Notice: Any comments made by me, are my own, and should not be construed to be those of anyone else, or any organization or association.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christmas past

Christmas. For 80 plus % of Americans, it is a very special time of year. It is the time we set aside for the celebration of the birth of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Oh yes, the commercialization sure seems to take center stage, but He is still the reason for the season.

Each year though, I tend to recall a Christmas time in 1969. It is one that I still have some regret over.

Allow this disclaimer - I am not, nor ever was, a War Hero. But, I was a soldier, stationed in Vietnam, with the 101st Airborne Division. I was a field soldier...a Grunt...Ground Pounder... Stump Jumper...and Infantryman. I was a Squad Leader and we were working the lowlands that December. Those lowlands were near the base of the mountains, and we worked from the rice paddies to the foothills, looking for Charlie and the NVA.

I hadn't planned being anywhere but "out in the bush" for the Holidays. My R&R (Rest & Relaxation) wasn't to be until around March. But, something came up and Tokyo became available for a R&R destination over Christmas. At first, I turned it down, as did everyone else in the squad. Tokyo really wasn't that desirable for R&R and most of us wanted Australia or Thailand.

On that day though, I sat there, getting my gear ready for another evening patrol and night-time ambush set-up. I started thinking about the Christmases at home, in my youth, and how our family aways looked forward to Christmas, the dinners, the friends, church, and the gifts. It was a special time for our family, much like the rest of America.

As I thought more about it, I thought about how Christmases would be for my family, should I get my butt killed over Christmas in Vietnam. The more I thought about it, the more concerned I was that it could happen, and how that could effect the Holidays for my folks and siblings from there after. It was a sobering thought, one I didn't want to have come true.

One needs to also understand something about that time, at least for me and I think for many of us. There was a time, when you sorta give in to the idea that you won't go home. Not that you have a death wish, but more of an acceptance of the very real possibility that we lived with each day.

The more I thought about it, the less of a chance I wanted to take of having that fear come true. For me, dying wasn't the issue right then, it was dying during the Christmas Holiday. I just didn't want that to happen. Any other time, I was prepared for, but not Christmas.

I asked the guys again of anyone wanted to take Tokyo for R&R, and there were no takers. So, I let my Lieutenant know that I wanted to take the Tokyo R&R.

From December 23rd, 1969, to January 2nd, 1970, I was in Japan for the Holidays. Yes, I had a good time and saw lots of sights and celebrated the New Year is fine fashion. I was able to call home, and wish the family well while I was there. I bought my mom some real pearls too.

But, I couldn't help but worry about "the guys" back in Vietnam...in the bush...and if any of them were hurt or killed. I drank heavily, just to ease those thoughts.

When I got back to the field, I was relieved to find all the guys well. In fact, there wasn't any real problems during my absence. I had very mixed emotions when I got back. Very happy no one was killed or wounded, but it sunk in to me that I should have been with my guys during Christmas. Christmas was a time to be with family. Those guys were my family, and I should have stayed, no matter what. I felt like I had abandoned them, and I felt guilt for it, as I still do today.

As we enter into this Christmas season, let's remember our families, no matter where they are. My son is flying missions "over there", and he will be with his crew for Christmas. They are his family during that time. We will miss him here, but know that he has is military family over there and will be with them for Christmas. Some people, for what ever reason, can't be with family. Remember them as well. In all other cases, rejoice in the celebration of Christ's birth, and enjoy this special time with your families.

To all our military, everywhere, my thoughts are with you. Thank you for what you do, and enjoy your military family while you are away from home.

I love you son. Thank you for what you do too. Merry Christmas! ~ Dad
Dan

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Red markers

Some days I read something that just sends me right through the roof. Today, it's about red markers on students papers...Red markers or pens being abrasive, harsh, harmful, demeaning, too stressful...Oh please!

America's enemies do not have to fire a shot or plant another bomb. All they need to do is wait out the coming generation to fill the seats of those left by our "greatest generation", and they can walk in and take us over! We are pussyfying America! We are growing so concerned about hurting feelings, that we are steering away from real challenge and success, because it might not be fair to those who can't compete at the top levels, or those who just don't want to work as hard.

Just a side trip here - Add to this, the "government" is now saving private business from failure with BILLIONS of bail-out money (our tax dollars) and will soon be in the "business" of banking, auto making, and so on. The "government", all the way down to the NEA, will PROTECT everyone from failure, or the "stress" of potential failure. Therefore, we won't need to "worry" about doing our best, because the "government" will protect us!

Other nations are getting better. Better at production and research. Better in business. Better in education. Better at many things we used to lead in. Why? It's great the world is getting better, but why better than us? Because we are covering up for failure.

We protect from it, by calling it something else. We are easing the stress and pain of failure, so failure, real failure, is more acceptable. We won't call it failure anymore, so their won't be any failure. The real American spirit is dying. Will our military be our only bastion of strength left in this generation? Or, will the liberals soon set their sights of the military to ease up and be nice?

Liberals in America.....here's a red pen for pussyfying our country. YOU FAIL!

Be strong. Be vigilant. Be American first.
Dan

PS. I apologize to our Forefathers, for letting their new world come to this. May them, and God, forgive us for what we are becoming.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

President Elect Obama and the Flag

Okay...We have a new President coming in January. President Elect Obama is moving at a fast pace to put people into place for his cabinet positions. There looks to be some bi-partisan efforts to put the right people in place, and I hope to see more of it.

What ever we think, whomever we (I) voted for, Barack Obama WILL be our next President come January 2oth, 2009. As such, and as an American....1st....I want to be able to support him and work toward positive changes for the coming years.

However, I am concerned. And, if any of you have Democrat friends, please pass this along so that maybe someone with Obama's inner circle can get this. But I am concerned. Where's our flag?

I just checked the Obama-Biden website and I see where his cute Obama logo is ever present... still. While it was a cool logo, for him, during the campaign, it "looks" to me to be a prominent logo, in place of an American flag. Maybe I'm looking at it wrong, and I am open to that if someone can share where I could be, but I didn't see our Flag displayed, and it makes me feel like Obama is replacing the Flag, with his "O"bama logo, in red-white-blue.

For me, I feel it is time for that logo to go away. The election is over. The campaign is over. The campaign slogans and it's logo....have served their purpose and should be behind us.

I want a united America. I want to unite and support "our" President. But I want to see OUR Flag, not what seems to be a revised flag of some Obama-nation.

America, and the American President, should be proud of our Flag, and be proud to display it.
It should NEVER be replaced by something else.....EVER.
Dan

Friday, November 21, 2008

Qatar time

In honor of my son, and his crew, I have added the current time in Qatar, near the bottom of the page. He and his crew are serving in the Mid-east, flying missions in support of other air crews and support roles. Support our troops! We love you Son.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

A time for prayer and support

A time for prayer and support

As of Nov. 4th, 2008, we have a President Elect. His name, is Barack Obama. Our political process has brought this man to our nation's front door, and he is to be the new leader of the United States of America, come January 20th, 2009.

I did not vote for Obama. He was far from what I had hoped we would have residing in the White House the next four years. But, the voters spoke, and the majority called upon Barack Obama to be our President and the nation's Command and Chief.

Now, it is time to put aside all the talk before Nov. 4th. It is time to pray that Obama IS a man of Christian faith. It is time to pray that God help him choose his staff well, and that God will speak to Obama, so that he can lead our nation as well as one man can.

We can not look backward, like the Democrats have done for the past 8 years, and cry over the outcome. We MUST move forward and put forth all our best people and ideas to make the best of this.

Like it or not, Barack Obama IS the President Elect, and WILL be our President on Jan. 20th, 2009. Like it or not, Barack Obama WILL be recognized the world over as the President of the United States of America. Obama will be MY President. I am an America, first and foremost. With that, and accepting that our system is the best the world has today, then I MUST accept him as MY President, and I also must support the Office of the President.

Know this - This does NOT mean that I accept every measure and every decision made by Obama, or any President. I will be watching, writing letters when I feel the need, and be vocal if I feel my country is not being served well by his actions. It is our duty to be ever vigilant in watching over those who are charged with serving our nation's interests.

But today, we need to start with our prayers for this new President to come, and pray for our nation and our troops. As of January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama will be our President. Even before then, we need to join together in healing our nation and be unified as AMERICANS.

Take heart. America is not dead because of this election. Take heart. America is still the strongest nation on earth. I love my country no less today, electing a Democrat or not!

American 1st!
Dan

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Young life lost

These are my thoughts, after a tragic loss of a young teen this week. To the young teen's family, who shall remain unnamed, my deepest sympathy.

A young life lost. Gone forever. This teen will leave behind many people, asking, "Why?" "What could we have done?" "What did we miss?" "Why didn't we see it coming?" Yet, those answers are also gone.

I didn't know the teen. My son did, as well as the others in the same class and in the same activities. My son is angry, and sad. Angry that his friend and classmate didn't say anything. Angry that he left so soon, and didn't have to. It makes no sense, and yet, sense, is what everyone is trying to make of it. What would drive someone so young and talented, to take their own life?

Teen suicide is not a new phenomenon, and that is terribly sad fact. For someone to be so low in depression or despair, to not see any other option, is, well, a very sad prospect to even think about. To not seek help. To not seek out someone to talk to. To not reach out to a help line. Something, else, but not this. But this is what is in the now, and this is a sadness no one expected, or was prepared for.

This teen left behind a loving, hard working mother, and siblings. This teen left behind caring classmates. This teen, at some moment in that young life, failed to see any other way. Failed to see he had people who cared, if only he had sought them out.

We all touch other people. We all do. In some ways, it is very obvious and overt. In other ways, we touch people with a simple smile or gesture that we may not even know. We are all affected, even in the smallest of ways, by those we meet in our lives. So too are the lasting impressions, good and bad, of those we come into contact with. This one missed the good impressions that were made on others he had touched. Missed too, are the impressions this teen could have made on others along the way. Sadly, he missed seeing there was another way.

The legacy of this teen who left his family and friends, will be in the music that still stirs the air, the smile when he was part of the group, and the love that he one time shared with those he cared about. But that legacy will also be shared with a memory that another teen missed out on what life could have brought to them. Their family and friends will go on to do what they must, without them. Because, in the end, this young life was lost, but the others he left behind must go on, because, life does.

Closing thoughts - The only time its too late to say a kind work, is when someone is gone forever. Don't wait to say to someone how much you care, or to say a kind word, or to just give someone a smile. Be kind. Be a friend. Love someone, more than yourself. It just could be the very thing someone needs that day.

Dan

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

What's at stake this election

Folks, as Americans, we need to be very careful who we vote for this year. More than ever before, the future direct of this country is at stake.

One one hand, we have a man with very little background. What we do know, is that he has spent more time on the campaign trail, than in his job as Senator.

We also know that he had a 20 year association with Reverend Wright, and what I saw from Rev. Wright was nothing short of racist and disturbing rhetoric about how evil America is, so much so, that he declared that "God damn America". For 20 years, Obama has sat in that church, and I am not convinced that just on the few occasions, did such uttering come out. Yet, until his "political" future could be at stake, Obama stayed with that guy.

We also know that he was helped, in the very beginnings of his political life, by William Ayers. Will Ayers was part of the Weather Underground, that was responsible for bombing of government buildings, and the killed of three police officers. He was never convicted, but has said that he helped with the bombings, and he has NEVER claimed regret. In fact, as late as 2001, has said he could consider it again! Yet, Obama has NOT distanced himself from Ayers, and has been involved in social/civic ventures with Ayers.

Maybe its just me, but trust me when I say this - No matter what "worthy" cause might be involved, if such a man were active in that group, I WOULD NOT BE. They could find someone else, and I could surely find another project. Hitler was very instrumental in developing the VW, for people to have cheap transportation. Would that excuse his war crimes if you wanted him on a transportation committee!

Obama has been active in helping ACORN. Now, as it really has been for years, that organization is deeply involved in voter fraud. The FBI is currently investigating ACORN, and it will be interesting to see if they prosecute anyone, but should.

What all this, and many other "associations" tells me, is that Obama has a combination of poor judgement, and strange bedfellows. With that, I am sick at the thought of who he would appoint as Supreme Court Justices and Cabinet members.

While I believe a "President Obama" would be dangerous, that would be compounded to even more dangerous levels by his appointments. And THAT, my friends, is what is at stake!

He didn't stand with his hand over his heart for the Pledge of Allegiance, doesn't want to wear the Flag pin, and until the campaign, has done nothing for our Troops! Sorry,m but to this Veteran, that is just plain UN-American.

What is at stake this year? ....... AMERICA! That is a change we can not afford.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Commander in Chief

The economy.... Jobs.... Health care.... Energy.... Security
All important to the everyday lives of Americans. And there are plenty of people in Washington who think they have the answers. In truth, some combination of answers from many of them, on both sides of the isle, reasonable solutions can be found.

But in light of today's big issue, the economy and the Wall Street mess, we need to be ever vigilant to keep a sharp eye on our enemies. They are waiting for us to blink, so they can strike us again.

Every day, we have men and women, standing watch over our freedoms, the very freedoms that permit us to enjoy our lives, participate in the process, discuss openly - even in disagreement, all the options to fix our problems and make our lives better. And they stand watch, because there are those who want our total destruction. 9-11 was but just a small portion of what they hoped for, and still want for us today.

Our families watch their sons, daughters, husbands, wives, fathers, and mothers, go off to war, and other places to help deter war. America wants the security they help to provide. We need our soldiers, airmen, and sailors. And we need to ready, at any given moment, to strike those who would harm all of us.

In the wake of political promises and differences, for me anyway, I ask myself...When it really comes down to it, who do I want as my next Commander-in-Chief? All the other rhetoric aside, I don't want a "talker", and an appeaser. I want someone of action and decisiveness. When the threat is NOW, I want someone who will act NOW. All the other problems we face as a nation pale in comparison to the problems we'd have if we get caught being slow to react.

No matter what else is going on, we still live in a dangerous world, and I just don't have any faith that Obama and Biden will act when needed. As I suggested in a previous Post, "Can't we all just get along?", isn't a strong defense policy.

All the other messes take both parties to fix. It takes all of us to make them fix it right and hold them accountable. But in the end, I want a strong Commander-in-Chief who will act when we need it. Everything else is second to being safe, so we can be free.

Dan

Monday, September 22, 2008

To Hollywood - Hell no, I won't go...

Dear Hollywood,

Remember this chant from the past - "Hell no, we won't go"? Well, I have a new one for many of you. Hell no, I won't go...to see your movies, shows, programs, or other venues you choose to spotlight yourself in.

In a strange way, I must say, Thank you. I am reading more now, and spending a bit more time outdoors. I am watching fewer movies and TV shows. I expect all this is healthier for me, so Thank You!

Why is this? Well, while every citizen, and this does include actors and directors, has a right to their opinions and political points of views, I am sick and tired of the constant barrage of anti-Bush, anti-Republican, and even anti-war diatribe too many of you want to spew at me, and at every given opportunity.

Let's take the 60th annual Emmy awards, for example. I didn't watch it, so forgive me, I have to give my wife some credit for sharing some of the details with me. Even then, and she could stand it for just so long and did not see all of it.

I think Hollywood needs to do a reality check. The reality is this - HALF their potential audience voted FOR President Bush, and are Republicans. Yet, too many of the Hollywood celebs still choose to insult us. I guess, because too many of us still go watch their art.

I will confess, I love movies and many television shows. I enjoy many of the actor's characters in movies and television. But I can't stand the actors when they are being themselves.

But of late, I have severely curbed my appetite for many of their movies and programs, because I refuse to contribute any money toward certain actors and directors. Why should I? I should I hand money over to the very people who offend me? Why should they expect me to?

I plan to start a list of those actors and directors who offend me, and likely all other Republicans, and I will boycott their products. I don't plan a protest. But I will pass this on to as many people as I can and hope that those of you who continue to insult us, will find yourselves getting fewer dollars for your work.

Hollywood - You are entitled to your views and opinions. And I, and hopefully millions of others, are entitled to save our money and not subject ourselves to any more insulting by you. You may be good at your craft, but you are terrible at knowing the hearts and minds of half your potential audience ... and income source!

By the way, this Blog Post is NOT to protect President Bush from those who would have a voice against him. This is because the way in which many in Hollywood choose to be so disrespectful and repeat such lies and disinformation. Any actor, who is asked, should be able to say what they feel is right, in their view, but should at least show some dignity and respect in doing so. And, don't go running their mouths when ever they get the spotlight. If anyone pays to see them perform, I expect they didn't expect to be paying for the BS on top of it!

To those who read here, feel free to send me an email and list those actors and directors who you feel belongs on my list. Please, back it up with an example. But let me start you off -

Barbara Streisand (Use to love to hear you sing...now can't stand to even you your voice.)
Chevy Chase (You're funny....but an idiot)
Bill Maher (God Bless you Bill Maher!)
Michael Moore (Wanna go huntin' with me?)
Danny Glover (Say hi to the anti-America Chavez for me!)
Jane "Hanoi Hilton" Fonda (Yep, I'm a Vietnam Vet, and I still can't stand her.)

Don't spend your money on those folks!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

We, the people

My friends,

It seems to me that THIS election, more than any other in my life time, has shown that what we REALLY need, is good representation in Washington by people like us, regular folks, "We, the people". Sarah Palin comes from the heart of the American family, not from wanna-be Washington insiders. She does not seem to be an aspiring "politician", but a "servant" to her fellow Americans, after serving her fellow Alaskans.

"We, the people" need representation in Washington. "We, the people", need people who come from our neighborhoods and work places. "We, the people", in my view, doesn't include Obama. He is an elitist, as is Biden.

Why McCain? It is my belief, that McCain, and I don't always agree with him, is much closer to my idea of a Patriotic American than most all others in the Washington political arena. I believe him to be sincere. I believe him to be humble. I believe him to really want what is best for the country, not just what's best for himself.

Self interest ... without self sacrifice, is what fills Washington's seats in Congress and the Senate. We need a REAL change, not just a political line. We need people who will REALLY put "country first".

Don't be fooled by a man who can't speak to regular folks, without a teleprompter. (Have you seen the Youtube spots on this guy? It's laughable!) Don't be fooled by an empty suit. Don't be fooled by a man who has done NOTHING, but talk. Don't be fooled by the spin of the hour. In the coming debates, IF Obama will do any "town hall" meetings at all, really listen. Obama talks in circles and doesn't really answer the questions directly.

Many years ago, there were those who worked in Washington, after working their fields and stores and offices. They took time off to help run this great country. Afterwards, they returned to their civilian lives...their farms and stores and offices. They were "people", part of that great, "We, the people". They were our Forefathers.

Our choice this year, are of those who aspire a "career" in politics, or the "service" of politics.

Country First. McCain ~ Palin

PS. Just a curiosity on my part, but when Palin gets into the VP's Office, I wonder if she'll be joining the Secret Service in their pistol range for a little practice? Go Sarah!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Cocaine and the end user

To begin with, check out these stories. These are but two of the many, many stories in today's news. And, the violence is growing.

Hit men kill 5 at family gathering in Mexico - Yahoo! News
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080826/wl_nm/mexico_drugs_dc

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080822/wl_afp/mexicocrimedrugs_080822233401
CIUDAD JUAREZ (AFP) - Thirteen people, including a police officer, were killed in Mexico's northern Chihuahua state Friday, officials said, as regional prosecutors held a security crisis meeting in the state capital.

With that as my start, I am writing today to RANT! If you, or someone you know, is a dealer of cocaine, or the end user of that drug, then this blog is directed at YOU.

The death of those innocent people, police officers, soldiers, and judges, in Mexico, or in Columbia, or in Bolivia and Peru, or right here in the USA... is on the hands of EVERY PERSON who uses cocaine. If you are a user, YOU are responsible. YOU are the reason for the deaths. YOU, and the money YOU provide to those drug cartels, are the reason they kill. Without YOU, there wouldn't be the huge market for the drug.

While the U.S. is not the only market for the drug, the use of it here is why 90% of the cocaine trafficking comes in from Mexico, adding to the problems Mexico already has. The border states in Mexico has seen an upsurge of violence because of YOU, the end user of cocaine. The violence, while directed in some part against rival drug cartel members, has extended over into the general population and government officials.

If the money wasn't there, the problem wouldn't be there. Yes, that IS a simplistic view, but can you deny it? Is it not true? Will any of this really make the 7% of our population stop using cocaine? No. But IF this would really be read and understood by those generally responsible citizens who would not otherwise support violence, then an impact could be seen. And THAT is what I wish to see.

If YOU, or someone you know, is the end user of cocaine, the STOP SUPPORTING VIOLENCE! Stop using your money to help fund murder. Stop contributing to the drug cartels. Like it or not, EVERY DOLLAR spent by EVERY cocaine user, is in part supporting those murdering drug cartels. EVERY TIME YOU buy cocaine (and heroin, but that's another story that even reaches our war on terrorism), YOU contribute to the murder of innocent people and government officials. YOU are the reason they kill. YOU and your money are responsible. Deny it all you want, but prove me wrong! No money...No cartel. PERIOD!

Monday, July 28, 2008

Can't we all just get along?

Can't we all just get along?

Well, those were the words of Rodney King some years back. But they could be the words of far too many, like Barack Obama, who would have that be our foreign policy slogan.

Let's just put down our weapons and talk things out. Afterward, we can walk to the soda shop and split a sundae.

Sorry - While I am not professing to be an expert, I think I have a better handle on evil people than Obama! In fact, I will venture to bet that anyone working the mean streets as a Cop, or walking the deadlier streets of Baghdad, has a better understanding of what evil people are about, than Obama and most the Democrat party.

For us to have "talks" with truly evil people, would be tantamount to making deals with the devil. NOTHING agreed upon could be counted on, and only lies, deceit, and double-crosses could be expected. In fact, negotiations, even if one would totally agree to everything the opponent wanted, would only be seen as a weakness for them to exploit. For many of those "Evil doers" (as President Bush has said, and many think was a joke!), their end game is OUR total destruction. DEATH to America....and to Americans. In their minds, there is NO middle ground. They hate what we are. They hate who we are. They hate what we stand for... freedom to choose.

I'll also jump in here with this - Strength, through superior firepower! I don't believe we will ever defeat evil. As long as mankind has a brain to make choices, some will choose evil. If you believe in God, then you believe that man has a choice to do good, or evil. With that, many will choose to take your life...because they can! For me, I'd want to be better armed than my opponent.

Let me tell you this story. A convenience store was robbed. The clerk, a 25 year old man with a young wife and baby, was killed. It was learned that the three kids, ages 15 & 16, had planned the robbery and get away. They used a .22 rifle (not an "assault weapon"). They had NO resistance from the clerk. They had no witnesses to contend with. They were not known in the area. They were never arrested before. They left no fingerprints. The chances of even being caught was next to none. But, as they were leaving the store, one of the boys stopped, turned back, and shot the clerk....dead. During his subsequent arrest (that's a story in itself) and interrogation, he said to the detective, "I just wanted to see what it was like to kill somebody."

Any Gang Task Force Officer/Agent can tell you that in that segment (gang members) of our society, there are those that will kill for thrill. And begging for your life, only heightens their thrill. These are very evil people, and evil doings is what they are most proud of. (They'll even film it to show off later!... Sounds like some in Iraq, doesn't it?)

In the world of terrorism, we are dealing with a group who BELIEVE it is their Allah given duty to kill "infidels". By the way, that means ANYONE who does not subscribe to the pure teachings of Islam. These are people, evil people, who will justify ALL killings, even of other Muslims, if in the end they can kill "infidels". And in their world, the Middle East is not their stopping point. Their goal is to rid the WORLD of infidels.

Blowing up buses of innocent people (they don't believe in "innocent" people), including school kids; murdering women because they don't dress appropriately; beheading captured "anybody", even non-combatants... is their stock-in-trade to achieve their goal. Blowing up buildings and killing masses....was a cause for great celebration!

But, some think we can sit down and talk to them. Reason with them and their mind-set. Negotiate with them. Do you really think so? Can't we all just get along? Yep....if we were all "reasonable" people. While we ponder our choices for November....ponder that. Do YOU want your foreign policy to be, "Can't we all just get along?"

By the way, if it was that simple, we wouldn't need locks on our doors, bars on our shop windows, armed guards in our schools. Wake the heck up!

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Past Presidents

For all the disagreements, and even dis-likes, we may have for Presidents, and ex-Presidents, I would think that many people share a similar view to mine. That is, that being a President, and particular to this writing today, an ex-President, should be akin to Statesmanship. What has happened? I don't recall hearing such venom from Reagan, Ford, Bush (Sr.), or even Nixon.

While many past Presidents may have voiced some opinion, usually only when asked, there are two ex-Presidents who go out of their way to get seen and heard. Former Presidents Carter and Clinton have been anything but Statesmen these past several years.

Carter has taken upon himself to do things our current President and our State Department would ask that he not do, i.e. meet with leaders of Hezbollah, known sponsors of terrorism. Also, he has openly and very vocally taken verbal shots at our sitting President, and in this time of war.

Clinton, is, well, Clinton. Clinton wants...no insists... on being in the spotlight as often as possible. Now, with the last of the Primaries over, and Obama the presumed winner of the Democratic Party's selection to run for the Office of the President, Bill has almost single handily caused Hillary to loose what she should have won. And now....to even think Obama would want him to be sharing space in the White House, as Vice President Hillary's husband? He must be nuts!

Now, I have no idea if the latest Vanity Fair article is true or not. But, Clinton himself has causes it to at least have some legs, with his past womanizing. He calls the writer sleazy and a liar. This, coming from a sleazy liar! Clinton, in the face of cameras rolling for the American public, then to Congress, LIED about his affair with Monica. LIED, with that same shaking of the finger and stern look that he is offering up now with this Vanity Fair article.

Many don't like President Bush. I don't agree with all his position either. But I have nothing but disdain for Clinton. And sadly, nothing but pity for Carter. But in any case, I don't want to see another Bush OR Clinton in the White House. It's time for a change....but not the way Obama thinks. I don't have McCain as my ideal President either, but he is my only reasonable choice.

By the way - The idea of a black man, or a woman, to run for President, I think is awesome. But, not Obama, and not Hillary Clinton. To me, they are the wrong choices for today's problems. But give me a good candidate, of any color or gender, and they'll get my vote!

The war is still on and the fights continue, so keep our troops, and their families, in your prayers.
God Bless America!
Dan (aka Hunter)

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Memorial Day 2008

Since the first recognition of our fallen soldiers, by proclamation of General John Logan in 1868, the Nation first set aside May 30th as the day we would lay flags and flowers on the graves to commemorate those sacrifices. Today, we use the last Monday of May as Memorial Day. This May 26th is that day in which we remember all those who have given all in the name of freedom.

Today, we are still engaged in combat activities, in the name of freedom. While many may argue, it is MY believe that this day's struggle is for the freedom of those oppressed in the area of the Mid-East, and in specific, Iraq, but also to keep back any progress by our enemies to regain a renewed strength and weaponry to again launch an attack on our soil. With this engagement, brings about the sacrifices, in the fullest, of those who fight. Sadly, we add to the numbers of those in cemeteries all across our lands.

During my day, in that Vietnam War time, most of who I fought beside, were drafted. Many did not want to be there, and would not have been there, had it not been for the draft. Today however, there is no draft. The news is daily on the dangers of being "over there". Yet, the ranks are full of those who signed on, voluntarily. These courageous men and women "volunteer" to join the fight, knowing that they could end up in one of our Nation's cemeteries. I am humbled by their willingness to serve in such a war.

We will have our time to honor all those, before and present, who fight for us and come home. Veteran's Day, Nov. 11th. But, May 26th is our day to honor those who will never fight again, who have given all, for the freedom we all too often take for granted.

I honor them, those who have given all for me and my country. By their blood, I am free. May we all remember the price they paid.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Misspoke?

I recall back in 1965, when I was a kid in Ohio, I was on a ship when a man fell overboard. I helped throw a line to him and got him back on ship, saving his life.

Wait. Ohio? Ship? Saved a life? Let's see ~ I WAS in Ohio in 1965. That's true. I have been on a ship. So that's true. So, maybe I didn't see a man fall overboard, and maybe I didn't save anybody... I just "misspoke".

Hillary Clinton says she misspoke about the sniper fire in Bosnia. "Misspoke". Let's look at that word, and compare it to "lie".

From Merriam-Webster online -
misspoke
misspeak
Main Entry: mis·speak
Pronunciation: \ˌmis-ˈspēk\
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): mis·spoke \-ˈspōk\; mis·spo·ken \-ˈspō-kən\; mis·speak·ing
transitive verb 1 : to speak (as a word) incorrectly 2 : to express (oneself) imperfectly or incorrectly intransitive verb : to speak incorrectly : misspeak oneself

lie
Main Entry: lie
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): lied; ly·ing \ˈlī-iŋ\
intransitive verb 1 : to make an untrue statement with intent to deceive 2 : to create a false or misleading impression transitive verb

I ask you, did she "mistakenly" express some event? Did she somehow mix one event with another? Was it that she was confused about the exact happenings of that trip?

NO! She DID go to Bosnia. She WAS with Military escort. Chelsey WAS with her. But the story itself, about the sniper fire, was a LIE. It NEVER happened, in any way, shape, or form. It was a LIE, with the intent to deceive and give a misleading impression of how she was under fire and could handle a 3 am call! BULL-SHIT.

Bill lied to the American people, ON AIR. Bill lied to Congress, under oath. Hillary lied about the Whitewater documents. She lied about snipers! The Clintons are Liars! (Sorry Chelsey, I don't know about you yet.) And that friggin' giggle when Hillary was caught in it....... gag me with a spoon!!!

For all those who HAVE been under fire - I salute you. YOU know what it is really like (and I share that). For anyone, let alone a potential Presidential candidate, to lie about that when others have died under such conditions.... BITCH! Yep, it pisses me off to no end. BITCH!

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Right to bear arms

The Right to bear arms...is the right to self defense. While a nation or community might need protecting, in the end, it is about protecting ones own life, or the life of another.

To deny that right, is to deny the right to self defense. Many would have you to believe that citizens don't need a firearm when we have the police to protect us. Bull Shit! I am an ex-Cop and I can tell you this - Every good Cop in the country wants to catch bad-guys and would love to catch them "in the act". But 99.9% of the time, they don't get there until there is ALREADY a victim. They would like it to be different, but it isn't.

I would like to propose to you, and for you to consider, the following stories:

Story #1 ~
It's 2 am, and you are suddenly wakened by the crash of your back door. As you are startled awake, you become aware that someone is now in your house. You grab for the phone to call 9-1-1. The phone line has been cut, so you can't call. Your cell phone is being recharged on the kitchen counter.
You grab the 9 iron you have near your bed, and wait with your wife in the corner of your bedroom.
The intruders (that's more than one) who have entered your "home", aren't interested in ONLY the TV, and have now come into your bedroom to get your jewelry, and maybe some time with your wife.
In the darkened bedroom, you stand next to your screaming wife, hoping a neighbor will hear the plea for help and call the police. As the two bad-guys come in the bedroom, you swing that 9 iron. Now the bad-guys are really pissed, take it away from you, and beat you senseless. You lay there semi-conscience, as they take your wife in front of you. So far, less than 2 minutes has passed, and the police haven't even been called yet.
The echoes in the neighborhood are hard to discern where they come from. Finally, someone calls the police. Now, 4 very long minutes have passed. As the distant sirens wale, the intruders hustle out with what valuables they could grab. When they leave, all thoughts of ever feeling safe again, leave with them.
A "short time" later, the police arrive "in the neighborhood", but it still takes them a bit longer to discern your house as the one with the cries for help. How much time it has been, is lost on you and it seems like "forever" has gone by. In truth, it's only been about 8 minutes. 8 very long minutes, and the police response has been good by most 9-1-1 standards.
At the instant the bad-guys broke into your home, you were a victim. The further victimization and bodily damage to you and yours, came after that. The injuries, should you survive at all, may heal, but the security you once felt will forever be gone. No court will fix that, assuming the bad-guys get caught someday.

Story #2 ~
Two weeks later, in a different neighborhood, the same two bad-guys pry open a sliding patio door, popping the lock, and waking up Herb. Herb is 77, and his wife Edna is a young 72. Herb is a veteran and saw his fair share of what one man can do to another. Herb owns a gun. As Herb sits up in bed, he can hear the two intruders, who are now inside his kitchen. Herb grabs for his .45 in the bed-stand, as Edna picks up the phone. The phone is dead. With no phone to call for help, Herb and Edna take a defensive position behind their bed and wait it out.
As the first intruder opens the bedroom door, Herb take aim. In a flash, the .45 lights up the room, as well as his target. The second shot, aimed at where his target was first illuminated by that first shot, hits home and the intruder goes down. At that time, Herb and Edna hear someone else shout, "Oh shit!", and they could hear the second bad-guy running through the house and out the back.
Less than 2 minutes have gone by. The next-door neighbor heard the shots and called the police. The police were now running reds-lights-n-siren to Herb and Edna's house. A couple minutes later, the first police car arrives.
Herb and Edna stay put and call out for the police, letting them know they are armed and in their bedroom. One intruder got away, for now. His accomplice is dead on the hallway floor, but is well known to the police, as are his known associates.
For Herb and Edna, they still don't feel as safe as they once had, but are thankful they were left unharmed. While they were still victimized, they would not have to suffer those healing wounds of the other folks a couple weeks earlier. They were alive.

As for Frank and Bubba, they had long rap sheets. With their history, and knowing the added risks of carrying a gun as felons, they instead went for over-powering their victims and the use of blunt instruments as weapons. Blunt instruments, such as a heavy flashlight, wouldn't get them the added time like a firearm would, and they knew it. Two strong and mean men, usually against one man and a scared woman, maybe in added fear for their children, added up to easy prey. Once the man is over-powered, the rest is easy.

By the way, if you haven't seen it, watch Jodi Foster's movie, " The Brave One". While I know it is "just a movie", often, movies emulate life. Add to that, a recent article I recently read in the Dallas news, where burglars are growing more brazen in their break-ins. They are hitting day and night. They have cut phone lines, to disable phones and alarms. They have confronted terrified residents inside the homes. Most of the time, it's flat-screens and other quick to pawn valuables they're after. Most of the time. But how do you know if that's all they want? You don't. Not until its too late will you know. You are then at THEIR mercy.

There are also those who suggest to just let them have what ever they come in for, and take it up with the insurance company later. And if it's that one time when they want MORE than the flat-screen? Then what? Even to give up what is yours, what you've WORKED for, what you should be able to FREE-ly own, goes against your constitutional rights to own property and be secure in your home. So why should anyone expect you to not want to protect even your property?

Not everyone can, or should, have a gun in their home. At least get a dog! If nothing else, they could be a deterrent and an early warning system. But, dogs can be defeated to. Some dogs, in that time of need, may end up in your bed in fear too!

Many of the anti-gun people will try to tell you that a home-owners gun will most always be taken away and turned against the home-owner. I don't know where that statistic came from, but I don't buy it. But, let's say that in even one case, that is true. If you have stayed in your bedroom and waited out the intruders, and they come into your bedroom, and you just can't pull the trigger, and they take it away form you....then you're in deep poop anyway. They came into your bedroom....that's not the family-room big screen they were after!

I've for every home to have the option of a gun for protection. In fact, a shotgun may even be better! But, in any case, know how to use it, practice with it, and have it safe-but-ready for use. If EVERY HOME was to have a gun, and a person knowing how to use it, the bad-guys would be faced with a real delima. At the least, they would try to do a better job of casing your house and knowing when you weren't home, and avoid getting dead!

Lastly, I want to ask this question - Why is it that the poor people in D.C. housing projects, are less entitled to self-protection than most the rest of the citizens? Personally, I think that is racist, or at least is a form of prejudice for a community to say they one group of citizens, otherwise entitled to equal laws, that they can't have the 2nd amendment working for them.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Fatherhood

I absolutely love being a father! I am Blessed to have great kids. And in all fairness to my ex-wife, it took both of us to help make that happen. "Dad", is a word that is like music to my ears when it comes from the mouths of my kids.

Okay - but to my topic of today - Fatherhood. Calling all fathers....calling all fathers..... Our kids need YOU. Our communities need YOU. Our nation needs YOU.

Even if you are divorced and live in a separate home than your kids, they need YOU in their lives. And they need the very best from you for guidance and example.

Not long ago, there was a news story of some VERY misbehaving boys, and the mother who left them alone in protest of their actions. Now I don't know all the story, but I did see one of the 4 boys yelling obscenities at the news crew. In essence, the story is about a single mom having very difficult challenges with her teen sons. Throughout the story, something was missing.... a DAD! Either the dad was dead, gone, or just plain derelict in his responsibilities in helping raise those boys. In any case, it was obvious those boys needed a strong male role model in their lives. Where was the dad?

Throughout my career in law enforcement,working on the streets and now in a jail, I have seen countless kids, mostly boys, who either did not have an active dad in the picture, or a very bad one serving as an example for behavior. In either case, a REAL "father" was missing and the kids, and the community, was paying the price. I see kids all the time, where I think to myself, "I'll be seeing that one in my jail soon!" Our children learn more by example, or the lack of one, than by anything else. A "father" can be the strongest example a kid, specially a young boy, can have. (Even daughters need a good "dad", so they can gauge what a man should be like when she chooses a husband.) Boys will more likely (not in every case, some kids have other issues that can impair the parenting process), emulate the characteristics of the father, good or bad.

I once heard (or read?) somewhere - "Everyone can serve as an example, even if by being a bad one!" It's that way with fathers too. If a father treats his wife bad, the likelihood is that his male children will do the same. If a father is a drunk or does drugs, then it is far more likely that his children will too. Who could truly love their children, and want that for them?

MEN - If you don't want to be an active and participating "father", then don't father children! In MY opinion, ANY male (I won't use "man" for such lame a--holes) who fathers children and doesn't participate in raising them, should be castrated! (Actually, I'd also go for any women who help create fatherless children with multiple men, for pleasure, should be sterilized!) Yep... CASTRATE the bastards! No more creation of children by men who don't take responsibility. They are NOT real men, they are just sperm dispensers on legs.

To any male who should read this, who falls into that category of creating children and then NOT participating in raising them....... SHAME ON YOU. You are a spineless scrotebag simpleton with a penis for a brain! And if any such person should father multiple children with multiple women, and take care of none of them, I'm just fine with dumping their worthless body in a swamp!

As a nation, we tolerate far too much. And part of that, is tolerating such people and having the rest of us, saying nothing of the children who have to grow the best they can, pay for it all. The gators could eat well with all those who commit such acts. Hard? Damn right! Needed? Damn right!

I love my kids. I can't imagine this world without them. And I can't relate to those men who don't love their kids and want to be part of their lives, and to do well by them. To all those real dads out their, I salute you! Fatherhood is the greatest job out there.

To my children - I love you. I have made mistakes and I hope you see them for what they are and do better than I did. I hope too that you take all my best parts, and take them with you through your lives. You are already better than I am, and I am so pleased, and Blessed. Thank you God for my children. They are gifts beyond my deserving.

Dan

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

The Border

Another Border Patrol Officer killed in the line of duty. Countless other citizens harmed in one way or another by illegals. We, the good ol' USA, are failing to really put a stop to it! And folks, it ain't Law Enforcement who is failing. It's the lack of commitment by our government.

Enough, is enough. Time for everyone to say, STOP illegal border crossings. STOP the bandits and even terrorists from using our borders to get to us. Time to really STOP all who chose to cross ILLEGALLY!

Here would be MY plan, if I had the power -
1. Build a wall/fence along the border.
2. Have a 100' no-man's land inside the fence.
3. The no-man's land would become a "kill zone".
4. Lots of signs, on both sides, warn of the "kill zone".
5. ANYONE who crosses, gets a shoot first, ask questions later welcome.

Start shooting at anyone, yes, ANYONE, who drops to the ground on the USA side of that wall, and I would bet hard cash that the wanna-be illegals would take a hard look before daring to cross.

Open season! Any land owner along that border, would also have the right to protect his/her land. If a land owner can not protect his/her land, then what good are is property ownership? What good is the Right to be secure in our homes?

Otherwise, we may as well give up and give it all away.

Too harsh? Too bad. We SHOULD protect our country, and our own property. What's the point otherwise?
Dan