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YAHOO UNLIKE GOOGLE PAID TRIBUTE TO THE VETS ON MEMORIAL DAY.
MICKMCK707
oogle couldn’t be bothered to recognize Memorial Day (even though they’ve been confronted about it every year for at least 3 years), but today they have a nice little logo commemorating the climbing of Mount Everest.
Memorial Day
The willingness with which young people are likely to serve in war, no matter how justified, is directly proportional to how they perceive how veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country. — George Washington
Posted: 22 May 2008 04:21 PM CDT
The President was at Fort Bragg today for All American Week and to present some medals to deserving paratroopers and their families. He presented two Distinguished Service Crosses, three Silver Stars to paratroopers, and two Silver Stars posthumously to family members.
The President presented two DSCs today – one to Sergeant Corriveau:
Sgt. Christopher Corriveau (right), Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, is awarded the Distinguished Service Cross from President George W. Bush along with the commander of the 82nd Abn. Div. Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez May 22 during the Division’s Review at Fort Bragg, N.C. Corriveau, a native of Lewiston, Maine, is credited with repelling an overwhelming and heavily-armed force Aug. 26, 2007. His four man sniper team courageously fought off an enemy force in close combat for control of a rooftop during Operation Iraqi Freedom killing or wounding at least 10 insurgents. Photographer for all photos: Sgt. Timothy Dinneen, Headquarters, 82nd Airborne Division Public Affairs.
Specialist Christopher Hamel Corriveau of Lewiston , Maine , for extraordinary heroism in action. Specialist Christopher H. Corriveau, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 26 August 2007, distinguished himself as part of a four-man sniper team in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Corriveau’s exceptional courage and tactical prowess under intense enemy fire and close combat contributed to the defeat of a concerted enemy effort to overrun his sniper position. Surrounded and attacked by an enemy force ten times superior to that of his own, Specialist Corriveau and his fellow paratroopers valiantly repelled the enemy attack with withering small arms fire and grenades. His four-man sniper team courageously fought off an overwhelming enemy force for control of the rooftop for over ten minutes in close combat, killing or wounding at least ten enemies in the process.
And he presented one DSC to Sergeant Moser:
Sgt. Eric Moser (right), Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, is awarded the Distinguished Service Cross by President George W. Bush along with the commander of the 82nd Abn. Div. Maj. Gen. David Rodriguez on May 22 during the Division’s Review at Fort Bragg, N.C. Moser, a native of Houston, is credited with repelling an overwhelming and heavily-armed force Aug. 26, 2007. His four man sniper team courageously fought off an enemy force in close combat for control of a rooftop during Operation Iraqi Freedom killing or wounding at least 10 insurgents.
Sergeant Eric Alan Moser of College Station , Texas for extraordinary heroism in action. Specialist Eric A. Moser, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, on 26 August 2007, distinguished himself as a Designated Marksman in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Specialist Moser’s exceptional courage and tactical prowess under intense enemy fire and close combat contributed to the defeat of a concerted enemy effort to overrun his sniper position. Surrounded and attacked by an enemy force ten times superior to that of his own, Specialist Moser and his fellow paratroopers valiantly repelled the enemy attack with withering small arms fire and grenades. His four-man sniper team courageously fought off an overwhelming enemy force for control of the rooftop for over ten minutes in close combat, killing or wounding at least ten enemies in the process.
MUST READ: Jeff Emmanuel has more on the fight that earned Corriveau and Moser the DSC.
Staff Sgt. Peter Rohrs, Charlie Company, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, is awarded the Silver Star by President George W. Bush along with the commander of the 82nd Abn. Div. Maj Gen. David Rodriguez during the Division Review on May 22 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Rohrs, a native of San Antonio, served as a medic and is credited for the rescue of 12 critically wounded coalition soldiers.Staff Sergeant Peter David Rohrs of Fayetteville, North Carolina for gallantry in action on 9 November 2007 while serving as a Flight Medic, Company C, 3-82nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, in support of operation Enduring Freedom. His selfless actions were directly responsible for the rescue of twelve critically wounded coalition Soldiers. His courage, tactical abilities, and regard for the safety of his patients, crew, and aircraft were remarkable.
Sgt. 1st Class Ronald D. Strickland, Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, is awarded the Silver Star by President George W. Bush during the 82nd Abn. Div’s review May 22 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Strickland, a native of Rowland, N.C., braved enemy fire May 29, 2007, rescuing the crew of Flipper 75, which was shot down by enemy fire in Afghanistan. Strickland personally engaged the enemy with multiple weapons preventing the Taliban from gaining possession of his fellow Soldiers. He maintained an exposed position to secure the crash site.Sergeant First Class Ronald Gregory Strickland of Rowland , North Carolina for gallantry in action on 29 May 2007 by performing with marked distinction while engaged with an armed enemy during operation Kulang Hellion, near Kajaki Sofla , Afghanistan . With total disregard for his own life, he braved hostile fire in an attempt to rescue the crew of an aircraft shot down by enemy fire. He secured the crash site, engaging the attacking enemy with multiple weapons, and prevented the Taliban from capturing his fellow Soldiers.
Sgt. 1st Class William Tomlin, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, is awarded the Silver Star by President George W. Bush May 22 during the 82nd Abn. Div’s review at Fort Bragg, N.C. Tomlin, a native of Barhamsted, Conn., led several counterattacks against an enemy force that outnumbered his platoon six-to-one in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Tomlin not only defended his position, but organized four separate units to destroy between 30-50 insurgents and kill two key Taliban leaders in the area turning a dire situation into a complete victory for his unit.
Sergeant First Class William Charles Tomlin III, of Angier , North Carolina for gallantry in action on 9 April 2007, while serving as Scout Platoon Leader assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He distinguished himself by acts of conspicuous gallantry in action against an enemy force that outnumbered his own by six to one. Sergeant First Class Tomlin led several dismounted counterattacks against the enemy, at the risk of his own life and demonstrated leadership, personal courage, and selfless dedication. His example of bravery under fire was the key component to turning a dire situation into a complete victory for the task force.
President George W. Bush embraces the mother of Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Sebban, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry, 82nd Airborne Division, during the 82nd Abn. Div.’s review on May 22 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Barbara Walsh accepted the Silver Star on her son’s behalf. Sebban placed himself in a position of danger warning his fellow Paratroopers of an approaching vehicle borne explosive device. Although Sebban suffered life threatening injuries he provided medical care to his comrades until he succumbed to his injuries. His ultimate sacrifice is credited with saving the lives of more than 86 Paratroopers.
The President remarked:
…America is fortunate to have courageous men and women who volunteer to protect us during these dangerous times. We’ve seen that courage in the story of Sergeant First Class Benjamin Sebban of the 82nd Airborne. As a senior medic in his squadron, Ben made sacrifice a way of life. When younger medics were learning how to insert IVs, he would always offer up his own arm for practice. And when the time came, Ben did not hesitate to offer his fellow soldiers far more.
On March 17, 2007, in Diyala Province, Ben saw a truck filled with explosives racing toward his team of paratroopers. He ran out in the field to warn them, exposing himself to a blast. Ben received severe wounds — but this good medic never bothered to check his own injuries. Instead, he devoted his final moments on Earth to treating others. This morning, it was such a great honor to be able to present Ben’s mom the Silver Star…
President George W. Bush comforts the wife of Sgt. Charles Wyckoff, 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, during the 82nd Abn. Div’s review May 22 at Fort Bragg, N.C. Erika Wyckoff and their two children, of Fayetteville, N.C., accepted the Distinguished Service Cross on her husband’s behalf for his actions June 6, 2007, during Operation Enduring Freedom. While engaged in close combat, Wyckoff revealed his position fatally engaging two insurgents to save the lives of his platoon keeping with the finest traditions of military service.
Cross posted from Pat Dollard
1. You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to beer.
2. You own a $3,000 machine gun and $5,000 rocket launcher, but you can’t afford shoes.
3. You have more wives than teeth.
4. You wipe your butt with your bare left hand, but consider bacon “unclean.”
5. You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.
6. You can’t think of anyone you HAVEN’T declared Jihad against.
7. You consider television dangerous, but routinely carry explosives in your clothing.
8. You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.
9. You’ve often uttered the phrase, ” I love what you’ve done with your cave.”
10. You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least one.
11. You bathe at least monthly whether necessary or not.
12. You’ve ever had a crush on your neighbor’s goat
CREDIT- IRONIC SURREALISM11
AS THE PRICE OF GAS GOES OUT OF SITE, THE PRICE OF COMPACT CARS HAS GONE UP $2,00.00. THIS IS FOR USED CARS! IN MISSOURI YOU CAN GET A “FREE HAND GUN” WHEN YOU BUY A CAR!!!. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF THIS COUNTRY? ALL THEY THINK ABOUT IS HOW MUCH MONEY THEY CAN MAKE, AND SCREW THE PUBLIC. WE THE PEOPLE ARE THE ONLY ONES THAT CAN CORRECT THE PROBLEMS IN THIS COUNTRY, NOT THE PEOPLE WE SENT TO WASHINGTON.
MICKMCK707
TODAY IS A BIG DAY FOR ME. I TOPPED 10,00.00 VISITS TO MY SITE IN LESS THAN A YEAR. I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LAST THAT LONG.
THANKS AGAIN
MICKMCK707
THE AUTO INDUSTRY COULD PUT A CARBURETOR IN A CAR THAT WOULD GET 75MPH AND COULD HAVE DONE IT YEARS AGO. THE FUEL INDUSTRY LOBBIED AGAINST IT. THE INDUSTRY SHOULD STOP BUILDING THE BIG GAS GUZZLERS. IT IS TIME THE PEOPLE LET WASHINGTON KNOW THAT IT IS TIME TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS.
MICKMCK707
Although the United States’ welfare rolls are already swollen, every year we import more people who wind up on public assistance: immigrants. Many immigrants are poor; indeed, that is why they come here. The immigrants we admit are much poorer than the native population and are increasing the size of our impoverished population. As a result, the share of immigrant households below the poverty line (18 percent) is much higher than the share of native households that are poor (11 percent)—nearly twice as high. And immigrant households are more likely to participate in practically every one of the major means-tested programs. Immigrant use of welfare programs (21 percent) is 43 percent higher than non-immigrants’ use (15 percent).1
Each year, state governments spend an estimated $11 billion to $22 billion to provide welfare to immigrants.2
Why Are Immigrants On Welfare?
Some people mistakenly think that immigrants are not eligible for welfare. Several years ago, Congress did attempt to render immigrants ineligible for most forms of welfare. However, subsequent backpedaling by Congress and the executive branch has undone most of those reforms. Furthermore, many immigrant families get welfare through the eligibility of their U.S. citizen children. (It is also important to realize that even when immigrants are ineligible for federal welfare programs, the burden of their support is simply shifted over to the state and local welfare agencies.)
Refugees, asylees, and all amnestied illegal aliens are exempt from the public charge requirement.3 Congress has decided that the American people will serve as the sponsors for these immigrants and pick up the tab for their support.
All other immigrants must pass a public charge test and have a U.S. sponsor or sponsors willing to pledge their income to support them. Before a potential immigrant receives an immigration visa, American consular officers are supposed to evaluate whether he or she is likely to become a public charge, and, if so, to deny the visa. The consular officer is supposed to take into account a variety of factors: the amount of support the sponsor can give, the resources and skills of the applicant, and any special conditions (such as age or infirmity) that might affect the applicant’s need for support. The Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 set the new legal standard for the evaluation: the sponsor of the applicant must have an annual income of at least 125 percent of the federally designated poverty level. There are several problems with this standard:
- The sponsorship income level, only 25 percent higher than the poverty level, is so low that it does not prevent immigrants from going on welfare; in fact, it almost guarantees it. Say a sponsor begins with an income of 200 percent of poverty level and is, therefore, not considered “legally poor.” But after splitting that income with the immigrant, each will be at 100 percent of the poverty level. Where before we had one non-poor person, now we have two poor people. Since eligibility for some welfare programs kicks in before one’s income drops to 125 percent of poverty level, immigrants can easily wind up on welfare.
- While immigrants who receive welfare can be deported for violating the conditions under which they were admitted, this provision is rarely enforced; in fact, only twelve people have been deported under this provision since 1980.4 Administrative rulings have held that an immigrant cannot be held responsible for receiving welfare unless the welfare agencies have sent the immigrant a bill for their services, demanded payment, and been refused payment.5 Since welfare agencies do not do this, it is virtually impossible for an immigrant to be charged with violating the public charge provisions that can lead to deportation.
- Furthermore, numerous forms of welfare are not considered under the public charge test, including food stamps, pre-natal care, nutrition programs, housing assistance, energy assistance, job training programs, child care services, free or reduced school lunch, public shelters, health clinics, Medicaid, and any cash welfare programs that are not the family’s sole source of income.6 This insulates immigrants from being considered public charges unless they are completely dependent on welfare.
What Types of Welfare Are Immigrants Eligible For?
As of the 1996 welfare reform bill, the following applies to eligibility for federal and state funded welfare programs:
- Legal immigrants are barred from all federal means-tested public benefits for five years after entering the country and barred from SSI and food stamps until citizenship. They are also barred from all federal means-tested public benefits for five years.7
- Benefits available to immigrants include school lunch and breakfast programs, immunizations, emergency medical services, disaster relief, and others programs that are necessary to protect life and safety as identified by the attorney general, regardless of immigration status.8
- Illegal immigrants are barred from the following federal public benefits: grants, contracts, loans, licenses, retirement, welfare, health, disability, public or assisted housing, post secondary education, food assistance, and unemployment benefits. States are barred from providing state or locally funded benefits to illegal immigrants unless a state law is enacted granting such authority.9
Welfare Reform Failed to Solve the Problem
Despite expectations that the 1996 welfare reform bill would cause significant changes in immigrant welfare use, it has actually remained at the same level. The 1996 welfare reforms failed because while the legislation cut immigrants off from certain welfare programs, the savings that resulted from those cuts were not high enough to offset the increased usage of the remaining programs, due to the continuing high number of immigrants entering the U.S. every year.
While both Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF) and food stamp use have declined by four percent, the decline did not result in any significant savings, as those costs were offset by increases in Medicaid use, which has increased among immigrant households. The total combined value of benefits and payments received by immigrant households from welfare programs remained almost the same, averaging almost $2,000 in 2001, about 50 percent higher than natives. Such high rates of immigrant welfare use, combined with the rapidly increasing immigrant population, has resulted in a four percent increase in the number of immigrant households on welfare, from 14 percent in 1996 to 18 percent in 2000.10
Outlook for the Future
The highest welfare use rates for immigrants are in New York (30 percent), California (28 percent), Massachusetts (25 percent), and Texas (25 percent).12
Immigrants are eleven percent of our population, but they are 20 percent of the poor population. Unless our immigration policies are reevaluated and changed accordingly, welfare usage and subsequent costs will remain high.
Instead of addressing the problem, some in Congress have suggested measures that would make it even worse, such as proposals to increase immigrants’ eligibility for benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that making legal immigrants eligible for Medicaid and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) would cost an estimated $2.24 billion over ten years.11
If we are to have any hope of reducing poverty in the U.S., our immigration laws must be revised and returned to the sensible practice of excluding aliens who are likely to become public charges and to deport those who do.
The Silent Ranks~
Author Unknown
I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens
But I am in the Army in the ranks rarely seen
I have no rank upon my shoulders – salutes I do not give
But the military world is the place where I live
I’m not in the chain of command, orders I do not get
But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget
I’m not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line
But my job is just as tough. I’m the one that’s left behind
My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man
And the call to serve his country not all can understand
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me
I love the man I married, Soldiering is his life
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the
Army Wife
THE GRAY EAGLE
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