Pawlenty wants to change income tax

 Tim Pawlenty at CPAC 2011 – Part 1

The Associated Press reported:

CHICAGO – Republican Tim Pawlenty was set to propose an economic policy Tuesday that would simplify individual tax rates to just three options and cut taxes on business by more than half as he offered himself as a replacement to Barack Obama in the Democratic president’s hometown.

The former Minnesota governor also was to propose that any services available privately, such as the postal services or mortgages, should not be something government handles. He said he would require a vote in Congress to extend any regulation or he would cancel it. And he said he would eliminate taxes on investments and inheritances.

“But our policies can’t just be about simply cutting rates. They must also promote freedom and free markets,” Pawlenty said in excerpts provided ahead of the morning speech at the University of Chicago.

Pawlenty’s speech, his first as a declared presidential candidate, also kept an eye on presidential politics and blamed Obama for an anemic economy. He said Americans are ready to innovate and create jobs, but “they have been discouraged and weighed down by President Obama’s big government and heavy-handed regulations.”

In a speech expected to be heavy on specifics, Pawlenty was ready to propose a three-tier income tax system:

• The estimated 45 percent of U.S. households that did not pay income taxes in 2010 would see no change in their tax rates.

• Individuals would pay 10 percent tax on the first $50,000 of income. Couples earning $100,000 would also pay that rate.

• “Everything above that would be taxed at 25 percent,” Pawlenty said.

He also wanted to cut business taxes, reducing the current rate from 35 percent to 15 percent.

Before the event, Pawlenty’s Democratic successor in the Minnesota governor’s office dismissed the proposals as the latest ploy from a politician who cares more about rhetoric than results.

“I think it’s ironic that he’s talking about a fiscal plan for the entire country when he left his state a mess,” Gov. Mark Dayton said in an interview. “He decided he was going to leave and left it to his successor. They knew they were going to kick this down the road.”

In speeches, including the one Tuesday at the university where Obama taught law, Pawlenty boasts that he balanced the Minnesota budget during his time in office although he fails to mention he left behind a projected $5 billion deficit.

Dayton said the cuts under consideration for the next two-year budget include cuts to special education programs, increases in college students’ tuition and limited availability of home health care for seniors to offset the deficits.

When he announced his 2012 White House bid, Pawlenty promised policy details but kept his focus on rhetoric. He went to Florida to promise an overhaul of Social Security and Medicare, programs sacrosanct to the state’s seniors. In New York, he told Wall Street a Pawlenty presidency would not bail out investors. And in Iowa he promised to phase out subsidies to corn-based ethanol, a deal breaker for many in a state that relies on those federal dollars for a way of life.

He pitched himself as a truth teller but was unwilling to offer specifics. Instead, he promised a series of policy announcements that would leave voters convinced he was a policy heavyweight.

Tuesday’s speech was a first step toward that effort. Appealing to small-government conservatives, he suggested what he called “The Google Test.”

“If you can find a good or service on the Internet, then the federal government probably doesn’t need to be doing it,” Pawlenty said. “The post office, the government printing office, Amtrak, Fannie (Mae) and Freddie (Mac) were all built for a time in our country when the private sector did not adequately provide those products. That’s no longer the case.”

And he proposed that taxes on investments, bank interest, stock dividends and inheritances should all be zero.

“Government has no moral or economic basis to claim a second share of the same income. When you deposit a dollar in your bank account, every penny should be forevermore yours and your children’s, not the federal government’s,” he said.

Pawlenty is the second would-be GOP challenger to lay out a policy speech in Obama’s hometown. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also delivered a blistering economic speech here before he announced he would not join the Republican presidential field.

On Monday, former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania declared he would seek the GOP presidential nomination. Last week, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney formally announced he would seek the White House for the second time. And before the end of the month, Rep. Michele Bachmann of Minnesota and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman were set to announce their next political moves.

A debate next week in early nominating New Hampshire stood to clarify the contest that is fast approaching its first test of organization: the straw poll in Ames, Iowa, set for August. Among the serious contenders, only Huntsman was expected to skip.

June 7, 2011 – 8:35 am Categories: Taxes | Post a comment

Brummett is wrong about Paul Revere not Palin

Gov. Sarah Palin’s June 5, 2011 Chris Wallace interview pt 1 of 2

Gov. Sarah Palin’s June 5, 2011 Chris Wallace interview pt 2 of 2 (Paul Revere story discussed)

John Brummett is his article, “The Midnight ride of Mike Huckabee,” Arkansas News Bureau, June 7, 2011, he asserts:

On an American history bus tour through New England that looked like a campaign forerunner, Palin fielded a dreaded impromptu question about Paul Revere.

She ended up saying via typically tortured syntax that Revere had ridden through town ringing bells to inform the British occupiers that they should not dare try to confiscate arms from the American colonists.

Invited days later by Fox News colleague Chris Wallace to admit she got that wrong, Palin reared up and said she had not been wrong and that she certainly knew American history.

Actually, Revere is said by historical accounts to have ridden out from Boston toward Lexington on assignment to warn American patriot stalwarts Samuel Adams and John Hancock that British troops were marching to arrest them.

This being a somewhat surreptitious mission, he is not described in conventional historical narratives as ringing any bells.

He had made arrangements for others to hang lanterns briefly in the Old North Church as messages denoting British troop movement — one if by land, two if by sea. But, alas, lanterns don’t ring.

Actually Paul Revere did “ring bells” at houses to warn them. Below are Paul Revere’s own words in a letter to Dr. Jeremy Belknap. In that letter Revere wrote:

…In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the minute men; and after that, I alarmed almost every house, till I got to Lexington.

(Next when taken captive by the British) I told him. He asked me if I was an express. I answered in the affirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston. I told him, and added that their troops had catched aground in passing the river, and that there would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the country all the way up.

Evidently Palin was right about warning both the patriots  and the British and she was right about Revere ringing the bells at many houses along the way.

Talking about ringing the bell at houses reminds me of these words: “Someone’s knocking at the door, Somebody’s ringing the bell. Do me a favor. Open the door and let ’em in.”  That’s the entirety of the lyrics to the cute little Paul McCartney song “Let ‘Em In,” from the 1976 album “Wings at the Speed of Sound.”

I just want to know how Brummett and other liberals can make fun of Palin concerning this when she did not make any mistakes at all and actually served the purpose of educating the public in the process?

 

Letter to Dr. Jeremy Belknap from Paul Revere

    

In the fall of 1774 and the winter of 1775, I was one of upwards of thirty, chiefly mechanics, who formed ourselves into a committee for the purpose of watching the movements if the British soldiers, and gaining every intelligence of the movements of the Tories. We held our meetings at the Green Dragon tavern. We were so careful that our meetings be kept secret that every time we met, every person swore upon the Bible that they would not discover any of our transactions but to Messrs. Hancock, Adams, Doctors Warren, Church and one or two more.

…In the winter, towards the spring, we frequently took turns, two and two, to watch the soldiers by patrolling the streets all night. The Saturday night preceding the 19th of April, about 12 o’clock at night, the boats belonging to the transports were all launched and carried under the sterns of the men-of-war. (They had been previously hauled up and repaired.) We likewise found that the grenadiers and light infantry were all taken off duty.

From these movements we expected something serious was to be transacted. On Tuesday evening, the 18th, it was observed that a number of soldiers were marching towards the bottom of the Common. About 10 o’clock, Dr. Warren sent in great haste for me and begged that I immediately set off for Lexington, where Messrs. Hancock and Adams were, and acquaint them of the movement, and that it was thought they were the objects.

When I got to Dr. Warren’s house, I found he had sent an express by land to Lexington–a Mr. William Daws. The Sunday before, by desire of Dr. Warren, I had been to Lexington, to Messrs. Hancock and Adams, who were at the Rev. Mr. Clark’s. I returned at night through Charlestown; there I agreed Colonel Conant and some other gentlemen that if the British went out by water, we would show two lanthorns in the north church steeple; and if by land, one, as a signal; for we were apprehensive it would be difficult to cross the Charles River or to get over Boston Neck. I left Dr. Warren, called upon a friend and desired him to make the signals.

I then went home, took my boots and surtout, went to the north part of the town, where I had kept a boat; two friends rode me across the Charles River, a little to the eastward where the Somerset man-of-war lay. It was then young flood, the ship was winding, and the moon was rising. They landed me in the Charlestown side. When I got into town, I met Colonel Conant and several others; they said they had seen our signals. I told them what was acting, and went to get me a horse; I got a horse off Deacon Larkin. While the horse was preparing, Richard Devens, Esq., who was one of the Committee of Safety, came to me and told me that he came down the road from Lexington after sundown that evening; that he met ten British Officers, all well mounted, and armed, going up the road.

I set off upon a very good horse; it was then about eleven o’clock and very pleasant. After I had passed Charlestown Neck, I saw two men on horse back under a tree. When I got near them, I discovered they were British Officers. One tried to get ahead of me, and the other to take me. I turned my horse very quick and galloped towards Charlestown Neck, and then pushed for the Medford road. The one who chased me, endeavoring to cut me off, got into a clay pond where Mr. Russell’s Tavern in now built. I got clear of him, and went through Medford, over the bridge and up to Menotomy. In Medford, I awaked the Captain of the minute men; and after that, I alarmed almost every house, till I got to Lexington. I found Messrs. Hancock and Adams at the Reverend Mr. Clarks; I told them my errand and enquired for Mr. Daws; they said he had not been there; I related the story of the two officers, and supposed that he must have been stopped, as he ought to have been there before me.

After I had been there about a half an hour, Mr. Daws came; we refreshed ourselves, and set off for Concord. We were overtaken by a Dr. Prescott, whom we found to be a high Son of Liberty. I told of the ten officers that Mr. Devens met, and that it was probable we might be stopped before we got to Concord; for I suppose that after night they divided themselves, and that two of them fixed themselves in such passages as were most likely to stop any intelligence going to Concord. I likewise mentioned that had better alarm all the inhabitants till we got to Concord. The young doctor much approved of it and said he would stop with either of us, for the people between that and Concord knew him and would give the more credit to what we said.

We had got nearly half way. Mr. Daws and the doctor stopped to alarm the people of a house. I was about one hundred rods ahead when I saw two men in nearly the same situation as those officers were near Charlestown. I called for the doctor and Mr.Daws to come up. In an instant I was surrounded by four. They had placed themselves in a straight road that inclined each way; they had taken down a pair of bars on the north side of the road, and two of them were under a tree in the pasture. The doctor being foremost, he came up and we tried to get past them; but they being armed with pistols and swords, they forced us into the pasture. The doctor jumped his horse over a low stone wall and got to Concord.

I observed a wood at a small distance and made for that. When I got there, out started six officers on horseback and ordered me to dismount. One of them, who appeared to have the command, examined me, where I came from and what my name was. I told him. He asked me if I was an express. I answered in the affirmative. He demanded what time I left Boston. I told him, and added that their troops had catched aground in passing the river, and that there would be five hundred Americans there in a short time, for I had alarmed the country all the way up. He immediately rode towards those who stopped us, when all five of them came down upon a full gallop. One of them, whom I afterwards found to be a Major Mitchel, of the 5th Regiment, clapped his pistol to my head, called me by name and told me he was going to ask me some questions, and if I did not give him true answers, he would blow my brains out. He then asked me similar questions to those above. He then ordered me to mount my horse, after searching me for arms. He then ordered them to advance and to lead me in front. When we had got about one mile, the major rode up to the officer that was leading me, and told him to give me to the sergeant. As soon as he took me, the major ordered him, if I attempted to run, or anybody insulted them, to blow my brains out.

We rode till we got near Lexington meeting-house, when the militia fired a volley of guns, which appeared to alarm them very much. The major inquired of me how far it was to Cambridge, and if there were any other road. After some consultation, the major rode up to the sergeant and asked if his horse was tired. He answered him he was- he was a sergeant of grenadiers and had a small horse. “Then,” said he, “take that man’s horse.” I dismounted, and the sergeant mounted my horse, when they all rode towards Lexington meeting-house.

I went across the burying-ground and some pastures and came to the Rev. Mr. Clark’s house, where I found Messrs. Hancock and Adams. I told them of my treatment, and they concluded to go from that house towards Woburn. I went with them and a Mr. Lowell, who was a clerk to Mr. Hancock.

Battle at LexingtonWhen we got to the house where they intended to stop, Mr. Lowell and myself returned to Mr. Clark’s, to find what was going on. When we got there, an elderly man came in; he said he had just come from the tavern, that a man had come from Boston who said there were no British troops coming. Mr. Lowell and myself went towards the tavern, when we met a man on a full gallop, who told us the troops were coming up the rocks. We afterwards met another, who said they were close by. Mr. Lowell asked me to go to the tavern with him, to get a trunk of papers belonging to Mr. Hancock. We went up chamber, and while we were getting the trunk, we saw the British very near, upon a full march. We hurried towards Mr. Clark’s house. In our way we passed through the militia. There were about fifty. When we had got about one hundred yards from the meeting-house, the British troops appeared on both sides of the meeting-house. In their front was an officer on horseback. They made a short halt; when I saw, and heard, a gun fired, which appeared to be a pistol. Then I could distinguish two guns, and then a continual roar of musketry; when we made off with the trunk.

June 7, 2011 – 8:22 am Categories: Founding Fathers | Post a comment

Top Ten List of greatest soccer players: E. Hatcher’s list v. W. Hatcher’s list (Part 8)

Today’s discussion is about who is the 3rd best soccer player of all time.

cristiano ronaldo (enjoy the video that 33 millions have)

Wilson Hatcher picks Cristiano Ronaldo

Wikipedia notes:

Cristiano Ronaldo dos Santos Aveiro, OIH, (Portuguese pronunciation: [kɾɨʃtiˈɐnu ʁuˈnaɫdu]; born 5 February 1985),[2] commonly known as Cristiano Ronaldo, is a Portuguese footballer who plays as a right winger or striker for Spanish La Liga club Real Madrid and is the captain of the Portuguese national team. Ronaldo is the most expensive player in football history after moving from Manchester United to Real Madrid in a transfer deal worth £80 million (€94m, US$132m). In addition, his contract with Real Madrid, in which he is to be paid £11 million per year over the following six years, makes him the highest-paid football player in the world,[3] and values him at €1 billion as per his buyout clause.[4]

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Diego Maradona Video

Everette Hatcher chooses Diego Maradonna. Below you will read:

 Easily one of the most controversial players ever, he is also the most gifted. Physically short and stocky, Maradonna none the less grew into a giant on the field. At the hight of his playing days Maradonna had not a single flaw on the field. He had unbelievable acceleration and pace, superhuman ball control, flawless technique, unrivaled vision and an infallible instinct for when to pass the ball and when to hold on to it. Despite having every tool imaginable for a soccer player, he was even a good header of the ball despite his diminutive size, he would never hold on to the ball if passing to a team mate was a better option. At his pinnacle Maradonna took Argentina to the very zenith of soccer glory virtually singlehandedly. His performance in the 1986 World Cup is the most impressive feat accomplished in any sport, on any stage. In the midst of his most accomplished moment, Maradonna showed his duality perfectly in the now infamous semi finals against England. In a single half Maradonna scored two of the worlds most remembered and talked about goals. The blatant handball on the now dubbed ‘Hand of God’ goal is in stark contrast to his second goal in the same half that is now widely regarded as the best goal ever scored. In passing through the entire English side, Maradonna never touches the ball with his right foot. Some of the best defenders in the world were helpless against the little magician. Off the field, Maradonna strikes a tragic figure, but on the field he was perfection.

Diego Maradona discusses ‘Hand of God’ World Cup goal – BBC

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Here follows my list of the worlds 10 best soccer players of all time. Names like Zinedine Zidane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ruud Gullit are all absent from my list, which speaks volumes of the extraordinary talent of the players that rise above them.

10. Lev Yashin

This legendary Soviet net minder revolutionized the goal keeper position. Despite his intimidating size he was incredibly agile and developed the position into the active keepers we see in today’s game. Fearless like any extraordinary goalie, Yashin was all over the penalty area diving at feet and working from post to post better than anyone. Always expanding the role of the goal keeper, Yashin is considered to be the inventor of the sweeping goal keeper role, that is having the goal keeper come out of the penalty area to pick up long through balls before the opposition’s strikers.

9. Eusebio

Portugal’s best player ever, unrivaled until the emergence of Ronaldo, still holds down a spot as one of the very best players to play the beautiful game. With a powerful runs and silk smooth ball control Eusebio was as clinical a finisher as the game ever saw. A long time favorite in Benfica he would score over a goal a game throughout his career. In 715 matches for Benfica he scored 724 goals and still holds the all time scoring record at the club. In an area were Portugal were routinely out-shined by larger European soccer nations Eusebio singlehandedly lifted his country onto the international scene. In the 1966 World Cup Eusebio became the tournament’s top scorer with 9 goals helping Portugal claim the bronze medal.

8. Georghe Hagi

7. Michel Platini

France has produced some of the most memorable playmakers the game has ever seen, but Platini towers above them all. Possibly the best European midfielder Platini had all the qualities of a classic play maker. Flawless ball handling, a super accurate passing foot, a deadly free kick specialist but above all an uncanny instinct and vision for the game. Always a threat to release a team mate into space, he was also very capable of deep runs into the oppositions penalty area where he would show off a finishing ability unrivaled by any of his peers. His authority and unbendable winning mentality made him a perfect team captain, qualities he showed of to the fullest in France’s 1982 Euro Cup win. The way Platini carried his team through the tournament to their first European trophy is second only to Maradonna’s unmatchable heroics in the 1988 World Cup.

6. Ference Puskas

The Hungarian ‘little canon’ is probably the best pure striker soccer has ever seen. Short and stocky, he was immensely powerful and his thunderous left foot was feared by everyone. In his career he managed an incredible 84 goals in 85 games for Hungary, still an international goal scoring record. Because of his stocky and powerful build Puskas was frequently overlooked by the opposition. Virtually impossible to move off the ball, he sometimes looked as he could score at will. After defecting from Hungary Puskas finally landed a job with Real Madrid after having been turned down due to his age by several European teams. The ‘old man’ went on to secure 4 championships and even got capped for Spain.

5. Bobby Charlton

4. Franz Beckenbauer

Kaiser Franz was the best defender of his time, and the best defender of any time. Unlike most defenders of his age, and in fact all the way up until today, Beckenbauer was a complete soccer player. Confident with the ball, an outstanding passer and with an overview unmatched by anyone he invented and perfected the libero, or sweeper, role. His elegance on the ball and his natural authority on the pitch earned him the nickname ‘Der Kaiser’. Beckenbauer lead his team and his country to several triumphs, including three straight European Championships with Bayern Munich and a World Cup victory in 1974 for West Germany. In all he played more than 100 international matches for Germany.

3. Johan Cruyff

The brain, heart and soul of the Dutch ‘total football’ Cruyff is probably the most influential soccer player in the world. His approach to the game is now universally adapted and has transformed the game from the core. Cruyff saw soccer as an exercise in creating and manipulating space. The goal of total football was to have the entire team work together with this as their goal. To open up and manipulate space. From the wing or a deep center forward position Cruyff would torment defenders with his flowing dynamic play and creative vision. Always a fast and technically brilliant player, Cruyff’s brilliance was in his deep understanding of the game and the positioning of his teammates. His sense of space and angles earned him the nickname ‘Pythagoras in boots’.

2. Pele

Playing alongside and against the finest players in the world he was still consistently dominant. As a player Pele has a style and flair that would dazzle anyone. After retiring as a player, Pele has added to his status as an ambassador for the game with his winning personality and clean cut image.

1. Diego Maradonna

Any list that has Pele as the second best player in the world invariably puts Maradonna as the worlds finest player. Easily one of the most controversial players ever, he is also the most gifted. Physically short and stocky, Maradonna none the less grew into a giant on the field. At the hight of his playing days Maradonna had not a single flaw on the field. He had unbelievable acceleration and pace, superhuman ball control, flawless technique, unrivaled vision and an infallible instinct for when to pass the ball and when to hold on to it. Despite having every tool imaginable for a soccer player, he was even a good header of the ball despite his diminutive size, he would never hold on to the ball if passing to a team mate was a better option. At his pinnacle Maradonna took Argentina to the very zenith of soccer glory virtually singlehandedly. His performance in the 1986 World Cup is the most impressive feat accomplished in any sport, on any stage. In the midst of his most accomplished moment, Maradonna showed his duality perfectly in the now infamous semi finals against England. In a single half Maradonna scored two of the worlds most remembered and talked about goals. The blatant handball on the now dubbed ‘Hand of God’ goal is in stark contrast to his second goal in the same half that is now widely regarded as the best goal ever scored. In passing through the entire English side, Maradonna never touches the ball with his right foot. Some of the best defenders in the world were helpless against the little magician. Off the field, Maradonna strikes a tragic figure, but on the field he was perfection.

June 7, 2011 – 7:24 am Categories: Current Events | Post a comment

Brummett:We must increase debt ceiling or disaster will occur (Part 8)

Schumer: Not raising debt ceiling could cause recession

Bob Schieffer spoke with Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) on the specific agreements and cuts made in the budget deal and the debate over raising the debt ceiling.

John Brummett in his article “Dear visa, my debt ceiling is capped,” April 25, 2011, Arkansas News Bureau, he observes:

Here is how real fiscal responsibility works: You repay the debt that you have incurred to date. You make spending reductions prospectively by showing sufficient discipline to reduce the future pace at which you incur debt. You dare not let your existing debt go unpaid lest your credit score suffer and you get denied the next time you find yourself in a bit of a pinch and need to finance a refrigerator at Sears.

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The problem I have with Brummett’s comment is that he does not realize that all the tea party people want is to get $2 cut for every $1 they allow the debt ceiling to be raised until eventually the budget is balanced. I have written on this several times before and that is the principle that the Republicans are fighting for. Take a look at some of my earlier posts:

House rejects raising debt ceiling, John Brummett:We must increase debt ceiling or disaster will occur (Part 6)

New Congress Debates Raising Debt Ceiling Harry Smith spoke with Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), and Rep. elect Mike Kelly (R-PA) on how, with a shift in power, will congress set aside disagreements and work together to solve such issues as deficit reduction, job creation, and turning […]

Bill Clinton: Warned against not raising debt ceiling (Part 2)

Clinton: We Will Have Bipartisan Resolution on Budget During a fiscal summit sponsored by the Pete Peterson foundation Wednesday, Gwen Ifill talked to former President Bill Clinton about the economy, politics and foreign policy. CNN Money reported on May 25, 2011: Ryan, who spoke after Clinton at the summit, wasn’t asked directly about the New […]

Brummett:We must increase debt ceiling or disaster will occur (Part 3) (Royal Wedding Part 7)

John Brummett in his article “Pryor’s words drift in gentle breeze,” Arkansas News Bureau, April 24, 2011 asserted: Raising the debt ceiling is essential to paying our debts and keeping the national and world economy functioning. Spending cuts must be made in the future, not by reneging on debt from the past. It is disingenuous

Brummett:We must increase debt ceiling or disaster will occur (Part 4)

John Brummett in his article “Dear visa, my debt ceiling is capped,” April 25, 2011, Arkansas News Bureau, he observes: The first thing I intend to do is join the tea party. Then I’m going to refuse to raise my debt limit. Then I’m going to call the Visa people. “Y’all have me down here […]

Brummett:We must increase debt ceiling or disaster will occur (Part 2) (Royal Wedding Part 4)

John Brummett in his article “Dear visa, my debt ceiling is capped,” April 25, 2011, Arkansas News Bureau, he asserted: Nine times in the last decade the federal government has crept near its debt ceiling and Congress has voted to raise it. Tea party types say they intend this time to tie their votes to […]

Brummett:We must increase debt ceiling or disaster will occur (Part 1) (Royal Wedding Part 2)

John Brummett in his article “Dear visa, my debt ceiling is capped,” April 25, 2011, Arkansas News Bureau, he observes: The first thing I intend to do is join the tea party. Then I’m going to refuse to raise my debt limit. Then I’m going to call the Visa people. “Y’all have me down here […]

Mark Pryor will not vote for debt limit increase unless there are real spending cuts (Conspirator part 9)

In the article “Mark Pryor: I won’t vote to raise debt limit without reforms,” April 20, 2011, Arkansas Business reports: U.S. Sen. Mark Pryor says he won’t vote to raise the federal government’s borrowing limit unless there is a “real and meaningful commitment” to reducing the nation’s debt by cutting spending and overhauling the tax […]

Tim Griffin’s interview with Talk Business’s Roby Brock (Part 2)

Congressman Griffin discusses the federal debt ceiling crisis.

June 7, 2011 – 12:07 am Categories: spending out of control | Post a comment

Jerry Van Dyke Arkansas resident (Part 1)

A 30 Foot Tall Fat Guy

Luther’s commentary on where the world is headed if people keep getting bigger.

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At the “Sunshine Boys” performance on June 1, 2011 in Hot Springs my son Wilson and I saw Jerry Van Dkye and Tommy Smoothers perform. It was great!!! Before the show started they showed this video clip below:

Jerry Van Dyke Tries to Make A Slasher Movie

Jerry Van Dyke tries to make his first slasher movie in Arkansas with a cast of real people and skittish financiers.

Jerry Van Dyke is a famous comedian and actor who lives in Arkansas; he was inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in 1998. He is perhaps most noted for his Emmy-nominated performance as Luther Van Dam on the television show Coach. Van Dyke and his second wife, Shirley Jones (not the famous actress of that name), own a ranch in Saline County, and, in the late 1990s, they purchased and renovated a city block in Benton (Saline County), including the Royal Theatre and a soda shop that bears his name.

Jerry Van Dyke was born in Danville, Illinois, on July 27, 1931, to Loren and Hazel Van Dyke. Loren Van Dyke was a traveling salesman for the Sunshine Biscuit Company. Both their sons have had successful show business careers. Van Dyke’s older brother, Dick, is a movie actor (Mary Poppins), television sitcom pioneer, and comedian (The Dick Van Dyke Show). Jerry Van Dyke began his career as a comedian while still at Danville High School. The brothers performed around town in various strip joints and nightclubs until 1952, when Van Dyke joined the U.S. Air Force. While in the military, he performed at many shows for the men and won several air force talent competitions, including the chance to appear on the Ed Sullivan Show. He returned home in 1962 to perform at a fundraising dinner for the down payment on Danville’s Kathryn Randolph Theater.

After serving in the military, Van Dyke became a regular on The Judy Garland Show in 1963, where he was the comic relief. Soon, CBS made plans for Van Dyke to have his own series. After turning down the role of Gilligan in Gilligan’s Island and choosing not to replace Don Knotts in The Andy Griffith Show—two choices he later regretted—he accepted the lead role in My Mother the Car. This series did not last long, and he returned to supporting roles in television and movies for a decade. Eventually, Van Dyke returned to stand-up comedy, touring for several years at Playboy Clubs around the country.

In 1989, Van Dyke began his most famous role—Luther Van Dam on the television series Coach, which ran for nine seasons. His character was the assistant coach to Craig T. Nelson’s character, Hayden Fox. Luther Van Dam was loveable, irritable, and yet hilarious. In 1990, 1991, 1992, and 1994, Van Dyke received Emmy nominations for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy series.

Van Dyke has been married twice. He has three children from his first marriage to Carol Johnson, whom he divorced in 1974.

Van Dyke married Shirley Jones of Glen Rose (Hot Spring County) in 1984. They own a 500-acre ranch in Saline County, where they raise horses, llamas, and other animals. They also own residences in Los Angeles and in Mexico. In 1996, the Van Dykes purchased a city block in Benton, which they renovated before selling the properties in 2000 and 2001. The block includes the Royal Theatre, an old movie theater converted for live acting, which the Van Dykes gave to the Central Arkansas Community Players in 2000. The group changed its name to the Royal Players and regularly performs in the theater, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. Also on that block were a candy store and an ice cream and soda shop. Although it was sold in 2001, the ice cream and soda shop continues to operate as Jerry Van Dyke’s Soda Shop.

For additional information:
“Jerry Van Dyke.” Internet Movie Database. http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0886733/ (accessed March 17, 2008).

“Jerry Van Dyke.” J. Cast Productions. http://www.castproductions.com/jerryvandyke.html (accessed March 10, 2008).

“Sip a Soda With Jerry.” Southern Living 34 (April 1999): 47.

 Allison Majors

June 7, 2011 – 12:06 am Categories: Famous Arkansans | Post a comment

Francis Schaeffer was prophetic about culture of death that Jack Kevorkian thrive in (Series on Jack Kevorkian’s legacy of death Part 7)

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What Ever Happened to the Human Race?

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Philosopher and Theologian, Francis A. Schaeffer has argued, “If there are no absolutes by which to judge society, then society is absolute.” Francis Schaeffer, How Shall We Then Live? (Old Tappan NJ: Fleming H Revell Company, 1976), p. 224.

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Francis Schaeffer had a big impact on many christians like me and gave us reasons to be prolife. Read the below article by Dr. Peter Lillback concerning the issue of assisted suicide (below is the last portion of the article).This is another subject that Francis Schaeffer discussed at length in his film series and books.

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Suffering Has A Point

If one adopts the biblical culture of life that flows from the concepts of the image of God and the sanctity of life, then one must also address the issue of human suffering. For euthanasia’s pragmatic appeal is in offering the “good death,” that is, a death that is without pain and suffering. What is a Christian to think of suffering since his rejection of euthanasia requires a commitment to face pain in a manner that glorifies God? The first thing to remember is that God is faithful (1 Corinthians 10:13). Suffering is never wasted in God’s economy, but always serves His purposes (Romans 8:28).

Professor William Edgar reminds us that suffering has a profound role in the Christian’s progress to the ultimate hope of the gospel of Christ. “In the school of suffering there are three great degrees, to be earned in sequence. The first is ‘perseverance’ (Romans 5:3). When we endure hardship for the sake of our Lord, we begin to learn what no other teacher can impart, the ability to endure. This virtue is notably absent from modern culture—we would rather have the easy pay-off and the pleasurable stimulus than the hard road of daily struggle. But as great athletes know, matches aren’t won in one move, but rather one point at a time. The second degree, once endurance is well in hand, is ‘character’ (Romans 5:4). The Greek word here signifies the ‘ability to pass a test.’ … Finally, the highest degree in the school of suffering is ‘hope’ (Romans 5:4-5). … when the New Testament speaks of hope, it means full assurance. And what is underscored in Romans 5 is a hope that does not have any shame or embarrassment attached to it. Furthermore, it is a hope that leads to the same kind of glad feelings that come with justification. ‘We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God’ (Romans 5:2).

The point here is that euthanasia sees pain as something to be avoided at any cost. For the Christian, pain is not to be sought, but when it comes it is to be grasped as a tool God has given to further restore the very image of God so tragically damaged in the fall of mankind. When hope triumphs over suffering, the first fruits of the resurrection and the eternal redemption of Christ have been tasted by the soul of faith.

The Problem of Pain

This understanding however, does not mean that physical pain is a goal to be sought or a required end to be endured without support. For example, C. S. Lewis wrote in The Problem of Pain, “I am not arguing that pain is not painful. Pain hurts. That is what the word means. I am only trying to show that the old Christian doctrine of being made ‘perfect through suffering’ (Hebrews 2:10) is not incredible. To prove it palatable is beyond my design.”

Although there are no easy ways to suffer, a Christian willingly embraces the blessings of the common grace gifts of medicine to address his pain and suffering. Yet he also learns to live by the apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 3:10-11 that describe his remarkable spiritual pursuit, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Death With Dignity In Christ

Our conclusion can hardly surpass the wisdom of Dr. Leon Kass in his article “Death with Dignity and the Sanctity of Life,” written in 1990. Dr. John M. Templeton, Jr. summarizes Dr. Kass as follows: “‘We should reject the counsel of those who, seeking to drive a wedge between human dignity and the sanctity of life, argue for the need for active euthanasia, especially in the name of death with dignity. For it is precisely the setting of fixed limits on violating human life that makes possible our efforts at dignified relations with our fellow men, especially when their neediness and disability try our patience. We will never be able to relate, even decently to people, if we are entitled always to consider that one option before us is to make them dead. Thus, when the advocates of euthanasia press us with the most heartrending cases, we should be sympathetic but firm. Our response should neither be ‘Yes, for mercy sake,’ nor ‘Murder! Unthinkable!’ but ‘Sorry, no.’ Above all, we must not allow ourselves to become self deceived: we must never seek to relieve our own frustration and bitterness over the lingering deaths of other by pretending that we can kill them to sustain their dignity.”

As believers, we are called to entrust our lives and the lives of our loved ones into the strong and loving hands of the only One who knows the end from the beginning. When we live in Christ with trust and when we die in Christ with hope, we can proclaim with Paul, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). This alone is the “good death,” the only true “euthanasia.”

Dr. Peter A. Lillback is senior pastor of Proclamation Presbyterian Church (PCA) and president of Westminster Theological Seminary.

SEVEN ETHICAL PRINCIPLES FOR FACING DEATH AND DYING

While we cannot pursue the following ethical considerations with any length, it is helpful to identify some of the basic issues guiding a Christian’s thinking as they face the death process.

1. Prolonging life versus stretching life: “We observe once again how important it is to avoid the phrase absolute ‘reverence’ for human life. We must respect human life. If we can expect a medical procedure to extend life for a meaningful time, then we have an indication that such a treatment is desirable. But if not, then we have an indication that our task here on Earth is finished. Life can be prolonged, but need not be stretched” (J.Douma’s The Ten Commandments).

2. The issue of terminating life versus terminating treatment. “For this reason it is important to distinguish between terminating life and terminating treatment. Perhaps death will follow quickly after a treatment has been terminated, although that is by no means always the case. If a patient undergoes no further medical treatment, he must still be fed and cared for. That is not killing him, but giving him up” (J. Douma’s The Ten Commandments).

3. When it is right to let someone die? John Frame, in his Medical Ethics, writes, “When may we let a patient die? In general I would say that we may let a patient die when we lack, in some way, the resources to save his life, whether those resources be time, technology, or skill. When a person is under medical care, we may let him die … when he is ‘dying.’” Davis adds, “The collapse of the distinction between killing and letting die could also open the door to the deliberate killing of other categories of persons: the senile, the comatose, and the economically burdensome.”

4. The distinction between the ordinary and extraordinary means in saving a life. Davis continues, “Ordinary means are all those medicines, treatments, and operations which offer a reasonable hope of benefit and which can be obtained and used without excessive expense, pain, or other inconvenience. Extraordinary means are all medicines, treatments, and operations which cannot be obtained or used without excessive pain, or other inconvenience, or which, if used, would not offer a reasonable hope of benefit.”

5. The difference between sustaining life and prolonging dying. Davis writes, “There is no moral obligation to prolong artificially a truly terminal patient’s irreversible and imminent process of dying. This is sometimes called employing ‘useless means’ of treatment.”

6. The compassionate control of pain and provision of comfort. Davis writes, “When a disease has advanced to the point where no known therapy exists and death is imminent despite the means used, then forms of treatment that would secure ‘only a precarious and burdensome prolongation of life’ may be discontinued or not instituted. … Only palliative care is indicated. … ‘Palliative care’ means therapeutic measures designed to increase the patient’s comfort and control pain, to provide food and water and normal nursing care, and to minimize stress for the dying patient and the family. To say that in certain cases palliative care alone is indicated is not to abandon the patient.” The advent of advanced pain treatments has largely eliminated the need for patients to suffer. The idea of “mercy killing” thus has a false basis.

7. Open and honest communication. A final important ethical consideration is excellent communication between the patient (if possible), the family, and the healthcare professional. There needs to be a team approach to making these difficult decisions.

June 7, 2011 – 12:05 am Categories: Francis Schaeffer, Prolife | Post a comment

Kate Middleton and Prince William: Marriage made in Heaven? (Part 49)

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Bridesmaids and page boys

Philippa Middleton arrives at Westminster Abbey with the bridesmaids and page boys ahead of the wedding service between Prince William and Catherine Middleton, 29 April 2011

Prince William and Kate moved in together about a year ago. In this clip above the commentator suggested that maybe Prince Charles and Princess Diana would not have divorced if they had lived together before marriage. Actually Diana was a virgin, and it was Charles’ uncle (Louis Mountbatten) that gave him the advice that he should seek to marry a virgin.

I really do wish Kate and William success in their marriage. I hope they truly are committed to each other, and if they are then the result will be a marriage that lasts their whole lifetime. Nevertheless, I do not think it is best to live together before marriage like they did, and I writing this series to help couples see how best to prepare for marriage.

Contrary to what many people believe, “test driving” a relationship by living together before marriage also reduces the odds of success. The exact reasons are unclear. It may be that couples make riskier picks with a live-in partner than they would with a potential spouse. Or couples who defer marriage and opt to live together first may do so because they have trouble with commitment. After they move in together, some couples eventually walk down the aisle as a result of inertia, not love. Undoing the entanglements of a live-in relationship can be a hassle, especially if the couple has children, Scott Stanley (co-director of the Center for Marital and Family Studies at the University of Denver) said. Sliding into marriage becomes “a transition without a decision,” Stanley said. “For a lot of young people, it’s not a real deliberative thing. They’re not really thinking, ‘Are you the one?’ ‘Am I the one?’” (Kyung M. Song from article in the Seattle Times titled, Marriage as learned behavior: Can divorce be foretold? 727/05)

Benefits of Attending a Weekend to Remember

June 7, 2011 – 12:04 am Categories: Current Events | Post a comment

Will Maria Shriver’s marriage survive Arnold Schwarzenegger’s admission of infidelity? I hope so (Part 26)

Weekend To Remember Conference Testimony

Here’s a couple who went to a FamilyLife Conference and how it made a difference in their marriage.

Media hunts mother of Arnies love child

File photo of Schwarzenegger

File photo of the Schwarzenegger family: (L-R) Maria Shriver, Christina, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Patrick(AFP/Getty Images/File/Jason Merritt)…

Maria Shriver Asks – How Do You Handle Transitions in Your Life?

Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted to his wife several months ago that he had fathered a child about 10 years ago with a member of their household staff. Maria moved out, but has not filed for divorce. In the you tube clip above she comments:

“Like a lot of you I’m in transition: people come up to me all the time, asking, what are you doing next?” she said, adding: “It’s so stressful to not know what you are doing next when people ask what you are doing and they can’t believe you don’t know what you are doing.”

“I’d like to hear from other people who are in transition,” she said. “How did you find your transition: Personal, professional, emotional, spiritual, financial? How did you get through it?”

Mrs. Shriver has asked for spiritual input and I personally think that unless she gets the spiritual help that she needs then she will end up in the divorce court. I am starting a series on how a marriage can survive an infidelity. My first suggestion would be to attend a “Weekend to Remember” put on by the organization “Family Life” out of Little Rock, Arkansas. I actually posted this as a response to Mrs. Shriver’s request on you tube.

I found this article very encouraging:

The Difference God Makes in a Marriage

At a Weekend to Remember marriage conference, our marriage was set on the right path when my husband invited God to be a part of his life and a part of our relationship.

After being married for four and a half years, Andy (who was a newly commissioned officer in the Marine Corps) and I finally decided to attend a Weekend to Remember® marriage getaway. At the time we were really struggling. We had a 2-year-old daughter and a baby on the way.

Andy’s parents had gone to a Weekend to Remember and had highly recommended it, as did the base chaplain. Although my husband was willing to attend the conference, he had told me that he had begun to lose faith in our marriage. He said that he was wondering about his options.

Andy reassured me that he still loved me and our daughter very much, but added that he was struggling with the thoughts of “what if.” He said that he knew in his heart that he would be miserable if he left me and our family, but his own demons continued to haunt him. Neither of us had ever dated anyone else before we were married, and he kept wondering if he had married the right person.

I felt there wasn’t much more we could do to save our marriage without help.

Attending the Weekend to Remember

Although I had never been very deep in my own spirituality, I longed for my husband to lead me spiritually. Andy is a history and sociology buff and has always had a profound interest in various religions. But for some reason he seemed most resistant when it came to getting personally involved spiritually.

As Friday night at the Weekend to Remember began, I did my best to stay open-minded but tensed every time God was being made part of the lesson. I was so afraid that my husband would reject this. I just hoped that he would stay open-minded, but in the back of my mind I knew better. We did our homework that night together but didn’t finish it. 

Saturday morning was the most stressful. Andy was sitting slumped down, with his arms crossed. His expression was one of annoyance. By the time we separated to write our love letters (one of the Weekend to Remember projects) he said to me, “I don’t want to be here. I’m not comfortable here. I don’t want to do this.” I was crushed inside, but said nothing.

We both finished our letters, which were not even close to being full of love or romance, and I felt very depressed. We decided to break off on our own to discuss the letters and his rejection of the conference. We talked and I cried for almost two hours.

Although Andy and I didn’t resolve anything, we came to the conclusion that without him changing his outlook and saying “divorce is not an option” and deciding to work and fight for our marriage, we weren’t going to make it. He said he didn’t think he could do that.

So I asked him if he would be willing to do it for just the weekend. He looked me in the eyes and said, “Yes, I can do that.”  I was still very scared for us in the long run, but decided to make the most of the weekend.

Saturday night was date night. Andy seemed to be a little better on our date, but overall I could tell it was still not right. At first he didn’t want to talk … didn’t want to look at me. He kept saying, “I don’t want to be here.”

We did finish our homework that night and both learned one new thing about each other regarding our sexual relationship. It was very enlightening and for the first time, I felt like I was getting somewhere and was able to do something to help improve our relationship.

Finally … hope

Sunday morning, after we packed up and were getting ready to leave our hotel room, I sat on the bed and gathered up the courage to ask him if he would pray with me. We had never prayed together … ever. I was nervous and scared, but he said “sure” so we held hands, and I said a two-sentence prayer for God to bless our marriage and each other. Andy hugged me. Although that was good, it felt somewhat staged. I feared he was a bit taken off guard and uncomfortable, as was I.

When we got to the conference, the men and women were immediately broken into separate groups for the husband and wife sessions. I truly enjoyed this the most. We met briefly and then headed back in the ballroom for the mom and dad sessions. After those sessions, I went to the conference resource center where I found him browsing through the books. We went to a little corner to review our homework.

What he said next blew me away. He closed his workbook and looked at me and said, “I don’t know how to say this.”

My thoughts were, Oh no … what now! I looked at him and encouragingly said, “Okay,” and right then and there, on the floor in the corner, my husband told me that he had decided to invite God into his heart … his life … and our marriage.

I was shocked and filled with joy! I couldn’t speak … so I smiled. He said for 25 years he had been without God and that “it’s not working” and he didn’t know how or where to really begin. He said that he wanted to be a great husband and father and feels like this is the way he needs to do it.

I was overjoyed. I started tearing up, trying not to make too much of a scene. I told him how wonderful it was to hear him say those words and that I wanted him to lead me and our daughter. We talked for a few more minutes, and I felt completely rejuvenated and filled with hope.

We went over our homework and what a difference in his answers that time! It was like he was filled with the Holy Spirit that morning! And amazingly, one of his final answers written down was a promise to say “divorce is not an option.”

We sat together the rest of the afternoon and this time, when God was brought into our lessons, I was filled with optimism and love and confidence that my husband and I would both be able to open our hearts to these words. I left that conference with a renewed sense of optimism and faith in our marriage and in our new journey together into God’s Word.

If all of our personal struggles and arguments led us to God through a Weekend to Remember, then it was all worth it.

June 7, 2011 – 12:00 am Categories: Current Events | Post a comment

D-Day Landings,”Saving Private Ryan” most frightening and realistic 15 minutes ever

Saving Private Ryan – Omaha Beach Part 1 – HD

Saving Private Ryan – Omaha Beach Scene Part 2 – Super High Quality

Saving Private Ryan – Omaha Beach Scene Part 3 – Super High Quality

Saving Private Ryan opens with a 30-minute cinematic tour de force that is without a doubt one of the finest half-hours ever committed to film. This sequence, a soldier’s-eye view of the D-Day invasion of Normandy, is brilliant not only in terms of technique but in the depth of viewer reaction it generates. It is certainly the most violent, gory, visceral depiction of war that I have ever witnessed on screen. Spielberg spares the viewer nothing of the horrors of battle, using every tactic at his disposal to convey the chaos and senseless waste that lies at the core of any engagement. We are presented with unforgettable, bloody images of bodies being cut to pieces by bullets, limbs blown off, entrails spilling out, and a variety of other assorted examples of carnage. And, when the tide comes in with the waves breaking on the body-strewn beach, the water is crimson. Those who are at all squeamish will find the opening of Saving Private Ryan unbearable. This aspect of the film almost earned it an NC-17 rating; only the fact that Spielberg rigorously avoids even a hint of exploitation convinced the MPAA to award an R.

In addition to showing what happens when projectiles rip into the soft flesh of the human body, the director employs other methods to capture the essence of battle – hand-held cameras, a slight speeding up of the images, muted colors, and several different kinds of film stock. Put it all together, and it adds up to a dizzying, exhausting assault on the senses. As good as the rest of Saving Private Ryan is, and it’s very good, the D-Day attack on Omaha Beach is the sequence that everyone will remember most clearly.

D-Day Landings: June 6, 1944

By dawn on June 6, thousands of paratroopers and glider troops were already on the ground behind enemy lines, securing bridges and exit roads. The amphibious invasions began at 6:30 a.m. The British and Canadians overcame light opposition to capture beaches codenamed Gold, Juno and Sword, as did the Americans at Utah Beach. U.S. forces faced heavy resistance at Omaha Beach, where there were over 2,000 American casualties. However, by day’s end, approximately 156,000 Allied troops had successfully stormed Normandy’s beaches. According to some estimates, more than 4,000 Allied troops lost their lives in the D-Day invasion, with thousands more wounded or missing.

Less than a week later, on June 11, the beaches were fully secured and over 326,000 troops, more than 50,000 vehicles and some 100,000 tons of equipment had landed at Normandy.

For their part, the Germans suffered from confusion in the ranks and the absence of celebrated commander Rommel, who was away on leave. At first, Hitler, believing the invasion was a feint designed to distract the Germans from a coming attack north of the Seine River, refused to release nearby divisions to join the counterattack. Reinforcements had to be called from further afield, causing delays. He also hesitated in calling for armored divisions to help in the defense. Moreover, the Germans were hampered by effective Allied air support, which took out many key bridges and forced the Germans to take long detours, as well as efficient Allied naval support, which helped protect advancing Allied troops.

In the ensuing weeks, the Allies fought their way across the Normandy countryside in the face of determined German resistance, as well as a dense landscape of marshes and hedgerows. By the end of June, the Allies had seized the vital port of Cherbourg, landed approximately 850,000 men and 150,000 vehicles in Normandy, and were poised to continue their march across France.

Victory in Normandy

By the end of August 1944, the Allies had reached the Seine River, Paris was liberated and the Germans had been removed from northwestern France, effectively concluding the Battle of Normandy. The Allied forces then prepared to enter Germany, where they would meet up with Soviet troops moving in from the east.

The Normandy invasion began to turn the tide against the Nazis. A significant psychological blow, it also prevented Hitler from sending troops from France to build up his Eastern Front against the advancing Soviets. The following spring, on May 8, 1945, the Allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany. Hitler had committed suicide a week earlier, on April 30.

An American soldier wades through water under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to reach the beach on the Normandy coast of France, June 6, 1944. It turned out to be the biggest and most important Allied amphibious operation of World War II. (AP Photo/Files-Wartime Pool/Robert Capa)

Photo by ROBERT CAPA

An American soldier wades through water under heavy artillery and machine-gun fire to reach the beach on the Normandy coast of France, June 6, 1944. It turned out to be the biggest and most important Allied amphibious operation of World War II. (AP Photo/Files-Wartime Pool/Robert Capa)

June 6, 2011 – 4:40 pm Categories: War Heroes | Post a comment

Joplin tornado death toll up to 141

 

Death toll from Joplin tornado rises to 141: officials

 
Death toll from Joplin tornado rises to 141: officials

Reuters11:28 a.m. CDT, June 6, 2011
 
CHICAGO (Reuters) – The death toll from the May 22 Joplin, Missouri tornado has risen to 141, city officials said on Sunday.Lynn Iliff Onstot, public information officer for Joplin, said the city had identified three new victims who died from injuries sustained as a result of the twister.
The massive F-5 tornado cut a six-mile swath through the southwest Missouri city just as residents were sitting down to Sunday dinner. It was the deadliest single tornado in the United States since 1947.

Tornadoes have battered the country this spring, killing more than 500 people, mostly in the south. A twister even struck Massachusetts, where tornadoes are rare, last week, killing four people.

(Reporting by James B. Kelleher; Editing by Jerry Norton)

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Other tornado related posts:

Pictures of aftermath of Springfield, Mass Tornado

Springfield MA tornado aftermath A smashed car sits next to the South End Community Center, which lost most of its roof in a tornado that touched down in Springfield, Mass., Wednesday, June 1, 2011. (/AP Courtesy Marque Tortoriello An apparent tornado has caused damage in Springfield, Mass. Twister: This photo, taken through a window, shows […]

Best videos of Springfield, Mass Tornado

Springfield, Mass. Tornado – Multiple Views – June 1, 2011 (lots of cursing) ___________________________________ Raw Video: Tornado Strikes Springfield, Mass. An apparent tornado struck the downtown of one of Massachusetts’ largest cities Wednesday afternoon, scattering debris, toppling trees, and frightening workers and residents. _________________________________ Tornado touches down Springfield, MA _____________________________________  

Rare Tornado hit Springfield, Mass

  Steeple of First Church of Monson lays The steeple of The First Church of Monson lays in rubble on the ground after a tornado swept through the downtown area of Monson, Mass., Wednesday, June 1, 2011.… Read more » The Associated Press reported this morning: SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Rev. Bob Marrone was pained […]

All posts dealing with Joplin Tornado

Best Storm Chaser videos of Joplin Tornado May 22, 2011

Destructive Joplin Missouri Torando On May 22, 2011 a destructive and sadly a deadly tornado tore through the town of Joplin, MO. Here is video of the tornado entering the southwest side of town. Filmed by TornadoVideos.net Basehunters Colt Forney, Isaac Pato, Kevin Rolfs, and Scott Peake. Good Morning America: Joplin, Missouri Tornado Video: Storm […]

Pictures of Tornado damage in Joplin, MO May 22, 2011

  Destroyed helicopter lies on its side A destroyed helicopter lies on its side in the parking lot of the Joplin Regional Medical Center in Joplin, Mo., Sunday, May 22, 2011. A large tornadomoved through much of the city, damaging the hospital and hundreds of homes and businesses Emergency personnel walk Emergency personnel walk through […]

Video clips of tornado in Joplin,MO May 22, 2011(includes footage from the air, and storm chaser video)

 The last video listed does not have very good pictures but you hear when the tornado hits a building where people inside are filming. The sounds are just horrible and a cold feeling went through my body just listening to it. Joplin, Missouri tornado damage from the air Tornado damage of Joplin, Missouri. Aerial coverage […]

At least 89 dead, but still counting in Joplin, MO

    Volunteer firefighters William Jackson Volunteer firefighters William Jackson, left, and Ashley Martin, center, from Oklahoma, and Johnny Ward of Joplin look through the wreckage of a home whereit was feared a pregnant woman as feared to be trapped following a tornado in Joplin, Mo., Sunday, May 22, 2011. A large tornado moved through […]

 

Fox News reported today:   Rescue crews dug through piles of splintered houses and crushed cars Monday in a search for victims of a half-mile-wide tornado that blasted much of this Missouri town off the map and slammed straight into its hospital. At least 116 people died, making it the nation’s deadliest single tornado in nearly […]

June 6, 2011 – 4:29 pm Categories: Current Events | Post a comment