Some things about our society, its leaders and some of its occupants which your humble observer found thoughtworthy:
** U.S. Sen. John McCain, the venerable Republican from Arizona, insinuated recently on Fox News that one of its hosts was a hater of Islam because he objected to phraseology being shouted by Syrian opposition groups.
Brian Kilmeade said he had a problem helping the rebels who screamed “Allahu Akhbar, Allahu Akhbar” while rockets exploded into government offices. McCain responded, “Would you have a problem with an American or Christians saying ‘thank God, thank God?”
Sen. McCain then said, “That’s what they’re saying. Come on. Of course they’re Muslims, but they’re moderates and I guarantee you they are moderates.” Sorry Senator. Neither you, nor many of those Muslims in the crowd can make that guarantee.
Dear Senator: At no time during our country’s battles in Iraq and Afghanistan have I heard Americans or Christians shouting “Thank God” when our bombs hit their targets. I have, however, heard American families (but not many politicians) say “Thank God” when loved ones returned home alive from those fields of battle.
And may we add, “Allahu Akhbar” translates to “God is Great” or “God is Greatest.” Speaking for one person only, YHO will most likely let loose a healthy “Allahu Akhbar” when Sen. McCain’s name no longer associates itself with governance.
** In what may be one of the biggest ideological splits in recent years, the 40,000 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) have put the kabosh on their relationship with the AFL-CIO, one of this country’s biggest private sector unions.
Why, you ask? ILWU President Robert McEllrath gave more than a few reasons in his August letter of disaffiliation, but chief among them were the (Un)Affordable Care Act, better known as Obamacare, and immigration reform. Since the labor unions are some of the biggest contributors to Democrats, some are wondering if the split could mean troubled fund-raising waters for future campaigns.
That’s not likely, but the separation does signal a serious difference of opinion among both leadership and rank and file in the ILWU over President Barack Obama’s policies. With his popularity on free fall, the last thing the president needs is a very public slap in the face by 40,000 laborites. And, the AFL-CIO needs even less to be called out for “going along to get along” with the policy wonks in D.C.
** Discussions on the national healthcare travesty apparently are enough to make even the most intelligent persons on the planet become just the slightest bit delusional.
During a recent radio interview from the Oval Office, President Obama claimed healthcare premiums under his legislative policy will be cheaper than the average American’s cell phone bill. And it may, if your average cell phone bill runs anywhere from $250 to unfathomable.
“Anybody who doesn’t have health insurance in this country is going to be able to get it at an affordable rate…” the Assurer in Chief told hosts Tom Joyner and Sybil Wilkes. Unfortunately, neither news hound asked the president to offer proof. Apparently, neither host wanted to interrupt the president’s deep-sleep-induced dream.
By the way…a report from the CTIA Wireless Association says the average American pays just over $47 a month for cell phone service, down from $71 a month average in 2012. YHO’s dual plan runs just south of $150 a month. If the Estimator in Chief can get the Affordable Care Act that affordable, he has my best wishes.
Pat Culverhouse is a journalist and political columnist who lives in Minden.
