypersensitive minorities (not racial) a platform to express their disenfranchisement.  Governor Gregoire was just too afraid to stand up for common sense.