AuthorsDen: Reviews at a Glance

Recent Reviews for Mel Hathorn

The Castlereagh Connection (Book) - 7/4/2003 8:57:34 AM
Great book! Great character development! A must read.

No Broccoli Tonight!!! (Short Story) - 3/30/2009 12:26:53 PM
The most clever write I've read in a long, long time. The poor man. I'd send a dollar but spent my last one on string beans for tonight's dinner. Keep up the good work Mel.

Yes Virginia, There is a Free Lunch (Short Story) - 8/5/2007 10:06:35 AM
well written and informative

Hartford PGA Tour: Going to the Dogs? (Short Story) - 6/22/2007 6:45:20 AM
loved that old hound dog! enjoyable read but glad i wasn't in that traffic

Sewer Tax Redux (Short Story) - 1/31/2007 5:55:01 PM
sooo funny-love your gumption!

The Gilded Cage (Short Story) - 1/16/2006 8:38:57 AM
good story, well done! :)

Celts and Kings Chapter Three (Short Story) - 5/22/2004 9:30:56 AM
Good job, Mel. You got my attention. I want to read what happens next.

Governor Rowland's Footguard (Short Story) - 3/3/2004 12:25:01 PM
it made me laugh...well-crafted story.

Excerpt from The Journey: A Story For Those Who Blew It Or Are About To (Short Story) - 1/10/2003 1:50:03 PM
Mel, Interesting...I'd like to see where this one goes. Good Luck

Excerpt from The Castlereagh Connection (Short Story) - 7/18/2002 9:02:36 AM
Not bad. Worth the read.

Call for a Third Continental Congress (Article) - 11/9/2009 11:06:21 PM
Mel, I only scanned thru your post and found it agreeable as a whole, because I was immediately distracted when you got off on a wrong foot, by calling or Republic a Democracy. That sounds trivial, but it is the root cause of the present day idology that our Constitution is a living and changable thing. The Liberals, now out of the closet as Progressives, are using the lie that we are a Democracy to justify destroying our Constitution. Plese read what our forfathers said about Democracies. They had no good thing to say about them for just this reason... The rest of your post was most interesting. jerry

Study Finds Link Between Bush Supporters and Mental Illness (Article) - 8/16/2009 4:06:59 AM
Interesting study, Mel. 69 people in Connecticut…hummmm .I can’t help but wonder how many people with mental illness voted for B O. Oh well, the good news is …Bush is out of office…the bad news is…. B O isn’t yet. .

Call for a Third Continental Congress (Article) - 4/4/2009 4:18:58 AM
We already have a constituition. The "people" that have been chosen to follow it are ignoring it and making up their own rules while placing themselves above the constitution. These people are not doing their jobs. Our borders open. We have been invaded, and they are more concerned for the welfare of the invaders. This government no longer serves the people, it rules and dominates the people. The government does not give us our rights, God and constitution do. If we held the government accountable, wall street and others would fall in place. Patriotism, honor and loyalty, needs to be taught in schools in our schools again. Those who wish to change America and our constitution for their own special interests should be remove from power and brought to justice. We've are now a nation of tribes and the tribal leaders need to be replaced with Americans in our government. It is time to bring back American Citizenship and a government that doesn't bride it's people but rather serves it's people and protects their freedoms. Continential Congress? How about Nuemberg trials instead.

Is Reaganomics Dead? (Article) - 3/20/2009 4:40:57 PM
Reagonomics ended when the administration ended. Greed was allowed to blossom and dominate when honorable decent men of good will like George Shultz, Bill Bennett etc were replaced by the low lives of today.

Is Reaganomics Dead? (Article) - 3/20/2009 9:44:46 AM
Excellent write.

No Taxation Without Representation (Article) - 10/18/2008 4:40:41 PM
well said!

The Christmas Train (Article) - 7/22/2008 10:08:13 AM
A heartwarming story. Train sets and Christmas are a part of growing up in a Christian family in the USA. Little villages with lights bring back very fond memories. A great write!

The No Child Left Behind Act: Why It Doesn't Work (Article) - 7/10/2008 7:25:11 PM
Bravo! Arguably, when trying to improve efficiency in a factory which produces widgets, one can propose standards which all widgets must meet in order to be sold. But children are not widgets, and who among us would want our child treated as a product on the assembly line? In the last several years of my teaching, I have witnessed many incidents which support your concluding sentence -- NCLB inhibits rather than enhances learning!!

The No Child Left Behind Act: Why It Doesn't Work (Article) - 2/3/2008 3:15:38 AM
Very Good Article. No Child Left Behind Is a Noble Thought. But the question is, Where are we taking them? Let me see, if I understand that TAT correctly, We should be judging people by what they look like, rather than what they do? Now that's good teaching, if inteligence doesn't get in the way. I’m afraid we are no longer teaching children how to think, but rather what to think. Schools are wonderful places to create a better society. Just look at the wonderful results in Nazi Germany. Yes, it’s a great society when the government starts doing your thinking for you. If you really want to change education for the better, it’s time to get some of the quacks out of our University system and replace them with real educators. Teacher's who do not view children as tools to advance their personal agendas. There are still some very good teachers, but far too few, I'm afraid.

Why I am a Luddite (Article) - 8/12/2007 9:29:28 AM
sounds reasonable to me! i enjoyed your article

The Top Ten Reasons To Be A Liberal (Article) - 8/3/2007 4:54:39 AM
I enjoyed the explanation of the top ten reasons for being a liberal. This reminded me of Conservative Roman times, as christens (Liberals) were being served up for dinner for our furry loin friends. If you have the opportunity to listen to Mr. Rush Limbaugh syndicated radio show (which I find every amusing), he would tell you “How you can tell if you are a liberal” with a statement like; you know you’re a liberal if you….. I like your perspective keep up the good work.

13 Fun Ways to Screw Up the System Legally (Article) - 3/4/2007 10:03:23 AM
Immature suggestions. Poor ideas. && I fail to see the purpose. Even the writing is childish; "I have listed only a few of the many and creative ways to disrupt the system."- Closure like that is meant and used by learning children, not adults. Also... This is rather pointless, despite your insistence as to 'demonstrating the dysfunctionality of the system.' Dysfunctionality is not a word. These problems are not the Republicans fault. Views like these are why the liberals weren't able to win the election. This idea of fighting the problems within our nation by causing minor problems on a corporate level, and inconveniencing your fellow citizens, is ridiculous.

Call for a Third Continental Congress (Article) - 11/7/2006 2:55:52 PM
Three points: 1 - We already had a Third Continental Congress. It was called on December 20, 1776. They modified and finalized the Articles of Confederation on November 15, 1777. The new Articles of Confederation were not immediately ratified due to the war. They were ratified on March 1, 1781. If we were to call another Continental Congress, it would be our fourth. 2 - The flaws in government are not with the constitution, but with the officials we (speaking of the people as a whole, and not of you or I specifically) elect to office. If the people elect upright people to office, the problems you outline will not be of issue. 3 - Mechanisms were built in to our constitution to allow the people to make changes as needed; to our laws, our policies, and to the constitution itself. These mechanisms were established to allow changes to be made when the majority of the people call for it, but with protections to keep crack-pots from making sweeping changes that would not be in the best interest of the people.

The Top Ten Reasons To Be A Liberal (Article) - 8/17/2006 3:45:08 PM
Mel, As a British subject I know little of the nuances that American politics plays over its populace but your description of liberalism (especially as opposed to conservative)sounds pretty close to the mark in my opinion. In the UK we have the conservatives with a new leader, David Cameron and the new conservatives with Tony Blair (formerly labour). Our liberal democrat party may one day fight on a level playing field with the two big boys (perhaps sooner than many may think as the labour party is millions in debt already). I particularly agreed with your portrayal of the closed system. Even in the UK the conservative party has had a beating in the recent past because their policies were aimed at stifling change, keeping the pound for example (as opposed to adopting the Euro), protecting this and defending that. In short there was to be no change but stalwart consolidation. Not that I agree with new labour's policies either, especially as their 'reforms' has raised taxes to the point where we pay virtually 55% of everything we earn in tax. I can see where your previous commentor, Russ, latches onto the political slant of your article. Never the less, conservative thinking can only stifle the enormaous leaps and bounds that the world is turning out today. If anything I believe that, as is often the case, a balance needs to be struck between bold innovation and careful progress. Conservatism has its place in the world - but not as the protector of selfish wealth and certainly not to enable obscenely rich conglomerates to excrete their polluted filth all over the rest of us and our planet. I hope you get many hits on this one. Shane Ward

If Bush is Reelected... (Article) - 7/20/2006 10:43:20 PM
"Worrisome thoughts"... indeed. Nazi references, Hitleresque portrayals, these I find worrisome. Seems like a cheap shot by a little mind. I had started expecting better of you, but your fall into raving liberalism is well into that space beyond the pale. You claimed in other articles this attribute was the sole province of neocons, even conservative Republicans. So turns the Wheel...

Are You A Hero? (Article) - 7/20/2006 9:41:11 PM
I think your article trivializes heroes. I do think we all have the potential to be heroes depending on circumstances and how we react. I don't think of myself as a hero... yet. But I still have a few years left to me, so who knows? This doesn't mean people can't be admired or used as a role model for their handling of life's situations. But don't confuse them with heroes. It sounds more like a dumbing down of a hero. That hero may have only that one shining moment in his/her life, one time in the dull monotony of their life when they blazed supernova bright; and for that they should be remembered. Not necessarily emulated, but remembered and honored. Heroes are the stuff of legend as the saying goes. The struggling working mom turning out fine upstanding children despite the many setbacks life can toss out is to be admired, even emulated, revered for her accomplishments. You are not a hero for working through life's obstacles, that is expected of you. Not a burden to others is a noteworthy goal, but doesn't hit the hero rank. You do a disservice to your students, I think, to suggest otherwise. Homeless people having learned a set of survival skills? Let us all hope your students aspire to more than an accomplished dumpster diver or panhandler. Mother Theresa must surely be a heroine, but the joe ringing the bell over the Salvation Army pot is not. Admired for his willingness to help others, yes. Admired for his sacrifice of time and physical comfort, surely. Ticker-tape parade hero, nope.

Call for a Third Continental Congress (Article) - 7/20/2006 8:15:32 PM
Certainly some points to ponder. G.W. hasn't accelerated much of anything (unfortunately). Certainly no more than Clinton, or G.W.'s daddy, or any of the rest. All guilty and often ineffectual. However... Institute term limits for all elected officials. Perhaps some leeway for local government (small town officials of Backwater, USA pop. 102), but 2 - 3 terms at most, lifetime, with a 8 - 12 years of total service. Career politicians are the bane of our existance. Eliminate the ridiculous pension plans for these positions along with the lifetime medical benefits they seem to acquire, and the budget would take a huge drop in future payments. Just make them liable for good note taking to pass on to their replacements. This is at the County, State and Federal level (major metro areas also?). Make it parttime pay for the parttime job they do; this is government service not largese. Perform your civic duty then resume your life. Now, don't tell me you have to pay up to get the best. We've been paying up, and if we had the best you wouldn't be suggesting a 3rd Cont. Congress. A Bill is a Bill. Let it stand for one thing. No road repair/construc- tion, with special vacations for Senators with a y in their name, along with new shopping carts for the Grocery Store in Congressman FlipFlops district. The comes the line item veto. Cut the pork. No time to play games, you have a country to run. Do it. And no pay for any but the Congress person or Senator; need aides? Get volunteers. Social Security needs fixed. Former Secretary of the Treasury Paul O'Neill has a unique and relatively simple plan (see "A new idea for Social Security" by Paul H. O'Neill, Feb 20, 2005 at www.pittsburghlive.com) that involves funding for each newborn at $2000.00 a year till they are 18, then watch the power of compounding and investment work. Read the article, he says it much better than I can repeat it. Get rid of frivolous lawsuits, yes. Start using more paralegals and binding arbitration to settle most civil cases, yes. Limit liability claims, maybe. If you've been damaged somehow, you should be made whole; that's what insurance is for. Possible punitive damages may be called for, depending on the case. But no $3 mil for spilt coffee. We have to take responsiblity for our actions, and if I'm stupid or careless, a business shouldn't have to pay for my mistake unless he is grossly negligent also. But again, tread carefully. Government mandates tend to be cut in stone, with no room for common sense and judgement. Try these points on for size. Hey, Brave New World, Revisited!

A Modest Proposal (Article) - 7/20/2006 6:47:37 PM
The idea has merit. My wife (since retired) worked for AT&T, and this has beeen a policy for the last few years. Employees could take a day off to perform some service or civic duty. No questions asked, no reason need be given. Sure, some took it as just another day off, but many did so for the right reason. I think the policy should be expanded though. I feel that a semi-draft should be reinstated, but not just along military lines. All government services should be able to rely on conscriptees for work- force enhancement. It could provide needed employees, who would benefit from on the job training, an opportunity to test the waters of various fields of endevour. It could lessen the long term expense of "career" government workers. After an optional 2-3-4 year commitment, possibly a 1-2-3-4 week optional commitment every year. Obviously, not every job position could benefit from this, but many could. Let people and businesses feel they have a stake in managing the country, that their efforts effect how things work (or don't!). Sort of like the military reserves, it could have some voluntary options; but in exchange for a service commitment you could get reduced or no cost college (or graduate or doctoral) education or vocational training. This is not to be construed as a socialist strategy. Rather as a way to allow people to have more involvement in their government and community. It could also allow businesses to take a longer view of their business cycle, rather than the next quarter or year end profitability. A large leap, one day of charitable service to committed involvement in government or community. But hey, live large!

The Top Ten Reasons To Be A Liberal (Article) - 7/20/2006 4:58:00 PM
Many of the precipes you attribute to conservatives are equally true of so called liberals. Actually, I think you are confusing the issue: most of your ideas seem politically slanted, rather than philosophically. On a political front, I feel we should get rid of all the politicians now in office. Conservative, liberal, Republican, Democrat: all self serving and only concerned with their own re-election. There are no statesmen the likes of which we were blessed with in our founding fathers, many of whom gave their homes, fortunes, reputations and some even their lives to further the cause of "...liberty and justice for all". But the did differ in that they belived in a republic, not a democracy. They were not convinced of the "God in all of us", but did believe each individuals right to pursue his own course (and accept the consequences, good or bad, of that pursuit). You speak of the resentment of the people towards Republicans and their dissatisfaction with the way things have gone over the past few presidential terms. Well, the Dems ruled congress for 60 years and "spawned" so many boondoogle throw money at it programs it staggers the mind. The old saw about teaching a man to fish, rather than just giving him a fish, might have been a better service for the Great Society of LBJ. Roe v Wade should never have hit the courts, Supreme or otherwise. That could have and should have been handled at a societal level. Too often our courts are asked to rule on things the law and government have no concern in. Religion has no business in politics. Let the church worry about my immortal soul and leave my physical body alone. BUT, that doesn't mean we can't be a religious society. Having God in your life and providing certain moral guidelines shouldn't be anathema. It doesn't need to be the necessary benchmark for all our laws, but the Ten Commandments aren't unreasonable. However, for the most part, I feel religions aren't very liberal. They may talk a good story but history, both past and present, has pretty much shown a diferent view. The bywords of religion spell intolerance, closed mindedness, status quo ad infinitum, ignorance of the masses as population control(not referring to growth) and "every religion is wrong but mine" attitudes. As far as your reason no. 5... Liberals and Conservatives are great to make fun of, both sides. Jay Leno proves it almost every night. Nuff said on that. Being one who came of age in the late 60's early 70's (it was a slow process), liberals did set the anti-authoritarian stage; and played on it for a time. But then they grew up, and became their fathers and mothers. Find a college or university now that allows conservative thinking and attitudes. The Vagina Monologues rule over a group Bible discussion. A professor expound on capitalism as a (one out of many) possible viable economic avenue? Or rather as an evil we must work around? The Founding Fathers weren't liberals. They were anti- a lot of things, but you couldn't really call them liberals as we see liberalism today. They didn't believe in big government(FDR & LBJ come to mind), feared it in fact; they didn't believe anyone would want to spend 20-30 years in government service(1 OR 2 terms, then get on with their lifes work). As you point out in Fed Pap #57. We seem to have gotten just what they feared. A great reason for a representative form of government, as the great unwashed masses seem to re-elect the same scum back year after year. Fortunately the Constitution keeps them somewhat in check, and for that we can certainly thank our Founding Fathers. Those in Congress now (and at least for the last 60-70 years) have been most self-serving, different rules apply to them (no EEOE there, that's for sure), and seem to "know what's best for us". But really, all this is pointless; we aren't that different, liberals and conservatives. Philosophically. But when it comes to politic ideals... well, are we very different? Probably not... most of us don't vote.

The Eleventh Reason to be a Liberal (Article) - 7/20/2006 1:07:00 PM
Personally, I think it's silly and specious. The other 10 reasons at least had some substance to discuss, even if not wholey agreed with. It seems to use the same brush conservatives/Republicans are accused of using. But is one to assume it's alright because it "feels good" (no pun intented)? I realize this is somewhat(!) belated, but the web being what it is, I've just read the article. Nothing ever goes away on the web! The styrofoam of the ether!

The Eleventh Reason to be a Liberal (Article) - 1/27/2006 1:12:48 PM
Great points. Re: "According to Haste, the reason they support issues such as the sanctity of marriage is that they fear that liberals because of their supposedly loose morals will repopulate the earth with “liberal spawn.” I thought most of those trying to "preserve the sanctitity of marriage" were afraid their gay lovers would come out and blow their covers once assured of equal 'financial' rights, but this reason deserves equal consideration.

Are You A Hero? (Article) - 11/3/2005 5:11:26 PM
interesting

Are You A Hero? (Article) - 11/2/2005 3:07:44 PM
Interesting article Mel. I find the evolution of psychological research almost amusing in relation to what the wisdom of the East has been trying to tell us form long ago. We start out studying negative pathology in trying to cure and avoid it; then we embrace the current popular positive psychology movment and start studying the elete to learn their success secrets; when all along we just want to be balanced and normal. So I suppose the next focus of study will be on average people. Your comments about heros being ordinary and everywhere are similar to mine on miracles of God's love...they are all around in ordinary ways to see every day, if you take the time to look and see. I developed this idea in an article about "real wealth." I also liken your ordinary hero as my "quiet achiever" who performs little miracles every day without making much noise about it. I guess that was Motehr Teress'a little greatness. By the way, watch the movie "Stay" and tell me your interpretation? Regards, from a fellow psychologist/teacher/writer. HEROES, VILLAINS, VICTIMS & BYSTANDERS by William Cottringer In the game of life there are four main roles we can choose to play. These roles are Hero, Villain, Victim or Bystander. Which of these roles are you playing? HERO Heroes dream big, translate their dreams into concrete goals, work hard to leave their legacy, remain flexible and never quit. Heroes devote their life to becoming the best they can be, whether it is President of the United States, a mother, or a volunteer in a nursing home. They have discovered a uniquely private mission and use their special talents to carry out that driving purpose. Heroes are positive and optimistic because they have worked hard to gain a sure sense that they can control their future and make a positive difference. They acquire this confidence by learning from their failures, correcting mistakes, assuming responsibility for all the choices they make, and persevering past the point at which most people quit. Heroes are often envied by those playing other roles, who only see the glory and miss all that a person has to put into being a hero. Most heroes spend a lifetime becoming an overnight success as the saying goes. Incidentally, many heroes are too busy "heroing" that they don't even see themselves that way. The best heroes are quiet achievers who are showing other people the folly of these other unnatural roles. VILLAIN Probably the main mistake most villains make is taking themselves too seriously, in believing their wrong behavior is somehow justified by circumstances or by the end they are after. The worst sort of villain has convinced him or herself that wrong behavior is actually right behavior. Unfortunately, both these positions are highly resistive to positive change, short of a lightening bolt. Typical behaviors of a villain are judging, accusing, rationalizing, hurting, destroying and dominating. Villains are characteristically mean, rude, insensitive, conceited and selfish. The object of a villain seems to be to infringe upon the basic needs and cherished values of others, such as freedom, equality, honesty, compassion, acceptance, love and understanding. Do villains serve any positive purpose? I think that they do a few good things. First they serve as a warning for the rest of us as a way not to be. Secondly they confirm the rightness of being a hero. And thirdly, they challenge the rest of us to figure out how to deal with them effectively. This challenge helps make many heroes. What is the best way to deal with villains? Be a hero yourself and tolerate them until they offend your soul and then let them know they are wrong, assertively and without critical judgment or moral superiority. VICTIM Becoming a victim is often the result of some back luck and faulty thinking. Many people playing the victim role start out with the right intention of being a hero, but get discouraged along the way. They give up on their dreams because of disappointment and failure. Or, they are not willing to make the necessary sacrifices or exchanges. Other times they simply run out of steam trying to get somewhere, but getting nowhere. The trouble is, there is no real action to change anything. Being a victim leads people to have a viewpoint that life is working against them. They are convinced that there is absolutely nothing they can do to change things for the better, no matter what they do. So why even bother trying? And of course the less they try to control things and get somewhere, the more out of practice they get. The resulting mental inertia is psychically paralyzing. BYSTANDER Perhaps the weakest role a person can choose to play in life is that of a bystander. Bystanders are neutral on issues, apathetic, uninvolved, and trapped within there own minds. They stand around on the sidelines passively watching everyone else having fun playing the other roles. Bystanders are stuck in inaction and lack of involvement in anything. Life passes them by. Sometimes they don't know how to live, sometimes they are afraid to take any chances, and sometimes they are just waiting for someone else to ask them to join in all the fun. Just like being a victim, a person can get super glued to the vicious circle nature of "bystanding." It is like standing on a high dive being afraid to jump off. The longer you wait, the more frightening even the idea of jumping becomes. By that time you have become an inseparable part of the diving board and can't even get down the latter. Sooner or later, though, we all wake up to the fact that we really cannot not participate in life. All the roles are choices that have outcomes, even thinking we are not playing one. My deepest suspicion is that we were all born to become heroes. The hero role is the only one that seems to bring genuine happiness, contentment and success. This role is also the easiest one to play, because all you have to be is your natural self. Playing the other roles is actually more difficult and involves more work. If you are playing any other role and don't like the consequences, the opportunity to choose to be a hero is always there. The roles of villain, victim and bystander are all the wrong choices, but they are only temporary mistakes waiting to be rectified.

Are You A Hero? (Article) - 10/30/2005 4:56:41 AM
Fantastic article. I have always believed that there is a lot to learn from the lives of ordinary people. Movies perhaps have a vested interest in perpetuating whatever they are showing. The real fact is that the man on the street who faces overwhelming odds is the real hero-it could be fighting a disease, clearing debts, responding to a calling, even standing upto a bullying boss or recovering from the recent bomb blasts in Delhi.

Re-Monstering Cromwell (Article) - 6/15/2005 7:23:29 AM
interesting article

Georgie Porgie (Poetry) - 10/21/2009 7:29:13 AM
This is nothing less than fantastic! Patrick

Georgie Porgie (Poetry) - 10/18/2008 3:46:25 PM
What an original write. I'm going to print this out and hang it on my wall. :)

Georgie Porgie (Poetry) - 4/27/2007 10:43:54 PM
Wow !!! lovely ..........beautiful.....loved it a lot...gonna share it with my frieeeennnnddddddddddd...............love. neerja.

Georgie Porgie (Poetry) - 1/23/2007 1:35:45 PM
Love it!!!

Georgie Porgie (Poetry) - 11/3/2006 11:36:41 AM
This should be in the paper....M

Lament for Lost Liberties (Poetry) - 11/3/2006 11:35:37 AM
A unique clever look at the powers that be. Wellsaid.....M

Lament for Lost Liberties (Poetry) - 6/14/2006 9:10:36 AM
IT WAS A PLEASURE TO READ SUCH FINE WORK.

Georgie Porgie (Poetry) - 2/13/2006 5:58:37 AM
Mel your on a roll...

The Battle Hymn of the Republic Updated" contributed (Poetry) - 2/10/2006 11:25:18 AM
Mel, Excellent! Thanks for sharing! Well done! (((HUGS))) and love, your Tx. friend, Karen Lynn. :D

The Battle Hymn of the Republic Updated" contributed (Poetry) - 2/10/2006 11:20:34 AM
I was able to see Hal Holbrook play Mark Twain in "An Evening With Mark Twain" when it played in Phoenix. Twain had an uncanny way of cutting through the BS of many things and his political satire has only been equaled by Will Rogers. Thanks for this, in case we forget... Elizabeth

Lament for Lost Liberties (Poetry) - 1/27/2006 1:07:08 PM
Not nice, Mel! It hurts to smile and cry at the same time ;-)