A recent news report indicated a backlog of claims to the Veterans Administration of 800 000 cases. Unfortunately, this is just the latest case of a decades long failure by another federal agency to fulfill it's core mission. While there may be thousands of dedicated employees and managers at the VA, the problem is a mountain of regulations, partisan politics, and career bureaucrats and administrators who prosper in a world of red tape.
My father returned from his horrible war experiences a disabled ninety pound veteran with extreme anxiety issues and the scars of every tropical disease imaginable. I witnessed and helped in his lifetime administrative battle with the Veterans Administration to get compensation for his afflictions. He was shuttled from hospital to hospital, required to provide documents that had been destroyed at a military records depot, and forced to complete endless forms and questionnaires. During what should have been his prime earning years he suffered nervous spells and service related illnesses which limited his ability to excel and maximize his earnings. Finally, after nearly forty years and with the intervention of congressional biggies and sympathetic doctors he received a 100 % disability rating from the Veterans Administration. With this stipend and his modest retirement he was able to live out his life in dignity and comfort. Why did it take this giant government bureau so long to conclude what was obvious in 1945 ? The tragedy is why an obviously shattered man had to spend the best years of his life fighting with his government to earn a fair settlement for his sacrifices and services.
Today we have Wounded Warriors and many other fine privately run organizations assisting disabled and unemployed veterans. In addition to their humanitarian intentions, these splendid agencies deliver important aid the Veterans Administration cannot provide in a timely manner.
The mission of the Veterans Administration is massive and probably gamed by some unscrupulous individuals seeking to get something for nothing. However, in the long view of it's history, the record of this government agency has been miserable. How can private run organizations dedicate larger portion of their donations and revenues to their veteran clients and get faster results then the Veterans Administration ?
Based on the delivery of medical care and assistance from the Veterans Administration, God help us when the federal government assumes greater control of our healthcare under Obamacare !
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Sunday, May 19, 2013
TIME FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND IMPEACHMENT ....
When we were children we were taught to be accountable for our mistakes. We were often punished because of the lies and not necessarily because of the original poor behavior or action.
Nowadays, when oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico occur, its the corporate CEO who takes full responsibility and directs the payment of fines and penalties. When a naval ship runs aground, the ships captain is held responsible and usually dismissed or demoted. When a sports team wins or loses its the coach that gets accolades or a pink slip. These true leaders would never blame an underling for their groups error or point out one player for the teams victory or loss. Also, true leaders would be cooperative, truthful, and timely in recounting the reasons for their failure or success.
Unfortunately, President Obama and his leading colleagues have a problem being accountable for their actions and mistakes. None of the elites within the administration seem to know anything about the current scandals or who might be responsible. They delay explanations and are slow to give details or name names. Their approach to questions is often arrogance, intimidation, and the attitude that they, the government, know best. Unlike Watergate and the Clinton Grope fiascos, the current outrages involve our basic constitutional rights and the lives of American citizens. Nixon lied about his knowledge of the unnecessary and stupid Watergate break in. Clinton fibbed about his sexual misconduct with a young intern. Their greatest error involved the cover up of misbehavior. From Obama the American people have not gotten good answers on Fast & Furious, Benghazi, the AP wiretapping, and the IRS targeting of Tea Party, Catholic, and Jewish 501 organizations.
Thus far President Obama, Secretary Holder and Clinton have not been truthful or cooperative in their comments and testimony. Americans should not fear their government. However, todays agenda of scandals should add to our collective concern about the power and violence the federal government can use against unfavored citizens. We should be very concerned that the IRS will soon implement and enforce the financial part of Obamacare. We should be wary of liberal ideologue Obama who cannot answer our need to know how our government can sell deadly weapons to Mexican thugs or allow the massacre of Americans in Benghazi. Also an administration which allows federal agencies to snoop on the AP or selectively delay tax exempt status for conservative groups is troubling.
If the leaders of our government cannot be accountable and truthful in a timely manner should they qualify for penalties, demotions, or impeachment ?
Nowadays, when oil spills in the Gulf of Mexico occur, its the corporate CEO who takes full responsibility and directs the payment of fines and penalties. When a naval ship runs aground, the ships captain is held responsible and usually dismissed or demoted. When a sports team wins or loses its the coach that gets accolades or a pink slip. These true leaders would never blame an underling for their groups error or point out one player for the teams victory or loss. Also, true leaders would be cooperative, truthful, and timely in recounting the reasons for their failure or success.
Unfortunately, President Obama and his leading colleagues have a problem being accountable for their actions and mistakes. None of the elites within the administration seem to know anything about the current scandals or who might be responsible. They delay explanations and are slow to give details or name names. Their approach to questions is often arrogance, intimidation, and the attitude that they, the government, know best. Unlike Watergate and the Clinton Grope fiascos, the current outrages involve our basic constitutional rights and the lives of American citizens. Nixon lied about his knowledge of the unnecessary and stupid Watergate break in. Clinton fibbed about his sexual misconduct with a young intern. Their greatest error involved the cover up of misbehavior. From Obama the American people have not gotten good answers on Fast & Furious, Benghazi, the AP wiretapping, and the IRS targeting of Tea Party, Catholic, and Jewish 501 organizations.
Thus far President Obama, Secretary Holder and Clinton have not been truthful or cooperative in their comments and testimony. Americans should not fear their government. However, todays agenda of scandals should add to our collective concern about the power and violence the federal government can use against unfavored citizens. We should be very concerned that the IRS will soon implement and enforce the financial part of Obamacare. We should be wary of liberal ideologue Obama who cannot answer our need to know how our government can sell deadly weapons to Mexican thugs or allow the massacre of Americans in Benghazi. Also an administration which allows federal agencies to snoop on the AP or selectively delay tax exempt status for conservative groups is troubling.
If the leaders of our government cannot be accountable and truthful in a timely manner should they qualify for penalties, demotions, or impeachment ?
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
TEA PARTY I AM ...
In September of 2009 I marched in my first ever protest in Washington DC. It was a crowd heavily laden with baby boomers. For many it was an arduous walk down Pennsylvania and Constitution Avenue to the Capitol. Posters, signs, and conversations with fellow marchers confirmed my reason for marching. The mood was anger over uncontrolled government spending, taxing, bureaucratic growth, and snooping into the lives and habits of citizens. It was a legitimate and orderly protest, we used trashcans, left no litter, caused no mayhem and defaced no property. In 2009 the boiling point was the then proposed plan known as Obama care. However, it's wasn't just an anti Obama protest. Most presidents over the last sixty years have allowed uncontrolled growth of government agencies and overreach and their best intentions have floundered due to the inefficiency of government bureaucracies.
As the Reverend Wright famously proclaimed, "the chickens have come home to roost". The federal bigness and overlapping bureaucracies are now killing people and stripping us of our constitutional rights. Millions of Americans are simply fed up. Poor communication between federal policing agencies killed innocents in Boston, Benghazi, and Mexico. Government big wigs always offer several trite excuses:
a. I wasn't aware of anything.
b. It is an active investigation and I cannot comment further.
c. I will appoint a blue ribbon committee.
d. It's all the fault of Bush, Cheney, and Rush Limbaugh.
e. The computer files on issues were accidentally deleted.
The real crisis for the Obama Administration has even pissed off the politically left. Associated Press media types usually defend and protect their political favorites on the left. Now, some mass media outlets and commentators are questioning the presidents motives and techniques in a number of questionable situations where truth and ethics seem stretched or abandoned. Also, the steady stream of hot scandals caused by federal government errors are piling up faster then Carney can create cute excuses. Nixon and Clinton flirted with impeachment, but the screw-ups of Obama will unfortunately be excused because of his skin color.
The current bundle of crisis es may get a few bureaucrats fired, ostracized, or jailed. However, the political biggies will escape accountability. I predict the root causes of bloated government filled with bumbling bureaucrats lead by bumbling leaders will continue in the short term. Maybe the elections in 2014 and 2016 will improve things or maybe lousy incumbents will be replaced by more lousy democrat and republican newbies.
The Tea Party is a leaderless movement which will not fill the halls of Congress because it lacks money. However, the Tea Party is a groundswell of Americans seeking major changes in the way the government conducts its business and treats its citizens. Despite the ridicule and inattention from the left, the Tea Party will survive and thrive. If the unacceptable status quo in politics and big government continues from the Kingdom of Washington, future demonstrations may result in citizens bearing more than protest signs. Hopefully, the Department of Homeland Security doesn't buy up all the ammunition.
Ultimately, more citizens need to become aware and educated about our heritage and history so they can vote with more reason rather than emotion. Those who hate America should cast their fate and fortunes in the place they believe is a better place. The silent majority lives and thrives. The Tea Party and like minded groups and individuals will eventually produce better leaders and government practises.
As the Reverend Wright famously proclaimed, "the chickens have come home to roost". The federal bigness and overlapping bureaucracies are now killing people and stripping us of our constitutional rights. Millions of Americans are simply fed up. Poor communication between federal policing agencies killed innocents in Boston, Benghazi, and Mexico. Government big wigs always offer several trite excuses:
a. I wasn't aware of anything.
b. It is an active investigation and I cannot comment further.
c. I will appoint a blue ribbon committee.
d. It's all the fault of Bush, Cheney, and Rush Limbaugh.
e. The computer files on issues were accidentally deleted.
The real crisis for the Obama Administration has even pissed off the politically left. Associated Press media types usually defend and protect their political favorites on the left. Now, some mass media outlets and commentators are questioning the presidents motives and techniques in a number of questionable situations where truth and ethics seem stretched or abandoned. Also, the steady stream of hot scandals caused by federal government errors are piling up faster then Carney can create cute excuses. Nixon and Clinton flirted with impeachment, but the screw-ups of Obama will unfortunately be excused because of his skin color.
The current bundle of crisis es may get a few bureaucrats fired, ostracized, or jailed. However, the political biggies will escape accountability. I predict the root causes of bloated government filled with bumbling bureaucrats lead by bumbling leaders will continue in the short term. Maybe the elections in 2014 and 2016 will improve things or maybe lousy incumbents will be replaced by more lousy democrat and republican newbies.
The Tea Party is a leaderless movement which will not fill the halls of Congress because it lacks money. However, the Tea Party is a groundswell of Americans seeking major changes in the way the government conducts its business and treats its citizens. Despite the ridicule and inattention from the left, the Tea Party will survive and thrive. If the unacceptable status quo in politics and big government continues from the Kingdom of Washington, future demonstrations may result in citizens bearing more than protest signs. Hopefully, the Department of Homeland Security doesn't buy up all the ammunition.
Ultimately, more citizens need to become aware and educated about our heritage and history so they can vote with more reason rather than emotion. Those who hate America should cast their fate and fortunes in the place they believe is a better place. The silent majority lives and thrives. The Tea Party and like minded groups and individuals will eventually produce better leaders and government practises.
Monday, May 13, 2013
WE NEED MORE "LEGAL" IMMIGRANTS
We need more immigrants because since Roe v. Wade we have lost nearly sixty million workers, voters, and taxpayers to abortion. Also, according to a February 2013 ABC news report, US birthrates hit a historic low rate in 2011 and this trend will continue. Given low birthrates, later ages of marriage, the LGBT folks, and morning after pills for teenagers, the number of new Americans born each year will decrease in the future. Because people are living longer there are fewer working people to pay the taxes needed to support social security and other government programs.
Immigrants have always been the lifeblood of the American economy. From the forced immigration of Africans through the 19th and 20th century rush of European and Asian immigrants our nation has always prospered from the labor of foreigners. And the immigrants over time, including the slaves, have worked their way from the lowest economic rungs of society to the middle class and beyond. It's part of our system and except for slavery it's been a successful system for the nation's economy and our "melting pot" of citizens.
We need more immigrants to keep the engine of our free market alive and well. Unfortunately because of political corruption too many illegal new comers have been allowed benefits from the federal government. Democrats favor the cheap labor of illegal immigrants and curry their favor to increase their voter base while ignoring existing immigration laws. Republicans also favor the cheap labor but question an open border and the ability of government to indefinitely pay for new residents and their families.
While Congress and the President grapple with a new immigration bill or a re branding of old immigration policies the need for more immigrants is clear. Currently there are not enough legal citizens willing to do the hard work and pay taxes. Sadly, for too many Americans welfare fulfills their aspirations and economic need. However, immigrants coming to America and willing to struggle and do the tough work will find the "American Dream" in their future.
Over America's short history immigrants have always provided the fresh energy, innovation, and genius to guide our great nation. Seems our current challenge is to craft new immigration laws that respect our prospective new citizens and yet preserve our national treasury and sense of fairness to all Americans.
Immigrants have always been the lifeblood of the American economy. From the forced immigration of Africans through the 19th and 20th century rush of European and Asian immigrants our nation has always prospered from the labor of foreigners. And the immigrants over time, including the slaves, have worked their way from the lowest economic rungs of society to the middle class and beyond. It's part of our system and except for slavery it's been a successful system for the nation's economy and our "melting pot" of citizens.
We need more immigrants to keep the engine of our free market alive and well. Unfortunately because of political corruption too many illegal new comers have been allowed benefits from the federal government. Democrats favor the cheap labor of illegal immigrants and curry their favor to increase their voter base while ignoring existing immigration laws. Republicans also favor the cheap labor but question an open border and the ability of government to indefinitely pay for new residents and their families.
While Congress and the President grapple with a new immigration bill or a re branding of old immigration policies the need for more immigrants is clear. Currently there are not enough legal citizens willing to do the hard work and pay taxes. Sadly, for too many Americans welfare fulfills their aspirations and economic need. However, immigrants coming to America and willing to struggle and do the tough work will find the "American Dream" in their future.
Over America's short history immigrants have always provided the fresh energy, innovation, and genius to guide our great nation. Seems our current challenge is to craft new immigration laws that respect our prospective new citizens and yet preserve our national treasury and sense of fairness to all Americans.
Friday, May 10, 2013
WHY I WENT TO VIETNAM
I went to Vietnam because my father, family, and I trusted our government. At twenty I didn't understand the domestic and international politics of the situation. I thought burning my draft card or rushing off to Canada were unpatriotic things to do.
My parents set an example of appropriate behavior when our nation called for their service in earlier times. In 1941 the United States responded to clear attacks at Pearl Harbor and the Nazis in a major way. I went to Vietnam because, like my parents, and many other family members and friends it seemed the right and proper thing for a citizen to do and seemed an honorable family tradition.
In retrospect, Vietnam was a civil war and we were caught in a cruel crossfire. I slowly realized, President Johnson and his generals were more concerned with geopolitics and less with military victory. Congress never had the guts to make a formal declaration of war. When the Jane Fonda's, John Kerry's, and media turned against American soldiers in Vietnam our efforts became futile and the body bags multiplied. Nearly sixty thousand including eight women died in Vietnam. Two thirds of those killed were aged 22 or younger. We came home to jeers and at best an indifferent public. We did our duty, but were burdened by the shame of losing an unpopular war. Additionally, a few highly publicized war atrocities and a rise in drug use among soldiers detracted from the heroism and dedication to duty shown by the majority.
Veterans of Vietnam are old men and women now. However, we must proudly take our place with the veterans of other American wars as citizens who did our best we could. Like our parents we loved our country and easily and bravely sprang to it's defense. Sadly from Vietnam, as from all our wars, too many of my generation made the ultimate sacrifice or came home physically or mentally brutalized. Finally, many decades past the "conflict" Vietnam veterans are receiving are receiving the respect which is due all military old timers.
Our military should react with total hell fire when our teritory or national interests are savagely attacked. If Congress declares war, the enemy is identified, and we have a clear mission in place it should be balls to the walls til victory. Sadly, the last war authorized by Congress was World War II and all military engagements since then have been caused by old politicians more interested in politics and their re elections than the young people they dispatch to war.
Never again should we fight under a Untied Nations banner (Korea - 50000 Americans killed) or enter a war without a clear declaration from our politicians. We should avoid engagement in foreign civil wars lacking a clear threat to our national security. We must always remember civil wars are the worst. Our Civil War was the deadliest war in our nations history.
Ultimately, we must wonder if our politicians really understand the business of war and proper use of the energies, talents, and lives of the young men and women in our military ? After decades, has our government learned anything from Vietnam and the numerous "conflicts" and "policing actions" authorized by Congress or the President ? Considering the military lives lost and maimed bodies and minds since the last formal declaration of war in 1941 it seems our national politicos just don't give a damn.
My parents set an example of appropriate behavior when our nation called for their service in earlier times. In 1941 the United States responded to clear attacks at Pearl Harbor and the Nazis in a major way. I went to Vietnam because, like my parents, and many other family members and friends it seemed the right and proper thing for a citizen to do and seemed an honorable family tradition.
In retrospect, Vietnam was a civil war and we were caught in a cruel crossfire. I slowly realized, President Johnson and his generals were more concerned with geopolitics and less with military victory. Congress never had the guts to make a formal declaration of war. When the Jane Fonda's, John Kerry's, and media turned against American soldiers in Vietnam our efforts became futile and the body bags multiplied. Nearly sixty thousand including eight women died in Vietnam. Two thirds of those killed were aged 22 or younger. We came home to jeers and at best an indifferent public. We did our duty, but were burdened by the shame of losing an unpopular war. Additionally, a few highly publicized war atrocities and a rise in drug use among soldiers detracted from the heroism and dedication to duty shown by the majority.
Veterans of Vietnam are old men and women now. However, we must proudly take our place with the veterans of other American wars as citizens who did our best we could. Like our parents we loved our country and easily and bravely sprang to it's defense. Sadly from Vietnam, as from all our wars, too many of my generation made the ultimate sacrifice or came home physically or mentally brutalized. Finally, many decades past the "conflict" Vietnam veterans are receiving are receiving the respect which is due all military old timers.
Our military should react with total hell fire when our teritory or national interests are savagely attacked. If Congress declares war, the enemy is identified, and we have a clear mission in place it should be balls to the walls til victory. Sadly, the last war authorized by Congress was World War II and all military engagements since then have been caused by old politicians more interested in politics and their re elections than the young people they dispatch to war.
Never again should we fight under a Untied Nations banner (Korea - 50000 Americans killed) or enter a war without a clear declaration from our politicians. We should avoid engagement in foreign civil wars lacking a clear threat to our national security. We must always remember civil wars are the worst. Our Civil War was the deadliest war in our nations history.
Ultimately, we must wonder if our politicians really understand the business of war and proper use of the energies, talents, and lives of the young men and women in our military ? After decades, has our government learned anything from Vietnam and the numerous "conflicts" and "policing actions" authorized by Congress or the President ? Considering the military lives lost and maimed bodies and minds since the last formal declaration of war in 1941 it seems our national politicos just don't give a damn.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
TODAY'S NEWS OR NONSENSE ?
Last year three major news stories headlined on American TV, radio, newspapers, and Internet sites for weeks.
First, a jury delivered a guilty verdict for killer Jodi Arias. Next, more revelations about a Cleveland man named Castro and the atrocities committed against three young women in his neighborhood. Finally, live congressional testimony was delivered by the Benghazi whistle blowers; Hicks, Nordstrom, and Thompson.
The good news is justice may be delivered to a horrible Arizona murderess. Also, good news that the ongoing nightmare for three young Ohio women ended with their captor locked away in jail and soon dead by his own design. These two stories received breathless coverage on most television networks, many newspapers, and numerous Internet social media sites. The bad news, in my opinion, is the scant coverage given the Benghazi whistle blowers. While initial television coverage came from Fox News, C Span, a few internet places and talker radio hosts, there was barely a whisper from most newspapers and the major A-B-C networks.
A few questions we need to ponder.
From an historic standpoint which of the three stories most effect the stability and future of the American brand ? Are media businesses turning more to sensationalism and farther away from journalism ? Are executives in the news industry more interested in selling ads, and fulfilling an agenda of politically correct causes then objective news reporting ? Is the media too cozy and protective of our progressive president and his administration ?
Has the liberal media a template to protect Obama from criticism, punish anyone critical of him or democrats, and crown Hillary Clinton the next US President ? Is today's federal government, as ruled by the left media and Obama regime, all about total control of the nation's direction ? Do they seek to destroy any dissent ? Has our nation come under the control of poorly educated and informed voters manipulated and encouraged by liberal politicians and media moguls ?
First, a jury delivered a guilty verdict for killer Jodi Arias. Next, more revelations about a Cleveland man named Castro and the atrocities committed against three young women in his neighborhood. Finally, live congressional testimony was delivered by the Benghazi whistle blowers; Hicks, Nordstrom, and Thompson.
The good news is justice may be delivered to a horrible Arizona murderess. Also, good news that the ongoing nightmare for three young Ohio women ended with their captor locked away in jail and soon dead by his own design. These two stories received breathless coverage on most television networks, many newspapers, and numerous Internet social media sites. The bad news, in my opinion, is the scant coverage given the Benghazi whistle blowers. While initial television coverage came from Fox News, C Span, a few internet places and talker radio hosts, there was barely a whisper from most newspapers and the major A-B-C networks.
A few questions we need to ponder.
From an historic standpoint which of the three stories most effect the stability and future of the American brand ? Are media businesses turning more to sensationalism and farther away from journalism ? Are executives in the news industry more interested in selling ads, and fulfilling an agenda of politically correct causes then objective news reporting ? Is the media too cozy and protective of our progressive president and his administration ?
Has the liberal media a template to protect Obama from criticism, punish anyone critical of him or democrats, and crown Hillary Clinton the next US President ? Is today's federal government, as ruled by the left media and Obama regime, all about total control of the nation's direction ? Do they seek to destroy any dissent ? Has our nation come under the control of poorly educated and informed voters manipulated and encouraged by liberal politicians and media moguls ?
Monday, May 6, 2013
- PASSIONS - PILLS - PRAYERS
Phases of life in the key of "p" if you please.
PASSIONS - Fun activities performed in the early times of our lives. The phase when our youthful pleasures are never quenched. The great phase when superb sex, boundless energy, friends, huge platters of rich food, good smokes, and copious servings of alcohol and drugs grace our lives.
PILLS - The middle time of life when our passions begin to dull and fade in climaxes and endurance. The time when our physicians begin prescribing pills to keep some things up and other things down. Medications become the unfulfilled hope of better days. The uncomfortable period when our best attempts to revive the passions of youth end in total exhaustion or embarrassment.
PRAYERS - A constant quiet activity we adopt during our senior years. The time when we beg God to allow us the tiny joy of at least remembering our past pleasures and how to open the damn pill bottles.
It's OK as we traverse the Final Lap to revel in the dark humor of our frailty.
PASSIONS - Fun activities performed in the early times of our lives. The phase when our youthful pleasures are never quenched. The great phase when superb sex, boundless energy, friends, huge platters of rich food, good smokes, and copious servings of alcohol and drugs grace our lives.
PILLS - The middle time of life when our passions begin to dull and fade in climaxes and endurance. The time when our physicians begin prescribing pills to keep some things up and other things down. Medications become the unfulfilled hope of better days. The uncomfortable period when our best attempts to revive the passions of youth end in total exhaustion or embarrassment.
PRAYERS - A constant quiet activity we adopt during our senior years. The time when we beg God to allow us the tiny joy of at least remembering our past pleasures and how to open the damn pill bottles.
It's OK as we traverse the Final Lap to revel in the dark humor of our frailty.
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
ARE OUR BASIC FREEDOMS BEING ELIMINATED ?
Not too long ago a third rate NBA player revealed his gayness. From the President to every media talking head the news was universally celebrated. Chris Broussard, an ESPN talkie, broadcast his opinion that gayness was a sin against the God of his religious convictions. In an instant, ESPN called his comments "a distraction" and followed the political correct agenda that a gay basketballer demonstrated "diversity". Broussard was forced to amend his comments. Also, does a racial slur by Paula Deen spoken twenty years ago justify her universal condemnation ? Why was Phil Robertson subjected to so much criticism for expressing his fundamental religious views of marriage and gayness ? Are our first amendment rights only in play if we say "politically correct" things ? Are the witnesses to the governments Benghazi debacle being denied their rights of free speech ?
Next, the Homeland Security Department is buying tons of ammunition while President Obama and his supporters propose more and more restrictive gun laws. Somehow the very clear wording of the second amendment, "... the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed " is being ignored by a lot of political and media leaders. How many crooks give a damn about obeying gun laws, or any laws ? What is the real reason our current federal regime wants to restrict the legal ownership of firearms and sufficient stores of ammunition ?
Agencies of the federal government can now track your every word on practically any computer, telephone, or other electronic device. As the technology advances, drones, conventional and infrared cameras can watch every move made by every citizen. Implanted chips may soon identify every human being, their location or medical condition(s). Are these scientific advances good ? Do these initiatives take away your fourth amendment right, "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches ..." ?
Seems as we allow the federal government to gain more power our individuality shrinks and some of our constitutional rights are diminished. Perhaps we could learn a lot listening to survivors of the Holocaust or escapees immigrants from Cuba, North Korea or Venezuela .
Next, the Homeland Security Department is buying tons of ammunition while President Obama and his supporters propose more and more restrictive gun laws. Somehow the very clear wording of the second amendment, "... the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed " is being ignored by a lot of political and media leaders. How many crooks give a damn about obeying gun laws, or any laws ? What is the real reason our current federal regime wants to restrict the legal ownership of firearms and sufficient stores of ammunition ?
Agencies of the federal government can now track your every word on practically any computer, telephone, or other electronic device. As the technology advances, drones, conventional and infrared cameras can watch every move made by every citizen. Implanted chips may soon identify every human being, their location or medical condition(s). Are these scientific advances good ? Do these initiatives take away your fourth amendment right, "to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches ..." ?
Seems as we allow the federal government to gain more power our individuality shrinks and some of our constitutional rights are diminished. Perhaps we could learn a lot listening to survivors of the Holocaust or escapees immigrants from Cuba, North Korea or Venezuela .
Monday, April 22, 2013
EVIL IN THE NAME OF GOD ....
In my opinion, there is no God in any of the worlds religions of today or yesterday.
Religion is a man made item created to explain things that defy logical explanation. Organized religions are social organizations with doctrines, a pecking order of leaders, and a value system of behavior and practices. The leaders and rules are determined by the education, race, ethnicity, geography, culture, and social standing of the group. Members of religions are promised rewards of a peaceful after life, a reincarnation, a paradise, or a harem of virgins if they remain loyal. The main requirements are to faithfully follow the rules, leaders, tithe, and work to convert others.
In a fog of magic blended with blind faith and optimism, people are lead to accept the reality of fantastic people and events. Otherwise intelligent people are required to accept events and persons that range from downright silly to void of any common sense or scientific proof. Throughout history religious groups have become so zealous that acts of war and horror have befallen others in the name of God. The mix of religious fervor and politics has proven throughout history to be a particularly deadly combination. The Crusades, Holocaust, Reformation, Inquisition, and Jihads are examples of the insanity and mayhem created by religious differences and intolerance. In my opinion, an element in most wars can be traced to cultural differences between people, and a critical element in cultural differences is religion.
Surely there is a Supreme Force or God which created everything and controls everything. I believe in that Supreme Power. However in my opinion, one need not associate with religion to believe in God. Religion demands a degree of surrendering ones free will and common sense to conform to a set of beliefs and rituals. While there are wonderful people, even saints, in some churches there is a larger number of members that present danger from their deep devotion which tends to intolerance. Over history religions have convinced too many people and civilizations to do war, rape, murder, and pillage in the name of God.
When I was a child my religion taught me my faith was the only true faith. I would get an easier route to paradise then all my non-Catholic friends. I was told it was blasphemy to consider the ideas of other religions. Like many, I became a church member as an infant before I could think of any options. Additionally, as a child my religious training gave me a bucket load of guilt and sins to consider in my every "word and action." I think my religious indoctrination was a typical experience many billions in the religions of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism have shared and suffered.
My advice is to believe in God in whatever form He or She might take, but steer clear of religions and houses of worship. Finally, I believe the real God is not a member of any religious organization and is probably very unhappy that His or Her good name is associated with the rabble of churches and religions that plague the planet.
Religion is a man made item created to explain things that defy logical explanation. Organized religions are social organizations with doctrines, a pecking order of leaders, and a value system of behavior and practices. The leaders and rules are determined by the education, race, ethnicity, geography, culture, and social standing of the group. Members of religions are promised rewards of a peaceful after life, a reincarnation, a paradise, or a harem of virgins if they remain loyal. The main requirements are to faithfully follow the rules, leaders, tithe, and work to convert others.
In a fog of magic blended with blind faith and optimism, people are lead to accept the reality of fantastic people and events. Otherwise intelligent people are required to accept events and persons that range from downright silly to void of any common sense or scientific proof. Throughout history religious groups have become so zealous that acts of war and horror have befallen others in the name of God. The mix of religious fervor and politics has proven throughout history to be a particularly deadly combination. The Crusades, Holocaust, Reformation, Inquisition, and Jihads are examples of the insanity and mayhem created by religious differences and intolerance. In my opinion, an element in most wars can be traced to cultural differences between people, and a critical element in cultural differences is religion.
Surely there is a Supreme Force or God which created everything and controls everything. I believe in that Supreme Power. However in my opinion, one need not associate with religion to believe in God. Religion demands a degree of surrendering ones free will and common sense to conform to a set of beliefs and rituals. While there are wonderful people, even saints, in some churches there is a larger number of members that present danger from their deep devotion which tends to intolerance. Over history religions have convinced too many people and civilizations to do war, rape, murder, and pillage in the name of God.
When I was a child my religion taught me my faith was the only true faith. I would get an easier route to paradise then all my non-Catholic friends. I was told it was blasphemy to consider the ideas of other religions. Like many, I became a church member as an infant before I could think of any options. Additionally, as a child my religious training gave me a bucket load of guilt and sins to consider in my every "word and action." I think my religious indoctrination was a typical experience many billions in the religions of Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, and Hinduism have shared and suffered.
My advice is to believe in God in whatever form He or She might take, but steer clear of religions and houses of worship. Finally, I believe the real God is not a member of any religious organization and is probably very unhappy that His or Her good name is associated with the rabble of churches and religions that plague the planet.
Saturday, April 13, 2013
TODAY I KILLED A BABY
Spring is my favorite season.
I like it for all the usual reasons; fresh spirits rising after the gloom and damp of winter, the calendar space when new life and color bursts forth in forests and fields, and little creatures hatching scurrying and hopping to life. It's a grand time and an occasion to thank God for allowing new life.
Last Spring after motoring for miles and enjoying the sights and scents of a warm day I made the last turn for home. I noticed ahead of me in the middle of the road a family of bob whites. Proud parents leading the way followed by a half dozen tiny chicks fleeting across the roadway. Naturally, I slowed and then proceeded after assuming all had safely crossed. For some reason I glanced into my rear view mirror and was horrified.
In the track of my right rear tire was a tiny lump. It was so small I never felt a thud. I had crushed a tiny baby bird. Feeling awful I glanced back again and saw the mother quail in the street standing over her dead chick. There was no traffic so I stopped and hollered to scare the adult bird back to her family. She fluttered off the highway into the safety of the adjoining field and marched her family remining away.
The images was haunting. Difficult to imagine that a newly hatched miracle of life was selected to die so suddenly. And, why did the tiny bird remain on the road once his momma, papa and brothers and sisters clear the road / Such a sad vision of the mother bird having some recognition of death standing over her killed hatchling. And, no way to undue the tragedy.
Nature is a cycle of living, dying, and survival of the fittest, but the incident was a cruel reminder of life's fragility and quickness. There will be billions of new lives this season and many will promptly perish, without warning or fanfare, after their brief twilight of life. In the grand scheme of things the little bird I killed may be remembered only because I've noted it. But is there more ?
The little bob whites quick death reminds me that life is a limited and precious gift. Therefore, we must party, honor, and embrace life at all times with great enthusiasm. Celebrating our existence and the lives of the people and other creations in our midst should be our joyous song for all our seasons.
Remember we are living our "Final Lap" and have no schedule when our light ends. Always honor life in all it's fascinating forms.
For God's sake reject convenience abortions.
I like it for all the usual reasons; fresh spirits rising after the gloom and damp of winter, the calendar space when new life and color bursts forth in forests and fields, and little creatures hatching scurrying and hopping to life. It's a grand time and an occasion to thank God for allowing new life.
Last Spring after motoring for miles and enjoying the sights and scents of a warm day I made the last turn for home. I noticed ahead of me in the middle of the road a family of bob whites. Proud parents leading the way followed by a half dozen tiny chicks fleeting across the roadway. Naturally, I slowed and then proceeded after assuming all had safely crossed. For some reason I glanced into my rear view mirror and was horrified.
In the track of my right rear tire was a tiny lump. It was so small I never felt a thud. I had crushed a tiny baby bird. Feeling awful I glanced back again and saw the mother quail in the street standing over her dead chick. There was no traffic so I stopped and hollered to scare the adult bird back to her family. She fluttered off the highway into the safety of the adjoining field and marched her family remining away.
The images was haunting. Difficult to imagine that a newly hatched miracle of life was selected to die so suddenly. And, why did the tiny bird remain on the road once his momma, papa and brothers and sisters clear the road / Such a sad vision of the mother bird having some recognition of death standing over her killed hatchling. And, no way to undue the tragedy.
Nature is a cycle of living, dying, and survival of the fittest, but the incident was a cruel reminder of life's fragility and quickness. There will be billions of new lives this season and many will promptly perish, without warning or fanfare, after their brief twilight of life. In the grand scheme of things the little bird I killed may be remembered only because I've noted it. But is there more ?
The little bob whites quick death reminds me that life is a limited and precious gift. Therefore, we must party, honor, and embrace life at all times with great enthusiasm. Celebrating our existence and the lives of the people and other creations in our midst should be our joyous song for all our seasons.
Remember we are living our "Final Lap" and have no schedule when our light ends. Always honor life in all it's fascinating forms.
For God's sake reject convenience abortions.
Monday, April 8, 2013
DEAR ANNETTE & MARGARET
In 2013 we experienced a sad day when we lost two very different and wonderful women who joined the heavenly stars.
First, came news that Lady Margaret Thatcher had slipped from life. Later in the day, news spread that Annette Funicello passed away.
Margaret Thatcher was the bull in the Brit china shoppe that shook England out of it's socialist funk. She was passionate and steady in her denouncement of communism and socialism. A soviet contemporary labeled her the "iron lady" either out of fear, respect, or perhaps both. She proved to the world that a woman could lead a modern nation in peace and war with great success. Despite the constant slings and arrows from the political left and a pitiful Hollywood smear movie, Margaret Thatcher was and will always be recognized as one the worlds great leaders. She ably joined Ronald Reagan in forcing the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Annette Funicello was the heart throb of the baby boom generation as a mouseketeer and later as a beach beauty. As a child star in the Disney empire she was forever perky, soft spoken, and cute. Wearing her mouse ears or in later Disney roles she was always polite and sweet on and off stage. Later, as the star of many beach movies she was the teenage queen of beauty and fashion. It was every young man's dream to date Annette. Daresay, it was every young girls desire to be Annette. Amazingly, unlike many female entertainment stars of today, Annette played it clean her entire career. She never played the slut, used suggestive language, succumbed to alcohol, or bounced around naked to gain and enhance her stardom.
In their own distinctive ways, Annette and Margaret were unique women who will be dearly missed and remembered for a very long time.
First, came news that Lady Margaret Thatcher had slipped from life. Later in the day, news spread that Annette Funicello passed away.
Margaret Thatcher was the bull in the Brit china shoppe that shook England out of it's socialist funk. She was passionate and steady in her denouncement of communism and socialism. A soviet contemporary labeled her the "iron lady" either out of fear, respect, or perhaps both. She proved to the world that a woman could lead a modern nation in peace and war with great success. Despite the constant slings and arrows from the political left and a pitiful Hollywood smear movie, Margaret Thatcher was and will always be recognized as one the worlds great leaders. She ably joined Ronald Reagan in forcing the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Annette Funicello was the heart throb of the baby boom generation as a mouseketeer and later as a beach beauty. As a child star in the Disney empire she was forever perky, soft spoken, and cute. Wearing her mouse ears or in later Disney roles she was always polite and sweet on and off stage. Later, as the star of many beach movies she was the teenage queen of beauty and fashion. It was every young man's dream to date Annette. Daresay, it was every young girls desire to be Annette. Amazingly, unlike many female entertainment stars of today, Annette played it clean her entire career. She never played the slut, used suggestive language, succumbed to alcohol, or bounced around naked to gain and enhance her stardom.
In their own distinctive ways, Annette and Margaret were unique women who will be dearly missed and remembered for a very long time.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
UNTOLD STORIES OF VIETNAM - PART 2
NOTE: Part 1 published August 8, 2010 - see Blog Archives.
Our company space was a sand pit of canvas tents surrounded by sand bags. The oval of two acres was further defined by twenty five foot sand dunes. The sand was a fine powdery grain which swirled with the slightest breeze. Living in a sand pit surrounded by sandy hills was a continuing challenge. For the next year sand was a constant in our bedding, menu, hair style, outhouse regimen, and workplace environment. The sand was so soft wooden boardwalks were required to provide walkways. These boardwalks connected the troop tents, latrine, dining tent, showers, orderly room, and other canvas enclosures of the company area. The troop tents held ten to fifteen canvas and wooden beds. The tents were set in an oval which enclosed our sand rich company area. When we arrived in December of 1966 our uniforms were still the standard solid green fatigues. There were no short sleeve shirts, short pants, lighter nylon jungle boots, or camouflaged wearing apparel. The weather was usually hot and humid or hot and dry. Sweat was produced with the slightest effort.
Each morning at 5AM the 516th would congregate in a formation of platoons to honor the flag, endure inspections, and screeching orations from Captain Tucker. Each evening before dinner mess the assembly was repeated. Men loading and unloading into diesel belching trucks also took place in the company area. Our early morning commute and late evening return from work was a bumpy ride. The sand streets were hardened by constant heavy vehicle use and the application of oil to the roadbed. The roads were defined by deep potholes in which jeeps and smaller trucks could easily get trapped. During the several mile commute in the canvassed rear of these rumbling trucks one would experience the unique taste and odor of wafting sand, cigarette smoke, and the choking mist of black diesel fuel. We worked six days a week and could work a seventh day if we wished. To avoid messy other duties and gain a few brownie points with my platoon sergeant I often worked seven day weeks.
Everyone worked unless you had an assigned duty in the company area or went on sick call.
Company duties were varied and did allow a change from the filing and typing at the personnel department. Our work compound consisted of filing cabinets, typewriters, and mountains of forms and personnel folders. We were handling the financial and personnel records for thousands of troops all over Vietnam. There was no air conditioning so large fans blew the outside hot air indoors and blew papers in all directions. Typical duties in the company area consisted of helping the mess hall staff, burning barrels of fecal matter from the latrines, all night guard duty with an unloaded M14 weapon, manning the company orderly room all night, or making runs to the local garbage dump site.
Disposing of trash at the local dump site was the worst duty. This job required a few men riding in the back of a large truck filled with garbage cans brimming of discarded food, beverages and other debris. At the dump site bulldozers pushed the refuse into small hills and when conditions were favorable the trash was burned. The really gruesome part of this duty was the sight of hundreds of Vietnamese scrambling after the garbage. With their bare hands, discarded food was collected and sometimes eaten on the spot. The people were frantic in their pursuit of the trash and competed with each other, vicious sea gulls and black swarms of biting flies. There were children, adults, and old people in the melee fighting for the scraps. The stench was overwhelming. It was a terrible spectacle to behold. I wondered then, and even now, how God could allow a world to exist with rich nations and this incredible poverty. It was very clear that for many Vietnamese folk, the current wars and politics were insignificant when starving was a daily reality. Our military provided many jobs to the local population and made huge contributions of food and various supplies yet the overwhelming destitution of these people was an awful spectacle.
Then there was sick call. Sick call consisted first of convincing your platoon leader that you were gravely ill. Next, one would be trucked to the medical aid station. There waiting in a long line you were dispensed aspirin unless you were bleeding, had a limb falling off, or needed an injection for one of those nasty social diseases. I rarely went on sick call because it seemed another army "hurry up and wait" routine to get everyone in a line waiting for nothing more than an aspirin.
Recreation was sketchy. We had an enlisted club where the beer was cheap, the fans were always on their highest setting , and the local entertainers did their best to impersonate Elvis, Dianna Ross, or go-go dancers. Drinking was popular in the early months as pot smoking had not yet become a major source of intoxicating entertainment. Sometimes we'd hike over the sand dunes into jungle thickets and find huge hissing iguanas and other slithering reptiles which encouraged us to retreat. Visits to the local villages were infrequent because one needed transportation and the personal use of a jeep followed a pecking order based on ones rank. When in a small town everything was for sale and a local beer was served that produced the most profound hangovers I've ever experienced. We had a few beach trips but of the thousands of men in the Cam Ranh Bay Area, there were probably only a dozen or two American Red Cross young ladies or military nurses. The beach was mostly a guy thing with a thousand GI's for every Vietnamese girl. We did have a giant USO show. The drama of choppers landing on a huge stage and seeing Bob Hope, Tuesday Weld, Jerry Cologna, and other stars perform was an unforgettable experience. Church was a social occasion best used to catch a rare glimpse of an American girl.
During late 1966 and early 1967, Cam Ranh Bay was a safe place. Once in awhile we could hear heavy artillery in the distance or watch night helicopters spewing gunfire with red tracers falling in a downward spiral. In those first few months, Captain Tucker proved to be the greatest disturbance to our safe and boring existence. In the sweltering heat of a company formation, as we stood at rigid attention, poor Tucker would boom on and on about our need to be combat ready. One could almost see the metal plates in his forehead dangerously shifting and glowing as he blustered. Many of us realized he was desperate to have a heroic tour worthy of a promotion. Some of us worried we might be used to that end. Hartman, Sonderman, Peasley, and a few other guys in my tent were genuinely concerned and considered how to best voice our worries to Tucker's superior officer.
However, once we received our promotions and pay upgrades to Specialist E-4, our mutinous conversations evaporated. Soon after our new chevrons of rank were affixed to our sleeves some of us were deployed to less safe places in Vietnam. But, that is a curious twist to my "remington raider" saga which would materialize in the coming months.
Our company space was a sand pit of canvas tents surrounded by sand bags. The oval of two acres was further defined by twenty five foot sand dunes. The sand was a fine powdery grain which swirled with the slightest breeze. Living in a sand pit surrounded by sandy hills was a continuing challenge. For the next year sand was a constant in our bedding, menu, hair style, outhouse regimen, and workplace environment. The sand was so soft wooden boardwalks were required to provide walkways. These boardwalks connected the troop tents, latrine, dining tent, showers, orderly room, and other canvas enclosures of the company area. The troop tents held ten to fifteen canvas and wooden beds. The tents were set in an oval which enclosed our sand rich company area. When we arrived in December of 1966 our uniforms were still the standard solid green fatigues. There were no short sleeve shirts, short pants, lighter nylon jungle boots, or camouflaged wearing apparel. The weather was usually hot and humid or hot and dry. Sweat was produced with the slightest effort.
Each morning at 5AM the 516th would congregate in a formation of platoons to honor the flag, endure inspections, and screeching orations from Captain Tucker. Each evening before dinner mess the assembly was repeated. Men loading and unloading into diesel belching trucks also took place in the company area. Our early morning commute and late evening return from work was a bumpy ride. The sand streets were hardened by constant heavy vehicle use and the application of oil to the roadbed. The roads were defined by deep potholes in which jeeps and smaller trucks could easily get trapped. During the several mile commute in the canvassed rear of these rumbling trucks one would experience the unique taste and odor of wafting sand, cigarette smoke, and the choking mist of black diesel fuel. We worked six days a week and could work a seventh day if we wished. To avoid messy other duties and gain a few brownie points with my platoon sergeant I often worked seven day weeks.
Everyone worked unless you had an assigned duty in the company area or went on sick call.
Company duties were varied and did allow a change from the filing and typing at the personnel department. Our work compound consisted of filing cabinets, typewriters, and mountains of forms and personnel folders. We were handling the financial and personnel records for thousands of troops all over Vietnam. There was no air conditioning so large fans blew the outside hot air indoors and blew papers in all directions. Typical duties in the company area consisted of helping the mess hall staff, burning barrels of fecal matter from the latrines, all night guard duty with an unloaded M14 weapon, manning the company orderly room all night, or making runs to the local garbage dump site.
Disposing of trash at the local dump site was the worst duty. This job required a few men riding in the back of a large truck filled with garbage cans brimming of discarded food, beverages and other debris. At the dump site bulldozers pushed the refuse into small hills and when conditions were favorable the trash was burned. The really gruesome part of this duty was the sight of hundreds of Vietnamese scrambling after the garbage. With their bare hands, discarded food was collected and sometimes eaten on the spot. The people were frantic in their pursuit of the trash and competed with each other, vicious sea gulls and black swarms of biting flies. There were children, adults, and old people in the melee fighting for the scraps. The stench was overwhelming. It was a terrible spectacle to behold. I wondered then, and even now, how God could allow a world to exist with rich nations and this incredible poverty. It was very clear that for many Vietnamese folk, the current wars and politics were insignificant when starving was a daily reality. Our military provided many jobs to the local population and made huge contributions of food and various supplies yet the overwhelming destitution of these people was an awful spectacle.
Then there was sick call. Sick call consisted first of convincing your platoon leader that you were gravely ill. Next, one would be trucked to the medical aid station. There waiting in a long line you were dispensed aspirin unless you were bleeding, had a limb falling off, or needed an injection for one of those nasty social diseases. I rarely went on sick call because it seemed another army "hurry up and wait" routine to get everyone in a line waiting for nothing more than an aspirin.
Recreation was sketchy. We had an enlisted club where the beer was cheap, the fans were always on their highest setting , and the local entertainers did their best to impersonate Elvis, Dianna Ross, or go-go dancers. Drinking was popular in the early months as pot smoking had not yet become a major source of intoxicating entertainment. Sometimes we'd hike over the sand dunes into jungle thickets and find huge hissing iguanas and other slithering reptiles which encouraged us to retreat. Visits to the local villages were infrequent because one needed transportation and the personal use of a jeep followed a pecking order based on ones rank. When in a small town everything was for sale and a local beer was served that produced the most profound hangovers I've ever experienced. We had a few beach trips but of the thousands of men in the Cam Ranh Bay Area, there were probably only a dozen or two American Red Cross young ladies or military nurses. The beach was mostly a guy thing with a thousand GI's for every Vietnamese girl. We did have a giant USO show. The drama of choppers landing on a huge stage and seeing Bob Hope, Tuesday Weld, Jerry Cologna, and other stars perform was an unforgettable experience. Church was a social occasion best used to catch a rare glimpse of an American girl.
During late 1966 and early 1967, Cam Ranh Bay was a safe place. Once in awhile we could hear heavy artillery in the distance or watch night helicopters spewing gunfire with red tracers falling in a downward spiral. In those first few months, Captain Tucker proved to be the greatest disturbance to our safe and boring existence. In the sweltering heat of a company formation, as we stood at rigid attention, poor Tucker would boom on and on about our need to be combat ready. One could almost see the metal plates in his forehead dangerously shifting and glowing as he blustered. Many of us realized he was desperate to have a heroic tour worthy of a promotion. Some of us worried we might be used to that end. Hartman, Sonderman, Peasley, and a few other guys in my tent were genuinely concerned and considered how to best voice our worries to Tucker's superior officer.
However, once we received our promotions and pay upgrades to Specialist E-4, our mutinous conversations evaporated. Soon after our new chevrons of rank were affixed to our sleeves some of us were deployed to less safe places in Vietnam. But, that is a curious twist to my "remington raider" saga which would materialize in the coming months.
Friday, March 29, 2013
MILLSTONES OF FAILURE
An interesting article I uncovered from "The North American Almanac of 1929", pages 64 and 65. Perhaps good advice for us all from many years ago.
MILLSTONES OF FAILURE
Finding the Bad in the Best of Us
1. SELF SATISFACTION - Lack of ambition.
2. DISHONESTY with yourself and others.
3. MENTAL INDOLENCE or lazy minded.
4. MISMANAGEMENT of yourself and affairs.
5. BAD TEMPER and a sharp tongue.
6. INEFFICIENCY on your job whatever it may be.
7. ENVY of others.
8. ALIBIS or failure to take responsibility.
9. UNDEPENDABILITY - Lack of self reliance and self control.
10. INACCURACY - Slip-shod and haphazard methods.
11. DISINTEREST - Failure to take interest in civic affairs or the affairs of your friends and employers.
12. TARDINESS - Always late at work, to meals or on social engagements.
13. INTERFERENCE - Just plain "butting in".
14. PROCRASTINATION - Putting off till tomorrow what you ought to do today.
15. ANTAGONISM - Inconsiderate of the opinions of others.
16. RUMORS - "Back yard scandal," spreading of false gossip.
17. RESENTMENT - Refusing to take advice and smarting under just criticism.
18. LETHARGY - Commonly called lazy.
19. EGOTISM - Sort of a human frog, a "blow hard".
20. FAILURE - Largely because of misfits.
21. BAD INVESTMENTS - The opposite of thrift and judicious saving.
22. PROFANITY - Alright in the army but not in modern life.
23. GROUCHINESS - A cross between bad temper and plain "cussedness".
24. WORRY - that saps your health and mental efficiency.
25. DRIFTING - Going thru life without a definite goal from one job to another.
26. DISCOURTESY - Failure to appreciate the rights of others.
27. UNTIDINESS - Careless and indifferent about personal appearance.
28. COWARDICE - "Yellow" in a tight place or moral situation.
29. WASTEFUL - Needless destruction of time and material things.
30. RETICENCE - Just a bit too shy.
31. IT CAN'T BE DONE - When all others fail this will sink you.
Curious, this listing was written by the elders of Americans who survived the Great Depression, World War II, and arguably created the greatest economy of the twentieth century.
MILLSTONES OF FAILURE
Finding the Bad in the Best of Us
1. SELF SATISFACTION - Lack of ambition.
2. DISHONESTY with yourself and others.
3. MENTAL INDOLENCE or lazy minded.
4. MISMANAGEMENT of yourself and affairs.
5. BAD TEMPER and a sharp tongue.
6. INEFFICIENCY on your job whatever it may be.
7. ENVY of others.
8. ALIBIS or failure to take responsibility.
9. UNDEPENDABILITY - Lack of self reliance and self control.
10. INACCURACY - Slip-shod and haphazard methods.
11. DISINTEREST - Failure to take interest in civic affairs or the affairs of your friends and employers.
12. TARDINESS - Always late at work, to meals or on social engagements.
13. INTERFERENCE - Just plain "butting in".
14. PROCRASTINATION - Putting off till tomorrow what you ought to do today.
15. ANTAGONISM - Inconsiderate of the opinions of others.
16. RUMORS - "Back yard scandal," spreading of false gossip.
17. RESENTMENT - Refusing to take advice and smarting under just criticism.
18. LETHARGY - Commonly called lazy.
19. EGOTISM - Sort of a human frog, a "blow hard".
20. FAILURE - Largely because of misfits.
21. BAD INVESTMENTS - The opposite of thrift and judicious saving.
22. PROFANITY - Alright in the army but not in modern life.
23. GROUCHINESS - A cross between bad temper and plain "cussedness".
24. WORRY - that saps your health and mental efficiency.
25. DRIFTING - Going thru life without a definite goal from one job to another.
26. DISCOURTESY - Failure to appreciate the rights of others.
27. UNTIDINESS - Careless and indifferent about personal appearance.
28. COWARDICE - "Yellow" in a tight place or moral situation.
29. WASTEFUL - Needless destruction of time and material things.
30. RETICENCE - Just a bit too shy.
31. IT CAN'T BE DONE - When all others fail this will sink you.
Curious, this listing was written by the elders of Americans who survived the Great Depression, World War II, and arguably created the greatest economy of the twentieth century.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
WHY IS DHS BUYING UP ALL THE BULLETS ?
In a recent report, Alex Jones' infowars.com disclosed that the Department Of Homeland Security (DHS) has purchased 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition and thousands of rifles. Why has DHS refused to give Congress an answer for this huge purchase which could sustain a military force for years. Why ?
Is the obama Administration equipping a private military force ? Is DHS buying up ammo and rifles to deprive citizens of guns and ammunition ? Why does the Secretary of DHS refuse to answer legitimate questions from Congress ? Does the Administration or DHS know of some huge threat to our homeland security ? Where is the "transparency in government" that candidate obama promised America ?
Is there a Congress person or respected public figure willing to champion this issue and demand from the obama Administration a proper explanation ?
SADLY, I THINK NOT !
Is the obama Administration equipping a private military force ? Is DHS buying up ammo and rifles to deprive citizens of guns and ammunition ? Why does the Secretary of DHS refuse to answer legitimate questions from Congress ? Does the Administration or DHS know of some huge threat to our homeland security ? Where is the "transparency in government" that candidate obama promised America ?
Is there a Congress person or respected public figure willing to champion this issue and demand from the obama Administration a proper explanation ?
SADLY, I THINK NOT !
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
OUT WITH THE DONKEY & ELEPHANT POLITICAL PARTIES
Is it time American voters shun both major political parties for a new political party ?
For decades democrat and republican lawmakers have wasted trillions of taxpayer monies, snared economic progress with reams of laws, and built a maze of expensive bureaucracies producing few tangible services or products of any value. Like lemmings voters are hypnotized by campaigning and elect unworthys on the emotion of a smile or slogan. Rather then any loyalty to our Constitution or using the grey matter floating between their ears politicians of every stripe use their office to gain power and enough funding to win their next election. With a total disregard of any spending limits, politicians stand ready to fund any cause or special interest group to simply get a few more votes.
Rather then being an efficient octopus with many tentacles reaching out to states providing assistance and support, our federal system is something much different. After decades of ineffective leadership from, democrats and republicans, our federal system now resembles a giant jelly fish plopped on the Potomac unable to move or reach out to any states. This armless blob is sustained by a constant diet of taxpayers, their contributions, and fawning lobbyists.
I call this new political party The Common Sense Congress. My invention would amend our Constitution to allow a single term, five years, for leaders of the executive and legislative branches. After their first term, incumbents would have to stand down for five years before their next reelection opportunity. To insure continuity, the new rules would take effect as current members are up for reelection, retire, quit, or die.
A most important guiding philosophy of this new party would be to privatize all things the federal government consistently mismanages. Sell the assets, personnel, and services provided by the Postal Department, Amtrak, TSA, Veterans Administration, GSA, US Forest Service, HHS, Departments of Energy, Education, Commerce, Obama Care and, the litany of ABC federal agencies to domestic "for profit" corporations. Soon, the savings would be astronomical and the services more efficient. Finally, return more governing and rule making to individuals, the states and territories.
To prove the need for a Common Sense Congress here are a few recent Wall Street Journal story quotes:
1. " Congress wants the mail service to keep losing $ 15.9 billion a year."
2. "After spending nearly $300 million on a high-tech surveillance blimp ... the US military is being asked to give it back to the company that designed it. Last month the Army killed the project."
3. "Obama's missile-defense reversal ... a tacit admission that the US will soon be vulnerable to attack ... reversing a 2009 decision that was part of President Obama's fantasy of a world without nuclear weapons."
Simply stated we need to unload a bunch of jackasses and pachyderms. Lets find more folks with common sense, respect for tax payers contributions, and an understanding that the most significant role of the federal government, per the US Constitution, is National Defense.
For decades democrat and republican lawmakers have wasted trillions of taxpayer monies, snared economic progress with reams of laws, and built a maze of expensive bureaucracies producing few tangible services or products of any value. Like lemmings voters are hypnotized by campaigning and elect unworthys on the emotion of a smile or slogan. Rather then any loyalty to our Constitution or using the grey matter floating between their ears politicians of every stripe use their office to gain power and enough funding to win their next election. With a total disregard of any spending limits, politicians stand ready to fund any cause or special interest group to simply get a few more votes.
Rather then being an efficient octopus with many tentacles reaching out to states providing assistance and support, our federal system is something much different. After decades of ineffective leadership from, democrats and republicans, our federal system now resembles a giant jelly fish plopped on the Potomac unable to move or reach out to any states. This armless blob is sustained by a constant diet of taxpayers, their contributions, and fawning lobbyists.
I call this new political party The Common Sense Congress. My invention would amend our Constitution to allow a single term, five years, for leaders of the executive and legislative branches. After their first term, incumbents would have to stand down for five years before their next reelection opportunity. To insure continuity, the new rules would take effect as current members are up for reelection, retire, quit, or die.
A most important guiding philosophy of this new party would be to privatize all things the federal government consistently mismanages. Sell the assets, personnel, and services provided by the Postal Department, Amtrak, TSA, Veterans Administration, GSA, US Forest Service, HHS, Departments of Energy, Education, Commerce, Obama Care and, the litany of ABC federal agencies to domestic "for profit" corporations. Soon, the savings would be astronomical and the services more efficient. Finally, return more governing and rule making to individuals, the states and territories.
To prove the need for a Common Sense Congress here are a few recent Wall Street Journal story quotes:
1. " Congress wants the mail service to keep losing $ 15.9 billion a year."
2. "After spending nearly $300 million on a high-tech surveillance blimp ... the US military is being asked to give it back to the company that designed it. Last month the Army killed the project."
3. "Obama's missile-defense reversal ... a tacit admission that the US will soon be vulnerable to attack ... reversing a 2009 decision that was part of President Obama's fantasy of a world without nuclear weapons."
Simply stated we need to unload a bunch of jackasses and pachyderms. Lets find more folks with common sense, respect for tax payers contributions, and an understanding that the most significant role of the federal government, per the US Constitution, is National Defense.
Monday, March 18, 2013
BABY BOOMERS
Sometimes I wonder if all our national travails are the fault of my generation (1946 - 1964). Already there are occasional stories about greedy and self centered baby boomers. I totally reject the idea that an entire era of children born after WW II poisoned the waters of American "exceptional ism". Most of us learnt the value of work, worship, and responsibility from our parents, members of the Greatest Generation. I believe a few historic events and small groups transformed the best decades of the twentieth century into the disorder we now experience.
For America the Korean War was an undeclared United Nations effort. We sacrificed thousands of our best men in a "conflict" which was poisoned by the geopolitics and vested interests of world politicians. Vietnam was another undeclared "conflict". Both of these wars involved warriors controlled by more politics than clear military objectives. Neither Korea or Vietnam involved all the people of the nation as there were never any clear security risks to our homeland. Also, during the Vietnam era true news reporting collapsed and in it's place came a new media with it's own agenda of political views. Too many people gave up thinking and accepted the "uncle Walters" as truth sayers. Uncle Walter and the leaders who got us into Korea and Vietnam were not Boomers.
From the 1950's to present, politicians and special interest groups built upon Franklin Roosevelt's idea of a "Fair Deal". Education, labor, welfare, home loans, civil rights, commerce, transportation, natural resources, huge tracts of western lands, and many other aspects of American life came under the control of the federal government. Federal bureaucracies grew and families disintegrated as individuals gladly surrendered their liberty and personal responsibilities for handouts. At the same time many politicians sought to capture more voter blocks by appealing to any cause or group no matter how depraved. These same politicians saw more votes and power in dividing the loyalties of Americans by economic class, race, and ethnicity. Many of these progressives were not part of the Baby Boom generation, but rather members from the Silent and Greatest Generation.
Today in our America: illegal aliens vote, every form of sexual depravity is recognized - even celebrated, millions of unnecessary abortions are performed, prosperous businesses and their agents are demonized, the Constitution is rejected, taxes are rising to pay for the dole, our national defence is slashed, our public education system ranks low among the world's other nations, leading members of the federal executive, judicial and legislative branches are treated as royalty, and our nations capital has become a Kingdom for Bureaucrats. All of these things did not go south because of my generation.
As a boomer I often wonder what happened to the world and values our parents worked so hard to give us. I worry that my grandchildren and their grandchildren will live in an increasingly unpleasant America. I don't feel guilty since most of my kin and friends seem to emulate the qualities which built our great nation. Even as I recognize change as inevitable whilst the decades roll along, there have been too many bad changes in our society. In my opinion, I see many bumpy years ahead for coming generations but I trust their knowledge of this difficult period will eventually bring America back to it's greatness.
For America the Korean War was an undeclared United Nations effort. We sacrificed thousands of our best men in a "conflict" which was poisoned by the geopolitics and vested interests of world politicians. Vietnam was another undeclared "conflict". Both of these wars involved warriors controlled by more politics than clear military objectives. Neither Korea or Vietnam involved all the people of the nation as there were never any clear security risks to our homeland. Also, during the Vietnam era true news reporting collapsed and in it's place came a new media with it's own agenda of political views. Too many people gave up thinking and accepted the "uncle Walters" as truth sayers. Uncle Walter and the leaders who got us into Korea and Vietnam were not Boomers.
From the 1950's to present, politicians and special interest groups built upon Franklin Roosevelt's idea of a "Fair Deal". Education, labor, welfare, home loans, civil rights, commerce, transportation, natural resources, huge tracts of western lands, and many other aspects of American life came under the control of the federal government. Federal bureaucracies grew and families disintegrated as individuals gladly surrendered their liberty and personal responsibilities for handouts. At the same time many politicians sought to capture more voter blocks by appealing to any cause or group no matter how depraved. These same politicians saw more votes and power in dividing the loyalties of Americans by economic class, race, and ethnicity. Many of these progressives were not part of the Baby Boom generation, but rather members from the Silent and Greatest Generation.
Today in our America: illegal aliens vote, every form of sexual depravity is recognized - even celebrated, millions of unnecessary abortions are performed, prosperous businesses and their agents are demonized, the Constitution is rejected, taxes are rising to pay for the dole, our national defence is slashed, our public education system ranks low among the world's other nations, leading members of the federal executive, judicial and legislative branches are treated as royalty, and our nations capital has become a Kingdom for Bureaucrats. All of these things did not go south because of my generation.
As a boomer I often wonder what happened to the world and values our parents worked so hard to give us. I worry that my grandchildren and their grandchildren will live in an increasingly unpleasant America. I don't feel guilty since most of my kin and friends seem to emulate the qualities which built our great nation. Even as I recognize change as inevitable whilst the decades roll along, there have been too many bad changes in our society. In my opinion, I see many bumpy years ahead for coming generations but I trust their knowledge of this difficult period will eventually bring America back to it's greatness.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
JERSEY BOYS - COMMENTS
Last night my eighteen year old grandson and I attended the Broadway musical Jersey Boys. It was a show highlighting the fantastic rock and roll of Frankie Valli and his Four Seasons from the early sixties. It gave insights into their difficult path from obscurity to fame and the the troubled personal lives encountered by some of the performers.
Aside from being an excellent evenings entertainment, I offer several observations from our evening at Chrysler Hall.
First, before the openning act lights dimmed I noticed that most of the audience were old people. Seniors just like me. Lots of baldies and grey hairs with just a few younger folk mixed in. However, when the lights dissolved and the music began I sensed we were all suddenly 50 years younger albeit for just a few hours. In the darkness the clapping hands and impromptu singing brought me unexpected tears and good memories of younger yesterdays.
Next, at the intermission I witnessed a new phenomenon. Waiting my turn at the restroom there was an extraordinarily long line of anxious gentlemen. I commented to several of my fellow baby boomers, waiting their turn, that my frequency of visits to the "necessary" had increased over the last few years. One guy commented that, when traveling, the first thing he now searched out when entering a new town were the restroom facilities. After my visit and passing the still waiting queue a most unusual sight ! The line of ladies waiting to enter their bathroom was much much shorter then the guys line. This was the first time at any large function I'd seen a ladies bathroom line shorter then that for the boys. Has the world turned upside down ?
Finally, after the shows closing encore, cheers, and generous clapping I asked Corbin his impression of this rock and roll performance. With enthusiasm he commented, "it was really quite cool". Hearing our conversation as we were exiting a gentleman commented to grandson Corbin that he might even like the music of Mozart. Later in the car, Corbin asked me what rock and roll group Mozart belonged to !
Aside from being an excellent evenings entertainment, I offer several observations from our evening at Chrysler Hall.
First, before the openning act lights dimmed I noticed that most of the audience were old people. Seniors just like me. Lots of baldies and grey hairs with just a few younger folk mixed in. However, when the lights dissolved and the music began I sensed we were all suddenly 50 years younger albeit for just a few hours. In the darkness the clapping hands and impromptu singing brought me unexpected tears and good memories of younger yesterdays.
Next, at the intermission I witnessed a new phenomenon. Waiting my turn at the restroom there was an extraordinarily long line of anxious gentlemen. I commented to several of my fellow baby boomers, waiting their turn, that my frequency of visits to the "necessary" had increased over the last few years. One guy commented that, when traveling, the first thing he now searched out when entering a new town were the restroom facilities. After my visit and passing the still waiting queue a most unusual sight ! The line of ladies waiting to enter their bathroom was much much shorter then the guys line. This was the first time at any large function I'd seen a ladies bathroom line shorter then that for the boys. Has the world turned upside down ?
Finally, after the shows closing encore, cheers, and generous clapping I asked Corbin his impression of this rock and roll performance. With enthusiasm he commented, "it was really quite cool". Hearing our conversation as we were exiting a gentleman commented to grandson Corbin that he might even like the music of Mozart. Later in the car, Corbin asked me what rock and roll group Mozart belonged to !
Friday, March 8, 2013
Advice for Little Kim of North Korea
Little Kim of North Korea would be wise to look at history.
To enhance his world standing, and improve the lot of his people he should formally declare war on the
United States and all it's allies. After a few days of some harmless and gratuitous missile launches he should then unconditionally surrender.
Following the history of the United States in it's previous wars and conflicts we would then rush in and supply the North Koreans with their every want and need. We might require a few occupying soldiers for window dressing, but essentially the economy and culture of North Korea would be opened to all the wonders of the modern world.
Under the most liberal of surrender terms Little Kim would be free to take his wealth and escape to an island paradise or be given a tryout with the NBA. The long suffering North Korean people would be deluged by trillions of dollars in foreign aid and quickly resemble a snowy Hong Kong.
To enhance his world standing, and improve the lot of his people he should formally declare war on the
United States and all it's allies. After a few days of some harmless and gratuitous missile launches he should then unconditionally surrender.
Following the history of the United States in it's previous wars and conflicts we would then rush in and supply the North Koreans with their every want and need. We might require a few occupying soldiers for window dressing, but essentially the economy and culture of North Korea would be opened to all the wonders of the modern world.
Under the most liberal of surrender terms Little Kim would be free to take his wealth and escape to an island paradise or be given a tryout with the NBA. The long suffering North Korean people would be deluged by trillions of dollars in foreign aid and quickly resemble a snowy Hong Kong.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
STAND WITH RAND
Why can't President Obama and his Administration reassure the American people that his government will not kill Americans on American soil without due process of the law ?
Why are Rand Paul and just a handful of US Senators challenging the President on this important constitutional issue ?
Is Obama a wannabe King George seeking absolute power over the life and death of American citizens ?
How long will American citizens, of every political stripe, allow President Obama to defy the Constitution ?
What can you do, what can we do to keep President Obama from totally destroying "American Exceptionalism" during his second term ?
Sunday, March 3, 2013
obama - PRINCE OF THE USA ?
An interesting tidbit from an old political classic of strategy.
" ....I say it would be splendid if one had a reputation for generosity; nonetheless if your actions are influenced by the desire for such a reputation you will come to grief. This is because if your generosity is good and sincere it may pass unnoticed and it will not save you for its opposite. If you want to acquire a reputation for generosity, therefore you have to be ostentatiously lavish; and a prince acting in that fashion will soon squander all his resources, only to be forced in the end, if he wants to maintain his reputation to lay excessive burdens on the people, to impose extortionate taxes, and to do everything else he can to raise money. "
The noted entry is from Niccolo Machiavelli's "The Prince" written in 1517. He claimed his book was inspired by the devil. In it's twenty six chapters he outlines the techniques which gave power to despotic political leaders. It has worked for the Italian Medici's and Borgia's to today's modern political leaders.
The referenced quote applies appropriately to many American politicos who have risen to power offering all manner of largess to their constituents in exchange for votes (political power) . From Huey Long, Franklin Roosevelt, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, and Barack Obama we have suffered too many leaders willing to promise anything and everything to get votes. The result of all this 'Santa Claus' politics is ultimate taxation from a diminishing number of productive citizens.
American voters must realize that benefits and things from the federal government are never free. It's all a bag of tricks which ultimately steal our economic freedom, grant the government total power over individual rights, and rob future generations of their economic liberty. We must see the wave of European economic failures as a harsh reality which may soon visit our shores.
The ancient treatise of Machiavelli offers many lessons on how politicians gain unlimited power. It is the Bible of realpolitik and to curb it's practice by some of our leaders we have few remaining resources. Vote wisely, and maintain your second amendment rights !
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
THE KINGDOM OF DC ...
Like most Americans I am weary and angry with our federal government bureaucrats, Congress, and the President. Obama is running the country like a campaign going from place to place generating class warfare and blaming his failures on rich people, Bush, the weather, and anything republican or tea party.
The current crisis de'jour is the miserable failure of Obamacare. Earlier it was sequestration, foreign policy flubs everywhere, IRS violations, and a continuing crappy economy. Amazingly, It was Obama, the socialist leader leading us into all these national and international misadventures. Obama and the Congress are telling us the sky is falling, and the only fix is to pony up more tax revenues. Rather than compromise, work creatively, and slash wasteful federal budgets, Obama and his DC minions are jetting all over the country wasting jet fuel and spewing a lot of hot air. Their sermon is always a sermon that the only solution is unlimited spending which means taking more from the productive citizens and corporations of the nation.
In my opinion , to cut the budget look at the Kingdom of DC. There are nearly two dozen police agencies patrolling the tiny District of Columbia ! This silly duplication is the tip of the waste and fraud alive in DC. The great granite and stone buildings in Washington are full of overpaid bureaucrats providing no service or product to the nation. Mostly, these government big wigs spin webs of new laws and regulations to interfere with the rights of every American. To justify their existence and expansion, they poke into every aspect of our lives and seek total control. The Departments of Education, Energy, Labor, Commerce, etc. do little to improve the nations education, energy, labor, or commerce. Our federal government is bloated, and it's time to return most of their useful activities to the states.
If republicans and democrats really want to improve the economy, lets start in the Kingdom of DC. Shut down many of the stupid ABC federal agencies. Require members in the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches work regular hours, and not be granted weeks of vacation and holidays. Tie their compensation to their achievements in balancing the national budget, cutting expenses, and following the Constitution.
It's time the culture of privilege, wasteful spending, and an offensive air of royalty be voted or kicked out of Washington DC.
The current crisis de'jour is the miserable failure of Obamacare. Earlier it was sequestration, foreign policy flubs everywhere, IRS violations, and a continuing crappy economy. Amazingly, It was Obama, the socialist leader leading us into all these national and international misadventures. Obama and the Congress are telling us the sky is falling, and the only fix is to pony up more tax revenues. Rather than compromise, work creatively, and slash wasteful federal budgets, Obama and his DC minions are jetting all over the country wasting jet fuel and spewing a lot of hot air. Their sermon is always a sermon that the only solution is unlimited spending which means taking more from the productive citizens and corporations of the nation.
In my opinion , to cut the budget look at the Kingdom of DC. There are nearly two dozen police agencies patrolling the tiny District of Columbia ! This silly duplication is the tip of the waste and fraud alive in DC. The great granite and stone buildings in Washington are full of overpaid bureaucrats providing no service or product to the nation. Mostly, these government big wigs spin webs of new laws and regulations to interfere with the rights of every American. To justify their existence and expansion, they poke into every aspect of our lives and seek total control. The Departments of Education, Energy, Labor, Commerce, etc. do little to improve the nations education, energy, labor, or commerce. Our federal government is bloated, and it's time to return most of their useful activities to the states.
If republicans and democrats really want to improve the economy, lets start in the Kingdom of DC. Shut down many of the stupid ABC federal agencies. Require members in the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches work regular hours, and not be granted weeks of vacation and holidays. Tie their compensation to their achievements in balancing the national budget, cutting expenses, and following the Constitution.
It's time the culture of privilege, wasteful spending, and an offensive air of royalty be voted or kicked out of Washington DC.
Monday, February 25, 2013
TAKING THE ILL OUT OF ILLEGAL
The Declaration of Independence (1776) states , "they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness". That means we, the citizens, have certain rights granted from God not the president or king. Unalienable is inalienable which means incapable of surrender or transfer. This means God has given us these rights and government has no power to grant, withhold, or restrict same. Indeed, the Declaration goes on to direct, "that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it ".
How much crime has come from old and existing laws restricting alcohol and drugs ? How many murdered, maimed, and jailed souls have been sacrificed because our government decided a substance was illegal ?
As an example, the 18th Amendment (Volstead Act) made the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" illegal. When this happened legitimate businesses were shut down, thousands of people lost their jobs, and serious criminals made legitimate businesses their black market. Murder, mayhem, and unconscionable profits ensued until the 18th amendment was abolished.
As long as free men exercise their God given rights, without harming their neighbors, government has no role in dictating an individuals choices. When government gave up the 18th amendment the price and quality of alcohol stabilized. The bulk of crime and gangsters from bootlegging and moon shining evaporated. Our government has lost it's decades old war on drugs because the people who seek such substances will pay whatever price the black market demands and deal with dangerous criminals. Making drugs legal will reduce the price and stabilize the quality of substances. Most importantly, drugs manufactured and sold in a free market will instantly eliminate the profits for gangs and stop all the related violence and imprisonments.
Legalizing drugs, gambling, and even prostitution will not threaten society. Individuals will still make their own choices. Survival of the fittest and common sense will keep most citizens from drowning in a sea of depravity. Perhaps free of dictating morals of personal behavior our government can re-direct it's efforts and resources to declaring WAR illegal !
How much crime has come from old and existing laws restricting alcohol and drugs ? How many murdered, maimed, and jailed souls have been sacrificed because our government decided a substance was illegal ?
As an example, the 18th Amendment (Volstead Act) made the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors" illegal. When this happened legitimate businesses were shut down, thousands of people lost their jobs, and serious criminals made legitimate businesses their black market. Murder, mayhem, and unconscionable profits ensued until the 18th amendment was abolished.
As long as free men exercise their God given rights, without harming their neighbors, government has no role in dictating an individuals choices. When government gave up the 18th amendment the price and quality of alcohol stabilized. The bulk of crime and gangsters from bootlegging and moon shining evaporated. Our government has lost it's decades old war on drugs because the people who seek such substances will pay whatever price the black market demands and deal with dangerous criminals. Making drugs legal will reduce the price and stabilize the quality of substances. Most importantly, drugs manufactured and sold in a free market will instantly eliminate the profits for gangs and stop all the related violence and imprisonments.
Legalizing drugs, gambling, and even prostitution will not threaten society. Individuals will still make their own choices. Survival of the fittest and common sense will keep most citizens from drowning in a sea of depravity. Perhaps free of dictating morals of personal behavior our government can re-direct it's efforts and resources to declaring WAR illegal !
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
NEW SLAVERY ...
Franklin Roosevelt proposed a "New Deal" for Americans back in the 1930's. His idea was to charge the federal government help it's less fortunate citizens. From it's origins and with a lot of help from Presidents Johnson and Obama, the federal government has become a big brother in too many American households. Now providing everything from condoms to cell phones, the effects of so much government intrusion has been devastating to our economy and society. Today, generations of Americans without physical or mental handicaps have been taught to live off government handouts without making any contribution to pay for their benefits. Despite trillions of dollars, over the decades, the only success of these welfare schemes has been to deprive people of hope and spawn more cradle to grave plans.
During February we celebrate a great minority of Americans. We recall their travels from slavery to freedom and educate ourselves about the heroes and heroines of that epic struggle. It is a good exercise for all Americans. I grew up in a segregated south and recall the injustices to so many good people. Despite the bumpy path of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and "separate but equal" eras, we have come to a better place in today's America. Indeed, the idealism noted in our founding documents by our founding leaders has become reality and made us a better and stronger nation.
However, I am deeply concerned with a "new slavery" which has afflicted our society. This bondage entails all racial groups of Americans. It's a total dependence on government handouts by an increasing number of citizens. I define handouts as material or money supplied by a government at no cost or obligation from the recipient. This isn't Social Security, veterans benefits, government retirements, or any benefit for which a citizen made payments or gave service. People without disability who choose welfare over work are the "new slaves" of America. Unfortunately, as the federal government grew it's programs of giveaways, family and social structures collapsed. Families, communities, and churches have, in many cases, been replaced by government bureaus and bureaucrats.
The expense of this "new slavery" is enormous and growing. To fund the great cost's the majority of working people are being levied heavier taxes year after year. Additionally, to justify the continuance of these giveaways, many politicians are purposefully setting social, economic and racial classes against each other.Today while there are no slave sales or slave beatings in the public square, our government has perpetuated a brand of slavery which destroys the hope and humanity of it's recipients.
Our Constitution never authorized the huge, top heavy, wasteful government agencies now needed to maintain this "new slavery". The continued growth of this scheme will bankrupt the nation and create universal misery for all citizens. I believe Americans of every stripe who work or worked should demand an end to this "new slavery". It begins with a phone call or letter to your federal legislator. Hopefully, it ends peacefully with new legislators voting to remove the cancer of this "new slavery" from our nation. God forbid, at the very least protect and exercise your second amendment rights.
During February we celebrate a great minority of Americans. We recall their travels from slavery to freedom and educate ourselves about the heroes and heroines of that epic struggle. It is a good exercise for all Americans. I grew up in a segregated south and recall the injustices to so many good people. Despite the bumpy path of Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and "separate but equal" eras, we have come to a better place in today's America. Indeed, the idealism noted in our founding documents by our founding leaders has become reality and made us a better and stronger nation.
However, I am deeply concerned with a "new slavery" which has afflicted our society. This bondage entails all racial groups of Americans. It's a total dependence on government handouts by an increasing number of citizens. I define handouts as material or money supplied by a government at no cost or obligation from the recipient. This isn't Social Security, veterans benefits, government retirements, or any benefit for which a citizen made payments or gave service. People without disability who choose welfare over work are the "new slaves" of America. Unfortunately, as the federal government grew it's programs of giveaways, family and social structures collapsed. Families, communities, and churches have, in many cases, been replaced by government bureaus and bureaucrats.
The expense of this "new slavery" is enormous and growing. To fund the great cost's the majority of working people are being levied heavier taxes year after year. Additionally, to justify the continuance of these giveaways, many politicians are purposefully setting social, economic and racial classes against each other.Today while there are no slave sales or slave beatings in the public square, our government has perpetuated a brand of slavery which destroys the hope and humanity of it's recipients.
Our Constitution never authorized the huge, top heavy, wasteful government agencies now needed to maintain this "new slavery". The continued growth of this scheme will bankrupt the nation and create universal misery for all citizens. I believe Americans of every stripe who work or worked should demand an end to this "new slavery". It begins with a phone call or letter to your federal legislator. Hopefully, it ends peacefully with new legislators voting to remove the cancer of this "new slavery" from our nation. God forbid, at the very least protect and exercise your second amendment rights.
Monday, February 4, 2013
GOVERNMENT SAFE FOOTBALL
Our President, Bob Costas, and other sages of our age have determined that football is a dangerous sport. Obviously, if there is a crisis, only the federal government can provide a remedy.
Given the outstanding efficiency our government has achieved with it's postal, railway, education, and health care (to name a few) systems, shouldn't we expect government run football to be safer ?
Certainly setting up congressional hearings, blue star panels, and committees will speed us to a day of safe football. Perhaps, football can be made a touch only sport where both teams are always victorious and a Nerf ball is used. Game disputes would be settled by on field union representatives for the players, referees, and fans.
Oh what a glorious age we live in with all the good our wonderful government sends our way ! As the feds make football safer maybe they could probe the horrible dangers of soccer, badminton, sports car racing, church bingo, and horseshoe tossing.
Given the outstanding efficiency our government has achieved with it's postal, railway, education, and health care (to name a few) systems, shouldn't we expect government run football to be safer ?
Certainly setting up congressional hearings, blue star panels, and committees will speed us to a day of safe football. Perhaps, football can be made a touch only sport where both teams are always victorious and a Nerf ball is used. Game disputes would be settled by on field union representatives for the players, referees, and fans.
Oh what a glorious age we live in with all the good our wonderful government sends our way ! As the feds make football safer maybe they could probe the horrible dangers of soccer, badminton, sports car racing, church bingo, and horseshoe tossing.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
AMERICA'S LOST WARS ...
At great monetary and moral expense, America has lost a few wars over the last fifty years. First, the war on poverty has been a miserable failure. Government will never do for people what people are not willing to do for themselves. In fact a strong argument can be made that the generosity of government handouts has actually added to the problem. Next, our war on drugs continues to fail. Like alcohol, governments seeking to stop the underground existence and distribution of drugs only feeds an economy of violent gangs and billions in nontaxable revenues. Taking drugs off the black market, making their procurement a main street business, will eventually stabilize their quality and cost. As was shown with alcohol, this will also eliminate the violence and a lot of unnecessary incarcerations.
Government has no business forcing it's value system on free people outside of it's constitutional limits. Making choices, whether right or wrong, is a liberty we all have. Whether it's poverty, drugs, obesity, guns or the freedom of expression; individual rights outweigh any mandate the government might conjure. As long as an individuals actions don't infringe upon the rights or safety of others it's OK for people to do things we might deem stupid or unwise.
Americans should be much wiser then to allow our federal government it's untenable wars against windmills of it's bureaucratic mind.
Government has no business forcing it's value system on free people outside of it's constitutional limits. Making choices, whether right or wrong, is a liberty we all have. Whether it's poverty, drugs, obesity, guns or the freedom of expression; individual rights outweigh any mandate the government might conjure. As long as an individuals actions don't infringe upon the rights or safety of others it's OK for people to do things we might deem stupid or unwise.
Americans should be much wiser then to allow our federal government it's untenable wars against windmills of it's bureaucratic mind.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Avoiding Holes ...
Every day , I get older and my doctors prescribe more medicines. Additionally, tests show I need a bunch of vitamins. Reading the drug literature reveals a frightening list of exotic side effects. The scripts and supplements are all very expensive. Then, there's the TV lawyer ads warning that many of my medications cause dreadful diseases and even death. Do TV lawyers want to sue everyone so there clients can die rich ?
Every month, I pore over my prescription expense report to ensure I won't fall into whats called the " donut hole ". Where did that term come from anyway ? Quite frankly, If I had to choose falling into a hole the "donut" one sounds more tasty then the rabbit or black variety.
Every month, I pore over my prescription expense report to ensure I won't fall into whats called the " donut hole ". Where did that term come from anyway ? Quite frankly, If I had to choose falling into a hole the "donut" one sounds more tasty then the rabbit or black variety.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
CELEBRATING EVIL OR GOOD ?
Since unlawfully eating fruit from the tree of knowledge as related in The Book Of Genesis, humankind has been awash with evil.
Every year, every decade, every century men singly or in groups under civic and religious banners have slaughtered their fellow humans. The killings have become increasingly efficient and cold blooded. Murder and mass homicide have been performed with sticks, stones, fire, water, vehicles, poison gas, dynamite, knives, guns, and sundry other devices. None of these items can be outlawed. If they could be outlawed, would evil and bad people obey the laws? Long periods of "peace on earth" have been sadly rare and difficult to sustain.
Was the recent horror in Sandy Hook Connecticut preventable? Sadly, I think not. Given the complexities, contradictions, and sensitivities of our culture there are no simple solutions or reasons to indicate such a tragedy could be prevented. However, do we really expect anything but simplistic solutions from our "leaders"?
In America the "Godfather" movie is often acclaimed as Hollywood's greatest film. Simply stated, it's a story of unaccountable corruption and murder. Federal lawmakers will plead for more restrictive gun laws yet never leave their homes without their concealed weapon or armed bodyguard. Our economy depends on major expenditures for our military forces and killing weapons. But, do we dare allow our adversaries to outgun us?
We gift our children video games, television, and popular films which celebrate killing and mayhem. In our modern world of fatherless homes and more working parents we often leave our children to the fantasies of television and gaming. Years ago to protect their "civil rights" our nation unfunded and abandoned programs to isolate the mentally disturbed. Many of these lost souls are homeless, friendless, and live in a place of dark thoughts. Also, personal accountability has become terribly passe these days. Finally, a very loud minority strives and often succeeds in removing the concept of God from our schools and public places. Yet, in the face of unspeakable horror many including our leaders publicly seek answers and solace from a Deity.
In a world of constant change we are replacing the old values of our parents and grandparents with new ideas and standards. It's a painful and disturbing transition for many. At times it seems our political and religious leaders are bending to appease the greatest number of low information people. Many are growing comfortable in a " Brave New World" beyond "1984", where its acceptable to allow government, rather then families and churches, to supply an individual or families wants and needs.
Unless our cultural, religious, and political leaders define new standards to unite people and direct our national energy into more positive directions, the fallen angels and their guardians at Sandy Hook will have died in vain. As a nation of individuals, will we continue to tolerate the conditions which allow and glamorize evil or will we demand and fight for a system that champions accountability and common sense?
Every year, every decade, every century men singly or in groups under civic and religious banners have slaughtered their fellow humans. The killings have become increasingly efficient and cold blooded. Murder and mass homicide have been performed with sticks, stones, fire, water, vehicles, poison gas, dynamite, knives, guns, and sundry other devices. None of these items can be outlawed. If they could be outlawed, would evil and bad people obey the laws? Long periods of "peace on earth" have been sadly rare and difficult to sustain.
Was the recent horror in Sandy Hook Connecticut preventable? Sadly, I think not. Given the complexities, contradictions, and sensitivities of our culture there are no simple solutions or reasons to indicate such a tragedy could be prevented. However, do we really expect anything but simplistic solutions from our "leaders"?
In America the "Godfather" movie is often acclaimed as Hollywood's greatest film. Simply stated, it's a story of unaccountable corruption and murder. Federal lawmakers will plead for more restrictive gun laws yet never leave their homes without their concealed weapon or armed bodyguard. Our economy depends on major expenditures for our military forces and killing weapons. But, do we dare allow our adversaries to outgun us?
We gift our children video games, television, and popular films which celebrate killing and mayhem. In our modern world of fatherless homes and more working parents we often leave our children to the fantasies of television and gaming. Years ago to protect their "civil rights" our nation unfunded and abandoned programs to isolate the mentally disturbed. Many of these lost souls are homeless, friendless, and live in a place of dark thoughts. Also, personal accountability has become terribly passe these days. Finally, a very loud minority strives and often succeeds in removing the concept of God from our schools and public places. Yet, in the face of unspeakable horror many including our leaders publicly seek answers and solace from a Deity.
In a world of constant change we are replacing the old values of our parents and grandparents with new ideas and standards. It's a painful and disturbing transition for many. At times it seems our political and religious leaders are bending to appease the greatest number of low information people. Many are growing comfortable in a " Brave New World" beyond "1984", where its acceptable to allow government, rather then families and churches, to supply an individual or families wants and needs.
Unless our cultural, religious, and political leaders define new standards to unite people and direct our national energy into more positive directions, the fallen angels and their guardians at Sandy Hook will have died in vain. As a nation of individuals, will we continue to tolerate the conditions which allow and glamorize evil or will we demand and fight for a system that champions accountability and common sense?
Monday, February 6, 2012
TRUE SOURCE OF OUR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS
I become angry when politicians and religious leaders tell me my rights and freedoms come from the benevolence of a government or religion. In my opinion, our liberties come directly from Almighty God. Too often political and religious charlatans restrict and prohibit the basic rights and liberty of men.
God, or whatever term you use in belief system, is the only legitimate giver of rights and freedoms. Governments and religions stand between man and God. They manipulate freemen in the name of their authority while accumulating more power and money for their institutions.
The Lord Creator of all Chaos and Order gave man dominion over this world and blessed humans with reasoning and the right of self determination. My independence and creativity must remain beyond the reach of bureaucrats and preachers. I will obey civil laws that maintain order, but I will refuse and revolt against commands which detract from my freedom.
Nowadays, I cannot purchase a light bulb, own property, drink a glass of wine, freely use tobacco, or satirize a religion or government without danger of some church or government official possibly punishing my action. The union of religions and governments have been brutal to mankind. Together they've brutalized and killed more than all diseases and natural disasters. Think Crusades, communists, Islamic wars, The Inquisition, Holocaust, and Jihad to name a few horrors brought to us from governments and religions.
Have too many of us surrendered our God given rights to political and heavenly promises of paradise. Is it blasphemous to reject any politician pontificating and blowing hot air about "rights given by government" or a religious leader demanding total loyalty and tithing for heavenly goodies ?
In our complicated modern world many are not self sufficient and need help. Is this the role of governments or religions or the business of families and communities ? Should religions and governments be allowed to push humanity to a place of total dependency and slavery ?
The next great revolution may happen when we simply acknowledge The Almighty and not religions or governments as the real source of our liberties. Reasonable thinking people, standing on their own two feet, must rebuke institutions that claim to be the chief source of our God given rights.
God, or whatever term you use in belief system, is the only legitimate giver of rights and freedoms. Governments and religions stand between man and God. They manipulate freemen in the name of their authority while accumulating more power and money for their institutions.
The Lord Creator of all Chaos and Order gave man dominion over this world and blessed humans with reasoning and the right of self determination. My independence and creativity must remain beyond the reach of bureaucrats and preachers. I will obey civil laws that maintain order, but I will refuse and revolt against commands which detract from my freedom.
Nowadays, I cannot purchase a light bulb, own property, drink a glass of wine, freely use tobacco, or satirize a religion or government without danger of some church or government official possibly punishing my action. The union of religions and governments have been brutal to mankind. Together they've brutalized and killed more than all diseases and natural disasters. Think Crusades, communists, Islamic wars, The Inquisition, Holocaust, and Jihad to name a few horrors brought to us from governments and religions.
Have too many of us surrendered our God given rights to political and heavenly promises of paradise. Is it blasphemous to reject any politician pontificating and blowing hot air about "rights given by government" or a religious leader demanding total loyalty and tithing for heavenly goodies ?
In our complicated modern world many are not self sufficient and need help. Is this the role of governments or religions or the business of families and communities ? Should religions and governments be allowed to push humanity to a place of total dependency and slavery ?
The next great revolution may happen when we simply acknowledge The Almighty and not religions or governments as the real source of our liberties. Reasonable thinking people, standing on their own two feet, must rebuke institutions that claim to be the chief source of our God given rights.
Monday, January 30, 2012
When Diversity becomes Destructive
When the word diversity was first introduced into the national dialogue it was an attractive feature of our culture. Generally, it was accepted as a strength to our national fabric. However, over time and taken to it's extreme, diversity has become a destructive element to the unity of our republic.
While millions of Europeans, Africans, Asians, and South Americans have undoubtedly added power and originality to America, their collective contribution has been demeaned over the last quarter century. We are no longer a melting pot but now a country of hyphenated loyalties. We allow too many immigrants to remain alien from the common language of English and the need to accept responsibility for American citizenship. Unfortunately, many leaders of these diverse communities call for an isolation from the mainstream of American culture while demanding all the privileges of being American.
Even some national leaders de-emphasize the importance of a standard border, set of cultural traditions, and the English language as necessary uniting elements for our nation. Celebrating diversity is a healthy exercise until it divides and isolates Americans from a union dedicated to free enterprise, the English language, common borders, laws, and our unique American culture.
Leaders insisting that diversity is more important then our unification are dangerously close to dividing the nation. Teaching more diversity then our common bonds is an education which will ultimately destroy our nation.
I am proud of the contributions of my immigrant ancestors and the diversity of the foreign born who collectively built the world's greatest economy and democracy. But, I think it is wrong to allow diversity to become a division among our citizens. Beware the political leaders more interested in dividing then uniting Americans over economic, racial, and cultural differences.
While millions of Europeans, Africans, Asians, and South Americans have undoubtedly added power and originality to America, their collective contribution has been demeaned over the last quarter century. We are no longer a melting pot but now a country of hyphenated loyalties. We allow too many immigrants to remain alien from the common language of English and the need to accept responsibility for American citizenship. Unfortunately, many leaders of these diverse communities call for an isolation from the mainstream of American culture while demanding all the privileges of being American.
Even some national leaders de-emphasize the importance of a standard border, set of cultural traditions, and the English language as necessary uniting elements for our nation. Celebrating diversity is a healthy exercise until it divides and isolates Americans from a union dedicated to free enterprise, the English language, common borders, laws, and our unique American culture.
Leaders insisting that diversity is more important then our unification are dangerously close to dividing the nation. Teaching more diversity then our common bonds is an education which will ultimately destroy our nation.
I am proud of the contributions of my immigrant ancestors and the diversity of the foreign born who collectively built the world's greatest economy and democracy. But, I think it is wrong to allow diversity to become a division among our citizens. Beware the political leaders more interested in dividing then uniting Americans over economic, racial, and cultural differences.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A CHRISTMAS WISH
For centuries mankind has sought peace on earth. However, our diverse religions, philosophies, and politicians have given us too many easy reasons to mark all the seasons with war and misery.
Man seems incapable of achieving universal harmony despite touting itself as the earth's smartest creature and establishing hundreds of different flavored religions. Indeed, men of different cultures, political persuasions, and colors have no sustained record or good prospects for achieving world tranquility.
Therefore, my Christmas wish is for an invasion of space aliens. Not the cuddly big headed ET type, but the groveling, vicious, slimy, sharp toothed monsters of our worst nightmares. These creatures should be killers and destroyers lacking any mercy and holding a warrior technology better then mankind's.
I believe such an alien invasion would unite mankind against a dangerous and common enemy. The differences in religions, cultures, and politics would evaporate in the face of a gruesome adversary. After battling horrible unearthly things, earth men would discover common ground among all it's tribes and clans.
An H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds" is what we need to truly appreciate the beauty of our tiny blue planet and all it's inhabitants. If Santa cannot find this in his gift bag, perhaps the Supreme God of all Gods will craft an event from outer space. We need a miracle to somehow unite all of us. Perhaps it soars from our prayers and dreams to the starry sky's and the wonders beyond our eyes.
Man seems incapable of achieving universal harmony despite touting itself as the earth's smartest creature and establishing hundreds of different flavored religions. Indeed, men of different cultures, political persuasions, and colors have no sustained record or good prospects for achieving world tranquility.
Therefore, my Christmas wish is for an invasion of space aliens. Not the cuddly big headed ET type, but the groveling, vicious, slimy, sharp toothed monsters of our worst nightmares. These creatures should be killers and destroyers lacking any mercy and holding a warrior technology better then mankind's.
I believe such an alien invasion would unite mankind against a dangerous and common enemy. The differences in religions, cultures, and politics would evaporate in the face of a gruesome adversary. After battling horrible unearthly things, earth men would discover common ground among all it's tribes and clans.
An H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds" is what we need to truly appreciate the beauty of our tiny blue planet and all it's inhabitants. If Santa cannot find this in his gift bag, perhaps the Supreme God of all Gods will craft an event from outer space. We need a miracle to somehow unite all of us. Perhaps it soars from our prayers and dreams to the starry sky's and the wonders beyond our eyes.
Monday, December 5, 2011
MUSIC MINE OVER MIND
In my time I've learned to appreciate all manner of music. The blended sounds of musical instruments and the human voice are an art and gift from God.
However, when I come home to myself, my most favorite music is Rock n' Roll.
Some say the lyrics and rhythms were simple, silly and jumbled with goofy sound effects. Others will point to themes which were soapy, self indulgent, and pointless. To some, a careful listening may confirm the noted criticisms. However, as all my boomer buddies and honeys will agree, the sounds from the mid fifties through the late seventies were the juice of our younger lives.
I think vintage rock sounds blended with raging early teen hormones did some magic. Specifically, our brains were etched to associate rock n' roll with great passion, boundless energy, lofty dreams, and love. The emotional flush we all experienced with that first date, kiss, dance, and petting session is forever linked to the music of our younger days.
When I listen to good Doo Wop, Woodstock, or American Graffiti soundtracks, I am energized. Maybe, the Rock n' Roll music reminds or tricks my mind into thinking younger thoughts. Maybe not. However, dear friends, turn up the volume and believe you can; climb "Blueberry Hill", become a "Paperback Writer", "Get a Job", or, find that "Little Darlin'" or " Duke of Earl", "At The Hop".
However, when I come home to myself, my most favorite music is Rock n' Roll.
Some say the lyrics and rhythms were simple, silly and jumbled with goofy sound effects. Others will point to themes which were soapy, self indulgent, and pointless. To some, a careful listening may confirm the noted criticisms. However, as all my boomer buddies and honeys will agree, the sounds from the mid fifties through the late seventies were the juice of our younger lives.
I think vintage rock sounds blended with raging early teen hormones did some magic. Specifically, our brains were etched to associate rock n' roll with great passion, boundless energy, lofty dreams, and love. The emotional flush we all experienced with that first date, kiss, dance, and petting session is forever linked to the music of our younger days.
When I listen to good Doo Wop, Woodstock, or American Graffiti soundtracks, I am energized. Maybe, the Rock n' Roll music reminds or tricks my mind into thinking younger thoughts. Maybe not. However, dear friends, turn up the volume and believe you can; climb "Blueberry Hill", become a "Paperback Writer", "Get a Job", or, find that "Little Darlin'" or " Duke of Earl", "At The Hop".
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A QUESTION IN THE SAND
I am fortunate to live near the Chesapeake Bay and Ocean. One beach I love to hike is rarely crowded. This stretch of sand provides a little exercise and a few hours of the natural sounds of lapping wavelets and chattering sea birds. This setting also allows my imagination a good work out. Today was a glorious day to breath the sea air and ponder that great "final lap" we're all traversing.
Consider the tiny shards of sea glass which I love to collect.
These colored pieces were born as a molten mix of sand and oxides. Shaped by the ancient trade of glass blowing or in modern kilns, glass vessels of various colors and shapes were fabricated. These were used to hold beverages, medicines, foods, chemicals, and other commodities. After use these containers were discarded into the sea. Smashing and tumbling along the sea's bottom the bottles and jars shattered. The sharp pieces of glass spent years, decades, possibly centuries, rolling along the oceans floor. In the tidal ebb and flow the sharp edges were gently smoothed by the sand. Finally, these small relics were washed ashore. Left alone these pieces of glass, buffeted by winds, slowly dissolved again to sand granules.
I wonder if these inert bits of flotsam so neatly sent back to their place of origin mean anything beyond the obvious. Dust to dust - sand to sand.
Is it possible that a Supreme Force, beyond our comprehension, designed this wonderful recycling of sand grains ? Could this God of the Universe have another existence for us beyond our mortality ? However, since we have the unique thinking ability to wander, beyond the course of everything else in nature, do we get another time beyond our " final lap" ?
Consider the tiny shards of sea glass which I love to collect.
These colored pieces were born as a molten mix of sand and oxides. Shaped by the ancient trade of glass blowing or in modern kilns, glass vessels of various colors and shapes were fabricated. These were used to hold beverages, medicines, foods, chemicals, and other commodities. After use these containers were discarded into the sea. Smashing and tumbling along the sea's bottom the bottles and jars shattered. The sharp pieces of glass spent years, decades, possibly centuries, rolling along the oceans floor. In the tidal ebb and flow the sharp edges were gently smoothed by the sand. Finally, these small relics were washed ashore. Left alone these pieces of glass, buffeted by winds, slowly dissolved again to sand granules.
I wonder if these inert bits of flotsam so neatly sent back to their place of origin mean anything beyond the obvious. Dust to dust - sand to sand.
Is it possible that a Supreme Force, beyond our comprehension, designed this wonderful recycling of sand grains ? Could this God of the Universe have another existence for us beyond our mortality ? However, since we have the unique thinking ability to wander, beyond the course of everything else in nature, do we get another time beyond our " final lap" ?
Thursday, November 24, 2011
"WANTS & NEEDS"
Today I sifted through 3 pounds, one and one half ounces of Thanksgiving Day ads in The Daily Press. A glorious mass of colored paper designed to excite me into buying things. Advertising that might even tempt me into queuing into shopping lines at ungodly hours of the late night or early morning.
Sadly or happily, I'm not sure which, I found nothing of interest in all the creative commercials.
I'm reminded of a sales idea about gaining a sale by appealing to a customers personal agenda of " Wants and Needs ". All of us want certain things and all of us need certain things. Curiously, I found nothing in the pile of ads I really wanted or needed. Have I failed at being a consumer ?
It's easy for me to discount most of the newest electronic gizmos since I have barely mastered use of the older gadgets. Having a tiny device capable of many "applications" is also frightening. I'm beyond the time of needing fashionable clothing. I've discovered if you live long enough yesterdays fashions eventually recycle to the present. As to modern tools, I have old ones that remind me of my total mechanical ineptness, thank you very much !
It's just hard to get excited about compiling a wish list for Santa of new stuff when I've got old stuff which is overflowing every closet and storage space.
I suppose as one gets older the "wants and needs" of material things decreases. But, I still enjoy giving to others and I'll find pleasure in any gifts I receive. So, please don't take me off your gift list !
Finally, to be completely honest, I did clip one coupon from the pages and pages of flyers. It was a nifty three dollar coupon for rechargeable batteries. Enough said.
Sadly or happily, I'm not sure which, I found nothing of interest in all the creative commercials.
I'm reminded of a sales idea about gaining a sale by appealing to a customers personal agenda of " Wants and Needs ". All of us want certain things and all of us need certain things. Curiously, I found nothing in the pile of ads I really wanted or needed. Have I failed at being a consumer ?
It's easy for me to discount most of the newest electronic gizmos since I have barely mastered use of the older gadgets. Having a tiny device capable of many "applications" is also frightening. I'm beyond the time of needing fashionable clothing. I've discovered if you live long enough yesterdays fashions eventually recycle to the present. As to modern tools, I have old ones that remind me of my total mechanical ineptness, thank you very much !
It's just hard to get excited about compiling a wish list for Santa of new stuff when I've got old stuff which is overflowing every closet and storage space.
I suppose as one gets older the "wants and needs" of material things decreases. But, I still enjoy giving to others and I'll find pleasure in any gifts I receive. So, please don't take me off your gift list !
Finally, to be completely honest, I did clip one coupon from the pages and pages of flyers. It was a nifty three dollar coupon for rechargeable batteries. Enough said.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
National Debt is Not ...
Seems the only solution politicians have for our growing national debt is to cut the guns or butter from our national budget and raise our taxes. In other words, the out of control spending approved by both democrats and republicans, with alarming frequency, must be paid for by direct cuts to citizen benefits. Is this the fair or correct thing to do ?
Has anyone noticed that the most prosperous and growing part of our economy is the federal government ? Pay, job & retirement benefits in government service now outclass most civilian occupations. Instead of reducing our military or the entitlement schemes, people were forced to pay into , shouldn't we look inward at the waste and fraud within the infrastructure of the federal government.
A tour around Washington D.C. is always an impressive experience. But what product or service is being produced in those massive great, grey buildings ? How do all Americans benefit from the policies & activities brewing in those huge buildings ? The correct answer is mostly none. The great scheme of the federal government is to collect taxes and use the money to fund agencies. First, these agencies must take a hefty cut for their salaries, offices, and perks. Then, these agencies find some arcane mission which either interferes with capitalism, promotes the nanny state, or seeks to influence voter blocks. Most of these agency goals are wrapped in volumes of gobble gook, legal, and government speak which have no constitutional justification. Since the FDR Administration the growth of the federal government has been practically unchecked. It seems every cockeyed idea to insure an "everyman" social and economic equality has resulted in some alphabet government bureau.
Beginning with American Indians, Americans of African descent, the poor, and illegal aliens, officials in Washington D.C. have somehow developed the myth that government can provide equality, human dignity, and correct the wrongs of history if they just spend enough money and fart out a few more laws. Despite trillions of wasted taxpayer dollars this concept has been proven wrong time after time. The idea of people helping people through family, social, charitable, and church has been displaced by the heavy hand of government interference. Actually, the intrusion of government has destroyed the basic family unit, sucked the initiative out of generations of Americans, and colored capitalism as an evil force.
How do we stem the uncontrolled spending and begin to cure the national debt ? As voters and citizens we demand an outright defunding and eventual closure of many useless federal agencies and activities. These would include; Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Health & Human Services, Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, Dept. of Labor, Dept. of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, (Most) Foreign Aid, The Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Trade Commission, Fannie Mae, Fannie Mac, National Science Foundation, Small Business Administration, Corporation for National & Community Service and others. What these agencies do is either downright useless or can be better handled at the state or local level of government. Very few democrat or republican federal politicos will agree to these cuts because they derive their power and prestige from these bloated bureaucracies.
The only solution politicians seem to have for the deficit is to punish citizens. They want to raise our taxes, reduce federal benefits we spent our working lifetimes to pay for, and lower the quality and extent of our national defense.
The National Debt is not the fault of it's citizens. It is the fault of politicians and a their corrupt culture more interested in the pursuit of their personal power then a responsible accounting of their misuse of the national treasure.
I would like to someday tour our nations capital and enjoy the view of museums and monuments and see fewer and fewer giant grey buildings full of bureaucrats wasting our tax dollars. The most acceptable way to effect meaningful change is the vote. Do your vote and your collective voices to seek an end to the national debt and it's root causes. The national debt is only our fault if we continue the insanity of electing and reelecting the same flavor of politicians who created the financial nightmare we are presently enduring.
Has anyone noticed that the most prosperous and growing part of our economy is the federal government ? Pay, job & retirement benefits in government service now outclass most civilian occupations. Instead of reducing our military or the entitlement schemes, people were forced to pay into , shouldn't we look inward at the waste and fraud within the infrastructure of the federal government.
A tour around Washington D.C. is always an impressive experience. But what product or service is being produced in those massive great, grey buildings ? How do all Americans benefit from the policies & activities brewing in those huge buildings ? The correct answer is mostly none. The great scheme of the federal government is to collect taxes and use the money to fund agencies. First, these agencies must take a hefty cut for their salaries, offices, and perks. Then, these agencies find some arcane mission which either interferes with capitalism, promotes the nanny state, or seeks to influence voter blocks. Most of these agency goals are wrapped in volumes of gobble gook, legal, and government speak which have no constitutional justification. Since the FDR Administration the growth of the federal government has been practically unchecked. It seems every cockeyed idea to insure an "everyman" social and economic equality has resulted in some alphabet government bureau.
Beginning with American Indians, Americans of African descent, the poor, and illegal aliens, officials in Washington D.C. have somehow developed the myth that government can provide equality, human dignity, and correct the wrongs of history if they just spend enough money and fart out a few more laws. Despite trillions of wasted taxpayer dollars this concept has been proven wrong time after time. The idea of people helping people through family, social, charitable, and church has been displaced by the heavy hand of government interference. Actually, the intrusion of government has destroyed the basic family unit, sucked the initiative out of generations of Americans, and colored capitalism as an evil force.
How do we stem the uncontrolled spending and begin to cure the national debt ? As voters and citizens we demand an outright defunding and eventual closure of many useless federal agencies and activities. These would include; Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Health & Human Services, Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, Dept. of Labor, Dept. of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, (Most) Foreign Aid, The Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Trade Commission, Fannie Mae, Fannie Mac, National Science Foundation, Small Business Administration, Corporation for National & Community Service and others. What these agencies do is either downright useless or can be better handled at the state or local level of government. Very few democrat or republican federal politicos will agree to these cuts because they derive their power and prestige from these bloated bureaucracies.
The only solution politicians seem to have for the deficit is to punish citizens. They want to raise our taxes, reduce federal benefits we spent our working lifetimes to pay for, and lower the quality and extent of our national defense.
The National Debt is not the fault of it's citizens. It is the fault of politicians and a their corrupt culture more interested in the pursuit of their personal power then a responsible accounting of their misuse of the national treasure.
I would like to someday tour our nations capital and enjoy the view of museums and monuments and see fewer and fewer giant grey buildings full of bureaucrats wasting our tax dollars. The most acceptable way to effect meaningful change is the vote. Do your vote and your collective voices to seek an end to the national debt and it's root causes. The national debt is only our fault if we continue the insanity of electing and reelecting the same flavor of politicians who created the financial nightmare we are presently enduring.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
DREAM CONVERSATION WITH LEMUEL LAMB
A vividly remembered dream conversation experienced 11/2/11 !
ME - Well grandfather tell me about your good old days.
LL - Son, we got more electrified in my time. Electric for heat, lights, cooking, and all manner of other gizmos. All wired directly into the houses. And, we got radio with voices and sounds crossing hundreds or maybe thousands of miles on tiny wires. And, the movies went from speechless stories to colorized talkies. I suppose things may have been a little better then my boyhood days. But honestly, we still had war and your grandmother died from some foreign flu before she reached thirty. Maybe, we think they're good old days because in those past times we were younger, stronger, faster, and had bright dreams.
ME - Any things you wish you could redo in your eighty four years ?
LL - Yes, I'd do all of it different.
ME - What do you mean ?
LL - First, I'd tell you to forget about those "good old days". You know,
thinking too much on yesterdays is not healthy, especially for the living. However, the biggest change I'd make came from a routine experience on the Seaboard. I remember leaving the rail shops in Portsmouth many times on runs to Roanoke. As we got out of town and beyond Suffolk that old Seaboard locomotive would begin to speed along quite smartly. Since I didn't have any chores, I'd relax and stare out the window at the passing scenery. Sometimes, despite the clacking of the rails, I would even catch a few minutes, maybe hours, of shuteye. Well son, on one of those runs it dawned on me that life was just a long series of Kodak snapshots like the ever changing view out my speeding rail car window. With each new second a new picture would appear out the window and I begun to think that life was maybe the same way.
ME - Whatever do you mean ?
LL - You see when I was a boy I was taught to plan for the future. Do well in school, get a good job, go to church, listen to your doctor, obey the boss, and all that stuff. Well I tried to live that way for a long time. But, after I got beat so bad by those thugs, Annie died, and her family sent all our kids to orphanages I began to think different. I thought a lot about watching the scenery flash by like a slow moving picture show and everything became very clear.
ME - I'm confused. How did you begin thinking differently and what became clear ?
LL - Simple. I made a deal with the Lord that I would live minute to minute and not get too worried about all the planning and worrying part of living. Because you see, I realized that life was like a long series of photographs reflecting every second you live as a separate picture in time. Since I had no control over what I might see speeding along on that train how could I control the good and bad things that would happen in my life. So, I decided to put on a smile, trust the Lord and know that whatever else was going to happen in my life would just happen. I'd just do my best and find the happy side of whatever happened.
ME - Is this why you lived with many different people, went to different churches practically every Sunday, and barely recognized your son, my father, or me ?
LL - Maybe. You know, a lot of folks say that after my beating and Annie died, I got a little touched in the noggin. Began to forget things and people. Maybe that's what happened. But, honestly I think I got smarter getting off the regular way most folks live their lives. After awhile I figured all I could offer anyone was myself, my smiles, and my love. Maybe that's why so many folks in Deep Creek took care of me for so long. They began calling me Lamb and Lambie Pie even though my middle initial was really for Lafayette. I did my best to be gentle and peaceful with everyone and I was blessed with kindness from everyone I encountered. Nobody ever bothered or hurt me on purpose or out of meanness over those last forty some years. I was happy and so enjoyed all the good folks, their churches, and the wonderful singing.
ME - Are you in heaven Grandfather ?
LL - I'm not sure. But, I know everyone here is calm, bright, and happy. I see my beloved Annie Mae, my beautiful children, The Culpepper's, and my old friends and neighbors all the time. It's wonderful and it gets better all the time.
ME - What advice can you give me ?
LL - First, if you're a church person it's OK. If you're not a church person don't worry. All those churches on earth have little to do with the Almighty One. The churches don't know that and most of the folks mean well. Getting past life is a place and time too complex for anyone to understand so just relax about all that. Always trust on a better world on the other side of your life. Finally, forget about planning so much and thinking about the past. Live each day as a gift and keep in motion. Make friends everyday, smile a lot, and always remember that each day is a snapshot of your short time on earth. Just as that old locomotive got faster and the scenes clipped by faster and faster as you get older each of those days will speed by quicker and quicker. Be peaceful my grandson and I'll see you soon.
ME - Well grandfather tell me about your good old days.
LL - Son, we got more electrified in my time. Electric for heat, lights, cooking, and all manner of other gizmos. All wired directly into the houses. And, we got radio with voices and sounds crossing hundreds or maybe thousands of miles on tiny wires. And, the movies went from speechless stories to colorized talkies. I suppose things may have been a little better then my boyhood days. But honestly, we still had war and your grandmother died from some foreign flu before she reached thirty. Maybe, we think they're good old days because in those past times we were younger, stronger, faster, and had bright dreams.
ME - Any things you wish you could redo in your eighty four years ?
LL - Yes, I'd do all of it different.
ME - What do you mean ?
LL - First, I'd tell you to forget about those "good old days". You know,
thinking too much on yesterdays is not healthy, especially for the living. However, the biggest change I'd make came from a routine experience on the Seaboard. I remember leaving the rail shops in Portsmouth many times on runs to Roanoke. As we got out of town and beyond Suffolk that old Seaboard locomotive would begin to speed along quite smartly. Since I didn't have any chores, I'd relax and stare out the window at the passing scenery. Sometimes, despite the clacking of the rails, I would even catch a few minutes, maybe hours, of shuteye. Well son, on one of those runs it dawned on me that life was just a long series of Kodak snapshots like the ever changing view out my speeding rail car window. With each new second a new picture would appear out the window and I begun to think that life was maybe the same way.
ME - Whatever do you mean ?
LL - You see when I was a boy I was taught to plan for the future. Do well in school, get a good job, go to church, listen to your doctor, obey the boss, and all that stuff. Well I tried to live that way for a long time. But, after I got beat so bad by those thugs, Annie died, and her family sent all our kids to orphanages I began to think different. I thought a lot about watching the scenery flash by like a slow moving picture show and everything became very clear.
ME - I'm confused. How did you begin thinking differently and what became clear ?
LL - Simple. I made a deal with the Lord that I would live minute to minute and not get too worried about all the planning and worrying part of living. Because you see, I realized that life was like a long series of photographs reflecting every second you live as a separate picture in time. Since I had no control over what I might see speeding along on that train how could I control the good and bad things that would happen in my life. So, I decided to put on a smile, trust the Lord and know that whatever else was going to happen in my life would just happen. I'd just do my best and find the happy side of whatever happened.
ME - Is this why you lived with many different people, went to different churches practically every Sunday, and barely recognized your son, my father, or me ?
LL - Maybe. You know, a lot of folks say that after my beating and Annie died, I got a little touched in the noggin. Began to forget things and people. Maybe that's what happened. But, honestly I think I got smarter getting off the regular way most folks live their lives. After awhile I figured all I could offer anyone was myself, my smiles, and my love. Maybe that's why so many folks in Deep Creek took care of me for so long. They began calling me Lamb and Lambie Pie even though my middle initial was really for Lafayette. I did my best to be gentle and peaceful with everyone and I was blessed with kindness from everyone I encountered. Nobody ever bothered or hurt me on purpose or out of meanness over those last forty some years. I was happy and so enjoyed all the good folks, their churches, and the wonderful singing.
ME - Are you in heaven Grandfather ?
LL - I'm not sure. But, I know everyone here is calm, bright, and happy. I see my beloved Annie Mae, my beautiful children, The Culpepper's, and my old friends and neighbors all the time. It's wonderful and it gets better all the time.
ME - What advice can you give me ?
LL - First, if you're a church person it's OK. If you're not a church person don't worry. All those churches on earth have little to do with the Almighty One. The churches don't know that and most of the folks mean well. Getting past life is a place and time too complex for anyone to understand so just relax about all that. Always trust on a better world on the other side of your life. Finally, forget about planning so much and thinking about the past. Live each day as a gift and keep in motion. Make friends everyday, smile a lot, and always remember that each day is a snapshot of your short time on earth. Just as that old locomotive got faster and the scenes clipped by faster and faster as you get older each of those days will speed by quicker and quicker. Be peaceful my grandson and I'll see you soon.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
HERE TODAY, GONE YESTERDAY.
I've blinked twice at the daily health news that my simple pleasure or petty vice was unhealthy or even fatal.
First, there were cigarettes. Once touted by doctors and athletes as a relaxing even healthful habit they became an early target for those who would save humanity. Then came the warnings about coffee, chocolate, coca cola, fast food, palm oiled popcorn, and a long list of other goodies.
Scientists armed with rat test subjects, prophesizing computers, and endless government grants have labeled many foods and habits as deadly. To emphasize the badness of some products, our government has required scary warning labels and even gruesome pictures on packages of fags and other deadly pleasures.
Now, new studies from Australia and Taiwan have assigned the minutes of lost life one gets from staring into a TV or computer screen. They report an hour can shorten ones life by 22 minutes which according to the experts is the exact effect of smoking two cigarettes. Will smoking and TV viewing result in sudden death ? These same white jacketed medical experts cheerfully counter that 15 minutes of exercise can add 3 years of life. Does this mean if I discontinue TV and do six hours of daily exercise I will live to be 187 ?
Even notable bureaucrats such as ex mayor Bloomberg have become experts in healthy living by limiting the size of soft drinks in their jurisdictions and railing against the use of salt.
I find the new scientific method of assigning lost or gained minutes, hours, and years of life not so cheerful. I've done some serious math. According to my calculations, and given all the eating, slurping, smoking, and video screen staring I have enjoyed over the last seventy years, I should have died in 1987.
For life's simple pleasures are we here today and gone yesterday ?
First, there were cigarettes. Once touted by doctors and athletes as a relaxing even healthful habit they became an early target for those who would save humanity. Then came the warnings about coffee, chocolate, coca cola, fast food, palm oiled popcorn, and a long list of other goodies.
Scientists armed with rat test subjects, prophesizing computers, and endless government grants have labeled many foods and habits as deadly. To emphasize the badness of some products, our government has required scary warning labels and even gruesome pictures on packages of fags and other deadly pleasures.
Now, new studies from Australia and Taiwan have assigned the minutes of lost life one gets from staring into a TV or computer screen. They report an hour can shorten ones life by 22 minutes which according to the experts is the exact effect of smoking two cigarettes. Will smoking and TV viewing result in sudden death ? These same white jacketed medical experts cheerfully counter that 15 minutes of exercise can add 3 years of life. Does this mean if I discontinue TV and do six hours of daily exercise I will live to be 187 ?
Even notable bureaucrats such as ex mayor Bloomberg have become experts in healthy living by limiting the size of soft drinks in their jurisdictions and railing against the use of salt.
I find the new scientific method of assigning lost or gained minutes, hours, and years of life not so cheerful. I've done some serious math. According to my calculations, and given all the eating, slurping, smoking, and video screen staring I have enjoyed over the last seventy years, I should have died in 1987.
For life's simple pleasures are we here today and gone yesterday ?
Friday, August 5, 2011
All Things Considered - Ballots or Bullets ?
In my opinion, the third period of our American Experience, 1932 to 2012, is about to end. All things considered during the last eight decades must be reconsidered.
In the beginning of the Roosevelt era, America was beginning to understand and flex it's industrial muscle as a world power. It had finally recognized the rights of women and was slowly progressing beyond it's "Jim Crow" days. The industrial revolution, great works of American invention and industrialization were showering citizens with wondrous gifts of material convenience, utility, and pleasure. However, in this mix of great events it became apparent that large portions of the population were slow in receiving the benefits of an advanced age. For many the divide of rich and poor became a deep wound to the national conscience.
Electrification and material gains came slow to rural areas. The power and money brokers of the great centers of commerce became giddy and embarrassingly arrogant with their wealth. News muckrakers and great writers were able to communicate these injustices to a growing population of literate citizens. Radicals of all political stripes stepped forward and demanded change. Many, at the time, perceived a cruel reverse to the American ideal of equality and the universal everyman.
To this mix came Franklin D. Roosevelt. The first great social progressive of the century with the political clout to effect significant changes. With stirring oratory and a full platter of new ideas in a time of desperate economics and world war he changed the texture of our culture. Essentially he began a new compact between the federal government and it's people.
I believe Roosevelt's really big idea and "new deal" was that the government would and could replace the church, individual, local community, and family in the care and responsibility of citizens at the middle and lower economic classes. The concept that government could guide it's citizens and businesses to an increasingly brighter future was introduced and slowly enacted. Old age income, jobs, housing, insurance, medical care, food, education, childcare, and an endless array of material and social needs would be provided by the government for it's poor and middle income citizens. These items would be paid for by taxpyers, rich citizens, and businesses. The federal government would levy a series of voluntary and involuntary taxes, payments, and fees to fund the new programs. The first great program was Social Security and at the time it seemed a reasonable idea. People would give a portion of their wages to the government. The government would hold the money in trust while the participant aged. At retirement age the Social Security participant would receive repayment of his contributions and a lifetime stipend to provide a comfortable retirement.
Over the decades, despite a variety of presidents and political changes, the basic idea introduced by Franklin Roosevelt has endured and been wildly expanded. It has become a tradition and ingrained part of our culture that the federal government holds a dominant position in the material well being of it's citizens. Over the years, this assumption has been fervently supported and defended by unions, churches, academics, lobbyists, artists, politicians, and leaders of the print and electronic media.
Although many social observers have warned that the benevolence of the federal government has destroyed the family, demotivated individuals from a sense of personal responsibility, and unjustly redistributed the nations treasure, little in entitlement programs has changed. Also with absolutely no justification in our Constitution, these welfare programs have grown to absurd levels of waste and duplicity. Over the years, these lively debates and arguments have failed to effect meaningful change or reform. Now, the situation has come to a crisis because the costs have outstripped the available revenue from taxes. Because of the countless programs and complex expensive networks of government bureaucracies our nation approaches bankruptcy. Unfortunately, most contemporary politicians fail to comprehend or admit the simple math and unconstitutional nature of the crisis. Indeed, many are content to argue continuation and expansion of these costly federal programs.
Without fail, a new chapter in American history will begin soon and with all things considered the only question will be if that change comes by way of the ballot box or a long national nightmare of bullets. Thank God we still have our votes and God help us if common sense and a return to our constitutional values fail in the next few election cycles.
In the beginning of the Roosevelt era, America was beginning to understand and flex it's industrial muscle as a world power. It had finally recognized the rights of women and was slowly progressing beyond it's "Jim Crow" days. The industrial revolution, great works of American invention and industrialization were showering citizens with wondrous gifts of material convenience, utility, and pleasure. However, in this mix of great events it became apparent that large portions of the population were slow in receiving the benefits of an advanced age. For many the divide of rich and poor became a deep wound to the national conscience.
Electrification and material gains came slow to rural areas. The power and money brokers of the great centers of commerce became giddy and embarrassingly arrogant with their wealth. News muckrakers and great writers were able to communicate these injustices to a growing population of literate citizens. Radicals of all political stripes stepped forward and demanded change. Many, at the time, perceived a cruel reverse to the American ideal of equality and the universal everyman.
To this mix came Franklin D. Roosevelt. The first great social progressive of the century with the political clout to effect significant changes. With stirring oratory and a full platter of new ideas in a time of desperate economics and world war he changed the texture of our culture. Essentially he began a new compact between the federal government and it's people.
I believe Roosevelt's really big idea and "new deal" was that the government would and could replace the church, individual, local community, and family in the care and responsibility of citizens at the middle and lower economic classes. The concept that government could guide it's citizens and businesses to an increasingly brighter future was introduced and slowly enacted. Old age income, jobs, housing, insurance, medical care, food, education, childcare, and an endless array of material and social needs would be provided by the government for it's poor and middle income citizens. These items would be paid for by taxpyers, rich citizens, and businesses. The federal government would levy a series of voluntary and involuntary taxes, payments, and fees to fund the new programs. The first great program was Social Security and at the time it seemed a reasonable idea. People would give a portion of their wages to the government. The government would hold the money in trust while the participant aged. At retirement age the Social Security participant would receive repayment of his contributions and a lifetime stipend to provide a comfortable retirement.
Over the decades, despite a variety of presidents and political changes, the basic idea introduced by Franklin Roosevelt has endured and been wildly expanded. It has become a tradition and ingrained part of our culture that the federal government holds a dominant position in the material well being of it's citizens. Over the years, this assumption has been fervently supported and defended by unions, churches, academics, lobbyists, artists, politicians, and leaders of the print and electronic media.
Although many social observers have warned that the benevolence of the federal government has destroyed the family, demotivated individuals from a sense of personal responsibility, and unjustly redistributed the nations treasure, little in entitlement programs has changed. Also with absolutely no justification in our Constitution, these welfare programs have grown to absurd levels of waste and duplicity. Over the years, these lively debates and arguments have failed to effect meaningful change or reform. Now, the situation has come to a crisis because the costs have outstripped the available revenue from taxes. Because of the countless programs and complex expensive networks of government bureaucracies our nation approaches bankruptcy. Unfortunately, most contemporary politicians fail to comprehend or admit the simple math and unconstitutional nature of the crisis. Indeed, many are content to argue continuation and expansion of these costly federal programs.
Without fail, a new chapter in American history will begin soon and with all things considered the only question will be if that change comes by way of the ballot box or a long national nightmare of bullets. Thank God we still have our votes and God help us if common sense and a return to our constitutional values fail in the next few election cycles.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Pray the Return of Phantom Fathers
As many celebrate the memory or presence of a father on Fathers Day, too many observe his absence. Not the father temporarily missing because of military service or a work schedule, but the millions of men who voluntarily ran away from fatherhood and their children.
How utterly sad for the abandoned children and what a deep wound this situation has caused for a more civil society. One can only estimate the disorder these fatherless homes have created over the last fifty years. The anger, crime, and, emotional void caused by fatherless homes is a curse on our civilization. Finally, the overwhelming stress to mothers trying to fill the void is tremendous.
While laws and social programs have vigorously addressed the problem, the results have been dismal. Rather then offering punishment or preaching, let us send this simple prayer to the heavens.
Dear God touch one man's heart every minute of every day to return home and be a father. Dear God, give these men the courage and strength to assume their role of fatherhood no matter the years, fears, and tears of the past. We ask this favor dear God knowing thy will be done.
How utterly sad for the abandoned children and what a deep wound this situation has caused for a more civil society. One can only estimate the disorder these fatherless homes have created over the last fifty years. The anger, crime, and, emotional void caused by fatherless homes is a curse on our civilization. Finally, the overwhelming stress to mothers trying to fill the void is tremendous.
While laws and social programs have vigorously addressed the problem, the results have been dismal. Rather then offering punishment or preaching, let us send this simple prayer to the heavens.
Dear God touch one man's heart every minute of every day to return home and be a father. Dear God, give these men the courage and strength to assume their role of fatherhood no matter the years, fears, and tears of the past. We ask this favor dear God knowing thy will be done.
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