Healthcare polls

The Health Care Reform bill ~

A quote from an AP on-line news story, said, The president said that "it now appears the American people will have the vote they deserve" on this important issue.

This should have read, The president said that "it now appears less than HALF the American people will have the vote they want" on this important issue.

Why? Because by any poll out there, this thing is at least split on the "for" or "against". And in some polls, the "against" runs to as much as 61%! I checked on-line polling results for Dec., with 10 different polling providers listed (see: http://www.pollster.com/polls/us/healthplan.php ), and averaged them out. The "for" runs 32 - 51%, with an average of 39%. The "against" runs 44 - 61%, and an average of 51%. HOW can these politicians make such monumental decisions for ALL of us, with those numbers?

Our nation's politicians, on both sides, seem to think that if they get elected by a majority, then EVERYTHING they do is automaticially approved by the voters. NOT TRUE. We have all known, and with each day have more evidence of it, that once they get into office, the campaign promises go away and they proceed on to their own agenda, or of that of whomever promises them support for THEIR agenda.

In this case, this administration is about to take from ALL OF US, to please themselves, and less than half the rest of us!

Is health care in our country an issue? Yes. But a mixture of ideas, from both parties, may provide some relief from the growing costs. But a take-over by the GOVERNMENT? It is NOT what our Forefathers invisioned for us. It is NOT American.

BY the way, it is NOT an emgergency either. Obama just wants this pushed through before Christmas break for two reasons. 1 - The politicians will go home and find that the 51% average will be vocal; 2 - Obama wants this for HIS own personal ego, so he can say he got it pushed through while the Clinton machine could not! It's a POWER thing, pure and simple.

Also evidenced by all this, is that once these butt-holes get elected, "we, the people" no longer have a voice! We get ignored, and sometimes even vilified for expressing angst over their actions.

We do have a voice left however. It still rests in the ballot box. VOTE in 2010. VOTE out every politician who is voting away OUR money. VOTE out every one of them who have ignored "the people", even if it is only half of them.

This American is pissed, and I encourage everyone to VOTE in 2010 and 2012, and put these professional politicans back on the street to look for a job themselves! "for the people, by the people" needs to be part of our politican leadership in Washington again!

Please, forward this to everyone you know. We need to become a vocal America and MAKE our voices heard by those we put in Washington.

Dan

Merry Christmas to those in uniform

An Open Letter to our Military families (and to our Police Officer families) ~

Every day in America, it's the economy, or jobs, the bail-outs, gas prices, and politics. At least for many of us, that seems to be the news and concerns of the day. But for those who serve us in far off places, and their families who worry about them, those woes are the least of their worries.

To our Soldiers, I want to take this time to say that you are not forgotten. Not a day goes by that many of us still hold you and your families in our daily prayers and thoughts. It is not lost on most of us, that all our troubles are just the minor struggles of free people. People who aren't free, suffer real life and death decisions and events on a daily basis. For those who serve, such problems would be welcomed, compared to what their lives are like in and around the hot-spots of the world.

For the most part, we work, juggle money to pay bills, go to the churches of our choice, and basically go about our lives as a FREE society. We are only free, because of the past and current commitment of those who willingly put on our nation's uniform and stand guard over our freedoms. Our flag flies, because of those who provide the safeguards for it.

Forgive us for our complaining and bickering over how to set our nations business straight. But that's what a free country does, isn't it. Thank you for your service. Thanks to your families for sharing you with a nation of free people. I am grateful beyond words, and just wanted to say so.

While it may be a struggle to have any kind of "good" day, where ever our folks in uniform may serve and what ever capacity, please know that "Merry Christmas" is more than my greeting of celebration, but is also one of hope and love for all of you who serve. This year, my own son is serving in the skies somewhere over there, and he is greatly missed at home too. (Love you Matt. You make me proud!)

To the men and women of Law Enforcement, you are not forgotten either. While our guardians of freedom are deployed all over the world, our protectors here at home work day in and day out to answer our calls for help. Sadly, some of those calls are to their own peril. They too have sworn an oath, and for the families of those fallen, our prayers are with you too.

We pray for all of you. We are thankful to all of you. And we do wish all of you a Merry Christmas.

God Bless ~ Dan

I AM THE NRA

For those who aren't avid hunters, sport shooters, competitors, firearms enthusiasts or such, the NRA (National Rifle Association) may seem like some ultra right-wing organization. At least that is what most of the mainstream media and those in the anti-gun camp would have you believe.

However, all anyone would need to do is pick up a copy of any of the NRA publications, like the American Rifleman or the America's 1st Freedom magazine, and check near the back of the magazines. What one would see, are listings of all the NRA is involved in. Most might never guess that the NRA is a foremost supporter of Law Enforcement, and provider of related marksmanship, instructor certifications, and police department armorer training. Many would not know that the NRA is a strong supporter of tough sentencing for those who use a firearm in the commission of a felony. The NRA was a huge sponsor of such gun laws, like in Virginia in 2007, when the Democrats with NRA support, improved background check systems for purchasers. The NRA also has safety related classes, such as the Refuse to be a Victim, or the Eddie Eagle firearms safety program for school kids. And the NRA is our strongest supporter of our 2nd amendment right, for ALL lawful citizens, not just the rich, politically connected, or whom ever the "government" wishes to grant special privileges to.

Of the 4 million strong membership, the general public would likely be surprised to find that membership is made up of citizens from all professions and economic backgrounds. Which brings me to this -

I AM a NRA member. I come from modest means and background, but am a Combat Veteran, a former Law Enforcement Officer/Detective of many years, a former Cub Scout Leader, former 4-H Shooting Sports instructor, a formerly served on the Board for a local Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children, have been a past President of an Optimist Club, have volunteered my time and labor for the Red Cross and community projects, donated blood, raised honest and hard working professional children, make donations to Veteran and community related non-profits, and support my community. I am not the bogey man, or an extremist, or a potential home grown terrorist. With that, I'm here to say that - I AM the NRA.

Other members, run the diverse gambit from construction worker to surgeons, lawyers to home-makers, from Cops to Active Duty Military, and every other occupation one could think of. We, all 4 MILLION members, are "law abiding" citizens, interested in maintaining our 2nd amendment rights, who "bear arms" for any and every legal reason we choose.

If you're not a NRA member, I encourage you to join. If you are, then jump in here and say, I AM the NRA! If you are not a member, then please check out the website and join the NRA - https://membership.nrahq.org/

If you choose to still bash us, and the NRA, then read the history and the purpose of the NRA first. Otherwise, you just don't know what you're talking about.

Our 2nd amendment rights depend on the strongest support possible. And those rights, are for ALL of us.

Come on Pres!

We have our soldiers in a combat zone, and most recently, some were overrun by Taliban forces and many were killed. The situation in Afghanistan is worsening. The General, hand-picked by Oshama, has asked for more troops, to keep from losing this war. And Oshama? Delaying action, not even sitting down with the General for over 70 days. WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Are we now running a war from the seat of the traveling president?

And what of our ROE (Rules Of Engagement)? We won't fire on a mosque?

mosque : a building used for public worship by Muslims

Apparently, some of those "mosques" are NOT a place of worship, but are staging areas for attacks.

Mr. Oshama, issue the following to the world - "Let it be known, that on this day forward, our ROE have changed. ANY place, building, or structure, used to launch attacks, will be leveled at the earliest possible time our Air Force can deliver the power to do so. Any such place, used for launching attacks, will no longer be looked at as places of worship, or anything else but a military target. Lastly, I am now authorizing an additional 100,00o troops, along with supporting artillery, and air and sea power, to be deployed to those areas were fighters have engaged us. This is war. This will get ugly. People will die."

This IS war and people WILL die. And as far as I am concerned, surgical strikes are nice, but winning will take a more broad approach to killing the enemy. Time to put down the scalpel and bring out the sledge hammer!

God Bless our brave men and women. They deserve a strong Commander in Chief. Someone needs to step up and be one!

Pissed off in Texas!
Dan, aka Hunter

Back to the present

Try to imagine with me, an early America, and our founders were working feverishly to wove together this new nation. In their way, was the army of King George, imposing British law and stifling the attempts of the Colonists to separate from the grasp of British rule.

The pens of those who helped craft our founding documents, were busier than their weapons. But that was soon to change. While the pens were mighty, so too were the muskets of the British, and their well documented Brown Bess rifle. In an effort to counter Britain's advance on Concord, the local militia was called upon to fight. And fight they did.

That was the "back" side of this writing to consider.

The "present", remove the 234 years or so. Let's really stretch your imagination with this.

That local militia was then armed with Brown Besses, Pennsylvania Rifles, or maybe a Club Butt Country Fowler. What ever they had to hunt and to protect their families with, that's what they brought to the fight. And just like firearms owners of today, they bought what they could get, or afford.

But what if? What if they could get and afford a better rifle? A multi-firing rifle? A lighter rifle? A more accurate rifle? An assault rifle?

Do you really think, for a Lexington minute, that any one of the colonists would not have bartered or bought an AR-15? Does anyone really think that any one of them, would not have traded most anything for a firearm that would more than meet the stronger and more professional soldiers and firepower of King George's army? Does anyone think that if any farmer turned Minuteman would not have latched on to such an arm? (By the way, my father-in-law, rest in peace, was a farmer and loved his Mini 14. He was shooting coyotes from his tractor long before the words "assault weapons" hit the lips of liberals.)

I think that far too many, even some well heeled "sportsmen", tend to think a true hunter doesn't really need an "assault rifle". Well, it is my belief that the men of that revolutionary era would have grabbed onto such guns, in a heartbeat. Let's keep in mind, it wasn't just for hunting and family protection, it was for the ready protection of freedom. It was to fight well armed foes. The 2nd amendment, was written to reinforce the 1st amendment, when the words penned so well before, failed to stop the lead of the British.

Don't be fooled. There are those, who after they grow tired, or win, at the health care issue, will take a breath and then come after their next target...the assault weapons (by what ever definition they attach to it next time). This is a fight we must win, and that means we all have to fight it. Be prepared to call, write, and voice your objection of any such attempts. It really is about FREEDOM.

The Death Penalty

As of April 16, 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the death penalty, by lethal injection. With that, states are now continuing with those on death row and are sentenced to die.

I am all for the Death Penalty. Always have been. However, my view has changed a bit, and I offer up the following for your consideration.

Not long ago, Texas, and Dallas County in particular, has released a man, falsely convicted of a serious crime. The man spent some 23 years in prison, for a crime he did not commit. DNA set him free. It was primarily a "photo line-up" that convicted him. While he was not on death row, this in part is why I have changed my position, in part anyway.

Eye witnesses are notoriously inaccurate. Same can be said for other types of "circumstantial evidence", when considered without enough collaborative evidence. Most cases ARE "circumstantial", but most good cases have an abundance of it that supports but one conclusion.

My "death penalty" view has changed, in a large part, because of DNA. Dallas County has now had 16 people set free by DNA. "16" people, wrongly convicted. How would YOU like to have been one of those!

I would like to see a change in death penalty cases, and I submit the following:

1. Death Penalty sentences should be reserved for those people who are guilty beyond ALL doubt, not just "reasonable doubt". Those, like Jeffrey Dahmer, comes to mind. As does Charles Manson, a gleeful bragger of his acts, and proud of those who followed him. Or Dennis Rader, the BTK killer. Fast-tracks for all of them.

2. All such cases where ONLY "circumstantial evidence" brings about a "reasonable doubt" conviction that could warrant a death penalty, should NOT receive the "death penalty", but instead, a mandatory LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE. This way, should new evidence come into play later on, the person would still be here for a new trial, or release.

3. ALL death penalty cases, under example #1 above, should be "fast tracked" through the system, and the penalty should be carried out within 1 year after conviction. When such a conviction was obtained with NO DOUBT, supported by the evidence and confessions, then why the wait?Once judicial checks have been reviewed, then git'r done.

The above, while still not perfect, may do several things.

a. Eliminate a wrongly convicted person from being put to death by our system.

b. Keep open the possibility of a new trial for those who may have been wrongfully convicted.

c. And lastly, fast-track, keeping the long and expensive "appeals" to a minimum, the sentencing for a swifter adjudication.

Any man, or woman, who should commit such an act that would warrant the death penalty, and does so in such a manner where NO DOUBT is left as to that person's guilt (so much so, that no other possibility could exist), then such a swift death penalty could bring about a new "deterrence" for such acts.Even if it didn't, that person could never kill again, including killings of guards and other prisoners.

ABC's Charlie Gibson

Some may ask, "Why didn't Charlie Gibson know about the ACORN accusations?"

Well, in all fairness to Charlie, he had no way of knowing. When the main stream media awaits for their news from The White House, they will only know what The White House tells them. And let's be honest, The White House, in particular Obama, who was ACORN'S legal counsel, and who reaped huge benefits from the activities of ACORN, is not about to tell Charlie Gibson. And, I expect Obama is just hoping that the media will not bother with REAL journalism and discover things for themselves.

So Charlie....I understand. It isn't your fault. It's not like you are a real journalist. It's not like you owe the American people anything. After all, we can still find the truth, we just have to look outside ABC, NBC, CBS, MSNBC, and CNN.

Good night Chet....Good night David. Good bye REAL journalism.
Dan

PS. Tea parties? What tea parties?

What would TJ do?

I can't help but wonder... What would Thomas Jefferson do?

Just look at the size and power of today's government. It was NEVER intended to be this way. TJ and the boys would NEVER have let this happen. But WE did. I say WE, because as a nation, WE have let, and often demanded, that this government get this big.

All parties are guilty. This didn't happen over night. In my view, it has taken an even uglier pace in it's growth with Obama, but this has been coming for some time, and it's OUR fault.

But it isn't too late to turn the tide. It's time to get out the vote and vote OUT every person, regardless of party, who has voted for these expansive taxes, programs, and pork-barrel projects.

For the people...by the people. Professional, career, politicians are NOT "the people". They no longer are part of the working public, taking time off to represent us. Today's politician, for the most part, are too often people who want their terms to last until retirement. And when they MOVE to their Washington office, seldom to return to their beginnings, they take on that Washington mentality and become washed in the politics of the next term, NOT representing their constituents and the country's BEST interest.

Take back our country. Vote OUT everyone who has help grow the government, and not grow America!

Drug wars

While I completely DISAGREE with Hillary Clinton on the suggestion that our gun laws are helping the drug warring bad guys, I agree with with her, when she said, in essence, that America has to share the blame for the drug war, the murders, and the corruption in Mexico.

Let me say this - and LISTEN UP (if this applies to you) - IF you are even a "social" user of cocaine, then YOU share the blame for the drug related murders on either side of the border! YES, you do. Try to justify yourself all you want, but you do!

The lust for the dust, pays big money, and that money is what is fueling the killings. Billions go south - YOUR billions. If it weren't for your lust, your partaking of it, your acceptance of it, there would be no money in it for the drug lords.

Whoa.....did I hear some say, "Well, if they would make it legal, this wouldn't be a problem"? Did someone whisper that stupid argument?

To start with, the substance IS ILLEGAL. It IS A FELONY to possess. So, before we go down that road, and it's simply a road to excuse the use, IT'S A FELONY. So you are choosing to commit a felony at the get-go! You really want it? Get your legislators to pass a law legalizing it, and you can have it. But until then, IT'S A FELONY! It's illegal, like it or not, and you're choosing to commit a FELONY when you possess it, share it, consume it.

But, it's coke and you like it and you don't hurt anyone....blah blah blahhh. In case you missed it, it's a FELONY. So, from day one, you choose to commit the FELONY. NO ONE in the country doesn't know its illegal, so you are making the conscious decision to commit a FELONY. All other arguments come in after that. Want it legalized? Fine, get the law changed. Until then, STOP BEING THE CONSUMER WHO FUELS THE DRUG WARS AND MURDERS! IT'S A FELONY!

A lot of Mexican cops, justices, town leaders who oppose the drug trade, and the countless bystanders, have died because of the greed for the drug money. Of late, even those who were trying to get treatment for their addiction, in a rehab center just across the border, were executed by drug bandits. If you're a user...that means a small part of that is YOUR money to help fund those bad-guys!

By the way, that violence is here too! Arizona and Texas are seeing a huge growth in the drug related violence. Many people have been harmed and killed, because of the money involved. If you're a USER...and that means any dang socialite out there who just parties a little...then YOU contribute to the deaths. YES...YOU DO!

Now, for those who don't use, but stand while a friend uses ... then you are standing by while a felony is being committed. Don't. I'm just real enough to know you won't or can't turn in your friends or family, but put some distance between you and them. Not only to keep from being busted too, if it should come to that, but to show you do not condone it. Let them know, by your leaving their presence, that you don't like it and won't condone it.

Lastly - the mounds of money is the fuel that is burning violence in this drug war. While those in various uniforms fight that war, it is the end-user who can win it for us, by STOPPING their use. Even if all the so-called "social users" would stop, and shun those who didn't stop, could have an impact. And it would let law enforcement focus more energy on fewer people to target and prosecute.

JUST SAY NO.....shouldn't be a slogan, it should be an action!

I welcome your comments.

Obama and the CIA

Obama has seen fit to let those in his administration pursue an investigation into the conduct of some CIA field agents in war-time interrogations of those who would plot to kill Americans in mass. It would appear to me, that they WANT to prosecute any of those from the prior administration. And this, after it was already looked into and waved off as no prosecutable wrong-doings.

On the other hand, Obama served along side of Bill Ayers, in community committees and political activities. They may not have been "friends", but Obama had no problem having a political dinner with Ayers. And Ayers, along with others in a 70's radical group who plotted and bombed government buildings.

So... Investigate those charged with doing all they can to help protect America from another attack? Or... Associate oneself with the likes of Bill Ayers, who helped bomb OUR buildings, for political expedience?

Add to this, the blatantly obvious example of a person in a higher position than his experience can support. A person with NO past experience to be prepared for such a monumental task, and who is exposing himself every day, as an example of the blind leading the blind!

To the 53% of the voters who turned out to vote for Obama in 2008 - WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING?

Church and State

What a topic! On the way home today, I was listening to a radio talk show, and this was the general topic. On the air, was someone representing the Freedom From Religion Foundation. They profess to be protecting the constitutional principle of the separation of state and church.

Now, as I often will do, I offer this disclaimer: I am NOT a constitutional or historical scholar. So with that, take what you wish from my words and viewpoints.

Being the simple man that I am, I tend to look at this subject is a simplistic way, trying to imagine what our forefathers were wanting to accomplish with our most precious national document. I also think we should not stray from the spirit of that document, and instead, find ways in our modern world to go back and really apply those ideas and principles, and spirit, to our country today. I believe it can be, and should be, done.

So, just what does the Constitution say about the so-called, "separation of church and state"? Well, as it was written, it states, "Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

"Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; ..." Well, I do not see today, anywhere, that our Congress has established a religion. Where is it that the "state", by way of Congress, has established a religion? Where is it, that Congress, or any state or city, has established a religion? Does a prayer, establish a religion? Do the words, In God We Trust, establish a religion? And, who has been denied ANY governmental services, or even protection, because they were not of a particular religious persuasion?

If you look at the word, establish", one can easily find as part of the definition,
1 : something established: as a : a settled arrangement; especially : a code of laws b : established church

Wouldn't a government who would "establish" a religion, have that same religion as part of some established order and cause its people to acknowledge their religion, before receiving some part of the government's graces in services, protection, or other benefits?

It would also seem to me, that there should be some kind of "harm" that such inferences to God in a public prayer, aside from just being offended, should be shown in a measurable way, before demanding that the inference be removed. The 1st Amendment does NOT protect people from being offended. And that, my friends and readers, is what this is really all about. Some people don't want religion in any public view and it offends them that God might be somehow lurking around, watching them! The fact is, no one has been harmed. No one has been denied ANY services or protection, because God somehow is mentioned in the public arena.

Our Founders, knew that men are weak and subject to corruption. Our Founders, knew that it could only be by the guidance of a higher power, of a higher power of conscience and of right and wrong, that people might....MIGHT....keep that higher power in mind when conducting ourselves with out fellow citizens.

Let's face it, while there are those who hate the mention of God, where DO we get our foundation of right and wrong? Where are the writings of how to treat our fellow man, if not in the writings of someone referring to some higher power. Man, is weak. Man, is corruptible. Man, without someone higher to answer to, will drift towards self above others. It is God, in what ever religion you may find him, that sits on our shoulders and whispers to us when we might stray from what is right or wrong.

God, is mankind's "father". And like a loving father, God guides us and is our conscience. But we are free to choose and free to disobey. Man surely has, and surely will. But that is not to say we should strive to follow the teachings of His word.

What would be our right and wrong foundation, otherwise? What else is it seated? By what other measure, do we know right and wrong? Without God, or that higher power of justice, would we even have laws?

I'm sorry. I've strayed. My point is this. For about 235 years, there has been NO government established religion. NO ONE, has to follow any particular religion, and NO ONE has been denied services or protections, or any of their RIGHTS, by a prayer, the mention of God in a public place, or the word God on our currency and landmarks. Sorry if that offends you, but if it does, then you offend me. But you have a right to follow no religion, if you wish.

Before I conclude, I will say that I DO NOT want our government to dictate what religion I must follow. We sure don't need a religion that dictates that we cut off your head for following some other religion. Or be denied rights, because we didn't follow some religious doctrine. We can see that in bombings elsewhere! Our government has not, and should never, dictate a religion to follow. THAT would be an establishment!

God Bless You!
Dan

Need help with my car

I am asking all of you to chip in and help buy me a new car. Please, I need a new car.

Now, I do have a car. But my transmission needs work, and I don't want to just fix it. The rest of the car is pretty good. Oh, a little air leak by the window, but I get pretty good mileage. I change the oil on regular intervals, and it runs good. The body has a few dings, but is still without rust. And, it does what it needs to do, I guess, i.e. get me to and from work, to the store, and so on.

But I want a new one. My car has some routine costs ... like tires, wiper blades, and such, and is paid off. But I want a new one. An all shinny and new and completely different one. And, I want you to help buy me one.

I know... I know. For far far less money, I can fix my transmission and have a good working car. But I want an all new one, and I don't want to fix what I have.

What? Why toss out the whole car, just to fix the transmission issue? Because, my neighbors have a new car, and I want one too, and why can't you help buy it for me? After all, I'm a good guy, so shouldn't I get a new car , and not have to spend my own money to fix the one I have?

Come on ... you've helped buy a bunch of other people get new cars, and you've helped bail-out big banks, and if you're willing to pay for a whole new health care plan ......why NOT buy me a new car? Please Mr. Obama ... Buy me a new car!!!!!

Some of our health care entities may need some overhaul. But let's not throw it all out, in favor of a government mandated plan that will cost us ALL and, from all appearances, will weaken the best health care services in the world. Some of it may be broken and need fixed. But not the whole thing ... and NOT at the cost of billions and billion and billions to all of us. And NOT managed by a government, who has NO BUSINESS, being "in business"!

BIG government. It's been coming for a long time, and it's here. I plan on watching to see who votes for this Obamacare plan and do everything I can to vote them out. And I don't care what party they may be in! We need to take back our country and set the record straight on who works for who!

By the way ... Don't report me Bro. Don't report me to The White House!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day (This is a re-POST from last year - Fatherhood)

Before reading the re-Post of the updated piece, let me say this.....
Happy Father's Day to ALL the dad's out there (present and past) who take that title seriously and truly LOVE their children. I celebrate this day with love for my children, and I celebrate YOU....the fathers of the world. - Dan

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.

Some months 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 was 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 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, were paying the price. I see kids all the time, where I think to myself, "That one will be in 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

Re-Post Is She Terminal?

This is an updated rewrite of my earlier entry.

It saddens me, to see her so sick. She is down, and from the looks of her, she could be terminally ill. She's been through so much in her life. Many have attacked her, wounded her, trampled on her, tried so hard to make her disappear from the planet. Today, she is under such extreme attacks, and this time, from within her own family. If she goes, I just don't know what I'll do, and I am sad at the prospect.

America. Oh, how I love her name. America. Oh, how I love my country. America. Oh, how sad I am of what far too many are trying to do to her, make her become, make her into what she was never meant to be.

Why do I say all this? Because, today, it looks to me like the "government of the people, by the people, and for the people", has been plowed under by the swarm of hungry...power hungry... politicians and bureaucrats. The "government", even on local levels, has become the BIG manager in most all aspects of our lives and businesses. Now, with trillions of dollars of taxpayer money, BIG government has now decided what to do with OUR money...and our future money...and with our very lives.

While I liked George W. Bush, I had a number of disagreements with some of his policies. But today, with this new administration, what I am seeing, frankly, scares the crap out of me. The BIG government of today, is looking to be the GIGANTIC government in the coming few years. And with that, WILL come "socialism". How else can one say it? With the government injecting itself into our personal lives and business, and the government distribution of OUR personal wealth....what IS socialism otherwise? And can anyone count the Czars? And why Czars? Can't the officials who pass congressional scrutiny handle the jobs? Or, is the CONTROL Obama gets with Czars a bigger reason for them? (No congressional scrutiny!)

I am absolutely convinced that our forefathers would be up-in-arms over what they see today. In fact, they WERE up-in-arms some 230+ years ago. And WHY were they up-in-arms?They were fed up with the strong arms tactics and imposition of unfair taxes upon the colonies and the citizens of the New World. Great Britain, at that time, WAS the government. And THAT government wanted to impose its will, and taxes, in every way it saw fit to do. Sound familiar?

Well, TRILLIONS of dollars promised by THIS government, on top of the .7 Trillion before Bush left office, WHO will pay for all that? WHO will be taxed to pay for the sins and mistakes by our own government and big business? And when it comes down to it - just how many, what percent, of our citizens really wanted this, or want to pay for it?

THIS is NOT America. This is something else, but it is NOT America. Businesses grow. Businesses go under. The natural evolution of capitalism, has been circumvented by the rich and powerful. Now, our government will decide who makes it, and who won't. The ever increasing government hand, has now grown to control the direction of business, and us...we, the people.

BTW - Don't get me wrong here. I DO NOT blame rich (wealthy) people who earned their way and are good citizens and stewards of our national interest. But, there are those who will sell all of us down the river, for GREED. And there is the problem... unbridled GREED. GREED for money. GREED for power.

It seems to me that far too many in America, WANT the government to save us from ourselves, save us from our debt and the personal consequences of bad decisions. As long as the government hands us money, we'll go along with IT (big government). Give me a $600 or $400 tax rebate, and I'll shut up and let you do what ever you want......

I am sick at what we have become. And in November, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of greedy people in the history of our country. And with that, we are being sold out. I weep for my America. I weep for the country that spread freedom, helped other people and countries in times of natural disaster and pain. I weep for those who came before us, and died in an effort to keep America free, and keep American as a land of "for the people, by the people". The people we have in Washington today, are NOT "the people", but they are there...BECAUSE we let them be there. The personal agendas and greed for power, is limitless. And Americans put them there. Shame on us.

So, I sit by the death bed of the America I love and have believed in. I watch helplessly as she succumbs to the trampling on the long held belief's of a nation of free people and non-intrusive government. Before long, her colors could remain, but the stripes will be removed, the stars gone, and some new "Obama-like" symbol will replace her. Letters and emails have failed, and I know of no cure to help. Good men sit by, and other men want to turn off her life support machine. Freedom of her people is old fashioned, in the eyes of our new power mongers.

Pardon my ramblings, and perhaps lack of delivery in this addition, but my sadness almost over-takes me and the grief I am feeling for what I fear is coming, has a grip on me.

Am I alone? Are there any other voices that share in this feeling?

God Bless America, for as long as we still have her. - Dan

PS. While not exclusive to Veterans, the sound of her name, America, and the songs about her, America, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, etc., bring goose bumps to us, as does the raising or passing of our Flag. What is happening to America, is hard to swallow for THIS Veteran.

The cost of freedom

A good friend of mine called me. After his return from duty in Iraq, some three years ago, my friend was having some problems, and he had many mixed emotions about what he was feeling, and how he was reacting to them.

Without the details, which are his private matter, they are not new. ANYONE who has been to war, knows the effects of those experiences last a lifetime. While the experiences greatly vary, as does the effects on the lives of those haunted by the memories, Post Traumatic Stress has been going on for Veterans for generations.

As we read the daily news, we know of the costs of freedom by the death toll. There is easy access to the "count", and most relate those numbers as the cost. But the real cost goes far beyond those brave men and women, they extend to those who come home, those who come home with fewer parts than when they left our shores. Those parts, include part of their soul. And while not as visible to the passer-by, that part, that part that permitted them beforehand to enjoy life to the fullest, is often gone forever. It is not to be underestimated, that cost to those who serve.

Most of us (or, permit me to say, most of YOU), enjoy some pretty simple things, without any thought of those things being anything else. Confused? Let me try to explain, using my own limited experiences.

You sit in a theater, enjoying a movie, and afterward, return to your routine. You enjoyed the movie and popcorn. You went on with what ever you wanted to do.

You come home from work, walk in the house, and smell food cooking on the stove, thinking of how good that meal will taste.

You lay in bed on a nice spring night, listening to the rain fall. The spring grass smells sweet.

You and your family go to the zoo, enjoying the many, including the Asian, exhibits.

You take your family to your community's Memorial Day parade and watch as the Flag passes by.

Come summer, you and your family take in the community fireworks display, in celebration of the 4th of July.

To most, these are everyday events, and nothing is really felt or happens to you, beyond the event itself. And there's nothing wrong with that. It is all part of the American experience, part of the many freedoms we have.

But for thousands of Veterans, from all of our wars, those events are NOT the same. The sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that are simply enjoyed by most people, can sometimes send the Vet back to times past, and to the very experiences that inflicted painful memories.

Let me also say, that the PTSD effect can come upon those civilians who experience traumatic experiences from auto accidents, or as crime victims, or from natural disasters. I don't at all mean to minimize their lasting pain. But, for this discussion, I will focus on the war veteran, who very often experienced traumatic events over and over again, repeated many times during the course of their "tour of duty".

For this Veteran of Vietnam, I can attest to my own reflections, and from those of close friends who also served in other theaters of war, and in many capacities. And I can tell you that sights, sounds, feels, and smells, can set me off on any one of a number of directions. In some cases, I may just get moody, or be sad, or feel the urge to flee an area, or get angry. In some cases, I just may feel an overwhelming need to just cry.

May I add this important note. This is NOT limited to "combat" Vets. In our current War on Terror (Obama won't call it that, but it is.), we have seen everyone in that theater of operations become victims of bombings and shootings. In my war, there were doctors and nurses and supply clerks and mess-hall staff, who were also victims. How many of those support personnel were traumatized by what they went through or saw? You didn't, and don't have to, carry a rifle to be affected by the horror of war.

For those around me, they may have no idea I am going through anything. In some cases, some may see me act differently than just moments before. For those very close to me, they may see me get angry, or sad, or moody, or break down and cry.

And then, I may get feelings of anger at myself, for feeling this way. I may get upset that I "let it get to me". Add to that, the same feelings nearly 40 years later! "Shouldn't I be over this by now?" "Am I just being a pussy?" "Why the hell am I still feeling this way?"

In talking to other Vets, these feelings are NOT unusual. Not at all. Most of us bury then. But some days, some smell, some sound, some sight, just catches me off-guard, and I find myself back in time. A cold sweat, a chill, a feeling of the blood leaving my hands and face, and feeling of sadness. All of that can come without warning. And it can mess up my day, maybe a couple days.

Why do I bring all this up? Why now? Because, a good friend is going through all this, and I wish I could help. I wish people could understand. I wish HIS wound were more visible, so people could "see", could understand, his pain. While it does not reach the level felt by the families of those killed, or by those who feel the physical pains every minute of every day, my friend's pain is real. And just like those who die, and those who get wounded in such traumatic ways, it too is the cost of freedom for us all.

Those who walk free each day, owe such freedom to the thousands of freedom fighters our nation has had sacrifice for us. And to my friend...You are NOT alone. I thank you for your service, and your friendship. I'm here...anytime of day or night....just give me a call.

The Pirate Solution

Disclaimer: This is not for the queasy or politically correct liberal. Read at your own risk.

The Pirate Solution

It has only really come into the American psyche this past week or so, with the pirating of the merchant ship, Maersk, and the taking of its Captain. Thank God and the Navy SEALS for his safe return.

But the ravages by Somali pirates has been going on for some time now. As most know, these are the same people, from the same area of the world, in which the infamous Blackhawk Down movie was experienced in real life by our troops in 1993 Mogadishu, Somalia. With 18 of our Troops killed in that mess, some of those bodies were dragged through the streets by civilians and militiamen. They celebrated those U.S. forces deaths.

Why were we there? We were there, our men were there, to capture a brutal war lord who was starving the people of Mogadishu, keeping the UN food relief from his own people. We were trying to HELP the people of Somalia.

Today, some of those same people have turned to pirating. They use the safe havens of that country, and no one there is doing anything to stop it. The multinational shipping is at their mercy, with countless seizures and victims in the wake. To date, the pirates have ransomed millions, so in their eyes, crime DOES pay.

The answer, in this ol' bald man's eyes anyway, is this - Target the most likely areas those war-lords and pirates stay and operate from, and level it. Not a stick left standing. Yes, I know - Women and children? Yes. Yep - It's tough out there. But then, many of them took part in the slaughter and parading of our dead troops in 1993. Then, as soon as the next band of pirates come out of the bush to climb into another pirate boat, blow them to hell. If another town becomes the base of a new operation...level it.

In short order, the rest of Somalia will get the message and find a new line of work. If not, we'll build more bombs. We know our economy could use the lift in job security for the munition makers!

Lastly - this also needs to be our foreign policy. America will be there to help another country, in a time of crisis (such as natural disasters). But if anyone lifts a gun in our direction, while we trying to render aid?... Ashes to ashes, dust to dust....

American should have both hands at the ready. One, for help, when asked and needed. In the other, an anvil, to smash those who would cause us harm. Otherwise, we get, what we tolerate.

Illegal imigration

Can we talk ... Illegal immigration?

With Nancy Pelosi and company in the news lately, talking up illegal immigration and doing away with enforcement actions, I thought I'd put my 2 cents in (surprise!).

For the liberals out there, let me break it down in the simplest terms. So, try to follow me here.

Let's say you own a big discount store. You're open 24/7, just to make it available for everyone to come in and take advantage of all the good deals and great customer service. Like CostCo and Sam's Club, you do require the customer to obtain a store ID card and pay a small fee to get entry, then shop til their heart's content. And, you have a controlled entrance, just to control the access, but not to prevent those customers from gaining entrance.

Customers come in and show their ID card, or they go to the counter and apply for one. They come in, shop, pay their dues, and are free to come back when ever they want. Just show their ID and off they go. Simple.

But keep in mind a few things.
1. They MUST have an ID to enter.
2. They must have an ID to shop.
3. They must use the friggin entrance!

If they try to sneak in, they'll get run out, or the policewill get called. If they try to break in through one of the emergency exits, the alarm will go off and they'll get arrested. If they try to use the service/delivery doors, they'll get arrested. Get the picture?

But, Nancy Pelosi, and company, think it's okay to let people who break the laws of our border and land, to stay. Sam's Club has a rule, for a BUSINESS, but Nancy Pilosi thinks it's UN-patriotic to enforce our border/immigration laws!

NO ONE.... I repeat.... NO ONE... has said those folks can't come into the USA. We are just saying to use the friggin entrance and get a proper ID card! Come on, if Sam's Club can do it...why the hell can't we do it for the safety and security of our NATION!

Please, pass this one to every liberal you know. I'll send this on to everyone on my list. Maybe SOMEONE will friggin listen! ~ Dan

Obamageddon

Armageddon. We all know what that means, the final battle between God and Satan.

Well, here's a new one to consider - Obamageddon.

Obamageddon may be the final battle for the America we have known for over 230 years. This battle, which has begun already, is for the freedoms we have known, as well as the way of life we have known in our lifetimes. Do we need to be better? YES. Have there been mistakes and problems and injustices? YES. Is Obama'ism the answer? NO! No more so than socialism or Marxism.

Yet, Obama is positioning himself to take away from all who have, and redistribute to those who HE believes have been left behind. Obama IS still doing "community organizing" work. This time, it is on a national level. Obama wants to level the playing field, so those who haven't worked for it, can share the bounty of those who have.

If Obama succeeds, he will break down America. I think he intends to, so that he can build it back up the way HE thinks it should be. He wants to make America "better" than before. Sounds good to many, but that was also Hitler's idea and purpose. Not to compare them together, but Hitler took away freedoms in order to control "the people" of Germany. Once controlled, he could do as he wanted. Hitler was also charismatic. A heck of a lot of people followed him and his ideas for making a "better" country. Extreme as it was, the method begin innocently enough.

Even his future "victims", the Holocaust victims, gave into it in the beginning, and WALKED to their own demise. That is where I fear we are headed.

Break down the economy by bankrupting the it. Take control of business and their money. Give a little "bait money" to "the people" to make them feel like you're helping them. Lead them into a false sense of security. Make the people fearful of certain groups of people...like the rich, the vocal, those in opposition. Take away the "unfair" airways and implement a "fair" mandate for equal time on all radio and TV stations, so that his side WILL be heard. (Its called the fairness doctrine.) Socialize/federalize more programs. Take over charities. Tighten, then prohibit, gun ownership. Have the federal government be more involved in the state, the communities, and the family. Get people to believe and accept that "the government" will help solve everything. Tax the "rich", and define "rich" as those who have more than the government thinks you should have, when others don't have as much. Get "the people" to trust only the government to fix things. Appease our enemies, so they might leave us alone. Weaken our military. Make "the people" dependent on the government.

So, how close are we? How many steps need to be taken for all this to happen? America IS the frog in the pot of luke-warm water. But the water is already heating up and America is sitting there, enjoying the warm water and feeling....comfy.

Obamageddon. I won't sit by for it. Write, email, call your representatives. Be vocal. Be the New American Patriot, and tell King Obama you won't stand for his version of America.

Fairness Doctrine?

If you follow any of the most current political talk, the topic of the "Fairness Doctrine" has come up by the liberals. Without all the hog-wash, it is basically government control over the airwaves, so that all sides have a chance to be heard. Sounds fair to me! Why not?

I just read on a site promoting this action to renew the doctrine, and they are claiming the following (in part) - That there has been an extreme change in the immense volume of unanswered conservative opinion heard on the airwaves, especially on talk radio. Virtually all of the leading political talkshow hosts are said to be right-wingers, i.e. Bill O’Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Michael Savage, and Oliver North, to name a few.

Well folks... I ask, How is that? Permit me to provide some thoughts about this.

1. All the stations are privately owned and operated.
2. Unless supported by public funding, they all have to pay for themselves.
3. Paying for themselves is usually by way of "advertisers", promoting themselves and their products during that program.
4. For the most part, the advertisers pay for the air-time, based upon ratings.
5. Ratings, are based on how many people are believed to be watching, listening, or with newspapers and printed media, readership. The more people...eyes and ears...who actually read, watch, or listen, the more that air-time is worth. In that same light, if that time doesn't have the audience, it won't garner the ad dollars. No ad dollars, then the media source has to decide if it wants to support it anyway, or not. RATING POINTS are the key!

So, HOW can the government make the "Fairness Doctrine" work? The way I see it, is that they would force those media outlets to either provide programming that doesn't pay, or force off that which THEY think is too much to be balanced. Either way, it would be THE GOVERNMENT who would decide what you should see, hear, or read!

The way it is now, you DO have a choice. Two in fact - the turner, and the on-off button/dial.
That simple. If there were enough people to turn OFF Rush, O'Reilly, or whomever, then the stations would have to look for ad dollars elsewhere. They're a business. They depend on profit making to stay afloat.

Apparently, there IS an audience, and the advertisers spend their ad dollars to access those consumers.

Okay ... So WHY do I care about this issue in the first place? Because it is just MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL! And folks, we have far too much control by them now, so adding one more single control over OUR lives, is not what I want. I would hope that you don't want more of the government in your business either.

In the words of Sir William Wallace...... FREEEEEDOMMMMMMM! (Okay, you had to see Braveheart to understand.)

Is she terminal? II

This is an updated rewrite of my earlier entry.

It saddens me, to see her so sick. She is down, and from the looks of her, she could be terminally ill. She's been through so much in her life. Many have attacked her, wounded her, trampled on her, tried so hard to make her disappear from the planet. Today, she is under such extreme attacks, and this time, from within her own family. If she goes, I just don't know what I'll do, and I am sad at the prospect.

America. Oh, how I love her name. America. Oh, how I love my country. America. Oh, how sad I am of what far too many are trying to do to her, make her become, make her into what she was never meant to be.

Why do I say all this? Because, today, it looks to me like the "government of the people, by the people, and for the people", has been plowed under by the swarm of hungry...power hungry... politicians and bureaucrats. The "government", even on local levels, has become the BIG manager in most all aspects of our lives and businesses. Now, with trillions of dollars of taxpayer money, BIG government has now decided what to do with OUR money...and our future money...and with our very lives.

While I liked George W. Bush, I had a number of disagreements with some of his policies. But today, with this new administration, what I am seeing, frankly, scares the crap out of me. The BIG government of today, is looking to be the GIGANTIC government in the coming few years. And with that, WILL come "socialism". How else can one say it? With the government injecting itself into our personal lives and business, and the government distribution of OUR personal wealth....what IS socialism otherwise? And can anyone count the Czars? And why Czars? Can't the officials who pass congressional scrutiny handle the jobs? Or, is the CONTROL Obama gets with Czars a bigger reason for them? (No congressional scrutiny!)

I am absolutely convinced that our forefathers would be up-in-arms over what they see today. In fact, they WERE up-in-arms some 230+ years ago. And WHY were they up-in-arms? They were fed up with the strong arms tactics and imposition of unfair taxes upon the colonies and the citizens of the New World. Great Britain, at that time, WAS the government. And THAT government wanted to impose its will, and taxes, in every way it saw fit to do. Sound familiar?

Well, TRILLIONS of dollars promised by THIS government, on top of the .7 Trillion before Bush left office, WHO will pay for all that? WHO will be taxed to pay for the sins and mistakes by our own government and big business? And when it comes down to it - just how many, what percent, of our citizens really wanted this, or want to pay for it? The top ten polls were clear - a majority of Americans were against THIS bill. But it didn't matter to those who hold the power.

THIS is NOT America. This is something else, but it is NOT America. Businesses grow. Businesses go under. The natural evolution of capitalism has been circumvented by the rich and powerful. Now, our government will decide who makes it, and who won't. The ever increasing government hand, has now grown to control the direction of business, and us...we, the people.

BTW - Don't get me wrong here. I DO NOT blame the wealthy people who earned their way and are good citizens and stewards of our national interest. But, there are those who will sell all of us down the river, for GREED of money and power. And there is the problem ... unbridled GREED for power.

It seems to me that far too many in America, WANT the government to save us from ourselves, save us from our debt and the personal consequences of bad decisions. As long as the government hands us money, we'll go along with IT (big government). Give me a $600 or $400 tax rebate, and I'll shut up and let you do what ever you want......

I am sick at what we have become. And in November, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of greedy people in the history of our country. And with that, we are being sold out. I weep for my America. I weep for the country that spread freedom, helped other people and countries in times of natural disaster and pain. I weep for those who came before us, and died in an effort to keep America free, and keep America as a land of "for the people, by the people". The people we have in Washington today, are NOT "the people", but they are there...BECAUSE we let them be there. The personal agendas and greed for power, is limitless. And Americans put them there. Shame on us.

So, I sit by the death bed of the America I love and have believed in. I watch helplessly as she succumbs to the trampling on the long held belief's of a nation of free people and non-intrusive government. Before long, her colors could remain, but the stripes will be removed, the stars gone, and some new "Obama-like" symbol will replace her. Letters and emails have failed, and I know of no cure to help. Good men sit by, and other men want to turn off her life support machine. Freedom of her people is old fashioned, in the eyes of our new power mongers.

Pardon my ramblings, and perhaps lack of delivery in this addition, but my sadness almost over-takes me and the grief I am feeling for what I fear is coming, has a grip on me.

Am I alone? Are there any other voices that share in this feeling?

God Bless America, for as long as we still have her. - Dan

PS. While not exclusive to Veterans, the sound of her name, America, and the songs about her, America, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, etc., bring goose bumps to us, as does the raising or passing of our Flag. What is happening to America, is hard to swallow for THIS Veteran.

3:10 to Yuma - Not what you think

Have you seen the 2007 western movie release, 3:10 to Yuma? I really enjoy westerns, and this one is a good'n. For those who have seen it, you will know the part I am about to reference. For those who haven't, I will try to describe the scene. (I have a point in all this, and it ain't about western movies.)

The scene I want to reference is like this - The bad guys want their bad-guy boss back from the custody of the good-guys. While their bad-guy boss is being held by some authorities, the gang offers money to anyone in town who would turn on the good-guys, and help get their boss back. The result of that offer, turned 7 bad-guys into more than 30. More than 30, who were willing to take their chances of getting killed, to earn that money trying to kill the good-guys.

Well, the odds of 5 against 7 was one thing....but 5 against 30 plus? Sorry, the Marshall says, they didn't count on that. So the Marshall and his Deputies chose to give it up, left their guns on the floor, came out with their hands up. The bad-guys....were BAD guys. And, they did the BAD guy thing. When the Marshall and his deputies came out, hands up, the BAD guys shot them down. It's what evil people do.

See where I'm headed, do ya? Whether its the middle east, Columbia, the Philippines, or where ever, negotiating with evil people (or "Evil doers" as President Bush so rightly said), will never work. Their "word" or agreements can never be counted on. As long as they are alive, they will do evil things. "Can't we all just get along", won't work with them. What I worry about today, is that President Obama doesn't understand EVIL and evil doers, and is adopting "Can't we all just get along" foreign policy. And THAT will get our troops killed, get us killed over here, and under-mind every thing we have tried to do for the past number of years for our allies.

President Bush is gone...out of Office...not President any more. But the BAD guys are still out there. They still want us...ALL OF US...dead. They want Israel gone. They want Christianity gone. They want women back in the homes and not in school or work. They want the world to go back to the stone age. And they are willing to die to make that happen. Nothing else matters to them. So how, how in the rational world, do you negotiate with them. You don't. You hunt them down and kill them. And while that goes on, you try to show all who will (or can) watch, that the FREEDOM to choose, FREEDOM to worship (or not), FREEDOM to learn and work and play and enjoy life, is a better choice than killing everyone who isn't a Muslim extremist!

Meanwhile, if you enjoy westerns, and haven't seen it, check our 3:10 to Yuma, just for the entertainment.

God Bless our troops. God Bless America. And please Lord, Bless and guide President Obama.

English as our "Official" national language

I read about this on the web -

A Grand Prairie (Texas) teen, Ruben Jauregui, overcame his language barrier to rise to top of his class. Knowing only Spanish wasn't the only obstacle he faced when he left Mexico five years ago to start a new life in Texas. Jaurequi also had to put up with Latino classmates who ridiculed him for wanting to speak English.

"Classmates", who ridiculed him for wanting to speak English. What the hell is that about!

English needs to be legislated as our national language. As President Theodore Roosevelt once said, "We have one language here, and that is the English language, and we intend to see that the [assimilation] crucible turns our people out as Americans."

The growing Latino population doesn't bother me so much as the constant push for America to speak and print everything in Spanish. While knowing two (or more) languages is a good thing, English SHOULD BE our national language. It should be expected to gain true "citizenship".

I plan to write my Senators and Congressmen and complain, and try to compel them to get some kind of legislation started to make English our nationally official language.

I would encourage all of you to do the same!
Dan

Man killed in home invasion

That title was the headline to a morning news report I read. The report described what was known at the time, that three men entered the home in search of money. They shot the husband in the head, and the wife was forced to the ground. While a vague suspect vehicle description was listed, little more was known at the time of the report.

My point...and rant...this morning is this - freedom and gun ownership.

While I have gone on before about the 2nd amendment, I want to include the following....
(Taken from the Declaration of Independence) -- "We hold these truths to be self-evident, 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." (bolds added by me)

Also discussed before, is the fact that 9-1-1, and law enforcement, are reactionary, assuming one can even make the call. So, at what point can one assure their own LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS?

The 2nd amendment isn't just about our ability to fight a threat to our nation, it's about our personal ability to protect ourselves and to save our own life, protect our own liberty, and keep alive our ability to pursue happiness. Self protection, or that our of loved ones, is a natural right. Who could expect anyone to be against our right to protect ourselves from harm?

There are those, liberal anti-gun types, who WOULD want to remove from us, the ability to protect ourselves, and in stead, have us rely on only law enforcement to do it. The listed example I opened with, illustrates the failure of such reliance. (No fault of law enforcement. They didn't get the call until after the fact....which is my point here.)

Now, with the new President, will come the appointments to his various cabinet positions. I can tell you that many of those we will soon see in high appointments, are anti-gunners, who want to see the abolishment of the 2nd amendment. No matter what President Obama said in his run-up to our highest elected office, his past actions, and his associations, would strongly suggest a new onslaught of anti-gun and anti-2nd amendment activity.

I am a former street Cop and Detective. I am a war Veteran. I am a dad and husband. And I am a NRA member. I am asking each of you, as part of what we all need to do to protect our rights (so we can at least have a chance to protect ourselves from the likes of those three in today's headlines), to join the National Rifle Association. The NRA is our strongest voice in our Capital, for the protection of our 2nd amendment rights. I am providing a link for your use. Please, review what the NRA does, and join the NRA. https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp

As I have written before, I am not proposing that everyone have and/or carry a gun. But everyone should want to retain the right to do so. It IS our right, under the 2nd amendment, to do so. This isn't about hunting. It IS about personal freedom and personal protection. It IS about LIFE, LIBERTY, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS.

Dan

Join the NRA! https://membership.nrahq.org/forms/signup.asp

Welcome President Bush

An Open Letter to President and Mrs. Bush ~

Welcome Home President & Mrs. Bush!

With that, THANK YOU for your service to our nation. We can not imagine the strain and challenges you faced, well beyond those aired on the national news. No other President, since Roosevelt, has faced such extreme dangers to our nation, and had the responsibility to face them and act on them.

While there are those who would be the back-seat critics to your years as our President, they sat in safety and without that mandated responsibility for the safety of all of us. You took what was dealt to you Mr. President, and with all my soul, I believe you did all anyone could to protect us. For my family and me, I say thank you.

May God Bless you and Mrs. Bush, as you return to Texas, and into your Dallas home. May you find peace, good neighbors, and a growingly thankful nation.

Dan B.
A north Dallas area neighbor!