Saturday, July 31, 2010

Rank and Vile

Remember when we were young, and the teacher would give you a gold star when you did a good job on your homework ?  Or, how about all the time spent with the crate paper and baseball cards decorating your bike because first prize in the 4th of July parade was a shiny silver dollar ?  Do you remember going for ice cream or being allowed to stay out after the street lights came on just because your chores were all done ?
As we grew up, remember cutting the grass so Dad would let you use the car for that hot date on Saturday night ?  And who can forget, all the extra hours put in at the new job, because you wanted your parents to be proud of the new assistant manager ?
My point is,  we were raised to know the difference between right and wrong.  Honesty was the best policy, and cheaters never win.  The reward system is all we knew.  If you did a good job.... you were recognized for it.  Then came the Service.  Remember that six weeks of shear hell chasing a single medal for your chest or a stripe for your sleeve ?  Having your name bellowed out by a man who scared you to death to receive a medal above everyone else who just couldn't hit the target as often as you did.  How proud did you feel ?  Do you remember how proud your parents were when you volunteered to go overseas ?   Do you ?
Fast forward !  I wonder how proud the guy working on the assembly line feels when he finds out that the guy next to him, dropped out of high school, failed his last random urinalysis, and is making the same wage as he is ?  I wonder how proud the young man who spent four years in college trying to get the upper hand in life has to settle for a job next to a man, whose been convicted of assault and can't even write his own name ?  Or how about the Veteran who came home with a purple heart pinned to his chest for bravery and now lives under a bridge because he can't afford to pay the dues prior to hire at the local foundry.
This, my friends, is not too far of a stretch while trying to relate to you how Unions have ruined this Country!
The Rank and File of today does nothing more than protect its weakest link.  Pride and performance have been replaced with Greed and entitlement and the Union is the cause.  Collective Bargaining only serves to shield the less productive by sheltering them amongst the masses.  Tenure is given for time in service,  not for excellence above and beyond.
What happened to being rewarded for a job well done, instead of just done, or worse, not done until later.
Labor in this Country used to strive to be the best.  Now, just meeting quota is the norm.
I yearn for the days I spoke of earlier, and frankly I know they have gone the way of the Dodo.  But remember this my friends.  a Proud People, individuals, and character are what built this county, not Unions, and they take no pride in their work.  It may take many to complete the job, but only the few can lead us to that point and the Union will never survive.   Like I said.....  Rank and Vile !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

My Point of "The View"

If you think about it, Barrack Obama, by appearing on "the View" accomplished exactly what he set out to do.  What might this be you may ask ?  He reached his target demographic !  Let's break it down shall we ?
The View, is a TV talk show aired mid-morning weekdays on ABC, and is hosted by the following;  Barbara Walters.  A woman who has reached the pinnacle of her career some years ago, I might add, and quite probably has interviewed everyone of relevance in our world over the past three or four decades.  I also think she has mellowed somewhat over the past few years as she's entered the twilight of her significance.
Joy Behar......(spoken with clenched teeth and a severely grimaced face) joined the view in 1997 and in my opinion, in the biggest moron to ever be placed on a sound stage or television set! (second only to perhaps Alan Colmes).  Daughter of a seamstress and a truck driver, Behar grew up in New York (Brooklyn) has a BA in sociology from Queens College, and a Masters in (of all things) English education from UNY at Stony Brook.  After a less than stellar career in stand up, and a few attempts at writing, she nestled into the co-host slot at the View.  Frankly, every time Behar opens her mouth, someone should put their foot in it.  She has been admonished by both the Catholic Church, and the (ADL) Anti-Defamation League for irresponsible comments made with reference to the Church and calling Donald Rumsfeld "Hitler-like".
Whoopie Goldberg.....  I won't waste alot of time on her.  A brilliant and talented actress, with Oscars in tow, but her attempt at political commentary only spotlights her complete and total lack of analytical ability and radical left wing ideology.
Sherri Shepherd....  Replacement for the infamous Star Jones Is irrelevant.  Which bring us to......
Elizabeth Hasselbeck.  Daughter of Elizabeth, a Roman Catholic school teacher, and Lawyer, and Kenneth Filarski, himself a Lawyer and aspiring musician.  She is a Graduate of Boston College, and made her television debut on "Survivor" and joined the View in 2003.  Hasselbeck is and has always been the mouthpiece of the right on this show and is always touting her conservative values and upbringing.
So....  Do the resumes of these individuals or their political clout warrant the appearance of the "Sitting President" of the United States?  I think not !!! 
The people who watch the View are, 18-49 year old women who are either out of work, unemployed, or stay at home moms.  Think about that for just a minute....  Why would the President want to address that demographic?  It most certainly was not to address the questions that the panel offered such as Behar's gaff about "Snooky" from Jersey Shore. Or to answer her stupid remark about the right still maintaining the narrative, (I really almost fell over when I heard that), or the questions about the war, jobs, or the economy.
The people Obama wanted to reach are the ones that take him at face value.  The people who voted for him in the first place, not the ones that have figured out exactly who he is, and don't pay attention to the rhetoric he spews these days.  He wants his cake and to eat it too!  He tries to take credit for a bounce in the economy, and when it slumps again, he's quick to blame it on Bush.....  18 months !!!! Enough already!!!
Make no mistake !  This man has an agenda, and he cares not about whom he has to ruin to acquire his goals.  The so called "Big Picture" of a Country once again heading in the right direction matters not to this man!  His actions speak volumes to his credibility and he's indifferent to the need of others.  He's catering to "His" demographic because he knows that they will follow him like blind, apathetic sheep !   I say again.....  Blind..... apathetic.... Sheep !!!!   Is the cool-aide ready yet ?



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Sunday, July 25, 2010

The "Sherrod Charade"

On July 19,2010 almost immediately after the NAACP passed a resolution "calling on all of the Tea Party Leaders to repudiate those in their ranks who use racist language, signs, or intimidation in their speeches and gatherings across the Country."  Shortly thereafter, conservative activist and blogger Andrew Breitbart, posted what could only be labeled as a "Highly Edited" version of a speech given by Shirley Sherrod to his web site, appropriately called "Big Government".
Sherrod, who can only be described as a here to for "Nobody" in the Obama administration, and who held until last week, the position of, Georgia State Director of Rural Development for the United States Department of Agriculture, gave a speech to the NAACP at a March 2010 event, which in turn my friends became "Viral" on the Internet, and news wires all across this great nation of ours.  In the speech, Shirley, a black woman, described to her audience, "how she felt", years ago while employed at an advocacy firm when asked by a white farmer for help in an attempt to keep his farm, which was about to be foreclosed upon.  In the edited response, Ms. Sherrod stated that, "I didn't give him the full force of what I could do."
What you probably haven't heard was,  Shirley Sherrod,  prior to that remark stating that, "What he didn't know, while taking all that time to convince me that he was superior to me was, I was trying to decide how much help I was going to give him."
Well my friends, as you might have guessed, this started a media fire storm resulting in a "knee jerk" reaction by a, (you guessed it) a white man, or so we are told,  Tom Vilsak, USDA Secretary, to insist that Ms. Sherrod resign immediately. (or, as you have heard... pull over to the side of the road and email the resignation NOW!)  Subsequently however, Mr. Vilsak apologized, and Ms. Sherrod accepted, and it's been nothing but a love fest ever since resulting with a phone call, and apology from  of all places, the White House !
This whole ordeal, some would say has brought to the forefront the issue of racism, and how it still rears it's ugly head in America today, and others, say this is a classic case of "reverse racism."
I ask you,  What exactly is "Reverse Racism" ?   It would seem to me that whomever the racist be, be it black, white, red, whatever, the one who spews the hate, and the racism..... Is The Racist !!!!
The problem in America today, is we are all to quick to place the blame.  If I may borrow a phrase, "From Wall Street to Main Street, it's always someone else's fault.  The White House, and all of that ilk, knew,  all about the videos posted of the "New Black Panther Party" and also knew they had to do something about it.
They strolled back through the archives and found a "Scape Goat"!!'
Don't be so surprised, Corporate America uses this ploy all the time, If something doesn't go according to plan, "Some one's Head Must Roll." 
Trust me, Obama's no prodigy,  this is a play right out of  "Hoffa's Play Book" and nothing else!!!

America....  Listen to me....  Before you ever believe anything that this administration says,  take a step back and see who has said it before.  Look and see who they've copied it from.  These people don't have the intelligence to come up with their own schemes....  They use other people's Charades !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Valor And Vitriol !!!

A Federal Judge in Denver has ruled that the Stolen Valor Act is "fiscally unconstitutional" because it violates free speech, he then dismissed a criminal case against Rick Strandlof,  a man who lied about being an Iraqi war veteran.  U.S. District Judge Robert E. Blackburn issued his decision a week ago Friday, and rejected the prosecution's argument that lying about having awards, military medals, and citations, "dilutes their meaning and significance."  For those of you who may not know, the "Stolen Valor Act" is, or was a law enacted making it illegal to state or claim that one is or was a person who is or has served in the United States Military without having done so.
I ask you.....  How can this be allowed to happen !!!  What could possibly posses a man, (using the term loosely), to state a blatant lie about service to his Country ?  How can he sleep at night ?  Worse yet, how can he ever look a true Veteran in the face ?  One can't help but wonder if his parents were veterans, or how they feel about his lies ?  In addition, I think this Judge should be, "Drawn and Quartered"!  Even if this decision was based on a technicality, (I smell liberal bias), this judge should at the very least, be made to apologize to the millions of men and women who have faithfully, honorably, and yes, truthfully served this Country.
Look....... This issue has nothing to do with free speech, the first amendment, or any kind of constitutionality.  This is nothing more than a story about two cowards.  One who apparently had neither the ability nor the hubris to serve his Country, and the other who without fail, holds nothing but contempt for those who have.  Honestly my friends, nothing in recent memory, nothing has made me angrier than this, and quite frankly, it should enrage all of you as well !!!
Perhaps this Judge would like to explain this decision to the family, mother, father, wife, and or children, of a fallen hero that the "Bronze Star" awarded to him posthumously, means nothing, while the liar, Mr. Strandlof states that he has one too.  Or, perhaps Mr. Strandlof would like to say to the group of friends, standing at the "Wall" (Viet Nam Memorial), remembering their buddy, the one that saved their lives, that he too has a Purple Heart.  I'm quite sure he'd be bleeding before his words were complete.  Maybe we could take this Judge and this criminal to a Veteran's Hospital, and watch while they tell one of the many amputees, that their injuries were, "unconstitutional"
That's why my friends, I hold such vitriol for both of these individuals, and for more than one reason as well.
We, as a Nation, owe our very existence to the Veterans that served this Country, and a pedestal has yet to be erected that is high enough to do them honor.  And to have a Federal Judge, in one fell swoop, bloviate from the bench that this means nothing, and to have someone who can only be described as being, less than a man, say without remorse or revelation, that he too should be listed among the ranks of those who served with Valor is without a doubt.... an abomination.  And, in conclusion, I know, that these two Bastards, will surely....
Burn in Hell !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Thou Shalt Not Kill !!!

Does the statement, or Commandment even mean anything anymore ?  Or worse, did it ever ?  The Sixth Commandment, as written in Exodus 20: 13 and again in Deuteronomy 5: 17, more specifically states the word Murder.  I don't know about you my friends, but I was raised to adhere to the Ten Commandments, but I as you, quite probably have failed to do so.  Having said this, I'm also sure we've never had the desire, much less motive to comitt murder.  To knowingly and willingly take an other's life.  So, if we are to believe that life itself is the ultimate gift from God,  how do we, as a society put a price on it ?  This is a question that has haunted both men of the cloth, as well as men of the legislature.  I, in no way have the answer but, I do think I understand the question.  What do we as human beings possess that is of equal value to life ?  The only possible answer is life.  Therefore, if one takes a life, one must pay the ultimate price... Life !  I'm well aware that this topic does and will probably always stir up controversyy, but I think there are other questions that also need answering.

What's more disturbing to me than all the killing going on in the world today,  is our ever increasing and insatiable appetite for it.  I realize that there will always be sick people capable of perpetrating this gruesome deed, and that in certain circumstances that accidents happen, (my God, you can't read a paper or watch the news without hearing about it), But why do we insist on seeing this ellectively ? 

Look at television for instance.  Reality shows like, "The next 48", "American Justice", that highlight police department's homicide divisions and the case loads they deal with on a daily basis, with promos like, "An all new Season",  I don't know what worse, seeing these shows spotlighting murder, or the fact that they have enough material for an all new season of it !

We can argue about the "Death Penalty" until we're blue in the face, I am not ashamed to say I support it.
However, I think we could agree on this.  If the the death penalty is supposed to serve as a deterrent, why can't they make TV shows with names like, "What happens when you kill", or "The Price of Murder"  Show the potential murderer the consequence of the crime, before it is committed ! That is the only way the death penalty can be a deterrent ! Show it.... In full living Color !!!  Show them that only God can take the life he gave without repercussion.  For then, and only then my friends, will it have any meaning...THOU SHALT NOT KILL !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Sunday, July 11, 2010

OBAMA vs. BREWER !!!

That's how the lawsuit should read !  I actually spent this morning reading this piece of political excrement, (I wonder if Eric Holder did ?), all twenty-five pages of it. This diatribe of propaganda is nothing more than a mirror into the soul of Barrack Obama.  If you really think about it, he's like a little kid bully.  I can almost picture the scene, the President of the free world, inside the confines of the most powerful office, stomps his feet, and yells, " Rahm....David....Valerie....Look....Look what that bitch did , she signed it...I can't believe she signed it !!!  This law is going to make ME look bad !!!  What do you plan to do about it hmmm ???"  The afore mentioned, three stooges, quivering in their shoes, pause, give each other a stupid look, and say, "we'll sue Mr. President !!!  We'll put the Attorney General in front of the cameras and sue !!! " I'll bet that's exactly how it happened !!!
Truth is my friends,  this lawsuit has nothing to do with immigration control much less the safety, health' or welfare of the citizens of the State of Arizona.  It's nothing more than an ego trip for Obama, a power grab for an individual who just never seems to get enough.  The minute Governor Brewer signed that legislation, (and make no mistake...he was watching it, live),  he knew what he was going to do, and quite probably had the wheels in motion before the ink on the bill was dry.  The President doesn't care one iota about potential racial profiling because he, even after his term of ruining this country, won't have to care about being profiled will he, surrounded by Secret Service protection for the rest of his life.  This is a man who cares only about his legacy and how to maintain it.
In addition, in an obvious and surely sudden attack of conscience, or more likely,  a complete and total lack of testicular fortitude, the Attorney General of the United States of America,  Eric Holder's name, mysteriously appears nowhere on the lawsuit.  That's right my friends, the one document that will no doubt define Eric Holder's career, does not even bare his name !  Penned by two of his cronies.  And,  to add insult to injury, the DOJ acting on behalf of the Executive Branch, in their summation, or "Prayer to the Court", seeks to recieve reimbursement of all  costs and fees incurred.   Can you believe it ?
I hope and pray Governor Brewer and the people of the State of Arizona prevail in this matter, but should they loose the day,  Here is what I would recommend.
The suit states that it is the responsibility of the federal government, together with other agencies, ie., ICE, DHS, and so forth to provide and ensure border security, and to adjudicate those who are found in violation.  So, if they loose, they, (Brewer and the State), should retroactively file suit against the Federal Government, (President Obama) by name, citing prima facia evidence, that the Government did, knowingly and willingly fail to comply with the law on which they had just cited in the previous case, that they won.   Also to wit, dereliction of duty, and willful misconduct by and of a Head of State.  All of which are impeachable offences.
Please my friends, take a few minutes to read the lawsuit, and see if you don't agree.  The arrogance this administration has demonstrated is second to none, and something must be done about it.  Call your Congressmen, Senators, and all Representatives.  Tell them, we can stand no more of this...   Is this the "Change" we wanted ?



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Saturday, July 10, 2010

"Submitted For Your Approval"

As I sit here, in the haze of exhaled cigarette smoke, clad in the dark suit and razor thin necktie, shrouded in the mystery of being filmed in back and white and asking questions whose answers are conjecture at best, I realized, that I'm not Rod Serling,  But....the answer is so simple that if it were a snake, I would certainly be looking for the anti-venom kit !

The Chinese people, primarily during the "Ming Dynasty" (1368-1644) noted, and widely recognized as, "One of the greatest eras of orderly government and social stability in human history", performed a task, or finished a task of what I'm sure was considered then to be of monumental and epic proportions.  What did they do you may ask ?.............THEY BUILT A DAMN WALL !!!
That's right my friends, a wall.  Why ?  The answer is simple, to keep out the unwanted.  Nothing more !  It wasn't constructed as a testament to the technology of the times, or as an idol in which to pray to, nor was is then touted as one of the "Seven Wonders of the World".  Simply a wall.  A border.  In all it's glory, stating the obvious, "Do Not Cross!".... What on earth could be more simple ?  But I digress !!!

The Immigration problem facing America today is an easy fix, and I do mean easy.  Let me explain.  When this fledgling Republic first started to accept the weak, the tired, and the huddled masses, we were the Greatest Nation on Earth, Freedom, opportunity, endless resources, where by the sweat of one's brow determined one's degree of success.  Yes, my friends, The American Dream !  So, as we became the melting pot of the world, and the immigrants passed the Statue of Liberty at Ellis Island to start their new lives, it only made sense to pass legislation stating that the children of these new American Citizens would also be American Citizens !

Today however, America is being inundated with illegal immigrants. Our border to the south has made us a laughing stock to the rest of the World.  While I don't begrudge any one's attempt at a better life, I certainly hold nothing but contempt for those who circumvent the law.  Furthermore, why should the offspring of these criminals be considered citizens of this country with no bias ?  This my friends, is the root of the problem, and could be easily remedied.  The first true step to "Immigration Reform"  The vast majority of these criminals come to this Country knowing of this law/loophole in advance of their arrival.

So,  My "Comprehensive" Plan for Immigration Control is as follows; (This is so simple)
    
       1.  Build the Damn Wall !!!!
       2.  Place every man, woman, and child, who cannot produce documentation of their Immigration status, on the opposite side of the "Damn Wall"
       3.  Repeal the law, (part of the 14th ammendment), granting "at birth citizenship" to children of illegal immigrant's and put them behind the "Damn Wall"
       4.  Take all of the Illegal Alien Inmates, choking our prison system out from behind their current wall, and Place them behind our "New Damn Wall", and place the employers who hire the illegals behind those other walls.
       5.  Stop the welfare checks and Emergency room visits, housing, student loan and grants, and give each one of them, $10.00, a first aid kit, a bottle of water, and a copy of Rosetta Stone, and put them over the "Damn Wall"
       6.  Take all the "seized narcotics" and throw them over the "Damn Wall", and watch and see who follows !

I'm guessing you get my point.  We're spending way too much time trying to be the nice guy in this debate instead of just securing our borders, and telling everyone else, "Screw You" , if you don't want to follow our rules.  Come on my Friends....Is this America,  or is it really.....   The Twilight Zone !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Monday, July 5, 2010

In The Court Of "Public Opinion"

For all intents and purposes, a Grand Jury has been convened.  Seated within it's chambers, in all their glory,  are "We the People".  A term dear to us, but somehow rued by the administration currently seated in our nation's capital.  And as such, thus they shall be herein after referred to as the "Defendant"!
Webster's defines Extortion, (noun) as, "Illegal and deliberate use of one's official position or powers to obtain property, funds, or patronage."  Does this not apply to the "Defendant vs. British Petroleum ?
Furthermore, the definition of, Obstruction of Justice,  "Impeding those who seek justice in a court, (as by trying to threat, influence, or intimidate,) any witness, juror, or officer of the Court."  Seems to me that this is directly applicable to the "Defendant vs. State of Arizona".  Other charges include, but aren't limited to, Subversion.  Defined as, "The act or an instance of subverting, or overthrowing a legally constituted government or institution."  Isn't the State of Arizona a legally constituted government ?  Is not Governor Brewer an Officer of the Court ?
While the Jury is seated,  Webster's definition of...Fraud.  " A false representation, of a matter of fact- whether by words or conduct, by false or misleading allegations, or by concealment of what should have been disclosed- that deceives and is intended to deceive another, so the individual will act upon it to his or her legal injury."  I'm no lawyer, but can't all of us see the defendant blatantly doing this all the time ?
How about this...  Dereliction of Duty (Neglect) "Failure to act with the prudence that a reasonable person would exercise under the same circumstances."  Your Honor Please.... That's a Slam Dunk !!!
Finally, ladies and gentlemen of the jury,  I have one last definition for you......    Treason !!!  A noun, defined by Webster's Dictionary as, "Violation of allegiance towards one's Country or Sovereign, especially the betrayal of one's Country by waging war against it or by consciously and purposely acting to aid its enemies."
The ladder may be a stretch, but honestly not by much.  I genuinely believe that this administration is knowingly and willingly subverting our Government !  Think about it....  What other possible explanation could there be ?  His goal is to bring this Country down to the level of any of a host of "Banana Republics", in the hopes that he can level the so called playing field.  If you still harbour any doubt of what this President's motives are, what his agenda is, just take a minute, and apply the definitions listed above with any of the myriad of policy decisions and proposed solutions to the issues facing America today!  Because I,  as I'm sure many of you agree, the one statement  I would most love to hear most from Attorney General Eric Holder, or his  impending replacement  is.........  Mr. President.......  You have the right to remain... Silent.......!!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Sunday, July 4, 2010

A Voice From The Past !

It seems to me a barriers' been put in place, a divide of sorts, between the Obama administration and the people of the United States Of America. Shortly after the election, came the call for affordable health care for all Americans. But there was sharp divide on the issue. The President, and his new regime, Pelosi, Reid, Emanuel, and Axelrod, spun this issue in an effort to make us believe that we just couldn't go on without it. And in the face of overwhelming opposition, we now have "socialized medicine".
Then came the "Stimulus Package". A 787 billion dollar shot in the arm for America, a plan that was most certainly a knee jerk reaction to a stock market correction that takes place predictably every so many years. Granted, the future looked dim, but this idea, that's the epitome of deficit spending, was again, opposed by the majority of Americans, and consequently, "jammed" down our throats.
The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan can be debated until the cows come home, but the American people, in an overwhelming voice have said, "We're there, so we must win !!! We must support and fund our troops." Yet, we must fight, kick and scream for every dollar allocated to the military,against the liberal left in both the House and Senate.
Almost the entire Country has come out in support of the legislation passed by Governor Brewer and the People of Arizona, yet the Obama administration spearheaded by Eric Holder plans to sue... Sue !!!
Now, we have a catastrophe of epic proportions, unfolding before our very eyes, with this oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, that without fail, will adversely affect almost every man, woman and child in this Country. In the face of this, do we welcome help from the vast out pouring of offers that have come in from Countries all of the world ? No... We don't ! As Americans scream for leadership and answers from the President, due to this wall that's been erected, seem to have fallen on deaf ears.
I seem to recall a speech form one of, if not the greatest leader of my time anyway, that bears resemblance to the issues we face today. The speech, delivered by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, standing in front of the Brandenburg Gate, resulted in the fall of the Berlin wall, and the collapse of communism in the Soviet Union.
In the speech, President Reagan said, " We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of World Peace." (Sound familiar ?)
He continued, and for the purpose of making my point, that a wall has been built between this current administration, and the citizens of America, a closed gate, that prohibits our ideas from forming policy, I will replace the words, (Soviet Union) with America, and the name (Gorbachev) with Obama.
"We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace. There is only one sign that the administration can make, that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause for freedom and peace. President Obama, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the people of the United States of America, if you seek liberty, Come here to this gate, Mr. Obama... Open this gate..... Mr. Obama..... TEAR DOWN THIS WALL !!! "



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Of All Places...!!!

This bureaucracy that has come to be known as Washington DC, the place that we, as Americans grow continually more cynical, and weary of it's every move, has now infuriated me in such a way, that I honestly don't think the reputation of corrupt capitulation, cruel and capricious actions, and blatant acceptance of the status quo, that it's come to be recognized for, in my lifetime anyway, can ever be restored. Recently, an article in the Washington Post states, "Chaos at Arlington National Cemetery: Mismarked graves, dumping of urns....."
I'm certain I speak for all Veterans of all branches, for anyone who has has served this Country, for all the families who have had a loved one fall in battle, succumbed to maladies or torture at the hand of the enemy or even the past mistakes of our very own Country, not to mention the ones who have lived their entire lives, having to remember the horrors of war. Having to remember friends and loved ones lost, then laid to rest at this National Treasure. It makes my blood boil to think that the final resting place for our hero's is being mismanaged by people who just don't care ! This my friends is an abomination !!!
The cemetery, which surrounds Arlington House, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee, is across the Potomac River from the District. It averages 27 funerals each workday and about 100 a week, and is known for it's rows and rows of modest white tombstones. More than 300,000 people are buried there, including 2 Presidents, scores and scores of Generals and Admirals, and tens of thousands of men and women who have served this Country, their spouses and children.
Arlington National Cemetery, most definitely, is Halowed Ground !!! At the very least, we owe our very lives to the occupants at rest within it's confines. In my opinion, not one blade of grass should be out of place, much less have a hero's ashes dumped out in a pile of turned over dirt, a grave marker placed on the wrong or even empty crypt. My God America....!!! We can place a cruise missile into the bedroom window of a third world country's dictator's daughter just to make a statement..... But we can't maintain a Cemetery !!! What's wrong with this picture ?
Granted, burials at Arlington have skyrocketed in recent years, more than 100,000 since 1990, and in light of that, staff has been cut from 140 to 97. (Why do you suppose that is?)
All I can say is.... President Obama, I know how much you like "Stimulus", and I know you like to spend money that you know we don't have. So on the eve of our Countries Independence Day, and a day among the most somber, when America remembers her fallen heroes. How about this, you know that little box on our income tax forms asking if we would like to donate a dollar to the Presidential re-election campaign ? See what happens if you change that to donate a dollar to the upkeep at Arlington, and watch the influx of cash to your coffers. I know I speak for all Americans, not just those who have served, why don't you throw a few bucks towards Arlington.... Stimulate patriotism.... Stimulate the preservation of our heritage... Stimulate the gratitude of a grateful Nation.... My God.... Of all Places !!!



David W. Emerick
"Cowboy"