The Day the Music Died - 911

Remember when the Berlin wall came down, and some of us had hoped for world peace? One by one, former Soviet Block countries became democracies and we all hoped for the best. The concept of democracy is difficult for anyone who has not lived in a free society. Therefore, this is the reason for a “learning curve” in the upstart democracies of Eastern Europe and some of the former Soviet republics. In the United States, we hoped for an end to nuclear proliferation and a chance to make new... Read more »

Why Are We Still in Iraq? (Part 1)

There seems to be some confusion between patriotism and common sense lately. This is what most nationalistic movements bank on. No one should speak up with the voice of reason; if you do, you will be shouted down, called a coward, and publicly shamed. There have been more harsh treatments for men and women of reason. Just look at how many firing squads were active in the 20th century in countries that did not allow freedom of speech. Therefore, let’s review where we were, where we are, and... Read more »

Why Are We Still in Iraq? (Part 2)

Despite the fact that we are a multi-cultural society, American soldiers are perceived as Christian soldiers, or “infidels,” by most of the Moslem world. We, and our military, are not really welcome in most parts of the Middle East. Our relationship is historically founded on mistrust. Let’s bring the troops home and give them a hero’s welcome. Loved ones, across the country, deserve to see them back on American soil. War takes its toll on all concerned, and there is no further... Read more »

Wake Up Democrats (Part 1)

For two of the past two Presidential elections, the Democrats have miserably failed to produce a viable candidate who could sway the entire United States. Instead of complaining about how bad the next three years will be, Democrats now have the opportunity to produce a viable “front runner.” It really shouldn’t be that hard to find a candidate who can identify with the American people. However, it seems the democrats have lost touch with many large regions of the country. This past... Read more »

Wake Up Democrats (Part 2)

Let’s continue with more Democratic “hopefuls” for the 2008 Presidential election. None have announced that they will seek election, but don’t be surprised if they do. U.S. Senator Evan Bayh of Indiana: He is the Son of former U.S. Senator Birch Bayh. Evan Bayh was a possible running mate for Al Gore in the 2000 election. Senator Bayh is from the right part of the country and is a moderate. He has not announced his intentions, but he looks like a very strong possibility. U.S.... Read more »

Does The Electoral College No Longer Work And Should We Make Changes?

In 2000 we have had the closest presidential election in the history of the United States. Vice President Al Gore has won the popular vote and yet fell short of victory by less than a thousand certified votes in the pivotal state of Florida. This means that under the system of the two hundred-year-old Electoral College, Texas Governor George Bush overcame the popular opinion of the entire United States to win the Electoral Vote. Was this fair? Yes, because under the rules and laws established before... Read more »

How Do We End Illegal Immigration?

In the past few decades, our country has been besieged by a plethora of immigrants entering the United States under false pretense and without legal merit. These are what we refer to as illegal immigrants or aliens. Now even as you read the words, illegal immigrants, you doubtlessly think of Mexicans, right. Yet what I am referring to is ALL illegal immigrants and not just those flooding in from Central and South America. No, I am writing of ALL those who are coming in from countries all over the... Read more »

An Open Invitation to the Republican Presidential Candidates

Later this month the Republican presidential candidates will participate in debate in Colombia, South Carolina. This debate will allow Americans to see and hear what each candidate brings to the Presidential table. Perhaps there will be a leader who comes out of this debate as a favorite. Or there may just be what the Democrats have offered, which is nothing but fax-blast talking points with little honest substance. We hope someone stands out and that person must deliver answers which lock-step with... Read more »

Should Singapore’s Gay Sex Law Be Repealed?

Singapore is a conservative country, its government repeated many times when the subject of its gay sex law is being discussed. The government explained that because of conservative population, it will not decriminalize the country’s gay sex law or at least not in the near future. On April 12, 2007, Singapore Law Society tells the government that the retention of gay sex laws cannot be justified. The existing gay sex law with comments are as follows: Singapore Penal code section 377 states... Read more »

The Post-War Influence On Calligraphy

From about the year 1930 calligraphy writing and lettering had made such progress that it had become a subject in the training of Art Teachers and was taught by the immediate followers of the two who had given their lives to its cause. Lettering of Today, first volume, published in 1937, showed the work of some of these who had taken up the craft and were in their turn passing it on to the new generation. Under post-war conditions the subject suffered a setback; writing materials had suddenly become... Read more »