Blizzard of 2011

Well, I've survived the blizzard of 2011, or what might be called the
Groundhog Day blizzard. I had very few problems dealing with the storm, and
here are some reasons why.

First, this storm was predicted, so I and everyone else had a chance to
prepare for it. My workplace allowed us to leave early yesterday, when the
snow was to start, and announced yesterday that we would close today. For
me, I didn't lose vital services such as electricity and telephone service.
I stayed tuned to news coverage and heeded the warnings to stay inside at
the height of the storm. I used common sense in how I did things which
helped too.

This storm ranks right up there with other big snowstorms I remember. There
was the blizzard of 1979,, which I remember because my brother was one of
those people out on snowmobiles in our home town helping rescue people.
There was the Valentines Day storm in 1990 or 1991 in which it took me an
hour to travel a distance that normally takes 15 minutes. There was the
blizzard of 1999, which this one is being compared to that I don't remember
having such a dramatic impact because it happened on a weekend.

I'm glad that storms like the one we've just come through are a very rare
occurrence. I certainly hope not to see another one like this for a long
time.

Senseless Tragedy in Arizona

Yesterday, January 8, 2011 we witnessed a senseless tragedy in Tucson, Arizona. Congresswoman Gabriele Giffords was shot at point blank range, but appears to be a very lucky person. Six other people, including a Federal judge and a nine-year-old girl were tragically shot and killed. A dozen others were injured.



First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers go out to those injured and their families, as well as to the families of those who are no longer with us. I pray for the Medical teams who are administering to Congresswoman Giffords and the other injured victims, that God will grant them wisdom as they minister to them. Also, Dear God, be with the families of those who were killed. Hold them close to you as they mourn.



There are many things we don't know right now. One thing that appears to be the case is that the suspect was mentally disturbed in some way. There are many advocates for those who are mentally ill that say such individuals should be given the chance to live independently in the community. Certainly, by far, most people living with mental illness can live out in the community and be contributing members of society. However, it's tragedies like this which remind me that there are some who live with mental illness that need to be institutionalized. Can we always predict who among that population will act out in the manner that the suspect is alleged to have done? Probably not but we have to use the best knowledge we have to try so we can protect the public as much as possible from things like what happened yesterday.



There is at least one person who has already placed blame for yesterday's incident on the tone of political discourse. The Pema County, Arizona Sheriff in my opinion irresponsibly placed blame on talk radio and certain things we see on television. First, Sheriff, it's far too early to place that kind of blame. Secondly, tragedies like this should remind all of us that politically when we disagree with each other, we must do so without being disagreeable. I've heard references to Congresswoman Giffords being targeted due to her stand on Health Care reform. If the creep who committed this heinous act did so because he disagreed with Congresswoman Giffords on issue A or issue B, there is no excuse for acting out in this way. From a political viewpoint, this tragedy should remind us that the best way to let our feelings about how our representatives vote is at the ballot box. This should also remind us that it's essential that we be able to debate with each other in a civilized manner.



Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to the families of all injured or killed, and the people of Arizona. May we come to some conclusion about what happened and why, and may it be soon. May God bless everyone involved, and may he continue to bless the greatest nation in the world, the United States of America.

Remember and Thank Our Veterans on this Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day. As I write this, I'm on my way to work, to do a job
I really enjoy. I own a home, and have the freedom to speak against my
Government if I don't agree with what they are doing.

These freedoms and others didn't just happen. Our veterans fought for
freedom, many giving the ultimate sacrifice. I feel so lucky to be living
in a free country. In other parts of the world, a person like me who is
blind wouldn't be able to go out, get a job, and do many of the other things
we take for granted. They'd be hidden away, and cared for all of their
lives.

In many places around the world, speaking out against the Government can
lead to arrest, imprisonment and even death. Thank you to our Veterans,
that's not so in our country.

As I reflect on this Veterans day, I think about and thank all veterans for
their service to our country. I think about my Father's late cousin, Babe,
who served in what some call the forgotten war, the Korean war in the
1950's. I was listening to the radio just this morning and heard this war
referred to as the war that never really ended. That is so true, for
whenever North Korea wants to attract world attention or get a little more
international aid, they do something to try and provoke South Korea. There
are still thousands of troops serving along the 38th parallel, also known as
the demilitarized zone.

I think about and thank all of those veterans of the Vietnam war, including
my second cousin once removed, Roger and Darrel, a gentleman I used to work
with. These two men, and the others never got the welcome home they so
richly deserved. To paraphrase a Kenny Rogers' song, it wasn't them that
started that old crazy Asian war, but they were proud to go and do their
patriotic chore. Whatever anyone may have thought of that or any other war,
our veterans answered the call of service to our nation. How many others
would have?

I think about the men and women of the greatest generation, the World War II
veterans. Thanks to programs like the Stars and Stripes Honor Flights, and
Honor Flight Chicago, many of them are being given an opportunity to go to
Washington, DC, and visit the World War II Memorial, erected in their honor.
If it hadn't been for these brave men and women, we'd all probably be
speaking German right now.

Finally, I thank and think of the veterans of the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan. I have always supported our going into Afghanistan, but not
going into Iraq. Nevertheless, the men and women who are serving in these
theaters and who have served decided they wanted to serve our nation. They
simply followed orders and went to where they were asked to serve.

I encourage each of us to thank at least one Veteran today for his or her
service. Whether it's someone you work with, a family member, a friend or a
neighbor, take a moment and thank that person for serving, and protecting
the freedoms we all enjoy. May god bless our veterans, and may he continue
to bless the greatest country in the world, the United States of America.

Post Election Thoughts

I've had a chance to let last night's election results sink in a little,
although we still don't know who Illinois' next Governor will be. I'd like
to reflect for a few minutes on what I think the results mean for our
country, and what I think they could mean for people who are blind.

The Republican party, decisively, took over control of the U.S. House of
Representatives. While I, as a Republican, view that as good, I also
realize this is what the Republicans want, so now, they have to govern. The
U.S. Senate still has a Democratic majority, and President Obama is, stil,
the President.

While I hope I am wrong, I foresee quite a bit of gridlock in the next two
years. I hope this won't lead to a Government shutdown, but it could. I
think, by their votes on election day, the American people said a lot of
things. But one thing they said is they want Congress to do the people's
business.

Republicans aren't going to be able to do everything they might want to do,
no Congress ever does. Repeal the Healthcare bill? Yeah as much as some
would like too, President Obama still wields a veto pen and the Republicans
don't have enough votes to override his vetos. I think a lot of emphasis is
going to be on doing things to help spur the economy. That wil likely mean
extension of tax cuts, things that are good for small business, and maybe
some changes in the health care legislation.

For those of us who are blind, there are a couple of things we need to go
after. One is to re-introduce our Pedestrians Safety Enhancement Act, which
deals with quiet or hybrid cars. This bill enjoyed strong, bipartisan
support in the current Congress and I think it will again. I believe the
transportation bil is up for re-athorization in the next year or so, so
we're going to have to advocate for things like Amtrak, operating funds for
public transit and other important things as strongly as ever. We'll need
to talk about the cost benefit of having good public transit and a robust
Amtrak system as part of that advocacy.

It will be interesting to watch the group dynamics in Washington over the
next few years. But before I close, for those of us who are blind, I think
our biggest challenge is in the states where a number of Governorships
changed hands. States are in difficult financial times. Rehabilitation and
other programs that many people who are blind or visually impaired need will
be targeted for budget cuts. We will need to work harder than ever to make
sure our state leaders recognize that strong programs such as rehabilitation
help put people who are blind to work, which allows us to be taxpayers, not
dependent on other taxpayers.

What the Signing Into Law of the 21st Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act Means to Me

Today, October 8, 2010 is a hugely important day for me and other people
living with disabilities. President Barack Obama signed into law the 21st
Century Telecommunications and Video Accessibility Act. This culminates a
long, difficult legislative battle. While more work is to be done as the
regulations to implement this legislation are crafted, I want to reflect as
a person who is blind on what today's events mean to me.

With the signing today, in a short time, I will be able to access all of the
features of my cable television system, many of which I pay for but cannot
use. I will be able to access movies on demand, know what programs are on
through the program guide and use a DVR if I want to record something.
Right now, I cannot do these things because they require the use of
on-screen menus that are not accessible to me as they are not available
using speech output.

Today's signing means that soon, when there is an emergency I need to know
about, I won't just hear the 'beep beep beep'[ on television and have to
scramble to find out what is going on. The emergency information, whether
it be about a tornado, hazardous materials spill, flood or whatever, will be
made accessible to me so I can learn of and react to it as quickly as my
sighted neighbors and friends.

Today's signing means that soon, I will have more choices in cell phones
which will be accessible to me right out of the box, where I can use all
features and functions, download cool apps and other things. Gone will be
the days of having to pay an extra $300 just to have full access to a cell
phone's features and functions.

Today's signing means that it won't be long before my wife and I can sit
down in our living room, watch a good movie or television show and know what
is going on thanks to the provision of video description. Furthermore, in a
few years, when we travel to visit friends in such places as Southern
Wisconsin, Central Illinois and others, we can sit down together and watch a
movie or favorite show and know what is going on, as video description will
be required in the top 60 media markets.

Today's signing means that the next time I have to buy something such as a
VoIP phone, or even a home theater system, I won't have to find a sighted
friend or neighbor to set it up for us as this process will be accessible.

Today's signing means that if, god forbid, my Father's hearing worsens, he
will be able to go out and have many choices in cell phones which will all
be hearing aid compatible. He won't have to rely on the knowledge of a
store employee or someone else to tell him, don't get phone A, but phone B
works good.

Finally, today's sining means that many people with whom I work and whom I
care about who are deaf-blind will be able to purchase the
telecommunications equipment they need in order to become less isolated,
gain employment, and truly participate in American society.

I am proud to have been one of the many advocates who worked hard to bring
us to this special day. Just about eight months ago, I was not sure we'd
ever see this day happen. Thanks to the tireless work of many people, we
did.

So, let's take a little time to celebrate this historic accomplishment. And
then, let's prepare to work hard to make sure this landmark legislation is
implemented correctly through regulations and that it's promises are truly
realized.

Opening Sunday of the NFL Season, Some Thoughts

While I realize we have already had our first National Football League (NFL)
game this past Thursday, it's today, the first Sunday of the NFL season that
feels more like opening day to me. With that in mind, here are some of my
thoughts about the upcoming season.

I think the American Football Conference (AFC) title is there for the taking
by the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts still feature a potent, balanced
offense with Peyton Manning at the controls. They've brought in players in
the off-season to bolster the running game, to go along with a steller
passing attack. On defense, they are healthy and while they are still a bit
small up front, they have enough quality players to hold down most teams.
Even with that strong offense, they aren't going to have to out score most
teams to win, although they have the weapons to do it.

Two teams that could pose a challenge to the Colts are the New York Jets and
Baltimore Ravens. The Jets surprised a lot of people last January by
getting into the playoffs on the final day of the season, then making it all
the way to the AFC Title Game before losing to the Colts. Baltimore, a team
with a reputation for strong defense, now has the weapons, particularly in
the passing game to make things interesting on offense. It used to be that
if the Ravens' defense wasn't playing wel, they had no chance to win. Well,
I think if they have too, they can put points on the board in bunches, and I
expect a few come from behind victories for them this year.

Switching to the National Football Conference (NfC) there are a lot of the
so-called experts out there saying the team I root for, the Green Bay
Packers, will make it to the Super Bowl. I love rooting for the Pack, but
I'm not so sure I would go as far as to pick them for the Super Bowl,
although I'll be happy as heck if it happens. The Dallas Cowboys are loaded
and ready to make a Super Bowl run in my opinion. They are strong on both
sides of the ball, offensively and defensively. Heck, they traded away a
quality receiver in Patrick Craton who would probably be playing in a number
2 receiver spot on most teams. Shows you the depth they have. How far
Dallas goes will I think depend a lot on how well Tony Romo performs late in
the season and in the playoffs. Historically, in his relatively short
career, he has not done wel late in the year.

There are other strong contenders in the NFC. I think New Orleans is poised
to have another good season, and in fact, I think they'll win the NFC South.
Close behind them will be the Atlanta Falcons, with their QB Matt Ryan
poised to have a breakout season. The Packers are very strong offensively
and, barring injury, they will score a lot of points. I have some questions
as I look at the Pack on defense, particularly in the secondary. However,
they will have Charles Woodson back there as a leader, and if they can
generate a strong pass rush, it will negate some of the secondary concerns.

Two other teams that I feel will be strong in the NFC are the New York
Giants and San Francisco 49ers. I can't pick the Giants to go all the way
to the Super Bowl because they are too inconsistent, especially at
quarterback. Eli Manning can look very good or vary bad. AS for San
Francisco, they will win a very weak NFC West, and don't count out a team
coached by such a strong leader as Mike Singletary.

You'll notice I haven't mentioned the Minesota Vikings, with Brett Favre at
QB . This is not because of any ill feelings I have about Favre. Minesota
to me simply has too many question marks. At 41, I see no way Favre can
have the kind of year he had last year. There are huge questions at wide
receiver for Minnesota, and that vaunted defense they have had for several
years is one year older. No one has a bigger heart or stronger will to win
than Brett Favre. However, those things will not be enough for Minnesota to
overcome their other issues. I don't think they will even make the
playoffs.

Finally, being in Chicago, I have to mention the Bears. I believe 2010 will
be the final year of the Lovie Smith experiment. Yes, the Bears are trying
out the Mike Marks offense and it will fail miserably. For one thing, they
don't have the talent to run it. For another, they are going to have enough
trouble keeping Jay Kutler healthy and upright. And thirdly, the only time
that offense was successful was when a team that plays indoors was running
it. When you hit late November and December in Chicago, you have to be able
to run the ball and that's not what this offense is predicated on. I'm
picking the Bears to go 5-11 this year, then hopefully, Bears' ownership
will back up the moving vans and clean house.

So to summarize, my Super Bowl picks are the Dallas Cowboys from the NFC,
and the Indianapolis Colts from the AFC. I'll pick Indianapolis to win in a
close game. But before that, we've got several months of NFL football to
watch. So, let's kick it off today on opening Sunday. As the song asks,
are you ready for some football? I say, yes I am!

Mosque/Islamic Cultural Center Near Ground Zero, No!!!

I've been listening, as many of us have, to the controversy surrounding the
decision to build a Mosque/Islamic Cultural Center near the former World
Trade Center site, A.K.A., Ground Zero. I'd like to weigh in.

I recognize that everyone who owns property has a right to do whatever they
want to do with property they own. However, the question in this situation
is, Just because you have the right to do something, should you?

I'll answer that in this situation, with a resounding NO!!! How could
anyone think that proposing this development so close to Ground Zero
wouldn't cause a huge amount of controversy? There are plenty of places in
New York City to build a Mosque/Islamic Cultural Center. Why, oh why does
it need to be close to Ground Zero? It doesn't.

Like most Americans, I believe in religious freedom and believe that those
who practice Islam have the right to worship where they wish. However, out
of respect to America, and the pain we all went through on September 11,
2001, nine years ago today, it would be in everyone's best interest if those
who want to build the Mosque move somewhere else.

BTW: I do not believe acts like burning the Koran are remotely appropriate
to protest this development. Things like this won't promote peace.