Through the Misty Dawn - Editorial

Subject: A New Health Care Initiative
Time: 8:13:40 AM EDT
Author:  symphonycomposer
Music:  Englefield's New Jardines Ballet

A New Health Care Program Is Imperative

When an impoverished person visits the Emergency Room the hospital picks up the tab. Many such persons cannot afford to visit a doctor. Others obtain Medicaid assistance. These sad facts are a huge burden on taxpayers and the medical profession as well. There is a way to drastically reduce these burdens.

Today, we have alternatives for many that omit coverage for millions of Americans. Voluntary health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid are the primary options.  Democrats are touting a universal health care system under control of the government. Republicans  are promoting more competition by insurance companies. The former tends toward socialized medicine while the latter simply extolls the free market system when millions of Americans cannot afford that virtue.

Years ago I suggested a mandated medical savings plan for all Americans similar to Social Security. My idea was to require all working Americans to subscribe to an automatic (Medical) savings plan with payroll deductions by all employers, similar to Social Security.

My idea was that banks would accumulate the direct deposit savings rather than the government's Social Secuity. Employers would require proof of such a savings account for medical care before a prospective employee could be hired. Hospitals and doctors would then send their bills to the respective banks for payment via the patient's  debit or credit card for the medical account. The card could not be used for other services. Even a partial payment would be better than no payment at all, if the account was deficient. 

All working American would have a required reserve for medical expenses.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click here)

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Subject: The Primaries
Time: 11:09:27 PM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer
Mood:  Worried

Rhetoric or Truth........

During WW II the rhetoric of Sir Winston Churchill and Franklin Delano Roosevelt was historic, momentous and essential to the cause of winning a world wide conflagration. Millions of Americans were involved in various ways and we were fighting on both sides of the planet. Today the rhetoric sounds absurd and inappropriate and also out of the mouths of woefully inexperienced and untested candidates.

One candidate is going to "Make America Great Again."

Another candidate is going to "Revitalize our Economy. The youngest candidate is promising to bring the troops home from Iraq.

Another candidate is going to win the female vote while another shows signs of garnering large numbers of black votes. Voting blocks might determine the winner of primaries and the national election.

Still another candidate claims to understand the business world better than the others and promises to bring jobs back to the United States from abroad.

And finally one candidate takes a strong stand on the issue of National Security.

All of which proves that there is nothing new under the sun. The rhetoric is very much the same as heard during the previous forty seven year span of Presidential elections I've experienced during my lifetime. During 1976 I campaigned briefly in one of those elections, primarily in New Hampshire and very unsuccessfully.

During my limited sojourn to New Hampshire I learned very quickly that rhetoric is no substitute for knowledge and experience. I also learned that the psychology of appealing to voters is far and away from being able to lead a great nation. It was a valuable lesson that matured me in my political evaluations in the years that followed. I was able to look far beyond the rhetoric of candidates.

On the eve of the Florida Primary I have several comments to share.

1. The president and the government do not control the economy of the free market in these United States. Not one of the candidates nor even President Bush and the Congress is going to change the ebb and flow (ups & downs) of the economy. The law of supply and demand dictates the rise and fall of business activity. We have over built and inflated prices have slowed the market place.The time required for the accumulation of capital will bring about the turn around so long awaited.

2. It is easy to forget the horrible strike against the Twin Towers in New York. Briefly it was an indelible example for others around the world and cried out for exemplary measures to dissuade such ideas from ever surfacing again. There was then and now no turning back from an immense retaliation. Two democracies are evolving in the Middle East which will have unimaginable and great significance in the future for our benefit and benefiting those people long suffering under the dictatorships and tyranny of despots and tyrants for centuries. Their frustration has led to a fomenting of scapegoating against the free world as if responsible for their own subjugation. No differently than we pay homage to those who sacrificed during WW II, we will in due time pay homage and respect to those who courageously made great sacrifice to deter the ideas of terrorism in the 21st Century.

3. Talk is cheap during an election year. But the price we've paid for freedom extends back over centuries and the lives lost in that cause is totally incomprehensible. Candidates that portend that fighting a war in Iraq is somehow related to the decline of the United States are displaying a naivete and using deceit that could well serve the enemies of the United States and the Free World at large. Those that believe they can destroy Freedom forget that 40,000,000 Americans served this country during the 2nd World War. The numbers called to serve from our Allies was equally astounding and the losses unfathomable.

4. Glib talk and rhetoric have their place in other arenas but not today in a contest that will bring forward another leader for the United States of America. We have a young electorate and they may not understand the true March of Freedom that dates back through the centuries. We have a press that has a penchant for headlines and perhaps they too are too young to understand the march of history. Therefore, in the days that follow each of us will have that great responsibility to relate to others the importance of meeting an enemy and prevailing, whatever the cost.

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Richard

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click Here)

 

 

 

 

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Subject: Regrettable Observations of the VT Tragedy
Time: 8:14:51 AM EDT
Author:  symphonycomposer
Mood:  Worried

A Tragic Failure All Around

A professor saw the danger signs and removed the killer from her class. She even tutored him privately to protect the other students. The killer was committed to a mental institution and later released. He was determined to be a dangerous threat to himself and possibly others. This man was then allowed to purchase two hand guns. For what better reasons do we have background checks on gun purchases?

On the day of his rampage after killing two people in a dormitory two hours passed before he killed thirty people at Norris Hall. Authorities say they believed he left the campus after the first killings and possibly the state. Their asserted belief is an absurdity. How could they know such a thing? All that was really known was two dead and a killer on the loose, free to strike again.

For unknown reasons we have not been told details of the time line of these tragic events. We do not know how he killed 30 students with but two hand guns. It seems impossible..... but horrendously true. Do survivors tell of any attempts to stop the mad man?

In a Democracy that guarantees the right to have arms for self protection, do we really have that right? An assassin can purchase weapons but I question if students can carry arms for their protection. Obviously, in the future, many students should be allowed that protection, including professors and teachers as well.

We can now say that such killings will, in all probability, happen again. Will we take any precautions that will protect students from such a massacre? Will there be weapons stored in schools and universities for quick response by teachers, administrators or security? Will teachers and students be permitted to carry arms? If not, then WHY NOT?

The gun control issue raises many disturbing questions. Newscasters are repeatedly saying we do not live in the Wild West where guns were necessary. We live in times in many ways far worse. Regrettably, we live in dangerous times which command provisions for the security of our children in schools and universities.

The question of identifying potential threats or people with the potential for harming other students is important. I strongly suggest required courses be added to all secondary school and university curiculum that teaches students alternatives to acting our their anger and frustrations. The value goes far beyond the tragedy because the problem is huge throughout the lifetimes of nearly all students. Similar courses should be mandated for penal institutions, as well. LONG OVER DUE.

Today the press is searching for a motive in the VT massacre. The answer seems simple enough. A lonely man sought to break out from his obscurity. What he did not know is that in a nation of 200 million people we are all obscure. Fame comes to but a few and has little or no merit in the personal, private and important aspects of life. Moreover it appears the killer sought originality in his writings but failed to compete in his daily living experience.

Richard

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Subject: State of the Union
Time: 8:15:47 AM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer

Politics & War

The past few days have been enlightening and educational. The President's State of the Union address was a good reminder of domestic issues at home. Congressional Hearings seen on TV were extremely interesting and informative. It is most probable we will have a new General heading for command in Iraq.

While watching CSPAN this morning I was pleasantly surprised at the logic expressed by the Democratic opposition. The Hearings concerning the new appointment were comprehensive and educational. The opposition simply does not like the mounting losses being suffered in Iraq. Neither do I.

I came away from my edifying moments thinking about our puzzling dilemma. Of one thing I was absolutely certain. Politics in Iraq is for Iraqi diplomats and statesmen. A General must be concerned with prosecuting the War.

A further certainty was an absolute "uncertainty".  I asked myself, "Can we be sure the civil strife in Iraq is really "civil"? Do we really know the motivation of terrorists in Iraq? Is it really sectarian violence? My conclusion was that these questions must be central to our decision making. I further concluded that our Military should NOT be involved in the politics of Iraq. Plainly the multitude of attacks are aimed at our soldiers regardless of sectarian conflict. Quite possibly the chaos is for the purpose of discouraging our presence in Iraq. Democrats should consider well this possibility. War has its very unfortunate consequences for civilians, all of which is a part of the ugly process. Terrorism is obviously a persuasive force and in Iraq the enemy has obviously been effective.

The primary reason we have such a stake in achieving victory in Iraq is no different than our goals in both WW I and WW II. A retreat encourages futures acts of terrorism  around the world.  Following our victory over the Axis powers in WW II, 55 years passed before another attack on the Allied powers, namely 9/11.

Digressing briefly allow me to tell of the plaque I saw in a church during my visit to London (UK). It told of the terrible fact that during WW I over 1,000,000 British lost their lives on the European continent during that war. During WW II,  I am led to believe that nearly 20,000,000 Russians lost their lives during the Nazi invasion. These numbers are staggering. The point is that terrorism, tyranny, and insurgents around the world can wreak havoc, death and destruction at will unless we learn how to combat their forces.

Therefore my conclusion is that (1) Iraq is a vitally important battle ground. (2) We dare not allow the enemy a victory because it will lead to new violence in other countries around the world; a matter obviously evident at this time. (3) We dare not let domestic politics in the United States deter us from the greater cause, the centuries long and historic march toward the Cause of Freedom. (4) We dare not let our purpose be dissuaded by the failures of Iraqi diplomatic and political efforts.

Therefore my ultimate conclusion is that (5) we must let the Generals deal with the enemy far more than politics in a chaos  ridden country. (6) Political solutions may fail if the insurgents have a different motive and agenda than we perceive. And, finally I believe (7) we will require far more technological (surveillance) equipment and personnel than additional troops on the ground in Iraq. While the violence continues, (8) Iraq needs (as simplistic as it sounds) ballard reinforced concrete highway dividers on the sidewalks of Baghdad to protect civilians from the devastation of suicide bombers.

(9) Let the diplomatic efforts continue in Iraq while allowing the Generals to prosecute the war.

Richard

 

 

 

 

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Subject: Iraq Agenda Needs Still More to be Effective
Time: 10:29:25 AM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer

A Better Road to Victory

There are two battlefields in the War on Terrorism. The first is on the streets of Baghdad and other cities in Iraq and around the world. The second is in the minds of the enemy. Adding troops to the Allied forces will help to limit the violence in Baghdad but regrettably it will not end the violence throughout Iraq and elsewhere throughout the world.

To achieve victory in WW II we were required to do more than take back the Philippines or France. The Axis Doctrine had to be punished severely and totally. As a part of that victory we were required to re-educate millions of people throughout the world to the timeless centuries long sacrifices given and the benefits of Democracy to peace loving peoples.

War is a matter of persuasion. Losers are persuaded that continuing the conflict is without benefit because of the devastating loses being suffered. The losses persuad their people to cease and desist their war making efforts. They protest their losses to their leaders.

Information also persuades the people of the war making countries to end their ambitious efforts. In our country that task falls to the USIA, CIA and Voice of America. In other words, education is a vital and absolutely essential part of civilization and Democracy. We are at war with uneducated and uncivilized peoples.

We entered Iraq because the United States was attacked not because Iraq was attacked. Therefore we should not expect Iraq security forces or newly trained soldiers to fight our war. Nor should we allow our fate to be determined by Iraqi forces, political or otherwise. Such would be contrary to historic events, premises and our real purpose. We have allowed ourselves to be lured into a false and misleading agenda that seriously deters the road to an Allied victory.

Adding troops to the Iraq war will help our purpose until the enemy chooses other venues for terrorist attacks, which is inevitable. As in WW II the United States needs to punish the insurgent doctrines until they surrender. A doctrine is a mind set, philosophy and in this case, an ambition. We need to find the core of the enemy doctrine and destroy it, regardless of popular opinion.

Quelling violence in Baghdad is not going to end a religious based war. The real war is far larger than the streets of Baghdad. We are in the midst of WW III without realizing it. We shall be required to commit far more than 20,000 more troops to win such a wide ranging conflict. It will require all the technical, engineering, electronic and intelligence capability we have to find and destroy the enemy. If a thousand bombers or fighter planes would do it we should make them available. If thousands of TV surveillance cameras and monitors are required, we should make them available (ASAP). If curfews are required they should be implemented, more than occasionally. If Iran is aiding our enemies, we must absolutely interrupt such assistance.

We are wishing this war to be smaller than it is. We are relying on another country to fight our war or determine our fate in the annuls of history for centuries to come when we alone have been attacked.

A terrorist victory will negate the historic march of Democracy throughout the world and throughout the centuries. The millions of lives lost defending freedom during WW I and WW II will be wasted as the forces of tyranny grow throughout the world.

Democracy ends conflict. Let us fervently hope and pray that conflict does not end Democracy.  It is a war far worse than any we have entered into in the past because its forces cannot readily be seen. Regardless of the cost, we must learn how to interdict the onset of terrorism.

Richard Englefield

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Subject: Lessons to be Learned for Ohio State at the BCS
Time: 7:47:22 AM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer
Mood:  Hopeful
Music:  We Are The Champions

Future Value for OSU

On TV we sometimes see the skier falling from the ski jump and hear the words "The Agony of Defeat."  Over the season Ohio State built great expectations and ended with an agonizing defeat. Pundits and sports writers are still trying to figure out what happened to the Buckeyes.

With benefit of hindsight a few important observations are in order. If Ohio State reviews the game films constructively they will learn important lessons that will benefit them tremendously during years to come. Ohio State lost to an extremely well coached team. A four man front sacked the OSU passer eight times. OSU's running game was stifled completely. The Florida Gators knew something about football that Ohio State needs to learn all about. For example, "How did the defensive line break through so consistently?" The game films should reveal their secret.

How did the Gators shut  down the OSU running game? Film review will tell the story. Interviewing the OSU offensive linemen will tell even more about the Gators.

One issue stands out more than any other. "Why did OSU continue a passing game that proved hopeless so early in the game?" In the first half OSU showed a modicum of success running the ball. The OSU Offensive Coordinator who selects the plays was unable to properly react to the surprising pass defense put up by the Florida Gators. The problem persisted throughout the game.

Another factor enters into the picture. If the Ohio State quarterback was having an off day Zwick should have shared the duties as quarterback more often. A bad day for a Heisman winner still requires options be considered that might improve their teams performance.  A coaching error quite obviously, perhaps because of the hype given the Heisman trophy winner. Or otherwise disbelief and another failure to react.

Interestingly both teams used a four man front on defense. Florida was far more effective. That defense is designed to stop the short passes but it did not work for Ohio State.

The foregoing analysis seems simple and rather un complicated. Retrospect and hindsight will prove that there is a very simple answer that is very hard to accept. Florida out coached the Buckeyes who were loaded with talent. And for those of us that followed the Gators throughout the season it was not surprising after we recovered from  the amazing and surprising defeat by the Buckeyes.

If I were the coach at Ohio State I would interview the OSU players and study the films during the off season. I would be relentless until I discovered the secrets of the winning Gator football team. I would then take those lessons into 2007.  OSU could then rebound next year and have another brilliant football season.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com  (Click here)

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Subject: The Eve of a Great BCS Championship Football Game
Time: 12:48:29 PM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer
Mood:  Happy
Music:  The Games People Play

Two Great Coaches & Two Great Teams

A new year is upon us. We are off to a very good start.  We are about to witness one of the best National Championship football games ever played. The coaches of both teams are superb. Statistics reveal the players are equally skilled at all positions. Possibly there has never been a more even match up in a Championship game. Do I dare to predict a winner? Maybe I care more about watching a great football game than prognosticating a winner.

Living in Florida I like the Gators. Having attended the Ohio State University I like the Buckeyes. Sometimes we have a preference for  one coach or the other. Not this time. Both coaches are fine and friendly personalities and obviously extremely well qualified for the positions they hold.

Sometimes we have a favorite player on one team or the other.  I admit to being impressed by more Ohio State players than Florida players because Ohio State had the Heisman Trophy winner (Troy Smith-QB) and Defensive Player of the Year (Jim Lauriantis-LB). Ohio State also had All-American Ted Ginn-Wide Receiver and Return Specialist. However a study of the offensive and defensive statistics do not actually favor one team over the other. Both teams had superb stats which suggests a well deserved toss-up.

Several of those statistics caught my eye. Troy Smith (OSU) had only five interceptions for the entire season, an almost unbelievable record. Almost unheard of! A very important factor to consider going into tomorrow's game. Antonio Pittman rushed for 1,171 yards and scored an amazing 13 touchdowns. No Florida player even came close to those numbers.

In the passing department Florida's Chris Leak holds the edge in total yards (2,729). OSU's Troy Smith passed for 2,507. But Smith threw for 30 TDs while Chris Leak passed for 22. Importantly, Leak completed 62.9 % of his passes while Troy Smith completed 67 %.  The OSU running game obviously complimented the OSU attack slightly better than the Florida running game (180 vs 160 yards per game rushing).

Champions need key clutch players. Ohio State had one such player named Anthony Gonzalez (SE) who repeatedly made spectacular catches in double coverage that propelled Ohio State to an unbeaten season. Other "clutch" players were Jim Lauriantis and Troy Smith. The former had 100 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, 4 sacks, 5 interceptions and three forced fumbles. Thus earning him the National Defensive Player of the Year award.

Press reports tout the Florida Gators speed as a possible edge in the contest. Gator speed could be a big factor in tomorrow's game. We cannot easily measure or compare that statistic but one thing is very clear. In seven previous Bowl Game matchups against SEC teams, dating  back to 1978, Ohio State has never won a game. More importantly, comparing the strength of schedule, it seems obvious that Florida played the tougher schedule.

Therefore, after considerable research and analysis I arrive at the following conclusion:

Both teams are well deserving of a place in the BCS Championship game. Both teams have excellent passers but Ohio State's Troy Smith has the edge which will be very important. Both teams have exceptional running games but Ohio State has a distinct advantage in the rushing department largely because of Antonio Pittman and Tedd Ginn.  Defensively Ohio State has the edge in interceptions which will weigh heavily in determining the outcome of the contest. Offensively Ohio State overcame the vaunted Michigan defense that allowed only 50 yards rushing per game until the Wolverines season ending contest with Ohio State.

I believe Ohio State should be favored, as they are by 7 1/2 pts. However, I will be satisfied to simply settle in for a great football game by two magnificent football teams, a game that will determine the National Championship. I will not be disappointed at a loss by either team. I will be delighted by whoever wins! I think this is largely because I greatly admire both coaches. Also because Ohio State is a phenomenal football team and the Florida Gators never expected to be playing for the BCS Championship. 

I am fortunate to have seen OSU beat Michigan this year and I will be fortunate to see the BCS Championship game tomorrow. Despite the statistics the game could go either way. Maybe a very slight edge goes to the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click Here)

 

 

 

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Subject: A New Year Dawning
Time: 8:07:57 AM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer
Mood:  Happy
Music:  Englefield's Winterland Symphonic Suite

A Fresh Start Promises Better Days Ahead

Being tired from our long trip to Ohio and back, I went to bed early on New Years Eve only to be awakened by a mysterious force at 11:45 PM. I could hear the rain pouring down on the roof top as I slowly arose from my bed.  I looked at the clock in amazement and realized I was just in time for the celebration.  But more importantly I noticed I had forgotten to close the garage door. The driving rain was splashing onto the garage floor. I quickly went to the garage and closed the door.

When it rains and particularly when there is lightning flashing I always un plug my computers. The 14 symphonies, etc. thereon require protection from power surges even though I have such protection. I ran to my studio to remedy the problem.

As I watched the New Year's celebrations on TV I began to think about the coming year. It was serious business, to be sure. I vowed to do several things far better in the coming year. The first was to drive more carefully and especially at intersections. For the past several years I have slowed my driving down considerably because I am simply not in a hurry. Somewhere along the way I realized that I was not going to be late for work and even if I was late for something, I preferred to drive more carefully.

My thoughts then went to the subject of my health. I vowed to watch my diet more carefully and take my daily regimen of medicines more faithfully. That issue grew to big proportions in my mind. In fact all the above subjects were so serious that I turned off the TV and went back to bed. They reduced down to two easy words to remember - Safety and Health.

With five acres and eight gardens all in need of attention I quickly dismissed those ideas because one merely needs to go to the front porch for morning coffee to be reminded of the tasks that await my attention. Similarly with my studio; opening the door to the studio reminds me of the clutter that needs attention. Eccentric composers tend to have a little clutter. The reason is rather obvious. There are composition projects, promotional mailings, printing projects, Photo Journals, reference books & materials (nearby) and the "To Do" stacks on the left side of the desk.  I vowed to clear the clutter on the first cold and rainy day. We all know today is a Holiday and not a day for hard work.

As for politics and the national scene, I thought briefly and decided that I had written just about all I knew on the subject. There was little more I could add in my Journals. My advice was being ignored by the President, whereby I concluded that free speech had an important but limited value to an Editorial Writer. But I had made my contribution and that was sufficient.

So, it boiled down to Safety & Health and................a little clutter.

Realizing those were issues I could do something about, I then turned out the light and gave my dog Liberty a few strokes of affection and prepared for a good night's sleep. Liberty jumped down from the bed and picked up his pet frog (Froggie) and jumped back up onto the bed beside me. All was well as we headed into the Happy New Year.

Several favorite photos are displayed above.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonybyenglefield.com (Click Here)

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Subject: My Take - Ohio State vs. Michigan
Time: 9:27:53 AM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer
Mood:  Happy
Music:  Ohio State Fight Song - Fight the team across the field.......

A Day We Will Remember........

Today, the Ohio State Buckeyes take on the Michigan Wolverines for the coveted No. 1 place in the rankings and a place in the National Championship football game. It has been said to be the game of the Century. Both teams remain unbeaten. Television crews will broadcast the game around the world.

Growing up in Springfield, Ohio, not far from the campus at Ohio State, and where I went to colllege, I remember the titanic confrontations between Ohio State and Michigan dating back to the early 1940s. These battles took place in two giant stadiums, the Horseshoe at OSU and The Big House in Ann Arbor.

Names like Vic Janowitz, Alan (The Horse) Ameche (Wisconsin Badgers) and Archie Griffin come to mind. Archie was a two time winner of the Hiesman Award. The other two names that stand out are Woody Hayes, coach of Ohio State and Bo Schembechler, coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Learning yesterday of the death of Bo Schembechler made me very sad. Primarily because we Ohioans had a tremendous amount of respect for Bo as coach of the Michigan team. The accolades being said about him are most well deserved. OSU coach Jim Tressel said, "Bo will now have the best seat in the stadium." Another said, " Woody and Bo will be reunited and watching the game from the same side of the field." This is going to be a great day for Buckeye  and Michigan fans.  Said to be the greatest rivalry in college football, in many respects it will be a sad day as well.

The Horseshoe stadium in Columbus, Ohio now seats over 100,000 people, similar to the Big House at Ann Arbor. When originally built after the depression the "Shoe" seated around 50,000.  It is interesting to note that for the first ten years no more than 30,000 people attended football games in the "Shoe". The arrival of Coach Woody Hayes changed all that and the stadium has since been expanded several times to it's present 100,000 plus capacity.

Both Woody Hayes and Bo Schembechler were great coaches who took inordinate interest in their players and their future careers. The list of now successful coaches who worked for both is very long. Woody and  Bo are icons of the highest order who will be long remembered.

As game time approaches pundits and fans recall the outstanding records of both teams. Quarterback Troy Smith ranks sixth in the nation in passing efficiency. Michigan ranks near the top in lowest number of turnovers.  Ohio State has won many games this year by forcing turnovers. Perhaps the most interesting statistic regarding today's game. Michigan has a vaunted defense that allowed no more than 50 yards rushing in all games this season, an incredible statistic. Both teams have previously upset the other more favored team often over the years. Ohio State is favored to win today by six points.

Last year as the season was winding down, pollsters failed to give Ohio State enough credit for improving over the season. I wrote an Editorial stating that fact and scolding the pollsters for ignoring the Buckeyes who defeated Michigan and went on the win their Bowl game. With  most of their offense returning for this year's season, OSU has gone undefeated as expected. Michigan has played a slightly more difficult schedule and remains surprisingly undefeated as well.

Therefore, as a prognosticator, I would have to say because Ohio State has a phenomenal quarterback in Troy Smith who has shown incredible accuracy in passing, both pinpoint and long pass efficiency when needed under pressure, the Buckeyes have the edge. Moreover, Ohio State has a magnificent reservoir of receivers with Ted Ginn and Anthony Gonzales who have made spectacular catches throughout the season. Ginn is also the kick off and punt returner, a speedster quite capable of finding the end zone from anywhere on the field, at any time. Pittman and Wells are the primary running backs for Ohio State. Pittman has been a powerful and reliable running back throughout the year. It is therefore difficult to imagine Ohio State meeting it's match in this contest. 

I am worried about the vaunted Michigan defense that held it's opponents to less than fifty yards rushing per game. Ohio State had better have a few new tricks for this opponent. And,  Troy Smith will have to pass more then 18-19 times for the Buckeyes to come away with the win.

I'm headed for the biggest Plasma TV screen in town to watch this game. Should be exciting and interesting to see what happens. This game could go either way as with most of the OSU-Michigan games over the past fifty years.

Richard Englefield

www.symphonycomposer@aol.com (Click Here)

 

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Subject: Well Done Veterans & Men and Women at Arms
Time: 11:16:25 AM EST
Author:  symphonycomposer

A Day to Remember

Today is a day we pay tribute to Veterans of wars past and present. Many well deserved words will be spoken throughout our country today. To those words I would like to add the following:

Our men and women in the Armed Services face an incredibly difficult task. The enemy is elusive and hidden amidst ghettos and in the mountains. He does not send a brigade to fight. Possibly we have never fought such an enemy, certainly in our lifetimes. Our task since 9/11 has been extremely difficult.

To our President and his staff we should send our words of appreciation for their perseverance. Probably we do not understand the magnitude of difficulty the present Administration has faced. The wages are not sufficient to the great responsibility. The recent election surely did not show a semblance of gratitude for the patriotic dedication devoted by our absolutely selfless public officials in Washington. These are difficult times.

Donald Rumsfeld has stepped down as Secretary of Defense. The extreme agony and frustration of this war tells me his tireless efforts have earned for him a well deserved rest. We know the critics of his performance were merely opportunists trying to win an election. Why do we know this? Simply because not one of his critics in the opposition party offered one constructive idea or suggestion signifying what they would do to improve the results of this terrible conflict. They sold the electorate a "pig in a poke". And a majority bought the "poke".

Donald Rumsfeld has been a faithful and loyal public servant on the Washington scene for many years. During this administration he has worked tirelessly and unselfishly resulting in a contrasting minimum number of casualties compared to previous conflicts. Two previously subjugated countries now fly the flag of Freedom. The Free World is now working together to disarm and disable the wretches of terrorism around the world.  For these reasons I wish I could shake the hand of Donald Rumsfeld and say, "Well done".

If we have had a shortcoming in the fight against terrorism, surely it has been in the realm of intelligence gathering. Secretary Rumsfeld's departure ushers in a new opportunity for the United States. Mr. Gates is former head of the CIA. A very good selection by the President. 

A good man works hard in his job. I have no doubt that Donald Rumsfeld worked extremely hard at his job as Secretary of Defense. I regret that the election may have contributed to his departure because I know he was a good man. Therefore, I say "Well Done Donald Rumsfeld. You made great progress and can be proud of many victories and accomplishments. The war goes on but your tenure provided many great victories, not to be forgotten."

As for the new majority in both House and Senate I have this to say. The people await your alledged and supposed new strategies. If you had anything worth while it should have been offered to the President many, many months ago. We will be watching cautiously. In the absence of your promises kept or presence of promises unkept you may be assured that two years from now the great electorate will be reminded of the  "Empty Poke".

Richard Englefield 

 

 

 

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