In writing about this subject, I feel I am aping a broken record as I have railed against our government before for continuing to create a favorable climate for American business to move jobs out of our country. An article in the Arizona Daily Star on 4/9/09 got my attention. The title was,” Now More Than Ever, Lobbying Payoff Is Huge”. There were a number of examples. The one I am zeroing in on is where the lobbyists were able to convince our “leaders” in 2004 to push through a one time tax holiday on profits earned abroad. The lobbying expense was $282.7 million. The savings was about $100 billion which resulted in a 22,000% return on investment. Most of these savings were given to Pfizer, Merck, IBM, Hewlett- Packard and Johnson and Johnson. In 2004 the Republicans had total control so when they cry crocodile tears take it with a grain of salt. I really don’t expect anything better with Democrats in charge.
You can’t fault these companies from seeking improved profit but you can blame the Congress and Administration from failing to protect American jobs by continuing to make it more profitable to move jobs offshore. We are not talking about lower foreign wages or better quality workmanship, we are talking about our own government making it difficult to produce in our country by having high business tax rates here at home and lower tax rates for American companies operating off shore.
Tomorrow is tax day. Across the country people are organizing protests of high taxes by using tea bags to get government’s attention. It will be to no avail, as government will take it in stride and when the rallies are over, return to what they do best and that is to serve the interests of big business and foreign countries and continue to ignore American workers. All our workers can expect is balm in the form of unemployment compensation, temporary health cost relief and other giveaways, but not a new climate where real jobs can be created so Americans can feel proud of their support for their families and not the debilitating situation of living off the dole.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
April 14, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Muslim Somali Pirates
We have had problems with Muslim pirates in our early history. It started when Jefferson was president and continued until Madison was president. The Navy and the Marines brought it to an end. The words in the Marine Hymn refer to it; “to the shores of Tripoli”. I used google to find information about the Barbary Pirates. The point is that force was required to stop piracy. I am convinced that force must be used in sufficient magnitude to stop it today.
Some have told me that the problem should be handled by the ship owners. That is probably right. There seems to be reluctance on their part. Over $200 million in ransom has already been paid and hundreds of crew men from many different nations are held hostage, with no end in sight. If there is a maritime rule that prevents merchant vessels from protecting themselves then perhaps it will take action from the United Nations. I believe all nations suffering from these pirates should come together and present a unified coalition. America does not have to do it alone.
Putting armed personnel on board with permission to repel hijackers with force would put a stop to this in short order. A better response would be to strike their bases wiping out their pirate “navy” and destroying facilities used to generate these attacks.
They are vowing revenge against America for the killing of three pirates and capture of the fourth. In my opinion that opens the door for America to use our naval forces to point out the futility of them carrying out their threat. As long as easy money can be made what other than force can put a stop to this outrage.
It is embarrassing to see us humbled by a rag tag collection of bandits.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
April 12, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Some have told me that the problem should be handled by the ship owners. That is probably right. There seems to be reluctance on their part. Over $200 million in ransom has already been paid and hundreds of crew men from many different nations are held hostage, with no end in sight. If there is a maritime rule that prevents merchant vessels from protecting themselves then perhaps it will take action from the United Nations. I believe all nations suffering from these pirates should come together and present a unified coalition. America does not have to do it alone.
Putting armed personnel on board with permission to repel hijackers with force would put a stop to this in short order. A better response would be to strike their bases wiping out their pirate “navy” and destroying facilities used to generate these attacks.
They are vowing revenge against America for the killing of three pirates and capture of the fourth. In my opinion that opens the door for America to use our naval forces to point out the futility of them carrying out their threat. As long as easy money can be made what other than force can put a stop to this outrage.
It is embarrassing to see us humbled by a rag tag collection of bandits.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
April 12, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Friday, March 27, 2009
My final letter about U of A basketball
Mr. Jim Livengood-Athletic Director
Dear Sir,
I wrote a letter to you February 15, 2009 with reference to filling the coaching position for the men’s basketball team. I strongly encouraged you to retain the current staff. By now it has because obvious that your mind is made up in favor of a big name coach, Rick Petino’s name seems to be the one you are after.
I watched the game today with the Louisville team coached by Mr. Petino. I have some observations to share with you but first I want to let you know what Lute’s fans have come to expect. His teams are always disciplined, with good character players who play hard but with class. I first discovered Lute when he was at Iowa. The people of the state worshiped him and the style of play he brought. We cried when he left. After retiring to Tucson in 1993, I rediscovered Lute and bought tickets whenever I could. In recent years I have attended nearly every home game by buying tickets from regular ticket holders.
Now back to Louisville. I remember a game just a few years ago which we were winning by a large margin, the fans, me included, were hollering Bagga’s name. When he came in we screamed for him to shoot. He did and made a three point basket. What we didn’t know was that Lute had told them not to shoot. Bagga was disciplined for not following orders. Compare that to Louisville, right up to the final seconds they kept making baskets, pounding sand into our wounds. Petino didn’t stop them nor did he chastise them for their facial expressions and their many signs of disrespect. This is not Arizona basketball. We will never accept this style. We are used to class. Russ Pennell and the other coaches have shown class and we are grateful for what they achieved this year. Whether they are retained or not, you need to find coaches that will carry on the tradition of the past 25 years. We expect nothing less, win or lose.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 27, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Dear Sir,
I wrote a letter to you February 15, 2009 with reference to filling the coaching position for the men’s basketball team. I strongly encouraged you to retain the current staff. By now it has because obvious that your mind is made up in favor of a big name coach, Rick Petino’s name seems to be the one you are after.
I watched the game today with the Louisville team coached by Mr. Petino. I have some observations to share with you but first I want to let you know what Lute’s fans have come to expect. His teams are always disciplined, with good character players who play hard but with class. I first discovered Lute when he was at Iowa. The people of the state worshiped him and the style of play he brought. We cried when he left. After retiring to Tucson in 1993, I rediscovered Lute and bought tickets whenever I could. In recent years I have attended nearly every home game by buying tickets from regular ticket holders.
Now back to Louisville. I remember a game just a few years ago which we were winning by a large margin, the fans, me included, were hollering Bagga’s name. When he came in we screamed for him to shoot. He did and made a three point basket. What we didn’t know was that Lute had told them not to shoot. Bagga was disciplined for not following orders. Compare that to Louisville, right up to the final seconds they kept making baskets, pounding sand into our wounds. Petino didn’t stop them nor did he chastise them for their facial expressions and their many signs of disrespect. This is not Arizona basketball. We will never accept this style. We are used to class. Russ Pennell and the other coaches have shown class and we are grateful for what they achieved this year. Whether they are retained or not, you need to find coaches that will carry on the tradition of the past 25 years. We expect nothing less, win or lose.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 27, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Thursday, March 26, 2009
The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian D. McLaren
The Secret Message of Jesus
(Uncovering the truth that could change everything)
By; Brian D. McLaren
Pastor Don Janssma recommended that I read this book. I had given him a 15 page article written by Dr. Bob Bowman. It condemned our practice of using war as the preferred way of resolving issues between nations and theologies. He articulated what he referred to as the just war theory. It immediately resonated with my current thinking and was so profound, I sent copies to other ministers I have encountered in my life’s journey. I did this because he specifically requested that those in a position to spread the word as Pastors can, espouse this theory to try to convince their parishioners to refuse to support wars that do not conform to this concept. I had never heard of it before and credited Dr. Bowman with authorship. On page 155 of this book the theory is mentioned word for word and this book was published in 2006. Perhaps Mr. McLaren picked this up from some other source. The important thing is the theory itself not who first wrote it. I am attaching a copy as an addendum to this report for your information.
The author goes on to say that while the above idea is better than nothing, he believes we should strive to find peaceful solutions to settle conflicts between nations and theologies. He promotes spending ever larger sums from our budget by addressing the underlining causes of conflict.
This book provides a clinical review of the life of Jesus, his statements and actions. It is easily read and understood. He provides clarity where often there is confusion and interpretations that are not in accord with the truth. He points out where Christianity has strayed by taking phrases out of context rather than staying true to the whole body of scripture. He makes sense of the use of parables and the fearless way Jesus took on the reining authorities while breaking bread with prostitutes, tax collectors and other outcasts.
Of particular importance to me is the issue of life after death. Mr. McLaren points out that the kingdom referred to is also here and now as well as in our after life. Only recently have some evangelical churches broken away from the doctrine of subduing the earth to being concerned with saving our environment. We are required to do good works not just so we can be rewarded but because that is what is required of us. I have always believed that the promise of life after death has been used to calm people into accepting their fate, as miserable as it might be, while those with wealth enjoy life to the full, here and now.
I strongly recommend all who read this review to read this book. The last chapter asks that we join together in study groups sharing ideas, using the book as reference and then as a result put into practice what we believe should be done. I have not attempted to write portions from the book as I cannot agree with what to put in or leave out. The only way for you is to read it yourself.
I write this with trepidation as I do not consider myself to be qualified to make statements about Jesus since I have been a skeptic most of my life. The reason for that is that I cannot accept that people professing to be Christians live non-Christian lives. When self interest rises up they do what is best for themselves rather than the good of all.
What a wonderful world this would be if the principles of Jesus were adhered to. Perhaps hatred between peoples and other religions would cease so that all resources could be put to work improving instead of destroying. It is possible but only if we care enough to make it happen.
My above comments represent the feeling I have after reading. Yours may be different. I look forward to discussing with anyone who also reads this book.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 26, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Just War Theory
( From Mr. Brian McLaren’s book,” The Secret Message of Jesus”)
The just war theory gave seven criteria for a “just war”: a just cause for the war, a legitimate authority declaring war, a formal declaration of war, the goal being a return to peace, recourse to war only as a last resort, a reasonable hope of success, and means proportional to ends. The theory also presented three conditions for the prosecution of any war that met the seven criteria: noncombatants must not be targeted, prisoners must not be treated with cruelty, and international treaties and conventions must be respected. In this way, just war theory sought to balance competing demands: commitment to nonviolence in the way of Jesus and responsibility to protect neighbors from violence in the way of Jesus.
(Uncovering the truth that could change everything)
By; Brian D. McLaren
Pastor Don Janssma recommended that I read this book. I had given him a 15 page article written by Dr. Bob Bowman. It condemned our practice of using war as the preferred way of resolving issues between nations and theologies. He articulated what he referred to as the just war theory. It immediately resonated with my current thinking and was so profound, I sent copies to other ministers I have encountered in my life’s journey. I did this because he specifically requested that those in a position to spread the word as Pastors can, espouse this theory to try to convince their parishioners to refuse to support wars that do not conform to this concept. I had never heard of it before and credited Dr. Bowman with authorship. On page 155 of this book the theory is mentioned word for word and this book was published in 2006. Perhaps Mr. McLaren picked this up from some other source. The important thing is the theory itself not who first wrote it. I am attaching a copy as an addendum to this report for your information.
The author goes on to say that while the above idea is better than nothing, he believes we should strive to find peaceful solutions to settle conflicts between nations and theologies. He promotes spending ever larger sums from our budget by addressing the underlining causes of conflict.
This book provides a clinical review of the life of Jesus, his statements and actions. It is easily read and understood. He provides clarity where often there is confusion and interpretations that are not in accord with the truth. He points out where Christianity has strayed by taking phrases out of context rather than staying true to the whole body of scripture. He makes sense of the use of parables and the fearless way Jesus took on the reining authorities while breaking bread with prostitutes, tax collectors and other outcasts.
Of particular importance to me is the issue of life after death. Mr. McLaren points out that the kingdom referred to is also here and now as well as in our after life. Only recently have some evangelical churches broken away from the doctrine of subduing the earth to being concerned with saving our environment. We are required to do good works not just so we can be rewarded but because that is what is required of us. I have always believed that the promise of life after death has been used to calm people into accepting their fate, as miserable as it might be, while those with wealth enjoy life to the full, here and now.
I strongly recommend all who read this review to read this book. The last chapter asks that we join together in study groups sharing ideas, using the book as reference and then as a result put into practice what we believe should be done. I have not attempted to write portions from the book as I cannot agree with what to put in or leave out. The only way for you is to read it yourself.
I write this with trepidation as I do not consider myself to be qualified to make statements about Jesus since I have been a skeptic most of my life. The reason for that is that I cannot accept that people professing to be Christians live non-Christian lives. When self interest rises up they do what is best for themselves rather than the good of all.
What a wonderful world this would be if the principles of Jesus were adhered to. Perhaps hatred between peoples and other religions would cease so that all resources could be put to work improving instead of destroying. It is possible but only if we care enough to make it happen.
My above comments represent the feeling I have after reading. Yours may be different. I look forward to discussing with anyone who also reads this book.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 26, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Just War Theory
( From Mr. Brian McLaren’s book,” The Secret Message of Jesus”)
The just war theory gave seven criteria for a “just war”: a just cause for the war, a legitimate authority declaring war, a formal declaration of war, the goal being a return to peace, recourse to war only as a last resort, a reasonable hope of success, and means proportional to ends. The theory also presented three conditions for the prosecution of any war that met the seven criteria: noncombatants must not be targeted, prisoners must not be treated with cruelty, and international treaties and conventions must be respected. In this way, just war theory sought to balance competing demands: commitment to nonviolence in the way of Jesus and responsibility to protect neighbors from violence in the way of Jesus.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Rebutal to Arizona Daily Star Editorial in favor of Mexican trucks on U.S. Highways
You are wrong on all counts. NAFTA and the other "trade" agreements over the past decades has decimated manufacturing in our country. Millions of good paying jobs gone. Now you insist that our truckers are overpaid and must compete with Mexicans who will work for far less. You won't be satisfied until all decent workers jobs are driven down to the lowest possible level.
Our government is too weak to stop the flow of illegals and drugs now. How much easier it will be with huge trucks crossing the border every day.
If we had government leaders fighting for us instead of against us, they would immediately raise tariffs to match Mexico's until reason prevailed. I can assure you they won't. We are addicted to cheap goods no matter the loss of jobs and dignity.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 20, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Our government is too weak to stop the flow of illegals and drugs now. How much easier it will be with huge trucks crossing the border every day.
If we had government leaders fighting for us instead of against us, they would immediately raise tariffs to match Mexico's until reason prevailed. I can assure you they won't. We are addicted to cheap goods no matter the loss of jobs and dignity.
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 20, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Monday, March 9, 2009
Letter of thanks to the U of A men's basketball coach
Russ Pennell
(U of A Interim head coach)
Dear Mr. Pennell,
I hope by now that many U of A basketball fans have taken the time to express their thanks to you in appreciation of the outstanding achievement, you and your coaching staff have achieved this year. If not, then please accept this letter as my effort to congratulate your success.
In terms of winning records, yours will not rate high, but in terms of what you have accomplished, few, if any, teams have shown such growth. No one expected a winning season. The thinking was to get through this year as best we could and look forward to future years to re-create the Arizona tradition. Day by day, week by week, you have nurtured these young men to where they believe in themselves. It is obvious there is a strong bond between you and them. I have been at every home game once the season started. I have been amazed at the steady growth. Your big three; Budinger, Hill and Wise have greatly improved their performance as compared to last year and the supporting cast is making the contributions necessary to complement the big three.
The game last Saturday was a classic. Your guys just would not let this game get away from them. They fought to the last minute. For once, I agree with Mr. Hansen, the fans expressed their love as best they could. No one wanted to leave. The icing, of course, was the seven points contributed by Bagga and Onobun. Take those away and you only win by seven points.
I hope that this win is enough to get us into the NCAA tournament. If not, then a win against ASU on Thursday, regardless, you deserve to be a head coach here or somewhere else. I am one of your fans who hope it will be here. To that end I wrote to Mr. Livengood several weeks ago. He, no doubt, will not rest until he can find a “name” coach. Why he can’t see with his own eyes what the fans have seen, is beyond me.
Good luck and my thanks,
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 9, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
(U of A Interim head coach)
Dear Mr. Pennell,
I hope by now that many U of A basketball fans have taken the time to express their thanks to you in appreciation of the outstanding achievement, you and your coaching staff have achieved this year. If not, then please accept this letter as my effort to congratulate your success.
In terms of winning records, yours will not rate high, but in terms of what you have accomplished, few, if any, teams have shown such growth. No one expected a winning season. The thinking was to get through this year as best we could and look forward to future years to re-create the Arizona tradition. Day by day, week by week, you have nurtured these young men to where they believe in themselves. It is obvious there is a strong bond between you and them. I have been at every home game once the season started. I have been amazed at the steady growth. Your big three; Budinger, Hill and Wise have greatly improved their performance as compared to last year and the supporting cast is making the contributions necessary to complement the big three.
The game last Saturday was a classic. Your guys just would not let this game get away from them. They fought to the last minute. For once, I agree with Mr. Hansen, the fans expressed their love as best they could. No one wanted to leave. The icing, of course, was the seven points contributed by Bagga and Onobun. Take those away and you only win by seven points.
I hope that this win is enough to get us into the NCAA tournament. If not, then a win against ASU on Thursday, regardless, you deserve to be a head coach here or somewhere else. I am one of your fans who hope it will be here. To that end I wrote to Mr. Livengood several weeks ago. He, no doubt, will not rest until he can find a “name” coach. Why he can’t see with his own eyes what the fans have seen, is beyond me.
Good luck and my thanks,
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
March 9, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Letter requesting keeping the current basketball coach at the University of Arizona
Mr. Jim Livengood- Athletic Director
Dear Sir,
I am writing out of concern for the future of the men’s basketball program. You have allowed it to flounder for the past two years to where all of the best recruits have gone elsewhere. You and Columnist Greg Hansen keep talking about hiring a big name coach for next year. Even after the great win over UCLA, in his column this morning he said,” The first priority UA Jim Livengood has in hiring a coach is to get someone who can immediately recruit elite-level players”.
Since no respectable coach would leave his team in the middle of the season, the program continues in limbo. The current coaching staff is hampered if they try to recruit, as they will not be here to coach them. The prospective players will for their own sakes not commit without knowing they would be entering a program with a seasoned staff capable of giving them the coaching they need to develop as players in the sport they love. The ones who are capable of advancing to the pro leagues especially will not take the risk.
I know the bottom line for you is the income the basketball program brings to the Athletic Department. When this year began the interim coaches chosen to lead were told by you that they would not be hired for next year. In spite of that and with the super star recruits not showing up, Russ Pennell and his assistants have nurtured the players they had, and step by step, game after game, there has been steady progress. The fans being disillusioned stayed away early on. There were several thousand empty seats. The USC attendance set a McKale record and today’s game with UCLA was another full house. The players, after being kicked around have bonded with Mr. Pennell, his father, Dunlap and Gerry. What more can you ask? A recruit, seeing what is happening at Arizona, would want to be a part of the famous U of A program, and would be impressed with the current staff.
Russ Pennell’s masterful coaching in the final minute of the Huston game should become a classic training tool for coach’s everywhere. Except for the foolish foul by Horne, the foul called on Wise as he tried to stand up in the first USC game and the technical called on the bench in the ASU game, we would have 21 wins by now and be high in the top 25 rankings.
It is obvious to me and the fans I have talked with, that we admire the job being done by the staff and wonder why you keep insisting on a big name. I am here to tell you that if the current staff is let go, you will have to get by without me and others from showing up next year. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. It is time for you to do the right thing
Sincerely yours,
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
February 15, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
Dear Sir,
I am writing out of concern for the future of the men’s basketball program. You have allowed it to flounder for the past two years to where all of the best recruits have gone elsewhere. You and Columnist Greg Hansen keep talking about hiring a big name coach for next year. Even after the great win over UCLA, in his column this morning he said,” The first priority UA Jim Livengood has in hiring a coach is to get someone who can immediately recruit elite-level players”.
Since no respectable coach would leave his team in the middle of the season, the program continues in limbo. The current coaching staff is hampered if they try to recruit, as they will not be here to coach them. The prospective players will for their own sakes not commit without knowing they would be entering a program with a seasoned staff capable of giving them the coaching they need to develop as players in the sport they love. The ones who are capable of advancing to the pro leagues especially will not take the risk.
I know the bottom line for you is the income the basketball program brings to the Athletic Department. When this year began the interim coaches chosen to lead were told by you that they would not be hired for next year. In spite of that and with the super star recruits not showing up, Russ Pennell and his assistants have nurtured the players they had, and step by step, game after game, there has been steady progress. The fans being disillusioned stayed away early on. There were several thousand empty seats. The USC attendance set a McKale record and today’s game with UCLA was another full house. The players, after being kicked around have bonded with Mr. Pennell, his father, Dunlap and Gerry. What more can you ask? A recruit, seeing what is happening at Arizona, would want to be a part of the famous U of A program, and would be impressed with the current staff.
Russ Pennell’s masterful coaching in the final minute of the Huston game should become a classic training tool for coach’s everywhere. Except for the foolish foul by Horne, the foul called on Wise as he tried to stand up in the first USC game and the technical called on the bench in the ASU game, we would have 21 wins by now and be high in the top 25 rankings.
It is obvious to me and the fans I have talked with, that we admire the job being done by the staff and wonder why you keep insisting on a big name. I am here to tell you that if the current staff is let go, you will have to get by without me and others from showing up next year. The longer you wait, the worse it will get. It is time for you to do the right thing
Sincerely yours,
Jack B. Walters
3961 N. Hillwood Circle
Tucson, AZ 85750
(520) 722-2958
February 15, 2009
jackbwalters@yahoo.com
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