"Giving Thanks Day... 'Obama Da Dog'

This blog also appeared this same day (11-22-12)
 as an opinion article in the Kaua'i Garden Island News
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-thursday-nov/article_e46a7a1a-3472-11e2-8d59-001a4bcf887a.html

Thanksgiving, two words, "Thanks and Giving"

I like to call the holiday "Giving-Thanks day."

Every day we should give, every day we should thank.

Whether it be Thanksgiving or "Giving-Thanks," this day has my approval for the best holiday ever invented.

On the contrary be weary of the day after Thanksgiving commonly called Black Friday where people  crush, flatten and trample each other in shopping frenzies  for material goods just 24 hours after being thankful for what they already have.

Happy Givingthanks day!

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-thursday-nov/article_e46a7a1a-3472-11e2-8d59-001a4bcf887a.html




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"The Magnificent Human Spirit..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wednesday)

Bettejo Dux  one of Kauai's true gems, 
guest-blogs  about the human spirit!

www.bettejodux.com

I am moved and delighted today to express a sincere wonderment of the magnificent human spirit. Not only in America but also around the world.

What we have done at home in the reelection of President Obama is a victory for the human race. We spoke out as a people-to the party of the people-and we spoke out loud and clear with reason and intelligence. We silenced the party  of the rich and the powerful and the religious fanatics. We identified them. We exposed them. We forced them to face their silly faces and made fools of them.

Good for us.

The people of the world-especially the women in America-are demanding an end to the madness of endless wars for profit, bigotry, racism, intolerance,and patriarchal lunacy in the form of ancient religious beliefs that should play little- if any- role in the 21st century, We grew up.

We told the rich and powerful-the leaders of the most powerful nation on earth-that they are people, too. All of us are human beings. First.

As a peasant on Kauai-lucky me-I live in the greatest country, the greatest state, on the greatest island in the world. Let the world watch Kauai. We are a microcosm. We are the future. We are speaking out against over-development. We are against GMO’s. We are speaking out against the destruction of our public lands and parks We are going green.

We join hands and hearts in the house cleaning process that will allow our home-our planet-to prevail. We’ll keep the air fresh, the water clean and plentiful, the food nourishing, interesting and plentiful. We say yes to tax dollars  that benefit kids-their heath, their education, their happiness, their future. We say yes to tax dollars helping the poor and the helpless needy, to venerable seniors and those whose lives have been disrupted by disasters of any dimension. Natural, domestic or foreign.

We say yes to money spent on social needs

We say no to money spent killing and maiming innocent humans whatever their race, nationality or religion. We say no to sacrificing our brave young men and women on the ugly fields of battle.

I say: if the killing machine-wherever it might be-wants to play war games do so in virtual reality. If the navies of the world want to play war games let them do it in the bathtub. Think of the whales and dolphins that would save

I say, “Drink a toast to life and living things. Let the rest of them drink to money.”

Peace and love Bettejo Dux

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Steve Martin's letter to my aricle and my reply... 'James "Kimo" Rosen

A Local Kauai Man with the name Steve Martin wrote the enclosed to a recent article I penned,"Disasters Bring people together; Read his letter than read my reply...

http://dakinetalk.blogspot.com/2012/10/bringing-dignity-to-politics-james-kimo.html

America’s split won’t be repaired anytime soon

http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-sunday-nov/article_7c0f0d40-2bd6-11e2-897f-001a4bcf887a.html


In response to Mr. Rosen’s letter “Disaster brings people together” published Nov. 10. His letter only proves that what he sees as a disaster will never bring people together as he claims. Mr. Rosen says “politics has become a war of Republicans vs. Democrats.”

Why is it Mr. Rosen only mentions a one-sided opinion that he wants to shove down our throats and thinks this will bring the people together?

He says, “when Republicans in Congress make a goal that their No. 1 priority beyond all else is to deny anything President Obama proposes only stifles America.”

It’s a two-way street Mr. Rosen, but I guess you forgot to mention what the Democrats have done to stifle America. The last four years prove the disastrous track record they have achieved and will continue to hand out over the next four years. We all may enjoy the thought of bringing the people together, but I’m afraid that the major split in this country evident by the election results will play the biggest role of why it won’t happen anytime soon.

Steve Martin, Wailua


In Response to Steve Martin's Letter "America's split won't be repaired anytime soon which was in response to my letter, "Disasters bring people together.

Mr. Martin says I only mention one sided  opinions, when in reality I mentioned facts and the biggest one being that The Republican Congress's primary goal was beyond all else to deny anything President Obama Proposes. Senate Minority leader, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, even announced from day one that he was determined to make Obama a one-term president.

That is a fact Mr. Martin, from your letter I can see you are channeling the comedian  with your same name who is  one wild and crazy guy.

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"Where Did The Time Fly..?" 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Monday)

"Guest-blogger Judith Whitehead lives in Amherst N.Y. and has worked in the

 ophthalmology field of medicine for over 30 years...Today she reflects on 38
years of marriage bliss and how the time has just flown by. Enjoy...

                            WHERE DID THE TIME FLY 

Today marks the 38 year marker for our wedded bliss.  

Those years have flown by when looking back on them, some longer than others.  To make it through 38 years these days seems to be a major feat for some couples.  It took a lot of compromise, understanding and cooperation to be successful especially during those years when the children were growing up.  Small children are easy to control but when they hit those teenage years, well that’s another story at times.  If you can raise your children to be young responsible adults, now that’s a major feat. 

 To have someone to share all your experiences with both sorrows and  joys is a most wonderful happening and I would not change those experiences for anything, for those years are the very fiber that make us what we are today.  ,




Check out this beautiful Youtube on what security camera's caught!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N-BSQvASs0

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"Food-stamps now look like a credit card..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Food stamps not only help the hungry but are a stimulus for the economy.
Hawai'i alone spends nearly  36 million each month on the 'SNAP' Program.

Food-stamps are  now called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.) (Food-stamps are issued through an Electronic Bank Transfer) (EBT-card) with a  plastic card that looks like a typical debit or credit card.

There's no more embarrassing moments or stink eye at the checkout stand when using food-stamps  since visually it looks like one is paying with a credit or debit card, whereas in years past  they used paper monopoly looking money.

In Hawai'i  there are  over 150,000  people a month using EBT cards. Your monthly stipend depends on your monthly income. The majority of people on food-stamps work.
An Individual  can work and earn $2,000 a month, a family of 4 can earn more than $4,000 a month and still be eligible for food-stamps.

 Check out the following URL to find out more, 
http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/benefit/FNS#Income

Food stamps help stimulate the economy, if food-stamps were not part of the system many grocery stores , including  Costco might not be here.Food-stamps not only help the needy but help business. There is approximately  36 Million dollars a month stimulated  on the Hawai'ian Islands through SNAP( Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.)

The beauty of America, nobody needs to starve, there are people who just won't apply out of principle, or people who don't know how to apply, but in America nobody should be hungry. SNAP not only  feeds the hungry but is a huge stimulus for the economy in these trying times.

The only irony of the whole program is one is not allowed to buy prepared hot food, prepared cold food is fine. Ironically EBT does not allow one to buy a cooked hot meal while many elderly who don't cook are primary recipients.

The Food-stamp program is not perfect however the beauty of America is one should never go hungry. If you or someone you love or even some you don't love needs assistance in Hawaii call 808-643-1643 or go to;
http://hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/benefit/FNS#Income

If you need assistance and don't live in Hawai'i contact your State's Department of Human resources.

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"Dear Mr. President..." 'Chester "Unc" Lau (Source)

Dakinetalks favorite Uncle (Chester Lau)

is back talking about the debt ceiling and how to solve it.

"Unc" is a retired cinematographer currently living 

on the Hawai'ian Island of Oahu.

Dear Mr. President, 

I heard you say you will not guarantee SS checks if the debt ceiling isn't raised. 
Why is it the scare always has to do with SS, Medicare, & our Soldiers pay? 

Why not stop your pay, your staff, or Congress and the Senate to save more money for our country? 
Why use Seniors, Soldiers, & our Needy as examples? 

Take the money from those who take no risks and reap the benefits!! 
Instead of threatening to withhold Social Security, VA and disability payments of people who really need the money.... 

Lets hold the paychecks of all house & senate members, then see how fast they resolve the debt ceiling crisis !!!!! 
  
A Concerned Citizen. 

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"Sign waving Year round..." 'James "Kimo" Rosen'

Why limit political sign waving just during an election cycle?
Why not wave year round!

The elections are finally over. I hate to admit it , I will miss all the candidates sign waving and blocking sidewalks. Why limit political sign waving just during an election cycle? 


Why does sign waving have to end after the elections are over? Sign waiving puts the politicians out there and accessible to the people.  Many times I stop and talk story  during sign waving rallies with many candidates from the  Mayor, Prosecutor and  down to county council  members. 

Politicians need to think outside the box. How about keeping the tradition of sign waving alive  year round, once a month, once a week? Why not keep your name out there year round, cramming during the election is stressful, similar to a student cramming for a final. 

The reality  is to be out there year round not just during an election cycle when you want a vote from the people. Now that you have our vote, I hope our vote has you.

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