Oldie But Goody

Sometimes the old ones are the best ones:

Reverend Elton G. Johnson
Mission of Reform
Dakota City, Iowa 50529

Dear Sir;

Perhaps you have heard of me and my nationwide campaign in the cause of temperance. Each year for the past fourteen, I have made a tour of the Southern States and have delivered a series of lectures on the evils of drink.

On this tour, I have been accompanied by my young friend and assistant, Kenny Meyers. Kenny, a young man of good family and excellent background, is a pathetic example of a life ruined by excessive indulgence in Whiskey and Women.

Kenny would appear with me at the lectures and sit on the platform wheezing and staring at the audience through bleary blood-shot eyes, sweating profusely, picking his nose, passing gas and making obscene gestures while I would point him out as an example of what overindulgence can do to a person.

This summer, unfortunately, Kenny died. A mutual friend has given me your name and I wonder if you would be available to take Kenny’s place on the Fall 2006 and Spring 2007 tour? Please contact me as soon as possible.

Yours in faith,

MISSION OF FAITH

Reverend Elton G. Johnson

Thoughts on September 11th

I received the following from a former high school classmate, Ron Kasper. We were in the Class of '68 (you know - still living in caves) and he now lives in San Diego. I can't recommend this highly enough:

Tomorrow, just 5 fast years ago, we wept in pain as our nation was attacked in one of the most sophisticated cities in the world. I do not think anyone shall forget what they were doing as the news began to pour in and seeing the shots of the airplanes crashing into the Twin Towers.

As I am an early riser and NY is 3 hours ahead, I was in the shower and have a shower radio and often listen for a few minutes to talk show, weather, or some
spiritual music before I start my day. The news seemed odd and my first take of radio reports were it sounded like maybe a single engine plane bounced off a skyscraper which occasionally happens. But, the news become more intense and I went downstairs and turned the TV on and watched in disbelief still not knowing how not one but two jets can be flying off course and crashing.

Five years later I think of it often and of the true silent heroes-the
workers' in the Towers, the First Responders' and the leadership
of Mayor Guliano. As families became widows and widowers in one swift movement and families lost members and many 5 year olds today have no fathers; and the incredibly brave decision of so many to jump to their death rather than be lost in the flames, I am still in disbelief.

Five years later, many First Responders' are afflicted with respiratory
ailments from the tons of chemicals used in the construction of the Towers as well as those who live near. The carnage has not stopped.

I do not think we can ever stop terrorism but I do know I will not refrain from traveling on planes, subways, traveling overseas, or worry about our "Color Threat Levels." I talked to some colleagues, just this past Friday, who went to NYC this summer and a few refused to take subways in fear of an attack. I will not live life in fear and the terrorists will not intimidate me in their carnage and psychological warfare.

There is a heavy Coast Guard Presence here and the orange and white
choppers fly by over my house everyday and the harbor has fast boats with big guns patrolling the numerous aircraft carriers and naval installations and bridges in the San Diego Bay. This is a huge naval and marine town.

Would those who perished want us to live in fear? They went to work like every other day as we do. And to handful of heroes on the flight he helped bring down in Pennsylvania that was perceived to be headed to the White House and in his final moments he said-"Let's Roll."-Rest in peace.

Lest we forget-911.

Thank you, Ron.

National POW/MIA Day

Please remember this date and make sure you have your flags out!



Remember - that's flags out on Monday, 9/11 as well as Friday, 9/15!

Added note - Check with your local service organization - VFW or American Legion - to see if there will be any ceremonies held next weekend to coincide with the POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Silly, Silly Me

This morning I looked out back and decided that I'd better break out the mower before I needed a reaper. As usual, after doing that my body is cactus.

This evening I plan on working on a frame for a hanging swing for the yard. No real heavy lifting involved with that - I've just been procrastinating for a month or so.

Tomorrow, if I'm still mobile it's the turn of the front yard. Even though the mower is self-propelled, it still doesn't make that big a difference. I strap on my MP3 player, turn it up to a warp factor 9 and go for it. This morning it was the Grateful Dead; I think tomorrow will be Los Lonely Boys.

By the time that's done I think I'll be collapsing in a screaming heap. You'd think by now I'd know better.

Duty, Honor, Country

Go over to the Conservative Insurgent and click on Farewell Marine. If this doesn't touch your heart and soul you're not human. Or a Liberal.

Same thing, really.