Laying 'n wait

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In Those Days I guess credit was close to non existant, or at least very hard to get. I can't remember ever meeting anyone that had a credit card, but I suppose some people did have car or home loans. And there were some simple loans between friends and family know as IOU. Remember them?

I was taught to save money in order to aquire enough to buy that special thing. So, our school had a savings plan where I deposited about 35 cents a week from my allowance, and let it grow with the prevailing one percent interest. If I had extra money, I would put that into a piggy bank, but my Mom always bought me the one that you couldn't get the money out without breaking it.

My Mom did the same thing. She'd carefully study the catalogs for that special item she wanted, but could not yet afford. And then she would scamper down to Sears or Montgomery Wards to put it on Layaway. That's where the store would hold the item for a certain time as you would make interest free payments on it. The big day came when it was fully paid for (usually in a month or so) and you could then take it home.

Those Days soon faded with the advent of finance companies and credit cards. Soon, every store had a card of their own. And then, "Visa." A card that could be used at any store to buy anything within your limits. But the limits grew and grew making it easier to go deeper and deeper into debt. Soon layaways and savings account went extict and the whole world ran on IOU's.

Our country, our local and federal government, and We the People need to return to the days of layaways and piggy banks. We need to buy nothing until we can pay for it. We need to repay the loans we took as we agreed to do. We need savings accounts once again. But most importantly, we need to learn to live within our means.

Pennies from Heaven don't really exist.
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Fillin' Potholes

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Like most every community in America, road repairs are one concern of my neighbors. They often complain that they are fed up with flat tires, wheel alignments, and broken windshields caused by flying road debris and potholes in the road. And they want something done about it.

And like most every community in America, the government claims it doesn't have the funding to fix the holes in the roads. Well folks, the reality is "Ain't nothing for free." If the potholes are to be fixed, the funding has to come from somewhere. It might be an increase in gasoline tax (like they did here), creation of new taxes on other goods, closing parks, laying off cops and school teachers, or just put the costs on a credit card (which we have been doing for decades).

The choices are hard, but the voters spoke loud in the last election. We told our government to reduce the spending, stop running up our debt, and make sensible financial reform. Make the necessary cuts and we will have to deal with the results.

The Long Legged MacMuslim's speech the other day caused even more fury in my veins. Did you notice his alleged patriotism? Just 2 years ago, that he refused to wear a flag lapel pin, salute the flag when our National Anthem was played, and was making apologies for Americans while bowing to foreign kings that we were at war with. And now, both he and the First Lady, go to no end to make us believe what great Americans they are. Don't fall for it!

And he has blown off the people's demands. Offering to roll back government spending to the 2008 level is nuts. Were were in debt then, during a time when government revenue was at its highest. "Investing" (more spending) in America can't work if we don't have the funding to support it. And his personal pride, Obamacare, is destined to destroy the health care system as we know it in favor of a reduced, more socialized plan.

We must live within our means and our government needs to understand that. If it means driving slower over the potholes, living with less government services, like cops, teachers, and social workers, then so be it. It won't be easy, but it vital to preserve our way of life for our children and their children.

Don't sit back until the next election. Stay on your representatives. Make them hear clearly and do things your way. We are the People
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A Pensioner's Perspective

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The government has said so much lately about about government pensions that I must speak out against the government from a pensioner's perspective. And you must know that I am one that has been accused of bankrupting our government because I have earned a pension.

Many of you were not around, don't or care not to remember the state of our economy during the late 60's and early 70's, so let's refresh. Like today, soldiers (but many more than today) were returning from Vietnam to a place where there were few jobs (10% unemployment), high interest rates, foreclosed homes, and only a glimmer of hope for the future. Many rioted and protested in the streets. A few were set on colleges shooting rampages, and some went into into recluse at hippie communes, and others continued their education.

But 1980, the era was over, and times were good for most everyone. Stocks and real estate were booming. Cars and houses were selling like hot cakes, most everyone that wanted to work, could. And the demand in private industry for engineers, computing, lawyers, and doctors skyrocketed. Anyone with a higher education could name their price, and many did.

Private industry pay rose out of proportion to others. Sick pay, paid vacations, employer matching saving plans, take home cars, retirement plans, moving expenses, severance pay guarantees, and much more were common.

But government needed qualified workers too. So, as time passed, government began to offer perks to compete with the private sector to hire and retain workers because government jobs did not pay that of private businesses. Doctors, needed by the States to run their medical plans or treat prisoners made a fraction of what could be made on the outside. A person with a 6-year upper education named their price and would never consider being a teacher, or cop in civil service. And even a semi-skilled worker (as it was called then) like a heavy equipment operator would never give up his construction job to run a trash truck for the City. And who would ever be a soldier for that pay? The fact was: The government could neither hire, nor retain skilled employees after the 1980's. And some laughed at anyone who worked for the government and believed they were second class for doing so.

But, the government created their own perks in their battle to hire competent workers. Perks and pensions that the people actually voted on and approved. They contracted with the public unions and promised to good provide pensions and such in order to hire people, like me. So, I left my high paying job building military weapons and private jets, took a 40% pay cut, and began a cop job, believing in the end that I would be OK.

And I am OK. No regrets. But not as OK as some of the ones that remained in the private sector. I could have done better had I remained making airplanes, or been a realtor, home builder, crafty car salesman, or smart home builder. I could have been an assembler at GM, or a diesel mechanic, a photographer or a truck driver. But now, those people are chanting that somehow I have earned something that I did not deserve.

Yes, states and the cities claim public pensions hare forcing their bankruptcy. Perhaps so, But the reason they claim they can not pay their obligation was no fault of the pensioner or the taxpayer. You see, like Social Security, public pensions were created by the government. And see, like Social Security, it was the government that failed to fund the plans as they promised. Always diverting their obligated contributions to other areas.

You see, our soldiers, our cops and school teachers, our firefighters, our prison doctors, and our retired elected officials all deserve what they have earned for their lifetime of previous sacrifices.
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Can't have it both ways

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While absorbing the beauty of nature from the Thought Dock, I heard a story on this morning's nation news (Fox of course) about a group from Washington DC and New Youk City protesting at the private residence of a Walmart executive. Seems they don't want Walmart to open stores in their communities.

Their complaint is that Walmart pays lower wages, sells merchandise (mostly imported) at lower prices, and because of that smaller businesses who can not compete are forced to close.

Well, there might be truth to all of that. But it is a twisted truth. While Walmart is not know for high wages, they do pay benefits, and seeming hire a bunch of people whom might not be able to work anywhere else. You know, like the very unskilled, elderly, and handicapped.

Small businesses on the other hand usually do not offer employee retirement plans, sick leave and maternity leave, medical or other incentives. Small businesses, when facing hard times, only raise their prices to make up for their losses and thus can not compete for my business.

And a few of those protesters looked awfully familiar, as if I've seen them shopping at Walmart. We all want cheap crap, and most of us shop at Walmart to get it. Like Californians who often complain about illegal aliens, while at the same time the hire them to do their heavy labor and dirty work.

You know, I live in a small Oregon tourist and service oriented community. Here there is nothing but small businesses who pay the highest minimum wage in America, yet we have the second highest unemployment rate (something's not working). And, we have a higher cost of living because of these businesses reaping high profits from their goods (and that doesn't work either).

So what's it going to be? Should we insist that all businesses pay higher wages, medical insurance, and retirement to the few people that they can hire; with the flip side of that being higher taxes and product costs? Or should we reduce wages, abandon Obama Care, and hire more people to make and sell us more cheap crap?

Either way, it all costs the same to me. We can't be both ways. So, I'll make the drive to Walmart whenever possible!
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Holder, you're late! (again)

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Recently Attorney General Eric Holder, an Obama appointee, commented about his views about Muslim activities in America. His remarks were startling to me.

According to Holder, "The threat is real, the threat is different, the threat is constant. The threat has changed … to worrying about people in the United States, American citizens—raised here, born here, and who for whatever reason, have decided that they are going to become radicalized and take up arms against the nation in which they were born. It is one of the things that keeps me up at night. You didn't worry about this even two years ago—about individuals, about Americans, to the extent that we now do."

And he went on to say, "In the last two years, 50 of the 126 people charged with terrorism through out the world were U.S. citizens."

His comments were odd to say the least. Was he so naive to think that radical Islam was never a threat to America until two years ago. What about 9/11? Most of you (including the Obama appointee) should know that Islamic ideology has that it allows for absolutely no national allegiance.

To think that Holder only just now is coming to believe that Islam, as a whole, has become so radicalized should have been a concern since 9/11—nearly a decade ago, not two years ago.

It should have been a concern when it became obvious when so many American Muslims were turning to violent jihad. The fact that Americans are being radicalized not only is a concern in America, but it also suggests that American efforts in the Muslim world are doomed to fail.

After all, if American Muslims, who enjoy Western benefits, including democracy, liberty, prosperity, and freedom of expression, are still being radicalized, why then do we insist that importing these same benefits to the Muslim world will eliminate it?

How was it that we believed that all the sacrifices America makes in the Muslim world will pay off once Muslims discover how wonderful our Western ways are, and give it up? We need to rethink our strategy for the war on terrorism. In America, it means cracking down on anything that smells like Islamic activity, without fear of being "politically incorrect." Overseas, it means that the solution to war; spreading Western values and ways of governance, is no solution at all.

Our solution is to secure our borders and care for our own. Islam will destroy itself.
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Engaged ?

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So. . . I ask, "How long have you been engaged now?"

And then . . . Many of you will respond, "Huh?" Seems most people equate the question to a wedding engagement signalling the dumb response of "Huh" when asked the question.

But there are many other types of engagements. To be engaged is to be dedicated to a cause. Are you engaged to your wife, your children, your family, or someone else. Perhaps it is your work, a sport, or an education. Maybe it is a political view you support, your Faith, or even an issue like global warming. Or is it a goal like reaching your best, getting rich, or helping others find their niche.

To be engaged is to move forward, and in America that's getting harder to do. Like the marvel invention of the automatic transmission, you no longer have to engage a clutch to move forward. Remember how awkward it felt at first to use a clutch? The loss of using a clutch took that strangeness away, didn't it? Just press the gas and things just seem to happen. There was a reason for that clutch, and for many it is gone.

No reason to speak to your wife or children. No reason to engage in a conversation with a stranger. No reason to continue your education. No reason to ask someone if the need a hand. No reason to care about anything other than yourself. Just stay on the pedal as long as you can until you can go no faster or no further.

Re-engage yourself while there is time.
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So briefly . . .

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Last month we celebrated the holidays without a terrorist attack. We should find relief in that, but not complacency. Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Nigeria and several European countries were not so lucky.

The hard fact is a global conflict is in progress and we need to understand that. We all need to know who is waging this war, what motivates them, and what their goals are. Without this knowledge, we will not be able to defend ourselves.

So briefly: In 1979, there was a revolution in Iran. Islamic radicals took power and established the first modern nation dedicated to Jihad, which is a holy war against Christians and any other culture that do not accept their agenda. That means us, and that was the beginning of where we are today.

Since them, countries around the world have joined in with Iraq. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, and many other Muslim dominated nations, seem to be individuals in their goals and in their various sects of Islam, but that is not the case. They all have one central objective; convert the world to Islam or kill those that refuse. The evidence of this is overwhelming. And this is what is known as "hard jihad."

"Soft Jihad," on the other hand is designed to destroy liberal democracies from within, to use our own values and institutions to undermine ourselves. By using our own compassionate values, and principles of toleration against us. And this may even become more effective in achieving their goals.


As an example, a high-school geology teacher that is being sued by the Muslims for having "defamed Islam" by mentioning pork products in his classroom. There are many others. Suits involving the construction of mosques, raising the American flag or reciting the Lords Prayer in public, and demands that our courts respect sharia law are more examples.

Final point: 2011 is the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Osama bin Laden is alive.
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Just Asking

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Let me get this straight . . . .

We're going to be "given" a healthcare Plan that we are forced to purchase, and fined if we don't.

This Plan will cover at least 10 Million more people,without adding a single new doctor,but adds 16,000 new IRS agents to ensure it is implemented.

The Plan was written by a committee whose chairman says he doesn't understand it, and passed by a Congress that didn't read it, but exempted themselves from it.

The Plan was signed by a President who smokes, with funding administered by a treasury chief who didn't pay his own taxes.

We will all be taxed taxed for 4 years before any of the benefits take effect, by a government which has already bankrupted Social Security and Medicare.

The Plan will be overseen by a surgeon general who is obese himself, and financed by a country that's broke!

What the heck could possibly go wrong with such a Plan?
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Comparing America with Islam?

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Our most beautiful Secretary of Defence, Hilary Clinton, was visiting parts of the middle east when the shooting in Arizona happened. I'm not sure exactly where she was at the time because, to me, the middle east is all the same. Whether it's Turkey, Afghanistan, Iraq or Saudi Arabia, they are all radicals in their hostile religions.

Anyway, I caught a brief new report of Clinton's visit yesterday. She was speaking publicly in some unknown (to me) country and explained to the audience that America shares many of the same problems with radicals that countries of the middle east have. She meant to say, that because of the Arizona shooting, Americans can begin to expedience the pain that their countries have endured for centuries.

Hilary Clinton needs to go. America is not the middle east and our domestic problems are no where near what they are over there. And to assert that it is, is just another way of apologizing for America to the Muslim world, just like the Long Legged MacMuslim did on his first tours of the world.

First of all, the Arizona shooter, so far, has been nothing more than a deranged, crazy, that attacked a Democratic activity. That's all. How is that related to the continual acts of brutality that happen all across the middle east every day?

You know, occasionally we do have domestic terrorist incidents here, but generally Americans do not live in a constant fear of an explosion. We go to concerts, super bowls, and ride airplanes every day. We attend church with out fear that the building will explode. We go to Disneyland and Niagara Falls. Does that ever happen over there?

You need to remember these things. Hilary could make a bid for the next Presidency in just two more years. Perhaps I'll have to remind you as that day closes.
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Will they remember?

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About two months ago, we (except most of you in California) sent a clear message to those that we elected to represent us in government.

The message was to those that remained in office, that they too would be removed just as those before them that abused their privilege to represent us. Republicans, Independents, and Democrats alike that ignored the will of the people were sent looking for new employment. And the message was also to our President, the Long Legged MacMuslim. And the message was also to those that we elected to replace the bums.

The message was that Americans do not want socialized medicine, or bailouts for private businesses or banks. Americans don't like Eric Holder and his liberal attitude toward terrorism. Americans don't like Nancy Pelosi and her defiant acts of spending money on herself. And Americans don't like the idea of higher taxes and spreading the wealth around. Americans don't like to be unemployed or under employed, and they don't like indefinite unemployment and welfare payments. Americans were appalled to see our President bow before foreign kings, or apologize to the world for America's arrogance. And Americans don't like adical muslims building mosques and recruiting jihadists from within our own borders. And Americans don't like illegal aliens protesting in our cities while they collect welfare for their children.

So, will those that we recently elected remember why they were elected and do what they were elected to do? Perhaps the better question is, will we remember and will we be prepared to do it again if things are not done as we choose?

It is up to us. We are Americans!
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The Morning After

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I'm sure most of you know what a "Morning After" is. It's probably different to each of us.

Some of you might have made a major purchase, only to wake the following morning in a deep sweat wondering if you made the right decision. Others might have drank too much the previous night and awake in the morning with that massive headache. And still others might have gone camping deep in the woods with their best buddy and awoke only to find their pants hanging beneath their knees and a sharp pain in their rectum.

For me, another Morning After came just this morning. I awoke to realize that the Long Legged MacMuslim is still in office after 2 years! I was reminded of the harm he has done to America in such a very short time. He has made Jimmy Carter appear conservative.

The economy continues to fail, and since he has never owned a business, or even let alone worked for one, he can't figure out how to create a job. His health care plan is a shame and will ruin our current system. His bailouts have failed only to make the unions and the bankers even richer.

His promise of "No new taxes" has gone out the window. Cuts in Social Security and military pay will become reality. Forcing the CIA to their knees by requiring foreign terrorists be given the rights of an American citizen is insane. Now he is out to tax our churches, and remove the federal deduction for those that tithe, while he gives government aid to build mosques.

This morning after is real. Maybe, I ought to go camping.
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