Hospital Evacuations

Watching CNN yesterday running story about NY evacuating hospitals in lower Manhattan.  CNN Anchor seem critical of the official's decision to evacuate hospital insinuating that it was an over reaction.  We can't critisize such decisions.  The CNN Anchor would be the first to ask "Why didn't you evacuate those people?" if they didn't and people were injured or killed.

Irene

Huricane Irene over Outer Banks now supposed to get here in about 4 hours.  Already raining steady.  I put everything I could inside and tied down what I could.  Think everything will be ok but worry about power going out.  Since we are on a well which relies on electricity to provide water, we are filling the bath tubs so we can flush the toilets.  Bought lots of bottled water and filled two 5 gal water cans.  Have a camp stove and lots of gas canisters so we won't go hungry.  If power goes out for an extended period, we may lose food in frig and freezer.  I experienced price gouging yesterday.  Couldn't find large 6 v batteries and went to local hardware store which had one left and charged me $16.95 for a single battery.
Thats the world we live in!!!

Hurricane Irene

Well, just had an earthquake! Now, a hurricane!  We have been very lucking in our area dodging such disasters.  Guess it must our turn.  Went to purchase batteries,  all stores sold out of D Cells and 6 volt flashlight batteries.  Bought lots of water and dry goods in case the power goes out.  Wish us luck!!!

Earthquake

I was standing in the kitchen putting ice cream in the blender making a milkshake for my grandson Ayden when the shaking started.  Was just grabbing Ayden to get out of the house when it stopped.  Shook my house violently for about 40 seconds and knocked dishes over in the china closet and broke one teacup.  Had to straighten all pictures hanging on the wall.  Living on the east coast, thought I would never experience an earthquake.  Hope I never experience another one!

Goodbye to Mike Flannigan

Sad day today.  Mike was a great ball player.  Too bad someone didn't see this coming and help him out.  Just saw him calling a game last week and not a hint he was depressed.

National Lottery

A National Lottery could raise a lot of money to pay off the National Debt.  Weekly drawing with the winner getting a $5,000,000.00 Tax free cash award which is transferable to heirs.  Biggest problem is getting it past the religious sects and the Republicans who say no to everything.

Thank You CNN

Finally reporting on crisis in Somalia.  News worth reporting that people need to know about and try to do something to keep children from starving to death.

National Debt

I can understand the Congress hesitating to increase taxes.  I don't want to see taxes increased because I think I pay more than my fair share now.  Also if taxes are increased, we all know that the Congress will have add on bills that direct some of the increases to their pet projects!! MORE SPENDING!!  I am not apposed to collecting more from the rich but believe a restructuring of the tax law is a better approach.  A flat tax on every dollar earned should be imposed on everyone except those in poverty level.  Let it be fair though!! The same percentage for the rich as for the middle class and no deductions for anything.

Now I believe the American people are willing to help reduce the deficit and pay off the Debt.  If the Congress would pass a measure that would protect the money and restrict it's use to paying off the Debt and not used for any other project, a fund could be set up that allows the American people to donate money on a voluntary basis and used only the help with the debt.  If every American donated just $5, I estimate it could raise close to a trillion dollars each year that would go directly to paying off the principle of the debt. Any such  law would also have to ban the Congress from borrowing against the money collected.