This will make about as much sense as a red herring in your living room, laid back, sipping on gin and juice: This administration is foregoing the capture of suspected terrorists in the Benghazi attacks, because they are principled and stuff.  Simultaneously, our president is projecting his position on trying enemy combatants in civilian courts, while admitting to droning American citizens. Super. Granted, the 'explanation' for that little misshap: American casualties were collateral damage (perhaps even caused by a video...we shouldn't rule that out).

An important issue here is credibility, and the trust of the American people in this presidency is at stake.  Based on a Fox News poll, large numbers of independents, Democrats, and Republicans believe this White House is being deceptive. 

"The Lid": Scandalpalooza Update: Obama's Worst Day So Far? yidwithlid.blogspot.com/2013/05/scanda…

— Ben Howe (@BenHowe) May 23, 2013

This week, news broke that brought a shock to the Obama administration and the main stream media.  News that the Internal Revenue Service, a government organization, was targeting Conservative organizations in what can only be described as a Nixonian political game. Conservatives, however, are not at all shocked. In fact, many of us have been screaming from the rooftops for almost two years.

Due to our overwhelming early success, the leadership at SGPA decided to separate our training away from the activist and issue education arm and organize under a sister organization, Smart Girl Politics.  SGP, a c3 nonprofit and nonpartisan group, was launched in 2011 with the sole purpose of training more women to get involved in the political process.  At this point, we were already hearing the stories from other "tea party" groups about how long the process was taking.

Please allow me to formally introduce myself as I believe I have failed to do so previously…  My name is Jaime Kristine and I am “that mom". You know, that mom that is easily frazzled and seems to be always running behind...that mom who is constantly losing her keys or her purse and forgetting things...that mom who has to make an extra trip back to the school on nearly a daily basis to take one or both of my children’s school bags or for a school project that we left sitting on the coffee table...that mom that has to make even a third trip to deliver the homework that should have been in the school bag to begin with...that mom having to make a last minute trip to the elite downtown bakery for that fresh-out-of-the-oven-taste and homemade-feel because it’s my turn again to bake the class goodies for my son’s snack time at school, and once again I did not remember...that mom who speaks her mind and often asks questions that others may find silly, while expecting a kind, non-condescending reply...that mom who takes off work to take the kids on a spur of the moment adventure...that mom who may not always seem to have it together but cares beyond measure...that mom who is passionately protective, and will go to any length to see to it that my children are 100% safe, cared for, respected, always included, and given every opportunity possible to get involved in a little four letter word that is potentially the most meaningful word in the human experience - LIFE.

On Thursday morning, April 18, just 3 days after the bombing in Boston, I woke with a heavy heart for my children. I felt sick, and had a sudden sense of fear for my children’s safety and a sharp nudge from within urging me to go back to the school to pick them up.  The feeling likely stemmed from the recent accumulation of disastrous events, along with having experienced the horror of the Oklahoma City bombing (and the anniversary of such only one day away). Or, maybe it was mother’s intuition. Whatever it was, the feeling was so strong that I didn't  hesitate to heed the sense of urgency I was experiencing.

Mother’s Day is an occasion when people take the time to be thankful for dear ol’ Mom. After all, she’s changed your diapers, nursed you when you were sick, and been there for you through thick and thin. On that special day, you make sure not to take her for granted, treat her to a champagne brunch, or make the family dinner. You might even offer a sweet little note, card or phone call of appreciation.

Just think if you had access to millions of moms. How would you express your gratitude and respect for a mother’s noble role in our nation? Much in the same way you would your own mother, right? Well… not if you were working at the White House you wouldn’t!

Last week, Angelina Jolie revealed to the world that she had a preventative double mastectomy earlier this year.  Through genetic testing, she discovered that she carried a mutation of the BRCA 1 gene. According to the National Cancer Institute, a woman’s risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer are increased if the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is detected. The decision to have a double mastectomy is a very difficult one. I know because I underwent my own double mastectomy in March.

I would like to share my story with you. My story is a little different from Angelina Jolie’s story, but hearing her revelation reminded me that I am not alone.  We are all proud to be women and enjoy our feminine qualities. Our breasts, perched proudly on our chests, symbolize different things for each of us .Some consider their breasts a nuisance, while others proudly display them.  For some, they represent power. For others, they represent sexiness. Sometimes breasts may remind us of a time when we held our children during breastfeeding. Love them or hate them, they are an important part of who we are as women.

In January while taking a shower, I felt a mass in my right breast. I have a good friend who has been battling breast cancer for nine years, so I always do my self- breast exams. I wasn’t alarmed at all. My last mammogram six months ago was normal. I had a fibroadenoma in the same breast before, so I assumed I was dealing with the same issue. I decided to deal with it after my vacation the following week.

When I returned I made an appointment with my OB/GYN. I underwent another mammogram, and no abnormalities were detected. The mammogram was followed by an ultrasound, which detected a suspicious mass. Based on the appearance of the mass, a biopsy was recommended.