Basic Pay, E-5, over 6 years service $2130.60/mo.
Rations not available $262.50/mo.
Combat pay $150.00/mo.
Capturing Saddam Hussein
Priceless!
©2004 May not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the author. This includes publishing at other websites.
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS 4 door Coupe
AMG Challenge
You already appreciate the power and performance of AMG vehicles. Imagine unleashing that AMG Power and performance on a genuine racetrack. No traffic. No stoplights. Top speeds. How's your chance to make that dream a reality. Take part in the ultimate AMG driving experience - the 2004 AMG Challenge. Presented by Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC, the 2004 AMG Challenge is the convergence of unforgettable driving opportunities. Legendary racing venues and over $3.5 million worth of new, world-class AMG vehicles are all designed to provide you with a one-of-a-kind experience. Consisting of three extraordinary levels of driving activities, the 2004 AMG Challenge takes place at world-class racetracks throughout the year. Depending on your driving experience, you may be qualified to enter all three.
The AMG Challenge
Participate in the AMG Challenge and satisfy your thirst for acceleration, high-speed driving, and more. The event consists of a day at the track with a combination of on-track driving clinics, a segment devoted to line theory, focused classroom instruction, and - of course - individual and team autocross competitions. Other activities include:
· Car control and evasive maneuver exercises
· G-force testing on a closed skid pad
· On-track open lapping in "lead-follow" formation
· High-speed "hot laps" with professional drivers
· 2.5-to-1 instructor-to-participant ratio
· And more
The AMG Challenge Graduate Program
For those driving enthusiasts looking to take their skills and abilities to an new level, the AMG Challenge Graduate Program is the right choice - beginning with a classroom "chalk talk" addressing line theory, drafting techniques and passing exercises immediately followed by time behind the wheel to apply what you've learned.
· Advanced autocross
· Simulated race starts
· Unique "Slide Car" for teaching vehicle dynamics like oversteer and understeer
· Stunt driver techniques
· Significant track time for open lapping and "hot laps"
· Celebrity guest race car drivers
· And more
The Ultimate AMG Challenge
For those who are ready for the ultimate test of their driving skills, the appropriately named Ultimate AMG Challenge awaits you on one of the most fabled racetracks of Germany. The four-day event takes you to Stuttgart, Affalterbach and the Hockenheim racetrack - home of the legendary Deutsche Touring Masters (DTM) competition - for a truly unforgettable experience.
For the diehard AMG enthusiast, the Ultimate Challenge is the realization of your wildest automotive dreams.
· Private, behind-the-scenes tour of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Stuttgart
· VIP passes to a DTM race, including a guided tour of pit row
· Exclusive visit to the AMG factory, where every AMG engine is hand built
· A full day of on-track driving at Hockenheim racetrack with specially built German-edition AMG models
· "Hot laps" in both an actual DTM car and a Le Mans version of the 700-hp CLK-GTR
Tour Schedule
April 7-8 Las Vegas, NV - Las Vegas Motor Speedway
April 15-16 Fontana, CA - California Speedway
May 6-7 Pocono, PA - Pocono Raceway
June 18-19 Miami FL - Homestead-Miami Speedway
June 24-25 Dallas, TX - Texas Motor Speedway
July 23-24 Indianapolis, IN - Indianapolis Motor Speedway
(featuring the F-1 road course)
AMG Challenge Enrollment Fees
The AMG Challenge $1,000.00
The AMG Challenge Graduate Program $1,500.00
The Ultimate AMG Challenge $7,500.00
Reservations are very limited, so please register early. Guests will be accommodated on a first-come, first-serve basis. www.mbusa.com/amgchallenge.com or call 1-866-307-6653
Enhanced European Delivery Program
MBUSA EUROPEAN DELIVERY OFFERS ADDED PRICE ADVANTAGE
Program Features Seven Percent Savings; Now Available on Most Models
MONTVALE, N.J. European Delivery is becoming an even more popular "option" for those picking up a new Mercedes during their European vacation. Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) announced today that it will boost the price advantage of their European Delivery program to seven percent off the total vehicle price (manufacturer's suggested retail price plus all factory options and accessories), beginning with deliveries after February 2, 2004. In the past, five percent was deducted from the base price of each European Delivery vehicle.
"For over 40 years, our customers have combined their vacation and business travel to Europe with the purchase of a new Mercedes," said Michael Augello, department manager, special models/process development for MBUSA. "With even more aggressive pricing and the addition of our prestigious S-Class sedan, our European Delivery program is truly the industry leader."
The European Delivery program includes 2004 C-Class sedans, coupes and wagons; E-Class sedans and wagons; CLK coupes; S-Class sedans and SLK roadsters. Limited-production models, such as the CL coupes, SL roadsters and AMG models, are not part of the program.
The standard European Delivery package includes a variety of benefits at no additional cost to the customer, including overnight accommodation at a first-class hotel, taxi vouchers, and a tour of the factory in Sindelfingen, Germany. Since most customers who take advantage of the program usually schedule the pick-up of their vehicle around a European vacation or business trip, the package also includes 15 days of full European car insurance coverage with no deductible, so customers can enjoy carefree driving of their new cars throughout the continent.
When the customer is ready to return to the States, there are 14 no-cost drop-off points throughout Europe where the car can be dropped off at the customer's convenience. Shipping and delivery to the U.S. Mercedes-Benz dealer of the customer's choosing, including U.S. Customs duty, is all-inclusive in the program.
Optional Black Forest Rally Package
MBUSA also offers customers an optional Black Forest-Alps Rally Package, featuring five nights at exceptional hotels and a self-guided "rally" tour through the most scenic areas of Germany and Austria for $1,200 per couple.
(I'm the European Delivery Specialist at Star Motor Cars. I've been doing it for 22 years. I can help guide you through the process. The addition of the S430 and S500 to the program and the increased discount make this perfect for executives who fly to Europe periodically on business. You can't buy an S-Class for that price in the US, and you get all the perks of Euro delivery. I can sometimes set them up on short notice using a "Pool" car. Our Sales Mangler, Tom Jinks, went to Stuttgart for a Maybach training session, and I arranged a S500, Brilliant Silver, Charcoal leather, in less than 6 weeks. When he returned he had become an evangelist for the European Delivery Program, just like all of the people I've helped do Euro Delivery over the years.
The addition of GPS Navigation systems to our cars has taken much of the anxiety out of driving in Europe. Just order a car with COMAND, and pick up a loaner CD or DVD at the Euro Delivery Center [deposit required], and send it back when you're done. Driving in Stuttgart or Munich or Zurich will no longer be a terrifying experience.)
Geneva
Montvale Mercedes-Benz will use the 74th International Motor Show in Geneva to showcase the latest results of its second strategic product initiative. Three new Mercedes models will celebrate their world premieres: the alluring four-door CLS-Class coupe, the new-generation SLK roadster and the updated C-Class. Mercedes-Benz will also be presenting the new G55 AMG, powered by a 476-hp / 350-kW supercharged V8 engine.
G55 AMG, C55 AMG, SLK55 AMG
Mercedes-Benz will unveil a new and totally distinctive model series in Geneva. Never before have two contrasting characters been brought together so effectively and attractively as in the new CLS-Class. The four-door newcomer blends the stylistic inspiration and infectious emotional charisma of a coupe with the comfort and functionality of a sedan.
CLS
The new model once again underlines the role of Mercedes-Benz as a pioneer and trendsetter in automotive thinking. With its exquisite styling, exclusive appointments and ground-breaking technology, the CLS-Class will appeal most strongly to drivers with a passion for cars and motoring.
The overall design is an accurate reflection of the coupe's emotional, experience-oriented character. Based on familiar Mercedes-Benz stylistic elements, the lines of the CLS-Class bring out the best in normally conflicting characteristics such as dynamics and spaciousness, power and elegance, aesthetics and functionality.
Elegant, luxurious and spacious: The interior of the CLS-Class
The elegant styling of the CLS-Class extends throughout the interior. Engaging colors create an inviting ambience and top-quality materials ensure an extremely pleasant in-car environment. Soft leather and exquisite wood form the most important design elements of the interior, with the seats, steering wheel and automatic transmission selector lever finished in leather trim as standard.
Hand-crafted burr walnut wood lends the interior of the CLS-Class a particularly elegant and sophisticated feel. A large and lavishly sculpted trim element distinguished by satin-painted wood dominates the instrument panel.
The four-door coupe also allows the rear passengers to get in and out of the car in comfort. Luxurious individual seats offer impressive freedom of movement, while the 829-millimeter (32.6 inches) distance between the front and rear seats and 1,468 millimeters (57.8 inches) of elbow room provide more space than many sedans. The newly developed seats for the driver and front passenger are electrically adjustable and can be ordered optionally with active ventilation or dynamic multicontour seats.
The CLS-Class can boast of luxury-sedan levels of trunk space, offering up to 17.8 cubic feet (505 liters VDA measuring method) of capacity for luggage.
Powerful, smooth and economical: The engines for the new CLS-Coupe
A choice of two state-of-the-art gasoline engines is available for the CLS-Class, both distinguished by majestic power development and exceptional torque characteristics. Dynamic driving pleasure is just a push of the right foot away.
Fitted with its 5.0-liter V8 engine, the CLS500 is a match for full-blooded sports cars such as the Mercedes-Benz SL roadster in terms of power output, while also offering the eight-cylinder comfort of a top-class sedan. The engine develops 306 hp / 225 kW and generates a peak torque of 460 Newton meters. The seven-speed automatic transmission is standard. The CLS500 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds (provisional data) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.
Other features of the standard equipment package for the CLS500 include AIRMATIC DC air suspension, luxury automatic climate control and 18-inch light-alloy wheels with 245/40 R 18 tires.
Thinking ahead and setting the pace: The CLS-Class safety systems with PRE-SAFE
Equipped with state-of-the-art safety technology such as adaptive front airbags, window bags and sidebags, plus belt tensioners and belt force limiters on all seats, the CLS-Class offers impressive yet typical Mercedes levels of occupant safety. In addition, customers will soon be able to order the multi-award-winning Mercedes safety system PRE-SAFE, which recognizes the possible onset of critical driving situations and activates occupant protection measures before an accident occurs. These include instantly tightening the seatbelts, which bring the driver and front passenger into a more favorable seating position ahead of a possible collision. This allows the airbags to provide effective protection for the occupants in the event of an impact.
The new CLS-Class also comes standard with electrohydraulic brakes and the latest generation of the Electronic Stability Program ESP®, yet another demonstration of the technological leadership of Mercedes-Benz in the automotive industry. The new coupe is also available with an optional host of other innovations that make life on the road even safer. The high-output bi-xenon headlamps with active cornering headlamp system are a good example.
DISTRONIC proximity control, the voice-operated control system, the control and display system COMAND with its DVD navigation and the keyless-access and drive-authorization system KEYLESS-GO are further examples of leading Mercedes technology for greater comfort and driving pleasure.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled a coupe study at the 2003 International Motor Show in Frankfurt aimed at gauging the public's appetite for the new CLS-Class. The widespread enthusiasm which greeted the four-door newcomer provided the Stuttgart-based car maker with the response it needed to give series production the green light. The CLS-Class coupe will arrive at European Mercedes-Benz dealerships in fall 2004.
Sporty, innovative and more powerful than ever: The new SLK-Class
The new SLK-Class is another passenger car celebrating its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show. As refreshing, enlivening and potent as an Italian espresso, the new roadster displays impressive sporting prowess. Underpinning these outstanding performance credentials are powerful new engines, a sporty suspension setup, more direct steering and a precise six-speed manual transmission.
The roadster also builds on the proven strengths of its predecessor such as a further developed, space-saving folding hardtop and even more innovative safety features including adaptive airbags and new head/thorax side airbags. The new SLK is optionally available with the new seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC.
Customers in Europe can choose from three new engines, developing from 163 hp / 120 kW to 360 hp / 265 kW. These include, for the first time in this vehicle class, an eight-cylinder unit from Mercedes-AMG. This V8 powerplant delivers 360 hp / 265 kW in the SLK55 AMG and propels the sports roadster from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
The newly developed Mercedes six-cylinder in the SLK350 is the only engine to be offered in the US. It produces 272 hp / 200 kW and ensures dynamic driving pleasure. The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its class and gives notice of its sporting character with full-throated sound. The SLK350 sprints from rest to 100 km/h in a mere 5.6 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.5 seconds) and from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC: 5.1 seconds).
The new SLK-Class replaces a highly successful first-generation model which sold over 308,000 units globally and secured a leading position worldwide in its market segment.
More dynamic, higher-quality and more attractive: The new, revised C-Class
Sharing the Geneva limelight at the Mercedes-Benz stand will be the new generation of the C-Class. The Sedan, Wagon and Sports Coupe models have all been carefully revised and now set new standards in terms of driving dynamics, comfort levels and high-class looks and feel. The chassis, steering and six-speed manual transmission now have sportier characters, allowing the C-Class to offer even more agile driving experience. A four-cylinder supercharged power unit developing 192 hp / 141 kW will be added to the engine range for sedan and wagon in spring 2004.
For the first time an eight-cylinder engine is available in this model series, the new 367-hp / 270-kW engine powering the top-of-the-range C55 AMG.
The C-Class interior has been further upgraded. Meticulously redesigned controls, line-specific seats and standard automatic climate control are the outstanding features of the updated cockpit. Innovative scratch-resistant paintwork developed using nanotechnology also comes standard and helps to further extend the longevity of the C-Class. Bi-xenon headlamps with cornering-light function, steering wheel gearshift buttons for the automatic transmission and new audio/navigation systems round out the high-tech options for this successful model family.
Cutting-edge technology, impressive comfort over long distances and sporty agility have helped the C-Class attract over 1.26 million customers worldwide since May 2000. Never before has Mercedes-Benz sold so many vehicles from one model series within such a short time.
The C-Class sedans and wagons are among the lowest-depreciating vehicles on the used-car market, holding onto considerably more of their value than average after two years, according to a study carried out by EurotaxSchwacke. German motoring magazine Auto-Bild crowned the C200 CDI Wagon "Value Champion 2004".
More powerful and more majestic: The new G55 AMG with V8 supercharged engine
After 25 years and 182,000 units sold, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class has developed a worldwide reputation for being one of the world's most capable luxury off-road vehicles. At the Geneva Motor Show the Stuttgart-based auto maker will present the most powerful version of the durable cross-country vehicle yet: the G55 AMG. The new arrival's supercharged V8 engine brews up 576 hp / 350 kW of power and produces a peak torque of 700 Newton meters as low as 2,650 rpm. The G55 AMG thus outstrips the output of the predecessor model with its naturally aspirated V8 power unit by 34 percent and boasts an increase in torque of 32 percent. In other words, the G55 AMG is blessed with remarkable reserves of power for both on and off-road motoring, treating its passengers to unrivalled authority, exclusiveness and driving dynamics.
There is certainly no doubting the performance credentials of the G55 AMG. With an acceleration time just 5.6 seconds from rest to 100 km/h and an electronically limited top speed of 210 km/h it can compete with a sizeable number of sports cars.
The new G55 AMG is available as a five-door wagon with long wheelbase and will be arriving at European Mercedes-Benz dealerships in June 2004. (no word of US availability, CRR)
Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
The C55 AMG will roll out in Geneva, with a 5.5-liter V-8 engine producing 367 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The C55 AMG is mated to the AMG Speedshift five-speed automatic transmission. The sedan model will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. Top speed is limited to 150 mph. Additional changes include a new sport suspension, wider track and 18-inch wheels. Exterior enhancements include a restyled front end and grille. Look for the AMG to be available spring of 2004.
(From AutoWeb)
(Expect the C55 to be limited to 155, not 150. Additionally,
if Mercedes claims 5.0 seconds, it'll probably do that in the rain.)
MISC. RAVINGS
World's first production Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Sold for $2.1 Million
"Long Island car dealer Juliane Terian's winning bid of $2.1 million came just two minutes into the auction at Christie's in New York on Dec. 18. Bidding started at $500,000 and shot past 1 million in 65 seconds.
"Proceeds from the auction of the silver, 617-hp supercar go to the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation that promotes youth sports programs as a way to solve the world's problems. Oh, in case you're wondering, the SLR stickers at an estimated $450,000, and the next three years' allotment for the U.S. market (600 cars) is already sold out."
AutoWeek
On my trip to Walt Disney World:
"What are you going there for? You work in Fantasy Land."
Mike Martini, Service Manager, Star Motor Cars Mercedes-Benz
Walt Disney World Insignifica:
Cost of special Margarita at bar at Grand Floridian: $9.75
Cost of mixed nuts at bar at Grand Floridian- free
Cost of (better) special Margarita (Mt. Kilimarita) at Victoria Falls in the Animal Kingdom Lodge, $6.95, mixed nuts not available.
Glass of vintage wine at Narcussi's at Grand Floridian $14.75
T-Shirts, $19.95
Framed Walt Disney autographed check with photo of Mr. Disney, $9,000
The only winding, non-electric watch in the collection, a Mickey Mouse pocket watch, $110
If you ask for a coffeemaker in your room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, they'll bring it, but after the first day you have to provide your own coffee.
Location and time of National Cheerleading Championships: MGM, Saturday, February 7, 2004. We came that close to having reservations in the hotel the cheerleaders were housed in. By Friday night anyone not with them had demanded to be moved to another hotel to get away from the chaos and noise.
Ride most likely to cause nausea-Mission Space
My favorite park is the Animal Kingdom. There you get to learn about ecology and conservation while using 40 gallons of water per person and producing 10 pounds of trash. All over the park there are boxes with the instructions to "WASTE PLEASE."
I also love The Magic Kingdom because I like to see mothers beat their children in public.
Cheapest rental car at Orlando Airport--Hertz Toyota Matrix XS, a car that had, heretofore flown beneath my radar. It was a small, 4 passenger station wagon, front wheel drive, of course. Its main saving virtues were: it didn't say KIA on the trunk, the remote worked, and the radio worked, after a fashion. It struck me as the all-weather replacement for a golf cart at one of those retirement communities.
Busiest, and probably best ride-Test Track at Epcot. Honorable mention: The Rockin' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror at MGM.
Ride that you want most to practice your demolition skills on the sound system-It's a Small World at Fantasyland.
National Guard and Reserves
Suddenly members of the National Guard and Reserves are draft dodgers and cowards. Amazing. I tend to get my hackles up when I hear this. We had 2 National Guard officers in my unit in Vietnam, both fine men. One of them died there while advancing toward the enemy. Everyone who puts on America's uniform takes the chance of dying in it. To say otherwise is beneath contempt.
Vietnam Veterans Against the War
This eminently forgettable organization has popped up into the news again. The group was favorably mentioned in General Vo Nguyen Giap's 1985 book. He stated that if it hadn't been for that organization's activities, the North Vietnamese would have surrendered to the US.
The organization encouraged troops to desert, encouraged people to mutiny, and was responsible for the fragging of officers.
Stolen Valor, by B. G. Burkett revealed that most of the members of this organization slandering American soldiers publicly and claiming to have engaged in all kinds of atrocities were phonies and were never in Vietnam. This is not to say all members of the organization were phonies. There were enough real vets to give the organization credence with the unfair and unbalanced media of the day.
I was kind of hoping I'd never hear of this organization again. So far I've managed to avoid meeting any members of it face to face. As you can imagine, I don't think much of anyone who was active in the organization. They got Americans killed and gave aid and comfort to the enemy during a time of war.
Quote
I'm proud to be paying taxes in America. I'd be just as proud to pay half as much.
Barry Farber
Car and Driver Drives the SL600
and comes up with 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds and a quarter mile time of 11.9 seconds. In a "Short Take" positioned opposite a full page add for "The Better Sex Video Series," the rag mentioned some slower cars, such as the Porsche 911 GT2 (12.0 seconds), Dodge Viper (12.1), and Ferrari Challenge Stradale (12.3). Now remember this is a 4500 lb. luxury sports tourer, not a disguised race car as the three slower cars mentioned are. To put 11.9 seconds in the quarter mile in perspective, you can, at most drag strips show up on amateur night and make runs for a few dollars. Hook up well, do your part, and you'll be shown the door. A car going a quarter mile in less than 12 seconds is considered a race car and needs a full NHRA roll cage and other safety gear street automobiles don't have. Now if you're going to do this, run with the top down and "Ride of the Valkyries" going on the Bose Sound at about 110 dB. It'll be louder than the twin-turbocharged V-12.
Another Reason to Hate AOL
If you've sent me an e-mail, and you haven't gotten a reply, you should be aware of an AOL policy that is blocking e-mails from outside ISPs. Here's a sample of the "Returned Mail" notification I've gotten: "The information presently available to AOL indicates this server is generating high volumes of member complaints from AOL's member base. Based on AOL's Unsolicited Bulk E-mail policy at http://www.aol.com/info/bulkemail.html AOL may not accept further e-mail transactions from this server or domain."
This, of course, is balderdash. This came in response to my attempt to reply to a question from a reader.
I asked my ISP about it and got this in the response: "AOL and Time Warner are blocking thousands of ISPs every day, from virtually every hosting company."
So if you're using AOL and write to me, send me your snail-mail address just in case.
Emerald, when she came home
Emerald, kitten
Emerald, greeting Arthur Pendragon
Emerald, explaining how I have been deficient as a Pounce provider
Emerald
Emerald is our female cat, and she's been overlooked here a bit. She came to us 8 years ago after Andromeda left us after 16 years. We searched for her and chose her over multiple candidates. She's grown into a great cat. She has her rules, being female. She won't sit on my lap and purr. In fact, her purr is below the threshold of hearing. But she does want my attention virtually constantly when I'm home. The reason is I've cunningly addicted her to Pounce cat treats. She has never indicated that I've given her enough at any sitting. When I come home she's there pretty quickly, following me until I meet her in the bedroom and give her Pounce. Artie and Browning are welcome to join her, but she wants the bulk of them. When I sit down to watch TV on my worn-out recliner, she will sit on the left arm waiting impatiently for more Pounce. If she doesn't get any she will put all of her weight on one paw on one of the pain pressure points on my chest. I don't know how she learned to find them with such pinpoint precision, but she does. Then she will, using her left paw, tap me on the nose or cheek until I relent. The tapping gets harder as I resist.
Arthur Pendragon
She does NOT like Artie. One cat expert predicted she would mother him. I knew better. She's happiest as sole kitty at Castle Rich. He tried. When he arrived all he knew was that females had mothered him. When he was separated from his mother for weaning, another momcat at the Daisy Hill Kitty Farm took him in. He expected similar treatment from her, and all he got was hissing and swatting. His response was to be more persistent, and slowly he learned to push her buttons.
Example: When he arrived we put his food dish in one spot in the bedroom and picked it up when he finished. Otherwise Browning would kindly finish it for him, knowing as he does how we don't like to leave food scraps around. Emerald was fed on the countertop in the bathroom or kitchen, and the food stays there all the time. When we're not there, she will jump up to it, using a stepstool we keep in place. When we're there, though, she becomes helpless, and we're required to pick her up.
Ordinarily, Artie won't eat there, but if she's eating, he jumps up there and pushes her out of the way. So we have to lock him out while she eats.
They do cooperate for Pounce. She will arrive and beg for some. I'll call Artie, and he won't come. She'll finish and leave, and then he'll show up for some. While I'm giving him some, she returns for more. She always has to have the last one.
Her place of sanctuary is her crate. We have to keep her travel-crate in the living room, gate open. She will retreat there to get away from male kitty harassment. We won't pull her out of the crate for any reason. It's her sanctuary. Artie doesn't recognize sanctuary. They have some knock-down, drag-out fights in there. I don't think he's ousted her once, though.
She sleeps on the foot of the bed. He sleeps on the headboard.
John Moses Browning doing his daily chores. Here he's washing dishes. Pets work at our house.
Test Mailing
This month we're trying a new service that will label, stamp, and mail the newsletter. The Redhead has been doing that all these years, and she needs a break. To do this, we've had to go to bulk mailing. Do let me know if that causes a problem with you. Also do let me know when your address changes, or I'll lose you pretty quickly.
Bush Cost Me My Job
(I've been accused of being on the President's side. In the interest of being "fair and balanced," I've agreed to print this letter from the other side:)
Bush cost me my job, my kids and my houses
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak my mind. I lost my job this past year. When Clinton was president I was secure and prosperous, but in the last year, we had to close our operations. We simply could not compete with foreign labor. This foreign labor worked for low pay under very bad conditions.
They worked very long shifts, and many even died on the job.
This competition could hardly be called "fair." I was forced out of the place where I had worked for 34 years.
Not a single government program was there to help me.
How can Bush call himself "compassionate?" Far worse, I lost two of my sons in Bush's evil war in Iraq. They gave their lives for their country, and for what? So that Bush's oil buddies can get rich. My pain of losing my sons is indescribable.
While it is trivial next to the loss of my sons, I regret to say that I also lost my home. I simply have nothing left. How can Bush call himself a Christian when he neglects people like me? I am a senior citizen with various medical problems. I'm not in a position where I can begin a new career. I was reduced to the point where I had to live in a hole in a ground, all because of President Bush.
And when the authorities found me there, did they have any compassion for my misfortune and ailments? No, I was arrested. Mr. Bush, I dare you to look me in the face and tell me you are a compassionate man! I dare you to look me in the face and tell me you are a Christian. If I had any money left, I would donate it to the Democrat Party.
If Al Gore had been elected in 2000 I would still have a job, a home, and most importantly, my dear sons!
Regards,
Saddam Hussein
(courtesy Newsmax.com)
Curt Rich
Alleged photo of Alleged 2006 M-Class
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,113094,00.html Do Gun Control Activists Pad Gun Death Statistics?