HILLARY RODHAM CLINTON'S BID FOR THE WHITE HOUSE

            Last week we composed a story on Donald Trump the presumed Republican nominee for President of the United States. As a non-politician Trump has set a new standard in campaigning unmatched by anyone in the history of politics. He is an enigma with what appears as a hip-shooting cowboy of the 1800’s. Politically unpolished he doesn’t seem to regard his off cuff remarks harmful—unfortunately a lot of folks take exception with his comments regarding those considered minorities. Yet, much of what he says makes sense to the average American. Does he have warts? You bet but so does everyone.

So now let’s take a look at his rival on the Democrat side—Hillary Rodham Clinton.

This lady has been in Washington, D.C., for over 25 years. During that time she has established a reputation much un-admired by the average citizen but has managed to dodge more than one scandal simply by ignoring any sense of ethics or truthfulness. This claim isn’t made without foundation. For example:

Following her 1975 marriage to William Jefferson Clinton in Arkansas, the couple settled in. During 1974 Bill lost his congressional bid but by 1976 he became Arkansas Attorney General. Later he became Governor of the State and that led to winning the White House 1992. It’s all history. But what is ignored is what was going on during those early years.

Hillary got a job as an attorney with the Rose Law Firm.

Her work there included some financial things, notably billing records that turned out to be a bit on the shady side. It is a fact that this lady declared that many of the records (real estate transactions) that were subpoenaed by the government mysteriously disappeared. But low and behold; after intense pressure by a grand jury investigation, anomalously it was Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny or Tooth Fairy that managed to rediscover these important documents and leave them in the book room of the third floor of the White House. According to Ms Clinton neither she nor Bill had any idea who left them there.

But that is only a small part of the former First Ladies questionable past activity.

Remember a guy named Vincent Foster?

Foster and Hillary were very close. In fact so close they even shared a brokerage account called “Midlife Partners.” Both worked for the Rose Law Firm and it wasn’t too long that they became full partners in the firm with another pal named Jonathan Pollard. Does the name Pollard ring a bell?

Just to refresh everyone’s memory he is the person who was convicted as a spy for Israel and sentenced to jail for life. All three were great pals.

But it was Foster who suffered the most.

By 1992 Clinton, Foster and Pollard had moved up in life. Hillary was now First Lady of the United States and Foster was appointed to a high level job as White House Deputy Legal Council and Pollard was a civilian intelligence specialist with the Navy until he was caught and sentenced in 1985.

When the Federal Bureau of Investigation ran a fingerprint analysis on the magically reappeared missing documents that had been previously subpoenaed only two pairs of fingerprints were discovered on the documents; Hillary Clinton’s and Vince Foster’s.

Then the Whitewater scandal broke. That’s the time when the sought after Clinton papers came into play. The Senate Whitewater Committee pressed on and Clinton said she had “no idea” how the documents ended up in a book at the White House. To this day no one has owned up to this deception.

But now the investigation heated up and Foster was beginning to feel it.

In 1993 at the Fort Marcy Park just off of the George Washington Parkway outside of Washington, D. C., the body of Foster was discovered by the U.S. Park Police with a single bullet hole in his head.

The investigation was a sham most people believed. For one thing there was no blood from the wound. As a newspaperman who covered such tragedies as suicides I can tell you—head wounds by a bullet leaves a lot of blood! Consequently many believe that Foster’s body had been moved to the park location. Finally after investigation by the FBI, Kenneth Starr and Independent Counsel Investigator Robert Fiske, the death was ruled a self inflected gunshot!

However Fiske’s final report indicated something different than the FBI report.

Immediately following Foster’s death Clinton’s agents broke into his apartment and ransacked his files taking damaging evidence it was reported. Foster’s computer was taken to the FBI lab but they were unable to crack any information because the hard drive had been mutilated beyond repair.

In Pollard’s case it was simply treason.

It was November 1985 when Pollard was arrested for spying for Israel. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison at a Federal Prison at Butner, North Carolina. But in 2015, after serving 30 years behind bars he was pardoned. Now a free man his freedom is limited. He must live in New York and any travel outside the United States is prohibited. Non-the-less, the damage he did to America cannot be retracted. And he did it not for love of Israel but for money.

And these were the chums of Hillary. Watching television news the polls show that she is considered one of the most unethical, untruthful and dishonest politicians ever to seek the high office of President of the United States. So how does she stack up against Donald Trump?

Trump’s problems are simply being himself. He is aggressive, opinioned, ruthless in deal making and hypersensitive when people try to gang up on him. But one thing for sure; he is honest and nobody can ever question his love of America. Clinton on the other hand has a record of questionable honesty and truthfulness.

Who will you choose?

THE POLITICAL HEAT IS WARMING

Spring has sprung,

            Fall has fell,

Summer is here,

            And it’s going to be hotter than usual!

            This little ditty takes in more than just the weather. The political atmosphere is going to get more than hot this summer; it’s going to boil over.

            The nastiness, name calling, outrageous claims and outright distortions are just beginning. This run for the White House is going to be a mud bog with both candidates sloshing about.

            But first let’s take a look at the Grand Old Party nominee—Donald Trump.

            I must admit that when Trump threw his hat in the ring a year ago I agreed with most professional observers; he had no chance! Boy were we wrong.

            Here a billionaire with no political savvy took on 17 of the best polished politicians in modern time. All were schooled in the art of achieving high offices including governships, congressional and senatorial seats. How in the world could an enigma like Trump have a chance? As it turns out the answer is simple. The American people wanted someone who spoke straight talk and not in riddles or political gibberish. And in Trump they got their wish.

            It seems every time any professional politician is asked a straight question they answer in circles and use verbalism to dodge around the question without ever giving an answer.

            People want a straight talker and in Trump they are getting a bit more than they expected.

            He says what is on his mind. And incredibly he has hit a tone with many. His position on subjects as terrorism, immigration, foreign policy and the economy is readily gobbled up by both friend and foe. Unfortunately his foes are making the most of it and it’s his own fault.

            Telling the truth is important—especially for a politician but for the most part this simple idea seems to elude most of those in public office. And this is where Trump falls into his own trap.

            On matters of importance his position is solid. But when he falls into the stupid practice of using third-grader slams against his opponents he loses ground in popularity. As an example: his discourse regarding the judge hearing his suit involving the Trump University is silly. He has powerful lawyers who are charging hefty fees to take care of the case. Trump needs to stand aside and let the pros handle the problem.

            Another example is his response to anyone taking a swing at him regarding his business deals.

            He should remember he is a businessman and business is business. Frankly many businesses, especially real estate, doesn’t have the most ethical people within their employment. Most realtors are considered “sharks” and would sell their mother for a listing!

But don’t berate all realtors. I personally know some who have dedicated themselves entirely to their clients and would never take a dishonest dime if their lives depended on it.

            But business being business the idea is to make money. No matter what business you talk about if they don’t make money you will soon find a sign on their front door saying “…going out of business sale.”

            So trump uses his ability, education and shrewdness to make deals that are profitable to him. He uses existing laws, arm twisting and charm (in some cases) to get what he wants. Who doesn’t do the same thing? It’s the ethics of the thing that bothers most people and that is why most folks shy away from deals that call into question any impropriety. But for those in business just take a look at how the stock market operates!

            People want someone who will represent their best interest whether it’s the economy, safety, security or how their kids are educated. And frankly Trump seems to have these interests as his main goal. One thing for sure, no one can call him un-American. He obviously loves this country and his demonstrated this love in countless ways.

            It seems Trump has in one way a soft belly. He doesn’t know how to play the political game. He hasn’t learned how to speak politically (talk a lot and say nothing), or stop making stupid comments regarding those considered “minorities.”

            Recently he met with the National Rifle Association. He received their endorsement and as a gun owner he forgot to ask them how to avoid continually shooting himself in the foot! If he can ever master this problem his popularity will soar.

            Frankly most of his ideas and proposals make sense. They just aren’t formatted in the proper political ideal acceptable to the power brokers. And maybe it’s time for the power brokers to move out of the way. Looking back on history we have seen our nation slowly move from personal responsibility to the idea that government is the womb. As a result our nation has lost more of its freedoms and replaced our freedom with more government intervention. Our lives are not our own. Yet we are schooled that this is the way it should be. But come along a maverick as Donald Trump and we get an insight as to how we can again be a great nation.

            I’m beginning to like this guy.

HOME BUYING ADVENTURE

            We bought a new house! It is everything we were looking for and with the help of our good friend Gerry Allen, former 747 captain for Canadian Airlines who retired and now making a living as a real person selling real estate. After signing what amounted to lord only knows how many papers (the probable destruction of half a forest of trees to make paper!), the better half and I signed the documents making us the legal owners.

            The house is located near the ocean, and a 20 minute drive to town. It has three bedrooms, a separate office, two baths, living room, dining room, utility room, deck to watch beautiful sunsets and a large lot. An additional benefit is the house is next to a 20 acre piece of land that can’t be developed because it is deemed to be a protected water shed so we don’t have to worry about someone building next door.

            Included in the purchase was a washer, dryer, refrigerator, electric range and dishwasher. What more could you ask for?

            With the help of our daughter Jennifer, son-in-law Roel, both grandsons and three days of sweat and tears, we finally moved in. The following day the furniture store delivered our new sofa, reclining chair, bedroom chest of drawers for the extra room and a new ultra soft mattress, we had it made.

            A week went by. The first to go was the clothes dryer! It simply quit and that was that so down to the appliance store we went and bought a replacement. “What the heck,” we said, “… it made too much noise anyway.”

            The following week the washing machine decided to shoot craps as well. Visiting the appliance shop Kathleen picked out one that had a few more bells and whistles than the old one so, peeling out some cash, the purchase was made.

            With a sigh we returned home, turned on the television, poured a glass of wine and sacked onto the soft sofa. “You know?” my better half pondered as she switched through the channels, “…this refrigerator is a little small.  What do you think about getting a larger one?” She was right. The refrigerator that came with the house was one of those double-door jobs that couldn’t hold the amount of left-over’s we always manage to accumulate with little problem. So, the next day off we went back to the appliance store.

            For the next two weeks everything went swell. The clothes got washed and dried and the refrigerator was humming along keeping everything cold and fresh.

            Now settled in we wanted to invite our dear friends Gerry and Marge Allen over for our first formal dinner! Kathleen spent most of the day working on a luscious lasagna with special cheeses and other mouth watering ingredients. It looked wonderful. Dinner was scheduled for 7 p.m., and the cooking time for the lasagna was to take about 45 minutes.

            At about 6:30 our friends showed up. Sitting in the living room and chatting away about current nonsense dinner was about to be served.

            Congregating around the dinner table, my better half went into the kitchen to fetch dinner. Opening the oven she was a bit astonished to discover that the electric range oven had shut itself off and the lasagna was only about three-quarters cooked!

            So it was back to the living room, refilling drinks, picking up on the usual conversation including who we thought was going to win in the primaries, current nonsense including gas prices, weather, sales and of course, airplanes. Thankfully when the talk included airplanes both Marge and Kathleen retired to the kitchen to see if the lasagna was cooking.

            And so it was. Finally dinner was served (warm lasagna), a great salad, wine and coffee and desert topped off the menu.

            The following morning it was time to clean up from the previous night. Cleaning out the sink and putting everything into the dishwasher we set it to start and waited. Unfortunately “start” never started!

            Sure enough the dishwasher decided to not work and so all that was in it was removed and I had the opportunity to resume my one great talent—washing and drying dishes!

            By this time the guy at the appliance store and I were on a first name basis. Looking around we selected a new dishwasher and in addition bought a cabinet size freezer. Shelling out more bucks (they wouldn’t take food stamps); we arranged delivery for the next day. This had to be the end of it.

            So we thought.

            Time went by which included undercooked or overcooked food (depending on the mood of the electric range), we finally had it! “I’m tired of this @$*&%! Thing,” Kathleen said in a justified tone. “We need a new range!”

            And so off we went back to our appliance store and bought a top-of-the-line electric range that was guaranteed to operate the way a well behaved appliance should work.

            The next day it showed up. Gingerly my wonderful wife prepared a meal that was absolutely out of this world. The meat was perfectly cooked, the potatoes were whipped and hot, the gravy was delicious and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. Topped off with a glass of my favorite wine it was a most satisfying evening.

            After dinnerI didn’t even have to do the dishes. In fact things are working so well we intend to invite Gerry and Marge back for a super lasagna dinner.

           

MUHAMMAD ALI NO PATROIT

With the death of “Muhammad Ali” who was named Cassius Clay, Jr. after this father Cassius Clay Sr., last Friday, it seems appropriate on this date, June 6, to reflect on the real heroes who gave their lives in service to our country. It was on this date in 1944, that allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France at the cost of over 3,000 men.

            At age 22 the Vietnam War was raging in 1964. Clay, who became one of the greatest professional heavyweight boxers of all time, was holder of the title when he was notified that his number had come up for induction into the military. His response was, “…I ain’t got no quarrel with them Viet Cong,” and refused to serve citing he was a conscientious objector.

            The result was that he was stripped of his heavyweight title, barred from fighting in the United States and ordered to serve five years in prison. He immediately filed for appeal and three years later his conviction was reversed by the Supreme Court.

            Whether the Vietnam War was just or not isn’t the question. We all know the outcome resulted in the Communist takeover of the country as it remains today. As a result freedom was replaced with the iron hand of subjection at the cost of hundreds of thousand innocent lives.

            Both World War I and World War II were foisted on America as well. The involvement in The First World came about as a result of President Woodrow Wilson’s response to a secret letter from Germany to the President of Mexico bidding the Mexican government to start a war with the United States and keeping America out of the European conflict. If Mexico were to do so Germany promised the Mexicans they would aid Mexico in recapturing territory captured by the U.S. This included parts of Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. The result was President Woodrow Wilson declared war against Germany in 1917.

            To build up American military strength Congress called for a draft. One of those who received notice of induction was a young man from Tennessee, Alvin York.

            York was a conscientious objector but none the less reported for duty. Once in the Army he told his commander he could not fight because of his religious beliefs. He believed all war was evil and unjust. But after many conversations with his company commander he came to realize that there is such a thing as “a just war,” and he then committed himself to his duty.

            Once transferred to France his outfit found itself in heavy combat. York’s unit came under heavy enemy machine gun fire and he, along with 17 men managed to out maneuver the German guns and out flank them. Once spotted the German’s opened fire killing the leader, Sergeant Bernard Early leaving York in charge of seven men. York and his group then captured a German Major and pressed on up the hill. Picking off German gunners York proceeded to kill about 20 enemy soldiers and not wanting to cause more deaths ordered the remaining Germans to surrender. The result was he personally captured 132 Germans and moved them back to American lines. For his daring he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

            More recently during the Vietnam War two other conscientious objectors were also awarded America’s highest decoration.

            Thomas W. Bennett, 21 years of age, was deeply patriotic but opposed killing on religious grounds as Clay did, but decided to enlist in the Army as a medic. Following training he was assigned to a unit in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The unit came under intense fire but risking his own life he managed to pull at least five wounded men to safety. Over the next few days he continued to administer aid to wounded men. His citation reads in part:

            “…In the initial barrage of fire, three of the point members of the platoon fell wounded. Cpl. Bennett, with complete disregard for his safety, ran through the heavy fire to his fallen comrades, administrated life-saving first aid under fire and then made repeated trips carrying the wounded men to positions of relative safety…Cpl. Bennett repeatedly braved the intense enemy fire moving across open areas to give aid and comfort to his wounded comrades. He valiantly exposed himself to the heavy fire in order to retrieve the bodies of several fallen personnel…Throughout the night and following day, Cpl. Bennett moved from position to position treating and comforting several personnel who had suffered shrapnel and gunshot wounds…Five members of the company fell wounded in the initial assault. Cpl. Bennett ran to their aid without regard to the heavy fire…Cpl. Bennett was warned that it was impossible to reach the position (another wounded man), he leaped forward with complete disregard of his own safety to save his comrade’s life. In attempting to save his fellow soldier, he was mortally wounded…”

            And there was another Medal of Honor recipient who claimed to be a conscientious objector: Joseph G. LaPointe Jr., age 20.

            His citation reads in part;

            “…While serving as a medical aidman during combat helicopter assault mission, SPC4 LaPointe’s patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial hail of fire, two soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded…LaPointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker…he administered first aid to one man, shielding the other with his body. He was hit by a burst of fire from the bunker while attending the wounded soldier.  SPC4 LaPointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts, he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administrating first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all three men…”

            Clay, known as “Muhammad Ali,” may have been a renowned heavyweight fighter but he will never be known as an American patriot.