I FAILED to BUY American!

Yes, I confess, I FAILED to "buy American" this past week. I did try though, honest. Let me explain.

I flew up to visit my daughter last week, and was going to take care of some "daddy do" issues on her house. Being a young single girl, who isn't into fix-its, she was very limited on the tools in her toolbox. And, being away from my home shop, I didn't have mine. (The TSA frowns on taking those aboard! I still miss my pocket multi-tool!)

So, it was off to the hardware store for a couple small hand-tools. Each time I go to her place, I try to add to her tool inventory, and this was another of those times. You know how it is though, you might not know you need a tool, until you actually need it!

I go to a nationally known chain store to purchase a couple tools. Tools, that I needed that morning to take care of some repair issues at my daughter's house. Upon seeing the tools I needed, I saw I had a few choices. Okay, I thought to myself, which ones are Made in America tools?

I picked up a KOBALT brand tool, and looked on the back. "Made in China." Nope. I pick up a "CRESCENT" brand tool. I know of Crescent, so I felt sure I'd be good to go. "Made in China."You're kidding me", I almost said aloud. Okay, I'll look at my last choice for that tool, and picked up a BOSTITCH brand. Again, "Made in China"! CRAP! No Made in the USA adjustable wrenches there.

But I needed the tool, so I bought one of the "Made in China" tools. I hated to, but had NO CHOICE in that store, at that time.

What else do I need? Another isle, and some other choices to make. I see a SKIL brand tool, and figure I'm at lease in business for that tool. Nope! "Made in China"! Now I'm pissed. Had it not been for the repairs I needed to make, I'd walked out. But I needed the tools.

Okay, I'll go to the BLACK & DECKER model. Everyone knows BLACK & DECKER, right? I looked on the back of the box, and what did I see? "Made in China at a Black & Decker manufacturing facility." Instantly, I called out, "SHIT!" (That WAS aloud!)

Hell, even the screwdrivers, were made in China, and I thought a STANLEY would be safe. NOT!

Now, I will say, I didn't inventory the complete stock, so it could be that some of those brands had some tools that were "Made in America". But from what did see, none of them were. I even looked at tools I didn't readily need.

So how many people, our fellow Americans, are out of work, and NOT making tools that say, "Made in America"? Some 23 million Americans either out of work, or under-employed. Because of cheaper goods? (If you're a tool guy, you know that a "cheap tool" will often leave you wanting for better. Oh ----- and just because it says "Lifetime guarantee", doesn't mean it will last for your lifetime. It only means they'll keep replacing the broken POS!)

I see a tremendous opportunity here. If I had the business sense and financial backing, I'd open a Made in America tool store, just for discerning do-it-yourselfers like me! Wouldn't it be great, to walk in such a store and KNOW that every item in the store, was made by your fellow Americans! And yes, I'd pay more. And what about products other than tools? What about kitchen gadgets? Housewares? Yard tools? A "Made in America" store to serve our basic needs for such things, would be my favorite store!

For a business to make a "business decision", for increased profits and a return to investors, moving manufacturing jobs overseas may be "financially sound". But we need to tax those foreign made goods in such a way to put them on a more-even playing field with Made in America products. Cheap wages and poor living conditions, so the tools are cheaper, does NOT make for a good trading partner. And buying those products, only enables those countries to continue their labor practices. Add tariffs, commensurate to the labor practices and human rights practices the country has, and then we'll talk!

Meanwhile, I will do what I can, and shop for those Made in America products. I'll pay more for them, but when I need a tool, I need a tool!

Sign me an American-made man, using a TOSHIBA laptop, MADE IN CHINA! Damn!!!!

Is there really Evil?

I recently read a comment by someone, in which they wrote that is it sad that so many people embrace violence to solve problems in the world. And that we don't do enough to sit down and work out our disagreements.

To some extent, I agree. There are people, even governments (run by people) who jump too quickly to use force. I get that. I agree with that. But I feel that is too wide of a brush, and misses an important component.

One needs to decide, is there really "evil" in the hearts and minds of some people? Does "evil" exist? If one's answer is No, then no amount of discussion about the use of force can really be had.

I believe, and have seen first hand, the evil that man can do, and I believe that evil can NOT be dealt with in a "civilized" or "rational" response. Evil acts, preferably before they can be perpetrated, needs to be dealt with, with sufficient force to stop the acts. To borrow a quote from Niccolo Machiavelli (15th century philosopher), "If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared."

Sad as it is, dealing with such brutal and sadistic murderers, like those in the Taliban and al Queada, I would apply that philosophy of the use of force.

Internationally, we have seen what I would describe as, pure evil, in bus bombings of innocent college students whose only "offense" was to attend a college that was built by Americans, bombings of market squares, and beheading of journalists and other non-combatants. Extremist Islamists have killed scores of innocent people, even other Muslims, for assisting Americans in fundamentally civil actions. Does anyone really think they can rationally work out peace agreements, with such people that would kidnap a person, and behead him, because he was NOT a follower of Mohammad or Allah?

By the way, these tactics are not new. In my lifetime, there were confirmed incidents of the Viet Cong, killing and/or cutting off limbs, of those who would even work with the American troops in medical aid operations in remote villages.

And it's not just the lunatic extremists, it is also in the heart of some street punks, who kill for thrill. Even wanting their victim to beg for their life, before shooting them dead. How can a death penalty NOT be warranted for such a person!  BTW - I knew of a 15 year old boy, who, during a robbery, killed a compliant store clerk, "just to see what it was like to kill somebody" (Quoted from his statement).

To go around in life, humming the tune "Everything is beautiful...", sounds like wonderful life. But in truth, as quoted by George Orwell, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Those who do sleep at night, in some naive belief that peace can be attained with EVERY BODY, need a wake up call.

To those men and women who stand at the ready to protect us from those who would commit evil acts upon us, THANK YOU.

Obama's Ready To Go "Home"

Yep ... The Obama's are ready to go home. That's my opinion. And I think it shows too! Why?

Let's face it, while some don't like to hear it, BHO loves the limelight, but HATES the work. I absolutely believe he came into Office believing that people, including most Congressmen and Senators, would just fall at his feet with everything he wanted to do. And that not only didn't happen, but he was fought every step of the way. That's really hard on a narcissist.

Another thing. He made it do the highest office in the land, and arguably in the world, and what else does he need to prove? While there are other things he would "like" to do, I don't think the "work" to get them done, or fight for, is in him.

He and Michelle, can take the girls and move back (?) to Hawaii. They can buy or build a mansion suitable to what they could see themselves in as King and Queen Obama; they could watch as his library was built; and he could enjoy all the world-wide accolades as he hits the speaking tour. He could openly enjoy all the "fun" of his celebrity status, and hobnob with all the Hollywood types, and have NONE of the daily pressures to BE President.

Obama LOVES the limelight. Obama LOVES Hollywood and that elite. Obama LOVES the celebrity. Obama HATES the "work" of being the President! (If everyone fell at his feet, it wouldn't be work, and THAT is what he expected.)

The Obama's will be the most smiliest of "former" Presidents as he leaves office. And we'll be seeing him in all the best places for such celebrities. His Presidential Library will be his, his portrait will forever be in The White House, next to all the prior Presidents, and his name will forever be in the history books. No one can take those things away. BHO has all he could want, personally. His ego and narcissism will be forever fed with his Presidential experience. So he's done. And he's ready to go home.

Hollywood, and all BHO's followers can dump all the money they want into the campaign, but I bet BHO will half-heartily go for the second term, and that's only because it's expected by the DNC and his followers. If it were up to him, he'd move today!

By the way - Speaking of Hawaii, and the Presidential Library - To me, this is PROOF he really doesn't care about the Blacks in American who helped him into The White House. Otherwise, Chicago would be THE site for the library. Chicago would be a relatively easy commute for Blacks to take, to be able to see it. In fact, I think it could well be the most visited library in Presidential history. But for BHO, the library isn't about "the (his) people". It's about him. So having the library in Hawaii, some 4,200 miles away from Chicago, crossing part of the Pacific Ocean, is hardly a trek most Blacks, especially the UNEMPLOYED Blacks, can make to see BHO's library! The Obama's have not lived in Hawaii, and have not "made their bones" in any place other than Chicago. Personally, I'd be happy with having his library as far away from me as possible!

Anyway, donors to BHO's reelection campaign - Go ahead. Donate your money. To the wealthy who support him, all the better you dump your dollars on that endeavor. I'd as soon see your money go to that wasted to that cause, than on it spent on something that could actually cause me worry.

Really? Someone think BHO is doing a good job?

It does NOT matter what you were handed when you started (and campaigned to fix), FACT IS (Biden), this is where BHO has taken us, for 4 straight years.

 



Even if someone wants to blame Bush, there comes a time when the decisions one makes, are owned by themselves.

Obama OWNS this!

Stop the insanity, vote BHO out!

Romney/Ryan Nov. 6th!

30 Pieces of Silver

FOR SALE!
America ... For Just 30 Pieces of Silver!

This election, in my view, is more than just a choice between a Democrat and a Republican for President. Our choice, is most importantly one between someone who would prefer to re-write the constitution to better fit HIS desires, and that of someone who would support the constitution.

But many citizens are willing to risk the constitution for their "30 pieces of silver", in the form of some single issue benefit they want.

What is your single issue, that sways your vote? Is it a REAL constitutional issue? Or is it an issue of which there will always be differing views, but do NOT keep you from living, working, freely practicing your religion, or pursuing happiness? Those issues of which on-going rational debate will and should follow, is not the same as having someone circumvent the constitution to achieve their own goals.

The Constitution is our FOUNDATION. And Obama stated, he wants to fundamentally change our foundation.

What's YOUR 30 pieces of silver?

It REALLY Is This Simple

Two things above ALL others, spell out all I need to know about Obama. Everything else, is just smoke and mirrors, or even different ways to reach otherwise common ground. But TWO things speak volumes to me.

Obama has said, that he wants to "fundamentally" change America. That has a VERY deep and dangerous meanings. And those "fundamental" changes, would destroy the basic fabric of our country. If anything, it is fundamentals we need to go back to!

Also, Obama has said that sometimes, the "constitution gets in the way" of him doing some of the things he would like to do. THANK GOD it does! And that is WHY our Forefathers wrote it that way. They KNEW such tests by such people, may try to circumvent parts of the constitution otherwise.

Those two things, all by themselves, should be enough for ALL Americans, to not vote for this person, who calls himself Barack Hussein Obama, or Barry Soetoro, or whom ever.

If you can not bring yourself to vote for Romney, then at least DO NOT cast a vote for such a person as Obama. He IS NOT a protector of OUR Constitution!

The REAL Empty Chair(s)

With all the politics in the news, it's easy to miss what is going on for so many families in America. I want to acknowledge those families, and my deepest condolences for their loss.

The notable political joke, about the "empty chair", made me think about the REAL Empty Chairs. Those empty chairs are at the tables of so many American households, because loved ones will never be coming home again. Those chairs, will forever be empty.

So far this month of October, 7 U.S. Soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan (As of Oct. 6, 2012). That's 2,134 killed to date in Afghanistan.

Let us NEVER forget, the REAL Empty Chairs.

God Bless Our Troops, and their Families who await their safe return.

Note:
One of my all time favorite Broadway Musicals, is "Les Miserables". My favorite DVD set, is the 10th Anniversary Production of that musical. (You should rent it, if not own it!)

From that musical, there is a song about such loss. Here are the lyrics, from the Broadway Musical, "Les Miserables"
(Marius, recovering from his wounds, imagines he is back at the ABC cafe)
MARIUS sings ~

There's a grief that can't be spoken.
There's a pain goes on and on.
Empty chairs at empty tables
Now my friends are dead and gone.

Here they talked of revolution.
Here it was they lit the flame.
Here they sang about `tomorrow'
And tomorrow never came.

From the table in the corner
They could see a world reborn
And they rose with voices ringing
I can hear them now!
The very words that they had sung
Became their last communion
On the lonely barricade at dawn.

Oh my friends, my friends forgive me
(The ghosts of those who died on the barricade appear)
That I live and you are gone.
There's a grief that can't be spoken.
There's a pain goes on and on.

Phantom faces at the window.
Phantom shadows on the floor.
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will meet no more.

(The ghosts fade away)

Oh my friends, my friends, don't ask me
What your sacrifice was for
Empty chairs at empty tables
Where my friends will sing no more.

The American way - Not Government way

We ALL want the jobs numbers to grow. And, which ever party is in power will claim credit for any such growth, and blame the past actions if they go down. That's politics.

But lets keep in mind something. Americans just don't quit, stop doing what they do, or just give up. The entrepreneur will find a way. To make my point, I'll use a fictional American business (albeit a very realistic business scenario) as an example.

Joe Smith is in the business of building high end furniture. His talents and craftsmanship have shined for many years. Using solid wood, beautiful satin and gloss finishes hand-rubbed on every piece he makes, have been the hallmark of Joe's work and name. Joe also has twelve other people working for him, and helping to put out quality furniture to their customers.

When the economy took a dive, Joe's business did too. Potential customers had to cut back on so-called luxury items. Joe builds great furniture, but isn't cheap. So sales suffered. With that, Joe had to cut back on employees. Joe and his wife worked extra hours to fill in. Sales still suffered. Joe took another disheartening move, and cut a couple more employees.

Joe and his wife struggled to compete for any extra dollars people were willing to part with. So, very reluctantly, Joe changed his business model, and started using less expensive materials. Soon, Joe, his wife, and the remaining six employees were regaining some business. At first glance, the furniture looked great. But it wasn't the best Joe could make. It wasn't the heirloom quality it used to be. But it was paying the bills.

Before long, Joe was able to re-hire three of his people to help make his products and get them out to dealers. While not out of the woods, Joe and his wife were relieved to at least be showing a little profit for a change. This was the first time in 3 years they could say that. They had refinanced their home, cashed in their personal retirement accounts, and heavily dipped into their savings, just to keep their doors open.

One afternoon, a prominent politician stopped by Joe's small factory. The politician had heard that Joe was able to re-hire some people, and Joe's business was showing a profit again. The politician jumped on that "growth", exclaiming the success of his governing as the reason for the job growth at Joe's business!

What did government do to help Joe re-hire a few employees? How did the government help Joe show a profit?

Even though Joe's company showed a slight profit, and was able to re-hired a few people, the government didn't have ANYTHING to do it! And Joe is still 3 people short of where he was 3 years ago. His profits are still not where they were 3 years ago either.  And his furniture, is no longer a "premium" product it used to be.

Joe adapted and found a way to over-come the economic hit. Joe and his wife did it. Joe and his wife worked longer hours, cut back on their own wants, cut employees, just to keep the business open. THEY BUILT IT! No where, did the government help them in any way. And, no where, did any street worker, garbage collector, toll both operator (while important jobs, they are all tax payer employees), go in to Joe's shop to work late nights and weekends, or do any of the things Joe and his wife did, and did without, to keep the doors open.

While we debate who we want to be the President the next four years, it is the "individual" who finds the ways to persevere, over-come, and succeed in face of great odds and hurtles. And Americans, in my view, have been doing that for many decades, and have not stood still and let such obstacles stand in the way for very long. THAT isn't the government. That's the AMERICAN way!

It is MY belief, that Obama thinks that is the GOVERNMENT way, while Romney knows it's the AMERICAN way.

Vote Romney/Ryan Nov. 6th, 2012!

Refusing to recite our Pledge of Allegiance

In recent news, a New Jersey community Councilwoman refused to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of their meeting.

In the past, we've also heard of other such refusals, such as a lawyer who was jailed in Mississippi for not reciting the Pledge (I happen to think that jailing the lawyer was wrong.); a city Supervisor in San Francisco refused to recite it at the opening of their meeting; a North Carolina Wiccan refuses to stand or recite the Pledge at any event; and Jehovah Witnesses do not permit the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance (to our Flag or any other flag) for religious reasons; and on and on.

First off, I ABSOLUTELY support their RIGHT to refuse reciting our Pledge of Allegiance. It is their RIGHT to do so, or not do so. I happen to disagree with their reasoning for the refusal.

Just as a reminder, I had posted about MY feelings about The Pledge of Allegiance on here,
http://american1st.blogspot.com/2011/02/our-pledge-of-allegiance.html

But let me say this - Our Pledge of Allegiance is TO America, above any other country. Pledging an allegiance, is a "loyalty" to America. I'd provide that means, to America over any other nation. When I recite the Pledge of Allegiance, that is exactly what I am pledging. And MY allegiance IS only to America.

I would ask everyone to consider something while observing someone at an event, NOT standing or reciting the Pledge. It could be they have a true religious reason for doing so, but do NOT hold some allegiance to another country; or they ARE visiting citizens of another country, and therefor should NOT recite the Pledge; or simply stand by their RIGHT to not stand or recite it.Those rights and duties MUST be protected and respected.

But, I'd also say this - IF someone who IS an American citizen, and is holding onto an allegiance to any other country, then MOVE to that country! Unless one is a lawful visitor, all others should NOT be in America if holding an allegiance to another country.

Simple question for anyone holding a view of refusal: If you are an American citizen, and IF America was attacked by another country or entity, would you be supporting (in actions or spirit) America over that other country or entity?

If your answer is Yes, then you ARE "loyal" to America, pledging openly or not.

If your answer is No, or "it depends on which country" (or entity), then we have a problem, and you need to reassess your citizenship. And, I would the KNOW to not turn my back on you! YOU can not be trusted, and I would want you out of the country.

Just one man's, THIS man's, view and belief. And I DO Pledge MY Allegiance to MY country, The United States of America!



PS. Ours is NOT a perfect Union. It should be our collective goal to work to be the best we can be. I once heard a saying about Christians, "Christians are perfect, just forgiven." Americans aren't perfect, but striving to be the shining light of freedom. And I am, and always have been, PROUD of America.

Found! Obama's yellow tablet!

Wow. After the debate Wednesday, the clean-up crew found a yellow tablet in the trash can under Obama's podium. Now we know at writing was about!

 

 

(Disclaimer: For those easily offended, this was a JOKE!)