In the blogging world of New Orleans, I love all the bloggers, even though 90% are not on the same political page with me. I thought it more productive to share our common ground, our love for the environment and love of Louisiana without having to point and blame politicians because they have an (R) or (D) attached to their name. My friend and business partner Ed, are polar political opposites, yet I truly embrace his thoughts on remembering the 11 that died when the oil rig blew up. These 11 men have been grossly neglected in the whole scheme of this catastrophe and it is a crying shame. We all want it fixed, just the angles about how we go about it is certainly not in tune for the most part. The oil disaster has become a very easy political moving target.

The Louisiana politicians are against a moratorium on drilling because it will bankrupt Louisiana and drive the proverbial knife in our backs even more. I have been struggling with this one. You see, in my youth, trying to “find my way politically” days, I also was drawn to the environment and animals. I belonged to Greenpeace, save the whales etc…, WWF and I’ve been a vegetarian for 30 years now. How does that fit into the Conservative mold? Even though I have distanced myself from some of those wacky agenda groups, I still have a heart for all the living and breathing creatures who are effected by the sea and on this planet. I almost threw up a little in my mouth learning about sea turtles being burned alive just yesterday.

Who cares if drilling stops? It actually makes perfectly good sense. If you are doing something and not sure what you are doing, you better stop and figure it out before you do it any more. In other words, if we don’t know how to fix a disaster, why would we possibly want to create more disasters? Then I think of those who are impacted negatively and my state as a whole and say to myself, “We are the USA – we can certainly help a state in need and all those who lose their jobs.” But then it does not make sense either, because we have a nation that needs oil. Why not drill for it in our own back yards? Or maybe it is better to let others drill in our back yards, drill in their back yards, or just let others deal with all of that and we buy it? It makes my head spin and I wish I had the answer. I know many of you will have a deep-rooted opinion on this one and I look forward to hearing about it, without being hateful. I think that is the problem – passion and being hateful become a blurred line in this discussion.

As for President Obama, yes, he fits into the equation of the oil disaster. He is not involved in it because it is his fault or because he welcomes it to further his agenda, the anger from some directed at him initially was appalling to this Conservatarian. But has he done enough? From someone who does not want the Federal Government involved in my life so much, I will say what I wrote on Facebook the other day. ” My son asked what should be done differently withe the oil mess. I told him if our house was on fire, I would grab every garden hose and use every resource necessary to stop it before the fire department showed up. Maybe not the
perfect scenario – but you get what I was trying to say. Maybe shoot first, ask questions later. Or get to the closest ER and worry about sorting the bill out later.” I’m sorry folks, but that is the attitude that should have been in place earlier on and should be there now. I’m not feeling it! I tried not to be that way for a long time – making this partisan – blaming Obama and I can’t regarding some of it. Regardless of your political party affiliation, have you stepped back and thought about if there is enough being done by our current administration? After all, this now will have impact on the entire US – not just a small part of a coast line as we initially thought. Help me here folks!

Here is a current map of where oil has washed ashore on beaches. I’m locked into a Destin vacation in a couple of weeks. Looks like we will be washing off oil after getting out of the water.

I made the video below at the beginning of the oil disaster. I regretted what I said as soon as it got worse, but unfortunately still have to stand behind, “drill baby drill” because as much as I would love to see alternative energy magically pop up and fill all our cars, it is not realistic. Now do I want to drill even more before we fix the current mess? My jury is still out. I’m not much of a gambler and that is what this is – gambling with the environment. You can talk about solar panels and wind power until you are blue in the face, but it does not change our need for oil AT THIS VERY MOMENT. Would you rather have a foreign dependency or oil or have it yourself? Hmmm…..

Doing the popular thing in Louisiana is to continue to bash the evil empire called the Army Corps of Engineers. After all, they are responsible for everything negative in the state – everything (sarcasm inserted here). Most people will drink that Kool-Aid with a little rum here in Louisiana, but not this camper. Heck, my other blog’s tagline is, “We don’t drink the Kool-Aid, we pee in it.” Seriously folks, I have stuck up for David Vitter on the airwaves, in writing, in person and I only met him once at a town hall meeting. I like most of his politics and have always believed him to be a strong supporter of our men and women in uniform and our veterans. Everyone who knows me, knows I have a passion for politics and the military. Those worlds have collided when I read this editorial written by U.S. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D.

I’ve always stated publicly that I don’t give a rat’s ass what any celebrity or politician does in their bedroom, including Vitter. But….screeching halt on hall passes from me…when you screw with someone’s military career. David Vitter has crossed a serious line. Seriously, WTF? Brigadier General Michael J. Walsh, the Missisppi Valley Division Commander of the Army Corps of Engineers. Yes, the same one Barbara Boxer famously asked to not to call her Ma’am. Well, for the past 7 months he was supposed to get promoted but David Vitter has blocked it. This is a decorated combat veteran here who has only served a portion of his career in the Corps. David Vitter is putting the halts on it because…well…he hates the Corps. Making the excuse that the Corps is withholding information – not going to fly. Fercryingoutloud…how stupid do you think we are? The local Corps lifeline is through Senators wanting projects in our state. Why would the Corps deliberately piss of off the guy that provides their funding?

OK David, if you or your office read this, remember this is not a pissing contest. This is someone’s career. Back off and let him get promoted. As it stands, you have the next election in the bag. There is nothing to gain here, just something to lose, your reputation as a troop supporter. You do not want to be known as “that” Senator who stopped a great man from being promoted because you had a grudge against his organization. Step back, re-evaluate and move forward!

We arrived for cocktails at the new bar/canteen and then moved on over to view the live show that was most enjoyable. Period dressed females and men in armed forces uniforms, singing and dancing with them, made for a spectacular show. Next, were scheduled to see “Beyond all Boundaries,” which would be followed by a reception. I TRIED to get JJ to skip it and he insisted (he is more stubborn than me) that I see it. So we sat there together as I watched him flinch his body and saw some of his experessions as I soaked in the whole experience. Because that is what it was – a phenomenal experience! There were props, snow, sound, seats that move with gunfire, and even smell. It was good overview of WWII and I walked away from it deeply moved. I would not expect JJ to see the movie the way I did. Then again, each person will walk away from it with their own experience. My boys (11 & 13) were going to see it the next day with my husband. I was a little concerned about it but they LOVED it. I warned them of the Holocaust scenes but it is nothing they have not seen on the History Channel and it is their heritage, so I can’t shield them from that. I did choose not to let my 9yo daughter watch it and think that is a good call for now.

I would encourage EVERY US citizen, young and old to please come visit this museum, spend a couple of days here if you are from out of town and be sure to see the movie. This is history preserved and as long as the museum still has WWII docents like JJ around to share their knowledge and experiences, you should make it a point to visit. Then again, long after the WWII Veterans are gone, this museum will preserve the heritage of, “The Greatest Generation.”

BTW – I failed my mission to get a Soldiers’ Angels coin to Tom Brokaw and Tom Hanks. They disappeared right after the movie premier with the vets. Oh well – next time!
You can view some pictures I took here.

c/p at Hooah Wife & Friends

* I’m pissed at Obama for using fallen heroes as photo ops at Dover. Expect his decision to come out soon about Afghanistan and this will be twisted into his reason to not give the full amount of requested troops.

* I got a new gig! I’m going to be the You Tube “girl” for Right Pundits starting this Monday. It will be a 2 minute video on a hot topic. Ya- I’ll be putting myself out there and will brace myself for ridicule. I’m looking forward to it and thanks to my Cotillion Sister Kate, for proposing me as this person.

* Clearedjobs.net helps people with security clearances find jobs as well as matches companies with qualified employees. They are huge military supporters and Veteran owned. Kiss My Gumbo is proud to have them aboard as sponsors (see sidebar ad).

*The Kiss My Gumbo Radio show airs each Saturday morning from 9:00-10:00 (central) Saturday on AM 690 WIST or live on your computer here. 888-880-WIST or (504)260-0690

* Radio show guests this week:
Congressman Joseph Cao from the 2nd Congressional District
Local blogger Chris Johnston will be on to talk about local and national headline news.
The non-profit featured this week will be Spirit of America.

* Podcast from last week’s show is up.

It is show time! The corrupt house of cards has begun to fall with the departure of our fearful leader, King Eddie Price. After causing complete embarrassment and surrounding our city with shame for the last 18 months or so, it took a plea with the Feds to make him leave. I was glad to hear he pleaded guilty in court yesterday and will hopefully do a few years in the pen. Lord knows how many tax dollars were wasted because of him or how much potential revenue was lost. Now, my guess has been that he was the bottom feeder, the little guy, the school yard drug dealer when the authorities are looking for the kingpin in this whole big picture. I would gather that he has been singing and ratting everyone and their grandmother out so he could get off easy. My tipsters tell me that the rest is coming swiftly and I am breaking out the popcorn and going to sit back and watch. No, I do not enjoy seeing people destroyed. But, I do think it is a wonderful thing to see criminals (and that is what they are), get what they deserve. You use your position to steal and do shady crud – you pay!

On a personal note here. No, I do not hate anyone, including Eddie. I do not even know him personally or any of his other upcoming jailmates. He may have “done his job” after Katrina. He may have done you favors over the years. He may be a lot of fun to hang out with (this is all stuff I have heard from people who would not sign the petition), but he is a criminal – period! Now, for the rest of the City Council….I can’t bite my tongue any longer – they may all be honest, they may all be innocent, but none of them are stupid! They sat back and continued to let Eddie embarrass our city and they could have held a vote of no confidence or publicly stood up and said enough is enough – but they did not! Not one of them. Instead they sat back and tried to “shine shit” (much better when my dad says it in Yiddish). But, it is the only way to describe it. Do I think they all need to go? Yes. Even if it is guilt by association or lack of intestinal fortitude to stand up and speak up against King Eddie – that is enough for me to say they should wave their white flags. But they will all do their council time unless they go down too (& I think at least 1 may).

As for me, I honestly would have put my resume in (and had every intention of doing so), if Coogan’s pal Lyons was the only candidate for Interim Mayor. There are a couple of good people in the mix and I look forward to the debacle at 1:00 today in City Hall as the council either 1. swiftly has 3 to agree on Lyons or 2. sends all the resumes to Jindal to select. I have a good candidate for Mayor I will get behind and 1 potential new City Council member….so far! Will I ever run for office….probably not….but never say never.

One hour and 3 amazing guests. My first guest is my dear friend and WWII Veteran, Sir JJ Witmeyer (here here here and here). We will discuss his history (we could do a year long show on that – but will have to keep it brief) and how he has struggled with PTS/PTSD all these years. We will talk about the grand opening of the WWII Museum and the Veteran’s Day parade in New Orleans.

Next, we will be joined by local blogger Ryan Waldron. We will talk about all kinds of fun stuff and headlines. Going back to my blogging roots!

For my non-profit segment, I will have on Carolyn Blashek from Operation Gratitude.

My radio show airs each Saturday morning from 9:00-10:00 (central) Saturday on AM 690 WIST or live on your computer here. 888-880-WIST

Update: Congessman Cao will not be on. Instead we will be discussing Afghanistan with military expert Mr. Greyhawk of the Mudville Gazette.

Woot woot – I’ve got new sponsors. Clearedjobs.net, a company that focuses on helping people with security clearances find jobs as well as companies looking to find qualified employees. They are huge military supporters and Veteran owned. Kiss My Gumbo is proud to have them aboard (see sidebar ad).

This week’s show is still kind of “up in the air” as Congressman Joseph Cao’s office has not confirmed as of yet. If he comes on I have some questions for him about healthcare and also some concerns from his constituents (I’m not in his district). If he can’t make it, I have a great military analyst coming on, Mr. Greyhawk from The Mudville Gazette. He will be discussing the current state of Afghanistan.

For my Louisiana headlines segment, I will be joined in studio by my friend and Baton Rouge blogger Clifford from Red Stick Rant. We will be discussing Louisiana headlines. I think I may go back to my blogging roots more and do this each week with a different local blogger.

For the non-profit portion of the show, I will be featuring Our Military Kids. If a parent is deployed, they pick up the tab for activities to keep children busy during the deployment. I love this group.

When: Saturday 9:00 – 10:00 AM Central
How: AM 690 WIST for New Orleans & the Gulf Coast or livestream on your computer.
Participate in the live show: 888-880-WIST or (504)260-0690 @kissmygumbo on twitter or email me gretaperry at g mail.com

Additional sponsors area also needed to help keep this program on air (everything negotiable – make me an offer I can’t refuse).

Bonus tidbit – this show will also be aired soon on internet radio soon along with some big names by SOG Media!