Tragedies, and More

A lot’s happened since my blog last week; some good, some terrible.

In Charleston, South Carolina, an evil 21 year-old racist killed 9 innocent churchgoers during Bible study. Rather than despair and lash out at the monster who killed their loved ones, the bereaved family members, one after another, offered forgiveness and mercy to this miscreant and his family. These brave and loving people are truly examples of the best of America. I am in awe of them.

Church

Locally, a Cincinnati police officer, Sonny Kim, a husband and father of 3, was the first officer to lose his life in the line of duty since 2000. He is the 98th officer to be killed serving the people of Cincinnati since the police department came into existence in the mid-1800s.  Thank God there are brave men and women who are willing to put their lives at risk to keep the rest of us safe.

Officer_Kim_2015

The city of Cincinnati has been experiencing an upsurge in violence, especially shootings, in recent months, as have cities across America. In response to this uptick in violence, Cincinnati police chief, Jeffrey Blackwell, had recently announced a 90-day plan to reduce the violence, including more police foot patrols and more community outreach programs. Ironically, the city announced that this plan to reduce violence would be delayed by 2 weeks – due to the violence. Then several days later, a march through Over-the-Rhine against violence had to be halted – due to violence. A shootout between 3 men, about a block away at Findley Playground, left one of the three dead, and the best laid plans to delay violence, in tatters.

On the “who’s announced they’re running for president this week” front, Donald Trump has now officially thrown his hat into the ring. He’s threatened to do so for years now, but backed off. This time he’s in. In my opinion, his chances of winning the nomination are quite slim. However, I do have 2 (at least) concerns. One is that he’ll make a lot of outrageous comments (like most Mexicans coming to America are rapists or criminals, and maybe a few good people) that the other Republican candidates will have to respond to. And even more concerning, that when he doesn’t win the Republican nomination, he’ll run for President as an independent (like Ross Perot), split the conservative vote, and hand the election over to the Democratic candidate, Hillary Clinton. He’s got Perot-like money to do it.

Donald_Trump

On the environmental front, Pope Francis weighed in, claiming that global warming is a major threat to the planet. He’s also apparently not a big fan of capitalism, and believes that countries with more should be giving more to countries with less.  (For the time being, he hasn’t weighed in on whether Republicans in the House should support Speaker Boehner for another term or not.) In case you were wondering, here’s how I responded to the Enquirer when asked to comment:

“As a father and grandfather, I agree with Pope Francis, and most Americans, that we should strive for a cleaner environment.

“That said, the evidence concerning man-made climate change is far from conclusive.  So, I am wary of some of the more extreme proposals intended to address climate change, which I fear will hurt small businesses and cost thousands and thousands of jobs — many right here in Ohio — while producing little actual benefit to the environment.

“Instead of heavy-handed, job-killing mandates from Washington, I think we should promote the development of clean and renewable energy.  And we should make it easier for states and local communities to work with the EPA on innovative and more efficient clean air and water solutions.”

Pope

On the trade front, TPA (Trade Promotion Authority) passed for a second time over the past week. It’s not a done deal yet, because the Senate has to passed it in the same form as the House did, before it goes to President Obama for his signature. What I think is particularly interesting is how Hillary Clinton has tied herself into knots over the trade issue. In 2012 as Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton strongly supported TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) saying, “it sets the gold standard in trade agreements…” Now, after dodging questions on it (like she’s done with virtually everything else) because the unions and most Democrats oppose TPP, presidential candidate Clinton has finally announced she opposes it. Liberal New York Times op-ed writer Maureen Dowd commented, “Aside from the fact that Hillary should be able to take a deep breath and stick with something she’s already argued for, it plays into voters’ doubts about her trustworthiness.” It sure does.

Clinton_TPP

If you’re a regular reader of my weekly blog (everyone of course should be), you’ve undoubtedly read my criticism of President Obama’s attempts to reduce the size and capabilities of our military. I’ve been especially critical of Obama’s reversal of Ronald Reagan’s attempt to get the United States Navy up to 600 ships again.  (Obama’s reduced it to less than half Reagan’s goal – 272.) Now we’ve learned that because of a shortage of ships, the U.S. Marines will be forced to deploy its forces aboard foreign vessels, probably Spanish, Italian, and British. The only solace is Ronald Reagan isn’t here to see the military forces he so strengthened, hollowed out by a commander-in-chief not worthy of the title.

Obama_Navy

On the home front, my wife Donna and I celebrated our 42nd wedding anniversary. We were married at St. Catharine Church in Westwood, where we both went to grade school. The reception was held at the Eagles’ Hall in Cheviot. Here are a couple photos of the happy event.

Wedding_1973Wedding_1973-02

And finally, on the “oh no, he wants money again” front, I’m afraid I do. Nancy Pelosi and the DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) are trying to find a credible candidate to run against me this election cycle, and I have to report how much I’ve raised for my campaign by June 30th, just 6 days away now. I’d really appreciate it if you would make a secure online contribution by clicking here, or you can send a check to 632 Vine St. Suite 805. Cincinnati, OH. 45202.

Sorry to beg you for money once again, but it’s necessary to defeat the forces of evil (Nancy Pelosi, etc.) See you next week.

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