GOOD MORNING VIETNAM ALL OVER AGAIN ...

Sometimes the yesterdays of 1966-67 Vietnam seem nearby. Other times the memories are distant, but increasingly the politics that killed fifty six thousand of my generation remains a haunting memory. When politicians and diplomats dispute issues to the extreme, and cannot call a war a war, young men and women are slaughtered.

The circumstance of undeclared war, without the full backing of Congress, sends our young people  into battle with more political debate and bluster then common sense. We had the military strength to win in Korea and Vietnam, but indecisive political leaders gave us stalemate, defeat and thousands of young people sent home as cripples or corpses.  Handing our sovereignty over to the UN and not allowing generals to wage war has resulted in military quagmires since Korea.

Politicians point fingers to deflect blame and move on to the next war debate while thousands of  wounded and slaughtered soldiers remain. Thousands of maimed service members wear their physical and mental scars for a lifetime. This the pitiful pattern reflects cowardly national political leaders. In my opinion, our politicians have become too enamored with their legacies, re election opportunities, and media reputations to perform as real leaders. Concern with their political correctness and media popularity have made indecision in matters of war and peace their  favored option.

In a republic I maintain civilian leaders must always direct military leaders, however it often seems . our military leaders have more discipline and sensitivity to the results of war than our political bosses. War is a nasty business and while sometimes necessary it must be carefully considered and expertly executed. Franklin Roosevelt and Wilson agonized and hesitated before their solemn declarations. However, once they and Congress made the commitment, the nation focused and devoted a majority of it's talent, innovation, and effort to attain military dominance and victory. With  their formal declarations and congressional approval the political arguments ended and the nation became united.

There will never been a good war, but conflicts where human and material sacrifices preserve American liberty, national safety or a national border are more acceptable than willy- nilly efforts lacking clear goals.

Looking back over the last fifty years, it seems all our military actions have been tentative and directed by politicians rather than generals. Sometimes it seems like "good morning Vietnam" all over again when we stumble into another countries civil war. We must avoid future military mis adventures and stop sending young people into battles that have nothing to do with our national security. As body bags steadily come home day after day, week after week, we weep, eulogize, erect stone monuments, and glorify the efforts of the fallen, but we never punish or fire the politicians who support the grinding process of undeclared wars.

Sometimes, I get a vision of an old movie where young virgins are duped into approaching a stone altar perched high above the masses. There with chants and fanfare they are beheaded or butchered. The crowd is told the sacrifices are necessary and proper to satisfy some unseen god and chieftains in glowing golden robes. Then, the on lookers are feed wine, heaps of food, and cake. The crowd  hysterically cheers and celebrates and forgets the macabre display of killing. In an updated version  are we still in a place that sacrifices young people to satisfy dark needs which evade common sense and compassion ?

Beyond Korea, Vietnam, The Gulf Wars, Afghanistan and other undeclared wars shouldn't we be about electing and sustaining national leaders who will more wisely use our military ?  Wouldn't it be better to fill our graveyards with old politician champions dueling it out on a battlefield rather than young service members ?

      

IS THE USA TODAYS SLEEPING GIANT ?

For many years, people in the west would look east at the gigantic land mass and population of China and call it "the sleeping giant". Indeed, the vast land held rich untapped human and natural resources which once utilized would make it a world leader among nations. When that sleeping giant woke it became a powerful economic and military force. Many reports indicate the economy and military of China is now rivaling, and may soon surpass that of the USA.

Meanwhile the United States as a master innovator, bastion of liberty, and torch of capitalism has fallen asleep, in my opinion. We no longer project strong political and moral leadership around the globe. We were once a land heralded for unparalleled optimism and high ethical standards, but sadly that has diminished. Somehow we have allowed mediocrity to overwhelm our workplaces and halls of education. We have become satisfied with lower worker productivity and an educational level below that of 25 or 30 other nations. Politically we have become meek in international affairs and corrupted by ineptness on the domestic front. Our federal government has grown into an octopus of laws and office holders only motivated by lobbyists money and their passion for re election. Republican, democrat and independent politicians have failed in upholding our Constitution, Judea Christian principles, and family values which once united our republic into the worlds greatest nation. Too many of  "we the people" have become mentally lazy, satisfied with cheap entertainment, instant gratification, and our welfare checks. Too few of us vote and participate in the meaningful activities and conversations necessary to extend the American dream to future generations. Too many of us allow emotions to overrule common sense and reason.

In many ways we have become the twenty first century sleeping giant of nations. We rely too heavily on carry out food, television reruns, electronic devices, and gutter morals. This wicked brew of bad personal choices coupled with poor political, cultural, educational, church, and social leadership has plunged much of America into a drowsy slumber. Absent of a Pearl Harbor or 9-11, something needs to wake us up lest we slip into a national coma. If we do not vigorously safeguard our independence, national sovereignty, and land of great natural resources and beauty it will be lost to barbarians outside or within our borders. Will we, indeed can we, find the courage and motivation to reset the USA ?

THE DONALD THAT REFRESHES ?

Win or lose, isn't it refreshing to have a 2020 presidential candidate unafraid of the media, and willing to freely engage the public without a crowd of handlers, ropes or a teleprompter ? Trump has torn away the political correctness on many issues, spoken plainly, and caused a stir among the political establishments of both political parties. His bold statements have caused fresh discussions on controversial subjects and less than effective office holders and the federal government bureaucracy.

His 2016 campaign debut speech was dismissed by media talking heads, so called political experts, and politicians as the grandstand publicity stunt of a clown. However, his populist appeal, major league business experience, and appeal to common sense demanding a resurgence of American greatness and world domination has worked. He pulls no punches in naming nations working against America while offering his proven success as the best reason for his ascension to POTUS. In polls he dominates the endless list of 2016 republican hopefuls, and is the center of attention among all contenders in the 2020  presidential race. All this despite near zero government experience and no love from the political, cultural, and media elites who strive to dictate the course of America. Despite being labeled a publicity hound, threatened, abandoned, and sued by politically correct foes he survives and thrives.

The Donald's great earned wealth, audacity, and total lack of appreciation for the bureaucracy of government have set him apart from other contenders. He may be a throwback to the raucous candidacy of Andrew Jackson or Teddy Roosevelt and other political hellions from the past. In just a short frame of time, he has made the season of presidential politics exciting, bold, and not a pursuit for faint of heart establishment wimps.

Trump may sweep the election and bring a majority of elephants to the House in 2020. He has become a modern day Harry Truman or Ronald Reagan. Unafraid of domestic criticism, impeachment(s) and willing to MAGA and restablish American "exceptionalism", Trump has the energy and convictions to get great things done. 

Despite 365/24/7 scathing treatment by the left media and dem socialists, Trump has started no new wars, brought peace to the Middle East, created the nations greatest economy (pre Chinese virus), qualified for two Nobel Peace Prizes and paved the way for an epic economic recovery in 2021. While Biden hides in his basement and hopes for an upset, Trump is running hard to a landside win in November.  

At any rate,  political news since 2016 has become fun with a rock'em sock'em Donald Trump. 

  

BALTIMORE & CHARLESTON ..... A COMPARISON

Isn't it interesting that in the space of several months Baltimore and Charleston suffered tragic acts of violence while citizens and public officials responded so differently ?

In Baltimore a young black man was shaken and mishandled by the local police to an extreme which caused his death. The public outcry and city governments response was unclear when the official autopsy report became public information. The local community became agitated and gathered in the streets. Police were given orders which allowed neighborhood mayhem for several days and nights. Too many citizens decided burning and looting local businesses and police property was an appropriate response. For a time, city and state officials along with local police pointed fingers at each other, and backed away from effectively protecting the streets of Baltimore. News media talking heads rushed in for breathless minute to minute reporting of wanton destruction and senseless behavior. Chaos and looting continued. Then federal agencies and national civil rights personalities rushed into Baltimore to join the conversation and demonstrations. The violence finally ended leaving blocks of the city destroyed and city officials undecided on the causes or solutions to the mayhem.

In Charleston a black man was shot in the back while leaving a routine police stop. The officer involved in the unjustified killing was quickly charged with murder. Several weeks later, a young white man entered an AME church holding an evening session. He was welcomed to join. He cruelly slaughtered nine black church members. He fled the scene, but was quickly found, arrested, and charged with the honorific crime. In both Charleston incidents police and public officials acted quickly. Arrests and crime details were clearly announced while local government and civic leaders called for community peace. The majority of black and white citizens of the Charleston Area came together in the mourning and healing processes. There were no riots or destruction of property in the city. While federal officials did enter the cases, there has been no overwhelming need for them to intervene in the orderly actions taken by the Charleston PD or city officials. National civil rights spokespersons found little profit and small audience in Charleston.

There is no off limits to where evil citizens or police may strike. Crimes as those in Baltimore and Charleston sadly happen too often in cities all over America. What is interesting and worth study is how the communities of Baltimore and Charleston responded. Why did mob chaos and confusion reign in Baltimore while the streets of Charleston remained calm filled only with mournful citizens ? Which political parties dominate Maryland and South Carolina and do their policies and philosophies matter in a comparison of crisis reactions ? How strong is the influence of churches, families, labor unions, education, civic organizations, manners, and politics in these different cities ?

The northeast media and progressive democrats too often announce negative observations about southern folk, their history, traditions, and culture. Too often their stories relate a modern south they believe is still controlled by a tiny group of racists mired in violence and racism reminiscent of the Civil War. These same media giants editorialize northern areas as places of more racial harmony, tolerance, and sophistication well in advance of their southern neighbors. At the risk of generalizing, watch and read The New York Times, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, MSNBC, Los Angeles Times, and BBC to see how often they editorialize our northern and western regions as the enlightened parts of the USA, and the southern states as less civilized places.

I am proud of the orderly and respectful manner in which Charleston responded to it's recent act of violence. At the same time, I am saddened and worried about the poor performance of public officials and citizens in Baltimore as they dealt with their crisis.

GUN FREE ZONES - A LIBERAL NIGHTMARE

Why do some news agencies and talking heads persist in informing us that the playground, recruiting office, shopping mall, school, church, movie theater, and other public spaces where innocents are murdered by maniacs are "gun free zones? " Do fanatics bent on mayhem follow any laws ?

A "gun free zone" simply means bad guys know that lawful citizens will be unarmed. This tells the killer he or she is momentarily safe to wreak havoc until the cops arrive or suicide happens. In the wake of the Chattanooga tragedy, Obama will extend sympathies, shed a few alligator tears, and then tell us guns and gun sales must be restricted and banned. As liberals always do, he will use this tragedy to promote his progressive political agenda. How much longer will Americans tolerate the stupidity and lack of common sense contained in liberal political correctness ?

When will liberals, Obama, Hillary, and the left leaning media understand that evil people do not follow the rules of civilized society ?  Written laws and signs mean nothing to the beasts that kill and maim innocents. Why have liberals insisted laws that allow gay marriages to be legal in fifty states and from state to state ? Yet these same liberals demand repressive gun laws which restrict legal gun owners from concealed carry and legal firearm possession from state to state ? A gay couple will never prevent a massacre as quickly as a handful of well armed citizens.

Fact is Chicago, Baltimore, Los Angeles and other uber liberal cities with the toughest gun laws have the highest rates of murder and gun violence. Criminals simply don't follow laws or read and honor "gun free zone" signs. Liberal and progressive democrats believe symbols, new laws, new government agencies, more money, and pretty speeches solve problems. Problems are solved by common sense, people, churches, reliance on existing laws, loving families, and honoring our Christian Judea heritage.

When will guns be placed in the hands of qualified business managers, school administrators, mall policeman, pilots, off duty military members, and the general public as a means to prevent or interrupt terrible acts of violence ? When will we stop thinking that "gun free zones" prevent crime or make sense ?

   

WAS OBAMA - BIDEN - KERRY- CLINTON IRAN DEAL STINKY 1938 APPEASEMENT STUFF

Based on their dismal foreign policy track record have Obama, Kerry, and Hillary Clinton stunk up the place like its 1938 ?

Neville Chamberlain, the Prime minister of England in 1938, showed great weakness 77 years ago in negotiations with Adolph Hitler in their Munich meetings. Chamberlain essentially tried to satisfy Hitler by surrendering Czechoslovakia in return for promises of peace. His foreign policy of appeasement failed miserably, and was a green light for the madness and military aggression Hitler would soon inflict on the world.

Whether Obama is trying to etch out a legacy, absolutely screw Israel, or is just an incredible dumb ass, the deal he and Kerry, with earlier bungling by Clinton, struck with Iran looks bad. His political spin doctors and left leaning suck up media will do their best to convince America of the brilliance in appeasing while Iran joyfully chants, "death to America, death to Israel." Sadly, Obama is already relying on a veto, and enough loyal Congressional votes to jam this weak treaty to law. Once again the Obama cabal has wasted an enormous amount of taxpayer money and national credibility for nothing that protects the region or US interests in the area.

It took a Winston Churchill and terrible war to reverse the dark results of Chamberlain's appeasement policies. Will a new strong US President or an avenging Israel undo the harm Obama, Kerry, and Clinton have unloosed on the Mid East region and world ?

    

TRUMP ... WHY NOT ?

Does Donald Trump have the characteristics and personality we need at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue ?

Like Reagan he is bullish on America and totally committed to a free market and a strong defense.
Like Truman he is unafraid to call out enemies. Naming Mexico, China, Russia, Iran and other foreign states he believes are threats is gutsy and refreshing.
Like John Kennedy he is very rich and may need no financial support from lobbyists or the public to finance his campaign. This means he doesn't have to grovel for donations and play payback with the office of the presidency.

Trump has tasted great financial success and failure and is a seasoned and hardened negotiator. He has no political experience and thus is beholding to no politicians or political party. While he is feared and loathed by many established politicians, corporations, and newsreaders, this may be a key marker that he has the potential to shake the establishment out of it's lethargy. He is not afraid to fire people, hire people, and find the best people. Trump currently ranks high in public polls and this may indicate the American public is keen to real change in Washington in a new flamboyant package.

On the surface his drama, hairstyle, and braggadocios nature may not seem to be presidential qualities to some. However, has the time arrived to elevate someone with a bold in your face persona and divorce the idea that a US President must be hippest kid on the block, or the first this or that to hold the office. Someone unafraid to speak plainly, make a few mistakes, and jockey America back to greatness may be exactly what we need to break out of our recent national funk.

While the establishment busily digs and jockeys for ways to get Trump out of the race, I say bully to his run and bold pronouncements. His talk has enlivened the nations political conversation and is forcing other candidates to talk the talk of real issues.

In my opinion, Trump is a worthy contender and in the motto of the famous French American Revolutionary War patriot Marquis de Lafayette ... "why not."

   

KILLING AMERICA !

Two things are killing America and the American Dream.

First, poor political and cultural leaders. Next, the lack of education and common sense among many citizens.

Our political leaders too often proclaim simple solutions to complex problems. They consistently see problem solving as nothing more then spending more and more money. Symbols and feel good temporary measures have become substitutes for adherence to established laws. More and more unnecessary rules are enacted which hamper personal freedoms and entrepreneurship. Consequently, the federal budget has become grossly bloated with record government employment, and painfully fewer services for citizens. Anyone questioning this unlimited government spending is accused of hating women, minorities, the impoverished, and children. Somehow the great War on Poverty has resulted in a price tag in the trillions with little or no decrease in the number of citizens on poverty. Despite the facts of failure to solve social problems with money, politicians will always demand more and more money. Political leaders specialize in dividing people by economic class and race to push the legislation which will get them the most in political donations, lobbyists favors, and reelection. Our mighty Constitution is damned on a regular basis in favor of feel good legislation and court rulings which are destructive to our republican form of government and free market.

Harmful cultural leaders are the preachers, hollywooders, news readers, scientists, and educational elites who consistently slam our Constitution and Christian Judea principles. Preachers who spew political beliefs, Hollywood types who glorify and portray perversion, news readers who are political hacks, scientists who proclaim the worlds greatest threat as something which gets them the most generous government grants, and the educational elites who teach against American values and ideals. These agents want nothing less then to change the USA into a state where citizens have less liberty and the market place is socialized.

Public education has become a business commanded by unions and the federal government. It educates less and indoctrinates children to think less. Instead it builds bureaucracies and laws which have lowered our national educational level to that of a third world nation. Good teachers are hampered in their profession by policies, administrators, and retained lousy instructors. Poorly educated people easily fall prey to the siren song and lies of crooked salespersons, politicians, and cultural icons spewing emotional answers rather than reasoned solutions.

Also, common sense as a commendable national trait is in a downward spiral. Why would we nominate a failed or unqualified person to high public office when their only attribute is that they have a unique sex, race, or national origin ? Why do we continue to accept the notion that the government can solve our social problems with more laws and trillions of dollars ? Why must we continue to sit by silently as the fabric of our culture, borders and common language are ripped to shreds by a tiny number of malcontents ?  Finally, why does our country fail to recognize, defund, and incapicate the evil people and nations which wish to return our twenty first century world to medieval conditions ?

What is killing America are our leaders and citizens too lazy or stupid to understand the lessons of world history, and the marvelous combination of our Constitution with it's rich culture of Christian Judea beliefs.

Midnight is quickly closing in on the miracle of America and a revolution of angry patriots must save the republic and not allow the American Dream to wither and die.

          

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS AD NAUSEUM

So in the wake of the Charleston massacre some folks think we should obliterate all monuments to Confederate war dead, the Jefferson Memorial, any building, military post, school, or street named in memory of a confederate war general ?

Are these advocates of political cleansing any less radical than the mid east mad men who destroyed ancient monuments and temples ? Can we eliminate horror by ripping down symbols ?

In the United States we had some bad history tucked in with a lot more good history. We continue to be the richest, freest, and most generous nation on earth. Immigrants from around the world continue to rush to our shores. Why do so many Americans hate our nation and take any event to condemn our long history as the worlds greatest republic?

Nazi death camps, parts of the Berlin Wall, sections of the World Trade Center, and Civil War Battlefields are preserved to remind us of our past evils. We must remember, but not celebrate, our past failures and inhumanity in order to not repeat the sins of our ancestors. In a world cleansed of reminders of bad history, generations of uneducated may allow the same evils to happen again.

In a country where so many people proclaim tolerance for so many causes why are reminders of our past so offensive ? Do they really believe that plowing down statues to confederate war dead or banning a flag will stop monstrous people from occasionally wreaking mayhem ? I am appalled that so many well meaning people are so wrapped up in symbols and feel good temporary fixes. Their actions and proclamations are silly, uncivilized, and contrary to the liberty millions of Americans cherish.

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.