Is unemployment REALLY 8%? Simply… NO! If you add in those unemployed who have given up searching for a job, those who have used up their benefits, those who have gone back to school (In lieu of  their futile efforts of finding employment) and those teens that aren’t eligible for benefits, you get double digit unemployment rather quickly. We need to stop blowing sunshine up the backsides of the American people and be honest with them. They’re NOT stupid (contrary to the beliefs of some politicians)!

Now, I’m not saying I have all the answers. I do believe, however, that there ARE solutions and that we CAN save the economy of this nation before we fall into the precipice above which we so desperately cling. We need to offer hope; not with lies, but with truth and determination to move in a positive direction.

The “New Deal” was not a perfect plan, but it DID put men back to work and built the infrastructure of this nation. Men were given jobs. They were given hope! Yes, it cost money. I honestly believe it was money well spent. We can not pay people to lie around and do nothing.  Give them a task. Put them to work. Feed them and clothe them, but let them EARN their pay!

Build that pipeline, but ONLY with the promise that the benefits of it will STAY in North America! Build nuclear power plants and refineries HERE. Take the best ideas of other countries and use those ideas to make better, safer power while ALSO moving in the direction of solar, wind and other alternative methods of supplying energy.

Put those men & women in prison to work, too! Most inmates would welcome the opportunity to be put to good use, paying for their crimes instead of us giving them free cable, internet, and meals while the honest people starve. It’s no wonder crime is so high! I’m not in favor of cruelty, but fair, honest work will also give many of them hope for a future once their debt is paid to society.

If every president had a think tank in the White House that was dedicated to finding SOLUTIONS instead of excuses, maybe we could actually survive this crisis. If a simple math tutor can come up with this many practical ideas, think what the brightest and most brilliant minds in the country could do!

1 ½  Cups Hot Water

1 Pkg. Strawberry Jell-O

½ Cup Sliced Strawberries

One Small Tub – Cool Whip

 8 oz. Cream Cheese

8 oz. Marshmallow Cream

 1 Large graham cracker pie crust

 Dissolve Jell-O in hot water. Add Cool Whip to Jell-O and gently whip, mixing thoroughly. Add sliced strawberries. Refrigerate.

 

Combine Cream Cheese & Marshmallow cream in Empty Cool Whip Tub, mixing thoroughly. Spread mixture evenly in Graham Cracker crust.

Pour Jell-O mixture over top of Cream Cheese mixture and refrigerate. Pie should be ready for serving in about 2 – 3 hours.

Serves 8 – 10

By now, you’ve all exhausted your supply of fireworks and have shared your gratitude with those who have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. Don’t forget to remember the blessings we share in this nation… freedom to do and say most anything we wish as long as we don’t impinge on the freedoms of others.

The freedom for which I am most grateful is that of religion. I may not believe the same as everyone else in this country, but by giving them that freedom, I, too, have the freedom to worship as I believe. God bless America!

3 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
2 cups sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

3 cups peeled, chopped, raw apples (variety works best)
8 oz (wt.) chopped, candied fruit
1 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
½ cup raisins

3 eggs, slightly beaten
1 ½ cups cooking oil
2 tsp vanilla

Sift dry ingredients (except sugar). Place sugar and fruit in large mixing bowl; mix in eggs, oil and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix well. Do NOT use an electric mixer. Pour into two (2) greased loaf pans. Bake at 350˚ for 1 hour or until done (toothpick comes clean from middle of bread).