The Federalist Papers

I decided to start blogging about political stuff, since that is what really gets my blood boiling. The President is going to address the nation tomorrow, and that will be interesting. But the main thing I will be doing is reading the Federalist Papers. This is a book compiled from the NY Times from a pen name Publius which was really the trio of James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay.

Today I read the first letter that was attributed to Hamilton. It was an introduction stating how he was a proponent of the new Constitution that was up for a vote. He mentioned that it could easily be shot down but to do that without learning what it would mean to every one would be the easy and wrong thing to do. It sounded like he wanted the people to listen and envision his Constitutional world. He also called it a Popular Government.

MSGT David Kent Aiken

I can't say enough about the man.  I wish I could say more than I can.  At this stage in my life, one of the regrets I have is my personality to leave people alone.  I'd rather them come to me.   

This is another person that I wish I had gone to him.  He was a beautifull person.  Human, Marine, and friend to all.  Well most.  I didn't like him too much when I first got him as a freshman cadet.  As we went on day after day, though, I came to respect him.  He came to respect me a bit, too.  At least I want to think so.  When something happened and I was about to burst, I trusted him.  Well, he really didn't do anything but listen to me that day, but he learned that I am a person of my word that day.  

He came to my first wedding.  That really surprized me.  That was the first time he interacted with me out of ROTC.  That wasn't the last.  My oldest went on to be in his Lee High School ROTC for the two years he was there and she went on to be the Comanding officer.  She's the kind of person that doesn't quit.  The guy that was in charge after he left made her come to me several times saying she wanted out.  I always supported her in what she decided, and she always decided to stick it out.  It payed off, but I still think that Sarge layed a good foundation for her to continue. 

I see in the condolences and other places that he acted like a second dad to many.  I loved him, but missed that part of him.  I'm crying for another person I can't say I love you to.  I miss my uncles.  I miss my dad.  I miss the Rayls that I haven't seen since I was a baby.  I missed knowing them at all.

This man David Aiken and another that died just a couple of months ago, Webber Greer, they both were older men that respected me for a strong female.  They both taught me some of what they knew.  I wish I had kept in touch with them.  

David K Aiken

Hot Pursuit tribute

Homeschooling and Found a Giveaway

I have been homeschooling now for 12 years.  Not only am I homeschooling my youngest 2, but also my step-grandsons.  Things that worked for my children are not working for these 2.  They are more visual.  The oldest one has a hard time with auditory processing.  I didn't realize this was his problem for about 7 months.  I only knew there was a problem.  After attending the Little Giant Steps lesson on auditory processing, I realized this was the boy's problem.  

I felt such a relief.  I know, now.  Now I can approach thinks differently.  One of the things we (my daughter and I) decided was to change up his math, handwriting, and the way we teach phonics.  At the convention the Arnolds of Texas Special Kids recommended some curriculum that would be better for a visual learner that is ESL.  One is Math-U-See.  Another handwriting program that was addressed was the Draw-Write-Now series.  This is being given away as a prize at Shannon's Blog.  I have entered and invite anyone who reads this to enter also.  The contest will be closed at 11:00 pm on Monday, September 8th.  She will draw a name on Tuesday the 9th.    

Good Luck.

Sarah Palin

McCain's choice for VP is a direct opposite of Hillary Clinton.  I was not going to vote for either main party this election.  This changed my mind.  I was impressed with Ms. Palin.    I liked her and her politics.