Articles written by Eldon Penner

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About me - Eldon Penner

I'm a USAF retiree with 30+ years of service. My grade at retirement was E-9 or Chief Master Sergeant. Career areas were aircraft maintenance and aircraft quality assurance. Types of aircraft possessed by the units I was assigned to were the B-29, B-47, C-97,

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Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology The pros and cons of two-party systems: 1 of 20
Watching the news on television or reading it in the daily newspaper becomes more depressing with each passing day. The ongoing conflict between our two major political parties and their questionable actions is truly more of a problem for most Americans than the equally well reported "war on terror". Yes, the radical Islamic ... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Politics: 8 of 58
Are we Americans or partisans? Has our allegiance to a party served to diminish our ability to truly act in our own best interest as an American? My thinking has changed a lot through the years and I no longer view things, in terms of party, as I once did. What I clearly see are politicians, regardless of party, who fail to a... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Decisions: Making the most of life: 5 of 30
An old Chinese proverb states the following: "Life just gives you time and space, it's up to you to fill it".That is very true. Our presence upon this Earth and the space we occupy are gifts bestowed upon us through no effort of our own. We are nurtured by our parents and/or other caring adults until we reach an age at which ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) The 2008 US presidential election: The difficulty of choosing who gets your vote in the current crop of hopefuls: 11 of 58
I can see how it might be difficult for some individuals to decide who to vote for in the coming presidential election. For those who don't look at the candidates from every possible aspect and who tend to have pre-conceived notions based on self-interest it will be much easier.Selecting a president of these United States is ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) Voter apathy and its effect on democracy in the U.S.: 10 of 49
What can those who consider themselves good citizens do to help turn America around? The answer is simple. It is we, instead of the special interest groups, who must become the proverbial squeaky wheel'. These groups and their lobbyists have let their desires be known. The silence of the American people, our silence, is seen ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Immigration Views on illegal immigration in the US: 50 of 212
From Melting Pot To Problem PotWe are all aware that our doors were wide open to immigrants when we still had frontiers to explore, expand, and populate. However, we have failed to address with meaningful legislation the fact that our actual need for immigrants has diminished. We are only now hearing common sense based grumbl... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Terrorism Winning the war against terrorism: 17 of 62
The methods employed by international terrorists prove that no nation on Earth is safe from the scourge of inhuman behavior. With this knowledge comes the realization that only drastic measures will be effective against such individuals. What must we do to rid ourselves of those whose acts are so at odds with civilized man's ... More..
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Freedom: 21 of 71
Has it ever crossed your mind that the freedom we value so highly may be working against us? The dictionary definition of the word is so broad that some apparently interpret is as the right to do pretty much anything they care to. Is there such a thing as too much freedom? Doesn't freedom carried to the extreme become anarchy... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Soldiers & Veterans Why Americans should support the troops!: 24 of 80
There are bound to be a few bad apples in every barrel. The military forces of any nation are no exception. Here in the United States the vast majority of those in our various armed forces are dedicated young men and women who serve our nation extremely well. The few bad examples of actions that cannot be condoned are certain... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology How American leaders have abandoned the Constitution to political agendas: 13 of 33
How did we get to this point? What twists, turns, and inappropriate detours were taken by those to whom we handed the reins of governance, while we, having voted them into office, took little note of their actions, our duty as a citizen done until the next election. Why Socialism?From whence springs the notion that the govern... More..