Need a face to put to the controversy? Use mine...

New guidelines about women in their 40s receiving mammograms from the US Preventive Services Taskforce this week already had me up in arms. The more I read about their findings and their reasoning behind the guidelines, the madder I got.

Then I got the call this week. The mammogram I just had, revealed a lump.

This brought the controversy right to my doorstep as a women in her 40s.

Taskforce representatives have said that "mammograms only reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer by up to 20%." SOOOOO???? Sorry you've deemed saving those 20% of women in their 40s just isn't worth it. If you are in that 20% and don't have a mammogram, that can = DEATH. When death is the option, 20% sounds pretty high to me. We aren't talking 1 or 2%, but 20%. So I feel those mammograms would be saving a hell of a lot of women in this country who are in their 40s like me.

Taskforce representative have also said "mammograms are unnecessary because many times they have false-positive results, causing anxiety and needless biopsies". Like I said I am there right now. Yes this might be a false-positive and yes it is causing me anxiety and perhaps it will lead to a needless biopsy. However I think most women in their 40s will agree with me when I say I will gladly accept that trade-off of anxiety caused by a false-positive reading and perhaps a needless biopsy in exchange for the possibility of cancer being found early and while still treatable.

Most big insurance companies for now are saying they will continue to cover mammograms for women in their 40s. However you can bet all the stimulus money you received that there is a good chance they may change their minds after the Health Care bill passes (I hate it, but I have become resigned to the fact that this horrible Health Care bill will pass).

Perhaps I am wrong and insurance companies do continue to cover mammograms for women in their 40s? This Taskforce's findings will still result in a ton less women in their 40s getting mammograms and possibly dying from breast cancer. I know so many women who didn't get mammograms for years out of fear and only after loved ones hounding them, did they acquiesce. Now those with fears will instantly latch on to this study and use it as the excuse they wanted to not get a mammogram, even if they really should be getting one.

So when you are reading and discussing the pros and cons of these guidelines, please feel free to personalize it and put my face to the cause. I am a women in her 40s who had a mammogram that revealed a lump and regardless of the anxiety, possible unneeded testing, etc I am still extremely glad that I had my mammogram and will fight for that right for my fellow women in their 40s and myself.

Have you read the latest issue of The Washtenaw Republican Informer?

Find out all about what is happening around our neighborhood, our state, and our country

http://www.wash-gop.com/WashtenawRepublicanInformer

Gee, maybe I'll get the Nobel Peace Prize someday too...

Okay, the Nobel Peace Prize used to MEAN something. You had to broker peace, advance the peacefulness of the world. You had to actually DO something to win it. However this year it was awarded to President Obama who had only been in office 12 days when the nominations for this year's award closed. Someone thought that after just his first 12 days in office he was worthy of this esteemed award.

I thought, WOW! Did he do something I missed in his first 12 days in office? Take a look at this list of what he did in the first 12 days on Fox and make your own decision...
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2009/10/09/tommy-seno-obama-nobel-prize-win

Gee, I've gone to meetings, skipped church and partied, maybe I'll be next year's winner?! ;)

Most comedy is rooted in truth - SNL lampoons Obama

Over the weekend Saturday Night Live poked fun at President Obama's accomplishments, or lack thereof. Is Obama really a do-nothing president or was it just comedy? A bunch of news orgs were discussing it today.

What do you think? People are talking about this sketch, because they wonder if it's true. Has Obama really done "jack and squat" or are people just not noticing the accomplishments? Is it too early to say right now? Does this sketch reflect how the nation is feeling? Below is what some people are saying.

The SNL sketch that aired on 10/3


Here's CNN's story that fact-checks SNL's spoof


MSNBC's discussion - in a nut shell, they say it seems more devastating a blow because SNL was mainly seen as a friend to Obama and now they've "turned on him" and the Obama administration hasn't been doing enough to sell his accomplishments

And of course, Glenn Beck got in on the action to express his glee over the SNL sketch (starts around 4:10). Beck says the sketch shows the lefties crying out in frustration over Obama's inaction.

"They are threatening the president to Sarah Palin him."

Sunday Morning in America... AMEN!

- Courtesy of Keith Anderson

She dresses up her children and she herds 'em to the car
Drives down to the mega church but can't find a place to park
Then she feels a little guilty when she takes His name in vain
So she folds her last two dollars and she drops 'em in the plate
It's Sunday morning, Sunday morning in America

His back is out of kilter from sleeping on concrete
And he'd like to have some breakfast but he'd trade it for a drink
Those early morning joggers, they're quick to pass him by
And the ones who drop a dollar, don't dare look him in the eye
Another Sunday morning, Sunday morning in America

Sunday morning, Sunday morning in America
Smell the eggs and bacon, I hear the church bells ring
Cheerleaders shaking on a big screen TV
There's Winnebago's and boats on the lake
And a red-head freckled face blows out the candles on his birthday cake
It's Sunday morning, Sunday morning in America

He's hunkered in a bunker with a rifle in his hand
Layin' his life on the line, every inch of sand
But he's dreaming about that freedom that he's been fighting for
And the arms that will wrap around him
When he comes walking through that door
Some Sunday morning, it's Sunday morning in America
Yeah, Sunday morning, Sunday morning in America

Well, I know it ain't perfect
Ya, there's a lot of things wrong in America
But I thank God for those who lay down their lives
To make this place my home

Smell the eggs and bacon, I hear the church bells ring
Cheerleaders shaking on a 57 inch big screen TV
There's trucks on a highway and sailboats on the lake
And a red-head freckled face blows out the candles on his birthday cake
It's Sunday morning, yeah, Sunday morning in America
It's Sunday morning, beautiful Sunday morning in America
Oh, Sunday morning, Sunday morning in America, in America

Missing Mackinac :(

I was all set to attend the Mackinac Republican Leadership Conference as I have for many years. Unfortunately I came down with the flu and was quarantined at home and so am not in attendance. For any of you others that also could not attend this weekend, the Michigan GOP (affectionately known as MIGOP) has streaming videos from many of the events taking place there. Some really amazing presentations and debates to check out. http://www.migop.org/index.php/mediacenter/

So even though I can't be there in person, at least I can virtually participate. Now if there was a way to virtually participate...but actually taste some of the famous Mackinac fudge - now THAT would be heaven. ;)

Bravo on the great media/communication advances on the new website that debuted this week Chairman Weiser! http://www.migop.org

Former President Carter...for shame!

Racism exists. I have personally heard it and seen it in effect. It is sad that in this day and age it is as rampant as it is.



However, Wilson's "You Lie" outburst recently is NOT racism. For Former President Carter to claim it was, is just despicable. If he had claimed it was rude or had claimed it was uncalled for...those might be valid observations. However to claim they were racist is out of line.



If we "cry wolf" every time someone disagrees with someone of another race...then those that are the victims of true racism become trivialized. How can we ever hope to tackle the insidiousness that is racism if everything is claimed to be racism, whether it is or not.

Also, this is a bit of the pot calling the kettle black. Former President Carter insinuated that Condaleeza Rice lied, so is he also racist? http://sweetness-light.com/archive/jimmy-carter-calls-condoleezza-rice-a-liar

So I call for Former President Carter to issue an apology. If Wilson was directed to apologize for doing nothing worse than being disrespectful, then Former President Carter should have to apologize and be admonished for slanderous racism claims.

So very tired of the hypocrisy...

Why when the Liberals protested all last year for "change" did the media portray them as organized and energized, yet now when the Conservatives do the EXACT same thing does the media portray them as an angry mob?

I am just so tired of the hypocrisy.

When Libs want to protest and tell their version of the "truth" it is their 1st amendment right?However let a Conservative tell the truth about a healthcare bill and all of a sudden they are doing something "fishy"?

Well if telling the truth about a situation is fishy, then paste a fin and a tail on me!!

President Obama comes out and condemns the healthcare bill protestors, yet then turns right around and asks the bill supporters to do same http://tinyurl.com/lvlwr9
Hypocritical much??

Also let me make something PERFECTLY CLEAR. We are NOT against healthcare reform. I don't know of any conservative that is against healthcare reform. We are against this particular bill - this particular course of action. Many conservatives have put forth plans and ideas for ways of reforming the healthcare system. So please biased media, get it right. We are not protesting healthcare reform. We are protesting this particular horrible bill.

The hits keep on coming... The Dems pushed for a Commission for Civil Rights so Bush created one. However now they disagree with the Dems on the Healthcare Bill and now they are no good? Yep, Hypocrisy Reigns! http://tinyurl.com/ldhbhe

And don't EVEN get me started on the fact that we are practically closing Michigan down, yet lets give 16.1 million for Nancy Pelosi's furry little friend http://tinyurl.com/kpj7se ...

And that my friends ends today's rant! ;)

Back to our regular programming...

Have been enjoying the summer and haven't been tending to my blog as often as I originally intended.

Today's posting is regarding a recent rant of mine. Not sure why this is bothering me more lately than it has in the past - but starting to get on my nerves. What is it you ask? People who when you speak to them it is very clear that their core values are conservative, yet if you ask them their party affiliation they will say Democrat.

I'm not talking about someone who might have voted for an individual Democrat in a race or two. I'm not ashamed to say that I haven't always voted straight party ticket. However I am still very much a Republican because the majority of my core values are conservative.

I have friends who call themselves Democrats yet on issue after issue we have the same stance.

Time for all you "Conservatives in Democrat clothing" to read my June 3rd posting... http://perkypatriot.blogspot.com/2009/06/yesterday-i-was-perusing-blogs-of.html

And now for a word from our sponsor...

Taking a break from the normal political musings to post about exercise and food. :)

Exercise

I have been trying to incorporate more exercise into my routine. I'm taking a weekly circuit training class and a weekly yoga class. I'm also doing Wii Fit, going for walks and anything else I can think of to get my butt moving. Hoping to also start the Couch to 5K running program soon.

Wanted to put in a plug for a great walking trail I used last weekend. There is a trail between Tecumseh and Adrian that used to be a railroad track and was paved into asphalt trail that is 7.5 miles long. Great for biking or walking or running and is like a wooded tunnel in some parts and other parts there is a tiny waterfall and a wooden bridge over an overgrown stream. More info can be found at http://www.traillink.com/ViewTrail.aspx?AcctID=6016168

Also yoga is not the easy stretching cake walk I thought it would be. There are many different disciplines of yoga and some are more physical demanding than others. Now while I am completely relaxed by the end of the hour, during the hour, it is definite exercise. I sweated so much I thought I had changed from the solid state of matter to the liquid state of matter! So if you have looked down your nose at yoga and thought it wasn't a "real" workout - give it a try. I'm really enjoying it.

Food

I've been trying to eat more healthy and lose weight. To help that goal I joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) where you purchase a "share" of a local farmer's crop. It has been really interesting getting whatever is in season and trying to cook/eat things I wouldn't normally have.

Last week's challenge was radishes. Didn't think I liked radishes - and I don't if they are raw. However if they are cooked (tried them roasted and tried them in a stir-fry) I just LOVE them. The radish greens are great too. My first week I got radishes, basil, bok choy, scallions (some of the biggest ones I've ever seen!), spinach, leaf lettuce and a dozen brown eggs.

This week I got the following: a tomato, swiss chard, parsley, spinach, lettuce, broccoli, summer squash, onions and another dozen eggs. So the challenges this week are swiss chard and parsley. I've found a few recipes (a swiss chard crustless quiche and a carrot and parsley salad) that I'm going to try. If they come out well, I'll post the recipes and pictures of the dish. My cooking almost always is tasty - however it isn't always appealing to look at. I've eaten my share of grey but DELICIOUS food. ;) Hopefully these will be both tasty and appetizing to look at.

Luckily I'm not scared to try any food. I'm an experimental cook as well. Today's lunch was quick cook barley, a can of mushroom pieces with the liquid, a can of tuna with the water and a handfull of torn spinach. Microwaved for 3 minutes and then let sit until the barley absorbs the liquid. It was a bizarre combination - yet vary quick and tasty. Main drawback was probably pretty high in sodium because of the canned tuna and canned mushrooms. But other than that, met a lot of nutritional needs.

Dems said they wanted bipartisanship...

The Democrats for years said they wanted bipartisanship when the GOP was in control - however they didn't really. What they really wanted was to get their own way. Here's a GREAT new ad by the RNC on health care and bipartisanship.

It worked for the other side...

Remember back in 2007/2008 all the anti-Bush and anti-war signs you saw around? The liberals made a concerted effort to get those in peoples' yards. I know in Ann Arbor we were awash with them.

Studies have shown that when you repeatedly read something, even if it has a disclaimer that it is a lie, that you tend to remember it as a truth http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/opinion/27aamodt.html So these yard sign campaigns really can be effective.

A friend of mine emailed me the picture in the post below of the sign he has had in his front yard for many weeks and suggests it is a sign EVERY Republican should have in their yard. In my condo community we are unable to post signs in our individual yards per the bylaws. So I'll do the next best thing and post it here:

What Every Republican Should Have In Their Yard

What Every Republican Should Have In Their Yard
Originally uploaded by woosters

Ann Arbor City Council Email Debacle

Recently it came to light that the Ann Arbor City Council members were emailing each other during the meetings. While on the surface that may not surprise you, what they were emailing should.
www.mlive.com/opinion/ann-arbor/index.ssf/2009/06/ann_arbor_city_councils_emaili.html


The people appearing before the Council usually do so after gathering signatures or doing a lot of research. They have spent a lot of time and energy on their cause. For the council to ignore them and instead email each other (the modern day equivalent of kids passing notes in school) is rude and disrespectful. While childish at best, when the emails were poking fun of people, they become more concerning to me when they are trying to change policy or influence votes.

The Michigan Open Meetings Act www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/Publications/OpenMtgsFreedom.pdf
states the following on page 2:

The Open Meetings Act, Public Act No. 267 of 1976, protects your right to know what’s going on in government by opening to full public view the processes by which elected and nonelected officials make decisions on your behalf.

If the council members are emailing each other in secret about whether or not to support an issue or their feelings on an issue – it is no great leap to say that it is a violation of The Open Meetings Act.

Let this also be a cautionary tale to those Michigan politicians becoming very involved in social media like Twitter. If you are an elected official and during public meetings are tweeting – depending on what you are tweeting, it could also possibly be considered a violation of The Open Meetings Act. I am a big proponent of Twitter and love to read the tweets from politicians. I’ve even commented in the past that it was great because I couldn’t attend so I was glad for the tweets to keep informed on the proceedings. However after the situation in the City of Ann Arbor, I’m changing my mind.

Remembering Someone Who Made The Michigan GOP Better

Tomorrow the city of Dearborn Heights is renaming one of their parks in honor of Lyle Van Houten who left us all too soon in 2006. He left behind an enormous MI GOP legacy. However there is one item you won't see in a list of his contributions to the MI GOP but it is the one I am writing about today. He was kind and encouraging to the grassroots, and in particular to me.

I had been active in politics back in college but then hadn't really participated in politics for many years until 1999/2000. I credit 3 people with keeping me involved with the party. I think issues, candidates, etc draw people into the party - that happens all the time. The REAL trick is to KEEP those people interested and energized and feeling appreciated. The 3 people that I credit for doing that for me are Sharon Wise, Marlene Chockley and
Lyle Van Houten.

I think this is something that Lyle excelled at and we should all emulate. I met him at my first state convention after becoming a precinct delegate. He was the chair of the 15th Congressional District Republican Committee. He didn't know me. I held no political power. I was just a scared but energetic precinct delegate. Yet he spoke to me a number of times during that convention and made me feel like one of the most important influential people there. I hardly knew anyone there; it was quite an overwhelming situation. So his little kindnesses meant the world to me. As I became more and more involved with the party over the years (even serving on the 15th CDRC with Lyle), I don't think he ever knew how much he meant to me when I was first becoming involved.

I really wish I had told him that story. However since I didn't, I'm telling you Readers - and what I hope you take away from it is not only to honor a great GOP legacy like Lyle Van Houten - but honor him in the way he would love the most - retain and increase the number of grassroots members of the Michigan GOP.

One of the very simplest ways you can do that is to reach out to new members on a personal level. The next time you go to an event, if you see someone you don't know or don't know well, take a moment and speak to them. If they are new, make them feel welcome. Introduce them to someone else you know there. It is a tiny, tiny gesture and not that difficult - yet it can mean the WORLD to someone just becoming involved with the party. I think we lose more volunteers every election cycle because we forget to not only initially reach out to them, but to keep making them feel welcome and important. So many times we concentrate so hard on getting new volunteers that we forget to appreciate and take the time to keep the ones we already have energized and involved.

Thanks Lyle - you are missed by many - I will continue to try to emulate your great work.

Obama Man Can....

EXCELLENT video!



Alright everybody:AIG, Bank of America, Citigroup, First National, Lone Star!
What do you want, 1…2…3…Hundred Billion?
Come on over! I’m your Candy Man!

Who can fix the mortgage? General Motors too?
A bailout check for me, And a bailout check for you.
Obama Man…Yes, Obama Man Can.
Obama Man can, ’cause he mixes it with hope and makes the world taste good.

Who can give ya health care? Who can save the poor?
Who can pick the teams that are in the final four?
Obama Man…Yes, Obama Man Can.
Obama Man can, ’cause he mixes it with hope and makes the world feel good.

Obama Man takes problems, and he makes ‘em…he makes ‘em…
he turns ‘em into cream and peaches, sugar-coated, smooth-tongued speeches.
(I hope he practice’ what he preaches!)

Who can take tomorrow? Spend it all today?
Who can take your income and tax it all away?
Obama Man…(Everybody!) Yes, Obama Man Can.
Obama Man can, ’cause he mixes it with hope and makes the world taste good.

Yes, Obama Man takes, every speech he makes
And gives it a whole bunch of thinkin’,When Michelle Obama’s winkin’.
(Then he runs it by Abe Lincoln!)

Who can buy an iPod? Give it to the Queen?
Who can take economy and turn it into green?
Obama Man…Yes, Obama Man Can.
Obama Man…Obama, man…Obama Man…

Hey Chrysler, GM…you want some money? Ford, you want some? No, you don’t?
OK, more for GM! God Bless this mess everybody! Obama Man can!

Okay – I Get The Hint – I’ll Write About Examining Principles!

Yesterday I was perusing blogs when I came across a great list of "12 Things you can do to help Michigan again find its greatness". One item from the list really struck a chord with me. When I was commenting on the blog about that item, I felt I had more to say than just a quick comment, so the thought crossed my mind that maybe it would be a topic for one of my future blog posts. Here is the item that started this journey:

Cement your convictions. If you cannot make a snap decision based on your core principles, perhaps they are not what you truly believe. Understand WHY certain guide posts should be important to you. KNOW that the best decisions can be made when you are not relying on an emotional state to make them. If you have solid CORE beliefs, you will likely never have to apologize or feel uncomfortable taking a position, or making a stand. ~Jason Gillman

Then later in the day I was on another website and saw the following quote that also resonated with me:

"It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them." ~Alfred Adler

Okay I am a blonde, but not so dense that I need a bolt of lightning to hit me to see the direction I was being pointed toward. Time to talk about examining principles!!

I am a firm believer in periodically re-examining your principles and values. Just because you felt one way about something, doesn't mean you will always feel the same way. I started off my political identity as a Democrat. When I got to college, I really thought about various issues and examined what I truly believed and realized that I was a Republican. (Strange huh? Most kids that switch parties in college go from being a Republican to being a Democrat)

So many people I talk to have never really examined their principles and values. They identify with a certain party because their parents do. Or they base their political party preference on their feelings about just one issue. No party can be summed up into one issue. There are Pro-Life Democrats and Pro-Choice Republicans.

If you don't periodically examine your principles and values, how can you properly follow them or defend them? I have found a great way to start this process is taking a political spectrum quiz. It will ask you a number of questions on diverse subjects. At the end it will plot where you fall in the political spectrum on a graph. CAUTION: The end result plotting of where you fall in the political spectrum is practically meaningless. The much more important part of this exercise is the questions themselves. Looking at a number of questions and figuring out exactly how you feel about them is where the true value lies.

Michigan has been hit hard economically and Michigan Republicans have also taken a hit in the last election cycles. Major changes like this can change us in ways we don't realize. If you don't examine your principles and values from time to time, how can you tell if they have changed? What are your CORE beliefs and why?

As Socrates said, "An unexamined life is not worth living".

Yes this will take time to do and we all lead busy lives. However shouldn't making sure you fully understand your core principal values and beliefs be worth making the time? Once you know your true core principal values and beliefs, you should never have to apologize or feel uncomfortable taking a position, or making a stand regarding them. Until all Michigan Republicans proudly admit and defend being Michigan Republicans, things cannot improve.

Here is a link to a political spectrum quiz http://www.gotoquiz.com/politics/political-spectrum-quiz.html
And here http://michigantaxes.com/wordpress/?p=2274 is the blog posting that started today's rant :)

Move to the Center or Move to the Right? It’s Politics – Not a Line Dance!

I am so tired of the divisiveness in the GOP right now. I’m not suggesting we check our principles at the door, all join hands and sing Kumbaya. I don’t think we need to move closer to the center of the political spectrum. Nor do I think we need to move farther to the right. This isn’t a line dance people – this is politics.

We don’t need to all agree on the position of every single issue. I think our “platform” has gotten too big. We just need 2 or 3 main principles at the most that the majority of the party can agree with and rally behind an inventive, charismatic, strong candidate. For too long we have tried to please everyone in the big tent and it will NEVER happen. You cannot pander to factions within the party. If we try to stand for everything we will end up standing for nothing. We have to not only allow for diverse opinions, but relish in the idea of diverse ideals. Diversity allows for growth – which is what we desperately need.

The big tent party idea has worked in the past and can work again. Historically the big tent approach wins election. There is no need for everyone in the party to agree on all the issues. There shouldn’t be a litmus test on single issues that determines whether or not someone can be truly considered a Republican. If we try to narrow our ideology and “get rid of the moderates” or force the far right to abandoned their principles we cannot win. Sure we might win a race or two with that approach but we cannot regain national power with that approach.

While we are at it, let’s abandoned the term RINO. We are elephants – not rhinos. Let’s just retire the term RINO. If you disagree with a position(s) someone takes, go ahead and disagree with the position(s) – but the name calling just has to stop. The name calling within our own party does not bring us closer to winning any elections nor does it help grow our depleted party numbers.

Looking back on Memorial Day

An acquaintance refused to march in a Memorial Day parade with a local politician. He felt that "Memorial Day is like a funeral. The parade is like a funeral procession ending in the cemetary for the "service" and that it wasn't appropriate for candidates and their supporters to march in the parade."

This comment stuck with me and wanted to share my thoughts about it. Now as background I had a great grandfather, a step grandfather (both now passed) and an uncle that served in the military and some even injured in battle. I currently have a cousin who is in Iraq for her third tour of duty over there. So I hold military service in the highest regard.

I also view Memorial Day (the parades and the services that follow) as a funeral - yet I view it differently than my acquaintance does. I view it more as a "backwards" funeral. I view it more like a funeral (the service at the cemetary) and a wake (the parade). The service at the cemetary is where we honor, grieve and remember. The parade is where we still honor and remember but we celebrate the life and freedom we've gained through the service and sacrifice with our friends and neighbors. So similar to a wake where you still honor and remember the person you've lost but you celebrate that life and comraderie with their friends and family.

So while I agree and wish more people gave Memorial Day the reverence it deserves and remember the main reason for the holiday (not just a long weekend off work and BBQs) I think it can both be honored appropriately AND celebrated with friends and loved ones and I would feel no dishonor at all in participating in a parade on that day.

5/21/09 Quote of the Day

“Have patience with all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.
Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being.
You're a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist.”

~~St. Francis de Sales