Gee, I Didn't Know I Could Be

A terrorist. Yes, terrorist. Not terrible person. Terrorist.

But, according to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, I need to be watched. After all, Emo is a committed Christian, pro-life, can shoot a gun and has been stocking a pantry -- "'end times' prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food,ammunition and weapons. These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as the violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement."


Fox News cites a footnote in the report that say: "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," said that while there is no specific information that domestic right-wing terrorists are planning acts of violence, such acts could come from unnamed 'rightwing extremists' concerned about illegal immigration, abortion, increasing federal power and restrictions on firearms -- and singled out returning war veterans as susceptible to recruitment."

Oh, my. We've been stocking up on food ever since the costs jumped along with gas costs last year because having a job is not a given. A few years ago we had a look-see at the gun shop down the road that retired and off-duty police officers run because violent crime has hit our city hard -- a murder a day at times. We took a CWP (concealed weapon permit) class, and the instructor, a retired police officer, advised Emo to post the practice target to ward off would-be home invaders. I have taken a stand for life -- from womb to tomb. And, being second-generation Americans on both sides of my family, I am a firm believer in LEGAL immigration. So, all of these and the last book of the Bible can get me in deep trouble.

Wow. In the '60s, many college kids thought the narcs and feds were everywhere. We chalked it up to paranoia, but as an American citizen who believes the Constitution is an incredible document, second to the Bible, I can see that our rhetorical response is appropriate here: You're not paranoid if it's true.

God bless America!

This Is America, Right?

Without a doubt, the recession has hurt a lot of good folks in the last year.

I'm not talking about people who bought houses way out of their league with no money down and high expectation of flipping them for a fortune, or those who found it so damn easy to get into a home, they didn't make their mortgage payments.

The good folks I'm talking about got blindsided by a tangled mess created below the surface of every day life. They're hardworking, honest and loyal Americans. (Emo closed a storefront business June 30, 2008, and is still working to pay off debt. I likely will be for another year, but I'm thankful for the work!) They have no concept of what trillions of dollars is, except that they understand it means future generations have a huge bill to pay before they ever walk this land.

And while some of these good folks are rightfully angry over bail outs and bonuses, I doubt they really want the country to go in the direction it's headed. This idea about giving THE GOVERNMENT power to take over private business, even dismantle them, is scary. The talk of today would take us right past Socialism and into Communism -- at the very least, it takes us right to the door.

That isn't what our great Constitution establishes, which is why true blue Americans, Democrats and Republicans alike, are throwing Tea Parties throughout the country. The one in Tampa, organized by ordinary Moms, drew a record crowd (for Tampa) of 4,000 people. The Tea Party is a classic American symbol that goes to our roots.

I pray that all of us -- including our elected officials -- come to our senses soon. What do you think?

A Mess of Papers

Hello, again.
It's been awhile -- Emo Cat has done some traveling (a great experience for a homebody!). OK, OK. I've been back for a few months. But I succumbed to a mound of papers, and that mound camouflageded my notebooks, not to mention intimidated me no end.
So, for the second time in the last year, I'm saying I'm back.
May this be the first of consistent entries in a permanent round.