Why?

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As we try to recover from the tragedy in Newtown, we scramble to answer the "Whys." And as we do, we will place blame on every thing and everyone but ourselves. But what is most important is to make the proper corrections to prevent another recurrence.

So, why Newtown? It's no different than anywhere else in America, so that means it can happen in your community. You need to believe that. We need to review history in search of answers, which will, in time prevent future incidents of hatred.

Newtown IS America. It is a place much different than it once was. Life in America has been easy for most of us during the past 50 years. Most of us have (at least until recently) obtained adequate wealth, good jobs, and an over abundance of products making our lives even easier. Simply said, we are spoiled and we are raising even more spoiled children to fill our shoes every day.

Let's look to history for answers. But since many of you grew up with the mindset today, you are too young to know what once was. So, I'll tell you.

In Those Days, we didn't have strong unions keeping us exempt from termination even if it was well deserved. We had to be hard working in the factories just to make ends meet. We demanded that our children had respect, ethics, love and the value of life. There was no room for poor behavior or rewards without earning them.

In Those Days, we had guns. Many of them. But there were no mass murders done by disgruntled workers or spoiled young people. We had Hollywood and the news media, But the media wasn't set on glamorizing car chases or shootouts with the cops. And there was no video games promoting rape or murder. Or movies portraying ax slayings.

In Those Days there was mental illness, but 64% of our population, including children, were not on "floaters" to control it. We had drugs and alcohol. But there were strict laws governing their use.

In Those Days we lived in small homes that were filled with love. Not a 3000 sqft. one overstuffed with unused crap stuffed into every crevice.

We are so....... Spoiled!  We throw a tantrum when things don't go our way, and sometimes that tantrum is MURDER.

So, that said, why is America the way we are? There are a number of factors, and all must be changed. But, to put it bluntly, you and I (to some extent) are the answer to the  "Why." We must change that to return to Those Days.
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There is nothing we can do about that?????

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Recently while travelling in the Manor, we stopped at a Rest Area along an Interstate Highway.

If you've never visited one, they are designed to allow drivers to stretch their legs, use restroom facilities, or perhaps even take a nap.  Some rest areas are called "Safety Areas" which is the true reason for their construction.  I'm sure the rest areas are expensive to build and maintain with funding provided by federal taxes on fuel.

At one such stop in Central California, I noticed a sign limiting the length of stay to six hours and stating "No Soliciting - No Overnight Camping."  OK, well I'm good with that because the Federal Fuel taxes I pay are there to make my life easier.

But while walking the dogs through this California rest area, I noticed at least four people soliciting near the walkway to the rest room.  They were holding signs reading, "Stranded.  Need Fuel.  Anything will help."  Then I saw several tents, filled with living necessities pitched beneath the trees next to a picnic table in the rear.  It was obvious the tent camp had been there for at least weeks, and it was equally apparent that the solicitors belonged to the tents.  They were not stranded but camped out and earning their secondary income begging.

Angry that my Federal fuel taxes were funding this new wave of life style, I approached a Highway Patrol Officer whom had come to "rest" and complained about the illigal solicitation and violations of the lenghth of stay rules.  So he replied, "Well there is nothing we can do about that."

A few nights ago, I watched a news clip of 5000 revelers beneath the Space Needle in Seattle and celebrating their success in changing the law in Washington to all pot smoking.  They were smoking thier hemp in public and many were minors who had nothing to do with the ballot measure.  They were in violation of the very law they enacted by smoking the pot in public.

So, where were the Feds?  It is a Federal violation to possess, use, sell, or buy pot.  Is the answer the same?  Nothing can be done about that?  Why is it that those that obey the law have to suffer from those that don't.

Something's wrong with these pictures.
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Learn to Count; Learn what Counts

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Well, it is Time. Time for a Season. But this is THE Season! And for me, it is the ONLY Season. The Season about Faith. The Season about Love. The Season about Giving. The Season about sharing. The Season about Family and Friends. And for me, the Season that wraps up the happenings of the year and sets the way for the new.

Start this Season by learning to Count. Count everything and never stop. But equally important, Learn what Counts, and never stop.

For me, my Family Counts, but the inevitable disputes do not. My Friends Count, but my Foes do not. Giving a Gift Counts, but receiving one does not. Shopping for that Special Gift counts, but the Long Lines at the cash register do not. Wishing a Stranger "Merry Christmas" Counts, but the occasional "Happy Holiday" response does not. Smiling Counts, but Stares do not. Standing you Morals Counts, but Accepting one's Evils does not. And Love counts, but Hate does not.

So Count, but Learn what Counts! Merry Christmas.
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Tyranny

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I apologize for leaving you all wondering why the posts have not been forthwith and leaving you wondering aimlessly without the Thought Dock wisdom to guide and comfort you in your daily lives. But, once again we are on the road across America and the marvel of Wifi is sporadic. I do however, promise to keep the Thought Dock portal open to you as often as I can.

While driving along an open stretch of highway, I couldn't help to recall a statement someone passed on; "Tyranny can only prevail when good people don't do anything."

Think about that for a moment. It's powerful, and it's what I've been harping on for years in this blog. Guess what? It explains the very reason why America is where it is today. At a crossroad. Simply because good Americans didn't do anything to stand against what is wrong. What is immoral. What is evil.

Ever wonder why most Americans will agree that America is the greatest country in the world, but most seem to forget how we got here? Like the Jews in Nazi Germany walked, most knowingly, to their death, good Americans are following.

So, I know that many of you think that I have backed off following the re-election of Obama, and then getting the boot from the blog, but nothing could be further from the truth. You see, it is my goal now to save America from ruin, one citizen at a time. So, the Thought Dock will focus less on politics, but continue to hammer home issues regarding ethics happening everyday in America.
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