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.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, March 20, 2009
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
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
Saturday, March 14, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
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.)
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.)
Monday, February 16, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, January 26, 2009
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
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
Thursday, January 22, 2009
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
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
Sunday, January 18, 2009
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!
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!
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