Seven years ago yesterday, I was running late for work and missed my express train to Grand Central Station. I jumped on the next train, arriving in NYC just after 9:00 a.m. and was taking my time walking down Park Avenue South and enjoying the beautiful, crisp day. When I passed by a local brokerage firm, there was a crowd watching a news channel on closed captioned tv, reporting that a small plane had flown into the World Trade Center. As we were watching, a second plane flew into the other tower. For some crazy reason, instead of turning around and running back to the station, I went to my office 4 blocks away. By them, all of the phone circuits were busy and I couldn't get in touch with my husband, who was in Connecticut. A friend was able to reach me and called him to let him know that I was not downtown. At that time, I spent most of my time out of the office in lower Manhattan, in court and taking depositions. Then that Pentagon was hit, train service was suspended and we were all transfixed by the events unfolding outsite our south facing windows. One tower fell and you could see the movement of the smoke. Then there was one. When that fell, we were shocked. For some reason, it didn't occur to any of us that the towers would fall. Train service started later that afternoon. We all piled into the streets, teaming with people covered with white dust. We were herded into Grand Central and told to get on any train and that they would be making all stops. We didn't know if we would get home safely. We knew that there would be many families waiting for someone who would never arrive back home.
When I arrived back in Connecticut, I went to my husband's office. He had picked up our 4 year old son Sam and they were both waiting for me. He was wearing his surgical scrubs and had copies of his NY and CT medical licenses and was waiting for word back to see where he was needed to help any of the burn victims, since he was trained in burn reconstruction. That evening, he spent the night waiting in the Burn Unit at Bridgeport Hospital ready to help with anything to aid victims evacuated from overflowing NYC hospitals. The next morning he returned home, saddened by the fact that there were no survivors to treat and that his help was not needed at the NY hospital where he trained. I worked from home for a few days and returned to NYC on Friday, where I tried to see if my friends and colleagues were ok and to see what I could do to help them out.
Mayor Guiliani united us and inspired us to plod on despite the incomprehensible tragedy. The national guard troops kept the city running and the markets open as the heroic rescue workers continued rescue and recovery operations.
For many months the fire smoldered, and we became accustomed to a new world.
NYC was on and remained on heightened alert. We all mourned and tried to carry on so that the sacrifice of the victims would not be in vain.
These are dangerous times. We need a Commander in Chief that we can rely upon. John McCain is that man. We cannot forget 9/11 or the brave rescue workers or the armed forces who put themselves in harms way to protect all of us...
Friday, September 12, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
He may be smiling at Clinton, but his body language says no way!
Check out today's photo on CNN regarding Obama's meeting with former President Clinton. He may be smiling, but his arms across his chest is clearly saying in body lingo, I need to protect myself from you!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Some Tax Considerations.... The Next Great Depression....
This very illuminating chart outlining the tax proposals propounded by each candidate was sent to me earlier today. We will never afford to retire under the Obama/Biden administration. Unless you are from the great Republic of Taxachusetts (and even if you are - you better dump that waterfront manse on the Cape asap) you should be very concerned:
ISSUE
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN
15% (no change)
OBAMA
39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN
(no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500Single making 50K - tax $12,500Single making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 60K- tax $9,000Married making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400Single making 50K - tax $14,000Single making 75K - tax $23,250Married making 60K - tax $16,800Married making 75K - tax $21,000Married making 125K - tax $38,750Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN
- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
You can verify the above at the following web sites: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.htmlhttp://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.htmlhttp://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/
ISSUE
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples). McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.
OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales. (How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.)
DIVIDEND TAX
MCCAIN
15% (no change)
OBAMA
39.6% - (How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama becomes president. The experts predict that 'Higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market, yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.')
INCOME TAX
MCCAIN
(no changes)
Single making 30K - tax $4,500Single making 50K - tax $12,500Single making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 60K- tax $9,000Married making 75K - tax $18,750Married making 125K - tax $31,250
OBAMA (reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)
Single making 30K - tax $8,400Single making 50K - tax $14,000Single making 75K - tax $23,250Married making 60K - tax $16,800Married making 75K - tax $21,000Married making 125K - tax $38,750Under Obama, your taxes could almost double!
INHERITANCE TAX
MCCAIN
- 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)
OBAMA
Restore the inheritance tax
Many families have lost businesses, farms, ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will only lose them to these taxes.
NEW TAXES PROPOSED BY OBAMA
New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet. New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren't high enough already) New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity) New taxes on retirement accounts, and last but not least....New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level of medical care as other third-world countries!!!
You can verify the above at the following web sites: http://money.cnn.com/news/specials/election/2008/index.html http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/issues/issues.taxes.htmlhttp://elections.foxnews.com/?s=proposed+taxes http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourworld/politics/articles/mccain_obama_offer_different_visions_on_taxes.htmlhttp://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/barack_obama/
http://blog.washingtonpost.com/fact-checker/candidates/john_mccain/
Be Careful What You Wish For....
I just received a copy of this very eloquent letter... For your consideration:
"Dear Editor, Times-Dispatch:Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice.On June 30 I celebrate my independence day, and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba, and a few months later, I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress. I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said, "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education, it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented, Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?'Would we?'
Manuel Alvarez, Jr.Sandy Hook"
"Dear Editor, Times-Dispatch:Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice.On June 30 I celebrate my independence day, and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba, and a few months later, I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress. I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said, "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent, the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education, it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented, Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over, more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?'Would we?'
Manuel Alvarez, Jr.Sandy Hook"
Sunday, September 7, 2008
McCain the Leader v. The Velvet Tongued Hypocrite
Caroline Glick, a graduate of Barnard, and Harvard's the Kennedy School of Journalism is currently the managing editor of the Jerusalem Post, presented a very interesting analysis in her recent article, which clearly and unequivocally expresses an interesting international perspective: http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?cid=1220526712963&pagename=JPost%2FJPArticle%2FShowFull.
Glick opines that McCain's thoughtful selection of Palin demonstrates both his leadership skills and the nature of his opponents.
1. Glick points out "Obama's velvet tongue" as an incredible asset and compares his rhetorical skills to those of JFK. She also notes that the liberal media, who present him in the most credible manner, ignore his past longstanding relationships with some very negative leaders, including Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayres and corrupt influence peddler Tony Rezko.
2. Glick notes that Obama's "record of actual accomplishments is all but nonexistent." She further explains, "The combination of his extraordinary speeches and his ordinary empty resumé engenders a sense that Obama suffers from extreme arrogance."
3. McCain's record, according to Glick, is diametrically opposed to Obama, "McCain's balance of assets and deficits is almost the polar opposite of Obama's. He has a wealth of leadership experience and demonstrable political accomplishments. His patriotism is massively recognized and respected. The media have a pronounced and documented tendency to play up McCain's weaknesses and Obama's strengths while downplaying McCain's strengths and Obama's weaknesses."
4. The hypocrisy of the Obama supporters is really embraced by Glick, "McCain's undoing of the elite, leftist media provides a universal lesson for contending with the Left. At base, the Left's ideology, whether relating to women's rights, human rights, academic inquiry or war and peace is not universal but tribal. Moreover, when the Left is challenged on any one of its signature issues, because it cannot actually make a case for the universal applicability or even logic of its views, it tends instead to embrace the politics of personal destruction while ignoring the obvious contradictions between its stated beliefs and actual behavior. "
Next: let's talk about healthcare and Israel....
Glick opines that McCain's thoughtful selection of Palin demonstrates both his leadership skills and the nature of his opponents.
1. Glick points out "Obama's velvet tongue" as an incredible asset and compares his rhetorical skills to those of JFK. She also notes that the liberal media, who present him in the most credible manner, ignore his past longstanding relationships with some very negative leaders, including Rev. Jeremiah Wright, William Ayres and corrupt influence peddler Tony Rezko.
2. Glick notes that Obama's "record of actual accomplishments is all but nonexistent." She further explains, "The combination of his extraordinary speeches and his ordinary empty resumé engenders a sense that Obama suffers from extreme arrogance."
3. McCain's record, according to Glick, is diametrically opposed to Obama, "McCain's balance of assets and deficits is almost the polar opposite of Obama's. He has a wealth of leadership experience and demonstrable political accomplishments. His patriotism is massively recognized and respected. The media have a pronounced and documented tendency to play up McCain's weaknesses and Obama's strengths while downplaying McCain's strengths and Obama's weaknesses."
4. The hypocrisy of the Obama supporters is really embraced by Glick, "McCain's undoing of the elite, leftist media provides a universal lesson for contending with the Left. At base, the Left's ideology, whether relating to women's rights, human rights, academic inquiry or war and peace is not universal but tribal. Moreover, when the Left is challenged on any one of its signature issues, because it cannot actually make a case for the universal applicability or even logic of its views, it tends instead to embrace the politics of personal destruction while ignoring the obvious contradictions between its stated beliefs and actual behavior. "
Next: let's talk about healthcare and Israel....
Friday, September 5, 2008
Tower of Power!
Bye Bye Barrack! What my fellow Democrats fail to realize is that regular people do not care about celebrity endorsements. We are smart enough to do our own due diligence and determine who can address the issues that affect us in the most effective and efficacious manner.
I was howling from this recent letter that I just received - it explains why I stopped watching Oprah once she endorsed Obama:
"Oprah who?
Move over lady, you may recommend books, Obama the only person ever endorsed by you, may have written two books about himself. However it is Sarah Palin who has rewritten the book on women in America, Where is Helen Reddy? Sarah Palin needs a theme song.
I can not imagine that any women especially working women would not find common ground with this tower of power from Alaska.
John McCain,a man comfortable in his own skin whose self confidence is only surpassed by his credibility, had the foresight to introduce a powerful women. She has the potential to eclipse his own message, yet this man once again did this country an incredible service in this his latest act of good judgment.
As a Veteran I get John McCain, as the brother of three powerful women and the son of another, I appreciate John McCain’s choice for Vice President. As the husband of an even more powerful women and the father of two young ladies, both forces to be reckoned with, I stand in awe of this movement and look forward to having Sarah Palin as Vice President of this United States.
I have witnessed powerful women my entire life, as a child, adult and the man of the house, I can think of no one better to be at the helm then a mom, nurturing, multi tasking, informed and like the anjolie commercial of the early 1970’s. With your indulgence, “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, and never let him forget he’s the man, I am women”
Sarah Palin represents all women and I applaud John McCains provocative choice and look forward to the winds of change in Washington, Chris Dodd, Charley Rangel, Barbara Boxer look out, these winds are going to blow you out the proverbial door.
As for Oprah, George Clooney, Alec Baldwin and the rest of the hollyweird elitists, here is a news flash. No one cares anymore…
Seth Block
Fairfield CT"
I was howling from this recent letter that I just received - it explains why I stopped watching Oprah once she endorsed Obama:
"Oprah who?
Move over lady, you may recommend books, Obama the only person ever endorsed by you, may have written two books about himself. However it is Sarah Palin who has rewritten the book on women in America, Where is Helen Reddy? Sarah Palin needs a theme song.
I can not imagine that any women especially working women would not find common ground with this tower of power from Alaska.
John McCain,a man comfortable in his own skin whose self confidence is only surpassed by his credibility, had the foresight to introduce a powerful women. She has the potential to eclipse his own message, yet this man once again did this country an incredible service in this his latest act of good judgment.
As a Veteran I get John McCain, as the brother of three powerful women and the son of another, I appreciate John McCain’s choice for Vice President. As the husband of an even more powerful women and the father of two young ladies, both forces to be reckoned with, I stand in awe of this movement and look forward to having Sarah Palin as Vice President of this United States.
I have witnessed powerful women my entire life, as a child, adult and the man of the house, I can think of no one better to be at the helm then a mom, nurturing, multi tasking, informed and like the anjolie commercial of the early 1970’s. With your indulgence, “I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, and never let him forget he’s the man, I am women”
Sarah Palin represents all women and I applaud John McCains provocative choice and look forward to the winds of change in Washington, Chris Dodd, Charley Rangel, Barbara Boxer look out, these winds are going to blow you out the proverbial door.
As for Oprah, George Clooney, Alec Baldwin and the rest of the hollyweird elitists, here is a news flash. No one cares anymore…
Seth Block
Fairfield CT"
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Shot Heard 'Round the World - Sarah's Speech hits the Spot!
I am still fainting with happiness over Sarah Palin's debut.
I just got a copy of my neighbor's very articulate letter, which really sums up the tenor of this campaign. A navy veteran, businessman, ubervolunteer and a devoted father of two young daughters, his thoughts really are profound and should be shared and I am posting it:
"In 1775 it was the shot heard round the world when a few Patriots stood up for what they
believed was the right thing, several paid with their lives and began a tradition that is
exemplified everyday by our men and women in the armed forces.
Freedom is not free.
Sports fans remember back in the 50’s when Bobby Thompson hit an unlikely home run
in the playoff series and lifted the lowly Giants with a pennant victory dubbed also “the
shot heard round the world”
Last night a Mother of five, the former mayor of an unknown town, the Governor of an
often overlooked State delivered what could very well be dubbed “The shot heard round
the world”
The sounds that accompanied her historic and eloquently delivered speech were clear for
all to hear, it was the sound of liberals crashing into walls, jaws dropping to the floor
realizing the jig was up.
That words alone could not win this election, that empty promises and thin veiled veneer
would no longer satisfy Americans, That Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a
loser.
Mike Huckabee delivered, Rudy Giuliani delivered, Sarah Palin raised the bar for all
Americans, Sarah Palin smashed the glass ceiling, Sarah Palin did what Hillary could
only dream about, Sarah Palin galvanized a Country.
Sarah Palin brought to the forefront what Americans can accomplish that good deeds can
be rewarded and that going against the status quo as she did as Alaska’s Governor is not
only possible but necessary.
Barak Hussein Obama for political reasons denied Hillary the VP seat, Hillary who had
more popular votes then Barak did himself, Hillary who has legions of women followers,
Hillary who would have almost if not completely guaranteed the democrats a victory in
November.
Barak Hussein Obama’s blunder divided a party, divided a National movement and in
one fell swoop represents Barak’s inability to make clear and correct decisions; Barak put
his personal ambition above his party and this Country.
Barak Hussein Obama the man of change picked a stale Washington insider as his
running mate, A man only months ago who made clear and definitive statements that
Barak himself was not ready to be President; Barak again with his poor choices has given
proof that he is the wrong man for the Presidency.
Enter John McCain, his choices, his record, his intestinal fortitude as a man, as a soldier
as a Father and Husband as a POW who suffered insufferable atrocities at the hands of
Jane Fonda’s buddies the Viet Cong.
The message is clear, the choice is as obvious as the goose bumps Americans feel when
that brilliant Star Spangled Banner waves freely over the land.
John McCain will not make this Country greater, John McCain will not promise that he
alone will turn the tide of foreign difficulties and domestic issues.
McCain / Palin will free up the binds which hold down American ingenuity. Under the
McCain / Palin administration Americans can and will find their own way to forge ahead
and recapture the very essence of what made this Country great in the first place.
I only hope that my fellow Americans are wise enough and open enough to see past
single issue politics and do the right thing for the Country.
Thank you Governor Palin for a truly great speech.
Seth Block
Fairfield, CT"
I just got a copy of my neighbor's very articulate letter, which really sums up the tenor of this campaign. A navy veteran, businessman, ubervolunteer and a devoted father of two young daughters, his thoughts really are profound and should be shared and I am posting it:
"In 1775 it was the shot heard round the world when a few Patriots stood up for what they
believed was the right thing, several paid with their lives and began a tradition that is
exemplified everyday by our men and women in the armed forces.
Freedom is not free.
Sports fans remember back in the 50’s when Bobby Thompson hit an unlikely home run
in the playoff series and lifted the lowly Giants with a pennant victory dubbed also “the
shot heard round the world”
Last night a Mother of five, the former mayor of an unknown town, the Governor of an
often overlooked State delivered what could very well be dubbed “The shot heard round
the world”
The sounds that accompanied her historic and eloquently delivered speech were clear for
all to hear, it was the sound of liberals crashing into walls, jaws dropping to the floor
realizing the jig was up.
That words alone could not win this election, that empty promises and thin veiled veneer
would no longer satisfy Americans, That Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a
loser.
Mike Huckabee delivered, Rudy Giuliani delivered, Sarah Palin raised the bar for all
Americans, Sarah Palin smashed the glass ceiling, Sarah Palin did what Hillary could
only dream about, Sarah Palin galvanized a Country.
Sarah Palin brought to the forefront what Americans can accomplish that good deeds can
be rewarded and that going against the status quo as she did as Alaska’s Governor is not
only possible but necessary.
Barak Hussein Obama for political reasons denied Hillary the VP seat, Hillary who had
more popular votes then Barak did himself, Hillary who has legions of women followers,
Hillary who would have almost if not completely guaranteed the democrats a victory in
November.
Barak Hussein Obama’s blunder divided a party, divided a National movement and in
one fell swoop represents Barak’s inability to make clear and correct decisions; Barak put
his personal ambition above his party and this Country.
Barak Hussein Obama the man of change picked a stale Washington insider as his
running mate, A man only months ago who made clear and definitive statements that
Barak himself was not ready to be President; Barak again with his poor choices has given
proof that he is the wrong man for the Presidency.
Enter John McCain, his choices, his record, his intestinal fortitude as a man, as a soldier
as a Father and Husband as a POW who suffered insufferable atrocities at the hands of
Jane Fonda’s buddies the Viet Cong.
The message is clear, the choice is as obvious as the goose bumps Americans feel when
that brilliant Star Spangled Banner waves freely over the land.
John McCain will not make this Country greater, John McCain will not promise that he
alone will turn the tide of foreign difficulties and domestic issues.
McCain / Palin will free up the binds which hold down American ingenuity. Under the
McCain / Palin administration Americans can and will find their own way to forge ahead
and recapture the very essence of what made this Country great in the first place.
I only hope that my fellow Americans are wise enough and open enough to see past
single issue politics and do the right thing for the Country.
Thank you Governor Palin for a truly great speech.
Seth Block
Fairfield, CT"
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