Wednesday, November 7, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review # 2012-17

Washington News alert

The Pete Morin News Service has convinced president Barack Obama to take a few minutes during his busy re-election schedule and talk about his future plans to improve the economy.

PMNS: Thank you Mr. President for taking time to talk to me, and congratulations on your re-election.

POTUS: Well, you're welcome, Pete. No hard feelings about our last interview, I hope.

PMNS: None at all, Mr. President. Mr. President, could you give us a general outline about what you plan to do to get the economy going during your second term?

POTUS: Certainly, Pete. As you know, I inherited a terrible mess from my predecessor, but fortunately, my re-election will give me an opportunity to rectify his mistakes.

PMNS: Are you talking about President Bush and his administration?

POTUS: Actually, no. I corrected those mistakes. I'm referring to the mistakes made by President Reagan. His building up the Defense department caused an imbalance of world power which led to the rise of Iran, the Syrian Civil War, artificially low valuation of the Yuan, global warming, which led to superstorm Sandy, low birth weights among children in poor households, and the cancellation of the NHL hockey season. Now, what I propose....

PMNS: Excuse me, Mr. President. The cancellation of the NHL season?

POTUS: Of course, Pete. Global warming's impact has created superstorms which are threatening ice formation leading to the possibility of our ice hockey players becoming roller derby....

PMNS: Moving on, Mr. President. Can you give us a glimpse into your plans for the coming year with respect to improving the economy?

POTUS: Well, the car's been driven into a ditch by the Republicans and I'm going to take their keys away. First thing I'm going to do is ask Congress to appropriate $935 billion in stimulus money to be spent rebuilding the infrastructure and creating green energy jobs. These will be shovel ready jobs with good pay and excellent benefits for all union workers employed in the rebuilding process. This should, I mean, WILL lead to a reduction in the unemployment rate to 5.4%. As you will remember, the unemployment rate was 7.9% when I came into office and I intend...

PMNS: One moment, Mr. president. The unemployment rate when you entered office in 2009 was 7.9% and today it is still 7.9%. You tried this same approach in 2009 with little success. What makes you believe it will work this time?

POTUS: In 2009, I wasn't already the president. Now, I'm already the President. So this time it will work. The previous stimulus amount wasn't enough to get the car out of the ditch. This stimulus will put a real tiger in the nation's tank, so to speak.

PMNS: OooooooK. What other plans do you have that you can share with us.

POTUS: Cash for windmills.

PMNS: Excuse me, Mr. president. Cash for windmills?

POTUS: Yes, Mr. Morin. Cash for windmills. All the old windmills produced in 2009 and later need to be replaced with the new, up to date, advanced hi tech windmills. We simply take down all the current windmills and replace them with the new, improved windmills. Think of the thousands, heck millions of new green jobs that will be created by replacing the windmills. Several companies are already bidding on the contracts that will be issued.

PMNS: Care to mention any names?

POTUS: I believe Tipper Gore has a venture firm called 'Windra' that's sure to produce low cost green energy power and....

PMNS: Mr. President that sounds an awful lot like Solyndra, the failed solar panel company that...

POTUS: Now, let me be clear, Mr. Morin. I'm not going to allow accusations that my green energy jobs are going to crony capitalists, or any such nonsense. These are good, high paying jobs that will improve our economy, strengthen the middle class, and get that car out of the ditch, got it?

PMNS: Certainly, Mr. President. Just one more question. The last interview we had concerned the problems in Benghazi. Any new status update you can give us on the investigation about who knew what, when and...

POTUS: I believe, Mr. MORON, I told you every detail I had available about who I am, where I was when I knew who I was when I knew it. I'm not focused on the past pal, I'm moving FORWARD!!!! In fact , I can hear my supporters calling for me now. Can you hear them, Mr. MORON?????.......four more years, four more years........

The interview concludes with David Alexrod pulling the President away to bask in the glory of an adoring crowd. It's going to be an interesting four more years.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review # 2012-16

Washington News Alert---

The Pete Morin News Service sat down with President Obama for an exclusive interview concerning the Benghazi terrorist attack. The following is a transcript of that interview.

PMNS: Mr. President, thank you very much for agreeing to an interview. As you know, the American people are very concerned about the events in Benghazi. The News Service has only a few questions.

POTUS: Certainly Pete, I'll answer any questions to the best of my ability.

PMNS: The attack on the consulate started at approximately 2:40 Eastern time and ended at 9:40 Eastern time. Were you at the White House during this time?

POTUS: Yes, I believe I was at the White House, except between the hours of 2:42 and 9:37 when I believe I was practicing my putting, or, perhaps shooting a few hoops.

PMNS: Regardless Mr. President, you would have been informed of the attack on the consulate?

POTUS: Certainly I would have been told.

PMNS: Mr. President. At what time were you informed that our consulate was under attack, and who told you?

POTUS: Well, as you know, we have an investigation going on to determine when I was informed and....

PMNS: Wait, wait Mr. President. It hardly seems necessary for you to investigate when you were informed and by whom. After all you were there.

POTUS: That's true Pete, but an investigation is still required to find out the exact particulars as to what happened at the consulate and to find out the extent to which the offensive video influenced the spontaneous attack. The attack should not be....


PMNS: Excuse me Mr. President, but that's not the question that I asked. I'm simply asking you to inform the American public as to when you knew the attack was happening and who informed you.

POTUS: There are not any simple answers to this question, Pete. After all. I could have been indisposed, or I could have turned an ankle on the court, or any other possibility......

PMNS: So, you don't know when you learned of these tragic events, or you just don't remember?

POTUS: That's correct Pete. We're still investigating when I was told what I knew when I knew it.

PMNS: Un--huh. Well, let's move on. On a radio interview in Denver this last week you said when you learned of the incident at the consulate you issued three clear directives-- and I quote: "Well, we are finding out exactly what happened. I can tell you, as I've said over the last couple of months since this happened, the minute I found out what was happening, I gave three very clear directives. Number one, make sure that we are securing our personnel and doing whatever we need to. Number two, we're going to investigate exactly what happened so that it doesn't happen again. Number three, find out who did this so we can bring them to justice."

PMNS: Well, # 1 Mr. President, obviously was unsuccessful. Regarding point #2. Isn't it a bit unusual to order an investigation when an attack is actually taking place? Wouldn't it be better to order such an investigation AFTER the attack?

POTUS: You're assuming, Mr. Morin, that I learned of the attack during the time of the attack. This is certainly not at all an established fact. Why, I could have learned about it in Las Vegas, or Hillary, or whoever could have passed me a note in the White House locker room. As I stated before, we're still doing an investiga.......

PMNS: Mr. President, please. The American people deserve an answer as to what......

POTUS: And I'm being as accurate and truthful as I can be, Mr. Morin!!!!! We will find out who was enraged by this disgusting YouTube video and tell them that, that they should not get angry just because America hasn't been good to them all the time and......

PMNS: Please!!!! Mr. President. Why didn't you simply order American planes and troops to Benghazi to stop the slaughter. Wouldn't that have accomplished your third point? That is, to bring the attackers to justice while it was actually happening?

POTUS: Because we weren't sure who told me what when, how, or if this wasn't just another fake attack by some phony al Qaeda group that we have already put back on their heels!! Besides, these are not questions that need to be answered during the campaign. There will be plenty of time to finish our investigation. Then we'll know who I am, where I was when what was supposed to have happened actually happened!!! Now, if you don't mind Mr. MORON, I've got to be off to Ohio. They deserve to hear about my new plan to get the Economy going. To provide birth control because that meany Mitt Romney wants all women pregnant in the kitchen and.........

The interview concludes with David Axelrod pulling the President away from the interview. But I can hear the President get emphatic as he states that all he needs are four more years to accomplish his goal of transforming America and possibly finishing the Benghazi investigation. 

This is the Pete Morin News Service reporting from Washington, D.C. 


Friday, August 31, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review #2012-15

I am an American

Just prior to my graduation ceremony from junior high school in 1961, all students in the class had to give a presentation, or speech, to the general public. I chose the poem, 'I am an American' by Elias Lieberman. I had no idea who Mr. Lieberman was, nor did I have a real understanding of what his words meant. I was merely a 13 year old young kid trying to get through an experience as best I could. My speaking and memory skills were rudimentary and unrefined, so any presentation I would make was bound to be apparent with stage fright.

As an adult I began to understand what it means to be an American, an individual free to pursue my life as I see fit in a peaceful manner. Deciding what kind of car to drive, where to live, what kind of house to buy, what I want to eat, expressing my thoughts in words and deeds were what it means to be free. In fact, millions of people came before me to define their lives through the same actions. Some went to war to defend these freedoms, to preserve them for their children and grandchildren. Many didn't return from distant battlefields. What do people living in the United States today owe those that came before. What do we owe those who understood the importance of the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the natural rights of Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness? I doubt that many people think of this proposition; that our ancestors bequeathed a nation to their posterity that would be better because of their actions. That we understand the importance of the meaning of the word 'American.'

So here it is; that poem I read fifty years ago. The poem I didn't quite get, but today is the heart and soul of my writing. Enjoy.






I AM AN AMERICAN
by Elias Lieberman



I am an American.
My father was a son of the Revolution.
My mother was a colonial dame.
One of my ancestors pitched tea overboard in Boston Harbor.
Another stood his ground with Warren;
Another hungered with Washington at Valley Forge.
My forefathers were America in the making.



They spoke in her council halls!
They died on her battlefields.
They commanded her ships!
They cleared the forests.



Dawns reddened and paled. 
Staunch hearts of mine beat fast 
At each new star in the nation's flag.
Keen eyes of mine forsaw her greater glory:
The sweep of her seas,
The plenty of her plains,
The man-hives in her billion-wired cities.
Every drop of blood in me holds a heritage of patriotism!
I am an American!



I am an American!
My father was an atom of dust,
My mother, a straw in the wind
To his Serene Majesty.
One of my ancestors died in the mines of Siberia;
Another was crippled for life by twenty blows of the knout;
Another was killed, defending his home during the massacre.
The history of my ancestors is a trail of blood
To the palace-gate of the Great White Czar.



But, then the dream came---
The dream of America.
In the light of the Liberty torch, 
The atom of dust became a man
And the straw in the wind became a woman
For the first time.



See, said my father, pointing to the flag that fluttered near,
"That flag of stars and stripes is yours;
It is the emblem of the promised land.
It means, my son, the hope of humanity.
Live for it---die for it!"



Under the open sky of my new country, 
I swore to do so, 
And every drop of blood in me 
Will keep that vow.
I am proud of my future.
I am an American. 





Tuesday, August 28, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review #2012--14



Skippy, the Sage Books Cat


When you open a used bookshop, there's a couple of things you can't do without. The first thing is books, and the second thing is a bookstore cat. We had the first point pretty much covered, but the second  wasn't fulfilled until the fall of 1998 when Itty Bitty Kitty arrived on the scene. A young, scared little black cat that didn't much care for being alone, or outside, showed up at the backdoor to the shop on a cold November day. She became family almost immediately and enjoyed not only the store, but was a delight to the customers as well.

Now, you'd think that having one bookstore cat would be enough, but something else happened on a late November night in 1999 that enriched our lives and changed our little bookstore family beyond measure. That night Sue was putting out the closed sign when she noticed a big orange fluffy cat quickly headed in her direction. At first she assumed the worst, that perhaps he intended to attack or claw her. As he got near, however, he stopped and stretched his front legs as far as they would go up the side of her leg. She could see by the look in his eyes that he was asking for help. "I'm cold and hungry, can you please help me?" So Sue did the only thing that a cat lover could do. She said, "Alright, I'm going to open the front door to the store. If you want in, then come in." He took just a moment to judge the situation, then made a beeline through the door. Skippy, the bookstore cat had arrived, and he would never leave.

We had no idea where he had come from, only that upon inquiring about the neighborhood found out that everybody in proximity to the store had been feeding him through most of the summer and fall. We had even seen him sleeping once near the foundation of the house, but didn't think much of it since there were, from time to time, stray cats seen around the local properties. After checking with all our neighbors, no one knowing anything about who owned him, we decided to make him our #2 official bookstore cat.

Skippy (he got this name because we thought, perhaps, that he had hitchhiked a ride from parts unknown and was dropped off locally) quickly acclimated himself to the store. He found an excellent sleeping spot in a kitty basket under the new arrival section located directly over a heating vent. He ate himself silly, slept large and did his best to investigate every nook and cranny of ten rooms of books. He had found his sweet spot, his nirvana and we were sure he felt safe in our presence.

As winter turned to spring he showed signs of wanting to take a look at more than just the confines of the store. One day in early May, when a customer entered the store, he saw his chance and ran out the door to the check the delights of a beautiful Spring day. As he motored down the sidewalk we thought that perhaps he had regained his confidence and found it time to leave our employ. He was moving quickly, and since we couldn't leave the store with customers inside, thought that maybe he had gone to seek new adventures. But at exactly ten minutes before we close the store, at ten of five, guess who comes sauntering up the sidewalk obviously proud of a day in the sun? Skippy! He was just doing what any mature male cat would do, out patrolling the neighborhood. He knew where his food and his bed were, and he wasn't about to give those things up.

As time passed, he became a mainstay to the store and the neighborhood, including the Congregational Church two houses over. Rev. Gardiner, Pastor of the church, found Skippy strolling down the aisle of the church during services and would inform the congregants that Skippy, the bookstore cat had arrived. He spent leisurely hours with Ron & Cindy, our next door neighbors, watching a movie or football game. He even jumped into a customer's car that had its windows open on a sunny summer day and ended up half way to New York before they realized who was tagging along. Thank goodness they returned our wanderlust cat to his proper home.

Skippy kept his special acts for the customers and he especially enjoyed being petted under the chin and on his head. He often sat on the check out desk next to me while customers scratched his head and marveled at his size. The good food and fine living conditions had enabled him to put on weight and he now tipped the scales at 18 pounds. His other antics included jumping into boxes of books as if to say, "hey, check out these great reads!" Lying on the floor and exposing his big belly was another favorite pastime. He'd convince you that he wanted  to be scratched on his tummy only to playfully attack anyone who tried to do the scratching.

Skippy loved to be with Sue in our garden. We had a scarecrow called Eleanor Digby, 'who sat on a hill surrounded by dill' that Sue would dress up according to the seasons. Skippy would give Sue such a fright when he'd hide underneath Eleanor's skirt and pounce when the time was right. At other times he would stay perfectly still and end up locked inside the garden when Sue finished attending to the plants. Hours would go by until we finally figured out where he was. Then we'd see him in the garden sheepishly asking to be sprung from his foolish incarceration. There didn't seem to be anything he wouldn't do. When a neighbor's house and barn were sold, he found himself locked in the barn. I had to introduce myself to the new neighbors by asking that they come to the barn (they weren't living at the house at the time) and extricate our trespassing cat. Evidently, our new neighbor hadn't noticed Skippy entering the barn when he locked the door and left.
As the years passed Skippy was more than just a bookstore cat, he was family and a large part of our customers experience. Our regular customers would, upon entering the store immediately ask, "where's Skippy, we want to show him to our friends." He could often be found lounging on the front porch furniture taking a snooze before his patrolling duties would commence, or in the big blue chair next to the fireplace. Skip knew how to enjoy his surroundings and made the most of his time in the yard.

By 2009, we noticed something strange in Skippy's behavior. He seemed to gag when he tried to eat. he was either in pain, or had a difficult time swallowing. We took him to a veterinarian specializing in dentistry to find out that he had a severe inflammation in his throat and several very bad teeth. The doctor proceeded to remove several teeth with instructions to return in one week. Before the end of a week, however, things took a turn for the worse and we took him to another doctor as an emergency visit. This vet gave him a prednisone injection to limit the swelling, but little did we know that he was allergic to this type of medicine. He looked like he might be a goner when we took him to the emergency animal hospital in South Deerfield. Thankfully, however, he pulled through and we felt relieved that the worst might be behind him.

Skip continued on his regular jaunts about the area, sometimes straying into a nearby field. When I saw this, I would call out his name in a cadence that had become recognizable to him, and when he heard me, he'd come running to my side. SKIP-SKIP-SKIPPEEEEEE! Come home Skip. Come on home. Like a flash he'd come running, to be picked up gently to the safety of his home.

In 2010 the same throat problem appeared resulting in more teeth being removed, and in 2011 he suffered a hematoma of his left ear resulting in a misshapen ear as if he'd been in a cat fight. He may not have retained his usual good looks, but he was still our wonderful Skippy.

As in all things there comes an end, but it wasn't Skippy. It was our bookstore. A store that we had labored and loved for over fifteen years was closed on August 31, 2011, and a part of our lives that we treasured beyond description passed before our eyes. Closing the store wasn't fun, but the prospect of retirement loomed in the near future. Business had fallen off dramatically in last 2-3 years and I felt the time was right to close and move. The economy wasn't good, so we felt now was the time to move to Georgia. In 2005 we had taken a short vacation in Savannah, Georgia and fell in love with the area. In 2006 and in 2008, we even looked at houses in the hopes of finding something we liked. In the Spring of 2011 we found our perfect spot with a home in Richmond Hill, Georgia. The move took place on October 1, 2011. Now we were official Georgians and the cats seemed to accept the new house with certain reservations. We now had four cats, two that resided in the former bookstore , and two that were in our residence side of the business. Willow and Jenny, our house cats, had always gotten along. Besides they were only 3 and 4 years old respectively. But for Itty and Skippy, things were not so wonderful. Itty was intimidated by Willow, and Skippy just couldn't understand why he couldn't go outside. But Skip did what he could to make the best of the situation and tried to co-exist in his new environment.

Then it happened again. The gaging, trouble swallowing and general slowing down of an elderly cat. When we found Skippy, his age was estimated at 4-5 years. Now, that would put his age at about 17. Not young for any cat. We took him to a local vet who gave us anti-bacterial medicine to be administered twice daily. She felt it was an infection and could be controlled through medication. We hoped for the best, but he was losing weight at a dramatic pace. We returned to the vet and were given the news that all animal lovers dread to hear: cancer.

And so it was that on Monday, August 27, 2012  our wonderful bookstore cat, our beloved Skippy loosed his earthly bonds to run to a happier place. I can almost see him now far across a field, and as I call his name I see his tail lift high and his fur flying in the wind, running to my side. SKIP-SKIP-SKIPPEEEE!! Come home buddy. Come on home.


In memory of Skippy 1994?-2012


Saturday, August 25, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review #2012-13

Screened-in porches

Recently, Sue and I had a screened-in porch added to our home in Richmond Hill, Georgia. This was an addition that was an absolute must for both of us. Porches had been a part of my childhood, and regaining the delights of a bygone time have been a boon to my mental well being.

The memory of porches and screens starts with North Farms Road on Horse Mountain when I would open the front window in my bedroom and listen to the wonderful evening sounds of the countryside. Gazing across the meadow beyond the front yard of our house you could hear the lonely call of the Wipperwills beckoning a summer night to last forever. WhippoorWILL! WhippoorWILL! The plaintive call would echo through the field and provide a lasting memory to a little boy who would soon fall fast asleep to nature's song.

Horse Mountain was about as far away from the center of Florence that you could get, and it stirs memories of days in Anunciation Grammar school in the center of town. I distinctly remember one particularly beautiful spring day when I just had to leave school after noon recess and enjoy the day by walking home. What never occurred to me was that my second grade teacher might consider this an inappropriate thing to do without consulting her as to my intentions. Oh, but what a grand time it was walking the 3 miles home all the while reveling in the sweet smell of Spring. My parents took exception to my actions as well. As I strode up the road to the farmhouse I noticed two rather stern looking adults standing in the front door ready to pounce on their prey. From that point on what happened doesn't come to mind, although nothing more than a dressing down might have happened. No matter, life goes on.

By 1958 we moved to the very heart of the metropolis of Florence, at 18 Powell St. and a house that had a front porch. This porch had windows and screens and became my favorite area to while away the long days of summer. My parents had bought me a small transistor radio and it became my main source of entertainment, especially Red Sox games. As I listened I would score the game and root the Sox to victory. If one knows anything about the Red Sox of the early sixties, one knows the agony of defeat more than the thrill of victory. This hardly mattered to a youngster enjoying summer, baseball, and a porch.

My parents were compassionate people and there many times I was displaced from my normal bedroom in the main house to the porch for sleeping. They had an arrangement with Northampton State Hospital to allow people to stay in our home while attempting to transition to the community at large. Banishment to the porch was actually not bad when I could open the window in the evening and breath in the sounds and smells of summer. Winter was another matter altogether as the little porch room had no heat source. Bother me, it didn't. You'd always find the window open a little on cold nights even with a hint of snow in the air. I remember brushing away an inch, or two, of snow from my blanket upon waking to the bracing cold air.

In 1963 we moved to the big city, 23 Edwards Square,  Northampton and a house with a screened-in back porch. Now I could walk to St. Michael's High School, Calvin theater, The Academy of Music and the general downtown area. I would be within walking distance of one of my favorite activities, accordion and guitar lessons with Joe Pizzitola at his studio on Main Street. Music had become an important part of my life and being with Mr. Pizzitola was always enjoyable. Occasionally, if I hadn't adequately prepared for my lesson, Joe would feign disappointment with my shortcomings, scolding me briefly and then tell me how good I was doing. His gentle laugh at my imperfections are a delight to remember, even fifty years on. Jim Hurley bought the studio in 1965 from Joe and I continued on as a student, and music teacher until I left for the Navy in 1968. Recollections of Wednesday nights with Jim at Joe's Pizza on Market Street conjure up a sight of pizza brimming over with melted chess, sausage and hamburger, along with good conversation that would make us friends to this day.

The most interesting aspect of the porch on Edwards Square were the train tracks which lay only about fifty feet from the porch itself. Trains would race by at all times of the day and night and would literally shake the house as they passed. If you weren't used to the noise and shaking it could give you quite a fright. I remember my brother Arthur visiting  in 1964 and waking in the middle of the night, jumping out of bed, and generally being shocked to feel the house shake from a speeding train. I brought my future wife, Sue, to meet my parents in late 1972 and while sitting in the living room, suddenly start to feel the room shake as if an earthquake were about to strike. She hadn't been warned about the trains and was concerned when objects started to move across a coffee table. Perhaps a warning for her to consider whether she should marry into this family. This didn't deter her, however, as we've been together almost 38 years and counting.

There was one event that happened in August, 1967 that I remember very distinctly while on the porch listening to the Sox on the radio. The Los Angeles Angels were playing the Red Sox in Boston and on this particular Friday night Jack Hamilton was pitching for the Angels. Hamilton was a hard nosed fastball pitcher not afraid to play a little chin music to any player foolish enough to crowd the plate. Tony Conigliaro, of the Sox, was just such a player and I remember well the sound of the ball smacking into the side of Tony's face and the quiet falling over the stadium as medical personnel attended to him. The ball had broken his cheek bone, smashed his left eye socket and damaged, not only his career, but his life as well. He returned to the game over a year later, but was never the same, and died, still a young man, from a heart attack.

Porches hold many memories for me, both good and bad. As you can see I'm enjoying my latest porch. It gives a sense of peace, recollection and love for times and people long gone, but forever in my thoughts.

Life, and porches--live and enjoy them.





Thursday, August 23, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review #2012-12

The serious political party

So Todd Akin, that great believer in a woman's ability to shut down her reproductive capability during a "legitimate rape", has decided to stay in the race for the Senate against Claire McCaskill in Missouri. Sometimes you just want to smack a person up side of the head and tell them that there's nothing more important than saving the country from the Demorat party, and you, as an electable individual really don't matter. Unfortunately, Mr. Akin isn't wearing his hearing aid and nothing can be done to save his stupid ass.

Other than that, let's take a look at just which political party, Dems or Repubs, is the serious party in this upcoming election. The Demorats are all up in arms about Akin's statements concerning rape as, they should be. However, now the party of great concern for women is trying to tie ALL Republicans to Akin's comments. You see, according to the Demorats, republicans hate woman and will do all they can to make sure they stay barefoot, pregnant(though not from rape) and in the kitchen. Repubs would deny women access to contraceptives, put blacks back in chains and destroy jobs for hard working Americans! Is there anything coming out of the mouths of these idiots that ANYONE believes? ANYTHING??

To prove just how supportive the Demorat party is of woman, they're going to have former President William Jefferson Clinton as their keynote speaker at their convention in Charlotte, North Carolina. Who can better explain the Demorat position on all the important issues for women then the old pervert, Clinton, himself. Yes, that wonderful example of a fighter for women's equality and health, that bastion of knowledge and fortitude for women's rights; THIS DISGUSTING womanizer; this CONVICTED liar( who lost his law license in Arkansas for five years for lying to a Federal Judge); this accused RAPIST(remember Juanita Broddrick); this accused exposer( remember Paula Jones); this philanderer(remember Gennifer Flowers). Ah, yes, Bill Clinton, that paragon of women's access to the White House( Ms. Lewinsky anyone?)

You've got to be kidding. This stinking Demorat party is a collection of misfits, nitwits, boneheads and utter incompetents, not to mention HYPOCRITES!!! Obama and his collection of stupid Marxist nerds have almost destroyed this country. How could any sane person consider voting for this President again. How can anyone consider listening to William Jefferson Clinton and take him seriously.

The Republicans, with the selection of Paul Ryan by Mitt Romney, are the only serious party in this country. They look to a future with programs and policies that will work. The Demorats have NOTHING! They have a bunch of ideologues concerned only with attaining and consolidating power.

Einstein's definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Are you people who will vote for Obama expecting different results in his second term? Welcome to the looney bin comrades. Obama will be your jailer

Oh, and have a nice day!

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review #2012-11

To Preserve, Protect and Defend the Constitution from all enemies both foreign & domestic

The above words are uttered by every government official upon taking office. Do they have any meaning anymore? or are they just words mouthed by officials intent upon having their moment in the sun.

It becomes more evident every day that President Barack Obama is intent upon destroying our most hallowed document. Consider the following:
  His recess appointments to the Consumer Protection bureau of the Dodd-Frank Act in January when Congress was NOT officially in recess. Power, of which, he does not have under the Constitution.
  His amnesty to approximately one million illegal immigrants using a term called ' prosecutorial discretion' which was intended to be applied on a case-by-case basis, not for a blanket amnesty.
  His waiving of the work rule under the 1996 welfare law, power, of which, he does NOT have under the Constitution.
  His awarding the UAW 55% of the ownership of GM & Chrysler over the secured bond holders during the bankruptcy re-organization of these companies, power, of which, he does NOT have under the Constitution.

These, and other instances, have proven that President Obama cares NOTHING about the rule of law and will do whatever he wants, and needs, to consolidate his power.

What is even more disquieting, however, is an article published in The American Thinker on August, 21, 2012 that reports an Obama takeover of the government with the heading entitled 'by any means necessary.' Is it nonsense, or something that warrants serious consideration? Read it and judge for yourself. I believe we live in extremely dangerous times with an administration loaded with communists, socialists and general ideologues hell bent on destroying the Constitution, controlling the population and making us all servants of the State. Don't think so? Ignore it at your peril.

ReadRead the article, here. 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review # 2012-10

Do as I say, not as I do

Ever wonder why government gets to tell you what NOT to do in your life, but then goes ahead and does those very things?

Illegal drugs--thou must not consume or sell controlled substances unless thou shall be penalized with incarceration.
        Fact: government agents pose as buyers to catch sellers. Isn't it illegal to buy drugs? Oh, I forgot, it's ok for the government to pretend buying drugs. Apparently, government has to break the law to enforce the law.

Printing money---thou shall not print your own money unless thou shall be penalized with incarceration.
        Fact: government printing presses are completely overworked, straining to keep up with the demand to provide the citizenry with funny money. Much easier to finance debt when you have an unlimited supply of dollars. Try printing your own money and the government will accuse you of debasing the money supply with your fake dollars. But government debasing the dollar? NAH!!!

Speeding in your car---thou shall not speed, nor become a nuisance to the general public with your insouciant lack of concern for people's safety.
        Fact: how many times have you seen a police cruiser, or official government vehicle pass you going well beyond the speed limit WITHOUT its lights flashing? Apparently, government, and police vehicles are immune to accidents and can, therefore, travel at whatever speed they desire.

Lawsuits---thou shall not sue the state, or inconvienence an elected official by threatening a lawsuit.
        Fact: we reside in the most litigious society on the face of the earth. We file suit at the drop of a hat. Negligence, fraud, you name it. Sue the government for negligence? Can't do it. It's called immunity from the nasty little citizens. Government is perhaps the most fraudulent, negligent entity there exists on this earth, but lawsuits against our elected officials? That's a no-no.

This government, and that includes local, state and federal entities, is the most pitiful, corrupt, despicable bunch of numbskulls ever placed in control over people's lives. But don't worry, we'll keep electing the most ridiculous gasbags we can find. Why? Because we abhor the idea of having to be responsible for our own lives. The gasbags know it and they relish the chance to be our masters.

Do as I say, not as I do. And, oh, have a nice day!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review # 2012-9

Lazy Summer Days

It's been awhile since I've posted anything on this blog and perhaps it's because there's so little to write, or there's too much to write about.

We all know the current State of affairs. Obama continues to lead from behind and Romney has just announced that Paul Ryan will be his running mate. Smart move, Mr. Romney. Paul Ryan will lend a very steady, conservative voice to your campaign as week as explain what needs to be done concerning our debt problems. He also brings a very clear understanding of the mess in entitlement programs. No matter how much Demorats scare senior citizens about reforming Medicare every reasonable individual knows that this program, in current form, is unsustainable.

Putting politics aside, living in the Savannah, Georgia area has been a blast. The summer has been the usual muggy oven that only the South can provide, but it reminds me why I'm here. Winter in New England is much worse than summer in Georgia. I'll take the heat and humidity anytime over the long, cold Northern winter. It may be especially brutal mowing the lawn in July, but what a difference from shoveling snow in January!! The people here are very nice as well. We recently hosted a dinner party(nothing fancy, just chicken on the grill and cold salads) where we met some neighbors for the first time and everything went very well. I'm sure some of our neighbors were wondering if a Northern couple were going to be snooty and stuck up as some may have heard, or if we seemed like regular folk. Hopefully, we succeeded at being very regular.

I've also managed to get my opinions inserted in the local newspaper, The Savannah Morning News. I've responded to some local writers and a regional writer based in Atlanta. If I haven't written my blog very often, it isn't because I've stopped writing, it's just that I've turned my interests to local issues.

Anyhow, I've got to get back in the swing of things now the Presidential campaigns will get into full swing. The most important issue now is to remove our Marxist-in-chief from the oval office. Romney may not be the best selection possible, but he's a far sight better than the bum there now. This may seem harsh, but I'm no longer going to hold back criticizing Obama for all the unconstitutional crap that he's pulled. Let me be very clear about one important point: if Obama should be re-elected, and he continues to defy his limitations with respect to Constitutional power, then I'll call for his impeachment. I know he's black. I know I'll be called a racist by those on the left. But guess what--I don't give a damn. Not one damn bit of a damn. Saving the Federal Republic and the Constitution will be worth all the hell that will break loose.

So let the games begin. Let the lies and deception that signify this administration spew forth. Let him tell us what a magnificent job he's done pitting one American against another. Let him continue to tell us that we're not responsible for our successes. Let's have him leave the oval office as a future community organizer where he can emulate his political heroes, Saul Alinsky and Karl Marx. Let him..........(fill in your own blank)

Let's rid ourselves of this menace.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-8

Chief Justice John Roberts--Liberal lion of the judiciary

What can be said about Thursday's ruling concerning Obamacare that hasn't been said by thousands, or even millions of postings in the past few days. Not much.

First, let's dispense with the obvious: the individual mandate is not constitutional under the commerce clause in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. How wonderful! Are we now protected from future liberal attempts to alter the meaning of the clause to fit a liberal agenda? Hardly. There'll be many more attempts to change this section in the years to come.

Just what did the American people get from this ruling. Those of a liberal persuasion are now enamored of the fine, lawful jurisprudence of Chief Justice John Roberts in crafting such a great decision upholding the constitutionality of Obamacare. Those of the conservative persuasion are left with stomachs churning as from too much beer, nachos and extremely hot peppers.

Evidently, Chief Justice Roberts( who will now be referred to as 'Old Slip & Fall'), felt a need to placate those, would be, detractors on the left who would excoriate him for being a tool of the far right. OSF wilted under the pressure of a socialist President hell bent on 'transforming America.' Those are Obama's words, not mine. Apparently, OSF felt that America does, indeed, need transforming and what better way than to pull from very thin air a new meaning of the word 'penalty.' You see, when Congress passed  Obamacare there was not even a mention of the word 'TAX' in said document. In fact, the liberals demorats(misspelling intentional) conspicuously left that word absent from the law. If they had used this word their constituents would disapprove and could send them packing in the next election. So they used the word penalty--and were sent packing anyway!

But OSF just couldn't seem to concur with the other four justices in scuttling the entire law. He remembered President Socialist demeaning him at the SOTU 2010 speech for his finding in the Citizens United case. Belittled he was, and didn't much care for feeling the heat from our esteemed, transformative, Commander-in-Chief. No, OSF wasn't going to put himself in such a prostrate position again. Placate the socialist he meant to do, and placate he did.

A quick reading of the Constitution produces not one single reference to calling a penalty a tax. It calls a tax, a tax. Article 1, Section 8 reads; " The Congress shall have the Power to lay and collect taxes....". Since this section has been superseded by the 16th amendment, we go there for a further reading; " The Congress shall have the power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived....". No where is the word 'penalty' mentioned within the document. But OSF knows better. He knows what the people who wrote Obamacare really meant. They meant TAX, even though they vehemently denied any such word, or connotation in their crafting of the bill.

Doesn't matter. We now have new Supreme Court precedent as to what penalty actually means, and all thanks to our Chief Justice, OSF.


Great going Johnny! You sure did straddle that political fence. We can't wait for your next judgment when you change the word 'Constitution' to mean toilet paper.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-7

The following was published in The American Thinker on June 15, 2012


Why the Supreme Court may find ObamaCare constitutional

I a very short time, perhaps a matter of days or weeks, the Supreme Court of the United States will issue a finding on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection Care and Affordability Act known as ObamaCare.

Both sides in the argument feel they have an excellent case for having the law either struck down, or approved by the Court. There are some considerations that I have not heard discussed, however, that could have a significant impact on the outcome.

At issue is the central question of mandating individuals to purchase health insurance, or pay a fine for not complying. The central belief in opposition to the law rested in the notion that there is no precedent for requiring individuals to purchase a product in the marketplace. Indeed, if one looks at it from that perspective, the soundness of such an argument appears genuine. The Supreme Court, however, may not look at precedent from a view of compulsion to act, but from a position that unlimited power with regards to the Commerce Clause has already been given to the legislative branch of the Federal Government. Some history and a meaning of Constitutional text is in order.

At least two schools of thought have been at odds with each other over the issue of "Originalism." Progressive thought believes, that having been written over two hundred years ago, the Constitution, as written, could not possibly answer difficult questions with regard to legislative authority in a modern era. The Conservative belief holds the view that any change in the meaning of the Constitution by what they consider to be  'activist' judges destroys the very essence of the document. In an excellent work on the value of Originalism, constitutional scholar Randy Barnett succinctly defines the Constitution's original meaning as "(o)riginalism .... entailed by a commitment to a written constitution, which is a vital means of subjecting lawmakers to limits on their lawmaking powers."(1) In other words the meaning of the words the framers used in defining the Constitution should not be confused with the intentions of the framers with regard to lawmaking. Any change in the meaning of the words in the document would destroy the original document. If we look a little closer at the Court case of Wickard v Filburn(2) decided by the Court in 1942, we see how the idea could be presented that the court effectively changed the meaning of the Commerce Clause to give the Legislative branch the power to redefine Interstate Commercial activity.

The original wording of the delegated powers given to the legislative branch reads as follows: Article 1, Section 8, "To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes." An understood meaning of the word 'regulate' in the eighteenth century was to "make regular." This did not apply to restrictions on Commerce, but to promote the smooth flow of goods between the States. To apply an understanding of restricting the economic flow of goods would be to discern an intent by the framers which is not applicable to the original meaning. The decision in Wickard applied such an intent.

Essentially, the Wickard decision restricted an individual's ability to engage in Commercial activity even though Filburn had no intention to engage in such activity. In my view, this decision could be an implication that the Court recognized Congress's authority over all Interstate commercial activity. Restrictions to Commercial activity could go hand in hand with compulsion to give effectiveness to Congressional authority. Therefore, the individual mandate could be viewed as constitutional.

How will the judges rule? Ideological lines may hold for eight of the judges, but the usual swing vote will come from Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy. His vote could decide whether, or not, individuals will be compelled by the government to purchase products in a marketplace. Justice Kennedy did bring up the issue of a 'limiting principle', that is, if the government can force an individual to purchase health insurance then what are the limits to government compulsion to purchase any product. This is a fair question, and could swing the vote to the plaintiffs in the case. The judges could, however, look to Wickard as to sustain the power of the legislature to require Commerce by the individual.

In any event, the meaning of the words in the Commerce Clause have been changed thus leaving the original document, in my view, as a relic of history. Shame on the Court, and us, for letting it be so.

(1) Randy E. Barnett, "Restoring the Lost Constitution, Princeton University Press, 2004, 88
(2) Wickard v Filburn, 317 U.S. (1942)

Monday, April 9, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-6

Insignificance & Inspiration

It is a lovely evening in the South and as I venture outside to enjoy the cool air and a clear sky full of bright stars that give me a peek into a distant past that only a time traveller could know, I get inspired to think of our small selves and how little we know about eternity.

We travel a time machine that warps the truth about existence. We think of ourselves as immeasurable to the importance of our awareness. The center of this vast universe exists only within our limited ability to understand what we glean from our senses. There is more than what we see, but we cannot see it. There's more to what we know, but we cannot know it. I am an insignificant pebble on a beach of a million billion pebbles, but I think of myself as all important.

I will live a short number of years compared to what the rocks and the sky and the sea will know. I'll believe in many things and accept little as definite truth. A pity, to be sure, but I must push on to believe that my time spent is spent well. We have too few chances to leave our inner selves open to inspection for our fellow men. Their chance to view our souls is only this brief moment and then the stars move on to cast their light on other worlds and other life, life that we cannot know.

As I return to my home and leave the world, and the stars, and the worlds that exist beyond, I feel the beauty of being inspired by their quiet presence that has fed my soul. Be open to wonder, to know what you cannot know, to see what cannot be seen, to understand how quickly the days go by.

Live today, and tomorrow, inspired.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-5

Unprecedented, or untruthful?

President Obama is hitting the airwaves letting it be known that he will not be happy if the Supreme Court overturns his healthcare law. Just recently he made the following statement to the press: " Ultimately, I am confident that the Supreme Court will not take what would be an unprecedented, extraordinary step of overturning a law that was passed by a strong majority of a democratically elected Congress."

You have to wonder who he's talking to and if he even understands what he's saying. This coming, mind you, from a former professor of Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago.

Let's dissect the statement, shall we?

First, is the word 'unprecedented.' As Prof. Obama should know there are several examples of precedent regarding the Court striking down legislation not in line with the Constitution. The most famous is the 1803 decision by the Court, articulated by the great Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, John Marshall, known as Marbury v Madison. This case set the standard which allowed the Court to implement judicial review. Any first year law student is familiar with this case and would site it as precedent for overturning the healthcare law.

A second case would be Schecther v US in 1935 which rendered FDR's National Industrial Recovery Act unconstitutional. This case would have been well known to Prof. Obama, especially since he likes to compare himself in importance to FDR with respect to effecting, or transforming America to a more enlightened State.

Next we look to the "strong majority" he feels existed when the law was passed. The word strong would indicate something more than just barely enough votes, or what a person would consider a 'slim majority.' The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 60-39 with NO Republican votes. Now this could be considered 'strong' by count alone, but the fact that there were no Republicans voting for the bill begs the question as to it's true strength. The House of Representatives passed the law by a vote of 219-212. Once again, NO Republicans voted for the bill and in any event this certainly cannot be considered a 'strong majority.'

The last point is his reference is to a democratically elected Congress. Exactly what does this have to do with the Court's ability to review legislation produced by Congress? As stated previously, the Court has struck down legislation passed by a 'democratically elected Congress' and will continue to do so if necessary. The entire statement appears to be grandstanding to those not familiar with judicial review. Some commentators have referred to it as an attempt to bully the Court in not overturning the law, but I believe it involves more.

It is unthinkable that President Obama would not be aware of Supreme Court precedent in determining a law's constitutionality. The only logical explanation is that he knew what he said was not accurate. Are we looking at an individual who purposefully misstated the facts? Is President Obama playing to his base constituency in the hope that political pressure can be applied to the Supreme Court? The Court doesn't operate in a vacuum and those Justices he nominated, and we're appointed, to the Court could be especially susceptible to outside pressure.

When all is said and done I can only respond to the President's statement this way: Liar, liar, pants on fire. Intentionally misstating facts is, most decidedly, un-presidential. Start acting like an adult, Mr. President, and be a leader. Not a pseudo Constitutional Law professor who sounds ridiculous.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-4

ObamaCare & judicial review

The United States Supreme Court began hearings yesterday on the constitutionality of the Patient Protection and Affordability Care act, a.k.a. ObamaCare.

The first day consisted of listening to lawyers(now there's a dreadful thought) drone on about the 1867 anti-injunction law concerning taxing power etc., etc. I don't get a lot of it, but the basic argument is you can't hear a plaintiff's case if the law hasn't affected them yet. Since no one would be fined by not having health insurance until at least 2014, then the law can't be challenged until that time. Apparently, the Justices, including Kagan & Breyer, both considered liberal in their views, are having none of it and are willing to have the case proceed.

The real meat of the argument comes today when the mandate to purchase insurance is presented before the court. The Government will offer the opinion that a mandate is constitutional under the right of the legislature to regulate interstate commerce. The government claims that by not purchasing health insurance a burden would be placed on all other individuals in society to pay for individuals who do not have insurance. Costs would be borne by those who have insurance spread across the entire country, thereby affecting commerce. The plaintiffs(those suing to negate the law) argue that the legislature cannot compel individuals to take part in commerce. In other words, the government is compelling individuals to purchase a product whether they want to or not.

If the government wins, then ObamaCare remains intact. If the plaintiffs prevail, in whole, or in part, then ObamaCare will either be re-written or scrapped.

The more interesting point to be considered is what happens to the ability of the Supreme Court to enact judicial review should ObamaCare prevail.

Judicial review was first employed in the Supreme Court case of Marbury v Madison in 1803. What made this case revolutionary was the fact that the Constitution does not mention judicial review as a legitimate function of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice John Marshall was able to use this tactic through some skillful wording and political gamesmanship. After all, if the Court says something can be reviewed can Congress overrule the Court? It might be possible, but Congress has never attempted to do so.

In any event, if the Court upholds ObamaCare, and individuals will be forced to take part in commerce, then what is to stop the Congress from forcing people to purchase a certain vehicle, or purchase a certain kind of house, or, to purchase ANYTHING that Congress deems necessary that applies to a proper regulation of commerce? The logical extension of this thinking is that contesting these laws would no longer be possible. In essence, the United States Supreme Court, with respect to any question regarding commerce, would be out of a job. Judicial review, for all intents and purposes, would be dead.

Interesting question, n'est pas?

The answer as to whether we become wards of the state will be answered in June, when the Court renders its decision. Our basic freedoms as citizens will either stand or fall. Good luck, America.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

The Pete Morin EDitorial Review 2012-3

A Nation worth saving

Tonight on the Mark Levin radio talk show, Mark will ask his callers to respond to whether or not the United States of America can be returned to a Constitutional Republic; in essence, can it be saved from Progressives, Liberalism and ultimately, Socialism.

I've thought long and hard about this question and have written many articles extolling the virtues of a free economy in a Constitutional Republic along with a genuine reading of the Constitution as the Founders intended. This last statement carries with it the usual opprobrium from leftists that the Founders could not have foreseen the problems facing America in the 21st century, and therefore, a more relaxed reading of the document offers us the best hope to contend with such problems.

OF COURSE THEY COULDN'T FORESEE SUCH PROBLEMS. ANY SUCH ATTEMPT WOULD HAVE BEEN LAUGHED OFF AS NONSENSICAL!

The Founders didn't write a document especially for their time, but a document they intended to explain what, and how, a government should interact with the citizenry. It was a compact, if you will, between the power of the State and the people who would invest it with such a power. It was NEVER intended to answer any pressing social questions, either then, or in the future. It's content and genius was born of the ideal of Federalism; i.e. most governing would take place at the State, or local, level. The more serious points of debt repayment to the States and making commerce 'regular' would be the extreme points to be argued. It even left slavery to be settled by future generations with the importing of slaves being the only point garnering mutual agreement.

But back to the original statement at the beginning of the post.

I believe we have reached a tipping point, if you will, where a majority of Americans re lie on government handouts for their daily sustenance. I'm there myself, having received my first social security check this month. I have to admit that it felt good, but I also know where it comes from; not from some beneficent government concerned with my welfare, but from hard working people contributing from their well earned paychecks. As a matter of jocularity, I remind my nieces and nephews to work hard since I expect the payments to continue. It is no laughing matter, however, that future generations will be expected to pay all bills remitted to them.

And so it is that we are now a handout nation, a majority looking for easy street through a future of toil and sweat from those yet unborn. Liberals have their new Constitution today and will remake it again tomorrow to address a new set of social questions. The roles of the dependents will increase, and freedom , self reliance and limited government will wilt and die.

"What kind of government do we have Mr. Franklin." His answer should have been," a Republic, but I doubt you'll keep it."

Sunday, February 5, 2012

The Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-2

A Ward of the State

In approximately three weeks something new, and different, will happen to me; I officially become a ward of the state! At the end of February I will receive my first social security check. When I started paying into the 'trust fund' almost fifty years ago the thought of actually receiving this money never really occurred to me. Now it's about to happen and I couldn't be more proud to proclaim that I am now affiliated with the trough feeders that support the Democrat Party.

Let me be very clear about something--you hard working productive members of society better keep your noses to the grindstone so I can maintain the lifestyle that I'm accustomed to. I won't brook any more talk of downsizing government, or making cuts in retirement programs. No sir, no more ridiculous nonsense about cutting social security, or Medicare. I won't listen to any 'conservative' who champions the idea of fiscal restraint. I want my money and I want it now!!

Thank God for the progressives of the Democratic party. Thank God for all the liberals who stand shoulder to shoulder with those who are concerned only for welfare of our fellow Americans. Those mean, dastardly Republicans lead by their out of touch conservative talk show radio hosts and their lackeys in Congress should be ashamed of what they're trying to do to the poor and dependent people struggling to get by in this terrible capitalist environment. Long live the Democrat Party! Long live Progressives who strengthened our future by providing us with security!

Ain't it great to be a 'Ward of the State.'

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Pete Morin Editorial Review 2012-1


Southern Exposure

Man, it's been tough trying to find things to write about. Especially when you have all day, everyday to think about a world spinning out of control.

October 1, 2011 saw a new era in my life as I gave up the world of work. Retirement has been a blessing and a curse. I told myself I would do NOTHING for at least 6 months and I am now in my 4th month of nothingness. The only thing that has remained a constant is my writers block. I could write about politics, but it remains as stupid a profession that it has ever been. President Obama continues on his road to be placed at the head of the class with respect to political dunces; the Republican Congress continues to play into his very capable community organizing hands; Democrats continue to be irresponsible numb skulls. But other than these minor issues, all has changed.

I now reside in Richmond Hill, GA amid the land of eternal sunshine and warm breezes. Along with the copious amounts of warmth I sit astride a new toy designed for pleasure cruising; Honda VT750C Shadow Aero motorcycle will grace the back roads of Bryan County and provide a getaway from a troubled world. Sue hates it, but accepts it as a sign of an aging boomer intent upon a simple pleasure to pass the time.

Anyway, perhaps this mental block will pass. At least enough to give me good things to write (if I can only get up the nerve to clear my head). So, here I go--put your helmet on and join me on the road; the road to fresh thoughts and a warm breeze grazing the windscreen.