May 28, 2007 by Leon.

Today is Memorial Day. In the past, it was called Decoration Day, because it was a day to remember and decorate the graves of those soldiers who gave their lives for our country. It was also a day where people visited other graves of their ancestors as well, and laid wreaths, flowers, and gave other tributes.

My ancestors have been in this country since 1886 at the earliest, as far as I know, with the arrival of my grandfather at the ripe old age of 6! Other ancestors came later, some as late as the the first decade of the 1900s. I am not sure if any of them served in World War I. None that I recall. But a number of them have served in the armed forces since, including service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and Iraq. I am proud, very proud, of all my ancestors and relatives who’ve served in the armed forces. My father is a veteran of the Korean Conflict. One uncle served in Vietnam, another in the Navy in World War II, another uncle in the Pacific–he’s a survivor of some of the most brutal fighting ever and never talks about it. An aunt served in World War II. And others have served in “peacetime,” too.

My great uncle, Andrew Szczech, gave his life for our country in Normandy, France, in 1944. He was 23.

Today I remember all those brave people decendants of some poor Polish immigrants who came to this country seeking a better place for their families. They found it. And some have paid the price for the great freedoms we enjoy. And perhaps in the future, others will pay that same price, all to ensure our freedom. I hope we never take it for granted.

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May 21, 2007 by Leon.

Over the weekend, ex-president Jimmy Carter had the audacity to criticize President Bush and call him the worst president this century, or something like that. How do Americans feel? Let’s look at the Facts

Hmm… What does the above tell you? Carter is the president who couldn’t bring our hostages back from Iran, the president who ushered in (started the march to) the high mortgage interest rates of the 80s.

I hate to admit it, but I voted for Carter. I regret that fact to this day. Carter should keep his big mouth shut and fade into oblivion where he belongs. The facts speak for themselves.

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May 18, 2007 by Leon.

Sorry to say it, but I cannot mourn the death of (the so-called Reverend) Jerry Falwell. To me he was a sign of bigotry, intolerance, and hatred, a symbol of the worst of what’s called the “right.”

Jerry Falwell has now met his maker–or maybe not. Hopefully now he knows the truth about hatred, and hopefully he’s paying the price for his sin. He was extremely intolerant of gays, leading a crusade based on ignorance, contempt, and intolerance. Unfortunately, as a public figure, he had a lot of sway, and he influenced thousands, millions of people–and that influence was for the bad

Yes, I think his passing was a good thing, removal of an intolerant leader. He wasn’t that old. Hopefully, Christians will see this as Jesus taking him away “early” to get him out of our lives and to break his influence. I can’t say he was a good man. I can’t say he was a just man. I can only say he was ignorant and intolerant, and I’m glad he’s not around to influence people any more. I don’t celebrate the passing of any person, as I think life is precious. But I won’t miss him, not one bit. My sympathy to his family and friends, they’ve lost a loved one. But he was a symbol of much that is bad about the religious right, and his loss is a good thing in that regard.

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May 17, 2007 by Leon.

Today’s news is that Orlando had it’s 24th and 25th murders of the year. That’s a record pace. And last year, Orlando trounced the old record for murders by a wide margin. The tourist industry is wringing its hands over this, because it seems Orlando is not that safe of a city. Congressman Keller is touting the billions of dollars the feds are giving to local police agencies to hire more officers.

So how does Orlando spend it’s valuable police time? Well, the other big story is that after a 5 year investigation, they’ve “smashed” a call girl ring. Seems some couple had 7 or 9 high paid call girls that services some local officials and sports figures. Now let me get this straight…. The cops are spending their time setting up appointments with call girls (and you know they do more than just “talk”) to bust some girls and folks that are making big bucks because a bunch of people with money want to pay for sex?  Meanwhile, the murder rate is astronomically climbing?

I’m glad I don’t live in Orlando or Orange County, as it seems we have some misplaced priorities there. Instead of making the streets safe for citizens, they’re keeping some high-roller politicos from getting expensive blow jobs?  Sheesh!

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