Should we?

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Everyone I know has a decent car. You know the cost of car ownership and how you struggled to make your car payment, pay the insurance, purchase gasoline, or find another way around when your car broke down. And, as you worry about that, there drives by the guy in his new SUV.

Everyone I know has a telephone and television. How hard it would be to live without one? How would one call for help in an emergency, or watch Fox news every morning? And, as you worry about that, you visit someone watching his a new flat screen while talking about the ball game on his I-Phone.

Everyone I know has enough to eat. They know the cost of groceries and clip the coupons, select store brands, and cheaper cuts of meat to get along. And, as you bag those staples that you can afford, someone is waiting impatiently in line behind you with his jumbo shrimp and fillet Mignon.

Everyone I know has a home. But, they often envy those that live in the mansions on the other side of town.

Everyone I know eats out sometimes, takes a vacation, and shares fun times with friends and family. And, they watch from their Motel 6 window the others that arrive at the Hilton down the street. And, they wonder what it would be like to ride in first class, or ride in that fancy speedboat while they play on the beach with an inner tube with their children.

Everyone I know has health insurance. They get their teeth cleaned and their eyes checked routinely. And, when their kid breaks a bone, there is a place to go for help. And through their glasses, they watch others getting laser eye treatments, hair transplants and tummy tucks.

But, I know that some people don't have a car, a telephone, a television. And, I know that some people can't eat until they are no longer hungry, have a home of their own, or take a vacation. And, I know of people who have teeth removed because they can't afford a filling, and use a magnifying glass because they don't have glasses, and ride a bike or take the bus because they don't have transportation. And, I hear of people losing everything because they don't have health insurance.

So should we, as Americans, see to it that everyone has an equal amount of everything?

We already spend billions to ensure everyone who wants a telephone, has one. And, we build ramps and widen doorways so everyone in a wheel chair can get there. And, we already provide free basic medical care to those without health insurance. And, we have homeless shelters for those without a place to stay, welfare for those that don't work, can eat. And we give money to those that don't work, and give funds for those that can't afford and education.

But the question was about equality. Should we tax the guy that drives a Cadillac, forcing him it up for a Ford, and give his money to another guy so that he can also drive a Ford?

Should we tax everyone that has a cell phone to buy a telephone for those that can't afford one? Should we tax the guy that eats shrimp forcing him to eat chicken, so that everyone only can eat chicken?

Should we tax the guy that builds a nice home, forcing him to sell it, give his money to one that has no home, so that everyone can have a condo? Should we tax everyone that works, to give a salary to those that don't work?

Should we tax those that get cosmetic surgeries, and give their money to others that have little health care, so that no one gets cosmetic surgeries?

More and more, American are saying "yes" to all of this. They want socialism. They want everyone to be the same. Live the same, eat the same, earn the same amount (after taxes), take the same vacations, and fly in the same seat as everyone else. Is that what you want?

Should we be all be the same? March like ducks in a straight line behind our leader? Not aroud this Thought Dock.

Or should we continue to reward people who work hard, who are smart, and who are lucky and allow them to have more than the rest of us?
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Escaping from the coat hangers

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A while back, an anonymous person left a comment to a post asking me to write about California State Senator Roy Ashburn (Republican) and suggested that had he been Black I would have already posted about him. Actually, I had not heard the recent news about the Senator's arrest, so I researched the news link that the commenter provided.

As it turns out, Senator Ashburn represents most of Kern County, Ca., a sparsely populated region of the high dessert, known for it's oil fields that have been pumped dry, cowboys, and Tulle fog. With the advent of air conditioners and irrigation, the area has to sprawled in recent years. I suppose the anonymous commenter is from this area represented by Senator Ashburn.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, the Senator was driving around the California State Capitol when he was arrested for driving under the influence. A male passenger was in the car with Senator Ashburn, and it was learned that they had just left a Gay bar together. As the news of the arrest came out, some speculated that Senator Ashburn was Gay. A few days later, the Senator, escaped from the bondage of a dark closet, and on a live radio interview, admitted that he was, in fact-Gay.

Parts of the community (I think mostly the Gay part, and perhaps too the anonymous commenter), became outraged because Senator Ashburn had consistently voted against every measure put to him that advocated Gay equality during his 14 year tenure. Senator Ashburn responded to that outrage by stating the he did so because that was the overwhelming stance of the people that elected him.

You know, I respect this guy, although I don't like his lifestyle. I respect him because although he has personal feelings and beliefs, he votes according to the views of his constituents.

Now, that is how all elected politicians should act, not just Republican ones. They certainly should not pass the Obamacare package, knowing that the overwhelming majority of the American citizens don't want it in it's present form.

So, thanks anonymous commenter for leading me to this most fascinating story and offering your claims of bigotry.
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The truth about lies

Some of you know that I've spent a lifetime in law enforcement. The thing that bothered me the most during my career, was the lies I've heard. I've never really gotten over it, and probably never will. It seems to be a common topic of conversation with me, and yet few people really get it.

Now, it's not that I should expect one facing arrest to tell the truth, yet I do. I expect everyone to tell the truth; Always. It's nothing new. It dates back to the earliest times of recorded history and stands as a Commandment of God. Yet few of us seem to care.

What is even harder for me to understand, is when I find that a person I hold in a position of trust, lies. Whether a parent, spouse, teacher, preacher, police officer, lawyer, or politician, it is even more despicable; If that is even possible.

Now, I won't stand on a pillar, beat my chest and claim that I've never lied. However, for those that know me, know that I take great pride in my integrity. And I don't think even they can recall a lie of mine in recent times.

Now, I'm not talking about perceptions or beliefs. Although sometimes mine are pretty far out, they are always fact based and truths. I'm talking about outright lies and deceptions. They are at the very root of evil. And some people have been lying so long and so much that they justify it by claiming it's normal!

So, does it feel like I'm talking about you? I hope not because if I am talking about you, then you should not be in this forum. I just refuse to tolerate those that lie. There are plenty of other places for liars to go where they might feel more comfortable.
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Another one bites the dust

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Well, yet another famous one ends his life to drugs, this time in Los Angeles. And, he is so unimportant to me that I can't even remember his name. Is that a shame? But it does inspire Thoughts from the Dock.

After working many years in law enforcement, I've seen countless lives lost to drugs and alcoholism, that I guess I've become hardened. I've found that about 80% of the crime and suffering is directly related to narcotics. And in addition, the moral decay caused by this unethical behavior is unprecedented. So, here is my novel solution, that at first thought many of you will think of as crazy (especially my fellow cops):

We need another give-a-way program. Better than any the Long Legged MacDaddy has ever done or thought about. One that works.

First, realease all the narcotic offenders from prison and legalize narcotics..... Especially the very hard-core, addicting, and heart stopping ones. And let's make them free for the taking, courtesy of the government. Socialism at it's best.

Divert all the funding for narcotics enforcement, and use that money to buy the crap, then just give it away to those stupid enough to accept it.

Open huge centers (like unused sports stadiums) across America and set up the free distribution booths at the front door. Allow anyone over age 16 to come and get all the free dope they can use, on the condition that they can only use the stuff inside the arena.

Add a morgue wing to the opposite side of the facility to dispose of the dopes when they overdose, or when they murder someone inside.

Sound cruel? Not to me. Think about it. There would be no dope dealers on the streets because there would be no demand to by dope on the open market. There would be much less funding to terrorism. There would be no more street gangs, and no gang related murders, because there would be no reason to establish their turf. There would be far fewer liquor store and gas station robberies because the dopers wouldn't have to rob to support their habit. No more house break-ins, kidnaps for ransom, and far fewer homeless or begging on the streets. Far fewer child molestations and traffic deaths related to DUI. We would see a reduction in medical costs by reducing the amount of dopers we try to save. And prison over population would be a thing of the past, so we could keep those locked up that need to be.

Of course, the music, sports, and entertainment industries would suffer a bit as they lose their stars, but who would really care?

All those cops, DEA, and Border patrol agents would have far less to do, so that they could really concentrate on what we need like patrolling our streets, or teaching in our schools.

Eventually, narcotics would be eradicated. The hard core dopers would die one way or the other, and others would realize the evil of their ways, quit their crap and become productive people in society.

And, you think I'm crazy?
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Lake Traits

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What I look to in the Lake, can be applied to what I look for in a person. Just passing the Wisdom of the Thought Dock to you!

Be Clear

Make Positive Ripples

Look Beneath the Surface

Stay Calm

Shore up Friendships

Take Time to Reflect

Be Full of Life!
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Who's voting 'round here?

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Yesterday, I was having lunch with a small group of friends, when I suggested that one of them apparently had voted for the Long Legged MacDaddy, and Oregon's recent voter approved tax hikes.

He denied the suggestion and stated that the only ones that voted for the tax increase were people whom did not work, and therefore pay no taxes.  His point was well taken, and I began to think deeper.

Well, that made sense to me.  That's why we've been going socialistic the past 50 years, and that is why we have things the way they are today.  Since no one seems to work around here, I think he was right.  And, it will be even more pronounced tomorrow.

As the ranks of people who do not work or pay taxes, the larger the pool becomes to support socialistic issues.  And, the more taxes we will pay, until the system implodes upon itself.

For those that don't think it could ever happen to America, do some research about Argentina, where it did happen.

You know, it is you that I care about.  I have all I need.
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Remember, when the Tooth Fairy comes; Don't peek.

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In Those Days, I guess I was about ten when I began to lose my faith in dreams like Santa, the Easter Bunny, and heroes such as Superman. Yes, I know ten is a little old for that, but I was always one never wanting to give up on any of my dreams.

But, as I began to doubt these things, I lost my last baby tooth. Actually, after getting the hang of it from losing all ready seven or so, I pulled it myself, in the secrecy of my world. It didn't really hurt and there was just a bit of blood as I just reached into my mouth with a thumb and index finger and carefully extracted it.

I was pretty proud about it all, but suddenly I realized that the loss of your last baby tooth identifies the time which one is no longer a baby. And, in my case, I was then a young man. What a shocker. Such so, that I didn't tell anyone that I had pulled my own tooth.

Strange though. Although I knew I was no longer a baby, I believed the tooth ought to be worth something from the Tooth Fairy. But she never came, even after waiting for the third night.

Mom seemed to know everything, so I told her what had happened. Fearing the worst (being told there was no Tooth Fairy), I listened carefully to what she said. "Now, how can the Tooth Fairy come if your mother never summons her? You need to tell me everything about these kinds of things." Made sense to me because I was still trying to hang on to my dreams. So she told me to keep it under my pillow and the Tooth Fairy would come that night. Then, she concluded her comforting remarks by saying, "Remember, when the Tooth Fairy comes; Don't peak." It was as if she knew I was not a baby any more, but didn't want me to stop believing.

Well, the Tooth Fairy did come that night. But..... I peeked..... It was her! My mom! I laid still until she left. Then I began to cry. For suddenly, I knew there was no Tooth Fairy, and if the Tooth Fairy was not real, then neither was Santa, the Easter Bunny, or Superman!

My world changed that day, in Those Days. I was a boy. No longer a baby. I knew things were about to change more. But, I liked things the way they were. I liked cuddling with my mom, and being held tightly when I was afraid. I knew then that I would be on my own all too soon. But boys were too strong to cry, or to be held, or to believe in silly stuff. Boys were strong. They were to protect the weak, including their sisters. They were to do the lawn, and fix stuff, and get a job, and someday support a family of their own.

But, it was not a boy's job to bring the bad news about fantasies to their younger siblings, or to their own children later in life. That was left for girls to do. And that they did. Except that my mom did it in a special way. You see, she knew I would peek and find the truth myself.
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That was Yesterday. And, Yesterday is Gone.

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I've always been intrigued by listening to the stories of elders. Tales about riding in a horse drawn carriage or on a steam locomotive. And, I was envious that I had not seen the rapid change that they had. Think about Their Days when there were no refrigerators, televisions, telephones, or affordable cars. Few could travel by air, many were killed in the great wars, times of famine, hard work, and widespread poverty.

Now that I am quickly becoming an elder, I can only reflect back to Those Days. But even with that, I have experienced great change. Things that many of you have not experienced and take for granted, just like I did.

So, I'd like for you to relax and think back for a moment about the change that has occurred in just the last 50 years, then take the poll to the left. If you were not around then, I'm sure you'll recognize some from your history lessons. I'll summarize just a few.

In Those Days, Negroes could not attend many of our schools, yet they were mandated to join our armies. Some of us had telephones and televisions, yet they were always connected by wires. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance and said the Lord's prayer every day in school, yet we forgot most of it by the time we got home. Women worked outside the home, but only as secretaries, nurses, teachers, or waitresses. Tattoos were taboo, yet men grew their hair long. We pledged peace, yet we waged wars. We beat baseball cards against the spokes of our bike wheels, not knowing that some would be worth thousands someday.

We played tether ball at school, after school. There were no soccer moms, yet my mom made our scout uniforms. There were no SUV's, yet there were station wagons. We had flying model airplanes, yet they flew in a circle guided by a string. They were bicycles abundant, yett none had more than 3-speeds. We didn't complain that there was nothing to watch on television, yet we had only 13 channels at most. There were no drug addicts, yet there was alcoholism.

Most households had a father, yet there were unplanned pregnancies. Our coins were 100% silver, and our currency was backed in gold. There were no credit cards, yet we managed to get what we needed by lay-a-way. And, one penny would buy a stick of gum to share with your sister. Freedom of speech didn't allow you to burn the flag, yet we got our point across. And we respected our elders, teachers, preachers, and cops, yet none of them molested us.

New roads were were built everyday, and most every family had a car, yet only one. We watched the Jetsons, yet we didn't actually think we would become one. We read a lot, yet there were no Internet blogs. We seemed to have enough to eat, yet we seldom ate out. There were Muslims, yet terrorism was unknown in America. We walked on the moon, yet no one knew why. There was Down's Syndrome, yet no one knew it until after the birth. We always had water, yet not in bottles.

I'm sure that each of you can think of many more of the good, bad, and the ugly of the past, present, and what will be in the future. Now, generally, I loved the life I had in Those Days and seem to think about it often. And, I really don't know why. I know where I am at and can see some of the things in the Coming Days, but that doesn't explain why I prefer to step back a bit.

So, where in time do you see yourself being happiest? Take the poll.
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Getting Healthy

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Has anyone ever taken a close look at their cell phone, hotel, or airfare bill? Check it out. These are just a few of the places that show evidence about what I'm aboiut to say.

They are all filled with hidden fees that you wouldn't expect. Hotel bills almost always have a bedroom tax and airlines nail you for transportation improvement fees, while cell phones have extra levis to support the 911 system, improvements for the deaf, and providing free telephone service for low income families.

So, recently San Francisco enacted a law that requires every business having more than 5 employees, to provide health insurance to their employees. Now, this past weekend, a vacationing couple entered a coffee shop, and ordered food. While they were waiting, they read the menu further. The menu reported that a 12% "Healthy Tax" is added to each food order at checkout. The couple complained and it was explained that the City forced them to provide health insurance for their employees and that they were simply passing the cost of doing business in the City to the patrons. The couple refused to pay the charge, citing that since they were not local residents, they should not be forced to support those that receive the benefit. The cops were called and when threatened with arrest, the couple paid the bill.

You know, we the People are supposed to have a say when taxes are levied. It's supposed to be on the ballot. But, so many times, our government leaders simply impose what they call "fees" on businesses, which are passed onto us. But what they call fees are actually taxes because they go to supporting the government's projects as they see fit. And, we have no say in it. Now, that is pure socialism. A forced redistribution of wealth. Just a clever way of doing it.

The San Francisco "Healthy Tax" illustrates excactly how this happens, and how the costs are passed along to the consumers. Does anyone see the similarities to the Long Legged MacDaddy's health plan. 60% of Americans do not want the system, yet we will get one, one way or another!

The post office is losing billions, while private shipping companies are making billions. Why is that? Should we really let our government run health care?
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Words of Wisdom

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This will be boring.

In Those Days, after asking my Mom whether I should be a Democrat or Republican, she replied, "Well, Democrats represent the working class, and Republicans, the rich. So, until you get rich, you'd better be a Democrat."

So. I became a Democrat. And, I think that is how just about all of us enter politics. And, so I remained until I entered the real world and began working for a living. But, it didn't take long before I changed my party, and I've been Republican ever since.

Notice that I'm not whispering words of wisdom, nor will I ever when I speak politics. I shout. I make a statement and stand by it, but not throwing insults around anonymously, or while standing in a darkened closet.

During my travels, I've had the opportunity to meet, and talk politics with a very diverse group of people. The rich, the poor, the homeless, the famous, the disabled, freaks and weirdos, and the respected. And here is what I've learned.

Party affiliation is the dominating factor one uses in voting for a candidate. But other factors include gender, race, age, looks, religion, and whether or not the candidate is widely known. Few of us ever look into the personal life of the candidate, or his/her prior voting record. Most do not know much of anything, other than what they here in the news or the paid advertisements. And, many of us simply vote for a change, even though we do not know what the candidate's performance was.

And, that is precisely why we are where we are in America. How is it that , if we chose a candidate based on his party, that when he changes his party while in office, we accept it? How is it that when we elect a politician based upon what he says he will do while in office, we do nothing when he does something different? What if we joined a Baptist church, but it changed to a Catholic one? What if we voted for a woman solely based on her gender, but through the marvel of modern medicine, she became a man.

Don't you see that many of our political candidates select a party based solely on the one that will give them the best chance of winning? Same goes when they decide when and where they will run for office. And they say what the People want to hear, but have no intention of carrying things through after they are elected.

You should be shouting about these issues, not tolerating them. "Whispering words of wisdom" and "Let it be" were laid to rest with the Beatles.
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Contributions and Achievments

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In Those Days, we learned a lot about early American history. You know, those that helped found this country, and those that set it's course apart from any other country. From Christopher Columbus, the Pilgrims, the Generals, and the Presidents, to those that walked on the moon. And we studied their achievements and contributions to America, how they did it, and where we are now because of it, without much focus on their race.

So, as Black History Month comes to a conclusion, I'll share the Thoughts of the Dock with you.

I guess I was in about the 3rd or 4th grade, when my class was given a written assignment identifying one person that contributed to America. Although it was an era before the inception of Black History Month, I chose George Washington Carver for my project.

I really don't know why. Perhaps it was about his race, or that he was born into slavery, or that he was a scientist and professor at a college for Black Americans, or that he invented 300 ways to use peanuts for. But, it was more likely that I just took a liking to his name.

Yes, his name really struck me. Apparently named after a White American who many of my classmates selected to write about. It was his name, more than his achievements, that really intrigued me. Why would his Black parents name him after such a person, especially after that person was instrumental in establishing slavery in America? That's what impressed me. The Carvers truly loved America, and they were Americans even though they were Black.

Not, so for many of the Black heroes of today who most seem to denounce America, or just rape it for their own benefit. It's no wonder why our Black youth are so far outside reality. They have no leaders to follow.

Look who they have to admire. A freak like Michael Jackson, racists like Oprah Winfrey or Bill Cosby, religious leader Jesse Jackson, a savage Michael Vick, a murderer/musician Doctor Dre, the adulterers Tiger Woods, Al Shaprton, Kobe Bryant, Shaquile O'Neil, or politicians like Governor Patterson or the idiot from Illinois?

I've often wondered why our observation of Black History was only for 30 days, when no other federal mandate gets so much attention. Now, I have seen the value of that and suggest we extend the period by a few more months. Certainly, with more time, I could identify even more Blacks that are ripping America apart, and perhaps even find a Black that has contributed something aside from culture to our great country.

But, surely there are better examples of Black American contributions. What about Colon Powell or the Long Legged MacDaddy himself? But would he even qualify. He's only a halfblack.

Let's move on to a more important cause like the Jump Rope for Heart program our grandson is doing.

Enjoy your weekend. For me, every day is a weekend!
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It is what it is

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Thanks LG for contributing the following to the Thought Dock. I did modify it somewhat to better fit your screen.
Many of you are so insulated from reality when you yell and scream, "Absolutely No Profiling."
I ask you to pause a moment, take a deep breath, and reflect back on the incidents that I am about to describe. For those of you that are in disbelief, do your Snopes inquiries.
1. In 1968 Bobby Kennedy was shot and killed by a Muslim male extremist between the ages of 17 and 40.
2. In 1972 at the Munich Olympics, athletes were kidnapped and massacred by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
3. In 1979, the US embassy in Iran was taken over by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
4. During the 1980's a number of Americans were kidnapped in Lebanon by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
5. In 1983, the US Marine barracks in Beirut was blown up by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
6. In 1985 the cruise ship Achille Lauro was hijacked and a 70 year old American passenger was murdered and thrown overboard in his wheelchair by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
7. In 1985 TWA flight 847 was hijacked at Athens, and a US Navy diver trying to rescue passengers was murdered by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
8. In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was bombed by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
9. In 1993 the World Trade Center was bombed the first time by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
10. In 1998, the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania were bombed by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
11. On 9/11/01, four airliners were hijacked; two were used as missiles to take out the World Trade Centers and of the remaining two, one crashed into the US Pentagon and the other was diverted and crashed by the passengers. Thousands of people were killed by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
12. In 2002 the United States fought a war in Afghanistan against Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
13. In 2002 reporter Daniel Pearl was kidnapped and murdered by Muslim male extremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40.
Does anyone see some kind of pattern here sufficient enough to justify a profiling? Apparently, not enough of you believe so because you routinely deny law enforcement that tool.
Hey people, Muslim male exremists mostly between the ages of 17 and 40 are our enemies. Treat them as such. These are the very people that we are at way with. Have you not learned a lesson from Pearl Harbor?
Oh, I forgot. Here is yet another one: Fort Hood Texas; another Muslim 39 years old killed 13 people and wounded 30 some odd others.
And this link will sum things up from one Christian's point of view.
http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnnewsplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?aid=11991
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A RagingTiger

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My earliest memory regarding tigers came as I listened to Mom reading the story of Little Black Sambo. Since then, I've seen alot of National Geographic stories about tigers, seen some in zoos, and have watched the stage play, Lion King. One thing is for sure. I'll keep my distance from any tiger.

Ok, should be us all just bow down and forgive the Tiger just as he asks. And, while we are at it let's forgive Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Michael Jackson and Steve Garvey (I just stuck in Garvey so you all wouldn't call me a racist bigot again). They are all tigers in their way.

The claim to fame claims yet another. So, what is it that makes fame and wealth make a person feel he is above the rest of the slugs? It's not a race thing, or a gender thing, or an athletic thing, nor politician thing. It has been a clergy thing, and a movie star thing, and a criminal thing. It seems to be everywhere, and it is evil.

But, you know I expect just a bit more from those in the lime light. I would expect our Presidents, actors, athletes, and scholars to just be a cut above every one else. Yes, I know they are people just like me, and some say they have a right to their private lives. But, I don't buy into that. Their lives became public when they glamoured under the spot lights.

Surely, I've made my share of poor choices over the years, but I kept it out from under the spots. Mostly because there were no spots shining on me. And, I didn't have fans. Not that it would justify any of my poor choices anyway.

But I'm not Tiger. And I'm not a Tiger fan. Nor will I ever be, although I do respect his achievements, even though I disrespect him personally.

And, it is even more disgraceful because he is Black. You see, Blacks need a true leader. Unlike Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton, or Mike Tyson, Tiger is well spoken, smart, and had the opportunity to rise just as the Long Legged MacDaddy did.

Uh Oh. I'm hungry for Sambo's.

Melie Memories

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My father's name was Melie. At least that was what I thought. I first heard it from my mother when I was a child, but in Those Days, no one would ever call his parent by their first name. So, it was kind of a sacred name to me, and I never really questioned it.

It wasn't long before I realized everyone but his kids called him Melie. His friends, his family, everyone. So I presumed that was what he wanted to be called and that he likely introduced himself by that name.

Now, I was probably well into my adolescence when I realized his real name was Emilio, and I think that came about when I happened across a letter addressed to him. A weird name I thought. No wonder why he had a nick name. When you combined "Emilio" with our last name it became kind of a tongue twister. At times, I thought of it as a romantic kind of name. But, none the less, he was "Pop" to me.

Pop was an Italian, but I was quite old before I knew that. Born here by his immigrant parents. But he passed little of his heritage on to us. Not the language, or the religion, or the music, nor anything else. I really don't know why that was, but I think he wanted us to be Americans. And he hated the mafia and thought the mafia casted a bad image on him. The only thing that he seemed to retain was his love for Italian food. Spaghetti, in particular, with lots of bread and butter. And he passed that on to me.

I can imagine Pop at the Thought Dock. He would have loved it. It's not that he was a great outdoors man. Far from that. But, he did like being outside, but close enough to be inside when it became too hot or cold. So, he could get from the Dock to the Nest in a few short steps if needed.

He had a passion for boats, but it was not like he really knew what to do with one. And, he liked water and liked to swim. And he liked barbecuing, steak in particular, and he was a great cook, when he cooked. Actually, he was a chef in a fancy restaurant at one time.

And, I miss Pop, but I'll always have the Melie Memories.
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They'll get it either way

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You know, when we moved to the Central Oregon Coast a few years ago, we were amazed at the number of State and County parks, their pristine condition, and the fact that most of them were free to use. Boat ramps, trails, fishing spots, beaches, RV dump sites, lakes, and rivers seldom had a use fee.

Well, last year, the County placed a measure on the ballot to raise taxes. The measure claimed, that the measure if not passed would force the closure of about a third of these places because of the lack of funds.

So, the measure failed by a large margin (which included my "no" vote). And the following day, even before the newspapers announced the results of the vote, the County placed "Use Fees" at every one of the sites that previously were free, and increased the fees of the existing fee sites. Seems they had the signs and collection boxes fabricated even before the vote.

Now, I'm sure all of you Fox News fans know that California is near bankrupt. And twice now, their voters have rejected voter mandated tax increases. And yesterday, I was informed that as a means to collect more money to run their programs, California has increased it's traffic fines. Already among the highest in the nation, their fines tripled in most cases. How much you ask? Well, a seat belt violation increased from $271 to over $700 (and seat belt violations are cited more often than any other). A basic speed violation of less than 15 mph over the posting is now set at $668, as is the penalty for running a red light or stop sign. And, the State claims it raised the fines in the interest of traffic safety!

"Sumtin wong, as an immigrant might say. But he would be right. Most states, including Oregon require the voters to approve any tax increase, yet they empower their legislatures to collect various fees without voter authorization. DMV, building permits, business licensing, pet registration, park fees, court fines, and toll roads are all set and collected by the state without restrictions.

So, what is the difference between a tax and a fee? Personally, I see little. Although a speeding motorist in California will pay more of a fee than a person who does not drive, and a park user will pay for the park he uses in Oregon, it is all a tax.

And, recently I heard their is an effort under way to tax soda, in an effort to get us to quit using it because it is not healthy. Kind of like the did with cigarettes. Hogwash!
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Next, they will want to tax the Thought Dock.
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Faster - Farther - Longer - Higher

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As an athlete myself, I love the Olympics. I never made it to that level, but I did sit the bench with some of the best. And, I guess I could have been better had I not dropped out of high school in the third year of my football fame.

Oh well, but I did make it to the Olympics. Not to compete, but as part of the security force for the 1984 Summer games in Los Angeles. That was quite thrilling, and I got to see some great athletes for free.

Now, I realized how close once again I am to the Olympics. Vancouver, Canada, just a day's drive north from the Thought Dock. How wonderful it would be to see the Winter games. To see them go faster, and jump farther and longer in their individual sports, would be amazing. But, what about higher?

So, I did the research. You know, back in 1984 Los Angeles, a decent seat to watch the more popular competitions, like gymnastics, were priced well under $100, with the best seats for the final events selling out at about $500. And, some lesser events could be seen for as little as $15. Most anyone could see something.

Yeah, I know 25 years have passed since the Los Angeles summer games. But, the only thing I see that is higher in Vancouver, are the ticket prices. You can't even get close to the ski jump competition for less than One Thousand Dollars, and the best seat for the finals topping out over $4500 for a single seat! And the crappiest of seats sell for $125 for the crappy events.

Yes, I could have fired up the Wheeled Manor and made the trip, but I wonder what a campsite would cost. And Wally World would likely be nix, and I'm sure the city would not allow on street parking. But even if I could get there, I'd never be able to afford to see an event. Well, perhaps curling. So, I'll just watch what I can from the comfort of home.

Makes me wonder what the motive is for the Olympics today. Somehow, like most everything else, I see it more about money profiting rather than recognizing top athletes and promoting peace.

One would think that they could at least make the medals of real metal, rather than plating them as if they are costume jewelry.
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Two Finger Submission

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While watching Spartacus the other night, I learned that a gladiator could raise two fingers to indicate he will submit. Then it would be up to the Roman leader to spare his life, or let him die at the hand of his opponent. It's kind of like saying "uncle" or "I give up." The index and the middle finger of one hand must be shown. No, not like the Nixon victory sign, but with the fingers held closely together.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting concept for weaklings, but not for me. I'll never submit, because to do so, means to be conquered. Beaten down with all loss of pride. For me, you'll likely get the middle finger even though it might be my last act of defiance.

Some of you know that because you have tried to get me to submit. Some use the "We'll overwhelm him" tactic. Like we'll dump the grand kids on him. He'll submit, then we'll come to his rescue after a couple of weeks and pick them up. You know who you are.

And then using the same technique, two other families visited the Dock at the same time bringing all that they had. Four grand kids and four adults. " That will teach him." Think again. Right? And you know who you are too.

And one of you thought, "Let's bring our dog, and our daughter, and her dog, and make him think our friend is coming too, and that we'll stay a week or so.
Did that work, Binkie?

I survived them all without ever giving a thought for submission. But all that made me conclude that I need more room. So easy it is to fill both of our extra bedrooms, that now I have expanded.

Added to the Thought Dock is the "Nest." It's an indoor area for those that whine when it rains, or when the wind blows. Strange isn't it that those that complain the most about our weather being chilly, are the ones that awake to 12 degree temperatures where they live.

Like a basement (actually it is in our basement), playroom, cellar, man cave, rumpus room, game room, or theater, we will soon be offering the Nest for the comfort of our visitors. The Nest is kind of like the Thought Dock, but indoors, centrally heated, and soon will have a floor impervious to pet pee and grand kid play dough, and finger paints. And it will be extra room for sleep overs. It's a nest because it is green and yellow, just the right colors that ducks prefer. University of Oregon Ducks, that is. And sumday soon, it will have an entertainment theater, pool and air hockey tables, all within eye sight of the Thought Dock.

Now, try to overwhelm me again! Bring all your friends. Your favorite pets. Bibles, toys, big or small. Wine, beer, or booze; we'll drink it all!
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See ya soon! But, I'll never submit.
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Who's torching the churches?

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I assume all of you have heard about the string of 10 church arsons, most of which were in Texas. If not, it is shamefull that one would turn to the Thought Dock for news like that. But, none the less, I'll give you my thoughts.

Seems a lot of people are speculating that White supremesists (the Nazi types if you are confused) are up to that since the fires have all been in southern America. Some will think that it is just a bunch of kids out for a thrill. Some might not even think the fires are intentional but just a strange coincidence.

But has anyone (other than me) considered the arsons to be acts of terrorism? And, I'm not thinking the typical American asses around, but more along the lines of the Islamic Jihad.

Could it be? Might it be? After all, they were all predominately White Christian places of worship, the exact type of institutions and people that the Muslims have vowed to eliminate.
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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?