AMERICA'S MURDER CRISIS

Mad, evil people slaughter innocent people too many times. However, why does every new atrocity justify a fresh talking point for those who believe all firearms, including legally owned guns, should be banished ?  In my opinion, its not a problem of guns, but a failure of our society and culture.  I think the real solution will not come from the government but from we the people.

Without the second amendment or NRA would gun violence magically end? Should all firearms be  confiscated from citizens by the government?  Should more citizens be armed?  If firearms were only possessed by cops, government agents, and military people, would we be safer? I don't think so.

Many well intentioned people think simple answers solve difficult problems. Banning gun sales and possession or arming everyone will not end murders and massacres. Consider the trillion plus dollar "War on Poverty "and "Obamacare" government plans. They didn't eliminate poverty or expensive health care. History and statistics prove that massive expensive government schemes intended to solve social problems rarely work. A new federal bureaucracy with thousands of employees and billions of tax payer dollars will not erase the dark sickness that poisons the hearts and minds of killers. Rather, I believe the solution to our current homicide crisis lies with each of us who shutter and weep with each new tragedy. We must speak up, counsel, and be wary of those in our families and social circles who exhibit extreme mental anguish and hatred. We must be the eyes and ears to assist the police in preventing further tragedies.

Deranged people will continue to slaughter other people whether they use a gun, ax, knife, pressure cooker, bag of fertilizer, poison gas, bomb, truck, bricks, baseball bat, sword or rope. Sadly, the cities and states boasting the most restrictive gun laws and gun free zones suffer unacceptable rates of murder greater than localities with fewer restrictions. Really bad people don't obey laws or give a damn about civility and human decency. The real question is not how people get killed, but what motivates the killer. Surely, if we could magically cleanse society of mental illnesses, we would greatly reduce the tragedies we too often witness and suffer. However, the grave problem of mental illness also defies a simple fix. Is sleep apnea or PTSD from decades ago mental illnesses ? Are drunkards or substance abusers mentally ill ?

Maybe we can look to yesterdays America and some of our better habits and angels for guidance; families that include parents, communities where people know their neighbors and police, active churches and civic groups, strong schools, law abiding citizens, and more respect for our laws, elders, national flag, language, friendships, religion(s), diversity, families, educational system, and arts.  These things should define and  bind us to a common culture and civilization. Also, more attention to these items might reduce or prevent the conditions that produce unstable, potentially murderous,  people. Perhaps, our last few generations have become too dedicated to instant gratification, materialism, intoxication, selfishness, and the passing trends of the day. Perhaps, we have abandoned our great traditions of personal responsibility, patriotism, lawfulness, civility, neighborliness, and respecting our beautiful differences.

Sadly, if we take away all the guns or give everyone a weapon we will not solve our homicide crisis because evil and mentally ill people will always find a way to produce unspeakable horror. I suggest we should look to our better selves and the better things we can do for each other, ourselves, and our children, kin, and neighbors. Rather than ranting against a political party, politician, NRA, or the Second Amendment, we might consider that more gun laws will not erase or reduce the madmen or madness that haunts our society. The final solution to this great problem must come from within each of us.

America also has a silent killing machine called unlimited abortions. Thousands of innocent black babies are slaughtered monthly, but thats a discussion for later ...

THE VOCATION VACATION SUMMER

Sister Herculane sported a small smile as she ushered me into her office. Smiling was not her normal facial expression, but as hers expanded it illuminated her face to a rosy pink glow. Unlike the other nuns, she was not a plump, blushing, bundle of robes and banging rosary beads. Sister Herculane was a tall, lean woman well into her thirties. She was a serious educator, disciplinarian, and religious.

Her office was short of décor except for a few statues, crucifixes and framed pictures of saints. It smelt of mild bleach and fresh ivory snow soap. The walls were concrete blocks lathered in heavy white paint and the floor was a checkerboard of black and white tiles. Her desk was a neat surface with a flip flop metal calendar, a few slices of mimeographed paper, pencils, and in the center the dreaded paddle we knew as the "board of education". The lighting was soft from sunshine streaking in through a single large window. Maintaining steady eye contact she announced, "Charles, we believe you have been blessed with a holy vocation." Before I could respond she continued, "Father Finnegan and I believe Almighty God has chosen you to become a priest."

At the time I was 11 or 12 years old and had not spent much time planning next week or my entire life for that matter. I remember in religion class hearing that God chose certain boys and girls to be fathers and sisters for the Holy Roman Catholic Church. Sisters told us that once you were chosen that was it. Our religious instructors further directed we pray about vocations and listen for instructions from the Almighty. I did pray, but mostly my prayers were for forgiveness after confession or selfish prayers to ask God for stuff my parents could not afford to give me. I honestly couldn't recall getting any messages from God. However, when Sister Herculane suggested my vocation, I began to doubt and wonder if I had missed or ignored an important signal from the Lord. Sister continued, "Charles, this is a very important decision and you must take time, pray mightily, and examine your conscience to get divine guidance." I was slightly relieved there were no oaths or enlistment papers requiring my immediate signature.

Sister Herculane carried the fearsome nicknames of Hurricane and Hercules for good reason. She was a disciplinarian of the first order and could be very intimidating. Thank God she did not demand my immediate decision. I was an altar boy and knew Father Finnegan well. He was grumpy at the 6 AM mass, but after finishing up the early mass wine he became a more pleasant fellow. He was a lovable Irish priest dedicated to the Church, it's wine, and his parishioners, especially the ladies. I knew altar boy Latin, but dreaded learning the priests portion of Latin and all the intricate duties of priesthood.

Sister Herculane continued, "Father Michael from the diocese will be meeting you and organizing a summer camp for other possible seminarians from all over Virginia. We want you to seriously consider the week long trip. Give your parents this packet of information and bring the completed applications back to me." I was speechless as Sister Herculane rose and said, " Do you have any questions, and remember it is a high honor to receive a holy vocation." I had a million questions and doubts, but was overwhelmed, and could only meekly reply, "thank you sister."

Dad promptly filled out and signed the application. He was a steady Catholic and in awe of Sister Herculane. I didn't ask his advice. All he said was, "take a good look son it could be a great opportunity and we'll agree with whatever you choose." I think he relished the possibility that educational expenses at seminary would be borne by the diocese. He sacrificed mightily to afford the tuition for my sister and I and realized the benefit of future paid education for me . My mother who was a Baptist by birth, but knew all the Catholic holy days, teachings, and rituals better than anyone, easily agreed with his suggestion. She was a true closet Catholic of the first order and I think she believed all nuns, priests, doctors, and ministers were infallible.

Father Michael was a cheerful energetic man who had a folder full of mountain camp photos and drawings of the proposed seminary. "We'll have a swell time Charles, and you will get a chance to met some other guys thinking about seminary." His enthusiasm was genuine and electric. After our 30 minute meeting some of my earlier apprehensions melted away. I began to consider the summer camp as an adventure with a bunch of other boys my age.

I had never been on a train before and enjoyed the rail journey from the flat tidewater through the rolling landscape of Central Virginia to the edge of the Appalachians. It was an exciting and scenic journey. I was the only boy from my school sent to this special camp, and had instructions where to exit and whom to meet. At my destination I noticed other boys exiting the train and moving across the platform to a line of cars and station wagons. I followed. Loaded cheek to jowl in vehicles with our bags we bounced our way up hills into the mountains, and finally snaked our way down a winding dirt track to our camp site. The first order of business was a talk from Father Michael. Then, we all got pinned with name tags. I would guess a hundred or more boys were there and cars arrived until dark loaded with more fellows.

Except for prayer times and mass every day it was a fun filled week. We did camping, hiking, fishing, campfires, tugs of war, swimming, games, wrestling, spooky fireside stories, and lots of good food. There were a few fights among some, ticks, mosquito bites, and a good number of cuts and scratches, but all in all an enjoyable week. One day a boy got bit by something and his arm quickly turned purple and puffed up. Father Michael stuffed the boy into his car and a few of us jumped in for the descent to a clinic.  Father raced down the hill so fast and in those days before seat belts it was a scary ride. We were jostled up and down and from side to side as he careened down the mountain. Finally, one guy begged Father to slow down and he cheerfully responded, "boys, with God as our co pilot we have nothing to fear." Turns out the kid was allergic to some bee or bug and after a shot was OK. Father screeched back to camp spewing gravel at every switchback, but I felt we would be safe because, as he assured us, God was our co pilot. Camp lasted six days and a handful of us were invited to visit the new seminary site for a few days. We climbed aboard a school bus and headed for Goochland County.

The site of Saint John Vianney Seminary was on the James River. A beautiful old mansion and large piece of land had been donated to the Diocese for the school. Construction on the barracks and class buildings were still in progress when we arrived on a steamy summer afternoon. The seminary was to be a high school prep which would graduate boys to the college level seminaries up north. We shared bedrooms in the big house and our first order from Father Michael was to meet at the large outdoor pool. Along with a few others, I enjoyed the pool, fancy meals, a tour of the facility, and conversations with staff members and Father Michael about vocations and the priesthood.

After nearly two weeks of camp and visiting the beautiful old home, my junior seminarian experience was finished. I had met a lot of nice, smart young guys and priests. I seriously prayed about a vocation or "calling" and sought a message, but was never answered.

Back home as my big decision day approached something changed my thinking. I attended a few dances at the local community center and birthday parties the last weeks before the new school year, and suddenly realized that girls were quite intriguing. I perceived this as a very clear signal from nature and God that I was not destined to be a priest. For a twelve year old feeling some pressure from well meaning adults, this lead me to my final decision.

I said no to the whole seminary deal and Sister Herculane was disappointed. She had been an excellent sales lady for vocations and I felt bad that I had not fulfilled her expectations. I  believe she took my decision personally. Father Finnegan and Father Michael were OK with my choice, and held out the future opportunity if I should ever change my mind. Fortunately, Mom and dad agreed with my choice too.

Looking back, it was probably my first major life decision. I fondly remember and will never forget the wonderful adults in my "coming of age" drama. They were good people trying to steer me into a religious life. However, it was my call and I made the right choice. I will always relish the experience of a summer when I turned a potential religious vocation into a vacation and met some great folks along the way.

As I travel my Final Lap I often recall Father Michael's words. " Boys, with God as our co pilot, we have nothing to fear."

HERE COMES HURRICANE SEASON ...

The first of June marks the start of another weather season and things can get a little wacky.

Every radar blip of a low pressure system or wave of thunderstorms will be graphed, analyzed, and plotted as a potential epic disaster. We will be commanded to prepare for every storm coming off the coast of Africa. As each new wave of low pressure meanders out in the ocean we will get hourly updates and bulletins. The general public will be scared by the media at every turn and feel compelled to purchase a lot of stuff and extra food.  Names will be affixed to the tropical typhoons and weather talking heads will be dispatched to stand in the floods and wind so nobody can deny the dangers of heavy rain and strong winds. Advertising rates will be increased by every network so they will all scramble to show the most destruction and human misery. Scientists and politicians will wave the flag of global warming or weather change as the reason for the storms. They will shout down anyone with a different view and cluck like so many crows until federal grant money flows like sweat on a torrid August day in Mississippi.

Anyone living from the coast of Texas to the rocky shores of Maine knows all about Atlantic hurricanes. Many terrible storms have destroyed billions in property and killed thousands of people since meteorological events have been recorded. I have witnessed storms from Hazel to Isabel along the Mid Atlantic and they can be wicked unpredictable monsters.

But, it seems in recent decades the hype has often exceeded the reality of bad summer weather. Being aware, prepared, and alert are smart things and modern forecasting techniques are great. However, in my opinion, using hurricanes and tropical storms to further political purposes or as a  hook to increase network advertising or government funding is not in the best interests of the public and downright dishonest.

   

DO MOST POLITICAL CONSPIRACIES & OBSTRUCTIONS COME FROM THE LEFT ?

For the last few years, it has been trendy and acceptable for the mass media to reject serious challenges or criticisms of the Clinton's or any part of the Democrat Party and use the label, " Vast Far Right Wing Conspiracy". However, the truth is, there has never been or will ever be a vast conspiracy from the right. Frankly, Republicans are not crafty enough to mount much of a united front on anything for very long. There is too much intellectual diversity within the GOP to allow for much unity.

But, really strong and lasting political movements are produced and are a continuing reality from the VAST FAR LEFT WING CONSPIRACY which runs deep into the culture and fabric of America. From Walter Cronkite to George Stephanopoulos the great majority of news readers have been far left democrats. These talking heads always claim journalism as their craft while wallowing in the partisan politics of the left. In interviews and presidential debates they sling barbed gotcha questions at republicans and loft fluff ball queries to democrats. Like Stephanopoulos, many are strongly committed to left wing agendas, politicians, and the good old boy system of economic favors and paybacks.

On our college campuses, left wing teachers dominate political and social conversations with their ultra liberal beliefs. These institutions and their professors, which boast higher learning, often ban and allow shout downs of conversations from the right. Learning becomes strict indoctrination to progressive politics and alienation for those with opposing views or serious questions. The American Flag and Ten Commandments have become unacceptable speech at many American universities.

Hollywood and many of it's luminaries decry violence while producing movies and television programs brimming with blood and unearthly gore. Their messages on the big and little screens conform to an agenda of anti capitalism, anti military, anti climate warming skepticism, and anti Americanism. Those who dare use facts to challenge or point out the glaring hypocrisy of the entertainment world are regularly damned. In the self indulgent world of Hollywood if it bleeds, is gay, transgender, or presents any minority as oppressed by evil white people it plays and gets sequels.

Many Democrat politicians bastardized the government - social help movement started by Franklin Roosevelt. It is now a giant monster of bureaucratic spaghetti brimming with over regulation and corrupt leadership. Since the 1950's, the family unit, American work ethic, honesty in government and labor unions degenerated into a negative force which strips poor citizens of their dignity and robs other citizens of their earnings. Any regular Joe or politician who suggests that truckloads of money will never repair our social cancers is quickly branded as a heartless piece of human trash. The fact that trillions did not win the war on poverty or that billions spent in ghettos does not improve the lives of urban occupants is quickly dismissed as hate speech. Minority populations have long been the prostitutes and easy votes for democrat candidates who throw out a few crumbs of welfare or "free" stuff. Universally, Democrat office holders declare the woes of minorities as never their responsibility, and always the result of insufficient funding because of evil republicans.

Sadly, the Democratic Party owns the black vote and may soon own the Hispanic vote. The pandering of social progressive democrats works well, and is most effective among the naive and poorly informed citizens who depend upon the charity of the federal government. Democrat politicians regularly use the "victim" card and emphasize any remote incident of racial injustice to easily harvest the votes of their minority slaves. If greater education and appreciation of our unique society with it's free market and representative government doesn't penetrate the fog of the VAST FAR LEFT CONSPIRACY, America is doomed.

America will face a steady decline and eventual collapse if the VAST FAR LEFT CONSPIRACY of news readers, college teachers, cultural luminaries, and democratic politicians remain the dominant forces. Only intelligent informed voting or revolution can create change to our current national quagmire.

QUICK CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIONS DEFY COMMON SENSE.

Given that the earth is four and a half billion (4,500,000,000) years old and recorded accurate weather information only dates to about 1880 ( 135 ) years, it is ignorant to draw large conclusions from the tiny amount of time for which we have records. The comparison of factual climate data and the earths age would be like defining the mass of sand at Virginia Beach by a few grains of it's sand. Silly. Also, every dire prediction of global warming, freezing or catastrophe claimed by climate alarmists are based on computer models which have little basis in real world data or facts. Since their invention, computers have faithfully cranked out data reflective of the input from computer operators aiming for outcomes favorable to their beliefs. Garbage in, garbage out.

It is no surprise that many scientists and academics swear by man made global warming just as thousands of earths most "enlightened" men swore by a flat earth at the center of the universe a few hundred years ago. In that long ago age, the scientist who opined about gravity, a solar system or a round earth might get banished, excommunicated or burned at the stake. Nowadays, scientists like their ancestor brethren, want acceptance and membership in the cool club acclaimed by the media and the world of academia, so it's easy for them to go along with a falsehood and shout down doubters. Significantly too, scientists must follow whatever the richest governments preach so as to get maximum income by way of grants and funding. In turn the US government has used "bad global changes because of evil man" as a theme to collect more taxes, restrict personal choices (freedom) in the market place, and control voters with emotion rather than reason. Too many people with good brains are unable or unwilling to recognize facts over fiction, and use common sense.

Despite what Al Gore, the king of pop science and billionaire pimp of global warming, would have us believe, the only temporary climate changes we've witnessed and recorded since the 1880's have been caused by volcanoes. Despite all the burned fossil fuels, expended aerosol spray cans, mountains of un recyclable garbage, and plastic six pack straps thrown in the sea our effect on changing the environment has been negligible. Polar bears are not endangered and still swim miles in the open sea, glaciers regularly retreat and advance, and weather seasons still occur. Despite what Gore and his scary opportunist buddies preached thirty or forty years ago, our coastal cities have not disappeared and our food supplies remain adequate. Everyone should know that a heatwave, drought, blizzard, hurricane or tornado, by whatever clever name TWC uses, does not mean the end of the world is upon us. Weather and climate conditions, good and bad, happen every day somewhere without the drama and angst The Weather Channel performers use to gain advertising revenue and ratings.

As Almighty God planned, man is the highest form of nature. Obviously, we should improve our behavior in the natural world. We should use our resources wisely and protect the less intelligent plants, animals, and sea creatures of  our earthly domain. But, man must also use his brain to reject the big lie of catastrophic climate change preached by our government and selected elements of the media and academia. When He or She that moves the planets and makes life decides, the world will incinerate, crumble, implode, drown or cease to exist. In my opinion, earths demise happens by nothing man can say or do despite the big fat ego of some of our species.

DO WE STILL NEED A BLACK HISTORY MONTH ?

I believe setting aside a single month of the year to celebrate the history and heritage of black Americans is an insult to all Americans, especially black Americans. Should we not celebrate the history of all colors and cultures which make America a melting pot every day of the year ?

The contributions of black Americans is a critical patch in the great American quilt of success and deserves more than a month of remembrance. Also, do we have enough months to celebrate the culture and contributions of the Armenian, Irish, Japanese, Navajo, Italian, German, Indian, Israeli, Greek, Russian, Polish, Mexican, Nigerian, French, Turkish, Apache, Spanish, Swiss, Russian, Chinese people and hundreds of other groups that blended to make America ?

The citizens of many tribes and nationalities of the world who came to America do not have special months to celebrate their history and heritage. Perhaps a day, weekend or parade to celebrate a fatherland or motherland, but not an entire month. In accomplishments and progress, Americans celebrate their heritage every day making our nation a stronger, richer, and safer homeland. So why do some black leaders think they need a month ? Is slavery the reason they need a February season ? Perhaps. However, the history of mankind records everybody, at some time,  enslaved in some form or another by their own kind or their neighbors. Likewise, every culture, at some time, has been murdered and maimed by their own kind or their neighbors. Slavery in America was a small piece of a world history unfortunately stained with many atrocities and injustices.

Maybe Black History Month is a self serving tool used by some black leaders. It is used to maintain political power over poorly informed and educated citizens. Some leaders seek to justify a sense of entitlement or white guilt for past sins by concentrating on the evil our white ancestors did to our black ancestors. The month is used by many to whine and moan about bad history which has been largely reversed by laws and customs. I think too many unscrupulous leaders are looking for a payday and revel in a perpetual state of victim hood.

Remembering and knowing black history doesn't need a restricted time. Black History can be found in thousands of books, museums, monuments, and speeches which need more than a single month to appreciate and learn. As I recall, The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King Jr. made many speeches and sermons to bring Americans of all breeds and creeds together. His messages reminded us of the bad old days, but mostly he preached about unity and justice for all. I honestly do not think he would approve of confining the celebration of black history to a single month. In my opinion, Black History Month is much too important to be segregated to a cold winter month.

GETTING & GIVING SMILES

It came to me in a recent day dream that even our votes, sermons, political contributions, and second amendment rights may not change a world imploding with madness and misery. Therefore, I dreamt a little vision to make my world a little nicer place.

Now, at the conclusion of a business transaction or passing conversation with a stranger I smile, thank them, and use their name. Thanking Howard, Edith, Jose, or Mohammad for my 7-11, retail, fast food, haircut or liquor store purchase has solicited giggles, grunts, but mostly smiles. A very wise person once said that the sweetest sound is hearing someone say your name. It's true. Most clerks, government employees, and business people wear simple name badges or fancy lanyards bearing their name and job title. In my unscientific testing, using a strangers name once or twice seems to cause good eye contact and percolate a warm smile.

Too often in our day to day rush we may consider clerks as human extensions to a cash register. We may consider them our temporary servants unworthy of simple courtesies. I know from astonished and bemused looks that many clerks are surprised to hear their name mentioned in greetings or thank yous.

In my opinion, its a nice and decent thing to do. Using someones name may not end all the problems of our society and world, but its a small way to try. To get a smile, give a smile and name names !

                          AFTER & BEFORE A "HELLO CHARLIE" GREETING !                                  

   

  

GIFT A MILITARY MEMBER, EMT, FIREMAN OR COP

Traditionally we gift those we consider our lovers, special friends or beloved kinfolk. This is A SIGN OF friendship marked by gifts and cards. I suggest in addition to the regular people we honor we consider a new practice directed at total strangers.

At your local restaurant, grocer, or retail store consider gifting the purchase for a uniformed military member or cop next in line or nearby. Do it quietly while thanking them for their loyalty and service.
In addition to their pleasant surprise, your simple gesture may give you a joyful moment well beyond the value of the things you gift.

We have thousands of military personnel and police in the Tidewater Area (Hampton Roads, Virginia) and if a small percentage of folks would extend small kindnesses what a special statement we could make. Many of our military neighbors and cops are young people far from home and friends. None are ever paid enough for their 24/7 commitment and your modest gift and kindness will represent a small and unexpected surprise.

Occasionally, random acts of generosity or thanks to an individual or group are reported by the media. Wouldn't it be wonderful if a shower of small anonymous events swept the area with little or no publicity. Perhaps Hampton Roads could trigger a nationwide flood of simple kind acts for our military citizens.

Just do it, and consider making it a weekly or monthly habit !

FREE TUITION ..... REALLY !

If you still believe all the stuff Santa Claus delivered each Christmas was free or if you still believe tooth fairy money and Easter Bunny candy was free, than the latest Bernie, Warren, Harris etc. outlandish  promises of free college will make sense.

Fact is most grownups have long known that nothing of any material value in life is free. They know the "buy one get one free" bag of cookies are not really free. They realize deep down that spending grocery or rent money on more lottery tickets is a fools way to the poorhouse. Somebody, somewhere pays for every single thing that is advertised or promoted as free.

Every penny democrats and socialists in Congress tell us they are giving away, came from someone paying taxes or fees to the federal government. The government has never made money and exists only on taxing from citizens and businesses.  As Democrats and progressives live to give more stuff away in exchange for votes, the only place to get more money is from individuals and corporations that earn money. So the free phones, college tuition, rent money, and food stamps are paid for by other people who earn money and profits. Naturally, these smart workers and corporations will cut back on their spending, hiring, and business expansion when their taxes are increased. Taking from the rich and giving to the poor is socialism which the Democratic party employs while preaching class warfare to create an illusion of "fairness". The fifty year old government sponsored "War on Poverty" was a colossal failure that costs trillions and only increased poverty. Democrats scheme to save mankind by spending other folks money. This mal practice simply entraps millions of Americans into a cycle of dependency on government handouts. Sadly, it also sucks the life out of capitalism, the free market, and individual initiative. Any wonder the exodus of rich people from high tax states such as New York and California.

Free stuff offered by any politician is simply a lie aimed at getting favor and votes. Anyone with an IQ higher than butterfly should understand nothing of value is ever free.  If government was truly  dedicated to providing less expensive college, why hasn't it challenged the ridiculous tenure and salary system of college instructors and sky rocketing tuition rates ?

As the democrat party clown show of competing candidates escalates expect more breath taking giveaway schemes to get your vote and hike your tax bill by trillions.

PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS GET RIGHTER EVERY DAY

Every day,  after a few minutes of television and newspaper news, I wander/wonder if my parents and grandparents were more right than wrong about many things.

I remember 60 years ago hearing stories of their "good old days" and how the modern world would send us all "to hell in a hand basket". I used to dismiss their negative views as so much old people poop talk. Also, I marveled at how brilliant I was at 10, 12 and 14 years old. By 17 I was amazed at my brilliance and great judgement about everything. I wondered why my poor elders were hopelessly wrinkled with a sad world view. I saw the future as a rainbow of sparkling possibilities where peace and happiness would  burst forth at anytime. I knew just another Joan Baez ballad, John Kennedy speech or march for peace would trigger a Utopian world of harmony, full bellies, and no diseases. Unfortunately, my good old days of peace, love, and eternal optimism got swallowed up by Vietnam, getting an education, job, and being a man with financial and family responsibilities. For me the bright world view never totally disappeared, it just faded a little with each year and tragic turn of history.

My parents and grandparents are long time gone, but with each passing year it seems their world view was more right than wrong. Wish they were still around to thank. Now that I approach their senior age, it's obvious they were much smarter and wiser than all their children and grandchildren.

Perhaps, as the brain and body soften from decades of life's harsh realities there is a natural tendency to find comfort in yesterdays which were etched in vitality and boundless optimism ? Maybe our final lap is more of a loop where we revisit the past and learn to better understand and appreciate ourselves and our parents and grandparents. .

C SPAN EXCITEMENT and A NEW IDEA

On occasion I enjoy the gavel to gavel coverage of Congress provided by C Span.
Recently a show involved the first day of the 114th Congress. All the new House members along with family members and children filled the seats and aisles. The first business was to elect a Speaker of the House for the new Congress. Clerks carefully called out names and votes were recorded electronically. Other House clerks dutifully tallied votes with eraser topped pencils. A simple majority vote, which could have been one and done in seconds by electronic means, stretched into an hours long litany of name calling and recalling. All the while, C Span cameras filled the screen with smiling politicians and squirming politician class children and babies. Finally, a winner was announced. Not surprisingly, the winner had been predicted by every network political wonk and weatherman months ago. Then, a series of self serving and congratulatory proclamations were made. Speeches promised a new age of political cooperation and harmony between elephants, donkeys, and tea drinkers. I say, yawn, yawn to all that malarkey !

As I absorbed all the silliness a capital idea dawned on me to control the Capitol confusion which burdens us with unneeded new laws and taxes every political season.

Since voting and making speeches are the most popular and well attended activities in Congress by congress people let it forever be their main business. I can recall in past sessions, half dead members being wheeled in to cast votes, make speeches, and pose for photos while supporting or opposing legislation. Unfortunately, most laws passed in Congress either cost taxpayers more money or take away more of our liberty. In my opinion, to provide politicians a means to vote and make flowery speeches let us give them harmless new legislative missions. By using poll numbers and exaggerated emotions political people can be tricked into doing anything.

Therefore, I propose that each legislative day the Senate and House of Representatives introduce laws with supporting arguments and appropriate committees to legalize the official United States color and number for the upcoming month. This legislation would provide grist for speeches, press conferences, and incredibly long unread bills. If an energetic Congress needed more material for new laws they could be directed to legalize a new national fish, reptile, insect, flower, bird, rock, tree, mineral, and animal for each upcoming month. This new lawmaking agenda would save Americans trillions in wasted spending and thousands of unnecessary laws. In addition to new lawmaking themes give Congress and all their aides and lobbyists 10 or 11 months of extra holidays.

Moving on, a new role for all the zany characters that waste air and natural resources at the United Nations might be employment as test laboratory animals or crash car dummies.   

A TIME TO BE STILL ...

During whatever we celebrate at the winter solace the rush of things, happenings, and people can be overwhelming. Coupled with gray weather and limited sunlight it can also be a season for "feeling blue". Those of us fortunate enough to have a few days off from work and school may yearn a return to the relative calm of nine to five. While it is OK to remain active and have a schedule during the holidays, it can also be stressful and downright maddening.

Perhaps in the rush and jumble of the season, it would be healthful to simply stop, be still, and be alone. With computers, fancy phones, digital games, parties, music noise, church, and family our wits can be ground to brittle nerve endings. With all due respect to friends, family, and holiday traditions the rush of so much stimulation in a compressed time may be counter productive to achieving holiday joy.

Therefore, to claim tranquility and inner peace during the celebrations of December and a new year find a quiet place and be still. Let your mind revel in good memories and the pleasantness of the present while abandoning the noise and clutter bursting forth from so many places. Beyond the season, realize the healthy habit of finding quiet and alone time. Perhaps in the process we may discover that "laughing" and happy place Uncle Remus told us about in the Brer' Rabbit story.

NEIGHBOR NAMED NED

My neighbor Ned is a total Neanderthal when it comes to lawn care.

In the spring, summer, and fall while most folks up and down the street groom yards of uniform green, Ned settles for various shades of green, brown, and yellow. My neighbors and I pay for cute little green trucks to deliver nutrients, seeds, and other services while Ned performs his yard work without a schedule or supply of reputable materials. Most lawns on the street are expertly cut by landscape engineers, but Ned chooses to push a smoky old mower. The mower blades are evidently so dull the grass is chopped and clumped into wet masses which become yellow lumps in a day. The hedges and beds around Ned's place are a hodgepodge of some legitimate flowering plants, but mostly common weeds.

In the fall and winter, the oaks and other trees in Ned's yard provide a steady shower of leaves which blow up and down the street. While most of us attend to the collection and destruction of the brown bits of debris, Ned seems content with allowing the leaves to pile up and blow into drifts around structures and parked cars. One or two times a season, Ned may rake or blow his leaves into piles which are either deposited at the back of his property to wait for fresh breezes or left in neat piles. Millions of worms, slugs, fleas, and varieties of mold surely flourish beneath his carpet of brown. Sometimes, I get so irritated with his misguided leaves littering my yard I fantasize writing his name on each leaf and mailing him weekly bundles of the blasted things.

On balance, I confess, Ned is generally a decent enough fellow, but a nuisance and nerd when it comes to complying with the niceties of lawn care. It irritates the stuffing out of me and probably my neighbors that his sloppy yard detracts from our manicured landscapes of green neatness. The cold holiday weather offers little relief as Ned detracts from our community of white window candles and professionally hung white lights. Ned seems to revel in Christmas lights which blink and flash a rainbow of odd colors. Rather than a scene of quiet white light dignity, his yard flashes all night like a carnival or Vegas gambling joint.

Sometimes I wish Ned would move his bad yard manners to another part of town. We who work so hard to present properly green and tidy yards do not deserve a  neighbor like Ned. We deserve a conforming good soul who abides by our high level of standards.

Then the alarm clock goes off. I wake and in the immortal spirit of Gustave Flaubert I realize that while I am not Madame Bovary, I am that Ned.

       

THE MOBS OF FERGUSON & CNN - written Nov. 2014

The mobs of Ferguson and all the wannabe Ferguson mobs are a mindless muddle of people heading in no particular direction just like the Occupy Wall Street fools of a few months ago.

There are children and teens with no homework, curfew, or responsible parents. Also, adults lacking jobs, curfews, and maturity who fill the night streets. Add, out of town people looking for looting and mayhem opportunities and a few serious terrorists hoping to score murder or disorder. Importantly, there are the bands of CNN and CNN wannabes following the mobs looking to sensationalize the sadness of street violence while enhancing their resumes and reputations. The CNN mobs will flame the fires to keep the news cycle alive and earn more advertiser dollars. The only group with discipline and order are the cops. However, they are forced to chase the rampaging mobs busy killing cop cars, looting liquor stores, destroying private property, aimlessly firing guns, and showing off for CNN.

The news reporting talking heads anxiously wait for the mobs to do something provocative so they can rush in and get more air time. To be expected regular mob people hustle and misbehave to get a few seconds of attention from the CNN cameras and personalities. Mobs of other mindless people in faraway cities rush and rumble to support whatever it is the mobs in Ferguson think they are protesting or accomplishing. With their signs and attitudes they disrupt traffic, businesses, and normal folks. CNN breathlessly reports all the movements like the play by play coverage of some big football game.

Mobs are mindless things lacking information, order, responsibility, or accountability.  No individual within a mob would ever dare do anything untoward without a screaming supportive cast of fools at his or her back. It takes no courage and little intelligence to join a mob. Many mob folk wear disguises and masks to hide their faces and identity. They chant things which are sometimes phrases of profanity or mindless clichéd drivel lacking facts or any grasp of reality. The Ferguson hoards have destroyed businesses and property in their own neighborhoods which will force employers to relocate and take precious jobs out of the area. While they curse the police, when one of their own needs protection, a fire extinguished, or medical aid the mob people demand instant help from their police or fire personnel.

Despite what Governor Nixon, President Obama,  Holder, and the usual mob of national race profiteers say, there is no valid case to be made against the white policeman who unfortunately killed a young black man. The real tragedy in Ferguson is the lack of education, parental direction, jobs, and meaningful black leaders for it's minority population. Shame on the Congressional Black Caucus, NAACP, and other  black leader mobs for their pronouncements which simply flame the fires of unrest. The Reverend Doctor Martin Luther King must be crying as he looks down from heaven. Racial relations in America have steadily declined since his inspiring days of leadership.

The majority of citizens in Ferguson are embarrassed by the actions of the few who are destroying their community. The various mobs amassed in Ferguson and other urban areas will eventually fade, despite the best efforts of the CNN gang, as it becomes increasingly apparent that the reason for their discontent is not the police or the tragic death of one youngster.

FERGUSON FACTS & FANTASYS - written 11/2014

Soon all the facts will be revealed from a Grand Jury concerning the death of a young black man at the hands of a white policeman in Ferguson Missouri.

The news will likely indicate a situation in which a policeman was forced and justified to unfortunately use deadly force. The small population of poorly informed citizens of Ferguson may react violently. Their lawlessness may be goaded on by a sympathetic far left media and racist profiteers. Chaos and violence within a small minority of the local African American community may bring further negative notoriety to the area. All the frustrations of the communities lowest social-economic group may whip itself into a frenzy that may hurt people and destroy businesses.

Ferguson reflects many small enclaves within American cities where poorly educated, government subsidized, and fatherless families struggle in a hopeless quagmire of despair, drugs, and violence. This situation is not the fault of, but is enhanced by the steady stream of government welfare plans. Despite trillions in federal expenditures and millions of speeches, poverty and ignorance remain cancers which cannot be healed with government money.

The abysmal leadership of current black national leaders, an inept NAACP, and a gang of "for profit" race pimps have failed to set the correct example and provide guidance for millions of black youngsters. Coming out of World War II the steady strides of improved racial relations faltered when the federal government decided handouts could forever heal the sins of Jim Crow and slavery times. The integrity and importance of family units, churches, education, and social leaders within the black community were diminished as the federal government plotted to fix things with money and over regulation. Over the decades too many black citizens chose dependence over independence, and their self serving leaders promoted federal government schemes. Since FDR, and accelerated by the Johnson administration, a large number of families have become total government dependents unable or unwilling to escape the shackles of welfare.

The facts of Ferguson may ignite all the fantasies held by many in that community. They may believe or be lectured that their unfair world is fueled completely by racial discrimination. So called black leaders and the left wing media will likely trumpet this theme in the days and weeks ahead. If violence and disorder follow, the greatest losers will be those who imagine themselves the victims. Sharpton, Holder, Jackson, Obama, and the news organization talking heads may again stoke the fires of hatred and as Ferguson burns and suffers, they will go home to their comfortable mansions and safe neighborhoods.

     

POST ELECTION DELIRIUM

Despite stunning losses the big boss of the Dem's defies the clear mandate of the electorate. His most ardent minions and spokespersons serve as mindless zombies as they follow him in denying the reality of the mid term election results. Even the NAACP is mute in congratulating new black members of congress who happen to be Republicans. The official Obama excuse for massive setbacks is that not enough of the "right" voters voted on election day.

Obama will continue to force his agenda upon America despite the strengthened constitutional role of Republicans. He really believes his pen and bluffs can override the will of the American people, Constitution, and the vote of lawfully elected congressional representatives. Unfortunately, too many Republicans in name only (RINOS) are willing to compromise the will of the people to get favorable headlines and be liked by the liberal establishment. These RINOS must be exposed, shamed and voted out of office in 2016 if they cannot stomach the fight with Obama. Unfortunately, impeachment is impossible as it has become an unwritten new racist amendment that the first black POTUS can never be impeached.

Newly elected members of Congress should understand they were elected as a clear protest to the socialist ideology of Obama. The Republicans have no specific plan and were chosen to simply STOP Obama. Beginning in January the new Congress should flood the White House with bills to dismantle Obamacare, lower corporate tax rates, enforce existing immigration laws, legalize the Keystone pipeline, and halt the rush to socialize this republic. Let Obama grind his veto pen to a nub until more Americans clearly understand his true obstructionist nature. Obama has immorally manipulated his executive power using the federal government to gratify his most ardent contributors and further his progressive ideas. Abuses of power and poor management within the IRS, Department of Justice, Department of Veterans Affairs, and many other agencies underline the incompetence and evil intentions of the Obama Administration.

Republicans should expect no cooperation from Obama and his remaining congressional followers. Turning America back to a direction which celebrates our core values of capitalism and liberty must be a relentless bloodless coup by the combined forces of republicans, conservatives, libertarians and tea party advocates. The cancer that the Obama presidency has spread across our nation must be aggressively treated and eradicated. The process begun with the 2014 mid terms must be finished in 2016.   

MAD AS HELL ?

The atmosphere of the upcoming mid term election reminds me of the famous line shouted by Peter Finch in the great movie Network. "We're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore." While much of our current anger may result in defeats for Democratic Party incumbents and candidates, I hope the angst will motivate voters and politicians of both parties. It's time both Republican and Democratic lawmakers rethink their agendas and reasons for holding positions in Congress. It's also time voters demand a common sense return to the Constitution and it's three co equal branches of checks and balances.

Liberalism and the Social Progressive movement of the twentieth century has damaged and nearly wrecked our culture, economy, and borders. Early in the twentieth century, national politicians determined that social problems were the domain of government intervention. The issues of racial inequalities, women's suffrage, child labor abuses, overt pollution, monopolies, and food safety were legitimate concerns and rightly deserved attention and improvement. However, the federal government decided that it alone could solve all the ills of society by enacting laws, growing bureaucracies, and developing a system of ever increasing taxes. The group think of government was believed to be superior to the traditional reforms offered by churches, families, individuals, and civic minded businesses. Unfortunately, world wars and a global depression caused Americans to look the other way as the federal government became the repressive two ton gorilla in the room of societal change. From the days of Woodrow Wilson through the Franklin Roosevelt and the Lyndon Johnson Administration, our government has spent and wasted trillions of dollars on worthless  schemes. Barrack Obama has faithfully carried this liberal progressive banner into the twenty first century, and brought the American brand to the brink of extinction.

Democratic Party controlled government has failed to eradicate poverty, personal irresponsibility, drug abuse, stupidity, alcoholism, gang warfare, health care inequities, and poor educational scores for our children. The only liberal remedy to persistent failure is to build new agencies and appropriate more tax payer money. Simply stated, too many males have abandoned their responsibilities as fathers and in many cities traditional families and their values have disappeared. Government handouts have become the chief source of income, cellphones, housing, and food for too many able bodied workers. Our southern borders have been made porous to allow fresh supplies of illegal aliens to blossom into welfare recipients and guaranteed democratic voters. Our president has bowed and cowered to many foreign bad guys and chosen to call some acts of domestic terrorism "workplace violence." Hollywood play actors, liberal media big wigs, political lefties, plus self proclaimed intellectuals including college professor twits, have convinced too many Americans and impressionable students that our nation is a bad world citizen. It has become almost trendy for these groups to slam America, but surprisingly few ever leave the country they claim is so evil. In a daily refrain we hear that energy self sufficiency is bad, global warming or climate change is the number one threat to civilization, the morals of our grandparents are passé, capitalism is almost a crime, and political conservatives hate children, minorities, women, and the elderly.

Obama gladly and proudly carried forward the theme of big government trumping individual and states rights and the Constitution be damned. However, when his gross inexperience and inabilities revealed dangerous foreign policy failures, citizens began to notice and became alarmed. Historically, the number one responsibility of the President is to protect Americans from domestic and foreign enemies. Bailing out GM, jamming Obamacare into law, screwing veterans, raising a billion dollars in campaign funds, engaging in crony capitalism, overtaxing individuals and corporations, repeatedly lying to the American public, ruling by czars and decrees are not things authorized in the Constitution. However, his failure in defending the nation from terrorism, disease, and illegal aliens are constitutional mistakes that will forever shame his reign.

Voters and potential office holders need to realize that the era of government rejecting the US Constitution and common sense must end very soon. The American public has lost confidence in the present government and politicians willing to whore themselves to the highest paying lobbyist. The Obama regime has bungled our best interests domestically and abroad too many times and people are angry. Therefore, if you are really "mad as hell", dump incumbents and democrats who blindly voted the Obama agenda.

The ballot box is the best way to effect change, however the second amendment may be necessary if bad government and lousy politicians continue to squander our resources, personal liberties, and sovereignty.

     

BOWL UPSIDE MY HEAD

When I was a boy I treated my young sister to all manner of torture and misery. In those early years we lived in a rural community without the benefit of neighbor kids as play companions. Consequently, many times we were playmates. Frankly, I was mean to Marie. I was bigger, older and could get away with teasing and bullying. For some reason mom, dad, granny, and even Aunt Sarah (our part time black ironing lady and baby sitter) often excused my offenses and blamed Marie. I was a brat, probably the favored sibling, and spoiled. In retrospect my role was more a jerk than a nice brother to my sister. This pattern of poor behavior continued until I was about ten years old. Then, one day she did something I will never forget.

As was the custom in the fifties, unless a natural disaster was happening outside, children were expected to be outside.  I cannot remember if it was a large spider or long nasty snail, but I decided it needed to be attached to my sister's face. I carefully approached Marie with the offensive creature hidden in my closed hand. At the perfect moment I smeared the thing into her face. As expected, and to my delight her shrieks were loud and blood curdling. Then, Marie did something which literally marked me forever. From somewhere she found a heavy round bowl used to provide outdoor drinking water for our pets . With astonishing speed and accuracy, she slammed the bowl upside my head. The mighty blow knocked me senseless and drew blood. When I was patched up an inch long scar on my forehead appeared. Sixty some years later, I can still see the scar amid the wrinkles on my forehead. It remains the indelible mark and reminder of my sister's just revenge and my past meanness.

I deserved a good smack down from Marie, and hopefully she found a little payback for my earlier rotten behavior. At any rate, the event and the scar also remind me of Beatitude # 8 from the Gospel Of Saint Matthew. "Blessed are those who suffer persecution .. for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." Despite the bowl upside my head, I think Marie will get to paradise easier than me because she was a much nicer kid.

  

THE U.N., BIG APPLE & DC CIRCUS ...

So, we are at war with a grand coalition of five nations and a few secret camel herding friends. Meanwhile, those wild and crazy UN guys are going to begin a meeting to discuss "global warming" or whatever the current hip word is for this fantasy. At the same time, the cool kids and worldly upper crust of the Big Apple will  march in the streets and chant about drowning polar bears, evil business people,  minimum wages for hamburger flippers, and a host of other silly issues. President Obama will visit the UN to head up a high powered talk fest to defeat Ebola just as he sends thousands of US soldiers into Africa to become potential disease carriers.

Down in Washington, the political fingers are pointing in every direction to explain how a nut ball entered the unlocked front door of the White House with a pocketful of knives. Press secretaries at the White House and Pentagon are busy getting briefed to tell the world exactly what Ms. Jarrett and POTUS want to reveal. The old boys and girls in Congress are salivating at the opportunities war, Ebola, and global whatever might afford their re-election possibilities.

More than ever we need God to bless America and show his or her amazing grace to a nation and world increasingly lead by funny bunnies.

 

THE GREAT GLOBAL WARMING OR WHATEVER HOAX

For several decades common sense and simple observation have surrendered to pop science and government induced hysteria designed to take away more personal freedom while collecting more taxes.

A "sky is falling" scenario of global warming, cooling, or whatever is now maintained as the world's greatest crisis. Nuclear proliferation, the 21st century revival of the Mideast Crusades, Putin's unholy ambitions, and the rising super military and economic power of China are minor concerns compared to weather changes according to many. Consistently, Al Gore, Hillary Clinton, John Kerry, Barrack Obama, and bands of scientists predict and proclaim catastrophic weather patterns as the worlds greatest problem. They cite melting polar ice caps, drowning polar bears, our coastal cities sinking under rising tides, and a variety of other life ending situations as their proof. Their message is always the same. Capitalist rich evil nations and individuals are to blame and only government can solve the emergency. Every dire prediction is made, immediately ballyhooed by the media, certified as Gods truth by politicians, and brainwashed into impressionable children. Despite the staged photos their predictions always fail to materialize. Recently, The Weather Channel and Audubon Magazine devoted great time and space to the threat, danger, and alleged reality of global weather goblins citing junk science sources and government agencies as their reliable sources.

I have observed weather for nearly seventy years and lived directly on the Chesapeake Bay nearly forty years. Except for northeast storms and the occasional tropical storm or hurricane I can safely report my dock space and property have not surrendered to the rising seas. I see ice & snow in the winter, heat and humidity in the summer, and usually more pleasant weather in the spring and fall. My observations have as much validity as all the junk science gathered by scientists paid by government grants to find problems, and thus continue their government paychecks. Is it any wonder that a greater and greater crisis is projected as government budgets allow more "studies" and scientists to collect government paychecks ? Ever wonder why the governments 50 year war on poverty produced more poverty and a cost of 21 trillion taxpayer dollars ?

Fact is the weather changes every day. It takes thousands upon thousands of years to measure patterns of cooling and warming on a planet millions of years old. Man's scientific weather measurements are only a few hundred years old, and man's influence on the climate is only a few thousand years old. I think it is BS and man's incredible ego to believe that my internal combustion engine, can of aerosol, or incandescent light bulb could destroy a planet and universe designed by Almighty God. To predict climate doom and gloom, so called "computer models" are always used. In my opinion, these "computer models" are probably a modern day version of crystal ball gazing, and are skewed to produce results consistent with pre determined goals.

In the history of mankind, the vast majority of scientists and The Holy Roman Catholic Church once taught and insisted that the world was flat, the earth was the center of the universe, and every man was directly related to Adam & Eve. Those who questioned these "scientific" certainties were often severely punished and excommunicated from the Church. It took hundreds of years of research and observation to disprove  scientific "facts" of the past. The current high percentage of climate alarmists are paid by governments and organizations with a strong motivation to further their cause.

Consider your lifetime and observations of the weather and it's occasional extremes.

Does a hot day, severe snowstorm, spring flood, tornado or hurricane mean the world is about to explode or implode from weather fluctuations ? Understand that governments good and bad are always seeking your money and liberty so that they (the government) can grow and assume more and more power.

While Al Gore and other climate alarmists have raked in millions of dollars in personal earnings, have any of their doomsday predictions come true ?

  

NASCAR POLITICIANS ...

In politics in order to reach a goal a course must be followed. The successful track will involve political turns to the right, turns to the left, and times to simply steer straight ahead. Unfortunately, in the last few decades there has been a tendency of politicians to be NASCAR like in their approach to problem solving. Simply stated, too many feel their road to victory is a continuous drive to the right or left. This manner of driving may result in a victory for a race car driver, but gridlock in the halls of Congress.

Being a good democrat, republican or independent should not involve being in lockstep or zombified with the extreme right or left wings of a political party. The polarization in Washington is crippling our nation. Too many politicians have abandoned the Constitution for the latest poll numbers or pop culture noise from media outlets, who themselves are, increasingly tied to political agendas.

In 2014 and 2016 new congress people must be installed who are alien to the partisan politics which is our current Congress. Our economy, energy independence, and prestige as a world super power have suffered. A strange blend of political correctness and greed for political power among incumbents has replaced the justice and common sense which should guide our national journey. The greatest asset of America continues to be it's people. However, to attain their partisan goals politicians have continued to slice and dice citizens into special interest groups. We the people must remain a united nation with a common language, culture, and set of borders. While we have historically welcomed legal immigrants to enrich our country with their contributions, we cannot become a patchwork of subcultures and unlimited diversity.

Our Constitution and system of elections provide a peaceful way to change our government. The upcoming elections must send a clear message to the governing class that America cannot and will not tolerate the extreme partisanship that has plagued our progress. So, turn off the political ads which are straight out lies or at best stretches of reality, and vote for the person least linked to the current Washington scene.

 

SMOKEY THE BEAR ...

In the early fifties with my cousin Bobby I met Smokey at the Washington National Zoo. At the time he wasn't wearing jeans or a forest ranger hat, and was not walking on two feet.  We met the real four legged Smokey who was a valuable resident at the zoo for over 25 years. At the time of our visit he lived and paced a small barred cage with a tiny pool of water cut into the cement floor. I half expected that he might talk, but he only paced and occasionally sniffed at bits of fruit.

The fictional Smokey was created in 1944 as a government mascot to warn against the dangers of forest fires. The real Smokey was a rescue bear from a New Mexico forest fire in 1950. He was briefly called "Hotfoot Teddy" before stardom gave him his permanent name. In time he had a wife bear named Goldie Bear and an adopted son named Little Smokey. When Smokey died in 1976 a Washington Post obituary was posted. His remains were returned to Captain, New Mexico in what is now Smokey Bear Historical Park.

Meeting Smokey was a big deal to a couple of six year old boys. Bobby and I waited with hundreds of other kids to get our chance to see the brave little bear that had scaled a tree to escape burning. He really sustained some burns and needed to be nursed back to health. At the time, I ranked meeting Smokey as a celebrity encounter just as important as meeting Santa Claus. While time has diminished the fantasies of Santa, Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy, I will always believe in Smokey because I  met the real deal bruin at the National Zoo a long time ago.

Whenever I see a Smokey Bear sign or Public Service Announcement it brings back fond childhood memories of the real Mr. S. Bear.

Happy Birthday Smokey and remember California, only you can …… ! 

Finally, why are few massive wildfires north of our western border in Canada ?

From the left Bobby, Me & Smokey

• 
  
  
  

ANOTHER 4 OR 6 YEARS OF INCUMBENTS ?

The big Fall elections are here and isn't it about time we make some big, really big, changes in Congress ?

First, any incumbent of either party should be carefully scrutinized. The record of Congressional action in improving our economy, international standing, lowered corporate & personal taxes, and energy independence has been miserable. Scandals have poisoned federal agencies into cesspools of crony capitalism, inaction, and downright fraud. Politicians of both parties have catered to the moneyed lobbyists offering them the biggest shot of political gain and personal wealth. It's not so much a democratic or a republican party problem, but more a problem with incumbents. The need for term limits is so damn obvious, but it will never happen because of the self interests of corrupt Congress persons and their puppet masters. Therefore, voters must do what they can to create change. I personally believe that if every incumbent were replaced in 2014 and 2016, the inexperience of rookie congress people would be an improvement over the current crappy leadership in Washington.

Second, is it not a little scary that Hillary Clinton heading for a 2016 Democratic Party coronation has stated that she believes the number one problem in the world is global warming or climate change ? This liberal rallying point flies in the face of reality, and the concerns of Americans in every significant poll. Is it possible Ms. Clinton can bypass her miserable record as Secretary of State and her minimal record as a Senator by appealing to this emotional canard ? As for the Al Gore pool of 97-98% of supporting scientists, I say it's unproven pop science designed to penalize rich nations, empower government overreach, and line the pockets of Mr. Gore and his pals. In world history, practically every learned scientist and the Holy Roman Catholic Church taught and insisted the world was flat, the earth was the center of the universe, and man really did descend from the Garden of Eden. It took hundreds of years of very careful scientific inquiry to disprove these great ancient "truths." It will be centuries before we know the facts of the earths cooling and warming patterns. Nonetheless, with today's world on fire, our economy in decline, and our natural resources either forbidden (coal) or hampered by government dictate, Ms. Clinton offers global whatever as the worlds number one problem ?

Third, here in Virginia we have Senator Mark Warner up for re-election. Although a very bright person and successful businessman, he voted with Obama initiatives about 97% of the time. Also, Senator Warner supported Obamacare. In the next sixty days his democratic machine will spend millions to distance himself from Obama, and dump tons of dirty tricks on his republican opponent. Should Mr. Warner be rewarded for being an Obama pawn by re-election and another six years ?

Whether in Virginia or somewhere else, before you pull the lever or mark your ballot on election day think. Please think, and carefully consider our "State of the Union" and how it has degenerated over the last six years and which politicians are responsible.

COMMUNITY BUS COMPANY 1952-53

In the first and second grade I attended Catholic school in downtown Portsmouth, and lived way out in Norfolk County (Virginia). The daily commute was an hour long journey each way. Remembering details about the bus trips, fellow passengers, and customs of the day provide a few fond and interesting memories. Also, a reminder of how things have changed over the last half dozen decades.

It was the early fifties and public transit service was provided by a fleet of buses called Community Bus Company. Powered by smelly diesels, the carriers had exteriors painted in light blues and greens. Each bus had a number and it was critical to know your bus number. Catch the wrong bus and you would be horribly delayed or might get home hours late and after many transfers. School kids and some commuters used cardboard tickets which the driver punched with a hole puncher. Each perforation represented one ride, and the tickets generally had ten marks good for ten rides. Riders could also use coins which were inserted into a coin contraption at the front of the bus. If a passenger needed change, the driver wore a stainless steel coin dispenser with levers and springs which dispensed coins. At the time I dreamed of the day, as a grownup, I could own a sparkling metal coin dispenser strapped to my hip and used to smartly click out coins as needed.

Depending on the length of the ride, I remember fares ranging from ten to twenty five cents. Transfers were slips of paper which permitted someone to transfer from one bus route to another. This seemed, at the time, a complicated procedure which involved chits of paper and knowledge of bus numbers and routes. There was only one entry/exit door on the smaller buses. The standard sized buses had a front door for entering and a rear door for exiting. When activated to open or close the doors always hissed. The seats were spring loaded platforms composed of a dark plastic/leather material. They were slick comfortable cushions with long cracks. The chairs were bolted to the floor. Some seats had loosened floor bolts and were prized since they provided rocking chair motion when  shoved from behind or bounced nicely over road bumps. The windows could be lifted for fresh air, but also allowed clouds of dust, and diesel fumes to fill the passenger space. Projecting arms and legs from the windows was forbidden, but easily accomplished when the driver wasn't peering into the huge rear view mirror or when negotiating heavy traffic.

Best I can recall, the bus had no heating or air conditioning. Some drivers had small fans mounted above their heads to provide moving air. The interior featured long shiny poles for standees and metal seat frames to hold. These shiny tubes supported people standing and helped moving about as the bus jerked from stop to stop and thumped along uneven pavement. The most popular feature was the long pull cord which activated a bell or buzzer to signal the driver when it was your stop. There were few regular bus stops outside the city so when you pulled the cord the driver would gently pull over and stop. For school kids and regular riders the driver usually knew your stop however it was still necessary to pull the cord as a reminder. If you forgot to pull the chord at your stop the driver would grumble, glare, and find a safe place to pull over. The Community Company buses were not equipped with big red flashers so once off you had to be cautious. Pulling the cord for amusement always drew a stern stare and verbal warning from the driver. Most bus drivers were men, I don't remember any lady drivers. The driver knew his students, their parents, and even teachers. It wasn't unusual to have Sister Herculane or my parents remind me of my undesirable bus behavior from a few days earlier as reported by our driver.

Running about was forbidden, squealing above a whisper was another offense, hurling things was criminal,  and fighting or rolling about was never allowed. Seat hopping was a constant source of fun and giggling. The amusement was to seize the opportunity when the driver was busy watching the road or collecting a fare and at just the right moment jump to another seat with a new companion. Kids were always expected to surrender their seats to any adult even if it meant sitting in the lap of another student.  Drivers wore gray pants, white shirts with drab blue ties, a few shiny badges, dark shoes, blue jackets or coats,  and military style dress caps. The drivers were always addressed as "Mister" or "Sir". It was amazing how skillful our drivers safely steered their huge vehicles through congested streets all the while watching us closely in their large rear view mirror.

St. Paul's had no fleet of buses so we used the city bus. In addition to us, our bus carried working people, sailors, and downtown shoppers. We also picked up a few kids from Harry Hunt and other Non Catholic (public) schools along the way. Mingling with kids from other schools was rare and I think each group surveyed the other as aliens. We had our nifty uniforms, blue monogramed ties and white shirts while the Harry Hunt kids wore a delicious variety of casual clothing. It must be remembered that in those times most families had only one car or no car so using the bus was a necessity. Before malls and shopping centers the only place to shop was downtown. The shipyard was nearly downtown and many jobs were also in town. Smoking was still allowed on board so the distinct aroma of cigar, pipe and cigarettes tickled our noses. Tobacco chewing was becoming rare, but once in awhile an old man would spit a mouthful out a window. Everyone knew to shift away from the windows. Once in a while the driver quickly hopped out of his seat and roughly escorted  rowdy, cursing or drunk riders off his transport.

"Colored" people were required to sit in the rear of the bus which, at the time, we thought was the coolest place to sit. The back of the bus had long sofa sized seats which afforded group seating, full reclining possibilities, and a panoramic view of everyone else on the bus. Another attractive feature was the reality that the rear seats bounced at every potholes and dip in the street. The rumble and tumble at the back of the bus was fun. I didn't realize black people sitting in the back of the bus was not their choice but a law. Like the white and colored water fountains at city hall and the separate bathrooms at the public library my young mind didn't yet understand segregation and integration. Eventually my grandmother told me the racial rules when I was half way through the first grade. Since it was a grownup thing I didn't spend time questioning or trying to understand such things. However, my mates and I always raced to claim a back bench on the bus and gleefully dared each other to poke into the bathrooms or sip from the water fountains set aside for black people.

We had some bus delays when ice, snow, high winds, rain, and tidal flooding obscured visibility or clogged the streets. The buses were tough transporters and usually plowed through the bad weather.  Although the windows leaked and cold drafts filled the bus, our drivers soldiered on from stop to stop. On the occasion of a breakdown the driver calmly announced the situation and walked to the nearest public telephone to summon a mechanic or replacement bus. We were commanded to stay in our seats, but naturally forgot that order once the driver was a few paces from the bus.

Home was nearly at the end of the line well into the country. Mine was one of the last stops before the bus began picking up riders on its return downtown. The long commute afforded plenty of time to exchange gossip and perform pranks. The long daily rides were part of our growing up time.  It was where we became best friends, girlfriends, boyfriends, rivals, and enemies forever or at least for the day or week. I cannot recall the exact path the bus followed or all the specific stops, but I fondly remember a few crossroads and neighborhoods. After exiting High Street, we crossed near Westhaven, Oregon Acres along Portsmouth Boulevard and skirted Airline Boulevard along the way. Our daily commute took us near Academy Park, Alexander's Corner, Rollingwood, Century Homes, Simonsdale, Hodges Manor, Park Manor, Hodges Ferry, and then into the country which was Sunray, Jolliff Road, Bowers Hill. By way of the extended roadways of Portsmouth and Airline Boulevard we moved deep into Norfolk County where there were no sidewalks or subdivision names.

After the second grade, Little Flower (St. Therese) School opened in Oregon Acres and our daily bus ride was cut in half. Many of the same kids from St. Paul's were still my bus buddies. With my sister Catherine just starting school, the morning and afternoon rides were shorter but just as exciting as the downtown journeys from 1952 and 1953. As we got older our pranks and conversations got a little louder and bolder, but I think we remained a bunch of good kids.

From those Community Bus days I still recall drivers Mr. McKay (RIP) and Mr. Shotsenberger (RIP). I fondly remember the great kids who were my daily commuter pals; Tommy Bunting (RIP), Patty, Marshall Connely (RIP), Sandy, Mandy, Judith, Francis, Marvin, Mike Rooks (RIP), Margaret, Millard, Johnny, Zita, Keith, Jimmy, Chuck, Thomas Parsons (RIP), Diane, Eugene, Janice,  Francine, Sharon, Jerry, John, Joyce, Paul, Tom, Wayne Smith (RIP), and so many more.