If you don't have anything nice to say, then . . .

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The Central Oregon Coast weather has been at it's best for the past 6 weeks.  Temps in the high sixties, and mostly clear skies.  Don't get much better than that.

So yesterday, I took advantage of the blue skies and did some yard work.  I really don't like it but it has to get done and I prefer to do it when it is not raining.   And so it began with pulling the Dastardly Dandelion weeds.  Aside from pruning Blackberry bushes they are the pits.  I'm sure most every one has had at least some at some time or another, so you might know what I mean.  Or, perhaps you don't...  So, I'll tell you...

When Dandelions are small, they are quite easily removed with a slight tug if the soil is moist.  But as they get bigger, their roots get deeper and deeper to they point you can't even pry them out, or the roots break off and hide only to return even larger in a few short weeks.

Now, as I was Struggling though this chore, I had a flashback.  It was the shaky, shivering voice of Grandma, just as if she were hovering over today.  I could hear her clear as a bell.  Obviously she was quite certain how mad I was getting with that pesty weed.  It was then I heard her once again, "Now, if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all!"

I must have been about five at the time when I first heard those words, and there have been countless times I've heard them over and over ever since.  My mother said it.  I said it.  And now my kids and their kids are saying it.  I'm quite sure you have even said it yourself!

But, you know now that I'm older and wiser, I don't ever want to hear them again.  Why?  Because it's hogwash.

That's when it seems it all started.  50+ years ago.  You know.  That Touchy-Feely attitude that has grown in America ever since. Political Correctness is what they call it now.  Love your neighbor.  Be kinder and gentler. Have you hugged your kids today?  Make Love not War.  Peace to you Brother.  Accept other's views.  Save the Whales, Hug Trees and respect everyone's views.

Hogwash.... That's the very reason why we are in this position today.  Gay marriages, immoral sex, single parenting, rampant abortion, and a profound loss of ethics for most everyone around.  And it is all because of Granny; the one that me to do nothing to confront or offend anyone.

And so it began.  Sex education placed in schools has led first to condoms in schools and now the Morning After being distributed without parental notification. Drug education has led to more addicts than ever, and now legal marijuana everywhere today.

Equal rights has transformed into Gay marriages, artificial insemination to allow Gays and single parents to raise children, liberal juries have allowed many thugs to walk our streets to prey upon us again.  Hugging our enemies while excepting everything.  No smoking laws, seat belts and calories counting cops has eroded our personal choices in our everyday lives.  And it is all because the words my Grandma passed on to all of us.  Never say anything about anything.

We have ignored those Dandelions for too long.  They should have been suppressed long ago.  Now they are rooted deeply into America and will fight dearly for their grasp in the soil.  Like a weed gone unattended, it is next to impossible to turn things around at this stage.  Who knows what's in store for us now?  Is it too late?  I think so, but I'll never stop confronting the evil I see.

If you are not prepared to stand and fight, then you had better run for your life.
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