Earlier this evening, I was helping my fifteen year old study for a history test. As we were going over the notes for her upcoming test, we began discussing the caste system. After completing our study session, I couldn't help but notice the similarities between the caste system and the modern progressive system.
If you are not familiar with that caste system, it is a social system that divides it's society into hereditary classes based on occupation, social class, endogamy, culture, and political power In it's original form, these classes were made up of four castes; religious and political leaders, military, skilled workers, and servants.
If we break down the caste system and modernize the terminology; we get academics, activists, unions, and citizens. I realize that this may be a Machiavellian approach to the subject, but it is plausible non the less. Let's look at the system one caste at a time.
Academics
Within the caste system, an academic is tantamount to royalty. This level of society believes that their status allows them to make decisions others are not intellectually capable of making. They place themselves on a pedestal and marvel at their own superiority. They do not believe in getting their hands dirty (this is better left to the "common folk"), and generally agree that the rank and file are to dumb to understand the complexities of their own society. If you think about the number of progressives within our Universities you can clearly see that academics prefer a socialist form of government. Socialism is very close to the caste system as it promotes a class system within a society.
Activists
This would be the military level of the caste system. The activists work very closely with the academics within the progressive movement. They are the community organizers, liberal media groups, lobbyists, and progressive organizations. These activists work closely with the academics to put in place their ideology and manipulate the society. Yellow journalism, biased and even untruthful ad campaigns, propaganda, and hate speech are the tools of the activists. The activist is not selfless in his or her actions, they believe that by working close to the academic, they are elevating themselves to a higher level within the society, thus improving their station in life.
Unions
Unions represent the skilled worker level of the caste system. The basic idea of a union is to protect the individual worker from unfair treatment by his or her employer, however this idea has been corrupted throughout history as unions gain more and more power. The unions desire control over the production of goods for society, and the subsequent power that accompanies this control. They use this power to accomplish the goals of the academics and activists. In this way the unions pay tribute to the academics and activists in return for special favors.
Citizens
The citizen is the lowest level in the caste system. They are viewed as individually unimportant and expendable. The overall goal is to treat the citizen like a mushroom, keep them in the dark and feed them lots of manure. The citizen may be the largest overall caste in the society however, academics treat them as so many sheep in the field. To the activist they are only a tool to be used for manipulation, and to the Union they are a commodity to be traded at will.
Currently, India is the only country that has a caste system in place. However, I believe that there are valid similarities between the modern progressive movement and the caste system within the United States.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Going down with the ship, The Stock Market in decline
Let's talk about what happens if the stock market crashes. Because the average person can be affected in several ways at once.
Fist off, lets talk banks. If you have a loan with a variable rate, the interest goes through the roof. The banks will no longer be able to loan money to businesses, both large and small. And believe it or not there are a lot of companies that are dependent on banks just to make payroll because no one does "cash on the barrel head" deals anymore.
So, how does a company deal with cash flow problems, they downsize. They immediately cut overhead to stay afloat. This will affect both hourly workers and management. Office staffers will be cut, secretaries, maintenance, part timers, all the way up to mid level executives that can be done without during hard times. Additionally, consumer industries will start reducing their additional inventory, that means less hours for the workers and more layoffs.
Now comes the trickle down effect, the more unemployed workers out there the less money gets spent in other areas of our economy. Food service, recreation, tourism, travel, airlines, the list goes on and on. The small business owners feel the pinch as well. When these businesses start going under, you begin to see the start of the depression.
The government will begin to pay more and more out to the unemployed (so glad they increased the Unemployment Benefits back in July). At the same time, more people will file for disability, retirement, and Social Security Insurance, further straining our weakened economy.
Those of us who have a 401k or are invested in the stock market can expect to loose our investments, and with it our security for the future, older Americans who have been living off the profits from their will suddenly be destitute. Middle aged Americans will see the fruits of their labor vanish before their eyes.
OK, well that's just great, but what if you don't have a "stock portfolio". What if you are just John Smith American who works and lives paycheck to paycheck anyway. Well even if you manage not to lose your job, even if you don't have a mortgage, and your car is paid for, you're still going to get hit with inflation. The price of a loaf of bread will triple, at least. Gas will go back up over five dollars a gallon, when you can find it (remember, a lot of stores won't survive this thing). There will be rioting, crime will go through the roof (and the cities will not be able to afford to hire more cops, they may even lay off), and we can probably expect some type of medical epidemic that will sweep the country. I say this because when you are depressed you tend to get sick easier, you also add the fact that people will not be able to afford to buy medicine or go to the doctor.
So the question I'll bet your asking yourself right now is, "Crap, what now?"
There are a few things you can do just to be on the safe side. First put back a little, now the dollar may be going through the floor, but the gold that backs it is still good. So, start buying precious metals. It doesn't have to be a lot, even if it's just some gold or silver coins. If nothing else start saving your change. Quarters nickels and dimes, they are worth exactly that, a paper dollar is just a treasury note, but change is hard currency. Anything made of a precious metal, or gem is worth keeping as a backup plan.
Read up on gardening, even if you live in town, you can plant a small vegetable garden to supplement your grocery bill. Start teaching your kids now that eating leftovers is not a bad thing, Americans waste more food than any other society on earth, we are spoiled and we know it. Also, don't throw away that shirt that got mustard stains on it last week put it away for later, you may be thankful that you did.
Buy books, it's sounds silly but books are a time honored means of entertainment, and you may wake up one day and discover that you can't afford the cable or satellite bill. Buy the classics, a good set of encyclopedias, and a couple of books on home medical remedies.
Discuss these things with you family, you don't want to be in the position where these things hit your family all at once. Let them know that bad times come and go, and that you can get through them together. Rely on you faith in god, your common sense, and a positive attitude to get through the ordeal....
Hopefully we will not have to put any of these things into practice, but it never hurts to plan ahead.
Fist off, lets talk banks. If you have a loan with a variable rate, the interest goes through the roof. The banks will no longer be able to loan money to businesses, both large and small. And believe it or not there are a lot of companies that are dependent on banks just to make payroll because no one does "cash on the barrel head" deals anymore.
So, how does a company deal with cash flow problems, they downsize. They immediately cut overhead to stay afloat. This will affect both hourly workers and management. Office staffers will be cut, secretaries, maintenance, part timers, all the way up to mid level executives that can be done without during hard times. Additionally, consumer industries will start reducing their additional inventory, that means less hours for the workers and more layoffs.
Now comes the trickle down effect, the more unemployed workers out there the less money gets spent in other areas of our economy. Food service, recreation, tourism, travel, airlines, the list goes on and on. The small business owners feel the pinch as well. When these businesses start going under, you begin to see the start of the depression.
The government will begin to pay more and more out to the unemployed (so glad they increased the Unemployment Benefits back in July). At the same time, more people will file for disability, retirement, and Social Security Insurance, further straining our weakened economy.
Those of us who have a 401k or are invested in the stock market can expect to loose our investments, and with it our security for the future, older Americans who have been living off the profits from their will suddenly be destitute. Middle aged Americans will see the fruits of their labor vanish before their eyes.
OK, well that's just great, but what if you don't have a "stock portfolio". What if you are just John Smith American who works and lives paycheck to paycheck anyway. Well even if you manage not to lose your job, even if you don't have a mortgage, and your car is paid for, you're still going to get hit with inflation. The price of a loaf of bread will triple, at least. Gas will go back up over five dollars a gallon, when you can find it (remember, a lot of stores won't survive this thing). There will be rioting, crime will go through the roof (and the cities will not be able to afford to hire more cops, they may even lay off), and we can probably expect some type of medical epidemic that will sweep the country. I say this because when you are depressed you tend to get sick easier, you also add the fact that people will not be able to afford to buy medicine or go to the doctor.
So the question I'll bet your asking yourself right now is, "Crap, what now?"
There are a few things you can do just to be on the safe side. First put back a little, now the dollar may be going through the floor, but the gold that backs it is still good. So, start buying precious metals. It doesn't have to be a lot, even if it's just some gold or silver coins. If nothing else start saving your change. Quarters nickels and dimes, they are worth exactly that, a paper dollar is just a treasury note, but change is hard currency. Anything made of a precious metal, or gem is worth keeping as a backup plan.
Read up on gardening, even if you live in town, you can plant a small vegetable garden to supplement your grocery bill. Start teaching your kids now that eating leftovers is not a bad thing, Americans waste more food than any other society on earth, we are spoiled and we know it. Also, don't throw away that shirt that got mustard stains on it last week put it away for later, you may be thankful that you did.
Buy books, it's sounds silly but books are a time honored means of entertainment, and you may wake up one day and discover that you can't afford the cable or satellite bill. Buy the classics, a good set of encyclopedias, and a couple of books on home medical remedies.
Discuss these things with you family, you don't want to be in the position where these things hit your family all at once. Let them know that bad times come and go, and that you can get through them together. Rely on you faith in god, your common sense, and a positive attitude to get through the ordeal....
Hopefully we will not have to put any of these things into practice, but it never hurts to plan ahead.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
To serve and Protect
Today I’m going to try to do something a little different; I’m going to try to explain what it’s like to be a Police Officer. It’s not as simple as it sounds, because most Police Officers are very complex.
You really have three types of cops, the Idealist, the Bully, and the Paper Cop. Now, sometimes a Cop can begin as one type but wind up as another. A Cop can also be a combination two or more types. Let’s look at these three types individually.
The idealist happens to be my favorite kind of Cop; he believes that he is making a difference in the world just by doing his job. He is the type of officer that stops and talks to the store owners in his area. He is very proactive in traffic enforcement and takes every call he goes on personally. You find this trait more often in younger Officers. The idealist Officer, will stand taller, walk straighter, and go the extra mile to help anyone in need.
The idealist Cop is also harder on criminals; he takes it as a personal affront when crimes are committed in his area. He actively looks for drug dealers, thieves, and general “no goods”. He will be the one that is accused of “harassing” people because stops anyone who he suspects may be involved in a possible crime. He will also be praised by the more solid citizens in the area. This Cop wants to move up in the department, has a lot of ideas how to better his community and will repeatedly become frustrated if the administration ignores him. Sometimes he will vent his frustrations to the public.
The bully Cop is the guy that gives the rest of us a bad name. He uses his authority to humiliate and degrade people. He is the type of Cop that pulls a citizen over and not only gives them a ticket, but lectures them also. He tends to escalate situations instead of defusing them, and loves to get up in a person’s face.
A lot of the racist Cops (both black and white) fall into this category. They tend to use their power to further their agenda of hate. They also contribute to low morale within the department, starting trouble between different Officers purely for the purpose of sitting back and watching the show. This guy is dangerous, because like most bullies they are actually cowards at heart. They will lie to save face and will lie to alter an outcome so that it is advantageous for them.
The wanna-be cop also falls into this category, the wanna-be has many monikers given to him by his fellow officers. He is called super trooper, gung-ho, top cop, and is considered full of rookie juice. This type of cop feels like he’s doing the right thing but it translates into bad decisions. If someone argues with him, they go to jail. He nit picks on traffic stops, is oversensitive when dealing with the public, and has a “because I’m the law that’s why” attitude. Most wanna-be’s eventually turn into paper Cops if they stay in law enforcement. They become lazy after the excitement or “newness” wears off.
The third type of Cop is the paper Cop. This guy is interested in one thing, making a check and going home at the end of the day. He takes his calls, but no more, and will make a traffic stops only if pressured by his supervisors. This Officer is has a low impact attitude, the less you do the less chance of getting in trouble. He is not necessarily a bad Officer; he is just either burnt out or made a bad career decision. Not everyone is cut out to be a cop, but once you’ve started it’s hard to walk away from the paycheck. This type of Cop can be motivated and transformed into the idealistic Cop by his department if handled properly. However he is commonly overlooked and used simply to fill a spot. Since he doesn’t get into trouble supervisors generally leave him alone, however his potential is also frequently overlooked.
Now that I’ve explained the types of cops, let me explain why sometimes you may get the impression that all you ever see are the bullies and burnouts. Most people do not realize what a Cop goes through every day.
Let’s say that I’m Joe citizen going about my life from day to day. I have problems, everyone does, and I deal with them as they come along. How many times a day do I come in contact with a violent person, or someone who is under the influence of drugs? How many times a day do I have an adrenaline dump that causes my heart to race and my blood pressure to blow out the end of a cuff? Answer, hardly ever.
The average citizen may go his entire life without ever witnessing the death or major injury of a person. Police officers see these sights quite frequently. How would it affect you to walk into a house and see a child that had been physically or sexually abused? Or pull an injured person from a vehicle and listen to their pleas for help until the ambulance arrived. How do you react when confronted by a hysterical or violent person cursing you and threatening you? How would you feel to have someone call you a racist term and not be able to respond accordingly. I would imagine that if you have experienced just a few of these things throughout your life time they would stick in your memory. Now imagine that you have witnessed so many of these events with such frequency that you can’t remember them individually. This is the life of a police officer.
I recall speaking with young soldiers who relate their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They tell of how scared they were when doing building searches and say things like “people just don’t understand the feeling of going through a dark building when someone could be in the next room with a gun waiting to kill you”. If those soldiers want a sympathetic ear all they have to do is find a cop that works the graveyard shift and he can relate.
The problem is that no one recognizes the stress that Police Officers are under every day, year after year. I’ve seen complaints filed by citizens that go like this. “I would like to complain about Officer Smith’s conduct when I spoke to him at a restaurant earlier today, I was simply trying to tell him about the teenagers going up and down the street in front of my house banging their music and he looked disinterested, and didn't even stop eating while I was speaking to him".
The lady did not realize that the Officer had been on shift for nine hours and had finally gotten ten minutes to eat. Already that day the Officer had been to a dead body call where the victim had been closed up in a house for four days before neighbors “smelled” something. He had taken two accident reports, one of which involved a three year old girl who had went into the windshield when her mother struck a parked car because she was talking on her cell and not paying attention and the child was standing up in the front seat. He had three domestic disturbance reports that he hadn’t even started on yet, and he had just been contacted by his supervisor and told that a complaint had been filed on him for driving fast. No one took into consideration that he was rushing to a burglary in progress call and trying to get there before the bad guy got away. Why was he not running lights and sirens you ask ? Because the bad guys tend to hear you coming when you make that much noise.
Officers deal with most people during moments of stress. No one calls the police when a situation is going well. This stress is transferred to the Officer when he arrives and stay with him after he leaves the call. Over time, this stress can bleed over into the Officers personal life if he allows it, and often he cannot prevent it. This is why the rates for alcoholism, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke are so high in Officers. Divorce is also quite high in the law enforcement field as well.
I have almost twenty years experience in law enforcement and I can recall ever instant that I’ve been approached by a citizen for no other reason than for them to just say hello. The number of times are that few. The conversation always drifts to their problems and questions as to how I can solve them.
I hope that this has helped some people see a different side of Police Officers. Remember we are just as fallible as anyone else. We have feelings and bad days, and sometimes we lose our tempers. But believe me when I tell you, being a Police Officer is not a job, it’s not even a career, it’s our way of life.
To serve and protect…
You really have three types of cops, the Idealist, the Bully, and the Paper Cop. Now, sometimes a Cop can begin as one type but wind up as another. A Cop can also be a combination two or more types. Let’s look at these three types individually.
The idealist happens to be my favorite kind of Cop; he believes that he is making a difference in the world just by doing his job. He is the type of officer that stops and talks to the store owners in his area. He is very proactive in traffic enforcement and takes every call he goes on personally. You find this trait more often in younger Officers. The idealist Officer, will stand taller, walk straighter, and go the extra mile to help anyone in need.
The idealist Cop is also harder on criminals; he takes it as a personal affront when crimes are committed in his area. He actively looks for drug dealers, thieves, and general “no goods”. He will be the one that is accused of “harassing” people because stops anyone who he suspects may be involved in a possible crime. He will also be praised by the more solid citizens in the area. This Cop wants to move up in the department, has a lot of ideas how to better his community and will repeatedly become frustrated if the administration ignores him. Sometimes he will vent his frustrations to the public.
The bully Cop is the guy that gives the rest of us a bad name. He uses his authority to humiliate and degrade people. He is the type of Cop that pulls a citizen over and not only gives them a ticket, but lectures them also. He tends to escalate situations instead of defusing them, and loves to get up in a person’s face.
A lot of the racist Cops (both black and white) fall into this category. They tend to use their power to further their agenda of hate. They also contribute to low morale within the department, starting trouble between different Officers purely for the purpose of sitting back and watching the show. This guy is dangerous, because like most bullies they are actually cowards at heart. They will lie to save face and will lie to alter an outcome so that it is advantageous for them.
The wanna-be cop also falls into this category, the wanna-be has many monikers given to him by his fellow officers. He is called super trooper, gung-ho, top cop, and is considered full of rookie juice. This type of cop feels like he’s doing the right thing but it translates into bad decisions. If someone argues with him, they go to jail. He nit picks on traffic stops, is oversensitive when dealing with the public, and has a “because I’m the law that’s why” attitude. Most wanna-be’s eventually turn into paper Cops if they stay in law enforcement. They become lazy after the excitement or “newness” wears off.
The third type of Cop is the paper Cop. This guy is interested in one thing, making a check and going home at the end of the day. He takes his calls, but no more, and will make a traffic stops only if pressured by his supervisors. This Officer is has a low impact attitude, the less you do the less chance of getting in trouble. He is not necessarily a bad Officer; he is just either burnt out or made a bad career decision. Not everyone is cut out to be a cop, but once you’ve started it’s hard to walk away from the paycheck. This type of Cop can be motivated and transformed into the idealistic Cop by his department if handled properly. However he is commonly overlooked and used simply to fill a spot. Since he doesn’t get into trouble supervisors generally leave him alone, however his potential is also frequently overlooked.
Now that I’ve explained the types of cops, let me explain why sometimes you may get the impression that all you ever see are the bullies and burnouts. Most people do not realize what a Cop goes through every day.
Let’s say that I’m Joe citizen going about my life from day to day. I have problems, everyone does, and I deal with them as they come along. How many times a day do I come in contact with a violent person, or someone who is under the influence of drugs? How many times a day do I have an adrenaline dump that causes my heart to race and my blood pressure to blow out the end of a cuff? Answer, hardly ever.
The average citizen may go his entire life without ever witnessing the death or major injury of a person. Police officers see these sights quite frequently. How would it affect you to walk into a house and see a child that had been physically or sexually abused? Or pull an injured person from a vehicle and listen to their pleas for help until the ambulance arrived. How do you react when confronted by a hysterical or violent person cursing you and threatening you? How would you feel to have someone call you a racist term and not be able to respond accordingly. I would imagine that if you have experienced just a few of these things throughout your life time they would stick in your memory. Now imagine that you have witnessed so many of these events with such frequency that you can’t remember them individually. This is the life of a police officer.
I recall speaking with young soldiers who relate their experiences in Iraq and Afghanistan. They tell of how scared they were when doing building searches and say things like “people just don’t understand the feeling of going through a dark building when someone could be in the next room with a gun waiting to kill you”. If those soldiers want a sympathetic ear all they have to do is find a cop that works the graveyard shift and he can relate.
The problem is that no one recognizes the stress that Police Officers are under every day, year after year. I’ve seen complaints filed by citizens that go like this. “I would like to complain about Officer Smith’s conduct when I spoke to him at a restaurant earlier today, I was simply trying to tell him about the teenagers going up and down the street in front of my house banging their music and he looked disinterested, and didn't even stop eating while I was speaking to him".
The lady did not realize that the Officer had been on shift for nine hours and had finally gotten ten minutes to eat. Already that day the Officer had been to a dead body call where the victim had been closed up in a house for four days before neighbors “smelled” something. He had taken two accident reports, one of which involved a three year old girl who had went into the windshield when her mother struck a parked car because she was talking on her cell and not paying attention and the child was standing up in the front seat. He had three domestic disturbance reports that he hadn’t even started on yet, and he had just been contacted by his supervisor and told that a complaint had been filed on him for driving fast. No one took into consideration that he was rushing to a burglary in progress call and trying to get there before the bad guy got away. Why was he not running lights and sirens you ask ? Because the bad guys tend to hear you coming when you make that much noise.
Officers deal with most people during moments of stress. No one calls the police when a situation is going well. This stress is transferred to the Officer when he arrives and stay with him after he leaves the call. Over time, this stress can bleed over into the Officers personal life if he allows it, and often he cannot prevent it. This is why the rates for alcoholism, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke are so high in Officers. Divorce is also quite high in the law enforcement field as well.
I have almost twenty years experience in law enforcement and I can recall ever instant that I’ve been approached by a citizen for no other reason than for them to just say hello. The number of times are that few. The conversation always drifts to their problems and questions as to how I can solve them.
I hope that this has helped some people see a different side of Police Officers. Remember we are just as fallible as anyone else. We have feelings and bad days, and sometimes we lose our tempers. But believe me when I tell you, being a Police Officer is not a job, it’s not even a career, it’s our way of life.
To serve and protect…
Monday, August 23, 2010
The what if's in life
I talk a lot about change, my hopes for the future of my country, and my fears at what I see happening with our leadership in America. What I haven't talked about is what happens if it does go bad. The what if's....
What if the stock market crashes, what if unemployment reaches levels that causes rioting in the streets. What would I do if I wake up one morning and the world has turned upside down?
Well, after I spent a minute freaking out, I guess I would start thinking about how do survive. This is my guide......
The following guide is based on common sense and real world experience. This guide does not teach you how to live on bugs and tree moss, there are plenty of those books out there already. My philosophy for living and even prospering after the world as we know it has taken a major downward turn is simple. First take care of yourself and your family, and then surround yourself with people who will increase your productivity and proficiency at surviving. This guide should provide some incite into how to set up a cooperative plan of action that will help build a foundation for a group that can survive and prosper without any outside help.
OK, so it’s any morning somewhere in America. You wake up and turn on the television to discover that something has happened. It doesn’t matter what, take your pick of any number of disasters; the stock market crashes, a terrorist attack, act of God, act of man, whatever. What do you do? Well what you’re not going to do is what everyone else is doing which is freak out. Just think back to the last time the weather turned bad (depending on where you live) and remember the news broadcast during that time. There is always some newscaster reporting on how the stores are overrun with people stocking up on bread, milk, and toilet paper. People go crazy over ice storms and blizzards, imagine what will happen when the local anchorman tells the viewers that the government has just collapsed, or worse yet, there is no one on the television and rumors are the basis of everyone’s information. So instead of joining in on the riots in the streets you and I are going to hunt a hole, because we took some simple steps to prepare for this day.
The first thing we need to thing about are the basic fundamentals of life and what it takes to survive. These things are; water, food, shelter, and security.
Water
Now most of us can remember the Y2K scare and how everyone was storing cases of water. The problem with that is that unless you live in a rural area already you’re probably not going to want to stay where you’re at. Water is heavy and takes up a lot of space when your on the move. It is easier to maintain the chemicals necessary to purify water than store large amounts of the wet stuff. Water purification tablets, bleach, filters (there is plenty of literature available on water purification, I suggest you pick one up) or whatever method you decide to use. You also need to know several sources of water in your immediate area and have a means of storing several gallons at a time.
Food
This should be an easy fix on the short term, there are a lot of companies putting together ready made “survival packs” of food. But let’s pretend for a minute that we are a little bit self sufficient. Dried beans, rice, corn meal, all have a long shelf life which can be made even longer by vacuum sealing them (those vacuum sealers can be purchase reasonably cheap). In the situation we will be facing, I don’t think we will be worried about a lot of variety in our diet. You notice that I didn’t include any preserved meats in this list of foods. I’ll bet that if you think real hard you can guess why.
Shelter
This is the first point where you need to have to start making decisions. Do you shelter in place for a while or immediately try to move to a better location. Well partner, only you can make that decision. You will have to weigh out the benefits of staying or going yourself. What I can tell you is this. If you live in an urban area, and there is no longer a working government in place, several things will start happening rather suddenly.
First, think about what would happen in your area if suddenly there were no emergency services, no police officers, no firemen, and no paramedics. Why would these fine public servants suddenly disappear do you ask? Well because they are in the same spot you are, did you go to work today? Who puts out the fires that start when Joe nit wit sets the local stop and shop on fire after looting it? Everyone will be shocked at how quickly people degrade into little more than animals when they realize there isn’t anyone around enforcing the rule of law.
Next, without anyone to maintain the local water works, how long will the toilets keep flushing. Who will maintain the power, the gas, and the telephone system? If you live in the city, you depend on all of these things just to live, as I said before weigh your options very carefully and decide if you want to try to shelter in place or find a better location.
Security
This one should be a no brainer, good security is all about common sense. First you need a good multi-purpose rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. I would go with all NATO rounds, primarily because they are normally easy to maintain, and the ammunition is economical (personally I would keep at least several hundred rounds for each weapon on hand). Where ever you decide to locate, keep in mind that you need to be able to see what may be coming at you from a good distance, this will give you time to decide whether you stay and fight, hide, or run away. Any temporary shelter needs to be placed in an area that has an emergency evacuation route. And permanent shelters need to be fortified against intruders (remember most modern rounds will shoot completely through a wood framed house).
Alright, now that you have the essentials, what now?
Remember, your only as good as the people who you surround yourself with, so plan accordingly. Stock up on literature that will help you survive in case of an emergency, and above all else, keep a positive attitude. Do not give up and do not sit hoping that the government will come and save you.
Plan on saving yourself........
What if the stock market crashes, what if unemployment reaches levels that causes rioting in the streets. What would I do if I wake up one morning and the world has turned upside down?
Well, after I spent a minute freaking out, I guess I would start thinking about how do survive. This is my guide......
The following guide is based on common sense and real world experience. This guide does not teach you how to live on bugs and tree moss, there are plenty of those books out there already. My philosophy for living and even prospering after the world as we know it has taken a major downward turn is simple. First take care of yourself and your family, and then surround yourself with people who will increase your productivity and proficiency at surviving. This guide should provide some incite into how to set up a cooperative plan of action that will help build a foundation for a group that can survive and prosper without any outside help.
OK, so it’s any morning somewhere in America. You wake up and turn on the television to discover that something has happened. It doesn’t matter what, take your pick of any number of disasters; the stock market crashes, a terrorist attack, act of God, act of man, whatever. What do you do? Well what you’re not going to do is what everyone else is doing which is freak out. Just think back to the last time the weather turned bad (depending on where you live) and remember the news broadcast during that time. There is always some newscaster reporting on how the stores are overrun with people stocking up on bread, milk, and toilet paper. People go crazy over ice storms and blizzards, imagine what will happen when the local anchorman tells the viewers that the government has just collapsed, or worse yet, there is no one on the television and rumors are the basis of everyone’s information. So instead of joining in on the riots in the streets you and I are going to hunt a hole, because we took some simple steps to prepare for this day.
The first thing we need to thing about are the basic fundamentals of life and what it takes to survive. These things are; water, food, shelter, and security.
Water
Now most of us can remember the Y2K scare and how everyone was storing cases of water. The problem with that is that unless you live in a rural area already you’re probably not going to want to stay where you’re at. Water is heavy and takes up a lot of space when your on the move. It is easier to maintain the chemicals necessary to purify water than store large amounts of the wet stuff. Water purification tablets, bleach, filters (there is plenty of literature available on water purification, I suggest you pick one up) or whatever method you decide to use. You also need to know several sources of water in your immediate area and have a means of storing several gallons at a time.
Food
This should be an easy fix on the short term, there are a lot of companies putting together ready made “survival packs” of food. But let’s pretend for a minute that we are a little bit self sufficient. Dried beans, rice, corn meal, all have a long shelf life which can be made even longer by vacuum sealing them (those vacuum sealers can be purchase reasonably cheap). In the situation we will be facing, I don’t think we will be worried about a lot of variety in our diet. You notice that I didn’t include any preserved meats in this list of foods. I’ll bet that if you think real hard you can guess why.
Shelter
This is the first point where you need to have to start making decisions. Do you shelter in place for a while or immediately try to move to a better location. Well partner, only you can make that decision. You will have to weigh out the benefits of staying or going yourself. What I can tell you is this. If you live in an urban area, and there is no longer a working government in place, several things will start happening rather suddenly.
First, think about what would happen in your area if suddenly there were no emergency services, no police officers, no firemen, and no paramedics. Why would these fine public servants suddenly disappear do you ask? Well because they are in the same spot you are, did you go to work today? Who puts out the fires that start when Joe nit wit sets the local stop and shop on fire after looting it? Everyone will be shocked at how quickly people degrade into little more than animals when they realize there isn’t anyone around enforcing the rule of law.
Next, without anyone to maintain the local water works, how long will the toilets keep flushing. Who will maintain the power, the gas, and the telephone system? If you live in the city, you depend on all of these things just to live, as I said before weigh your options very carefully and decide if you want to try to shelter in place or find a better location.
Security
This one should be a no brainer, good security is all about common sense. First you need a good multi-purpose rifle, a shotgun, and a pistol. I would go with all NATO rounds, primarily because they are normally easy to maintain, and the ammunition is economical (personally I would keep at least several hundred rounds for each weapon on hand). Where ever you decide to locate, keep in mind that you need to be able to see what may be coming at you from a good distance, this will give you time to decide whether you stay and fight, hide, or run away. Any temporary shelter needs to be placed in an area that has an emergency evacuation route. And permanent shelters need to be fortified against intruders (remember most modern rounds will shoot completely through a wood framed house).
Alright, now that you have the essentials, what now?
Remember, your only as good as the people who you surround yourself with, so plan accordingly. Stock up on literature that will help you survive in case of an emergency, and above all else, keep a positive attitude. Do not give up and do not sit hoping that the government will come and save you.
Plan on saving yourself........
The walrus and the carpenter
"The time has come", the Walrus said, "to talk of many things, of shoes and ships and sealing wax, of cabbages and kings, and why the sea is boiling hot and whether pigs have wings". - Lewis Carroll
The Walrus and the Carpenter, a classic poem that symbolizes the misdirection that politicians employ daily to their constituency. Everyone remembers this phrase, "Well, I actually voted for the bill before I voted against it". (John Kerry's response to his vote on a supplemental appropriations bill of the military in 2004).
That statement, along with others such as "that depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is (Bill Clinton during the grand jury testimony on the Monica Lewinsky affair) have destroyed the credibility of the American Politician. It's no longer a question of if a politician will lie, but how often.
President Obama made innumerable promises to the American people while campaigning for the office of president. I would list the promises he made, but my computer only has so much memory, just the same lets hit a few of his hi points.
Transparency, yes that's right he actually promised transparency. President Obama promised on November 6th , 2008 a new era of transparency with his administration. His transition team posted limited details of "cutting edge technology" on it's web site, change.gov. But, somehow this new age of openness was lost in the shuffle after Mr. Obama took office. Sorry folks, I guess it's back to" need to know" for the American people.
Remember this one, Obama promised that in his administration, lobbyists would not have a seat at the table. However, by March of 2009 he had appointed thirty people to is administration that were currently or had previously been registered as lobbyists.
Now lets' talk taxes, Everyone remembers how Mr. Obama promised over and over again that he would not raise taxes on citizens that made under $250,000 a year. Well, to be fair I haven't see any legislation that directly taxes middle class America. Instead they are employing classic bait and switch techniques that the progressives love to employ, instead of creating taxes directly on the public, they increase taxes on goods that the public consumes and on services that they use. And lets not forget that allowing tax cuts to expire is the same as raising taxes when you get right down to it.
So look sharp my friends, now is not the time to speak of other things. Now is the time to see past the political slight of hand, the flowery words, and grandiose promises made by politicians. Now is the time to remember that we are in charge, we have the power.
The Walrus and the Carpenter, a classic poem that symbolizes the misdirection that politicians employ daily to their constituency. Everyone remembers this phrase, "Well, I actually voted for the bill before I voted against it". (John Kerry's response to his vote on a supplemental appropriations bill of the military in 2004).
That statement, along with others such as "that depends on what the meaning of the word "is" is (Bill Clinton during the grand jury testimony on the Monica Lewinsky affair) have destroyed the credibility of the American Politician. It's no longer a question of if a politician will lie, but how often.
President Obama made innumerable promises to the American people while campaigning for the office of president. I would list the promises he made, but my computer only has so much memory, just the same lets hit a few of his hi points.
Transparency, yes that's right he actually promised transparency. President Obama promised on November 6th , 2008 a new era of transparency with his administration. His transition team posted limited details of "cutting edge technology" on it's web site, change.gov. But, somehow this new age of openness was lost in the shuffle after Mr. Obama took office. Sorry folks, I guess it's back to" need to know" for the American people.
Remember this one, Obama promised that in his administration, lobbyists would not have a seat at the table. However, by March of 2009 he had appointed thirty people to is administration that were currently or had previously been registered as lobbyists.
Now lets' talk taxes, Everyone remembers how Mr. Obama promised over and over again that he would not raise taxes on citizens that made under $250,000 a year. Well, to be fair I haven't see any legislation that directly taxes middle class America. Instead they are employing classic bait and switch techniques that the progressives love to employ, instead of creating taxes directly on the public, they increase taxes on goods that the public consumes and on services that they use. And lets not forget that allowing tax cuts to expire is the same as raising taxes when you get right down to it.
So look sharp my friends, now is not the time to speak of other things. Now is the time to see past the political slight of hand, the flowery words, and grandiose promises made by politicians. Now is the time to remember that we are in charge, we have the power.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Dont pee on my head and tell me its raining, The New York Mosque contraversy
The new mosque being proposed near the site of the World Trade Center bombing reminds me of an old country saying, "don't pee on my head and tell me it's raining".
Surely no one can be so naive as to believe that the proposed mosque is anything but a symbol of an Islamic "victory" against American infidels. Even the proposed name of the mosque "Cordova House" is symbolic of an Islamic Jihadist victory. Cordova being the name of a city in Spain, where a mosque was build on the ruins of a catholic church after the muslim occupation of the country in 711 A.D.
The entire mosque controversy brings a stark realization to the problem we, as Americans, face with the issues of freedom of religion in this country versus the use of religion as a propaganda to wage jihad.
To understand how religion can be used as a propaganda tool, you must first understand the difference between western religion and lslam. As Americans we have been taught our entire lives the principal of the separation of church and state. This is not true of Islam, where political ideology and religion are systemically intertwined. We have all seen the leaders of Muslim nations quote the quran when addressing the world, and realize that when one speaks of the Muslim culture they are also speaking of Islam.
Islam teaches that all non believers are the enemy of Islam, and that Islam is the only true religion. The following are passages from the quran (Sura indicates the Chapter).
Muslims must make war on the infidels who live around them (Sura 9:123).
Anyone who fights against Allah or renounces Islam in favor of another religion shall be "put to death or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off alternative sides" (Sura 5:34).
Regarding infidels, they are the Muslim's "inveterate enemies" (Sura 4:101).
Muslims are to "arrest them, besiege them and lie in ambush everywhere"for them. (Sura 9:5)
They are to "seize them and put them to death wherever you find them, kill them wherever you find them, seek out the enemies of Islam relentlessly" (Sura 4:90).
"Fight them until Islam reigns supreme" (Sura 2:193).
America has become a victim of it's own permissiveness.
We allow the symbol of our country to be burned in protest on the steps of our nation's capital. Although our country was founded on Christian principles and values, we have become so politically correct that we are banning prayer in our government buildings and schools over the fear that someone may be offended. Our president is bowing before muslim leaders, proclaiming that the United States is no longer a Christian nation, quoting the quran, and proclaiming to the country that he supports the building of a mosque within two blocks of the sight of the worst terrorist act in our nations history, by Islamic radicals.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf advises that his reasons for building the mosque is to promote a multi-faith community and promote trans-culturalism between Muslims and other Americans. However, by his own admission he is a devote follower of Islam, believes in sharia law and shows a strong desire to have it intergrated into our society.
Now for the bigger picture, as I stated before, Islam teaches that all non believers are the enemy of Islam. And the ultimate goal of Islam is to destroy all infidels. Take into consideration the words of Momar Khadafe. He stated, "There are signs that allah will grant victory to islam. Europe will fall without swords, guns, or conquest. The 50 million plus muslims in Europe with turn it into a muslim continent within a few decades".
The reason for this statement is clear when you consider the fertility (reproduction) rates of Europeon Christians. To maintain a population, a society has to maintain a fertility rate of 2.11 persons. The current fertility rate of non-muslim Europeons is 1.3, a non-sustainable rate.
This formula can be easily described using the three generation method . Two sets of parents have one child apiece, those two children marry and have one child, so in three generations the population drops by 3/4. ( an inverse pyramid).
At the same time, the muslim population is increasing exponentially. Additionally, since 1990, ninety percent of the immigrants into the United Kingdom have been muslim. It is estimated that by the year 2025 one third of England will be muslim, by 2050 England will be a muslim country.
Why does this matter to America, I will end on this note and let everyone ponder the possibilities. In 1970 there were a reported 100,000 mulims living in the United States according to census. In 2008 the number had grown to over 6,000,000. Some census reports list the number as high as 9,000,000. Also, the current fertility rate for Americans is 2.05, just below sustainable rates, however it is substantially lower if you consider that hispanics make up forty five percent of the new births in America since 2005.
Surely no one can be so naive as to believe that the proposed mosque is anything but a symbol of an Islamic "victory" against American infidels. Even the proposed name of the mosque "Cordova House" is symbolic of an Islamic Jihadist victory. Cordova being the name of a city in Spain, where a mosque was build on the ruins of a catholic church after the muslim occupation of the country in 711 A.D.
The entire mosque controversy brings a stark realization to the problem we, as Americans, face with the issues of freedom of religion in this country versus the use of religion as a propaganda to wage jihad.
To understand how religion can be used as a propaganda tool, you must first understand the difference between western religion and lslam. As Americans we have been taught our entire lives the principal of the separation of church and state. This is not true of Islam, where political ideology and religion are systemically intertwined. We have all seen the leaders of Muslim nations quote the quran when addressing the world, and realize that when one speaks of the Muslim culture they are also speaking of Islam.
Islam teaches that all non believers are the enemy of Islam, and that Islam is the only true religion. The following are passages from the quran (Sura indicates the Chapter).
Muslims must make war on the infidels who live around them (Sura 9:123).
Anyone who fights against Allah or renounces Islam in favor of another religion shall be "put to death or crucified or have their hands and feet cut off alternative sides" (Sura 5:34).
Regarding infidels, they are the Muslim's "inveterate enemies" (Sura 4:101).
Muslims are to "arrest them, besiege them and lie in ambush everywhere"for them. (Sura 9:5)
They are to "seize them and put them to death wherever you find them, kill them wherever you find them, seek out the enemies of Islam relentlessly" (Sura 4:90).
"Fight them until Islam reigns supreme" (Sura 2:193).
America has become a victim of it's own permissiveness.
We allow the symbol of our country to be burned in protest on the steps of our nation's capital. Although our country was founded on Christian principles and values, we have become so politically correct that we are banning prayer in our government buildings and schools over the fear that someone may be offended. Our president is bowing before muslim leaders, proclaiming that the United States is no longer a Christian nation, quoting the quran, and proclaiming to the country that he supports the building of a mosque within two blocks of the sight of the worst terrorist act in our nations history, by Islamic radicals.
Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf advises that his reasons for building the mosque is to promote a multi-faith community and promote trans-culturalism between Muslims and other Americans. However, by his own admission he is a devote follower of Islam, believes in sharia law and shows a strong desire to have it intergrated into our society.
Now for the bigger picture, as I stated before, Islam teaches that all non believers are the enemy of Islam. And the ultimate goal of Islam is to destroy all infidels. Take into consideration the words of Momar Khadafe. He stated, "There are signs that allah will grant victory to islam. Europe will fall without swords, guns, or conquest. The 50 million plus muslims in Europe with turn it into a muslim continent within a few decades".
The reason for this statement is clear when you consider the fertility (reproduction) rates of Europeon Christians. To maintain a population, a society has to maintain a fertility rate of 2.11 persons. The current fertility rate of non-muslim Europeons is 1.3, a non-sustainable rate.
This formula can be easily described using the three generation method . Two sets of parents have one child apiece, those two children marry and have one child, so in three generations the population drops by 3/4. ( an inverse pyramid).
At the same time, the muslim population is increasing exponentially. Additionally, since 1990, ninety percent of the immigrants into the United Kingdom have been muslim. It is estimated that by the year 2025 one third of England will be muslim, by 2050 England will be a muslim country.
Why does this matter to America, I will end on this note and let everyone ponder the possibilities. In 1970 there were a reported 100,000 mulims living in the United States according to census. In 2008 the number had grown to over 6,000,000. Some census reports list the number as high as 9,000,000. Also, the current fertility rate for Americans is 2.05, just below sustainable rates, however it is substantially lower if you consider that hispanics make up forty five percent of the new births in America since 2005.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Line in the sand
I've written before about my views on illegal immigration, and believe it of such importance that I am revisiting the issue.
So just how many illegal aliens cross our border with Mexico each year, the answer is no one knows exactly. Senator John McCain stated that last year approximately 1 million illegals crossed the border in Arizona alone.
Today, President Obama signed a $600 million dollar boarder security bill which will facilitate the hiring of an additional one thousand border patrol agents. This appears to be the same tired gesture of an administration who constantly throws money at a problem instead of trying to fix it.
The U.S. border with Mexico runs 1,969 miles along 4 states. Even with an additional 1,000 additional agents patrolling our border it is a monumental task to say the least. And remember, that is not 1,000 agents patrolling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that is 1,000 total. So lets do the math, three shifts per 24 hours period. Now we are down to 333 agents, each agent has to have a couple of days off a week, so lets cut it by a third again that's around one 111 agents. So in reality, that gives you approximately 1 more agent per mile (if they remain on the border at all times). Of course, it will take about 18 months to get those new agents hired, trained and ready to go so, how much of an impact did President Obama really make?
President Obama and his Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano are desperately trying to reassure the American people that the situation is under control and Ms. Napolitano made the statement that illegal immigration is down from last year. That is akin to a child telling his mother that he almost didn't break her favorite vase. It's still broken....
The president should send the citizens of the country a card that says "it's the thought that counts, by the way. vote Democrat in November".
The current administration displayed their true feelings about illegal immigration when they attacked SB 1070. President Obama does not view Illegal immigration as a problem. He see it as a solution to the dwindling liberal base that his party depends on. The only reason he has not pushed through an amnesty bill and fast tracked citizenship for all of those potential voters is that members of his own party will not support him. What will he do next, recently he has entertained the idea of using "meaningful immigration reform minus legislative action". This backdoor amnesty approach would surely be a prelude to fast track citizenship for illegals.
So how do we stop this massive problem? The solution is clear and simple. The first step is the enforcement of Federal laws already on the books. The second should be legislation that would increase the penalty for hiring illegal aliens, and the laws should be vigorously enforced not only by federal agencies, but by state and local agencies as well. No illegal alien should be eligible for any government assistance, and contact with any illegal alien by any government employee should be reported immediately. Additionally, drug trafficking should be made a capital offense, punishable by death. Bringing illegal drugs into the our country by clandestine means is tantamount to premeditated murder and should be treated as such.
The problems are not complicated. Think about it like this, if ants begin get into your garden, no matter how many people you put around the edge to prevent it, some ants will get in. There are just to many of them and they have no motivation to stop, however if you put out pesticides that make the vegetables unappetizing the ants will not only leave, but it will no longer be necessary to stand guard. We just have to stand together as a nation, draw a line in the sand, and force our leaders to pick up the spray can.
So just how many illegal aliens cross our border with Mexico each year, the answer is no one knows exactly. Senator John McCain stated that last year approximately 1 million illegals crossed the border in Arizona alone.
Today, President Obama signed a $600 million dollar boarder security bill which will facilitate the hiring of an additional one thousand border patrol agents. This appears to be the same tired gesture of an administration who constantly throws money at a problem instead of trying to fix it.
The U.S. border with Mexico runs 1,969 miles along 4 states. Even with an additional 1,000 additional agents patrolling our border it is a monumental task to say the least. And remember, that is not 1,000 agents patrolling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, that is 1,000 total. So lets do the math, three shifts per 24 hours period. Now we are down to 333 agents, each agent has to have a couple of days off a week, so lets cut it by a third again that's around one 111 agents. So in reality, that gives you approximately 1 more agent per mile (if they remain on the border at all times). Of course, it will take about 18 months to get those new agents hired, trained and ready to go so, how much of an impact did President Obama really make?
President Obama and his Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Janet Napolitano are desperately trying to reassure the American people that the situation is under control and Ms. Napolitano made the statement that illegal immigration is down from last year. That is akin to a child telling his mother that he almost didn't break her favorite vase. It's still broken....
The president should send the citizens of the country a card that says "it's the thought that counts, by the way. vote Democrat in November".
The current administration displayed their true feelings about illegal immigration when they attacked SB 1070. President Obama does not view Illegal immigration as a problem. He see it as a solution to the dwindling liberal base that his party depends on. The only reason he has not pushed through an amnesty bill and fast tracked citizenship for all of those potential voters is that members of his own party will not support him. What will he do next, recently he has entertained the idea of using "meaningful immigration reform minus legislative action". This backdoor amnesty approach would surely be a prelude to fast track citizenship for illegals.
So how do we stop this massive problem? The solution is clear and simple. The first step is the enforcement of Federal laws already on the books. The second should be legislation that would increase the penalty for hiring illegal aliens, and the laws should be vigorously enforced not only by federal agencies, but by state and local agencies as well. No illegal alien should be eligible for any government assistance, and contact with any illegal alien by any government employee should be reported immediately. Additionally, drug trafficking should be made a capital offense, punishable by death. Bringing illegal drugs into the our country by clandestine means is tantamount to premeditated murder and should be treated as such.
The problems are not complicated. Think about it like this, if ants begin get into your garden, no matter how many people you put around the edge to prevent it, some ants will get in. There are just to many of them and they have no motivation to stop, however if you put out pesticides that make the vegetables unappetizing the ants will not only leave, but it will no longer be necessary to stand guard. We just have to stand together as a nation, draw a line in the sand, and force our leaders to pick up the spray can.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Freedom, by hand or by sword, Freedom
The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government – Thomas Jefferson
The American Revolutionary War began on April 18th, 1775 at Concord, Massachusetts and ended September 3rd, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The total number of American militiamen killed during the war were approximately 50,000 with an unknown number of civilian casualties.
The Civil War was fought from the years 1861-1865, during which time 620,000 soldiers died, the civilian casualties have never been calculated. Reconstruction lasted until 1877, and although the nation was reunited, animosity over different political and social ideologies remained for generations.
I believe the best way to find answers for the future is to look to the past. Americans have died in ever corner of the world fighting for freedom, but we must never forget that freedom begins at home. As I look to the future, I wonder if my grandchildren will discuss what price my generation paid for freedom? George Santayana said, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it". I hope the we have learned the lessons of our fathers.
That being said, what if, what if, it comes to the fight no one wants. what if freedom must be taken by hand or by sword. This simple statement reflects the gift our forefathers bestowed on all Americans, the right of the people to keep and bear arms. This gift was not given lightly, but with the foresight that the time may come again that the citizens their nation may have to take up arms to secure their freedom
The second amendments states: A well regulated Militia , being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a FREE State. Freedom, our forefathers believed in a free state. Not a totalitarian government. They believed in a government of the people and by the people. They had lived under the rule of aristocracy and knew the dangers of a government system where power was consolidated to one ruling class.
It has become painfully apparent over the last few years that our own representatives have begun to set themselves apart from the very people who placed them in a position of responsibility. They spend our money freely, makes decisions about our lives that are contrary to our wishes, and disregard the will of the people.
We have allowed the term "politician" to become synonymous with the word "career", and we have seen the corruption it lends itself to. The President of the United States; supposedly the most powerful man in the world; has never owned a business, never served in the armed services, and cannot attest to any achievement made in the service to his nation other than being a politician. What does that say about our country? Even the Royal Family of England encourages their heirs to serve in the military.
It is time to take back our country, be it by hand, or sword.
The American Revolutionary War began on April 18th, 1775 at Concord, Massachusetts and ended September 3rd, 1783 with the signing of the Treaty of Paris. The total number of American militiamen killed during the war were approximately 50,000 with an unknown number of civilian casualties.
The Civil War was fought from the years 1861-1865, during which time 620,000 soldiers died, the civilian casualties have never been calculated. Reconstruction lasted until 1877, and although the nation was reunited, animosity over different political and social ideologies remained for generations.
I believe the best way to find answers for the future is to look to the past. Americans have died in ever corner of the world fighting for freedom, but we must never forget that freedom begins at home. As I look to the future, I wonder if my grandchildren will discuss what price my generation paid for freedom? George Santayana said, "Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it". I hope the we have learned the lessons of our fathers.
That being said, what if, what if, it comes to the fight no one wants. what if freedom must be taken by hand or by sword. This simple statement reflects the gift our forefathers bestowed on all Americans, the right of the people to keep and bear arms. This gift was not given lightly, but with the foresight that the time may come again that the citizens their nation may have to take up arms to secure their freedom
The second amendments states: A well regulated Militia , being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms shall not be infringed.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a FREE State. Freedom, our forefathers believed in a free state. Not a totalitarian government. They believed in a government of the people and by the people. They had lived under the rule of aristocracy and knew the dangers of a government system where power was consolidated to one ruling class.
It has become painfully apparent over the last few years that our own representatives have begun to set themselves apart from the very people who placed them in a position of responsibility. They spend our money freely, makes decisions about our lives that are contrary to our wishes, and disregard the will of the people.
We have allowed the term "politician" to become synonymous with the word "career", and we have seen the corruption it lends itself to. The President of the United States; supposedly the most powerful man in the world; has never owned a business, never served in the armed services, and cannot attest to any achievement made in the service to his nation other than being a politician. What does that say about our country? Even the Royal Family of England encourages their heirs to serve in the military.
It is time to take back our country, be it by hand, or sword.
Fighting the good fight
I attended my first tea party meeting yesterday, It was a wonderful experience. I have known patriotism in my life but not from this perspective. I've always seen myself as a soldier, and I never held "civilians" up to the same standards of loyalty toward my country that I held myself. I was wrong.
What I saw at that meeting were men and women, from different communities, social backgrounds, race, and age all committed to one simple idea, That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
These people were upbeat and positive, not what I had originally expected. They were well organized and goal oriented, with a clear message that was not muddled with generalizations. I was also fascinated by their knowledge of government policy and laws. If every citizen held this same commitment, our government would not hold the power it wields today.
After speaking with the men and women after the meeting, I discovered that they had the same love, the same dedication to freedom and liberty that I believed was reserved only for the select few. It filled me with pride and deepened my resolve to continue along the path that I have set for myself.
What I saw at that meeting were men and women, from different communities, social backgrounds, race, and age all committed to one simple idea, That all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness
These people were upbeat and positive, not what I had originally expected. They were well organized and goal oriented, with a clear message that was not muddled with generalizations. I was also fascinated by their knowledge of government policy and laws. If every citizen held this same commitment, our government would not hold the power it wields today.
After speaking with the men and women after the meeting, I discovered that they had the same love, the same dedication to freedom and liberty that I believed was reserved only for the select few. It filled me with pride and deepened my resolve to continue along the path that I have set for myself.
Monday, August 9, 2010
I am a product of my environment
A young man was arrested today, somewhere in America. He was arrested and will go to prison for life, you see he killed an elderly woman while breaking into her home. He will see the court appointed psychiatrist and he will show no remorse. During the trial the psychiatrist will explain that the young man was never shown right from wrong. That he didn't have a good role model, was left home alone with no supervision. The young man's attorney will read from his juvenile record and argue that the young man was a product of the system, that he was influenced by gang members, and forsaken by society. The attorney will explain that he was a man without education, direction, and choices. That he committed the crime because he was trapped in a life of poverty and violence, and that he knew of no other way to live.................
Sad isn't it, there's one problem with this entire story, it's a load of crap.
I have heard every variation of this story imaginable during my almost twenty years of law enforcement. Rapists and child molesters that just couldn't help themselves. Drug dealers and Gang bangers that were a product of their environment, and every other excuse to explain a criminals disregard for common decency and adherence to the law of the land.
These excuses may work for a child, however at some point during ones teenage years, the brain develops to the point where the individual knows right from wrong and has the ability to make an informed decision. The problem is that society has given so many people a crutch to lean on. Criminals are given excuses for the crimes that commit and in a way society is at fault, but only to the extent that it has become tolerant of unacceptable behavior. This is a road that need not be traveled upon. Simply by changing paths, we as a society can correct this behavior. Not with counseling, three strike rules, or mollycoddling, but by enforcing our laws and punishing those who break them.
I've met people who were strictly anti-gun, anti-violence, anti-police, and anti-everything else, do you know the one thing that holds true? If you push them into a corner, they will defend themselves. Self preservation is a god given instinct that is present in every person. But we have become so complacent that it no longer appears in our conscious thinking. We depend on the police to protect our homes and the military to protect our way of life. War has not touched the United States since 1812 (not counting Pearl Harbor) and throughout the generations, America has forgotten.
If a child writes on the wall, that child is punished, and through punishment learns that there are negative consequences for inappropriate behavior. Education is necessary, a child needs to know what the unacceptable behavior was, however society has taken this step to the extreme. Common sense has been replaced by over analysis in every degree of the legal process.
It is time to correct the mistakes made over the last fifty years. It is time to reshape our values as a society and toss away the victim mentality. America is a land of freedom, but as I drive through towns I see bars on windows and doors. People are not free to leave their property unsecured, and allow their children to play without fear that violence will touch their lives. Why do good people lock themselves away while the criminals run free. We have built the prisons that we live in with our own hands, it's time to break the mortar.
Sad isn't it, there's one problem with this entire story, it's a load of crap.
I have heard every variation of this story imaginable during my almost twenty years of law enforcement. Rapists and child molesters that just couldn't help themselves. Drug dealers and Gang bangers that were a product of their environment, and every other excuse to explain a criminals disregard for common decency and adherence to the law of the land.
These excuses may work for a child, however at some point during ones teenage years, the brain develops to the point where the individual knows right from wrong and has the ability to make an informed decision. The problem is that society has given so many people a crutch to lean on. Criminals are given excuses for the crimes that commit and in a way society is at fault, but only to the extent that it has become tolerant of unacceptable behavior. This is a road that need not be traveled upon. Simply by changing paths, we as a society can correct this behavior. Not with counseling, three strike rules, or mollycoddling, but by enforcing our laws and punishing those who break them.
I've met people who were strictly anti-gun, anti-violence, anti-police, and anti-everything else, do you know the one thing that holds true? If you push them into a corner, they will defend themselves. Self preservation is a god given instinct that is present in every person. But we have become so complacent that it no longer appears in our conscious thinking. We depend on the police to protect our homes and the military to protect our way of life. War has not touched the United States since 1812 (not counting Pearl Harbor) and throughout the generations, America has forgotten.
If a child writes on the wall, that child is punished, and through punishment learns that there are negative consequences for inappropriate behavior. Education is necessary, a child needs to know what the unacceptable behavior was, however society has taken this step to the extreme. Common sense has been replaced by over analysis in every degree of the legal process.
It is time to correct the mistakes made over the last fifty years. It is time to reshape our values as a society and toss away the victim mentality. America is a land of freedom, but as I drive through towns I see bars on windows and doors. People are not free to leave their property unsecured, and allow their children to play without fear that violence will touch their lives. Why do good people lock themselves away while the criminals run free. We have built the prisons that we live in with our own hands, it's time to break the mortar.
A work of Fiction
I have always enjoyed fictional writing, novels that allow you to imagine what could be but are just a little bit to "out there" to ever be reality. I wonder what would happen if I tried to write a book of fiction.....
I would have to start with a villain, lets see, how about a man that comes from seemingly nowhere with a cloudy past raked with controversy and is suddenly thrust into a powerful position. This man would have to be evil, with no conscience and limitless ambition. He would have access to limitless funds, his own private army, and horrible weapons. His specialties would be wreaking havoc on the innocent and unsuspecting. And he would come so very close to succeeding.
I would need some not so smart cronies, the idealistic simpletons who do his bidding. They would seek out and punish all who stood in his way, happily destroying lives and helping the villain to seize the power he so craves.
I would also need the traitors, those who sell out their friends and families for greed. They are the type that don't mind going to hell so long as they stand at the devils feet instead of dancing in the fire.
The backdrop cast, the ones that go about their day unsuspecting that the world is crumbling around them; their eyes closed to the evil that walks in their mist, until it's to late.
And the hero, that selfless champion who fights the villain against all odds. He's smarter and stronger, and seeks only the reward of righteousness. Even outnumbered a hundred to one, while pursued night and day, he continues on until finally, in the end, he destroys the villain and restores peace to the world.
Yeah, that would be a great story, to bad real life isn't like a book.....
I would have to start with a villain, lets see, how about a man that comes from seemingly nowhere with a cloudy past raked with controversy and is suddenly thrust into a powerful position. This man would have to be evil, with no conscience and limitless ambition. He would have access to limitless funds, his own private army, and horrible weapons. His specialties would be wreaking havoc on the innocent and unsuspecting. And he would come so very close to succeeding.
I would need some not so smart cronies, the idealistic simpletons who do his bidding. They would seek out and punish all who stood in his way, happily destroying lives and helping the villain to seize the power he so craves.
I would also need the traitors, those who sell out their friends and families for greed. They are the type that don't mind going to hell so long as they stand at the devils feet instead of dancing in the fire.
The backdrop cast, the ones that go about their day unsuspecting that the world is crumbling around them; their eyes closed to the evil that walks in their mist, until it's to late.
And the hero, that selfless champion who fights the villain against all odds. He's smarter and stronger, and seeks only the reward of righteousness. Even outnumbered a hundred to one, while pursued night and day, he continues on until finally, in the end, he destroys the villain and restores peace to the world.
Yeah, that would be a great story, to bad real life isn't like a book.....
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Worlds Richest Terrorist
Let's go back in time, it's November 5th, 2008 and I am sitting on my couch wondering what happened. How did a man who had not been on the national political scene but a couple of years get elected president? The news organizations are championing the man as the next great world leader. The world is celebrating the dawn of a new age and the slogan "yes we can" is being sounded loud and clear by the nation's liberal and moderate alike.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I just don't get it, where did the man get all the money for his campaign, I still don't understand his platform (and I don't think most of the nation does either), and what is going to happen next.
OK, that was then, this is now, and we all know what's going on, to some extent. President Obama owes his victory to several different events that happened simultaneously,whether these events happened randomly or were engineered is still up for grabs. What we do know is one person was pivotal in putting President Obama in the White House, and his name is George Soros.
George Soros is a man on a mission, but what is still unclear is just how far this mission extends. Soros is a Hungarian born Jew who escaped to England during the Second World War. He is currently worth just over $12 billion dollars and became famous as the man who broke the bank of England during the 1992 "Black Wednesday " currency crisis (where he reportedly made $1billion dollars in a day by short selling sterling).
Soros personally helped finance the campaigns of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Charles Rangel, Al Franken, Joe Sestak, Tom Udall, and Sherrod Brown (anyone but me see a pattern). He also provided support through several organizations such Move-On.Org, the Center for American Progress, and the Open Society Institute.
Why would Soros invest such a large amount of money to help put so many ultra progressives in office, the first thing that comes to mind is anarchy. Soros loves money and power, and there is a lot of both to be had when you "bring on the conflict". Just as Rahm Emanuel said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste.", Soros is a master at using anarchy to make money.
Just look at the recent oil spill crisis in the Gulf, President Obama placed a moratorium on oil drilling to "prevent possible future occurrences". The moratorium was shot down in court, but reinstated the next day. Why was the administration so stubborn about it? I mean, really, accidents happen, but shutting down all drilling in the gulf seems extreme. Until you take into account that Soros had moved most of his money into the South American oil business, Petrobras. President Obama even loaned Brazil $2 billion dollars for deep water drilling. Now several of the drilling companies are considering moving down south because they are sitting idle in the gulf. Who stands to gain, you guessed it.
It' seems like Soros is attempting to push for the systematic destruction of our country by causing conflict. This is not a new concept for him, he is doing the same thing in Uganda by promoting legalized prostitution, and rights for homosexuals. The Obama administration recently sent Hillary Clinton over to meet with the President of Uganda to push for "gay rights" and the legitimization of sex workers (prostitution).
Soros has also been accused of trying to destabilize the markets in Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, and Indonesia.
Domestically, Soros has been very busy; Journalist have coined the phrase "shadow party" to describe his network of non-profit, activist groups. Soros uses these groups to promote the progressive far left agendas, Get Out the Vote drives, leftist policy initiatives, and fund raisers for progressive candidates.
Soros seems to have his fingers in everything. He has promoted demonstrations by Hispanics along the border, is a vocal proponent in widespread legalization of drugs in America, has been a major promoter of socialized medical care, supports racial and ethnic preferences in academia and business, and believes that the United States is basically oppressive in nature.
Soros supports blanket amnesty for illegal aliens and welfare benefits for the same. He also believes that welfare benefits should be broadened and supported by an overall tax increase.
I could go on and on....
George Soros, call him the world's richest terrorist, demagogue, or social anarchist, is a threat to our country's financial and social stability. The fact that he most likely pulls the strings on some of the country's most powerful political figures is mind blowing and frankly, a little terrifying. Even after researching George Soros extensively, I cannot understand what his long term goals may be. As for the information I have placed before you today, it is really just the tip of the iceberg. I suggest everyone educate themselves on exactly how much this man has inserted himself into the framework of our country.
ARE YOU KIDDING ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
But I just don't get it, where did the man get all the money for his campaign, I still don't understand his platform (and I don't think most of the nation does either), and what is going to happen next.
OK, that was then, this is now, and we all know what's going on, to some extent. President Obama owes his victory to several different events that happened simultaneously,whether these events happened randomly or were engineered is still up for grabs. What we do know is one person was pivotal in putting President Obama in the White House, and his name is George Soros.
George Soros is a man on a mission, but what is still unclear is just how far this mission extends. Soros is a Hungarian born Jew who escaped to England during the Second World War. He is currently worth just over $12 billion dollars and became famous as the man who broke the bank of England during the 1992 "Black Wednesday " currency crisis (where he reportedly made $1billion dollars in a day by short selling sterling).
Soros personally helped finance the campaigns of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Charles Rangel, Al Franken, Joe Sestak, Tom Udall, and Sherrod Brown (anyone but me see a pattern). He also provided support through several organizations such Move-On.Org, the Center for American Progress, and the Open Society Institute.
Why would Soros invest such a large amount of money to help put so many ultra progressives in office, the first thing that comes to mind is anarchy. Soros loves money and power, and there is a lot of both to be had when you "bring on the conflict". Just as Rahm Emanuel said, "Never let a good crisis go to waste.", Soros is a master at using anarchy to make money.
Just look at the recent oil spill crisis in the Gulf, President Obama placed a moratorium on oil drilling to "prevent possible future occurrences". The moratorium was shot down in court, but reinstated the next day. Why was the administration so stubborn about it? I mean, really, accidents happen, but shutting down all drilling in the gulf seems extreme. Until you take into account that Soros had moved most of his money into the South American oil business, Petrobras. President Obama even loaned Brazil $2 billion dollars for deep water drilling. Now several of the drilling companies are considering moving down south because they are sitting idle in the gulf. Who stands to gain, you guessed it.
It' seems like Soros is attempting to push for the systematic destruction of our country by causing conflict. This is not a new concept for him, he is doing the same thing in Uganda by promoting legalized prostitution, and rights for homosexuals. The Obama administration recently sent Hillary Clinton over to meet with the President of Uganda to push for "gay rights" and the legitimization of sex workers (prostitution).
Soros has also been accused of trying to destabilize the markets in Malaysia, Thailand, Mexico, and Indonesia.
Domestically, Soros has been very busy; Journalist have coined the phrase "shadow party" to describe his network of non-profit, activist groups. Soros uses these groups to promote the progressive far left agendas, Get Out the Vote drives, leftist policy initiatives, and fund raisers for progressive candidates.
Soros seems to have his fingers in everything. He has promoted demonstrations by Hispanics along the border, is a vocal proponent in widespread legalization of drugs in America, has been a major promoter of socialized medical care, supports racial and ethnic preferences in academia and business, and believes that the United States is basically oppressive in nature.
Soros supports blanket amnesty for illegal aliens and welfare benefits for the same. He also believes that welfare benefits should be broadened and supported by an overall tax increase.
I could go on and on....
George Soros, call him the world's richest terrorist, demagogue, or social anarchist, is a threat to our country's financial and social stability. The fact that he most likely pulls the strings on some of the country's most powerful political figures is mind blowing and frankly, a little terrifying. Even after researching George Soros extensively, I cannot understand what his long term goals may be. As for the information I have placed before you today, it is really just the tip of the iceberg. I suggest everyone educate themselves on exactly how much this man has inserted himself into the framework of our country.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Progressive invasion
The modern progressive, many people believe the term is synonymous with liberalism. This is not the case.
Some could argue that progressivism is, at it's core, based on compassion for all and the morally correct viewpoint. The problem with this analogy is that progressivism lends itself to readily to extremist thinking and is to easily corruptible too be plausible.
Throughout our history, progressivism has repeatedly started out with ethical goals only to be manipulated into the monster we see at our doorsteps today.
Example....
Progressive abolitionists in the 1860's were instrumental in the repeal of slavery and the formation of the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution. This movement led eventually to civil rights, desegregation, affirmative action, black liberation theology, reparations, and now, one hundred and fifty years later, a sense of racial "entitlement". In a "supposedly" post racial era, there is now more bitterness between races than we have seen in years (Didn't work out as well as we thought huh progressives).
Ok maybe that was a fluke, lets try another one
Progressive President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a devout naturalist and sportsman, embraced conservationists and began setting aside land to form national park areas. Land that would always remain in it's natural and untouched form for the good of the nation. This was a wonderful idea, timber was being harvested at an alarming rate, land was being strip mined, and America's natural resources were being harvested and destroyed at an alarming rate. Thank you President Roosevelt.
But, over the years the conservationist movement became more radical, the government began placing the ideas of fanatical environmentalists over the rights of it's citizens. Then came the the scams for profit, land grabs to protect an endangered nine legged cockroach, grants from the government to study the mating habits of the zebra beetle, citizens were relocated to protect the nesting site of the blue billed whatzit bird. Where does it end, who knows, ask the potentially 50,000 oil workers affected by President Obama's moratorium on Gulf Drilling.
OK that one didn't work out for the progressives, let's try one more
Let's use President Roosevelt again, he really liked progressivism, and was an outspoken socialist....oops I'm sorry, I meant Populist, it's crazy how sometimes my fingers just make me type the truth.
President Roosevelt began his first term in office dedicated to the cause of "trust busting". This was a good thing. At the time, large companies held monopolies in various areas of industry, transportation, textile production, and consumable goods (food). President Roosevelt set about breaking up these monopolies using anti-trust legislation. He coined he phrase "square deal" to describe how the average American citizen would be able to get a fair wage under his administration. Sounds great doesn't it. Did I mention he was also a Harvard graduate. It seems that President Roosevelt was the first person to start pushing social justice. He believed the government had a responsibility to oversee and regulate private business, to ensure that workers were given a fair shake. He was the first President to step in and force negotiations between labor unions and mine owners (the Athracite miners strike of 1902). He did this by threatening to send in the military and take over the mine. His view was that if the mine and mine workers could not agree, that the government should step in and take over management of operations. Wow, that sounds awfully familiar doesn't it. This idea that a Harvard educated President believes that the government has the right to step in and take over a private business.
Maybe it's my imagination
Some could argue that progressivism is, at it's core, based on compassion for all and the morally correct viewpoint. The problem with this analogy is that progressivism lends itself to readily to extremist thinking and is to easily corruptible too be plausible.
Throughout our history, progressivism has repeatedly started out with ethical goals only to be manipulated into the monster we see at our doorsteps today.
Example....
Progressive abolitionists in the 1860's were instrumental in the repeal of slavery and the formation of the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution. This movement led eventually to civil rights, desegregation, affirmative action, black liberation theology, reparations, and now, one hundred and fifty years later, a sense of racial "entitlement". In a "supposedly" post racial era, there is now more bitterness between races than we have seen in years (Didn't work out as well as we thought huh progressives).
Ok maybe that was a fluke, lets try another one
Progressive President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a devout naturalist and sportsman, embraced conservationists and began setting aside land to form national park areas. Land that would always remain in it's natural and untouched form for the good of the nation. This was a wonderful idea, timber was being harvested at an alarming rate, land was being strip mined, and America's natural resources were being harvested and destroyed at an alarming rate. Thank you President Roosevelt.
But, over the years the conservationist movement became more radical, the government began placing the ideas of fanatical environmentalists over the rights of it's citizens. Then came the the scams for profit, land grabs to protect an endangered nine legged cockroach, grants from the government to study the mating habits of the zebra beetle, citizens were relocated to protect the nesting site of the blue billed whatzit bird. Where does it end, who knows, ask the potentially 50,000 oil workers affected by President Obama's moratorium on Gulf Drilling.
OK that one didn't work out for the progressives, let's try one more
Let's use President Roosevelt again, he really liked progressivism, and was an outspoken socialist....oops I'm sorry, I meant Populist, it's crazy how sometimes my fingers just make me type the truth.
President Roosevelt began his first term in office dedicated to the cause of "trust busting". This was a good thing. At the time, large companies held monopolies in various areas of industry, transportation, textile production, and consumable goods (food). President Roosevelt set about breaking up these monopolies using anti-trust legislation. He coined he phrase "square deal" to describe how the average American citizen would be able to get a fair wage under his administration. Sounds great doesn't it. Did I mention he was also a Harvard graduate. It seems that President Roosevelt was the first person to start pushing social justice. He believed the government had a responsibility to oversee and regulate private business, to ensure that workers were given a fair shake. He was the first President to step in and force negotiations between labor unions and mine owners (the Athracite miners strike of 1902). He did this by threatening to send in the military and take over the mine. His view was that if the mine and mine workers could not agree, that the government should step in and take over management of operations. Wow, that sounds awfully familiar doesn't it. This idea that a Harvard educated President believes that the government has the right to step in and take over a private business.
Maybe it's my imagination
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Mark 8:36
How does a town die? I am watching it with my own eyes.
I see corruption, racism, laziness, pettiness, and jealousy in the eyes of the people around me.
How does a town die? It rots from within....
First and foremost is leadership, if you can't trust your leaders then you have already failed. Leaders must be strong, honest and unselfishly committed to their constituents.
.
A leader that is petty, and demoralizes his subordinates is counterproductive, and it will show. If a leader is shown to be dishonest, he not only loses faith with his citizens, but he projects a negative image of the entire populous. Corporations who have choices do not choose to place a business where it portrays a negative image connected with their name.
A leader is also a role model to his community, a leader who shows a disdain for his fellow leaders, department heads, community organization leaders, or emergency service workers radiates that to the citizens, who also show disdain. Citizens soon begin to display open contempt to these public servants and the resulting friction is detrimental to all.
A leader must place his town first, ahead of personal gain or notoriety. Decisions should be made based upon the needs of the town, not needs of himself.
Bickering with citizens is unprofessional and small. Just as a child cannot accept the "because I said so" answer from a parent, a leader must back his actions up with logical and prudent facts that his decisions are based upon. Under our present system of Government all leaders are elected "by the people and for the people". For the people meaning the entire population not a select group.
And finally, a leader should be color blind. He should not promote, participate, advocate, or otherwise indulge any racially segregated event or organization within his city. A true leader only promotes diversity and equality, he strives to erase old hatreds and dismisses those who hold to outdated animosities.
We are a town in search of a leader
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?- Mark 8:36
I see corruption, racism, laziness, pettiness, and jealousy in the eyes of the people around me.
How does a town die? It rots from within....
First and foremost is leadership, if you can't trust your leaders then you have already failed. Leaders must be strong, honest and unselfishly committed to their constituents.
.
A leader that is petty, and demoralizes his subordinates is counterproductive, and it will show. If a leader is shown to be dishonest, he not only loses faith with his citizens, but he projects a negative image of the entire populous. Corporations who have choices do not choose to place a business where it portrays a negative image connected with their name.
A leader is also a role model to his community, a leader who shows a disdain for his fellow leaders, department heads, community organization leaders, or emergency service workers radiates that to the citizens, who also show disdain. Citizens soon begin to display open contempt to these public servants and the resulting friction is detrimental to all.
A leader must place his town first, ahead of personal gain or notoriety. Decisions should be made based upon the needs of the town, not needs of himself.
Bickering with citizens is unprofessional and small. Just as a child cannot accept the "because I said so" answer from a parent, a leader must back his actions up with logical and prudent facts that his decisions are based upon. Under our present system of Government all leaders are elected "by the people and for the people". For the people meaning the entire population not a select group.
And finally, a leader should be color blind. He should not promote, participate, advocate, or otherwise indulge any racially segregated event or organization within his city. A true leader only promotes diversity and equality, he strives to erase old hatreds and dismisses those who hold to outdated animosities.
We are a town in search of a leader
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?- Mark 8:36
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Taking a stand
Tonight, I think I will get up on my soapbox.
I am a third generation veteran. I say this, not to brag but to relate my deep belief in the tradition of service to one's country. I was taught from childhood that patriotism was very important. I can remember my father standing tall when the star spangled banner played at an event and every time, he would comment as we sat down that the song would give him chill bumps. I get them as well.
My grandfather lost part of his leg in Africa during World War II and had to wear special shoes until the day he died. I never heard him say one bad word about his service to my country. My uncle was shot while doing a helicopter evacuation during the Vietnam War. He returned to the States and buried himself in a beer can until the agent orange finally ate up every piece of him, but the day I came to visit him after completing boot camp he cried and hugged me, and told me how proud he was. I was proud to carry him to his final resting place; in uniform still serving my country as a police officer.
I carry my own demons from my life of service to my country. I carry them in silence, share stories with a few trusted friends, but I never show regret, only pride. I have read the history of my country and I know the hard price of freedom. Some never will....
Now, during this time of turmoil in our beloved land, I ask you, the reader, what price your willing to pay. Do you sit in silence waiting for the hand of government to sprinkle their scraps upon your head. Will you trade freedom for apathy. At what point was the American spirit broken to the point where we allow ourselves to be herded and sorted like so many sheep in the field. I will tell you this, when the wolves come, they begin with the weak, but soon the entire flock will be devoured. You see the Shepard has become blind and impotent in his guarding of the flock.....
Take a stand, return to the values of our forefathers and seek out liberty. Do not settle for claptrap our government hands out at every opportunity, for indeed, their gifts are as hollow and empty as their promises.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ---Benjamin Franklin
I am a third generation veteran. I say this, not to brag but to relate my deep belief in the tradition of service to one's country. I was taught from childhood that patriotism was very important. I can remember my father standing tall when the star spangled banner played at an event and every time, he would comment as we sat down that the song would give him chill bumps. I get them as well.
My grandfather lost part of his leg in Africa during World War II and had to wear special shoes until the day he died. I never heard him say one bad word about his service to my country. My uncle was shot while doing a helicopter evacuation during the Vietnam War. He returned to the States and buried himself in a beer can until the agent orange finally ate up every piece of him, but the day I came to visit him after completing boot camp he cried and hugged me, and told me how proud he was. I was proud to carry him to his final resting place; in uniform still serving my country as a police officer.
I carry my own demons from my life of service to my country. I carry them in silence, share stories with a few trusted friends, but I never show regret, only pride. I have read the history of my country and I know the hard price of freedom. Some never will....
Now, during this time of turmoil in our beloved land, I ask you, the reader, what price your willing to pay. Do you sit in silence waiting for the hand of government to sprinkle their scraps upon your head. Will you trade freedom for apathy. At what point was the American spirit broken to the point where we allow ourselves to be herded and sorted like so many sheep in the field. I will tell you this, when the wolves come, they begin with the weak, but soon the entire flock will be devoured. You see the Shepard has become blind and impotent in his guarding of the flock.....
Take a stand, return to the values of our forefathers and seek out liberty. Do not settle for claptrap our government hands out at every opportunity, for indeed, their gifts are as hollow and empty as their promises.
Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. ---Benjamin Franklin
Monday, August 2, 2010
Animal Farm
I happen to love the book Animal Farm by George Orwell. I first read the book when I was about 10 years old and was although I didn't recognize the fact that it was an analogy for socialism imposed on the Russian people under Stalin, I did understand that it was an unfair system where one class places itself above another.
I find it ironic that a novel written in 1945 is so relevant in our current political climate. I remember back during the last presidential election when Mr. Obama stood at podiums across the country and promised equality and prosperity for all. His pledge of "yes we can" gave the assurance that he was going to fundamentally transform our country into a veritable utopia.
It reminded me of when the animals decided to define themselves with seven commandments in which to live by.
And so many bought into it.
Then came the change we all looked forward to. A stimulus bill to help the country rise from the brink of collapse, shovel ready programs to put the American citizen back to work. I half expected him to stand on a hill and scream "I will work harder!" (wait his wife sort of did that didn't she)
And then the jobs failed to come, and the stock market plunged, and so the administration changed it's rhetoric and pretended we were to ignorant to notice the change.
The media supported Mr. Obama and echoed his propaganda, and America sat and wondered what to do as our 401k's dwindled into non existence. Mr. Obama proclaimed that the banks that were so irresponsible with our money would be held accountable for their actions.
Until they were not
Again the propaganda raven soared and proclaimed "some" of the banks were to big to fail, and would be bailed out. Don't worry, Mr. Obama said prosperity is at hand, watch the left hand don't worry about what the right one is doing. And again the country waited...
Health care came, and we were promised that it would be available for all and would not increase the debt, do not worry Mr. Obama is smarter that the other farm animals, I mean Americans, and knows what's best. The liberals shout "I will work harder" and the bill passed. Now we are faced with inevitable rationing because we don't have enough doctors to meet the demand, health care providers are already raising their rates, abortion funding was included in the bill, and it will cost the American taxpayer another 12 zeros on their national debt.
Mr. Obama stated that this would be an honest administration, he would lay it all out in front of the American people. There would be no lobbyists in his administration. then he added a line...except for the 40 lobbyists; including three cabinet secretaries and the director of the CIA (I guess that depends on the definition of an excluded lobbyist). Sounds amazingly similar to the pig with a paint brush doesn't it. Still the liberals shout "I will work harder" but their voice has softened as they are becoming weak and distant in their support of him.
Now Mr. Obama has taken up the paint brush again. He, like Napoleon the pig, has grown weary of coddling the masses. He makes appointments without going through congressional confirmation, saying "they would have been appointed anyway, why slow the process." He has a mess to clean up and wants everyone to move so he may begin sweeping up the mess. He wants control of the internet, just in case of an emergency, and has decided that it is best if detainees can be held indefinitely without trial or due process. What will be the definition of a terrorist tomorrow?
And the liberals who shouted "I will work harder" are sent to the slaughterhouse because they are of no more use.
All animals are created equal but some are more equal than others
A society's "circle of life"
society lives under tyranny
society rebels, expelling the tyrant and win their freedom
society sets up a system of laws where all are equal
society works and flourishes in it's freedom where any individual can excell
society becomes enlightened, the academic age has arrived
academia condemns success and begins social redistribution, a new age begins, the age of big government
society becomes lazy and dependant upon goverment
government becomes obressive is it's desire to enforce their new vision
society lives under tyranny
sound familiar
where are we today
I find it ironic that a novel written in 1945 is so relevant in our current political climate. I remember back during the last presidential election when Mr. Obama stood at podiums across the country and promised equality and prosperity for all. His pledge of "yes we can" gave the assurance that he was going to fundamentally transform our country into a veritable utopia.
It reminded me of when the animals decided to define themselves with seven commandments in which to live by.
And so many bought into it.
Then came the change we all looked forward to. A stimulus bill to help the country rise from the brink of collapse, shovel ready programs to put the American citizen back to work. I half expected him to stand on a hill and scream "I will work harder!" (wait his wife sort of did that didn't she)
And then the jobs failed to come, and the stock market plunged, and so the administration changed it's rhetoric and pretended we were to ignorant to notice the change.
The media supported Mr. Obama and echoed his propaganda, and America sat and wondered what to do as our 401k's dwindled into non existence. Mr. Obama proclaimed that the banks that were so irresponsible with our money would be held accountable for their actions.
Until they were not
Again the propaganda raven soared and proclaimed "some" of the banks were to big to fail, and would be bailed out. Don't worry, Mr. Obama said prosperity is at hand, watch the left hand don't worry about what the right one is doing. And again the country waited...
Health care came, and we were promised that it would be available for all and would not increase the debt, do not worry Mr. Obama is smarter that the other farm animals, I mean Americans, and knows what's best. The liberals shout "I will work harder" and the bill passed. Now we are faced with inevitable rationing because we don't have enough doctors to meet the demand, health care providers are already raising their rates, abortion funding was included in the bill, and it will cost the American taxpayer another 12 zeros on their national debt.
Mr. Obama stated that this would be an honest administration, he would lay it all out in front of the American people. There would be no lobbyists in his administration. then he added a line...except for the 40 lobbyists; including three cabinet secretaries and the director of the CIA (I guess that depends on the definition of an excluded lobbyist). Sounds amazingly similar to the pig with a paint brush doesn't it. Still the liberals shout "I will work harder" but their voice has softened as they are becoming weak and distant in their support of him.
Now Mr. Obama has taken up the paint brush again. He, like Napoleon the pig, has grown weary of coddling the masses. He makes appointments without going through congressional confirmation, saying "they would have been appointed anyway, why slow the process." He has a mess to clean up and wants everyone to move so he may begin sweeping up the mess. He wants control of the internet, just in case of an emergency, and has decided that it is best if detainees can be held indefinitely without trial or due process. What will be the definition of a terrorist tomorrow?
And the liberals who shouted "I will work harder" are sent to the slaughterhouse because they are of no more use.
All animals are created equal but some are more equal than others
A society's "circle of life"
society lives under tyranny
society rebels, expelling the tyrant and win their freedom
society sets up a system of laws where all are equal
society works and flourishes in it's freedom where any individual can excell
society becomes enlightened, the academic age has arrived
academia condemns success and begins social redistribution, a new age begins, the age of big government
society becomes lazy and dependant upon goverment
government becomes obressive is it's desire to enforce their new vision
society lives under tyranny
sound familiar
where are we today
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Commitment to serve
Commitment to service, what a phrase. I hear people say it all the time, especially when election time comes around. Politicians stump their platforms and stand proud with their arm around their spouse, smiling for the cameras and proclaiming how they will humbly take up the mantle for their constituents in Washington. They bloviate about making a sacrifice to serve the common good, fight the corruption, powers that be, and the Washington elite......Barf!
The problem is, that once in office, we see a different side of most politicians. The very person that stood in our community center and proclaimed to be "one of us" now lives in a brownstone on C Street. Oh, they come home for a few days during congressional recess to raise money for their next campaign and even make a few town hall meetings to reassure their constituents that they are still "just plain home folks".
Charley Rangel, the senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives is a good example. He came into office in 1971 after his predecessor, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was removed from office due to allegations of corruption. Now, I'm sure that Mr. Rangel was a true patriot when he initially ran for office, he was a combat veteran of the Korean War and was awarded both a bronze star and a purple heart for his heroism during an engagement at Kunu-ri. The question is what happened to the Charley Rangel that served so bravely during those years. How did a man that was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus fall to the level that he is now under investigation for 13 ethics violations. I guess the old adage is true, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Yesterday, a very close friend found out that I had started a blog site and that I had joined the Tea Party movement. She, gave me that familiar sigh and said, "Billy, why do you always have to try to save the world, why does it always have to be a crusade with you". I told her simply, isn't that the reason that you've always wanted me close to you on the job. I can't help it, my father always taught me to run to towards trouble not from it. These days, children are taught to shy away from conflict, I believe the struggle to overcome adversity builds moral strength and character. Stand up for what you believe in, never admit defeat, second place in a two man event means that you are the loser, and most importantly Freedom doesn't come cheap.
I will never be an academic, I will never cure cancer or invent a fuel that will render fossil fuels obsolete. What I can do is continue to fight the good fight. I can fight through my words and actions, by reminding everyone that once upon a time, men felt convicted to serve with honesty, integrity, honor, and loyalty to their country and the people in it. That being selected as a representative for your community was not a avenue to wealth, but a sacrifice made freely for your fellow man.
I hope that many of my fellow Americans share this view, and will pass along the message to those who do not understand or appreciate the sacrifice so many made for freedom over the years.
The problem is, that once in office, we see a different side of most politicians. The very person that stood in our community center and proclaimed to be "one of us" now lives in a brownstone on C Street. Oh, they come home for a few days during congressional recess to raise money for their next campaign and even make a few town hall meetings to reassure their constituents that they are still "just plain home folks".
Charley Rangel, the senior member of the U.S. House of Representatives is a good example. He came into office in 1971 after his predecessor, Adam Clayton Powell Jr. was removed from office due to allegations of corruption. Now, I'm sure that Mr. Rangel was a true patriot when he initially ran for office, he was a combat veteran of the Korean War and was awarded both a bronze star and a purple heart for his heroism during an engagement at Kunu-ri. The question is what happened to the Charley Rangel that served so bravely during those years. How did a man that was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus fall to the level that he is now under investigation for 13 ethics violations. I guess the old adage is true, power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely.
Yesterday, a very close friend found out that I had started a blog site and that I had joined the Tea Party movement. She, gave me that familiar sigh and said, "Billy, why do you always have to try to save the world, why does it always have to be a crusade with you". I told her simply, isn't that the reason that you've always wanted me close to you on the job. I can't help it, my father always taught me to run to towards trouble not from it. These days, children are taught to shy away from conflict, I believe the struggle to overcome adversity builds moral strength and character. Stand up for what you believe in, never admit defeat, second place in a two man event means that you are the loser, and most importantly Freedom doesn't come cheap.
I will never be an academic, I will never cure cancer or invent a fuel that will render fossil fuels obsolete. What I can do is continue to fight the good fight. I can fight through my words and actions, by reminding everyone that once upon a time, men felt convicted to serve with honesty, integrity, honor, and loyalty to their country and the people in it. That being selected as a representative for your community was not a avenue to wealth, but a sacrifice made freely for your fellow man.
I hope that many of my fellow Americans share this view, and will pass along the message to those who do not understand or appreciate the sacrifice so many made for freedom over the years.
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