What does a military mom look like? What makes her special and fair? It’s the way she looks at the grand old flag or the soldier in uniform over there. It’s the tear in the eye during evening news when tales of more casualties arise. It’s the American Flag pin on her coat and her armed services flag that flies It’s the prayer she says many times a day-prayers said out of a mother’s love. It’s the peace she has within her heart When God reaches down from above. It’s the hugs she gives to other moms, wives, husbands, and children too. Military families are bonded in fear-Fear of duties their soldier will do. Pride and fear go hand in hand For every military mother’s heart. Honor is felt in their children’s role However, fear is felt when they depart. Strength is gained with others round Who share freedom’s duty call. Some return, but some may not And she prays for those who fall. She knows it could be her child as well Who faces Freedom’s final task. Each day she prays out loud, “Lord, watch over them,” she asks. It’s the boxes she gathers to send away To support the troops overseas. Hugs and love are in each one And she prays for each one of these. She may send Jesus in a box A message of hope in time of war. For God gives strength, honor and courage His peace, and love plus more. She feels it is her duty now To offer Hope to a hurting soul. Battle weary, they need her care and encouragement is her goal. A military mother has special grace And a sense of patriotic love. You can see it in all she does As she relies on God above. If you, too, are a military mom Then Let character be your guide Dignity and honor, pride and strength- It’s not a time for faith to hide. Display your trust in God alone for He is the one in command! Rest assured He knows your need He holds your child in His hand.c

No nursing home for us. We are checking into the Holiday Inn! With the average cost for a nursing home care costing $188.00 per day, there is a better way when we get old and feeble. We have already checked on reservations at the Holiday Inn. For a combined long term stay discount and senior discount, it's $49.23 per night. That leaves $138.77 for: Breakfast, lunch and dinner in any restaurant we want, or room service, laundry, gratuities and special TV movies. Plus, they provide a spa, swimming pool, a workout room, a lounge and washer/dryer, etc Most have free toothpaste and razors, and all have free shampoo and soap. $5 in tips a day will have the entire staff scrambling to help you. They treat you like a customer, not a patient. There is a city bus stop out front, and seniors ride free. The handicap bus will also pick you up (if you fake a decent limp). To meet other nice people, call a church bus on Sundays. For a change of scenery, take the airport shuttle bus and eat at one of the nice restaurants there. While you're at the airport, fly somewhere. Otherwise, the cash keeps building up. It takes months to get into decent nursing homes. Holiday Inn will take your reservation today. And you are not stuck in one place forever, you can move from Inn to Inn, or even from city to city. Want to see Hawaii? They have a Holiday Inn there too. TV broken? Light bulbs need changing? Need a mattress replaced? No problem. They fix everything, and apologize for the inconvenience. The Inn has a night security person and daily room service. The maid checks to see if you are ok. If not, they will call the undertaker or an ambulance. If you fall and break a hip, Medicare will pay for the hip, and Holiday Inn will upgrade you to a suite for the rest of your life. And no worries about visits from family. They will always be glad to find you, and probably check in for a few days mini-vacation. The grand kids can use the pool. What more can you ask for? So, when we reach that golden age, we'll face it with a grin. Just forward all our mail to: Holiday Inn

MEXICO IS ANGRY! This is very interesting and if Arizona can do it, why can't the rest of America ? Three cheers for Arizona The shoe is on the other foot and the Mexicans from the State of Sonora, Mexico do not like it. Can you believe the nerve of these people? It's almost funny. The State of Sonora is angry at the influx of Mexicans into Mexico .. Nine state legislators from the Mexican State of Sonora traveled to Tucson to complain about Arizona 's new employer crackdown on illegals from Mexico . It seems that many Mexican illegals are returning to their hometowns and the officials in the Sonora state government are ticked off. A delegation of nine state legislators from Sonora was in Tucson on Tuesday to state that Arizona 's new Employer Sanctions Law will have a devastating effect on the Mexican state. At a news conference, the legislators said that Sonora, Arizona's southern neighbor, - made up of mostly small towns, - cannot handle the demand for housing, jobs and schools that it will face as Mexican workers return to their hometowns from the USA without jobs or money. The Arizona law, which took effect Jan. 1, punishes Arizona employers who knowingly hire individuals without valid legal documents to work in the United States .. Penalties include suspension of, or loss of, their business license. The Mexican legislators are angry because their own citizens are returning to their hometowns, placing a burden on THEIR state government. 'How can Arizona pass a law like this?' asked Mexican Rep Leticia Amparano-Gamez, who represents Nogales . 'There is not one person living in Sonora who does not have a friend or relative working in Arizona ,' she said, speaking in Spanish. 'Mexico is not prepared for this, for the tremendous problems it will face as more and more Mexicans working in Arizona and who were sending money to their families return to their home-towns in Sonora without jobs,' she said. 'We are one family, socially and economically,' she said of the people of Sonora and Arizona .

Food for thought: Let's put the seniors in jail, and the criminals in a nursing home. This way the seniors would have access to showers, hobbies, and walks, they'd receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment , wheel chairs etc. and they'd receive money instead of paying it out. They would have constant video monitoring, so they could be helped instantly ,if they fell, or needed assistance. Bedding would be washed twice a week, and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them. A guard would check on them every 20 minutes, and bring their meals and snacks to their cell. They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. They would have access to a library, weight room,spiritual counselling, pool, and education. Simple clothing , shoes, slippers, P.J.'s and legal aid would be free, on request. Private, secure rooms for all, with an exercise outdoor yard ,with gardens. Each senior could have a P.C. a T.V. radio, and daily phone calls. There would be a board of directors , to hear complaints, and the guards would have a code of conduct, that would be strictly adhered to. The "criminals" would get cold food, be left all alone, and unsupervised. lights off at 8pm, and showers once a week. Live in a tiny room , and pay $5000.00 per month and have no hope of ever getting out. And Justice for all.

My wife is an alien, not the illegal type. One that has payed the money and followed all the rules and has one more big payment and pass a test to finally be called an American. After you hear her story though one might ask what the? My wife was born in Germany the product of an American GI and his German Fraulein. He was gone before she was born. Her Mom found another GI and married. My wife's Step Dad never adopted her but he never denied her. At the age of eight she came to this country and was just another little girl. She lived around the country and lived with Step Dad going off to Veitnam and all the trials and tribulations of a military kid. Well she married at seventeen to a soldier. And she took on the role of a soldier's wife. When she got back to Germany she had an advantage over others being able to benefit from being German married to a soldier. All she needed then was an Alien Card or "Green Card". Her first marriage came to and end at Ft Benning. There we met and married. Again she was American yet she wasn't. She was German. I always joked with her daughters that their Mom was an alien. Unfortunely our marriage only lasted eleven years and ended in Germany during the first Gulf War. This time though my then ex stayed in Germany. Her life was then taken over by her role and job as midwife to American soldiers...The wall of our basement is covered by collages of "her kids". Her youngest daughter had also joined the Air Force which made me happy since all of the Dads in her were Army. Someone got smart. She got stationed in Germany and all seemed well. Then a trip to Iraq for her daughter and handling soldier's kids as they also went to Afghanastan and Iraq the world had changed. Well my Wife's daughter got out of the Air Force and returned to the States my wife sat and asked what the hell am I doing here? Her Mom in the States, her two daughter and grand kids in the states. My wife wanted to come home. This was long after 9 11 and her green card was taken from her because of that event. And all her work with the American Military and her ties to the States, Mom, Kids, and Grandkids meant nothing. Thats when I asked her if she wanted to get married. We had stayed friends after all these years. So we married and started the paper work. Its been a three year process with ICE. And its cost over three thousand dollars and we are faced with the last challenge of the test and being granted citizenship. Moby after watching a husband go off to war for America, taking care of American kids while their parents go off to war and living through her own Daughter go off to war she gets a bit mad when she hears about the president's aunt and all the other BS about immigration. Moby my wife has never taken welfare and she's paid her taxes. She laughed and she's cried with this country.....Moby she understands what a mess we are right now...She understands what America is and what it means. I only wish and pray that my fellow countrymen were as American as my "German" wife. yeah baby

mr moby,i have been listening to you for years and most of the time we are on the same page,but wednesday you said something that we dont agree on.and i dont agree with willie nelson and his opinion with marijuana, you see.if you had a child that has a drug addiction you and willie both would probably think differently.i tell you now marijuana is a gateway drug. it is not just a wild weed you smoke and have fun with.to a lot of young people they try it and fall in love with it.and usually try other drugs and become addicted.and they end up breaking the law to feed there need for drugs.and end up in prison.as is the case with my son, and as a lot of the other inmates there.he is 600 miles from home,round trip. on mothers day me and his mom ,still my wife of 27 years went to see him.and the subject of drugs came up. he said dad i havent done any drugs in 2 years surely when i get out i won't .i said son we can just hope and pray you don't.so go ahead and legalize marijuana sure,then we will go ahead and legalize cocaine,heroin , crack,lsd,pills,and that should give us alot of revenue for the drug of choice meth.and that should finish off what few morals this country has left.and give it the final push down the sewer drain.so legalize marijuana.. i dont think so ,not even with my last dying breath.there is one thing we can agree on it would help the economy.if you are in the business of building prisons or the funeral business.well you know the ole saying opinions are like butts every one has one and this is mine.p.s if you air this,please out of respect and dignity for my wife and son don't use my name. sincerly D.A.M.A.D.don't think there is a differance.

MAY GOD BLESS THIS AIRLINE CAPTAIN: He writes: My lead flight attendant came to me and said, "We have an H.R. on this flight." (H.R. stands for human remains.) "Are they military?" I asked. 'Yes', she said. 'Is there an escort?' I asked. 'Yes, I already assigned him a seat'. 'Would you please tell him to come to the flight deck? You can board him early," I said. A short while later, a young army sergeant entered the flight deck. He introduced himself and I asked him about his soldier. The escorts of these fallen soldiers talk about them as if they are still alive and still with us. 'My soldier is on his way back to Virginia '. The first officer and I got up out of our seats to shake his hand. He left the flight deck to find his seat. We pushed back and performed an uneventful departure. About 30 minutes into our flight I received a call from the lead flight attendant in the cabin. 'I found out the family of the soldier we are carrying, is on board'. She told me the father, mother, wife and 2-year old daughter were escorting their son, husband, and father home. They were upset because they were unable to see the container that the soldier was in before we left. We were on our way to a major hub and the family was going to wait four hours for the connecting flight home to Virginia. The father of the soldier told the flight attendant that knowing his son was below him in the cargo compartment and being unable to see him was the hardest thing for the family to bear. He’d asked the flight attendant if there was anything that could be done to allow them to see him on our arrival. The family wanted to be outside by the cargo door to watch the soldier being taken off the airplane. I heard the desperation in the flight attendants voice. 'I'm on it', I said. I contacted my flight dispatcher, and explained the situation I had on board, and what it was the family wanted. He said he understood and that he would get back to me. Two hours went by. We were going to get busy soon and I needed to know what to tell the family. I sent a text message asking for an update. I saved the return message from the dispatcher: 'Captain, sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. There is policy on this, and I had to check on a few things. Upon arrival a dedicated escort team will meet the aircraft to escort the family to the ramp and plane side. A van will be used to load the remains with another van for the family. They’ll be taken to their departure area and escorted into the terminal where the remains can be seen on the ramp. It is a private area for the family only. When the connecting aircraft arrives, they’ll be escorted to the ramp and plane side to watch the remains being loaded for the final leg home. Captain, most of us here in flight control are veterans. Please pass our condolences on to the family.' I printed out the message and gave it to the lead flight attendant to pass on to the father. She was very thankful and told me, 'You have no idea how much this will mean to them.' After landing, when we entered the ramp area and checked in with the controller, we were told that all traffic was being held for us. 'There is a team in place to meet the aircraft', we were told, but I realized that once we turned off the seat belt sign, everyone would stand at once and delay the family from getting off. As we approached our gate, I asked the copilot to tell the ramp controller we were going to stop short of the gate for an announcement to the passengers. He did, and the ramp controller said, 'Take your time.' I pushed the public address button and said, 'Ladies and gentleman, this is your Captain speaking. We have a passenger on board who deserves our honor and respect. His Name is Private XXXXXX, a soldier who gave out country his life. He is under your feet in the cargo hold. Escorting him today is Army Sergeant XXXXXXX. Also, on board are his father, mother, wife, and daughter. Your entire flight crew is asking for all passengers to remain in their seats to allow the family to exit the aircraft first. Thank you.' We came to a stop and started our shutdown procedures. A couple of minutes later I opened the cockpit door. I found the two forward flight attendants crying. They said after we came to a stop, every passenger on the aircraft stayed in their seats, waiting for the family to exit the aircraft. When the family got up and gathered their things, a passenger started to clap his hands. Soon the entire aircraft was clapping. Words of 'God Bless You', I'm sorry, thank you, be proud, and other kind words were uttered to the family as they made their way down the aisle and out of the airplane. I respectfully ask that all of you reflect on this event and the sacrifices that millions of our men and women have made to ensure our freedom and safety in these United States of AMERICA.

Yesterday’s Soap Box drew a couple of comments, and I’ve chosen to use them for this mornings Soap Box contribution, with no additional comments from me: Clearly you all don't know what you're talking about.. It just so happens I am Mexican-American. It just so happens I pay taxes! It just so happens I work! I'm not breaking any law by being here.. in the U.S., Toyman. I guess no American breaks the law?? Yeah... If you ask me, Americans are the lazy ones! They have no work ethic. They want a job behind a desk and want their money handed to them. They take advantage of welfare, food stamps, and anything else that’s FREE. After all thats what the U.S is about right?? Freedom?? And all this time I thought it meant something else.. Sure immigrants were sent back so there would be more job oppertunities, but for some reason American can't find AMERICANS to do those jobs! Cause they want easy money! So legally or illegally Mexicans come back to the U.S. Think America would be better off without Mexicans?? Who the hell would do the dirty work for you all?! Clearly no one would.. that’s why three different presidents failed.. THREE times! You need Mexicans even if you won't admit it.. So I only have two words for you... YOU'RE WELCOME!!! Moby, I absolutely loved this morning's soap box. When I look back to when I was a little girl, everything was...simple, life, love and of course work. Now, it's almost impossible for me to work, so I work with my great and mighty mom. I have three children and am terrified of whats to come for them; are THEY going to end up the minority? The job I have now is two hours from work and I miss everything; getting the kids on the bus, doing homework and playtime (which is left to the babysitter) : ( I drive a total of four hours a day when I could be working local but instead "THEY" have taken over. Not to mention after all the gas I have to put in my car and oil not only am I losing money but I can pay MAYBE one bill a week with the gracious help of my husband. But not only do I pay taxes but I pay for illegal immigrants to eat sleep and work, its just not fair but thank God for moby you have gotten me through those 2 hours in the morning. and I cant wait to head what you have to say tomorrow have a blessed day and remember one day we will come back to the same old country we had wheneverything was simple................................... MAYBE----a good fan of yours, Megan Roberts

What did Presidents Hoover, Truman, and Eisenhower have in common? I didn't know of this until it was pointed out to me. Back during The Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover ordered the deportation of ALL illegal aliens in order to make jobs available to American citizens that desperately needed work.. Harry Truman deported over two million Illegal's after WWII to create jobs for returning veterans. And then again in 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower deported 13 million Mexican Nationals! The program was called (I honestly cant even air the name of the federal operation, but it will be in the text version on my web site)('Operation Wetback'). (I recall very well, being suspended for a week for saying this during the 90’s, but you can go to my web site and read it. Then research it for yourself.) It was done so WWII and Korean Veterans would have a better chance at jobs. It took 2 Years, but they deported them! Now....if they could deport the illegal's back then - they could sure do it today. lf you have doubts about the veracity of this information, enter (I honestly cant even air the name of the federal operation, but it will be in the text version on my web site)(Operation Wetback) into your favorite search engine and confirm it for yourself. Reminder: Don't forget to pay your taxes... All these Illegal Aliens are depending on you!

Dear Moby, I try to catch your Small Town Soap Box whenever I can, though sometimes I miss it when I get busy at work. Though the years you have inspired me to write my own little rant about a sore subject for me. I'm a 23 year old white male. I work hard to support the ones I love. I pay bills like every other hard working American, and I’m very proud of the things I have worked for and the work that I do. There are so many out there who work hard everyday, only to support the ones who are perfectly able to work, but are simply to lazy to get off their fat butts and look for a job. Instead they rely on the government to pay the way, getting food stamps low income housing and MEDICAID. I'm 23 years old and a hard working cancer patient who may very soon need a bone marrow transplant, but because I am not "legally disabled" I don't qualify for assistance. It sickens me to think that I work hard, and that my hard earned dollars go into a Medicaid fund for all these healthy individuals, illegal aliens, and teenagers who can't seem to keep it in their pants, just because they're all to sorry to get out in the world and at least look. Sure people are going to say, "there's no jobs out there", but that's complete BULL. McDonalds is always hiring someone to flip burgers or run the drive through. Because of these people, I can't have a procedure that I need to live. The sad part is, I'm not the only one, there is a boy not much younger than me, with the same problem, but he needs his operation now. I can only pray that God looks after him and helps him through this hard time. Thank you very much for allowing me to vent a little. -- Sincerely, Bradley Hewell Commerce, Ga.

Anyone who has pets will really like this. You’ll like it even if you don’t and you may even decide you need one! Mary and her husband Jim had a dog named Lucky. Lucky was a real character. Whenever Mary and Jim had company come for a weekend visit they would warn their friends to not leave their luggage open because Lucky would help himself to whatever struck his fancy. Inevitably, someone would forget and something would come up missing. Mary or Jim would go to Lucky’s toy box in the basement and there the treasure would be, amid all of Lucky’s other favorite toys. Lucky always stashed his finds in his toy box and he was very particular that his toys stay in the box. It happened that Mary found out she had breast cancer. Something told her that she was going to die of this disease…in fact: she was just sure it was fatal. She scheduled the double mastectomy, fear riding her shoulders. The night before she was to go to the hospital she cuddled with Lucky. A thought struck her…what would happen to Lucky? Although the 3-year-old dog liked Jim, he was Mary’s dog through and through. If I die, Lucky will be abandoned, Mary thought. He won’t understand that I didn’t want to leave him! The thought made her sadder than thinking of her own death. The double mastectomy was harder on Mary than her doctors had anticipated and Mary was hospitalized for over two weeks. Jim took Lucky for his evening walk faithfully, but the little dog just drooped, whining and miserable. Finally the day came for Mary to leave the hospital. When she arrived home, Mary was so exhausted she couldn’t even make it up the steps to her bedroom. Jim made his wife comfortable on the couch and left her to nap… Lucky stood watching Mary but he didn’t come to her when she called. It made Mary sad but sleep soon overcame her and she dozed. When Mary woke for a second she couldn’t understand what was wrong. She couldn’t move her head and her body felt heavy and hot. But panuc soon gave way to laughter when Mary realized the problem. She was covered, literally, blanketed, with every treasure that Lucky owned! While she had slept, the sorrowing dog had made trip after trip to the basement bringing his beloved mistress all his favorite things in life. He had covered her with his love. Mary forgot about dying. Instead she and Lucky began living again, walking further and further together every day. It’s been 12 years now and Mary is still cancer-free. Lucky, he still steals treasures and stashes them in his toy box but Mary remains his greatest treasure. Remember …live every day to the fullest. Each minute is a blessing from God. And never forget…the people who make a difference in our lives are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. Sometimes, they aren’t even people. They’re just the ones that care for us. Live simply. Love seriously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God.

They walked in tandem, each of the ninety-two students filing into the already crowded auditorium. With their rich maroon gowns flowing .. and the traditional caps, they looked almost .. as grown up as they felt. Dad swallowed hard behind broad smiles, and Moms freely brushed away tears. This class would NOT pray during the commencements----not by choice, but because of a recent court ruling prohibiting it. The principal and several students were careful to stay within the guidelines allowed by the ruling. They gave inspirational and challenging speeches, but no one mentioned divine guidance and no one asked for blessings on the graduates or their families. The speeches were nice, but they were routine.....until the final speech received a standing ovation. A solitary student walked proudly to the microphone. He stood still and silent for just a moment, and then, it happened. All 92 students, every single one of them, suddenly SNEEZED ! The student on stage.. simply looked at the audience and said, ' GOD BLESS YOU And he walked off stage... The audience exploded into applause. This graduating class had found a unique way to invoke God’s Divine blessing on their future with or without the court ' s approval.

John is the kind of guy you love to hate. He is always in a good mood and always has something positive to say. When someone would ask him how he was doing, he would reply, 'If I were any better, I would be twins!' He was a natural motivator. If an employee was having a bad day, John was there telling the employee how to look on the positive side of the situation. Seeing this style really made me curious, so one day I went up and asked him, 'I don't get it!' 'You can't be a positive person all of the time.. How do you do it?' He replied, 'Each morning I wake up and say to myself, you have two choices today. You can choose to be in a good mood or...you can chooseto be in a bad mood I choose to be in a good mood.' Each time something bad happens, I can choose to be a victim or...I can choose to learn from it. I choose to learn from it. Every time someone comes to me complaining, I can choose to accept their complaining or...I can point out the positive side of life. I choose the positive side of life. 'Yeah, right, it's not that easy,' I protested. 'Yes, it is,' he said. 'Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people affect your mood. You choose to be in a good mood or bad mood. The bottom line: It's your choice how you live your life.' I reflected on what he said. Soon hereafter, I left the Tower Industry to start my own business. We lost touch, but I often thought about him when I made a choice about life instead of reacting to it. Several years later, I heard that he was involved in a serious accident, falling some 60 feet from a communications tower. After 18 hours of surgery and weeks of intensive care, he was released from the hospital with rods placed in his back. I saw him about six months after the accident. When I asked him how he was, he replied, 'If I were any better, I'd be twins...Wanna see my scars?' I declined to see his wounds, but I did ask him what had gone through his mind as the accident took place. 'The first thing that went through my mind was the well-being of my soon-to-be born daughter,' he replied. 'Then, as I lay on the ground, I remembered that I had two choices: I could choose to live or...I could choose to die. I chose to live.' 'Weren't you scared? Did you lose consciousness?' I asked. He continued, '....the paramedics were great. They kept telling me I was going to be fine. But when they wheeled me into the ER and I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses, I got really scared. In their eyes, I read 'he's a dead man'. I knew I needed to take action.' 'What did you do?' I asked. 'Well, there was a big burly nurse shouting questions at me,' said John. 'She asked if I was allergic to anything 'Yes, I replied.' The doctors and nurses stopped working as they waited for my reply. I took a deep breath and yelled, 'Gravity'' Over their laughter, I told them, 'I am choosing to live. Operate on me as if I am alive, not dead.' He lived, thanks to the skill of his doctors, but also because but also because of his amazing attitude....I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.' Matthew 6:34.

1. There will be no special bilingual programs in the schools. 2. All ballots will be in this nation's language. 3. All government business will be conducted in our language. 4. Non-residents will NOT have the right to vote no matter how long they are here. 5. Non-citizens will NEVER be able to hold political office. 6 Foreigners will not be a burden to the taxpayers. No welfare, no food stamps, no health care, or other government assistance programs. Any burden will be deported. 7. Foreigners can invest in this country, but it must be an amount at least equal to 40,000 times the daily minimum wage. 8. If foreigners come here and buy land... options will be restricted. Certain parcels including waterfront property are reserved for citizens naturally born into this country. 9.. Foreigners may have no protests; no demonstrations, no waving of a foreign flag, no political organizing, no bad-mouthing our president or his policies. These will lead to deportation. 10. If you do come to this country illegally, you will be actively hunted &, when caught, sent to jail until your deportation can be arranged. All assets will be taken from you. Harsh, you say? The above laws are current immigration laws of MEXICO Makes Arizona stand seem very logical, doesn’t it?

Moby, I’m a college student at Gwinnett Technical College. We’ve been talking on a wide range of subjects, one of the subjects was if the United States was under attack or invaded by outsiders who would be willing to fight. Only me and two other men raised our hands because we feel that as Americans it is our duty to stand up for our freedoms. This made me question is patriotism really dead, looking at the events that are happening on Capital Hill it sure looks that way. When we allow our President to apologize for our military action, then we telling our veterans that what they did was not needed? I think our forefathers are turning over in their graves because they fought hard to create this Free Land we call America. I do not think their blood shed was in vain. England was imposing taxes beyond belief and they did so without proper representation much like OBAMA is trying for. I’ve been watching the series “America the Story of Us” on the History Channel, it makes you realize just how much the early settlers fought for our freedoms. The Declaration of Independence could not exist if men were not willing to fight to protect it. I wanna say thanks to all those who have fought to spread the independence in Iraq and those who fight to protect us here at home. Patriotism will not die in my heart, for I know the sacrifices those who serve in the military face and I stand behind them 100%. If a draft came up and was needed I’d do my patriotic duty for you but I know many of you wouldn’t make a stand. The colors of the American flag have a lot of meaning. Red, the blood of shed for freedom, Blue, the loyalty the men had for their love of country, White the pure hearted man that wants a free nation. America the beautiful, full of all races and walks of life, but a nation where all men are created equal and have freedom in the pursuit of happiness. Remember America, this is our land and we need to protect her and guide her with the light from heaven above. God Bless America. Michael Bibikan Michael, Don’t let anyone shout you down, make you question your dedication, and commitment, or dampen your fire. There may indeed come a day young, Americans are called on to stand at the gate, and risk all they’ll ever be to protect this land that, like me, you obviously love. God bless you, Michael, and all the American you that feels the patriotic you feel. Never doubt yourself for a moment. You’re right in your conviction, and I applaud you, and those that feel as you do. Yes, God Bless America, and strengthen those that will not idly stand on the sidelines and watch it implode. I’m proud to share my country with you, son. Thank you for writing a Small Town Soap Box. MOBY

PORT WENTWORTH, Ga. To pray or not to pray. That's the dilemma that has senior citizens upset in the small Georgia town of Port Wentworth near Savannah. The organization that provides meals at a senior citizens center has told the elderly citizens who visit the center it would violate federal rules for them to pray out loud before meals. Instead they have been asked to observe a moment of silence. And with that, the accelerating downfall of the United States continues. To quote Christ from the cross on Calvary, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” I remember when I was a child, Sunday dinner around the table at my Papaw & Nannie’s house. My Papaw bowing his saintly head, and asking the Lord’s blessing on the meal and the coming week. What a precious memory that is for me. Now, each night around our supper table, Grace Marie has us all make our prayer hands, and lower our heads as she so sweetly says, “Thank you for the world so sweet, thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the birds that sing. Thank you God for everything. Amen” And the table responds with an Amen of our own. God knows, we’re trying to raise that little girl in a right and righteous manner. We’re trying to instill in her precious life the three cornerstones that I’ve said so many times have slowly, but with specific intent crumbled beneath our feet. “Fear of God, Love of Country, and Respect for Authority.” Our foundation is being taken by those sitting in the very seats of power that were occupied by elected American leaders for two and a quarter centuries prior to this most horrible of all administrations. You don’t agree? Well, consider that a rest home, providing final comfort for some of our elderly, feels they must not allow prayers to be spoken aloud for fear of losing federal funding for the meals meant to nourish the aging bodies & souls of the very people that brought us into this world as (thanks be to God) American children in the first place. We must find the courage to face our government that’s allegedly “of the people”, and say, my grandpa has always asked for God’s blessings for his meals, and he has the Constitutional right in the very face of government tyranny to continue to do so. These old Americans and those like them have lived good patriotic lives, and have paid a price for their descendents to enjoy a life of freedom from government oppression. Now the country they fought for and many of their friends died for will not be allowed, at least in my lifetime, to take away anyone’s right to pray, whenever & wherever they choose to. I challenge this current, socialist leaning administration. Does the Emperor, and his un-American minions have the courage to hold a national referendum that simply asks, “Should we not allow God to be consulted, and asked for guidance and protection from evil and temptation as we attempt to right this sinking ship of state, and calm the stormy waters we’ve been lead blindly into”? Then have the sense of obligation to follow the will of Americans with the results of that referendum in the national record. You old folks continue to pray as you see fit before your government sponsored meals. Those meals are not charity. They’re not a gift. They are precious little payment for a job well done, and a life well lived. With this attitude from the vigilant patriots among us, I don’t think the Emperor can ignore the magnitude of the revolt that will be generated if the government we’ve all supported with our tax dollars ceases to subsidize those meals simply because someone asked the good Lord’s blessings. We spent billions to rebuild Haiti, and decided to not fly Old Glory there. Foreign Aid goes unimpeded to nations that hate us and feel for America nothing but contempt. We’ll, keep feeding these old folks remembering that the November election is coming as certainly as the eventual rapture of us all. The next American Revolution will be fought at the ballot box. Grandpa, you have yourself an extra dessert if you’d like to. We got your back.

Here is the link for this morning's Small Town Soapbox from Linda Ellis. www.abouquetformother.com

One day I had lunch with some friends. Jim, a short, balding golfer type about 80 years old, came along with them---all in all, a pleasant bunch. When the menus were presented, we ordered salads, sandwiches, and soups, except for Jim who said, "Ice Cream, please. Two scoops, chocolate. I wasn't sure my ears heard right, and the others were aghast. "Along with heated apple pie," Jim added, completely unabashed. We tried to act quite nonchalant, as if people did this all the time. But when our orders were brought out, I didn't enjoy mine. I couldn't take my eyes off Jim as his pie a-la-mode went down. The other guys couldn't believe it. They ate their lunches silently and grinned. The next time I went out to eat, I called and invited Jim. I lunched on white meat tuna. He ordered a parfait. I smiled. He asked if he amused me I answered, "Yes, you do, but also you confuse me. How come you order rich desserts, while I feel I must be sensible? He laughed and said "I'm tasting all that is possible. I try to eat the food I need, and do the things I should. But life's so short, my friend, I hate missing out on something good. This year I realized how old I was. I haven't been this old before. So, before I die, I've got to try those things that for years I had ignored. I haven't smelled all the flowers yet. There are too many trout streams I haven’t fished. There's more fudge sundaes to wolf down and kites to be flown overhead. There are too many golf courses I haven’t played. I've not laughed at all the jokes. I've missed a lot of sporting events and potato chips and cokes. I want to wade again in water and feel ocean spray on my face. I want to sit in a country church once more and thank God for His grace. I want peanut butter every day spread on my morning toast. I want un-timed long distance calls to the folks I love the most. I haven't cried at all the movies yet, or walked in the morning rain. I need to feel wind on my face. I want to be in love again. So, if I choose to have dessert, instead of having dinner, then should I die before night fall, I'd say I died a winner, because I missed out on nothing. I filled my heart's desire. I had that final chocolate mousse before my life expired." With that, I called the waitress over.. "I've changed my mind," I said. "I want what he is having, only add some more whipped cream!"

Cinco de Mayo…What’s it about? Honestly, I know, but really, I don’t care. As the invasion from our southern border get more severe, I care even less. Cinco De Mayo, The 5th Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862. Why should Americans care 148 years later? It’s irrelevant in these United States, and I don’t want to see not one Mexican flag flying where Old Glory should be, today or any other day. Maybe throw down a couple of tequila shots at lunch, and get back to work. Tomorrow’s another work day, and much is expected of our contributing population, I truly am not racist. I am simply an angry American, as we all should be. I do NOT feel poorly about Mexico, or honest Mexicans. I’ve enjoyed vacations there. I openly encourage and invite honest, self-sufficient Mexican citizens that choose to be citizens of these United States to patiently stand in line. If we move quickly, and patriotically enough, it might still be worth the wait. I am an anti-invasionist, and cousins, our country has certainly been invaded. With so many here illegally, it’s well past time to seal our border, and deal with the results of this unimpeded invasion internally. So many law abiding Americans, and for that matter, legal immigrants, have been victim of heinous acts from people that shouldn’t be in my country at all, this is as good a day as any to stand alone or stand with me, and be counted as a proud American. We should love and respect our neighbors, our moms and dads taught us that, and they were right. But we should be willing to sacrifice for the sovernity of our nation, and it’s legal, law-abiding citizens. I will always stand for the liberty and independence of America, and I oppose the transformation of this great land at the hands of those seeking to extend their political power by the benefit of those that shouldn’t even be here, let alone have a voice in the process. Now, with all that said, enjoy this Cinco de Mayo. Raise the shot glass with a little salt and lime. Tomorrow, be grateful to God for America on Seis de Mayo, and then for Siete de Mayo on Friday. Know that it would all be for nothing were it not for Cuatro de Julio, 1776.

A good friend on mine from the 70's has passed away. As good a lead guitarist as I've ever personally known, Barry Chance has moved on to the Hillbilly Band in Heaven. I got to know Barry as lead guitar player for "Barefoot Jerry" back in the 70's, at a much wilder time for both of us. You might think you never heard of Barefoot Jerry, but I bet you have heard these words. Charlie Daniels said, "& all the good people down in Tennessee, are diggin' Barefoot Jerry & the CDB" Doesn't that sound familiar? He went on to play with Jimmy Buffett, and the Coral Reefer Band. When I say he was good, I do mean it. I went to Nashville to MC the CD release party for our buddy Colt Ford. His people came to the hotel, and picked me up, and took us to the venue. Sitting there on Colt's bus, was my dear old friend, Barry Chance. Jason Chance, Barry's son, is now musical director for Colt Ford. Jason produced the top 10 Colt Ford "Chicken & Biscuits" CD, and is the same fireball on stage that his daddy was. Man, me & Barry were both so excited to see each other. I'm grateful I got to have that moment in time with my dear old friend. That was pretty much the center of my evening, till it was over. I helped celebrate Colt's release, and watched Barry watch his son. He was a very proud papa that night, with every reason to be, and I'd hooked back up with a dear friend of mine from over 30 years ago. Colt knew I'd be hit by the news, so he was kind enough to call the house yesterday, and tell me. I’ll for the remainder of my life remember, I was huggin' Barry goodbye, at the end of the night, I made him promise to come see me. I wanted him to come visit this studio, have a cup of coffee with us, and spend a few days with my family & me. I could tell by looking at him, he didn't seem to feel well. He'd been ill. He'd had a stroke I believe in 2002, but he was making his way back, slowly but surely. The very last thing I said to him before I went back to my hotel was, "Don't you die. Promise me you won't die, Barry Chance. You hear me, don’t you die for a while. I promise you the same. I want you to come and spend with me, Barry Chance. I want some quality time with my old friend again. So, promise me. OK?" He did make me that promise. It was 2 weeks ago today. We just don't know, do we? I'm so glad I got to see him again. I thank God for that magic night. God bless Barry Chance. There are some really excited pickers waitin' at the gate for him. I'll be along soon enough, Barry.

Moby, Listen to your radio on the way to work in the morning, and heard your show Friday April 30 with the man with the snakes. I wanted to say you are blessed to have the Ron who works with you there instead of this Ron (that’s me). Someone would have got hurt when you started bringing out the snakes. I don't like them, and when you brought out the snakes, I would have brought out the shotguns and pistols. Like, I said someone would have got hurt. I believe in shooting them all and let God sort it out. Yeah Baby, Ron Carter Oh what a girly boy you appear to be, brother. But, you are funny. That’s not a very manly, brave posture to have, Ron, let alone sensitive and nature friendly. You’re welcome to that opinion. This is still America after all. All but one of those beautiful creatures in our studio last Friday were absolutely harmless. The one that wasn’t was handled by a professional man that has loved and protected snakes all his life. Neither me, nor Jason Clark would ever put anyone in danger. The real danger in all this comes from people that feel, the only good snake is a dead snake. I guess that I’d like to ask a favor of you. If you see a snake on a property you don’t own, just walk away from it. I promise, it bears you no ill will and has no intention of causing harm to you. If it happens to be in your yard, just remember where it was, and go inside with the kids. Then call Jason Clark, or some other person like Jason to come remove the big bad snake from your yard. Folks like Jason, and others like him do this for a living. They do it not to protect the frightened people, but to protect the snakes. The real danger is to the snakes from those of us with larger brains, that I wish weren’t so close-minded about them. In most every case, it’s the snake that’s in the greatest danger. I’d bet you’re probably thinking, “You’re darn right they’re in danger if I see ‘em.” Well, before you take that kind of action, know this. There are some protected species of non-venomous snakes that aren’t only good for the eco-cycle, it’s also a serious crime to kill or harm them. So, for their safety, and for your checkbook, & freedom, check my website for contact information on Jason Clark, and for Southeast Reptile Rescue. I’m sure we’ll need to agree to disagree on this one, Ron. But you were nice enough to share your opinion with me, now I’ve shared mine with you. Between the two of us, we share today’s Small Town Soap box.