This is something that is close to my heart as I was a "father" who wanted the child that was aborted.  I asked for nothing from the mother but to accept joint responsibility for our actions, and to allow the baby to live.  I lost.  I had no rights.  This message from someone in Kansas says it all.  We are a selfish society, and the "rights of women" are not the only ones to consider.

Fighting for unborn

Seventy-five years ago a young mother tried to abort her baby. Times were hard, and she felt they could not afford another child. Had she succeeded:

• I would never have known her daughter, who has been my friend for decades. Nor would this daughter have been there for support through my two cancers and my husband’s two.

• A husband would not have enjoyed 55 years of marriage and still counting.

• The world would never have known sons who have given so much — one a medical doctor, one a business owner and two working in government.

• Eight grandchildren would not have been born.

In demanding your rights as a woman, you are forbidding a child the right to live. What about the adoption option?

Women, stop thinking only of yourselves. Do you regret your mother letting you live?

Gov. Sam Brownback, keep fighting for the unborn child. If you don’t, who will?

Jackie James

Prairie Village

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/2012/03/06/3473148/letters-wednesday-march-7.html#storylink=cpy

Steve Jobs Destroyed More Jobs Than Anyone

Newt Gingrich and confusion about capitalism
By Jennifer Rubin

A smart reader, who asked to be cited only as an executive search consultant in the D.C. area, expressed better than many professional conservative commentators the inherent silliness of the purported distinction being made by Newt Gingrich (and some allies) between “good” capitalism (Apple) and “bad”(Bain) capitalism. He e-mails me:
 
While bashing Mitt Romney, Gingrich’s super PAC mouthpiece, Rick Tyler, used Steve Jobs as an example of a “good capitalist.” This just proves neither Gingrich nor anyone on his team understands basic economics. Steve Jobs was perhaps the most creatively destructive force on the planet in the last twenty years. That dude is still destroying entire industries even after he’s dead.. Imagine if you worked for a company that made compact disc players or in music publishing when the iPod debuted. Imagine if you worked for Motorola’s flip-phone division when the iPhone arrived. Look at what is currently happening in the laptop computer market since the iPad came out. Steve Jobs single-handedly destroyed hundreds of thousands of jobs all around the world. Far more than he created at Apple and Pixar. Do we mourn those lost jobs? No, because they were technological advances that freed up labor and capital for more productive uses. That’s capitalism.
 
But why would you expect any less from the Gingrich camp? Not one of them has ever spent a day in the private sector. Not one of them has ever made a dollar that wasn’t derived from political influence. 
 
 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...

Walk the Talk-Talking Heads

This is our new blog, and although not directly political, I thought it best to establish a position and get it off my chest before starting a more focused value.

I have had it with Joe Scarborough, Rush Limbaugh, Ed Big Mouth, Jon Stewart, Bill Maher, Don Imus, and most of the other TV, talk show, and any arrogant, shout over, know it alls.  Everyone has an agenda, they don't listen and 'learn' anything, they interrupt, they give themselves grandiose titles, seem totally set in their 'mode' of thinking, never admit when they are wrong, are constantly rude, and generally not nice people.  

Success in most business ,or those in power, seems to breed arrogance.  Being told you are great is a good thing to hear, but a danger to most of us, as we start to believe it.  We not only believe it but we then start acting like we are know it alls, that everything we think is right, and most times you will find most of these people divorced (repeatedly), or on their way to it (I'm betting Scumborough is on his way).  

This won't sit well with alot of people, but I like Glenn Beck.  I learn something because he takes the time to try and educate me.  He gives me information, asks me to check facts, gives me the reference points (not some biased poll), is humble in some ways, and even though it is scary to think of most of things he is telling me - most of them turn out to be accurate.  No one really goes point by point and disputes his facts or theories, they just want him to be quiet so they can continue the charade.  To most people who don't like him, it seems like they would rather listen to someone they agree with whether Republican or Democrat, rather than take the time to understand - or check the information.  

They talk about the need for civility, but foster incivility.  They shout over, cut off, don't book as a guest or fire anyone that disagrees with them.  They exhibit their prejudices, their faults, so prominently, it is like a wreck, and you almost have to watch.  

Jon Stewart used to be funny.  Bill Maher used to be funny.  Joe Scarborough used to a good guest on Don Imus show.  I wish they would have stayed there, but that is beauty of America.  Their arrogance is also an outcome of success.  I am sure some day they will be humbled again.  Their star will fade away.  It always does.  We will see what kind of person they are, then.  

Anyone who does not believe in the ability to rise up from nothing to monetary success in America only has to look at all these people.  All of the above, plus Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Barack Obama, Rachel Madow, and many many others have risen from humble beginnings to great heights.  I don't think any of them were born with a gold spoon in their mouths.  I just wish they would be humble every now and then.  And quit shouting.  

Like many people, I am getting off/out of the habit of watching or paying attention.  It is like watching a bad Charlie Sheen rant.  I just don't want to do it.  It upsets me too much.  

I am going to try and practice true listening, learning, and doing.  I am going to steer away from just talking, thinking I know it all, and being arrogant.  I am going to try to not make fun of others because of the way they speak, because they don't know "everything", and not point my finger at people and tell them "let me make this perfectly clear" for the ten thousandth time.  

I am going to live my own life, without some arrogant SOB yelling at me through a TV, PC, tablet or Radio.  

Peace.

Mike Twain @TwainsAmerica