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Comment by Ray Norberto on February 20, 2011 at 11:29am

After a lifetime of listening to Robert Merrill singing - either live or on tape - the NATIONAL ANTHEM, and Whitney Houston's stirring, pure version at the Super Bowl in '91, I just get up and go to the bathroom or kitchen when they announce the singer each year. They are getting worse, and it mixes with their narcissism, so I can barely stand to hear it. Two thumbs up from me , too.

Comment by Charles on February 20, 2011 at 11:12am

Paul,

  Two thumbs from here. Nice editorial.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 19, 2011 at 1:50pm

A good friend sent this part of an editorial about the Superbowl--- couldn't agree more:

 

"So, with all the kindness I can muster, I give this one piece of advice to the next pop star who is asked to sing the national anthem at a sporting event: save the vocal gymnastics and the physical gyrations for your concerts. Just sing this song the way you were taught to sing it in kindergarten - straight up, no styling. Sing it with the constant awareness that there are soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines watching you from bases and outposts all over the world. Don't make them cringe with your self-centered ego gratification. Sing it as if you are standing before a row of 86-year-old WWII vets wearing their Purple Hearts, Silver Stars and flag pins on their cardigans and you want them to be proud of you for honoring them and the country they love - not because you want them to think you are a superstar musician. They could see that from the costumes, the makeup and the entourages. Sing "The Star Spangled Banner" with the courtesy and humility that tells the audience that it is about America, not you."

Comment by Robert Hartman on February 18, 2011 at 12:38am

I do not really know where to start with this. Just go to your local store and notice how many products are out of stock. Not their fault, so maybe it is the distrubutors fault. wrong again, it is down to the manufacturer wich happens be in China Not their fault either. The Chinese workforce wich we have become dependent on has left the factory and returned to the farm .You want to know whose fault the whole econimacal situation is to blame . You and I for bargain hunting, not paying any attention to where your goods are coming from as long as we thougth is was a good deal.

Comment by greg delany on February 16, 2011 at 11:18am

Well another third world dictator in the cross hairs. Lybia is the latest country to begin the push towards freedom. Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, Jordan, Iran and we pray that North Koreans are getting enough information into that country to give their people Hope to begin the same.

Comment by ctyankee on February 10, 2011 at 10:38pm

Hi Guys,

 

  No, I didn't feel the least bit tripped up, cornered or assaulted. :^)  I appreciate the "challenges" on topics; gives me a chance to brush up responses and clarify issues in my mind and on paper.

 

CT election laws are strict.  I'm going to have to collect 7,500 signatures to get on the ballot, starting 1/1/2013.  Oh, and we are called "Nutmegs" or "Nutmeggers"  but only when they're said with affection.  "Damn Yankees" works when muttered under the breath or when referring to the "War of Northern Aggression"

 

On a serious note, perhaps I should reevaluate the use of the term hard core. I'm a strong believer in Libertarian principles even when I was at odds with the old platform, or perhaps the old guard.  Hence my expounding on the 'suicide-by..." clauses...

 

Thanks guys, keep it coming ... if you want :^) 

Comment by Charles on February 10, 2011 at 9:40pm

I Yam, I'm not sure what we call ourselves. I've been here for 11 years, 12 years too long, Midwest born Air Force brat. Most of the Connecticutians are hard core liberals. There are many of us that follow the positions placed forward by ctyankee. Though we may be out numbered by the left, those of us that march to the right, are strong and compassionate about being so. Most would be considered hard conservatives or libertarian. I for one appreciate your interest in CT and ctyankee's views.  

  ctyankee, so far I really like what I hear. You seem to be well versed and strong in conviction in your views. These too are missing from our current public officials.  Let me know what I can do.

Charles

Comment by Ray Norberto on February 10, 2011 at 4:52pm

I live in NYC and I would like to import you and your platform here.  Great conversation!

Comment by greg delany on February 10, 2011 at 1:54pm

I would vote for you CT. Best of luck to you.

Comment by ctyankee on February 10, 2011 at 1:35pm

OK, did I make any indications contrary to those core beliefs?  Wait; let me rephrase...  Did I make any statement that would allow opponents to label me as a *crackpot*???  Unfortunately that is an important criteria.  The secret word of the day is "duck".

 

I've taken all of the positions you mention, I don't endorse drug use; I believe the war on drugs is a waste of time & effort. 

There is a huge spectrum between the current military and isolationist.  The definition of "small" is crucial in that decision.  The Constitution is not a suicide pact, and the military is an important tool to prevent suicide-by-inaction. 

Abortion is a question for women.  I'm neither qualified nor inclined to impose my will or the will of any man on any woman.  It's a medical procedure -- beyond that it's a matter of personal conscience.

The "Patriot Act" (so inaptly named) needs to go, but again to avoid suicide-by-stupidity, there needs to be other safeguards in place.  We need a populace that is resistant to the things the Patriot Act was supposed to protect us from.  It's said the price of liberty is eternal vigilance.  The people have forgotten that.  They've been trying to buy safety and we've paid with liberty -- It's like confusing cause with effect; a common mental disease in today's America.

 

Minimal government; bingo! -- The absolute minimum we need and not one bit more.  I want to say the a 75% cut is a good start, but that's crackpot!  I believe we could live *happily* with 10-15% of the Federal Government we currently suffer under.  Is that too much for me to avoid "LINO" status? I dunno. 

 

I've been reading the *revised* Libertarian platform & planks.  As recently as 2 years ago the party was a mess.  It's been cleaned up.  I hope that the CT arm of the LP chooses to endorse me...  It's still exploratory/informal at this point.

 

I've got a lot to say, I've got clear ideas, and I want to make my mark by cutting fat not muscle & bone.

 

For me the issue of personal liberty and personal responsibility are so deeply ingrained that I will not waiver.  That said -- there are *always* tricks of grammar, debate, and rhetoric that folks will use to trip me up.  To that I say: "So what?"  What defense is there to questions like: "When did you stop beating your wife?" or "Will you drive to work drunk again tomorrow?"  Will I step on a few of those landmines?  Probably ;^)  I'll grab the little yellow rubber waterfowl I keep on a string from underneath the podium and move on!

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