Hugging Thugs

.
Eric Holder recently proclaimed that amnesty for illegal aliens is "A matter of Civil and Human rights."  Joe Biden announced that the Boston Bombers were just "Knock Off" Jihadists. Obama again told America "Not to rush to judgement." And countless friends and relatives claimed what great neighbors the bombers were and how well the brothers excelled in sports and academics.

Are you kidding me?  Just what part of Human Rights gives anyone absolute rights to citizenship in a country they entered illegally?  Didn't we give asylum to a family of terrorists?  What is the diffence between a "knockoff" and a "real" terrorist when they both hate America and murder innocent people?  The bombers and their mother admit that they hate America pledge their alliance to Allah under their own declared Jihad.  Who cares what type of athletes they were!  Who cares whether they acted alone or in concert with a group.  The are murderers!

Sound familiar?  Remember Obama speaking the same tone following the Fort Hood murders before declaring the incident Work Place violence?  Remember him when he defended his black buddy that interfered with the cops?  Remember Obama supporting Holder's refusal to prosecute the Black Muslims that were interfering at the voting poll?  Remember Holder sending the judge and attorneys to stop the FBI from interviewing the terrorist at the hospital?

I'm disgusted with the many Americans minimizing murderous acts by Muslims on America.  I'm tired of seeing so many of us tolerating, if not embracing these Islamic thugs.  I'm tired of our leadership refusing to admit that our war against terror is real.  When will they wake up, or will they?

Just let it go, then sit back and enjoy the show.  So they say.
.    

Escaping the Closet

.
OK.  At least I've tried.  I've done what you've said.  I went to the closet and had nothing but happy thoughts.  No politics.  Little complaining.  Less FOX News.  Lots of watching Andy of Mayberry and Lassie.  And I can not stand it any longer.  I'm back!

So, first on my list of topics is Islam.  But first let me set the stage.

As we all should know, our forefathers left England in a pursuit to acquire religious freedom.  And in those days, it was Christianity that was so thought after.  So America was born; created upon the laws of Christianity.  And if you don't know Christianity is all about Love and Forgiveness.

As time passed, more any more immigrants settled in America bring with them new religions and cultures.  Over time, Americans began to embrace these ideas, and to some extent relaxed their views toward other cultures and faiths.  And we were able to co-exist productively and peacefully.

Until. . . . the influx of Islamic immigrants in America.  The fundamentals of Islam conflict with our way of life in America.  Democracy, peacefully co-exist with others, and both civil and criminal laws are prohibited by Islamic followers.  You see, Muslims, by their very doctrine can not co-exist with anyone different than them, which they call Infidels.  Their doctrine demands the murdering of every Infidel in a ritual they call "Jihad."   Simply said, their doctrine promotes hate against anyone outside their faith.

In the interest of preserving America as it was created, the time has long passed that we must stop Islam from consuming our Nation and our way of life.  America must stop embracing this ideology now.  We must understand that every Muslim is an enemy of our God and our nation which was founded upon God.  We can not merely focus only on the "radicalized" Muslims, but every Muslim, because none can truly respect the American values we have.

Wake up Americans.  I know it's hard to realize that every Muslim is our enemy.
.
  

Contagion

.
OK.  So please don't get offended believing I'm writing about you.  But, after reading this, you feel like I've used you as an example, then I probably have.  However, keep in mind that what I'm about to describe fits many of us, including me.

That said.......  Recently I received a home video through the Thought Dock portal.  I wish I could post the video here, but that would certainly make the sender feel singled out.  But even if I did single them out, it would be good for them to hear my point of view.

The video logged an incident where a parent baked a cake for the children.  The cake was quite large and was decorated with whipped chocolate frosting and brightly colored designs  The cake looked like it was "To die for."

Apparently, the mother (who was not shown on the video) seated her four children around a small table with the cake in the center.  There were no plates, utensils, or napkins in the area.  The kids ranged from age 2-9 years, and were instructed to "Have at it!"

What a delightful surprise it was.  As I watched, the three oldest kids immediately dove into the treat using only the fingers and hands, and sometimes even forced their mouths directly into the cake.  What a mess!  It was rather apparent the kids were having a blast, although it was not anything I would ever let my children do, nor do I personally think it was wise.

As the video progressed, I noticed the youngest child with a strange look on her face at the start.  As she watched her siblings plow into it, it was clear that she knew at the start that it was wrong to eat like a heathen.  But as time passed, she joined in with the others.  First by only dipping a finger in, but eventually joined in full throttle.  What a mess!

To me it was more than just a video of kids having fun.  It convincingly illustrates "Learned Behavior."  That youngest child knew from the start that what her siblings were doing was not acceptable behavior and refused to participate.  But after watching her siblings do it, she succumbed to the peer pressure, and soon joined in.

Interestingly enough, several weeks before, that youngest child who had minimal exposure to church, came home from Sunday School, chanting, "I want to be like Jesus."

So, it works either way.  You soon become like those that you associate with, whether good, bad, or ugly.  Sin can only lead to further Sin, just as easily as righteousness leads to sanctuation.

Jus' Sayin'.  So Mama tell your children...
.   

Mama tell your children

.
In Those Days, I loved to sit on my Grandpa's lap and listen to him sing.  Sounds weird, huh.  One would never know by my voice that my Grandpa-D, after surviving the stress of Ellis Island, sang in the Italian Opera in New Yorr City.  But more than that, I was fascinated by his life's experiences.  I remember most of them to this day and occasionally reflect back on them when I find myself in a similar situation. 

We were a proud family that never wanted to be the center of any one's attention, but then again we were taught how to never be left behind.  Mama's constant lectures about wearing clean socks or the necessity of chewing with our mouth closed ring through my mind most every day.  And I listened to them being told again to all of my younger siblings.  It was as if someone told them to her long before my time.

Never did I hear a word about their struggling finances, but it was rather apparent to me as I grew older.  Often I would notice that we would each get a pair of shoes for Easter Sunday, while Mom wore that same old dress which I think she made.  I valued every lecture and every story, although some I had a difficult time believing.  I can see the impact they had on me to this very day.  They kept me proud and honest, hard working and humorous, sarcastic and cynical, and brave, strong and compassionate. 

And when it came time, I passed the stories from my Grandpa, my Papa, and those of my own to my children.  And to make a special point, I even made some up while exaggerating others just as they had done to me.  Every story had a lesson and every one had a moral. 

Sometimes today, I wonder whether parents are passing along similar tales to their kids.  Or would the kids today even care to listen.  Somehow my gut says they are not, and their children, so spoiled, do not care.

So live your life in Sin and Misery in this House of the Rising Scum and don't tell your children what they have done.
.    

Yesterday

.
A few weeks ago, I met a new friend who was about 20 years my junior.  About the same age as my oldest daughter.  And as you can imagine, my conversation soon turned to politics and morals.  It wasn't long before my new friend informed me that as we grow older, we become reluctant to accept change.  And change is often better.  Well, as you can imagine, that conversation has really made me think.  Is it really better now than ever?

For me Yesterday was a time for a Sunday drive, stick ball and 15 cent burgers.  Chevy Impala station wagons and 15mpg.  Televisions with dials to tune and transistor radios.  Kites at the beach and crabbing with a chicken neck tied to a string.  Trading cards flapping on bicycle spokes and shovelling snow or raking leaves for a buck.

It was a time when all my friends had both a Mom and a Dad.  The Mickey Mouse show, Rin Tin Tin and Roy Rogers.  There were Sissies and Tom Boys but no Gays or Lesbians in my world.  We wore ties to church, Mom stayed at home tending the kids and fixing dinner for my Dad when he came home from work.

I choked trying to smoke cigarettes but the only drug I knew was aspirin.  One pair of shoes for church and school, and PF Fliers for play.  Duck Tails and Crewcuts, but no Mohawks colored blue.  Abortions were illegal and effective birth control means did not exist.  Young men married their pregnant girlfriend and raised their children together.

I knew people in wheel chairs but none with hip replacements.  My Mom was blind but somehow she watched me.  We Potty Trotted houses but never did drive by shootings.  There were fights at school, but the fighters became friends afterwards.  A school teacher paddled me in class but no one ever called my Mom.

Well that was my Yesterday and I'm sure that everyone has their Yesterday.  For most, Yesterday is dead and gone.  But for me, it has not passed.  It is the very essence of who I am and how I came to be me. 

Speaking words of Wisdom, let me be Me.
.    

 

        

Oppressed and Suppressed

.
Now, even though I'm oppressed and suppressed being behind the door, some things get in and out through the magic of the Thought Dock Portal.  And here is one.  I didn't write it, but I could have.  And this story is not as odd as you might think.  It has been happening to me for over 40 years now.

Today I swung my front door wide open and placed my Remington 870 right in the doorway. I gave it 6 shells, then left it alone and went about my business.

While I was gone, the mailman delivered my mail, the neighbor boy across the street mowed the yard, a girl walked her dog down the street, and quite a few cars stopped at the stop sign right in front of our house. After about an hour, I checked on the gun. It was still sitting there, right where I had left it. It hadn't moved itself outside. It certainly hadn't killed anyone, even with the numerous opportunities it had been presented to do so. In fact, it hadn't even loaded itself. Well you can imagine my surprise,with all the media hype about how dangerous guns are and how they kill people.

Either the media is wrong or I'm in possession of the laziest gun in the world.

Well, I'm off to check on my spoons. I hear they're making people fat.
.

The way things are

.
Hey now!  Do I sound muffled?  Well, I am.  Muffled that is.

It's not just the raspy God Father voice that I've developed over the years that the doctors now call "Spastic Vocal Chord Syndrome" and have pledged to cure, but have yet to. 

It's because I've actually entered the closet.  The place that I once despised.  It was once the place where people went to hide when they didn't fit into society.  A dark place where nobody could see them.  Where nobody had to listen to their screams.  It was the place for criminals.  Liars, cheats, and scoundrels.  Pirates, thieves, witches.   Gays, Lesbians and molesters.  Adulterers, dopers and alcoholics.  Whores, prostitutes, and gamblers.  Thieves, thugs and slugs.

They were the ones behind closed doors.  Muzzled from society because they were evil.  They've always been around.  For thousands of years.  Always living in their ill ways, but hiding, wearing masks and not wanting to be discovered.  Because they were ashamed, and because society would not tolerate them.  That was Yesterday.  A time which I loved so much.

Things are different now.  It is no longer Yesterday, but Today. 

We let them escape where they now brazenly exercise their lifestyle and demand that we join them.  And most of us already have.  They've filled the airways with their views as they boldly rub things in my face.  Most news stations and Democrats have joined in.  Laws protecting their insanity are passed every day.

So Today, I am in the closet.  A place where my voice is muffled to a point where only a few of you can understand.  A place where I can not be seen.  A quiet and safe place where I can live my life without disturbing the freaks outside (actually by today's standard, I am the freak).  Suppressed and oppressed.

And it's better that way.
.   

    

You are what you. . .

.
Although it doesn't seem like it was long ago, but it was.  It was very long ago when she said, "If you eat another mouthful of that cake, you'll going to turn into a cake."  It was really funny to me at the time because I knew I couldn't turn myself into a cake by eating too much of one as she said.  So, I just blew her off.

I now know just how right she was.  But she wasn't just talking about eating cake.  She was talking about so many other things.  Not just eating things, but condoning, accepting, tolerating, or actually doing things that we know we shouldn't.

Remember that skinny kid in the 4th grade?  You know, the one that loved to play with the girls, doing girl things, and dressing and talking like them.  We used to call them Fruits and sissies.  Or perhaps the kid that wore mostly black clothing and combed his hair back in a Duck Tail fashion.  Mr. Cool.

Hot pants.  Smoking.  Fast cars.  Foul language and Grass.  Those were things that I was told not to do, and not to even be tempted.  But I did.  I did them all.  But you know, now I know.

I know that the more we witness, the more we tolerate, the more we cone, the more we will become one that we know is wrong.

Hollywood rams this crap down our throats every night.  Sitcoms galore about anything and everything.  Daily shows about dysfunctional families, single parents, gay relationships, liars, cheats, murderers adulterers and Pot Farmers and Islam.  Even a Jack in the Box commercial showning an animal flipping off Jack!  A 24 hour news filled with corruption, monster storms, Gay marriage, pot smoking, and the wickedness of the world.

And now I know more than ever what she was talking about.  The more we watch.  The more we listen and witness all these things that we know are wrong; the soon we will all come to accept them as being normal.

But it is not.
.     

My Mama said . . . .

.
I guess I wasn't much older than 8.  Perhaps just in the second grade grade or so, when I was sent to the Principal's office along with another classmate for fighting on the playground.  There we waited for our parents' arrival.

As I recall, the fight began when I got the better of the other kid while playing Tether Ball.  Seems I was able to control several games by swatting the ball downward causing it to fly high above his head for the wins.  The other kids were laughing all the while until. . .  he attacked me.  But, again, I got the better of him.

On the ride home, Mama said something like, "Now son.  Never start a fight (which I didn't), but always be ready to finish one (which I did).

Not long after, I challenged my Mama about why I was never allowed to stay up late or do the things "all my other friends got to do."  And my Mama told me that no one should be allowed to do everything they want.  And Mama said, "As our Lord found out through Adam and Eve, we will the wrong decision."

Mama's lessons learned that have molded me to be me through this very day.
.      

I am I; and you are you

.
I love history.  Any kind of history.  But especially my history.  Because through an understanding history, one can obtain a general idea of the future.

This blog began as a journal nearly six years ago.  I created it for me, to study me and to learn how I came to be me, and why I am I.  It has revealed many of my life's experiences which define who I am.  I understand now why God gives us a lifetime full of experiences, challenges and decisions.  And it was those decisions that have molded me into me, and as time continues there will be many more experiences and decisions to be made.

The blog has since evolved into discussions on politics and ethics, and as it did, the readership increased.  But I'll talk more about that another time. 

Right now, I want to return to history.  My history.  Most of which directly involved me, and some of which involved encounters to others that I observed.  But make no mistake about them; every experience played a role in who I came to be.  So here are a few points to ponder, and perhaps you will understand why you are you.

If you ever went to bed hungry, did you then always clean your plate?  Remember the first time you were lied to; did you then also become a liar?  If you were bullied, did you then become a bully or vow to stand against them?  When you caught the winning touchdown pass, did you share your glory with the offensive line?  If someone stole you bicycle, did you then steal someone else's?  When you saw a friend crying, did you laugh at them or cry along side them?  When you saw a fight, did you break it up or join in?  If you learned that your classmate died in an auto accident, did that encourage you to wear a seat belt?  When you failed that test, did you cheat on the next one?  When you killed a sparrow with your first BB gun, did you kill another?  When you lost your best friend, did you vow to make another, or morn them forever?  And when you stumbled on that last hurdle, did you get up and finish the race?

If anyone gave thier unconditional love to you, would you love them?

You know, whether or not I encountered these situations, or how I reacted to them is not important to you.  But they are to me.  Because moments such as these are what defines me.  And I know that.  And that is what is important to me.

So, who are you?
.

Chambered

.
Many, but not all of you know that I am a 34 year veteran of the Los Angeles Police Department.  It was during the time of LAPD's glory years.  The time of Dragnet, Police Story, Adam-12, and many  motion pictures.  A time of great pride.

But for me, it was a time that I could only share my experiences with others whom I deemed could relate.  "Insiders" like other cops, firemen, emergency room nurses, and clergy.  Those were the people that shared my experiences and somehow could understand.  Anyway, some seven years after retirement, I am just now becoming able to my stories with others, and I do so that they can benefit.  And here is one such story.

LAPD's Rampart Division was, at that time, the busiest police precinct in the world.  More calls for service and more cops per resident than any other.  Just outside the city center, it was an area long abandoned by the wealthy and left for drugs, alcohol, gangs, prostitution, and the mentally insane.  It was the place where I worked the night shifts for my first six years.  And I loved it!  And it was simply amazing.

An early memory of my career involved an incident in Rampart.  One morning just after midnight, I responded to a single family house which had been converted into a rental that housed several lower income families.  One male resident had been beaten by an intruder when he answered a knock at the door.  Although the man was in his 60's, I considered him elderly and defenseless, I guess because I young and healthy.   

Anyway, the intruder, after entering the residence beat the victim severely, left him for dead, and then stole what little valuables he had before leaving.  The victim lost his sight as the result of the beating and remained in the hospital for over a month.

It was not long after the victim's release that he returned home.  I visited with him a time or two and learned that he was terrified sitting home alone and blind.  As strong as I thought I was, I felt his pain.  And I soon responded to yet another emergency at the victim's residence. 

A week or two after returning home, the victim heard someone outside his door, but this time he refused to answer and screamed at the person to go away.  The victim armed himself with an old surplus rifle that a friend of him gave him after the beating, and chambered a single bullet.  As the victim cowered in a chair in a corner farthest away from his front door, he heard the sounds of his door being kicked in.  The victim fired  his rifle, through the still closed door and into the chest of the person outside, killing him.

Now California had a "Castle Law" that essentially gave a person the right to use deadly force against any threat by an intruder while inside a victim's home.  But this time, this intruder had not yet gained entrance at the time the victim fired the rifle, and the Castle Law would not protect him and he was arrested and prosecuted for murder.  And the court ruled that because the victim was blind and could not visually see the threat of an intruder, he was capable of using his weapon responsibly; therefore he was responsible for the intruder's death.

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

You decide.  What would have done do?

Stand Up

.
Many of you have met me, most of you have not.  So, to set the pace for this post, let me re-state the chorus line from a 1965 song by the Animals.  "I'm just a Soul who's intentions are good.  Oh Lord, please don't let me be misunderstood."  In other words, I'll speak my peace.

That said, most of my followers (but not all) are good people who's personal ethics follow those brought forth by the teachings of the Bible.  Many of you, I hope, are Christians like me, but that is not the issue in this post.  Just sound ethics.

During my travels across America, I make it a point to visit churches along the route.  I love to see the views of others and through them, learn to improve upon my own life.  This trip I realized little difference in the teachings of ethics across the denominations of the Christian churches that I visited.  They all taught the importance of spreading the Word, obtaining Salvation, and following the Way.  But one thing stood out.

I listened to sermon after sermon about following the Gospel.  For those of you are not Christians yet, that means for the most part, to just do what is right.  You knew what is right from birth without ever being taught and most of you strive to do the right thing always.

But I believe the clergy across America has fallen short in their discussions regarding ethics.  They ramble on and on about what is right and good, but many fail to publicly stand against what is wrong and bad.  In other words, as an example, they preach about the ills of adultery, yet they often refuse to confront the adulterer who is standing before them.  And by remaining passive to these issues, they teach us to do the same  And through our own passiveness, we allow America to sink ever deeper into a nation of the damned just as Pompeii.

Tolerance of these issues is not a solution.  Don't accept what is wrong.  Stand up publicly.  Be active in protecting your ethics when ever you can.  Confront those that you know are wrong.  And do the right thing.
.              

We have laws. . .

.
Americans have always had laws against Murder, yet we have always had Murders.

Law enforcement has always relied on the voluntary compliance of law.  And for the most part that is effective.  But not always.

As an example, most of us drive safely and within the confines of traffic law.  But as we all know, there are idiots out there that have no reverence for the law, and law enforcement officials are continually on the offensive against those that violate it.  Yet convicted offenders most often become repeat offenders.

My point is that we don't need more laws, we need more ethics.  Ethics will determine whether you buy a gun and how you will use it.  Ethics will govern whether you purchase that Fourty-ouncer and french fries, or drink and drive.  Ethics will decide whether you cheat on your taxes, or steal from your neighbor.  Ethics will set your pace for helping those in need, and cheating on your wife.  And ethics will determine whether you lie or tell the truth.
.

Glosing the Gate

.
During the travels of this trip I visited with several persons that lived in gated communities, or neighborhoods governed by home owner's associations.  Now HOA's have been around a very long time and have been an interest to me.  Now I can certainly see the advantages of HOA's, but I've not totally bought into the concept.  That said, I'm always anxious to talk with those that live in HOA communities.

This trip though, It occurred to me that every one of the people that I've talked to recently said the same thing; that they appreciate the diversity in the city where they live.  They seem to be proud that their city has a diverse population by race, age, religion, etcetera. On the face of things, they seem to love (or at least tolerate) those that are different than them.  They travel, shop, work and play with those of a variety of cultures.

But back at home, things are different.  These friends lock themselves behind the gates of their community, and enact HOA rules preventing anyone from entering and changing their perfect utopia.  The HOA's prevent any changes to the homeowners private property that are outside the boundaries of the rules.  No remodelling,  No painting,  No cars older than a certain year.  Curfew hours.  No washing or maintaining of cars.  No. . . . and the list goes on and on.

As a result, these neighborhood become anything but diverse.  Persons with income, children, and most often people loose any desire to live in these communities because of prejudices of the residents who justify their actions while claiming to love diversity.  Gated communities may be fine for some, but please don't pretend to appreciate diversity while hiding behing your gate.

So, to those that have had recent visits from me, I won't apologize.  If the shoe fits . . .
.    

Pride - Integrity - Guts

.
A few days ago, I attended the funeral of a friend that unexpectedly passed away in his sleep. He wasn't my best friend, but I wish now that he was. 

Among the many people in attendance for my mid-sixties friend, was his mid-nineties father.

Several people who knew my friend much better than I spoke from the pulpit. As I listened, I became riveted about the stories they told while learning so much about my friend. Stories from co-workers, relatives and friends told of his very distinguished military career, love for his wife, and love for children and sports.

But the most impressive testimony about my friend came from his father, also a decorated Marine. A most heart wrenching thing it must be to attend the funeral of one's only son so late into one's life. But this father handled it in stride by briefly stating how proud he was to be my friend's father; a person with his own pride, his own integrity, and his own guts. A person who worked hard his entire life, to build his life and effect the lives of everyone around him. And, most importantly, a man who loved Christ.

Now I'm no stranger to funerals, including military ones for both my co-workers and my own family. But, as I sit here, still in awe over what I witnessed, I can not help but wonder how many of us can truely say the same about our own children.

A legacy was left.
.

Mama, It's Cold outside!

.

What a Christmas!  Here is a view of the Wheeled Manor when we awoke on Christmas Eve outside Colorado Springs.  Such beauty, but only at Six Degrees.  Haven't seen anything like this since the ones that I had on the East Coast some 50+ years ago.  And so different that what we've had in Southern California and Oregon during my adulthood.

Merry Christmas!!

See you soon.
.
 

Why?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So, that said, why is America the way we are? There are a number of factors, and all must be changed. But, to put it bluntly, you and I (to some extent) are the answer to the  "Why." We must change that to return to Those Days.
.

There is nothing we can do about that?????

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Something's wrong with these pictures.
.

Learn to Count; Learn what Counts

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

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

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

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

Tyranny

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

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

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

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

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