DIY

  It's a rather amazing thing really, the main stream media, the major news outlets routinely referring to "MAGA" supporters as a matter of course. Now MAGA was originally a campaign phrase, an acronym for Make America Great Again. I think the majority of us know that but that isn't what it means today when used by the media and those on the left. We are all aware that it is supposed to be an insult, a taunt of some kind, a phrase used by a bully on the playground. Yet, those outlets and reporters use that term all the time and have no qualms about doing so. What happened? I mean, aren't they the same folks concerned with pronouns and feelings? The same people insisting I must comply with all of that? If I don't, I'm just a terrible person. For me it is just another example of the hypocrisy of the left. And isn't it amazing that we all know what I'm implying when I say the left ? Yes, it is a bit of a two way street, this name calling isn't it. Reminds me of the Yankees and the Rebs! At least that is the way it is portrayed in the movies, I'm not that old to actually remember any of that. Historically speaking though, it was a way of defining opposing political views. 

  So it's Maga and the left. That is how this era will be recorded and portrayed in the history books, if there are history books. It's been said a republic lasts on average two hundred and fifty years. We are reaching our expiration date. If one is listening closely the majority of the time you will hear about our democracy. It's true that our republic contains democratic components but it is still a republic. The primary difference being a republic is a representative form of government where the power lies with the people, voters, not those elected. 

 You hear democracy because those elected, when they obtain a majority, establish that "democracy." That is to say, they get their way even when the majority of the voting public may disagree. It leads one to question the whole representative thing, are we really being represented? But the Maga folks and the left somehow feel obligated to support their side, to stand fast with their belief and support. They are the ones making all the noise. In my estimation it will be the left that fires the first shot, just as when the Rebs fired upon Fort Sumter leaving the Yankees no other option but to respond in kind. 

  Why did the rebels secede from the union? It was an economic response. They wanted to keep the cheap labor they enjoyed with the institution of slavery. Now, it should be noted that the purchase of a slave wasn't cheap, it was a sizable investment but like a Kiosk, a one time purchase that only required some maintenance and up keep, disposed of when it was no longer cost effective. Today we are hearing that California and some other states are threatening the same action for the same reason. Only thing different is in the name, migrants is the popular term from the left, illegal aliens the term from the MAGA crowd. It is the labor pool that is driving all of this. 

   We created a republic to become an independent nation. That is the goal. Power requires control. To control one needs to create a dependency. And with that the government has to understand what it is the "dependents" really want. That is accomplished by telling them what they need. Call it indoctrination or education the choice of terms is yours and will be dependent upon your personal wants and needs. America is great, that's my opinion and always has been great. I firmly believe in independence, I'm a do it yourself person. Maga to me simply means that we should return to the roots of the republic. That is what the documents say and that is what they mean. One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. The all being Americans! The rest of you can seek that in your own nations if you have an issue with that. 

taking an oath

  I have done a bit of reading and a bit of listening. I'd say I have learned more about our government and how it is organized and designed to function in the last year or so than I ever did before. Whether it is a good thing or bad thing a great deal of that came via Facebook postings. I have checked citations to verify claims being made. I have also discovered that the interpretation of those citations vary a great deal. That in itself wasn't surprising, I have played those games as a child like telephone where the message is almost the opposite from the original. I tried all that with my parents, my bosses, and at times, even with myself. But generally speaking I have come to understand things or at the very least offer a reasonable explanation. I found myself at a loss here recently. I'm attempting to understand or offer any reasonable explanation why all law enforcement agencies aren't working together, why in fact, are some refusing to cooperate at all?

  As I said I have been reading and listening and that is what I hear all the time. A short time back it was defund the police and I understood that. If you don't have police you can't get arrested. I'm not saying it was reasonable in any way, but the explanation is simple enough. The objective there was to make it impossible for the police to conduct business, yeah, what a great idea. But anyway, that is just talk from the same folks that believe there are multiple genders and all that nonsense. What I'm concerned with is that there are agencies refusing to work together and in some cases doing whatever is in their power to hinder, obstruct and indeed prevent the others from doing there's. I'm trying to understand how an obstruction of justice can be legal? I did hear about some judge being charged with that, sneaking someone out of the courthouse before agents could apprehend that person. I haven't heard much more about that however. 

  I understand how the real world works and it isn't the way it is written down. The motivations of people and their intentions are often in contradiction to what the law may have to say. What I'm failing to understand is how this is allowed when it is stated out loud in complete defiance to the law. Are not all government agencies required to work together, to cooperate with each other? I get the local stuff and it's my jurisdiction but the entire country is the jurisdiction of ICE agents, as well as the FBI. I just can't wrap my mind around a government funded law enforcement agency, we the people are funding them, that refuses to do their job. There job is law enforcement! It's true I haven't been to any college or university, I don't hold any advanced degrees, or make any claims to having specific technical knowledge regarding the law but it sure seems reasonable that they should all work together. Sanctuary? Sanctuary from what? The constitution of the United States of America. 

  I guess I'm missing something here. When I took the oath of enlistment it was to obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and to defend the nation against all enemies foreign and domestic. I would think that all government employees would be required to take something similar. I wonder where it says, I can enforce laws at my own discretion and do not have to assist anyone else in any way. I wonder where it says that federal judges can simply block the executive branch of government from doing whatever they disagree with. I guess I do need to do more studying up on that. Makes no sense to me.

     

a reset

  The fourth is behind us and back to school is racing at us. The local Walmart is undergoing a major redesign and the deals are everywhere. Clearing out the old stock and bringing in the new, moving everything around. They are adding more self checkouts and changing up the way the pharmacy was laid out. Going for a more upscale look is my thinking, Walmart isn't for poor folks anymore! The products are the same though and I suspect not much will really change in that regard. No different than McDonald's ditching Ronald and now calling it McCafe. Yeah, real upscale. And across the street Burger King advocated his throne, but they are still handing out crowns to everyone, I guess that is being inclusive, it isn't just the kids that are king. Well, when you are paying your burger flippers 15 an hour you do need to perk up your image a bit. This isn't your daddy's fast food. No, most of it is manufactured food. Funny thing is, it was never about the beef. Remember when Wendy's was asking about that?

  You know profits are up, they wouldn't be spending all that money on remodeling and rebranding if it weren't. The public is demanding all of that because they are now making fifteen dollars a hour, they are succeeding in life and the places they eat need to reflect that. Yeah well if I'm paying ten bucks for a big mac I want table linen and fiddle music! I'm part of the upper crust you know, I work! It's a sacrifice I have to make. Hey, Starbucks even tells me what clothes I have to wear, I'm being oppressed but I'm working. I'm a valuable team member. I should make more than I do but the owners/operators of these places insist on making a profit and aren't paying as much taxes as they should. Sure they hire tax attorneys and accountants and pay what the government says they have to pay, but they really should pay more so I don't have to. It's just being greedy. They really should make less to give me more.

  The dollar store went to the $1.25 store. I smile as I recall going to the five and dime when you could actually buy things there for a nickel or a dime. That store remained basically unchanged in design and layout for over twenty years at least. I loved it, had that homey feel, familiar and inviting. I knew where to look for the various things I might be going there for. It wasn't departments back then, it was just near the back, on the right hand side, or mid way down the center aisle. The checkout was front and center. Just holler if you want some help. 

  It sure wasn't anything fancy, just utilitarian. Practical and functional to keep the costs down, not trying to impress anyone. I wasn't aware of it at the time but that was the philosophy of an entire generation and I guess it has rubbed off on me. The greatest generation that lived through the great depression, sorta. Most were little kids during that time, my parents were. Still, to hear them tell it they were standing in the breadlines and growing the grapes of wrath! They were picking those grapes in the hot summer sun, twenty hours a day, for pennies. That was how they learned the value of a dollar and a hard days work. I was taught that a fool and their money soon part company. When you can no longer repair something, it may be time to replace it. Waste not, want not was the motto. And don't put on airs!

  Now my generation, the baby boomers, took on a different attitude. Quite a few dropped out and tuned in, at least for a little while they did. The whole commune thing really didn't work out like they thought it would, socialism never does. But we did start demanding a bit more and working a bit less. The big change came along with the introduction of the Diners Club card. That started around 1950 or so. Today we have hundreds of credit cards and that is what that was. Sears and others had revolving credit. We could now just charge those grapes! That started the whole I deserve this attitude. Just charge it. I don't need to actually have the money to purchase something all I need is credit and I deserve that credit! So far we have charged ourselves into debt to the tune of over one trillion dollars, just on credit cards. The average credit card debt is now 6900 dollars. I won't even mention the national debt.

  And here we are today, people demanding socialism while living in a capitalist country. Really they want the best of both worlds, if there is anything good about socialism. Granted the idea sounds great, everyone gets equal treatment and all of that. The problem is, you run out of other peoples money, as Margaret Thatcher pointed out. The other problem with socialism is the reliance on others, you know being dependent. I don't know how all this is going to shake out, I really don't. You can't charge you way out of debt. My thinking is is it going to take a major reset, like Walmart or McDonalds. And that, that is going to upset a lot of folks. Sometimes the best reset you can have is a return to the beginning. It is, after all, how you got here in the first place, with those first steps. Start again and avoid the missteps that created this mess. The past is there to learn from, although all we seem to do is repeat it.  

  

  

facts and feelings

  It's somewhat of a habit, this blogging thing. I've read where it is supposed to be focused on a single topic, well it is usually, it's what's on my mind after I have those first few cups of coffee, hear a bit of the morning news, and think about what I'm going to do for the day. I've read where there are professional bloggers, those that get paid to post, some of them are called influencers. I have my doubts that I'm influencing anyone in any way. I think that would require an entirely different mindset than the one I have. I'm not really concerned whether you believe it or not, I'm just telling the truth and my opinion. The difference between the two being what you believe either of those to be. In short, just because you disagree doesn't make me wrong. I also do not require your validation to believe what I believe. Life isn't an examination, it's a thesis.

  I've been on social media engaged in a discussion concerning gender. I'm in the court of there are only two. I've presented my evidence, science based and in my thinking convincing. I've talked about the chromosomes of x and y and how they define male from female. I'm quite aware of all the anomalies the may be present. I've heard claims that as many as three in five when tested will have some anomaly. That very well may be true but doesn't change a simple basic fact. It's an anomaly affecting either a male or female person. Yes, that's what it is. I have even been informed that their is indeed a third choice on birth certificates, X can be chosen. It means unidentified or non-binary. The physician doesn't put that there though, the individual can have the birth certificate modified later on, they can choose their identity or lack of that. No medical determination is required, you can just say whatever. 

  So having read all the arguments, all the facts and opinions on the matter I can now say, I know how Galileo must have felt. At first the Pope and his peers agreed and supported him. Galileo believed in Copernicus and his heliocentrism. That is, that the sun was in the center of the universe and the planets circled the sun. Then the church got upset with him and the inquisition stepped in. Galileo had written a paper " Two chief world systems" The church decided that the earth had to be the center of the universe and any other idea was heresy! Never mind the science, this is how we feel about that and therefore that is how it is going to be. They locked him up! It didn't change his mind although they did force him to recant that in order to avoid being killed outright. Thankfully nothing that severe is being proposed for my writings, although I am challenging what a number of people choose to believe, namely that there are more than two genders. 

  I'll keep on blogging, sharing my thoughts, opinions and facts. I'm not attempting to influence anyone. I have had it said that I am a bad influence, but that was only when others didn't follow my advice. I tried to tell them, but they weren't listening. Look, just because I'm jumping off the roof it doesn't mean you have to, but if you don't, you're chicken. What you feel may or may not be the reality. If you feel like a chicken, you're chicken. Sanity is predicated upon what is acceptable in society. Get enough folks to agree and you have established a new truth. That's the thinking isn't it? Yes, but it isn't the reality. You can feel however you like, that has little to do with fact. Facts and feelings don't always agree. 

                                                                                     

     

the age of maturity

  My days of frequenting any roadside bars, nightclubs or dives has long since vanished. Oh, there was a day when I owned my own cue stick that I carried with me to the bar. I had a supply of quarters for the pool table and the juke box. The last time I was ever in such an establishment it would have been a smoke filled room, somewhat dimly lit except for that beckoning beam over the pool table. I seem to remember dropping by one establishment when they were having karaoke night. It was amusing to say the least, alcohol does alter our sense of realty that much was proven to me that night. Still, looked like a good time was being had by all. 

  I was wondering what the scene is today. Do they still have a juke box and a pool table? Last juke box I remember had cd's in it and the pool table was like a buck fifty. I really have no idea what they are doing today in regard to all that. With everyone so fascinated with their phones these days I wonder if the bar offers free wi-fi instead of pretzels. Of course I remember when pickled eggs and pigs feet were staples behind the bar. I do wonder about the music though, surely they are playing music. I wonder though, is anyone paying for that? I mean with the availability of the internet and all those streaming services why would you? Still music does set the tone of the bar, do they still call them bars or are they all clubs these days? 

  Many years ago as a single man I had my favorite pub. Yes, it was a pub because it was owned by an Irishman. The name of the place was the Iron Duke. St. Patrick's day was the biggest event of the year for that place. It was like a home away from home for me for about a year or so. You could even have your personal beer mug behind the bar although I never did that. They would also keep your cue stick safe if you wanted to leave that there. It had two pool tables! All players were welcome but it was taken seriously. The house rules were posted for all to see and strictly adhered to. There was the protocol of placing your quarter on the table to declare the next game. I've seen them lined up six deep and you had better be paying attention and not jump ahead! That got you moved to the back of the line if not ejected from the bar. There was no jukebox. But there were booths where you could sit and eat, a family friendly place during the day. After six, no children allowed in the bar.

  I have to say I don't miss any of that, the bars and all I mean. I just grew out of that. I don't have an issue with anyone that enjoys that night life, I'm not saying you shouldn't, I'm just saying I don't. If I'm honest about it I suppose it just became too expensive a pastime. Today I'm old enough that I would be worried about drinking and driving. That wasn't an issue back in the day. Not saying it was alright, that there was anything good about that, just that it wasn't a concern. It should have been. There were lots of things I did when I was younger that was sketchy to say the least, ah to be young and invulnerable. Today I just call it being stupid. It was fun though, what I remember of it anyway.

  It's my thinking that things haven't really changed all that much. Some new rules to follow perhaps, bartenders less likely to keep selling you the drinks and all that. But human nature hasn't changed and that is what I'm thinking about. The bars I frequented were for the working man and not for the latest trends. I never set foot in a disco! No, I'm not doing that.  I went to the places were the manly men went. A place were you had to stand on your two feet and be ready to defend your position. The alpha male hangouts. And that was the psychology behind all of that. There was no confusion whatsoever. No need to ask, and if you had to tell, you had best be being doing it as you ran out the door! 

  I have thought about dropping by my local bar and checking it out. But then I realize I would have to drive in the dark and it would be after eight o'clock. That's pretty late to be out. If I remember right those places are usually pretty noisy as well. I've heard that there is no smoking allowed and that would certainly be different. I quit smoking about 15 years ago. I don't really enjoy drinking beer as much as I once did, I wasn't drinking it for the taste anyway, and today it's not worth the headache. I heard that a beer can cost as much as four dollars. I'm not paying that. I haven't shot a game of pool in years and lost my stick somewhere. I can't dance, I can't drink and sure as heck ain't chasing any women, so what's the point? I could tell you some tales though, stories of adventure and daring do. Anecdotes they call that and I have a number of them fueled by alcohol and foolishness. The good old days. Today, I'm mature. Yeah, that's what I'm going with, mature. I've reached my age of maturity.  

                                                                               

   

   

for your own good

  Today I thought I'd share a bit of basic civics. It appears to me that all of that is getting a bit convoluted these days. I figure it is social media and google that are the main culprits. But I remember a good bit of that from what we called social studies back in my day. I had an excellent teacher that kept it interesting by asking you questions, not telling you the answers. What I mean is I didn't know what his political opinions were and there was no other agenda other than having you pass the test at the end of the semester. Strange at it may seem not everyone had to provide the same answer for it to be correct. I know, it's difficult to imagine that these days, but it existed.

  I was taught about the three branches of government and what their relationship to one another was supposed to be. The executive branch was like your father, he made suggestions but they weren't final until it was ratified by congress (mom). Now you had the others that gave their opinion, the others could be almost anyone chosen by the congress, (mom) dad could nominate but not appoint without that congressional (senate) approval. Yeah, mom was both house and senate. You can never be certain what a woman is thinking, might be a conflicting opinion there. It depends. But that was how it was supposed to work. Now the executive (dad) could issue an order, it was best to obey that order, although you could appeal. It would usually take the opinion of more than one, a majority, to overrule that executive order. There were other times that it just failed and that was that.

  As a child in that scenario I had representatives. I called them my Aunts, Uncles and grandparents. They were the ones filing an appeal on my behalf. Occasionally one of them would stage a filibuster but that was seldom effective, it usually just resulted in the executive getting madder. At other times he would relent or defer to the congress, whatever your mother says. In that way he could pass the responsibility to another. I did stage a protest or two but they were ineffective. I got detained for a week for one of those stunts. No television and no leaving the property. My representatives failed to secure an an early release. Two out of three branches of government had agreed, and that was it.

  What I learned was that it was my representatives that secured my future. I held little sway personally, I required backup. The trick was to discover what each of your representatives would and would not support and choose them accordingly. It all depended upon what I wanted. I also discovered that some carried far more influence than others, although I wasn't always aware of why, just that it was. I found it was my mothers sisters, my aunts, that seem to hold some advantage. I'm guessing they knew "things."      Yeah, I knew a few things about my siblings too, that they would rather the executive/congress not know about. I realized early on, I didn't make the rules, I was expected to follow the rules. That was my function in this family unit, this small nation, the governance of which I only held one vote in. I did need additional votes, support, in order to effect any changes in the policy. A number of times when I was successful it was met with a challenge, it's not fair. The reason it wasn't fair being, I was given what was perceived to be an entitlement or benefit. The one filing the complaint feeling slighted in some fashion. He is getting special treatment. 

  Power is an ever shifting landscape. Today I play the role of representative for my grandchildren. I have been their advocate against any tyrannical government actions. I still hold some influence on all of that although my influence isn't nearly as strong. I've entered the advisor phase, no longer holding a cabinet position but consulted every now and again. The grandchildren are busy establishing their own governments. With the arrival of my great granddaughter my grandson becomes the chief executive. He will soon find it is lonely at the top. But he will also discover if you listen closely and consult with your congress often, the job is much easier. Opinions are nothing more than that, opinions. In the end it isn't the opinion that matters, it is the actual action taken. Yes, sometimes it is an unpopular opinion. That was when I usually heard, this is hurting me more than it is you, but it is for your own good. That's the burden of leadership. 

                                                                                    

Repeating

  Here we are looking forward to the next holiday. That will be labor day. Well, this year is going quickly now isn't it? I was always told by those "old" people that time speeds up as you age. I can now testify to the validity of that statement. I've spent time trying to understand that and the only theory I can come up with is, been there, done that. I'm just not that anxious for the next day, week or month to arrive. I'm thinking it explains that old adage, a watched pot never boils, but I'm not watching the pot. That's why everything seems to happen so quickly. I'm paying attention, just not paying attention to the future. I'm busy thinking about the past most of the time. I am wondering, where did all that go? 

  It's funny how I just seem to remember a few events as significant in my life. What I mean are the things I was really looking forward too. As a small child it was Christmas, really looked forward to that for the obvious reason. Birthdays were fun for the same reason until you got to your teens, then not so much. Getting my drivers license was highly anticipated, couldn't wait for that. Graduation from high school and going in the Navy. Getting married and having children. Retiring from the Navy. Retiring from the workforce. Yes I have enjoyed the grandchildren very much, looked forward to seeing their accomplishments and now I have a great grandchildren. You know holidays and birthdays take a back seat to all of that stuff these days, they aren't that exciting anymore, especially birthdays. There is the realization that you will run out of those at some point, best not to use them up.

  Seems all I do is talk about the weather and politics. Never cared for either one of them in years past, just didn't have time to be concerned about them. I was never fascinated by the weather, it is what it is , nothing I can do about that so why worry? I chuckle as so many today are convinced that man can change the weather, somehow control or influence that. Yeah, ok. As far as politics go I can cast my ballot, that's about as much influence as I wield in that regard. But I talk about it a great deal because it's my feeling that it is legislation that defines the morality of a nation. 

  That is only true however when that legislation is enforced. That is the real issue, enforcing morality. The enforcement of morality has to be a personal thing, accomplished on an individual basis. The purpose of legislation is to punish those that fail to comply. Yes, it's a punitive system! Just like all religions there is a price to be paid for failure and a reward for success. In the world of politics the reward is in creating a better place for your children, grandchildren and beyond. The goal is the same regardless of your political views or your ideology. I'm deeply concerned when I see legislation contrary to that goal. Is a world without rules, boundaries, or borders really a good choice? A world where there is only reward? 

  In the Christian belief heaven is such a place. A place where only rewards are enjoyed, no sorrow, no pain, no judgement. Judgement has been rendered, you passed the test. Does that mean that you have lost all ability to do anything evil or wrong ever again? Once you are in heaven, with your every want, need and desire fulfilled you will just follow the rules? But we are told that Lucifer was thrown out of heaven because he led a rebellion against God, trying to usurp his power and become equal to him. So, I guess you can mess up in heaven and there is a price to be paid for that as well. I admit it does sound a whole lot easier to "behave" yourself when you are provided with everything that you could ever want or need. Just float around playing the harp or whatever. Thing to remember however is it took you a lifetime to earn that. Yes, you do have to earn it, it isn't charity. 

 And that, that is what politics should be teaching the following generations. Man hasn't learned the lesson very well as we continue with our wars and such. The United States of America established a republic with the dream of self rule. What needs to be taught, needs to be understood, is that rule begins with you. In order to form a more perfect union. The preamble to the constitution, a statement of intent. A union requires one thing, unity. And yes, unity requires the exclusion of those that fail to comply. When you simply allow everyone in the club it isn't exclusive anymore. 

  A republic isn't exclusive! The people determine who can and can not participate in that government. A government by representation. Still all the representatives have to agree, at least the majority of them have to. That's the democratic part of the republic. It is the representatives of the people that will determine who participates in the process of exclusion. All forms of government contain provisions for exclusion. What we call discrimination when it applies to us, and what we call discriminating when it applies to someone else. Entitlement or benefit? That's depends upon whom it applies to as well.

  Well, I wandered off a bit, as I tend to do, from my original thought about time. The future is rushing at us and we just don't realize it until the future is the past. Then we may read and remember that and discover that it is repeating itself, like an old man. I'm aware that I'm repeating myself a good deal of the time. It's my thought that it isn't so much what you say, as it is how you say it. I'm saying a great deal of what my father said, and his father said. I'm just using different words. The truth hasn't changed. The answers remain the same, it's the questions. But not really, many are still hoping for a different answer. 

                                                                                   

I'm thinking that is pretty accurate. A hundred years is about five generations. 

I forgot

  We keep hearing about ICE. Do you know that ICE was first proposed by the Democrats? Yes, that was their idea but President Bush got the thing passed. It was established by the Homeland Security Act. In 2002 in the house the bill was passed by a vote of 295-132. Although touted as a bi-partisan effort the Democrats cast many dissenting votes. One hundred and twenty one Democrats voted against that bill. Nothing much has changed in that regard as the Democrats are attempting to cripple ICE agents from performing their job.

  It should be remembered that ICE was created in response to the events of 9/11. We proclaimed then, we will never forget! Well, seems to me the Democrats, if they haven't forgotten have certainly forgiven! The purpose of ICE is to ensure public safety and security. The Democrats are all in with taking your shoes off at the airport and restricting you to 3.4 ounces of liquid is a great idea, no issues with any of that, but just because you are in the country illegally is no reason for concern. 

  The opposition to that bill was mostly based on labor and privacy concerns. Yeah, people entering the country illegally, just to work picking our fields, or clean the bathrooms and stuff shouldn't be subjected to any of that. They are certainly entitled to their privacy! And this agency may just keep records about all that as well. These records could be used to profile someone. Hey, just because you were a criminal in your own country doesn't mean you will be one in mine. We're sure you are just looking to build a better life, pursue your dreams and sing Kum Ba Ya in America. What's worse is that they may even share that information with other agencies of the government! Each agency of the government is a separate entity and they have to do the work themselves, no helping them. 

  Never forget! Today we have American citizens attacking American law enforcement agents attempting to prevent any further terrorist attacks. An agency whose purpose is to protect the security of the nation. It has gotten to the point where those agents have to protect their identities because their families are being threatened with terrorist acts by Americans! Never forget? Obama and Biden opened the floodgates at our borders. Literally hundreds of thousands of people streaming across the border virtually unchecked. Caravans of them! No one knows who they are, where they came from or what their backgrounds may be. Still, all I hear is that they are all toiling in the fields, picking vegetables and are model citizens, no problems, no issues with any of them. Never forget. Yeah, well I haven't forgotten a thing. 

  It has been fourteen years since that fateful day when the towers came down, the pentagon was attacked and another plane went down in Pa. Nearly three thousand people killed. The response was immediate and we promised to never forget! Eventually we did track down and kill the mastermind behind all of that. We did that by having information and through cooperation. But it's a sad state of affairs today as so many are willing to defend the "rights" of those that aren't citizens of this country at the expense of the citizens. I hear the cries of due process! Well the process is clear enough. You enter my country illegally, you get detained while I investigate your circumstances and background, and then I decide whether to deport you or not. That's the process. You are detained as a criminal. Yes, you committed a crime crossing that border. 

  It should be of deep concern to you, as an American so concerned with rights, justice and the due process of law, that our agents have to conceal their identities to protect their families. It isn't the government infringing upon your rights, it is you supporting what can only be viewed as a "coup" of a federal agency performing their jobs. What if I decided to attack your family members because I didn't like what you were doing at your job? That should be of great concern to you. You can't justify that action by any measure. Never forget! Seems like a great number of you have forgotten everything because of a blind hatred for a single man. You are willing to sacrifice everything for what? Because he is mean, uses too much tanning lotion, and says no! You are more than willing, you are enabling the entry of terrorists and criminals into the country because you don't like him. Give me one good reason we shouldn't be enforcing the Homeland Security Act? Oh, that's right, someone has to pick strawberries. I forgot about that. 

I haven't forgotten or forgiven! 

                                                                         

not buying it

  There is only one reason to advertise. You're trying to sell something. It doesn't have to be a material thing, a physical object, it can also be the intangible. And that is how I see all this "coming out" nonsense. The objective being to get me to buy into the premise that everyone does it. No, they don't. The truth is the vast majority have kept all of that to themselves and only shared it with those that shared a like interest. I'm quite certain there was many a nervous conversation, a nervous gesture made in those negotiations. I suspect not all that much different from the interaction between "exploring" straight people. Yes, I'm pretty old, but I remember that nervousness. I was advertising as well, with my choice in music, clothing and the current political views, ie: being cool.

  The expected thing is that opposites attract. Works that way with magnets. It's the Ying and Yang of things. Opposite forces working together in harmony. The ancient Chinese were well aware of all that. For every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. It's simply the way things are, it's the normal thing. That statement isn't a condemnation of anything, it is simply a stated fact. It's also true that sometimes the attraction isn't a mutual thing, something I discovered very early in life. It was a bit baffling at first, then I came to understand that not everyone was as delightful as I am. I'm betting that has happened to you as well. It's natural selection in scientific terms. The survival of the species. Humans have survived by selecting the proper mate. It doesn't require opposites attracted to each other, it just requires, opposites. 

  Is love a recreational thing? It would have to be viewed as such if the argument that "love is love" is a valid one. Engaging in sexual activities can certainly be a recreational thing. Historically speaking that entertainment has aways been somewhat curtailed, social restrictions placed upon that. There are notable exceptions, ancient Rome being a prime example, and in todays world all that is viewed as debauchery. An excessive engagement in sexual activities. Why is that? The reason is a very basic one, who's the baby daddy. Having traveled the world a good bit during my Naval career I realize other nations don't hold as strict a view of all that as America does. But that is simply because those "nations" have existed far longer than we have, they are ancient civilizations whose sensibilities have developed over centuries. In short, the general public has been sold on that stuff! It's normal for them. 

  I have been asked many times why any of this is my business. It has only become my business because you made it so. What you do in your private life isn't any of my business until it effects me or those that I care about. Just like any other product, I'm opposed to the sale of whatever I feel is harmful. Alcohol, drugs and tobacco products have all been subjected to regulation and indeed restricted advertising for that reason. 

 This advertising of recreational sex, as a lifestyle, is harmful. That's my feeling, my opinion and my belief. It doesn't require any religious belief to believe that either. I'm not saying that based on any religious values. I'm just saying it isn't the normal thing, it goes against nature and creates societal issues. You know it isn't the actual act that bothers me, it is the advertising of that. I'm not buying! I do not want you attempting to influence my children or grandchildren into buying that either. And the sole purpose of advertising is to sell the product! As a general rule of thumb anything being sold is done so for the profit of another. Yes it will make your life easier, bring you hours of enjoyment or whatever, but profits the seller. All that is necessary is for you to "buy" into that.  

                                                                                    

requirements

  I was involved in a discussion about minimum wage and how it isn't a livable wage. The minimum wage should be increased to a livable wage immediately. Of course determining exactly what that living wage would be presents a number of difficulties. The first, and perhaps the most important of all is what is required, as a minimum, for you to live. That is to say, what are the necessities? Well now that surely leads to a rather larger debate. Are everyone's needs the same? At the very basic level they certainly are, the minimum requirements to sustain life. 

 What has changed is defining that minimum requirement. Government has had the largest impact on that by establishing standards, always for the "betterment" of mankind. It is the regulations and requirements established through legislation that has changed that definition. Can I build my own home? No, I can not. I am required, at a minimum, to obtain all the proper permits, inspections and adherence to building codes. Each of those requirements cost money. Even if I were to build such a home without any of those requirements being met, I would still require a certificate of occupancy. Yes, I need to pay a fee to be allowed to live in my own home. And that is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg when it comes to government regulations regarding my "quality of life" and what the minimum standard for that life should be. 

  The vast majority of these regulations were established in the interest of public safety. That has been the standard reason given. In order to provide for the "general welfare" as our constitution declared. John Adams and James Madison both spoke of that theory of constitutionalism. For the common good is the same idea. That's the premise of the constitution, a government of the people, by the people and for the people. The majority of the people is what is often left unsaid regarding all of that. In regard to public safety how much authority should the government impose upon its' citizens? A popular argument I hear today is that, "as long as I'm not hurting someone else" that is justification enough. Isn't that saying if my action does not have an immediate and direct affect upon your safety it has to be allowed? Or are we to say, if that action has the potential to harm others that is justification enough to restrict that action? 

  So just what is the general welfare? I'd say it is life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That is what they are talking about, your ability to pursue your dreams and aspirations in a safe environment, free from oppression. That is life and liberty. Happiness is an individual pursuit, free from government mandates, but not free from civic responsibility. That is the reason for the separation of church and state. The church (religions) contain those mandates for achieving happiness. What we call, charity. Charity isn't simply giving something away, charity is caring enough for the individual to help them obtain their inner peace and a sense of contentment. That is what we all really desire. To be happy. No one can give you happiness, that is something you have to find (pursue) for yourself. It requires neither money nor material possessions. 

  But we were talking about minimum wage. How much money do you actually need to live the life you deserve. That's something I hear all the time, what I deserve. Funny thing about that is you are the one that determines that and others rarely agree. I should be wealthy by now, I deserve that. Yes, there is so much I deserve that is being denied. I deserve a living wage! And that wage should be what? How do we measure that? Currently the government says I'm poor if I make less than $15,600. That's $7.4748  per hour for a typical working year. Strange that the same government sets minimum wage at $7.25 an hour. Or is it that more than the minimum effort is expected of you? You know, work a little overtime. For a family of four that number is $32,150. If we were to say we should have a single wage earner in that family they would have to make $15.40 an hour to reach the poverty level.

  We have to figure expenses. How much of that expense is the direct result of government mandates? I'd suggest a significant portion. There are those things that government insists I must have to function in society, legally. As I mentioned earlier all the licenses, permits, and certifications required by law. Then there are those things we consider "essential" to living in the modern world. Cable television, cell phones, internet service, at least one car, and entertainment expenses. We have the electric bill, the gas bill, the grocery bill, the doctors co-pays and we deserve designer clothing and the latest tech! We should get all of that for the minimum amount of effort! That's what you're suggesting when you say, minimum wage should be a living wage. 

  The issue is, who is going to pay for all of that? I chuckle when I hear those proclaiming the billionaires should! The top ten percent of all income earners are currently paying about 72% of all federal taxes collected. The top 50% pay 97% of all taxes. Do the math, that leaves 3% being contributed by half the people. Do you really believe billionaires could fund 100%? 

 The bottom line is simple enough to understand, when you put forth the minimum amount of effort, you get minimal results. If we were to say $100,000 is the minimum amount required, before taxes were deducted, the hourly wage would have to be $48.50. How much you think that McDonalds hamburger is going to cost you? If you wanted to be in the top ten percent of earners you need to make $149,000 annually. But guess what, if that were the minimum wage you would then be in the bottom 50%. On average each of us will pay 15% in taxes alone. Well, the top 50% will anyway, a significant portion will pay nothing at all. Living in poverty is still living! The other option is dying, something we all do whether rich or poor. That doesn't change at all. It all comes down to how much do you really need to do either one? It's my thinking we can, and have, legislated ourselves into poverty, but we can't legislate ourselves out. 

                                                                             

social correspondence

  In writing these blogs of mine I often mention social media, especially Facebook. Facebook has been around for twenty one years now. It has undergone a number of changes and challenges. Today it's a place for old people and those that want to complain about every political decision being made. On a social scale I'd have to give it about a five. Actually I see very little interaction between people on there at all. I decided to post a Good Morning every day and have done so for a number of years now. I have a number of folks that respond in kind and I enjoy that. If I fail to post that is often pointed out with someone asking about my whereabouts. It's a good feeling to know some are paying attention.

 One of the reason for writing these blogs is the hope that some of my descendants may read them. I'm talking about my great grandchildren and beyond. Whatever you post to social media is supposedly preserved on a server somewhere. I've been told it is there forever! Well, that may be true although there have been a number of times I couldn't find whatever I was looking for, and I was the one who wrote it. But whatever the case may be I began to wonder, will those descendants know what Facebook was? I'm fully expecting a name change at some point. I just can't see Facebook remaining for fifty years or more. I can say with certainty I have read some things from the past and was left with the question, what's that? Truth is it happens to me even today, as I fail to keep up with the current trends.

  I think we all have a tendency to assume that what is current will remain familiar. We think everyone would know what I'm talking about. It's true that the action may remain the same but the name has changed. My third great grandfather was a cordwainer. Today we would call him a shoemaker. That's the type of thing I'm thinking about. Will my descendants read my thoughts and observations and wonder, Facebook, what is that? I expect they may have to "Google" that answer but it may not be Google by then. I wonder if there will still be mention of social media platforms at all. I wonder what else they may be called. It's all about the terminology.

  Words define the terminology. Terminology is specific to an action or knowledge base. What are the terms? Fifty years ago a server was understood to be a waiter or waitress. That isn't as clear today and more context is required. Profiling, as it relates to police work, is now called predictive policing. The name was changed to satisfy an image. Profiling is bad, predicting is great. I wonder how many terms I use almost daily that will be misunderstood in the years to come. How many of my observations, opinions and analysis will be completely foreign. Consider that in the 1800's slavery was called an institution. It was a socially acceptable practice to "own" another human being, all sales were final. Read some personal correspondence from that era and it quickly becomes obvious. You will wonder, what the heck? And that is what these blogs really are, a social correspondence. I do occasionally get a response. 

  Well, all I can do is try to explain. Thing is I don't really feel the need to do that at all. I'm not proposing anything that unusual, that far removed from reality that an explanation should be required. I know what I'm talking about! Well, at least I know what I mean, even when you don't. And I guess that is the bottom line with all of this. I accept the responsibility for that. It's the all too familiar, that's what it says, but that isn't want it means debate. The stock in trade of every politician, attorney and child since there have been politicians, attorneys and children. 

   There are a number of letters, personal correspondence from the 1800's detailing all aspects of life during that time. They range from the mundane to the sensational. They are interesting and sometimes provide insight to just what the thinking was at that time.  It's the reason we all say, at one time or another, what the heck were we thinking? 

                                                                                       

I'm just a bill

  President Trump signs his "big beautiful bill" today. It seems like a milestone moment right now but will soon be forgotten. That is the way it goes with politics. Hakeem Jefferies set a new record for talking the longest on the senate floor, another footnote for the history books. This crisis has passed, in more than one way. Now we can all wait for the reporting of everyone dying and being denied  by the Democrats and all the winning and improvements made by the Republicans. And that is just the long and short of that. I smile as so many pretend they understand what is in that bill, I make no pretense concerning that, I really don't know at all. Many of those legislators fell asleep while the clerk was forced to read the entire bill and while Jefferies made his speech, so I'm saying they don't really know either. Of course that isn't new, we all know you have to pass the bill to know what is in the bill. They will read the portions that interest them later on, whatever may prove beneficial to their careers.

  So, here it is Independence day 2025 and the republic remains. I don't think any of those founding fathers would believe that if they were here today, their opinions would certainly be quite different. I'm thinking they would be appalled at many of the decisions that have been made regarding exactly what the constitution says. I'm thinking they would say, "shall not be infringed" is quite clear, a simple declarative statement and how could you think otherwise? I'm also thinking that they would tell you , you can't place yourself under the jurisdiction of the United States. The United States reserves the right to identify you as an illegal alien if you are in my country illegally. You are not entitled to anything but basic human rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I'll let you live, giving you the liberty to get out of my country and pursue your happiness elsewhere. That's what you are entitled too. 

  My great grandfather Christian Reichart was born on this day in Greenport on Long Island in the year 1870. His father emigrated from Bavaria and arrived at Castle Rock New York in 1856. That was before Ellis Island was a thing. He arrived and passed his "inspection" that included physical health, mental health, and whether he had a sponsor, a job, and a place to live. Following that he took all the necessary steps to gain citizenship in his new country. And yes, he declared himself an American, proudly after receiving his naturalization certificate. He served in the Union army during the civil war. Great Grandfather Christian was born an American, born to American parents. His heritage was Bavaria but his home was America. He wasn't German, he was American.

  It was taxes that drove the colonists to revolt. Those colonists had been more or less self governing for a long time before that tea party. It's true the crown was the official government. Still, on the local level, the day to day stuff, the colonists pretty much made the rules. If was only when the King began making monetary demands on those colonists to pay for wars the King had fought and lost that the big trouble began. It was taxation without representation! And that, that is tyranny!  What is tyranny? It's defined as a cruel and oppressive government. That was explained fully to the King when he was sent the Declaration of Independence. They listed 29 specific instances of this cruelty and oppression. They included this statement:  In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: "Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people." 

  Today the president is proclaiming the largest tax cut in American history as part of the big beautiful bill. The sides are divided regarding this. The one side saying it only benefits the billionaires and the other saying it provides relief to the masses. The truth lies somewhere in between. As I said I'll make no pretense that I understand what is in that bill or what the eventual effect may be. I do know that it takes money to make money so if it is helping the billionaires that will help us all. I say that because it isn't the poor people building businesses and paying wages. That takes money. I just find it interesting that here we are, 250 years later and still arguing about taxes. And one political party is accusing the other of tyranny. Well, we did have a no kings day just a few weeks ago as a reminder of that. They were saying that 250 years ago as well. Not much changes in the world. Happy fourth of July.  

                                                                              

You know we have only had one president named Bill. Really William, but he went by bill. 

I can do that

  Being a professional. I've been retired for almost a decade now, that's has become my profession. A profession is what you get paid to do isn't it? That's the way I've always thought of that, the only difference between an amateur, novice and hobbyist is in the degree of skill they have. By that account I've been a professional in a number of trades. Still, I've never really thought of myself as a professional at anything. I just did stuff to make a living, whatever job was available at the moment. Now I didn't change jobs often but I have held at least five. Thing is, the majority of those jobs required a number of general skills to qualify for the position. I was expected to know a little about a lot. What is generally thought of as a handy man, only a handy man with access to a machine shop, a garage and a variety of tools and equipment. Capable of performing the basic functions associated with each. As a result I have acquired a number of "qualifications" and "licensing" over the years. Most have since expired as I didn't renew those certificates. But I don't consider myself a professional at anything.

  It is something I have thought about over the years. I've come to the conclusion that I've just never found that one thing. I haven't found my "passion" as the saying goes. I look at it this way, I just don't have anything I want to do solely for myself. Does that mean I require validation for everything I do? That's one way of looking at that I suppose, it is satisfying to me when I accomplish something that pleases someone else. I did get involved with doing the family tree, I was fascinated by that for quite a while. But after reaching a certain point I lost interest because I had answered the questions I had. That, combined with no one else seemed to care a thing about that caused my change in attitude. I wondered to what end was I devoting all this time? 

  I was never driven to obtain any degrees, any qualifications, licenses or titles of any kind. Whatever ones I did were just an aside, something necessary, not something desired. I just believe in the proof is in the pudding. If I can do it, that's enough. I have always been a bit bothered by having to prove anything. I was only asked once to produce my high school diploma, and that was to join the navy, that's the government for you. I have been required to show proof of my citizenship, my residence, my income, my date of birth, my marriage and my age. All of that was to qualify for something that I either wanted or was required to have. It's my thinking that being a professional requires you have that inner drive to learn all there is to know about a certain thing, whatever that thing happens to be. For me, my curiosity is often satisfied within a short time. 

  I also think that is simply because I do not have any one area where I excel. As we used to say back in the day, I'm fair to middlin' in most things. I have very little musical talent, I can't paint of draw, I'm not an author. When asked I make no claim to any profession just saying I have some experience in most occupations. You don't want to ask me for medical or legal advice though, that wouldn't be wise. You're likely going to die or be sued. But if you want to know about building or repairing something I might be able to help you out with that. If you want advice or an opinion, I'm your man! That's what I do best. I'm fine with that. I've always been fine with that. I've never felt pressured to do a thing to prove anything to anyone other than myself. Guess that is why I never pursued any "citations" other than what was required. Maybe now that I don't need any I'll go get one, just because I can. Yeah, I could do that. 

                                                                                  

Yes, I've had the nickname the doctor applied a few times. Dr. Ben. I did remove a cast from my sons arm with a hammer and a chisel one time. Was going to use the skill saw but my son was nervous about that. ( True story ) 

Detained

  Alligator Alcatraz. Meme's and postings about that have begun to fill my Facebook news feed. I'm hearing it is now being called a concentration camp. By that measure you would have to say every detention center in the world is a concentration camp. There is nothing vastly different about this facility other than being surrounded by swamp land. Those alligators pose no risk to the inmates at all, unless the inmates enter the swamp. The original Alcatraz was called the rock. It was surrounded by the bay which caused no harm to those inmates just served as a deterrent to any escape attempts. Of course, there were those that tried anyway, three may have even succeeded, but we don't know that for certain. The bay may have swallowed them up. I suspect we may have the same result in Alligator Alcatraz. Of course, it might be an alligator doing the swallowing.

  I'm certainly not surprised by any of this. There have always been those complaining about detention facilities, those proclaiming such a deep concern for human rights. It's like saying, it's for the children, you can't really say anything bad about that without being called a monster or depraved. Old people and children have always been used to further an agenda. Just tools in the proverbial toolbox. The idea is to foster guilt. What's the problem with this facility? It is very difficult to escape from. It's not impossible and I'm certain some will try but having to navigate a swamp infested with alligators and other dangerous or poisonous critters should give then pause. The facility itself is air conditioned, it's spacious, clean, and provides all the necessary services for the inmates. There is no forced labor, the hallmark of a concentration camp by the way. 

  Remember a decade ago when Obama built a detention facility in Arizona? It housed hundreds of immigrant children in cages! That's what the headlines were and there were pictures showing just that. Chain link "cells" erected in a warehouse to separate the inmates according to three different categories. Those facilities were hastily erected and no where near as sanitary or equipped to handle those people as Alligator Alcatraz is. There was quite a bit of outrage over those facilities, justifiably so in my opinion, but only because of the lack of planning and services available. Remember these were children separated from their parents. It wasn't our government separating them however, they where all apprehended by border agents, either attempting to cross the border illegally themselves, or found wandering in the deserts of Arizona. They were far better off in that facility than being just left to fend for themselves. It was, "for the children", that facility existed. 

  So what are we to do? Are we to just allow those people to just roam freely about? Yeah we know you are here illegally, we have that documented now. Will you please self deport? If you refuse to do that we are going to give you a date to appear in court. You will not be arrested if you show up in court weeks, months, or even years past that date, no need to stress out about that. No one will detain you! You crossed that border on your own, now just go back home please. It's alright if you only broke one law, illegal trespass, it's a crime, but it isn't a crime unless we want to enforce it as a crime, but that doesn't make you a criminal, you only committed one crime. You're criminal credibility is in serious question here. Just keep wandering around the country as we investigate that. 

  I don't have an issue with this alligator Alcatraz. A detention center, a prison, or a camp, whatever you want to call it, is a necessary thing. The real issue with any of them is the behavior of the inmates. That is what makes those places dangerous. And the reason for that is quite easy to understand, they are housing criminals. Criminals do not act according to the law, according to a strict moral and ethical standard. No, criminals act in a criminal fashion. And yes, those in there are criminals. If, as some would proclaim they are just peaceful people seeking a better life for themselves, there should be no problem in there at all. It should, in fact, be a big Kum Ba Ya situation. If however, they are indeed criminals in there willing to take advantage of others we may see some serious problems. But, I don't think we will see many attempting to escape and so we'll be able to keep an eye on that. Those creating any problems? Well, maybe they get thrown out of the prison! Being detained is probably a wiser choice. 

                                                                                         

              The facilities provide by the Obama administration in Arizona. A sort of blueprint for Alligator Alcatraz. And yes they did have porta potties in the Arizona warehouse. Alligator Alcatraz has fully equipped bathrooms with showers and laundry services. Oh, and beds for everyone. Lessons learned.  

A daily reminder

  I purchased a bread box and it has written in script on the face" give us this day our daily bread." I recall picking it out of the amazon catalogue, that's what it is isn't it? I sometimes browse Amazon like I did the old sears wish book. Anyway, I bought that bread box and have had it a few years now. The phrase is of course familiar to us all being a part of the Lords' prayer. In one of those moments that there is no explanation for I noticed it this morning; that phrase that is. I thought the prayer is for our daily bread not for a weeks worth, or years worth, just daily. Isn't it the same advice as living one day at a time? I've seen that slogan many times over the years. It does appear in at least one other place in the Bible with the verse about tomorrow will worry about itself. It's one my grandmother often repeated. It's something how many adages come from the bible that we may not even be aware of. I suppose that is just relies upon how familiar you are with bible verses. How many times you have read the book.

  I have learned over the years that my grandparents made frequent reference to biblical passages and advice. I wasn't aware of that at the time and I wonder if they were. In these modern times were books have been readily available to just about everyone the bible has dropped in popularity as far a library book. I'm reminded of a song the great Hank Williams once recorded, Dust on the Bible. The opening verse goes like this: "I went into a home one day just to see some friends of mine

Of all their books and magazines, not a Bible could I find.
I asked them for the Bible. When they brought it, what a shame!
For the dust was covered o'er it, not a fingerprint was plain." I suspect there are quite a number of dusty bibles these days. I'm a bit ashamed to say, the pages in mine aren't exactly what you would call dog eared. It could use a good dusting, truth be told. 

  In thinking about that, seeing that phrase on the breadbox almost like an advertisement, I wondered if it was truly appropriate. I am quick to point it out when I think others are desecrating the American flag in some fashion. I will reference the flag code about not using it for any advertising or as clothing. Is it alright to plagiarize a bible verse for a breadbox? I guess what I'm thinking about is reverence. When we revere something we give it deep respect or admiration. Is it disrespectful to print that on a breadbox? I don't think so but perhaps it should include a citation. Citation's are big these days, citing the source. By citing the source you are validating the statement made. 

  In the case of this portion of a prayer being on a breadbox I'm a bit conflicted. On the one hand it does remind us that we are all dependent upon God, our daily bread, and to forgive others just as we wish to be forgiven for our debts. Those debts being incurred when we treat others badly but that's another whole philosophical discussion. On the other hand however I wonder if that isn't just exploiting that prayer, at least a portion of it, for commercial purposes. Is it just a cute phrase now? Well, I suppose it really doesn't matter in the big picture. What is important is the message. My thinking is anyone, including myself, that purchased that breadbox was well aware of the reference. I don't have to revere the breadbox, just the messenger that delivered the prayer. 

                                                                                      

             Little unexpected things can sometimes give us inspiration. Something as mundane as a bread box.