Remembering my cousin Matthew Pickett, George W. Bush and the United Arab Emigrates - these are only U. S. east coast DEMOCRAT port cities, why worry? Confucius on Virtue
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The United Arab Emigrates and George Bush's passionate backing of the UAE have dislodged Dick "Go F_____ Yourself" Cheney as the hot and ubiquitous new Bush Administration problem.
The Democrats suddenly look like the tough ones on national security. Oh my! The Republicans are angrier now than they were over Harriet Miers, but this time, many centrists of both parties and most U. S. citizens will be strongly against Bush. He has done his arrogance once too often - this problem, to many, seems to matter.
Again, Democrats, the mouse of a party and out of power in each branch of government, get to sit back and laugh again as Republicans, especially the conservatives ones - Frist, Graham, Hastert and others - are savaging each other and doing the deed (cannibalism) for the Democrats.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Go George Bush! I am waiting and excited to hear the first Republicans - of any age, any status, anywhere - defend George Bush's love for the UAE and back the United Arab Emigrates and their nationally owned company as being the best people to work for the national defense of our ports, especially at a time when OSAMA BIN LADEN has already set off his cues to the terror cells (his remarks this week that he will not be taken alive, and other recent statements).
I live in one of the most Republican communities in the United States (an exaggerated over-the-top Stepford Wives town and county). I can't imagine any of my fellow townspeople being able to say anything factual, specific or positive about the United Arab Emigrates. Of course, by tomorrow, when Karl Rove and the Republican Machine has spoken, they will have a few talking points (we can't send a message of discrimination against Arabs, the Middle East is watching - we must trust these nations, the UAE has done everything to be our ally in the war against terrorism, etc.).
This was a very fun transition from a Vice President who shoots individuals without cause, to a President who hires terrorists to guard important United States ports. In both cases, we can be assured that both actors are not forthcoming or honest. The UAE love fest must be based on oil and/or George H. W. Bush relations.
_________________________________________________________________________________________
This is a difficult anniversary for my family and me. On this day in 2003, my favorite cousin, Matthew Pickett, died in the tragic fire at the Great White Concert in Rhode Island. Matthew was the youngest of five very good kids. He was their favorite. I am the oldest of all of the grandchildren on both sides of my family. Matthew was one of the youngest, and he and I were always great pals, and he was my favorite cousin. He was like a little brother to me. If I could have had a brother, I would have wanted him to be Matthew. He had such a passion and love for life and for all people he met. His attitude was one of happiness, attentiveness, energy and enthusiasm - when you saw Matthew, you couldn't help but smile. He exuded fun, kindness and sweetness. He viewed all strangers as new friends. People were extremely attracted to him. He made everyone happy and we were much better off for having had any encounter with Matthew. He was a Dead Head and had an enormous collection of live Grateful Dead recordings but his taste was as diverse as his life experiences. He had traveled extensively and spoke French and Spanish. One of the last things Matthew did was to make me a CD of some jazz that he wanted me to hear. I was hoping to see him again. I'll always treasure the times I had with him and I can only hope that the great person he was can inspire me, my extended family and all of his friends.
Here is a picture of Matthew and a short article about him.
http://www.boston.com/news/packages/nightclub_fire/victims/mpickett.htm
_________________________________________________________________________________________
CONFUCIUS - "The Master said, 'The man of virtue makes the diffficult to be overcome his first business, and success only a subsequent consideration - this may be called perfect virtue.'"
_________________________________________________________________________________________