This is American justice, example number one. By now we are familiar with the crimes of the last administration; the kidnapping, the lying, the torture, the spying. I shall go no further into these. Except to say that if you don't think lying by politicians is much of a crime, be reminded that these lies caused more American deaths than the 9/11 hijackers.
The new administration feels that we should not waste time investigating and prosecuting these crimes. Rather we should move on, look to the future and not the past.
Consider this: last fall, as a parting gift to the energy corporations, the Bush administration, with little public notice, held an auction for drilling and mineral rights for millions of acres of public land. A college student by the name of Tim Christopher heard of the auction and attended. He obtained a bidding paddle, one of those hand held things with a number on it and he began to bid. He out bid everyone again and again until officials realized that Mr. Christopher was a fraud. The young man was charged with lying to government officials, but he had successfully halted the auction.
Here's the lesson in American justice. The Obama administration has decided that we cannot forgive and forget these lies and is continuing prosecution. Tim Christopher faces ten years in federal prison.
We still have a long way to go.

Wow! I feel like Rip Van Winkle. I closed my eyes and when I opened them two months had past since my last post. Let's see - what excuses can I use here? My failing back failed me and it was uncomfortable to sit at the computer. Well, it no secret that I'm losing my "ro." I used to be robust. Now, I'm just bust.
I could say that my web browser went on the fritz and would freeze or shut down completely when I tried to open certain sites. (A note to Mac users: Install your software updates.)
Or that there is just so much to comment on that I became like a rabbit in the headlights and froze, couldn't decide what to say or how to say it.
O.K., O.K., I've been lazy. But I wanted to comment on three friends who have supported and continue to support my writing. The First is Sam Hoffer. She can be found at mycarolinakitchen.blogspot.com. Yes, it's about food and cooking with some other stuff, but this carolina kitchen is not about grits, ham hocks and greens although she could do those well and there is nothing wrong with them. In fact, I'm making myself hungry. Keep an eye out for her forthcoming book on life in the Bahamas.
Next is Nancy Simpson. Her site is called "Living Above the Frost line" at nancysimpson.blogspot.com. Nancy is a poet with many publishing credits but, more that that, she is a force for the writing arts in western North Carolina and surrounds. There are not many writers here who do not acknowledge her as their mentor. She sits upon her mountain and rules.
Then there is Glenda Beall. She can be found at profilesandpedigrees.blogspot.com. She is also responsible for our bulletin board netwestwriters,blogspot.com. Glenda is the good shepherdess that gently herds us, her reluctant flock, into the new millennium.
Thanks to all three.