The Fallen

     Ok, what I'm seeing here is "under the control of the national cemetery
administration,".  This should read any cemetery period..  Not all can be buried in National Cemeteries.  So, there's the loophole/ wormhole Phelps is using..  

Respect for America's Fallen Heroes Act

The Respect for America’s Fallen Heroes Act (Pub.L. 109-228, 120 Stat. 387, enacted May 29, 2006) is an Act of Congress that prohibits protests within 300 feet (90 m) of the entrance of any cemetery under control of the National Cemetery Administration (a division of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs) from 60 minutes before to 60 minutes after a funeral. Penalties for violating the act are up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year imprisonment.

The Act was sponsored by Mike Rogers, a Republican congressman from Michigan. It was introduced in large part to combat the campaign by Fred Phelps from the Westboro Baptist Church, of Topeka, Kansas. Phelps and his supporters regularly demonstrated at the funerals of American service members who were killed in the war in Iraq, on the grounds that the deaths are divine retribution for social tolerance of homosexuality. While protest is normally protected by the First Amendment, fighting words are not.[1]

The Act was approved by the House via roll call vote with an overwhelming majority of 408 to 3. Ron Paul (R-TX), David Wu (D-OR) and Barney Frank (D-MA) voted against the Act, opposing it on civil liberties and constitutional grounds. Twenty-one members of the House of Representatives did not vote. Barney Frank said of the vote, "I think it’s very likely to be found unconstitutional. It’s true that when you defend civil liberties you are typically defending people who do obnoxious things… You play into their hand when you let them provoke you into overdoing it. I don’t want these thugs to claim America is hypocritical."[2]

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) opposed the legislation, saying that the Act was unconstitutional and that it would not stand up in court. They said of a similar ban in Kentucky, "The ACLU lawsuit recognizes that Kentucky has an interest in showing respect and compassion for the deceased and for their families, but argues that sections of these laws go too far in prohibiting peaceful protests."[3]

   Terrible news about Japan, unfortunately no one knew of the events to unfold today..  I pray for all..  

    We the people of the United States are most likely preparing to print money to send to Japan as I type.  I'm not against this action, but hey!  Do you think our economy can handle it?  I need to know, just for myself how much of a contribution was made by Japan during Katrina?   We are a drowning nation Mr. Bossman, your actions and famous fried chicken cabinet is killing us.  I don't buy off on your eloquent verbiage, like some dumbass cult member..  Run This Country and quit trying to look smooth...

What I Believe

I believe Lady GaGa is better than Madonna live.
And I believe gas will soar over 5 bucks a gallon.
And I believe you're gonna pay for it.
And I believe deep down inside the lead singer of Nickelback is Kurt Cobain reincarnated.
I also believe Kid Rock had to mess up really bad to get dumped by Pamela Anderson; She's Hot, except for the Hep C.
And I believe the Elvis spotting at the Oneonta, Al courthouse is oh so true.
And I believe Charlie Sheen is correct to believe in trolls, transformers and god knows what other fictitious things.
And of course I believe that madonna was the Brittney Spears of the 80's.
And I believe a woman's sudden headache, brought on by their husband, can be cured with an impromptu shopping spree.
And I believe beef is not just for dinner.
And I believe the x-box generation will be great leaders, if they can find the cheat codes to do so.
I also believe the BBQ joints in Blount Country need to reevaluate their schedules in order to please the customers who like to have BBQ on Sundays..
And I believe my youngest daughter might believe her dad is Ronald McDonald.
And I believe that 50% of the people reading this wouldn't know what hand to throw up to form the letter "L" on their forehead, if they were in front of a mirror.
Last but not least, what I believe, hasn't one thing to do with anyone but me..


DOR, 031011

ASKEW

     I'm not entirely down on the organized religion thingy, but what I'm not cool with should concern others and specific polities within given churches.

     Religion for myself, means to have God in my heart and still have compassion for our fellowmen.  Our  fellowmen down the street, not just the ones residing in Mexico and Peru.. We need to take care of business at home and if somethings left over, by all means help other countries.  

     I'm tired of seeing how bad off we are on the news, when we can make a difference. So, without further ado take the blinders off and look around..   Make a Difference Here---!
     

Staying Power

    I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a television awards show this past weekend and was amazed at what I saw.

    For the past two or so years I had been under the impression Kirk Douglas was deceased.  However, much to my surprise he's up on the stage dancing around likes he's 63.  What is he now 200-225?  I'm not completely unsure that he and the remainder of the Douglas family wasn't dealt some of that "Tiger Blood," Charlie has access too..  

Free Verse Narrative My Tribute to Toomer's Trees in Auburn, Al

Toomer's  Trees

    Beloved trees standing so tall, just a short piece from Langdon Hall..

    Their strength measured in 130 years of tradition, cut short by one irrational rendition..

    Trees that proudly stand and represent as we walk by and shake our heads in both disbelief and in grief.

    Now, is the time, make the journey come one, come all Toomer's Trees are still standing tall.

    We shall remember when Toomer's Trees are gone for it's not an ending, but yet a new beginning,  for their legacy lives in each Auburn Alumni and fan alike, whether young or old, so stand tall.  Toomer's Trees live within us all...


DOR, 021711
My Tribute