.
We don't really have a neighbor here, and I can't say that I miss not having one either. Aside from the sound of occasional chainsaw or a passing kayak on the Lake, it is really quite quiet and peaceful. And, I like it like that!
In Those Days, we usually lived in a neighborhood with neighbors. But, had it not been forced by my children playing with their children, I likely would have had little to do with any of them. There were, of course, a few exceptions and some day I'll write about them. But not today!
One Sunday morning (circa 1980) I was lying on the couch trying to watch a football game while the rest of my family went to church (that's the way it was....then). Well anyway, it was not long before I heard a lawnmower start. Nothing unusual during winter in SoCal. But what was odd, was that my neighbor had never moved his grass himself ever before, because this guy was just plain geeky.
It wasn't long before I heard the "sound." A sound I knew because I had even caused that very same sound a time or two myself. It was the sound of a mower blade chewing up a sprinkler head so hard that it kills the motor. And since the neighbor did not have any sprinkler heads of his own, I knew it was mine.
Not wanting to deal with the issue at hand, I just laid there covering my forehead and listening to the game. I could visualize what he was doing. You know, turning the mower on it's side and looking under to see just what happened. And, I really though he was trying to raise the blade height. Wrong.
I guess about 15 minutes passed before I heard that mower restart. I was really surprised at that. But within seconds this time, I heard the exact same noise again. Holy crap! Was this guy going to destroy every one of the sprinklers that I just installed a few weeks before? I couldn't let the idiot do that, so I jumped from the couch and ran outside.
There he was. Proud as heck of his brand new lawnmower. So he says, "I'm sorry, but I think I just hit a couple of your sprinklers." Now, how did he figure that out?
First I asked why he was mowing my lawn (the part between his property and my driveway), and he said he just thought that was the neighborly thing to do. I told him that I could understand hitting the first one, but asked why did he continue along the same path to hit the very next one. He said that he thought if he pushed the machine faster he could pass over it before the blade could catch the sprinkler.
I just went back inside without saying a word and returned to the game. I guess I should have gone to church like I was supposed to do.
You know, I never saw him mow his lawn again!
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Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
What's in that bucket?
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In Those Days, my father called money "skins." I'm not sure where or how he came up with that, but I never heard anyone other than Pop use that word in that context. I do know that once, a man's wealth was determined by the amount of animal skins he possessed. So, like Pop, I'll use it on this post.
Now, Americans are known for there generosity all over the world. No matter who, no matter what country, no matter the reason, Americans have been there unlike no other people. And they have given their skins for the cause.
In America, we are even more involved in providing for "Needies." It has been a rapidly growing way of life for us. Every state has "Welfare" funded by taxing the "More Fortunates" to help the Needies.
I know that some of my Followers are well versed in Welfare, but for those that are not, here is an how it works: The state collects the skins from the More Fortunates and puts them into the "Big Bucket." A portion of the collection goes to paying for the administration of the system. That creates jobs, thereby reducing the amount of Needies. Then those Needies can contribute their own skins into the Big Bucket like the rest of us because they are no longer less fortunate or unfortunate, and are paid more skins than some of the More Fortunates. And, so they then become "Ex-needies."
Other Needies then apply for skins from Welfare. The Ex-needies determine the number of skins the Needies really need. Theoretically, the Needies are awarded just enough skins to get by. The Needies then obtain their own smaller bucket to keep their skins in as they spend them. Sometimes we wonder just how the Needies survive based upon the limited number of skins they are given by the Ex-needies. Well, here is how they do it:
Some Needies do actually work, but hide their earnings in their bucket because they know the Ex-needies will cut them off if they acquire too many skins. Some Needies get skins from their loved ones but don't tell anyone either. Some Needies collect skins from the More Fortunates by begging on the street and in front of Walmart. Still other Needies get still more skins from other organizations like churches and charity groups, school lunch programs, or by stealing. Some Neediest even get more skins by filing a new claim with the Ex-neediest under a false name. And some Neediest are just given more skins by the More Fortunates just because they feel sorry for them because the Needies give the appearance they are actually needy. And having said that, some Needies actually are not actually needy, and may have more skins than some More Fortunates.
So, the next time you put extra skins into the Needies' bucket, think about what might already be in it.
.
In Those Days, my father called money "skins." I'm not sure where or how he came up with that, but I never heard anyone other than Pop use that word in that context. I do know that once, a man's wealth was determined by the amount of animal skins he possessed. So, like Pop, I'll use it on this post.
Now, Americans are known for there generosity all over the world. No matter who, no matter what country, no matter the reason, Americans have been there unlike no other people. And they have given their skins for the cause.
In America, we are even more involved in providing for "Needies." It has been a rapidly growing way of life for us. Every state has "Welfare" funded by taxing the "More Fortunates" to help the Needies.
I know that some of my Followers are well versed in Welfare, but for those that are not, here is an how it works: The state collects the skins from the More Fortunates and puts them into the "Big Bucket." A portion of the collection goes to paying for the administration of the system. That creates jobs, thereby reducing the amount of Needies. Then those Needies can contribute their own skins into the Big Bucket like the rest of us because they are no longer less fortunate or unfortunate, and are paid more skins than some of the More Fortunates. And, so they then become "Ex-needies."
Other Needies then apply for skins from Welfare. The Ex-needies determine the number of skins the Needies really need. Theoretically, the Needies are awarded just enough skins to get by. The Needies then obtain their own smaller bucket to keep their skins in as they spend them. Sometimes we wonder just how the Needies survive based upon the limited number of skins they are given by the Ex-needies. Well, here is how they do it:
Some Needies do actually work, but hide their earnings in their bucket because they know the Ex-needies will cut them off if they acquire too many skins. Some Needies get skins from their loved ones but don't tell anyone either. Some Needies collect skins from the More Fortunates by begging on the street and in front of Walmart. Still other Needies get still more skins from other organizations like churches and charity groups, school lunch programs, or by stealing. Some Neediest even get more skins by filing a new claim with the Ex-neediest under a false name. And some Neediest are just given more skins by the More Fortunates just because they feel sorry for them because the Needies give the appearance they are actually needy. And having said that, some Needies actually are not actually needy, and may have more skins than some More Fortunates.
So, the next time you put extra skins into the Needies' bucket, think about what might already be in it.
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Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pray Politically
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My most radical Follower sent me the following prayer. I'm not sure whether he or she wrote it, but according to my investigation, it is fact based. So, here it is. It speaks for itself.
Enjoy your weekend!
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My most radical Follower sent me the following prayer. I'm not sure whether he or she wrote it, but according to my investigation, it is fact based. So, here it is. It speaks for itself.
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If Scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offence; it's a freedom scene.
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong.
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen!
Enjoy your weekend!
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Friday, March 26, 2010
Ain't nothing for free
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I've listened to people around this town, mostly seniors because that's all that live here, about their medical struggles. It's sad to listen about their pains and illnesses, and the fact that they can't seem to find adequate care. Most of them have Medicare, and the Oregon Heath Plan (OHP), which is similar to California's Medical.
One conversation was with a person that has a painful back problem and is prescribed powerful and expensive pills. Seems surgery is out of the question, so she has no alternative but to rely on her pain pills. She also said that Medicare has a yearly maximun on prescription drugs, which she seems to exhaust by April. Then OHP kicks in and partially pays for the pills, but she can not afford her co-pay, so she goes without. And, that keeps her bed ridden for eight months out of the year.
We recently spoke about the newly adopted Obamacare. She was delighted, needless to say. With the new program, she believes she will soon be able to get her pills free for the entire year though Medicare. And, I'm happy for her because I know she suffers.
But I am concerned that there will be millions of others that will now receive that entitlement even though they have never, and never will pay into that system. And, that I don't understand.
Compare this scenerio. Imagine that you are driving your car, which is uninsured, when you have an accident. So, you just go down to the local agent and purchase an auto policy at the same rate that I pay for insurance, that would in turn, pays the cost of repair to your previously wrecked car. Sound crazy? Well, that is what the Obama Clan say they just did.
And the Long Legged MacDaddy claims that my rates will drop because everyone will be insured. Get it? I don't.
.
I've listened to people around this town, mostly seniors because that's all that live here, about their medical struggles. It's sad to listen about their pains and illnesses, and the fact that they can't seem to find adequate care. Most of them have Medicare, and the Oregon Heath Plan (OHP), which is similar to California's Medical.
One conversation was with a person that has a painful back problem and is prescribed powerful and expensive pills. Seems surgery is out of the question, so she has no alternative but to rely on her pain pills. She also said that Medicare has a yearly maximun on prescription drugs, which she seems to exhaust by April. Then OHP kicks in and partially pays for the pills, but she can not afford her co-pay, so she goes without. And, that keeps her bed ridden for eight months out of the year.
We recently spoke about the newly adopted Obamacare. She was delighted, needless to say. With the new program, she believes she will soon be able to get her pills free for the entire year though Medicare. And, I'm happy for her because I know she suffers.
But I am concerned that there will be millions of others that will now receive that entitlement even though they have never, and never will pay into that system. And, that I don't understand.
Compare this scenerio. Imagine that you are driving your car, which is uninsured, when you have an accident. So, you just go down to the local agent and purchase an auto policy at the same rate that I pay for insurance, that would in turn, pays the cost of repair to your previously wrecked car. Sound crazy? Well, that is what the Obama Clan say they just did.
And the Long Legged MacDaddy claims that my rates will drop because everyone will be insured. Get it? I don't.
.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Crunching Coins
.
Yesterday morning, very early, I took my wife to PDX to hop a flight to DEN to visit the kids for a week or so, to play in the snow, at Steamboat Springs. Well, someone had to remain home for CritterCare (and no, it's not part of ObamaCare). Besides, I hate to be cold.
Well, during the preparation for the trip, we realized that due to the downward spiral of our economy, we were forced to give up our cell phones. Actually, just one because my spouse chose to give up her custom fake nails to keep her phone. So mine got sacrificed.
Anyway, it occurred to us, how does one contact the other to coordinate the airport pick up time? Especially, when you're flying in or out of DEN in the winter. So fearing that we couldn't do without a second phone, I headed off to our local Fred Meyers store (it's a Pacific Northwest take off of K-mart).
And not wanting to get locked in on another long term contract, I purchased a TracFone. Actually, I was quite impressed with it because it has the same features of our other phone, and it came with 10 minutes of air time, and a charger. But, the better part was, the kit only cost $8.00. Yep eight dollars!
No here's the best part. On the way to PDX my wife's phone went dead even though she had a full charge just hours before. She's been complaining about her battery life for many moons now, but they are $30 at Sprint and $12+shipping on EBay. And then I realized, the TracFone battery was the same as her Samsung dead one. So I traded her because I can use the charge on mine while I drive to PDX to pick her up in a week, and she will have a strong batter to use while she is sitting near the fireplace at that hoity toity bar on the slopes!
What a guy! And, I ain't talking about that stud she might be sitting next to (like her son). I'm talking about me! I just bought a new batter and a charger for her phone for 8 bucks! So, even if I never use it, the TracFone was a true value.
How about that for crunching coin?
.
Yesterday morning, very early, I took my wife to PDX to hop a flight to DEN to visit the kids for a week or so, to play in the snow, at Steamboat Springs. Well, someone had to remain home for CritterCare (and no, it's not part of ObamaCare). Besides, I hate to be cold.
Well, during the preparation for the trip, we realized that due to the downward spiral of our economy, we were forced to give up our cell phones. Actually, just one because my spouse chose to give up her custom fake nails to keep her phone. So mine got sacrificed.
Anyway, it occurred to us, how does one contact the other to coordinate the airport pick up time? Especially, when you're flying in or out of DEN in the winter. So fearing that we couldn't do without a second phone, I headed off to our local Fred Meyers store (it's a Pacific Northwest take off of K-mart).
And not wanting to get locked in on another long term contract, I purchased a TracFone. Actually, I was quite impressed with it because it has the same features of our other phone, and it came with 10 minutes of air time, and a charger. But, the better part was, the kit only cost $8.00. Yep eight dollars!
No here's the best part. On the way to PDX my wife's phone went dead even though she had a full charge just hours before. She's been complaining about her battery life for many moons now, but they are $30 at Sprint and $12+shipping on EBay. And then I realized, the TracFone battery was the same as her Samsung dead one. So I traded her because I can use the charge on mine while I drive to PDX to pick her up in a week, and she will have a strong batter to use while she is sitting near the fireplace at that hoity toity bar on the slopes!
What a guy! And, I ain't talking about that stud she might be sitting next to (like her son). I'm talking about me! I just bought a new batter and a charger for her phone for 8 bucks! So, even if I never use it, the TracFone was a true value.
How about that for crunching coin?
.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Inclinations
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Now, I've always had a love for fixing, building, or improving stuff.
In Those Days, it became apparent that I was mechanically inclined. I think it first came to light when I was about eight when I learned that I could rotate the arms and legs of my sister's dolls to a certain position where I could then remove them from their sockets. And, I also realized I could replace an arm with a leg which would make her cry.
It was also about that time when my mom taught me to fix a flat on my bike by prying the tire off with a butter knife. The trick was to do it without pinching the tube against the rim causing yet another hole to repair. Having few tools around the house, I learned to do the repair without even taking the wheel off the bike.
Those early times led to more projects, many of which were failures. Like building a raft from 55 gallon oil drums that sank before it's first voyage on Sheepheads Bay. Like, buliding a skateboard from a wooden plank and a pair of metal wheeled shoe skates, that led to a doctor's visit when the wheels vibrated off. Like building a small gasoline powered jet engine to power a car built with Erector Set parts, that led to setting a field on fire. Like completing a valve job on an old Plymouth, only to experience failure because I forgot to tighten a few bolts. Like and a room addition intended for slumber parties (they call them sleep overs now I think), that was only completed after my children moved away. Like setting fence posts at our first house that resulted in short circuiting electricity to an entire neighborhood.
But there were triumphs as well. Building a performance engine gave me the power I needed to easily pull a camp trailer with the family car. Overhauling an automatic transmission on the kitchen table. Replacing the roof on my children's great grandmother's house. Designing and building a hill side home. Raising the funding, designing and then building a youth baseball complex. Building a work station area for my peers. And, my final project, the Thought Dock and the accompanying house.
Time for a rest, I'd say!
.
Now, I've always had a love for fixing, building, or improving stuff.
In Those Days, it became apparent that I was mechanically inclined. I think it first came to light when I was about eight when I learned that I could rotate the arms and legs of my sister's dolls to a certain position where I could then remove them from their sockets. And, I also realized I could replace an arm with a leg which would make her cry.
It was also about that time when my mom taught me to fix a flat on my bike by prying the tire off with a butter knife. The trick was to do it without pinching the tube against the rim causing yet another hole to repair. Having few tools around the house, I learned to do the repair without even taking the wheel off the bike.
Those early times led to more projects, many of which were failures. Like building a raft from 55 gallon oil drums that sank before it's first voyage on Sheepheads Bay. Like, buliding a skateboard from a wooden plank and a pair of metal wheeled shoe skates, that led to a doctor's visit when the wheels vibrated off. Like building a small gasoline powered jet engine to power a car built with Erector Set parts, that led to setting a field on fire. Like completing a valve job on an old Plymouth, only to experience failure because I forgot to tighten a few bolts. Like and a room addition intended for slumber parties (they call them sleep overs now I think), that was only completed after my children moved away. Like setting fence posts at our first house that resulted in short circuiting electricity to an entire neighborhood.
But there were triumphs as well. Building a performance engine gave me the power I needed to easily pull a camp trailer with the family car. Overhauling an automatic transmission on the kitchen table. Replacing the roof on my children's great grandmother's house. Designing and building a hill side home. Raising the funding, designing and then building a youth baseball complex. Building a work station area for my peers. And, my final project, the Thought Dock and the accompanying house.
Time for a rest, I'd say!
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Tuesday, March 23, 2010
What makes one happy?
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Morale is how somebody feels emotionally. I never really put much thought into this subject until I began my law enforcement career. There, it was called "Esprit De Corps" which is the morale of a group of people, and it was proven to affect work performance. Esprit De Corps exists nearly everywhere and in every group. From church, to the football field, and the Salvation Army to the United States Army.
But what is happiness? I mean the morale of an individual. As in what makes a person happy?
Is it about where he lives, or the size of his house? Or is it the car he drives, or the vacation his takes. Is it how much he earns, or what he has acquired with those earnings. Is it about who his father was, or the accomplishments of his children? Or, is it about what he has built, or what he has destroyed? Is it about what he has given, or what he has taken? Is it about whether he owns his own company, or works for another? Is it about the person he elected, or is it that he was elected?
You know, all of these factors surely effect one's happiness to some degree. But, I find that one's personal happiness is determined by his own personality, rather than those around him.
I have seen or met many that can attest to that. Even as they search for a way to feed their family in the hut of poverty stricken country, they are seen as happy. Even as they lead their donkey drawn wagon around the air conditioned car, they seems happy. Even though their father was in prison, they strive to be honest citizens. Even though they work hard to provide an education for their, they remain happy when they fail. As they clean the floors of the office of their employer, they remain happy. Even though they have failed, they keep trying.
But, more often that is not the case. More often we let the people around us effect our morale. Now, if they are uplifting, we are uplifted. That bad news is that when we surround ourselves with people of low morale, our attitudes generally follow.
So my point is, "Don't worry. Be happy." Your morale is controlled by you. Your life is what you make it. Don't allow others to control your morale. Even during the most challenging or desperate of times, you can be happy if that's what you want.
Even as one who seems to seldom smile, I am happy. Very happy. I am happy with where I've been, where I'm at, and where I'm going. I have "Been there" or "Done that" for everything that is within reason, and I don't want to do it again.
Trust the Lord. Pursue your dreams. Speak out loud. Cast your vote, but keep your happiness whatever the result. You really can!
.
Morale is how somebody feels emotionally. I never really put much thought into this subject until I began my law enforcement career. There, it was called "Esprit De Corps" which is the morale of a group of people, and it was proven to affect work performance. Esprit De Corps exists nearly everywhere and in every group. From church, to the football field, and the Salvation Army to the United States Army.
But what is happiness? I mean the morale of an individual. As in what makes a person happy?
Is it about where he lives, or the size of his house? Or is it the car he drives, or the vacation his takes. Is it how much he earns, or what he has acquired with those earnings. Is it about who his father was, or the accomplishments of his children? Or, is it about what he has built, or what he has destroyed? Is it about what he has given, or what he has taken? Is it about whether he owns his own company, or works for another? Is it about the person he elected, or is it that he was elected?
You know, all of these factors surely effect one's happiness to some degree. But, I find that one's personal happiness is determined by his own personality, rather than those around him.
I have seen or met many that can attest to that. Even as they search for a way to feed their family in the hut of poverty stricken country, they are seen as happy. Even as they lead their donkey drawn wagon around the air conditioned car, they seems happy. Even though their father was in prison, they strive to be honest citizens. Even though they work hard to provide an education for their, they remain happy when they fail. As they clean the floors of the office of their employer, they remain happy. Even though they have failed, they keep trying.
But, more often that is not the case. More often we let the people around us effect our morale. Now, if they are uplifting, we are uplifted. That bad news is that when we surround ourselves with people of low morale, our attitudes generally follow.
So my point is, "Don't worry. Be happy." Your morale is controlled by you. Your life is what you make it. Don't allow others to control your morale. Even during the most challenging or desperate of times, you can be happy if that's what you want.
Even as one who seems to seldom smile, I am happy. Very happy. I am happy with where I've been, where I'm at, and where I'm going. I have "Been there" or "Done that" for everything that is within reason, and I don't want to do it again.
Trust the Lord. Pursue your dreams. Speak out loud. Cast your vote, but keep your happiness whatever the result. You really can!
.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
What will we do now?
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Well, at the time of this writing, the vote is just around the corner. But the prediction are that Obamacare will prevail.
I think you all know how I feel about the health care issue, but I've done my part, and have expressed my views at every opportunity. I respect any others that have done the same, regardless of what view they had.
I will say though, that I will refuse to support any politician that had promised to represent my views, but did not. Soon I will re-register as an Independent, which will allow me to either support, or reject any politician in my District regardless of his or her Party. And, I will not vote for any person that does not support my views.
But life goes on, and I won't dwell on this issue any further. After all, the majority wins, even if we all lose.
.
Well, at the time of this writing, the vote is just around the corner. But the prediction are that Obamacare will prevail.
I think you all know how I feel about the health care issue, but I've done my part, and have expressed my views at every opportunity. I respect any others that have done the same, regardless of what view they had.
I will say though, that I will refuse to support any politician that had promised to represent my views, but did not. Soon I will re-register as an Independent, which will allow me to either support, or reject any politician in my District regardless of his or her Party. And, I will not vote for any person that does not support my views.
But life goes on, and I won't dwell on this issue any further. After all, the majority wins, even if we all lose.
.
Dark Shadows
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I've always feared darkness. As a child, I couldn't keep my head beneath the bed blankets for very long without a flash light. I'd see evil things lurking in the shadows of my room at night, and refrained from ever going outside alone under the stars. And, while working the night shift for a big part of my career, I learned even more reasons to fear the dark.
I don't think it's very odd to be afraid of the dark. I think most of us are. But darkness comes in many forms. It's a place or a means for evildoers. Whether a place to hide from pursuers, to conceal an identity, plan an attack, or to do your thing alone, it's all dark. A closet, a cave, a costume, a disguised voice, or as an imposter, darkness is a tool to be used by ones that have something to hide.
But darkness comes in many forms. Terrorists thrive in caves, as smugglers thrive in tunnels, as criminals thrive at night, as rapists lurk in bushes, as armies advance under the cover of clouds, as a submariner sinks a ship, as a panther stalks his prey, as a Jihadist begins in a mosque, as a magician wears a cloak, as the mafia propagates from a smoke filled parlor, and as an adulterer operates from that dungy motel, there are reasons to fear darkness.
So fear darkness. Recognize that it is a means of deception. Know who is in the closet or behind the curtain. Know who authored the article you just read. Know who that talk show host really is. Know who wrote that blog. Know your leader before you follow him. Know the school you attend and the church you support. Know whether he is a scammer or is truly one begging for help. Know your investment counselor, and your butcher. Know your neighbor and know who really is behind that mask.
For to know these people is to better understand their motives, and the better you understand, the safer you will be.
.
I've always feared darkness. As a child, I couldn't keep my head beneath the bed blankets for very long without a flash light. I'd see evil things lurking in the shadows of my room at night, and refrained from ever going outside alone under the stars. And, while working the night shift for a big part of my career, I learned even more reasons to fear the dark.
I don't think it's very odd to be afraid of the dark. I think most of us are. But darkness comes in many forms. It's a place or a means for evildoers. Whether a place to hide from pursuers, to conceal an identity, plan an attack, or to do your thing alone, it's all dark. A closet, a cave, a costume, a disguised voice, or as an imposter, darkness is a tool to be used by ones that have something to hide.
But darkness comes in many forms. Terrorists thrive in caves, as smugglers thrive in tunnels, as criminals thrive at night, as rapists lurk in bushes, as armies advance under the cover of clouds, as a submariner sinks a ship, as a panther stalks his prey, as a Jihadist begins in a mosque, as a magician wears a cloak, as the mafia propagates from a smoke filled parlor, and as an adulterer operates from that dungy motel, there are reasons to fear darkness.
So fear darkness. Recognize that it is a means of deception. Know who is in the closet or behind the curtain. Know who authored the article you just read. Know who that talk show host really is. Know who wrote that blog. Know your leader before you follow him. Know the school you attend and the church you support. Know whether he is a scammer or is truly one begging for help. Know your investment counselor, and your butcher. Know your neighbor and know who really is behind that mask.
For to know these people is to better understand their motives, and the better you understand, the safer you will be.
.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Should we?
.
Everyone I know has a decent car. You know the cost of car ownership and how you struggled to make your car payment, pay the insurance, purchase gasoline, or find another way around when your car broke down. And, as you worry about that, there drives by the guy in his new SUV.
Everyone I know has a telephone and television. How hard it would be to live without one? How would one call for help in an emergency, or watch Fox news every morning? And, as you worry about that, you visit someone watching his a new flat screen while talking about the ball game on his I-Phone.
Everyone I know has enough to eat. They know the cost of groceries and clip the coupons, select store brands, and cheaper cuts of meat to get along. And, as you bag those staples that you can afford, someone is waiting impatiently in line behind you with his jumbo shrimp and fillet Mignon.
Everyone I know has a home. But, they often envy those that live in the mansions on the other side of town.
Everyone I know eats out sometimes, takes a vacation, and shares fun times with friends and family. And, they watch from their Motel 6 window the others that arrive at the Hilton down the street. And, they wonder what it would be like to ride in first class, or ride in that fancy speedboat while they play on the beach with an inner tube with their children.
Everyone I know has health insurance. They get their teeth cleaned and their eyes checked routinely. And, when their kid breaks a bone, there is a place to go for help. And through their glasses, they watch others getting laser eye treatments, hair transplants and tummy tucks.
But, I know that some people don't have a car, a telephone, a television. And, I know that some people can't eat until they are no longer hungry, have a home of their own, or take a vacation. And, I know of people who have teeth removed because they can't afford a filling, and use a magnifying glass because they don't have glasses, and ride a bike or take the bus because they don't have transportation. And, I hear of people losing everything because they don't have health insurance.
So should we, as Americans, see to it that everyone has an equal amount of everything?
We already spend billions to ensure everyone who wants a telephone, has one. And, we build ramps and widen doorways so everyone in a wheel chair can get there. And, we already provide free basic medical care to those without health insurance. And, we have homeless shelters for those without a place to stay, welfare for those that don't work, can eat. And we give money to those that don't work, and give funds for those that can't afford and education.
But the question was about equality. Should we tax the guy that drives a Cadillac, forcing him it up for a Ford, and give his money to another guy so that he can also drive a Ford?
Should we tax everyone that has a cell phone to buy a telephone for those that can't afford one? Should we tax the guy that eats shrimp forcing him to eat chicken, so that everyone only can eat chicken?
Should we tax the guy that builds a nice home, forcing him to sell it, give his money to one that has no home, so that everyone can have a condo? Should we tax everyone that works, to give a salary to those that don't work?
Should we tax those that get cosmetic surgeries, and give their money to others that have little health care, so that no one gets cosmetic surgeries?
More and more, American are saying "yes" to all of this. They want socialism. They want everyone to be the same. Live the same, eat the same, earn the same amount (after taxes), take the same vacations, and fly in the same seat as everyone else. Is that what you want?
Should we be all be the same? March like ducks in a straight line behind our leader? Not aroud this Thought Dock.
Or should we continue to reward people who work hard, who are smart, and who are lucky and allow them to have more than the rest of us?
.
Everyone I know has a decent car. You know the cost of car ownership and how you struggled to make your car payment, pay the insurance, purchase gasoline, or find another way around when your car broke down. And, as you worry about that, there drives by the guy in his new SUV.
Everyone I know has a telephone and television. How hard it would be to live without one? How would one call for help in an emergency, or watch Fox news every morning? And, as you worry about that, you visit someone watching his a new flat screen while talking about the ball game on his I-Phone.
Everyone I know has enough to eat. They know the cost of groceries and clip the coupons, select store brands, and cheaper cuts of meat to get along. And, as you bag those staples that you can afford, someone is waiting impatiently in line behind you with his jumbo shrimp and fillet Mignon.
Everyone I know has a home. But, they often envy those that live in the mansions on the other side of town.
Everyone I know eats out sometimes, takes a vacation, and shares fun times with friends and family. And, they watch from their Motel 6 window the others that arrive at the Hilton down the street. And, they wonder what it would be like to ride in first class, or ride in that fancy speedboat while they play on the beach with an inner tube with their children.
Everyone I know has health insurance. They get their teeth cleaned and their eyes checked routinely. And, when their kid breaks a bone, there is a place to go for help. And through their glasses, they watch others getting laser eye treatments, hair transplants and tummy tucks.
But, I know that some people don't have a car, a telephone, a television. And, I know that some people can't eat until they are no longer hungry, have a home of their own, or take a vacation. And, I know of people who have teeth removed because they can't afford a filling, and use a magnifying glass because they don't have glasses, and ride a bike or take the bus because they don't have transportation. And, I hear of people losing everything because they don't have health insurance.
So should we, as Americans, see to it that everyone has an equal amount of everything?
We already spend billions to ensure everyone who wants a telephone, has one. And, we build ramps and widen doorways so everyone in a wheel chair can get there. And, we already provide free basic medical care to those without health insurance. And, we have homeless shelters for those without a place to stay, welfare for those that don't work, can eat. And we give money to those that don't work, and give funds for those that can't afford and education.
But the question was about equality. Should we tax the guy that drives a Cadillac, forcing him it up for a Ford, and give his money to another guy so that he can also drive a Ford?
Should we tax everyone that has a cell phone to buy a telephone for those that can't afford one? Should we tax the guy that eats shrimp forcing him to eat chicken, so that everyone only can eat chicken?
Should we tax the guy that builds a nice home, forcing him to sell it, give his money to one that has no home, so that everyone can have a condo? Should we tax everyone that works, to give a salary to those that don't work?
Should we tax those that get cosmetic surgeries, and give their money to others that have little health care, so that no one gets cosmetic surgeries?
More and more, American are saying "yes" to all of this. They want socialism. They want everyone to be the same. Live the same, eat the same, earn the same amount (after taxes), take the same vacations, and fly in the same seat as everyone else. Is that what you want?
Should we be all be the same? March like ducks in a straight line behind our leader? Not aroud this Thought Dock.
Or should we continue to reward people who work hard, who are smart, and who are lucky and allow them to have more than the rest of us?
.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Escaping from the coat hangers
.
A while back, an anonymous person left a comment to a post asking me to write about California State Senator Roy Ashburn (Republican) and suggested that had he been Black I would have already posted about him. Actually, I had not heard the recent news about the Senator's arrest, so I researched the news link that the commenter provided.
As it turns out, Senator Ashburn represents most of Kern County, Ca., a sparsely populated region of the high dessert, known for it's oil fields that have been pumped dry, cowboys, and Tulle fog. With the advent of air conditioners and irrigation, the area has to sprawled in recent years. I suppose the anonymous commenter is from this area represented by Senator Ashburn.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, the Senator was driving around the California State Capitol when he was arrested for driving under the influence. A male passenger was in the car with Senator Ashburn, and it was learned that they had just left a Gay bar together. As the news of the arrest came out, some speculated that Senator Ashburn was Gay. A few days later, the Senator, escaped from the bondage of a dark closet, and on a live radio interview, admitted that he was, in fact-Gay.
Parts of the community (I think mostly the Gay part, and perhaps too the anonymous commenter), became outraged because Senator Ashburn had consistently voted against every measure put to him that advocated Gay equality during his 14 year tenure. Senator Ashburn responded to that outrage by stating the he did so because that was the overwhelming stance of the people that elected him.
You know, I respect this guy, although I don't like his lifestyle. I respect him because although he has personal feelings and beliefs, he votes according to the views of his constituents.
Now, that is how all elected politicians should act, not just Republican ones. They certainly should not pass the Obamacare package, knowing that the overwhelming majority of the American citizens don't want it in it's present form.
So, thanks anonymous commenter for leading me to this most fascinating story and offering your claims of bigotry.
.
A while back, an anonymous person left a comment to a post asking me to write about California State Senator Roy Ashburn (Republican) and suggested that had he been Black I would have already posted about him. Actually, I had not heard the recent news about the Senator's arrest, so I researched the news link that the commenter provided.
As it turns out, Senator Ashburn represents most of Kern County, Ca., a sparsely populated region of the high dessert, known for it's oil fields that have been pumped dry, cowboys, and Tulle fog. With the advent of air conditioners and irrigation, the area has to sprawled in recent years. I suppose the anonymous commenter is from this area represented by Senator Ashburn.
Anyway, a few weeks ago, the Senator was driving around the California State Capitol when he was arrested for driving under the influence. A male passenger was in the car with Senator Ashburn, and it was learned that they had just left a Gay bar together. As the news of the arrest came out, some speculated that Senator Ashburn was Gay. A few days later, the Senator, escaped from the bondage of a dark closet, and on a live radio interview, admitted that he was, in fact-Gay.
Parts of the community (I think mostly the Gay part, and perhaps too the anonymous commenter), became outraged because Senator Ashburn had consistently voted against every measure put to him that advocated Gay equality during his 14 year tenure. Senator Ashburn responded to that outrage by stating the he did so because that was the overwhelming stance of the people that elected him.
You know, I respect this guy, although I don't like his lifestyle. I respect him because although he has personal feelings and beliefs, he votes according to the views of his constituents.
Now, that is how all elected politicians should act, not just Republican ones. They certainly should not pass the Obamacare package, knowing that the overwhelming majority of the American citizens don't want it in it's present form.
So, thanks anonymous commenter for leading me to this most fascinating story and offering your claims of bigotry.
.
Friday, March 12, 2010
The truth about lies
Some of you know that I've spent a lifetime in law enforcement. The thing that bothered me the most during my career, was the lies I've heard. I've never really gotten over it, and probably never will. It seems to be a common topic of conversation with me, and yet few people really get it.
Now, it's not that I should expect one facing arrest to tell the truth, yet I do. I expect everyone to tell the truth; Always. It's nothing new. It dates back to the earliest times of recorded history and stands as a Commandment of God. Yet few of us seem to care.
What is even harder for me to understand, is when I find that a person I hold in a position of trust, lies. Whether a parent, spouse, teacher, preacher, police officer, lawyer, or politician, it is even more despicable; If that is even possible.
Now, I won't stand on a pillar, beat my chest and claim that I've never lied. However, for those that know me, know that I take great pride in my integrity. And I don't think even they can recall a lie of mine in recent times.
Now, I'm not talking about perceptions or beliefs. Although sometimes mine are pretty far out, they are always fact based and truths. I'm talking about outright lies and deceptions. They are at the very root of evil. And some people have been lying so long and so much that they justify it by claiming it's normal!
So, does it feel like I'm talking about you? I hope not because if I am talking about you, then you should not be in this forum. I just refuse to tolerate those that lie. There are plenty of other places for liars to go where they might feel more comfortable.
.
Now, it's not that I should expect one facing arrest to tell the truth, yet I do. I expect everyone to tell the truth; Always. It's nothing new. It dates back to the earliest times of recorded history and stands as a Commandment of God. Yet few of us seem to care.
What is even harder for me to understand, is when I find that a person I hold in a position of trust, lies. Whether a parent, spouse, teacher, preacher, police officer, lawyer, or politician, it is even more despicable; If that is even possible.
Now, I won't stand on a pillar, beat my chest and claim that I've never lied. However, for those that know me, know that I take great pride in my integrity. And I don't think even they can recall a lie of mine in recent times.
Now, I'm not talking about perceptions or beliefs. Although sometimes mine are pretty far out, they are always fact based and truths. I'm talking about outright lies and deceptions. They are at the very root of evil. And some people have been lying so long and so much that they justify it by claiming it's normal!
So, does it feel like I'm talking about you? I hope not because if I am talking about you, then you should not be in this forum. I just refuse to tolerate those that lie. There are plenty of other places for liars to go where they might feel more comfortable.
.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Another one bites the dust
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Well, yet another famous one ends his life to drugs, this time in Los Angeles. And, he is so unimportant to me that I can't even remember his name. Is that a shame? But it does inspire Thoughts from the Dock.
After working many years in law enforcement, I've seen countless lives lost to drugs and alcoholism, that I guess I've become hardened. I've found that about 80% of the crime and suffering is directly related to narcotics. And in addition, the moral decay caused by this unethical behavior is unprecedented. So, here is my novel solution, that at first thought many of you will think of as crazy (especially my fellow cops):
We need another give-a-way program. Better than any the Long Legged MacDaddy has ever done or thought about. One that works.
First, realease all the narcotic offenders from prison and legalize narcotics..... Especially the very hard-core, addicting, and heart stopping ones. And let's make them free for the taking, courtesy of the government. Socialism at it's best.
Divert all the funding for narcotics enforcement, and use that money to buy the crap, then just give it away to those stupid enough to accept it.
Open huge centers (like unused sports stadiums) across America and set up the free distribution booths at the front door. Allow anyone over age 16 to come and get all the free dope they can use, on the condition that they can only use the stuff inside the arena.
Add a morgue wing to the opposite side of the facility to dispose of the dopes when they overdose, or when they murder someone inside.
Sound cruel? Not to me. Think about it. There would be no dope dealers on the streets because there would be no demand to by dope on the open market. There would be much less funding to terrorism. There would be no more street gangs, and no gang related murders, because there would be no reason to establish their turf. There would be far fewer liquor store and gas station robberies because the dopers wouldn't have to rob to support their habit. No more house break-ins, kidnaps for ransom, and far fewer homeless or begging on the streets. Far fewer child molestations and traffic deaths related to DUI. We would see a reduction in medical costs by reducing the amount of dopers we try to save. And prison over population would be a thing of the past, so we could keep those locked up that need to be.
Of course, the music, sports, and entertainment industries would suffer a bit as they lose their stars, but who would really care?
All those cops, DEA, and Border patrol agents would have far less to do, so that they could really concentrate on what we need like patrolling our streets, or teaching in our schools.
Eventually, narcotics would be eradicated. The hard core dopers would die one way or the other, and others would realize the evil of their ways, quit their crap and become productive people in society.
And, you think I'm crazy?
.
Well, yet another famous one ends his life to drugs, this time in Los Angeles. And, he is so unimportant to me that I can't even remember his name. Is that a shame? But it does inspire Thoughts from the Dock.
After working many years in law enforcement, I've seen countless lives lost to drugs and alcoholism, that I guess I've become hardened. I've found that about 80% of the crime and suffering is directly related to narcotics. And in addition, the moral decay caused by this unethical behavior is unprecedented. So, here is my novel solution, that at first thought many of you will think of as crazy (especially my fellow cops):
We need another give-a-way program. Better than any the Long Legged MacDaddy has ever done or thought about. One that works.
First, realease all the narcotic offenders from prison and legalize narcotics..... Especially the very hard-core, addicting, and heart stopping ones. And let's make them free for the taking, courtesy of the government. Socialism at it's best.
Divert all the funding for narcotics enforcement, and use that money to buy the crap, then just give it away to those stupid enough to accept it.
Open huge centers (like unused sports stadiums) across America and set up the free distribution booths at the front door. Allow anyone over age 16 to come and get all the free dope they can use, on the condition that they can only use the stuff inside the arena.
Add a morgue wing to the opposite side of the facility to dispose of the dopes when they overdose, or when they murder someone inside.
Sound cruel? Not to me. Think about it. There would be no dope dealers on the streets because there would be no demand to by dope on the open market. There would be much less funding to terrorism. There would be no more street gangs, and no gang related murders, because there would be no reason to establish their turf. There would be far fewer liquor store and gas station robberies because the dopers wouldn't have to rob to support their habit. No more house break-ins, kidnaps for ransom, and far fewer homeless or begging on the streets. Far fewer child molestations and traffic deaths related to DUI. We would see a reduction in medical costs by reducing the amount of dopers we try to save. And prison over population would be a thing of the past, so we could keep those locked up that need to be.
Of course, the music, sports, and entertainment industries would suffer a bit as they lose their stars, but who would really care?
All those cops, DEA, and Border patrol agents would have far less to do, so that they could really concentrate on what we need like patrolling our streets, or teaching in our schools.
Eventually, narcotics would be eradicated. The hard core dopers would die one way or the other, and others would realize the evil of their ways, quit their crap and become productive people in society.
And, you think I'm crazy?
.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Lake Traits
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What I look to in the Lake, can be applied to what I look for in a person. Just passing the Wisdom of the Thought Dock to you!
Be Clear
Make Positive Ripples
Look Beneath the Surface
Stay Calm
Shore up Friendships
Take Time to Reflect
Be Full of Life!
.
What I look to in the Lake, can be applied to what I look for in a person. Just passing the Wisdom of the Thought Dock to you!
Be Clear
Make Positive Ripples
Look Beneath the Surface
Stay Calm
Shore up Friendships
Take Time to Reflect
Be Full of Life!
.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Who's voting 'round here?
.
Yesterday, I was having lunch with a small group of friends, when I suggested that one of them apparently had voted for the Long Legged MacDaddy, and Oregon's recent voter approved tax hikes.
He denied the suggestion and stated that the only ones that voted for the tax increase were people whom did not work, and therefore pay no taxes. His point was well taken, and I began to think deeper.
Well, that made sense to me. That's why we've been going socialistic the past 50 years, and that is why we have things the way they are today. Since no one seems to work around here, I think he was right. And, it will be even more pronounced tomorrow.
As the ranks of people who do not work or pay taxes, the larger the pool becomes to support socialistic issues. And, the more taxes we will pay, until the system implodes upon itself.
For those that don't think it could ever happen to America, do some research about Argentina, where it did happen.
You know, it is you that I care about. I have all I need.
.
Yesterday, I was having lunch with a small group of friends, when I suggested that one of them apparently had voted for the Long Legged MacDaddy, and Oregon's recent voter approved tax hikes.
He denied the suggestion and stated that the only ones that voted for the tax increase were people whom did not work, and therefore pay no taxes. His point was well taken, and I began to think deeper.
Well, that made sense to me. That's why we've been going socialistic the past 50 years, and that is why we have things the way they are today. Since no one seems to work around here, I think he was right. And, it will be even more pronounced tomorrow.
As the ranks of people who do not work or pay taxes, the larger the pool becomes to support socialistic issues. And, the more taxes we will pay, until the system implodes upon itself.
For those that don't think it could ever happen to America, do some research about Argentina, where it did happen.
You know, it is you that I care about. I have all I need.
.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Remember, when the Tooth Fairy comes; Don't peek.
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In Those Days, I guess I was about ten when I began to lose my faith in dreams like Santa, the Easter Bunny, and heroes such as Superman. Yes, I know ten is a little old for that, but I was always one never wanting to give up on any of my dreams.
But, as I began to doubt these things, I lost my last baby tooth. Actually, after getting the hang of it from losing all ready seven or so, I pulled it myself, in the secrecy of my world. It didn't really hurt and there was just a bit of blood as I just reached into my mouth with a thumb and index finger and carefully extracted it.
I was pretty proud about it all, but suddenly I realized that the loss of your last baby tooth identifies the time which one is no longer a baby. And, in my case, I was then a young man. What a shocker. Such so, that I didn't tell anyone that I had pulled my own tooth.
Strange though. Although I knew I was no longer a baby, I believed the tooth ought to be worth something from the Tooth Fairy. But she never came, even after waiting for the third night.
Mom seemed to know everything, so I told her what had happened. Fearing the worst (being told there was no Tooth Fairy), I listened carefully to what she said. "Now, how can the Tooth Fairy come if your mother never summons her? You need to tell me everything about these kinds of things." Made sense to me because I was still trying to hang on to my dreams. So she told me to keep it under my pillow and the Tooth Fairy would come that night. Then, she concluded her comforting remarks by saying, "Remember, when the Tooth Fairy comes; Don't peak." It was as if she knew I was not a baby any more, but didn't want me to stop believing.
Well, the Tooth Fairy did come that night. But..... I peeked..... It was her! My mom! I laid still until she left. Then I began to cry. For suddenly, I knew there was no Tooth Fairy, and if the Tooth Fairy was not real, then neither was Santa, the Easter Bunny, or Superman!
My world changed that day, in Those Days. I was a boy. No longer a baby. I knew things were about to change more. But, I liked things the way they were. I liked cuddling with my mom, and being held tightly when I was afraid. I knew then that I would be on my own all too soon. But boys were too strong to cry, or to be held, or to believe in silly stuff. Boys were strong. They were to protect the weak, including their sisters. They were to do the lawn, and fix stuff, and get a job, and someday support a family of their own.
But, it was not a boy's job to bring the bad news about fantasies to their younger siblings, or to their own children later in life. That was left for girls to do. And that they did. Except that my mom did it in a special way. You see, she knew I would peek and find the truth myself.
.
In Those Days, I guess I was about ten when I began to lose my faith in dreams like Santa, the Easter Bunny, and heroes such as Superman. Yes, I know ten is a little old for that, but I was always one never wanting to give up on any of my dreams.
But, as I began to doubt these things, I lost my last baby tooth. Actually, after getting the hang of it from losing all ready seven or so, I pulled it myself, in the secrecy of my world. It didn't really hurt and there was just a bit of blood as I just reached into my mouth with a thumb and index finger and carefully extracted it.
I was pretty proud about it all, but suddenly I realized that the loss of your last baby tooth identifies the time which one is no longer a baby. And, in my case, I was then a young man. What a shocker. Such so, that I didn't tell anyone that I had pulled my own tooth.
Strange though. Although I knew I was no longer a baby, I believed the tooth ought to be worth something from the Tooth Fairy. But she never came, even after waiting for the third night.
Mom seemed to know everything, so I told her what had happened. Fearing the worst (being told there was no Tooth Fairy), I listened carefully to what she said. "Now, how can the Tooth Fairy come if your mother never summons her? You need to tell me everything about these kinds of things." Made sense to me because I was still trying to hang on to my dreams. So she told me to keep it under my pillow and the Tooth Fairy would come that night. Then, she concluded her comforting remarks by saying, "Remember, when the Tooth Fairy comes; Don't peak." It was as if she knew I was not a baby any more, but didn't want me to stop believing.
Well, the Tooth Fairy did come that night. But..... I peeked..... It was her! My mom! I laid still until she left. Then I began to cry. For suddenly, I knew there was no Tooth Fairy, and if the Tooth Fairy was not real, then neither was Santa, the Easter Bunny, or Superman!
My world changed that day, in Those Days. I was a boy. No longer a baby. I knew things were about to change more. But, I liked things the way they were. I liked cuddling with my mom, and being held tightly when I was afraid. I knew then that I would be on my own all too soon. But boys were too strong to cry, or to be held, or to believe in silly stuff. Boys were strong. They were to protect the weak, including their sisters. They were to do the lawn, and fix stuff, and get a job, and someday support a family of their own.
But, it was not a boy's job to bring the bad news about fantasies to their younger siblings, or to their own children later in life. That was left for girls to do. And that they did. Except that my mom did it in a special way. You see, she knew I would peek and find the truth myself.
.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
That was Yesterday. And, Yesterday is Gone.
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I've always been intrigued by listening to the stories of elders. Tales about riding in a horse drawn carriage or on a steam locomotive. And, I was envious that I had not seen the rapid change that they had. Think about Their Days when there were no refrigerators, televisions, telephones, or affordable cars. Few could travel by air, many were killed in the great wars, times of famine, hard work, and widespread poverty.
Now that I am quickly becoming an elder, I can only reflect back to Those Days. But even with that, I have experienced great change. Things that many of you have not experienced and take for granted, just like I did.
So, I'd like for you to relax and think back for a moment about the change that has occurred in just the last 50 years, then take the poll to the left. If you were not around then, I'm sure you'll recognize some from your history lessons. I'll summarize just a few.
In Those Days, Negroes could not attend many of our schools, yet they were mandated to join our armies. Some of us had telephones and televisions, yet they were always connected by wires. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and said the Lord's prayer every day in school, yet we forgot most of it by the time we got home. Women worked outside the home, but only as secretaries, nurses, teachers, or waitresses. Tattoos were taboo, yet men grew their hair long. We pledged peace, yet we waged wars. We beat baseball cards against the spokes of our bike wheels, not knowing that some would be worth thousands someday.
We played tether ball at school, after school. There were no soccer moms, yet my mom made our scout uniforms. There were no SUV's, yet there were station wagons. We had flying model airplanes, yet they flew in a circle guided by a string. They were bicycles abundant, yett none had more than 3-speeds. We didn't complain that there was nothing to watch on television, yet we had only 13 channels at most. There were no drug addicts, yet there was alcoholism.
Most households had a father, yet there were unplanned pregnancies. Our coins were 100% silver, and our currency was backed in gold. There were no credit cards, yet we managed to get what we needed by lay-a-way. And, one penny would buy a stick of gum to share with your sister. Freedom of speech didn't allow you to burn the flag, yet we got our point across. And we respected our elders, teachers, preachers, and cops, yet none of them molested us.
New roads were were built everyday, and most every family had a car, yet only one. We watched the Jetsons, yet we didn't actually think we would become one. We read a lot, yet there were no Internet blogs. We seemed to have enough to eat, yet we seldom ate out. There were Muslims, yet terrorism was unknown in America. We walked on the moon, yet no one knew why. There was Down's Syndrome, yet no one knew it until after the birth. We always had water, yet not in bottles.
I'm sure that each of you can think of many more of the good, bad, and the ugly of the past, present, and what will be in the future. Now, generally, I loved the life I had in Those Days and seem to think about it often. And, I really don't know why. I know where I am at and can see some of the things in the Coming Days, but that doesn't explain why I prefer to step back a bit.
So, where in time do you see yourself being happiest? Take the poll.
.
I've always been intrigued by listening to the stories of elders. Tales about riding in a horse drawn carriage or on a steam locomotive. And, I was envious that I had not seen the rapid change that they had. Think about Their Days when there were no refrigerators, televisions, telephones, or affordable cars. Few could travel by air, many were killed in the great wars, times of famine, hard work, and widespread poverty.
Now that I am quickly becoming an elder, I can only reflect back to Those Days. But even with that, I have experienced great change. Things that many of you have not experienced and take for granted, just like I did.
So, I'd like for you to relax and think back for a moment about the change that has occurred in just the last 50 years, then take the poll to the left. If you were not around then, I'm sure you'll recognize some from your history lessons. I'll summarize just a few.
In Those Days, Negroes could not attend many of our schools, yet they were mandated to join our armies. Some of us had telephones and televisions, yet they were always connected by wires. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and said the Lord's prayer every day in school, yet we forgot most of it by the time we got home. Women worked outside the home, but only as secretaries, nurses, teachers, or waitresses. Tattoos were taboo, yet men grew their hair long. We pledged peace, yet we waged wars. We beat baseball cards against the spokes of our bike wheels, not knowing that some would be worth thousands someday.
We played tether ball at school, after school. There were no soccer moms, yet my mom made our scout uniforms. There were no SUV's, yet there were station wagons. We had flying model airplanes, yet they flew in a circle guided by a string. They were bicycles abundant, yett none had more than 3-speeds. We didn't complain that there was nothing to watch on television, yet we had only 13 channels at most. There were no drug addicts, yet there was alcoholism.
Most households had a father, yet there were unplanned pregnancies. Our coins were 100% silver, and our currency was backed in gold. There were no credit cards, yet we managed to get what we needed by lay-a-way. And, one penny would buy a stick of gum to share with your sister. Freedom of speech didn't allow you to burn the flag, yet we got our point across. And we respected our elders, teachers, preachers, and cops, yet none of them molested us.
New roads were were built everyday, and most every family had a car, yet only one. We watched the Jetsons, yet we didn't actually think we would become one. We read a lot, yet there were no Internet blogs. We seemed to have enough to eat, yet we seldom ate out. There were Muslims, yet terrorism was unknown in America. We walked on the moon, yet no one knew why. There was Down's Syndrome, yet no one knew it until after the birth. We always had water, yet not in bottles.
I'm sure that each of you can think of many more of the good, bad, and the ugly of the past, present, and what will be in the future. Now, generally, I loved the life I had in Those Days and seem to think about it often. And, I really don't know why. I know where I am at and can see some of the things in the Coming Days, but that doesn't explain why I prefer to step back a bit.
So, where in time do you see yourself being happiest? Take the poll.
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Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Getting Healthy
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Has anyone ever taken a close look at their cell phone, hotel, or airfare bill? Check it out. These are just a few of the places that show evidence about what I'm aboiut to say.
They are all filled with hidden fees that you wouldn't expect. Hotel bills almost always have a bedroom tax and airlines nail you for transportation improvement fees, while cell phones have extra levis to support the 911 system, improvements for the deaf, and providing free telephone service for low income families.
So, recently San Francisco enacted a law that requires every business having more than 5 employees, to provide health insurance to their employees. Now, this past weekend, a vacationing couple entered a coffee shop, and ordered food. While they were waiting, they read the menu further. The menu reported that a 12% "Healthy Tax" is added to each food order at checkout. The couple complained and it was explained that the City forced them to provide health insurance for their employees and that they were simply passing the cost of doing business in the City to the patrons. The couple refused to pay the charge, citing that since they were not local residents, they should not be forced to support those that receive the benefit. The cops were called and when threatened with arrest, the couple paid the bill.
You know, we the People are supposed to have a say when taxes are levied. It's supposed to be on the ballot. But, so many times, our government leaders simply impose what they call "fees" on businesses, which are passed onto us. But what they call fees are actually taxes because they go to supporting the government's projects as they see fit. And, we have no say in it. Now, that is pure socialism. A forced redistribution of wealth. Just a clever way of doing it.
The San Francisco "Healthy Tax" illustrates excactly how this happens, and how the costs are passed along to the consumers. Does anyone see the similarities to the Long Legged MacDaddy's health plan. 60% of Americans do not want the system, yet we will get one, one way or another!
The post office is losing billions, while private shipping companies are making billions. Why is that? Should we really let our government run health care?
.
Has anyone ever taken a close look at their cell phone, hotel, or airfare bill? Check it out. These are just a few of the places that show evidence about what I'm aboiut to say.
They are all filled with hidden fees that you wouldn't expect. Hotel bills almost always have a bedroom tax and airlines nail you for transportation improvement fees, while cell phones have extra levis to support the 911 system, improvements for the deaf, and providing free telephone service for low income families.
So, recently San Francisco enacted a law that requires every business having more than 5 employees, to provide health insurance to their employees. Now, this past weekend, a vacationing couple entered a coffee shop, and ordered food. While they were waiting, they read the menu further. The menu reported that a 12% "Healthy Tax" is added to each food order at checkout. The couple complained and it was explained that the City forced them to provide health insurance for their employees and that they were simply passing the cost of doing business in the City to the patrons. The couple refused to pay the charge, citing that since they were not local residents, they should not be forced to support those that receive the benefit. The cops were called and when threatened with arrest, the couple paid the bill.
You know, we the People are supposed to have a say when taxes are levied. It's supposed to be on the ballot. But, so many times, our government leaders simply impose what they call "fees" on businesses, which are passed onto us. But what they call fees are actually taxes because they go to supporting the government's projects as they see fit. And, we have no say in it. Now, that is pure socialism. A forced redistribution of wealth. Just a clever way of doing it.
The San Francisco "Healthy Tax" illustrates excactly how this happens, and how the costs are passed along to the consumers. Does anyone see the similarities to the Long Legged MacDaddy's health plan. 60% of Americans do not want the system, yet we will get one, one way or another!
The post office is losing billions, while private shipping companies are making billions. Why is that? Should we really let our government run health care?
.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Words of Wisdom
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This will be boring.
In Those Days, after asking my Mom whether I should be a Democrat or Republican, she replied, "Well, Democrats represent the working class, and Republicans, the rich. So, until you get rich, you'd better be a Democrat."
So. I became a Democrat. And, I think that is how just about all of us enter politics. And, so I remained until I entered the real world and began working for a living. But, it didn't take long before I changed my party, and I've been Republican ever since.
Notice that I'm not whispering words of wisdom, nor will I ever when I speak politics. I shout. I make a statement and stand by it, but not throwing insults around anonymously, or while standing in a darkened closet.
During my travels, I've had the opportunity to meet, and talk politics with a very diverse group of people. The rich, the poor, the homeless, the famous, the disabled, freaks and weirdos, and the respected. And here is what I've learned.
Party affiliation is the dominating factor one uses in voting for a candidate. But other factors include gender, race, age, looks, religion, and whether or not the candidate is widely known. Few of us ever look into the personal life of the candidate, or his/her prior voting record. Most do not know much of anything, other than what they here in the news or the paid advertisements. And, many of us simply vote for a change, even though we do not know what the candidate's performance was.
And, that is precisely why we are where we are in America. How is it that , if we chose a candidate based on his party, that when he changes his party while in office, we accept it? How is it that when we elect a politician based upon what he says he will do while in office, we do nothing when he does something different? What if we joined a Baptist church, but it changed to a Catholic one? What if we voted for a woman solely based on her gender, but through the marvel of modern medicine, she became a man.
Don't you see that many of our political candidates select a party based solely on the one that will give them the best chance of winning? Same goes when they decide when and where they will run for office. And they say what the People want to hear, but have no intention of carrying things through after they are elected.
You should be shouting about these issues, not tolerating them. "Whispering words of wisdom" and "Let it be" were laid to rest with the Beatles.
.
This will be boring.
In Those Days, after asking my Mom whether I should be a Democrat or Republican, she replied, "Well, Democrats represent the working class, and Republicans, the rich. So, until you get rich, you'd better be a Democrat."
So. I became a Democrat. And, I think that is how just about all of us enter politics. And, so I remained until I entered the real world and began working for a living. But, it didn't take long before I changed my party, and I've been Republican ever since.
Notice that I'm not whispering words of wisdom, nor will I ever when I speak politics. I shout. I make a statement and stand by it, but not throwing insults around anonymously, or while standing in a darkened closet.
During my travels, I've had the opportunity to meet, and talk politics with a very diverse group of people. The rich, the poor, the homeless, the famous, the disabled, freaks and weirdos, and the respected. And here is what I've learned.
Party affiliation is the dominating factor one uses in voting for a candidate. But other factors include gender, race, age, looks, religion, and whether or not the candidate is widely known. Few of us ever look into the personal life of the candidate, or his/her prior voting record. Most do not know much of anything, other than what they here in the news or the paid advertisements. And, many of us simply vote for a change, even though we do not know what the candidate's performance was.
And, that is precisely why we are where we are in America. How is it that , if we chose a candidate based on his party, that when he changes his party while in office, we accept it? How is it that when we elect a politician based upon what he says he will do while in office, we do nothing when he does something different? What if we joined a Baptist church, but it changed to a Catholic one? What if we voted for a woman solely based on her gender, but through the marvel of modern medicine, she became a man.
Don't you see that many of our political candidates select a party based solely on the one that will give them the best chance of winning? Same goes when they decide when and where they will run for office. And they say what the People want to hear, but have no intention of carrying things through after they are elected.
You should be shouting about these issues, not tolerating them. "Whispering words of wisdom" and "Let it be" were laid to rest with the Beatles.
.
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