Heath

After class, I went online to http://www.msn.com/ to check my stocks. I saw the headline "Heath Ledger dead at 28" and could not believe it. It's such a tragedy. He was such a young and talented actor. After seeing him in Brokeback Mountain with Jake Gyllenhaal, I thought that his future would only get better. Instead, his life came to an abrupt end like so many young stars of the past--James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Natalie Wood, and River Phoenix.

Heath was a gifted and good-looking actor who chose roles to enrich his acting abilities. He was more interested in the art of acting than getting by on his good looks. Like James Dean, he was more than just a handsome actor. He had the talent to have a promising career. Unfortunately, that's not going to happen. An autopsy has yet to be performed, but they say it could have been an overdose of sleeping pills that killed Heath. He was found nude and in bed. He was only 28.

I first saw him in The Patriot with Mel Gibson. Then he was in Monster's Ball. For me, he was most notable in A Knight's Tale and Brokeback Mountain. His portrayal of a gay, reserved cowboy demonstrated his range as an actor. He brilliantly showed us the character's strength and vulnerability. He depicted love, anger, toughness, and sensibility. It was such a chagrin that he didn't win an Oscar for that role. Heath Ledger was one of the best young actors of this era. He leaves behind a 2-year old daughter, Matilda, with actress Michelle Williams.

Hillary

I just watched the Brian Williams's interview with Sen. Hillary Clinton, and I'm more convinced than ever that she is the one who should be the next president. I firmly believe that she has the intelligence, open-mindedness, experience, diligence, tenacity, and altruism necessary to repair the damage left behind by the current incompetent, wasteful, and foolish Bush administration. Her qualifications SURPASS those of any of her contenders Democrat or Republican. In that interview, Hillary came across as a strong, authoritative, informed, reasonable, and caring person. In other words, she's the antithesis of Bush.

That is what America needs as the next president. Of course we are in dire need of change. However, we need responsible change. We need someone who is has a history of fighting for and delivering change. Experience should be an asset and not a liability. We need a doer and not a talker. We need someone who has a deliberate plan and is ready to assume command on day one. We need someone who will take charge and not rely heavily on the experience and expertise of his staff. We need someone with the resolve, courage, and intellect to champion what is right and listen with an open mind in the White House. We need President Hillary Rodham Clinton!

I would be greatly disappointed in the American people if they don't make Hillary president. She should at least get the nomination. I'm greatly disappointed that Obama has so much support. It suggests to me that Democrats aren't thinking rationally. Moreover, they're not thinking at all! So what if he's "charismatic." So what if he's been forthcoming about his past drug use. So what if he is a good talker. DOES HE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND LEADERSHIP NECESSARY TO MAKE HIM A GOOD PRESIDENT? HELL NO!!!

If voters would have thought logically and asked themselves that question in 2000 and 2004, Bush would not be president today. The presidency is a powerful and influential office. The presidential election should not be a game or popularity contest. Voting should be based on reputation and qualifications and not likability. We need someone in the White House who can lead and get the job done. If Americans are so interested in charisma and likability, why don't we just set up a monarchy? We could pick an attractive young couple and make them king and queen. For the record, I do not find Obama so charismatic, likable, or trustworthy. I'm skeptical about people who are excessively ambitious and inconsistent. Think people, think!!! This election is for the next world leader and not for homecoming king/queen.

Hillary has the right combination of optism, strength, integrity, reputation, resolve, and reason to make things happen. She has the best solutions for many of today's problems and would be able to assert her authority whenever necessary, but also talk to her opponents and compromise. This ability is of integral importance in these times of disarray.

Without a doubt, the most critical issue is the war in Iraq. It is not making a difference, wasteful, and irrational. It is an enormous onus for the military, American families, and taxpayers. Ending the war in Iraq does not mean ending the war on terrorism. Other issues that concern me are health care, education, stem cell research, immigration, and gay rights. Hillary has elaborate plans to for all of these important matters. That is why I support Hillary Rodham Clinton for president.

Dan

Today, I was delighted to receive an email from on old friend of mine. We served together on Diego Garcia back in 2001. I haven't heard from him since he left in September of that year. He's such a terrific person. I remember him as a good-natured, athletic, and smart young man of integrity. I regret that I didn't spend more time with him and lost contact after he left. It was good to learn that things have been going really well for him after all these years. He desserves it. He has accomplished muchsince the last time that I saw him. He remained in the Navy for 6 more years and earned his master's in ocean engineering and established himself in D.C. I even learned that he's now engaged.

You may wonder how I was able to find my long lost friend. I knew that he was from Texas so I looked him up on http://www.whitepages.com/. I wasn't sure because there were about a dozen other people with the same name. I was sure after I saw his age. I found an address and sent him a Christmas card. He wrote me 2 weeks later. It was great to hear from him. I hope to hear more from him in the future. I also hope that this inspires you to do the same thing to locate the people that you've lost contact with over the years.