Once Upon A Time In America

Once upon a time in America the normal, middle class, working man could afford a tank of gasoline. Once upon a time in America you could afford to raise a nice size family with 3 to 4 children on a working man's wages. You could be born dirt poor and grow up to become anything you dreamed, even the President. You could raise a Christian Family and worship God without offending anyone. Once upon a time in America your children could run and play in the neighborhood, going from friends house to friends house and you did not have to fear for their safety. America once had friendly Nations in the world that would come to her side in a time of war or National Emergency. Once upon a time in America we had a President that knew the cost of a soldiers life, of an invasion and occupation of another country, and of a gallon of milk and a loaf of bread!!! Once upon a time in America we had a Supreme Court that knew how to protect our rights and freedoms. We had a constitution that we cherished and went by no matter the cost. Once upon a time in America our children could graduate from school and get a job or career that they could be secure in for a lifetime. They could be secure in the fact that they would have enough money to raise and feed a family of their own one day. Once upon a time in America the pledge to the flag and the singing of the National Anthem meant something special to her people. We own this Nation, it has been bought and paid for with the blood of our children and ancestors. The politicians do not own her!!! They do as the people of our Nation say to do! This is just a friendly reminder of that fact.....to all the persons out there seeking out a political office in the next 2 to 4 years!!!

A Tablespoon Full Of Common Sense

My goodness, we are in trouble when it comes to picking a Presidential Candidate in the upcoming year! Who would one pick to support out of these candidates that are running? They have all broken their word and shown that they could not be trusted in the past...went back on things they have said to get elected to other offices...and there is not a tablespoon full of common sense among them. We not only need a Presidential Candidate from each party, but a Vice Presidential Candidate as well. That is four Candidates from the ones running, and I am having trouble picking just one of them. Did you see the crowds that came out to see Oprah on Obama's campaign? Hell, maybe Oprah should run. I wouldn't vote for her though. I cannot remember a single time in my past when I didn't have a good feeling about at least one of the candidates. I can honestly say that there is not a single candidate out of this bunch I would vote for. I might could vote for John McCain; considering his service to the country for over 40 years. He is a combat veteran and may be able to do something for the veterans and service people in our Country...even though he has had the opportunity and has not done anything yet! We really need candidates that we can trust, feel good about voting for them, and are going to put the needs of the Country ahead of their needs and the needs around the world. We need a good person who is going to roll up their sleeves and get to work on the domestic issues facing this Nation, maintain a strong military, and a good foreign policy. Fix things like our tax system, social security, and health insurance. Really work for the American People and not be so concerned on lining their own pockets. I hate to be the one to break the news to you folks, but we have not had someone like that in the White House in a very long time! By the look of things, we will be waiting even longer!

American Idol-America Don't Know Talent

Well I guess American Idol is going to start a new season in January 2008. I vowed never to watch it again after Melinda Doolittle got voted off last year by the part of America that obviously wouldn't know talent if it came up and hit them on the head! I don't know how many of you out there watch it, but I was very frustrated when she got voted off. She had proven each week that she could sing any type of music and do it to perfection. I am a musician myself, in my spare time I play guitar and do a little singing, not great, but enough to know what I'm talking about; I've been performing since around age 9 and I can tell you she should have won that competition easily! I have been debating about watching the show this year and I just don't know whether I will or not. Another thing....Have you seen most of the people that try out? My goodness, I didn't know that America was full of such no talent hacks! It is very funny to watch. Maybe I will just watch the out takes and try outs this year! Some of those people are just plain nuts!!! By the way, while I am on the subject, I may as well let that new program America's Greatest Band or Band Competition or whatever.....have a dose. Another show proving that the part of America that calls in don't know jack about talent. The black group that was on there....Brooklyn Bridge....or whatever, they were great and got voted off! The others that were left could not even come close to them in talent with the exception of Sixwire! How in the @#%$ did that happen??? The Clark brothers are pretty good also, but there is not enough of them. Anywayssss, let me get back on track here....this is the reasons that I just may quit watching shows like this. If enough of us stop watching these shows....they will go away....and then maybe we can get some good drama or sitcom shows back on!!! As an add on to this blog...I learned today, Jan 9th, 2008, that last years winner, Taylor Hicks, has been dropped from the Sony record label that signed him only a year ago. I cannot help but feel sorry for him.....but this only proves my point!!!

The Way We Are

When I was a young boy growing up, I was well protected from the ways of the world by my parents and relatives. I will admit that there were times as a young man where I wished in hind sight that I might have learned more about things growing up. The world can be an ugly place with dangers around every corner. I don't know why it can be that way, maybe it's our built in mechanism to protect ourselves or our survival instinct, but in spite of ourselves, we can manage to hurt others and push them away. It's just The Way We Are, I guess. I have noticed that this Holiday Season people have seemed to be nicer to each other. There could be a glimmer of hope out there. In the last few weeks, I have seen people opening doors for each other, helping load cars with gifts, saying nice things to each other, and in general being well behaved. This is one of the reasons that I love this time of the year so much...It seems to bring out the best in people. I would love to see people act this way all year long...but we will take a little at a time for now! This holiday season I would like to see everyone try something new...if you think it will be appreciated---do it. If you think someone needs a kind word---say it. If you think it will offend---keep it to yourself. If someone is in need of it---give it. If someone is going to be alone---invite them over. If someone is going to be hungry---feed them. If someone is going to be cold---clothe them. If someone is feeling unloved---love them. I know it goes against our nature....but it won't hurt much....I promise!!!

Our Thanksgiving Holiday

December 4th, 1619: 38 English settlers arrived at a trac of 8000 acres called the Berekeley Hundred on the James River in Virginia. The groups charter required the day to be observed annually as a day of Thanksgiving to God. During the Indian Massacre of 1622, about one third of the entire population of the Virginia Colony were killed! Definately not a good Thanksgiving that year I guess! Anyway, the early settlers of the Plymouth Colony (the Pilgrims) had a better go of it with Squanto, the Grand Sachem Massasoit, and the Wampanoag People during annual feasts beginning around 1621-1622. National Thanksgiving Day is to proclaim our thanks for God's Blessings in the events of our Great Nation during the year. This was brought about by President George Washington and Congress in 1789. It is my understanding that good ole George W. Bush will be giving the Thanksgiving address from the Berekeley Plantation this year...who knows, maybe the Indians will go on the war path again....(Just Kidding) wink-wink! From My Family To Yours: HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON.

Christmas Shopping At All Time Low

Predictions are that this may be the worst Holiday Season for retailers in over 30 years. No one seems to know the reason. Could it possibly be the rising fuel costs. Hummmmm, I wonder. Soaring fuel costs are driving up the prices of all the living necessities. Believe me when I say that everyone out there is going to take care of their needs first and their wants later. According to the Government inflation is only up .03% over the last couple of months. There is no way that I am going to swallow that bunch of bologna!!! Gas prices in my area are now above $3 a gallon. This time last month they were $2.77 a gallon. This time last year they were $2.23 a gallon. Have you noticed that everything makes the price of oil jump??? The Middle East tensions, the weather, any disaster, too hot, too cold, supply, demand, OPEC decisions, Oval Office decisions, the war on terror, and the lists go on and on!!! What the @#%? It's enough to make a preacher cuss. The increases in fuel prices have the same effect on everything. IT ALL GOES UP! People are not shopping this year because they are afraid they will have to choose between gasoline, food, or medicine in the not too distant future. Unfortunately some folks have already been making this type of choice. Something has to be done soon! With family incomes not going near as far, the retailers had better brace themselves for a slow Holiday Shopping Season this year. I guess we really shouldn't be too worried though, every other day I see President Bush on T.V. saying that prices are not inflated and the economy is good, and we should all just try to use less gasoline...ect!!! I wonder how much he has cut back, don't you??? Who knows, maybe the people in the oil business will by enough shit this year to make up the difference!

Defining A Friend

Webster's definition of a friend is: One who cherishes kind regard for another. An intimate and trustworthy companion.
When I look back over my life, I realize that I can count the good, loyal, trustworthy, long term friends I've had on both hands with some fingers left over! Boy, it is really hard to find a good friend in life. Most of mine have been people I've met in my career. I have two friends from school, three friends from my law enforcement career, and four friends from my military career that I stay in contact with. They know who they are and how much I value their friendship. What has happened to the rest??? I really don't know. They have went out and faded into life. We all get busy with our lives and lose track of each other I guess. When you have a true friendship that last through the years it is a real blessing! Be sure to stay in contact with your true friends just to see how they are doing. They will appreciate it! You never know about life, it is uncertain at best and your voice may be just what they need to hear.

Advice For The Chinese

This article is related to the article that I wrote on losing our jobs. I have some much needed advice for the Chinese....GET OUT OF THE PET CARE AND TOY MAKING INDUSTRIES!!! Every other week we are getting poisoned!!! How much longer is this going to be allowed to continue? Have you ever heard of such a thing? Can't we make toys and pet care products here in the good ole U.S.A. Anyone that would buy something made in China now has got to be nuts! What's the Government thinking? (Oh, they made a boo boo, let's give them one more chance.) There is no reason that we cannot make these things in America. Is our trade relations so important that we will sacrifice peoples children and pets to keep it going??? All of you out there can do what you want......you will anyway.....but as far as me, my family, and friends; we are through buying anything made in China. I will take a long look at buying any foreign made product ever again. I'm really having a hard time understanding why we are not doing more about this problem. If anyone out there has a good excuse for this, I would love to hear it!!!

Terms With Myself

I will be real with what I expect from myself and others; I will respect the people around me cherish their thoughts and opinions.
I will live with God in my life and not be ashamed.
I will not ask people to be burdened by my problems and will face them the best I can.
I will live my life with a strong sense of integrity and meaning. Try to live everyday like it may be my last...because who knows it just might be!
I will not air out my problems or fight in front of people, especially children. I will not allow children to deal with adult problems.
I will take care of myself so that I can take care of my loved ones.
I will not resort to physical violence in my life unless it is in self defense or in the defense of a loved one...I can honestly say that I set these terms in my life long ago and every now and then I have to revisit them. We have to expect the best from ourselves so that we can give the best to others when needed. We grow up...whether we want to or not. We grow old...whether we want to or not. We have an affect on others...whether we want to or not. We are all connected...whether we want to be or not. Every now and again I have to remind myself of this. I can find no absolution in my rational point of view.
Maybe some things are instinctive, but there's one thing you could do.
You can try to understand me....And I can try to understand you.

The Jobs and Careers are Leaving

When we were growing up and getting started out there in the big world...there was so much opportunity. You could get a good job or career and work at that place until you retired. This was in the time when we made things in America, when we exported more than we imported, and when American products were sought after the world over. The economy was booming and things were solid. What has happened? Now it seems we care more about people overseas having jobs and careers than we do our own people. The amount of jobs that we have lost overseas in the past decade or so because of corporate greed is unacceptable. Because they now have the right by law to move companies overseas at will to increase profits, most companies are doing this. They say it raises the standard of living in these countries and it gives them opportunities that they would not have otherwise and this may be true...but which reason do you believe is true? What about the opportunities of our youth? Where can they go to get a job out of high school or college? India? China? Pakistan? Mexico? America is becoming a service country that does not make anything! I am concerned about this type of thing. We need these jobs and our young people need these jobs. We do all these things in addition to providing all kinds of aid money to these countries and where are they when we need help? Where were they during the severe storms and tornadic activities in the mid west this spring that leveled cities? Where were they during the recent wildfires in California? Where have they been during the massive hurricanes we have each year? But America is always there for them in their time of need...the military is quick to assist people in need all over the world, the American Red Cross, and countless other aid agencies supported by Americans!!! We always do alot and get back so little!

Fuel Prices Are Crazy

The price of a gallon of gasoline in my area jumped 22 cents in the last 8 days. This is as crazy as it gets. I have heard all kinds of reasons for the increase but it boils down to one thing...GREED!!! This is going to increase the price of everything from groceries to heating your home this winter...and just in time for the Holiday Season. If we were not cutting it close enough this season...here comes the good ole folks in the oil business to help us out!!! Don't worry about the oil folks though...they are enjoying record profits and they will have a great Holiday Season this year. The Government says that it is worried about inflation and people losing their homes in the great mortgage caper of the 2000's....but don't you believe a word of it! You can always depend on one thing...the Government cares just about as much for you and your family as they always have...lol...lol...lol! I know people personally in my area that can barely afford gasoline to drive to and from work...trying to hold down full time jobs and not even having enough money to feed their families. If the Government cared about the American Families disposable income, the powers that be would put a freeze on the oil prices and get this crazy greed under control. We need to just shut down the country for about 3 days....that's right...everyone just take 3 days off and don't go no where. Companies, Factories, trucking, general labor, chain stores, Mom and Pop stores, manufacturing, and every other occupation....just simply take 3 or 4 days off and watch what would happen to the oil prices when they think they are going to have to drink it! We would have done this back in the 70's and 80's....when I was growing up my parents and their friends would have done it....to boycott these prices. The problem today is we don't have enough guts to do something like that...we are use to being taken care of and don't know how to take a stand anymore. So they will raise the prices and we will pay it....God help us all!!!

Truly Man's Best Friend...

Today I have been inspired by man's best friend. The two doggies that I'm referring to are Diamond and Sugar. These two may be the two best doggies in the world...but I'm sure that I am prejudice. Anyone who says that dogs do not have distinct personalities do not know what they are talking about or have never had very many dogs! You have Diamond the 8 yr old lab and brindle pit mix, clearly the veteran of the two; has the been there; done that attitude. Loves people, kids, to play, and to cuddle. He is obedience and protection trained. He definitely is a family friend in the true since of the word. Then you have Sugar the 3 yr old yorkiepoo, she is a wild child that plays with you even when you want some quiet time. She has made a career out of aggravating Diamond, but he loves her. She loves to chew and play with her toys and especially likes the rawhide type chews...loves her crate at night...it gives her a feeling of being safe and protected. She is obedience trained also...at least as much as you could with her hyperness! She is the boss of the house there is no doubt about this. She is extremely shy around new people and will often run and hide when guests arrive. She is very slow in getting to know anyone new. I would declare to anyone that both have a complete understanding of the English language. They are always loving and never judgemental...they are a great joy and comfort in your life...I believe that everyone should have a pet. In many areas of the country today the shelters and havens that take care of pets are in financial need and in need of volunteers. I know that many of you out there have pets and it is a shame that so many in our nation are on the streets and not taken care of. If you have a little spare time volunteer at your local shelter or rescue operation. If you don't have the time maybe you could give a little to ease the burdens of these places...they have to buy food, medicines, and pay for structures to house these pets. Many of the counties have shelters and they also need your help. It is little to do for pets that could bring joy to that home or that family lucky enough to adopt. I have went on and on, but I am proud of my doggies and want other pets to have the same chance as mine. After all they are "Truly Man's Best Friend!!!"

Be Safe Till It Hurts

The information has come to me through my sources that the war in Iraq is costing the U.S. Taxpayer, that's You and Me in case you are wondering, about 22 Billion (that's Billion with a "B") dollars a month!!! My sources are good. You can add an additional 9-12 Billion Dollars a month for the ongoing operations in Afghanistan and else where around the world. I believe in fighting terrorism...I believe in our freedoms and anyone that reads my articles can tell you that! I am a combat veteran of many campaigns myself! I just have one question: How in the hell are we as Americans going to be able to pay for this? It could take many lifetimes and generations. Controlling a good part of the world costs lots of money. We never spend this much money on the domestic common good. This is money that could be spent on the support of our great domestic programs like social security, medicare, health care for the children and the elderly, taking care of the environment, our homeland security, soldiers and their families benefits, and I could go on and on and on!!! Think of the good will projects that could be accomplished with this money. Does it really cost this much to feel safe in our homes? I have not even mentioned the cost in human lives....and this is a true tragedy. We could continue the fight on a limited basis and an as needed basis using our military strategically and striking quickly with far better results....keeping the enemy guessing on when and where they will meet their end. This would take far less money, and we could leave these two countries to govern their selves with their own money. Possible leaving a small contingent force to help with the security and training of their troops. Now we are in the open for all the radicals to take pot shots at...and then they go to the press with their violations of their koran and mosque stories...this makes me sick to my stomach. All I can say is: I know that the Government can do a better job and spend our money more wisely than they do. I know this for a fact. Maybe we should take a long look at where we have been, where have come from, and where we are headed!!! By the way, my spell check says that I should capitalize the word koran......right......sure I will!!!

Healthcare: What a Great Racket

Today I'm going to spend a minute or two in order to talk about the health care crisis. What health care crisis!!! It looks to me as if the health care industry is booming like never before. It's a great racket. Think about it...everyone makes money off of the sick person. The insurance company, the doctor, the pharmacy, the hospital, the drug producing companies, and they are all in on the racket. It is a business that Tony Soprano would be proud of, or maybe even the real Mob Bosses if there are any left out there. The AMA and CDC set the standards as to when a person should be medicated for a certain problem...who are they? Well, they are Doctors of course. These standards for testing are getting lower and lower each and every year and harder for the patient to keep in check, especially as they get on in age. For example it use to be OK to have a fat level in your blood of 200-225, a sugar level of 100-110, blood pressure 140 over 85, be appox. 50 pounds overweight, but not anymore...they want all of those levels lower...and how are they going to get them lower...prescribe a pill! There is a pill made by a pill company for everything under the sun...and they want to make sure that Doctors are prescribing them for every patient that they see. Then you have to go to the pharmacy to get these filled. You can bet that your local pill prescribing Doctors are well taken care of by the companies making these medications as well. Every direction that a patient turns someone is billing them for something. Each Doctor that treats you sends a bill even if they just step in your room and look at a chart. The hospital sends a bill, the pharmacy, and anyone that reads a specific test, it is no wonder that a person cannot keep up with the bills after a short hospital stay or procedure. This is just Crazy!!! I don't know how an elderly person on a fixed income can afford any type of health care in America. I have heard talk of the Government becoming involved in the process....that is all that we need....You want even be able to get a hang nail fixed then!!! I don't pretend to have all the answers....but there has to be a better way than this! It is no surprise to me that people go to other countries if they are going to have a major medical procedure done...usually a country with a social medicine program!!! Some of the side effects of the medications are a little suspicious also. Your anxiety medication will make your sugar go up, your fatty blood medicine will make your blood pressure go up, your sugar medicine will make your fat in your blood go up, your blood pressure medicine and several other medications will cause sexual disfunctions and E.D. and we all know the dangers of E.D. medicines on the heart. All I have to say is it is a hell of a racket and I wish I could get in on some of the profits...lol...lol!

Explaining Death to Children

I was on the phone with my sister the other day and she told me that her daughters cat had passed away suddenly. We were discussing the difficulty involved in explaining death to a child. Children have to deal with this many times when they are growing up. They lose pets, friends, and relatives to the dark angel known as death, and we as adults are at a loss for words to comfort them. This is one of the times that it is hard to know just what to say. She said that my niece had been taking it well and I believe that this is her first real dealing with the subject. When my own children were growing up; I would talk to them about passing from one life to another, like the caterpillar and the butterfly. That discussion worked well for them when they were younger. They grew up however and we had to discuss things like the belief in an after life for all beings great and small. As we all know there are many beliefs on this subject and each family has to teach their children in the way that they believe. As adults we believe the way we want when it comes to death, but I believe that children should be taught in life after death and given this hope. All faiths and beliefs practice that there is an after life and it begins when we die. Of course atheist don't believe this, but hell, they don't believe in anything. How does this person talk to their child about death? I have often wondered about this. Many times in my lack for discussion and explanation, I would turn to the Holy Bible and make an attempt to explain it in Christian terms of Heaven and Hell. This is often difficult for a young child to understand, but it works well when they become teenagers; you can often get a little morals and values talk into them as well. If it is a relative that they are dealing with, it is good idea to go to a clergyman or pastor for counseling in this matter. It is not an easy subject to discuss with anyone young or old and each person seems to handle it differently, but it is especially hard for a child. I believe that every child should be taught that there is hope out there beyond the grave; this would be a sad, long, hard, journey if we did not have that hope. I believe that we do have that hope...

Changing times...

We were recently at an eatery in my local area. We had enjoyed a nice meal with my father and mother. This is a nicer place and had live entertainment on this particular evening. A musician with a guitar and harmonica blowing out tunes from the 50's and 60's working for tips and taking requests. It was a really good atmosphere and all was going well until my father, who is 70 yrs old lit up a cigarette. Our wonderful state that we live in has passed a no smoking law in public and we had not even thought about it since we had been to this place many times before when smoking was permitted. Immediately the waitress ran over and said, "Sir, there is no smoking in here!" and then she pointed to the outside where my parents had to go to smoke. You could tell my father was embarrassed about the whole incident. I myself do not smoke and I understand the no smoking rules, but to look at my father's face was disturbing. At their age they do not understand the changes that are happening in our Nation....and sometimes neither do I. The waitress went on to say that the State Police had been conducting road blocks during the weeks since the law was passed to look for persons traveling with more than two cartons of cigarettes or more than two cases of beer in their possession, because apparently this was a violation of that same law. Apparently these items are cheaper across the state line and people had been buying them in bulk and bringing them into this state. Wow, roadblocks looking for cigarettes and beer....in America!!! Needless to say this just about ruined the entire evening. I have said it before and I will say it again: I don't know where we are headed in America, but I don't like it!!! Only two people have ever lived on this earth and have volunteered to give their lives for you......that is Jesus Christ and the American Soldier and Service Persons....they put it on the line everyday to protect our lives and freedoms. I'm telling you folks we are losing freedoms in this Country at an alarming rate!!! We have to take a stand...

Church doesn't bother me!

Church doesn't bother me. It doesn't bother me when someone wants to talk about their faith. I like it when someone says, "God bless you." or "God be with you." or "Merry Christmas." The Baptist Church down the road from my house puts on a live nativity scene every year at Christmas and I love it. I have been around Christianity and Christian people all my life and have never felt threatened or feared them for any reason. Why are so many in this Country of ours against God, the ten commandments, faith, Christianity, and the freedom to worship in general? I simply cannot figure it out...in the time of terrorism, murders, rapes, robberies, and evils on every corner...it would seem that we need God and Christian people more than ever! Instead of calling on a Deity for help in these times, we just keep telling God to but out....of our lives, our schools, our government, and the daily decisions we make....and who knows one day he just might give us our wish. We are already at an all time low in church attendance in the Nation and there seems to be less and less interest in the belief of a higher being among our young persons. We have indeed lost many freedoms that we may never get back because the good people of America are not standing up for their beliefs, morals, values, and integrity. It is the very glue that has held the Nation together over the years of wars, depressions, and hardships of every kind. Can we really afford to turn our back on God now??? The family units in this Nation are in a state of chaos....as are many of our leaders and their personal lives...where can we turn if we are asking God to but out all the time! We need to take a long look...before we leap into these next few years and ask ourselves, "Do we really want things to continue going the way that they are going?" We are losing many freedoms in this Country every day...Our freedoms are all we have as a governed people and we have to protect them. So the next time someone tells you, "God bless you." say, "Thank you." and mean it. I don't want to lose the things our great Nation was founded on and I don't want to lose any more freedoms!!! We can make a difference if we stand together. I know that we have all heard the expression, If you don't stand for something---then you are going to fall for anything, this has never been more true than it is today!!!