Saturday, June 25, 2016

TIME TO QUIT THE UN ?

isn't it about time we booted the UN out of New York and stopped funding this useless organization ?

Many years ago it seemed a good idea to construct and host a world forum to promote dialogue between nations with different agendas and world views. However, given all the electronic advances with communication, easy global travel, and language ciphering, the United Nations is now unnecessary in my view. Also, the institution has become a haven for international elitists legitimizing many repressive world powers. On too many occasions, the UN has suffered causes and world leader fools which are counter to the American principles of liberty and capitalism. It is attempting to make more and more world laws which are counter to the ideals and goals of the United States and many other western democracies.

Simply stated, the United States has consistently funded an organization and given valuable real estate to something that has outlived its usefulness. In my opinion, it's "peace keeping" activities have rarely brought lasting harmony, and requiring US citizens to don the baby blue UN helmet is likely unconstitutional. Many foreign agents of the UN are charlatans, spies, and shady characters not worthy of the expense and attention.

We should recognize the overall waste of a UN mired in bureaucracy and corruption and send this freak show away from our shores. Can congress or the president make it an important part of their agenda to rid us of the UN and all its money grubbing and globalist tentacles.

To protect our culture, language, and borders let's send the UN packing, cutoff it's funding, and reclaim our valuable real estate in New York City.


Tuesday, June 14, 2016

WHAT AM I BECOMING ?

In odd mental spasms, daydreams, and nightmares I have experiences and memories I cannot explain. From periods of dim recognition to vivid images of a surreal world I float in uncertainty like a leaf spinning in a breeze, but never touching the ground.

In trying to understand, I wonder if I died, quit my human form and became other things. I vividly remember a bed, and my body wracked with pain followed by tranquility. Then came an empty darkness in which I floated for what seemed a long time. Did I die ?  Yet, I have visited serious illnesses, hospitalizations, and heavy medications many times. Next, I awake and see myself rising from slumber, bathing, and nibbling breakfast bits. Later, I sense myself pecking at the decomposed carcass of a deer along with other large winged creatures. I don't know why I eat the foul meat or squawk to maintain my feeding position. Then, I automatically lift off from oncoming traffic and flap into effortless flight. I have no knowledge or training as a scavenger bird that I recall, it was all a natural instinct. How did I become a buzzard when I remember waking earlier as a man ?

Another time, I distinctly recall incredible blackness with a steady dampness and an urge to push. I quietly shutter when other creatures burrow nearby fearing I might be their next meal. Then, without knowing why or how, my roots push a tiny green sprig through  the grounds crust to meet the nurturing sun and air. But, shortly before I experience being a plant, I distinctly recall toweling myself dry from a warm shower. Drifting from reality to dreamscapes is a queer and confusing situation. While it is not an entirely new encounter, the sharpness of detail, color, and flavors is considerably enhanced from earlier times.

A long time ago, I vaguely remember an oriental religion which taught the odd situation of people becoming other forms of life or creation after the demise of their human body. However, I assume if this ever occurred it would be a total transformation. In other words, if I was reincarnated a worm I would have no memory of ever being a man, and therefore suffer no human memories. If I have passed from human form to other forms of life, it is a disturbing experience to linger between the different realms.

Then there is the Catholic concept of purgatory. As I  recollect, it is a holding station for souls who need to atone for past wrongdoings. It is neither heaven or hell, but rather a cleanup station to get good enough to pass through the pearly gates. Maybe part of the purifying process is to experience other life forms with the memory of a former human shell.

I continue to eat, drink, interact, and emote as a human, but shutter off on a regular basis to bizarre states of being. Nothing hurts when I become a rock or butterfly, but the distraction can be dizzying. Honestly, the experience feels as real as the soothing glass of ten year old Madeira I finished ten minutes ago. Perhaps I am learning something from my fantastic journeys, but I'm not sure of the instruction. I have not sought any professional help because my experiences border on what might be considered madness by some, and I cannot bear the possibility of confinement.

I am not certain if I am evolving or devolving from one thing to another. Perhaps I have ascended or descended to dreaming the shadows of a dead man or feeding an insatiable imagination. But, for sure I am becoming something I have never been before.





Sunday, June 12, 2016

ATTENTION RESTAURANT OWNERS .

Restaurant chieftans and other service industry big shots please consider my humble request. Teach  your employees a few better responses as they "serve" your patrons. I am tired of hearing " you guys", "youse guys", "no problem", "dudes" and other robotic responses when I dine. These rejoinders are not clever or endearing and should be removed from all employee training lectures and manuals. Slang speech has no place in the business world and this includes restaurants.

My spouse and I are retired folks and senior citizens. Neither of us are from New Jersey, New York, or California and "you guys" or "dudes" doesn't describe any station in life we have ever occupied. We find the terms not appropriate since we are not about to knock over a liquor store or rush out to surf some gnarly wave. When I thank an employee for a service or returning my credit card, "no problem" implies there might have been a problem. As a customer who might leave a tip, how could my "thank you" or the return of my credit card pose a problem ?

Soon robots and electronic gizmos may take over many service industry jobs and I doubt if slang language will be programmed.

As one who was once a restaurant manager, chief executive, and owner I know the hospitality industry is a tough business. Getting employees to work on time, sober, correctly attired, and freshly bathed is a daily challenge. Also, restaurant employees contend with a variety of guests ranging from good folk to jerks, and their job can be stressful and maddening. However, employees should be schooled to speak words like "thank you", "good evening", "hello", "yes sir",  or "yes ma'am" to people who are obviously not dudes or guys.

Casual dining does not mean addressing all customers with droll phrases which many may find offensive, impersonal or downright silly. Like, like ... you know !


        

Saturday, June 4, 2016

DEMOCRATIC PARTY MOSH PIT

The increasing violence of Trump protesters is a serious wound to reasoned arguments the Democratic party might have with the candidacy of Donald Trump.

The coalition of rent a mob, paid, and aimless rioters help Trump and hurt the cause of Clinton and Sanders. Most Americans recognize and respect political differences, but they shun unreasoned violence because it's goals of destruction and anarchy serve no useful purpose. Whoever motivates and funds the madness of protesters burning, looting, and assaulting at Trump rallies must know their misguided efforts are counter productive to defeating the republican nominee.

Whatever ones political inclination, the silly and senseless antics of the democratic mosh pit is a distraction from the ebb and flow of the political process. Local police and political leaders must soundly deal with the disruptions despite their political inclinations. Clinton and other Dem party leaders must soundly condemn the violence of the fringe elements or suffer further declines in their electability. Blaming Trump for Trump riots is a limp response from anti Trump candidates.

When dangerous and mindless people disrupt peaceful political assemblies we have an emergency that must be corrected. Whether one supports progressive, liberal, conservative, or libertarian politics we must realize that gangs bent on mayhem are not good for any candidate.