I'm just pissed off. And it isn't just about the Drug Violence south of the border, and that which is growing within our own border. (see past post from Wed., March 31, 2010)
What just pisses me off to no end, is this -
The Headlines should read, "Americans continued taste for cocaine and other illegal drugs, is paying for death and destruction."
We can read on any given day, the death of government officials, Mexican Police Officers, Mexican Military figures, Mexican Mayors, and such. We can read about the Americans, killed in ambushes on the roads, or even on a border lake. Most recently, a woman was murdered. She and her husband have been building churches and such in Mexico for nearly 30 years. They killed her for their truck. A truck they no doubt wanted to rig up to haul dope TO AMERICA!
I know ... I know ... "Just Say No" was just too laughable to many. But, the focus was not laughable. It was to have been, to get people to not only "just say no" to the dope themselves, but for ALL OF US to say NO to those who use! Friends, family, associates ... anyone we know in every day relationships of all kinds, where we either stand by while they use, or partake "a little" themselves ... ARE GUILTY of feeding the money grab by Mexican Drug Cartels.
FOLLOW THE MONEY (yes, I'm yelling!). About 80% of the dope from Mexico, is for the American drug habit. How shameful. The war south of the border is for MONEY. DRUG MONEY. And every ass-hole in America who buys, uses, sells the dope, contributes to the death and destruction in Mexico, and in America.
I know we can't expect everyone to turn in their friends and family. But we DO have influence on them. If nothing else, DO NOT stand by and be an enabler for their use and abuse. If they WILL NOT help themselves, then tough love them out of your life. Shun them. Point the finger of shame at them. Speak loudly to them, that what they are doing is wrong. And it ain't right at any Hollywood party, or poker game, or outside the some college dorm. It's wrong, and we need to openly and LOUDLY say it is. We need to quit condoning it, by our lack of shouting it down.
Lets also not forget, to use such drugs, is a FELONY. And, they CHOOSE to commit a felony to start with. (Who, besides career criminals, CHOOSE to commit felonies?) That first hit, snort, shot of what ever, is a CHOICE someone makes to commit a felony. That FIRST time, they CHOOSE. Sadly, I think we, as a nation, have let that slide and lost the focus on what that CHOICE really is. IT'S A STINKIN' FELONY!
Personally, I would fine the crap out of every one caught using. Sell, and go to jail. Sell again, and STAY in prison. It isn't JUST about the drugs, it's about contributing to terrorists, the drug cartels, and the murder they commit. Narco-terrorism is REAL. We now prosecute, understandably so, anyone contributing to International Terrorists, such as al-Qa'ida, will get one arrested and tried. Why shouldn't contributing to Drug Cartels, Narco-terrorists, draw the same consequences?
Finally, if it really IS a war on drugs, then it should be a WAR. If Mexico can't rid the ass-hole cartels out of Mexico, then if it were up to me, I'd activate Delta and every other Special Black Ops team, to hunt them down and kill them. They have become every bit an enemy to the USA, as any other terrorist organization.
Yep ... I'm pissed. And all I can do is write!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friday, January 14, 2011
Free speech..unless you don't agree
I find it humorous, that a liberal I know, has been heard saying that he wants FOX News taken off the air. There are those in Washington who also want that.
Don't like FOX News? Don't watch it! Oh ... I see, you don't like what they say and report? And you don't want people listening to them? So, because the that, and the size of their audience, you want them off the air.
It would seem to me, that part of that 1st amendment would also involve MY freedom to listen and read what I want. If that is true, then you want to restrict MY 1st amendment right. I think that is "censorship", isn't it?
I bet you are also upset that programs, such as the past radio program Air America (BTW - I never complained about that being on, and never called for it to be taken off the air.), got dropped from the radio airways. Gee ... could it be that their ratings ...the number of people who listened ... couldn't support the cost to produce and air such programs? Guess what people, that's the way it works in TV and Radio. If their isn't enough people watching or listening, their isn't enough rating points to support advertiser buys, and THAT is what pays for the airtime.
This liberal I know wants FOX News off the air. He wants ONLY those news outlets HE deems worthy of watching. Excuse me dickhead, but I think I'll make up my own mind. No censorship for me thanks. For those in Washington who want that same thing - IT'S ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION, and MY RIGHTS. (And they wonder why the Tea Party growing.)
Don't like FOX News? Don't watch it! Oh ... I see, you don't like what they say and report? And you don't want people listening to them? So, because the that, and the size of their audience, you want them off the air.
It would seem to me, that part of that 1st amendment would also involve MY freedom to listen and read what I want. If that is true, then you want to restrict MY 1st amendment right. I think that is "censorship", isn't it?
I bet you are also upset that programs, such as the past radio program Air America (BTW - I never complained about that being on, and never called for it to be taken off the air.), got dropped from the radio airways. Gee ... could it be that their ratings ...the number of people who listened ... couldn't support the cost to produce and air such programs? Guess what people, that's the way it works in TV and Radio. If their isn't enough people watching or listening, their isn't enough rating points to support advertiser buys, and THAT is what pays for the airtime.
This liberal I know wants FOX News off the air. He wants ONLY those news outlets HE deems worthy of watching. Excuse me dickhead, but I think I'll make up my own mind. No censorship for me thanks. For those in Washington who want that same thing - IT'S ABOUT THE CONSTITUTION, and MY RIGHTS. (And they wonder why the Tea Party growing.)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Being a "Dad", re-post
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 his 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 than 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 his 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 than 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!!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Officer Down, Code Three
Office Down ...Code Three - Words no Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) wants to hear come over the radio. Yet, in 2010, a staggering number of deaths occurred (162) in the ranks of those wearing the Badge, working to protect us here at home. While every death is sad, the last LEO death in 2010, and the first in 2011, were those of Arlington (TX) Police Officer, Jillian Michelle Smith, and Clark County (OH) Sheriff's Deputy Suzanne Waughtel Hopper, as specially heart breaking. Officer Smith on Dec. 29, 2010, and Deputy Hopper on Jan., 1st, 2011. Both killed by gunfire.
(Before I go further here, I will provide the following Disclaimer: I am a former Police Officer, having served as a patrol Deputy Sheriff, and as a small town Police Officer. I was no super-cop and no hero, and was just a regular Cop on the street. I do not profess to be an expert on the subject. I am only offering my own insight, and food for thought to anyone who reads this.)
Two things strike me with the two LEO deaths noted above -
1. The Arlington PD Officer, had responded to a call of a domestic dispute, that was believed to be "over", and she was there taking a report. While not a "routine call", most often, we think of these calls as one where the incident has ended, and the other party has left the area. In this case, while Police Officer Smith was obtaining the information from the Reporting Party (RP), the suspect returned and surprised the Officer, and opened fire on the Police Officer and the girlfriend. It should also be noted, that as the gunman opened fire on Police Officer Smith, Smith shielded an 11 year old girl who was also in the house.
But to my point - This LEO "thought" the incident was over. Everyone "thought" it was over. She was then going about collecting information, when killed by the assailant.
2. In the case of the Ohio LEO death (As of this writing, many of those circumstances are yet to be made public.), one report indicated that the Deputy was trying to take a photograph of a footprint. She wasn't "confronting a suspect", but rather investigating some incident that may have already occurred. The murderer ambushed Dep. Hopper while she was otherwise distracted. (How many times do LEOs get tunnel vision and miss a sign of impending danger? I sure as hell had, too many times!)
Again - This LEO "thought" the incident was over, at least for that moment, and she was "gathering evidence".
Our men and women in Uniform, wearing their respective Law Enforcement Badges, take a risk EVERY TIME they leave their homes and start their shifts. There isn't a "routine" call. And as we see from the past two LEO deaths, "incidents" aren't always over when they arrive to a call.
For those who have never served in such a capacity, let me ask - Have you ever thought some "Cop" was being a bit too "serious", when you've seen him approach you, or someone else, with their gun-hand at the ready? Have you watched, as LEO's were responding the "another false alarm" at some store or bank you know, and you thought they were being ridiculous? Have you seen and heard them being a bit "over the top", when they authoritatively order people to move back away from a scene or crowd? Ever think they were "badge heavy" arriving at a scene of some disturbance? Have you ever thought that their very life could be at risk, if the right set of circumstances such evolve?
Their training, experiences of other LEOs, or their own person experiences, have taught them that they can't take any circumstance, or person, for granted. Their very lives could be in jeopardy at ANY moment. A LEO must remain constantly vigilant to the "what ifs". Even sitting down in a restaurant to eat their meal, could be their last. Think I'm being over-dramatic? (I'm no longer carrying a badge, and I still try to sit with my back to the wall!) They know, all too well, that sometimes, THEY are the target of someone wanting to take a Cop's life. And that person, could be ANYBODY they meet. ANY BODY. Try living a "normal" life, acting carefree and casual, with that knowledge and experience. The trick in their line of work, is to be THAT vigilant, and not have YOU know it. TO remain "politically correct", while doing all they can to protect you, and themselves!
Next time you get "stopped" by a Police Officer or Deputy, just politely do what the Officer asks you to do. Don't try to be their friend, just be polite and follow their instructions. When approaching a stopped Police car, slow down and give them some space. Most the time, any contact by a LEO goes without incident. Most the time, how any such contact goes, is up to the citizen during contact with a LEO.
We've sure started 2011 off in the worse possible way. The families of those LEOs lost deserve our prayers and condolences. Those who serve us each day, deserve our thanks, our prayers, and our cooperation.
Lastly, try to remember this - Law Enforcement Officers are not paid for what they do. They are paid for what they might have to do. And honestly, it isn't near enough.
For what it's worth, from this ol' broken-down ex-Cop. - Dan
PS. To those who do wear the Badge, if you haven't read it, read the book by Pierce Brooks, Officer Down, Code Three. May you go home, every day.
(Before I go further here, I will provide the following Disclaimer: I am a former Police Officer, having served as a patrol Deputy Sheriff, and as a small town Police Officer. I was no super-cop and no hero, and was just a regular Cop on the street. I do not profess to be an expert on the subject. I am only offering my own insight, and food for thought to anyone who reads this.)
Two things strike me with the two LEO deaths noted above -
1. The Arlington PD Officer, had responded to a call of a domestic dispute, that was believed to be "over", and she was there taking a report. While not a "routine call", most often, we think of these calls as one where the incident has ended, and the other party has left the area. In this case, while Police Officer Smith was obtaining the information from the Reporting Party (RP), the suspect returned and surprised the Officer, and opened fire on the Police Officer and the girlfriend. It should also be noted, that as the gunman opened fire on Police Officer Smith, Smith shielded an 11 year old girl who was also in the house.
But to my point - This LEO "thought" the incident was over. Everyone "thought" it was over. She was then going about collecting information, when killed by the assailant.
2. In the case of the Ohio LEO death (As of this writing, many of those circumstances are yet to be made public.), one report indicated that the Deputy was trying to take a photograph of a footprint. She wasn't "confronting a suspect", but rather investigating some incident that may have already occurred. The murderer ambushed Dep. Hopper while she was otherwise distracted. (How many times do LEOs get tunnel vision and miss a sign of impending danger? I sure as hell had, too many times!)
Again - This LEO "thought" the incident was over, at least for that moment, and she was "gathering evidence".
Our men and women in Uniform, wearing their respective Law Enforcement Badges, take a risk EVERY TIME they leave their homes and start their shifts. There isn't a "routine" call. And as we see from the past two LEO deaths, "incidents" aren't always over when they arrive to a call.
For those who have never served in such a capacity, let me ask - Have you ever thought some "Cop" was being a bit too "serious", when you've seen him approach you, or someone else, with their gun-hand at the ready? Have you watched, as LEO's were responding the "another false alarm" at some store or bank you know, and you thought they were being ridiculous? Have you seen and heard them being a bit "over the top", when they authoritatively order people to move back away from a scene or crowd? Ever think they were "badge heavy" arriving at a scene of some disturbance? Have you ever thought that their very life could be at risk, if the right set of circumstances such evolve?
Their training, experiences of other LEOs, or their own person experiences, have taught them that they can't take any circumstance, or person, for granted. Their very lives could be in jeopardy at ANY moment. A LEO must remain constantly vigilant to the "what ifs". Even sitting down in a restaurant to eat their meal, could be their last. Think I'm being over-dramatic? (I'm no longer carrying a badge, and I still try to sit with my back to the wall!) They know, all too well, that sometimes, THEY are the target of someone wanting to take a Cop's life. And that person, could be ANYBODY they meet. ANY BODY. Try living a "normal" life, acting carefree and casual, with that knowledge and experience. The trick in their line of work, is to be THAT vigilant, and not have YOU know it. TO remain "politically correct", while doing all they can to protect you, and themselves!
Next time you get "stopped" by a Police Officer or Deputy, just politely do what the Officer asks you to do. Don't try to be their friend, just be polite and follow their instructions. When approaching a stopped Police car, slow down and give them some space. Most the time, any contact by a LEO goes without incident. Most the time, how any such contact goes, is up to the citizen during contact with a LEO.
We've sure started 2011 off in the worse possible way. The families of those LEOs lost deserve our prayers and condolences. Those who serve us each day, deserve our thanks, our prayers, and our cooperation.
Lastly, try to remember this - Law Enforcement Officers are not paid for what they do. They are paid for what they might have to do. And honestly, it isn't near enough.
For what it's worth, from this ol' broken-down ex-Cop. - Dan
PS. To those who do wear the Badge, if you haven't read it, read the book by Pierce Brooks, Officer Down, Code Three. May you go home, every day.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Wish for those in all Uniforms
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!
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!
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.
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