I wanted to take this time to share with you some sad news. Kipp Doane, CCP, a friend for over 20 years and a member of Trident’s Elite Traveling Team, passed away unexpectedly on Friday (April 17). Kipp was on assignment in Orange County, California at one of our accounts. When he was rushed to the ER after collapsing during the lunch hour at a local restaurant on Thursday, his condition was very grave. His wife, Kathy, and family flew from their home in Austin, TX to be with him. He was pronounced on Friday afternoon. This came as a surprise as he had a complete physical three weeks prior and had received a clean bill of health. The cause of death is still unknown. Because he was out of state, California law requires an autopsy.
On a personal note, most recently, Kipp and Kathy wanted to be near family and moved to their new home in Austin Texas a week ago. Kipp was with Trident at some memorable times of the company’s growth. When the Western and Toronto General merged, Kipp was part of the five member Traveling Team that helped turn around and stabilize things during our two and a half year contract to bring them in-house. Kipp not only helped many of our accounts during vacation and meeting relief, but was also a valued asset in helping hospitals which requested Trident’s help in an emergent locums situation. Kipp was one of those unforgettable characters who was laid back, with a wonderful sense of humor, a ready smile, and who never knew a stranger. He was terrific behind the pump. I will miss bantering with him on matters of mutual interest and always in good spirit. Above all, I’ll remember Kipp as someone who loved his wife Kathy, his children Kendra and Kipp II, and grandchildren Connor, Maya and Macy. He always spoke eloquently about them. He was so proud of them.
It is never easy to pass along this sort of news, suffice it to say that Kipp will be missed. As soon as we receive word of the services, details and arrangements, we will advise.
Ralph E. Jordan CEO & President Trident Health Resources, Inc.
Sometimes heroes are obvious to us. They are given titles and duties to perform acts of valor. Maybe the obvious heroes of our time don't get enough credit because of our high expectations, but I like to think we can be inspired by heroes of either kind -- those obvious and those who emerge in unexpected ways.
A few months ago, the world was taken aback in awe at Pilot of US Airways Flight 1549, Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III, who took his responsibility beyond duty to risk his own life in the crash of Flight 1549 on the Hudson River to first, safely land the plane in the Hudson River, then, amazingly, he undid his safety belt and walked the length of the plane to make sure all the passengers were safely outside before seeking safety, himself.
And I think of other heroes who've recently inspired by their bravery... and a common thread, indeed, is how humbly they respond to outpour of celebration by the public to their effort.
Take the case last week of Captain Richard Phillips who traded his own safety to save his crew from the buccaneers who roamed his ship. Pictured is Phillips's wife holding his photo. The news quoted her as saying, "He wanted me to tell you, 'I'm just a small part in this. The real heroes of the story are the U.S. military.'" This hero shrugged off "the mantle of hero" in humble appreciation of others.
These are compelling examples of the character and goodness that reign in mankind. Amid a world full of challenges--from war, to economic decline, to even political disputes, including the tea parties held around the country yesterday (with so little media attention to the outcries of good people trying to arise to the issues against taxation). I pause to think on the difference one person can make that is seemingly small in contrast to the vastness of our world, yet truly grand in its mark in the hearts of minds of regular people who read about and witness such events.
In today's international news was a story about an ordinary British Woman, Susan Boyle, who emerged an everyman's hero this week. If you didn't catch this story, I encourage you to view it for its empassionate effect on the human spirit, which speaks so eloquently to us all. CLICK THIS LINK. In the lyrics of Les Mis's "I Dreamed a Dream," sung by Susan Boyle, these words speak to all of this so eloquently and leave us to ponder even more.... I can't think of a more relevant song choice for this underrated woman who said she'd never been kissed, who dared to imagine a bigger life. The history behind the song resonates. In the Broadway show, Les Mis, the character of Fantine suffers joblessness and destitution. Susan Boyle's passionate performance belts out powerfully about the reality of life's struggles.
But so the story ends... Upon Boyle's uttering her first note, an entire crowd of onlookers were on their feet, cheering in awe at a most unlikely candidate who unexpectedly changed a cultural view about beauty and talent and capacity to be strong.
Looks can be deceiving. The obviousness of heroism isn't always so.
March 13, 2009 (Dunedin, FL).Trident Health Resources, Inc. announced today that its industry newsletter will now be published exclusively online. The publication had previously been a monthly, hard copy newsletter mailed out to subscribers.
Ralph Jordan, Trident’s CEO and President stated “We are afforded great benefits by going online. For one, it dramatically expands our influence to communicate with our subscribers, manufacturers, hospital staff and administrators and colleagues who become aware of us through the “send to a friend” function within the e-newsletter.” Jordan is particularly happy about the links to sections of Trident’s website through the newsletter, which direct readers to areas of particular interest. He said, “Expansion opportunities and directing traffic strategically are two of the greatest benefits.”
Trident’s new online newsletter has several value-added features which benefit customers:
• Wide distribution capabilities • Direct links to special online content • Increased speed in production, distribution with latest content to the minute • Advertising opportunities for parallel businesses providing effective reach for advertisers, as readers will now be able to link immediately to products and services of interest. • Online tracking and subscriber maintenance through online reporting.
The e-newsletter launches on Friday, March 13th. Trident would be interested in hearing from readers regarding their reaction to the new format.
Trident Health Resources, Inc. provides 24 hour coverage, 365 days per year for all open-heart procedures on both a long term contract and emergency or locum tenens basis. Since 1988, Trident introduced what is now a clearly proven concept that works: hospitals using outside, certified providers of cardiovascular technology and advanced services. Phone (800) 888-8404 or visit Trident online atwww.tridenthealth.com .
Last December 9th, I posted several issues regarding state licensing reciprocity for perfusionists and the fact that AmSect seems to lack interest in this matter (for a review of the earlier blog post and AmSect's position on this subject, click here). I'm bringing this matter to the forefront of my blog once again because I've recently been contacted by perfusionists expressing concerns.
Below are a few excerpts and summaries of perfusionist opinions (note: anonymity has been retained upon request).
This is an ongoing and important topic that should be discussed. It is for that reason I am posting these comments to my blog. You may certainly post here "anonymously". Also, feel free to contact me by phone or email.
COMMENTS FROM PERFUSIONISTS ON THE LACK OF STATE RECIPROCITY:
... We hire from a limited pool of candidates who currently hold a license in our state. Any out of state candidate would have to go through our state's licensing board which takes better than 6 weeks.
Our state agency is typical and it is difficult trying to talk to someone who actually knows what is going on. It is difficult to get a straight answer.
Some candidates have had issues regarding having held a license from another state and because their state agency handles things differently, our state would raise issues and further delay licensing.
When AmSect got into the effort to provide certifying of Autotransfusionists, it is in direct conflict with my state licensing's "scope of practice". If we were a contract group providing perfusion services to a hospital who are staffed with all licensed, certified perfusionists, another group of "Autotransfusionists" could come in and underbid our contract (you certainly can pay cell saver people a lot less than perfusionists, even though perfusionist are the "experts" in blood management.)
I have become a bit jaded with the licensing issue. I am not for it, but suffer under its limitations.
I have provided occasional assistance to a group in another state for vacation or meeting coverage. I had to deal with numerous issues in getting another state license.
It is expensive to maintain licensing in more than one state.
I called the state health board. .. Press this for english, press another for this board, another for that board and so on. Then you get a voicemail telling you the person you wanted to talk to is busy serving others and to leave a message. Then imagine... that you are actually going to get a return phone call. In this lifetime, I mean.
This month I received a letter from the state health board telling me that "they" had determined that I had not complied with the requirements and offering to settle the matter for a mea culpa and a mere $1200.00. According to the statute, certification is grounds for a waiver for examination and education requirements.
It appears that Tennessee has chosen to make their requirements a bit more stringent concerning CEUs. I don’t know the reason they created the 15 CEU’s per year requirement rather than accepting 45 in three years as required by the ABCP but I am assuming this is where you got caught up. Fines are pretty steep ($100 each month past the first 3 that a licensee is not in compliance) not to mention the other fees tacked on. If, as you eluded to in your previous post, this is in order to provide a license to a perfusionist that cannot maintain an ABCP certification then, in my opinion, it was poorly written and should have allowed for either/or.
This seems to be an excellent example of how something that is intended to do good can develop into something that hurts a few people along the way. This may seem like a ‘no duh’ thought but I would encourage each perfusionist that is employed in a licensure state to take the opportunity to read their licensure rules and know what is expected of them. In addition, if you are planning to become employed in a licensure state, know what their laws are before you do. An excellent resource for this information is the GRC section of the AmSECT website where they have links to all states and their licensure acts.
If licensure is happening in your state, be active in its formation. Don’t let a few people determine your course. Give your input. Don’t sit back and let someone else do it and don’t oppose it with your silence because soon it will be too late and you will not have had your voice heard.
Reactions? Additional stories? Would love to hear from you. As many of you know the annual AmSect meeting is currently taking place this weekend. This would be an excellent time to approach any member of the Government Relations Committee (GRC) of AmSect to voice your displeasure at the lack of sensitivity and thoroughness that is exemplified by the lack of reciprocity across states that require licensure. The lack of a patient-focused care philosophy and the obvious restriction of trade that this imposes on many perfusionists is unfair and unwarranted. It would be interesting to note what, if anything, is the GRC going to do about this deliberate action that they have championed. I look forward to your comments and would welcome a response from AmSect and their GRC about what they intend to do to resolve this problem. Ralph E. Jordan CEO & President Trident Health Resources, Inc.
In a supermarket, Kurtis the stock boy, was busily working when a new voice came over the loud speaker asking for a carry out at register 4. Kurtis was almost finished, and wanted to get some fresh air, and decided to answer the call. As he approached the check-out stand a distant smile caught his eye, the new check-out girl was beautiful. She was an older woman (maybe 26, and he was only 22) and he fell in love.
Later that day, after his shift was over, he waited by the punch clock to find out her name. She came into the break room, smiled softly at him, took her card punched out, then left. He looked at her card, BRENDA. He walked out only to see her start walking up the road. Next day, he waited outside as she left the supermarket, and offered her a ride home. He looked harmless enough, and she accepted. When he dropped her off, he asked if maybe he could see her again, outside of work. She simply said it wasn't possible.
He pressed and she explained she had two children and she couldn't afford a baby-sitter, so he offered to pay for the baby-sitter. Reluctantly she accepted his offer for a date for the following Saturday. That Saturday night he arrived at her door only to have her tell him that she was unable to go with him. The baby-sitter had called and canceled. To which Kurtis simply said, "Well, let's take the kids with us."
She tried to explain that taking the children was not an option, but again not taking no for an answer, he pressed. Finally Brenda, brought him inside to meet her children. She had an older daughter who was just as cute as a bug, Kurtis thought, then Brenda brought out her son, in a wheelchair. He was born a paraplegic with Down Syndrome.
Kurtis asked Brenda, "I still don't understand why the kids can't come with us?" Brenda was amazed. Most men would run away from a woman with two kids, especially if one had disabilities - just like her first husband and father of her children had done. Kurtis was not ordinary - - - he had a different mindset.
That evening Kurtis and Brenda loaded up the kids, went to dinner and the movies. When her son needed anything Kurtis would take care of him. When he needed to use the restroom, he picked him up out of his wheelchair, took him and brought him back. The kids loved Kurtis. At the end of the evening, Brendaknew this was the man she was going to marry and spend the rest of her lifewith.
A year later, they were married and Kurtis adopted both of her children. Since then they have added two more kids.
So what happened to Kurtis the stock boy and Brenda the check-out girl? Well, Mr. & Mrs. Kurt Warner now live in Arizona, where he is currently employed as the quarterback of the National Football League Arizona Cardinals and has his led the Cardinals to Tampa Bay to compete in the Super Bowl against the always dangerous Pittsburgh Steelers.
It should be noted that he also quarterbacked the Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI. He has also been the NFL's Most Valuable Player twice and the Super Bowl's Most Valuable Player.
As far as the Superbowl is concerned, I'm betting on he Pittsburgh Steelers. Any team which has a quarterback who wrecked his motorcycle in downtown Pittsburgh (and wasn't wearing a helmet) and has come back to lead his team has got to be tough to beat. Go Steelers! We will... We will.. rock you.....
If you know of anyone who has accomplished extraordinary things, and who has led a relevant life and has made a difference and who happens to be associated in our industry, we'd like to know about them. Please email me. I'd like to begin featuring stories on this blog.
Ralph E. Jordan CEO & President Trident Health Resources, Inc.
With the holiday celebrations now behind us, most of you are hopefully refreshed from some time off, and now returning to work this week to begin focusing on 2009 goals. I would like to wish everyone a strong jump start in the New Year to achieve the best that can be within your work and personal domains.We're truly optimistic about the future as Trident closes our books from 2008 with the realization that the company just had its best year ever.Inasmuch as our good fortune comes at a time amid economic strain in our country, it is our hope to extend efforts to perfusionists to aid in the promotion of continued strength in our industry, particularly within the perfusion employment arena.
The U.S. Government reports the following statistics on the country's Unemployment Rate:
Both the number of unemployed persons (10.3 million) and the unemployment rate (6.7 percent) continued to increase in November.Since the start of the recession in December 2007, as recently announced by the National Bureau of Economic Research, the number of unemployed persons increased by 2.7 million, and the unemployment rate rose by 1.7 percentage points. (Source: http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.nr0.htm )
Many sectors of industry are particularly at risk for unemployment. As we have all witnessed within the news over the past several months, our automobile manufacturers are forced to do major lay-offs and close plants and sales centers; banking and real estate have suffered historical lows; the stock market dives have left many private investors at great loss, and even after a hopeful Christmas season in retail, the numbers reported in sales at the close of 2008 were disappointing. Now many retailers are closing stores throughout the country. Yet, in our perfusion business, 2008 was the strongest year Trident Health Resources, Inc. has seen.
For the first time in our 20 year company history, Trident is fully staffed. I don't know what this means against the tides of a struggling U.S. economy other than perhaps the need for heart surgery is a steady business as much of our demographic population of Baby Boomers enters advanced age.
I have recently updated the Trident website employment page. We continue to recruit good perfusionists for future positions.We also pride ourself in sharing our knowledge of openings within other contract companies and for in-house hospital staffing needs, if and when, we become aware of them and are able to match and refer a qualified prospective perfusionist to a good career opportunity.
Trident's dedication to the industry extends beyond our own company needs. Our community website, www.perfusioncommunity.com is a stand-alone place for perfusionists to find the latest news and employment opportunities within many hospitals around the country. We keep our data current on a weekly-sometimes daily-basis. I'm excited to tell you that this month at Perfusion Community we are establishing a resume bank for perfusionist job seekers, which will allow job seekers a one-stop-shop for job hunting. Potential employers will have the ability to search the resume bank and contact prospects directly about openings. This is yet another added service Perfusion Community will soon offer.Please be sure to check online frequently for the latest developments.
Finally, it is with much empathy I feel for struggling industries that we all rely upon as American consumers.I am hopeful with a new presidency that tax relief programs will improve these conditions.
If you'd like to contribute comments to the state of the country's economy or employment situation, I'd certainly be interested in hearing them.Feel free to post your comments here or email me directly.
Wishing you all the best in health and prosperity in 2009.
Ralph E. Jordan CEO & President Trident Health Resources, Inc.
I hope all had a very Merry Christmas and that you are now looking ahead optimistically to the New Year.As we reflect on the year past and celebrate the new, there are many traditions we tend to follow in America.Many of us wear party hats, blow horns, toast champagne, throw confetti, watch the ball drop at Times Square in New York or bang pots and pans at the stroke of midnight, when the new year begins.For good luck, an old Irish tradition is to eat black-eyed peas or cabbage on January 1st.New Year's Day is a recognized national holiday and offices are closed, families gather for more holiday cheer.The song, Auld Lang Syne, which is traditionally played all over the world on New Year’s is a melody that’s recognizable everywhere, albeit, I know of no one who ever learned the lyrics.For you history buffs, some sources say the song was written Robert Burns in the 1700's, with other reports suggesting that an earlier rendition was composed prior to 1700.The song is Scottish and the song title literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."
While we look anew to the year ahead, we also reflect on old friends and the past and what it has meant to us.2008 was a difficult year for many…I personally know several families who have a beloved overseas at war, there are those struck by misfortune: economic effects of war, high gas prices, stock market declines, hurricanes, lay-offs and down-sizing, not to mention any personal hardships experienced.My heart extends to you.We have all watched headline news and have had to put life in perspective, some making some pretty significant life changes to adjust to new demands or crises.Whatever held us back in 2008, we must certainly move forward bravely and with hope and faith, personally and professionally.
For Trident Health Resources, Inc., we remain fiscally strong into 2009 with continuing hopes of growing our business base and constantly improving our technology and processes at our existing accounts.Our future is bright and it is dependent on good people, which we pride ourselves on selection and retention of the best.This Spring we will acknowledge the entrance of Trident’s 21st year in business under the same ownership.It wasn’t luck that brought us this far along.We got here because of consistency, a patient-first attitude and the experience to respond quickly and effectively to our hospitals’ needs for perfusion staffing and equipment. We work in partnership with our clients.
Your readership here is appreciated!If you haven’t visited our website for a while, please check out www.tridenthealth.com as well as our sister site, www.perfusioncommunity.com.We stay on top of the marketplace and post the latest in news and job opportunities for those in the perfusion industry.We’ll certainly be busy continuing to do so through 2009.I’m personally excited about our direction for the new year and I hope you’ll visit this blog frequently and comment often.
Wishing you and yours a Very Happy New Year.
Ralph E. Jordan CEO & President Trident Health Resources, Inc.
There continues to be a major problem with AmSect’s desire for state mandated professional licensure of all perfusionists.I'd like to call attention to the fact that there is, at present, no workable, fair or real reciprocity between states in the licensing of Perfusionists, even though the GRC claims this to be fact. In the event of a medical emergency, this is a serious situation.
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To illuminate the problem, here is a case in point: I received a telephone call one Friday afternoon that an ECMO Team was immediately needed in Texas to monitor a baby girl. All my Texas travelers were on assignment and unable to fill the need. In response, however, I inquired at the Texas state's licensing office aboutany provision in the law for quick licensing for emergencies.My Perfusion staff licensed from other parts of the country could be credentialed, but unfortunately state licensing for an emergent situation in Texas had no provisions, or so I was told.NOTE:The same response was given in MO, TN, and GA when we experienced similar situations in past years.
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Several state licensing offices charge upwards of $400 to $700 per license annually and yet they are clueless about what a Perfusionist is or does, nor do they seem to care. That is, if you can locate them.
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In the case of the Texas ECMO baby, patient care suffered and unfortunately there was a negative outcome.I wish I could report that this was a one-time occurrence, but we have experienced similar events a multitude of times over the years as we tried to be of assistance to hospitals and perfusion colleagues who reached out to us.We appealed to the Government Relations Committee through a friend and an associate who was a member and who presented the case in 2007.
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The issue has been a point of contention for years for many perfusionist who are sole proprietors and for contract companies like Trident, which provide locum tenens services on a national scale.
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When individual states put their regulations together, supported and directed by AmSect, I wonder: Were they thinking more of exclusion than inclusion?Less about patient-focused care or rights of patients?Is the public welfare served by this endeavor? There are many good reasons to have licensure, but to me, it just doesn’t seem that the support from AmSect has been thought out to include all services, especially emergent care that is readily available from providers like Trident.
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We approached AmSect about the problem and the response, in my opinion, was idealistic, lacking expansive thought and bordering on irresponsible . That reply is posted here:
I don't want to make this issue about contract companies such as Trident versus hospital-based or instate perfusion groups, but this protect your turf mentality is not only short-sighted and paranoid, but goes against the precepts of inclusion. I would be interested to hear reader thoughts and any experiences you've had as a contractor or other perfusion providers concerning this topic.
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This problem is not isolated or regional.It is nationwide.My question is, Where is the leadership? Or, is this the harbinger for new thought for establishing another (more enlightened) organization that will truly support what perfusion and care of the patient is all about?
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Inclusion or Exclusion? What's your take on this? Oh, by the way, and for the record... We haven’t even touched upon the concept of free enterprise or the restriction of trade or how the public good is served by this endeavor.
Several years following President John F. Kennedy’s death, a poet named Kathryn Kay received a phone call from a congressional lobbyist who told her that her poem "Thanksgiving Prayer" was the inspiration for the President’s most famous quote: "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." He told her that President Kennedy was moved by a poem he had heard on a radio show on Thanksgiving in 1940 which "stuck with him."At the time, Kennedy was 23 years old, just starting his career, and a recent Harvard graduate.
The Lobbyist told Miss Kay that it was her poem which inspired the president because it was heard across the country on Thanksgiving, and the meaning behind the words were quite similar to Kennedy’s expression--specifically, the poem’s ending in a prayer, "God, help me make America as proud that I am hers—as I am proud, and grateful she is mine!"
While the story is considered a legend and not part of the history books,I thought that I’d share with you the Thanksgiving Prayer by Kathryn Kay as it was read in 1940, allegedly inspiring President Kennedy.
Thanksgiving Prayer
God, ev'ry year about this time,
according to routine,
I've bowed my head in the accepted way
and offered thanks, like some well synchronized machine
that prayed because it was the time to pray.
But, God, this year is different, this year I seem to feel
America's Thanksgiving is my own,
that in my nation's gratitude I have a part that's real,
a part that until now I've never known.
And, God, this year a deep humility has filled my heart,
a newborn pride rings true thruout my soul
because I do belong, because I have and am a part,
a tiny part of one tremendous whole.
I think I know the feeling of those first Americans
who said, "We must give thanks for this, our land."
I cherish now the rights that are each woman's, ev'ry man's,
the rights I've just begun to understand.
This year my heart has learned what all Thanksgiving Days are for,
true thankfulness at last I realize,
but, God, I'm sorry that it took the tragedy of war
in other lands to open up my eyes.
Again I bow my head but this time deep within me stirs
a mighty prayer, part of one vast design,
"God, help me make America as proud that I am hers—
Much has been said about the OBama Victory. As impressive as it was, especially for those jubilant voters under the age of 39 ( young professionals, students, minorities, and less hard core ideologues than one would imagine ), who usually are apathetic and not too interested or impressed with what has become a very divided and partisan society. It's as if our country was comprised of two tribes jockeying for position... one blue, one red.
When stepping back and trying to be as pragmatic as one can be with the cold realization that my team did not triumph, I try to imagine what if... but nothing comes up... trying to sound brave doesn't get it when one has a heavy heart... and no excuses for rightful failure. Da gum those words... those sentiments... that indomitable spirit... that righteous wind... that soaring rhetoric... it does mesmerize. The fellow was standing there almost messianic all by himself with thousands and thousands of delirious disciples enraptured, as if they were experiencing the aura of a beatific vision. And I was spellbound as well... even if only for a moment...
The old guard civil rights activists with tears streaming down their faces... a popular and universally respected icon wearing purple (reminiscent of the title of her debut film).. students literally jumping for joy both in Grant Park and Lafayette Park across from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue... It almost causes one to doubt the old ways of tribal warfare.
What will happen after his ascension to the presidency will soon be determined. But this historic night would be lost if we did not pause and take in the importance of what actually happened. This country actually elected a man of color ... to be president. Just think about it.
Like my 5 year old granddaughter says when something she thinks is cool ..." it's awesome, Papa."
We know this is a good Country. We know this is a Country where everyone around the world wants to come for its freedoms and opportunities. The Country has sacrificed its young in so many ways in the name of freedom... freedom of choice, freedom of speech, freedom of religion... But who would have thought this would actually happen less than 60 years from the tumultuous times prior to the passing of the Civil Rights Act?
This is truly a good Country in spite of all its blemishes. But there's more. In my discernment over the loss of my team, I reconciled myself to the fact that my vote was even more significant. It was a vote that ended all those wars we have been fighting in my lifetime. The war of hate, the war of prejudice, the wars of inequality, the Civil War or, as some of my long ago college classmates would say...The War of Northern Aggression..., the Vietnam War ...Johnson's war...the politicians' war..., the war between the classes--all obliterated with one single vote...
My vote was to honor my fallen comrades from the Vietnam era. My vote was a vote for them. This new generation doesn't know... doesn't remember... what we went through and what we sacrificed. They didn't bathe in the warmth of a genuinely good man who brought many of us together in the person of Ronald Reagan. That was MY team.
And the ones that followed really blew it. And subsequently, out of the ashes of their greed and corruption sprang this energetic Phoenix. And in his triumphant ascendency, he has shattered every myth and every war that has personally plagued us for such a long time.
He is now the president-elect..."our" president. And I wish him well and will support him any way possible; I will disagree with him when I think he is on the wrong track. But instead of judging harshly or criticizing bitterly I will nudge compassionately and hope to God my team can get it together for the next go-around.
The Wars are finally over and that is a good thing. Now, there are no more excuses for bad behavior...
Military Times recently compiled results of a Military Personnel Election Poll, which I found quite interesting. Here are the Results, but do click on the link for the extensive charts and details if you'd like more information.
This article appeared earlier in the week and I thought I'd share it... Charles Krauthammer is a Pulitzer Prize winner and is considered a fair-minded and brilliant intellectual. He writes a nationally syndicated column for the Washington Post, which appears in more tha 150 newspapers across the country.
I've included his BIO below.
Ralph E. Jordan CEO & President
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October 24, 2008, 0:00 a.m.
McCain Gets My Vote
I’m for the guy who can tell the lion from the lamb.
By Charles Krauthammer
Contrarian that I am, I’m voting for John McCain. I’m not talking about bucking the polls or the media consensus that it’s over before it’s over. I’m talking about bucking the rush of wet-fingered conservatives leaping to Barack Obama before they’re left out in the cold without a single state dinner for the next four years.
I stand athwart the rush of conservative ship-jumpers of every stripe — neo (Ken Adelman), moderate (Colin Powell), genetic/ironic (Christopher Buckley) and socialist/atheist (Christopher Hitchens) — yelling “Stop!” I shall have no part of this motley crew. I will go down with the McCain ship. I’d rather lose an election than lose my bearings.
First, I’ll have no truck with the phony case ginned up to rationalize voting for the most liberal and inexperienced presidential nominee in living memory. The “erratic” temperament issue, for example. As if McCain’s risky and unsuccessful but in no way irrational attempt to tactically maneuver his way through the economic tsunami that came crashing down a month ago renders unfit for office a man who demonstrated the most admirable equanimity and courage in the face of unimaginable pressures as a prisoner of war, and who later steadily navigated innumerable challenges and setbacks, not the least of which was the collapse of his campaign just a year ago.
McCain the “erratic” is a cheap Obama talking point. The 40-year record testifies to McCain the stalwart.
Nor will I countenance the “dirty campaign” pretense. The double standard here is stunning. Obama ran a scurrilous Spanish-language ad falsely associating McCain with anti-Hispanic slurs. Another ad falsely claimed McCain supports “cutting Social Security benefits in half.” And for months Democrats insisted that McCain sought 100 years of war in Iraq.
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McCain’s critics are offended that he raised the issue of William Ayers. What’s astonishing is that Obama was himself not offended by William Ayers.
Moreover, the most remarkable of all tactical choices of this election season is the attack that never was. Out of extreme (and unnecessary) conscientiousness, McCain refused to raise the legitimate issue of Obama’s most egregious association — with the race-baiting Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Dirty campaigning, indeed.
The case for McCain is straightforward. The financial crisis has made us forget, or just blindly deny, how dangerous the world out there is. We have a generations-long struggle with Islamic jihadism. An apocalyptic, soon-to-be-nuclear Iran. A nuclear-armed Pakistan in danger of fragmentation. A rising Russia pushing the limits of revanchism. Plus the sure-to-come Falklands-like surprise popping out of nowhere.
Who do you want answering that phone at 3 a.m.? A man who’s been cramming on these issues for the last year, who’s never had to make an executive decision affecting so much as a city, let alone the world? A foreign-policy novice instinctively inclined to the flabbiest, most vaporous multilateralism (e.g., the Berlin Wall came down because of “a world that stands as one”), and who refers to the most deliberate act of war since Pearl Harbor as “the tragedy of 9/11,” a term more appropriate for a bus accident?
Or do you want a man who is the most prepared, most knowledgeable, most serious foreign-policy thinker in the United States Senate? A man who not only has the best instincts, but has the honor and the courage to, yes, put country first, as when he carried the lonely fight for the surge that turned Iraq from catastrophic defeat into achievable strategic victory?
There’s just no comparison. Obama’s own running mate warned this week that Obama’s youth and inexperience will invite a crisis — indeed a crisis “generated” precisely to test him. Can you be serious about national security and vote on November 4 to invite that test?
And how will he pass it? Well, how has he fared on the only two significant foreign policy tests he has faced since he’s been in the Senate? The first was the surge. Obama failed spectacularly. He not only opposed it. He tried to denigrate it, stop it, and — finally — deny its success.
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The second test was Georgia, to which Obama responded instinctively with evenhanded moral equivalence, urging restraint on both sides. McCain did not have to consult his advisers to instantly identify the aggressor.
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Today’s economic crisis, like every other in our history, will in time pass. But the barbarians will still be at the gates. Whom do you want on the parapet? I’m for the guy who can tell the lion from the lamb.
— Charles Krauthammer is a nationally syndicated columnist.
Charles Krauthammer, winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for distinguished commentary, writes a nationally syndicated column for The Washington Post Writers Group. Krauthammer, also winner of the 1984 National Magazine Award for essays, began writing the weekly column for The Washington Post in January 1985. It now appears in more than 150 newspapers.
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The late Meg Greenfield, longtime editorial page editor of The Washington Post, called Krauthammer's column "independent and hard to peg politically. It's a very tough column. There's no 'trendy' in it. You never know what is going to happen next."
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Says Fred Hiatt, editorial page editor of The Washington Post: "Krauthammer's weekly essays on the war on terrorism, bioethics, the Middle East and other complex and contentious issues cut through the cant and the muddy thinking in a way that many other columnists can only envy."
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A column, says Krauthammer, is not just politics. "My beat is ideas, everything from the ethics of cloning to strategy in Iraq. I also do public service, like reading Stephen Hawking's books and assuring my readers that 'It is not you. They are entirely incomprehensible.'"
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Krauthammer was born in New York City and raised in Montreal. He was educated at McGill University, majoring in political science and economics, Oxford University (Commonwealth Scholar in Politics) and Harvard (M.D. in 1975). He practiced medicine for three years as a resident and then chief resident in psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital.
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In 1978, he quit medical practice, came to Washington to direct planning in psychiatric research for the Carter administration, and began contributing articles to The New Republic. During the presidential campaign of 1980, he served as a speech writer to Vice President Walter Mondale. He joined The New Republic as a writer and editor in 1981. He writes regular essays for Time magazine and contributes to several other publications, including The Weekly Standard, The New Republic and The National Interest. He has been honored by many organizations, from the Center for Security Policy (Mighty Pen Award) to People for the American Way (First Amendment Award). In 2003, he was a recipient of the first annual Bradley Prize. In 2004, he was honored by the American Enterprise Institute with the Irving Kristol Award.
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Krauthammer lives in suburban Washington with his wife Robyn, an artist. Their son is a student at Harvard.
