Dear Porchers,
The following letter is a bit long but well worth the read. It was brought to my attention from Jessica's friend in Baton Rouge, LA. The author is the brother-in-law of his co-worker. I have requested and received permission to post his well articulated thoughts. Please send this link to anyone who wants to hear from the front rather from the filtered opinions of the biased major media.

Hugs,
Shellie

To all my family and friends,

We just returned from offensive operations in areas I am sure that all you have read about or seen on the news. This is my first day off since we've been in country, and I don't know what to do with myself. My Battalion is taking a slight 24-36 hour "pause" while we prepare to return to security and nation-building operations. We've been working continuously since we got here and I forgot how to relax, but a good cigar helps tremendously. I was recently selected for promotion to Captain, so today I smoked a fine celebratory Cohiba that the Battalion Commander gave me. I couldn't have asked for better on my day off. My cigar supply has worn thin. Although cheap Cubans are in great supply here, they are like smoking tree bark.

Life is OK in Iraq. Don't believe everything that you read. Yes, Marines and soldiers are dying, but it is a relative few. We are absolutely slaughtering the enemy in every area that we operate. There are a few civilian casualties, but the insurgents are dropping like flies. We won't transform this place into California any time soon, but the Iraqis are enjoying running water, electricity, and rebuilt or new schools. The Iraqis are good people, and they realize the necessity of our presence here. Many of them don't want us to leave.

I have been thinking a lot about Pat Tillman for the last few days. We all heard about his death shortly after it happened. There was a tremendous ripple effect throughout all ranks that was quite sobering. A great American was lost. Such is a dying breed: A man whose honor and loyalty exceeded well beyond the façade of patriotism represented by rain-drenched American flags we all saw hanging in front of houses for the few short months following September 11, 2001; a man who acknowledged that his good fortune in life existed only through the sacrifice of generations before him; a man who awoke every morning thankful to be an American and recognizing the distinction between the rights protected by the Constitution and the privileges many Americans think we deserve. We as a country have lost sight of this distinction.

As I read a Stars and Stripes article about Tillman, on the following page, there is an article about Gweneth Paltrow. She has voiced her frustration with the direction this country is heading. She is frustrated with the war and how the Bush administration has dealt with it, so she expresses her desire to raise her child overseas in Europe. Protecting her right to raise her child in another country and speak freely about it is what men and women fight and die for daily. Under the former regime and the Ba'ath party, an Iraqi woman who expressed her frustration with the government in this way would have been arrested, tortured, and killed. Freedom of speech is something that most countries cannot comprehend, and it is something that we take for granted. Pat Tillman gave his life to protect Ms. Paltrow's 1st Amendment rights.

However, Gweneth Paltrow is not frustrated enough with this country to stop earning huge paychecks in Hollywood. She says that she will continue to make movies in the US. Her selfishness and hypocrisy is shameless. She spits in the face of the Bush administration and his aggressive national defense policy, but continues to reap the benefits and privileges of the same policies that have protected her. Who the hell is Gweneth Paltrow, the rest of the Hollywood elites, and their anti-Bush ramblings without the government that protects their views? Pat Tillman gave his life to protect the privileges of wealthy, sanctimonious elitists whose only concept of sacrifice is having to miss their afternoon massage because the last scene took a little longer to shoot.

My former Company Commander always said that there are good Americans and there are great Americans. By his definition, I am a good American. Becoming a Marine is something that I had always wanted to do. I traveled the long, winding road en route, but I made it. For that, I am proud. I merely recognized the privileges and opportunities that I have as an American and wanted to return the favor. (Experiencing life in a third world country is definitely validating that decision.) However, I did not sacrifice much to join the Marine Corps. I was mowing lawns the summer after I graduated from LSU, wondering what I would do if I was not accepted to become an officer in the United States Marine Corps. I love being an American, and I love my job. I love fighting for my country. I left no wife or kids behind, no six-figure job. Being a good American does not necessarily mean joining the military. Being a good American is not a huge sacrifice. Good Americans just want to give something back.

Then there are the few great Americans. Pat Tillman had the "American dream." He made millions by playing football. In what other country in the world can someone become a millionaire by playing a sport, singing a song, or acting in a movie? Most young Americans idolize athletes, who give up college educations to enter the draft, earn millions of dollars, own a dozen expensive cars, and fondle strange women because they can. What ever happened to revering honor and integrity? Today's children would rather become rap stars or professional athletes than police officers or firefighters.

Pat Tillman recognized that Americans risk their lives everyday protecting and defending the constitution of the United States of America and providing him the opportunity to earn millions of dollars. He recognized that only through strength could the peace and prosperity of this country survive. After American soil was soaked with the blood of thousands on September 11, he recognized that all the money in the world would not protect his family and friends from terrorism. Instead of throwing up a flag in front of his house, instead of wearing a yellow ribbon on his lapel, he has given the ultimate sacrifice of his life in defense of this nation. Pat Tillman is a great American. Did you all think that because I was in Iraq, you were safe from my political diatribes? Thanks to all of you that have emailed me. Great job on the MJM Foundation Gala- I heard it was another hit. Congrats to Mike and Loren. Congrats to Christine and Matt. Congrats to Dawn and Bobby. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the photos of new-borns and toddlers from you--I am losing track. I hope I didn't miss anyone.

I miss you all.
Take care,
1st Lt Jonathan F. Webre

March 31st, 2004: "Look for the ATS segment Thursday..."

KNOE's producer just emailed me. The missing show will run tomorrow, Thursday at 6:30. Yes, that's April's Fool's Day--how appropriate, don't you think? *grin*

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March 30th, 2004: "Shellie takes a day off..."

Okay, not really. But I had to scoot over here and head off any more emails. For those of you wondering why I wasn't on KNOE's Good Morning show this morning, it was just a glitch. I'm fine, they're fine and they're gonna squeeze the show in one morning this week. If I find out when, I'll post it. Thanks to everyone who hit their computers to check on me.

Hugs,
Shellie

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Feb. 21st, 2004: "Who stole the red off Andy Roony's candy?"

Do you listen to Andy Rooney? I make it a point not to, but every so often I catch his rants in spite of myself. Someone stole the red off his candy a long time ago.

I had the misfortune of hearing his "commentary" during the Alabama Ten commandments debate a few months ago. In case you missed it, he took his time to take each commandment one at a time and ridcule them. Care to know his exact words about "Thou shalt have no other God before me?" I quote Mr. Rooney, "I always thought that was sort of pissy of God, don't you?" (Please forgive the language. I felt it necessary to make the point.)

I mention him only because as I type he is mullygrubbing on the tube again. This time he is ridiculing Mel Gibson, Pat Roberston and anyone else who thinks they actually hear from God. The intelligent elite among us recognize how silly that is even if we don't...

So, do you think he could attack the Muslims for hearing from Allah without having his head handed to him on a silver platter? No way, Hosea! I'm headed to the CBS website to file a consumer complaint. As of this writing, Christians still have that privledge. Who knows how long before that is denied us? One day it could be "hate speech."

Hugs,
Shellie

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Feb. 2nd, 2004: "Super Bowl Insult!"

I'll have to make this quick. I should have already left to go tape next week's radio show...

Were you one of the unfortunate ones that witnessed the Super Bowl's halftime "insult"? Oh, that's right, they called it "entertainment", didn't they? I called it an insult. (I could call it a lot worse, but I'm trying to watch my manners.)

It'd take too long to recap the many ways I was offended. I was insulted way before what Justin Timberlake is now calling, "the costume malfunction!"

I was offended when Kid Rock draped himself in an American Flag and... "sang", yeah, I think that's what he would say he was doing. And then I was offended by the nudity and the dancers, including Janet and Justin, grinding all over each, simulating sex acts in front of the world. And that was before Justin removed Janet's bodice and exposed her breast.

Please notice that I said "removed" and not ripped. Ripped would imply an impulsive and unplanned act. Folks, regardless of CBS's offical "shock and apology" routine, anyone with half a brain could see there was nothing, nothing unplanned about that event. The only folks that exhibition took by surprise were the ones who tuned in to watch a sporting event and found themselves on MTV!

So, here's the million dollar question. Once again, we ask ourselves, what do we do about it? Accept the "official" apology that smacks of arrogance? Are we really supposed to believe that CBS officials monitored every rehearsal and didn't see this coming? Did the lyrics, "I'm gonna get your clothes off before this song is over" not send up a single red flag? Are we to believe that any person on planet earth could hire MTV to produce a show and not be aware of the potential to offend a family audience? Should we vow not to watch another Super Bowl and in effect give the game, ( a game I love), over to the basest element of our society?

The truth is, I have a lot of these questions, but not a lot of answers. I can only ask you to do what I did. Log on to the official websites of those involved and register your complaint. Register your complaint without being vicious. Do it without being nasty. Just do it. The next thing you can do is make sure you don't get any money out of your pocket to purchase anything that Janet or Justin are selling. And then, copy this letter and forward it to everyone in your address book. It's not time folks...it's past time!

By the way, do you know who I think should be angry? The players--after all, isn't it supposed to be about them? I'm going now, but I'd like to end with a positive thought. I very much enjoyed Beyonce's rendition of the national anthem. She came out with grace and style, fully clothed, and she didn't feel any need to remake the anthem. She just sang it. And, boy, did she sing it! Way to go, Beyonce!

Hugs,
Shellie
www.allthingssouthern.com

P.S. These links all have a feedback button:
SuperBowl
CBS
MTV
(I didn't find a feedback button on Janet or Justin's official sites. If it's there, someone holler at me and I'll post it.)

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January 13th, 2004: "Are you with me? *grin*"

Okay, so I haven't "blogged" since the 20th of December. I told you up front that I wouldn't be able to do this daily. *grin*

I just sent out this week's emag and I can't help but wonder if y'all are keeping up with all the goings on here on the porch. I haven't mentioned the ATS logo contest in a while, but it's still wide open for someone. And then there's the new Quail Ridge drawing, the ever-present Gator Give-A-Way, the Southern Mom book--WOW! There's a lot to think about...

The other day I read about a man in Illinois who changed his name to Bubba Bubba Bubba. He said he was gonna go by "Bubba". That was just about the whole story. I'm intrigued. If any of you have more on that one, pullllleeeeeasssssssse holler at me. *grin*

Hmmmm, it just occured to me that I haven't wandered over to the message board in quite some time. I think I'll sneak over them and see what y'all have been chatting about in my absence.

Hugs,
Shellie

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DECEMBER 20, 2003: "Poor Saddam....NOT!""

It's the last Saturday before Christmas and I'm running around like a mad woman, checking things off my list. Phil has gone to New Orleans with his sister Karen and her daughter to help their other sister move and Jessica is on the way in from Baton Rouge. And Dixie Belle? She's out cold on her pillow at my feet-- totally exhausted. (Phillip took this picture for me.)

She and I have just squeezed in her first lesson with the leash. We didn't cover that much territory on our walk, but learning to "heel" was quite a challenge for her, especially with so many new smells to investigate! Still, she is exhausted, which was one of my intentions. *grin* Now I can't get some work done.

Before I do, I just had to get on the board here and rant for just a minute. I'm soooooooo tired of hearing about "Poor Saddaam" and how the U.S. shamed him by showing his medical exam on TV. Just this morning I read yet another news report where a group called "Amnesty International" is condeming the news photos of Saddam Hussein taken after his capture. The photos supposedly humiliated him in the eyes of his people. WRONG! If anyone is responsible for his humiliation-- it's the madman himself. Remember, this is the same man who encouraged, no required, his guys to die for the cause. And all the while he hid in a hole and crawled out like a coward-- with a pistol on his hip! So, we filmed him--have mercy! What were we thinking...

Okay, I feel better now. *grin* Back to the list...

Merry Christmas,
Shellie

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DECEMBER 6, 2003: "A Special Visitor at ATS!"

I had a very special Christmas surprise this morning. You might remember reading a letter by Jim Anderson in the Southern Exchange. Jim's the sweet fella from Lake Charles, LA who first wandered by the porch a few months ago by way of the Yellow Ribbon Gallery. Jim took a special interest in my nephew Rusty because he has a son named Rusty himself. Well, I found out that Jim was a Vietnam Vet and took the opportunity to thank him for his service and to apologize for the abuse the Veterans received on their return to the states. Since then, Jim and I have struck up a warm and special friendship--just like I enjoy with so many of you.

Imagine my surprise then when Jim showed up at my house. It seems he and his sons were hunting at a game reserve an hour or so from Lake Providence and when he realized how close he would be, he decided to pay me a vist. I thought it was a great idea. I had a great time introducing Jim to my family, and my friend Rhonda even showed up to meet him. We drank coffee, visited and had a wonderful time. Here's a picture of the two of us. Jim was happier than he looks, *grin*, I promise!

Hugs,
Shellie

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NOVEMBER 26, 2003: "Rusty and Dixie Belle, blessings abound..."

I'm so excited! Rusty, (my nephew in Iraq, see the Yellow Ribbon Gallery if you're new around here. *grin*), will be flying into DFW airport Friday, the day after Thanksgiving. And we'll all be there to throw him a big welcome home party. His mom is thrilled about having him home for two whole weeks! Please, remember to pray for all of our troops as well as those families that have lost loved ones in the effort to liberate and rebuild Iraq. More later!

Oh, I've got more news--I'm enjoying Christmas already and it's the day before Thanksgiving! My son suprised me the other night with a six-week old chocolate lab. I named her "Dixie Belle" and she is asleep on my feet while I'm typing. She's really complicating my already crammed scedule right now and she is worth every minute of it! Between the two of us we might've had one full hour of sleep in the past forty-eight, but that's okay. You have to pay that price with puppies! You'll be hearing more about Dixie Belle in the porch chat soon and I'll share her pictures with you.

That's it for now. I've got to finish the content for next week's radio show AND get ready for the whole funky bunch, (my family), to descend on my house for Turkey Day. Happy Thanksgiving!

Hugs,
Shellie

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NOVEMBER 3, 2003: Anxiety lurks with "The Countdown"

I WILL NOT BE AFRAID OF THE CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN!

There! Oh, hi folks! Sorry for hollerin' but I heard the number this morning on the radio and briefly there--I almost fell for it. I'm just trying to reassert my independance. :-)

We're just coming off of a long weekend to LSU. ( I dont' want to talk about it. With a kid at LA TECH and a kid at LSU, let's just say we both won big and lost big! At least the Tomlinson Tiger didn't try to rub it in the face of the Tomlinson Bulldog-- I'm grateful for that.

Now, it's off to Monroe to tape the radio show. I'll "see" y'all tomorrow morning on the porch.

Hugs,
Shellie

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OCTOBER 11, 2003: The Bermuda Triangle Feedback Button Strikes Again

It's Saturday morning. I have tons of things I could do and a ton of things I want to do. Hmmmmmm...I don't know which way I'm leaning at the moment. *grin* However, there is one must do thing on my desk: taking the feedback button off of the bottom of my pages. It's acting like a cyber version of the Bermuda Triangle. You see, I'm always getting feedbacks just as if the thing is working fine. But then, occasionally, I'll hear from someone who said they wrote me and I didn't answer. And when I look into it-- yep-- inevitably they used the Bermuda Triangle feedback button. I hate the idea of folks thinking I just didn't answer their mail because I do not like it when folks don't answer my mail. So--the feedback button is henceforth trashed. Please use the email button. Okay? Okay! Now, where was I on this Saturday thing....

Hugs,
Shellie

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SEPTEMBER 30, 2003: This just in...

Just sent off the emag for this week and enjoying the immediate feedbacks and chats. Here's a good one from Bud in Bawcomville, Louisiana:

Hi Shellie, I heard a funny and thought the other porchers might need a good laugh. This Blond Lady was walking her two dogs one afternoon, when a passer-by stopped and said,"Those sure are pretty dogs, what are their names?" The Blond replied, "Rolex and Timex." The passer-by exclaimed, "Why did you name them that"? The Blond said, "Duhhh, Watch Dogs!"

Yeah, Bud's in a corny mood today, but I must be too, 'cuz I enjoyed it. Thanks for droppin' by Bud!

Hugs,
Shellie

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SEPTEMBER 18, 2003: Surprise!

I've got a surprise for y'all and I'm pretty excited about it!

Hugs, Shellie

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SEPTEMBER 15, 2003: 'Jus Rambling tonight...

I don't know about your Mondays-- but mine are generally pretty taxing. I've been in Monroe today taping next week's radio show. Then, as soon I got got home I scooted over to my church to be a part of a part of a live telecast on our local access channel, PMTV12.com. Take a second and check out their website. Oh-- and be sure to click on "Celebrating Home"-- that's my good buddy, Rhonda Perry's show. (Pssst...drop her a line while you're there and surprise her, will 'ya? Thanks!)

Now I'm updating the website and my eyes are kinda blurrryyyyyy. So, if you see some errors, ignore 'em or holler at me and I'll fix 'em later...like in the morning, maybe...

Oh, and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to everyone who sent SPC Rusty Guenard a "Happy Birthday" greeting. He called his mom in happy tears the other day. His email box was running over. Y'all really touched his heart and I'll be forever grateful. (Haven't I always said that I've got the best readers in the world?)

Okay-- I just heard the bell that signals the last file going up, so I'm gonna cut out and catch some zzzzzzzzz's. See 'ya in the morning on the porch.

Hugs,
Shellie

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SEPTEMBER 11, 2003: TGIF for sure!

Wow! It's been some week. I must admit Friday looks good to this country girl. Okay, I told y'all I'd report on the convention I spoke at Tuesday at the Holidome in Monroe. Well, it went great. I spoke, (or should I say rambled *grin*), and enjoyed myself immensely! But the good news is that by all accounts the attendees seemed to really enjoy themselves, too! Afterwards they lined up at my book table and were very kind to me, buying my books and CD's for themselves and as gifts for their friends back home. I hope they'll do like Hansel and Gretal and leave a trail all the way back home. *grin* Although a lot of the convention goers were from "north of the I-10", I'm proud to say that they're bonafide porchers now.

The other thing on my mind tonight isn't so cheery, but it's something I'd really like your help on. You're heard me talk about my nephew, Rusty, who is serving in Iraq. (If not, you can read about Rusty and see his picture in the Yellow Ribbon Gallery. To make a long story short, Rusty is sorta down right now. He was told he was coming home in September and then it was changed to November. Yesterday he was told it would now be a year at the least. (We've been hearing this on the news, but Rusty was really holding out-- hoping to be home for the holidays.) Rusty has seen a lot in a short amount of time and understandably so, his emotions are all over the place. We're entrusting Rusty, his mental and physical health to the One who has his name written in His palm-- and yet, we are human and like all military families, we struggle with wanting to comfort our loved one from this great distance.

Rusty's 21st birthday is right around the corner, September 14th. If you have a minute, please email Rusty a Happy Birthday greeting. I'd love to fill up his email box on that day. Thank you in advance-- I know you'll come through.

Of course, today has also been a sober day by the very fact of the anniversary of the attack on America. I offer my condolences to all who lost loved ones in the 9-11 tragedy. I know the pain never really goes away, but I pray that you find comfort and hope in the warm thoughts of those of us who will always stand with you in remembrance. We will never forget...

Hugs,
Shellie

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2003: Thoughts from the pickle jar...

Well, well, well. How I get myself in these pickles I don't know. This morning I accidentally sent out a blank email to all the subscribers. I was in the database entering new subscription requests and hit "send" by mistake. Have you ever hit that little button and wanted to reach out and grab it out of cyberspace immediately. It just doesn't work does it, does it?

So, everyone got a blank email. Except it wasn't entirely blank. Unfortunately, each one had the message that is always included in mass mailings-- a preprogrammed link stating to "click on this link if you'd like to unsubscribe".

Yep! So everyone on the other end thought I was inviting them to unsubscribe. And the pickle had begun....

Ton hundreds of emails later, I think I've gotten everyone convinced of two things. One, that I'm not kickin' anyone off the porch. Two, that I'm not runnin' on all cylinders.

And now, back to the "to-do" list, being careful not to punch anymore buttons without thinking twice, or three times, or four...

Hugs,
Shellie

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AUGUST 31, 2003: Take out the trash...

I've been out this weekend. So, if you've emailed me, give me time to wade through the hundreds of virus-stripped emails my Nortan is catching and find your letter. I swannee, I wish they'd let me discipline that eigtheen-year-old kid who is supposed to have done this. I'd whoop him down to his knees...

Can we chat about the trashy females kissing on the MTV awards? NO, of course I wasn't watching, but I got subjected to a rerun of the clip while watching Fox and Friends the next morning. Ughhhhhh!!!!! God, have mercy.

I wanted to run over here and "blog", but I was packing. I did listen to talk radio the next several hours on my trip and I did wear my fingers to the nub trying to call in to the various shows.

Seeing women prance around in half-nekkid wedding clothes kissing each other was bad enough, but no-- I had to listen to folks rationalizing the incident. One of the themes: "It's just a marketing ploy. They're just pushing the envelope." Hello folks, earth calling, "There is no envelope! It's been ripped up a long time ago!" Sure they're after ratings, but they're also dumping boatloads of refuse into our living rooms and I'm sick of it.

Please don't tell me that if I don't want to watch it I can change the channel. That's a weak argument. This filth degrades the culture, thereby affecting me and mine whether we watch it or not. Remember, "in a society where anything goes everything eventually will."

Poll after poll say that the majority of Americans are against this sort of public decadence. If these statistics are true, I can only sumise that there must be an awful lot of that majority using their money to support it by buying their products or leaving the "entertainment" on in their homes. Otherwise, the dollar would've spoken already, and put a end to it. Just thinking aloud...

Oh, about my trip? I was at the "17th Annual Chuckwagon Races in Clinton, MS." All I can say about it is that I've been to several goat races and a bunch of county fairs and I've NEVER seen anything like this! I've got pictures. I'm gonna give y'all a photo-journal tour shortly. Take care~

Hugs,
Shellie

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AUGUST 27, 2003: It just takes one...

They kneeled outside to pray. Inside they kneeled as well, albeit briefly, to put their trolley beneath the monument. Then they stood and rolled it away. And my heart ached as I watched the moment unfold.

There are many people smarter than I am offering their commentaries on what transpired this day in Alabama on the 27th day of August, 2003. There are many lessons to be learned from it. Can I offer you just one?

Because that in itself is the lesson I see. It only took one.

Many people talk about the moral and cultural decline of our country, and dream of doing something to combat the slide. Count me among them. And yet, the task of reclaiming the Judeo-Christian values of our forefathers seems so vast that it's easy for us to feel insignificant and inadequate to swim against the tide.

And yet, one person decided several years ago that they were offended by the display of the Ten Commandments, and that one person determined to see it removed. That one person raised their voice of protest, until others joined them and the swell grew into a political firestorm that saw their agenda passed.

Just one person-- that's the lesson.

Hugs,
Shellie

Hi porchers,

Surprise! I'm jumping on the blog wagon! (That's just another name for journaling. I'm guessing the term came from the phrase "blah, blah, blah). *grin*

I've been thinking about this for a while and I've got a couple reasons to blog. For one thing sometimes, (okay, a lot of times), I have more to say than I can squeeze into the emag. And two-- I have to write the emag and radio show a week ahead to get the content distributed to the stations and there are always current things happening that I can't touch on. So-- that's what I plan to do here. This way, those of you that think the emag is too short can get more and those that think it's long enough can skip the blog. That's me-- always aiming to please. ~smile~

Now, "real" bloggers write everyday. I'm not promising you that you'll find something new here every single day, but I'm thinking it'll come close to a daily post. Just whatever comes to mind...that's what you'll find. Beware and don't say I didn't warn you. *grin*

Hugs,
Shellie

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