Go out and vote ... no matter which party .. or no party .. is your choice.
Very few of you out there agree with my politics and I am aware of that. I am a conservative Republican by choice and an Independent by affiliation. I was a Kennedy Democrat in the early 60's and my views are still basically the same. The parties, however, seemed to have flip-flopped. I seriously fear the day in our country when people like Nancy Pelosi (who would be a better fit in the Politburo than in congress), Ted Kennedy and John Kerry are in the ruling party. It keeps me awake at night.
But, no matter whom is your choice ... voting is not a right, it is a responsibility. So ... DO IT !!
Peace (with honor)
P.S.~
The definition of Political Correctness: A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical liberal minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end.
Arizona caught my eye, and my heart, many years ago. I love it ... it's people, history and it's desert.
31 October 2006
30 October 2006
Monday
The weekend is over and now ... I can relax. We went to Benson Saturday after I got off work. I worked from 0430 to 1030. We watched Devin's football game (they won) and visited a while with my mom and my friend Benny Cardenas. then we (Hilda and I) took Abel and Devin to the Chinese restaurant for dinner. We spent the night in Benson, had breakfast at Galleano's and visited mom. Then we went to Tombstone for the day. another short visit at mom's and back to Tucson. I am still tired.
Work today was crazy.. lots of stuff going on, all unexpected. Now ... for some relaxation. I am watching Pro Poker and getting ready for the NFL. Because of the (you guys') change back to standard time, I'll only be able to watch 1/4 (as opposed to 1/2 before the change). The game starts here at 1830 (6:30 PM), and I have to get to sleep right after 1900 (7 PM).
I have two more paychecks coming with overtime on them, and then three without overtime, and then ..... a "Will work for food" sign on the side of the road I guess. I have to work this Saturday and Sunday ... an out-of-house inventory company will be in to check out my mini-warehouse and Horizon Moving's warehouse ... same building. Horizon has the majority of the product and I withdraw my needed product from them into my warehouse. My inventory will be simple, their's is totally messed up.
Well, I must shower before the game starts... have a great week .... PEACE
Work today was crazy.. lots of stuff going on, all unexpected. Now ... for some relaxation. I am watching Pro Poker and getting ready for the NFL. Because of the (you guys') change back to standard time, I'll only be able to watch 1/4 (as opposed to 1/2 before the change). The game starts here at 1830 (6:30 PM), and I have to get to sleep right after 1900 (7 PM).
I have two more paychecks coming with overtime on them, and then three without overtime, and then ..... a "Will work for food" sign on the side of the road I guess. I have to work this Saturday and Sunday ... an out-of-house inventory company will be in to check out my mini-warehouse and Horizon Moving's warehouse ... same building. Horizon has the majority of the product and I withdraw my needed product from them into my warehouse. My inventory will be simple, their's is totally messed up.
Well, I must shower before the game starts... have a great week .... PEACE
26 October 2006
Afterwards
Here I sit and I'm alone, is that supposed to be a bad thing? I am totally happy being here alone and I actually look forward to being alone. I was once a "victim" of the need to constantly be around others, and also the need to be "friends" with so many people. I WOULD like to have more close friends these days, but my marriage to my ex drove off all the people that I would have been 'close friends' with. She only liked "her" friends and since I have been on my own (5 years) I have not formed many close relationships. My 'family' and I are estranged to a degree .. not enemies, but not close. Old age causes you to look back and WISH for another opportunity, but ... you're where you are, deal with it.
I have just finished watching Dick Cavett's 1973 interview with Katherine Hepburn, and I am watching 'Inside the Actor's Studio' with Al Pacino. Soon it will be bed time and I'll attempt to get enough sleep to be a semi-cognizent employee tomorrow.
I wanted to go to the Tucson Bluegrass Festival this weekend, but it looks as if we are going to get a motel in Benson for Saturday night and visit with my mom, my son, and a few of my nietos. Hilda wanted to go to Tombstone for the 125th Anniversary of "the Shootout at the O.K. Corral". So, I will humor her wishes. As for myself ... I lived there and I did the "Shoot-out" for 10 years at least 24 times a year. As my mom said .. "I haven't lost a damn thing in Tombstone and do not wish to return". But, I need to do this for her ... so, I will.
To Stanley: They'll have nothing like "OUR" fight scenes, they're not that great. And, they're not that dedicated.
Friday:
I was on the way to dinner with Hilda and a brake line ruptured on the Buick ... God sure does love poor people ... but it is fixed now and I am reading for bed. I will be in Cochise County all weekend, but will answer all queries on Sunday night.
Peace
I have just finished watching Dick Cavett's 1973 interview with Katherine Hepburn, and I am watching 'Inside the Actor's Studio' with Al Pacino. Soon it will be bed time and I'll attempt to get enough sleep to be a semi-cognizent employee tomorrow.
I wanted to go to the Tucson Bluegrass Festival this weekend, but it looks as if we are going to get a motel in Benson for Saturday night and visit with my mom, my son, and a few of my nietos. Hilda wanted to go to Tombstone for the 125th Anniversary of "the Shootout at the O.K. Corral". So, I will humor her wishes. As for myself ... I lived there and I did the "Shoot-out" for 10 years at least 24 times a year. As my mom said .. "I haven't lost a damn thing in Tombstone and do not wish to return". But, I need to do this for her ... so, I will.
To Stanley: They'll have nothing like "OUR" fight scenes, they're not that great. And, they're not that dedicated.
Friday:
I was on the way to dinner with Hilda and a brake line ruptured on the Buick ... God sure does love poor people ... but it is fixed now and I am reading for bed. I will be in Cochise County all weekend, but will answer all queries on Sunday night.
Peace
25 October 2006
Wednesday evening poem
Some poker on the tube or the History Channel's view
on stories of the past, something old or something new
some time at home alone, with cuisine I threw together
some peaceful desert breezes, Tucson's kinda' weather
all the worries of the day, slowly fade away
life is good I think, but who can really say
my health is holding on, I still can get around
my smile still pops out readily, I hardly ever frown
cold beer sits inside the fridge and supper's on the table
we all should try enjoying life, at least if we are able
the computer helps me talk, and listen, to my friends
and I've become addicted to the info that it sends
my inbox, like my snail mail, is always full of mail
is any worth the time? you can never really tell
but I read each piece, or sort of, interesting or spam
I guess that a computer geek is really who I am
or is it that my life revolves around this tiny screen?
and if it does, I wonder .. what does that really mean
but time goes by and it gets late, time to go to bed
and stop these silly questions that swirl inside my head
you all have fun, I must sign off, same time tomorrow night
time for a trip to dreamland, and I plan to do it right
I'll dream of days when I was young with spring in every step
a head of hair, my own teeth, I was full of vim and pep
I'll ride the range with friends I've known and some I've never met
and do so many exciting things, and never break a sweat
sleep sweet prince .. and rest these bones that ache in every way
for sure as as hell, tomorrow brings another day
on stories of the past, something old or something new
some time at home alone, with cuisine I threw together
some peaceful desert breezes, Tucson's kinda' weather
all the worries of the day, slowly fade away
life is good I think, but who can really say
my health is holding on, I still can get around
my smile still pops out readily, I hardly ever frown
cold beer sits inside the fridge and supper's on the table
we all should try enjoying life, at least if we are able
the computer helps me talk, and listen, to my friends
and I've become addicted to the info that it sends
my inbox, like my snail mail, is always full of mail
is any worth the time? you can never really tell
but I read each piece, or sort of, interesting or spam
I guess that a computer geek is really who I am
or is it that my life revolves around this tiny screen?
and if it does, I wonder .. what does that really mean
but time goes by and it gets late, time to go to bed
and stop these silly questions that swirl inside my head
you all have fun, I must sign off, same time tomorrow night
time for a trip to dreamland, and I plan to do it right
I'll dream of days when I was young with spring in every step
a head of hair, my own teeth, I was full of vim and pep
I'll ride the range with friends I've known and some I've never met
and do so many exciting things, and never break a sweat
sleep sweet prince .. and rest these bones that ache in every way
for sure as as hell, tomorrow brings another day
Yak yak yak
A few words from various news media that caught my eye this last week:
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (NV) and five other Dem Senators sent a letter to ABC threatening their broadcast license for airing "The Path to 9/11" miniseries, because they didn't like some of the contents. So much for freedom of speech.
***********
In Virginia, Democratic Senate candidate Jim Webb has so far refused to heed Nancy Reagan's objections to his use of her husband in a campaign ad. Picking a fight with Nancy Reagan is a great way to reach out to moderates and independents. They really go for that kind of sensitivity.
***********
Five years ago, on September 10th, nothing had happened...at least that's what we want to tell ourselves. The horror of 9/11 was still one day in the future. But the driving force that plotted and executed the massive destruction of that day was easily visisble--we just weren't looking. This partial list is courtesy of D J Drummond:
02/26/1993 – World Trade Center bombed
03/08/1995 – Two U.S. diplomats in Pakistan murdered
06/25/1996 - Khobar Towers bombed
11/12/1997 – Four U.S. businessmen kidnapped and murdered
08/07/1998 – Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya bombed
10/12/2000 – U.S.S. Cole attacked by suicide bombers
I'm sick and tired of this blathering about whether we're safer or not--we weren't safe then, we aren't safe now, and we're not going to be safe tomorrow either. The sad reality is that we live in a world populated with people who are ready, willing and able to kill us, and to die in the effort. There is only one way to be safe from such people, and frankly there's no way to identify and kill them all before they strike.
And we just don't get it. Collectively as a nation, we are refusing to accept the reality of the world and deal with it. Please note carefully, I am not saying we are refusing to accept the reality of the post-9/11 world. We refused to accept reality pre-9/11 as well. Terrorism was a reality before before the first plane crashed into the tower. The threat did not originate that day. The world really didn't change that day, although it has become cliche to say that it did.
Too many Americans are tired of fighting the war on terror. They want it just to go away. One of our major political parties is staking its entire electoral strategy on promising to quit fighting. Lest you think I exaggerate, go look at Ned Lamont's victory over Joe Lieberman in the Senate primary in Connecticut, and take a good hard look at his proposals for the war on terror. Although he's smart enough not to say it directly, the net result is capitulation. Frankly many of the Republicans aren't much better.
This is not a partisan issue--or at least it should not be. It's literally a matter of life and death. And our enemies don't care whether we think so or not. In fact, they'd rather that we didn't--it makes their job easier. The reality is that five years later, we still don't get it. And I fear that one day, probably soon, that failure to face reality is going to bite us in such a way that will make 9/11 look like a flea bite. I wish so desperately to be wrong...
**********
Have a good week
Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid (NV) and five other Dem Senators sent a letter to ABC threatening their broadcast license for airing "The Path to 9/11" miniseries, because they didn't like some of the contents. So much for freedom of speech.
***********
In Virginia, Democratic Senate candidate Jim Webb has so far refused to heed Nancy Reagan's objections to his use of her husband in a campaign ad. Picking a fight with Nancy Reagan is a great way to reach out to moderates and independents. They really go for that kind of sensitivity.
***********
Five years ago, on September 10th, nothing had happened...at least that's what we want to tell ourselves. The horror of 9/11 was still one day in the future. But the driving force that plotted and executed the massive destruction of that day was easily visisble--we just weren't looking. This partial list is courtesy of D J Drummond:
02/26/1993 – World Trade Center bombed
03/08/1995 – Two U.S. diplomats in Pakistan murdered
06/25/1996 - Khobar Towers bombed
11/12/1997 – Four U.S. businessmen kidnapped and murdered
08/07/1998 – Embassies in Tanzania and Kenya bombed
10/12/2000 – U.S.S. Cole attacked by suicide bombers
I'm sick and tired of this blathering about whether we're safer or not--we weren't safe then, we aren't safe now, and we're not going to be safe tomorrow either. The sad reality is that we live in a world populated with people who are ready, willing and able to kill us, and to die in the effort. There is only one way to be safe from such people, and frankly there's no way to identify and kill them all before they strike.
And we just don't get it. Collectively as a nation, we are refusing to accept the reality of the world and deal with it. Please note carefully, I am not saying we are refusing to accept the reality of the post-9/11 world. We refused to accept reality pre-9/11 as well. Terrorism was a reality before before the first plane crashed into the tower. The threat did not originate that day. The world really didn't change that day, although it has become cliche to say that it did.
Too many Americans are tired of fighting the war on terror. They want it just to go away. One of our major political parties is staking its entire electoral strategy on promising to quit fighting. Lest you think I exaggerate, go look at Ned Lamont's victory over Joe Lieberman in the Senate primary in Connecticut, and take a good hard look at his proposals for the war on terror. Although he's smart enough not to say it directly, the net result is capitulation. Frankly many of the Republicans aren't much better.
This is not a partisan issue--or at least it should not be. It's literally a matter of life and death. And our enemies don't care whether we think so or not. In fact, they'd rather that we didn't--it makes their job easier. The reality is that five years later, we still don't get it. And I fear that one day, probably soon, that failure to face reality is going to bite us in such a way that will make 9/11 look like a flea bite. I wish so desperately to be wrong...
**********
Have a good week
23 October 2006
Gasoline .. and other necessities
I paid $2.10 for regular gasoline today. It has to be a couple of years since I paid that little per gallon. That is more than $1.00 a gallon less than last year. And Shiner Bock is on sale ... life is good. Some other grocery items that I bought today on sale .... tomatoes for 99 cents a pound, whole wheat tortillas for $1.49, and cantaloupe for 57 cents a pound. Killer prices all day, I hope I am not dreaming.
I have been listening to (how can you help it) all the political hullabaloo extant. I do not think that George Bush has a great command of the current situation or a great handle on all things at this time, but I also do not believe that he is the devil incarnate and the personification of all evil and ignorance in the world as many of my left leaning friends do. Neither do I believe that he is leading us down the abyss of war and destruction as they do. I am, as a matter of fact, extremely glad that John "The Traitor" Kerry is not and .. has not .. been our leader over these last few years. I believe that war is a semi-natural state of mankind. Let's see .... there were (in American history) the following conflicts that we in the U.S. of A. (or as colonists) have been involved in:
King Phillip's War ... 1670's
King William's War .. 1690's
Queen Anne's War ... 1702-1713
King George's War .... 1740's
The French and Indian Wars ...1756-1763
Cherokee War .... about same time frame as above
The Revolution (ours) ... 1775-1783
Franco-American War .... around 1800
Barbary Wars ... early 1800's and 1815
War of 1812 ... 1812-1815
Creek War .... 1813-1814
War of Texas Independance .... 1836
Mexican War ... 1846-1848
War of Secession (Civil War) .. 1861-1865
Spanish American War .. 1898
WW I ... 1914-1918
WW II ... 1939-1945
Korean War ... 1950-1953
Vietnam ... 1960-1975
Grenada ... 1983
Panama ... 1989
Desert Storm ... 1990-1991
Boznia ... 1995-1996
Iraq ... 2003- Present
That's about 124 years of War ... more or less. I do not think that we as a nation or GWB as our President have embarked on any "new" course or broken any "new" ground. I do think that some people/leaders/nations are evil and should be/have to be unseated and/or destroyed. There have been wars throughout recorded history .... and before recorded history I am certain. I mean, ... the Bible is full of wars, as are most of the religious tomes of the world. All history is a chronological listing of wars and their victors. If you are not willing to fight for your freedom, then YOU DON'T HAVE ANY except for that which was given to you by soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who were willing to make that sacrifice. And they (most of them anyway) knew going in that you the public wouldn't really support them fully. Americans want their wars, TV shows and movies to all wind up in a couple of hours. I am glad that there are some Americans out there who are willing to do the dirty deed.
O.K., soapbox is put away for the time being ... something on TV set that off. Besides, there is a nice rainy drizzle outside and rain in the desert always calms me down and eases my sense of reality.
Peace, ... Love from the desert ... and hug someone
I have been listening to (how can you help it) all the political hullabaloo extant. I do not think that George Bush has a great command of the current situation or a great handle on all things at this time, but I also do not believe that he is the devil incarnate and the personification of all evil and ignorance in the world as many of my left leaning friends do. Neither do I believe that he is leading us down the abyss of war and destruction as they do. I am, as a matter of fact, extremely glad that John "The Traitor" Kerry is not and .. has not .. been our leader over these last few years. I believe that war is a semi-natural state of mankind. Let's see .... there were (in American history) the following conflicts that we in the U.S. of A. (or as colonists) have been involved in:
King Phillip's War ... 1670's
King William's War .. 1690's
Queen Anne's War ... 1702-1713
King George's War .... 1740's
The French and Indian Wars ...1756-1763
Cherokee War .... about same time frame as above
The Revolution (ours) ... 1775-1783
Franco-American War .... around 1800
Barbary Wars ... early 1800's and 1815
War of 1812 ... 1812-1815
Creek War .... 1813-1814
War of Texas Independance .... 1836
Mexican War ... 1846-1848
War of Secession (Civil War) .. 1861-1865
Spanish American War .. 1898
WW I ... 1914-1918
WW II ... 1939-1945
Korean War ... 1950-1953
Vietnam ... 1960-1975
Grenada ... 1983
Panama ... 1989
Desert Storm ... 1990-1991
Boznia ... 1995-1996
Iraq ... 2003- Present
That's about 124 years of War ... more or less. I do not think that we as a nation or GWB as our President have embarked on any "new" course or broken any "new" ground. I do think that some people/leaders/nations are evil and should be/have to be unseated and/or destroyed. There have been wars throughout recorded history .... and before recorded history I am certain. I mean, ... the Bible is full of wars, as are most of the religious tomes of the world. All history is a chronological listing of wars and their victors. If you are not willing to fight for your freedom, then YOU DON'T HAVE ANY except for that which was given to you by soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who were willing to make that sacrifice. And they (most of them anyway) knew going in that you the public wouldn't really support them fully. Americans want their wars, TV shows and movies to all wind up in a couple of hours. I am glad that there are some Americans out there who are willing to do the dirty deed.
O.K., soapbox is put away for the time being ... something on TV set that off. Besides, there is a nice rainy drizzle outside and rain in the desert always calms me down and eases my sense of reality.
Peace, ... Love from the desert ... and hug someone
22 October 2006
Sunday 10-22
Trying to relax .... spent the day at the "Nam-Jam". It is a gathering of Viet-Nam vets and people who support them. It gets bigger every year. Had to be 2 to 3 thousand people there yesterday. Lots of displays, memorabilia, food booths, live music, beer and other entertainment. Met a lot of old buddies from Benson ... Paul Perkins. Pete Wilharm and Rick Valencia (a retired Highway patrolman/Narc) and their ladies. We listened to a lot of good music and ate Thai food, Mexican food and drank some Hefewizen and Bock beer. The music included the Bad News Blues Band ... our friends Alex, Guitar Johnny, Hurricane Carla and "Mr. Bassman" Steve Grams. You will recognize the names from the Lonely Street Band that accompanied Robert Shaw in the "Elvis" shows. Also, there was Rebecca "Jane Crowe" Carlson doing some great renditions of Grace Slick and Janis Joplin tunes. There was a big motorcycle show ... lots of the Viet Vets are riders ... including Harleys, an Indian or two and some Victorys (they are some beautiful bikes, much more esthetically pleasing than Harleys). Hilda bought me a Viet Nam Campaign Ribbon License plate for the front of the Buick. She is such a dear and I am so happy to introduce her to everyone as"my lady".
Last evening we watched a movie on DVD here at the house. We watched "Lucky # Sleven" ... really good movie with an outstanding cast. One of those where you really don't know what is going on until the end.
Monday:
Getting ready to watch the Monday Night NFL game, I am watching ESPN Pre-game stuff right now. It is cloudy and warm in Tucson right now and we have a 50% chance of rain tonight and 60% in the morning. We can always use more precipitation here in the desert.
Have a good week where ever you are. Love from the desert.
Last evening we watched a movie on DVD here at the house. We watched "Lucky # Sleven" ... really good movie with an outstanding cast. One of those where you really don't know what is going on until the end.
Monday:
Getting ready to watch the Monday Night NFL game, I am watching ESPN Pre-game stuff right now. It is cloudy and warm in Tucson right now and we have a 50% chance of rain tonight and 60% in the morning. We can always use more precipitation here in the desert.
Have a good week where ever you are. Love from the desert.
20 October 2006
Friday evening, .... sitting and thinking. Short day at work tomorrow (6 hours). Chores in the afternoon, hopefully relaxation at night. Festivals on Sunday ... the "Nam -Jam" at Kennedy Park and the Mexican Festival at Reid Park. Hoping that "H" will opt for the Nam-Jam, but she'll probably want to go to Reid Park, lots of acts from Mexico and Tele-Mundo (the TV channel) ... heart-throb singers .. (and some scantily clad Mexican beauties/singers/stars, may not be too bad after all). Anyway ... NFL Football on Sunday morning and some type of music festival Sunday afternoon. I am having my helper work on Sunday. I guess I should have worked (double time $$$$) but I need at least one day without working ... the ol' batteries need recharging you know.
I am watching an old "Sword n' Dragon" movie ... 'Dragonheart' with Dennis Quaid. Haven't seen it in quite a few years. I love stories with a moral .. there aren't many around now-a-days. I am an ol' softie at heart ... sort of a 6 year old child in some ways.
I am re-doing my resume' ... this old job will end in a couple of months and I will NEVER get this type of wage EVER again in my life. It has been nice though ... being able to do some stuff for my nietos, for Hilda (especially the trip to northern AZ), helping buy a computer for my brother Steve. I love to do things for others. That's funny, because I am so uncomfortable when others do things for me. I hate to receive presents but love to give them. I hate for people to do nice things for me, but I love to do nice things for others. But ... I must place my faith in the hope that someone, somewhere will/would hire a 61 year old avowed know-it-all with a bad knee. Ah-h-h faith ... what a crutch it is for us all.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.
Have a great weekend.
PEACE !!
I am watching an old "Sword n' Dragon" movie ... 'Dragonheart' with Dennis Quaid. Haven't seen it in quite a few years. I love stories with a moral .. there aren't many around now-a-days. I am an ol' softie at heart ... sort of a 6 year old child in some ways.
I am re-doing my resume' ... this old job will end in a couple of months and I will NEVER get this type of wage EVER again in my life. It has been nice though ... being able to do some stuff for my nietos, for Hilda (especially the trip to northern AZ), helping buy a computer for my brother Steve. I love to do things for others. That's funny, because I am so uncomfortable when others do things for me. I hate to receive presents but love to give them. I hate for people to do nice things for me, but I love to do nice things for others. But ... I must place my faith in the hope that someone, somewhere will/would hire a 61 year old avowed know-it-all with a bad knee. Ah-h-h faith ... what a crutch it is for us all.
Hail Mary, Full of Grace, The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now, and at the hour of death. Amen.
Have a great weekend.
PEACE !!
19 October 2006
A Recommendation
There is a book out there that all of you need to buy and read. It is by Mark Steyn and it is called "America Alone .. The End of the World As We Know It". This may be the most need-to-read book in the last decade or two.
Mark Steyn's writing on politics, arts and culture can be read throughout much of the English-speaking world. In the United States, he is a columnist for The Chicago Sun-Times, America's fifth most-read daily paper, and also appears in The New York Sun, the city's first new broadsheet daily in a quarter of a century, The Washington Times, and The Orange County Register in California. In addition, Mark is drama critic for The New Criterion, resident obituarist for The Atlantic Monthly, and National Review's Happy Warrior. In Canada, he can be read in the Dominion's liveliest political magazine The Western Standard, and he writes a weekly books column for Maclean's. Mark also appears in The Jerusalem Post, the Middle East's leading English-language daily; The Australian, Australia's national newspaper; Investigate and Hawke's Bay Today in New Zealand; and more occasionally in The Wall Street Journal and (translated into Italian) Il Foglio, but even when he's not in them he thinks they're worth reading.
He is much hated by the Liberal left ... which will keep some of you from reading his book. Too bad, as it is a great book.
18 October 2006
"... Here's your sign .."
I suppose that you all have heard (or heard about) the comedian who talks about stupid things or really stupid questions and then says .. "here's your sign" ... (with "stupid" written on the sign of course). Well, I'd like to nominate my local Safeway Supermarket. I have a shelf tag for Oak Glen Eggs and it has a price on it ".69" with a line through it. Underneath is written .. New Price ".69", attached to the bottom is a sale tag reading "Reduced for Quick Sale .69, While Supplies Last". How much are they really?? Let me guess... .69?
The computer is off to my brother in Virginia. He should have it by Saturday. I sincerly hope that he enjoys it. I also hope that I can communicate with him via e-mail, ... don't hear from him or about him as much as I'd like.
The weather is cooling (too much) here in the desert. Should be 40 tonight and not getting out of the 70's during the day. Long sleeved shirts (with sweaters in the mornings) at work. Can a miserable winter (down in the 30's) be far behind. I mean, .. Christmas trees are displayed in K-Mart already. What happened to Autumn?
The computer is off to my brother in Virginia. He should have it by Saturday. I sincerly hope that he enjoys it. I also hope that I can communicate with him via e-mail, ... don't hear from him or about him as much as I'd like.
The weather is cooling (too much) here in the desert. Should be 40 tonight and not getting out of the 70's during the day. Long sleeved shirts (with sweaters in the mornings) at work. Can a miserable winter (down in the 30's) be far behind. I mean, .. Christmas trees are displayed in K-Mart already. What happened to Autumn?
16 October 2006
MONDAY 10-16
I am watching Monday Night Football, just came back from seeing my mom in Benson. We are late getting back to Tucson because the Interstate (I-10) was closed for over an hour ...... a roll-over wreck about 6 miles outside Benson. There are no other ways to Tucson, except for a 100 mile detour.
My mom and I are buying a computer for my brother Steve in Danville. He and his lady are going to college after a big lay-off at Dan River Cotton Mills. They need a computer and cannot afford one right now. I really hope they enjoy it. I had to go and get mom's share of the dough and now I will get them to ship the computer to Danville tomorrow. We are sending it as a Christmas present from mom, me and brother Mickey. We haven't told brother Mickey yet though.
The Arizona Cardinals are leading the Chicago Bears 20-0 at the half. The Bears are supposed to be the "BEST" team in the NFL this year. GO Cards!
I must shower and sleep ... early morning as usual tomorrow.
PEACE !!
My mom and I are buying a computer for my brother Steve in Danville. He and his lady are going to college after a big lay-off at Dan River Cotton Mills. They need a computer and cannot afford one right now. I really hope they enjoy it. I had to go and get mom's share of the dough and now I will get them to ship the computer to Danville tomorrow. We are sending it as a Christmas present from mom, me and brother Mickey. We haven't told brother Mickey yet though.
The Arizona Cardinals are leading the Chicago Bears 20-0 at the half. The Bears are supposed to be the "BEST" team in the NFL this year. GO Cards!
I must shower and sleep ... early morning as usual tomorrow.
PEACE !!
15 October 2006
Sports (& music) Sunday
I took Hilda home and I am relaxing. The Blues Festival was outstanding ... to me, at least. Hilda does not share my fascination with all the myriad types of musical expressions extant. In fact, I am now watching Austin City Limits on PBS ... with Ivan Neville and The New Orleans Social Club. With special guests "Sweet" Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball and Cyril Neville. But, back to Hilda. She loves me enough to go to all these musical events, even if she doesn't enjoy all those types of music. She does like the crafts booths and all the people wandering around. I don't know, though, if she will make the Bluegrass Festival later this month.
Cousin Dean: I am sorry that your Ravens lost a close one to Carolina today. But I hear that they didn't play their best and that Steve Smith had a great day in his comeback for Carolina. In the 'Best of the Day' stuff on the sports channels I saw a couple of great, weird bounces the Ravens got. I see also (didn't get to watch any games .... except the beginnings of the morning games, Seahawks-Rams and Cowboys-Texans) that New Orleans beat the Eagles and Eli Manning's Giants beat Michael Vick's Falcons. This year seems to be a year of lots of wins or no wins. There's like 5 teams who are still winless I think. My long time team .. since 1964 .. the Oakland /L.A./Oakland RAIDERS, will not be good again until Al Davis either dies or gives up control of the team. Old Al used to be a great football mind ... but he lost it a few years ago (5 +) and has never regained control of whatever intelligence and/or football knowledge that he once possessed. He was the original coach ... early 60's ... before he bought into and eventually bought the team. And tonight, the news that the coach suspended Jerry Porter for insubordination. They need to rid themselves of all these problem child / head cases. As do most of the pro teams in all sports. There is no such thing as a "TEAM" sport in the U.S. anymore. It is the "stars" who dictate what the team and the coaches do. It's a sad time in sports.
Cousin Dean: I am sorry that your Ravens lost a close one to Carolina today. But I hear that they didn't play their best and that Steve Smith had a great day in his comeback for Carolina. In the 'Best of the Day' stuff on the sports channels I saw a couple of great, weird bounces the Ravens got. I see also (didn't get to watch any games .... except the beginnings of the morning games, Seahawks-Rams and Cowboys-Texans) that New Orleans beat the Eagles and Eli Manning's Giants beat Michael Vick's Falcons. This year seems to be a year of lots of wins or no wins. There's like 5 teams who are still winless I think. My long time team .. since 1964 .. the Oakland /L.A./Oakland RAIDERS, will not be good again until Al Davis either dies or gives up control of the team. Old Al used to be a great football mind ... but he lost it a few years ago (5 +) and has never regained control of whatever intelligence and/or football knowledge that he once possessed. He was the original coach ... early 60's ... before he bought into and eventually bought the team. And tonight, the news that the coach suspended Jerry Porter for insubordination. They need to rid themselves of all these problem child / head cases. As do most of the pro teams in all sports. There is no such thing as a "TEAM" sport in the U.S. anymore. It is the "stars" who dictate what the team and the coaches do. It's a sad time in sports.
Suggested Sites
You have all noted that I am a big fan of Robert Shaw, a performer here in town, and enjoy his efforts in the Gaslight shows as well as his Elvis shows. Check him out at .... www.robertastheking.com .... www.myspace.com/robertastheking .... ! He is a really nice person and is dedicated to his craft. He also surrounds himself with great people who are talented.
13 October 2006
Recent Thoughts
It's Friday ....
Working, sleeping etc. ... same old, same old here in the desert. The old Buick is draining my bank account still. Nothing major, just odds and ends. It is running much better since I got an ignition coil for cylinders 3/6. Seems as if I need an alternator now, then everything should be honkey-dorey.
Tomorrow, Hilda and I are going to the Gaslight Theater at 1500 for the Heartbreak Hotel show with Robert Shaw and then to the regular Gaslight show .. Phantom of the Opera ... at 1900. I have to work from 0500 until about 1030 - 1130. Sunday, we are going to Reid Park for the Blues Festival, with my favorite piano playing lady from Texas ... Marcia Ball. Have to relax next weekend I guess.
Skip ahead to Sunday ....
Work was crazy yesterday. Then we went to see "Heartbreak Hotel" at the Gaslight. It was Robert's best effort thus far. We ... and several hundred others .... sang along, applauded, and had the finest of times. He did a lot of "obscure" Elvis things ... like "Train. train. train", "How Great thou Art", "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "That's Alright Mama" and others. We came home, had some pork tenderloin and went to the 7:00 show of "Phantom of the Opera".
I have not been writing much. It seems as if that old Valley Fever is bothering me again. Want to sleep all the time, have no energy and have to force myself to get things done. I do feel somewhat more energetic this morning. We are going to see Marcia Ball at the Blues Festival and will probably stop by the "Tucson - Meet Yourself" fest before dark.
Hope that everyone is having a great week.
Peace !
Working, sleeping etc. ... same old, same old here in the desert. The old Buick is draining my bank account still. Nothing major, just odds and ends. It is running much better since I got an ignition coil for cylinders 3/6. Seems as if I need an alternator now, then everything should be honkey-dorey.
Tomorrow, Hilda and I are going to the Gaslight Theater at 1500 for the Heartbreak Hotel show with Robert Shaw and then to the regular Gaslight show .. Phantom of the Opera ... at 1900. I have to work from 0500 until about 1030 - 1130. Sunday, we are going to Reid Park for the Blues Festival, with my favorite piano playing lady from Texas ... Marcia Ball. Have to relax next weekend I guess.
Skip ahead to Sunday ....
Work was crazy yesterday. Then we went to see "Heartbreak Hotel" at the Gaslight. It was Robert's best effort thus far. We ... and several hundred others .... sang along, applauded, and had the finest of times. He did a lot of "obscure" Elvis things ... like "Train. train. train", "How Great thou Art", "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "That's Alright Mama" and others. We came home, had some pork tenderloin and went to the 7:00 show of "Phantom of the Opera".
I have not been writing much. It seems as if that old Valley Fever is bothering me again. Want to sleep all the time, have no energy and have to force myself to get things done. I do feel somewhat more energetic this morning. We are going to see Marcia Ball at the Blues Festival and will probably stop by the "Tucson - Meet Yourself" fest before dark.
Hope that everyone is having a great week.
Peace !
08 October 2006
Another Sunday
It is Sunday afternoon and slightly overcast here in the Old Pueblo. I am relaxing today ... worked 8 hours yesterday. I was supposed to work today (double time) but I let my assistant take it.
I am watching a little NFL ..... some major bloodletting today in the 'morning' games. I am watching the Cardinals and K.C. and switching over to the Eagles-Cowboys. Both are close games in the 3rd quarters. Dallas 21 - Philly 24 and the other game is tied.
At the Oktoberfest yesterday (yes, another one) at Tucson Electric Park (home of the AAA Sidewinders ... world champions in AAA) we saw an AMAZING Limo. It has open sides, so you can see where you're at / going, and interact with folks outside the Limo. It is the LARGEST Redneck Limo in the nation and is custom built by 2 guys here in Tucson. It is awesome. Check it out at www.stretchdamericansteel.com . We sat in it and it is really amazing. Do look at the website. It rents for $200 per hour which is in line with other, more conventional, limos. It is fire-engine red and is called Freedom Express and they are building a new one called Rattlesnake Express which will be bright yellow, and Jerry told me it will be bigger and better than this one.
We also (yesterday) enjoyed some really nice polka renditions (in 11 languages) courtesy of the Al Meixner Trio from Pennsylvania. Al's son played several types of accordions, horns, etc, and was a great musician. A great day in the cool (low 90's) sunshine. Had to drink Hefeweisen though ... limited types of malt beverages at this one (basically sponsored by Budweiser).
It is now Monday evening. I have been sore all day ... don't know the cause .... every muscle in my body was aching for some reason. I walked all day like a 90 year old. When I got back to the apartment, I spent 25 minutes in the jacuzzi ... and now feel "almost" human. Still have some soreness, but nothing like what has affected me all day. God bless jacuzzi time.
I am going to watch the football game, until I fall asleep ... cannot wait until I have a job where I don't have to get up at 0300.
By the by ... cousin Dean saw Christmas trees (imitation) for sale, and being decorated, at his local K-Mart ... I will check ours tomorrow. PEOPLE .... it's only the 9th of October. When I was small, the Christmas parade was on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Santa was the last thing in the parade .... every year. THAT was the beginning of the holiday season.
You all have a great week.
I am watching a little NFL ..... some major bloodletting today in the 'morning' games. I am watching the Cardinals and K.C. and switching over to the Eagles-Cowboys. Both are close games in the 3rd quarters. Dallas 21 - Philly 24 and the other game is tied.
At the Oktoberfest yesterday (yes, another one) at Tucson Electric Park (home of the AAA Sidewinders ... world champions in AAA) we saw an AMAZING Limo. It has open sides, so you can see where you're at / going, and interact with folks outside the Limo. It is the LARGEST Redneck Limo in the nation and is custom built by 2 guys here in Tucson. It is awesome. Check it out at www.stretchdamericansteel.com . We sat in it and it is really amazing. Do look at the website. It rents for $200 per hour which is in line with other, more conventional, limos. It is fire-engine red and is called Freedom Express and they are building a new one called Rattlesnake Express which will be bright yellow, and Jerry told me it will be bigger and better than this one.
We also (yesterday) enjoyed some really nice polka renditions (in 11 languages) courtesy of the Al Meixner Trio from Pennsylvania. Al's son played several types of accordions, horns, etc, and was a great musician. A great day in the cool (low 90's) sunshine. Had to drink Hefeweisen though ... limited types of malt beverages at this one (basically sponsored by Budweiser).
It is now Monday evening. I have been sore all day ... don't know the cause .... every muscle in my body was aching for some reason. I walked all day like a 90 year old. When I got back to the apartment, I spent 25 minutes in the jacuzzi ... and now feel "almost" human. Still have some soreness, but nothing like what has affected me all day. God bless jacuzzi time.
I am going to watch the football game, until I fall asleep ... cannot wait until I have a job where I don't have to get up at 0300.
By the by ... cousin Dean saw Christmas trees (imitation) for sale, and being decorated, at his local K-Mart ... I will check ours tomorrow. PEOPLE .... it's only the 9th of October. When I was small, the Christmas parade was on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Santa was the last thing in the parade .... every year. THAT was the beginning of the holiday season.
You all have a great week.
06 October 2006
Old Age
I was thinking today ... rare occurance I know .... about [Dum-da-dum-dum] "Old Age". And after a few minutes (maybe only a few seconds) I understood .... I AM THERE !!!! When I was a young lad, how did I know that someone was "old" ? Well, .. let's see:
1) Balding .... check
2) Overweight around the middle .... check
3) Liver spots .... check
4) Not in tune with todays music / thoughts / fads / TV shows / fashions / movies .... check
5) Likes music, fashion and the mores of MORE than 20 years ago .... check
6) Remembers minute details from 30 years ago, but not what happened in the world in the last week .... check
7) Thinks that the music of HIS/HER days was HIGHLY superior to what KIDS listen to these days .... (BIG) check
8) Thinks that todays kids will be the downfall of civilized society as we know it .... damn straight
9) Walked to school 'back in the day' .... check (although not uphill in the snow both ways)
10) Was almost old enough to vote/drink when they owned their first automobile .... check
11) Has (had) worked .. ALL THEIR LIFE ...... check
So people, ..... I am officially an old fart. Dyed in the wool (as it were).
1) Balding .... check
2) Overweight around the middle .... check
3) Liver spots .... check
4) Not in tune with todays music / thoughts / fads / TV shows / fashions / movies .... check
5) Likes music, fashion and the mores of MORE than 20 years ago .... check
6) Remembers minute details from 30 years ago, but not what happened in the world in the last week .... check
7) Thinks that the music of HIS/HER days was HIGHLY superior to what KIDS listen to these days .... (BIG) check
8) Thinks that todays kids will be the downfall of civilized society as we know it .... damn straight
9) Walked to school 'back in the day' .... check (although not uphill in the snow both ways)
10) Was almost old enough to vote/drink when they owned their first automobile .... check
11) Has (had) worked .. ALL THEIR LIFE ...... check
So people, ..... I am officially an old fart. Dyed in the wool (as it were).
04 October 2006
X-Mas Watch
Christmas (Mid-winter Holiday) wreaths for sale at Green Dollar ... October 3rd, two months and 22 days before the event. Can Christmas cards and Christmas trees be far behind? There may be other stuff out there already, but I do not have the time to shop much. Reinhardt told me about this item and we (the remaining group) rushed out to verify it.
We may have a new member to our little group ... we lost one member to marriage / new job out of state and one of our group passed away. The new member (possibly, because you have to really 'belong', it's not an honorary thing) is named Kevin and he is not a poet, but he is an anachronism in several ways ... and oddity helps in our group. He is also convinced that he is right about everything, and that his opinion should always be considered, if not accepted readily ... which also helps in our group. We are the home for unwelcome puppies, ugly orphans and lost, non-politically correct ideas. We are the (maybe not last) bastion of conservative, poetic thinking in our neck of the woods. Now, there is lots of conservative thinking in the area ... and lots of poetic/literary thinking. But ... the left (especially the FAR left) seems to have a hold on all the poetry slams, music, etc. It seems that the Conservative element in this area is too busy having 'normal' lives to get involved in the leftist controlled "Arts" industry. My favorite radio station ... KXCI, community radio ... is unabashedly liberal and has no place in it's environs for anyone on the the middle or the right. In fact, the most famous daughter of Tucson ... Linda Ronstadt, the Tucson born / California-adopted leftist ... left Tucson (her home town) recently because of all the Right-Wing people and their strip-mall mentality who abound in our fair Pueblo. It played in the local papers for several days. Now, let me admit ... I love Linda Ronstadt. I have loved her voice, talent, looks and presentation since the earliest 70's. I have really disagreed with her politics for almost the same amount of time.
I am the most foolish of all humans ... who who believes that he is really intelligent and believes that his ideas are actually credible. I am old enough to (finally) start believing in myself and maybe start believing that I am O.K. after all. I have lived much of my life trying to please others (especially those in power) and 'fit in'. It got me nowhere. I am still the discontented youth that I always was .... and, I am finally unashamed of what I believe and what I am. I finally like me, and I am grateful for Hilda's assistance in getting there. Now, I may die a semi-happy man.
Peace !
We may have a new member to our little group ... we lost one member to marriage / new job out of state and one of our group passed away. The new member (possibly, because you have to really 'belong', it's not an honorary thing) is named Kevin and he is not a poet, but he is an anachronism in several ways ... and oddity helps in our group. He is also convinced that he is right about everything, and that his opinion should always be considered, if not accepted readily ... which also helps in our group. We are the home for unwelcome puppies, ugly orphans and lost, non-politically correct ideas. We are the (maybe not last) bastion of conservative, poetic thinking in our neck of the woods. Now, there is lots of conservative thinking in the area ... and lots of poetic/literary thinking. But ... the left (especially the FAR left) seems to have a hold on all the poetry slams, music, etc. It seems that the Conservative element in this area is too busy having 'normal' lives to get involved in the leftist controlled "Arts" industry. My favorite radio station ... KXCI, community radio ... is unabashedly liberal and has no place in it's environs for anyone on the the middle or the right. In fact, the most famous daughter of Tucson ... Linda Ronstadt, the Tucson born / California-adopted leftist ... left Tucson (her home town) recently because of all the Right-Wing people and their strip-mall mentality who abound in our fair Pueblo. It played in the local papers for several days. Now, let me admit ... I love Linda Ronstadt. I have loved her voice, talent, looks and presentation since the earliest 70's. I have really disagreed with her politics for almost the same amount of time.
I am the most foolish of all humans ... who who believes that he is really intelligent and believes that his ideas are actually credible. I am old enough to (finally) start believing in myself and maybe start believing that I am O.K. after all. I have lived much of my life trying to please others (especially those in power) and 'fit in'. It got me nowhere. I am still the discontented youth that I always was .... and, I am finally unashamed of what I believe and what I am. I finally like me, and I am grateful for Hilda's assistance in getting there. Now, I may die a semi-happy man.
Peace !
02 October 2006
The Destruction of America
The following was e-mailed to me and a reply was requested. I started to reply to the e-mail, but then I figured that rightly or wrongly, I needed to write my answer on the blog. I disagree strongly with the first two sentences ... they do not make sense. I do, however agree wholeheartedly with the speech that Dick Lamm gave. Conservatives have been warning us all for years that the "forced" politically correct strategem and everyone do their own thing mentality of the professional Left is rushing us down the path of disaster.
THOSE OF YOU ON THE "CONSERVATIVE" SIDE OF THE FENCE, READ THIS AND LEARN TO UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS BETTER THAN EVER. My answer: The following speech actually says what Conservatives have been preaching for a while.
FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT ON THE "CONSERVATIVE" SIDE OF THE FENCE, READ AND LEARN FROM A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT. I find it hard to believe that non-conservatives can/will learn anything from Gov. Lamm's speech, although I wish that they would.
Please take the time to read this; it ought to scare the pants off you! We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, filled to capacity by many of America's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, "Mexifornia," explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.
Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He said, "If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.'" "Here is how they do it," Lamm said: "First, to destroy America , turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country." History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lip set, put it this way: "The
histories of bilingual and bi-cultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy." Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, and Corsicans."
Lamm went on: Second, to destroy America, "Invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. I would make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal. That there are no cultural differences I would make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds.
Third, "We could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: 'The apparent success of our own multi-ethnic and multicultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricity and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together.'" Lamm continued, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."
"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school."
"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology.' I would get all
minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority population."
"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation
together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greeks took part in the Olympic
games. A common enemy, Persia, threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. "E. Pluribus Unum" -- From many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus'
instead of the 'Unum,' we will balkanize America as surely as Kosovo."
"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits; make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-culturism, having the large foundations fund the doctrine of 'Victimology,' I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."
In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. Profound silence followed. Finally he said, "Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book "Mexifornia." His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."
There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity.' American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in America - take note of California and other states - to date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book "1984." In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength."
Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy is deeply in trouble and worsening fast. If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.
THOSE OF YOU ON THE "CONSERVATIVE" SIDE OF THE FENCE, READ THIS AND LEARN TO UNDERSTAND YOUR FEELINGS BETTER THAN EVER. My answer: The following speech actually says what Conservatives have been preaching for a while.
FOR THOSE OF YOU NOT ON THE "CONSERVATIVE" SIDE OF THE FENCE, READ AND LEARN FROM A DIFFERENT VIEWPOINT. I find it hard to believe that non-conservatives can/will learn anything from Gov. Lamm's speech, although I wish that they would.
Please take the time to read this; it ought to scare the pants off you! We know Dick Lamm as the former Governor of Colorado. In that context his thoughts are particularly poignant. Last week there was an immigration overpopulation conference in Washington, DC, filled to capacity by many of America's finest minds and leaders. A brilliant college professor by the name of Victor Hansen Davis talked about his latest book, "Mexifornia," explaining how immigration - both legal and illegal was destroying the entire state of California. He said it would march across the country until it destroyed all vestiges of The American Dream.
Moments later, former Colorado Governor Richard D. Lamm stood up and gave a stunning speech on how to destroy America. The audience sat spellbound as he described eight methods for the destruction of the United States. He said, "If you believe that America is too smug, too self-satisfied, too rich, then let's destroy America. It is not that hard to do. No nation in history has survived the ravages of time. Arnold Toynbee observed that all great civilizations rise and fall and that 'An autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.'" "Here is how they do it," Lamm said: "First, to destroy America , turn America into a bilingual or multi-lingual and bicultural country." History shows that no nation can survive the tension, conflict, and antagonism of two or more competing languages and cultures. It is a blessing for an individual to be bilingual; however, it is a curse for a society to be bilingual. The historical scholar, Seymour Lip set, put it this way: "The
histories of bilingual and bi-cultural societies that do not assimilate are histories of turmoil, tension, and tragedy." Canada, Belgium, Malaysia, and Lebanon all face crises of national existence in which minorities press for autonomy, if not independence. Pakistan and Cyprus have divided. Nigeria suppressed an ethnic rebellion. France faces difficulties with Basques, Bretons, and Corsicans."
Lamm went on: Second, to destroy America, "Invent 'multiculturalism' and encourage immigrants to maintain their culture. I would make it an article of belief that all cultures are equal. That there are no cultural differences I would make it an article of faith that the Black and Hispanic dropout rates are due solely to prejudice and discrimination by the majority. Every other explanation is out of bounds.
Third, "We could make the United States an 'Hispanic Quebec' without much effort. The key is to celebrate diversity rather than unity. As Benjamin Schwarz said in the Atlantic Monthly recently: 'The apparent success of our own multi-ethnic and multicultural experiment might have been achieved not by tolerance but by hegemony. Without the dominance that once dictated ethnocentricity and what it meant to be an American, we are left with only tolerance and pluralism to hold us together.'" Lamm continued, "I would encourage all immigrants to keep their own language and culture. I would replace the melting pot metaphor with the salad bowl metaphor. It is important to ensure that we have various cultural subgroups living in America enforcing their differences rather than as Americans, emphasizing their similarities."
"Fourth, I would make our fastest growing demographic group the least educated. I would add a second underclass, unassimilated, undereducated, and antagonistic to our population. I would have this second underclass have a 50% dropout rate from high school."
"My fifth point for destroying America would be to get big foundations and business to give these efforts lots of money. I would invest in ethnic identity, and I would establish the cult of 'Victimology.' I would get all
minorities to think that their lack of success was the fault of the majority. I would start a grievance industry blaming all minority failure on the majority population."
"My sixth plan for America's downfall would include dual citizenship, and promote divided loyalties. I would celebrate diversity over unity. I would stress differences rather than similarities. Diverse people worldwide are mostly engaged in hating each other - that is, when they are not killing each other. A diverse, peaceful, or stable society is against most historical precedent. People undervalue the unity it takes to keep a nation
together. Look at the ancient Greeks. The Greeks believed that they belonged to the same race; they possessed a common language and literature; and they worshipped the same gods. All Greeks took part in the Olympic
games. A common enemy, Persia, threatened their liberty. Yet all these bonds were not strong enough to overcome two factors: local patriotism and geographical conditions that nurtured political divisions. Greece fell. "E. Pluribus Unum" -- From many, one. In that historical reality, if we put the emphasis on the 'pluribus'
instead of the 'Unum,' we will balkanize America as surely as Kosovo."
"Next to last, I would place all subjects off limits; make it taboo to talk about anything against the cult of 'diversity.' I would find a word similar to 'heretic' in the 16th century - that stopped discussion and paralyzed thinking. Words like 'racist' or 'xenophobe' halt discussion and debate. Having made America a bilingual/bicultural country, having established multi-culturism, having the large foundations fund the doctrine of 'Victimology,' I would next make it impossible to enforce our immigration laws. I would develop a mantra: That because immigration has been good for America, it must always be good. I would make every individual immigrant symmetric and ignore the cumulative impact of millions of them."
In the last minute of his speech, Governor Lamm wiped his brow. Profound silence followed. Finally he said, "Lastly, I would censor Victor Hanson Davis's book "Mexifornia." His book is dangerous. It exposes the plan to destroy America. If you feel America deserves to be destroyed, don't read that book."
There was no applause. A chilling fear quietly rose like an ominous cloud above every attendee at the conference. Every American in that room knew that everything Lamm enumerated was proceeding methodically, quietly, darkly, yet pervasively across the United States today. Discussion is being suppressed. Over 100 languages are ripping the foundation of our educational system and national cohesiveness. Even barbaric cultures that practice female genital mutilation are growing as we celebrate 'diversity.' American jobs are vanishing into the Third World as corporations create a Third World in America - take note of California and other states - to date, ten million illegal aliens and growing fast. It is reminiscent of George Orwell's book "1984." In that story, three slogans are engraved in the Ministry of Truth building: "War is peace," "Freedom is slavery," and "Ignorance is strength."
Governor Lamm walked back to his seat. It dawned on everyone at the conference that our nation and the future of this great democracy is deeply in trouble and worsening fast. If we don't get this immigration monster stopped within three years, it will rage like a California wildfire and destroy everything in its path, especially The American Dream.
01 October 2006
Sunday Evening .. and beyond
This relaxing could get habit forming. Watching the NFL (again/still) on NBC, The Bears and the Seahawks. I have been nibbling on some Chili con Queso with Calidad chips, quaffed by some Shiner Bocks.
Dean's Ravens and my Colts are on a roll this year, .. the same cannot be said for Arizona's Cardinals and Sheryl's Vikings.
I have gotten slightly tired of my hair. It's alright as far as it goes, but there are some spots where it is thinning some. When I comb it, it appears as if I am attempting to cover those spots (which I am not/was not doing). So ... yesterday, I had it cut to about an inch in length. A little more than that on the sides / back and slightly less on top. I thought that it would make Hilda slightly P.O.ed, but was wrong. She says it looks fine. It does look grayer and less blond than it did when longer, but ... what the hell, I'm 61 (almost).
Monday Night ... same Bat-time, same Bat-channel. Again watching the NFL ... Eagles and Packers. Eating leftovers and having a Shiner or two. Must get to bed early, will miss the 2nd half, wake up time is 0300. I need to win the lottery so I can stay up past 1900 (7PM). Even on the weekends, I get sleepy about 2000.
Have a great week.
LFTD
Dean's Ravens and my Colts are on a roll this year, .. the same cannot be said for Arizona's Cardinals and Sheryl's Vikings.
I have gotten slightly tired of my hair. It's alright as far as it goes, but there are some spots where it is thinning some. When I comb it, it appears as if I am attempting to cover those spots (which I am not/was not doing). So ... yesterday, I had it cut to about an inch in length. A little more than that on the sides / back and slightly less on top. I thought that it would make Hilda slightly P.O.ed, but was wrong. She says it looks fine. It does look grayer and less blond than it did when longer, but ... what the hell, I'm 61 (almost).
Monday Night ... same Bat-time, same Bat-channel. Again watching the NFL ... Eagles and Packers. Eating leftovers and having a Shiner or two. Must get to bed early, will miss the 2nd half, wake up time is 0300. I need to win the lottery so I can stay up past 1900 (7PM). Even on the weekends, I get sleepy about 2000.
Have a great week.
LFTD
Sunday Morning
A day off ... after 13 straight days of work. I am planning to be lazy a little. Oh sure, I have to wash clothes and do some grocery shopping ... but that's not bad. Hilda and I watched The Green Mile last night and I slept in this morning until daylight. I took my walk, watched Sunday Morning on CBS and am now watching two football games ...Chargers vs Ravens and Cardinals vs Falcons. Cardinals are losing 6-3 and the Ravens are tied right now. Yesterday, after work, I took Hilda to Casino Del Sol. She had a $15 voucher for cash that they send out in the mail to the Slot Club members. She cashed it, stuck $5 in her purse and the other $10 in the slots. She won $59, so it worked out fine. While she puts money in those infernal slot machines, I watch football and drink beer in the Sports Bar. I work too hard for my money to drop it down the slot. We stopped by the OktoberFest, looked at some crafts and stuff, heard some music and I sampled some of the BECK'S and ST PAULI GIRL's. At home, I cooked ribs and baked potatoes that we gobbled up during the movie.
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