The Crow's Nest

The Difference Between Make Believe and Reality

2012-01-19T03:29:00.002-05:00

You wake up one day and notice you have a painful rash on your leg. It is so bad you go to see your doctor. The doctor gives you a cream to put on it, and sends you home. After a week the rash has not gotten any better, so you head to the doctor again.

This time he gives you some pills and a new cream for the rash. You take the pills and use the cream exactly like he says you should. After a week the rash has not only not gotten better, but you now have it on both legs and your butt. So, off to the doctor you go.

This time the doctor decides to give you a shot, stronger pills, and some more cream. Everyday you take the pills, put on cream, and visit the doctor for a shot. Gradually the rash goes away and the doctor with a smug look of victory declares you cured.

What neither of you knew..is that very week your wife had changed back to her old detergent.

Just the other day on Twitter a famous actor (not really super famous..but well known) said that FDR's New Deal was the best thing to happen to this country...his followers added that it was responsible not only for ending the Great Depression, but also winning World War II, and making the United States a superpower. I was so stunned that anyone would believe that...that I was almost speechless...almost. I was expecting one of them to claim that the New Deal was responsible for Cracker Jacks and Pop Rocks. Apparently even they have boundaries.

Here is an interesting fact about the Great Depression...Scholars do not agree on what caused it. In fact, their political belief often drives their conclusions about the cause of the Great Depression. Just like the rash...if you can't define the cause...you can not call it cured.

What I do know about the New Deal is this...It was a full on assault on the U.S. Constitution. From FDR's attempt at stacking the Supreme Court, to his Alphabet Administration (that was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court).

Again Scholars will argue that the New Deal did/did not end the Great Depression. Some will argue that FDR didn't spend enough money...other will argue that he spent too much. Some argue that Government did too much...and others that it didn't do enough.

This is not to say that FDR's attempts to stay the hand of the Great Depression was a total loss...lots of communities got Civic Centers, and Libraries. Vegas got the Hoover Dam...which would later give mobsters and gamblers a place to hang out. Of course a capitalist by the name of Andrew Carnegie built more Libraries...and they are prettier.

In 1939 Europe entered into the darkness of World War II. Japan was continuing its march across Asia. The US began its lend program to provide materials to both sides prior to war, and after war was declared it began providing supplies to what would become the Allied Powers. If anything takes credit for pulling the nation out of the Great Depression, WWII is that thing. In 1941, unemployment was unheard of..America was at war and full production war at that. The New Deal had nothing to do with the winning of WWII. The US had 3 years from 1939-1941 to build its production facilities. In fact, the Great Depression had more to do with positioning the US for war. There were plenty of workers available, and farmers now had a consumer to buy their goods right here at home..and abroad armies were needing our surplus.

One freaktard suggested that the boom of the 1950's was due to the New Deal...staggering stupidity is amazing. The Marshal Plan, had more to do with the American Economy of the late 1940's and all of the 1950's. Not to mention the growing Cold War. Americans realized that to keep themselves safe a strong standing Army was the wave of the future...of course...we can't forget Nukes.

The final claim was that The New Deal made the United States a Superpower. Nothing could be so incredibly false as this. The US had been a Sleeping Giant. All of the resources, brains, and pure balls of stone rested within her borders. World War II woke that giant and sent it reeling across this planet in an unrelenting flood of military might, humanitarian love, and a creativity never known on this planet. Thoughout the rest of the 20^th Century America dominated in Science, Culture, Military power, and Agricultural strength. Inspite of our own governments attempt to stop her. We also make a dang good rum.

I replied to the semi-famous Actor that “The New Deal was not such a good deal.” He called me insane...he might be right...but I am not wrong...or silly enough to believe everything a politician tells me...just because I identify with his/her party.

I dedicate this to the political naivety of Mister John Cusack, and the difference between Make Believe and Reality.

What's it Gonna be Boy...Yes...Or...No.

2012-01-14T04:36:00.000-05:00

Politics reminds me of the classic Meatloaf song.."Paradise by the Dashboard Light"...its all about hitting a home run.

Who I will be supporting in 2012 Presidential Election.

It is easy to lose perspective when discussing the situation that the United States finds itself in. Discussion of the most pressing issues normally devolve into a worthless finger pointing exercise. Almost any attempt I make at discussing these issues someone always says “Well the [insert your party here] is/is not [insert complaint here]”.

Let there be no doubt, no point of contention, no mystified misdirection, my goal is to see that Barrack Obama is not elected President of the United States...again. With that in mind I have looked at the political landscape, and have finally decided who I believe the best person to accomplish that goal is.

Before I make the announcement I am sure you have all been waiting for, it is important that I lay the background of this decision.

In 2008 I did not support John McCain for president...at least not willingly. I watched a man I did not like to begin with act like a total moron. In fact, I wondered then if he was intentionally losing the election. I still wonder that to this day. Because of this train wreck of an election, I feel that not only should I make my choices known...but I need to be loud about it and educate as many people as possible as to why I have decided to support my choice this time.

Who does not get my support and why is an important part of the process. I put every candidate up against four criteria.

Criteria #1: Fiscal Responsibility. At present our Government is running on stupid. Social philosophy and experimentation has taken the place of responsible fiscal decisions based on known fact. Of course Fiscal Responsibility is not easy. There must be a balance between revenue, and expenditures. Reality is...there will not be a chicken in every pot.

Criteria #2: Adherence to the Constitution. Sounds really easy. Its not. There are candidates who throw the word constitution around like they are discussing their favorite beer. There is one candidate in particular that when they mention the Constitution I get a sick feeling. I am sure this is a topic I will discuss frequently in the coming months.

Criteria #3: Free Markets. American companies must be free to compete. This has not been true for a very long time. Over regulation based on theoretical climate guess work, environmental lies, and financial chicanery has so hampered American Capitalism that it is making Americans into consumers, not producers.

Criteria #4: Electability. The candidate that I support must be electable. That is they must have the best chance at removing Barrack Obama from office. This holds true in any election in which the opposition does not positively impact the first three criteria.

Before I go into the who I support part of this diatribe, it is important to note that the candidate I want to run, isn't. So, I am left with those that are. So now I present the people I will not be supporting.

Ron Paul. Congressman Paul has some good ideas...very limited..very narrowly defined good ideas. But he is not what he wants you to think he is. Congressman Paul is a very good politician. He helped craft legislation that brought a good amount of ear marks to his constituency, and when he was sure the bill would pass...he would vote against it. Pretty damn clever if you ask me. His ideas on Americas role in the world is like that of a child....when we were protected by oceans his ideas make sense...that world is gone. Not being involved in world events and problems is like fighting with a bag over your head. Every time he says “Constitution” I seriously want to barf. He reminds me of that crazy uncle you try to avoid at family gatherings. His electability rating is Zero.

Rick Perry. There is no doubt that Rick Perry is certainly a fiscal and social conservative, but he falls short in the electability category. Americans are not ready for his type of conservatism. He has failed to educate the public on his vision. Too bad really, he could have been a contender.

Jon Huntsman. Poor Jon reminds me of the guy who went to a formal party dressed as a clown. The bright spot in this is his daughters may be able to wrangle some sort of media gig.

Newt Gingrich. There is no doubt when it comes to policy, fiscal responsibility, knowledge of the Constitution, and support of Free Markets there is no one as smart as Newt. For a time I was on the cusp with Newt, but does he have what it takes to get elected? Sadly I don't think so. Newt is fighting a game in which he is his own worst enemy. Forget his marital issues, his ethical issues...he loses his temper a bit to fast when under pressure. His method of educating the public is a bit...annoying. Even with the baggage Obama brings to the race, Newt is just not electable.

By now you may have figured out who I will be supporting, but I think it may be worth mentioning.

Mitt Romney. He is not the perfect candidate, however, he does meet the first three criteria. Not perfectly, but good enough. His demeanor (with a few exceptions) lends him as the perfect (relatively that is) candidate for educating the electorate. He will grab those independents, and I believe enough of those to the left of center, to defeat Obama. That is my primary goal.

I could stand at the helm of my ship and maintain a rigid course toward port and run straight and true into the rocks...but with a little course adjustment I can begin to gently steer the nation back to the fundamentals that have served it well. On this part of the journey Mitt Romney will serve his purpose.

I enjoy comments on this subject and would love to know who you support and why. It is what makes the political season fun.

Visit my website at www.captblackegle.com

Bang a Gong...Get it On

2012-01-08T09:15:00.000-05:00

The Race

The Iowa Caucus is over and we now know..well..nothing. Statistically it was a three way tie...Romney, Santorum and Paul. Newt placed a distant (statistically) fourth. What we do know is that Bachman is out...and that other guy is not looking too well. But not all is lost...we now present you with New Hampshire.

New Hampshire shares similarities with Iowa...it is a small state in relation to some of the primaries that follow. This allows candidates on a budget to compete with the big guys. It also allows amateur and professional statisticians to practice their art. Yes it is an art.

If I had to predict this next race I would stack them up as being statistically the same as Iowa, unless...and the unless is the thing that will screw up statistics, there is a story we have not yet heard.

There is a story I want to focus on...what does the other side think? Keep in mind the Republican Primaries are not just Republicans trading punches, but an opportunity for the other side to get involved. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has certainly gotten involved. As the head of the Democratic National Committee she is part of the Democrats plan to influence the Republican nomination process. Conspiracy? Of course it is...it is the game of politics.

What can we learn from their activity? First they are afraid...they know that they have not produced what they said they would, and this is a problem for them. They need to make it look like they are the ones who are working to improve America. This will not be easy for them.

Second, they want to convince us to vote for the person they feel they can beat. This will be made up of very complex statements intended to mislead us into picking a candidate they feel they can beat.

To counter their attempts we just need to put aside petty differences in candidates and pick the person that will best counter Obama. Even if that person does not exactly fit into what we think the perfect candidate would be. Not that I want you to put aside your personal beliefs, but instead compare and contrast those individuals with Obama. He is after all NOT a good choice.

Here is an exercise for you...select the historical President you most admire. Decide why you admire that person. Then select a contemporary person that best embodies those traits. Finally compare and contrast that person to the candidates running for President.

My next blog will be how I am using that process to pick the candidate that I will support for President.

Good luck to all the candidates as we move to New Hampshire.

The Year Gone by...The Year Ahead.

2012-01-01T10:05:00.000-05:00

I am sitting here, smoking a dark Dominican cigar, not an expensive one...but decent. I am drinking instant coffee..no sugar...very strong. The lights in the room are dim, a TV is on somewhere in the house. My headphones are on..and I am listening to the Eagle's. This is the scene of my reflections on the Year Gone by, and the Year Ahead.

2011 was an instrumental year of a five year plan that began in 2008. 2008 is the year that I began to question many things in my life, chief among those was the direction my country had taken. The inspection of my country led to the introspection of my life in general. Inspections and introspection can be a dangerous thing...I do not suggest it unless you are prepared to see what was hidden...and act based on what you find.

What I found out about my life...was almost crippling. Someone else was dictating what I did, who I did it with. I was not my own man, but the pawn of someone else who took advantage of me...on an emotional level. Emotions are not something I express, or for that matter paid much attention to. I learned an important lesson about life...one that I will never forget. With the blinders off, I set about to recreate my life and its direction. A daunting task...and one that brought me to the brink of personal disaster. Luckily, the truest of people were there to help me...and my God was there to guide me. Which brings me to 2011. The year of the greatest changes, and a path to the peace that I hope everyone can enjoy one day.

On a professional level I have moved up a notch toward my final goal of professional peace. I enjoyed...yes enjoyed...some spectacular failures. Failure is something to praise, not be fearful of. Some people get all crazy when they fail, but to fail means you are still in the game. Giving up is not an option. At present I have a job that is well suited for where I am now. Because of the nature of the job, and the possible problems disclosing it could cause...I will just say..I am closer to where I want to be than I had planned on.

My personal life has been a very mind expanding experience. At the time I was living with the most incredible person I have ever met. I thought I knew what love was...but quickly realized I had no idea about it. That is where Gina has become my mentor, and an example of the complexity of love. We have had some incredible discussions on the subject...and though we disagree about some aspects of love...we do so in a loving way. My lifestyle as a result has taken a turn toward what I have always wanted it to be...simple pleasures..and simple love. I am free..in a way that I find hard to express...but I will try.

Gina...what you have done is nothing short of a miracle. I came into this relationship with my guard up. Nothing would ever own me again was my pledge. But you...somehow have managed to steal my heart...but that is OK with me. This time I feel that it is in good hands. Your strength is immeasurable, your love is not exactly patient, but it is relentless. I know when I get home I will see those eyes of love...and understanding...eyes I have never seen before.

Though your first husband left this world unexpectedly, I am touched by the way you honor his life, and know that I will be honored as well. I listen to your stories about him and your life with him, and it makes me proud to say that I am in the presence of such a person as you..and that I am now one of two that has known your boundless ability to love.

When we are out together I have heard others speak of your beauty...they are only seeing the outside, your true beauty lies within..and in this last year you have filled me with beauty. That is why I am happier than I can express that you are now my wife...we sail this sea of life together.

To the reader...this is a poor example of how I feel about my personal life over the last year...but it is as personal as I will probably ever be with someone I barely know.

My political life has been rather quiet...a post here and there...a phone call to representatives..or an email or two. That will be changing. I have taken a sabbatical of sorts in 2011, but I have been writing and will post those articles throughout 2012 as I press to change the destructive course our Government has set for us. It is not all Obama's fault...but he and his ilk are certainly to blame. So if you are a staunch Republican or Democrat...but fail to understand the problems or offer Constitutional solutions...you are in this Pirate's sights.

In closing I leave you with a military axiom...when surrounded or ambushed...Attack with extreme violence...you have nothing to lose in trying...but you will lose everything by hesitating.

How to Make Pizza

2011-12-24T16:57:00.000-05:00

K.Z in Maryland wrote to President Obama with a very sad story. You see if the Payroll Tax Cuts were allowed to expire K.Z would not be able to have pizza night with his kids...or...have cable T.V. OH THE HUMANITY!!

Don't despair K.Z....Let this Tea Party Activist show you how to survive the horror of losing 40 bucks. First...lets make some Tea Party Pizza.

THE DOUGH. There are two routes you can go here K.Z. First you can buy the pizza dough already made, or you can make it yourself. Here is a recipe for your own pizza dough...best of all there are no preservatives. Get it here...I have tested this one..and it is yummmmmy.

THE SAUCE. The sauce is actually optional...since you are a liberal you will be drawn to put tofu or some other nasty ingredients on top...I keep it simple...so tomato paste, garlic, basil and olive oil to taste. You can also splurge and buy a jar of ready made sauce....but it is full of yucky preservatives.

THE TOPPINGS. Carrots are not good on a pizza, so you might want to try out some nice onions, green peppers, or my favorite Meat. I'm just guessing here but I think your lack of meat may be causing you to not think clearly.

Now making your own pizza is a load of fun and a great way for the family to have an awesome Pizza Night...best of all it will cost under 12 bucks for a super extra large PIZZA. You can take the time you would normally be spending with the cable remote and actually TALK with your children. You will also be introducing them to the concept of being frugal, working toward a goal, making their own food.

As a Tea Party Activist I am not a fan of taxes..however..the payroll tax is supposed to go toward Social Security..a system that is already unsustainable...mainly due to fat lazy pigs like my Ex-sister-in-law. Instead, to pay for your tax cut the Democrats want to raise the fees on new home sales.

The issue is not eating pizza...watching movies...or spending time with your family. The issue is creating a budget that forces our government to live within its means....something you might be interested in trying. I see many people every week that make far less than you or I and they have a great time with their kids doing some crazy things like fishing, playing board or card games, or just talking. I seriously do not think your problem is not having another 40 bucks in your pay check...but you might be a tad bit lazy. If you would like to see how bad things could be check out any of the references to the Great Depression...or heaven forbid the recessions of the 60's.

Good luck K.Z. you are raising some government dependent children...I feel for you.

Get Rid of All Politicians

2011-11-02T17:46:00.000-04:00

Throw the Bums Out

If you spend just a little bit of time reading comments about politics you will quickly come face to face with the Dumbest Argument Ever on the Internet. You probably know what I am going to say but I will say it anyway. “Get Rid of all Politicians”.

The “Get rid of all politicians” argument is right up there with “I am neither a Liberal nor a Conservative”, or “[insert name here] is not a News Organization”. As silly as all three statements seem, there are those who truly believe them.

Before we go getting rid of something, we really should figure out what that something is. For instance, before tossing out that odd looking lamp, we might want to know what that lamp is and what it might be worth. So what is a Politician?

There are some strict definitions for a Politician, but this is the one I like: A Politician is a person who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making. For the sake of keeping the discussion simple, I avoid including those who are involved in the policy making for private business or private organizations. After all, if the local Quilting Society decides when they will have their meetings, most of us could care less. When most people hear the word Politician they think of someone holding a position within public government.

Of course most of the “Get rid of all Politician” types might be confused since not all politicians are created equal. Some politicians must be elected, others are appointed. For instance, the Justices of the U.S. Supreme Court are appointed...while your State Supreme Court Justices are elected. There are actually classes of Politicians. We will briefly touch on some of these classes.

The Associated Politicians. This class spans the gap between Public and Private politics. Many factions (I do not mean that in a derogatory way) use Professional Politicians to influence public policy and decision making. Another term for this type of politician is a Lobbyist. How you view a lobbyist has much to do with who the lobbyist represents. If they represent a group that you happen to like, then they are a good thing...if they represent something you dislike..then they are scum.

The job of a Lobbyist is to influence public policy by convincing those in policy making positions that their group should be considered in those decisions. They do this by convincing the policy makers that the groups values are consistent with the politicians values and goals. Nothing wrong with that, is there? Lobbyists are really nothing more than a mouthpiece for the many factions that exist in our nation. Of course, the biggest factions will get the most attention....and of course there is plenty of room for corruption.

The Appointed Politician. As I mentioned earlier The Supreme Court Justices are appointed. In American Politics, the Appointed Politicians and the process that appoints them, has created some of the greatest stories of political intrigue and deception. For more on this I strongly suggest you study the actions of President John Adams prior to his defeat in 1800 and his Midnight Judges..then follow it to the case of Marbury v. Madison.

In our nation..one based on laws...the appointment of judges is very important...but what about appointing an Ambassador to Peru..or to a lower position, say in the Department of Agriculture. Amazingly you do not need to know where Peru is...or what the Department of Agriculture does...you just need a nod from the President in most cases.

The Elected Politician. Now we come to the person some of us love and some of us hate...the elected government official. This person gets to make up the laws and regulations that make us happy or sad...They have the real power in this country. Do they really? In countries that have Queens and Kings...yes they do..in countries that have Dictators, or Emperors they certainly do...In the United States the right to govern is given by the people. That right is contained in and controlled by our Constitution. Our elected officials are free to govern so long as their mandates or laws meet the criteria of the Constitution.

To become an Elected Politician means getting elected. This requires understanding the game of politics. Politics is the ultimate sales job. Ever see a car salesman's ad on TV...then wonder to yourself..who would buy a car from that yahoo? Lot of people will buy from him..for nearly every reason imaginable...if nothing else than to say “I bought a car from that crazy dude on TV”.

There is a sub-category of the Elected Politician...I call them the Career Politician....this guy not only gets elected once...but twice...maybe three times...sometimes he serves so long it is the only job he has ever known. Is this bad? The people who elected him will say no...those who don't like him will say yes. Heck, we have even passed laws limiting how long some of these guys can serve. Is this bad? Some will say yes...others no.

If nothing else the Career Politician has proven he knows how to play the game...and in politics..playing the game is what counts.

What would happen if.... We got rid of Associated Politicians (Lobbyists)?

Trade Unions, Labor Unions, People Who Love Animals, People for Guns, People against guns...none of these groups would exist...why would they if they can't influence Government?

What would happen if... We got rid of all Appointed Politicians?

Do we make all of the Departments of the Cabinet elected?

Do we elect every judge?

Do we elect every ambassador?

If you think elections are ugly now...imagine that cluster.

If you think Government is slow and unresponsive..imagine ten thousand people making decisions based on getting elected.

What would happen if... We got rid of Elected Politicians?

Government would cease to exist...we would devolve into small bands...the sick and poor would not be an issue for very long...since they would not survive very long...

Even if we got rid of just Career Politicians would would have a government with no idea how to govern. We would become....Mexico. We would have rookies negotiating with other countries...and getting beat in every deal...which would make us....Europe.

Politicians are hated, loved, revered, and the topic of so many awesome jokes we would be lost without them.

Does our process need tweaking? Of course it does..it has been getting tweaked since Washington was elected...some of the tweaking has been dramatic...some less so..but it has always been by the will of the people..and the protection they enjoy under our Constitution.

So the next time someone says “Get rid of all the Politicians”...they are either joking...or ignorant.

I am dead

2011-10-07T19:24:00.000-04:00

I Am Dead

(a poem)

I am dead because I was shot

I was shot because I had a gun

I had a gun because I was robbing a store

I was robbing a store because I need drugs

I need drugs because I am stressed

I am stressed because my girl had a baby

My girl had a baby because I didn't think

I didn't think because I had no fear of responsibility

I had no fear of responsibility because my government wants me under their control

Another Letter From my Senator

2011-09-27T01:37:00.000-04:00

THE LETTER FROM MY SENATOR

“A loaf of whole wheat. A gallon of gasoline. A pair of Levi’s. Americans are paying more for many basic items this year, making tough economic times even tougher.”

Part of the reason, according to The New York Times, is that speculators are still playing games in the marketplace. Our regulators allow them to wildly bid up the price for everyday items we need, like wheat, gasoline and heating oil.

Despite a clear directive from Congress to rein in excessive speculation, our watchdogs in Washington seem to be listening more to Wall Street, and not acting quickly enough to protect American consumers. Consider: On any given day about half of the oil futures contracts are bought and sold by traders, not companies that use oil, like airlines and power companies. And the sky’s the limit when it comes to how much of the market traders can control.

To help stop the manipulation of commodities prices, now to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission - and tell the members to stop speculators from interfering with the price of food and energy. Tell the commissioners to stop listening to Wall Street lobbyists. Tell them to impose meaningful position limits.

And while you’re at it, forward this note to your friends, family and others who care about this issue. If the commission hears from enough folks, it’ll adopt stronger rules next month when a vote is scheduled.

Sincerely,

MY RESPONSE TO SENATOR NELSON

Dear Bill,

It has been almost three months since you wrote to me last. So how have you been? I've noticed that during these very troubling times we don't hear much from you? Out of sight out of mind is a good way to play it, if we were not watching you.

In your letter quoting an "article" in the New York Times you make it sound like Wall Street and those evil corporations are up to no good...Would this include Indyne Inc? These guys gave you $57,000..and they are listed in the top 100 Contractors to the Government....I wonder who helped them out with that?

But wait...there is more...

Finmeccanica SpA Donated $49,800 to you...They are not an American company...they are Italian. Buy American (send your money to Italy). Oh, but the plot thickens

Ever hear of Greenberg Traurig LLP? They put $41,325 into your war chest. Interesting thing about that Law Firm...some guy named Jack Abramoff worked for them It is so interesting I think our readers will enjoy this link. Greenberg Traurig LLP

How much does a Senator cost? $42,500. That is how much Kindred Healthcare donated to you...you know them...they make tons of bucks from Medicaid and Medicare. Having a politician like you in their pocket is a good idea.

Now I understand your concern with lobbyists...especially those that did not donate to you...I mean really Bill...you only got $278,305 from those cheapskates.

Time for a reality check Billy. The problem facing this state...this entire country is Jobs. I will say it again Bill...JOBS. While you are schmoozing with Corporate donors, and Lobbyists....the rest of your fellow Floridians are looking for work. 10.7 Bill...Woohoo...we are leading the nation. Meanwhile your jobs killing party is passing legislation that will seal our fate...unless...unless...WaiT for it...

WE FIRE YOU

Yes sir...that is our goal...to see you join the sea of unemployed Floridians...but don't worry Bill, I'm sure there is a law firm or lobby you can join....you seem pretty cozy with them.

Sincerely,

The Unexplained Mystery of Brown Mountain.

2011-07-17T07:08:00.000-04:00

Brown Mountain has always been a place of mystery. The local native tribes consider the mountain a sacred place. They tell stories about how in ancient times there had been a great battle between two tribes. At the end of the battle many braves had been killed, and how the Indian Maidens had set out in the darkness with torches to try and find their braves. Since that time mysterious lights have appeared on certain nights and weave their way to the top of the mountain.

By the mid 1700's the old Indian trails had become a rough dirt track that led from the small settlements in the Western North Carolina mountain's to the more civilized areas near the coast. The journey would take several weeks and was filled with danger. The first of which was crossing Brown Mountain.

Sam was driving his team of mules up Brown Mountain. The mules pulled the wagon slowly, but deliberately up the Mountain side. The wagon was laden with large barrels of apples and other goods that he and his family spent all summer preparing. He looked forward to being Moses to sell them in the local villages, and picking up supplies that would keep him and his extended family fed though the winter. With him was Moses, one of his slaves. Moses and Sam were more than just Slave and Master, they were friends. Both of them were 50 years old..an old age by mountain standards. Although they had made this trip many times, this trip was different. They would try to cross the mountain at night.

Even in the best of weather the trail over Brown Mountain was dangerous, but with the clouds gathering near the summit, the thought of descending the mountain's rain soaked roads in the dark was not something Sam looked forward to. He figured that if pushed through the night he might beat the storm. If he waited it might be days before he could cross the mountain.

Around midnight the team reached the summit. Clouds were swirling close overhead, and as lightning stabbed at the darkness a mist began to settle on the trail below them. Sam and Moses gently began to guide the team down the trail their way lit by torches and the lightning. As they descended they had to look hard to see the edge of the trail in the darkness. Though the lightning did provide some light the mist was growing thicker, and the trail was becoming slick with mud as a light rain began to fall.

It is said that when catastrophe hits..time seems to slow down..this was certainly the case for Sam and Moses. The rear wheel of the wagon had slipped ever so slightly off the trail..the mules feeling the weight of the wagon pulling them backwards panicked and began clawing at the trail to gain a foot hold. For the slightest of moments it appeared the mules would win..then the wagon tumbled off the trail.

Moses was thrown clear of the wagon in those first moments..and he watched as the wagon careened tail first off the trail dragging the terrified mules..and his master with it. Sam clung to the buckboard and tried to apply the brake with no effect. He watched as the mules were slammed against trees as the wagon towed them down the mountain side.

The mules were the first casualties as they were dashed against rocks and trees..miraculously the wagon had missed the first dozen obstacles before finally slamming into a tree throwing Sam down the side of the mountain. Sam slid for what seemed an eternity before coming to rest hard against a rock.

Moses found himself just a few feet off the trail. At first he found breathing very painful..but in a few moments that passed and he was able to stand. He walked up to the trail and began looking for some sign of the wagon. Through the mist, as the lightning flashed, he could see a swath of mule and wagon parts littering the slope down the mountain.

Sam slowly opened his eyes..his back was the first thing he noticed..because it felt like someone had lit a fire there..the pain was excruciating. He tried to move, but couldn't. All he could see at first was the mist and from time to time the lightning revealed that he was under a very large oak tree. He tried to call out, but the pain was too great, and he found himself struggling to remain conscious.

Moses began picking his way down the debris filled slope. The mist was growing thicker, and the rain was picking up a bit. He was able to find a torch that had been on the wagon. Using a flint he kept for his rifle he lit the torch and used it to aid him as he began searching for Sam.

Sam was not sure how long he had been lying there, he figured he had passed out for some time, since the mist was thicker than before, and the rain had lightened up some. He tested his back and found that it no longer hurt. This was good since he had to get up and start trying to find Moses. He rose slowly and began looking around him. He looked first up..then down the slope. He knew there was no way he could climb the slope, his best bet was to find the trail and follow it back up to where the accident all started. When the lightning flashed he could see the trail just a few yards below him. He began making his way down to the trail.

Moses had gone 50 yards or so, half sliding, half falling down the slope. Every few yards he would see parts of the mules and wagon intermingled with mud, roots, and trees. He began to call out for Sam, and slowly waved his torch in hopes of catching Sam's attention. He noticed that the mist was getting thicker..but at least the rain had slackened.

Sam had made it to the trail. He was surprised to find that it was not as slick as he thought it should be. He also was surprised to find that after such a terrible fall he was in no pain at all. He hoped that Moses had also been so lucky. That is when he saw it. Just ahead in the mist something was glowing and slowly waving back and forth. It looked like a torch. It was a bit too far to call out, so he quickened his pace to try and catch up to it.

Moses continued down the slope, waving his torch side to side. He began coming upon larger parts of the wagon. Their cargo was broken open along the slope. He realized that he had been lucky to have been thrown free of the wagon when he did. He could not imagine that his master had survived, but he held out hope. That is when he saw it...a faint glow along the trail just below him. Could it be Sam? He quickened his pace to try and catch up.

Sam was catching up to the light. That is when he saw there was another light just ahead of the one he was closing in on. Could it be that there were others on the trail tonight? Something caught his attention and he turned and looked down the trail. What he saw sent a chill up his spine.

The mist had grown so thick that Moses's torch had taken on an unearthly glow. Much like the light he saw on the trail. As he got closer something didn't seem right about the light. It did not move like it was being carried..it sort of floated. Moses made it to the trail and was just a few yards from the light, that is when he realized he was not alone.

Sam stood frozen as the first Indian Maiden passed. The glow of her torch illuminated her face, the face was that of extreme sorrow as she looked left and right..then slowly passed by him without a word. The trail was filled with a long line of glowing torches, each one carried by an Indian Maiden mourning her lost brave.

Moses stood and watched as each solemn figure passed by him. Each with tears streaming silently down their faces. Each looked right though him, searching for their lost loved one, existing in that place between here and the here-after.

Sam felt a force urging him to walk up the trail, back to the crest where everything had gone so horribly wrong. The mist was growing thicker as he climbed, but he felt no pain as he climbed that mountain in search of Moses.

Moses joined the procession of Maidens as they moved up the mountain, he had no fear of these ghostly creatures as he climbed the mountain in search of his master.

It is said that today, when the mist forms in the valley and begins to enshroud Brown Mountain, the souls of the searchers can be seen proceeding up the mountain in search of their loved ones. Scientists have said that it is an optical illusion caused by the headlights of cars and trucks on the nearby highway, but that does not explain the first recorded sighting of the lights in 1765 by a German surveyor of the area.

There are a great many things on this Earth that do not have explanations..this is one of them.

A Letter from My Senator.

2011-07-02T21:14:00.001-04:00

The following is an email sent to me by Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, and my reply.

July 2, 2011

Dear ,

I gave my Fourth of July message in the Senate this past week, and would like to share it with you.
Some 235 years ago this weekend, John Adams proclaimed that July 2 would mark the most memorable epoch in the history of America. It was on that day the Continental Congress declared the 13 colonies free and independent of Great Britain’s crown. It was two days after that when Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence was adopted.

And when did Americans first celebrate their independence?

Philadelphia is said to have thrown a big party on July 8, 1776, including a parade and the firing of guns. George Washington, then camped near New York City, heard the news on July 9 and celebrated then. But in 1781, Massachusetts became the first state to recognize July 4 as a state celebration. Ten years later, the young nation’s celebration was dubbed Independence Day.

This Independence Day, I hope every American will stop and think for just a minute about our freedoms – and just how much we owe those who came here long before us and mutually pledged to each other their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor. And let us also remember the young men and women who have died in defense of those freedoms.
We traditionally observe the Fourth with fireworks and fanfare, pomp and parade. But today we remain engaged in far-away struggles to promote and protect the rights of others who, like us, value freedom and independence. Many of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are spending their Fourth in Iraq and Afghanistan and other parts of world.

I recently was reminded of the commitment and selfless sacrifice demonstrated by one of America’s World War II veterans, who lives in my state of Florida.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Rickel, of Boca Raton, served as a waist gunner on a B-17 Flying Fortress. Sgt. Rickel survived the daring bombing campaign of Schweinfurt, Germany in October 1943, and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism or extraordinary achievement.

Sgt. Rickel and all the military members and all their families knew the risks and sacrifices they were making were worth it. As President Reagan once said, “Some things are worth dying for ... democracy is worth dying for, because it's the most deeply honorable form of government ever devised by man.”
Indeed, our democracy is something to celebrate. I wish everyone a Happy Fourth of July.

My Reply to the Senator

Bill,

Like you I celebrate the freedoms that I enjoy because of the sacrifice of those who came before me. Like you I understand what it means to serve my nation. Like you I celebrate the lives of those who fought and are still fighting for this nation today.

Unlike you I lament the loss of our freedoms by a government that no longer cares about the constitution. A government that wants to force me to pay, to buy a service that I do not want or need. A government that allows millions to break the law, and in fact wishes to reward them for doing so.

Unlike you I am angry at a government that is manipulating the military, elderly, and our schools for political gain. A government that is trying to invade my life, destroy my liberty, and interfere with my pursuit of happiness.

Unlike you I have been labeled a security risk because I served this nation, and dared speak out against it. A government willing to risk the lives of fellow Americans in order to promote a social agenda. A government willing to cover up actions that caused the death of those who protect it in order to promote further attacks on my freedoms.

Unlike you I am no longer willing to be a servant of my government, but return my government to being my servant. I support Limited Government, Fiscal Responsibility, and Free Markets.

Unlike you I understand what is meant by Freedom of Religion. The freedom to celebrate my religion without the fear that my government will sue me and my friends for such a celebration. I support the right for every religion to celebrate their faith (to include atheists) publicly. This has always been the most cherished freedom.

Thank you for your email Bill, I am constantly reminded of the sacrifice made by our troops. I know their names. I know their faces. I know their laugh. I knew them well. I miss them, and the world misses their potential. That is one of the reasons my goal is to see that you, and others like you are not reelected. Nothing personal Bill, its just business.

Enjoy your Fourth, I will be working that day to afford to live, and pay for others to live.

The Blight of the Bottom Feeder in Education

2011-06-25T23:01:00.000-04:00

The importance of the U.S. Educational system can not be overstated. It is the key to creating the mind trust that develops all of the other key powers of this nation. We can't outsource our brains and expect to remain an independent nation.

The key to my discovery is to keep an eye on the objective of Public Education in a Constitutionally mindful manner. Education works best when implemented and controlled at the local level.

If you recall, in the first section I discussed the keys of a successful organization. The concept of effective lines of communications is an important element in any organization. Public Education requires the coordination of a large number of people to make it work. For instance, parents, students, teachers, school administration, district administration, and state administration must coordinate their efforts to create an atmosphere that allows learning to take place. This requires a great deal of communication to create the type of coordination necessary to achieve learning.

To achieve this level of coordination is difficult in a utopic environment, but when we start to add other elements to the system things are bound to come unglued. Case in point...Unions.

I will pause while the pro-union, and anti-union groups add a collective squeal.

Unions have no place in today's educational system, in fact, they probably never have had a worthwhile place in education. There are some extremely compelling arguments in favor of and in opposition to Teacher's Unions. I will present both.

One argument for Teacher's Unions is the Professional Association. It promotes the idea of professional growth by sharing ideas and methods among Teaching Professionals. This includes bringing the best and brightest to highlight issues that they face everyday. I fully support this idea. It makes sense. This type of organization enhances the lines of communications needed to improve the system of education.

Another argument for Teacher's Unions is the protection from spiteful administrators. In his blog post titled “Why Teachers Like Me Support Unions” featured on the National Education Association website[1], Chris Janotta stated[2],

“If a teacher does something that causes administration to get involved, it is often not looked upon lightly. It doesn’t matter if administration had to get involved simply because a spiteful parent didn’t like his or her child’s grade or only because the teacher taught something in a way that used out-of-the-box techniques when the administrator likes things done “the old-fashioned way;” once a teacher is on administration’s bad side–faultless or not–he or she must always watch his or her back. “

This “Us versus Them” mentality is what is destroying any good a Union might do. It attempts to paint a picture of teachers under persecution from administrators. This type of thing may have happened somewhere, out there.

School Districts consist of locally elected School Boards (your neighbors). These Districts create the rules and boundaries for Administration, Teachers, Students, and Parents. The theory is that these boards make rules based on the values of the community. If a teacher feels they need to use “out of the box techniques” all they need to do is seek approval. If denied, they can either abide by the rules or move along. Instead they want a Union to strong arm the local community..and the Unions are happy to comply.

Don't let those who attempt to cloud the issue by bringing up the specter of some grand conspiracy of the deepest order...the argument is very simple. Unions promote their agenda in your community by removing your vote and replacing it with theirs. This is how Teacher's Unions are destroying the Public Education System and are a threat to your children's future.

For more information on how Teacher's Unions are manipulating your school check out: http://teachersunionexposed.com/

[1]http://www.nea.org/

[2]http://www.edvoices.com/blog/2011/03/22/why-teachers-like-me-support-unions-4/

Free Your Mind

2011-06-16T20:42:00.004-04:00

DEVELOPMENT OF THE QUESTION

The following is my research into the issues facing the U.S. K-12 Educational system. It includes the following areas: What is the purpose, organization, planning, challenges, facts, myths, and what you can personally do to help fix our ailing Public Educational System.

A Short History of Education in America[1]

The level of education by a people is key to their survival as a nation. When you consider the contribution that education plays in support of a nation's security its importance is elevated to more than just something to keep kids busy.

In 1791 seven states in America had included education as part of their constitutions. The ideas is that these schools would have no religious bias, which was representative of the First Amendment. The U.S. Constitution makes education the domain of the States.

The first mandated compulsory school system was formed in Massachusetts by Horace Mann in 1852. For the first time schools were no longer optional, but a requirement enforced by law. This was a major change in the idea of education in the U.S. By 1918 all of the states had formed laws requiring attendance in a public school system.

Another controversy in the U.S. Educational system came when Catholics banded together and formed private schools. These schools were created around a religion and in 1925 the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) affirmed that these schools were constitutional.

By the 1950's Public Schools had become well established, but still very localized. All of the funding for public schools came from state and local sources. Then another landmark court decision changed not only the face of education, but the make up of many American cities.

In 1954, in the case of Brown vs. The Board of Education (Topeka, Kansas), the SCOTUS ruled that segregation is unconstitutional. Schools could no longer discriminate based on race. Although this was a major step toward equality, it also brought about an exodus of wealthy and middle-class whites from urban and inner city areas. This move to the suburbs left poor minority students in poor urban schools.

In 1979 another controversial change took place in U.S. Education, but we will leave that for a bit later.

A Short Primer on Effective Organizations.

The most successful organizations are capable of maintaining short lines of communications, and logistics. This reduces the chance for misunderstanding, and allows for better control of the organizations goals.

Of course you will see many other keys to successful organizations such as developing the human element, the ability to meet this goal requires excellent lines of communications and logistics. That is why you will find many organizations spending millions to improve their methods of communications and logistics.

An effective organization must also have easily understandable goals. Everyone in the organization must know what these goals are, and how they fit into achieving those goals.

The goals of an organization must not only meet present needs, but must also be constantly evaluating future needs. This allows the organization to make well thought out plans that allow them to change with as little drama as possible. It is the flexibility offered by short lines of communications that make this possible.

“No Bucks, No Buck Rogers”

Tom Wolfe in his book “The Right Stuff” quoted Gus Grissom's comment about how funding is what made the space program possible. And money is certainly an important factor in everything.

A key concept in government is funding. If you control the money, you control the activity. This concept is as old as government. Within the U.S. Educational System the money is controlled at the State Level (45.6%), Local Government (37.1%), Private Funds (8.9%), and Federal Funds (8.3%).[2]

State governments have learned how to play this game. If you want to know how this works just take a look at how the Feds tried to withhold highway funding from states that did not adhere to the 55 mph speed limit. For an even greater chuckle look at the waivers being given out for Obama-care.

We will investigate how the Department of Ed works this one.

One estimate states that Federal, State, Local, and Private funding cost approximately $500 billion in 2009. In Hillsborough county Florida approximately $8,700 is spent per student per year (For Brevard county that amount is ~$8,100). With this much money floating around there is no doubt that it will attract buzzards. And those buzzards are in a feeding frenzy.

UP NEXT...How the bottom feeders are sucking the life out of education.

[1]http://www.servintfree.net/~aidmn-ejournal/publications/2001-11/PublicEducationInTheUnitedStates.html

[2]http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fed/role.html

http://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/fed/10facts/index.html

Infinity, and the Randomness of Computers.

2011-06-13T00:50:00.001-04:00

Infinity is a very difficult idea to grasp...it is infinite. There is no beginning, there is no end. What if I told you, you could observe infinity in a space as small as your hand? If you guessed that a circle is infinite you would be right, but there are some more complex shapes that are also infinite.

The above picture is infinite. As complex as it looks when you deconstruct it, it is just a circle. How do I know this? I made that picture, and it is a circle. Although it is a twisted and convoluted circle...it is nothing but a circle.

An open loop is not infinite. An open loop can look like a straight line with a definite start and end. It can also look like the picture below.

I know...I made the picture using nothing but lines.

Even the easiest of arguments can become a tangle that will ensnare its creator if they are not careful. That is why they must be extremely careful with what they call "Research". All to often the word Research is used to describe dogmatic proof of a point. A good example of this was the research into the ability of computers to create random numbers.

Many computer professionals have set out to prove one of two possibilities. The first being that a computer is capable of creating a random number, the second being that computers are not capable of creating random numbers. Neither of these groups conducted research. They set out to prove they were right. One group got the right answer...however, since they did not use good research methods there was no proof..or a method that others could see and reproduce their findings...they guessed and were right.

The key to real research is an open minded approach. This is not the time to allow politics, personal feelings, or how you want things to be to flavor your findings. It is the most difficult part of research.

The Computer Scientists, Engineers, and Mathematicians who set out to research the randomness of computers asked a very simple question. Can a computer generate a random number? After years of research the answer was published a few months ago. It confirmed what many of us had guessed. Even with all the proof, chock full of examples, the answer is still debated by some who thought their guess was right.

So what was the answer? I'll let you research that...shouldn't be too hard.

Research is not a closed loop. There is no room for infinity in the answer...you must be able to prove the connection between point A and B. Missing links are not allowable. Guesses are OK while still conducting the research but not OK as part of a final answer.

In some blogs, I have seen conspiracy building hidden behind the term research. Although the "Researcher" may actually be on to something..they create a circular argument that becomes infinite...its as if a conclusion is not possible. Then they suddenly proclaim a conclusion and statement of fact. But they provide no point A to B connection.

Since they can not form a conclusion...I will use some of their research...the research of others..and some of my own research to Define the problem...analyze the solutions..and formulate a conclusion. What I love about research is, I never know where it will go.

ZOMBIES TAKE THE US TREASURY

2011-06-09T16:16:00.002-04:00

http://www.treasury.gov/education/fact-sheets/taxes/ustax.shtml

Find out why I sent you to a broken link. Right HERE

What is an American? Conclusion

2011-05-22T22:32:00.000-04:00

What They Say, What We Say.

I love America more than any other country in this world; and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually. James Baldwin

What is the essence of America? Finding and maintaining that perfect, delicate balance between freedom "to" and freedom "from." Marilyn vos Savant, in Parade

There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America. William J. Clinton

Some Americans need hyphens in their names, because only part of them has come over; but when the whole man has come over, heart and thought and all, the hyphen drops of its own weight out of his name. Woodrow Wilson

When an American says that he loves his country, he means not only that he loves the New England hills, the prairies glistening in the sun, the wide and rising plains, the great mountains, and the sea. He means that he loves an inner air, an inner light in which freedom lives and in which a man can draw the breath of self-respect. Adlai Stevenson

If you take advantage of everything America has to offer, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish. Geraldine Ferraro

We dare not forget that we are the heirs of that first revolution. John F. Kennedy

Don't interfere with anything in the Constitution. That must be maintained, for it is the only safeguard of our liberties.

A. Lincoln

Firearms are second only to the Constitution in importance; they are the peoples' Liberty's teeth.

G. Washington

Our Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other

J. Adams

Do not separate text from historical background. If you do, you will have perverted and subverted the Constitution, which can only end in a distorted, bastardized form of illegitimate government.

J. Madison

I think the most un-American thing you can say is, "You can't say that".

Garrison Keillor

I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.
Thomas Jefferson

We can have no "50-50" allegiance in this country. Either a man is an American and nothing else, or he is not an American at all.
Theodore Roosevelt

America makes prodigious mistakes, America has colossal faults, but one thing cannot be denied: America is always on the move. She may be going to Hell, of course, but at least she isn't standing still.
E. E. Cummings

America's abundance was not created by public sacrifices to "the common good", but by the productive genius of free men who pursued their own personal interests and the making of their own private fortunes.
Ayn Rand

American consumers have no problem with carcinogens, but they will not purchase any product, including floor wax, that has fat in it.
Dave Barry

There is nothing wrong with America that the faith, love of freedom, intelligence, and energy of her citizens can not cure.
Dwight D. Eisenhower

The genius of you Americans is that you never make clear-cut stupid moves, only complicated stupid moves which make us wonder at the possibility that there may be something to them which we are missing.
Gamal Abdel Nasser

In every American there is an air of incorrigible innocence, which seems to conceal a diabolical cunning.
A. E. Housman

I was born an American; I will live an American; I shall die an American.
Daniel Webster

An American is the world...we came from the old world...developed and nurtured the power of humankind...then set it free to do what it felt was right...to chase a dream, and with our own hands catch it and in the process share it with others. We are the best and worst of the world...but most importantly we are a free people who believe that all people should be free. We give the lives of our young to save the opressed...we give our money to help the poor...we rebuild the broken buildings and lives of others.

That is what an American is.

What is an American Part VI.

2011-05-03T08:25:00.001-04:00

The White Hat

In the old American Westerns the good guy was easy to spot. He wore a White Cowboy Hat. He was always fighting for the little guy...saving the poor rancher...or tracking down a gang of desperadoes. He seldom shot anyone and when he did...he tried his best just to wound them. Of course that is the romantic view of things.

American's like to see themselves...and most importantly their Government...as being all about truth, freedom, justice. This is not to say that other countries can't wear a White Hat from time to time...but in America our brand of freedom..even in today's convoluted legal world...is still something people want. Everyone wants to be the good cowboy.

When I was younger I would get upset when someone I looked up to...a White Hat wearer...did something that was wrong. I felt that good people made all the right choices all of the time. I had no idea that sometimes good people make the wrong choice...or that circumstances required they do something that would otherwise be considered wrong.

Americans are White Hat wearers. In fact, we wear the White Hat better than anyone else...sometimes to our own detriment. Of course, we have gotten plenty of dust on our White Hat...but in the total picture our Hat is still gleaming.

Now when you have on a big White Hat...some people like to sling mud at it. In doing so, they only further the magic glow of the White Hat. For instance, America practiced slavery. Yes we did...and it was wrong. Once we straightened that out we not only freed the slaves, but today their ancestors serve at the highest levels of our Government. I can't think of another Government that has done the same thing?

Our warriors have committed war crimes. Yes they have, and when discovered they have faced trial and met justice. Few other countries can make that claim. We have laid waste to many of our enemies...and then stuck around to build them into strong and viable countries...using our money and resources. I know of no other country that has done this.

We send our money out by the billions to help countries...some of whom have used that money to hurt us...but we do it anyway. If people are hurting in need of food, medicine, clothing...Americans pitch in and send it.

When we ride into town wearing our White Hat, we bring our love of freedom...desire to make our lives better with our own hands...sense of responsibility...and we believe everyone can have that. Whether you wear your White Hat on the outside...or you wear it on the inside....All American's wear a big gleaming snow White Hat.

Hope

2011-04-24T23:06:00.001-04:00

...a continuation of What is an American Part V.

"I go to New York and I saw a big sign saying 'Smirnoff' and I said to myself, what a country! 'America Loves Smirnoff'!" - Yakov Smirnoff

In America pursuing Happiness is something we are all allowed to do. Some have turned that pursuit into something truly amazing. They have made our nation the envy of the world...and touched the hearts of many who were in need. This is the story of one of those immigrants.

Thanks for the Memories

The Story of Bob Hope.

Bob Hope immigrated to the United States with his parents in 1908 to Cleveland Ohio from England. He was a natural at making people laugh. For me to attempt to do even a small biography of this man would be impossible in this space, but what I can do is highlight his love for this nation.

"I have always been in the right place at the right time. Of course I steered myself there."

Bob Hope

Bob Hope was a big star during his time. He was so big that he often upstaged some of the more serious actors. He could name any price for his appearances, but there was one group that he worked tirelessly for...and that was the American Soldier.

His first performance was in 1939 aboard the Queen Mary as World War II began. For the next 50 years he performed for the American Soldier as part of the USO. Over 60 tours he has been in every theater of war in which America has participated. He almost always performed in Army fatigues. He personalized his act for the troops, and understood the hardships they endured.

When the time for recognition of service to the nation in wartime comes to be considered, Bob Hope should be high on the list. This man drives himself and is driven. It is impossible to see how he can do so much, can cover so much ground, can work so hard, and can be so effective. He works month after month at a pace that would kill most people.

John Steinbeck

Bob Hope brought laughter to those who needed it most. His work for our troops during the most difficult of times. He understood that his humor provided relief at a time when the troops needed it most.

If I have to lay an egg for my country, I'll do it.

Bob Hope

Not an American by birth...but certainly an American by spirit.

P.S. Sit down and share a Bob Hope movie with your Grand Kids.

How the Indian Lost His Feathers

2011-04-21T23:06:00.000-04:00

...Continuation of What is an American Part V.

I had no shoes and complained, until I met a man who had no feet

Native American Proverb

When you think of the Great Plains of the United States your mind conjures up images of a vast flat sea of grass. This is true for many parts of the Great Plains, but there is this spot in Southeast Montana that does not fit the picture.

The geography of Montana shows its character like the face of an old withered man. The winter's are harsh, the summers hot, even the animals that live there must fight for survival. My first experience with Montana came when I arrived there in April, many moons ago. I did not go of my own volition. The military had sent me there...in fact when I received my orders for Montana, I thought I was being sent to Spain. An honest mistake. When I arrived it was cold. This was in stark contrast to that hot day on June 25th 1876.

It is not necessary for eagles to be crows.

Sitting Bull

The United States had changed its approach to dealing with Native Americans. George Washington and Henry Knox had envisioned an assimilation of the Indians into America. What they did not understand was that for many of the tribes this was not acceptable. They did not want to be Americans...they did not want whites living with them...they did not want to live with whites. At least some of them didn't.

The people among the Five Civilized Tribes (called that because they embraced European values) lived among the whites...and lived as if they were whites. They were learning to be Americans. The converts did maintain some of their old ways, but they also learned how American law worked...how to fit into a new society. Just as it appeared that all was well with these tribes...the Federal Government changed course.

Andrew Jackson had no love for the American Indian. He remembered the brutality of the natives during his childhood, and how twice the natives had allied with America's enemies. The most recent memory was the brutality of the Natives in the fighting around Detroit during The War of 1812. This led to the relocation of eastern tribes, primarily those in the South East to the newly created Indian Territory of Eastern Oklahoma. This is also known as The Trail of Tears.

An arduous journey lay ahead of the Natives as they are forcibly moved from their homes, and businesses. Although they were by actions becoming American...they were not legally Americans. They were sovereign nations with in the boundary of the United States. They were not part of any state, but instead were considered under the protection of the Federal Government. There were many excuses made for moving the Indians, but when all is said and done...greed was the primary factor. Tens of thousands of Native Americans died along the way to their new homes.

The feathers of an Eagle are sacred to the American Indian. They stand for strength, bravery, freedom and wisdom. When taking an Eagle Feather the Natives do it without harming the bird...in essence the Feather transforms the young Brave into the Eagle.

The Crow is not like the Eagle. The Crow is a scavenger, picking up the left overs from the toil of others. The Crow is a coward who will fly away at the first sign of danger, and is dependent on others for its survival.

The Crow's Nest

1876

Montana Territory

There is a Mountain that overlooks the Little Big Horn River. By Montana standards it is really more like a hill. George Armstrong Custer looked out from the hill and saw an Indian Village. Military reports said that there would be about 800 Indians occupying the village. From what he could tell, that was true. He calculated that the village was just waking up..and this would allow him time to occupy the bluffs overlooking the village.

In the village were the targets Custer had been sent to find...and capture. The Indian Leaders who had taken their people off the reservations in Dakota Territory, and returned to the nomadic life they understood. The most important of these were Crazy Horse, and Gall. However, the Indians had been brought to this place by the visions that Sitting Bull said he had.

In Sitting Bull's vision the Indians would defeat the American soldiers and once again return to their ancestral ways. Sitting Bull had vowed he would never take handouts from the whites, live on their reservations, or accept their handouts. Sitting Bull saw himself as an Eagle..not a Crow.

Instead of their being 800 Indians in the camp...there were over 2000. They had come from tribes that had never worked together...they had formed a coalition to provide common defense..and attempt to insure their freedom to live in the old ways. At first things went very well...the Natives had moved about freely for several weeks. But then the Cavalry came.

The actual events during The Battle of the Little Big Horn are in dispute...what is not in dispute is this...Custer was dead...the Indians would be forced back to the reservations....and Sitting Bull's greatest fears would be realized.

They made us many promises, more than I can remember, but they never kept but one; they promised to take our land, and they did.

Red Cloud

Red Cloud had no idea how much more would be taken from the Native Americans. The U.S. Government granted to all Natives a large plot of land that would be their's forever (as long as certain rules were met). Blankets, building materials, food, teachers, and healthcare were provided. All free of charge.

Unlike their Eastern cousins, the Western Indian knew nothing about cultivating crops, or living in one place. They had traded their freedom for the security of Government assistance...they had sold their pride for safety promised by the Great White Father.

They have become the children of Government, as such they have lost their pride. They are no longer the Eagle...but the crow. Greedily eating the scraps from the Great Fathers table.

That is how the Indian lost his feathers.

We Live, We Die, and like the grass and the trees, renew ourselves from the soft earth of the grave. Stones Crumble and Decay, faiths grow old and are forgotten but new beliefs are born. The faith of the Villages is dust now...but it will grow again...like the trees.

Chief Joseph

According to the stories from old...when the Europeans arrived in the New World the Natives taught them how to survive. At present Americans, and Native Americans are in the same lodge. Too many of our people have lost faith...they have lost the desire to live as free people. They turn to Government to feed them, clothe them..and provide for their needs. They have traded their freedom for the safety of someone else to blame for their failures.

I work to restore our country to the splendor that it once was...it will be a painful and dangerous journey..but it is one that we can accomplish and still keep our villages safe..and rebuild the pride that many have lost.

We can get our feathers back.

What is an American Part V

2011-04-17T21:00:00.003-04:00

All mankind... being all equal and independent, no one ought to harm another in his life, health, liberty or possessions.

John Locke

Freedom is not something that can be gifted. When a people are living in an oppressive system they seldom see it that way. People are adaptable to their environment...they do what it takes to survive. In time...what we see as a horrible way to live...becomes normal to them. That is until some catalyst opens their eyes. This is a collection of stories about those people...and how they define what an American is.

Rich...Young..and Smart.

In modern America some of us tend to revile the rich...in fact..some of us want to run them out of the country. This story is about a very rich young man..who not only brought his wealth...he brought us his brilliance.

Early Colonists were refugees from religious oppression in Europe...primarily England. Our first subject was born into a very important family in England. His father had earned a very high rank in the English Navy and by his deeds secured lands in England and Ireland. As with many teenagers he revolted against his parents lavish lifestyle and began cavorting with the dangers of religion outside the Anglican Church. His flirtations with the fringe led to his being kicked out of his father's house and his inheritance withheld.

Penniless he moved in with the most dangerous of religious dissenters. They did not believe in the superiority of one group over another. They believed that every man was created equal in God's eyes. A very dangerous concept...since the Anglican's believed the Monarch was appointed by God. Of course...this landed him in Jail...and set in motion some very important future American beliefs.

He was finally arrested for his religious beliefs and tried by the Lord Mayor of London. The young man demanded to know the charges against him..and the laws he had broken. Although this was his right under the law, his demands were denied. The Lord Mayor also ordered the Jury to return a verdict without hearing the defense.

The jury found the young man innocent and refused to change their verdict....they joined him in jail. From jail the jury fought for and won the right of all English juries to be free of a judges control. The idea of Jury Nullification was now part of English Common Law and is a very important part of modern day American Law...along with the Writ of Habeas Corpus (The right to face your accusers).

At the end of his life the young man's father used his influence to gain protection for his son...and respected his son's tenacity and convictions. In a plan that offered the Crown the ability to rid itself of religious troublemakers...William Penn was granted the lands of Delaware and Pennsylvania. The grand experiment that would play a very important role in the development of our Constitution began.

“It is a clear and just thing, and my God who has given it me through many difficulties, will, I believe, bless and make it the seed of a nation.” - William Penn

In his charter for Pennsylvania Penn promised that Freedom of Religion would be absolute. He drafted a list of liberties that included; Trial by Jury, Freedom from unjust imprisonment, and Free Elections. As bold as these goals were Penn was a sloppy businessman. With his death in 1718 the Pennsylvania colony became a dangerous place for dissenters.

Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Paine, and Thomas Jefferson studied Penn's ideas, and his thoughts inspired the and fueled the discourse in the development of the Constitution.

To be continued...

What is an American? Part IV

2011-04-15T08:34:00.001-04:00

The Committee for Public Safety

Any law which violates the inalienable rights of man is essentially unjust and tyrannical; it is not a law at all. - A Leader of the French Revolution*

Revolutions are dangerous things. Although the goals may be admirable, often times the result is far from what those goals were. The French Revolution is a case in point. Today it would have been called a popular uprising. The peasants rising up against an oppressive King....storming the castle and celebrating freedom. That is how it should have been, but something went terribly wrong.

The king must die so that the country can live. -A Leader of the French Revolution*

The King and Queen were both executed by the victorious mob...then the friends of the King...then the families of the King's friends...then anyone that posed a threat, or was perceived to pose a threat were executed. During the period known as the Great Terror between 16,000 and 40,000 people were executed. When you consider that the Great Terror only lasted a year...that is a very large number.

The Revolution was to remove a repressive monarchy, and was replaced by an oppressive dictatorship under the guise of the Committee of Public Safety. Supported by the population the committee considered terror as the approved method to control the population. All decisions by the Committee were for the public good. All the while the economy of France was crumbling. Taxes increased, farmers were pressed into service against their will. For the people the only change was that things got worse. In the end...King Louis was replaced with Emperor Napoleon.

What does the French Revolution have to do with being an American? The American Founding Fathers believed in the virtue of people. They knew that the people needed to be more than just part of the Government...the people were the Government. That is why our constitution starts with "WE the people..".

"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America".

The preamble to the U.S. Constitution sets the context for the document. As simple as the statement may seem it is used by those who want to change the landscape of America...and change what an American is. From the day it was written and ratified the Constitution has been under assault. Although America did not fall into the black period of the Great Terror as France did...235 years later we may be facing that prospect. Our devolution from a free people, to a Government controlled country has been in progress for a very long time.

What was an American..and what is an American has changed. Today for many Americans the purpose of Government is to provide for us. We can live our lives in complete freedom from responsibility for our actions...we can not worry about providing for ourselves..we turn to Government to feed us, clothe us, and heal us. At no cost....well...except for our freedom.

Is it too late? I do not believe so. In 2009, Millions of Americans began a Great Awakening. For the first time since the revolution the people have began seeing what those little changes have done to our world. The question is...will we make it through without suffering a Great Terror?

In part V I will provide examples of how average everyday Americans are reshaping the American Dream...and the part our latest wave of immigrants are taking to that end.

* The quotes attributed to "A leader of the French Revolution" were made by Maximilien Robespierre. Robespierre was the head of the Committee for Public Safety and was responsible for the Great Terror.

What is an American Part III

2011-04-14T23:58:00.003-04:00

Government has no other end, but to the preservation of Property - John Locke

Liberty is a concept that is difficult to understand for many people. No one is free to do as they please...without facing some consequence for their actions. Most humans understand this to be true. For instance, murder and theft are wrong. Regardless of your religious, or lack of religious convictions, stealing and killing another human being is wrong.

Everyone is born with the right to be responsible for themselves. To make their own way in this world...unhindered by the views of others. Of course, this does not mean we have a right to infringe on the rights of others. In a peaceful society there must be rules by which we live our lives, and though the majority of us understand that, there must be enforceable rules that establish standards, and penalties for those who step on the rights of another. Even the most primitive of societies understood this concept.

Although our early ancestors did not have the ability to write down their rules, they certainly had them...and enforced them. The natural born leader, may have been the smartest, or the strongest among the clan...and his rules were supreme...as long as he could enforce them. When the leader grew weak, or if he was challenged, he had to either abdicate his position, or fight it out. It is the natural way of things.

If you observe a pack of wolves it becomes readily apparent that the leader of the pack is respected for his strength and intelligence. If a member violates the rules...the leader and his followers banishes them to the wilderness. The pack behaves as a family...of sorts.

From ancient times...up until the American Revolution there had been many forms of government. None of which offered the type of freedom that would be created in the New World. The United States created a country ran by the people....and the people would be protected from infringements of their freedom by a written Constitution. The goal was to create a country in which the people were happy and free.

You are free to practice any religion you want...you are free to practice no religion at all. You are free to speak out against the government with out fear of reprisals. You can speak any language and not have your right to life and the pursuit of happiness infringed upon by government. That is the promise..and firm belief of every American.

In terms of our freedoms, much has changed since the Revolution. Our freedoms have been taken one at a time. Some have given up on being responsible for themselves, and turned it over to government. They have done this for an empty promise of security..only to find that their security is neither real or absolute. The fears of our forefathers has been realized, and what was once a flourishing free society has become totalitarian under the guise of elected protectors. How did it come to this?

In part IV I will delve into the steady assault on self-determination and freedom.

What is an American? Part II

2011-04-07T08:16:00.000-04:00

"In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue". The discovery of the New World, changed the economic and political landscape of the planet forever. Although many European Kingdoms would profit from this discovery, it would lead to their eventual destruction.

As the Middle Ages gave way to the Renaissance, European colonization of the New World began with a surge led by Spain at first, and quickly followed by England, France and the Dutch. Small colonies began springing up all over the New World...some languished and were lost...others slowly began to expand.

Although the Spanish were ruthlessly cruel in their initial conquest of the New World, in 1542 Charles V imposed new laws that prohibited slavery. This in part allowed for a relatively peaceful assimilation of the native peoples.

As the Reformation continued the English, Dutch, French, and Germans began flocking to the New World. They were leaving their native lands to escape religious persecution. The New World lured them with the promise of religious freedom, cheap land, and the promise that they could make a better life by their own hand.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" - Declaration of Independence.

An American does not just believe this to be so...they live it. The Declaration of Independence provides us with insight into why the Europeans of America found it necessary to cut their ties to the ancient European governmental structure.

An American believes that everyone has the right to do with their life as they please...to be responsible for the outcomes of their choices...to be allowed to take the risks and rewards that lead to their happiness. This is the basic definition of an American. It is the promise of America.

That is what an American Is.

Part III will expand on this definition.

What is an AMERICAN? Part I

2011-04-06T08:18:00.000-04:00

Well, there is a question I had not thought about? I was an American....but other than the fact I was born in the United States...how would anyone know? The first time I thought about this question was many years ago sitting in a college classroom. The question was one of those that just forced me to look at myself, my country, and my fellow countrymen in a totally different way. This was one adventure that changed my outlook on not just my country, but also the world...and inevitably myself.

As a Security Police Training Instructor I had learned how to formulate questions to evaluate different aspects of that job. One thing I learned in creating those questions is that the question reveals much more than an individuals knowledge...that truth is hard to explain in the space of a small blog...so I will not try...just think about it.

In verbal communications...face to face...Humans are able to express much more meaning than is possible in written form. For instance: "What is a duck"? If you saw that question on a written test you would likely attempt to describe a duck. If someone said this on the phone in a dismissive manner, you would think they may dislike ducks. In a face to face encounter they may grimace while saying it and that might lead you to believe that to them a duck is disgusting. Why is that even important? It is because of the person who asked "What is an American"?

Dr. Chris Hables Gray is a progressive. This is not just a label that I throw at him...he admits it freely...he is proud of that fact. I respect him on many levels...this does not mean I agree with him...but I do respect him. On this Adventure he plays a very important part. "What is an American"? He did not ask this as a calculated question...it was not a trap or trick. It was as if an idea was being born.

To define what an American is...I must define what America is. America, for the purpose of this blog, is The United States of America. Although Canadians want to be known as Americans...they are not. Sorry Canada, you must continue to live in your frozen hell.

What is an American? At first a seemingly easy question...it conjures images of Norman Rockwell, apple pie, baseball, Jazz, Rock and Roll, and the Blues. As American as those things are...they do not describe an American. It could easily be argued that baseball has more meaning in Japan than here in America.

What is an American? As with any question that is asked on a test...you must stop and think. For instance,

1. What is an American?
  a. Freedom Loving
  b. A Hot Dog Eater
  c. Someone who speaks English
  d. All of the above
  e. None of the above

It has been said that your first answer is the right answer. If you chose to not answer that question...you would be right.

If I were take two people...one born and raised in the United States...and another that was born and raised in Germany...and neither one said a word...How could I tell the American from the German?

This is where the lesser educated would say...well the White guy is certainly German. Now that the stupid people have left the room lets continue.

Wait...lets invite the stupid people back...they have a point. If this were the 1940's you would certainly not find any Black German Citizens. Is the question time based? Historically there have been Blacks living in both countries. Legally, American Blacks have had the right of Citizenship for much longer that German Blacks. However, Americans are no longer of a particular race...neither are Germans.

Race is not a component of the answer.

Hold on...what about the Native Americans? They are certainly Americans. This is absolutely right..and although they were here long before Europeans discovered America...even the Native Americans came from someplace else. So race is not a factor in the answer.

I am going to stop this post right here...and here is why. I made a statement back at the beginning that I hope got you thinking about What is an American. I will ask you to give me an example of what you think an American is based on traits that can be found in the majority of Americans.

The Big Adventure

2011-04-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Life is one great BIG Adventure. At least it is for me. Whether it is exploring a creek in the North Carolina woods, drifting down the Yellowstone River, or driving the streets of Tampa; there is always something new and unexpected around that next corner. As with any adventure there are perils, joys, sadness, but most importantly Discovery.

For the next 19 months I will be dedicating this blog to the American Adventure...I will be inviting you to join the discussion...we will equip ourselves with the knowledge of our past and present...which will ultimately give us a glimpse of our future. I will include examples from my own life..and most importantly examples from the lives of others.

Will I be fair? Sure. Everyone that wants to post can do so...but there are some rules.

Rule 1. Stick to the subject.

Rule 2. If you are going to make a claim provide references to back it up. Otherwise, it is just uneducated opinion.

Rule 3. No Idiots allowed.

Pop Quiz II

2011-03-25T19:45:00.000-04:00

Take this test...lets see how you do.

1. What is the purpose of a K-12 Education?

2. How do you know that an 8th grader is ready for the 9th grade?

3. How would you measure the success of the educational system?

4. Rate in the order of importance where funds in Education should go. (no essay)

   a. Administrative Salary.
   b. Teacher's Salary
   c. Classroom equipment
   d. Facilities upgrade
   e. Research and Development
   f. Evaluation
   g. Teacher's training
   h. Lunch.

5. In K-12 what purpose does Tenure serve?

6. What is a fair compensation for a Teacher with 10 years of service? (Include benefits as well as salary and working hours)

7. Should parents be compelled to serve as volunteers during the school day?

8. What programs/services should be cut first when faced with a budget shortfall? (Pick 2)

  a. Transportation (buses)
  b. Free/Reduced Lunch
  c. Sports
  d. The Arts

9. How would you measure a teachers competency?

10. Do you support Teacher's Unions?