I made it safe and sound to my destination! The only real inconvenience on the trip over from Oregon ocurred about 20 miles west of Lakeview OR, where I encountered a horde of grasshoppers in full flight. I departed Grants Pass that morning with a clean bike, only to stop for gas in Lakeview with the bike covered in pieces, parts and organs of grasshoppers. I had to clean my windshield (which had protected ME from being covered in those same pieces, parts and organs) three times to get all the bug crud off it. Other than that, and a five minute conversation with a herd of cows in Nevada, it was a relatively uneventful trip.
I must say that those cows were quite attentive during that time, but they obviously had BADD (Bovine Attention Deficit Disorder), because they turned and left as I was in the midst of briefing them on Barack NObama's latest gaffe. Or, perhaps they were Demoocrats ... it could happen! They know that the Republicans would eventually send them to the abbatoires (rendering plants) and turn them into hamburger - something useful and productive - and the Dems would have them on a pedestal.
Well, it's time for me to go now - some people need to get to bed, and I'm occupying their bedroom desk.
Gil
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
"The Third Time Is A Charm" ... or so they say
Alrighty then ... here's what's happening. Much to the dismay of the intelligent masses, and to the relief of the left-wing, bleeding-heart-liberal, blame-America-first crowd, my blog may be inactive for the next month ... unless perhaps I can access it using my beautiful, talented and brilliant daughter's computer while I'm there.
I'm taking my third almost annual motorcycle ride back to see my kids, and some old friends, who are about 865 miles away. Hopefully, this ride will be relatively uneventful. This is how the first two went:
Trip 1: Departed Grants Pass OR the morning of the 8th of June, in drizzling rain. Not a big deal inasmuch as I knew neither the bike nor I would melt. It quit raining about 50 miles east of Grants Pass. About 20 miles later I saw the first sign that read Snow Zone Ahead. It stirred a premonition within me, and, sure enough ... **SNOW** began falling from the sky. To make a long story short - I hit 4 snowstorms and 3 thunderstorms that first day out, and only made half the distance I had planned, which also qualified it as the most miserable day I had spent on two wheels in the entire 49 years I had been riding motorcycles (Yes, it was even more miserable than the day I totaled a bike in Las Vegas and was taken to the hospital.)
The visit itself was lovely, and then there was the return trip, during which I had a run-in with a yearling range calf. This animal had obviously placed himself in the middle of this two-lane road, waiting to ambush some human being. I had just passed a slow-moving pickup truck and was doing about 75mph when I saw it. I slid back over into my lane as soon as I could, keeping an eye on the errant calf the whole time. Not knowing what, if anything, it was going to do, I moved as close to the right-hand shoulder as I could without getting into the gravel. I was south bound and the calf was facing east - this was a good sign ... until I got within about 100 feet of it. I had slowed to about 50mph when the calf suddenly turned 180º and began ambling toward the right shoulder. "Ambling" is an excellent word to describe his movement ... not a trot, or a canter, or gallop ... just a leisurely sort of strolling movement - like what cowboys refer to as "moseying". Knowing that I didn't have sufficient time or space to go behind him, and that he could just as easily change directions again even if I did try to go behind him, I held my line along the shoulder of the road. The first thing his head hit was my left highway peg, spinning it around 180º, the second thing was my left knee (imagine being hit in the knee by a bowling ball traveling at 50mph, and then, as a final gesture of defiance, he ripped the front strap off my left-side saddlebag. I looked in my mirrors to see what the aftermath was, and I saw the calf staggering off the road and I assume that he survived our encounter. The rest of the trip was uneventful.
Trip 2: Wishing to avoid a recurrence of weather problems, I waited about 2 weeks longer to begin my second trip, leaving on the 18th of June this time. That was a good move. Other than some bothersome highway construction on I-215 and I-15 from the Salt Lake City International Airport all the way to Davis and Weber Counties 30 miles north (and perhaps even beyond, but that was as far as I was going), the trip over was relatively uneventful. I did notice that when I would come to a stop on the 2nd day of my trip, my oil warning light would come on momentarily, and then go back off. The 2nd day I was there I took the bike to a local Kawasaki dealer and asked what they might think it was, and their answer basically suggested that it was "nothing major," but that I "might want to keep an eye on it". Okie-dokie ... I can do that. A couple of days later, as I was going through one of Utah's many scenic highway construction zones, I noticed a sign that read, Speed Limit 30MPH. Glancing at my speedometer, it was reporting 100mph which, considering I was barely moving, impressed me as being an inaccurate representation of my forward velocity. As soon as I cleared the construction, I stopped the bike and looked at the speedometer which, sitting dead still, continued to register 100mph. About 3 days, and $300, later I had a shiny new, functional speedometer. Another lovely visit ... and then, there was the return trip.
Remember that little "nothing major" thing that I should "keep an eye on"? I noticed a bit of clutch slippage the last day I was there in Utah, but nothing disconcerting. It only happened when I hit the throttle with some gusto - no biggie. Or at least, no biggie while I was in civilization. Leaving a gas stop in Battle Mountain NV, I noticed that all of a sudden I had to release my clutch fully before it would even start to engage. This was not a good sign. As I returned to traveling I-80W in a hopeful manner toward Winnemucca NV, I noticed my speed increasing - gradually - and, 10 miles later, I was almost (68mph) up to the posted speed limit of 75mph. In the 11th mile, I lost all forward motion, and came coasting to a stop on the shoulder of I-80W at high noon on the 2nd of July - ambient air temperature 106º, and probably 115º coming off the concrete of the highway. I had been hoping to reach Winnemucca, knowing that there was a Kawasaki motorcycle dealership there, but it wasn't meant to be. Of course my cell phone wouldn't reach anybody out in the middle of nowhere, except 911, whom I called and explained my situation. About 45 minutes later a very nice Nevada Highway Patrolman named Cory something-or-other, showed up and summoned a tow truck for me out of Winnemucca. About 2 hours later the truck actually appeared. To make a long story even longer, while the truck operator was strapping down my bike, I rested on the trailer tongue. When he said, "Okay, all done.", I got up, took about 2 steps and went flat on my face - heat stroke! I got back up, probably within a few seconds, climbed into the air conditioned truck and rode to Winnemucca feeling like I had been under a truck. The Kawasaki dealership ordered a new clutch for me, and 3 days and $486 later, I was ready to finish my trip, the remainder of which was uneventful.
Two weeks later I sold that motorcycle, and bought a NEW 2007 Honda VTX motorcycle, which is what I'm riding over on this trip. I don't expect any problems with the bike, which has less than 6,000 miles on it today. With cooperative weather, and timid animal life, I am looking forward to a totally uneventful month on the road. (I wonder what the odds are of being struck by a sociopathic nun, thrown by an albino dwarf from a 747, while the plane, piloted by a myopic Icelander, is cruising at 25,000 feet ...)
I'm taking my third almost annual motorcycle ride back to see my kids, and some old friends, who are about 865 miles away. Hopefully, this ride will be relatively uneventful. This is how the first two went:
Trip 1: Departed Grants Pass OR the morning of the 8th of June, in drizzling rain. Not a big deal inasmuch as I knew neither the bike nor I would melt. It quit raining about 50 miles east of Grants Pass. About 20 miles later I saw the first sign that read Snow Zone Ahead. It stirred a premonition within me, and, sure enough ... **SNOW** began falling from the sky. To make a long story short - I hit 4 snowstorms and 3 thunderstorms that first day out, and only made half the distance I had planned, which also qualified it as the most miserable day I had spent on two wheels in the entire 49 years I had been riding motorcycles (Yes, it was even more miserable than the day I totaled a bike in Las Vegas and was taken to the hospital.)
The visit itself was lovely, and then there was the return trip, during which I had a run-in with a yearling range calf. This animal had obviously placed himself in the middle of this two-lane road, waiting to ambush some human being. I had just passed a slow-moving pickup truck and was doing about 75mph when I saw it. I slid back over into my lane as soon as I could, keeping an eye on the errant calf the whole time. Not knowing what, if anything, it was going to do, I moved as close to the right-hand shoulder as I could without getting into the gravel. I was south bound and the calf was facing east - this was a good sign ... until I got within about 100 feet of it. I had slowed to about 50mph when the calf suddenly turned 180º and began ambling toward the right shoulder. "Ambling" is an excellent word to describe his movement ... not a trot, or a canter, or gallop ... just a leisurely sort of strolling movement - like what cowboys refer to as "moseying". Knowing that I didn't have sufficient time or space to go behind him, and that he could just as easily change directions again even if I did try to go behind him, I held my line along the shoulder of the road. The first thing his head hit was my left highway peg, spinning it around 180º, the second thing was my left knee (imagine being hit in the knee by a bowling ball traveling at 50mph, and then, as a final gesture of defiance, he ripped the front strap off my left-side saddlebag. I looked in my mirrors to see what the aftermath was, and I saw the calf staggering off the road and I assume that he survived our encounter. The rest of the trip was uneventful.
Trip 2: Wishing to avoid a recurrence of weather problems, I waited about 2 weeks longer to begin my second trip, leaving on the 18th of June this time. That was a good move. Other than some bothersome highway construction on I-215 and I-15 from the Salt Lake City International Airport all the way to Davis and Weber Counties 30 miles north (and perhaps even beyond, but that was as far as I was going), the trip over was relatively uneventful. I did notice that when I would come to a stop on the 2nd day of my trip, my oil warning light would come on momentarily, and then go back off. The 2nd day I was there I took the bike to a local Kawasaki dealer and asked what they might think it was, and their answer basically suggested that it was "nothing major," but that I "might want to keep an eye on it". Okie-dokie ... I can do that. A couple of days later, as I was going through one of Utah's many scenic highway construction zones, I noticed a sign that read, Speed Limit 30MPH. Glancing at my speedometer, it was reporting 100mph which, considering I was barely moving, impressed me as being an inaccurate representation of my forward velocity. As soon as I cleared the construction, I stopped the bike and looked at the speedometer which, sitting dead still, continued to register 100mph. About 3 days, and $300, later I had a shiny new, functional speedometer. Another lovely visit ... and then, there was the return trip.
Remember that little "nothing major" thing that I should "keep an eye on"? I noticed a bit of clutch slippage the last day I was there in Utah, but nothing disconcerting. It only happened when I hit the throttle with some gusto - no biggie. Or at least, no biggie while I was in civilization. Leaving a gas stop in Battle Mountain NV, I noticed that all of a sudden I had to release my clutch fully before it would even start to engage. This was not a good sign. As I returned to traveling I-80W in a hopeful manner toward Winnemucca NV, I noticed my speed increasing - gradually - and, 10 miles later, I was almost (68mph) up to the posted speed limit of 75mph. In the 11th mile, I lost all forward motion, and came coasting to a stop on the shoulder of I-80W at high noon on the 2nd of July - ambient air temperature 106º, and probably 115º coming off the concrete of the highway. I had been hoping to reach Winnemucca, knowing that there was a Kawasaki motorcycle dealership there, but it wasn't meant to be. Of course my cell phone wouldn't reach anybody out in the middle of nowhere, except 911, whom I called and explained my situation. About 45 minutes later a very nice Nevada Highway Patrolman named Cory something-or-other, showed up and summoned a tow truck for me out of Winnemucca. About 2 hours later the truck actually appeared. To make a long story even longer, while the truck operator was strapping down my bike, I rested on the trailer tongue. When he said, "Okay, all done.", I got up, took about 2 steps and went flat on my face - heat stroke! I got back up, probably within a few seconds, climbed into the air conditioned truck and rode to Winnemucca feeling like I had been under a truck. The Kawasaki dealership ordered a new clutch for me, and 3 days and $486 later, I was ready to finish my trip, the remainder of which was uneventful.
Two weeks later I sold that motorcycle, and bought a NEW 2007 Honda VTX motorcycle, which is what I'm riding over on this trip. I don't expect any problems with the bike, which has less than 6,000 miles on it today. With cooperative weather, and timid animal life, I am looking forward to a totally uneventful month on the road. (I wonder what the odds are of being struck by a sociopathic nun, thrown by an albino dwarf from a 747, while the plane, piloted by a myopic Icelander, is cruising at 25,000 feet ...)
~ Courtesy of The American Taxpayers ~
"CONGRATULATIONS! You've won an all expense paid trip around the world!" That may as well have been the way yesterdays news article began. Barack NObama's access to Secret Service "candidate protection" since May of 2007 - a record for the earliest candidate protection ever provided - prompted the Secret Service to request a budget increase of $9.1 million, due to the increased expense of "providing transportation" and security for the candidate.
Providing transportation?? I must be confused ... what is the purpose of campaign contributions? Why is the non-campaign supporting U.S. taxpayer being forced to pay for transporting either candidate? And, since we are paying for it, why isn't the travel restricted to locations where U.S. military personnel - potential voters - are the focal point of the visit, rather than schmoozing with some foreign political big-wig who doesn't get to vote in our elections ... yet?
What's wrong with this picture? It was reported today that "Obama Gets Rock Star Welcome in Berlin". That sounds innocuous enough, right? Now let's look past the spin - NObama got a "rock star welcome" from 200,000 German people (none of whom are voting in our election) because there was a free rock concert held at the same location at the same time! Did the press mention that fact ... NO! The turnout wasn't as much for him as it was for the free rock concert.
Right now, NObama has in excess of 300 "advisors" on his campaign team ... and he hasn't been elected yet! How many advisors will it take to tell him what to do if he is elected? It should be obvious that he doesn't have a clue!
Here's something else to think about - why should we concern ourselves if other countries love a particular candidate for President of this country? The reason for concern is not that the candidate himself is well-liked. The reason for concern is that most countries - for any number of reasons - wish to see the United States fail! And when our known enemies express support for a particular candidate, that should be a BIG red flag for us. If Castro, or Hugo Chavez, or Ahmadinejad is smitten by one of the candidates, that should be a real warning to the American voter that that particular candidate may not have the best interests of our country at heart!
NObama puts on a good show ... he can stir an audience ... but then, so could Adolf Hitler!
Providing transportation?? I must be confused ... what is the purpose of campaign contributions? Why is the non-campaign supporting U.S. taxpayer being forced to pay for transporting either candidate? And, since we are paying for it, why isn't the travel restricted to locations where U.S. military personnel - potential voters - are the focal point of the visit, rather than schmoozing with some foreign political big-wig who doesn't get to vote in our elections ... yet?
What's wrong with this picture? It was reported today that "Obama Gets Rock Star Welcome in Berlin". That sounds innocuous enough, right? Now let's look past the spin - NObama got a "rock star welcome" from 200,000 German people (none of whom are voting in our election) because there was a free rock concert held at the same location at the same time! Did the press mention that fact ... NO! The turnout wasn't as much for him as it was for the free rock concert.
Right now, NObama has in excess of 300 "advisors" on his campaign team ... and he hasn't been elected yet! How many advisors will it take to tell him what to do if he is elected? It should be obvious that he doesn't have a clue!
Here's something else to think about - why should we concern ourselves if other countries love a particular candidate for President of this country? The reason for concern is not that the candidate himself is well-liked. The reason for concern is that most countries - for any number of reasons - wish to see the United States fail! And when our known enemies express support for a particular candidate, that should be a BIG red flag for us. If Castro, or Hugo Chavez, or Ahmadinejad is smitten by one of the candidates, that should be a real warning to the American voter that that particular candidate may not have the best interests of our country at heart!
NObama puts on a good show ... he can stir an audience ... but then, so could Adolf Hitler!
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Is It True ...
That in trying to prove that he is a "citizen of the world" during his visit to Berlin today, Barack NObama, using his best German, said what translated into English as, "I am a jelly doughnut"?
The U.N. ~ STILL Trying to Control the Sovereign Nations of the World!
From Reuters News Service, today, July 24th, 2008: "The United Nations human rights committee said on Thursday Britain should ease back on tough "anti-terror" measures and take firm action to combat "negative public attitudes" towards Muslims."
and
"In separate comment, the 9-member body, composed of legal experts from a range of countries, also called on Ireland to open up its largely Catholic primary school system to secular education, and to moderate tough abortion laws."
EXCUSE ME?? I'm not sure the Crown, or its subjects, would benefit greatly from lax anti-terror laws. As for "negative public attitudes", could it be that those attitudes have been earned by the Muzzies? The Muslim community has probably been responsible for more terrorist acts within England than has the IRA. And, inasmuch as Ireland's population is PRIMARILY CATHOLIC, could that have something to do with the fact that Ireland's school system is primarily Catholic? Ya think? Why shouldn't their school system reflect that? Has the U.N. even suggested that the Arabic nations modify their Islamic school systems (such as they are)? NO! They wouldn't want to "offend" the Muslims ... but to offend Christians, of any stripe, is fine with the U.N.. The curriculum of school systems is, and always has been, reflective of the national culture. In many countries, education always takes a back seat to theological and political indoctrination. Instead of providing "secondary education", education becomes secondary! That doesn't make it right, but it is the way it is.
I hope, for their own sake, that the British government summarily rejects the bogus U.N. Human Rights Committees recommendations, tells them "Piss off and mind your own business!", and then drops out of the United Nations. But, that's just the way I see things ...
Gil
EXCUSE ME?? I'm not sure the Crown, or its subjects, would benefit greatly from lax anti-terror laws. As for "negative public attitudes", could it be that those attitudes have been earned by the Muzzies? The Muslim community has probably been responsible for more terrorist acts within England than has the IRA. And, inasmuch as Ireland's population is PRIMARILY CATHOLIC, could that have something to do with the fact that Ireland's school system is primarily Catholic? Ya think? Why shouldn't their school system reflect that? Has the U.N. even suggested that the Arabic nations modify their Islamic school systems (such as they are)? NO! They wouldn't want to "offend" the Muslims ... but to offend Christians, of any stripe, is fine with the U.N.. The curriculum of school systems is, and always has been, reflective of the national culture. In many countries, education always takes a back seat to theological and political indoctrination. Instead of providing "secondary education", education becomes secondary! That doesn't make it right, but it is the way it is.
I hope, for their own sake, that the British government summarily rejects the bogus U.N. Human Rights Committees recommendations, tells them "Piss off and mind your own business!", and then drops out of the United Nations. But, that's just the way I see things ...
Gil
Is Being "Commander-in-Chief" Easier Than Performing Brain surgery?
Putting Barack NObama in the White House, as Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, makes about as much sense as letting the person who grooms your pets perform brain surgery on your child! If you were in the military, would you want all the life and death decisions being made for you and your comrades to be made by a person with NO military experience ... none at all? Not even Jr. ROTC training! But, even more than that, the President of the United States makes life and death decisions about the entire COUNTRY! WAKE UP AMERICA! Shake off the bonds of that hypnotic trance you seem to be in, and PAY ATTENTION to what the man has done, has said, and what he has proven he stands for (if you can quantify 'nothing').
Gil
Gil
NObama Snubs America's Fighting Men and Women ... Is Innaccurate
If you have read any of my previous postings, you will know that I am not Barak NObama's #1 fan. However, I received the following email yesterday and felt it was worth bringing to your attention (whoever you may happen to be). Knowing the love affair the media has for NObama, it wouldn't surprise me to discover this was absolutely true. On the other hand, understanding the dirty tricks of politics, I would be equally unsurprised to find that it's nothing more than a believable lie.
So, after much soul-searching, I decided to post it only with the following disclaimer: I have not been able to ascertain/verify the origin(s) of this email, nor do I know it to be true and accurate reportage in any degree. If it is untrue then shame on those who prepared it, and I apologize in advance for being taken in by their chicanery. If it is true, then shame on our own media for not reporting it. (The press was not granted freedom by the 1st Amendment so they could lie to the American people, but rather to protect them from retribution when they were telling the truth ... rare as those occasions may be these days). The following is that email, in it's entirety and unedited by me - (I discovered on 30 August 2008 that the following is incorrect, and quite possibly designed to make NObama look worse than he really is - if that's humanly possible)
In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier"
Personally, I have some strong doubts about any statement which cannot be easily traced back to it's source - especially political statements. However, on the chance that there is any truth to the above email at all, I would rather "err on the side of caution", and attempt to bring it to the attention of the American people. Ultimately, as in all things, it's your call.
Gil
So, after much soul-searching, I decided to post it only with the following disclaimer: I have not been able to ascertain/verify the origin(s) of this email, nor do I know it to be true and accurate reportage in any degree. If it is untrue then shame on those who prepared it, and I apologize in advance for being taken in by their chicanery. If it is true, then shame on our own media for not reporting it. (The press was not granted freedom by the 1st Amendment so they could lie to the American people, but rather to protect them from retribution when they were telling the truth ... rare as those occasions may be these days). The following is that email, in it's entirety and unedited by me - (I discovered on 30 August 2008 that the following is incorrect, and quite possibly designed to make NObama look worse than he really is - if that's humanly possible)
"Hello everyone,
As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to "The War Zone". I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plan and got into a bullet proof vehicle, got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram. As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn't say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service. So really he was just here to make a showing for the American's back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you. I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don't understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.
In service,
CPT Jeffrey S. Porter
Battle Captain
TF Wasatch
American Soldier"
Personally, I have some strong doubts about any statement which cannot be easily traced back to it's source - especially political statements. However, on the chance that there is any truth to the above email at all, I would rather "err on the side of caution", and attempt to bring it to the attention of the American people. Ultimately, as in all things, it's your call.
Gil
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Hero - A Word Synonymous With Unbelievable Courage
After receiving an email about this, I did a quick check of the facts and found some additional information, which I have appended at the bottom. Sadly, none of the references I found were national media, but various individual and organizational blogs. This fact speaks poorly, but accurately, of our liberal, left-wing, 'blame America first' national news media.
"PO2 (EOD2) Mike Monsoor, a Navy EOD Technician, was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously for jumping on a grenade in Iraq, giving his life to save his fellow Seals.
During Mike Monsoor's funeral in San Diego, as his coffin was being moved from the hearse to the grave site at Ft. Rosecrans National Cemetery, SEALs were lined up on both sides of the pallbearers route forming a column of two's, with the coffin moving up the center. As Mike's coffin passed, each SEAL, having removed his gold Trident from his uniform, slapped it down embedding the Trident in the wooden coffin.
The slaps were audible from across the cemetery; by the time the coffin arrived grave side, it looked as though it had a gold inlay from all the Tridents pinned to it. This was a fitting send-off for a warrior hero."
This should be front-page news instead of the crap we see everyday. Since the media won't make this news, I choose to make it news by posting it for all to see. I am damned proud of those who serve in our military. If you are proud too, please pass this on. If not then rest assured that these fine men and women of our military will continue to serve and protect.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
"On 29 September 2006, 25-year-old Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael A. Monsoor was killed during operations in enemy-held territory at Ar Ramadi, Iraq, when he threw himself on top of a grenade in order to save the lives of his fellow SEALS. In April 2008, Michael Monsoor (who had already been posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his actions in a 9 May 2006 incident, when he and another SEAL pulled a wounded team member to safety amidst gunfire) was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. His funeral, attended (in the words of President Bush) by "nearly every SEAL on the West Coast," was held on 12 October 2006 at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego." Actions such as this define the TRUE meaning of the word HERO! Simply being captured by the enemy does not make one a hero, even if the government designates it as such because they feel the need to identify a female "hero" in Iraq. Any fool can get captured. The real heroes were those military members who risked their own lives to retrieve the captive female soldier. Heroism is an heroic act - above and beyond what one could reasonably expect from a human being under the existing circumstances. Why trivialize the one word that truly should describe exemplary performance in the face of overwhelming odds? For those of you who have no real concept of the term 'hero' I would suggest you research two names:1. Sergeant Alvin C. York (most decorated U.S. combat soldier of WWI)
2. Audie L. Murphy (most decorated U.S. combat soldier of WWII)
Through no fault of their own, both these fine soldiers survived their war. They placed themselves in harm's way repeatedly during their years of service. After the war York returned to Tennessee, where he raised money to improve education in his valley, and lived the relatively normal life of a Tennessee mountain man during the early-to-mid 1900's. He died at age 76.
During a successful film career, Murphy was plagued by the mental residue of war (which we now recognize as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). He was killed in a plane crash at the age of 46.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
God bless Michael Monsoor and those who have served and still serve in the defense of our nation!
Gil
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Whatever Happened To Common Sense?
Whatever happened to our ability to judiciously apply something called 'common sense' in the USA? It appears that more and more we see less and less of it! Take our penchant for suing people/corporations and other entities. We have become the most litigious (sue happy) society the world has ever known. Right now, I can almost hear you thinking, "Yeah ... why is that?" Like all other things that simply are, it is because we permitted it to be, and we continue to do so right up to whatever day you're reading this! Our legal system is overwhelmed by the demands of morons and their money-hungry, ambulance-chasing shyster lawyers. One would think that there would be a point at which our courts would say, "No, you have no case - thank you so much for bothering us - but you may not bring suit against anybody for that." Case in point ... the little old lady who sued McDonald's, and won a $7 million judgment against them, because she chose to place a container of hot coffee between her legs (no fault of McDonald's), the coffee spilled (again, through no fault of McDonald's), burning what was probably a little-used part of her anatomy and causing her great discomfort. Yeah, I know it's old news, but it is THE prime example of this posting's title, so let's follow the steps here:
But, instead, many courts are hearing more nuisance cases each week, and finding in favor of the plaintiff! Could it be that it's a matter of the legal profession taking care of it's own? Insuring a substantial income for even the least qualified of their brethren? This is the same reason our laws have become so complicated that the average person can no longer understand them. They used to be pretty straight-forward: "You don't do this or you go to jail." Now there are at least 11 excuses, 15 exceptions, and 47 acceptable explanations that allow the criminal to avoid going to prison. But, sadly, there are no such compensations for the victim.
We are "a nation of laws". There is no requirement for justice in our legal system any more. The law rarely takes justice into consideration these days. If you should ever have to go to court, and you go expecting justice, don't be surprised when you don't get it. Law is generally the only item on their menu ...
- The old bat willfully and of her own volition, drove her automobile into a McDonald's Drive-Thru lane.
- Upon reaching the speaker box, she probably said in a loud, clear voice (or maybe in a cracking, enfeebled voice) "Coffee."
- When people order "coffee" at a restaurant - even a "fast food" restaurant (a designation which prompts some people to question validity of either word) it is normally served in a cup, at a temperature required to produce said beverage. The only exception to this would be if the patron said, "iced coffee."
- When we order "coffee" we do not expect to get coffee beans or an empty container which at one time may have held coffee. Nor do we expect to get a handful or pocketful of coffee. What we have foolishly come to expect, is that the coffee will be presented to us HOT and in a vessel of some kind. Where we choose to place this vessel of HOT liquid is entirely up to us. The restaurant does not try to influence us in this decision by having suggestions printed on the cup, like "TRY BALANCING THIS CUP ON YOUR HEAD AS YOU DRIVE AWAY!" or "HOT COFFEE PLACED BETWEEN YOUR THIGHS ON A COLD DAY FEELS GREAT!"
But, instead, many courts are hearing more nuisance cases each week, and finding in favor of the plaintiff! Could it be that it's a matter of the legal profession taking care of it's own? Insuring a substantial income for even the least qualified of their brethren? This is the same reason our laws have become so complicated that the average person can no longer understand them. They used to be pretty straight-forward: "You don't do this or you go to jail." Now there are at least 11 excuses, 15 exceptions, and 47 acceptable explanations that allow the criminal to avoid going to prison. But, sadly, there are no such compensations for the victim.
We are "a nation of laws". There is no requirement for justice in our legal system any more. The law rarely takes justice into consideration these days. If you should ever have to go to court, and you go expecting justice, don't be surprised when you don't get it. Law is generally the only item on their menu ...
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
"World Court" Says U,S, Must Delay Mexican Death Sentences
The "World Court" has ordered the United States of America to suspend the execution of 51 Mexican nationals sentenced to death, because they weren't informed of their 'right' to contact the Mexican Consul. Did I just hear you ask, "Who the hell is the World Court to be issuing orders to anybody?" Well, the official name is the Permanent International Court of Justice, and it is the judicial arm of the United Nations. These Mexicans were not sentenced to death for jaywalking - they obviously took a life, or were engaged in an activity that resulted in the willful taking of a life.
This is the same United Nations that brought us the infamous Article 29 of their 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights', which reads -
2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
3. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. (red emphasis added)
Well, the purpose of the U.N is world domination, through the eventual establishment of a One World Government, and their principles are certainly questionable!
And here are our options:
1. Comply with the order (and move one step closer to giving up our sovereignty and being ruled by an outside entity).
2. Ignore the order (sending a message to the U.N. that we will not be dictated to by anybody.)
3. Ignore the order, nationalize the building and the property on which the U.N. sits, send the U.N. to France or some other communist/socialist left-wing country.
Personally, I favor the 3rd option. The U.N. is controlled by 3rd world countries with little insight into the workings of a democracy, and little understanding of the term 'human rights'. The U.N. has never exhibited any ability to influence the dictators of the world, or to sway them from their goals. U.N. 'Peacekeeping Forces' keep the peace by becoming invisible, and hiding inside their armored vehicles. The U.N. is basically nothing more than an international vacation spot for the political big wigs of the world, whose positions are entirely dependent upon sticking to the ideals of the government of their Mother country! Oh, yeah ... and they can literally get away with murder while they're in this country, because they have 'diplomatic immunity'! Why should we have to put up with them?
The Texas Supreme Court has already as much as told the PICJ to 'piss off and mind your own business' (good for them!), and the national government should follow their lead.
"GET THE U.N. OUT OF THE U.S." is a favorite saying among members of an American organization that some people think is radical, but to me it makes sense. We benefit in no way from the presence of the UN on U.S. soil. In fact, as our reward for having them here, we are permitted to pay annual 'dues' that are higher than those paid by the next 5 highest nations combined!
This is the same United Nations that brought us the infamous Article 29 of their 'Universal Declaration of Human Rights', which reads -
Article 29
1. Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.2. In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
3. These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations. (red emphasis added)
Well, the purpose of the U.N is world domination, through the eventual establishment of a One World Government, and their principles are certainly questionable!
And here are our options:
1. Comply with the order (and move one step closer to giving up our sovereignty and being ruled by an outside entity).
2. Ignore the order (sending a message to the U.N. that we will not be dictated to by anybody.)
3. Ignore the order, nationalize the building and the property on which the U.N. sits, send the U.N. to France or some other communist/socialist left-wing country.
Personally, I favor the 3rd option. The U.N. is controlled by 3rd world countries with little insight into the workings of a democracy, and little understanding of the term 'human rights'. The U.N. has never exhibited any ability to influence the dictators of the world, or to sway them from their goals. U.N. 'Peacekeeping Forces' keep the peace by becoming invisible, and hiding inside their armored vehicles. The U.N. is basically nothing more than an international vacation spot for the political big wigs of the world, whose positions are entirely dependent upon sticking to the ideals of the government of their Mother country! Oh, yeah ... and they can literally get away with murder while they're in this country, because they have 'diplomatic immunity'! Why should we have to put up with them?
The Texas Supreme Court has already as much as told the PICJ to 'piss off and mind your own business' (good for them!), and the national government should follow their lead.
"GET THE U.N. OUT OF THE U.S." is a favorite saying among members of an American organization that some people think is radical, but to me it makes sense. We benefit in no way from the presence of the UN on U.S. soil. In fact, as our reward for having them here, we are permitted to pay annual 'dues' that are higher than those paid by the next 5 highest nations combined!
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