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Joseph Collins is an associate minister, lives in Austin, Texas and contributes his time and
effort to a variety of community and personal projects. He has twenty years of experience as a corporate technology trainer and free lance writer. He is a former Air Force Intelligence Analyst having served America's interests both domestically and overseas, and has a passion for historical analysis and family genealogy. He has a degree in Psychology, volunteers for the Black Faith-based Health Initiative (BFHI) based in Austin, and supports a variety of political campaigns and community-based organizations. |
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Comments on all articles by Joseph Collins (430)     Joseph Collins   The Two Ships that Got Away: An Update to the Jamestown Colony Story Janis from North Carolina: (30 days 8 hours ago.)  Kerby was not the captain of the ship Treasurer. It was Daniel Elfrith. Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (30 days 3 hours ago.)Janis,
Thank you for commenting on this article! As I attempted to make clear, the basis of my information was the research of Dr. Sluiter, particularly his article in the William and Mary Quarterly. Therefore, you may be correct.
I would be interested to know what you base your information on. Given the import of this story in American history, I continue to remain interested in anything that updates and helps to tell this story correctly. If you have references you would like to share, I would be greatly appreciative. You can forward them to me by using the envelope icon on any of my articles (direct email addresses are not allowed on this site). Thanks and have a great week!
The Colors of a Changing Political Prism Comment by Jennifer Cuddy (1,160)   Jennifer Cuddy  (129 days 7 hours ago.) what a breath of fresh air coming in.. oddly enough, i really don't see Obama so much as being 'black' or even representative of the majority of African Americans. Alot of my African American friends are voting for Hillary. i'm really hoping for a win for him, for us. and i do see your point in affiliating his candidacy, with 'The Colors of a Changing Political Prism.' with that in mind, i would really love to see Bill Cosby running for president. Now there is a man who i feel does address many issues regarding African Americans in this country. i would vote for him in a heartbeat. his win would mark a critically important step in American history. in fact, it is critical that the democrats win this election, regardless. thank you for involving us in such an interesting discussion. Best, jennifer Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (129 days 3 hours ago.)Jennifer, Thanks for commenting! This week really showed how human Barack Obama is. For so long, he seemed superhuman. Now we know he can get angry, emotional, hurt and disappointed. It is my prayer that he gets beyond this dark period, re-emerges with a smile and moves on to the general election with nomination in hand. Maybe he will ask Bill Cosby to be his VP! Just kidding! Have a good week! Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,382)  James P Krehbiel (130 days 3 hours ago.)Yes, Clinton's campaign represents the "Karl Rove" mentality. It would be unfortunate to bring that kind of divisiveness and bullying to the national election against "McBushenomics." Thanks again. Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (129 days 3 hours ago.)James, You are right about the divisiveness. We don't need it and I believe the superdelegates are preparing to send Hillary a message about who is the future of the party and who is not. Thanks for commenting and all of your support. Have a great week! Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,382) James P Krehbiel (130 days 11 hours ago.)Joseph, Thank you for a fair-minded, reasonable, mainstream approach to dealing with the candidacy of Barack Obama. You are right, most voters are sick and tired of the politics of the past and the effect it has had on our economy and our standing in the world. If rural voters want a better future, they along with other Americans better get on board this train! Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (130 days 6 hours ago.)James, Thanks for commenting! When George Bush ran for president eight years ago, America had been lulled to sleep. We assumed that we didn't have to think very much and could half-heartedly participate. The entire world has seen how big a mistake that was. We know better now. If we want a better country, we are going to have to work hard, dig deep and get out of our comfort zones. Most of all, we need to pick a candidate with character and integrity. Unfortunately, we could be on the verge of making a mistake again. Within the Democratic party, the superdelegates are faced with choosing between "character" and "electability". Character seems to mean refraining from destroying your opponent, even while being mercilessly attacked. Electability seems to mean being a brawler with no limits and no regard for the future of the party. I hope we don't make the same mistake again. Comment by Ken McCreless (230)  Ken McCreless (130 days 13 hours ago.) I enjoyed your article. I just can't see how anyone can be in contention for the white house without a stamp of approval from the political machine behind it all. In other words the REAL Billionaire Boys Club. Keep On Keepin' On!! Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (130 days 6 hours ago.)Ken, Thanks for commenting! You are right - the political machine will make the decision. As we speak, the democratic elite are emailing one another, calling one another, meeting for long dinners behind closed doors. There is much more activity going on than meets the public eye. I expect the remaining superdelegates to get off the fence and make their choices soon. The bloodletting has to stop! Have a good week! robert melaccio sr.: (130 days 20 hours ago.) I always like your writing but and there is a but in my opinion. When we look at their records, what they are for, what they have done and what they have failed to do, who they are [a part of the same crowd, the same ideology the same goals they themselves say are not good] then why, when they do not ever address the real issues of poor and average citizens of any race or religion in this nation do people still cling to them as hope? Is it that is all we have left? Roosevelt is a far cry from this bunch. They have brought this upon us all and what they have rendered in my opinion can develop into if not already at the brink far worst then even the depression. In my opinion they have plundered a nation and a people. Good people maybe but this is about leadership. Good people do not always make good leaders and we certainly know how many are bad we already have all the way around. Regardless of President more of the same. Now if you are for what they are doing you are in my opinion part of the problem. Now just to use one example of many, 31% or more interest on Credit Cards. If you cannot see that as usury then no more talk is necessary. In my opinion you have, regardless of who anyone professess to be, shown who you are. Best wishes. Respectfully. Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (130 days 6 hours ago.)Robert, Thanks for commenting! Not sure where you were going with all of that but what really jumped off the electronic page for me was your comments about good people and leadership. I for one am tired of the paranoid, the narcissistic, the sexually immoral and dry drunks with supposed leadership skills winning the White House and then soiling the highest office in the land. I'll take Jimmy Carter or the first George Bush all over again if it means getting someone with morals and integrity back in office. These two may not be regarded as good leaders but at least we knew what we were getting. I am hoping we get both good character and good leadership in our next president. It can happen if the electorate does its job. Have a good week, Robert! Jason Abbott: (125 days 15 hours ago.) I watched Obama on Meet the Press this morning. I really appreciated him talking about this "gas-tax" holiday that the other candidates support. He laid out a very good case for why it would be a mistake and in doing so showed why he is not just part of the same crowd the other two candidates are in. I don't know how anyone could have seen the show and not say that he appears completely credible and capable. ...not always giving the easy answer, but giving answers which make sense. Let's hope the media focuses on some real stories this week. Comment by Avis Ward (8,576)    Avis Ward (131 days 7 hours ago.)I've missed your political commentaries. Excellent writing and an interesting analogy. Welcome again! Blessings, my friend. -Avis Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (131 days 4 hours ago.)Avis, thanks once again for your blessings and encouragement! I have high hopes for this election. I believe that despite Hillary's attempts to "burn down the village" if she doesn't get the nomination and the media's inability to accept Barack's inevitability, we will get through this as a nation. "All things work together for the good, to those who love God and are the called according to His purpose!" Be blessed sister! Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (131 days 4 hours ago.)Raymond, Thanks for commenting! Somehow these threads got mixed up but hopefully it will get corrected. I agree - there is a new consciousness in this country and it is producing a new generation that is making a break from the past. It is more than just black and white. People are also tired of conservatives pretending to have a lock on morality, liberals pretending to be above greed and older people equating years of experience with good judgment. We all have something to learn from this. Have a great week, Raymond! Comment by David Tanguay (5,793)  David Tanguay (131 days 9 hours ago.)Enjoyed reading your article Joe. You know call it mental telepathy or whatever but I was just thinking about you last night. Where have you been? Comment by E. Raymond Rock (2,266)   E. Raymond Rock (131 days 7 hours ago.)Hi Joe, Obama seems to be riding a wave of new consciousness in this country. But it's a crap shoot whether the wave will gather enough momentum this election cycle, but look out for the next! It will be unstoppable. It's all about understanding and love, honesty and integrity -- strange, courageous terms that have almost been forgotten lately. Best...........e Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (131 days 4 hours ago.)David, thanks for commenting and thinking about me! As you know, life gets busy and opportunities change. Since our last electronic exchange, I have accepted the call to the ministry. I now serve as a part-time associate minister and hope to go full time in the near future. Still working in business and technology (what a mess!) and serving on a non-profit board. Hope all is well in your world, David! Comment by Sandra E. Graham (1,879)  Sandra E. Graham (131 days 10 hours ago.)Wonderful article, Joseph. Sad but true. I too am a southern rural voter, but I have to agree with you about the majority of the older rural voters. I hope when we finally get to the polls we will be ready to make the decision that will be the best for our country and our fellow countrymen and all the bad-taste from all the mud-slinging will be behind us. Thanks for a great article. Sandra. Comment by Joseph Collins (430) Joseph Collins (131 days 4 hours ago.)Sandra, Thanks for commenting! Alot of people in this country have been waiting for a reason to change and I believe this election cycle has given them permission to do so. Barack Obama is just a small part of a much bigger scenario that is playing out in America's story. The real story is that people have the privilege to consider issues they never dreamed would take place in their lives. However, they need to look forward to see the blessing of inclusion instead of looking back and remembering the curse of division. That's important for blacks, whites, liberals, conservatives, rich, poor and everyone in between. This is one of those times that God leans forward in His throne waiting to see what we are going to do. Have a great week, Sandra! Mid-Term Election Scorecard (2006) Anonymous: (140 days 20 hours ago.) Sorry about that. I re-read the article and now I realize you were talking only about the mid-term. I apologize. Anonymous: (140 days 20 hours ago.) Good article Mr. Collins, but you are slightly off on your dates of the early presidential elections. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected almost entirely because of the deep depression of '29 and '30. He was first elected in 1932 (took office in Jan. 1933) and re-elected in 1936 and again in 1940, primarily because he was highly successful in pulling out of the depression. That is not to say someone else could not possibly have done the same. You compared him to Bush...You are aware that Roosevelt was a Democrat, aren't you? Floyd Landis: The Antithesis to Lance Armstrong? ed from jacksonville, fl: (1 year 44 days ago.)  1 day of synthetic testosterone would not have the effect of turning someone into some amazing athlete. Floyd was a wold championship caliber cyclist before this race, and his power output on this particular stage was nothing amazing, only average. His strategy was excellent, and the peloton's disastrous. And the test has never said anything about his testosterone levels being high, but rather that his epitestosterone levels were low. The benefits would have been negligible at best, and besides, he really didn't need any drugs to do what he did that day. An average output from a champion cyclist. We watched Lance come back after bonking. Is it too much to think anyone other than Lance might be capable of a great ride? A Clinton-Obama Ticket for 2008? will fl: (1 year 81 days ago.) You are perfectly correct! I believe Obama's skills would be best used in the Vice President's seat to handle the senate. The wave of change in foriegn policy can only be done by BILL and this means leaving Hill-dog at home to manage the public policy as a President. These positions make for a clear winning team. The Bush legacy has been tainted. The son never employed his father's skills for the country's common good. Response from Joseph Collins (430) The Competition for Thoughtful Minds Comment by Jennifer K Suits LLM (60) (1 year 95 days ago.)Excellent article. I also agree with you. More information sources certainly has its downfall, but the benefits are huge. I think as a society, we are reading more. The criticism is justified though, that we don't take the time to relax and just read. I read online while watching television, doing work on the computer and having a conversation with my husband. Reading and driving a car are similar these days -- it is done while multitasking. We used to take our time to be with our own thoughts or drive and listen to music. Today, we listen to the radio, talk on the phone, eat junk food and fiddle with our GPSs. More and more timley information is available to us and we are exposed to more sources of literature than ever before; however, I do think we are losing the joy of relaxing and focusing on a good book. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Kay Elizabeth (1,589)  Kay Elizabeth (1 year 98 days ago.)Wonderful article, Joseph! I agree with you wholeheartedly and what many have said. While I like the Internet for its immediacy and have probably read only maybe five print newspapers in the last year, I also love going to a bookstore for an afternoon and settling in a comfy chair with a coffee. The one huge plus of the Net is that it's always up to date and you can find virtually anything if you're researching. It's probably more likely to make people think more than not since there's now so many varied opinions open to them online that they otherwise wouldn't have heard. In our house, computers go on at 5.30am till 1am - we couldn't be without them. It's a godsend for keeping in touch with family oceans away too, being able to send pics and such like. My 67 year old mum is doing a course on computing now so she can get online too! :) Speaking of Gutenberg, I don't know if you're aware of Project Gutenberg - that's a great example of how books and the Net can come together harmoniously, especially if you enjoy vintage books. Thanks for another great piece of writing, Joseph! Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Judi Lake (2,184)  Judi Lake (1 year 99 days ago.)Great Article, Joseph! The Internet is a God-send for me since I live in an extremely rural area and work from home. Also, like James, I no longer subscribe to any newspapers since I read them all on-line as well as receive news alerts but... I just love books, having a library in my home, turning the pages and closing a book. I work with self-published authors designing and promoting their books and would rather a real, live book to an e-book but e-books sell and are popular. Thanks for your ariticle. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Cari Jones (133) (1 year 99 days ago.)I thoroughly enjoyed your most excellent article with the title for your piece really capturing my attention.Personally, I don't put a lot of stock in polls or surveys. I have noticed however, at a time when I thought reading books was a thing of the past, the popularity of Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and others. and endorsements from heavy hitters like "the big O" I have 2 grandsons who are getting their home schooling through a public school program on the internet that is free and available to all in the state. Home schooling is controversial and on the internet even more so. My point is this, just because one may be waning in popularity, while another may not have achieved popularity, they still co-exist and are available for everyone.I still enjoy traditional media and will fight to the death for the Sunday crossword puzzle, but most of my book reading has been replaced with the hours of research and reading I do on the internet. Thanks for a great read, Joseph. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,382) James P Krehbiel (1 year 99 days ago.)Joseph, Excellent article. I do not subscribe to a newspaper and get most of my news from credible internet sources. The advent of self-publishing has helped many authors get their books in print. This is a win-win situation. I have not lost hope. Many of my patients, particularly kids are avid readers. Thanks again! Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Jean Horst (1,032)  Jean Horst (1 year 100 days ago.)Great article! I enjoy the explosion of ways to find information and the new voices that the internet has afforded us. I read once that before the internet, something like 30-50 people controlled all the main lines of media: movies, books, music. The internet has completely changed all of that. I'm sure it will eventually settle down from where it is now, but I'm also sure that readers don't stop reading. They may change what they read and how, but the don't stop. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Avis Ward (8,576) Avis Ward (1 year 101 days ago.)Joseph, I agree with you wholeheartedly. "Books are not the holy grail of information" but I love books. I'm much like Lorrie, it's a sensual thing for me. I enjoy the feel, smell, and look of a book. I won't try tasting one but I am certain I did as an infant. And yes, I enjoy reading books. Thanks for another wonderful article. Take good care! Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by David Tanguay (5,793) David Tanguay (1 year 101 days ago.)Funny Joe, I can’t remember anytime in my life I’ve read for pleasure. (unless you consider discovering something new as pleasure) Before the internet, I’d go to libraries to find books to read to gain knowledge on something that interested me. True today with the internet we don’t even have to leave our keyboard to gain knowledge on anything and everything out there. Is it a good thing? in my opinion yes, it's a miracle Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Lorrie Davids (5,217)  Lorrie Davids (1 year 101 days ago.)Excellent article, Joseph. I am a reader of books, magazines and the internet. While the internet satifies my desire for immediate information, I love the smell of a book. I love turning the pages and wondering what I will learn next. It is a passion not many of my friends share. I am one who will always look forward to the next trip to the bookstore. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Mary "Mother" Jones: The Miner's Angel (May 1, 1830 - Nov 30, 1930) Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Ar.: (1 year 119 days ago.) Wonderful article. What has happened to all the Mary "Mother" Jones'" of the world? Too few people speak out against the injustice and as "Mother" said, just plain "wrongs" committed in our country today. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I guess I am one of those people. Even when I disagreed with something that I felt was improper, I never had the nerve to speak out against it. I guess we should all be grateful for people like Mary--and all the Marys before her. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Avis Ward (8,576) Avis Ward (1 year 120 days ago.)Joseph, a beautiful and well-deserved tribute and salute to one remarkable "Mother!" Thank you for introducing me to Mary "Mother" Jones, truly a woman of substance. Excellent article! Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by David Tanguay (5,793) David Tanguay (1 year 121 days ago.)Very interesting article Joe, I never heard of Mary Mother Jones. She sounds like a woman who told it like it was, and some. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Congress Should Tell Bush "Take It or Leave It!" Simon Bennett-Odlum from Atlanta: (1 year 122 days ago.) Exiting Iraq will, in time, hopefully be a good thing. What we must remember is that we are not dealing with an enemy that is funded and supported by Communist ideologists this time, as was the case in Viet Nam. Instead, we are dealing with a group of people who have been misled and brainwashed by a personality with a "Dr. No" mentality. This is neither a sane nor a rational man, but he is a very well educated (US PhD) charismatic. In his distorted view, and thereby that of his followers, the squabbling in Washington is a sure sign to them that they are winning. If all of you doves are paying any attention to the news at all, you will know the following: 1. Our Muslim enemies have stated time and again that they want to "wipe America out." 2. It is widely known that Bin Laden is seeking a nuclear device to use against us. 3. British intelligence let slip an late April 2007 that Al Queda plans an event that will dwarf Hiroshima and Nagasaki, very soon. 4. Former USSR Nuclear weaponry in former SSRs, and even in Russia, are considered to be very insecure, and all it will take is an enemy getting to the right guy with the keys to the silos, so to speak, and the result would be catastrophic. As mentioned earlier, we are not fighting a country here, we are fighting an insane ideologist with his own agenda. He has recruited ill informed and impressionable people of all ages, but mostly youngsters. These people will do anything for money, since they have not any. Having lived in the Middle East for a few years, let me assure you that in spite of the enormous oil wealth that exists in the region, there is still abject poverty for the man in the street, and to him, Bin Laden sings a sweet song. The war in Iraq is by now a civil war, and the terrorists created that situation to mislead us into thinking that we should not be involved in it. A clever ploy to get to the minds of the American people, and have us yelling that we should pull out. That would be a major mistake on our part, and would embolden them further. It is in Iraq where we can smash them, if we have enough resolve. War is very, very ugly. We can not quit the fight against the terrorists, anywhere, until we win. What we must do is give our military leaders whatever it is that they need to prevail, once and for all. If that means that we must reintroduce the draft, then do it. We must win, at any price, because we can not afford to lose. By the way, I do not think that they are particularly interested in talking with us, so forget Mother Theresa and her advice this time. It won't work. Not with this lot. Can you really imagine Bin Laden, Iraq and Syria, along with the Saudi billionaires who are providing the funding, support and resources, being willing to attend a peace conference? I did not think so. Not yet. First we have to bring them to their knees, and then, maybe, they will talk. We are dealing with fanatics, rather like the Japanese in WW2. We had them licked well before Hiroshima and Nagasaki, but they were unwilling to surrender. The rest is history, and now Al Queda wants to turn the tables on us! If we quit in Iraq, we may as well surrender! All of you who want us to bring the soldiers home need to wake up and pay attention to what is really going on, because if you don't, they will be on your doorstep, wanting to chop your bloody head off, along with your wife and kids! Or set fire you on fire, and hang you up on an overpass, or a bridge, while they burn you all to death. We are not dealing with civilized people in this situation. Think, for Gods' sake, THINK! And pay attention! Response from Joseph Collins (430) The First Casualty of War is Truth Sandra E. Graham from Paragould, Ar: (1 year 123 days ago.) Joseph, as a columnist, what do think about our news media when they rush to get the first brownie points and print a story without the true facts? Do you think they should have to shoulder some of the responsibility for blowing their source's comments to the max or is that just the norm for reporting? Just curious. Comment by Kay Elizabeth (1,589) Kay Elizabeth (1 year 128 days ago.)Excellent article throughout, Joseph. "In this writer's opinion, the truth should have prevailed in both of these cases. As a nation, we should only bend or hide the truth when national security is at stake. " I think you're absolutely spot on in your assessment there. Otherwise how will we ever look at heroes in the same light again? If we need to wonder how much of what really happened is embellished, (which to me is a slap in the face to those who have performed truely heroic deeds that we even feel the need to consider that), will heroes ever hold the same standing in our eyes, despite how much that recognition is deserved? I think in amongst all the smoke and mirrors, it's ultimately doing real heroes a disservice by diluting our trust in whether the recounting of the heroic incident that we hear is indeed fact. Thanks again for a great article, Joseph. :) Response from Joseph Collins (430) Congress Should Tell Bush "Take It or Leave It!" Sandra E. Graham: (1 year 130 days ago.) You're very good! I'm not really big on politics--although, I do vote. That may be bad in itself--not being good at politics and yet putting someone into office that can change the future of an entire country! I do the best I can to vote for someone that I think will do a good job. Oh, I didn't vote for Bush this go-around, but I got him anyway. I guess I'm just another gullible American. Response from Joseph Collins (430) The First Casualty of War is Truth Sandra E. Graham: (1 year 130 days ago.) Very good article, Joseph. We don't need hype to make us stand behind something we can believe in; but we do need something we can believe in and we're definitely not getting it from our government! Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by James P Krehbiel (1,382) James P Krehbiel (1 year 131 days ago.)Joe, The problem with all of this truth business is that we have known for years that things were amiss with our political and military leadership. Now we have the journalists, former CIA director, Dick Durbin and military pesonnel coming out of the woodwork trying to defend themselves. Where did good old fashion courage and integrity go? Just where is the axis of evil? Response from Joseph Collins (430) The Imus Controversy: Race, Gender or Something Else? Comment by Kay Elizabeth (1,589) Kay Elizabeth (1 year 132 days ago.)Hi Joseph, thank you for sharing that point of view, it did give me pause for thought indeed. You're right in so many ways in what you say. As a society we need to do something to change before there's no recognizable semblance of " good behavior" in any shape or form left to stand up for. Of course it begins with each of us demonstrating that and instilling those standards in our own children (despite them lamenting that other kids get away with doing this or that!). I was brought up with simple rules: be polite, be kind, never degrade or be mean to someone, be respectful of your elders... things like that that were the norm and sadly today seem to be the exception. Despite that, I do my best to encourage my son to behave in the same manner as I do. Children today have it even tougher than my generation did I feel to keep a steady course in life. What to do then? Like Ghandi said " Be the change you wish to see in the world." What I think we need most of all is hope within ourselves that we can make positive change happen in our own quiet way. Through our individual actions, we can demonstrate that there is a more pleasant way to live and look at life than what we see around us at times. There's so much good out there that doesn't get half the attention of the bad- perhaps we as a society need to have a shift in our perspective too and actively seek that out. Who knows what the answers are...all I know is that apathy will simply deaden our spirit, demotivate us and undermine any sense of connectedness with our fellow man that we have, and that can't be a good thing. Ok, enough rambling from me. :) Thanks again for a great article, Joseph, one of many. Your writing is always thought provoking. Have a wonderful day! :) The First Casualty of War is Truth Comment by David Tanguay (5,793) David Tanguay (1 year 133 days ago.)Joe have you ever seen the movie of "Ira Hayes"the Indian who raised the flag at Iwo Jima? In the movie he said the reason he went out to raise the flag was because he was cold. But he was celebrated a hero to promote the selling of war bonds. Don't get me wrong he was a hero, just to battle up Iwo Jima hill. But he died drunk because he failed his people here in the U.S.A. trying to get water rights on his people's land. Response from Joseph Collins (430) robert melaccio sr.: (1 year 133 days ago.) Oh my God, you mean professed Christians lie, decieve, connieve, redirect? Joe I'm shocked. Does their Pastor know about this and are they speaking out? Well I agree with Avis. I do believe if honest people everywhere look at what is being done and bypasses what is being said they would be shock all over this land. I'm waiting for a leader who has the values they are quick to profess. I suspect we all know we need health care, I suspect we all know we need to resolve Iraq. I suspect we all know we will get amnesty and "Comprehensive Immigration reform". Joe, as always an excellent article. I'm just frustrated today. God Bless. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Avis Ward (8,576) Avis Ward (1 year 134 days ago.)The systems won't work if they are not implemented with integrity and honour. I agree with you, Joseph. Had the rules been adhered to, you would not have had to write an excellent article about truth being compromised in these two instances! Wonderful title, too. I admire your writing abilities. One reason I enjoy reading your articles is because I always learn something. That's important to me. Thank you! Continue in His care. Happy Weekend! Be blessed. Response from Joseph Collins (430) The Imus Controversy: Race, Gender or Something Else? Len Wirtanen from Middlesex, NJ: (1 year 144 days ago.)  I believe Don Imus was wrong. He is paying the price just like I would have to if I made the same remark at my work place. But I have noticed that Mr. Collins has NOT mentioned in his article any reference to the disgusting language and epithets in rap music being diseminated to our young people every day, all day. They denigrate women, use the "N" word, use the "HO" word, encourage violence toward police and other young people. These are as disgusting as Don Imus' statement but no one seems to be trying to get this crap off the air. Mr. Collins, if you find this kind of junk acceptable then you are a hipocrate and are no better than Ann Coulter or Don Imus. Everyone making a statement about Imus needs to take a stand against ALL outlets that preach hate and killing. If that means Rap dies, then so be it. If it means that a comedian like Michael Richards never get an acting job again, then so be it. We must walk that fine line when determining what, who, and when to censor language and actions. We must be careful about our freedoms but, as a wise man once said, you must not be able to yell fire in a crowded theater unless there really is a fire. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Anonymous: (1 year 147 days ago.) Maybe we need to think like Thumper's mom. If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. Past generations were taught your rights end when they infringe upon the rights of another. Has free speech gone too far?Imus made a fatal mistake for his career. It is interesting that the industry that spoon feeds us garbage most ot the time selected this instance to become more responsible. I hope it is carried across the board and that Imus was not just a scapegoat sacrificed to appease the masses. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by Avis Ward (8,576) Avis Ward (1 year 147 days ago.)Joseph, excellent article, as usual. Sadly, I feel this last act of Imus was simply the straw that broke the camel's back but not for the correct reasons. I've stated elsewhere during a comment, I feel his producers and advertisers are delighted he was the cause of his own iconic demise. What happens from here to correct the filth that is seen and heard by our children remains to be seen. Without cynicism or lack of optimism, sadly, I believe things will continue as usual. Where are our role models? Who are they? "Jean" (first comment) and her husband apparently are but they're not parents of all the children. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by David Tanguay (5,793) David Tanguay (1 year 147 days ago.)Mr. Collins, you served in the military and so did I. I served under some very good leaders only I wouldn’t follow orders from an incompetent leader. Your article struck a chord in my soul I want to do something constructive for my fellow man. Your article inspired me to want to act, I know I can’t ask you to advise me on what I should do, it must come from me. However a word of gratitude for showing me there are still men like you with integrity, in this world to give and enlighten and most importantly to strengthen. Thank you Response from Joseph Collins (430) Jean from Texas: (1 year 147 days ago.) Joseph, Thank you so much for shifting the perspective of this discussion! As a parent of teenagers, I find it a constant battle to combat the stream of gutter speech they are surrounded with in music, television, the internet, and movies. For their generation, the media seems to be saying that nothing is off limits. Striking a balance with raising them as aware, thoughtful, engaged people and yet still filtering it all in a responsible way is the greatest challenge my husband and I face. In our household we live by the creedo that "words mean things" and when something is spoken, accountability is required. Maybe Imus' mom and dad should have told him the same thing. I sincerely hope we begin to see more of a shift back toward civility in speech. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Congress Should Tell Bush "Take It or Leave It!" robert melaccio sr.: (1 year 149 days ago.) I can't respond to your response so forgive me for my reply here. That was a very insightful reply. I really appreciate it. That be said I didn't take that remark the way you did but it did add another perspective. It doesn't mean that is not what he meant but he did not clarify it and if he did I stand corrected because I never heard that from anyone else but you. I took it that the Global Dream is the answer to peace and when people are making money they basically have no time for war. The problem is just who is making the money? It certainly is not the average people of the world, is it? I suspect those large companies make a few $$$ on the war. Perhaps that is why no end or is it that this is more the beginning? But thanks for your insight. I would prefer your analysis is correct. Response from Joseph Collins (430) robert melaccio sr.: (1 year 150 days ago.) Another to the point good article. Please don't take me wrong for being direct. It is not aimed at you. However, I sit here at home each day and listen to these politicans ramble on about all issues but resolve none except in the fashion that Americans do not seem to want. They do the opposite of what they say. Now our President can make a statement "Money always trumps peace" and then writers, the media and reporters ignore it while asking time and again why nothing has happened says a lot about where we are going and are as a nation. Does that one statement sum it all up? I leave it for others to ponder. Perhaps it is a question for your radio show as to what that means to your listeners? Let me know? Thanks, good job. Response from Joseph Collins (430) Comment by David Tanguay (5,793) David Tanguay (1 year 151 days ago.)Yes Mr. Collins, when we were kicked out of Vietnam in 1975 the country has lived peacefully ever since and the American people including soldiers who fought the North Vietnamese (such as myself) are free to visit Vietnam today with no hostile feelings from those we fought as our enemy. Which only proves the real war in any country we evolve ourselves with, is with the politicians who are at war with themselves and send us brain - washed soldiers to do their dirty work for them. I seen on the news last night Bush coming from Easter services saying he was praying for peace. Fine! let’s hope he gives the Lord a chance to answer his prayers, by doing his will. Mother Teresa said “If you want peace don’t talk to your friends, talk to your enemies” Why doesn’t he (Bush) even make an attempt to talk to the enemy? Response from Joseph Collins (430) Connecting The Dots - Washington Style Jeff Pitts from Omaha, NE: (1 year 164 days ago.) Wow, that last comment was a whole lot of ideology with dash of bitterness towards people simply for having money! Anyway... I appreciate you pointing out that the president does have some allowance here with executive privilege. Imagine a presidency, completely transparent. I don't think anyone would like to see how THAT sausage is made. I think there are a lot of people who forget that executive privelege is not soley for unpopular Republican Presidents! But I have to challenge one notion. This whole Watergate comparason. The only reason the Nixon tapes were relevant was because a crime was committed. There still is no evidence of one so the whole missing 16 days of emails is a mute point. At least if you are comparing it to Watergate. Response from Joseph Collins (430) |
