Posts Tagged ‘Veterans Affairs’

Michelle Lancaster

Houston National Cemetery’s Declaration of Independence

by Michelle Lancaster
Yesterday, I had the honor of attending the Religious Freedom Rally at the Houston National Cemetery with my husband Steve.  At this event, a coalition of Houston area pastors, representing a variety of ethnic and religious denominations, stood alongside several Texas politicians and local officials to support our veterans, their families, freedom of speech and freedom of religion.


Tears began swelling in my eyes early as we drove off the Sam Houston toll road onto the feeder road to a complete stop well before the signal light to turn onto Veteran’s Memorial Boulevard.  I felt great pride in knowing so many of my fellow Texans felt as we did and were able to attend this event.  We arrived with plenty of time, but with the turn out of what I’d say was close to 1,000 people, we ended up having to park at the far end of the cemetery and were a teeny bit late to hearing the first couple speakers.  But the hundred-degree heat was going to stop us. We all heard the call and we came.  As we walked up to the event, I heard “pardon the noise, but this is the sound of freedom.”  Cheers roared throughout the crowd. How sweet it is.

Make a note Texans:  All politicians representing the Houston area were invited to this event.  Some attended, many did not.  I’d like to thank those who I heard speak:  Dave Welch, Executive Director, US Pastor Council, Paul Bettencourt, Pastor Willie Davis, Congressman Pete Olson, State Representative Debbie Riddle, Pastor Scot Wall, Gold Star Mom Debora Wallace, my State Representative Allen Fletcher, Jay Guerrero speaking on behalf of Senator John Cornyn, Harris County Clerk Stan Stanart, Pastor Steve Riggle and Congressman Ted Poe.  I will remember these names.
(more…)

Email this to a friend | Print | Share on Facebook | | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted Jul 5th 2011 at 5:20 am in Culture, Defense, Exclusives | 75 Comments

Michelle Lancaster

God Bless Our Military? Not At The Houston National Cemetery.

by Michelle Lancaster
Yes, you read that right.

As I sat today and listened to the Michael Berry Show today, I overheard a story that has left me disgusted.  Seems the Houston National Cemetery Director has ruled that  grieving families cannot use the words “God” or “Jesus” at any funeral ceremony without her approval.



Nik Rajokovic at Houston’s Channel 13 KTRH broke the story here.

This PISSES. ME. OFF.

I can barely get my thoughts together to type this post, but I’m not going to sit by and not speak up for those families who have lost a loved one and are having to now worry about submitting a written request for prayer to someone for approval.  Last time I checked, this was the Home of the Brave and Land of the Free. Heads up, Director of the Houston National Cemetery.  It still is.

(more…)

Email this to a friend | Print | Share on Facebook | | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted Jun 29th 2011 at 4:44 pm in Culture, Defense, Exclusives | 211 Comments

Lurita Doan

Obama’s Four Flimsy Budget Cutting Ideas

by Lurita Doan

President Obama, in his speech on the economy, given at the Bookings Institute, once again, tried to be all things to all people.  Most of the speech was aimed at the dwindling number of devotees who were anxious to hear that additional taxpayer revenues would continue to flow to favored, pet projects.

Nor were these fans disappointed, for, despite running $1.2 trillion in annual deficits, President Obama has once again promised to borrow from the future to fund yet another round of pork and dodgy projects disguised as infrastructure and green investments.

42-19001116

At the same time the President was busy adding more spending programs to our bloated budget, he insisted, once again, that he was committed to fiscal discipline.  Obama said “We’ve combed the budget, cutting waste and excess wherever we could.”  Really?

What programs have been cut and what sorts of excess were eliminated?  For the curious….here goes.  After several months, Obama’s OMB has released a list of the top four programs that have been identified after an exhaustive search and combing of the federal budget.

The Administration reviewed over 38,000 different ideas, to aggressively root out wasteful practices, many of them submitted by government employees.   After much work, synthesis,and review, OMB announced the four cost-cutting idea finalists:

(more…)

Email this to a friend | Print | Share on Facebook | | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted Dec 9th 2009 at 3:03 pm in Congress, News, Obama, Politics | 30 Comments

Capitol Confidential

Coburn to Senate: You Actually Have to Pay For These Bills

by Capitol Confidential

The Democrats are holding a press conference at this afternoon to blast Senator Tom Coburn’s demand that new programs and increased spending approved by Congress be paid for.

At issue is a veterans bill that the Senators would like to pass and issue press releases praising themselves for supporting over Congress’ Veterans Day vacation.  Problem is the bill is not paid for and therefore is just another bounced checked to be charged to future generations of Americans who are already inheriting the $12 trillion debt created by Congress’ reckless addiction to borrowing and spending.   In addition to not being paid for, the bill discriminates against many vets who sacrificed for our nation and were injured as a result.


coburn letter –

(more…)

Email this to a friend | Print | Share on Facebook | | Bookmark and Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted Nov 9th 2009 at 12:19 pm in Congress, Politics | 31 Comments