The Freedom Exchange Online

President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House when the United States intervened on behalf of the millions of innocent people who were being displaced and massacred by Hitler’s Nazi Germany, claimed to have practiced his piano lessons for two hours every morning during his childhood. Likewise, President Warren Harding was said to be able to play every instrument except the trombone and the clarinet. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) played the organ. Of course we all remember President Clinton and his saxophone, but did you know that President Nixon was an accomplished pianist?

And more recently a girl who was a musician long before she became an academic and then a world-famous diplomat, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a very accomplished classical pianist. As she was growing up in the Rice home music was a family affair, and as early as age 3 Condi played piano at family gatherings. Her Dad was a minister and she often accompanied her organist Mother in church. The name “Condoleezza” is from the Italian phrase con dolcezza, which refers to playing music “with sweetness.” While other kids in her neighorhood were playing outdoors, she was more likely to be found practicing the piano or reading a book.

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No I won’t be afraid, no I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me

First they came for the communists,
and I did not speak out–because I was not a communist;

Then they came for the socialists,
and I did not speak out–because I was not a socialist;

Then they came for the trade unionists,
and I did not speak out–because I was not a trade unionist;

Then they came for the Jews,
and I did not speak out–because I was not a Jew;

Then they came for me–  and there was no one left to speak out for me.

Martin Niemoeller
Protestant minister and concentration camp survivor

My friends at Generation Cobweb are running a series on the destruction of America. Here at the Freedom Exchange we certainly agree our rights are being eroded. When I came across this little tidbit I was both amused and frightened. Without further ado I give you the eight signs of terrorism (according to our government) and my comments.
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Terrorist operations usually begin with extensive planning. You can help prevent and detect terrorism — and other types of crime — by watching out for suspicious activities and reporting them to the proper authorities. Be alert for the eight signs of terrorism!

1. Surveillance- Someone recording or monitoring activities. This may include the use of cameras, note taking, drawing diagrams, annotating on maps, or using binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices.
So the next time you go on vacation don’t look too long at any national monument and for God’s sake leave your camera at home.

2. Elicitation- People or organizations attempting to gain information about military operations, capabilities, or people. Elicitation attempts may be made by mail, email, telephone, or in person. This could also include eavesdropping or friendly conversation.
Elicitation, now that’s a real nice big word, I’ll bet George Bush was never able to pronounce it. If I’m reading this correctly – and I probably am – anytime someone talks to you or someone else it could be a terrorist action. And if you happen to overhear them talking then you could be a terrorist. Turn yourself in now. They saved the best for last – now I should also be suspicious of friendly conversation. I don’t want to be a hermit but I guess I’ll have to otherwise the terrorists win.

George Carlin died yesterday around 6:00 pm (PST) at St. John’s Hospital, Santa Monica after being admitted for chest pain. It’s always sad when someone as brilliant and insightful as George Carlin passes.

Just five days ago Carlin was notified he was this years recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.

“In his lengthy career as a comedian, writer, and actor, George Carlin has not only made us laugh, but he makes us think,” Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen Schwarzmann said in the announcement of the award. “His influence on the next generation of comics has been far-reaching.”

Carlin is reported to have replied, “Thank you Mr. Twain, Have your people call my people.”

Here’s one of my favorite Carlin routines – it’s hard to pick one as he has so many but this set is still so spot on. Carlin’s humor is timeless, as this video proves. I do have to warn you the language is uncensored, if that offends you don’t watch.

Will Manly, a reporter for the Hays Daily News and The Stir has a little gem circulating the States via email titled Dear Barack: You’re wrong about small towns. I have reprinted it at the bottom of this article, but first my response.

Will Manly is wrong about small towns.

Mr. Manly may believe he is from a small town, but Hays Kansas prefers to think it’s a city. From their web site: “Hays Kansas is the largest city in Northwest Kansas at the crossroads of Interstate 70 and US Highway 183. This city, which has approximately 20,000 residents, was incorporated in 1885. Hays is a growing city with excellent opportunities.” (emphasis mine)

I live in a town of less than five thousand. I grew up in a town that boasted 1,100 residents. In retrospect I believe that to be a cumulative total. The point is, I know about small towns. Small towns are made of people, real living people, not the caricatures Manly and Obama have painted.

“We don’t vote for Democrats because we’re self-reliant so we don’t like the government trying to “solve” everything for us.” So I guess Plainville didn’t appreciate the government’s help when the Schult Homes announced it was closing earlier this year. Plainville is a small town of roughly 2000 residents 25 miles north of Hays on US183. The one hunderd laid off workers there are scheduled to receive a workers assistance package that includes classes on resume and skill building, tuition reimbursement and help in relocating.