Leaders have no time to waste getting us out of Iraq

The headline read: "Democrats willing to bide their time on Iraq" (Nevada Appeal, April 15, p. A12). Remember, "We the people of the United States of America" INVADED Iraq, took Saddam out without any thought about what would happen next, failed to realize he was the "buffer" in that part of the world between Iran and the rest of the crazies, and didn't kick the hell out of Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan like we should have. Democrats feel they will pick up more senatorial seats in 2008 and be able to end the war; but what family, with sons and daughters serving there, wants to "bide their time?" They better remember that now we are IN Iraq, and the car and suicide bombers are ruling the roost, we need to get some better "exit plans" than the ones being proposed by our so-called "leaders." "Bide your time," hell. Get cracking NOW ... there's nothing more important.

•••

The tragedy at Virginia Tech illustrates that we cannot protect our children or ourselves 100 percent of the time. We try the best we can and, hopefully, learn from our mistakes, but even then the best plans can fail. We think one of the most important things to remember is to keep on living the way we are, all the time keeping out a watchful eye, and not let the bad guys keep us indoors and away from our freedoms. Bless the Hokies!

•••

BIG thank you's go out to Karen and Charlie Abowd, Beesley and Kitty, for a wonderful Sunday brunch and video; to Rod Wissert at Mallard's for being his own cute, ornery self; to Andie Anderson of the BAC Stage Kids for just being sweet; to the firefighters who put out the fire in Washoe Valley and kept Carolyn's home safe; and to the Board of Supervisors for voting "yea" on "dark lighting." Thanks to all!

•••

We found this one on the Internet, but if you're easily offended, quit reading here. "A man walks into a psychiatrist's office wearing only underwear made of Saran Wrap. The psychiatrist says. 'Well ... I can clearly see you're nuts.'" (We warned you).

•••

Our own Famous People: Cody Salinas (now at UNR) had a letter in Time magazine last week, asking questions of Chevy Chase. Tammy Westergard is going to run in the San Diego marathon in June ... way to go, Tammy. We're exhausted just thinking about it. And, if you want to see future sports stars, go by Governor's Field and the Edmond's Sports Complex and watch the boy's play Little League and the girl's play soccer ... lots of fun.

•••

We see by a recent picture of Darren Mack (on trial for the murder of his wife, and the shooting of Judge Weller in Washoe county), that he can't buy "Just for Men" in the local hoosegow. Or maybe the guys in the pen don't mind that he's gone "gray."

•••

Maizie went to "Panithias Grill" (formerly Juicy's on N. Carson St.) Saturday ... great Greek food. The pastitsio and Greek salad were excellent, and they have other Greek goodies as well.

This coming Saturday, there will be a FREE childhood immunization clinic at the Community Center from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring your child's immunization card with you, and if you need details, call 328-3724.

•••

Liz Mitchell sent some stories about angels (she thinks we need them ... she's probably right) as explained by children. "I only know the names of two angels ... Hark and Harold"... Gregory, 5; "All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys don't go for it" ... Antonio, 9; "Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from 'Holy Cows!" ... Jack, 6; and "What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them" ... Sarah, 7.

•••

This week: Carson Performing Arts is presenting "Twinderella" on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. Caitie Berger is directing it for her senior project, and there will also be special showings for schools (887-0438). $5 for general; $3 for everyone else ... a real bargain. It's the last weekend for "Fiddler on the Roof," Damonte Ranch High's musical (call 334-7124 for details) ... it will be fun, too. Happy birthdays to Joanne Gardner and Shey Rochelle Dunn ..."and many mooooore."

•••

Nice story from Sally "the Hat Gal" Walker ... she was at Redrock Family Dental (Dr. Drew Robison) having a cavity filled when she felt quite ill. She said the doctor and his staff let her curl up on the dental chair, covered her with a warm blanket and added a back support pillow. Then, to top it off, he regaled her with one of our "jokes" from this column. She thanks them ... we thank her, and we thank the good doctor and his staff.

•••

Also, a nice story about Congressman Dean Heller from the Nevada Highway Patrol. According to NHP's Phil O'Neill, the congressman was visiting the Department of Public Safety, Records and Technology where the employees received a certificate for their tireless dedication in supporting their law enforcement officers. While there, he stopped and spoke to every one of the employees. They appreciated that he went "above and beyond the call of duty."

•••

Ken Fraser tells us about "the old man who went ice fishing and failed to catch a single fish. Suddenly, a young boy came out on the ice, drilled a hole and WHAM, he caught a largemouth bass 'just like that.' Again and again, the young boy caught fish, while the old man caught none, so he asked him, 'You've caught a half dozen fish in a few minutes...how do you do it?' "Roo raf roo reep ra rums rarm,' the boy said. 'What was that?' the old man replied. 'Roo raf roo reep ra rums rarm,' was the answer again. 'Look,' said the old man, 'I can't understand a word you're saying.' So, the boy spit out his mouthful, and said, 'You have to keep the worms warm.'" Nuf said.

•••

Check out charities BEFORE you donate ... some have "sound alike" names and are phony, phony, phony. Caveat emptor. Have a great week.

• Carolyn Tate and Maizie Harris Jesse are longtime Carson City residents. Write to them at editor@nevadaappeal.com.