American Change

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In Those Days, all of my friends had both parents (always a female and a male) at home. Maybe that was because my dad was in the Army, as were most of my friend's dads. And my mother loved her place in life; to follow my dad wherever his career took him, to raise the children, and care for the needs of the entire family. And that she did, even sacrificing her dreams for the family. And I came to believe that was they way things were supposed to be, and for the most part, I still believe that. And I've only admired my mom and considered her a strong person for doing that.

It was only when I matured and entered into the work force, that I was exposed to single parenting. And I began to see that some of my children's friends were from single parent households. And I felt sorry for the single parents, and my children felt sorry for some of their friends. And sometimes it was a topic of conversation within our family.

Now, this morning's news headlines reported that nearly 30 percent of American households are supported by a single parent. For those that have difficulty interpreting math, that means that 30 out of every 100 homes have only one parent. But when you look a bit deeper, it also means that because the average American family consists of almost 3 children, that's a whole hell of a lot of kids that don't have both a mother and father.

I'm not standing atop a pedestal; divorce struck my family too. And not meant to minimize the hurt the divorce claimed on my family, at least my children were through college and well on their way to their own lives, when my divorce occurred.

So, one thing that I've come to learn about single parent homes, whether they began that way, or became that way, is that most of the time it is due to selfishness. No longer is either party willing to be subservient to the other, as it was in Those Days. Both the mother and father now wish to pursue their dreams, even as individuals if that is what it takes. Each has a career to pursue, success to achieve, places to go, and things to do. And to do it all, together, as a team in marriage is nearly impossible.

This post is only to give y'all something to think about. I'm not here to judge. I do believe though, that children from two parent families are generally happier. But that is not the direction America has been heading in the past 40 years.

We all know that Those Days will never return, but that is not to say that I don't miss them.
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Knowing People

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You know, I know that most of you know, that I've spent more than half of my life, and almost all of my adult life, as a cop. You know that because some of you are family. some friends, and others have just been following this blog from it's conception where my roots are very clear.

From walking a beat in the busiest police precinct in world, to working a patrol car in the San Fernando Valley; from training new cops, to investigating corrupt ones, to working narcotics and vice, there is little cop stuff that I have not done.

While you are probably waiting for a thrilling cop story, I'll save that for another time. What I want to talk about is not how well you know me, but how well I know you. Even if I've never met you. How's that?

You see, I've studied people for over 33 years. All kinds and types. Both genders, and the ones in between. Most every race, religion, culture, age, and profession. Doctors, lawyers, judges, preachers, politicians, athletes, and pilots. And a wide variety of criminals, like molesters, drunks, thieves, swindlers, dopers, whores, and murderers. The rich, the poor, the famous, the vagrants, brilliant ones, to dumb ones. I've learned from them all.

So, here is the one common thing that I've learned about the people I've met. So very few of them, and you are a part of them, really care about anything anything unless it directly affects them. But I will admit that I'm as much a part of being them as you are.

Ever notice that? Few care about crime until they ("they" include those that are very close to them) , become a victim. Few care about the vagrants until they lose their job or become homeless. Few care about cancer, mental illness, or traffic deaths until it strikes their home. Few care about the military until their son or daughter serves; only then do they become a patriot. Few take time to vote intelligently until they learn about corruption. And few seem to forget history much too soon. It's been a while since I've seen a U.S. Flag waiving in memory of 9/11.

Notice that I'm careful to use the term "few?" That's because not all of you fall into this selfishness category. And it's not up to me to determine which of you are those few. I'm not the judge,nor will I judge. That's for you to decide for yourself.

So, who are the ones that are not part of the few? Those are the ones that either don't know about what is happening, or those that just bury their heads or turn the other way. Those are the ones that never offer an opinion, nor take a stance on anything. Those are the ones that know what is happening, but shout their remarks from the anonymity of a darkened closet. Those are the ones that will not fight. Those are the weaklings.

So, if you are not part of the few, examine yourself. Get involved, take a stance, help where you can, and make a difference to someone, somewhere, somehow.

Have a wonderful weekend!

MacDaddy obama is Muslim

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That's right everyone. President obama is a Muslim, and he admits it. Does that impact your opinion of him? It does mine. Can a Muslim effectively reflect and protect the values of Americans? I don't think so! Hello!

I know the posts as of late have been rather lengthy, but this stuff is important. So, rather than make you read another long post, I'll just let you view the video yourself. It speaks for itself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tCAffMSWSzY

Much of this stuff is not new. It's just compiled in a more understandable way.

Enjoy!

Pop...Pop..

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"Pissing off the Palestinians." That's what obama said, but he used the political correct terms, which I refrain from.

He said it yesterday in a speech he gave while visiting China. To give you the context, he was speaking about the tensions in the Holy Land, and stated in essence, "While Israel is a close friend of the United States, by their continued to settle in the disputed areas, only serves to inbitter the Palestinianes."

That statement, among others, shows obama's true aliance. His aliance with the Muslim world. The world from which he came, and the world that he supports today.

Who cares about the Palestinians? They are murderers and jihadists. They are the Hezbolah, the Al Queda, and the Hamas. They are the ones that terrorize Israel by firing rockets from within the darkness of their closets. They are the ones, like Iran, who will do all they can to "Erase Israel from the face of the earth."

Why piss off Palestine? We should be pissing on Palestine!

You know, some people don't only gripe, but they actually have a plan about what to do. Here is a plan that Robin Williams gave in a recent speech. And I don't think he was joking!

"I see a lot of people yelling for peace but I have not heard of a plan for peace. So, here's one plan.

1) The US will apologize to the world for our 'interference' in their affairs, past & present. You know, Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Tojo, Noriega, Milosevic, Hussein, and the rest of those 'good 'ole' boys', we will never 'interfere' again.

2) We will withdraw our troops from all over the world, starting with Germany , South Korea, the Middle East , and the Philippines . They don't want us there. We would station troops at our borders. No one allowed sneaking through holes in the fence.

3) All illegal aliens have 90 days to get their affairs together and leave. We'll give them a free trip home. After 90 days the remainder will be gathered up and deported immediately, regardless of whom or where they are. They're illegal!!! France will welcome them.

4) All future visitors will be thoroughly checked and limited to 90 days unless given a special permit!!!! No one from a terrorist nation will be allowed in. If you don't like it there, change it yourself and don't hide here. Asylum would never be available to anyone. We don't need any more cab drivers or 7-11 cashiers.

5) No foreign 'students' over age 21. The older ones are the bombers. If they don't attend classes, they get a 'D' and it's back home baby.

6) The US will make a strong effort to become self-sufficient energy wise. This will include developing nonpolluting sources of energy but will require a temporary drilling of oil in the Alaskan wilderness. The caribou will have to cope for a while

7) Offer Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries $10 a barrel for their oil. If they don't like it, we go someplace else. They can go somewhere else to sell their production. (About a week of the wells filling up the storage sites would be enough.) homeless shelter or lockup for illegal aliens.

8) If there is a famine or other natural catastrophe in the world, we will not 'interfere.' They can pray to Allah or whomever, for seeds, rain, cement or whatever they need. Besides most of what we give them is stolen or given to the army. The people who need it most get very little, if anything.

9) Ship the UN Headquarters to an isolated island someplace. We don't need the spies and fair weather friends here.

10) All Americans must go to charm and beauty school. That way, no one can call us 'Ugly Americans' any longer. The Language we speak is ENGLISH..learn it...or LEAVE...Now, isn't that a winner of a plan? 'The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and she's yelling, 'you want a piece of me?

I'll leave his Thoughts with you.

Pass the Nuts

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Yes, I know this guys looks like Obama and Holder, just as yesterday's post did. Seems like all terrorists the same. Actually, Obama and Holder are pretty close to terrorists.

Well, this guy is Mr. Mohammed (that really is his name like so many others of his kind). He is a terrorist, a Jihadist. He was the mastermind of the 9/11 attack, which slaughtered thousands of innocent American citizens during a declared Jihad (war). He was captured in Afghanistan, by American soldiers, during the War on Terror.

And now, his friends, Obama and Holder, are bringing him to New York, the very city he attacked, and put him on trial in a civilian court. Soon, he face will be as well known as O.J. Simpson. What a travesty of justice that will be. And he will likely be set free, right here in America!

This guy is not an American citizen, never lived in America, did not plan his crime in America, was not captured in America, and was not arrested by American police. So, why then is Obama and Holder affording him the rights of an American?

During war, search and seizure, interrogation, rules of evidence, rights to counsel, and an abundance of other issues do not apply. And that makes sense. Imagine having to obtain an arrest or search warrant before blasting a hole in a cave to get the guy that is trying to kill you? Imagine having to get the Jihadist an attorney before you talk to him or search his cave?

An American civilian court, making rulings like these following the rights afforded to Americans, will have a field day with these issues. They will simply apply Constitutional law and throw the evidence out, which will cause the cases to be dismissed, and this Jihadist to be set free.

So why did these nuts do this. They are both lawyers, so shouldn't they know what will happen. You bet you're ass they know. That's why they did it. Obama wants this Jihadists to be set free because he is sympathetic to Islamic Jihad. He has already set other Jihadists free, even without trial, including the ones that blew a hole in the USS Cole, killing lots of American sailors.

The heat is on... Pass these nuts right into the trash!

Comparing Nuts

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Now, here's a photo that another avid Follower sent me. If you examine it closer, it appears to be a picture of an acorn with the nut still attached.

The nut is the meat of the seed. Here it bears a striking resemblance to our President. Could it really be him?

The fact is, our President really is a nut. He is not just dressing here for Halloween. He is the meat of ACORN, an organization that he established while he was a Chicago politician, and has supported ever since. ACORN has been found guilty in several states of voter fraud and corruption. Yet, he has stood by this corrupt government funded agency right up until the time that Congress took the funding away.

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Now, we've had other nuts as Presidents. Remember the Peanut farmer, Jimmy Carter? I didn't post his picture because everyone know what peanuts look like.

But Carter was no less of a nut that Obama. Some are you are too young to remember back to 1979. Jimmy was President then; when the radical, militants of Islam over threw the friendly to us, Democratic government of Iran. Then those radicals stormed our embassy and held our American citizens captive for over a year, while Jimmy refused to do anything about it. Well, Jimmy the Nut lasted only one term in office before being replaced by a republican. Only then were the hostage Americans released. Can't quite remember that? It's all in the history books.

Well Barrack Hussein Obama is far more scarier than Jimmy ever was. He doesn't fear the radical Muslims as Jimmy did, but instead, this nut embraces them!

I suppose I could hide like a coward beneath the Thought Dock, but it is already terribly crowded there with Americans that just can't stand up without help. Come out! Speak out! Forget political correctness! Stand with me! Shut them down! Drive them out! And live as the American we once were!

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Remembering Pearl Harbor

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No, it's not quite December 7th yet, but the memories of, and the lessons learned from the Japanese attack on America should never be confined to a single day.

Speaking about the word "confined" soon after the attack on Pearl Harbor, most every Japanese person in America was confined in what we now call, "Internment Camps." We did that because we knew little about Japanese immigrants in America. Thier culture, their idealogy, their religions, and their ambitions were virtually unknown to us. We were at war with Japan and who knew what these people could do to further their homeland's evil efforts against us. No one knew if they were spies, or soldiers, or Americans. And it has been proven that some were spies. So, they were all confined to their camps for the duration of the war. And I think that was a very wise decision.

Today we are at war again. A war on terror. But today, we know much more about our current war than we did about our Japanese enemies then. We know that our enemies are the radical followers of Islam. And we know that followers of Islam are Muslims. And we know that the radical Muslims who have declared war on America are called Jihadists. And we know that Jihadists have killed Americans in great numbers. And we know that Jihadists plan their attacks from both inside, or with the financial support of the mosques. And yes Geo, we do know that all mosques are Muslim mosques. Therefore, I think that all mosques should be quarrentined. Closed, confined, isolated, infiltrated, destroyed, or by whatever any other means is necessary to stop their support and safe haven for their radical followers called Jihadists.

Yes, I know this novel thought makes the hair on the back of your neck stand stiff, but I'm tired of being beat up by an enemy that we can easily defeat.

Why is it that we can take down the Christian based Branch Davidians at Waco, Texas? Why is it that we break up other religious groups that are merely isolationists living the way they think is right, not threatening Americans. But why is it that we don't do anything about the mosques of the Jihadists?

What are those bubbles rising from beneath the Thought Dock? Has one expressing his logical, but not politically correct views caused the water to boil? Or is it more like champagne bubble that apprear once the pressure is released? You figure it out.
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Are You Sorry Yet?

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Today, the attorney representing the Fort Hood Jihadist announced that his client might be left paralyzed from the waste down as a result of the police officers bullets which took him down. If you do feel sympathy for the Jihadist, you need to pedal on over to your art class now because you have no business here. There is no need for you to stay here and shout your obscenities at me. Beading on, you will only come to realize yourself you're in the wrong place. So spare yourself some pain.

You see it all leads right back to our HalfBlack MacDaddy's appointment of his Halfblack friend to the Attorney General. Together, they decided it would be best to try this Jihadist in a local court instead of a military tribunal. And by doing that, they will have allowed this terrorist's trial to be made into a mockery by the ACLU communist attorneys.

And the Halfblacks justify it all by stating the investigation found no evidence to support that this Jihadist was acting in concert with a terror organization. What does that matter? The fact is that he is a Jihadist, has ties to Islamic extremists in Pakistan, and shouted the exact same statements that the 9/11 Jihadist made just before their deaths. He committed and act of war against America, on American soil. And our previous administration had declared war on terrorism, and we are still at war. So then, why is this Jihadist not a war criminal?

Could it be that our Halfblack MacDaddy is partial to the Muslims? After all, he was a Muslim. Although he claims to have converted to Christianity, I have never heard outcries from the Muslim community about that. Seems though I have heard many stories where others were murdered or persecuted in other ways for denouncing their Muslim faith. Something strikes me as odd here. Could our Halfblack leader still be, a Muslim. Or even a Jihadist?

Our MacDaddy has apologized to the Muslim world for America's past behaviour. He has caused the release of six Jihadists that attacked the USS Cole and killed many soldiers, and he has shut down Gitmo and released hundreds more Jihadists, so they can fight again.

I'm very thankful to live in this Central Oregon Coastal community. We have no mosques here, and if there are some Muslims here, they blend very well into the community. No accents, no obnoxious cooking odors coming from their kitchens, no black dots, and no head garbs. Because I don't think this community would tolerate that. I certainly wouldn't.

Stay tuned if you can handle it. There is more to this Thought Dock.
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Saying it Like

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In Those Days, my mother had six children (not all at the same time), and I was the oldest male. While living near the base of the Catskill Mountains, we owned a pitch fork. Not the kind that were used to load hay, but the shorter handled spade type that were used to dig through heavy clay in the garden. One day, when my next younger sister was about 3, she ran the pitch fork right through her foot, pinning it to the wooden patio deck.

Now, that I've got your attention, I want you all to know that it seems I have received some "off the record" comments sent directly to me by e-mail, most of which were expressing shock and awe about some of my posts. I think they do it because they are afraid to express themselves publicly.

This blog was created to promote discussion and provide a forum to contribute to the Thought Dock. While some of my posts are radical to some, outrageous to others, racist to a few, they have never been made without facts and merit. And in the days to come, stand back, because I'm going to pump things up to the next level.

Now, I encourage comments. Even ones contrary to my posts. Even from ones that don't know me. Even if my post was directed at you. But, it does no good to shout your comments from the darkness of your closet where no one else can hear. Remain anonymous if you want, but make your comments public.

And lastly, if you can not stomach this blog, then go and enroll in and art class and study very hard. Perhaps you'd be more at home painting calming landscapes and wildlife. Or perhaps an abstract of nothing.

As the waters rise beneath the Thought Dock, so I will say it like it is. Stay tuned, or bail out now. It's your choice on this Friday the Thirteenth.
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Pass it On

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My mother loved clocks. She collected them as long as I can remember. She had cukoo clocks, and an old wooden clock that sat on the mantle or the piano, and chimed. We all knew that she always wanted a Grandfather clock, but we could never afford one, I guess.

In Those Days, I left home while still in high school to get married, leaving my siblings behind to grow up themselves. Just like clockwork, they each left home soon after reaching age 18.

Now, some left to attend college, or trade school, and some just left I guess to spread their wings and find themselves. Eventually, they too, all married and had success. But one story recently popped to mind, that hit home.

My next younger brother had a falling out (like most of us all did at one time or another) with my parents. And I'm not even sure what the conflict was about, but we all knew there was something up.

Well, that went on for quite some time until one Christmas he came home and made amends. In doing so, he gave Mom a beautiful Grandfather clock as her Christmas gift. It was certainly the grandest clock I had ever seen, and Mom cried with joy.

Not long after he returned home, my brother informed Mom that he had financed the clock he gave her, and that he could not make the payments. He said that if she wanted to keep the clock, she would have to pay for it. And she did. And she always loved him.

In recalling the incident recently. my first thought was anger. After all, how mean to make someone pay for a gift that you bought them. But then it occurred to me, that if he had never purchased the clock for her, she would have never realized her dream of owning a Grandfather clock. So, that's how I''ll choose to save that memory.

But, passing things on, at least things that are not yet paid for, just seems wrong. Now, generally, you pass thing down to your children, not up to your parents. That's different.

Now, just because I chose to look at what my brother did in a posative light, doesn't mean it's an appropriate view in what our MacDaddy wants us to do. now. Let's all buy health care and pass the bill to our children, and their children. A novel idea. Just like we do with Social Security and Medicare!

No. No. No! Build the Thought Dock and pay for it before you pass it on.
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Let's not...

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As I sift through the information that floods into the Thought Dock every moment, I can not help but focus on the following remark:

"Let's not just jump to conclusions about this. Let's wait until the facts come in."

That's what he said in a national news conference just after the Fort Hood murders. It's what he said to reporters in response to their questions about whether the murders were an act of terrorism.

He, who? MacDaddy Obama, of course. MacDaddy.... The admitted "once raised as a Muslim by a Muslim father" in a mostly Muslim country. While most of us already knew it was another terrorist attack on Americans, by an American, in America, the moment we learned that the murderer was a Muslim, our MacDaddy was asking us not to jump to conclusions. Give me a break. He turns my stomach!

What I find most odd is that the MacDaddy immediately condemned and called the White Cambridge cop as a "racist" when he detained his Black professor friend. Now, how is it that he could judge that incident without waiting for any facts, yet he claims he could not see the Ft. Hood murders for what it was? And didn't he once apologize to Muslim leaders for American arrogance?

The answer is that ourMacDaddy is a Halfblack. And Halfblacks seem to be even more radically racist than Blacks. And too, the MacDaddy still aligns himself with Muslims.

And, while not all Muslims are Jihadists, all Jihadists are Muslims. Think about it. Could our MacDaddy be a Jihadist? He just might be.
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Right Here in America?

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Well, I don't understand this. Perhaps a few of my Followers can help me out here.

For the past few years, the United States has been confronting terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Now, we are not at war with either country, just the terrorists hiding within those countries. And, I don't have a problem with that.

Now, the Central Intelligence Agency is in those countries and pays huge bounties to the public for information about where the terrorists are hiding. And, based upon that information, which is sometimes false because we pay the bounty before we confirm the information, we send a rocket or two into the suspected terrorists house. And sometimes, there are no terrorists there at the time. And sometimes an innocent and his family gets killed because the person we paid the bounty to was actually the terrorist.

Now, this really doesn't bother me very much. And, I don't think many other Americans care either. But, here is what I question.

We have, right here in America, terrorists that plan attacks against Americans from the privacy of their mosques. And we have Americans actually operating from the instructions and support of those mosques to kill other Americans right here in America. The Fort Hood incident is recent example of what I'm talking about.

Now, why is it that we can't do anything about it? Seems the FBI knew about this Jihadist American solder, but because of his Rights, they couldn't go further into his investigation to stop him from committing Jihad against Americans in America? How, is it we can do whatever we please fighting terrorism outside America, yet our own laws protect them inside America?

Yes, MacDaddy, it is time for change! But not in the way you are are leading us into. Perhaps it's time to send an American missile into an American mosque to protect Americans against Jihad. "Whew, that's a radical idea," you say. But, things are getting radical right here in America, and this crap has to stop!

They tell us to love them, not all Muslims are Jihadists. But, all Jihadists are Muslims. Even right here in America! .
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On the way to...

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... Socialism. Yes we can. Yes we are. The MacDaddy and his court are yet another step closer to socialized medicine in America. Just like they have in Russia, Mexico, and Iran.

Isn't it terribly frightening that the MacDaddy has found a wat to distribute only 6% of the Swine Flu vaccination? And the rest of it won't be available until after the full force of the pandemic hit? But, the bankers have already been innoculated?

Ever wonder how the politicians can approve a project that Americans overwhelmingly do not want. We elect them based upon their promises and rhetoric that they make during their campaign. And once in office, they do what they damn well please. But we don't do anything about it. Get rid of the incumbents that go against your will or their false promises! And since every Democrat in the House voted in favor of the socialized medical plan, then I will vote against every Democrat in the next election. After all, if they can't get the Cash for Clunkers program or get the H1N1 vaccine right, then how can we expect them to do a government run medical plan to work?

So, here is a contribution from yet another avid Follower. Stick with it as it is a bit long. Published in 1948, it is still very relevant to today.
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1948 Cartoon .
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"This Individual does not ........"

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..... necessarily reflect the views of this organization."

Well, it has happened again. As you know, yet another American Muslim has attacked America. And again, a representative of American Muslims was quick to respond by making a public statement that this incident was done by a murderer acting alone, and it does not reflect the views of the Muslim community. "Islam is a peace loving religion."

That's what the leaders of the Jewish Defense League, Nazi Party, Black Panthers, KKK, Weathermen, Hezbola, Al Queda, and all the other radical groups say when ever one of theirs kill us. The fact is that they all promote hatred for everyone outside their group, from the leaders on down to the suicide bomber.

The fact is that American freedom, does not allow anyone to freely kill another. Every one of these groups, and the many others out there that I did not name, should be shut down, by force if necessary, right now.

Yes, Dear, the Thought Dock is rumbling with anger.
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Eight to Tenfold Theory

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You know, the vast majority of the Wisdom I claim is received through the Thought Dock and taken from a variety of outside sources, including some of you. But every now and then, I can make logical conclusions myself simply by reflecting back to Those Days and comparing the then with the now.

Yesterday, while shopping for furniture and such in the bigger city of Central Oregon, I was able to recall from memory, the costs of some basic goods and wages from 40 years ago, and compare them to today. From those observations, I have come to what I see as a logical conclusion, which I call my Eight to Tenfold Theory. Keep in mind folks that this was not based on rocket science, nor was it conducted by some squint that received funding from the federal government. It simply involved my observations over several hours, and some time at the Thought Dock.

In 1969, I ordered direct from the factory, a brand new Ford Pinto, which was an entry level car similar to today's Honda Civic. The Pinto was priced at $2100 out the door, Non-branded gasoline was 35 cents a gallon, milk 69 cents a gallon, and a basic fast food taco was 15 cents. A single nights stay in the hospital for my wife to deliver our firstborn cost $700. A room at Motel 6 was $10, as was a carton of cigarettes. A starter home in the high desert of California sold for 15k, school lunches were a quarter, and my children's bunk bed cost $700. A portable color television was about $500, and a draft beer at a sleezybar was 25 cents. And air travel by anyone in my peer group was almost unheard of.

Now, at the same time period, I had an unskilled assembler job at a union factory and made 10k a year with a little overtime, and a boot cop, or a school teacher made just a tad bit less.

So, here is my point. We all complain about how difficult it is to survive in today's economics. But by comparison, life today is far better, and easier than it was in Those Days. Look at entry level union wages in SoCal today and you'll find that they have increased 8-10 times, across the board, from what they were 40 years ago. And so has durable goods.

A Honda Civic costs about 15K, gas about $2.80 a gallon, tacos are less than a buck, a cheap hotel room is $80, that starter home I once owned is now worth about a 100k, and a cold beer at a pub is $2.50. And many things that we all think are outrageously priced are actually cheaper today than 40 years ago. Televisions, bunk beads, milk, and cigarettes are evident of that. And air travel is quite common for most every one these days.

Yeah, I know, you must think I've smoked my socks. Actually, I quit smoking almost a year ago. Hurrah for me!! Now, I know most every complains about their struggle to survive these days. But they do it. And although they struggle, they do it in comfort. Air conditioning everywhere, more toys for the kids, nicer and larger homes, and more dining out.

So, although I complain often, I do so to try to make things even better than they are. Because it could be better. But, life is wonderful, and at the Thought Dock, is better and easier than it ever has been.
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It's a Trap!

Here is a photo that one of my most avid of Followers contributed. It goes to show the vast resources the Thought Dock draws from, and I sort though it all.

It's not that I was ever a Bush II fan, but it's more that I despise MacDaddy, the self proclaimed messiah of the world.

Now, yesterday I drifting back to my memories from Those Days on the Right Coast in Brooklyn. Aside from playing stick ball in the street with some poor kids (the rich ones had real bats and mitts and played organized ball in the parks), I also remember crabbing in Sheepshead Bay.

Now, the rich ones had store bought crab traps that were very elaborate, and the regular folk made their own from the likes of an old bicycle wheel. But, my dad showed me that even the poor kids could catch a rich man's dinner even without a real trap.

He taught us to tie a chicken neck, with a weight, onto the end of a light rope which we always could find somewhere along the beach. We'd then throw the bait off the dock and wait. Wait until the slack in the rope began to tighten, which meant that a crab was walking off with the chicken. Then we'd slowly pull in the rope, with the crab clinging to his prize. Unlike a fish on a barbed hook who couldn't get away, the craps were had only because of their greed. So greedy that, even though they could simply let go and return to freedom, they didn't. Most just hung on all the way right into my bucket and on to the dinner table. But some did let go at the last moment and lived at least another day.

Think about it. Here's a crab at the bottom of the bay just hanging out, when a chunk of chicken lands next to him. Wow, he thinks. He knows chickens don't belong in the sea, but he could care less. After all, it was free, it was easy pickings, and it looked yummy, so he grabs it. And, with the exception of a few that get smart at the last moment and let go, they end up on a poor man's plate at dinner.

Sounds a familiar tune for me. That is exactly what the MacDaddy did to most of the American people a year ago. Like Adolph, Saddam, Fidel, and some others, they rose to power by promising the people something for free. Lower taxes, socialized medicine, create jobs, rebuild a nation, and change you can believe in, were all his campaign. And you fell for it.

We, like those stupid crabs, are on our way to the MacDaddy's dinner plate. But, it is not too late. Let go now at this last minute and live on for another day!

You see, lessons learned in Those Days, are very relevant to these days at the Thought Dock.
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Wondering

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Well, it's been nearly a year and a half since I started this blog. For the benefit of of the newer Followers of mine, many of which I don't know, like the ones from Loma Linda, Mountain View, Houma, and the Canadians, I'd like to give you the roots of the blog. Unless you've read back over the 400 or so posts, you wouldn't know that I actually began writing as a means to learn more about myself, and how I came to be me.

But as time passed, and Followers began to follow, the blog evolved into more of a site to provide a forum for my Followers to take a deeper look into the issues of our daily lives. And so, the Thought Dock was created to channel information that I receive from a variety of sources to you, after of course, I separate the meaningless crap, twist the rest of it into a way that you can understand, and then distribute that Wisdom to you.

But, at times, like this time, I revert back to wondering about my roots. It wasn't until I was about 10, that in Those Days, we were poor. I guess what rang my bell was that when we moved to Brooklyn, I got my first exposure to wealthy people. I mean the rich Jews that hired needy kids like me to shovel their driveway in the winter, mow their lawn in the summer, and rake their leaves in the fall.

I wasn't ashamed or anything like that when I noticed that most of my school mates never wore the same clothes (or the same shoes for that matter), twice in one week. But it did make me realize (as I hate to admit) that I wanted what they had.

I wanted to live in my own house, rather than a rented one as we always had. I wanted that boat that my father wanted but never could afford. I wanted my children to wear new clothes rather than hand-me-downs. I wanted them to have nice presents on their birthdays and Christmas, and I wanted them to have the opportunity to have fun growing up.

And I knew that I could have those things if I worked hard for them. But in Those Days, my plan was to quit school at 16, get a motorcycle and set off to get my dream. But in reality, I was married by age 17, and a father soon there after. Now I wonder what would have happened if I got that motorcycle then.

So, work I did. Never asked anyone for help, and I never accepted help that was offered. I repaid every loan I ever had, and learned the value of credit. And, I bought my first home. I can't remember anything that I ever stole, and tried very hard never to lie. And I was lucky, really lucky. Timing seemed to be everything in my life as I learned to make investments and cash them in for a profit most every time.

And my children wore mostly new clothing, had new bicycles, got to do most everything they wanted. And we got that boat that my father always wanted. And we took him for a ride.

And life has always been good to me. And I know the Lord better now. And I love my family. And I no longer want what others have. And, I live within my means.

But, I still wonder,only now it's from the Thought Dock.
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Eternal Sleep

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As law enforcer for 33 years, I learned that 90% of crime is committed by only 10% of the population. Now that statistic is seldom published although it is true no matter where in America you live.

What you do hear very often is that the majority of crime is done by repeat offenders. But what most people have trouble with is realizing just what a repeat offender is. It's not that difficult folks. A repeat offender is one that commits crimes over and over again. Is that too hard to understand?

Now, once you grasp that concept, ask yourself, "How can one person commit crimes over and over again?" Again, simple question - simple answer. It is only because we let them. We let them get out on bail while they await a trial often several years into the future. We let them serve light sentences after their conviction. We parole them early. We pardon some. We can't or won't convict others. We let them........

Nearly every day we hear about a child abduction where an ex-con is suspected. Now, let's review; Would that be a repeat offender? This morning's Fox New reported that six bodies were found inside a convicted rapist's home. Is he a repeat offender? And, a few months ago, cops rescued a person that was abducted as a child nearly 20 years ago by a convicted child molester. Wouldn't that be yet another example? Get it now?

So, if you got it, perhaps it might occur to you that Ninety Percent of crime could be prevented just by providing a speedy trial then keeping the convicted repeat offenders in jail, or better yet placed into an eternal sleep (that's a softer term for executing the bastards).

Now, that's what I'm talking about through the power and wisdom of the Thought Dock.
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Isolation

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Through out recorded history, man has gone out, away from their homes, to find a new place, isolated from others, where they could be as they wanted.

The Jews wandered the deserts for many years as they followed Moses to their promised land. And, our American forefathers did the same by leaving England to pursue their dreams in a new land. And, within America people have isolated themselves into even smaller groups for the same reason; To be as they want, without outside interference.

Religious groups, cults, clubs, political groups, hobbyists, sporting and activists have all been formed to further their particular views. And, some do that with the intent to push their views back onto the outsiders.

Some have even described me as an isolationist. Perhaps so. I left the hustle/bustle of big city life after exploiting it's high wages for years, and settled into a simple community where most everyone is relaxed and at peace with their life. And, I do encourage others to leave their rat raced homes and search out for that better way. Some say that I have only a few friends and little desire to make more. That's true. But the friends that I do have share the same values that I have, and they are comfortable being themselves and letting me be me.

All that said, is it now time for America to isolate itself again from the rest of the world? Like we did in the first place, but slipped back into the trap 150 years later by entering World War I? And from there it has continued. WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

Is it now time to pull out of the rest of the world, close our borders, and provide for our own as best we can and within our means? Withdraw as the world's peacekeepers, remove our troops from every where, where ever they are stationed, and bring them home to protect us. We certainly could protect ourselves from any threat. We have the mightiest army and the strongest of courage. We have the technology, the resources, and the will to do that. We just need to do it.

We've built and protected all of Europe and developed the Middle East to the point that they are our biggest foes. And by staying in that game, we have driven ourselves to the brink of poverty. Back to the very reason we fled England in the first place.

Let the cards fall the way they will in those places. Let us survive. Take what we save from protecting others, and redirect it to better health care, lower taxes, and rebuilding our infrastructure right here, in America, not elsewhere!

Just as the Widom from the Thought Dock flourishes in isolation, so should America.
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You Have The Right To Remain Silent

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It's now been 36 years since I had to study the infamous Miranda Warning. Yes, I had heard about it before then, but I never really paid it much attention because I never had the occasion to be arrested.

It was near the start of the police academy when it was explained to me and drilled in over and over. No one really understood it very well because some liberal Supreme Court judge had just dreamed it up. In simple terms, it forced the police to inform a person suspected of a crime that he was not required to speak to the cops about his crime.

How insane is that? You'd think he would all ready know that, but if he didn't, that's his problem. Ever get a traffic ticket for doing something that you didn't know was wrong? Try telling the judge that you should be set free because you didn't know the law. Why then would a suspect be set free if a cop allowed him to spill the beans because he didn't know any better? Let him off on murder because he's ignorant? I didn't get it then and I still don't get it.

I remember the instructor remarking that the very freedoms we enjoy in this country will ultimately destroy this country, within my lifetime. I thought he was crazy, and just blew him off. But, as time passed, his words haunt me nearly every day. And the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has led the charge.

Thousands of murderers, thieves, and terrorists have walked free because of the ACLU convincing that court to implement Miranda. And some have even been rewarded even more in the ensuing law suits.

The ACLU has brought about the removal of religion from school. No more prayers before the start of a football game. No more reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Don't salute the Flag, just burn it. No more "In God we Trust" on our currency, or in our Capitol buildings. Try to kill our president? You won't hang, but you might get paroled for good behavior after a few years.

Forced desegregation. Busing. Equal Opportunity. Affirmative Action. Wide open immigration. Illegal immigration. Abortion. Stem cell research. Medical marijuana. Right to die. Assisted suicide. Pornography. The ACLU has had a hand in every one of these issues. And it was all done under the guise of protecting someone's right.

Try bringing a Bible to school to read during your lunch break. The penalty for bringing a switchblade would likely be less in some schools. But opt not to wear a motorcycle helmet. Watch out!

So, as my life draws ever closer to an end, I see the value of that instructor's words. If only I had heard them then. And what will be for my children or their children?
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Where's the Ku Klux Klan?

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Geez, just as I tuned into Fox News this morning, a report of yet another event by radical Islamic terrorists was reported. And this time, it was not on some foreign country that I care little about. This time it happened again, right here in America. Right here, on the North side. Right in Dearborn, Michigan. And although, like Houma, La., I've never been there, it is America, and I love all of America. Even Texas.

Right here in America, a group of turbine headed, bearded, Islamic extremists, shot it out with the FBI, and several escaped, perhaps on their camels or magic carpets. Now, these idiots did not sneak into America, nor did they come here via student visas. These were second generation Americans, grown right here, who hate America, in the name of their religion. And these home grown terrorists will continue to prey upon Americans as long as we tolerate them.

But these Islamic murderers are driven more by hatred than by religion. But it is the Islam religion breeds that hatred just like the KKK. And as the KKK was all but silenced after their attempted murder of George Wallace, so should these Islam idiots.

There comes a time that America must suppress our own freedoms when they become detrimental to the good of America as a whole. Like the KKK, the Black Panthers, Siambanese Liberation Army, and the list of many more groups who attack us in the name of religion, they all must be stopped.

And, if that means shutting down their mosques and temples, then we must do it. And soon. Because, if they remain to grow unchecked, they will wreak havoc upon us before we wake.
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Uh oh. Doesn't our MacDaddy have ties to the Muslim religion. And isn't Islam Muslim? So, he must also go.
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The Rabbit Died

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In Those Days, we even tried raising rabbits. Unlike the colored chicks my Dad brought home at Easter time, which we raised, and then to our surprise, we ate, I really don't remember much about the rabbits. But in trying remember more about them, I could only recall this single story.

One day, while working in his yard, a man turned to see his dog proudly holding a rabbit between his jaws as if to show the prize off. It was very clear to the man that the poor thing was dead, as it was bloody and covered in mud. Somehow the man was able to recognize the rabbit as his neighbor's pet.

Not wanting to have his dog blamed for the death, he removed it from the mouth of his dog and carried it inside his house. The man scrubbed the rabbit in the sink, managing to remove all of the dirt and bloodstains. Then he even dried it with a hare dryer (pun). After dusk, the man snuck into his neighbors yard and carefully placed the rabbit into his cage to give the appearance it died peacefully in it's sleep.

The next day, the man saw his neighbor crying near the rabbit cage. The man asked whether she was alright and acting innocently, "Did Pedro (Spanish for Peter) pass away?" The woman explained her rabbit days a few days before and that she thought she had gotten over her tears. But she thought it was cruel when someone dug him from his grave and put him back in the cage!
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Ok... Ok..... I'll get back to the real wisdom from the Thought Dock very, very soon..

Living on the Right Side

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In Those Days, my father was in the Army. Like clock work, he was transferred every three years, and we followed him where ever he went. Usually that meant moving to a new town, finding a temporary place to live while the Army looked for lodging, and enrolling in a new school. Over the course of his career, our family lived in at least 30 different houses and some 20 different cities in the U.S. and abroad.

We lived in the areas on the Left side, the Central area, and the Right side of America. Only absent was the South side, like Houma, Louisiana. Only later in life did I get to travel to the South side.

At that time, America was vastly different depending on where you live. With social engineering during the past 40 years, it seems only the weather is different now. We all have the opportunity to eat what ever food we want, dress however we like, drive whatever we want, live where ever we choose, and select whatever spouse we fall in love with. Gone are most of the things that distinguish us from one another, and some like it like that.

I never really cared much for living on the Right side. It seemed like it was always cold, and in the city, steam vented from beneath the streets as it was circulated to heat the public buildings. We lived in a row house once where our home used coal for heat. Every few weeks, a coal truck would arrive at the curb and fill our bin through a chute extending from the truck to a trap door into the basement. It made such a roar as it filled the bin and it was really filthy. Each night my father would have to shovel the coal into a boiler that would then provide hot water and heat for the old radiators. In the dead of winter, he would have to do that both morning and evening. Many times I would watch him so that I would know what to do when I became a man. Little did anyone know that Those Days would end long before I would mature.

We went calling then. Literally. I'd walk to my friend's house, stand at the sidewalk, cup my hands around my mouth and yell, "Calling on Jimmy" over and over until some one came to a window and answered my call. That was the custom then, and I've never really figured out why we never just knocked on the door to get him to come out and play.

I guess we did the same things as kids across the nation did. We just did them a bit different. And I never realized how different we did things until we move away from Living on the Right side. I wonder if they ever changed or has it just been me?
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Mood Alttering - Mind Boggling

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Were you the one that wanted to bat when your team was down to it's last at bat and trailing by one run? Were you the student that raised and waived their hand high when called upon to answer that tough question? Or were you the type that sat near the back of the dugout with your head lowered, or looked the other way from your teacher, even though you knew you could get that game winning hit, or provide that difficult answer in class?

Most of us look for an escape from reality at one time or another. And most of us feel the need for a boost at one time or another. But do you realize that published statistics show that nearly 80% of Americans use narcotics, either prescription or other. And when you add alcohol to that equation, it includes almost everyone.

What has happened to us? I don't remember it being like this in Those Days. Yes, t remember my father coming home drunk a few times and telling my mom that he just needed to wind down. I've even said the same thing in my life a time or two. But I don't remember marijuana, hashish, herion, cocaine, methamphetamine, barbituates, extacy, LSD, or the hosts of prescription medications that are abused every day.

Can't cope with your active child? There are pills for that, and if that don't help there are pills for you. Some parents are known to sedate their weeks old infant in an effort to get themselves some more sleep. Had a hard day at work? A few beers, or a joint might help you wind down enough to share time with your family. Wanting to feel your best and brightest at you job presentation tomorrow? The white pill works wonders for that, or perhaps a snort if you can afford it. Feeling too fat? Take a pill. Too skinny? There's steroids. Head hurt? Can't sleep> Can't stay awake? There is stuff for whatever you want.

So, why is it that most of us think that life today is so filled with pressures and stress like never before? Do you really think that living during the Roman days, or during the great depression was any less stressful than today? I think not!

So then why are there more and more people turning to drugs? Well, I don't really know! Bet you were expecting some incredibly wise answer!

But, here is what I've observed: Those that use drugs and/or alcohol lose their ability to think, whether they are sober at the time or not. And once a person uses drugs and or alcohol, they become liberal in their thoughts, even after they stop the abuse for years. Even after being sober for many years, they still seem to like and wear the tied-died T-shirts they discovered back in their hippie days. And they still like to wear sandals and go unshaven for a week. And they still vote for the likes of the MacDaddy and his Queen Pelosi.

And there's a Thought from the Dock.

Who's the MacDaddy?

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It has been over two years since the MacDaddy came into the minds of most of us. Recently, an avid follower sent me an e-mail which reminded me that we still don't know any more about President Obama now than we did back then. It could be so easy for him to answer the questions we have himself. But he refuses, and that causes an even greater concern.

Here is what we have been asking, as well as new questions that have risen since his election:

Since the MacDaddy claims he was the son of a peasant Muslim shepherd, and an American mother, who paid for his expensive Ivy League education and his upscale lifestyle? He's never had a real job that I know of until someone elected him to the Chicago Senate. And why Chicago if he was raised in Hawaii? Could it be that Chicago is nothing but corrupt?

The MacDaddy did not spend his formative years of youth growing up in America and culturally is not an American. He's never had any military experience, at least not in this country. Where did he learn military goals and tactics?

The MacDaddy's true racists beliefs are now coming to light everyday. From his cabinet and czar appointments to his mingling into a low level municipal police conflict, he has made his stance on race quite evident.

What are the MacDaddy's religious beliefs? He tried to claim he was a Christian, but was recently photographed carrying, not a Bible, but a book written by a Muslim extremist about what life will be after America's death. His life has been aligned with radical extremists who hate America. From American crooks of all kinds to a traitor that was sent to prison for planning to attack our own government buildings. While he has refused to denounce those radicals who wish to see America fail, instead becoming a cheerleader for the 'blame America ' crowd and deliver this message abroad.

What is it about the MacDaddy's goal to change America to a European style country where the government sector dominates instead of the private sector. Where he wants to replace our health care system with a government controlled one, and where he wants to control our banks, and large corporations?

Why does the MacDaddy want to kill the American capitalist goose that lays the golden egg which provides the highest standard of living in the world?

Why won't the MacDaddylisten to or even consider the views of anyone but himself?
And why does the media (except Fox News) give him a free pass on everything. What is it about the Limbaughs, Hannitys, O'Reillys, and Becks that scares him?

As I query the information channeled through to the Thought Dock, the only answer that I can make out is, "scary crap." And, I know what that means. He really is a MacDaddy!
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Raising Chickens

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In Those Days, we lived on several different farms at various times which gave me the opportunity to observe chickens. We also have raised chickens ourselves a few times. And now that I live in a wilderness area, I've been watching our birds of prey as well. In addition, I'm an avid lover of TV shows like National Geographic and Animal Planet. With that, I'll pass on my knowledge, truth and wisdom to you.

I'm sure you've all heard the mighty "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo" of a rooster at least a time or two. Most mornings, the rooster rings in the new day at the rising of the sun, with a heart full of pride and joy. It's pretty impressive, unless you are trying to sleep in.

What you might not realize is that when a storm is coming, the rooster does not roost. Instead, he runs around the chicken coop kicking up the dust and scaring the others half to death. And pretty soon, they are all running around as if their heads were cut off. "Where will we hide? What will we do when the rains come?" they all seem to be asking. Even the Rooster.

In watching eagles, a totally different image emerges. The eagle, like the rooster senses the approaching storm. But the eagle, just before the rains come, rides the thermals high above the clouds, where things are safe and calm only to return to his nest to rule the forests after the rains.

So what bird do you mimic? Are you one to run away and bury your head when crap is about to happen? Or are you one to take charge during the storm and lead your followers to safety? And how do you raise your flock, I mean your children and grandchildren? Will they stand tall and be a leader of their group?

Chickens are everywhere these days. Some are politicians, some are Christian leaders, some are teachers, but most are "Good 'Ol Joes" like many that I know.

Just another deep Thought from the Dock.
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False or Mis-leading. What's the Difference?

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You'll no doubt be able to answer that yourself at the conclusion of this post. But here are some examples of things that I've seen and heard.

"I did not have sex with Monica." Even though Monica saved her semen stained dress as a momento, President Clinton insisted he didn't have sex with her. I guess that all depends on your definition of sex. And although the American people swallowed it, Monica didn't.

"I'll not raise taxes on middle class Americans." Just one example; If you place higher taxes on coal powered plants, and the company simply passes their costs on to you, then who is paying the tax?

A recent TV advertisement states Toyota offers a lease of their Camry for just $189 a month, or Seven Dollars a day. Do the math. Which is it?

Coco Puffs and Fruit Loops now have "Healthy Choice" labels on their packaging. A nutritian label says that 13 potato chips have 140 calories and 30% fat. Who eats 13 chips?

Ever notice that nearly every time you follow an ad to a car sales lot, that car was "just sold?" Or the car you bought was stickered at 30mpg, but you only get 22.

Weight loss aids that "guatantee" you'll drop 30 pounds in 10 days, yet in small print they admit "results vary by individual." I wonder how many people ever return the product and admit they are still fat. "Lifetime Guarantee?" Who's lifetime? Yours? Or the manufacturer who goes broke in 6 months after selling millions of pieces of crap. A pill to enlarge your penis, make it rock hard, and instantlty improve your sex life. Must be some steriod! Ask Monica.

Many pledge to make you money if you trust them to handle your money. A Ponzi scheme then steals your retirement. To me, there is a big difference than investing your money poorly and stealing it in a Ponzi scheme.

I'm sure we can all think of many others. Some misleading. Some false. But here's the deal. Whether they are false or whether they are misleading, they are not the truth. Therefore, they can not be anything but a lie. And as an Internal Affairs investigator, looking at corrupt cops, we didn't tolerate lies, and those that did lie were dealt with harshly.

But we, as consumers and regular American citizens, generally, seem to tolerate this crap. It's no big deal to lie in order to get elected. No big deal to sell your products though false advertising. No big deal to run a Ponzi scheme.

"Buyer Beware" is the way we tend to address lies. Blame ourselves for falling for it. Accept it, condone it, because that's the way the world works. Well, that is not so much as the "way", but more the "why" the world works the way it does. Because we let it. Because we condone it. Because we accept it.

And some wonder why I don't believe them. If you trust no one then that is to treat everyone the same. But the Thoughts from the Dock are the truth.

Truth about Lies

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Truth is a basic fundamental of ethics. Without truth, one can not be ethical. And without ethics; corruption, fraud, theft, and every other aspect of evil flourish.

I have concluded that most everyone lies most of the time. And they lie so often that they don't even realize it. And the only time most people tell the truth is when they believe they can not get away with the lie.

I've dealt with liars throughout my professional career, and I've lied myself enough times to know what I'm talking about.

Consider this: It's late a night when you are forced to go to Safeway for that midnight snack in a Los Angeles suburb. With the snack in hand, you back your car from the stall and you feel a thud. You realize you just backed into another car. Now, you know the right thing to do (but only if you have to.) You get out of the car and carefully look around in the darkness. (A) Nobody saw a thing! So you drive off. (B) You see someone looking in your direction while talking on a telephone in an apartment window across the street. So, you fake writing a note and leave it on the windshield. (C) You see someone running to his car, shouting, "Hey, you smashed my car!" So, you stop and exchange information with him. Sound familiar? Maybe you've been there.

It is more than not admitting your true age, your true gender, or whether you are married. Lying breeds cheating, which leads to product frauds, embezzlement, political corruption, and war.

Every day I see TV advertisements for products that can not work. I see news reports of trademark and copy write violations . I see gimmicks everywhere. Those are lies too, but we seem to tolerate it while diverting the blame to the actual consumer by saying, "Buyer beware." We just blow the lies away, and just seem to accept them.

And when some one actually tells the truth, we are amazed. We hail them as a hero for returning that bag of money they found. Yes, they are a cut above most of us, but hardly a hero for simply doing what is right!

Many of us admit our lies and expect we will be forgiven and trusted, only to lie again. Some minimize or justify their lies by asking, "What harm did it do?" Some believe their lie is not as bad as others. Some say it is our own fault if we were hurt by believing their lie. And some justify lying if it was done out of their self preservation.

You know, I question everything everyone says. I actually expect you to lie because it happens so often. But, when I realize you've told the truth, your character and credibility rises. If continued, they reach a level of trust where I no longer closely scrutinize what you say or do.

On the other hand, if I determine that someone lied (about anything), their credibility with me fades. Although I'll forgive them, I'll never forget or condone their lie. And with each new contact, I'll scrutinize them even closer. And perhaps with time, they might even have their credibility restored.

You know, I'm not really different than you. I don't think you like being lied to. The difference is I won't condone it, and it will impact your future credibility with me. So whether you're friend, family, politician, or the local car repairman....Don't lie to me if you expect me to respect you.
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And as I ponder from the Thought Dock, I recall the ones that have lied to me, and continue to lie to me. And now I have difficulty believing anything they say. So, MacDaddy and the like, if you chose to lie to me, then don't expect my respect.
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About a year ago....

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........ a pair of Barack Obama supporters came to my door to encourage me to vote for him. That was even before I knew him as The MacDaddy. I kind of grinned as I told them that I had made up my mind and that I would never vote for their candidate.

In response, they asked what I didn't like most about their MacDaddy. Even though the country was settling into the deepest financial collapse in history at the time, which was front page news for the past several months, I told them that my greatest fear was that MacDaddy lacked any demonstrated leadership and I was very concerned about his Foreign Policy, if he even had one. They were surprised at that answer, as if they themselves never even thought to examine that aspect. They had no response to the concern. And, they did say that I was the first to express that concern.

They left, and here we are today. But where are we?

Recently, the MacDaddy was awarded the Peace Prize. Now, even more hysterical that that, were those that called the award just a bit premature. That's insane!

The MacDaddy, has never achieved any peace, nor will he ever. Yes, he has apologized for American arrogance toward the rest of the world. And he has shook the hands and pledged a unity with the Muslim world. He has released many terrorists that have attacked our homes, to the very countries that breed these idiots. And, he (while blaming his appointed Attorney General) has vowed to prosecute our intelligence officers.

And the MacDaddy, along side the wife of a previous President who thinks it Ok to smoke pot and to get himself orally copulated by a young campaign worker, withdrew our missile defence systems to the delight of Russia and China. And all this while looking the other direction from North Korea. And now, he trusts Iran to open their doors to inspections!

And he has appointed his cabinet, and his czars. And so many of his appointees have tax evasion related issues and other criminal convictions. And most of his appointees are also Black. Coincidence? Is it coincidence that he aligned himself with that Black professor? Or, is the MacDaddy perhaps prejudice? Or, perhaps you might say that I'm the one that is prejudice.

Whatever your views of the MacDaddy, I can almost bet that they are different from what they were just a year ago. And he has changed your views having only been in office 9 months! Many of you must feel like a kitten, opening your eyes for the first time after thinking your were complete the first few days of your life.

And the point is...... We need to have our eyes open fully before we vote. If you just don't know, find out, ask me if you need, but don't put these yahoos in office when they don't have a documented background. Credibility, honesty, trustworthy, truthful, ethics, and morals are what's important to me. They are far more important to me than looks, gender, religion, and race. I once heard some one say, "Don't trust any one. That way you'll treat every one the same!

The water beneath the Thought Dock is beginning to rise again. Can't you see?
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Oh - How I wish it would rain

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I never thought I would have said that, but I'll say it again - I wish it would rain. Really..

It's not because I really like rain, but more that I like the results of the rain. The freshness of the air, the greeness of the trees, the flower blossums, and the abundance of the wildlife that the rain attracts.

On the Central Oregon Coast, it is the signal for the salmon to leave the ocean and head up the rivers to create new life and to end their cycle of life. And, crabbing comes alive fed by rivers washing nutrients from the mountains toward the sea.

More importantly to me though, is that the Thought Dock will lift from the yucky muck as the water level in the lake rises with each falling drop. Although we've had some rain this past week, the Thought Dock is still resting on the yucky muck.

The water level is the lowest since we've been here, and I don't like it. It surely seems to affect the ability of the Thought Dock to funnel Wisdom to me where it is then deciphered and spun into an appropriate way before I distribute it to you. Perhaps you have noticed the reduction of information posted in recent weeks.

Most of my outdoor chores for this year have been completed. So, I'll hunker down in my shelter overlooking the waters, as it rains. That will be more often than not from now until about March. And, as the Thought Dock rises, so will the Wisdom that it provides.

So, hang on. Some one said, "If you build it, they will come!" And, the Thought Dock has been built. And you have come.
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Non-Profit profit

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Sometimes, I just have to question businesses that operate as non-profits. The laws regulating these businesses must be extremely liberal and vague. And who enforces them anyway?

We all know that churches, youth clubs, credit unions, researchers, food share programs, and many more, both foreign and domestic operate as non-profit organizations. But are they? And, if not, what are you doing about it?

Where churches were once financed, built, and maintained by their members, they now sometimes amass huge assets and re-invest their funds to support huge tax reduced salaries to their pastors, handsome salaries to many of their top level employees, and build even more money generating things like private schools that cater not only to their own, but to anyone who can afford to play. And it all began because the church members were unable, or unwilling, to do their share. So the churches hired gardeners, repairmen, secretaries, and musicians to do what the members wouldn't.

I question whether it is appropriate for any non-profit leader to maintain a salary and expenses sometimes several thousands times the amount the average member has, like TV evangelists. I question whether it is right for the top executives of Good Will, American Cancer Society, Habitat for Humanity, and the Red Cross should be so handsomely paid.

We brought this all on ourselves, because we were lazy. We refused to help in the church, but would rather give more money to pay someone to do our responsibility. We would not look into our community to see where we could help or give, but would rather give to a central entity to disperse our donations as they saw fit. We refused to give anything unless there was something in return for us. And, whalaa, the Girl Scout Cookie was created. Now we could feel good about donating and fill our stomach at the same time!

Now, it is all about professional fundraising. Almost gone now are car washes, bake sales, and collecting tin cans. It's all been replaced by candy, gift wrap, and novelty sales. And, with that, someone is making a huge amount of money in the name of charity.

So, think about this: Rather than buying that World's Finest Chocolate bar, the greeting card sold by your child's school, or the tin of gourmet pop corn offered by the Cub Scout, why not donate a like amount in cash directly to that organization. Continue to tithe at your church, but hold back a bit to give directly to that person in need that you encounter through out the week. Why not make a plate from the extras in your pantry for the old lady in your neighborhood rather than send a check to Meals on Wheels? Why not find a person with kidney disease and give them a ride to their dialysis center? In doing these things, you will find that all of what you give is spent wisely rather than a majority of it going to pay salaries and other administration expenses.

Most importantly. look closely at what organization you are considering donating to. Have you ever wondered why many organizations during a disaster will not accept durable goods, but insist on giving only money to further their cause? Should you continue to fuel the wealth trains of Notre Dame, Brigham Young, Princeton, and Grambling? How about those world wide gigs where you seem to adopt a hungry child for his lifetime? Or that hoity toity credit union that you might belong to?

It surely must also be said that I don't do all of these things. Some I do, but others,,,,,, Not yet, but I intend to take a closer look at how I give.

A a final note from the Thought Dock, a friend recently asked, "Wouldn't it be nice if you could be awarded the Heisman Trophy simply by watching a football game?" Was he referring to MacDaddy Obama and the Nobel Peace Prize?
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Unsung

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From it's inception, this blog was created to help me better understand myself; not for me to better understand you. As it progressed, the blog moved in the direction to help you better understand me. Where I came from. How I came here. What I believe and why. And what I do to further what I believe.

The Thought Dock was then created in an effort to express myself and to motivate you to do the right thing. Most, but not all, everything that I say, do, and encourage others to do, are Bible based. But, all of it comes from my soul. I don't think it is rocket science (and I thank God because I'm not a scientist) to know the right difference between right and wrong. And, I believe a decent soul will then guide you to do the right thing.

I am a Christian whom has relatively recently renewed my faith. As such, I am not as well versed in the Bible as some Christians are. I can't snap my fingers and cite Biblical references instantly by memory. I'm lazy and won't even do my own research of the scriptures before acting or making a statement. I do realize the importance of knowing the Bible, to study it, to worship God, and to socialize with other Christians in the church, and I am making efforts to do just that.

That said, what I'm about to say now, may make some of you uncomfortable. But, so it will go.
You see, I'm not a Christian to impress other Christians. Christians all ready know Christ.

My goal is to bring others to Christ, and the best way that I can do that is by letting those people watch what I do. They don't know what's in the Bible, and they don't care if I can't recite verses by memory, and they don't know whether I go to Bible study or Sunday school. But they watch what I do. My hope is that they will want what I have and come to know God, as I have.

Most all of the criticism about me comes from Christians. I've never had anyone that did not know Christ ask what verse I was following when I did the right thing. But sometimes I feel like I'm being studied by other Christians. Did I sing loud enough, or raise my hands high enough? Did I go to Sunday School, Bible Study, remain after church to socialize, go to the pot luck, tithe enough, or memorize a favorite verse? Christians can argue about more crap than any other group I have ever met!

But, I do admire many Christians and try to model myself after them. But, I admire them not so much by how they can recite the verses, but how they live their lives. Their families, their faith, their knowledge, their love, all play a part in it. And that drives me to love the Lord even more.

I'll admit that motivation play as big part in how I see every one in this world. What drives what is being done? Is a television evangelist here to further His word, or is it to make millions from those that seem to worship him? Do you sing in the choir to promote your personal album? Do you raise your hand in praise to impress the others around you? Do you go to church to impress God? Personally, I hardly think that God is impressed by doing what He expects you to do. I say Praise Him! Not yourself.

Some may ask just what I do. Watch what I do when you can see. Listen to what I do when you can hear. I'm not on pedestal, nor do I want to be. I simply want to do the right thing to make this a better place. And if I can only do that once, then I will feel accomplishment from within, not from the rewards of others.

With that, future posts will likely be without references to my faith, but more so about encouraging you to simply doing the right thing, from within your heart, and without receiving or expecting anything in return. Important stuff like watching Fox News, taking a stance in some way against what is wrong, being active in you country and community, and believing that your work is fruitful.

Although the waters beneath are now seasonally shallow, the Thoughts from the Dock remain stronger than ever.
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I am a Rock...... I am a Island....

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......... And a Rock Feels No Pain; and an Island Never Cries...

You know, back in the late 60's and into the 70's, there was a popular rock song with these lyrics. Perhaps you know it, but if not it was about someone who was hurt by loving someone else, and to prevent that from ever happening again, he isolated himself and prevented anyone from ever entering his domain ever again.

And during a recent visit with my sibling's, during a difficult time, it was brought out that this song was one of my favorites, long ago.

And it was. I perceived myself as that rock. And that I was strong. And that I could not cry. And that I never felt pain. And that I didn't need anyone.

And I apparently made that all very clear to those that were near me, including my brothers and sisters. And I never realized that was what they actually thought about me, but reflecting back on things, that was what I wanted. To make every one think I was that fortress who would never crumble.

As the years passed, those that loved me withdrew from me because of what they thought I was. And I let them go because I had an attitude that I could do it without them, and they were weak.

But what they did not know (and how could they?), was that I was not that rock, and I was not that Island, and I really didn't have a fortress. And they didn't know that I had compassion, and that I did love, and that I did cry, and that I was weak in many ways. And the didn't know that I had forgotten all about that song long ago.

For those that may not know me so well, my siblings gathered together this past week at the bedside of my oldest, but younger than me brother who just passed. For whatever reason, it had been a very long time since all of the siblings were together as a whole.

There were many hours that there was nothing much more that we could do except pray, try to get some rest, or to catch up family news and such, and reflect back on Those Days. Much of our conversation was deep and was focused on finding an answer as to why things happened they way they did between us, and to find a way to bridge the gap that had grown between us.

While I once believed I was that Rock (at least to some degree), I have since lost that attitude (to some degree). I realized during our gathering, that those that I had once convinced I was that Rock, still, because of our separation, believed it.

Aside from the reason that caused us to gather, it was an experience that I doubt will ever be forgotten. For me it was rewarding and I hope the others felt as such. But I know that it was a learning experience for each of us, no matter what the individual perception might be.

And as we parted, I think we did so with a new understanding of who we are. And for those siblings that will read this post, I apologize for crying in your presence, because most have never seen my tears ever before. But the tears you saw, were not from a Rock. Or from a man in his fortress built on that island. And the tears were not from pain or grief.

They were tears of joy, and for the blessings that I have received from the Lord. And I pass them on to all of you from Thought Dock.
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Who am I?

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Occasionally, I hear your screams trying to drown out the wisdom that I receive through the Thought Dock. I hear some of you screaming things like, "Bigot! Arrogant! Hateful! Mean! Rude! Uncaring! Out spoken! Angry! and Crazy!"

And, I love it! Because that tells me that my message is making it's way through. It is promoting Thought and discussion, and sometimes it tells me that some of you are actually waking up and are facing your own conflicts in a real way, not from within the darkness of a closet.

But, I really don't deserve to be labeled with any of those terms except "out spoken and angry," which I admit that I am.

Actually, I do love people. Laugh if you want, but I really do. It's just that I don't love all people. Take a breath now in between your chants of bigot and hypocrite, and hear me out!

Yes, I know that the Bible says to Love God, and that I do. And, I know that Jesus revised early Jewish law by adding that we are to love others, and that I do. And he also defined "others" as our "neighbors." So, I love God, Others, and Neighbors. Now, one should have no doubt as to who God is, but "others" and "neighbors" are still confusing to many.

So, Jesus was asked, at least once that I know of, just who "others" referred to. And, He relpied that the "others" were our "neighbors." and directed that we love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Still confused about who Jesus was referring to, someone once asked Him who his neighbors were. Jesus, as an example, then told a story of a man who was beaten to near death, robbed of all his possessions, and left to die on a lonely road. And, Jesus said that man was our neighbor and commanded us to help him.

Now, isn't it interesting that Jesus selected the victim of a robbery, not the robbers, to use as an example of who our neighbors are? So, His directives to love others, and to love your neighbors, do not explicitly imply for us to love everyone. However, He does command us to forgive, and that would include the robber.

And, there are other passages that direct us to stand against those that are evil. And that I have done, and I will always do.

And, you are my other, and my neighbor, and I will love you if you are not evil. And I will stand against you if you are evil. And I love to hear you scream at me because that tells me that I am doing the right things from the Thought Dock!
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Right or Wrong?

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To me, there are few things around that can not be debated. And I love debates. Maybe that's why I hate math. Math is finite in that the sum of the equation can not be argued. Only the formula used, and the acuracy of the calculation can be challanged.

Most everything else is debatable. And, I'm always open to hearing other views on most any subject. However, when one debates an issue with me without offering facts to support their opinion, their opinion is all but meaningless to me. And, if I determine that they manufacture facts to justify their opinion, that actually infuriates me and makes their opinion even less credible.

Now some subjects that people debate impossible to form a hard conclusion because there are not enough facts known to make the case. Things like stating precisely how many grains of sand are on Malibu Beach, or exactly how far one could walk before wearing the soles of his shoes out, fall into this category. But even then, one can come to a logical conclusion using facts known to him at the time. And people can then debate their opinions until they are blue in the face.

I know this is boring stuff, but I'm getting to my point.

And then there are some things that we don't need fact or logic to know whether who is right, and who is wrong. And, these issues are as finite as math. And, we are not told or taught these things. Nor, are they always laid out for us in the Bible (but most are). And, they are not always only about following God's way. And, I'm not sure where we got this ability. But, most of us have it.

Because these these things can not be argued, some try to justify them. Others try to tolerate these things. A few just ignore these things. But nobody really tries to argue these things, because they know these things are wrong.

And, I'm talking about things like cheating, stealing, lying, murder, and adultery, just to name a few. From their first lie, a child knows it is wrong. You can see it in their face. Before his first murder, theft, or cheat, one knows that is wrong. They know it even if they have never been taught. It comes from within. And no one argues whether they were right or wrong when they get caught, but they do try to justify what they did, or divert the fault to some one else.

And, the Lord knows (and many of you do too), that I have done some of these things at some point in my life. And, I knew they were wrong every time I did it. But, I no longer do any of these things. And, I will strive to never do these things again. And, I have asked for forgiveness. And, I know that He has forgiven me. And, I am not a hipocrite.

And, I will not tolerate those that do these things. And, will not ignore these things. And, I will do anything within my means to prevent or stop these things. And, I will never condone these things.

And, I am right. And, those that do these things are wrong. And, I will not hear any debate.

And, I am at the Thought Dock.
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Some One is Singing

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Whoopi!!

Whoopi Goldberg, I mean. You know. Opra Winfrey's life long side kick. Ever since the Color Purple. Two of MacDaddy's favorite little girls. How sweet is that?

And now, the Whooper says that Roman Polanski has been tormented for the past 30 years and should be set free.

Remember him? The movie producer and a great friend of Jack Nicholson? Remember that he pleaded guilty to drugging and then raping a 13 year old girl at Jack's house? He was convicted, but fled to France before he could be locked away. And, he has been free to live his life there ever since. And that he has. Continuing to make movies and win Emmys and Oscars.

Whoopi says that what Polanski did, if done today, whould amount to no more than a "date rape." Really? I dind't think a 13 year old could give to consent for sex. But so many people agree with Whoop.

It's no big deal. Just forgive. Just forget. Just tolerate. Just accept.

So, let's just gather in a circle, hold one another's hands and sing. And the world will just go on a bit longer. Here's a tune just for you!
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3MiD_U4CHQ
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