Maybe a couple of years ago I started a blog, well, actually probably three years ago as I remember one post where I stated I was 61.
Anyway, I got to thinking that I had everything thrown into one big pile, daily stuff, cruises, vacations, etc. I decided to rearrange a bit, so I moved all of my personal views stuff under this blog title.
So if you read it, you'll find that the posts are not chronological nor are they dated with the dates they were actually written. I could have done all that, but I admit, I'm lazy!!!!!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Just my .02 cents worth
I am a devote advocate for freedom. Our military men and women sacrifice daily to ensure our borders our protected. And by doing this, they willingly place themselves in harms way. Being a retired US Army Infantry First Sergeant with 24 years of active service, I have first hand experience of what these men and women go through. It is sad that we cannot protect everyone from everything! From terrorist acts, to school shootings, to mall shootings and whatever other rampage someone goes on. We, all of us, have to take an active role in ensuring our own safety. This is called responsibility. We cannot blame a teacher or a pastor or an employer for something catastrophic that may take place. We cannot blame a gun manufacturer because someone purchased their product and used it against mankind. Just as we can't blame the car manufacturer because someone ran a stop sign and crashed into our car.
In my intro I state that I am 61, yep, born in 1946, ahh the good years. The years where kids played outside til dark. The years that if I got rowdy in school, the teacher had the authority to discipline me. The years that our next door neighbors were respected and listened to. The years where parents took an active role in our growing up, without fear of a social worker snatching our child because of abuse. The years where family did things together, whether we (the children) wanted to or not! The years where Wednesday night was "Prince" spaghetti night! Really showed my age on that one huh!
My point is, we the people cannot stand by and expect someone else to take responsibility for our actions. If we show up late for work too many times and get fired, its not our boss's fault, it's our's! If our child gets a failing grade in school, it's not the teacher's fault, it's our's. We need to get involved and stay involved. We need to accept responsibility for our own actions. We cannot, cannot, rely on our government to protect us from everything. We have allowed the government to enter our homes and tell us that we can no longer spank our children. We can no longer smoke ( I am a non-smoker) in public areas, because of the health hazard to others. The health hazard is not the smoker, it is us not taking the responsibility to not go into a place where we know they are smoking. I really have to laugh at us. How smart are we really? We condemn smokers because they are killing us, yet every day in our local newspaper we read about the drunk that killed a family of four! Yet we don't ban bars, nightclubs, or restaurants that serve booze!!!!!
We all have the freedoms, granted and secured by our armed forces; we have rights, granted and upheld by our government and our judicial system; and we have responsibility for ourselves. We cannot blame or expect anyone other than us to ensure our responsibility. This was taught to me by my father. His words still echoe; "the world doesn't owe you anything; if you want it, you'll need to work for it, no one is going to hand you your life on a silver platter."
I say lobby for those actions that will ensure a life for our families and their families. Stop blaming others for those things we are responsible for and take action, not a backseat or finger point, to ensure our responsibilities are not compromised.
In my intro I state that I am 61, yep, born in 1946, ahh the good years. The years where kids played outside til dark. The years that if I got rowdy in school, the teacher had the authority to discipline me. The years that our next door neighbors were respected and listened to. The years where parents took an active role in our growing up, without fear of a social worker snatching our child because of abuse. The years where family did things together, whether we (the children) wanted to or not! The years where Wednesday night was "Prince" spaghetti night! Really showed my age on that one huh!
My point is, we the people cannot stand by and expect someone else to take responsibility for our actions. If we show up late for work too many times and get fired, its not our boss's fault, it's our's! If our child gets a failing grade in school, it's not the teacher's fault, it's our's. We need to get involved and stay involved. We need to accept responsibility for our own actions. We cannot, cannot, rely on our government to protect us from everything. We have allowed the government to enter our homes and tell us that we can no longer spank our children. We can no longer smoke ( I am a non-smoker) in public areas, because of the health hazard to others. The health hazard is not the smoker, it is us not taking the responsibility to not go into a place where we know they are smoking. I really have to laugh at us. How smart are we really? We condemn smokers because they are killing us, yet every day in our local newspaper we read about the drunk that killed a family of four! Yet we don't ban bars, nightclubs, or restaurants that serve booze!!!!!
We all have the freedoms, granted and secured by our armed forces; we have rights, granted and upheld by our government and our judicial system; and we have responsibility for ourselves. We cannot blame or expect anyone other than us to ensure our responsibility. This was taught to me by my father. His words still echoe; "the world doesn't owe you anything; if you want it, you'll need to work for it, no one is going to hand you your life on a silver platter."
I say lobby for those actions that will ensure a life for our families and their families. Stop blaming others for those things we are responsible for and take action, not a backseat or finger point, to ensure our responsibilities are not compromised.
It's NOT about me!!!!
As I was driving down the road today I made a few observations, most I am sure took place prior to the elderly woman pulling out in front of me!!! And then she went less than a quarter mile and turned off unto a side street. Yep you guessed, white hair, couldn't see over the steering wheel and was driving a cadillac!
Remember I am 61, so I am not dis'ing the elderly. I just think that in order to drive a few things need to be in proper working order. I've listed a few in no particular order. Eyesight; hearing; ability to gauge distance and determine if you really have enough room to make the turn; and the height to see over the steering wheel. If you eyes are sensitive to sunlight, then maybe driving at high noon is not a good choice. Oh yeah, one other thing I just thought of, if you are going to pull out, damn it, know where the gas pedal is!!!!!!
Okay, on to the title at hand. No it's not about me and thank God it isn't. No matter where you are today everyone about you feels its all about them. Rules and common courtesies only apply to those that know them. The other day I am in the local bank drive-in window line. Two vehicles at the two open windows, no one else in the lot. So I pull in and hang back, figuring to go to whatever window opens first. In comes a little convertible sports car. Sorry, but this time it really was a woman driver! She slows, then pulls around me and drives up behind one of the cars at the window. Now my immediate response was, "yep you're right lady, I'm just sitting here passing time." The I thought out loud, said a few choice adverbs and adjectives, you may refer to them as expletives!
Then I came to my senses, silly me, it's all about her!
People today are just too caught up in their only little world and when things don't go their way they throw a tantrum. It's okay for them to cut lines, disregard rules, and basically to do whatever it is they want to do, because afterall, "it's all about them."
One day this world is going to wake up and realize that we are all in this together and that playing fair and by the rules makes it so much more enjoyable.
For me, theres more of my life behind me than there is in front of me, so I am going to continue to try to live it right. Someone once wrote, "when on your death bed and looking back upon your life, you are not going to think about the things you did, rather you'll think about the things you didn't do." I am hoping that list for me is short, afterall "it's really not about me!"
Remember I am 61, so I am not dis'ing the elderly. I just think that in order to drive a few things need to be in proper working order. I've listed a few in no particular order. Eyesight; hearing; ability to gauge distance and determine if you really have enough room to make the turn; and the height to see over the steering wheel. If you eyes are sensitive to sunlight, then maybe driving at high noon is not a good choice. Oh yeah, one other thing I just thought of, if you are going to pull out, damn it, know where the gas pedal is!!!!!!
Okay, on to the title at hand. No it's not about me and thank God it isn't. No matter where you are today everyone about you feels its all about them. Rules and common courtesies only apply to those that know them. The other day I am in the local bank drive-in window line. Two vehicles at the two open windows, no one else in the lot. So I pull in and hang back, figuring to go to whatever window opens first. In comes a little convertible sports car. Sorry, but this time it really was a woman driver! She slows, then pulls around me and drives up behind one of the cars at the window. Now my immediate response was, "yep you're right lady, I'm just sitting here passing time." The I thought out loud, said a few choice adverbs and adjectives, you may refer to them as expletives!
Then I came to my senses, silly me, it's all about her!
People today are just too caught up in their only little world and when things don't go their way they throw a tantrum. It's okay for them to cut lines, disregard rules, and basically to do whatever it is they want to do, because afterall, "it's all about them."
One day this world is going to wake up and realize that we are all in this together and that playing fair and by the rules makes it so much more enjoyable.
For me, theres more of my life behind me than there is in front of me, so I am going to continue to try to live it right. Someone once wrote, "when on your death bed and looking back upon your life, you are not going to think about the things you did, rather you'll think about the things you didn't do." I am hoping that list for me is short, afterall "it's really not about me!"
Recession, depression, excession!
I am so confused these days as to what exactly is happening to our fragile economy. Some say recession, could be, but no one is jumping off roof-tops, so I say hard times that we all need to learn to deal with. With gas at $3.50 at the pump, and the big oil guru's reporting record profits, I doubt we'll ever see gas below $3.00 ever again. It's really comical maybe at how the oil companies are reporting these huge profits. They give a run down for every little aspect of their business, research, drilling, imports/exports etc. When they get to refining they show little profit in that area. Of course they would, they have to show us that they have to raise the price of gas so they can continue to refine. And then our great news guru's report "the demand for gasoline is down." What, how the hell can it be down and we're still paying high dollar. When I was in school so many years ago, I was taught the relationship between supply and demand. If supply is high and there is no demand, cost factors go down. Hmmm, did I miss something?
Surely in the true scope and definition of the word, we are not anywhere close to depression, yet! If all the layoffs, cutbacks, price raises etc. continue, we surely could dip in that direction. I do believe though, that we are smart enough in this country not to allow that to happen.
Now for my sniglet, excession! Look around, doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we have too damn much in this country. A couple of examples. My disclaimer, seems in this day and age you have to have a disclaimer for everything; "I am not in anyway attacking or faulting anyone or any business for trying to make a buck."
I live in a city of roughly 175,000, not a big city, but open up the yellow pages and look for automobile dealers. Too friggin' many thats for sure. Do these dealers really sell all these cars? Why do we need a half dozen Ford dealerships in a radius of 15 miles or so? Why do we need to have a Walgreens at every major intersection? Now you realize that Walgreens pays upfront for every store they build and thats a good thing. On to Kroger (grocery chain), Walmart, Target, and malls in general. Come on guys give us a break. You're killing me. Too many choices in too many directions. Why take the trees and leave a concrete/asphalt mass when you close that store.
We, as a people need to give up some of these wonderful conveniences. I'd rather drive a few mile further and enjoy the trees and nature along the way. Bottom line, we are killing our resources for the convenience of closeness. The "green" people that are so concerned about global warming, which to be truthful I have no idea what thats all about, pure air, recycling and the like, need to push for ordinances concerning these abandoned giant pads of concrete and asphalt. I say, if a business builds and moves to a new home they should be required to either sell, develop, or return that piece of abandoned property to it's natural state, whether that be forestry, green fields or creek beds, within a year of their move.
Okay I've rambled long enough, hell no one reads this crap anyway do they!
Surely in the true scope and definition of the word, we are not anywhere close to depression, yet! If all the layoffs, cutbacks, price raises etc. continue, we surely could dip in that direction. I do believe though, that we are smart enough in this country not to allow that to happen.
Now for my sniglet, excession! Look around, doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out we have too damn much in this country. A couple of examples. My disclaimer, seems in this day and age you have to have a disclaimer for everything; "I am not in anyway attacking or faulting anyone or any business for trying to make a buck."
I live in a city of roughly 175,000, not a big city, but open up the yellow pages and look for automobile dealers. Too friggin' many thats for sure. Do these dealers really sell all these cars? Why do we need a half dozen Ford dealerships in a radius of 15 miles or so? Why do we need to have a Walgreens at every major intersection? Now you realize that Walgreens pays upfront for every store they build and thats a good thing. On to Kroger (grocery chain), Walmart, Target, and malls in general. Come on guys give us a break. You're killing me. Too many choices in too many directions. Why take the trees and leave a concrete/asphalt mass when you close that store.
We, as a people need to give up some of these wonderful conveniences. I'd rather drive a few mile further and enjoy the trees and nature along the way. Bottom line, we are killing our resources for the convenience of closeness. The "green" people that are so concerned about global warming, which to be truthful I have no idea what thats all about, pure air, recycling and the like, need to push for ordinances concerning these abandoned giant pads of concrete and asphalt. I say, if a business builds and moves to a new home they should be required to either sell, develop, or return that piece of abandoned property to it's natural state, whether that be forestry, green fields or creek beds, within a year of their move.
Okay I've rambled long enough, hell no one reads this crap anyway do they!
So, where has customer service really gone?
One day this past week my "check engine" light came on in my 2003 Toyota truck. Figured I'd take it the local trusted Toyota folks. After sitting in the waiting room for 2 hours the service writer comes out and tells me that I have fuel filler leak! Huh? I don't see anything leaking, not leaking gas anywhere, surely I'd a noticed that. She tells me it'll be $469 to fix it!!! Huh, fix what? Then she mentions that I have an aftermarket gas cap and that probably caused my problem. Hmm, wait a sec. You're telling me that because I installed a locking gas cap, I have to spend $469 to fix it! Doesn't make sense to me. So I tell her, have the mechanic reset the computer, I'll re-install the factory gas cap and we'll see what happens. So I go out to my truck, open up the gas lid and voila' what do I find, my stupidity, when I filled up last, I didn't put the gas cap on tight!!! No wonder the warning light came on, the system lost its vacuum!!!!
Had a few other issues from that service visit, but I won't go into them. I will say this. The little experience I had that day, after dealing with these folks for over 5 years, caused me to lose all trust and respect with them and Toyota. Within 2days of the incident I traded the truck! No I did not and will not, buy another Toyota.
My point and my label to this experience is "Legal Stealing." My fault, I should have just brought the truck to my local gas station mechanic. More than likely he would have said, "looks like you didn't tighten the gas cap, there its tight now, shouldn't have any more problems. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!"
Had a few other issues from that service visit, but I won't go into them. I will say this. The little experience I had that day, after dealing with these folks for over 5 years, caused me to lose all trust and respect with them and Toyota. Within 2days of the incident I traded the truck! No I did not and will not, buy another Toyota.
My point and my label to this experience is "Legal Stealing." My fault, I should have just brought the truck to my local gas station mechanic. More than likely he would have said, "looks like you didn't tighten the gas cap, there its tight now, shouldn't have any more problems. Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!"
Is it "I can't read?"
So my wife and I go to this neat little Dim Sum restaurant for a nice quiet lunch. At the "please wait to be seated" sign, there is a rather large sign that states, "this is a non-smoking, no cell phone establishment, please enjoy your meal." We are seated, only a few others are there for lunch. Seated across from our table is an elderly woman and gentleman. She is eating, he is yacking on his cell phone. Obviously the sign was for everyone but him!
Is our country really becoming like many other countries, where manners are non-existent? I'm just glad my parents brought me up to respect others and obey the rules!
Is our country really becoming like many other countries, where manners are non-existent? I'm just glad my parents brought me up to respect others and obey the rules!
Okay, so here I am waiting for the car to pull out____
in a crowed parking lot. A car pulls up to the left of me and stops, when the car I am waiting for to pull out, this car zips in front of me and parks! Whats up with that? I blow the horn, no response, so I pull up and wait for the driver to exit her vehicle, I politely say, "ma'am I was waiting for that space." She says, "no sir, I saw him pulling out and had to drive around the lot to get back, I saw him pulling out first."
I am sitting there in awe, what the hell just happened? Doesn't that suck! I said screw it and drove out of the lot and headed for home.
Two things happened here, well probably two initially, but a lasting after affect will linger. First, the business I was going to shop at, lost my business because of this woman's rudeness. Second, it just supports the reason other people hate other people. I am not prejudiced at all, and this incident surely spurred my anger with all the hype of wanting to be treated as an equal.
This woman just happened to be black, this time. It happened before to me by an older white woman. Truthfully, it kinda makes want to slap the crap out of them for their rudeness. Flat pisses me off that we cannot be courteous.
Oh well, just supports a previous post of mine titled, "It's NOT about me!"
I am sitting there in awe, what the hell just happened? Doesn't that suck! I said screw it and drove out of the lot and headed for home.
Two things happened here, well probably two initially, but a lasting after affect will linger. First, the business I was going to shop at, lost my business because of this woman's rudeness. Second, it just supports the reason other people hate other people. I am not prejudiced at all, and this incident surely spurred my anger with all the hype of wanting to be treated as an equal.
This woman just happened to be black, this time. It happened before to me by an older white woman. Truthfully, it kinda makes want to slap the crap out of them for their rudeness. Flat pisses me off that we cannot be courteous.
Oh well, just supports a previous post of mine titled, "It's NOT about me!"
November 11th
To most folks this date represents just another day; to others it represents a "whites" sale in most stores.
Sadly, few of us view this day with honor. Yup, just another day of the daily grind.
For me, this is a special day. A day I hold sacred. A day I have never worked, and as a matter of fact, refused to work. Traditionally this day is spent remembering those that helped to keep this country free.
For several years I dedicated my time speaking to elementary school children about the importance of Veteran's Day. I attend the ceremony most years at our State's capitol. But more importantly I reflect.
I spend time remembering my friends that never returned home from Viet-Nam. I spend time wondering why I did. I spend time silently thanking all those that went before me. I spend time watching the marathon of war movies starring Audey Murphy, John Wayne and the like. I spend time cussing Hollywood for making Viet-Nam a place it wasn't.
I spend time crying.
I spend time wondering why in the hell our soldiers, regardless of branch affiliation, are where they are. I spend time cussing our leaders for allowing us to be where we should have never been.
I spend time thanking God for all He has given me. And I ask Him to protect and watch over all our service members and families.
To all that may read this blog; I commend and applaud you if you share in the time I spend. To those of you that only look forward to the 'blue light special" on this day, I ask that you reconsider your time. Think of what you would have, had the men and women of our military services chose a different profession.
Think for a moment the minimal pay our services members receive, let alone the hardships. Yet we pay our ball players millions of dollars per year to entertain us a half dozen Sundays a year.
For just a minute, stop, bow your heads and say a prayer for those that vigilantly, without expectation, stand front and center, proudly, to protect our borders.
To them, and to them alone, we owe our thanks for the freedoms we experience each and every day.
God Bless America! Thank a Veteran today and every day, it's not too much to do for all they have done and continue to do!
Sadly, few of us view this day with honor. Yup, just another day of the daily grind.
For me, this is a special day. A day I hold sacred. A day I have never worked, and as a matter of fact, refused to work. Traditionally this day is spent remembering those that helped to keep this country free.
For several years I dedicated my time speaking to elementary school children about the importance of Veteran's Day. I attend the ceremony most years at our State's capitol. But more importantly I reflect.
I spend time remembering my friends that never returned home from Viet-Nam. I spend time wondering why I did. I spend time silently thanking all those that went before me. I spend time watching the marathon of war movies starring Audey Murphy, John Wayne and the like. I spend time cussing Hollywood for making Viet-Nam a place it wasn't.
I spend time crying.
I spend time wondering why in the hell our soldiers, regardless of branch affiliation, are where they are. I spend time cussing our leaders for allowing us to be where we should have never been.
I spend time thanking God for all He has given me. And I ask Him to protect and watch over all our service members and families.
To all that may read this blog; I commend and applaud you if you share in the time I spend. To those of you that only look forward to the 'blue light special" on this day, I ask that you reconsider your time. Think of what you would have, had the men and women of our military services chose a different profession.
Think for a moment the minimal pay our services members receive, let alone the hardships. Yet we pay our ball players millions of dollars per year to entertain us a half dozen Sundays a year.
For just a minute, stop, bow your heads and say a prayer for those that vigilantly, without expectation, stand front and center, proudly, to protect our borders.
To them, and to them alone, we owe our thanks for the freedoms we experience each and every day.
God Bless America! Thank a Veteran today and every day, it's not too much to do for all they have done and continue to do!
Too many words.........
Thats what I was told today by someone that started to read my blog. Hmmmm, I said, "I thought blogs were to express one's self." Silly me! Blogs are there to show off pictures of your vacations, your children, your pets and your new boat!
Wish someone would have informed me of this when I posted my very first blog. Wait! Just had a brain storm! Pictures and videos!! What a novelty.
Lets see, I post all my pictures and videos on Webshots. Friends use Flickr or Kodak Gallery for this. So why would I want to clutter my blog with pictures, when I can post a link to an online album.
I admit, I have not linked a lot of pics to my blog, I promise to go back and edit and where I can pop a link in I will.
Wish someone would have informed me of this when I posted my very first blog. Wait! Just had a brain storm! Pictures and videos!! What a novelty.
Lets see, I post all my pictures and videos on Webshots. Friends use Flickr or Kodak Gallery for this. So why would I want to clutter my blog with pictures, when I can post a link to an online album.
I admit, I have not linked a lot of pics to my blog, I promise to go back and edit and where I can pop a link in I will.
Big trouble for the USA.
For years we have been going in the wrong direction. And everyone said it's gonna be okay. I don't know about your cities, but here in Little Rock its crazy. We have a population of around 200,000. Wish I had a breakdown of working adults, students, children etc. At any rate, we have abandoned shopping malls, car dealerships, Wal-Mart stores and the like, only to build a new location, bigger then what we had and in some cases right across the street from the old location, leaving behind hundreds of square miles of abandoned concrete and asphalt. I cannot tell you how many square miles of Fords, Chevy's, and Chrysler company cars we have here. Not to mention all the foreign makes.
Why did we need a civilian model of the military Hummer? Why does Cadillac have to have an SUV model? Think about it. And trust me its not just the American automaker, even the foreign models have gotten out of hand.
This country is in trouble, and bad trouble. And if we bail out of this, we're looking at a long hard road ahead to recovery. Call it what they will, depression, recession or as I term it "excession." We flat have had too much for too long and have wasted so much of it for too many years.
I still have trouble trying to understand why a president of a company makes the multi-millions they do. Obviously they've been over paid, it sure doesn't appear that their doing what they've been hired to do. I really believe their philosophy is "as long as I get my golden umbrella when I leave, it doesn't make any difference what I do."
If you look at the big picture, not only did the auto business get out of hand so did health care. We, the good hard working people of this country allowed the friggin tree huggers to put so many BS laws, rules etc into affect that the little things started costing us.
I'm 62, believe me when I was growing up, if I did not produce in work I got fired. There were no counselors to help me because someone died. There were no programs short of 36 weeks of unemployment if I lost my job due to lay-offs. There were no such things as sexual harassment. Should I go on.
We became a country of being taken care of. The middle class, bust their a$$ every day to make a buck. I would also bet that most have health insurance that they pay for and have to pay a co-pay each time they go see a doc.
Don't ya'll think that one of the problems in this country is too many socialized programs? Between welfare, food stamps, WIC, "whatever state First for Kids" etc. we are going broke. Hospital grant offices are filled with folks requesting money. One question on the request is what model/year automobile do you own? Cannot tell you how many Escalades, Lexus', BMW's and Land Rovers are listed. And we're giving these people money. Why?
I feel sorry for all the good hard working people that are being affected. I say stop the $$$$ for all the people that on these programs, give them a job working for one of the Big Three, and divert the social program $$$$ to the businesses that agree to employ these people. Just a thought!
So where in the hell did we go wrong? My dad rest his soul, preached, good education, and hard work is going to get you everywhere. Don't expect anyone to hand you this life on a silver platter. Sadly, my dad never got to tell the folks on capital hill this.
Other problem is we have too damn many professional politicians. Trust me our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves. Their idea of free government with people elected officials was not what we have today. They figured we'd elect Joe the Farmer or even Joe the Plumber, let them serve a term or two and then send them back to the farm or plumbing. Our government is tainted. You don't hear them saying we won't take a raise this year, or lets do what Wal-Mart and Target are doing to their prices and cut our salaries by 10%.
I used to use this statement a lot when I was in the military, "sometimes ya gotta let it break, before we can fix it."
We are in trouble, big trouble. And ya know, no one yet has brought up the real threat. There is some piss ant country out there that is waiting to pounce. And it's possible we are not going to have enough strength or resources to overcome and sustain. Somehow, I'm glad I'm 62. More years behind me than ahead!!!!!
Why did we need a civilian model of the military Hummer? Why does Cadillac have to have an SUV model? Think about it. And trust me its not just the American automaker, even the foreign models have gotten out of hand.
This country is in trouble, and bad trouble. And if we bail out of this, we're looking at a long hard road ahead to recovery. Call it what they will, depression, recession or as I term it "excession." We flat have had too much for too long and have wasted so much of it for too many years.
I still have trouble trying to understand why a president of a company makes the multi-millions they do. Obviously they've been over paid, it sure doesn't appear that their doing what they've been hired to do. I really believe their philosophy is "as long as I get my golden umbrella when I leave, it doesn't make any difference what I do."
If you look at the big picture, not only did the auto business get out of hand so did health care. We, the good hard working people of this country allowed the friggin tree huggers to put so many BS laws, rules etc into affect that the little things started costing us.
I'm 62, believe me when I was growing up, if I did not produce in work I got fired. There were no counselors to help me because someone died. There were no programs short of 36 weeks of unemployment if I lost my job due to lay-offs. There were no such things as sexual harassment. Should I go on.
We became a country of being taken care of. The middle class, bust their a$$ every day to make a buck. I would also bet that most have health insurance that they pay for and have to pay a co-pay each time they go see a doc.
Don't ya'll think that one of the problems in this country is too many socialized programs? Between welfare, food stamps, WIC, "whatever state First for Kids" etc. we are going broke. Hospital grant offices are filled with folks requesting money. One question on the request is what model/year automobile do you own? Cannot tell you how many Escalades, Lexus', BMW's and Land Rovers are listed. And we're giving these people money. Why?
I feel sorry for all the good hard working people that are being affected. I say stop the $$$$ for all the people that on these programs, give them a job working for one of the Big Three, and divert the social program $$$$ to the businesses that agree to employ these people. Just a thought!
So where in the hell did we go wrong? My dad rest his soul, preached, good education, and hard work is going to get you everywhere. Don't expect anyone to hand you this life on a silver platter. Sadly, my dad never got to tell the folks on capital hill this.
Other problem is we have too damn many professional politicians. Trust me our founding fathers are rolling over in their graves. Their idea of free government with people elected officials was not what we have today. They figured we'd elect Joe the Farmer or even Joe the Plumber, let them serve a term or two and then send them back to the farm or plumbing. Our government is tainted. You don't hear them saying we won't take a raise this year, or lets do what Wal-Mart and Target are doing to their prices and cut our salaries by 10%.
I used to use this statement a lot when I was in the military, "sometimes ya gotta let it break, before we can fix it."
We are in trouble, big trouble. And ya know, no one yet has brought up the real threat. There is some piss ant country out there that is waiting to pounce. And it's possible we are not going to have enough strength or resources to overcome and sustain. Somehow, I'm glad I'm 62. More years behind me than ahead!!!!!
Holidays are upon us.
For some the holidays will be the same, for others a bit challenging. As I sit back and ponder what has gone on these past several years, I really have to wonder.
Just read where old G.W. and Laura have bought their post-presidency home. Not too shabby, 1.13 acres, 8,501 square feet with 4.5 baths. Won't go into all the house details. Located in an ultra-chic area of North Dallas. They paid, what the media stated as top dollar, 2+ million dollars. Oh yeah and by the way it has separate "servant" quarters and a 450 square foot cabana!
Wonder who financed them, the struggling Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae? Or was this just a little rider on the 700 billion dollar bailout plan.
Hey I think it's great that they can afford to do this. Especially having "politically incorrect" servant quarters. Hell didn't we stop using that word a bezillion years ago.
So lets kinda put all this into perspective. Here is an excerpt from Order Code 98-249 GOV Updated March 18, 2008:
Congress enacted the Former Presidents Act (FPA) in 1958 to provide former
Presidents an annual lifetime pension, currently $191,300, and office allowances
administered by the General Services Administration (GSA). The FPA, as amended,
also provides former Presidents with travel funds and mailing privileges (3 U.S.C. 102
note). Secret Service protection for former Presidents is also authorized by statute.
P.L. 110-161, the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, authorizes $2,478,000 in
funding for former Presidents. The President’s FY2009 budget requests $2,934,000 to
provide former Presidents with pensions and office allowances.
Here's the link in case this interests you and you are curious of total breakdown: "http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/98-249.pdf"
Anyway. Let me get to my point so I can end this. This guy, G.W. Bush, is going to be compensated $200,000+ per year until his death. My question is, for what? He totally screwed up this country; put us in debt; passed bailout programs without our permission. I just think if they determined the tax payer would fund these programs that they should have gotten our input; has put Wall Street in a whirlwind; need I go on!!!!!! You catch my drift.
We've got millions of folks that once were employed and are now finding themselves scurrying trying to figure out how they are going to survive. Yeah GW says he really feels badly for these folks. And then slaps them all in the face with a 2+ million dollar home and the kicker, they are keeping their ranch in Crawford!!!! Maybe their just gonna flip this new place!
All I've got to say is it must be nice. I wonder how he looks at himself in the mirror. Hell I drive myself crazy if I short change someone a quarter.
Oh well, after all, this is America, the good ole' US of A. Where basically the poor are taken care of through all our social, welfare and food stamp programs, to name but a few. The rich find new ways to claim tax exemptions. And the middle guy, I'm included in this group, gets screwed. We are the working class, the taxpayers, the scapegoats, the over taxed, the underpaid. So here we are once again sucking it up, making ends meet, until it gets better.
Wonder when that's gonna happen! By the way, anyone want to chip in for a house warming gift?
Just read where old G.W. and Laura have bought their post-presidency home. Not too shabby, 1.13 acres, 8,501 square feet with 4.5 baths. Won't go into all the house details. Located in an ultra-chic area of North Dallas. They paid, what the media stated as top dollar, 2+ million dollars. Oh yeah and by the way it has separate "servant" quarters and a 450 square foot cabana!
Wonder who financed them, the struggling Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae? Or was this just a little rider on the 700 billion dollar bailout plan.
Hey I think it's great that they can afford to do this. Especially having "politically incorrect" servant quarters. Hell didn't we stop using that word a bezillion years ago.
So lets kinda put all this into perspective. Here is an excerpt from Order Code 98-249 GOV Updated March 18, 2008:
Congress enacted the Former Presidents Act (FPA) in 1958 to provide former
Presidents an annual lifetime pension, currently $191,300, and office allowances
administered by the General Services Administration (GSA). The FPA, as amended,
also provides former Presidents with travel funds and mailing privileges (3 U.S.C. 102
note). Secret Service protection for former Presidents is also authorized by statute.
P.L. 110-161, the FY2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, authorizes $2,478,000 in
funding for former Presidents. The President’s FY2009 budget requests $2,934,000 to
provide former Presidents with pensions and office allowances.
Here's the link in case this interests you and you are curious of total breakdown: "http://www.senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/98-249.pdf"
Anyway. Let me get to my point so I can end this. This guy, G.W. Bush, is going to be compensated $200,000+ per year until his death. My question is, for what? He totally screwed up this country; put us in debt; passed bailout programs without our permission. I just think if they determined the tax payer would fund these programs that they should have gotten our input; has put Wall Street in a whirlwind; need I go on!!!!!! You catch my drift.
We've got millions of folks that once were employed and are now finding themselves scurrying trying to figure out how they are going to survive. Yeah GW says he really feels badly for these folks. And then slaps them all in the face with a 2+ million dollar home and the kicker, they are keeping their ranch in Crawford!!!! Maybe their just gonna flip this new place!
All I've got to say is it must be nice. I wonder how he looks at himself in the mirror. Hell I drive myself crazy if I short change someone a quarter.
Oh well, after all, this is America, the good ole' US of A. Where basically the poor are taken care of through all our social, welfare and food stamp programs, to name but a few. The rich find new ways to claim tax exemptions. And the middle guy, I'm included in this group, gets screwed. We are the working class, the taxpayers, the scapegoats, the over taxed, the underpaid. So here we are once again sucking it up, making ends meet, until it gets better.
Wonder when that's gonna happen! By the way, anyone want to chip in for a house warming gift?
So what is it that I don't understand?
The US government announced another $30 Billion to the AIG giant.
AIG has already been given some where in the neighborhood of $50 billion in bailout dollars. This morning they announced a loss of over $67 billion.
Lets see here. Common sense here, yes I'm aware I am speaking about our government, however, common sense tells me you don't continue to sink money into a sinking ship. In one of my other blogs, I think I said something to the effect of, eventually they are going to go under, and when they do, they'll take all the assets of the company and every penny of bailout money with them.
Where does it stop? We are pouring dollars into failing companies in a failing economy. And then I read where Hillary Clinton is pledging $900 million in aid for Gaza. And this money is coming from?
Our country is in trouble, serious trouble. They are dinging the tax payers, borrowing our money, counting on us to pay our taxes, with hopes that eventually the economy will turn for the good.
Silly me! If companies continue to fail and people continue to lose their jobs, taxes are not going to be collected. Then what?
I may not be the sharpest tack in the box, but I can balance my checkbook and I know enough to not overspend it.
Again I say screw these big dogs. If AIG fails, if GM and Chrysler go under, at least then we, the people, know where we stand, and from there we devise a plan to survive. If we keep going the way we are, the "American Dream" will follow suit to the once acclaimed symbol of "Made in America."
AIG has already been given some where in the neighborhood of $50 billion in bailout dollars. This morning they announced a loss of over $67 billion.
Lets see here. Common sense here, yes I'm aware I am speaking about our government, however, common sense tells me you don't continue to sink money into a sinking ship. In one of my other blogs, I think I said something to the effect of, eventually they are going to go under, and when they do, they'll take all the assets of the company and every penny of bailout money with them.
Where does it stop? We are pouring dollars into failing companies in a failing economy. And then I read where Hillary Clinton is pledging $900 million in aid for Gaza. And this money is coming from?
Our country is in trouble, serious trouble. They are dinging the tax payers, borrowing our money, counting on us to pay our taxes, with hopes that eventually the economy will turn for the good.
Silly me! If companies continue to fail and people continue to lose their jobs, taxes are not going to be collected. Then what?
I may not be the sharpest tack in the box, but I can balance my checkbook and I know enough to not overspend it.
Again I say screw these big dogs. If AIG fails, if GM and Chrysler go under, at least then we, the people, know where we stand, and from there we devise a plan to survive. If we keep going the way we are, the "American Dream" will follow suit to the once acclaimed symbol of "Made in America."
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Not sure who wrote this, but I give him/her credit
Womever wrote this should be running the country. It's a long read, but a good read.
"To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.
However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.
However, what you don't see is the back story.
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.
Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.
Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.
The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.
Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.
So where am I going with all this?
It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.
Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
Your boss"
"To All My Valued Employees,
There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.
However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.
First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.
However, what you don't see is the back story.
I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you.
My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the Goodwill store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.
So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am, mentally check in at about noon, and then leave at 5pm, I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... You never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.
Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.
Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.
Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:
I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.
The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.
The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.
Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.
When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.
So where am I going with all this?
It's quite simple.
If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.
Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.
If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....
Signed,
Your boss"
What's wrong with this picture?
In the news: "Despite being bailed out with more than $170 billion from the Treasury and Federal Reserve, American International Group is preparing to pay about $100 million in bonuses to executives in the same unit that brought the company to the brink of collapse last year. Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner had called AIG's government-appointed chairman, Edward M. Liddy, on Wednesday and asked that the company renegotiate the bonuses. We cannot attract and retain the best and the brightest talent to lead and staff the AIG businesses - which are now being operated principally on behalf of American taxpayers - if employees believe their compensation is subject to continued arbitrary adjustment by the US Treasury."
So you really still don't understand why we are in the economic situation we are? You have got to be kidding me!
I'm just saying, our government is out of control. They are literally stealing our tax dollars and making the wealthy bastards wealthier. They (government) say they can't do anything about the functions of a private company.
That's bullshit! Stop giving these losers our dollars. Stimulus my butt. Only people getting stimulated are the fat cats.
America it is time to stand up for your constitutional rights. Our government has to stop bailing out the losers. Let AIG, GM, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Chrysler and the like drown in their own greed. Let them be the example of what's gonna happen to your mismanaged company.
This sure does remind me of what my mom used to say: "if I catch your hand in the cookie jar one more time...."
So you really still don't understand why we are in the economic situation we are? You have got to be kidding me!
I'm just saying, our government is out of control. They are literally stealing our tax dollars and making the wealthy bastards wealthier. They (government) say they can't do anything about the functions of a private company.
That's bullshit! Stop giving these losers our dollars. Stimulus my butt. Only people getting stimulated are the fat cats.
America it is time to stand up for your constitutional rights. Our government has to stop bailing out the losers. Let AIG, GM, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Chrysler and the like drown in their own greed. Let them be the example of what's gonna happen to your mismanaged company.
This sure does remind me of what my mom used to say: "if I catch your hand in the cookie jar one more time...."
Celebrity Apprentice, what is Trump thinking?
After watching the finale of the absolute worst season of The Apprentice, my wife and I have vowed never to watch the program again.
We understand entertainment value, however, there is no room in this world for the demeaning sarcastic disrespectful attitude and demeanor of Joan Rivers. I cannot believe that Ivanka and Donald both complimented Joan for being a role model! Role model???? We sure didn't see it.
Well maybe she was a role model for the type of person one should not be. We just don't get it. Joan and her daughter were the two rudist people ever.
Talk about sharp tongued, calling Annie Duke two faced, Hitler, the Mafia and so many other belittling names.
And the NY Daily News poll this morning had Joan as the one to win. And the kicker is that this show is really based on the ability of a person to make money! Annie surely raised hundreds of thousands of dollars more then Joan or her her daughter Melissa combined.
Basically if this show is going to promote trash talk, dregradation of people, personal attacks and people like Joan and Melissa Rivers as role models we need not watch it ever again. There are plenty of TV shows on now that fill this bill.
We surely hope that more viewers out there share our views and also refuse to watch this show.
Justify it by calling entertainment, thats your choice.
We understand entertainment value, however, there is no room in this world for the demeaning sarcastic disrespectful attitude and demeanor of Joan Rivers. I cannot believe that Ivanka and Donald both complimented Joan for being a role model! Role model???? We sure didn't see it.
Well maybe she was a role model for the type of person one should not be. We just don't get it. Joan and her daughter were the two rudist people ever.
Talk about sharp tongued, calling Annie Duke two faced, Hitler, the Mafia and so many other belittling names.
And the NY Daily News poll this morning had Joan as the one to win. And the kicker is that this show is really based on the ability of a person to make money! Annie surely raised hundreds of thousands of dollars more then Joan or her her daughter Melissa combined.
Basically if this show is going to promote trash talk, dregradation of people, personal attacks and people like Joan and Melissa Rivers as role models we need not watch it ever again. There are plenty of TV shows on now that fill this bill.
We surely hope that more viewers out there share our views and also refuse to watch this show.
Justify it by calling entertainment, thats your choice.
What is wrong with this society?
Below is an excerpt of an article from our local newspaper. No plagiarism intended and full credit to the author is given.
Before I post the story, let me add a bit of background and a few comments.
I have served this country in the capacity of a US Marine for four years, 1964 - 1968. During my tenure as a Marine, I served in Viet-Nam '65 - '66 as an Infantry man, military occupational specialty, Flamethrower! Hoo-aah!!!! Honorably discharged in 1968. Let me address the Viet-Nam experience quickly. Upon our, all Viet-Nam vets, return from 'Nam, we were greeted with banners and crowds welcoming us home. However, not the welcome one would expect. Rather we were greeted with signs and banners and banter from the crowds that labeled us as killers, baby killers to be specific. Here we were, most of us under the age of 20, returning to our home land and being slandered as killers. Isn't that what war is all about? Someone is going to die. I'd like to quote a line from one General Patton's speeches; "You don't win a war by dying for your country. You win a war by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his."
My point here is 58,228 United States military members were killed in action. 153,452 wounded and 1,740 missing in action. Included in all these numbers are 19 US civilians killed and 34 missing.
Yet the soldiers (all services) returning home were labeled as baby killers. Let me say this for my record. I came home, sane, I'm sure some would question my sanity, and in one piece. Oh by the way I was 18 years old when I went to war. Death was a daily occurrence. Tell ya what, bullets flying around surely makes you aware of how quickly life can end.
After my USMC stint of service, I took a break. Didn't think I really needed to head back to Viet-Nam. In 1975 I joined the US Army, and served until 1995. Hey some folks are born to be bankers, firemen and law enforcement officers. My calling was the military, Infantry to be specific. Served an additional 20 years with the US Army Infantry. Served with the first Mechanized Infantry unit deployed to Panama during Noriega's reign of terror. Trained and readied to deploy to Iraq the first go round. And of course numerous other assignments overseas. Finally retired after 24 years of honorable service to this great country.
To those that oppose the 2nd Amendment's right to bear arms I say, my family is and always will be protected. And I shall never go down without a fight. The below newspaper article is but one of the daily occurrences in our state of innocent people being mugged, raped and or killed. Why? Who knows. These occurrences are reason enough for me to be armed and ready to protect my family and those around me.
Excerpt from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, June 2, 2009
Gunman fires on soldiers
He kills one, injures one at LR center
BY JACOB QUINN SANDERS
LITTLE ROCK — CORRECTION: William Long of Conway was 23. The following story misstated his age.
A Tennessee man who converted to Islam and opposes American military actions overseas is charged with shooting two United States Army privates outside a west Little Rock recruiting center, killing one and seriously wounding the other Monday morning, police said.
Armed with two rifles and a handgun, Abdul-Hakim Mujahid Muhammad, 23, who was born Carlos Bledsoe, specifically targeted the Army-Navy Career Center in the Ashley Square shopping center at 9112 N. Rodney Parham Road, police said.
From behind the wheel of a black Ford Sport Trac, police said, Muhammad fired at least 10 rounds from an SKS 7.62mm rifle. Seven recruiters were inside the office. None was injured.
The two soldiers were taking a smoke break outside the recruiting office at 10:19 a.m. when the gunman arrived in the dark-colored truck.
William Long, 25, of Conway suffered at least three gunshot wounds and died at Baptist Health Medical Center less than an hour after the shooting, police said.
My heartfelt sympathy to all the family members.
Before I post the story, let me add a bit of background and a few comments.
I have served this country in the capacity of a US Marine for four years, 1964 - 1968. During my tenure as a Marine, I served in Viet-Nam '65 - '66 as an Infantry man, military occupational specialty, Flamethrower! Hoo-aah!!!! Honorably discharged in 1968. Let me address the Viet-Nam experience quickly. Upon our, all Viet-Nam vets, return from 'Nam, we were greeted with banners and crowds welcoming us home. However, not the welcome one would expect. Rather we were greeted with signs and banners and banter from the crowds that labeled us as killers, baby killers to be specific. Here we were, most of us under the age of 20, returning to our home land and being slandered as killers. Isn't that what war is all about? Someone is going to die. I'd like to quote a line from one General Patton's speeches; "You don't win a war by dying for your country. You win a war by making the other poor dumb bastard die for his."
My point here is 58,228 United States military members were killed in action. 153,452 wounded and 1,740 missing in action. Included in all these numbers are 19 US civilians killed and 34 missing.
Yet the soldiers (all services) returning home were labeled as baby killers. Let me say this for my record. I came home, sane, I'm sure some would question my sanity, and in one piece. Oh by the way I was 18 years old when I went to war. Death was a daily occurrence. Tell ya what, bullets flying around surely makes you aware of how quickly life can end.
After my USMC stint of service, I took a break. Didn't think I really needed to head back to Viet-Nam. In 1975 I joined the US Army, and served until 1995. Hey some folks are born to be bankers, firemen and law enforcement officers. My calling was the military, Infantry to be specific. Served an additional 20 years with the US Army Infantry. Served with the first Mechanized Infantry unit deployed to Panama during Noriega's reign of terror. Trained and readied to deploy to Iraq the first go round. And of course numerous other assignments overseas. Finally retired after 24 years of honorable service to this great country.
To those that oppose the 2nd Amendment's right to bear arms I say, my family is and always will be protected. And I shall never go down without a fight. The below newspaper article is but one of the daily occurrences in our state of innocent people being mugged, raped and or killed. Why? Who knows. These occurrences are reason enough for me to be armed and ready to protect my family and those around me.
Excerpt from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, June 2, 2009
Gunman fires on soldiers
He kills one, injures one at LR center
BY JACOB QUINN SANDERS
LITTLE ROCK — CORRECTION: William Long of Conway was 23. The following story misstated his age.
A Tennessee man who converted to Islam and opposes American military actions overseas is charged with shooting two United States Army privates outside a west Little Rock recruiting center, killing one and seriously wounding the other Monday morning, police said.
Armed with two rifles and a handgun, Abdul-Hakim Mujahid Muhammad, 23, who was born Carlos Bledsoe, specifically targeted the Army-Navy Career Center in the Ashley Square shopping center at 9112 N. Rodney Parham Road, police said.
From behind the wheel of a black Ford Sport Trac, police said, Muhammad fired at least 10 rounds from an SKS 7.62mm rifle. Seven recruiters were inside the office. None was injured.
The two soldiers were taking a smoke break outside the recruiting office at 10:19 a.m. when the gunman arrived in the dark-colored truck.
William Long, 25, of Conway suffered at least three gunshot wounds and died at Baptist Health Medical Center less than an hour after the shooting, police said.
My heartfelt sympathy to all the family members.
After all these years, I have realized.....
That I am the best driver on the road!!!!!!
It is beyond my level of comprehension how so many people behind the wheel can be so careless.
Directional (turn) signals are mostly never used. This is due to not having the hand free to flip the lever. I have actually witnessed folks passing me with a book or magazine on the steering wheel; or see them texting, or applying makeup as they are going 60 or 70 mph.
And why don't people look? Whether a directional signal is used or not, people just pull out. And then of course the sense that, "hey I put my signal on."
Driving for me has become a simple necessity, I really no longer enjoy it. The rudeness of people is crazy.
Funny how everyone is so against things that are hazardous to one's health, smoking, drinking, obesity and the like. However, when it comes to driving all caution is thrown to the wind. Do people not realize they are vulnerable or that they really are sitting behind the wheel of a 2,000 pound killing machine?
But I know I'm preaching to the choir, cuz after all, it's never gonna happen to me!
It is beyond my level of comprehension how so many people behind the wheel can be so careless.
Directional (turn) signals are mostly never used. This is due to not having the hand free to flip the lever. I have actually witnessed folks passing me with a book or magazine on the steering wheel; or see them texting, or applying makeup as they are going 60 or 70 mph.
And why don't people look? Whether a directional signal is used or not, people just pull out. And then of course the sense that, "hey I put my signal on."
Driving for me has become a simple necessity, I really no longer enjoy it. The rudeness of people is crazy.
Funny how everyone is so against things that are hazardous to one's health, smoking, drinking, obesity and the like. However, when it comes to driving all caution is thrown to the wind. Do people not realize they are vulnerable or that they really are sitting behind the wheel of a 2,000 pound killing machine?
But I know I'm preaching to the choir, cuz after all, it's never gonna happen to me!
So I was asked my opinion about the Second Amendement
Here is my reply.
Being a military retiree and spending 24 years in the Infantry I have had my experience with weapons. I have a Concealed Carry Permit and I do carry about 95% of the time.
The argument of the Second Amendment has been an ongoing discussion for years. Sadly the majority of the people do not really know what the Second Amendment Right is.
The true interpretation of the Amendment does not give every citizen of this country the right to bear arms.
The argued excerpt: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
The intent of the Amendment was to give citizens, farmers and home owners the right to bear arms to protect their properties and families against aggression.
So the NRA's (of which I am a member) argument that everyone should have the right to bear arms is a moot point with me.
Yep, I'd be pissed if the Government came in and told me I could no longer own a gun, and yep, I'd be illegal because I will not give up my guns. Period!
I feel if they stop all gun sales and take away every one's right to own and bear arms, the only folks that will have guns will be the criminals and we surely have enough of that problem now.
The argument from the righteous people that say guns kill, haven't a friggin clue. Hell cars kill as well. However, if I leave my gun in a safe locked up it isn't going to kill anyone by itself. It will need a mechanism to squeeze the trigger to make it go bang.
So why don't people that have lost family members due to a drunk driver behind the wheel not sued or condemned the car manufacturer involved? Well simply, because it's a stupid thought. The car did not kill anyone. The car was the projectile that the drunk driver used to kill someone.
I think it is just so very hard to blame an inanimate object of a crime!
Do I support the Second Amendment? You betcha, I gave 24 years of my life for that right. It would be nice if everyone really knew what that right was all about.
Being a military retiree and spending 24 years in the Infantry I have had my experience with weapons. I have a Concealed Carry Permit and I do carry about 95% of the time.
The argument of the Second Amendment has been an ongoing discussion for years. Sadly the majority of the people do not really know what the Second Amendment Right is.
The true interpretation of the Amendment does not give every citizen of this country the right to bear arms.
The argued excerpt: "A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
The intent of the Amendment was to give citizens, farmers and home owners the right to bear arms to protect their properties and families against aggression.
So the NRA's (of which I am a member) argument that everyone should have the right to bear arms is a moot point with me.
Yep, I'd be pissed if the Government came in and told me I could no longer own a gun, and yep, I'd be illegal because I will not give up my guns. Period!
I feel if they stop all gun sales and take away every one's right to own and bear arms, the only folks that will have guns will be the criminals and we surely have enough of that problem now.
The argument from the righteous people that say guns kill, haven't a friggin clue. Hell cars kill as well. However, if I leave my gun in a safe locked up it isn't going to kill anyone by itself. It will need a mechanism to squeeze the trigger to make it go bang.
So why don't people that have lost family members due to a drunk driver behind the wheel not sued or condemned the car manufacturer involved? Well simply, because it's a stupid thought. The car did not kill anyone. The car was the projectile that the drunk driver used to kill someone.
I think it is just so very hard to blame an inanimate object of a crime!
Do I support the Second Amendment? You betcha, I gave 24 years of my life for that right. It would be nice if everyone really knew what that right was all about.
And now soldiers are shooting soldiers!
The news today was absolutely heartbreaking and sickening. An Army officer, a doctor and psychiatrist, shot and killed 12 fellow soldiers. How horrific! In all, at latest count, 12 dead, 31 wounded.
How crazy! What in the hell did these soldiers do to hurt this officer? What role did they have in his being deployed? None, an emphatic not one damn thing. But yet, as innocent bystanders their lives are ended.
Ladies and gentlemen, do not blame the guns used. Guns are inanimate objects that do no harm on their own. I can attest to that. None of my guns have ever jumped out of their cases and began shooting. It is not the gun manufacturers fault anymore than it is the fault of an automobile manufacturers fault because someone runs a red light.
"A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for concern." (Excerpted from: The Modern Technique of the Pistol, by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library of Congress Number 91-72644, $40)
Rather it is the fault of a radical SOB that had total disregard for the Hypocratic Oath that he had vowed to uphold.
I cannot fix this, nor can I turn back the hands of time. I can only wonder why. And I can render prayer to those involved.
Although no official words have ever been printed, these verses have become popular.
I render the salute of TAPS to my fallen comrades. May God be you!
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
How crazy! What in the hell did these soldiers do to hurt this officer? What role did they have in his being deployed? None, an emphatic not one damn thing. But yet, as innocent bystanders their lives are ended.
Ladies and gentlemen, do not blame the guns used. Guns are inanimate objects that do no harm on their own. I can attest to that. None of my guns have ever jumped out of their cases and began shooting. It is not the gun manufacturers fault anymore than it is the fault of an automobile manufacturers fault because someone runs a red light.
"A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for concern." (Excerpted from: The Modern Technique of the Pistol, by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library of Congress Number 91-72644, $40)
Rather it is the fault of a radical SOB that had total disregard for the Hypocratic Oath that he had vowed to uphold.
I cannot fix this, nor can I turn back the hands of time. I can only wonder why. And I can render prayer to those involved.
Although no official words have ever been printed, these verses have become popular.
I render the salute of TAPS to my fallen comrades. May God be you!
Day is done, gone the sun,
From the hills, from the lake,
From the sky.
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.
Go to sleep, peaceful sleep,
May the soldier or sailor,
God keep.
On the land or the deep,
Safe in sleep.
Love, good night, Must thou go,
When the day, And the night
Need thee so?
All is well. Speedeth all
To their rest.
Fades the light; And afar
Goeth day, And the stars
Shineth bright,
Fare thee well; Day has gone,
Night is on.
Thanks and praise, For our days,
'Neath the sun, Neath the stars,
'Neath the sky,
As we go, This we know,
God is nigh.
Ft Hood - The Answer!
Well here I go again. Seems I am always against the grain, but this time I think in a good way.
I think everyone knows I support the right to bear arms. Not going to go into the 2nd Amendment as I believe far too many people skew the real meaning. Nor am I going to rant about the fact weapons do not kill people. Let me just quickly repeat myself. It takes a deliberate act of squeezing the trigger to make any gun go "bang." So, the person attached to the finger is the cause of a weapon discharging a round.
In the past few days a lot has been printed and reported about the Ft Hood shooting. Many are appalled that soldiers were not armed to defend themselves. Many are questioning that fact. I am not going to discuss Maj Hasan. Why he snapped or what made him execute such a horrific plan, we may never know. So I'll allow you to speculate and draw your own conclusions.
Let me quickly address why the solders were not armed. Being a veteran of 24 years, all Infantry, I have quite an extensive weapons experience base to draw from.
If this happened on an Air Force base or a Navy ship at sea, would the question still be why weren't the Air Force and Navy personnel armed? I think not.
I really don't think Americans look at the Air Force and Navy in the same light they do the Army and Marine Corps.
For some reason we never really relate guns and combat to the Air Force and Navy.
So why weren't the Ft Hood soldiers armed? For the same reason Air Force pilots do not take their fighter jets home! Or why Navy Commanders aren't leisurely floating their big grey ships in the local lake! Just not feasible.
What if IBM had all their employees toting weapons, or Ford Motor Company armed everyone on the assembly line, would we accept this? An emphatic and resounding no!
Military personnel, regardless of service, prepare to defend a great country against foreign or domestic threat. Never a thought to defend the place you work.
If all our military walked around carrying a weapon, it would be more of a street gang with sophisticated weapons rather than a well regulated militia.
I cannot recall an incident during my twenty-four years of service that required us to be armed, locked and loaded, on any installation I was assigned. Quite possibly, the 9-11 incident may have been one tragedy that caused all military installations to lock down and their Rapid Response Units to be placed on alert.
The incident on Ft Hood came unexpectedly, just as 9-11, the shootings at Columbine and Virginia Tech, to name a few.
There is no defense against such an act of violence. I do wonder sometimes why all these so called psychics we have in this country cannot see stuff like this before it happens!
If the unexpected was expected, we could prepare for it. Sadly, it is always just that, unexpected.
Maybe Murphy gave us the most profound observation ever. "If anything can go wrong, it will; and at the worst possible moment." Maybe we need to add "and with horrific consequence."
I think everyone knows I support the right to bear arms. Not going to go into the 2nd Amendment as I believe far too many people skew the real meaning. Nor am I going to rant about the fact weapons do not kill people. Let me just quickly repeat myself. It takes a deliberate act of squeezing the trigger to make any gun go "bang." So, the person attached to the finger is the cause of a weapon discharging a round.
In the past few days a lot has been printed and reported about the Ft Hood shooting. Many are appalled that soldiers were not armed to defend themselves. Many are questioning that fact. I am not going to discuss Maj Hasan. Why he snapped or what made him execute such a horrific plan, we may never know. So I'll allow you to speculate and draw your own conclusions.
Let me quickly address why the solders were not armed. Being a veteran of 24 years, all Infantry, I have quite an extensive weapons experience base to draw from.
If this happened on an Air Force base or a Navy ship at sea, would the question still be why weren't the Air Force and Navy personnel armed? I think not.
I really don't think Americans look at the Air Force and Navy in the same light they do the Army and Marine Corps.
For some reason we never really relate guns and combat to the Air Force and Navy.
So why weren't the Ft Hood soldiers armed? For the same reason Air Force pilots do not take their fighter jets home! Or why Navy Commanders aren't leisurely floating their big grey ships in the local lake! Just not feasible.
What if IBM had all their employees toting weapons, or Ford Motor Company armed everyone on the assembly line, would we accept this? An emphatic and resounding no!
Military personnel, regardless of service, prepare to defend a great country against foreign or domestic threat. Never a thought to defend the place you work.
If all our military walked around carrying a weapon, it would be more of a street gang with sophisticated weapons rather than a well regulated militia.
I cannot recall an incident during my twenty-four years of service that required us to be armed, locked and loaded, on any installation I was assigned. Quite possibly, the 9-11 incident may have been one tragedy that caused all military installations to lock down and their Rapid Response Units to be placed on alert.
The incident on Ft Hood came unexpectedly, just as 9-11, the shootings at Columbine and Virginia Tech, to name a few.
There is no defense against such an act of violence. I do wonder sometimes why all these so called psychics we have in this country cannot see stuff like this before it happens!
If the unexpected was expected, we could prepare for it. Sadly, it is always just that, unexpected.
Maybe Murphy gave us the most profound observation ever. "If anything can go wrong, it will; and at the worst possible moment." Maybe we need to add "and with horrific consequence."
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