Many nations have had their defining moments in time; history recalls their distinctions.  America’s moment began with the signing of the Declaration of Independence and reached its peak with World War II.  This global conflict inspired our country to rise to the occasion, despite its not being prepared at the onset of the war.  To […]

Most of us anticipate holidays — any holiday — with some degree of joy.  Not me; I get to spend holidays with the in-bred, I mean, the in-laws.  Witness this Easter, just past. It began not with a bang, but with a gratuitous use of gasoline.  My better half had neglected to purchase an Easter […]

Before a visibly stunned courtroom including many former parishioners, U.S. District Court Judge Susan D. Wigenton sentenced Monsignor Patrick Brown to five months in jail, five months of home detention, and a $30,000 fine – bringing to a close the sorry story of another trusted, well-respected religious leader who used his office for personal gain.  […]

Throughout man’s existence, he has been plagued by, as well as profited from, the things that have happened around him.  All that he has learned to further his survival fall under the general term, “facts.” The dictionary defines fact as something that truly exists or happens.  That definition reminds me of an anecdote I heard […]

Today is Good Friday, the most solemn day on the Christian calendar, the day when Our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated his love for mankind by permitting himself to be crucified for our sins.  This year’s solemnity, however, is far different from that of other years, for if Harold Camping and Family Radio are correct, this […]

When you hear the word, “general,” what is your first thought?  As a former military man, I associate this word with the United States Army.  It brings to mind the Generals, both past and present. The Generals that led us to victory through many conflicts were men of superior rank.  However, the word “general” can […]

In our world of information overload, news stories, even those of major disasters, have a relatively short shelf-life.  The talking heads on our network and cable news programs report a seemingly endless string of calamities with those more recent displacing those that may have occurred but a short time ago. To be honest, I can’t […]

What does the word “dependent” mean to you?  To the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it means an individual under the legal age, who requires the assistance of another person (i.e., a parent or guardian) to ensure his or her survival.  The concept of “dependent,” however, is changing: it now seems to reflect an entire nation […]

Spring has sprung!  The buds on the trees have unfurled into leaves, and tulips and daffodils are in full bloom.  Seeking to emulate Mother Nature, you decide to redecorate your home with a fresh new look.  Your time is crunched, so you won’t be visiting traditional retailers; you’ll be shopping online.  You’ll want the best […]

How many times have we heard the words, “fiscal responsibility” uttered by our leaders in government when the need arises?  And how many times, when the need has arisen, did they act irresponsibly and continue to spend money they did not have? This current Administration, which promised change, has failed miserably in delivering upon that […]