TheCaptainsAMERICA

A New Candidate For President???

2008-07-24T04:20:00.002-04:00

Vote For Matt Bruce, aka 'The Captain', 2008 Unknown Candidate For President...

Net Talk World - "More Stimulating Talk"...

2008-07-05T16:41:00.002-04:00

The Net Talk World Program Schedule...

0600 - The New Media Journal Radio Show (Host - Frank Salvato)...
0700 - The Director's Cut (Entertainment, Movie & Show News)...
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1000 - Talk Show America (With Host "J.R.")...
1100 - Troop Talk Radio (The Voice Of The Troops)...
1200 - The Captain's AMERICA (Featuring LIVE Soldier Call-In's From Iraq)...
1300 - The New Media Journal Radio Show (Listen To What You're Missing)...
1400 - The Kyle Warren Show (The Fastest Hour In Radio)...
1500 - Paul Ibbetson And The Conscience Of Kansas Radio Show (Guests)...
1600 - Bob's Radio Journal (An Ex-Marine With An Opinion)...
Back To Basic's (Conservative News & Views)...
1700 - The Scott Fuller Show (Cutting Edge Commentary On Current Events)...
1800 - Stock Talk LIVE (Darrell Nether, Ron/'Homie' & Ally-In-Austin)...
1900 - The Captain's AMERICA (More Stimulating Talk)...
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Something You Can Do To Help 'Jump Start' Congress About Oil...

2008-06-28T10:31:00.001-04:00

Here's a sample letter I received from a friend of mine that was sent recently to a U.S. Senator in Oklahoma. You can simply insert the name and insert the name of your local Congressman or Senator to resend...
'The Captain'
------------------
Dear (Cong. or Sen.)______________ :

I'm writing to you, as I have a few times before, in hope that you might hear my message and at least ponder it. I live in Florida and have 'NO' Senatorial representation, as you know, so I'm sorry to say I have to contact you when you have your own constituents to worry about. Please consider these thoughts about our looming gasoline situation...

#1. Why couldn't 'our' Government enact emergency legislation to force all 50 states to start using gasoline with the highest emissions standards (I believe this to be California) which would save the oil refineries a great deal of money, as they currently have to refine the gas to many different (I've heard nearly 30 different emission standards for the 50 states) emission standards. The costs to the refiners, of doing this, supposedly is very great, not to mention the added costs of transporting the fuel to the different states (they have to clean out all of the tankers, etc.). I believe this would also satisfy many of the environmentalists also. I see this as a win-win situation...

#2. Why can't we start pumping from any & all oil wells in the nation, that we previously pumped from, that may have been abandoned, or production has been slowed???

#3. It's time for our Congress to stop the partisanship and do what's best for our citizens and our country's security/future, etc. and by that I mean stop bickering about drilling for oil in ANWR and off the coasts of California & Florida. Our nation has not experienced an off-shore oil accident before, even when hurricanes have hit, and the problems we've had with 'spills' have been in the shipping aspect. It's time someone stood up in the Senate as well as the House and told the folks to get off their 'environmental high-horses' and do what's best for our country's immediate needs and for our long-term security...

#4. I have listened to all of the arguments about 'blame-placing, is it the fault of the oil companies, speculators, OPEC, our Government, etc. I believe the one thing that can bring immediate relief to our country at the gas pumps, would be if we passed emergency legislation that forced speculators to put up 50% of the dollar amount they bid rather than working off lines of credit. The one exception I think we should make is for the airline & delivery (UPS, FEDEX, Airborne Express, etc.) industry only (unless there's another industry I'm overlooking that has to buy their fuel through this medium)...

Newt Gingrich said that if the President dumped a large amount of our strategic oil reserve on the market it would send the price of a barrel way below $100?? If so, it would be worth a try. We need to send a message to the middle eastern oil cartels that we will fight back any way we can...

If I have my info correct, it seems like these 4 ideas might bring some reasonably immediate short-term relief to the American consumer. In the long term, we need to get building more refineries, drill more in the continental US, start building many more Nuclear power plants and put much more $$$ into solar energy research. This will also create good jobs for our current legal 'American' workers...

Something nobody ever talks about because we seem to think we have more pressing issues, is how do we get rid of our nations refuse/garbage in the coming decades. This 'burying our trash' system we currently use will ultimately damage our fresh water reserves in my opinion. We can't continue to make "Mt. Trashmores" as far as the eye can see. Solar seems like the logical way to incinerate trash, etc. as there is no residual damage to the ozone due to fuel burn-off. I even heard a report the other day about a scientist that believes he can power automobiles by incinerating trash...

I can't thank you enough for being the leader that you are, and I thank you in advance for considering my letter...

Sincerely,

(Insert Your Name & Address Here)

'Matt'
Matt Bruce
Managing Editor, News Sarasota.com...
Host Of "The Captain's AMERICA Radio Show"...

The Jihad Candidate, Barry 'Barak Hussein' Obama...

2008-05-25T12:54:00.002-04:00

The Jihad Candidate...

Written By: Rich Carroll...

SARASOTA, FL. (NS/RichCarroll) -

Conspiracy theories make for interesting novels when the storyline is not so absurd that it can grasp our attention. 'The Manchurian Candidate' and 'Seven Days in May' are examples of plausible chains of events that captures the reader's imagination at best-seller level. 'What if' has always been the solid grist of fiction...

Get yourself something cool to drink, find a relaxing position, but before you continue, visualize the television photos of two jet airliners smashing into the Twin Towers in lower Manhattan and remind yourself this cowardly act of Muslim terror was planned for eight years...
How long did it take Islam and their oil money to find a candidate for President of the United States ? As long as it took them to place a Senator from Illinois and Minnesota ? The same amount of time to create a large Muslim enclave in Detroit ? The time it took them to build over 2,000 mosques in America ? The same amount of time required to place radical wahabbist clerics in our military and prisons as 'chaplains'???

Find a candidate who can get away with lying about their father being a 'freedom fighter' when he was actually part of the most corrupt and violent government in Kenya 'S history. Find a candidate with close ties to The Nation of Islam and the violent Muslim overthrow in Africa , a candidate who is educated among white infidel Americans but hides his bitterness and anger behind a superficial toothy smile...

Find a candidate who changes his American name of Barry to the Muslim name of Barak Hussein Obama, and dares anyone to question his true ties under the banner of 'racism'...

Nurture this candidate in an atmosphere of anti-white American teaching and surround him with Islamic teachers. Provide him with a bitter, racist, anti-white, anti-American wife, and supply him with Muslim middle east connections and Islamic monies. Allow him to be clever enough to get away with his anti-white rhetoric and proclaim he will give $834 billion taxpayer dollars to the Muslim controlled United Nations for use in Africa...

Install your candidate in an atmosphere of deception because questioning him on any issue involving Africa or Islam would be seen as 'bigoted racism'; two words too powerful to allow the citizenry to be informed of facts. Allow your candidate to employ several black racist Nation of Islam Louis Farrakhan followers as members of his Illinois Senatorial and campaign staffs...
Where is the bloodhound American 'free press' who doggedly overturned every stone in the Watergate case? Where are our nation's reporters that have placed every Presidential candidate under the microscope of detailed scrutiny; the same press who pursue Bush's 'Skull and Bones' club or ran other candidates off with persistent detective and research work? Why haven't 'newsmen' pursued the 65 blatant lies told by this candidate during the Presidential primaries? Where are the stories about this candidate's cousin and the Muslim butchery in Africa ? Since when did our national press corps become weak, timid, and silent???

Why haven't they regaled us with the long list of socialists and communists who have surrounded this 'out of nowhere' Democrat candidate or that his church re-printed the Hamas Manifesto in their bulletin, and that his 'close pastor friend and mentor' met with Middle East terrorist Moammar Gaddafi, (Guide of the First of September Great Revolution of the Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya)? Why isn't the American press telling us this candidate is supported by every Muslim organization in the world???

As an ultimate slap in the face, be blatant in the fact your candidate has ZERO interest in traditional American values and has the most liberal voting record in U.S. Senate history. Why has the American main stream media clammed-up on any negative reporting on Barak Hussein Obama? Why will they print Hillary Rodham Clinton's name but never write his middle name? Is it not his name? Why, suddenly, is ANY information about this candidate not coming from main stream media, but from the blogosphere by citizens seeking facts and the truth? Why isn't our media connecting the dots with Islam? Why do they focus on 'those bad American soldiers' while Islam slaughters non Muslims daily in 44 countries around the globe? Why does our media refer to Darfur as 'ethnic cleansing' instead of what it really is; Muslims killing non Muslims! There is enough strange, anti-American activity surrounding Barak Hussein Obama to peek the curiosity of any reporter. WHERE IS OUR INVESTIGATIVE MEDIA???

A formal plan for targeting America was devised three years after the Iranian revolution in 1982. The plan was summarized in a 1991 memorandum by Mohamed Akram, an operative of the global Muslim Brotherhood. 'The process of settlement' of Muslims in America , Akram explained, 'is a civilization jihad process.' This means that members of the Brotherhood must understand that their work in 'America is a kind of grand jihad in eliminating and destroying the Western civilization from within and sabotaging its miserable house by their hands and the hands of the believers so that it is eliminated and God's religion is made victorious over all other religions.'

There is terrorism we can see, smell and fear, but there is a new kind of terror invading The United States in the form of Sharia law and finance. Condoning it is civilization suicide. Middle East Muslims are coming to America in record numbers and building hate infidel mosques, buying our corporations, suing us for our traditions, but they and the whole subject of Islam is white noise leaving uninformed Americans about who and what is really peaceful. Where is our investigative press? Any criticism of Islam or their intentions, even though Islamic leaders state their intentions daily around the globe, brings-forth a volley of 'racist' from the left-wing Democrat crowd...

Lies and deception behind a master plan - the ingredients for 'The Manchurian Candidate' or the placement of an anti-American President in our nation's White House? Is it mere coincidence that an anti-capitalist run for President at the same time Islamic sharia finance and law is trying to make advancing strides into the United States ? Is it mere coincidence this same candidate wants to dis-arm our nuclear capability at a time when terrorist Muslim nations are expanding their nuclear weapons capability? Is it mere coincidence this candidate wants to reduce our military at a time of global jihad from Muslim nations???

Change for America ? What change? To become another 'nation of Islam'...

Rich Carroll

SRQ & The Money...

2008-05-01T19:39:00.001-04:00

Is SRQ Getting What It's Paying For???

Sarasota-Bradenton airport chief's pay grabs attention...

Written By: Susan Taylor Martin, Times Senior Correspondent

Published Saturday, April 26, 2008 2:53 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BRADENTON, FL. (NS/SPT) —

Airlines are merging or going bankrupt, throwing thousands out of
work. Passengers endure security hassles and long delays caused by
aging planes...

But in the turbulent U.S. aviation industry, it has been a comfortable
ride for one Floridian — Fredrick J. Piccolo, president and CEO of
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport...

At $196,285 a year, Piccolo makes nearly $73,000 more than the
director of the larger Pensacola airport and about $3,500 more than
the director of Palm Beach International, which handles five times as
many passengers as Sarasota-Bradenton...

And that's just for starters in the most expansive compensation
package of any airport director in Florida...

The Sarasota-Manatee Airport Authority provides Piccolo with a 2005
Acura and pays for maintenance including regular oil checks ($53),
tires ($974) and even car washes...

Piccolo also gets three round-trip tickets a year for wife Sally to
accompany him on business trips, some as far away as Buenos Aires. And
in another perk almost unheard of in the airport industry, the
authority provides Piccolo with a $425,000 pool home it bought in
Sarasota so he won't have to commute as often from his own house in
St. Petersburg. An additional $75,000 went to update and furnish the
Sarasota house...

As the authority meets today for Piccolo's annual review, board
members say the money is well spent...

"He does have a very generous package, and he's worth every penny of
it,'' says chairman Jack Rynerson, noting that Piccolo lured low-cost
carriers AirTran and JetBlue to the airport...

But Piccolo's salary and benefits have raised eyebrows even though the
authority — a public agency — gets no tax money and is supported
entirely by rents, landing fees and other business operations...

"His compensation is kind of nutty,'' says Michael Stephenson,
president of a firefighters local that fought unsuccessfully in 2006
to keep the airport from privatizing its fire department in a cost-
cutting move. "When you look at his salary and factor in all that
other stuff, it's not much different than the biggest airports
around.''

With 1.6-million passengers a year, Sarasota-Bradenton ranks 94th
among all U.S. airports and ninth in Florida. It has long struggled to
increase commercial service because it is within an hour's drive of
27th-ranked Tampa International, which offers 10 times more daily
flights to more destinations...

"It's not always easier to run a smaller airport, certainly not when
it comes to air service,'' says Piccolo, 55, who came to Sarasota-
Bradenton in 1995 after working at TIA. "When airlines cut back, the
first place they go are places like mine.''

'Not a mansion'...

Piccolo is well-regarded in the industry. He was North American
chairman of Airport Councils International last year and is a past
president of the Florida Airport Managers Association. Sarasota-
Manatee board members say their fear of losing him is why they agreed
to perks generous enough to surprise others in the business...

"Wow, that sounds pretty good,'' Greg Chin, spokesman for 15th-ranked
Miami International, said of Piccolo's salary and benefits. Miami's
aviation director makes a higher salary, but gets no house or spouse
travel privileges...

For years, Piccolo commuted 70 miles a day between his St. Petersburg
house and the airport. To encourage him to move to the community
served by the airport, the board first considered giving him use of a
house that had been noise-proofed with federal grant money. But when
the Federal Aviation Administration balked at that idea, the authority
dipped into its own funds in 2005 to buy a house...

Board member Paul Sharff said it would be a good investment but voiced
concern about the perception...

"The question will be, how is Mr. Piccolo's moving here going to bring
us more air service?" he wondered...

Nonetheless, the board unanimously approved the purchase plus $25,000
for "window treatments and furnishings.'' The Piccolos — who still
spend considerable time in St. Petersburg — bought a $2,084 Sony 40-
inch flat-screen TV and a $2,059 modular entertainment center for the
Sarasota place...

"It's not a mansion,'' Piccolo says of the 24-year-old house, now
updated with granite countertops. "It needed a lot of work, though I'm
not saying it's a terrible benefit.''The board also approved travel
for Sally Piccolo, who has used her round-trip tickets to accompany
him to Hawaii (ticket cost: $2,352), Zurich ($2,710), South Africa
($6,807) and Buenos Aires ($2,759)...

"It is a lot of money,'' Rynerson, the board chairman says, "but we
knew he was going to be doing extensive travel and having her fly
three times out of 20 doesn't bother me.''

Partly due to his chairmanship of the airports council, Piccolo took
23 trips last year for a total cost of $53,500. By comparison, TIA
executive director Louis Miller, who also served on the council board,
took eight trips totaling $14,000...

The airport authority's six members — three each from Manatee and
Sarasota counties — are appointed by the governor and get a $2,000
annual stipend. All are Republican, and several have strong political
ties, including Sharff, former head of the Manatee Republican Party;
Leslie Wells, wife of former Manatee Sheriff Charlie Wells; and Eric
Robinson, chairman of the Sarasota Republican Party...

Two of Piccolo's children also have been active in Republican
politics...

Fred Jr. worked on U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris' unsuccessful 2006
Senate campaign. Thomas Piccolo, then 23, unsuccessfully ran for the
state House from St. Petersburg that year. A third of his campaign
contributions came from aviation industry professionals and companies
doing business at the Sarasota-Bradenton airport...

Piccolo acknowledges asking for contributions. Neither he nor board
chairman Rynerson saiy they saw any problem with that...

"Most of the people in the industry know everybody else reasonably
well,'' Rynerson says. "He (Piccolo) also jacked prices up for
everybody at the airport. If he was going to be nice to them, he
wouldn't have done that.''

Times researcher Carolyn Edds contributed to this report. Susan Taylor
Martin can be contacted at susan@sptimes.com...

-------------------------------

Worth every penny?

A national survey of airports shows surprising uniformity in the
compensation packages for their directors, with the exception of
Sarasota-Bradenton International.

Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International

Rank: 1

Passengers: 89.4-million *

Gen. manager: Ben DeCosta

Base salary: $255,091

Extras: $553 monthly car allowance, other expenses

Orlando International

Rank: 11

Passengers: 36.3-million*

Exec. director: Steve Gardner

Base salary: $225,014

Extras: $650 monthly car allowance

Miami International

Rank: 15

Passengers: 33.7-million*

Aviation director: Jose Abreu

Base salary: $243,178

Extras: $560 monthly car and parking allowance

Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International

Rank: 23

Passengers: 22.7-million *

Aviation director: Kent George

Base salary: $250,000

Extras: $600 monthly car allowance

Tampa International

Rank: 27

Passengers: 19-million*

Exec. director: Louis E. Miller

Base salary: $247,116

Extras: $500 monthly car allowance

Southwest Florida Int'l

Rank: 49

Passengers: 8-million*

Exec. director: Robert Ball

Base salary: $228,181

Extras: 2003 Mercury
Marauder
Palm Beach Int'l

Rank: 55

Passengers: 6.9-million*

Director of airports:
Bruce Pelly

Base salary: $192,841

Extras: $500 monthly car allowance

Jacksonville Int'l

Rank: 58

Passengers: 6.3-million*

Exec. director: John D. Clark

Base salary: $230,000

Extras: Car or $850 monthly car allowance; $750 monthly for
incidentals

Pensacola Regional

Rank: 90

Passengers: 1.7-million*

Exec. directrector: Frank P. Miller

Base salary: $123,600

Extras: 2005 Ford Explorer

Sarasota-Bradenton International

Rank: 94

Passengers: 1.6-million*

President, CEO:
Fredrick Piccolo

Base salary: $196,285

Extras: 2005 Acura, free use of $500,000 house, three round-trip
tickets per year for wife

St. Petersburg-Clearwater International

Rank: 120

Passengers: 742,521*

Airport director: Noah Lagos

Base salary: $146,478

Extras: 2001 Ford Crown Victoria
* 2007 preliminary passenger totals

Source: Airport Councils International
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~

Editor's Note:

Many in the Sarasota-Manatee County area still chose to drive to Tampa International Airport to catch a cheaper and usually 'direct flight' to where they need to go. This isn't the case with most of the flights out of SRQ in Sarasota. It should also be noted that the Federal Grants and local monies received in the past and currently are in fact Taxpayer monies that have been used at SRQ. Is the Fox in the Hen House and is there a waste of money there?

You be the Judge...
*MCB*

Another Embarassing Defeat For Christine Jennings...

2008-02-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

Another Embarrassing Defeat For Christine Jennings...

SARASOTA, FL. (NS) -

Christine Jennings lost the election because she got fewer votes than Congressman Buchanan – not because the machines conspired against her... No amount of complaining can change that fact...

Instead of admitting defeat she sued the state at taxpayer expense...

If every politician who lost a close election sued the government, demanded Congress to investigate and asked taxpayers to pick up the tab, our electoral process would be in shambles...

When Jennings couldn't get the state or the courts to overturn the congressional election, she turned to her partisan allies in Congress...

But even the Democrat-controlled Congress has now rejected Jennings self-serving and baseless claim that the voting machines malfunctioned...

After months of tests on more than 100 machines, the federal Government Accountability Office, called in at the request of Democrats, confirmed the machines worked. The GAO said its meticulous research carried a "99 percent assurance" -- virtual certainty...

Fifteen months of extensive reviews by the state of Florida , an independent team of scientists, a Circuit County Court Judge, an appeals court and now a Democratic Congress have all reached the same conclusion -- the machines worked...

Is Jennings going to reimburse the taxpayers for suing the state and dragging Congress into her public relations battle? The cost has to be in the millions. All because she didn’t want to admit defeat. There wasn't a shred of evidence to her complaints that her loss was due to defective machines. If she couldn't convince her own partisan allies in Congress then you know she never had a leg to stand on from the beginning...

What an enormous waste of taxpayer money by Jennings -- all because she was a sore loser who could not accept defeat. She knew what everyone else including the Sarasota Herald Tribune knew -- people skipped over the race on Election Day because of a confusing ballot design. No conspiracy, no ghost in the machines...

Shame on you Christine, for a self-serving lawsuit that cost taxpayers millions of dollars and embarrassed the State by making Florida the but of late-night talk show hosts...

This is the United States of America and we are all free to voice our opinion...

However, Christine Jennings owes the people an apology...

She is neither fit nor a respectable Candidate to be running in the FL-13 Congressional race...

Did you pay your IRS Taxes this time, Christine???

Democrats, is she the best you can do as a Candidate???

What a joke!

'Matt'
Matt Bruce
Managing Editor
News Sarasota.com

A Message To All FL-13 Voters...

2008-02-01T04:45:00.000-05:00

From: Matt Bruce...

A Message To All FL-13 Voters...

A Message To All FL-13 Voters:

Taking a look at the FL-13 Congressional Race coming up in 2008 and the great job Congressman Vern Buchanan has done, one has to wonder what Christine Jennings will do this time around?

Why is she even running with recent financial reports showing her Campaign struggling to raise funds?

Buchanan meanwhile raised $503,000, for total a total receipts of $2 million compared to her feeble $479k for the year...

First of all, in an issue that Christine Jennings would not get behind by not signing a Veterans Pledge to help increase the mileage rate the Vets received above the former level of .11 cents per mile, Congressman Buchanan, who did sign that pledge along with Senator Mel Martinez, helped to get the mileage rate changed for the first time in over 30 years to .28 cents per mile and is still working hard to get that rate raised even higher...

Congressman Buchanan also finished the job started by his predecessor, Katharine Harris, in bringing a Veterans Cemetery to the FL-13 District, something which has long been needed...

You've also got to ask yourself what the Jennings IRS problems and her failed lawsuit have done for her chances of getting elected?

Has this in fact made her and her Campaign 'damaged goods'?

She has cost the taxpayers money with her legal challenge and lawsuit, something which will not soon be forgotten by the Voters of FL-13, which could have used for much better purposes...

Does this all mean there could be another 'new' Democratic Candidate in the FL-13 Race?

Don't be surprised, because Christine Jennings no longer remains 'electable', in my humble opinion. She has become a liability and not an asset to her own Democratic Party...

From what I've been hearing in the District and 'on the street', people are very happy with the job Congressman Buchanan has been doing and are more than happy to send him back to do more good work for the people in the FL-13 District...

As a Veteran, former Firefighter, and son of a Marine, fighting in the Global War on Terror, I thank Congressman Buchanan for the great job he has done, standing up for those who defend, protect and serve America keeping all of us free and safe...

Respectfully,

Matt Bruce
Managing Editor
News Sarasota.com
Host Of "The Captain's AMERICA" Radio Show
--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
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God Bless Each & Every One of YOU, and may God continue to Bless America!Have A GREAT Day & God Bless America!
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Florida's Back In The Spotlight Again...

2008-01-20T17:52:00.000-05:00

Florida's Back In The Spotlight Once Again...

SARASOTA, FL. (NS) -
Well here it is almost January 29th and Florida will thrust itself into the National Spotlight once again during an Election...

I'm sure everyone remembers 2000 and what happened with the 'Chads'? What an embarassment, not to mention the ensuing Legal maneuvers that came after the Election

Then there was 2004 when everything that went wrong in the previous 200 Election were 'supposed to be' fixed...

In 2006 in Florida Congressional District 13 in Sarasota County, some 18,000 Votes were 'lost'. But they weren't really 'lost', most Voters couldn't figure out how and where to find the Election on their Ballot...

Can anybody say 'Stupid'? Because that's the 'National Reputation' the Voters in the State of Florida received, fairly or not, for what had happened previously...

Now comes 2008 and everything has been 'fixed' again, or has it? I guess we'll just have to Vote to find out if it has

We have no more 'Chads' to contend with, Thank God! Now Florida is using Voting Machines and many have a 'paper trail' already linked to them...

I say that's about time! We can most certainly agree that just about anything that could go wrong, has gone wrong in one way or another when it came to the past 3 Florida National Elections...

What Voters MUST do before they ever head to their Polling places is find out what issues and who is on the Ballot. You can always go down to your local Supervisor of Elections Office and ask your questions BEFORE Election Day so that you'll be a prepared and knowledgeable Voter...

Imagine that! A 'knowledgeable Voter', kind of a scary but good thought, don't you think???

Now, what do I think will happen January 29th???

First we have the Florida Tax Amendment #1 to vote on. Folks you need to study up on this one because this 'could be' your only chance to control your own destiny and wallet when it comes to Florida Property Taxes...

There are reasons why you should vote for this Amendment and also reasons why you should not. Read up and get all the information you can on this so you can make an 'informed decision'...

As far as the Presidential Primary goes, if you're an 'I' or 'Independent' you're out of luck. But for Democrats and Republicans, this is a 'winner take all' State and it will be interesting to see the results...

The Democrats are basically voting for 'nothing' since the National Democratic Party stripped Florida of their Delegates at the National Convention because the Primary was moved 'up' to January 29th ahead of 'Super Tuesday'...

Then there's the Republicans who will only have 'half' of their Delegate Vote because of the same reason...

Will this cause Voter turnout to be low? I think not...

This Election has been deemed by many as 'the most important of our time' by many Political Pundits, and we all know those folks are never wrong...

So, it doesn't matter what Party you belong to or where you are, if you don't Vote, you have NOTHING to complain about when the final results are in...

You can either be part of the 'solution' or remain part of the 'problem'. I think most people will see the rationale behind that statement...

In the end, there will probably still be complaints and perhaps another lawsuit over the results, but at least free people in a free society will have once again had the chance to voice their 'opinion' at the Polls...

Reporting from my Voting Precinct, where I will be voting, I remain committed to seeing a strong and vibrant America continue to flourish as the most enviable Nation on the face of the Earth...

If you don't believe me, go ask an Illegal Alien who 'snuck in' to our Country WHY they have come here. It is live the 'American Dream' we are all granted as citizens of the United States of America...

May God continue to bless America, always, in all ways and God Bless all of our brave Military men and women who keep all of us free and safe...

'Matt'
Matt
Managing Editor
News Sarasota.com
Host of "The Captain's AMERICA" Radio Show...
http://www.newssarasota.com
http://newssarasotaezine.talkspot.com
http://thecaptainsamerica.com

This 'Just In'...Obama's Chruch & What It Means...

2008-01-03T17:36:00.000-05:00

This 'Just In'...Obama's Church & What It Means...

This should be an eye opener... the spin needs to stop… and we need to check things out for our selves... check out the link at the end...
************************************************************
Obama mentioned his church during his appearance with Oprah. It's the Trinity United Church of Christ. I found this interesting...

Obama's church: Please read and go to this church's website and read what is written there. It is very alarming. Barack Obama is a member of this church and is running for President of the U.S. If you look at the first page of their website, you will learn that this congregation has a non-negotiable commitment to Africa. No where is AMERICA even mentioned...

Notice too, what color you will need to be if you should want to join Obama's church... B-L-A-C-K!!!

Doesn't look like his choice of religion has improved much over his (former?) Muslim upbringing...

Are you aware that Obama's middle name is Mohammed? Strip away his nice looks, the big smile and smooth talk and what do you get? Certainly a racist, as plainly defined by the stated position of his church! And possibly a covert worshiper of the Muslim faith, even today. This guy desires to rule over America while his loyalty is totally vested in a Black Africa!!!

I cannot believe this has not been all over the TV and newspapers. This is why it is so important to pass this message along to all of our family & friends. To think that Obama has even the slightest chance in the run for the presidency, is really scary...

Click on the link below:

This is the web page for the church Barack Obama belongs to:

http://www.tucc.org/about.htm

Reading this is very important to understand what his church stands for...

The Captain's AMERICA Radio Show - Christmas Special...

2007-12-24T07:44:00.000-05:00

December 24, 2007...

Happy Holiday's, Merry Christmas & Whatever Else It Is You're Celebrating...

This is not your average Christmas Music program!

What you will hear is a medley of Songs, some written and performed by a Military Family member with a loved one serving in harms way...

by their relatives service to America, each song is indeed unique and inspirational at a time of the year when being away from home in a Foreign Land is a difficult thing to do...

Enjoy listening to something different that will make you feel good about America and our brave Military men and women serving in harms way...

God Bless America, God Bless Our Military and God Bless each and every one of you...

Merry Christmas & All The Best!

'The Captain'

http://thecaptainsamerica.podomatic.com/enclosure/2007-12-23T15_59_49-08_00.mp3

Hillary Clinton - Remember This Forever...

2007-12-23T02:54:00.000-05:00

PLEASE REMEMBER THIS FOREVER...

SARASOTA, FL. (NS/ATAW) -

Worse than you thought & worth remembering and this came from a Democrat...

Dear Mr. Ex-President Clinton:

I recently saw a bumper sticker that said, "Thank me, I voted for Clinton-Gore. " So, I sat down and reflected on that, and I am sending my "Thank you" for what you have done, specifically:

1. Thank you for introducing us to Jennifer Flowers, Paula Jones, Monica Lewinsky, Dolly Kyle
Browning, Kathleen Willey, and Juanita Broderick. Did I leave anyone out???

2. Thank you for teaching my 8 year old about oral sex. I had really planned to wait until he was a little older to discuss it with him, but now he knows more about it than I did as a senior in college.

3. Thank you for showing us that sexual harassment in the work place (especially the White House) and on the job is OK, and all you have to know is what the meaning of "it" is. It really is great to know that certain sexual acts are not sex, and one person may have sex while the other one does NOT have sex.

4. Thank you for reintroducing the concept of impeachment to a new generation and demonstrating that the ridiculous plot of the movie "Wag the Dog" could be plausible after all.

5. Thanks for making Jimmy Carter look competent, Gerald Ford look graceful, Richard Nixon look honest, Lyndon Johnson look truthful, and John Kennedy look moral.

6. Thank you for the 73 House and Senate witnesses who have pled the 5th Amendment and 17 witnesses who have fled the country to avoid testifying about Democratic campaign fund raising.

7. Thank you, for the 19 charges, 8 convictions, and 4 imprisonment' s from the Whitewater "mess" and the 55 criminal charges and 32 criminal convictions (so far) in the other "Clinton" scandals.

8. Thanks also for reducing our military by half, "gutting" much of our foreign policy, and flying all over the world on "vacations" carefully disguised as necessary trips.

9 Thank you, also, for "finding" millions of dollars (I really didn't need it in the first place,
and I can't think of a more deserving group of recipients for my hard-earned tax dollars)
for all of your globe-trotting. I understand you, the family and your cronies have logged in more time aboard Air Force One than any other administration.

10. Now that you've left the White House, thanks for the 140 pardons of convicted felons and indicted felons-in-exile. We will love to have them rejoin society.

(Not to mention the scores you pardoned while Governor of Arkansas)

11. Thanks also for removing the White House silverware. I'm sure that Laura Bush didn't like the pattern anyway. Also, enjoy the housewarming gifts you've received from your "friends."

12. Thanks to you and your staff in the West Wing of the White House for vandalizing and destroying government property on the way out. I also appreciate removing all of that excess (China, silverware, linen, towels, ash trays, soap, pens, magnetic compass, flight manuals, etc.)
out of Air Force 1...

The weight savings means burning less fuel, thus less tax dollars spent on jet fuel...

Thank you!

13. Please ensure that Hillary enjoys the $8 million dollar advance for her "tell-all" book and you, Bill, the $10 million advance for your memoirs. Who says crime doesn't pay!

14. The last and most important point - thank you for forcing Israel to let Mohammed Atta go free. Terrorist pilot Mohammed Atta blew up a bus in Israel in 1986. The Israelis captured, tried and imprisoned him. As part of the Oslo agreement with the Palestinians in 1993, Israel had to agree to release so-called "political prisoners". However, the Israelis would not release any with blood on their hands. The American President at the time, Bill Clinton, and his Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, "insisted" that all prisoners be released. Thus Mohammed Atta was freed and eventually thanked the US by flying an airplane into
Tower One of the World Trade Center. This was reported by many of the American TV networks at the time that the terrorists were first identified. It was censored in the US from all later reports. Why shouldn't Americans know the real truth?

What a guy!!

If you agree that the American public must be made aware of these facts, pass this on. God bless
America and THANK YOU (once again) for spending my taxes so wisely and frugally.

SINCERELY,

A US Citizen

PS. Please pass along a special thank you to Al Gore for "inventing" the Internet, without which I would not be able to send this wonderful, factual e-mail...

AND THE REST OF THE STORY Hillary Rodham Clinton, as a U.S. Senator from New York State, now comes under the "Congressional Retirement and Staffing Plan," which means that even if she never gets reelected, she STILL receives her Congressional salary until she dies. (Would it not be nice if all Americans were pension eligible after only 4 years?)

If Bill outlives her, he then inherits HER salary until HE dies. He is already getting his Presidential salary until he dies. If Hillary outlives Bill, she also gets HIS salary until she dies. Guess who pays for that?

WE DO!

It's common knowledge that in order for her to establish NY residency, they purchased a million
dollar-plus house in upscale Chappaqua, New York. Makes sense. They are entitled to Secret Service protection for life. Still makes sense.

Here is where it becomes interesting. Their mortgage payments hover at around $10,000 per month. BUT, an extra residence HAD to be built within the acreage to house the Secret
Service agents.

The Clintons charge the Federal government $10,000 monthly rent for the use of that extra residence, which is just about equal to their mortgage payment. This means that we, the taxpayers, are paying the Clinton's salary, mortgage, transportation, safety and security, as well as the salaries for their 12 man staff -- and, this is all perfectly legal!

When she runs for President, will you vote for her?

WAKE UP AMERICA...

Mark R. Taylor
http://americantruckersatwar.com
AmericanTruckersAtWar Discussion Group
http://youtube.com/ironponyexpress

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An Act Of Kindness Does Not Go Unnoticed...

2007-12-21T17:59:00.000-05:00

Here's a 'today' Yule story that occurred 3 weeks ago ~ AND NOW, in time for the holidays, I bring you the best Christmas story you never heard.

It started last Christmas, when Bennett and Vivian Levin were overwhelmed by sadness while listening to radio reports of injured American troops. "We have to let them know we care," Vivian told Bennett. So they organized a trip to bring soldiers from Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital to the annual Army-Navy football game in Philly, on Dec. 3.

The cool part is, they created their own train line to do it. Yes, there are people in this country who actually own real trains. Bennett Levin - native Philly guy, self-made millionaire and irascible former L&I commish - is one of them.

He has three luxury rail cars. Think mahogany paneling, plush seating and white-linen dining areas. He also has two locomotives, which he stores at his Juniata Park train yard. One car, the elegant Pennsylvania, carried John F. Kennedy to the Army-Navy game in 1961 and '62. Later, it carried his brother Bobby's body to D. C. for burial. "That's a lot of history for one car," says Bennett.

He and Vivian wanted to revive a tradition that endured from 1936 to 1975, during which trains carried Army-Navy spectators from around the country directly to the stadium where the annual game is played. The Levins could think of no better passengers to reinstate the ceremonial ride than the wounded men and women recovering at Walter Reed in D. C. and Bethesda, in Maryland. "We wanted to give them a first-class experience," says Bennett. "Gourmet meals on board, private transportation from the train to the stadium, perfect seats - real hero treatment."

Through the Army War College Foundation, of which he is a trustee, Bennett met with Walter Reed's commanding general, who loved the idea. But Bennett had some ground rules first, all designed to keep the focus on the troops alone:

No press on the trip, lest the soldiers' day of pampering devolve into a media circus.

No politicians either, because, says Bennett, "I didn't want some idiot making this trip into a campaign photo op."

And no Pentagon suits on board, otherwise the soldiers would be too busy saluting superiors to relax.

The general agreed to the conditions, and Bennett realized he had a problem on his hands. "I had to actually make this thing happen," he laughs.

Over the next months, he recruited owners of 15 other sumptuous rail cars from around the country - these people tend to know each other - into lending their vehicles for the day. The name of their temporary train? The Liberty Limited.

Amtrak volunteered to transport the cars to D. C. - where they'd be coupled together for the round-trip ride to Philly - then back to their owners later.

Conrail offered to service the Liberty while it was in Philly. And SEPTA drivers would bus the disabled soldiers 200 yards from the train to Lincoln Financial Field, for the game.

A benefactor from the War College ponied up 100 seats to the game - on the 50-yard line - and lunch in a hospitality suite.

And corporate donors filled, for free and without asking for publicity, goodie bags for attendees:

From Woolrich, stadium blankets. From Wal-Mart, digital cameras. From Nikon, field glasses. From GEAR, down jackets.

There was booty not just for the soldiers, but for their guests, too, since each was allowed to bring a friend or family member.

The Marines, though, declined the offer. "They voted not to take guests with them, so they could take more Marines," says Levin, choking up at the memory.

Bennett's an emotional guy, so he was worried about how he'd react to meeting the 88 troops and guests at D. C.'s Union Station, where the trip originated. Some GIs were missing limbs. Others were wheelchair-bound or accompanied by medical personnel for the day. "They made it easy to be with them," he says. "They were all smiles on the ride to Philly. Not an ounce of self-pity from any of them. They're so full of life and determination."

At the stadium, the troops reveled in the game, recalls Bennett. Not even Army's lopsided loss to Navy could deflate the group's rollicking mood.

Afterward, it was back to the train and yet another gourmet meal - heroes get hungry, says Levin - before returning to Walter Reed and Bethesda. "The day was spectacular," says Levin. "It was all about these kids. It was awesome to be part of it."

The most poignant moment for the Levins was when 11 Marines hugged them goodbye, then sang them the Marine Hymn on the platform at Union Station.

"One of the guys was blind, but he said, 'I can't see you, but man, you must be f---ing beautiful!' " says Bennett. "I got a lump so big in my throat, I couldn't even answer him."

It's been three weeks, but the Levins and their guests are still feeling the day's love. "My Christmas came early," says Levin, who is Jewish and who loves the Christmas season. "I can't describe the feeling in the air." Maybe it was hope.

As one guest wrote in a thank-you note to Bennett and Vivian, "The fond memories generated last Saturday will sustain us all - whatever the future may bring."

God bless the Levins.

And bless the troops, every one...

Thankyou for sharing this Col. Harry Riley, U.S. Army (Ret.) , www.eaglesup.us

So This Is Christmas...

2007-12-19T22:47:00.000-05:00

So This Is Christmas...

SARASOTA, FL. (NS) -

Well it's that time of the year again when people up North and across the Country make their annual trips to the Malls, Shopping Centers and other places to purchase gifts for Friends and Family...

In case you haven't noticed, it'll be a white Christmas in a lot of places across America thanks to a series of back to back Snow storms that have recently struck...

For some though Christmas means survival and just finding a place where they might get that free Christmas meal and maybe even a gift or two which could consist of a pair of socks or new underwear...

I'm speaking of the Homeless Shelters across America like the Salvation Army and others. Those who have no home or no Family to go to usually find their way there at Christmas...

Then there are those alone at home or in their apartments who have no one at Christmas. These people sometimes get lucky enough to be included in neighborhood Christmas events...

For those who don't, they remain at home, alone, sometimes with a pet to keep them company on Christmas Day...

So, this is Christmas and some people see what I've written about, but many have no clue since their World doesn't include knowledge of the people and events I've written about...

For Duchess, Toby and myself, it'll be Christmas as usual here at home. I'll be laughing as I watch them try to tear open their presents which will have their favorite dog treats in them...

Other than that, it's Football, Basketball and whatever else comes on TV for me on Christmas Day...

Christmas is when you find out who your Friends really are by reading the Christmas cards you've been sent and who sent them...

Not to forget who is at your front door when the doorbell rings if you're lucky enough to have visitors on Christmas Day...

And for our brave Military men and women, being away from home at Christmas is no fun at all, speaking from personal experience...

To honor them, I give you this...

A poem written by MAJ Mark 'Zippo' Smith, USA, Ret., Viet Nam POW...

'THE LONELIEST TIME OF YEAR'...

ITS THE LONELIEST TIME FOR THE SOLDIER EVERY YEAR...

ESPECIALLY IN THAT PLACE WHERE LESSER MEN DO FEAR...

WARS TAKE NO HIATUS FOR THE BIRTH OF THE LORD...

BUT NOT JUST ANOTHER DAY FOR THE BRETHREN OF THE SWORD...

WARRIORS THINK OF FAMILY OF WARMTH ON A WINTRY NIGHT...

WHILE STANDING ON THE RAMPARTS POISED TO SLAY AND FIGHT...

' PEACE ON EARTH, GOOD WILL TO MEN' BUT THE DAY BRINGS NO RESPITE...

VOLUNTEERS HAVE COME TO ENTERTAIN YET HE AND SHE MUST FACE THE NIGHT...

TAKE A MOMENT FOR THE SOLDIER ON THIS MOST BLESSED DAY...

AMONG YOUR JINGLE BELLS TAKE THE TIME TO PRAY...

LORD ON YOUR BIRTHDAY SMILE ON ANOTHER SON...

OR A DAUGHTER ON A ROAD IN THE LAND OF THE GUN...

MAY THEY FEEL THE WARMTH OF FAMILY ROUND A TREE...

AS THEY RISK IT ALL TO MAKE OTHERS FREE...

MERRY CHRISTMAS GOOD SOLDIER, FOR YOU TONIGHT I PRAY...

THAT YOU MAY BE PROTECTED ON EVERY SINGLE DAY...

'ZIPPO'

God Bless each of you, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to everybody and I hope Santa brings you everything you wanted...

'Matt'

Matt Bruce
Managing Editor
News Sarasota
Bradenton-Sarasota, Florida USA

News Sarasota.com
The #1 Independent News & Public Info Website For The Sarasota - Manatee County Area...

Standing 100% Behind Our Nation's Firefighters...
'Stay LOW'...

A Blue Star In The Window...

2007-12-19T07:45:00.001-05:00

MOTHER OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER PENS SONG "BLUE STAR IN THE WINDOW"...

Encourages all Soldier Mom's to put a Blue Star
in their window for the holiday...

Songs reminds Americans that our troops continue
to serve in harms way this Christmas...

NASHVILLE, TN (NS/ALP) -

Angela Lashley, the mother of a solider with two tours of duty in Iraq
with the 82nd Airborne, has co-written and recorded a song encouraging
all soldier mom's to place a blue star in their window during the
holiday season. The song title, "Blue Star in the Window," refers to
the long standing tradition of soldier mothers placing a blue star in
their window to honor their sons and daughters currently serving in
the United States military.

The song is available for free at www.sobravesong.com.

"This Christmas season, it is important to remember that many of our
sons and daughters from across the country are in harms way," said
Lashley. "This song was my way of recognizing the heroic struggle of
soldier mom's and the heroic bravery of the American soldier."

At her website www.sobravesong.com, Lashley has also added the ability
to download and print out a special Blue Star to put up in windows.
The star can be personalized to honor the soldier mom's son or
daughter.

Lashley is also the co-writer of the song "So Brave," a tribute to her
son's service and heroism. In the song, Lashley stated that her
Christmas wish was that her son would return home safe. Last
Christmas, she was granted her Christmas wish when her son Jonathan
returned home from Iraq in time for the holidays. This Christmas,
Lashley is encouraging all Americans to remember the troops who are
serving in this time of war.

--~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~
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Enjoy the priviledge you now share with others who want to know what others don't...

Thanks,

Matt Bruce
Managing Editor
News Sarasota.com
Retired 25 Year Fire-Rescue Captain
Host Of:
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Heard From 12 noon to 1 PM ET Monday Thru Friday
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American Troops Are Winning...

2007-12-16T09:10:00.000-05:00

American troops are winning...

December 11, 2007

Written By: Pete Hegseth

WASHINGTON, DC (NS/VFF) -

In May and June, overall attacks in Iraq were at their highest levels since the war began, monthly coalition deaths were near an all-time high, and violence against civilians was still at staggering levels. To most observers, the war in Iraq was not going well...

At the same time, members of Congress were already declaring the "surge" a failure and stepping up their "timeline for withdrawal" rhetoric. Anti-war Democrats, and a few Republicans, cited "realities on the ground" as compelling evidence to call for an immediate, or more nuanced "phased," end to the war...

These same "realities," also emboldening anti-war groups to declare an "Iraq Summer," during which they would finally crush domestic support for the war and force Congress to de-fund the mission there...

MoveOn.org and others dispatched operatives around the country and harassed members of Congress. Truthfully, as we now know, these "realities" on the ground were the unfortunate birth pangs of the new counter-insurgency strategy being implemented by Gen. David Petraeus...

Some on Capitol Hill understood this fact in June, and their courage in those dark days kept Congress from prematurely declaring defeat in Iraq. In June, the full compliment of surge forces had just arrived, hence the violence levels hadn't yet ebbed; by June, American forces had moved off of large bases and defensive positions, and into an offensive posture among the population, hence the initially high casualty rate; and in June, al Qaeda had yet to felt the full shock of the surge, hence their continue brutality...

But that was then, and this is now; and Iraq in December 2007 is a drastically different place than Iraq in June 2007. Overall attack levels are now at the lowest levels since 2005, monthly coalition deaths are nearing an all-time low, and violence against Iraqi civilians has been reduced by more than 60 percent, according to the anti-war site, icasualties.org...

However, the more things change in Iraq, the more they stay the same on Capitol Hill. For the past month, with a few off-handed exceptions, Democratic leadership on Capitol Hill has largely refused to acknowledge success. They are stuck in the talking points of June, and stuck on a narrative of failure...

Despite the incredible progress made by our military — which has opened the door for real and sustainable political progress in Iraq — the Democratic leadership continues to insist that we de-fund the war and bring the troops home no matter what...

Beholden to entrenched and noisy anti-war interest groups, the Democrat leadership in Washington seems willing to cut-off much needed funding, placing our brave troops in harms way...

In response to these overtly political threats, the Pentagon recently made plans to lay off more than 100,000 DOD employees across America in order to re-allocate money to pay for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. What the Democratic leadership seems to forget is that these employees are responsible for training, equipping and supporting the troops in the field...

In short, for the sake of placating MoveOn.org and other radical anti-war groups, the Democratic leadership is willing to lay off thousands of employees in America and under cut the incredible success of our troops in Iraq. Such logic is perverse and infuriating, especially to courageous Democrats like Reps. Brian Baird and Jim Marshall, who have moved beyond partisanship to support the success being achieved in Iraq...

The troops in Iraq today — many of whom I served with in 2006 — are the finest fighting force the world has ever seen. And today, with a coherent strategy that finally compliments their tactical proficiency, they are defeating al Qaeda and Iranian-proxy groups. How members of Congress, sitting in their air-conditioned offices, can consider cutting off their funding is beyond comprehension...

The Iraq war has been difficult, and it has cost America dearly in lives and treasure. But now is not the time to play politics with the troops and their funding. If the "realities" of June had persisted until December, then talk of a phased withdrawal and funding restrictions would be reasonable...

But reality has changed, and the Democratic leadership needs to have the courage to acknowledge great success in Iraq, and swallow their pride long enough to do what is best for the troops and their important mission. Congress needs to fund the troops immediately, before heading home to enjoy a holiday season that our troops — and my fellow soldiers in the 101st Airborne — will spend in harm's way...

About the Author:

Lt. Pete Hegseth, who served in Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division from 2005 to 2006, is executive director of Vets for Freedom. His boots have been on the ground in Iraq and he knows exactly what he's talking about...

Share Holiday Wishes With Wounded U.S. Soldiers...

2007-12-06T11:54:00.000-05:00

***Share Holiday Wishes with Wounded U.S. Soldiers**...

Buchanan Announces Opportunity to Share Holiday Wishes with Wounded U.S. Soldiers...

Congressman Encouraged Constituents to Remember our Troops this Holiday Season...

Washington, D.C. (NS/CongBuchanan) --

Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL 13) announced today an opportunity for residents of Florida’s 13th Congressional District to share their holiday wishes with wounded U.S. soldiers. Buchanan will be collecting and delivering Christmas, Hanukkah, and holiday cards for Florida men and women at Walter Reed Army Medical Center...

“The holidays can be a sad and lonely time for U.S. soldiers who are away from home, including those in our military hospitals “said Buchanan. “I encourage you to remember those in our armed forces who have sacrificed their health on our behalf by sharing your holiday wishes with the troops. I will personally deliver cards and greetings I receive to Florida men and women at Walter Reed.”

If you would like to share your holiday wishes with our troops, please send or bring a card in an unsealed envelope with a brief message and signature to either of Congressman Buchanan's district offices by December 14, 2007. In recognition of our support for the dedicated and honorable service of our wounded Armed Forces, Congressman Buchanan will deliver the cards to our troops the following week, on behalf of the people of the Thirteenth District of Florida...

While drafting your card, please keep in mind that Walter Reed Army Medical Center policy does not accept any messages containing personal contact information (excluding your signature) nor do they accept any negative-toned messages. Writers are encouraged to include a brief supportive message, along with a personal signature. Greetings should be delivered by Friday, December 14 to the Congressman’s district offices at:

Sarasota Office
235 North Orange Ave
#201
Sarasota, Florida 34236

Bradenton Office
101 3rd Ave. West
#380
Bradenton, Florida 34205

In addition, "The Captain's AMERICA" Show will be handing out Music CD's provided by Nashville Singer and Soldier's Mom Angela Lashley to the Veterans at Bay Pines VA Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL...

For more details, go to:

http://thecaptainsamerica.com

FRONTLINE MOM...

2007-11-30T03:36:00.000-05:00

FRONTLINE MOM...

by Angela Lashley

NASHVILLE, TN (NS/AngelaLashley)
-

"Never again will the mothers of this country, tolerate or forgive
the ill-treatment of sons and daughters returning home from war".
Angela Lashley....Jon's
Mom

Recently while sitting on a bench outside an airport in Washington
D.C. I became engaged in conversation with a stranger.Sporting a "no
war in Iran" pin on his tam, and clad in the fashions of the 60's, I
would guess his age to have been about 55 years old...

I was waiting for a flight home to Nashville. On my shoulder I carried
a tote bag boldly printed with the logo of Families United for Our
Troops and Their Mission, www.familiesunitedmission.org ...

It was September. Merrillee Carlson, director of this organization,
invited hundreds of Americans to come to Washington for good
purpose...

Representative of the vast majority of American citizens, members and
guests of Families United Mission had been seen on the Hill, at the
White House, and all around D.C. for days. Proudly, I had been among
these people...

Looking back now on that conversation at the airport, I am confident
this "stranger" took issue with that red white and blue logo on my
bag. That is at least one explanation for what turn a chat between
this man and I into the public display I will probably never forget...

It was my 3rd trip to Washington in 6 months,and after days of dealing
with disinterested congressional aids, mean spirited women in
"PROTESTER PINK", and the YELLOW T-SHIRT gang, my Christian patience
had been worn thin...

The "stranger" asked politely, "So what brought you to D.C.?"

It took him about 2 minutes to gather all the intelligence he needed,
including the fact that I was the mother of a soldier somewhere in
Iraq...

So,...about the war...did you know?! Did you know?! Do you know?!

Like Jeckle turned Hyde, he transformed into an arrogant self -
appointed barker of what he called "THE TRUTH". His lack of
consideration about who he was talking to, "a woman with a SON in a
WAR ZONE", and his endless inaccuracies finally triggered my less than
dignified response...

I jumped up stomping a foot, probably looking like a tantruming 2 year
old. Then, admittedly, I nearly screamed it, "Stop saying that those
who support the troops are in some minority, and please don't talk to
me about TRUTH..everything you've said...is a lie!"

The reaction that followed proved to me that nearly everyone who had
easily overheard our exchange, was in agreement with what I had just
said. And when the soldiers' mom who'd also been sitting on that
bench, rose to give me a supportive hug as she ran to catch a plane,
my tears were all it took to set the stage for what happened next...

Policemen, porters, and a variety of travelers,..each shot him a look
of disgust. I stood there thinking of my son in Iraq. The old porter
who had my luggage, offered his arm and escorted me the few feet to
the shuttle headed for my terminal....whispering as we walked, "God
Bless your son Ma'am"...

The "stranger", still on the bench was working rather hard trying to
deflect the eyeballs of people boring holes through his self esteem as
my shuttle pulled away...

Very recently, my son Jonathan arrived home from his second
deployment to Iraq. All who love him, are grateful to God for his safe
return...

For a second year in a row, he has made it home from Iraq safely, and
in time for Christmas...

During his absence, at the invitation of the GOE, and actor Gary
Sinise, I have gone to Washington to sing 'SO BRAVE', the song my son
and his best friend Brandon inspired...

The boys have both spent the better part of the last 2 years serving
in Iraq. SO BRAVE, a mother's, song is about hope, and courage.
Through it, I have come to know military families from all over the
country...

There is concern about a renaissance of the Viet Nam style ill-
treatment of soldiers returning home from war. Fortunately, the
majority of Americans are dedicated to building the morale of this
country's military,so I am encouraged that ultimately, all will be
well...

So for those who are not beneath trying to "orchestrate" a repeat of
that despicable and unjust atmosphere here at home, I have a message
for you...

The women of this country who have raised the American soldiers
serving in our time want you to know. "This is my child, he is a
valiant...deserving of the respect of his countrymen. Never again will
the mothers of this country, tolerate or forgive, the ill-treatment
of sons and daughters returning home from war"...

Someday I may sit down with my son and share all that I have
experienced while he has been 6,000 miles away. But I am not sure if I
will ever tell him that for reasons I do not understand, his mom was
called "mother of a baby-killer" by a protester in a yellow
moveon.org t-shirt, outside a recruiting office in D.C...

Having witnessed the lifelong conduct of my son, I know this was the
greatest of all lies I have heard from self-absorbed people while in
Washington D.C...

It will be a long time before I forget the many strange encounters and
hard lessons in humanity that have contributed to the emotional days I
have lived during my season as a soldier's mother.

To you and yours,
God Speed,
Angela Lashley...Jonathan's Mom

ADDITIONAL INFO:

In 2004 after raising their 2 children in Wisconsin, songwriter Angela
and her husband Jeff Wisniewski, moved to Nashville.Their son
Jonathan's decision to leave school in 2005 to enlist in the Army
inspired Angela, and Grammy nominee Byron House, to co-write the song
SO BRAVE...

It is based on her memories of the displays of courage she witnessed
throughout her son's youth...

While Jonathan has been to war, Angela's experiences during her 2
years as a soldier's mother, have inspired the writing of other songs
in tribute to the military and their loved ones...

In September of this year, her release SOLDIERS' MOMS was launched by
Ivy Music International on Music Row in Nashville...

Available on ITUNES, the album is a celebration of the American
service member and those who raise them...

Angela describes the sisterhood of the mothers' of soldiers, as "The
beautiful majority" in the UTUBE video, SOLDIERS' MOMS a song by
A.Lashley....a video by Mike Connelly...

LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9Zx8RcBguQ

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'It's Just OUR Opinion'...

2007-11-22T19:06:00.000-05:00

SARASOTA, FL (NS) -

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to be living in the early
1940's. I understand it was a more simple time. There was no
Internet, or 24-hour news cycles. Words took a little more time to
get around. But it seemed to be a more honest time; a more respectful
time...

America, as you know, was embroiled in a real war with the Germans and
the Japanese. A World War on two fronts against two very determined
and ruthless adversaries. But it also seemed like America was united,
from the top down, in those days...

Can you imagine if the then Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn came
before our nation (and the world) and declared the "war is
unwinnable"? Can any of us imagine what would happen if the then
Senate Majority Leader Alben Barkley (D-KY) told the nation (and the
world) "the war is lost"? None of us can imagine that because it
never would have happened...

In those days, everyone made sacrifices to help the war effort. The
nation was individually invested in seeing to it that the thousands of
American and Allied soldiers, who gave their lives to fight communism,
and the prospect of its world domination, did not do so in vain. I
can find no reports of anti-war protesters sliming the war effort on
our streets, in our schools, and directly to our kids...

But today's America is very different...

We have a House Speaker and Senate Majority Leader who almost proudly
declare defeat while our sons, and now also daughters, are on the
ground in harm's way. Despite the valiant efforts of a general who,
with his soldiers, have achieved a peace on the ground that we all
were told was unattainable, many in our country are seemingly invested
in the defeat of our soldiers...

"Why" you may ask? The answer is simple...

We have a political party, the Democratic Party that needs an American
loss in battle for a political victory. They have from Day One stated
that the men and women of the United States military were (and are)
incapable of winning a war that has freed millions of people in Iraq,
while luring the enemy into one theater of battle where we could, and
have, isolate and destroy them...

For the last few weeks, the news from Iraq has been very positive.
Just today, even the New York Times is reporting, "People moving with
freedom around much of Baghdad; Commerce returning, even liquor stores
reopening." Do our politicians applaud our soldiers? No...

Attacks are down 55%, we are beginning to send Troops home because the
'surge' has worked and deaths and injuries are down to levels we have
not seen for over 2 years...

We have a group of 'doom and gloomers' in Washington, DC who do not
want any of us to know the real truth about how good our Troops have
been doing. This might actually help to sway public opinion into
thinking we are winning in Iraq, one front in the Global War on
Terror...

I will continue to stand up for those who are defending our freedoms
by fighting those who are sworn against our destruction as a Nation
and a way of life. We must and will prevail over those who have sworn
to destroy us!

For those who don't feel the same way, just think what would have
happened to you back in the 40's during World War II. Can you say
'Internment Camp'???

The time has come for those rationally thinking people to start
thinking about who they elect to public office and the reason why. We
all have the perfect opportunity to control our own destiny and either
make things better for America, or make them worse...

I wonder what it would be like to live in the days when we actually
lived in the United States of America...

Thanks for listening!

Sincerely,

Matt Bruce

Host of 'The Captain's AMERICA"

http://thecaptainsamerica.com

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