"Hear me for my cause, and be silent that thou may hear." (Julius Caesar)

.....First of all, Baron would like to wish all his readers a Happy Thanksgiving even for those who do not share my political views. Let it be known, however, that I will continue to voice whatever I care to on this, my beloved blog! Others may have the opportunity to establish their own blogs; after all, it's a free country...right? It may be shocking to say it, however, I am certain there are many in America who wish Lincoln (a Republican) had not signed the Emancipation Proclamation. I believe this to be true. And, in remembrance of one reader who cited polls that showed Obama on the wrong side of 50% popularity, in this country, I'd like to cite some of polls on my own taken by the World Public Opinion Organization that showed US President Barack Obama has the confidence of many publics around the world - inspiring far more confidence than any other world political leader according to a new poll of 20 nations. A year ago, President Bush was one of the least trusted leaders in the world.

.....The figures that were given show how many people in each country polled have confidence in world leaders to do the right thing in world affairs: 70% U.S.; 88% France; 89% Germany; 92% GB; 95% Kenya; 55% China; 89% Hong Kong; 80% India. I can cite as many polls, foreign and domestic, as anyone else can. But the previous Republican president was way, way down on this list of world leaders. This may all be very well, but polls also show Michelle Obama has gone off the charts insofar as popularity in Europe and Asia is concerned. She is a celebrity; a star; a dynamic, magnetic, and charismatic figure. In the world media she is being naturally compared to Jackie Kennedy, and that comparison is likely to grow as this administration grows into its next three years. Is there any doubt that one of Obama & Michelle's accomplishments is, and will continue to be the repairing of any damage done to the world view of America? Is that not one of his top priorities? Along with the wars with Iraq and Afghanistan; the economy, & health care reform? Does the American public expect him to be Superman, Batman, & Arnold Schwarzenegger all rolled into one?

.....In citing my own accomplishments in retirement in yesterday's blog, I had not the space to mention how fortunate I have been in having a V.A. Medical Center located in West Palm Beach. I have been getting free medication, doctors, and dental work there now for 27 years. That has saved me a ton of money. Just consider what the private costs would be for hearing aids and dental work in that length of time. Not only that, I also get "travel pay" reimbursing me for gas and tolls assessed in driving there at least once a week. The equipment is state of the art, and I never have to wait more than 15 minutes past my appointment time--and that should cover over 3000 visits. But not only do I get health care from the V.A., I am also collecting a check each month for service connected injuries, and this check is more than my SS or my HS pension and I enjoy banking it...although I must confess that I spend some of it gambling in our casinos.

.....I should have retired sooner.