TIMES THAY ARE A CHANGING

• Something's Happening Here
• What it is is not exactly clear.
• There's a man with a gun over there, telling me, I have to beware
• - Buffalo Springfield

I said in the past that Iraq has all the ear marks of another Vietnam. Most people that support the WAR totally disagree with this idea mainly because of the make up of the enemy we are fighting in this war vs. Vietnam.

Well when I talk about this WAR as it relates to Vietnam I'm talking about the lies not the enemy. The lies that got us into this war and the lies that are keeping us there. The killing on all fronts is wrong.

I've felt for a long time that this country should have a draft. A mandatory draft. NO EXCEPTIONS. If your 4F you go in as a clerk or some other type service. No deferrals period.

That would make pulling that trigger a whole lot harder.

Next if we did go to war we would all need to chip in RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW to pay for this war. ALL PORK would be cut from road and energy bills. Until after the WAR was over and our troops came home. ALL PORK.

We need to do a better job of taking care of ALL our troops before they go off to war and as they come home.

We need to see ALL the coffins coming home. We are a strung country we saw that in the past. It is never easy but I also think that out of sight out of mind is true. We can not simply except that only the families of the dead soldier needs to morn.

We need a free press. One that will challenge the power. One that won't attend all the dinners and balls and other non related reporting functions just to be a part of the in crowd.

Some how the people in the middle of the road (where I think the majority of Americans are) needs to find their voice. I think most people want what is best for this country. I would like to see folks stop the name calling simply because I don't agree with them on every issue.

I want to stop the use of the flag as some sort of hammer on me because I don't agree with this war. I love my country as much as they do. I don't hate president Bush. I disagree with his policies on the war, social security, Medicare, energy and many other issues. But it is not ONLY him. There are plenty of democrats and republicans that I disagree with on some of these issues too.

I have a problem with the Unions and think the recent split in the AFL/CIO is a good thing. I just hope that they get back to basics. That's what is needed. I'd like to see corporations go back to the idea that a worker joins a company with the thought that it can be a career if they work hard. I was able to work 35 years for the Navy as a civilian. I don't think that will be the norm from now on.

So like the words from the old song "Something's Happening Here. . . What it is is not exactly clear." but I think this war, as did the Vietnam war, changed things in America in the 60's and 70's and so it is in the 21st century. . . slowly at first but it will happen just wait and see. It's the voices in the middle that will make it happen.

"Something's Happening Here."

DO YOURSELF A FAVOR

I did about 15 - 20 years ago. . . you can too. We want you here.

PRETTY GOOD JOKE