Opening Day Fishing Season is Tuesday

So, this Tuesday, April 1st, is a date that I have been anticipating for a while now.  It marks Maine's Opening Day of the 2014 Open Water Fishing Season.  This year, me and a couple of friends of mine are embarking on our 2nd Annual fishing trip to the Dead River and Spencer Stream.  What makes this special to us, is the fact the only way to get to that spot is an 8-10 mile trip by snowmobile.  Only on Opening Day can I have this much excitement in the snow.

So, preparations began months ago, but not by us.  Yes, Mother Nature, seemed to put a kink in our plans.  We had planned on taking two snowmobile trailers and 4 sleds.  Well, my trailer is burried under a few feet of wet snow and not easily accessible.  The other trailer is also stuck and has two bad tires and possible broken lights.  Also, the last snow storm caused a large pine tree to fall in my back yard on to one of the snowmobiles cracking the windshield.  Never fear though, this is Maine and real men have trucks. So we will have two sleds for 4 fisherman.  We have the sleds to pull our gear behind us...to include venison burgers and beverages to go along with the all the stories we will tell at breakfast.

Normally on Sundays I would be playing music at a variety of open mics/ jam sessions, but today is Fishing Season preparation day.  I have all my fly rods ready, spooled up with the proper line and all the flies in the boxes ready to throw at the trout and salmon.  Oh yeah, I also have my cigars ready too.  I never fish without them.

So with all this excitement, I shall leave you.  Unfortunately my Dad is in Florida with my Mom, so he can't go this eyar, but I look forward to when they get back so he and I can go fishing.  Remember though, one of the greatest gifts you can give a child is the outdoors.  Take them fishing, hunting, hiking or RVing.  Life can still have great memories.  Thanks for taking me Dad.

God Bless America!
  

Wow...What is going on in Washington?

Ok...so what exactly going on in DC? We have Steven Colbert mocking our lawmaking process on Capital Hill and who's fault is it? Well, look no further then who is in control of Congress, Sentate and The White House. Yes, that's right...Democrats. Enough is enough...bring back some dignity to our country.

Anyway...it's been a while and I am happy to say that the last year plus has been the most wonderful of my life. I plan on writing more pieces about current events but will have a "new sidekick" to share some views with everyone.

So I will close as I used to...God Bless America!

Ready to take on new duties!

Hi everyone. I'm back to inform everyone that I have a new occupation. After many years of providing health and safety expertise and program writing to companies as well as working as an electro-mechanical technician, I have taken a position with the Veterans Administration in Augusta, Maine. I am extremely happy for this new chapter in my life.

Many of you know that I served in the US Navy in the 1990's. Since that time, I have always felt that something was missing. Going back in the military was not the option my daughter and I wanted so the next best thing was to help other veterans. This position satisfies that void and provides my family with much needed benefits and stability.

My volunteer work in the American Legion only enhances my service to our community and fellow veterans. At the same rate, my daughter is learning the aspect of giving back to the many individuals in need while being a Junior Member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Nonetheless, my time spent with my family providing these services is so rewarding to me that I'm honored to be able to do it. I'm equally honored to be part of the Veterans Administration.

That is all I have for now. God Bless America!

"Unofficial" Schaeffer Press Release

Now for some "unofficial" news from Somerset County.  Last night (4-15) in a Somerset County District 2 Caucus, Selectman from the towns of Norridgewock, Solon, Smithfield and Madison voted 8-2 to place me on the County Budget Committee.  I want to thank all that did show up to vote and the support from the ones that could not make it due to prior committements.  As it stands for District 2, we have Elaine Aloes from Solon, Phil Roy from Fairfield and myself from Norridgewock.  Let's trim that budget.

 

I'll have more news later as it appears.  I hope everyone got their taxes in on time...we're going to need it.

 

God Bless America! 

Why I resigned as Somerset County GOP Chairman

Why I resigned as Somerset County GOP Chairman!

 

 

On Thursday January 22, I resigned as the Chairman of the Somerset County Republican Committee.  The decision I made was not something that was easy to do.  I love the Republican Party and the beliefs that have been pushed by ones before me.  I trust in our Platform and know that someday, we will win over the majority of Americans with our beliefs.  I consider myself a Reagan Republican, meaning I realized my Republican beliefs during his time in office and believed in the values that he instilled in Americans.  Nonetheless, the time has come for me to step aside.

 

The major factor in this decision is family.  I am involved in a great deal of activities during my non-working time, most of which take time away from my family.  Family means a great deal to me and I do not want to jeopardize any more time away from them than has already been done.   

 

Many of you know that I sit as a Selectman for the Town of Norridgewock, Maine.  I enjoy that job very much because it is in town and I love being involved in the community.  It's great to know that I can make a difference in the way our town grows for the future.  I truly love this town and will always push for the succsss of our local buisiness's. 

 

One other organization I am a part of is the American Legion Post 16, from Skowhegan, Maine.  It is an organization that is great for the community, children and ofcourse our veterans.  Additionally, both my wife and our daughter are members.  My wife is part of the Auxillary and our daughter is a Junior Member.  We are involved during Bingo nights as well as any special activities that the Legion is active with.  A great family organization for all of us.

 

One of the best part of being a parent is, you can spend time with them in their extra curricular activities as well.  Meaning, I coach my daughters sports teams and enjoy it very much.  Not only do I get to spend time with her, I also enjoy teaching the other kids on her softball and basketball teams.  Frankly, I get more of a thrill watching the kids I coach succeed than I do if a political debate goes our way.

 

 

Again, I may be leaving the position of Chairman for the Somerset County Republicans, but I am not leaving the Republican Party. I could never do that for any reason, and I mean ANY reason.  I'm sure I will be back again someday in the near future giving my full effort in getting Republicans elected in Somerset County and around the state.  Right now, the best thing I can do is be a part of activities that keep me close to my family.  I will continue to write about my beliefs and reasonings on my blogs (especially with the current administration taking over on Tuesday) and do indeed search for feeback from anyone who reads them. 

 

As always with my posts, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

Some time away for reflection!

Well it's been a few weeks since I last wrote. I have no excuse for my absence except that I have a real life to live and be a part of. In that life though of recent note, I have learned a great deal about myself as well as about the ones I love and care for. I know what you are thinking, "Matt, what about the political stuff and the post-election analysis?" Fine, I'll address that too, but my real life outside of politics comes first in this writing. I hope you enjoy and learn from my lessons as well.



OK, since the election I have had a great deal of conversations with my friends and family on numerous topics. Not the least of which was greed and selfishness that exists in us all. Yes, I'm guilty of it as well. Additionally, taking advantage of a persons great heart is something that many of us do without regard for the person involved or even understanding why we are doing it. For example, when a person holds the door for you in a given building, do we return the favor to that person or another individual? Do we give someone a smile back after they say "Hello" to us on the street or in the hallway at work? Remember, they are going out of their way to try and be polite to you as well as maybe trying to put you in a better mood. You might wonder what this has to do with selfishness or greed or other things. The point is, we have so many interactions throughout our daily lives that we tend to forget the little things that make us or others great people. Being polite and acknowledging others is part of that process.



Do you ever wonder why we talk to certain individuals or become part of their circle of friends? Is it a personal or emotional need or is it a want? We as hard working Americans tend to bypass ones who play no real effect in our lives. Why? We also tend to put down others who differ from us or are lesser in their careers. Is this not true? Of course it is. Someone recently told me regarding an old classmate of ours, "I have no use for that person in my life so I could care less if I see them again". I thought for a moment, that if that were true of everyone, we would truly have no friends or at least very few of them. I'm here to remind you that people change throughout their lives and I'm talking about their hearts as well as their maturity. We also add a few pounds and lines to the face and lose a few hairs on the head too.



Another question, why do we hold grudges towards our family members or friends when they cannot be a part of an outing we are hosting? Is it again, another way of showing our "status" or is it a silent selfishness? We don't always know why people do things or not do things with our families and friends. Perhaps it is just as simple as it sounds, meaning life happens and we just can't do everything that comes up. Even after we make the plans to make the outing, things or plans can change in our lives. Don't be selfish and take offense to others decisions. We again, are not aware of their lives. Anyway, enough of the emotional stuff and other gratifying purposes in our personal lives. Lets talk a little politics.



OK...so we (Conservative Republicans that is) lost! Pure and simple, "...we just didn't get the job done", to paraphrase former Patriots coach, Pete Carrol. The more and more I think about it, we had the wrong candidate at the wrong time. After witnessing Gov. Mitt Romney at the Maine Republican State Convention in May of 2008, I knew we clearly made the wrong choice as the parties nominee. Gov. Sarah Palin was by far the main reason we brought some of the conservative voters to actually vote for Sen. John McCain. Sen. McCain made mistake after mistake on the campaign trail. One key mistake was simply voting for the bailout of the financial institutions. By putting a government "solution" to a market crisis simply punished the taxpayers for others failures. Another mistake was not hitting Barack Obama harder on his relations with William Ayers, Rev. Wright and Louis Farrakhan. Those were just a few of the mistakes that our candidate for the 2008 Presidential election made.



Now for what the Republican Party did that helped secure the Democratic Party nominee in the White House. First and foremost...I'll say it again, we nominated the wrong person. We needed someone who could hit Obama hard with more facts on foreign relations as well as provide more conservative principals to our economic woes. Second, we did not produce at the registration level. We lagged behind the Democrats in the total amount of new registrations as well as gaining the much needed Unenrolled voters. Third, we did not define the differences with the parties in our ads and literature. And Lastly, it was a Democratic Year. With the War in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as the poor economic situation that the country was going through, as well as having a minority on the Democratic ticket, it was inevitable that we would lose the election. It reminded me of the 1976 Presidential Election when the country was going through a scandal at the White House as well as the ongoing Vietnam War. The Republicans at the time nominated President Gerald Ford and all the Democrats had to do was nominate peanut (excuse the pun). Simply put, there was no way the Republicans were going to win that election either. Now, those are my takes on this election, so don't hold it against me. Remember, we are entitled to our opinions right? Which is why we have the 1st Amendment.

That is all for now my friends but as "D-Day" approached for us Republicans on January 20Th, we must hold everyone accountable to all their duties. That includes the "Anointed One" by the Democrats. I certainly will not shy away from constructive criticism from our newly elected President because I never did before with our current president. Let us wish our outgoing and incoming presidents the best of luck with their next journey. They will definitely need it.

As always...and more than ever, God Bless America!

On November 4th, remember those that came before!

With only a few days before the General Election, one might ask themselves, "Do I feel comfortable with my choice?" Another might say, "Oh what's the point, That One is going to win." Regardless of what you may be thinking on how the election may turn out, remember one thing, the Founding Fathers made it possible for us to have a voice. Yes, I know that sometimes that voice isn't heard enough or even out of the right side of the mouth, nonetheless, we have that right to be heard to give our choice of how we want to be governed.

Remember my friends, the 1st Amendment is attached to the description of this blog. I put it there for a reason. That reason is for you, me, my neighbors, my liberal in-laws, for my fellow Veterans and for every red blooded American that breathes the fresh air in our country everyday. It is there to remind everyone that we must exercise our right to vote and fight for what we believe in. From the Founding Fathers, to the Patriots in the fields of Lexington and Concord, to our hero's at Normandy and all the hero's in Iraq and Afghanistan, all those brave men and women who have served this nation did so to protect our rights. We owe them our gratitude by exercising our rights. In my eyes elections are not won or lost by mere votes but they are WON by people voting. That sounds strange I know but if no one votes, who actually wins? No one. We as a community or a country as a whole only win when we exercise those rights given to us through our Constitution and protected by the ones who fought for it. By not voting we are losing our right to be heard.

The picture above says it all for me. My daughter and I are standing on North Bridge in Concord Mass on Patriots Day 2008. If anyone who understands the history of the United States knows that this is a pivotal piece of history. The Patriots pushed back the British soldiers on this bridge to make their voices heard and to eventually become a country. Remember that little bridge when you close that curtain on November 4th. Remember the men and women who have sacrificed their lives throughout the years for your voice to be heard. Remember the ones still fighting overseas to erode away Terrorism in this world. Ask yourself, if this election gets in the wrong hands, because you didn't vote, than what next? Will you be satisfied?

God Bless America and all those who fight to protect our rights, especially our right to have a voice.

McCain tried some jabs...but the rounds are ticking away!

This presidential campaign seems more like a long drawn out battle of heavy weights. Except this time, it is between a seasoned veteran in McCain who is well past his prime fighting shape and a young energetic rookie in Obama. Consider it the sports fan in me that threw that analogy in this election. Regardless, the rounds are ticking away for McCain. He got a few jabs in the last round of debates, but was it really enough to sway the judges towards his corner? I don't think so.



Yes my friends, I'll admit it, McCain is fighting a losing battle at this point in the game. In a recent poll by Zogby, Reuters and CNN, Obama has a 5 point lead. That's pretty large considering we are less than three weeks away. Regardless of what pools say now, it only matters what "THE" poll says at the end of the night of November 4Th. I hope I'm wrong as well as what all the experts think. We cannot live under an Obama administration and absolutely feel safe.



That last sentence there means that if he is elected, the chances of us being attacked again on our own soil would most likely go up. That is my belief anyway. Do I have to back that up? NO I don't, but I will just say that the "change" that Obama is pushing is characterized as what? I'll tell you....Communism. Yeah, I brought it up again. Why you might ask? Because it is important to understand the ties that are associated with Obama and it is important to know what groups support him. Recently as this summer, the United States Communist Party endorsed Obama. Is this the change Obama talks about? Turning the United States of America into the United Communist States of North America? God I hope not. I'm sure I'll irk a few people here with these comments, but, like the 1st Amendment States..."Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech.."


We know about William Ayers and his connections with Obama. Obama's old mentor Frank Marshall Davis was a communist as well. The point is, Obama and his questionable ties are finally getting exposed, but is it too late? We won't know until next month. All I ask is, do a Google search for United States Communist support Obama. You'll see the same articles I do regarding his affiliations. Regardless, I'll write more tomorrow on this issue.


Anyway my friends, may God Bless you and all of our fellow Americans this upcoming election. We're going to need some prayers.

I'm pumping money into the economy in Norridgewock! God Bless Me!

The headline says it all. I'm pumping money into our economy in Norridgewock. How you may ask? Well, I just got my driveway paved and my wallet is a lot lighter, that's for sure. The paving company was a local company from Norridgewock named Western Maine Paving. All in all, they did a fine job with the leveling and laying out of the pavement. Now we can play some basketball and street hockey in the driveway. More importantly, I can now snow blow my driveway without all the damn rocks landing on our lawn or hitting our vehicles. I do not want to hit my nice big Ford F150 XLT Supercrew, I might cry. Oh yeah, one more thing, I don't have to wack the weeds in the driveway anymore either...yeah!

So the point of the matter is here, we were able to spend some money in a way that will make our lives easier as well as increase the value of our property. Money is the root of all that is good and all that is bad in the country. Look at the financial mess on Wall Street, well last week anyway. Today was nice to see. Regardless, money issues causes people to worry about life or it makes them do things for the better of themselves and if more fortunate, to the better of others. My wife and I give to charity's when we can but we also like to spend money on our daughter or at least provide her with some great opportunities to enjoy and experience different facets of life. We still like our toys. I like my hunting and fishing toys and she likes her cooking stuff and ....well, just spending it I guess.

One thing to remember here is, the market will definitely come around. It always has. I've said it before, when the markets are down such as the DOW and NASDAQ were last week, that means that stocks are on sale. I invest regularly in many of the Blue Chip stocks, mainly because those are the companies that pay the dividends and have the best track record for succeeding. They know what they are doing, well, except maybe AIG and some of those other banking ones. If you have children and are looking at some great college investment plans, buy some shares of Microsoft, Pfizer, Coca Cola, or Proctor & Gamble. Those companies can't really steer you wrong. They all pay a dividend and are all well respected and well run companies.

One last thing, don't wait for the government to bail you out like they did with Wall Street. They save the ones that pay the most...not you. You look out for yourself and do what you think is best with your money and your future. Sometimes you may have to take life in your own hands, like my wife and I have with our investments and our property. We sure have lost some money in the markets lately but we do realize that we will make it up as the markets get better. Life throws us challenges all the time. This current economic challenge that we are experiencing is just one more test of how our country will prosper giving a challenge such as this. I have faith in the American people to do what is right with the economy. I do not have faith in the government to make things right. I lost much of that faith throughout the years but a lot last week when the "buyout" took place. I'm not happy that both presidential candidates wanting to "fix" some companies troubles with our money. Simple the wrong idea. It's wrong to burden us with this debt.

Anyway my friends, those are my thoughts for the night. I do want to thank all those who do read what I write and I encourage you all to read some of my friends blogs listed on the left hand side of the web page.

God Bless America!

Did I go too far with my Communism Comment?

Sometimes we speak with great command, compassion and thoughtfulness. Other times we may say something out of emotion or without regard to a particular persons point of view. And in some instances, we may say something that may be exactly what you hold inside but it just comes out wrong. Such is the case with my recent remarks regarding Barack Obama and Communism.



When I publish my thoughts on my blog, you may wonder if I normally care who reads it? NO. I also usually will post any comment by readers on my blog unless it is completely ignorant and has terrible language or calls for the head of some political leader. I don't really remember how many "F@^ Bush", or "Bush lied and should die" comments I have had to delete in the past 12 months. Too many to be exact. There comes a time though when I do receive a comment or an email that just puts me back for a moment makes me think, "Was I over the top there? Did I go too far or did I let emotions get in my way?" I say this because I recently got an email from a dear friend of mine whom I've known for over 24 years and share a strong commitment to pushing great music to the masses. He and I have never, at least to my knowledge, talked politics nor have I ever known him to lean one way or the other. Some people you just have too much respect for to discuss such topics. Heck, I wasn't even aware that he would be interested in reading my politically oriented blog, let alone have an opinion on my political rants. But this one hit home.


Mind you, my friend was leaning toward McCain until he picked Palin to be his running mate. I can't fault him for that as I believe that everyone is entitled to their opinion. Hence, my reasoning for stating the 1st Amendment of our American Constitution in the description of my blog. Here were his comments on my last post. I will not mention him by name because that is not fair to him, however, I do greatly respect him and have for a very long time.

I'm disappointed to see you SUGGEST that "Communism is just around the
corner with Obama." The dirty politics, from both sides, is exhausting. This type of propaganda appeals to the ill-informed and ignorant, and belittles American politics. It's also very disappointing to see from a (person) that I have such respect for.

Now, that may not sound like much of a comment to anyone around the world who reads this, but, coming from a person I greatly admire, it bothers me. It bothers me that someone I respect as a dear friend may consider my beliefs of Obama as dirty and disrespectful. I do wonder though, if maybe I have taken my political opinions too far. Regardless, when is enough considered enough regarding your beliefs on another politicians policies or viewpoints on governing? Who knows for sure. I will say that I will not risk a longtime friendship or another's respect of me to rant my political viewpoints without reasoning.

Many who know me realize how much I love this country and the historical aspect of our political process, the very process that transcends our borders. You may ask "What? Transcends our borders?" Yes, our political process does very much transcend our borders. Look at hatred in the World when Bush's name is brought up by Chavez. Look at the people flocking to see Obama in speeches giving in Europe, especially Germany. Regardless of who runs for president of our country, some countries seem to have their opinion on our process and the media does very much like to show it. They think it is fitting to show what other "World leaders" think of our current administration and their viewpoints of our country. But ask yourself, does it really matter what Germany or Iran or anyone else thinks for that matter of the United States? Frankly...NO. This is why it matters to me what my friends and ones I admire think of my beliefs. First, we are all in this country together paying our taxes to run our government, although not efficiently (but that is for another post) . Second, we all have families that are affected greatly by the choices of leaders we pick to represent us. Lastly, we all must look out for one another and at the same time have the responsibility to ourselves to do what is best for us. Meaning, I'm not going to give a damn about what some third world country thinks of my beloved United States of America. The very country I put on the United States Navy uniform on to defend and protect.

There I vented...so back to my Communism comment. Let's look back at what Communism means.

Com"mu*nism\, n. [F. communisme, fr. commun common.] A scheme of equalizing the social conditions of life; specifically, a scheme which contemplates the abolition of inequalities in the possession of property, as by distributing all wealth equally to all, or by holding all wealth in common for the equal use and advantage of all.
Note: At different times, and in different countries, various schemes pertaining to socialism in government and the conditions of domestic life, as well as in the distribution of wealth, have been called communism.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.

So, going back to what Obama wants to do is have people making $250K or more a year pay more in taxes. To me, that means distribution of wealth...like Socialism and Communism. Modern day Robin Hood, taking from the rich to give to the poor. Classless society in that everyone is equal, paying their "fair share". The point is, it's penalizing the ones who succeed or work hard for their money. I'm not talking about the CEO's and financial officers at huge organizations but the Mom and Pop shops and people who own small businesses. We NEED people to "want" to succeed, not worry if they reach over $250K for fear that they will be taxed more percentage wise than if they make $200K. My wife and I work hard for our money as do many of our friends. But in Obama's terms, $250K a year is "rich" and should pay more in taxes. Another thing, I DO NOT agree with the recent government buyout of failing companies. That is government interference in our economic conditions. Obama also wants government run health care, which in other words is...Yes, Socialized medicine. The point is here, with his plans of government backing bailouts, redistribution of wealth and government run health care, it looks more and more like Communism to me. It's not hatred, nor is it vitriol, but a difference of how I want to be governed. That is all politics is...the differences of how we all want to be governed and where we want our money to go. I mean no disrespect whatsoever regarding Sen. Barack Obama. I just feel with his policies, we are heading in the wrong direction.

I want to truly thank my friend though, for opening my eyes and realizing that there are people in this world that do mean a great deal to me...my friends and family. I respect that individual a great deal and hope that he does not take my beliefs to hard to have hatred for or loss of respect of me. Keep Rockin' my friend.

As always with me, God Bless America and all who love their Freedom to chose who they want to govern them.

I wanted more hits from McCain!

OK, I'll say it, as much as it pains me: McCain blew it last night. Yep, I'm admitting defeat from our candidate in the National debate. McCain needed to hit Obama in the gut last night. The gut being ALL his ties to suspect crooks. I'm talking about Jeremiah Wright, William Ayers, Louis Farrakhan, and the other financial cronies. McCain lost his shot at pointing out the differences of association.

Anyway, I'm hoping many of you can see the difference that Obama presents of himself as to what type of person he is. Do you think he associates well with the middle class? Do you think he is just "one of the guys" and down to earth? This is the same guy throws expensive fundraisers, flies on big jets across the country (while touting energy savings) and saying our way to cure the energy crisis is to "deal with it". My oh my...what a waste of air he is breathing out to us common folk. I think he produces more helium out of his lungs is in any blimp across the country.

Anyway my fellow Americans, we don't have very long to get the message out that Communism is just around the corner with Obama. Government run health care, education and banking. YEAH! Just what we need, government interference with our money. Bottom line is...When he wins come November, we all lose. PERIOD!

God Bless America and all who pull that curtain shut on November 4th.

Debate Tonight...GIVE IT TO HIM MCCAIN!

I'm am really looking forward to the debate tonight. Hopefully the TownHall style will show some strengths that McCain has. Additionally, I hope McCain brings up all the "bad ties" to people that Obama has such as to the terrorists, corrupt bankers, racists reverands and so on.



Sorry for the delay in writings and such my friends. Life's battles sometimes throws wrenches into everyday lives. Such is the case with me. Busy with work, politics of the local and state front as well as with my favorite time of year:...hunting season.



Be safe and God Bless America!

Palin: Savior of the Party?

It's been a week now since John McCain announced that his VP running mate would be Gov. Sarah Palin from Alaska. So what effect has there been? Well, let's just say that the Republican base is now more energized than I have seen since this presidential campaign has started...the day after the General Election of 2006. What Palin brings to this ticket and the White House race for that matter, is executive experience. I know, some are saying that she is no more qualified than Barack Obama. Heck, Obama himself is stating he has more experience than her because he is running a presidential campaign. Reaching a bit I think.

Anyway my friends, let's look at that "experience" factor for a moment. Obama, Joe Biden and Mccain have never been a governor or a mayor or anything that resulted in overseeing of funds from a municipality, governing or any type of experience that resulted in being chosen by the people to do a job. He is STILL not the president. Palin, on the other hand has governed the State of Alaska and is the former mayor for Wasilla, Alaska. Additionally she has chaired the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission for 2 years. That seems fitting since we are in a oil dependency dilemma with the Middle East.

Regardless of what outlandish statement Obama, Biden or other Democrats make regarding Palin's experience versus their "dream ticket", it won't hold up. Keep stating that your presidential campaign has more experience than everyone else Obama. It'll backfire in the long run, at least that is my belief. Nonetheless, people are coming out for McCain-Palin to show their support of this "down to earth" ticket. I'm one that firmly believes that this ticket is unbeatable with the American people. They have family issues, like most of us. The Palin's are an outdoors family with emphasis on hunting, fishing and outdoor power sports (snowmobile racing) as well as kids involved with team sports such as hockey. Those things right there will touch base more with the American people than will Obama's experience living in Indonesia as a child or his Kenyan background. Seems to me, with a War Hero in McCain and the All-American Mother in Palin, there is no arguing the Americanism on this ticket. The other ticket/ Well...the jury is still hung on that one.

God Bless America...Especially during this presidential race.

Thank you Senator Collins and Prof. John Frary.

On many occasions, political candidates scale the large numbers of parade goers and give their little bit of time that they have back to the people. What many times gets lost in this is the true sincerity that the candidates have towards the prospective voters as well as giving them the answers that they may need, not what they want. Additionally, is the time that the candidates spend on their own giving to the people. This often gets taken for granted. Many know that I currently serve in a politically elected office, I can attest that my time spent doing the job is often unnoticed as well as unappreciated.

On to good news though. Today at the Norridgewock Labor Day Parade and Oosoola Days, we had an enormous turnout of Republicans for Sen. Susan Collins and Prof. John Frary as well as many of our local candidates of Peter Mills, Phil Curtis, Donna W. Finley, Angela Courchesney, and Walter Gooley. The "sea of red" that accompanied Sen. Collins was a testament to her strength in the party as well as her standing with Maine voters. The followers of John Frary, although minuscule to Collins, was yet another example of volunteers putting forward their time to support a candidate that might not be the mainstream, but yet says what he believes. That in itself is a feat all to its own. I was just glad that both of them as well as our local candidates took their time today to give to the people who don't normally see the good side and also time consuming side of politics.

I'll just end here by saying Thank You to all the candidates that volunteer their time to run for office as well as all their volunteers that give so much of their time to help their favorite candidate. Thank You!

As always with me, God Bless America! For if he doesn't, America may not be the Land of The Free.

I want Romney!

I'll say it now...I want Gov. Mitt Romney to be Sen John McCain's running for this election. I believe if he actually chooses an Independent as in Lieberman, than we will take two giant steps back with this party. He needs to look at the conservative wing of this party and more importantly, the Pro-Life crowd. I am a strong Pro-life advocate and believe that any other choice than a Pro-life running mate is calling for disaster.

This is a short note only to give my support for Gov. Mitt Romney for VP. He is a very articulate man and understand the bells and whistles of governing. If McCain does not chose Romney, my two other choices are Sec. of State Condi Rice and LA. Gov. , Bobby Jindal. Conservative, experience and able to get the crowds going is key here. We must stop the Obamamania from taking over the middle votes. We must remain America the Beautiful and Home of the Brave. We will move away from our freedom if Obama is elected by securing more debt to pay for useless programs. Not too mention, he is not a military person, thus putting our national security at risk. Remember the downsizing that Clinton did in the 1990's? It will be far worse if Obama is elected.

God Bless America! God Bless our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marine who fight for our freedom everyday in honor of our great country.

Hatred: That's what is wrong with politics these days!

I truly enjoy the American political scene. I love the debates of ideas that could move our nation forward. I love the historical aspect of elections as well as the issues that are relevant at the time. With all these positives, there bounds to be negatives that bridges the gap of Americans. The negative here is the vast amounts of energy put towards hatred of political parties and political figures. You go to any college campus and the negativity and outright hatred towards one particular person is astounding. That person of course is President George W. Bush. Comments by many professors or other public figures is sickening. Last year Michelle Malkin talked about one person in particular, Betty Williams and other peaceniks and their hatred toward our nations leader. When you get Hollywood actors and actresses spilling out the hatred towards one person, it get sickening.

The point here is politics can become great again but it needs effort from both sides of the aisle. It doesn't mean that we have to join forces and become one party. Frankly that would be the worst thing to happen. What we need is to understand the differences in the parties but use less hatred. I had a conversation with a really good friend of mine that happens to be a public figure in the Maine Democratic Party in and we talked about that very issue. She had said that it might be better if the parties moved closer together. I explained that America needs to see the differences in policies. Our policies are different but the message is not as clear. It the differences that helped us become a great country. There were differences in religion, ownership of property and beliefs if government control. After that, she agreed that showing the differences is probably better. Both parties have essentially become watered down with hatred and at times they look too much alike. It's time is stops to move us forward. Remember President Bush and other political figures are human and make tough decisions for the betterment of this great nation. I hope we can all remember that when President Bush leaves office.

I guess this short little message is done. Just remember the hatred you may spill out towards another may comeback at you someday. Is it deserving at that point?

God Bless America!

Time away brings a new perspective.

Hello again from the wonderful state of Maine. Yes, I know it's been a few weeks since I last addressed the World but it doesn't go without thought. Think for a moment of all that has happened in the last few weeks. Jamie-Lynn Spears had a baby (or maybe two). Brad Pitt and Angilina Jolie had twins. McCain and Obama are still fighting on the campaign trail. We lost a great man in Tony Snow to the battle of cancer. Brett Favre has asked for a release from the Packers. A-Rod and his wife have split due to infidelity. And last but not least, I shot very poorly round at Palmyra Golf Course. Needless to say, the World does not stop when we stop, although it should.


In this time away I have had to deal with a new job in the environmental health and safety field and all the various programs assocaited with it. With that job comes hours of research, investigating of accidents and just meeting with individuals do hash out long term and short term goals. In my previous job, I spend most of my time conversing with my co-worker, Tom Cheetham, about our busy lives at home and semi-political analysis' of the campaigns and media coverage. Tom and I differed greatly on the political spectrum, however, we got along great both professionally and personally. Many of our political conversations consisted of talking about the scandals that existed across the board (Dems and GOP's) and us making satyrical comments about them that fit our political leanings. I, ofcourse am very conservative in my leanings. With him being the PhD. professor that teaches philosophy and Ecopsychology at Pacifica University and College of the Atlantic, obviously left leaning. We make jokes about him being the most "unsocial" Socialist in the Free World. He jokes that I like my women "real Liberal" and my politics "real conservative", thus making me the ideal candidate for any political office. The point is here, no matter how different we are, we get along great and have a great deal of respect for one another. I wonder though, do the Democrats or even Barack Obama have respect for the Republicans or President George W. Bush? I'm thinking NO.


During that time away, as I mentioned I was extremely busy with my new job. I kind of stepped away from the political arena during those weeks to concentrate on performing my job to the greatest of my ability. The thing is though, during those few weeks that I was away I wanted to see what was going on in the world but my conscience told me not to worry. Not sure why though. Then this morning it hit me. Nothing has changed. The Obama camp keeps waffling about Iraq and other policies and the Democratic leaders are still not giving the US taxpayers any relief with regards to drilling for oil at home. We are in a pinch right now with the economy, and if the Democrats want to see us out of it, they need to wake up and listen to the people. Drill Here, Drill now, and Drill Often. The speculators would get the point, thus moving the price of crude oil down due to the supply and demand factor, as well as the most important factor, that the United States will become a self-sufficient nation.


The new perspective here lies not with the campaign or the economy but with the expectations of said leaders. The perspective is, the leaders will not change, not even for the good of the people.


God Bless America!

Yet another "PC" apology from Obama.

This "politically correct" world in which we live in has gotten just about out of hand. Every minute statement or remark is checked over, scanned three or four times and beat to death by the PC police. Obama and his staffers issued another apology over the weekend, this time regarding to Muslim women who were barred from sitting behind him during a speech. Some volunteers for the Obama campaign moved the women after realizing that they were wearing headscarves and might be seen on camera. And they say the Democrats are tolerant. Um, by the actions of his campaign staffers, I would say not. If this happened to Sen. John McCain, the Democrats, Moveon.org, CAIR and many other groups would be calling for the firing of those staffers. Not in Obama's campaign.

So, let's look at this in another context. Do we really feel that Obama does want those women behind him at the next rally? Or do we think now that Obama might realize that if he portrays people from religious backgrounds, especially ones associated with terrorism, that the American people might not vote for him? That is my thought. I think he knows that the viewing some of his supporters might hurt his chances of becoming president. Am I wrong? I doubt it.

I know, many may believe that my comments are not "PC" enough or even racist in context. However, that is not the case here. Everyone seems to be apologizing these days for some sort of ethnic reference or religious comment. Does a comment automatically mean that people are racist or "intolerant?" No it does not. It means that they think a different way than others think. The intolerant part is that Obama's staffers moved two "ethnic" looking individuals so they would not be seen on camera. That is racist...period. My comments referring to Obama and his realization that certain people can hurt his campaign is not racial nor is it intolerant but more or less realistic. Remember something here, we are still at war with Muslim extremists and many in American understand this. Obama understands this as well. Any association with known terrorists or organizations does pit masses against you. Remember back when Obama entered the presidential race, he made comments regarding our military men and women who lost their lives and referred to that as "wasted". (Yes, another PC apology) That my Fellow Americans is a presidential candidate referring to the military personnel who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom from terrorism and referred to their lives as wasted for doing so. I guess Obama doesn't cherish Freedom and respect the ones that have fallen in the name of this country.

God Bless America and our Military.

67% Want New Nuke Plants. About time!

In a recent poll taken by Zogby, 67% of people favor new nuclear power plants being built in the United States. Does this number surprise anyone? At first I thought that was a little high, considering we haven't built a new plant in over 25 years and the "scare" tactics that many of the environmentalists and critics have brought on. Couple that with the disasters in Chernobyl, Three Mile Island and the many "scares" that have occurred in the 1970's and 80's. It's just nice to know that we haven't abandoned the whole idea of returning to nuclear power.

A few years back in college, I did a presentation on the "Generation III" nuclear reactors and how efficient and extremely safe they were compared to the old ones. One particular reactor I touched upon was the Westinghouse AP1000. It was a closed loop system that had an abundant amount of fail-safe modes. That is the key here, fail-safe integration into our highly advanced systems helps alleviate the fear that many have regarding nuclear power. At the going rate, oil prices are getting out of hand and that is just because of the speculators and not demand. Energy costs of fuel oil, natural gas and even wood heat for that matter are at all-time highs. What are the options now? Hydrogen based systems are still in the beginning stages and ethanol products are depleting many of the much needed food crops.

To me, it only makes sense to start producing nuclear power again at a much more rapid rate. The systems nowadays are safer, produce less byproducts (waste) as well as producing more energy than ever before. In these times of need to reduce the burden on our wallets as well as overall energy consumption, this makes sense. I only hope that someday soon, many in the policy making positions understand the benefits of nuclear power again.

God Bless America.

Russert gone too soon!

In these short few hours following the news of the untimely death of someone I consider a "political TV legend", Tim Russert, I am still in bit of a shock. When I found out, shortly after 3:45 pm Eastern Time, I was sitting back and having a cold one with my sister and her friends. We all just sat there amazed at the story unfolding in front of us. Now, I wasn't a huge fan of Russert, but, with anyone that has had as much of an impact on political views in this country as anyone in the business, I considered him a person of great professional status and respected him even more. The impact he has had on others is immeasurable.

Sometimes, in moments like this I like to reflect on another's life and in what ways they may have impacted my life. At first, I couldn't really think of a single event, story or even an interview he gave that caught my eye. But I knew there was something about him that I admired and couldn't figure out why. Then, it hit me as I drove home listening to Sean Hannity talk about his colleague and friend. It was there on the radio. It was an interview that Russert did on Hannity's show about three years ago. It was shortly after his book, Big Russ and Me, came out and they talked about the book and his life growing up with "Big Russ". The sincerity that Russert had at the time in the interview with Hannity, whom, they had disagreed on many occasions politically, struck me as a quality like no other. He wasn't demeaning nor was he making the interview about him. It was about his dad. Pure sincerity about the man that raised him and that he admired more than anyone. They seemed to share stories about their fathers that was like two friends sitting having coffee and just talking. for a moment it wasn't a radio interview...it was life.

Kindness and sincerity go a long way in life and maybe that is why Tim Russert went far in his short lived life. He had both qualities and it showed in various ways. His interviews that he gave on a weekly basis were not brutal but more friendly to the viewer. I hope that someday many other political pundits and players in the rat race receive some of his qualities. Until then, Rest in Peace Little Russ and God Bless.

As always with me, God Bless America and all those that have and still do protect it.