How often does it happen? We arm and train an allied country only to have them turn against us in a few short years. Don't we learn from history? Are we doomed to repeat the mistakes of the past? or, are we so blinded by money that a profit or additional tax dollars overrides common sense?

These are questions I asked myself after reading about how strong an ally the UAE (the home country of the new port operator) is to our fight on terrorism. At least that is the official word. What I don't understand is how we can give control of any of our ports or other boundaries to any foreign company.

Over the years I have learned to trust my gut instinct. If it doesn't feel right, there is usually something wrong. I guess you have to give up common sense when you become a politician. Sort of like giving up your humanity when you become a strongarm enforcer.

In this day of increased concern over security, why would any agency condone a deal that rests in the hands of a foreign entity. And, without the normal or common safeguards in these types of deals. I can't believe these deals have common elements, that there are that many of them.

If I were to have a say (and I don't) in the way a deal like this is put together, IF it were to happen, I would insist that a US firm be the actual buyer or licensee. At least allow the laws of our country to affect this company. The firm doesn't even have to keep records available to law enforcement on US soil. Absurd, No? We aren't speaking of a toy manufacturer. We are speaking of a firm that is going to control the ports, the border of our country. This is serious stuff.

In a day and age where you can not bring a cigarette lighter or sometimes even a nail file onto a plane, what is the reason for letting this firm take control of our ports?

Now, the other hand. The press in this country has proven its worth time and again in bringing situations like this to the average person. Bravo for the press. However (the other hand), in this case they are sensationalizing. It is bad enough what is happening. The press doen't need to create panic or hysteria among the throngs of people. This is the type of deal that can be crushed by applying pressure at the right place. By making everyone scared and panicked, the government gets defensive and bolsters its rationale. There is no reason to make it more serious than it is. In this case, the press went overboard and may have done more harm than good.

I have been told that you can't make rational sense of an irrational act. I can't live like this when I work so hard to protect my family from everyday harm. The government needs to get a grip and realize that even though they live in ivory towers, they too are vulnerable to the type of catastrophe that can occur from this type of deal. I remember when one of our NYC mayors came to grips with reality when his mother was robbed. All of a sudden, he realized that any family can become a victim of crime. This kind of thing should be a prerequisite for anyone who wants to work in security or government. Too many lawmakers don't know the reality of life of the average citizen.

I just saw a news segment about an Arab firm taking over responsibility of the ports in NY, NJ, Miami, Philly and elsewhere. Considering the huge responsibility there, I think it would be appropriate for them to have a test contract first. The Secret Service should turn over the responsibility of protecting the President and others of his administration to this firm for a few months to see how well they do.

After all, if this administration thinks it is OK to turn the lives of millions of Americans over to their trust, he should lead the country by example.

The test would be very simple. If nobody in the administration was hurt or killed during the test period, then and only then should we allow them to protect our ports. Sounds fair doesn't it? What do you think the odds are that the President would gamble his own life the way he wants to gamble everyone else's. Or, is it just greed? Is this administration so corrupt that they will roll over for a few extra dollars above and below the table to abandon common sense.

This is beyond bad leadership or bad policy. This is insanity in its truest form.

I am sitting in my basement typing as I feel myself about to die. I have this terrible sense of impending doom that I can not shake. Tomorrow I am flying out to the West Coast. I'm not afraid to fly, I've done it hundreds of times.

I think it has to do with finances. I am spending money like crazy on my home improvement that is already 15K over budget. I was 5k short to begin with so that isn't good.

I also have my daughter's 13 birthday party to pay for. A mere 20 to 25K due within a year. That, plus one of my inane bosses (actually my real bosses wife) is on a rampage. She really is an idiot. She thinks she knows what she is doing, but screws up more than anyone else and then points fingers. She is really lucky she is married to a guy that can give her a job.

My own wife earns more than I do, which is great. She knows her job and deserves every cent she earns. Not like the lunatic I need to work for.

I started putting feelers out for another job. That's how bad it is. And, it's the only thing I really don't like about the job.

I will miss my kids while away. I hope my feeling is wrong, they need me. I still have to finish that life insurance application. Damn! another thing I have to do that I haven't had time for.

I am overwhelmed. I just feel like I can't take it. I hope tomorrow brings me some peace.

How does a surviving parent decide how to split up the estate to two very different grown children. It isn't always right to split it down the middle.

A little background. Surviving mother whose husband owned a commercial building and a jewelry business. The couple also owned two houses, one being a vacation home in the Hamptons. Not a wealthy family, but well to do.

One son helped the mom through a terrible ordeal for two years after the husband passed. A nervous breakdown, a difficult person, and complicated finances needed someone to step up and help out.

The other son stated that his work demanded 10 hour days and his social life demanded whatever time was left. It was of no use to point out that he did not need to accept every social invitation that came along. Or to point out that this was the type of job that he chose. Several other opportunities had arisen but he decided against them, being happy where he was.

Back to the other son. He turned down offers of full time employment with benefits to permit him to have time to take care of his mom and the finances of the family. He works in his home town with no commute, just in case he is needed. He works as a contract employee, paid well, but no benefits and no security. He also earns between 25K and 50K less than the other jobs he was offered.

This son spends at least one day a week dealing with the realty firm that operates the commercial building and also works at liquidating the jewelry from te business his dad had. All proceeds go to subsidize the mom's income.

Now, back to the point. How does the mother divide the estate in a fair and equal way? Does she make up the difference in income lost for the past three years to one son? Does she take the attitude that it was his choice, and divide things down the middle?

In addition, there are emotional issues at play (aren't there always?). The vacation house has been in the family for three generations and is a true retreat. The parents always loved that place. To give it up would be an additional loss to grieve. The other son wants to sell it and take his 50% of the cash. The first son wants to try to hold on to it and keep it in the family. There are also repairs needed. The first son doesn't mind spending money to keep the house up and increase the pleasure gained from staying there. The second son doesn't want to spend a dime. In fact he complains about the waste on grocery money. An extra $50 a weekend to get name brands or what you are in the mood for. the other family will only buy something when it is on sale. This is a vacation house, lighten up.

There is no way they can own it together. They will kill each other. Now, there is another house that was sold for a coop where the mom lives now. Worth about the same, maybe a bit less.

I believe all families have similar issues. Who do you identify with? Which son are you? or, are you the Mom facing a similar situation?

Another one of my rambling sessions. Sorry if it is long winded.

There is a new movie for TV I have seen ads for named Flight 93. For those who don't remember vividly, September 11 brought horrible realities home to NY and the rest of the country. For the following year or more, the media portrayed the Firefighters and Cops who perished as the "heroes".

Not to take anything away from these brave people or their tremendous sacrifice, but that was their job. They knew the risks going in. And, I'm sorry, but that does not make them heroes. Not in my book. They may be heroes every day they do their work, but not on September 11th.

The real heroes were the citizens that acted selflessly and extraordinarily that day. There are hundreds of personal stories of people that gave their lives to save others. Normal people like you or I. Most memorably those people on flight 93. They were going to die anyhow. At least that is what they believed. They didn't try to save their own lives, they tried to divert the flying bomb to crash in an area that wouldn't harm additional people. To me that is the meaning of a hero. Let's all give credit where it is due. To the brave folks of flight 93. And say a prayer for everyone touched by that day.