IN MEMORIUM

Today I lost one of my dearest companions, Josie, my 16-1/2
year old cocker spaniel. She and her sister, Jesse, came to me
at 8 weeks old. It was the first time I had ever bought a dog, I
usually always got them at a shelter. When I first saw them,
I immediately named them because their personalities
strangely reminded me of my Mom, Josie aka Josephine,
and her sister, my Aunt Jesse.

I really didn't feel I had the money to buy both of them so I
told the breeder I would think about which one and would
return. After a day or so, I went again and told the seller I
would buy the one I had named "Josie." Well, when I began
writing the check, she could see how torn I was about leaving
"Jesse" behind so she told me that I could have "Jesse" for
free! I was elated, however, it shortly became clear that our
little "Jesse" was, indeed, a "special child." She was blind in
one eye and she struggled to learn the most rudimentary
commands. However, "Jesse" taught me more patience than
I ever thought I could have. She left us when she was 11 years
old and I always felt good that she had a far better home
with me than she ever could have had elsewhere and she was
with her beloved sister "Josie."

When it was time to register them with the AKC, I chose a
kind of curious name for "Josie." She was officially named
"Albert's Folly, Josephine." The "Albert" was after my Dad,
the "Folly" was from her championship line and, of course,
"Josephine" was for my Mom. It was amazing to me how
many times she did, in fact, remind me of Mom. She was a
leader (top dog), she was smart and she wanted things HER
way - a little bossy you might say. My parents divorced when
I was 14 and they had had a volatile relationship (most of the
volatility was Mom's) but until Dad passed, I always knew
how much he had loved my mother, but how difficult it was
to love her.

So, you see, this passing has a lot of strings to my past and it
causes me to re-visit my Mom and Dad, not just the grief I had
when I lost them, but also the very wonderful memories when
things went well. My little "Josie" was so very important to
me and nothing warmed my heart more than when she
jumped in my lap and literally put both paws around my
neck for a hug and kiss. Guess she knew I often needed it.

Rest in peace my little puppy and then go run in the meadow
with Cindy, Bon-Bon, Pepper, Crickett, Sambo, Jesse, Freckles
(her old adversary,) Buffalo Bill and y'all wait for me.
Hear?

HAPPY LITTLE PANDA CUB!

Need to take a break from Politics and Pro Football! Here's some recent pictures of the cub born at the National Zoo in DC last July. These are fascinating little creatures that become fascinating really big bears!

Learn more about them and how you can help preserve this beautiful animal at:

www.nationalzoo.si.edu/Animals/GiantPandas or www.sandiegozoo.org/zoo/ex_panda_station

Both sites have live cam's on the Panda's so you can watch their daily routine. You will find that they spend a great deal of time while awake eating, eating and eating! ENJOY!

DRAFT DAY LOOMING!

I wonder how long I'm going to retain my sanity (probably not much left anyway) while being bombarded by the prognosticators for Draft picks on April 29th.

For a while it appeared that Reggie Bush was a lock to The Texans, but now there's a little back pedaling and they may go for their hometown hero, Vince Young. (Oh, please make that pick!) But with all the cute strategies employed by NFL, this is probably a ruse. It is so funny and odd to me how these guys play their game. I'm not so sure they really know what they're doing, but rather are more compelled to catch the opposition off guard instead of picking the best one for their team. This mechanic might serve well for those teams lower in the picks, but it seems completely unnecessary for the top four selections.

The other observation being brought home is that there have been so many "duds" in the past top three picks. Many of the legendary players in the NFL have often come in the later rounds. So, you can't get your heart set on any one player, chances are they will not turn out to be an outstanding player anyway. There goes my vision for Matt Lienart!

Somebody the other day suggested that the Titans should select Marcus Vick as their #3 pick as they need a quarterback and then Marcus can be a "mentor" to Pacman Jones! Oh, yeah!

One of the things that's going to drive me kind of crazy on Draft Day is that I'm participating in a luncheon at the church to raise money for our mission projects. I asked Jeff not to call me as he would probably interrupt a prayer, but to stay next to his cell phone so I can call him and find out what's going on. Believe me, if I could find a radio that could be discreetly listened to in my ear, I would buy it. Any ideas?

STEVE MCNAIR

Most of you know I'm a rabid Titan fan so I've taken some time to respond to the situation that occurred last week between Steve McNair and the Titans at the training facility.

First off, I really felt badly that someone who has laid his bones and muscles on the line for the past nine years would be treated so cavalierly by the team. The least they could have done would call his agent and communicate with him that because of a tremendous liability, Steve couldn't work out there. That should have been followed up with a personal conversation with Steve by Reese or Fisher who also could explain the team's position.

It is assumed that because of the manner this event was handled, the Titans really don't want Mr. McNair to be part of the team much in the same way they handled Eddie George two years ago. Both of the players could have been team members if they would accept a one year deal and that, my friends, is a business decision. That's a tough position for these two acclaimed players somehow have to accept as their physical abilities declined over the years.

At this point, the honorable thing for the Titans to do is to cut Steve as they did Eddie so they could have the opportunity to pursue other offers. It is supposed that they don't want to do that yet until they find out what they are able to get in the Draft. Again, another "business decision" and honor has nothing to do with it. In these days when business ethics are being reviewed and even tried in the courtroom, this shouldn't be any surprise to us.

Bottom line, I extend my appreciation for Steve McNair's immeasurable contribution to the success of the Titans, but my prayer is he hooks up with a new team who can afford to provide the protection necessary for an older quarterback to build on even greater success. I say this with the trepidation that it may be with the murderous Ravens and we have to face them twice this year. I don't doubt that if that's the case, the fans will give him a standing ovation when he returns to the Coliseum.

Lastly, I hope Billy Volek gets his long overdue opportunity to be the starting quarterback. However, since that miserable Drew Rosenhaus is his agent, hasn't anyone thought about a hold-out by Billy until Rosenhaus gets a new contract even though Billy has a current contract? That despicable agent won't get any money representing Volek until a new contract is executed! Recall T.O., kids?

I WANT TO LIVE IN AMERICKA! OLE!

The title, you may recall, is from a song in "West Side Story." With joy and enthusiasm, the young Puerto Rican's expressed not just their desire to become "American," but it also outlined some of the reasons you may not want to be- come an "American."

Today, we are having a national dialogue about people coming into this country without standing in line. I'm not even sure why this is called an "immigration" issue when they are here illegally and "immigration" implies that these foreigners are following some prescribed route to becoming a citizen. They are not; they are illegal.

So, what's the answer? I don't know, I'm not clever enough to understand all the political implications or even how you would return illegals to their native country, but I do know that this is a problem and we need to resort to the law as it is now written. If we are going to continue to grant amnesty to those now in the country, why don't we just let the gates down and let everyone come in. "Give us your poor, your huddled masses!" Isn't that our slogan? Why should anyone be turned away even though they may still pledge their loyalty to their foreign government or seek to retain their national language and not English? What's next? Maybe these new "Americans" will decide they don't have to follow our Constitution or Bill of Rights? Why should they? They didn't have make the same effort and dedication like most naturalized citizens of the 19th and 20th Century.

Please understand I have no problem with foreigners applying for citizenship and declaring that this is the country they want to live in. I think we can afford to be generous and welcome these new immigrants into our communities with open arms. My minister has reminded us that Jesus wouldn't have punished people who want to live here and that is true, but I'm not sure Jesus wouldn't have felt it was fair that these people who are in this country illegally comply with the very light requirement of going home and filling out the appropriate paperwork. Heck, the government could even follow them and help them complete whatever forms are necessary. 1)We need this information to be able to provide the infrastructure to absorb new immigrants and 2) we need to ascertain that these prospective Americans want to follow the law of this country and declare their loyalty to it.

Again, if we declare a general amnesty once again and not take steps to prevent further illegals coming to this country, we are making a mockery of the privilege it is to be an American.

Republican, Heterosexual and Christian

Too bad I feel I have to identify myself as I have in the title, but because I'm appalled by the stance of my local State Representative, Debra Maggert, on adoption of foster children by homosexuals, I want you to know I'm not a Democrat, Homosexual or non-Christian. Ms. Maggert has said that because there are many studies indicating that gay's are "dysfunctional" because of emotional "issues," they, therefore, can not adopt children.

Well, in addition to the labels above, I am also a certified foster parent in the State of Tennessee. I have had the opportunity to have many foster children in my home when I provided respite service. I have also worked closely with the foster parents of Sumner County so our company could meet the many needs of foster children during the Holidays. I've heard more stories than you ever want to hear of the abuse and torture some of these children suffered by their "straight" parents! I'm also sorry to say that some of these foster children have continued to suffer abuse from so-called "normal" foster parents.

I know several gay couples who would certainly provide a loving home for children who have fallen through the cracks of the system. But, it is evident that Ms. Maggert would like to see these foster children continue being in a failed system rather than them have the stability of a caring home with two committed people who love and respect each other. Ideally, I do not disagree that male/female parents could be good role models simply because they wouldn't suffer the denigration or embarassment a gay family might suffer. However, if Ms Maggert has some clear idea how everyone who exercises parental control can be measured simply by their sexuality, she should inform us. What a break through that would be!

It's hard for me to believe that the people of this District would want to continue their support for someone who is so uninformed or misinformed.

SORRY!

Hey, gang, haven't posted anything for a while because of illness. Starting to feel better and thinking about how I can respond to Representative Deborah Maggert's comments about homosexual parents and the general conversation that's going on about Immigration. I have some thoughts, but the fever isn't letting me put it all together (not that I ever do) so I'll wait until later this week.

Just wanted you to know...I'll be back!