My American Childhood

Do you remember Abbott and Costello, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, The Little Rascals, The Three Stooges, Mae West, Sammy Davis Jr, Al Jolson, Louie Armstrong  and so many countless others that made us laugh.  They were classics and no one will ever follow their acts. 

George Burns, Lucille Ball, Jackie Gleason,Bob Hope, Milton Berle – again the list can go on and on.  Until this day no one will ever replace them.

Then the glamour – Bette Davis, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor – goregous creatures.  There were no face lifts, breast implants, tummy tucks back then. 

Hollywood men – Robert Redford, James Dean, Jimmy Stewart, Henry Fonda, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra – handsome and true actors.  Classics in every way.

There were movies that made you cry and laugh and reached in to your  very heart.  Shirley Temple delighted so many for so many years.  The “Wizard of Oz”, “Gone WIth The Wind”, and Walt Disney’s fairy tales.  Who did not want to be “Cinderalla.” Again, the list can go on and on. 

Familes sat together and laughed and cried together at entertainment. It made us forget our own problems for a while. 

I grew up in the sixties.  Yes, there were problems our parents were facing, but nothing like parents today face trying to raise their children.  We, the parents of America today want to recapture what we were blessed with. 

You went to school and learned.  You came home did your homework and then went outside and played with the other kids in the neighborhood.  You did not worry about college when you were in fourth grade.  For the most part, moms were able to stay home and raise their kids.  If money became tight we did without.  We did not worry about what others had because we were all in the same boat. You ate what was put on the table, climbed trees and skinned your knees.

Birthday parties were not planned a month in advance.  Sweet sixteens were held in your house.  When you become old enough to drive your parents bought you a car that could get you where you needed to go.  We did not care.  We had wheels and freedom.

There were no planned sports, dancing, karate, and numerous other activities for you to be involved in.  If you wanted to be involved you joined school teams or clubs.There were no therapists lurking and waiting to tell your parents they were raising you wrong.  Lawyers were not thinking of every way possible to sue your parents if a child fell on their property and was hurt. 

McDonalds and Carvel was a treat, not a given.  The ice cream man was another treasure we all looked forward too.  Neighbors helped each other if a hand was needed.  We did not get toys and new gadgets every week.  Christmas, Easter and other holidays were meant for that.  There were no designer clothes for us to wear. 

We used our imagination when we played.  There were no video games, IPods, and cell phones. Halloween time was filled with fear for our parents.  You went around the neighborhood with the neighborhood kids and collected your goodies.  We looked forward to Charlie Brown, Rudoph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Saturday cartoons and children shows.

The “Flintstones”,  “The Jetsons”, “Tom and Jerry”, and “Bugs Bunny and his friends.”  We then again went outside and played.  Our parents were not carpooling and driving us from here to there.  They did not spend their weekends entertaining us and making sure every moment was filled for us. 

There were local stores to shop in, drive in movies, local movie theaters,  bowling alleys, mom and pop candy stores, ice skating rinks and so many fun filled days. 

Your parents did the best they could.  They wanted a better life for us.  They taught us to work hard, save your money, live within your means and do right by others. 

I thank my parents and all past generations for their common sense, for making our life a world filled with possibilities and dreams.

Donna

 

We Will Survive

The sky is falling.  Gas prices are soaring, the bank bail outs friends and neighbors losing jobs, health care in crisis,  the politicians scrambing and fighting among themselves as usual.

Once again, the hard working middle class will bail this country out.  We know what it is to sacrifice and live within our means.  We, The People, have had enough.  We will go with our hearts and do what we think is right. 

The media, the government, and the corporations are too intertwined to help us.  It is up to us to help ourselves.  The ironic part of this all is that the government, the corporations, and the media are now scrambling to figure out a way to pull our country out of an economic mess never seen since The Depression.  Why, because it is now hitting their pockets.  If it was only the middle class that this was affecting there would be no economic crisis.

Did the elite media, the government officials who chose to sit by and do nothing, and the so called “experts” truly think they could keep asking more and more of the middle class?   Economics 101 – you cannot spend more than you have. 

Continually we, the middle class have been asked to contribute more money to bail out the country.  As the elite leaders attended gala events, traveled at our expense, and fought among themselves, we watched our dollar losing value.  Many were forced to use credit as with soaring energy and health care prices we could no longer pay what was being asked of us.

Have you looked at your mailbox lately?  No longer are credit card companies sending out preapproved credit to all of us.  Drive around your town and see how many Help Wanted signs you see.  Bet, instead you are seeing “Going Out of Business” signs. 

Middle class America only want the best for their country and their families.  They want their children to do better than they did.  Government is suppose to govern and protect us.  They are not suppose to get us in debt and think of elaborate ways to tax us more to pay for their mistakes.

What the government did not count on is that they can no longer ask the middle class to do their part.  We have no more to give to bail them out of the mess they have created. 

 Why were other countries allowed to continue to buy out our American companies?  Why was the health care insurance companies allowed to decide our health care needs.?  Why were banks allowed to let people borrow money they could never possibly pay back?   Why are the elite media and liberal governmental officials allowed to bash our Country with no consequences. 

Our troops are sacrificing their lives for us.  They deserve our praise and more importantly they are the ones that deserve benefits when they return from their tour of duty.  

Why is it that middle class American children cannot get financial aid when they want to go to college.  I know of one young girl who made $8,000.00 in salary and was told she was $500.00 over the limit to get financial aid.  This young lady works, goes to college, and lives within her means.  Yet another young lady who decides to continually have children and not work gets all the assistance she needs. 

Why is it that if someone that is truly sick and can no longer work needs to hire a lawyer to help them through the Social Security Disability process.   Yet, a person who just decides they do not want to work and claims they are “not well”  and thinks the government owes them a paycheck is allowed to walk into a Social Security office with no questions asked.

Why and how did illegal Americans get more rights that legal Americans.  We here time and time again that the polliticans want their vote.  For what reason.  To put hard working Americans in more debt to fund programs and systems for people that are not even suppose to be in this country.

Now the race is on.  The blame game is in full force.  “Experts” are telling us what we already have known and saw coming.  The Hollywood crowd are throwing gala events to get their candidate in. 

I find it ironic that there was plenty of time to fix the crisis that is facing all of us now.  Yet, too much time was wasted on having speech writers telling us what they thought we wanted to hear.  Too much time was wasted on government officials helping their friends that put them into officee.  Lobbyists now control our government. 

I have to believe and have faith that middle class America will survive.  It is time for all of us to take a stand.  Write your governmental officials and ask that it is time to “Get Back To Basics”.  The days of being politically correct are gone.   Shop in your local mom and pop stores and help your friends and neighbors.  Fly the American flag like never before.   Demand that our troops are honored and celebrated each and every day. 

Start hitting the elite experts in their own pockets.  Do not fall into watching Oprah and Dr. Phil fight among themselves,  start to read between the lines of prepared speeches of your elected officials.  Question why this country spends billions helping other countries that hate us.  Ask why government and corporations are being sold overseas.  Demand that American made products start to be manufactured again in America and that corprations not export our jobs overseas. 

This week, the middle class Americans, will be asked to sacrifice and bail out people that failed the very core of the American Dream.  Before we are taxed and asked to pay more, these corporate leaders and governmental officials should be asked to sacrifice too.  Let them sell their jets, their elaborate homes, and let them not be allowed to walk away with millions as we bail them out.

There are many people to blame because of what is occuring in our wonderful country – America.  It is not the middle class.  We will no longer sit by and watch this glorious country be destroyed.  To all that bash our country – LEAVE.   Maybe as the elite experts out there are now seeing that they have gone to far they will see what Greed truly does. 

Governmental officials should not be allowed to write books and make a profit.  They are suppose to be serving the people who elected them.   The blame game is in full force now.  Bush, of course is being blamed for everything.  Yet, he is not the only one in government.  What about the eight years that Mr. Clinton had to straighten out our Country. 

He and Hillary are lawyers.  Lawyers know how to tell people what they want to hear.  Think about what Mrs. Clinton truly did for the middle and lower class.  Think of the money and possessions they have.  Do they truly understand what it is like to do without.   How many homes do they own?  How much money have they made while in government?  Their own party who is suppose to be for women did not do what they could to get her the Presidential nominee ticket. 

There are so many single moms out there truly struggling.  Why not give them a $10,000.00 loan to help them get themselves out of a mess?  Give it to them like a student loan.  Bet, they would take that money and fly with it.  This would not happen, of course, as it is better for the government to dole out $100.00 here and $100.00 there to them.  Keep them in the system with no way of ever getting out. 

To the elite liberal media and politicians – leave America and go live somewhere else.  See how quickly your song will change.   Go live in another country that hates America.  See what it is like to not have the freedoms of speech that you take advantage of. 

We The People will and have already said enough is enough.  There are more of us than the few who are trying to bring this Country down. 

We will survive as we know what it is like to do without and live within our means.  You, the ones that have created this mess will have a harder time surviving.  We, the middle class are finally saying enough is enough.  We are realizing it is up to us to bring back America.  We may be tired, working two or three jobs to keep our homes, but we will start fighting back.

America is the best country in the world.  Let us bring back America to the way we all knew it was and can be.  We are the first to help out others throughout the world when they are in need.  America is not only a country, but a place where anyone who works hard can achieve much.  

Donna

Donna

 

Pray For The Children

Today, I watched a movie about children who were abused by their parents.    My heart breaks for any child who is ever harmed by adults, especially by their own parents.  Children have so sweet and innocent souls and need to be cherished and never, never harmed.

Two ladies took a stand and went against the norm and fought the system,   so precious children will not be abused and mistreated.  They won a Nobel Prize because of it.  Two ladies just like so many of us decided they COULD MAKE A DIFFERENCE AND DID. 

Child labor, children being abducted, sexual predators, child slavery, and cruel and malicious treatment by the hands of adults must be stopped.    Children only want to be loved and protected.  They only want to dream, believe in fairy tales and remain innocent for as long as they can. 

Our children are our future.  Let us start protecting them and making sure that anyone that harms them is punished and never hurts any sweet souls again.  Anyone who hurts a child, as far as I and so many are concerned, does not need our sympathy or a 1,000 lawyers protecting THEM. 

A child who is suffering and is in silent pain is one of the worst tragedies that can occur.  We all remember what happened to Adam and how his dad went on a crusade to make sure this never happened again. 

I remember as a teenager and until today so many trials and terrible tragedies that happened to children.   I am sure many of you remember two sweet boys being driven into a lake by their mom, another mother drowning her own children,  two adoptive parents who continually abused their little girl until she died from the beatings,  a precious little beauty queen who was murdered and until this day the murderer has never been caught, a sweet little girl who was buried alive by a man. 

I pray hard for the parents that must live with what has happened to their sweet babies. 

So many countless others from babies to young teenagers whose names never made the paper.  Think of the suffering being indured by children in so many countries throughout the world.  Think of what is occurring in America today.  Children being left alone to fend for themselves. 

Enough is enough.  We are adults.  It is up to us to make sure that no more children suffer.  They depend upon on to make sure that they are safe and secure.

I was blessed to grow up with two loving parents.  We did not have much in material things, but I knew I was loved and that they did their best for me and my sisters. 

Make a difference and if you see a child in harm’s way let it be known.  Fight for our children as they are a gift from God.

Thank you.

Donna DelVecchio

 

Country First

A simple idea.  Americans taking back America and demanding that we come first. 

Recently, an email has been spreading like wildfire.  On September 11th,  let all Americans fly their flags again.  I remember September 11th like it was yesterday.  What occurred that day SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.  Think of the families that that lost their loved ones on this day.  There lives have changed forever.  Moms, dads, sisters, brothers, children, aunts and uncles died on that day. 

Do you remember the horror, despair, and fear we were all feeling?   I do.  For the first time in the history of our nation we were attacked on our soil.  We all wondered if our Nation would ever survive.  People were buying gas masks, we watched the news each day as to the level of terrorism we were under.  We watched Bin Laden and his terrorists rejoice in what they had done.  Countries throughout the world became united to fight terrorism. 

We watched and learned about what was occurring with the Taliban.  Woman being killed, men being tortured.  We also learned how much these people hated us.   We waited for the next attack.  Would it be car bombs, biochemicals, another plane attack?  Would they contaminate our food and water?  Would they attack our economy?

I remember watching over and over again, the people jumping out of the World Trade Center, the endless pictures of faces posted of people who were lost that day, our firefigthers, police, and so many countless others spending endless days searching for survivors. 

Fear was in all of us.  Each time a plane flew overhead we wondered if that would be the next plane to be taken over by terrorist.  Trucks were being checked for car bombs.  The mail became another fear factor for so many.  Would someone be getting anthrax in a letter or package sent to them? 

The media talked of all the different ways we were being threatened.  Many experts were called in to discuss what was happening and would could happen next.  Stores were opening up with terrorism gear for all of us to buy to protect ourselves. 

This was a day when our government stood together for once. I remember our government officials holding hands and singing together.   We came together as a nation.   We were attacked like never before.  Flags were flying, Americans were banning together, charities and functions were raising money to help those families who lost their lives that day. 

Yet, as time passed, the news media removed the terrorist threat level from their stations,  the government once again started to fight among themselves, people began to question if Bin Laden was really the one who did this to us, and once again, America became the evil country. 

It was our fault this happened.  The elite media and Hollywood busybodies let us know it was our fault.  Many started to believe it was our government that actually were the ones that plotted for 9/11 to happen.  It is amazing that people can let “so called experts” make them think this.  Do you remember Donald Rumsfield helping people out of the Pentagon that day.  If our government was the ones that attacked us, then why was Donald Rumsfield in the Pentagon that day. 

To me, this is common sense.  I know, common sense does not mean much anymore.  After all, this is a simple part of life that is not even being taught in our schools anymore. 

We have been very fortunate so far that another attack has not been bestowed upon on.  Is it that we are just lucky, or does it have to do with our government doing all they can to make sure that what happened on 9/11 never happens again.  I think the latter is true. 

America is the most wonderful place in the world to live.  We have freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  Yes, we are going through very touch economical times. Yet, it is the liberals who will make you believe it is our fault.  They want us to become a socialized nation like the nations that attacked us. 

This August, the Congress and the Senate went on a month’s vacation.  Our represenatives were on vacation while hard working Americans took on second jobs.  The elite media and liberals spend countless hours debating and telling us what is wrong with this country.  Yet, they have now ideas on how to fix them.  It is easier to tell the people what they want to hear, then to fight for what is right.

Parents throughout the country face hard decisions everyday and do what they need to do to teach their children right from wrong.  Their children may not like what they are being told.  Yet, parents are not trying to win a popularity contest and be friends with their kids.  They are trying to guide them into doing what they feel is right. 

Maybe, the elite media and the liberals should spend more time trying to solve the many problems that face us all instead of trying to win popularity contests, hiring writers to prepare speeches for them with no substance, and truly learn what all Americans are going through. 

Polls, special interests, and the many government officials out there that say one thing and do another has to end. 

Do not promise what you can deliver to get you elected.  Practice what you preach.  Do not stand before us and tell us you understand while you have a sound health insurance plan, live in grand houses, and attend gala events in designer clothes and eat gourmet food while we the Americans elected you are wondering where our next pay check will come from. 

You have sold us out to countries that hate us.  There are no more American jobs for us.  You have made sure that illegal immigrants get welfare and better health care than us. 

You do not want us to drill in America.  Why?  Could it be that you have you money invested in rich oil countries throughout the world.  You tell us over and over again what Americans are doing wrong and how terrible Americans are. 

The newspapers throughout the country do not report the news, instead they are owned by the elite media who wants to tell us what Americans want to hear. How many newspapers have been bought out by special interest groups and other countries.  After all, the almighty dollar is all that really counts now.  Do not report the facts.  Instead, fill people’s heads with false hopes,  remind us that our soldiers do not matter.  After all, they are not fighting a real war.  Keep telling us that we have to be careful not to offend other countries.  Are these the same countries that so many Americans volunteer to go and help and donate their hard earned money too.

Keep thinking that Americans do not understand what is going on.  After all, most of you have attended grand colleges, have time to debate, and have lawyer degrees.  You know what to say to us all to pacify us. 

I pray that on September 11th of this year many flag will be flying.  Hopefully, the courts will not get involved and put a ban on this. 

God Bless America,  support our troops and thank them each and everyday for the freedoms that all Americans have, keep the Pledge of Allegiance in our schools, and the swearing on the Bible in our courts.

We Americans are going to have to start sacrificing a lot to keep America strong.  Shop in your local mom and pop stores that most of us had our first jobs in, demand that legal Americans have better health coverage than illegal Americans, start to also fight to bring back honesty among our government officials, fly your flags high, be proud to be American, volunteer, find a cause you believe in and stand up for it, and most importantly, pray for our brave men and women overseas.

Thank you.

 

Donna DelVecchio

 

A Woman Vice President

Wow.  Who would have thought.  A woman may be our next Vice President. 

She is an unknown and not part of the political game.  How refreshing it that.  She rose above her circumstances.  Only in America can someone  achieve a dream of being the first lady to become Vice President. 

Already the talks among the elite news media are off and running.  Why was she picked?  What is her background?  What if something happens to Senator McCain?  After all she is a woman, how could she run the country.   Yet, the parade was off and running to elect Mrs. Clinton.  Why?  What makes her more qualified?  Is it because she has been in politics longer? After all she is a lawyer so I guess she is more qualified.   I think not.  Many people may be angry with me over this statement.  Sorry.  This is the way I feel.  This is still America and I am allowed to speak my mind.  Mrs. Clinton was elected to help New Yorkers.  Yet, she has spent the last couple of years trying to get elected as the first woman President.

Personally, I do not care if you are black, green, purple, blind, disabled,  rich, poor, a woman, a man, Jewish, Catholic or whatever.  What I care about is having a person who will run this country and fix the so many problems that took years to occur.  I want a person of substance and a person who does not go by political polls or the media. Hiring someone to write your speeches does not impress me and many others.   The middle class have had enough.  We are starting to ban together and fight back. 

She is a mom of five who works full time.  If she can do that and look as wonderful as she looks and have a 80% approval rating than she is grand in my eyes. 

I will not  listen to the experts and the elite and privileged few tearing her apart now.  She has done more than most of us will ever achieve.  To me, as far as I am concerned has heart and is strong.  She may not be well known, but to know that she has achieved this status without politics is enough for me.

The race is on.  Senator Obama is playing the politcal game.  He went overseas and gave his grand speech.  Does he not know that there are plenty in America who are suffering and he should have spoke to US the United States of America citizens who are losing their homes, who are watching their jobs being sold overseas, the many who do not understand what is going on. 

She knows what it is like to try and raise a family while working.  She is strong enough to not let people get away with nonsense.  She, from what I can tell so far, speaks her mind and not is afraid of what people will think.  Again, that is refreshing to me.  She owes nothing to anyone. 

The lobbyists will continue to draw attention to themselves.  Tobacco, the oil industry, the elite who only care about their own agendas. 

It is time for ALL OF US TO GET BACK TO THE REAL WORLD.  Middle class Americans need strong leaders to fight for America.  Enough is enough.  We do not need socialized medical care.  We need to be able to dial a telephone and speak to an American.  Let other countries start to demand their rights and fight back.  We can no longer fight the battle alone. 

America is a place where everyone wants to come to.  Why?  Because anyone with a dream and a dollar can achieve so much.

Forget the politicians who are on vacation for a month while we struggle to pay our bills, forget the experts out there who do not know what they are talking about, forget the few elite politicians who only care about themselves.

Remember the heart and soul of America.  Remember our troops, past and and present who till this day fight for OUR FREEDOMS.

America is a grand place.  I pray and pledge allegiance to the flag of America.  Take a stand and say enough is enough.

 

Donna

 

The Song of the Crickets

The end of summer is nearing.  The crickets are singing their songs as summer ends.  Around the beginning of August they start to play the wonderful sounds of summer’s end.

By mid-August, the cricket’s music is what you hear at night when you close your eyes.  A part of nature that has been occurring in my town for as long as I can remember.

The sky becomes darker earlier each night.  Another sign of summer’s end.  The anticipation of what summer was to bring is now ending.  Vacations are over, summer jobs are ending, children’s lazy days of summer are coming to a close. 

Now the hustle and bustle of Fall and Winter will be upon us all.  Schools reopening,  first time college students are settled and ready to begin their new endeavors.  The Fall and Winter clothes are already in the store.  Heck, many stores now are stocked with Halloween and Christmas ornaments. 

Somehow I feel this year will be different like never before as we prepare for the months ahead.  So unsure we all are of what is to be.   No longer will most of us do early holiday shopping.   The days of buying into the moment are gone for most of us.  Instead, we will hold onto our dollars and prepare for what is to come. 

Careful consideration will go into buying school supplies and clothes.  As parents take on second and third jobs to make ends meet, we will buy what we are able to for our children, not what the school systems tell us to buy. 

I feel sorrow in my heart as I see such true sadness in so many eyes.  The day of the American Dream seems to becoming to an end.  The old and the young are wondering what is to be. 

 Backyard BBQ’s, endless hours at the beach, family vacations, and the joys of summer we all remember have seemed to disappear.  You only have to go outside and hear the silence.  No more are children spending endless hours playing outside.  Instead, most are in day care or camps all summer long. 

The sound of the crickets is what I hear at night.  Not the laughter of children, neighbors gathering and the splashing of people in pools in the hot summer nights.

What is occurring is something I never dreamed would happen.  After all, as a child I thought life would be like what my parents and grandparents had.  No one ever worried about all that is upon us all now. 

By next year, I like many, may not be listening to the sounds of the crickets.  Instead, I and my family will probably leave this glorious place.  Our finances can no longer afford us the luxury of staying here. 

I am a fourth generation woman living on this land.  My children were the fifth.  How sad that we are being forced to leave.  I would have loved to celebrate the birth of my grandchildren in the house I live in.  Somehow, this is now a dream that will not become a reality. 

My Italian grandparents lived here and survived with little.  Family was everything.  I am proud of my history and my little piece of land.  I hope and pray that the next people who purchase my little Tara will embark on a long time adventure of passing this little piece of heaven onto their own.

Donna

 

Our Soldiers

As the country sits and waits for the big text message of who the Democratic running mate will be, our soldiers are fighting overseas.  Away from their families and friends.  I do not know how to text and do not care to learn.  How silly is this latest announcement. 

The money that has been spent on this year’s political campaign could have been better used to equip our soldiers with what they need.  They should all have been given the Hummers that many people are driving in across the United States. There is no substance on the news channels anymore.  Political analysists debate and voice their opinions on the stragetic plans of the candidates.  

The congress is on vacation, relaxing and enjoying the comforts of home.  Yet, our soldiers are far away from home.  Their families need them and are getting by with little.  They are fighting for us.  Yet, there is no mention of them in the political debates.  Do I and so many others care about the grand announcement by text?  Do I care, that Hillary was upset that the scandal that occurred with John Edwards should have come out earlier? After all, if it did she would have probably been the nominee instead.  How shallow that seems to me.  Remember how Hillary and Obama were ripping each other apart during the political democratic nomination.  Now Hillary is campaigning for him. Is it me, or does this not make sense.  

Why is it that Americans allow this to continue?  Why are our politicians allowed to spend more time ripping each other apart instead of taking a stand and doing right by us all? 

Our soldiers do not have time to sit around and debate.  They are busy fighting and losing their lives for us.  For what?  So we can continue to allow American jobs to be sold overseas, to also allow other countries to buy our land and control us more and more each day.  When was the last time you called up an American company and spoke to a person in America.  More than likely you were dealing with a person in India.  After all they work cheaply.  It is good for the corporations to have cheap labor.  Really.  You see the results.  Corporations are closing like never before.  They overextended themselves for the almighty dollar and now they are going bankrupt.  While they were expanding they put a lot of mom and pop stores out of business.  These were the places most of us worked our first jobs.  That is a thing of the past.

When our soldiers come home are they offered benefits or do they and their families have to fight every step of the way to get what they are entitled too.  To me it is simple.  If a person who is willing to sacrifice for us all comes back they should be provided with benefits like the GI’s had years ago. 

Please continue to pray for our soldiers.  They are doing without all the comforts of home so you may have your comfort.  They are young and more than likely trying to raise a family while away from home.  Their spouses are getting by with little.  Some will never come home or come home wounded.  What benefits and health care is provided for them.  Again, what does not make sense to me is that an illegal immigrant can go to a hospital and say “No Speaka the English” and get free health care.  Yet, hard working Americans and our soldiers are not afforded this luxury.

Our soldiers are not putting their lives on the line so we can continue to Press 1 for English, be sold out to other countries, and be told over and over again how terrible America is.  Americans, throughout the years have helped countless people throughout the world.  After all Americans are all people from different nations.  We have learned to live together and try to make the world better.  Yes, we are not perfect, but through the years we tried hard to make it better for all. 

When Katrina happened, think about how many countries helped us.  Very few.  Yet, again, whenever there is a crisis throughout the world, Americans are the first to help.  Feed the Children, what is going on in Africa, Cuba and so many other countries throughout the world.  We try are best and donate what we can.  Yet, middle class Americans can no longer provide for themselves and their families. 

Please, again do what you can to start a fundraiser for our troops.  They need us like never before.  They are the heart and soul of America.  They are our children.  Get involved and do what you can.  Write to our soldiers and thank them for their sacrifice.  Let them know that we care more about them than the politicians who are only trying to make names for themselves.  Politicians are who we elect to speak on our behalf.  They should not receive entitlements because they are politicians.  Our soldiers need entitlements and benefits not them.

Summer is coming to end.  Many Americans across this great nation did not go on vacation this summer.  Instead they took on second jobs to make ends meet.  As the gas and oil wars continue, many oil rich nations did not donate any money to help people throughout the world.  When are we all going to say enough is enough.  It is time for all of us to start hitting the politicians and corporations in their pockets.  I and all of the middle class Americans are not working hard to better their lives.  I am working hard to keep the American Dream going for my children. 

Start to read between the lines and get involved.  Write your politicians and ask that they solve the real issues that face us all. 

Donna

 

Positive Thinking

The economy, the greenhouse effect, education, health care, rising gas and oil prices,  food prices soaring, people losing their homes to foreclosures, banks closing,  terrorism,  corporations closing their doors,  the War, and on and on.

Only a couple of years ago, the middle class  were thinking positive.  What happened?  Perhaps we were listening to the so called experts who were telling us to live off of our equity.  Most of us were living way above our means.  Credit card companies and mortgage brokers were offering money to us on borrowed time. 

Somewhere along the way, we lost sight of what is truly important to us all.  Family, our children, our neighbors and the importance of common sense with our economics.  We did not pay attention to the rising costs of health insurance, the drain on our social security system, the health care system that is controlled by health insurance companies, and the continued buyouts of corporations. 

Middle class Americans continued to think that they could live like the high class Americans.  Live off of other people’s money we were told.  Remortgage your homes to send your children to the best colleges.  Yet, know when our children come out of college there are no jobs for them.  It will take years to pay off that debt. 

Heaven forbid a car breaks down, the roof needs fixing, or a health care issue arises.  We are now at the mercy of banks and corporations.  When you go into your local bank now, is it a bank that you have come to know and trust like yesteryear.  Most likely, it is a bank now that has been bought out by another bank.

The mom and pop stores no longer exist.  How can they afford to stay in business?  To many taxes, rules and regulations are now bestowed upon them.  These mom and pop stores are where most of us had our first jobs.  Decent wages for a decent days work.  That is no longer.  Why would anyone want to own their own business?  The start up costs are too tremendous now.  Plus, with competition from other countries who will do the same work for so little, customers will go to them.

Americans need to start buying American products.  There is so much talent out there by hard working Americans.  It may cost you a little more to buy their products, but you know at least that you are buying products of quality and substance. 

It is time for all of us to shut our television off and stop listening to the negative.  Get together with your family, friends, and neighbors.  Write your congress people and demand change. 

Think of where this country was 200 years ago and how far we have come.  We help countries throughout the world.  We are always the first to volunteer our money and time.  Our soldiers, past and present, have made a difference throughout the world. 

Our ancestors came here with little and look where their children and grandchildren have made strides and successes.  Think about how truly most of us are blessed with great fortune. 

Think of the new immigrants and how grateful they are to be in America.  They work for little, take care of their own and strive to achieve the American Dream. 

Truly, again, count your blessings.  There are people in the United States who are truly suffering.  Our waitresses, our health care aides, people working in grocery stores, bank tellers and on and on are getting by with little.  Most cannot afford health care.  This to me is a true tragedy. 

Our soldiers and their families that are fighting for our country need our support.  There are many of us that have much, but yet complain about trival problems.  How many cell phones, computers, televisions, cars do most of us have?  There are many throughout this country who are trying to find ways to bring food to the table.

While the politicians attend gala events, travel on tax payer dollars and complain and continue to fight among each other, the middle and lower class citizens are worrying where their next dollar will come from to pay their bills and keep a roof over their head.

Call up a friend, help a neighbor, volunteer to make someone else’s life better, and stop listening to how the sky is falling.  Enough is enough.  Back to basics is so very important.  Call up a politician and catch them off guard when they do not have a prepared speech.  Keep questioning why the dollar is worthless around the world and why are politicians continue to do what is best for them and not us. 

Learn to laugh and have some fun in your lives.  We are all here for a very short time.  Let us start to make it better for all of us.  America is a wonderful country and we are always the first to help everyone.  The time has come for us to start helping ourselves.  Let other countries start demanding answers from their leaders. We can no longer take on the world alone. 

This is not rocket science.  As the value of our dollar continues to fall, we will have less to help others.  There are many wonderful people throughout this country.  Let us all begin to seek each other out and work together.  If you are waiting for the government, corporations and other countries to help us it will not happen.

In the last ten years we have seen the rising health care issues.  Cancer, Alzheimers, Autism in our children and depression is at a all time high.  When I was a young lady in the 80’s these things never were a consideration.  We now see it in every household across America.  There is a pill now to solve everything, but at what cost.

When you call a company, ask to speak to a real person.  No longer can we deal with Press 1 for this and Press 2 for that.  Our phone bills are becoming longer than the telephone books we use to get each year.  Explain to your children that it is time to cut back on unnecessary things.  They will understand, as they want your time and not what new and updated gadget you can buy for them.

Hard working Americans are in need like never before.  Why should an illegal immigrant get preference over us when a health care issue occurs.  Why should they receive benefits that my family is not entitled too.  If you go to an Emergency Room at your local hospital and are a citizen you have to sign your life away before you receive care.  Yet, an illegal immigrant can get care without no questions asked. Why?  Let them start demanding that their own country provide decent living wages and health care. 

When you turn on the news and listen to the news people, ask yourself about their agenda.  Most of them write books now and make lots of money.  Most of the news is not news.  It is a certain few that continue to make a name for themselves. 

In closing, take a deep breathe.  Relish in your grandchildren and their future.  Stop and smell the roses. Look at the beautiful sky.  Whatever politics or religion you believe in, fight for that cause.  Most importantly, remember to be positive in this world.  Together, we the middle and lower class citizens can and will continue to make a difference.

Sincerely,

Donna DelVecchio

 

Imagine

One of my dearest friends, Greg,  wrote down the lyrics to the song “Imagine.”  Wow, such a powerful and sweet song.  Thank you for reminding me of this treasured song.

Simple ideas that truly could change the world.  All of us can make a difference in simple ways.  Just connecting with each other and knowing that we are somehow all going through the same helps. 

Was thinking of doing like the Regis Show did a couple of months ago.  They had a contest of ladies in high heel shoes racing.  Silly, but adorable.  It went to charity. 

Pie eating contests, dance a thons, silliest outfit, Bingo Night – the skies the limit.  Perhaps, we can all do something in our own little towns to make it a fun night and then donate to a favorite charity. 

TImes are getting tougher for all of us.  Worthwhile charities are being hit hard too.  Most of us do not have the money to spare.  As schools across the nation begin again we can make a difference in numbers. 

Think of what we did as kids to collect money – lemonade stands, collecting change from neighbors, family and friends. 

Perhaps all that visit this site think about starting your own blog and connect with people that have the same passions as you. 

A dollar to most of us means little nowadays.  Yet, if a community of 1,000 could collect $1.00 from each person, perhaps that gift of $1,000.00 would make the world of difference to someone.

Think of a cause or charity and search out others to help you along the way.

Share your ideas here and perhaps you may connect with someone throughout this wonderful country that may work with you.

XOXO

Donna

 

Dream and Inspire

Believe in yourself.  Never have self doubt on decisions that you have made.  When one door closes another one always opens.

So many simple and wonderful quotes have been passed down from one generation to the next.  Yet, they continue on as they are so very true.

“An Apple a Day Keep’s the Doctor Away”

“A Penny Earned is a Penny Saved”

“Do Not Count Your Chickens Before They Have Hatched”

“The Grass is Always Greener on the Other Side”

“Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder”

“America the Beautiful”

“Early to Bed and Early to Rise, Makes a man (woman) Healthy and Wise”

Somehow along the way we have all forgotten these tried and true sayings.

When was the last time you woke up at dawn to see the sun rise?  Walked through the gorgeous green grass lately in your barefeet.  Have you laughed your heart out lately, or do you worry about laugh lines?  Have you had a moment to listen to the birds chirping on a splendid day filled with sunshine?

This blog is my place for all to visit and to know that we are all feeling the same emotions.  Never in America have Americans been so confused, sad,  and truly feeling we have lost our way.

Depression is an every day word in every household now.  Financial problems are for ever a problem that we all face.  We worry about our children and their futures.  Time to relax and just daydream and reflect on our lives have been replaced with a fast paced world that we can no longer keep up with.

It is time to get back to basics.  Family, friends, and truly helping our neighbors must start happening again. Visit a friend down the street with a home cooked meal, go in your front yard and talk to your neighbors.  Laugh and be silly.  Help a child truly in need.  A small gift to a child with no hope will mean so much to them.

Our soldiers, past and present, have faught for our freedoms.  Let us celebrate them by putting out the American Flag, write a letter to a soldier thanking them for their service, if you see a soldier, salute them and let them know you care. 

We, as middle class Americans, can start to make a difference.  It will take much work to turn back the hands of time.  As Billy Joel sung, “We Did Not Start The Fire.” This is true, but we can start little by little making sure that more fires do not erupt.

Again, this blog that I started is for everyone and anyone who wants to dream, inspire, motivate and help others.

If you need advice ask.  You will be amazed how many are going through the same feelings and emotions you are going through.

If you have a service, a special talent, or just simply a little business that you want to advertise on this blog go ahead with it.  Perhaps someone in your area will need your help and talent.