Finally, Strong Words
Finally, Prez O has spoken some strong words to the Iranian government regarding the “unjust” treatment of those protesting the election results. Using words such as “appalled” and “outraged” and “condemn” to describe the Iranian government’s violent actions against the demonstrators. I think that these are the preceding words to increasing the sanctions against Iran. Prez O’s seemed lack of action is a carefully planned and chosen path to prevent any in Iran to be able to accuse the US of A of interfering or initiating riotous actions. He has repeatedly laid the onus on the Iranians to conform to international “community” standards and to resume (after some 30 years) diplomatic relations with the US of A, and the Prez is taking a “wait and see” attitude.
I’m confused. The Pew Research Center’s U.S. Religious Survey indicates that 17% (more than one sixth) of the adult US of A population belongs to either the Southern Baptist or American Baptist convention. Ostensibly conservative, these are not the only conservatives in the nation, with conservatives in the non-vocal majority. So, (here’s the confusion) why does abortion and same-sex marriage continue to reign?
We, the people, have willfully abandoned our religious heritage and the principles on which our nation was both founded and built. Prosperity and calm will not return to our country until “we, the people,” return to our roots. I’m not saying that persons can’t live in our country and practice their religious preference in respect and safety. I’m saying that one shouldn’t expect our country to alter our foundational principles in order to please those persons.
Those CitiBank execs, of course, are finding a way to compensate certain execs in spite of the restrictions imposed on bonuses. These restrictions are placed on every bank which received TARP funds. The marketplace dictates compensation as it always has. The problem now, as I see it, is that the adjusted salaries (to meet 2008 levels of compensation) create a new baseline for salaries, thus insuring higher payroll percentages against future earnings; this is not a good thing.
On a positive note: Nearly 100k thoroughbred horses are shipped to Mexico and Canada each year … for slaughter. But, many rescued organizations have been created across the country to “recycle” these horses into police departments for patrolling and to prisons for inmates to care for. The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation in Saratoga Springs, NY is one such org. Good on you!
Blessings.