66

The picture you see above (from the National Archives) shows the last view many of our bravest Americans saw in their lives. As soon as those doors opened, the chance of death increased and many did not even make it ashore. Today, June 6th, is the 66th Anniversary of the D-Day Invasion, the amphibious landings by the Allies on the shores of Normandy. Our brave soldiers faced what seemed to be insurmountable odds: landing on fortified shores with the German soldiers having the high ground, advancing into Europe and eventually into Berlin. But they did it! It was this battle that allowed for freedom from Nazism and Fascism to occur in Europe.

These brave Americans accepted the calling to defend their country and those who came home were leaders in building the United States into the nation we know today. What these brave Americans went through is depicted in Saving Private Ryan (WARNING: GRAPHIC images in the linked movie clip) and for that, we should be grateful in honoring their memory and their sacrifice in spreading the American ideals of freedom and liberty to foreign shores.

The Primary Countdown is ON here in New Jersey's 6th Congressional District

In the years I have been following politics, I have never been excited about a Congressional Election here in CD-6. For years, Frank Pallone has served as our Congressman and the pattern has been a gimme that he would go back to Washington every two years to "represent" us. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am now excited! I'm excited that once and for all, we can send Frank Pallone back to Long Branch (which is a pretty nice place to be...I mean, it's Long Branch) and not have to endure his apathy toward those of us in the 6th that don't support big government policies. His defeat could also save New Jersey from having to deal with him as many believe he is prime for statewide office...losing this seat will prevent that from happening.

And it's all because of Diane Gooch that Frank Pallone is vulnerable. As I said in an earlier blog entry, I have met Diane and have been following her campaign since its inception. I am impressed with her passionate speaking and common sense policy ideas to save our 6th and collectively, take back this country from big government policies that leave out the 47% that did not vote that way nationally in 2008. And I'm not the only one in the 6th who feels this way! Diane has been traveling around the district and many have heard what she has to say and like what she has to say. The large group (larger than expected) that gathered last night in Red Bank also feels this way. They see her proposals and ideas as solutions and as I stated in my introductory entry, that's exactly what I want our politicians to provide as that is leadership!

Let's look at Diane's background. Her detractors would accuse her of having no experience. I disagree! Her business background makes her that much of a stronger candidate because she had a hand in creating jobs in the district as a small businesswoman. She understands what needs to be done for jobs to be created and the conditions that must be in place. A career politician does not understand this and we have seen this thought process followed through as the policy that Pallone has supported has not created jobs. (and the health care legislation will be a further impediment to job creation) The premise that someone with a business background can be successful in government has not only been followed through in real life, but in fiction, as in Tom Clancy's Executive Orders (excellent read...highly recommended), where Jack Ryan, as President, rebuilds the government and appoints individuals with no political experience, but business experience as they have been successful in putting theory into practice, just as Diane has. She has proven her leadership abilities and I look forward to watching her represent the 6th in Congress.

This is a busy weekend and my Republican friends in the 6th, we must realize that Diane Gooch is the superior candidate in our party, she has run a positive campaign, and she has solutions for issues that affect every member of the 6th. Without Diane, Frank Pallone will continue to rule the 6th. So I again implore you to go to the polls this Tuesday and vote for Diane to represent our party in the Midterm Election this fall. I guarantee you, with Diane, the 6th will not be a 'safe district' for the Democrats anymore and will be the surprise of the 2010 Midterms.

I will leave you with Diane's radio ad as I look forward to celebrating a victory on Tuesday night. Let's all make that possible!

Bomb Throwers Abound This Week

We had two "un-plugged moments" in the media this week that made level-headed thinking Americans have a collective cringe. The first is "Sir" Paul McCartney. After partying it up in the White House with a President who should be more concentrated on stopping the oil flow than entertaining Hollywood made this comment:



If you look at that clip, even Jerry Seinfeld was mortified! What mortified me was less the comment, and more the President's refusal to rebuke McCartney's words. (Which is, again, a pattern, with this president, as he refused to rebuke Wanda Sykes's rant last year.) When you look at his comments, it's more Paul McCartney who hasn't been to a library because if he did, he would have learned that Bush is a voracious reader, his wife is a former librarian and his family has been involved with literacy issues for years. In the past, Karl Rove has written about George W. Bush's reading habits. Maybe Mr. McCartney should read this article first before opening up his mouth and speaking about topics of which he knows nothing.

The second cringe moment this week comes out of the mouth of Helen Thomas in her un-plugged comments on Israel:



Wow! That has to be one of the more anti-Semitic statements I think I've heard from a public figure. If you listen to her questions over the years, they are not objective questions, but rambling, loaded, anti-Israel statements. Putting aside the fact that she's 89 years old and still doing her job, she makes a mockery of journalists and journalism. Doyenne or no doyenne, her words are inappropriate, her apology is canned and not from the heart and she should face retribution for her comments, as harsh as losing her seat in the briefing room.


UPDATE: The Anti-Semitic witch is gone! As I am very happy she is being held responsible for her reprehensible comments, I reminisce on how not everyone let her get away with spewing hate from the front row of the White House Press room

-Exhibit A: Dana Perino
-Exhibit B: George W. Bush
-Exhibit C: Tony Snow (RIP)

We Miss you, Gipp!

On June 5, 2004, 6 years ago, the country lost Ronald Reagan, our 40th President, as he left this earth and is now watching us from above. I remember the images and stories of Americans coming to Washington DC from all over the country to stand in long lines, in oppressive DC heat and humidity to pay their final respects to this great man as his body lay in state in the rotunda of the US Capitol.

Last month, I wrote about Ronald Reagan and his role in ending the Cold War, as described by John O'Sullivan. Looking back and examining history, I greatly admire Ronald Reagan and consider him the best president of the 20th century. Ronald Reagan was a true leader! He was able to clearly articulate his agenda to Americans, there were no ambiguities as we knew where he stood, he was brave enough to stand up to his detractors in the interest of America and her people; whether cutting taxes, making sure the Federal Government is not over-reaching and too much in our lives, protecting us from those that want to do us harm and promoting freedom not only for Americans, but those around the world under the oppression of governments that stifle freedom. If not for Ronald Reagan, the Cold War would likely have continued and for that, not only Americans, but the world should be grateful!

In closing, please enjoy the following beautiful tribute to Ronald Reagan:



(Thanks to the National Archives for the pic)

"My Bad!" So refreshing to hear...wish we could hear this from our politicians

I'll admit it, in terms of sports, first and foremost, I'm a football guy (go GIANTS and JETS), as a result, summer is a slow sports season. I don't dislike baseball, but outside of going to a game or two, especially if I'm in a city where I haven't been to their ballpark, but I really don't watch until the end of the season/playoffs and World Series and will pay closer attention when the Yankees are in it. As a result, I was a little late with this story. To quote Warner Wolf, "Let's go to the videotape:"



What we see here is a clear indication of a blown call by umpire Jim Joyce stealing Armando Galaragga's perfect game. A crime in the eyes of many baseball fans, and yes, even in the eyes of those who don't consistently watch baseball. In spite of this officiating error, Jim Joyce was remorseful about his call and took full responsibility. Below is the post-game interview:



In this press conference, Joyce flat out says, "My bad!" While robbing a pitcher of a perfect game, after seeing the error of ways, Jim Joyce showed class, and inspired those in leadership positions as he took full responsibility for his actions. I believe that Joyce is making an honest attempt at repenting that error in judgment and in the end, he will be more respected. A good leader will admit when he/she is wrong and go about to make amends for their error, as well as face and accept the appropriate consequences for those actions.

Seeing this made me think what's going on in Washington. We have a president who blaming his predecessor as inspiration to implement his agenda and as a focus of fault when his agenda fails, instead of taking responsibility, trying to fix or changing direction. He blames others and keeps moving forward. Americans are growing wary of this lack of leadership and what we saw in the Summer of 2009 with Americans voicing their displeasure will likely continue this summer and into the 2010 Midterm Election.

While I could not find a montage of the evidence, here are a few clips (read McCain's lips in the first one)

The Journey, Part I

"It is such a pleasure to watch you think!"

I know that quote may seem somewhat self-centered and self-serving, but let me explain its origin. It was said to me two years ago by a paraprofessional, who shared my classroom as a result of a student with whom she worked, after observing a lesson and watching the light bulb in her student's head turn on. In the years I've worked in education, it was one of the nicest compliments I have received and will never forget it!

Being inspired by that quote, from time to time, I will give some insight how I went about the planning and writing of my 8 month writing project that has come to be known as The Calling to Lead. Each "Journey" post will deal with a different aspect that went into planning/writing.

One common question that has been asked of me follows:

"How did you come up with all the characters?"

Planning for the main character, Michael Buonocore (his surname means "Good Heart" in Italian), I thought of qualities I have, I strive to perfect, as well as qualities I believe educators, pundits/journalists and politicians should have: hard-working, a person of strong character, loyalty, honesty, optimism, a positive/hands-on leader, intelligence, open-mindedness, the possession of strong interpersonal, as well as strong intra-personal skills. Michael is a strong speaker, passionate about his beliefs, is willing to roll up his sleeves to make sure a problem is solved and has successfully utilized, applied and implemented the leadership skills those from parents to superiors have taught him, in his own leadership positions.

Supporting characters were built around Michael and have worked with him or known him in his various roles or at different times in his life. As one will see when they read the book, the shared loyalty between the supporting characters and Michael has allowed many of the characters to stay in Michael's life in different roles.

These supporting characters have been inspired by and based on some good friends, as well as family. My family is one of the most supportive around and I am very grateful for them, hence, it's only right that they have inspired characters within The Calling to Lead. When writing about Michael's professional journey through college, education, media/journalism and politics, I also thought about people who I met along the way on my own personal journey. Colleagues who have become friends, friends with whom I have stayed friends through the years, students with whom I have stayed in contact long after they left my classroom, mentors and superiors who have reinforced what my parents have taught me. These people, in some form or another, have inspired me, supported me or touched my life in some fashion and the most appropriate remembrance of their respective roles was to include them within The Calling to Lead. It makes me quite happy the reactions of those who I told have inspired characters! In addition, you, the reader, will see some familiar faces from politics and will even see some supporting characters based on those familiar faces as I have blended fiction with current events and history.

I look forward to the next insight post and will also let you all know the progress of getting The Calling to Lead published. As always, if you know of anyone that is a literary agent or in publishing, do not hesitate to let me know! In the meantime, thanks again for reading, "The 'Right' Solutions!"

Blindsided

As an avid political junkie and presidential election follower, that image is quite memorable, as are the stories of the film and book Love Story being based on the Gores marriage. Nearly 10 years later, Al and Tipper Gore have separated after 40 years of marriage. Not many things in politics surprise me, this does!

As someone who does not agree with the agenda and politics of Al Gore, I am first, a human being, and understand that separation and divorce is very tough on not only the parties involved, but their families. Therefore, I will put politics aside and offer the Gores my prayers and best wishes for the future that everyone involved comes out OK on the other side.

(Kudos to Tolbert Report for the pic of the kiss!)