The Good Shepard

By; C.S.Forester I bought this book after my son telling me about watching the movie starring Tom Hanks. The movie is called Greyhound. I look forward to the opportunity to see it for myself, Tom hanks never disappoints the viewer. The story is about the American Captain of a destroyer in change of bringing a convoy of 37 cargo ships to England in 1942. This was America’s first year in WWII. We were woefully unprepared. Captain Krause had been in the Navy for over 20 years but this was the first time he would be in combat. The German U-Boats were operating in Wolf Pacts with deadly effect. It was a critical time. The cargo was needed desperately. We learn of the tactics of evading attack by zig-zagging at irregular interviews. There were only four destroyers to protect the convoy. Once contact is made there is almost continuous combat. The description is so vivid you can sense being there yourself. I will not provide the details; I leave that hopefully to you to read for yourself. You will not be disappointed. J

With All Due Respect

By; Nikki R. Haley To start this report I must admit that I have been impressed with this lady for a long time. Every time her name appears what she has said or done I agree with. I didn’t know that her parents emigrated from India. They are Hindu in faith. She tells of discrimination during her youth. One time they were picking black girls for one team and white girls for another. She was excluded as not being one or the other. She was the Governor of South Carolina when the young white man killed eight black worshipers in a church. This was a traumatic event. She met with the families, attended each funeral and later was able to convince the legislature that it was time to remove the flagpole carrying the Confederate flag from the State grounds. At first they agreed to take the flag down but leave the pole. That would have been the impetus at some other time to put it back up. During her six years as governor the State enjoyed good job growth, some from foreign firms. She had kind words for Jeb Bush and how he helped her organize her cabinet when she was elected for the first time. She lent her support to Marco Rubio in his candidacy for President. During a debate in South Carolina, Trump called her out and gave her a compliment. After Trump became President she received a call to come to New York to meet with him. He was considering her for Secretary of State. She didn’t think she was ready for this position. A little later he offered her Ambassador to the United Nations. This she did accept with the proviso that she could be included in the Security Council to assure she would not to do anything at odds with the President’s position. He agreed. It was a shock to the organization as she came out forcefully announcing that the U.S.A. was resuming a leadership role. After trying to improve the Human Rights Council she got the president’s approval to withdraw. It had as its members countries with the most blatant human rights. She also defended Israel at every opportunity. Israel had been condemned on a yearly basis for all kinds of sins while others got away with real offenses, countries like Saudi Arabia, Syria, Cuba and Venezuela. She was dismayed to witness the ongoing condemnation of America. Since the beginning we have borne a large share of costs particularly for refugee camps in Africa and the Middle East. She visited some and spoke out on the travesty of aid not reaching the victims. After two years she decided she had done all she could. It was time to step down and take a rest. We will hear her name again, trust me. Jack B. Walters July 24, 2020

The 19th Amendment

I watched a four hour in two episodes documentary on NPR about the forty year struggle of the suffragettes to allow the women of America the right to vote. The struggle was also occurring in Europe about the same time. If you are able I would highly recommend trying to find this so you can learn as well. I don’t remember the title, women’ rights? I learned a lot I didn’t know. We are reminded that the Founders did not say anything in the writing of the Constitution about who was eligible to vote. It was left as a State issue to resolve. In the beginning only white men owning property could vote. The percentage voting for Washington was very small. By the early 1900’s a few western States gave them the right, then over the years more would join. Wilson, as a Southern Democrat was opposed. At the end of WWI when he was trying to have his 14 points peace plan approved, advisors counselled him that he would have no success with Europe, who by this time was allowing women to vote. He came out in favor and while the vote in the House was decisive it was only approved in the Senate by one vote. Then it was up to ¾ of the 48 States or 36 to ratify. States one by one approved. The very last State was Tennessee and it was approved by one vote. The solid Democratic Southern States East of the Mississippi was the only section not to approve. Supposedly the reason was that Negro women would be covered. It is obvious that they were able to keep that from happening in the South just as they were able to keep Negro men ostracized. Learning the history of America has been an obsession with me since retiring from the work force and having the time to do so. While we are all in isolation why don’t you do it as well?

The basic responsibility of government is to protect the people

I’m reading a history of the United States. I have reached 1774 when the congress of representatives of the colonies was assembled in Philadelphia to address their concern with mother England’s treatment. I was reminded of the famous writers whose thinking was utilized in these discussions. Men like Thomas Hobbes, John Locke and Charles de Montesquieu. Hobbes stated that government was necessary to deliver citizens “from fear of violent death”. His conviction was that man was at war with every other man and was solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short. Locke’s state of nature was beautiful and virtually sinless but somehow had fallen out of that state. He further stated that the most desirable government was one that protected human “life, liberty and estate”; therefore government should be limited, only strong enough to protect these three inalienable rights. Montesquieu suggested dividing authority among various branches with different functions. This provided a blueprint for the future government of the United States. I am using the above in my attempt to bring sanity to the current hysterical movement all across America to somehow defund law enforcement from our cities. Once that is accomplished we will be left with only ourselves to defend our families. This violates the basic ideas expressed above that the primary purpose of government is safety. Lawlessness is most prevalent in places like Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, New York, Chicago and Atlanta where city councils and mayors have proposed reducing funding for their police. All of this because of the belief that police are racists. I contend that if they are then so is everyone else since the only difference is their choice of occupation. The thin blue line is the only thing we have to create a climate of normalcy. Even here in Tucson looting and burning was allowed to occur with the police kept away. How tragic that store owners were completely put out of business. Police are resigning. Recruiting is negligible. Why would any young person want to be put in a position where they are vilified instead of respected? On the news we hear of killings of 15 or more in cities. Some of the deaths are police officers. The right to protest is important for a democracy. This does now mean impunity for setting fires, looting, tearing down statues or other acts of violence. This is not about Black Lives Matter, Trump, Biden or any other politician. We are voluntarily giving up our right to live without fear. Take action. Write to some leaders or editorials as I have often tried to do. Be a part of the solution not a cowering victim hoping not to be affected. They will tire after a while and venture into the quiet neighborhoods, you know those that have security systems in place so you can call 911 and hopefully have police arrive in time to save you and your property. Jack B. Walters July 19, 2020

Reagan: The American President

By; Larry Schweikart If you are a fan like I am of President Reagan you will enjoy reading this book which is written as a tribute to him. The author is an unabashed believer in the ability of this great man. He came upon the scene from nowhere living in the small town of Dixon, Illinois. His mother was a devout Christian. He became one also. It was the base for his beliefs throughout his lifetime. He was a lifeguard as a youth credited with saving many lives. He became a radio sportscaster where he honed his skill as an orator who could think fast. In Hollywood while acting, he also became the President of the Union. It was during this time that the McCarthy hearings were taking place routing out Communists. This became a crusade for him that continued till his death. Reagan, of course, is credited for the downfall of the USSR. Gorbachev also deserves credit, as he was the leader of Russia at that time whose goal was to open up his country. I could fill pages of tribute but I will ask you to read to restore your memory of what a great leader he was. I will also ask that you go to U-Tube and type in “A Time for Choosing” It is a speech he gave in support of Goldwater for president on 10/27/64. Most of you no doubt were afraid of Goldwater and he was soundly defeated. None-the-less this speech clearly expressed Reagan’s great concern for the direction our country was heading. He had switched from Democrat to Republican out of his concern that the Democrats looked to Washington to solve all of their problems to the detriment of freedom of thought and initiative of individuals.

Three Days in January

Dwight Eisenhower’s Final Mission By; Bret Baier This book covers Eisenhower’s life story with emphasis on the end of his eight years as President. His successor to the office was John Kennedy. During his campaign against Richard Nixon one of his major themes was a supposed missile gap with the USSR. Ike resented this but kept his peace. As his term was expiring he felt the need to tell the American people of his concern about the never ending arms race to assure supremacy to Russia or any other country. He reminded them that throughout our history we had never maintained a large military force. We were woefully unprepared for WWI or WWII. Now half of our national budget was spent on arms. Without minimizing the need to be strong, he was asking for balance between the military and all of the domestic needs of our people. At that time and continuing today the armament industries are located in every state providing high paying wages and thereby assuring support to continue to grow. He called it the Military Industrial Complex, a phrase that was made famous. The date of the speech was January 17, 1961, three days before the end of his term. He is given credit for his meetings with Kennedy to prepare him for taking the reins. When he succeeded Truman there was bitterness between them. Originally Truman had encouraged him to run until he found out that he would run as a Republican. Ike made himself available to help Kennedy and the Johnson with advice in the following years until his death on March 28, 1969. I have read a number of books about Ike. Some called him the do nothing president. He ended the Korean War, did not engage in another war somewhere else. He was encouraged by some in his Cabinet to do. He began the Interstate Highway System enacted the Civil Rights Bill of 1957, which while watered down, at least opened the debate on civil rights for the blacks in the South who were prevented from voting. Our country enjoyed eight years of ever increasing prosperity. He was a fine man and a respected leader who accomplished much good in his lifetime.

Leter to the editor

Dereliction of duty The Tucson City Council led by Mayor Romero has overturned a common sense ordinance that kept people out of areas designated as crime scenes. They need to remember that most of us common citizens admire and respect the police officers whose job it is to protect and defend all citizens. It has become fashionable to condemn them on a daily basis. It is time for this insanity to end. A crime scene is created so that proper investigations can be accomplished. People do not have the right to violate and thereby contaminate the area. At least Steve Kozachik understands. Thank you Sir. I request the Mayor and Council understand they should care for all not just the few who enjoy creating havoc. Jack B. Walters July 9, 2020