Manson Family Member Susan Atkins Who Reportedly 'Didn't Care' About Her Victims Wants Compassionate Release

I could not believe the CNN headlines I read today! "Ex-Manson follower dying, seeks release from prison" reports that convicted murderer Susan Atkins has sought a 'compassionate release' from prison because she has been diagnosed as terminally ill. The kicker is that it might actually be granted.

In the wee hours of a day in August of 1969, the very pregnant Sharon Tate and four others were brutally murdered by Charles Manson's followers. View Crime Scene Photos to see how brutal it was. This was not their only murderous crime. Another account may be found here.

There is some dispute as to her exact involvement in the murders in the early hours of that August day, but reports are that at the vary least, she rounded up the victims; tied up, struggled with, and stabbed one victim; held down the pregnant Sharon Tate while she pleaded for her baby's life and was repeatedly stabbed; told the pleading victim "Look b****, I don't care about you. I don't care if you're going to have a baby. You had better be ready. You're going to die and I don't feel anything about it..." and then a few minutes later killed her; tasted Sharon's blood; and wrote the word 'pig' on a door with Sharon Tate's blood. Her behavior immediately following the murders is just as disturbing, including reports of other things she wanted to do but did not have time for.

Later that day, the group, including Susan "Sadie" Atkins would kill again.

Eleven times this murderer has been denied parole. She had no compassion for any of the victims, including a pleading pregnant woman. After her conviction, she reportedly bragged in prison about her part in the murders. Her sentence was the death penalty which was later commuted to "life" due to the death penalty being dropped in California. The death penalty was later reinstated in that state.

Considering she has been denied parole eleven times, terminal illness should have no bearing on that. She was given the death sentence/life for her part in eight murders. Let her finish her sentence as it was ordered.

Compassionate release? Gimme a break!

Following Your Dreams

Photo © Lokigirl616


Over on one of my favorite writing gig boards there was an article about balancing parenting and freelance writing. It got me thinking about my own situation, and about the concept of following your dreams.

I have wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. Granted, while I was growing up, there were also a lot of other careers that interested me, too. However, the one constant other than astronaut and pilot was writer.

My earliest memory of the desire to be a writer was in second grade. We were given the assignment of writing a fictional story. I can't remember all the details, but I do remember after reading mine, the teacher had me read it in front of the class. The teacher and my classmates were laughing hysterically as I read my funny vacation story that involved a volcano.

As a teenager, my grandmother was the first family member to take an interest in my writing. Not only did she cry as I read her some of my love poems, but she told me I had a gift, and told me I got it from her mom. Her mother wrote beautiful poetry that had been published. My great-grandmother died when I was a baby, but she did get to spend time with me, though I don't remember her. Until the day when my grandmother told me that my great grandmother wrote poetry, I did not know.

The rest of my memories about writing consist of teachers and others who read my writing encouraging me to continue to write and complimenting my writing skills, while others in my life discouraged me and told me it was not realistic or practical to go into writing. They never read my writing, they just told me I was a dreamer and I would never succeed at writing.

Fast forward to today. I actually make a living as a writer, have won one award thus far as a professional writer, and I am continuing to advance in my career.

I see my son dream about different careers and I am careful to not discourage him from doing what it takes to achieve them. Despite the naysayers he has around him, he sees me doing what I love and have always dreamed of doing, and it gives him hope.

When it comes to following your dreams, where do your beliefs lie?

Susan Saradon - Unwitting McCain Supporter

Susan Sarandon's threat to leave the country if Senator John McCain becomes our next president has the potential to sign, seal, and deliver his win. McCain supporters everywhere thank her for her unwitting support to their cause.

Most average citizens are sick to death of the Hollywood elite spouting off about things they nothing about, and whining about not getting their own self-involved way.

Ms Sarandon is not concerned with what the regular folks in this country want - for if the majority elects Senator McCain, then clearly the majority want him in office. Ms Sarandon is only concerned with getting what she wants and if she doesn't get what she wants she will display her childish tantrum by moving to Italy or Canada.

Goodbye. Sayanora. Farewell. Bon Voyage. Adieu. Ciao. Antio sas. Aloha. Selamat jalan. Au revoir. Arrivederci. Itte irasshai. Nwenda kiambote. Tikala malamu.

I support free speech, and I support the rights the citizens of this country have to not only publicly disagree with the government, but to freely leave this country for any reason they choose.

Contrary to what the mouthy Ms. Behar says, Ms Sarandon and Mr Robbins do NOT fit the definition of "Patriot". The official definition of a "Patriot" is one who loves, supports, and defends their country.

I would add, that a patriot is also one, who in their love of country, finds positive and respectful ways to make changes when the leadership shows it is comprised of less than perfect people, or when flaws appear in the system.

So, fare-thee-well to Susan Sarandon and, I am assuming, Tim Robbins. I wonder if we can give their space here to two immigrants who would be thrilled to live here?

For the record, she is not the first celebrity to make such a claim, but she would be among the very very few who have moved elsewhere if she followed through.

Source:

Goodbye in 450 Languages. http://www.elite.net/~runner/jennifers/goodbye.htm

Virtual Health Care: See Your Doctor Online

I wrote a short article about the money and time-saving benefits of virtual medical care, and I think it is an interesting topic for discussion. I couldn't include all the information I found in the article I wrote, but what I found is amazing and feasible.

I can't reprint the article, but I can give you a link to check it out.

Virtual Health Care: Online Doctor's Office Visits Coming Soon

What do YOU think about virtual health care and being able to consult with your doctor via email and IM for most things? What do you think about the application of virtual health care as a means of creating more affordable health care?

Honoring Our Troops This Memorial Day 2008

Photo © Chance Agrella

I wanted to post a few things today that would help honor and remember our troops.

From CNN.com: A Family Remembers Their Medal of Honor Recipient. A riveting story about Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. Michael P. Murhpy. The end of the story will bring tears to your eyes.

From that same story, a link to photos of the medal and a few recent Medal of Honor Recipients.

From CNN.com Riderless Horse Adds Poignancy to Military Burials. The history of the riderless horse and the explanation of its symbolism and current usage.

From MSNBC.com, an AP story about President Bush honoring the troops in Arlington, Virginia.

Also from MSNBC.com, a video, U.S. Soldiers Mark Memorial Day.

Fox News Special: Company of Heroes courtesy of Hulu (1:20:37)
*NOTE: a caution at the beginning of this special warns that it is not for children and contains language and images that may be disturbing.

And, a personal note to my cousin and her husband who are members of the Marines. She is the first female in our family to serve, and the only member of our family in our generation to serve:

“S, I am so very proud of you and J!!!! I keep you both in my prayers. Be safe, and keep up the fine work. Hope to see you soon! Much love, ME.”

Memorial Day Weekend USA – A Tribute to the American Solider

What you do is something many would not. Regardless of your personal and religious beliefs, you serve your country with honor, and do as your country dictates for the sake of its people and the people of other lands.

Your daily life is difficult, dirty, and partaken under some of the most extreme conditions in the world. Some honor and respect you – while others revile and despise you – and still you march on, doing what you feel is the right thing to do.

Your sacrifice, your service, your selflessness have not gone unnoticed. Today, I pay you tribute and honor you for all you do for me, my family, the country we share, and for so many others across the globe.

From the bottom of my heart, on this Memorial Day Weekend, and every day, I thank you. You have my love, respect, support, and prayers. This tribute is for you.

Fox News Special - V for Valor: American Heroes in Iraq courtesy of HULU TV (39:05)

Toby Keith’s American Soldier from Beevmeister


Project Never Forget honors fallen soldiers by offering a free photo charm to family members.

Until Then - a photographic and musical tribute from the employees of GSC Distributing. The music is from the Brigham Young University Choirs. The song is titled, “Homeward Bound”. The presentation was created by T. Clegg.

HonoringAmericanTroops.com is a site completely devoted to honoring our servicemen and women. The man behind the site also personally sends out care packages to our troops. Check the “Ways to Write/Support Our Troops” link on his site for more information.

K-Love’s Wall of Prayer for our troops is a place to post a name (First name only please) of a soldier to be prayed for. Please respect the safety and security of our troops by not posting full names, dates, locations, troop movements, etc.

Dear American Solider Letter Writing Campaign from American Family Radio. Write or email a letter to an American Soldier to let them know how much you appreciate them.

Military Service Makes McCain Unfit for the Office of President of the United States?

There are reports that Democratic Senator Harkin has stated that Sen. McCain’s military service makes him unfit to serve as the country’s president.

I vehemently and most adamantly disagree. Since the President of the United States is also the Commander-in-Chief for the military and must make decisions that affect our military, I think it is a benefit to understand how the military truly functions, and what serving your country during a time of war means.

Our country’s defense and foreign aid through military support systems must be run by those who understand it best. Those who have never been in the military do not understand the intricacies involved, or what goes on in war situations. How can they possibly tackle such an important aspect of running our country when they have no background with our military, and perhaps even have protested against it? Common sense dictates that it would be those who would be unfit to run the country due to their skewed perspective.

I personally think it should be a requirement that anyone running for president should have some military experience as well as other life, diplomacy, and business experience in order to make the best decisions possible for our country.

Too often too much power is given over to advisers who may have their own agendas or may put their own spin on things. If our president has a solid background in the areas that truly count, he will be less likely to be steered wrong, and more likely to spot inconsistencies and agendas in the Intel he is given.

I come from a proud family history of military service. In my youth, I did consider joining, but at that time women were not allowed to be fighter pilots (which is what I wanted to do), and a high school injury cast doubts upon my being able to pass the physical with both the Navy and the Air Force. However, I have worked as a civilian on two different military bases, and have dated many military men. I understand there is a difference between military personnel and civilians, as well as how the military operates versus how civilian enterprises operate. In this day and age, we need a leader who understands those things, too. Only such a person can see how to have the best of both worlds in order to produce the best possible outcomes for us, and for the others in the world who need or ask for our help.


Video created by Littlebrat672