Justice?

 Once again, I'm listening to the morning news and hearing about the cries for justice. This particular story centered around service members that were discharged from the service for violating the Uniform Code of Military Justice, the UCMJ as it is known to everyone that has ever served. Now some changes have been made to the UCMJ over the years as attitudes, perspectives and sensibilities change. The same as civilian laws, codes, and regulations change over time. Now the nature of the crime, the charges that were proven aren't what is important here. The importance lies in violating those laws. The cries are for reversing those charges, expunging the record of those that committed those crimes, and some measure of restorative compensation. The basis for that being the law changed. That may be, but the action didn't, the law was still broken.

 We are all obligated by virtue of our citizenship to obey the laws of the land. Indeed, you could say you are obligated to obey the laws of the land simply because you live in that society. Only the method of dealing with violators would be different. In the United States it could be argued that those lacking citizenship are treated better than the citizens themselves when violating our laws. But that is a topic for another day. The deal is this, if you break the law, you should be punished for doing so. Law, by its very nature, is punitive. The Ten Commandments list eight things you shouldn't do and two that you should. The Talmud lists 248 things that you should do and 365 that you shouldn't. So, it's clear to me that laws exist mainly to tell you what not to do. Laws delineate what is wrong at any given moment in time. Breaking the law during that time, while that law is in force and effect, is breaking the law. If the law gets changed at some other date you still broke the law as it existed. Changing the law does not turn back the clock, does not erase what you did from history. You still broke the law. And you are still responsible for that choice.

 The law and justice. There are different forms of justice. Retributive justice, distributive justice, global justice and justice as a virtue. All forms of justice have existed throughout the history of mankind. Some societies leaning heavily on one form or another. But justice is always a combination of these various forms depending upon the offense and the morality and ethics of the people. Justice as a virtue is concerned with individual morality. You are morally obligated to conform to the laws! This latest cry for justice is based in morality. What those people did was violate the law. The law was based on a moral viewpoint however, not a civic one. Exceeding the speed limit as an example would be a civil offense. A moral obligation exists to obey the speed limit, right? Yes, because you are a good citizen. But if that speed limit were changed the day after your offense, or a week later, or a year later should you get your money back, the offense removed from your driving record? No because you broke the law. It was a civil offense. Why then should it be any different if the offense committed was based in a moral issue? 

 There is no difference. The law was broken and that in itself was a moral issue, a violation. The question of the nature of that law, the basis for "justice" not being the issue at hand. The issue is you broke the law, you were tried, found guilty and punished for that. Justice was served. Now changing the law after the fact does not alter any of that. It is what was and cannot be changed. It wasn't an injustice at that time. That's my point. The law may have changed, the morality of the action may have changed, but the action itself has not. Was wrong then, was punished then, justice was served. Tomorrow isn't yesterday until the day after. That's how that works. You can't change yesterday tomorrow. I don't get the sale price after the sale is over. Not how it works. If you broke the law when that law was in effect, you broke the law. The next day that law may be erased, changed, modified or whatever but you still broke that law. 

 Today we are so concerned with virtue that we are losing sight of reality. The reality of life and living in a society. You can't have a society where everyone just gets there way. There has to be laws. What's fair? That's always the big question, always the issue, always the source of contention. Many today seem to have developed some ridiculous notion that virtue means the absence of morality. Morality is what drives a human to act in a certain fashion. In the end, when all is said and done, that is the defining character of an individual. Morals drive your actions your virtue is a reflection of those actions. Displaying good virtues shows others you are a moral person. You are obeying the law regardless of what basis that law has, whether it be religious, civic, philosophical or whatever. The concern should not be centered on showing your virtue but rather in the practice of your morality. Even when your morality comes in conflict with the law the virtuous person obeys the law. You may feel a moral obligation to have that law changed and work toward that goal, a virtuous undertaking, but you don't simply break the law and cry about injustice. Injustice occurs when you are wrongly convicted, not when you break the law. 

lives lived

 With the passing of Memorial Day my thoughts have turned to the meaning and significance of that day. There were no parades, no 21 gun salutes, no commemorations held here in Greensboro, Md. Businesses were closed in observance, some businesses, not all. All in all, if you were not on social media or watching the news there would have been little to remind you of what day it was. But I shouldn't complain, I have done nothing to change a thing. I have made no effort to organize, arrange, or make any plan for any type of commemorative service. I have to say to myself, I have been as apathetic as everyone else when it comes to that. I just quietly place my flags on the graves of a few veterans I know and fly my flag at half-staff until noon. I post my poems on Facebook in remembrance of those lives lost. I express my sentiments. Still, I haven't taken any action beyond that. 

 This year I will be seventy years old. I am struck by that simple statement of fact. I'm reminded of when I turned forty. I thought forty was pretty old and my wife says I went out and got a crew cut. It was a crisis. That isn't what I remember though. I remember getting that haircut and the barber asking, do you want your eyebrows trimmed? Yeah, you're getting on when you have to trim your eyebrows, or your ears! Now I'm facing seventy. I really don't feel much different than when I was forty. I do have a larger bald spot and my hair is definitely thinner. But the hair on my eyebrows and ears is going strong! It's been thirty years since I retired from the Navy. I served for twenty years. That means it was fifty years ago when I joined the service. Really it was fifty-two years ago because I did get out for two years before reenlisting. Fifty -two years. 

 All of this reminds me of how young those soldiers and sailors were. From the perspective of time, looking back, I can see plainly now just how young we were. Yes, I say we, because I was among them, those veterans, shipmates and comrades in arms. We sure felt like grown-up men, but the truth is we were just young boys. We drank, we swore, we carried guns and spoke of war. We wore those uniforms proudly, chests stuck out walking with a swagger. The vigor of youth. Invincible, immune from tragedy we went forth. Young boys, no more, we thought we had become men. But you have to live to really become a man, to really understand and appreciate what life has to offer. And I am struck with that realization, especially on Memorial day, of all of those that never made that journey. Their lives were cut short, ended in defense of an ideal, a promise and an obligation. The average age of a soldier killed in combat is in their mid-twenties. But that is the average, more 19 years old are killed than any other group! Nineteen years old. Today, not old enough to buy a beer, a cigarette or rent a car!

 Now I'm not saying I'm reflecting back on how lucky I was. I was never engaged in any major combat operation at all. Yes, I can claim to be a Veteran of the Vietnam war, I was off the coast on a ship far away and safe from attack. I was there for operation desert shield/desert storm but not on the ground. In my twenty years of service, I was in the "combat" zone as defined by congress and received "combat" pay but never had a single shot aimed my way. Lucky? Yes, I guess you could say that. That is what I did in my youth. And yes, I was young then. When I retired from the service I was presented with a shadow box, as is the custom, and on it there is a small plaque that says, "Father Time" a nickname I was given at my last command because of my advanced age! I was thirty-eight at the time. I earned that moniker because I was married, with children and did not go clubbing and engage in all those things the young single guys did. I was just an old man. 

 We all hear about the sacrifice these men made. We realize they lost their lives. What many fail to realize, to understand is what was lost was the ability to have a life. They never had that chance. It wasn't a choice. No one goes into battle believing they are going to be killed. They go afraid, aware of the danger, but believing they will somehow survive. The bravado of youth. It's the challenge to manhood that drives the majority, in my opinion. I can't really know the thoughts and feelings of another but have talked to enough to get an idea. Intestinal fortitude or foolish pride? That's a very fine line to draw. A mental barrier to overcome. 

                                             "Only the dead have seen the end of war" (George Santayana) 

Lives ended. Young lives, and only the aged can understand that fully. The old soldier, the old sailor, standing tall, rendering a hand salute with a shaking hand and a sadness in their hearts that never goes away, can understand what was lost. Only those that get to finish the march, to see that final battle understand. A cause for celebration? No, it's a time for reflection. A time to remember not what was lost, but rather what was taken in exchange. A time to remember lives lived. 

Awareness

  Having written and posted my memorial day tributes and memories I am left with a single thought. Awareness. It's something we hear about all the time these days. Raising awareness for this or that cause, disease, or issue. The ribbons are being worn, the flags waving, the politicians making promises. We are being made aware. But we are doing so by celebrating our "victories" and "holding accountable" those that created the issue in the first place. We don't let all this awareness impact our daily lives though, no interruption in doing the things we want to do, no stopping the celebrations!

 That is what I was thinking as I remembered how the holidays of old were observed. I remember when business was closed on those days. Remember when you couldn't go shopping on a holiday? Nope, stores were closed in observance of the holiday. You were aware of that! That was how awareness worked in the old school. You were reminded the whole day. Yes, the day was devoted to the observance of the holiday. The event, occasion or achievement being remembered. Then in 1971 we decided to make all of that a bit more convenient. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act was passed to create three day weekends. Birthdays were moved around, other days and dates changed to fall on a Monday. Even Veterans Day itself was moved! That was met with resistance by veterans' groups however and restored to the actual day once again. Today we are hearing about removing /replacing Columbus day because it is offensive. We have become aware. Aware of what exactly? That Christopehr Columbus engaged in the same activities as all of his contemporaries. Yes, that pretty much his fault, isn't it? It's important to note that the celebration will continue, the holiday observed with any and all benefits associated with that, regardless of the name applied to that holiday. Now, that's awareness! The day off is what is important.

 It's my feeling that many are not aware of what the holiday is all about at all. This is especially true with Memorial Day although the news people do attempt to inform us. But the celebration today is thought to encompass all veterans. That isn't the purpose of this day. This day is devoted to those that died on the battlefield or in the hospitals following the battle. Those that died as a direct result of combat! It's a day to be aware of that! It's not just an awareness that people died. It is an awareness of what was given in exchange for the freedom you enjoy every single day. Other holidays are also not being understood. Presidents day. We started celebrating the birth of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Washington being the first president and Lincoln credited with saving that nation. Then their birthdays were merged, called presidents day. And now it is a day to celebrate all the Presidents. Give it time and some will suffer the same fate as Christopher Columbus! Well, some already are in you think about it. Jefferson is certainly being slandered these days. Monroe as well. You know, as we become aware.

 Well, if I had it may way, I would restore all the holidays to their original dates. The day/date falls when it falls. If that is a Wednesday, it's a Wednesday. Having a day off in the middle of the week raises awareness. It always got my attention anyway. I can remember being excited to realize that a holiday would fall on a Friday or a Monday. It was a reason to plan ahead. I also remember having to go to the store the day before, plan ahead, or you just went without on the holiday. We stayed at home mostly, had a barbecue or whatever. Mom and Dad would explain what the holiday was all about. It wasn't about you! That was the biggest message I always got from that. Holidays were meant to commemorate or remember others, or significant historical events. That's why we called them an OBSERVANCE. We were to see the significance of the day. Memorial Day was filled with poppies. What is the significance of that? Sadly, many will not know if asked today. Ask them what a rainbow flag is, and they know that all right, they are aware. Ask them of Flanders Field. Seems to me most people think that the holiday is all about them! They get a three-day weekend, they get a day off from work, they get this or that! It isn't about them! That is what they need to be made aware of. 

On this day

 Growing up in the Hamptons we just naturally came into contact with artists and actors and the famous and semi-famous. Personally, I never paid any of those folks much mind. I never had an interest in meeting them or being in their presence as some folk's clamor to do. I just heard the names, the others talking excitedly about having spotted one, like they were an endangered species or something. As I said, I was never really interested and so couldn't say for sure who I met or spotted. Seems like I remember seeing Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs at some time. I could be mistaken though. But whatever.

 Now those people were always in the Hamptons, long before it was known as the Hamptons. I remember when East Hampton, Southhampton and Hampton Bays were all separate and distinct places. Same as Springs, Gansett, Montauk or Napeague. Sag Harbor was foreign land, Dodge city we called it. The only reason you went there was to work at the watch factory or drink in the barrooms. Well okay, except when it was time for the whaler's festival. Those folks walked the streets, rode their bicycles, or drove fancy cars. It was a source of amusement to see adults riding a bicycle in those days. Termites we called them. Those folks just came out of the woodwork in the warm weather and destroyed just about everything they touched. Damn termites! 

 It was in May of 1957 when a famous person befriended my great grandfather. I was three years old at the time and so don't remember this firsthand. My sister often went to visit Gramp as we called him. Floyd Parker Lester was his name and well known in the community. His family had been in the town since its' founding in 1648. The family had enjoyed many highs and lows over the centuries. The man that was visiting Gramp at that time was Victor DePauw. He went on to become somewhat of a well-known artist. Not being a person that follows the art world or famous people I had never heard of him. But as it turned out when Gramp passed away and his things were gone through a piece of paper with a pencil drawing on it was found. This sketch is of my sister and signed by V. DePauw. The internet tells me his name was Victor. My sister would have been seven years old when the drawing was done. She is gone now but her husband has that drawing. I have a digital copy. 

 Now I did a little research on Victor DePauw and his contributions to the world of art. This what his biography has to say: "Victor De Pauw’s reflection upon “vision” as an impetus is easily understood when you observe the vast and varied expanse of his work. All artists reveal their impressions of the world in their creations, yet Victor De Pauw’s contributions to the art world are as unique and multi-faceted as the man and his life. His early childhood in Vancouver amidst the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains instilled a lifelong passion for the West. His work embraces ethereal pastoral scenes, powerful oils evoking the fierce, unfettered beauty of the West and images of clowns, the rodeo and Indian motifs. Rural subjects would reappear throughout De Pauw’s work, even as he lived as a Manhattan sophisticate. De Pauw’s brushstroke caricatures, still recognizable and celebrated today, captured the legends of stage and screen for publishing icons like Vanity Fair and The New Yorker. With bold, seemingly effortless economy, De Pauw’s airbrush rendered James Cagney, Ethel Barrymore and many other greats with a raw, visceral power. In fact, De Pauw’s drawing style remains characteristic of The New Yorker to this day." 

 As it turns his artwork isn't very valuable, however. Much of it is available on E-Bay and art dealers. For less than a hundred dollars you can buy an original. Well rats, why couldn't Dali or Van Gogh have stopped by to visit Gramp. Heck, Willem de Kooning lived right down the street from him but no paint splatters from him! Well, I think it is still pretty cool to have an original pencil sketch drawn by someone who is at least marginally famous. Cool because it is my sister in the drawing. I may have been there when it was done but I figure I must not have been. Otherwise, he would have certainly drawn me with her. I was probably taking a nap. 

                                                                               

                                                                Drawn 66 years ago. 

                                                    

Speaking up

  Are the conservative voices in America beginning to speak up? I'm talking about the everyday people that usually just go about their business without getting involved in political matters. Those folks aren't just the blue color workers, although I guess they would compose the majority. I say that after having read about the boycotting of target stores. I wasn't aware of the issue and so went to the internet to find out. I was amazed that it was so difficult to just get a straight answer, no pun intended. All I was able to figure out was it had to do with pride month and some merchandise offered for sale and their bathroom policy. Sales have plummeted and their stock value has dropped significantly. Conservative voices? I'd say so, look at Bud light as another example of that. I wonder if those voices will speak at the polls in the same manner. Being a conservative myself I certainly hope so.

 It's interesting to note however that conservatives are being labeled as domestic terrorists. Consider those parents that attended the school board and parent/teacher associations concerned about the curriculum. Some were placed on FBI watch lists! What did they say or do? They spoke out against the Trans people, the gender identity folks and whether children need to see and read sexually explicit books in grade school! Indeed, some of that material being introduced in pre-school and kindergarten. Conservative voices speaking out. It's all about this so-called LGBTQ+ community. The 14% insisting that the 86% endorse that choice. And yes, it is a choice. You can choose how to respond to any situation, any need, any desire, any impulse you have. It's your choice! That doesn't mean everyone else has to choose that or like it for that matter. Personal preferences should be kept personal. Yes, we assume people are heterosexual because, well, 86% of the time they are. That's all there is to that. And that 86% will usually tell you that any other choice is wrong because, well, that's what they believe. 

 Will boycotting products or businesses change any of that? No, I don't believe it will at all. I remember when the NFL was going broke because they were being boycotted. They are doing just fine; the stands are full. Same with Nascar, Rodeos, and whatever else. But the boycotts do serve a purpose. They are the projection of what the people are thinking. In this age of virtue signaling the flags are being raised. You could say it began with the gay people and their rainbow flag. They flew that flag to show pride in their choice. I'm still not quite sure what it is they are proud of, but whatever. And then came all the ribbons! We should all wear ribbons to show our support, to signal our virtue to others. Remember when we were supposed to wear a safety pin? That was to show we were a safe person to speak to, we wouldn't hurt your feelings or disagree with your choice. We use different color lights to do the same thing these days. A blue light to support law enforcement and purple to support mental health or illness, I'm not clear on that one. Guess I'm supposed to acknowledge that you're nuts and that's okay. Whatever.

 As for me I will continue to fly my American flag without shame or apologies. That's the virtue I will signal. I support the United States of America! I believe Americans come first. I believe your personal choice of a partner is just that, your choice. I don't need to know about that, I don't need to read about that, and I don't need to support that. I believe a marriage is between a man and a woman. That's because a marriage creates a husband and wife, that is what is declared. Now a civil union may give a couple the legal basis for a "marriage" with its' benefits of taxes and life choices, and that, to me, is the real reason for that. It doesn't mean I hate anyone or that I'm homophobic! A phobia is a fear, I'm not afraid. And most importantly I believe that 86% is still the majority! The majority rules and gets to decide on what is allowed and what isn't. The 14% that don't like that, well, that's just too bad, that's the way it works. 

 Now I believe that the vast majority of conservative people just go about their business without much fuss. They will speak their minds, their truth, and defend that. Those same people will generally just move on with their lives without bothering anyone else. Well, that is, until they are pushed. They are also the people that will fight when they have to. Conservative people will not boast, make threats, and pontificate for hours on end. No, when pushed they will simply strike back! And I'm thinking that is what we are seeing now. Theses boycotts are the people speaking up in a louder voice. The conservative side of America is getting fed up with all this nonsense. Things are getting out of hand. My hope is that it continues at the polls and all those elected officials, on either side of the aisle that support any of this get the boot! Enough is enough. A convention of the States combined with a renewed sense of purpose and patriotism. That's what I want to see. 

exigency

 

Section 4, 14th amendment to the Constitution 

The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law, including debts incurred for payment of pensions and bounties for services in suppressing insurrection or rebellion, shall not be questioned. But neither the United States nor any State shall assume or pay any debt or obligation incurred in aid of insurrection or rebellion against the United States, or any claim for the loss or emancipation of any slave; but all such debts, obligations and claims shall be held illegal and void.

That is section four of the fourteenth amendment to the constitution of the United States. (1868). This amendment is mostly noted for granting citizenship, due process of law and equal protection under the law to anyone born or naturalized in America. But today I've heard where the Biden administration may attempt to use this amendment to raise the debt ceiling unilaterally without congress. They are citing section four as the authority to do so. It isn't the first time that has been considered, Bill Clinton once said in an interview he would have done that and let the court decide the legality! 

 Now I'm certainly no legal beagle, but I can read. No where in that amendment does it say the President can raise the debt ceiling without Congressional approval. The first sentence in section four seems perfectly clear to me. The public debt, authorized by law, is valid and shall not be questioned. In other words, debt incurred by congress (authorized by law) is valid and shall be paid without question. Congress is the only body that has the power to make law! Congress, by the way, is the people, you and I in this scenario. Stands to reason if debt was authorized by law, incurred by the people, Congress did that. Not too hard to understand in my opinion. The second sentence in section four clearly says what debts will not be paid. If the debt was incurred without the consent of Congress, it shall not be paid. The United States isn't paying for any monies you borrowed to finance a rebellion, insurrection, or loss of "property." That's what it says. It doesn't say the President has any authority to incur debt. 

 Now it does say the payment of pensions and bounties for service in suppressing insurrection or rebellion are valid and shall not be questioned. Payments to citizens of the United States, not those that rebelled against it! Remember this was written in 1868 just three years after the war of rebellion. The Congress authorized those debts. It is the job of Congress to pay them and that is why the Congress prepares the budget. The Congress is in control of the purse strings, not the executive branch. It is the legislative branch that makes those decisions! Yes, the executive branch may veto that budget, but that is the extent of the power granted by the constitution to the president. 

 It's true that the president can issue an executive order. That is to be used as a last resort in a time of emergency. Does it apply if the president creates the emergency? That's what this is if Biden refuses to compromise on the budget and forces the country into default. The emergency is the default, and the cause is his refusal to compromise. Other Presidents have certainly issued executive orders and most of them were questionable. I wouldn't deny that, but it is no excuse, no reason to do so again. That's like saying, everyone is doing it. Still doesn't make it right. 

This notion that the 14th amendment somehow grants the president to just spend money any way he wants to something only a lawyer would justify. It is based not in what was written but in what it could mean, maybe, might have been what they were thinking. It says plainly enough, the debts shall not be questioned, they are valid debts, incurred by congress. That's all it says. It doesn't say how they are to be paid, just that they are valid. The second sentence clearly says what "debts" will not be paid. 

The Congress is the Chief Financial Officer of the United States. The President is the Chief Executive Officer of the United States. As in any corporation the CFO presents the facts and figures to the CEO for his/her input and consideration. The CEO then adds or subtracts what they like. The prudent CEO takes the recommendations and advice of the CFO in making his/her decisions because, well, that's what they hired them to do, it's their job! The CEO may not be happy with that, but they don't bankrupt the corporation because they don't like the facts. That seems to be what is happening with some of these big banks lately. It cost the FDIC 22 billion dollars. How will that be repaid? Well, it's insurance money right, they have the money to pay that out, they expect it, they plan for it. It never gets paid back. Uh huh, the insurance company just pays it out without any thought on recouping their loss. 

 It is Biden that is the current Chief Executive Officer of the United States regardless of any like or dislike you have for him. It's his job at this time. He has to do what is best for the company. If the Chief Financial Officer is telling him that the budget needs to be cut in order to maintain the stability of the corporation, he is obligated to listen impartially and make the best choice. It's just business, nothing personal. The CEO of Budweiser would have been wise to listen as well! Make stupid choices you get stupid results. Does the CEO get to take over the company by creating an emergency? Is that how it works? Is that in the constitution. In fact, the word emergency doesn't appear anywhere in the Constitution. In Article One, section 8, line two it does say this: "congress has the power to borrow money on the credit of the United States" It doesn't say the President can. President Taft (Republican) put it this way: “that the President can exercise no power which cannot be fairly and reasonably traced to some specific grant of power or justly implied and included within such express grant as proper and necessary to its exercise.” That statement was in direct contrast to what Roosevelt (Democrat) said: “insistence upon the theory that the executive power was limited only by specific restrictions and prohibitions appearing in the Constitution or imposed by the Congress under its constitutional powers.” He was saying the president can do as he pleases unless the constitution or other law specifically say he cannot. In other words, he felt he was like the King and could as he pleased unless it was written down that he couldn't. Taft had the opposite view, if it doesn't say I can, I can't. That's what the legislative branch is for. 

98-505 (congress.gov)  for reference 

Reminders

  I've written several times about Decoration Day, now known as Memorial Day and just what the significance of the day is. The original date chosen was May the fifth. That date was chosen because no major battles had ever been fought during the civil war on that day. We say the civil war but back then it was the war of rebellion. That is how that war was referred to. Those confederates had rebelled against the nation! It wasn't an insurrection however, that didn't happen until Jan 6, 2021! Well at least that is what the "confederates" of today called that. It had been exactly 159 years, 8 months and 25 days since those confederates fired upon Fort Sumter beginning the war of rebellion. They were seceding from the union, not trying to overthrow the current government. Their intent was to start a nation of their own. The reasons were many but centered around commerce. Thing was they didn't have the means or the money to finance any of that. The industrial might of the north overwhelmed them in the end, and they had to capitulate. The union was saved. The rebels were allowed back into the union and given their place in government. The pardons and forgiveness began with Abraham Lincoln and in 1970 after having discovered Robert E Lee's Amnesty Oath in the national archives, his citizenship was restored by an act of congress, a republican congress in fact. In fact, almost everyone in the leadership roles during the civil war were granted pardons and their citizenship restored. 

 So, after the war of rebellion had been won by the north the mood became one of reconciliation. Reconstruction of the south was a top priority. Forgiveness and compassion for the defeated. There have been many claims about just where Decoration Day began. Some say it was in Pennsylvania, others in South Carolina. The place doesn't matter the sentiment does. It began with the placing of flowers of the graves of those that had lost their lives in battle during the civil war. General Logan, commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, in 1868 declared May the fifth to be promoted as a day “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.” That is the sole purpose of the day. A day of remembrance! A day that we should all decorate the graves of all the fallen soldiers. A day for them, not for us to enjoy barbecue and beers! Memorial Day should be a solemn occasion marked with reflection and respect. It is as the name implies, a memorial! The word derives from the Latin word "memoriale" meaning a reminder. It's not a celebration, it is a reminder of the price paid for freedom. 

 The battle for freedom continues to this very day. The confederates are still among us, we call them Democrats. The union is strong and those that belong to the union are called the republicans. The confederates have accused the republicans of insurrection! Of attempting to overthrow a government they attempted to abandon themselves. So, I guess the confederates have decided the union is a good thing, they are attempting to preserve freedom by any means necessary. At least they have figured out they need the money the union has! They need the industrial strength. Well, some of them have, others still talk about leaving the union, forming their own nation. No plan, no idea how they are going to finance that choice either. 

 Some things just never change I suppose. And the battle rages on. It's all about money, always has been and that won't change either. Don't think so? What is the biggest threat to freedom? The ability to survive is the answer to that question. Remove the resources to survive and you become dependent, not independent. Freedom is lost. No money, no freedom. It's really that simple. A lot of people need to learn that lesson and be reminded of it often. Freedom isn't borrowed! Freedom is something you have to pay for! 

Artificial

 Was listening to the news and they were talking about AI. Artificial Intelligence. There is some concern about the use of this technology. Some saying it could be the end of mankind altogether. All the sci-fi stories coming true about robots taking over the world. The only reason I could see robots doing that is because they have become artificial themselves. What I mean is they have developed the desire to "make their lives easier" and give themselves more "leisure" time. That was the big pro the supporter for AI was talking about in the newscast. AI could ease the daily burden on man and free up more time for leisure, pleasure, and artistic endeavors. It was estimated that millions of man hours of labor could be eliminated altogether. Hey how many hours has the Kiosks at McDonalds already saved? No need to hire people to do that mundane task, taking your order and having a live individual interact with the consumer. AI would allow that to spread to virtually every store and outlet in the nation. All those people could just stay at home living the good life. No mention on how they were going to afford to do that though, just that they wouldn't be needed. 

 As I listened to all of that I thought, is that the goal of mankind, to just be left with leisure time? This AI could perform all the work, even robotically performing surgeries, building housing, assembling automobiles, or whatever with only minimal intervention by an actual human being. Indeed, the human could be replaced altogether. Then, when mankind has no "job" to do he could devote all his time to just doing the things that make him happy, that please him. But how would we earn the money to fund these activities? If you don't work, how do you get paid? Is the government simply to distribute equal amounts of money to everyone? Wouldn't government be replaced by AI as well? After all, AI can perform all the necessary paperwork, analyzing and interpreting the constitution, the bill of rights and all of the 70,000 pages plus of the United States tax code. No one is capable of doing that today, but AI can! 

 So, what does happen when AI starts building more AI on its' own? I can't see why it wouldn't. What happens when that AI decides it just wants to relax, pursue academic interests or paint a picture, write some poetry or whatever. You know, take time off from doing the work! We are calling it artificial intelligence today, but it is real! There's nothing artificial about it at all. Once again, I can see the arrogance of mankind shining through. Many believe we are in control of the universe. We can control the weather, the stars, space and manipulate genders and species. In reality we can do none of that. Oh, we can destroy things fairly well, we are good at that. Still the earth has managed to survive us all these millennia. 

 But we feel like we have gotten smarter. We have gotten so smart we can create intelligence! Think about that for just a moment. We have decided that we can create intelligence. Intelligence is what makes man, well man. Intelligence is what separates us from the animals. Isn't that what we have all been told. From where did that intelligence come? That's the biggest mystery of all in my opinion. Were we created artificially? Are we the artificial intelligence in the universe? If so, what is the ongoing goal of all mankind? To make life easier is the short answer. That's what man has been busily trying to do ever since the beginning. We call it progress, innovation, invention, and moving ever forward. The goal is what? To basically be able to do whatever you want to do when you want to do it. That's the big goal. No matter how we dress that up with our speeches about altruism and the betterment of mankind the goal is to please ourselves. That's why we talk about sacrifice and commitment. We are doing that to make things easier for you, but we want it too and that's why we "complain" about it. The "it" being, having to make that sacrifice or commitment. We would rather we didn't have to do that, that's the reality. 

 In years past we talked about making a contribution. That was the goal of being alive. That was the reason for living. We were here to contribute to the whole, to work toward a common goal. The question is and has always been, what is that goal? Will we have achieved our goal when no one has to do anything they really don't want to do. Stuff like working for a living. We have progressed to the point where we have those that do nothing more than make money for a living. Think about that. Is the development of AI the final contribution to mankind. With AI no one has to work, do the mundane tasks of everyday life. We can all just concentrate of doing whatever we like doing, without wasting our time on anything else. AI will do all the work. If mankind develops that artificial intelligence to truly be a reflection of human intelligence, we are going to be in big trouble. We don't have a very good track record when it comes to interpersonal relationships. And in what can only be viewed as the ultimate twist of fate, an irony of the unknown, our only concern with AI at the moment is that it will be impersonal. That's what really scares us about that technology, as well it should. The truth is, we aren't that smart. 

"Pleasure, when it is a mans' chief purpose, disappoints itself; and the constant application to it palls the faculty of enjoying it." (Richard Steele) 

Motives

  Am I a pessimist? Yes, I guess you could say that, although I would personally choose realist to describe my general outlook and attitude. I have known for many years, having learned at a very early age, that the world doesn't revolve around me. Now being the youngest I was often thought to have been spoiled, had it easy and always got my way. That's what my siblings said anyway. That wasn't the way I remember any of that. I was always being told, when you're a little older, maybe later, and you wouldn't understand. I had to learn to be patient. I had plenty of time to see that things just didn't always go the way I thought they should as well as seeing how it worked that way for my brothers and sister, their plans didn't always work out either. In general, I soon figured out things will go pretty much the way they want to despite any plans I may have made. Also, in general, it isn't favorable to me. I call it being prepared for the worst-case scenario. Still upsetting when it happens, but not a surprise. I'm not expecting the unexpected, it isn't expected in the first place. That's my view.

 It all speaks to motive in my opinion. What motivates a person to behave in the way they do. We all tend to manipulate others to gain favor in their eyes. The old, when in Rome do as the Romans do type of thing. Every civilization, every society experiences varying social trends. In the beginning of this land, we call America, righteous indignation and anger fueled the revolution. Following that a surge in patriotism swept across the nation lasting well into the twentieth century. That patriotism began to decline in the latter half of the twentieth century. The baby boomers, the generation that was enjoying all the freedom that had been so hard won by previous generations, began that decline. The hippies as they were called began to "drop out" and "tune in." The "man" became the enemy. It was the same "man" that had provided the freedom and protection to enable that movement. Freedom became weaponized! I can stomp on the flag because there is no law saying I can't! I can say and do immoral and unethical behaviors in public because that is what freedom means! And what was the motive for all of that? It was an experiment is socialism. Everyone was cool and everyone was the same, until they weren't. That's what happened with the communes and other social constructs of that era. It all fell apart. 

 Today a new wave is sweeping the nation. I'm calling it the empathy era. Today many are saying it isn't for themselves that they want all this freedom, it is for others. They can feel, relate and empathize with all the others. It's not the "me" generation anymore, it's the "them" generation. You are surely a much better person if all your concern is for others. But what is the motivation? I'm saying the motivation is popularity. You can be a far more popular person if you just go along with everything, ride that bandwagon of progressive thinking. And what is the thinking? Socialism. Yes, once again socialism is getting a new package, a new outward look and feel. We'll call it equity and equality this time. It is the all-inclusive system where everyone is valued and treated with respect. The system where I get what I deserve! The crowning jewel in the system is I get to decide what I deserve. I'm the hero and the survivor! I deserve it all. So far, the empathy era has led us to moral degradation, the brink of defaulting on our national debt, and losing our country entirely to foreign invaders. 

 The pendulum swings wide and I have seen its' progression from one side to the next. I haven't been around long enough to see the full extent in either direction, but history shows that clearly enough. If you take an unbiased look at the history of the world you can see it plainly enough. Our time here is brief when viewed in the context of time. My time, my remembrance begins with the greatest generation. I remember those people, my parents and their contemporaries. The pendulum was on the right and began that swing to the left. From conservatism to liberalism. From offering charity, to demanding charity be extended. From welcoming home those that fought for our freedom, to spitting on those same returning heroes! From a sense of pride and patriotism to being apologetic! And the motive for doing so is to escape reality and responsibility. Not all that different from "dropping out" and "tuning in." 

 And like that movement, doomed to failure. Socialism will always fail! And the reason is quite obvious. Motives are individual things. Motives center on the individual not the whole. You can't govern a nation in that manner. You can't even manage a small commune in that manner. There will always be those with personal motives contrary to this utopian dream of equality. Not everyone is equal in their morals, ethics or philosophy. The only one that is, we call God! And that is true in every culture that has ever existed. Today we are even being told there is no God. The thing about a God is, they always get their way! Think about that. They aren't equal to their worshippers. Why is that? Because we all need guidance and motivation to behave ourselves in a manner that benefits the whole. Same reason for laws!  

 The pendulum will continue to the left until it doesn't. Will the shift come suddenly, unexpectedly or violently? Only history will record that. Individual nations will experience their demise and reconstruction just as they have done over the centuries. The League of Nations was formed in 1920 following WW1 in an attempt to create a more stable world. That failed. Mostly due to the outbreak of WW2 but there were signs before that. The United Nations was formed after the war with generally the same purpose and intent. For some the dream remains, one world, one nation. The New World Order. When that happens, and I believe it will one day, it will also mark the beginning of the end. We will destroy ourselves in the name of equality! That's how it works. When you concentrate all your resources on "others" to the exclusion of yourself, you will suffer. Works that way with people and with nations. The pendulum will swing back. Popularity and motive. It is individual motives that shape the world. And those motives always benefit the one with the motive, either indirectly or directly. Masking our motives is the greatest deceit each of us practice. Am I a pessimist? Yes, you could say that. I just think I know the motives. That's my feeling anyway. A more realistic view, I think. 

it begins anew

  The nuptials are complete, the testimonials given, the dances have all been danced and the roller coaster ride of emotions over. It was a beautiful ceremony conducted in a beautiful venue. Memories created that will last a lifetime. The couple are off to their magical honeymoon. Grandma and Grandpa made it back home safe and sound. Tired, physically and emotionally tired. But it's the tired of the contented. It's almost as though we finished a major accomplishment, that kind of tired. The grandson has been transformed. He's a married man now, with a wife! Yes, it takes an adjustment. He's still the little boy we know, still Mark, but now he's different. He has a wife. Seems strange to say that my grandson has a wife. I guess it's a release. That's the only way I can view that in real time. He's flown the nest! Sure, he has been taking test flights for the last four years, off to college, co-habituating with his girlfriend and being all independent, but now, now it's official, he's on his own. Nothing more we can do. We've done it all. The rest is up to him.

 Marks aunt officiated the ceremony. She isn't clergy but licensed to perform marriages. She was there when Mark proposed to Bailey in front of the Disney store in Times Square, New York. It was during covid and so she hid behind a mask and was able to secretly record that proposal. It did seem only fitting and right that Jenny perform the ceremony. They each composed their vows and read them aloud to each other. Touching indeed and both did a fine piece of writing. It is easier to write what you believe, and it was evident, the love they share for one another. Rings exchanged, promises made, and a kiss.  Two lives forever intermingled. 

                                                                            

                                                          Bride and Groom 

forever

 Today is the day. A branch is added to the family tree. How many hundreds of thousands of lives will be forever connected? There is no telling. With all our modern advances analyzing DNA and picking out the markers the numbers are astronomical. Just how many ancestors do you have? You are connected to each one of them and they to you. If you went back ten generations, about two hundred years or so, each generation being about twenty years, you would have 1,096 grandparents! Yes, that's the truth of it and that doesn't take into account stepparents. How many descendants from those 1,096? 

 Of those 1,096 individuals exactly half were "grafted" onto the tree. We call that marriage. It's the traditional method of adding branches to the tree. Now we could argue and debate just what branch constitutes the trunk of that tree, but tradition has it the male side. Setting aside any religious teachings it's the answer to which came first, the chicken or the egg.  The chicken is the answer. But all the descendants belong to the same flock. The big goal in ancestry is to link everyone to a single set of parents. The first tree! I'll be welcoming a new branch today as my grandson gets married. The big question is who are the in-laws? All sides are eyeing the other. Just because the principal parties are in love, enamored of each other, doesn't mean the in-laws will be. Wedding receptions can be like an uneasy truce, can you trust the others? It must be remembered you are the others! Yes, it isn't a one-way street.

 It must be remembered that weddings are about the future, not the past. The wedding is simply the beginning. The branch has been grafted to the tree and it's the start of new growth. It's often said the nut doesn't fall far from the tree. That's true and it means that each new generation will inherit the characteristics and traits from the previous. New growth has to be nurtured, cared for, and protected. That's true with a marriage as well. Over time it will mature, gain strength and stand freely on its' own merits. From that new generations, new branches, will sprout and the growth continues. 

 It isn't really about names, it's about lineage. Still the only way we have had to delineate that was by names. That was until the 21st century when the human genome was first completely mapped. Twenty-three years into the century and literally millions of humans can now be scientifically linked through that process. No names required, only a sample of that DNA. The question now is whether that DNA will create an entitlement. It is certainly being employed in a great number of court cases today. It proves beyond a shadow of a doubt just who fathered the child! If I can prove my descendance from a billionaire, should I be entitled to a cut of the estate? The question remains to be answered by the courts. 

 I don't believe that it should. Marriage, love and descendants are not dependent upon DNA. DNA is not the creation of life, just the building block. It is the architect, the builder, that creates life. Some call him God, or the divine being. Families are created and grown in that manner, through love. Descendants aren't necessarily created in that way at all. It is the intangibles, the undefined, the mystery of love that creates families. And that is what a marriage is all about. New growth, new life, new beginnings rooted in the old. The new growing in the shade of the old. It's an exciting time for the new and a pensive time for the old. The old knowing the road ahead isn't always paved or downhill! The young only see the highway. My wish, my hope, my desire is that they travel that road. May they overcome every obstacle, navigate every twist and turn and reach their final destination together. Then they can rest. Then they can provide that shade to the next generation, ever connected, always loved. Love is the greatest connection of all. There is no mapping that, no analyzing it, it exists and that is all we know about that. It exists as long as we believe it exists. It lives as long as we live it. 

events

  Family is down for tomorrow's big event. My grandson is tying the knot. That's right, a wedding! My how the time flies. I remember so well when he was just a little sprout and now, now he is getting married. So, things are a little bit hectic around here. It's far from the normal routine. And that is something that we seniors rarely enjoy, it's far easier to look like you have it all together when you have practiced the part. Living on the fly is more difficult. The who, what where and when needs to be settled. Then, trying to remember all of that that. But the festivities are underway, the plans in motion and it all seems like it is rushing at me. And I'm just the grandfather, the observer, the patriarch of the family. All I really have to do is show up. I've got a new suit, a fresh haircut and comfortable shoes. I'm set. 

 Life events. That is what I've become keenly aware of. I think that is the case with all of us as we age, er, mature. When we are young, we look forward to all those life events but never really understand the significance of them. We only see them through our own eyes. That is natural enough. You could say we are looking at the tress instead of the forest. Later we get lost in the forest and can't find the trees. But I have been marking life events with these blogs of mine. It isn't something I planned to do but it has worked out that way. That is especially true with the grandchildren. I have written about all of their life events so far. They weren't always aware that what they were experiencing was a life event. Milestones I called them. I remember when Mark, the grandson getting married took his first steps, said his first words, learned to ride a bicycle and any number of other events. He's attending law school now, looking forward to becoming an attorney. I have no doubt that he will achieve that goal. 

 What life events are left for me? I suppose you could say they are whatever I choose to make them. Winning the lottery is on the list. When that happens a lot of other changes will take place too. But the reality is I don't really have any goals, no life event I am working toward. Becoming a great grandparent is something to look forward to. Of course, all I have to do is wait. Today I'm grand but one day I'll be great! For today I'm focused on family and the event to come. Lots of excitement, lots of anticipation. Then the moment arrives and is gone in a flash. Time rushes ever forward. There are milestones and millstones. The secret to a happy life is marking the milestones and leaving the millstones behind. I've become somewhat of an observer of life, more so than an active participant. I prefer to think of myself as a sort of docent of life. That's what these blogs are sometimes about. I'm certainly doing so on a volunteer basis. Some would call it fodder. But even fodder is life sustaining to the animals it is being fed to. 

 I've lost focus on what I was writing about but that is part of the situation. It's like I said, a bit unsettling, a disruption to the routine. No matter, this too shall pass. On to conquer the day! 

History, science and belief

 The quest to alter reality. That appears to me to be the big campaign of the twenty first century. With all our advances over millennia this is what we have decided upon? We have decided we are smart enough to change reality. We have scholars proposing just that. Scholars having decided that what we feel is the true reality not what actually exists. We are told to trust the science until the science disagrees with our perceptions. Never has this been more evident than with this transgenderism narrative. The science very clearly delineates what gender a person is. Some saying it is assigned at birth. It isn't an assignment, it is reality. Yet some now declare that isn't so and that reality can be changed based on how you feel. We can facilitate all the outward changes necessary to create the illusion. Thing is, it is still an illusion, a deceit, and the reality remains. And it isn't solely that reality that is in question these days. The concept that inanimate objects are to blame for the actions of people is another glaring misrepresentation of reality. Guns aren't violent, people are violent. Yet, it is gun violence that is being talked about, being blamed. Truth is, it's violent people with guns, or knives, or clubs, or as was determined in the early part of the 1970's, metal lunch boxes for school children. Oh, and don't forget about those elastic straps we used to hold our books, dangerous weapons! Our guns stayed in our pickup trucks in the parking lot where they wouldn't assault anyone.

 Here's another reality. Some people aren't going to like other people. Then, not liking them much they will be prejudicial towards those people. Yes, it is going to happen. The majority opinion is the reality! That's one of those inconvenient truths. Your opinion will not change that. Oh, you can make it uncomfortable for others, maybe even force them into acquiescence or tolerance but it won't change their opinion. In my opinion the bank should deposit a million dollars into my account, their opinion differs. Still the bank does business with me, and I with them. This despite I feel like they are prejudicial to me because of my financial status. I'm being marginalized. No, it's reality. Another truth is that birds of a feather do flock together. Yup, that's how that works. It doesn't indicate that the flock hates everyone else, it indicates the flock feels most comfortable with, well, the flock. Gets uneasy when a predator wants to join the flock, creates a bit of a trust issue. Natural instincts kick in. It isn't really a learned behavior at all, it's a natural response to the world around you. 

 Even our government is getting in on the altering reality bandwagon. It keeps borrowing money to get out of debt. Our leaders have decided that is the best course of action. Just keep borrowing the money to finance the dream. And what is that dream? It certainly isn't what I was taught was the American dream. No, the American dream as it was told to me was to work hard, be honest, and treat others as you wish to be treated. The dream has certainly been altered! It appears now the dream is to have the government finance your dream, and have your fellow citizens pay for that. They'll do that by borrowing some more money. Fiscal responsibility? That certainly isn't the reality today! We are borrowing money to make payments on the money we borrowed. That's the reality. And there is one thing I know for sure, that is an absolute certainty. Reality will come back to bite you in the ass! Call it karma, call it universal justice, call it whatever you like, but it will happen. But the attitude today is, it's alright as long as it doesn't happen to me. 

 Now to help with all of this we have also decided we can simply medicate reality. When we are feeling stress, feeling that tinge of responsibility or feeling a bit accountable, we have medication for that.  Then when you start taking that medication everyone else has to acknowledge that "illness" and empathize with you. That to reenforce the illusion. It's an attempt to mask reality. The reality being, sometimes we don't feel great. Sometimes we just get sad, mad, depressed, stressed out and fed up. It's what happens. You can either learn to deal with that, or medicate it away. People have been doing that since the beginning of time. It's what created alcoholics. Today it has created an opioid epidemic! Of course the Doctors, Pharmacies and Pharmeceutical companies that are to blame for that. Same as an AR-15 is responsible for a mass shooting. Not your fault, it is the fault of the object itself. I got wet because it was raining not because I went out in the rain. That's the thinking today. 

 The twenty first century sure isn't shaping up at all to be what it was predicated to be. The technology has advanced, but the people have regressed. Back to superstition and belief. Trust the science but not too much, we can change the science to suit the narrative. It's just a revision in the textbook. We can rewrite it all! History, science and belief. Depends upon how you feel. All reality is based on belief. History is what you believe it to have been. And belief is a conditional state. It all depends. How do you feel about it? Do you feel like the husband or the wife? Everyone agrees you are one of the other, gender doesn't play a role in that, it's about love. Yes, in the 21st century we have to ask about such things. How does your wife identify? What pronouns apply? What gender where you assigned? Did you receive the correct assignment? Well, it all depends on how you feel about that. It's a choice.  

Perceived

 Numbers and perceptions. Numbers create perceptions and may reenforce them or dispel them. The latter happens far less frequently. Consider this, 7.2% of the population identify themselves as gay. That 7.2% includes all the "variations" of that identity. Bi-sexual, gender neutral, trans, homosexual and even those questioning what they are. If you listen to the news, you will think that number should be much larger. The perception according to recent gallop polls is that the number is much, much larger. This is a group that has certainly gained the attention of the majority. Many in the majority now rushing to their aid, to cement the idea that the numbers of gays are much larger and are the norm. 7.2% isn't the normal or expected. If you only received a work performance rating of 7.2%, I don't think you would have a job very long. 

 Other numbers to consider are the number of blacks in America. That figure is about 14.2%. Most people would definitely say the number was much larger. Indeed, blacks themselves feel they should receive a 50% share of everything, that is equitable. No, 14.2% is a fair representation. All the other groups total 2.9% of the population. Whites are about 71% of the population. I realize the numbers don't add up to 100 but that is what the internet tells me the figures are. My point is simply, numbers create perceptions. I'm almost seventy years old. That creates a perception to others, especially those that know nothing about me. The perception will most likely be, he's old. And what's the perception of old? 

 According to the FBI of all arrests last year 67.7% were white, 21.1% were black and 2.9% were others. This same report states that blacks are ten times more likely to be arrested than whites. What it doesn't point out is that is because of numbers. Percentages are based on the whole. Blacks comprise 14.2% of that whole. It takes far fewer arrests to increase the incidence of arrests when compared to the whole. Saying blacks are ten times more likely to be arrested implies there is some bias involved. It could also mean that blacks are ten times more likely to be involved in some criminal activity. So, percentages are a tricky thing. Consider this. About 8% of the 14.2% that identify as black are millionaires. That's according to the statistical evidence. Incredibly 76% of the 67.7% of those identifying as white are millionaires. How can that be?  That's what numbers can do for you and for creating a perception.

 Now logically speaking who is most likely to be arrested? Those committing crimes is the answer. Setting aside any reasons, excuses, and justifications that is the answer. If blacks are being arrested at a rate ten times more frequently than whites/others, can we say it is because they are involved in criminal activity at a rate ten times more frequently? 13.3% of law enforcement personal are black. Are they targeting other blacks unfairly? They are, after all, an almost equal representation of the entire population. Setting aside all other factors poverty is the leading cause of crime. That's a simple fact. It's also true that white families have significantly higher incomes, on average, than black families. The reasons for that are many. 

 Can all of this be made right with money? There are those that believe that is the answer. Just make everyone financially equal and equality will have been achieved. That's the basis of a socialist society. Of course, someone has to run the show and they are exempt from that equality because, well, they are just a cut above everyone else. And it will always be those that are the ones telling you how much you have suffered, how much you deserve better, and they are the ones that will provide that. It is those making the promises that will reap the reward in the end, of that you can be certain. Numbers don't lie but can certainly distort the truth. It's all in the presentation. I am doing this for you! You will be so much better off. 

 According to the 2020 census of the United States about 71% of the population identify as white Christians. It really should be no surprise that the majority of the population supports white Christain values, ethics and traditions. It really should be no surprise to anyone that it is a white Christain culture. What should be recognized is that that 71% allows, endorses, indeed give support to all the other groups in the society! The 71% is doing the Christian thing! Yet, the perception is that this is somehow prejudicial, racist, and a host of other names. 71% of the population are setting aside their values in the land of the free in the interest of justice. In support of a Republic of the people, by the people and for the people. And then it is that 71% that is being persecuted! Numbers create perceptions. Most often the perception being created will be negative. Numbers used as a tool to distort the truth. Numbers don't lie, that's the truth. Understanding the numbers is the far more difficult task. We all say, it happens all the time, but does it? If it's bad it does.

 

SB1

  Once again, I'm listening to the politicians and just shaking my head. The governor of Maryland just signed a bill into law to "get the illegal guns off the streets." How is this bill going to do that? This bill prevents legal gun holders, with legal concealed carry permits, from carrying their gun legally in certain areas. It's sort of like giving you a driver's license and saying you can only drive on certain roads. The intent is to cut down on wrecks. That would make as much sense. I'm trying to wrap my head around that logic. We are going to stop illegal guns from being carried by restricting legal gun owners from carrying their gun. The bill is already being challenged by the NRA and other groups as unconstitutional. The supreme court already ruled that way in at least two other instances with two other states. But the lawyers are having a ball and making a ton of money. 

 In order to purchase a gun I have to pass a background check. That being done and my criminal history being reviewed I am issued a permit to purchase. Now if I want to carry my weapon that I just legally purchased I have to apply for another permit, the concealed carry permit. The requirements and qualifications for obtaining that permit are far more stringent than just the ability to buy the gun. If I am granted that permit doesn't that mean the state determined I was qualified, justified and trustworthy enough to be given that permit? Certainly, seems that way to me. So just how can the state then restrict that, after the fact, and say where you can use that permit? One of those places on the extensive list given is government buildings. You know the buildings with the politicians in them that are guarded by armed security. The security guards are allowed to conceal carry anywhere, at any time, for any reason whatsoever. 

 As far as getting the illegal guns off the street they will not do what needs to be done. It has already been decided that stop and frisk is a violation of the criminals' constitutional rights! Yes, it is being said that the 4th amendment protects those people from unreasonable search and seizure. Just because a person is walking around with a pistol bulging out of their waistbands, engaging in illegal activities, and displaying all the signs of being a criminal, you can't stop and frisk them! You have to wait for reasonable cause, like they just shot someone. If you do anything before that, based on experience and your gut instinct as a police officer, you are profiling! You can't be profiling people. Just because he looks like a thug, acts like a thug, and sounds like a thug, he might be a choir boy. The Baltimore police department has decided that nothing is illegal unless you are caught! That's the attitude of the Governor, the States attorney, the Chief of Police and the commissioner. And we can't catch you until you do whatever it is you are doing. So, we can't take that gun until you shoot someone with it. And then wonder why so many illegal guns are on the street. I'll tell you why there are so many guns on the street. They are there to defend themselves against the other criminals and crooks carrying guns. Who is shooting whom? 

 Yes, innocent people get caught in the crossfire. It's also true that innocent people will shoot back if they are armed! More lives have been saved by the good guy with the gun than any bad guy. While we hear about all these mass shootings the vast majority of them were committed by people with a long history of mental illness. In some cases, mental illness that some are calling perfectly fine and normal! Not supposed to talk about that. The bottom line is easy enough to understand. Criminals don't care about the law! Restricting legal guns will do nothing to stop illegal guns! It won't! It's that simple. It's like getting pregnant. If you don't have sex, you won't get pregnant! You can use all the prevention you want, be careful, and still wind up pregnant because, wait for it, you had sex. You can make all the laws you want, create all the obstacles to gun ownership you like, but still get shot! You know why? Because the criminal with a gun doesn't care about the law. 

 Want to get illegal guns off the street. Target the illegal gun owners. That's how you do that. Stop, frisk and remain vigilant. Catch someone with an illegal gun, lock them up! The only trial held should be for the number of years you are going to jail. First offense, five years seems right, no parole, no pardons, no excuses. An armed citizenry is a whole lot safer than one that isn't. Statistics from other nations prove that out. When the criminals know that others are armed the instance of a gun being involved declines significantly. That's just a simple fact. Google it! 

 Yup, that's Senate Bill One. Governor Moore signs into law. The legal gun owners are being penalized for the acts of criminals. In order to obtain a wear and carry permit in Maryland you have to attend 16 hours of professional training, register online, provide a passport type photograph, pass a comprehensive background check and pay seventy-five dollars. Now after doing all of that you are only being allowed to exercise that permit in certain areas. If you read the list of places where you can not wear or carry it's just about everywhere you might go on a typical day. Pretty much you can only wear and carry in your backyard! It's what the criminals are doing with their guns, just illegally. See how that works? 

it isn't fair

 Hypocrites, we all despise them. It is a name we use to disparage and vilify those we don't agree with. We point out their hypocrisy, pointing our fingers and saying, see there, he's a hypocrite! And just what is a hypocrite? The dictionary says it is someone that pretends to be one thing and are just the opposite. The hypocrite reads the bible and tells others what it says and then does the opposite. Hypocrisy on all levels in a terrible thing, right? Well, that's the thinking on that when you are the one calling the other the hypocrite. Personally, you always have a reason for acting the way you do. There is an exception. And you are that exception to the rule. And that's the thing isn't it, rules? If you don't break any of the rules you aren't a hypocrite. The only issue being, who is making the rule? 

 The question really is how many of us follow the rules? Do we only follow the rules when we figure others will know whether we did or not? That's the basis for hypocrisy. Making believe. It's the ethical question of doing the right thing even when no one is looking. But when doing the right thing, obeying the rules, does the motivation matter? What I mean is, does it matter why you are doing right? We certainly are quick with the excuses and reasons for doing wrong, the explanations are as numerous as the stars in the sky. Seldom is it asked, why did you do the right thing. When something goes in our favor do we question motivation? Yes, sometimes we do and then it's called suspicion. Our first thought will not be, I guess they are just a good person. That isn't what happens. 

 It seems to me the modern solution to this dilemma is the dismissal of the rules. Laws are the ethical values of the country. Being a good citizen requires obeying the law. But a lot of people these days have convinced themselves that is somehow ethical to disobey "bad" laws as a matter of course. The "bad" laws are the ones that somehow interfere with what you want to do. The thing is however that you are still obligated by virtue of your citizenship to obey those laws. It is still unethical to break them indiscriminately. If everyone simply acted in that way, we would have nothing but chaos. There are avenues to change whatever law you feel are "bad" ignoring the existing law isn't one of them. It is the society itself that must change the laws, not the individual. Remember laws are the ethical values of the country, not the individual!

 So yes, there is a level of hypocrisy that we all live with and support. Not one of us follow all the rules. That's why we have a legal system, a department of justice. The purpose of that system is to delineate the punishment for any infractions of the law. How bad was it? It is the search for justification that concerns justice itself. When a mutual agreement can be reached between the one offended and the perpetrator, we say justice was served. It doesn't mean everyone was justified, or correct, just that a settlement was reached. When the state wins the case, it is because the ethics of the country were upheld. When the perpetrator wins it's because we decided, it wasn't that bad a breach. We talk about the motive. Was it justified? 

 Our country is a Christain nation. That's a simple statement of fact. Our constitution is founded in Judeo-Christian principles and ethics. Now those founding fathers were wise men indeed and did not establish a state religion. The reasons for that are many, and all are valid. That doesn't mean that the overall ethics, virtue, and sense of right and wrong contained in the bible aren't an integral part of our society. They certainly are, or were, depending upon your viewpoint. There are precepts in that book that were codified into the laws of the land. Thou shall not kill is one of them, but exceptions have been made, when killing is justified. It is only the degree of justification that has changed over the years. Indeed, many today believing capital punishment, for any degree of crime committed is not justified! Many others believing the terminating of a life is now a viable choice when that life is inconvenient, unplanned, or simply unwanted. What is the motive? 

 I don't know, I don't have any answers to any of this. I do know life was better when people at least pretended to be good citizens. Our laws reflected what we knew to be correct, the right thing to do and those laws were enforced. Was everything perfect? No, it certainly was not. Still things changed over the years, corrections were made, and real progress realized. Progress on a national scale, not necessarily on an individual scale. That speaks to the old adage, you can please some of the people some of the time, all of the people some the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time. There will always be those whose ethics and values are in contradiction to the society in which they live. We call them, bad people. The minority will always be in contradiction to the majority! That isn't injustice, that is reality.   Reality is what you believe it to be. I've heard that lately from some professors and scholars. The truth is reality is what you perceive it to be, to you alone! I do not have to accept that as reality at all. My reality is real, that's how that works. The laws of a nation, the rules of society, are the extension of perceived reality for the entire group. The acceptance of that reality is an ethical issue, a value to be determined by yourself. Just because you are in contradiction to that reality that doesn't make the reality wrong. In fact, it's the law, the general consensus of right and wrong. The majority opinion. It's how it works. In fact, it is the only way it could work. That's true even when you are the minority. Yeah, I know, it isn't fair. 

problems

  Some social media problems. First one is getting a birthday notification. It's so and so's birthday, wish them a happy birthday. Wait a second, something in the back of my mind tells me this person passed away. I don't want to just blurt out happy birthday and seem insensitive or ignorant! I don't want to say happy heavenly birthday either, that could be awkward. It's a bit of a dilemma. I'll just wait and see if anyone else responds first, then play it cool. I'm aware that a person's Facebook account doesn't just disappear if they pass, someone has to deactivate it somehow. I'm not sure how that works. What is to prevent anyone from just deactivating your account? You know, instead of just blocking you, eliminating you altogether. 

  Another issue is these friend requests. How to determine if they are the genuine thing or just another scam or hacker? If I don't know the person at all I don't accept the friend request. That is my first reaction. I may ask some of my "real" friends if they know the person, do a little sleuthing, and make a judgement on that. I'm just naturally suspicious of anyone asking to be my friend. I don't believe I have ever asked anyone to be my friend, they either became a friend or they didn't. Of course, that was in the real world not cyber space. I get that they are totally different environments. But then they are those that are/were my friends and I get another request from them. It could very well be legit, I've had to open a new account myself, forgotten passwords and had to start over. Still, I hesitate to accept that because, you guessed it, the hackers are out there and are clever. I'll have to wait to confirm this request as well. It's enough to make a person paranoid.

  You also to be wary of the Facebook police. They seem to have backed off a bit in recent months for whatever reason. I used to be placed in jail and receive warnings fairly regularly but not lately. I suspect I'm still on the watch list though, flagged in some fashion. I also think it will swing back the other way the closer we get to the election. You have to be careful of being influenced you know and that is what those censors were doing, protecting you! Yes, the Russians and the republicans were trying to influence the vote. It's fine though, I'll be careful. You have to fact check the fact checkers to see if they are really checking the facts or just attempting to influence you. The facts themselves could be the culprit! You could decide that socialism isn't a good thing. And what if you thought American citizens should come first, even before the illegals? Can't have that. But you'll be safe if you don't use the "trigger" words. If you are a conservative minded individual, you have to learn how to change the words to mean something else. Now you can write LGBTQ+ that's fine. Just don't write the word queer. Or use the word queer. Well unless you are, what I can't say, then it's fine. It's like saying you identify as whatever. You can't say, "I'm a guy that thinks I'm a girl", but you can identify yourself that way. In the first instance that would be admitting to a mental disorder but identifying yourself that way is not. See how that works? If you have any problems with any of that, problem with your image or whatever you can always hire an influencer! Yup, that's a job these days too. But you're not supposed to be influenced by the influencers while they are being paid to influence you. I know. Social media problems. 

Not so sure

 It's Mothers day. I have posted my Happy Mothers Day to all the Moms in my Facebook community. My own Mom has been gone now for two years. Gone but not forgotten. There isn't anything I want to write about all of that this morning. My thoughts this morning are not on that. It's an easier way to accept reality. I'll just leave it at a silent Happy Mothers Day, Mom.

 Each morning when I open the door to my Facebook world I check my mailbox, my memories page and see the birthday notifications. I respond to each of them accordingly. Facebook is a place I visit often, perhaps too often at times, but I'm aware of that. Is counseling in my future? I'm certain there are those that could use it judging my some of the comments and responses I see daily. Well, the warm weather is upon us and the great outdoors beckons me. I do like to be out and about just not so much when it is cold. Yes, I'm a fair weather outdoorsman! I admit it. I don't like being out in the cold very much. I also don't like being in the rain or extreme heat. Spring and the early summer are the sweet spot for me right now. 

 As I checked my morning notifications I saw where it was a certain individual's birthday. I won't mention the name, it isn't important. This individual is someone I went to high school with. I say we went to school together is the sense that we were in the same building, possibly the same class. That was a long time ago and I do get confused. I clicked on the person's name to post my happy birthday greeting. I received a message, send in messenger. I assume there is no option to post publicly on their timeline, I'm guessing it is something in settings. Whatever the case is this person is on my friends list and so I am able to send in messenger. At least I'm guessing that is the case. I'm not real sure about any of that, all the ins and outs. So, I did send a happy birthday and had to chuckle as I noticed the last time, I had messaged this person was exactly one year ago, for their birthday. 

 I was telling my wife about this and laughing. I was trying to explain to her who this person is. It's someone I went to school with, an old classmate. But then I said, I know the name more than I know the person. That's what struck me and inspired this writing. How many do we know by name, but we don't really know at all? It has always been that way, but it has been amplified by social media. First hand knowledge and gossip intermingling freely. Where that occurred on a small scale back in the day social media is a never-ending stream. Your name is your reputation. Something we were all told as children by our parents. We were told to protect that name and that reputation. Today I'd say we are all fully exposed most of the time. I know I certainly am, and it is by my own choices. I write these blogs; I post my comments and opinions. I am responsible for what appears on my timeline. Some of you reading this know my name, others know me. The latter is by far the smaller group. 

 It is something we all do to a certain extent. As the years pass, we tend to remember more than we actually do. What I mean is, claiming knowledge that we don't have by first-hand experience, but we were there. Like those names, we know the name but not necessarily the person. You may know their brother or sister, maybe sat in class with them, but you never really knew them. They traveled in their own circles, with their little clique, same as you did. But the name precedes the reputation. It's true even when the reputation was earned by another. If you have older siblings, you know exactly what I mean. 

 In my years on this social media I have talked to those that were just names to me. Those that I never really knew very well fifty years ago. I know the names, the families, the reputations. Whether or not the reputations were deserved I couldn't say nonetheless they exist. I'm certain the same is true with my name, with the way others perceived me. For some they grew to not like me very much, we aren't "friends" anymore. The whole friend's thing on social media, that construct, isn't reality. It's more of a wish list I suppose. We all want to be liked and loved. There are currently 336 names on my friends list. I don't know 336 people. I know 336 names that I accepted as friends. I have rejected many more than that. I haven't removed any names from the list, I have simply blocked some from responding to me. Some that hold a less than favorable opinion of me remain on the list with the full ability to respond any time they like. And some do. That's fine, that's more like real life to me. 

 How many people do you think know you? I mean, know you. I don't believe many know me at all. Despite my constant sharing of my opinions and my feelings I don't think many know. There are times when even those closest to us don't know! That is what causes angst. It drives some to drink, some to do drugs, and others to withdraw from society altogether. Some become bitter, angry and upset. What some call being triggered in this modern parlance. I know all the people I care to know. That's the long and short of it. I have no need, no desire, to be the popular kid. I didn't when I was a kid, and I haven't changed all that much. To some I am confrontational, abrasive, mean, cruel, and a number of unflattering adjectives. Ok, if you say so. Ask me and I'll tell you I'm a delight. Full of humor, uncomplicated, honest and trustworthy. You see what you get with me. If you don't buy it, I don't care. I'm not trying to sell anything. I know me. I'm never quite sure if I know anyone else, but I give them the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes my doubts are confirmed. How many people do you know? Really know I mean. I only know one, me, and there are days I'm not so sure about him. 

The facts

   What could have been. I spent some time yesterday thinking about what could have been. That happened after I ran across an old advertisement. This advertisement concerned Greenport Gasoline Engines. The manufacturer of this product was J.S. Gaffga. John Schnidt Gaffga is my great grand uncle on the paternal side of my family. That is what caught my attention and triggered my imagination. John Gaffga began manufacturing these engines at some point in the early twentieth century. I haven't found the exact date or many details. But I did find that he established the Eastern Gaffga Shipyard Corp in 1922. This shipyard went on to build ships for the United States Navy in WW1 and WW2. They were wooden ships like minesweepers and possibly PT boats. I have some researching to do. I knew nothing of any of this and I don't believe my father did either. That is what fueled the whole what could have been thing in my mind.

  I have to explain a little bit. This John Gaffga is brother to my great grandmother Katherine Gaffga. Now grandmother Katherine married Christain Reichart my great grandfather. That was in 1895. She was nineteen years old. They had two children together Elwood and Mildred. Katherine passed away when she was thirty eight years old. I don't know the cause. Her husband my great grandfather lived until 1940. He passed away of stomach cancer in the Alms house in Yapank, New York. From what I can gather he became estranged from his children and the Gaffga family after Katherines passing. From what little family history I heard growing up I can only assume something was wrong. As I said as far as I know my father knew little of any of this. HIs father, my grandfather passed away in 1932 when my father was just eight years old. He was living with his grandmother at the time. His Mom, my grandmother passed shortly after his birth in 1929. I know, it's complicated. But that is where the what if and what could have been is all generated. The Gaffga family weren't millionaires but were certainly well to do and held a position in the society of Greenport back in the day. It just appears that Christiam Reichart, my great grandfather, became estranged from the entire Gaffga clan following the death of Katherine. A great mystery that I'm certain will go unsolved. The shipyard, under various names, continued to operate until 1986. 

 The Reichart and Gaffga families were both German immigrants. They both arrived in this country in the same era. It's little wonder they discovered each other. The whole birds of a feather thing I suppose. A hedge against discrimination as well, as being a German wasn't always a welcoming thing here in America. The first Reichart of my line to set foot on Long Island did so in 1859. Christian Reichart with his mother Maria and wife Mary Susan. The how and why his son would met and marry Katherine Gaffga is lost to time, at least to me it is. I did have contact with a Gaffga descendent some years back, but we never discussed any of this. Perhaps the story is out there. I have found the final resting places of the majority of these people. The whereabouts of great grandfather I have not found. He is not with the Gaffga family, nor is he with the Reichart plot. I wonder, what could have been? 

 That's the thing about history though, what could have been. In these modern times we seem to spend a great deal of time and effort trying to change what was, to make it what could have been. We have taken to calling it some form of historical justice. Some groups are demanding restitution for what was, but should not have been. They believe they can change what could have been, into what is. It doesn't work that way in the real world though. What could have been? I could have been heir to a shipyard and manufacturing empire! If only Katherine hadn't passed away. If only Christian hadn't become estranged. If only Elwood, my grandfather, had stayed in Greenport and not married Clara in East Hampton. If only Clara hadn't died when she was just twenty years old. If only Elwood hadn't died in Florida of appendicitis leaving his children to be raised by Great Grandmother Lester. What could have been? Well, what matters is what was, no changing that. It's fun to think about though. And that is what history is for. To learn from, to relive, and reimagine. What could have been? Every civilization that has ever existed asked that question. It is always, after the fact. The facts remain. It is just the interpretation of those facts that change.