While paying tribute to my daughter, who is a veteran, for her sacrifices and service, I am also so very thankful for her safe return from harm's way in Iraq.
Today is the day we honor the fallen heroes who made the supreme sacrifice for their country. I also honor the families and loved ones of those heroes. Their grief is unimaginable and I could only guess at what my grief would be had one of the fallen been my daughter.
I also think today should be a celebration of the spirit and determination of all our returning veterans who are struggling daily to put their lives back in order after witnessing the horrors of war. It is not an easy journey for those who were wounded physically, emotionally or both. I salute each and every one of you for your courage, fortitude, strength and integrity.
No one can ever know how proud I am as a father, but more importantly as a fellow American who owes a huge debt of gratitude to our men and women in the military. I love each and every one of you!
Write on,
Mittster
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
See Your America
If you are reading this blog, you shouldn't be. Get up, turn of the puter, get in, or on your ride, and go see some America! It doesn't matter if it's a Federal park, state park or just the city park. It's a beautiful day and life is way too short spending it couped up in the house.
Now, for those of you who are unable to leave the house. Google every place you have ever wanted to see and spend the day drinking soda, eating chips and travel in your mind with help from pictures on the Web.
OK, I get it. There are some folks who can't even do that do to dire circumstances. Well, know this my American friend....I pray you have someone who will share this holiday with you and describe what a fabulous county we live in.
I'm just saying,
Mittster
Now, for those of you who are unable to leave the house. Google every place you have ever wanted to see and spend the day drinking soda, eating chips and travel in your mind with help from pictures on the Web.
OK, I get it. There are some folks who can't even do that do to dire circumstances. Well, know this my American friend....I pray you have someone who will share this holiday with you and describe what a fabulous county we live in.
I'm just saying,
Mittster
Saturday, May 29, 2010
The Next Beginning of Evil in the Mirror
The day has arrived, Evil in the Mirror is finally on Amazon! Of course, without the image of the book cover, the post looks rather small and lonely, but this too shall pass and eventually the cover will appear and life will be good.
For those who have never had a book published, my next words will fail you. I feel a tremendous let down close to depression this morning. There seems to be a dark hole you fall in after receiving Author Copies, and you see your book on Amazon, which for me happened simultaneously. Climbing out is difficult, but climbing out I must do. Now starts the next phase called, Promotion.
Well, I'll be dipped, I feel better already. The dark pit I fell into was just a product of the enchiladas and salsa I had for dinner last night. Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is....
Have a great day. I need to get back to work promoting the hell out of my book!
Write on,
Mittster
For those who have never had a book published, my next words will fail you. I feel a tremendous let down close to depression this morning. There seems to be a dark hole you fall in after receiving Author Copies, and you see your book on Amazon, which for me happened simultaneously. Climbing out is difficult, but climbing out I must do. Now starts the next phase called, Promotion.
Well, I'll be dipped, I feel better already. The dark pit I fell into was just a product of the enchiladas and salsa I had for dinner last night. Pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh, what a relief it is....
Have a great day. I need to get back to work promoting the hell out of my book!
Write on,
Mittster
Friday, May 28, 2010
Where is Jolen Whitworth?
I can't even remember how I met Jolen Whitworth on line a couple of years ago. All I know is that she became one of the most influential people in my writing career. Her devotion to newbie writers and willingness to help others bespeaks volumes about her character.
All I had to do was e-mail or Skype Jolen and help was on its way. That was until she got a free BMW! Now she is gallivanting all around England in pure luxury and hobnobbing with, God forbid, maybe even royalty?
Click on this link and read the story for yourself. It's too painful for me to relate.
Jolen, Jolen, come back....we miss you!
Write on,
Mittster
All I had to do was e-mail or Skype Jolen and help was on its way. That was until she got a free BMW! Now she is gallivanting all around England in pure luxury and hobnobbing with, God forbid, maybe even royalty?
Click on this link and read the story for yourself. It's too painful for me to relate.
Jolen, Jolen, come back....we miss you!
Write on,
Mittster
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Border Wars
I know that no one wants to read lengthy blogs, especially ones that are political in nature. Here it is anyway. It's my blog and I will be lengthy if I want to....Senator McCain's 10 Point Action Plan is at the end of his letter, if you get that far.
May 26, 2010
Mr. Mitt Winstead
Dear Mr. Winstead:
Thank you for contacting me regarding border security and immigration reform. This is one of the most critical issues facing the people of Arizona and I appreciate knowing your views and for the opportunity to explain my position.
The violence along our southern border is increasing and impeding everyday life and the peace of mind of our citizens both along the border region and in the entire state. Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon began his war on the drug cartels in 2006, according to law enforcement officials in Arizona, the percentage of hardened criminals that are illegally crossing the border through the Tucson Border Patrol Sector has increased to over 17 percent. The violence and destruction in our border region has reached levels that I have never witnessed in all the years I've had the privilege to represent Arizona in Congress. It has led some Arizonans to feel that they are living in a lawless territory where there is little or no consequence for the violation of their land, property and well-being. I have heard first hand of the fear and difficulties these individuals live with every day and I admire their courage. For years, I have demanded the federal government must do all it can within its power to curb this violence and protect its citizens from criminals coming across the Mexican border. Arizonans living throughout the state, but especially along the border, must feel safe and secure in their homes and on their property.
To combat illegal immigration, drug and human smuggling, and violent activity in the southwest Senator Jon Kyl and I have developed a comprehensive 10-point plan to secure our southern border. We must begin with the immediate deployment of 3,000 National Guard troops along the Arizona-Mexico border and simultaneously begin hiring and training an additional 3,000 Customs and Border Protection Agents to be permanently stationed in the region. Furthermore, we must fully fund Operation Streamline in all Arizona Border Patrol Sectors to put illegal border crossers in jail for up to 30 days with expenses paid for by the Federal government. Additionally, the Federal government must complete the 700 miles of fencing along the southern border.
Our plan is supported by law enforcement officers across the state of Arizona, including Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Attached to this letter, I have included the full 10-point plan that Senator Kyl and I have developed. We intend to fight to see this plan implemented in its entirety as soon as possible.
It is true that some industries in Arizona continue to struggle without a sensible and fair temporary worker program. However, I believe that it would be irresponsible for Congress to take up any measure designed to address broader immigration issues while the security situation in Mexico continues to deteriorate. Before action on comprehensive immigration occurs the border must first be secured.
According to an April 14, 2010, Los Angeles Times article, the death toll from the Mexican government's three-year war on drug cartels is far higher than previously reported -- more than 22,000. This violence is an existential threat to the Mexican government and demands that we
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. Please feel free to contact me on this or any other issue of concern.
Sincerely,
John McCain
United States Senator
JM/ds
Senators McCain and Kyl's Ten Point Border Security Action Plan
1) Immediately deploy 3,000 National Guard Troops along the Arizona/Mexico border, along with appropriate surveillance platforms, which shall remain in place until the Governor of Arizona certifies, after consulting with state, local and tribal law enforcement, that the Federal Government has achieved operational control of the border. Permanently add 3,000 Custom and Border Protection Agents to the Arizona/Mexico border by 2015.
2) Fully fund and support Operation Streamline in Arizona's two Border Patrol Sectors to, at a minimum, ensure that repeat illegal border crossers go to jail for 15 to 60 days. Where Operation Streamline has been implemented, the number of illegal crossings has decreased significantly. Require the Obama Administration to complete a required report detailing the justice and enforcement resources needed to fully fund this program. Fully reimburse localities for any related detention costs.
3) Provide $100M, an increase of $40M, for Operation Stonegarden, a program that provides grants and reimbursement to Arizona's border law enforcement for additional personnel, overtime, travel and other related costs related to illegal immigration and drug smuggling along the border.
4) Offer Hardship Duty Pay to Border Patrol Agents assigned to rural, high-trafficked areas, such as the CBP Wilcox and Douglas Stations in the Tucson Sector.
5) Complete the 700 miles of fencing along the border with Mexico and construct double- and triple- layer fencing at appropriate locations along the Arizona-Mexico border.
6) Substantially increase the 25 mobile surveillance systems and three Predator B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in place today along the Arizona/Mexico border and ensure the border patrol has the resources necessary to operate the UAVs 24 hours a day seven days a week. Send additional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to the Arizona-Mexico Border.
7) Increase funding for vital radio communications and interoperability between CBP and state, local, and tribal law enforcement to assist in apprehensions along the border.
8) Provide funding for additional Border Patrol stations in the Tucson Sector and explore the possibility of an additional Border Patrol sector for Arizona. Create six additional permanent Border Patrol Forward Operating Bases, and provide funding to upgrade the existing bases to include modular buildings, electricity and potable water. Complete construction of the planned permanent checkpoint in Arizona. Deploy additional temporary roving checkpoints and increase horse patrols throughout the Tucson Sector.
9) Require the Federal government to fully reimburse state and local governments for the costs of incarcerating criminal aliens. Start by at least funding the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) at its authorized level of $950 million.
10) Place one full-time Federal Magistrate in Cochise County and provide full funding for and authorization of the Southwest Border Prosecution Initiative to reimburse state, county, tribal, and municipal governments for costs associated with the prosecution and pre-trial detention of federally-initiated criminal cases declined by local offices of the United States Attorneys.
1)
Please Do Not Reply to this Message
May 26, 2010
Mr. Mitt Winstead
Dear Mr. Winstead:
Thank you for contacting me regarding border security and immigration reform. This is one of the most critical issues facing the people of Arizona and I appreciate knowing your views and for the opportunity to explain my position.
The violence along our southern border is increasing and impeding everyday life and the peace of mind of our citizens both along the border region and in the entire state. Since Mexican President Felipe Calderon began his war on the drug cartels in 2006, according to law enforcement officials in Arizona, the percentage of hardened criminals that are illegally crossing the border through the Tucson Border Patrol Sector has increased to over 17 percent. The violence and destruction in our border region has reached levels that I have never witnessed in all the years I've had the privilege to represent Arizona in Congress. It has led some Arizonans to feel that they are living in a lawless territory where there is little or no consequence for the violation of their land, property and well-being. I have heard first hand of the fear and difficulties these individuals live with every day and I admire their courage. For years, I have demanded the federal government must do all it can within its power to curb this violence and protect its citizens from criminals coming across the Mexican border. Arizonans living throughout the state, but especially along the border, must feel safe and secure in their homes and on their property.
To combat illegal immigration, drug and human smuggling, and violent activity in the southwest Senator Jon Kyl and I have developed a comprehensive 10-point plan to secure our southern border. We must begin with the immediate deployment of 3,000 National Guard troops along the Arizona-Mexico border and simultaneously begin hiring and training an additional 3,000 Customs and Border Protection Agents to be permanently stationed in the region. Furthermore, we must fully fund Operation Streamline in all Arizona Border Patrol Sectors to put illegal border crossers in jail for up to 30 days with expenses paid for by the Federal government. Additionally, the Federal government must complete the 700 miles of fencing along the southern border.
Our plan is supported by law enforcement officers across the state of Arizona, including Cochise County Sheriff Larry Dever and Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu. Attached to this letter, I have included the full 10-point plan that Senator Kyl and I have developed. We intend to fight to see this plan implemented in its entirety as soon as possible.
It is true that some industries in Arizona continue to struggle without a sensible and fair temporary worker program. However, I believe that it would be irresponsible for Congress to take up any measure designed to address broader immigration issues while the security situation in Mexico continues to deteriorate. Before action on comprehensive immigration occurs the border must first be secured.
According to an April 14, 2010, Los Angeles Times article, the death toll from the Mexican government's three-year war on drug cartels is far higher than previously reported -- more than 22,000. This violence is an existential threat to the Mexican government and demands that we
secure our border immediately. I will continue to do everything within my ability to ensure the federal government fulfills its obligation to protect the citizens of Arizona from the dangerous criminal elements lurking on our southern border to ensure that every one's families, friends and neighbors can feel safe and secure in their homes.
Again, thank you for sharing your views with me. Please feel free to contact me on this or any other issue of concern.
Sincerely,
John McCain
United States Senator
JM/ds
Senators McCain and Kyl's Ten Point Border Security Action Plan
1) Immediately deploy 3,000 National Guard Troops along the Arizona/Mexico border, along with appropriate surveillance platforms, which shall remain in place until the Governor of Arizona certifies, after consulting with state, local and tribal law enforcement, that the Federal Government has achieved operational control of the border. Permanently add 3,000 Custom and Border Protection Agents to the Arizona/Mexico border by 2015.
2) Fully fund and support Operation Streamline in Arizona's two Border Patrol Sectors to, at a minimum, ensure that repeat illegal border crossers go to jail for 15 to 60 days. Where Operation Streamline has been implemented, the number of illegal crossings has decreased significantly. Require the Obama Administration to complete a required report detailing the justice and enforcement resources needed to fully fund this program. Fully reimburse localities for any related detention costs.
3) Provide $100M, an increase of $40M, for Operation Stonegarden, a program that provides grants and reimbursement to Arizona's border law enforcement for additional personnel, overtime, travel and other related costs related to illegal immigration and drug smuggling along the border.
4) Offer Hardship Duty Pay to Border Patrol Agents assigned to rural, high-trafficked areas, such as the CBP Wilcox and Douglas Stations in the Tucson Sector.
5) Complete the 700 miles of fencing along the border with Mexico and construct double- and triple- layer fencing at appropriate locations along the Arizona-Mexico border.
6) Substantially increase the 25 mobile surveillance systems and three Predator B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in place today along the Arizona/Mexico border and ensure the border patrol has the resources necessary to operate the UAVs 24 hours a day seven days a week. Send additional fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to the Arizona-Mexico Border.
7) Increase funding for vital radio communications and interoperability between CBP and state, local, and tribal law enforcement to assist in apprehensions along the border.
8) Provide funding for additional Border Patrol stations in the Tucson Sector and explore the possibility of an additional Border Patrol sector for Arizona. Create six additional permanent Border Patrol Forward Operating Bases, and provide funding to upgrade the existing bases to include modular buildings, electricity and potable water. Complete construction of the planned permanent checkpoint in Arizona. Deploy additional temporary roving checkpoints and increase horse patrols throughout the Tucson Sector.
9) Require the Federal government to fully reimburse state and local governments for the costs of incarcerating criminal aliens. Start by at least funding the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAAP) at its authorized level of $950 million.
10) Place one full-time Federal Magistrate in Cochise County and provide full funding for and authorization of the Southwest Border Prosecution Initiative to reimburse state, county, tribal, and municipal governments for costs associated with the prosecution and pre-trial detention of federally-initiated criminal cases declined by local offices of the United States Attorneys.
1)
Please Do Not Reply to this Message
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
I love Charlie Daniels Music
A friend told me that one time while fishing in east Texas, he ran out of worms right when the fishing was hot. As he stood there wondering what to do, a snake came by with a frog in his mouth. Thinking the frog would make good bait, my friend grabbed the critter behind the neck, removed the frog from the snakes mouth and threw it in the bait box. The trick now was how to release the viper without being bitten. My friend grabbed his bottle of Jack Daniels and poured a little down the snakes gullet. After releasing a rather befuddled and tipsy snake a fair distance from the fishing spot, he resumed fishing.
A little while later, the snake returned with two frogs in his mouth.
I had the same thing happen to me once, but, low and behold, the damn snake came back, bit me on the ankle and left with a my half bottle of Jack.
I don't know what it is, but every time I hear Charlie Daniel's music, I think of Jack Daniels!
I'm just saying,
Mittster
A little while later, the snake returned with two frogs in his mouth.
I had the same thing happen to me once, but, low and behold, the damn snake came back, bit me on the ankle and left with a my half bottle of Jack.
I don't know what it is, but every time I hear Charlie Daniel's music, I think of Jack Daniels!
I'm just saying,
Mittster
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Yes, You Can Write a Book; NO EXCUSES!
“A DREAMER AND HIS DREAM”
“Let me tell you, Jesse hated this job. And you would too, I imagine,
if you had to do it. Jesse was a chicken plucker. That's right.
He stood on a line in a chicken factory and spent his days pulling the
feathers off dead chickens so the rest of us wouldn't have to. It wasn't much of a job.
But at the time, Jesse didn't think he was much of a person.
His father was a brute of a man.
His dad was actually thought to be mentally ill
and treated Jesse rough all of his life.
Jesse's older brother wasn't much better.
He was always picking on Jesse and beating him up.
Yes, Jesse grew up in a very rough home in West Virginia .
Life was anything but easy. And he thought life didn't hold much hope for him.
That's why he was standing in this chicken line, doing a job that darn few people wanted. In addition to all the rough treatment at home, it seems that Jesse was always sick. Sometimes it was real physical illness, but way too often it was all in his head. He was a small child, skinny and meek. That sure didn't help the situation any. When he started to school, he was the object of every bully on the playground. He was a hypochondriac of the first order. For Jesse, tomorrow was not always something to be looked forward to.
But, he had dreams.
He wanted to be a ventriloquist.
He found books on ventriloquism.
He practiced with sock puppets and saved his hard earned dollars until he could get a real ventriloquist dummy.
When he got old enough, he joined the military.
And even though many of his hypochondriac symptoms persisted, the military did recognize his talents and put him in the entertainment corp. That was when his world changed.
He gained confidence. He found that he had a talent for making people laugh, and laugh so hard they often had tears in their eyes. Yes, little Jesse had found himself.
You know, folks, the history books are full of people who overcame a handicap to go on and make a success of themselves, but Jesse is one of the few I know of who didn't overcome it. Instead he used his paranoia to make a million dollars, and become one of the best-loved characters of all time in doing it! Yes, that little paranoid hypochondriac, who transferred his nervousness into a successful career, still holds the record for the most Emmys given in a single category.
The wonderful, gifted, talented, and nervous comedian who brought us
Barney Fife
was
Jesse Don Knotts.”
“Let me tell you, Jesse hated this job. And you would too, I imagine,
if you had to do it. Jesse was a chicken plucker. That's right.
He stood on a line in a chicken factory and spent his days pulling the
feathers off dead chickens so the rest of us wouldn't have to. It wasn't much of a job.
But at the time, Jesse didn't think he was much of a person.
His father was a brute of a man.
His dad was actually thought to be mentally ill
and treated Jesse rough all of his life.
Jesse's older brother wasn't much better.
He was always picking on Jesse and beating him up.
Yes, Jesse grew up in a very rough home in West Virginia .
Life was anything but easy. And he thought life didn't hold much hope for him.
That's why he was standing in this chicken line, doing a job that darn few people wanted. In addition to all the rough treatment at home, it seems that Jesse was always sick. Sometimes it was real physical illness, but way too often it was all in his head. He was a small child, skinny and meek. That sure didn't help the situation any. When he started to school, he was the object of every bully on the playground. He was a hypochondriac of the first order. For Jesse, tomorrow was not always something to be looked forward to.
But, he had dreams.
He wanted to be a ventriloquist.
He found books on ventriloquism.
He practiced with sock puppets and saved his hard earned dollars until he could get a real ventriloquist dummy.
When he got old enough, he joined the military.
And even though many of his hypochondriac symptoms persisted, the military did recognize his talents and put him in the entertainment corp. That was when his world changed.
He gained confidence. He found that he had a talent for making people laugh, and laugh so hard they often had tears in their eyes. Yes, little Jesse had found himself.
You know, folks, the history books are full of people who overcame a handicap to go on and make a success of themselves, but Jesse is one of the few I know of who didn't overcome it. Instead he used his paranoia to make a million dollars, and become one of the best-loved characters of all time in doing it! Yes, that little paranoid hypochondriac, who transferred his nervousness into a successful career, still holds the record for the most Emmys given in a single category.
The wonderful, gifted, talented, and nervous comedian who brought us
Barney Fife
was
Jesse Don Knotts.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
