I've Always Loved "America"

These words still burn in my ears, when in 2008, then to-be First Lady Michelle Obama said, "for the first time in my adult life I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback."

America. I've spoke before about what that name means to me. The sound of her, is a beautiful sound. And hearing someone say, "America", sends me to see in my minds eye, our glorious Flag. I love our country. I love America. I always have.

Yes, we are a country with faults. We've made mistakes. I've not always been our best. We've often failed to live up to our Founder's designs (Even they did!). And there have been times where I have cussed some acts of our countrymen. But I have ALWAYS loved America.

Having faults and making mistakes, does NOT diminish the foundation of who we are. And we must re3cgnize those faults and mistakes, and work together to correct them. We are not perfect. No place is. But knowing I have options to relocate to any place in the world, there is no other country I'd rather swear my allegiance to. NONE.

Many years ago, I cussed my nations citizens. I was in my own very dark place, and very disappointed in many of my fellow citizens. I was angry and bitter, but I always loved seeing our Flag, and "America the Beautiful" and "God Bless America" were songs that would cause me goosebumps. Still does.

I've shared my thoughts about our Pledge of Allegiance.
http://american1st.blogspot.com/2011/02/our-pledge-of-allegiance.html
and we, ALL Americans, need to keep in mind, that while we work to improve on ourselves, WE are ONE country. Our common goal, should be to protect America, and keep our Flag a symbol that represents all of us.

Being proud of America, isn't the same as being proud of any party, or elected official, or whomever. We should always be proud of who we are as "a people", collectively, united. Sure, we can disagree and bicker. But upon our daily sunsets, we should remain Americans. And, not just when someone we want as President, is elected. If someone is only proud, when they get their way, then they don't really love America at all. If someone wants to "fundamentally" change America, then that person doesn't really love America at all. What those types want, is a country of their own design to love.

I love MY country, America. I love my country, over myself. I have, and would again, put my life at grave risk, for my country. I believe that today, more than ever before, we have a President who would not only NOT put himself at risk, but does NOT love his country, more than he loves himself.

Obama must go!
Romney-Ryan 2012

"You didn't build that"

In that notable speech, Obama said, "If you've been successful, you didn't get there on your own. You didn't get there on your own. I’m always struck by people who think, well, it must be because I was just so smart. There are a lot of smart people out there. It must be because I worked harder than everybody else. Let me tell you something -- there are a whole bunch of hardworking people out there. If you were successful, somebody along the line gave you some help. There was a great teacher somewhere in your life. Somebody helped to create this unbelievable American system that we have that allowed you to thrive. Somebody invested in roads and bridges. If you've got a business -- you didn't build that. Somebody else made that happen. The Internet didn't get invented on its own. Government research created the Internet so that all the companies could make money off the Internet."

There are those who now say the Republicans have taken Obama's words out of context. Really?

If you think those words are taken out of context, and suggest Obama didn't mean what he DID say, then I'd suggest this. You don't know Obama!

Obama spoke what he really thinks, and what he really is driving at. And that, is that Obama thinks everyone should share the wealth of those who built successful businesses. Obama BELIEVES in wealth redistribution. And his speech, he was simply trying to sell YOU (his followers), that YOU should get a piece of the pie someone else baked! THAT is Obama's real belief. He wants to "fundamentally change America", by having us become a re-distribution the wealth state, taking from those who actually worked for it. Obama wants to re-set the playing field, so everyone gets equal shares. Obama wants to control big business, and keep in line small business, so those without, can share in the wealth.

I don't mind paying taxes so our government can provide those critical services that only the government can do. But, should I be expected to help provide all the income to those who won't even work? NO!! Should I be expected to help provide for 2nd and 3rd generation welfare recipients? NO! I've worked in some form or another, from taking babysitting jobs and cleaning churches, since I was 13 years old, to selling TV advertising on to conducting criminal investigations as an adult. So for nearly 50 years, I've worked for MY money. (But we DO need to overhaul the tax code, that the very rich can legally take advantage of . But Obama has not said ONE word, make not ONE move to fix a totally screwed up tax system. Why? THAT does not work in his plan.

Obama wasn't taken out of context. He said what he truly believes. And what he believes, is NOT how America gained such an innovative, manufacturing, and economic presence in the world.

And, I'd add this, "What's frustrated people is that I've not been able to implement every aspect of what I said in 2008. (That is to say, fundamentally change America. - My inserted reminder.) Well, it turns out our Founders designed a system that makes it more difficult to bring about change than I would like sometimes. But what we have been able to do is move in the right direction," Obama said.

Is THAT the kind of President we want, or need? One who see our constitution as something that stands in his way! No!! But HE DOES see America's constitution as a document that gets in his way. THANK GOD it does!

For America's sake ~ Romney-Ryan 2012!

Don't Leave Your Horse In The Barn - II

Generally speaking, people are okay and unchallenged by just living the life the government lets them live. And as long as any government intrusion happens to "the other guy", then people will sit quietly by, feeling smug in that they don't have anything to worry about. But, they DON'T like people to stand up in the public square (read - any public venue) and protest the government or the leaders, and to point out, sometimes loudly, what is going on around us. Nope. That makes many feel uncomfortable. Oh yes, they'll protest in the confines of their homes and among the few they are comfortable talking to, but to write a public piece, or be vocal in public? Nope.

Some 237 years ago, I expect there were those who also felt uncomfortable when some would speak out in the public square about King George. There were those who sided with the British, and would not go along with any uprising against the King. But those who were vocal about freedom, did so at their own risk. Great risk in fact.

Samuel Adams and John Hancock had to go into hiding, because of their written and spoken protests. Patrick Henry, in a publicly defiant voice, pronounced, "Give me liberty, or give me death!" You don't think that British spies didn't take note of that speech in Richmond Virginia! Those early Patriots KNEW they were putting themselves and their families at risk. William Dawes (a shoe maker), the other "rider" like Paul Revere, was caught and arrested before his "ride" really got going. And Paul Revere took great risk of death in his "ride" to warn of the advancing British soldiers (who were headed to impound the Patriot's weapons stores). Both threw off the personal risks, and saddled up anyway. Freedom was THAT important.

Aside from our soldiers fighting our wars abroad, I can't help but wonder, "Who would dare put their personal freedom, their very lives, on the line for the cause of freedom and against government tyranny?" I fear the number of citizens who would, are dwindling.

I can't say with certainty that I'd give up my life for liberty. One can't say for certain, until faced with such a test. I will say that in my heart of hearts, I hope I would be so courageous to do so. But until that test comes, I WILL be vocal. I WILL write my protests. I WILL do so in public. I WILL NOT hide when speaking against injustice and the growing tyranny I see rising from our government. And if I make you "uncomfortable"? Well, I guess you can close your window, shut me out, close your ears, and block my words. But I WILL NOT sit quietly by, while America and our constitution crumble around me. I WILL NOT see signs of trouble, and not speak up in warning. No sir, I WILL NOT leave my horse in the barn. Will you?

Additional to the first publicized post:

November 6th, 2012 is quickly approaching. Many people will cast votes, NOT for whom is best for America, but because Obama is black, or because Obama IS black. Frankly, I couldn't care less about his color. I care, about the inner workings and belief system the man holds. And Obama scares the crap out of me. I will NOT sit quietly by, while such a man wants to dismantle America. As far as I'm concerned, Obama is today's King George, I have every intention of seeing him beaten back to the shores.

The Word Is Out!

Yes, the word is out ... about Barack Obama, or aaah ...... Barry Sotero. The word is out, in the same way "the word is out", when Harry Reid said it about Mitt Romney not paying taxes for ten years. And because Romney hasn't provided proof that he had filed taxes, then it must be true! Right Dems?

And Obama may have committed a Felony too! That is, by his own admission he tried cocaine, which by law IS a felony offense. PLUS, "the word is out" that Barack Obama lied about one of two things - IF he was born in the United States, then he lied, and perhaps committed a felony for falsifying his student application to Occidental, by claiming to be "foreign student" .... OR .... he lied about being a US citizen! Either way, I suspect Obama lied, and committed a felony in doing so.

After all, what is he hiding by NOT opening those records? By not doing so, by the standard Reid and friends have set, then Obama is GUILTY!

Tic Toc - Tic Toc - Tic Toc

Average folks, having an average day, enjoying a new release in a packed theater. While the new release family film is mid-way through, a person in a back row stands and ......

At this point, for this fictionalized exercise, the time starts. Tic Toc .....

No one really notices the person, as the semi-automatic weapon is pulled from under a rain coat. While the movie screen is filled with a loud car chase, the first shot rings out. Then another. And another, before people began to realize there was a threat. Tic Toc .... By this time, only 8 seconds have elapsed, and 8 bullets have slammed into the crowded theater, lit only by the bright colored screen images, and the flash of the weapon's muzzle.

The shooter is now blocking the isle to the main entrance/exit (Some newer theaters have but one entrance/exit, except for the emergency door.). More shots ring out, and people are screaming louder than the blasts of the gun. On top of the high volume of the on-going movie, most people still don't know where the threat is, or what is even going on. No one expects such an act of horror at a family film. Still, more shots ring out. Tic Toc .... Now, 15 rounds have been fired, and only 20 seconds have passed, but that's a life time for some.

A few of the people have now found the emergency exit and flee. Others take cover on the floor between the seats. Still others, in fear, confusion and panic, try to exit the same way they came in, and are shot down. By now, in just 42 seconds, 29 rounds have been fired. Tic Toc ....

Mass hysteria has now spread through the theater, and the shooter has moved to have clear shots at more people. Men, women, children, are all in the line of fire. More shots ring out. So far, 43 rounds have been fired, and in just only 63 seconds. Tic Toc ....

People scream, and some try to cover their children, as more shots thunder through the theater. From the instant of the first shot, to now the 50th shot, only 1 minute 15 seconds have passed. While many of the bullets struck seat backs and were stopped, more than 30 people - men, women and children, have been wounded or killed. For the others, they have no idea the shooter has made way to the exit along with other panicking people, and the threat has now gone out into the corridor with them. Tic Toc ....

In slightly more than 3 minutes that have passed. The Police have just started to arrive and surround the theater, and try to figure out who is who while people run out of the building. The shooter, exiting the building with the crowd, raises the gun again. From within the scurrying crowd of people, the shooter fires on police. The police take cover, while trying to return fire without hitting innocent people. With citizens in and near the line of fire, the shooter gets off 7 more rounds, before the police get a clear shot, shoot, and bring the shooter down. A short 3 minutes and 45 seconds had passed, and it was over.

Over 30 citizens shot, wounded and/or dead, in less than 3-1/2 minutes. And a total of 57 rounds were fired.

In most situations like this, it takes a little time just for a call to even go out to 9-1-1. Then, there is a national average of about 3-1/2 minutes for the first Police Officers to arrive. Even then, in such mass confusion, more time is used up to evaluate the situation and plan some kind of armed respond.

Now, most may read into the above and assume an "assault weapon" was used. They would be wrong. For this exercise, I used a stop watch, my Colt 1911 .45 caliber pistol, and 8 total magazines. While all were empty for safety, I can tell you that I am experienced enough to know that someone with some experience could shoot and reload under pressure, while shooting with a fair degree of accuracy, all those rounds in less than 2 minutes! I dry-fired what would be the first 8 rounds, then physically reloaded a magazine each time (these are normal 7 round magazines), pushing down on the slide release, then repeated dry-firing (Even this, was in a single action manual hammer back motion with each "shot", which would be a bit slower than normal rate of fire.). This was not done as fast as possible. I used a consistently quick pace, but not speed shooting. And I changed the direction of my aim, side to side, with each pull of the trigger. All 57 rounds could easily be fired in far less than the 3-1/2 minutes, as long as no one was shooting back!

No so-called assault rifle, machine pistol, or other automatic type weapon. Just a determined person with a maximum capacity of 8 round pistol (7 in the mag, and 1 in the chamber), and extra every-day available "low capacity" (7 rd) magazines, and with less than two boxes of ammo. (In my usual trip to the range, I will take 4 or more boxes of 50.)

High capacity isn't really the issue. The deranged evil person, DETERMINED to do such evil, is the problem. As I tried to demonstrate, I used an every day semi-auto pistol with normal 7 round magazines, to create the fictionalized mayhem.

While I don't think arming everyone is the answer, I'd submit this - If someone in the theater had a lawful firearm on them, could that person have returned fire right away, thus ending the massacre before the shooter reloaded? As the above was storied, everyone in the theater were unarmed sitting ducks! And you can bet your last dollar, any "FIREARM FREE ZONE" placard, would NOT have stopped any bad guy from doing anything! By the way, when you're being shot at, most all accurate firing goes out the window. So even someone returning fire without actually hitting the bad guy, will most likely disrupt, if not stop, the assailant's shooting. Such shooters COUNT on their victims being helpless, and UN-ARMED, so their cowardly plan of attack goes out the window too, when confronted by an armed person.

There are some 300+  million firearms owned by some 70+ million American citizens. And those 70 + MILLION lawful gun owners, don't harm anyone. They obey the law, own and lawfully use their firearms of all sorts, and in many cases prevent crime.

Our problem is not our "gun culture" of firearms ownership. Our problem is our failure to commit resources needed for proper mental health care services (an estimated 16% of our prison populations have serious mental illnesses), monitoring those who have shown a propensity for armed violence, and properly confining those convicted of violent crimes. (Long and/or state prison sentences for non-violent crimes, is a waste of space when we need to keep actual predators locked away.)

PS: I contemplated doing a video demonstration of the fictional scenario using live ammo, but felt it could be too much to display, and could give someone a visual lesson on rapid fire and speed reloading. As for the written description of such a horrible, but fictional, event, I feel the point was important enough so we don't get side-tracked by stupid solutions to an evil problem.

PPS: I would encourage every business to post signs, that say, "Off-Duty Police Officers and Licensed Concealed Firearms Holders Welcome Here". (If I ran a theater, I'd even offer some free tickets to all Off-Duty Police Officers.)