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.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Thoughts of Summer

I wrote this little piece about 20 years ago and didn't want to have it disappear, so, here it is.

Summer

Summer turns its warm breath on me
A chance to see her revelry.
Summer plays its games untold
A time to see the leaves unfold

Summer haunts my distant past
Straining cracks in a schooner's mast.
Summer hurls her bolts at me
A time to feel the revelry.

Summer can give, but also take,
Of fresh corn and love to make.
Summer lights my heart a fire
Of which my mind will never tire.

Thursday, March 31, 2011

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #84

Thought of St. Michael's

I was saddened to read in the local paper, recently, the passing of a fellow St. Michael's graduate, Timothy McCarthy.

It's not a commonplace occurrence for me to think about my contemporaries from high school, but in this case it merits mentioning.

Apparently, Tim had a successful life. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts and received an MSW from another university. I would attribute this success to the kind of student he was in high school. His demeanor was one of quiet leadership, a judicious student not interested in the petty qualities of fad and fashion. Those of us who remember those years would recognize a pecking order with Tim at the top, not because he strove to be there, but because this is where he belonged. He understood there were those of us who occupied the lower rungs of this ladder, but he never took advantage of our station. He treated all with respect and kindness that engendered respect in return.

These reminiscences are not just about Tim, but about youth, life and aging. We remember these times because they are valuable to our growth as a person. We remember those people who gave us a positive experience, who gave us a reason to believe in the goodness of people. Tim gave us that experience by acting in a manner that was worthwhile to remember; an example to honor and to follow.

It has been said that time heals all wounds, but it also brings to mind the good instances of lives well lived. It brings to my mind the character of a Tim McCarthy and others who, as youth and beyond, try to live a life forged in truth, dignity and honor. We may not always succeed, but we will never fail if we recognize this basic goodness in people like Tim.

R.I.P. Tim, St. Michael's class of 65'.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue # 83

Questions


A few questions you might want to ask yourself---

The headline in today's Springfield Republican read, "Payroll error overpays teachers." Why is it that, apparently, no teacher went to their administration to mention that their pay was not correct? Perhaps someone did, but the paper doesn't give any indication that this happened. Click here for an explanation of why the teachers WERE guilty of something.

The headline in today's Boston Herald read, "Out Of the Blue." Apparently, the former CEO of Blue Cross/Blue Shield got a severance package of $11 million dollars. Why is it that a CEO of a healthcare organization, that lost $150 million dollars in the previous year, should get such a magnanimous 'kiss-off' from the Board of Directors? Healthcare is not cheap in the Peoples Republic of Massachusetts. What's up with this board?

The GAO(Government Accounting Office) has determined that there are multiple programs in the Federal Government that have duplicative functions. WOW! What a surprise! Go back and read my blog, Issue #80. Martin Gross knew about this TWO YEARS ago. Want to bet that NOTHING changes?

Will anything change because of the above revelations? NAH!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Pete Morin Editorial Review--Issue #82

A final post----NOT!



In a corrupt space of time
the window of truth strains to open.
Cast a fetid stream upon shallow minds,
The window closes.

Keep the fire, the songs for ears
of noiseless clamour,
Weep for what once was, what is
What would have been.

Languish
stupor
hope
eternal
shall not spring.

Adieu