Crossroad of a Nation

History has shown us of the rise and fall of nations, dynasties and empires and how their decisions have caused their governments to soar to power and then plummet to their demise. We in America cannot be so overconfident to believe that we are not subject to the perils that former empires and dynasties have faced.

We are a very determined and resourceful people here in the United States. However, right now there is one very important element that is missing in the equation, and that is unification. There is no unity among our politicians, our media, and many of our people. I find this interesting because we know a house divided does not stand.

Politicians along with mainstream media have been reduced to taking pot shots at their advisories in an attempt to sabotage each other. This undermining rhetoric has diminished efforts toward an important goal which this country was founded on, and that goal is prosperity. Regardless of political affiliation, we as a nation need to find common ground and push forward on ideas that work and not stonewall because of ideology or political party.

There is plenty of blame to go around on how we got into this mess, but that shouldn’t be the focus of this problem. At this point, we need to focus on how to get out of this mess and then formulate realistic solutions that will keep us from being this vulnerable again.

The United States is at a crossroad. We need more productive and fiscally responsible decisions being made by our government. This means both sides need to work together for the good of the United States of America, not for political reasons or ideology.

I don’t want to see our great nation be another footnote in history along with many other once great but now fallen nations, empires and dynasties.

Elance.com - Freelance Employment Website

While reading Woman's Day magazine, I came across Elance.com, which was being recommened in an article for people looking for alternative employment solutions.  It is a Freelance website for individuals who are looking for work or need to find someone to get a job done. 

If anyone is out of work or looking for extra money, this may be the way to go.

http://www.elance.com/

Cauldron of Fire

The flames burn intensely, but I can’t feel the fire

I ache, yet I submerge in my addiction

I rationalize the pain

I pretend to enjoy its scalding heat

I’m engulfed by the flames

Swallowed by my overindulgence

Powerless to move, I want more

The flames feel good now

The colors are vivid and beautiful

No one else sees the beauty that I see

It is only seen through my twisted perception

The cauldron of fire has imprisoned another willing slave

Written by Michelle Palmieri Kneute

My Philosophy

I think we gain knowledge in life from different experiences. I was not blessed with good health, but my complex health issues are my life lesson.

I was born NJ in 1964 with multiple heart defects. My pediatrician told my parents that there was nothing that they could do for me and recommended that I be brought to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City, which was the best hospital for me to be in those days. He sent my parents with a letter of introduction so that I could be seen as a patient. I have since had two open heart surgeries there to alleviate, but not cure these issues.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with Thyroid cancer. After four surgeries and three doses of radioactive iodine, in 2008 I am now in remission.

Regardless of what obstacles are sent my way, I wouldn’t exchange my life for anyone else’s life. God gave me an excellent opportunity to learn and understand and be strong. I am who I am because of my circumstances and that’s a good thing. I’m very fortunate and I don’t take my life for granted. There are so many people who are less fortunate. There are people out there who have never seen the color of the sky or what a rose looks like and others who have never heard the sound of the ocean. I am very blessed indeed.