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The Whispering Activist Record - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, helping lighten the load. Find hoax busters, media hype alerts, timely info, controversy, common sense, commiseration, empathy, household tips, easy recipes, critter stuff, variety links, and a little humor along the way.

The*Whispering*Activist

a.k.a. Martha Jones

That's whispering as in no need for screaming - offering suggestions everyone can use to get involved and make a difference. Whiners, agitators and crybabies accomplish exactly nothing worthwhile.

Adversity is the stuff that shows whether you are what you thought you were. - American Proverb

Send mail to let the President know he has your support! president@whitehouse.gov

Of all the words ever written or spoken in reference to the flag, only one holds true significance ...

the ... get it?

The Flag, The one worth fighting for and all it represents.

My Name is Old Glory

I used to fly atop the world's tallest buildings.
Today, I fly at half-mast in honor of those Americans who were taken today.
I will continue to stand watch in America's halls of justice.
I will continue to fly majestically over institutions of learning.
I will continue to stand guard with the power of united strength.
Look up and you will still see me.
Those who attack our shores, cannot make me fall.
I stand for peace, honor, truth and justice.
I stand for freedom.
I am confident.
I am proud.
When I am flown with my fellow banners, my head is a little higher, my colors a little truer.  
I bow to no one!
I am recognized all over the world.
I am saluted.
I am loved - I am revered.
I am respected - and I am feared.
I have fought in every battle of every war for more than 200 years.
I was flown at Valley Forge, Gettysburg, Shiloh and Appomattox.
I was there at San Juan Hill, the trenches of France, in the Argonne Forest, Anzio, Rome and the beaches of Normandy. Guam, Okinawa, Korea and KheSan, Saigon, Vietnam know me, I was there.
I led my troops, I was dirty, battle worn and tired, but my soldiers cheered me.
And I was proud.
I have been burned, torn and trampled on the streets of countries I have helped set free.
It does not hurt, for I am invincible.
I have been soiled upon, burned, torn and trampled on the streets of my country by those who would tear me asunder.
But I shall overcome - for I am strong.
I have slipped the bonds of Earth and stood watch over the uncharted frontiers of space from my vantage point on the moon.
I have borne silent witness to all of America's finest hours.
But my finest hours are yet to come.
When I am torn into strips and used as bandages for my wounded comrades on the battlefield, or when I lie in the trembling arms of a grieving parent at the grave of their fallen son or daughter, I am proud.
MY NAME IS OLD GLORY.
My strength is in the American heart.
LONG MAY I WAVE!
author unknown

Ordinarily I do not use all caps, they're irritating, and normally considered shouting which is extremely rude. This message needs to be heard LOUD and CLEAR from every corner of this land.

Have you ever noticed on TV or at military funerals that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? Here's why:

Update: Better to slap myself before a reader does it for me. According to http://www.snopes.com/military/flagfold.htm - none of the following list is true. I've been surprised several times when articles or stories I was positive had to be phoney turned out to be true. In this case, I took the list's appearance on the link below as confirmation without checking with Snopes.

The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
The second fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.
The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace through out the world.
The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.
The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.
The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.
The tenth fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Jewish citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit.

When the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nation's motto, "In God We Trust." After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things which have deep meaning. You will see many flags folded in the coming weeks, now you will know why.

My original so-I-thought confirmation: http://www.usflag.org/fold.flag.html (credited to Air Force Academy ceremony), main page: http://www.usflag.org - find more links there, including printables, history, rules and etiquette

Not picking on that particular site, no doubt plenty of others use the list.

Update 2, also not true, from the same recent e-mail, "Did you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute actually stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?" - http://www.snopes.com/military/21gun.htm

Now I'd like to know what you remember? From where? Of course I remember the pledge from school although nothing else went with it. At camp, flag raising and folding was a big deal, and it was a HUGE privilege to be on the honor guard. Nevertheless, don't recall the list being used there either.

I asked Mike about Air Force. He did recognize the list but wasn't an officer so no info about the academy. First he thought he knew it from school, then said, "No, it was my grandmother."

I've already slapped self again for good measure. However, now the whole thing is really buggin' me. Not because I'm senile ... what else is new? Certainly there's nothing "wrong" with the list. It just irks me how easily we can believe anything presented as "fact." Comments: MarthaJones1@aol.com - please use Flag list as subject line. Due to virus threats and junk mail volume, unknowns will be deleted.

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A vexillologist is one who is an expert in the history of flags.

I am no historian and certainly no expert on flags. What I do know is, we'd all better get back to the respect we were taught as kids and if your kids don't know the Pledge of Allegiance, get on teaching it - right now.

This page happened early in the WAR series, long before the "under God" controversy. I sent the following around in an e-mail 7-15-02:

Hooray for Dennis Miller!! (the credit given as I received)

Regarding the judges who declared the Pledge of Allegiance unconstitutional, Miller said, "So, the Pledge is unconstitutional because it says 'under God.' Guess that means when you were sworn in with your hand on a Bible, and at the end of your oath repeated, 'So help me God' makes your job unconstitutional, therefore you have no job, which means your ruling doesn't mean anything."

Pointing that out would be why Miller makes the big bucks.

Now to take it a few steps further ... ALL judicial action must now be considered bogus. Isn't that special? All prisons can be emptied, and there'll be no more worry about enforcing any legislation. Everybody can do whatever they want with no fear of reprisal. Waaay cool dude, total anarchy. Bonus: Whoever wants to put the moron who started this BS out of his misery can do so with a clear conscience. Ditto for the idiots who let it get as far as court in the first place.

Here's an interesting side effect. I have avoided most specific references to God, including God-bless graphics on all my WAR pages - except the one that addresses religious diversity. Possibly no one even noticed. That was the point - I don't push my beliefs. Whatever path anyone chooses to follow is their own business, not mine. Exactly as any of my life choices are no one else's concern. Therein lies the BIG clue. The need for demolition would not exist if everyone stayed on their own side of the fence.

But back to that personal side effect - trying to telling me I can't use God (in reference or any other context) now gives me a reason to support the need most people seem to have for their beliefs, however they may focus. You know, that little old golden rule ... do unto others. I have seen how that system works.

As for the flag, I will continue on my unabashed, flag-happy writing and posting way. Pledging allegiance is a privilege - completely irrelevant to and/or for what or whom we as individuals do it under.

American PatriNOTS need to go find another country to pollute. They'll have some fun trying to pull off diversity "rights" there.

The irony comparison of opposite result, as in 9-11 intent, should be obvious.

Please send around as you do or do not see fit. Copy just this part or send the whole page. I would appreciate my name and addy (MarthaJones1@aol.com) left intact. Also, please feel free to add your own comments and include me on your send list. I will print comments - good and bad - as I see fit. You can take credit or not, I don't have to use your name in print as long as I know who you are.

Blurb to include as you wish:

The Whispering Activist Record
central link/update page
http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm The Whispering Activist a.k.a. Martha Jones - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that everyone can use to get involved, make a difference and lighten the load. Find hoax busters, media hype alerts, timely info, controversy, common sense, commiseration, empathy, household tips, easy recipes, critter stuff, variety links, and a little humor along the way.

Commentary on the Pledge of Allegiance
by Red Skelton

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God, now wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that was a prayer and it would be eliminated from schools too? (Complete text follows below.)


From Tracy, used with permission, found in MommieMail: I read this and was so saddened again. When my daughter (a kindergartner) came home from school today, I asked her if she knew the pledge yet by heart. She looked at me like I was crazy. I asked her if they say it at school everyday and she still had no idea what I was talking about. I said the pledge for her and she said she never said that in school. I called the school to find out why she wasn't being taught the pledge and I was told that it was removed from our schools because the word God was in it. I wasn't sure how to react. I wanted to cry and scream. I was angry and sad at the same time. I remember the pledge being one of the first things I learned in school. I think it's so sad that something this important is removed from our schools because the word God is in it. I asked the school if they were still accepting paper money or coins for lunches. They said yes. I then explained that they needed to stop that too. IN GOD WE TRUST is printed on all money in this country.

Right on Tracy - I'd say that's the best start for a call-in campaign I ever heard!

I don't have kids, not doing the pledge in school was news to me. If I did have a kid, not only would I be on the phone, fax and sending e-mail to the school, school board, mayor, other parents and whoever else I could think of ... I'd take a flag to school and make a general pest of myself until an assembly was called or scheduled for the next day, no later, no compromise. Kids need to belong - they need a club - and a symbol. Not one child will go unaffected by the events ahead. Someone they know, in the family or community, is going to die. Each child has the right to know why.

As a schoolboy, one of Red Skelton's teachers explained the words and meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance to his class. Skelton later wrote down, and eventually recorded, his recollection of this lecture. It is followed by an observation of his own.

I - Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge - Dedicate all of my worldly goods to give without self-pity.

Allegiance - My love and my devotion.

To the Flag - Our standard; Old Glory; a symbol of Freedom; wherever she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

United - That means that we have all come together.

States of America - Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose. All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that is love for country.

And to the Republic - a state in which sovereign power is invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands - One Nation - meaning, so blessed by God.

Indivisible - Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty - Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.

And Justice - The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with others.

For All - which means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance: I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from schools, too?

That bore repeating. Incidentally, for those too young to remember watching Skelton* every week for years, Mike confirmed by saying, "He always closed the show with a serious subject, that show 'blew everyone away.'" Several other people have told me basically the same thing. I would like to hear an argument why any child could not choose to use the name of their own higher power. That would be free speech, as would choosing not to use a name at all. I don't expect to hear any argument, there is not one that would stand.

Helen, who has already had many a say here, more on the way, also said she remembered the show, "Though she was a mere child." Shirley, recognized it too and happened to send the "cleanest" copy of the essay (no <<>>) from Shirley's Computer Box,  ressypees-subscribe@yahoogroup.com (more than recipes). She and I have only recently established our mutual swipe agreement, check http://www.therealmartha.com/Classyfiedlinks/index.htm for other 'zines and newsletters I recommend. All have been extremely supportive to this effort and most appreciated.

*I remember watching the funny man, unfortunately not that particular show. It would have meant something because I clearly remember how hard it was to win flag bearer honors at camp. We all had a pretty good chance, camp was a month long and the ceremonies were carried out every morning and evening. Acting as part of the "guard" was a big deal all by itself - being the one to attach/detach the heavy clip hooks and handle the ropes was huge! I hadn't thought about that for a very long time. Probably not since Vietnam protestors were burning the flag. What a horrible sight.

Vietnam was part of high school. Lots of friends had brothers already there and several boyfriends (no, not all mine) and classmates were on their way after graduation. One of the guys in my brother's unit died, another was hospitalized, then discharged. My brother received two purple hearts. One friend's brother, a conscientious objector serving as a photographer, was shot down in a helicopter. More brothers and friends died, more were wounded, all while we were writing to them. And then they came home to hell. Over the years I've met more men who were mentally wounded than not, each vet bears scars to a different degree. Not one I know is not proud he served, whether he can talk about it is another matter.

Mike went back to serve in Desert Storm, he's still in the reserves. Even though he works for the FAA, in wartime, the Department of Defense can take him. He could be called to go anywhere, any time. He's ready to do whatever, wherever he is needed. I was alone in a strange town for most of Desert Storm, it was scary. This is scarier, but I'm not frightened. Why? I have no idea, maybe because I'm doing what I'm doing on here.

"I didn't know you were a political activist." That's a good one, I loathe politics. Always have, maybe because I felt there wasn't anything I could do before. In any case, I have done my best to stay away from any form of government involvement possible - paperwork makes me crazy. I gripe just like everyone else does, about the very same things. It's all small potatoes compared to what we're up against now. Ten seconds after the second plane hit, I knew it was war. I didn't want to get on the 'net, which happens to be my primary form of communication, until I had a chance to think. Once the shock wore off, I went back to "normal" for me, butt glued to this chair - only to be hit immediately with crap coming from all sides. My butt will stay right here until this is over. I will have my say for whatever it's worth ... bottom line, fighting BS with my not so humble opinion. So there it is, truly amazing how these pages write themselves.

In the middle of this page, I had to stop to send out a "special." Oh yea, pic of a tourist on top of WTC, plane coming in, camera survived in rubble? I don't think so. Didn't bother to check - found it debunked looking for something else. Figured if it was already on a hoax page, I'd better do what I could to help halt it too. Bookmark http://www.snopes.com/, check any time you suspect anything fishy before passing around, please.

Apparently, the notice was appreciated - I will go ahead and set up a special list. Please use hoax/panic alert in subject line of your E, MsAtte2ude@aol.com - thanks. To give you an idea what to expect, the following is a sample, including a couple of highlights I had just added to main page, Whispering Activist intro. Skip it if you've been there since Saturday (9-22) afternoon. The first reference was to ol' Nostra in particular, and a necessary self-indulgent lighten up.

'Tis a shame, the many will keep on keepin' on garboo, especially in light of the preposterous probapossibilty of some boney-fido non-delusion raining up in one, two or a thousand million years (or thereabouts) ... kinda reminds ya of the boy who cried wolf, the Energizer bunny (keeps on going), Pinocchio ... lawdy, lawdy, lest us not forget ye olde Billy Bubba. YaHoo doogies, I'm plumb pooped after that dissersection. BTW, CRASH (covering revered self's ass here): that was a joke - on myself, CRASH not intended as grim or disrespectful in any way. Had it written another way, the words rearranged themselves. It's memorable, I like it, bite me.

More arrangements: the "coincidental numbers" - c'mon ... numbers are at least as easy to manipulate as letters. No doubt anyone will ever forget 9-11/911. The date may well have been planned. Certainly the timing was. Mike had just called me in to watch the news when the second plane hit. As for the rest of the numbers, at best a stretch in certain examples. Who knows about the ones at center stage? The enemy is not stupid, great plan (if so) to incorporate the spooky "Hoo-Doos" - don't let speculation shake you. There are far more important thoughts worthy of concentration.

Go to http://www.snopes.com/ for the latest list (bookmark the link first thing). It confirmed my suspicion of "tourist photographed on the top of the WTC just seconds before the tragedy (plane in background) ... the camera was found in the rubble!" and explained the "eerie" NYC 33 typed in Word, converted to Wingdings font and more are there that have yet to darken my door. Also, confirmation and a most pleasing kick-ass follow up of  "US company banned its employees from displaying American flags." Florida Governor Jeb Bush's request had a hand in that company's mind change. I also checked for Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance essay - it's not there as false. No matter who wrote it, it's well worth the read if for no other reason, parents can get on teaching it to their children now.

When is it appropriate to fly the flag upside down?
The flag can be flown upside down in an emergency only, to mean, "Help, I am in trouble!"

     I've seen several suggestions about encouraging kids to draw or paint to see what's on their minds - why not suggest the flag as a subject too? I'd be happy to run a few if you send scans as embedded images. No reason anyone couldn't put the same idea into use in a variety of ways. Let me hear from you. Might even be able to reel in a few prize donations ... hint, hint.

Sorry I can't offer a tax deduction, all should be eligible as advertising write-off though. Any offer appreciated, from ice cream coupons on up. Dang, I wish Buster was artistic - I could use a new computer for this whole deal :) ... kidding of course. He is a talented little fellow, however, Milkbones are his reward for double duty guard patrol. His ribbon pic page will be up as soon as possible too. Details and other ideas for critter involvement will be included on archived pages.

What my other baby is doing ...

Miss Liberty, ME (Mutt Extraordinaire), three-year resident at the Rainbow Bridge, confirms the following report and adds that she has set up a special watch for K9 heroes and others lost to tragedy.

Miss Liberty, fashion show model extraordinaire

For those not familiar with the Rainbow Bridge, it is a place this side of forever where animals go to be young again, playful or spending hours in the sun free of pain, away from harm. I choose to believe all my critters are waiting to cross the Bridge together, to wherever our beyond may be.

Welcome at the Rainbow Bridge
Edited for brevity, original appears below.

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the many residents who have no loved one for whom to wait. The ones who lived and died in hideous puppy mills and all the others who were abused.

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person.

When the request rang out for special assignment, an eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward.

They were told that unexpectedly, all at once, thousands of people had left Earth long before they were ready. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them, "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came, begging for assignment.

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head all said, "I will love any human who needs love." One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." Then a group of Dalmatians requested fire fighters. Thereafter, all preferences were noted.

Then all the dogs, from wherever on Earth they originally came, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, each tail wagging an American Flag.

Welcome at the Rainbow Bridge
by Four-Year Resident Alexander Theodore, Bouvier

On the morning of September 11, 2001, there was an unprecedented amount of activity at the Rainbow Bridge. Decisions had to be made. They had to be made quickly. And, they were.

An issue, not often addressed here, is the fact that many residents really have no loved one for whom to wait. Think of the pups who lived and died in hideous puppy mills. No one on earth loved or protected them. What about the many who spent unhappy lives tied in backyards? And, the ones who were abused. Who are they to wait for?

We don't talk about that much up here. We share our loved ones as they arrive, happy to do so. But we all know there is nothing like having your very own person who thinks you are the most special pup in the Heavens.

Last Tuesday morning a request rang out for pups not waiting for specific persons to volunteer for special assignment. An eager, curious crowd surged excitedly forward, each pup wondering what the assignment would be.

They were told by a solemn voice that unexpectedly, all at once, over 4,000 loving people had left Earth long before they were ready. All the pups, as all pups do, felt the humans' pain deep in their own hearts. Without hearing more, there was a clamoring among them - "May I have one to comfort?" "I'll take two, I have a big heart." "I have been saving kisses forever."

One after another they came forward begging for assignment. One cozy-looking fluffy pup hesitantly asked, "Are there any children coming? I would be very comforting for a child 'cause I'm soft and squishy and I always wanted to be hugged." A group of Dalmatians came forward asking to meet the Firemen and be their friends. The larger working breeds offered to greet the Police Officers and make them feel at home. Little dogs volunteered to do what they do best, cuddle and kiss.

Dogs who on Earth had never had a kind word or a pat on the head, stepped forward and said, "I will love any human who needs love."

Then all the dogs, wherever on Earth they originally came from, rushed to the Rainbow Bridge and stood waiting, overflowing with love to share - each tail wagging an American Flag.

http://www.therealmartha.com/patriotcritters/index.htm ~ Special celebration for and by our four-legged family members

Did you know "Rainbow Bridge" is one of the main border crossings between Niagara Falls New York, and Canada? From Jill, an American friend temporarily living in Canada is only a three hour drive away from NY.

The Hand Me Down Haven stands ready to help, all of the children/families made homeless by the bombings, need clothing donations sent to us at Rural Route 2, Desboro, ON. CA. N0H-1K0

Looking more for clothing than cash, but cash could aid in shipping costs, or be used to buy stuff like socks and underwear. Checks would have to be made out in my name, Jill Podell. I don't have a special account yet for HMDH. I've bullied family members in NY and NJ (all within one hour of NYC) to help with the delivery of items, once we get them packed, sorted by size, etc. A local truck rental dealer is giving me a break, if I need, to haul it all down there. Anyone with people needing clothes, send their sizes, and other info, mailto:is....hmdh@post.com

Still  trying to fix up site, but still same problems I've had for the past three months, getting a helper though. The kids are pumped up to do this, they have classmates going through their closets.

This is a way for kids to get involved. Jill started the project several years before moving to Canada. She is still not back up to top speed, but getting there. There are warnings all over about checking all charities, as well there need be. You can feel confident if you decide to send money, it will be used properly. Jill is a single mom. She is not wealthy, she's never told me why she does this. I do know she has accomplished a lot. Feel free to ask any questions at above E address. Working page: http://hometown.aol.com/jempodell/myhomepage/index.html

http://magma.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/flashback/0207.html - Pretty cool pic from National Geograhic archives - "The salutes were unflagging outside Philadelphia’s Independence Hall in 1938, as ceremonial representatives from each of the 13 original states celebrated the 150th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Their backdrop banner, a 10-by-20-foot (3-by-6-meter) replica of one version of the 1777 flag was composed entirely of red, white, and blue flowers. It was touted at the time as the “largest floral flag ever built in America."

Now if you'd like to be completely amazed ... www.memorialflag.org - The Memorial Flag is approximately 63 feet long and 35 feet tall. It is comprised of approximately 3793 squares with victims' names and representative symbols cross stitched by more than 1300 men, women and children from all over the world.

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Hollow/2366/flags.htm
This one is a must see - American flags, history of the flag and more

I had hoped to use this background (above), courtesy of DreamLovers mail, here. It won't stick - if anyone can help me with Front Page instructions (latest version), please let me know.

This eagle was my favorite even before the flag background - perfect for this page now.

Links and comments below found in a variety of publications, please submit your favorites, with a clearly defined subject line. Also, please submit this link to any of your subscriptions. Feel free to write your own comment to accompany or use my usual : "The Whispering Activist" a.k.a. Martha Jones - Opinions and ideas, mine and from others, that everyone can use to get involved, make a difference and lighten the load; includes links, household tips, easy recipes and a little humor along the way. Animal issues also addressed, they know something isn't right, try to be tuned in and extra attentive to their feelings. The WA effort is intended to help us all cope. As we get back to "normal," so will our best friends. http://www.therealmartha.com/WAwelcomeintro/index.htm

http://www.plj.com/pages/60655.asp - The Binch, by Rob Suggs

This is the one the President mentioned in his speech, http://libertyunites.org

Adopt A Soldier http://members.tripod.com/adoptsoldier

From Ask Jeeves: Many have requested information on how they can help out at a local level, so we thought we'd share with you some of the best sites on the Web for contributing, coping, and carrying on.

Donations
Salvation Army
Red Cross
September 11 Fund
An outpouring of both sympathy and assistance has come in the wake of the terrorist attacks on America. The citizens of the United States -- and friends beyond our borders -- have pulled together as never before and will continue to do so. Be it through volunteering, giving blood, or donations and contributions, every one of us can make a difference and help each other out as we forge ahead.

Coping With Feelings
American Psychological Association
A tragedy of this magnitude affects not just the individual - it impacts the collective psyche of the world community. Understanding and dealing with our emotions, as well as those of our friends and family members, is important in times of crisis. The American Psychological Association offers some very timely and worthwhile advice.

More Resources
Ask Jeeves Resource Page
This crisis has affected each of us in different ways. For more information and up-to-date news on the subject, Ask Jeeves has assembled an extensive resource page that goes far beyond what could be included in the confines of this newsletter.

Contact congressmen and representatives: http://congress.nw.dc.us/c-span/elecmail.html

September 24, 2001 Vol. 158 No. 13 Special Issue
Airline Security
How Safe Can We Get?
The system has been vulnerable for years. Marginal improvements aren't enough
By Daniel Eisenberg http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1101010924-175103,00.html

From Colleen: Congressional Gold Medal for the Heroes of United Flight 93 Petition http://www.petitiononline.com/Flight93/petition.html

From Shirley, special site, very moving:  http://www.grnco.net/~cbm/thought.htm

From TigersRecipes4U, Deb: I have a favor to ask. I just won a 4-foot Care Bear that was originally going to our daughter. After a brief discussion with her we have decided to donate it and some other "goodies" to one of the hospitals in NYC. Does anyone know if one is a children's hospital. My neighbor thought it might be St. Lukes, but I do not know. Thanks for your help. Regards, Peter
JPM29...Donating Teddy Bear

Just as Tiger's members always come through in response to recipe requests ...

Ask Jeeves Answer: New York State City Hospitals: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island; Tri-State Regional Hosp
Morgan Stanley
Children's Hospital
3959 Broadway
New York City 10032
Maps and Directions

NewYork Weill Cornell
Children's Hospital
525 East 68th Street
New York City 10021
Maps and Directions

Find a Hospital using The Hospital Directory's Hospital and Medical Center Sear
Ask Jeeves Answer: Manhattan Chamber of Commerce - New York City, New York Cham
Ground Zero

September 11, 2001 - Attack on America - Resources

Just go to any search engine and type in "Childrens Hospitals in New York City" and you will come up with a plethora of choices. Also, contact the Red Cross; they will certainly have many families who could use such a kind gesture.

Try this site, they may have some help for you on where to send the teddy bear. Also, anyone looking for friends and relatives can also click "find people" and type in a last name to search for information on them. http://www.nationalrelief.org/

Northshore Hospital in Long Island NY has a big children's cancer wing.  
  
Take it to your nearest Fire Department and they will make sure that it gets there for you. Or you could try any TV stations in your area. That is what they are doing here in Oklahoma City

Welcome to the Shrine and Shriners Hospitals
http://www.shrinershq.org/index5.html

Children's Hospital of New York (CHONY)
http://www.nypchildren.com/

You can get anything moving, ask a group of your own. Don't think about it, do it!

From an overseas friend: Don't you fear that tens of thousands of innocent civilians will be killed, as in the Gulf War?

I get the definite impression it is not going to be a case of blow 'em all away. Wouldn't be effective anyway to get who needs to be got. I don't want any innocent people hurt either, however, wars cost people. Back to doing what ya gotta do to get to the cancer - radical surgery if necessary.

If you have a torn or faded flag that you no longer want, you can call your local American Legion or VFW and they will help you dispose of it properly.

Click here: Flag Rules and Regulations
http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagetiq.html

Click here: Flag Etiquette
http://www.usflag.org/flag.etiquette.html

Click here: the Flag of the United States
http://www.usflag.org/toc.html

Here would be a good place to say Go Jesse! The Minnesota governor and former Navy SEAL has been quite vocal, as well he should be. I liked Ventura the first time I saw him - no BS. No matter what he says or how he says it, I believe him.

Whatever the truth is, it's always easier to deal with than a lie. Yea, we were taken by surprise, the powers that be admit it. I see action now, not whining, blaming and excuses. End of political commentary from a political ignoramus. But I'm learning ...

I would love to cram in a little more (have gone completely flag-happy) and I probably will (~.*) All my pages are notoriously "long as a well rope." Compulsive/obsessive, no question about it - notice though, I did not say suffering from the "disorder." Quite the contrary, between that and my other "selves" - who have been good enough to take the naps and showers (I'll eat my own ice cream, thank you very much) - the "condition" is coming in dang right handy.

Keep checking this page and Whispering Activist intro for new stuff. Also please see links to my regular - always irregular and generally irreverent - pages at the end of page for super easy recipes, general household tips, humor, critter stuff and bright spots. More coming soon on pages in this series.

http://www.therealmartha.com/WhisperActive/index.htm
First mail copy 9-15

http://www.therealmartha.com/WA%209-17%20both/index.htm
(as is w/%20s) WA 9-17

http://www.therealmartha.com/WANews/index.htm
News vs. Facts

http://www.therealmartha.com/WAmixed/index.htm
A mixed bag

http://www.therealmartha.com/WA919DoxBun/index.htm
9-19 mail copy

Jump ahead to bye-bye and good riddance to hussy-boy: http://www.therealmartha.com/USAgrafs/index.htm - USA graphics barrage

Index to all WAR pages: http://www.therealmartha.com/WAR/index.htm

Unless you specifically request to be on notification list, I won't be sending mail regularly. Occasionally I may send a special about events happening before new pages are ready or to address anything "hot." Let me know if you do not want mail. You may not get any anyway, Aol's latest is "address book won't open."

That's it. Before I start a new page, the original mailers will be archived for new readers. I think ... only half through converting the first. New material is already starting to pile up.

MsAtte2ude@aol.com or, if that box is full, AltMartha@aol.com
Martha Jones, 11469 Olive Blvd. #236, St. Louis, MO 63141

Thanks in advance for you patience and support - the sun will come up in the morning.

You can send any card to help cheer those in hospitals, police, firemen, etc. to:

TOWER TRAGEDY
P.O. BOX 2
ISLAND PARK, N.Y. 11558

Somebody needs to set up a DC address too. More than a few people are needed to make this a smasheroo.

What would be even better, volunteers to print e-mails. There'd be plenty of good wishes to go around right away by making tons of copies of the best ones with graphics, etc. I do have a pretty good stash of art I'll be adding soon. Another cool idea would be nursing and veterans homes - locally too. I can not begin to imagine what veterans of World War I and II or anyone else who lived through them could be thinking.

Also, classes/groups can get together to stuff a decorated jar full of individual notes. Think what a great distraction from pain, and jars could be passed all around.

More ideas on the way, send yours too!

Save and print the rose. It was a special request, so as far as I know, it's unique.

TheRealMartha.com, real easy recipes for real busy, real people

Feeder's Digest Index of Recipes, Bright Spots, Dog's Eye View, hosted by Miss Liberty, ME (Mutt Extraordinaire), Toot - Toot from Buster the Boston, Granny Greetings, Skewed Views, Classy-fieds, Links I like and more, and/or SelectiveSingles