Iran is said to have made it's first nuclear rod fuel rods. IED's and suicide bombers still causing deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan. In Afghanistan, zealots kill Americans and violently protest the burning of some Korans. Korans by the way, that were properly disposed of, because they were defaced by the inmates in a military prison.
Obama rushed to apologize to the Afghans, and I expect some troops to eventually be thrown under the bus by their Commander and Chief.
*We have a foreign policy of appeasement and apologies, which is to say we don't have one.
*We don't have an energy policy that promotes new exploration, no new refineries, and gas is at an all time high for this time of year.
*Afghan president Karzai has asked for all our troops there, to confine themselves to our main bases, and to stay out of the villages (where our troops have developed relationships with locals), due to a single incident of one of our guys going nuts and killing civilians (and yes, that was a terrible thing).
*We have exhausted our troops, and their families, with multiple deployments.
*Our president has set a get-out-of-Afghanistan date, so the Taliban, and Karzai, are now just holding out for our exit.
*We still give money to countries who either hate us, or aid our enemies through the back door.
*We still have about 9% unemployment, and higher in industrial cities and poorer neighborhoods.
*Obama wants to continue borrowing our way out of the economic mess we're in (has that EVER worked?).
*Our southern border, in spite of the hard work our Border Patrol is trying to do, still leaks like a sieve. (Laredo Nueva is the deadliest city in the world, and it's right across the river!)
*Our own screwed up government conducted a FAILED gun running operation, that so far has been part of the murder of one of our Border Patrol Agents, and has lost track over some 2,000 guns to Mexican dope and gun runners!
Our leadership has FAILED, and it ain't all Obama! Many people in our highest offices and positions, are failing us.
I'm sick of these people and their policies. And with my own brand of audacity, I'll make a few suggestions for whom ever comes into office from this November's elections.
Foreign Aide -
End ALL foreign aide. ALL countries wanting foreign aide, will have to re-apply, and convince us
that they should get ANY. If it does not serve OUR best interest, and does not improve the lives and
human rights for their citizens, then NO WAY.
United Nations -
Worthless, toothless, and full of far left leaders, who DO NOT have our best interest in their scope
at all. End their USA home, and let them move elsewhere. Then get out of the UN!
Military engagements/wars -
1. Other than an required immediate response to a direct threat to us, or a very close ally, then ALL
military action on foreign soil (and air space), will ONLY happen with Congressional approval.
2. In such an event, clear objectives are to be defined, and all manner to be given to achieve it.
3. In such events, ALL manner of force will be used for the quickest possible defeat of our enemy,
and NO occupation longer than the action calls for.
4. Rules Of Engagement will be open to all measures needed to rain hell on the enemy, and any
places they use to hide, launch attacks, use as shields, and what ever else the Field Commanders
need to bring the conflict to a quick conclusion. (In WWII, we bombed whole cities, young, old,
women, children, just to stop the enemy war machine, and bring them to their knees.)
5. I would make clear to the world, this: The USA does not want to occupy any other nation; the
USA does not want war in any other country; but if any country causes the USA to engage in war,
ALL HELL will be brought down on the earth our enemy stands on. NO MERCY on anyone who
combats us, or aides those who do. George Bush had it right, in that you're either for us, or you're
against us. I'd only add that you don't have to be for us, as long as you're not participating in some
way against us. Leave us, and our close allies, alone, and we'll leave you alone. If other 3rd world
countries want to kill each other, then it's not our concern. If it's genocide, then the world can
petition the UN to do something about it!
WAR IS HELL .... not a surgical operations with pain killers and sterile surroundings! And HELL
is what any potential enemy needs to be sure of coming with us!
Border -
1. All Troops on foreign nation bases to be evaluated for placement in strategic locations to protect
America, protect our allies, and sufficient enough to conduct multi-front battle grounds if needed.
2. Other troops, will be used at new base camps along various border areas of the USA. These
troops will have clear ROE and means to protect our border from illegal crossings and assaults by
terrorists and narco terrorists.
A. Border fences to be placed along all border areas when humans could cross.
B. A 100 yard NO MAN'S LAND to be cleared along the US side of the fence.
C. Clearly marked in the "neighboring" language and English, the warning of the KILL
ZONES for illegal border crossings are considered assaults on our national sovereignty. If
anyone crosses such areas, then we must assume they intend to do us harm. (WHO does not
understand a fence, and Ports Of Entry?)
D. A clear ROE will apply. This WILL NOT be law enforcement action, as this WILL BE
national security and defense. (And if Mexico doesn't like it - TUFF SHIT!)
3. Border Agents and ICE will conduct ALL law enforcement responsibilities on those entering
Posts of Entry, as well as take charge of immigration enforcement on those businesses who might
be using illegals to work. (Illegal includes those with expired visas.)
4. Border "Protection", will be a Military function!
5. All force needed to stop insurgencies and illegal crossings, shall be employed.... From non-lethal,
to scorched earth beneath their feet!
Economy -
1. The federal government WILL NOT take on any function that competes with private business,
nor run any private business.
2. The government will remove or suspend ALL impediments for businesses to conduct business.
Short of REAL issues of public and employee health issues, as well as real fraud issues, the
government needs to stay out of private business.
3. The Fed would be abolished.
4. Some tax money could be used as incentives to increase the number of employees. Better to take
the amount we use for "unemployment", and pay companies with incentives to "employ" people.
5. Unless a LAW is broken, stop threatening businesses for this or that.
6. While all reasonable measure should be taken to protect wild-life, and potential extinction of
animals, PEOPLE come first. (BTW - We weren't here, when the giants of the earth, dinosaurs,
died off!)
7. A system of cash awards to companies who design and PROVE new viable innovations in
technologies, i.e. new battery technology, alternative energy uses, etc., shall be explored for
validity and implementation. The cash awards should only be commensurate with the expected
financial gains such innovation would bring in a certain number of years. Incentives will be the
goal! Even prize money for individual citizen ideas to advance the well being and advancements
of America.
Taxes -
1. EVERY ONE who works, pays taxes of some kind.
2. Some level of a "national sales tax" should be implemented, so EVERYONE pays in.
2. The tax books and regs, get tossed out, and the IRS would be reduced to only that needed to
actual collection of those limited taxes levied.
3. A smooth transition to the Fair Tax would begin.
LINE ITEM VETO - Shall be the rule! I feel this would go a long way to reducing "pork" that gets added on to bills, just because a bill might have merit and would likely pass, adding crap on to them is BS!
Term Limits
I've resisted them in the past, but with less than half the citizens taking part in the voting, I'd be in
favor of them. It works for the office of president!
In all cases, the Constitution and Bill of Rights shall be our guide, and the 10th amendment shall be followed. The federal government would be reduced to only those areas of TRUE federal authority, and that which the states request as federal assistance (within the law).
In all other cases, state and local government shall impose those rules, laws, and taxes, as approved and voted on by each state's citizens.
Pretty arrogant, I know. But it's my way of thinking, so there ya go!
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Why I rant!
Special note to my Face Book friends:
Okay ... To explain, as some may shake their heads each time I post on political issues. I state the following, not in anger, but to clarify why I "rant", and why on sites like Face Book.
I have very passionate beliefs; They are conservative (Duh); I am a flag waving patriot; I believe our FOUNDATION is fundamental to our freedoms (and doesn't need changing); and I strongly believe in and love MY country (it didn't just start with the election of someone I supported).
I believe, with all my heart and soul, that to sit quietly by and just get-along, is why our country has slipped to where we are today. We're a mess economically; our foreign polices stink and are dangerous; and we're so politically correct, we won't call things as they really are in fear of offending someone; and far to many think that Freedom OF religion, means freedom FROM religion and want all references to religion out of our public domain (and we're paying for it with decay in out-right public demoralization).
I shall NOT sit quietly by and not shout from the roof-tops, that "We THE people", must take control and no longer relinquish it to so few. I will take advantage of any free speech avenue I can to try to express my concerns for my country. Even if you are a democrat or independent, you too should educate yourself to as much truth you can find, then VOTE you honest conscience.
We don't have to agree, but we all need to participate. The free flow of information, ideas, and then voting for whom we believe best that can serve America, is critical. And I, for one, will NOT follow any Pied Piper, of any party.
Okay ... To explain, as some may shake their heads each time I post on political issues. I state the following, not in anger, but to clarify why I "rant", and why on sites like Face Book.
I have very passionate beliefs; They are conservative (Duh); I am a flag waving patriot; I believe our FOUNDATION is fundamental to our freedoms (and doesn't need changing); and I strongly believe in and love MY country (it didn't just start with the election of someone I supported).
I believe, with all my heart and soul, that to sit quietly by and just get-along, is why our country has slipped to where we are today. We're a mess economically; our foreign polices stink and are dangerous; and we're so politically correct, we won't call things as they really are in fear of offending someone; and far to many think that Freedom OF religion, means freedom FROM religion and want all references to religion out of our public domain (and we're paying for it with decay in out-right public demoralization).
I shall NOT sit quietly by and not shout from the roof-tops, that "We THE people", must take control and no longer relinquish it to so few. I will take advantage of any free speech avenue I can to try to express my concerns for my country. Even if you are a democrat or independent, you too should educate yourself to as much truth you can find, then VOTE you honest conscience.
We don't have to agree, but we all need to participate. The free flow of information, ideas, and then voting for whom we believe best that can serve America, is critical. And I, for one, will NOT follow any Pied Piper, of any party.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Petroleum and our National Security
Oil - or the control of oil - can be a weapon to be used against us. And in our (USA) case, we are very vulnerable to having it used as such. Let me paint you a couple pictures to make my point.
1. Iran completes the construction of a couple nuclear weapons. With such weapons, they can either use them themselves, or make them available for our other enemies to use. Even without an effective delivery system, cross-country transport, and remote detonation, could be done. (IED anyone?)
2. The Taliban, or other radical Islamists, places nukes in strategic oil production/distribution locations, and hold hostage the oil from those locations. (Even low-yield nukes, would close oil fields from use.)
3. Iran commences a naval stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively shutting off shipping from that region, while countries and militaries maneuver some kind of stand-down.
4. Iran (#4 in oil production) also cuts all exports of oil to the US.
5. Venezuela (#11 in oil production), taking sides with Iran, shuts of all oil exports to the US.
With the above strategies put into action, or any of two such events, then here is what "I think" we could expect –
*Oil imports get drastically cut.
*US oil supplies get stifled, and prices jump drastically.
*Oil prices skyrocket, to $300 brl, or more.
*Gasoline prices in the US jump to $10 plus per gal.
*With a possible military threat, our military would be first on the list for oil/fuel, and could cause limited supplies for commercial use, and could even cause rationing, like what was seen in the 1973.
* Trickle up supply costs, would drive prices of all trucked goods, to go up exponentially.
* Consumers panic buy goods, drive prices higher.
* Small businesses suffer from exploded prices, and have to close.
* Gasoline shortages cause people to lose work, incomes dive, civil unrest erupts in hardest hit areas.
* Fear drives citizens to demand something be done.
* Government responses could escalate into wider war in the Mid-East.
By the way, Ron Paul fans – THIS is why I can’t support Paul. He doesn’t think we shouldn't tell another country they can’t have nukes!
Contrary to hostile nations and terror groups, we (the USA) don’t threaten another nation's “existence”, as Iran and extreme Islamists do!
We have to think far past gasoline prices for our cars, as oil is not JUST a commodity. It is a way of life in the industrial world, and in the US in particular, and is a needed commodity for everyday life and commerce.
Cut our oil, and cut our way of life and cause crisis all over the country.
1. Iran completes the construction of a couple nuclear weapons. With such weapons, they can either use them themselves, or make them available for our other enemies to use. Even without an effective delivery system, cross-country transport, and remote detonation, could be done. (IED anyone?)
2. The Taliban, or other radical Islamists, places nukes in strategic oil production/distribution locations, and hold hostage the oil from those locations. (Even low-yield nukes, would close oil fields from use.)
3. Iran commences a naval stand-off in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively shutting off shipping from that region, while countries and militaries maneuver some kind of stand-down.
4. Iran (#4 in oil production) also cuts all exports of oil to the US.
5. Venezuela (#11 in oil production), taking sides with Iran, shuts of all oil exports to the US.
With the above strategies put into action, or any of two such events, then here is what "I think" we could expect –
*Oil imports get drastically cut.
*US oil supplies get stifled, and prices jump drastically.
*Oil prices skyrocket, to $300 brl, or more.
*Gasoline prices in the US jump to $10 plus per gal.
*With a possible military threat, our military would be first on the list for oil/fuel, and could cause limited supplies for commercial use, and could even cause rationing, like what was seen in the 1973.
* Trickle up supply costs, would drive prices of all trucked goods, to go up exponentially.
* Consumers panic buy goods, drive prices higher.
* Small businesses suffer from exploded prices, and have to close.
* Gasoline shortages cause people to lose work, incomes dive, civil unrest erupts in hardest hit areas.
* Fear drives citizens to demand something be done.
* Government responses could escalate into wider war in the Mid-East.
By the way, Ron Paul fans – THIS is why I can’t support Paul. He doesn’t think we shouldn't tell another country they can’t have nukes!
Contrary to hostile nations and terror groups, we (the USA) don’t threaten another nation's “existence”, as Iran and extreme Islamists do!
We have to think far past gasoline prices for our cars, as oil is not JUST a commodity. It is a way of life in the industrial world, and in the US in particular, and is a needed commodity for everyday life and commerce.
Cut our oil, and cut our way of life and cause crisis all over the country.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Vilifying the Rich?
Today's Blog -
(This applies every day, but before Obama's State of the Union Address this date, I'd ask people to keep this in mind.)
Vilifying the Rich?
Before I begin, let me make clear the following ~ I am middle-class, at best. I am not supporting ill-gotten gains in wealth. I am not suggesting the rich be given special consideration in taxation.
I DO believe in some reasonable tax reform, where everyone pays into the system (I like the Fair Tax, but several simplified tax plans could be better than what we have now.). And in no way, should criminal activity, such as fraud, be tolerated.
This wave of blaming the rich is BS, and it's a serious diversion from the real problems in American economics and government.
But, what should we think about the RICH? Many (most?) of those Occupying Wall Street, would say we should arrest them (for what crime?) because they shouldn't have that wealth (really?). Why don't they protest a $32 million a year Alex Rodriguez of the NY Yankees? And have you noticed, many of those people doing the protesting, do so while using their Apple laptops, iPhones, iPads, and such. All those are made by one of the biggest and most successful companies out there, owned by one of the richest men in America (RIP Steve Jobs), at a net worth of around $7 billion (and their products are made in China?)!
The RICH, you know ... the ones Obama encourages many to hate and to blame for all our woes ... employ people, start businesses, and buy stuff. They buy LOTS of stuff. And that STUFF, is made, maintained, and sold by people from all walks of employment. I say, instead of vilifying the RICH, make stuff for them! Sell stuff to them! Maintain stuff for them! Make YOUR money OFF of them. Thousands upon thousands of people and small businesses are doing that right now!
Just for fun, lets make up a RICH family. A RICH family who have earned their own way, by, let's say, designing and selling the best mouse traps the world has ever known.
The RICH family is a family of four. A 46 year old dad; his business partner wife, who is also 46 (high school sweethearts); a 18 year old daughter; a 16 year old son; two pure bred Irish Setters; and an African Grey Parrot. They live on 5 acres, in a gated community, with a pool, a 4 car garage, with a 5 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath, 3800 sq ft home.
Fred RICH, drives a new Cadillac SRT.
Betty RICH drives a new XC-90 Volvo SUV.
Sandy RICH was given a 1992 Nissan Sentra for school (Dad's character builder).
Sean RICH was given ... a ride to school (also Dad's character builder).
Fred loves golf, and belongs to a country club.
Betty loves antiques.
Fred and Betty enjoy weekend day-trips on their new full-dressed Harley-Davidson.
Sandy shows her dogs on a national level.
Sean plays baseball, on the school team and on a summer league.
They all love in-home movies, and enjoy the surround sound, fully equipped home theater system, with a 72" TV, and plush theater seating.
Fred and Sean hold weekend billiard challenges in their game room.
Betty takes in-home cooking lessons, in their large country kitchen, from a professional chef.
Sandy has learned to bake Chicago style pizzas in the brick-oven (yeah, nice kitchen!).
Okay, nice, uh! Yep, the RICH have what many would think of as a well to do life. They earned it, and at a rate of $1,200,000 a year in earnings and investments. And, they have an accountant, to make sure they follow the law, and pay only what the insanely complex tax code requires. They are, by any standard normal people would say, RICH.
So, I ask ....
And how many people were involved in building their house?
What about the sub-contractors for the pool, landscaping, tennis court, gazebo, fence, ect?
How about the suppliers of all the plumbing? The electrical? The appliances? The cabinets?
How many people work in the Cadillac and Volvo factories?
Or work in the sales rooms, finance departments, service shops?
How many people work at the billiard company? Or the factory show rooms? Or the delivery and set-up crews?
How many people make and install the TVs, stereos, all the home theater furnishings?
How much gets spent in travel to all the baseball games (gas, meals, even over-nights)?
How much to maintain the Pure Bred Irish Setters, and travel for the dog shows?
How about the Veterinarians for the dog and parrot?
How many people maintain the country club, and golf greens?
What about the personal tennis instructor and batting coach?
While I don't contribute, HOW much has the RICH family spent at a two-week summer vacation at a south Florida beach condo?
When Fred and Sandy go to work, how many people are employed in the parking garage, or work in building maintenance?
And HOW MANY PEOPLE, do the RICH's employ, pay, provide benefits to?
And how many people, collectively, design, build, supply, sell, and maintain all the RICH stuff?
And how many of those protesting at Wall Street, will be hiring YOU?
Protest REAL fraud and criminal conduct!
Protest bad government! (Try DC, and not Wall Street!)
Protest wasteful government spending!
Protest government elected officials and appointees who abuse their power, and getting life-long benefits, when the rest of us have to follow laws and rules they don't!
Are YOU employed by a broke person? Or has someone with money to invest, provided a means of earning a living to you?
To Protest "the RICH", because they have, and you don't, IS STUPID. Unless - SOCIALISM is your preferred form of government!
(This applies every day, but before Obama's State of the Union Address this date, I'd ask people to keep this in mind.)
Vilifying the Rich?
Before I begin, let me make clear the following ~ I am middle-class, at best. I am not supporting ill-gotten gains in wealth. I am not suggesting the rich be given special consideration in taxation.
I DO believe in some reasonable tax reform, where everyone pays into the system (I like the Fair Tax, but several simplified tax plans could be better than what we have now.). And in no way, should criminal activity, such as fraud, be tolerated.
This wave of blaming the rich is BS, and it's a serious diversion from the real problems in American economics and government.
But, what should we think about the RICH? Many (most?) of those Occupying Wall Street, would say we should arrest them (for what crime?) because they shouldn't have that wealth (really?). Why don't they protest a $32 million a year Alex Rodriguez of the NY Yankees? And have you noticed, many of those people doing the protesting, do so while using their Apple laptops, iPhones, iPads, and such. All those are made by one of the biggest and most successful companies out there, owned by one of the richest men in America (RIP Steve Jobs), at a net worth of around $7 billion (and their products are made in China?)!
The RICH, you know ... the ones Obama encourages many to hate and to blame for all our woes ... employ people, start businesses, and buy stuff. They buy LOTS of stuff. And that STUFF, is made, maintained, and sold by people from all walks of employment. I say, instead of vilifying the RICH, make stuff for them! Sell stuff to them! Maintain stuff for them! Make YOUR money OFF of them. Thousands upon thousands of people and small businesses are doing that right now!
Just for fun, lets make up a RICH family. A RICH family who have earned their own way, by, let's say, designing and selling the best mouse traps the world has ever known.
The RICH family is a family of four. A 46 year old dad; his business partner wife, who is also 46 (high school sweethearts); a 18 year old daughter; a 16 year old son; two pure bred Irish Setters; and an African Grey Parrot. They live on 5 acres, in a gated community, with a pool, a 4 car garage, with a 5 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath, 3800 sq ft home.
Fred RICH, drives a new Cadillac SRT.
Betty RICH drives a new XC-90 Volvo SUV.
Sandy RICH was given a 1992 Nissan Sentra for school (Dad's character builder).
Sean RICH was given ... a ride to school (also Dad's character builder).
Fred loves golf, and belongs to a country club.
Betty loves antiques.
Fred and Betty enjoy weekend day-trips on their new full-dressed Harley-Davidson.
Sandy shows her dogs on a national level.
Sean plays baseball, on the school team and on a summer league.
They all love in-home movies, and enjoy the surround sound, fully equipped home theater system, with a 72" TV, and plush theater seating.
Fred and Sean hold weekend billiard challenges in their game room.
Betty takes in-home cooking lessons, in their large country kitchen, from a professional chef.
Sandy has learned to bake Chicago style pizzas in the brick-oven (yeah, nice kitchen!).
Okay, nice, uh! Yep, the RICH have what many would think of as a well to do life. They earned it, and at a rate of $1,200,000 a year in earnings and investments. And, they have an accountant, to make sure they follow the law, and pay only what the insanely complex tax code requires. They are, by any standard normal people would say, RICH.
So, I ask ....
And how many people were involved in building their house?
What about the sub-contractors for the pool, landscaping, tennis court, gazebo, fence, ect?
How about the suppliers of all the plumbing? The electrical? The appliances? The cabinets?
How many people work in the Cadillac and Volvo factories?
Or work in the sales rooms, finance departments, service shops?
How many people work at the billiard company? Or the factory show rooms? Or the delivery and set-up crews?
How many people make and install the TVs, stereos, all the home theater furnishings?
How much gets spent in travel to all the baseball games (gas, meals, even over-nights)?
How much to maintain the Pure Bred Irish Setters, and travel for the dog shows?
How about the Veterinarians for the dog and parrot?
How many people maintain the country club, and golf greens?
What about the personal tennis instructor and batting coach?
While I don't contribute, HOW much has the RICH family spent at a two-week summer vacation at a south Florida beach condo?
When Fred and Sandy go to work, how many people are employed in the parking garage, or work in building maintenance?
And HOW MANY PEOPLE, do the RICH's employ, pay, provide benefits to?
And how many people, collectively, design, build, supply, sell, and maintain all the RICH stuff?
And how many of those protesting at Wall Street, will be hiring YOU?
Protest REAL fraud and criminal conduct!
Protest bad government! (Try DC, and not Wall Street!)
Protest wasteful government spending!
Protest government elected officials and appointees who abuse their power, and getting life-long benefits, when the rest of us have to follow laws and rules they don't!
Are YOU employed by a broke person? Or has someone with money to invest, provided a means of earning a living to you?
To Protest "the RICH", because they have, and you don't, IS STUPID. Unless - SOCIALISM is your preferred form of government!
Sunday, January 22, 2012
The 2nd Amendment and YOU - Updated
From many in today's world, and in particular our country, OUR 2nd amendment is under constant attack. So, I blog about my concerns and beliefs.
Internationally, the U.N. has designs on restricting America's gun ownership, as part of an overall desire to eliminate armed societies. There are those in our country, in THIS administration, who are in favor of such a movement, but know the fight will be hard to get around the 2nd amendment.
In OUR country, there have been a number of anti-gun activists through the years, and in this administration, it is rife with such people, namely the US Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the President himself. In turn, they are supported by various left-wing organizations, and strangely enough, even the ACLU (who usually defends individual rights!). They argue the 2nd amendment is NOT about an "individual" right, but only about a "militia", which would be organized and called out by the government. (The Supreme Curt has said it IS about an individuals right.)
Many non-gun and gun-owning Americans, fit into four basic positions: 1) Don't own one, and have no opinion on the subject either way; 2) Totally against firearm ownership, and believe only the police and/or military need to posses a firearm [these folks want each of us to depend on 9-1-1 to save us, and are NOT concerned that our government would ever turn on us]; 3) Believe in limited gun ownership [where one can own for protection, but don't think we should have so-called assault weapons]; and 4) those of us, who believe that the bottom line for a strong 2nd amendment, and firearms ownership, to protect ourselves AND our country. (I'm in the 4th group by the way.)
I am not speaking as a constitutional scholar, or an expert on the 2nd amendment. I am just an average citizen who reads on the various issues that concern me, and make decisions based on what I read and believe, and not what I'm told to believe (Anyone who knows me personally, can attest to that!).
But to me, one average American citizen (for whom The Constitution and Bill of Rights were written for), firmly believes the 2nd amendment was not about hunting. The 2nd amendment is about the "individual's right to bear arms, because, as George Mason has ".... believed that governmental tyranny was the primary evil against which the people had to defend ...". Having come from a country and government where the standing armies were used to control its populace, our founders wanted some measure of protection against having our own army turned against us, buy some "governmental tyranny".
If a government, insistent of "protecting" it's citizens, decides to disarm them, then what other freedoms will "they" decide is in our so-called best interest? And, if a president decides to subvert the constitutional structure of our nation, and conduct him/herself outside congressional approval, then how far is that from a dictatorship, i.e. tyranny?
If one is to accept that concept, then being able to "bear arms", to own firearms, not only protects one self and their family, but could be called upon to join with one's neighbors for a common defense, then just like the "Minutemen", a citizen would be prepared at any given moment, to help defend their community, or even their country. That principle didn't end with the Revolutionary War either.
As far as the so-called "assault weapon" issue, does one think for a moment that if our forefathers had access to a better firearm, they would buy what ever they could afford? Does anyone really think, that Patrick Henry would have said, "Yes, I know it's a better rifle to fight our well armed enemies with, but I don't think anyone needs to have more than the ol' Brown Bess!
My point is, that if firearms ARE for self defense, as well as a ready arm for a tyrannical government, then is keeping the citizens held to just a shotgun, and maybe a revolver, really acceptable? In the face of our enemies, foreign and possible domestic, who would CERTAINLY be armed with the latest in firearms, would YOU want to be saddled with such limited arms? If your enemies come to your neighborhood with AK-47s, wouldn't you prefer to have the same, or it's equivalent? And have ready access to it? (Storing them at an armory, which is controlled by the government, IS NOT ready access.)
I want to own what ever I can afford to purchase, maintain, safely store, and learn to shoot well with. Anything less, is a handicap.
Our 2nd Amendment Rights are constantly under attack. Politicians and anti-gun activists every day, are working to limit (and even eliminate) the 2nd Amendment, or at least cause it to not apply to YOU, the Individual. I will not sit quietly by and let that encroach on my freedoms and safety. I blog and write letters to Representatives, to help in my small way to keep MY rights....ALL of my rights! While many don't like my out-spokeness about such issues, I shall not, EVER, remain silent.
By the way, the NRA is the oldest and most organized organization, with 4 million strong members, who constantly watch and fight for our 2nd amendment rights. That's why I belong to the NRA. I ask you to join too.
Lastly, I want to add the following. In light of the terror and death brought upon those in Aurora Colorado, by one deranged person, I will say this -
As a former Law Enforcement Officer of 13+ years "on the street", I will ALWAYS be armed with what ever I think will best suit my needs. The Police, for all their want and try, are RESPONDERS. The call for aid/help, is most always as a result of a criminal act ALREADY committed, and victims ALREADY victimized. And friends, EVIL will always exist in the hearts and minds of the few, and no law will change that.
Internationally, the U.N. has designs on restricting America's gun ownership, as part of an overall desire to eliminate armed societies. There are those in our country, in THIS administration, who are in favor of such a movement, but know the fight will be hard to get around the 2nd amendment.
In OUR country, there have been a number of anti-gun activists through the years, and in this administration, it is rife with such people, namely the US Attorney General, the Secretary of State, and the President himself. In turn, they are supported by various left-wing organizations, and strangely enough, even the ACLU (who usually defends individual rights!). They argue the 2nd amendment is NOT about an "individual" right, but only about a "militia", which would be organized and called out by the government. (The Supreme Curt has said it IS about an individuals right.)
Many non-gun and gun-owning Americans, fit into four basic positions: 1) Don't own one, and have no opinion on the subject either way; 2) Totally against firearm ownership, and believe only the police and/or military need to posses a firearm [these folks want each of us to depend on 9-1-1 to save us, and are NOT concerned that our government would ever turn on us]; 3) Believe in limited gun ownership [where one can own for protection, but don't think we should have so-called assault weapons]; and 4) those of us, who believe that the bottom line for a strong 2nd amendment, and firearms ownership, to protect ourselves AND our country. (I'm in the 4th group by the way.)
I am not speaking as a constitutional scholar, or an expert on the 2nd amendment. I am just an average citizen who reads on the various issues that concern me, and make decisions based on what I read and believe, and not what I'm told to believe (Anyone who knows me personally, can attest to that!).
But to me, one average American citizen (for whom The Constitution and Bill of Rights were written for), firmly believes the 2nd amendment was not about hunting. The 2nd amendment is about the "individual's right to bear arms, because, as George Mason has ".... believed that governmental tyranny was the primary evil against which the people had to defend ...". Having come from a country and government where the standing armies were used to control its populace, our founders wanted some measure of protection against having our own army turned against us, buy some "governmental tyranny".
If a government, insistent of "protecting" it's citizens, decides to disarm them, then what other freedoms will "they" decide is in our so-called best interest? And, if a president decides to subvert the constitutional structure of our nation, and conduct him/herself outside congressional approval, then how far is that from a dictatorship, i.e. tyranny?
If one is to accept that concept, then being able to "bear arms", to own firearms, not only protects one self and their family, but could be called upon to join with one's neighbors for a common defense, then just like the "Minutemen", a citizen would be prepared at any given moment, to help defend their community, or even their country. That principle didn't end with the Revolutionary War either.
As far as the so-called "assault weapon" issue, does one think for a moment that if our forefathers had access to a better firearm, they would buy what ever they could afford? Does anyone really think, that Patrick Henry would have said, "Yes, I know it's a better rifle to fight our well armed enemies with, but I don't think anyone needs to have more than the ol' Brown Bess!
My point is, that if firearms ARE for self defense, as well as a ready arm for a tyrannical government, then is keeping the citizens held to just a shotgun, and maybe a revolver, really acceptable? In the face of our enemies, foreign and possible domestic, who would CERTAINLY be armed with the latest in firearms, would YOU want to be saddled with such limited arms? If your enemies come to your neighborhood with AK-47s, wouldn't you prefer to have the same, or it's equivalent? And have ready access to it? (Storing them at an armory, which is controlled by the government, IS NOT ready access.)
I want to own what ever I can afford to purchase, maintain, safely store, and learn to shoot well with. Anything less, is a handicap.
Our 2nd Amendment Rights are constantly under attack. Politicians and anti-gun activists every day, are working to limit (and even eliminate) the 2nd Amendment, or at least cause it to not apply to YOU, the Individual. I will not sit quietly by and let that encroach on my freedoms and safety. I blog and write letters to Representatives, to help in my small way to keep MY rights....ALL of my rights! While many don't like my out-spokeness about such issues, I shall not, EVER, remain silent.
By the way, the NRA is the oldest and most organized organization, with 4 million strong members, who constantly watch and fight for our 2nd amendment rights. That's why I belong to the NRA. I ask you to join too.
Lastly, I want to add the following. In light of the terror and death brought upon those in Aurora Colorado, by one deranged person, I will say this -
As a former Law Enforcement Officer of 13+ years "on the street", I will ALWAYS be armed with what ever I think will best suit my needs. The Police, for all their want and try, are RESPONDERS. The call for aid/help, is most always as a result of a criminal act ALREADY committed, and victims ALREADY victimized. And friends, EVIL will always exist in the hearts and minds of the few, and no law will change that.
Monday, December 12, 2011
WHO Do You Believe?
I don't know about anyone else, but I am sick and tired of the lies and deceptiveness from Washington, and Politicians in general. And today, I include major news outlets in the same light.
In national debates for offices; in national news releases from either party and The White House; and even from network pundits ..... WHO do YOU believe?
Does EVERYONE have an agenda? Even the various news media, seems to have their own agendas, and the reporting is slanted in that way.
So, I ask, WHO do YOU believe?
WHAT IS the truth?
And WHY do I doubt everyone so much any more?
I'll take on the last one first. -
The major news outlets, have LET ALL OF US down. THEY have failed us, and continuing to fail us daily. I say this, because THEY DO have their own agendas. And their reporting, is a direct result of that bias on what we will get from them.
Ideally, the real news outlets and reporters, would report THE FACTS, and investigate the sources of such information to confirm the trust worthiness of the information being reported to us.
I want to make up MY OWN MIND, and I can only do that with as honest and as complete of the information as possible. And if it is on-line or in print or electronically provided, I need to know I can TRUST the source of the information. I need to know that what I am being given, is as much of the truth as can be found, and NOT only what some journalist or media outlet wants me to know.
The good, the bad, the ugly...I want to know it all. I want to make up MY OWN MIND, and I want to do it based on the fair and impartial reporting of the facts.
But today, I just don't now WHERE I can get that. I don't trust Washington, Politicians in general, AND the media. They could ALL be trying to sell me a lemon, for all I know.
I challenge ALL media outlets, to wash themselves of ALL agendas, and just report facts. I challenge them to also have REAL discussion panels, that can honestly and impartially discuss the facts and stories from all over the globe, WITHOUT their attempts to side with one side of an issue or another. I challenge them to take a pledge, of telling the truth and all the facts. No more chill up a leg for a candiate, or some favored comments of one candidate over another, or vilifying one and glorifying another.
Newspapers, and all other news agencies, should be OUR watchdogs. Not, the attack dog for any one entity or another. Otherwise, I am left to do what I can to decipher the news and do what I can do come to a reasonable decision on any important matter, on my own.
As it stands, Politicians (of all parties), and news media, dine at the same club. And that club, doesn't seem to include "the people".
In national debates for offices; in national news releases from either party and The White House; and even from network pundits ..... WHO do YOU believe?
Does EVERYONE have an agenda? Even the various news media, seems to have their own agendas, and the reporting is slanted in that way.
So, I ask, WHO do YOU believe?
WHAT IS the truth?
And WHY do I doubt everyone so much any more?
I'll take on the last one first. -
The major news outlets, have LET ALL OF US down. THEY have failed us, and continuing to fail us daily. I say this, because THEY DO have their own agendas. And their reporting, is a direct result of that bias on what we will get from them.
Ideally, the real news outlets and reporters, would report THE FACTS, and investigate the sources of such information to confirm the trust worthiness of the information being reported to us.
I want to make up MY OWN MIND, and I can only do that with as honest and as complete of the information as possible. And if it is on-line or in print or electronically provided, I need to know I can TRUST the source of the information. I need to know that what I am being given, is as much of the truth as can be found, and NOT only what some journalist or media outlet wants me to know.
The good, the bad, the ugly...I want to know it all. I want to make up MY OWN MIND, and I want to do it based on the fair and impartial reporting of the facts.
But today, I just don't now WHERE I can get that. I don't trust Washington, Politicians in general, AND the media. They could ALL be trying to sell me a lemon, for all I know.
I challenge ALL media outlets, to wash themselves of ALL agendas, and just report facts. I challenge them to also have REAL discussion panels, that can honestly and impartially discuss the facts and stories from all over the globe, WITHOUT their attempts to side with one side of an issue or another. I challenge them to take a pledge, of telling the truth and all the facts. No more chill up a leg for a candiate, or some favored comments of one candidate over another, or vilifying one and glorifying another.
Newspapers, and all other news agencies, should be OUR watchdogs. Not, the attack dog for any one entity or another. Otherwise, I am left to do what I can to decipher the news and do what I can do come to a reasonable decision on any important matter, on my own.
As it stands, Politicians (of all parties), and news media, dine at the same club. And that club, doesn't seem to include "the people".
Friday, November 11, 2011
To My Fellow Veterans
Attention Fellow Veterans ~
Due to recent discussions with a couple other Vets, and knowing about the passing of more of us each day, I thought I'd post these thoughts.
Our WWI Vets are gone now. We are losing more and more of our WWII Vets every day, and their numbers have really dwindled. Our slightly-older brothers-in-arms from the Korean War, are also getting older and they'll be following our WWII Vets home more and more. And for my generation, we Vietnam Vets are no spring chickens anymore either.
When our Veterans go to their final resting place, they take with them all their memories. If no one captures those memories on recordings or on paper, then no one can learn anything from what they could pass on.
I have started something of a journal, or book, for myself. I have no plans on marketing such a thing (although many do so with much success), but do want to have it printed off, at least for my kids, and their kids. I want it to tell MY story, and share my thoughts and memories. I want it to be here, long after I go home one last time. It is NOT a "hero's" story, but it is MY story or MY experiences and perspectives. In some ways, I can write, what I can not say aloud to anyone.
Everyone has to deal with their experiences in what ever way is right for them. But, my fellow Vets from all conflicts, I would encourage you to document YOUR thoughts and experiences, and keep them for those who will follow some day. With today's computers and flash drives, it is easier than ever to write such thoughts down and save them until YOU are ready for anyone else to read them. You (and I) don't have to be a "writer", you just write. Or, have someone you can talk to, write it down for you. And if you need to, made audio recordings and save those.
I would encourage all Veterans to do so. And for the record, I am still working on my own memories, and it's taking me more than 10 years, and I'm still not done. It hasn't been a constant effort, but when ever I can just sit quietly nto myself and add some lines. You too may have some things you can't say even to yourself yet, but don't let that stop you from starting, and putting down those things you have to say or share.
And with flash drives, you can write, then save, and keep it as private as you want it to be. But do not miss the opportunity to get your thoughts down. They are part of you. They may be lessons to be shared to others, after your passing, if not before. Only YOU can share those.
THANK YOU to all our Vets, past and present, on this Veterans Day.
God Bless you all.
Due to recent discussions with a couple other Vets, and knowing about the passing of more of us each day, I thought I'd post these thoughts.
Our WWI Vets are gone now. We are losing more and more of our WWII Vets every day, and their numbers have really dwindled. Our slightly-older brothers-in-arms from the Korean War, are also getting older and they'll be following our WWII Vets home more and more. And for my generation, we Vietnam Vets are no spring chickens anymore either.
When our Veterans go to their final resting place, they take with them all their memories. If no one captures those memories on recordings or on paper, then no one can learn anything from what they could pass on.
I have started something of a journal, or book, for myself. I have no plans on marketing such a thing (although many do so with much success), but do want to have it printed off, at least for my kids, and their kids. I want it to tell MY story, and share my thoughts and memories. I want it to be here, long after I go home one last time. It is NOT a "hero's" story, but it is MY story or MY experiences and perspectives. In some ways, I can write, what I can not say aloud to anyone.
Everyone has to deal with their experiences in what ever way is right for them. But, my fellow Vets from all conflicts, I would encourage you to document YOUR thoughts and experiences, and keep them for those who will follow some day. With today's computers and flash drives, it is easier than ever to write such thoughts down and save them until YOU are ready for anyone else to read them. You (and I) don't have to be a "writer", you just write. Or, have someone you can talk to, write it down for you. And if you need to, made audio recordings and save those.
I would encourage all Veterans to do so. And for the record, I am still working on my own memories, and it's taking me more than 10 years, and I'm still not done. It hasn't been a constant effort, but when ever I can just sit quietly nto myself and add some lines. You too may have some things you can't say even to yourself yet, but don't let that stop you from starting, and putting down those things you have to say or share.
And with flash drives, you can write, then save, and keep it as private as you want it to be. But do not miss the opportunity to get your thoughts down. They are part of you. They may be lessons to be shared to others, after your passing, if not before. Only YOU can share those.
THANK YOU to all our Vets, past and present, on this Veterans Day.
God Bless you all.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Veterans Day 2011
To all those Veterans of today, as well as to all those who have come before - THANK YOU for your service and sacrifices.
While it is most usual for me to go off on some political tirade, this message will depart from that. With this Veterans Day, I will fly my flag, and say THANKS in any way I can. My family, my country, and I am free, because of the fight our Veterans have taken up for all of us.
May we all show our respect, and tell a person in uniform THANK YOU. God Bless our men and women serving today, and God Bless their families.
To ALL our Veterans of all conflicts - THANK YOU for YOUR Service.
While it is most usual for me to go off on some political tirade, this message will depart from that. With this Veterans Day, I will fly my flag, and say THANKS in any way I can. My family, my country, and I am free, because of the fight our Veterans have taken up for all of us.
May we all show our respect, and tell a person in uniform THANK YOU. God Bless our men and women serving today, and God Bless their families.
To ALL our Veterans of all conflicts - THANK YOU for YOUR Service.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Courage, Commitment, and Perseverance
Courage, Commitment, and Perseverance - Three words that, to me, describe a very special segment of WWII heroes. While those apply to so many, I am referring here to those men of the Tuskegee Airmen of the 332nd Fighter Group.
I first heard about the "Red Tails", as they were called, from my former father-in-law, Richard B. Sigle (R.I.P.), who had been a B-24 Liberator Pilot in WWII. He told me that no bomber was loss to hostile fighters, when the Red Tails were doing escorts. Wow.
Those men, those Negro Airmen of that day, had to endure so much in the segregated America, long before their introduction into the Army Air Corp. We know our history, but unless you were "colored", we can never know what they went through, or how they felt.
Yet, those men did endure the racist treatment, which continued when they entered the Air Corp. And they exceeded all expectations, persevered and attained their wings. They trained, they excelled, and they went on to serve their country, our country, in the European theater of war, and flew P-40 Warhawks, to P-51 Mustangs. The pilots and ground crews, were tasked with ground support and bomber escorts, while still bearing the brunt of racism. And that takes commitment and courage.
Those Airmen, later returned "home", only to find that America had not been any more accepting to them, as they had been before. Sadly, racism was still the way of things in even Post War America. All black Veterans, found the same America they had left to fight for, but they DID IT anyway.
We all owe a lot to Veterans of all wars, those men and women, who go into war zones for the continued struggle for our freedoms. But few Veterans know the rejection by those who held on to those racial beliefs. Sad, that such Veterans should be treated that way. No Veteran should be treated that way, but our Black Veterans of WWII went through things the rest of us can never imagine.
To those Veterans, we owe so much to. As with all WWII Veterans, they too are part of that greatest generation. The respect those Airmen are getting today, while long overdue, is so deserving.
Personally, and while NOT a pilot myself, I love all things that fly. And the men and women who fly them have my deepest respect and admiration. I do not care what their color is, their heritage, or their gender. If you have been a pilot, specially a military pilot, my hat is off to you. To those who proudly served, in the face of racism, thank you for serving OUR country anyway.
(Thanks too, to my son, Major Matt Bayes, Kansas Air National Guard Pilot, and Southwest Airlines Pilot.)
If you haven't seen it, watch The Tuskegee Airmen movie, and also the PBS special of the same title.
I first heard about the "Red Tails", as they were called, from my former father-in-law, Richard B. Sigle (R.I.P.), who had been a B-24 Liberator Pilot in WWII. He told me that no bomber was loss to hostile fighters, when the Red Tails were doing escorts. Wow.
Those men, those Negro Airmen of that day, had to endure so much in the segregated America, long before their introduction into the Army Air Corp. We know our history, but unless you were "colored", we can never know what they went through, or how they felt.
Yet, those men did endure the racist treatment, which continued when they entered the Air Corp. And they exceeded all expectations, persevered and attained their wings. They trained, they excelled, and they went on to serve their country, our country, in the European theater of war, and flew P-40 Warhawks, to P-51 Mustangs. The pilots and ground crews, were tasked with ground support and bomber escorts, while still bearing the brunt of racism. And that takes commitment and courage.
Those Airmen, later returned "home", only to find that America had not been any more accepting to them, as they had been before. Sadly, racism was still the way of things in even Post War America. All black Veterans, found the same America they had left to fight for, but they DID IT anyway.
We all owe a lot to Veterans of all wars, those men and women, who go into war zones for the continued struggle for our freedoms. But few Veterans know the rejection by those who held on to those racial beliefs. Sad, that such Veterans should be treated that way. No Veteran should be treated that way, but our Black Veterans of WWII went through things the rest of us can never imagine.
To those Veterans, we owe so much to. As with all WWII Veterans, they too are part of that greatest generation. The respect those Airmen are getting today, while long overdue, is so deserving.
Personally, and while NOT a pilot myself, I love all things that fly. And the men and women who fly them have my deepest respect and admiration. I do not care what their color is, their heritage, or their gender. If you have been a pilot, specially a military pilot, my hat is off to you. To those who proudly served, in the face of racism, thank you for serving OUR country anyway.
(Thanks too, to my son, Major Matt Bayes, Kansas Air National Guard Pilot, and Southwest Airlines Pilot.)
If you haven't seen it, watch The Tuskegee Airmen movie, and also the PBS special of the same title.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Protesting the Rich?
The RICH, and the middle class -
Before I begin, let me make clear the following ~
I am not even near rich, or even comfortable. I am not supporting ill-gotten gains in wealth. I am not suggesting the rich be given special consideration in taxation.
I DO believe in reasonable tax reform, where everyone pays into the system (I like the fair tax, but several simplified tax plans could be better than what we have now.). And in no way, should criminal activity, such as fraud, be tolerated.
But this wave of blaming the rich (what IS rich?), is BS, and it's a serious diversion from the real problems in American economics and government.
But, what should we think about the RICH? Many (most?) of those protesting at Wall Street, would say we should arrest them (for what crime?) because they shouldn't have that wealth (really?). Funny, those people do so, by sharing their views and protests while using their Apple laptops, iPhones, iPads, and such. All made by one of the biggest and most successful companies out there!
The RICH, you know ... the ones Obama encourages many to hate ... buy stuff. Lots of stuff. And that STUFF, is made, maintained, and sold by people from all walks of employment. I say, in stead of vilifying the RICH, make stuff for them, sell stuff to them, maintain stuff for them! Make YOU money OFF them. Thousands upon thousands are doing that right now!
Just for fun, lets make up a RICH family. A RICH family who have earned their own way, but, let's say, designing and selling the best mouse traps the world has ever know.
The RICH family is a family of four. A 46 year old dad; his business partner wife, who is also 46 (high school sweethearts); a 17 year old daughter; a 16 year old son; two pure bred Irish Setters; and an African Grey Parrot. They live on 5 acres, with a pool, a 4 car garage, with a 5 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath, 3800 sq ft home.
Fred RICH, drives a Cadillac SRT.
Betty RICH drives a XC-90 Volvo SUV.
Sandy RICH was given a 1992 Nissan Sentra for school, Dad's character builder
Sean RICH was given ... a ride to school
Fred loves golf, and belongs to a country club.
Betty loves antiques.
Sandy shows her dog on a national level.
Sean plays baseball, in school and on a summer league.
They all love in-home movies, and enjoy the surround sound fully equipped home theater system, with 72 " Plasma TV
Fred and Sandy hold weekend billiard challenges in their game room.
Betty takes in-home cooking lessons, in her large country kitchen.
Sean has leaned to bake pizzas in the brick-oven.
Okay, nice, uh! Yep, the RICH have what many would think of as a well to do live, and life style. They earned it, and at a rate of $1,200,000 a year, in earnings and investments. They are, by any standard normal people would say, RICH.
So, I ask ....
And how many people were involved in building that house?
What about the sub-contractors?
How about the suppliers of all the plumbing? The electrical? The appliances? The cabinets?
How many people work in the Cadillac and Volvo factories?
Or work in the sales room, finance department, service shop?
How many people work at the billiard company? Or the factory show rooms? Or the delivery and set-up crews?
How many people make the TVs, stereos, all the home theater furnishings?
How much gets spent in travel to all the baseball games (gas, meals, even over-nights)?
How much to maintain the Pure Bred Irish Setters, and travel for the dog shows?
How many people maintain the country club, and golf greens?
And HOW MANY PEOPLE, do the RICH's employ, pay, provide benefits to?
And how many people, collectively, design, build, supply, sell, and maintain all the RICH stuff?
(And how many of those protesting at Wall Street, will be hiring YOU?)
Protest REAL fraud and criminal conduct!
Protest bad government!
Protest wasteful spending!
Protest government elected officials and appointees who abuse their power, getting life-long benefits, when the rest of us have to follow laws and rules they don't!
But to Protest the RICH, because they have, and you don't, IS STUPID. Unless - SOCIALISM is your preferred form of government!
Before I begin, let me make clear the following ~
I am not even near rich, or even comfortable. I am not supporting ill-gotten gains in wealth. I am not suggesting the rich be given special consideration in taxation.
I DO believe in reasonable tax reform, where everyone pays into the system (I like the fair tax, but several simplified tax plans could be better than what we have now.). And in no way, should criminal activity, such as fraud, be tolerated.
But this wave of blaming the rich (what IS rich?), is BS, and it's a serious diversion from the real problems in American economics and government.
But, what should we think about the RICH? Many (most?) of those protesting at Wall Street, would say we should arrest them (for what crime?) because they shouldn't have that wealth (really?). Funny, those people do so, by sharing their views and protests while using their Apple laptops, iPhones, iPads, and such. All made by one of the biggest and most successful companies out there!
The RICH, you know ... the ones Obama encourages many to hate ... buy stuff. Lots of stuff. And that STUFF, is made, maintained, and sold by people from all walks of employment. I say, in stead of vilifying the RICH, make stuff for them, sell stuff to them, maintain stuff for them! Make YOU money OFF them. Thousands upon thousands are doing that right now!
Just for fun, lets make up a RICH family. A RICH family who have earned their own way, but, let's say, designing and selling the best mouse traps the world has ever know.
The RICH family is a family of four. A 46 year old dad; his business partner wife, who is also 46 (high school sweethearts); a 17 year old daughter; a 16 year old son; two pure bred Irish Setters; and an African Grey Parrot. They live on 5 acres, with a pool, a 4 car garage, with a 5 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath, 3800 sq ft home.
Fred RICH, drives a Cadillac SRT.
Betty RICH drives a XC-90 Volvo SUV.
Sandy RICH was given a 1992 Nissan Sentra for school, Dad's character builder
Sean RICH was given ... a ride to school
Fred loves golf, and belongs to a country club.
Betty loves antiques.
Sandy shows her dog on a national level.
Sean plays baseball, in school and on a summer league.
They all love in-home movies, and enjoy the surround sound fully equipped home theater system, with 72 " Plasma TV
Fred and Sandy hold weekend billiard challenges in their game room.
Betty takes in-home cooking lessons, in her large country kitchen.
Sean has leaned to bake pizzas in the brick-oven.
Okay, nice, uh! Yep, the RICH have what many would think of as a well to do live, and life style. They earned it, and at a rate of $1,200,000 a year, in earnings and investments. They are, by any standard normal people would say, RICH.
So, I ask ....
And how many people were involved in building that house?
What about the sub-contractors?
How about the suppliers of all the plumbing? The electrical? The appliances? The cabinets?
How many people work in the Cadillac and Volvo factories?
Or work in the sales room, finance department, service shop?
How many people work at the billiard company? Or the factory show rooms? Or the delivery and set-up crews?
How many people make the TVs, stereos, all the home theater furnishings?
How much gets spent in travel to all the baseball games (gas, meals, even over-nights)?
How much to maintain the Pure Bred Irish Setters, and travel for the dog shows?
How many people maintain the country club, and golf greens?
And HOW MANY PEOPLE, do the RICH's employ, pay, provide benefits to?
And how many people, collectively, design, build, supply, sell, and maintain all the RICH stuff?
(And how many of those protesting at Wall Street, will be hiring YOU?)
Protest REAL fraud and criminal conduct!
Protest bad government!
Protest wasteful spending!
Protest government elected officials and appointees who abuse their power, getting life-long benefits, when the rest of us have to follow laws and rules they don't!
But to Protest the RICH, because they have, and you don't, IS STUPID. Unless - SOCIALISM is your preferred form of government!
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