Illegal Immigration

Response to Editorial and Ernesto Portillo’s Column
12/21, 2007

I can’t let the Star off the hook for today’s editorial content. You take aim at relocated Americans who have moved to Arizona either in pursuit of employment or to retire. I retired here 14 years ago. My first home was in Villa Sin Vacas. I kind of liked the sound of my new area. I had no hard feelings for Latinos or the Spanish culture. Illegal immigration may have been in full force but I was not aware of it.
As the years past by and particularly since I became a hiker I began to be aware on an increasing basis the garbage that was being strewn in the pristine wilderness areas through which I was hiking. Because I am an avid reader and keep myself informed I have come to deeply resent the invasion of my country by millions of illegal immigrants who are predominantly Mexicans.
I resent Mexican Presidents Fox and Calderone for interfering in our countries business by insisting that we accept all who wish to come here outside of our immigration guidelines. I also resent the fact that these so-called leaders do so little to provide employment opportunities for their people. Check out the Mexican government’s immigration policies to see how they treat immigrants.
I also resent the fact that thousands of Mexican jobs that had been created by NAFTA have gone instead to China. This is a country that violates every facet of international trade by pegging their currency to the dollar, by pirating trademarked goods, by employing children working long hours for little pay, by exporting contaminated food products for people and pets and toys containing excessive amounts of lead and other poisons, by selling human organs removed from prisoners in their custody.
I deeply resent our current weak leadership in Washington for allowing them to do all this without sanctions. I also resent these same leaders for allowing illegal immigration to get so far out of control. As Mr. Portillo so eloquently stated there have been severe actions taken by our country to return Mexicans to their country. The first was by President Hoover. This was during the depression and millions of Americans were without work. The second was by President Eisenhower when the millions of returning veterans were in need of employment. The amusing thing to me is that our government had no problem finding and evicting on a fast track basis. They could do the same today but have no desire to do so.
My personal position is that temporary work visas should be increased if a labor shortage exists that is not being filled by citizens. People like you are fond of saying illegal immigrants are doing jobs Americans won’t do. This may be partially true but equally true is the depressed wages being paid because of them which discourage Americans from taking these jobs. You in your arrogance like the fact that this keeps construction and manufacturing costs low so you can live in a bigger house and purchase goods for less. You care not one little bit that working Americans would also like bigger homes and to be better able to provide for their families.
Since you seem to resent other Americans from settling in Arizona, I have a question for you. Were you born in Arizona and were all other members of your editorial staff born here? If not, then you have no more right than I do to express your thoughts as you feel you have the right to do. I would also like to know if any of you have ever been employed in a labor intensive job. I doubt it very much or you wouldn’t be so happy to see our industrial base collapse with jobs heading by the millions to communist China all for the sake of you being able to have all the goodies you want at low cost.
I took the time this morning to respond as I deeply resented both editorial columns. I made it longer than normal since I realize it wouldn’t be published anyway. You can call us bigots if you want. We just want order to our immigration process not the chaos we are presently witnessing.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
December 21, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Olson-McCain

Olson-McCain
The Star continues on a regular basis to print on the front page data about the earnings of Lute Olson while he is on a leave. As far as I am concerned that issue is between Lute and the Athletic Dept. which is functioning in the black due directly to the success of Lute Olson's basketball program.
This letter is a request to place a front page article about the salary and perks being paid by taxpayers to our absentee Senator McCain. Every week for some time now when I look at bills voted on in the Senate he is listed as not voting. You can check it out easier than I but if researched I am sure what you will find is that he has been absent for the past six months or longer. While he is out campaigning he is not tending to the business of Arizonans who put him in office. There are many issues in Congress that are of concern to me and I trust others. He should be admonished for his lack of attention.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
December 16, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Poor Bush, Cheney and McCain

Poor Bush, Cheney and McCain

I wonder what has happened to the people in the intelligence section that released the data showing that Iran ceased their work on developing nuclear weapons in 2003. I’ll bet they have been reassigned to a much lower position.
Bush was so eager to attack Iran before his term ends and now his bubble has burst. He has lost any international support for military action or increasing boycotts. He will be forced to talk instead.
Let’s not forget our own Senator; you know the one that sang his little ditty, “Bomb, Bomb, and Bomb Iran. He had such a cute smile while doing it. Should he win the nomination and become President, you can be sure he would find a way to attack Iran.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
December 5, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Ernesto Portillo Jr. Columnist

Ernesto Portillo Jr., Arizona Daily Star Columnist
When are you going to stop supporting his continuing haranguing against any and all who disagree with his philosophy which supports open borders. He is a broken record who takes every opportunity to push his position.
Mexico has a deliberate and successful program to relieve their overpopulation and lack of good jobs by shipping surplus citizens to our country. The money sent back to Mexico is that countries largest source of income.
He uses the term immigrant in his articles as if we are against immigration of Hispanics or others from around the world. Nothing could be further from the truth. What we are against is illegal immigration, those who slip over the border or who overstay their visa limits. We cannot continue to be flooded in the current fashion. There must be order to the process or else the standard of living for those who do physical labor will continue to decline. What does he care? I assume you pay him well for his writings.
In his way of thinking, if someone has eluded authorities for a period of time, then if found out, should be allowed to stay no matter what. He was outraged that the student and his family were deported over the drug incident recently. He was elated when the Police Department officials stated they would never again inform Homeland Security. I on the other hand, deplore weak leadership that turns that agency from enforcing all laws on the books.
His latest article was an attack against Mr. Tom Horne, the state superintendent of public instruction. Mr. Horne does not support ethnic studies programs. In my opinion schools should teach reading, writing and arithmetic as they used to do. There is a need for history, geography and world events but special programs to emphasize our differences that foster adversarial feelings between different racial, gender and place of origin are not beneficial and a waste of time and resources. He concludes outrageously by printing Mr. Horne’s office address and requesting readers to deluge his office with outrage.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
November 19, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Ernesto Portillo Jr.Ernesto Portillo Jr., Arizona Daily Star Columnist

Ernesto Portillo Jr.Ernesto Portillo Jr., Arizona Daily Star Columnist

FDR - a book review

FDR
JEAN EDWARD SMITH

Mr. Smith published his biography this year (2007). I found it at the Public Library in the new book review section. It is astounding in the detail contained that could only be accomplished after exhaustive research. It took me several weeks to read. I confess I read slowly and deliberately whenever a book of this importance is in my hands. The text is 636 pages long and written in small type. The notes and bibliography uses another 224 pages.
This is not the first time I have read a biography about Franklin Delano Roosevelt. I had my own copy of a previous biography which I gave to my son Andy for his library. I was born in 1928; President Roosevelt was the only President I can remember from my youth. I don’t profess knowledge of his first two terms as President but I was 13 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked, December 7, 1941. From that point on I knew who he was and followed as best a young boy can the war and his leadership of the country and the allies. As a family we would sit in front of the radio to hear his “fireside chats” Sunday evenings as he addressed the American people. There were a minority of citizens who despised him but the vast majority loved him and followed his directives as we all pulled together to save the world. We truly believed we were fighting a just and noble war and to this day I have never deviated from that premise.
The book starts by informing the lineage leading to his birth in 1882. It describes his boyhood, college years and his forays into politics. He was the Governor of N.Y. for two terms before becoming President. At that time the depression was devastating. President Hoover took a hand off attitude assuming that in time the economy would correct itself. Roosevelt couldn’t wait to assume control as he was determined to take whatever steps were necessary to get the recovery under way. His programs were referred to as “The New Deal”.
On page 601 at a press conference on 12/28/1943 he was asked by a young reporter about the new deal and whether it was still in effect. He answered no and then went on to state why it was necessary at the time. He followed with a partial list of things entailed in his program including; saving the banks by setting up a sound banking system, the Federal Deposit Insurance program to guarantee bank deposits.
(As an aside my father refused to put funds into any bank during his entire lifetime. At his death we finally convinced our mother to have her social security check deposited in a bank checking account. I remember her asking, “How will I know it is there”.)
Other programs mentioned were H.O.L.C. (Home Owners Loan Corporation) which helped save homes from foreclosure. F.C.A. (Farm Credit Administration) saved farms from foreclosure. Triple A (Agricultural Adjustment Administration) rescued agriculture from disasters, Soil Conservation; protecting investors through the (Securities and Exchange Commission) also Social Security, unemployment insurance, aid to handicapped and infirm, minimum wage and maximum hours legislation, abolition of child labor, rural electrification, flood control, the public works program, the TVA, the Civilian Conservation Corps, the WPA, National Youth Foundation and many others. Some of the above are still in effect to this day. His exhortation to staff was to try something. If it didn’t work then try something else. Doing nothing was not acceptable.
Two major mistakes during his presidency were trying to pack the Supreme Court in 1937 and placing American citizens of Japanese descent in camps in 1942. The first was because the court had ruled against a number of his new deal programs and the second because of the concern in California where a number of defense plants were located that Japanese citizens might commit sabotage. Pearl Harbor created this hatred and concern.
He was a remarkable man, very intelligent and energetic. He contracted Polio when he was 39. With ample recourses available to him he could have retired and devoted his years to improving his health and enjoying life as best he could without the use of his legs, but he choose to fight it and remain active in whatever government service availed itself to him. It is incredible to me that he had the ability to campaign and to assume ever increasing responsibilities and perform with skill and effectiveness. Once he became President he had twice per week press conferences in the Oval Office and often on Sunday evenings he would talk to the people over the radio. He called them fireside chats. These would give the people confidence that someone cared about their condition and was working hard on their behalf to improve their lives. One early speech concluded with the famous line, “All we have to fear is fear itself”.
During the late 30’s it became increasingly clear that Adolph Hitler posed a threat to civilization as the world new it at the time. Americans were united in their desire to not be drawn into another European War. Our armed forces had dwindled to where we were one of the weakest nations. Once war commenced between the Axis Powers and the Allies he lead us in small steps towards preparing for war. He proposed a lend lease program to provide materials to England after the fall of France. Should England fall then the world was likely to become victims as well. This was expanded to include Russia once they were attacked. He tried to persuade the Japanese to curb their territorial ambitions through diplomacy to no avail and in the end after Pearl Harbor we were in it fully with no turning back until absolute victory was achieved. The first few years were negative but gradually as our troops were trained and supplied with material of all kinds we gradually started to turn the tide. His leadership was absolutely necessary to keep up the moral of our people. He was elected to a third term in 1940 as America wanted his leadership as the threat of war increased and then a fourth term in 1944. We could not conceive of losing him as our President, upon his sudden death on 4/12/1945 we wondered if we could conclude the war without him.
Only Lincoln in my opinion was as great as FDR. They both faced incredible problems to solve. Both were the right men at the right time in history. Without their leadership and charisma who knows what the world would be like today had they not been there when the crisis needed to be dealt with.
If you take the time to read, I can assure you, that you will be enthralled to follow this great man’s life as he fought for us and eventually died for us.
One last request, check out the FDR Library on the internet. You can hear portions of some of his most important speeches. You may be as enthralled as I was when I heard him as a young man.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
November 23, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Book Review

Her Way
THE HOPES and AMBITIONS of HILLARY RODMAN CLINTON
By Jeff Gerth and Don Van Natta Jr.

Once again I found a book I felt I should read, after all Hillary may become the next President of the U.S. This is not her biography, in fact neither she nor her staff would co-operate with the writers. In spite of this handicap, it appeared to me that they tried to be factual and shared the good with the bad. It follows her from a young girl to 2007. She has the ability to attract supporters for her staff and other groups who are intensely loyal and dedicated to her.
Her first challenge as first lady was to get a bill passed to provide medical care for all Americans. She strove hard but in the end accomplished nothing. The lobbying power of the industry prevailed.
The one common denominator is her driving ambition to reach the highest possible level of achievement which for her will be to become President of the U.S. The writers make a strong case that there was a pact or plan that Bill and Hillary worked toward and that was for both of them to be two term presidents. Bill got his and now she is close to realizing her dream as well. When the Monica Lewinski affair could no longer be denied she stood by him when it was expected that a divorce was a natural consequence of his marital infidelity. To leave at that time would have ended any hope of achieving this lofty goal so she stuck it out.
The book recalls all of the turmoil that they went through as Kenneth Starr the independent council and his group pursued the Clintons on various and sundry issues including their Whitewater investment, Madison Guaranty Bank and her Rose law firm. Other issues were the death of Vince Foster, the women who claimed Bill had made advances to them including Paula Jones and Kathleen Fisher. Starr’s final report included 110,000 words. After spending millions they were never found guilty of any impropriety except for lying about his relationship with Monica. The report stated that there was a record of the president’s “abundant and calculating lies” under oath, obstruction of justice, and an abuse of power that “may constitute grounds for impeachment.” The Republican controlled Congress did all they could to accomplish this but in the end failed.
I detected a pattern in her voting record as U.S. Senator of N.Y. In my opinion after reading I believe she votes more to protect her image than concern for whatever issue is being addressed. A case in point was her vote to give President Bush the authority to invade Iraq. She felt that a no vote would be interpreted as being soft on military matters.
I searched carefully to find some information about the role Bill and Hillary played during John Kerry’s bid for the White House. There was nothing. I remember during that year that Bill was recovering from some illness and she naturally would take the time to be with him. Whenever they did make a speech I noted that they seldom mentioned Kerry by name, instead they would talk about democratic values. I was upset with them as I was actively involved with the Democratic Party as we worked to remove President Bush from office. Their personal ambition contributed to Kerry’s defeat to the detriment of us all. Where might we be now if Kerry had won? I was not a big fan of him but as I jokingly said at the time, I would vote for Mickey Mouse if he was on the ticket. We felt that we could persuade him to move in what we considered to be the right direction.
Today as we all know she is receiving record contributions from citizens and also from Corporate America, the same corporations that destroyed her first efforts to provide health care for all of our citizens.
I don’t really recommend reading this book. If you are an active thinker and have followed Washington issues for a long time, then you will find very little that you don’t already know. It was good as a refresher but reliving some of the past was tedious. It was hard for me to concentrate.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
November 2, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

WWII Washington Memorial

Letter sent to Representative Gabrielle Giffords

What I am writing is probably not new to you. Veterans of this war are dying off by over 1,000 each day. Not only the veterans but also those other citizens such as myself who lived through those trying times. In a few short years we will all be gone. Younger Americans visiting this memorial will think it is a fine tribute to the Americans who did what had to be done and will never get the full significance of President Roosevelt's Declaration of War speech he gave to Congress after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The words he spoke inspired the nation. Whoever edited his speech to its essentials in order to carve it into the monument left out the most important part of that speech.
If you search the web go to WWII Washington Memorial then click on fact sheet and then inscriptions. The Pearl Harbor Speech is condensed as follows;
DECEMBER 7, 1941, A DATE WHICH WILL LIVE IN INFAMY...NO MATTER HOW LONG IT MAY TAKE US TO OVERCOME THIS PREMEDITATED INVASION,THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, IN THEIR RIGHTEOUS MIGHT,WILL WIN THROUGH TO ABSOLUTE VICTORY.
That is all that is inscribed. There was a lot of detail in the speech that did not need to be inscribed but his final words were the words that inspired the nation. They were;
WITH CONFIDENCE IN OUR ARMED FORCES-WITH THE UNBOUNDED DETERMINATION OF OUR PEOPLE-WE WILL GAIN THE INEVITABLE TRIUMPH-SO HELP US GOD.
You can find this by searching FDR Library then click on Selected public papers and speeches.
I have written previously to Senators Kyl and McCain. Neither have felt it important enough to do anything about it, so I am now asking you. Those words must be made a part of the memorial or it will be meaningless in years to come.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
October 18, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

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Is Religion Dangerous

Is Religion Dangerous?
By Keith Ward

I found this book at the public library. I brought it home and read it, looking as I continuously seem to be these days, trying to make sense out of the crazy world we live in. It was interesting in that he wrote it as a devout Christian. Much of the book is devoted to his attempt to prove there is a God and there has been since the creation of the Universe. His arguments are well articulated.
As to the title of the book, his conclusion is that religion is not dangerous and that whatever evil has been committed in the name of religion was done by radicals who have used it to further their purpose.
Following the 9/11 disaster I got and read three books about Islam trying to understand how and why we were attacked. They all confirmed as does this author that it is a peaceful religion. He states that “The God of Judaism, Christianity and Islam is a being of justice, mercy and loving-kindness, who commands humans to be just, merciful and kind, and who promises those who are just, a life beyond death in unison with absolute goodness”.
He mentions Sayyid Qutb of the Muslim Brotherhood who wrote in his
1965 book, Milestones on the Road. He stated, “One should accept the Shari’a without question and reject all other laws in any shape or form. This is Islam. Every society is either Muslim or jahiliyyah. Muslim societies are those that live in complete obedience to Shari’s.” He states that all of the societies existing in the world today are jahila and that they are all illegal. He concludes that all political systems that legislate laws- including, apparently all existing so-called Muslim societies are illegal. By contrast, in a truly Muslim society only God legislates laws. There can be no compromise or even co-existence. There is no Islam in a land where Islam is not dominant and where it’s Shari’s is not established. He continues that they must take the initiative in abolishing jahiliyyah. It is not just a defensive war; it is the use of force to establish properly Muslim societies everywhere in the world, so that ultimately there will remain only Muslims, enemies of Islam to be fought, and Dhimmies, those who pay tribute-money to their dominant Islamic society.
It is thus not religion that causes Islamic terrorism. It is a version of Islam
that has been corrupted by the most successful anti-religious movement in
the twentieth century. They are not motivated by the love of God. It is hatred
of almost everyone in the world, belief in very simple political solutions to
intractable social problems, belief that resorting to extreme violence is a
reliable means to future freedom and peace, and an intense certainty that one’s own beliefs are uniquely correct and morally pure,
whereas everyone else’s are irrational and corrupt.
I believe his conclusions are valid. We are not in a religious war but
nonetheless we are in a world wide war with radicals who want to conquer
all nations and convert them to their belief system. Knowing this, the
countries of the world need to unite and fight this evil wherever it surfaces
without mercy. They cannot be reasoned with so they must be eliminated
wherever they are found. Therefore the battle is not against Muslims, it is
against those who have perverted Islam to suit their goals.


Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
August 7, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Phantom Warrior

Phantom Warrior
The Heroic True Story of Pvt. John Mc Kinney’s One-Man Stand against the Japanese in World War II
By: Forrest Bryant Johnson

My favorite books are biographies about people who make a difference with their lives. I lucked onto this book at the Public Library. Everyone has heard about Sergeant York and his exploits in World War I. Gary Cooper played the role in a movie about him. The similarity between these two men is striking. They were both simple, hard working, quiet types who were poor farmers eking out a living in the South. Their pastimes were hunting and fishing. Actually pastime is a misnomer as the food from animals and fish caught provided needed food for their families. The skills developed hunting made them both dead shots.
Pvt. McKinney won the Congressional Medal of Honor for his exploits during a battle at a place called Dingaling Bay on the East coast of Luzon May 11, 1945. He and about 70 other soldiers were attacked before sunrise from two sides. About 148 attacked the main group from the North and an equal number from a sand bar to the South. The account pieced together from eye witnesses and a count of dead after the battle confirmed that those attacking from the South were all killed by this one soldier with the exception of 6 shot by a soldier that came to his aid as the battle was winding down. The total battle lasted about 36 minutes. You have to read it to comprehend how it was possible. It took a long time to get the approval for the Medal of Honor because it was so unbelievable. In the citation it mentions 40 as the number of Japanese dead.
The book is 304 pages long. It details his early life and events leading up to this battle. The war began for him in New Guinea and ended with this battle. He was removed from the fighting so that he would survive the war and be a symbol for Americans of the heroic exploits of our fighting men.
He returned home and returned to the life he had lived before joining the Army. He is described as a man of sorrow. From time to time he would say to a relative or close friend, “Why did they have to die.” Find it and read it. You will inspired by this unbelievable story.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 28, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Failed States

Failed States
By Noam Chomsky

The Abuse of Power and the Assault on Democracy

Of all of the heavy intellectual books I have read recently, this one stands alone in its complexity and overall content. As a life long patriot I found much in this book disagreeable and not at all in tune with the beliefs I have nurtured over my lifetime. I cannot say I recommend you to read it but perhaps it should be read by those who hope as I do for a better world for all mankind and nature.
Actually what he writes is not much different from other authors but he does it in a harsher manner that made me cringe. It is hard to be told of the actions taken by our government over the decades since WWII including fostering violent overthrows of democratically elected governments such as Iran, Chili, Nicaragua, Guatemala and our ever increasing dependency on military force to get other nations to comply with our dictates. The current administration only differs from previous ones in the audacity with which it projects its power. Previous administrations were more subtle but nonetheless effective in achieving their purposes.
He takes us around the world but in the last chapter concentrates on what is happening in our own country. He points out, as most of us who pay attention already know, that the electorate is manipulated into voting based on sound bites which are intended to persuade voters to reject candidates’ based on emotion and not on fact. The other proven technique is to scare the voter with threats from evil groups around the world. The two party systems that used to be are no longer discernable. The main reason of course is the amount of money needed to win office. He states that there are now 34,750 registered lobbyists living and working in Washington. Can you imagine what a day in the life of a politician is like with an army this size descending on them and their staffs as they try to get legislation to aid their respective causes none of which are for our benefit?
He discusses poll after poll which confirms the issues most important to the majority of thinking voters. They want to vote for someone who supports these ideas, but in the end confused and persuaded, they vote hoping for change but it never happens and in my opinion will never happen until or unless we as citizens force it by whatever means is possible to us.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
October 15, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Driver's Licenses

N.Y. Governor Eliot Spitzer has ordered public officials to grant drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. Many have refused stating their responsibility to only issue to citizens with social security cards and addresses. Some State Legislatures are promising a law suit effective Nov. 1, 2007 if he does not rescind his order.
A driver’s license allows you to board an airplane or enter a public building. It may not be much but it has some meaning and is universally used to keep others from entering. It is estimated that there are over 500,000 illegal immigrants in N.Y. California will no doubt be the next State to duplicate N.Y.
Where is the Federal Government on this issue? I haven’t heard from the Administration, Homeland Security or any member of Congress. Are they all so wrapped up in their concern to not offend that they do not have the intestinal fortitude to take a stand and uphold their #1 priority which is to defend the citizens of this country.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
October 16, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Idea that is America

The Idea That Is America
Keeping faith with our values
In a dangerous world
By: Anne-Marie Slaughter

As my readers understand, I have been on a multi-year struggle to understand the world we live in and to try to think of ways to preserve and enhance all life forms and the world itself. To that end I read vociferously books from all points of view. I usually fall back in confusion as ideas tend to cancel out other ideas I felt pertinent. This book is so coherent, reasonable and simple to understand that I must give it my highest recommendation as a must read book by those who care as I do. I will go so far as to believe it should be a required course of study at the High School level. The premise is such that it would promote quiet debate rather than the strident discourse we live with on a daily basis.
She devotes specific chapters to; Liberty, Democracy, Equality, Justice, Tolerance, Humility, Faith.
It might seem as if these would all blend in without being entities unto themselves but she proves capable, and after each chapter a better understanding of each emerges after which in her conclusion she ties them all together.
She may offend readers as she is very critical of the current administration and its arrogant attitude towards the world community with the assertion, “You are either with us or against us”, and the other “We are on a Crusade” which implies a holy war. She warns that forsaking basic values in our Constitution and Bill of Rights in order to confront terrorists only assures that the bad guys win as even Benjamin Franklin stated that if we are willing to give up rights out of fear then we have lost our rights.
She doesn’t confide her criticism to one administration; she traces problems throughout our history, issues such as denying women and minorities or groups of immigrants or religions other than Protestant, from enjoying the blessings of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
We desperately need to search for leaders who will reassure our citizens and the citizens of the world that we still believe in our core values and demonstrate leadership towards improving life for all. What a great world we could have if we could be the “Beacon on the Hill” we once stood for. READ AND BE INSPIRED.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 20, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Outrageous Law Suits

Outrageous Law Suits

I am using the “lost pants” $54 million law suit against the South Korean Dry Cleaner family to make my point. The Chung family ultimately was successful in fighting this two year suit but it was a hollow victory as their expenses exceeded $100,000 and the litigant; Mr. Pearson, believe it or not, is appealing the District of Columbia Court’s opinion.
According to an article in today’s edition of the Arizona Daily Star the Chungs have had to sell two of their three establishments as a result of lost business and the trial expense.
Justice, according to me, would require that the Pearson’s of this country, who file these outrageous law suits should be required to pay all costs incurred by the defendants as well as compensate them for the harm done to them emotionally and monetarily.
Frivolous suits are being filed on a continuous basis, and why not. The litigants have nothing to lose and gain a small percentage of any money available after the law firm takes its cut. Until the system is changed to hold the law firms and litigants responsible for costs incurred in these ridiculous suits, the game will continue. These games take an inordinate amount of the legal systems time, keeping it occupied and unable to address more important issues before the courts.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 20, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Iron Horse- Lou Gehrig's story

Iron Horse
Lou Gehrig in his time
By Ray Robinson

My reading in recent years usually pertains to heavy issues. I took a breather when I spotted this book at the Public Library. Lou died in 1941. I would have been 13 at the time so I can’t really claim to have known all about him but I was a baseball enthusiast and knew about the Yankees, the Dodgers and Giants. Regardless of my knowledge, this book brought back memories and filled in the many blank spaces with the full story of this man’s life. His life and others like him in those years are completely different from the prima donnas of today. Their pay was miniscule in comparison. They truly played for the love of the game.
Lou didn’t smoke, drink or play around. He spent all of his energy trying to become a better player. His work ethic was outstanding during his never to be bested playing streak of 2,130 games. During that streak he often played with broken fingers and other serious injuries that would keep average players on the bench.
I have nearly given up interest in professional sports today. Hardly a day goes by without some new revelation of a player or manager committing some offense. The brutality also lessons for me the fine points of sports.
I hope that someone of you will try to get a copy to read for yourself. It is not only a well written sports story but even if you have never been a sports fan you can enjoy reading about a person who strove to succeed and excelled at his chosen profession.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 19, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Iraq Deception

Iraq Deception

Move On.org has caused quite a controversy with their advertisement in the NY Times newspaper about General Petraeus. In my opinion it distracted from the real issue of President Bush’s long term intention to occupy Iraq as we continue to occupy Korea, Germany and Japan 50 years after the end of WWII. We do that to have forces readily available should they be required. As far as Iraq is concerned, the purpose is to ensure oil supplies are always available for our use.
When Pres. Bush talks about a gradual reduction he hopes to appease his allies and foes in Congress so that funding will allow him to continue through the end of his second term and force the next occupant to continue to pay for occupying forces decades into the future.
With over 180,000 contractors in IRAQ, many of whom are Para military he doesn’t need 160,000 troops to accomplish his goal. These contractors are building permanent bases throughout IRAQ for occupancy by US forces. Pres. Bush does not intend to leave. The 750 million dollar, self sufficient, US Embassy in Baghdad also proves the long term intention.
After all of the speeches are made, the Congress will give him the funds he needs. It is sad that members of Congress cannot or will not address the issue I put forth in this letter. We as voters need to evict these weaklings from their vaulted positions, Democrats as well as Republicans and elect outsiders who will do what is right and end the carnage at least as far as our involvement feeds the fire.


Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 16, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

TUSD Sickout

TUSD Sickout

I read the 9/15/07 article in the Arizona Daily Star with interest. I took particular notice that out of 3,500 teachers, over 500 are out sick on most Fridays. It doesn’t compute that this many could actually be sick enough to miss work to that high a percentage. To me, it shows a disregard to the learning experience of students and a misuse of the benefit provided. Since the policy is generous enough to allow them to carry over days to the following year it fosters the premise that the days are theirs to take without regard to sickness.
Perhaps, if they are so interested in higher paychecks, they might be willing to trade some of this and other benefits for higher wages. The cost of hiring replacements must be huge but more importantly, the loss of continuity be having the same teacher must detract seriously from the learning experience.
One more thought. I remember the high number of teachers who were absent during the “amnesty” sick out day earlier this year. It would be interesting to see if these were the same teachers who took part in this recent sick out.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 16, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Soldiers of Fortune

Soldiers of Fortune
An article published in a Los Angeles newspaper June 21, 2007
Written by Sandra Svoboba

The article was mailed to me by my niece who lives in California and knows of my continuing concern about serious national issues.
The reality that mercenaries are operating in Iraq and elsewhere is well known to those of us who pay attention to these things. What I did not realize is the extent it has grown in size during the Bush Administration. The numbers have swelled by 88% between 2000 and 2006 according to a Congressional Research Service report. We have been told repeatedly about the “surge”, which brought in 30,000 additional combat troops which brought the total to 145,000 troops. What we weren’t told was that at the same time there are about 130,000 private contractor mercenaries in Iraq. For the most part these mercenaries are outside of U.S. law. Those working for the Coalition Provisional Authority are exempted from Iraqi law. In addition since they are not military they are not subject to court-martial. Deaths and wounded are not reported. Most are no bid contracts. Surprisingly only 21,500 are Americans. The industry has grown to $100 billion in annual revenue.
There are many reasons to be concerned. Since these people are paid from $350 to $1,000 per day, I can only imagine the morale problem of our military that do most of the fighting and dying for considerably less. If I were to put my life on the line I think I would think seriously about re-enlisting with this much at stake.
What incentive does a contractor have to see peace achieved when that would end the financial rewards? The article concludes with the following thought, “We’re likening corporate profits to the business of war---You build in an incentive to keep the conflict going”.
Now I want to share my thoughts on this subject. I don’t remember the name of the General who was sacked after stating at the beginning of the war that 300,000 troops would be needed to keep the peace. If you add 130,000 to 145,000 you get 275,000. I would guess that the General was pretty accurate in his analysis. Since the cost is six to seven times higher than our military that means to me we are paying considerably more in the administrations attempt to hide the fact that this many troops are needed. Of course we all know that this is still not enough as our progress has not been acceptable to date.
What worries me even more is that the president has control over his own private Army who it appears will do his bidding without question as long as the price is right. In the aftermath of Katrina he tried to get the Congress to give him authority to move troops into a State without the agreement of the Governor. This was not granted but could he not accomplish the same end with mercenaries. They actually were brought to Louisiana to protect private interests for wealthy customers so it is conceivable a President might take this course of action if a Governor balked.
Every day it seems that Bush and Cheney keep pushing for more and more power resisting all attempts by the Congress on oversight. I call this the imperial executive branch which disdains legislative procedures.
The purpose of this paper is to get the reader concerned and forewarned.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
June 28, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Long Road Home

The Long Road Home
By Martha Raddatz

This book was suggested to me by a friend who has two son-in-laws in Iraq at this time and whose daughter is scheduled to go in November. One of the sons-in-law was wounded in the battle and has returned to Iraq. None of us who read the papers and watch TV News can have any understanding of the emotions of family whose sons and daughters are in harms way on a daily basis. He, of course is a strong advocate of the war while I remain equally as adamant that we are fighting the wrong war in the wrong place. There can be no disagreement that radical Islam is on a worldwide effort to take over civilization as we have known and enjoyed for many years. We must be actively engaged wherever they appear and wipe them out one by one. There is no reasoning with them. You convert, live as a slave or die. Those are their only options. My disagreement is in how we are fighting this enemy of civilization.
Ms. Raddatz has written an outstanding first hand account of the events that took place on April 4, 2004 in Sadr City, Iraq. By piecing together the memories of those survivors the book reads like a novel it is so complete and relentless. It all starts with what is considered a peacekeeping mission. A patrol on a routine visit to the city with “honey” wagons is attacked by hundreds if not thousands of Mahdi militia under the leadership of Moqtada al-Sadr, a Muslim Cleric opposed to Americans being in his country. The “honey” wagon patrol consisted of trucks which sucked up raw human waste from the streets. This was not an accident. It was a near total collaboration by most of the citizens. Children were actively engaged including throwing lighted torches and firing weapons.
While the patrol was quietly doing their job the people barricaded all of the major streets leading to the area where they were working. They piled refrigerators, cars, carts, dead animals and everything else they could find. The patrol trying to extricate found it impossible and made their stand in a tall building and fought awaiting rescue. The rescuers had the same problem trying to reach them driving in through the debris while being under constant attack from rooftops, windows and alleyways. The greatest numbers of casualties were the rescuers. It took three attempts before the patrol was extricated. The third and successful try consisted of seven tanks. Eight of our men died that day and over sixty were wounded.
A soldier back at base camp sitting in a stupor asked his officer why they left their tanks at Fort Hood, Texas. The reply was that we didn’t want to look like an Army of Occupation and therefore left the heavy military vehicles at home.
I cannot lay blame for what happened. Up until this day resistance had been light and scattered. The emphasis was as peacekeepers with our troops doing things to improve their lives. After this occurred however I do blame those in authority as they were slow to realize the new situation and found the only way to respond was to send in the troops on foot or in open trucks where they have been sitting ducks for snipers and the ever increasing deadly roadside bombs.
My thought would be that the next time a similar happening occurred we should have sent in tanks and other heavy military vehicles with orders to shoot at any target without regard to civilian casualties. Further we would immediately call in air strikes on buildings in near proximity to the action. In today’s Daily Star I read that air strikes are now at the highest level they have been up to now in support of the Army and Marines. This is good to know but why were they so reluctant to use air power before this year?
This book is a must read by all Americans who care. The courage and devotion of these men is inspiring to read. We must always show our respect and gratitude for these young men, women and their families back home.


Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
July 15, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

War Funding for Iraq and Afghanistan

War Funding for Iraq and Afghanistan

Last week the House of Representatives voted 397 for and 27 against on a $645.6 Billion military budget which included $141.8 Billion for 12 months war in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition it includes $4.1 Billion for developing blast-resistant combat vehicles.
We have been listening to the speeches from the Democrats on stopping the war for weeks now. In the end, as we all knew they would, they caved in
and gave the President all he asked for and probably more.
Another fortune is to be squandered in this useless conflict that continues to produce American casualties every day as well as countless Iraqi citizens.
Those of us who voted last November for Democrats with the hope they would stop this bloodletting have been let down. It seems that no politician other than Dennis Kucinich and 26 others have the guts to stand up to Bush. None of them want to be considered weak on defense. What is left for us to do? Must we take to the streets?

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
May 21, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Right to Bear Arms

THE RIGHT TO BEAR ARMS

The issue is whether or not the Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights should apply to present day assault weapons. Clearly it can be reasoned both in favor and against.
To start this discourse let’s begin by re-stating the exact language of the amendment. It is,” A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”
The Bill of Rights was adopted in 1789. It was written by intelligent patriots who desired to produce a Constitution that would last a long time. We can all agree that they did a magnificent job. We are still functioning today.
Many learned scholars have interpreted this amendment over the years. This will be my attempt to understand and state my own conclusions.
At the start of the conflict with England, America did not have an army nor did it have State National Guard units or for that matter State Troopers or even police except in the larger cities. All it had were its citizens. Most if not all families had long rifles for hunting and to defend themselves from the native Indians and wild animals. They would band together in time of trouble. These were the men called to arms to fight for our independence. I therefore conclude that the amendment was written to have arms available to fight for their country as required and secondarily provide them the right of self defense.
In the 218 years since written there has been a huge difference between then and now. Today we have huge Military establishments directed by the Pentagon as well as State National Guard units, State Patrol, County Sheriffs, police departments and of course the F.B.I. At the present time these are all voluntary services. In time of war the government might be compelled to initiate a draft for personnel but whether volunteer or drafted the people called are not asked to bring their hunting rifles with them. It is possible therefore to conclude that arms possessed by the people are not required for the defense of the nation. They could of course be used by those citizens who desire to overthrow the government. I cannot believe that was the intention of the drafters of this amendment. A secondary use might be for citizens to fight against a foreign invader like the partisans did in Europe during the Second World War. This latter then would support the need to keep and bear arms.
As a nation more of our citizens own weapons than any other “civilized” country. We see every day on TV the carnage being inflicted on people in what I will refer to as un-civilized countries. These are the ones who parade around with their AK 47’s and wearing face masks.
One of the differences is that until recent times the weapons owned in America were hunting rifles, shotguns and pistols all of which were limited in fire power. I am not sure when assault weapons became available for purchase but I do know that an assault weapons law was in effect during the Clinton administration and allowed to lapse in 2004 during the administration of George Bush.
It is even possible today to purchase high powered sniper rifles capable of shooting down domestic aircraft. All of these new weapons are designed to kill people, lots of people, such as we have just witnessed at Virginia Tech. This will not be the last, in fact I believe other copy cat types will be inspired by this and try to set higher goals of mayhem. The members of the NRA and all everyday citizens should be assured gun ownership but not these new killer weapons. Surely we can agree on this, can’t we?

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
April 19, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Where have all the leaders gone

Where Have All The Leaders Gone?
Lee Iacocca

As soon as I learned about this new book I sent out an e-mail which contained copy from his first chapter entitled, “Had Enough”? After reading it myself I was hooked and the next day went out to purchase a copy. I still really believe that my book,” The Last Angry Man”, covers more topics and if anything is more forceful. As I said when I sent the e-mail, the difference is that millions will read his book while mine has only reached a little over 150 and then only because I gave away all but a handful.
Every time a person of influence like this puts out a new book another nail is driven into the black heart of the current administration. I cheered as I turned each page. He exposes the sinister practices that drive their ideologies be it the economy or the Middle East.
Whenever I take the time to promote a book I take pains not to repeat what is written, preferring that you buy one for you and add the content to your brain cells. This time I am making an exemption on one part that confirmed for me how distorted our election process has become. It starts on page 239

(“In 1991, Pennsylvania Senator John Heinz died in a plane crash. My friend John Murtha came to me with a proposition: Robert Casey, the Democratic governor of Pennsylvania, wanted to appoint me to complete Heinz’s term, and then I’d have run on my own in the fall. Murtha would see that I got some juicy committee assignments, and he thought it would be a stepping stone to the presidency for me.
They sent in a brash young man named James Carville to explain things to me. Carville was blunt and fast talking. Didn’t even stop to ask me what I thought about the issues. He shoved some papers at me. “Here is your position on abortion,” he said. “Here is your position on jobs”. “Here is your position on…”
Finally, I interrupted. “Wait just a minute,” I said. “Don’t I get to…?”
“No, no,” he dismissed me; “we’ve already done all the studies and focus groups.”
“So, you want me in office, but you’ll tell me what to believe?” I asked.
Carville shrugged, and started to continue his lecture. At which point I told him where he could shove it. That was my short- lived flirtation with the U.S. Senate.)

Take this experience of Mr. Iacocca and multiply it thousands of times by aspiring candidates for office without regard to party. These studies and focus groups identify what the prospective voter wants to hear and then they are told what to say on the stump. Is it any wonder things are so out of kilter today and why the leaders Mr. Iacocca is looking for are continually muffled and turned into robots?
If you don’t want to buy it go to your local library. Even those who still believe President Bush is doing a great job need to get the perspective this giant of industry has to share.


Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
May 2, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Intercepter missle installation in the Czech Republic

Another useless project from the current leadership in America

We learn this week that the United States is deploying interceptor missiles and radar systems in the Czech Republic and Poland. We are told this is necessary because of threats of nuclear missiles from Iran and North Korea. Russia reacted negatively as they perceive this as a threat to their own country and may suspend the arms control treaty.
As we continue expanding our world wide military bases in these former satellite countries next to Russia I believe that eventually there will be serious backlash and that these countries will suffer severe consequences such as occurred this past winter with the cutoff of natural gas. Russia is certainly capable of retaliating in other ways as well including the use of their military.
We already possess enormous nuclear weapons which would be unleashed against any nation foolish enough to use them against us. The most serious threat is from the Islamic extremists. Once they obtain these weapons they will use them against us. When they do there will not be a nation for us to hit back.
What we should have learned by now in Iraq and Afghanistan is that our conflict is not against a country but rather against radical Islamists. All the missile and radar sites in the world will not deter them. We, together with the rest of the nations who are threatened should devote our collective resources to wipe out these mad men. We must strike them wherever they are in the world without mercy or the civilized world as we know it will cease to exist. In the meantime we continue to bleed our country financially, building systems here and there that would have been helpful in the past but no longer.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
April 27, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Walter Reed and the Forest Service

What is the connection between Walter Reed and the Forest Service? They are both victims of President Bush’s program of privatization. While scape goats were found to punish for the Hospital scandal the fact remains that the building in question was the victim of the bidding process as was clearly stated on the front page of yesterday’s newspaper.
Privatization to this administration is to bid for services and award to the lowest bidder without regard to the mission to be accomplished. Dedicated public servants in the hospitals and in the National Parks are being replaced by minimum wage employees many of whom are probably in this country illegally. As President Truman once said,” The Buck Stops Here”. It is time for our current President to do the same and accept that his program is hurting America.

The New American Story

The New American Story
By Bill Bradley

This is a New York Times best seller book written by a former Senator and Presidential candidate. It is extremely well done in my opinion probably because many of the issues discussed were enumerated in my own book, “The Last Angry Man”. The difference is that he was involved while I was a distant observer and he has name recognition while I am a no body as far as the reading public is concerned. I can’t even get the Arizona Star to review it. They were given two copies in early February and to date it has not been reviewed.
I highly recommend reading by those who still care and believe that we can once again be a great country. He doesn’t pull any punches. He, as I want our country to pull back from using our military as the first attempt to resolve the earth’s problems. He believes that universal health care for our citizens is absolutely necessary and doable. He wants us to be energy independent. He wants decisions made for the good of all not just the current party in power regardless of which party. He, as a Democrat, wants the party to return to being the party of the people not big business.
You will be interested in the two chapters entitled,” Why Republicans Can’t” and “Why Democrats Don’t”. They contain a history of both parties from the beginning and the forces that shape their decisions.
I have loaned out my copy. I am sure it is available at your public library.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
April 26, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Assault on Reason

The Assault on Reason
Al Gore

I have just finished reading Al Gore’s new book entitled, “The Assault on Reason”. It is a forceful attempt by him to point out the danger to our way of life by the chipping away of the original documents that laid the foundation of our American democratic republic. It is not an easy book to read. He includes deep thinking theories about how fear and falsehoods are swaying the voting patterns of most Americans.
He compares the Bush, Cheney scare speeches with Roosevelt’s admonishment that all we need to fear is fear itself. At appropriate times the danger color is put out to alert us that we are in imminent danger and therefore should place our complete faith in Mr. Bush to protect us.
He itemizes all of the drastic policies of Bush, Cheney; such as eavesdropping on our conversations over the telephone, e-mails, and books we read. Bush declares his right to hold persons without the benefit of our legal system, actively promotes torture as a national right ignoring all aspects of the Geneva Convention, deceived Americans that Saddam Hussein was responsible for Sept. 11. Fifty percent still believe this. The powerful onslaught of he and his administration that the mushroom cloud was imminent persuaded Congress and the public that he should attack Iraq before it was too late.
He points out how big money interests have taken control over the election process and how much time our elected officials spend pursuing contributions instead of debating the issues or even reading bills before voting on them. On C Span we see orators emoting without anyone there to hear or debate.
He is frustrated that Bush stands behind big oil to the detriment of our fragile earth and refuses to exert leadership on the global warming issue nor will he take any steps to break our dependence on OPEC.
As I stated at the beginning, this is not any easy book to read but if you care as I do you will take the time. My copy is available. Just let me know.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
June 27, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Sicko

Sicko
A documentary film written, directed and produced by Michael Moore

I went to the first showing today (6/30/07) at 11:00 A.M. at El Con movie house in Tucson. I was pleased to see that the theater was nearly full. I went alone as no one else seemed interested. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There was laughter, sighs, groans and even applause. Compliments are in order.
He trashes the health care industry in the U.S. as well as shows the hypocrisy of politicians from both parties. During Hillary Clinton’s attempt to create a universal health care system she was attacked as a Socialist promoter and yet today she is the second leading benefactor of campaign contributions from the health care and the pharmaceutical industry. He spares no one including Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and both George Bush’s.
He travels to Canada, England, France and Cuba. Each of these countries provides complete health care for all of their citizens with low or nearly no cost. They consider it the right of all regardless of stature in life. None of them are the same but all have the right to health care essential for their people. The question is raised how they can do it with the cost so high. He doesn’t really answer this question but I will.
None of these countries bleed themselves in the attempt to shape other countries into doing their bidding. Only the United States spends over a trillion dollars every year on military and space war technology. Only the United States maintains military bases in over 7,000 places around the world including occupation forces in Germany, Japan and Korea 60 years after those conflicts ended. We don’t call it occupation but that is what it is. Only the United States declares it has the right to declare war on any nation even when not threatened by that country. We are the largest producer of military hardware and believe we are helping others by giving them arms instead of real assistance. We currently are creating conflict with Russia over installing missile bases in the Czech Republic and Poland. Can you not remember our own missile crisis when Russia was installing bases in Cuba? Why should they trust us? We didn’t trust them. We are developing bunker busting nuclear weapons and as I understand it from e-mails received we want to replace our aging nuclear weapons with newer ones while at the same time demanding other countries to cease and desist.
He does point out in a conversation with a British citizen what a true democracy can accomplish if the citizens are not beaten down with propaganda and depression as we are. All we have to do is insist and they will have to respond. We proved it this week when the outrageous amnesty bill went down in defeat when the Senators were bombarded with e-mails, calls and letters. I am pessimistic that this will happen for the health care issue but perhaps this movie will generate the spark necessary to get real change. There is so much at stake for these large corporations that they will fight to the death any candidate brave enough to attempt a change of this magnitude. Only an aware electorate can resist the propaganda.
The least you can do is see this movie, discuss it with family and friends and the regardless of political affiliation start your own grass roots attempt to get meaningful change. It can be done. These other nations have proved it.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
June 30, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Illegal Immigration

Illegal Immigration

As happy as I was to see a majority of our U.S. Senators vote down the unbelievably bad amnesty bill, I am equally unhappy that they are now content to recess for their 4th of July vacation and wipe their hands of this serious issue.
As I listen to commentators on TV and radio they talk about how sad it will be if families are broken up with breadwinners deported. I have a better idea. As I understand it the 1986 amnesty law that was passed contained language on penalizing employers which was only briefly attempted and has been spotty at best. My idea is to concentrate on the larger employers many of whom it is well known actually put in orders for illegals. Gather evidence then take severe action including prison time and fines for the President of that company and others in the chain of command who have knowingly hired illegals. Skip for the time being the small mom and pop businesses. As soon as it appears that our government is serious others will get the message and take illegals off of their workforce. As this gathers momentum the illegals will find it harder to find jobs and many will return to their country. In this way the problem will decrease in seriousness.
We cannot continue with business as usual. The overwhelming cost to our country is not sustainable. There are many other ways to deal with this issue but the more complicated it is made the less likely anything can ever be accomplished.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
June 29, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Brothers

Brothers
The Hidden History of the Kennedy years
By David Talbot

Mr. Talbot did an excellent job in writing this book. He did extensive research and had countless interviews with those who were a part of these critical years. It is a glowing tribute to Jack and Robert as they tried their best to change from the madness of nuclear destruction to peace. They fought a battle with their military advisors, the FBI and the CIA throughout their administration. It proved to me once again that we are a militaristic country. How else to explain why we pour billions each year into the military including the maintenance of our vast nuclear arsenal, space war technology, development of newer, deadlier weapons, paying outlandish bribes to get new recruits and keep those in the services from retiring, and fighting at the present time two wars with other countries on the hit list.
The Bay of Pigs invasion of Cuba had been supported by President Eisenhower. Kennedy agreed to allow it to proceed but insisted that the US military would not be used. Those supporting the invasion knew that our military would be required and just assumed when things went bad that Kennedy would acquiesce but he didn’t. Even yours truly was angry about this, but in retrospect it was the right thing to do. I only wish he had not allowed them to invade.
Robert Kennedy as Attorney General aggressively prosecuted members of the Mafia and Jimmy Hoffa of the Teamsters. He did it without support from J. Edgar Hoover.
The CIA was constantly plotting to kill Castro against the President’s orders to stop. They poisoned crops and did other things to disrupt the Cuban economy. The Kennedy’s were trying to find the way to normalize relations while this was going on.
They stood up to racism culminating in the confrontation at the University of Mississippi with their successful effort to allow James Meredith, a Negro, to attend the all white college. The Army and the FBI did not support the President forcing him to push them harder than he should have had to do. This took a great deal of political courage as the Democratic Party lost the South as a result.
The author convinced me that Jack Kennedy was only waiting until after the election to start pulling advisors out of Vietnam. He did not believe Vietnam was that important. Berlin, the Soviets and Cuba were enough for him.
After the assassination of the President, Robert left the government and ran for and was elected Senator for the State of New York. His ultimate goal was to be elected President to carry on the work started by Jack. In his campaigning he was ecstatically supported by the workers of America. He also visited other countries and received tumultuous responses everywhere he went.
Both Jack and Robert were hated by many groups including the Mafia, Cuban exiles, white supremacists and those in the military industrial complex which former President Eisenhower had warned against. I never bought that either assassination was the work of one man. With so many vicious enemies they were both doomed. Today it is even worse. A man or woman elected as a peace President will be stalked and killed. The money involved dictates that this is so.
For those of you who lived through these years as I did, I highly recommend reading this book. For those born after the 60’s reading it would give you an understanding on how through these two courageous men hatred for America around the world could have been lessened. The world we live in could be so much better had they finished their mission.


Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
August 29, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Toy Recall from China

Toy Recall from China

Mattel and Fisher Price have announced huge recalls of contaminated toys manufactured in China. It seems that these companies knew there was a problem but did not react until outside groups exposed the problems. That in itself calls for condemnation, but the thought I want to put forth in this note is the lack of quality control in those factories. I spent most of my adult working life in factories at a number of different locations in America and Canada. The common denominator was that wherever the factory was located, that factory was duty bound to follow the specifications that originated at the main office. There were large numbers of staff assigned to assure that the product was produced according to the specifications laid down by Corporate.
It is inconceivable to me that these American Corporations who moved their production lines to China, did not insist on the same quality standards that applied to American factories. I can only assume that in their zeal to produce at the lowest cost that they did not insist on these Chinese factories employing the same number of quality control employees to assure adherence to specifications. If this is so, the leaders of these companies should face severe punishment, as the cost of adding thousands of Federal inspectors at the ports will be borne by all of us as taxpayers, a cost that would not be imposed if the products were made in American factories under normal quality control surveillance.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
August 18, 2007
jackbwalters@yahoo.com