Thanks to all those who have worn and are wearing the uniform of our nation's armed forces. Today we remember them all as we consider the magnitude of this truth: Freedom is not free.

Hello and welcome. It's Tuesday, November 11, 2014 and I do bid you a hearty welcome to today's edition. This is the day set aside to honor those who have in the past and also those who continue to serve in our military armed forces. Veteran's Day. Back in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson had this to say regarding the first official Armistice Day recognition celebrated on November 11: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country's service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations." After a number of years of lobbying to expand the meaning of this special recognition, in 1954 the set aside day was expanded to include any and all who have honorably worn the uniform of our nation. I think of those in our family who have defended our nation. I think of those that continue to serve in today's dangerous world. Here's a fitting tribute of recognition: "It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who gave us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag. And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag." (Penned by Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC)

Well, folks are all buzzing around because we have something called an arctic blast headed our way. It's forecasted to drop our temperatures down to near freezing this coming Friday morning. Talk about frost on the punkin! And then some. This cold air is being brought to us courtesy of Alaska. I sure hope Canada isn't offended. They usually get the credit for super cold weather that comes our way. I haven't heard them use the 'polar vortex' they coined last year. There did seem to be some disagreements among the scientific community as to the meaning of such a term as well as its application. I also haven't heard anyone naming this cool down yet. I believe it was the Weather Channel that started doing that last year. Hold the presses. This just in: They are calling this first major cold storm Astro. The first thing I thought of was the dog named Astro from the Jetsons Cartoon. Maybe they were thinking of his famous quote when they named the storm: "Rut Roh."

Just about everyone paying attention to last week's election thought it was a resounding victory for the Republicans. Significant increase in the majority in the House of Representatives and a winning of the majority in the Senate are not too shabby. However, I watched the President's press conference and he didn't seem to be that impressed with the election. He started out by saying he had heard the voice of those who voted but quickly added that only one third of those eligible chose to mark a ballot. He then said he had also heard the two thirds who did not vote. What followed was a dialogue that seemed to indicate that he had won the two thirds of those who stayed home. He essentially said that if and when the Republicans decided to agree with him on something, he was ready to move forward in a bi-partisan approach. From a historical perspective, most of his predecessors struck a much more conciliatory tone after having suffered such a significant loss to their party. But not President Obama. Just think. Those of us foolish enough to take the time to go out and vote, well, we are the voice of the minority. He takes his cues from the two thirds who chose to stay home. We have to be living in the Twilight Zone or Bizzaro World or maybe they have merged. Did you know that I do political commentary as a sideline? Sorry. But, today I just couldn't help myself. Enjoy your day and join me in praying that God will bless us all. Amen.  ....More later.