How Our Nation is Changing

The following article was sent to me by a friend and I must say is far and away the most succinct and thoughtful explanation of how our nation is changing.

"The most charitable way of explaining the election results of 2012 is that Americans voted for the status quo - for the incumbent President and for a divided Congress. They must enjoy gridlock, partisanship, incompetence, economic stagnation and avoidance of responsibility. And fewer people voted.

But as we awake from the nightmare, it is important to eschew the facile explanations for the Romney defeat that will prevail among the chattering classes. Romney did not lose because of the effects of Hurricane Sandy that devastated the area, nor did he lose because he ran a poor campaign, nor did he lose because the Republicans could have chosen better candidates, nor did he lose because Obama benefited from a slight uptick in the economy due to the business cycle.

Romney lost because he didn't get enough votes to win.

That might seem obvious, but not for the obvious reasons. Romney lost because the conservative virtues - the traditional American virtues - of hard work, free enterprise, private initiative and aspirations to moral
greatness - no longer inspire or animate a majority of the electorate.

The simplest reason why Romney lost was because it is impossible to compete against free stuff.

Every businessman knows this; that is why the "loss leader" or the giveaway is such a powerful marketing tool. Obama's America is one in which free stuff is given away: the adults among the 47,000,000 on food stamps clearly recognized for whom they should vote, and so they did, by the tens of millions; those who - courtesy of Obama - receive two full years of unemployment benefits (which, of course, both disincentivizes looking for work and also motivates people to work off the books while collecting their windfall) surely know for whom to vote. The lure of free stuff is irresistible.

The defining moment of the whole campaign was the revelation of the secretly-recorded video in which Romney acknowledged the difficulty of winning an election in which "47% of the people" start off against him because they pay no taxes and just receive money - "free stuff" - from the government.

Almost half of the population has no skin in the game - they don't care about high taxes, promoting businesses, or creating jobs, nor do they care that the money for their free stuff is being borrowed from their children and from the Chinese.

They just want the free stuff that comes their way at someone else's expense. In the end, that 47% leaves very little margin for error for any Republican, and does not bode well for the future.

It is impossible to imagine a conservative candidate winning against such overwhelming odds. People do vote their pocketbooks. In essence, the people vote for a Congress who will not raise their taxes, and for a President who will give them free stuff, never mind who has to pay for it.

That engenders the second reason why Romney lost: the inescapable conclusion that the electorate is ignorant and uninformed. Indeed, it does not pay to be an informed voter, because most other voters - the clear majority - are unintelligent and easily swayed by emotion and raw populism. That is the indelicate way of saying that too many people vote with their hearts and not their heads. That is why Obama did not have to produce a second term agenda, or even defend his first-term record. He needed only to portray Mitt Romney as a rapacious capitalist who throws elderly women over a cliff, when he is not snatching away their cancer medication, while starving the poor and cutting taxes for the rich.

During his 1956 presidential campaign, a woman called out to Adlai Stevenson: "Senator, you have the vote of every thinking person!" Stevenson called back: "That's not enough, madam, we need a majority!" Truer words were never spoken.

Obama could get away with saying that "Romney wants the rich to play by a different set of rules" - without ever defining what those different rules were; with saying that the "rich should pay their fair share" - without ever defining what a "fair share" is; with saying that Romney wants the poor, elderly and sick to "fend for themselves" - without even acknowledging that all these government programs are going bankrupt, their current insolvency only papered over by deficit spending.

Similarly, Obama (or his surrogates) could hint to blacks that a Romney victory would lead them back into chains and proclaim to women that their abortion rights and birth control would be taken away. He could appeal to Hispanics that Romney would have them all arrested and shipped back to Mexico and unabashedly state that he will not enforce the current immigration laws. He could espouse the furtherance of the incestuous relationship between governments and unions - in which politicians ply the unions with public money, in exchange for which the unions provide the politicians with votes, in exchange for which the politicians provide more money and the unions provide more votes, etc., even though the money is gone.

Obama also knows that the electorate has changed - that whites will soon be a minority in American (they're already a minority in California) and that the new immigrants to the U.S. are primarily from the Third World and do not share the traditional American values that attracted immigrants in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a different world, and a different America.  Obama is part of that different America, he knows it and knows how to tap into it. That is why he won.

Obama also proved again that negative advertising works, invective sells, and harsh personal attacks succeed. That Romney never engaged in such diatribes points to his essential goodness as a person; his "negative ads" were simple facts, never personal abuse - facts about high unemployment, lower take-home pay, a loss of American power and prestige abroad, a lack of leadership, etc. As a politician, though, Romney failed because he did not embrace the devil's bargain of making unsustainable promises.

It turned out that it was not possible for Romney and Ryan - people of substance, depth and ideas - to compete with the shallow populism and platitudes of their opponents. Obama mastered the politics of envy of class warfare - never reaching out to Americans as such but to individual groups, and cobbling together a winning majority from these minority
groups. If an Obama could not be defeated - with his record and his vision of America, in which free stuff seduces voters - it is hard to envision any change in the future.

The road to Hillary Clinton in 2016 and to a European-socialist economy - those very economies that are collapsing today in Europe - is paved.

For the Jewish population, mostly assimilated anyway and staunch Democrats, the results demonstrate again that liberalism is their Torah. Almost 70% voted for a president widely perceived by Israelis and most committed Jews as hostile to Israel. They voted to secure Obama's future at America's expense and at Israel's expense - in effect, preferring Obama to Netanyahu by a wide margin.

A dangerous time is ahead. Under present circumstances, it is inconceivable that the U.S. will take any aggressive action against Iran and will more than likely thwart any Israeli initiative. The U.S. will preach the importance of negotiations up until the production of the first Iranian nuclear weapon - and then state that the world must learn to live with this new reality.

But this election should be a wake-up call to the Jewish community. There is no permanent empire, nor is there an enduring haven for Jews anywhere in the exile. The American empire began to decline in 2007, and the deterioration has been exacerbated in the last five years. This election only hastens that decline. Society is permeated with sloth, greed, envy and materialistic excess. It has lost its moorings and its moral foundations. The takers outnumber the givers, and that will only increase in years to come.

The "Occupy" riots across this country in the last two years were mere dress rehearsals for what lies ahead - years of unrest sparked by the increasing discontent of the unsuccessful who want to seize the fruits and bounty of the successful, and do not appreciate the slow pace of redistribution.

If this last election proves one thing, it is that the Old America is gone. And, sad for the world, it is not coming back."

CLASS DOESN'T MAKE THE NEWS!

Green and white shirt, black tee shirt, gray pants and tennis shoes.
How many people know that he hosts a few Wounded Warrior 10 weekends at his ranch every year? Every year!
Not what you expect to see!

Dancing with a "Wounded Warrior" she has lost a leg but still dances.

I guarantee we will Never see a story or picture like this from NBC, CBS, ABC, The New York Times, The Washington Post. You Are Right You Will Only See Michelle, the Kids, and Mom go on vacation 14 weekends a year.
This is what a REAL President looks and acts like.

TODAY, A FEW ISSUES THAT "GOT MY DANDER UP"

• THE  SEXUAL ATTACKS IN THE MILITARY:  Outrageous!  Under the circumstances of military chain of command, and the desire of these highly motivated victims to remain in the military, this is nothing less than human bondage.  They must be protected under civil law, their molesters must be charged and punished under criminal law, and the superiors of these molesters must be broken in rank. WHAT A DISGRACE.  And where are the honorable "brothers" of these morons in meting out initial and swift justice?
• The Day (www.theday.com) has a reasonable Editorial, posted in its May 17, 2013 publication, entitled "Don't Let Scandal Grind Policy To A Halt". But how about a sub-title referring to President Obama and his administration: "LIAR, LIAR.  PANTS ON FIRE."  Of the issues now under investigation, the worst relate to Freedom of the Press and to the abuse of power by a potentially destructive governmental agency, the IRS.  See the WSJ Editorial, Wednesday, May 15, 2013, entitled: "Your Next IRS Political Audit".
• And here's another addition to my on-going series entitled: "What 's Wrong...and Right...with the Catholic Church", now exceeding 100 articles in the Catholic Church part of the "Abortion, Morality and Ethics" offerings on this web-site.  See "Dolan Warns The Governor On Abortion", WSJ May 15, 2013, pA17.  It's always nice to see the Church stepping  up clearly about the abomination of Abortion...and not diluting that with its stand on Contraception.  But it's not nice to see how the Church continues to coddle persons of power.  It excommunicates Nuns who stray and priests who try to represent their impoverished flock with what is pejoratively termed "Liberation Theology".  But our Church Fathers avert their eyes from an "annulment" of a long and fruitful marriage of Ted Kennedy and his wife, or the many instances of supposedly Catholic political figures...like Governor Andrew Cuomo...vigorously supporting abortion.  These people should be given a choice on a matter no less central to their Faith than is the Divinity of Christ: condemn publicly Abortion from the moment of conception...or be excommunicated from the Church.  When is that going to happen, Cardinal Dolan?
  

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

NOTES FROM THE RECENT LECTURE BY DAVID TROXEL, MPH

May 10, 2013, L&M Hospital, New London, Ct.

·         Currently, there are over 5 million persons – and their families – living with this disease. One in three families are touched by it.  This incidence is on track to quadruple in the next few decades. 

·         The costs involved in caring for these patients exceeds those for Cancer and Heart Disease.

·         Dr. Alzheimer in 1901 had a 51 year old patient, Auguste Detca, whose self-description was “ I have lost myself”.  At autopsy, Dr. Alzheimer found “plaques and tangles” in her brain.

·         The condition is age-related.  That did not much matter in 1900, when the life expectancy  was 47 years.  Now that is over 80 years.

·         The best diagnostic test is the PET scan, wherein glucose uptake measures brain activity.  The finding here: “a damaged brain”, particularly in the Hippocampus.

·         The hallmark symptom / sign is a progressive decrease in short-term memory.  Other signs include reduced reasoning and judgment, confusion, reduced speaking and writing ability, withdrawal, and changes in mood and personality.

·         “Dementia” is an umbrella term.  AD is a form of dememtia.

·         A complete medical and neurologic workup is vital, to rule out more treatable or different  conditions and to establish the diagnosis. This includes neuropsychologic  testing.

·         “If you remember forgetting, that’s OK.  If you forget that you forgot, that’s not OK.”

·         This disease is slow and progressive.  If there is a sudden development or increase of symptoms, look for something else. 

·         Treatment Modalities: Stay active, physically and mentally; (PS: studying a language or a musical instrument can be very helpful. GS).  Remain or become socially active. Follow the Mediterranean Diet. Several medications are available, although there has not been a break-through in 10 years, the medications have side-effects and also interactions with psychotropic agents…and they are generally only modestly effective and short-term.  Be aware of and treat concurrent pain appropriately.

·         How to deal with a patient with AD.  “Here we need bar-maids and beauticians:  up-beat and good listeners”.  Treat the patient as a real person.

·         Effective Tools: Conversation. Creative Activities. Purposeful Chores; Foster Learning and Growth; Use their  Life Story. Exercise; Music; Laughter. Pets and other animals. Use the  Outdoors; Give Choices. Ask for Opinions. Celebrate Cooking and Dining. Use Old Rituals, Old Habits. Fun and Novelty.

·         (If the patient has been religious, encourage that.  If the patient has not been spiritual, help him or her find a spiritual life.  GS)

·         Undertake legal and financial planning in timely fashion, (including Advanced Directive and Powers of Attorney for Health Affairs and for Financial Affairs – GS). Be prepared to use “Substituted Judgment” for the incompetent patient.

·         Don’t wait to tap available services outside of the family.

·         Be a “best friend”.

·         (In fact, this patient may be having a better day, day after day, than you are in caring for them: each day can be a new day, with new experiences and new “friends”…including yourself.  GS)

·         And think about your own life.  Be satisfied with yourself. Think about your anticipated care for yourself toward the end of this journey called Life. 

·         See “Best Friends Approach.com”.

A final personal note, in addition to those above (GS). 

Life is not an endurance contest.  Every stage should be lived to the fullest.  Remember Auntie Mame’s famous caution: “LIFE IS A BANQUET, AND MOST POOR SUCKERS ARE STARVING TO DEATH”.  And keep your “bucket” empty: if something is important to you and worth doing…DO IT NOW!      

My review of "The Great Gatsby" movie. 

So much negativity has been piled on this movie, while it approaches
income records, that I had to see for myself. My reactions:

1. Having set its goal as the latest incarnation of a classic novel, it went to the plate with two strikes on it from the start.  This is especially true regarding lovers of classics...and of English Majors in general.  It would have been better calling itself: "The Great Kahuna".
2. Even as an allegory, the visuals were excessive. Of course, that is what is driving the box office, as must have been predicted.  For the story as presented in the movie is so melodramatic that it would have otherwise been laughed off the screen.  
3. But fighting through all of that,  are there human beings, human emotions and human frailties depicted here?  Yes...if you can resist the temptation to walk out even before Gatsby comes on stage.  For a time, I thought I was faced with another "The Royal Tannenbaums", in which I could not find interest even in the dog, and when I broke my own personal record for timing of a walk-out.  
4. There were some strong scenes of humanity and of the actors depicting that humanity well.
5. Does it come close to deserving its title, as compared with Fitzgerald's novel?  Stay tuned.  I'm about to re-read the novel.   

GOD BLESS THE "DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA".

At the turn of the 20th century, the Establishment and established citizens in this country used to moan and groan about the "great unwashed" newcomers coming through Ellis Island by the millions.  All of that worked out very well for the nation.
In this early 21st century, the challenge is much greater: the "great ignorants" are trying to take over the nation.  Meanwhile, there are those who just go around saying: "Why can't we just get along?"
Well, NO!  There are now two diametrically opposed images of this Nation: one that is consistent with our Constitution, our History, and our personal independence;  and one that is not.  Only one can survive and thrive. And it is not the socialistic Welfare State based on an ever-enlarging and acquisitive Federal Government. 
YES:  God Bless the currently divided States of America.  This battle will be fought with all the energy - and even ferocity - needed to restore the United States of America to its divinely inspired and independently motivated history and future.  In this vital effort, the following instruction is right on point:

This can't reflect the entire "culture"...can it?  Only "Moderate Muslims" can answer this question.   The rest of us are waiting.

GS

How long do I have to go listing these great articles for you?
PLEASE READ THE WALL STREET JOURNAL,
now the real "Newspaper of Record'. 

• "Who Lost Afghanistan", a book review, Apr. 20-21, 2013, pC10.
• "The Coming ObamaCare Shock", Apr. 30, 2013, pA17.
• "The Oregon Trial", May 3, 2013, pA14.
• "Exempting Congress From ObamaCare", Apr. 29, 2013, pA14.
• "'No Child Left Behind' Gets Left Behind", Apr. 29, 2013, pA17.

By comparison, the NYTimes and the other ultra-liberal media are screeds.

And it also has become evident to me that  President Obama has inadequate

experience and also the wrong personal reflexes to produce a successful