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Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Denzel Washington Urban Legend









Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I owe all of you an apology.
Earlier, I sent an e-mail to many of you about Denzel Washington's visit to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas, complete with photographs, a message which had been forwarded to me from someone else.

Well, the story is only partially true.

Yes, I have fallen into the classic e-mail trap of seeing something that was too good to be true, and without further questioning or investigation, excitedly passing it on.

Also, because I was using YAHOO!, the seven (07) photographs I embedded within the message text couldn't be viewed.

What a frustrating aggravation!

That's because I did it all wrong.
I should have downloaded the photographs onto my hard drive, and then uploaded them into my blog, for all to see.

Anyway, here is the TRUE story about Denzel Washington's visit to Brooke Army Medical Center.
The photographs, without explanatory captions, are posted at the beginning of this message.

Here is VIDEO news coverage from WOAI-TV Channel 4 in San Antonio, Texas.

Again, you have my profound apologies for any undue inconvenience I may be responsible for.

Thank you.

Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400
NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Dancing Bird

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

This VIDEO is absolutely unbelievable!

I was alerted to it by one of the contributors at the Ann Coulter Official Chat web site, where we enjoy some very lively discussions on a variety of controversial topics.

It's definitely good for a laugh.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Military Computer Game - - - Cannon Challenge

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Play the CANNON CHALLENGE game on your computer!

I've been playing it, and it is fun!

They give you multiple targets, in varying environments, which requires coordinating the elevation of the barrel on your self-propelled gun, and adjusting the charge on your shell's propellant.

Nifty, huh?

And, it's FREE!!!

I found this at the Military Channel web site.

At their web site, I noticed that if you click on INTERACTIVES, there are other games to play and puzzles to solve.

Ain't that neat?

I watch the Military Channel on Channel 112, which is part of the Comcast Cable Television digital channel line-up, which costs extra.

I think that here at the Soldiers' Home, we ought to be getting the Military Channel and the Pentagon Channel as part of our regular cable television, and not have to pay extra.

Why doesn't the administration here at the Soldiers' Home do something about that?

Yesterday, I went to our clinic and got shot in the arm!

But, it's okay - - - , it's just a flesh wound.

Have you gotten your flu shot yet?

I saw a reminder on the Internet that the national chain of GOLDEN CORRAL restaurants will be serving a free meal to military veterans on Veterans Day, something they do annually.

Well, I'm not certain, but rumor has it that on Veteran's Day, us guys living here at the Soldiers' Home will be getting a free meal in our mess hall!

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Friday, October 26, 2007

We're Getting Another Medal?

Comrades in Arms:

Today, I received my latest issue of THE SCREAMING EAGLE, the official magazine of the 101st Airborne Division Association.

My interest was piqued by the article, MEDALS, written by Tony Mabb, on Page 53.

Apparently, we (most of us old guys) are about to be awarded another medal.

The House of Representatives has approved legislation authorizing award of the COLD WAR VICTORY MEDAL.

Now, it has to be voted on and passed by the United States Senate, and then signed by the President of the United States.

According to the Cold War Veterans Association, a bunch of prominently recognized veterans organizations are supporting this effort.

Did you ever get your CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION for your military service during the Cold War?

I got mine quite a few years ago.

My certificate was signed by the Secretary of Defense, possibly because President Clinton was so unpopular, that veterans would have been too embarrassed to accept anything with his signature.

If you haven't already done so, then please contact the United States Army to request your CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION, regardless of which branch of service you were in.

For several years, there has been a COLD WAR VICTORY COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL available for purchase by veterans, but it has never been authorized for wear by the Department of Defense.

Furthermore, if you think about it, it's a waste of money.

After all, since the authorized medal has yet to be approved, we have no idea what the design will look like, do we?

Will the Department of Defense adopt the fake medal that's already on the market?

On the down side, this could get expensive.

When I bought my tartan kilt and plaid, I also purchased full-sized medals and miniature medals, mounted and ready to wear with my Highlander attire.

Buying those medals and having them mounted was expensive.

So, if this new COLD WAR VICTORY MEDAL becomes officially authorized, I'll have to order a whole new set of medals, in order to get them properly mounted for formal wear.

Oh, well, it'll probably cost me a goodly chunk out of a month's pay, but, I reckon I can handle it.

At least, I was in the United States Army, and not the United States Marine Corps.

Marines have to have their medals anodized, which is even more expensive.

Anyway, Comrades, brace yourselves, and look sharp.

If all goes well, you're about to become decorated heroes all over again!

Hmmm - - - , I wonder if the ladies will be duly impressed?

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Video of Naval Home Demolition

Comrades in Arms:

Here is a report, along with video, from WLOX-TV Channel 13 of the demolition of the Naval Home in Gulfport, Mississippi.

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ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME IMPLODED

By Steve Phillips

1813 Hours EDT, Thursday 25 October 2007

"All these are my friends. All these are my friends," said Larry Westbrook, as he looked into the crowd of former residents and employees of the Armed Forces Retirement Home.

It was part homecoming and part family reunion along Anniston Avenue Thursday morning.

Many held cameras while others proudly wore military hats.

They came to bid a building farewell.

"Well, we're looking forward to it coming down, so we can get one built back up so we can come back down here again," said former resident Dick Chitwood.

Former residents and employees awaited the implosion with somewhat heavy hearts.

"Worked in the resident affairs office for eleven years and loved it.

Great atmosphere," said Terry James, "Very many good memories.

A whole lot."

Karey Garrett was among the former employees who awaited the tower to come down.

"Enjoyed every day.

Loved it.

I had to be to work at seven, but I was always there at five thirty every morning," he said.

A siren signaled three minutes.

Three minutes until former resident Bill Parker pushes the button to make it happen.

"Kind of a bittersweet, You hate to see it come down, but if it don't come down, the new one can't go up," said Parker.

Then came the countdown: three, two, one!

A series of concussions shook the ground as the eleven story tower began its tumble.

In a matter of moments, a cloud of dust, a small mountain of rubble and a stubborn elevator shaft that simply refused to fall was all that remained.

"It's not going to give up the ghost yet," joked one of the veterans in the viewing crowd.

"Yeah, it's bittersweet," said Chitwood, "But we need it coming.

We need closure to get back to business."

Cleaning the rubble comes next.

Construction on the new retirement home begins the first of next year.

The demolition contractor says that stubborn elevator shaft will simply be knocked over with a crane.

Yates construction was awarded the one hundred eighty-eight million dollar contract to build the new retirement home.

The project is scheduled to be finished by the Summer of TwoThousand Ten.

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If they ever really do rebuild the Naval Home, I think I may transfer down there, as that area is supposed to be a lot safer than here in Washington, D.C.

Also, they have their own private beach on the ocean.

I think it might be fun to camp out on the beach, build a little campfire, and play my guitar.

Shucks, maybe I could earn some money performing in the casinos.

I might even meet a female of the species!

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Latest Military News

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

There are a couple of new additions
to my personal Internet journal, OUR ETERNAL STRUGGLE.


I now include recorded thirty minute official daily broadcasts of AROUND THE SERVICES and THE AMERICAN VETERAN from the PENTAGON CHANNEL.

The programs are recorded, and must be routinely updated periodically on my blog's template, in order for you to see the latest shows.

But, that only takes a minute, or two, and using wi-fi technology, I'll still be able to do that on my notebook computer when I'm out on the road.

So, to view the programs, just scroll down to the bottom of my blog.

I normally watch the PENTAGON CHANNEL on my cable television, where it is Channel 185.


To watch the shows, either go to the PENTAGON CHANNEL web site, or watch them at my blog, unless of course, you can watch them on your television, which is what I do.

Also, since the PENTAGON CHANNEL broadcasts twenty-four hours every day, there's plenty of other military topics you can choose to watch, not just AROUND THE SERVICES and THE AMERICAN VETERAN.

Thank you.


John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Monday, October 22, 2007

Disrespect For Our Flag

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I have not yet seen this reported in any of the major news media, and because of contemporary racial sensitivity, it probably won't be.

The above photograph was taken at Tom Harkin's steak fry on Monday 17 September 2007 in Indianola, Iowa, and published in the Monday 01 October 2007 issue of TIME magazine.

Acccording to UNITED STATES CODE Title 36, Chapter 10, Section 171:

"During rendition of the national anthem when the flag is displayed, all present except those in uniform should stand at attention facing the flag with the right hand over the heart. Men not in uniform should remove their headdress with their right hand and hold it at the left shoulder, the hand being over the heart. Persons in uniform should render the military salute at the first note of the anthem and retain this position until the last note. When the flag is not displayed, those present should face toward the music and act in the same manner they would if the flag were displayed there."

We've had quite a lively discussion of this at the ANN COULTER OFFICIAL CHAT web site.

Apparently, there actually are some people who seem to think that Barak Obama's conduct was acceptable.

But, to me, it says a lot about his character, or the lack of it.

Watch this video of that incident.

You'll notice that the black female singing our NATIONAL ANTHEM just totally murders the song.

Here at the Old Soldiers' Home, there used to be a daily "RETREAT" ceremony each afternoon.

The official explanation for the "RETREAT" ceremony being cancelled is that since the attacks of 11 September 2001, our flag remains posted twenty-four hours a day, making the ceremony unnecessary.

But, I wonder if that's true?

During the daily "RETREAT" ceremony, it was obvious to anyone watching that most white veterans would demonstrate proper respect for the flag, while most black veterans would ignore it, and every black employee or visitor publicly exhibited their disrespect by ignoring the ceremony.

Maybe the administration here at the Soldiers' Home really cancelled any further "RETREAT" ceremonies because they were publicly embarrassed by our vividly stark racial differences?

Do you remember that photograph of black tennis players, Venus and Serena Williams sitting on a portion of an American flag, which was dragging on the ground?

It was quite a while back, so I don't remember the date, although it happened right here in Washington, D.C.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Happy Cows Video

Mo Chairdean Agus Mo Cinneadh:

Ciamar a tha sibh?

Do you like to watch the "California Cheese" commercials about happy cows?

I really get a kick out of them, and I reckon I've seen every one.

Here is the video of one of those commercials with particular appeal for our Scottish community.

Hardy Har Har!!!

Tapadh leibh agus slainte mhath!

Is Mise Le Meas,

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Mitt Romney Discussion

Brothers and Sisters:

Here is a copy of my response to the topic, "DALLAS MINISTER: VOTE FOR A CHRISTIAN, NOT MITT ROMNEY", in the GENERALLY SPEAKING forum at the ANN COULTER OFFICIAL CHAT web site:

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Greetings:

This discussion is rather amusing, for a couple of reasons.

First of all, I am a convert to the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints (i.e., the "Mormon" church), having been baptized forty years ago, when I was twenty-one years old.

I was raised a Methodist, and I was the only one in my family to become a Latter-day Saint.

My father always considered Mormons to be really good people, but in his opinion, Mormons weren't Christians.

Decades later, he grudgingly admitted that Mormons were Christian, but just not the same kind of Christian he was.

I remember reading a novel many years ago, but I can't remember the name of it.

It was a futuristic survival fantasy about a group of Mormons living in North Carolina after a total economic collapse.

In this story, the Mormons were being severely persecuted and murdered by their fellow Tar Heels, who were "Christian".


As a last resort, the Mormons in North Carolina began a lengthy overland march towards Utah.

Enroute, they had to forage, fight, and hide from "Christians".


The Mormons became suspicious of anyone they met who called themselves a Christian.

Ironic, isn't it?

I enjoyed that book.

I sure wish I could remember the name of it.

Now, as for Mitt Romney, I wouldn't vote for him.

Sure, we belong to the same church, but that means nothing to me.

I look at his track record as Governor of Massachusetts and head of the 2002 Winter Olympics.

He is for preserving the status quo, and pandering to the popular masses, apparently, no matter how immoral, anti-American, and unconstitutional.

I look at how he is embarrassed by his polygamous ancestors, the Church's former exclusion of Negroes from the Priesthood, and his apologetic attitude towards the Mountain Meadows Massacre.

Although it is a BASIC tenet of our faith, he never mentions one single word about the Constitution of the United States, which Latter-day Saints regard as a sacred inspired document, written by men whom God raised up for that very purpose.

As I see it, our only hope for restoring our forfeited liberties and enforcing our inalienable rights, is to restore the Constitution of the United States as the supreme law of the land, even if we must resort to a bloody violent revolt.

No, I would never vote for Mitt Romney.

How is he any different than President Bush, or any of the so-called "Republican" candidates?

How is Mitt Romney any different than any of the Democrat candidates?

No matter which political party or candidate you name, they all will have the same effect on the American citizens if elected.

It'll be more taxes, more government control, more bureaucracies, less individual freedom, more restrictions on speech, more imposition of homosexuality and sexual deviance, more abortions and euthanasia, discrimination against white people and males, flouting of law, custom, and tradition, and more betrayal of national sovereignty.

So, why would I, a Latter-day Saint, choose to vote for somebody who's going to continue doing more of the same?

As for you "Christians" who are opposed to "Mormons", - - - well, I used to be one of you, so I understand why you think the way you do.

Every person has to decide for themselves what is true, and what isn't.

Jesus Christ tells us to seek before we find, to knock before the door will be opened, and to ask before the answer will be given.

In other words, if you don't make the slightest effort, you'll never know.

Don't take someone else's word for it.

Find out for yourself.

The scriptures plainly tell us how to do that.

You read, study, experiment (with applying principles), sincerely pray about it, and listen to the still small voice whispering to your heart of hearts.

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee
Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400


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Why don't you join in the discussion, also?

Even though I would not vote for Mitt Romney, the fact that he is running for President of the United States, and the controversy surrounding it, presents excellent missionary opportunities for every Latter-day Saint, don't you think?

So, let us light our candle in the darkness, and let our lives, both word and deed, be shining examples for all of our neighbors.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Puzzle Solved! Difficulty Caused By Web Site

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

I solved the puzzle!

It was easy.

The problem was caused by the puzzle not being properly loaded at the web site on Sunday morning.

No wonder I was stumped!

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Can You Solve This?

Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Can you solve this unusual crossword puzzle?

I've spent hours on it, and I haven't yet figured it out.

Normally, I solve crossword puzzles within thirty (30) minutes if they're difficult, and within ten (10) minutes if they're just run of the mill everyday stuff.

In fact, finding puzzles that really challenge my intellect is getting harder and harder.

Of course, there are a couple of crossword puzzle categories I can't get anywhere with, and that's cryptic crosswords and English crosswords.

I think the only way to be able to solve an English crossword puzzle is to have been born and raised in England, for who else would be familiar with their terminology?

The puzzles in the Sunday edition of the LOS ANGELES TIMES are the best, and there have been a few times when I didn't solve one.

On Sundays, they feature three (03) puzzles, the DAILY crossword puzzle, the SUNDAY CALENDAR crossword puzzle, and their MAGAZINE crossword puzzle, all of them challenging (to me).

They also have a TV crossword puzzle, which I don't bother even looking at, and a SUDOKU, which I don't yet know how to work.

Anyway, since I haven't yet figured this one out, and it is rather unusual, I thought I'd share it with you, so maybe you can also join in the fun.

Other puzzles I enjoy on the Internet are the daily word games at the Merriam-Webster web site.

Each day, they feature a different game, and the one I like the best is DICTIONARY DEVIL.

They have one game, ADD DICTION, that I never play, because it is too easy, and therefore, no fun.

My favorite puzzle is a codeword, or codebreaker, (they're called by different names, depending on the source) but I can only find one (01) on the Internet, and it's way too easy.

It's at the THINKS web site, and unfortunately, they provide clues, which takes the fun out of it, and I almost always solve those puzzles in under two (02) or three (03) minutes.

So, I order books of codeword puzzles from PENNY PRESS, which offers codeword puzzles without any clues, which is the only way I like to do them.

The regular periodical puzzle books from PENNY PRESS, which are sold in stores, are really too easy, and their codeword puzzles always include clues, which ruins the fun, but you can special order the harder puzzles directly from their headquarters.

I also like cryptograms, but I've found only one web site where they are available, and I've already done every one of them.

Other crossword puzzles I enjoy on the Internet are the SATURDAY STUMPER in the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, and the SUNDAY CHALLENGER in the WASHINGTON POST.

The puzzles at the THINKS web site, and in the Chicago and Los Angeles newspapers include a timer, which I like, as it's kind of neat trying to beat the clock and improve your speed.

Well, I reckon I'll take another stab at that mind boggling puzzle which has me at a dead end, spinning my wheels.

Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Thursday, October 04, 2007

Defense Against Car Jackers

***** WARNING!!! *****

This dangerously illegal and immoral subversive underground resistance message is being surreptitiously monitored by the Beaming Internet Government Broadband Radio Oscillation Telecommunications Hearing Electronic Reconnaissance (i.e., B.I.G. B.R.O.T.H.E.R.) as part of a coordinated official clandestine domestic surveillance investigation, in cooperation with the National Administration of Zealous Interrogation (i.e., N.A.Z.I.) and the Commission On Message Monitoring Investigative Electronics (i.e., C.O.M.M.I.E.).

Serious felony criminal charges are pending, with extreme penalties yet to be determined!

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Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

Here is a video you will want to see, demonstrating the new "JUDGE" revolver, made by Taurus.

It's designed specifically for defense against car jackers.

It's also available with a three inch cylinder for magnum shotgun shells.

The price starts at around five hundred bucks, and you can get it now at any gun dealer.

I suspect it would be best, if you are right handed, to wear it on the left side of your body in a cross draw holster.

If you wear it in a shoulder holster, the car jacker might see it before you have the chance to draw.

But, if worn at your waist in a cross draw holster, it will be low enough to not be readily visible to the attacker, and give you precious seconds to react.


Thank you.

John Robert "SAIGON" Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Naval Home Construction

Comrades in Arms:

Here is a Gulfport, Mississippi SUN HERALD newspaper article that was forwarded to me:

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YATES TO BUILD ARMED FORCES RETIREMENT HOME

By RYAN LaFONTAINE

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A one hundred eighty-nine million dollar contract to build the new Armed Forces Retirement Home here has been awarded to Yates Construction, the General Services Administration announced Monday.

The Biloxi company will begin designing the new building and will take over the Gulfport campus for construction sometime in January, after the old eleven story building is demolished, according to the Government Services Administration.
The Government Services Administration serves as a procurement and property management agency for the federal government.
Two days after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the beachfront campus in Gulfport, nearly four hundred veterans evacuated and headed for the government's only other retirement home, just four miles from the Capitol in Washington.
The average age of the veterans sent to Washington was seventy-eight.
Construction on the new Gulfport home is expected to be completed in Two Thousand Ten, and meantime, Gulfport's former residents will remain in Washington.
Most of those residents are part of the rapidly vanishing generation of Second World War veterans, who die at a rate of about one thousand three hundred a day, according to Department of Veterans Affairs estimates.
Congress appropriated two hundred forty million dollars for the new buildings, which are not yet designed.
The project awarded to Yates will be a design build, which means it will be designed as it goes along.
Ma Chis Lower Creek Indian Tribe Enterprises, an Alabama based company, was awarded the seven and a half million dollar demolition contract, which should be completed by the end of January.
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Frankly, although I would love the opportunity to transfer down to Gulfport, I remain suspicious about all this.
I think the entire administrative staff here at the Old Soldiers' Home must be lying to us, over and over, and I can't believe a single word they tell us.
They keep telling us they're desperate for funding and that they can't fill all the vacancies we have here.
If that were true, then why not sell the Naval Home property to the casinos, who would gladly pay dearly for it?
Also, the honchos here have stated the Naval Home couldn't be reoccupied because all the neighboring logistical support in the local communities was totally wiped out by the hurricane.
Furthermore, what guarantee is there that any future multi-million dollar Naval Home located on the beach in Gulfport, Mississippi won't again be demolished or heavily damaged by another powerfully catastrophic hurricane?
If they can't fill the vacancies here, then why are they so anxious to build another huge structure in Mississippi, with a whole bunch of vacancies to be filled there?
The stuff they've been telling us just doesn't add up.
Maybe it's a safety factor?
No one dares discuss race, but the awful unspoken truth is, those of us who have to live with it certainly know the difference between a white community and a black community.
It's one of the main reasons I wanted to transfer, prior to Hurricane Katrina.
I was also looking forward to camping on the beach at night and playing my guitar.
So, what do you reckon the real story is?
Anyway, how many of us will still be alive when that facility reopens, IF it ever reopens?
Thank you.
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400
NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."