Carl Crossman

Since the decision to allow gays to openly serve in the military, there has still been a lot of debate on the subject. While many in the military have no strong feelings either way, there is still a hard core element of marines that feel strongly that gays should not be allowed to render military service.

The U.S. marines are known to be a tight knit group. They have a long history and are proud of it. Many marines don’t want their image as tough fighters diminished by allowing gays to serve. I think it will take more time before the marines except gays into their service.

The news came in today that the national deficit for the last year was $1.4 trillion dollars. This is the second largest deficit in U.S. history. The deficit is in large part due to the fact that unemployment is up and tax collections are down. The slow economy has not helped anything as government expenditures have remained the same or slightly larger.

The money going out of the government is growing as we are supporting two wars and rising costs in Medicaid. Other factors such as rising discretionary spending and food stamps are enlarging the deficit. I hope the government can find a way to balance the budget.

There have been huge celebrations in the country of Chile as the 33 trapped miners are free. The miners had spent 69 days underground waiting for their eventual rescue. The last miner was raised from 2050 feet underground to the surface on Sunday. Greeted by thousands of looker’s on, the miners celebrated their freedom.

Friends and relatives greeted the miners and dignitaries looked on with delight. The disasters will likely lead to tougher mining safety rules that will help prevent further disasters. I am glad the miners are free and wish them good luck with their health.

The U.S. military is investing in a new technology. They recently gave a grant to study the feasibility of developing bioluminescence. This is the light that is common in fireflies and other animals. The light does not create heat which is important to the military.

Plans for the new light are being made. It could have a number of uses including lighting landing zones and marking friendly forces. I hope that the military can figure out how to take advantage of Mother Nature and use it for good.

The anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center was marked today. The president of the United States spoke about the tragedy and paid homage to the memory of the over 3,000 people who were lost. The rest of America remembered the fallen in their own ways.

I know that I was proud to join millions of other people who held a moment of silence at 8:46 this morning. My thoughts were with the loved ones who lost so much on the terrible day. I hope that our country will continue to struggle against those in the world who want to harm us.