The Paperboy

Hope, Change And A Lot Of $$$$$?

2009-09-10T17:44:00.000-07:00

Has anybody looked beyond health care reform?
Should a health care reform bill pass - a bill close to what President Obama spoke about on Wednesday night - what will be next?
With cap and trade looming, the government's involvement in the banking industry and some segments of the insurance sector - then throw in the auto industry, where does the involvement end?
Is life as we know it destined to become an insolvent mess like the United States Post Office?
If health care reform is shoved through in partisan fashion, what will be next?
How about auto insurance for all Americans? Does every resident in this country have a RIGHT to automobile insurance?
How about the right to a free college education for all Americans. Is the government going to mandate that ALL high school graduates get money for college?
How about the right to food?
Housing?
Furniture?
Appliances?
Air conditioning?
Automobiles?
Tires?
Gasoline?
Electricity?
You may think this is an attempt at humor. Sadly, the concerns are legitimate.
Do we want this type of government interference?
More importantly, how in the world do we pay for this type of change?
Right now, every person in this country - ALL OF US - are on the hook for over $40,000 on our debt. That's the amount of money YOUR elected officials have spent OVER what they were authorized to spend. That's what you owe in addition to what you pay Uncle Sam annually.
The government does not run things efficiently. They never have. They operate in the realm of pork-filled policy which balloons the cost of everything they "improve."
The regulation and supervision of health care reform, bailout of large banks, GM and Chrysler - all of the things our government is now involved in takes a huge number of employees. Guess who pays for these employees? YOU AND I!
Like Obama, I also think we should make sure all Americans have health care. The difference is, I think the waste should be eliminated from both the public and private sector before taking on added expense.
Let's get those 30 million Americans covered using common sense and belt-tightening. Let's do it by streamlining what works in the current system and removing or improving what doesn't.
Let's get some measures of tort reform in the bill. If hospitals and doctors were not burdened by the billions it takes to protect them from frivolous lawsuits, there is probably enough money right there to insure millions.
I always thought America was a place to dream big and work your butt off to make those dreams come true. Where is the incentive to accomplish a dream when the government takes the ball out of your hands.
Like most of you, I was taught to work hard and try and accomplish goals.
Today, the only guarantee you have on this planet are air and sun. Everything else you'd better be prepared to work for.
Sadly, I would have like to have written a trusted parent or family member was also a guarantee, but that is no longer the case for many.
Look, unless you believe the government should care for you from the cradle to the grave, you'd better pay attention to what out Congress is working on and how it will be paid for.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Alinsky's Influence

2009-09-03T05:15:00.000-07:00

Washington Democrats have a playbook and they are sticking to it.
The playbook: "Rules for Radicals," written by Saul D. Alinsky, is at the cornerstone of the pro-left movement in the U.S.
From Sec. of State Hillary Clinton to President Obama, Alinsky's influence can now be felt across the country. Is it the change we need?
Clinton wrote her thesis on Alinsky and was later offered a job from the man as he was looking for a community organizer to move to Chicago and establish grass-roots organizations to reform the city. Clinton declined and chose to attend law school.
Seventeen years later, another young honor student was offered a job as an organizer in Chicago. Barack Obama, a 23-year-old Columbia University graduate, was hired to organize black residents on the South Side.
Both Obama and Clinton, along with First Lady Michelle Obama, have used the Rules as guidelines to attempt to transform the country from what it is, or was, into what they think it should be.
Alinsky's book begins:

What follows is for those who want to change the world from what it is to what they believe it should be. The Prince was written by Machiavelli for the Haves on how to hold power. Rules for Radicals is written for the Have-Nots on how to take it away.

“The first step in community organization is community disorganization,” Alinsky, who died in 1972, said.
Alinsky writes that through hope and resentment, organizers can create an army which continues to recruit from churches, labor unions, gangs and other community organizations.
Here are Alinsky's rules:
RULE 1: Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have. Power is derived from 2 main sources - money and people. "Have-Nots" must build power from flesh and blood.
RULE 2: Never go outside the expertise of your people. It results in confusion, fear and retreat. Feeling secure adds to the backbone of anyone.
RULE 3: Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy. Look for ways to increase insecurity, anxiety and uncertainty.
RULE 4: Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules. If the rule is that every letter gets a reply, send 30,000 letters. You can kill them with this because no one can possibly obey all of their own rules.
RULE 5: Ridicule is man's most potent weapon.
RULE 6: A good tactic is one your people enjoy. They'll keep doing it without urging and come back to do more. They're doing their thing, and will even suggest better ones.
RULE 7: A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag. Don't become old news.
RULE 8: Keep the pressure on. Never let up. Keep trying new things to keep the opposition off balance. As the opposition masters one approach, hit them from the flank with something new.
RULE 9: The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
RULE 10: If you push a negative hard enough, it will push through and become a positive. Violence from the other side can win the public to your side because the public sympathizes with the underdog.
RULE 11: The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative. Never let the enemy score points because you're caught without a solution to the problem.
RULE 12: Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it. Cut off the support network and isolate the target from sympathy. Go after people and not institutions; people hurt faster than institutions.

The rules are simple and are being followed by some Democratic leaders. Example: Rule 12 in relation to the health care debate.
"Mobs," "Right-wing extremists," "Nazis," "Un-American" - these are what you are called when you question health care reform. This is said by our leaders about hard-working Americans with questions. It was said of our elderly who are worried about Social Security and Medicare.
As Americans, it is incumbent on us to watch our political leaders and demand they hear our voices. It becomes even more important when the mainstream media fails to play watchdog for us.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

The First Day Of School

2009-08-25T20:23:00.000-07:00

My son Jackson hit the big time Monday. He is now a kindergartner.
I dreaded this day all summer. I really don't know why either. It's a big step in my son's life, but letting go was difficult for me.
Maybe it's a control issue. For the first time in his life, he's really in the hands of others. Perhaps that's the reason.
Then again, it may be the fact that he's taking a large step in his young life. It's not every day you start school for the first time.
Jack has been through a lot in his young life. Could it be that I feel helpless or powerless now? I guess that's another control issue.
As my wife and I were leaving his classroom this morning, I paused and looked back at Jackson. He sat their calmly, facing forward and not saying a word.
"Come on Jack, just give me one quick glance," I said to myself. "Please Jack, look over that left shoulder and give me a thumbs up!"
Nothing. He remained still. His little toe-head fixed on what was in front of him. "I know you're scared son ... just give me a look and I'll make you feel at ease."
Nothing still. "I finally joined my wife and younger son and we started the long walk out of the school. Jackson was on his own and I had to deal with it.
In retrospect, it was probably a good thing that he didn't look back. I'm not so sure I could have kept it together.
Sometimes I'm not so sure about our society. Part of me feels like taking the wife and kids and hiding out in the mountains for a couple of decades. That way I can keep them safe and sound and out of harms way. I can shelter them from the influences of others.
But that's neither wise nor practical. Job number one is preparing them for the challenges they will face in their lives. It's a job I take seriously and one I think I'm pretty good at.
It is comforting knowing I left my son in good hands today. The teachers in that school are incredible and we're fortunate to have such a place.
I told Jackson of my difficulty when I picked him up this afternoon. I told him it was hard on Daddy to let go.
"I know Dad, I was a little bit scared too," he told me as we walked to the car. "You don't need to worry though. No matter how many time I go to kindergarten, I'll always love you and I know you'll always love me too."
I guess the students do become the teachers on occasion. All-in-all, he handled his first day of school better than I did. And, he even earned some extra recess.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Un-American?

2009-08-25T20:22:00.000-07:00

Something has disgusted me over the past several weeks.
It is hard to believe that the voices of so many were dismissed as "un-American" by elected officials, particularly the Speaker of the House.
What is more un-American, protesting a war you feel is the wrong decision or protesting a health care reform bill?
What is more patriotic, protesting a war you feel is the wrong decision or protesting a health care reform bill?
The reality is, you are not un-American nor patriotic in either instance. That is the beauty of our freedom of speech. It guarantees you the right to say and express how you feel about a given topic or situation.
Freedom os speech can be hard to swallow at times. If you feel strongly about a topic, then naturally, the opposite view will upset you. But elected officials should be above name-calling. It makes them look petty and sad.
Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House and one of the biggest hypocrites walking the globe, called those protesting at recent town hall meetings "un-American," "Nazis" and "right-wing extremists."
Oh yes Madam Speaker, those grandmothers sure did look like "right-wing extremists." How terrifying!
Wouldn't it have sounded more professional if she would have said, "We welcome differences of opinion in this country. It leads to constructive dialogue which enables us to have the pulse of our respective constituents, thus, making us a better country."
Of course, if she were to say those words, would you believe them?
Here are some words Pelosi spoke following the presidential election:
“Last week, in a stunning display of democracy, the American people voted for change,” said Pelosi. “Today, House Democrats have elected the leaders who will help take our nation in a New Direction. We will work together to lead the House of Representatives with a commitment to integrity, to civility, and to fiscal responsibility. This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history.”
How wonderful it would have been had she really meant what she was saying back in November.
At times during the war formerly known as the war on terror, it pained me to see so much hate in the streets of our country. In fact, many of the things said during that time made me sick.
However, I can appreciate the fact that people can assemble and voice their opinions and that right should be, and is, protected.
I remember growing up and seeing and hearing both pro life and pro choice groups going at it in front of clinics around the country. Both groups had one thing in common: freedom of speech.
Freedom of speech is a human right. Without it, we are oppressed.
Read the words of others:
"If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter." - George Washington
"I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
"The sound of tireless voices is the price we pay for the right to hear the music of our own opinions." - Adlai E. Stevenson
Speaker Pelosi can't have it both ways. Elected officials condemning Americans for exercising a basic right is both unprofessional and childish. I was going to say it was un-American, but we proved here that would be a mistake on my part.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

UG2BK

2009-08-25T20:21:00.000-07:00

Do you send text messages on your cellular phone? If not, surely you've been around people who are texting.
In the world of texting, abbreviations (a type of shorthand) are commonly used. So much so, it is almost like another language.
To be honest, I'm not very good at texting. I'm slow and I really don't enjoy it that much. However, it does come in handy at times. One of the most useful aspects of texting for me is the fact you can send the same message to several people at the same time. Example: "Baseball practice tonight is canceled."
As text-messaging shorthand becomes more and more widespread in emails, text messages and Tweets, people have a need to decode the ever-evolving shorthand.
Parents want to keep up with or police their teens. Bosses want to know what employees are saying on company equipment.
One reason for the growing number of texting abbreviations - now over 2,000 according to NetLingo.com - is the boom in social-media sites like Twitter, where messages are limited to 140 characters. Text messages, too, are limited in length, so users have developed the shorthand abbreviations.
The trend will most likely continue. In 2008, over one trillion texts were sent in the U.S.
The confusion over the explosion of abbreviations is fueling a greater number of resources that provide English translations. They include independent Web sites like NetLingo.com and UrbanDictionary.com and corporate ones like LG Mobile Phones’ DTXTR.com. Textapedia, a pocket guide to texting terms released last year, is now sold in over 4,000 stores nationwide. NetLingo reports a 391% increase in the number of unique visitors over the past five years, while UrbanDictionary says it saw a 40% jump in its unique visitors in the past year.
Both the AP Stylebook and Merriam-Webster Dictionary recognized texting shorthand for the first time in their 2009 editions. The AP Stylebook now includes IMO (“In my opinion”), ROFL (“Rolling on the floor laughing”) and BFF (“Best friends forever”), among others. Merriam-Webster defines LOL (“Laugh out loud”) and OMG (“Oh my God”).
Some parents have created their own cheat sheets in an effort to keep up with their teens. Rightfully so given these abbreviations: GNOC (“Get naked on camera”); POS (“Parent over shoulder”); LMIRL (“Let’s meet in real life”); and IWSN (“I want sex now”).
Here are some more examples of some common shorthand abbreviations:
* UG2BK - You got to be kidding
* GBTW - Get back to work
* NMP - Not my problem
* PIR - Parent in room
* GFTD - Gone for the day
* FYEO - For your eyes only
* BI5 - Back in five minutes
* DEGT - Don’t even go there
* BIL - Boss is listening
* PAW - Parents are watching
* 99 - Parents are no longer watching
* PCM - Please call me
* IMS - I am sorry
* TOY - Thinking of you
* KUTGW - Keep up the good work
* CID - Consider it done
* FWIW - For what it’s worth
* HAND - Have a nice day
* IAT - I am tired
* NRN - No response necessary
* 4COL - For crying out loud
* WRUD - What are you doing
* ^5 - High five
For what it's worth, I'll throw an original of mine in there: IHNIWAIS!
Know what it means. Hint: It's what I'm thinking when I get texts.
I Have No Idea What Anyone Is Saying. Of course, people are really not "saying" anything when they text, so I should probably change that to IHNIWAIT.
And you thought spelling and grammar suffered as a result of spellcheck...

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Governing From The Center

2009-08-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

I've noticed some things about presidents and the Americans they govern. Former President George W. Bush ran from the center, but governed from the right. For millions of Americans, it was too far to the right and cost the Republican Party the majority in both the House and the Senate.
Former President Bill Clinton began his first term governing from the left which led to the Republican Revolution as they took over Congress. Clinton then governed more from the center and was able to make more of a difference.
President Obama, who ran on the left, may be learning that he too needs to govern more from the center or his numbers will continue to drop as more and more Americans are turned off by an agenda they deem too liberal.
The United States is a center-right country. When you take the 330 million residents, what you get are 79 percent who do not consider themselves liberal. That is a telling number.
According to a June Gallup Poll, 40 percent of Americans interviewed describe their political views as conservative, 35 percent as moderate, and 21 percent as liberal. The numbers represent a slight increase for conservatism in the U.S. since 2008, returning it to a level last seen in 2004. The 21 percent calling themselves liberal is in line with findings throughout this decade, but is up from the 1990s.
Basically, that tells me the American people don't want a liberal agenda despite the fact we elected a liberal to the White House.
Now here's the question, will President Obama shift to the center in order to get things done, or will he continue to try and move the country left and run into a brick wall.
I been listening to pundits, from both the right and the left, predicting Obama's demise should health care reform fail. I don't believe that. Similar predictions were made about Clinton during his first term. He easily won re-election.
President Obama is, or should be learning that mainstream Americans, Democrat and Republican, are not liberal. Most Americans don't think like those in the liberal hotbeds of San Francisco, Seattle or Chicago. In other words, most Americans don't think government is the answer for everything. Far from it. Most are weary of big government and expensive government programs.
Obama must also realize that the quickest way to get your message lost is to burn yourself out. The president is on television more than Regis Philbin. After awhile, it all sounds the same. Overexposure is no way to get an agenda across. Bush learned that lesson in 2004 when his popularity vanished as a result of trying to get Social Security privatized.
Obama's popularity has plummeted in recent weeks as more and more Americans are coming out against a massive health care overhaul which would render us with few choices. Many are now paying attention to Cap and Trade and other issues which are rapidly losing ground.
As history has shown us, when a party gains too much power and gets out of line with the mainstream, like the GOP did in 2004 and 2005, it leads to a shift in the balance of power.
Democrats were feeling pretty good about their position in February. Now that they're home and hearing it loud and clear from their constituents (despite denial in some cases), they should realize they are in the fight for their political lives. What happened to the GOP in 2006 could sure happen to the Democrats in 2010.
Might happen anyhow. Most Americans would prefer to have both parties in power in some form or fashion.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

How Stimulating

2009-08-25T20:18:00.000-07:00

Our tax dollars are going toward pornography in Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's district.
Hard to believe?
According to news reports, the National Endowment for the Arts is spending some of the money it received from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund nude simulated-sex dances, Saturday night "pervert" revues and the airing of pornographic horror films at art houses in San Francisco.
The NEA was given $80 million of the government's $787 billion economic stimulus bill to spread around to needy artists nationwide. Most of the money is being spent to help preserve jobs in museums, orchestras, theaters and dance troupes which have been hit hard during the recession. I don't have a problem with that as cultural things are needed in our society.
But some NEA grants are being misused, in my opinion, for things which Americans should be up in arms against. One such matter is a $50,000 infusion for the Frameline film house, which recently screened "Thundercrack," "The world's only underground kinky art porno horror film, complete with four men, three women and a gorilla."
Makes you wonder what else has slipped through the cracks concerning the stimulus package. Guess that's what happens when Pelosi and her cohorts decide to pass bills without reading them first.
A few members of Congress raised questions as the stimulus bill was being drafted and approved, but President Obama, while admitting there were problems with the $787 billion legislation, stressed the need for immediate action.
Surely Obama didn't intend to have stimulus money help fund the weekly production of "Perverts Put Out" at San Francisco's CounterPULSE, whose "long-running pansexual performance series" invites guests to "join your fellow pervs for some explicit, twisted fun."
CounterPULSE received a $25,000 grant in the "Dance" category; a staffer there said they were pleased to receive the grant, "which over the next year will be used to preserve jobs at our small non-profit."
Wow. So basically, our tax dollars are going to porn stars in Pelosi's district.
Victoria Hutter, an NEA spokeswoman defended the agency's choices and said its grants would help "preserve jobs in danger of going away or that had gone away because of the economic downturn."
"Our review process is very comprehensive -- we take great care with applicants and with grantees," said Hutter. "It's a thorough, rigorous process that they all go through, and we're proud of the projects that we've been able to support."
Really?
"The Symmetry Project," which has received past NEA funding and stands to get an additional boost from a $25,000 stimulus grant, is a dance piece by choreographer Jess Curtis.
According to Curtis' Web site, "The Symmetry Project" features (hold on to your hat) "the sharing of a central axis, [as] spine, mouth, genitals, face, and anus reveal their interconnectedness and centrality in embodied experience."
Basically, it's a live sex show.
Curtis said the NEA funding will help keep his art afloat.
"I think art is an incredibly important part of our culture and our life and ... that it's very much appropriate that our government should be supporting it," Curtis said.
Well, I think it's a complete waste of our tax dollars and San Francisco may be as out of touch with mainstream America as a remote village in Nepal.
"With these stimulus funds San Francisco arts organizations will be able to weather the storm and continue to provide jobs and to generate revenue while enriching people's lives through innovative, high quality programming," said Luis R. Cancel director of cultural affairs for the San Francisco Arts Council.
High quality? Doubtful.
No question, the stimulus bill needs oversight BEFORE money is handed out. Porn, questionable art, etc... - these things need to be funded by patrons and not the taxpayer. As for Nancy Pelosi, she's needs to be run out of office in the worst way.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Time To Submit

2009-07-28T21:36:00.000-07:00

Dear Reader,
Thank you so much for reading my column. I appreciate it.
As you may or may not know, I have several newspapers covering these great communities: Benjamin, Childress, Estelline, Floydada, Gould, Okla., Hollis, Okla., Knox City, Lakeview, Lockney, Memphis, Munday, Post, Rochester and Wellington.
I know you want your newspaper to reflect your community and there are several ways you may be able to help in that endeavor.
With the amount of technology available to us today, it should be possible for nearly every event happening in your respective town to receive coverage. Not necessarily by us, but by you, the reader.
I'm asking those of you with digital cameras to take them with you to different events, take photos, get identification for said photos, and email it to us.
From Boy Scouts to family reunions - we want it all. We need it all in order to give you the product you deserve and show a true reflection of what is going on in your area.
Timeliness is key. We want you to get home after the event and get your photo, information, club news minutes, etc.. to us while it's fresh on your mind. That will help us get it in the next issue and keep everybody happy.
Listed throughout this edition are contact numbers and email addresses. Let's begin a dialogue between reader and newspaper which will serve everyone and help us give you a better product.
As I've said many times, don't assume we know everything. We don't. It is important that the names are correct and the identification is in order. Also, be sure and tell us your name so that we can give you credit for your efforts.
For those of you who are in the routine of submitting news items and photos for publication, I applaud you. Some of you have been doing this for years and it's people like you who are the backbone of so much. It takes a consistent effort to keep doing what you do and I appreciate it.
The bottom line is this: The more information submitted to the local newspaper, the better that publication is going to be.
You have several sources to receive national and state news, but just one to obtain the local news you deserve. Please help us get that news to the public.
Sincerely,
Chris Blackburn

Living Longer

2009-07-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

Longevity ... is it in you?
Do you ramble around your house wondering when it is all going to head south?
Are you going to be self sufficient at age 70, 80, 90 or 100?
Lately, I'm thinking 60 might be a reach. I guess when you're ill or banged up, it makes you wonder a little more about reaching these milestones.
By the middle of this century, six million people are predicted to be living in their 100s on this planet.
By the end of the century, and perhaps much sooner, the life expectancy in this country could end up much older. Of course, that's without something cataclysmic happening.
Today, there are 340,000 over 100 years old on the planet with the highest concentrations in the U.S. and Japan, according to the latest Census Bureau figures. Their numbers are projected to grow at more than 20 times the rates of the total population by 2050, making them the fastest growing age segment.
Genetics along with medical advances and improved diets, which have reduced heart disease and stroke, are the reasons people are living longer.
Throw in cutting edge technology and the fact scientists are making incredible findings regarding the aging process and who knows how old some of us may end up being.
Months ago, while checking out some show on aging, more than one scientist spoke about humans being capable of living 150 or 200 years within the next 50 years.
Can you imagine living 200 years?
I suppose it would be fine, if were talking about quality years. Of course, you might have to have all of your organs replaced (grown at an organ farm) and your bones and muscles would probably need a significant upgrade. And none of us would want to live that long without being sharp mentally.
Japan, with its low-fat staple of fish and rice, is expected to have the most centenarians in 2050 — 627,000, or nearly 1 percent of its total population, according to census estimates. That's incredible.
Japan has a thriving industry which caters to their advancing population. Personally, I think the Japanese treat their elders better than we do as well. They seem to give the proper respect to their elderly population and not cast them aside as so often happens in the U.S.
Here, centenarians are expected to increase from 75,000 to more than 600,000 by 2050. Those hitting and passing the milestone will mostly be baby boomers.
Guess we better get Medicare and Social Security fixed.
That many centenarians also means considerable growth in nursing homes, assisted living centers and retirement centers.
When I moved here after college, I lived with my grandfather. He was 82 and sharp, as he'd always been. I actually did not realize that he was rare in terms of being that age and getting around as well as he did. He lived another three years and outside an ongoing battle with congestive heart failure, was in good health and stayed sharp mentally.
On the other extreme, my father is only 66 and he's completely dependent on care givers for everything. My mother died at age 63.
I don't know what that says about my future, but I sure hope my dominant genes come from my grandfather if you catch my drift.
One thing I'm sure of: Regardless if you live to be 60 or 160, the days get shorter the older you get and the end will be here before you know it.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Cap and Trade

2009-07-23T12:22:00.000-07:00

Of all of the topics in the news over the past couple of years, the one people have urged me to weigh in on the most is Cap and Trade.
Before offering my opinion of this piece of legislation, some of you may need an explanation of how Cap and Trade works.
The Cap and Trade system involves trading of emission credits, where the total number of credits is strictly limited or 'capped' by the government. A regulatory authority establishes the cap which is usually considerably lower than the historic level of emissions.
Basically, it is a method for managing pollution while at the same time providing for expansion of "green" energy.
Like many liberal ideas, Cap and Trade is a great idea on paper. It's when you get into the substance of the matter that the perfect plan begins to show huge holes and all Americans are faced with more money coming out of our pocket books which wasn't before Cap and Trade.
That's really the problem with the mechanism. Instead of allowing a free market to evolve toward a greener world, which could easily be done with tax breaks for companies investing in such technology and not cost you and I a dime, we are faced with regulation forced on energy producers which will effect YOUR cost for energy.
Under a cap and trade system, the government sets a cap on how much pollution will be allowed and reduces that amount yearly until their reduction numbers are complied with.
Companies are issued credits, depending on how large they are. Heavier polluters will get more more credits but face a "cap" on their credits (the amount of their emissions).
If a company comes in below it's "cap" it can "trade" (sell) those credits to companies needing more.
Here's the bad part. The companies are going to pass the cost of their credits directly to the consumer. And since we're talking about oil, gas, natural gas, coal, etc... almost every single facet of U.S. energy, which Texas and Oklahoma are vital to, will be hurt. That is very, very bad news.
We'll get hit at the pump, at home and at work. Prices will go up for nearly everything you buy because it now costs more to make.
More damage: Manufacturing companies will continue to locate to countries trying to grow their economies, namely China and India.
By the way - China and India are not touching Cap and Trade with a 10-foot pole. They know how much money they stand to gain as our government continues to crush U.S. energy and industry.
Why can't the government play fair with U.S. corporations? Did the greed of such a small percentage of our corporations poison the minds of Americans.
Does the average citizen believe American companies are evil?
If so, not only does that show brainwashing on a monumental scale, it's the most ignorant thing I've ever heard. Here in rural America, we can appreciate some things because so many of our towns are struggling to stay around. We know what we've lost and we'd dearly love to have them back.
Cap and Trade will have the whole country feeling like these small towns do.
"Where did everybody go?"
"Some of 'em went to China ... the rest of 'em went to India. You know, where all the good jobs are."
As with attempting to reform health care during an economic crisis, Cap and Trade is very detrimental to an awful U.S. economy.
I hope Americans begin to shout loud enough to be heard regarding these most important things. Democrats and Republicans around the country need to get on the same page and let our elected officials know while good on paper, Cap and Trade is a little ahead of it's time in terms of the amount of damage it will do to the American family.
Clean energy is coming and that's great. Let it come and make it compete for it's place atop the throne of energy. That's what a free market would do. That's what needs to happen now.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Common Senseless

2009-07-14T21:43:00.001-07:00

Michigan, along with most of the states, is bankrupt. The unemployment of the state is also spiraling out of control and may now reach 20 percent
California has a $26 billion budget shortfall.
Currently, forty-one states in the U.S. are facing budget shortfalls.
Welcome to Europe.
I wonder if it's a coincidence that the states in the worst financial shape are big-time union states and impose a state income tax?
Right to work states which are more friendly to workers, corporations, land owners, etc..., are faring much better than their counterparts.
However, as job seekers finally leave states like Michigan, you can bet they'll be headed all over the place looking for jobs, which will raise the unemployment level of other states.
Meanwhile, we have Congress and the White House spending more money than ever while also borrowing more money than ever. And when I say more money than ever, I mean in the history of man kind.
Why?
What good is it doing?
People in towns experiencing growth of any kind should be on their knees thanking God and praying it continues. No one knows how this will play out, but I suspect growth of any kind while maintaining reasonable unemployment rates is impressive.
With the economic gloom hanging around and the government breaking it's neck trying to "fix" everything, questions are finally being asked about support for small businesses. As a small business owner trying to keep his head above water, this interests me greatly.
While everyone agrees that small businesses are "the backbone" of the economy, they've only been mentioned at a minimum by the Obama Administration.
Outside of some interest-free loans from the Small Business Administration, many of these businesses, which are usually not in the business of wanting or needing government assistance, are just as deserving as the larger business up the food chain in which they depend on.
In other words, if your business makes GM specific auto parts and Government Motors is no longer buying from you because of measures THEY took, what recourse do you have?
Government intervention in the business world has repercussions we'll be feeling for decades. Talk about a lack of an exit strategy.
Anyhow, back to small businesses: the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) originally had $700 billion appropriated. Of that amount, the SBA has the authority to provide $17.5 billion in loans for 2009. Through June, the SBA had loaned $6 billion.
Of course the vast majority of small businesses have received no funds and will probably never receive any. Many may not want it.
What most small business owners are concerned about is taxes on their bottom line. That's certainly what will help determine the number of employees I have.
Businesses are taxed in a variety of ways. With the overall tax burden on a small business as high as it is, it evaporates the profit margin. Throw in large jumps in the minimum wage and a poor economy, and something has to break.
In 2005, a study concluded that individuals and businesses spent an estimated 6 billion hours and $265 billion dollars complying with their tax obligations. Compliance costs are predicted to grow to $482.7 billion by 2015.
As more Americans turn to entrepreneurship to start a new career or to boost their incomes, our 3.7 million word tax code is brutal for small businesses and home-based enterprises that operate on thin profit margins.
Which brings me back to my original thought: A huge government really does not solve much. It is expensive and continues to get in the way of itself.
Right now, at this moment in history, what we need is a thrifty government which operates lean and efficiently and sees a smaller tax burden as a sound investment leading to job creation and lower jobless rates.
Officials try and blame lack of oversight as one of the problems leading up to the collapse of the economy. I don't think it was a lack of oversight. It is probably because imbeciles like Barney Frank were doing the overseeing.
Democrats continue to Blame President Bush for the economy. That's fine and dandy. But, they have been in power in both the House and Senate since 2006. If Bush is to blame, so are the parties in power.
I think it's times like these where common sense is supposed to prevail. I'm guessing the one who coined that phrase was probably thinking the majority of our national elected officials had some to begin with.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Greener Pastures For Palin?

2009-07-12T20:01:00.000-07:00

Alaskan Gov. Sarah Palin is moving on to establish a voice for conservatives is sounds to me.
In a discussion with a friend who is a Palin fan and was more than a little hacked about her decision, I provided a possibility for her decision which eased her pain.
Since we really don't know her future plans other than the general statements she's said, I told him the jury was still out on her decision.
Consider this: since Palin and other conservatives face an uphill climb against the House, Senate, President and mainstream media, what if Palin's goal is to tell her story in a couple of books?
She is reportedly working on a book right now. Love her or hate her, that will be one best-selling book.
Now consider this: she may be considering a talk show. How ironic would it be if a Palin talk show, which is guaranteed a huge audience, was picked up by a major media outlet such as ABC, CBS or God forbid, NBC?
What speaks louder to the CEO's of these companies, their own personal agenda which they've been shoving down the throat of all Americans for years now, or the revenue of the most watched watched shows on television?
I'd say greed will win the day.
Of course she may not even wind up with a show, but she'd be a fool not to.
Having her own bully pulpit to lay out her vision and message would be huge for the GOP which has admittedly lost their voice. I can't think of a better way to begin restoring said voice.
Palin has become a formidable foe for those on the left. Why else would liberals stay on the attack? Never has the Equal Rights Amendment fallen so quickly as is has with Palin. Can you imagine the outcry from the left in this country had one of their beloved candidates had a teenage daughter cruelly ridiculed by a rape joke by David Letterman. Odds are he would have been fired had the politics of the matter lined up.
Palin has been a victim of a double standard since shortly after accepting the nomination for vice-president. It was then the the bellowing on the left began. "Hick," "Dumb," "Inexperienced," "Old-Fashioned," etc...
I'll be the first to say the McCain team handled her poorly. It was a result of mismanagement rather than Palin's brain power. Palin is smart and and she comes across as undaunted about her feelings on matters.
The jury is still out with Palin concerning a candidate. However, the fact she may be more dangerous concerning sensitive topics such as abortion and gun control certainly makes her intriguing to both sides.
Palin in the limelight weekly is would be a network dream and a liberal nightmare. And since she's so used to being attacked, why not give it a shot?

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Vacation

2009-07-11T13:16:00.000-07:00

When I was young, it sure seemed like vacations were easy. I just hopped in the car and in a few hours, we were there.
They're not easy when you're on the parenting end.
To be gone a week takes planning and timing. Never mind all of the things you have to do at home and work to get ready for a trip ... the actual trip can be pretty rough.
Going to Colorado was a virtual breeze last week.
Coming home Sunday was a nightmare.
This side of Raton, N.M., is a stretch of highway from there to Clayton I like to call hell. It was there five years ago I hit a deer at 2 a.m. on the way to Colorado.
This year at the same place, we got caught in a severe rain storm with 70 mph winds. The tarp over the bed of my truck was nearly blown off forcing me out in the elements (when I finally found a safe place to pull over). In all, I had to stop in the rain three times to secure the thing and I got as wet as a human can get. Not good when you have six hours left and finding dry clothes would take an hour to get to then repack.
Anyhow, we got to Amarillo at 8 p.m. and were heading to eat when I had a blowout on the trailer I was pulling. It was then I discovered my lug wrench was too large for the trailer tire.
My wife made a phone call to a friend and an hour later, we were at restaurant.
Between Memphis and Childress, I thought I saw a UFO. It was a glowing stationary light above the horizon to the south and it was off in the distance. Turns out, it was either a star or planet (I'm going to research to be sure) because it rose slowly finally started looking at what you'd expect a star or planet to look like. Very bright however, which I think is strange.
All-in-all, the trip was great. It's so fun getting that special family time with no distractions. I firmly believe little boys need rugged outdoor fun and my two sure got it.
I damaged my arm on the first day we were there when I was helping Jackson, my 6-year-old, fish. I lost my footing on a dam and when I caught myself, I guess I did something to a nerve. Feels like I hit my funny bone all of the time as my hand is numb and tingly and my fingers and thumb don't work right.
i also punctured a hole in my left heal. I stepped off a ladder onto a steel object and it went right through the skin. Good thing my own personal Florence Nightingale was on the scene. My wife would have made a good doctor or nurse. She is not afraid to administer pain (no offense to any real nurses or docs out there).
One of the neatest things about the trip was the fact I got to bond with my niece Samantha, 1. By the end of the week she was letting me lover on her pretty good and she was giggling the whole time. Like I told my wife, I can always get the cuties ... sometimes it just takes a little time.
In big towns and small, we live pretty busy lives in the U.S. When you take away work, computers and cell phones and have the opportunity to totally focus on your family and yourself, it helps put everything into perspective. That's a great thing.

Copyright 2009 by Christopher Blackburn

Just The Facts

2009-06-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

I’m a facts freak so a Google of strange facts unearthed some gems. In fact, they can be found at strangefacts.com.
Here’s a few:
The sloth (a mammal) moves so slowly that green algae can grow undisturbed on its fur.
• Cat urine glows under a black-light.
• The world’s termites outweigh the world’s humans 10 to 1.
• The electric chair was invented by a dentist.
• Windmills always turn counter-clockwise. Except for the windmills in Ireland.
• A hedgehog’s heart beats 300 times a minute on average.
• Camels have three eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.
• The placement of a donkey’s eyes in its head enables it to see all four feet at all times.
• Human teeth are almost as hard as rocks.
• A mole can dig a tunnel 300 feet long in just one night.
• Ancient Egyptians slept on pillows made of stone.
• Until 1796, there was a state in the United States called Franklin. Today it’s known as Tennessee.
• The Earth weighs around 6,600,000,000,000,000,000,000 tons (5,940 billion billion metric tons).
• A cockroach can live several weeks with its head cut off - it dies from starvation.
• Every time you lick a stamp, you’re consuming 1/10 of a calorie.
• The average person has over 1,460 dreams a year.
• It’s against the law to pawn your dentures in Las Vegas.
• One in every 4 Americans has appeared on television.
• The average American/Canadian will eat about 11.9 pounds of cereal per year.
• It’s against the law to burp, or sneeze in a certain church in Omaha, Nebraska.
• You’re born with 300 bones, but when you get to be an adult, you only have 206.
• Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.
• Over 10,000 birds a year die from smashing into windows.
• The state of Florida is bigger than England.
• There are more than one million animal species on Earth.
• In Natoma, Kansas, it’s illegal to throw knives at men wearing striped suits
• In England, in the 1880’s, “Pants” was considered a dirty word.
• Most dust particles in your house are made from dead skin.
• The blesbok, a South African antelope, is almost the same color as grape juice.
• The average person laughs 13 times a day.
• Dogs can hear sounds that you cant.
• Men are 6 times more likely to be struck by lightning than women.
• It is estimated that millions of trees in the world are accidentally planted by squirrels who bury nuts and then forget where they hid them.
• Of all the words in the English language, the word set has the most definitions.
• A toothpick is the object most often choked on by Americans.
• Every 45 seconds, a house catches on fire in the United States.
• The sun is 330,330 times larger than the earth.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

2009-06-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Raising children is a constant adventure.
Sunday during a family outing, I hear, “Mom - Jack said ‘crack.’” Sutton Hawk, my 3-year-old, was telling on Jackson, 5.
“Crack is not a bad word son,” came Mom’s quick retort.
“You’re a crack Sutton,” Jackson fired off with new energy getting the clear for “crack.”
Sutton replied, “Cracker!” And he said it in a racial manner.
I looked at Sharon with nothing to say.
A few weeks ago, Sutton really liked the word “Mexican.” He used it every way imaginable. He wasn’t using it in a mean manner, he just liked the way it rolled off the tongue.
Anyhow, Sharon and I had to tell the boy he could offend people by using his new favorite word. It took two weeks to get this bit of political correctness uploaded into his noggin.
Finally, we started to name off our Mexican-American friends and Sutton Hawk said, “They aren’t Mexicans ... they’re brown people.”
“What are we?” I asked. “We’re white people,” he said.
I didn’t ask him about his cousin, Sam. Sweet Samantha’s dad is African American while the mother is white. I have no idea whether the mom is English American, German American, French American or any other American.
Finally, I told Sutton, “Mexican is a word meaning ‘from Mexico.’ Just like saying we’re Texans because we’re from Texas.”
It got me to thinking... I certainly grow tired of the labels we’ve put on ourselves as a society in this country.
I’d prefer to drop the whole “fill-in-the-blank American.” I think I’ll settle for American. After all, there is no standard of how long you need to be on this soil to be called American. And since Native American is already in use, why not keep it simple.
But what of using state’s as a characterization? I’m a Texan. My sister is an Oklahoman now, although she ‘d prefer Native Texan.
My buddy Rollie lived in Texas for decades, but he’s an Okie through-and-through and has retired there.
It seems we’ve made things too complicated in our society.
My mother was a genealogy expert and traced our family back multiple generations. Dutch, German, English, etc... Guess I’m a Euro-white melting pot ... or would that just be Euro American.
Then again, if someone actually referred to me as a Euro American, I don’t think I would like it much.
I’ve got Indian American friends and Pakistani American friends. Sometimes I can’t tell the difference when I meet someone from either of these countries, but I know there is bad blood between their governments. It can get confusing. Besides, I’m pretty sure they’d prefer to simply be called “American.”
Here’s how I see it and how my children will view it: I’m here now as are you. We’re a ton of cultures from all over the world mixed together and each one of us should be treated as equals.
Our founding fathers - namely Thomas Jefferson - wrote it correctly and Dr. Martin Luther King helped us to understand: It’s not race. It’s just us, living together.
It is a complete waste of time and energy to worry about race.
As far as Jack and Sutton’s creative use of the English language - the jury is still out. They’ve each sampled soap and did not find it to their liking.
If they are anything like their dad, they’ll continue to test the parameters regarding language. My dirty little mouth kept me in plenty of trouble and it would not surprise me a bit if one or both followed suit.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Kim Jong-il Thumbs His Nose

2009-06-02T08:27:00.000-07:00

I’m of the opinion that our president, and many of his supporters, actually thought the citizens of the planet would join hands and sing “We Are The World,” upon his election.
I’ve got news for President Obama, the world was full of crazy dictators long before he took office and will be long after he’s gone.
So when will his “new diplomacy” take effect? Never?
North Korea and Kim Jong-il have shown us several times over the past week that it has no problem displaying the growing military might of that country.
A nuke test, missile launches ... what more do you need? Take a stance for goodness sake!
I’m no nuclear physicist, but if you have nuclear weapons, and you have missiles, now throw in a crazy dictator ... the math is pretty easy. Put a nuke on a missile and boom - massive amounts of people are dead and things are looking bleak across the globe.
I think some on the left forget there have been insane people running countries forever. Believe it or not, George W. Bush did not invent dictators. However, he did get one killed (Saddam Hussein) and got another (Muammar al-Gaddafi) to surrender Libya’s weapons of mass destruction.
After reading liberal blogs and opinion pieces this weekend, many liberals are shocked that such things can happen under Obama’s watch. Talk about rose-colored glasses...
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says the U.S. is awaiting the outcome of current six-party talks. An American team is traveling this weekend to see if Japan, South Korea, China and Russia can work out a unified approach on how to deal with North Korea.
Knowing the track record of Russia and China, they’ll want to take it before the United Nations Security Council where North Korea will once again be sanctioned.
The reality is, being sanctioned by the U.N. is like being grounded for a week by a mom who let’s you off the next day. They don’t have a leg to stand on because they don’t enforce anything.
Some of you may be thinking ol’ Blackburn is a war monger. You might be wondering if I’m thinking we should go to war with North Korea.
Of course not.
Fact is, North Korea has us and the rest of the globe over a barrel. Money and resources are scarce and few countries would ever take this one by themselves.
So what are the options? What do you think Obama and his team are working up?
What would you do?
Negotiations have done very little to curb Kim Jon-il’s appetite for destruction.
North Korea has a huge army, so an invasion would be extremely messy.
Bombing strategic points of interest would help temporarily, but doesn’t get to the root of the problem - Kim Jong-il.
The reality is the U.S., Russia and China must work together to get North Korea, Iran and Venezuela under control. You can get whomever you want involved, but those three countries are crucial because if you can get them on the same page and working together, then that is indeed formidable.
Back it up with some unified force from the three and you’ll have dictators all over the world running for cover.
President Obama has his work cut out for him regardless of what he decides to do. One thing is clear though, the silent treatment is not scaring anyone.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Special People

2009-06-01T20:14:00.000-07:00

My son Jackson, 5, has graduated six times and he’s yet to enter the public school system.
My baby, Sutton Hawk, 3, has now graduated twice.
I’m proud to say they both graduated with straight A’s ... something of a requirement around our house.
Now I know what you’re thinking, the Blackburn boys are now doctors or lawyers or both. I mean, if you’ve already graduated that many times, certainly you have the hardware to hang on the wall.
However, the boys don’t have any degrees yet, just simple diplomas from preschool from two very special ladies. Miss Angie, aka Angie Husband, and Miss Carol, aka Carol Freeman, have been a true blessing for our children.
Miss Carol and Miss Angie have the perfect temperament to deal with preschool-age children and the progress the boys have made under the guidance of their teachers is significant.
The patience these ladies have for children and the response they get from them is impressive to say the least. I’ll be the first to say that what they do is not easy. It takes dedication and organization ... a lot of it.
As with most teachers in town, both will tell you it is worth every minute they sacrifice. Knowing them both well, they mean every word.

———

It takes a special person to get involved with youth. Thankfully we have an abundance of special people here in town helping us parents rear our children.
Dozens of parents will be headed to local ball fields this evening to volunteer their time to coach our youth in America’s past time. Some do it out of love for children, others do it out of love for the game and still others do it because the job was thrust upon them. Regardless of the personal reason for coaching, teaching, sponsoring, etc... this town is much better with the involvement of so many caring adults.
A decade ago I wondered aloud what would happen here when our better angels passed. I don’t know if you’ve notices, but Lois Stiners and Irma Custers don’t grow on trees. Meals on Wheels volunteers don’t just hall out of the sky. It takes an unselfish constitution and hours of dedication to actually make that difference in so many lives.
I no wonder worry about the future of Childress concerning volunteerism and individuals stepping up to take over worthwhile endeavors and projects. It is happening all of the time and by more and more adults as they too feel the need to make our community stronger.
Childress is not perfect, but it is special. Can we be better? Sure. But, we’re heading in the right direction.
With the school year coming to an end, take time to let those involved with your children know how much you appreciate their efforts.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

The Slippery Left Slope

2009-05-28T10:57:00.001-07:00

President Barack Obama is a likable man. In fact, with his charisma and charm in one-on-one interviews, if he were more centrist, there is no telling how popular he would be.
His approval ratings, according to realclearpolitics.com, are 60 percent while over 32 percent of Americans disapprove of the job he’s doing.
Congress’ numbers remain in the toilet. The Congressional job approval rating is 35 percent while 54 percent of Americans disapprove of their job.
It’s no wonder. Led by Nancy Pelosi, who, in a perfect world, would be ousted by her peers as Speaker, the House is suffering an identity crises.
It seems to me, although tired of Pelosi’s inability to tell the truth, House Democrats fear rocking their own boat. I actually think someone is missing out by not coming out against Pelosi, but I digress.
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has become very proficient at revising history and can be seen pandering to the left at every turn. I would be shocked if the two-headed monster that is Pelosi-Reid ever got Congress’ numbers in positive territory concerning the approval rating.
Which brings me back to Obama. With the majority of Americans convinced the country is heading in the wrong direction - 54 percent - it’s curious how Obama’s numbers have remained so strong. Especially since he, Pelosi and Reid are together on many contentious issues while the majority of Americans have a difference of opinion.
It’s too bad Obama continues to cater to the left. While his heart doesn’t seem to bleed at the same pace as his liberal contemporaries, it does indeed bleed.
As was predicted, the U.S. Government has been busy moving us further away from our Capitalistic roots and closer to that of Europe’s current state. It’s not good either.
We’ve got serious problems and the only solutions I’ve seen yet are either to throw cash on it or grow government to take care of it.
Gone are the days of responsibility. In their place are the days of dependency.
Those of us in the center and right are left to scratch our heads wondering when our guns will be collected or how much we’ll be punished for driving a truck.
Republicans had better find their voice before 2010, or we’ll be so much like Europe it will be hard to tell the difference.
And I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be like Europe.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

You’ll Blow Up Nothing!

2009-05-26T06:30:00.001-07:00

How about our FBI and New York’s finest?
In case you didn’t know, the two worked in tandem to foil a plot to blow up Jewish centers and military targets In New York.
Raids by the FBI-NYPD Joint Terrorist Task Force in the Bronx captured the suspected ringleader and three followers in what is being called a homegrown terrorist plot.
According to reports, the men are Islamic and you guessed it, hate the United States and Israel.
FBI agents and police watched Wednesday night as the suspects planted what they thought were bombs outside two Jewish community centers in Riverdale, a Bronx, New York neighborhood. In one case, the suspects planted a bomb inside a parked car.
In reality, they were actually using fake explosives given to them in an earlier sting operation. The fake bombs were made by FBI technicians.
The four suspects were identified as James Cromitie, David Williams, Onta Williams and Laguerre Payen, of Newburgh in upstate New York, where authorities were conducting raids at their homes, sources said.
“Hatred of the West. The leader of the group, James Cromitie was concerned about deaths at the hands of the U.S. military in Afghanistan,” said Joseph Demarest, head of the New York FBI.
According to the criminal complaint, Cromitie bragged that it would be a “piece of cake” to bomb a Jewish Center in Riverdale, according to the complaint.
Have fun in prison dirt bag! That is, if he even gets there. Authorities said Cromitie had 27 past arrests.
How in the world is someone still walking the streets if they’ve been arrested 27 times?
Either Cromitie has the greatest lawyer in the world, or he’s a benefit of terrible prosecution. Regardless, I hope this one sticks and justice is done.
According to authorities, the four men would meet in a safe house in Newburgh, New York, which authorities said they had bugged with audio and video equipment.
The suspects said they wanted to get their hands on stinger missiles to shoot down planes at a nearby Air National Guard Base at Stewart Airport, according to a criminal complaint unsealed late Wednesday. The suspects also received what they believed were two stinger missiles which they intended to use to shoot down military planes, the complaint said. They also bought cell phones to allegedly use in the plot.
Don’t you know these people are sitting in their cells scratching their heads. I hope it makes them wonder what went wrong forever ... until they are executed.
Oh! I forgot. We live in a peaceful time now where all life is precious and everyone deserves 27 chances. We shouldn’t speak ill of those poor little terrorists. It’s our own fault that brain-washed crazy people hate us.
Well, kudos to the FBI and NYPD for a job well done. At least these people are off the streets ... for now.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Cyberspace Invaders

2009-05-26T06:28:00.000-07:00

Have you been cyberbullied? Perhaps your children have and you don’t know it.
Maybe they are too proud to tell Mom and Dad someone is messing with them online. They may not even know it is happening to them.
According to stopcyberbullying.org, “Cyberbullying” is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. It has to have a minor on both sides, or at least have been instigated by a minor against another minor. Once adults become involved, it is plain and simple cyber-harassment or cyberstalking. Adult cyber-harassment or cyberstalking is NEVER called cyberbullying.
Parents - it is so important you keep up with where your children are. Cyberspace is no different.
It is the job of a parent to know if your child is on MySpace or Facebook. Those sites, while useful, are also misused by teens. Know what your children are saying and what is being said to them online.
Also check out their text messages on their cell phones from time to time. It’s amazing how quickly things can get out of hand when texting is involved. Fights, sex, drug parties, etc... texting and instant messaging are how the word gets out. It takes vigilant Moms and Dads to take on these issues.
Not too many years ago, students would pass notes in class and harass each other by phone when they got home. Not any more. These tech-savvy teens can message in the blink of an eye and MySpace, Facebook and email are at their fingertips.
You may feel like you are invading the privacy of your children by checking their online habits .... DON’T! If you don’t, who will? We’re not talking about adults. We’re talking about your children.
Did you know the entire Columbine massacre could have been avoided had the parents of Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold known about their online activity. Their plan to kill their classmates was there to see right on their computers.
Technology and the exposure heaped on our children have made parenting more difficult. It seems like we’re fighting an uphill battle when it comes to what our children are exposed to so the prudent thing to do is stay on top of the changes and learn their habits.
In other words, get to know your child. Talk to them. Be nosey and let them know what is right and wrong. In addition, network with other caring parents so that you can monitor cyber-conduct more closely.
All of these gizmos and technology do have their place. But like most good things, they can be used for bad. It’s our job as responsible parents to make sure our children are protected and behaving as they should whether that be in the real world or the cyber one.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

CISD Is Impressive!

2009-05-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

Childress Rotary Club, like so many other local organizations, gives a scholarship to a graduating senior each year. This year, the response has been impressive.
With the Morris Higley Rotary Scholarship, students are asked to write a short essay. Most years, we get just a couple of entries. Sometimes even five or six. This year, 14 seniors applied for the scholarship.
Why should this interest you?
I think it’s a sign local students are interested in taking advantage of scholarships and bettering themselves through continuing education.
It is my opinion that our school district is on the move. Not because of scholarship applications, but because of what I’ve seen in the various students I come in contact with.
The kids I see are upbeat about school ... even in the middle of May. Most are pretty eager to learn and can apply what they’ve learned to the real word. This is huge for their future.
The Childress Independent School District has changed rapidly. Technology has led to a completely different environment at school.
Childress administration and faculty have used impressive tools to their advantage and their cutting-edge system is now the example districts all over the state are seeking to duplicate.
It’s a brave new world and it takes open-minded teachers and students to succeed at levels which put our little old school system on equal or better footing than districts with more money and resources.
What CISD is doing is really incredible when considering the amount of funds we operate on.
My hat is off to local students, teachers and administrators for seeing a window of opportunity and flying through it. I know the future is bright in Childress schools and I’m glad my children will be a part of that.
———
I think Speaker Nancy Pelosi made a grave mistake Thursday saying the CIA lied about briefing Congress on enhanced interrogation techniques.
Pelosi has now changed her story three times on what she knew and when.
The bottom line is Pelosi knew what was going on and signed off on it. She is lying and I’m enjoying the meltdown as she squirms during her weekly revision of the truth.
Democrat leaders need to focus on the here and now. They need to end their witch hunt of Bush Administration officials because they look silly and unprofessional. Is is completely counter productive.
It’s fine If President Obama wants to treat terrorists with a gentle hand. That’s his prerogative and maybe he’s right. But not too long ago, there was a different attitude on both sides of the isle.
These enhanced techniques, namely water-boarding, saved thousands of of American lives. I’m okay with that. I’m also okay with the stance of the current administration as long as they get the information needed to keep us safe.
But to continue to change your story so you can wage war on the former administration is childish and will hopefully cost Pelosi her position as Speaker.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Born To Be An Idiot

2009-05-08T09:13:00.001-07:00

I’m an idiot.
I thought about stopping my column right there as the statement may need no explanation.
Some days I’m more of an idiot than others. At least a half-dozen times this past week I’ve been a major league idiot.
The other day I spent ten minutes looking for my sunglasses (I need my sunglasses because my eyes are fairly sensitive to the sun). I searched high and low ... looked in my truck twice for them and checked all of the usual places in my office.
You have to understand I park a pretty good distance from my office so the trips back and forth take awhile.
As I decided I’d misplaced them for the time being, I finally headed out the door. I got in the truck and looked in the rearview mirror and BAM! There they sat right on top of my head.
Need more proof?
After solving the case of the missing sunglasses, I drove to Allsup’s to get some mints. I walk in to buy the mints ... low and behold, I don’t have any money.
“Where in the world did I leave my wallet?”
I excused myself from the store to check my truck. No wallet there either. It took me a couple of minutes to find and count the change I had located throughout my vehicle before I could afford the mints which were waiting on the counter for me.
As I sucked on a couple of mints, it donned on me where my wallet was so I went home to get it.
With my newly found wallet secured and my sunglasses affixed to my head, I decided to take the trash out on my way back to the office. As I rose up with the trash bag in hand, I hit my head on our pantry door jam. Nearly knocked myself smooth out.
By this time, I’m starting to wonder why in the world I even bothered getting out of bed.
Thinking I had all the bugs worked out, I went on to have a productive afternoon. However, my idiocy once again reared its ugly head.
Later that evening I went back to Allsup’s - this time for some milk and a bag of ice. I had my wallet on me so I paid for the items and headed out the door. As I got in my truck to leave, I noticed I was lacking my bag of ice. I nearly drove off to go to another store for the ice, but I braved my embarrassment and went back in to claim my purchase. I’m sure Tammy at Allsup’s must have thought I was losing my mind.
I use a lot of brainpower during the course of a week and get about five or six hours of sleep a night. As the weekend nears, I’m pretty much mush.
So, if you see me wondering around looking for my car keys when they’re in my hand, think nothing of it. It’s just me being an idiot.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Election Season

2009-05-07T20:21:00.000-07:00

I need to address a few issues concerning elections and advertising.
If a written piece, regardless of it’s basis on fact, has opinion or conjecture regarding a measure or issue concerning a taxing entity, it is a political ad.
Being that there are at least two sides to most issues - this newspaper makes space available for all sides of an issue or election. It is up to the individual or group to either express their side or not. It is against this newspaper’s policy to run political ads for free nor can we discount them.
Newspapers can endorse one side of an issue or even an individual candidate. Some newspapers do so frequently, some do not.
In all of my years in journalism, my publications have only endorsed two candidates and that was for statewide office.
Elections are emotional. When you do something for one side, you had best be ready to do the same thing for the other or you’re not playing by the rules.
Candidates, those on one side of a contentious issue, etc... you have a choice whether to advertise or not. But rest assured, opposition to your stance has the same right as you.

———

Producing newspapers is expensive. The cost of newsprint, ink, mail, etc... have climbed steadily over the past two decades.
It is nearly impossible for Mom and Pop to make a decent living at a newspaper in smaller towns which is why you see so many closing.
When you have a situation where you can offer small businesses a terrific rate to advertise their merchandise or services in several area newspapers, you’d be a fool not to. It’s a winner for the businesses.
I have marketing consultants which are contacting area businesses so that we can do our best to fulfill your needs and get you traffic. If you have not been contacted, you soon will be. And if you wish to get before 15,000-30,000 readers at a greatly reduced rate, give us a call.
Meantime, please consider that your newspaper is an evolution in progress. I am not happy with it and I won’t be until it is exactly how I want it.
Just know that we are working very hard and we’ll continue to strive to improve your newspaper.

———

Pakistan has between 60 and 100 nuclear weapons.
Why should you care? The Taliban may be getting close to taking over that country and with it, it’s nuclear arsenal.
Can you imagine the Taliban - and Al Qaeda having nuclear weapons at their fingertips?
According to news sources, U.S. officials are worried militants could take possession of the arms during transport or by infiltrating atomic laboratories or fuel-production plants.
The Taliban has recently occupied Buner, a key region 60 miles from the capital, Islamabad. That news increased global fears as to the whereabouts of all of Pakistan’s nuclear sites is unknown.
Something must be done now, even if that means U.S. intervention. I would think the entire world would be interested in getting this situation rectified before it’s too late.
Obviously, the Pakistan government is in jeopardy and judging by how porous their border is, their military are either very weak or simply have not been ordered to do much about it.
You have to think Israel, India, Russia ... just about everyone in the region is watching the situation real carefully.
For the record, Pakistan dropped the ball when they insisted on using negotiations when tackling violent extremism within its borders.
Taliban and Al Qaeda fighters already have strongholds along Pakistan’s border regions from which to plan attacks on U.S. and NATO forces in neighboring Afghanistan.
Of all of the potential threats to U.S. and world security, this one should now be at the top of the list.
The world cannot afford to let these terrorists get their hands on even one of these weapons. Because if they do, they’ll use it on us or Israel and World War III will most assuredly be underway
Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Too Much Information

2009-04-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

I think I’ll make a new rule: no cell phones during family time. While amazing, technology can get in the way in our personal lives.
You know, after being inundated with hundreds of phone calls, emails, texts and mail ... there has to be an end to it in the day sometime.
I’m as guilty as the next person for putting my family off while I’m in contact with someone on business. But I’ve found letting those on the other end politely know that I’ll be out of reach when away from the office is the prudent thing to do. Each person I’ve mentioned this to has understood completely, as they should.
After church Sunday, I witnessed a teenage girl text her way through lunch at a local restaurant. There she ate with her family and hammered away with one on her phone.
I don’t have a teenage girl and I’m not picking on the family I’m referring to, but gosh, there is no way she is getting any real “family time” from that experience.
I made up my mind right there that my children would not be texting or talking on the phone during meal time or family time.
When technology gets in the way of family, we’ve gone too far.
I’ve yet to receive a single phone call or text message which is more important to me than my wife and kids and I never will. Keeping that on my mind helps me to turn my phone off or ignore it all together.

———

MoveOn.org, which sometimes seems to be running the government since many of the organizations candidates reign over Washington, wants to nationalize health care and wants American citizens to get the word out.
MoveOn is sending millions of emails to Americans asking them to write letters to the editor to express their opinion.
The emails tell you what to write and how to write it. You can even write the letter through their Web site and they’ll take care of the rest.
I guess the only problem MoveOn has now is getting people like me to run their robotic drivel.
If any of you received the email and were contemplating writing a tanked letter to the editor through MoveOn, save yourself the trouble. We can spot a phony a mile a way.
Now, if you wish to express your own opinion in an authentic letter, we’ll certainly take a look at that and consider it.
Americans need to start being careful of groups like MoveOn. It’s wise to find out why an organization is doing what they do. Ask “what’s in it for them” before following the crowd like a bunch of blind sheep.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Be On The Lookout!

2009-04-28T21:08:00.000-07:00

Nearly two years ago, a tragedy nearly occurred in my small family when my wife, Sharon, backed over our then 4-year-old son Jackson after a family reunion downtown.
Jack was supposed to be in a different care and Sharon was already in the process of backing out and never saw him.
By the grace of God, Jack suffered only minor injuries - mainly to his ear and head. In fact, he still has an area on his scalp where his hair refuses to grow. It serves as a reminder, though none is needed.
Sharon suffered from the incident. It weighed heavily on her soul and the slightest sound or bump in an automobile was nearly too much for her to handle. It terrified her.
Lately, our baby, Sutton, has taken it upon himself to run out in the street. Three times last week.
Sutton, 3, took off for the road during Jack’s t-ball practice. I happen to see him and shouted, “SUTTON HAWK STOP NOW!”
He did. And so did everybody else in a two block radius.
Twenty minutes later, he did run out in the street and Sharon quickly reigned him back in.
I punished him that night. Granted, my punishments are, by old-school standards, pretty mild because the boys mind pretty well. They get in the most trouble for endangering themselves and others, rudeness, attitude and lying. Obviously, this was a safety issue.
Anyhow, the very next night, as soon as I walked into the yard, Jackson, whose in the sandbox playing with his brother and cousin, yells to me, “Dad, I have to tell you something!”
Sutton screams out, “Nooooooooooooooooo ... don’t tell him!”
Then, Sutton precedes to come and tell on himself.
Needless to say, Sutton and I adjourned into privacy and I gave him a strong message. I pray it worked.
You know, when you go through what we went through two years ago, and you have these small children who just run out into traffic .... it just scares the death out of you. Hopefully mine are learning to slow down and look.
I’m sharing this with you, not so you’ll call Child Protective Services on me, but as a reminder. Warn your children to watch out for cars. Tell them to stay out of the street if they’re young and if they ride bicycles or scooters, urge them to wear a helmet and watch out for cars. NEVER ASSUME A DRIVER SEES YOU!
Additionally, local children will be taking to the streets for an additional eight hours a day in a few weeks. Please, please be aware of them, especially around the parks and residential areas.
We can’t always avoid a tragedy, but we have a fighting chance when we are aware of our surroundings.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Ohhh Nancy - You Silly Girl

2009-04-20T01:10:00.000-07:00

I’d like to publicly thank God Speaker Nancy Pelosi is not my U.S. Representative.
How dare she and some of her cohorts resort to labels and name-calling.
So far, some leading Democrats have referred to Wednesday’s tea partiers as gatherings of racists, Nazis and gun nuts.
Pelosi herself called efforts to get the government to tap the breaks on excessive spending “AstroTurf.”
“This initiative is funded by the high end; we call it AstroTurf, it’s not really a grass-roots movement,” Pelosi said Thursday. “It’s AstroTurf by some of the wealthiest people in America to keep the focus on tax cuts for the rich instead of for the great middle class.”
Other House Democratic leaders took it a step further: One senior aide was circulating a document to the media that the tea parties were driven by corporate lobbyists and attended by neo-Nazis...
The tea parties are “not really all about average citizens,” the document says ... Neo-Nazis, militias, secessionists and racists are attending them.
Watching the news last night in Amarillo, I saw parents, grandparents, children - all walks of life - all races. I saw the same thing in the state-wide and nation-wide coverage as well.
It’s low for those living in their protective world - a world of millions, mansions and limousines - just like Pelosi - to denigrate Americans and flat out lie and portray events differently then they actually happened.
I paid attention to the tea parties. I watched them on MSNBC, CNN and Fox News. I never heard reports which were circulated and conveyed to the media by a few fringe Democrats.
I’ve got news for Pelosi and her buddies, they are quickly getting into the same smug boat Republicans found themselves in back in 2006. Start thumbing your nose at the masses and you’ll be shown the exit come November 2010.
On Wednesday, hundreds of thousands of people across the U.S. held peaceful demonstrations opposing massive spending by the government. Is it so wrong to question how trillions of taxpayer dollars are to be spent? Of course not.
Mrs. Pelosi needs to climb out of her ivory tower and look around for herself. We don’t all live in San Francisco. We don’t all think the government is the correct answer to all our problems. We don’t all think that she, Sen. Harry Reid and Rep. Barney Frank are the answer. In fact, with their 33 percent approval rating, not many think they are the answer at all.
The 58.8 percent of American which think this country is on the wrong track want real answers. They include Democrats, Republicans and Independents. So someone tell me, what is so wrong with wanting OUR money spent wisely?

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Thanks For The Theft!

2009-04-16T15:55:00.000-07:00

I had a building burglarized last week.
Thieves broke in and stole some valuable items and vandalized the place.
Here’s how I feel about it: It would be worth them breaking in, if I could catch them breaking in.
I wonder if we could get the laws changed where the victim can get five minutes alone with the perpetrator(s).
I guess that wouldn’t fly. Our liberal friends would have a fit if we did that. Too bad. That would be five minutes well spent.
It’s frustrating when people decide to hit you where it hurts. You go through a gambit of questions and feelings.
Luckily, we have a group of people capable of getting things done regardless of the situation! I’m sure proud of them!

———

So many times newspapers are regarded as the bad guy for printing the news.
I’ve put family and friends in print ... and not for scoring the game-winning touchdown either. I’ve even placed myself in the not-so-flattering limelight.
As far as I’m concerned, having your name published is a risk you incur when you decide to do something which might get your name in the newspaper. In other words, before knocking off the local Allsup’s, you might consider the fact that your name may indeed, end up in the newspaper.
I suppose you can consider the publicity you receive a deterrent of sorts. It should also encourage law enforcement to release names and information so they get the credit they deserve for keeping us safe and sound.
As for the criminals which burglarized my building - I certainly hope I get to publish your names soon!

———

President Obama made a great call giving our U.S. Navy SEALS the okay to rescue Capt. Richard Phillips, who was taken hostage when his freighter ship, the Maersk Alabama, was hijacked by pirates off the coast of Somalia last week.
“I am very proud of the efforts of the U.S. military and the many other departments and agencies that worked tirelessly to resolve this situation,” Obama said.
The SEALS, which everyone should know are weapons unto themselves, were the perfect solution to the problem.
Obama deserves credit for not only making the call, but letting would-be pirates know our stance on piracy and kidnapping.

———

The following is some feedback I received recently. It is regarding a recent column I wrote which had the word “puke” in it.

Mr. Blackburn,
I was agreeing with you all the way down the page. Couldn’t have said it better myself. Nodding my head and sitting in the “amen” corner on everything you were saying and then you had to ruin it by saying “puke.”.
Why couldn’t you have just said something like regurgitate (for polite society) or maybe up
chuck, throw up, vomit ( I always want to when I see that word) or toss your cookies or even hurl ... or one of my favorites that it was sick enough to “gag a maggot.”

I really never even thought before writing the word “puke.” I guess it’s one of those things that is in the eye of the beholder. One man’s puke is not another man’s regurgitation.
I hope none of you are trying to enjoy a meal while reading this. If so, I apologize.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Interesting Trip For Prez

2009-04-11T08:39:00.000-07:00

President Obama had quite a trip. I’d say it went pretty well for him overall. However, there were a few missteps.
Obama’s recent references to American “arrogance” and its “dismissive” attitude are a bit far-reaching.
Why go to France - a country which has displayed nothing but arrogance toward the U.S. for decades and say that?
“In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe’s leading role in the world. Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive,” Obama said to the masses.
I think many of us would appreciate “Europe’s role” if the Europeans would get off the sideline and actually display some leadership in the world. Of course we’re going to lead - we are the United States and that is what we do. Seems to me the governments in Europe would rather criticize than truly “lead” by example.
I guess what really gets under my skin about Obama’s comments is the fact he made them in France. Of all the countries in the world to bash the homeland, why do it in front of the French. Drives me crazy!
This was also a quote Obama made in front of the French: “But in Europe, there is an anti-Americanism that is at once casual, but can also be insidious. Instead of recognizing the good that America so often does in the world, there have been times where Europeans choose to blame America for much of what is bad. On both sides of the Atlantic, these attitudes have become all too common.”
Beautiful! Very well said and true, true, true! Next time, he should reverse the two and lead off with the latter quote.
Overall, Obama had a good week overseas. He is now firmly established on the world stage, which should serve this country well.
To his credit, I thought President Obama’s trip to Iraq was huge. There is nothing like seeing our leader in front of the troops. I also like how he is managing the war. Listening to Secretary of Defense Bill Gates is always wise.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Play Ball!

2009-04-06T21:17:00.001-07:00

A decade ago I coached 13-15 year-olds in baseball. Did it for three years with a friend.
This week, my son Jackson, 5, will take the field in tee-ball. I am not coaching him, but stood ready had I been asked.
I coached all those years ago because the local league needed help and because I wasn’t sure I’d ever have a family. Things sure change over time!
Here I am at 41 with my oldest boy getting ready for his first season in the sun. I think it’s cool and I hope it’s the beginning of many sports activities he will be involved in.
Will I encourage my boys to play sports? Sure. I will encourage them to try as many things as they can. Activities keep young minds busy and competition is healthy.
Will I live vicariously through them? No. I had my glory years and I don’t plan on having any more ... at least athletically.
The demands we put on our children are easy: Be disciplined, try your best and make straight A’s. I know for sure they are both intelligent so I’m confident they can make some terrific grades once they get in school.
Back to tee-ball. Jack and I discussed sports in general the other day and he now thinks he knows how to hustle. We all know how much difference hustling makes, but I don’t recall him ever doing it.
Speaking of hustle ... My mother and father actually left a soccer game of mine in third grade for my lack of hustle.
“What happened to you!” I screamed at my parents when I got home (I had to find a ride home).
Mom calmly replied, “We are not going to waste our time watching you if you are not going to do your best.”
We never had to have that conversation again.
I can recall some tee-ball action from my younger days as well. It’s a good thing too as I can remember being terrible. That’s right - coach put me in right field to begin the season and I promptly took a fly ball off my forehead. Got a nice goose-egg.
By the end of the season, coach had moved me to center field. Most of what I remember about that season involved a lot of nose picking and ant stomping from my teammates.
I also remember several players running toward third base instead of first. I really emphasized this point with Jack.
Anyhow, it will be a lot of fun watching these kids take the field for the first time. They have no idea what they’re setting us up for over the next 13 years.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Absolute Power

2009-03-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

President Obama urged GM CEO Rick Wagoner to resign. The request was complied upon.
Wagoner, 56, who spent 32 years with GM working all over the world, stepped down effective immediately. He was replaced as CEO by Fritz Henderson, the company’s vice chairman and chief operating officer.
Obama did so with out any advice from Congress, according to Carl Levin (D), Michigan’s senior senator.
“He didn’t ask us about it, he informed us,” Levin told reporters in a conference call Monday afternoon. “The president said he’d already decided.”
According to reports, Levin said he and three other lawmakers were informed of the decision in a phone call Obama made from the Oval Office. Obama told the members of Congress that Wagoner needed to resign so that his administration could show the public it was making an effort at a fresh start with the auto industry.
Does that not sound strange to anyone but me? Is the president supposed to be in the business of firing people whom aren’t in government?
Does that mean if your business receives money from a bank which received money from the government, Obama can have you fired?
Granted, Wagoner’s company had lost $82 billion the last four years and is a recipient of billions in taxpayer money, but shouldn’t he be judged by the board and shareholders?
In Wagoner’s defense, he was making a difference. He had cut GM’s U.S. work force from 177,000 to roughly 92,000; closed factories; shed the unprofitable Oldsmobile brand; globalized GM’s engineering, manufacturing and design; led a resurgence in quality and performance; and ushered in a more affordable $14-per-hour wage for new hires, about half that of a former wage. These measures saved the company billions.
What really sunk Wagoner was the GM’s focus on larger SUVs and trucks instead of smaller fuel efficient automobiles as fuel prices climbed.
By the way: GM’s stock was down $.92 Monday ... down to $2.70 a share. That’s a pretty good slip.
In fact, it’s safe to say the market reacted poorly to the Obama-Wagoner news. Investors are probably worried about the prospect of the president handing pink-slips out.
Here’s what worries me. The government is getting far too close to the private sector.
If a company is not viable, let it fail. If it is viable but needs to be restructured, let it enter bankruptcy.
What ever happened to the anti-trust legislation? They used to use it when a company was deemed too big. Anyone thinking that should have been the case with AIG?
Mr. President, I implore you, run the country, not businesses. Please protect our Mexican border, take out North Korea’s missile and make sure Congress spends OUR money WISELY!
If Obama wants to reach beyond his powers and start firing people, he should start with Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Chris Dodd and Barney Frank - as they know nothing about business but plenty about spending OUR money poorly. I bet the markets would react great to that news.
And before you Democrats get the rope for me and you Republicans begin praising me, here is something else to chew on.
At least there is leadership on the left. There is virtually no voice coming from the GOP. Where’s the leadership? Who is going to step forward and become the new face of this downtrodden party?
It’s a fact - one party rule in this country stinks. The GOP proved that and it cost them dearly. The Democrats continue to prove that point by spending like coeds on spring break with Daddy’s credit card.
Our current economic situation and the government’s reaction - dating back to the Bush Administration, make me want to puke.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

What’s Another Trillion Amongst Friends?

2009-03-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Somebody needs to tackle the Obama Administration and Congress before they start spending my great-great-great grandchildren’s money.
Word out of Washington now says they are needing ANOTHER bailout bill to save the big banks. It may cost $1 trillion in addition to the trillions already spent according to Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner.
They say they need it to purchase bad assets off the balance sheets of big banks. Same thing they said months ago.
The only “bad asset” we need cleaned up is Washington.
The reality is the Democrats are on the largest spending spree this planet has ever seen. It is almost comical.
And what is their defense? Why it’s gripping publicly about a few hundred million in bonuses to AIG. Something top Democrats, including Geithner, have known about for months.
The Administration and Congress think by yelling about the bonuses, Americans won’t notice another trillion here and another trillion there.
I wonder what is going to happen when Americans in mass decide to stop paying taxes? What happens when we determine the U.S. Government is a poor investment for our hard-earned dollars.
Obama called the latest bailout “one more critical element” in a multi-pronged effort to revive the economy. I wonder how many “critical elements” it is going to take.
And what about transparency?
All during the campaign, Obama spoke of all of the transparency there would be in his administration. Where is it?
Why isn’t the proposed budget online for us to see? I would think a someone asking for $3.6 trillion in a budget would let us see how our money will be spent.
Guess what? No one outside Washington has a clue what’s in the proposed budget. Heck, most in Washington don’t have a clue either outside of their very own pet projects they had added to it.
If you’re not counting, the total is $160,000 per American family we are on the hook for. That is sad and pathetic.
Obama will try and get the rich to foot that bill. Guess what, they can’t. It will also take the middle class and the poor.
Mark my words - your taxes aren’t just going to increase, they will skyrocket. Maybe not for those out there cheating on their taxes by passing their children’s Social Security numbers around (a topic for another day), but for the vast majority of us.
I understand Obama won an election based on change, but this not the change people had in mind back in November.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

My Little Guys

2009-03-21T10:27:00.000-07:00

My two sons, Jackson and Sutton, and I were eating dinner at home last night and Jackson, 5, said something that really upset me.
He said, “Daddy, you just want me to kill myself don’t you?”
He thought it was a joke. He was laughing when he said it.
I sat there shocked.
“Jackson, don’t you ever say that again,” was my first reply.
After sitting there a second, he followed that up with, “Dad, I was just joking.”
“Look Jack, that’s one of the most horrible things that can happen in a family,” I said. There is absolutely no humor in that thought whatsoever. In fact, I never want any thought like that to come out of your mouth ever again.”
I must say, I got a little hot about it and he was surprised by my reaction.
I tried to find out where he heard it, but he was unclear which influence it came from here.
Regardless, we spoke at length about life and how much love there is in our home and the importance of that love.
I think I nipped that situation in the bud.

———

Sutton, 3, ran off from my wife twice the other day at the store. He didn’t get far, but the fact is he knows better.
When I got home that evening, she told me he was in his room and what had happened.
He knew he was in trouble ... and he was.
I explained how important it was to stay with Mommy and Daddy - especially in a crowd, parking lot or street.
I said I was sad to tell him there were people in the world who would like to harm him. I told him how dangerous it was. I told him the truth as it is in today’s society.
He listened. His eyes got wide and he took it all in.
What a shame to have to tell a 3-year-old how bad the world is.

———

Jackson knows four phone numbers and can call them. Sutton is learning them.
I encourage any parent out there to begin a dialogue about these things if you haven’t already. Children are advanced and learn cell phones, computers and remote controls easily. Don’t think they can’t handle knowing your phone number because they can or will learn it shortly.
This parenting business can sure throw you some curve balls.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Small Business Attention

2009-03-17T22:23:00.000-07:00

President Obama offered a fresh package of aid to small businesses Monday. A few weeks ago, I accused the president of dropping the ball on such matters.
“You deserve a chance. America needs you to have that chance,” Obama told small business owners at the White House.
The administration detailed various steps to get credit flowing to small businesses.
Glad to see President Obama addressing small businesses as that’s what we have here in Childress.
Obama said over the past decade, 70 percent of new jobs have been created in this sector.
One of the moves to get credit flowing to small businesses includes boosting bank liquidity with up to $15 billion aimed at unfreezing the secondary credit market, reducing lending fees and increasing loan guarantees, and easing the tax burden.
According to the White House, the goal is to help small businesses make payroll, buy equipment and maintain or even expand employment as the nation’s economy is bleeding jobs.
“As President I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that you have the opportunity to contribute to your community, to our economy and to the future of the United States of America,” Obama said.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner also ordered the Internal Revenue Service to issue a series of new rules for temporary but significant tax breaks, meaning that small businesses:
• That earn up to $15 million will be allowed to claim losses for the past five years in the current tax year;
• May write off up to $250,000 in investments this year.
• Can reduce estimated tax payments to 90 percent of the previous year’s filing.
• Are allowed to take larger depreciation deductions within the first year of property purchases.
• And will see 75 percent of capital gains excluded for those who invest in small businesses.
The administration’s plan also includes $730 million from the stimulus package to immediately reduce small-business lending fees and to increase the government guarantee on some Small Business Administration loans to 90 percent.
Under the administration’s plan, the government will step in to buy SBA loans in the secondary market to help unlock the frozen credit market, using money from the recently passed bailout package in the range of $10 billion to $20 billion.
While the SBA typically guarantees $20 billion in loans annually, new lending this year is on track to fall below $10 billion.
While all of this news is good news for many in rural towns like ours, there are still those wondering about Obama’s proposal to raise taxes in 2011 on individuals earning more than $200,000 and on households earning more than $250,000. There are fears that those provisions also hit small businesses in the same category.
For now, it’s good to see small businesses getting the attention for a change.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Newspapering

2009-03-14T21:19:00.000-07:00

Your newspaper is improving. It’s not where I want it ... yet, but it will be.
Behind the scenes of this publication are hard-working, dedicated individuals who have a goal. That goal is to give you the best product possible.
However, in order to accomplish this goal, we need input from the public.
I’ll give you an example: the good folks of Wellington and Hollis, Okla., are very good about getting club news to their respective newspaper. My friends in Childress are not. That’s my fault.
It is my job to see that my people are approaching the various civic clubs to ensure their hard work is reflected in our publications. Please consider this an open invitation or solicitation for such news.
If you’re a club secretary, please find an email address within this newspaper and share with us what your club is doing for your community. I know for a fact local Lions are serving their community. I think the public should know as well.

———

There are other things you can do to help us improve our product. For instance, I would like to see more feedback from our readers regarding what is going on locally.
If your upset about local government, stray dogs, vandalism or any issue, take some time and write us a letter to the editor. I’ve seen as much change come as a result of a well-written letter to the editor as anything else. All I ask is that you follow our policy, sign your name and stay away from slander.
Don’t be afraid to brag on the good things about your town as well. When a city employee reads about the good they do in a letter to the editor, it pumps them up. In other words, both positive and negative feedback from the public can be very beneficial.

———

Please don’t assume we know what’s going on. Sound crazy? While it is our job to know what is going on, sometimes we drop the ball. Don’t hesitate to call us with a story so we can get busy getting information ready for you.
It may sound strange for a newsman to admit, but the good stuff comes from you - the source. Did one of our graduates make the Dean’s List? Let us know about it. Do you have a neighbor growing pot? Tell us and the police or sheriff about it.
Work with us and we’ll be able to keep you informed completely and in a timely manner.

———

Since purchasing your newspaper, it has been an arduous task getting the publication the way we want it. That being the case, I have not been able to travel to the various communities and extend my hand to enough of you. I’d like to change that by hosting an Open House in several communities this spring. That way you can put a face to the nut you read each week.

———

Lastly, I’d like to thank you for reading and/or advertising. Your time and money are precious and we appreciate your business.
We are changing many of the ways we do things in order to get to know and service our cliental the most effective way possible. In the coming months, you’ll see this difference reflected on the pages before you and this part excites me greatly.
Despite the fact that these publications are, at the very least, dozens of years old, we are just getting started.
I’m a very stubborn man and I’m determined to make this publication the best it can be. It’s not easy. In fact, it is the most difficult undertaking of my career. However, it is that important to me.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Understanding Open Meetings

2009-03-10T19:44:00.000-07:00

I’m involved in a number of small towns and I’m asked on occasion about the Texas or Oklahoma Open Meetings Act(s) and laws governing how entities receiving tax dollars are to operate their meetings. In a nutshell, these governmental bodies must follow the law or face serious consequences.
Every once in awhile, I hear a complaint about this board or that board ... “they’re not playing by the rules.” I did some research and came up with the following regarding these rules. Now everyone has the opportunity to understand the information and use it as a guideline as this is a simple summation.
The information:
Under the Open Meetings Act (the Act), the general rule is that every regular, special, or called meeting of a governmental body, including a city council and most boards and commissions (depending on membership and authority), must be open to the public and comply with all the requirements of the Act. The Act does not apply to purely social gatherings or conventions and workshops, as long as any discussion of city business is incidental to the purpose of the gathering.
There are seven exceptions that generally authorize closed meetings, also known as “executive sessions.” The exceptions include discussions involving: (1) purchase or lease of real property; (2) security measures; (3) receipt of gifts; (4) consultation with attorney; (5) personnel matters; (6) economic development; and (7) certain homeland security matters. The governing body must first convene in open session, identify which issues will be discussed in executive session, and cite the time and applicable exception. All final actions, decisions, or votes must be made in an open meeting.
A governmental body must post an agenda that includes the date, hour, place, and subject of each meeting. The agenda must be posted at city hall in a place readily accessible to the public at all times for at least 72 hours before the meeting. In addition, for cities that have an Internet Web site: (1) a city under 48,000 population must post meeting notices on the site; and (2) a city over 48,000 population must post the entire agenda on the site. Emergency meetings to address imminent threats to public health and safety or urgent public necessity may be called with two hours notice that identifies the nature of the emergency. If, at a meeting, someone inquires about a subject not on the agenda, any deliberation or decision about the subject must be limited to: (1) a proposal to place the subject on a future agenda; (2) a statement of factual information; or (3) a recitation of existing policy.
Cities must keep written minutes (or a “certified agenda” for executive sessions) or recordings of all meetings, except for closed consultations with an attorney. The minutes must state the subject and indicate each vote, decision, or other action taken. Minutes do not have to be a verbatim transcript. Minutes of open meetings must be kept forever. Executive session certified agendas or tapes must be kept for at least two years, and longer if litigation is pending.
Penalties for violating the Act range from having the action voided to the imposition of fines and incarceration. Any action taken in violation is voidable and may be reversed in a civil lawsuit. There are four criminal provisions under the Act, including: (1) knowingly conspiring to circumvent the Act by meeting in numbers less than a quorum for the purpose of secret deliberations; (2) calling or participating in a closed meeting; (3) participating in an executive session without a certified agenda or tape recording; and (4) disclosure of a certified agenda or tape recording to a member of the public. Upon conviction, fines may be up to $2,000, and incarceration may be up to six months.
An official can be convicted for participating in an illegal closed meeting, even if unaware of the illegality of the meeting. It is an affirmative defense that the member or the official acted in reasonable reliance on a: (1) court order; (2) written opinion of a court of record; (3) written attorney general’s opinion; or (4) written opinion of the attorney for the governing body.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Well Represented In Austin

2009-03-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

I was in Austin this week with a group of local and regional officials who care a great deal about this area.
The group, members of the Rolling Plains Community Partnership, which included several people from Childress, discussed rural issues with a variety of individuals and agency representatives.
It is an opportunity which can lead to additional opportunities.
For instance, a few years ago when the group was visiting with officials from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, the connection was made which led to the Childress ATV Park, which is under construction.
This year, a bill was introduced which would end the Office of Rural Community Affairs (ORCA). By virtue of local residents being in the right place at the right time, the bill is likely dead on arrival due to the immediate attention given to it by individuals within the group and our elected officials Rep. Warren Chisum and Sen. Robert Duncan.
Childress and area towns have benefitted greatly from ORCA programs as the organization is rural Texas’ largest supporter.
The trip also allows local individuals a chance to show off the way we do things up here.
For example, Childress Regional Medical Center Administrator John Henderson is very proficient on why that facility is as successful as it is. It is impressive to hear him speak on the topic of rural health in that arena.
Likewise, it is interesting to see how state officials react to the fact that the Childress Independent School District is on the cutting edge of technology in Texas. In fact, we lead the way in that regard and Superintendent John Wilson and Assistant Superintendent Toby Tucker were in high demand to address the topic.
I listened in on a conversation between Sen. Robert Duncan and City Manager Bryan Tucker and came away thinking how fortunate Childress is to have an asset like Bryan here.
Many residents take for granted the fact we have people here attempting to help the area. That’s okay, I don’t think any member of the group minds in the least.
The bottom line is we’re lucky to be in a position to be listened to and blessed to have caring individuals sacrifice their time and energy to ensure Childress is around for awhile.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

On My Mind

2009-02-27T20:15:00.000-08:00

I think the stock market (Dow Jones Industrial Average) will bottom out at 6,200.
I predict oil will trend upward through summer and gas prices will again shoot up to the $3-$4 per gallon range.
I believe there will be talk of a Texas secession if things get worse on the border and the downturn escalates.
It is my opinion that if the government is hellbent on spending trillions, then let’s spend it going to the moon! What the heck?
If you can afford a car or a house, now is the time to buy.
I think if you are sitting around waiting for the for the government to give you money, you need to spend that time getting a job and before you know it, you won’t need or want government money.
I’m pretty sure I’m smarter than many in our Congress and I sure don’t think I’m smart enough to run for office. That thought scares me.
I believe it is important to know everything about your children. It’s easy to see change when you are that aware.
I like Childress and her residents - especially the ones who are reading this.
I hope we get adequate moisture this spring.
I hate to run, but I need to drop some weight.
Seeing my boys on the big slide at Fair Park scares me to death.
Sometimes I wonder why my wife likes me. Other times I wonder how she can tolerate me.
I wish everyone of us would take the effort to let our elected officials know what we think about giving a company like AIG $100 billion.
I love to hold and squeeze my boys every day because I know it won’t last forever.
Sean Penn is not smart ... at all. He can act however.
I tell you this because today I was asked what I was thinking. That’s about it for now.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

A Cruel Disease

2009-02-23T13:36:00.000-08:00

My Dad is a mess. There is no other way to describe it.
Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2006. Actually, he has Early Onset Alzheimer’s also referred to as Familial Alzheimer’s Disease.
Dad is now 66 and has no recollection of the past 50 years or more. He doesn’t know anyone and every five minutes seems to be a new day.
I think the reason Dad’s health declined so much, so quickly is due to the fact that he rode bulls for years. He was big into rodeo and suffered head trauma on several occasions. You can imagine what being thrown from a bull (with no helmet and no pad on the neck and shoulders) over and over will do to you.
My sister and I certainly hope that is the case. It is a daily worry for us just as it is with those of you who have family members with the disease.
Dad is a shadow of his former self. His motor skills decline monthly. He’s weak and slender. He can still speak, but I imagine that too will be coming to an end.
Dad now lives in Memphis Convalescent Center. They have an Alzheimer’s Unit there and I cannot describe the peace-of-mind they allow us to have.
He was a resident at Childress Healthcare Center for a few months. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s patients require unique attention and a lot of it. They usually end up in a facility geared to handle them, hence the need to move him.
For those of you who feel like you or a loved one might be at risk of developing Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease, doctors around the world recommend incorporating strategies which can delay the disease’s rapid progression. It’s nothing fancy - just using your mind more.
Here are some suggestions I found at all-about-alzheimers.com:
• Take up a new hobby.
• Read more and wider.
• Reminisce.
• Become part of a discussion group.
• Research things you’ve always wanted to know.
• Take up chess, crosswords and other thinking pastimes.
• Write about your life.
• Concentrate more on what is happening around you.
• Go on cultural outings (museums, art galleries, concerts, etc).
Beyond stimulating your brain in new ways, there are also ways to improve your memory. They include:
• Make a conscious effort to increase your concentration while trying to absorb new information.
• Where possible try to use all your senses (sight, sound, touch, smell and taste) to form a memory.
• Keep a positive ‘I can do this’ attitude.
• Avoid distractions.
• Be patient. It’s okay to learn things bit by bit.
• Constantly go over what you have learned in your head or in conversation till it becomes automatic.
• Find a way to connect new memories to old ones, this works well with word/visual association.
Finally, I would suggest loving those around you as much as possible. I cannot possibly fathom a day when I cannot remember my sons, but there may indeed come such a day. Trust me, I’ll do all I can to keep it from being the case, but this disease is on the rise.
That being the case, I will hold my family until I can no longer lift them and I will do the necessary things to keep myself as sharp as possible. If you are worried, I suggest you do the same. The loving part is guaranteed to make your immediate life better if nothing else.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Trouble On The Border

2009-02-22T17:59:00.000-08:00

The Texas border is on high alert as civil unrest is on the rise. The Mexican Government and the massive drug cartels are going at it in the streets and the country could be near a civil war.
In may sound like a good novel, but it is the reality of today.
President Felipe Calderón has sent tens of thousands of troops to drug hot spots to contain spreading cartel violence and the move is having ramifications.
Much like Hurricane Ike, Texas is not waiting for the Federal Government. Gov. Rick Perry is being very proactive and has our side of the border ready, just in case violence crosses the border or a mass exodus takes place.
For all of Perry’s faults, he is assertive in crisis mode and his experience with Ike is undeniable. Afterall - Ike hit with nearly all of Galveston and Houston evacuated. Millions of people. Compare that to Katrina and it’s obvious Perry’s action saved thousands of lives.
Back to the subject of Mexico. For far too long the drug cartels were allowed to grow and become the governing force near the border. Finally, a president is elected and is now trying to keep his word on eliminating the cartels. The price is high.
Murders and kidnappings across the Texas border have increased to dramatic levels. There were 5,367 such crimes in 2008 alone.
Would you want to raise your family there?
Of course not. We are facing a challenge on our border and it’s tricky. Beyond the violence are the innocent civilians trying to live their lives. They are trapped in a terrible situation and their options are very limited. On of those options is heading north, which puts a strain on a state which is part of a terrible economy.
Fact is, if we were suddenly swamped by immigrants, it would change the dynamics of the Texas and U.S. economy even more.
We’re living in a time where no one can tell us what the root of the problem is concerning our economy, but we feel confident that a couple of trillion dollars is the answer.
On top of that, we have this growing problem with our neighbors and no one in Washington is paying attention. Well, Texas is paying attention and that’s a good thing for the rest of the country. I only hope our friends in New Mexico, Arizona and California are as prepared as Texas. Oh, I forgot, California is broke ... I don’t even know if the National Guard is allowed in that state...
President Obama needs to make Mexico a priority right now! It may take his intervention to calm the Mexican nationals. At the very least, he and Calderón must begin a public dialogue now and it would serve our best interest in the long run to show support of his decision to clean up his country.
Don’t make Texas do it all!

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Stimulate Us!

2009-02-16T15:37:00.000-08:00

There is a stimulus to the U.S. economy and it really doesn’t cost anyone a dime, but it could make U.S. companies billions.
If every American bought American-made products only, what impact would that have on the economy? It has been done before.
Believe it or not, there are thousands of items made right here in the states. Check out stillmadeinusa.com or madeinusa.org and you will find a ton of companies making quality products, many of which can be found right here in town.
If the residents of this country made a conscious effort to support American-companies making and selling American products, our economy would thrive.
Such an effort would create more demand for U.S. products which would help create jobs, etc. At the same time, our trade deficit would shrink dramatically.
It might force U.S. retailers into replacing foreign goods with domestic goods in their stores, but that’s okay as well. Retailers know how supply and demand works.
It would also be nice if some of the stipulations from the government concerning the use of stimulus package funds included money for U.S. goods and services only. In other words - make sure the only people and companies benefitting from U.S. taxpayer money are from the U.S.
Consider this: Our deficit in goods and services trade was $677.1 billion in 2008 and $700.3 billion in 2007. Those figures are close to the new stimulus bill.
Don’t wait for the government to stimulate the economy when there are things we can do right here at home to improve jobs and help companies make ends meet. We all win when we support the home team first!

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

There's An Expensive Mouse In The House

2009-02-15T13:13:00.000-08:00

While Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi denies her favorite mouse is a direct beneficiary of the stimulus, the place the mouse lives in will benefit $30 million on the deal.
President Obama claims there are no "earmarks" in the package because Congress technically did not use the earmark process for lawmakers to request and drop in specific spending items. Well maybe there are not "earmarks" in the traditional manner, but there is pork none-the-less.
Back to the mouse - Pelosi is a U.S. Representative from San Francisco and the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse is a native of the place which will receive our $30 million.
I wonder how much tax money the government is receiving from mice these days?
How many people will this part of the package help?
Of course the public - who is paying for it - has not been told exactly what is in the bill. There are leaks however...
Here some more pork, or BS, or whatever you want to call it:
• $200 million for a clean-burning power plant in Mattoon, Ill.
• $750 million for the National Computer Center in Maryland.
• $500 million for the National Institutes of Health offices in Maryland.
• $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges.
• $650 million for the digital TV converter-box coupons.
• $1 billion for administrative costs and construction of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration office building.
Get the picture? Who knows how much junk is in this thing? It's about as transparent as a piece of wood.
I know this, it's not popular. The markets hate it and the public has less and less confidence in Congress' ability to stimulate anything short of a depression.
A stimulus package should be geared to immediately stimulate the economy. This thing is far from it. How do the items listed create the number of jobs needed to truly stimulate anything?
Tell you what Madam Pelosi - give me and my pals $30 million and we'll relocate those mice to the nearest cat farm and use the remaining to make a difference.
I hope the final version of this bill has a positive effect on the economy. If not, the honeymoon is over.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Up A Creek!

2009-02-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

Get ready for your $7,700 stimulus check!
That's what every household in the U.S. would get if the government wanted to give the taxpayers the $850 billion they plan on handcuffing us with.
Throw in the other $700-plus billion and it's around $14,000 per household.
I wonder what would have happened to the economy if this were the stimulus package?
Instead we have to see our $14,000 go to a bunch of pork spread out over years. It's pitiful.
I really wish someone would tell us exactly what will happen if they don't spend any money. All I've heard is the word "catastrophe." What catastrophe?
What kind of bizarro world do we live in when we give the people who are the worst at managing money - like Rep. Barney Frank - even more money to spend?
Why is anyone buying this hogwash? And speaking of hogs, there is so much pork in this bill, the Senate version now stands at 1,500 pages.
"We can't posture and bicker and resort to the same failed ideas that got us into this mess in the first place," President Obama said Monday.
Then why do we have another bailout package. Seems the one from the Bush Administration failed miserably, yet here we are getting ready to double-down on this loser hand.
President Obama speaks valiantly about fiscal responsibility, but won't call Congress out for packing it with pork.
And what happens if it fails? No one is answering this question.
What happens if this bill perpetuates - or worse - exacerbates the problem? What then? What guarantees do you and I have?
So far in this new administration, it is evident the Democrats have not learned one lesson from the poor job the Republicans did while controlling the White House and both houses of Congress.
Greed still rules the day and you and I will be left out in the cold.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Not Very Stimulating

2009-02-04T22:39:00.000-08:00

How much confidence do you have in the $819 billion stimulus package?
I’ll be honest, I have zero. I think it will fail because you can’t spend your way out of a recession.
In a nutshell, we are depending on the same people who got us into this mess to get us out. It won’t work.
You know what could work? A program dedicated to rebuilding the U.S. infrastructure.
How much difference would it make if they spent that cash on roads, bridges, sewage systems, etc.? Off the top of my head, the following would happen:
• Hundreds of thousands of jobs would be created across the country.
• Demands for steel and other building materials would skyrocket.
• Both urban and rural economies across the country would receive a boost.
The ripple effect of such a massive project would be huge as well. If you divide the $819 billion on a per capita basis, Texas would receive around $62 billion. I would much rather see OUR hard-earned money be spent in such a manner.
I mentioned rural economies. How about using a large portion of the package for rural rejuvenation? Wouldn’t that be wonderful.
The fact is a bunch of non-fiscal greedy little pigs think they can put a fire out by smothering it with cash. They think we are morons and can’t think for ourselves so they are going to make everything better.
Since the first bailout package passed in the fall, look at the number of jobs lost. Look at how the markets have reacted. It has not worked and the new package won’t either.
Congress will have you believe corporate greed is to blame for this mess. I have news for you, 99 percent of all corporations are small and don’t have the chance to be greedy. Most CEOs are trying to keep current employee numbers at the same level because they know how important jobs are to workers. Massive bonus packages for CEOs of failing corporations are given out, but I bet the percentage of companies behaving in such a manner is less than one percent.
Over $1.5 trillion in the two bailout packages combined and we’re just getting started. That’s $5,000 for every man, woman and child in the U.S. How do you want your five grand invested?

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Time As A Stay-At-Home Dad

2009-01-27T09:32:00.000-08:00

For the past few months I've attempted to work at my day job and keep both of my sons at the same time.
To all of you stay-at-home moms - my hat is off to you. To you working mothers - I don't know how you can sustain it for any period of time. I won't even go into the difficulty of being a working mother.
Men - either by nature or tradition - fail to do near as much as women concerning our children. This is not a certainty, but it is obviously the more common of the options. Maybe in all societies, women are the chief care-givers of the home.
Please understand that I can get the job done. I can handle the normal activities of my children, but it's not easy. Throw in the fact that I'm trying to run a business and it was pretty darn tough.
Now I love my boys more than I can even begin to explain, but it's good to be back at work. The constant distraction of even the most basic of questions became overwhelming.
The boys are ages 5 and 3 and the number of questions they can fire from those fast-moving mouths is amazing.
They're needy as well. Examples:
"Dad, can you get me a drink?"
"Dad, can you put my show on?"
"Dad, may I have a snack?"
"Dad, when's Mom going to be home?"
"Dad, can you wipe me?"
Honest to goodness, I should be as skinny as a beanpole because Sutton Hawk is a frequent visitor to the accommodations.
I don't want this to seem as if I didn't enjoy my time with them. I very much did. Maybe too much.
The boys and I are close. I would say we are as close as humans can get. That won't change because I'm now away for several hours a day. But being at home was special.
We're all familiar with the cliche, "Enjoy it now, they grow up fast." Truer words have never been spoken.
I'm glad to have our friend Darlene back with us to help with our kids. She was greatly missed. I wish her absence would have been under different circumstances as she lost her mother, but I think the boys will help provide a release from the sadness of losing a parent.
I firmly believe this time spent with them helped me to heal from the death of my mother last year.
The love of a child is a mighty powerful thing.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Land For Sale?

2009-01-25T21:44:00.000-08:00

I have a solution for our country’s economic hardship.
Instead of putting the U.S. taxpayer on the hook for trillions of dollars, why doesn’t our government liquidate assets?
Our government is the owner of probably the most valuable asset on the globe - land. In fact, the United States Government has direct ownership of almost 650 million acres of land - nearly 30% of its total territory.
While some federal lands are used as military bases or testing grounds, nature parks and reserves and indian reservations, or are leased to the private sector for commercial use, the vast majority of it is used for very little if at all.
Consider the following states and the percentage of land owned by the federal government:
1. Nevada 84.5%
2. Alaska 69.1%
3. Utah 57.4%
4. Oregon 53.1%
5. Idaho 50.2%
6. Arizona 48.1%
7. California 45.3%
8. Wyoming 42.3%
9. New Mexico 41.8%
10. Colorado 36.6%
Contrast that with the land owned by the government in the East:
1. Connecticut 0.4%
2. Rhode Island 0.4%
3. Iowa 0.8%
4. New York 0.8%
5. Maine 1.1%
6. Kansas 1.2%
7. Nebraska 1.4%
8. Alabama 1.6%
9. Ohio 1.7%
10. Illinois 1.8%
The US government owns a whopping 84.5% of Nevada, but only a 0.4% of Rhode Island and Connecticut. The government only owns 1.9 percent of the total land in Texas.
Obviously, Uncle Sam owns some pretty prime real estate. Take the Rocky Mountains for example. How much would that land bring on the open market. Furthermore, what if said land could be used for development, natural resources, etc...
Why burden 300 million Americans with $10-$13 trillion in national debt when they’re sitting on trillions of untapped potential they could not only liquidate, but also tax.
How fast could California get in the black if just 10 percent of the land owned by the government were sold to the public?
Read it one more time: 650 million acres of land. Texas is big with approximately 172 million acres. Much smaller than the total amount of land the government owns.
I’ll be sure to send this column to various elected officials and see what kind of response I get and keep you posted.
After all, I think we’d all rather the government be in the real estate business instead of the banking business. And if they insist on bailing everyone out, they should use their own money!

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Off My Rocker

2009-01-15T14:17:00.000-08:00

I saw a show on depression the other day and it seems it is simply human to become depressed. It got me to thinking about other mental "problems" we may face in our day-to-day lives such as worrying too much and denial.
I don't want you to think to yourself: "Boy, might as well stop reading because this is depressing." I'll try to keep it interesting.
Anyhow, we all get depressed from time-to-time. Some go through horrible depression while others only mildly and not very often.
Some try and disguise the fact they are depressed for they see it as weakness. For those people, now that you know that everyone has it, you can let go and get a little sad like the rest of us.
I think I'm somewhat like Mom was. Outgoing on the surface, but I can become introverted and reclusive. There are times when I just want to be alone. Don't know why, I've just always been like that.
I also like to worry. Well, I wouldn't say I like it, but I do worry about things out of my control. Don't know for sure, but I bet worrying and depression are linked somehow. Mom used to make up things to worry about. My wife reminds me not to worry about things I can't control. I try to obey her and it works pretty good.
Back to the topic of depression: In this country, billions of dollars are spent on anti-depressants. That alone should tell us it is human to get sad. I wonder if every person in the country who claims not to get depressed could be diagnosed with a case of denial. Oh man, I think I suffer from denial as well.
I may be getting depressed from the denial I have about worrying too much ... or maybe it's the other way around. It's insane to me the amount of trouble we can get into while mulling these things over. Not that there is anything wrong with insanity...
Since I'm cleansing my mental state in this space, I might as well disclose that I suffer from a fear of failure. It must be a mild case, however, because I keep trying new things.
When I was a child, I had a sense of normalcy. I watched reruns of "Leave It To Beaver," "I Love Lucy" and "Father Knows Best" and thought the world was this normal place where there was little crime and divorce and no one got depressed. Now I really wonder just what exactly normal is.
Am I normal? Are you? Between us, I'm a walking, talking freak-show who sometimes gets depressed, worries too much, is in denial and who has a fear of failure. How about you?
At the very least, I feel better haven gotten all that off my chest. I can honestly say that I feel pretty "normal" at this very second and that's good. I hope you do as well.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

How Will It All End?

2009-01-12T14:07:00.000-08:00

Maybe it’s the economy, but I’ve seen several things of late on the end of the world. More specifically, HOW the world will end.
Last time I remember seeing so much talk of this nature was before the start of new century.
I’ve compiled a list of some of the most “popular” theories on how the world could end:
• Massive asteroid impact: Asteroids and comets crash into our planet and can be seen in our “neighborhood” all the time. The last large collision occurred 100 years ago in Siberia, but in a very remote area.
An asteroid or comet of decent size would obliterate human life. And being that they travel much faster then the speed of sound, you’d probably never know it unless we happened to notice it on it’s way here.
• Massive volcanic eruptions: Some scientists now say dinosaurs were killed not by an asteroid, but instead, or additionally, by enormous eruptions in what now is India. There is proof that life-ending eruptions have occurred throughout history and will likely occur again.
Yellowstone National Park is said to be a super volcano and scientists say it could erupt at any time - or not at all.
• Nuclear war: Obviously, a full-scale nuclear war would ruin human life. Scientists say numerous explosions the magnitude of nuclear bombs would blot out sunlight for months or even years, causing mass extinctions as most plants died and most animals starved.
Research has also indicated that the ozone layer would also be destroyed and would let in more extraterrestrial radiation,further cooling the planet.
• Climate change: There seems to be some debate amongst scientists regarding global warming, which is referred to as climate change. If you believe manmade climate change and the mass migration of millions and millions of people which would ensue, it would be a cataclysmic mess.
Some say the world would become too crowded and the adjustment which would be required across the planet would be too much to overcome. Low lying areas like Houston, New York, New Orleans and Florida would be no more and that’s just North America. Much of China and other countries would also be lost to the rising oceans.
At the very least, it would take decades so solve such a crisis. Crime, disease and famine would be the order of the day.
Biblical prophecy: If you are a Christian, the second coming should probably be on the list. You don’t hear many scientists speak about Christianity, but make no mistake, the Bible tells of an end of times.
Throughout the history of man, people have been asking how it will all end. Will it be quick? Will it be soon? The answer is still unknown and will probably remain so until it occurs.
Like all of you, I’m going to live my life the best I can through whatever the world throws at me. I guess the bottom line here is to get the most out of your life each day during your brief time here on this planet and love those around you each day. Pretty basic stuff...

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

Gophers!

2009-01-05T21:25:00.000-08:00

It's time the county, city, hospital and school declare war on gophers. It seems they inhabit property owned by all of the entities and they are messing things up pretty good around here.
Fair Park, Childress High School, Childress Junior High, Childress Cemetery, StoneyRidge Golf Course ... these varmints are taking their toll. And no one wants a cemetery and golf course with an infestation.
I know we don't have the resources to wage an expensive war, but there are ways to combat the situation.
If just one person associated with these entities conducted a few experiments testing inexpensive ways to rid ourselves of this problem, then shared with the rest, we could get these rodents to move on out or face extermination.
I thought I would help get the process started so I Googled "How to kill gophers?" and a wide variety of solutions popped up.
One of my favorites is the Juicy Fruit remedy. Supposedly, if you place a piece of Juicy Fruit near or in a hole, the gopher will consume it and it will kill him. They are unable to digest it.
Other remedies found but untried:
• Hook a hose up to an exhaust pipe and shove it into their tunnels.
• Place hot sauce or peppers in the newest hole. They don't like it and it will drive them away.
• Drop a fire cracker in the hole.
• Use poison.
• Trap them using spring traps placed over their "runs."
• Soak some rags in mint oil and place them in the holes.
• Watch the movie "Caddy Shack."
I have no idea if these ideas will work or not, but something needs to be done. If you have a proven remedy to this problem, please don't hesitate to let someone affiliated with one of our taxing entities know. Or you can log on to this column at the Web site below and place your remedy in the comments area.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

To Spoil Or Not To Spoil

2009-01-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Why do we spoil our children/grandchildren?
We know it's really not a good idea then we go and do it anyhow.
My wife and I are guilty as charged for doing so this Christmas and I'm sure a large percentage of you are as well.
My parents and grandparents were guilty of this crime as well. Hey, I'm grateful, Christmas was a blast for me growing up. But the reality is, we are too materialistic and in a way, we create little monsters who think they can get what they want.
A few generations ago, there were very few spoiled children. When you think about the World War II generation and before, money was very hard to come by. Most didn't earn much and there were no credit cards handed out like today.
Somewhere along the way, the toy market exploded and it continues today. My theory is television exacerbated the problem. As soon as toy commercials hit the air, kids started making mental notes of the toys they wanted. Today, with eight or so children's channels broadcasting 24-hours a day, our children are absolutely overloaded with the sights and sounds of the latest toys on the market.
I have literally seen my 5-year-old son turn his head to me after a toy commercial and say, "How about that for Christmas Dad?"
On the positive side of this mass spoilage is the fact that it certainly pumps them up when they get their hands on what they wanted. There is nothing like seeing pure joy in the eyes of a child.
While on the topic of toys, can you believe what cool stuff there is to play with? Without a doubt, the neatest toys ever made are available now. However, you better have some batteries to power these gizmos up.
My children now possess toys someone could witness me playing with if I weren't careful. And I don't mean playing with the toys while the boys are, but rather when they aren't. For instance, when my wife takes the boys to their grandmother's in a moment, I may be inclined to get out the MegaRig and fly around a little bit.
Maybe that's the real genius behind these toy and game producers. Maybe they realize if they can get us adults interested in the toys and video games, their work is done. If that's the case, not only am I guilty of spoiling my children, I've been duped myself.
Oh well, I can't wait until next Christmas.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2009

A Mess Out Of Our Control

2008-12-26T08:10:00.001-08:00

Why does the federal government think they can buy this country out of hard times? Correct me if I'm wrong, but they are at fault - at least in part - for the current problems.
Some 500 people in this country are elected to govern the rest of us. Those individuals should be held accountable for so much, yet they never will be.
Blame Bush you say? Sure. But, seems to me Congress has plenty of votes to disagree with the president once in while. Instead they march lock-step, throwing good money after bad ... making a bad situation worse.
Today, many companies are opting for a handout instead of using normal means to save themselves. However, I don't blame the corporations seeking billions. I blame the government for opening up this Pandora's Box.
Ask yourself this: If someone said you qualified for $1 million at nearly zero percent interest, and really didn't consider how you would be able to pay it back, would you take it?
People need to understand that things don't always go up. There is an evolution to business. Simply put, some are destined to die or become something else.
Does the government really expect us to believe GM can fix itself by March? It can't. It's impossible. They've bought themselves time for one of three things: 1. Ask for more money; 2. Get bought; 3. File for bankruptcy on their own terms.
What really boils my blood is that the president, president-elect and all of Congress know there is no way some of these companies will survive yet they are willing to throw our money into this abyss.
Wonder what the government would do if every citizen decided to stop paying taxes? I imagine they'd just keep printing more money. Who cares about the value of the dollar anyhow.
When I see these jokers on television, it drives me crazy. They are no longer held accountable for any of the terrible decisions they make on a daily basis. The mainstream media, who is supposed to serve us in this one capacity, has lost it's way. Maybe it has decided that Congress can do no wrong. More likely, they are in bed with the media and the media likes the privilege.
Contact members of Congress and tell them to turn the money-faucet off. It is only making things worse and it is placing way to large a burden on future generations.
Or, tell them to annex Canada and Mexico and sell it back to Americans and the rest of the world to raise enough money to bail us out of our $10 trillion national debt.
Really, I'm shorting the debt. The actual national debt as of this week is $10,611,892,686,306.43. The estimated population of the United States is 305,328,096. That comes to $34,755.70 for every man, woman and child in this country.
By the way: Congress is getting another raise - over $4,000 next year.
Raise for what? Running the country into the ground?

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Feeling Lost This Year

2008-12-23T07:53:00.000-08:00

I feel kind of lost this year. Many of you have been through it as well.
I lost my mother in February and my father resides in an Alzheimer's unit and has no idea who I am. My grandmother passed in January.
Dad was pretty bad last year, but we managed to have a nice Christmas. We will this year as well, but I find myself lost with the thoughts of Christmases past.
My mom worked hard at Christmas. She worked hard on the house, food, presents and everything else. She made it very special.
I remember coming in the house and the incredible smells there to welcome anyone who entered.
Despite the usual holiday stress, Mom was happy. Actually, the holidays were the time she was the happiest.
Dad was always in a good mood around the holidays as well. He liked to play little tricks. One time he bought a baseball glove for himself and wrote on the card, "To: Bill - From: His Secret Admirer." Pretty clever guy.
My wife and I were talking about how our children seem to make this first Christmas without my parents okay. The joy of their experiences have a way of helping with the pain and emptiness left by those who've passed.
There are other joys as well. Simply finding a quiet time to remember exactly what we are celebrating puts things in perspective. I'm still amazed at the humble nature of the birth of Jesus. It's astounding and moves me.
Doing something for others also has a way of helping ease the grief. There are many who need the aid of a friend or the goodwill of those of use better off.
Still, this Christmas will be difficult at times... Really, it already is. Just this past weekend I tried to count the number of phone calls I would have received from my folks on the weekend before Christmas in the past. I'm sure it would have been at least six. Strange ... half of the phone calls probably would have annoyed me in some way. Man, I'd love for that phone to ring right now...
For those of you who've lost loved ones this past year, my heart goes out to you and your families. Fill your homes with love and let those sharing your pain know how much you love and care for them.
For those of you with families intact, give them an extra hug and kiss this year and take just a second and think of this special time without them. Then go ahead and give them another hug.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

A Classy Champion

2008-12-15T14:27:00.001-08:00

Sometimes nice guys do finish first.
In a "me first" society, how refreshing it is to see someone with the character and strength of Stran T Smith win at the highest level.
If you had to go out amongst the people of Childress and select the best ambassador to represent us all, you could not go wrong with Stran. Thankfully, he already does a fantastic job in that regard as he's been putting us on the map for years.
As Stran told me yesterday, only 320 people on the planet have ever won a gold buckle in the PRCA's 50-year history. He is one of a very elite club.
Stran and wife Jennifer have teamed up once again to let the world know that if people like them live in little old Childress, we must have a pretty good place here.
It is a thrill to watch Stran rope and Jennifer interview during the NFR each year. This year was different however. This year we had the pleasure of seeing the two of them in the moment. A moment which will last in our memories for the rest of our lives.
The Smiths are a strong couple. Like most of us, they've endured the ups and downs of life, they just have the misfortune of being very high profile while doing it. It is something they handle with class and dignity.
In Stran's rodeo career, he's nearly been killed in a tragic wreck which took the life of his best friend, he's been seriously injured and he's suffered a stroke, after which he was told he'd never rope again.
Just as he's done his entire career, Stran got up from each setback, dusted himself off and got back in the saddle.
All week Stran flew under the radar. The commentators spoke of this roper and that roper having a shot at the championship, but Stran's name was rarely mentioned. I guess he had them right where he wanted them.
Stran roped well during the NFR putting himself in great position to win the average and finish in the top three in the world. But what he needed to win the whole thing was a heck of a time Saturday. He did just that, finishing second with a 7.2 to put him on top. It all fell into place for him in his tenth NFR.
Stran is one of those people who makes us all feel like winners when they win. We hope and pray for him, cheer him on and feel great when he wins. But this is different. This is huge. Stran is the very best in the world and he's coming home to Childress to share that title with his hometown.
Congratulations to Stran T on a job well done. And thank you for representing Childress in a way we can all be proud of.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Large Newspapers Struggling

2008-12-15T08:54:00.000-08:00

You may have heard on the news that America's largest newspapers are in serious financial trouble. In fact, don't be surprised to see several begin to close their doors.
On Monday, the Tribune Company, which owns the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times, filed for bankruptcy. The New York Times Company followed by saying it might mortgage its beautiful headquarters - a building by Times Square - to reduce debt.
The San Francisco Chronicle has been losing $1 million a week for some time. Mid-size newspapers such as the Amarillo Globe-News and Lubbock Avalanche Journal are feeling it as well.
Bill Keller, executive editor of The New York Times, put it like this: “Good journalism does not come cheap. And, therefore, you’re not going to find a lot of blogs or non-profit websites that are going to build a Baghdad bureau.”
Thankfully, the market for smaller newspapers like the one you are reading are not facing the same economic hardship.
Let's face it, in today's world, the need for 130 pages in a newspaper simply does not exist ... particularly at $1.50 or more per issue. The Internet and the duplication of news by several sources (weather, Washington, D.C., major stories) has helped in placing these newspapers in peril. The poor economy is sending them over the edge.
The government should not even consider helping these institutions out and I'd be shocked if it were ever seriously considered. That would be a disaster. The last thing we need is newspapers under the control (even if it is merely financial) of the U.S. government. Anything being perceived as a state-controlled media as terrible. See Iran, Russia and China as an example of countries in which the government controls the media.
Nor should the government bail out companies such as GE, which owns NBC. Again, such a bailout could be seen as the government getting involved in media. In my eyes, it's a clear violation of free press.
Anyhow, the way information has been collected and disseminated to the vast majority of Americans is changing by the week. The day of giant newspapers having reporters across the globe is quickly coming to an end.
I foresee a time when newspapers in Dallas, Houston, Denver, etc. cease to exist at all in the form we see them now. We'll continue to see an evolution of them until they are completely online. In the meantime, you'll see many more smaller newspapers rise up and take their place. Why? Because people can afford them and they still want to see their children and grandchildren participating in events. You'll continue to have the Dallas Morning News replaced by weekly or twice-weekly newspapers in Rockwall, Grand Prairie, Flower Mound, etc... News about Dallas can be found online at home or at work, but the story and photo about the local team can only be found in the local paper.
Don't get me wrong, it is wise for the smaller markets to develop online editions as well, but the need for major cutbacks and a complete overhaul is not there. When you're a giant, with a dozen offices and a couple of thousand employees which are in various unions, and much of what you do faces competition from ten other sources, it's plain to see what's coming. The fact that many of the largest newspapers in this country put off massive change will be their demise.
Meanwhile, small-town newspapers will quickly streamline and continue to produce an efficient product. It's ironic that us small guys can continue to plug along while the grand old ladies go to pasture. Usually, the massive corporations continue to grow while the small guy suffers.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Building A Cabinet

2008-12-04T17:05:00.001-08:00

In case you haven't been keeping up with current events, President-elect Barack Obama continues to fill his cabinet positions. I'd say the review by those in "the know" have been favorable.
For those fearing Obama would line his cabinet with liberals, that has not been the case. The appointment of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates should speak volumes to conservatives.
Gates, a Republican and the former Director of the CIA, was fine in his position as President of Texas A&M University. To many Aggies, he is the best president in the school's history. While there, he declined the nomination to serve as the first Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security when it was created following the September 11, 2001 attacks. He also declined the position as Director of National Intelligence in 2005.
However, following the exit of then Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in 2006, Gates accepted the appointment to lead the defense department.
I think what has happened in Iraq since Gates took over speaks for itself. Simply put, we've gone from losing the war to nearing it's completion. To those that know him, Gates is considered a soft-spoken genius.
Time Magazine named Gates one of the year's most influential people in 2007 and he was named one of America's Best Leaders by U.S. News & World Report in 2008.
Without a doubt, Obama was very wise to let Gates continue in his position and will probably leave him there as long as he will stay. He will be one of the few men to serve a president from each party in this position.
When all of the dust settles on this piece of history, Gates will go down as one of the very best Secretaries of Defense we've ever had.
Back to Obama's Cabinet: Other members, Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State and Bill Richardson as Secretary of Commerce, are viewed as centrist.
So far, Obama seems to be siding with experience in his picks.
The authority to appoint Cabinet members is grounded in Article II of the Constitution which stipulates that the President "may require the opinion, in writing, of the principal officer in each of the executive departments."
The first Cabinet, appointed by President George Washington, had just four members, but take a look at the four: Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson; Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton; Secretary of War, Henry Knox; and Attorney General, Edmund Randolph.
If you're not a history buff, you'll have to trust me that those four individuals would make any president a hand.
Over time, the Cabinet expanded to its current membership of 15 officials plus the Vice President. Additionally, each President may give "Cabinet level rank" to other members of the administration. All appointees are submitted to the Senate for consideration where they must receive a simple majority vote for confirmation.
The list of President-Elect Obama's Cabinet members, those either announced or under serious consideration based on recent reporting, is as follows:
Secretary of Treasury - Timothy Geithner
Secretary of State - Hillary Clinton
Secretary of Defense - Robert Gates
Attorney General - Eric Holder
Secretary of Homeland Security - Janet Napolitano
Secretary of Health & Human Services - Tom Daschle
Secretary of Commerce - Bill Richardson
Ambassador to the United Nations - Susan Rice
Secretary of Agriculture - ?
Secretary of Education - ?
Secretary of Energy - ?
Secretary of Housing & Urban Development - ?
Secretary of Interior - ?
Secretary of Labor - ?
Secretary of Transportation - ?
Secretary of Veteran's Affairs - ?
With the exception of Eric Holder and Tom Daschle, I'd say Obama would get high grades from most with his appointments. Holder and Daschle are another matter entirely.
It will be interesting to follow the remaining appointments. Conservatives are saying the rest will be liberal. The liberals are a little ticked claiming the ones already appointed are no where near liberal enough. My bet is that he will continue to side with experience and pick mostly good ones with a couple of duds.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Mr. Quickster And A New Tradition

2008-11-28T06:21:00.000-08:00

The wife and I started a pretty cool tradition a couple of weeks ago and it's been pretty fun.
The Elf on the Shelf comes with a small elf doll and a book. The book tells the story of how the elf communicates with Santa about how good the children have been.
You also name the elf. Our is named Mr. Quickster.
Every day when the children get up, Mr. Quickster is in a different location in the house. This indicates that indeed, he has been off to the North Pole to let Santa know how the day went.
The boys have been pretty enthused with the elf. The other day, Sutton Hawk, 3, was overhead making a confession to Mr. Quickster after misbehaving. He followed the confession with an apology to Mr. Quickster and Santa. I'm sure Mr. Quickster told the Jolly One all about it that night.
I must admit, I'm guilty of using Mr. Quickster as a weapon. I recall saying something like, "I beat that elf is going to let Santa know about that." To my credit, I've said it for both good and not so good things.
It's fun to introduce new traditions to the kids just as my parents and grandparents did for my sister and me. Mr. Quickster has been a fun addition to our traditions.

———

If I had to pick my favorite thing about fatherhood it might be the sharing. That and the hugs.
I like the fact that my boys want me involved in what they do. They constantly seek that approval and admiration.
Several times a week I'm asked my opinion on a drawing, building or some other project. It tickles me to watch their progress.
Many times, I receive what I am complimenting.
"How does this look Daddy?"
"Boy, what a great airplane. That's one of the best ones I've seen."
"Thanks Dad! I drew it for you!"
At that time I usually get a big hug. I guess that's one of the best things I can imagine.

———

More and more we see teens and many others of us hammering away on their cell phones. They are either texting away or talking.
It's great that we have this technology, but texting hours on end is no way to go through life.
Encourage your kids to put the phone down once in awhile. Better yet, go for a walk without it.
If your child puts up an argument when you ask them, that's proof enough you just did the right thing.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Bringing Them Down With Us Is A Good Thing

2008-11-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

The planet is in financial turmoil. As crazy as it may seem, we are all in this together.
According to Kanaga Raja, global economic expert, the entire world economy is in the toilet. Raja said, "The downturn after four years of relatively fast growth is due to a number of factors: the global fallout from the financial crisis in the United States, the bursting of the housing bubbles in the US and in other large economies, soaring commodity prices, increasingly restrictive monetary policies in a number of countries, and stock market volatility.
"The fallout from the collapse of the US mortgage market and the reversal of the housing boom in various important countries has turned out to be more profound and persistent than expected in 2007 and beginning of 2008. As more and more evidence is gathered and as the lag effects are showing up, we are seeing more and more countries around the world being affected by this rather profound and persistent negative effects from the reversal of housing booms in various countries."
Basically, this will continue to get worse before it gets better. And yes, we'll be effected.
The Georgia Pacific plant in Acme is laying off 35 people immediately. There is not enough demand for drywall so the company has no choice. That's just one example of the ripple effect of this crisis.
The world’s financial firms have now lost over $2.8 trillion and global taxpayers have now spent around $8 trillion to shore up the world’s banks. These amounts will continue to climb as large businesses fail taking smaller ones with them.
On Monday, President-elect Barack Obama discussed items in his blueprint for turning around the economy - including a huge stimulus package and tax cuts for a "vast majority" of Americans paid for by the nation's "wealthiest."
The package will probably be around $600 billion. That's on top of the $700 billion package which Congress passed earlier.
Other countries around the globe are working to curb the recession as well. It seems every day the crisis is on the tip of the tongue when various leaders speak. And really, that's probably a good thing for us.
As bad as it is and as bad as it will get, it could be much worse.
We are all in the same boat, but what if we weren't? What if the price of oil had stayed where it was this summer? It would have had a catastrophic effect on the U.S. and our allies.
Had just a few countries entered into recession (with the U.S. being one of them), we'd be watching Russia, Iran, China and others gain power.
Russia has been flexing muscle of late and Iran has been trying to develop nuclear weapons for years. Had those countries not been apart of this economic disaster, think of those implications.
We are fortunate that our status as a Super Power and as the world's richest country that we have seemingly taken everyone down with us. As bad as it is now, I shudder to think of this world with us, Europe and Japan in an economic crisis while China, Russia, Iran and others are booming.
With this a world-wide problem, it is in the world's best interest for the United States to get back on solid footing economically. The reality of this whole thing is: as we go, so does the world.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Give Local Merchants A Chance!

2008-11-17T15:40:00.000-08:00

Attention good readers - local merchants need your support!
The Christmas shopping season is well underway as businesses are getting aggressive trying to stave off a recession. All they ask is that you give them a shot to meet your Christmas needs before heading up the road to another town.
Shopping at home is a win-win-win for you, the merchant and the town. You get that much needed gift, the merchant gets revenue to keep the doors open and the town gets some tax revenue.
We all know that the big cities have items you'll have to have and you'll most likely be heading there at some point, but no one is going to bend over backward for you and give you the service you deserve like the hometown folk.
All your local merchants have ever asked for is a chance to meet your needs. Give them that chance this year!

———

I keep hearing about this harsh winter, but it's been pretty mild this fall. Personally, I'm no fan of snow, but I'm a firm believer that a couple of good snows help us in the long run.
My oldest son has seen a couple of good snowfalls and is now expecting it. He's been asking about snowmen and snow castles so I hope he's not disappointed. I did try to explain that there was no guarantee we would get that much snow at any one time, but he wasn't having any of it.

———

Walked out of the back gate Sunday just in time to see a passerby throw trash out the window. Man that really burns me up.
Is it that hard to wait until you're near a trash can? Do you have such little pride in your town that you have to throw trash into someone's yard?
It's a pathetic thing to see our parks and vacant lots covered in litter. Next time before you chunk it out of the window, think of that 80-year-old widow that's going to be picking up after you.

———

I received a lot of feedback on my column about my boys dressing up. Well, I walked into the house the other day and there to greet me were a red Power Ranger and a bounty hunter complete with beard and ski mask. Last night I put to bed a couple of super heroes ... Spiderman and Superman to be exact.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

A Never-Ending Halloween

2008-11-10T18:47:00.000-08:00

I never know what I'm going to come home to.
A fire fighter, an astronaut, a cowboy, a football player, a mummy, Darth Vader and others ... and it continues.
Most call it Halloween. I call it the 31 days-plus of Halloween.
My sons, Jackson, 5, and Sutton Hawk, 3, have become costume experts and Halloween has now become a daily event. I don't want to sound like a jerk, but it's getting pretty old.
Since the boys dressed up this past weekend, a full week AFTER Halloween, there may be no end in sight.
The other night we were putting the boys to bed when my wife told Sutton to put his helmet, or mask, so some such thing in the "costume chest." That's right, you read that correctly. We now have a costume chest in the boys' room. It's not small either.
I guess it should come as no surprise. After all, my wife sells clothes. I'm not trying to place blame, I guess I'm just reaching out.
Perhaps I should just accept the fact that it's fun for them to dress up. Even better ... maybe I should join in the fun. I wonder what the kids would think if a 6'4 250 lb. space alien came in through the back door? I bet it would get their attention.
"Hello Boys! Daddy's Home!"
Or, maybe I should dress up like Santa and use it as a weapon to better their behavior.
Maybe they'll arrive soon and the real Darth Vader will be standing there waiting for them.
I guess I'd better rethink this because if I scare them too bad, I'll be causing myself more trouble than it's worth.
Anyhow, as you and yours are getting ready for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's, think of me. I'll be at home watching my mummy and my dragon battle each other before their next costume change. And if you happen to see a giant elf walking down U.S. 287, just ignore him. He's probably locked out of the house.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Change has come to America

2008-11-08T14:48:00.000-08:00

Change has come to America.
President-elect Barack Obama eloquently made this statement Tuesday following his historic victory over Republican John McCain. He was correct in that assumption.
Watching the night unfold and listening to Obama, thoughts of many generations of struggle ran through my head.
I tried to imagine the pride African-Americans were feeling. Of course, it's impossible for me to fully understand because I'm a white man in the United States. I cannot comprehend what it must have been like as an African-American over the past century. No one has ever told me I could not eat where I wanted. No one has ever told me to go to the back of the bus. No one has ever implied that I was not welcomed some place.
According to several stories and personal accounts I've read of African-Americans watching that moment - they were tense. Some felt as though the moment would be taken from them. Some, especially seniors, were finally able to believe that America is truly a place where anything can happen. For the first time, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ultimate dream had really come true.
I was touched by the outpouring of emotion, the pure elation felt not only coast-to-coast, but worldwide. It was incredible watching positive significant history happen right before my eyes.
I've heard more than one time people say, "I didn't think I would live to see this day." I kind of thought I would ... years from now.
President-elect Obama has risen like few on this planet ever have. He has gone from obscurity to the highest office in the land in four years.
A little more than four years ago, Sen. John Kerry, while campaigning in Illinois, heard Obama addressing a crowd. He was impressed enough to have him give the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention and the country took notice. Obama won a Senate seat that November and the rest is now history.
I've heard the saying, "Only in America" on many occasions in my life, but the saying and Obama's achievement made it true.
In this country, you can dream big. Everyone of us. Not only that, those dreams can come true ... for every single one of us!

Copyright 2007

People Of Faith

2008-10-26T20:54:00.001-07:00

Do you believe in God? Are you a Christian? Exactly what do you believe in?
If you are a person of faith, you are constantly at odds over the belief system of others. In fact, some things probably turn your stomach.
I don't know many atheists (at least I don't think I do), and that's probably a good thing. It's not that I would not like them, but there is a serious fundamental difference in the way I think and what guides me compared to the way they think. I'll be honest, it would be a big hurdle for me to get over.
A group of atheists is launching a new advertising campaign in London, England. The fact there doesn't seem to be much backlash is strange, but does not surprise me for Europe is becoming more and more secular.
Europe has become a hotbed for humanists, or people who reject religious beliefs and center more on humans and their values, capacities, and worth.
I guess it's a bit of "Be Your Own God."
Anyhow, back to the ad campaign these atheists and humanists are launching. On 30 buses around London, there will be a news slogan: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life."
The reason: nonbelievers are fighting what they say is the preferential treatment given to religion in British society.
Wow!
I really thought since humans have been believing in a higher power forever, nonbelievers would be used to being treated a little different.
I also think it's strange how they say, "There's probably no God." I would have thought they would say, "There is definitely no God."
Comedy writer Ariane Sherine, who started the campaign, said she came up with the idea after visiting a Web site saying nonbelievers would spend eternity in hell.
I think the joke is on her.
Those of different faiths have had a pretty tame reaction to the group's new campaign. They claim it will end up getting more people to church.
"It tells people to 'stop worrying,' which is hardly going to be a great comfort for those who are concerned about losing jobs or homes in the recession," said Theos director Paul Woolley. "Stunts like this demonstrate how militant atheists are often great adverts for Christianity."
Stunts like this make me feel a little sorry for those nonbelievers. Then again, I'm just some crazy guy living in the sticks clinging to my religion and my gun!

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Working Out The Brain

2008-10-19T20:14:00.000-07:00

According to a new study set to appear in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, surfing the Web could be beneficial for the brain. The study was made at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Volunteers carried out different tasks on the computer including Web searches and book-reading while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. During the MRI, they were given search tasks such as finding out how to choose a car etc.
"The bottom line is, when older people read a simulated book page, we see areas of the brain activated that you'd expect, the visual cortex, and areas that control language and reading," Small said. "When they search on the Internet, they use the same areas, but there was much greater activation particularly in the front part, which controls decision-making and complex reasoning. But it was only for the people who had previous experience with the Internet."
Scientists and researchers now say "mental workouts" can improve concentration and help prevent dementia and memory loss.
As a child of an Alzheimer's victim, I'll be exercising my brain until I no longer can. I would suggest you encourage your parents or grandparents to exercise their brains as well. Puzzles, books, the Internet, etc. could be one way to staving off a horrible disease,

———

Sex offenders in Maryland will not be giving candy to trick-or-treaters. They are receiving paper signs in the mail that read "No candy at this residence," which they are required to post on their front doors or possibly face a parole violation.
The signs began arriving last week and were accompanied by a letter explaining they must stay at home, turn off outside lights and not answer the door on Halloween.
"Halloween provides a rare opportunity for you to demonstrate to your neighbors that you are making a sincere effort to change the direction of your life," the letter to sex offenders reads.
Maryland is also distributing pamphlets statewide to warn families to stay away from 1,200 homes with the pumpkin signs.
Maryland began the program in 2005.

———

If your wife is overweight, it could be your fault.
A study analyzing the female weight cycle found that happiness – or the lack thereof – greatly affects the woman’s waistline, London's Daily Mail reported this week.
The report found that females gained and lost weight in stages.
Stage one resulted in an average loss of five pounds when the relationship begins.
When the woman gets comfortable with their partner, they start to gain weight.
Wedding plans also send the scales down as women tend to lose weight before their big day.
The arrival of a baby then reverses the weight loss, followed by diet plans to lose weight gained when pregnant.
The study, done by the U.K. weight management form www.slendex.com, involved 3,000 women and found weight varied an average of 28 pounds during the mentioned stages.
So, who is to blame for my weight gain? Certainly not me. How about Little Debbie!

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

A Mixed Bag Of Opinion

2008-10-13T18:36:00.000-07:00

This news with ACORN is terrible!
You'd think with all of the technology used in this country, we could figure out a way to keep people from cheating.
ACORN members and workers violating voter registration laws should be in prison for years. And whomever is responsible for the idea of paying people per registration should be there as well.
With the Dallas Cowboys registered in Nevada and hundreds saying they've registered a minimum of 10 times, it is a slap in the face to every American!
I can't believe these cheaters get federal money. That's right, ACORN is using your tax dollars to commit voter fraud. Let your state and national elected officials know how you feel about this!

———

Great things are happening in Iraq and the media is not reporting on it. Why?
One reason is because they are pulling out of the country.
As a direct result of the stability of the country, major news organizations are now leaving the country.
"It (the war) remains important and it remains interesting," said Alissa J. Rubin, the New York Times' acting bureau chief in Baghdad. "But what's in front of us now is almost a static situation. There's not a clear narrative line. The stories are more complex."
In other words, Americans aren't getting killed as much and we don't want to do stories on U.S. troops helping others and keeping the peace.
It's no wonder most Americans think there is media bias in this country.

———

Here's something for you parents:
First-graders in San Francisco took a field trip to City Hall last Friday to celebrate the marriage of their lesbian teacher on.
According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the field trip was suggested by a parent at the Creative Arts Charter School. The school said the trip was academically relevant.
"It really is what we call a teachable moment," said Liz Jaroslow, the school’s interim director. "I think I'm well within the parameters."
The students even tossed rose petals on their teacher and her wife as they left City Hall.
How sweet!

Note to teacher: please let me know before doing anything out of what I may consider normal.
Signed,
Concerned Parent
PS: Don't hesitate to call if you don't know what normal means.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

The "Ridge" Is Worth It!

2008-10-09T19:30:00.000-07:00

The first major event was held at StoneyRidge Municipal Golf Course Wednesday and was very impressive.
The T.L. Roach, Jr. Unit hosted a benefit tournament for the Special Olympics and the turnout was excellent.
Roach Unit personnel did a terrific job with the event and StoneyRidge did not disappoint those ready to play.
I love to golf. I took up the sport a little late, but it is very challenging and rewarding.
Golf can be humiliating. It is also addictive. It can anger you to the point where you invent new cuss words in one moment and make you feel like the strongest man in the world the next. Whatever the emotion, StoneyRidge is pretty enough to enhance it.
Many of you don't golf and have no desire to. I think you deserve to see what this place is all about should you desire to. I would like to suggest our City Council play up the official opening of StoneyRidge and invite the residents to come out and see the facility first hand. After all, they are the owners of the place.
Another major event will be happening at the club this weekend. The Ladies Golf Association is hosting a tournament with around 72 players participating, many from out of town. Some will be staying in hotel rooms and many will be shopping and eating a meal or two here. That's big money for Childress as a whole.
We may indeed be facing tough economic times for the foreseeable future, but that may be a good thing locally as Childress becomes an affordable and desirable alternative destination compared to larger cities.
Those in nearby cities can spend a Saturday in Childress, play golf, eat, shop and catch a movie for a third of what it would cost in the big city. Let's seize on these opportunities and begin to market ourselves to that degree.
Residents of Childress are blessed to be in a place where the future is not bleak. We are blessed to have opportunity because many around us are struggling.
Go take a look at StoneyRidge. Check out the new jail. Go see Bobby Sanders at the ATV park under construction. Take pride in your community and continue to work to make it better!
This city is positioned to grow and offer even more opportunity. But it won't stay that way.
Once upon a time, many small towns thought their future was secure. They had train stations, bus stations, grocery stores and a whole lot of retailers. Saturday night the farmers would load their families up and the town would buzz. Sound familiar?
Things change and as a community, either you're going to change with the times or you're going to regret it. I know this town is full of like-minded, good people who don't won't to regret a thing. As long as we have that, we have a fighting chance.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Rural Texas = Big Provider

2008-10-06T18:11:00.000-07:00

Rural Texas is sometimes an afterthought. It's wrong, but true.
Many in urban areas consider us "hicks" or "gun-toting zealots."
According to the Texas Department of Agriculture, here are some facts for those who knock us small-town folk to consider:
• Texas is the second-largest agricultural state in the United States, accounting for about 7 percent of the total U.S. agricultural income.
• The food, horticulture and fiber industry is the second-largest industry in the state and generates $73 billion a year for the economy.
• Texas is the fifth-largest wine-producing state with more than 155 wineries and 220 commercial vineyards, producing more than 2 million gallons of wine. The Texas Hill Country Viticultural Area is the second-largest Viticultural Area in the United States, covering 15,000 square miles.
• Eighty percent of the land in Texas is in some form of agricultural production.
• Ninety-two percent of Texas' agricultural operations are still run by individuals or families.
• Although agriculture employs one out of every seven working Texans, less than 2 percent of the population is involved in day-to-day farming or ranching.
• Texas farmers grow more than 60 different commercial fruit and vegetable crops.
• Texas ranks first in the nation in the number of cattle and calves, accounting for 15 percent of the U.S. total. The Lone Star State also is the top producer of cotton, sheep, wool, goats, mohair and horses. The state's top crops also include vegetables, citrus, corn, wheat, peanuts, pecans, grain sorghum, hay and rice.
• Besides livestock and crops, the state's agriculture industry includes timber/forestry, aquaculture, bees/honey and nursery/greenhouse.
• Texas is the third largest exporter of agricultural commodities. Texas' top agricultural exports are live animals and red meat; cotton and cottonseed; hides and skins; wheat and products; and feeds and fodder.
• Each Texas farmer grows enough food and fiber for 128 people - 94.3 in the United States and 33.7 abroad.
• Texas' 1 million horses, representing approximately 15 percent of all horses nationwide, makes the state a leader in the United States. Texas also leads the nation in the number of registered American Quarter Horses, American Paint Horses, Appaloosa horses and American Miniature Horses.

Next time someone knocks rural Texas or America to you, tell them to get their facts straight.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

You'll Be Okay!

2008-09-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

Are you at risk?
Yes.
Will you be okay?
Yes.
I don't know if it will be this week, but you will be okay.
Many Americans are seeing first hand how ugly things can get in Washington. It's a sad truth.
Most of our elected officials have absolutely no background in economics, finance or business. They can tell you what you'd like to hear about law, but their knowledge on the economy is lacking to say the least.
I imagine CPAs and bankers across this country are shaking their heads when thinking about the attempts to educate the U.S. Congress on our economic problems.
That scares me more than anything. It's like someone coming to me and explaining how to do surgery and then pointing to the patient and saying, "You need to get in there and save this guy."
Many Americans know this and realize that when you put billions in the hands of the government, you can kiss it goodbye. That's why phones in Washington have been ringing off the hook with people voicing their concerns.
Of course Congress must act and they must act very soon. But, they must do what is best for you and I, not Wall Street. And we certainly don't need a bill which can be construed as Socialism.
Can you imagine the other troubled sectors in our economy running to Washington with their hand out?
"Here you go housing market."
"Hey airlines ... need some cash?"
"American auto makers - come on down!"
That's the last thing we need.
Like usual, the warning signs were there. Economists have been saying it for years, but it fell on deaf ears. Why? Again, because our elected officials lack economic knowledge.
How many times in the past week have you heard the word bipartisanship or partisanship?
More than ever, we need our elected officials to forget what party they belong to and listen to experts.
Bottom line: we need the best bill possible and we need it soon. And if you need to email our elected officials, tell them no pork, no golden parachutes for failed companies and keep the socialist rhetoric to a minimum.
By the way, if you are someone with some cash under your mattress, you might want to consider investing. It's looking more and more like a buyer's market in most sectors.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

Biden Is A Gaffe Machine

2008-09-25T15:45:00.001-07:00

Sen. Joe Biden is a gaffe waiting to happen. The more he speaks, the more feet he manages to get in his mouth.
Every time I see another mistake, I have to wonder what Sen. Obama was thinking when he chose this guy.
The other day during a rather odd conversation with Katie Couric, Biden claimed President Roosevelt addressed Americans on television in 1929.
"When the stock market crashed, Franklin Roosevelt got on the television and didn't just talk about the princes of greed," Biden told Couric. "He said, 'Look, here's what happened."
Oops. Herbert Hoover happened to be president in 1929 and televisions were still a couple of decades off.
In a speech to the National Guard Association, Biden implied his helicopter was "forced down" by enemy fire while in Afghanistan.
"You want to know where bin Laden is, come back to Afghanistan with me. Come back to the area where my helicopter was forced down with a three star general and three senators at 10,500 feet in the middle of those mountains. I can tell you where they are," Biden claimed.
Oops. Biden was never fired upon ... not even close.
Biden hung Obama out to dry and challenged him to take his guns away during a United Mine Workers of America fish fry in Castlewood, Virginia.
"I guarantee you Barack Obama ain't taking my shotguns, so don't buy that malarkey ... They're going to start peddling that to you." Biden told the crowd that he is a gun owner. "I got two," Biden said, "if he tries to fool with my Beretta, he's got a problem. I like that little over and under, you know? I'm not bad with it. So give me a break. Give me a break."
Wow. With running mates like that, who needs opposition.
There are others as well ... plenty of them. Believe it or not, the gaffes above have happened in the past week.
Obama would be smart to keep this guy under a rock somewhere because he does not help his ticket.
With the election a little more than five weeks away, there is no telling what else he may say. And don't forget, he has to debate Gov. Sarah Palin in the vice presidential debate. I wonder if Obama is worried about that?

Law Enforcement Should Use Media

2008-09-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Newspapers should be the single largest tool a rural sheriff's department or police department uses to convey what is happening or solicit information from the public.
Sometimes administrators may forget this or someone with inexperience may think keeping information from residents is in the public's best interest. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Rural law enforcement can take tremendous advantage of the fact that newspapers are here, in part, to inform the public of crime or matters which affect them. In addition, the public can aid local departments by being another set of eyes and ears.
When a relationship is working as it should, the department and the newspaper can partner up to do a lot of good. I see it first-hand all of the time and the departments which use newspaper to their full advantage, have success due to the relationship.
When law enforcement decides it's better not to release names or keep vital information from the public altogether, it appears like either there is something to hide, or the department is not on top of things. Eventually, the public's trust of the department begins to wane.
Building a relationship with law enforcement is vital and is in the best interest of the department, the newspaper and the public.

———

There are many entities which use public funds to function. The governing boards of these tax-supported entities owe it to the public to disclose information, regardless of how painful it may be.
Being involved in several small towns, you see hospital boards, county commissioners, city councils and school boards elected to hopefully, govern these entities to the best of their ability.
Part of that is letting the public know where and how their tax dollars are being spent. A transparent government is one which has the public's best interest at heart.
Most of the entities we deal with are very forthcoming with information. And it is the job of the newspaper to get the reader that information in a timely matter.
As with law enforcement, the better the relationship between a newspaper and a taxing entity, the better it is for all concerned.

———

It's been my understanding that a transparent government works the best. The public understands when things are not going well, they just don't like to be shocked.
Small-town residents want the biggest bang for their buck. They want their elected officials to communicate what is going on and how and where their money is spent.
When elected officials abide by these simple principals, it makes all of the difference in the world.

Copyright Christopher Blackburn 2008

A Statement of Independence

2008-09-15T19:18:00.000-07:00

As you've might have noticed, I'm somewhat conservative. Does that mean I'm a Republican? No. Actually, I consider myself an Independent.
I've known politicians my entire life. I stuck a cookie in the mouth of Gov. Dolph Briscoe as a boy and visited Lt. Gov. Bob Bullock in Austin because I thought he was brilliant. Both were friends of my grandfather, the late Morris Higley, a newspaper publisher from Childress.
Sen. Phil Gramm helped me get a dorm at Texas A&M and Rep. Mac Thornberry was a pallbearer at my grandfather's funeral.
The first two I mentioned were Democrats, the second two Republicans. I consider them not only skilled politicians, but good men. They served or are serving us well.
I have always admired Gov. Ann Richards and consider James Carville brilliant.
I've always thought Oklahoma Rep. J.C. Watts should have stayed in office and I appreciate the humor of Dennis Miller.
Richards and Carville are Dems while Watts and Miller are not.
Michael Moore may be one of the biggest jackasses in world history followed closely by Pat Buchanan.
I consider Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan the greatest U.S. presidents of the last century.
Why am I disclosing this? I think it's fair for the readers to know it.
We live in a very cynical time on both sides of the aisle and it has become borderline ridiculous. I hate to break the news to you, but there are good people in both parties and there are some who deserve to be ousted.
Currently, President Bush has an approval rating of 32.7 percent and a disapproval rating of 64.7 percent.
By contrast, Congress, which is controlled by Democrats, has an approval rating of 20.3 percent and a disapproval rating of 72 percent.
It looks to me like the vast majority of Americans are a bit fed up with both parties and the entire process.
For me, my biggest concerns tend to be rural issues. Are our farmers being protected? Are the state and federal governments paying attention to the needs of rural schools? Are we getting strong representation form our elected officials? Do we have the best law enforcement for rural residents? Is our health care adequate?
Simply put, we have issues which are either put on the back burner or never addressed at all and it is killing rural America. It's not a Republican issue and it's not a Democrat issue. It's because it takes population centers to get elected to office and that's one thing small towns don't have.
There are great Americans in both parties and there always have been. The trouble starts when members stop reaching across the aisle for the good of us all.
This election season, demand that whomever you vote for begin paying attention to the 80 million Americans who live in small towns. If enough of us do that, the issues affecting us might start getting the proper attention.

My Two Sons

2008-09-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

I wonder what the world record is for children producing sound? What ever it is, I think my two sons have a shot at shattering it.
Jackson, age 5, and Sutton Hawk, soon to be 3, have become very proficient at the art of making noise.
Jackson likes to whistle while he works ... that is when he's not yelling and screaming. Sutton Hawk likes to sing ... when he's not yelling and screaming.
By "yelling and screaming" I don't necessarily mean at each other. Sometimes, they just like to get rowdy.
My wife Sharon says they get this volume from me, but I'm almost sure she has no proof ... despite occasionally walking in on us going crazy.
On second thought, I guess their seemingly never-ending crescendo is my fault. However, I'm happy to report that their lungs seem to be in terrific shape.

———

Sutton Hawk has decided he likes to use colorful words. Not only will he occasionally use them, he knows how to use them.
Again, I plead innocent in this matter as my language continues to improve. However, Sutton is subjected to others who may frequently use descriptive words.
Luckily, he deserves a PG-rating rather than an R. We're working to get him back down to a G-rating.

———

Speaking of G ratings: Is it not ridiculous how few wholesome movies and shows there are out there?
The major studios (both TV and movie) want to work adult humor into everything. I guess that's okay for some families, but my kids pick up on the off-color humor and quickly use it to their disadvantage.
That leaves me in the position of telling them they can't say that which leaves them confuses because they got it from a "children's" movie.
Very few "children's" movies actually garner a G-rating. Most end up PG. I guess the studios figure they will try and entertain the adults who have to sit through the show with the kids.

———

My children don't know this, but I take great pleasure in watching them. For some reason, I think it's fascinating to watch them play - both individually and together.
It's fun to watch them attempt to solve their own problems and govern themselves.
Most of the time, they do a pretty good job. Jackson is not too overbearing to his little brother and Sutton Hawk is not too much of a pest.
As much as admitting this will jinx me, I'm happy to say their is currently harmony in the Blackburn Household.

Techno Revolution Rolls On

2008-09-08T14:17:00.000-07:00

So much technology all around us.
In 20 years, we've gone from VHS tapes to hand-held computers/phones/cameras ... all-in-one. It's unbelievable.
I got my first cellular phone in 1992 and it was a Motorola phone about the size of a shoe box. You would roam as soon as you left the city limits and dead air dominated the landscape.
Today, there are phones everywhere. Scan a crowd next time you're out and count the number of people using a hand-held device. It boggles the mind.
I currently have a BlackBerry. It's a fine instrument and I will honestly say, I haven't a clue what all it is capable of. It is doing plenty for me, so I'm content.
My sister has an iPhone and it may be the coolest thing I've ever seen. Just as they did with the iPod, Apple continues to revolutionize the digital age with an incredible piece of technology.
Years ago - technology would seem to speed along then slow down. A few years later, there'd be a new product.
I remember when the first VHS recorder came out in the 1970s. Man was it neat to record television. Of course, that spawned the tape rental industry.
The poor old VHS tape was then chased by the laser disc and DVD and now Blu-Ray and High Definition products are available for all of these high tech televisions they are making.
When we finally pulled the trigger on that awesome flat screen we wanted, we realize another company has advanced the technology by doing this and that to it and ours is obsolete. It used to take a decade for things to become obsolete and now it takes a year or two.
New televisions, phones, digital devices, games, etc...
So where does it all end?
Until our current existence changes (war, famine, disease, etc.), I'd say it doesn't end. We're probably seeing just the tip of the iceberg. As the world economy broadens, the competition becomes greater. Really makes me wonder what things will be like after the next 20 years.
In some ways, it also makes me wonder what our technology is doing to us physically right now. With Alzheimer's and Autism rates continuing to climb, do all of these things being beamed from one place to another have an effect on us?
Of the things I have within 20 feet of me which emit something I count:
• Cell phone
• Remote control television, DVD, VCR, etc.
• Dish Network
• Microwave Oven
• Home Phone
• Computer
• Dog (an odor)
Are these things harmful. Hopefully not. Unfortunately, that is one of those things which will emerge in hindsight as with mesothelioma and asbestos.
I remember my first set of walkie-talkies and my first remote-controlled car. Man, I thought that technology was really amazing. Now, they're just antiques. Then again, so am I.

———

Each year I feel the need to write something about September 11, 2001.
What a horrible day for this country. I found myself watching a show on 9-11 on the National Geographic Channel Sunday and to this day, I can still feel the pain I felt on that day.
Deep down, I don't care if it's been luck, great police work, national security intelligence or what, I'm thankful we've not been hit again.
Love him or hate him, President Bush has traversed a horrible storm and kept the ship afloat.
I don't know the percentages, but I imagine nearly all of us thought 9-11 was the beginning of many attacks on U.S. soil. Thank God the attempts have been thwarted. And, like him or not, Bush, his policies and personnel should be given credit.
Back on that dark day, I would have given anything for the piece of mind security brings. Now I wonder if we take it for granted.
I was single on September 11, 2001. Now I'm married and have two sons. Priority number 1 for me is security. I don't want my family blown up. Regardless of which candidate is elected president, that priority will not change.

Palin - Great Political Timing

2008-09-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

We now know who all of the players are. Either way, history will be made.
With a 24-hour news cycle and a camera on what was believed to be all potential prospects for vice-president, Sen. John McCain pulled the trigger on Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate. The move is being hailed as one of the most surprising in recent political history.
So far, the move can also be hailed as one of the most successful.
According to the polls, the Obama-Biden ticket received no bounce from the Democratic National Convention. Estimates last Thursday evening put an expected bounce at between 10 and 15 percentage points. However, the announcement of Palin less than 12 hours after a historic speech by Obama, resulted in virtually no bounce for the ticket.
"The convention and particularly Obama's speech seems to be well-received," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "And the selection of Sarah Palin as the GOP running mate, also seems to be well-received. So why is the race still a virtual tie? Probably because the two events created equal and opposite bounces assuming that either one created a bounce at all."
Truth is, the move by the McCain campaign improves his shot at the White House ... by a ton.
Friday morning, pundits were busy telling the world it would take a major mistake by Obama in order for McCain to have a chance. By noon Friday, all bets were off and the focus turned from Obama's speech in front 80,000 party loyalists and a huge world-wide audience to Palin and her acceptance speech.
Over the weekend, much was made of the Palin selection and several made the claim that is was nothing more than a political ploy and would not have happened had Obama selected Hillary Clinton.
Had Obama picked Clinton, would that not have been a political ploy as well? In other words, the entire process is a political ploy. You pick your VP candidate to give yourself the best shot at winning.
But did he?
Now comes the news that Palin's 17-year-old daughter Bristol is pregnant and she will marry the father. How do both camps respond to this?
Palin preaches abstinence and is staunch in her pro-life conviction. After all, she gave birth to a baby with Down Syndrome and knew about it well before giving birth. But, her preaching of abstinence has backfired in her own backyard.
Frankly, the media needs to stay away from the daughter. Nothing is more sickening than going after the children of candidates. By all means, let the candidates have it, but keep away from the kids.
It may not happen, but it would be refreshing if the race came down to merit. However, with the country seemingly split in half, the 2008 campaign will likely be a bloodbath.
With two months remaining before the election, it will be fascinating to watch the drama unfold. What ads will people respond to? What truths will be uncovered concerning the candidates? How will the debates go?
Regardless of what happens in the election, you have to admit, the timing and the selection of Palin got the GOP ticket on the map. Politically speaking, it was a stroke of genius because if nothing else, it took the focus off of Obama and kept him from jumping way out in front.
What happens now is anyone's guess.

Obama Dropped The Ball

2008-08-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

I think the Barack Obama campaign dropped the ball with the selection of Sen. Joe Biden as his running mate.
Had Obama picked New York Senator Hilary Clinton, I think it would have guaranteed him the White House. Now, depending on who Sen. John McCain picks, it will be a dogfight.
Listening to the political talking heads, of which there seems to be no end, the Clintons have several problems with Obama. Likewise, I doubt Obama has much regard for the Clintons. We may never know.
It would be fun to be a fly and the wall and hear what the two camps have to say about each other. You know it gets heated.
At the end of the day, Democrats feel their best chance to win is to show the country how "unified" the party is and what a great opportunity for "change" their ticket is.
McCain now must pick wisely. He does not have the luxury of picking someone too polarizing nor can he ignore the Republican base.
I think McCain's best pick would be a woman, but unless he pulls a major surprise, that won't happen.
Of course, unless McCain can find a way to break through the Obama-media love affair, it may not really matter...

———

There is something about the fall and football season. You've heard the saying, "it's in the air." It certainly is!
Whether you like high school, college or pro football, there is plenty to go around. It's strange that a game where the goal is to cross a line for points, can be taken so seriously by so many, but that is exactly the case.
Football in America brings communities together and sometimes rips them apart. It can build pride and it can make you want to hide your head in the sand.
The great thing about football or any other sport is that is fuels the fire to compete. Regardless of what allegiance to what team you may have, it's good to get fired up occasionally. Just remember, when the final whistle sounds, the game is over and sportsmanship should be the rule rather than the exception.

Teaching Them To Say "No"

2008-08-23T19:28:00.000-07:00

School is gearing up - do yourself a favor and remind your children to stay away from substances - all of them!
We have to find a way to convey to our youth that putting harmful chemicals into our body is not the answer to anything.
Since our children are so inundated with technology, I've been working on this with my children already. With a 5 and 2-year-old, you may think I'm crazy, but I figure, what the heck?
We discuss how cool and unique the brain is and how to protect it. They know they need to wear a helmet when doing certain things and they also know not to take things to damage it otherwise.
Here's the hard part though, they've never been tempted. They've never been told a pill can make them lose weight. They've never been told a drink can make them forget the bad stuff. They've never been told a joint will help them relax.
According to a study by the Columbia University National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, 80 percent of high school students in American have witnessed drug use or possession or drunk or high students at their schools. Over 40 percent of middle school children have.
Those statistics should tell us our kids need to learn to say "no" from day one.
We probably all know people on drugs. The vast majority of us probably have someone in our family addicted to drugs. But not even an addict wants their child on drugs.
Parents and caregivers are really the last and best line of defense against drugs. If we're doing our best, we might be able to get our kids through high school safely. In other words, even a terrific parent or caregiver sometimes loses the fight, but we still must try every day.
So here it is. Here's what to look for. Here are the signs that your little one may be messing their brain up:
- Missed classes, lateness, incomplete or missing assignments, falling grades.
- Accidents, mistakes.
- Sudden, unexplained weight loss or gain.
- Neglect of school, work or family affairs.
- Discontinuation of hobbies, sports or group activities.
- Deterioration in appearance or hygiene.
- Change in communication with family or good friends.
- Secretive behavior.
- Missing money or unexplained money or new and expensive items, missing items of value.
- Health problems, change in sleep patterns, runny nose, cough, irritated shin, hangovers.
- Explosive arguments, often over small matters.
No excuses. Tell them why chemicals are bad every day. Stay close to them. Check their rooms, computers and backpacks. Let them know you do it for love and to help them maximize the chances they have in life.
Most of all, just try your best to be the parent you should be.