View from the Treehouse:

T.A. in T. W. (Today's American in Today's World)

What about the Federal Reserve?

"The Internet Age demands transparency from all institutions all the time. Any government body that lags behind is in danger of losing legitimacy, relevance and, at the very least public awareness. . ."People in an open society do not demand infallibility from their institutions, but it is difficult for them to accept what they are prohibited from observing." These quotes are from an article by Tony Mauro, a Supreme Court correspondent for National Law Journal and Incisive Media. The quotes are from an article pub. May 27th, '09 in USA Today following the resignation of Justice Souter. In summation, Tony Mauro was advocating allowing cameras to broadcast the proceedings of the Supreme Court.

His comments however, extend to the Federal Reserve, don't they? This organization affects every one of us and yet isn't it shrouded in secrecy more guarded than our Supreme Court has been? Have American grass roots people been duped since the early 1900's? What is it costing the American People because of the lack of transparency in the Federal Reserve?

____________________________________________________________________

P.U.P.

The doctor told me that he did not want me to take my final scheduled infusion. I could have jumped off the table and done a dance-that is if I really could have! I'll have a c-scan in June and the docs are evaluating or will evaluate and then we'll make a decision as to what route to pursue!

___________________________________________________________________

We must share with you pics from our weekend with our Kenyan sons. A friend of one of them and the wife, son and mother-in-law of the other joined us as well. I don’t want to bore you with a bzillion pics but it’s hard to choose! Here goes:

View from the Treehouse:






T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

Economics:
Are Americans putting bandages on a hemorrhage?

We in our beloved nation have been cut to the quick with the economic debacle. Perhaps it’s because this cut is actually a potentially devastating wound and we’re crying “who is in control, who is the point man or woman, or organization, or even who is accountable?”

Are we putting bandages on a hemorrhage? We’re throwing “tea parties” to protest Taxation w/o Representation and we’re demanding that some bank C.E.O’s are fired. "Bank of America (BofA) stripped CEO Kenneth Lewis of his chairman's role after the acquisition of Merrill Lynch and his choice of not telling the shareholders about it! Lewis says Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and then-Treasury Department chilf Henry Paulson pressured him to proceed with the purchase of Merrill Lynch-and to keep their losses secret-fearing the bad news would worsen an already deplorable economic climate. Lewis-who had already accepted some $20 billion in govt. bailout funds for BofA- remained silent. Shareholders learned about Merrill Lynch's end-of-year hemorrhaging after the sale closed and then watched BofA's stock value plummet." (World, pages 30-35, May 23rd, '09)

Continuing with troubling news releases, USA Today's editorial page of May 11th, '09 addresses the federal budget with the title "Obama, Congress go AWOL on fiscal responsibility". Who, American people, is in control?

In U.S.A. Today, April 14th, ’09, “Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, who perhaps has more influence than anyone on the U.S. economy. . .” STOP-Let me end this quote. How many of us have questioned, WHY is he in a position of such control? Probing further, is this organization audited, when did we the American people give them such power, when did this become a federal organization or has it ever been, and is there a reserve?

I double-dog dare ( as I dare myself) you who might read this to find answers to these questions?!! Google Federal Reserve System and discern for yourselves. Find out how little is known by looking in American History books!


___________________________________________________________________

P.U.P. (People Under Pressure-like all of us!)

Since, the last infusion of taxitere, I’ve had a "tuff" week. I’ve had the usual side-effects of flu symptoms, aching where I’ve had the shingles, and the neuropathy seemed to have totally invaded, but now is less of a problem. I told the doctor that it feels like I’m walking through a balance between Mississippi Mud and syrup! It makes for a very interesting gait! You know what, tho’, this is not unusual. I just am assured that the chemo is working. I have so much to be thankful for that I didn’t even want to include this. I only did this because some of you want to know what’s really going on!

People have been so terrific. Would you believe two young ladies prepared 4 dinners for us to have at our home while we have a couple of Kenyan sons stay with us for four days? One is bringing some of his family. We’re excited as another family has prepared the physical needs in our home as we prepare for company. What a blast we’ll have! They have terrific senses of humor-wish you all could meet them!

View From the Treehouse:

T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

I didn’t want to believe what the documentary “Expelled” revealed. All Americans should be very concerned because “freedom of expression” is no longer guaranteed but is being seriously undermined. We would encourage you to see this CD and respond as this erosion affects everyone!
_______________________________________________________________________

What an absolute delight-a Jr. Hi. Band festival in Danville was. You should have been there for the program including 5 area bands that was a very short hour long! Much kudos to the leaders of this southeast Iowa super conference! We sat close to the trombones and discovered a sub-program as we watched them! Several of them were tapping their toes-one in sync with the music- one in syncopation with the music-one had sandals off and I wasn’t sure what those toes were in rhythm with!

Then to watch their expressions especially when they did something they knew was wrong- I smiled in remembrance as they screwed up their face! When do we learn to stop making faces or at least admit when we’re wrong and then immediately go back to the task at hand? They seemed refreshingly transparent, respectful, and teachable! I believe a lot was due to the relaxed and fun filled atmosphere created for them by their teachers.

___________________________________________________________________

Speaking of teachers, we attend a Bible Study on Wednesday evenings and are encouraged and challenged every time we're there. Our pastor and his wife from years ago have extended the hospitality of their home and their understanding. Pictures were taken of one of those evenings. We also enjoyed having them in our home for lunch last Sunday after church. I thought it was time that we extended to the group because the man who leads us has a Korean wife. She and he have invited us to their home for gourmet meals the likes of which you cannot imagine. ___________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

P.U.P. (People Under Pressure) We had every intention to travel to Canada to attend a ceremony honoring our daughter and a student of hers. It was an exciting prospect, as even the cancer sarcoma doctor told us to go ahead and enjoy ourselves. Well, roads were closed due to flooding so instead of the journey we opted to receive the next round of chemo, Tuesday morning. This was the Gemsar which is the least toxic so I have only to deal with getting tired easily.

I received an infusion of Taxitere this a.m. and was privileged to interact with the most delightful 92 year young lady. I was attempting a crossword puzzle included in the U.S.A. Today publication. The lady previously mentioned and I had struck up a conversation, so I just continued it by asking her thoughts on the solutions to parts of the puzzle. She kept spitting out answers like a pellet gun on target. It was so much fun. She told us that she had done these for years and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge!. What a good example she is! Folks, keep your brain active!

The wrens had a real-estate discussion off of our 3 season room early this a.m. I was surprised that they chose to begin their home so close to ours but their cheerful chirping is truly a delightful way to greet the morning. Thank you Lord, for the way You make our days extraordinary!

___________________________________________________________________

Since extraordinary was mentioned, here are former youth leaders having a terrific time remembering extraordinary students and events in our local Mexican restaurant! No, they didn't kick us out but I think we had to tip them extra! (I have been advised that if I feel like going to a larger gathering to sit on the outside and leave early. Small groups or individuals who know that I am vulnerable at this point in time are very sensitive to avoid coming to our home.

View From the Treehouse:

T.A. in T.W. (Today's American in Today's World)

I didn’t want to believe what the documentary “Expelled” revealed. All Americans should be very concerned because “freedom of expression” is no longer guaranteed but is being seriously undermined.


What an absolute delight-a Jr. Hi. Band festival in Danville! You should have been there for a program including 5 area bands that was a very short hour long! Much kudos to the leaders of this southeast super conference! We sat close to the trombones and discovered a sub-program as we watched them! Several of them were tapping their toes-one in sync with the music- one in syncopation with the music-one had sandals off and I wasn’t sure what those toes were in rhythm with!

Then to watch their expressions especially when they did something they knew was wrong- I smiled in remembrance as they screwed up their face! When do we learn to stop making faces or at least admit when we’re wrong and then immediately go back to the task at hand? They seemed refreshingly transparent, respectful, and teachable! I believe a lot was due to the relaxed and fun filled atmosphere created for them.


P.U.P.

We had every intention to travel to Canada to attend a ceremony honoring our daughter and s student of hers. It was an exciting prospect, as even the cancer sarcoma doctor told us to go ahead and enjoy ourselves. Well, roads were closed due to flooding so instead of the journey we opted to receive the next round of chemo, Tuesday morning. This was the Gemsar which is the least toxic so I have only to deal with getting tired easily.

The wrens had a real-estate discussion off of our 3 season room early this a.m. I was surprised that they chose to begin their home so close to ours but their cheerful chirping is truly a delightful way to greet the morning. Thank you Lord, for the way You make our days extraordinary!