"I will not rest until ....."

"I will not rest until anybody who's looking for a job can find one."

And Obama HAS kept that promise. As critical I am of Obama's most every move and comment, I must say that his promise(s) that he would not rest until .... Americans were back to work, or the economy is fixed, or businesses are hiring again, etc., he HAS kept those promises.

However, what the meaning of "rest" is, is much like what the meaning of "is", "is". Obama has not rested, like most of us would have been lead to understand. BO has indeed, been VERY busy, and there seems to be little actual rest.

BO has set a record number of golf outings and fundraisers, and has out-spent every other President .... ever. In the last 6 months, BO has been to about 100 fundraisers. Yet, during that same time, he has not met with his "Jobs Council" (The President's Council on Jobs and Competitiveness), even ONCE! As his press secretary said, ".... the president has obviously got a lot on his plate”. HEY! BO! How about putting JOBS on that plate. In fact, make that a PLATTER full!

But just speaking from an average guy on the street, don't tell me you won't rest until you fix something, then take in lots of golf outings, vacations, and attend a record number of fundraisers .... then tell me you have too much on your plate to take care of one of the most important tasks you face! ......... Oh, but he isn't resting, so I guess he IS keeping that promise!

By the way - The black segment of our society, has a higher rate of unemployment than any other segment. And, they also have the highest poverty rate. SO why they still support BO, at an estimated 90%, is absolutely beyond any reasonable explanation, except ONE.

No matter what anyone thinks of Romney, and there ISN'T anything criminal (unlike the admitted past cocaine use by BO) in Mitt's background, BO must GO! Then, in 2016, Romney can go next if he doesn't work FOR all Americans. In fact, ALL elected officials, MUST be held accountable to the tasks and responsibilities they are charged with .... or they can go next.

BO must GO!

What's at stake in 2012

Well, we have just seen the Supreme Court Of The United States uphold the Obamacare law. Although, the court had to correct the Administration's argument in the case, to say it was constitutional as long as it was a "tax", and not a penalty. So more taxes will be coming. By the way. Who is most likely to not be able to afford the rising cost of health insurance? The rich can afford what they need. The very poor has it given to them by the government. So I guess those in the middle will get the squeeze again! Pay the tax, or go to jail.

Even though the majority of Americans are not in favor of the law, as written, we had it shoved down our throats anyway. While I can not imagine anyone not thinking reforms were needed, THIS monstrosity was NOT what we needed, and according to the top ten polls at the time, NO majority supported it.

So, SCOTUS stamped it's legal approval on it, and we are stuck with things we don't even know about yet. And like Nancy Pelosi said, we'll find out what's in it....after its passed. Funny, the costly impact really won't even be felt until 2014...AFTER the elections! (That's NO coincidence!)

The US government (OUR government) is suing Arizona (one of OUR 50 states), for Arizona's laws to stifle the influx of illegal (that's IL-LEGAL) immigration, which brings not just those looking for work,  but those who run drugs, guns, people, and ... perhaps even terrorists. The US government WILL NOT secure the border, and the Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California borders are full of holes for the illegals to cross over. Oh ... wait ... I forgot, California is a sanctuary state, so they don't count. They just exacerbate  the problem!

The US is also filing suit against the State of Texas. Seems they don't like the Texas voter registration laws. I guess the Obama koolaid drinkers think it will keep some voters away. Voter intimidation, is what they call it. I guess as the nation watched news feeds of The New Black Panthers, standing in front of a polling location, dressed in black, holding billy clubs, US Attorney General Holder didn't think THAT qualify as "voter intimidation", and refused to prosecute THEM! (I'd bet a month's pay, those who say people [who are those people?] couldn't obtain an ID, could sure as hell come up with one for the food stamp line, or for filing for free housing, or other benefits!)

Obama wants additional "stimu-less" money. I guess the trillion plus wasn't enough to get the results he thought he'd get. More money has to come from somewhere .... that means us. You and me, who PAY the taxes. The government, Obama doesn't seem smart enough to know, HAS NO MONEY. Any money that comes through the government hands, comes from TAXPAYERS!

This Democratic lead Congress (pre-2010) even invited Mexico's President Calderon, to speak in front of that house ... OUR house, and lecture US and Arizona about attempts to pass strict laws on (IL-LEGAL) immigration. A MEXICO PRESIDENT, in OUR HOUSE, permitted .... no - INVITED .... to lecture us!

Let's not forget the Obama "apology tours". And the statement that America is not a Christian nation. Or that NASA needed to be more inclusive of Muslims. And the friendship with Bill Ayers ... the self professed bomber of government buildings in the 60's (The Weather Underground).

And still today, more than 18 months after the death of one of our Border Patrol Agents, Brian Terry, who was killed by Mexican gun/drug runners ... 50 miles north of Mexico in Arizona ... our government is hiding pertinent facts of the case from a Congressional Oversight Committee. By the way, that is OUR "Oversight" Committee....the part where, "We, the people" can have oversight into what our government is doing! And, President Obama, in a move to protect US AG Holder, has cloaked him under the umbrella of "Executive Privilege".

Add to this, Obama was never fully vetted for the job, and most people didn't know (or want to know) about his total lack of experience for such an important position. His whole record, leading up to Nov. 2009, was sham. I guess far too many were of the Pelosi mind ... We had to elect him, before we could really know him.

Obama has openly approved "same sex" marriage. Has removed "Don't ask, Don't tell", from our military. And from that lead, just recently, the Air Force had a "Gay Pride" recognition week. (When is the "Hetrosexual Pride Week?)

There are possibly two Supreme Court Justices who could retire from the bench in the coming few years. The next President may likely be appointing "like minded" judges to fill those seats.

And, while most will never say or admit this ... Had Obama not been (half) Black, he would have NEVER been elected. Never! Any person, man or woman, of any other race, would NEVER have been elected with such thin experience. With almost no history on him exposed, no college transcripts, no copies of his college writings. All that, has been kept from the voters. Why? Ain't he proud of who is was and where he'd been? Or does he NOT want us to know. I don't think he wants us to know the REAL Barry Sorento.

Before anyone shouts me down for being a racist, my opinion has NOTHING to do with race, except for those who voted for him ONLY because he is (half) Black. That is the TRUTH! I could not care less, about his race. I DO CARE about the person. And Obama is the wrong person for this job.
PERIOD. (Until he dropped out, Herman Cain was my guy to vote for.)

So. What is at stake in Nov. 2012? EVERYTHING! America ... is at stake. The future of America is at stake, and Obama, and all the cronies like him, need to go. Oh, and let's not forget those on the other side, who helped enable the obscene bargaining away of our liberties, in exchange for favors, pork projects, and increased taxes for a fatter federal government.

America, needs to take back ... America. And Nov. 2012 is when we need to start doing just that. Or it'll be too late to ever get her back.

Investigating Fast & Furious

(Note: Excuse my rush on this. I went back and corrected many errors in grammar. I am NOT an English major!)

The on-going (18 months and counting?) investigation into the Fast & Furious debacle, stinks to high heaven. The Dems claim its a Republican witch hunt, and the Republicans claim its about the truth. The Home Committee on Oversight, is lead by Chairman, Congressman Issa, and is attempting to find out what happened, who was involved, when they knew about it, and who should be held responsible if wrong doing is found.

While there "may" be some political interest involved, the FACT is, over 2,000 guns, illegally purchased and transferred under OUR government agents' direction in that operation, are unaccounted for. And, at least one or two or those guns were used in the killing of one of our Border Patrol Agents, Brian Terry (in 12/10/2010), outside Rio Rico, Arizona. That area of Arizona was not at the border, although that doesn't really matter, but was more than 40 miles INSIDE the US border. Reportedly, Terry was shot by drug runners, using an AK-47 rifle. That rifle has been tied to the guns PERMITTED to go to drug runners. (READ - "Provided"by OUR own government.)

Add to that, there are untold numbers of Mexican people who have been targeted for violence, with some of those very weapons permitted to "walk" (without tracking!).

There are a number of issues involved in this web of deceit surrounding Fast & Furious. And I'll try to address those that I feel can be agreed with by most reasonable and objective people.

1. The "AK-47", IF that was what the weapon actually is (this is important to understand), is on the face of it, an ILLEGAL firearm to buy by the average lawful citizen. Only a specially licensed and regulated citizen, can have a Class III license to buy such a weapon. An AK-47 is a fully automatic rifle! Possession by any unlicensed US citizen, is a FEDERAL FELONY. (Good questions for any Oversight committee.)

2. The gun walking program, failed in every way we know of, and the guns were NOT tracked. Not tracking the guns, to the suspected drug runners, makes NO sense to me at all. What was the expected goal of that flawed program? Not tracking them, makes me wonder if they only expected to match guns at crime scenes ... AFTER shootings (with victims) had taken place. (Good question for any Oversight committee.)

3. Do we, and particularly the Terry family, deserve to know who was involved, from government officials to gun dealers and straw purchasers? (Yes. And more good questions for any Oversight committee.)

4. In ANY investigation, ANY potential person who may be involved, should ALWAYS be treated with a certain level of suspicion. If any person is involved, criminally and/or civilly, where possible charges could be brought, it should be expected that they will attempt to cover up their involvement.

Therefore, such investigation, and legal inquiries, MUST be prepared to dig deeper than the person questioned is offering as information and evidence. (As an good Oversight committee do.)

5. When ANY person of interest, or suspect, provides information and/or evidence, ANY good investigator should suspect more could be hidden. MOST cooperating persons of interest, who DO have something to hide, will very often "appear" to be cooperating, while concealing the most damning of information and/or evidence.

THIS is why Issa and the committee are trying to get ALL relevant information. And except for absolutely critical investigative information, shouldn't OUR representatives on such a "oversight" committee, get everything relevant? And IF that is not forthcoming, then shouldn't they go for a subpoena? And if the subpoena is NOT being followed, an investigative entity go one to the next step to obtain such information? (Yes!)

In this case of US Attorney General Holder, claiming he HAS cooperated by turning over some 7,500 pages, of more than 80,000 yet to be reviewed, IS NOT cooperating. If a suspect hands over 99 of 100 pages of communication, and says he/she is fully cooperating, then how would an investigator know if page 100 didn't have the page that said, "I DID IT!"?

Withholding ANY requested information in an investigation, should absolutely suggest a cover up of involvement of active participation in the situation being investigated! DUH!!!! (Any good Oversight committee, would be cautious, and suspicious, of such efforts.)

6. For this President, to "protect" his AG with a Executive Privilege in the 11th hour, now adds to the suspicion. The President has done more harm than good here. And THAT too, is a mis-justice to the Terry family, the whole Law Enforcement community, and to ALL of us who should expect ACCOUNTABILITY! (Any good Oversight committee, should DEMAND compliance!)

Politics? No. Not on Issa's side. Politics ARE being played from the Obama side. Why hide facts otherwise?

Oh, by the way, the US Justice Department, under Holder, has refused to charge Holder with contempt. They also refused to prosecute The New Black Panthers for "voter intimidation", when the whole world saw them on video attempt just that!

ANY fool, specially if anyone is Law Enforcement or Military, who would still vote for those in the Obama camp, should line up for their Jim Jones kool-aide!

Disclaimer: I DO NOT like Obama, and in fact feel he is destroying "the foundation" of our great country. But the facts described above, should apply to ANY investigation.

Attention ILLEGAL Immigrants

Attention ILLEGAL Immigrants - What the hell are you doing here?????

Special attention to those from Mexico and other Central/South American countries (those account for the vast majority of those here ILLEGALLY).
I recently watched a travel show on Public Broadcasting TV. OH MY GOSH!!! What beautiful beaches, ocean adventures, and natural wonders there are in Mexico! I imagine the same in other countries to our south.

Scuba diving ... Sailing ... Hiking ... Sight-seeing ... the food venues ... the History ... the Arts ... the sporting venues ... did I say the BEACHES!!!! Mexico is a beautiful country with so much to offer. If it just weren't for the drug cartels, the government corruption, and the crime. Right?

To the 12 + million ILLEGAL Mexican immigrants living in the US ----- What the hell are you doing here? Why the hell have you abandoned (yes, YOU abandoned your own country) your own country, that could have so much to offer? Where is YOUR loyalty to your Mexico? Many of you protest us, our laws, and fly the Mexican flag while doing so. GO HOME --- and clean up YOUR country. Get involved in a revolution for freedom and honest government. Get involved in cleaning up YOUR country. You want to protest bad government? GO HOME and do that! They NEED you there to do that.

You want to come here to be free and be prosperous? GO HOME. Do you have any idea what a travel and vacation spot ... with HUGH tourism dollars ... could be in Mexico? There could so much to offer there. With exception to select areas, most people are afraid to even go there because of the crime and the killings down there. I know for many ILLEGALS, they have left there for that same reason. But GO HOME. Clean up YOUR country. Make YOUR country, the destination place it should be. What could 12 + million freedom loving Mexicans do, if they returned home to take THEIR own country back?

But if you have NO loyalty or courage to do that, to go back to FIX YOUR COUNTRY, then stop flying the Mexican flag in OUR country! When you fly that flag here, then I don't imagine you to have any loyalty here either, so you're in a pickle. But don't fly the Mexican flag here. It should be an insult to your countrymen who have stayed in your homeland and are trying to do what they can there. You RAN away. You want your identity, but YOU ran from it, instead of staying the change it.

And add this in buster - I WILL NEVER respect you or your position, and NEVER accept you here, when your allegiance is STILL to Mexico and you fly that flag.

Seriously ... What the hell are you doing here? To be proud of your Mexico, is to go back and FIX IT! Then invite the world to visit, vacation, see what you have to offer, and live free and prosper in YOUR homeland. Then, I'd call you neighbor, and spend some of my money enjoying the natural beauty and history of Mexico, as a legal tourist!

(Have you SEEN what Mexico could have to offer!!!!!)

Should any ILLEGAL (that word has meaning!) who is here, I KNOW we need to make some positive changes and reforms to our immigration system. We DO need to work on that. But that does NOT mean we can permit the wholesale selling out of our current laws. If you want to live here, to be free here, to become a citizen here, then do so LEGALLY.

Just the other day, I met a young man who was a Customer Service rep for a bank. He was from Iran. He, his sister and parents, came here 6 years ago. They came here LEGALLY. And just this past year, they all became American citizens! How awesome is that!! They did it LEGALLY, and so can (and do) others.

I don't blame ANYONE for wanting to come here, to make a better life for themselves and their families. I get that. I would too if I were in many other countries. But do it legally!

And now, this dumb-ass President of ours, has openly stated that he has issued a Presidential order that certain ILLEGALS will not be prosecuted. IGNORE the law of the land, and pretty much issued an amnesty for a select group of ILLEGALS.

Does THAT encourage following the law? Or does it encourage more ILLEGALS to see if they too can get around a system, that the new American Citizen, from Iran, has followed? Dang Dude! YOU (President O), have shot us in the foot! FIX the broken system. Don't say it's okay to break our laws!

I bet I could come up with a better plan than this Dumb Ass has presented! And one that would give hope to those who want to become citizens, while working our way out of the ILLEGAL Immigration problem.

Meanwhile - If someone is here ILLEGALLY, they need to go home. Use the same system to come here, as many many other "visitors" do, as well as those wishing to become citizens. If a family from Iran can do it, so can those from south of our borders!

Oh ... To Mexican President Calderon ..... Kiss My Ass! You have NO SAY on our laws. YOU are as big of a problem as anyone else, by encouraging dumb ass things like BO has done. That DOES NOT fix the problem. Besides, FIX your problems, and maybe YOUR people would want to remain in Mexico. Clean up your own shitty house! You DO NOT inspire Mexican National pride, by condoning ILLEGAL entry into the USA!

ONE example of an Obamaite

Through a link I ran onto, I happened to read a guy's blog, which is titled in a way to know is was a confirmed Obama follower, and supposedly one of the "99%". On that site, he was profoundly against Tea Party types, even derogitory.

So, I took exeption to his evaluation of people like me, and dropped this response, "Totally stupid. You speak as though you know people like myself. And you don't. Tea Party supporters like me, aboslutely couldn't care less about BO's color, or anyones race. And because I want immigration laws enforced, does not mean I am against immigrants. Those two things alone, are enough to discount any other argument you might have, because your foundation is completely flawed."

His retort, was this, "Go fuck yourself, I have absofuckinlutely no respect for any muthafuckin teatarded ass scum fucks such as yourself. Don't return or you will make me angry."

Sadly, this guy waves the American Flag on his site. Yep, THAT was the extent of my response to his blog post on the TeaParty. The guy was making all the appearances of trying to be so educated, so "American", so supportive of all things Obama, yet he uses the word "Niggah", and justifies it, and then instead of debate, his reply was enough to discount anything he says. Is THIS common of BO supporters?

Hey pardner! Do you need a refill of that Obamajuice?

The Fallacy of Compromise

In today's political climate, one thing seems to be causing gridlock, preventing some actions to move forward. The lack of compromise, is seen more and more often. In some ways, I see this as two sides, remaining stubborn to hang on to political power for their sides. Compromise, may be seen as a weakness to stand ones political ground, or as a political weapon to make the other side look bad.

Our political system can only work when a consensus is achieved to get the nations business done. But, that also requires that both sides are trying to achieve the same general goal, but differing ways to get there.

But there may be a hitch in this, and I feel it applies in DC today - The Constitution.

IF, and argue as you choose on this, there is a choice on the floor between the Constitutional and some Socialist type proposal. A "compromise", would suggest those supporting the Constitution, should give in a little to some socialist (or UN-constitutional) ideas. ..... I will tell you here and now, I would NEVER "compromise" when it comes to our Constitution. To do so, in favor of what I would feel as a creeping in of some other form of government or governing, would not be on the table for negotiation. NEVER.

IF, and it is yet to be decided, the healthcare reform act IS found to be un-constitutional, and assuming many on the right always felt it was, then an unwavering position to oppose the only bill offered up, would likely be seen by the right as the right thing to do. In an "all or nothing" proposal that is believed to be constitutionally wrong, no one should go along with it just to show they can get along and be "compromising".

While all this can be argued as to what is steadfastly "constitutional" or not, there is another way I look at the sometimes problem with "compromise".

IF you went to the doctor for an localized infected ingrown toenail, and the doctor told you that you would have to have your leg removed, would you be willing to "compromise" by only having just your foot removed? Wouldn't you object to such an extreme measure, and ask the doctor why the he/she couldn't just fix the toe? But the doctor insists the measures offered were the only ones he/she was willing to do. You protest that evaluation and protest firmly against those two options. The doctor then tells your family that you are being impossible, because you won't compromise. Then even your family begins to think you are being a bit unreasonable.

A "compromise", between two bad choices without consideration of a third option, is NOT a valid compromise. And THAT is where I stand, as well as others, like Tea Party supporters, and will NOT compromise on issues I see as "constitutionally" wrong. If that is being a "right wing extremist", then sign me up!

What JOB is beneath YOU?

The economy, and especially JOBS, are of top concern these days. While many elements are involved in the economic problems of today, JOBS surely must be the biggest one. If people had jobs, they could provide for themselves and their families, "buy" things (feeding into the economy), and pay taxes into the system. Only good comes from more jobs for more people.

But recently, and with the months long protests by the Occupy Wall Street types, the focus seems (to me anyway) to be protesting "the rich", and not on "JOBS". If these people had JOBS, then wouldn't they be better off, and in a better position to advance themselves to greater success? Aren't most all those OWS types, UN-employed? (pssssss ... OWS, you might want to know, that of that "1%" you protest, only about 18% of those are in Wall Street!)

But here is MY beef with many of those I have seen on the pages of printed (and Internet) news, and on the TV - What have THEY done to position themselves for a JOB? What JOBS have they passed up, because they didn't like the work, or it didn't pay what they wanted, or what ever? This made me think, and I'll ask this -

What JOB is/was beneath YOU?

  Flipping burgers?
  Stocking shelves?
  Throwing papers?
  Mowing lawns?
  Cleaning tables?
  Mopping floors?
  Cleaning toilets?
  Delivering goods?
  Pumping gas (Okay, that is sooooo pre-70's, when there were no self-service gas stations!)
  Carry out groceries?
  Digging trenches?
  Cashier at a grocery store?
  Baby sitting?

I recently have seen interviews with a few OWS types, and they complained that they couldn't get a JOB, but some of them qualified that by saying they wouldn't take "menial" JOBS. WHAT????? Who the HELL do they think does those jobs? Career "toilet cleaners"? And do they NOT appreciate ALL those folks who do those JOBS? (I do .... and THANKS for the they you do!)

How many successful people start out in one of those "menial" JOBS, then move up because they did the things needed to get ahead? Every one of those JOBS I listed, I have done. EVERY ONE OF THEM! None of them, were beneath me. But not satisfied with those JOBS, I used them to help pay my way while working toward better opportunities. It seems to me, that the types we see at the OWS protests, want it handed to them, without working for it...and in some cases, absolutely sabotaging there own changes for a better JOB, with their own actions! (Seen crapping on a Police car isn't a career path!)

Let me give an example or two -

In a recent TV interview with a OWS protester, he was offered a JOB. But refused it, because he wouldn't take a JOB for under $80,000-100,000 a year! WHAT???

In another interview I read, a protester said he wouldn't take a JOB that didn't pay a decent "living wage", and clarified that meant at least $18-$20 per hour. WHAT????? (Perhaps not getting a 4.0 GPA in school also isn't fair, giving 4.0 students an UN-fair advantage, so everyone should have no lower than a 3.0 GPA!)

Many years ago, I arrested a thief on a warrant. While I was writing up the report, with him in the back seat of my patrol car, I asked him if he was tired getting arrested, and why didn't he just get a JOB! He said there weren't any "good" jobs. I called "Bull-shit!" on that, and that there were JOBS listed in the paper all the time. He said ... "But I won't flip no burgers. If they'd make me a supervisor, then I'd take that.......yadda yadda yadda...." Off to Jail you dumb-ass!!!!! (This was many years ago, but I expect he's still in and out of jail!)

One more - I went through a drive-thru chicken place (love me some extra crispy!), and when I got to the window, I was greeted by a guy with tattoos all over his neck and arms and hands, as well as metal in his lip, ears and nose. Never mind the general appearance turned me off, I was concerned about "food handling". Now, I understand that even a "clean looking" person can be dirty, but if I get an uneasy feeling from the get-go??? I was concerned about his tattoos and body piercings and what possible infection he could have. I AM the consumer, and I have the right to make such evaluations as I see fit, and if I were hiring, I'd never hire that guy. For those who might defend that kid, let me add this ... If he and another "clean cut" person were being considered for a job, specially of that job was dealing face-to-face with customers, and all other things being equal, I'll go with the clean cut applicant every time! (BTW - I NEVER went back to that place again.)

Some time ago, I had a program I presented to senior classes. I was a Police Detective and Narcotics Officer at the time, and was directing most of my presentation on the illegal drug use issues. But in the end, my message to the students was this: "What are YOU doing today, that will close doors to success later in life?" (I called my program, "Doors".)

THAT would be my message to students today, and those OWS types as well. It actually applies to all of us, but the earlier that message is understood, the greater the chance of personal success in the future.

I heard a saying once, "You do what you HAVE to do today, until you can do what you WANT to do tomorrow." But that seems lost of far too many people today.

Anything the OWS types had to say, is LOST on my ears, because they CHOOSE their own problems by NOT doing anything to better their position in life. They seem to want it given to them. But then, that isn't a problem for just the OWS types, I see that everywhere these days. Far too many people want everything GIVEN to them (even expect it), without earning them. And THAT is one of my biggest problems with liberals in general, and Obama in particular, and that they are willing to GIVE people stuff/money, without the people earning their own way. (Never mind that what the Obamaites give away, comes from those of us who HAVE been willing to take so-called "menial" JOBS!)

Oh, and connected to that, is the so-called "living wage". While a minimum wage might be arguable, there are those who want to guarantee every worker $20 an hour. (Who pays for that by the way?) No hard work to get ahead, just hand it to them for being ... there! (BTW - My last "Investigator" JOB didn't quite pay $20 an hour!)

So, I ask, what JOB is (were) beneath YOU? (Specially if you were very hungry!)

America, Is She Terminal?

(This is an updated version of an earlier post.)
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", 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 even with our very lives.

No long ago, the President of Mexico was permitted... encouraged and applauded...to address our congress and criticise one of our own states. Now add to that, our government may consider letting 11 other countries join in a law suit against Arizona. THIS government, OUR government (to include Arizona) has turned on one of our own. If they succeed, with the help of foreign countries, then who will be safe in challenging the "government" on the next issue?

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 235+ 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. 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, with TRILLIONS of dollars promised by THIS government, on top of the about 5 Trillion before President 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 the health-care reform act that was passed, or want to pay for it? The top ten polls of that time were clear - a majority of Americans were against THAT bill. But it didn't matter to those who hold the power. They forced it into law anyway. They DID NOT listen to "the people".

And now, with the majority of Americans supporting what Arizona is trying to do, THIS "government", supported by 11 foreign countries, is ignoring the will of the people, and going after them anyway.

Add to all that, Obama just signed an Act into law, that grants huge arrests power to the Secret Service, to arrest anyone THEY think "could" be inside some arbitrary protective zone the President, or other Politicial figure, is speaking and traveling. You could be arrested and held, without trial, for what THEY could interpret as Hate speech, even it it's just anti-government political speech. Free speech? Sounds like extremely limited free speech. Where does that end?

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 political machine. 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. That BIG government hand, is around the freedom neck of America.

I am sick at what we have become. And in 2008, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of power hungry 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 tyranny. 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, while 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. I pray for HONEST change this November (2012). Even though I don't see a lot better to choose from, we MUST make changes, and often, in that highest of offices. We MUST make them understand, their seats are a temporary one, and granted by US, to serve US, not rule us.

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, i.e.  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, and the ever growing disrespect for her, is hard to swallow for THIS Veteran.

Don't leave your horse in the barn

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

Innocent until proven GUILTY

In light of recent and nationally notable cases, I am sharing a true story. In NO WAY, do I suggest anything, one way or another, about any other case. I share this true story, to show why we have the system we have (imperfect as it is).

The following is a personally experienced true story. (Abbreviated, but otherwise factual.)

 

The Allegation ~

I man with a prior police record, is accused of attempted rape and aggravated battery.

 

The Victim's report of the crime ~

The female Victim had known the suspect for only a few weeks, dating him exclusively during that time. He wanted to cut off the relationship, and she went to his hang-out bar to talk to him. She asked him to go outside and talk, and he went outside with her. In the alley parking lot by the rear entrance, they got into any argument. The suspect tried to force her into oral sex. She resisted. He showed her a gun that he had in his car, and said he'd already killed one person, and he would kill her if she didn't submit. She still wouldn't. He threw the gun into the back seat of his car, then got mad and picked up a large chunk of nearby concrete and smashed a large hole into his own windshield. He then grabbed her, tried to tear her top off, then grabbed her and rammed her head into the hole in the windshield. He left her there, and went back into the bar. She escaped and ran around to the street, and across to a McDonald's, and the police was called. She has a small cut on her head, and her sweater was missing, revealing just her bra.

 

The Police ~

The Police arrived, spoke to and observed the very shaken Victim, and called for an ambulance. She was treated at the scene by the EMT's for a minor cut to her head, but required no other treatment. Other Officers then went to the bar to locate and contact the Suspect inside. The Suspect was subsequently arrested, the car searched, and a gun found. The Victim's sweater was not found. The chunk of concrete was not identified as the one reported to have been used by the Suspect, and none was collected as evidence, nor was any glass from the windshield for comparison trace evidence. A handgun was found in plain view on the backseat of the Defendant's car.

 

The Suspect was well dressed in ironed jeans, cowboy boots, and a starched western shirt. When contacted in the bar, he did not run, nor display any concern when the Officers came in. He had been drinking a couple beers and watching a baseball game on the TVs with the other patrons. The Officers took him back outside, by his car, and arrested him after the Victim identified him to police.

 

He was arrested and booked on felony charges, with a $50,000 bond.

 

The Evidence ~

Observations by the police of a smashed car windshield.

Slight cut to the head of the "victim".

A Handgun (Unknown origin of the handgun, and not found to be tied to any other crime).

(No women's sweater, torn or otherwise)

(No piece of concrete said to have been used to smash window - not collected)

(No glass or blood evidence on the person of the defendant)

The Defense Attorney ~

The Defendant's Attorney called me, as I was a Private Investigator at the time, for a consultation. I was provided a copy of the police report to review. The Defendant has a history with the Police. The Attorney also added this - The Defendant was a witness, a "star witness", to a year old murder case resulting from a shooting at another bar. In that case, and as far as the Defense Attorney knows, is not related to this case. But curiously, the Murder Suspect is trying to get an appeal of his conviction. The Attorney thought it was too much of a coincidence, and that such a felony conviction could come up as discrediting his Defendant in the other case. The Victim had stated that this defendant had a gun and had killed someone before. The Defendant says the gun was planted in the his car. The defendant did not own a gun, let along that gun. But the fact that the Victim made the claim about of gun, added to the suspicion the Defense Attorney had about the case. Any relationship between the Victim and the convicted murder defendant, was unknown.

The Defendant ~

He had only met the woman several weeks prior to the incident, when she first came into the bar and they hooked up. They dated for 2-3 weeks. He thought she was too clingy and demanding of his time, and he wanted to break it off and told her so. A few days later, she showed up at the bar and asked him to go out back to talk, which he did. They argued and her told her to get lost, and he returned to the bar. He said he was outside for less a 2-3 minutes.

 

He had no idea his car window had been broken, he doesn't own a gun, and has no idea why she would say he confessed to shooting anybody. And when the Police came in the bar, he had no idea they were looking for him for anything. (His past run-ins with that Police Dept., were related to his drinking and DUI's.)

 

The Defense Investigation ~

I reviewed the Police report and Victims statement, as well as reviewed the evidence documentation.

1. The Victim's sweater was never found. It had not been in the Defendant's car, nor in the alley, nor in the bar, and not along the street and path toward McDonalds.

2. The concrete block was not collected.

3. No glass was collected from the car windshield for any comparison to any trace evidence.

4. No glass was collected from the Victims head.

5. No evidence that the gun was the Defendants, nor matched to any crime.

6. No witnesses or other supporting facts to support Victim's allegations.

7. The small cut on the Victim's head, hardly bled, and required no hospital treatment.

 

I began at the bar, and during interviews of those who know the Defendant, and those who were just there, resulted in no one having any idea that anything had happened prior to the police arriving. The two bartenders I spoke to, recalled that night and the woman coming in, but both put the Defendant back in the bar in under 2 minutes, and no indication that anything was wrong. No one knew the woman, other than she showed up with the Defendant a couple times. She was not a regular, and had not been seen there before, or since.

 

I then started looking at the Victim. She was from the area, but had been in and out of her family's home, and had been seen with an unknown man, not the Defendant.

 

I also looked at the Murder case, and that suspect, who had been convicted and was serving time. That convicted suspect had a brother. I found the brother, living at his parent's house, and I started watching who came and went. With that, I observed and ID'd the female Victim, sitting on the porch with the brother, then again later walking hand-in-hand down the street. This connection, had every appearance of being a possible set-up, to get our Defendant convicted of a felony.

 

Additional background on the victim, revealed that she had been seeing that brother, prior to the bar incident.

Later, during the trial and cross examination, the Victim first denied knowing the convicted murder suspect, or his family. When shown a surveillance photo, she had no comment. During the Defense presentation, when I was on the stand, and the Prosecution started to ask questions, but after a couple basic ones, stopped when the answers were not what he wanted the jury to hear.

 

The Jury ~

The Jury deliberated, after going over the instructions, for less than 30 minutes.

They returned with a verdict of NOT GUILTY.

 

Summary ~

1. The "crime" never happened.

2. The "victim" sought out the Defendant at the bar, and attempted to get a relationship going.

3. The actual murder gun was never found, but the gun from the Defendant's car was not matched to any murder. Unknown owner.

4. The Victim's boyfriend, the Murder Suspect' brother, was believed to have staged a "crime" and attempted to frame the Defendant in hopes that a felony conviction, and new evidence of this defendant having a gun, would help get a new trial.

5. The Jury did not find the Victim credible at all.

6. The Defendant was in fact, framed from the start.

Conclusion ~

Not all "VICTIMS", are Victims.

Not all "CRIMES" are crimes.

And thorough Police Work/Investigations are always critical to making good cases.

 

An arrest, is NOT proof of guilt. That is why we have a system of "innocent until proven guilty". That is also WHY the media should never take sides in their reporting of criminal events.