Fatherhood

I absolutely love being a father! I am Blessed to have great kids. And in all fairness to my ex-wife, it took both of us to help make that happen. "Dad", is a word that is like music to my ears when it comes from the mouths of my kids.

Okay - but to my topic of today - Fatherhood. Calling all fathers....calling all fathers..... Our kids need YOU. Our communities need YOU. Our nation needs YOU.

Even if you are divorced and live in a separate home than your kids, they need YOU in their lives. And they need the very best from you for guidance and example.

Not long ago, there was a news story of some VERY misbehaving boys, and the mother who left them alone in protest of their actions. Now I don't know all the story, but I did see one of the 4 boys yelling obscenities at the news crew. In essence, the story is about a single mom having very difficult challenges with her teen sons. Throughout the story, something was missing.... a DAD! Either the dad was dead, gone, or just plain derelict in his responsibilities in helping raise those boys. In any case, it was obvious those boys needed a strong male role model in their lives. Where was the dad?

Throughout my career in law enforcement,working on the streets and now in a jail, I have seen countless kids, mostly boys, who either did not have an active dad in the picture, or a very bad one serving as an example for behavior. In either case, a REAL "father" was missing and the kids, and the community, was paying the price. I see kids all the time, where I think to myself, "I'll be seeing that one in my jail soon!" Our children learn more by example, or the lack of one, than by anything else. A "father" can be the strongest example a kid, specially a young boy, can have. (Even daughters need a good "dad", so they can gauge what a man should be like when she chooses a husband.) Boys will more likely (not in every case, some kids have other issues that can impair the parenting process), emulate the characteristics of the father, good or bad.

I once heard (or read?) somewhere - "Everyone can serve as an example, even if by being a bad one!" It's that way with fathers too. If a father treats his wife bad, the likelihood is that his male children will do the same. If a father is a drunk or does drugs, then it is far more likely that his children will too. Who could truly love their children, and want that for them?

MEN - If you don't want to be an active and participating "father", then don't father children! In MY opinion, ANY male (I won't use "man" for such lame a--holes) who fathers children and doesn't participate in raising them, should be castrated! (Actually, I'd also go for any women who help create fatherless children with multiple men, for pleasure, should be sterilized!) Yep... CASTRATE the bastards! No more creation of children by men who don't take responsibility. They are NOT real men, they are just sperm dispensers on legs.

To any male who should read this, who falls into that category of creating children and then NOT participating in raising them....... SHAME ON YOU. You are a spineless scrotebag simpleton with a penis for a brain! And if any such person should father multiple children with multiple women, and take care of none of them, I'm just fine with dumping their worthless body in a swamp!

As a nation, we tolerate far too much. And part of that, is tolerating such people and having the rest of us, saying nothing of the children who have to grow the best they can, pay for it all. The gators could eat well with all those who commit such acts. Hard? Damn right! Needed? Damn right!

I love my kids. I can't imagine this world without them. And I can't relate to those men who don't love their kids and want to be part of their lives, and to do well by them. To all those real dads out their, I salute you! Fatherhood is the greatest job out there.

To my children - I love you. I have made mistakes and I hope you see them for what they are and do better than I did. I hope too that you take all my best parts, and take them with you through your lives. You are already better than I am, and I am so pleased, and Blessed. Thank you God for my children. They are gifts beyond my deserving.

Dan

The Border

Another Border Patrol Officer killed in the line of duty. Countless other citizens harmed in one way or another by illegals. We, the good ol' USA, are failing to really put a stop to it! And folks, it ain't Law Enforcement who is failing. It's the lack of commitment by our government.

Enough, is enough. Time for everyone to say, STOP illegal border crossings. STOP the bandits and even terrorists from using our borders to get to us. Time to really STOP all who chose to cross ILLEGALLY!

Here would be MY plan, if I had the power -
1. Build a wall/fence along the border.
2. Have a 100' no-man's land inside the fence.
3. The no-man's land would become a "kill zone".
4. Lots of signs, on both sides, warn of the "kill zone".
5. ANYONE who crosses, gets a shoot first, ask questions later welcome.

Start shooting at anyone, yes, ANYONE, who drops to the ground on the USA side of that wall, and I would bet hard cash that the wanna-be illegals would take a hard look before daring to cross.

Open season! Any land owner along that border, would also have the right to protect his/her land. If a land owner can not protect his/her land, then what good are is property ownership? What good is the Right to be secure in our homes?

Otherwise, we may as well give up and give it all away.

Too harsh? Too bad. We SHOULD protect our country, and our own property. What's the point otherwise?
Dan

"Muhammad"

Oh pleeeease....... To any and ALL Muslims -

Seriously, is THIS the example of Islam? To demand the death, or at least 40 lashes, a teacher, who's only "crime" was to allow children to name a teddy bear "Muhammad"? It THIS the example you want to world to see as one that anyone would choose to follow?

Isn't there ANYONE in the Muslim world who will be vocal and say that such action is wrong? Because as far as I am concerned, this action in Sudan, as well as in the name of Islam do terrorists kill non-combatants, Islam and the Muslim faith is far more destructive than any other religion movement could be.

If anyone should defame the name of God, or Jesus, I don't ask for their head. I don't ask they be whipped, or stoned, or put to death. I believe that, in the end, God....MY God Almighty.... will take care of that person. And if such a person does defame Thy name, it DOES NOT diminish my faith. Are Muslims so afraid of their faith and the strength of Muhammad that they must silence ANY opposition? Is their Muhammad so weak that He can't lead His good people into doing the "right thing"?

How about I name my pet rock, Muhammad? Or my dog? Would that cause you to have less faith in your Muhammad? Would Muhammad somehow be hurt by that? My God is mighty enough to withstand any of that! I'll take Christianity over Islam any day! My God says to love my neighbor, not kill them. Any killing that I do will have to be answered to when I meet God! He sure doesn't promise me 40 virgins for such acts!

Okay, I'm done. At least for now. I'm going to take my pet rock Muhammad and go now. Come on Muhammad.....let's go out for some sun...........

Dan

Blog-Sticker

(Instead of a Bumper Sticker, here is my Blog-Sticker)

"My 1st Amendment Right...
is protected by my 2nd Amendment Right!"
(As are all my other Rights!)

Creed

I love a good western, and was very pleased to have seen the re-make of 3:10 to Yuma. Good movie!

Recently, I was reading the Cowboys & Indians magazine (Oct. 2007), and saw a list of Cowboy Codes, Creeds, and Prayers from various movie cowboys of the past. Well, they missed the best one of all - "I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. And I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same of them". Those words were spoken by John Wayne, playing John B. Books, to Ron Howard, playing Gillom Rogers, in the 1976 release, The Shootist.

"I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. And I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people and I require the same of them"... That may be a little hard for some people, but I think if everyone took that to heart, we'd all treat each other better!

Rest In Peace Duke!

International Police Chiefs Advocate More Gun Control

International Association Police Chiefs Advocate More Gun Control -
see link for story, written by Randy Hall:
http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewNation.asp?Page=/Nation/archive/200709/NAT20070921a.html

So, let me understand it ... Because of the crime rate in some metropolitan areas, and the inability of those fighting crime and those charged with the prosecution and sentencing for such violations to get the bad guy, "we, the people" are to give up our Constitutional Rights granted by the 2nd Amendment, as well as our God given right and expectation to protect ourselves? NO FRIGGIN WAY!

The laws that are on the books, across ALL our land, are more than enough to battle such criminals. MORE THAN ENOUGH. What we are lacking is strong enforcement, primarily by those charged in the prosecutions and sentencing of those who violate our gun laws.

I am a former Police Officer. I don't claim to be an expert, but I will tell you that from my experience, "victims" were most always un-armed and unprepared for the predator who found them. I can also tell you that while I was always concerned about coming upon an armed person, I have always be in favor of the legally licensed permit holder and concealed carrier of a handgun. ALWAYS.

As a Police Officer, I can also tell you that I didn't hardly know any other Cop who did not travel, off duty, with a firearm. We ALL knew what was out there, and we ALL knew we were not going to be a "victim", if we could at all help it. Never mind the "responding to a felony in progress" while "off duty", because it was our duty. It was because WE were not going to become a "victim".

So...WHY do those Chiefs of Police think THEY are entitled to protect themselves, and the citizens, "the people", can not have that same right and ability?

Second to the laws we have, should come the responsibility for ALL citizens to be prepared to defend themselves, and to come to the aid of those who are being preyed upon. There is not, and never will be, a Police Officer at every corner. The Police, God Bless their intent, will 99% of the time, be "responsive" to a 9-1-1 call. That means, there is already a "victim"! Every lawful American is their very own FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE. Are we to "defend" ourselves with....what? A ball bat? What about the 2-3 thugs with bats or knives? Again, what would those Chiefs of Police have you do at 1 am..wait for the police IF you were able to call? Easy for them to say...THEY have guns! They have back-up, with more guns. But you, in your home or car, do not have back-up. YOU do not have have that ability for a Dispatcher to call you and check on you. If you can't make the call in time...You're toast!

Take the training. Get quality advice for your personal and household situation. Get the best quality firearm your budget can handle. Get licensed. Practice. And have the whole family know the rules for keeping it safe, while accessible. YOU are your FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE!

To those voting members of the IACP.......DO NOT take MY rights away! Bag the bad-guy, not me! Would YOU give up yours?

Dan...aka Hunter

PS. Everyone may not be in a good situation to have a firearm in the home or car. Get a dog! A good dog, with good teeth, who loves your family. A firearm is not for everyone, and I'm not calling for everyone to be armed. But if you can, and wish to, then it IS your right!

9-11 Remembered

September 11th, 2001. Do you remember where you were six years ago today? I do. We all know the history. We all remember the scene, as displayed on our TV sets and in the papers. This entry isn't about that. This entry to just to express my heart-felt thanks to all those who were lost that day, who tried so hard to help their fellow man. Firefighters, Police Officers, Co-workers of the many offices in those buildings. Its also to all those who survived, doing all they could too. To the families of all those men and women, I remember. I will never forget. They showed their true American Spirit. God Bless. ~ Dan

Peace...Through Superior Firepower

Peace through superior firepower -

I always loved that slogan... but never bought the t-shirt. Anyway, just a little something I thought I'd jump onto.

The 2008 Corvette. What a car. I'd love to own one, but don't. Why? It's cost is too high for me.

I saw a beautiful home on 210 acres listed for sale not long ago. I didn't buy it. Why? The cost was far too high.

Funny thing about such things we wish to have, they often come at too high a price for what we can, or are willing to pay. Take waging war on America. Throughout our history, some have tried and paid a terrible price for it. Many might hate us enough to want to wage war, but don't. Why? They hate us enough, so why? What is it that stops them?

It strikes me that the slogan, "Peace...through superior firepower", suggests that to have peace, one would have enough firepower that anyone wanting to challenge that peace would pay a very high price for the attempt. The whole Cold War and the Arms Race was built on such a theory.

Even crime is the same way. Criminals, with perhaps the exception of crimes of passion or spontanious stupidity, at least go through some calculation of the "cost factor" to them before committing their crimes. If there is little chance of getting caught, and if the "cost" isn't deemed too high, then the criminal just may think it "pays". But if the perceived "cost" is too high, then the likelihood of the criminal to commit it is far reduced. "Crime doesn't pay", would come into play. I think the same can be said for, "War with America doesn't pay".

This all leads me to this point. (And thanks to Ted Nugent's stand on the 2nd Amendment for inspiring this entry to my Blog.) If every legally permissible citizen was to be armed, every would-be criminal would have a whole lot more to worry about, such as losing his/her life, in their pursuit of mis-justice on their fellow man. Therefore, the "Peace through superior firepower", by virtue of not having an unarmed and easy citizenry to prey upon, could provide for less crime and fewer victims. The "cost" could be death to anyone wanting to victimize people. That's a high price for jewelry, TVs, cash, or what ever. MOST crimes are not worth dying for.


This same thought process (of mine anyway) extends to the world and those who would want us dead. And, also goes for those who wish to stand by and let others cause our demise. If the threat isn't the ultimate price, then their calculation may likely be that it "could be" worth it to do us harm, or stand by and permit others to do so.


Fear is powerful. Fear of dying is the most powerful, and that's why the terrorists use it. We don't. But we should. WHOA...you say. Okay, bare with me.....Here's where all this is leading to - As a powerful and wealthy nation, we need to use both hands in our world and foreign policies.


In one hand ... we offer help (money, manpower, what ever help we can provide) to those who want it and will stand beside us while offering it.


In the other hand ... FIREPOWER! With NO limit set on what ever it takes to get a job done. You screw with us, or very close ally, then we should take all measure to inflict as much damage and pain as we can, and in the shortest time possible. We should instill as much destruction and fear as our "power" can deliver. And, this means to all those who stand by and let our enemies attack us from their neighborhoods and cities.


Who said, "Walk softely and carry a big stick"? (Teddy Roosevelt?) Well, that should be us today. Not to "rule" any other country, but if someone causes us harm ... ALL means of destruction should befall them.


We ARE the mightiest nation on earth. We need to act like it when it comes to such matters. War is hell. War is ugly. War kills people. If we enter into a war upon a nation of people, we need to make it as ugly as possible, and get it over with as soon as possible. Anyone wanting to do us harm, needs to know, with absolute sureity, that it will cost them dearly. So dearly, that survival is NOT likely. So dearly, that those around them would rather die trying to stop their neighbor from committing such an act against us, than face what hurt would come by standing quiet.


This goes for our current actions in Iraq. If a neighborhood is the scene of an aggressor's attacks on us, they need to know that their neighborhood will cease to exist. They need to know that life, as they have known it, will no longer be. THAT, in MY view, would cause those people who sit by and let terrorists use their neighborhoods, to rise up and at least point out those terrorists and let us take the fight only to them. Otherwise, those people doing NOTHING, will pay dearly.


Like him, or not, President Bush was right to say, "You're either for us, or against us" in this war on terror. Standing by, doing nothing, is just what the terrorists want.)


Harsh? YES. That's war. We bombed whole cities, just to get at the German military machine. Now, we are trying to kill our enemies ... surgically. A nice idea. Very civilized. But WRONG! THIS is war and we are being hampered by the fear the terrorists instill in people, so much more so than we are. People fear THEM more than us. That needs to change.


Okay, permit me this annogy - When I was a youngster... (Yeah, I'm a bit older than most on here I bet) ... If I got in trouble at school with a teacher, I feared what would happen to me when I got home MORE than what ever happened to me at school. My parents LOVED me, yet I KNEW that if I did wrong, I was in deep poop when I got home. I knew that if I broke the rules at school, I broke THEIR rules of my conduct in their house by doing so at school. I KNEW...with absolute certainty, that I was in trouble. Consequently, I was in far less trouble than I would've been in, just having that in the back of my head. I may have thought about doing something...but just KNOWING what would happen kept me from doing it.


Our societial and foreign policies need to project that same awareness of conseqences. We're not there.


And polititicans beware - YOU need to be ONE LOUD VOICE in the world, saying this - SCREW WITH US, AND YOU PAY...HEAVILY!


Peace...Through Superior Firepower!

2nd Amendment, as expressed by Ted Nugent

This video interview with Texas Monthly and Ted Nugent is well worth watching. Like him or not, the message is dead-on!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_QjEL0uUgo

My view exactly Ted!
Dan

Never Forget Our Soldiers

Sadly, every day brings a story of more of our Troops in Iraq getting killed. While I support our over-all cause for being there, I wish so much we didn't have to be. Even as an old Vet of the Vietnam days, and an ex-Cop, my heart pains for the families of those killed in action.

Life goes on. For those families, and even for those men and women "in the field", it may seem oh so unfair. Unfair that "life", with our jobs, ball games, shopping malls, and cook-outs, should go without a hiccup. Unfair that for the vast majority of us, there's no price we're paying, no hardships of day and night "alert" for what may come. Unfair that we are home with OUR families, free of most worry. Unfair that we AREN'T paying a price in FREEDOM's name.

Yes, for me at least, I felt that way in 1969 and '70. When I got home, I felt almost offended that everyone was going about their lives with seemingly no regard for what price others were paying. Well, here I am today, sitting here at this computer, watching the morning news, drinking my flavored coffee with my wife, and doing so in an air conditioned house to north Texas.

THANK YOU. Thank you to the thousands out there, all over the world, for standing watch and doing the dirty work for all of us. That seems so little in return, I know, but it's all I have today. That, and this remembrance
of you and the price YOU pay every day for what my family has.

For you, my Soldiers and your families, as empty as these words might be to you compared to what you do each day, THIS family remembers you every day. Not a news clip about you, or your fallen brethren, goes by without our notice. You are in our thoughts and prayers everyday, as are your families.

I am humbled by your service and duty.
God Bless,