Welcome to Joe Turnham.com
Monday, August 26, 2002
A Word from Joe:
WEST NILE THREAT REAL, DEMANDS CONGRESSIONAL ACTION!
Our campaign yesterday in a press conference in Montgomery called for immediate federal action by the Congress and federal agencies to make funds available to Alabama for the assessment and remediation of threat caused by mosquitos and the West Nile Virus.
We learned this weekend that the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA has denied funds to our sister states of Mississippi and Louisiana in their fight to eradicate mosqito breeding grounds. New cases of infection and reports of more deaths have been made public this weekend.
Here in Alabama we have 20 million scrap tires and 850 illegal dumps of tires. Our citizens are at risk and our state and local governmental agencies do not have the funds to adequately attend to the threat. As a Congressional Candidate, I will make protecting our citizens a top priority and will fight any governmental agency that does not attend to the needs of our people.
West Nile Virus is a real threat that demands real action and leadership. Help me keep the pressure on the right folks to see that our communities have what they need to minimize the risk of mosquito bites and the transmission of any disease to our people. Joe
AMERICA'S GREATEST GENERATION
Last Christmas I gave my dad a copy of Tom Brokow's book, 'The Greatest Generation'. The premise of the book expounds on the fact that the depression era/WWII generation was the country's finest. As I float this idea out among folks of the 'Greatest Generation' I get affirming feedback, but also a bit of a scolding.
The 'Greatest Generation' was not as prosperous as this one. It was not as indulged, entertained, informed, and pampered. The 'Greatest Generation' never needed a reason to join the service, fight for freedom, sacrifice for family and country...it did it quietly but with historical thunder. It overcame a depression, won a world war and set forth one of the greatest economic miracles of history.
As I think about "Putting America First", I think about the 'Greatest Generation'. But as I delve into this subject with those of the 'Greatest Generation', I am reminded that the qualities of humility/ hope/service are the true ingredients of greatness. The 'Greatest Generation' desires that my generation be greater than theirs... not necessary richer, fatter or happier...but greater. As I ponder that challenge, I know that times have changed, but the mountain we climb may be just as steep. But quiet courage bathed with faith, and the ethics of hard work and sacrifice/humility define the call for greatness. I give thanks to all those that have shared their wisdom with me. I stand on your shoulders! God Bless America.
