Blog Archive

Monday, June 23, 2014

WAITING ROOM BLUES .....

Today I am waiting with a half dozen other old guys to see a doctor.

As the antiseptic tinkle of Muzak pollutes the waiting chamber; bent, bruised, bespectacled, shuffling old farts file in, sign in, and collapse into chairs. Some of us read the wall posters, a two year old Woman's Day magazine or simply slumber in place until our name is gently called then shouted.

Hell, the joint is so quiet and somber it could be a funeral home foyer. Here we are, a bunch of senior men paying good money, or tax payer's good money, to be told we will not get any younger or healthier. Our high blood pressure, sugar, cholesterol, PSA number, arthritic kinks, obesity, sleep apnea, deafness, and incontinence will remain our companions. These conditions are old man things that hang around like the flabby underarm wings of fat we once proudly wore as muscles.

The physicians are players who medicate us out the wazoo and offer cheery words that the next pill or treatment will bring us relief. We wait, politely listen realizing that nothing can stop our dreadful slide from good health to a dirt blanket. Do any of these young doctors or nurses really believe their potions or words can add years or vitality ?

One by one my fellow travelers and I will escape the examination chambers with another prescription or device. If we are lucky no body will get hospitalized or prepped for a gruesome operation. I  quietly celebrate leaving the doctor office still alive and able to find my car as the days sunshine folds into the dim coolness of evening.

Dear friends as we gray and shrink from healthiness, it is quite acceptable to enjoy the grim humor of our Final Lap ?

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot."    
Michael Althsuler











Thursday, June 19, 2014

REDSKINS ? .... PLEASE !

In these times of an Obama Administration full on with foreign policy screw-ups, domestic economic uncertainties, and federal scandals at all levels, is it
appropriate that Obama political correctness minions turn their attention to team names ?

If the Redskins are a politically incorrect and insensitive term, how about the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, or San Diego Padres ?

Is it not offensive for Dallas to have a team which denigrates the manly profession of herding steers to "boys", and how sexist is a team that excludes the role of female bovine herders ? Is it very nice for the New York franchise to celebrate "Giants" when the physical condition of being a giant is often a health tragedy ? And, how about the hurt the name "Giants" inflicts on average sized folks and little people formerly known as midgets or dwarfs ? Are the Atlanta Braves and Cleveland Indians as guilty of insulting Native Americans or Indigenous People with the slang use of "Braves" and the politically incorrect term "Indians" as the aforementioned "Redskins ?" Does the San Diego sports organization discriminate against rabbis, preachers, and mullahs when they use the Spanish word for priest (Padres) as their team nickname ?

Political correctness is a disease which exists in people who think they are smarter than everyone else. It is also a popular diversion for political leaders who lack the courage  or ability to solve the real problems which ravage our nation and world.

Unfortunately, political correctness is an appealing pastime for legions of Americans unwilling or unable to think beyond the next volley of stupidity spewing forth from Hollywood, Washington DC, or the Far Left Media. Isn't it time we shelve all the silly issues and expend our political and public relations energy on really important issues ?

Friday, June 13, 2014

TEA PARTY ... WHAT AND NOT ?

The Tea Party is not an organized movement with a national headquarters. It is not a political party with a clearly defined agenda or roster of leaders. From it's beginning a few years ago the Tea Party has been a grass roots and diversified crowd of un happy citizens. Millions are dissatisfied with higher taxes, overreaching federal bureaucracies, and government which serves it's own interests above the best interests of "we the people".  The Tea Party happened, and exploded onto  the political landscape just as Obama launched his nationalized health care program and other expensive socialist schemes.

As Obama has overreached his executive powers by usurping the role and authority of the federal governments judicial and legislative branches, the Tea Party movement has grown. The established political parties will not be toppled by the Tea Party and the Tea party will not be destroyed by the left wing media and the reigning powers in Washington DC with it's legion of Obama/Clinton czars and deep state operatives.

The Tea party is what our nation needs to steadily slow and reverse the degeneration of our political systems. The Obama Administration's foreign policy debacles, domestic economic morasses, IRS-VA-EPA etc. scandals highlight a government too big and way out of control. The Tea Party is what the country needs to reform and displace incumbent democrats and republicans. If our republic is to survive Obama and a possible Clinton era of more uncontrolled federal spending, taxation, regulations than a Tea Party is what the country needs.




The Tea Party must be the little engine that steadily chugs along on a steep grade of opposition to the DC establishment. The TP seeks to champion the lofty ideal of American Exceptionalism and fiscal accountability from it's elected bosses. Unfortunately, too many democrats and republicans have abandoned the winning principles and practices of the Reagan era.    

   

Saturday, May 31, 2014

REMAKING & KEEPING AMERICA GREAT

The poor leadership of the Obama/Biden Administrations, and the inept performance of congress has financially and emotionally wracked we the people and further divided The United States. 

In 2022 and 2024 if more centrist and right of center politicans are elected to replace the far left and left of center ideologues and loonies, America may have a chance to regain it's greatness. We have all the talent, resources, and good intentions to again become the worlds leading place of hope and new ideas. America will easily assume it's place as the worlds best model for self governance and a free market if enough leftist incumbents are voted out of office.

America needs new leaders who share a positive view of our future based on the lessons of history, and a reliance on using reason above feelings in their decision making. For too long, progressive political leaders have relied on raw emotion, voter apathy and ignorance to appeal to our basest instincts in advancing their silly ideas. To gain political power the leading politicians of the Obama/Biden era routinely preached class warfare, and implemented schemes of government giveaways (socialism) which consistently fail and unjustly punish taxpaying citizens and corpoations. The agents of the far left always refuse to assume responsibility for their errors while demanding more money and government intervention at every turn to remedy their mistaken and miscalculated schemes.

We must demand that aspirants for office in 2022 & 24 adhere to the Constitution, capitalism and our established laws to steady our ship of state. In my opinion, paramount, but not all inclusive, are these common sense postions:

1. Institute monetary reforms that cut personal and corporate taxes.

2. Institute term limits for all members of Congress and the Supreme Court.

3. Redefine and update the "general welfare" and "commerce" clauses of  the Constitution.

4. Methodically and carefully transfer more federal governmental functions to states. Especially, but not limited to, the dismantling of most federal bureaucracies dedicated to public education, entitlement payments, medical care, veterans affairs, the false religion of climate change, and unrealistic energy development. Distribute federal tax monies budgeted for these wasteful federal agencies to the states.

5. Resolve that our nation should reduce any reliance on energy from unfriendly nations. To this end, develop a 21st century "Manhattan Project" to safely develop every source of energy in our atmosphere, under our lands and waters. Carefully utilize all forms of energy. Replace government paid and funded individuals and their firms with non government experts and specialists. So called government experts tend to make conclusions which will get them more grants and not necessarily reflect reality.

6. Drastically reduce our financial commitment to the United Nations and every foreign nation consistently unfriendly to our national principles of democracy and a free market. Cut off financial help to foreign nations seeking free money from the US while selfishly preserving their money and manpower. Recognize that President Eisenhower's "Military Industrial Complex" is still alive and well among many legislators and their lobbyists pals. Dumping massive numbers of our valuable military and national wealth into unnecessary conflicts is an abomination.  

7. Preserve and protect our national borders from illegal immigrants and terrorists. To this end, use existing immigration laws and require English be certified as the nations official language. A political party cannot pursue an open border to simply gain more voters or cheap laborers. "Legal" immigrants have been and continue to be a rich addition to our "melting pot" society. 

8. Protect, honor and preserve our police, fire, and rescue heroes. Recognize the few bad players in this large vital work group as the tiny minority of "bad apples" found in any large group of workers or bosses. Put an end to all the defund nonsense. Domestic tranquility and less crime must be restored to our towns and cities. 

9. Allow the free market of products and services to exist and thrive without the suffocating over regulation from government bureaus such as the IRS, FTC, and EPA. Let consumers and the market  choose and reject products and services. Politicians, with no business experience, who seek to control the marketplace hurt the economy far more than bad business leaders. 

10. Educate our children with the true history of the United States of America which includes all our triumphs and failures. Teach students that America is the oldest republic offering the greatest level of personal liberties and economic opportunities in the world. The indoctrination of young children about gender identity, politically correct pronouns, and other highly personal matters does not belong in publicly funded schools. Let parents and religious people guide our kids in these matters.  

11. Reform the civil service system and tie salaries and bonus payments to measurable goals of delivered services and productivity within budgetary limits. Reduce tenure and diversity as key factors in rewarding workers and supervisors with promotions or monetary rewards. Most private businesses employ systems of bonus and salary increases on measurable goals of achievement. 


As Americans we have an impressive list of rights which we must protect from our own government as well as any foreign enemy. However, with all our rights we have responsibilities as citizens to be aware of our political system and Constitution. In a republic we must wisely choose those who would represent our best interests in the White House and Congress. To avoid the chaos and misery of so many other nations we must wisely use our privilege and power at the voting booth.

America can only be an "Exceptional & Great" nation if we require our leaders be exceptional men and women. It is our responsibility and duty to find and advance the very best among us.



DEMOCRAT/SOCIALIST/PROGRESSIVE PLAYBOOK

Look for these themes in speeches and instant best selling books from democrat/socialist candidates vying for political office, absolute power, reelection, and a legacy:

1. Your problems and shortcomings are not your fault. You have been duped and cheated by rich people and their corporations. Only government through my benevolence and brilliance can lift you from the misery of your present life.

2. You and I are not responsible for any of our current domestic or international problems. My leadership has been great. I have solved great problems during my past/present terms in office. All our current problems were created by republicans and Trump. My election is necessary to save our nation.

3. The resolution to all problems require government intervention, unlimited spending of taxpayer funds, and total reliance and trust in government agencies, bureaucrats, and politicians.

4. If anyone questions my plans or goals they are uneducated, gun toting, bible belt racist red necks. The costs of all my programs will be borne by heartless millionaire and billionaire citizens and greedy corporations.

5. America is an evil nation founded by evil men. We lead the world in pollution, social injustices, racial discrimination, poverty, overseas mischief, global warming, coveting the worlds natural resources, and causing worldwide misery.  I am the only candidate that can save our nation and the planet from the overwhelming evil that is America.

6. President Trump was and is the embodiment of evil. His every action and word was and is wrongheaded. Unless Trump is deprived of his life and liberty the nation will suffer and eventually crash and burn.

7. The police, Constitution, military, courts, laws, history and traditions of the United States need deep revisions and possible dissolution. 


Wednesday, May 21, 2014

INDEPENDENCE , MEMORIAL AND VETERANS DAY ARE NOT ...

Each of these national holidays represent remembrance days and celebrations about our liberties and the millions who worked, fought and died to preserve these sacred rights. While each day deserves an element of rest and relaxation, I believe, for too many, the real reasons are overlooked or under emphasized.

 Over the last 240 years in 69 military actions, over 1.2 million Americans have given their lives in the defense of our nation. In 1868 future President, and at the time General James A. Garfield said, "For love of country they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and virtue." The men and women who gave their lives did not choose the day or circumstances of their ultimate sacrifice. They simply and selflessly followed their orders. In my opinion, Memorial Day, Veterans Day and July 4th  should be a time to respectfully honor and remember those who served and died in the defense of liberty and secondly a time to relax and enjoy the weekend.

In 1971 the federal government made these dates national weekend holidays. I think this was a mistake. It added to a holiday atmosphere which should not be the total part of these important days. These special days should be about honoring and never forgetting our friends, family, and neighbors who served the nation or died in the military. Fireworks, clearance furniture sales, grilling and beaching are fine, but secondary to the real reason we observe Independence, Memorial and Veterans Day.

As an example, in my family William Lee Joyner served honorably in Germany during WWII. He returned safely to Virginia with his war bride Rita and celebrated a new baby, Mary Anita (Winky). He surely looked forward to happy family days as his military retirement approached. However, the nation called him to another war. He probably shrugged, but never flinched from his oath of military duty. In Korea on September 2nd 1950, William Lee was killed in action. He was only 38 years old and an 18 year Army veteran.

Surely, Uncle Willy had dreams of good times back home with his young family. He died a young man and while I faintly remember him, others have told me he was a unique character full of mischief, energy, and humor. He was a father, husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend to many. He was lost doing his duty and should never be forgotten. July Fourth, Memorial and Veterans Day are the appropriate times to observe the sacrifices made by Uncle Willy and the other 1.2 million American heroes who died serving their country.

On these national days of celebration and remembrance, I suggest everyone properly observe and respect the days. Certainly, enjoy your time off and celebrate, but always remember the real reasons behind the federal holidays. Perhaps plan to display a US flag or set flowers, a flag, or simply salute the grave of a departed service member.

These national observances are nice breaks from our normal schedules, but they are also the correct time to reflect on the sacrifices many made for the freedoms and great nation we all share and enjoy.

                                              THANK YOU FOREVER UNCLE WILLY

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

#HASHTAG - POLITICALLY CUTE BUT USELESS

Is it a sign of the times that celebrities, the first lady, and regular folks think that posting their picture and an appealing message on FB or Twitter can somehow make anything happen ?

Has our military might or intelligence community been rendered so lame that swift secret moves cannot rescue a group of young girls held by terrorists ? When it comes to bold leadership where is Obama, Hillary Clinton, or John Kerry ?

Our recent history of foreign affairs has been terrible. Syria continues to slaughter it's people, the wanton murder of Americans in Benghazi remains a crime lacking accountability,  Putin grabs new territory at will, and China dominates the world's economic good news. All the while our foreign ministers log millions of air miles and Obama spews forth stirring speeches, but it's all hollow words and wasted efforts. Nothing is happening to cool the world's hot spots, and yes it is in our best interests to quell violence and disorder all over the planet. There is a reason our nation has been blessed with great natural resources, a strong military, and a population of caring individuals and it is to play a significant role in world affairs. No other world nation has the power, resources, and compassion to make a difference.

The reign of Obama has been a disaster for America on the domestic and international fronts. He consistently demonstrates a lack of leadership, resolve or desire to get significant things done. He has wasted his presidency on a schedule of socialists schemes which will collapse in  a few years. Now, many luminaries are reduced to pathetic and empty gestures on Facebook or Twitter to reverse the evil of bad men committing unspeakable acts of horror in the name of Allah. We should not be ashamed or cower from our role as the world's superpower. We need better leaders willing to use America's power and resources to help our world neighbors.

America as a leader in world affairs is not an option it is a responsibility.
 

Friday, May 9, 2014

A FUNNY OR SAD SIGN

Several days ago I visited a men's necessary (restroom) at Jennette's  Pier in Nags Head North Carolina and encountered a very strange sign. I was so surprised I made a second visit with my camera and took two pictures of the sign.


Several questions come to mind:

1. The smallest print at the bottom of the sign reads "The Water is Recycled ". In the words of Hillary Clinton, "What difference does it make ?"
2. Why is the signage only in English ?
3. Is drinking or bathing in toilet bowl water a new trend I missed ?
4. What is Dr. Fauci's opinion on this ?   
     

Monday, May 5, 2014

THE MEGA BUSINESS OF RACISM

It has become increasingly apparent that the accusations, claims, and name calling associated with racial differences is a big business that will never go away. Too many politicians, government bureaucrats, and Al Sharpton types depend on the revenue and media attention generated in the name of racism.

Slavery, Jim Crow, separate but equal laws, and other vestiges of racial discrimination are gone, and yet the mere whisper or suggestion of a racial epithet from a white person brings a firestorm of attention and renewed debate. While slavery in America ended nearly one hundred and fifty years ago, too many race profiteers would have us believe it's 1862 all over gain.

In Florida when a young black thug was gunned down by a young zealous cop wannabe Hispanic was it racism or two young and immature men making deadly mistakes ? When a renowned southern chef lady or the cattle rancher in Nevada were discovered to have made racially offensive comments years ago do they deserve universal condemnation ? Why were the sad events of Ferguson immediately pre judged by an anxious media and gang of hate mongering politicians and malcontents ? Why is it OK for one group of Americans to casually use the term "nigger", and yet their light skinned brethren will be crucified for using the offensive word ?

Real and brutal slavery is still active in parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. However, the American liberal media chooses to only see and sensationalize  transgressions from Americans. These heralded reports may be genuine acts of racism, but are probably more manifestations of stupidity. Compared to a world stage of overt acts of slavery and human trafficking, the United States is a bit player.

Unfortunately, too many federal agencies, employees, politicians, and professional race profiteers depend on the bad old days of widespread racial discrimination. Tons of people would lose their salaries, livelihoods, and causes if the reality of good racial relationships was broadcast with the same intensity as incidents of discrimination.

It is not politically correct to state that all American slaves and slaveholders are buried in the past and their descendants are far removed from the 1860's. The myth of bad racial relations is alive and well and apparent when a proven liar (Sharpton) hosts an MSNBC news program. Too many politicians use the well worn "race card" to get elected, divert attention from their incompetence, or support funding for another federal agency pursuing phantom racists.

To paraphrase Rodney King, "can't we all just get along" ? Indeed, can't we all get past 1861, and see the America of 2014 is a land of diminished racial discrimination.  Unfortunately, the truly bigoted profiteers of race will persist in keeping racism a big business. They appeal to the most poorly informed and educated citizens and use any excuse to generate hatred while they line their pockets.

  

Friday, May 2, 2014

SCREAMER

A few months ago we had a family move into our neighborhood. The new folks consisted of a mom, dad, two grade school aged girls, and one cheerful bouncing black lab.

Soon the little girls were joined by other local rug rats in innocent outdoor play and that is when it became apparent we had a problem. Seems the smallest of the girls was a screamer. Not just a child capable of emitting little bursts of sound, but a megaphone throated prodigy. I believe her screaming has interrupted the sleep cycle of buried cicadas in my backyard half way through their seven year slumber. Recently, when this child let loose her scream I noticed their black lab run for cover, and formations of Canada geese change their flight pattern. Dolly Cat's long hair stands out straight as she scurries under a bed when the scream passes through the brick walls of our home.

Now children at play are always bubbling over with laughs, hoots, shouts, and happy sounds. It's all normal and pleasant to witness the music of joy from children, but this little girl has a gift, or possibly a curse, of extreme shrillness and loudness. Her vocals have a decibel level which might easily compete with the screech of  jets at Langley Air Force Base. From observations I am sure her screams are sounds of fun, excitement, discovery, or made to get attention. I do not think mom and dad are performing acts of torture.

Her scream of several ear damaging seconds seems to be used at times of happiness, but would be equally appropriate if a Frankenstein monster bounded out her closet at midnight.

Surry Nuclear Power Plant has a sophisticated system of sirens to warn huge swathes of the Tidewater if something bad is or might be ready to happen. The Weather Bureau calls our home when dangerous weather is forecast. Now, our neighborhood has this cute little girl who alerts the entire street when she and her pals are at play.

There are rumors her daddy has gotten a job promotion to Florida. If true, thank you Lord, and be warned Sunshine State seniors.        

Wednesday, April 30, 2014

OUT WITH THE TRASH

MSNBC & CNN have been buzzing all morning (4-30-14) about the botched chemical death of a human excrement known as Clayton Lockett. This four time felon shot a nineteen year old woman with a sawed off shotgun and then allowed and witnessed her being buried alive.

The liberal media will beat up the Oklahoma Department of Corrections for the mix up in drugs which caused this repulsive human a few minutes of physical suffering. The left media and race baiting pimps will likely play it's ever present race card. Finally,  the anti death penalty lobby will be elated to have a new poster child for it's cause. 

Should we not remember the victims suffering and a families loss ?  Should we not rejoice that a piece of garbage has been destroyed and will never commit another crime ?


 

Thursday, April 17, 2014

LOST IN YESTERDAYS ...

Sometimes I find myself lost in memories of past days.

A news article of an historic event, the passing of a friend or relative, an old photo discovered buried between the pages of a half read book, a great black and white movie, or any number of other random things puts the past in my present thoughts. While some might consider such musings as a sure sign of aging, I find the hours reminiscing as a calming break from a reality increasingly full of unpleasantness. Since I have lived the vast majority of my life, the future is but a thin slice of time compared to my past. I realize the most beloved relatives, business and social triumphs, and love affairs happened in my yesterdays. However, while I long for many tomorrows, I realize that my most glorious and energetic times are probably gone into a misty past.

I believe remembering and savoring the memories of yesterday is as important as noting events on my schedule for the coming month. While I refuse to surrender one second of the present, and it's possibilities of enjoyment, I easily enjoy daydreaming  good times from the past. As I clippty clop along the final lap, getting sidetracked in thoughts from yesterdays is perhaps a refreshing and healthy meditation.      

Saturday, March 29, 2014

THE WORST POVERTY !

Usually the word poverty refers to an individuals lack of money or material possessions. However, in my opinion, a hybrid form of poverty worse than being hungry or homeless is gripping America. It is a poverty of hope, spirit, and initiative.

When impoverished Americans from our inner cities, rural communities, or Appalachia are depicted in the media or by our government I see few skinny people. I see well fed people with cell phones, cars, televisions, shelters, and adequate clothing.

People in real poverty from third world countries are the shoeless, gaunt, cardboard hut living, food scrap eating, and raggedy clothed poor souls who genuinely lack money or material necessities.

As the US government spends more and more in social welfare schemes, private charities raise millions more in donations, and churches increase their help to our poor, the only thing that happens in America is the number of people claiming poverty INCREASES. By world standards, Americans claiming to be impoverished are blessed with things and social services far in excess of the truly poor people in other parts of the world.

Let me be clear that it would be wrong and unfair to broad brush all Americans on relief as opportunists gaming the government and other charities for free goodies. There are people who genuinely need and deserve help. However, far too many people observe the ease of a government dole or lining up for giveaways and the number of cheaters steadily increases year after year.

Because it has become so easy to be lazy and live a decent life at others expense, many people have traded their hope, and work ethic for bags of free food, rent subsidies, and all the other things offered gratis by government and charities.

I believe the greatest poverty in America is the loss of pride and initiative among a growing segment of the population who have the minds and bodies to do better than live on handouts. Unfortunately, The government will continue to buy easy votes with their charity, and private charities will always do the good works their belief systems direct.

Ultimately, the children and young adults of family groups living unfairly off the benevolence of others must break the cycle that is slowly eroding the treasure of our nation and hopes for our healthy economic future.       

Friday, March 28, 2014

GOVERNMENT LIARS

How often does our government legalize and promote something "in the best interests of the people", and then come along to undo the disaster of their own making ? Both republicans and democrats with long solemn faces and in the most serious tones lie and dodge accountability on a regular basis. Didn't Reid openly lie when he proclaimed that Romney didn't pay taxes, didn't Obama lie when he told Americans his health care scheme would be cheaper and provide better coverage than private health care plans ? Didn't Mr. Clinton lie when he told the world he did not have sex with the young intern ?

Slavery was legalized by our government centuries ago, and then undone after over 600 000 Americans were killed in a civil war. Politicians made the civil war happen because they could not compromise and follow the Constitution. The Korean and Vietnam conflicts were undeclared wars supported and funded by incompetent and lying politicians. While thousands of young men and women were slaughtered and maimed, Congress lacked the courage to make formal declarations of war. When the body bags and terribly injured combatants come home politicians stumble and make excuses for their lies and errors. Why are we expected to celebrate any peace treaty arranged by politicians that caused war in the first place ? We must seek out truth because our institutions sleep in the same bed as politicians. Contemporary historians back away from telling the truth to protect their government grant money and political pals. The MSM, so called intellectual elites, and entertainment crowd long ago dropped objectivity in favor of a left leaning bias.

Obamacare is a great example of why we must demand more honesty and transparency from our elected representatives. Like Johnson's "War on Poverty", Obamacare was crammed down the throats of taxpayers without many lawmakers reading and explaining the legislation and costs to the American people. Trillions of taxpayer dollars are wasted on secret deals and legislation designed to win votes for one party or the other. Too many times poorly informed voters become suckers drawn in by political ideologues and crooked lawmakers spewing out lies to promote their agenda to satisfy their lobbyists and political contributors.

Everyone makes mistakes, but the very least we should demand is more transparency, a whole lot more truth telling, and communication from our federal lawmakers. Unfortunately, too many politicians are blinded by MSM glory and are unwilling to do the hard work of vetting new legislation and constantly communicating with citizens. Perhaps a new twittering president with "breaking news" and news conferences every few minutes may seen a strange new phenomena, but it beats the hell out of secrecy and reading the ACA after it is passed by Congress as Pelosi famously declared.

Citizens who refrain from holding their Washington representatives accountable are assets to government liars. We the people must firmly continue the bloodless revolution at the ballot box to dismiss the men and women who shamelessly lie. They protect bad programs and cling to the assumption that they can continue to fool "we the people" indefinitely.     

If the American people continue to blindly trust politicians and remain ignorant of our Constitution,  laws, and their responsibility as informed and aroused citizens, our republic will crumble within the next few generations.    

Friday, February 28, 2014

BILL CLINTON - THE MAXIMUM WARRIOR AGAINST WOMEN

It is curious and mildly amusing that politicians with republican or tea party affiliations are instantly labeled as warriors against women. Just listen to any of the liberal A-B-C networks as they denounce politicians who dare question the morality of unlimited state sponsored abortions. These public officials are quickly branded anti feminist neanderthals.  However, Bill Clinton has proven through his actions that he was, and is the sexual predator and anti feminist king of the ruling class.

Clinton was the only US President ever impeached because of his lies about an affair with a young White House intern. Clinton out womanized other highly placed democrat lotharios Ted Kennedy, John Edwards, and Chris Dodd. Despite all the evidence on the public record, Bill Clinton is hailed as the greatest living ex president and the friend of every woman and girl.


Additionally, he trashed his marriage and somehow duped or convinced Hillary Clinton to pretend the role of loyal wife. Obviously, Mr. Clinton has proven his contempt for women on many levels. Using his high office and money he seduced women to fulfill his sexual fantasies. He disgraced his wife and daughter with his outright lies and despicable behavior.

Can anyone smell HYPOCRISY in the current wave of Bill Clinton idolization ?  Do all the media and entertainment mouthpieces believe Bill Clinton is anything other than a dirty old man in an expensive suit ?

Is his current tour and attending media adulation anything other than part of the Hillary Campaign, and payback for all the humiliation he showered on the former First Lady ?

If Hillary gets to the White House in 2017, Bill will again make it a Whorehouse !





Sunday, February 2, 2014

BETTER THAN NFL FOOTBALL

Recently I took time to watch several Rugby games and became convinced it is a better sport than American and Canadian football and a helluva lot less drama and silly politics.

Without a firm grasp of the rules or scoring procedures what is most appealing is the raw masculinity and brutality of the contest. The players wore no protective pads, artificial shoulders or cumbersome helmets. The play proceeded without numerous timeouts and commercial breaks. Two halves make up the game, and the play clock ticks from zero to the forty minute end of play with a little extra time added on beyond the regulation period. When there is an injury play is stopped while a guy with a handbag runs onto the field and performs first aid. The exchange of blood and other bodily fluids is ongoing and rugby players swing from being offensive to defensive players without huge waves of substitutes. Play involves a fatter oval than our traditional football, and the players are allowed to kick, backwards pass, bounce, and carry the ball in their attempts to score goals. Points are earned by getting the ball past the goal post and kicking it through the post from different angles. Kicks are allowed after scoring and at other times when a penalty is declared. Forward passes are forbidden, and a curious formation known as a scrum is employed from time to time to determine ball possession. The scrum is an odd joining of opposing team member bodies in what appears as a giant moving dome or turtle of men locked in a tug of war. Tripping, punching, kicking, shoving, head butts, and piling on appear to be acceptable behavior.

I observed no cheerleaders and a refreshing absence of replays and referee meetings and no player ejections for naughty behavior. When a goal is scored referees run about waving flags. If a rare incident of player misbehavior is detected the officials seem to conduct brief on field counseling sessions with the offenders.

Last night I watched one exciting match between an English and French team narrated in Spanish. The French players wore snappy blue outfits with red and white trim. Their jerseys were decorated with a red rooster emblem. The English chaps wore bright white outfits which resembled under wear save the blue numbers on their shirts. A few players wore an odd piece of headgear which looked like a cross between a 1910 padded football helmet and an Esther Williams bathing cap. The more stylish French fellows won the game and the fashion competition. Well into the first half the Brits had blood, mud, and other strange colored smears all over their white costumes.

In my opinion, rugby is a better form of our football blended with the best of boxing and real wrestling. It is a game best left to physical brutes capable of constant running and body blows. I think it has the potential to become America's next great sport if it can pass the niceness standards imposed by Bob Costas, liberals, and Congress.   

Friday, January 31, 2014

TO HELL WITH SECOND BEST

An old Washington Post op-ed by Charles Kenny proclaims the United States will cease being the worlds largest economy. He expects China will overtake us by 2017 in having the worlds largest GDP. He gives many justifications why slipping one notch is OK, and concludes that being second in GDP should be a cause for celebration. He states, "because much of the world is becoming more like America in many ways richer, more democratic, more secure ", we should consider our role "a success story for U.S. stewardship of the global economy. So celebrate with me: We're No. 2 !"

Sorry Mr. Kenny, but with all due respect, I think your celebratory tone is another funeral dirge for American Exceptionalism, and another lefty swing in denigrating the greatest nation in the world.

The notion that the USA coming in second, or lower, in any human endeavor, including  GDP, is unacceptable, in my opinion. Our history is marked by unique accomplishments which has made us the worlds best in most fields of endeavor. We were the first on the moon, built the worlds greatest military while building the worlds greatest economy. Our scientists were leaders in developing atomic power, medical miracles, computers just to name a few.  Our Olympic athletes aim for gold medals, and while being the runner up in the Super Bowl is a notable accomplishment it pales in comparison to being the winner.

Unfortunately, our GDP and economy are severely hammered by the burden of the federal government. The "O" administration along with those of the past have steadily increased regulations and taxes on investors and entrepreneurs. Additionally, silly government schemes such as unlimited unemployment compensation, an unrealistic hike in the minimum wage, obamacare, bailouts for failing businesses, increasing welfare payouts, and unlimited immigration benefits for illegals, further muck our maintenance of a strong economy. This constant and sloppy interference by the government in our free enterprise system has chased the forces that build GDP to more economically friendly shores.

In Mr. Kenny's piece, he also uses statistics from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development which might hint at why we may slip to second in GDP. The OECD reporting on the top 31 countries of the world rate the US 27th in math scores, and 23rd in unemployment among other depressing ratings. If we took education away from unions and the federal government our students would surely fare better. Teachers with more talent than tenure would surely raise our educational standards. Also, if government would curtail it's micro management of our economy the wonders of capitalism would cause countless innovations and millions of new jobs. The free market allowed to naturally rise and fall, without endless government interference, made us the worlds greatest economic power, and it can happen again.

I find the possibility of our nation accepting or "celebrating" being # 2 to China pathetic. We have the talent, resources, grit, and national character to remain the worlds leader in whatever field we choose. To accept less of ourselves and our nation is a damn shame.  As Americans, "Second best is better", is an essay we should reject and endeavor to avoid.

      

Saturday, January 18, 2014

REMEMBERING 1964

In my opinion, 1964 was a significant year in the last century.

As a senior alumni of the baby boomer gang, my generation witnessed great changes only fully appreciated as our years became another chapter of  history.  With a handful of other codgers, I marked my fiftieth high school reunion a few years ago with the 60th coming soon ! 

To me, 1964 was a most interesting year on many levels.

As seniors at Saint Pauls High School in Portsmouth Virginia  we were just a few months shy of our graduation when the great tragedy of a presidential assassination occurred. While our nuns lost their Saint John of Kennedy, students lost a president with a youthful face and stirring words brimming with optimism. Many of us wanted to be Jacks and Jacquelines in a Camelot world, and this loss was a body blow, especially when a dour faced old man named Johnson took his place. In retrospect, Kennedy wasn't a great president, but to many of us he represented youthful optimism and stirring words for many of our generation.

On the brighter side, 1964 was the year the Beatles came to America, Ford Motors introduced the sexy 1964 and a half  Mustang. Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon were hot items at their "Bikini Beach" romps. We jerked and jived to the happy music of  The Beach Boys and a guy named Andy Warhol immortalized a tomato soup can and became a renowned artist. Bob Dylan wrote and screeched a song which prophesied our turbulent times when he wailed, "The Times They Are a Changing". 

In Detroit the "Motown" sound was invented and we listened to Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas who invited us to be "Dancing in the Streets". Sam Cooke crooned "A Change is Going To Come". The Rolling Stones, Animals, and Supremes also rocked 1964, and they were correct about change and getting in the streets.

Meanwhile, President Johnson declared a "War on Poverty", passed a Civil Rights Bill, and told Americans he was all in to make ours "A Great Society". These promises were taxpayer expensive and largely unfulfilled. College students at the University of California Berkeley held the first major campus demonstrations of the century. They boldly marched and occupied an administration building while Joan Baez sang, "We Shall Overcome". Barry Goldwater announced his run for the presidency and allowed actor Ronald Reagan to make the keynote address at the 1964 GOP Convention.

Cassius Clay whipped Sonny Liston in Florida, became "The Greatest", announced his Muslim faith, and forever changed his name to Mohammad Ali. College students gathered at a small college in Ohio to train for their non violent civil rights activities in the deep south. From that group three idealistic young men would travel to Mississippi and die to bring voting rights to black citizens of the Magnolia State. The murder of Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman, and James Earl Chaney would propel future martyrs Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, and Medgar Evers to action which would change American history. In 1964 Doctor King would receive the Nobel peace prize. In the summer, riots erupted in Harlem and other ghettos of  large northern cities reflecting big "changing times" were upon us. Nelson Mandela and seven others were sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa, and Nikita Khrushchev lost power in the USSR.

On television we began to enjoy more color programing, and believed every pronouncement from "uncle" Walter Cronkite as the gospel truth. We laughed at the broadcast debuts and weekly shows, "The Andy Griffith Show", "The Adams Family", and "The Dick Van Dyke Show". We set aside our smokes and shuttered as our Surgeon General announced that cigarette smoking "may" be harmful to our health and cause cancer. 

We half listened as President Johnson cited some attack on a US destroyer in the Gulf of Tonkin and encouraged a "Resolution" to super size our military presence in the far away country of  Vietnam. Many of us would visit Vietnam in the coming years and too many would come home in body bags or gravely disabled. 

Late in 1964 Lyndon Johnson trounced Goldwater to begin his one and only elected term as president. The Warren Commission revealed that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone killer of our beloved John F. Kennedy. We read the recently published " Feminine Mystique" by Betty Friedan , and began to understand that women could be something other than teachers, moms, nuns, secretaries or nurses. Sony introduced the worlds first home VCR device, and Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton for the first time. The 24th Amendment to the Constitution was ratified and forever banned poll taxes as a voting prerequisite.

By the end of 1964 into early 1965, my fellow graduates and I  had gone off to colleges, jobs, apprenticeships, marriages, or the military. Some of us would serve in Vietnam, others would resist military service, but in the end all of us would agree the Vietnam era was a troubling time.

We lived and learned a lot from that incredible year.  Now, as we toast each other and coast along our Final Lap, it's good to remember and reflect on the yesterdays that got us to today. While our future may not stretch as long as our past, the memories of our times were large with hope, fun, sadness and a wealth of experiences. 

I think, it is important we remind our children and their children that our history is but a single falling leaf on a windy fall day. It occurs to me, how important our young masters and misses learn the stories and lessons from past years while enjoying the bright sunshine of their youth.







Monday, January 13, 2014

"LONE SURVIVOR" - THE MOVIE

In my opinion, the current movie "Lone Survivor" carries two important messages:

First, our politicians have sent young men and women to experience death and horrible injuries without pledging their full support by way of Congressional Declarations of War.  For decades Congress has skated on this constitutional responsibility. In skipping a vote to war or not war, politicians have escaped their duty while riding the roller coaster of public opinion. However, fighting men and women are always required to sacrifice their bodies and minds in ill conceived military missions. This chicken shit and half baked way of governing our military has allowed the United Nations or a president to initiate the actions of our armed forces for far too long. Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and the conflict in Afghanistan all lack the necessary commitment, direction, and objectives necessary to militarily succeed. In my opinion, thousands upon thousands of our finest have been killed and maimed to settle civil wars and regional conflicts which were not in our national interest. While politicians lack the stomach to officially declare war, they revel in the micromanagement of our armed forces to serve their political ends.

Second, since the rise of a powerful media class, our military has been forced to employ rules of engagement and other sanctions placed on their ability to effectively wage war. In an early scene of "Lone Survivor" the decision to release the goatherders because of what "CNN" might say dooms the operation and causes over a dozen men to be killed. War is a nasty business of killing and its rules cannot be left to the musings of civilians guided by  "political correctness". Nothing about war can ever be correct or proper, and the worst of our nature is sometimes the only way to survive. The terrible decisions a soldier must make in order to survive should never be subject to what "CNN" might report. Sometimes what happens in the heat and passion of combat must remain a soldiers dark secret. Pompous talking heads and politicians would have little to say if they were veterans of gut wrenching combat experiences.

"Lone Survivor" correctly depicts another American war mismanaged by politicians. The movie also shows a good example of why our military cannot be subject to the relentless anti military scrutiny of CNN and other media bullies. As the winds of public opinion push and pull poll numbers, Americans must demand political leaders to respect our armed forces with the backing of formal war declarations and the ground rules to succeed. Continuing to use our military force as mercenaries for political reasons in undeclared wars is a national disgrace. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

A COSTLY WAR LOST BY AMERICAN PROGRESSIVES & LIBERALS

Recently we marked the 50th anniversary of the "War on Poverty" declared by President Lyndon Johnson. This failed war is his everlasting legacy, and an extension of the progressive ideas of Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt.  Additionally, this "War on Poverty" has been happily embraced by liberal politicians since 1964. The idea to redistribute the nations wealth from the taxpayer class to the poor has been a colossal failure. Over the life of this "War" anyone questioning the massive expenditures was quickly labeled a grinch, racist, or someone wanting to starve grandma and helpless little children.

Johnson's "War on Poverty" is a turd from the toliet bowl of socialism which failed in the Soviet Union, China, and many other countries. The old concept of government redistributing a nations wealth has caused revolutions, class warfare, and misery in many nations. Needless to say, our national failure to win the "War on Poverty"  WILL NOT be widely reported by the liberal press.

Today the Washington Times and Rush Limbaugh did report a few specifics on this failed war. First, taxpayer dollars redistributed to abolish poverty over the last half century have amounted to almost 21 TRILLION DOLLARS. The poverty rate in 1965 was about 17 % and today it is 15 %.  In the last years of the Bush administration the poverty rate stood at 12.7 % . Further, we now have 47 million people on food stamps, up an amazing 13 million since obama took office five years ago.

By any standard, tons of money have been used and wasted with very little meaningful improvement for the poor. Since the poverty rate has remained unchanged over the years, one might ask where the money went ? In my opinion, much of the money has been shamelessly squandered on thousands of bureaucrats with fat salaries working in fancy federal office buildings. The money, food stamps, free food, free phones, free housing, and government checks sent to the poor have established an underclass of hopeless people. Older generations have taught younger generations how to play the system and live off the dole. To maximize their payouts, too many poor people have had too many babies raised in fatherless homes where education was set as a low priority. Like buzzards, liberal and progressive politicians have bought the votes of the poor with promised new handouts and speeches on class warfare. In election after election, the poor have been trained to vote like mindless zombies.

As obama and is liberal pals demand extensions of unemployment compensation, obamacare changes, a higher minimum wage, a war on the rich, and looser immigration laws, there will be NO OFFICIAL WASHINGTON celebration or commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the "War on Poverty". Interesting that king obama of the progressive world of liberals, WILL NOT speechify  "The War on Poverty", but rather he will continue to demand more money to prop up his ponzi schemes of socialism.