Bearack

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This is a very sad story about a bear. Everybody should heed the warning to not feed wildlife because they become dependent and cannot forage for themselves anymore. This is such a tragedy to see what they have done to our country's wildlife! The photo above captures a disturbing trend that is beginning to affect us all. . . .

Animals that were formerly self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democrat Party, as they have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance. This photo is of a Democrat black bear in Montana nicknamed Bearack Obearma.

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Thanks MG.

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Surprise ....

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.... your state isn't much different from Oregon socialism. So, quit beating your chests as though you are better than us!

A few posts ago, I reported about the typical Oregonian's view about self entitlement, taxation, and the redistribution of wealth reaped from the harvests of capitalism back to those that to want to live for free.

Well, as I've learned through further research, your state is likely no different from Oregon. It seems to be a national epidemic.

Statistics published by the Internal Revenue Service show that one percent of Americans control thirty eight percent of the wealth. But, this same 1% of the people pays 40.4% of the income taxes, while the bottom 50% of Americans pay slightly less than 3%.

But, you know this will someday end. And, it will end with the collapse of American capitalism.

Someone right here on the Central Oregon Coast said that if we as Americans continue to allow our government to punish success, and reward mediocrity, we will get exactly what we deserve; a country that has forfeited its position as a world economic leader, a currency that continues to lose value, and citizens who have no motivation to pursue excellence.
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Change the Tone

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In Those Days, my mother would often tell me, "You'd better change your tune!" And, I think I've said just that many times to my children. And, I know I've said it to many people that I've arrested, and often to those before choking them into submission.

And now, I hear it from our Long Legged MacDaddy in his State of the Union address last night. Well, kind of. He said, "I'm going to change the tone (of American politics)." I think "Change your tune" is pretty much the same as "Change the tone."

So, you see, I do have something more in common with the MacDaddy. He is a halfbreed Black, I'm a halfbreed Italian, and he apparently was raised (well kind of) the same way I was. Maybe his mother even said the same thing mine did, just with a slight twist.

Now in Those Days, I knew exactly what my mom meant when she spoke. Just as I do now when I hear Obummer speak. And, that scares me now, just as it scared me then.

Changing the tone of America mean bowing before a foreign leader, apologizing for American arrogance, and denying that America was formed upon our faith in God. And it means forcing change upon us, like socialized medicine and government run banks. And it means spreading the wealth around, and spending so much more than what we have. It means sending our troops to Haiti during this most tragic of times, in a humanitarian guise, but to establish another American foothold.

Funny thing is, the MacDaddy has failed to accomplish anything in his first year that requires the support of others. He's done only the things that he can do alone, with his own pen, like closing Gitmo, and trying war criminals in a civilian court. Even with his majority in the House, and (until recently) the majority in the Senate, he can not gain the support of anything he wants.
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And that's a good thing.
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And this is a weird thing.... In spell checking this post, the computer recognized "Obummer" and suggested I change it to Obama. How does it know?
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The Entitled

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Well, yesterday Oregon voters spoke loudly. Not against taxation, excessive government, or overspending, but to RAISE taxes.

Measure 67 raised taxes to those Oregonians that have a family income above 250k, and Measure 68 raised taxes to successful large businesses.

I watched a University of Oregon student respond to a news reporter's question asking whether he supported increasing taxes. He replied in essence, "Well, my tuition has gone up to the point where I can't afford my education. And since I'm entitled to an education, someone has to pay for it. So, taxing only the wealthy so that I might continue school seems reasonable to me. They can afford it."

Entitled?

Published Oregon tax records reflect that less than one percent of our residents make over 250k, yet those that make 250k pay thirty seven percent of the money the state collects. And those that make less than 37k, pay no taxes at all. Now, how can that seem reasonable?

Well, I guess it could be very reasonable if one had little. Just as a leech probably thinks its right to suck the blood from another animal until it's belly is full, so some think. But to force someone to pay his education seems more like theft to me.

It's a wonder whether anyone works in this state. Why should they? Leading the nation with 11% unemployed, combined with those that receive some sort of state financial assistance, make a total of over 40% who do not work. Add to that the ones that are State employees, and I wonder how the remainder of us can pay for this.

Pure socialism. No wonder why this place overwhelmingly supports the MacDaddy.
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Be Careful Of What You Ask For

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Mom used to tell me that often. It never really made much sense to me. I knew what I wanted, so what was wrong with asking for it? Well, I thought I knew.

She would also say, "You got what you asked for!" I guess I did, but I didn't think it would pan out that way. I didn't understand.

Many years later, and a few years ago, I was walking into a post office. Ahead, and outside the office, was a woman chanting, "Change. Change, anyone?" It was a quite common thing to do in the valley of Los Angeles, when one had nothing better to do. You didn't even have to be hungry or homeless, and many were not.

Anyway, as I approached her outstretched, upward turned palm, I stopped and reached into my pocket. In Those Days, I carried my folded paper money in my left pants pocket, along with my change. Upon removing the wad, I separated the bills in front of her, and gave her the remaining "change." I think all in all, she got a few pennies and dimes, maybe a quarter, but not totalling more than 50 cents or so.

And, she saw the small and large bills that I retained. And, she had that confused look that I once had on her face, as I said to her, "Be careful of what you ask for."

The day before Martin Luther King Day, a friend stopped by the Thought Dock and asked me if I had heard that the President had pledged 100 Million Dollars for Haiti relief. And, he asked where all that money would come from.

Actually, I support the relief effort. So much so in fact, that I want America to annex Haiti so that we can build another missile base there. Not a bad return for giving up a bunch of granola bars. Remember WIIFM (What's in it for me) from that prior post?

So knowing that most everyone around here is liberal, I asked my friend whether he voted for the Long Legged MacDaddy. He told a long story of how he hadn't voted in years, but when the MacDaddy came along with his promise of "Change," he was excited. So, like some many others, he ran right out, registered to vote, and then help elect him. I told my friend, "Be careful of what you ask for." He could only reply, "Yeah, I know," and said he would never again vote the liberal ticket.

And, congrats to those of you in Massachusetts yesterday that came to their senses by following the Thoughts of the Dock. May the Kennedys rest in peace.
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Abort Obama

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This video speaks for itself. I need not say more. Thanks TN.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYRpIf2F9NA
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So, what's it like living..........

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.....on the Central Oregon Coast?

I get asked that very often by those of you who knew me before we relocated from Socal to Oregon a few years ago. And, I think it's because Oregon has such a bad reputation, especially from SoCalians.

Unlike the high dessert brown, it's green here. Very green. And, I don't mean recycling green although Oregon is big into reduce, re-use, and recycling as they call it here. The trees here grow tall, and the brush beneath them is very thick. And God waters his garden, but not as often as most of you might think. The air is always clean. So clean, our cars don't even have to have smog devices. And, the smells are abundant, from the freshness of the ocean air, to those of the flowers inland.

The people are different here. That's what I like best. There is very little crime here, and no need for me to carry a gun, although plenty of other people are licensed to do so.

They are simple here and seem to be content with the stuff they have. There are few fancy cars, hoity toity hotels, shopping malls, or plastic surgeons doing breast augmentations. Most everyone appreciates nature, animals, and wildlife. Most everyone walk or bike the countess miles of trails.

There might be more people (per capital) that live near the poverty level here. But, there are more that care about one another, and their community here. They support the schools, community events, youth programs, the homeless and the churches. To not be a volunteer somewhere, regardless of your age, would put you into the minority. Volunteer police, fire, hospital helpers, board members, museum curators, school teachers, coaches, home builders. Volunteers are everywhere!

A few local parades each year to honor our veterans, or the birth of America, and sell out crowds at the high school football games, remind me of where my priorities should be.

To sum it all up, I often make a simple reply when asked by Oregonians about my experience here, I say, "You know, in the 3 years I've been here, I've yet to meet anyone whom I disliked. Now, where I came from, I went much longer and never found anyone that I liked."

I'll leave it at that. For those that have never been, visit the Thought Dock and see for yourself. For those Oregonians that have showed me a new understanding of life, I say thank you, and be proud to be you.
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On the Haiti Horizon

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Well, recently Danny Glover announced that the earthquake in Haiti was God's response to the world's lack of interest to the issue of global warming at the Copenhagen summit.

And then, Pat Robertson informed the world that the Haiti earthquake was a response by God because of Haiti's "Pact with the Devil" referring to the lack of Christianity in that country.

Now, this morning Fox News reported that America's overwhelming aid relief to Haiti was the largest ever in U.S. history. And, I presume that would include America's disasters at home such as Hurricane Katrina.

I really don't care much about what Glover and Robertson said; they are both lunatics. What concerns me more, is the amount of money and troops that America is deploying to Haiti. And, that is not to say that I don't like it.

Why so much more of a response to Haiti, in comparison to the federal assistance given to Los Angeles during it's earthquake, or to the Gulf Coast states following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

I you don't get it, I'll try to help clear your confusion. It's the same reason why we invaded Iraq. It was never about ridding the world of a tyrant's weapons of mass destruction. It was never about oil, or human rights issues.

It was the same reason why were are also in Afghanistan. Certainly there is no oil to fight about there, and it isn't about crushing Osama bin Laden and his terrorist group, or about reducing the poppy fields that feed America's hunger for heroin.

It's about spreading democracy. Something which America has been doing for over 70 years. It's about protecting America's interest in protecting ourselves.

It's about having forward operating bases in Turkey, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and tiny countries in Africa. And it's about strengthening our borders closer to home. It was about the failed take over of Cuba, and keeping strong neighbors like Canada. It is about the pact we made to protect the western hemisphere at the end of WWII. It was about building the Panama Canal, and our interest in the countries of South America. It is about supporting these countries by allowing their people to migrate here. It's kind of a relief package for these countries when those illegal immigrants send their American earned paychecks home. Most Americans can't see that, but it's precisely why our government refuses to stop the immigration.

Americans really do care about the current suffering in Haiti, but I hate to say it but, America itself does not. What America cares about is preventing a communist nation from stepping in and taking Haiti during it's moment of need and establishing their own forward operating base there. Could you imaging yet another communist country threatening us from a mere 700 miles away. Even Iran's missiles could reach us from there.

You see, it's not so much that our government cares about the people of Haiti in so much as establishing another foothold to spread democracy and protect our homeland.

Now, think about that for a while. I'll be at the Thought Dock gathering facts to educate you even more.
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You might be Taliban if...

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You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to liquor.

You own a $3,000 machine gun, but you can't afford shoes.

You have more wives than teeth.

You wipe your butt with your bare hand, but consider bacon "unclean."

You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.

You can't think of anyone you haven't declared Jihad against.

You consider television dangerous, but carry explosives in your clothing.

You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.

You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least four.

You've always had a crush on your neighbor's goat.

Your cousin is president of the United States!

Thanks GP for your contribution.

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Everyone gets a Trophy

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Now days, most every youth program gives a trophy to every child that participates, whether the program is athletic, art, education, or just for fun. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most every school allows every student to advance a grade regardless of whether they actually learned the subject matters. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most everyone can graduate from high school and get a diploma simply by attending most of their classes without disrupting them. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, a college diploma carries about the same weight for employment in civil service regardless of the college attended or the GPA. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most anyone has an equal chance of landing a civil service job simply by passing a pass/fail entrance exam, not by your actual score on the exam. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most civil service jobs from entry level to mid level management all pay nearly the same. The cop is paid the same as the fireman, teacher, nurse, bus driver or social worker. So, what's wrong with that?

Pardon me for so many civil service examples, but that is where my expertise lies. And, I believe these examples are similar to most private entities. Now you know I could cite many more examples, but I think you get my point.

This is pure socialism at it's best. And, what's wrong with that? Socialism strives to make us all the same, except for the rich kings who rule over us.
Make and keep everyone the same, and they won't complain. But they won't strive to be the best, the smartest, the strongest, the hardest working, or highest producer. So, where does that leave America?

Everyone gets a trophy. Unless you are at the Thought Dock!
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Where is it?

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In Those Days, we moved often because my father's career was the Army. So, I can remember about eight different houses we lived in. Most of them were two bedroom places, sometimes a condo kind of place (actually they were called row houses on the right coast), and a few times they were real houses. Much of the time there were as many as 5 siblings in our home, and a time or two we did have 3 bedrooms, but I never had one of my own. Things were crowded, but comfortable.

As time passed, I raised own children, and over their years at home, we moved 4 times, but always remaining in the same city. We started in a duplex, but soon moved into a 3 bedroom house. My children always had a bedroom of their own, but at times preferred to share their room. Each of our subsequent moves were to larger and larger houses, with room for more stuff.

Reflecting back to Those Days, I remember our living areas being crowded, but in a different way. Cramming 5 kids into even a 3 bedroom house was a challenge. We always had a car; sometimes two. And, the car was always parked in the garage if we had one. Now, that's the part I find most strange.

By our third move, I realized I had acquired too much stuff, So much stuff that I couldn't find much of it. I'd often ask, "Now, where is it?" I'm not talking about the stuff we used frequently. I'm talking about stuff we only used a time or two.

Stuff like ice cream makers, bread makers, fondues, waffle machines, blenders, tennis rackets, boots, sweaters, Easter bonnets, books, toys, bowling balls, old furniture, fishing poles, used car parts, and blankets. Stuff that always seemed to find it's way into the garage. So much stuff that I couldn't park my cars in it. Stuff in the attic, in all the closets, in all the kitchen cabinets, on the porch, in the back yards, under the beds, in the drawers, and even in the trunks of the cars! So much stuff that I never even knew what we had.

Now, I don't think I was much different than anyone else. My children have stuff stuffed in their garages to the point that only one car can be parked inside their 2 car garages. Most of my friends in my old SoCal neighborhood were the same. One could barely walk in his garage, let alone park his car there! The neighbors here as well. Cars, trucks, boats, Rv's. Only difference is they are strewn about their multi-acre lots instead of in their fenced back yards, because their garage is full.

And I am quickly filling this house up as well, even though there is over 1200 sqft of designated shop and storage spaces. What gives? Something has to. I've got too much stuff!

What happened to life in Those Days where we had enough and appreciated what we had?
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Crisis Culture

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You know, sometimes I spend hours a day sifting through information that arrives at the Thought Dock portal. You see, it all has to be reviewed by me before it gets in. But, without that process, my Followers would only get My views. And, you know I like to post all points of view tyat I agree with. So, to all of you that contribute, a warm thank you.

Sometimes, views from the "Regular Joe" mean more to me that those from the professionals; the paid pot sirrers of the media.

So here is a reprint of an article written by a Joe Doctor from a regular place in America:

"Dear Sirs:

During my last night's shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient with an expensive shiny gold tooth, multiple elaborate expensive tattoos, a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B tune for a ringtone.

Glancing over the chart, one could not help noticing her payer status: Medicaid. She smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer.

And, our Congress expects me to pay for this woman's health care? Our nation's health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of culture. A culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance. A culture that thinks "I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me". Life is really not that hard. Most of us reap what we sow. Don't ou agree?

STARNER JONES, MDJackson , MS"

Thanks, EW for your contribution.
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Who's in Charge?

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I've always thought that something is not quite right about our long legged MacDaddy. And, I'm not just talking about his crazy, and even dangerous policies. No, I'm wondering if Obummer is the person in charge of America.

Now, I have no doubt that he is our President, but is he really the one in command? He seems lost most of the time. He reacts to things he really knows nothing about.

Like, he assigned Pelosi to write his health care bill, and she in turn, passed it onto several other radical persons. And, when questioned about the plan, he seems not to know or understand the details of it. And, even with his commanding speaking ability, his ignorance the bill shines through.

And his foreign policy is equally confusing, especially when it comes to dealing with other world leaders. He makes beautiful speeches, but has been unable to make progress with any country, friend or foe. Is he acting as a pawn to someone else? The more I watch the guy, the more I suspect that he is the front for something else. And, I think that his strings are being pulled by someone else. But, who? I can't figure that out.

I know that Obummer is surrounded by life-long radicals, professed communists and anti-capitalists, most of which he has even appointed as czars. Are they who are running the show?

Some may think that I'm crazy. But, when if you remove the media worship, he doesn't seem to know what he is doing. The more he talks, the more his words seem empty. He says things about loving America and stuff, that simply do not ring true to me.

He is more plastic than real. Like the Great and Powerful Oz; a mighty one whom was the pawn of a man behind the curtain. But, who is behind the MacDaddy's curtain?

Could it be that those behind the curtain have backgrounds that are so radical that they themselves could never run for president?

So, they found the MacDaddy for their stooge. They chose a black man to gain the support of the vast black minority. And, a pale skinned black so as not to be too much of a threat to white Americans. And a half breed to ally with the poor. And, someone who speaks well and appears to be a uniter, not a divider.

I think Obummer has been groomed as a puppet by others for a long time. His successes seem to have come too easily. I mean, a Harvard Law Review without publishing a single paper? A community organizer for a short time. A State legislator for a short time. A Senator for just 143 days. And then to President?

How do 1100 page documents get put out in such short order? Who is writing all these proposals? Could it be that they were prepared long ago by someone else? Something is just not quite right here. Have you ever seen this level of activity in the first few months of any other administration in your lifetime?

Does Obama seem like the kind of person that could manage this level of activity in so short a time? Too much does not make sense here.

I am convinced that Obummer is not running the show. Our MacDaddy is a front man. An empty suit. Let's look behind the curtains to find out who is really running the show.

Help me out here. Keep your flow of information to the Thought Dock coming. I'll sort through it all. And together, we'll get to the bottom of things.
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Ten Thousand

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I began this blog nearly a year ago. Actually it was January 20, 2009. Inauguration Day for the Long Legged MacDaddy, but I didn't refer to him as such then. I really was open minded then. Not so any more. I despise him now.

Anyway, the point of this post is to thank my Followers. In one short year I've watched that counter roll up. And yesterday, it passed the Ten Thousand mark. I wonder who it was? I guess I could do the research, but it doesn't really matter. You all contributed , and I thank you all.

Most of you know, but for those that don't, I'll tell you that this blog attracts a world-wide audience, although most of the visits originate from within America. From Louisiana north to Minnesota, and from Florida west to California, the visits came. Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Russia, also came every once in a while. Some stayed, others moved on, and some got the boot. Some commented, others not. Who would have thought?

While the MacDaddy has lost 50% of his supporters, mine has grown 10 Thousand fold. Now, that's what I'm talking about!

It was a wild ride from the Thought Dock. Thanks!
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America's Security. And Yours.

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Another avid Follower provided the following. Having a law enforcement background, I know most of this information is true, but I have not verified it in it's entirety. Thanks BK for your contribution to this blog. I condensed it somewhat.

Juval Aviv was the Israeli Agent upon whom the movie "Munich" was based. He was assigned to track down and bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who murdered the Israeli athletes during the Munich Olympics.

In a lecture in New York City a few weeks ago, he shared information that EVERY American needs to know, but that our government has refused to share with us. Aviv predicted the London subway bombing on the Bill O'Reilly show, O'Reilly laughed at him . Unfortunately, as predicted, the attack had occurred.

Aviv gave intelligence information that he had gathered in Israel to the Bush Administration about 9/11 a month before it occurred. His report specifically said planes would be used as bombs and would target high profile buildings and monuments. Our Congress has since hired him as a security consultant. Now for his future predictions.

Aviv states the next terrorist attack on the U.S. will occur within the next few months. It will not involve hijacking a plane again as they know the people onboard will never go down quietly again.

Aviv believes our airport security is a joke. We are been reactionary rather than proactive in developing strategies that are truly effective. For example, our airport technology is outdated. We look for metal, and the new explosives are made of plastics and liquids. When a terrorist tried to light his shoe on fire in a failed attempted bombing on an airplane, we now have everyone take off their shoes. A group of idiots tried board a plane with liquid explosives and now we can't bring liquids on board. Every strategy we have is reactionary. We only focus on security when people are heading to the gates.

Aviv says that if a terrorist attack targets airports in the future, they will target busy times on the front end of the airport when/where people are checking in. It would be easy for someone to take two suitcases of explosives, walk up to a busy check-in line, ask a person next to them to watch their bags for a minute while they run to the restroom or get a Drink, and then detonate the bags BEFORE security even gets involved. In Israel , security checks bags BEFORE people can even ENTER the airport.

Aviv believes the next terrorist attack in America is imminent and will involve suicide bombers and non-suicide bombers in places where large groups of people congregate, and that it will also target rural America. The attack will involve simultaneous detonations around the country in 5-8 cities. The terrorists won't be suicide bombers in the larger cities.

Aviv says all of this is well known in intelligence circles, but that our government does not want to alarm American citizens with the facts. Americans don't have to be concerned about being nuked because like to use a front-line approach. It's cheap, it's easy, it's effective; and they have an infinite abundance of young militants more than willing to 'meet their destiny'.

America should be most concerned about homegrown terrorists having attended and been educated in our own schools and universities. He says to look for students who frequently travel back and forth to the Middle East. These terrorists will be most dangerous because they will know our language and will fully understand the habits of Americans.

Aviv says that Americans are unaware and uneducated about the terrorist threats we will inevitably face. So, what can America do to protect itself?

He believes the U.S. needs to stop relying on satellites and technology for intelligence. We need to, instead, follow Israel 's,Ireland 's and England 's hands-on examples of human intelligence, both from an infiltration perspective and from citizen awareness.

He stresses the importance of having a plan for their families in the event of an attack. Does your family know what to do if you can't contact one another by phone? Where would you gather in an emergency? He says we should all have a plan that is easy enough for even our youngest children to remember and follow. You should know that Homeland Security has a plan in place disable all cell phones upon another attack because they are the preferred method for terrorists to detonate secondary bombs. How then will you communicate with your family?
You need to have a plan. A place to meet in the vent of an attack.

Consider meeting at the Thought Dock. That's where I will be!
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Uncle Doesn't Work

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I have no idea where the phrase, "Say Uncle" came from, but I remember it well. For those that have never heard it, it meant, "OK. You win. I give up." and it usually involved some kind of physical altercation.

For the most part, I was the eldest, strongest, meanest, sibling of our family. And, it was up to me, to tune the others up. And, that I did. I'm pretty sure that at one time or another each one of my brothers and sisters got their butts kicked, and then were pinned to the ground until they said, "Uncle."

Then, the scary part came. Most often they would quietly slither off, catch their breath, sneak up on me, and bush whack me from behind. Then, I'd have to kick their butts again. Seems they'd never learn, and never did they forget. Even today.

Then, later as a cop, there were times when I had to kick some butt. And, often when the handcuffs were removed, the fight resumed. Can't say that I was any different. Mess with me and when I get the chance, I'll get even somehow. And most of you know what I'm talking about. Or, do you?

At the end of World War I, the Germans were allowed to pick up their ruins and return home in shame. 20 years later, and they were right back at it. But, following WWII, German, Italian, and Japanese leaders were imprisoned or executed. Well, that worked! And now they are our allies.

But, "Uncle" didn't work in North Korea. And it didn't work in North Korea, Vietnam, or the first Gulf War. And, it's not going to work in Iraq or Afghanistan. And, it is not working in our current war against terror.

And saying "Uncle" doesn't work in our criminal justice system either. How often do the repenting convicts get released only to rape, murder, or steal again? And the same is true with the release of the captured enemy combatants from the war against terror. Say "Uncle" and we'll try you in a civilian court. Or we will release you to Yemen on your promise to behave.

Wake up you bleeding heart panty waists! Anyone threatening this country from abroad does not have the rights of an American. They should all be executed, without trial, just as is done anywhere else son they never can bush whack us again! Sound cruel? Not hardly. It's the only way. Because saying "Uncle" doesn't work.

It's a deadly game and we must play for keeps.
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WIIFM

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What's in it for me? Wiifm, pronounced " whiffum." In other words, it's asking, "What do I get out of it?" or "What is the rate of return?"

It is the single most driving force of how this world works. It always has been, and it always will be. But I think most of you have never realized it.

Did you know that a person is more likely to make a charitable donation if there is something in it for him, no matter how small. That's why Girl Scout cookies, and school fundraisers giving useless calendars away, are great sources of funds. And, the better rate of return on your money, the more apt you are to give it away. Something. Anything. Few of us hesitate to give our money away without a Wiifm. There is something about it that makes you want to part with your money to get in return, 25 cents worth of popcorn in a pretty container.

And Wiifm is the driving force of all wars. It's not about right vs wrong, dethroning evildoers like Hitler or Hussein. There is always will be a Wiifm for somebody. Power. Fame. Fortune. Something.

And, it is there on the receiving end of the stick as well. Sell your Savior for a small bag of stuff. Forgive the soldier that killed your parents for a chocolate bar. Receive a better grade for leaving an apple on the desk. Or, get that promotion for spreading your legs.

Sometimes, Wiifm is hard to spot. Other times, it is obvious. It's almost always camouflaged. But, I can almost assure you that it is there, somewhere. And, Wiifm is not always a bad thing, or something that benefits only a single person.

So, please take the time to look a bit closer at things before you buy into things. Try to find the Wiffm in Global Warming. How about socialized medicine, trying terrorists in a civilian court, bowing to a foreign leader, denouncing America, maintaining friendships with criminals, racists, and communists? Where is the Wiifm in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, or Israel? What about energy conservation, or Cap and Trade concepts?

Need help? Just ask the Thought Dock.
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Looking Back to Move Forward

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The sound of the bugles fill the air. It's all that can be heard above the pounding of the horses' hoofs. Charge! Charge! Don't look back! It's what the commander is screaming as he leads his men forward. And then it happens. Suddenly the entire brigade has been encircled by the enemy that the commander did not see, but are now at his rear. No where to run. No where to hide, and at retreat is impossible. And the end comes quickly.

Do you ever check your rear mirrors before moving forward? I'm sure you do. It would be messy if you pulled into traffic coming from your rear. Or drive off before your children are seated securely.

Well, we need to look back at the past decade and year. We need to see the things we've done right, and we need to recognize our mistakes; before we move forward. To not, would be as grave as Custer's last stand.

Will we continue to invest in stocks merely on the speculation that they will increase? Will we continue to borrow against our home's equity to finance the life style we think we deserve now? Will we continue to drink and eat excessively because it feels good now?

Should we let our representatives take us into wars that we can not win? Should we release out terrorist prisoners, without prosecution, to their homelands only to fight again against us? Should we deny that we at war against terror and treat our attackers as if they were just everyday criminals. Can we continue to extend our American freedoms to those that we are fighting in foreign countries. Should our government control our banks, big businesses, and health care? Should our government redistribute money from those that work hard, to those that refuse to work at all?

Should we have elected a president that is a racist, has ties to known criminals and communists, and was raised in a church who's pastor spews openly hate for America? Should we try those admitted 9/11 terrorists in a criminal court and allow them the rights of any American. "Sir, would you tell the court how the soldiers blew the roof off your cave, rushed in to capture you in the mountains of Afghanistan, without a search warrant? And, did they advise you of your Miranda Rights before they tortured you until you copped out to bombing the USS Cole?"

We are fools if we don't look back at these issues before moving forward into this new decade. Were were fools then to elect the Long Legged MacDaddy.
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Let's look back!
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Changing the Batteries

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So, it is not only the new year, but also a new decade. Now, what do we do?

Well, I'll tell you what I'll be doing these next few days.

I'll change the batteries in my programmable thermostats. I'll replace the water filter in the refrigerator. I'll renew the batteries in the smoke detectors in the house and in the Wheeled Manor. I'll put fresh gasoline in the emergency generator. I'll add septic treatment to the system. I'll have the automatic transmission fluid changed in our cars that are over 10 years old. I'll gather up usable, but no longer used items in our home to give to charity. I'll designate a file for tax stuff that will be coming in the mail. I'll service the home heating/air conditioning unit. I'll lubricate the door hinges of both my cars and home. I'll blow out the dust from inside my computer. I'll get a new fishing license. I'll reset the yearly data on my home weather station. I'll take down the Christmas decorations. I've already watched the Rose Bowl parade and game. I'll replace the head on my toothbrush. I'll log the Christmas cards I get by mail. I'll begin my Bible study plan. I'll change the batteries in the clocks. I'll shop for a new TV. I'll re-examine my goals, scratch some, adjust others, and create some new ones. And, I'll begin a new chapter in my life.

What about you?