We have not yet reached the Memorial Day holiday and already we see the signs of D�j� vu in the declared (or about to declare) candid ates for the 2016 presidential race. The entrance of Hillary Clinton and the expected entrance of Jeb Bush certainly look like we have seen this game played out before.

The prospect of another Bush vs. Clinton race is not very appealing for those who would like to see a move away from the family dynasty mode of politics. So it is difficult to know who will eventually win the nominations for both parties. The Republican field looks like it is going to be much larger than the Democratic side. Right now, the only candidate that is likely to oppose Hillary is Martin O'Malley the former governor of Maryland. O'Malley struck a cord with many people when he said in a recent interview that; "the Presidency is not a hereditary right."  Martin O'Malley is a good friend to Ireland and has visited the ancestral home in Co. Mayo on many occasions. He would therefore be expected to do well with the Irish-American voters. Of course, Hillary Clinton with her husband Bill are rightly credited as having a large influence on the Anglo-Irish agreement. And so the speculation goes on as to who would make a good President. There are some who hold the opinion that a person with experience is the best for the job. On the other hand there is something to be said for a new face in Washington and maybe an outsider would be the best person to support.

Only one thing does seem certain at this point. The person who is to be successful in occupying the Oval office will be a person who has broad appeal. Both parties would do well to keep in mind that approximately one quarter of voters in the United States are self-professed moderates and the candidate who gets the lions share of this group will most likely end up following in Obama's footsteps.  

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If a dog was your teacher

If a dog was your teacher

If a dog was your teacher,
these are some of the lessons you might learn:

• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face,
  to be pure ecstasy
   
• When it's in your best interest,
  practice obedience
• Let others know when they've invaded your territory
• Take naps and stretch before rising
• Run romp and play daily
   
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you
• Avoid biting, when a simple growl will do
• On warm days stop to lie on your back on the grass
• On hot days drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree
• When you're happy dance around and wag your entire body
   
• No matter how often you're scolded,
  don't buy into the guilt thing and pout,
  run right back and make friends
   
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm
• Stop when you have had enough
• Be loyal
• Never pretend to be something you're not
   
• If what you want lies buried,
  dig until you find it
• When someone is having a bad day,
  be silent....
  ...sit close by
  ...and nuzzle them gently.

Author Unknown

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