SCOTTISH BREEDS AND THE CAIRN TERRORS - UH - TERRIERS

It’s tough to follow Tad Sims' passing with any subject as all would be mundane and inconsequential in comparison. Methinks Tad would gleefully approve this post as she loved all animals and especially anything Scottish.

As all of my Friends and many of my acquaintances are aware, my affection for Scotland and all things Scottish borders on the extreme to even manic proportions. That extends to our Caledonian canine Friends and basically to the thirteen breeds that originated in Scotland. These include some of the most famous and most brave, tenacious and intelligent dogs in the world. Yes, they surely mirror the most common attributes of the average Scot.

Recent examples of Scottish breeds with major public personas include the magnificent Scottish Deerhound named Cleod who plays the character Padfoot in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Who can forget the awesome Scottish Deerhound in John Boorman’s 1981 Le Morte D’Arthur classic, Excalibur? Lest we forget, in ancient Scotland only those with at least the rank of Earl could own a Deerhound. King Robert the Bruce of Scotland kept Deerhounds as did Scottish novelist and poet Sir Walter Scott, who described his Deerhound Maida as "The most perfect creature of heaven". They are now together, forever, in the Scott Monument in the Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh.

Many forget that Collies (aye, Lassie), Gordon Setters and that American favorite, the Golden Retriever, are all Scottish in origin. I have been told that Goldens can learn up to 240 commands, words and phrases and are renowned for their patience with children. For the record, this capacity greatly exceeds the limits of this writer and many of my Friends.

If you have been to any Dog Trials like the now famous Rural Hill Sheep Dog Trials in Huntersville, NC presented by the Catawba Valley Scottish Society you know that they are a perfect example of the intelligence and perseverance of the working Scottish Border Collie. You have got to see these dogs in action… The sheep industry in Scotland and around the world could not have survived without the Border Collie.

As a sidebar, remembering The Clearances, they were probably part of the Sassenach conspiracy to replace people with sheep. Read James Prebble’s The Highland Clearances and you will understand. Even to this day the infamous Sutherland factor Patrick Sellars conjures contempt and disgust.

But, we pay homage today to the wily and highly intelligent Cairn Terrier, native to the Highlands of Scotland and the Isle of Skye. The son of Mary Queen of Scots, King James VI of Scotland & James I of England referred to these prized terriers as “earth dogges" and gifted them to Friends.

Originally bred as hunting dogs they remain working dogs on farms where they ferret out furry pests and vermin like rats and mice. Despite their diminutive size they demonstrate what are seemingly to most - delusions of grandeur. They appear fearless - unafraid of anybody or anything. One soon learns that the Cairns are fully prepared to back up their bark with the appropriate response. The Cairn in more politically incorrect times helped to hunt burrowing prey like badgers, foxes, and weasels almost gleefully crawling into their dens and forcing these unwanted animals out. The irony is that this Kennel Club of Great Britain (KCGB)/American Kennel Club (AKC) breed may have been named last but genetically is probably the closest to the original terriers working the Scottish Highlands.

Cairns developed into fierce, independent protectors, a trait they still own and demonstrate in backyards around the world as they stalk and chase real or imagined prey (why am I doing this?!) usually to the chagrin of birds, rabbits, possums, armadillos, squirrels, pets in the neighborhood, delivery people of all genres and unsuspecting neighbors walking their pets down the sidewalk. The courageous cairn was incorporated into home and hearth early in its history where it even now reposes as a loyal companion and ever vigilant watchdog.

Vancouver psychologist Stanley Coren, one of the world’s leading experts on dog behavior, has written, The Modern Dog, a collection of anecdotes and reminiscences that center mostly on his own Cairn Terrier, Flint, who was gifted to him by wife Joan. This is a must read for any dog fancier.

Flint is a bundle of brown brindle fur who despite a checkered and insubordinate past would eventually earn obedience champion honors in Canada. Despite these awards Coren appropriately compares Flint with another gift his wife gave him - a 12-gauge shotgun. Wife Joan remains exasperated and far from enamored of Flint and mostly because of Flint’s favorite game, “The Barbarians are coming!”

It seems that Flint routinely transitions peaceful and tranquil times to pandemonium and chaos. A passing automobile, the slightest wind gust or shaft of sun/moon light can initiate endless and frenzied staccato barking and jumping displays of herculean proportions. Nothing, however, could compare with Flint’s reaction to a movie that featured an attack of giant rats. As Coren relates in The Modern Dog, Flint, “launched himself off the sofa and attacked the wooden stand on which the television stood. Growling, barking, slashing, chewing—he desperately tried to grab hold of the table leg and shake it to death. Meanwhile the rat scene had drawn to a close. The squeals were now gone and no rodents were visible any longer on the face of the tube. Flint backed off and looked up. He snorted once or twice through his nose, then with tail erect and legs stiff, proudly walked out of the room, pausing only once to glance at the TV to make sure that his job of saving us from the onslaught of vermin was truly finished.” This outburst would appear to be the norm rather than the exception for Flint and Cairns in general. The above was found on MacLeans.ca, Canada’s only on-line national weekly news magazine. We heartily recommend.

While a resident of Atlanta I had a great relationship with a Cairn Terrier named Skye who belonged to my next door neighbor, uncommon good Friend and harpist extraordinaire, Jan Pennington. Skye was Jan’s constant companion and protector who provided great Friendship to The Pennington Family. Skye and her extended Family and Friends were rewarded by her longevity of fourteen years.

Skye had what they call a wheaten color (aye, just like it sounds), as opposed to the more common brindled (black with gray/silver). The Cairn’s weather-resistant outer coat can be cream, wheaten, red, sandy, gray, or brindled in any of these colors.

Skye was protective of all her Friends including this writer and adopted a credible Highland persona. Word was that Jim Pennington was even able to teach him how to play the great Highland Bagpipes!

Cairns have had their movie successes including that most famous of Cairns, Terry, a female terrier who played the role of a male Cairn named "Toto" in the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz (TWOZ) where she was Judy Garland’s constant companion, on and off the movie set. The reality is that the whole plot of TWOZ revolved around the little Cairn Terrier whose antics get “him” in trouble landing he and Dorothy into the Kingdom of Oz. Bottom Line: Terry was in almost every scene in the movie. The rest is history.

Even before The Wizard of Oz Terry was already a star and eventually made a total of fourteen movies. She also worked with her favorite actress Shirley Temple as well as Joan Crawford, Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable, among many others.

Other Cairn Terriers also appeared in other big Hollywood movies to include Rusty who played Mrs. Muir's dog in the 1947 classic, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir alongside Rex Harrison, Gene Tierney and my personal favorite, Natalie Wood. Since then cairns have played great roles in movies and on the small screen. We might also mention that US President (and Friend to my grandfather, Colonel Buxton) Teddy Roosevelt’s son Jack had a Cairn affectionately named Kermit Roosevelt. The dog was named for one of Roosevelt’s ancestors, not the Frog - or vice versa.

Like many of their Scots owners, Cairn Terriers have an endearing quality – they can be quite verbal. This does not mean that they are always problem barkers, but they will "talk", and grumble, and will mostly communicate with sharp, staccato barks that can sometimes peel the label off a tomato can.

I have a good Friend, a brindle (black and silver) Cairn Terrier named Willa who rules the roost at one very special and magical North Dallas household. When motivated Willa will sit down (or stand unsupported on her two hind legs) in front of you and looking straight in your eyes and with strikingly animated head and lower jaw moves, “talks,” seemingly emulating humans, emitting a wide spectrum of from high to low pitched mostly groans and yawning noises (mouthing sounds). These encounters and vocalizations which can last for a few seconds to a few minutes are Willa’s way of requesting to be let outside, plea for bathroom facilities, play, affection or requesting a biscuit or that ever coveted Greenie®. Her vet says that she is a, “talker.”

I have seen some cute clips on U-Tube where some dogs were trained by their owners to yowl and groan on cue. The difference is that behavior was part of a training regimen where the payoff was a treat (Pavlov) and not a “sincere” motivation that came from the animal. Willa’s voice appears to be some sort of attempt at socialization and communication with humans, a premise backed up by the theories of canid/animal researcher and behaviorist Dr Dorit Feddersen-Petersen of the Zoological Institute at the University of Kiel in Germany.

Dr.Feddersen-Petersen reflects that canines have learned many nuances ofcommunication during the 14,000 years they have lived with humans, "Some of the more modern dog species like the terrier and sheep dog have a wide barking spectrum which is intended as a means of communication with man." Why is it that the Scots Breeds only, “get it?”

Willa also remains a key protector of her owner though her attentions are generally directed at a submersible pool cleaner rechristened Nessie that makes its rounds several times a day on the bottom of the pool. That movement and the occasional spray of water are sufficient to entertain and keep Willa occupied for hours to the understandable chagrin of her immediate neighbors. Reflections of the moon and even the occasional ripple on the surface of the water appear to elicit the same response of DNA-driven territorial imperative and thoughtless angst/engagement with a stiffened aggressive posture and that always predictable intense staccato barking. Nessie always retires to her slumber on the bottom of the pool, no doubt because of Willa’s defensive ministrations. Having defeated the monster Willa, like Coren’s Flint, not knowing its primal attribution, proudly surveys her victory, snorts, aggressively scratches the ground with all fours and then with head high looks for praise (undeserved or not) from her hooch mates.

So the frisky, determined, independent and devoted bundles of energy we know as Cairns continue to hold their own and protect us from the madding crowd and despite a few frustrating, selfish moments, provide us with an uncommon joy. Now it seems that they are also even trying to communicate with us at a higher level (Planet of the Cairn Terriers?).

You will have to excuse me now as Willa has requested an audience and a debate of Robert Burns’, The Twa Dogs. Seems that Willa is infatuated with fellow quadraped and Burns’ Border Collie, Luath, and would like to reflect on the contrast between the life of the rich and poor in 18th century Scotland, a contrast that Burns and Luath experienced firsthand. Should be a winner. If I could just get her to teach me how to splay…

Aye,

Ned Buxton

PATRICIA "TAD" SIMS & HILD

In the early AM hours of January 7, 2009 the Heavens opened up and welcomed another special soul, this time the person of one Patricia “Tad” Sims, Daughter to Beverly, Sister to Charlie, Wife to Mike Wilson and Friend to all that met her. Tad was one of those special people that come along every generation or two though unfortunately their light all too often shines only briefly, though long enough to have a profound affect on the lives she touches. To know Tad was to validate the sure presence of a Supreme Being and the might of good.

Tad had been ill for some time, disabled by a congenital heart condition that as doctors cautioned, had the potential to take her from this earthly plane before she was thirty. She beat the odds makers and with the help of an internal tenacity and modern medicine, extended her maturity to 52 years (9-15-1956 to 1-7-2009). Those last twenty-two years shone like a beacon in the wilderness for this writer. Tad and husband Mike are my best Friends.

Tad was a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Asheville, NC and not surprisingly had been to their Theophany (Epiphany) Service commemorating the Baptism of Christ and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity just hours before her passing. She returned home with the always predictable giant headache from driving those ninety-two miles to Asheville and back that prompted her to take her meds and lay down for a while. Tad never woke up.

Seems appropriate that one of her last acts was to partake of the Eucharist and have a long heart-to-heart with the Reverend Father Demetrios Iliou, Rector of Holy Trinity. After notification of her passing a shocked Father Iliou praised Tad and her presence at Holy Trinity that day as a tangible gift from God and that Tad had been a positive example for all she touched.

Tad had aggressively and lovingly researched and choreographed her transition from the Anglican Church to Greek Orthodoxy. As is the custom in the Greek Orthodox Church Tad appropriately adopted the persona of the Celtic Saint Hild(a) (614 to 680), the iconic Abbess of Whitby who the great theologian, author and scholar - the Venerable Saint Bede - enthusiastically praised as one of the greatest women of all time and the adviser of rulers as well as of ordinary folk. Yep, that was Tad… Hild means “battle” in the old Norse language and seems most appropriate for Tad as she waged a war against any injustice she perceived, not to mention the pain she experienced every minute of every waking hour…

Father Iliou recently reminisced about Tad and their meeting in September 2004 at which point he reflects that he and Tad became very close Friends, where Tad became not only his spiritual daughter, but a sister to him. Father Iliou continued, "Hilda was always full of the Spirit, smiling and rejoicing in the Lord. I still can not believe that she is gone, but I thank the Lord that she was at church on Holy Theophany on January 6th, and received Holy Communion. We talked in my office for a while after services, and she left our church for the last time. I know she is in heaven, and now rejoices with the Angles and the saints. I will miss her until my time comes. May her memory always be eternal in all our hearts and souls. God bless you Hilda!" Now isn't it just fitting and natural that Tad became a Sister to us all...

As husband Mike knows, I have been in an earnest platonic love with this Lady since I met her in 1987. Mike, a retired police officer from Adrian, Michigan was her special and singular Man, Tad’s soul mate with whom she was able to draw her inspiration and motivation. Mike’s kilted swagger attracted Tad whilst they were in attendance at the always majestic Grandfather Mountain Highland Games in 1988 in Linville, NC. Tad had been introduced to the American Scottish Community and ultimately to Mike “Mad Dog” Wilson by Chip Walters, also of Greensboro, NC. I was at those same Scottish Games, knew both Mike and Tad and the details of their meeting that had Mike warning off all other potential suitors and proudly barking that he had finally met that special other half that would make him whole. The rest was history with Tad beaming and holding on tight to her like sign. They never let go of each other.

Mike & Tad were married in 1989 in the Chief’s Tent at Grandfather Mountain in some “Blue Ridge mist” that had wreaked havoc in western North Carolina blowing and washing away homes, trailers, tents, etc. Father David MacBeth Moss, Captain-Chaplain to the 78th Fraser Highlanders, officiated though along with chalice bearers Randy Cline and this writer, overestimated the wine required for this moderately high Episcopalian Eucharist ceremony. Though a credible and enthusiastic crowd was in attendance (many from The Kingdome of Raknar), the severe weather kept many more expected guests from attending. To the amusement of most in attendance Randy, Father Moss and I spent much post nuptial time consuming the remaining consecrated wine as there was no sacred well. That mission accomplished the challenge was then pursuing and recovering some degree of sobriety. Amen. I don’ think I drank wine for a couple of months following that episode.

Tad, like Mother Beverly (Big Red to some), was a nurse from Greensboro (with Fairfield, Iowa origins). She attended the University of Iowa, Guilford College in Greensboro before finally earning her degree from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Tad eventually earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and her Masters from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte. She worked at the VA Hospital in Michigan and later transferred to the VA Hospital in Johnson City, Tennessee in 1990 where she was involved in Nursing Education and performed admirably as an adjunct professor at the James H. Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University.

Tad loved life and all her Friends. Her allegiance never wavered and she held all around her to a higher standard. The ever captivating Tad was also known to close Friends (and even herself) as “Tadpole” a name given by Mike; borrowed from his Father’s pet name for Mike’s sister. Though her pain was at times excruciating, Tad always maintained her composure and dignity and was always first thinking of others and their health and well being.

Tad along with piper husband Mike were active in several Scottish Clan organizations to include Tad’s own Clan Fraser, Mike’s Clans Gunn and Keith and the legendary Kingdome of Räknar - that Scots-Norse Family where both held iconic status, Lady of the Kingdome Tad as the Countess of Calm and Mike as Duke Olaf of Unicoi, High Constable of Erwin. Tad was especially proud of her status as a Lady of the Regiment for the 78th Fraser Highlanders, New Inverness Garrison. The Gentlemen and Ladies of The Regiment adored her. Tad never veered from her unabiding love of Mother Scotland always proclaiming that she would someday retire to the auld sod.

Tad was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) of Greensboro, NC and, interestingly, the Towne Family Association. Her interest in history and genealogy found her a descendant of William and Joanna (Blessing) Towne who came to America from Great Yarmouth, England and settled in Salem Village around 1635. Three of William and Joanna's daughters, Rebecca (Nurse), Mary (Esty) and Sarah (Cloyse) were all victims of the Salem Village Witchcraft Trials in 1692. Rebecca and Mary were executed (hung not burned as is often erroneously reported). The witchcraft trials ended nine months after they began when the Colonial Courts recognized the hysteria and their grave error in the execution of these and other innocent citizens. The 1985 PBS airing of Three Sovereigns for Sarah which chronicled this tragedy, opened another door for Tad and I. It seems that one of the original complainants that started that mess was one of my not so august ancestors, John Buxton. We both recognized that sinister part of our nation’s history (lest we forget) though Tad would take an occasional jab at this writer by reminding me (with a faux stern gaze) that one my ancestors had hung one of hers. And so it went.

Mike and Tad lived in a cabin in a hollow surrounded by tall trees near the top of Spivey Mountain at around 3,500 feet in elevation in Erwin, Tennessee where their most frequent guests were some feral cats, raccoons and several black bears that developed an affection for cat food though still respected the sanctity of the Sims/Wilson home. Tad always joked about their lack of a view, stating that they preferred to be, “part of the scenery.” Indeed, they were part of the flora and fauna of a very special place. They were able to find solace in the peace and quiet of the east Tennessee mountains where this very computer literate pair rejected computers, cell phones and to the frustration of this writer, even telephone answering devices. Their one concession was their TV and VCR where they could watch special programming and movies like the Scots classic, The Blood is Strong which they gfted me. Mike and Tad were in control of their environment though their spring-fed cistern and front yard stream were their only sources of water and would occasionally remind them that they needed to keep civilization close by. A full blown drought or even a dry summer meant shorter showers and a trip down the mountain to do laundry.

Oh, I will miss our regular and entertaining conversations punctuated by Tad’s always sage counsel and her incredible sense of humor. I will forever remember her deep and sincere laugh that was the reward of a joke well told or just plain celebratory gusto. Mike always made her laugh often and well. Tad was a fearless egalitarian who loved life and made us all the better by her participation in this great exercise. Tad and Mike helped shape me, my ideas and attitudes, methinks all for the better.

As many of you are aware the Buxton Family lost our Matriarch, Ellen Buxton Salander on December 23rd, so an already anxious time for us and me personally was heightened (understatement) with Tad’s passing. In addition a recent small flood made part of my home uninhabitable and limited my time in Richardson. Fed Ex had been trying to deliver a package for a couple of weeks and I arranged to pick it up today (1-10-09). I went to Fed Ex, asked who it was from and was told – yep – Patricia Sims. You could have knocked me over with a feather. Tad would have really appreciated that irony and timing and may well have choreographed the whole scenario. I immediately called Mike and thanked him for his great Friendship and the gift of an absolutely beautiful gift basket with lots of quality chocolate, cheese, crackers and two really good bottles of Chardonnay and Merlot. The note read, “Have a Blessed Merry Christmas! Much Love, Tadpole & Mikey.” Would that I could share it with them… True to form Mike called back about an hour later asking if I was OK...

While I grieve over the loss of this exceptional Lady, I do celebrate a precious person and a life well lived. I dedicate this blog to her memory and hope that I can capture her matchless spirit, embrace her example and legacy and do her justice. My love and sincere condolences are extended to Beverly, Mike and Charlie and all her Friends and to those unfortunates who didn't get the chance to meet her.

So what do we do from this point? We need to reject Auden and dare not stop all the clocks, silence the pianos or muffle the drums. Instead we will unleash the great Highland pipes and drums and play them loudly and long. Tad like John Gillespie Magee, Jr. has slipped the surly bonds of earth and is enjoying endless pleasures, a reward for her good deeds. She dances, laughs, soars and chases the wind. “And, while with silent lifting mind she trods the high untrespassed sanctity of space, puts out her hand, and touches the face of God.”

Well done, Tad. Sleep well...

Love, Aye

Ned

BLAG-GOY-YA-VICH AND A CAN OF WORMS

It would appear that at least some State of Illinois Democrats are trying to shoot themselves in their private parts given their unprecedented delay of the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. No, this isn’t another Duke Lacrosse case, rather a situation where Blagojevich was apparently caught with his hand (please, smile) in the cookie jar.

It’s unfortunate that some of the details of conversations Blagojevich is alleged to have had with at least one representative of a potential senatorial suitor were made public. They are, however, apparently just the tip of the iceberg of the evidence contained on the many audio tapes that constitute a preponderance of first hand (not hearsay) evidence that allegedly outs Blagojevich as an influence peddling, corrupt politician. The fact that Blagojevich has never denied making the statements does it for me. While it isn’t pretty, I really don’t see a lynch mob mentality here. The legal question becomes - is saying and using bad judgement the same as doing? The Governor's words appear to be bad enough to question his integrity as the top office holder in the State of Illinois.

To many he is now a disgraced caricature of a corrupt politician (“Mr. Unpopularity”) who can only say that he did nothing illegal. I guess that by Illinois standards this pales besides the Chicago Land political shenanigans of the previous century. Apparently Blagojevich has nothing to do now except stir the pot. He will probably have nowhere to go (except jail) if a jury of his peers finds him guilty.

We need to be fair and note that knowing that he had been under investigation for corruption charges for going on three years, Governor Blagojevich even issued an invitation, "I should say if anybody wants to tape my conversations, go right ahead, feel free to do it.” He continued, "Whether you tape me privately or publicly, I can tell you that whatever I say is always lawful and the things I'm interested in are always lawful." Is this an exercise of Nixonian arrogance or truth? We shall see…

There is no doubt that he will find little solace with his constituency given that his ratings are lower even than those of President Bush who along with most other Republicans of national note are mostly keeping their heads down while laughing out loud in their wash rooms. One recent Chicago Tribune poll reflected a 71% disapproval rating by Illinois voters. Politico.com reported only a 7% approval rating after the recent allegations were made against Governor Blagojevich.

Then in the middle of this whole mess Governor Rod Blagojevich named 71 year old former Illinois Attorney General Roland “Trail Blazer” Burris, the first African American to win statewide office in 1978, to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the US Senate. This not so surprising move came after state and national Democratic leaders criticized the prospect of Blagojevich proceeding with any appointment process. Most notable of those in protest were Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois (D) accompanied by all of the Senate’s Democratic Leadership.

Blagojevich’s latest delusional attempt to deflect from his own alleged peccadilloes is laughable and needs the immediate attention of the national Democratic hierarchy to right their ship. Their problems and challenges are legion. US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D-NV) comments in last Sunday’s Meet the Press (1/4/2009) demonstrated a strong Democrat Party resolve and his strong desire to block the Blagojevich nomination and quickly move to insure legitimate representation for the state of Illinois. It’s politics folks and this wind will soon shift direction. Even as of this writing negotiations continue that will guarantee Burris' seating.

Comes now the less than articulate U.S. Representative Bobby Rush, (D) from Chicago and former Black Panther who played the race card in recent public and mumbling statements by likening critics to the Blagojevich-Burris appointment to former segregationist Alabama Governor George Wallace, who fought school integration in that state?

In an absolutely absurd and obscene statement Rush stated “The recent history of our nation has shown us that, sometimes, there can be individuals and there can be situations where school -- where you have officials standing in the doorway of schoolchildren.”

His reasoning is that since the U.S. Senate doesn’t have any Black members he didn’t believe that anyone would want to go on record opposing Burris?

In a fit of OJitis the sadly comical and racist Rush would have us accept this heinous appointment for no other reason than Burris is Black no matter the circumstances of the appointment. Rush would have you believe once more that the end will justify the means, however sinister. Sadly, several other African American representatives espoused a similar tact. Thankfully, many more African Americans including President elect Obama have opposed the appointment.

On a personal note, though I anguished long and hard, I voted for Barack Obama because I felt that he was and is the best candidate for The Country, at this time. I didn’t vote for him because he was from a particular racial or cultural group. Many of my Republican Friends who did likewise feel the same way.

Even with these extraordinary circumstances it would appear that many Illinois Democrats are now shying away from a special election because they are now afraid of losing that seat to the Republicans. So much for democracy…

On Monday Burris in an exercise of unprecedented and grandiose political theater and characterizing himself as the “Junior Senator from the State of Illinois,” presented himself to Secretary of the Senate Nancy Erickson who predictably and politely rejected his certification. Burris with an entourage of policeman, staff, and media from all corners of the world then held a news conference and declared, "I am a United States Senator. They can't stop me from doing my senatorial duties." Of course, he is not a Senator and will not be until he is administered the oath of office. On Sunday in a show of Christian bravado Burris invoked the Almighty, "We are hoping and praying that they will not be able to deny what the Lord has ordained." Geees!

Of course, the Lord didn’t ordain Burris’ appointment, Blagojevich did. While Burris has been cordially treated, his appointer has not. It appears to this writer that Burris will probably be seated on technical grounds though the motivation for his appointment remains highly suspect, even foul. Blagojevich played to the egocentric Burris who would appear to be looking for some more creative and impressive credentials for his memorial in Chicago's Oak Woods Cemetery. All under the great seal of the state of Illinois, Burris has listed his accomplishments and has apparently left room for United States Senator. Wonder if they can erase the Illinois seal and replace it with the great seal of the United States of America?

But back to the Guvner… Most of the reactions against Blagojevich and his senate appointment have been less than subtle and not cordial at all. One anonymous blogger stated, “I have no words for the fact that this arrogant shit for the ages went ahead and made this appointment with the ink not yet dry on his complaints for conspiracy, fraud and soliciting bribes. It goes beyond hypocrisy and greed into delusional alternate reality.” Steve Brown, Spokesman for Blagojevich political foe and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan (D) maintains, "It (the appointment) hasn't happened. That's only happened in some dark corner of the governor's mind.”

I disagree and give the embattled Governor Blagojevich more credit than that. However undisciplined he may be I believe that this is a carefully crafted strategy (perhaps even a bad joke?) and that Blagojevich is having a ball. He is in his element stirring the pot once again with an ever increasing fervor. Blagojevich has lived a life characterized by confrontation.

One Illinois voter recently classified Blagojevich as a “Narcissistic, sociopathic, remorseless bully.” I say from afar that he appears to be an egomaniac that thrives on attention of any type and is flipping off those who don’t cop to his agenda or point of view. What’s worse? The even more delusional and smiling pseudo appointee Roland Burris who is now circling the high eccentric former planet Pluto. Talk about fantasies… Why in God’s name would anyone want a representative who would accept an appointment under these circumstances? Just ask US. Rep. Danny Davis, an African American Congressman from Chicago who declined Blagojevich’s first offer.

Let Blagojveich have his fun and his day in court. While it may get expensive, the People of Illinois will probably have the last laugh…

Aye,

Ned Buxton

ELLEN

This last Tuesday in the early afternoon of that December 23, 2008 I received a telephone call while at work from Brother Coby with the terrible news that his Mother, my Step Mother, Ellen Werner Buxton Salander, in her 82nd year (1926-2008) had passed in her home that morning in Englewood, Florida. For me the fabric of the universe was torn open and a ghastly void had been created that would never be filled. My visceral reaction was immediate with the devastating news so shocking and an awful contradiction to the true spirit of this promising Christmas season. The Matriarch of the Buxton Family had joined her ancestors and we have been left to fend for ourselves. Well, maybe only for a short while (more later).

Though she always signed her cards and letters and was known to most as Ellie, I persisted in calling her Ellen. Always erring on the more stern and serious side, I guess that it was for me a more respectful and appropriate tone for my Stepmother. I talked with Ellen the Sunday before she died and she was her usual supportive self and extolling the virtues of the holiday season and a bright future, reflecting on a recent communication with my son Geb and her best wishes for he, wife Dona and their two kids, Quinton and Cameron.

She was anticipating and looking forward to her Christmas dinner with daughter Susanna where they were going to do Chinese, again, enjoying her favorite food and the convenience of it all in a usually hectic holiday season full of too many turkeys and hams. Ellen recently sent me the photographic proof of her last Tex-Mex sortie with Susanna - a photo that I shall always prize…

Well, Ellen never made it to Christmas 2008, the celebration of not only the birth of Jesus but as an added and loving bonus, the natal day of her eldest son, Coburn Allen Buxton, Jr. (aka Coby).

Ellen was looking forward to her weekly bridge match but didn’t respond either on the phone or at her door when her ride and bridge partner called. They found her sitting in her favorite chair appropriately clutching a pen in one hand. She had joined Dad and Bernie on that heavenly plane where Brother Coby and I have assured ourselves, they are appropriately waiting on her, hand and foot.

Please know that my always positive recollections of Ellen cannot be construed as her memorial, rather what will most assuredly be an inadequate attempt to capture the living essence of a singularly great Lady. This will be a remembrance and work in progress where I will supplement, tweak and modify as the pleasant and significant memories of many years come flowing back to me. I can’t apologize for all the superlatives I engage as they are totally appropriate to describe Ellen. Her approach to life was a complicated though simple formula that was ultimately punctuated by thousands of acts of incredible kindness directed at Family, Friends and the Community at Large, most of which we will never be able to document as she never looked or sought recognition. Ellen understood all the incredibly subtle nuances of human relationships and through her great communication skills was able to help us mere mortals successfully negotiate this great maze we call life. She made life bearable, richer and rewarding for all she touched.

We will always remember this daughter of Judge Herman Werner of Akron, Ohio who found her way to the heart of one Coburn Allen Buxton while on holiday with sister Ann and where in the Sazarac Bar in the old Hotel Roosevelt in New Orleans, she met Dad. She had a profound positive affect on all she touched. She was first and foremost, a loving Mother not only to daughter Susanna, and sons Coby and Ricky but also to her stepsons Ned, John and David Seabury who she treated as blood. She told me once that it always seemed that Ned, John and David always, “belonged to me'...in a very nice way!”

Ellen held high the mantle of the Buxton Family and well celebrated our history and heritage. She was the consummate cheerleader constantly reminding all of us of our roots and the pedigree that we all enjoy. She motivated, prodded and cajoled so as to take each of us to that next level…

On a personal note we shared a love of the ancients and of anthropology in general and she prompted my seemingly unending quest for knowledge about our Buxton/Littlefield ancestors and of Man in general. She demonstrated an uncommon, extraordinary high intellect and understanding of a wide variety of subjects and an enthusiastic willingness to share that knowledge which she demonstrated so ably for many years as a Docent at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) in Dallas, Texas.

Her efforts in her capacity as Docent was instrumental in organizing and scheduling the now iconic AD 79 exhibition on her beloved Pompeii appropriately in 1979 at the then Dallas Museum of Fine Arts (DMFA) facility at Fair Park in Dallas and helped spark the spirit of what is now one of the more important museums in our country. In part because of this success a city of Dallas bond election passed with voters pledging almost $25 million dollars towards the construction of the facility they currently occupy in downtown Dallas. The DMFA was later renamed the Dallas Museum of Art in 1984 when they officially occupied their new home. Ellen’s legacy is all those exhibitions that now flow so smoothly due to the outstanding efforts of her extraordinary and very able successors. The 1984 date is not without significance as this also marked the passing of Coburn Allen Buxton, Ellen’s significant other and our Father.

Ellen was a strong personality and fiercely independent. When sure of her environment she could hunker down with the best. I would fight back-to-back with her against any foe and be well assured of victory. Despite the best attempts of this writer and other Family members, Ellen never evacuated through the terrible 2004 Florida hurricane season that saw four major storms slam through Englewood. Ellen admitted and then proved that all she needed was some candles, a few bottles of wine and some good books to successfully weather the storms.

In recent years Ellen devoted much of her time to the Friends of Elsie Quirk Library in Englewood, Florida where as a member of their Board of Directors she served so ably as a long term Treasurer and most recently as vice-President and Membership Chairperson. Ellen was also a proud Benefactor of the Elsie Quirk Library. Seems fitting as she appears to have been there much of her waking hours serving on one committee or another participating in their Great Books Discussion Groups or coordinating/moderating the Library’s Great Decisions forums. Last March 31st Ellen moderated a lively discussion on US Defense/Security Policy. Her effort prompted a positive community response assuring many that she had a hell of a lot more working knowledge of world dynamics and US politics than most including one recent hockey mom governor…

Ellen and "special Gal Pal" Angie Zerad, a well known speaker and musician (piano & organ) teamed up and were known as the Eighties Ladies. Ellen was a talented singer and one time actress who felt right at home on stage. Wearing an old timey plains bonnet and hamming it up for audiences at the River Oaks retirement community in Englewood, Ellen lead sing-a-longs of mostly American music from the Stephen Foster era through World War II. Their twice monthly programs with Alzheimer’s patients and seniors allowed a greater quality of life for this group. In a recent letter to the Buxton "Boys" Angie expressed her condolences on the loss of her best Friend and dedicated every song she plays henceforth as a tribute to, "this wonderful and special Lady."

In this time of great need in our economically challenging times Ellen supported the effort to curtail the usual and very generous Buxton Family gift giving tradition and help provide for those less fortunate in our society. In mid December Ellen wrote to all Buxtons:

Just a card with Joy a’plenty
Within perhaps a single twenty”!
Which I will give (with several more)
To Helping Hand Salvation Store

Right here in quiet Englewood
Can you imagine all the good
Your gifts will bring to those in need?

I’ll sign your name so they can read

That though afar, you care to give…
And made the Christmas Spirit live!

That was Ellen. She always thought about others first to especially include her Family and Friends which were legion. Whether she was mentoring Family and Friends, adopting manatees and sea turtles or engaging yet another philanthropic or humanitarian effort, Ellen was always giving of herself. Indeed, she was one of those animated thousand points of light. Her life is the legacy that will continue to motivate us to make a difference in our respective communities. Ellen’s caring and loving persona and hands-on leadership will continue to provide a positive example so long as we who remember hold high her life as an example of a life well lived.

Yes, like the Buxton Family motto which she often quoted and used to motivate Family and Friends, Ellen always did it, with all her might. Well done, Ellen. Sleep well.

Aye,

Ned Buxton

DALLAS COWBOYS PARKING TURMOIL

The turmoil ongoing with the Dallas Cowboys is well documented and is nothing more than the predictable machinations of some very talented players frustrated at not winning every game. The intrigue appears to be part of the Dallas Cowboys Package especially when you have the likes of Terrell Owens and Adam “Pac Man” Jones on the roster. Owner Jerry Jones, either innocently but more than likely deliberately, keeps the pot stirred. But, that’s not the topic of this post. The turmoil we reference is caused by the incredible traffic jams ongoing at Texas Stadium and the seeming inability and unwillingness of the Dallas Cowboys organization to do anything about it. It looks like this same scenario is going to carry over to the Cowboys new stadium in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboy's on field antics may just well pale beside their parking headaches - the supposed price of success.

Last Sunday Brother Coby and I attended the very important Cowboys-Giants tip that turned out to be one hell of a game. I wished that fellow Ole Miss Alum Eli Manning would have had a better game, though if he had, the Cowboys would have lost like the last time these two teams met.

What was really significant was the two hours it took to get to a Blue parking space (time mostly spent around the stadium) and the additional two plus hours it took to get out of (OK escape) the Texas Stadium parking lot.

I could almost understand the maelstrom before the game, but the confusion after the game was unforgiveable where it was literally everyone for themselves. Most drivers didn’t acknowledge the difference between parking spaces and lanes and it was like a whirlpool in reverse that would only allow cars to escape the lots until they had achieved the perimeter when the equally, very frustrated Irving, Texas police took over. Until that point it was pure confusion. The Cowboys impressive 20-8 victory may have been the only counter to a parking lot rage that could have understandably washed over many folks. Many season ticket holders including Brother Coby stated that it was the worst they had seen in twenty years.

What made it so bad were the parking attendants who seemed totally impotent with most just standing or sitting and just doing - nothing! When you tried to engage a parking attendant the response was a deliberate failure to make eye to eye contact, silence and a total failure to recognize your presence. They were in the eye of the hurricane - in their zone and they miserably failed the test. That happened over and over again much to the chagrin of Cowboys fans who had paid a hell of a lot of money to attend the game and park their transport. Many attendants didn’t attempt to direct traffic or bring rhyme and reason to the chaos and disorder. They just flat gave up! Shame on them!

I have attended Cowboys games since 1960, from Cotton Bowl days to the ascendency of the Cowboys in Texas Stadium in 1971 to the shut down of the stadium in 2008. Brother Coby, inheritor of the Buxton Cowboy heritage, again offered me a ticket to the Cowboy’s last game in Texas Stadium this Saturday, December 20, 2008 where they play the highly regarded Baltimore Ravens. I declined Coby’s very generous invitation for a couple of reasons. First, I had already committed to attend another function and secondly, I had no willingness to endure what will undoubtedly be another traffic nightmare. Brother John has declined invitations to attend Cowboy games because of the traffic bottlenecks and attendant confusion.

Mind, you, the Cowboys are bringing in their top 100 players to be present at the event and, no doubt, it’s going to be a media madhouse, not to mention the manic Dallas Cowboy fans that will travel from far and wide to just be in the same vicinity with and/or see the likes of Bob Lilly, Emmitt Smith, Don Meredith, Bob Hayes, Cliff Harris, DD Lewis, Tony Dorsett, Danny White, Rayfield Wright, Don Perkins, Craig Morton, Lance Alworth, Lee Roy Jordan, Herb Adderley, Chuck Howley, Randy White, Mel Renfro, Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Troy Aikman, Drew Pearson, Dan Reeves, Roger Staubach and Michael Irvin among many others.

It is no rumor that the late. great Coach Tom Landry will take the field with his players, at least in spirit. Landry with his dignity and class, twenty straight winning seasons, 19 playoff appearances, 13 division titles, 5 Super Bowl appearances and 2 victories was the reason so many of us prevailed with the Cowboys. He was and remains the essence of this great team.

The frustrating thing is that all that august history and winning tradition doesn’t appear to offer hope for more and easier parking at the new $1.3 billion dollar (US) Arlington, Texas home of the Dallas Cowboys. Local Arlington residents are already frustrated since it takes over an hour to get out of their neighborhoods when the Texas Rangers play. It would seem that they are in for a more garish nightmare when the Cowboys start playing in 2009.
The Cowboys sent the city of Arlington an impressive looking traffic management plan about how they'll get fans to the new stadium smoothly. It appears to be a pie in the sky plan which will be a work in progress for many years to come.

The new stadium will have a seating capacity of 80,000 with a probable expansion of up to 100,000. Texas Stadium has a capacity of 65,595 and with much fewer problems though the potential for fewer parking options.

Surprisingly, no rapid rail was ever planned for Arlington though the Cowboys reflect that they are talking with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the Fort Worth Transportation Authority? Since, Arlington, Texas has no local transit the future seems to hold little or no prospect of a rail line or mass transit to the new stadium. It would appear, then, that the greater majority of Cowboy fans will continue to arrive by car. In a green mindset the Cowboys speculate that the average per vehicle occupancy will be three people requiring a minimum of 26,675 parking spaces. The Cowboys are hopeful that they will have access to 30,000 parking spaces all within a mile of the new stadium. The Cowboys will have to rely on their neighbors that include Six Flags Over Texas, the Texas Rangers, privately owned office parks and shopping centers and a herculean cadre of parking entrepreneurs to reach that figure.

The Cowboys concede that some ticket holders will still have to walk nearly a mile from their parking spaces to the new Arlington stadium, but also point out that the back-row parking at Texas Stadium requires about the same trek. It would appear that the numbers of trekkers will increase substantially.

This plan will require very aggressive traffic management strategies via reversible and reassigned lanes, parking restrictions in residential neighborhoods and access control. Some folks including a lot of Cowboy fans have stated that the plan is just flat - not manageable.

The bottom line is that all those Cowboy legend luminaries whether they show up at Texas Stadium or in the future at the new Arlington Stadium probably wouldn’t be enough to entice me to attend another Cowboy’s game.

Well, OK, I’d attend if Landry came…

Aye,

Ned Buxton

THE DOWN ESCALATOR?

I grew up in Cathedral School at St. Matthew’s and eventually attended St. Marks also in Dallas, Texas and then on to St. Dunstan’s School in Providence, RI and Lenox School in Lenox, Massachusetts. They were all Episcopal schools so I was literally raised in the church. It became a part of my DNA. I was an active participant in the church singing in church choirs and glee clubs as an accomplished a capella soprano soloist all the way to my evolution into a mediocre, burned out baritone which was proved again at the annual company Christmas party. I went on to become Sexton of Trinity Church in Lenox. My confirmation by Bishop John Seville Higgins at St. Martin’s in Providence was one of the high points of my life. I remember it like it was yesterday… Was I a willing and compliant child doing my catechism? Well, probably not as I was sometimes incorrigible and hard to handle. I questioned everything including the color of the sky and made other provocative and now potentially embarrassing inquiries.

I even thought about going into the Episcopal/Anglican priesthood given the influence of one Dr. Robert L. Curry, DDS, etc the headmaster at Lenox, an incredible, positive influence in my life. I was his, “Miracle of Lenox School.”

At Lenox and ultimately at Ole Miss I was taught to question everything, to be inquisitive and come to my own conclusions about all matters. That’s what impressed me most about the Episcopal Church – it allowed for the option of original thought, not a blind rush towards and acceptance of what was to me some opaque doctrine. I was taught to think.

And so it comes to the subject of this post – the concept of Hell. No, I’m not going anywhere near the deliberation of the existence of Heaven and I don’t believe that the existence of one begets the other. We’ll save that one for later.

I heard reports most recently on National Public Radio (NPR) where parishioners of the Reverend Carlton Pearson’s New Dimension Church in Tulsa being literally stopped on the street and in a very public inquisition questioned by strangers about their supposed heretical lack of belief in Hell. I pray that someday someone has the temerity to so question me. They will regret their imposition on my privacy though they will be treated with respect. Why do these people refuse to let others worship and believe as they see fit? Yes, that news made me mad as..... well, Hell!

While this Christmas season might seem an inappropriate time to so deliberate, I see these kinds of behaviors occurring at an alarming and increasing rate, especially here in the South and Southwest. We are the home of the Pentecostals and the conservative Christian Right and what’s left of the right wing of Republican Party (they are still legion) and one of the reasons the GOP failed so miserably in representing The People. If you don’t believe what we believe, they say, then you are doomed to eternal damnation and Hell. If that’s the case, then Hell has to exist for their belief system to survive. Ka-ching! It’s mostly this mind set that bothers me, not the existence of Hell.

As a child my parents never threatened me with the fiery pit if I misbehaved or “sinned” though some righteously motivated school masters insinuated that may be my ultimate fate if I didn’t toe their line. I have been intrigued with my ultimate fate since then with one Episcopal priest even righteously praying for the disposition of my soul (for another reason).

Most Christians are taught and believe that there is an underground domain – an endless, irreversible, infinite abyss - an actual physical place of eternal fire, damnation and torment called Hell. They believe that when they die their souls will either go to Heaven and forever enjoy the rewards of a sin free life with God in some cumulus firmament or descend into Satan’s sulphurous realm, Hell, where they will painfully and excruciatingly burn and be tormented until the end of time. Then there’s Purgatory which we will discuss at a later time along with Heaven.

Of course, a stagnant and corrupt Catholic Church was want to keep their mostly illiterate, ignorant and disobedient fold compliant and in line. The way to do that was to unfurl the banner of intimidation, superstition, fable and ultimately persecution to hold them in check. It mostly worked. We have apparently forgotten that The Catholic Church viciously persecuted and executed those that disagreed with or contradicted the church’s belief system (Galileo is but one example). That was one of the reasons so many ultimately immigrated to America, including many of my ain folk. I am pleased and honored to uphold their tradition. I will also concede that unlike other denominations the Catholics amid great controversy now appear to be trying to right their ship.

Yes, like many other aspects of Christianity, the concept of Hell, eternal damnation and torment wasn’t original to Judaism/Christianity or part of the early teachings and message of Jesus. The reality is that the concept of Hell predates Christianity by a thousand years (Zoroastrianism). Distinguished historians and theologians have long corroborated (using the historical record) that the early so called references to Hell are mistranslations that have no basis in reality. Just because people (sincerely or in an agenda driven angst) were/are taught that it was/is truth doesn’t make it so. Some folks feel that it has devolved to the level of pernicious propaganda that further degrades our students committing them to the bottomless pit of ignorance.

The early development of the Jewish State and later the Christian Church was predicated on the Roman occupation of the Jewish Homeland and how they were going to free themselves from tyranny (their Salvation). Theologians state that we have mistranslated, embellished and reinvented the early Christian religion so as to ultimately embrace the concept of Hell in a more modern context. It needs to be said that for the early religion and even now the penalty for sinning was and is purely and simply – death – an easy out as we all (good or bad) will ultimately embrace that outcome. This is not a eureka conclusion, rocket science or magic.

The Protestant concept of Hell has most recently been an effective tool of fire and brimstone Elmer Gantry evangelists intended to save “sinners” and absolutely frighten church members into what they deem righteous behavior. Their premise is that if you don’t believe in Hell then you don’t need to believe in Jesus and you will become, “exceedingly sinful.”

Though some will protest, many believe that it is irrefutable that there is no physical domain of Hell or eternal damnation. All many hear are the empty threats of an overbearing, ethnocentric literalist religious mafia trying to impress their beliefs on those who don’t share their beliefs. On a personal note, I am positive that those inclined to believe in Hell (whatever I believe) don’t care about me personally or surely the ultimate repository of my soul. They appear scared to death that those who question the existence of Hell such as the parishioners of the New Dimension Church in Tulsa may threaten their status quo and system of checks and balances. Maybe, just maybe, their Mafioso tactics will prompt some folks to start thinking about their own environment and belief systems. Needless to say, all people need to become more tolerant and appreciative of differing belief systems. Now, that’s a good Christmas message!

Today, even the Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations are withdrawing from the myth of Hell, conceding there has never been a Biblical basis for that supposed physical realm. Witness Pope John Paul II in 1999 when he stated that, “Hell is not a place of fire and eternal suffering.” John Paul referred to the descriptions of eternal torment and damnation as, "improper use of Biblical images." Well, maybe we will eventually get it right though some in Tulsa seem to be embracing and fomenting the old ways.

The reality is that we appear to have a few loud, narrow minded folks in our midst that embrace a short-sighted religious dogma-driven agenda and folly intended to impress their views upon the general populous. The rest of the world is wrong and they are right. You don’t believe? You are going to Hell.

So, many now concede that a physical domain called Hell is not real, never has been and does not reflect the sentiment/heart of the God that they worship. Most believe and I concur that Hell is at least that metaphorical separation from the presence, influence and love of God. It would appear that Hell is right here on this planet in the personages of those who would voraciously and wantonly feed on the weak in our society. Ironically, it is our critical responsibility to respect, protect and support the right of everybody to include the Reverend Carlton Pearson of the New Dimension Church in Tulsa to practice their faith as they deem fit. I pledge myself to that effort.

Yea, I am still trying to figure it all out…

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (KJV).

Aye,

Ned Buxton

SEEMS LIKE A GOOD IDEA TO ME

Today President-elect Barack Obama announced his commitment to engage a public works construction program not so subtly reminiscent of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), both originally established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as part of his New Deal in the 1930’s.

The WPA and the CCC employed millions of people and positively affected most every segment of the population of the United States. Obama’s intent is to resuscitate our ailing economy and put as many as two million folks back to work - actually a small amount compared to FDR’s WPA.

The ultimate success of Roosevelt’s New Deal CCC and WPA which, by the way, still survives in myriad forms in many state and federal programs, would appear to be part of the answer to our very complicated economic plight.

The first thing everybody needs to acknowledge is that the infrastructure of our country, whether we highlight bridges, highways or other critical structures, is in abysmal shape. I am reminded immediately of Atlanta that only resurrected its infrastructure to its current state because of the preparation effort prompted by their highly successful 1996 Summer Olympics (same song, different verse).

The catastrophic collapse of the I-35W Mississippi River Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 1, 2007 which killed thirteen and injured many more is a tragic reminder of the sorry state of our bridges. I saw a Department of Transportation report several years ago which declared that of the 591,707 bridges then in the US inventory, 162,869 were classified as deficient (27.5 percent), either for structural or functional causes. Federal officials cited this as an improved figure though that would appear to be the tip of the iceberg. A more recent report confidently reflects that the situation has improved and that only 12% of our bridges remain deficient? Again, I question whether in three years our bridges have been brought to that secure level. Since bridges are only inspected every two years we could have a strategic lag time here.

When you factor in that there are over 60,000 bridges over water with unknown foundations which require an aggressive risk analysis and probably mitigation, the problem would appear much greater than admitted by our government. This figure will also validate that our bridges require constant maintenance to stay ahead of the safety curve.

While I question government statistics and certainly their assertion of overall improvements, their admission would appear to still leave many Americans exposed to a repeat of the Minneapolis collapse. Yes, Minneapolis could happen again and hangs like the threat of another Al Qaeda attack. It’s that real. Let’s get our bridges and roads fixed and solve another problem…

While some economists and politicians argue that this strategy is only “illusory” prompting a “Peter to pay Paul” scenario and only a shift in spending (and borrowing), Mr. Obama and others appear ready to argue that President Eisenhower’s ultra successful federal Interstate program is a more recent example how folks can be put back to work for the ultimate good of our country.

This sure appears to be a win-win situation. Why the nay sayers (hence this comment) keep coming out of the woodwork and politicizing such constructive programs is beyond me. A loyal and aggressive minority which can offer constructive criticism and viable options is a noble and critical component of our society. Where are they?

Perhaps like the WPA of old they are scared folks will find out that they are just moving piles of leaves from one part of the park to another.

Aye,

Ned Buxton