The true test

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A "test" is the only real way to evaluate one's teachings.

As with the Red Robin who pushes her hatchlings from the nest high in the tree to force them to fly or die, so I did with you.

For the past few weeks, I've blogged only a time or two. But it is apparent that I have developed a loyal following. You guys, thirsting for the wisdom of the Though Dock, continue to check in, sometimes even several times a day, to quench your cravings, and comment even to posts even where there is no content. And, I appreciate that. But, get a grip!

Taking a word from the movie Avatar, Thought Dock wisdom is like the mineral "unobtainium." It's something that most of you will never obtain. But you hunger for it always. That's precisely why I have to carefully feed you the wisdom to avoid an overdose. And, that's the very reason that I have slowed down your feedings.

It was to give you all the chance to digest what you have been fed, and to see whether you can exist on your own. And many of yoy have. It is evident by the loss in pobularity of the Democratic party, the slide of the Long Legged MacDaddy, and the failures you have caused to his socialistic programs. Keep it up! I have pride for you. You've come a long way since casting your vote two Novembers ago!

But, it's those of you who leave comments to posts that have no content. You have become fat from the over feeding. You have fallen from your nests and can't fly. Like the Democrats, you can't get up and don't know where to turn.

But you are the ones that have been loyally following me like my most trusted advisers. I have felt your presense. Stalking me. Peering from the bushes. I've seen you. You know who you are.

I saw you in the buttered popcorn line at the movie theater, even though you hadn't bought a ticket because you didn't yet know what movie I was there to see. And I saw that suttle wink you gave me from behind your 3-D glasses. And I saw you in the Home Depot paint department wearing your Oregon Duck sweatshirt, knowing I was there to get those colors for the walls in my man cave.

No need to hide Come on out. It won't hurt. Take the plunge from the Thought Dock. Follow me. I'll nourish you for as long as I can.
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Blowing the roof off

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Now, here's something that causes me to wonder.

Remember that Islamic terrorist cleric that gave the Fort Hood murderer instructions for that massacre? Well, he is the same cleric that recruited and trained the explosives in the underwear Christmas Day bomber, and recruited 18 or so young blacks from the radical Chicago area. And, he claims responsibility for many more dastardly deeds against America. I'm sorry I can't remember his name, nor do I care to, but you get the point.

A few days after the Fort Hood massacre, and after this idiot praised the incident, and after learning from the Fort Hood massacrer that he received motivation from the idiot cleric, the CIA tracked him down to his hideout in Yemen. And the CIA fired a barrage of rockets into his grass and clay hut from a drone airplane, blowing it into the kingdom of Allah. But somehow, the cleric escaped with his pajamas to a waiting camel, and from there, who knows.

Now, here is the point. This idiot radical Islamic camel jockey cleric is an American. He was born and raised here. But after the 911 attack, thought it was best to denounce America, and move to Yemen where he could further his cause.

So, if we can try to asinate an American citizen in Yemen by blowing the roof off his hut, without a court order, search or arrest warrant, then why can't we do it right here in America? Makes good sense to me! But doesn't an American citizen have American rights wherever he goes that are respected by other Americans?

I don't think the MacDaddy's appointee, Eric Holder, would agree. Holder would certainly question the validity of his arrest without a warrant, and demand that he was read his rights, and given an attorney, before questioning.

You see, Holder thinks American rights apply to everyone regardless of where the live or where they were born. He thinks Miranda applies to acts of war against America weather by Americans or foreigners, and whether their assaults occur inside America or from abroad.

Now, it has been released that Holder has a financial stake in the law firm that would represent the terrorists that he brought from Gitmo to New York for trial. That seems to explain his motives.
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We Are The World - Part II

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Do you realize that it has been about 25 years since the song "We are the world" made its debut? Remember the assembly of the world's top singers to bring attention to the starving people of Africa? I seem to think it raised over 30 million dollars through private donations, and that amount then, was probably the equivalent of 30 billion in today's money. Quite an achievement. And, this will surprise most of you, but I contributed to the cause!



Now, recently it was announced that a new version of the song will soon be released to generate money for Haiti.



So, I have to ask, "Why?" Why are we doing this again? Africa has not changed one bit since the flood of money we sent. They are still starving. The are still killing one another. They are still stealing their neighbor's stuff, what ever that might be. Nigerian scams have earned untold millions more as they prey on American idiots greedy to get something for nothing. Pardon me, but if you are an idiot, or don't know what the Nigerian scam is, ask me.



And, they have killed many Americans, and plot every day to kill more through terrorism. I think our last Christmas Day want to be bomber packed his underwear full of explosives from inside Africa.



Now, you might say, "Well, this is for Haiti." But it's all the same. Haiti has been nothing but corrupt since I can remember, and I believe that will never change.



I think I'll just hum Peter, Paul, and Mary's song, "Where have all the flowers gone?" I'm not falling for this crap again.

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Asking Why

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Well, we just finished dinner, but during the feast, the subject of "Why" came up. Now, I have to say that I brought up the particular subject matter, so I'll accept the blame for those of you that will call me a bigot just for asking the question.

During dinner, the local TV news reported that Haiti has had the highest unemployment rate (over 87%) of any country in the world for the last 47 years, which is just about the time the world began keep records.

So with that, I began to wonder why that was. And, why there is no country in this world that is predominately Black, that can lay claim to being prosperous. And, that led to asking the same question about American cities. Why are there none, that I can think of, that can attest to being a showcase in this nation?

To give an equal perspective, I considered what North America was 500 years ago, and what Africa was during the same time. Seems the two were very equal in prosperity, which was little to nothing. The only difference I see was that North America was settled by predominately White Europeans, while Africa was mostly Black.

The starting line was as equal as anyone could imagine. But, why is it that our nation excelled, while no Black nation could even begin to keep up? And, why is it that the same seems to hold true when comparing prosperity in American cities?

Now, certainly there are some very successful and brilliant Black individuals in this world. But, when compared to other races, not so many by percentages. However, there seems to be far more prominent Blacks in athletics, music, and theater.

So what gives? I'm sure there is an answer to my question, but is it taboo to discuss it? If it is, I guess I'll never know, because you will never say. So, I'll always wonder whether there is a genetic link somehow.
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Bearack

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This is a very sad story about a bear. Everybody should heed the warning to not feed wildlife because they become dependent and cannot forage for themselves anymore. This is such a tragedy to see what they have done to our country's wildlife! The photo above captures a disturbing trend that is beginning to affect us all. . . .

Animals that were formerly self-sufficient are now showing signs of belonging to the Democrat Party, as they have apparently learned to just sit and wait for the government to step in and provide for their care and sustenance. This photo is of a Democrat black bear in Montana nicknamed Bearack Obearma.

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Thanks MG.

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Surprise ....

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.... your state isn't much different from Oregon socialism. So, quit beating your chests as though you are better than us!

A few posts ago, I reported about the typical Oregonian's view about self entitlement, taxation, and the redistribution of wealth reaped from the harvests of capitalism back to those that to want to live for free.

Well, as I've learned through further research, your state is likely no different from Oregon. It seems to be a national epidemic.

Statistics published by the Internal Revenue Service show that one percent of Americans control thirty eight percent of the wealth. But, this same 1% of the people pays 40.4% of the income taxes, while the bottom 50% of Americans pay slightly less than 3%.

But, you know this will someday end. And, it will end with the collapse of American capitalism.

Someone right here on the Central Oregon Coast said that if we as Americans continue to allow our government to punish success, and reward mediocrity, we will get exactly what we deserve; a country that has forfeited its position as a world economic leader, a currency that continues to lose value, and citizens who have no motivation to pursue excellence.
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Change the Tone

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In Those Days, my mother would often tell me, "You'd better change your tune!" And, I think I've said just that many times to my children. And, I know I've said it to many people that I've arrested, and often to those before choking them into submission.

And now, I hear it from our Long Legged MacDaddy in his State of the Union address last night. Well, kind of. He said, "I'm going to change the tone (of American politics)." I think "Change your tune" is pretty much the same as "Change the tone."

So, you see, I do have something more in common with the MacDaddy. He is a halfbreed Black, I'm a halfbreed Italian, and he apparently was raised (well kind of) the same way I was. Maybe his mother even said the same thing mine did, just with a slight twist.

Now in Those Days, I knew exactly what my mom meant when she spoke. Just as I do now when I hear Obummer speak. And, that scares me now, just as it scared me then.

Changing the tone of America mean bowing before a foreign leader, apologizing for American arrogance, and denying that America was formed upon our faith in God. And it means forcing change upon us, like socialized medicine and government run banks. And it means spreading the wealth around, and spending so much more than what we have. It means sending our troops to Haiti during this most tragic of times, in a humanitarian guise, but to establish another American foothold.

Funny thing is, the MacDaddy has failed to accomplish anything in his first year that requires the support of others. He's done only the things that he can do alone, with his own pen, like closing Gitmo, and trying war criminals in a civilian court. Even with his majority in the House, and (until recently) the majority in the Senate, he can not gain the support of anything he wants.
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And that's a good thing.
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And this is a weird thing.... In spell checking this post, the computer recognized "Obummer" and suggested I change it to Obama. How does it know?
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The Entitled

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Well, yesterday Oregon voters spoke loudly. Not against taxation, excessive government, or overspending, but to RAISE taxes.

Measure 67 raised taxes to those Oregonians that have a family income above 250k, and Measure 68 raised taxes to successful large businesses.

I watched a University of Oregon student respond to a news reporter's question asking whether he supported increasing taxes. He replied in essence, "Well, my tuition has gone up to the point where I can't afford my education. And since I'm entitled to an education, someone has to pay for it. So, taxing only the wealthy so that I might continue school seems reasonable to me. They can afford it."

Entitled?

Published Oregon tax records reflect that less than one percent of our residents make over 250k, yet those that make 250k pay thirty seven percent of the money the state collects. And those that make less than 37k, pay no taxes at all. Now, how can that seem reasonable?

Well, I guess it could be very reasonable if one had little. Just as a leech probably thinks its right to suck the blood from another animal until it's belly is full, so some think. But to force someone to pay his education seems more like theft to me.

It's a wonder whether anyone works in this state. Why should they? Leading the nation with 11% unemployed, combined with those that receive some sort of state financial assistance, make a total of over 40% who do not work. Add to that the ones that are State employees, and I wonder how the remainder of us can pay for this.

Pure socialism. No wonder why this place overwhelmingly supports the MacDaddy.
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Be Careful Of What You Ask For

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Mom used to tell me that often. It never really made much sense to me. I knew what I wanted, so what was wrong with asking for it? Well, I thought I knew.

She would also say, "You got what you asked for!" I guess I did, but I didn't think it would pan out that way. I didn't understand.

Many years later, and a few years ago, I was walking into a post office. Ahead, and outside the office, was a woman chanting, "Change. Change, anyone?" It was a quite common thing to do in the valley of Los Angeles, when one had nothing better to do. You didn't even have to be hungry or homeless, and many were not.

Anyway, as I approached her outstretched, upward turned palm, I stopped and reached into my pocket. In Those Days, I carried my folded paper money in my left pants pocket, along with my change. Upon removing the wad, I separated the bills in front of her, and gave her the remaining "change." I think all in all, she got a few pennies and dimes, maybe a quarter, but not totalling more than 50 cents or so.

And, she saw the small and large bills that I retained. And, she had that confused look that I once had on her face, as I said to her, "Be careful of what you ask for."

The day before Martin Luther King Day, a friend stopped by the Thought Dock and asked me if I had heard that the President had pledged 100 Million Dollars for Haiti relief. And, he asked where all that money would come from.

Actually, I support the relief effort. So much so in fact, that I want America to annex Haiti so that we can build another missile base there. Not a bad return for giving up a bunch of granola bars. Remember WIIFM (What's in it for me) from that prior post?

So knowing that most everyone around here is liberal, I asked my friend whether he voted for the Long Legged MacDaddy. He told a long story of how he hadn't voted in years, but when the MacDaddy came along with his promise of "Change," he was excited. So, like some many others, he ran right out, registered to vote, and then help elect him. I told my friend, "Be careful of what you ask for." He could only reply, "Yeah, I know," and said he would never again vote the liberal ticket.

And, congrats to those of you in Massachusetts yesterday that came to their senses by following the Thoughts of the Dock. May the Kennedys rest in peace.
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Abort Obama

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This video speaks for itself. I need not say more. Thanks TN.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYRpIf2F9NA
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So, what's it like living..........

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.....on the Central Oregon Coast?

I get asked that very often by those of you who knew me before we relocated from Socal to Oregon a few years ago. And, I think it's because Oregon has such a bad reputation, especially from SoCalians.

Unlike the high dessert brown, it's green here. Very green. And, I don't mean recycling green although Oregon is big into reduce, re-use, and recycling as they call it here. The trees here grow tall, and the brush beneath them is very thick. And God waters his garden, but not as often as most of you might think. The air is always clean. So clean, our cars don't even have to have smog devices. And, the smells are abundant, from the freshness of the ocean air, to those of the flowers inland.

The people are different here. That's what I like best. There is very little crime here, and no need for me to carry a gun, although plenty of other people are licensed to do so.

They are simple here and seem to be content with the stuff they have. There are few fancy cars, hoity toity hotels, shopping malls, or plastic surgeons doing breast augmentations. Most everyone appreciates nature, animals, and wildlife. Most everyone walk or bike the countess miles of trails.

There might be more people (per capital) that live near the poverty level here. But, there are more that care about one another, and their community here. They support the schools, community events, youth programs, the homeless and the churches. To not be a volunteer somewhere, regardless of your age, would put you into the minority. Volunteer police, fire, hospital helpers, board members, museum curators, school teachers, coaches, home builders. Volunteers are everywhere!

A few local parades each year to honor our veterans, or the birth of America, and sell out crowds at the high school football games, remind me of where my priorities should be.

To sum it all up, I often make a simple reply when asked by Oregonians about my experience here, I say, "You know, in the 3 years I've been here, I've yet to meet anyone whom I disliked. Now, where I came from, I went much longer and never found anyone that I liked."

I'll leave it at that. For those that have never been, visit the Thought Dock and see for yourself. For those Oregonians that have showed me a new understanding of life, I say thank you, and be proud to be you.
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On the Haiti Horizon

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Well, recently Danny Glover announced that the earthquake in Haiti was God's response to the world's lack of interest to the issue of global warming at the Copenhagen summit.

And then, Pat Robertson informed the world that the Haiti earthquake was a response by God because of Haiti's "Pact with the Devil" referring to the lack of Christianity in that country.

Now, this morning Fox News reported that America's overwhelming aid relief to Haiti was the largest ever in U.S. history. And, I presume that would include America's disasters at home such as Hurricane Katrina.

I really don't care much about what Glover and Robertson said; they are both lunatics. What concerns me more, is the amount of money and troops that America is deploying to Haiti. And, that is not to say that I don't like it.

Why so much more of a response to Haiti, in comparison to the federal assistance given to Los Angeles during it's earthquake, or to the Gulf Coast states following the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina?

I you don't get it, I'll try to help clear your confusion. It's the same reason why we invaded Iraq. It was never about ridding the world of a tyrant's weapons of mass destruction. It was never about oil, or human rights issues.

It was the same reason why were are also in Afghanistan. Certainly there is no oil to fight about there, and it isn't about crushing Osama bin Laden and his terrorist group, or about reducing the poppy fields that feed America's hunger for heroin.

It's about spreading democracy. Something which America has been doing for over 70 years. It's about protecting America's interest in protecting ourselves.

It's about having forward operating bases in Turkey, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, and tiny countries in Africa. And it's about strengthening our borders closer to home. It was about the failed take over of Cuba, and keeping strong neighbors like Canada. It is about the pact we made to protect the western hemisphere at the end of WWII. It was about building the Panama Canal, and our interest in the countries of South America. It is about supporting these countries by allowing their people to migrate here. It's kind of a relief package for these countries when those illegal immigrants send their American earned paychecks home. Most Americans can't see that, but it's precisely why our government refuses to stop the immigration.

Americans really do care about the current suffering in Haiti, but I hate to say it but, America itself does not. What America cares about is preventing a communist nation from stepping in and taking Haiti during it's moment of need and establishing their own forward operating base there. Could you imaging yet another communist country threatening us from a mere 700 miles away. Even Iran's missiles could reach us from there.

You see, it's not so much that our government cares about the people of Haiti in so much as establishing another foothold to spread democracy and protect our homeland.

Now, think about that for a while. I'll be at the Thought Dock gathering facts to educate you even more.
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You might be Taliban if...

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You refine heroin for a living, but you have a moral objection to liquor.

You own a $3,000 machine gun, but you can't afford shoes.

You have more wives than teeth.

You wipe your butt with your bare hand, but consider bacon "unclean."

You think vests come in two styles: bullet-proof and suicide.

You can't think of anyone you haven't declared Jihad against.

You consider television dangerous, but carry explosives in your clothing.

You were amazed to discover that cell phones have uses other than setting off roadside bombs.

You have nothing against women and think every man should own at least four.

You've always had a crush on your neighbor's goat.

Your cousin is president of the United States!

Thanks GP for your contribution.

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Everyone gets a Trophy

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Now days, most every youth program gives a trophy to every child that participates, whether the program is athletic, art, education, or just for fun. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most every school allows every student to advance a grade regardless of whether they actually learned the subject matters. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most everyone can graduate from high school and get a diploma simply by attending most of their classes without disrupting them. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, a college diploma carries about the same weight for employment in civil service regardless of the college attended or the GPA. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most anyone has an equal chance of landing a civil service job simply by passing a pass/fail entrance exam, not by your actual score on the exam. So, what's wrong with that?

Now days, most civil service jobs from entry level to mid level management all pay nearly the same. The cop is paid the same as the fireman, teacher, nurse, bus driver or social worker. So, what's wrong with that?

Pardon me for so many civil service examples, but that is where my expertise lies. And, I believe these examples are similar to most private entities. Now you know I could cite many more examples, but I think you get my point.

This is pure socialism at it's best. And, what's wrong with that? Socialism strives to make us all the same, except for the rich kings who rule over us.
Make and keep everyone the same, and they won't complain. But they won't strive to be the best, the smartest, the strongest, the hardest working, or highest producer. So, where does that leave America?

Everyone gets a trophy. Unless you are at the Thought Dock!
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Where is it?

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In Those Days, we moved often because my father's career was the Army. So, I can remember about eight different houses we lived in. Most of them were two bedroom places, sometimes a condo kind of place (actually they were called row houses on the right coast), and a few times they were real houses. Much of the time there were as many as 5 siblings in our home, and a time or two we did have 3 bedrooms, but I never had one of my own. Things were crowded, but comfortable.

As time passed, I raised own children, and over their years at home, we moved 4 times, but always remaining in the same city. We started in a duplex, but soon moved into a 3 bedroom house. My children always had a bedroom of their own, but at times preferred to share their room. Each of our subsequent moves were to larger and larger houses, with room for more stuff.

Reflecting back to Those Days, I remember our living areas being crowded, but in a different way. Cramming 5 kids into even a 3 bedroom house was a challenge. We always had a car; sometimes two. And, the car was always parked in the garage if we had one. Now, that's the part I find most strange.

By our third move, I realized I had acquired too much stuff, So much stuff that I couldn't find much of it. I'd often ask, "Now, where is it?" I'm not talking about the stuff we used frequently. I'm talking about stuff we only used a time or two.

Stuff like ice cream makers, bread makers, fondues, waffle machines, blenders, tennis rackets, boots, sweaters, Easter bonnets, books, toys, bowling balls, old furniture, fishing poles, used car parts, and blankets. Stuff that always seemed to find it's way into the garage. So much stuff that I couldn't park my cars in it. Stuff in the attic, in all the closets, in all the kitchen cabinets, on the porch, in the back yards, under the beds, in the drawers, and even in the trunks of the cars! So much stuff that I never even knew what we had.

Now, I don't think I was much different than anyone else. My children have stuff stuffed in their garages to the point that only one car can be parked inside their 2 car garages. Most of my friends in my old SoCal neighborhood were the same. One could barely walk in his garage, let alone park his car there! The neighbors here as well. Cars, trucks, boats, Rv's. Only difference is they are strewn about their multi-acre lots instead of in their fenced back yards, because their garage is full.

And I am quickly filling this house up as well, even though there is over 1200 sqft of designated shop and storage spaces. What gives? Something has to. I've got too much stuff!

What happened to life in Those Days where we had enough and appreciated what we had?
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Crisis Culture

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You know, sometimes I spend hours a day sifting through information that arrives at the Thought Dock portal. You see, it all has to be reviewed by me before it gets in. But, without that process, my Followers would only get My views. And, you know I like to post all points of view tyat I agree with. So, to all of you that contribute, a warm thank you.

Sometimes, views from the "Regular Joe" mean more to me that those from the professionals; the paid pot sirrers of the media.

So here is a reprint of an article written by a Joe Doctor from a regular place in America:

"Dear Sirs:

During my last night's shift in the ER, I had the pleasure of evaluating a patient with an expensive shiny gold tooth, multiple elaborate expensive tattoos, a very expensive brand of tennis shoes and a new cellular telephone equipped with her favorite R&B tune for a ringtone.

Glancing over the chart, one could not help noticing her payer status: Medicaid. She smokes more than one costly pack of cigarettes every day and, somehow, still has money to buy beer.

And, our Congress expects me to pay for this woman's health care? Our nation's health care crisis is not a shortage of quality hospitals, doctors or nurses. It is a crisis of culture. A culture in which it is perfectly acceptable to spend money on vices while refusing to take care of one's self or, heaven forbid, purchase health insurance. A culture that thinks "I can do whatever I want to because someone else will always take care of me". Life is really not that hard. Most of us reap what we sow. Don't ou agree?

STARNER JONES, MDJackson , MS"

Thanks, EW for your contribution.
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Who's in Charge?

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I've always thought that something is not quite right about our long legged MacDaddy. And, I'm not just talking about his crazy, and even dangerous policies. No, I'm wondering if Obummer is the person in charge of America.

Now, I have no doubt that he is our President, but is he really the one in command? He seems lost most of the time. He reacts to things he really knows nothing about.

Like, he assigned Pelosi to write his health care bill, and she in turn, passed it onto several other radical persons. And, when questioned about the plan, he seems not to know or understand the details of it. And, even with his commanding speaking ability, his ignorance the bill shines through.

And his foreign policy is equally confusing, especially when it comes to dealing with other world leaders. He makes beautiful speeches, but has been unable to make progress with any country, friend or foe. Is he acting as a pawn to someone else? The more I watch the guy, the more I suspect that he is the front for something else. And, I think that his strings are being pulled by someone else. But, who? I can't figure that out.

I know that Obummer is surrounded by life-long radicals, professed communists and anti-capitalists, most of which he has even appointed as czars. Are they who are running the show?

Some may think that I'm crazy. But, when if you remove the media worship, he doesn't seem to know what he is doing. The more he talks, the more his words seem empty. He says things about loving America and stuff, that simply do not ring true to me.

He is more plastic than real. Like the Great and Powerful Oz; a mighty one whom was the pawn of a man behind the curtain. But, who is behind the MacDaddy's curtain?

Could it be that those behind the curtain have backgrounds that are so radical that they themselves could never run for president?

So, they found the MacDaddy for their stooge. They chose a black man to gain the support of the vast black minority. And, a pale skinned black so as not to be too much of a threat to white Americans. And a half breed to ally with the poor. And, someone who speaks well and appears to be a uniter, not a divider.

I think Obummer has been groomed as a puppet by others for a long time. His successes seem to have come too easily. I mean, a Harvard Law Review without publishing a single paper? A community organizer for a short time. A State legislator for a short time. A Senator for just 143 days. And then to President?

How do 1100 page documents get put out in such short order? Who is writing all these proposals? Could it be that they were prepared long ago by someone else? Something is just not quite right here. Have you ever seen this level of activity in the first few months of any other administration in your lifetime?

Does Obama seem like the kind of person that could manage this level of activity in so short a time? Too much does not make sense here.

I am convinced that Obummer is not running the show. Our MacDaddy is a front man. An empty suit. Let's look behind the curtains to find out who is really running the show.

Help me out here. Keep your flow of information to the Thought Dock coming. I'll sort through it all. And together, we'll get to the bottom of things.
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Ten Thousand

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I began this blog nearly a year ago. Actually it was January 20, 2009. Inauguration Day for the Long Legged MacDaddy, but I didn't refer to him as such then. I really was open minded then. Not so any more. I despise him now.

Anyway, the point of this post is to thank my Followers. In one short year I've watched that counter roll up. And yesterday, it passed the Ten Thousand mark. I wonder who it was? I guess I could do the research, but it doesn't really matter. You all contributed , and I thank you all.

Most of you know, but for those that don't, I'll tell you that this blog attracts a world-wide audience, although most of the visits originate from within America. From Louisiana north to Minnesota, and from Florida west to California, the visits came. Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Russia, also came every once in a while. Some stayed, others moved on, and some got the boot. Some commented, others not. Who would have thought?

While the MacDaddy has lost 50% of his supporters, mine has grown 10 Thousand fold. Now, that's what I'm talking about!

It was a wild ride from the Thought Dock. Thanks!
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America's Security. And Yours.

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Another avid Follower provided the following. Having a law enforcement background, I know most of this information is true, but I have not verified it in it's entirety. Thanks BK for your contribution to this blog. I condensed it somewhat.

Juval Aviv was the Israeli Agent upon whom the movie "Munich" was based. He was assigned to track down and bring to justice the Palestinian terrorists who murdered the Israeli athletes during the Munich Olympics.

In a lecture in New York City a few weeks ago, he shared information that EVERY American needs to know, but that our government has refused to share with us. Aviv predicted the London subway bombing on the Bill O'Reilly show, O'Reilly laughed at him . Unfortunately, as predicted, the attack had occurred.

Aviv gave intelligence information that he had gathered in Israel to the Bush Administration about 9/11 a month before it occurred. His report specifically said planes would be used as bombs and would target high profile buildings and monuments. Our Congress has since hired him as a security consultant. Now for his future predictions.

Aviv states the next terrorist attack on the U.S. will occur within the next few months. It will not involve hijacking a plane again as they know the people onboard will never go down quietly again.

Aviv believes our airport security is a joke. We are been reactionary rather than proactive in developing strategies that are truly effective. For example, our airport technology is outdated. We look for metal, and the new explosives are made of plastics and liquids. When a terrorist tried to light his shoe on fire in a failed attempted bombing on an airplane, we now have everyone take off their shoes. A group of idiots tried board a plane with liquid explosives and now we can't bring liquids on board. Every strategy we have is reactionary. We only focus on security when people are heading to the gates.

Aviv says that if a terrorist attack targets airports in the future, they will target busy times on the front end of the airport when/where people are checking in. It would be easy for someone to take two suitcases of explosives, walk up to a busy check-in line, ask a person next to them to watch their bags for a minute while they run to the restroom or get a Drink, and then detonate the bags BEFORE security even gets involved. In Israel , security checks bags BEFORE people can even ENTER the airport.

Aviv believes the next terrorist attack in America is imminent and will involve suicide bombers and non-suicide bombers in places where large groups of people congregate, and that it will also target rural America. The attack will involve simultaneous detonations around the country in 5-8 cities. The terrorists won't be suicide bombers in the larger cities.

Aviv says all of this is well known in intelligence circles, but that our government does not want to alarm American citizens with the facts. Americans don't have to be concerned about being nuked because like to use a front-line approach. It's cheap, it's easy, it's effective; and they have an infinite abundance of young militants more than willing to 'meet their destiny'.

America should be most concerned about homegrown terrorists having attended and been educated in our own schools and universities. He says to look for students who frequently travel back and forth to the Middle East. These terrorists will be most dangerous because they will know our language and will fully understand the habits of Americans.

Aviv says that Americans are unaware and uneducated about the terrorist threats we will inevitably face. So, what can America do to protect itself?

He believes the U.S. needs to stop relying on satellites and technology for intelligence. We need to, instead, follow Israel 's,Ireland 's and England 's hands-on examples of human intelligence, both from an infiltration perspective and from citizen awareness.

He stresses the importance of having a plan for their families in the event of an attack. Does your family know what to do if you can't contact one another by phone? Where would you gather in an emergency? He says we should all have a plan that is easy enough for even our youngest children to remember and follow. You should know that Homeland Security has a plan in place disable all cell phones upon another attack because they are the preferred method for terrorists to detonate secondary bombs. How then will you communicate with your family?
You need to have a plan. A place to meet in the vent of an attack.

Consider meeting at the Thought Dock. That's where I will be!
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Uncle Doesn't Work

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I have no idea where the phrase, "Say Uncle" came from, but I remember it well. For those that have never heard it, it meant, "OK. You win. I give up." and it usually involved some kind of physical altercation.

For the most part, I was the eldest, strongest, meanest, sibling of our family. And, it was up to me, to tune the others up. And, that I did. I'm pretty sure that at one time or another each one of my brothers and sisters got their butts kicked, and then were pinned to the ground until they said, "Uncle."

Then, the scary part came. Most often they would quietly slither off, catch their breath, sneak up on me, and bush whack me from behind. Then, I'd have to kick their butts again. Seems they'd never learn, and never did they forget. Even today.

Then, later as a cop, there were times when I had to kick some butt. And, often when the handcuffs were removed, the fight resumed. Can't say that I was any different. Mess with me and when I get the chance, I'll get even somehow. And most of you know what I'm talking about. Or, do you?

At the end of World War I, the Germans were allowed to pick up their ruins and return home in shame. 20 years later, and they were right back at it. But, following WWII, German, Italian, and Japanese leaders were imprisoned or executed. Well, that worked! And now they are our allies.

But, "Uncle" didn't work in North Korea. And it didn't work in North Korea, Vietnam, or the first Gulf War. And, it's not going to work in Iraq or Afghanistan. And, it is not working in our current war against terror.

And saying "Uncle" doesn't work in our criminal justice system either. How often do the repenting convicts get released only to rape, murder, or steal again? And the same is true with the release of the captured enemy combatants from the war against terror. Say "Uncle" and we'll try you in a civilian court. Or we will release you to Yemen on your promise to behave.

Wake up you bleeding heart panty waists! Anyone threatening this country from abroad does not have the rights of an American. They should all be executed, without trial, just as is done anywhere else son they never can bush whack us again! Sound cruel? Not hardly. It's the only way. Because saying "Uncle" doesn't work.

It's a deadly game and we must play for keeps.
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WIIFM

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What's in it for me? Wiifm, pronounced " whiffum." In other words, it's asking, "What do I get out of it?" or "What is the rate of return?"

It is the single most driving force of how this world works. It always has been, and it always will be. But I think most of you have never realized it.

Did you know that a person is more likely to make a charitable donation if there is something in it for him, no matter how small. That's why Girl Scout cookies, and school fundraisers giving useless calendars away, are great sources of funds. And, the better rate of return on your money, the more apt you are to give it away. Something. Anything. Few of us hesitate to give our money away without a Wiifm. There is something about it that makes you want to part with your money to get in return, 25 cents worth of popcorn in a pretty container.

And Wiifm is the driving force of all wars. It's not about right vs wrong, dethroning evildoers like Hitler or Hussein. There is always will be a Wiifm for somebody. Power. Fame. Fortune. Something.

And, it is there on the receiving end of the stick as well. Sell your Savior for a small bag of stuff. Forgive the soldier that killed your parents for a chocolate bar. Receive a better grade for leaving an apple on the desk. Or, get that promotion for spreading your legs.

Sometimes, Wiifm is hard to spot. Other times, it is obvious. It's almost always camouflaged. But, I can almost assure you that it is there, somewhere. And, Wiifm is not always a bad thing, or something that benefits only a single person.

So, please take the time to look a bit closer at things before you buy into things. Try to find the Wiffm in Global Warming. How about socialized medicine, trying terrorists in a civilian court, bowing to a foreign leader, denouncing America, maintaining friendships with criminals, racists, and communists? Where is the Wiifm in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, or Israel? What about energy conservation, or Cap and Trade concepts?

Need help? Just ask the Thought Dock.
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Looking Back to Move Forward

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The sound of the bugles fill the air. It's all that can be heard above the pounding of the horses' hoofs. Charge! Charge! Don't look back! It's what the commander is screaming as he leads his men forward. And then it happens. Suddenly the entire brigade has been encircled by the enemy that the commander did not see, but are now at his rear. No where to run. No where to hide, and at retreat is impossible. And the end comes quickly.

Do you ever check your rear mirrors before moving forward? I'm sure you do. It would be messy if you pulled into traffic coming from your rear. Or drive off before your children are seated securely.

Well, we need to look back at the past decade and year. We need to see the things we've done right, and we need to recognize our mistakes; before we move forward. To not, would be as grave as Custer's last stand.

Will we continue to invest in stocks merely on the speculation that they will increase? Will we continue to borrow against our home's equity to finance the life style we think we deserve now? Will we continue to drink and eat excessively because it feels good now?

Should we let our representatives take us into wars that we can not win? Should we release out terrorist prisoners, without prosecution, to their homelands only to fight again against us? Should we deny that we at war against terror and treat our attackers as if they were just everyday criminals. Can we continue to extend our American freedoms to those that we are fighting in foreign countries. Should our government control our banks, big businesses, and health care? Should our government redistribute money from those that work hard, to those that refuse to work at all?

Should we have elected a president that is a racist, has ties to known criminals and communists, and was raised in a church who's pastor spews openly hate for America? Should we try those admitted 9/11 terrorists in a criminal court and allow them the rights of any American. "Sir, would you tell the court how the soldiers blew the roof off your cave, rushed in to capture you in the mountains of Afghanistan, without a search warrant? And, did they advise you of your Miranda Rights before they tortured you until you copped out to bombing the USS Cole?"

We are fools if we don't look back at these issues before moving forward into this new decade. Were were fools then to elect the Long Legged MacDaddy.
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Let's look back!
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Changing the Batteries

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So, it is not only the new year, but also a new decade. Now, what do we do?

Well, I'll tell you what I'll be doing these next few days.

I'll change the batteries in my programmable thermostats. I'll replace the water filter in the refrigerator. I'll renew the batteries in the smoke detectors in the house and in the Wheeled Manor. I'll put fresh gasoline in the emergency generator. I'll add septic treatment to the system. I'll have the automatic transmission fluid changed in our cars that are over 10 years old. I'll gather up usable, but no longer used items in our home to give to charity. I'll designate a file for tax stuff that will be coming in the mail. I'll service the home heating/air conditioning unit. I'll lubricate the door hinges of both my cars and home. I'll blow out the dust from inside my computer. I'll get a new fishing license. I'll reset the yearly data on my home weather station. I'll take down the Christmas decorations. I've already watched the Rose Bowl parade and game. I'll replace the head on my toothbrush. I'll log the Christmas cards I get by mail. I'll begin my Bible study plan. I'll change the batteries in the clocks. I'll shop for a new TV. I'll re-examine my goals, scratch some, adjust others, and create some new ones. And, I'll begin a new chapter in my life.

What about you?

The Last Day

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To me, the last day of the year is much like finishing a chapter in a book (although I tend not to look at it as the last chapter in the book). So, my question to you is; does finishing a chapter make you feel like you can't wait to move into the next one? Or, does it make you want to rejoice what has been, and fear what the next one will bring?

Do you celebrate that the year is over because of your accomplishments, or because of your misfortunes? Do you look forward to the challenges and rewards the future will bring, or would you just rather stay where you are?

I guess there is really no right or no wrong answer to these questions. It is though, your personality. And often, your personality changes as you grow older. Your answers may be different at different stages in your life.

My chapter this year was, in many ways, filled with struggles. But, in many ways, it was filled with accomplishments. While it was a struggle to complete the house, it was also an accomplishment. While it was a struggle to find a way to visit our children, we found that way. While I made poor choices in financial matters, I still managed a profit. And while my Faith was tested, it also was strengthened.

So, I am grateful for this chapter, but I look forward to what the next on will bring. I won't celebrate for what this year was, but for what next year will bring. And, I know that next year will present even more challenges, but I know that there will be even more rewards.

Please take the poll to the left, or leave me a comment because I'd like to know more about your personality.

Happy New Year!!
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It is so Quiet

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Well, the children, and their children have all gone. Returned to their homes so far away.

And, slowly things will return to normalcy. I'll be able to sit in my chair because it will be empty when I want it. And, I'll be able to watch the television channel that I prefer because no one will be playing a video game on it. And, I'll be able to run around the house in my skivvies because no one will be here to laugh at my pot belly. And, I'll be able to cuss when I get mad because there will be no virgin ears to hear. And, I'll be able to shower almost for as long as I like because the hot water will not run dry. And, I'll be able to use the bathroom without locking the door because there will be no one walkning in on me.

You know, one tends to become spoiled and selfish when living alone, away from friends and family. And, once you become spoiled and selfish, it is very difficult to see what you are, and return to what you should be.

So, to some extent, I have learned that. And, I'll miss a bit of the children wanting to sit on my lap as I'm trying to relax in a chair that I usually don't sit in. And, I'll miss a bit of playing ball with the child on a cold and windy day. And I'll miss a bit of the children crying because they don't feel well, or because they can't have their way. And, I'll miss for a bit dirty, smelly diapers, and stepping around matchbox toys left on the floor.

But, I'll miss even more that grin from an infant grand daughter held in my arms as she wonders just who I am.

And, sometimes I wonder myself just who I am, as I sit on the Thought Dock.
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Ready for Children

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Our grandson (then about 4) was selected to be the Ring Bearer, and the 3 year old daughter of a close friend was chosen as the Flower Girl in our son's wedding about two years ago.

And, when it was time, together they walked down the isle as the wedding began.

Now, after all this time, the parents of the Flower Girl informed us that she was now ready to have children with our grandson. Seems she believes that she was the one that was actually married that day, to our grand son! And, she has waited long enough!

Oh well, that will make for even more grand children.
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The Day after the Day

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Well, I hope all of you had the very best of Christmas in what ever way you chose and what ever mean you have.

We did. We'll, we did go outside our means. Again..

The kids had plenty of new stuff. Clothes, toys, games. They had it all. And the adults did as well. New Blueray player. phones, Bibles, GPS', clothes, candles, music and videos. It was all very nice.

So, today is the time for everyone to test out their stuff. And we did. But I can't get my GPS to work (I think it is more of a computer setting), and the pair of wealkie talkies are broke. And there was no time or space for my wife to break out the new sewing machine. Just too much happening.

So, that's that and I'm taking a nap.
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The Eve before the Day

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I kinda wonder how many of you will visit the Thought Dock on this Christmas Eve. I'd think that most of you will be too busy for that. But maybe, there are those that have things whipped, like me. It's not that everything is done around here, but there is nothing that I have to do. You see, everyone does it all for me! And I like it like that.

The stockings are done. The gifts are wrapped. The kids will soon be asleep. And, it will be quiet. Ah, so quiet. And, I'll go to bed and wait for Santa. It won't be long. Not long like it was when I was a child, when I thought he'd never get here.

But tomorrow is the Day. Well, not really The Day, but more like the Day the world before me has chosen to celebrate our Savior's birth. But, it really doesn't matter if the date we selected was the actual anniversary of the birth. And, His birth was just the start of what He would bring. What an incredible journey, but one that was planned in every detail, to the very end.

And He will come again.
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We missed Santa!

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Well, the rest of those that said they were coming for Christmas are now here after arriving on a late night flight from Burbank. That rounds out the total to two infants, two toddlers, four adult parents who sometimes act like toddlers, and Granny and the Grandpa-D. Now, unless there is a surprise, and I like surprises, that will be it for Christmas.

Sunday afternoon, I saw Santa on my way up town. I hurried home to grab the kids, but that didn't work out. You see, there are other factors to consider when planning life with children. Things that I have long ago forgotten. Things like naps, lunch, dressing, etc.

Anyway, by the time we met the criteria, it was too late. No fret, I thought. Tomorrow we'd have plenty of time. But, when tomorrow came, we were saddened to learn that Santa had left town to prepare for his delivery day, and not even an Elf could be found around here! I thought just for a moment that I saw him asleep in an old red truck parked in the back of his office. Well, it could have been the old fisherman beggar just as easy. Now, I wonder whether did they are one in the same.

That sucks.
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What would it be like..

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............. if there were no children in your home on Christmas? After all, Christmas is all about the birth of The Child.

I was blessed to have two children of my own, and my wife brought two more into our life. And all those children, except one, were blessed with children of their own. And, four of our grand children will be in our home this Christmas.

And, each of my brothers and sisters had children of their own.

And, each of my brothers had at least one child that had a child of his own. So, there will be grand children in my brother's home for Christmas.

And , two of my three sisters had at least one child that had a child of their own. So, there will be grand children in those sisters' homes for Christmas.

But, my other sister has no grand children, because neither of her children had children. So, that means that sister will have no grand children in her home for Christmas. And she is plenty old enough to have grand children. And, her children are plenty old enough to have children. And, unless my other sister invites some one into her home with children for Christmas, there will be no children in that sister's home at Christmas.

What would that be like?
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The Bells are Ringing

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For those that don't know, our home is somewhat long and skinny. The ceiling over the living and dining rooms are nearly 30 feet high, yet the rooms are only about 16 feet deep. Long and skinny, with a lot of glass overlooking to the Thought Dock. The floors are wood, and only an area rug sits atop part of it. There are few decorations yet hung, and the furniture is sparse. The design of the house, and the lack of furniture, allows for a tremendous echo through out those rooms.

Now add to that, the first part of the clan arrived yesterday for their ten day Christmas. That means a father, mother, 5yr old son, 2yr old son, and their infant daughter. The day after tomorrow, another part of the clan will arrive. A father, his wife and their infant daughter. Pretty "Every Day - All American" families, I suppose.

And the bells have begun to chime already. Each kid has his own DVD player, trucks, balls, and loads of other toys. The infant has hers as well, and every one of them make noise. Add to that, a football game blasting in the background so I can hear it, a stereo going upstairs, six singing Hallmark Snowmen, and two dogs and three cats fighting to save what was once their territory, our telephone ringing, and the guests cell phones going off as well. And my ears ring, but no one hears that.

And the sounds resonate through out the house. The windows shake as it echos up, around, in one, then out my other ear. I want to shout, "I can't take any more!" But it was only the first day, and there will be more. Lots more. And more people will soon arrive. And even more noise!

But.... I am Grandpa-D. And, I can take it. And, I do love it. And, when the rain stops, I can escape deep into the forest for a little while.

And, it is Christmas time at the Thought Dock.
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It's the Season!

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The Christmas season. A time to reflect. A time to love. A time to help and share. A time for Praise. A time for prayer. And a time for music and magic.

And so it is for most everyone that I know. So as it goes, we set out to find someone to help that we don't know. Our group selected a local family, which consists of Granny, age 55, her daughter whom is expecting, age 24, the daughter's husband, age 26, and two of the daughter's children from a prior relationship, aged 2 and 3.

We contacted the family to determine their needs. Granny wears size 4x clothing and men's size 9 high top boots for support. Her daughter is the only person who works outside the home and asked for a good mop to clean the house when she gets home. Her husband asked for some sturdy work boots ( a bit suspicious because does not work), and some kitchen furniture. The children will be helped with the usual toys, clothing, and bedding. The father's other children outside the home will have to get theirs elsewhere. We were told that although the family is in dire need of help, not to expect a thank you from them. We replied that was not important to us.
So, they will get a healthy truckload of stuff from our group of 16 more fortunate persons. And we will feel better about ourselves for a while.

In thinking about this, I realized no one will be paying any taxes on this incident. We, the givers, will actually get a tax deduction. But something is missing here. Our country needs more money now. So, why can't Obama tax the poor for all the freebies they get? Seems to be fair, don't you think? After all, I think the wealthy have to report all income, including significant gifts, that they receive.

Well, since it is the Season, posts during this next week will be limited to happy crap. No politics. No griping. Just about love, family visits, and Santa. But after Rose Bowl Day....
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Asking Snopes

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A few days back, one of my most dearest Followers questioned whether I had verified the authenticity of photograph of the MacDaddy at a social event in Chicago several years ago posing with people he now claims were party crashers at his more recent gala.



The comment made me feel really bad that I had not first checked the rumor control website, Snopes.com, before posting the picture. But, really. I can't check everything that comes through the Thought Dock portal. And never before has the information I've gathered from what ever means, been false. But, it was shameful that such a thing could have occurred on this world wide blog.



Well, I think the comment must have hit home with others as well. So, I think Wichita M, did a Snopes search for, "The couple that sneaked into the White House without credentials." And, low and behold, looked who's picture popped up! Thanks M. Well done!

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Why is it?

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Ever wonder why Congress is in such a rush to finish business so that they can take time off to enjoy Christmas, when they refuse to stand against those that are removing the Christian ways which this country was founded upon?

Ever wonder why the peace loving activists in Copenhagen are the ones that riot when they don't get their way with the Global Warming issue?

Ever wonder why the liberals in this country expect to be heard, but refuse to hear any other reasoning?

Ever wonder why the same people who refuse to fund prisons, support the death penalty, and parole murderers, complain the most when they become victim to a crime?

Ever wonder why Michelle Obama is suddenly patriotic when, up until a year ago, she was never proud to be American?

Ever wonder whether Al Sharpton is angry that Tiger Woods prefers White women? I wonder whether Al Sharpton would do Nacy Pelosi if she were Black.

And I wonder whether the MacDaddy will ever tell a truth.
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To Tell the Truth

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Remember that 60's and 70's game show where contestant had to weed through the imposters and determine the "Real" person? Well, I bet you thought we were about to play it now! But we won't. I'm just going to give you some insight about who the MacDaddy really is.

In the following, Dr. Charles Krauthammer describes Obama's personality and ambitions. Perhaps you know him, but if not be sure to "Snopes" him. What he says here, is NOT 2nd-hand but 1st. The ramifications are staggering for us, our children and their children.

1. Mr. Obama is a very intellectual, charming individual. He is not to be underestimated. He is a cool customer who doesn't show his emotions. It's very hard to know what's behind the mask. The taking down of the Clinton dynasty was an amazing accomplishment. The Clintons still do not understand what hit them. Obama was in the perfect place at the perfect time.

2. Obama has political skills comparable to Reagan and Clinton. He has a way of making you think he's on your side, agreeing with your position, while doing the opposite. Pay no attention to what he SAYS; rather, watch what he DOES!

3. Obama has a ruthless quest for power. He did not come to Washington to make something out of himself, but rather to change everything, including dismantling capitalism. He can't be straightforward on his ambitions, as the public would not go along. He has a heavy hand, and wants to level the playing field with income redistribution and punishment to the achievers of society. He would like to model the USA to Great Britain or Canada .

4. His three main goals are to control ENERGY, PUBLIC EDUCATION, and NATIONAL HEALTHCARE by the Federal government. He doesn't care about the auto or financial services industries, but got them as an early bonus. The cap and trade will add costs to everything and stifle growth. Paying for FREE college education is his goal. Most scary is his healthcare program, because if you make it FREE and add 46,000,000 people to a Medicare-type single-payer system, the costs will go through the roof. The only way to control costs is with massive RATIONING of services, like in Canada . God forbid!

5. He has surrounded himself with mostly far-left academic types. No one around him has ever even run a candy store. But they are going to try and run the auto, financial, banking and other industries. This obviously can't work in the long run. Obama is not a socialist; rather he's a far-left secular progressive bent on nothing short of revolution. He ran as a moderate, but will govern from the hard left. Again, watch what he does, not what he says.

6. Obama doesn't really see himself as President of the United States , but more as a ruler over the world. He sees himself above it all, trying to orchestrate & coordinate various countries and their agendas. He sees moral equivalency in all cultures. His apology tour in Germany and England was a prime example of how he sees America , as an imperialist nation that has been arrogant, rather than a great noble nation that has at times made errors. This is the first President ever who has chastised our allies and appeased our enemies!

7. He is now handing out goodies. He hopes that the bill (and pain) will not come due until after he is reelected in 2012. He would like to blame all problems on Bush from the past, and hopefully his successor in the future. He has a huge ego, and Dr. Krauthammer believes he is a narcissist.

8. Republicans are in the wilderness for a while, but will emerge strong. Republicans are pining for another Reagan, but there will never be another like him. Krauthammer believes Mitt Romney, Tim Pawlenty & Bobby Jindahl (except for his terrible speech in February) are the future of the party. Newt Gingrich is brilliant, but has baggage. Sarah Palin is sincere and intelligent, but needs to really be seriously boning up on facts and info if she is to be a serious candidate in the future. We need to return to the party of lower taxes, smaller government, personal responsibility, strong national defense, and state's rights.

9. The current level of spending is irresponsible and outrageous. We are spending trillions that we don't have. This could lead to hyperinflation, depression or worse. No country has ever spent themselves into prosperity. The media is giving Obama, Reid and Pelosi a pass because they love their agenda. But eventually the bill will come due and people will realize the huge bailouts didn't work, nor will the stimulus package. These were trillion-dollar payoffs to Obama's allies, unions and the Congress to placate the left, so he can get support for #4 above.

10. The election was over in mid-September when Lehman brothers failed, fear and panic swept in, we had an unpopular President, and the war was grinding on indefinitely without a clear outcome. The people are in pain, and the mantra of change caused people to act emotionally. Any Dem would have won this election; it was surprising it was as close as it was.11. In 2012, if the unemployment rate is over 10%, Republicans will be swept back into power. If it's under 8%, the Dems continue to roll. If it's between 8-10%, it will be a dogfight. It will all be about the economy. I hope this gets you really thinking about what's happening in Washington and Congress. There is a left-wing revolution going on, according to Krauthammer, and he encourages us to keep the faith and join the loyal resistance. The work will be hard, but we're right on most issues and can reclaim our country, before it's far too late.
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Thanks K for contributing to this blog.
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As our Nation Turns

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Here is a very interesting contribution to this site from an avid Follower in SoCal. It adds to my December 4th, Transforming America post, which stirred some great debate about the MacDaddy's relationships with undesireable persons, including racists, criminals, traitors and communists. It turns yet another page of American History. Please observe and read on.

DOES ANYONE HERE LOOK FAMILIAR??

See the white guy in the white suit? Now see the blond with the white dress? See the guy in the middle? This picture was taken 6/9/05 when the MacDaddy was a Senator. It seems Obama has known these people for quite some time.

If you don't recognize them, they are the “party crashers” at Obama's recent gala. Funny how this has not come out in the press isn’t it? No wonder the couple kept insisting they were invited guests; they are his friends from way back! And Obama trying to throw the Secret Service under the bus. Tareq and Michaele Salahi snapped the pic above with Obama at a “Rock The Vote” event.

Michaele Salahi is getting quite a ribbing in the press for lying about being a Redskins cheerleader, but Tareq is the more interesting of the two to me. He has ties to Palestinian terrorists.

Tareq is a board member of the ATFP- American Task Force on Palestine, which has quickly scrubbed it’s site of the fact. Thank the Lord for Google cache. Here’s the site last night with Tariq as a board member. Today…no Tariq. Now why is that? And just who are the ATFP?
The ATFP has ties to Chicago, ties to Muslim radicals, ties to Hamas, and ties to Saudi Wahhabists. It is arguably the American wing of Hamas. The group’s co-founder is Rashid Khalidi, the guy purported to have helped finance Obama’s Harvard education and who was also instrumental in getting Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to speak at Columbia University. Remember that?

During the Beruit war, Khalidi was a PLO spokesperson. After the war, he came back to teach at the University of Chicago. He is a virulent critic of Israel, and a strong supporter of Fatah terrorist Yassar Arafat. Obama has referred to Khalidi as someone who challenges his “own biases.”

Why do the same dubious tentacles seem to continually surround Obama? The fact that the ATFP is scrubbing information on Salahi from their website suggests possible damage control coordination between the ATFP and the White House. If the ATFP was acting independently, there would be no reason to scrub Salahi’s name from their site. It looks like Salahi was an invited guest to the dinner, that he was “outed” and the administration had to come up with a rational excuse for his presence.

Something is VERY fishy in the White House.

And there seem to be more fish there than beneath the Thought Dock!

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Reflections of Pride

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Well, the freeze siege broke last night. Five days of overnight lows not exceeding 20 degrees, and days not getting above freezing, have been replaced with near normal temperatures of 55/45. Yippee!

I noticed this morning that the water beneath the Thought Dock was still frozen, but something struck me different about the ice today. The ice, perhaps an inch thick, was crystal clear. So clear in fact, that I could see to the bottom of the Lake with almost no distortion.

And through a reflection, I thought I saw myself in the clouds. It was not me, but an image of my father. I always called him Pop. And for the first time, I truly realized he looked just like me. And although I left the Thought Dock to return to my work in the basement, I thought back to Those Days, and more about Pop. And I wondered whether I was more like him than just in appearance.

As a child, I didn't seem to have much of a relationship with Pop. Yeah, he worked, and he came home every night, and we had dinner together, and he would listen to the news before falling asleep on the couch. And there were a few times he would take me fishing or camping, or on a Sunday drive. He never seemed to be a happy kind of a guy, and I tended to stay out of his way as much as I could.

It seemed like he worked every day of his life, sometimes at several jobs to make ends meet. I can't think of anything he ever wanted, other than once telling me he would like to get a little boat someday (but he never did). I don't think he ever had a dream, at least he never shared it with me. He didn't seem to talk much. Seldom did I hear him laugh, unless he was drinking a beer with his buddies. And, he seldom complained. He just gave mom his paychecks without hesitation and never told her how to spend it. And when the check was short, he would just work longer hours at his second job to meet the future needs as best he could.

I never wanted to be like him. You see, I had dreams. I had plans to achieve my dreams. I wanted lots of things. I wanted more than Pop had. I wanted my children to have more than
Pop gave me. But like him, I wanted to do it on my own. No charity. No favors. Never asking for help. No welfare or unemployment. There was a pride at stake. And Pop was proud and he passed his pride to me.

Pop was the only one that stood by me when I announced that my girlfriend was pregnant. And contrary to what everyone else said, Pop told me that if I put my mind to it, I would be successful. It was then that I realized who Pop really was. So, at the ripe age of 17, I set out in pursuit of my dream with my family in trail.

I always worked, sometimes at a side job and sometimes extra hours at my real job. I've never stolen anything, or cheated anyone. I had more stuff than Pop had, my kids had more stuff than I had, and only through the grace of God's blessings, have I realized most every one of my dreams. And like Pop, I am proud. And, with the completion of this new home, so will my dreams conclude. I have accomplished I ever wanted and I need no more.

Now what? I'll rest when I can, strengthen my faith, help those that I can, give away some of what I have, and pass on what is left. Just like Pop. I guess I really am more like Pop than what I thought.
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Spreading the Virus

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Now, for almost a year, we have been instructed by our government on ways to slow the spread of the Swine flu virus. We've been told not to go to work or school if we are sick. Told to sneeze into our arm pits, to wear surgical masks, to wash our hands 90 times a day, and to "bump" knuckles instead of shaking hands. Now, here is a short clip of some one you know, that we know, knows how to bump. But this person chose to ignore even his own warnings about shaking hands and looked what happened during his visit to a foreign country! And what he got had nothing to do with slowing the spread of the flu.

Spotlights

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Mohamed Ali, Pete Rose, Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Steve Garvey, Bill Clinton, Michael Vick, Michael Jackson, Arnold Swartzneggar, Mike Berkow, Marilyn Monroe, John Kennedy, George Patton, Tiger Woods, and the list could go on and on.

So, what do all of these politicians, movie stars, police chiefs, sports stars, musicians, and generals all have in common? I'm sure that my conservative Followers know, but for the liberals and others with their heads buried in the sand, I'll tell you.

All of these idiots were, at least for a moment, were in the spotlight. They were heralded as our nation's best. The were the heroes, and they were the role models for our youth. And they all fell from their glory.

They fell from their seat at the top of their pedestal because they sold their souls to the devil. Some succumbed to drugs and alcohol, some to corruption, some to their sexual desires, and others to money and greed.

Some were convicted, but all were judged. Judged by the very ones that put them in the spotlight. Some recovered, some not, and most will never recover their fame in the same light as it was.

So, is that fair? Take the poll to the left.
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Pardon the Freeze, Please

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Well, the Land of the liberals, the Central Oregon Coast is under a freeze siege. That's pretty unusual for this part of America. And the same seems true across other parts of our Country. Places like Los Angeles, Houston, and Sacramento, are areas most known for their warm weather are now very cold.

And the water beneath the Thought Dock are iced over. It's our third day of sub 20 degree nights, and forecasts show a continued pattern of cold for the next few days. Gloom news for me because that means more work (that I usually don't have to do) needs to be done. Work like protecting the Wheeled Manor's water system from freezing, covering our fair weather plants, and paying for larger utility bills to keep us cozy.

But, most effected seems to be the Thought Dock. Although, it doesn't stop the flow of Wisdom, it certainly slows it. And you need it more that I do. So, I'll have to figure something out.

You know, before we moved here, I researched the weather's history. I don't think I ever saw temperatures like this, although I have to admit I was looking more at rainfall totals than features of the ice age. Yes, we get a few days a year of below freezing times every year, but I mean readings in the 30's, not below 20.

So, could this all prove that the Global Warming groups have been smoking their socks? Well, I'm not yet likely to assert that claim. It is more likely that this is a direct reflection of MacDaddy's cooling off. His ratings are way down as the liberals who elected him are beginning to see his true intentions. And since most of those liberals live near me, it is rational to believe that is why it is colder here than usual.

Well, as the sun rises, I've got to breech the freeze outdoors and check on the Wheeled Manor.

Snuggle up!

The Day of Infamy

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In Those Days, America slept. And we are again asleep.

But, Americans then were much like Americans now. They were foolish to believe anyone would attack them. And we are foolish to believe it will not happen again.

And Americans then did not want to go to war, but they found themselves responding to an attack by going to war. And now we do not want war, but we found ourselves going to war after suffering yet another attack on our homeland.

Then, we went to war, dedicated to finishing it. But today, we are different.

When will we ever learn?
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Transforming America

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Sometimes I think Texans are brilliant. There certainly are no more prouder, no more patriotic Americans than Texans. And a Follower from Texas sent this article written by Guy Dunn. I've condensed it some, but have not althered the message. It is great!

Obama wrote a book that said he was mentored as a youth by Frank, (Frank Marshall Davis) an avowed Communist. Then it was discovered that his grandparents were strong socialists who sent Obama's mother to a socialist school, and introduced Frank Marshall Davis to the young Barack. The people found out that Obama was enrolled as a Muslim child in school and his father and step father were both Muslims. And the People remained silent.

Barack Obama wrote in another book he authored “I will stand with them (Muslims) should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.” He admitted in his book that he chose Marxist friends and professors in college. Obama traveled to Pakistan after college on an unknown national passport. Obama sought the endorsement of the Marxist party in 1996 when he ran for the Illinois Senate. Barack attended a Chicago church for twenty years and listened to a preacher spew hatred for America and preach black liberation theology. And the People remained silent.

The Palestinians in Gaza, set up a fund raising telethon to raise money for Barack's election campaign. Obama's voting record supported gun control and abortion. Obama refused to disclose who donated money to his election campaign. He received endorsements from people like Louis Farrakhan and Mummar Kaddafi and Hugo Chavez. And the People remained silent.

Obama chose friends such as Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn who were revolutionary radicals. He refused to wear a flag lapel pin. Barack stood with his hands over his groin area for the playing of the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. Barack surrounded himself in the White house with advisors who were pro gun control, pro abortion, pro homosexual marriage, anti-capitalism, and anti-free markets. And the People remained silent.

Obama stated he favors sex education in Kindergarten, including homosexual indoctrination. His first act as President (within 5 minutes of taking office) was to sign executive order #13489 that sealed his own records. He has refused to produce his birth certificate. Obama had an association in Chicago with Tony Rezco, a man of questionable character, and who is now in prison. George Soros, a multi-billionaire Marxist, spent a ton of money to get him elected. And the People remained silent.

Barack appointed czars that were radicals, revolutionaries, and even avowed Marxist/Communist. He trained ACORN workers in Chicago and served as an attorney for them. Obama appointed a cabinet members and several advisors who were tax cheats and socialists. Obama appointed a science czar, John Holdren, who believes in forced abortions, mass sterilizations and seizing babies from teen mothers. He appointed Kevin Jennings, an overt homosexual and organizer of a group called gay, lesbian, straight, education network, as safe school czar. And the People remained silent.

Obama appointed Mark Lloyd as diversity czar who admires Hugo Chavez. Valerie Jarrett was selected as Obama's senior White House advisor and she is an avowed Socialist. Anita Dunn, White House Communications director said Mao Tse Tung was her favorite philosopher and the person she turned to most for inspiration. He appointed Carol Browner as global warming czar, and she is a well known socialist working on Cap and trade as the nation’s largest tax hike in history. And the People remained silent.

Barack appointed Van Jones, an ex-con and avowed Communist as green energy czar. Tom Daschle, Obama's pick for health and human services secretary could not be confirmed because he was a tax cheat. The Ft. Hood Muslim major Malik Nidal Hasan that killed 13 people and an unborn baby, wounded 29 others, was found to be an Advisor to Obama's Homeland Security team. And the People remained silent.

Obama bowed to the King of Saudi Arabia. He traveled around the world criticizing America and never once spoke of her greatness. He took American tax dollars to resettle thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to the United States. He insulted our European allies by removing plans for a missile defense system against the Russians. He took a huge spending bill under the guise of stimulus and used it to pay off the organizations, unions and individuals that got him elected. And the People remained silent.

So, how long will you continue to remain silent?
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Command Presense

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I realize that many of you have no idea what Command Presence is, but some of you have it and don't even know it. If you have it, use it. If you don't have it, get it, and then use it. For those that don't know, let me explain what it is, and how to get it. And, then I'll show you how to use it.

Command Presence is the ability to dominate another simply by establishing control by making a threat, which they believe you will carry out. Anyone can get it, but most don't. Get it and practice it before using it.

Ever wonder why that vagrant beggar fisherman stopped in his tracks and left before he ever asked me for a dime? As soon as he made eye contact with me, he knew it would not be profitable for him to beg from me. Sometimes that is all it takes. Command Presence.

A good friend of mine in SoCal seems to always be approached by strangers for whatever reason. She is always alert and expects it to happen. When it does, like a traffic cop directing a line of cars to stop, she raises the palm of her hand straight out in front of her and into the face of the person approaching. Seldom does she say anything. It works! Command Presence.

One could take things a step farther by sternly stating, "Stop! Move! No! or Leave!" while showing their palm to anyone in their path. It works! The idiot, thinking you are the idiot, leaves to go bother someone else. And if that someone did the same, the problem would go away.

Now, I'm not talking anarchy folks. I'm simply saying take a stand for what is right by using any reasonable means. Rather than looking away from the approaching beggar, or looking through him as if he does not exist, or avoiding him all together, stand firm. Give him the look. If that don't work, give him the stop sign, and if that don't work, firmly order him to leave, move, or stop. Scream if you need. It will work!

Command Presence works with everything. Street protesters, pollsters, Jehovah's Witnesses, travelling salesmen. All will leave you alone with Command Presence. Use profanity, be rude, or show him the stick which you will beat him with, if you need to.

Americans can put an end to this lunacy by doing these simple things every time you have the opportunity. Toleration will only lead to the further decline of this country.

Just one simple thing to do to make a change. More to follow.
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"If you are not prepared to fight, then .....

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.......... you'd better run for your life."

And running is just what most Americans are doing these days.

And most Americans are still Christian. Yes, I know it's hard to believe, but most of us still believe in God, not Mohamed, Allah, or Buddha. And, that is part of the problem. Unlike the days immediately following the first Christmas where Christians fought for their mere survival, today we are more of a peace loving assembly where we strive to Love God, Love People.

I've seen first hand that most good people will run rather than fight. That is precisely why we are where we are today. That is precisely why the bad people in America have taken over. Notice I'm talking about America? The same thing is happening across the globe, but I say America because this is my home and it is truly the only country I care about.

We'll cross the street to avoid an aggressive beggar in our path. We'll flee our community to the suburbs where there are fewer bad guys. We worship privately in churches while they strip crosses, prayers, and Christmas trees from our schools and public offices. We avoid jury duty as the courts set the guilty free. We keep our mouths shut in favor of being politically correct. We pull back the police while they riot and burn our cities. We change the channel if we don't care to see immoral acts. We respect mosques as the Muslims inside plan to murder us. We forgive while they continue to mount aggression against us. We drive past and look the other way while they campaign in the streets for abortion. We sing Kumbaya.

And just like the Jews, we will be marched off passively.

Americans do speak out at times. From inside their homes, but only to others that share their grief. We shout out from the darkness of our closets, or with an anonymous letter to a newspaper, or with our voice disguised to a radio station.

I have learned from a near lifetime in law enforcement, that the evil prey on the good. Criminals seek out the weak to do their thing. They really don't want a fight and will look elsewhere to avoid one. Most criminals will even run than force a violent confrontation. It has been proven that for those that fight, most survive. Most liberal campaigners will prefer to take their message to people that listen.

Many of you have asked, "So what are we supposed to do?"

Stay tuned for more from the Thought Dock..
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Merry Christmas ACLU

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There is an organized effort under way to wish the ACLU a Merry Christmas. And, this post is to support that effort.

Join in by getting a Christmas card for them. Make sure it has a cross, or nativity scene on it as these are the very things they are attempting to remove from our lives. Or, simply write Merry Christmas on a piece of scrap paper and mail it in a plain business envelope.

I'm sure they will spend countless hours opening the tons of mail to search for the few that will have contributions.

Here's the address: ACLU, 125 Broad Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10004.
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