By now most of you have read about ABC News importing depleted uranium from Jakarta in a test of our homeland defense. I have several thoughts on this subject.
First, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, has stated that shipments to the US are being checked in their ports of origin as our first line of defense. The idea is to make our ports the LAST line of defense. What I’d like to know is, why hasn’t the Dept. of Homeland Security tried to breach these defenses to see just how well the plan works? I can’t believe that they haven’t determined how thoroughly shipments are assessed prior to this.
Daily Archives: September 12, 2003
Mothers-in-law
Why do Mothers-in Law have such a bad reputation? Just this week I’ve heard several jokes on the subject, and it’s been discussed on the radio. Is there really something that happens to your mother once you marry, or is this just a convenient subject for comedians?
I have no doubt that there are mothers who pester about grand children, and it’s probable there are mothers who want the best for their children, and don’t have the sense to mind their own business. But I find it difficult to believe that it’s universal.
Farewell, J.R.
Johnny Cash lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans, now. I’m of an age where the icons in my life are slipping away, and this is one icon I hate to see go.
I’m not much of a country music fan. My family didn’t listen to country music when I was a kid, but you couldn’t miss Johnny Cash in those days. He was a STAR, and you watched whether you were a fan of country music or not. He lived large and entertained well, and he became part of the fabric of our lives.
There was always the hint of danger, a bit of roughness, or a little of the unexpected about him, but he had the ablilty to be gentle, too. I liked the stability that came into his life with his love for June Carter, and I liked the fire he brought to her. They were married to others when they met, and went through hard times before they could be together. June Carter Cash wrote “Ring of Fire” for Johnny, about that time in their lives.
I liked the black he wore, and I liked the long coats. I loved the interaction on stage between Johnny and other performers, and I loved his sense of humor. Most of all I loved that I could sing along, or just sit and listen. I liked his music either way.
Both Johnny and June had been ill for the past few years. A life on the road as an entertainer is a hard one; it took a lot out of them. June died in May, and I’m not surprised that Johnny has followed her so soon. I expect that there’s beautiful music in heaven today.
Farewell, J.R. Cash, and thanks for all the good times!