Powered by BlogCFM http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog/ I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year-old again. I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make a sidewalk with rocks. I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them. I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summer's day. I want to return to a time when life was simple; when all you knew were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes, but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care. All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset. I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again. I want to live simple again. I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness, and loss of loved ones. I want to believe in the power of miles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow. So ... here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit card bills and my 401K statements. I am officially resigning from adulthood. And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first, cause ... "Tag! You're it." http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Adult-Resignation.cfm 2011-09-27T08:41:59-05:00 Small Town Soap Box Her hair was up in a pony tail, Her favorite dress tied with a bow. Today was Daddy's Day at school, And she couldn't wait to go. But her mommy tried to tell her, That she probably should stay home. Why the kids might not understand, If she went to school alone. But she was not afraid; She knew just what to say. What to tell her classmates Of why he wasn't there today. But still her mother worried, For her to face this day alone. And that was why once again, She tried to keep her daughter home. But the little girl went to school Eager to tell them all. About a dad she never sees A dad who never calls. There were daddies along the wall in back, For everyone to meet. Children squirming impatiently, Anxious in their seats One by one the teacher called A student from the class. To introduce their daddy, As seconds slowly passed. At last the teacher called her name, Every child turned to stare. Each of them was searching, A man who wasn't there. 'Where's her daddy at?' She heard a boy call out. 'She probably doesn't have one,' Another student dared to shout. And from somewhere near the back, She heard a daddy say, 'Looks like another deadbeat dad, Too busy to waste his day.' The words did not offend her, As she smiled up at her Mom. And looked back at her teacher, Who told her to go on. And with hands behind her back, Slowly she began to speak. And from the mouth of a child, Came words incredibly unique. 'My Daddy couldn't be here, Because he lives so far away. But I know he wishes he could be, Since this is such a special day. And though you cannot meet him, I wanted you to know. All about my daddy, And how much he loves me so. He loved to tell me stories He taught me to ride my bike. He surprised me with pink roses, And taught me to fly a kite. We used to share fudge sundaes, And ice cream in a cone. And though you cannot see him. I'm not standing here alone. 'Cause my daddy's al ways with me, Even though we are apart I know because he told me, He'll forever be in my heart' With that, her little hand reached up, And lay across her chest. Feeling her own heartbeat, Beneath her favorite dress. And from somewhere here in the crowd of dads, Her mother stood in tears. Proudly watching her daughter, Who was wise beyond her years. For she stood up for the love Of a man not in her life. Doing what was best for her, Doing what was right. And when she dropped her hand back down, Staring straight into the crowd. She finished with a voice so soft, But its message clear and loud. 'I love my daddy very much, he's my shining star. And if he could, he'd be here, But heaven's just too far. You see he is a U.S. soldier And died just this past year When a roadside bomb hit his convoy And taught Americans to fear. But sometimes when I close my eyes, it's like he never went away.' And then she closed her eyes, And saw him there that day. And to her mothers amazement, She witnessed with surprise. A room full of daddies and children, All starting to close their eyes. Who knows what they saw before them, Who knows what they felt inside. Perhaps for merely a second, They saw him at her side. 'I know you're with me Daddy,' To the silence she called out. And what happened next made believers, Of those once filled with doubt. Not one in that room could explain it, For each of their eyes had been closed. But there on the desk beside her, Was a fragrant long-stemmed rose. And a child was blessed, if only for a moment, By the love of her shining star. And given the gift of believing, That heaven is never too far. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Heavens-Just-Too-Far.cfm 2011-09-26T08:41:21-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in nursing homes This would correct two things in one motion: Seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks. They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical Treatment, wheel chairs, etc. They would receive money instead of having to pay it out. They would have constant video monitoring, so they would 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. All meals and snacks would be brought to them. They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose. They would have access to a library, weight/fitness room, spiritual counseling, a pool and education...and free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists. Simple clothing - i.e.. Shoes, slippers, pj's - and legal aid would be free, upon request. There would be private, secure rooms provided for all with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens. Each senior would have a P.C., T.V., phone and radio in their room at no cost. They would receive daily phone calls. There would be a board of directors to hear any complaints and the ACLU would fight for their rights and protection. The guards would have a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to, with attorneys available, at no charge to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect. As for the criminals: They would receive cold food. They would be left alone and unsupervised. They would receive showers once a week. They would live in tiny rooms, for which they would have to pay $5,000 per month. They would have no hope of ever getting out. "Sounds like justice to me!" http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Heres-the-way-it-should--be.cfm 2011-09-23T08:43:03-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box On 6/12/2011, Michael Boucher, a 22 yr. old Marine from Oconee County, GA, was serving on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan. That Sunday morning, Michael was hit with an ied. The explosion ripped both of his legs (below the knees) from him, crushed a finger on his left hand, and left him with several other physical injuries, but it could not and has not managed to dampen or take any of the amazing spirit that I have ALWAYS seen present in Michael?s life. Michael graduated from North Oconee High School with my oldest son. My family and I have lived in Oconee County for 21 years and I know that Michael started kindergarten in Oconee County Schools. Michael is and always has been one of those ?kids? with the most amazing, laid-back attitudes. I have said this before and I know that I will say it again ? whenever I think of Michael, I picture these startling blue eyes (the bluest in the world), THICK, curly blond hair, ear-to-ear grin and a big ?ole hug coming my way. I could go on and on and on. As a mother of two boys (19 & 22), he?s still just a boy to me, and one that I love very much!!!! Anyway, the point of my e-mail is this: We have organized a motorcycle ride to benefit Michael and his family, set for this Saturday, 9/24/11 in Athens. I am wondering if it would be possible to get some mention of it on your show? Our community has so rallied around this family since this tragedy. We have already raised close to $20,000 in fundraisers. I have pretty much become the unofficial ?P/R person? for all the fundraising that we have been doing. Visit the caring bridge page for Michael and you can pretty much see everything that has happened since the injury. The website address is: www.caringbridge.org/visit/lcplmichaelboucher. On 8/10, MICHAEL WALKED. Two days short of two months!!!!! If you will notice ? Michael?s caringbridge page has already had 42000+ visits in the weeks since its inception. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lcplmichaelboucher http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/An-Email-about-Marine-Michael-Boucher.cfm 2011-09-22T08:39:21-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box ?Winston, come into the dining room, it?s time to eat,? Julia yelled to her husband. ?In a minute, honey, it?s a tie score,? he answered. Actually Winston wasn?t very interested in the traditional holiday football game between Detroit and Washington . Ever since the government passed the Civility in Sports Statute of 2017, outlawing tackle football for its ?unseemly violence? and the ?bad example it sets for the rest of the world,? Winston was far less of a football fan than he used to be. Two-hand touch wasn?t nearly as exciting. Yet it wasn?t the game that Winston was uninterested in. It was more the thought of eating another TofuTurkey. Even though it was the best type of VeggieMeat available after the government revised the American Anti-Obesity Act of 2018, adding fowl to the list of federally-forbidden foods, (which already included potatoes, cranberry sauce and mince-meat pie), it wasn?t anything like real turkey. And ever since the government officially changed the name of ?Thanksgiving Day? to ?A National Day of Atonement? in 2020 to officially acknowledge the Pilgrims? historically brutal treatment of Native Americans, the holiday had lost a lot of its luster. Eating in the dining room was also a bit daunting. The unearthly gleam of government-mandated fluorescent light bulbs made the TofuTurkey look even weirder than it actually was, and the room was always cold. Ever since Congress passed the Power Conservation Act of 2016, mandating all thermostats?which were monitored and controlled by the electric company?be kept at 68 degrees, every room on the north side of the house was barely tolerable throughout the entire winter. Still, it was good getting together with family. Or at least most of the family. Winston missed his mother, who passed on in October, when she had used up her legal allotment of live-saving medical treatment. He had had many heated conversations with the Regional Health Consortium, spawned when the private insurance market finally went bankrupt, and everyone was forced into the government health care program. And though he demanded she be kept on her treatment, it was a futile effort. ?The RHC?s resources are limited,? explained the government bureaucrat Winston spoke with on the phone. ?Your mother received all the benefits to which she was entitled. I?m sorry for your loss.? Ed couldn?t make it either. He had forgotten to plug in his electric car last night, the only kind available after the Anti-Fossil Fuel Bill of 2021 outlawed the use of the combustion engines?for everyone but government officials. The fifty mile round trip was about ten miles too far, and Ed didn?t want to spend a frosty night on the road somewhere between here and there. Thankfully, Winston?s brother, John, and his wife were flying in. Winston made sure that the dining room chairs had extra cushions for the occasion. No one complained more than John about the pain of sitting down so soon after the government-mandated cavity searches at airports, which severely aggravated his hemorrhoids. Ever since a terrorist successfully smuggled a cavity bomb onto a jetliner, the TSA told Americans the added ?inconvenience? was an ?absolute necessity? in order to stay ?one step ahead of the terrorists.? Winston?s own body had grown accustomed to such probing ever since the government expanded their scope to just about anywhere a crowd gathered, via Anti-Profiling Act of 2022. That law made it a crime to single out any group or individual for ?unequal scrutiny,? even when probable cause was involved. Thus, cavity searches at malls, train stations, bus depots, etc., etc., had become almost routine. Almost. The Supreme Court is reviewing the statute, but most Americans expect a Court composed of six progressives and three conservatives to leave the law intact. ?A living Constitution is extremely flexible,? said the Court?s eldest member, Elena Kagan. ? Europe has had laws like this one for years. We should learn from their example,? she added. Winston?s thoughts turned to his own children. He got along fairly well with his 12-year-old daughter, Brittany, mostly because she ignored him. Winston had long ago surrendered to the idea that she could text anyone at any time, even during Atonement Dinner. Their only real confrontation had occurred when he limited her to 50,000 texts a month, explaining that was all he could afford. She whined for a week, but got over it. His 16-year-old son, Jason, was another matter altogether.. Perhaps it was the constant bombarding he got in public school that global warming, the bird flu, terrorism or any of a number of other calamities were ?just around the corner,? but Jason had developed a kind of nihilistic attitude that ranged between simmering surliness and outright hostility. It didn?t help that Jason had reported his father to the police for smoking a cigarette in the house, an act made criminal by the Smoking Control Statute of 2018, which outlawed smoking anywhere within 500 feet of another human being. Winston paid the $5000 fine, which might have been considered excessive before the American dollar became virtually worthless as a result of QE13. The latest round of quantitative easing the federal government initiated was, once again, to ?spur economic growth.? This time they promised to push unemployment below its years-long rate of 18%, but Winston was not particularly hopeful. Yet the family had a lot for which to be thankful, Winston thought, before remembering it was a Day of Atonement. At least he had his memories. He felt a twinge of sadness when he realized his children would never know what life was like in the Good Old Days, long before government promises to make life ?fair for everyone? realized their full potential. Winston, like so many of his fellow Americans, never realized how much things could change when they didn?t happen all at once, but little by little, so people could get used to them. He wondered what might have happened if the public had stood up while there was still time, maybe back around 2011, when all the real nonsense began. ?Maybe we wouldn?t be where we are today if we?d just said ?enough is enough? when we had the chance,? he thought. Maybe so, Winston. Maybe so. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Thanksgiving-2022.cfm 2011-09-21T08:40:09-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Mr. Moby and Crew, I thought I would send you this email to share a special story with ya'll. There once was a little girl who was bound and determined to learn and conquer Martial Arts. At age 8 she finally convinced her grandmother to allow her to start taking classes. At age 9 that skinny little girl was entering Tae-Kwon-Do competitions. She was determined to be the best and beat the rest. Her motivation was just that. To be the best at whatever sport she pursued. Having been abandoned by her parents, and under the care of grandparents who were not good at being there for the girl and her little brother her anger grew. Sure she had all the materialistic things she wanted or needed, but all she really cared about was hearing "I love You" or "Good Job". A hug every now and then wouldn't have hurt either. The girl was left to raise her little brother from the age of 6. So their bond was one of envy. By age 15 the girl was titled the Texas State Champ in Tae-kwon-do for the adult women?s age group. She married her high school sweetheart and had 2 children, a boy and a girl. Working since age 15 she had a great work ethic. She continued throughout the years to study Martial Arts. At age 32 in 2008, she felt ill but was still able to work 12-14 hrs days, clean house and train. In the course of 2 months she lost 60lbs many hospitalizations, botched surgeries and plenty of doctors she was told that she had Systemic Lupus, Rheumatiod Arthriths and other ailments. Unable to be touched or be able to function she had to stop working. Her family was homeless but the good lord opened a door, and they were able to find a temporary home. On May 2, 2009, she suffered a stroke, & spent a week in intensive care unit. Her husband worked. Her eldest was homeschooled to keep a watch on her, but there was no help for them when they lost their health insurance and her family did not help with the children. They moved from Texas to Georgia to be closer to his family. They have lived in Georgia since 02/2010. They purchased a vehicle that has been nothing but problems. With all these obstacles, they still don't lose faith. Why? Because they know GOD will not give them more than they can handle. Why have I sent you this? I really don't know. I just had it in my heart to share this story. Maybe it will shed some light on someone else's life. You can go to: youtube.com/lupusfamily There you will see what determination can accomplish. I thank you for reading my story...... Oh, and my little brother signed up with the Marines and worked his way up from enlisted to Chief Warrant Officer. So, the way I look at it, people can blame nobody but themselves for not accomplishing greatness. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/A-TaeKwonDo-Tale-On-Life.cfm 2011-09-20T08:44:05-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box The whole reason this nation was ever founded by our forefathers was to pursue a life and government where God was considered in our decisions made. His importance was so great that he was placed on our money, was named in our Pledge and his Bible was used in swearing oaths in our courtrooms. Our founding fathers knew that to make this nation great and to have it succeed better than any other country was to have God involved in all we do. But they knew that to have religious freedom, the government couldn?t be involved in how we worship. The government was not to be our church and was only to provide us with the freedom to worship God in our individual ways. But all the laws that were made can be traced back to religious beliefs and the Bible. Murder was made a crime just like ?Thou shall not kill?; stealing and lying under oath are a crime just like ?Thou shall not steal? and ?Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor?. Our country became great with God. Our country was a place of refuge with God. But where are we now? We have taken prayer out of our schools when it was a privilege we had, but was never a requirement of any student. This land has become one of greed and excess as shown by the vast number of prisons we have, the number of divorces and the overweight problems of many Americans. We have become a nation where if you want something and someone else has it, just take theirs. We help those who do not help themselves and expect something to be given based on no effort on their part. We want everything now and we are not willing to wait or work for it. Maybe if all the young adults who lost their homes in foreclosure had started in a small home, paid for it, then bought a bigger home, but one they could afford in good times and in bad, they would still own their homes. What are we becoming? This is not the actions of a nation under God, but it is so common, many look the other way or think that it?s not so bad. We are a nation that when 9/11 happened we were praying out loud on television, and for the world to see because we knew the only help we would have would come from above. You would find it difficult to find a single elected official who did not reference God in their speeches. If this nation doesn?t get on its knees and soon, we will no longer be a great nation and certainly not one Under God. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Are-We-Still-a-Nation-Under-God.cfm 2011-09-19T08:43:21-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box If tomorrow starts without me, And I'm not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today, While thinking of the many things, we didn't get to say. I know how much you love me, as much as I love you, And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, and took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, in heaven far above, And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye, For all my life, I'd always thought, I didn't want to die. I had so much to live for, so much left yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, that I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad, I thought of all that we shared, and all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while, I'd say good-bye and kiss you, and maybe see you smile. But then I fully realized, that this could never be, For emptiness and memories, would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things, I might miss some tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven's gates , I felt so much at home. When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne, He said, "This is eternity, and all I've promised you." Today your life on earth is past, but here life starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last, And since each day is the same way, there's no longing for the past. So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart, For every time you think of me, I'm right here, in your heart? May God watch over you and your family now and always. There is no right time to do the wrong thing.... There is no Wrong time to tell someone you LOVE THEM. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/IF-TOMORROW-STARTS-WITHOUT-ME.cfm 2011-09-16T08:43:37-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box an email from a listener... "The pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America was written by a socialist Baptist minister by the name of Ralph Bellamy in 1892 and adopted by the U.S. Congress, as the official pledge of allegiance in 1942. It was Mr. Bellamy?s desire to use his pledge of allegiance to foster socialism and felt that he could accomplish this by indoctrinating the children in government sponsored public schools, which the children readily accepted and proudly recited the pledge with their right hands stretched outward at a slightly elevated angle, which was later adopted by Adolf Hitler as his Heil Hitler salute. In the pledge of allegiance we find the words, ?and to the republic? for which it stands. The U.S. Constitution, states: ?The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union a Republican form of government,? meaning that each state within itself is a Sovereign Nation-State. So, I do not pledge allegiance to the U.S. flag for that reason. But I do pledge allegiance to God and the Constitution for the Confederacy which He ordained for us and to the Republics (each state) for which it stands. Our nation under God, with Liberty and Justice for all. Thank you for your time. I will try to get a call in before you leave the air this morning." Moby's reply... No, brother, you're at least mistaken by the name of the author. Our pledge was written by Francis Bellamy, not Ralph. Sir, Ralph Bellamy was an American actor in years past. However, I don't want to talk to you about this. I'm not saying whether you're right or wrong. I'm just saying it's a binding pledge to a flag I love. A flag so many have fought and died to protect. I neither seek, nor will I accept debate from citizens that don't honor and respect it, and acknowledge the fact their right to voice any perspective has been won with the blood and selfless sacrifice of American patriots for a dozen generations. God bless our flag, these "United" states, and the dedicated forces of our military that with honor and valor protect the rights of all law abiding American citizens, even you, to believe and share such divisive opinions. Tell those troops that they shouldn't salute Old Glory, and pledge allegiance to her. You might want to do that over the phone though. I don't think you'd be safe doing it face to face. Just another opinion. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Pledge-of-Allegiance.cfm 2011-09-15T08:42:50-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box The folks who are getting free stuff, Don't like the folks who are paying for the free stuff, Because the folks who are paying for the free stuff, Can no longer afford to pay for both the free stuff and their own stuff. And, The folks who are paying for the free stuff, Want the free stuff to stop. And the folks who are getting the free stuff, Want even MORE free stuff on top of the free stuff they're getting already! Now..... The people who are forcing people to PAY for the free stuff, Have told the people who are RECEIVING the free stuff, That the people who are PAYING for the free stuff, Are being mean, prejudiced and racist. So .... the people who are GETTING the free stuff, Have been convinced they need to HATE the people who are PAYING for the free stuff because they are selfish. And they are promised more free stuff if they will vote for the people who force the people who pay for the free stuff to give them even more free stuff. And - - - - - that's the Straight Stuff! http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/THE-REAL-PROBLEM-WITH-OUR-GOVERNMENTAL-SYSTEM.cfm 2011-09-14T08:39:35-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message. First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason. My girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my second tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head, isn't it? I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone and wallet with me. {That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again.} After I called your mother, or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station - on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful! I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinne Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. {That made his day!} I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb, after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car. Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target. The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number, etc.) In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you, but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you have chosen to pursue in life. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/An-Actual-Craigs-List-Personals-Ad.cfm 2011-09-13T08:44:54-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box I was driving down the road the other day and saw something that reminded me of one of Will Rogers sayings. Will said when he was a little boy his father told him to get their cow and take her to farmer Brown's down the road and get her serviced. Well I didn?t know what he meant and when I asked my father he said that?s alright farmer Brown will know. Well, I took the cow to farmer Brown's and told him my father wanted me to bring our cow to his farm to get her serviced. Farmer Brown told me to put the cow in the pen with his bull. After putting the cow in the pen I sat on top of the fence to see what being serviced meant. Well after setting on the fence for a few minutes I finally realized why they called gas stations "service stations". These oil companies have been servicing us for a lot of years. A lot of younger drivers may not know we used to call gas stations "service stations" because someone pumped your gas, checked your oil and tires, and cleaned the windshield. Now they are called "convienence stores". I hear gas companies are having 13 billion dollar quarterly profits. Now I know it's been a long time since I was in school and I was not a straight A student. But as I remember, profit was what you had after all the bills and expenses are paid. 13 billion dollar quarterly profits equals 52 billion dollar profit per year. I just don't see how they can stay in business with no more profit than that. I guess we still have service stations. The truth hurts with every mile we drive. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Service-Stations.cfm 2011-09-12T08:41:56-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Today's Small Town Soapbox is an audio clip. We don't have the rights to post it here, but for a while at least, it's posted on YouTube. Paste this link into your web browser to hear it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtCCvduQmQo http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/95.Heaven-911-Tribute.cfm 2011-09-09T08:23:09-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Please visit http://www.1061wngc.com/s/inside/moby/ to hear today's Small Town Soapbox, an audio tribute to the 9/11 victims. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Heaven-911-Tribute.cfm 2011-09-09T06:33:23-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Dear Moby, I wrote this poem on the first anniversary of 9/11 and as we approach the 10th anniversary, I wanted to share this. This is a day we will never forget. Yeah Baby! A SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER We'll always remember that September day, As terror and hatred came our way. We'll remember how on that unforgettablle morn, Thousands of heroes were suddenly born We'll remember the heartfelt sounds, When another survivor was suddenly found. We'll remember how we joined together, To stand united and stronger than ever. We'll remember shedding each tear Over sadness, anger and fear. We'll remember searching for those lost, Never giving up whatever the cost. We'll remember how nothing was the same. Strangers were learning each others names. We'll remember how feelings were felt nationwide, Of love, freedom and American pride. We'll remember this day and it's story, Every time we turn to face "Old Glory" We'll remember that being American by birth, Is probably the greatest gift on earth. GOD BLESS AMERICA Phyllis Lance http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/A-September-to-Remember.cfm 2011-09-08T08:38:27-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench. She didn't move, just sat with her head down staring at her hands. When I sat down beside her she didn't acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK. Finally, not really wanting to disturb her, but wanting to check on her at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice strong.. 'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,' I explained to her. 'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked.. 'I mean really looked at your hands?' I slowly opened my hands and stared down at them. I turned them over, palms up and then palms down. No, I guess I had never really looked at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making. Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout your years. These hands, though wrinkled, shriveled, and weak, have been the tools I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.. 'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor. 'They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.. As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer. They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots. They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. 'They have been dirty, scraped and raw, swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy when I tried to hold my newborn son. Decorated with my wedding band they showed the world that I was married and loved someone special. 'They wrote my letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse. 'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. 'They have covered my face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day, when not much of anything else of me works real well, these hands hold me up, lay me down, and again continue to fold in prayer. 'These hands are the mark of where I've been and the ruggedness of life. 'But more importantly it will be these hands that God will reach out and take when He leads me home. And with my hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the face of God.' I will never look at my hands the same again. But I remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home. When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel His hands upon my face. Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you -- not because they are nice, But because you are. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Grandmas-Hands.cfm 2011-09-07T08:42:03-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box People have asked me about the President and Homeland Security's new immigration policy and how it would affect law enforcement. Unsecured borders, open invitations to illegal immigrants, and backdoor amnesty are issues that strongly impact our community. Unfortunately, we have heard very little from our members in Congress about this recent change. Anything you can do to help spread this word about the impact would be good. The President?s new policy regarding deportation of illegal aliens should not have any impact on the performance of my duties. I will continue to do what I have always done - enforce the laws, whatever they may be, equally among all people in Cobb County. The brunt of this new policy will be borne by the federal law enforcement authorities - primarily those officers patrolling our borders and those charged with removing offenders that have violated the law. Once again, the Department of Homeland Security and the Administration are choosing to selectively enforce our immigration laws. Additionally, they have continuously underfunded all immigration enforcement efforts. The implementation of this policy change is nothing more than extending an open invitation for more aliens to enter our country illegally -whether they are bringing in illegal drugs or simply looking for jobs. Immigrants, like many other people in this country, are facing challenges with unemployment because of the failing economy. In my opinion this Administration's change of policy regarding the enforcement of existing immigration laws is merely a political ploy to garner favor from the Hispanic community with the hopes of positively impacting the President's decreasing popularity in the polls. It seems their hope is to deflect attention away from the lack of jobs in this country to gain support from a special segment of voters. I guess they think that this policy of backdoor amnesty will improve the President's political standing with the Hispanic voters in next year's election. From my perspective, the President?s change of policy goes far beyond the concept of prosecutorial discretion. It is a blatant attempt to rewrite our immigration laws while bypassing Congress in the process. Not only is our economy in jeopardy, the foundation of our country and the rule of law are also in jeopardy. It is a sad state of affairs when elected officials selectively choose to enforce only those laws they agree with. As an elected official, the oath of office I took is a solemn vow. I will consistently and fairly enforce all the laws of this County and State as well as uphold the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Georgia - So help me God. Sheriff Neal Warren http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Sheriff-Neal-Warrens-Manifesto.cfm 2011-09-06T08:45:02-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box The Buzzard: If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top. The Bat: The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself in the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash. The Bumblebee: A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists until it completely destroys itself. People: In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem! Just look up. Sorrow looks back, worry looks around but faith looks up! http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Faith-Looks-Up.cfm 2011-09-05T09:45:00-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box A man and his dog were walking along a road. The man was enjoying the scenery, when it suddenly occurred to him that he was dead.He remembered dying, and that the dog walking beside him had been dead for years. He wondered where the road was leading them. After a while, they came to a high, white stone wall along one side of the road. It looked like fine marble. At the top of a long hill, it was broken by a tall arch that glowed in the sunlight.When he was standing before it, he saw a magnificent gate in the arch that looked like mother-of-pearl, and the street that led to the gate looked like pure gold. He and the dog walked toward the gate, and as he got closer, he saw a man at a desk to one side. When he was close enough, he called out, 'Excuse me, where are we?' 'This is Heaven, sir,' the man answered. 'Wow! Would you happen to have some water?' the man asked. 'Of course, sir. Come right in, and I'll have some ice water brought right up.' The man gestured, and the gate began to open. 'Can my friend,' gesturing toward his dog, 'come in, too?' the traveler asked. 'I'm sorry, sir, but we don't accept pets.' The man thought a moment and then turned back toward the road and continued the way he had been going with his dog. After another long walk, and at the top of another long hill, he came to a dirt road leading through a farm gate that looked as if it had never been closed. There was no fence. As he approached the gate, he saw a man inside, leaning against a tree and reading a book. 'Excuse me!' he called to the man. 'Do you have any water?' 'Yeah, sure, there's a pump over there, come on in.' 'How about my friend here?' the traveler gestured to the dog. 'There should be a bowl by the pump,' said the man. They went through the gate, and sure enough, there was an old-fashioned hand pump with a bowl beside it. The traveler filled the water bowl and took a long drink himself, then he gave some to the dog. When they were full, he and the dog walked back toward the man who was standing by the tree. 'What do you call this place?' the traveler asked. 'This is Heaven,' he answered. 'Well, that's confusing,' the traveler said. 'The man down the road said that was Heaven, too.' 'Oh, you mean the place with the gold street and pearly gates? Nope. That's Hell.' 'Doesn't it make you mad for them to use your name like that?' 'No, we're just happy that they screen out the folks who would leave their best friends behind.' http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/This-is-Heaven.cfm 2011-09-02T08:42:30-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Good morning Mr. Moby, Please allow me to take a moment of your time. I am writing in regards to this morning's Small-Town Soapbox. I was driving in to work this morning when I heard the Soapbox and was compelled to write you. I am 32 years old and unfortunately some of my peers are the very ones you were speaking of this morning. I was TAUGHT to love America. I was TAUGHT to respect this country and those who serve. I was TAUGHT to stand with pride when the Star Spangled Banner plays. I was TAUGHT to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. My paternal grandfather served in the Army during World War II. When the war was over he came home, worked his little farm, took a factory job and raised my father and aunt. THAT'S America! My maternal grandfather served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict, at one point being captured and subsequently rescued by those fine sailors on the USS Missouri. When that "conflict" was over, he came home, took whatever job necessary to provide for his family, tended his little farm, and raised my mother and her brothers and sisters. THAT'S America! I currently have seven neices and nephews who range in age from 8 months to 10 years. They are TAUGHT to love America. They are TAUGHT that they are blessed by God to be living in the greatest country in the world. They are taught to rise (and be quiet) when the Star Spangled Banner is played. They are taught to stand and cover their hearts while reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. They are taught to know that the freedoms that they enjoy cost some dear person their life on a battlefield far from home. All 7 are reminded that the great-grandfathers that they were not fortunate enough to have known are part of the reason that they have the freedoms, rights and liberties that are so often taken for granted. I proudly serve my community as a police officer. I live in a medium size town in South Georgia. I thank God for the opportunity to live in America. I may not ever make a huge difference but I can hope that something I do has some type of positive impact for someone. Thank you for your time, Dawn Tillman http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/09/Email-Response-to-Yesterdays-Soapbox.cfm 2011-09-01T08:42:36-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box They like to refer to us as senior citizens, old fogies, geezers, and in some cases dinosaurs. Some of us are "Baby Boomers" getting ready to retire. Others have been retired for some time. We walk a little slower these days and our eyes and hearing are not what they once were. We have worked hard, raised our children, worshipped our God and grown old together. Yes, we are the ones some refer to as being over the hill, and that is probably true. But before writing us off completely, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration. In school we studied English, history, math, and science which enabled us to lead America into the technological age. Most of us remember what outhouses were, many of us with firsthand experience. We remember the days of telephone party-lines, 25 cent gasoline, and milk and ice being delivered to our homes. For those of you who don't know what an icebox is, today they are electric and referred to as refrigerators. A few even remember when cars were started with a crank. Yes, we lived those days. We are probably considered old fashioned and out-dated by many. But there are a few things you need to remember before completely writing us off. We won World War II, fought in Korea and Viet Nam . We can quote The Pledge of Allegiance, and know where to place our hand while doing so. We wore the uniform of our country with pride and lost many friends on the battlefield. We didn't fight for the Socialist States of America , we fought for the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." We wore different uniforms but carried the same flag. We know the words to the Star Spangled Banner, America , and America the Beautiful by heart, and you may even see some tears running down our cheeks as we sing. We have lived what many of you have only read about in history books and we feel no obligation to apologize to anyone for America . Yes, we are old and slow these days but rest assured, we have at least one good fight left in us. We have loved this country, fought for it, and died for it, and now we are going to save it. It is our country and nobody is going to take it away from us. We took oaths to defend America against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that is an oath we plan to keep. There are those who want to destroy this land we love but, like our founders, there is no way we are going to remain silent. It was the young people of this nation who elected Obama and the Democratic Congress. You fell for the "Hope and Change" which in reality was nothing but "Hype and Lies." You have tasted socialism and seen evil face to face, and have found you don't like it after all. You make a lot of noise, but most are all too interested in their careers or "Climbing the Social Ladder" to be involved in such mundane things as patriotism and voting. Many of those who fell for the "Great Lie" in 2008 are now having buyer's remorse. With all the education we gave you, you didn't have sense enough to see through the lies and instead drank the 'Cool-Aid.' Now you're paying the price and complaining about it. No jobs, lost mortgages, higher taxes, and less freedom. This is what you voted for and this is what you got. We entrusted you with the Torch of Liberty and you traded it for a paycheck and a fancy house. Well, don't worry youngsters, the Grey Haired Brigade is here, and in 2012 we are going to take back our nation. We may drive a little slower than you would like but we get where we're going, and in 2012 we're going to the polls by the millions. This land does not belong to the man in the White House nor to the likes of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. It belongs to "We the People" and "We the People" plan to reclaim our land and our freedom. We hope this time you will do a better job of preserving it and passing it along to our grandchildren. So the next time you have the chance to say the Pledge of Allegiance, Stand up, put your hand over your heart, honor our country, and thank God for the old geezers of the "Grey-Haired Brigade." ~Author, Anonymous Grey-Haired Brigade Member http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/GreyHaired-Brigade.cfm 2011-08-31T08:38:03-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box I WOULD RATHER WALK WITH GOD IN THE DARK THAN GO ALONE IN THE LIGHT Hello God, I called tonight To talk a little while I need a friend who'll listen To my anxiety and trial. You see, I can't quite make it Through a day just on my own... I need your love to guide me, So I'll never feel alone. I want to ask you please to keep, My family safe and sound. Come and fill their lives with confidence For whatever fate they're bound. Give me faith, dear God, to face Each hour throughout the day, And not to worry over things I can't change in any way. I thank you God, for being home And listening to my call, For giving me such good advice When I stumble and fall.. !!!!!!! Your number, God, is the only one That answers every time. I never get a busy signal, Never had to pay a dime. So thank you, God, for listening To my troubles and my sorrow. Good night, God, I love You, too, And I'll call again tomorrow! P.S. Please bless all my friends and family too. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/GODS-PHONE-NUMBER.cfm 2011-08-30T08:40:22-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Dear Moby, Here is a something on the lighter side as a candidate for Small Town Soapbox. I hope this won?t offend anyone. It?s just some good-natured reflections on the me that used to be. 1. A half gallon of ice cream contains more than 2 servings. 2. The appetizers at restaurants are bigger than some meals I now eat. 3. I can walk from one end of the mall to the other without feeling like I just completed the Peachtree Road Race. 4. Climbing stairs is no longer like climbing mountains. 5. I can jog without setting off the civil defense earthquake sirens. 6. I can sunbathe without Greenpeace trying to put me back in the water. 7. I can wear red without children asking to sit in my lap so they can tell me what they want for Christmas. 8. I HAVE a lap. Lastly, I can clearly see the timeless truths behind these two famous quotes: 9. ?Laughter is the best medicine? because it?s the antidote for the poisons of depression, hopelessness, bitterness, anger, and ridicule?which, if left untreated would destroy us all. 10. ?Laugh and the world laughs with you? Taking ourselves too seriously leads to people hurting each other. By sharing a laugh at my own shortcomings, perhaps others will see something of themselves in me. And forgive us both for having a few flaws. Yeah Baby! Sincerely, David Benoit Auburn http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/10-Things-I-Learned-After-Losing-110-Pounds.cfm 2011-08-29T08:44:16-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Moby my hometown hero is my brother. Frank Cronan, he suffers from the effects of agent orange, crawling around in the jungles of Vietnam, he has shrapnel from his war wounds, but the worst part was having to take off his uniform before boarding the plane to come home, because after being sent to Vietnam he was met and many others like him by anti-war protestors and ridicule. He now has a defribulator, and pacemaker, the aftermath of his service. Where is the respect, and with the new generations it has not changed. I needed to make this comment about my hometown hero. And my grandson Josh Agan stationed in Japan, in the Marines I also honor and salute. -- Sincerely, Pat Revak Rome I don?t wholeheartedly agree with her on this. There?s no protesters meeting them when they come home, there?s just not much of anything. By and large, American citizens are more focused on American Idol, America?s Got Talent, and the Kardashian wedding than we are on the war efforts of the American military, and the honor and sense of duty with which they?re serving each and every one of us in that cesspool they?re deployed. We frequently hear how much individuals respect the military, but all too often our actions say, we don?t have a clue what that means. Where?s the outrage that U.S. Marines have been ordered not to pass gas near uniformed Afghan military, because it offends them. Did you hear me yesterday when I reads this little tidbit? U.S. Marines have been banned from farting out loud in front of Afghan national army soldiers because it offends them. They need to understand that the Marines next to the Gomer that cut the cheese don?t like it either, but he?s desperately needed standing shoulder to shoulder to the other good guys when it hits the fan. Do we think that offends them more than it offends an American wife or mother that she has to bury her soldier because he laid down his life for a foreign country that?s spend the last thousand years embroiled in tribal conflict, that hates us? The American rations should be several bowls of Pinto beans every day. Would any American soldier think this would be an unfair request of the offended Afghans? ?Pull my finger, and send me home.? Pat, I thank you for taking the time to be heard. God bless your soldiers. Let?s get them all home, get ?em some Bean-o, and get on with the business of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I also thank you for inspiring today?s Small Town Soap Box http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/Email-Exchange-with-Pat-Revak.cfm 2011-08-26T08:44:25-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box He grasped me firmly, but gently, just above my elbow and guided me into a room, his room. Then he quietly shut the door and we were alone. He approached me soundlessly, from behind, and spoke in a low, reassuring voice close to my ear. "Just relax." Without warning, he reached down and I felt his strong, calloused hands start at my ankles, gently probing and moving upward along my calves, slowly but steadily. My breath caught in my throat. I knew I should be afraid, but somehow I didn't care. His touch was so experienced, so sure. When his hands moved up onto my thighs, I gave a slight shudder, and partly closed my eyes. My pulse was pounding. I felt his knowing fingers caress my abdomen, my ribcage. And then, as he cupped my firm, full breasts in his hands, inhaled sharply. Probing, searching, knowing what he wanted, he brought his hands to my shoulders, slid them down my tingling spine. Although I knew nothing about this man. I felt oddly trusting and expectant. This is a man, I thought. A man used to taking charge. A man not used to taking 'No' for an answer. A man who would tell me what he wanted. A man who would look into my soul and say... "Okay ma'am, you can board your flight now." http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/Harlequin-Novel-Updated2011-Version.cfm 2011-08-26T06:14:21-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box I. Thou shalt have no God in America, except for me. For we are no longer a Christian nation and, after all, I am the chosen One. (And like God, I do not need a birth certificate.) II. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, unless it is my face carved on Mt. Rushmore. III. Thou shalt not utter my middle name in vain (or in public). Only I can say Fred Fred Fred. IV. Remember tax day, April 15th, to keep it holy. V. Honour thy father and thy mother until they are too old and sick to care for. They will cost our public-funded health-care system too much money. VI. Thou shalt not kill, unless you have an unwanted, unborn baby. For it would be an abomination to punish your daughter with a baby. VII. Thou shalt not commit adultery if you are conservative, and liberals are hereby forgiven for all of their infidelity and immorality, but the careers of conservatives will be forever destroyed. VIII. Thou shalt not steal, until you've been elected to public office. Only then is it acceptable to take money from hard-working, successful citizens and give it to those who do not work or those who do not have the motivation to better their own lives. IX. Thou shalt not discriminate against thy neighbor unless they are Caucasian, or Christian. X. Thou shalt not covet because it is simply unnecessary. I will place such a heavy tax burden on those that have achieved the American Dream that, by the end of my term, nobody will have any wealth or material goods left for you to covet. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/The-10-Commandments-According-to-Fred.cfm 2011-08-25T08:42:22-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box Slightly edited in an attempt to not offend anyone. How well has that worked for you in the past? THE COW AND THE ICE CREAM ONE OF THE BEST EXPLANATIONS OF WHY DECEPTIVE POLITITIANS WIN ELECTIONS -- Originally From a teacher in the Nashville area "We are worried about 'the cow' when it is all about the 'Ice Cream.' The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade this year... The national election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote. To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot. The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia's mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Everyone applauded and he sat down. Now it was Olivia's turn to speak. Her speech was concise. She said, "If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream."She sat down. The class went wild. "Yes! Yes! We want ice cream." She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn't sure. But no one pursued that question. They took her at her word. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it...She didn't know. The class really didn't care. All they were thinking about was ice cream... Jamie was forgotten.. Olivia won by a landslide. Every time deceptive polititians open their mouths, the offer ice cream and 51.4 % of the people react like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other 48.6% percent know they're going to have to feed the cow and clean up the mess. This is the ice cream a deceptive politician promises us! Remember, the government cannot give anything to anyone that they have not first taken away from someone else. Did you vote for the ice cream? AND THAT, MY FRIEND, IS HOW DECEPTIVE POLITITIANS GET ELECTED. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/The-Cow-and-the-Ice-Cream.cfm 2011-08-24T08:45:16-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box The Exodus is a pretty amazing miracle from several perspectives . This is almost overwhelming when you think about it. Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food. According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, it is reported that Moses would have to have had 1500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required! Besides you must remember, they were out in the desert, so they would have to have firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4000 tons of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. And just think, they were forty years in transit. And Oh yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars, 1800 miles long, just to bring water! And then another thing! They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, if they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days and nights to get through. So there had to be a space in the Red Sea , 3 miles wide so that they could walk 5000 abreast to get over in one night. But then, there is another problem........each time they camped at the end of the day, a campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long........Think of it! This much space for camping. Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt? I think not! You see, Moses believed in God and believed God . God took care of these things for him. Now do you think God has any problem taking care of all your needs? So when the road you're traveling on seems difficult at best, just remember to keep on praying and God will do the rest. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/The-Exodus.cfm 2011-08-24T06:23:15-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box One time in my youth I lived in a limbo between school and career feeling aimless, useless, without purpose. I was walking around with my spirit on my shoe tops until I spotted a lowly pine knot that some wooden pallet had dropped. I remember feeling a kinship, an oppressive cloud of uselessness and rejection; we shared a common destiny? to be swept up and thrown away. Then a thought from within my soul I can only explain as a message from God told me to, ?Stop! And pick it up, rescue it from that dire fate.? ?Give it a purpose, use it as a reminder, of this truth, to inspire you always. If I have a use for this lowly little pine knot, I certainly have one for you.? I carried that little knot with me always; for years it bolstered my courage and confidence. Until one day I felt I had outgrown it and I tucked it away with my treasures. But not because I thought that it was useless, rather, because I had just realized something. I had become the lowly little pine knot with the same purpose of lifting up low spirits. Never doubt your usefulness in this world, for even now, through these words in your mind and heart that dead little piece of wood lives again giving hope and purpose to all reading or hearing this. God creates no garbage. Everything He created has a use, every knot, every stone, every person. So next time you walk with your hopes on the floor stop, and look around. You may rescue your own little treasure, then again it may just save you. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/The-Lowly-Knot-A-True-Story.cfm 2011-08-22T08:40:53-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box At a Touchdown Club meeting many years before his death, Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant told the following story: "I had just been named the new head coach at Alabama and was off in my old car down in South Alabama recruiting a prospect who was supposed to have been a pretty good player and I was havin' trouble finding the place. Getting hungry I spied an old cinder block building with a small sign out front that simply said "Restaurant." "I pull up, go in and every head in the place turns to stare at me. Seems I'm the only white fella in the place. But the food smelled good so I skip a table and go up to a cement bar and sit. A big ole man in a tee shirt and cap comes over and says, "What do you need?" I told him I needed lunch and what did they have today? He says, "You probably won't like it here, today we're having chitlins, collared greens and black eyed peas with cornbread. I'll bet you don't even know what chitlins are, do you?" I looked him square in the eye and said, "I'm from Arkansas, I've probably eaten a mile of them. Sounds like I'm in the right place." They all smiled as he left to serve me up a big plate. When he comes back he says, "You ain't from around here then?" "I explain I'm the new football coach up in Tuscaloosa at the University and I'm here to find whatever that boy's name was and he says, yeah I've heard of him, he's supposed to be pretty good. And he gives me directions to the school so I can meet him and his coach. As I'm paying up to leave, I remember my manners and leave a tip, not too big to be flashy, but a good one and he told me lunch was on him, but I told him for a lunch that good, I felt I should pay. The big man asked me if I had a photograph or something he could hang up to show I'd been there. I was so new that I didn't have any yet. It really wasn't that big a thing back then to be asked for, but I took a napkin and wrote his name and address on it and told him I'd get him one and shook his hand and left." "I met the kid I was lookin' for later that afternoon and I don't remember his name, but do remember I didn't think much of him when I met him. I had wasted a day, or so I thought. When I got back to Tuscaloosa late that night, I took that napkin from my shirt pocket and put it under my keys so I wouldn't forget it. Back then I was excited that anybody would want a picture of me. The next day we found a picture and I wrote on it, "Thanks for the best lunch I've ever had." "Now let's go a whole buncha years down the road. Now we have black players at Alabama and I'm back down in that part of the country scouting an offensive lineman we sure needed. Y'all remember, (and I forget the name, but it's not important to the story), well anyway, he's got two friends going to Auburn and he tells me he's got his heart set on Auburn too, so I leave empty handed and go on see some others while I'm down there." "Two days later, I'm in my office in Tuscaloosa and the phone rings and it's this kid who just turned me down, and he says, "Coach, do you still want me at Alabama?" And I said, "Yes I sure do." And he says OK, he'll come. And I say, "Well son, what changed your mind?" And he said, "When my grandpa found out that I had a chance to play for you and said no, he pitched a fit and told me I wasn't going nowhere but Alabama, and wasn't playing for nobody but you. He thinks a lot of you and has ever since y'all met." Well, I didn't know his granddad from Adam's house cat so I asked him who his granddaddy was and he said, "You probably don't remember him, but you ate in his restaurant your first year at Alabama and you sent him a picture that he's had hung in that place ever since. That picture's his pride and joy and he still tells everybody about the day that Bear Bryant came in and had chitlins with him." "My grandpa said that when you left there, he never expected you to remember him or to send him that picture, but you kept your word to him and to Grandpa, that's everything. He said you could teach me more than football and I had to play for a man like you, so I guess I'm going to. "I was floored. But I learned that the lessons my mama taught me were always right. It don't cost nuthin' to be nice. It don't cost nuthin' to do the right thing most of the time, and it costs a lot to lose your good name by breakin' your word to someone." "When I went back to sign that boy, I looked up his Grandpa and he's still running that place, but it looks a lot better now; and he didn't have chitlins that day, but he had some ribs that woulda made Dreamland proud and I made sure I posed for a lot of pictures; and don't think I didn't leave some new ones for him, too, along with a signed football." "I made it clear to all my assistants to keep this story and these lessons in mind when they're out on the road. If you remember anything else from me, remember this. It really doesn't cost anything to be nice, and the rewards can be unimaginable." Coach Bryant was in the presence of these few gentlemen for only minutes, and he defined himself for life. Regardless of our profession, we do define ourselves by how we treat others, and how we behave in the presence of others, and most of the time, we have only minutes or seconds to leave a lasting impression. We can be rude, crude, arrogant, cantankerous or we can be nice. http://www.mobyinthemorning.com/blog//1/2011/08/It-Dont-Cost-Nothin-To-Be-Nice.cfm 2011-08-19T08:42:15-05:00 Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box,Small Town Soap Box