"The other thing we have to do is to take seriously the role in this problem of. . .older men who prey on underage women. . .There are consequences to decisions and. . .one way or another, people always wind up being held accountable." -- Bill Clinton, June 13, 1996, in a speech endorsing a national effort against teen pregnancy (As quoted in U.S. News and World Report)
Nelson Mandela, hero to billions and winner of the Nobel Peach Prize, apparently doesn't hold such peaceful opinions.
Speaking at a refugee camp on the Gaza Strip, Mandela told Palestinians that violence becomes a feasible option when peace talks break down.
"Our men and women with vision choose peace rather than confrontation, except in cases where we cannot move forward," the South African president said. "Then, if the only alternative is violence, we will use violence."
This elicited a two minute ovation from Palestinians who would love nothing more than to terrorize Israelis to accelerate the peace process.
I don't know of any cause that has been furthered after killing those you are trying to convince that you don't want conflict. It never has seemed like the best way to spread your message of peace.
Here's a praise to the House for passing the Patients Bill of Rights last week, which in part allows patients to sue their health care providers.
The Norwood-Dingell bill, backed by the American Medical Association and about 300 other health and consumer groups, was opposed by the managed care and health insurance industries who argued it would encourage a flood of lawsuits and push up health care costs. Business groups also opposed to the bill said it would force many employers to drop health coverage for workers.
This is hogwash and a smoke-screen. Why should the managed care organizations be free from punishment while all other businesses must adhere to the laws of the land? What makes them so inpenetrable? And businesses always say it could cost people their jobs or health care, but when it comes to bear very little difference in terms of costs to employers would be made because of this bill.
In addition to the lawsuit provisions, the Norwood-Dingell bill includes a number of patient protections, such as emergency care coverage, access to medical specialists and more information to patients about what treatments are covered.
The past month has seen a barrage of attacks by Democrats charging Republicans of being racists. No matter how outlandish the claims are, unfortunately much of the American public believes their lies.
That's why it is so much sweeter when Republicans make the Left taste their own bitter medicine.
On Monday, Missouri Gov. Mel Carnahan was forced to apologize for appearing in blackface at a minstrel show 39 years ago, just days after calling Missouri Sen. John Ashcroft a racist when he voted to reject a black judge for a federal appointment.
To other Democrats, that charge must now feel that it is like the pot calling the kettle...well, you know.
As a final thought, I just want to express my sorrow over the death of golfer Payne Stewart, whose plane crashed on Monday en route from Orlando to Dallas.
He was one of my favorite professionals to watch, and was the person many lukewarm fans thought of when you say PGA Tour, because of his famous knickers and caps he wore throughout his career.
I still have a golf ball that he gave me some ten years ago when I was following his group during a pro-am at the Fed Ex St. Jude Classic in Memphis when it was played at Colonial Country Club.
It was next to the 14th tee early in the morning, as Stewart was playing with Dana Kirk, former U. of Memphis basketball coach. Kirk used one of the Porta-Johns next to the tee, and Stewart had some fun with him, throwing several golf balls at the structure while having a great laugh. Stewart then signed and gave the balls to a few of us junior fans who enjoyed the spectacle.
That's how I'd like to remember a man who was a champion both on and off the course.