Darlene's Letters
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Sunshine Joe
July B 2007
A few weeks ago was the last time I saw Joe Watson. Lee Ellis,
Sandra Goldbeck, and I learned that he had gone into hospice care.
With driving directions from Yvonne Parks we headed out to Desert
Hot Springs to visit Joe and Christine.
After being lost and turned around a few times; we found their
home. The lights were dimmed, and Joe was resting quietly when we
arrived. Wife Christine made us all comfortable in chairs
surrounding Joe's bed.
In a short time he sat up and we talked about politics, dumb
liberals, and the war. After he showed us the various tubes and
contraptions that were keeping him from pain, Joe told us a joke.
We prayed together before leaving. Joe asked us to come back and
see him. Sadly he left us before we were able to do that.
Sunshine Joe was his email name. It suited him perfectly. A
handsome man with a brilliant smile, Joe had inner sunshine. He
never complained, except about lazy people and liberals. Living in
a wheelchair for many years he never took the path of self pity.
He was a courageous man; and an ardent Republican. I can still
visualize Joe with flags flying all over his wheel chair as he
campaigned for Bonnie Garcia and Mary Bono and others.
One of the best and brightest stars has departed from his family,
his friends, Desert Hot Springs and the Republican Party -
Sunshine Joe Watson.
Darlene Casella
La Quinta
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Fair Vote...Is it Fair?
December 2006
There is a Presidential Elections Reform group called Fair Vote.
"Fair Vote" may sound convincing; unless you understand our
nation's history.
Each state has 2 Senators plus elected U S Representatives. There
has been one change since our Founding Fathers created the
Electoral College, in 1800. It is that elected officials each get
one vote; rather than two.
In order for a Presidential candidate to be elected, the candidate
must have popular support as well as sufficient distribution of
that support throughout the country.
Citizens in less populated areas were concerned that all matters
would be decided by the population centers on the East Coast; and
feared a loss of representation. The Electoral College insures that
New Yorkers do not have more voice than Arizonians.
"Fair Vote" wants to destroy the system that our Founders created
which maintains the Federal level of government and representation
that keeps America in balance. There is nothing fair about the
goals of Fair Vote.
Darlene Casella
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Preserving the Concept
October B 2006
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
recently did something that preserved the original concept of
our nation’s Founding Fathers.
When the Electoral College was created; it was determined
that each state have 2 senators plus elected representatives;
and that each elected official would get one vote.
This insured that people living in New York City did not have
more representation than people living in North Andover,
Wisconsin. Everyone across the nation was to be represented.
Early Americans feared that big cities would become election
power centers, as they had in Europe.
To win the Presidency, the Founders plan required wide
distribution of support through out the country.
This bill would have changed the way our electoral votes are
used, giving unfair representation to highly populated areas.
If other states passed this, Presidential elections would be
decided by New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. Less populated
area votes would be meaningless.
Arnold did not sign AB2948, and said “This is counter to the
tradition of our great nation which honors states rights and
the unique pride and identity of each state.”
I am proud our Governor fully understands and upholds the
intention of the Founders.
Darlene Casella
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It's impossible
October A 2006
It's impossible to stop an ocean's roar, it's
impossible that I could love him any more, it's impossible
that I'd agree with Hugo Chavez, Dictator of Venezuela. It's
impossible, but true. The hater of America said one thing
with which I agree.
At the United Nations while spewing on the evils of President
Bush, Chavez said that the UN should not be in America.
Chavez is a mean spirited Lucifer. Let's give the devil his
do. Hugo is right. The UN should not be in New York.
The United Nations has two facilities: One in New York, and
one in Geneva, Switzerland. In my travels, I've been to both.
UN New York is filled with energy and people.
UN Geneva is like a tomb. "Diplomats" own huge guarded
mansions on Lake Geneva.
UN diplomats hate us, but they want to live in America. Many
arrive with empty pockets. Soon Porsches and Armani are their
way of life. Their citizens remain in terror of government
and in wrenching poverty.
If I were Queen for the day, (Excuse me Prince of the Desert,
Don Genhart!) the UN in New York would be closed immediately,
their passports and visas revoked, their limousines and
luxuries confiscated. "UN Diplomats get out of town." Do not
pass GO; you may keep $200.
Darlene Casella
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September B 2006
Traiters On Governor’s Staff?
Today’s Desert Sun carried headlines about leaked comments
the Governor made in a private conversation with his Chief of
Staff. It seems that in discussing Assemblywoman Garcia he
said that she was a hot blooded Latina.
Bonnie would probably call herself a hot blooded Latina. She
is a beautiful and passionate woman. When did hot blooded
become a slur?
Some regard the French as sensual and hot. I’m of French
descent, if the Governor says that about me; I will ask for
bragging rights, not an apology.
The obvious political motivation shines through. Garcia's
office was picketed by her political opponent, because she
said that she did not think an apology from the Governor was
necessary.
Schwarzenegger apologized for expressing a personal opinion
privately. He had no intention of offending. Intense media
coverage of a private conversation has missed the point. The
issue is not whether his opinion is right or wrong. It is
“Does the Governor have a traitor on his staff?”
Darlene Casella
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Darlene Casella, an outstanding freelance writer is a former English teacher, stockbroker and small business owner.
She is a hard-working political activist, who also has the gift of economic logic.
Darlene writes a regular column, "Common Cents", which may be found in the bi-weekly publication, The Valley Breeze News.