Why Is Martin Luther King’s Birthday a National Holiday?

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Jan 212008
 

Although I am most grateful for the paid day off on Martin Luther King day, I have reservations about the propriety of making the occasion of his birth a national holiday.

One cannot question the fact that Dr. King was an effective warrior in the civil rights movement, a champion for African Americans, and a symbol of hope for downtrodden and oppressed people everywhere. Nearly 40 years after his assassination, Dr. King’s words continue to inspire, guide, and illuminate.

But like all public figures, Dr. King also had personal flaws. He was alleged to have been sympathetic to communist causes, if not directly involved with their activities, and apparently chased skirts other than the one worn by his lovely wife.

But beyond the character issue, there are questions that should be asked, but are not because of political correctness, among which are these:

Does the birth and life of Dr. King warrant the forced closure of American government, education, and vast segments of private enterprise for an entire day every year? And

Compared to the other national holidays that America shuts down for, does Martin Luther King day really make sense?

Consider, please: Martin Luther King day is the only holiday named for a specific American figure, although Dr. King was never elected to political office, nor did he serve the entire nation and all its people in any official capacity.

No president, war hero, educator, religious leader, or other individual American has been so honored. Why should Dr. King be the exception?

Consider also the basis for the other national holidays that America celebrates:

Memorial Day honors those who have given their lives for their country at time of war.

Independence Day celebrates America’s independence and establishment of the most successful democracy in human history.

Labor Day honors the tens of millions of blue-collar workers whose labor has built America and made this nation great.

Veterans Day is a tribute to all the men and women who have served and are serving America in the U.S. military.

Thanksgiving is a day of thankful reflection for the many blessings that the American people have received from our Creator.

Christmas is observed all over the world to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

New Year’s Day is set aside to celebrate the start of a new year and to give gratitude for the blessings of the year just ended, and

President’s Day honors those who have served and are serving as America’s Chief Executive Officer and commander-in-chief.

Given the substance of America’s other designated national holidays, does Martin Luther King day seem justified?

Or is Martin Luther King day really all about easing white guilt over slavery and racism in America’s past?

Tom Cruise Used His Super Scientology Powers To Detox 9/11 Rescue Workers

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Jan 212008
 

Messianic complex? Do we need more proof that Tom Cruise is Coo Coo for Coco Puffs?

Tom Cruise used Scientology to detox 911 rescuers

The ‘Mission Impossible’ star has revealed how, as a Scientologist, he recognised there was a problem and provided rescue workers in the aftermath of the New York terrorist attack with detoxification therapy based upon the works of Scientologist founder L. Ron Hubbard.

In a new clip from his leaked Scientology promotional video, Tom said: “The EPA came out and said the air was clean. Of course, as a Scientologist you go, that’s a lie. Outright lie. Liar. Fine.

“Finally you say, dammit, just go there and do it. Put it there, let’s go, here’s the money, let’s go. Let’s just get one person treated. I can’t sleep another night.

“We have tools that we can apply to ourselves and apply to others. You’re going to get improvements. Period.”

The 45-year-old star claims Scientologists “are the authorities” and need no permission to take action.

He said: “A Scientologist is somebody who can look at the world and really see it for what it is. And not just see it but be able to go ‘pow’ and actually do something about it. And be somebody who is not asking permission to do that. Why ask permission? We are the authorities.”

If you haven’t seen this video of Cruise making the argument for Scientology, now is your chance. It shows him to be completely NUTS, off his rocker insane. He tries to act “normal” but it’s clear he’s gone off the deep end.

Financial Advisers Worst Fear: A Democrat in the White House

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Jan 202008
 

My biggest worry is a Liberal Democrat in the Whitehouse too. Not just for financial reasons either. Creeping socialism will sprint forward under any of the Democrat candidates currently seeking the presidency.

Financial advisers’ No. 1 worry: A Democrat in the White House

Nothing worries financial advisers more than the prospect of a Democrat’s being elected president in November, according to a quarterly poll by Brinker Capital Inc.

The fourth-quarter edition of the Brinker Barometer, which polled 236 advisers in December, found that 22% indicated that a “Democrat in the White House” worried them more than all other economic or geopolitical concerns.

Rounding out the list of concerns was “global unrest” (15%), “U.S. economic growth” (15%), “a terrorist attack” (13%) and “a recession” (13%).

When asked what their greatest tax concern would be under a Democratic administration, 81% of advisers cited a potential increase in the capital gains tax, an income tax increase and heavier taxes on dividends.

“[Departing from] the Bush administration’s approach to taxation will have a large impact on advisers and their clients,” said John E. Coyne, president of Berwyn, Pa.-based Brinker Capital, which manages $9.4 billion in assets. “When taxes begin to erode returns, equities remain less attractive.”

The results jibe with a poll that Brinker conducted last summer in which 60% of advisers said that Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., would be the worst choice in terms of the economy and investing.

On the flip side of that poll, 36% of advisers said they thought that Republican presidential candidate Rudolph W. Giuliani would have the most positive effect on the U.S. economy and investing.

Sam the Butcher Of “The Brady Bunch” Has Died

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Jan 192008
 

Sam the Butcher has died. I guess Alice will have to find a new place to get her meat.

“Brady Bunch” actor Allan Melvin dies in Los Angeles at 84

Allan Melvin, a character actor with countless credits best known for playing Sam the Butcher on “The Brady Bunch,” has died. He was 84.

Melvin died of cancer Thursday at his home in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles, said his wife of 64 years, Amalia Melvin.

The jowly, jovial Melvin spent decades playing a series of sidekicks, second bananas and lovable lugs, including Archie Bunker’s friend Barney Hefner on “All in the Family,” and Sgt. Bilko’s right-hand man Cpl. Henshaw on the “Phil Silvers Show.”

But his place in pop culture will be fixed as butcher and bowler Sam Franklin, the love interest of Brady family maid Alice Nelson, played by Ann B. Davis. Melvin played the role from 1970 to 1973.

Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1923, Melvin grew up in New York and attended Columbia University.

He was appearing on Broadway in “Stalag 17” when he began his decades-long television career with “The Phil Silvers Show,” playing a role his wife said was always his favorite.

“He was proudest of that show,” Amalia Melvin said. “I think the camaraderie of all those guys made it such a pleasant way to work. They were so relaxed.”

He saw steady employment as a voice actor from the early 1960s to the early 1990s, most famously providing the voice of “Magilla Gorilla” for the Hanna Barbera cartoon of the same name.

His other credits include several guest appearances on “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Gomer Pyle: USMC,” and “The Dick Van Dyke Show.”

In addition to Amalia, Melvin is survived by daughter Jennifer Hanson and grandson Jon Hanson Jr. A daughter, Mya, died in 1970.

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