Farewell Governor Ann

Good evening,

Moments ago I heard a news story saying former Texas Governor Ann Richards passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer, at the age of 73.

The news saddens me because I liked Ann Richards, which is unusual for me to say about any politician. Sure she was a saavy and tough politician, but she was also witty and funny, though never to point of being silly. Even at her funniest moments, she had a way of letting you know her words had meaning. Always with a twinkle in her eye, I believe it encouraged people to trust her, rather than to question the things she said.

She did good things in Texas government, making the disenfranchised feel as if someone actually cared, also opening the door for women and minorities to enter into state level politics, a task none too easy in the "good 'ol boy" traditional system of Texas politics.

Take a look at the picture at above left, that is exactly how I'd like to remember her, if there truly is such a thing as charisma or someone being "full of life", she had it. She had a way of lighting up a room.

In the days since the Bush reign over Texas politics, the state has somewhat reverted back to the traditional system, which is a shame. However, it was just nice to know that the smart lady who had the ability to make you both laugh and think at the same time, had been there, and had left her mark. She will be truly missed within the state, and within national level Democratic Party politics.

One of her most famous "one-liners" you might have heard, was said at the 1988 Democratic National Convention where she said...

"Poor George, he can't help it, he was born with a silver foot in his mouth"

Surely talking about one of the many commentary gaffes of George W. Bush, those were indeed prophetic words, think about how many times we've all cringed as a nation at one of the towel snapping frat boy antics of our president. Yep, she sure knew what she was talking about.

In closing, I'd like to say Farewell Governor Ann, you'll be missed, your words will be repeated with a smile, and greeted with a deep thought. You did good, your fight now over, rest well, and know you won't be forgotten. May God also smile at the things you say, and admire the things you did during your time here with us.

All I have left to say is "thank you for being a good person", something I wish I could have said to her in life.

So, here we are....

Good morning,

So, here we are again, today is the 5th anniversary of September 11th. For me, it's kind of a tough anniversary to expect to roll around each year, but we have it, and always will, so it's one of those things we'll all have to learn to live with I guess.

When I think of that day, it brings back a hint of the many of the emotions I was feeling that day, confusion, fear and concern for my family members who worked in the area where the smoke was coming from, then the anger when I found out the cause of my city being thrown into turmoil, more anger when I saw the old ladies from my block hugging together crying while they looked in the direction of the smoke and listened to the sirens in the distance, my anger turning to hate towards those who would do something like that, and who would scare old ladies. The sound of fighter jets crackling high in the sky above, added to the feelings of uncertainty, though of course we all knew they were there for our protection. I remember the faces of the people when we heard them, I saw fear, real fear, and I can tell you, if you ever have a chance to see the look of real fear, it's an awful thing to see. It's one of those things that stay with you, the fear passes as does the anger to some extent, but the images stay. Even at this moment while I type this, I still remember those faces, and it reminds me of the sadness and anger I felt that day. May none of you ever have to see anything like that.

On the anniversary of something like what happened, a little quiet reflection would help, but the way it seems all of the television channels put on their own version of "let's relive the moment", it kinda creeps me out. I, and I'm sure so many others will never forget how they felt, and where they were that day, but do we actually need a "complete re-broadcast of NBC's Today show from September 11th, 2001"? I don't want to forget, and I'm certain I never will, but I don't want to relive that day.

If you're going to watch any of the television presentations about September 11th today, I highly recommend watching an HBO presentation called "Through a Child's Eyes: September 11th, 2001". Talk about putting the whole situation into perspective, the kids on that show told a refreshing truth. Though some of the stories are so sad, the show leaves you with a feeling of hope because of how those kids have overcome so much. May they all have the very best in life.

So, here we are, I've seen my one show on the subject today, I'm sure I'll quietly reflect on my memories, I'll call my family to tell them I love them, I'll say a prayer for the families of those who lost someone or who has someone away at war. Truthfully, it's exhausting to remember too much from that day, but it's also a bit troubling to see the commercialization and exploitation of the day for whatever reason. Political parties using this day, television using this day to sell commercial advertisement time, it just doesn't seem right to me.

I believe in honoring those who died that day, many were heroes, all were undeserving of what happened to them, their lives taken too soon. I bow my head when I think of them, and say a prayer because I don't know what else to do.

May their families find peace in their hearts, may God send an angel of hope and compassion to be there with them during their most trying times. It must be especially hard for them on this day, I hope they know there are people out here who actually care about that.

That's what this day means to me, a jumble of emotions, not as strong as what I felt on that day, but still there.

Crikey! Farewell Croc Hunter

Good morning,

Just moments ago, I heard news that Steve Irwin, aka "The Crocodile Hunter", passed away after receiving a stingray barb to the chest.

He was instrumental in developing the Australia Zoo into a major tourist attraction, also receiving limited attention here in the United States for his "Crocodile Hunter" television show on the Animal Planet channel.

Most recently, his popularity in the United States began to decline after he was shown teasing and feeding a snapping crocodile with his infant son tucked under one arm (as shown in the picture at left). After the incident, he issued a semi-apology that didn't go over very well with many of the offended viewers. Needless to say, the damage was done.

Personally, I never cared much for Steve Irwin, as I saw some antics to be needlessly pushing the boundaries of safety, and not very respectful to the animals. The incident with the croc and his kid just convinced me I was right.

I don't mean to speak badly of the departed, I have respect for the man as he did well or himself, gaining respect in Australia and other parts of the world. I sure wouldn't wish anything like this to happen to anyone, but my words just tell the truth of how I regarded him.

Mr. Irwin was declared dead on the scene after being struck in the chest by a stingray's barbed tail. While it is unusual for someone to die so soon after being stung, it is possible the toxins were close enough to his heart to bring about cardiac arrest or the onset of shock which could inhibit respiratory function. The incident was ruled an accident, as the singray was most likely startled into reacting, the location of the wound shows Mr. Irwin was probably swimming on top of the ray while it was attempting to hide itself in the sandy bottom, he could have made some sort of accidental contact with the animal.

My only hope is that Mr. Irwin was giving the stingray all the respect it deserved, and not handling at the time, though he was known for his very much hands-on approach to dealing with the animals he'd encounter.

My prayers go out for his family and fans who mourn his passing.