Sad Sack

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Well, did you listen to the President's explanation and justification for involving our country in the Libyan turmoil? Let me recap what he said for those of you that haven't the time to do it yourselves.

Our President explained that American might was not being used to overthrow the Libyan government. It was not in preparation of a future ground attack. And he said it was not about anything other than protecting the lives of the innocent Libyan people from thier oppressive leader.

Our President said that he believed a genocide was about to occur, which if allowed, would tarnish the very reputation of what America stands for. And he explained that he has not yet intervened in other troubled Middle East countries because they, unlike Libya, used only police instead of their military to quell their disturbances. And Obama didn't say when, ever, or if our military would pull out of the action.

Did you buy into that? Did you fall for it? Did you swallow it hook, line and sinker? Wasn't it odd that he first spent three full days preparing a 30-minute presentation, then darted from the stage without accepting a single comment or question? I guarentee you that Obama did not give us the full story and that things are about to get worse.

What genocide he was talking about. Prior to our invasion, I watched weeks worth of news video and saw but just a few of the citizens killed. Actually, I saw far more of the military killed than of the civillian population. Although, I did see a warplane or two drop a bomb or two, I never saw anything to show that any significant damage or death.

And to put things into perspective, I don't think Qaddafi even has a civillian police force in place to quell disturbances in the country, so his soldiers were his only option.

You know, right here in America, American soldiers have been deployed to quell disturbances in America, involving American citizens, and have likely killed more of our own that what Qaddafi did to his own. Remember the riots in Chicago, Los Angeles, and New Orleans. Hundreds were killed by our own to protect the majority? Obama would surely do the same to protect the peace at his house.

Obama said our intent is only to save lives and stop the escalation of violence. Yet by his own admission, our planes only attacked military weapons and soldiers, without harming a single civilian! The evidence supports that Obama targeted only the Libyan military in support of the opposition rebels. Why is that, if the mission was to stop the violence and keep the peace? Why weren't the protesters targeted equally as well then?

Now I'm not a supporter of Libya, or any other radical Islamic country for that matter. But, Obama should at least tell us the truth about why he involved us in Libya. And if it was all about oil, then perhaps I'd support a full scale invasion, claim the country as our own, and take it like we are capable of doing. Kind of like the way things were in the Crusades.

Like his presidential campaign, not a bit of thruth came out of Obama's mouth. There is far more to it. For if Obama's explanation was sound, we would have invaded Cuba, Syria, Egypt,Yemen, Mexico, all of Africa, and most of South and Central America.
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We'll be in Libya for a long time to come in many more ways that what the President has told us.

What's it all about, Alfie?

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Last Friday, our President announced that he will give a presentation tonight about just why we are blasting the pants off of Libya. Now, just why does it take three days for him to conjure up justification for the invasion?

But, I'm sure he will say that it is not a war. Or is it? He'll try to write his definition.

Three weeks ago, his top general announced on national TV that it would be ill advised to intervene militarily there, citing the extreme costs, overtaxing our already taxed military, the American budget, inciting the Arab world even further against the probability of accomplishing any objective.

In contrast, Obama and Hilary called for the dictator's ouster and incited NATO to step up, do what Obama wanted, but keeping the spotlight off him. So here we are. But where are we? Obama called for a No-fly zone and has spent a half billion dollars so far, not counting the loss of an F16E, at a time when we can least afford it.

A No-fly zone that has only shot down one Libyan trainer that was trying to land. Yet, we have blasted lots of WWII era tanks, and trucks, and put two well placed cruise missiles through the roof of Qaddafi's house. So, how is attacking ground forces, and making an assignation attempt on another country's leader, justified during the enforcement of a No-fly zone?

I'll be very interested in hearing the President's explanation for that. And I'm sure he has spent the entire weekend to find to dupe us. So tune in with me and see for yourself.

Now, I'm not a supported of Khadafi, but I am tired of all the Arab baloney in the middle east. And I'm tired of our country trying to overthrow the legitimate government all across the world to force democracy in lands that can not accept one due to their religion. It did not work in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, or any other tens of places where we have mingled into. We are not the World's police. So explain it to me, Alfie.
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Whatcha Gonna Do?

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In Those Days, Sundays were special. A time for the family. It was a day for the "Sunday Drive." With gas prices holding firm around 22 cents, we'd often hop in our 60 Chevy Biscayne station wagon (yesterday's SUV) with a basket of Mom's pan-fried chicken and head out. "Where are we going?" I'd often ask. And just as often Pop would say, "We'll find a place." But just as often, we'd dive into the chicken as we drove along the country road counting telephone poles and cows, only to return home, exhausted after not finding the "place" because we didn't have a plan.

As time passed, I continued on without a plan. Not knowing where to go, what to do, or how to do it, until during my sophomore year in high, I learned how much easier it was to have a plan. Mister M clued me in on that. And since then I have seldom been without one. And since then, life has been relatively easy for me and very rewarding.

I knew where I had been, where I wanted to go, and how to get there, and how to determine when I had arrived. I realized that not all plans are perfect and can not be so rigid that you destine it into failure. Plans must allow an "audible" to be called when it is evident it ain't working.

An effective plan seems not so apparent with President Obama. His health care plan is unworkable in it's present state, and might best be scrapped entirely.

His plan for a No-Fly zone in Libya is poorly designed, and will drag us into yet another invasion.
It has no definitions and lacks a way to determine when it will end. I never realized that Qaddafi's personal compound could actually fly and therefore could be a target of No-Fly.

His plan to make this country green, is a dream (more like a fantasy). Now he is encouraging Brazil to drill for oil off their coast. That's arrogant. Let them risk their waters while we over protect ours?

Mr. President, I urge you to use your vast community organizing skills and get an effective plan in place for our future. And include a plan for, "Whatcha gonna do when they come to get you!"
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A Special Place

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In Those Days I held a fascination for the Middle East. There was little information available to me about the region other than by reading the likes of Little Black Sambo, and watching movies such as Sinbad the Sailor, and Lawrence of Arabia.

It was a magical kind of place, with thinks like flying carpets, charmed snakes, belly dancers, tents and harems of the most beautiful women in the world. Tigers that could talk, and camels that could go without a drink for ages. Kings with huge mustaches and turbines. Beautiful women dressed in the finest linens. Sand every where. Dust storms. Blazing sun and a bit of shade from a tiny palm tree near the oasis. It was a special place that I could only dream about.

I don't think the countries we know today were even defined then as they are today, but there were places that sound familiar in today's news. Like Tripoli, Istanbul, Constantinople. And famous rivers like the Tigris, Jordan, and the Euphrates.

Now, either the Middle East has changed or perhaps it has been me. I don't understand the region any better to day, than I did then. But the magic I once knew no longer exists.

Today, I know there are no flying carpets with princes. The sand I once thought was beautiful is no planted with oil derricks, and the wind blows for ever. Although many still ride camels, they now tote AK47s instead of scimitars. They are radical, full of hate, and seem to seldom shave or shower. Lunatics and dictators. Murderers and thieves. And a religion of hate.

But it was fun for me to glance back to those magical days and places that I once thought I knew.
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The Green Thing

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The following is a reprint submitted through the Thoght Dock. The author is unknown.

In the line at the store, the cashier told the older woman that plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. The woman apologized to her and explained, “We didn’t have the green thing back in my day.”

That’s right, they didn’t have the green thing in her day. Back then, they returned their milk bottles, Coke bottles and beer bottles to thestore. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, using the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But they didn’t have the green thing back in her day (In Those Days).

In her day,they walked up stairs, because they didn’t have an escalator in every store and office building. They walked to the grocery store and didn’t climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time they had to go two blocks.

But she’s right. They didn’t have the green thing in her day.

Back then, they washed the baby’s diapers because they didn’t have the throw-away kind. They dried clothes on a line, not in an energy gobbling machine burning up 220 volts – wind and solar power really did dry the clothes. Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing.

But that old lady is right, they didn’t have the green thing back in her day.

Back then, they had one TV, or radio, in the house – not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a pizza dish, not a screen the size of the state of Montana. In the kitchen, they blended and stirred by hand because they didn’t have electric machines to do everything for you. When they packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, they used wadded up newspaper to cushion it, not styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, they didn’t fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. They used a push mower that ran on human power. They exercised by working so they didn’t need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity.

But she’s right, they didn’t have the green thing back then.

They drank from a fountain when they were thirsty, instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time they had a drink of water. They refilled pens with ink, instead of buying a new pen, and they replaced the razor blades in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull.

But they didn’t have the green thing back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar and kids rode their bikes to school or rode the school bus, instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service. They had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And they didn’t need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 2,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest pizza joint.

But they didn't have the green thing back then!
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Most Impressed

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My heart goes out to the people of Japan. I feel their grief and loss. Having lived through a major earthquake, then did rescue and security for months following the event, I can somewhat understand what Japan has endured.

What stands out most for me though is the ethics of the Japanese people when compared to our own. Of all the films and photos that I've seen from Japan, not one showed any sign of any civil disobedience. No rioting. No looting, No shootings, No murders or violence of any kind, unlike our California quakes, and the New Orleans hurricane.

I find that amazing. Photos of store shelves running thin, no drinking water, no electricity, severe loss of life, and total devastation, yet no crime like we are getting used to in America with most every disaster.

And President Obama was quick to pledge Eight Million Dollars for their earthquake relief effort. 8 Mil?? Seems like we gave over 200 Mil to Haiti, of which there is little evidence that it ever got to the victims. What gives?
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A Union Affair

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For the most part, I've supported employee unions all my life. I've seen unfair labor practices, disparity and discrimination occur in the workplace, even in government workplaces where you would not expect it. And in many cases, the unions were the last line of defense for the employees. But times were different then. Not so any longer. It is different today.

Today, we have laws (both federal and state) the protect the employee in cases of discrimination, unfair wages and working conditions, equal opportunity, and the list goes on and on. Although I'm sure abuse continues every now and then, I'm convinced the pendulum has swung far to the side of the employee.

No longer can the employer effective manage. And it seems to be even more pronounced in the public sector workplace. Employers face great difficulties and court battles in their effort to remove a sub-standard employee. Cops that lie, cheat and beat, get heavy severance packages when they should have been sent to prison. Worthless school teachers, road maintenance crews, planners, politicians, and court executives are everywhere. No business could survive today with the typical civil servant as their employees. It's a laugher.

Unions have all but destroyed the American prosperity. Wages have risen to such a point that we no longer manufacture anything here. We buy Japanese cars, South American fruit, and most everything else from China.

A local, very tenured, school teacher goes unpunished for duct taping a child in his seat because of the union. Yet, our children's education has been evaporating for the past 30 years. North Eugene High School walk out of class yesterday in support of the rebelling Wisconsin school teachers. Now where did they get that idea if not from our very own teachers here? They need to be fired themselves for their continued pickling of our children's minds.

Michael Moore announced that the states are not even close to being broke because there are plenty of rich people in every state that are hoarding the money. Now, that's not even socialism, but pure communism in theory! And Jesse Jackson stood proudly at the steps of the Wisconsin Senate building and called for continued mass protesting (that means riot), just like he called for in Los Angeles over the Rodney King incident.

I've been raised on donuts. I'm fat just like our government. And I'm on a diet. It is very hard and I hate it. But dropping the pounds is a matter of survival for me, just like downsizing our government.

And a big first step is to getting public employee unions under control.
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The Great Pretender

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The final report to the Fort Hood massacre was released. And in it, there was no reference to radical Islam being a factor. In fact, radical Islam was not even mentioned although the shooter had denounced America's actions in Iraq and Afghanistan on his website, received instruction from a foreign Al Queda cleric, and shouted, "Allalu Akbar - god is great" as he opened fire on our unarmed soldiers. In doing so, our President denied the families of the slain soldiers the privilege of benefits awarded to soldiers killed in action.

A few weeks ago, the President refused to call the murder of American soldiers in Germany a terrorist incident, even though the shooter shouted "Allalu Akbar - god is great" as he took the lives of two innocents.

The Obama administration has stated that the way to ease the tension between Islam and America is to stop denouncing the religion and accepting the Islamic culture into or hearts.

What part of terror does he not understand? But, perhaps it is us who don't understand because we don't have the close relationship to Islam in our childhood that the President has.

He turns my stomach! Pray for him.
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Take the Escalator Mr. President

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President Obama has called for Qaddafi to step down. And actually, now that I think about it, I think that is a great idea. Perhaps he could use the escalator when he does to speed up his decent. Problem is; Who would then take his place as the Libyan leader?

I got it!!! President Obama!! A novel idea of my own.

President Obama should step down from the office that he is incapable of running, and immediately head to Libya and slap hands as he passes Qaddafi on the escalator.

Think about it. President Obama wouldn't have to prove citizenship because I doubt if the locals even keep birth certificates. His looks would be enough to get him through customs and into the office. And unlike the difficulty in translating the name Qaddafi to English, Obama could be easily translated to Arabic because it already is Muslim.

From there, he could distribute the wealth without opposition because everyone there, except the politicians, have nothing. And the billions that Qaddafi has said to have stolen and hidden away, could be President Obama's salary. A far cry from what we pay in America.

And he could unionize all the laborers so if any jobs did come he could control the people. He could save lots on a national health care plan because there are no doctors. And there would be plenty of wind to power windmills to make Libya greener. Camel dunk could also be recycled into flat bread.

He could name all his favorites like Hilary, Janet, and Eric to his closest positions. He could reduce the size of his military because there is no real military. He wouldn't be pressured to salute the flag or recite our Pledge of Allegiance, but instead could wear his preferred garb like a turbine and a purple robe.

He wouldn't have to bring his dog, because there are plenty of camels there to ride. He could raise taxes on the wealthy and businesses easily because there are few of them there. He could import his illegal alien favorite aunt from her subsidized apartment in America and provide her with a tent to pitch in the sand.

President Obama would be a better fit in Libya because there are few fat people there. And he could build that socialist-communist country he always wanted.

I'm praying for our President.
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What will he do now?

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He is still wondering. I am still wondering. No one now admits to putting him in the top spot. You know, the top post in America. The Office of the President.

He certainly couldn't have climbed there alone. Neither his youth years living in a Muslim country, nor the few years in America studying law in the Ivy League, or his time organizing neighborhoods in Chicago, or his brief time as a State Senator, nor his personal relationship with the most radical Black preacher in the U.S., or a friendship with a convicted terrorist;

None of that could have perched him at the top. But it did. What were you thinking?

And now, he can't get down, and it seems that no one wants to impeach him now. He just keeps spinning on his post, like a Frisbee balanced on a stick while everyone he appointed is dancing around and talking in circles.

He didn't know what to do about Gitmo. He didn't know what to do about our fading economy, but believed the "Cash for Clunker" program would save the day. Lies about healthcare, taxes, and supporting the unions and the Muslim world continue. Failing to prosecute the Black Panther polling terror, while supporting his Black scholar and condemning the White cops. Refusing to call a terrorist a terrorist. Jihad!! Allalu Akbar! Spreading the wealth around. Windmills and corn will save our day.

And now we have another Middle East crisis. What will he do now. That's a scary thought.

Very scary. . .Please pray.

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Who's the Problem?

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The Obama administration stated yesterday, "Muslim Americans are not part of the terror problem in the United States, but are the solution to it."

Well, Islamic terror is not just about a few radical Muslims. It is about Islam as a whole. As was the systematic extermination of people in order to form a "Supreme Race" was not done by Adolf Hitler alone, but by Germans as a whole. And as evil as the German were, so are the Muslims.

How can one call himself a Muslim-American anyway. The two contradict themselves to such a degree that it should be incomprehensible to any American. It's kind of like saying, "The light is on-off."

Islam contradicts the American way of life that it can not peacefully coexist here. Islam in itself, denounces everything that America stands for and advocates the eradication (murder) of anyone who does not convert.

And, should any Muslim stand up and denounce the Islamic terror acts, they to would be murdered by their own. I've yet to hear any Muslim cleric, imam, or Islamic follower offer sympathy or sorrow for the 911 murders, nor do I expect to.

It is the very Islamic faith that is the face of terror. Not some of them, but all of them. Know your enemies. Pray for them as you pray for yourselves.
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Last Friday

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I would have preferred it to to be Good Friday because school would have been out, and the buses and the drivers would be resting. But it wasn't, so I had to work.

It was however, a special Friday to some because it was the end of National Read Across America Week, and our schools recognized Dr. Seuss for his contributions to our reading programs. Remember him? Boy he and his books were weird!

Anyway, the route I was assigned began with the elementary school and made a loop around town dropping off the young ones before returning to the school yards to get the Junior and Senior High kids. The route then repeated itself before taking the remaining students to their drops in more rural areas.

Well, it was about the time that I was heading toward the rural route after completing 2 separate runs through a local neighborhood when the radio blurted, "Base to Bus 6. You failed to drop off Evan!" I had not a clue who Evan was, let alone what stop he was supposed to go to.

So after finding a suitable location, activating the 4-way flashers, I pulled off hoping not to sink into the soft soil at the road's edge. Set the brake, turn off the engine, open the passenger loading door (as a safety thing just in case the bus blows up or something), remove the key, stand up, and speak clearly into the PA system. "Is Evan here?" No answer. No surprise to me though cause I always expect the worse. Go figure.

Secure the microphone and walk the narrow isle toward the rear while asking again who is Evan. Everyone denied they were he. But then, I saw him. Had to be him. He was asleep with his pink back pack in his lap, wearing his handmade Dr. Seuss hat, and holding a jacket and a book beside him. A kindergarten kid.

After waking him, he informed me that I was not at his stop. Well, I knew that! So I asked him what stop was his and why he did not get off at either of the two passes. Well, he didn't know that either, so I invited him up front as I returned the 4 miles back to his stop, just in time for a heavy downpour of rain.

Stopped the bus and deployed the "Don't Pass Me" stop sign and instructed him to disembark. He gathered all his stuff in his arms. I was sure that he would fall down the steps if something wasn't done.

I asked him for his book and he began to explain what a great read it was because it was about a frog. "OK kid, that's very interesting, but let me just put it into your backpack for now." So then he asked where his jacket was. I told him to check the seat where he first was. He found it after wandering around for a minute or so, returned and asked for help putting it on because it was "raining out there." Then I had to fold (very neatly of course) his paper Dr. Seuss hat and put it in the pack with his book before he finally got off and ran to his granny waiting in the rain.

Seven minutes it took not to mention the time it took to drive back to the stop. Seven minutes of traffic backed up behind me. Seven-plus minutes late for each of the remaining passengers getting home. 560 heartbeats less that I have to spend in my life the way I want to. And guests are coming for dinner tonight.

I can't take it! What will this week bring?
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One Person's Opinion

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The following was received through the Thought Dock portal and was re-printed without edit.

Author unknown:

President Bush did make a bad mistake in the war on terrorism. But the mistake was not his decision to go to war in Iraq. Bush's mistake came in his belief that this country is the same one his father fought for in WWII. It is not..

Back then, they had just come out of a vicious depression. The country was steeled by the hardship of that depression, but they still believed fervently in this country. They knew that the people had elected their leaders, so it was the people's duty to back those leaders. Therefore, when the war broke out the people came together, rallied behind, and stuck with their leaders, whether they had voted for them or not or whether the war was going badly or not.

And war was just as distasteful and the anguish just as great then as it is today. Often there were more casualties in one day in WWII than we have had in the entire Iraq war. But that did not matter. The people stuck with the President because it was their patriotic duty. Americans put aside their differences in WWII and worked together to win that war.

Everyone from every strata of society, from young to old pitched in. Small children pulled little wagons around to gather scrap metal for the war effort. Grade school students saved their pennies to buy stamps for war bonds to help the effort. Men who were too old or medically 4F lied about their age or condition trying their best to join the military. Women doubled their work to keep things going at home. Harsh rationing of everything from gasoline to soap, to butter was imposed, yet there was very little complaining.

You never heard prominent people on the radio belittling the President. Interestingly enough, in those days there were no fat cat actors and entertainers who ran off to visit and fawn over dictators of hostile countries and complain to them about our President. Instead, they made upbeat films and entertained our troops to help the troops' morale. And a bunch even enlisted.

And imagine this: Teachers in schools actually started the day off with a Pledge of Allegiance, and with prayers for our country and our troops!

Back then, no newspaper would have dared point out certain weak spots in our cities where bombs could be set off to cause the maximum damage. No newspaper would have dared complain about what we were doing to catch spies. A newspaper would have been laughed out of existence if it had complained that German or Japanese soldiers were being 'tortured' by being forced to wear women's underwear, or subjected to interrogation by a woman, or being scared by a dog or did not have air conditioning.

There were a lot of things different back then. We were not subjected to a constant bombardment of pornography, perversion and promiscuity in movies or on radio. We did not have legions of crack heads, dope pushers and armed gangs roaming our streets.

No, President Bush did not make a mistake in his handling of terrorism. He made the mistake of believing that we still had the courage and fortitude of our fathers. He believed that this was still the country that our fathers fought so dearly to preserve.

It is not the same country. It is now a cross between Sodom and Gomorra and the land of Oz. We did unite for a short while after 9/11, but our attitude changed when we found out that defending our country would require some sacrifices.

We are in great danger. The terrorists are fanatic Muslims. They believe that it is okay, even their duty, to kill anyone who will not convert to Islam. It has been estimated that about one third or over three hundred million Muslims are sympathetic to the terrorists cause... Hitler and Tojo combined did not have nearly that many potential recruits.

So... We either win it - or lose it - and you ain't gonna like losing. America is not at war. The George Bush's military is at war. America is at the mall, or watching the movie stars, zooming around in exotic fast cars, looking up to sports stars with jail records, whining because the government doesn't do enough for them, busy trying to give away somebody else's money.... !!!!!.

Remember Obama said in his book 'Audacity of Hope', 'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction'.....what better place for the Muslins to control our country, than in the office of the President of USA .
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Ready. . Set. . Start!

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I've talked about these kinds of things before. Duplicate things, I mean. And the senselessness of them.

Things always seems accumulate over the years. Have you ever gone through that shoebox full of photos that you've taken over the years and noticed that you sometimes have more than one of the exact same picture. Blame it on the "Double Print" offer that Walmart had if you want. Now days instead of shoe boxes many of us keep our digital photos on some sort of computer storage thing, but the idea is the same; Retention of so many useless things. Duplicate things. Surely we can all think of the stuff we need to sort through and throw out the duplicates.

In Those Days, my children realized they could hit me up for a buck or two, then hit their Mom up for a buck or to more, without either of use realizing the kids had been overpaid. At least not until they had spent all the money.

Just the other day I was asked to drive a bus transporting "Head Start" youngsters home in the early evening. It seemed odd that these kids appeared to be only 4 or 5 years old. Perhaps some were even younger. Much too young for school like they had in Those Days.

So after I got home I did research only to learn that the Head Start program is Federally funded but operated by the County. It provides no cost, door to door service to and from a preschool, to give "under privileged" kids, aged 6 months to 5 years, the chance to be better prepared for kindergarten when they get old enough. Meals are also included. Turns out "under privileged" means kids whose parents don't work, or don't work enough. Why would non-working parents need the services of a day care center anyway.

So why is it that if a child is simply poor, he is also deemed under privileged? And why is it that if the parents are home because they do not work, our government sends the kids to this pre-school, which is nothing more that a day care center. Yet, if one does work, most often day care is very expensive. And why is it that the Federal government pays for the children's lunches, when the State government also gives lunch money for the children through Welfare. Seems much like having two duplicate photos in the shoe box, especially when neither one is good.

And I'm sure that neither the Federal, State, County, or Local governments ever realize (or care) that these same families also receive money from churches, food share programs, their family, and from begging on the street, or perhaps selling dope or stealing some one else's property.

And Head Start is just the tip of the iceberg of thousands of entities that have overlapping or duplicate social funding to the "under privileged." Federal, State, County, and Local governments each offer relief for utility costs, as well as the utility companies them selves. Duplicate rebates for water conservation gadgets, home insulation, renewable energy, are just a few. Funding to off set the costs of small business start up, college education, home mortgages, unemployment and welfare are duplicated everywhere. And most times, one entity is not even aware that another is also helping out. It's kinda like a child hitting her father up for funds, then doing the same with the mother without ever divulging she already got funding.
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And we wonder why our governments are broke!
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A Tune-up

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Well, usually I don't say much about religion in this blog for fear of scaring away my readers that practice religions that are different than Christian, or to those that don't know a religion at all. And you know I would hate to cause any more stress to Muslims and Atheists alike. Surely they must have enough stress already.

Anyway, I feel an apology is in order. Not to the Antichrists out there, but to some leaders in American government that I have been so disrespectful to time and time again.

So, what brought me to my knees? Well, it was my very own religion. You see, during last Sunday's church service, the Preacher discussed several passages in the Bible that relate to Christians respecting their leaders. He hammered home that we (I mean me as well as all Christians) are to respect the position of a leader, whether we agree with his leadership or not. And with that, my tune-up in the subject was complete, and I added these leaders to my daily prayer list.

So, with future posts, I will not refer to our President as the "Long Legged MacMuslim" or to the Secretary of State as "The Adulterer's Wife" and I will not use mean words intended to disrespect or mock (like calling someone a prick), any of our leaders. I know words are cruel. So if I offended either them (the ones I insulted, or you (my Followers), I sincerely apologize and repent my sins.

Now, the Preacher did imply that it was OK to challenge a leader's position and values if it is done with respect. So that will be the order of the day in future posts. I'd hate to hurt any one's feelings (even the Muslims who are out to kill me), you know. And I would invite all Muslim Imans to attend my church and learn first hand just how much we respect them as leaders.

Well, enough said. But I'll say it again to the tune of a favorite song of mine. . . . I take it back; I didn't mean it; Please forget the things I said, I take it back; I'm sorry; I must have been out of my head.
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What's in a name?

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I'm sure many of you have been following the Middle East news reports these past few weeks. Crazy, isn't it? Or is it crazy to us just because we don't understand?

As a case in point, I've noticed 3 different ways the news have spelled Libya's leader's last name. And, it was not due to what news station I was watching. Each of them - CNN, Fox, or MSNBC, at one time or another spelled it either "Gadafi" or "Kadaffi" or "Qaddafi."

So, what's the difficulty in translating his name? Well, I'll tell you. He is a Muslim and has a Muslim name. His name, like all of the Muslim culture, can not be translated to English because it just doesn't follow the norm of our western society, and is incomprehensible to us. A "u" must follow a "q" and a "dh" combination doesn't exist in our English library.

We no more understand how to spell his name than we understand the Muslim way of life. And, quite frankly, I don't want to. Islam breeds hatred for all infidels (non-Muslims), which we can not understand. And such is the entire way of the Islamic life.

And to them, loving others, freedom, democracy, fairness, and all the other ways of our culture, makes no more sense to them as their ways make to us. And that is not likely to change - ever.

For so it has been - so it will always be. We'll never get a true democracy to any country with an Islamic way of life. So, let's cut our losses, get out of Iraq and Iran, quit encouraging revolutions across Africa and the Middle East, and focus our lives at those that have morals and such!
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So, what's your name now?
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Walk

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In Those Days, my children would ask me to buy them something almost every time I took them to a store. I'm sure most of you can relate to that; even my children have children who are now doing the same to them. At times my children would throw such a fit after being told "no" that I would have to threaten them with a beating. Afterwards, they would at least get a lecture about finances where I would explain to them that I did not have the money to buy them everything they wanted. It was hard to say "no" but it was the only way. You know what I mean because you've been there!

Now the teachers of America, and most other public employees are acting in the same way. They are throwing their own fit by protesting in our streets and demanding that we buy them everything they want. Don't they understand, like my kids now do, that the gravy train has been devoured. There is No More Money. Those 90% pensions after 30 years have to end for new hires. But, you've got yours, and our schools are still failing us. So thank you very much. It is your party and you can cry all you want to, but I won't cry with you! There is no other way. Get it? Walk on by!

And to the Democrat Representatives of Wisconsin (and Indiana who are soon to follow), who have thrown their fit and fled their state to cry, and prevent a vote on the matter; Just keep walking. . . You will be remembered in the next election, if not recalled first! You are an insult to everyone across America.

So, Walk - Run - Hide - Cry - and do all you can to act like the irresponsible traitor cry babies that you are.

On a brighter side, maybe our Long Legged MacMuslim, his girl Nancy, and the Adulterer's Wife will do the same and go into hiding outside this country. Walk away now. Why wait for 2012?
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Run

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Things are crazy. A bunch of Muslims rioting in the countries in the Middle East, chanting and holding signs demanding democracy and freedom of religion while they exercise free speech which they don't have. Nuts!! They had better read the Koran again because their own religion denies what they are demanding.

Then we have the Long Legged MacMuslim himself, backed up by the adulterer's wife instigating and encouraging it all. They need to think again about the price of oil and the impact it will have on the price of potatoes. Or do they think the Chevy Volt and wind turbines will fill the gap.

We really haven't heard much about what is happening in Iraq. Could it be that the democracy we installed there is working? It can't. And soon we will see. You see, democracy can not work with Islam. Democracy is more than just being able to vote after getting your thumb dipped in ink.

Seems Egypt has fallen and Libya, Syria, Sudan, and the others seem soon to follow. Clap, Hilary. Maybe someday you will be rewarded for what you've done. Maybe President and Nancy can be your VP while the adulterer becomes the First Man! Dream on. . .

The pirates have executed the Christians while the world's most powerful navy looks on. But, two of them were killed and 19 other captured to await their trial in an American civil court as Holder will insist. It wasn't an act of terrorism, but a simple act of murder you know.

Then the Democratic representatives of Wisconson fled into hiding and refuse to allow a vote because it won't go their way. That's democracy at its finest. Nothing better than what will happen in the Middle East.

I've said it before, "If you are not prepared to stand and fight, then you'd better turn and run for your life."

With our leaders, it might just be a time to run. . .
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Feeding the Bears

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Last year a mama bear and two cubs were put down after they kicked in a patio door of a nearby residence and helped themselves to a dish of goodies. Seems the resident had been feeding the bears for months, and when she forgot to set some food out they just helped themselves. The experts said that the bears had become fearless of humans and could not be released into the woods because they would only return and repeat the incident.

The same often holds true for most any entitlement program. Beggars select a certain site because they have learned through experience that it is productive. They come to expect a handout, and sometimes violently challenge those that don't give in. Other times they just break into a house or car to get their fix.

Many welfare recipients remain on the program for a lifetime, and pass it on to their children. Many receiving unemployment benefits refuse to return to work unless they receive the top pay they expect. And today, the public workers in Wisconsin are near rioting because their state is attempting to cut back on civil services. These protesters are no different than the bears that broke into my neighbor's home. They should remember that Ronald Reagan fired the FAA strikers.

In a city nearby me, a bid is being made to place a new income tax on city residents to further fund the school budget, a bill the county here is responsible for.

So why do we keep throwing money into a failing system? The school system has not been effective for the past 30 years. The prisons, courts, and public works are also failures. The employees are lazy, lame, or sick, and few have the drive to do anything productive because they know their union will protect them. And I know that you can think of many more!

The time has come to quit feeding the bears. Let's cut services, lower the taxes, and balance the budget now!
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Fine Lines

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You know, there are some very fine lines everywhere I look.

A fine line between the thrill of winning an Olympic event and placing second. A fine line between a controlled nuclear fission designed to generate heat to power a steam turbine, and a nuclear bomb that will incinerate a city. A fine line between war and peace. A fine line between having a glass of wine, and driving drunk. A fine line between paying your bills, and becoming bankrupt. A fine line between a dictatorship and a democracy.

And as the Egyptian president said before his fall from power; a fine line between freedom and chaos. Think about that for a moment. . .

In America, in our culture, there is a fine line between a demonstration (protest) and a riot. Demonstrations, if properly permitted are legal. But when they grow in intensity to where they infringe on someone else's toes (usually the government's) , they become a riot. And rioting is illegal.

A demonstrator who hurls a rock at a cop, loots a residence or sets a building on fire elevates himself into a rioter. As we've seen before, rioters get shot, looters get arrested, and arsonists are locked away for eternity; even in America!

So if you are applauding what the Egyptian people did, and encourage the peoples of all countries led by harsh dictators to do the same, be prepared to see their defeat in the streets. What happened in Egypt (a relatively peaceful revolution) is no more likely to happen in Iran, Cuba, or even in America.

Being one toke over the line has serious consequences, even in America.
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Knowing our Enemy

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Every now and then, I come across or a Follower submits, information through the Thought Dock portal that is so enlighting, or so supports the ideology of this blog, so precisely that editing and tweeking of the information is not required. Such is the following. Thanks G for your contribution.

President Obama (aka: The Long Legged MacMuslim Prick) this week once again called Islam "a great religion" which has been "distorted" by a small number of "extremists" to justify committing acts of violence against the West. But the Qur'an (or Koran) itself, the holy book of Islam, contains over 100 verses calling for violence against Christians and Jews. To give just one example, Sura 9:5 says, "Slay the idolaters wherever you find them."

During a panel discussion sponsored by the Hudson Institute last January, retired Army Lt. Colonel Allen West, who did combat duty in Iraq, responded to a Marine who asked the question, how do you answer people who say that terrorists are following a "warped" version of Islam?

The panel consisted of a number of former military personnel, who fumbled around trying to answer the question. Col. West finally stepped forward answered the question directly and truthfully. Listen to the words of a former military man who understands the nature of the enemy we face:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkGQmCZjJ0k

Notice again Col. West's straightforward assessment: "This is not a perversion. They are doing exactly what this book (i.e., the Qur'an) says."Col. West, by the way, was elected last week to Congress, to represent Florida's 22nd congressional district. He will be the first African-American Republican congressman to represent Florida since 1870.

Amen!

Oh, Say can you see. . . .

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Congrats Green Bay! Kudos Christina. What a work of art you are! Along the line of Roseanne Barr's performance a few years ago. And the Black Eyed Peas? Beyond a doubt, the Super Bowl's worst entertainment ever. Where do we find such groups that our children seem to idolize? Without a gimmick. a costume, a huge mouth with sexy (to some) bright red lipstick, or a fiery performance, neither could survive in the industry. Neither can sing in tune, and the Peas are suspected of lip syncing anyway.

Christina is as Latin as Taco Bell and it should be no surprise that she didn't know the words to our National Anthem. Oh, but she blames the moment of awe made her forget. Seems she has performed before to huge crowds. Of course she wasn't singing our song then. Maybe she should have lip synced it like the Peas.

Not surprising though. The Long Legged MacMuslim surrounded himself with the sexy Jennifer for his Superbowl entertainment. I wonder how our beautiful First Lady thought about that?

And last week Obama's selection for the Ambassador to Luxembourg walked off her job in tears after leading the office into a state of dysfunction. All of her subordinates cheered though and publicly complaining that she had no apparent qualifications for the job. Reports claim that she was nothing more than a housewife that contributed lots of money to a prick's campaign.

So what's the alarm? How was that any different to his appointment of the Attorney General or the head of Homeland Security? You know Eric and Janet. More sad picks.
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Patriots and Pricks

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I listened to President Obama declare that he had a conversation with Egyptian President Mubarak about the turmoil in his country. Our Long Legged Mac uslim described Mubarak as a "leader who cares about his people" and a "patriot." Isn't that odd? Or is it?

Mubarak fits the definition of a patriot in Webster's dictionary (a person having a strong passion for his country or way of life). But so does Adolf Hitler, and the current leaders of Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, and the many other tyrants around the world that oppress their people by mass murder and imprisonment. Not my pick of patriots. My my list contains the likes of Paul Revere, George Washington, General Patton, and Neil Armstrong. It seems that how one labels a person a patriot is left much to their personal opinion.

It is though, shocking to me as to who our Half-White President seems to align himself with and idolize. To me, the ones he calls patriots are actually pricks. Aside from his patriots, he runs with convicted criminals like Bill Ayers who was imprisoned for plotting to bomb the Pentagon, radical Black preachers who hate America, Eric Holder who refuses to prosecute Black Panther members for obstructing the voter poles, and the many members of his cabinet whom have been found guilty of tax fraud. They all fit Webster's definition of pricks.

The best way to judge the character of a person is to examine who he associates with, and how he conducts himself. Obama has redacted National Prayer Day, refused to wear an American flag pin (until recently), salute during our National Anthem, or offer proof of his American citizenship.
So with that, I believe our President is certainly not an American patriot, but merely a prick leading America.
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I wonder who voted for him because no one I know will admit to it now. Take the poll to the left and be honest!
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Chaos?

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Well, the vibes I've been getting lately is that many of you are thirsting for my typical posts to return . So, you must be tired of hearing about the touchy feelie reads about Those Days and desire more of my contemporary Thought Dock wisdom. So that will be what will come in the future. At least for as long as you can stand it. So, it won't be long before you'll be asking for more news about kayaking and busing the school kids. Stand by! Today will be just a warm up.

I'm sure that some of you sacrificed some of your Facebook time to the more important issues happening world wide. If you've not yet heard, Egypt is burning, and their government may soon fall. Egyptians are demanding that their leader step down so that a a new democracy can be put in place. Democracy? The very essence of their predominant religion does not support that, and don't expect them to give up Islam for a better way. Their president, who is actually a ruthless dictator, announced today that if he were to step down as the people are demanding, there will then be utter chaos.

I watched last night's videos of nomads, cloaked in their body covering garb, riding galloping camels through the city streets hurling Molotov cocktails into the natural museum in Cairo to destroy ancient artifacts. Chaos? That's nothing new. It is what life has been all about there ever since about 500 AD when Islam began to take root. So how can it be any different if Mubarak steps down? Chaos is chaos. It is their way of life.

Egyptian protests are now set to begin in New York City this weekend. Our State Department announced yesterday that there are about 60k American Egyptians living in 5 east coast states, but admits there might be as many as 120 thousand. How is it that our government doesn't have an accurate number? Could it be that illegal immigration is responsible? Fact is, we are not only being over run by Mexicans, but Middle Easterners, Russians, Chinese, Koreans, Viet Congers, and most anything else. It's just that these others seem to blend into our society than wetbacks, but are no less threat to our way of life.

I am surprised though, how peacefully and quickly a government can fall. After all, there has been only a few hundred rioters killed so far. The tanks have been relatively passive against them and seem to be siding with the people. It makes me wonder, for the first time in my life, whether America could ever fall.
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Hold on!
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Filtering Thoughts

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I've been sitting now for a while at the Thought Dock on the Lake. You know. Nothing much to do. Wondering what to do. And trying to get into the mood to do it. Filtering through your thoughts sent to me. Refining them. Twisting them. And publishing them in a form and in the way that you can understand. My way.

And readers from all over visit this blog. Some come back. Some never will. And some become Followers. People from places like Woodstock and Highwood in the mid west, some from Leesburg near our nation's capitol. Readers from parts of Europe, and a few from South America, and even Russia a time or two. I love to have visitors, and anyone is free to comment.

Today's Fox News was a downer once again. But that is what this World is now in so many ways. Egypt is crumbling and their Internet has been shut down, preventing those people from getting through to the Thought Dock. The mid-west of America is dealing with bone chilling cold, something I haven't felt in so long and something I surely do not miss.

Blue skies have dominated this Central Oregon Coast city this past week. Temps in the upper 60's and the winds have been light. I like it like that!

So perhaps I'll paddle a kayak, or walk a trail to find a salmon spawning, or just do some yard work. It'll be a kick back at the Thought Dock kind of day. So when you all dig yourself out from beneath the snow, or overthrow your dictator, come on back for more of my opinions.

Taa. Taa!

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Laying 'n wait

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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Let me get this straight . . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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You know, I encourage you all to listen to me so that I may share with you the truth, wisdom, and insight that I have. You see, I do know most everything and have an opinion on most everything I don't know.

Well, as I've been travelling these past few months, I've learned even more about listening. I've tried listening to others a few times now, and I've concluded that listening to your adult children is usually not the best thing to do as long as you still have some control of your mind.

One daughter dug out a favorite kitchen gadget to help prepare the dinner salad just the other night. The gadget is intended to spin dry the salad greens after rinsing them. A novel idea I guess, but I don't see the value of it over simply shaking the water off in a strainer. But anyway, she couldn't get the gadget to work and asked me to figure out what was wrong with it as it worked perfectly fine the last time (Who knows when that was. She doesn't even eat salad!)

Anyway, after taking a quick look at it, I noticed there was a part apparently missing that engaged the basket to a drive wheel to cause it to spin when a lever was pumped. She gave me a disgusted look, told me that I was wrong, and that simple air pressure from the lever action caused the basket to turn. Oh, well, we set the thing aside and rinsed the salad the old fashion way. A few days later, she called to say she found the missing part and the gadget works fine, but never offered an apology.

And then, as we were nearing the next place to visit, my wife's son called to give us a shorter rout. Now, keeping in mind that the GPS we had followed over the past 1263 miles from Oregon up to the last 15 miles of his place went without a glitch. But, he had a better way. One which he promised would save us 10 minutes. Ten Minutes, I thought. Geez after driving a cumulative 27 hours, you would think that I would jump on that. And I did!! Turned out to be seven miles of construction zone traffic jammed with Christmas shoppers. You gotta be kidding me!

So, I have concluded that I will never follow the advice of my kids until they begin feeding me with a spoon, and wiping my butt. Until then, I'll aways be suspicious of their advice, and not bend over when they ask.

Hope you all had a nice holiday, in whatever tradition you have. But for me it was a Wonder Christmas.

Well be home soon. So be ready!
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The Honorable Thing

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As I travel through the different states, I like to read the auto license plates to see all the different types that are available for people to buy and so they can express themselves. And, I think it's a good thing because at least some of the fees help support their chosen cause.

For me, I stick with the standard, no frills, issue. And in Oregon, that's very ugly. School bus yellow with black letters.

So yesterday, I saw a plate in Colorado that had a title below the license plate number stating, HONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN." Loving our Country and being a Patriot,my first thought was "How Cool."

But with further thought, I asked myself, "But isn't that what is expected of our armed forces?" Is it too much to ask that they uphold the law, maintain high standards and ethics, and do a good job for the length of time they promised?

Here is my point: What we really need is a plate reading "DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED VETERAN, which should be issued to anyone that couldn't cut the mustard. They should be forced to display it so that all the rest of us know who they are. Be a fool, coward, thief, deserter or anything else that gets one kicked out of the armed forces, we need to know about it so that we can disrespect you for disgracing our country.

Only then will we be able to truly respect and appreciate those that deserve it.
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Escape from Reality

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Visiting with my grandchildren reminded me that I don't have much of an imagination. In fact, I guess I don't have any. It's next to impossible for me to understand the fantasy stories that I read to my four year old grand daughter. Stories that I read one right after the other about magical dragons, oddly colored flying creatures, space beings, and talking plants and animals. And then taking her to the latest 3D movie about a beautiful lost princess with a head full of healing hair confused me even more.

Don't get me wrong, I love bonding with her and listening about an imaginary friend. But, I just don't understand it.

In Those Days, my interests were only in things like science, math or history. Real things, you know. When I had a dream it was never about things like flying carpets, horses with wings, or super heroes. Mine were about my family, people I knew, and visiting real places that I had read about in books. I had no fantasies, and no nightmares.

For me, things have not changed over the years. I know what is real and I have no use for that which is not. Real is reality and I respect it. At times, I fear reality but I don't hide from it. Rather than run, I confront it.

And I share it with my followers. So when you visit this site, you will only have a visit with reality. It is real here. Take it. Learn. Join in. But, if you want everything politically correct, green, or sugar coated, you'll have to go elsewhere.

Now hurry, there are still 7 shopping days left.
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Firsts

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Do you ever wonder why first time experiences in you life seem to always stand out in your memory? They were not always the best, but more that they were different that makes them unforgettable.

The first day of school, the first day of retirement. Your first bicycle, your first kiss. Your first pair of black Levis and your first turtle neck shirt. Your first child's birth and the first time you lost a loved one. You get the picture.

Well, on the Day of Infamy, I received our first Christmas card of the Season. And it was different. Unlike I've ever received before. And I'll remember it always.

First because it was the first. December 7th. That's the earliest I've ever received a card. And second, it was a real card, with a real stamp that a post man delivered, unlike the multitude of electronic cards I get over the Internet.

On the red envelope was our address, hand written in blue ink, with a pre-printed return address label neatly placed on the top left (that's not odd). Inside the envelope was a greeting from Santa announcing Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! from a sleigh pulled by Rudolph (That's not odd). And below the sleigh was the word "Love" hand written in black ink (That's a little odd because it was addressed in black ink, but not the bell ringer). And there was no money in it (and that is a little odd).

Here is what is odd. So odd and different that I will remember it forever. Beneath the word "Love" were two different pre-printed, self-sticking address labels; one each for the husband and wife team that sent the card!

Now that was an odd card and I just don't get it. What's with the addy stickers instead of a signature. Was it some form of being green to reuse, reclaim, or recycle sticker thus keeping them out of our landfills and reduce carbon emissions? Was it a used card that the sender received last year with the stickers attached to cover the previous sender's signature? Or was it just pure laziness on the part of the person that sent it to me?

Maybe some one out there has the answer. Maybe the sender will read this blog and leave a comment. Maybe I'll just never know. But the Card was another "First" in my life. One that I can not forget!

Thanks for the memory.
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Now Mothers (and fathers), tell your Children

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In Those Days, parents tried to pass on everything they knew to their children. You know, basic things that we seem to take for granted. Mothers taught the kids how to cook, especially foods that don't come with instructions such as toast and eggs. And fathers taught things like checking the oil level and tire pressures in the family car.

Kids were taught the value of saving for the future, to respect cops and teachers, how and when to fight, to mow the lawn and to do the laundry, and to tie their shoes. They learned how to change a diaper and feed the baby (if only on their doll), to walk the dog, to tell time on a clock with hands, and to mend their clothes. Parents taught them how to play with one another, to accept criticism, and that life was not easy nor always fair.

So, was all that necessary? Did parents waste their time? Today, most of our kids go out for breakfast or just skip it all together. And they pay a mechanic to replace their tires and fix their engines after they run them flat or out of oil.

Our kids don't save for the future but pay in the future with credit. They run from the cops and threaten their teachers. They pay illegal immigrants to do the landscaping and their laundry, and they don't even bother to tie the laces on their high-top sneakers. They hire nannies to sit their children, but never walk the dog, and they throw away their clothes if they tear. Clocks talk now and kids can only fight with guns if someone makes fun of them.

And I wonder how they even survive.
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Cowboys and Indians

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In Those Days, everyone (even girls) played war games. We built forts to launch our attacks. In the summer, the forts were hidden along trails in the woods and during the winter they were made of snow and blended into the terrain of the frozen fields. From those forts, we would pounce on our enemy. We were always the good guys; cowboys, soldiers, pirates, and sometimes even crusaders. We shot arrows, fired cap guns, had catapults to hurl big snowballs, and sometimes used slingshots or even threw rocks at one another. But no one ever got hurt, except perhaps their feelings.

There were fights at school, but seldom did they amount to anything more than a wrestling match. We called them "rumbles" but nobody ever really got hurt. The losers went home crying, but their parents never called the police. Fathers taught their kids to fight and stand fast against aggressors and for what they believed in. There were no lawsuits, or children committing suicide because they got picked on. But Those Days became taboo.

Things are different today. 30 years of peace and toleration being rammed down our throats. Love your neighbor, never argue your point, but respect his views. Stand back. Don't fight. Tell your parents about how mean you were treated. Tell the cops how your parents or teachers mistreated you. Don't pick on sissies, fat kids, ones with braces, or glasses. Be nice.

Hide in your closets rather than standing publicly for what you believe. But you can play that violent video game using phazers that disintegrate rather than wound your opponent. Make yourself invisible as you begin a nuclear attack. That seemingly innocent suitcase transforms into a creature bent on destruction. Listen to the music praising rape and murder. Give your child a pill so he can cope. Take a pill yourself. Smoke that joint and inject the chemicals deep beneath your skin. Fight the war from within.

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil. Today, we don't know what evil is, let alone how to stand for what is right. Because we've been taught that everything is alright, and our world is better.

But is it, really?
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