Picking Peanuts; the beginning.

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Not so very long ago, but before many of you were around, or before most of you can remember, or before most of you even cared, a decision made by a simple peanut farmer would affect our lives in America for generations to come. It was then (circa 1975) that a very famous peanut farmer, after a hard days work, took it upon himself to give a Presidential Pardon to 12 million illegal aliens in America. And so it began.

Since then, it is merely a federal civil law violation to climb the fence into America. That means, unlike in Iran, Korea or China, you can't be sent to jail, but merely deported if caught. So more and more people from around the world flocked into America because there was no penalty, or even a means to stop it.

But nearly all illegal entries into America soon become Federal Criminal law violations. Most falsify federal documents like work visas (green cards), social security cards and pass ports, to land them employment and social benefits. And other federal crimes are committed as well, like smuggling, counterfeiting, narcotic trading, and terrorism. And when caught, that could subject them to a federal prison term. But until recently, few cared.

You know, all cops have the authority to enforce any law violation, whether state, federal, county, or municipal that occurs within their jurisdiction. That's why our 12-man municipal police department can make arrests for state crimes like drunk driving, and federal violations including bank robbery, counterfeiting, and drug smuggling.

But now, our federal government does not want our local authorities to make arrests for certain federal law violations involving illegal immigration. Yet they want local help to combat funny money manufacturing, drug smuggling, terrorism, bank robbery, and the counterfeiting of federal documents. And at the same time, the feds overlook sanctuary cities that host illegal federal activity.

So, what would happen if our local cops enforced all federal laws equally? Forget about immigration, look the other way the next time the bank gets robbed, or fail to cooperate in medicare fraud and terrorism investigations.

From my perspective the feds can not have it both ways. They can't just pick and choose.

The bank gets robbed; call the FBI. Someone makes a phony $100 bill; call the Secret Service. A male of mid-eastern decent, aged 18-35 is hiding briefacses at the airport; call Homeland Defense. Sounds crazy, but it wouldn't take long for the feds to realize their ignorance and politics.

Now, who would have ever imagined what a failing peanut farm would lead to?
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Tone the Bell

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I'm hoping that you have heard about the uprising by the taxpayers in Bell, California yesterday. But if you have not, I'll recap.

Somehow, it came to the attention of the residents that the mayor of their city was salaried at nearly 800k and the police chief drew a comfortable 350+. I think the medium income in Bell was around 45K, so it was odd that the mayor's income was twice that of the Long Legged Halfblack MacMuslim's and their police chief's compensation was the highest of any chief in America, twice that of the one in Los Angeles.

So the residents rallied and demanded their resignations. The city council countered by slashing their salaries by 90%, And in the end, think the mayor and chief were forced to resign. Hurrah for the people! A great example of what the people can do if they put their mind to it.

In thinking about this incident a little deeper, I wondered how could the salaries of these people have risen to that level in the first place. Surely they were not hired on at that level.

So the blame must be put onto the backs of the community itself! While the taxpayers were away earning their income to pay their taxes, the politicians quietly raised their salaries without the approval, or knowledge of their constituents, It was what is precisely going on throughout America today.

Yeah, I know most of you get bored talking about politics let alone paying attention to it. It's so much more pleasant to kick back with a beer and watch America's got Talent or Nascar rather than Fox News. But you have to wake up. Pay attention. This certainly is not an isolated case of political abuse!

John Kerry stores his yacht in a state neighboring his resident state and avoids paying 500k a year in taxes? It's not the tax cheating that gets me, it's the value of the boat on which the taxes are assessed. The thing must be worth a large fortune! And it all came by way of his political salaries over the years. And incidents like these are everywhere and we don't even see it.

So, pay attention and Tone their Bells!
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Paddle Me (gently)

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It's pretty easy to find water around this place. Aside from the bottled type sold in almost every store, there is an ocean, rivers, streams, creeks, and lakes all over. Some say there are 21 lakes within 20 miles of my house, and the best way to experience them is by kayak. Notice I said "experience?" It is much more than just "seeing."

I love a paddling. No, not the discipline type that I would give my kids to keep them in focus with my focus. Nor is it the thing that my old school teacher kept at his desk to keep me in his focus. But the the term that experienced ones call kayaking. It took me a while to understand, "Want to Paddle?"

Anyway, I love it. To paddle slow and low. Along the banks and beneath the overhanging branches of a giant spruce tree. To see that trails end, full of animal tracks left by those wanting a cool drink or a dip in search of food. Or into the tall grasses over the shallow water providing a concealed place for eggs to hatch, or tiny fish to feed. So quiet. So tranquil.

I paddle often now. Sometimes alone, but at other times with friends. I'm learning the names of the critters and the plants. I'm seeing the difference between an Elk and a Moose, or an Osprey and Seagull, and a Hawk and an Eagle, or a Cedar and a Fir, or a Huckleberry and Blackberry, or a Lilac and a Lilly.

These things seem to have a greater importance to me now that I've been away from the big city jungle. Perhaps because I'm in a place like this where I have time to share. Sharing with friends. Sharing with family. Smelling the roses and enjoying the greatness of life when ever I can.

Come paddle with me. We'll put in (that means launch) at the Thought Dock. Or, I'll pack mine to a place you know. You follow me, or I'll follow you. Either way we can enjoy God's world.

And all, without calling Ralph!.
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An American Muslim?

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I'm not sure where this reprinted article originated, but it sure offers an interesting viewpoint. Make me wonder just where our Halfblack MacMuslim stands?

Can a good Muslim be a good American?

Theologically - No . . . Because a Muslim's allegiance is to Allah, the Moon God of Arabia.

Religiously - No. . . Because no other religion is accepted by Allah except Islam.

Scripturally - No. . . Because his allegiance is to the Five Pillars of Islam and the Quran.

Geographically - No . . . Because his allegiance is to Mecca , to which he turns in prayer five times a day.

Socially - No. . . Because his allegiance to Islam forbids him to make friends with Christians or Jews .

Politically - No. . . Because he must submit to the Mullahs (spiritual leaders), who teach annihilation of Israel and the destruction of America, the great Satan.

Domestically - No. . . Because he is instructed to marry four women and beat and scourge his wife when she disobeys him (Quran 4:34 ).

Intellectually - No. . . Because he cannot accept our Constitution since it is based on Biblical principles and he believes the Bible to be corrupt.

Philosophically - No. . . Because Islam, Muhammad, and the Quran do not allow freedom of religion and expression. Democracy and Islam cannot co-exist. Every Muslim government is either dictatorial or autocratic.

Spiritually - No. . . Because when we declare 'one nation under God,' The Christian's God is loving and kind, while Allah is NEVER referred to as Heavenly father, nor is he ever called love in the Quran's 99 excellent names.

Perhaps we should be very suspicious of ALL MUSLIMS in this country. - - - They obviously cannot be both 'good' Muslims and good Americans. Call it what you wish it's still the truth. You had better believe it. The more who understand this, the better it will be for our country and our future. The religious war is bigger than we know or understand!

Thanks MG.
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Cloudy Day Sunshine

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For many, the quality of life on the Central Oregon Coast is directly related to the weather. Weather forecasts consume much of the news every day. And since it is a retirement and tourist based community, health and weather together dominate most every conversation.

Many seem to focus on whether the weather will be clear, cloudy, chilly, or windy in the days ahead. And since the weather is so unpredictable here, I find there is really no sense in talking about it other than to make general conversation.

Then after hashing out the weather woes, a typical conversation shifts to about how we are feeling physically. Back pain, headaches, constipation, cholesterol and blood pressure are often compared with one another. And since most of us here are experiencing the same symptoms, I find little benefit in discussing them other than to assure each another that we care and to offer assistance and prayer.

Adding to weather and health, the reality of witnessing the passings of our family, friends and neighbors seem to happen far too often.

For many, this is a depressing place. But for me, not so much. Yeah, I'd prefer warmer summertime temperatures with less rain. I never prefer to feel pain, grow old, or see the pain and aging of others. And I don't like to see my friends and family pass away.

I try to realize the blessings I have. My family, my country, my life and my loves. And I try not to get hung up on clouds, but look through them for the sunshine. To realize that just above those clouds there are always blue skies where it never rains. And I try not to get hung up on my pain, or that of others, but to work through the clouds and to know that aging is part of life, but beyond those clouds there will be no hurt. No pain.

There is always sunshine on every cloudy day, and I try to see every moment. But sometimes, it sure ain't easy. Even with the comfort and tranquility of the Thought Dock.
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Calling Ralph

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In Those Days, I often sailed the waters off shore in Socal. You know, waters like Malibu, Muslce Beach, and Pacific Palisades. And over the years, I learned celestral and dead reckoning navigation, the rules of the seas, off shore to about 80 miles or so. That was as far enough for me, because GPS systems were non-existent then. So, I preferred to not be far and tried to keep the mainland coast in view when ever I could. Somehow, I left my dream of sailing along the coast, south to the Panama Canal and into the Gulf Coast were set aside. Now, it has been 15 years since I was last on the ocean.

That all changed today. A Besty ( RW) invited me aboard his boat to fish off shore for Salmon and Crab, which I've been longing to do for the past few years. Now the boat I have, is very suitable for the river and lakes, but not for the ocean. At least not the Pacific Northwest ocean. This ocean, although bearing the same name, is not anything like the SoCal part.

So, bright and early I met RW, and his friend A (sorry, i didn't get personal with A this trip and his last name was never revealed). As soon as we cleared the jetty, I realized this was going to be much different experience for me. It was rough. Really rough to my standards.

We set some crab traps and A informed me that he gets sea sick nearly every trip, and he just considers it part of fishing. I guess I unintentionally gave him my infamous "eye roll," because he asked me not to laugh when it happened. I replied that I would never laugh at a sick person, but I did tell him I had only vomited twice that I could remember in my entire lifetime, and both were times that I overdosed on alcoholic beverages. And, I knew it could happen to me, I spoze.

I've always been proud of that, but really, there were times that I was so sick with flu, food poisoning and seeing crap during my career, that I wished I could vomit. It seems it would have made thing simpler.

So it was not long before A's admonition came true. And he kept it up for about 30 minutes or so. You know, "Calling Ralph." That's what we called it in Those Days. It was much politer than using words like barf, or puke. I will admit though that both RW and I grinned a little as A was hanging by his waist, over the side. He had it down to a science.

I know most of you that know me surely think that I am near perfect. You know, strong, handsome, smart, and generally a really cool dude. So much that many of you want to be me. And, that is a compliment in itself.

But I have to admit, you wouldn't like to be me today. Because I called "Ralph" twice. Can you believe it. So, now I'm up to 4 times in my life. I wonder, will this will continue to be the trend for me?

I hope not. I didn't enjoy that at all. Partly because I had to call Ralph long distance. I was screaming Ralph so that he could hear me even if her were on the beach 5 miles away. It hurt, and did not smell good. And having little experience just how to do it, part of it went on the top of the ice chest that we had planned to use for our catch. Unlike A's, at least mine was mostly coffee because I didn't have a muffin for breakfast at the bait shop just before we set out like he did.

Well, we didn't fare any better with a catch this time, but I wonder if I'll try it again should they ask. There are salmon in the river, as well as crabs, so I wonder what the advantage is to going in the ocean, other that to perfect calling Ralph?
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Downtown

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In Those Days, it was transistor radios not MP3 players that brought the music to my ears. And it was then (1965) that I first heard Petula Clark's song, "Downtown." We were living in Germany at the time. Although I liked the upbeat melody, I struggled to translate her words to English. Having lived a bit in a big city, I never really understood her fascination with one, but I thought that perhaps it was just Brooklyn.

Several years later, we settled not far from Hollywood and the words to Clark's song returned to my head. And with the marvel of the Internet, I've been able to recall the exact words. So, I went to Hollywood, and later worked a career in America's 2nd largest city, and I found out what cities really were about. Petula had to be smoking her socks!

"When you're alone and life is making you lonely,You can always go downtown. When you've got worries, all the noise and the hurry seems to help. Just listen to the music of the traffic in the city. Linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty. How can you lose? The lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go Downtown. Things will be great when you're Downtown. No finer place for sure. Everything is waiting for you. Neither the traffic, nor noise, or the brighter lights impressed me. There were thieves and whores on nearly every corner and I feared being squashed by the traffic.

Don't hang around and let your problems surround you. There are movie shows downtown. Maybe you know some little places to go to where they never close downtown. Just listen to the rhythm of a gentle bossanova. You'll be dancing with them too, before the night is over. Happy again. The lights are much brighter there. You can forget all your troubles, forget all your cares and go Downtown. Where all the lights are bright, Downtown. Waiting for you tonight. Downtown. You're gonna be alright now. Sure, there are plenty of movie shows that were filthy. And the lights were brighter, except in the alleys where you are likely to get jacked. And there wasn't time to dance after you're car was stolen.

And you may find somebody kind to help and understand you. Someone who is just like you and needs a gentle hand to guide them along. So, maybe I'll see you there. We can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares and go Downtown. Things will be great when you're Downtown. Don't wait a minute more, Downtown, every thing's waiting for you! Downtown. Downtown. Yes, you'll find some one who you think is just like you. Someone who will introduce you to drugs, prostitution, pornography, or Gay sex.

So I've since fled the big city, and I don't miss it. There are birds, bees, and bears here. Unpolluted rivers without without concrete linings. Pristine beaches with an infinite number of sand dunes. Old fashioned burger stands and small town parades. Where senior citizens feel respected. Volunteer fire departments and a police department having a handful of cops. It's very dark at night and the loudest noise is an occasional chainsaw. And traffic only when the drawbridge opens, or when a logging truck climbs a hill.

And a Thought Dock to relax.
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Hello... Is it me that you are looking for?

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For those that are in my world-wide audience that don't know me personally, or have not looked closely at my profile photograph, I'll share something with you.

I have dark skin... And in the summer, it gets very dark. I am part Italian, and appearance wise, the Italian part prevails. I have been mistaken for being Hispanic, Black, Cajun, Asian, and Middle Eastern, but never Swedish. That said, I was born in America to parents that were also born in America.

Every now and then, I travel through Arizona, but I don't fear being harassed by the local police there. Yeah sure, I could be stopped for speeding. But I'll have a valid driver's license, I'll be sober, and there will be no people stuffed in the trunk that scramle away like cockroaches as soon as the gate is released.

So, I have faith that the Arizona cops won't even bother to ask me if I am an American citizen. But if they do, I won't mind. I'll just say, "No. No. No. It ain't me Babe. It ain't me you're looking for, Babe."
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Non-Profits and Charities

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I recently stumbled across a discarded Oregonian newspaper. Had I not got it for free, I would have never bothered to read it. For those outside my adopted home state, or don't know much, the Oregonian is a Portland area publication and is probably the most liberal newspaper still in print.

In looking through it, a full page advertisement appeared on page A8. The ad thanked the readers for contributing to the newspaper's sponsoring of their 78Th. "Season for Charity" campaign. It was a huge success and collected over 297K in donations. With that, the Oregonian reported that they distributed 80K to the Oregon Food Bank, and $9500 to each of 16 other social service agencies. And I applaud their effort.

But in looking a bit deeper into the ad, I noticed an irregularity. If you were to do the math, you would find an Eighty-one Thousand Dollar shortfall in the money passed on to the charities from the actual amount collected. That's nearly 10%.

So where did that go? I know there are some costs associated with collecting money for charity. Things like advertising, wages, banking, and accountant fees. But who received that pay? Perhaps the advertisement costs were paid to the Oregonian itself, and perhaps the wages of the Oregonian employees were reimbursed from the collection, and perhaps the banking and other professional fees were actually that of the Oregonian.

My point is that nearly every charitable event advertised as "Non-Profit" is actually profitable to those running the event. Why is that? If they expect us to donate our time, money, and resources to the cause, why don't those running the show do the same?

In fairness to the Oregonian, 10% isn't so bad when compared to some others. The American Red Cross and the Cancer Society, report that only slightly more that half of the donations actually make it to the persons it was intended for. And other agencies take an even far greater portion to cover their administration costs. One police charity that I know consumes over 90% of what is taken in!

Far too many organizations that claim to be non-profit are actually very profitable to those at the top. Local pet adoption centers, television evangelists, free newspapers, public television and radio stations, donate your car to charity centers, Salvation Army, some churches, homeless shelters, and medical clinics are just to name a few. And more are popping up every day! It's no wonder why.

Sometimes I'd rather just give mine to the bum begging in the street, or to the single mom I see searching the bottom of her purse for that last coin at the grocery store cashier. At least then I'd know that everything I give goes to it's intended purpose.
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JACKPOT!

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The bells, sirens and whistles went off! Everyone knew. Can you imagine hitting a jackpot of nearly Five Hundred Thousand Dollars? Well, that is what happened to a local resident of this Central Oregon Coast community at the local Indian casino a week or so ago.

According to the newspaper and others that know her, she was just an everyday "Jane." You know, much like most of us. Not wealthy. Middle aged and experiencing bouts of hard luck. Medical reasons and such. I don't know much more than that.

But I do know that if she was a everyday Jane, she isn't now. You see, because that 47% of everyday Janes don't pay any federal income taxes (a published IRS fact), it is very likely that she hasn't paid taxes either. Now, suddenly she is the over 50% federal tax bracket because she has earned over 250K this year, something that the MacMuslim implemented. Add to that a 8-12% State tax, and that will mean more than half of her jackpot will likely go to taxes.

I'll bet she is stunned to realize that her good fortune will be redistributed by the government to the less fortunates (like she probably once was). I wonder how she will like that? After all the years of being on the receiving end, she now will fall victim to the liberal social ways she likely supported. She now will learn what it is like to pay taxes like the successful capitalists have been doing for years. But, she probably voted for the MacMuslim just like most of the Orgonians did.

But I am happy for her, because even after taxes there will be enough left to significantly affect her quality of life.

Congrats Jane!
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Radical Islam

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By Charles Krauthammer
Re: The Fort Hood shooter, the Christmas Day bomber, the Times Square attacker.

On May 13, the following exchange occurred at a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee:

Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Tex.): Do you feel that these individuals might have been incited to take the actions that they did because of radical Islam?

Attorney General Eric Holder: There are a variety of reasons why I think people have taken these actions. . . .

Smith: Okay, but radical Islam could have been one of the reasons?

Holder: There are a variety of reasons why people --

Smith: But was radical Islam one of them?

Holder: There are a variety of reasons why people do these things. Some of them are potentially religious-based.

Potentially, mind you. This went on until the questioner gave up in exasperation.

A similar question arose last week in U.S. District Court when Faisal Shahzad, the Times Square attacker, pleaded guilty. Explained Shahzad: "One has to understand where I'm coming from . . . I consider myself a mujahid, a Muslim soldier."

Well, that is clarifying. As was the self-printed business card of Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter, identifying himself as SoA: Soldier of Allah.

Holder's avoidance of the obvious continues the absurd and embarrassing refusal of the Obama administration to acknowledge who out there is trying to kill Americans and why. In fact, it has banned from its official vocabulary the terms jihadist, Islamist and Islamic terrorism.
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Thanks BK
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Do you Remember?

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Geez. You guys must be hungry. I can't believe I haven't fed you guys in over 4 days, but I'm hoping that you nursed yourself with the Lovelies on Fox News while I was gone. It must have been rough because you are so used to me breaking down the facts that radiate to the Thought Dock and arrange them into a logical order before distributing my Wisdom to you. However, I do appreciate you checking in every day like most of you do. It keeps that counter ticking.

Anyway, I'm sorry. We did however, get away for America's best holiday with a trip to the McKenzie River. Yes, I know many of you wouldn't understand because the rivers where you live have concrete banks and are polluted with beer cans and graffiti while the only shade available is from some high rise building. But some of you like it like that.

Anyway, do you remember the Jewish Holocaust and Hitler's attempt to rule the world? Maybe the storming of the beaches of Normandy? I know it was long before many of you were around, but you must have heard about it in school or seen it on the History Channel. Maybe not though, but I'll bet you remember I Love Lucy, or the Three Stooges. Why is that?

How about the attack on Pearl Harbor or the evacuation of our embassy in Vietnam during the final days of that war? Or, maybe you recall the capture of our embassy in 1979 Iran by the radical Islamics?

Do you even remember the Twin Towers collapsing, or the events surrounding that attack? How many Americans were lost? I doubt that more that a few of you even know. How sad.

You know, if you can't don't, or won't remember these things, then all will soon be lost.

America was built by regular people willing to die for our country. From the Revolutionary Way to the current War on Terrorism. How soon we forget. How quick we return from each traumatic event only to become complacent again. We turn our heads as crap is happening in front of us, just hoping it will all go away. But it never does and it never will.

Now the Long Legged Halfblack MacMuslim has all but disbanded the pride of our Nation, NASA, and directed it's chief to extend an open arm to the Muslims around the world to thank them for their contributions to science! Who is he talking about. Chemical Ali?

So close your eyes again.

I pray for this Country and that includes you!
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Weathered

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Last Saturday, we made the monthly trek to the bigger city for some supplies. The weather was just gorgeous and, if I remember right, it was the first day of summer. What a wonderful drive through the country until.....

We reached the bigger city. There were people hollering at the passing motorists (me) from the sidewalks, holding their signs advertising their fundraising car washes, pizza discounts, and farmer's markets, etc., etc.

I can't stand it. It was just like Tijuana (well without the drug murders). If you've never been there, maybe you've tried San Juan, or Baghdad (but without the bombings). It's all the same. People everywhere begging you to buy their goods, or just begging for money. Pulling on your shirt tails as they follow you along your journey.

We passed at least five youth car washes within the first mile into the bigger city. Now, I never even let my kid wash my car, so what made them think that I would let a bunch of other kids do it? As we approached the entrance to America's largest retailer to get some Chinese imports, there we even more kids collecting money or selling their useless and overpriced crap to support their cause. A political polster table collecting signatures for another school bond (they already squandered last year's), and the usual bums collecting money for their own self interest. "Please Help" their signs read. When was the last time they ever pitched in to help anyone but them selves?

We made our way into the store thinking that there would be some relief. No, there were others there cooking up their half-bite size treats for you to taste test. I politely told the first bag that I'd pass on her fat filled desert as I walked away and leaned against a post while my wife gathered up imports. The bag approached me and again offered her concoction. And again, I rejected her, but this time a little more sternly. Eventually, my wife returned with her over stuffed shopping cart and headed to the gate. As we passed the bag, she presented her offer to my wife. She refused, but deflected the bag to me stating, "I think my husband would love that." As the bag reached toward me with her 1/4 ounce cup of ice cream, I ordered her to stay away from me.

The finale came while I was loading my imports into the car. This dude, walks up to me and hands me some sort of sticker and begins to explain his cause. He got a dozen or so words out before he said that usually people give a little something to pay for the sticker and fund his cause. I said nothing, gave his sticker back along with the "look." He slithered away quickly knowing he was lucky that I didn't post his sticker on his face.

I'm sure it is like this all across America. Perhaps some places are worse than others. But it is just another sign of how America is tolerating change, and that change will make us just like the 3rd world countries that we used to pity.

I'm weathered and all out of change.
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