Although I am an advocate of gun ownership, I agree that something has to be done. In a previous blog, "Just my $.02 Cents Worth," I talked about gun ownership. I've had guns for years and believe it or not I've never had a gun fire a round by itself. So, although one wants to place blame, the blame is not the gun. Rather it is the lack of responsible individuals with guns, or any weapon for that fact.
Recently in a small, usually quiet and crime free, neighborhood of Arkansas, a wife came home to find her husband and two of her young children stabbed to death. Some time ago in little town here in Arkansas a couple was bludgeoned to death with a bat. In yet another case, an irate wife ran over her husband with the family car.
My point, there is no controlling the action(s) of a person that is not well. All the laws, all the controls, all the preventive steps, will not keep an individual from committing a heinous crime.
The day of the school attack in Newtown, Connecticut, China was dealing with a school disturbance of their own. Twenty-three children were slashed with a knife. Supposedly sparked by the Mayan doomsday prophesies, a young man burst into an elderly woman's home, hit her with a kitchen knife, stabbed her, and then ran to the local school and proceeded to slash and stab.
A sick horrendous act! Period. No trying to analyze here. This individual acted in a way that could not have been prevented. No one could have seen this coming. We will probably never know the underlying reasons why any of these acts were committed.
I agree, the average person that owns guns does not have a need for assault type weapons; or magazines capable of holding more than ten rounds (bullets) of ammunition. I don't think anyone needs to be in possession of thousands of rounds of ammo unless they are a bona fide licensed dealer. I'm sure we are in for a lot of argument regarding gun control.
I don't have the answer; however, I know for the sure the answer is not banning gun ownership. We can't punish everyone for the acts of others. If we ban guns, we may as well ban the knives in our kitchens, and take away our cars, and don't let kid's own baseball bats, for fear of someone being attacked.
Yes, I know the latter is silly, but think about it, guns lay in safes and on gun store shelves, and have for years. Not once has any of these guns "just" decided to shoot someone. Nor does your kitchen knife decide to cut your finger while slicing a tomato.
Tragic as it is, these are things our society must deal with and cope. Over the years as we have grown, both in population and technology, we've learned to cope with tragedy. Aside from war and natural disaster, the catastrophic loss of life has become part of our everyday existence. The Titanic, over fifteen hundred perished; in any airline crash a few hundred perish; yet we still cruise and fly.
Individuals must take personal responsibility. Parenting must include teaching the rights and wrongs and enforcing those teachings. We cannot "not" discipline a child because it is not the popular thing to do or for fear that our children will hate us. We must become aware when someone we are close to is not well, and help them seek help.
No longer can we stand aside and point a finger placing blame and responsibility.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Just a good read!
This is an impressive speech, and pretty well describes what a Marine is and should be. We can be grateful that we have such men and women at our service. Such individuals also exist in the other branches of our military. Take the time to read it. It's worth the read.
Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:55 PM PST
Colonel Lowe was an invited guest speaker at a formal “Dining In” at the Basic School at Quantico (aka OCS) who took the time to deliver a crowd-friendly, entertaining message. The following are the remarks of the Colonel, who is Commander of the Marine Corps Base at Quantico. These remarks are very much to the point and the Colonel held the complete attention of all the young graduating Lieutenants at the dining mess.
Colonel James M. Lowe
"Gentlemen, from that elegant introduction, you may or not have picked up on the fact that I have had 5 tours in Marine divisions, serving in all 4 divisions and the 3d MarDiv twice. I have made 8 Marine expeditionary unit deployments, served with the special operations command and have been to every level of PME possible in order to hone my war fighting skills.
.
Utilizing your great deductive abilities, intellect and experience as Lieutenants, you might have questioned the Corps’ collective judgment when they decided to make me a Base Commander. I sure as hell did and I still do.
You might also wanna look up “base” in the dictionary.
According to Mr. Webster: “It is the lowest part or bottom. Having or showing little or no honor, courage or decency; mean; ignoble; contemptible; menial or degrading; inferior in quality, and of comparative low worth."
So… After 28 years of focusing on locating, closing with and destroying, I’ve got that going for me.
.
That’s ok! Go ahead and laugh. Because there is at least one future base commander sitting among you right now.
Basically, I was told to talk about what I've learned over the last 28 years of leading Marines. Well… I've only learned eight things, and it'll only take me a few minutes to share them with you.
Now that I think of it, if I had been invited to speak to you the day Charlie Company formed up, I could have probably saved you six months of TBS training.
I thought I would get this structured portion out of the way up front so I could talk about anything I want to, so here goes.
1. Seek brilliance in the basics. Always do the right thing, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
2. If you are riding at the head of the herd, look back every now and then and make sure they're still there.
3. Never enter an hour-long firefight with 5 minutes of ammo.
4. Now, this next one is really important for all of you born North of Washington, DC. Never, never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
5. If you’re not shooting, and I can see by your marksmanship badges that some of you are challenged in this area, you better be communicating or reloading for another Marine.
6. There are three types of leaders. Those who learn from reading, those who learn from observation, and those who still have to touch the electric fence to get the message.
7. Remember…anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap.
8. And finally, you might want to write this one down: Never slap a grown man who has a mouth full of chewing tobacco.
Now that I’ve put that check in “proper military instruction” block, are there any questions? Of course not. What a stupid question to ask a bunch of Lieutenants so close to graduation. Now that I think of it, my TBS class stopped asking questions after the first two weeks.
I have a few minutes left; so let’s talk about something I like, Marines. Up front, let me tell you how much I admire you. Why is that? Unlike the vast majority of your fellow citizens, you stepped forward and committed yourself to a greater cause without concern for your personal safety or comfort. And you did it knowing that you would gain nothing in return. Except the honor and cherished privilege of earning the title of “Marine Officer."
Individually, you are as different as apples and oranges, but you are linked for eternity by the title “Marine,” and the fact that you are part of the finest fighting force that has ever existed in history.
If you haven’t picked up on it, I like being a Marine and I like being around Marines. Like most of you are probably thinking, I came into the Corps to do four years and four years only. But a strange thing happened. I was having so much fun that I simply forgot to get out. Hell, at this point, I am thinking seriously about making the Corps a career.
So what is it that I like about Marines? This is the easy part.
I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine. With Marines, there is no middle ground or gray area. There are only missions, objectives and facts.
I like the fact that Marines are steadfast and consistent in everything they do. Regardless of whether you agree with them or not; that Marines hold the term “politically correct” with nothing but pure disdain; that Marines stand tall and rigid in their actions, thoughts and deeds when others bend with the direction of the wind and are as confused as a dog looking at a ceiling fan.
I like the fact that each and every Marine considers the honor and legacy of the Corps as his personal and sacred trust to protect and defend.
I like the fact that most civilians don’t have a clue what makes us tick. And that’s not a bad thing. Because if they did, it would scare the hell out of them!
I like the fact that others say they want to be like us, but don’t have what it takes in the “pain-gain-pride” department to make it happen.
I like the fact that the Marines came into being…born in a bar, "Tun Tavern," and that Marines still gather in pubs, bars and so-called, "slop chutes" to share sea stories and the latest scoop.
I like our motto: "Semper Fidelis," and the fact that we don’t shed it when the going gets tough, the battlefield gets deadly or when we hang up our uniform for the last time.
I like the fact that Marines take care of each other. In combat and in time of peace.
I like the fact that Marines consider the term, “Marines take care of their own,” as meaning we will give up our very life for our fellow Marines, if necessary.
.
I like the fact that Marines know the difference between “chicken salad” and “chicken shit,” and aren’t afraid to call either one for what it is.
I like the fact that Marines have never failed the people of America, and that we don’t use the words “can’t,” “retreat,” or “lose."
I like the fact that the people of America hold Marines in the highest esteem, and they know they can count on us to locate, close with, and destroy those who would harm them.
I like Marines….and I like being around Marines.
I like the fact that a couple of years ago an elected member of congress felt compelled to publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being “radical and extreme." I like the fact that our Commandant informed that particular member of congress that he was absolutely correct, and that he passed along his compliment to the the troops.
I like the fact that Marine leaders — of every rank— know that issuing every man and woman a black beret — or polka-dotted boxer shorts for that matter— does absolutely nothing to promote morale, fighting spirit or combat effectiveness.
I like the fact that Marines are Marines first. Regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin or how long they served or what goals they achieve in life.
Let me give you one example: a young man enlists in the Navy in WWI. When the war is over, he ships over and joins the Army. He next enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1920-1922. There was no Air Force back then, so I guess he felt he had put all the checks in the block. When he served out his time in the Corps, he went after an education: receiving various degrees in engineering, history and political science from UCLA and Montana State University. He entered politics and served for 11 years in the House of Representatives. Next, he tackled the Senate where he served for 24 years, as both the Democratic whip and later as the Senate majority leader. He was then appointed as the ambassador to Japan where he served for 11 years.
This gentleman went from snuffy to national and international prominence. And when he passed away in 2001, he was rightly buried in Arlington. If you want to visit his grave, don’t look for him near the Kennedy Eternal Flame where so many politicians are laid to rest. Look for a small, common marker shared by the majority of our heroes. Look for the marker that says “Michael J. Mansfield, PFC, U.S. Marine Corps. You see, Senator Mike Mansfield, like each of us gathered here tonight, was prouder of being a Marine than anything else in his incredible life of national service.
Here is one thing I have learned for sure over the last 28 years. The years fly by, names change, the weapons and the gear change, political leaders and agendas change, national priorities and budgets change, the threats to our nation change. But through it all, there is one abiding constant —- the basic issue, do-or-die Marine. He or she will do damn near anything asked, under terrible conditions, with better results and fewer complaints than any civilized human being should have reason to expect. And we, who have the privilege of serving them and leading them, make our plans and execute crucial missions based primarily on one fact of life. That the basic Marine will not fail his country, his Corps and his fellow Marines. That they will overcome any threat. If allowed to do so. Think about that and remember that for 228 years it has worked and it has kept the wolf away from America’s door.
I like Marines, because being a Marine is serious business. We’re not a social club or a fraternal organization and we don’t pretend to be. We’re a brotherhood of “warriors” — nothing more, nothing less, pure and simple. We are in the ass-kicking business, and unfortunately, these days business is good. But don’t worry about that. What you need to remember is that the mere association of the word “Marine” with a crisis is an automatic source of confidence to America, and encouragement to all nations who stand with us. As Marines, our message to our foes has always been essentially the same. “We own this side of the street! Threaten my country or our allies and we will come over to your side of the street, burn your hut down, and whisper in your ear “can you hear me now?” And then secure your heartbeat.
Now I must tell you that I had an opportunity to review your MOS (aka Military Occupational Speciality) assignments. I remember that time in my life. Regardless of what MOS you now have, if you don’t already know it, being a leader of Marines is about as much fun as you can legally have with your clothes on. And that’s true regardless if you are a grunt, datadink, sparkchaser, stewburner, wiredog, buttplate, remington raider, rotorhead, legal beagle, fast stick, cannon cocker, track head, skivvie stacker, dual fool or a boxkicker. And if you don’t believe it you will! Trust me. Why? Because each of us fought to gain the coveted title “Marine." It wasn’t given to us. We earned it. And on the day we finally became Marines, an eternal flame of devotion and fierce pride was ignited in our souls.
Charlie Company, let’s not fool ourselves. You know it and I know it. You have some challenging times and emotional events ahead of you. I am not talking about tomorrow morning’s headache. I am talking about the fact that the world has become a very a dangerous place, and as leaders of Marines, you will be walking "point" on world events.
Make sure you keep that flame that I mentioned earlier burning brightly. It will keep you warm when times are hard. It will provide light in the darkest of nights. Use it and draw strength from it, as generations of leathernecks have done since our beginning.
Before PCS’ing to Quantico, I completed a 24-month tour with the 31st MEU aboard the USS Essex. Some of the Marines here tonight were with me. The Essex is a great ship and one of six to bear that name in defense of our nation. In 1813, the first Essex was commanded by a tough skipper named Capt. David Porter. By all accounts, Capt Porter was the type man you did not want to see at Captain’s Mast. He was tough, but he was a true warrior. On one particular mission, the Essex was ordered to sail alone to the Pacific and attack Great Britain’s Pacific whaling fleet. Obviously, Captain Porter knew the fleet was well-guarded by British men-of-war and he knew his job would be a tough one and that he would be severely out gunned in his task.
Prior to sailing, Capt Porter addressed the assembled crew of sailors and Marines on the deck and explained the task at hand. He asked for volunteers only and told his men to “take seven steps forward” if they would willingly go in harm’s way with him. He then turned his back and waited.
After a few moments, he turned to face his crew and noticed no holes in the ranks. The ranks looked just as they had and not a single Marine or sailor stood to the front of the formation. It is reported that he went on a tirade and screamed, “What is this? Not a single volunteer among you?” With this, an aide leaned over and whispered in Porter’s ear, “Sir, the whole line has stepped forward 7 paces.”
I think of this story often. And when I do, I think of Marines like you. Charlie Company, on behalf of the generations of Marine lieutenants who have gone before you, thank you for taking the “7 steps forward," thank you for your love of country, thank you for your commitment as a United States Marine.
For those of you who are wondering, “Am I up to it?” forget it. You will be magnificent, just as Marine officers always have been. I realize that many of your young Marines are going to be “been there, done that” warriors and that they will wear the decorations to prove it. But you need to know, that they respect you and admire you. You need to know that they want and need your leadership. All you have to do is never fail them in this regard and everything will turn out OK. Hold up your end of the bargain and they will not fail you.
I am pretty sure I can speak for the entire group of distinguished guests here tonight when I say, “We admire you and would trade places with you in a minute to do it all over again.” Sooooo, if you’re interested in giving up a platoon in order to be a base commander, see me at the bar!
One last thing. When you check into your first unit and start the fantastic voyage that only Marines will ever know, kick some serious ass. Because it is a full time job and there is a lot of that activity that must occur for America and her allies to survive.
“Long live the United States. And success to the Marine Corps!”"
Posted: 19 Dec 2011 06:55 PM PST
Colonel Lowe was an invited guest speaker at a formal “Dining In” at the Basic School at Quantico (aka OCS) who took the time to deliver a crowd-friendly, entertaining message. The following are the remarks of the Colonel, who is Commander of the Marine Corps Base at Quantico. These remarks are very much to the point and the Colonel held the complete attention of all the young graduating Lieutenants at the dining mess.
Colonel James M. Lowe
"Gentlemen, from that elegant introduction, you may or not have picked up on the fact that I have had 5 tours in Marine divisions, serving in all 4 divisions and the 3d MarDiv twice. I have made 8 Marine expeditionary unit deployments, served with the special operations command and have been to every level of PME possible in order to hone my war fighting skills.
.
Utilizing your great deductive abilities, intellect and experience as Lieutenants, you might have questioned the Corps’ collective judgment when they decided to make me a Base Commander. I sure as hell did and I still do.
You might also wanna look up “base” in the dictionary.
According to Mr. Webster: “It is the lowest part or bottom. Having or showing little or no honor, courage or decency; mean; ignoble; contemptible; menial or degrading; inferior in quality, and of comparative low worth."
So… After 28 years of focusing on locating, closing with and destroying, I’ve got that going for me.
.
That’s ok! Go ahead and laugh. Because there is at least one future base commander sitting among you right now.
Basically, I was told to talk about what I've learned over the last 28 years of leading Marines. Well… I've only learned eight things, and it'll only take me a few minutes to share them with you.
Now that I think of it, if I had been invited to speak to you the day Charlie Company formed up, I could have probably saved you six months of TBS training.
I thought I would get this structured portion out of the way up front so I could talk about anything I want to, so here goes.
1. Seek brilliance in the basics. Always do the right thing, and have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
2. If you are riding at the head of the herd, look back every now and then and make sure they're still there.
3. Never enter an hour-long firefight with 5 minutes of ammo.
4. Now, this next one is really important for all of you born North of Washington, DC. Never, never kick a cow chip on a hot day.
5. If you’re not shooting, and I can see by your marksmanship badges that some of you are challenged in this area, you better be communicating or reloading for another Marine.
6. There are three types of leaders. Those who learn from reading, those who learn from observation, and those who still have to touch the electric fence to get the message.
7. Remember…anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. Ammo is cheap.
8. And finally, you might want to write this one down: Never slap a grown man who has a mouth full of chewing tobacco.
Now that I’ve put that check in “proper military instruction” block, are there any questions? Of course not. What a stupid question to ask a bunch of Lieutenants so close to graduation. Now that I think of it, my TBS class stopped asking questions after the first two weeks.
I have a few minutes left; so let’s talk about something I like, Marines. Up front, let me tell you how much I admire you. Why is that? Unlike the vast majority of your fellow citizens, you stepped forward and committed yourself to a greater cause without concern for your personal safety or comfort. And you did it knowing that you would gain nothing in return. Except the honor and cherished privilege of earning the title of “Marine Officer."
Individually, you are as different as apples and oranges, but you are linked for eternity by the title “Marine,” and the fact that you are part of the finest fighting force that has ever existed in history.
If you haven’t picked up on it, I like being a Marine and I like being around Marines. Like most of you are probably thinking, I came into the Corps to do four years and four years only. But a strange thing happened. I was having so much fun that I simply forgot to get out. Hell, at this point, I am thinking seriously about making the Corps a career.
So what is it that I like about Marines? This is the easy part.
I like the fact that you always know where you stand with a Marine. With Marines, there is no middle ground or gray area. There are only missions, objectives and facts.
I like the fact that Marines are steadfast and consistent in everything they do. Regardless of whether you agree with them or not; that Marines hold the term “politically correct” with nothing but pure disdain; that Marines stand tall and rigid in their actions, thoughts and deeds when others bend with the direction of the wind and are as confused as a dog looking at a ceiling fan.
I like the fact that each and every Marine considers the honor and legacy of the Corps as his personal and sacred trust to protect and defend.
I like the fact that most civilians don’t have a clue what makes us tick. And that’s not a bad thing. Because if they did, it would scare the hell out of them!
I like the fact that others say they want to be like us, but don’t have what it takes in the “pain-gain-pride” department to make it happen.
I like the fact that the Marines came into being…born in a bar, "Tun Tavern," and that Marines still gather in pubs, bars and so-called, "slop chutes" to share sea stories and the latest scoop.
I like our motto: "Semper Fidelis," and the fact that we don’t shed it when the going gets tough, the battlefield gets deadly or when we hang up our uniform for the last time.
I like the fact that Marines take care of each other. In combat and in time of peace.
I like the fact that Marines consider the term, “Marines take care of their own,” as meaning we will give up our very life for our fellow Marines, if necessary.
.
I like the fact that Marines know the difference between “chicken salad” and “chicken shit,” and aren’t afraid to call either one for what it is.
I like the fact that Marines have never failed the people of America, and that we don’t use the words “can’t,” “retreat,” or “lose."
I like the fact that the people of America hold Marines in the highest esteem, and they know they can count on us to locate, close with, and destroy those who would harm them.
I like Marines….and I like being around Marines.
I like the fact that a couple of years ago an elected member of congress felt compelled to publicly accuse the Marine Corps of being “radical and extreme." I like the fact that our Commandant informed that particular member of congress that he was absolutely correct, and that he passed along his compliment to the the troops.
I like the fact that Marine leaders — of every rank— know that issuing every man and woman a black beret — or polka-dotted boxer shorts for that matter— does absolutely nothing to promote morale, fighting spirit or combat effectiveness.
I like the fact that Marines are Marines first. Regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin or how long they served or what goals they achieve in life.
Let me give you one example: a young man enlists in the Navy in WWI. When the war is over, he ships over and joins the Army. He next enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1920-1922. There was no Air Force back then, so I guess he felt he had put all the checks in the block. When he served out his time in the Corps, he went after an education: receiving various degrees in engineering, history and political science from UCLA and Montana State University. He entered politics and served for 11 years in the House of Representatives. Next, he tackled the Senate where he served for 24 years, as both the Democratic whip and later as the Senate majority leader. He was then appointed as the ambassador to Japan where he served for 11 years.
This gentleman went from snuffy to national and international prominence. And when he passed away in 2001, he was rightly buried in Arlington. If you want to visit his grave, don’t look for him near the Kennedy Eternal Flame where so many politicians are laid to rest. Look for a small, common marker shared by the majority of our heroes. Look for the marker that says “Michael J. Mansfield, PFC, U.S. Marine Corps. You see, Senator Mike Mansfield, like each of us gathered here tonight, was prouder of being a Marine than anything else in his incredible life of national service.
Here is one thing I have learned for sure over the last 28 years. The years fly by, names change, the weapons and the gear change, political leaders and agendas change, national priorities and budgets change, the threats to our nation change. But through it all, there is one abiding constant —- the basic issue, do-or-die Marine. He or she will do damn near anything asked, under terrible conditions, with better results and fewer complaints than any civilized human being should have reason to expect. And we, who have the privilege of serving them and leading them, make our plans and execute crucial missions based primarily on one fact of life. That the basic Marine will not fail his country, his Corps and his fellow Marines. That they will overcome any threat. If allowed to do so. Think about that and remember that for 228 years it has worked and it has kept the wolf away from America’s door.
I like Marines, because being a Marine is serious business. We’re not a social club or a fraternal organization and we don’t pretend to be. We’re a brotherhood of “warriors” — nothing more, nothing less, pure and simple. We are in the ass-kicking business, and unfortunately, these days business is good. But don’t worry about that. What you need to remember is that the mere association of the word “Marine” with a crisis is an automatic source of confidence to America, and encouragement to all nations who stand with us. As Marines, our message to our foes has always been essentially the same. “We own this side of the street! Threaten my country or our allies and we will come over to your side of the street, burn your hut down, and whisper in your ear “can you hear me now?” And then secure your heartbeat.
Now I must tell you that I had an opportunity to review your MOS (aka Military Occupational Speciality) assignments. I remember that time in my life. Regardless of what MOS you now have, if you don’t already know it, being a leader of Marines is about as much fun as you can legally have with your clothes on. And that’s true regardless if you are a grunt, datadink, sparkchaser, stewburner, wiredog, buttplate, remington raider, rotorhead, legal beagle, fast stick, cannon cocker, track head, skivvie stacker, dual fool or a boxkicker. And if you don’t believe it you will! Trust me. Why? Because each of us fought to gain the coveted title “Marine." It wasn’t given to us. We earned it. And on the day we finally became Marines, an eternal flame of devotion and fierce pride was ignited in our souls.
Charlie Company, let’s not fool ourselves. You know it and I know it. You have some challenging times and emotional events ahead of you. I am not talking about tomorrow morning’s headache. I am talking about the fact that the world has become a very a dangerous place, and as leaders of Marines, you will be walking "point" on world events.
Make sure you keep that flame that I mentioned earlier burning brightly. It will keep you warm when times are hard. It will provide light in the darkest of nights. Use it and draw strength from it, as generations of leathernecks have done since our beginning.
Before PCS’ing to Quantico, I completed a 24-month tour with the 31st MEU aboard the USS Essex. Some of the Marines here tonight were with me. The Essex is a great ship and one of six to bear that name in defense of our nation. In 1813, the first Essex was commanded by a tough skipper named Capt. David Porter. By all accounts, Capt Porter was the type man you did not want to see at Captain’s Mast. He was tough, but he was a true warrior. On one particular mission, the Essex was ordered to sail alone to the Pacific and attack Great Britain’s Pacific whaling fleet. Obviously, Captain Porter knew the fleet was well-guarded by British men-of-war and he knew his job would be a tough one and that he would be severely out gunned in his task.
Prior to sailing, Capt Porter addressed the assembled crew of sailors and Marines on the deck and explained the task at hand. He asked for volunteers only and told his men to “take seven steps forward” if they would willingly go in harm’s way with him. He then turned his back and waited.
After a few moments, he turned to face his crew and noticed no holes in the ranks. The ranks looked just as they had and not a single Marine or sailor stood to the front of the formation. It is reported that he went on a tirade and screamed, “What is this? Not a single volunteer among you?” With this, an aide leaned over and whispered in Porter’s ear, “Sir, the whole line has stepped forward 7 paces.”
I think of this story often. And when I do, I think of Marines like you. Charlie Company, on behalf of the generations of Marine lieutenants who have gone before you, thank you for taking the “7 steps forward," thank you for your love of country, thank you for your commitment as a United States Marine.
For those of you who are wondering, “Am I up to it?” forget it. You will be magnificent, just as Marine officers always have been. I realize that many of your young Marines are going to be “been there, done that” warriors and that they will wear the decorations to prove it. But you need to know, that they respect you and admire you. You need to know that they want and need your leadership. All you have to do is never fail them in this regard and everything will turn out OK. Hold up your end of the bargain and they will not fail you.
I am pretty sure I can speak for the entire group of distinguished guests here tonight when I say, “We admire you and would trade places with you in a minute to do it all over again.” Sooooo, if you’re interested in giving up a platoon in order to be a base commander, see me at the bar!
One last thing. When you check into your first unit and start the fantastic voyage that only Marines will ever know, kick some serious ass. Because it is a full time job and there is a lot of that activity that must occur for America and her allies to survive.
“Long live the United States. And success to the Marine Corps!”"
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Really? You have to be that connected?
Okay, I've found my next pet peeve. Really really pisses me off to be behind a driver that is on the phone. No you cannot do two things at once. I'd like to offer a small test to those that insist they can accomplish safe driving while chatting on the phone.
Go out to the garage or shop, get an old piece of wood and your circular saw, or any other power saw. Dial up your BFF and commence to cutting the wood.
I'm thinking at some point the familiar phrase of "let me call you back" is going to slip through your lips. That or your BFF is going to be meeting you at the ER.
Hang up the damn phone and pay attention to what the hell you're doing. You are a hazard on our roadways!
Go out to the garage or shop, get an old piece of wood and your circular saw, or any other power saw. Dial up your BFF and commence to cutting the wood.
I'm thinking at some point the familiar phrase of "let me call you back" is going to slip through your lips. That or your BFF is going to be meeting you at the ER.
Hang up the damn phone and pay attention to what the hell you're doing. You are a hazard on our roadways!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Let me explain this blog
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
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!
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