Beware the Trojan Horse

I have always proscribed having a familiarity with history so that one might learn and hopefully benefit from mistakes made in the past by not repeating them.  But repeat them we will, and of course suffer the consequences.

Although causing pain and discomfort in the immediate, this is not necessarily a completely negative thing.  A quotation from one of my favorite authors: “The best things in history are accomplished by people who get tired of being shoved around.” – Robert A. Heinlein.

Now that, of course, is a statement that begs qualification.

Here in Maine we have a Governor who was elected approximately eighteen months ago.  Since then, he has been vilified, ridiculed, excoriated and accused of nearly every known type of misdemeanor – mainly because he is a Republican and has the audacity to make attempts to balance the state budget by attempting to bring the welfare machine to heel by imposing cuts to “entitlements”, along with other “cruel and heartless” measures.  His main crimes are (1) that he is a Republican (and you know how they are) and (2) that he is greatly disturbing the cozy and financially rewarding nest in Augusta that the past 35+ years of Democratic rule has constructed for the political elite and their sycophants and enablers.  The nerve!

The local media – particularly the portion of it now owned by Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) and her well-heeled and well-connected “investor” husband, Donald Sussman – has eagerly piled on to help denigrate the new Governor’s efforts, along with the usual collection of Liberal bloggers, union flacks and representatives of the “helping services” community who stand to lose big-time under any cuts to the state Department of Health and Human Services.  Even some of the so-called “Republicans” in the Maine Legislature have shown their good faith by attempting liaison with some of the Governor’s harshest critics under the guise of “cooperative effort” in determining the restrictions of the upcoming state budget.

Any pretense at civility has departed from the blogs and “Comments” sections, with a relatively small number of internet bullies and trolls exhibiting their wares through increasingly wild and improbable accusations.

This local tempest pales in comparison, however, with the ugliness, obfuscation and downright untruths propagated by the self-described “Great Uniter” currently inhabiting the White House, who has seemingly deliberately gone far out of his way to create yawning chasms between his favored special interest (and massive campaign contributors) groups and the American public at large.  Barack Obama’s increasingly shrill and insistent attacks against those “unwilling to give up their guns and Bibles”, religious freedom of expression and beliefs, the rule of law, the Constitutional responsibility of the Supreme Court of the United States, all of “those unwilling to pay their fair share”, “the rich” and pretty much anyone to the right of Nancy Pelosi have divided America to an extent not seen since the Civil War.

One might ponder how on earth such a powerful, productive, rich society might have sunk to such perceived depths of decay and disorder in such a relatively short time.

The answer can be found by recognizing when the first tendrils of Progressive ideology began to seduce the leaders of America, beginning with the naive and vulnerable Woodrow Wilson.  He welcomed the well-disguised gift of this insidious Trojan Horse and for decades the poison of Socialist/Communist/Progressive ideology wove its subversive tendrils into the social, religious, academic and governmental fabric of America.  Decades later, a glittering, effusive, inspirational new prophet burst out of the shell of the Trojan Horse with his coterie of acolytes and disciples, once again wooing the easily swayed and vulnerable with promises of social justice and freedom from want and illness if only they would discard their old, selfish concepts of democracy and convert to the glorious utopia that masks the underlying totalitarianism .

The Trojan Horse worked for the wily Greeks, much to the detriment of the careless inhabitant of Troy.  And its modern equivalent is on its way to destroying the burning torch of freedom that has been unique in today’s world.  But there is still time to reverse the insidious effects of the treachery, if only we are willing to understand what history can tell us if we pay attention – and if we are tired of being pushed around.

Bond Not, Waste Not

The annual budget battle here in Maine has proved quite contentious.  Paul Lepage, our Governor, has insisted that significant cuts to the upcoming budget be made and of course now faces recrimination and vilification from the usual sources (Progressives/Liberals/Whatever, unions, the “helping services”, state government aid recipients and a hodgepodge of assorted other special interests groups).

This particular Governor, being a Republican, has been a constant target of smear tactics, character assassination, and viperous (not infrequently hysterical) criticism which is now being echoed by several of Maine’s daily newspapers, a consortium of which was recently purchased by venture capitalist (aren’t these the bad guys Obama rants about?) Donald Sussman, the recently acquired husband of Democratic Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.  Just out of curiosity, I wonder if there are any other politicians who have such direct control over what information can be fed to their adoring voters?

Anyway, a recent part of this conflagration was fanned by the Governor’s reluctance to approve a new bond measure totaling just under $100 million which was being advanced by the state Senate Appropriations Committee.  Gov. Le Page had the audacity to hint that unless his plans to utilize further cuts to welfare designed to bring the state into line with federal standards were approved, he might be less than hospitable toward borrowing more money – perhaps even to the point of exercising his veto powers to deny approval of additional borrowing to pay for pet projects.

The backers of the bond issue (a group which most unfortunately contains some Republicans) trotted out the tired old chestnut that proclaims such borrowing would provide the “stimulus” for badly needed jobs in one of the nation’s poorest states.  Gee, where have we heard that argument before?  And how did that work for America?

A check of the records reveals that during the prior eight years of a Democratic administration here in Maine there were numerous bond issues approved that totaled over $725 million, resulting (according to official Maine Department of Labor statistics) in the creation of exactly 54 jobs while unemployment over the same period grew from 4.8 percent in 2003 to 8 percent in 2011.  On the other hand, from January 2011 to present, when no bond issues had been suggested or approved, the number of jobs tallied by the same source exceeds 3,000.

“Bonds are not the answer”, stated Governor LePage and I am inclined to agree with him.  “If we want good paying careers we must invest in our job creators by reducing red tape, lowering taxes, and making structural changes to energy, education and welfare. These are the long-term solutions that can help revive the American Dream for Mainers,” he said.

The bond package containing $51 million for transportation-related projects, $20 million for research and development projects that would be bid through the Maine Technology Institute, $11.3 million for higher education, $8 million for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, and $5 million supporting the Land for Maine’s Future Program received glowing endorsements from Republican Senator Richard Rosen (who stated he was proud of the package because Democrats and Republicans came to a consensus on most items) and Democratic Sen. Phil Bartlett of Gorham who pronounced that the bond package will get people back to work and create good-paying jobs.

Gov. LePage suggested that the state “should focus on repaying $500 million that’s owed to state hospitals instead of taking on more debt”.

Getting Maine back on the right side of the fiscal accounting ledger is going to take a lot of hard work a sacrifice considering the hole that the Legislature has previously dug for Maine taxpayers.  It is truly unfortunate that even though the Republicans have for the first time in 35 years gained control of the Legislature and the Governorship, there is, in a number of Legislators of both parties, still a discernible lack of an understanding of what fiscal responsibility must entail.

Good luck, Governor, and keep fighting …… boy, do we need it.

Olympia Snowe Quits

And that is the only accurate way to describe it.

No matter that she attempts to blame political “polarization” and “gridlock” for her unexpected decision; soon-to-be-ex-Senator Snowe obviously has no stomach for continuing to represent a considerable portion of Maine citizens as their U.S. Senator.

I will openly admit that I have not been a fan of Olympia Snowe for many years, particularly since her failure to support the attempt to impeach then-President Bill Clinton for obstructing justice in a criminal investigation  and lying under oath (perjury) before a federal judge and grand jury.  Despite Snowe’s protest that the country “could not survive” impeachment of its President, I have always felt that her actions (and that of Maine’s other Senator, Susan Collins) exhibited more the lack of a moral compass than a concern for the preservation of the Union.  The Clinton Presidency was (and is) a never-ending chronicle of illegal fundraising, crony capitalism, blatant evasion of the rule of law, graft and corruption - unmatched until superseded by the current occupant of the White House – and both Snow and Collins assumed the role of enabler, allowing the further deterioration of the reputation of the character of our elected officials.

How ironic that Snowe decries “polarization” even while her actions as a “moderate” (often refusing to take a stand against destructive policies initiated by ”progressive” top officials) have greatly contributed to the “gridlock” in Washington even while the Democratic President and Senate leaders block any attempts to effectively deal with the problems facing our nation; refusing, for the past three years even to pass a budget.

Olympia Snowe has scrupulously adhered to the principles of appeasement throughout her career, providing support for the other party on numerous budgetary (supporting ruinous ”stimulus” giveaways to the benefit of Democratic constituents, for instance) and policy debacles (the ongoing destruction of our defensive posture in favor of “peace dividends”, pro-choice legislation, and various other leftist causes), all under the label of “going along to get along”.

She was generally assured of re-election, since the Maine Democratic Party was careful to offer no credible opponent.  Why bother, when Sen. Snow could be counted on to “buck the Radical Right”?  It is highly likely that the Democrats will bring out what they consider their best candidate to inhabit Snowe’s vacant seat and I don’t see the Maine Republican Party fielding a truly competitive challenger since Snowe’s district harbors the majority of the Liberal population of Maine.

It is certainly true that Snowe’s age (65) may figure large in her decision to abandon elected politics.  But there are certainly many other members of Congress who could claim that particular excuse.

I will be watching with great interest to see where Olympia Snowe goes from here.  It would be no surprise to see her surface in some progressive “think tank” or lobbying firm.  Many former members of Congress have taken advantage of those opportunities to fatten their retirement holdings.  This being a year when Republicans stood some chance of gaining control of the Senate, it is certainly an interesting coincidence that a Republican (at least in name) Senator has chosen to dramatically affect the chances of a shift in power by opening up an opportunity for a blue state to bolster Democratic control of the Senate with a shoo-in Liberal to replace their pet “moderate”.

Yeah, I suspect that the enabler has a remunerative future waiting for her.

Going Along to Get Along

Last election cycle many of the people in Maine decided that they had enough of the despotic Democratic rule that has mired Maine in economic and social distress for over three decades.  Accordingly, they voted in a Republican Governor, House and Senate for the state.  As a popular saying goes, “And how is that goin’ for ya?”

To our continued misfortune, not all that well.  The Governor, no matter how much the (now-minority) Democrats denigrate him for his supposed lack of intelligence, disingenuousness, dishonesty, and any other derogatory concept their industrious collective mindset can manufacture, has remained true to his promise to approach the state’s financial problems from a conservative perspective.  And what is wrong with this strategy, you might ask?

Well, if you pay attention to the howls of protest from the assorted special interests groups that the Democrats have showered massive amounts of state aid upon over the years, the Governor is determined to collapse Maine’s entire health care system so that he can shovel money to his favored constituents.  Sound familiar?  It should, since this is exactly what our so-called President is doing on a national basis and has been the favored tactic of the Democrats for increasing their voter base.  Liberals, you see, are always accusing their opponents of employing the tactics that they themselves use on a constant basis (it’s called projection and is a political tactic as well as a behavioral aberration).

But most important, this is budget-constructing time here in Maine and the Democrats are fanatically determined that no current programs will be cut or reduced in order to balance the budget – a requirement of Maine’s Constitution.  No matter that there is simply not enough money to pay for greatly expanded programs.  After all, the problem has been resolved under past Democratic leadership through a variety of accounting manipulations including a simple refusal to pay hundreds of millions of dollars owed to hospitals and other medical facilities that have treated Medicaid patients.

There are somewhere in the neighborhood (Department of Health and Human Services here in Maine has never been known for supplying accurate figures) of 18,000 adults not eligible for Medicare, all without dependent children, who have swollen the ranks of Medicaid to the point of overwhelming available funding and it is the Governor’s proposal to drop these individuals from the Medicaid program that has stirred up the hornet’s nest that is delaying the structuring of the next budget for Maine.

You see, Maine lawmakers do not have the luxury possessed by the Democrats in the U.S. Senate, who have blocked the preparation of a U.S. government budget for over three years now.  Interesting what effect a balanced budget requirement might bring to our nation, eh?

But the truly disappointing thing to have emerged from the brouhaha in Augusta, Maine is the number of politicians who wear the label of “Republican” but who have broken ranks to side with the Democrats in their fight against cuts in Medicaid services to balance the budget.  These are people who were elected by Maine voters in hopes that fiscal sanity might finally be brought to our state and the number of people enjoying the ride in the wagon might someday be reduced to below the number of those pulling it.

Fat chance, apparently.  Obviously, being a “Republican” no longer guarantees a conservative approach to stewardship of the public’s funds.  This has long been the case at the Federal level and the endemic corruption has worked its way down through the bureaucracy to state legislatures.  The main purpose of the majority of elected officials appears to be to ensure their own reelection and the consequences of profligate and careless overspending be damned.

This is perhaps easily understood when you look at our elected officials at the Federal level; after all, their perks and unlimited opportunities to enrich themselves at the public’s expense have become overwhelmingly entrenched and seemingly endless.  One might argue that here in Maine a legislator’s salary for a two-year term is meager – well under $5,000 for a “part-time” position.  But the dirty little secret that the moguls of Maine government would like to keep well-hidden is that members of any legislative committee are in Augusta most of the time that the Legislature is not in session and are compensated handsomely through mileage and per diem payments.  They make a lot of money that way, folks.  Not to mention the opportunities to connect with the “movers and shakers” that run Maine State Government and line their own pockets while doing so (Maine Turnpike authority, anyone?).

The only way I can see to make an effective change is (a) term limits at all elected levels (Maine does have this restriction: 4 terms and out – but that does not prevent a House member from running for the Senate or vice versa), and/or (b) keeping a close eye on an official’s voting record and refusing to vote for someone who does not keep their promises.

Yeah, I know that is a lot to ask.  But freedom ain’t free and if we keep on avoiding the cost we are going to find out in November just how much we are giving up.

Maine Hunting Update

I have seen very few ducks up to this point.  The flight paths seem to have deviated from the coastal areas, at least in regard to ponds, lakes and rivers.  I have seen several flocks of geese numbering over thirty.

Partridge are sparse, probably due to the cold, wet spring which always cuts down the population because of its effects on hatchlings.

Maine seems to have a bumper crop of apples this year.  Last year I saw very few deer around my house and fields, but this year there seem to be at least a couple almost every night in the field between my house and the road and I recently saw five at one time.  They appear to be in good health and there is an abundance of food.  We had a four-inch accumulation of snow in late October, but it has now all melted.

So far I have yet to see a deer in the woods.  Our temperatures have been alternating between warm and cool, with lowest being in the mid-to-low twenties, with no prolonged cold periods.  This enables the deer to confine their traveling and feeding forays to the hours of darkness, heading for their sanctuaries before daylight and not wandering again until after dark.  Not helpful for hunters who prefer to stake out traveling paths leading to feeding areas.

Doe permits were greatly reduced this year.

There are deer around, but hunters are going to have to work harder than usual to encounter them.

 

The Maine Hunting Scene, 2011

Normally the weather pattern is invigorating this time of year here in Maine:  cool nights and crisp days, the brilliant foliage limned by the clear and fragrant air of fall.  However, after a promising beginning to September, the weather pattern reverted to the humid and wet disappointment that was June with stalled fronts preventing the arrival of more fall-like conditions.

Today was the opening of waterfowl and small game hunting throughout the state.  Any cool dampness in early summer is never good for the partridge population and this year is no exception.  I have seen few birds during my walks through the back lot.  So far, I have spied only a few small flocks of geese beginning their trek southward although the thin honking of their high-flying passage still evokes the familiar sadness-tinged longings that no doubt were felt by the ancient New Englanders down through the centuries.  A dozen or so ducks inhabit the farm pond just down the road, but the lakes and rivers show little or no sign of impending migration.

Once again, I have seen no new fawns in the front field.  The mineral block that I placed a few hundred feet into the woods has required replacement, but there is no indication of a lot of traffic in the area.  With so much food generally available, there is no need for deer to haunt the fields and the relatively warm nights inhibit their general movement.  The addition of a new, young, energetic dog to our family about a month ago may also have had an effect on browsing habits.

This appears to be another year of stasis, if not decline, for the Maine deer herd.  Although a fairly mild winter preceded this hunting season, new studies have indicated that over the past few years a series of heavy snowfalls and accompanying cold have taken a toll on the health of the deer herd in general.  To add to the woes, coyote and bear predation have wreaked havoc on the fawn population and a diminishing of available wintering habitat has occurred through careless forest management on the part of the big commercial landowners.  Northern and western sections of Maine, comprising approximately two-thirds of the state, are estimated to contain a deer population of less than five per square mile compared to twenty per square mile in the central and southern sections.

Adding to the reduction of the herd is widespread poaching and illegal killing of does during the open season.  This year, only twelve out of twenty-nine Wildlife Management Districts are allowing the distribution of any-deer permits.  Downeast Maine has not offered any-deer permits for nearly a decade and is one of the leading problem areas regarding wintering habitat degradation, poaching and predation.

Even though last year’s deer kill by hunters exceeded the 2009 totals by approximately 10%, the future of the herd does not look promising.  A newly formed Deer Task Force has recommended predator-control measures, filling game warden vacancies to allow greater focus on game violations, and improving the wintering habitat through more careful management of the land assets controlled by the corporate land owners.  The last fifteen years have shown increasing problems for the whitetail herd and the Task Force warns that if the situation is not turned around then the option of closing northern and western Maine to deer hunting will be a real possibility.

If there is a bright spot, it is that the black bear population seems to be holding steady.  Indeed, confrontations between bears and humans are on the increase with the recent disposal of a bear within the city limits of Portland highlighting the issue.

All in all, not a particularly promising beginning for hunting season here in Maine.  Nonetheless, I will be out looking for game, as will others.  It is tradition here in Maine and in many other places throughout America and that there is any wildlife at all to speak of is due in part to the contributions made by hunters toward conservation and management.

Had Enough Yet?

I have.

I fired off emails yesterday to each member of my Congressional delegation, informing them that if their votes were for anything other than reduction of federal spending (and therefore a step forward in reducing debt and strengthening our national economic profile) than they would not only lose my vote come reelection time, but I would also do anything that I could to prevent them from retaining their privileged positions.

What set me off?  It is a cumulative reaction to an ever-growing level of disgust with the abhorrent actions of our Ruling Class when faced with a (false) choice of raising our national debt level or “defaulting” on our country’s bills.  There is more than enough money coming in through taxes to allow America continue to function, but our so-called “leadership” is unwilling to curtail their reckless spending habits.  The “establishment” politicians – and this includes members of both parties – are beginning to fear the influence of the new members of Congress who came to Washington to attempt to follow the wishes of those who elected them to bring some semblance of order to a government that sees as its only purpose the redistribution of the wealth amassed by those members of our society who produce rather than take.

No where is this more evident than the growing attempts at denigration of the “Tea Party” and its newly elected Congressional members.  Such ugliness and fabrication is to be expected from the Democratic Party and its arrogant elitist leadership, but now Sen. John McCain has joined the chorus.  This is a truly despicable act, for a senior member of the establishment to attack people of principle in order to protect his own elite status.  I am ashamed to have voted for this man in the last Presidential election.  I should have simply abstained from voting for either Presidential candidate, but I could not bring myself to not vote against the unqualified disaster that now sits in the White House.

The actions of Obama and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid are utterly unconscionable when it comes to the budget impasse.  Obama, in his usual fashion, has lied in agreeing to a compromise with House Republicans and then at the last moment interjecting new demands in the form of additional revenues (taxes).  Under Reid’s slimy manipulations, the Democratic-controlled Senate has avoided proposing any budget for the last two years, despite repeated Republican overtures in the form of bills designed to balance the budget and rein in spending.  The true “Party of no” has revealed itself.

The proof is in the pudding.  Democrats will insist on more and more spending to reward their constituents.  This is their only plan and they lack the courage to reveal it as our economy continues to decline.  After all, the Presidential elections are only fifteen months away and all they can hope for is for even minimal economic improvement so that they can boast about their dedication to improving the lives of “ordinary Americans”.  Their desperate attempts to convince voters through lying about improvements to our economic woes have fallen flat simply because the truth is so evident.

In Maine we have two Republican members of the Senate and two Democratic members of the House.  Through their dedication to their fellow members of the Ruling Class, America’s financial problems have increased exponentially during their watches.   Unless they, and their political counterparts, are deposed the downfall of the United States and the loss of the freedoms that make it unique are a given.

Personally, I do not want Marxist rule.

A New Look For Maine

Maine is now six months into a new administration that features a Republican Governor and Republican majorities in both components of the State Legislature.

It has been a rather rocky beginning for New Governor Paul LePage.  The media appears eager to highlight any perceived political missteps, the Democrats are furious over being relegated to minority Party status, public sector unions and their avid supporters from the entitlement class are up in arms over changes to the state government workers’ compensation and retirement programs, and the new Governor has exhibited an unsettling propensity to place his foot squarely in his mouth.

All of these roadblocks to change have likely influenced the Governor’s ability to recruit members for his leadership team, since the group of successful business people and executives that he has wooed are understandably hesitant to risk their reputations and livelihood by becoming targets for the politics of personal destruction so avidly practiced by the Democratic coalition.

Still, changes are taking place.

One of Gov. LePage’s first actions after taking the oath of office was to rescind Maine’s status as a “sanctuary state”.  This was a relief for those who were outraged by then-Gov. Baldacci’s orders to the State Police to refrain from determining the legal immigration status of any detainee.  That glaring exemption to Federal law was eventually reversed on the counsel of the State Attorney General, but such prohibitions were continued for state employees in the Welfare and other DHHS departments.  Gov. LePage’s instructions are to put an end to such practices.

With the signing of the new biennial budget, other major changes are taking place.

Heading the list are major tax improvements.  A bill featuring a reduction in Maine’s top income tax rate from 8.5 percent to 7.95 percent is also expected eliminate tax payments for 70,000 low-income Maine residents by bringing Maine’s tax laws into compliance with Federal requirements. This represents the largest tax cut in Maine history, following a seemingly never-ending period of increases throughout decades of Democratic “leadership”.

Welfare reform is also a part of the 2012-2013 budget and emphasizes that Maine will no longer be considered a welfare destination state. A new 5 year limit on welfare benefits which aligns Maine with other states and conforms to federal law will go into effect. The limit does allow for certain exemptions for hardship cases – including those involving the elderly and disabled.

Drug testing will also be implemented for welfare recipients convicted of drug crimes and those who violate welfare rules will face stricter sanctions. A first offense will result in the loss of adult benefits and a second offense may lead to termination of full family benefits.

With a badly needed change in policy, Maine residents can now look for healthcare insurance offered in other states at lower rates than offered through the only State-allowed provider, who requires some of the highest rates in the nation for those looking for health care policies.  Also, the expensive and limited availability program offered through Dirigo Health will be phased out with an end date of January 1, 2014 and legal noncitizens will no longer be eligible for MaineCare benefits as of July 1, 2011.

It is important to note that the new biennial budget comes out at a slightly larger cost ($6.3 billion) than the last and does not include,  in the words of House Speaker Robert Nutting, any ” cuts to education or programs that protect Maine’s most vulnerable.  It’s also free of gimmicks like state shutdown days.”

“It is a validation of the outstanding work done by the Appropriations Committee and of the decision by Republican legislative leaders to pursue a bipartisan two-thirds budget,” said Senate President Kevin Raye. “By affording the minority party the respect of inclusion in the budget process we were able to work through our differences and secure a thoughtful budget that honors the core principles advanced by Governor LePage,” Raye added.

Senate Majority Leader Jonathan Courtney echoed his colleagues’ sentiments. “In just 40 days the Governor gave us a document that included substantial reforms to taxes, pension and our welfare system, and this vision survived the legislative process. It helps us take a major step in moving Maine forward,” Courtney said.

These changes were not accepted without protest by the minority party and their followers.  Nonetheless, Maine has begun to move in a different direction and hopefully one that will result in improvements in the quality of life for our residents.

There remains the problems of lack of opportunity for our young people, a relatively low average household income compared to many other states, growing drug abuse, government overspending, and a host of other issues that impede continued improvement.  The Red Sea has yet to part.

Still, positive signs are appearing.  If Maine citizens can take with a grain of salt the vociferous harangues promulgated by a tiny minority through the “letters to the editor” section of the local newspapers and the obvious reluctance of other media to circulate anything positive about the new Governor’s efforts and allow time for results to appear, then the mood of the State can change and along with it our future.

Plenty of time left to judge Gov. Paul LePage on the results of his policies.

Remembering

For many of us here in Maine, it is expected solace that the lilac bushes will be in bloom by Memorial Day.  With the cold, wet spring that we have encountered, that may not hold true this year.  But this minor delay is a far cry from the destruction and misery that a procession of tornadoes has wrought upon our fellow citizens in the Midwest and parts of the South.  Our hope and prayers need be directed toward them, both for a cessation of the destruction and an easing of their burden.

My roots in New England are deep and go back many generations.  Cemeteries in more than one state hold the remains of my kin.  Military service has been a trait shared by many of them; grandfathers, fathers, sons, uncles and cousins, volunteers and draftees.  As the years pass, graves multiply and those who were once young assume the mantle grudgingly worn by all elders.

Memorial Day holds a wealth of memories for all of us.  It of course involves sadness, for we no longer enjoy the company of those who cannot soothe us with their physical presence.  The day involves honoring the departed, whether it is a grave site visit, participating in parades and ceremonies, or a simple quiet reflection on those who have in the past shared our lives.

I am a member of the Masonic Lodge in Freeport, ME, a group that played a pivotal part in obtaining a piece of steel from the remains of the buildings that fell on 9/11/2001, to be used as the base for a town memorial to those who were killed on that horrible day as well as to the living and dead heroes who saved many other potential victims through their personal sacrifices.  Members of the Maine National Guard and their vehicles transported the steel from New York to Maine, accompanied by riders of the Patriot Guard and other motorcycle clubs and aided by law enforcement officers and other first responders.  A welcoming ceremony was held this past weekend and a number of local groups have banded together to formulate additional ceremonies and activities planned for the weekend surrounding September 11, 2011.

But this upcoming weekend belongs to remembrance of those who no longer share our lives.  There are far too many fallen military personnel who have served our nation well over the decades and they deserve at least a moment of reflection, particularly the young people who have sacrificed all in the maelstrom of the Middle East.

Whomever you have the opportunity to honor – and there are many who have shared our lives that deserve that respect – take a few moments from your daily lives for at least a brief prayer, or even a “Thank You”.

Remember ……. don’t forget or overlook.

America Settles a Score

When you mess with the big dog you will get bit – even if it takes him some time to find the right opportunity.

In this particular case it took nearly a decade for our country to track down and administer what most would regard as belated justice to a crafty and elusive mass murderer who planned the act of war that took the lives of over 3,000 innocent civilians.

The death of Osama bin Laden at the hands of a Navy Seal Team has already begun to show positive results.  The Saudi Interior Ministry today reported that Khaled al Qahtani, a senior al Qaeda member who was high on Riyadh’s most wanted list, has turned himself in to them.  And the successful hunt for and killing of bin Laden sends a long overdue message to the rest of the world (terrorists in particular) that the United States is fully capable of exacting revenge on those who attempt to destroy us.  So much for the “helpless, pitiful giant” label that some have been so eager to bestow upon our nation.

There is a lot of credit to share on this one.

First, to the truly excellent performance of the Seals involved in the “boots on the ground” segment.

Second, the President and his staff are to be commended for making the monumental decision to terminate the career of the world’s most wanted man.  And equally important was their success in keeping this operation a secret throughout its entire lengthy planning and preparation stages.

Third, kudos to the large numbers of support personnel from different branches of the military who planned, directed and supported a true team effort.  Everyone from pilots to logistics specialists, to the construction personnel who created in Afghanistan a mockup of the villa in which bin Laden was reported to be hiding deserve a heartfelt, “Well done!”.

Fourth, the entire U.S. intelligence community deserves special recognition for their untiring pursuit of the information that would give our troops the opportunity to deliver the payback.

And let us not forget the Bush Administration, which initially set the wheels in motion and kept the effort going that would eventually produce the opportunity for vengeance.

There are those, of course, who decry the “savagery” of America’s attack and wail that every attempt should have been made to bring back Osama bin Laden for trial rather than “executing” him.  One of Maine’s Congressional Representatives (House Member Chellie Pingree) expressed confusion as to why bin Laden’s body had been buried at sea.  That such action prevented the possibility of the establishment of a shrine to be a beacon for the world’s collection of terrorists apparently did not occur to this clueless nincompoop – let alone that Muslim custom that the body should be buried with the head facing toward Mecca was thusly circumvented.

There will undoubtedly be many more details to be provided for the media to endlessly expound upon over the days and weeks to come.  It is one of the major events of this year and should provide endless attraction for a worldwide audience.

But for me, there is simply one irrefutable fact.  One of the most deadly, destructive, potent conduits of evil in the world is gone.

And that is just reason for ongoing celebration.