Sam/Chief R. from Wanat, Afghanastan - Where are You????

I'm hoping you are safe, somewhere in this satellite photo but I do not know how to reach you. You responded to my post about Wanat and I am hoping I can connect with you in some way. Would you please send a note to me by comment here? Or better, would you send an email to me? Click Here for my address. (I will not publish anything without your permission). I want you to know how much this story and the lives lost has meant to me. I am trying to understand and make sense of what happened. Please help me.

Weekly Audio Preview - Press Play and enjoy!

 Welcome to shrinkwrap...my weekly audio update. Oh and, be nice ok...I'm working without a net here!

July 13, 2008 - The Battle of Wanat, Afghanistan....

In the news over the weekend and continuing through the week, we are seeing reports of discussions without the resolve that is now, long overdue. Pictured to the left is Jonathan Bostrom who lost life life 15 months ago in the high mountain village of Wanat. Bostrom and eight others lost their lives knowing they were ill-equipped to defend themselves. In a story printed just after his son's death Jonathan's father told the press, "It took something like this, nine soldiers killed, to be a wake-up call. I just hope my son's death drives some policy do do what we need...to protect our soldiers." That wake-up call has yet to be answered. Please see, The Battle of Wanat for more detailed information about what happened and make yourself heard on the issues that face us today in Afghanistan.

This really scares me...who is paying attention?

The photo was taken in 1976 and while I would like to think the archaic methodology in the picture is a thing of the past...guess again. As a Counselor in the State of Washington, I receive routine Department of Health communications. Guess what showed up today? NOTICE: Suspension of Washington State Thimerosal Limits for H1N1 Vaccine. Thimerosal is a mercury containing preservative normally limited by law. The limit has been suspended to get the vaccine out. Unfortunately, lifting the limits does not change why the restriction is there in the first place. I will have more on this at Personal Growth Productions in the near future but please read up on this before you let anyone stick you.

What's with all the Stuff in our lives?

    

I'll start with a thank you to my pal Larry James as he gives me the heads up on so many things that need our attention. This is the first in what will be a continuing series of blog entries but I want to call your attention to these very imporant issues.

One more post and I let it go but...

....At the same time the White House was answering questions
about Obama's message for America's students, Michael Vick
was at a Philadelphia school talking about peer pressure
Role models are an important aspect of anyone's education but....
I was not upset about Barack Obama being refused entry into our
classrooms - I was concerned about the President of the United States.
I summarized things at my web site.

Talk about setting a poor example....

Look, this is a blog about relationships and communication and not about politics but when I see human beings stooping to the lowest levels of respect, I just have to point it out. You have to be kidding...come on...the man you are disrespecting is the President of our country. Read the whole story at the Huffington Post  but if you missed the speech all eyes in the photo above are turned towards Rep. Joe Wilson, South Carolina, shouting, "You lie," from his seat on the floor.  Hey Joe, why not write a letter like the rest of us and set an example for the kids.  What a joke. 

Obama scores big with last nights address but I'm still fuming....

.....about the widespread refusal to air his presentation on educaton in the classroom. All was not lost in Texas, however, where 28 fifth grade students boarded district busses to see President Bush yuk it up with the Dallas Cowboys football team. I wonder which speech will be discussed in class today?