.
It's now been 36 years since I had to study the infamous Miranda Warning. Yes, I had heard about it before then, but I never really paid it much attention because I never had the occasion to be arrested.
It was near the start of the police academy when it was explained to me and drilled in over and over. No one really understood it very well because some liberal Supreme Court judge had just dreamed it up. In simple terms, it forced the police to inform a person suspected of a crime that he was not required to speak to the cops about his crime.
How insane is that? You'd think he would all ready know that, but if he didn't, that's his problem. Ever get a traffic ticket for doing something that you didn't know was wrong? Try telling the judge that you should be set free because you didn't know the law. Why then would a suspect be set free if a cop allowed him to spill the beans because he didn't know any better? Let him off on murder because he's ignorant? I didn't get it then and I still don't get it.
I remember the instructor remarking that the very freedoms we enjoy in this country will ultimately destroy this country, within my lifetime. I thought he was crazy, and just blew him off. But, as time passed, his words haunt me nearly every day. And the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has led the charge.
Thousands of murderers, thieves, and terrorists have walked free because of the ACLU convincing that court to implement Miranda. And some have even been rewarded even more in the ensuing law suits.
The ACLU has brought about the removal of religion from school. No more prayers before the start of a football game. No more reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Don't salute the Flag, just burn it. No more "In God we Trust" on our currency, or in our Capitol buildings. Try to kill our president? You won't hang, but you might get paroled for good behavior after a few years.
Forced desegregation. Busing. Equal Opportunity. Affirmative Action. Wide open immigration. Illegal immigration. Abortion. Stem cell research. Medical marijuana. Right to die. Assisted suicide. Pornography. The ACLU has had a hand in every one of these issues. And it was all done under the guise of protecting someone's right.
Try bringing a Bible to school to read during your lunch break. The penalty for bringing a switchblade would likely be less in some schools. But opt not to wear a motorcycle helmet. Watch out!
So, as my life draws ever closer to an end, I see the value of that instructor's words. If only I had heard them then. And what will be for my children or their children?
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Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Where's the Ku Klux Klan?
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Geez, just as I tuned into Fox News this morning, a report of yet another event by radical Islamic terrorists was reported. And this time, it was not on some foreign country that I care little about. This time it happened again, right here in America. Right here, on the North side. Right in Dearborn, Michigan. And although, like Houma, La., I've never been there, it is America, and I love all of America. Even Texas.
Right here in America, a group of turbine headed, bearded, Islamic extremists, shot it out with the FBI, and several escaped, perhaps on their camels or magic carpets. Now, these idiots did not sneak into America, nor did they come here via student visas. These were second generation Americans, grown right here, who hate America, in the name of their religion. And these home grown terrorists will continue to prey upon Americans as long as we tolerate them.
But these Islamic murderers are driven more by hatred than by religion. But it is the Islam religion breeds that hatred just like the KKK. And as the KKK was all but silenced after their attempted murder of George Wallace, so should these Islam idiots.
There comes a time that America must suppress our own freedoms when they become detrimental to the good of America as a whole. Like the KKK, the Black Panthers, Siambanese Liberation Army, and the list of many more groups who attack us in the name of religion, they all must be stopped.
And, if that means shutting down their mosques and temples, then we must do it. And soon. Because, if they remain to grow unchecked, they will wreak havoc upon us before we wake.
.
Uh oh. Doesn't our MacDaddy have ties to the Muslim religion. And isn't Islam Muslim? So, he must also go.
.
Geez, just as I tuned into Fox News this morning, a report of yet another event by radical Islamic terrorists was reported. And this time, it was not on some foreign country that I care little about. This time it happened again, right here in America. Right here, on the North side. Right in Dearborn, Michigan. And although, like Houma, La., I've never been there, it is America, and I love all of America. Even Texas.
Right here in America, a group of turbine headed, bearded, Islamic extremists, shot it out with the FBI, and several escaped, perhaps on their camels or magic carpets. Now, these idiots did not sneak into America, nor did they come here via student visas. These were second generation Americans, grown right here, who hate America, in the name of their religion. And these home grown terrorists will continue to prey upon Americans as long as we tolerate them.
But these Islamic murderers are driven more by hatred than by religion. But it is the Islam religion breeds that hatred just like the KKK. And as the KKK was all but silenced after their attempted murder of George Wallace, so should these Islam idiots.
There comes a time that America must suppress our own freedoms when they become detrimental to the good of America as a whole. Like the KKK, the Black Panthers, Siambanese Liberation Army, and the list of many more groups who attack us in the name of religion, they all must be stopped.
And, if that means shutting down their mosques and temples, then we must do it. And soon. Because, if they remain to grow unchecked, they will wreak havoc upon us before we wake.
.
Uh oh. Doesn't our MacDaddy have ties to the Muslim religion. And isn't Islam Muslim? So, he must also go.
.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
The Rabbit Died
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In Those Days, we even tried raising rabbits. Unlike the colored chicks my Dad brought home at Easter time, which we raised, and then to our surprise, we ate, I really don't remember much about the rabbits. But in trying remember more about them, I could only recall this single story.
One day, while working in his yard, a man turned to see his dog proudly holding a rabbit between his jaws as if to show the prize off. It was very clear to the man that the poor thing was dead, as it was bloody and covered in mud. Somehow the man was able to recognize the rabbit as his neighbor's pet.
Not wanting to have his dog blamed for the death, he removed it from the mouth of his dog and carried it inside his house. The man scrubbed the rabbit in the sink, managing to remove all of the dirt and bloodstains. Then he even dried it with a hare dryer (pun). After dusk, the man snuck into his neighbors yard and carefully placed the rabbit into his cage to give the appearance it died peacefully in it's sleep.
The next day, the man saw his neighbor crying near the rabbit cage. The man asked whether she was alright and acting innocently, "Did Pedro (Spanish for Peter) pass away?" The woman explained her rabbit days a few days before and that she thought she had gotten over her tears. But she thought it was cruel when someone dug him from his grave and put him back in the cage!
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Ok... Ok..... I'll get back to the real wisdom from the Thought Dock very, very soon..
In Those Days, we even tried raising rabbits. Unlike the colored chicks my Dad brought home at Easter time, which we raised, and then to our surprise, we ate, I really don't remember much about the rabbits. But in trying remember more about them, I could only recall this single story.
One day, while working in his yard, a man turned to see his dog proudly holding a rabbit between his jaws as if to show the prize off. It was very clear to the man that the poor thing was dead, as it was bloody and covered in mud. Somehow the man was able to recognize the rabbit as his neighbor's pet.
Not wanting to have his dog blamed for the death, he removed it from the mouth of his dog and carried it inside his house. The man scrubbed the rabbit in the sink, managing to remove all of the dirt and bloodstains. Then he even dried it with a hare dryer (pun). After dusk, the man snuck into his neighbors yard and carefully placed the rabbit into his cage to give the appearance it died peacefully in it's sleep.
The next day, the man saw his neighbor crying near the rabbit cage. The man asked whether she was alright and acting innocently, "Did Pedro (Spanish for Peter) pass away?" The woman explained her rabbit days a few days before and that she thought she had gotten over her tears. But she thought it was cruel when someone dug him from his grave and put him back in the cage!
.
Ok... Ok..... I'll get back to the real wisdom from the Thought Dock very, very soon..
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Living on the Right Side
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In Those Days, my father was in the Army. Like clock work, he was transferred every three years, and we followed him where ever he went. Usually that meant moving to a new town, finding a temporary place to live while the Army looked for lodging, and enrolling in a new school. Over the course of his career, our family lived in at least 30 different houses and some 20 different cities in the U.S. and abroad.
We lived in the areas on the Left side, the Central area, and the Right side of America. Only absent was the South side, like Houma, Louisiana. Only later in life did I get to travel to the South side.
At that time, America was vastly different depending on where you live. With social engineering during the past 40 years, it seems only the weather is different now. We all have the opportunity to eat what ever food we want, dress however we like, drive whatever we want, live where ever we choose, and select whatever spouse we fall in love with. Gone are most of the things that distinguish us from one another, and some like it like that.
I never really cared much for living on the Right side. It seemed like it was always cold, and in the city, steam vented from beneath the streets as it was circulated to heat the public buildings. We lived in a row house once where our home used coal for heat. Every few weeks, a coal truck would arrive at the curb and fill our bin through a chute extending from the truck to a trap door into the basement. It made such a roar as it filled the bin and it was really filthy. Each night my father would have to shovel the coal into a boiler that would then provide hot water and heat for the old radiators. In the dead of winter, he would have to do that both morning and evening. Many times I would watch him so that I would know what to do when I became a man. Little did anyone know that Those Days would end long before I would mature.
We went calling then. Literally. I'd walk to my friend's house, stand at the sidewalk, cup my hands around my mouth and yell, "Calling on Jimmy" over and over until some one came to a window and answered my call. That was the custom then, and I've never really figured out why we never just knocked on the door to get him to come out and play.
I guess we did the same things as kids across the nation did. We just did them a bit different. And I never realized how different we did things until we move away from Living on the Right side. I wonder if they ever changed or has it just been me?
.
In Those Days, my father was in the Army. Like clock work, he was transferred every three years, and we followed him where ever he went. Usually that meant moving to a new town, finding a temporary place to live while the Army looked for lodging, and enrolling in a new school. Over the course of his career, our family lived in at least 30 different houses and some 20 different cities in the U.S. and abroad.
We lived in the areas on the Left side, the Central area, and the Right side of America. Only absent was the South side, like Houma, Louisiana. Only later in life did I get to travel to the South side.
At that time, America was vastly different depending on where you live. With social engineering during the past 40 years, it seems only the weather is different now. We all have the opportunity to eat what ever food we want, dress however we like, drive whatever we want, live where ever we choose, and select whatever spouse we fall in love with. Gone are most of the things that distinguish us from one another, and some like it like that.
I never really cared much for living on the Right side. It seemed like it was always cold, and in the city, steam vented from beneath the streets as it was circulated to heat the public buildings. We lived in a row house once where our home used coal for heat. Every few weeks, a coal truck would arrive at the curb and fill our bin through a chute extending from the truck to a trap door into the basement. It made such a roar as it filled the bin and it was really filthy. Each night my father would have to shovel the coal into a boiler that would then provide hot water and heat for the old radiators. In the dead of winter, he would have to do that both morning and evening. Many times I would watch him so that I would know what to do when I became a man. Little did anyone know that Those Days would end long before I would mature.
We went calling then. Literally. I'd walk to my friend's house, stand at the sidewalk, cup my hands around my mouth and yell, "Calling on Jimmy" over and over until some one came to a window and answered my call. That was the custom then, and I've never really figured out why we never just knocked on the door to get him to come out and play.
I guess we did the same things as kids across the nation did. We just did them a bit different. And I never realized how different we did things until we move away from Living on the Right side. I wonder if they ever changed or has it just been me?
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Sunday, October 25, 2009
Mood Alttering - Mind Boggling
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Were you the one that wanted to bat when your team was down to it's last at bat and trailing by one run? Were you the student that raised and waived their hand high when called upon to answer that tough question? Or were you the type that sat near the back of the dugout with your head lowered, or looked the other way from your teacher, even though you knew you could get that game winning hit, or provide that difficult answer in class?
Most of us look for an escape from reality at one time or another. And most of us feel the need for a boost at one time or another. But do you realize that published statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans use narcotics, either prescription or other. And when you add alcohol to that equation, it includes almost everyone.
What has happened to us? I don't remember it being like this in Those Days. Yes, t remember my father coming home drunk a few times and telling my mom that he just needed to wind down. I've even said the same thing in my life a time or two. But I don't remember marijuana, hashish, herion, cocaine, methamphetamine, barbituates, extacy, LSD, or the hosts of prescription medications that are abused every day.
Can't cope with your active child? There are pills for that, and if that don't help there are pills for you. Some parents are known to sedate their weeks old infant in an effort to get themselves some more sleep. Had a hard day at work? A few beers, or a joint might help you wind down enough to share time with your family. Wanting to feel your best and brightest at you job presentation tomorrow? The white pill works wonders for that, or perhaps a snort if you can afford it. Feeling too fat? Take a pill. Too skinny? There's steroids. Head hurt? Can't sleep> Can't stay awake? There is stuff for whatever you want.
So, why is it that most of us think that life today is so filled with pressures and stress like never before? Do you really think that living during the Roman days, or during the great depression was any less stressful than today? I think not!
So then why are there more and more people turning to drugs? Well, I don't really know! Bet you were expecting some incredibly wise answer!
But, here is what I've observed: Those that use drugs and/or alcohol lose their ability to think, whether they are sober at the time or not. And once a person uses drugs and or alcohol, they become liberal in their thoughts, even after they stop the abuse for years. Even after being sober for many years, they still seem to like and wear the tied-died T-shirts they discovered back in their hippie days. And they still like to wear sandals and go unshaven for a week. And they still vote for the likes of the MacDaddy and his Queen Pelosi.
And there's a Thought from the Dock.
Were you the one that wanted to bat when your team was down to it's last at bat and trailing by one run? Were you the student that raised and waived their hand high when called upon to answer that tough question? Or were you the type that sat near the back of the dugout with your head lowered, or looked the other way from your teacher, even though you knew you could get that game winning hit, or provide that difficult answer in class?
Most of us look for an escape from reality at one time or another. And most of us feel the need for a boost at one time or another. But do you realize that published statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans use narcotics, either prescription or other. And when you add alcohol to that equation, it includes almost everyone.
What has happened to us? I don't remember it being like this in Those Days. Yes, t remember my father coming home drunk a few times and telling my mom that he just needed to wind down. I've even said the same thing in my life a time or two. But I don't remember marijuana, hashish, herion, cocaine, methamphetamine, barbituates, extacy, LSD, or the hosts of prescription medications that are abused every day.
Can't cope with your active child? There are pills for that, and if that don't help there are pills for you. Some parents are known to sedate their weeks old infant in an effort to get themselves some more sleep. Had a hard day at work? A few beers, or a joint might help you wind down enough to share time with your family. Wanting to feel your best and brightest at you job presentation tomorrow? The white pill works wonders for that, or perhaps a snort if you can afford it. Feeling too fat? Take a pill. Too skinny? There's steroids. Head hurt? Can't sleep> Can't stay awake? There is stuff for whatever you want.
So, why is it that most of us think that life today is so filled with pressures and stress like never before? Do you really think that living during the Roman days, or during the great depression was any less stressful than today? I think not!
So then why are there more and more people turning to drugs? Well, I don't really know! Bet you were expecting some incredibly wise answer!
But, here is what I've observed: Those that use drugs and/or alcohol lose their ability to think, whether they are sober at the time or not. And once a person uses drugs and or alcohol, they become liberal in their thoughts, even after they stop the abuse for years. Even after being sober for many years, they still seem to like and wear the tied-died T-shirts they discovered back in their hippie days. And they still like to wear sandals and go unshaven for a week. And they still vote for the likes of the MacDaddy and his Queen Pelosi.
And there's a Thought from the Dock.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Who's the MacDaddy?
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It has been over two years since the MacDaddy came into the minds of most of us. Recently, an avid follower sent me an e-mail which reminded me that we still don't know any more about President Obama now than we did back then. It could be so easy for him to answer the questions we have himself. But he refuses, and that causes an even greater concern.
Here is what we have been asking, as well as new questions that have risen since his election:
Since the MacDaddy claims he was the son of a peasant Muslim shepherd, and an American mother, who paid for his expensive Ivy League education and his upscale lifestyle? He's never had a real job that I know of until someone elected him to the Chicago Senate. And why Chicago if he was raised in Hawaii? Could it be that Chicago is nothing but corrupt?
The MacDaddy did not spend his formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally is not an American. He's never had any military experience, at least not in this country. Where did he learn military goals and tactics?
The MacDaddy's true racists beliefs are now coming to light everyday. From his cabinet and czar appointments to his mingling into a low level municipal police conflict, he has made his stance on race quite evident.
What are the MacDaddy's religious beliefs? He tried to claim he was a Christian, but was recently photographed carrying, not a Bible, but a book written by a Muslim extremist about what life will be after America's death. His life has been aligned with radical extremists who hate America. From American crooks of all kinds to a traitor that was sent to prison for planning to attack our own government buildings. While he has refused to denounce those radicals who wish to see America fail, instead becoming a cheerleader for the 'blame America ' crowd and deliver this message abroad.
What is it about the MacDaddy's goal to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector. Where he wants to replace our health care system with a government controlled one, and where he wants to control our banks, and large corporations?
Why does the MacDaddy want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world?
Why won't the MacDaddylisten to or even consider the views of anyone but himself?
And why does the media (except Fox News) give him a free pass on everything. What is it about the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Reillys, and Becks that scares him?
As I query the information channeled through to the Thought Dock, the only answer that I can make out is, "scary crap." And, I know what that means. He really is a MacDaddy!
.
It has been over two years since the MacDaddy came into the minds of most of us. Recently, an avid follower sent me an e-mail which reminded me that we still don't know any more about President Obama now than we did back then. It could be so easy for him to answer the questions we have himself. But he refuses, and that causes an even greater concern.
Here is what we have been asking, as well as new questions that have risen since his election:
Since the MacDaddy claims he was the son of a peasant Muslim shepherd, and an American mother, who paid for his expensive Ivy League education and his upscale lifestyle? He's never had a real job that I know of until someone elected him to the Chicago Senate. And why Chicago if he was raised in Hawaii? Could it be that Chicago is nothing but corrupt?
The MacDaddy did not spend his formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally is not an American. He's never had any military experience, at least not in this country. Where did he learn military goals and tactics?
The MacDaddy's true racists beliefs are now coming to light everyday. From his cabinet and czar appointments to his mingling into a low level municipal police conflict, he has made his stance on race quite evident.
What are the MacDaddy's religious beliefs? He tried to claim he was a Christian, but was recently photographed carrying, not a Bible, but a book written by a Muslim extremist about what life will be after America's death. His life has been aligned with radical extremists who hate America. From American crooks of all kinds to a traitor that was sent to prison for planning to attack our own government buildings. While he has refused to denounce those radicals who wish to see America fail, instead becoming a cheerleader for the 'blame America ' crowd and deliver this message abroad.
What is it about the MacDaddy's goal to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector. Where he wants to replace our health care system with a government controlled one, and where he wants to control our banks, and large corporations?
Why does the MacDaddy want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world?
Why won't the MacDaddylisten to or even consider the views of anyone but himself?
And why does the media (except Fox News) give him a free pass on everything. What is it about the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Reillys, and Becks that scares him?
As I query the information channeled through to the Thought Dock, the only answer that I can make out is, "scary crap." And, I know what that means. He really is a MacDaddy!
.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Raising Chickens
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In Those Days, we lived on several different farms at various times which gave me the opportunity to observe chickens. We also have raised chickens ourselves a few times. And now that I live in a wilderness area, I've been watching our birds of prey as well. In addition, I'm an avid lover of TV shows like National Geographic and Animal Planet. With that, I'll pass on my knowledge, truth and wisdom to you.
I'm sure you've all heard the mighty "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo" of a rooster at least a time or two. Most mornings, the rooster rings in the new day at the rising of the sun, with a heart full of pride and joy. It's pretty impressive, unless you are trying to sleep in.
What you might not realize is that when a storm is coming, the rooster does not roost. Instead, he runs around the chicken coop kicking up the dust and scaring the others half to death. And pretty soon, they are all running around as if their heads were cut off. "Where will we hide? What will we do when the rains come?" they all seem to be asking. Even the Rooster.
In watching eagles, a totally different image emerges. The eagle, like the rooster senses the approaching storm. But the eagle, just before the rains come, rides the thermals high above the clouds, where things are safe and calm only to return to his nest to rule the forests after the rains.
So what bird do you mimic? Are you one to run away and bury your head when crap is about to happen? Or are you one to take charge during the storm and lead your followers to safety? And how do you raise your flock, I mean your children and grandchildren? Will they stand tall and be a leader of their group?
Chickens are everywhere these days. Some are politicians, some are Christian leaders, some are teachers, but most are "Good 'Ol Joes" like many that I know.
Just another deep Thought from the Dock.
.
In Those Days, we lived on several different farms at various times which gave me the opportunity to observe chickens. We also have raised chickens ourselves a few times. And now that I live in a wilderness area, I've been watching our birds of prey as well. In addition, I'm an avid lover of TV shows like National Geographic and Animal Planet. With that, I'll pass on my knowledge, truth and wisdom to you.
I'm sure you've all heard the mighty "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo" of a rooster at least a time or two. Most mornings, the rooster rings in the new day at the rising of the sun, with a heart full of pride and joy. It's pretty impressive, unless you are trying to sleep in.
What you might not realize is that when a storm is coming, the rooster does not roost. Instead, he runs around the chicken coop kicking up the dust and scaring the others half to death. And pretty soon, they are all running around as if their heads were cut off. "Where will we hide? What will we do when the rains come?" they all seem to be asking. Even the Rooster.
In watching eagles, a totally different image emerges. The eagle, like the rooster senses the approaching storm. But the eagle, just before the rains come, rides the thermals high above the clouds, where things are safe and calm only to return to his nest to rule the forests after the rains.
So what bird do you mimic? Are you one to run away and bury your head when crap is about to happen? Or are you one to take charge during the storm and lead your followers to safety? And how do you raise your flock, I mean your children and grandchildren? Will they stand tall and be a leader of their group?
Chickens are everywhere these days. Some are politicians, some are Christian leaders, some are teachers, but most are "Good 'Ol Joes" like many that I know.
Just another deep Thought from the Dock.
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Wednesday, October 21, 2009
False or Mis-leading. What's the Difference?
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You'll no doubt be able to answer that yourself at the conclusion of this post. But here are some examples of things that I've seen and heard.
"I did not have sex with Monica." Even though Monica saved her semen stained dress as a momento, President Clinton insisted he didn't have sex with her. I guess that all depends on your definition of sex. And although the American people swallowed it, Monica didn't.
"I'll not raise taxes on middle class Americans." Just one example; If you place higher taxes on coal powered plants, and the company simply passes their costs on to you, then who is paying the tax?
A recent TV advertisement states Toyota offers a lease of their Camry for just $189 a month, or Seven Dollars a day. Do the math. Which is it?
Coco Puffs and Fruit Loops now have "Healthy Choice" labels on their packaging. A nutritian label says that 13 potato chips have 140 calories and 30% fat. Who eats 13 chips?
Ever notice that nearly every time you follow an ad to a car sales lot, that car was "just sold?" Or the car you bought was stickered at 30mpg, but you only get 22.
Weight loss aids that "guatantee" you'll drop 30 pounds in 10 days, yet in small print they admit "results vary by individual." I wonder how many people ever return the product and admit they are still fat. "Lifetime Guarantee?" Who's lifetime? Yours? Or the manufacturer who goes broke in 6 months after selling millions of pieces of crap. A pill to enlarge your penis, make it rock hard, and instantlty improve your sex life. Must be some steriod! Ask Monica.
Many pledge to make you money if you trust them to handle your money. A Ponzi scheme then steals your retirement. To me, there is a big difference than investing your money poorly and stealing it in a Ponzi scheme.
I'm sure we can all think of many others. Some misleading. Some false. But here's the deal. Whether they are false or whether they are misleading, they are not the truth. Therefore, they can not be anything but a lie. And as an Internal Affairs investigator, looking at corrupt cops, we didn't tolerate lies, and those that did lie were dealt with harshly.
But we, as consumers and regular American citizens, generally, seem to tolerate this crap. It's no big deal to lie in order to get elected. No big deal to sell your products though false advertising. No big deal to run a Ponzi scheme.
"Buyer Beware" is the way we tend to address lies. Blame ourselves for falling for it. Accept it, condone it, because that's the way the world works. Well, that is not so much as the "way", but more the "why" the world works the way it does. Because we let it. Because we condone it. Because we accept it.
And some wonder why I don't believe them. If you trust no one then that is to treat everyone the same. But the Thoughts from the Dock are the truth.
You'll no doubt be able to answer that yourself at the conclusion of this post. But here are some examples of things that I've seen and heard.
"I did not have sex with Monica." Even though Monica saved her semen stained dress as a momento, President Clinton insisted he didn't have sex with her. I guess that all depends on your definition of sex. And although the American people swallowed it, Monica didn't.
"I'll not raise taxes on middle class Americans." Just one example; If you place higher taxes on coal powered plants, and the company simply passes their costs on to you, then who is paying the tax?
A recent TV advertisement states Toyota offers a lease of their Camry for just $189 a month, or Seven Dollars a day. Do the math. Which is it?
Coco Puffs and Fruit Loops now have "Healthy Choice" labels on their packaging. A nutritian label says that 13 potato chips have 140 calories and 30% fat. Who eats 13 chips?
Ever notice that nearly every time you follow an ad to a car sales lot, that car was "just sold?" Or the car you bought was stickered at 30mpg, but you only get 22.
Weight loss aids that "guatantee" you'll drop 30 pounds in 10 days, yet in small print they admit "results vary by individual." I wonder how many people ever return the product and admit they are still fat. "Lifetime Guarantee?" Who's lifetime? Yours? Or the manufacturer who goes broke in 6 months after selling millions of pieces of crap. A pill to enlarge your penis, make it rock hard, and instantlty improve your sex life. Must be some steriod! Ask Monica.
Many pledge to make you money if you trust them to handle your money. A Ponzi scheme then steals your retirement. To me, there is a big difference than investing your money poorly and stealing it in a Ponzi scheme.
I'm sure we can all think of many others. Some misleading. Some false. But here's the deal. Whether they are false or whether they are misleading, they are not the truth. Therefore, they can not be anything but a lie. And as an Internal Affairs investigator, looking at corrupt cops, we didn't tolerate lies, and those that did lie were dealt with harshly.
But we, as consumers and regular American citizens, generally, seem to tolerate this crap. It's no big deal to lie in order to get elected. No big deal to sell your products though false advertising. No big deal to run a Ponzi scheme.
"Buyer Beware" is the way we tend to address lies. Blame ourselves for falling for it. Accept it, condone it, because that's the way the world works. Well, that is not so much as the "way", but more the "why" the world works the way it does. Because we let it. Because we condone it. Because we accept it.
And some wonder why I don't believe them. If you trust no one then that is to treat everyone the same. But the Thoughts from the Dock are the truth.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Truth about Lies
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Truth is a basic fundamental of ethics. Without truth, one can not be ethical. And without ethics; corruption, fraud, theft, and every other aspect of evil flourish.
I have concluded that most everyone lies most of the time. And they lie so often that they don't even realize it. And the only time most people tell the truth is when they believe they can not get away with the lie.
I've dealt with liars throughout my professional career, and I've lied myself enough times to know what I'm talking about.
Consider this: It's late a night when you are forced to go to Safeway for that midnight snack in a Los Angeles suburb. With the snack in hand, you back your car from the stall and you feel a thud. You realize you just backed into another car. Now, you know the right thing to do (but only if you have to.) You get out of the car and carefully look around in the darkness. (A) Nobody saw a thing! So you drive off. (B) You see someone looking in your direction while talking on a telephone in an apartment window across the street. So, you fake writing a note and leave it on the windshield. (C) You see someone running to his car, shouting, "Hey, you smashed my car!" So, you stop and exchange information with him. Sound familiar? Maybe you've been there.
It is more than not admitting your true age, your true gender, or whether you are married. Lying breeds cheating, which leads to product frauds, embezzlement, political corruption, and war.
Every day I see TV advertisements for products that can not work. I see news reports of trademark and copy write violations . I see gimmicks everywhere. Those are lies too, but we seem to tolerate it while diverting the blame to the actual consumer by saying, "Buyer beware." We just blow the lies away, and just seem to accept them.
And when some one actually tells the truth, we are amazed. We hail them as a hero for returning that bag of money they found. Yes, they are a cut above most of us, but hardly a hero for simply doing what is right!
Many of us admit our lies and expect we will be forgiven and trusted, only to lie again. Some minimize or justify their lies by asking, "What harm did it do?" Some believe their lie is not as bad as others. Some say it is our own fault if we were hurt by believing their lie. And some justify lying if it was done out of their self preservation.
You know, I question everything everyone says. I actually expect you to lie because it happens so often. But, when I realize you've told the truth, your character and credibility rises. If continued, they reach a level of trust where I no longer closely scrutinize what you say or do.
On the other hand, if I determine that someone lied (about anything), their credibility with me fades. Although I'll forgive them, I'll never forget or condone their lie. And with each new contact, I'll scrutinize them even closer. And perhaps with time, they might even have their credibility restored.
You know, I'm not really different than you. I don't think you like being lied to. The difference is I won't condone it, and it will impact your future credibility with me. So whether you're friend, family, politician, or the local car repairman....Don't lie to me if you expect me to respect you.
.
And as I ponder from the Thought Dock, I recall the ones that have lied to me, and continue to lie to me. And now I have difficulty believing anything they say. So, MacDaddy and the like, if you chose to lie to me, then don't expect my respect.
.
Truth is a basic fundamental of ethics. Without truth, one can not be ethical. And without ethics; corruption, fraud, theft, and every other aspect of evil flourish.
I have concluded that most everyone lies most of the time. And they lie so often that they don't even realize it. And the only time most people tell the truth is when they believe they can not get away with the lie.
I've dealt with liars throughout my professional career, and I've lied myself enough times to know what I'm talking about.
Consider this: It's late a night when you are forced to go to Safeway for that midnight snack in a Los Angeles suburb. With the snack in hand, you back your car from the stall and you feel a thud. You realize you just backed into another car. Now, you know the right thing to do (but only if you have to.) You get out of the car and carefully look around in the darkness. (A) Nobody saw a thing! So you drive off. (B) You see someone looking in your direction while talking on a telephone in an apartment window across the street. So, you fake writing a note and leave it on the windshield. (C) You see someone running to his car, shouting, "Hey, you smashed my car!" So, you stop and exchange information with him. Sound familiar? Maybe you've been there.
It is more than not admitting your true age, your true gender, or whether you are married. Lying breeds cheating, which leads to product frauds, embezzlement, political corruption, and war.
Every day I see TV advertisements for products that can not work. I see news reports of trademark and copy write violations . I see gimmicks everywhere. Those are lies too, but we seem to tolerate it while diverting the blame to the actual consumer by saying, "Buyer beware." We just blow the lies away, and just seem to accept them.
And when some one actually tells the truth, we are amazed. We hail them as a hero for returning that bag of money they found. Yes, they are a cut above most of us, but hardly a hero for simply doing what is right!
Many of us admit our lies and expect we will be forgiven and trusted, only to lie again. Some minimize or justify their lies by asking, "What harm did it do?" Some believe their lie is not as bad as others. Some say it is our own fault if we were hurt by believing their lie. And some justify lying if it was done out of their self preservation.
You know, I question everything everyone says. I actually expect you to lie because it happens so often. But, when I realize you've told the truth, your character and credibility rises. If continued, they reach a level of trust where I no longer closely scrutinize what you say or do.
On the other hand, if I determine that someone lied (about anything), their credibility with me fades. Although I'll forgive them, I'll never forget or condone their lie. And with each new contact, I'll scrutinize them even closer. And perhaps with time, they might even have their credibility restored.
You know, I'm not really different than you. I don't think you like being lied to. The difference is I won't condone it, and it will impact your future credibility with me. So whether you're friend, family, politician, or the local car repairman....Don't lie to me if you expect me to respect you.
.
And as I ponder from the Thought Dock, I recall the ones that have lied to me, and continue to lie to me. And now I have difficulty believing anything they say. So, MacDaddy and the like, if you chose to lie to me, then don't expect my respect.
.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
About a year ago....
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........ a pair of Barack Obama supporters came to my door to encourage me to vote for him. That was even before I knew him as The MacDaddy. I kind of grinned as I told them that I had made up my mind and that I would never vote for their candidate.
In response, they asked what I didn't like most about their MacDaddy. Even though the country was settling into the deepest financial collapse in history at the time, which was front page news for the past several months, I told them that my greatest fear was that MacDaddy lacked any demonstrated leadership and I was very concerned about his Foreign Policy, if he even had one. They were surprised at that answer, as if they themselves never even thought to examine that aspect. They had no response to the concern. And, they did say that I was the first to express that concern.
They left, and here we are today. But where are we?
Recently, the MacDaddy was awarded the Peace Prize. Now, even more hysterical that that, were those that called the award just a bit premature. That's insane!
The MacDaddy, has never achieved any peace, nor will he ever. Yes, he has apologized for American arrogance toward the rest of the world. And he has shook the hands and pledged a unity with the Muslim world. He has released many terrorists that have attacked our homes, to the very countries that breed these idiots. And, he (while blaming his appointed Attorney General) has vowed to prosecute our intelligence officers.
And the MacDaddy, along side the wife of a previous President who thinks it Ok to smoke pot and to get himself orally copulated by a young campaign worker, withdrew our missile defence systems to the delight of Russia and China. And all this while looking the other direction from North Korea. And now, he trusts Iran to open their doors to inspections!
And he has appointed his cabinet, and his czars. And so many of his appointees have tax evasion related issues and other criminal convictions. And most of his appointees are also Black. Coincidence? Is it coincidence that he aligned himself with that Black professor? Or, is the MacDaddy perhaps prejudice? Or, perhaps you might say that I'm the one that is prejudice.
Whatever your views of the MacDaddy, I can almost bet that they are different from what they were just a year ago. And he has changed your views having only been in office 9 months! Many of you must feel like a kitten, opening your eyes for the first time after thinking your were complete the first few days of your life.
And the point is...... We need to have our eyes open fully before we vote. If you just don't know, find out, ask me if you need, but don't put these yahoos in office when they don't have a documented background. Credibility, honesty, trustworthy, truthful, ethics, and morals are what's important to me. They are far more important to me than looks, gender, religion, and race. I once heard some one say, "Don't trust any one. That way you'll treat every one the same!
The water beneath the Thought Dock is beginning to rise again. Can't you see?
.
........ a pair of Barack Obama supporters came to my door to encourage me to vote for him. That was even before I knew him as The MacDaddy. I kind of grinned as I told them that I had made up my mind and that I would never vote for their candidate.
In response, they asked what I didn't like most about their MacDaddy. Even though the country was settling into the deepest financial collapse in history at the time, which was front page news for the past several months, I told them that my greatest fear was that MacDaddy lacked any demonstrated leadership and I was very concerned about his Foreign Policy, if he even had one. They were surprised at that answer, as if they themselves never even thought to examine that aspect. They had no response to the concern. And, they did say that I was the first to express that concern.
They left, and here we are today. But where are we?
Recently, the MacDaddy was awarded the Peace Prize. Now, even more hysterical that that, were those that called the award just a bit premature. That's insane!
The MacDaddy, has never achieved any peace, nor will he ever. Yes, he has apologized for American arrogance toward the rest of the world. And he has shook the hands and pledged a unity with the Muslim world. He has released many terrorists that have attacked our homes, to the very countries that breed these idiots. And, he (while blaming his appointed Attorney General) has vowed to prosecute our intelligence officers.
And the MacDaddy, along side the wife of a previous President who thinks it Ok to smoke pot and to get himself orally copulated by a young campaign worker, withdrew our missile defence systems to the delight of Russia and China. And all this while looking the other direction from North Korea. And now, he trusts Iran to open their doors to inspections!
And he has appointed his cabinet, and his czars. And so many of his appointees have tax evasion related issues and other criminal convictions. And most of his appointees are also Black. Coincidence? Is it coincidence that he aligned himself with that Black professor? Or, is the MacDaddy perhaps prejudice? Or, perhaps you might say that I'm the one that is prejudice.
Whatever your views of the MacDaddy, I can almost bet that they are different from what they were just a year ago. And he has changed your views having only been in office 9 months! Many of you must feel like a kitten, opening your eyes for the first time after thinking your were complete the first few days of your life.
And the point is...... We need to have our eyes open fully before we vote. If you just don't know, find out, ask me if you need, but don't put these yahoos in office when they don't have a documented background. Credibility, honesty, trustworthy, truthful, ethics, and morals are what's important to me. They are far more important to me than looks, gender, religion, and race. I once heard some one say, "Don't trust any one. That way you'll treat every one the same!
The water beneath the Thought Dock is beginning to rise again. Can't you see?
.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Oh - How I wish it would rain
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I never thought I would have said that, but I'll say it again - I wish it would rain. Really..
It's not because I really like rain, but more that I like the results of the rain. The freshness of the air, the greeness of the trees, the flower blossums, and the abundance of the wildlife that the rain attracts.
On the Central Oregon Coast, it is the signal for the salmon to leave the ocean and head up the rivers to create new life and to end their cycle of life. And, crabbing comes alive fed by rivers washing nutrients from the mountains toward the sea.
More importantly to me though, is that the Thought Dock will lift from the yucky muck as the water level in the lake rises with each falling drop. Although we've had some rain this past week, the Thought Dock is still resting on the yucky muck.
The water level is the lowest since we've been here, and I don't like it. It surely seems to affect the ability of the Thought Dock to funnel Wisdom to me where it is then deciphered and spun into an appropriate way before I distribute it to you. Perhaps you have noticed the reduction of information posted in recent weeks.
Most of my outdoor chores for this year have been completed. So, I'll hunker down in my shelter overlooking the waters, as it rains. That will be more often than not from now until about March. And, as the Thought Dock rises, so will the Wisdom that it provides.
So, hang on. Some one said, "If you build it, they will come!" And, the Thought Dock has been built. And you have come.
.
I never thought I would have said that, but I'll say it again - I wish it would rain. Really..
It's not because I really like rain, but more that I like the results of the rain. The freshness of the air, the greeness of the trees, the flower blossums, and the abundance of the wildlife that the rain attracts.
On the Central Oregon Coast, it is the signal for the salmon to leave the ocean and head up the rivers to create new life and to end their cycle of life. And, crabbing comes alive fed by rivers washing nutrients from the mountains toward the sea.
More importantly to me though, is that the Thought Dock will lift from the yucky muck as the water level in the lake rises with each falling drop. Although we've had some rain this past week, the Thought Dock is still resting on the yucky muck.
The water level is the lowest since we've been here, and I don't like it. It surely seems to affect the ability of the Thought Dock to funnel Wisdom to me where it is then deciphered and spun into an appropriate way before I distribute it to you. Perhaps you have noticed the reduction of information posted in recent weeks.
Most of my outdoor chores for this year have been completed. So, I'll hunker down in my shelter overlooking the waters, as it rains. That will be more often than not from now until about March. And, as the Thought Dock rises, so will the Wisdom that it provides.
So, hang on. Some one said, "If you build it, they will come!" And, the Thought Dock has been built. And you have come.
.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Non-Profit profit
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Sometimes, I just have to question businesses that operate as non-profits. The laws regulating these businesses must be extremely liberal and vague. And who enforces them anyway?
We all know that churches, youth clubs, credit unions, researchers, food share programs, and many more, both foreign and domestic operate as non-profit organizations. But are they? And, if not, what are you doing about it?
Where churches were once financed, built, and maintained by their members, they now sometimes amass huge assets and re-invest their funds to support huge tax reduced salaries to their pastors, handsome salaries to many of their top level employees, and build even more money generating things like private schools that cater not only to their own, but to anyone who can afford to play. And it all began because the church members were unable, or unwilling, to do their share. So the churches hired gardeners, repairmen, secretaries, and musicians to do what the members wouldn't.
I question whether it is appropriate for any non-profit leader to maintain a salary and expenses sometimes several thousands times the amount the average member has, like TV evangelists. I question whether it is right for the top executives of Good Will, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross should be so handsomely paid.
We brought this all on ourselves, because we were lazy. We refused to help in the church, but would rather give more money to pay someone to do our responsibility. We would not look into our community to see where we could help or give, but would rather give to a central entity to disperse our donations as they saw fit. We refused to give anything unless there was something in return for us. And, whalaa, the Girl Scout Cookie was created. Now we could feel good about donating and fill our stomach at the same time!
Now, it is all about professional fundraising. Almost gone now are car washes, bake sales, and collecting tin cans. It's all been replaced by candy, gift wrap, and novelty sales. And, with that, someone is making a huge amount of money in the name of charity.
So, think about this: Rather than buying that World's Finest Chocolate bar, the greeting card sold by your child's school, or the tin of gourmet pop corn offered by the Cub Scout, why not donate a like amount in cash directly to that organization. Continue to tithe at your church, but hold back a bit to give directly to that person in need that you encounter through out the week. Why not make a plate from the extras in your pantry for the old lady in your neighborhood rather than send a check to Meals on Wheels? Why not find a person with kidney disease and give them a ride to their dialysis center? In doing these things, you will find that all of what you give is spent wisely rather than a majority of it going to pay salaries and other administration expenses.
Most importantly. look closely at what organization you are considering donating to. Have you ever wondered why many organizations during a disaster will not accept durable goods, but insist on giving only money to further their cause? Should you continue to fuel the wealth trains of Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Princeton, and Grambling? How about those world wide gigs where you seem to adopt a hungry child for his lifetime? Or that hoity toity credit union that you might belong to?
It surely must also be said that I don't do all of these things. Some I do, but others,,,,,, Not yet, but I intend to take a closer look at how I give.
A a final note from the Thought Dock, a friend recently asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if you could be awarded the Heisman Trophy simply by watching a football game?" Was he referring to MacDaddy Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize?
.
Sometimes, I just have to question businesses that operate as non-profits. The laws regulating these businesses must be extremely liberal and vague. And who enforces them anyway?
We all know that churches, youth clubs, credit unions, researchers, food share programs, and many more, both foreign and domestic operate as non-profit organizations. But are they? And, if not, what are you doing about it?
Where churches were once financed, built, and maintained by their members, they now sometimes amass huge assets and re-invest their funds to support huge tax reduced salaries to their pastors, handsome salaries to many of their top level employees, and build even more money generating things like private schools that cater not only to their own, but to anyone who can afford to play. And it all began because the church members were unable, or unwilling, to do their share. So the churches hired gardeners, repairmen, secretaries, and musicians to do what the members wouldn't.
I question whether it is appropriate for any non-profit leader to maintain a salary and expenses sometimes several thousands times the amount the average member has, like TV evangelists. I question whether it is right for the top executives of Good Will, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross should be so handsomely paid.
We brought this all on ourselves, because we were lazy. We refused to help in the church, but would rather give more money to pay someone to do our responsibility. We would not look into our community to see where we could help or give, but would rather give to a central entity to disperse our donations as they saw fit. We refused to give anything unless there was something in return for us. And, whalaa, the Girl Scout Cookie was created. Now we could feel good about donating and fill our stomach at the same time!
Now, it is all about professional fundraising. Almost gone now are car washes, bake sales, and collecting tin cans. It's all been replaced by candy, gift wrap, and novelty sales. And, with that, someone is making a huge amount of money in the name of charity.
So, think about this: Rather than buying that World's Finest Chocolate bar, the greeting card sold by your child's school, or the tin of gourmet pop corn offered by the Cub Scout, why not donate a like amount in cash directly to that organization. Continue to tithe at your church, but hold back a bit to give directly to that person in need that you encounter through out the week. Why not make a plate from the extras in your pantry for the old lady in your neighborhood rather than send a check to Meals on Wheels? Why not find a person with kidney disease and give them a ride to their dialysis center? In doing these things, you will find that all of what you give is spent wisely rather than a majority of it going to pay salaries and other administration expenses.
Most importantly. look closely at what organization you are considering donating to. Have you ever wondered why many organizations during a disaster will not accept durable goods, but insist on giving only money to further their cause? Should you continue to fuel the wealth trains of Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Princeton, and Grambling? How about those world wide gigs where you seem to adopt a hungry child for his lifetime? Or that hoity toity credit union that you might belong to?
It surely must also be said that I don't do all of these things. Some I do, but others,,,,,, Not yet, but I intend to take a closer look at how I give.
A a final note from the Thought Dock, a friend recently asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if you could be awarded the Heisman Trophy simply by watching a football game?" Was he referring to MacDaddy Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize?
.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Unsung
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From it's inception, this blog was created to help me better understand myself; not for me to better understand you. As it progressed, the blog moved in the direction to help you better understand me. Where I came from. How I came here. What I believe and why. And what I do to further what I believe.
The Thought Dock was then created in an effort to express myself and to motivate you to do the right thing. Most, but not all, everything that I say, do, and encourage others to do, are Bible based. But, all of it comes from my soul. I don't think it is rocket science (and I thank God because I'm not a scientist) to know the right difference between right and wrong. And, I believe a decent soul will then guide you to do the right thing.
I am a Christian whom has relatively recently renewed my faith. As such, I am not as well versed in the Bible as some Christians are. I can't snap my fingers and cite Biblical references instantly by memory. I'm lazy and won't even do my own research of the scriptures before acting or making a statement. I do realize the importance of knowing the Bible, to study it, to worship God, and to socialize with other Christians in the church, and I am making efforts to do just that.
That said, what I'm about to say now, may make some of you uncomfortable. But, so it will go.
You see, I'm not a Christian to impress other Christians. Christians all ready know Christ.
My goal is to bring others to Christ, and the best way that I can do that is by letting those people watch what I do. They don't know what's in the Bible, and they don't care if I can't recite verses by memory, and they don't know whether I go to Bible study or Sunday school. But they watch what I do. My hope is that they will want what I have and come to know God, as I have.
Most all of the criticism about me comes from Christians. I've never had anyone that did not know Christ ask what verse I was following when I did the right thing. But sometimes I feel like I'm being studied by other Christians. Did I sing loud enough, or raise my hands high enough? Did I go to Sunday School, Bible Study, remain after church to socialize, go to the pot luck, tithe enough, or memorize a favorite verse? Christians can argue about more crap than any other group I have ever met!
But, I do admire many Christians and try to model myself after them. But, I admire them not so much by how they can recite the verses, but how they live their lives. Their families, their faith, their knowledge, their love, all play a part in it. And that drives me to love the Lord even more.
I'll admit that motivation play as big part in how I see every one in this world. What drives what is being done? Is a television evangelist here to further His word, or is it to make millions from those that seem to worship him? Do you sing in the choir to promote your personal album? Do you raise your hand in praise to impress the others around you? Do you go to church to impress God? Personally, I hardly think that God is impressed by doing what He expects you to do. I say Praise Him! Not yourself.
Some may ask just what I do. Watch what I do when you can see. Listen to what I do when you can hear. I'm not on pedestal, nor do I want to be. I simply want to do the right thing to make this a better place. And if I can only do that once, then I will feel accomplishment from within, not from the rewards of others.
With that, future posts will likely be without references to my faith, but more so about encouraging you to simply doing the right thing, from within your heart, and without receiving or expecting anything in return. Important stuff like watching Fox News, taking a stance in some way against what is wrong, being active in you country and community, and believing that your work is fruitful.
Although the waters beneath are now seasonally shallow, the Thoughts from the Dock remain stronger than ever.
.
From it's inception, this blog was created to help me better understand myself; not for me to better understand you. As it progressed, the blog moved in the direction to help you better understand me. Where I came from. How I came here. What I believe and why. And what I do to further what I believe.
The Thought Dock was then created in an effort to express myself and to motivate you to do the right thing. Most, but not all, everything that I say, do, and encourage others to do, are Bible based. But, all of it comes from my soul. I don't think it is rocket science (and I thank God because I'm not a scientist) to know the right difference between right and wrong. And, I believe a decent soul will then guide you to do the right thing.
I am a Christian whom has relatively recently renewed my faith. As such, I am not as well versed in the Bible as some Christians are. I can't snap my fingers and cite Biblical references instantly by memory. I'm lazy and won't even do my own research of the scriptures before acting or making a statement. I do realize the importance of knowing the Bible, to study it, to worship God, and to socialize with other Christians in the church, and I am making efforts to do just that.
That said, what I'm about to say now, may make some of you uncomfortable. But, so it will go.
You see, I'm not a Christian to impress other Christians. Christians all ready know Christ.
My goal is to bring others to Christ, and the best way that I can do that is by letting those people watch what I do. They don't know what's in the Bible, and they don't care if I can't recite verses by memory, and they don't know whether I go to Bible study or Sunday school. But they watch what I do. My hope is that they will want what I have and come to know God, as I have.
Most all of the criticism about me comes from Christians. I've never had anyone that did not know Christ ask what verse I was following when I did the right thing. But sometimes I feel like I'm being studied by other Christians. Did I sing loud enough, or raise my hands high enough? Did I go to Sunday School, Bible Study, remain after church to socialize, go to the pot luck, tithe enough, or memorize a favorite verse? Christians can argue about more crap than any other group I have ever met!
But, I do admire many Christians and try to model myself after them. But, I admire them not so much by how they can recite the verses, but how they live their lives. Their families, their faith, their knowledge, their love, all play a part in it. And that drives me to love the Lord even more.
I'll admit that motivation play as big part in how I see every one in this world. What drives what is being done? Is a television evangelist here to further His word, or is it to make millions from those that seem to worship him? Do you sing in the choir to promote your personal album? Do you raise your hand in praise to impress the others around you? Do you go to church to impress God? Personally, I hardly think that God is impressed by doing what He expects you to do. I say Praise Him! Not yourself.
Some may ask just what I do. Watch what I do when you can see. Listen to what I do when you can hear. I'm not on pedestal, nor do I want to be. I simply want to do the right thing to make this a better place. And if I can only do that once, then I will feel accomplishment from within, not from the rewards of others.
With that, future posts will likely be without references to my faith, but more so about encouraging you to simply doing the right thing, from within your heart, and without receiving or expecting anything in return. Important stuff like watching Fox News, taking a stance in some way against what is wrong, being active in you country and community, and believing that your work is fruitful.
Although the waters beneath are now seasonally shallow, the Thoughts from the Dock remain stronger than ever.
.
Friday, October 9, 2009
I am a Rock...... I am a Island....
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......... And a Rock Feels No Pain; and an Island Never Cries...
You know, back in the late 60's and into the 70's, there was a popular rock song with these lyrics. Perhaps you know it, but if not it was about someone who was hurt by loving someone else, and to prevent that from ever happening again, he isolated himself and prevented anyone from ever entering his domain ever again.
And during a recent visit with my sibling's, during a difficult time, it was brought out that this song was one of my favorites, long ago.
And it was. I perceived myself as that rock. And that I was strong. And that I could not cry. And that I never felt pain. And that I didn't need anyone.
And I apparently made that all very clear to those that were near me, including my brothers and sisters. And I never realized that was what they actually thought about me, but reflecting back on things, that was what I wanted. To make every one think I was that fortress who would never crumble.
As the years passed, those that loved me withdrew from me because of what they thought I was. And I let them go because I had an attitude that I could do it without them, and they were weak.
But what they did not know (and how could they?), was that I was not that rock, and I was not that Island, and I really didn't have a fortress. And they didn't know that I had compassion, and that I did love, and that I did cry, and that I was weak in many ways. And the didn't know that I had forgotten all about that song long ago.
For those that may not know me so well, my siblings gathered together this past week at the bedside of my oldest, but younger than me brother who just passed. For whatever reason, it had been a very long time since all of the siblings were together as a whole.
There were many hours that there was nothing much more that we could do except pray, try to get some rest, or to catch up family news and such, and reflect back on Those Days. Much of our conversation was deep and was focused on finding an answer as to why things happened they way they did between us, and to find a way to bridge the gap that had grown between us.
While I once believed I was that Rock (at least to some degree), I have since lost that attitude (to some degree). I realized during our gathering, that those that I had once convinced I was that Rock, still, because of our separation, believed it.
Aside from the reason that caused us to gather, it was an experience that I doubt will ever be forgotten. For me it was rewarding and I hope the others felt as such. But I know that it was a learning experience for each of us, no matter what the individual perception might be.
And as we parted, I think we did so with a new understanding of who we are. And for those siblings that will read this post, I apologize for crying in your presence, because most have never seen my tears ever before. But the tears you saw, were not from a Rock. Or from a man in his fortress built on that island. And the tears were not from pain or grief.
They were tears of joy, and for the blessings that I have received from the Lord. And I pass them on to all of you from Thought Dock.
.
......... And a Rock Feels No Pain; and an Island Never Cries...
You know, back in the late 60's and into the 70's, there was a popular rock song with these lyrics. Perhaps you know it, but if not it was about someone who was hurt by loving someone else, and to prevent that from ever happening again, he isolated himself and prevented anyone from ever entering his domain ever again.
And during a recent visit with my sibling's, during a difficult time, it was brought out that this song was one of my favorites, long ago.
And it was. I perceived myself as that rock. And that I was strong. And that I could not cry. And that I never felt pain. And that I didn't need anyone.
And I apparently made that all very clear to those that were near me, including my brothers and sisters. And I never realized that was what they actually thought about me, but reflecting back on things, that was what I wanted. To make every one think I was that fortress who would never crumble.
As the years passed, those that loved me withdrew from me because of what they thought I was. And I let them go because I had an attitude that I could do it without them, and they were weak.
But what they did not know (and how could they?), was that I was not that rock, and I was not that Island, and I really didn't have a fortress. And they didn't know that I had compassion, and that I did love, and that I did cry, and that I was weak in many ways. And the didn't know that I had forgotten all about that song long ago.
For those that may not know me so well, my siblings gathered together this past week at the bedside of my oldest, but younger than me brother who just passed. For whatever reason, it had been a very long time since all of the siblings were together as a whole.
There were many hours that there was nothing much more that we could do except pray, try to get some rest, or to catch up family news and such, and reflect back on Those Days. Much of our conversation was deep and was focused on finding an answer as to why things happened they way they did between us, and to find a way to bridge the gap that had grown between us.
While I once believed I was that Rock (at least to some degree), I have since lost that attitude (to some degree). I realized during our gathering, that those that I had once convinced I was that Rock, still, because of our separation, believed it.
Aside from the reason that caused us to gather, it was an experience that I doubt will ever be forgotten. For me it was rewarding and I hope the others felt as such. But I know that it was a learning experience for each of us, no matter what the individual perception might be.
And as we parted, I think we did so with a new understanding of who we are. And for those siblings that will read this post, I apologize for crying in your presence, because most have never seen my tears ever before. But the tears you saw, were not from a Rock. Or from a man in his fortress built on that island. And the tears were not from pain or grief.
They were tears of joy, and for the blessings that I have received from the Lord. And I pass them on to all of you from Thought Dock.
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Who am I?
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Occasionally, I hear your screams trying to drown out the wisdom that I receive through the Thought Dock. I hear some of you screaming things like, "Bigot! Arrogant! Hateful! Mean! Rude! Uncaring! Out spoken! Angry! and Crazy!"
And, I love it! Because that tells me that my message is making it's way through. It is promoting Thought and discussion, and sometimes it tells me that some of you are actually waking up and are facing your own conflicts in a real way, not from within the darkness of a closet.
But, I really don't deserve to be labeled with any of those terms except "out spoken and angry," which I admit that I am.
Actually, I do love people. Laugh if you want, but I really do. It's just that I don't love all people. Take a breath now in between your chants of bigot and hypocrite, and hear me out!
Yes, I know that the Bible says to Love God, and that I do. And, I know that Jesus revised early Jewish law by adding that we are to love others, and that I do. And he also defined "others" as our "neighbors." So, I love God, Others, and Neighbors. Now, one should have no doubt as to who God is, but "others" and "neighbors" are still confusing to many.
So, Jesus was asked, at least once that I know of, just who "others" referred to. And, He relpied that the "others" were our "neighbors." and directed that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Still confused about who Jesus was referring to, someone once asked Him who his neighbors were. Jesus, as an example, then told a story of a man who was beaten to near death, robbed of all his possessions, and left to die on a lonely road. And, Jesus said that man was our neighbor and commanded us to help him.
Now, isn't it interesting that Jesus selected the victim of a robbery, not the robbers, to use as an example of who our neighbors are? So, His directives to love others, and to love your neighbors, do not explicitly imply for us to love everyone. However, He does command us to forgive, and that would include the robber.
And, there are other passages that direct us to stand against those that are evil. And that I have done, and I will always do.
And, you are my other, and my neighbor, and I will love you if you are not evil. And I will stand against you if you are evil. And I love to hear you scream at me because that tells me that I am doing the right things from the Thought Dock!
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Occasionally, I hear your screams trying to drown out the wisdom that I receive through the Thought Dock. I hear some of you screaming things like, "Bigot! Arrogant! Hateful! Mean! Rude! Uncaring! Out spoken! Angry! and Crazy!"
And, I love it! Because that tells me that my message is making it's way through. It is promoting Thought and discussion, and sometimes it tells me that some of you are actually waking up and are facing your own conflicts in a real way, not from within the darkness of a closet.
But, I really don't deserve to be labeled with any of those terms except "out spoken and angry," which I admit that I am.
Actually, I do love people. Laugh if you want, but I really do. It's just that I don't love all people. Take a breath now in between your chants of bigot and hypocrite, and hear me out!
Yes, I know that the Bible says to Love God, and that I do. And, I know that Jesus revised early Jewish law by adding that we are to love others, and that I do. And he also defined "others" as our "neighbors." So, I love God, Others, and Neighbors. Now, one should have no doubt as to who God is, but "others" and "neighbors" are still confusing to many.
So, Jesus was asked, at least once that I know of, just who "others" referred to. And, He relpied that the "others" were our "neighbors." and directed that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Still confused about who Jesus was referring to, someone once asked Him who his neighbors were. Jesus, as an example, then told a story of a man who was beaten to near death, robbed of all his possessions, and left to die on a lonely road. And, Jesus said that man was our neighbor and commanded us to help him.
Now, isn't it interesting that Jesus selected the victim of a robbery, not the robbers, to use as an example of who our neighbors are? So, His directives to love others, and to love your neighbors, do not explicitly imply for us to love everyone. However, He does command us to forgive, and that would include the robber.
And, there are other passages that direct us to stand against those that are evil. And that I have done, and I will always do.
And, you are my other, and my neighbor, and I will love you if you are not evil. And I will stand against you if you are evil. And I love to hear you scream at me because that tells me that I am doing the right things from the Thought Dock!
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Sunday, October 4, 2009
Right or Wrong?
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To me, there are few things around that can not be debated. And I love debates. Maybe that's why I hate math. Math is finite in that the sum of the equation can not be argued. Only the formula used, and the acuracy of the calculation can be challanged.
Most everything else is debatable. And, I'm always open to hearing other views on most any subject. However, when one debates an issue with me without offering facts to support their opinion, their opinion is all but meaningless to me. And, if I determine that they manufacture facts to justify their opinion, that actually infuriates me and makes their opinion even less credible.
Now some subjects that people debate impossible to form a hard conclusion because there are not enough facts known to make the case. Things like stating precisely how many grains of sand are on Malibu Beach, or exactly how far one could walk before wearing the soles of his shoes out, fall into this category. But even then, one can come to a logical conclusion using facts known to him at the time. And people can then debate their opinions until they are blue in the face.
I know this is boring stuff, but I'm getting to my point.
And then there are some things that we don't need fact or logic to know whether who is right, and who is wrong. And, these issues are as finite as math. And, we are not told or taught these things. Nor, are they always laid out for us in the Bible (but most are). And, they are not always only about following God's way. And, I'm not sure where we got this ability. But, most of us have it.
Because these these things can not be argued, some try to justify them. Others try to tolerate these things. A few just ignore these things. But nobody really tries to argue these things, because they know these things are wrong.
And, I'm talking about things like cheating, stealing, lying, murder, and adultery, just to name a few. From their first lie, a child knows it is wrong. You can see it in their face. Before his first murder, theft, or cheat, one knows that is wrong. They know it even if they have never been taught. It comes from within. And no one argues whether they were right or wrong when they get caught, but they do try to justify what they did, or divert the fault to some one else.
And, the Lord knows (and many of you do too), that I have done some of these things at some point in my life. And, I knew they were wrong every time I did it. But, I no longer do any of these things. And, I will strive to never do these things again. And, I have asked for forgiveness. And, I know that He has forgiven me. And, I am not a hipocrite.
And, I will not tolerate those that do these things. And, will not ignore these things. And, I will do anything within my means to prevent or stop these things. And, I will never condone these things.
And, I am right. And, those that do these things are wrong. And, I will not hear any debate.
And, I am at the Thought Dock.
.
To me, there are few things around that can not be debated. And I love debates. Maybe that's why I hate math. Math is finite in that the sum of the equation can not be argued. Only the formula used, and the acuracy of the calculation can be challanged.
Most everything else is debatable. And, I'm always open to hearing other views on most any subject. However, when one debates an issue with me without offering facts to support their opinion, their opinion is all but meaningless to me. And, if I determine that they manufacture facts to justify their opinion, that actually infuriates me and makes their opinion even less credible.
Now some subjects that people debate impossible to form a hard conclusion because there are not enough facts known to make the case. Things like stating precisely how many grains of sand are on Malibu Beach, or exactly how far one could walk before wearing the soles of his shoes out, fall into this category. But even then, one can come to a logical conclusion using facts known to him at the time. And people can then debate their opinions until they are blue in the face.
I know this is boring stuff, but I'm getting to my point.
And then there are some things that we don't need fact or logic to know whether who is right, and who is wrong. And, these issues are as finite as math. And, we are not told or taught these things. Nor, are they always laid out for us in the Bible (but most are). And, they are not always only about following God's way. And, I'm not sure where we got this ability. But, most of us have it.
Because these these things can not be argued, some try to justify them. Others try to tolerate these things. A few just ignore these things. But nobody really tries to argue these things, because they know these things are wrong.
And, I'm talking about things like cheating, stealing, lying, murder, and adultery, just to name a few. From their first lie, a child knows it is wrong. You can see it in their face. Before his first murder, theft, or cheat, one knows that is wrong. They know it even if they have never been taught. It comes from within. And no one argues whether they were right or wrong when they get caught, but they do try to justify what they did, or divert the fault to some one else.
And, the Lord knows (and many of you do too), that I have done some of these things at some point in my life. And, I knew they were wrong every time I did it. But, I no longer do any of these things. And, I will strive to never do these things again. And, I have asked for forgiveness. And, I know that He has forgiven me. And, I am not a hipocrite.
And, I will not tolerate those that do these things. And, will not ignore these things. And, I will do anything within my means to prevent or stop these things. And, I will never condone these things.
And, I am right. And, those that do these things are wrong. And, I will not hear any debate.
And, I am at the Thought Dock.
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Thursday, October 1, 2009
Some One is Singing
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Whoopi!!
Whoopi Goldberg, I mean. You know. Opra Winfrey's life long side kick. Ever since the Color Purple. Two of MacDaddy's favorite little girls. How sweet is that?
And now, the Whooper says that Roman Polanski has been tormented for the past 30 years and should be set free.
Remember him? The movie producer and a great friend of Jack Nicholson? Remember that he pleaded guilty to drugging and then raping a 13 year old girl at Jack's house? He was convicted, but fled to France before he could be locked away. And, he has been free to live his life there ever since. And that he has. Continuing to make movies and win Emmys and Oscars.
Whoopi says that what Polanski did, if done today, whould amount to no more than a "date rape." Really? I dind't think a 13 year old could give to consent for sex. But so many people agree with Whoop.
It's no big deal. Just forgive. Just forget. Just tolerate. Just accept.
So, let's just gather in a circle, hold one another's hands and sing. And the world will just go on a bit longer. Here's a tune just for you!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3MiD_U4CHQ
.
Whoopi!!
Whoopi Goldberg, I mean. You know. Opra Winfrey's life long side kick. Ever since the Color Purple. Two of MacDaddy's favorite little girls. How sweet is that?
And now, the Whooper says that Roman Polanski has been tormented for the past 30 years and should be set free.
Remember him? The movie producer and a great friend of Jack Nicholson? Remember that he pleaded guilty to drugging and then raping a 13 year old girl at Jack's house? He was convicted, but fled to France before he could be locked away. And, he has been free to live his life there ever since. And that he has. Continuing to make movies and win Emmys and Oscars.
Whoopi says that what Polanski did, if done today, whould amount to no more than a "date rape." Really? I dind't think a 13 year old could give to consent for sex. But so many people agree with Whoop.
It's no big deal. Just forgive. Just forget. Just tolerate. Just accept.
So, let's just gather in a circle, hold one another's hands and sing. And the world will just go on a bit longer. Here's a tune just for you!
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3MiD_U4CHQ
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