About Me

Name: Grace M. Alvarez
Biography
Loading...

Create Your Own Blog Find Other Townhall Blogs

Comments

Archives

Search

Blog Roll

 

Is Healthcare Reform worth Enslavement?

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Monday, November 30, 2009 12:00:00 AM
Today, November 30, 2009, I sent the following open letter to Washington Post and my local newspapers.  I will attempt to send it to the House and Senate leadership.  I believe in the power of people who have truth and right on their side ......... and WE ARE THE PEOPLE!!  Tired of being told what's good for us.
To all Honorable Senators and members of Congress:

From Grace M. Alvarez, Nov. 30, 2009

Twain Harte, CA

I Object!!! — I challenge you to remember your obligation to your constituents. How much more clearly can we, the voting public, make our will known? We do not want ANY of the so-called Health Reform bills currently under consideration.

You, the elected representatives in the House, expect us to believe that you managed to pull out a 2,000+ page bill in 2-3 months following Obama’s election in November 2008? Or is it more likely that the garbled, unintelligible bill is a rehash of past attempts? . Curiously, interpretation of the bill is open to personal points of view. I submit a sampling of the rambling proposal: page 424 (ii) by inserting "and at a time" after "form and manner" and

(3) in subsection (h)(4) (E), by striking "lesser" and inserting "greater" —. This kind of wording is rife throughout the bill. Clearly stated and undeniable are the mandates, restrictions and liabilities applicable without recourse for the individual.

Considering the snail-pace of most congressional actions, a bill of 2,000+ pages, should take at least eight months to bring to the floor of the House or Senate. How dare you Madam Pelosi declare that you know what is best for the American people? Are you aware that as Speaker of the House your obligation is to ALL the people - not just your voting constituency? You have disenfranchised millions of good, hard working, honest American voters by calling us "astro-turf,"and unimportant, but of course you are impervious to the cries of "we, the people." Fortunately, we have found our voice in collective unison against policies being imposed unfairly.

M. Pelosi is not alone in her insulated bubble of authority. Senator Harry Reid shares that bubble with Pelosi, albeit not entirely as a welcome ally. The mark of a good "leader" is to take into account all factions of the group he is committed to lead. Mr. Reid, it is quite clear to anyone following the goings-on in D.C. that you do not act as your own person. When you announced that any Health Reform legislation would be held over until next year, the country breathed a sigh of relief. Time to delve in depth, to the true needs, methods of improvement, without penalizing the average taxpayer, young families and young individuals new to the labor market, this was a hopeful sign.

BUT, you were bowed by the White House. The president’s wishes and whatever threats might have been expressed, overruled your better nature and common sense. You turned your back on the people of Nevada and, as Senate Leader, on all Americans who have protested loudly against current Healthcare Reform bills. To get your bill to the floor of the Senate you "bought" the support of at least one borderline senator. All of this has played out on daily news shows —

and written media. Nothing I have stated is hearsay or innuendo. It’s on the record. At what point, I ask, is your honor more important than pleasing the occupant of the White House, no matter the cost — to you and to the country.

Senators, members of Congress, I plead with you as an ordinary American — as a native Californian, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. I have seen many changes during my lifetime, some good some dubious, but never have we come so close to having our "inalienable rights" revoked. With the signature of the president on any of the proposed bills, our lives will be under the control of a government agency. Guidelines are one thing, usually informative, but government imposing caloric intake, generic drugs, types of medical appliances acceptable, and the mandates which could lead to imprisonment and/or excessive fines for anyone not in compliance with the mandate to purchase health insurance. These are only a few of the lifestyle changes that will be imposed on America, home of the free.....

My generation was raised to respect and honor our flag and country and to respect the office of the presidency and of the body Congress. We understood our right to dissent and to bring about change via the ballot box. While raising our children, left-wing liberals began to infiltrate government and schools of higher learning. The truth hit the fan in the 60's — with the protesters of Viet-Nam. Still, because we believed in the principles upon which the country was founded, most of us sat back and waited for it to blow over. That was our tragic mistake.

But...... there are enough of us still alive and active to lead the young who appear (at this juncture in history) wiser and more alert to the dangers that lurk in and among our elected officials in Washington. We, the people, will not easily give up our liberties earned for us by the blood of millions of men and women who defend our borders in the service of this nation. I am a Gold Star grandmother and will fight to preserve the honor of a country for which my grandson gave his life.

It may be trivia to you, M Pelosi and Sen Reid, and all members of Congress and the Senate, but to millions of us it is life, pride of country and the freedom to live without fear. In God we trust and in Him, because of Him we will continue to fight for human justice for all.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Silent Witnesses to a Declining Nation or Crusaders for Restoration?

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Thursday, October 22, 2009 1:44:02 AM
Grace M. Alvarez,
Twain Harte, CA
October 20, 2009

The Health Care Reform issue is still, as of this writing holding the country hostage. It is beyond the pale of understanding that despite all that [thousands of] ordinary people, like you and me, have made clear to our representatives, the controlling party, the Democrats, are determined to push through a health reform bill for Obama.

Within the last few days, many of us have been disenfranchised from the ongoing legislative process. How? Consider that Pelosi and Reid have both acknowledged that they do not need any Republican votes. And recently the congressman from Florida, (Rep Grayson) stated that it didn’t matter what the Republicans wanted or what those opposed thought, "they are not important and we don’t need them." In other words, millions of Americans are no longer participants in their government. Except, of course, for the fact that our taxes continue to support their state of nirvana. That is the state of Congress in this year of 2009. How do we explain our Constitutional rights to our children when those rights are being eroded and usurped by our own elected officials?

Interesting ....... we, the people, must be regulated, herded, controlled by the arrogance of our own elected representatives, but they appear exempt from even the most obvious rules?

If ever there was time for a renewal of patriotism, it is now. We are called unpatriotic when we dissent with our President or the current Congressional leaders. Dissension has a viable place in our American way of life. It is curious to note how many truly diverse groups united this summer to shout loud and clear, "keep government out of our personal lives!".

Perhaps Rep. Wilson broke protocol by yelling, "you lie!" during the president’s address to joint houses of Congress, but the truth is our president does lie - to us and to the world. Consider that he continues to insist that the Republicans are just being "partisan," and not considering the needs of the people. He has continuously said that, "They {Republicans] don’t want to improve healthcare , but they do not have anything to offer." NOT TRUE!!! Senator Orrin Hatch has a good, solid proposal to improve the system. His is one of several which the Democratic leadership refuses to even consider. Partisan? On whose part?

By hook, by crook, by any means Reid and Pelosi are determined to push through a legislative agenda that will indenture Americans for generations - and I am not just referring to the cost of such legislation. Written into the various bills are extreme controls on our individual lives, such as mandating, life insurance coverage for every American - under penalty of heavy fines! Of course this excludes those who are unemployed and have no earned income.

Included in several parts of the bill are penalties for personal life-styles, such as for smokers, overweight people, the sedentary population (non-exercising). In short we will be subjected to intrusions into our personal lives to such an extreme extent that even the food we purchase will be a consideration for penalties. The "Food Patrol" have already banned certain foods and drinks from schools and advocate for an "organic" diet.

 

Personally, if I want to eat a rare New York steak with baked potato and all the fixin’s, then I will accept whatever jeopardy is attached. I have managed to live 82 ¾ years without purified water, organic foods, Purelle towlettes, and all the other luxurious necessities we are convinced are necessary for today’s survival. That’s not to say that all of them are unnecessary, but simply to point out that my life-style (for me) works and the responsibility for my health and well-being rest, ultimately, with me - or at least it should. When did we abdicate our God-given right of choice?

Affordable health insurance is a noble cause. But are we ready to give up free choice? And where in our Constitution is it written that the government can dictate personal preferences? Reform of the existing system is necessary, but politicians are not the best qualified for the task.

Taking each facet of the issue deserves close scrutiny. There are many aspects to be considered. Let’s be honest, there is no such thing as a "one bill fits all." What the Democrats have done is trot out their long held health care bill - which few have read, much less understand all its nuances. Does anyone truly believe that Nancy Pelosi and her crew came up with an 1100+ page bill in one month? That’s how long it took to bring it out and start promoting it. The momentum was with them in February and March, but Obama wanted the Stimulus bill first and that, as we know, went through so quickly it defied the laws of time and space and intelligence!

We have proven that there is strength in numbers - let us continue to join together and keep our voices out there.
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Memorial Day 2009

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Monday, May 25, 2009 12:00:00 AM

by Grace M. Alvarez 

Two postings by Darlene Superville of the Associated Press, on May 25, 2009 clearly show the media’s attempt to influence public opinion. On the occasion of the traditional honor paid to the fallen men and women of the military, Ms. Superville’s article points to conflict with suggestions of racial implications. The article picked up by GOPUSA lead paragraph reads:

President Barack Obama sought to dodge racial controversy on Memorial Day, sending wreaths to a monument for Confederate soldiers and other flowers to a memorial honoring more than 200,000 African-Americans who fought for the Union during the Civil War.

 

A second article was posted on Yahoo with some modifications, in particular the lead paragraph:

President Barack Obama avoided a racial controversy on his first Memorial Day in

office by sending wreaths to separate memorials for Confederate soldiers and for

blacks who fought against them during the Civil War.

Ms. Superville quotes a letter requesting the president to forego the placing of a wreath at the memorial to the Confederate soldiers stating:

"The Arlington Confederate Monument is a denial of the wrong committed against

African-Americans by slave owners....The Arlington Confederate Monument is a denial of

the wrong committed against African-Americans by slave owners.

One of the 60 professors who signed the request is William Ayers. No further comment (from me) is needed! Although, officially, the president did not respond to the request, he did have wreaths placed at several other memorial sites.

Who in this ivory tower known as the Obama Administration, is qualified to decide where to place wreaths honoring fallen military? EACH AND EVERY MEMORIAL IS WORTHY OF RECOGNITION!!!

 

Placing the wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier(s) is a decades-old tradition. In commemorating these men/women the President (in the name of the country) honors and commemorates ALL those who paid the ultimate price. Does everything have to be political?

If so, then there are many "groups" who should be singled out for special honors. What about the boys of my graduating class (1944) who volunteered shortly after Pearl Harbor and never came home? Oh, yes the WWII memorial is a beautiful site and wreaths are laid there too, as well as at the Vietnam and Korea sites - but insofar as "ethnic" commemoratives - that is utterly redundant. Men and women of the military services all attest to the esprit ‘de corps - not whose taller, shorter, whiter, blacker or more courageous. All are tested, whether in battle or in the unforseen circumstances in the daily performance of their duty.

My grandson is buried in Arlington - it is enough for me (and my family) that our country recognized his patriotism and buried him with military honors. Not separate or "special" from the millions buried there, but one of those who chose to serve because it was his duty. There was nothing political in his death - he was another soldier doing his "duty".

STOP politicizing the military - Mr. President, if you truly honor and respect the men and women in uniform (of the U.S.) speak out against misguided miscreants such as William Ayers whose only purpose is the downfall of this democracy we hold dear. By sending wreaths to the various other locations (not traditionally recognized on Memorial Day), you did indeed acquiesce and bend to a small, ill-intentioned, minority. You cannot have it both ways Mr. President.

I’ve no doubt that, even in the short time you’ve been in office, President Obama has come to understand and respect the need for a strong military force. And, Mrs. Obama’s project to work with the families of men and women who serve is a highly commendable project. To make the U.S. military force a political ploy for any reason is to dishonor all those who have willingly served to protect our country.

 

Tags: political  
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Obama's Youth Brigade

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Thursday, April 30, 2009 5:27:00
 
We have become a nation under the control of one party - the Democratic Party.  While some may think it is not of major importance, I offer the following major legislation fast-tracked through the House and Senate.  Legislation that will impact our lives in negative ways leading to total control of every aspect of our lives.  Alarmist?  You bet!  I remember WWII - the era preceding and following to date.  I have seen this country go from a nation that honored, revered and appreciated the freedoms which made us content  and productive to a nation of disconnected people, without a common loyalty to God, country or flag.  And we have become less productive - despite the flowery words of Mr. Obama who proclaims the united states worker as the finest in the world. - Today's worker performs only as much as he is obligated to by his union.  It's not that initiative has been eliminated, it's that true honest talent is generally overshadowed by special interests.  So, on the eve of a new presidential reign, on the occasion of his first 100 days, we have already lost all hope of surviving as independent thinkers. 

There has been a rush of legislation pushed through without debate or even pretense of open examination by members of either Congress or Senate, much less the public at large.  Of these there are two which should raise the hair on the back of all decent Americans!  The so-called "Hate Crime" passed today (Apr. 30) and will no doubt be signed into law with great fanfare.  Make no mistake, granting any one single group of citizens special protection under the law is tantamount to disregarding the majority of us who are just ordinary, plain, normal heterosexual.  (I am quite aware that I have committed a slur against such a group by use of the word normal) - so be it.  The Hate Crime Bill will leave all of us vulnerable to prosecution for expressing opinions about certain life-styles.  Welcome to the new america.
 
Bill HR 1388 - grandiously entitled "Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education" (GIVE) is in actuality Obama's Youth Brigade  which will (in time) become the civilian militia Mr. Obama dreamed about and talked about during his campaign.  This bill  was introduced to the house on March 9, 2009, passed by the House on March 18, 2009, and the Senate on March 26, 2009; subsequently sent to the White House on March 21, 2009 and signed (without fanfare or news coverage) by the president on April 3, 2009.  That is fast-tracking!  What dissention was offered was not allowed to affect the pre-ordained outcome.  What Obama wants, he gets!!! 

What is so frightening about the HR 1388?  It will require all students who accept state/federal grants  or loans for higher education to "volunteer" a period of time in one of the programs.  High school drop-outs will be required to enter the volunteer program also. That doesn't sound too bad - nothing wrong in paying back a debt with service to a good cause. However, those in the program will be under very strict control - without any religious influence whatsoever.  Not even when "off-duty".  These young people will be a police force akin to the Hitler Jugend.  - Alarmist?  Yes, I've read the text!

There is virtually no opposition - except for the silent majority who wave tea bags and are derided as fringe loons or right-wing terrorists.  I can no longer be silent.  I have grandchildren who should be allowed to live their lives with the same
freedom that I did.  A freedom their grandfather fought for and their cousin recently died for and another's husband is currently protecting in Iraq.
 
America, where is our backbone?  God save us - from ourselves and from an insidious ideology that does not understand that the founding fathers intended to keep God as a solid foundation from which we could be that "City of Light on a Hill."
Tags: Politics  
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

In Defense of Prop 8 - Marriage betwwen one Man/Woman

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Sunday, November 16, 2008 12:00:00 AM
I recently posted a response to Steve Chapman's column on Gay Marriage.  Following is an expanded column:

Subject: In Defense Of Prop 8 - Marriage between One Man / One Woman

Civil unions with all the equal protections afforded marriage is not enough for the militant, self-serving homosexual agenda. For the most part, mainstream society long ago accepted homosexuals. It is when they (gays) began to want their sexual preference to be hailed as "normal" and actually taught in schools that we (heteros) took a second look and tried to cope, dialogue, and yes even rebel against such acts.

First and foremost, homosexuality is against the natural law. All in nature is male and female - for the purpose of procreation - preservation of the species. For gays to plot for a humankind that has no gender is to mock the generations that came before us. Every society throughout history, where homosexuality was openly encouraged and practiced, has crumbled under the weight of its own immorality. The perversions practiced in narcissistic sexual practice cannot but lead to self annihilation of our "family oriented society."

You are living in a world of fantasy if you think time will prove the majority of heterosexuals wrong. Marriage is an institution practiced by the earliest of human societies. That is, marriage accepted as between male and female. As a Californian, I actively campaign for a constitutional amendment to our state constitution. Children do not need to be taught about two daddies or two mommies. In my home the children are taught love and tolerance for everyone - without exception. Any homosexual couples and their children should be treated like everyone else. But that is not the question at hand.

In jeopardy is an established tradition. A tradition that recognizes the union between man and woman as heads of a family unit. A tradition that acknowledges a natural law enabling the male and female to come together in an act of procreation - to preserve the human species. That "union" has been called marriage from time immemorial. While true that Natural Law does form the basis for much of Judeo-Christian tradition it is not solely a "religious" outcry against the demands to have same-sex unions recognized as marriage.

The homosexual agenda has brought upon itself the recent disdain of the general population. They demand "equality" in all aspects of communal living - yet insist that all school children participate in "coming out day" - or "transgender day". NO, NO, NO!! There is a time for young children to be educated about the various life-styles. That time and information belongs in the home.

This was not written in haste, nor is it my intent to cause anyone unnecessary pain. I accept all God’s creation at face value. However, I can no longer be silent when I see the militants stomp on my sacred symbol (the cross), deface places of worship, intimidate places of business for supporting Prop 8, etc. etc. .... the list is lengthy. I ask the Gay/Lesbian community to be content to have civil unions with equal benefits. Your "minority"militancy is threatening the peaceful co-existence we have enjoyed with you for generations.

Grace M. Alvarez

Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (0) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

No Longer One Nation ?

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 1:49:09
   From my perspective of a first generation American, born in the mid 20's, I have some observations to share.  First, my generation born to immigrant parents were taught to honor, respect and be loyal to the United States of America --- that included the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.  Regardless of the country of origin, the pride in being Americans was instilled in us.  The Fourth of July was a big deal - and not just because of the celebrations.
  For my parents, (Father born in Texas - Mother in Mexico)the "old country" was a nostalgic memory of stories to pass on to the younger generation. It was the place of our parents' and grandparents' birth - not ours. We had no indoctrination in the "old ways".  For thousands of immigrants of my parents' era and before, those who chose to make the U.S. their permanent home wanted to embrace all that this country offered.  That meant integration - full integration - into the customs, traditions and practices of the United States.  Did they (immigrants) keep some old traditions?  Of course, and to this country's credit we did combine many old traditions into our American culture.
  I believe that the "new immigrant" who stays within his/her own community creating segregated communities is being disenfranchised.  Some of those people never venture out among the general American populace. Either they have no interest, or they have been led to believe that they do not "belong".  Whatever the reason, this is the beginning of the dissolution of the melting pot that made our country strong.  It is currently held together by what the mainstream media feeds the public, for the most part "celebrating diversity" - which, in my opinion, is code for keeping a segment of our socity separated from the mainstream. In so doing, there are factions that control these separated people - promising them all and in the end giving them zip.
  America, the dream - as Ben Franklin put it, "you have a Republic, if you can keep it."Can we?  Or is it too late? I pray not.
Tags: Politics  
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive

Volunteerism and Faith-Based Services

Posted by Grace M. Alvarez on Wednesday, July 09, 2008 3:51:44 AM
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
 
   Candidate Barack Hussein Obama has grandly, and without reference to, taken President Bush's faith-based initiatives as a bright new idea.  Unlike President Bush's plan that would grant exemptions without strings, to churches and other charitable organizations for feeding, clothing and housing the poor and disenfranchised.  This, of course, churches and many charities do already without asking for approval - it is simply a timeless tradition. 
 
    Enter BHO with his grand plan.  Everyone is falling over themselves to applaudt his "innovative" idea.  Only it is not new and it has Big Brother at the head of operations.  The rules and regulations proposed by BHO would limit how each organization and church operates.  A Washington, D.C. entity would regulate and impose strict rules of operation to insure that everyone was treated equally without discrimination.
 
   Sounds noble.  However, I will speak from a Catholic point of view and of which I do have some "hands-on" experience. The Church has, from the foundation of its existence, set aside funds to help those in need.  Catholic Charities grew from that early beginning.  It can be found around the world, (quietly), helping with food, medical supplies, housing, whatever the need is in whatever the situation may be.   It is not a "Catholic only" charity.  If an individual or family is obviously hungry or homeless, that is the requirement for help.
 
   Like many other charitable groups, the Catholic church does not need government to tell it how or where to spend its funds, which come from the donations of charitable Americans.  The Church runs many health care facilities.  All of which are bound by the tenets of the Catholic Church.  That is procedures which are in convlict with Church teachings are not performed in Catholic hospitals.  Procedures such as elective abortions, trans-sexual operations, etc. are contrary to Catholic tenets.
 
   A Catholic hospital in the San Francisco Bay Area was recently forced to perform a trans-sexual surgery under threat of law suits and being dropped as a Medicare/Medicaid provider.  Despite the fact that in that area there are many secular hospitals and doctors who willingly perform such procedures, this case was clearly meant to bring down the Church.  The only reason the hospital caved was because of its Medicare and Medicaid patients. Anyone familiar with the dollar for value given will understand it wasn't the money!  Too many patients were at stake. 
 
   That is what letting the government control any aspects of commerce does for "free enterprise."  Mr. BHO thinks he can and will provide for everyone out of some unknown pockets - oh yes, the rich.  He himself has lately proudly proclaimed how he and Mrs. BHO are products of what anyone can achieve in America if they apply themselves.  I applaud that.  But now he decides it's ok for him to make the big bucks, but it is obscene for the thousands out there?
 
   His plan to hold high school and college students hostage for a volunteer program in exchange for federal money to further their education is truly dumb, stupid, and utterly without merit.  Offering young people money for education in exchange for some kind of public service to those who find such a venture a good solution (for them) is not a new  idea. Remember JFK's Peace Corps?  That was worthy - strictly volunteer and benefited some students.
 
   It is time we remembered that we are a Republic.  A nation of elected officials sent to Congress to represent us - not to arrogantly proclaim to the nation (as have Pelosi, Reid,  Feinstein and others) that "the people don't know what they need or what is good for them."
Tags: Policics  
Email ItEmail It | Print ItPrint It | CommentsComments (1) | TrackbacksTrackbacks (0) | Flag as offensiveFlag as Offensive
« Previous1Next »