America the Beautiful
June 28, 2009
In this last week before our July 4th holiday and with all the sad sad stories swirling around the demise of Michael Jackson, I couldn’t think of a better artist than Ray Charles to remind me of what America is all about.
He too has gone to his peace, but listen closely to the words. Listen closely to the singing in his heart. An American artist, Ray Charles, an American that reminds all of us how blessed we are to have the diversity, the intelligence, and the talent to sing of our countries greatness.
God bless Ray Charles. God bless America.
a sailor writes
June 24, 2009
Dear Russ,
While the war in Iraq moves towards a conclusion and the war in Afghanistan becomes the main front on the War on Terrorism, thousands of enlisted military veterans from Michigan are looking for a college to enroll in and complete their degree.
Despite the opportunity for Michigan colleges and communities to take advantage of local service members coming back home with huge GI benefits, many of our best PUBLIC Universities are turning those service members away and making it clear their college credits are NOT welcome!
The University of Michigan Ann Arbor & Dearborn campuses, Michigan State University and Henry Ford Community College all refuse to participate in the Service member Opportunity College program. SOC helps service members, who frequently deploy without any notice to defend our freedom, keep the college credits they earn online or through CLEP tests while serving all over the world. SOC also gets the Universities to accept nationally recognized college credits that military service members earn through the course of specialized military training which is relevant to their degree.
Certainly, with tough economic times like these, communities like ours in Dearborn could use a "boost." The $86,000 for tuition, books and fees that the GI bill now provides, as well as the cost-of-living allowances that pump money into local businesses and real estate, all add up to a lot of money that COULD be coming into our community.
So the question is: Why aren't we doing it?
Please, call your state senators and congressmen and ask them why the universities YOU PAY FOR with YOUR tax dollars aren't supporting our troops. Enough is enough!
Sincerely,
Brian, USN
incredible shrinking cities
June 18, 2009
I read recently that some of the folks up in Flint had been talking to the Obama Administration about the idea of turning Flint into a city that has little cities within a big city. In other words, much of Flint is in decaying disarray. The city has lost a lot of citizens. There are hundreds of abandoned homes. Now they’re suggesting that they take great blighted plots of the city of Flint and downsize it, make green belts, and put new buildings into selective areas like planned little communities, which might rejuvenate them.
It has been suggested that Detroit may be a candidate for this type of shrinking of cities.The Obama Administration has picked up on it and I frankly think it’s not a bad idea. Although, I would like to remind people that Dearborn’s Mayor Hubbard tried that years and years ago when he attempted to condemn the Salina area around the Ford Motor Company, and make it into a green belt industrial park. The citizens of that area decided that it was an attack on their culture because many of them were minority folks who lived in the area. So they took it to court and they beat the Mayor.
Downsizing is not a totally American idea. They have been doing similar things in Europe for many years. If you look at the United Nations Habitat sites , they talk about shrinking cities and their idea of putting more bureaucratic planned cities throughout the world. Well, let’s see what happens.
john dingell
June 13, 2009
John Dingell
I had a call today from an old friend and neighbor, Democratic U.S. Representative, John Dingell, the Dean of the House of Representatives.
John called to thank me for my recent post on his run in with Democratic Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, and Democrat Henry Waxman from California.
John said that he was amazed that I remembered that Pelosi had traveled to Michigan to campaign for Lynn Rivers, a Democrat from Ann Arbor, who was running against John for his seat in the last election. Also he said that he wanted to know how I knew about Henry Waxman and the ongoing feud Waxman had had with John over John’s putting Waxman on committees in congress that he wasn’t to happy with. Any how, the battle goes on. I reminded John that I had worked as the company Democrat in Washington DC for many years and know well how politics are played.
John Dingell is a moderate Democrat and one of the most thoughtful and fairest minded congressmen that I have ever known. I have supported him and voted for him ever since he ran for his father’s seat years and years ago.
It was good hearing from an old friend John Dingell.
russ gibb
Hello, here are some questions for you
June 8, 2009
How is it that Barack Hussien Obama was unheard of several months ago to most Americans, but is now the President of the United States?
Let me ask the question. Where did he come from? Let me ask it again. Where did he come from? Let me ask it again. Where did he come from?
Let me change the question. How did this happen? How did this happen? How did this happen? How is it possible that a practically unknown individual several months after his debut is the President of the United States? How did this happen? How did this happen? How did this happen? Oh, you think it’s a conspiracy? Oh, a conspiracy. Oh, a conspiracy…you bet!
Well let me ask you another question. Who is the money behind Obama? Who were the real money donators to Obama? It has now been announced, by the Obama campaign, that they did not make all their money from small individual computer donations. In fact, several billionaires - billionaires - billionaires were the main backers of Obama.
How could this happen that a practically unknown individual, Barack Hussien Obama, becomes the President of the United States in a very short time? There’s the question. Do you dare ask it? The question. The question. The question do - you - dare - ask?????
Here Is the Question for You
June 1, 2009
Now you’re all aware that I like to mouth off a lot on my website. I keep throwing out my opinions. Now it’s your turn.
Here’s a question I have for you. Why is it that our national politicians spend millions of dollars to run for an office that pays for a national representative $174,000 and a Senator $193,400 a year? Oh and by the way, House and Senate lawmakers are given an annual allowance of $1.3 million to $4.5 million a year to run their offices....?
Come on, tell me what you think. – russ gibb
Democratic Senator Carl Levin, and Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow
white honkies
May 30, 2009
Well, what can I say? Our Leader Obama nominates a woman, a Latino Judge, Sonia Sotomayer to the Supreme Court. We are told that her story is the American “dream” come true, except that she made a statement several years ago that she believes that a Latino woman would bring more understanding than a white guy to a judgment of the court. I’m paraphrasing that, but the bottom line is that it sounds like racism to me. Yes, racism. We are told by the media that that’s a no no. It can’t be racism if it’s a minority speaking.
It seems that today only white guys are fair targets for racism. Frankly, I’m tired of political correctness wherever I find it. I’m tired of being called a White this or a White that or a Black this or a Black that or an Arab this or an Arab that. It’s all nuts!
If you’re here in this country and you’re here legally you’re an American and that should be enough said. An American, with a capital “A”! You don’t have to keep perpetuating racism which a lot of our politically correct organizations seem to do everyday. Can you spell Acorn?
Frankly, I’m not impressed with her story, but our popular media are all swooning over her because they want to be seen as politically correct. So with that I say goodbye to the New York Times, LA Times, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, Time Magazine, and Newsweek Magazine. Because newspapers, magazines, and TV networks as you and I know them are all going to fold. It’s just a matter of time, a matter of time. Watch out , the internet is coming.
Have fun! - russ gibb
America's Nightmare: The Obama Dystopia
May 25, 2009
by: Andrew Hughes
After 8 years of the Bush-Cheney nightmare during which we saw the wanton destruction of Afghanistan and Iraq, the cynical negation of centuries of Law designed to protect the most basic human rights and a foreign policy worthy of Genghis Khan, there came along the "Great Black Hope" in the persona of Barack Obama. The collective world consciousness turned uncritically to what was presented as a new era for peace, change and trust in Government.
Never before had one witnessed such an accomplished use of manipulation, propaganda, imagery and public relations wizardry to sell the public a man who was to take the baton from Bush and run with it in the race to destroy the economy, the rights of the people and help birth a nation totally controlled by those who have always lurked in the shadows of power. "Change" was promised and was delivered in the form of a deepening of the already Dystopic nightmare.
Promises were broken with no apology, the same creative legalese that infested the Bush administration, in the form of John Yoo and Alberto Gonzalez, was again used to deny justice to the inmates of Guantanamo, It was used to justify more torture, more destruction of the Constitution and more illegal surveillance of U.S. citizens.
The President that extended the hand of peace to the Muslim world has murdered hundreds of Pakistani men, women and children. The President who promised accountability in Government has filled his staff with lobbyists, banksters and warmongers. His Attorney General refuses to prosecute some of the worst war crimes committed in modern history and continues to give legal cover to criminals who tortured with impunity.
The country has been further bankrupted by the continuing theft of taxpayer money as the Wall St. campaign donors receive their quid pro quo. Obama has stood by idly as Bernancke states that the private Federal Reserve is not answerable to either Congress of the American public. The U.S. taxpayer is now on the hook for $14.3 Trillion and rising. Foreclosures and unemployment are rising with no meaningful efforts by the administration to alleviate the symptoms, never mind the cause. The new image of America is one of tent cities, lengthening soup kitchen lines, sherrifs evicting countless thousands of young and old from their homes, once prosperous towns descending in to an eerie stillness and an increasingly disillusioned populace.
The "War on terrorism" has mutated in to a control grid for an increasingly aware population. The foundation for this had already been put in place by Bush with the Patriot Act, Patriot Act 2, Military commissions act and numerous executive orders that strangled what was left of Posse Comitatus and the Constitution.
Homeland Security now defines "Terrorists" as those who believe in the Constitution, the first, second and fourth amendments. Returning veterans are being targeted for a denial of their second amendment rights. A "Terrorist Watchlist" of more than a million and rapidly growing, is being used as the basis for denying citizens the rights to travel and to work.
Obama is now mulling over the idea of indefinite detention without trial for U.S. citizens. This, from a teacher of the Constitution ! Bills are in congress to criminalize free speech on the Internet via the Cyberbullying Act which will make hurting somebody's feelings a felony. Just like the Patriot Act this will morph in to a criminalization of political free speech and any criticism of the Government.
"Cyberterrorism" is being used as a pretext to bring government regulation to the the last stronghold of unbiased information. Washington has realized that it's getting harder to get away with their Fascist agenda and are moving to control the field. The populace have become more aware of just what kind of "Change" Obama intended to deliver.
There has been a growing resistance on a state level with several invoking their 9th and 10th Amendment rights in a valiant attempt to stop the Federal Vampire from draining the last drops of blood, the last vestiges of Freedom and Hope.
This is the Dystopic Nightmare that America finds itself in today and each day brings new assaults on Freedom and Sanity. The framework for total control of the citizenry, the economy and the media is being built upon in a relentless aggrandization of Govermental power. Obama sits atop his new Empire still smiling that sickeningly disingenuous smile surrounded by his seasoned courtiers who have worked for decades to bring America in to this new era of the New World Order.
Andrew Hughes is a frequent contributor to Global Research.
I found this on yournews.com Read it and think about it. Remember, I have voted for Democrats and Republicans. Today I am appalled at both political parties. God help our country.
- russ gibb
juggling the beatles
May 21, 2009
Yes, I met Paul Mc Cartney and the Beatles. Twice to be exact. The last time I buried him on the radio. Remember Paul is Dead, play the record backwards? Number nine, number nine, turn me on dead man, turn me on dead man.
The first time I met Paul in real life was at the old Olympia Stadium, home of the Detroit Red Wings, now torn down. They were a young teeny bopper band and I was a young Dj on the pop station called WKMH. The Beatles were playing their first concert here in Detroit and the Olympia was filled with screaming young teenage girls. As the host disc jockeys, we were all ushered into a room and were introduced to the Beatles. We had a chance to shake their hands and were then ushered out of the room. So the truth be known,I really did'nt know Paul well, but did have many pals that were close to him.
Over the years I watched the Beatles become one of the top music groups of the century. Recently I came across this video of a juggler, Chris Bliss, juggling to one of their tunes. It's an amazing video. The music is great. So sit back, listen, watch and enjoy.
- russ gibb
West Slide Story
May 19, 2009
If you are concerned about the amount of the debt president Obama has overseen for your children and grandchildren take a look at this musical take off of West Side Story. I know that president Bush got us in debt to the tune of one trillion dollars, which took him eight years, and Obama less than a hundred days over four trillion dollars, and counting! So deny what you want, but the truth hurts.
Stars ,Cars and Guitars
May 15, 2009
Tour of Cool
As anybody from Detroit knows the real rock ‘n’ roll center of the rock world is not New York, LA, or Cleveland Ohio but the Motor City! Deee-troit!
From now until September 7th the heart and soul of rock ‘n’ roll is in Dearborn Michigan at The Henry Ford Museum.
The curators have assembled a group of the stars cars and guitars ranging from Elvis Presley’s Cadillac to Metallica’s James Hetfield’s custom Buick.
There is also Pete Townshend’s Lincoln Continental.
And on and on it goes. Incredible! The guitars range from the famous Lucille of BB King to Pete Townshend’s smashing ala the Who guitar on the Grande stage, and more and more and more. It’s an incredible collection.
Photo’s by: Jennifer Estrada
Over one hundred of classic rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. It’s amazing. If there’s one thing you do this summer take your booty and roll on down to The Henry Ford Museum for the rock ‘n’ roll spectacular of the year.
Russ Gibb. Still rockin and sometimes reelin.
may peace reign
May 8, 2009
Good news! It seems that Pope Benedict XVI is recognizing the legitimacy of the Muslim religion. Two of the many great religions of this planet, the Christian and the Muslim worlds are being visited by the Pope. Realize that immigration is spreading the influence of the Islamic world.
Saying that, take a look at this video and understand that not all Muslims are terrorists and there is a peaceful side to the spread of Islam just as there is a peaceful side to Christianity.
President Obama and the Unions
May 6, 2009
I’m a union teacher. Granted I’m retired now, but I still belong to the union and proud of it. In fact in my early days of teaching I got fired for starting a union in Romulus Michigan. It took men like Mike Berry and Roger Craig and the late Bernie Fieger to take the case to court and get me reinstated and then the next year I came to Dearborn. So don’t accuse me of being anti union. It just won’t stick.
Now I must say that I am a little concerned about President Obama and his cozying up to the union big shots. Now you got to know that there are business crooks, we’re told about that by the media all the time, but very little do we hear about union crooks. Some union leaders take the dues of there members and do what they want with the money. Frankley, this practice has been controlled under the Bush administration, but now under Obama, he’s loosening up these rules and the union bosses again will not have to disclose what they do with all the money. They’ll just say that we spent 60 million on “this” and not tell you exactly what “this” is, à la Bill Clinton
So much for Obama and his transparency. He’s paying back the unions for their support and they’re also working on the Employees Free Choice Act. Well the Free Choice Act really means that two or three union guys can come up to you in your home or anywhere and say “Are you for the union or not? “ Now in a public situation it is very hard to tell your fellow employees that you’re not for a union, or that you may feel better off without a union.
This is a strong arm deal that they are pushing. So much for fairness, and so much for Obama’s treatment of unions. If you haven’t figured it out, Obama’s in the union bag. Obama is paying back the unions for their support during his elections. No question. Now if you disagree with me fine, just write me and tell me your side of the story and I’ll be glad to put it up.
Allison, Take this !!!!
May 4, 2009
Allison,
Obviously, you are caught up in the rhetoric of a rock star president.
Your ignorance of the direction this country has gone under democratic president’s shows.
Moderate thinking president? What are you talking about? Mr. Obama needs to have a teleprompter where ever he goes so he knows what to say. If he answers questions, he fumbles them. All presidents start out with high approval ratings. Mr. Obama has been president for over 100 days. What has he done? (1) He has increased government spending. (2) He has sold out the manufacturing sector to other countries. (3 ) He is cutting back on the military so that he can fund social programs and cut the debt he and the democrats are racking up. (4) Moderate thinking? It took him 4 days to decide to take out the pirates that were holding the captain hostage. Out of frustration, the Navy Special Warfare Officer in charge made the call and we got the captain back. (5) When he was a senator he voted for the TARP legislation. No oversight and no responsibility for paying back the money. (6) Just for the record, the national debt is such that every man, women and child are looking at a debt of $184,000 each. Can you write a check for that amount?
Something for you to consider, if Mr. Obama is such a sharp business man, then, why he is a politician and not in business? It seems that he can tell companies that they need to improve, etc but doesn’t give them any substance.
Ignored the warnings? The U.S. had the opportunity to get Bin Laden when Clinton was president. He declined, because he did not want to irritate all those people that have made him a millionaire since leaving office. Also, No one ever thought that a 747 would be used as a weapon. No one can plan against that type of weapon.
The current economic downturn that we are in is because of the lending practices that the Clinton administration forced on the banking industry in 1999.
Obviously, you in that79%. Look around you, the country is burning down and is moving toward a more socialist rather than democratic government. From the tone of your posting, it seems that you have never served in the military or left the U.S. You have no comprehension on what is to protect the rights that you have to post on a website.
--by Retired Military on 5/4/09 Lives: Detroit area