My Heart on the Line.

My Heart on the Line.

 By Frank Schaeffer  in The Washington Post

Before my son became a Marine, I never thought much about who was defending me. Now when I read of the war on terrorism or the coming conflict in Iraq, it cuts to my heart. When I see a picture of a member of our military who has been killed, I read his or her name very carefully. Sometimes I cry.

In 1999, when the barrel-chested Marine recruiter showed up in dress blues and bedazzled my son John, I did not stand in the way. John was headstrong, and he seemed to understand these stern, clean men with straight backs and flawless uniforms. I did not. I live in the Volvo-driving, higher education-worshiping North Shore of Boston. I write novels for a living. I have never served in the military.

It had been hard enough sending my two older children off to Georgetown and New York University. John's enlisting was unexpected, so deeply unsettling. I did not relish the prospect of answering the question, "So where is John going to college?" from the parents who were itching to tell me all about how their son or daughter was going to Harvard. At the private high school John attended, no other students were going into the military.

"But aren't the Marines terribly Southern?" asked one perplexed mother while standing next to me at the brunch following graduation. "What a waste, he was such a good student," said another parent. One parent (a professor at a nearby and rather famous university) spoke up at a school meeting and suggested that the school should "carefully evaluate what went wrong."

When John graduated from three months of boot camp on Parris Island, 3,000 parents and friends were on the parade deck stands. We parents and our Marines not only were of many races but also were representative of many economic classes. Many were poor. Some arrived crammed in the backs of pickups, others by bus. John told me that a lot of parents could not afford the trip.

We in the audience were white and Native American. We were Hispanic, Arab, and African American, and Asian. We were former Marines wearing the scars of battle, or at least baseball caps emblazoned with battles' names. We were Southern whites from Nashville and skinheads from New Jersey, black kids from Cleveland wearing ghetto rags and white ex-cons with ham-hock forearms defaced by jailhouse tattoos. We would not have been mistaken for the educated and well-heeled parents gathered on the lawns of John's private school a half-year before.

After graduation one new Marine told John, "Before I was a Marine, if I had ever seen you on my block I would've probably killed you just because you were standing there." This was a serious statement from one of John's good friends, a black ex-gang member from Detroit who, as John said, "would die for me now, just like I'd die for him."

My son has connected me to my country in a way that I was too selfish and insular to experience before. I feel closer to the waitress at our local diner than to some of my oldest friends. She has two sons in the Corps. They are facing the same dangers as my boy. When the guy who fixes my car asks me how John is doing, I know he means it. His younger brother is in the Navy.

Why were I and the other parents at my son's private school so surprised by his choice? During World War II, the sons and daughters of the most powerful and educated families did their bit. If the idea of the immorality of the Vietnam War was the only reason those lucky enough to go to college dodged the draft, why did we not encourage our children to volunteer for military service once that war was done?

Have we wealthy and educated Americans all become pacifists? Is the world a safe place? Or have we just gotten used to having somebody else defend us? What is the future of our democracy when the sons and daughters of the janitors at our elite universities are far more likely to be put in harm's way than are any of the students whose dorms their parents clean?

I feel shame because it took my son's joining the Marine Corps to make me take notice of who is me. I feel hope because perhaps my son is part of a future "greatest generation." As the storm clouds of war gather, at least I know that I can look the men and women in uniform in the eye. My son is one of them. He is the best I have to offer. He is my heart.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Semper Fi.

Is the label right?

I found that labeling is and can be very confusing – for example in order to be able to use the Organic label

dairy and all farmers alike, have to prove that not only do they not use the growth hormone, but they also do not feed the cows GMO corn and GMO feed.  Thus, the only way to ensure one is not consuming a GMO organism, is to look for the

 label.  

Here are a few websites that maybe of interest:

http://www.non-gmoreport.com/whatisnon-gmo.php

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop

The health challenges begin with the seed since everything that consumes the DNA of changed/modified seed(s), has its DNA changed permanently.  While there has been little studies within the USA, the French conducted a 2 year study https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1FrOI6_rr8

Obama Signs The Monsanto Protection Act - Seeds Of Death- Full Movie      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_XtCcMeWrw

And The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine Calls For Immediate Moratorium On Genetically Modified Foods

http://www.aaemonline.org/gmopressrelease.html

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) - Myths and Truths  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ztZGbLEJ0

GMOs - Food or Poison?

Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) - Myths and Truths

www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_ztZGbLEJ0

The World According to Monsanto   

A great documentary about this company and the GMO and BioTech industry.  

Watch and decide for yourself - are GMOs - Food or Poison? 

Your Milk on Drugs - Just Say NO

Every household needs to watch these brief videos and share with everyone you know!

Your Milk on Drugs - Just Say NO 1/2

Your Milk on Drugs - Just Say NO 2/2

GMOs - Food or Poison?

In reply to the Ledger’s - Genetic Modification Increases Crop Yield With No Ill Effects - Published: Friday, November 14, 2014 at 12:01 a.m.

I do not know who Stephen Durrance of Winter Haven is, but based upon his comments, he appears to be an employee of Monsanto.

For all those who think Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are safe foods, one must first understand that by its own definition, “Modified” means something (the DNA) was CHANGED thus making Organically grown food and GMO grown food to be COMPLETELY different.

DNA is the source of life – it has been scientifically proven that the DNA of organically grown foods are foods that can be used as medicine and promote a healthy life.  In short, it is the DNA of plants and animals that turn on or turn off genes within our own bodies to either promote healthy growth OR to develop unhealthy genes/DNA which produce illness and disease.  

Studies in other Countries have shown animals who consume GMO foods either die, develop cancerous growths, and the now damaged/changed/modified DNA is subsequently passed on to future generations and this is a PERMANENT change (good or bad) to the DNA forever. 

If in Haiti, when devastated by natural disasters and in desperate need of food rejected, refused and BURNED Monsanto’s seeds, they call them “Seeds of Death”, what does tell you?

19 May 2009 The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine Calls For Immediate Moratorium On Genetically Modified Foods (see http://www.aaemonline.org/gmopressrelease.html)  The AAEM calls for: (DID YOUR Doctor warn you about GMOs?)

 

• A moratorium on GM food, implementation of immediate long term safety testing and labeling of GM food.
• Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community and the public to avoid GM foods.  (Did your doctor warn you?)
• Physicians to consider the role of GM foods in their patients' disease processes.  (Did your doctor warn you?)
• More independent long term scientific studies to begin gathering data to investigate the role of GM foods on human health.

"Multiple animal studies have shown that GM foods cause damage to various organ systems in the body. With this mounting evidence, it is imperative to have a moratorium on GM foods for the safety of our patients' and the public's health," said Dr. Amy Dean, PR chair and Board Member of AAEM. 

In closing, until we have objective studies (studies NOT conducted by Monsanto, BioTech firms or chemical companies) that prove GMO Foods are Safe for human and animal consumption, the first thing the Consumer can do at this point is to Demand Organically grown food from their grocer and to only consume Organically grown foods.

Stop buying processed foods and GMO foods.  In doing so, the market place will drive these Franken foods from the Marketplace, as it has in other Countries when their residents stood up to protect their families health.

Rich Earl

Lake Wales

The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine Calls For Immediate Moratorium On Genetically Modified Foods

Has YOUR Doctor informed you about the medical hazards that GMOs present to your health and that you should consume only Organically grown foods?  If not, ask him/her why not.

Press Advisory
May 19, 2009                                                                                            Contact Information 

Dr. Amy L. Dean, D.O.
Public Relations Chair
Member, Board of Directors
American Academy of Environmental Medicine
734-213-4901
environmentalmed@yahoo.com 

The American Academy Of Environmental Medicine Calls For
Immediate Moratorium On Genetically Modified Foods

Wichita, KS - The American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM) today released its position paper on Genetically Modified foods stating that "GM foods pose a serious health risk" and calling for a moratorium on GM foods. Citing several animal studies, the AAEM concludes "there is more than a casual association between GM foods and adverse health effects" and that "GM foods pose a serious health risk in the areas of toxicology, allergy and immune function, reproductive health, and metabolic, physiologic and genetic health."

The AAEM calls for: 

• A moratorium on GM food, implementation of immediate long term safety testing and labeling of GM food.


• Physicians to educate their patients, the medical community and the public to avoid GM foods.


• Physicians to consider the role of GM foods in their patients' disease processes.


• More independent long term scientific studies to begin gathering data to investigate the role of GM foods on human health.

"Multiple animal studies have shown that GM foods cause damage to various organ systems in the body. With this mounting evidence, it is imperative to have a moratorium on GM foods for the safety of our patients' and the public's health," said Dr. Amy Dean, PR chair and Board Member of AAEM.

"Physicians are probably seeing the effects in their patients, but need to know how to ask the right questions," said Dr. Jennifer Armstrong, President of AAEM. "The most common foods in North America which are consumed that are GMO are corn, soy, canola, and cottonseed oil."

The AAEM's position paper on Genetically Modified foods can be found athttp:aaemonline.org/gmopost.html.

AAEM is an international association of physicians and other professionals dedicated to addressing the clinical aspects of environmental health. More information is available at www.aaemonline.org. 

-more-

About AAEM The American Academy of Environmental Medicine was founded in 1965, and is an international association of physicians and other professionals interested in the clinical aspects of humans and their environment. The Academy is interested in expanding the knowledge of interactions between human individuals and their environment, as these may be demonstrated to be reflected in their total health. The AAEM provides research and education in the recognition, treatment and prevention of illnesses induced by exposures to biological and chemical agents encountered in air, food and water.

Is the GOP the party of Death, illness, and lack of Compassion?

Is the GOP the party of Death, illness, and lack of Compassion?

In light of recent Documentaries (FED UP, GMO OMG, The World According to Monsanto) , is the GOP now  the party of Death, illness, and lack of Compassion, since they take money from Big Sugar, Big Pharma and the GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and Chemical, Bio-Tech industries while protecting the interests of these industries, it does NOTHING to protect its citizens?

As a long standing Republican and 100% Disabled Veteran, I was so disappointed and disheartened by the GOP miss-information campaign about Medical Marijuana, and after watching the documentaries, FED UP, GMO-OMG, The World According to Monsanto, I realize that I can NO LONGER support any politician or political party, that is in bed with these industries.  

With Sugar being 8 times MORE Addictive than Cocaine, why hasn’t the GOP and Grady Judd, campaigned against SUGAR – oh, that’s right, the GOP takes money from Big Sugar/Big Pharma/BioTech industries and they couldn't get money from Medical Marijuana.

 With every breath I have left I am committed in telling everyone I know, regardless of party to do their due their diligence and follow the:
Plan of Action:
1. Education (4 documentaries every home should see NOW) –
a. FED UP,
b. GMO OMG,
c. The World According to Monsanto
d. America Imagine the World without Her
e. and we continue to educate about the medical benefits of Marijuana
2. Eat Organic which will force these industries out of business while
a. making us all healthy
b. help us reclaim the land and water from over fertilization and by removing pesticides from food, soil and water
3. Only vote for candidates that have not taken monies from these industries and who support Medical Marijuana
4. Share these steps with everyone we know – and the People will prevail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1FrOI6_rr8

That said, where do you stand on the issue of GMOs and Big Sugar Governor?

Now that 58% of Floridians voted in favor of medical marijuana, are you going to do your job and ensure the peoples voice is heard and make sure the Legislature works to implement a truly viable Medical Marijuana bill? Or are you going to cave to Big Sugar and Big Pharma?

For all those who think Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are safe foods

In reply to the Ledger’s - Genetic Modification Increases Crop Yield With No Ill Effects - Published: Friday, November 14, 2014 at 12:01 a.m.

I do not know who Stephen Durrance of Winter Haven is, but based upon his comments, he appears to be an employee of Monsanto.

For all those who think Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are safe foods, watch this short clip about a 2 year French Study on GMOs https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1FrOI6_rr8  (vice the 90 day study conducted by Monsanto)  and watch the full length movie "the World According to Monsanto"  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6_DbVdVo-k

If you want to learn more about GMOs, watch the following documentaries: While these documentaries are available on Bright house cable documentary section, I’d suggest you watch the sooner than later – you never know when they will be pulled from viewing.  If you find that these documentaries have been pulled, contact Brighthouse and complain.

o   FED UP, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCUbvOwwfWM

o   GMO OMG, http://gmofilm.com

If you notice that these documentaries are being removed, that should scream volumes to you because Monsanto is trying to shut down the conversation.  If in Haiti, when devastated by storms and in desperate need of food rejected, refused and BURNED Monsanto’s seeds, they call them Seeds of Death, what does tell you. You can also purchase these documentaries online.

What you and your family can do immediately is eat only Organically grown foods and demand them from your grocer. 

By refusing to purchase GMO and processed foods, you will drive GMOs from our grocery stores.  All the Countries around the world who were able to get their foods labeled, ALL chose Organic foods over GMOs and drove GMOs from their market place. 

What does that tell you – we need to make sure we here in the USA be at least be provided with clear labeling of our foods so WE can choose what we consume or don’t consume.  This still is the USA – freedom of Choice should drive the market place, not a single company like Monsanto who wants to patent all seeds of life and thus control all food.

Is the GOP now the party of Death, illness, and lack of Compassion?

Is the GOP the “Party of No”, Or is the GOP the Party for Health, Truth and Honesty, OR , is the GOP now is the party of Death, illness, and lack of Compassion?

Recent admissions by Obamacare Architect, Johathan Gruber, PROVES without a shadow of doubt, that the Democratic Party is the Party of Lies, Deception and dishonesty. 

 Jonathan Gruber bragged about deceiving the American people, who he thinks are stupid.

Gruber’s comments will blow your mind.

·                 “This bill was written in a tortured way to make sure CBO did not score the mandate as taxes. If CBO scores the mandate as taxes the bill dies. So it’s written to do that… If you get a law that says healthy people are going to pay and sick people would get money, it would not have passed.

·                 Lack of transparency is a huge political advantage. And, basically, call it the stupidity of the American voter or whatever, but basically that was really very very critical to get the thing to pass. And, you know, it’s the second best argument. I wish Mark was right we could make this transparent but I would rather have this law than not.”

And, that is exactly what Democrats did. They lied to the American people in order to pass Obamacare.  Makes one wonder what else they lied about (Benghazi, Fast and Furious, IRS targeting, the War on Women)

In light of recent Documentaries (FED UP, GMO OMG, The World According to Monsanto) , is the GOP now  the party of Death, illness, and lack of Compassion, since they take money from Big Sugar, Big Pharma and the GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) and Chemical, Bio-Tech industries while protecting the interests of these industries, it does NOTHING to protect its citizens? 

As a long standing Republican and 100% Disabled Veteran, I was so disappointed and disheartened by the miss-information campaign about Medical Marijuana, and after watching the documentaries, FED UP, GMO-OMG, The World According to Monsanto, I realize that I can NO LONGER support any politician or political party, that is in bed with these industries.   

With Sugar being 8 times MORE Addictive than Cocaine, why hasn’t the GOP campaigned against SUGAR – oh, that’s right, the GOP (and Grady Judd)  takes money from Big Sugar/Big Pharma/BioTech industries and it couldn't get money from Medical Marijuana.

With every breath I have left I am committed in telling everyone I know, regardless of party to do their due their diligence and follow the:

Plan of Action:

·       Education (4 documentaries every home should see NOW) –

o    FED UP,

o   GMO OMG,

o   The World According to Monsanto

o   America Imagine the World without Her

o   and we continue to educate about the medical benefits of Marijuana

·       Eat Organic which will force these industries

o   out of business

o   while making us all healthy

§  can provide info on ‘how’ to eat healthy

§  can form support groups for example that teach folks on how to eat organic etc

o   help us reclaim the land and water from over fertilization and by removing pesticides from food, soil and water

·       Only vote for candidates that have not taken monies from these industries and who support Medical Marijuana

·       Share these 4 steps with everyone we know – and the People will prevail.

Organic FOOD is the most Powerful Drug on the Planet

A Pin Drop...

Every household needs to see the movie trailer America, Imagine the World without Her..

Once upon a time our politicians tended to apologize for our country's prior actions.  Here's a refresher on how some of our former patriots handled negative comments about our country.

These are good

JFK'S
Secretary of State, Dean Rusk, was in France in the early 60's when DeGaulle decided to pull out of NATO. DeGaulle said he wanted all US military out of France as soon as possible.

Rusk responded,

"Does that include those who are buried here?"

DeGaulle did not respond.

You  could have heard a pin drop.

When in England ,

at a fairly large conference, Colin Powell was asked by the
Archbishop of Canterbury if our plans for Iraq were just an example of
'empire building' by George Bush.

He answered by saying,

"Over the years, the United States has sent many of
its fine young men and women into great peril to fight for freedom
beyond our borders. The only amount of land we have ever asked for
in return is enough to bury those that did not
return."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There was a conference in France

where a number of international engineers
were taking part, including French and American. During a break,
one of the French engineers came back into the room saying, "Have you
heard the latest dumb stunt Bush has done? He has sent an aircraft
carrier to Indonesia to help the tsunami victims. What does he
intend to do, bomb them?"

A Boeing engineer

stood up and replied quietly: "Our carriers have three
hospitals on board that can treat several hundred people; they are
nuclear powered and can supply emergency electrical power to
shore facilities; they have three cafeterias with the capacity to
feed 3,000 people three meals a day, they can produce several thousand
gallons of fresh water from sea water each day, and they carry half a
dozen helicopters for use in transporting victims and injured to and
from their flight deck. We have eleven such ships;

how many does France have?"

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A U..S. Navy Admiral

was attending a naval conference that included
Admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French
Navies At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a large
group of officers that included personnel from most of those countries..
Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a
French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many
languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked, "Why is it that
we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than
speaking French?"

Without hesitating,

the American Admiral replied, "Maybe it's because the
Brit's, Canadians, Aussie's and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't
have to speak German."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AND
THIS STORY FITS RIGHT IN WITH THE ABOVE...

Robert Whiting,

an elderly gentleman of 83, arrived in Paris by plane.

At French Customs, he took a few minutes to locate his passport

in his carry on.

"You
have been to France before, monsieur?" the customs officer asked
sarcastically.

Mr. Whiting

admitted that he had been to France previously.

"Then you should know enough to have your passport ready."

The American said,

"The last time I was here, I didn't have to show it."

"Impossible..
Americans always have to show their passports on arrival in France !"

The American senior

gave the Frenchman a long hard look. Then he
quietly explained, ''Well, when I came ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day in
1944 to help liberate this country, I couldn't find a single Frenchmen
to show a passport to."

You could have heard a pin drop.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are proud to be an American, pass this on! If not, delete it.

I am proud to be of this land, AMERICA

Polk Community Forum on Medical Marijuana

In case you missed the Polk Community Forum on Medical Marijuana you can view it here at this Ledger link 


Why Approve

Medical Marijuana is already providing relief and therapeutic value to residents in 21 states and the District of Columbia where laws are currently in effect, working well, and protecting both patients and doctors from arrest. A clear majority of the public and many prominent religious and medical organizations support the right of seriously ill patients to use medical marijuana without risking arrest and imprisonment.

Marijuana’s Medical Value

• Studies show that many patients suffering with HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, cancer and chemotherapy, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, and other debilitating illnesses find that marijuana provides relief from their symptoms.
  
• “Nausea, appetite loss, pain and anxiety are all afflictions of wasting and can be mitigated by marijuana.”
— Institute of Medicine, Marijuana and Medicine: "Assessing the Science Base," 1999
  
• Evidence not only supports the use of medical marijuana in certain conditions but also suggests numerous indications for cannabinoids.”
— American College of Physicians, "Supporting Research into the Therapeutic Role of Marijuana," 2008
  
• Available prescription drugs often come with far more serious side effects than marijuana, and many patients who find relief from marijuana simply do not respond to prescription medications. Smoking or vaporizing marijuana are much more effective delivery methods than pills for many patients: The drug works instantly, the dosage may be controlled by the patient, and there is no problem “keeping it down” since it cannot be vomited back up.
  
• Cocaine, morphine, and methamphetamine may all be legally administered to patients — so why not marijuana, which has a far lower rate of dependency and for which there has never been a recorded overdose.

State Laws

21 states and Washington, D.C. currently provide legal access and protection under state law for seriously ill patients whose doctors recommend the medical use of marijuana.  Generally, these laws are working well and providing patients with relief and protection from arrest. Since 1996, when the first effective medical marijuana law passed, data have shown that concerns about these laws increasing youth marijuana use are unfounded: Of the 15 states with available before-and-after data, none have reported statistically significant increases in teen marijuana use. In fact, 11 have reported decreases.

Support from the Medical Community

American College of Physicians • Institute of Medicine • American Public Health Association • American Nurses Association • American Academy of HIV Medicine • Leukemia and Lymphoma Society • Lymphoma Foundation of America • American Medical Student Association • The state medical societies of New York, Rhode Island, and California

The American Medical Association believes that “effective patient care requires the free and unfettered exchange of information on treatment alternatives and that discussion of these alternatives between physicians and patients should not subject either party to criminal sanctions.”

According to a 2003 WebMD Medscape poll, 76% of physicians and 86% of nurses favor “marijuana for medicinal purposes.”

Support from the Religious Community

United Methodist Church • Presbyterian Church • United Church of Christ • Episcopal Church • Unitarian Universalist Association • Union of Reform Judaism • Progressive National Baptist Convention

Support from the Press

The Economist • New York Times • USA Today • San Francisco Chronicle • Chicago Tribune • Washington Post • New York Daily News • Las Vegas Sun • Roanoke Times • Los Angeles Daily News • The Tennessean • Rocky Mountain News • Newark Star-Ledger • Los Angeles Times • New Haven Advocate • Providence Journal • Hartford Courant • Honolulu Star-Bulletin • Baltimore Sun • Daily Record • Reason Magazine • Scientific American

Hazardous Waste Dumped at Lake Ashton - Update

Asphalt is considered Hazardous Waste. 

These asphalt piles of which are to the left of the Health and Fitness Center’s (HFC) tennis and pickle ball courts which is to the left of the HFC building (HFC, 6052 Pebble Beach Blvd, Winter Haven, FL 33884) as you look from the street. 

Winter Haven Code Enforcement is looking into the issue, Case no. 14-1080.  

Apparently Winter Haven Code Enforcement has had to address illegal dumping with the developer in the past and is surprised to see the practice continues.

Hey RVer's and ARC Representatives, where is the outcry? 

It seems that ARC Representatives prefer to go after fellow Residents yet turn a blind eye to REAL issues within the community.

The following pictures were taken over in the RV Storage area - Hey RVer's and ARC Representives, where is the outcry?

 Abandoned equipment 

massive oil leaks considered to be hazardous waste.

Tires are considered to be hazardous waste.  

More Pollution at Lake Ashton

First a dumping ground now water pollution!  

It is time to contact your respective CDDs to complain [note - it is the JOB/Responsibility of CDDs to manage our property and to make this kind of thing does not occur] - 

Please contact Swift Mud at (813) 470-5700 and ask for Environmental Compliance to complain.  

Please contact the Lake Wales Mayor - note - the respective towns are supposed to have a CDD oversight committee to ensure developers comply with the law.

• Lake Wales - Mayor Eugene Fultz   (863) 678-4182