Welcome All You Lucky Visitors to Rick's Place!!!

Resolving and Evolving

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Sun, 01 May 2011 07:02:17 PDT

Resolving and Evolving

Richard O. Harris

When I go to receive the wages for my sins

I will leave this flesh I have been in

Yet I believe I will also continue to evolve

The twenty one grams of weight in difference

Between what we currently see and sense

To me seems to be something that involves

Faith or Facts we believe but have not seen

Neither science nor church know what it means

Maybe both are right and our evolution continues on

After all, twenty one grams can make quite a jewel

And the jewel maker has so many different tools

We must admit such a practice can continue for eons

Are we arrogant enough to believe we are the end of evolution

Or that religions have all the answers and solutions

Perhaps each has a piece of a multi-part puzzle of change

Personally, I choose to think we may have only 2 of the grams

That compose the puzzle leaving nineteen remaining yet to understand

And I hope to receive when my wages are paid and I reach that range.

Why not use our National Oil Reserve Now?

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 07:31:41 PDT

Why not use our National Oil Reserve Now?

Richard O. Harris

Perhaps I am confused, yet it seems to me less than a year or two ago (during the Gulf Oil Spill) there was a great deal of talk about using the National Oil Reserve to relieve prices at the pumps. As stated on the site: http://fossil.energy.gov/programs/reserves/spr/spr-drawdown.html “The Strategic Petroleum Oil Reserve exists, first and foremost, as an emergency response tool the President can use should the United States be confronted with an economically-threatening disruption in oil supplies.” We are currently experiencing (not just seeing) $4 and $5 a gallon prices for gasoline at the pumps due to interruptions of oil supplies because of unrest in the mid-east (mainly OPEC countries).

http://hotair.com/archives/2011/04/23/video-how-high-gas-prices-will-impact-the-economy-this-easter/ reports Barack Obama is “taking action”? Er, not really. He’s calling a task force together to look for abuse, which will do exactly nothing to lower gasoline prices. We need to expand domestic production and refining capacity in order to address the fundamentals of the instability of the fuel market. Until we do, we will continue to see prices fluctuate based on political unrest in producing countries, greater demand from developing industrial nations like China and India, and the lack of will to find our own resources and keep our own dollars in our own economy.

Still, not a single news cast or report I have heard mentions using this readily available resource to assist in our current crisis. Drilling, fracking, new energy sources I support with all of my being. Still, common sense tells me these will take time to develop, time we as a nation may not have thanks to the decline of America Obama has already caused (impeach this man for unilaterally invovling the U. S. in the Libyan war, which is not a Presidential prerogative.)

Jameson Rodgers "Back Roads"

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 07:42:34 PDT

https://picasaweb.google.com/rickinjaxfl/Mar172011#5584927912751132114

Cutting Costs with Little Loss (and maybe even some Big Gains)

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:08:37 PDT

With the rising cost of food and the increasing need to cut budgets for both high schools and senior citizens, it is time we take advantage of all our resources, including each other. Our First Lady is calling for better nutrition programs even now and we are allowing a generation of citizens to die without a chance of sharing their knowledge and influence. Additionally, our high school drop out rates continue to rise and seem to match the rise in the communitie's rate of violence.

Please take a minute to read this petition at http://www.change.org/ and even if you cannot agree to sign it make your own petition and help our world, our neighbors, and our selves. Thanks, Richard O Harris

http://www.change.org/petitions/seniors-helping-seniors

Email Received From My Brother

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:31:17 PDT

Please Don't Break This - Send Without Apology

Thinking of all the Canadian American & British Soldiers

Canadian

American

British

It's the Military, not the reporter who has given us the freedom of thePress.

It's the Military, not the poet, who has given us the freedom ofSpeech. .

It's the Military, not the politicians that ensures our right toLife, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Military who salutesThe flag, who serves beneath the flag, and whose coffin is draped byThe flag.

THE FINAL INSPECTION

The soldier stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

'Step forward now, you soldier,
How shall I deal with you ?
Have you always turned the other cheek ?
To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the soldier waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you soldier,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'

Author Unknown~

Please Don't break it! GOD BLESS YOU FOR PASSING IT ON!

If you care to offer the smallest token of recognition and appreciation for the Military, please pass this on and pray for our men and women who have served and are currently serving our country and pray for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom!

My own comment is remember it does not matter that you believe in the cause they battle but it does matter that you believe in them for without them you would be facing the bullets. Richard O. Harris

No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by McAfee Internet Security Suite Version 9.15 and Virus Scan 13.15.

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:41 PDT

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:54:23 PDT

Seniors Helping Seniors Petition Link and Apology

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 11:52:14 PST

My apologies to those who have tried to locate the link to sign my petition. The simplest choice I believe is to use the link provided here.

http://www.change.org/petitions/seniors-helping-seniors

Again my apologies but I am still more comfortable pen and paper than a computer.

Richard O. Harris

Seniors helping Seniors an Integration of Generations

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:44:17 PST

Targeting: The President of the United States, The U.S. Senate, and The U.S. House of Representatives

Started by: Rick Harris

Integration of Generations to Continue Our Advancement as a Global Leader

Greetings,

I ask simply that you read the short petition and understand the potential it has to assist our country in it's ongoing efforts to remain independent. I am not demanding the examples I used be instituted but have placed them there to generate potential ideas from others seeking solutions to the same issues. I was fortunate and have had a great life experience even though I never expected to be totally disabled by the age of 50 and I would love to see our communities' return to a more peaceful time when young and old respected and cherished each other.

Our First Lady has even recognized the need for better nutrition in our schools and the President has admitted to needing cuts in our Seniors Programs. We can make a difference working together and remembering our own childhood experiences. Our time and resources are better utilized by removing the walls that separate our children and our elders.

It is with great respect I submit this idea knowing it can be used without an increase in costs to our government. I will continue to do all I can though the political processes make my efforts difficult as the usual response is a robot email. I can only trust this reaches someone who can shape it into a more workable solution for our country

We have an opportunity never before presented in our history to create an integration of generations that can help alleviate some of these issues. For instance, volunteers from our Senior Citizens can be called upon or even given an incentive with part-time jobs to help local area schools start a garden and learn how to grow the vegetables for their own cafeterias and Senior Citizen "Meals on Wheels" programs. This type of "life experience" could be used in place of a science project for the student and give them something to look forward to instead of a book and a classroom.

With an ever increasing elderly population, we can take this time to avoid losing their knowledge of a time when rotary phones and washing machines were the latest "high tech" items to be found. Only 52 years old, I have been fortunate enough to know 7 generations of my family, beginning with my maternal great-grandmother who helped me learn self sufficiency and sustainability. What happens in just the next 10 years when that generation has died out and taken their experiences with them?

Another example could be the pairing of a student with a Senior Citizen in a Grandma/pa & Grandson/daughter program much like the Big Brothers & Sisters program we have now. The student could be assigned to write the life story of his/her "Grandparent" as part of a Social Studies assignment, again getting them out of the classroom and learning about their own heritage. In turn, the "Grandparent" could visit the student's class for an ask and answer session to help reduce their fear of the children in the community and their increasing isolation from our society.

Let's not make the mistake of letting one of the most valuable resources availabe to us, our Senior Citizens, die out taking all their knowledge and experience with them. Let's not make the mistake of letting our future leaders, today's students, forget or never know the vast amount of advancement our society has made in the last century or half century. Let's combine these elements to assist and continue advancing our country's "melting pot" so we can provide more for all with less expenditure..

Amelia Broome Community and Message Board (BroadwayWorld.com)

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:04:30 PST

Amelia Broome Community and Message Board (BroadwayWorld.com)

The Official Home of the Department of Defense

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

The Official Home of the Department of Defense

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

World AIDS Day December 1

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

USA.Gov

Unemployment=Homelessness=Violence=Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Message sent to the following recipients:
Representative Crenshaw
Message text follows:

November 22, 2010

Representative Ander Crenhaw,

Though childishly reactive to being voted out of office, this congress
still has the opportunity to make amends and leave their post with dignity
and honor.

Cutting unemployment now could lead to massive homelessness and panic in
the streets of our city. An idea environment for lawlessness and violence
to prosper and grow.

With the right organization we could see armed citizens gunning down
politicians and even an overthrow of the government. All caused by a
childish reaction to the democratic voting process we hold do dear and
promote throughout the would.

Let's not let the holiday season be th beginning of the next American
Revolution, consider what you would fear most if you had no income of any
kind.

I know you voted against the extension most likely due to financial costs
but there are other costs to consider. I pray for you and love you as
much as God does though we have disagreed on many issues over the years,
Sincerely

Sincerely,

Richard Harris

489 Starratt Road Lot 109
Jacksonville, FL 32218-2883
904-469-4609

Please use this link to SEE ME and view more information about me
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/picturepages.tt?id=188200

Richard Harris sent this message via Congress.org, which uses the
Capwiz·XC system. Congress.org is a free public service of Capitol
Advantage and Knowlegis, LLC. You may access Congress.org here:
http://congress.org

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Between Now and Then

Richard O Harris

When I think of all that has been since you left between now and then

My desire to carry on has waned like a darkening moon.

Yet each day when I wake, my belief makes me take

That next step after step leading to the next room.

You see though I have lost it all I still feel God’s great call

To just keep my faith for another day.

So, I do what is in front of me though it never sets me free

From my sorrow, loss, or dismay.

I guess I was naïve enough to make my self believe

Another’s word could be as good as God’s

Now I know it is not true though it will not bring me you

For I, too, have fallen short or that path to trod.

Still, I love you as much now and I know that somehow

My love will last for all eternity

For the God in whom I believe would not let me decieve

Him or my self no matter how free.

Many do not want to hear the truth I hold so dear

Though I say God cause I know not His name

Yet I have no fear for I have seen His works so clear

And to me a the word God holds no shame.

Trying to get to 100,000 users next week!

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Trying to get to 100,000 users next week!

Picasa Slide Show

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

View all

Get your own

My Brother's Music

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

All songs originally written, music composed, guitar played, and songs sung by my brother, Lamar Harris

Picnik - A good Photo Editor Program

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Picnik

Lamar Harris NACMAI Awards Show Pigeon Forge, Tn 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

The Gulf Oil Spill

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

The Gulf Oil Spill - What Has Not Been Said (one man's observations)

Richard O Harris

Once again, I begin a subject many will find disagreeable at best. It is certainly not my desire to cause unrest or argument, simply honest reflection. I am compelled to share some of my observations regarding this catastrophe that seem to be continually overlooked and unreported (or is it deliberate misdirection by our government once again?).

No doubt, this is a new and unique event in our history. A history which continues even now to search for ways to decrease the dependency of our nation for any one product on other nations. Realistically, some dependencies will always remain because of the nature of hydraulic despotism.

As has been seen all over the news and other media, BP has been daily pro-active toward finding a solution to the problems without point fingers or blame at others. The other two companies involved have yet to even a single public statement or own their portion of responsibility. I wonder as I watch the daily news if either of the two companies have even been contacted or is the media once again targeting a single corporation simply because of its national and global reputation.

Additionally, no one has yet to come forward and mention those who passed the laws and granted the permits allowing deep sea drilling (namely our government representatives and organizations). Nor have any of these individuals or groups come forward to own their share of responsibility and offer aid in this time of crisis. In fact, it was President Obama himself who not long ago approved offshore drilling off Florida's East Coast (the Atlantic Ocean) and his 6 month moratorium creeps slowly by without any mention from him or others.

Many groups have begun movements to boycott BP businesses due to this crisis not realizing they are not hurting BP since these businesses are privately owned. Instead, their boycott(s) are only causing hardship for people, like themselves, who are unfortunate enough to become a target because of a product they sell or the producers actions. To me, it makes no sense, it is a bunch of people who are losing their businesses and becoming unemployed trying to put another bunch of people at risk of losing their businesses and becoming unemployed without making any impact on those responsible.

These are just a few of my observations as I watch the developments and try to hear what is "not" being said. President Obama can claim outrage over this incident and, no doubt, sincerely so. Yet, what happens when his six month moratorium for offshore drilling on Florida's East Coast ends? No one knows, do they?

The Gulf Oil Spill

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:03 PST

The Gulf Oil Spill - What Has Not Been Said (one man's observations)

Richard O Harris

Open Letter To All Military - Past, Present, and Future

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Open Letter To All Military - Past, Present, and Future

May 29, 2010

I would like to begin by expressing how grateful I am to each and everyone of you for your service to this great country of ours. Unfortunately, there are no words that can express the depth of the love, respect, and gratitude I feel for all of you and those you love who continue to put your selves in harms way each day so the rest of us can feel safer. There is only a deep swelling in my soul as I, too, have had and do have family members fighting and some dieing in all this country's battles since the Revolutionary War.

Though I feel our current President's decision to take a holiday instead of accept the distinct prestige of honoring you and all those who have served my reveal a hidden agenda, I want you to know he is only one man and in this case in the minority of our citizens. The majority of citizens in this country still maintain an awesome love and respect for those of you serving in the military. Not even the current Commander-in-Chief's actions can diminish our love and respect for you (no matter how many Fort Hood or other such incident's occur).

No, I do not believe Fort Hood was command oversight. Nor do I believe Hussein Obama's decision to slight the military this Memorial Day is anything less than an indication of a hidden agenda to cause as much disruption as possible from the highest office obtainable in our government. He also dishonors those who fought in the Civil War to give him the freedom of where he is now. What I do believe is he is showing great disrespect to himself, his forefathers, his country, the military, and every President since the Civil War when this tradition began.

However, I did not begin writing you to talk about Hussein but to tell you of the pride and love I have for each and everyone one of the military - past, present, and future. Plus, if I should continue my discourse on the President, I may be visited and/or detained by one of those three letter agencies of the government. This possibility is very real even though our constitution and you vow to defend it against all enemies, both foreign and domestic, guarantees me the right to freedom of speech.

So, back to the original intent of this letter. As you daily place your selves in harm's way for the rest of us know you are in our thoughts and prayers. I firmly believe there is no greater love than he who would give his life for another and that means all the men and women in the military. You are those I wish I could do so much more for to show my heartfelt appreciation.

While I can only empathize with a people who would teach their children the only true worth they had was to kill others by committing suicide, this is the absence of love. Those who oppose you oppose themselves by forfeiting their future children and grandchildren in a battle that has no winners. Once again, history will judge this as a time when men blamed their God because they wanted something they could not have.

Rest assured, in the meantime, I and I am sure others like me, continue with our efforts to assist you in any way we can. Though sometimes limited, there are approximately 5700 homeless veterans here in Jacksonville FL, my hometown to my great shame and personal dishonor. No matter the reason(s) for their plight, they too once stood in harm's way for the rest of us. I know I alone cannot assist each of these men and women but I do try to give as much as I can to help them with food and a little money once in a while and really do not care what they purchase.

I continue to raise awareness when and where I can regarding the plight of these men who also once stood where you stand today - in harm's way. I have had discussions (reasonably productive) with the VA Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Defense, the Department of Labor, and various VA Volunteer groups regarding many issues. Among them the complete and utter failure of the VETS FIRST PROGRAM touted by the politicians as a triumph yet almost non-productive. Also the group known as Work Source and others that will not even return phone calls or conduct follow up interviews with Veterans. I know this for a certainty as my roommate, who I knew before he was shipped off to Vietnam, was downsized from his job in January 2009 and, even with a Veterans 5 point preference remains unemployed today. Rest assured, as long as I remain able, I will do any thing I can for any one of you at any time.

I am sure there are others who feel as I do and who are helping as much as they possibly can at this time. You are most of the best of us and you deserve more recognition than you have received thus far from your leaders. Have no fears, I will continue my advocacy for you and your injured or fallen brothers and sisters in arms. I am PROUD to be an AMERICAN because of the representation you provide in what it means to be one. I am not Euro-American or African-American or Indian-American, I am an AMERICAN top to bottom, inside and out because you have given me that privilege.

You are not, cannot, and will not be forgotten!!!

You are loved, wanted, needed and desired!!!

I salute each and every one of you!!!

Dream of Calvary

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Dream of Calvary

Eternallly

noreply@blogger.com (Biographic Summary) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:21:25 PST

Eternally

Richard O Harris

Today has been a day for me filled with long reflection
On our times together of sweet and shared affection
But the time has been so long since last I heard your voice
I wonder if I will ever again experience such a choice.

I am sad about so many things that have happened
And I know I cannot find a way for them to mend
Still, I hope against all hope that before I die
I will hear your voice and look into your eyes.

You are still the greatest joy and love I have ever known
Though I knew it would end, I could not have grown
Without your love, your gentle voice, your touch and anger too
There could not be a man like me unless he had know you.

So, my friend, my partner, the only love of my entire life
Thanks for sharing what you could and bearing part of my strife
We said goodbye so many times yet knew we would soon say hello
This last goodbye is hard for me, you see I am not good at letting go.

I love you always and all ways, you are wanted, needed, and desired
But your world has no place for me or allowed you to become mired
It has been many years for us both but I can only speak for me
There is no one I will love more and you I now know I will love eternally.