Fred: MRI 2015

So....it's THAT time again.

Just got the Impression and Imaging back from my annual "Let's See What the Hell Fred is up to..."  MRI.  And, actually, was a bit nervous since I have been experiencing some random back pain/tingling over this year and did the full spinal MRI to make sure that Fred hadn't launched an attack in my spine...a scary thought.

Well...as you can see he is definitely pudgier and the tail is growing...and about 4x the size of when he was first found in 2008. So there is that.  The egg shaped area I labelled. Yeah. That's FRED.  We are still keeping an uneasy accord. I don't slice, dice, bombard him with radiation or poison him with chemo and try to keep him relatively stress-free...and he....well he doesn't make me stupid or kill me off just yet.  So far...so good.

The spinal was totally clear. No droplet spread!

BEST news...ever!

The doctor thinks the back symptoms I have had are consistent with....wait for it....
       
"The aging process". 

LMAO...right there in the room.

As a woman who was told she would not live to see 50...let me assure you...I will NEVER EVER EVER complain about growing older!

It is a privilege.

So earlier labs were great. No renal function impairment secondary to my meds. I am still on non-narcotic pain relief and want to stay that way. I will tolerate a bit of break-through pain for not being any slower or feeling drugged. The antivert works extremely well with the nausea and has the added bonus of being a mega antihistamine so seasonal allergies are kind of a thing of the past.

Sure, I tire pretty quickly these days. If I over-do it I hit the wall pretty hard and I don't bounce back like I used to. I've transitioned from 50 years of being a Gypsy to being a Virtual Gypsy/Traveller, and love it.  I've made my peace with the walker, too...it keeps me ambulatory.

Life is still an Adventure and Enjoyable.

It's ALL Good!

 

Repblican Candidate: Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Olin Graham is an American politician and member of the Republican Party, who has served as a United States Senator from South Carolina since 2003, and has been the senior Senator from South Carolina since 2005. Lindsey Graham is not married and has no children.

On the Issues:

Staunch Conservative

Abortion:

• Protect the sanctity of life. (Aug 2008)
• Ginsburg would get rejected today for outspokenness on Roe. (Jan 2006)
• Federal crime to harm fetus during an assault. (Apr 2001)
• Voted YES on restricting UN funding for population control policies. (Mar 2009)
• Voted YES on defining unborn child as eligible for SCHIP. (Mar 2008)
• Voted YES on prohibiting minors crossing state lines for abortion. (Mar 2008)
• Voted YES on barring HHS grants to organizations that perform abortions. (Oct 2007)
• Voted NO on expanding research to more embryonic stem cell lines. (Apr 2007)
• Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
• Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
• Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
• Voted YES on funding for health providers who don't provide abortion info. (Sep 2002)
• Voted YES on banning Family Planning funding in US aid abroad. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on banning partial-birth abortions. (Apr 2000)
• Voted YES on barring transporting minors to get an abortion. (Jun 1999)
• Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Rated 100% by the NRLC, indicating a pro-life stance. (Dec 2006)
• Prohibit transporting minors across state lines for abortion. (Jan 2008)
• Prohibit federal funding for abortion. (May 2011)

 On the Economy:

• Dollar-for-dollar offset: cut spending to raise debt ceiling. (Jan 2013)
• Voted YES on $192B additional anti-recession stimulus spending. (Jul 2009)
• Voted YES on modifying bankruptcy rules to avoid mortgage foreclosures. (May 2009)
• Voted NO on additional $825 billion for economic recovery package. (Feb 2009)
• Voted YES on paying down federal debt by rating programs' effectiveness. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
• Allow $3 on 1040 form to pay off National Debt. (Sep 2000)
• Balanced Budget Amendment with 3/5 vote to override. (Jan 2009)
• Supports the Cut-Cap-and-Balance Pledge. (Jan 2012)
• Disapprove of increasing the debt limit. (Jan 2012)
• Supports balanced budget amendment & line item veto. (Sep 1994) 

On Social Security:

• Voted YES on establishing reserve funds & pre-funding for Social Security. (Mar 2007)
• Voted YES on raising 401(k) limits & making pension plans more portable. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on reducing tax payments on Social Security benefits. (Jul 2000)
• Voted NO on strengthening the Social Security Lockbox. (May 1999)
• Create personal retirement accounts within Social Security. (Jul 2000)
• Rated 20% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Rated 9% by ARA, indicating a pro-privatization stance. (Jan 2013)
• Reduce taxes on Social Security earnings. (Sep 1994) 

On Civil Rights:

• Support the constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. (Aug 2008)
• Voted NO on reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act. (Feb 2013)
• Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on banning gay adoptions in DC. (Jul 1999)
• Voted YES on ending preferential treatment by race in college admissions. (May 1998)
• Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)
• Rated 0% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
• Rated 0% by the HRC, indicating an anti-gay-rights stance. (Dec 2006)
• Rated 11% by the NAACP, indicating an anti-affirmative-action stance. (Dec 2006)
• Amend Constitution to define traditional marriage. (Jun 2008) 

On Gun Control:

• Voted NO on banning high-capacity magazines of over 10 bullets. (Apr 2013)
• Voted YES on allowing firearms in checked baggage on Amtrak trains. (Apr 2009)
• Voted YES on prohibiting foreign & UN aid that restricts US gun ownership. (Sep 2007)
• Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Voted YES on decreasing gun waiting period from 3 days to 1. (Jun 1999)
• Rated A by the NRA, indicating a pro-gun rights voting record. (Dec 2003)
• National cross-state standard for concealed carry. (Jan 2009)
• Oppose the United Nations' Arms Trade Treaty. (Sep 2013)
• Ban gun registration & trigger lock law in Washington DC. (Mar 2007)
• Allow firearms in National Parks. (Feb 2008)
• Apply concealed carry permit to all other states where legal. (Feb 2009)
• Dangerousness, not mental incompetence, limits gun rights. (Mar 2009) 

On Drugs:

• Voted YES on military border patrols to battle drugs & terrorism. (Sep 2001)
• Voted YES on prohibiting needle exchange & medical marijuana in DC. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on subjecting federal employees to random drug tests. (Sep 1998)
• Enhance interdiction by criminalizing unflagged submarines. (Jul 2008) 

On Education:

• Voted NO on additional $10.2B for federal education & HHS projects. (Oct 2007)
• Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on allowing school prayer during the War on Terror. (Nov 2001)
• Voted YES on requiring states to test students. (May 2001)
• Voted YES on allowing vouchers in DC schools. (Aug 1998)
• Voted YES on vouchers for private & parochial schools. (Nov 1997)
• Let schools display the words "God Bless America". (Oct 2001)
• Supports requiring schools to allow prayer. (Jan 2001)
• Rated 27% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
• Sponsored $110M per year to teach abstinence in public schools. (Feb 2013)
• Sponsored denouncing the Common Core State Standards. (Feb 2014)
• Supports a Constitutional Amendment for school prayer. (May 1997) 

On Energy and Oil:

• Greenhouse gas is a problem; but EPA shouldn't regulate it. (Feb 2012)
• Voted YES on barring EPA from regulating greenhouse gases. (Apr 2011)
• Voted YES on protecting middle-income taxpayers from a national energy tax. (Apr 2009)
• Voted YES on requiring full Senate debate and vote on cap-and-trade. (Apr 2009)
• Voted NO on tax incentives for energy production and conservation. (Jun 2008)
• Voted NO on addressing CO2 emissions without considering India & China. (May 2008)
• Voted NO on removing oil & gas exploration subsidies. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on making oil-producing and exporting cartels illegal. (Jun 2007)
• Voted NO on factoring global warming into federal project planning. (May 2007)
• Voted NO on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted NO on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
• Voted NO on raising CAFE standards; incentives for alternative fuels. (Aug 2001)
• Voted NO on prohibiting oil drilling & development in ANWR. (Aug 2001)
• Voted NO on starting implementation of Kyoto Protocol. (Jun 2000)
• Rated 17% by the CAF, indicating opposition to energy independence. (Dec 2006)
• Open the Outer Continental Shelf for oil & gas leasing. (Jun 2008)
• Gas tax holiday for the summer. (Apr 2008)

 On The Environment:

• Green diesel regulations cost $367 per truck per year. (Jan 2014)
• Voted YES on protecting ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes ecosystems. (May 2013)
• Voted NO on $2 billion more for Cash for Clunkers program. (Aug 2009)
• Voted YES on prohibiting eminent domain for use as parks or grazing land. (Dec 2007)
• Voted NO on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
• Rated 5% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003)
• Allow longer than 10 years to rebuild depleted fisheries. (Sep 2011)
• Rated 60% by HSLF, indicating a mixed voting record on animal welfare. (Jan 2012) 

On Famlies and Children:

• Voted YES on reducing Marriage Tax by $399B over 10 years. (Mar 2001)
• Rated 100% by the Christian Coalition: a pro-Family-Value voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Use tax code to reinforce families. (Sep 1994)
• Fund 2,500 Boys and Girls Clubs in underserved areas. (Dec 1997) 

On Foreign Policy:

• Condemn & isolate Cuba; they deserve no new engagement. (Dec 2014)
• Cuba is still a security threat to America; no aid. (Dec 2014)
• Sanctions on North Korea: terrorist list & China's help. (Dec 2014)
• Without American leadership the world disintegrates rapidly. (Jul 2014)
• Sanctions against Putin; arm & train the Ukrainians. (Jul 2014)
• UN has become more anti- Israeli & anti-Semitic. (Jul 2014)
• America is the glue that holds the free world together. (Jul 2014)
• Create a democratic noose around Putin's Russia. (Mar 2014)
• Create a democratic noose around Putin's Russia. (Mar 2014)
• Voted YES on cooperating with India as a nuclear power. (Oct 2008)
• Voted NO on keeping Cuba travel ban until political prisoners released. (Jul 2001)
• Voted YES on withholding $244M in UN Back Payments until US seat restored. (May 2001)
• Voted NO on $156M to IMF for 3rd-world debt reduction. (Jul 2000)
• Voted NO on Permanent Normal Trade Relations with China. (May 2000)
• Voted NO on $15.2 billion for foreign operations. (Nov 1999)
• Rated +1 by AAI, indicating a mixed Arab/Palestine voting record. (May 2012)
• Vigorous support for State of Israel against Hamas in Gaza. (Nov 2012)
• Let Ukraine & Georgia enter NATO. (Jan 2008)
• Support Iranian demonstrators against Iranian government. (Jun 2009)
• Pressure friendly Arab states to end Israeli boycott. (Oct 2007) 

On Free Trade:

• NAFTA drained away textile trade from Upstate SC. (Jan 2014)
• Voted YES on promoting free trade with Peru. (Dec 2007)
• Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
• Voted NO on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
• Voted NO on withdrawing from the WTO. (Jun 2000)
• Voted NO on 'Fast Track' authority for trade agreements. (Sep 1998)
• Rated 17% by CATO, indicating a pro-fair trade voting record. (Dec 2002)
• Free trade with post-Orange Revolution Ukraine. (Apr 2005) 

On Government Reform:

• Increase campaign contribution limits; but no foreigners. (Nov 2000)
• Voted NO on Congressional pay raise. (Jul 2009)
• Voted NO on providing a US House seat for the District of Columbia. (Feb 2009)
• Voted NO on granting the District of Columbia a seat in Congress. (Sep 2007)
• Voted YES on requiring photo ID to vote in federal elections. (Jul 2007)
• Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on campaign finance reform banning soft-money contributions. (Feb 2002)
• Voted NO on banning soft money donations to national political parties. (Jul 2001)
• Voted YES on banning soft money and issue ads. (Sep 1999)
• Sponsored bill allowing individual votes on each earmark. (Feb 2006)
• Require Internet disclosure of all earmarks. (May 2010)
• Matching fund for small donors, with debate requirements. (Feb 2013)
• Prohibit IRS audits targeting Tea Party political groups. (Feb 2014)
• Restrict campaign donations from foreigners or 3rd parties. (May 1999)
• Require all laws to cite Constitutional authorization. (Jun 2009)
• Limit punitive damages; term limits on Congress. (Sep 1994)
• Government is too big, too intrusive, too easy with money. (Sep 1994) 

On Healthcare: 

• US troops in Africa is the right way to fight Ebola. (Oct 2014)
• Opposed ObamaCare from day one. (Mar 2014)
• Let ObamaCare show itself as a continuing debacle. (Oct 2013)
• Voted YES on the Ryan Budget: Medicare choice, tax & spending cuts. (May 2011)
• Voted NO on regulating tobacco as a drug. (Jun 2009)
• Voted NO on expanding the Children's Health Insurance Program. (Jan 2009)
• Voted NO on overriding veto on expansion of Medicare. (Jul 2008)
• Voted YES on means-testing to determine Medicare Part D premium. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on adding 2 to 4 million children to SCHIP eligibility. (Nov 2007)
• Voted NO on requiring negotiated Rx prices for Medicare part D. (Apr 2007)
• Voted NO on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
• Voted YES on allowing suing HMOs, but under federal rules & limited award. (Aug 2001)
• Voted YES on subsidizing private insurance for Medicare Rx drug coverage. (Jun 2000)
• Voted YES on banning physician-assisted suicide. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on establishing tax-exempt Medical Savings Accounts. (Oct 1999)
• Rated 12% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Establish a national childhood cancer database. (Mar 2007)
• Increase funding for occupational & physical therapy. (Apr 2011)
• Expand medical savings accounts for employers & individuals. (Feb 1999)
• Establishment of Office of Health Care Fraud Prevention. (Oct 2009) 

On Homeland Security:

• The next stage of the fight against terrorism is in Africa. (Jan 2015)
• Fill Guantanamo with more terrorists instead of closing it. (Dec 2014)
• Benghazi:Focus on talking points, not how intel was gathered. (Nov 2014)
• Doing nothing about Benghazi leads to a more dangerous world. (Mar 2014)
• More budget & more than 440,000 troops against North Korea. (Mar 2014)
• NSA domestic spying only targets terrorism suspects. (Aug 2013)
• NSA leaker Edward Snowden is a felon, not a hero. (Jun 2013)
• Cuts to military systems will leave us with a hollow force. (Mar 2013)
• President did not do enough to protect Benghazi embassy. (Feb 2013)
• Canceling Pole/Czech missile defense capitulates to Russia. (Dec 2011)
• 2005: interrogations must follow US Army Field Manual rules. (Aug 2011)
• Ensure terrorists cannot sue American troops. (Aug 2008)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)
• Voted YES on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
• Voted NO on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
• Voted YES on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)
• Voted YES on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying SDI. (Mar 1999)
• Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
• Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Prohibit torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
• Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
• Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)
• Improve educational assistance for veterans. (Apr 2008)
• Set minimum spending on defense at 4% of GDP. (Dec 2007)
• No US troops under UN command; more defense spending. (Sep 1994) 

On Immigration:

• The next stage of the fight against terrorism is in Africa. (Jan 2015)
• Fill Guantanamo with more terrorists instead of closing it. (Dec 2014)
• Benghazi:Focus on talking points, not how intel was gathered. (Nov 2014)
• Doing nothing about Benghazi leads to a more dangerous world. (Mar 2014)
• More budget & more than 440,000 troops against North Korea. (Mar 2014)
• NSA domestic spying only targets terrorism suspects. (Aug 2013)
• NSA leaker Edward Snowden is a felon, not a hero. (Jun 2013)
• Cuts to military systems will leave us with a hollow force. (Mar 2013)
• President did not do enough to protect Benghazi embassy. (Feb 2013)
• Canceling Pole/Czech missile defense capitulates to Russia. (Dec 2011)
• 2005: interrogations must follow US Army Field Manual rules. (Aug 2011)
• Ensure terrorists cannot sue American troops. (Aug 2008)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's roving wiretaps. (Feb 2011)
• Voted YES on cutting $221M in benefits to Filipinos who served in WWII US Army. (Apr 2008)
• Voted NO on requiring FISA court warrant to monitor US-to-foreign calls. (Feb 2008)
• Voted YES on removing need for FISA warrant for wiretapping abroad. (Aug 2007)
• Voted NO on limiting soldiers' deployment to 12 months. (Jul 2007)
• Voted NO on implementing the 9/11 Commission report. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on permitting commercial airline pilots to carry guns. (Jul 2002)
• Voted YES on $266 billion Defense Appropriations bill. (Jul 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying SDI. (Mar 1999)
• Federalize aviation security. (Nov 2001)
• Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Prohibit torture of terrorists in US custody. (Jul 2005)
• Sponsored bill for Iraq budget to be part of defense budget. (Jun 2006)
• Extend reserve retirement pay parity back to 9/11. (Dec 2007)
• Improve educational assistance for veterans. (Apr 2008)
• Set minimum spending on defense at 4% of GDP. (Dec 2007)
• No US troops under UN command; more defense spending. (Sep 1994) 

On Jobs:

• Biggest business headache is worker's compensation system. (Jan 2014)
• Voted YES on extending unemployment benefits from 39 weeks to 59 weeks. (Nov 2008)
• Voted YES on overriding presidential veto of Farm Bill. (Jun 2008)
• Voted YES on terminating legal challenges to English-only job rules. (Mar 2008)
• Voted NO on limiting farm subsidies to people earning under $750,000. (Dec 2007)
• Voted NO on restricting employer interference in union organizing. (Jun 2007)
• Voted YES on increasing minimum wage to $7.25. (Feb 2007)
• Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on $167B over 10 years for farm price supports. (Oct 2001)
• Voted YES on zero-funding OSHA's Ergonomics Rules instead of $4.5B. (Mar 2001)
• Rated 17% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Incentives to businesses create jobs & raise wages. (Sep 1994)

On War and Peace:

• Returning from Iraq prematurely was a mistake. (Jan 2015)
• Form regional coalition to enforce no-fly zone in Syria. (Jan 2015)
• Ok to hold off Iranian sanctions but only while negotiating. (Jan 2015)
• U.S. ground troops to fight ISIL in Syria and Iraq. (Oct 2014)
• We should have left 10,000 US troops in Iraq. (Oct 2014)
• 2012: Arm the Syrian rebels & fight Assad's air force. (Oct 2014)
• More intervention in Iraq avoids an American city in flames. (Aug 2014)
• Israel: stay as long as needed in Gaza to deal with Hamas. (Jul 2014)
• Arm Ukraine; sanction Russia; more NATO troops to region. (Jul 2014)
• ISIS plans to take Jordan; that throws Mideast into turmoil. (Jun 2014)
• OK for Iran to help in Iraq, but not to dominate. (Jun 2014)
• ISIS makes Iraq & Syria the staging area for the next 9/11. (Jun 2014)
• Obama "screams loudly & carries no stick," in Russia & Syria. (Mar 2014)
• Support the Syrian rebels against Assad & Iran. (Oct 2013)
• Intervention in Syria to degrade Assad's chemical weapons. (Sep 2013)
• Getting Syria wrong leads to Iranian nukes & war with Israel. (Sep 2013)
• Syria: Assad must go, and small arms won't do it. (Jun 2013)
• Get involved in Syria to protect against al Qaeda and Iran. (Apr 2013)
• Slow Afghan withdrawal, with 15,000 US troops left behind. (Jan 2013)
• We need more troops for long haul, Iraq is like WWII. (Sep 2004)
• Voted NO on redeploying non-essential US troops out of Iraq in 9 months. (Dec 2007)
• Voted YES on designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists. (Sep 2007)
• Voted NO on redeploying US troops out of Iraq by March 2008. (Mar 2007)
• Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)
• Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on authorizing military force in Iraq. (Oct 2002)
• Voted YES on disallowing the invasion of Kosovo. (May 1999)
• Sponsored prevention, not containment, for Iranian nukes. (May 2012)
• Support the completion of the US mission in Iraq. (Feb 2007)
• Sanctions on Iran to end nuclear program. (Apr 2009) 

So...there you have it!

Next week we will take a closer look at:   Martin O'Malley

 
 


 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Impermanence: Zen and the Art of Letting Go

Those who know me well...know that today is a day of Fasting, Meditation, and Reflection. Today is the birthday he will never see, and we will never share together again.

He was my good friend...years ago, my lover...my confidant and sometimes just a shoulder or cheerleader when either of us really needed one. We shared secrets and scars, some dating back to childhood, that both of us will take to the grave.

Our last conversation was a few days before my birthday last year.  It would be our final. He died only months later. He was buried before I even knew he was gone. It hasn't been a year, yet, and I am still struggling with closure. The transition between "I Miss" and "I Remember". Wondering sometimes if I will ever stop searching for his face in the crowd. Today, somehow makes it easier. Today it seems okay, almost appropriate, to say

"Goodbye"

Our paths crossed so many times throughout our lives it could never have been random chance. Across three states. And for over twenty years after we were adults we rarely lived further than 15 minutes apart. I know this because one day we both realized it in kind of a Twilight Zone Moment.

"Hey...are you stalking me?"

I absolutely believe that we "travel" in circles through our reincarnations...and know we will meet again down the road.

So today, I remember laughter, bad jokes, Hollywood Kisses and even a few tears. I remember being "taught to smoke", and him laughing at my coughing and watering eyes saying,

"See.  I told you those things will kill you."

And it has been ages since I lit a Pall Mall.

But I did today. Sitting in the crisp Fall breeze and remembering a birthday
when I wrote a poem and then translated it in French
and we sat beneath the trees on a bridge
and I read it to him.  

Encircled in his arms.
Summer Romance.
Sharing a smoke.


And so, today, I tasted his mouth one more time.

And they say that giving up cigarettes is hard.

They have no idea.


                     Repose en pace, mon ami...

Republican Candidate: George Pataki

George Elmer Pataki is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 53rd Governor of New York. He has four children and is currently running for the 2016 Presidential Primary Nomination.

On the Issues:

Moderate Conservative 

On Abortion: 

• Claims he can overcome GOP objection to pro-abortion stance. (Dec 2006)
• Favors abortion rights. (Jun 2006)
• Vetoes non-prescription morning-after pill. (Aug 2005)
• Supports banning partial birth abortions. (May 1996)
• Voted in NY legislature to cut off Medicaid abortion funding. (Jun 1994)
• Supported by right-to-life groups in 1990s elections. (May 1990) 

 On the Economy:

• Slash job-killing regulations & cut taxes too. (Jan 2006)
• Cut taxes & cut spending. (Jul 2000)
• Bankruptcy reform: limit Chapter 7; protect states' role. (Feb 2001)
• Uphold commitments to states before other spending. (Sep 2001)
• Maintain & enforce existing spending caps in the future. (Sep 1998) 

On Social Security:

• Maintain long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare. (Aug 2001)
• Supports individual savings accounts and work incentives. (Sep 1998) 

On Civil Rights:

• Opposes same-sex marriage; supports gay & lesbian rights. (Jan 2007)
• No Federal Marriage Amendment; yes hate crime legislation. (Dec 2006)
• Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment. (Feb 2001)
• Require 90 day delay for compliance before ADA lawsuits. (May 2002)
• Limit interstate class-action lawsuits to federal courts . (May 2002)
• Decide Indian gaming rules at state level, not DOI. (Jul 1999) 

On Gun Control:


Supports gun control legislation. (Dec 2006) 

On Drugs:

• More federal funding for all aspects of Drug War. (Aug 2000)

On Education: 

• Expand charter schools throughout the state. (Jan 2006)
• Fund charter schools as independent non-profit entities. (Jun 2001)
• Focus educational resources to help those with greatest need. (Jul 2001)
• Require state standards, regular assessments, and sanctions. (Jul 2001)
• Support Ed-Flex: more flexibility if more accountable. (Jul 2001) 

On Energy and Oil:

• Tackle climate change via private & market-based initiatives. (Jan 2015)
• Reduce expensive, polluting, terror-promoting foreign oil. (Jan 2006)
• Make renewable fuel tax-free, for mass transit & cars. (Jan 2006)
• Voluntary partnerships reduce greenhouse gases economically. (Aug 2000)
• Kyoto Treaty must include reductions by all countries. (Aug 2000)
• Set goal of 25% renewable energy by 2025. (Jan 2007)
• Supports immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. (Sep 1998)
• Maintain federal funds for transit funding above 12.5% cap. (Jul 1999) 

On the Environment:

• Opposed to RFS: no ethanol mandate in gasoline. (Mar 2015)
• Majestic Hudson flows cleaner than it has in generations. (Jan 2006)
• Preserve & enhance our natural treasures for future. (Jan 2006)
• More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups. (Aug 2001)
• Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water. (Aug 2001)
• Supports grants for brownfields remediation. (May 2002)
• Make EPA into a Cabinet department. (May 2002)
• Focus on results, not regulation. (Sep 1998) 

On Families and Children:

• Our parents never felt like victims even in Great Depression. (May 2015)
• Prevent release of sexual predators into our neighborhoods. (Jan 2006)
• Encourage fathers' participation in child-raising. (Sep 2001)
• Federal funds & state involvement in fatherhood initiatives. (Aug 2001) 

On Foreign Policy: 

Stop using Vieques, Puerto Rico, for bombing & training. (Mar 2001) 

On Free Trade:

• Focus on in-sourcing foreign companies back to New York. (Jan 2006)
• Invest in math & science innovation to compete with China. (Jan 2006)
• Promote the Andean Free Trade Agreement. (May 2002)
• Bound under state commitment to CAFTA. (Aug 2005) 

On Government Reform:

• Empower the citizens to take back our government. (May 2015)
• Ban lobbying by former Members of Congress. (May 2015)
• Reform lobbying laws for more restrictions & disclosure. (Jan 2006)
• Governing philosophy: active but limited government. (Jan 2006)
• Reforms must respect state's rights to select electors. (Aug 2001)
• Reduce federal government size & scope, including military. (Sep 1998)
• More federal funding for FAA and air traffic control. (Jul 1999) 

On Healthcare:

• Revere America: work to repeal ObamaCare. (Apr 2014)
• Take decisions out of the hands of government bureaucrats. (Jan 2006)
• $28M for Primary Care Initiative. (Jan 2001)
• No federal pre-emption of employee health plan regulation. (Oct 2001)
• Tax credits for those without employee health insurance. (May 2002)
• Tax deduction for long-term care insurance. (May 2002)
• Support telemedicine for underserved areas. (May 2002)
• $350 billion for prescriptions for poor seniors. (May 2002)
• Protect state tobacco settlement funds from federal seizure. (Apr 1999) 

On Homeland Security:

• A strong America is a safe America: strengthen our military. (May 2015)
• We must win the War on Terror to keep America safe. (Dec 2006)
• Deal with terrorism as a joint federal-state responsibility. (Feb 2001)
• Include states in anti-terrorism planning. (Sep 2001) 

On Immigration:

• Immigrants come to work, not for government handouts. (May 2015)
• No executive orders on immigration. (Jan 2015)
• Share costs of legal immigration between states & federal. (Feb 2001)
• Federal government should deal with criminal repatriation. (Feb 2001)
• English immersion over bilingual education. (Jul 2001) 

 On Jobs:

No issue stance yet recorded by OnTheIssues.org

 

 

 On War and Peace:

 

• Make sure Iran never has a nuclear weapon. (May 2015)
• Honor soldiers destroying terrorist insurgency in Iraq. (Jan 2006)
• Supports $48 billion in new spending for anti-terrorism. (Jan 2002) 

There you have it!

Some of the candidates have not offered a lot of input on the Issues. George Pataki is one of them, unfortunately.
 

Next up:   Lindsey Graham

 

 
 
 
 
 



 










 

 

Birthdays...Books...Vin et Fromage..

                                     Emma's 9th "Luau Themed" Birthday!

Still recovering from the weekend.

The kids...

The babies...

                                                                                                           

And marvelling at James and Fred who have been friends since childhood, well over 20 years...and their two youngest boys who are now beginning that journey themselves.

                                                     Fred and James

                                           Aiden and Turtle (Fred Jr.)






And Nicole who managed to pull the whole thing together with Tiki Pineapples lit...and Trays of Pulled Pork...Fresh Chunked Pineapple and Watermelon and James' Piemento Dip...along with a mini beach...bowling with coconuts..."Sea Water" Drinks (Sprite with food coloring and Swedish Fish) and "Beach Balls".

And of course the kittens...

Garfield, Gir and Lucy (fur)...who was Lucifer until they realized it was a girl...lol!  In Lucy's defense she has mellowed a LOT since she first came home...all five inches of spazz...claws and hisses.

But everyone had a great time...and it was wonderful that Brittany (Nicole's  adopted daughter) and Amelia Rose  (her honorary grand-daughter and my honorary great-grand-daughter) made it after work.

                                       
                                                  Nicole and Brittany

                                                      Amelia Rose

Amelia Rose was still a newborn on Christmas Eve last year...now when she stands she is a tiny ballerina stretching up on tippy toes...working on a pink leotard/tutu combo for her before the holidays!

And more birthdays this week...Loretta and I heading out to celebrate her's soon! 

Well...slogging my way through "World Without End", perhaps more aptly titled Book without END, the sequel to "Pillars of the Earth"...and not sure if I like it yet or not...maybe I am just burned out on Ken Follett Mega-Worlds.

Or...it might be Chris' fault.

He, who recently started reading (and sharing with me) the Game of Thrones books...OMG!!!

If you think the televised series is amazing...try starting with the first book. I am completely hooked! Now I understand Bill's infatuation with the Dark Tower Series.

Finally finished Giverny in my Virtual France Adventure and am starting the week (and will finish out the month) with The Wines and Cheeses of France.

 Have found several French Wines I want to try...in addition to REAL champagne from Champagne, France. Also, have realized that there are between 350-400 types of French Cheese.  

Once again, you could sample a different French Cheese every day...all year long...and STILL not try them all. 

 Going to narrow it down to a select few that sound interesting.

C'est La Vie...

Republican Candidate: Rick Santorum

Rick Santorum was the State senator for Pennsylvania and ranked third in Republican Party.  He is married with eight children. He is currently a candidate for the 2016 Presidential Election.

On the Issues:

Conservative  

Abortion:

• Pushed legislation to protect the unborn. (May 2015)
• Gingrich's abortion stances compared to Santorum's. (Jan 2012)
• States have the right to ban contraception, but shouldn't. (Jan 2012)
• No abortions even in cases of rape; one violence is enough. (Aug 2011)
• I've not only taken the pledge; I've taken the bullets. (Jun 2011)
• FactCheck: Under 1/4 of pregnancies end in abortion, not 1/3. (May 2011)
• FactCheck: No, female suicide & crime not worse under Roe. (Feb 2011)
• Plan B morning-after pill is abortion, and dangerous. (Sep 2006)
• Exception for rape & incest ok, even though they take a life. (Sep 2006)
• Partial birth abortion is not used only for abnormalities. (Apr 2006)
• Scientifically, an embryo is human from moment of conception. (Apr 2006)
• 93% of abortions are post-conception birth control. (Apr 2006)
• Partial birth abortion allows killing baby if only toe is in. (Apr 2006)
• There is no federal right to privacy. (Apr 2003)
• Responsible stem cell research doesn't destroy embryos. (Aug 2001)
• Protect any child born alive from botched abortion. (Jun 2001)
• Partial birth abortion should shock your conscience. (Dec 1995)
• Voted YES on notifying parents of minors who get out-of-state abortions. (Jul 2006)
• Voted NO on $100M to reduce teen pregnancy by education & contraceptives. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on criminal penalty for harming unborn fetus during other crime. (Mar 2004)
• Voted YES on banning partial birth abortions except for maternal life. (Mar 2003)
• Voted YES on maintaining ban on Military Base Abortions. (Jun 2000)
• Voted YES on banning human cloning. (Feb 1998)
• Rated 0% by NARAL, indicating a pro-life voting record. (Dec 2003)
• Supports the Pro-life Presidential Leadership Pledge. (Jan 2012) 

On the Economy:

• Spend-o-meter: publicize costs of spending amendments. (May 2015)
• I opposed the Wall Street bailouts and the auto bailout. (Feb 2012)
• 2005: Fannie & Freddie should create housing affordability. (Jan 2012)
• Newt Gingrich's economic stances compared to Santorum's. (Jan 2012)
• Spend-o-meter: track spending on all Senate amendments. (Jan 2012)
• TARP was biggest government intrusion into private sector. (Oct 2011)
• Govt has averaged 18% of GDP and we're now at 25%. (Aug 2011)
• Audit the Fed; but no gold standard. (Aug 2011)
• Stopping debt ceiling increase is showmanship not leadership. (Aug 2011)
• Voted YES on $40B in reduced federal overall spending. (Dec 2005)
• Voted YES on prioritizing national debt reduction below tax cuts. (Apr 2000)
• Voted YES on 1998 GOP budget. (May 1997)
• Voted YES on Balanced-budget constitutional amendment. (Mar 1997) 

On Social Security:

• Means testing: reduce benefits for wealthy seniors. (Jan 2012)
• 1994: Proposed raising retirement age, despite unpopularity. (Sep 2011)
• Supports privatization if voluntary. (Sep 2006)
• Switched from raising retirement age to personal accounts. (Sep 2006)
• Guaranteed benefit if over 50; personal account if younger. (Sep 2006)
• No privatization; but voluntary personal retirement accounts. (Sep 2003)
• Raise retirement age? Maybe. Private investment? Yes. (May 2000)
• Social Security needs reform sooner rather than later. (May 2000)
• Let's grow the pie using private market system. (Apr 1998)
• Voted YES on Social Security Lockbox & limiting national debt. (Apr 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing Roth IRAs for retirees. (May 1998)
• Voted YES on allowing personal retirement accounts. (Apr 1998)
• Voted YES on deducting Social Security payments on income taxes. (May 1996)
• Rated 10% by the ARA, indicating an anti-senior voting record. (Dec 2003) 

On Civil Rights:

• I would never attend a same-sex wedding. (Apr 2015)
• Push for religious liberty in workplace, but not anti-gay. (Apr 2015)
• Santorum side-by-side against Gingrich, Paul & Romney. (Mar 2012)
• I agree with hearing gay ideas but disagree with some. (Jan 2012)
• Marriage is a federal issue; we need one definition, not 50. (Jan 2012)
• Right to gay sex implies right to bigamy, incest, & adultery. (Jan 2012)
• No polygamy; no gay marriage. (Aug 2011)
• Repeal Don't-Ask-Don't-Tell; punish behavior. (Jun 2011)
• Same-sex marriage is unprecedented social revolution. (Apr 2006)
• Marriage Protection Amendment is last resort, but needed. (Apr 2006)
• Affirmative program for minority business-building. (Apr 2006)
• Leave marriage definition to state legislatures & the people. (Jul 2004)
• Same-sex marriage takes us away from purpose of marriage. (Jul 2004)
• Homosexual orientation ok; but homosexual act are sodomy. (Apr 2003)
• Voted YES on recommending Constitutional ban on flag desecration. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. (Jun 2002)
• Voted YES on loosening restrictions on cell phone wiretapping. (Oct 2001)
• Voted NO on expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation. (Jun 2000)
• Voted NO on setting aside 10% of highway funds for minorities & women. (Mar 1998)
• Voted NO on ending special funding for minority & women-owned business. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex marriage. (Sep 1996)
• Voted NO on prohibiting job discrimination by sexual orientation. (Sep 1996)
• Voted YES on Amendment to prohibit flag burning. (Dec 1995)
• Voted NO on banning affirmative action hiring with federal funds. (Jul 1995)
• Supports anti-flag desecration amendment. (Mar 2001)
• Rated 25% by the ACLU, indicating an anti-civil rights voting record. (Dec 2002)
• Issue a commemorative postage stamp of Rosa Parks. (Dec 2005) 

On Gun Control:

• Lifetime A+ rating with the NRA; despite trigger lock vote. (Jan 2012)
• Voted YES on prohibiting lawsuits against gun manufacturers. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on banning lawsuits against gun manufacturers for gun violence. (Mar 2004)
• Voted NO on background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on more penalties for gun & drug violations. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on loosening license & background checks at gun shows. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on maintaining current law: guns sold without trigger locks. (Jul 1998) 

On Drugs:

• Smoked pot in college, but knew it was wrong. (Mar 2011)
• Kids living with married parents less likely to use drugs. (Apr 2006)
• Bigger drug problem since welfare state started. (Jul 1996)
• Voted YES on increasing penalties for drug offenses. (Nov 1999)
• Voted YES on spending international development funds on drug control. (Jul 1996) 

On Education:

• Reform education; only 30% get college degrees. (Jan 2015)
• 2006: college for all; 2012: college for all is snobbish. (Feb 2012)
• I should not have voted for No Child Left Behind. (Jan 2012)
• Our education system doesn't serve the customer. (Sep 2011)
• 2001: Keep Department of Education; 2012: it's unnecessary. (Jun 2011)
• One-time $500 contribution to every low-income child. (Apr 2006)
• Rich people already have school choice; give it to the poor. (Apr 2006)
• 1990s: School uniforms happen to be a good idea. (Apr 2006)
• Family, religion, and schools: most fundamental institutions. (Apr 2006)
• Comprehensive sex ed has no impact on pregnancy or STD rates. (Apr 2006)
• Home-schooled six children with wife Karen. (Apr 2006)
• Multiculturalism insists we teach about comic books. (Apr 2006)
• Expose kids to legitimate debate of evolution & creationism. (Mar 2005)
• Teach about disagreements in biological evolution theories. (Jun 2001)
• Kids are trapped without choice in the public schools. (Jun 2001)
• More teachers & more funding just means more of the same. (Apr 1998)
• Voted NO on $52M for "21st century community learning centers". (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on $5B for grants to local educational agencies. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on shifting $11B from corporate tax loopholes to education. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on funding smaller classes instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
• Voted NO on funding student testing instead of private tutors. (May 2001)
• Voted NO on spending $448B of tax cut on education & debt reduction. (Apr 2001)
• Voted YES on Educational Savings Accounts. (Mar 2000)
• Voted YES on allowing more flexibility in federal school rules. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on education savings accounts. (Jun 1998)
• Voted YES on school vouchers in DC. (Sep 1997)
• Voted YES on $75M for abstinence education. (Jul 1996)
• Voted YES on giving federal aid only to schools allowing voluntary prayer. (Mar 1994)
• Rated 27% by the NEA, indicating anti-public education votes. (Dec 2003)
• Make employee educational assistance tax-deductible. (Jan 1993) 

On Energy and Oil:

• Nothing the US could do will affect global warming. (Jan 2015)
• Out of office, I stayed in the fray to defeat cap-and-trade. (Jan 2012)
• No federal energy help needed; we did it on Marcellus Shale. (Nov 2011)
• Sagging economy caused by stop sign on oil drilling. (Jun 2011)
• Voted NO on disallowing an oil leasing program in Alaska's ANWR. (Nov 2005)
• Voted YES on $3.1B for emergency oil assistance for hurricane-hit areas. (Oct 2005)
• Voted NO on reducing oil usage by 40% by 2025 (instead of 5%). (Jun 2005)
• Voted NO on banning drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. (Mar 2005)
• Voted YES on Bush Administration Energy Policy. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on targeting 100,000 hydrogen-powered vehicles by 2010. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on removing consideration of drilling ANWR from budget bill. (Mar 2003)
• Voted YES on drilling ANWR on national security grounds. (Apr 2002)
• Voted YES on terminating CAFE standards within 15 months. (Mar 2002)
• Voted YES on preserving budget for ANWR oil drilling. (Apr 2000)
• Voted NO on ending discussion of CAFE fuel efficiency standards. (Sep 1999)
• Voted YES on defunding renewable and solar energy. (Jun 1999)
• Voted YES on approving a nuclear waste repository. (Apr 1997) 

On The Environment:

• Ethanol mandate brings jobs & energy independence. (Mar 2015)
• Nature is a subtle web of intricate connections. (Apr 2006)
• Voted NO on including oil & gas smokestacks in mercury regulations. (Sep 2005)
• Voted YES on confirming Gale Norton as Secretary of Interior. (Jan 2001)
• Voted YES on more funding for forest roads and fish habitat. (Sep 1999)
• Voted NO on transportation demo projects. (Mar 1998)
• Voted NO on reducing funds for road-building in National Forests. (Sep 1997)
• Rated 0% by the LCV, indicating anti-environment votes. (Dec 2003) 

On Families and Children:

• Book "Bella's Gift" about their special-needs youngest child. (May 2015)
• Patriot Voices: online community to restore American dream. (May 2015)
• Strong families help produce a strong economy. (May 2015)
• Marriage disappears where government dependency is highest. (Aug 2012)
• Severely disabled daughter is still life worth living. (Aug 2012)
• Contraception for teens helps fix fracturing families. (Feb 2012)
• Address breakdown of American family from bully pulpit. (Jan 2012)
• Gay adoption is a state issue; no federal ban. (Jan 2012)
• Promote the family as economic anchor point. (Dec 2011)
• Poverty rate 5% with two parents; 30% with one parent. (Oct 2011)
• No-Fault Freedom: doing whatever we want damages society. (Apr 2006)
• Shotgun marriage wasn't all that bad in some cases. (Apr 2006)
• Pre-marital cohabitation makes 50% more chance of divorce. (Apr 2006)
• Covenant Marriage: do whatever it takes to keep together. (Apr 2006)
• Automatically awarding custody to moms celebrates sexism. (Jul 2005)
• Church scandals caused by "right to privacy lifestyle". (Apr 2003)
• Voted YES on killing restrictions on violent videos to minors. (May 1999) 

On Foreign Policy:

• Successfully pushed bipartisan national security legislation. (Jan 2015)
• Stand up for our friends in Latin America, not leftists. (Jan 2012)
• Keep embargo on Cuba--the heart of cancer in Latin America. (Jan 2012)
• Self-determination on statehood for Puerto Rico. (Jan 2012)
• Iran's theocracy encourages use of nuclear weapons. (Jan 2012)
• JFK-Khrushchev negotiations failed; Obama's will fail too. (Nov 2011)
• Assassinate Iranian & North Korean nuclear scientists. (Oct 2011)
• Deal with Musharraf in Pakistan in advance of trouble. (Sep 2011)
• No apologies for past American interventions in Iran. (Aug 2011)
• Voted YES on enlarging NATO to include Eastern Europe. (May 2002)
• Voted NO on killing a bill for trade sanctions if China sells weapons. (Sep 2000)
• Voted YES on capping foreign aid at only $12.7 billion. (Oct 1999)
• Voted NO on limiting the President's power to impose economic sanctions. (Jul 1998)
• Voted NO on limiting NATO expansion to only Poland, Hungary & Czech. (Apr 1998)
• Voted YES on $17.9 billion to IMF. (Mar 1998)
• Voted YES on Strengthening of the trade embargo against Cuba. (Mar 1996) 

On Free Trade:

• I'm for making US more competitive than China. (Oct 2011)
• 1993: Voted against NAFTA because it hurt PA industries. (Jun 2011)
• Voted YES on free trade agreement with Oman. (Jun 2006)
• Voted YES on implementing CAFTA for Central America free-trade. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on establishing free trade between US & Singapore. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on establishing free trade between the US and Chile. (Jul 2003)
• Voted YES on extending free trade to Andean nations. (May 2002)
• Voted YES on granting normal trade relations status to Vietnam. (Oct 2001)
• Voted YES on removing common goods from national security export rules. (Sep 2001)
• Voted YES on permanent normal trade relations with China. (Sep 2000)
• Voted YES on expanding trade to the third world. (May 2000)
• Voted YES on renewing 'fast track' presidential trade authority. (Nov 1997)
• Voted YES on imposing trade sanctions on Japan for closed market. (May 1995)
• Rated 100% by CATO, indicating a pro-free trade voting record. (Dec 2002)

On Government Reform:

• 1990s "Gang of Seven": exposed congressional scandals. (May 2015)
• Censure & lawsuit for too many executive actions. (Nov 2014)
• Line-item veto needed; spending transparency until then. (Feb 2012)
• Endorsed Arlen Specter to assure conservative Supreme Court. (Feb 2012)
• Overturn & freeze all Obama regulations in process. (Jul 2011)
• DC doesn't work; ratify the Balanced Budget Amendment. (Jul 2011)
• 1997: In-state campaign donation cap $4K; out-of-state $1K. (Jun 2011)
• Campaign finance should be purely voluntary. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on allowing some lobbyist gifts to Congress. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on establishing the Senate Office of Public Integrity. (Mar 2006)
• Voted NO on banning "soft money" contributions and restricting issue ads. (Mar 2002)
• Voted YES on require photo ID (not just signature) for voter registration. (Feb 2002)
• Voted NO on banning campaign donations from unions & corporations. (Apr 2001)
• Voted YES on funding for National Endowment for the Arts. (Aug 1999)
• Voted NO on favoring 1997 McCain-Feingold overhaul of campaign finance. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on Approving the presidential line-item veto. (Mar 1996)
• Voted NO on banning more types of Congressional gifts. (Jul 1995) 

On Healthcare:

• ObamaCare wasted $500M setting up 4 failed state exchanges. (May 2014)
• Obamacare will crush economic freedom. (Feb 2012)
• Give Medicare same options and opt-out as Congress. (Jan 2012)
• Promote Health Savings Accounts as market-based solution. (Jan 2012)
• Liberal states won't waive ObamaCare; we must repeal it. (Oct 2011)
• Private sector insurance works, even for Medicare. (Sep 2011)
• Mandatory inoculations of children is wrong. (Sep 2011)
• If we let states mandate insurance, sterilization is ok too. (Aug 2011)
• First Executive Order: suspend ObamaCare. (Jul 2011)
• 2006: Targeted by trial lawyers for his malpractice reform. (Jun 2011)
• Little or no benefit from negotiating Medicare Rx prices. (Sep 2006)
• Sex outside of monogamy has consequences of STDs & abortion. (Jul 2005)
• Voted YES on limiting medical liability lawsuits to $250,000. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on expanding enrollment period for Medicare Part D. (Feb 2006)
• Voted NO on increasing Medicaid rebate for producing generics. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on negotiating bulk purchases for Medicare prescription drug. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on $40 billion per year for limited Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Jun 2003)
• Voted NO on allowing reimportation of Rx drugs from Canada. (Jul 2002)
• Voted NO on allowing patients to sue HMOs & collect punitive damages. (Jun 2001)
• Voted YES on funding GOP version of Medicare prescription drug benefit. (Apr 2001)
• Voted NO on including prescription drugs under Medicare. (Jun 2000)
• Voted YES on limiting self-employment health deduction. (Jul 1999)
• Voted NO on increasing tobacco restrictions. (Jun 1998)
• Voted YES on Medicare means-testing. (Jun 1997)
• Voted NO on blocking medical savings acounts. (Apr 1996)
• Rated 0% by APHA, indicating a anti-public health voting record. (Dec 2003) 

On Homeland Security:

• Getting out facts about Benghazi makes hearings successful. (May 2014)
• Privacy is in 4th amendment, but Patriot Act is ok. (Jan 2012)
• Confront virulent threat of radical Islam. (Jan 2012)
• Giving money to Iran rebels is not enough. (Nov 2011)
• Don't cut one penny out of defense spending. (Oct 2011)
• Removing Don't-Ask injects social experiment into military. (Sep 2011)
• Department of Homeland Security fixed an internal mess. (Sep 2011)
• Cut waste in DOD, but don't cut defense budget. (Jul 2011)
• Terrorism is an asymmetric threat; we need worldwide bases. (Jun 2011)
• Waterboarding gets useful info, like on Osama bin Laden. (May 2011)
• We need to spend money to study the EMP threat. (Aug 2009)
• War against Islamic fascism will be won or lost in America. (Sep 2006)
• Invest in our armed services' fundamental mission. (Aug 1995)

  Defense Spending

• There are good earmarks, like Osprey military program. (Feb 2012)
• Voted NO on preserving habeas corpus for Guantanamo detainees. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on requiring CIA reports on detainees & interrogation methods. (Sep 2006)
• Voted YES on reauthorizing the PATRIOT Act. (Mar 2006)
• Voted YES on extending the PATRIOT Act's wiretap provision. (Dec 2005)
• Voted NO on restricting business with entities linked to terrorism. (Jul 2005)
• Voted NO on restoring $565M for states' and ports' first responders. (Mar 2005)
• Voted NO on adopting the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. (Oct 1999)
• Voted YES on allowing another round of military base closures. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on cutting nuclear weapons below START levels. (May 1999)
• Voted YES on deploying National Missile Defense ASAP. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on military pay raise of 4.8%. (Feb 1999)
• Voted YES on prohibiting same-sex basic training. (Jun 1998)
• Voted YES on favoring 36 vetoed military projects. (Oct 1997)
• Voted YES on banning chemical weapons. (Apr 1997)
• Voted YES on considering deploying NMD, and amending ABM Treaty. (Jun 1996)
• Voted YES on 1996 Defense Appropriations. (Sep 1995)
• Rated 0% by SANE, indicating a pro-military voting record. (Dec 2003)

On Immigration:

• Focus on skilled immigrants; now most are unskilled. (Jan 2015)
• Amnesty to unskilled illegals makes worker wages stagnate. (Nov 2014)
• My grandfather immigrated for American Dream, not benefits. (Aug 2012)
• We need immigration; but we need respect of the law. (Jan 2012)
• Welcome legal immigrants as part of made-in-America plan. (Nov 2011)
• No in-state tuition for illegal immigrants. (Sep 2011)
• Finish the border fence; make English the official language. (Sep 2011)
• No tricks like 1986; secure the border first. (Sep 2011)
• No promises & no government benefits to immigrants. (Sep 2011)
• No benefits for illegal immigrants. (Jun 2011)
• Voted YES on building a fence along the Mexican border. (Sep 2006)
• Voted NO on establishing a Guest Worker program. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on allowing illegal aliens to participate in Social Security. (May 2006)
• Voted NO on giving Guest Workers a path to citizenship. (May 2006)
• Voted YES on allowing more foreign workers into the US for farm work. (Jul 1998)
• Voted YES on visas for skilled workers. (May 1998)
• Voted YES on limit welfare for immigrants. (Jun 1997) 

On Jobs:

Raising the minimum wage a little is ok, if phased in slowly. (May 2014) Workers should have secret-ballot elections for unions. (Feb 2012) National right-to-work law yes; Pennsylvania law no. (Jan 2012) Not doing any favors by keeping unemployment for 99 weeks. (Jan 2012) Unions are good community members but we need right-to-work. (Jan 2012) Offshore jobs return if you repeal manufacturing regulations. (Oct 2011) Public employee unions have bankrupted states. (Sep 2011) Focus the Fed on sound money, rather than job creation. (Sep 2011) The federal government kills jobs!. (Jul 2011) Voted NO on raising the minimum wage to $7.25 rather than $6.25. (Mar 2005) Voted YES on repealing Clinton's ergonomic rules on repetitive stress. (Mar 2001) Voted YES on killing an increase in the minimum wage. (Nov 1999) Voted YES on allowing workers to choose between overtime & comp-time. (May 1997) Voted NO on replacing farm price supports. (Feb 1996) Rated 0% by the AFL-CIO, indicating an anti-union voting record. (Dec 2003)

On War and Peace: 

• We cannot allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon. (May 2015)
• Obama left Iraq because it was politically popular to do so. (Jan 2014)
• Unclear which side in Syria used chemical weapons. (Aug 2013)
• Stay in Afghanistan until security of our country is secure. (Jan 2012)
• Iranian people admire us; Iranian leaders are evil. (Jan 2012)
• Afghanistan victory means Taliban is neutered, not wiped out. (Nov 2011)
• Work with Israel to take out Iranian nukes by force. (Nov 2011)
• We need 20,000 troops to stay in Iraq to achieve victory. (Sep 2011)
• We're tying one hand behind our backs; change Afghan rules. (Sep 2011)
• Jihadists want to kill us for what we are. (Sep 2011)
• No isolationism on Libya; but Obama did it wrong. (Sep 2011)
• We should withdraw from Afghanistan more slowly. (Aug 2011)
• Iran has been at war with us since 1979. (Aug 2011)
• Iran must be confronted to stop them from getting nukes. (Aug 2011)
• No national security at stake in Libya. (Jul 2011)
• Iraq: We have a great game plan, and Rumsfeld does fine job. (Sep 2006)
• War in Iraq is one front in war on Islamic fascism. (Sep 2006)
• Iran is at the heart of the Iraq war. (Sep 2006)
• Saddam had no new WMDs, but did have old WMDs. (Sep 2006)
• Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11, but still a necessary war. (Sep 2006)
• My Iraq plan, and my opponent’s plan, is same as Bush’s. (Sep 2006)
• Needed exit strategy & objective in Kosovo, but not in Iraq. (Sep 2006)
• Sanctions against Iran, despite Administration disagreement. (Sep 2006)
• Threat posed by Saddam is like drunk driver's threat to all. (Oct 2002)
• Voted NO on redeploying troops out of Iraq by July 2007. (Jun 2006)
• Voted NO on investigating contract awards in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Nov 2005)
• Voted NO on requiring on-budget funding for Iraq, not emergency funding. (Apr 2005)
• Voted YES on $86 billion for military operations in Iraq & Afghanistan. (Oct 2003)
• Voted YES on authorizing use of military force against Iraq. (Oct 2002)
• Voted YES on allowing all necessary force in Kosovo. (May 1999)
• Voted NO on authorizing air strikes in Kosovo. (Mar 1999)
• Voted YES on ending the Bosnian arms embargo. (Jul 1995)
• Move the US Embassy to Jerusalem. (Nov 1995) 

And there you have it, folks...

Next up:  George Pataki