The Last Angry Man

Catholic Church controversy over being required to provide birth control insurance

2012-02-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

I have a few points to make. In the first place what gives the Federal government the right to insist that a company provide health insurance for its employees? In my day issues like this were the subjects discussed at the bargaining table for those companies with unions. For those without unions, in order to be competitive in the labor market companies provided benefits. Now all of a sudden the Federal government is dictating. Does anyone besides me believe it is none of their business?
The controversy has been swirling around for the past week or so. On a drive back to Tucson from Phoenix yesterday, for entertainment benefit, I listened to Rush and Sean. They repeatedly bashed Obama for interfering with religious beliefs and forcing religions to go against their tenants. While it is always good policy to criticize Obama it is my belief that Obama is using this issue to pave the way for something far more important to him. That is allowing Muslims to live under Sharia law as dictated by the Koran. This has been successful in England and other countries. It has been tried in our country. In fact at least one State tried to get ahead of the curve and outlaw it. As I recall it was struck down by the courts.
My point being that the right wing talk show hosts are digging a grave by demanding that the government not interfere with religious beliefs. They will not be able to talk differently when Sharia becomes the topic.
I believe Obama is a disaster for America. I do not believe he is ignorant or uninformed. He knows exactly what he is doing and why. Remember you heard it first from me.

Jack Walters
February 14, 2012

Calling all Independents to Action

2012-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

( Letter sent to the Arizona Daily Star)
I believe that voters who have registered as an Independent did so as I did to show that we have lost faith in the two major parties . We long for the day when we can have our own candidate not tainted with Corporate or Union dollars but today is not the day.
In February the Republican Party will hold their primary. Only registered Republicans can vote. Since I am unequivocal about the need to remove Obama from that office I picked up a registration form today and have re-registered as Republican. After the primary I will re-register as Independent.
I am requesting other Independents to emulate my example. You have until the end of January to send in. Forms are available at Post Offices and Libraries. Who you want to support is of course your decision but to let this opportunity pass by was not acceptable to me.

Jack B. Walters
January 11, 2012

Muslim Threat to World Peace

2012-01-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

Americans are living in ignorance about the onslaught of the Islamic juggernaut that has infiltrated every country on earth. Their declared goal as expressed by the deceased Gadhafi is to transform all countries to Islam and further that it can be accomplished by immigration and uncontrolled birth rates. Most civilized nations including our own offer subsidies for immigrants to get settled including housing. They choose to accept but do not become a part of society as other groups have in the past. They tend to keep together operating under Sharia law while ignoring the laws of their new country. Females, in particular, are kept from meeting and dating men who are not Muslim. In strictly Muslim countries activities such as above would justify honor killing of daughters. A Muslim woman raped must find four or more male witnesses to support her claim. Muslim men can marry girls as young as nine years old.
Don’t take my word for it, just read articles any day in the Arizona Daily Star. Just today on page A19, Sri Lanka Muslims are demanding that tourist resorts be shut down because liquor is available, that direct flights from Israel and steps to end flogging of females found to have sex outside of marriage be stopped. On page A17 there was a picture of a fifteen year old girl in Afghanistan, tortured and confined to a cellar for refusing to be a prostitute. The article was positive in that the story was even allowed to be made public. I disagree and condemn the barbaric practices continuing in effect around the world. I agree with author Donie Darwish that Islam is not a religion. It is a way of life dictated by Sharia law and is similar to Communism and Nazism in that they are evil systems.
You should be aware of the love affair our current President has with Islam. If not, just Google “Obama’s Cairo Speech”. This was given early in his presidency. I have yet to hear any Republican candidate for President even mention the subject as a concern. Only informed citizens will bring this out into the open where, who knows, perhaps they can become part of the progressive world. If not, then the world as we know it will end, and not too far into the future either.

Jack B. Walters
January 5, 2012

Cruel and Usual Punishment-a book report

2011-12-21T20:21:00.000-08:00

By; Nonie Darwish

Those of you who actually read my stuff understand that I have a great concern about the spread of Islam to every corner of the world. While it may be true that the vast majority do not espouse violence against those of different faiths, it is also estimated that at least 15% can be considered devout enough to commit acts of violence including death to non-believers. 15% times 1.2 billion Muslims in the world today equals 15,000,000. I would think that any caring, thinking person would consider that many radical Muslims to be sufficient to cause alarm.
This book is clearly written and clearly understandable. Mrs. Darwish was born and lived as a Muslim in Egypt for 30 years before immigrating to America. Her mission in life is to alert Americans to the danger we face. She describes in great detail what the life of a female is like living in the Muslim world where girls as young as 9 can be married. The very thought is repugnant to me. Women are deemed to be inferior to men, not to be trusted, not to be educated or allowed any semblance of the freedoms American women take for granted.
She dissects the Koran and Sharia law and exposes the hate that drives Islamic fundamentalists to spread the curse of their “religion”. I put that in parenthesis because I believe as she does that it is more a political ideology than religion. She compares it to fascism and Communism, both of which are dangerous ideologies. This book is different from most in that she does offer intelligent solutions.
1-Define religion and exclude any ideology from that definition that does not pass the following test.
A religion must be a personal choice.
No religion should kill those who leave it.
A religion must never order the killing and subjugation of those who choose not to be its members.
A religion must abide by basic human rights.

2-Make Sharia an illegal law and declare it not a religion but a dangerous totalitarian ideology.

3- Control immigration from the Muslim world. Forms should clearly state that the goal of the immigrant is assimilation into democratic society.

4-Stop issuing religious visas to Muslim clerics imported from Muslim countries.

5- Ban Mosques and Muslim organizations that use religion to promote incitement to kill and hate speech against people of other faiths or atheists.

6- Demand access for access.

7- Stop shipping petrodollars to Arab countries.

8- Strengthen Western Judeo-Christian roots.

All of the above headings were fleshed out with full explanations. I cannot re-write the book for you. I can only urge you to purchase or get from your local library. Quite frankly I am pleased that a book as strong as this got published at all. I fear for the life of the author and her family. These people do not allow others to deride their prophet and his teachings.
Finally I must add that I have been concerned since our President took office with his strong support for Islam. Early on he gave a speech in Cairo that glorified the religion. We are all aware of the deep bow he gave to the King of Saudi Arabia. He has given orders to enforcement agencies not to make any reference to the Muslim religion when killings around the word happen. Two years after Ft Hood the killer is still awaiting trial. Obama considers him a radical not a Muslim carrying out a Jihad against America. That in my opinion is exactly what he did.
Now you know how I feel. I still recommend you informing yourself by reading this book and then staying alert to the danger it declares we are facing today.

Jack B. Walters
December 21, 2011

Why Don't They Get It?

2011-11-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

First we were told that by the end of this year 5,000 troops would be leaving Iraq. I applauded the news, but now we are told that the new plans are to relocate 4,000 of them to Kuwait. No doubt they will be safer there than Iraq. The Pentagon officials and Defense Secretary Panetta have stated they expect to expand the U.S. military in the region to 40,000. The beat goes on. The American people have had a belly full of the useless expenditure of lives and funds trying to change century old traditions which are stubbornly adhered to. After 10 years you would think that someone in high authority would realize the futility of continuing and announce that our sacrificing has come to an end.
I have read in other articles that we spend one million dollars/year/soldier. All the Super Committee has to do to fulfill their charge of reducing expenditures by $1.4 Trillion is to rapidly bring our troops home as quickly as they can consistent with an orderly withdrawal. I am not only thinking about the Middle East but worldwide. We are broke, not far behind Greece, but our leaders continue to act as if we had all the money in the world. We have carried water for Europe, the Middle and Far East for 60 years since WWII.
Using armies to conquer and control other nations has been archaic since the advent of the atomic bomb. Should Iran, N. Korea or other bandit nations start trouble we still have our long range missiles and aircraft that could inflict severe damage, enough so our opponent would cry uncle before very long.

Jack B. Walters
November 4, 2011

Congratulations Mr. Cain

2011-11-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

All news media are enthralled by the recent release of information that alleges sexual harassment, whatever that means. You should embrace it. Look at all the free publicity you are getting. Every show wants you to appear. You get your smiling face in front of millions. This would not be happening except for the fact that your message and unbelievable accomplishments to date have struck a cord in the hearts and minds of Americans of all political persuasions. Just think how great it would be to have a non politician in the White House taking on the major problems of today without having had to grovel for funds from the moneyed interests.
Right now your attacks are no doubt coming from the Republican side. You are blowing away all of the other candidates. They will do everything to place doubt in the minds of Americans.
Hang in there. We need you.

Jack B. Walters
November 3, 2011

Don't give Obama credit

2011-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

Large headlines in today’s Star proclaim, “US will quit Iraq”. The size of the print was only about half that used when Mike Stoops was fired but that is another issue. Obama doesn’t deserve credit. He, Hillary and other top ranking officials have done everything they could to convince the leaders of Iraq that as many as 5000 troops should be allowed to stay after this year indefinitely. Iraq would not allow immunity and so he was forced to order bringing them home. The question remains on the size of armed contractors who will remain. To me it is just a sham to relieve concerns of those Americans like me who didn’t want to attack Iraq in the first place.

Jack B. Walters
October 22, 2011

This is Herman Cain-a book report

2011-10-19T21:42:00.000-07:00

My journey to the White House
By Herman Cain

I detest the fact that political campaigning has become a forever activity but I did happen to watch a little of the second Republican debate. There on the end of the line was a man who happened to have a black complexion who was a man I had never heard of before. He was obviously not a politician. His comments intrigued me. Soon thereafter I received an e-mail listing his many accomplishments in life. I didn’t believe it so I checked it out on the internet. It was true. Then a friend told me he had written a book so I checked Amazon and sure enough he had, not one book but many. Most dealt with his management philosophy. The one I purchased is the one I will be reviewing.
There are many things I like about this man. He rose out of humble beginnings in the South where blacks were discriminated against. He greatly admires his father who raised a family under these adverse conditions with dignity. The Civil Rights activity was in full swing when Herman was in High School. His father insisted he apply himself to his studies and not get involved. This he did. I heard a commentator on MSNBC deriding him for this. His father also told him to not play the victim card but do the best he could to achieve his goals. He has lived this advice.
Another thing I like is that he tells people he is an American who happens to be black. He does not use the term African/American. I have always disliked that term including other nationalities. He never uses a teleprompter. He speaks using his mind not what someone wrote out for him to say. As an aside I have heard him sing. He has a rich baritone voice. I caught the end of a speech he was giving in which he ended by singing. The audience was stunned.
He is not campaigning like all the rest. He probably will not raise much in the way of corporate contributions but with his style and speaking ability I believe he will strike a cord with those who are dissatisfied with the status quo. The fact that in such a short time he leaped to the top of the polls last week, even higher than Romney means that voters are starting to recognize who he is and what he stands for. During the debate last night, all of the other contenders beat up on him as best they could trying to knock him down before he can catch on. They all ridiculed his 9-9-9 tax plan. I don’t believe they will be successful. I don’t know if it is the right plan but I do know that our tax code is thousands of pages long replete with countless loopholes. I have always claimed that simplifying and closing these loopholes could result in a much lower income tax. Mr. Cain is at least brave enough to put out a plan, none of the others have. They just utter platitudes about taxes being too high without offering ideas on what to do about it.
Let me just say, you should read his book. If you do, you will be astounded, as I was, to realize his many achievements. He has turned around failing businesses and made them profitable. He is on many Boards of Directors and has received multiple awards for his success. In the book he states his ideas on how to return America to the great nation it once was and could be again. I won’t state that I agree with all of his positions, but I agree with enough to be excited about what he could achieve for America. Read it and learn for yourself. You won’t believe the skill this man possesses. I have no doubt he could be successful in this most important of all jobs, the Presidency of the United States of America.

Jack B. Walters
October 19, 2011

Letter to the editor

2011-10-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

U.S. Senate votes tomorrow to force China to allow their currency (the YUAN) to float to its true value.

No wonder Americans are confused. Here is a clear cut issue that our government under Bush and now Obama has been unwilling to face head on. China’s government does everything possible to add jobs for their people. This is admirable except for the extraordinary steps they have taken to achieve this goal. I will not fill this letter with them as it would take pages. This one issue, the Yuan, is on the table now, opposed vigorously by China, U.S. Corporations and Republican leadership, including Speaker John Boehner.
This one act would dramatically increase jobs for Americans and cost jobs for the Chinese. That is not our concern. The concern of Congress should be putting Americans back to work. Democratic Senator Harry Reid is pushing this bill. Wouldn’t you think that the Republican leadership would join forces? Some Republicans are as noted by the 79-19 advance legislation approved yesterday.

Jack B. Walters
October 5, 2011

Bob Lutz Car Guys vs bean counters by Bob Lutz

2011-09-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

The battle for the soul of American Business

Bob Lutz is a man in high regard. He was the President of Ford Europe in 1979, was CEO of Exide Technologies, the world’s largest producer of lead-acid batteries in 2001. At that time he was asked by the President and CEO of General Motors to join with the company as Vice Chairman of Production. He was 70 at the time. He agreed and stayed for 9 years. His charge was to make great cars again. In this he was successful.
There are a number of important issues worth knowing that he writes about. On page 25 he states that in the 70’s the US State Department decided that special measures were called for to keep Japan in the US orbit. To achieve this goal Japan was allowed to manipulate their currency (the Yen) to a level below that justified. This gave Japan an edge over US manufacturers. (Kind of reminds me of how we have allowed China to keep the value of their currency (the Yuan) below its true value.
On page 33 he spells out the tremendous growth of health care cost and the explosion of law suits with devastating results. Beginning on page 168 he points out the obvious effect of the housing debacle, where unqualified people were given mortgages they were unable to pay. One result was rapidly rising fuel costs which was devastating, in particular, to GM as the bulk of their product line were gas guzzlers like GMC trucks and Hummers. Interesting to me is that he believes as I do that gas prices should be higher equivalent to Europe. The problem as he and I see it is that cost is in the control of OPEC. Because of that prices surge and fall rapidly. Should the gas tax increase at a predictable rate the incentive to produce fuel efficient vehicles would increase without government decrees. The market place would be in control. The extra funds raised could be used to improve transportation facilities i.e. bridges, roads, rail and air. Think of the good paying jobs created.
The above I included as I felt the subjects were important but the theme of the book is how Mr. Lutz was able to decrease the power of the bean counters and place emphasis on building superior vehicles which the public would want to buy. In this he was successful. You will need to read the book to find out how he got the job done.

Jack B. Walters
September 24, 2011

Honor Lost - a book review

2011-09-11T14:10:00.000-07:00

Love and Death in Modern-Day Jordan
By; Norma Khouri

This is a tragic true story written by a young woman who escaped from Jordan. Her life long girl friend had been murdered by her father when he discovered she had been meeting with a man that she had come to love. They had never engaged in sexual activity but just having contact with a man was sufficient to kill her by stabbing her 12 times in the chest and waiting until she was dead before calling an ambulance. As is required by law he turned himself in, was sentenced to three months in jail, was bailed out and at the end of the sentence was released for time served even though he had never spent a day in prison.
The author is devoting her life to try to end the age old practice in the Arab world of treating women as objects rather than equals. In Jordan’s Penal Code there are two articles that allow these murders and protect the murderers. Article 340 exempts from punishment those who kill female relatives found committing adultery, and reduces the penalty for those who kill female relatives found in a situation of adultery (such as talking to a stranger). Article 98 reduces the penalty for the perpetrator of a crime when he acts “in a fit of fury” in response to a wrongful and serious act on the part of the victim. It is estimated that over 2,000 murders occur each year in Jordan and over 5,000 in Arab countries as a whole.
I am one who is always searching for knowledge. I am quick to judgment on members of the Muslim faith. What disturbed me most was that these crimes are not just committed by Muslims but also by Christians living in these countries. According to the author honor killing in Arab countries have been under Islamic Law since A.D. 644. It has been incorporated into Arab culture and is practiced by both Christians and Muslims. Christians, of course are treated as second class citizens (dhimmah). They are required to pay a toll tax, must not harm Muslims, have any sexual engagement with Muslim women, steal the property of Muslims, nor co-operate with enemies of Islam. In other words Christians emulate the Muslim traditions. While their women have more rights as a rule, they are still treated as unequal.
Reading this book will give you insight on what it must be like to be a female in an Arab country, always doing the bidding of fathers, brothers and other male relatives, never being allowed to pursue whatever dreams you might have. Entire lives spent living in fear. Never knowing when you might be punished or killed for a perceived offence.
Let me close by adding my thoughts. First, I wonder why there is no condemnation by American or European women who have been so outspoken in their drive for equality in Western countries. Could it be that having achieved their goals they are insensitive to the plight of women living under Islam in countries where Islam is the law of the land. Why has our government not applied pressure for these countries to move into the 21st Century? In my paranoia I see these customs spreading rapidly throughout the civilized world. Europe in particular has been infected but I also am aware of it building in America as well and I don’t like it.
As I previously stated the author has devoted her life to ending “honor killing”. Read the book and find some way to express yourself to add to her efforts. Who knows, perhaps in our lifetimes these barbaric acts of hate against women could be stopped.

Jack B. Walters
September 11, 2011

Payroll tax cut idiocy

2011-09-10T21:02:00.000-07:00

The beat goes on. Forget about future generations, they don’t count. Just give us what we want now because we deserve it.
According to news reports, economists approve of reducing the payroll tax to 3.1% instead of 6.2%. The editorial you printed from the Kansas City Star urged support of it and the other proposals. The goal it seems is to put money into consumers pockets so they can buy goods predominantly made in China. Continuing to provide unemployment checks year after year does nothing to provide American jobs. The other items in my opinion are gimmicks which require Federal employees to monitor to try to motivate employers to hire. My position has always been to create a climate to encourage growth letting the employer consider all the factors in deciding to produce here or elsewhere.
I have no doubt the Republicans will support the payroll tax cut with their “no tax increase” mentality. They have tried for decades to destroy Social Security. The Democrats are supposed to support it. It is well known that there are fewer workers putting money into the system as compared to those of us receiving monthly checks. I looked it up and found that should the funds continue feeding the Trust Fund before the last reduction, the Fund was projected to maintain itself for an additional 25 years. After that the outflow would exceed income by 25%. As of December 2010 there was $2.6 Trillion in the Fund. The Obama plan would decrease these funds by $175 Billion/year, not counting whatever loss might occur if companies increase their payroll by $50 Million. It has been stated that 50% of the population don’t pay Federal Income tax therefore the only tax these people are aware of is Payroll. Shouldn’t every person pay into a retirement system they will expect to benefit from?
I am fully aware that Congress for generations now has been using these Trust funds for general expenses meaning that the balance is not real money but IOU’s from the government. Supposedly future government will make good. There is no guarantee which is why Governor Perry referred to it as a Ponzi scheme. He may be right.

Jack B. Walters
September 10, 2011

PATTON - a book report

2011-09-07T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ordeal and Triumph
By; Ladislas Farago

832 pages of the life of this man who became the best General officer the US Army ever had. I followed his career as a young boy but of course never had the opportunity to understand his history before the war. This book was used as the foundation for the movie PATTON starring George C. Scott. I would be ashamed to tell you how many times I have watched it. Scott did an outstanding job of re-creating this complex man. If you have seen the movie then much of this book will remind you of it. Many of the famous statements Patton made in real life were in this book and also in the movie.
Because of his impetuous nature he put himself in difficulty many times. We must credit General Marshall and General Eisenhower for recognizing how important Patton was for the war effort that they overcame the criticism and gave him command of the Third Army shortly after the Normandy landings. He was able to imbue his officers and men with his aggressive nature and went on the attack. The book mentions the numerous times when he was deliberately deprived of fuel and ammunition in favor of the British General Montgomery. The writer is convinced as am I that had he been supported fully the war could have ended in 1944. I am sure there are other books that would disagree. You can look for them. For me I am satisfied with my own point of view.
If you are a history buff as I am and in particular the Second World War then you will enjoy reading this biography.

Jack B. Walters
September 7, 2011

So much for green jobs

2011-08-31T15:23:00.000-07:00

In the news today was an announcement that Solyndra of Fremont, California declared bankruptcy and immediately laid off all 1,100 of their employees. This was the company that President Obama visited and touted as an example of his program creating “green” jobs. The US Energy Dept. provided a loan in March 2009 of $535 million to assist in getting started. Secretary Steven Chu promised the loan would create 4,000 jobs. Their product was solar panels. The President and CEO Brian Harrison stated “Regulatory and policy uncertainty in recent months created significant near term excess supply and price erosion”.
On 8/15 Evergreen Solar Inc and on 8/19 Spectra Watt Inc. filed bankruptcy. In Tucson just one week ago Solon Corp. laid off 60 production workers to send the jobs to China.
In China huge factories are being built or are already in existence to produce competing solar panels and other solar products. These are reported to be highly subsidized by the government.
The only comments I have heard from Republicans is to beat up on the President over granting the loan. When will they understand that private manufacturing jobs cannot compete when their competition is underwritten by a hostile government (China).
All the talk about creating jobs is hogwash. Is there no way to get Congress and the President to understand that jobs will continue to disappear all the while they debate.
Hello, hello, hello, are you up out of bed yet.

Jack B. Walters
August 31, 2011

It's not amnesty, and courts will be unburdened

2011-08-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

Arizona Daily Star editorial – August 28, 2011- my response below

I would expect nothing less than your support for the program President Obama has put into place. He couldn’t get Congress to approve his “Dream” Act so he accomplishes the same thing by executive order.
Of course the courts are jammed with cases and of course it makes sense to concentrate on criminals but have you ever asked the question of why? The process should be as simple as checking the person’s ID. If not a citizen or legal immigrant that person should be escorted out of the country without delay regardless of when he or she entered this country. The current legislation should be amended to make the system work as it should.
It is a continuing mockery to build fences and hire border patrol agents when those who are able to slip through are now deemed acceptable to stay and now be granted work visas while others wait to enter legally. Of course 9% unemployment is of no concern as Americans are to lazy to take the jobs these people will do, or so you claim.

Jack B. Walters
August 28, 2011

Colonel Roosevelt - a book report

2011-08-28T05:57:00.000-07:00

By Edmund Morris

There have been many books written about the life of this remarkable man and his achievements. Not all sing his praise. I have found that most of our greatest leaders have those who find fault with them for one reason or another. It is always annoying to me. No matter what great accomplishments they did, someone always feels the need to bring them down a peg. This book was not like that. It was unique in that it concentrated on a finite period of his life from 1910 until his death in 1919 at the age of 61.
The Republican Party leaders were hoping he would run again for President in 1920 but the accumulation of trauma he had endured during his life finally took him down including being shot in the chest, malaria and leg wounds during his odyssey in the wilderness of Brazil charting an unknown river.
The book begins in the spring of 1909. He had finished his seven years as President turning the reins over to William Howard Taft. He has gone to Africa on a game hunting safari. It describes the many times his life was at risk. Afterwards he embarked on a visit to the countries in North Africa and Europe. He was greeted with the greatest respect wherever he went. While in Paris he uttered the following words which to me personified the type of man he was. He was bitter that some in academia “sneered” at anyone trying to make the real world better. He said;
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat”.
In my mind that is the perfect epitaph of this great man.
He became disillusioned with President Taft and when he could not win the Republican Primary he started his own party called “Bull Moose”. He won more votes than Taft but with the party split Woodrow Wilson the Democrat candidate became President in 1912. Roosevelt was a progressive and I believe was more Democrat than Republican as he railed against the excessive influence on Congress by the huge Corporations. He was also the strongest and most productive of all Presidents in the preservation of wilderness areas he felt should be preserved for future generations. He believed in graduated income and inheritance taxes on big fortunes, a judiciary accountable to changing social and economic conditions, comprehensive workman’s compensation acts, national laws to regulate the labor of children and women, higher safety and sanitary standards in the workplace, and public scrutiny of all political campaign spending, both before and after elections. He supported women’s right to vote. He tried to establish an understanding that science and religion could co-exist without harming each other. During his years as President he appointed men of color to key positions, most of who were quickly removed under Taft. Wilson’s Administration was also lily white.
At the end of another great speech he said “We, here in America, hold in our hands the hope of the world, the fate of the coming years, and shame and disgrace will be ours if in our eyes the light of high resolve is dimmed, if we trail in the dust the golden hopes of men”.
As the war in Europe struggled on with losses on all sides in the millions and German U-Boats sinking scores of American vessels, he became angry with his perception of Wilson as weak and indecisive. He spoke out for increased preparedness. The country gradually shifted from isolation to participation. It is clear that without the introduction of Americans the war would have stalemated for many years longer.
Roosevelt was a prolific author of books and articles. He had great knowledge of a number of subjects which to me was extraordinary.
I can recommend reading this book by anyone interested in American history.

Jack B. Walters
August 28, 2011

Private Sector Jobs

2011-08-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

There can be no doubt that private sector jobs are disappearing in America at an accelerated pace. My main concern has to do with manufacturing but the service sector is also being diminished. When President Obama and Congress finally return from their vacations the ideas will be filling the newspapers and talk shows on a daily basis. Ideas usually proposed are; extend unemployment benefits, provide tax breaks for hiring employees, give billions to the States to assist them in resolving their respective shortfalls, continue under funding of Social Security by the 2% already in effect (further weakening the fund and shortening the time when funds will run out), infrastructure, etc. None of these will address the main point of creating private sector jobs. All of these will be a drain on our depleted treasury. Only private jobs will put money back into the treasury because the business and its employees will all be paying taxes. Not only that, but most manufacturing companies create other jobs in the community to support their mission. Taxes will accumulate from them as well.
It must be understood that business in order to be free must be allowed to pursue their endeavor as they see fit. They are duty bound to do all in their power to make a profit for their owners, whether stock holders or privately held. A company that is not successful goes out of business. It is as simple as that. If you do not believe in the free enterprise system then, of course, what I have just written does not make sense. Under Communism or Socialism, the government owns all property and makes the decisions on what should be produced. There are offshoots of these systems that have proven to be successful such as China which is a hybrid combining the power of the Communist State with allowing private enterprise to function on a small scale and subsidizing larger manufacturing who are competing with true free enterprise from America and elsewhere. There will come a time when this system will collapse. No country can continue to subsidize manufacturing. The problem for Americans is waiting for that to occur. In the meantime community after community in America loses more manufacturing jobs with nothing of value to replace the good paying jobs that have been lost.
Here is what I believe needs to be done. Evaluate all the reasons why manufacturing of products wanted in America are sent overseas. Certainly with all the high powered brains in Washington, this should be easy to accomplish. I want to be clear that I am talking about products to be sold in America. Manufacturing goods for other countries use are better if located in the respective country for all kinds of good reasons.
So let’s start. A study could be made of those companies that have moved their manufacturing or are in the process of doing so. I am sure the management would be willing to share the decision making process. Out of these interviews should produce a basis to start? High taxes are certainly a major reason. It is my understanding that America has the highest business tax rates in the world. Government restrictions and regulations are another. I read that some effort is being extended towards alleviating this burden while at the same time the clock is ticking on increasing regulations from the health care system approved two years ago. Certainly we need oversight of our food supply, drinking water and the air we breathe but I can tell you from my own personal experience that government regulations are a burden and detract from the primary mission of making a profit. China, in particular, does not burden their industry. Frivolous law suits are a continuing drain on profit. No large company would deliberately make unsafe products. Their goal is to entice repeat customers because of price, quality and service. Manufacturers are treated as if they were evil by intent. This is outrageous.
Skilled, industrious employees are a must. We are all aware that our educational system is failing our young people. Other countries are doing a superior job. If an employer cannot hire people capable of doing their assigned task then he must go to where he can find them. Right now China and India are leaving us far behind. I don’t even know if trade unions exist today, those places where young people can learn to be electricians, plumbers, pipe fitters, welders, machine shop operators, and tool and die craftsmen. Thirty years ago we had them but as industry has faded away the need for these skills has diminished to where I doubt that a new start up company could hire these type individuals. I retired from what I like to refer to as a mature plant. What I meant by that, is that new people were being hired while at the same time older workers were retiring. We had all levels of skill working. We are losing the work ethic. Millions have been receiving financial assistance while not leaving there homes, whether welfare or unemployment. Each is as bad as the other. Once the work cycle has been broken there is generated a lack of interest in returning as long as the combined income for the family is sufficient to support the family.
The sum of what I am trying to say is that all factors being weighed by manufactures should be placed in the open and then formulate legislation that would mitigate the strength of these arguments. The recovery process might be long and perilous since factories already sent overseas would not readily return due to the high cost of relocating and the uncertainty of what the next Administration and Congress might do to reverse course once again as they have done repeatedly over the decades. An immediate result could be stopping the outflow so that more jobs are not lost. Over time, at least some factories would return those that are not labor intensive. After all it is extremely expensive to ship finished goods across the ocean. I know they have perfected shipping but irregardless that is an expense. Then there is an increased assurance of higher quality products as a result of our stringent standards.
My last comment has to do with the weak kneed approach to China not only by the Obama Administration but during Bush’s eight years in office. We continue to play the role of patsy allowing China to break every rule in the book from stealing our manufacturing secrets, to blackmailing manufacturers who do relocate to follow their edicts, to manipulating the value of their currency, to using child and prisoners in the work force, for lack of concern for safety and quality. Vice President Biden has just ended a “good will” visit to China. I can assure you that no pressure was brought to bear to keep more factories from closing and relocating to China. We hear words from time to time, particularly from those attempting to stay in office but regardless of fine words they just don’t have the gumption to change the disastrous outflow of good paying jobs. It is up to us, the people to force them to do the job we send them to Washington to accomplish. I hope you will be one of those persons.

Jack B. Walters
August 27, 2011

We have met the enemy and he is us

2011-08-20T10:59:00.000-07:00

I try in vain to search for an issue, any issue that is supported by the majority of Americans. We continue to argue and fight among ourselves while the rest of the world continues to pass us by. My latest example is the report that was printed in today’s Arizona Daily Star, from McClatchy Newspapers in regard to sit-ins in Washington against the construction of a pipeline which could deliver up to 1.3 million barrels of crude per day from our good neighbor to the North, Canada.
There are concerns about aquifers, crop land and property rights. I guess these protesters would rather continue getting oil from the Middle Eastern countries that use the gains to support terrorist organizations or build skyscrapers high into the atmosphere rather than promote the general welfare.
This has nothing to do with global warming. A barrel of oil is still only a barrel of oil no matter who provides it. Some time hopefully we and the rest of the civilized world will wean ourselves off of using oil but until that happy day, doesn’t it make sense to get it from our neighbor
While I am at it, we have proven reserves on the North Slope of Alaska equivalent to Saudi Arabia. We could be self sufficient and bring our troops home from those god forsaken countries, fighting wars that cannot be won no matter how long we stay or how many more lives are lost.
These protestors are doing a disservice for our country.

Jack B. Walters
August 20, 2011

Scoop of the Century - A plea to the Arizona Daily Star Editor to do his job

2011-08-19T11:32:00.000-07:00

What is wrong with your editorial staff? On August 16, 2011, I wrote a letter to the editor entitled “Solon Corp. cuts 60 manufacturing jobs in Tucson”. It was not deemed worthy to publish.
Day after day we read and listen to the President, members of Congress, candidates for President, the talk show hosts and columnists talking about jobs, jobs, and jobs. That word is the new buzzword being used to galvanize our people into voting for this or that candidate, or support one of the two major parries. Never or almost never do any of them talk specifics?
You search for all kinds of stories to put into print. The Solon decision should be assigned to your best investigative reporter, who then should drive out to the factory, take pictures, interview management and employees, contact top management which in this case is located in another country. Find out all the facts and then write a series of articles to shine light on what is happening all over the country. Soon, if nothing is done the only jobs left will be minimum wage jobs at McDonalds.
I spent my working life in manufacturing. It is a dog eat dog business. Every day you devote yourself and staff to find better ways of producing by lowering costs or increasing quality, or any of the many things needed to be competitive. In my day our community and our country were a part of that process. No more, only the bottom line.
Think about the process that resulted in the decision to take all the equipment off the floor, crate it, ship it and re-install thousands of miles away, then turn around and send the product back to Arizona for installation.
Think about the 60 employees who were making a reasonable wage, supporting their families, paying taxes, buying goods and services in our local economy. Now they will be added to the list of unemployed searching for jobs that no longer exist in America.
Vice President Biden is in China as I write this. I can assure you that nothing of importance will come out of his visit. I will also remind you that during the eight years of Bush the hemorrhage of jobs to China accelerated. China treats us like fools. They steal our jobs using every trick in the book including manipulating their currency to their advantage. All we do is ask for their kind indulgence. It is way past time to say enough and take tough, immediate action against China and the other countries taking our jobs and stand up for Americans and try to restore the American dream of a good life for our families.
How about it, won’t you do your job?
Jack B. Walters August 19, 2011

Army suicides - Arizona Daily Star - 8/13/2011

2011-08-16T08:55:00.000-07:00

I wonder if the hundreds of soldiers committing suicide has anything to do with the orders they must follow in these Arab countries of not responding until sure of the target for sake of offending the natives. They are trained for combat not house to house searches. The strain of wondering who is friend or foe and the ever present buried bombs plus the heavy load of weapons and protective gear they must carry has to be demoralizing.
My solution, bring them home, all of them.

Jack B. Walters
August 13, 2011

Solon Corp. cuts 60 manufacturing jobs in Tucson

2011-08-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Green energy was supposed to create jobs for Americans. This announcement from Solon shows it was all a charade. Our President is off campaigning in his fancy new bus while Congress takes a respite from their arduous efforts. I will tell you this would not happen on my watch. Assuming there will be a reduction in defense spending there will be other workers put on the street. We cannot continue the charade that we are a great country with all workers drawing unemployment benefits out of money we don’t have.
Our taxation of business is the highest in the world. Is it any wonder manufacturers move to China to increase their profit? The only way to turn this around is to lower the cost of doing business in America. When Senator McCain suggested lowering from 35% to 25% the audience groaned. I seldom agree with him but in this case he was right. I don’t know if 25% would reverse the outflow but certainly there are some intelligent people left in positions of power in Washington who could figure it out.
Am I upset with the management of Solon, you bet, but I am more upset with Obama and Congress for not creating a climate conducive for the growth of manufacturing jobs in America.

Jack B. Walters
August 16, 2011

August 2, 2011 - A Date That Will Live In Infamy

2011-08-04T09:29:00.000-07:00

On this date the Congress finished their arduous work and President Obama signed the legislation adding an additional $2.2 Trillion to the National Debt limit. Conveniently it should keep us solvent until after the elections in 2012, so neither the President nor members of Congress will have to debate this subject during the election process. There is a pledge (worthless in my opinion) to find $2 Trillion in reductions over the next decade. A committee is to be established of 16 members of Congress equally divided between the Republicans and Democrats. It is to be created before the end of this year. No one it seems is anxious to volunteer to serve including our own fearless Senator Kyle. He stated in jest that his bladder could not stand the many hours of sitting to come up with ideas.
This is such an important subject that the exhausted members of Congress immediately adjourned until after Labor Day to recover from the ordeal. President Obama on the other hand immediately got on Air Force I for a campaign stop in Chicago. Regrettably he had to make a huge sacrifice by staying in Washington to deal with the “crisis”. He missed ten fund raising events during that time. It is really a shame that he had to give up the activity he enjoys the most i.e. campaigning and raising money.
There was a time during my lifetime when governing was so important that full attention and total effort was expended to deal with the important issues of the day but no more. This is just a game for these people. They spend most of their time raising money for their re-election, always saying the right words that we want to hear but keep on playing the giveaway game to their benefactors. The Republicans favor the wealthy with tax breaks far in excess of what normal people pay and rewarding Corporations for sending our manufacturing and service jobs overseas. The Democrats keep giving money by any means possible to their base constituency to assure their loyalty at the ballot box.
There are so many obvious steps that could and should be taken right now, not a month from now. I won’t bore you with my thoughts but trust me I have ideas. Instead of going on vacation they should be searching for immediate things to do to stop the hemorrhage. I will share one thought. Without increased tax revenue there is no hope of balancing the budget. The way I would do it is to eliminate the give away for sending jobs overseas and lower the cost of doing business in America. Millions of workers earning paychecks would start increasing the cash flow to the treasury without increasing rates. This is so obvious that my head hurts thinking about it. How does your head feel?

Jack B. Walters
August 4, 2011

Lost in Shangri-La- a book report

2011-07-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

By; Mitchell Zuckoff

This is an interesting, fully documented, account of a plane crash in the mountains of New Guinea towards the end of the Pacific war of WWII.
It was a gripping personal interest account of 24 service men and women who were being rewarded for their service by taking a sight seeing plane ride to see a hidden valley that had recently been discovered. Only three survived the crash. They were all injured and had been burned. Without food or other basic items, after a few days rest, they were able to reach a clearing where they were spotted by a search plane. The rest of the story revolves around the natives they encounter, the rescuers who risked their lives and their final rescue.
The author states that this was a major news story which gripped the nation. No doubt it did but I have no recollection of the event. I found it to be very interesting and well written. I haven’t spoiled it for you as what I have mentioned will be found by reading the jacket cover.

Jack B. Walters
July 21, 2011

History of Libya

2011-07-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Out of my concern about the current military action by members of NATO on Libya, I decided to check out and learn about its history. I went to Wikipedia for my source. I didn’t go back to the beginning of the world. I started in 1921 when Italy declared war on Libya and the Ottoman Empire (Turks) which at that time was in control of the coastal areas. The Treaty of Ouchey of 1923 included the withdrawal of all the Ottomans from Libya.
During WWI the Italians had to bring back their forces. During this period they lost control of all but the coast. In the 1920’s under General Pietro Badoglio a bloody war was waged to pacify the natives. This continued until 1931 when the Arab leader was captured and hanged. The resistance then just petered out. Italy controlled Libya until 1943 when the North African Campaign conquered the country. Italy formally rescinded control in the Peace Treaty after WWII.
Beginning in 1945, anti Jewish violence commenced. Many Jews were murdered; synagogues, homes and businesses were burned. When the State of Israel was recognized 30,972 Jews left for Israel between 1948 and 1951. By 1970 there were no Jews remaining.
In 1952 the United Nations granted independence. Oil was discovered in 1959. Exports began in 1963. Twenty eight year old Muammar al-Gaddafi staged a coup in 1969. He created a new Libya Arab Republic. The US vacated their last military base in 1970. In 1971 he nationalized the petroleum industry of British Petroleum. By 1972 he took control of all other petroleum companies up to 70%. He had to leave the rest as he needed their expertise to operate. He strongly supported the creation of OPEC in 1973.
His philosophy was neither communism nor capitalism. He created his own concept. He took ownership away from businesses and landowners who had more than they needed, in his opinion. On the positive side he did start two five year programs using oil revenue. The first was from 1976-80. The primary goal was to be food independent. The second from 1981-85 was to create industry. These were largely successful. He did increase the welfare of the people. By the 1980’s they enjoyed improved housing, education, social services and general standards of health, the highest in North Africa.
He openly supported terrorism around the globe until 1986 when President Reagan bombed Libya bases and palaces. He stopped and as a result improved relations with the West by the early 2000’s. In 2006 the US rescinded the designation of terrorist State. By 2007 Libya was elected to a non permanent seat in the UN.
All of this brings us to this year. In Feb. 2011 anti-government rallies sprang up in Benghazi. On March 10, France recognized the National Council as the sole representative of Libya. Shortly thereafter a no fly zone was declared by NATO and air strikes began to punish Gaddafi’s forces still loyal to him. Since then the air war has been expanded to striking military targets, Gaddafi’s palaces or places he might be. It is obvious that his death is the goal. The coalition is breaking up. Italy has pulled out. Norway will end their participation August I, 2011. Gaddafi is still in power. The Army and much of the population still gives him their support, probably out of gratitude for what he has accomplished improving their lifestyles. In the review of recent history there was mention that he had cracked down hard on the hard core Muslims who require Sharia law as the only lawful government. Perhaps these are the ones who have broken away. In all the reporting to date their identity and objectives have not been revealed, at least not to my knowledge. What if the end result is plunging this country into chaos like the Taliban did in Afghanistan? The thought that these might be the people we are supporting is scary to me.
Rather than bomb Libya back to the Stone Age, if killing Gaddafi is the goal, then why not have another Seal operation. Kill him and then keep close watch on what happens next. Libya has suffered for 90 years starting in 1921 if you do not consider the ages prior to that date. Enough already.

Jack B. Walters
July 15, 2011

Another nail driven in the casket for American workers

2011-07-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

For seventeen years Mexican trucks have not been allowed to enter America except to warehouses at the borders. The North American “Free” Trade Agreement had a provision to allow them access under specific guidelines. I want to state right at the beginning that in my opinion all of the so called free trade agreements were approved to the benefit of corporations not citizens of any of the three countries.
I have a question. Why was it our responsibility to spend $2.5 million to equip their trucks with monitoring devices? It would appear to me that Mexico should bear whatever costs are needed.
Mexico imposed tariffs on a dozen US made products in 2009. If we had leaders who cared about American workers we would have reciprocated at that time, tit for tat. But no, the so called super power once again allows the third world country to stomp on us; all the while we give Mexico billion dollar grants every year for assistance in their drug war.
The net effect will be to put pressure on American truck drivers to work for fewer dollars as the Mexicans will undoubtedly be paid far less. Each Mexican truck entering America will replace an American truck. This alone will have a devastating effect on American workers. Go ahead and say “they are only unskilled and don’t deserve high pay”. To you I say “walk in the other guy’s shoes and see how you like it”. One more sector of American workers being pressured to lower their life styles for the sake of consumers.
My last question is what ever happened to the members of Congress who had supported our truck drivers? Are they so busy trying to keep us from defaulting on the national debt that they dropped the ball?

Jack B. Walters
July 9, 2011

President Obama and the Democratic Party's responsibility for the "debt" crisis

2011-07-06T19:19:00.000-07:00

This is a follow-up of my last article entitled “Republican Hypocrisy”. I promised I would have thoughts to share about the other group in this process.
President Obama was elected (in my opinion) out of frustration with President George Bush. There was never a President in my lifetime I felt who caused as much damage as he. The two unnecessary wars, no child left behind, senior drug program and general lack of leadership when it was so badly needed after 9/11. He pushed the country deep in debt in a haphazard fashion, totally without regard to the long term effect it would have on America. Jobs continued to leave America, going predominantly to China. With Americans losing good paying manufacturing jobs our tax base continued a downward spiral. He would not stand up to China, a country that uses every trick in their play book to suck jobs out of America. I won’t take the time to enumerate as I have already done so many times in the past. He insisted on tax breaks for the wealthy and did nothing to lower the burden on manufacturing in America while enhancing large corporations to reap huge profits at the expense of American workers.
President Obama was given an overwhelming mandate including majority power both in the House and Senate. He could have provided a health care system similar to what most advanced nations enjoy. A program similar to Medicare extended for all our citizens. Instead he squandered many months trying to garner Republican votes, when any knowledgeable observer knew that wasn’t going to happen. He started by accepting a huge handout from the drug companies as long as he didn’t disturb their ability to charge Americans much higher costs than other nations by simply denying officials to use the huge market to lower costs. At the same time he allowed them to continue to advertise on television, the obnoxious ads we listen to night after night. Only one other country on earth allows this. Then he gave a gift to the insurance industry by mandating that all must purchase insurance. What I had hoped for was the elimination of the health insurance business. With them in control, nothing will keep from costs from escalating. Over 15,000 people are to be added to the government payroll to monitor citizens to assure they do sign up or pay fines or worse.
The Trillion dollar stimulus plan had virtually no effect on creating private jobs or for that matter public. It seems there weren’t many projects ready to go. A huge part went to bail out State and local governments which while of benefit did not increase employment. Perhaps there were fewer layoffs but nothing positive. Unemployment benefits were extended and later on extended again. All of these people in their prime paid to stay home. As of 7/5/2011 the maximum period remains at 99 weeks. There were several hundred thousand persons who had run out of benefits. They were granted an additional 13 weeks but not over the 99 week maximum. There was nothing in the bill to enhance the private sector; no easing of regulations, no lowering of business taxes, no forcing China to allow their currency to float, no insistence on a level playing field. China provides many benefits to manufacturers who re-locate there, which makes it nearly impossible to compete.
President Obama expanded our forces in Afghanistan. While there are hopes that a steady withdrawal will occur, I am not holding my breath. At the same time it appears we are pleading with Iraqi officials to allow us to continue with 10,000 troops after the end of this year when all troops were slated to return. Then he authorized the bombing campaign against Khadafi in Libya in support of rebels who I believe will eventually be proven to be supporters of radical Islam. The fact is that even if justified we can no longer afford to play war games in this region. At some point we will pay the price here at home as those who hate us bring chaos to our shores.
All of my previous comments about Bush in relation to creating private sector jobs apply equally to President Obama. I need not repeat.
In an editorial today by Paul Krugman it seems corporations are once again lobbying for tax amnesty so they can bring their overseas profits back home without paying taxes. They received this break in 2004. They got it then. I have no doubt they will again which only further encourages moving jobs offshore.
My biggest concern with President Obama is what I perceive to be a lack of concern about the rising deficits. In fiscal year 2008/09 it was $1.885 Trillion. In fiscal year 2009/10 it was $1.652 Trillion. The projection this fiscal year is even higher and yet all he has proposed to date are matters that will have absolutely no effect on reducing the debt never mind curtailing deficits. He is, after all, the President, duly elected and charged with protecting Americans from enemies foreign and domestic. It is time for him to show strong leadership. This bickering between Parties must give way to tangible results. I could list a myriad of thoughts but what would be the use. Those elected officials should know and should get serious about doing the job they were sent to Washington to do.

Jack B. Walters
July 6, 2011

Republican Hypocrisy

2011-07-06T15:39:00.000-07:00

If it wasn’t so tragic it would be ridiculously humorous as we watch the antics of our newly elected members of the Republican Party as they battle President Obama over the necessity of raising the debt ceiling. All of a sudden the idea of raising it is abhorrent to them. Could it all just be an opportunity to embarrass the President and improve their chances with the voters in next year’s elections?
Let’s review the recent past;
Year Debt Limit in Billions
1996-------- 5,500
1997-2001--- 5,950
2002-------- 6,400
2003-------- 7,384
2004-------- 7,384
2005-------- 8,184
2007-------- 9,815
2008-------- 10,615
2008-------- 11,315
2009-------- 12,104
2009-------- 12,394
2010-------- 14,294
The reason the debt ceiling held steady during those earlier years was the result of the policies when President Clinton and the Democratic Congress were in power. Surpluses were being produced which were starting to lower the National Debt.
President Reagan and the first George Bush tripled the debt during their years in office. Under President George W. Bush together with his Republican Congress the debt ceiling was raised six times. Can anyone not remember Vice President Cheney’s council to the President that President Reagan proved that deficits didn’t matter? With that sage advice they went on their merry way. It was business as usual.
Immediately upon assuming office President Obama promoted his Trillion dollar stimulus plan. That together with the ongoing costs of the three “wars” we are engaged in has brought us to the brink. Now, all of a sudden the Republican House has said no more. I certainly agree the hemorrhage cannot continue. Where I disagree is that they are not seriously considering all options. In my opinion they have resolved to put the President in a box. In a separate article I will be spelling out areas that could be considered. All I hoped to accomplish with this one is to point out to those with short memories that the Republicans are like those living in glass houses. They should refrain from starting a rock throwing contest.

Jack B. Walters
July 6, 2011

Senator John McCain

2011-07-05T11:06:00.000-07:00

What ever happened to the man I once supported to be President. He was a maverick then. During his last campaign to be re-elected as Senator of Arizona he proclaimed that he was never a maverick. I supported him when he ran against George W. Bush. When it looked like he was gaining support the Bush campaign put out scurrilous information that the black child in his family was sired by him.
During his later campaign for President against Obama he lost all credibility. He couldn’t remember how many homes he owned. He cancelled a TV program with David Letterman to hurry back to Washington to save the Union, only to take the time to stop off for a more important interview with Katie Couric. The pictures of having his face powdered added to the hilarity of it. Then when he finally arrived, there he was sitting at the end of the table, not appearing to be making any important contribution. Who can forget his pronouncement that America’s economy was in top shape just before the collapse leading to the TARP bailout of $700 Billion to rescue the largest financial institutions. I became really upset with him as he abandoned all pretence of representing Arizona in his position of Senator by campaigning continuously and with only a few exceptions did not cast any votes. I didn’t think his little ditty ‘Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran”, was very funny. Then he picked Sarah Palin as his running mate. A virtual unknown with little grasp of the national responsibility involved. This was the last straw for me.
All of the above issues are not why I decided to write this article. It is his continuing war mongering attitude toward any and all countries. He visited Libya and criticized Obama for not doing more. Then in today’s headline picture, there he is in Afghanistan criticizing Obama for proposing bringing troops home at a faster pace than the Generals think prudent. If McCain was President he would pushing the military into more adventures than we are committed to at the present time. The Generals are probably right. To totally subdue the country we need more not less boots on the ground but if our goal (as I believe it should be) is to leave, then we should leave at a faster rate. No nation in history has been successful in dominating Afghanistan. I do not believe we can do it either. Here he is overseas while Congress has cancelled their July 4th break to stay in Washington to prevent our nation’s defaulting on our debts; a far more serious dilemma than in 2008 when he “rushed” back. I can only conclude he has lost all semblance of what is important. If he can’t bomb it, he just isn’t interested.
Jack B. Walters July 4, 2011

UNBROKEN - A book report

2011-07-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

By LAURA HILLENBRAND

This is an incredible true life account of an American born in 1917 and still alive as the book went to print. As a novel it would have been a thriller to read. What this man accomplished and how he survived under incredible circumstances is mind boggling. The author did voluminous research in uncovering and verifying the events.
The man’s name is Louis Zamperini. He was uncontrollable as a boy, constantly in trouble. He discovered that he could be exceptional as a runner and he devoted his energy to improve. He nearly broke the four minute mile running in the same era as Glenn Cunningham who was the first to accomplish this feat. He competed in the Olympic Games in Germany in 1936. It was the 5000 meters race. His time was 14:46.8, the fastest time of any American that year. That was only good enough for eighth place but in final lap he ran the fastest time ever recorded. Adolf Hitler was so impressed he wanted to meet Louie. Hitler said “Ah, you’re the boy with the fast finish”.
Once WWII began Louie enlisted and was placed in the Army Air Corp. He trained as a Bombardier in B-24’s. He was sent to the Pacific Theatre. His odyssey began when his plane crashed into the ocean. Only the Pilot and one other crewman survived. They drifted for 47 days, finally being captured by the Japanese and imprisoned. Only the Pilot and Louie were alive. The story of survival on the raft would be enough but the worst was yet to come. He was sent to Japan as a war trophy after they discovered who he was. He sustained unrelenting punishment by sadistic guards. One in particular had an obsession about him and struck him regularly.
As the war was drawing to the end, the prisoners discovered that on August 22, 1945 all prisoners were to be executed. The Emperor told his people that the war was lost on August 15 and that all hostilities were to cease. That was all that saved them.
The physical and mental torment the prisoners had faced followed them as they were released. In Louis’s case he became an alcoholic as his way of escaping reality. A chance meeting with a young Billy Graham in Los Angeles saved him. He remembered the vow he had made on the raft to give his life to the Lord and went on to be productive as a citizen and father.
I give this book my highest recommendation to read.

Jack B. Walters - July 2, 2011

NATO's military mission is over

2011-06-30T11:48:00.000-07:00

A short history

NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) was created in 1949 by President Truman and 11 other countries; England, Iceland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, Canada, Portugal, Italy, Norway, Denmark and Netherlands. It was deemed necessary to prevent Russia from taking control of Europe. The overriding mission stated that an attack on one would be considered an attack on all.
Major bases were located in France. West Germany was allowed to join in 1955. Dissention led France to gradually separate. A complete break occurred in 1966. All bases in France were closed, most of which were re-located to West Germany. By 1979 Tactical Nuclear missiles were installed capable of destroying Russian tank formations. They included GLCM and Pershing II missiles. East Germany was re-united with the West in 1990. An agreement with Russia mandated reductions in forces on both sides. NATO forces were not to be deployed in East Germany. NATO did so anyway.
With the end of the Cold War in 1991 NATO was extended into Eastern Bloc countries, one at a time which caused unease with Russia. France rejoined NATO in 1995 and attained full membership by 2009. In the ensuing years more Eastern nations have joined. A missile base scheduled for installation in Poland under President Bush was halted by President Obama lessening the threat of military action by Russia against Poland.

Where NATO is today

In June 2011 Secretary of Defense Gates scolded the members for not contributing their full effort in the bombing of Libya. He threatened that this could be the end of NATO. Only eight of the 28 member States contributed forces to the Libya campaign. They were America, England, Canada, Germany, Poland, Spain, Netherlands and Turkey. Gates was critical of Poland, Spain, Norway, Turkey and Germany. Norway is ending operations August 1, 2011. The British Navy has stated operations are not sustainable and the Danes have run out of bombs. How ridiculous is this. What it means to me is that NATO is a hollow shell militarily, only held together by the might and treasure from America. I have felt from the beginning that the Libya campaign was doomed to failure.
It is the same old story repeated decade after decade with halfhearted efforts not capable of finishing successfully. Can you remember the American Air Campaign against the Serbs in Kosovo? The Serbs were systematically driving Muslims out of the country, killing many in the process. This should have been up to Europe to intervene if they felt compelled to do so. Instead President Clinton took on the responsibility using only air forces similar to the current campaign in Libya. Serbia was not a threat to European nations and certainly not to America. The point I am trying to make is that this was a regional conflict of a minor nature that Europe was incapable of resolving without the might of America. The concern about the USSR had diminished with the breakup on the Soviet Union. Russia while still powerful in and of itself had diminished as a concern. In actual fact around this time Russia had requested being included in NATO. The request was not approved.
The mighty coalition that had been NATO was now a shell of what it once had been. This would have been the time to re-evaluate the Alliance towards cooperation economically while reducing the American presence which even today is by far the largest contingent of NATO.
As I write this I understand that there are other nations ready to sign on to become members of NATO. There obviously is a need felt to join with others for the mutual good. Economic alliances are almost always beneficial. My concern is that the thought of overwhelming military force to combat Russia or some other major power does not exist without America.
We, as a country, are so deep in debt we are approaching a critical point where we won’t be able to continue being the hero. Now would be a good time to re-evaluate, while the debate is raging in Washington concerning the deficit. They won’t of course, as any retrenchment will be considered soft on defense. The horrendous cost of the current three wars plus maintaining bases throughout the world will continue. Our leaders will continue to muddle along until that fateful day not too many years from now when the rubber band snaps and fiscal reality sets in forcing drastic measures on Americans such as the people of Greece are now going thru.

Jack B. Walters
June 30, 2011

TOO BIG TO FAIL - a book report

2011-06-27T15:14:00.000-07:00

By Andrew Ross Sorkin

I am always astounded after reading a book like this. The research involved and the time consumed appear monumental to me. I purchased the book and read it during my plane rides to visit family and friends. The author describes in incredible detail the events and conversations of the principal participants during the financial crisis of the Fall of 2008 which led to Congress approving $700 Billion in aid to the major financial institutions in what was referred to as TARP (Trouble Asset Relief Program).
This is not a book highly recommended to read except for people like me who seem to enjoy delving into issues. It is 555 pages of financial topics way over my head. I cannot even conceive of the magnitude of dollars involved.
The Cast of Characters is located at the beginning. It takes eight pages to list them all, a who’s who of those at or near the top of the largest Corporations in the world. During the book the incredible sums of money are disclosed, again in amounts unimaginable to people like me.
The root cause was the irresponsible bundling together of mortgages, millions of which were given to people without the means to pay, many without a down payment of any kind. The underlining reason was the idea that housing would always increase in value. In my opinion this was idiotic. When values started dropping in 2006, people started walking away from their homes when the market value became less than the mortgage. Also during these years, good paying jobs were lost. Mortgage payments could not be made. As all of this started accelerating, the losses to the financial institutions built to unsustainable levels. Out of concern investors demanded the return of their capital. The value of bank stocks plummeted. Before the carnage was stopped by TARP, Lehman Brothers went bankrupt and was put out of business. Others like Bear Sterns, Wachovia and Merrill lynch were absorbed by larger firms. AIG was so far gone that it took $185 Billion to keep them from failing before it was all over.
“Hank” Paulson was Secretary of the Treasury; Tim Geithner was President of the Federal Reserve System. These were the two most important persons responsible for rescuing the banks. As the drama unfolded they tried to have the institutions themselves solve the problem by supporting their competitors. When it became obvious that this could not be accomplished then they pushed for government money, referred to by people like me as “bailout”. TARP was originally meant to be used to purchase toxic assets. In the end all the major companies agreed to accept government funds while granting stock as collateral. The following was not in the book, but from sources available to me all loans have been paid back with interest. That would seem to give credit to those involved. My concern is that nothing substantial has been done to lessen the threat of another crisis. Legislation put forth has been watered down to where meaningful safeguards have not been enacted. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont introduced a bill entitled “Too Big to Fail, Too Big to Exist”. Senators Maria Cantrell of Washington and John McCain of Arizona introduced a bill to re-instate Glass-Steagall. Neither passed based on the argument that we would be less competitive in the global marketplace. There just has to be a way to keep foreign banks from absorbing American owned, while still putting safeguards into the system.
The last sentence states “This generation of Wall Street CEOs could be the ones to forfeit America’s trust. When the history of the Great Depression is written, they can be singled out as the bonus babies who were so shortsighted that they put the economy at risk and contributed to the destruction of their own companies”.

Jack B. Walters
June 27, 2011

Forest fire- letter to the editor

2011-06-07T16:11:00.000-07:00

Coronado Forest Closing

Because of fire hazards all activity has been banned, even including our own very special Sabino Canyon. While it may be true that careless campers were responsible for some of the fires what is basically true is that average citizens who venture forth to enjoy our spectacular forest scenery are respectful of the forests.
The reality is that Arizona citizens will obey the order and stay out not because of fines but because of concern. Those entering our State illegally whether looking for work or bringing in drugs will not pay heed to this order.
The article in the headlines only suggested this at the very end of the report as if it was merely a slight possibility. Wake up, this is the problem. The closure notice will not decrease the ongoing invasion.
There I said it. Sure be nice if the Star editorial staff would identify the real problem.

Jack B. Walters
June 7, 2011

Freedom from Fear- a book report

2011-06-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

The American people in Depression and War,
1929-1945
By David M. Kennedy

My friend Jim Terlep lent me this book to read as he knows my interest in history, particularly American history, 858 pages later I have finally completed reading. It is an outstanding effort. It is the most complete and thorough report of the circumstances and the people involved during those critical decades. It is so monumental that trying to report on any one aspect would not do justice to the author.
There have been many books written about FDR, some favorable and some negative. This author tried to expose the events and in particular the New Deal Legislation enacted as to whether positive or negative. Chapter 12 puts it all in perspective as to whether it was positive or not. In my opinion it was. People’s bank deposits were protected where before they had lost everything when the banks fell. The Glass-Steagall Banking act separated investing from commercial banks. (President Clinton allowed this to be repealed which started the banks on their reckless behavior with devastating consequences. To this date our current President and Congress have not seen fit to re-enact.). Social Security was created to provide funds necessary to help the elders to live decent lives. Unions were allowed to grow to provide security and improve the lot of workers. Child labor was abolished. Many roads, bridges, dams, hiking trails, clinics, and schools were built by Americans working for the CCC or WPA.
In all the history of America up until then the Federal Government was not a factor in the economy of the country. The States had the most power but even there the free market system had nearly total control. There were many factors at play which resulted in the Depression, mostly from overproduction of farms, the dust bowl and irresponsible speculation in the markets. Over half of America lived of small farms. When the prices for agriculture products fell the suffering began. President Hoover attempted to stabilize market prices with limited success. It was FDR’s New Deal that really got the Federal Government into the process of correcting imbalances when the market place proved inadequate to the challenge. Were there programs that failed, yes, but then again there were programs that worked. Most important of all was the positive effect of FDR’s communication with the people. In spite of their hardship they believed their President was doing all he possibly could to relieve their suffering.
Columnist Dorothy Thompson summed up FDR’s achievements in 1940 with these words, “WE have behind us eight terrible years of a crisis we have shared with all countries. Here we are, and our basic institutions are still intact, our people are relatively prosperous and most important of all, our society is relatively affectionate. No rift has been made an unbridgeable schism between us. The working classes are not clamoring for communism. No country is so well off”.
The author takes us step by step in the buildup to WWII. He is convinced that the Versailles Treaty written after WWI planted the seeds that resulted in the Second World War. In it Germany was made to accept full responsibility for the conflict and onerous reparations demanded to compensate the Allies for their costs. This created great hardship for the German people and created an atmosphere where a radical like Adolf Hitler could come to power. He brought them out of their Depression by ignoring the treaty and beginning his military buildup. The comment is made that had we rearmed as they did we could have risen out of the Depression faster than we did. Certainly the results of building the “Arsenal of Democracy”, the Depression was over.
There is a chapter on the buildup and the genius of American Industry leaders to switch overnight from peacetime manufacturing to military. Henry Ford and Henry Kaiser were in that group. Ford created a factory from the ground up to produce B-24s. He produced 18,000 B-24s in four years. At its peak a B-24 rolled off the line every sixty-three minutes. Kaiser built twenty-seven hundred Liberty Ships. By 1943 a ship was launched every forty-0ne days. These were remarkable achievements and were representative of all of American industry. By war’s end we had produced 5,777 merchant ships, 1,556 naval vessels, 299,293 aircraft, 634,569 jeeps, 88,410 tanks, 11,000 chain saws, 2,283,311 trucks, 6.5 million rifles and 40 billion bullets.
He takes us thru the war years capturing the important events including battles and leadership conferences. I will not attempt to list them. You should read for yourself. He is quite thorough.
See page 857 for his conclusion as follows;
An astounding fact is that the United States at the end of the war commanded fully half of the entire planet’s manufacturing capacity and generated more than half of the world’s electricity. America owned two-thirds of the world’s gold stocks and half of its monetary reserves. The United States produced two times more petroleum than the rest of the world combined; it had the world’s largest merchant fleet, a near monopoly on the emerging growth industries of aerospace and electronics, and, for a season at least, an absolute monopoly on the disquieting new technology of atomic power.
By wars end unemployment was negligible. In the ensuing quarter century the American economy would create twenty million new jobs. Within less than a generation the middle class more than doubled. By 1960 the middle class included almost two-thirds of all Americans. As he concludes, small wonder that Americans chose to think of it as the good war. It was a war that had brought them as far as imagination could reach, and beyond, from the ordeal of the Great Depression and had opened apparently infinite vistas to the future.

Jack B. Walters
June 3, 2011

A Counter Proposition- Letter to the editor

2011-05-20T22:03:00.000-07:00

President Obama is urging Israel to give up all the territory they acquired during the war in 1967 with Egypt, Jordan and Syria. This war was the third time Arab nations had attempted to eliminate the Jewish state. The forces were gathering. The United Nations Peacekeepers were told to leave. Shipping lanes critical for Israel’s survival were closed. In desperation all civilian men were recalled to active service and Israel attacked first. Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and the Sinai Peninsula as well as Jerusalem became a part of Israel. Later the Sinai was returned to Egypt but the rest were kept.
Anyone with an ounce of sense looking at the borders that existed before the war would recognize that the country was vulnerable to attack. Only the skill and determination of the Israeli citizens averted a tragedy. Don’t think for a moment that the Jews would not be slaughtered if overrun. Each war that has been thrust on them amounted to survival. Technology has advanced considerably since 1967. In my opinion a sudden strike would be devastating. As the nation suffered, I also believe I can state that the nations attacking would also be destroyed by the nuclear arsenal that Israel possesses.
Israel does not want this and therefore have rejected the proposition of President Obama. Israel will also never negotiate with terrorists as Hamas has proven to be over the decades.
I have a thought to share with our President. To show his sincerity I believe he should propose returning Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California back to Mexico. After all, these territories were taken from Mexico when they were considerably weaker than America. What is right for the goose should also be right for the gander, as the old saying goes.

A book report

2011-05-01T20:57:00.000-07:00

Eisenhower
Soldier and President
By: Stephen E. Ambrose

Stephen Ambrose has written many historical books. I consider him one of the best. When I was informed about this new book, I immediately purchased it, even though I have read other books on the life of Dwight Eisenhower. I was not disappointed. It did advance my knowledge and understanding of the great contributions to our country and the world of this special human being. Rather than my usual assessment of a book I have chosen to just let the author speak for himself.
“His greatest successes came in foreign policy, and the related area of national defense spending. By making peace in Korea, and avoiding war thereafter for the next seven and one-half years, and by holding down, almost single-handedly, the pace of the arms race, he achieved his major accomplishments. ----he rebuffed Symington and the Pentagon and the JCS and the AEC and the military-industrial complex. And no one knows how many lives he saved by ending the war in Korea and refusing to enter many others, despite a half-dozen and more unanimous recommendations that he go to war.”
In my opinion only Ike with his WWII record could have held back the war lovers. Any President without his credentials would have been considered soft.
He was adamant about the need to balance the budget and was successful in achieving that goal while Americans enjoyed prosperity as never before.
This is a very readable book, extremely interesting with many insights into his decision making process. His party expected him to reverse the 16 years of control by the other party but he took the best of both and formed alliances to assure the steady progress the country enjoyed. President Eisenhower is on my short list of the greatest Presidents in our history.

Jack B. Walters
April 30, 2011

Letter in support of a flat tax

2011-04-18T12:08:00.001-07:00

Representative Steve Court
Dear Sir,
This will be one of the few letters of support I assume, you will receive in regard to your Flat Tax proposal. I, of course, do not have the inside information to determine if 2.1% is the proper number, but I have long supported the concept. Just by taking the time to look at a tax form whether Federal or State should convince any serious person that they are riddled with a myriad of loopholes, all placed I am sure with the best of intentions to aid one group or another.
In the 80’s I accepted a position as Director of General Services for the State of Iowa. I tried to convince the Governor and the Director of revenue that the State tax should be simplified. I shared copies of my personal tax forms from the years I lived in Canada as a manager of a Firestone plant. Quite simply after figuring out your taxes owed there was a multiplier line near the end of the form to determine how much would go to the Province, or in our case State. It was different for each Province and subject to change as needed. The point is that this was not additional tax but a portion to go to the Province. No separate form was required. What I had proposed was to do the same in Iowa which could be done very simply by enclosing a copy of your Federal form and multiplying the State tax owed as you had proposed.
One benefit would be the immediate reduction in the staff of the Dept. of Revenue. Those people who now open and review the returns would no longer be needed. Any time State employees can be reduced should be welcome.
When Steve Forbes proposed a flat tax for the Federal government I was in favor. As I recall he had a threshold which would have exempted $35,000 or thereabouts. Even this year at the opening of Congress there was discussion about simplifying the tax code. There is only one word to describe the code and that is abominable.
While I like the idea that everyone pays some amount to be part of this great country. Maybe the only way you can succeed is to exempt the lowest income groups. If that is what it takes then I support.
It is interesting to me that the Democratic representatives are using this to blast the Republicans and no doubt will encourage throwing out members like you. It is so tragic to me that this must be continuous warfare. The editorial writers at the Arizona Daily Star have certainly labeled you and your colleagues. Reading the letters to the editor today must make them extremely happy.
My hope is that you do not walk away from this and thru education and other means strive to overcome the bad press.
One final thought, supposedly the richest among us would have their taxes reduced by large amounts. That I believe is a falsehood. Tax shelters abound of every conceivable kind to protect the earnings of the rich. Having a tax deduction for a half million dollar mortgage is one example. I don’t own a home. Many have paid off their mortgages, many others rent. There are no tax breaks for these people.

Good luck, don’t despair,

Jack B. Walters
March 30, 2011.

Government Shutdown Looms

2011-04-06T10:23:00.000-07:00

Neither party is serious about the deficit.
Here is a thought which so far has eluded them; the current cost of supporting the war in Afghanistan is $2 billion/week or $104 billion/ year. Add to that the cost of Iraq and Libya plus our permanent bases in the Middle East I am sure the above cost could be doubled or more.
In addition, military aid given too many countries out of money we don’t have but must borrow from China makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.
No politician has the courage or the good sense to suggest the above as they would be labeled weak on defense. What a joke. These adventures which cannot be funded are destroying the solvency of America. Who will come to aid us when our currency is worthless?

Jack B. Walters

Chinese leaders could not be happier

2011-03-27T09:17:00.000-07:00

Letter to the Editor
Every time we drop a guided bomb on a truck or tank in Libya they smile, knowing that is more wasted money being spent by America as we go further down the drain toward bankruptcy.
While Boehner and Reed huddle together trying to find agreement on which domestic program to cut the saga continues as we exhaust ourselves spending on our foolish wars in the Mid East. Case in point, in an article this morning we learn that there is an agency with 1,900 employees dedicated to finding solutions to prevent deaths from roadside bombs. They have spent nearly 17 billion to date with no results. The death and wounded numbers have increased from 270 in 2008 to 3,366 in 2010.
Here is a novel idea. Bring our people home from this cursed region. If we did that there would be no more deaths of our soldiers.

Jack B. Walters

New Deal or Raw Deal by Burton Folsom, Jr.-a book report

2011-03-26T12:14:00.000-07:00

The author is a professor of history at Hillsdale College. He is a highly respected historian. I was given a copy of this book and another entitled “The New Deal” which includes thoughts of eight authors including Professor Folsom.
The occasion was a visit to Tucson by Mrs. Ellen Donovan, the Executive Director of the Founders Campaign. I have been receiving the monthly copies of Hillsdale’s publication Imprimus since the mid 70’s. I was recovering from pneumonia at the time and a friend gave me a copy to read and enrolled my name on the mailing list. I enjoyed reading it and the hundreds of copies since. I was also invited to attend a two day seminar last year in Tucson. I admire the college’s commitment to excellence and in particular adhering to the principles as outlined in our Constitution and Bill of Rights. All students are required to take a course with this as the subject. To maintain integrity the college refuses all funds from the Federal Government. It is able to do so thru the contributions of like minded supporters. During our breakfast session I enjoyed our conversation. It was a good give and take. I was able to present my ideas and in fact gave Mrs. Donovan a copy of my latest book “Still Angry”. She later wrote that she enjoyed reading. Feeling full of myself I later mailed her copies of my first two books. I also took the occasion to continue contributing financially.
Realizing that Mr. Folsom’s book would be negative, I expressed that I would read them, but knew I would not enjoy it as FDR was my boyhood hero. I was 13 when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. He was our trusted leader. We had full confidence that under his leadership that we as a nation would prevail over our enemies. The record shows that this was true. I was too young to have knowledge of the “New Deal”, but remember chills would run up and down my spine as I listened to his “Fireside Chats”. His charisma and enthusiasm calmed the nation and galvanized all of us to work together in our common cause. Except for the too few years of John F. Kennedy’s presidency no other President has been able to create solidarity as did FDR. I even exclude President Reagan. He was a good leader but he did not create the same unity of purpose of Americans.
This book only briefly covered WWII. It was mostly about the 30’s starting with President Hoover and then FDR. It chronicles many programs which were not as effective as they should have been. I will not argue with the facts as presented. The conversations reported undoubtedly took place and the failure of some of his programs did occur.
In stating my comments I want to start by suggesting that Professor Folsom is younger than I and therefore whatever information he possessed to publish this book was garnered from other sources. It is immediately evident that for whatever reason he started this project with an intense dislike of FDR. He starts by pointing out that he came from a wealthy family, was an average student or athlete. FDR’s passion it seems was politics which started at an early age. The author makes the point that FDR was a liar and had a mistress and therefore unworthy of the office of President. My response is that FDR liked to use stories of made up people to drive home a point similar, if I may be so bold, as Jesus Christ did with his parables. Those were not true stories, they were meant to drive home a message. As to the mistress, I will not fill up these pages by listing the many other Presidents who transgressed in a similar vain. My position on this subject is that we are all earthly creatures with needs and wants that need to be fulfilled one way or another. In FDR’s situation his marriage was for convenience, not love, at least not of a physical kind. I judge a person, not by indiscretions, but by deeds. The ultimate answer rests on whether the world was a better place because of that person’s effort. In my opinion FDR certainly qualifies.
When he took office America was in a deep depression partly as a result of the extravagant policies of president Hoover. Of particular concern were the extremely high tariffs enacted the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. The direct result was retaliation from the other major countries. FDR campaigned against it. The author’s dissatisfaction with FDR was the length of time he took to lower tariffs. He tried a country by country approach which while effective was not done as quickly as it perhaps should have been.
There is a chapter of the favorable response from the news media as if they were not doing their job of assessing him critically enough. He mentions that they did not photograph him as the cripple he was nor did they expose his love affair. FDR believed he needed to be seen as a strong leader not one crippled from polio. My reaction to this is that there were unwritten rules of conduct in those days and respect. I find that far more preferable than today when every aspect of a leader’s life is exposed causing concern to citizens when they should only be concerned with leadership or lack thereof. I did not like reading that the Administration used licensing of air ways to reward or punish radio stations depending on their support or lack thereof. I was also disturbed that the various agencies such as WPA determined the disbursement of funds for political advantage. I know he wasn’t the first or the last to use his position to garner political support. The author admits this but justifies his criticism that FDR had more options than previous administrations. Politics is not pretty. All thru our history parties and politicians have taken every advantage to improve their chances. Gerrymandering voting districts is one example. To this day it is par for the course. It is the voter’s responsibility to understand and sort thru the rhetoric as they make their decisions.
Farm subsidies are listed as misguided. He does admit that support for agriculture started with Hoover. I think he should write a book about this subject alone and how it has continued for 70 years since FDR increasing year by year. What FDR was trying to do was spare the family farmer from the vagaries of adverse weather and market deviations. By setting support levels he hoped to aid them. My own grandfather was a successful dairy farmer who lost his farm when the banks collapsed and lived the rest of his days in poverty in a tarpaper shack. Today’s subsidies go mainly to the super rich like Ted Turner who owns hundreds of thousands of acres in New Mexico. Farm families can no longer compete with the mega farms. I have written many times that aid should be restricted to the family farm but the beat goes on regardless of which party is in control. One of FDR’s real successes was bringing electricity to the farms. It was not economically possible without government assistance.
I was particularly upset with his attack on Social Security. He points out that early on people who had only paid a short while received multiple windfalls. Ida Fuller paid in $24.75 and received over her lifetime $22,888.92. He is outraged. I say wonderful. This woman was given the opportunity to live out her years in dignity. When my father died he took his pension with him. My mothers’ only source of income was $350/month from Social Security. My sister and I aided as best we could but both of us had three children to raise making it difficult. Before Social Security old people had nothing of their own. Could it have been better designed, probably, but regardless it fills a need even today. The fact that it is in trouble is not FDR’s fault, it is every Administration and Congress since his time to make necessary corrections to keep it solvent. FDR also wanted health care for all. He didn’t accomplish it. The Obama solution is an abomination in my humble opinion.
I agree with the general proposition that lower tax rates are good for the economy. It leaves funds available for individuals to spend on other than basic needs and it provides funds for industry to purchase equipment to improve their profitability. Lowering business taxes also improves the situation in regard to foreign competition. During the war FDR tried to get Congress to tax all personal income over $25,000 at 100%. The Congress balked but did set it at 90%. $25,000 was a lot of money back then. FDR did not believe it was right to profit extravagantly while 12 million men were in uniform putting their lives on the line. Contrast that with today when CEO’s and other top officers of companies rake in millions every year while our boys are dying in Iraq and Afghanistan. That is what I call outrageous.
To prove his case that the New Deal was a failure he compares published unemployment statistics. The US was still at 19.8% in 1938. Guess what, Germany was at 2.1%. Looks like we would have been better off if we had started re-arming as Germany did.
FDR did not believe in relief without work except where absolutely necessary. That is why he promoted the WPA, CCC and other programs with the idea of providing useful work for those unemployed. I have hiked on trails and slept in shelters built at that time. Contrast that to today where millions have been receiving unemployment benefits of $300 or more per week to stay home. This is a continues program that is extended over and over to keep the funds flowing to people in their prime working years who could be contributing to our nation’s well-being.
He didn’t mention it but one of the greatest programs FDR got approved was the GI Bill of Rights. It enabled millions of veterans including myself to receive education to expand our opportunities. Together we transformed America.
In summation it comes down to this, within the framework of our Constitution, is it the responsibility of the Federal Government to take steps to correct problems or should it just sit by and let the markets run their course without stepping in to protect citizens? Just wait for the next war opportunity to do their thing. I say no. I also say that the government since Roosevelt has gone far overboard in asserting their authority such as Obama using the Commerce Clause to force citizens to purchase health insurance. It is now heading to the Supreme Court. Should they not find it un-constitutional then our great experiment in government will be over. The Dept of Energy was created in 1977 by President Carter to assure our independence in the field of energy. I understand it costs billions each year. You must know how successful that has been.
As I stated at the outset I knew I would be unhappy reading these books. It took awhile to accomplish as it was demoralizing to me. Roosevelt was my boyhood hero and even after reading these books I still feel the same. His philosophy was the same as mine during my leadership years. If there is a problem, gather together the best minds you can and brainstorm. When the best thought of solution is agreed to, assign it to staff with the knowledge and skill to enact. Should it not be the solution, then try again.
Did he make mistakes, certainly, as did I, but he kept searching for solutions? That is why the American people embraced him. He did his best. He was frustrated with the Supreme Court which kept him from enacting some of his programs which is why he foolishly tried to pack the Court. He lost a lot of support at that time. I will not condemn him for trying. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were our greatest presidents. John Fitzgerald Kennedy could have been the third but he was cut down before he could reach that level. All of them had personal problems but putting that aside they all strove for a better America and that is how I rate our leaders.

Jack B. Walters

NATO attack on Libya

2011-03-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

I wrote a letter the day the action started. You did not see fit to publish so I am trying again.

Letter to the Editor- Arizona Daily Star

The ultimate reason stated over and over is to prevent an imminent humanitarian crisis. I have a question what is the difference between Libya and Darfur? In Darfur millions were displaced from their homes by raiding bands of Muslim Arabs who wiped out Christian black villages killing and enslaving. The United Nations and NATO were reluctant to intervene when in my opinion a few drone aircraft blowing away a few of these groups might have stopped the massacre. There is only one answer I can think of, and that is “OIL”. Interfering in Yemen might have disrupted the flow of oil to China and the disruption of oil to Europe from Libya is causing problems there plus raising the cost worldwide. So there you have it, oil is the answer not humanitarianism.
Also noted is that the majority of Americans support bombing Libya, how sad.

Jack B. Walters

"Let me be clear"

2011-03-20T07:08:00.000-07:00

I am sick of hearing these words in every Obama speech.
I will echo it by saying “Let me be clear also”. He has just committed our Naval Forces to spend billions and risk lives in his effort to remove Gadhafi from power by aiding the “Rebels”. Who are the rebels? I will state the obvious. They are supporters of the “brotherhood”, which means they are dedicated to the installation of Sharia law in Libya and around the world.
Not a word of condemnation. It must be true that Americans revel in the dropping of bombs on targets without regard to who we might be targeting.
Supposedly NATO will also be involved. What a joke, it will be America doing the job as usual.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 19, 2011
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

THE FAHUD-a book report

2011-03-06T18:47:00.000-08:00

THE FARHUD
By Edwin Black

Roots of the Arab-Nazi Alliance in the Holocaust

About a month ago while flipping channels on a Saturday afternoon I caught a discussion on C-Span. Mr. Black was giving his book review. It immediately caught my attention. It turned out that there were survivors of the holocaust in the audience who shared their memories with the other attendees. I went to Amazon.com and ordered a copy. I read it slowly and thoroughly over a three week period of time. The contents were so brutal and savage that it was difficult to absorb too much at one sitting.
How could it be that for thousands of years people of the Jewish faith could be persecuted as they were and as they still are today? I found it ironic that Pope Benedict XVI just this week absolved the Jewish people of the guilt of crucifying Jesus Christ. He stated that only a few Temple leaders and a small group of supporters were primarily responsible for Christ’s crucifixion. Thru the centuries the Jewish people have been brutalized for this perceived sin. Had Popes taken that position centuries ago perhaps things might have been better for them.
This book primarily documents the cruelty of the Nazis and Muslims but I would be remiss if I didn’t include a little about Catholics. In 1492 the Jews of Spain were expelled for not converting to Christianity, about 200,000. During the Second World War the Croatia Catholics were without question the most sadistic of all time. The killing machine was called “The Ustacha”. Over 100,000 Jews and Gypsies were butchered. Even the commanding German General Edmond Glaise von Horstenau reported back to Berlin “...the Ustachas have gone raging mad”.
In his book “Mein Kampf” Adolf Hitler vilified all with a single drop of Jewish blood as being guilty and as soon as he assumed power he began the systematic removal of all Jews from Germany which culminated with the mass murder of over 6 million Jews. I found it worth reporting that the system installed to identify these victims was designed and engineered by IBM, including the Chairman Thomas J. Watson. They worked behind the scenes to bring Hitler’s promises to life with great velocity and precision. I would be remiss if I did not also condemn our very own Henry Ford who was violently anti Jewish. He published an article entitled “The International Jew and The Protocols of the Elders of Zion”. Hitler proclaimed Ford as “My Hero” and reproduced thousands of copies for distribution in Germany.
In the year 610 Mohammad experienced his first revelation. At first there was a kinship with the Jews. He brought Arabs to accept “one God”, the same God revered by the Jews and Christians. He sought to reinvent “God’s teachings” into his unique Arab spiritualism, based not on tolerance, but destruction or subjugation of any who would not convert to Islam and Allah. The proud Jews would not convert and starting in 624 Mohammed began his campaign to kill or convert the Jews. He gave no quarter. For instance when the Jews surrendered in Medina he assembled from 600 to 900 in the marketplace and beheaded them all, taking their women as slaves. And so it began and has continued for the centuries to follow. In book 041, Number 6985 it states “The last hour would not come unless the Muslims will fight against the Jews and the Muslims would kill them until the Jews would hide themselves behind a stone or a tree and a stone or tree would say; Muslim, or the servant of Allah, there is a Jew behind me; come and slay him.” (My thoughts, for President Obama to keep mouthing words to the effect that Islam is a religion of peace is a mockery of what recorded history has proved”.)
For 2,600 years Jews were imbedded in the Iraqi culture as a subordinated underclass known as dhimmi. This ended in a wild killing spree June 1-2, 1941. The title of this book comes from this incident. The Arabic word for violent dispossession is Farhud. The Jews did not consider themselves Zionists but Iraqi, but after the Fahhud occurred a mass exodus began since they realized they could no longer remain in Iraq. The homes and businesses had been identified and mobs began to swarm over the city slaughtering all Jews they could find. As an aside, British troops were stationed outside of the city limits but were not activated to intervene.
The Arab-Nazi Alliance chapter is the main subject of this book. It begins with the following statement; “Our hatred for the Jews dates from God’s condemnation of them for their persecution and rejection of Isa (Jesus Christ), and their subsequent rejection later of his chosen Prophet (Mohammad)… Verily the word of God teaches us, and we implicitly believe this…for a Muslim to kill a Jew…ensures him an immediate entry into Heaven and into the august presence of God Almighty. What more can a Muslim want in this hard world”?
Mufti Husseini of Jerusalem met with Adolf Hitler and pledged the support of Muslims everywhere to do their part in the extermination of Jews. He raised whole divisions trained by German officers for that purpose. This was mostly in Yugoslavia. By the end of the war very few Jews remained alive. It also occurred in North Africa. Hitler’s war against the Jews stopped in 1945 when Germany was defeated by the Allies but it continued unabated in the Mid East as Jews were targeted for persecution, expropriation and expulsion after the 1948 birth of the State of Israel. The Fahrud was not a beginning, not an ending. It may not even be at a midpoint.
This last sentence was the author’s book ending. I will conclude this review with my own thoughts. With the turmoil raging thru North Africa today, I am certain that as it runs it’s course the combined wrath of the Muslim Arabs will be directed to the accomplishment of” the final solution” by attacking Israel with the intent to eliminate the Jewish people from their part of the world. It has been documented that there are thousands of rockets placed in Lebanon, supplied by Iran. Some may have deadly tocsins as their payload. Hatred of Jews is imbedded within the Islamic faith to such a degree that I am convinced that Israel’s travail may begin within months if not weeks. With Obama as our President, Israel cannot expect that America will come to its rescue. They will fight to the end. Their days of being led quietly to slaughter are over. With their nuclear arsenal they will exact severe destruction but in the end they will lose all. After that the West will be further infiltrated by those of the Muslim faith, and in the end will lose the civilization that has been nurtured for centuries, as the goal of all nations being under Sharia law is accomplished. I probably will not be alive to witness nor would I wish to be. Good luck to the rest of you.

Jack B. Walters
March 6, 2011

Death Clouds-A Book Report

2011-01-31T16:31:00.000-08:00

Death Clouds
On
Mt. Baldy
By; Cathy Hubault

On a clear warm day November 16, 1958, six young scouts embarked on a hiking adventure to climb to the top of the tallest mountain in Southern Arizona called Old Baldy in the Santa Rita Mountain Range just South of Tucson. Three of the boys were having birthdays in November and thought this would be a perfect way to celebrate. They ranged in age from 11 to 16. This was not an officially sanctioned hike but the parents were told that it was. They were allowed to go. Others who wanted to join them were not allowed. Due to the tragic results there was more second guessing and blame spread around, none of which was of any use. Three of the boys died high up on the trail when the weather unexpectedly worsened in the early evening as they were climbing the last section, first with wind and rain and later with a heavy snowfall. Several feet fell on the mountain and six inches in Tucson which was enough to shut down the airport and make driving hazardous. Three of the younger ones gave up and returned to their base camp where they were found the next day and survived the ordeal. The other three were not found until several weeks passed after hundreds of hikers, scouts, ranchers and military personnel spent arduous days and nights trying to find and save them.
There is a permanent marker placed at Josephine Saddle near to where the bodies were found.
As an ardent hiker myself since arriving in Tucson I have climbed to the Saddle many times and on two occasions to the peak which is now named Mt. Wrightson. Every time seeing the memorial triggers conversation. Everyone it seems has a theory about it. At last month’s meeting of the Southern Arizona Hiking Club the featured speaker was Cathy Hufault. She was a young girl at the time. Her younger brother was one of those that survived. On the 50th anniversary a memorial service was held. One of the speakers was her older brother. She asked him to write a story. He declined but then persuaded her to do it. She agreed and spent countless hours searching for any who had taken part in the rescue attempt as well as family members and press. It is a riveting book with the day to day events explained as garnered from her research.
As she finished her talk she told us we would have to purchase a copy of her book to understand the facts of the last hours of these boys as they tried to save themselves. I bought the book. Now I know. You should buy your own and learn for yourselves.

Jack B. Walters
January 31, 2011

Uncle Tom's Cabin - A Book Report

2011-01-27T12:48:00.000-08:00

By; Harriet Beecher Stowe

In a way I feel foolish attempting to review a book as old as this one. I have known about it most of my life but until now had never read it. It was published in 1851. It began as a serial in a monthly publication but later in book form. It was startling in its effect on the citizens of America as well as Europe. Abraham Lincoln has been quoted upon meeting Mrs. Stowe, “So this is the little lady who made this big war”. It must be remembered that Europe had ended slavery many years before. Even in America the importation of slaves had been made illegal. Due to the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act, the North as well as the South was reminded that they were both responsible for the continuation of this most vile practice. She leaves no doubt on this subject as she skillfully weaves the lives of the characters into the story.
Much of what she wrote was reports of actual happenings. The net effect is in understanding the plight of the Negroes who had no recourse to their fate. We see the devastating effect of families pulled apart as they are sold to the highest bidder without thought to separating family members. We can understand that the owners were also under stress. There were compassionate owners as well as the brutal ones. The copy I just read was reprinted in 1981. It still included the ugly word “nigger”. I have read recently of school boards rewriting Tom Sawyer, I can only assume they have rewritten this book as well. In my opinion that is completely wrong. That word belongs in those books. That is how it was, to pretend otherwise is stupid in my opinion and shows a lack of credibility to suggest words such as this weren’t commonly used during those perilous times.
She skillfully weaved a tale using believable characters and in so doing made their plight understandable to the reader as to the depth of the suffering and pain. After years of slavery many were of mixed race but whether their skin was white or not they were still considered colored and kept in bondage. With few exceptions education was denied them. Many did become Christian. The hope of a better life in the next world was for many the only thought that was able to sustain them. Uncle Tom was completely committed to Jesus Christ and died in peace with his full acceptance of resurrection.
If you are like me and have not read this book I urge you to consider. Mine is available. I am sure it is in the Public Library as well.

Jack B. Walters
January 27, 2011

Here We Go Again

2011-01-25T07:28:00.000-08:00

Do any of you remember the case of the two beltway snipers in 2003? What should have been a slam duck case dragged out for months. It cost taxpayers millions and then of course there were appeals afterwards. They started their killing spree here in Tucson at the Fred Enke Golf Course.
Jared Lee Loughner has just pled not guilty. He did his dastardly deed in front of scores of witnesses. He was caught on Safeway’s video surveillance cameras. He deserves the death penalty but it will never happen as he will plead temporary insanity. After rehabilitation he will be released into the population to be free to do it again as the mood strikes him.
There were 250 FBI agents assigned to the case. There were instantly hundreds of local law enforcement and medical staff who responded. The stores were closed for a week while the crime scene was searched for clues. The President and many others flew in to attend the Memorial Service. Undoubtedly millions have already been spent. High paid lawyers will reap their financial rewards, all at tax payer expense. Is it any wonder our nation is on the brink of bankruptcy? This case will drag on week after week creating more headlines for our news media to exploit and costing millions.
The irony is that it was deemed too costly to assign a law enforcement officer to be on hand for Gifford’s event.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 25, 2011
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Actions Speak Louder Than Words-a letter to the editor

2011-01-17T07:48:00.000-08:00

At the memorial service there were many wonderful words spoken about the dead, wounded, hospital care givers, heroes and Arizonans in general. President Obama could not have done a better job, in my opinion, others may disagree. I voted for him but have been appalled at the agenda he has pushed since his election. The America I want is one where families are able to support themselves by their labor, not exist as wards of the state.
Now that the world has seen for themselves the type of people we really are, they should realize that we are not racist, hardnosed, uncaring. We have taken quite a beating since he became president. He has spoken to warn people from visiting because it is unsafe; he has turned the Attorney General loose to take our State to court over SB 1070, the employer sanction law and just recently our vote to ensure secret ballets for workers in union elections. He seems to be doing all he can to punish us for our alleged sins.
Real healing could begin if he called off the lawyers and allowed us to function as the citizens of this great State deem necessary. As strapped as our State is for funds we have been forced to spend millions defending our laws from Obama. So there you have it, like Reagan said to Gorbechev “tear down this wall”, I ask President Obama “to call off your dogs”.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 17, 2011
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Help- a book report

2011-01-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

By Kathryn Stockett

This is a novel that deems to tell the story of what it might have been like to be a black woman maid for a white family. The author lived in Mississippi during the 60’s which is the time period of the book. The 60’s were a turbulent period as the black people, particularly in the South, started to attempt to break out of the strict class segregation that was in effect with separate schools, wash rooms, libraries, stores, etc. Martin Luther King was the leader that made it visible. He strived for peaceful resolutions as opposed to violence. President Kennedy got involved more than previous presidents. It was Lyndon Johnson who finally enacted legislation to force change.
The story is about a young white girl who dreams of becoming a writer and decides to write down statements from maids and compile in book form their stories. It is compelling and you almost think the people are real and not fictional characters. This was given to me by my son at Christmas. He knows the serious books I normally read so from time to time he gives me something to break up my routine. The problem with that thought was how real life this felt to me, so in effect I continued with my serious reading.
Vinie, Andy’s wife read this as a member of her book club. It would be good for any book club.

Jack B. Walters
January 5, 2011

Family of Secrets-a book report

2011-01-05T13:00:00.000-08:00

By Russ Baker
The Bush Dynasty, America’s Invisible Government, and the hidden history of the last fifty years
This is another difficult book to read. To start with it contains 494 small print pages. It includes comments about many people who were not familiar to me nor will they be to you either. Trying to keep the names in mind as you are reading is very difficult. Since the book covers fifty years of history, events a long time ago which were not generally known added to my problem? Having said all the above, the sum total of the information presented is not favorable to the Bush family. It shows an obsession with money and power. Their network of friends includes the rich and famous, many of whom were granted favors without regard to the best interest of neither America nor the world in general.
The author even questions the heroism of George H. W. Bush when he bailed out during the war in the Pacific. Could he have saved the lives of his two crewmen by making a sea landing? He weaves in many suggestions about culpability in the death of President Kennedy. He proves that “poppy”, as he refers to the first Bush President, was in Dallas the night before the assassination and that a close friend had been an advisor to Oswald suggesting an involvement in the events leading to Kennedy’s death. He devotes many pages to give food for thought about many people in Dallas at the time that were filled with hatred towards the president.
All thru the book “poppy” is shown to have been involved with the CIA, not just when he became Director but many years before. He makes his case that the first Gulf war was for oil and no other reason. Saddam had been assured that invading Kuwait would not be objectionable to America, but when he did, President Bush immediately organized a coalition of nations including Arab nations to drive Iraq out of Kuwait.
Many years before the Bush family cultivated a friendship with the Saudi rulers who provided financial support for any number of the projects of benefit to the family.
Of particular interest to me was the life of George Bush. He lived the life of privilege. A party animal, he enjoyed drinking and womanizing and is accused of getting two women pregnant both of whom had abortions. That possibility was particularly heinous to me with his ranting about “Pro Life” during his years as President. As the son of a sitting president he was given financial support for a number of efforts such a acquiring the Texas Ranger Baseball team. I never gave this man credit for smarts but the author does. George was a great salesman who could convince many to invest in risky ventures.
During his years as President he was known for giving quick responses to issues rather than exploring in depth. He was quoted as saying that a president needed a war to accomplish his agenda. He was proved right. After 9/11 and his two wars the Congress gave him whatever he requested. As president he had a total disregard to the efficient operation of government agencies by staffing them with people opposed to the mandate of those agencies. Any and all who resisted were removed. The ineffectiveness of FEMA during Katrina was a glaring example of the result of his efforts.
The author believes that G. Bush was allowed to join the Texas Air National Guard thru the influence of “poppy”, ahead of many who were more qualified. This of course kept him out of Vietnam. After two years he mysteriously missed taking a mandatory physical necessary to continue flying and was taken out of flying service. He then somehow transferred to Alabama. No one seems to have ever seen him on base and his military records were conveniently lost. He was granted an honorable discharge somehow. The hypocrisy of all this was his campaign to discredit Senator Kerry’s patriotism while serving in Vietnam. Somehow with the help of the “Swift Boat” campaign, Kerry’s lead in the polls evaporated leading to victory for Bush.
There is much, much more. You need to read for yourself.
Jack B. Walters
January 5, 2011

Inside Job-a documentary film

2010-12-13T18:35:00.001-08:00

A documentary by Charles Ferguson is now playing at the Loft Theatre in Tucson. This theatre shows off beat films. I can only hope that it is showing in other theatres around the country so that some of you receiving this report may have the opportunity to see it for yourself. It is not new information but is put together in convincing fashion to enable the viewer to grasp the complexity of the upheaval in our financial institutions.
One of my articles in my last book was entitled “The Golden Age of America”. It covered the decades following the Second World War until the mid 70”s. I listed many issues leading to the good times coming to an end. I blamed the financial institutions and the mega-corporations for abandoning Americans as they strove for greater profits for themselves. This film clearly documents the demise of regulation in favor of self regulation which was supposed to happen but didn’t. It all started with President Reagan with his push for deregulation of banking, utilities, airlines, etc. All the following presidents added to the process up to and including President Obama. All thru his campaigning he talked about ending the greed of Wall St. but surrounded himself with those who were largely responsible for creating the problem. I will give him credit for knowing what needed to be done but in the end he caved in to his advisors and Congress. The bill passed was too weak to be effective. I am sure his current decision to extend the tax breaks for the very rich was due to pressure from those same advisors. One memorable statistic stated that the top 1% of Americans now owns 23% of GNP.
Both political parties are responsible which leaves us hanging as to what needs to be done. I am repeating myself from other messages I have sent out but I am convinced the politicians will continue to allow this pillaging to continue unless we find the will to resist forcibly.

Jack B. Walters
December 13, 2010

Never Surrender-a book report

2010-12-03T15:37:00.000-08:00

A soldier’s journey to the crossroads of faith and freedom
LTG (Ret.) William G. Boykin
Former commander of U.S. Army Special Forces and founding member of Delta Force
With Lynn Vincent

I had recently received an e-mail which contained a speech General Boykin had made recently. It was stirring, full of his religious beliefs and the threat facing our nation from radical Muslim terrorists. Many of you receiving a copy of this book report will recognize that this has been a subject of great interest to me ever since we discovered the great hatred that exists in the radical element of persons professing to be Muslim believers.
As the General describes his life journey, I was reminded of a recent book about Ronald Reagan. Both men had extremely religious mothers who nurtured their faith at an early stage sufficient to carry them thru life.
Most of the book follows his growth thru his Army service. It was interesting to find he was a member of the first Delta Force organized for hostage rescue and quick raids to capture enemies. I received a whole new perspective on the planned raid to rescue the 54 Americans held hostage by Iranians during Jimmy Carter’s presidency. The preparation on the part of Delta was thorough. The mission could have been successful except for the failure of the Navy helicopters to carry them to the Embassy in Tehran. A minimum of six were required. Only five were in good enough shape to fly so the mission was scrubbed. One of them on takeoff crashed into a plane carrying Delta force men creating havoc. I will let you read to learn more.
He was also on the raid to capture Noriega in Panama and was the commander in Somalia where he ordered the raid to capture enemies and disaster occurred with the loss of many good men. If you have seen the movie “Black Hawk Down” you will be interested in his perspective and how deeply the loss of so many good men impacted him.
His last four years of service to his country was in the Pentagon as Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence. It was during these last years that he started participating in giving speeches to Christian assemblies. He spoke as a devout Christian and his concern for the threat to America from radical Islamists. The news media took after him with a vengeance. How dare he do this while wearing his uniform? After extensive investigation he was exonerated but I am sure the conflict led to his decision to retire. He still speaks out today. I am one who supports him totally. Wake up America.

Jack B. Walters

American Conspiracies-a book report

2010-11-03T09:31:00.000-07:00

By Jesse Ventura

I learned about this book from an e-mail I received. It intrigued me enough to purchase. I have not been disappointed. A large portion of it was confirmation of information I had absorbed over time from books read or by other means.
My skepticism began about the time of the slaying of President Kennedy. His death profoundly affected me. As he was growing in stature as president Americans began to believe in themselves again. There was hope and optimism not only here but around the globe. When news came of his death I was working in Canada. My fellow employees were as devastated as I was. Tears were flowing. I was convinced then and I am still convinced that there was a conspiracy involved not just a lunatic loner.
President Kennedy was planning to reduce our advisors in Vietnam which would have restricted the growth of the military/ industrial alliance, former President Eisenhower warned the nation about. His brother Bob was putting the heat on the Mafia without the support of J. Edgar Hoover. The CIA was playing dirty tricks in Cuba including assassination attempts on the life of Fidel Castro, at the same time Kennedy was considering normalizing relations. He was beginning to take monetary control away from the Federal Reserve. In short there were multiple groups who wanted him out of the way. With his death the hopes and dreams died with him. This book implies a conspiracy and formulates how it may have occurred. The most devastating part is the alleged cover up perpetrated by the FBI and others in authority and the fallacy of the findings of the Warren Commission.
He covers other conspiracies starting with Abraham Lincoln. I was newly aware; as this was documented for me in a Lincoln book I had just finished reading. He covers the deaths of Robert Kennedy and suggests that the assassin was either drugged or the victim of brain washing and states that the number of bullets fired could not have come from the same weapon. Here again evidence was lost or destroyed.
He raises questions about the Jonestown Massacre which are intriguing.
There are 14 chapters in all. In the later ones he comes down hard on the elections of 2000 and 2004. He insists they were rigged and stolen by various means. I agree totally. It was unbelievable that the Supreme Court would bestow upon themselves the authority of declaring a candidate elected in the middle of the vote count. In 2004 exit polls declared Kerry winning easily in Ohio but the results were just the opposite. He claims the electronic voting machines were the reason. Whether it is true or not, I continue to support paper ballots as the only sure way to prevent fraud.
Those of us who continue to believe that the World Trade Centers could not possibly be brought down in ashes within minutes by the jet fuel of airplanes are considered hopeless. Most cannot believe that government could be involved. He brings to light many factors which are inconsistent with the report of the 9/11 Commission. A cover up is implied. He condemns corporate controlled media for swaying the public.
Chapter 13 is entitled “The Wall Street Conspiracy”. His condemnation of the fat cat financial gurus is right on the mark. They operated recklessly knowing full well the government would rescue them if things went wrong. He solidifies my thinking that all of Washington is in bed with these thieves and that our only hope as a free country is to vote all of these elites out of office. He and I condemn both parties equally. There is not much time left for us if this is not done.
The last chapter should be of concern. It covers the continuing loss of privacy of us all and the threat that poses on us continuing as a free people.
Whether you agree with him or not, should you take the time to read you will not be bored. Ventura’s book reminds me of Lee Iacocca’s book “Where have all the leaders gone”. Neither author is timid about naming names and placing blame. My copy is available for anyone who asks.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
November 2, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Green President

2010-10-20T08:49:00.000-07:00

I watched a commentary news program yesterday. The subject was green energy, which has always been important to me. The comment was made that Obama should be called the green president not the black president because of his strong commitment to green energy. They stressed the importance of wind and solar. Then they glossed over the fact that most of the jobs created to produce the materials necessary to accomplish were being manufactured in China.
I can remember during the campaign that often Obama would laud the ability of American workers and further it was assumed without question that green jobs would be created in America. I consider this a betrayal on his and Congress’s part of American workers. He and Geitner continue to talk tough with China about their unfair trade policies but don’t have the intestinal fortitude to take action. In the meantime they can find funds to fight obesity with their gift of $15 million to Pima County. Whoopee.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
October 20, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

In Black & White - a book report

2010-10-07T13:10:00.000-07:00

Setting the Record Straight
American History
In Black & White
By David Barton

I was informed about this book and immediately ordered a copy from Amazon.com. It is only 138 pages long but is chock full of information some of which I was well aware and others that even though occurring in my life time I had forgotten or just never realized how bad it was.
Having just finished reading a book about President Lincoln and the Civil War I was cognizant of the situation during those years but the years following I had never studied
Until the years following WWII the Democratic Party was dedicated to keeping the black people in America in their place.
The Republican Party was created by people who were opposed to slavery. Lincoln became their first President.
Some people have claimed that the Constitution was a racist document. The author disputes that and I concur with him. The reason stated is that black men were counted as 3/5 of a person. The reason was that the Southern States wanted to count them to increase the number of representatives they would have in the Congress. The compromise reached was 3/5. It recognized the reality of slavery at the time we were breaking off the yoke of England. It was not the time to try to eliminate slavery. That would have to wait for another time. It is indisputable that the Democratic Party both North and South supported slavery. The Civil War was fought because of their insistence that slavery be extended into the new States being created in the Western part of the Continent.
Following the Civil War the Southern States were ordered to change their Constitutions prohibiting slavery. This they did. For a few years blacks voted and became legislators in these States but as time went on the Southern Democratic Party removed some of the protections afforded the blacks and began to systematically harass and did all manner of things to keep them from voting in addition to segregating education, housing, eating establishments, etc. They were kept as virtual slaves for over 80 years following the XIII and the XIV Amendments to the Constitution in 1865 and 1868. Not one Democrat voted in favor of the XIV Amendment.
In 1893 Grover Cleveland Alexander was elected President. He was a Democrat and the majority of the House and Senate were Democrats. It was then that the Congress started turning back the clock on rights and actually attempted to repeal the XIII and XIV Amendments in 1900. There were enough Republicans to prevent that from occurring. Think about what I just wrote, Democrats wanted to re-institute slavery in 1900. That is just 110 years ago.
During the decades after the Civil War blacks were controlled not only by legislatures and law enforcement but also by the KKK. The author contends the KKK was synonymous with the Democratic Party.
FDR was the first Democrat to want to do something for the blacks but had his hands full with WWII. His wife Eleanor did resign from the DAR when they refused to allow Marion Anderson to sing at their annual convention. Truman did take action. He desegregated the military. He attempted to pass civil rights legislation which caused the Southern Democrats to break away and form the Dixiecrat Party. President Eisenhower tried to pass civil rights bills and faced stiff opposition from Democrats. It wasn’t until Kennedy that a Democratic President took action to integrate schools and after his death Lyndon Johnson was able to get Kennedy’s Civil Rights programs enacted into law.
He doesn’t explain how in recent years the black voters have turned to the Democratic Party to sustain them. Perhaps it is the never ending give away programs which while giving support at the same time create dependency whereas the Republicans want people to work and sustain themselves without government handouts. I just wonder if keeping them poor, ignorant and dependent is the new age strategy of the Democratic Party.
If you want to be better informed about our history I highly recommend reading this book.

Jack B. Walters
October 7, 2010

Team of Rivals - A book report

2010-10-04T20:47:00.000-07:00

The Political Genius of Lincoln
By Doris Kearns Goodwin

This book is another interesting approach to understanding our greatest president; Abraham Lincoln. I have read many books on his life. They usually approach the subject from different vantages. This one reviews the lives of the members of Lincoln’s cabinet leading to being appointed to his cabinet. Three of them were in the running for president against Lincoln. He chose them as he considered them to be the most capable men available and wanted their advice as he led our country thru its most perilous period.
It has 754 pages of reading, much of which requires concentration to keep the various people in the proper order since many names are made a part of this history book. It is an excellent work that required years of diligent research to compile. I am going to take a Lincoln break now even though I find his life and thinking of outstanding value.
It is available at the Tucson Public Library.

Jack B. Walters
October 4, 2010

Why I am Confused

2010-10-03T21:39:00.000-07:00

In today’s Arizona Daily Star (10/3/2010) there was a recap of votes taken in Congress last week.
The House voted 348 to 79 in favor of enacting trade penalties on China (HR2378). In Arizona, Democrats were in favor and Republicans against. I have promoted this for seven years now. This vote is meaningless without the Senate also voting and the President signing into law. So now we hold our breath awaiting their return after the elections. Based on this with more Republicans in the Senate it probably won’t occur anyway. Since it has been so obvious for so long that China was not playing fair why did it take until now for the House Democrats to take action? Even if the Senate had voted in favor I doubt the President would have signed the bill.
On a different bill the Senate voted 53 for and 45 against a bill (S3816) which would have rewarded companies repatriating jobs back to America and penalizing the reverse. It did not pass as 60 votes were required. Guess what McCain and Kyl both voted against. These guys are supposed to care about American jobs. This is what they do to show their concern. They keep mouthing platitudes but when the rubber hits the road they take a powder.
Somebody please explain this to me with all the talk about great Republican victories. No one is as upset as I am with the Democratic Party but as the above shows I have no respect for the Republicans either.

Jack B. Walters
October 3, 2010

The Candy Bombers - a book report

2010-09-25T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Untold Story of the Berlin Airlift and America’s Finest Hour
By Andrei Cherny

This is truly a beautiful story. I knew something about it from reading the life story of General Lemay who was in charge of the Air Force in Europe at the beginning. I was a young GI serving in Japan while it occurred. I guess we were preoccupied with our own sphere of concern to understand what was happening in Germany. This fine book filled in the gaps for me and I will guess would for you as well. This would be particularly true for those too young to have been around at that time. I highly recommend reading by anyone interested in history and in particular American history.
It begins with the joyous meeting of Russian and American soldiers at the Elbe River. This is where our forces were ordered by General Eisenhower to stop. He saw no good reason to lose more lives fighting for Berlin since the war was essentially won. The book reports that the Russians lost 350,000 men taking Berlin. That is a larger number than the West lost in the European war to date. That was a wise decision.
The Russians were brutal in their revenge; looting, raping and killing citizens of the city. The partition of Germany into four zones; Russian, English, French and American also included the city of Berlin. Each country shared in administering. As the years advanced from 1945 to 1948 animosity built between Russia and the Allies. Russia lowered the Iron Curtain over the countries to the west of Russia and was on a mission to make all Europe Communist States. They refused to co-operate on issues large or small. During these years hatred of Germans was shared by all parties. The hardships they were suffering were what were owed to them after the devastation they had brought to Europe.
In March 1948 President Truman asked the Congress for prompt passage of the Marshall Plan to save Europe. This was not acceptable to Premier Stalin. Berlin was located deep in the Russian Zone. It was supplied by narrow corridors for planes, trains and trucks. On April 1, 1948 all routes into the city were blocked except air. Air became the only way to supply the Allied Forces and the two and one quarter million citizens. An airlift was immediately started. No one had any faith it would be able to sustain a population that large. All of Truman’s advisors recommended pulling out our troops and giving the city to Russia. Truman held firm. He said “We will not leave Berlin”. The Chief of Staffs refused to send additional aircraft. They were overruled by Truman.
The Airlift was haphazard at best until General William Tunner arrived. Under his leadership it became a well oiled machine with planes landing every three minutes night and day. One of the pilots was Hal Halvorsen. On one of his trips he wandered over to where German children were standing watching the planes coming in. He reached in his pocket and broke two pieces of gum and handed it thru the fence. He immediately got the idea of dropping candy with handkerchiefs as parachutes. He was able to communicate his intention. He told them to watch a plane that wiggled its wings. He did that and continued whenever he could get rations.
To make a long story short, let me just say that this small act of kindness mushroomed into a complete change between the citizens and our forces. They endured hardships thru that winter but held out in their resolve to be free. On May 1, 1949 the Russians opened the corridors and normalcy returned. American citizens were absorbed in the drama. It is suggested that President Truman was elected for a large part because of “Operation Candy Bombers”.
I found this book at the Tucson Public Library.

Jack B. Walters
September 22, 2010

Teach our children the Constitution and the Bill of Rights

2010-09-25T11:24:00.000-07:00

(Letter to the editor of the Arizona Daily Star)
I feel compelled to write in response to your lengthy editorial in today’s Star entitled “Ethnic-studies defense group must be open”. I support your insistence that the Ethics Group clean up their act. Have any of your reporters checked into where the funding is coming from? If you did I am convinced you would realize that it is being supported by the organizations that were responsible for the Legislature passing House Bill 2281 in the first place. Check the La Raza web site as a good place to start.
Teaching Hispanic youths that the white founders of our country were evil and that white people today wish to hold them down is completely wrong. Whether America was wrong about taking the territory of New Mexico, Arizona and Southern California from Mexico is of no interest. There was a war and that was the result. The home is where families can discuss their heritage, not the schools. That goes for the children of all immigrant families whatever their race or creed.
What should be taught to all students before they reach High School is a full year curriculum about our Constitution and the men and women who placed their lives on the line to give us today the freedoms we still enjoy? That the men who wrote the words were white and wore powdered wigs does not detract from the fact that they forged the greatest government doctrine of all time, a doctrine some, I fear; believe to be outmoded and needing correction. Should it need to be improved there is a Constitutional process to accomplish that change.
I will be thankful should you be able to assure me that what I propose is already happening. Since my children have long ago attended High School I do not have information from them. I am convinced however from the attitude of students showing disrespect to speakers who do not mouth the words they want to hear, that the Constitution is not a part of all students curriculum.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
September 22, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Grand Jihad-a book report

2010-09-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

How Islam and the Left Sabotage America
By Andrew C. McCarthy

I don’t even know where to begin in reviewing this powerful book. Mr. McCarthy is another brave person who is willing to stand up and be counted. In my searching for answers over the past nine years I have read many books to try to grasp what is happening in the world and in particular America. This book in its entirety conforms to the knowledge previously gained. It is always amazing to me that writers like Mr. McCarthy can compile so much information and then share it so the reader can understand it as well.
I highly recommend reading. I found it on Amazon.com. All who seriously consider that they are patriots must learn the truth of what is happening in the world and especially in America.
There are several chapters devoted to our current president. This book asserts that he is deliberately and systematically abetting the Muslim community in their stated goal of transforming our Constitution by replacing it with Sharia law. Obama has stated over and over that America will never be at war with Islam, conveniently refusing to accept that Islam is and has been at war with America for decades. Obama has allowed these people to be infiltrated in his administration but also throughout the legal system including the Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security, the Courts and the FBI. He has ordered all agencies including the military to purge all words that might suggest the Muslim community is perpetrating acts against us. Words like; Islamic terrorists, Muslim terrorists, jihad, war, long war, global war on terror. War is now referred to as “Overseas Contingency Operation”. Enemy combatants held at Guantanamo are simply referred as “individuals currently detained at Guantanamo Bay”. Islam is never to be uttered in conjunction with terror. Those guilty are instead referred to as “violent extremists”.
Under Islam, blasphemy is a capital offense. Anyone found guilty is to be put to death. Had the Florida Pastor burned copies of the Koran as he boasted he would do, not only would a call be put out to kill him but in my opinion the entire Muslim world would have exploded with thousands or more lives taken. There is no tolerance. How many examples do you need to hear about before you become convinced? Author Jytte Klausen wrote a scholarly book on the Danish cartoon controversy. It was to be published by the Yale University Press. It was only done after purging the guts out of the book making it meaningless. The same thing occurred to two writers in Canada, Ezra Levant and Mark Steyn. Steyn’s book was entitled “America Alone”. Levant’s was “Shakedown”, about Canada’s human rights racket. In England the Cambridge University Press apologized for publishing an academic book called “Alms for Jihad”. They agreed to pay damages, retrieve the books and pulp any unsold copies. A Dutch Parliamentarian after the famous cartoon drama studied the Koran and made a 15 minute film called Fitna. It recites faithfully the exhortations to violence such as Sura 9:5 that “when the sacred months have past,” Muslims must “slay the idolaters wherever you find them”. He was found guilty by the Amsterdam Court of Appeals for inciting hatred. Suspected al Qaeda members are welcomed in the British Parliament. Just in today’s Arizona Daily Star (9/17/2010) was a very small article about a cartoonist in Seattle. Her name is Molly Norris. She had written a satirical piece called “Everybody Draw Mohammed Day”. She has gone into hiding on the advice of the FBI, told to change her name and wipe away her identity. DO YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I JUST WROTE? WE ARE TALKING ABOUT AMERICA. If I were in charge I would order the FBI to track down those who have threatened her life. It won’t happen while Obama is president.
There is a complete chapter about the Enclave in Minnesota. It is a precursor of what is happening all over America including right here in Tucson. Islamicization is seeping into the classrooms where a study has been introduced called “Islam in the Classroom”. The content purports how peaceful and loving the religion is. There were enough Muslims to elect a member of Congress, Keith Ellison. This is where it gets scary, the melding together of Islam and the Left. The community supported Al Franken in his successful campaign for the US Senate. Muslims find comfort and support from the Democratic Party. I wonder if the Tea Party folks are aware of this. If so, I have not heard any statements showing that they are now on the side of the angels in striving to maintain America as the founding fathers gave it to us. Perhaps a copy of this report will reach one of them and a fire gets started.
Islam is totalitarian in its designs. It would usurp almost all of what, in American society, is the secular space controlled by free people governing themselves in accordance with their own desires, under no obligation to heed any creed. This would not be possible under Sharia law. There you are either Muslim and live according to the tenants or you are dhimmis, second class citizens forced to pay tribute to your masters.
Not all Muslims share the goal of converting the world. He estimates a third are content as we are to live and work in a free society enjoying the fruits of their labor and living with neighbors who may share the faith or not. The other two thirds are divided between the violent ones who want to force the issue. There are the al Qaeda types who strap bombs to their bodies, fly planes into buildings, etc. Then there are those who are patient and are willing to devote the time and effort to conquer by infiltrating and weakening the people until their goal is reached which is the same as the violent ones.
My conclusion after absorbing the contents of this book and others I have read recently like The Muslim Anti-Christ is that the elections this November are vital. I will swallow my pride and support Republican candidates as I want Obama’s presidency to weaken to where the damage he can commit is lessened. I believe he is guilty of treason and should be impeached. Many, if not all of you, will disagree with this strong statement. If I am wrong then give me your suggested books or other information for me to read which might prove me wrong. I don’t think that is possible.

Jack B. Walters
September 17, 2010

Lincoln

2010-09-05T20:36:00.000-07:00

President-Elect
By Harold Holzer

I found this book at the Public Library. I am not going to recommend reading except for those who can absorb great detail. It is nearly 500 pages covering almost daily events between the times Lincoln was elected until his swearing in ceremony, November 6, 1860 to March 4, 1861. Much of it has to do with the endless petitioning for patronage jobs. The author introduces thousands of names I found difficult to keep track of.
Nearly four full months elapsed before he could take control. Had the process been shortened as it is today, perhaps the secession of the Southern States might have been avoided. The current President James Buchanan could not or would not take decisive action. One by one the States declared their independence from the Union. Before he was sworn in Jefferson Davis had already been elected as the President of the Confederacy.
Lincoln worked tirelessly perfecting his inaugural address hoping he could persuade the South to re-enter the Union, to no avail. In it he agreed to uphold their right to slavery and also pledged to enforce the return slave policy which had been enacted by the current Congress. The only point he would not accept was allowing slavery in States yet to be admitted into the Union. By this time the Congress had also outlawed bringing more slaves to America. Lincoln’s theory was that if contained in the original States that over time it would end of its own accord.
I can only ponder what might have happened had they accepted his terms; might slavery still be in effect today?

Jack B. Walters
September 5, 2010

Muslim structure near ground zero

2010-08-27T07:22:00.000-07:00

( letter to the editor 8/27/2010)

This is another attempt to get the attention of the editorial staff of the Arizona Daily Star about the opposition to the one hundred million dollar Muslim structure planned to be constructed near the place that used to be the World Trade Center.
It is my belief that it is an affront to all Americans or should I exclude those high and mighty all knowing who consider us bigots, racists, etc. I leave it to you to add other negative traits showing our ignorance and backwardness.
Since these people probably won’t even notice I will now report on the article in today’s Star from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It seems a supermarket had hired eleven women as clerks. Under pressure from strict religious groups the women were discharged.
When will the women of America start to speak up in defense of women all over the world who are demeaned on a continuing basis whenever Muslims are in the majority and Sharia law is enforced? A good friend who is female wrote to me and said American women would never stand for it. I replied that when that time arrived she would not have a voice in the decision.

A wake up call for America

2010-08-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

I am grateful that the Islamic leadership has chosen to shove our precious commitment to religious freedom down our throats. What they have done is bring out into the open their program to take over America without dropping bombs. They are using our Constitution to further their aims. They have been exceedingly successful throughout most of the world including Europe. Shariah courts are allowed to function in England right now.
The number quoted to erect this Mosque is $100,000,000. I don’t know about you but that is a large sum to me. I feel proud to drop a twenty dollar bill in the collection plate on Sunday morning. Where is the investigation journalist to dig in to find out who is supplying these funds? I would venture to guess it is Saudi Arabia. It is well documented that they contribute large amounts providing Islamic education in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are called Wahhabi madrassa and are a conservative fundamentalist offshoot of Sunni Islam and the official religion of Saudi Arabia’s rulers.
In today’s Star there was an article about the stoning to death of a young couple in Afghanistan found guilty of adultery by Muslim Taliban militants. It is considered legal punishment in Iran. If you follow the news you should be aware that a young woman was sentenced to die in this manner recently. It has been postponed due to condemnation from outside Iran but her fate is still in their hands.
Our so called leaders including the President and the Mayor of N.Y. are spouting religious freedom garbage. They should instead condemn this sacrilege. It boggles the mind to think that they want to build this structure at ground zero of the dastardly attack on the World Trade Center by Islamic terrorists. People like to refer to them as extremists. I think not. Just check out the atrocities others have committed over the last decade all around the world.
Again I say thanks for the wake up call. The question is will it be heeded by those in leadership positions.

After Empire by Dilip Hiro-a book report

2010-08-14T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Birth of a Multipolar World
Whenever I see a title like this I can’t resist reading. I wrote an article dated June 9, 2005 entitled American Empire by Andrew Bacevich. In it I referred to two others, After the Empire by Emmanuel Todd and The Sorrows of Empire by Chalmers Johnson. The article summed up my conclusions of all three books. This was included in My Last Angry Man book. I just recently wrote a review of The Post-American World by Fareed Zakara dated 7/19/2010. I had sent this to you by e-mail and also placed it in my blog, http://jackbwalters.blogspot.com.
This book I am reviewing was published in 2010. It takes the theme from the earlier ones and brings us up to date on where we stand as a nation at this time in his estimation. His conclusion mirrors Zakara’s book which was published in 2009. Much of the earlier predictions have been proven true. Having lived through the decades where we became the strongest and best nation in my time on earth, it continues to sadden me that the decline is accelerating with a total lack of understanding by our elected leaders on what is needed to reverse the downward spiral. I am convinced it doesn’t have to be this way. We need to recognize that we cannot go it alone in the years to come and we must accept that dropping bombs and sending our carrier fleets to trouble spots around the globe will no longer be acceptable to the rest of the world nor with our own people.
The tragic preemptive wars started by George W. Bush have done the greatest harm to our standing in the world. The loss of lives of our servicemen together with the lives of Iraqis and Afghans and squandering over one trillion dollars has hurt us greatly. While all of this was taking place President Bush gave away billions in tax breaks mainly benefiting the richest among us. We as a people were not asked to shoulder the financial burden, just go out and spend to keep the economy moving and leave the fighting and dying to others. At the time I felt this was disgraceful. Now that President Obama echoes this thought I haven’t changed my mind.
Before I start with the review I just have to share information on page 45. He reports that a team of American experts calculated the IQs of the U.S. presidents since George Washington using a complex process. They found that George W. Bush scored poorly on “openness to experience, cognitive proclivity that encompasses unusual receptiveness to aesthetics, actions, ideas and values”, a factor closely associated with intelligence. Compared to Bill Clinton (182), John F. Kennedy (182), Abraham Lincoln (195) and Thomas Jefferson (199), Bush’s score was zero.
If you took the time to read my Last Angry book will know my low opinion of him. He was a disaster for America and the world. How he got thru college is beyond my ability to comprehend.
There is so much I should report but the enormity of it all prevents me from condensing the book content into sound bites that might spur you to read. The sum total of it all is that America continues to extend itself militarily throughout the world and exhausting itself financially by going deeper and deeper into debt. The rubber band can only stretch so far and then it will snap. Our perceived enemies need only to wait us out while they grow stronger.
Communism is defunct now replaced by pseudo capitalistic systems that mirror capitalism but remain managed under tight control. It appears to be effective. Countries like Russia, China and India have been increasing their GDP by healthy percentages on an annual basis improving the lives of their citizens while America has floundered with stagnant growth, increasing joblessness and decline in the standard of living we had enjoyed for decades. These countries while allowing some freedom still keep a tight lid to prevent the excesses that are rampant in America as seen by the financial meltdown that has still not run its course.
Our political system has deteriorated into warfare between the major parties. Billions are spent annually swaying the voters which in the end changes nothing. No candidate has the courage to take controversial positions if not wanting to seem radical. Staying the course is the most radical position they should take. With Corporations free to spend all they wish I see no hope of getting sanity and honesty back into the system.
In his epilogue chapter he says, “By strictly regulating the appreciation of the Yuan against the dollar, China continues to sell its products at prices lower than those of American-made products”. He also states, “That China and Russia will prevent the United Nations from authorizing military action against Iran, no matter what it does with its nuclear program”. This means we go alone or with a few allies. A multi-polar world is taking shape. His last sentence is, “That marks the end of the American Empire”.

Jack B. Walters
August 14, 2010

Abraham Lincoln - a book report

2010-08-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Abraham Lincoln
A man of
Faith and Courage
By Joe Wheeler

I don’t know about you but I can never get enough reading about the life of Abraham Lincoln. This particular book is very positive in all respects. It emphasizes his deep religious beliefs and the gentleness of his character. Appendix Two and Three are stories of kindness and concern in separate instances involving children. In addition, throughout the book, there are many references to his honesty and compassion. There can be little doubt that he deserves to be recognized as the greatest of all our presidents.
He learned to hate the slavery of blacks early in his life by witnessing the cruelty of those in power over the slaves. He vowed to do whatever he could to remove this curse from America. He alone deserves the recognition that it was accomplished. During the critical debates with Stephen Douglas he made this the central theme of his campaign. When he was announced as the President-elect the Southern States seceded from the Union. Prior to his taking office Washington was nearly taken over. In fact on his way to Washington there were attempts made on his life.
The early days were fraught with impending disaster. There were many instances where he could have perished but he lived on to see his dream realized a United States of America without slavery. There has never been a man elected President from such a low estate. He thanked profusely his second mother for providing opportunities to learn to read against his father’s will. His father thought learning anything other than the basics to survive was wasted effort. Thru hard physical labor Abraham developed into a very strong man. A number of times his strength was necessary for survival.
The overriding theme of this book is the strong faith that he relied on during the darkest days. He did not hide it. Many of his speeches and writings included references to God and his purpose for mankind.
In today’s world our leader has asserted that we were never a Christian nation and has gone out of his way to prove his conviction. Where, oh where, is our Abe Lincoln when he is so desperately needed not just for America but for the world.

You can ignore my last paragraph. I do recommend reading this book.

The Overton Window by Glenn Beck

2010-07-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know how you feel about Glenn Beck. I can take him sometimes and others I can’t. I believe he stretches the truth to make his points. At any rate I found this book at the public library and said to myself, oh well, why not.
He weaves his general philosophy of government into a “thriller”. That is how he described it. It pits the ever decreasing minority of patriots against the powers that are in control. The time is not too far in the future. Those in power are getting anxious to garner complete control over the masses who they believe will give up all pretense of being a government of the people. All that is needed is a 9/11 incident, only one more deadly, then out of fear whatever freedom still remains will be surrendered.
It is conceivable for me as I believe the mega corporations already have us under their thumb. With the vast resources available they can sway the people out of fear to vote for the candidates most beholden to them. I can see the time when they tire of the game and go for the whole enchilada.
He weaves many facts into his story and at the end provides access to web sites to learn more. This book is just presenting his views in a more casual manner.

Jack B. Walters
July 28, 2010

Engaging the Muslim world by Juan Cole

2010-07-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

There can be little doubt that Mr. Cole possesses a great deal of knowledge about the Middle Eastern countries including history. The purpose of his book, in my opinion, is to convince the readers that they have nothing to fear as far as Muslims are concerned.
His hatred of all things Jewish offended me the most. I readily admit that Israel together with the backing of America has pushed their weight around in their desire to provide a homeland for all of the Jewish persuasion. Jews from around the globe have migrated here as a refuge from discrimination and persecution everywhere but particularly in the Muslim world. They have successfully defended their country many times since being created in 1947. They must win or it is all over for them. This I firmly believe.
Mr. Cole, in the first chapter spells out the truth of America and England interfering in their lands in the quest for domination over their petroleum resources. These facts are well documented. I firmly believe that the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan are following the same script.
His other premise is that Muslims just want to be left in peace. He did not convince me. To be honest, I am too far gone to be persuaded that their goal is not domination of all countries on earth. If they are as peaceful as he claims why is it you can be jailed for possessing a Bible, can be killed if you convert to Christianity, why do their text books tell the students that infidels must be destroyed or made subservient to their leaders?
As I stated at the beginning Mr. Cole knows his subject. You could learn a lot about this issue by reading as long as you just add this to the information
you already possess.
I want to end by quoting a comment from his Conclusion Chapter. It is on page 245, first paragraph, “If they (the Palestinians) cannot have a state of their own, then Israel will have to grant them citizenship. With one and one half million living in Israel as citizens today, this has been my personal conviction for many years. I have recommended adding small sections one at a time to allow them to be assimilated and then add more. He and I agree totally on this point.
I found this book at the public library.

Jack B. Walters
July 28, 2010

THE POST-AMERICAN WORLD by Fareed Zakara

2010-07-20T13:14:00.000-07:00

I bought this book expecting the worse and was proven wrong. The author includes many instances over hundreds of years in his attempt to assume the factors leading to the rise and fall of nations.
His conclusion is not that America will decline in stature but that the rest of the world is improving to where our influence will not be as great over the next decades as it has been since the late 1800’s.
Without checking I will grant that his history of the world is accurate. I found no glaring errors from my limited knowledge. He points out that America’s strength is in the innovation and determination of our citizens and that our weakness is our political system as it has evolved to where the two parties continuously parley for dominance without working together to resolve issues. I certainly agree with this. I have written many times how money distorts the election process.
He is firmly convinced that our military is very strong, far superior to other nations but that even so our enemies today and in the future will not be daunted by this power as it will be impossible to use it for fear of harming civilians. I agree with this also. Sending a million dollar missile to blow up a vehicle isn’t cost effective from my point of view. Part of the reason we are going deeper and deeper into debt is to support thousands of bases throughout the world. No other country does this. Even if this gives us an advantage to move quickly he reasons that going it alone as was the policy of Bush, Cheney just cannot continue. The world resents what they consider to be bullying tactics. He asks that we become more humble and instead of telling our allies what they must do he believes we should listen as well. What a novel idea.
I disagreed with his comments on illegal immigration and the threat from Islamic terrorists. He believes that the illegal immigrants just want jobs. We hear this over and over from those who can’t wait to grant citizenship to millions here illegally. Work visas where there is a need to those willing to work but not welfare, free medical, free schooling and all the rest. We simply cannot afford “cheap tomatoes” anymore. I got this phrase from an e-mail about how truly expensive it is when all costs are considered. As to Islamic terrorists, he minimized this threat concentrating on the growth of China and India. In my opinion this is the most serious threat we face as these people want domination and are willing to kill and die to accomplish their goal whereas China and India’s people are just learning and working harder to compete which is the way it should be. I am sure our president while reading will learn from it and perhaps use it to govern better but if he continues his love affair with Islam instead of facing this threat to the world we will be sorry he did. On that fateful day not too far in the future it will be too late.
My copy is available for anyone interested.

The Islamic Anti Christ- a book report

2010-07-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

The shocking Truth about the real Nature of the Beast
By Joel Richardson

I was advised of this book by a like minded friend. I ordered it from Amazon.com. The astonishing thing is that it was published and could be found for sale. The normal strategy of radical Islamics is to threaten with death for anyone writing about Mohammad or Islam in a way that they consider blasphemous. The author took a pen name and revealed as little as he could out of fear for the safety of himself and his family. The following is part of a vicious e-mail he received. It was one of many.
…Allahu Akhbar!! (Allah is the greatest!) Yaaaa Allah! (Oh, Allah!) I will chop off your head! May Allah damn you and your whole family. May you and your whole family rot in hell forever. I want you to know that all Muslims call upon Allah to damn you and put you in hell. I will personally kill your family. You will die a very slow and painful death inshallah (by the will of Allah)…….
In spite of this I will sign my name at the end of this review. When I send it out I will blind copy all those receiving it for your protection.
He tries as best he can to avoid condemning Muslims as a group. He wants us to consider them one person at a time. Regardless of his assertion, I cannot conceive that any practicing Muslim would not be offended by the premise contained in this book.
He states “This book is first and foremost a study of Islamic eschatology (end time belief) and those specific doctrines and practices that seem to correlate….to the biblical descriptions and prophecies of the last days”. All thru the book he quotes Chapter and verse from the Koran and from the Bible showing how similar the writings were in describing the earth’s last days. He states that Muslims as well as Christians expect Jesus to return to Earth but the expectation is different for each religion.
In Chapter One he emphasizes the rapid growth of Islam. Not only Europe but also in America. Conversions from Christianity and birth rates will assure that Islam will be the dominate world religion within the next 15 to 20 years. In America the growth is predominately in the major cities. There are an estimated 350,000 in Chicago and over 700,000 in New York City. Another startling statistic is that African Americans represent 85% of conversions. He asserts that Islam will be the primary vehicle that will be used by Satan to fulfill the prophecies of the Bible about the future political/religious/military system of the Antichrist that will overwhelm the entire world just prior to the second coming of Jesus Christ. (This is pretty heavy stuff).
In explaining Islamic eschatology he states that the Qur’an mentions five things a Muslim must believe in order to be a Muslim. They are;
1-Belief in Allah
2-Belief in the last day.
3-Belief in Angels.
4-Belief in the scripture.
5-Belief in the prophets.
Christians on the other hand generally ignore the last days in spite of the fact that end-time belief plays a prominent role in the New Testament.
The principle person to emerge is referred to as Mahdi. He will be Islam’s messiah. He will be the leader who will rule over the Islamic world and will lead a world revolution to establish an Islamic world order. The first order of business will be the total destruction of Israel until only a few remain. He will reign for seven years during which time Islam will be the only religion practiced on the Earth. In Chapter 5 he makes the assertion that the biblical anti Christ and the Mahdi are the same person. The prophecy also includes Jesus returning not as a Christian but Muslim converting all to Islam or having them killed. (Not a pretty picture).
Chapter 18 is a summary of comparisons between the Islamic and Biblical narrative of the end times. You will have to read to see what they are.
Whether you as a Christian believe in end times or not, a true Muslim does. This is what will drive them in their quest for world domination. My copy is available to anyone interested in pursuing further or you could order it as I did until there are no more available to purchase.

Jack B. Walters

Stupidity at the G-20 Summit

2010-06-28T19:25:00.000-07:00

The purpose of the gathering of “leaders” from the major countries was to find a way to restore fiscal sanity. They are all awash in debt with the exception of China which has so much of the world’s debt that they can’t spend it fast enough.
I find it extremely ironic that the estimated cost of Security was $900 million. Protesters assemble any time these mega conferences are held no matter which major city in the world. There is much to protest about but that is another topic. I certainly hope that the Mayor of Toronto promptly bills all 20 nations to cover this cost. The good citizens of Canada should not have to pay alone.
How about this for a suggestion, hold the next meeting on the island next to Ketchikan, Alaska? This is the place where the bridge to nowhere was to be built. They could meet in the hanger. Bring in trailers for their accommodations and eat simply.

More letters, less Fitz

2010-06-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

This letter was published in the Arizona daily star 6/15/2010.
I wrote it as they were filling up the editorial page with cartoons and editorial columns by David Fitzsimmons leaving minimal space for letters from people. For the record I did enjoy his walk around Tucson articles. They were informative and enjoyable. As a short term series it was OK. I only wrote when the Star gave him a large portion of the page for his political commentary which had the effect of shutting out average concerned citizens.

Is it your intention to keep reducing the space available on the editorial page so that fewer citizen's comments will be printed? Not only does Fitzsimmons have a cartoon but also a large column almost daily anymore. Some of us are growing weary with his placing us in the category of stupid and racist. I like to read articles from the people, not paid journalists.

No good to use Guard as paper pushers

2010-06-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

This was published in the Arizona Daily Star- 6/1/2010

Do you really think that Americans are happy with the decision to send troops to the border? Perhaps they are but not me. It will be no different than the last time. They are not sent as soldiers but as paper pushers. They were not allowed contact with illegals or drug runners. They were forced to back down when they encountered men with AK-47's. Their officer was quoted as saying they followed orders. Of course they were. Why not instead call out and demand the invaders drop their weapons and surrender to authority. Then the message might finally get thru that our government meant business. It will not happen I can assure you.

Washington failed on Gulf oil spill

2010-06-17T13:59:00.000-07:00

This letter was published in the Arizona Daily Star on 5/30/2010.

The enormous oil spill in the Gulf is another clear example of why it seems Washington is incapable of doing the job we expect. In my opinion it was the lack of oversight on the part of regulatory agencies. The rules in regard to Nuclear Energy are so stringent as to make it nearly impossible to build and operate new plants. Why then are oil companies like B.P. allowed to drill in the Oceans off our shores without oversight to assure disasters like this can never happen? My answer is the cozy relationship between the corporations and the regulators. Personnel pass back and forth on a continuing basis with regulators rewarded with cushy jobs. This must end one way or another. This is not a political issue. It is business as usual. My only solution as an individual is throw out all incumbents and start over with ordinary citizens who care .

Still Angry

2010-06-13T22:58:00.000-07:00

I have just published my third book. The title is "Still Angry". It is similer to my "The Last Angry Man" book which was published in 2006. This latest one covers the years from 2007 to the present. Many of the articles found in my web site were put together in book form. The list price is $25.38. I have given away many copies. I plan to sell on Amazon if possible. Making money is obviously not my purpose. My purpose is to try to understand the world we live in and I suggest many ways improvement could be achieved. I would like to reach as many people as possible.

The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns

2010-05-22T19:50:00.000-07:00

I missed the discussion led by Ken Kolenbrander and Anne Donovan the day this book was discussed so I didn’t hear whatever they had to say about it. Since then my good friend Ausma loaned me her copy to read. I have just finished and while it is still fresh I will attempt to state what I gleaned from it.
It was well written and clearly stated the needs of the people of the world but more importantly described how their condition could be improved if only those of us proclaiming to be Christian actually began to live as Christians. I include myself in this condemnation as there were many times in my life when I looked the other way. Without being too hard on myself I did my best to provide for my family, my company, our employees, our customers and our community. We were always active participants in our church and made contributions with treasure and talent whenever we could. I only share these thoughts as all thru the book Mr. Stearns asks us to think in terms of individuals with the sure conviction that if we did we could change the world.
There is a chapter on Time, Talent and Treasure. It matters not if we are billionaires we can make a difference. There are some at Rosemont that work in soup kitchens. Others visit the sick and offer friendship and companionship. There are many ways to help others less fortunate than ourselves.
There was a study made that is mentioned in the book. It compared the lives of people who claimed to be born again Christians and Atheists. Their behavior was very similar, much of which was not to be admired. He takes from this that words don’t determine actions but good works do. He insists that faith is foremost but also that faith without good works is empty. He points out the staggering sum that could be amassed if Christians as a dedicated group would tithe and give a substantial portion to improve the lives of those less fortunate than ourselves.
I am going to close by saying that most of us consider that we are a Christian Nation. If that is so, why do we spend staggering sums on armaments of all kinds? How can this be doing Christ’s work in this world? A tiny portion used properly could help to improve lives and reduce hatred among nations and religions. Our government thinks granting loans so countries can purchase arms from our protected defense industries, is being of benefit. I say no. Help dig wells, build school houses, treat the sick and show them how to be self sufficient, the benefit of that type of program would be beneficial and who knows we just might increase harmony throughout the world. Perhaps even other religions might want to participate in humanitarian programs as well.
The HOLE he refers to is the lack of carrying out God’s promises. Mouthing platitudes and singing in the Choir on Sunday just isn’t enough. I hope many of you will read this book and further that discussion groups probe it further.

Jack B. Walters
May 22, 2010

Flyboys-a book review

2010-05-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

By James Bradley

Mr. Bradley also authored Flags of Our Fathers. I have read both books. He is another author that does extensive research before writing. This included personal visits with Japanese soldiers who were involved with captive flyers on the Island of Chichi Jima. This was an outpost manned by 35,000 soldiers. It had two mountain peaks which had been used to install radio equipment for communication to Japan. It was located near to Iwo Jima. There were eight prisoners. Only one lived. He had been sent to Japan and survived the war. Another pilot shot down near the island was rescued by a submarine. His name was George H.W. Bush. The two crew members in his plane did not survive.
One by one the prisoners were executed after being stabbed with sharp sticks or bayonets. They were then beheaded and in a number of instances their livers and strips of flesh from their thighs were cut out and fed to officers. This all came to light during interrogation. The details were filled in by Mr. Bradley hunting down and persuading soldiers to tell their story.
The main story is about these men as young lads who eagerly signed up to be part of the Navy’s Air Arm, some as pilots, others as gunners or radio men. We get to know them and their families.
Woven into the book is a snapshot of how brutal the war was on both sides. The Japanese soldiers were treated harshly by their officers and non coms. They were taught to obey all orders without question. If they died it was for the Emperor and they would be rewarded. The slaughter of Chinese soldiers and civilians was carried out methodically and without any semblance of humanity.
One of the stories is about the B-24 Bombers taking off from an Aircraft Carrier to bomb Japan early in 1942. Psychologically it was effective both in America and Japan. We needed a lift from all the bad news. The Japanese were stunned that the war could come to their sacred lands. All of the planes crashed before reaching the Chinese Airfields due to the task force being discovered 200 miles short of the planned take off. To punish the Chinese over 200,000 were slaughtered in the area closest to Japan as they assumed the planes had used airfields in China.
We do not always come off as the good guys. The author traces our history leading to this latest conflict. I will let you discover the data when you read the book. Read it and get a refresher on how brutal war is.

Jack B. Walters
May 21, 2010

SB 1070 - What happens now?

2010-05-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

The Arizona Legislature has created quite a furor by passing this legislation. In the final analysis the only positive aspect will be that the subject of illegal immigration and drug smuggling has been elevated in the consciousness of those Americans who are concerned about matters such as this.
This letter is being written with a heavy heart as I am probably the only one who has it all figured out. Those who have taken offence at the heartlessness of Arizonans can rest easy for I am sad to tell you that nothing of consequence will occur. The reason I can say this is that the will of the majority has been continuously thwarted for many years now. Knowing the heavy burden we have been forced to live with we have taken every opportunity to vote for any proposition designed to stop the invasion into our State.
Several years ago we approved strong penalties against employers who knowingly hired illegal immigrants. The thinking was that if jobs were not available they would return to their own country or migrate to other parts of the country. That was callous on our part but we felt if it worked as we hoped then other States could pass their own laws to do the same thing. Over time the illegals would be squeezed out. The problem is that the law has not been enforced. The reasons given were lack of funds and higher priorities. To date only two firms have been identified. One of them had already closed their doors and no action has been taken against the second firm. Perhaps it was a mistake in the wording of the resolution in that proper funding was not included. In my opinion the answer is that those in positions to enforce just do not agree and have sat on their hands defying the will of the people.
SB 1070 with a few exceptions will not be enforced. To start with random stops are prohibited, so the advice I would give to those here illegally is to have your vehicle in good operating condition. Be sure head and tail lights are working and obey all traffic rules. If in a 25/mph construction zone, drive 22/mph, etc. Do not give law enforcement officers an excuse to pull you over and question you as to whether you are in America legally. If you are pulled over just show your drivers license whether obtained fraudulently or legally and you will be free to go on your merry way.
It should be readily apparent that there are two sanctuary cities i.e.; Flagstaff and Tucson. Both City Councils have voted to sue the State. Whether their suits are successful or not, I ask you what directions will they pass on to the Police Chief and how hard will they come down on any officer who takes the initiative to follow the law. I think you know the answer to that. There will be a few deportations. You can be sure the Arizona Daily Star will print heart wrenching stories about families being broken up and how they just wanted to be good citizens living here whether they came legally or not.
We all know that neither political party in Washington has the fortitude to enforce laws that have been on the books for decades fearing backlash and lost votes from the Hispanic Community. There will be many sound bites but the only result, if any, will be a repeat of times past with citizenship granted to millions. Hollow threats about keeping others out will be just that, hollow threats and so America will become more Latinized on a steady trend until the majority has been attained. At that time we will be just like Mexico and the other Central American countries with corruption the rule. I of course will be long gone when that occurs which is the reason I feel compelled to make my voice heard now.
I am not totally depressed as there are a few brave souls out there trying to resolve this issue in a reasonable fashion. Perhaps in the end reason will prevail. We can only hope. In the meantime those in favor of open borders should relax and enjoy the fact that nothing will change as a result of
SB-1070.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
May 14, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

God and Ronald Reagan

2010-05-04T22:00:00.000-07:00

A spiritual life
By Paul Kengor

I have a good friend at my church who reads as much or more than I do. She is a Christian in every sense of the word. Her first name is Ausma. She handed this book to me to read with the admonition that she knew I had been disillusioned by the policies of Reagan when he was president. She wanted me to understand the depth of his Christianity. This book clearly states the truth of her thinking.
It doesn’t change my thinking in regards to legislation passed during his years in office. I won’t take your time now by listing them. There were many that have led to the disasters we are living with today. Be that as it may, this book opened my eyes to the essential goodness of this man and his life long belief in Christianity and his resolve to help all peoples everywhere enjoy the freedom to live with their beliefs without fear of persecution as was happening so severely in the Soviet Union and the satellite states under their control.
This book takes us to his childhood with a devout mother and influential clergy who were close to him. He offended the communist elite in Hollywood by railing against that ideology. His greatest success was opening up Russia and to some extent China and allowing religious freedom. Premier Gorbachev must also be given credit. Reagan felt that deep down Gorbachev was a Christian. At any rate Reagan throughout his years in office did everything he could to accomplish this goal. It was of course successful. The Berlin wall did come tumbling down and the Soviet Union was dissolved with the satellite states regaining their rights to function as free countries.
The above was the result but reading the book gave me an insight into the deeply held beliefs he had and how they were developed and nurtured along the way. I now have a much greater understanding of this unique personality who was our president during the perilous cold war years.
I recommend reading to those who enjoy history and believe religion can be a positive influence.

Random thoughts about the Tea Party movement

2010-03-30T09:35:00.000-07:00

As a self described “Last Angry Man” you would expect that I would rally around this new group of disgruntled citizens. I haven’t for a number of reasons. The first is my total disregard of their number one leader, former Governor Sarah Palin. She moves rapidly around the country. Just a week ago she spoke to about 4,000 people at the Tucson Fairgrounds. Her rallying cry was “Do you like your freedom”. This was followed by the comment that the new Republican Party wasn’t the party of no; it was the party of hell no. Both comments were cheered by the attendees. I totally disagree with every statement she makes. People like her stir up hatred and indirectly incite their listeners to violence as has been noted across the country in the days following passage of the health care bill.
The wrath of this movement is centered on the Democrats and is striving for the defeat of any who voted for the bill. I feel the same way, but what they conveniently choose to forget is that the Republican Party was in power for eight years, during which time nothing of positive value was done for Americans. They can talk about their health care ideas being rejected. Where were those ideas during their eight years in power? They gave us two wars, a senior drug program that was a costly give away to the drug companies and the “No Child Left Behind” program which adds billions to the cost of education without adding to the learning experience. I have proposed many times that canceling this program would allow precious, scarce funds to be spent on education not testing.
There is little chance that a tea partier will ever read any of my writings but if they did this is what I would challenge them to do, vote against any candidate regardless of party who accepts campaign funds from corporations or unions. This may be impossible to do. If that is so then look for any candidate that accepts the fewest dollars. We must wean them off of the bribery gifts they receive today or we will never regain our freedom. Search for populist type candidates who care about the things most Americans care about and not about what the corporations demand.
Just this week there was another article about a major energy company shutting down production of solar panels our country and moving to China. This would not stand if we had a president who understood that this was wrong. I say that because I have not heard of any comments from the White House that they understand or care. Believe me our former president also did not care. Millions of factory jobs were sent to China on his watch so don’t tell me that an overwhelming victory by the Republican Party will be any better.
I strive for the day a third party arises that consists of candidates that do not accept corporate gifts, a party big enough to include all Americans under their umbrella. Then we could begin taking back our country. Until then I urge the tea partiers to not allow them to take your vote for granted that you will be in lock step for any candidate with a Republican label. Feel sorry for those of us who voted in the present administration. All of our hopes and dreams have already gone up in smoke. That in the end is what is most disturbing to us all and that is that rhetoric spoken that we want to hear is not what happens once elected. We must be more vigilant and question all candidates and check their record leading up to their candidacy. This takes time and effort which most would rather not have to do. We don’t have any other choice. It is now or never.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 30, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

1982 UN Committee on the Law of the Sea

2010-03-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

I have been reading articles and watching news programs recently which relate to the depletion of sea life in the oceans of our world. According to an article I gleaned from Google, the United Nations has been debating this subject and attempting to resolve at least beginning in 1982. All manner of fish and coral life are disappearing. The coral because of fish nets scrapping the ocean floor. With the technology at their disposal today fishing vessels are extremely efficient and there are increasing numbers putting to sea every year. Many nations led by America have attempted to put some order into the process to little avail. Salmon runs are depleted by the mass fishing of cod which nurtures them during their annual migration. Further with the technology they can be found at sea and harvested long before returning to the streams that spawned them. Tuna is reaching the point of no return and the nations wanting them the most refuse to make even small reductions. These same nations harvest fins from sharks and throw the carcasses back into the ocean. Again these nations continue to hunt and kill whales for “scientific” purposes while most of the civilized nations accept the need to let them rebuild their numbers. The primary nations involved are Japan, Norway and Iceland.
Recent efforts by the United Nations were thwarted by China, Japan and Russia. What this proves to me again is how useless the United Nations is in resolving issues of critical importance to the world. A few nations can prevent programs from being implemented to curb what some nations consider to be their right, and so populations will continue to be depleted while the U.N continues their useless unproductive debating sessions.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 29, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Health Care Bill Passed

2010-03-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

I have waited several weeks before attempting to put words to paper. If you are still with me so far you will have read the articles I wrote attempting to suggest what I thought should be in the bill. I pretty much struck out.
There are high sounding words abounding with praise from the one side and derision from the other side. As for me, I hope that the Supreme Court, upon examination will find that the Federal Government has overstepped its Constitutional authority by demanding that everyone must buy health insurance. This is by far the worst aspect of the legislation. Like everyone else who mentions this I have to state up front that I am not a lawyer but common sense tells me that the founders of our country never had it in their minds that the government should have this much authority over the lives of the people. The power of the Federal Government was intended to be limited in scope and all else the responsibility of State Governments. It has been reported that 18,000 IRS agents will be hired to monitor compliance of citizens and those found guilty were to be fined a hefty sum to get their attention. If we were hiring agents to collect taxes owed by those who deliberately cheat the system, then I would say hooray, but not this.
The unseemly deals cut to purchase votes were smarmy at best and irresponsible at worst. Those involved should suffer defeat at the next opportunity for people to vote. The health insurance industry won out as I had predicted. These millions of forced new customers, most of whom are young and in good health will be a profit boon to the industry. Many of these people are college graduates struggling to find employment in their chosen fields and saddled with debt accumulated to graduate. They will have little to show for their years of dedicated learning and will be forced to put off purchases and improvements in their lives with these costs to contend with.
Depending on the ever changing definition of poverty, those individuals or families will automatically receive free health care thru Medicaid. My question knowing the devastation that can be wrought by illness, why would these people ever strive to rise above the poverty level? The few dollars of additional income would not be worth it if they lost free care. This is just something to think about.
The heavy burden to pay for all this will fall on those who thru skill and effort have reached the upper levels of the middle class. While I am always willing to make sure the very rich pay their fair share, I consider this a disincentive for striving to excel. What do you think?

Another topic not related to health care is the legislation that has already passed the House and is waiting for Senate approval. This is the Cap and Trade Energy bill. Within a year after passage you will not be able to sell your home unless it has been inspected to assure it complies with the ever changing energy and water efficiency standards. I have seen estimates that an average cost could be $6,000. I bet you didn’t know about this. You just assumed as I did that the intention was to provide incentive for industry to improve. Once again the Federal Government is taking control over the lives of every day citizens. If this also passes in my opinion the light of freedom in America is fading rapidly.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 29, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Another letter in defense of Toyota

2010-03-23T18:16:00.000-07:00

This is my third letter on the subject of law suits against the Toyota Company. It seems the ghouls I referred to before have just gotten started. It was reported on March 22, 2010 that new law suits are being filed against the company. These are to recover losses in stock value due to the recent recalls of vehicles. I wonder what effect these will have on further driving down the value of the company’s stock value.
Just for kicks I googled the stock history of General Motors. In the late 90’s a share of stock was worth in the $80’s per share. The latest selling price is $0.75 per share. How about that for losing value. This is even after being bailed out by our government to the tune of billions. I don’t suppose closing down the Hummer Division or Saturn or Pontiac had any adverse effect. In fact if you are interested check out the various actions of the company since the 1900’s and you will see a continuing process of selling off assets.
In my opinion the mismanagement of this company was outrageous. They refused to enter the new world of fuel efficient vehicles while Toyota led the field. I tried to find out if there were class action law suits in process against the loss in value of General Motors stock. I couldn’t find it. Perhaps you will.
To put an end to this letter I would like to come to the defense of all industry. The quality level when compared to a few decades ago is fantastic. The dependability has vastly improved.
Law suits against products produced today our creating havoc with the profitability of many manufacturing companies. The profit margin per unit sold is not large enough to pay out billions. There must be a way to control them or manufacturing will go the way of the Dodo bird.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 23, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Welfare and Unemployment Benefits

2010-03-23T11:09:00.000-07:00

I have been pondering this subject ever since the Arizona Daily Star placed a two column editorial on March 5, 2010 criticizing Senator Jon Kyl for remarks he made during the debate in the Senate over continuing unemployment benefits for the entire year of 2010. He was quoted as saying “it was a disincentive for people to seek work”.
As a reminder to my readers it had been previously been approved for the entire year of 2009. What this means to me is that persons previously in the work force could have a full two years of receiving a weekly check in Arizona of $265/ week. Their only requirement is to keep applying for employment similar to the job they had been doing before being laid off.
I very seldom find myself in agreement with our good Senator but in this case I am, at least partially. The reason for partially is that in the end he did vote to extend, I assume under extreme pressure such as he received from the news media.
I will now show how insensitive I am. I would have voted against it or at the very least modified the process.
I am now going to share comments made by Andy Rooney on 60 Minutes Sunday March 21, 2010. He was also upset. He talked about the need for work crews on construction projects or roads. The only job these out of work people deem suitable for their talents is to be the supervisor. They would never consider manual labor. It is beneath them, what with their educational levels and previous jobs. He added that we need plumbers, electricians and brick layers to rebuild our infrastructure that is crumbling all around us. I thought to myself well done. Millions of listeners heard him; some might even be elected officials.
Let me digress now and discuss welfare. Prior to August 22, 1996 many people had spent their entire lives living on their welfare checks. President Clinton signed the “Welfare Reform Act” on that date. He was working with a Republican Congress who insisted changes be made and they were. From that time forth there were stipulations that set limits on entitlements; required most to engage in job activities which included work experience, community service, job training or vocational education. In addition they must find work within two years or perform community service. It mandated a minimum of 30 hours per week and imposed a lifetime limit. Checking the Internet, even with these changes it is mind boggling the various and sundry rules that I am sure can be bent. Regardless, at least an attempt was made and it has been reasonably successful in getting people back to work.
Now let’s return to the subject of Unemployment Benefits. There has to be a way to get these people who are capable back into the work force. The minimum wage in Arizona at the present time is $7.25/hr. That times 40 hours equals $290/week. That would be $25 more than the unemployment check. Of course leaving home and traveling to the job site would be a cost that would deduct from wages earned. I would go so far as to allow deductions that would assure the minimum of $265 is maintained. Most unemployed would be expected to find work paying more than the minimum. My point is that not working for two years is just plain wrong. It is no wonder our nation is on the brink of insolvency. This give away to people in their wage earning years cannot be allowed to continue. It is at this point where I like to remind that FDR’s programs got men out of the house. He did not want them to get used to idleness so that when real jobs were available they would step right in. Why can’t our elected officials understand this fundamental truth? I would also ask the editor of the Star to reconsider and put forth a proposal of his or her own.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 23, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

A positive response to Mr. Pitt's column

2010-03-23T11:03:00.000-07:00

(Mr. Pitt had reacted to comments made by Glenn Beck that you should flee your church if the Pastor preaches about helping the poor.)

Dear Mr. Pitts,
I couldn't agree with you more than the content of this column. I have been an ardent admirer of Rev. Wallis ever since I read his book and recognized him as a great religious leader. His main theme has been caring for the poorest among us.
I think I know where Glenn Beck is coming from. He hates entitlement programs almost as much as I do. Give aways to people capable of working and contributing to the economy are wrong except when given to cover a gap in time between jobs.
If your intent was that we should do all in our power to help people become independent then I am with you. If you just want to continue to give money to those who should and could be working, then I disagree.
The Pastor of my church cares for those in need, so I attend the right kind of church as I assume you do.
Yours truly,

Jack B. Walters
March 21, 2010

Response to a Leonard J. Pitts Jr. article

2010-03-15T05:21:00.000-07:00

Response to your article dated 3/14/2010 entitled
“A reminder that evil comes in all genders and colors”

Writing to you after reading one of your articles is becoming a habit for me. I only do so when it contains racial content. This one was a real stretch.
You are elated that a potential terrorist was not only white but also a diminutive American female. Most of your article was devoted to hammering other columnists that over the years since 9/11/2001, have called for the common sense profiling of Arabic men who fit the profile of those who died while carrying out their dastardly deed. I could give you a hundred or more examples of other terrorist atrocities over the past decade. I am sure you are well aware, so I won’t clutter this note by listing them. As for Colleen LaRose, there was ample evidence for our security forces to stop her from committing the violence she was planning.
Norman Mineta was the Secretary of Transportation under President George Bush at the time of 9/11. He was interviewed on 60 Minutes and stated firmly that profiling would not be allowed. This was quite understandable from his standpoint since his parents of Japanese descent had been incarcerated at the beginning of WWII, unjustly as it turned out. The outrage of Americans to the acts committed on “A date that will live in infamy”, was the justification.
What is happening worldwide today is something altogether different. The radical Muslim leadership is committed to converting the entire planet to their beliefs. Only if you bury your head in sand can you ignore this fact. At the time I tried to make sense out of profiling by stating that if the Irish Republican Army was intending to attack us, then we should take special steps to look for white, blue eyed Irishmen. The fact is they aren’t but Arabic Muslim men and women are. They will strike us again if they can. Taking precautions of checking country of origin or profiling makes sense to me. No matter how you look at it, LaRose was an aberration.
I do agree with your final comment that evil comes in all guises. No argument here.
Yours Truly,

Jack B. Walters
March 14,2010

Two articles in today's Star caught my attention

2010-03-11T10:33:00.000-08:00

1 - Four Democratic Senators are pushing legislation to assure that Stimulus funds for alternate energy are spent in America not China. It seems that solar panels and turbines are being produced in China
2 - The second reminded us that in 2014 we will no longer be allowed to purchase incandescent light bulbs. In case you are not aware, all of the fluorescent bulbs being manufactured today are made in China. In addition General Electric just recently stopped producing incandescent bulbs in America. I can only assume they have moved their production to China as well.
I have two questions to ask. Where are our great and wonderful “conservative” Senators? Why aren’t they joining forces with the Democrats mentioned in the first item? The second is what right does the Federal Government possess that they can dictate the bulbs every day citizens want to purchase?

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 4, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

American Ghouls

2010-03-11T04:29:00.000-08:00

We Americans are a special breed. We are like vultures that descend on dying animals and devour their carcass, not satisfied until the bones are picked clean. I am ashamed to be associated with them. I have always prided myself in being an American but I will not associate myself with what many have become. The following paragraph will explain my wrath.
In today’s Arizona Daily Star there was an article from the Associated Press detailing lawsuits in process against the Toyota Corporation. I can accept that persons injured or deaths as a result of sticking accelerator pedals could be justified in filing claims but what appalled me was that to date over 89 class action law suits have been filed to recover loss of value of Toyota vehicles as a result of the mechanical problem being resolved. Kelley Blue Book has lowered the resale value of Toyotas by an average of 3.5%. These law suits could potentially cost the company in the Billions.
I proudly own a Toyota vehicle. Any law firm that contacts me will be rudely dealt with, as I would never be a part of anything as heinous as this. I can only hope there are likeminded others out there that would agree with me.
The law profession being what it is will always try to take advantage of situations as they arise. In addition juries seem to take great delight in granting huge awards. I am not proud of US Senators berating Toyota executives or Federal Judges working overtime to create class action law suits on behalf of all owners. I wonder how it is possible for manufacturing companies to exist in the America we have become.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 11, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Toyota Letter

2010-03-10T10:52:00.000-08:00

I sent this to the Arizona Daily Star in response to another letter, I disagreed with.

There was a letter to the editor this morning that I must reply to. It was from Guy Josserand III. The subject was the recent episode with the Toyota Co. He went too far when he lumped Toyota, Ford and Firestone with Enron. Enron was an out and out scam perpetrated by Ken Lay, a close personal friend of the Second President Bush.
I was a plant manager with Firestone making passenger tires during the 500 problem. This was not greed; it was the direct result of trying to convert too quickly from bias to radial. My company took it on the chin. What is never said is that the entire US tire manufacturers were having the same problems to varying degrees. The Ford Explorer was tip over prone due to its height. The design was soon changed and no further problems were reported.
As to Toyota, in my opinion they have been crucified by the Media and by Congress. I own one and am completely satisfied with its performance. Toyota led the way into the new world of Hybrid vehicles while G.M. in particular dragged its feet. Toyota Executives earn a third as compared to the Big Three and are scheduled for a 30 % reduction in line with their current fiscal problems. The Democratic Congress enjoys beating up on Toyota executives; I believe to try to prove that they are as irresponsible as the Big Three and to placate the UAW union. Remember Toyota was not bailed out with Billions of tax payer dollars nor will they be. They are aggressively reacting to repair the re-called models. My next purchase will be Toyota and I would venture to guess that other owners feel the same as I do.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 1, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Pima County Jury awards $40 million in drunken driving case

2010-02-14T19:40:00.000-08:00

A 14 year old boy was killed by a female who was intoxicated. This happened 1/12/08. The award was assessed against the city of Tucson, Chuy restaurant and the driver. The cities share was $13 million as the jury felt the road was poorly designed. Evidently a lawyer was able to convince the members of the jury to award as they did. I find fault with it and have the following comments to make.
I-It is not the city that will pay, it is the taxpaying citizens. A city that is deep in debt to where it is taking drastic measures to stay afloat does not have the means to pay a frivolous penalty like this.
2-It is my opinion that the city is not bound by some State mandate to design roads to every persons liking. We could be driving on gravel. An engineer makes a decision and somehow that translates to irresponsibility on the part of the city leaders.
3-The driver in question had driven on this road many times before and even in her inebriated state should have known what the road was like.
4-Perhaps a waiter or bartender recognized that the woman had drunk to much alcohol but again why place such a heavy burden on an eating establishment, one of which is struggling to survive in this down economy.
5-This is for the grieving parents; after paying legal expenses you should take any thing over that and give to the charity of your choice. To rake in millions from the death of a loved one is not morally acceptable. There was no mention in the headline article regarding this. If that was their intent then I apologize for this comment.

Soil not Oil by Vandana Shiva - a book report

2010-02-14T19:38:00.000-08:00

This is a small book, only 144 pages, but it is filled with dynamite. She clearly states her beliefs about the direction world leaders are taking on behalf of corporations. This is a theme I have been pushing on a personal basis for some time now. The difference is my thoughts are based on gut feelings; hers are based on incredible technical information that was very hard for me to understand. Perhaps you will do better?
Let me try to explain without resorting to the myriad of terms used by Ms. Shiva. She has particular animosity to the Monsanto and Cargill corporations. If you saw the documentary entitled Food Inc. you would understand her concern. These giants are on a world wide mission to have complete control of food production. With their “patents” they can demand that local farmers only purchase seeds from them. What the effect of this is that variety is sacrificed for increased productivity at an enormous expense for farmers. These patents were granted by our own Supreme Court, the same folks who just recently decided that corporations can spend any amount they wish on Federal elections.
Her premise is that the definition of productivity is all wrong. It is based on reducing the workforce on farms in favor of huge fuel driven machines. She points out the huge cost of transporting over thousands of miles by plane, ship and truck. All of which receive huge subsidies from the governments. The energy used to create the bio fuels, fertilizers and seed are immense. All of this adds to the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere which is accelerating global warming. The other tragedy occurring on a daily basis is the destruction of tropical forests to create land to produce bio fuels which in her and my opinion are not energy efficient.
She sees the return to farming worldwide as the solution to problems such as pollution, global warming and unemployment. I agree. In our own country huge giveaways are included in each year’s farm program with most going to the mega farms, sometimes just for leaving the ground idle. Her and my program would be just the opposite. Give the greatest assistance to the little guys. The acreage planted would be the same but millions of people could return to life on farms as it was just 30 or 40 years ago. Wouldn’t that be better than them migrating to cities searching for employment that doesn’t exist and going on the dole? What a man made tragedy and we sit idly by as if everything is OK.
Mrs. Shiva’s credentials are impressive. She was a leading physicist before becoming a world-renowned environmentalist. She won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. I found this book in the Public Library.

Crossers by Phillip Caputo- a book report

2010-02-02T18:43:00.000-08:00

This is a very special novel for people living in Southern Arizona and particularly for hikers, mountain climbers, birders or just plain motor tourists. The reason is that it mentions places that are so familiar to many of us. It centers on the San Rafael Valley south of Patagonia. It includes the Canelo Hills, the Huachuca, Whetstones, Mustangs, Santa Rita’s and other mountain ranges. It mentions the Gadston Hotel in Douglas, the Steak Out Restaurant and the cattle shipping yard in Sonoita, Nogales in the USA and Mexico, the Holding Center in Florence where illegal immigrants are processed, Patagonia and south into Mexico. The Rialto Theatre, University Medical Center in Tucson and the Arizona Daily Star are made a part of the places visited and the newspaper read. All are familiar to me and friends from the Southern Arizona Hiking Club (SAHC).
It is a novel, but it is so close to the truth, that it is almost like reading a newspaper account of happenings today. It begins at the turn of the century of 1900 and ends in 2004. It follows the lives of families who settled down into ranching after exploits soldiering in the Mexican War of Independence. We get to know these people as they come to be embroiled into conflict with drug runners and illegal immigrants who use their ranch as the pathway into El Norte as they refer to America.
One of the main characters loses his wife as a victim of the flight from Boston that flew into one of the World Trade Towers. After contemplating suicide he opts instead to seclude himself in the wilds of Arizona living on the ranch owned by his uncle. After a time he comes alive again as he learns the life of a rancher and does find love. We learn much about the cattle industry in the desert country and ride horses into the canyons searching for livestock or hunting.
This is one of those books that stop the present day story by returning to the early 1900’s. This is the author’s way of tying it all together. The major conflict of the story is a consequence of what happened in earlier days.
The people seem real. You will care what happens to them. There is beauty, love, hatred and greed all mixed together.
If the story took place somewhere else it would still be interesting but when you add in the familiarity of the area, for those of us who have been there so often, it comes alive.

Jack B. Walters
February 2, 2010

Enough Already With Payday Loans

2010-01-27T03:46:00.000-08:00

This letter to the editor of the Arizona Daily Star was published 1/25/2010

I am not always in agreement with your editorials but this one is 100% correct. As you state the voters have spoken loud and clear their revulsion of this bloodsucking industry. As I understand it most states have put them out of business. Let them revert to the 36% which is probably reasonable when default is considered.
Legislators pushing to overturn the electorate’s wishes will be sorry as the voters will exact their revenge the next election cycle. They had better keep the bribes as they will have to find other work to do.
You were gracious to publish an article I wrote in 2006. In it I proposed what I felt then and still do to be a reasonable alternative. At the time the issue was about service people. The principle could also be applied to civilians as well. I am attaching that article for whatever it is worth. I hope you keep the heat on until this is over. Thanks.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 19, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

|

Another look at Corporations

2010-01-23T16:08:00.000-08:00

In my previous letter I pointed out the question of foreign ownership. This one is my understanding of what a corporation is. I feel somewhat qualified as I was a member of upper management during the many years I worked for Firestone. I had contact with the top officers and learned how the system worked.
Someone or a group of people decide to come together in a common purpose. They put in capital and expertise. They satisfy all legal requirements and then get going. These are people with a common purpose. They think as one, just as the Dictionary described. If they didn’t then dissension would cause problems leading to failure. I am talking about the President, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Directors of the various segments that make up a company. They are assisted by a Board of Directors who oversee the operation and provide guidance and sometimes prohibit the officers from pursuing a course of action. These people are similarly minded. They come from the outside and possess knowledge helpful to the officers.
With the Supreme Court giving them free license to spend as much as they want for or against candidates for Federal Office, the group mentioned above will make those decisions. My problem with this relates to the employees of the corporation. There could be thousands. Each of these has friends, family and acquaintances. They belong to civic and sports or other types of clubs and go to their place of worship. The people they associate with have an impact on how they feel about issues of national importance.
Now this is the point I wish to make. These thousands, who are the heart and soul of the corporation, have no say in corporate decisions. They are the ones that do the work of producing, designing or in any number of other ways make the corporation a success.
There is another group who have no say and that is the shareholders of the company. They have their own opinions about government. There may be social issues that are of importance to either group.
What I am trying to say is that the corporation might be spending the money created by employees or spending money that could be used to upgrade the company or give to shareholders as dividends.
A corporation is much more than the top officers. The Supreme Court made a dreadful decision. The Congress must find a way to reverse it. I will be following this closely as time progresses. I hope you will as well.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 23, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Corporations

2010-01-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

I am still incensed by the Supreme Court’s decision opening the flood gates to allow them to spend unlimited funds in favor or against people running for the office of President or Congress. This letter is my attempt to explore further the meaning of this. I will start with the definition as found in my 1952 Webster Dictionary. I added the date as definitions may have changed since then. I will leave that research to you.
Corporate – United in a body, as a number of individuals who are empowered to transact business as an individual; formed into a body; united; collectively one.
Corporation - A body corporate, formed and authorized by law to act as a single person; a society having the capacity of transacting business as an individual; the body or bodily frame of a man.

I can see where the idea of granting the same rights to corporations as individuals could be found in the definition, but I insist that is not what is meant. All it means is that when people join together to conduct business, that they then work together as if they were a single person. In no way does it mean that they are an individual entitled to the protections as listed in the Bill of Rights for people.
Further I want to find out the courts definition of a corporation allowed to finance elections. I will be sending this to elected officials and others asking for a response to clarify this ruling to me. The following is a concern. There are many corporations doing business in the United States. Let us assume they are all legal entities. Some of them are owned by Americans, others are owned in total or in part by foreign entities, just for example; Budweiser, Miller, Toyota, Honda. The list goes on and on. We know for instance that the governments of China and other countries have pseudo ownership of their corporations. Are they to be allowed to spend funds to influence our elections? I can remember not so long ago when there was uproar over political contributions given to candidates for President from China. I can envision foreign countries having an opportunity to support candidates who are advocates to the benefit of their countries rather than our own. This would be outrageous. Somewhere, somehow I will get an answer to my concern.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 23, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

The Supreme Court Decision-1/21/2010

2010-01-22T13:41:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, as expected, the Supreme Court under the direction of Chief Justice Roberts overturned restrictions on Corporations and Unions using their funds for or against candidates running for office. Specifically it agreed that corporations and unions may spend freely to support or oppose candidates for President or Congress, overturning a 20 year old ruling. The decision was five for and four against. It confirmed that the two members appointed by George W. Bush may continue for decades to come, keep promoting his right wing agenda in Washington and every State.
In 1886 there was a case before the Supreme Court between Santa Clara County and the Southern Pacific Railroad Company. In opening comments Chief Justice Morrison Waite stated that the 14th amendment, which protects the rights of individuals applied equally to corporations. This was not however the basis for settling the dispute but his statement has been used as if it had been a decision. From that point forward Corporations have used their wealth to further their causes. Later, another Court granted Labor Unions the same rights.
Administrations and Congress beginning in Teddy Roosevelt’s time have passed legislation trying to curb or lesson the impact that the wealth of these entities possessed, with their ability to influence elections far more than individuals or political action groups could. That is all gone now. The flood gates will be opened. The gullibility of most voters convinces me that candidates of their choosing will dominate in the future unless new legislation is passed which meets the High Court’s concept of Constitutionality.
Listening to right wing talk show hosts yesterday confirms for me that this ruling will be to the advantage of the Republican Party as they have historically been the party of big business.
As disappointed as I and others like me have been at the feeble efforts of the Democrats in “power”, I am saddened that our hope to curb corporate power will come to naught. What this means to me is that the people of America will continue to be manipulated to do their bidding to the detriment of all I care about. This means total domination by the big guys, continuous war somewhere with some country, with our young men dying to further the interests of multi- corporations, degradation of the environment or anything else that limits their ability to increase profit.
I could say more but what’s the use.

Jack B. Walters

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett- a book review

2010-01-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

This book was given to me as a Christmas present last month. As many of you know my reading is almost always non fiction. I strive to understand history, important people and current events. Andy wanted me to take a break and read a fiction book and I did.
There are 973 pages to read. It is a fascinating book about events taking place in the 1200’s. The basic theme has to do with building cathedrals. That may sound boring but take my word, it isn’t. Mr. Follett spent years traveling Europe and visiting the many different cathedrals. He researched the different types of construction, and weaves the designs into the story.
We follow the lives of many different personalities. Some are good and some are bad. It doesn’t take long before you determine which is which. Tension builds almost on every page. I always try to absorb what I am reading and for that reason limit reading to finite periods of time. This was hard to do as I wanted to learn how each episode ends. Many times the ending was tragic. Other times it was as you would hope it to be. The drama continued to the last page.
Mr. Follett not only researched cathedrals, he also learned what it was like to live 700 years ago including the correct names of household and construction tools. The story takes place mainly in England. We learn about the strength of the church and the division of lands based on customs of the times. The fact that magnificent cathedrals could be built without modern day equipment is incredible. How it was done is explained very well.
It is not construction that is most important; it is the people we get to know and care about, with equal parts of joy and tragedy.
Up to the time of publishing Mr. Follett had 18 other books he had published. This one became one of Oprah’s Book Club selections. I am sure it can be found at the Public Library. Mine is available to be loaned, just ask.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 15, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Jobs for Main Street Program

2010-01-05T12:19:00.000-08:00

Congress is preparing to pass another multi billion dollar stimulus program in February. One hundred billion of it will not create one single job. It will go for unemployment, health insurance, child tax credit, states Medicare costs, education jobs which are in jeopardy of being eliminated, etc., then another seventy five billion for infrastructure, police officers and summer jobs for disadvantaged children.
All of the above merely helps maintain the status quo but does nothing to create private sector jobs, which is where I would put the funds. I would use the same funds to lower tax for business and industry, particularly industry if possible, regardless of size, but if necessary at least to small business. This would create incentive for employers to increase production or start new businesses.
The Administration and Congress it appears to me to be throwing funds into the air without a thought of reviving the private sector. A strong private sector will create good paying jobs for people who will contribute to the overall economy by paying taxes. The programs itemized above take away from the government taking us deeper and deeper into debt. It has been proposed to increase the national debt to over 13 trillion in February in part to cover the cost of this new stimulus package and the wars in the Middle East.
The other bold step I would take is to give notice to the Chinese and Indian governments that they must allow their currency to float as all other nations do. There may be other countries that do the same but these two are the giants who have been stealing American jobs. The previous administration and the current one have been too afraid of the consequences fearing these countries selling off American bonds. Should a real financial war begin they would lose as much or more than we would so I do not fear them nor should our government. As long as they are allowed this outrageous benefit American industry cannot possibly compete. Manufacturing that is not labor intensive would return to this country. How great that would be.
I continue to push these ideas as no one else is to my knowledge. I will be sending this to my Congressperson and my Senators where it will be placed in the nuisance file.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 5, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Response to a New York Times Article

2010-01-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

On January 3, 2010 an article from the Times was republished in the Arizona Daily Star. The title was, “War bonds likely won’t work today, skeptics say”.
It seems that Senator Ben Nelson the Nebraska Democrat introduced war-bond legislation last November similar to what was done in WWII. When he did it he said he hoped to “tap into the same spirit of patriotism and create a sense of participation in the war”.
Later in the article were negative comments about saving versus spending since the experts continue to stress that we are a consumer nation and must stay deep in debt to keep the economy moving.
I take issue with both comments.
First, only someone who was not an adult during WWII could suggest that these fake wars with Iraq and Afghanistan could conceivably be compared to WWII. I was alive and old enough to understand the critical situation we faced against the Axis Powers and the consequences should we fail. At the beginning I was a newspaper boy. Except for an occasional 5 cent candy bar all of my earnings went to purchase War Bond Stamps. My proudest moments were when I had enough to buy a $25 Bond. No one told me to do it. I was not alone. There was no question of patriotism, we were all patriots.
I am still a patriot but I have not at the beginning or do I now support the useless blood and treasure being spent in these countries. All we will ever accomplish is to increase hatred for all Americans.
Second, I continue to be astounded at our government leaders beginning with Bush and now Obama in urging us to stay in debt in support of the well being of Chinese workers. The US Chamber of Commerce and the US Association of Manufacturers avidly support moving more and more manufacturing jobs to this new dynamic country while leaving Americans to get by somehow on government giveaways or low paying service jobs.
The reason I took the time to respond is because I am offended that articles like this make their way into print.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 5, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

BLACKWATER by: Jeremy Schill

2010-01-03T15:29:00.000-08:00

THE RISE OF THE WORLD”S MOST POWERFUL MERCENARY ARMY

This book was published in 2007. In my opinion the author did an outstanding job of research. It is almost unbelievable that something this monumental could have been created and expanded as rapidly as it was.
Except for a few items from the book I am rather going to give you my personal conclusions after finishing reading. First, I already knew a great deal about them. I have followed as best I could the story of Blackwater so what I read was more filling in detail rather than discovery.
The idea started innocently enough. The founders decided that there was an ongoing need for a training facility for law enforcement. This was successful.
It was during the Bush/ Cheney years that the idea of mercenaries came into full bloom. Blackwater was able to hire the best retired officers and skilled veterans to carry out their missions. At first they were hired to protect American and other officials in Iraq and Afghanistan. Later it grew to where it became nearly indistinguishable between them and our own military. The difference was the pay scale, in some cases well over $1,000 per day. These men returned home with huge nest eggs to support their families. That is those who were able to return home. They were given blanket immunity from prosecution whereas our soldiers were not. Not surprisingly many soldiers refused to re-enlist opting to stay in Iraq and to be financially rewarded for doing so.
Blackwater spawned other companies from around the world to where this has grown to immense proportions. There were well over 100,000 in Iraq alone, very nearly equal to our soldiers in number. My own personal opinion is that the administration, knowing the strain the wars were placing on our regular army and reserves, used this as a way to expand numbers without destroying the standing army. Not only that but all that was needed was appropriations from Congress which could be used as they saw fit.
I wonder how many of you know that Blackwater mercenaries were sent to New Orleans. They were there before the federal government and most aid organizations. They claimed to be humanitarians but their purpose was to protect property from looters, etc. President Bush used the Katrina disaster to try to repeal the Posse Comitatus Act (the ban on using U.S. troops in domestic law enforcement), and Blackwater and other security firms initiated a push to install their paramilitaries on U.S. soil.
I have not tried to check on their current situation but I would venture to guess they are still prospering under the new administration. By the way, due to many controversies wherein Iraqis citizens were killed by Blackwater men the company changed its name February 13, 2009 to We.
This book is not a novel. I doubt if many will take the time to read. I do it so I can maintain my anxiety on current events. I’m not ready to settle down and take it easy.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
January 3, 2010
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Transfer of some suspected terrorists to Illinois

2009-12-16T12:18:00.000-08:00

The first action of President Obama was his announcement that Guantanamo would be closed. I was glad to hear that. Now 10 months later he advises he will spend millions renovating an unused correctional facility in Thompson, Illinois and transfer most but not all of these prisoners. This means to me that Guantanamo will still be a prison. I fail to see the merit to this decision. I call upon my Congressperson to deny funding so this idea can have a quick death.
Here is my simplistic solution. Put them on a secure plane ride back to their country of origin. Turn them over to authorities and let them decide their fate. This could be release, continued confinement or death as their laws prescribe.
To bring them to the heartland of America is just plain insane.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
December 16, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Pay for the War

2009-12-07T07:57:00.001-08:00

This is for all of you war hawks and weepy doves. Our Nobel Peace Prize winner president has told you of the dire necessity of increasing troop levels in Afghanistan. So be it. You hawks love the smell of Napalm in the morning and you doves like to look sad and say woe is me. If perpetual war is to be the future for us then I have only one request. Change that. I have only one demand and that is we pay for it. No more adding to the debt for our children’s children to pay. This is our war. This is our time. This is our decision. If it is truly needed then we should all be willing to pay for it.
What I demand is the Congress adds a surcharge for those of us paying income tax or creates a national sales tax so that the rest can also contribute. I leave it to the experts to decide how much of an increase is required. I just demand it be large enough to pay every penny of the “surge”. Play now and someone else pay later is no longer acceptable. This is not a game. We cannot continue spending money we don’t have. The day of reckoning is now.
I know the wars would be over in a minute if your children were to be drafted. Because of the lack of courage or integrity of our elected officials that will never happen. By paying huge bonuses they are able to convince sufficient numbers to sign on or re-up. Therefore the only other way to get your attention is to make you pay for the cost. I am willing to pay my share, are you?
This will be a drag on the economy, no mistake about that, but do we really deserve to buy all these toys and gimmicks while we have boys dying in the desert so far from home. I say no.
I have sent this to my Congressperson and our two Senators which will be promptly tossed in the trash. If in the other hand they received thousands of letters they might get the message. That is all I can ever hope for.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
December 7, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com

Opinion Article by Leonard Pitts (Poll as mirror)

2009-12-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. Pitts,
First I want to say that I usually look forward to reading your columns or listening to you on MSNBC. Your insights are normally well done. Where you fail is when you beat the race card thing to death. The last time I wrote was about the cop, the professor and the president. I feel compelled to respond to your latest.
You might be interested to know that I am a white man who voted for Obama. Race was just a side benefit. I liked what he said and after 8 years of the other idiot I wanted a complete change of course. You state that after all Obama is the president, Bush was also the president, I gave him no slack or respect because of the harm he did to America and the world. I never expect total agreement. That is not necessary. What is necessary is that I believe the president, no matter who he might be, makes decisions in the best interest of our future not what is expedient.
The fact that you can count me on the negative side of the poll has nothing whatever to do with his race but has everything to do with the policies he has promoted, those he hasn’t but promised during the campaign he would, the old guard he has surrounded himself with which guarantees that no substantive change can possibly take place, his love affair with Islam world wide and placing Muslims in high level government positions, his “don’t jump to conclusions about the slaughter at Fort Hood”, trying terrorists in court instead of military tribunals, trying to scatter the rest from Guantanamo to US prisons, the multi billion bail out of Wall Street, billions for the ridiculous clunker program, billions for GM and Chrysler ( Our reward for this is GM expanding production facilities in China), green jobs for solar collectors, light bulbs and windmills being produced overseas (these were promised for Americans). You get the idea.
If I were black I would overlook many things to provide support to one who had finally reached the pinnacle. What could you expect? For the rest of us who think and care we have had enough. I think we expected too much. Obama’s solutions to problems are mostly throwing money without changing the basics that have brought us to where we are today. His latest on the troop increase in Afghanistan is the worst to date. I am including a letter I wrote yesterday for your perusal.

Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
December 3, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com