R.I.P. Anthony Shadid

RIP Anthony Shadid. He was a brave and brilliant reporter. His reporting about Lebanon and the Middle East provided insight into the daily life and issues of a complex region.

It is hard to believe that Anthony Shadid died in Syria at age 43. He left behind a body of work that will live on forever. His final book about his heritage and life as a Lebanese-American will soon be released. To learn more about his life and writings, go to AnthonyShadid.com.

Osama bin Laden is Dead

Osama bin Laden is dead. Almost a decade after 9/11, the families who lost a loved one that day finally know that the mastermind who planned the attacks is no longer alive.

Kudos to the Navy Seals and other special ops military that carried off this mission to find Osama bin Laden. What a brave feat.

This year the anniversary of 9/11 will have a very different feel. It was always eerie to know that Osama bin Laden was alive out there somewhere eluding capture.

Nothing can bring back the victims of 9/11. Our country and the world will always mourn their loss. People in my town were killed in NYC that day. In this area, most towns lost people on 9/11. Each town has a memorial to them.

Here the memorial is next to the beach. It is a quiet place. There are benches, flowers, and an American flag. Walking on the boardwalk next to the memorial or riding by on a bike is a constant reminder of the lives lost on 9/11.

RIP to the people who died on 9/11. President Obama has fulfilled the mission to find Osama bin Laden. Finally, finally justice has arrived.



#OBL #Osama #MENA

Veterans & PTSD

On Veteran's Day it is a time to think if America is doing enough for troops who have served our country. Are veterans getting timely treatment for PTSD? Probably not. There is a lag in scheduling for diagnosis and there are rumors that some docs are being told to forego a diagnosis of PTSD. This isn't right as veterans struggling with PTSD are in crisis and need immediate care.

To read a powerful article by Aaron Sorkin about how our country needs to do more to help returning veterans get diagnosed and get treatment for PTSD click on the link below.

Supporting Our Troops by Aaron Sorkin

Showing Gratitude

Times are tough for many of us now, and yet as always it is important to show gratitude for life and the blessings we all have.

"This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."


Psalm 118:24

Kudos President Obama! HCR Passes

Kudos President Obama for having the courage and the fortitude to fight the battle for health care reform. Your efforts to achieve HCR bring a new hope to America.

Today you sign the bill and our nation becomes more humane. You are curbing the Machiavellian ways of the insurance companies who care far more about profits than people.

This reform will help so many people; it will save so many lives.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year 2010! Best wishes to all for a healthy, happy, safe and prosperous year.

Donate Blood!

As the holiday season rolls around, there is always a need for blood donations. The shooting incident at Fort Hood is a reminder that the need for blood arises unexpectedly and donors are always needed.



So be a hero and donate blood! Find information at www.givelife.org to donate blood to the American Red Cross.

Blood donors save lives. Without the kindness of strangers many patients in urgent need of blood would not survive. So give a bit of your time and donate blood.

I've given a lot of blood over the years. It is a great feeling to help others. The needle only pinches for a second, and with that tiny pain you will save lives.