With the season of Christmas now upon us, I am writing this post with Peace on Earth, and Good Will Toward Men in mind. No words of any political nature in this message.
To those of us who are Christian, and those who may be on the fence with the whole Jesus thing, I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Those of the Jewish faith, I hope you had a Happy Hanukkah. To all others - I wish you Peace. And I truly mean that.
I must admit that I am not a "religious" man, i.e. that I rarely attend church. I do believe in Jesus Christ as my personal Savior. I believe in God, my Father. I believe in the Birth of Jesus, and in MY heart, Christmas is the celebration of that Holy event. God knows, I am a sinner, and I pray for His forgiveness all the time, as I don't know but what day might be my last and I will have to answer to Him. But, I also believe in a Heaven, and I do believe I shall be there some day.
All that said, I DO wish there to be Peace. But I also know that evil lurks in the land, and Peace may not likely come upon the earth anytime soon. So until then, we still have to rely upon good men and women to step forward and help do what they can to protect us, protect our freedoms, and provide emergency services to us.
In this spirit of Christmas, I am taking this opportunity to say THANKS to all those men and women, who provide emergency services, and are our protectors, at home and abroad.
I speak often of our men and women in uniform, of those in our military, who stand guard, and fight, in the name of freedom. I know what the Christmas season is like for our military. And for those in the harsh areas of a combat environment, it can be specially difficult. To all those folks, my deepest respect, and warmest wishes for your safety and peace of mind. So too, for the families of those men and women.
I want us to also focus on those in our own communities, who put on their uniforms, and take our calls for aid.
Those who carry a gun and wear a badge...and who would confront our home-grown bad guys for us...Thank you. I know too what it's like to be in a patrol car, instead of being at home with your families on a Christmas Eve or Day.
To those who wear the uniform of a firefighter or EMT, and answer the calls for medical help or threat of fire, Thank you too. I've never worn bunker boots and helmet, but have a deep respect for what you do. I know you too would prefer to be home with your families, instead of answering those dangerous calls.
For all of you, I wish you the best that you can have this Christmas. And may your families have you safely home as soon as your shift is over.
Thanks to you all, for ALL you do for us.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Are You Anti-gun?
The world is not always a friendly place. With our wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the constant threat to our very existence by terror groups, the world scene is scary enough. Throw in the drug wars just across our southern border, as well as the day-to-day victimization from hoodlums, it can be down right deadly right here at home.
So, with all that potential, let's say all hell did brake loose. A nation on our highest alert. Emergency services pushed to their limits. An attack has caused major black-outs of electricity. People panic and start looting the stores. Police are swamped with calls for emergencies. Cell phones quit working. Gas pumps won't work (no electricity), so leaving the city is not an option. ATM's can't work, so you can't get your cash out. City services, including water and sewer, stop working. Food is gone off the store shelves. Human predators start walking the streets, looking to take what they want from others, be it their property, or their lives.
(If you prefer - Just consider a major earthquake or natural Katrina-like disaster, if that helps you get the idea.)
You are now in fear for your family's safety. Police are NOT available. EMT's aren't available. Gangs of hoodlums are a block away, and you hear breaking glass and people screaming for help. Hordes of hoodlums comb the streets, carrying baseball bats, pieces of steel rebar from a nearby construction site, and knives, and they are coming your way. Your spouse has fear in her/his face. The kids tremble with fear. They are all looking to you ... someone ... to protect them.
Next door to your left, is a very out-spoken anti-gun neighbor, who has always been very adamant about gun control. "It's the Police's job to protect us, people don't need to own guns," has been a common chant of his.
The other neighbor to your right, has NRA stickers on his car windows. In past days, you've smiled and shook your head, as you've often seen him, the "gun nut", leave for the range each week, carrying his cased AR-15 and assorted other firearms, and ammo. You recall one of your conversations with him, an old Vietnam Vet and sport shooter, whom you had just told that you didn't think anyone needed an "assault weapon", and you "weren't interested in joining the NRA".
You don't own a firearm. And now, you have no chance to go buy one, practice with one, or show your family the safe uses of one. So, now ... what are YOU going to do? Are you going to run to the anti-gun neighbor, and hope the "Gun Free Household" sign on his door will protect you?
Or will you be going to your "gun nut" NRA member neighbor to the right, and ask if he could help protect you and your family?
I don't advocate firearms ownership for everybody. Some people will not be responsible enough to learn proper use and care of one. Some too, are simply not able to pull the trigger on another person, even if their own life depended on it. For those people, get a good dog.
Otherwise, I am a firm believer that each of us are our own "first line of defense", and should be prepared to act in the face of threat to your family or yourself. And I highly recommend joining the NRA. The NRA is our single most important advocate for the 2nd amendment, and for personal protection.
By the way, it doesn't take such a dire set of circumstances for that need to protect your family. Victims are made every hour of every day. If nothing else, know this - For all their desires to do otherwise, the Police respond to a call AFTER there has already been someone victimized. For that victim, it is often too late. THAT is where murder trials start from.
If you choose to not own a firearm, that's okay by me. But don't try to impose YOUR choice on me.
So, with all that potential, let's say all hell did brake loose. A nation on our highest alert. Emergency services pushed to their limits. An attack has caused major black-outs of electricity. People panic and start looting the stores. Police are swamped with calls for emergencies. Cell phones quit working. Gas pumps won't work (no electricity), so leaving the city is not an option. ATM's can't work, so you can't get your cash out. City services, including water and sewer, stop working. Food is gone off the store shelves. Human predators start walking the streets, looking to take what they want from others, be it their property, or their lives.
(If you prefer - Just consider a major earthquake or natural Katrina-like disaster, if that helps you get the idea.)
You are now in fear for your family's safety. Police are NOT available. EMT's aren't available. Gangs of hoodlums are a block away, and you hear breaking glass and people screaming for help. Hordes of hoodlums comb the streets, carrying baseball bats, pieces of steel rebar from a nearby construction site, and knives, and they are coming your way. Your spouse has fear in her/his face. The kids tremble with fear. They are all looking to you ... someone ... to protect them.
Next door to your left, is a very out-spoken anti-gun neighbor, who has always been very adamant about gun control. "It's the Police's job to protect us, people don't need to own guns," has been a common chant of his.
The other neighbor to your right, has NRA stickers on his car windows. In past days, you've smiled and shook your head, as you've often seen him, the "gun nut", leave for the range each week, carrying his cased AR-15 and assorted other firearms, and ammo. You recall one of your conversations with him, an old Vietnam Vet and sport shooter, whom you had just told that you didn't think anyone needed an "assault weapon", and you "weren't interested in joining the NRA".
You don't own a firearm. And now, you have no chance to go buy one, practice with one, or show your family the safe uses of one. So, now ... what are YOU going to do? Are you going to run to the anti-gun neighbor, and hope the "Gun Free Household" sign on his door will protect you?
Or will you be going to your "gun nut" NRA member neighbor to the right, and ask if he could help protect you and your family?
I don't advocate firearms ownership for everybody. Some people will not be responsible enough to learn proper use and care of one. Some too, are simply not able to pull the trigger on another person, even if their own life depended on it. For those people, get a good dog.
Otherwise, I am a firm believer that each of us are our own "first line of defense", and should be prepared to act in the face of threat to your family or yourself. And I highly recommend joining the NRA. The NRA is our single most important advocate for the 2nd amendment, and for personal protection.
By the way, it doesn't take such a dire set of circumstances for that need to protect your family. Victims are made every hour of every day. If nothing else, know this - For all their desires to do otherwise, the Police respond to a call AFTER there has already been someone victimized. For that victim, it is often too late. THAT is where murder trials start from.
If you choose to not own a firearm, that's okay by me. But don't try to impose YOUR choice on me.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Warriors don't cry
It's 1969, and most of my days are hot, only to turn cold at night. So I sweat by day, and shiver by night. At the end of my day, I am thankful for being alive, and I pray to see another sunrise. Now, the darkness limits my sight, and my ears work over-time to compensate for what I can't see. I sleep in shifts, and even then, with my minds eye open. I cling to my weapon, ready for what may come, as times before has taught me what can. The fear I feel, pulsates through my soul. While my body is taunt with at-the-ready muscles, I try to rest. But, like a coiled snake ready to strike, I'm tense though out the night. Always ready. Always.
Not wanting to, I sometimes slip into thoughts of home. I miss the laughter, the smell of fresh air, the taste of a homemade pie, or burgers. I miss my family. Even as a young warrior in full battle gear, I miss my mother. Strange, how during times of fear, we are like little children and miss the tender security of our mother's arms. Yes, I miss home, but I fight to make those thoughts pass. I have to let it go. I can't linger in such thoughts of home. I force myself to focus on the duties of this day, because warriors don't cry.
The new day gives me visibility, but so too does it give light to my enemy. I set out with my buddies, hoping our training, our alertness, and each other, will give us the upper hand and make it through another day and night. Day and night, night and day. Like putting one foot in front of the other to get somewhere, we cautiously march the time through the days and nights, that will hopefully get us closer to going home.
In our other life, our life before this war, we were kids mostly, or young adults at most. Some came right out of high school. Others had real world jobs. Where ever we came from, here, now, we're in this together. No color, no wealth or poverty, not even the part of the country really mattered in this place. We wear the green, carry the weapons, and do what our country asks of us. At the end of the day, it is each other that we really fight for, and that coming of a new day.
At the start of each new day, we plan our missions and prepare our gear. We watch our backs and move out to do our jobs. In face of our fears, we do what we must anyway. Some nights we light up the sky, and during the day, well, more of the same. On some days, we grit through the toughest of times, when someone we know won't see another sunrise. Every day is a test of physical and mental endurance, and the facing down of our fears. After a while, it becomes a strange norm for us. We fear, we do our jobs, and at times, we tend to those fallen, then go on. We go on each day, putting one foot in front of the other, night after night, day after day. A warrior at all times. No matter what happens, warriors don't cry.
When we're done and our part of the mission is over, what do we tell our families? What can we tell our families? How can we tell our families? We don't. We can't. We don't know how. We're afraid to even try, because warriors don't cry. At least, not that we'll let you see.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Being a Dad
First, I want to apologize if some think I am beating this horse too much, but in my job, I see so many very poor examples of bad fathers, I just need to write and vent.
I've written before about fatherhood (you can see that post on this blog). And let me say that I am NOT a perfect dad, and have made plenty of mistakes myself. But this isn't about being a perfect dad, it's about being the best you CAN be, and know that what you do, will have some kind of effect on your children.
I work in a capacity, where every day, I see bad examples of fathers (mostly, but not exclusively). I see every day, where fathers are skirting their responsibilities to their children. In some cases (too damn many), I see fathers, fathering multiple children, with multiple mothers. And they are not taking care of ANY of them! These are not even MEN. These are sperm donors on legs.
By the way...those "moms", bare a great deal of responsibility too! Wanting the love of a man, who makes babies with multiple women, is NOT the love women need.
But to those men...those sperm donors on legs...YOU are NOT "men". Making babies is NOT manly. Mice can do that! But to help bring a baby into the world, then caring for that child, nurturing that child, providing for that child, financially and emotionally, IS what real men do.
There isn't a class on fatherhood that most men can take. Most men, learn their fathering from their own fathers, or someone else who has been something of a father figure to them. And that means good, and bad, fathering. If a man has had bad fathering, Lord hope they've had good mothering to help make up for it. Otherwise, that new father, will likely fall back on the only example they had to follow.
All that said, there are those, who consciously recognize the bad fathering they had, and work to overcome those examples and work hard at being good father. To those men, I applaud you.
We ALL make mistakes. We can ALL do, or have done, better. I am right there. But with all my mistakes, I have tried to be a good father. I think I have been a good father, and love my children more each day. Mine are grown and off on their own life adventures, but I miss them every day. I have some regrets though. And it is that I didn't spend as much time with them as I could have. I can not get that back.
Women - If you're looking for a "man", make sure he is a REAL man. Don't go for some flash in the pan dude with a good line and moves that move you. Look at "the man", and how he treats his mother, what he own father is like and treats his wife, and if that dude has multiple women and children.
Men - If you think being a man, is about bringing multiple kids into the world, with multiple women, and caring for none of them....then I have a deal for you! I am offering my services to help you have all the fun you want, and none of the long term responsibilities. .... Oh... My "services"? Castration. I have sharp knives and if you just can't help yourself because you have less control that a mouse, then I can arrange for a little cut here, and little tug there, and snip snip, and you're good to go!
REAL MEN - Stand up for your women and your children. Be counted, and be counted on. And enjoy that real gift of being a DAD! It the best title I've ever had!!
I've written before about fatherhood (you can see that post on this blog). And let me say that I am NOT a perfect dad, and have made plenty of mistakes myself. But this isn't about being a perfect dad, it's about being the best you CAN be, and know that what you do, will have some kind of effect on your children.
I work in a capacity, where every day, I see bad examples of fathers (mostly, but not exclusively). I see every day, where fathers are skirting their responsibilities to their children. In some cases (too damn many), I see fathers, fathering multiple children, with multiple mothers. And they are not taking care of ANY of them! These are not even MEN. These are sperm donors on legs.
By the way...those "moms", bare a great deal of responsibility too! Wanting the love of a man, who makes babies with multiple women, is NOT the love women need.
But to those men...those sperm donors on legs...YOU are NOT "men". Making babies is NOT manly. Mice can do that! But to help bring a baby into the world, then caring for that child, nurturing that child, providing for that child, financially and emotionally, IS what real men do.
There isn't a class on fatherhood that most men can take. Most men, learn their fathering from their own fathers, or someone else who has been something of a father figure to them. And that means good, and bad, fathering. If a man has had bad fathering, Lord hope they've had good mothering to help make up for it. Otherwise, that new father, will likely fall back on the only example they had to follow.
All that said, there are those, who consciously recognize the bad fathering they had, and work to overcome those examples and work hard at being good father. To those men, I applaud you.
We ALL make mistakes. We can ALL do, or have done, better. I am right there. But with all my mistakes, I have tried to be a good father. I think I have been a good father, and love my children more each day. Mine are grown and off on their own life adventures, but I miss them every day. I have some regrets though. And it is that I didn't spend as much time with them as I could have. I can not get that back.
Women - If you're looking for a "man", make sure he is a REAL man. Don't go for some flash in the pan dude with a good line and moves that move you. Look at "the man", and how he treats his mother, what he own father is like and treats his wife, and if that dude has multiple women and children.
Men - If you think being a man, is about bringing multiple kids into the world, with multiple women, and caring for none of them....then I have a deal for you! I am offering my services to help you have all the fun you want, and none of the long term responsibilities. .... Oh... My "services"? Castration. I have sharp knives and if you just can't help yourself because you have less control that a mouse, then I can arrange for a little cut here, and little tug there, and snip snip, and you're good to go!
REAL MEN - Stand up for your women and your children. Be counted, and be counted on. And enjoy that real gift of being a DAD! It the best title I've ever had!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Car in the ditch?
The president has been on a campaign roll lately, using the analogy of the car (country/economy) driven (by the republicans) off in the ditch, and we can't give the keys back to the driver.
Well Obama, the driver (republicans) wasn't going in the best direction, no doubt. But, there was a drunk (democratic congress) in the car, who wanted to change direction in a drastic way. That drunk grabbed the wheel away and caused the driver to lose complete control!!!! And man, is it off in the ditch weeds now!
Look, in my view, BOTH parties have lost sight of what "the people" were wanting. BOTH parties, are GUILTY on thinking that once they were elected, that meant they had approval to do what ever THEY wanted. NO politician should thing that once elected, they didn't need to LISTEN to "the people" again. The whole point of elected representatives, is for them to be OUR voice. If they don't listen, then how can they be OUR voice?
But what we have experienced this past 2 years, is what would happen when ANY one party has complete control over house, senate, and white house. There is NO balance of power. None. That must change. And next week, Nov. 2nd, we MUST change that.
Even if you don't like some republicans, or like some 3rd party person (sorry, but can not win), vote Republican. Restore a balance to Washington.
Then, with EVERY election, "We, THE people", need to start rejecting ANY politician who ignores the voices of the people. EVERY election needs to be a reality check for anyone note doing the job FOR America.
For now...Vote Republican, and clean out the drunks!
Well Obama, the driver (republicans) wasn't going in the best direction, no doubt. But, there was a drunk (democratic congress) in the car, who wanted to change direction in a drastic way. That drunk grabbed the wheel away and caused the driver to lose complete control!!!! And man, is it off in the ditch weeds now!
Look, in my view, BOTH parties have lost sight of what "the people" were wanting. BOTH parties, are GUILTY on thinking that once they were elected, that meant they had approval to do what ever THEY wanted. NO politician should thing that once elected, they didn't need to LISTEN to "the people" again. The whole point of elected representatives, is for them to be OUR voice. If they don't listen, then how can they be OUR voice?
But what we have experienced this past 2 years, is what would happen when ANY one party has complete control over house, senate, and white house. There is NO balance of power. None. That must change. And next week, Nov. 2nd, we MUST change that.
Even if you don't like some republicans, or like some 3rd party person (sorry, but can not win), vote Republican. Restore a balance to Washington.
Then, with EVERY election, "We, THE people", need to start rejecting ANY politician who ignores the voices of the people. EVERY election needs to be a reality check for anyone note doing the job FOR America.
For now...Vote Republican, and clean out the drunks!
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Open Letter to My Wife
Open letter to my wife, Diann.
I bring this up today, because when I saw the Facebook post of Diann and young Trevor in the tagged photo, it reminded me of the distance we've come.
Over the years, I have seen, first hand, the love and level of commitment to your son. I've seen the highs and the lows. I've seen the heartache, and the pride. I've seen the "real" sacrifices you've made to help see your son through the stages of his life.
While much can be debated about the issues surrounding his bio-dad and you (and that's another story), NO ONE, not even close, has made the sacrifices you has, to stay close, to take part, to be involved, and to lovingly support Trevor. Today, Trevor is in college, majoring in his calling of music, and is enjoying his new experience. A bright future is on store for him, as he stays focused. While "someone" may want to take credit, the real credit goes to one person, Trevor's mom, YOU.
Sometimes, this needs to be said on more than just Mother's Day. For mothers everywhere, Mother's day, is every day. Diann, you have my love and respect for all you do.
I bring this up today, because when I saw the Facebook post of Diann and young Trevor in the tagged photo, it reminded me of the distance we've come.
Over the years, I have seen, first hand, the love and level of commitment to your son. I've seen the highs and the lows. I've seen the heartache, and the pride. I've seen the "real" sacrifices you've made to help see your son through the stages of his life.
While much can be debated about the issues surrounding his bio-dad and you (and that's another story), NO ONE, not even close, has made the sacrifices you has, to stay close, to take part, to be involved, and to lovingly support Trevor. Today, Trevor is in college, majoring in his calling of music, and is enjoying his new experience. A bright future is on store for him, as he stays focused. While "someone" may want to take credit, the real credit goes to one person, Trevor's mom, YOU.
Sometimes, this needs to be said on more than just Mother's Day. For mothers everywhere, Mother's day, is every day. Diann, you have my love and respect for all you do.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Declaration of War?
Can we declare war? War, a REAL war, on the drug cartels? I don't mean a drug war, but a REAL, blow to hell WAR, on the very vermin who attacked the husband of Tiffany Hartley on Falcon Lake. And WAR upon those who killed Mexico's Commandant, Rolando Flores Villegas, who was investigating the murder. And WAR upon all those, who have carried out executions upon the other political, police, and innocent people of Mexico and the US?
These ARE terrorists. NO less so, than those killing our soldiers and innocents in Afghanistan. And we need to take the WAR to them, And if Mexico doesn't invite us in to join them in this effort, then they too are our enemy. So far, its gotten worse, and has bled over into our country.
And HEAR THIS - If anyone reading this, or anyone who is friends where this applies reads this - Cocaine users (and drug illegal drug users in general) ..... YOU are contributing to the financing of such violence. It is YOUR money they are killing over. YOU money ... Not mine, but YOUR drug money. YOU are the demand, and they are killing for YOUR business.
"Legalize" and it'll stop? B.S. - Just say no, and not commit the crime, and it will stop! But to suggest that we change the law, FOR YOUR STINKING HABIT, is BULL SHIT! If you so lack the self control to not start, tough crap! And if you stared and can't quit, get help, or go to jail!
Otherwise, pick a side. "cuz we need to take the WAR to them!
These ARE terrorists. NO less so, than those killing our soldiers and innocents in Afghanistan. And we need to take the WAR to them, And if Mexico doesn't invite us in to join them in this effort, then they too are our enemy. So far, its gotten worse, and has bled over into our country.
And HEAR THIS - If anyone reading this, or anyone who is friends where this applies reads this - Cocaine users (and drug illegal drug users in general) ..... YOU are contributing to the financing of such violence. It is YOUR money they are killing over. YOU money ... Not mine, but YOUR drug money. YOU are the demand, and they are killing for YOUR business.
"Legalize" and it'll stop? B.S. - Just say no, and not commit the crime, and it will stop! But to suggest that we change the law, FOR YOUR STINKING HABIT, is BULL SHIT! If you so lack the self control to not start, tough crap! And if you stared and can't quit, get help, or go to jail!
Otherwise, pick a side. "cuz we need to take the WAR to them!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Remembering Pfc Cody Board
The following is a letter I wrote to the Editor of a local newspaper. I am posting here as well -
The flow of traffic hasn't changed this past week. Businesses have been open, just like the week before. Shoppers still shopped, and kids still went to school, just like each week since school started back up. Each day and week, we enjoy the freedoms to do most anything we want. For most of us, nothing much has changed this past week, from that of the week and weeks before.
But that isn't the case with everyone. This past week, for one of our McKinney families and their friends, their whole world changed.
I didn't know Pfc. Cody Board, and don't know his family. But I've known many such Cody Boards. Men and women from all walks of life, have answered the call of duty, and committed themselves to the armed defense of our nation, and our nation's causes. They have done it, and still do it, for all of us.
While the family and friends of Pfc. Board grieve their loss, let us all remember that every day, the families and friends of our men and women in the military pray that their loved ones comes home safe. But, as it has always been in armed conflict, many don't come home that way. And a little bit of all of us is missing each time.
Yes, the world goes on, as it must. And we will go about of daily work and activities, as we should. But let's stop from time to time, and just say a quiet prayer for those who serve, and their families. It's the least we can do.
To the family and friends of Cody Board, my most sincere condolences. I am humbled by his service, and most thankful for it. Free people everywhere owe a great debt to those like Cody. Rest in peace Cody Board. God Bless and keep his family and friends.
And God Bless and Keep all those who serve us, and their families.
Respectfully,
Dan
PS. I recall very vividly, my coming home. It angered me that the world WAS going on, seemingly without notice that young men were fighting and dying in Vietnam. I thought then, "Don't they get it? Our guys are dying over there and don't they care?" I felt that way, because for most Americans, nothing changed for them. To those who fought, and their families, it would be changed forever.
To this day, this very day, I remember. Part of me still feels so guilty for NOT going back and re-joining my buddies. I don't expect that to ever leave me.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Sad for America
(This is a re-edit 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 with our very lives.
And of late, we have seen a President, of Mexico, be permitting... 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, 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 230+ years ago. And WHY were they up-in-arms? They were fed up with the strong arms tactics and imposition of unfair taxes upon the colonies and the citizens of the New World. Great Britain, at that time, WAS the government. And THAT government wanted to impose its will, and taxes, in every way it saw fit to do. Sound familiar?
Well, TRILLIONS of dollars promised by THIS government, on top of the .7 Trillion before Bush left office, WHO will pay for all that? WHO will be taxed to pay for the sins and mistakes by our own government and big business? And when it comes down to it - just how many, what percent, of our citizens really wanted this, or want to pay for it? The top ten polls were clear - a majority of Americans were against THIS bill. But it didn't matter to those who hold the power.
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.
THIS is NOT America. This is something else, but it is NOT America. Businesses grow. Businesses go under. The natural evolution of capitalism has been circumvented by the rich and powerful. Now, our government will decide who makes it, and who won't. The ever increasing government hand, has now grown to control the direction of business, and us...we, the people. That BIG government hand, is around the freedom neck of America.
I am sick at what we have become. And in November, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of 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 pain. I weep for those who came before us, and died in an effort to keep America free, and keep America as a land of "for the people, by the people". The people we have in Washington today, are NOT "the people", but they are there...BECAUSE we let them be there. The personal agendas and greed for power, is limitless. And Americans put them there. Shame on us.
So, I sit by the death bed of the America I love and have believed in. I watch helplessly as she succumbs to the trampling on the long held belief's of a nation of free people and non-intrusive government. Before long, her colors could remain, but the stripes will be removed, the stars gone, and some new "Obama-like" symbol will replace her. Letters and emails have failed, and I know of no cure to help. Good men sit by, and other men want to turn off her life support machine. Freedom of her people is old fashioned, in the eyes of our new power mongers.
Pardon my ramblings, and perhaps lack of delivery in this addition, but my sadness almost over-takes me and the grief I am feeling for what I fear is coming, has a grip on me. I pray for HONEST change in November, or even more in 2012.
Am I alone? Are there any other voices that share in this feeling?
God Bless America, for as long as we still have her. - Dan
PS. While not exclusive to Veterans, the sound of her name, America, and the songs about her, America, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, etc., bring goose bumps to us, as does the raising or passing of our Flag. What is happening to America, is hard to swallow for THIS Veteran.
It saddens me to see her so sick. She is down, and from the looks of her, she could be terminally ill. She's been through so much in her life. Many have attacked her, wounded her, trampled on her, tried so hard to make her disappear from the planet. Today, she is under such extreme attacks, and this time, from within her own family. If she goes, I just don't know what I'll do, and I am sad at the prospect.
America. Oh, how I love her name. America. Oh, how I love my country. America. Oh, how sad I am of what far too many are trying to do to her, make her become, make her into what she was never meant to be.
Why do I say all this? Because, today, it looks to me like the "government of the people, by the people, and for the people", has been plowed under by the swarm of hungry...power hungry... politicians and bureaucrats. The "government", has become the BIG manager in most all aspects of our lives and businesses. Now, with trillions of dollars of taxpayer money, BIG government has now decided what to do with OUR money...and our future money...and with our very lives.
And of late, we have seen a President, of Mexico, be permitting... 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, 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 230+ years ago. And WHY were they up-in-arms? They were fed up with the strong arms tactics and imposition of unfair taxes upon the colonies and the citizens of the New World. Great Britain, at that time, WAS the government. And THAT government wanted to impose its will, and taxes, in every way it saw fit to do. Sound familiar?
Well, TRILLIONS of dollars promised by THIS government, on top of the .7 Trillion before Bush left office, WHO will pay for all that? WHO will be taxed to pay for the sins and mistakes by our own government and big business? And when it comes down to it - just how many, what percent, of our citizens really wanted this, or want to pay for it? The top ten polls were clear - a majority of Americans were against THIS bill. But it didn't matter to those who hold the power.
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.
THIS is NOT America. This is something else, but it is NOT America. Businesses grow. Businesses go under. The natural evolution of capitalism has been circumvented by the rich and powerful. Now, our government will decide who makes it, and who won't. The ever increasing government hand, has now grown to control the direction of business, and us...we, the people. That BIG government hand, is around the freedom neck of America.
I am sick at what we have become. And in November, we (I say we, because WE are all in this together.) voted in the biggest bunch of 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 pain. I weep for those who came before us, and died in an effort to keep America free, and keep America as a land of "for the people, by the people". The people we have in Washington today, are NOT "the people", but they are there...BECAUSE we let them be there. The personal agendas and greed for power, is limitless. And Americans put them there. Shame on us.
So, I sit by the death bed of the America I love and have believed in. I watch helplessly as she succumbs to the trampling on the long held belief's of a nation of free people and non-intrusive government. Before long, her colors could remain, but the stripes will be removed, the stars gone, and some new "Obama-like" symbol will replace her. Letters and emails have failed, and I know of no cure to help. Good men sit by, and other men want to turn off her life support machine. Freedom of her people is old fashioned, in the eyes of our new power mongers.
Pardon my ramblings, and perhaps lack of delivery in this addition, but my sadness almost over-takes me and the grief I am feeling for what I fear is coming, has a grip on me. I pray for HONEST change in November, or even more in 2012.
Am I alone? Are there any other voices that share in this feeling?
God Bless America, for as long as we still have her. - Dan
PS. While not exclusive to Veterans, the sound of her name, America, and the songs about her, America, America the Beautiful, God Bless America, The Star Spangled Banner, etc., bring goose bumps to us, as does the raising or passing of our Flag. What is happening to America, is hard to swallow for THIS Veteran.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Trojan Horse?
I was thinking (my wife would say I shouldn't do that), and it worries me that this whole 9/11 Ground Zero mosque thing, may be more than people have thought through.
I'm sure we all remember the story of the Trojan Horse. A gift to Troy by the Greeks, in which 30 men (by one story) lay in wait. After the Trojan horse was brought into the walls of Troy, those same men were able to over-take the guards and let in the Greek army, bringing an end to the Troy siege.
One of the Trojan priests, Virgil, has a famous line, "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" (I fear Greeks even those bearing gifts). The "gift" of a "peaceful" place (mosque) to teach and promote understanding? Playgrounds and young activities?
It occurred to me, that it would not need to be "men" who are hidden in such a disguised structure, but it could be an ideological threat. I worry that IF the mosque is built on the currently proposed site, that one day, we will find that the spread of radical Islam, was permitted a foothold and a launching point, from within the walls of such a mosque. What battle could be waged from such a place?
To extend that worry even more - What IF, in the course of years (we all know our enemies will plan and wait for years), that mosque becomes a monstrous bomb, built up in the hollows of it's structure for years, and enough so to take down the new Freedom Tower and all around it? Look what zealot Timothy McVeigh did in Oklahoma City with fertilizer and diesel fuel, and in just a delivery truck!
What amounts of legal chemicals could be brought into such a structure, only to be mixed and exploded when they were ready? What could they do, under protection from law enforcement insight? It would be a religious building, and thus protected from many aspects of normal law enforcement investigations. And politically, any attempt to investigate, would surely cause an uproar from the ACLU, and the militant Muslims who would threaten violence if we didn't leave their mosque alone? (Remember, our military could not fire on a mosque in Iraq in a time of war!)
I think it needs to be explored, and watched. I do not trust those involved, and I am 100% against having that mosque anywhere near Ground Zero!
Give that a tink, and see what YOU think?
I'm sure we all remember the story of the Trojan Horse. A gift to Troy by the Greeks, in which 30 men (by one story) lay in wait. After the Trojan horse was brought into the walls of Troy, those same men were able to over-take the guards and let in the Greek army, bringing an end to the Troy siege.
One of the Trojan priests, Virgil, has a famous line, "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes" (I fear Greeks even those bearing gifts). The "gift" of a "peaceful" place (mosque) to teach and promote understanding? Playgrounds and young activities?
It occurred to me, that it would not need to be "men" who are hidden in such a disguised structure, but it could be an ideological threat. I worry that IF the mosque is built on the currently proposed site, that one day, we will find that the spread of radical Islam, was permitted a foothold and a launching point, from within the walls of such a mosque. What battle could be waged from such a place?
To extend that worry even more - What IF, in the course of years (we all know our enemies will plan and wait for years), that mosque becomes a monstrous bomb, built up in the hollows of it's structure for years, and enough so to take down the new Freedom Tower and all around it? Look what zealot Timothy McVeigh did in Oklahoma City with fertilizer and diesel fuel, and in just a delivery truck!
What amounts of legal chemicals could be brought into such a structure, only to be mixed and exploded when they were ready? What could they do, under protection from law enforcement insight? It would be a religious building, and thus protected from many aspects of normal law enforcement investigations. And politically, any attempt to investigate, would surely cause an uproar from the ACLU, and the militant Muslims who would threaten violence if we didn't leave their mosque alone? (Remember, our military could not fire on a mosque in Iraq in a time of war!)
I think it needs to be explored, and watched. I do not trust those involved, and I am 100% against having that mosque anywhere near Ground Zero!
Give that a tink, and see what YOU think?
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