Today's the day when everybody knows a Catholic when they see one.

Remember when hearing complaints about Santorum's religion, that the big knock against Kennedy was that if elected there would be a direct line to the Pope. And also remember that the big problems in the US are the deficit and the crumbling of some of the American values and institutions.

The Question:
George Washington had 5 siblings by mother Mary Ball and four step siblings by his Dad Augustine's first wife - Jane Butler. How many can you name? Bonus: 32 Years ago today America rejoiced in celebrating a great athletic achievement. What was it.

The Headlines:
--USA Citizens Realize That 2012 Is Election Year; 0-Man Calls For Reduction Of Corporate Income Tax From 35% to 28%; Plan Asks For Corporate Givebacks Including Fewer Loopholes And Off Shore Advantages.
--Greek Deal Tempered By New data Showing EuroZone Teetering On Brink Of Recession; Both Service And Manufacturing Sector Shrinking.
--Fitch Downgrades Greek Bonds To Junk Status.
--Argentine Train Crashes Into Buenos Aires Station Injuring Hundreds.
--War Reporter Marie Colvin Killed In Homs Syria; French Photog Ochlik Also Killed; Two Other Reporters Injured.
--Assad Says he Will Bomb Homs Into Submission.
--AP-GfK National Poll: Santorum 33, Romney 32; 0-Man Edges Past 50%, Easily Topping GOP Candidates.

The more you read about George Washington the more you learn about a man who was far greater than even the myths surrounding him. If every child were to take a course just on George, it would be an awakening to greatness and goodness. If every child were to emulate the characteristics of the First President, America's future would have no limitations.

Sad signs of the times Department:
The great old Providence Episcopalian Cathedral of Saint John built over two hundred years ago in the early 1800's and home to the regions Episcopal Bishop is closing it's doors. There's just not enough of a congregation to pay the bill and keep the door open. It is a magnificent physical structure with a warm heart. It will be missed by parishioners and also the 100's of poor who arrive weekly to take advantage of the Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen.

Remember just several months ago when all the National Presidential poll projections were Romney 46,47 and Obama 44-45? It ain't that no more!

Episcopal churches are in this person's mind always the best looking of them all.

I see where the Supreme Court has decided to revisit race based favoritism at Colleges. I guess when you think about it, taking all consideration of race out of any formula is a step towards

I have stopped listening to ABC News (Advancing Barak's Campaign) as their coverage of the race has just become blatantly one sided. One corespondent ended his political report for the evening with the phrase, "The Republicans are just stuck with what they see." How snide is that?

The arrogant old French UN guy and Socialist Candidate for the the French Presidency, Strauss-Kahn, is in deep water again, this time in his native land where he is being investigated for his complicity and possibly misuse of company funds for the establishment of a House of Prostitution. I'm thinking that the NYC officials should apologize for disparaging hotel maid.

Almost Near: Chapter 62 continues.  --I'm putting on the speaker phone Sam. Do you understand, Sam. She was silent. "Hey kids, who wants to go first?"
  Rebecca grabbed the phone. "Mom, mom, is that really you? This is Rebecca."
  "I know it's you Beck." Sam sounded tearful, but not scared as Tucked thought she might. Rebecca continued talking while Sheila just started at the phone.
 Tucker watched carefully, becoming alert when he heard "Who is this Tucker guy anyhow Mom." He waited, listening to the silence that contrasted the cacophony of the airport.
  "He's a man I have  known forever. An old friend." Rebecca turned to look at Tucker, her face a bit softer now. "How has he been with you guys?"
  "Can I talk now, Can I" Sheila reached for the phone.
  Rebecca pulled it back close to her. She needed answers. He's been good I guess. Kinda goofy sometimes. But, Mom, he is just a stranger to me, and you know how I worry."
  Finally Sheila grabbed the phone. Mom Mom it's me. She was all bubbly and just excited for the moment. That's all that mattered to ehr. "Can we come to see you?"
  "I'd love to see you Honey. Keep smiling. I really miss you Sheila...and Rebecca. Let me talk to Tucker again."
  Ticker reached and took the phone clicking off the speaker phone.
  "Why are you messing with my kids Tucker. What have you become?"
  "I think we'd make a beautiful family. I'll see you in Dalesford."

The Answer:
George was the oldest of the brothers and sisters: Elizabeth, Samuel, John Augustine, Charles and Mildred. The first Washington tribe were named Butler, Lawrence, Augustine and Jane. Bonus: The US Ice Hockey Team beat Russia 4-3 at the 1980 Winter Olympics.

I'm going to sit on the sidelines for a while to see how this Repub thing shakes out. I still think Romney could do a job for this country. But, his fellow Republicans  are killing him. I agree with a lot of the basic thoughts of Santorum, but I'm having real trouble thinking he can beat the Massiah. Gingrich may still make noise and Paul will hold his own with his people. Christie isn't going to run and the voters aren't ready for another Bush even if he is a good guy named Jeb. Draft Paul Ryan?