Thursday, November 26, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving
Couldn't let this day go by without wishing all who stop here a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope that wherever you are and whoever you are with, you are able to pause and give thanks. For my Navy friends, check this out. Like the good Commander said...you know you miss it.
Friday, November 13, 2015
A Pause Is In Order
This blog has been a lot of fun for me. It gives me a chance to express my feelings, provide a little levity in an otherwise oh-so-serious world, and even go off on a rant now and then. But it's been going on for a couple of years now and I think it's time for a pause. And I'm not sure if anyone will miss it. So I'm going on sabbatical. Will give it a few months and then if either I miss it or if I hear from anyone that they miss it, then maybe I'll reengage. But in the mean time, have a Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. Talk to you in 2016 (maybe).
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Real Funny Jackass
I'm sure this guy thinks he's being funny. Trust me, his wife doesn't. Payback will be a b!tch.
Veteran's Day II
As I've watched social media and heard from friends and relatives today, it has struck me how much the nation's response to veterans has changed over the last 70 years or so. When the troops came home from WWII they were hailed as heroes. Ticker tape parades, jobs for the asking, GI Bill, etc were the norm. And these veterans became known as the Greatest Generation (with a little help from Tom Brokaw). Now we are losing them to old age and the sentiments only grow stronger. Which is as it should be.
But from the return of the heroes of WWII to 9/11 the nation was at best ambivalent about our veterans. Veterans of the Korean "Police Action" were largely ignored and not given their due. Most know the story of the hideous treatment of Vietnam Vets when they returned. The stories of Veterans walking through airports and being spit on are legion. It was a pretty shameful era in which the populace blamed the wrong people and the government did nothing to change the perception. From Vietnam to the end of the century, I would characterize the attitude as ambivalence. The respect gradually returned under Reagan, but those of us in the military were largely invisible. That changed somewhat after Desert Storm as people started to realize what an awesome capability the nation possessed and service members became more visible in society. But then it receded during the '90s as Clinton focused mostly on the economy and only used the military in "surgical" ways.
But then came 9/11. A direct threat to the homeland. The loss of more American lives than at Pearl Harbor. The nation rallied. And we started the long war which is still being prosecuted today. And the nation became acutely aware of the dedication, capability, and sacrifice of our military and their families. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines acquitted and continue to acquit themselves exceedingly well. They are held up as examples. They are "thanked" routinely for their service. And the general attitude is one of admiration and thanks. I'm very proud to say that members of my family have been part of that generation who have responded to the call and have set the example that has allowed, really compelled, the nation to achieve a new respect for our military. Every citizen who has been in the military or had a close family member respond to the call since 9/11 knows the sacrifice and danger that they lived with every day. And it strikes me that it is so appropriate for our nation to continue to hold them up, thank them for their service, and look to them as leaders for the future.
But from the return of the heroes of WWII to 9/11 the nation was at best ambivalent about our veterans. Veterans of the Korean "Police Action" were largely ignored and not given their due. Most know the story of the hideous treatment of Vietnam Vets when they returned. The stories of Veterans walking through airports and being spit on are legion. It was a pretty shameful era in which the populace blamed the wrong people and the government did nothing to change the perception. From Vietnam to the end of the century, I would characterize the attitude as ambivalence. The respect gradually returned under Reagan, but those of us in the military were largely invisible. That changed somewhat after Desert Storm as people started to realize what an awesome capability the nation possessed and service members became more visible in society. But then it receded during the '90s as Clinton focused mostly on the economy and only used the military in "surgical" ways.
But then came 9/11. A direct threat to the homeland. The loss of more American lives than at Pearl Harbor. The nation rallied. And we started the long war which is still being prosecuted today. And the nation became acutely aware of the dedication, capability, and sacrifice of our military and their families. Soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines acquitted and continue to acquit themselves exceedingly well. They are held up as examples. They are "thanked" routinely for their service. And the general attitude is one of admiration and thanks. I'm very proud to say that members of my family have been part of that generation who have responded to the call and have set the example that has allowed, really compelled, the nation to achieve a new respect for our military. Every citizen who has been in the military or had a close family member respond to the call since 9/11 knows the sacrifice and danger that they lived with every day. And it strikes me that it is so appropriate for our nation to continue to hold them up, thank them for their service, and look to them as leaders for the future.
Monday, November 9, 2015
Our Greatest Threat
Obama has been saying for quite some time now that climate change is the greatest threat to national security. By any measure that is total, unmitigated bullshit. All you have to do is glance through the headlines to see how dangerous the world is. And how much more dangerous Obama has made it by his feckless and chaotic policies.
Veteran's Day
Posting the graphic below is a bit of a cop out. It's too easy. I fully admit it. But on the other hand, saying thank you is a pretty simple thing to do. And most Veteran's (including me) don't want much more than that. A simple thank you will do.
Sunday, November 8, 2015
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Debt Kills!
I think I've probably posted this at some point in the past. It's still incredibly relevant. I like how it simplifies the story. Most people don't pay much attention. It's just a number that the media puts up and everyone yawns. Obama and his blind followers certainly don't. They've added more to the debt than all the President's before him combined. But this is a hole. A deep hole. And I don't care who is the next President up at the plate, they will have to deal with it. And it will be painful. Painful for the political class and painful for the people. I always told my kids when they were growing up to be careful. It's okay to make mistakes, just make sure they aren't deadly mistakes. I really fear that this "mistake" will be deadly to our country and our way of life. I saw a graphic in the WSJ this morning examining how the populace looks at capitalism and free enterprise. It is very scary that less than 50% believe in those fundamental American principles. I say scary because, in my view, those principles are the only way we're going to dig out of this hole. Government cannot do it. And if we think it can, we are acquiescing to becoming a country of big, bigger and biggest government that dictates our way of life. That Obama has made it incredibly worse shows what a coward he is. But we know this.
And here's the other half of the economic argument. That is the authoritarian argument. The Conservative Wahoo has a great post today about the response today's college age generation has to things they find offensive. You can read it here. Now, I'm trying real hard not to stereotype, but I see this all the time. The world has become so politically correct that it is sometimes difficult and even dangerous to speak one's mind. And so many retreat. They let the other guy do it. Old guys like me generally are willing to say what we believe. After all, what do I have to lose. And I'm not trying to say we're always right. But at least we have the courage of our convictions. Young people have to start questioning the dogma they are being indoctrinated with from academia and the media. Question everything. The best evidence that they are meekly and willingly marching to a future where the government tells them what to think is the support Hillary is receiving in that demographic. I mean, how do they not see what a liar and elitist that she is? It is beyond me. And very disheartening.
And here's the other half of the economic argument. That is the authoritarian argument. The Conservative Wahoo has a great post today about the response today's college age generation has to things they find offensive. You can read it here. Now, I'm trying real hard not to stereotype, but I see this all the time. The world has become so politically correct that it is sometimes difficult and even dangerous to speak one's mind. And so many retreat. They let the other guy do it. Old guys like me generally are willing to say what we believe. After all, what do I have to lose. And I'm not trying to say we're always right. But at least we have the courage of our convictions. Young people have to start questioning the dogma they are being indoctrinated with from academia and the media. Question everything. The best evidence that they are meekly and willingly marching to a future where the government tells them what to think is the support Hillary is receiving in that demographic. I mean, how do they not see what a liar and elitist that she is? It is beyond me. And very disheartening.
He Wins!
But as anyone who is married knows...he didn't really win. I think this is probably the classic case of a short term win. In the long run, he'll pay for this win!!
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Friday Funnies
A few minutes before the church services started, the congregation was sitting in their pews and talking.
Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.
Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.
Soon the church was empty except for Bill Clinton who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seemingly o blivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence.
So Satan walked up to Bill and said, 'Do you know who I am?'
The Clinton replied, 'Yep, sure do.'
'Aren't you afraid of me?' Satan asked.
'Nope, sure ain't.' said the calm as a clam Clinton.
'Don't you realize I can kill you with one word?' asked Satan.
'Don't doubt it for a minute,' returned Bill, in an even tone.
'Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifying AGONY for all eternity? ‘ persisted Satan.
'Don't you realize I can kill you with one word?' asked Satan.
'Don't doubt it for a minute,' returned Bill, in an even tone.
'Did you know that I can cause you profound, horrifying AGONY for all eternity? ‘ persisted Satan.
'Yep,'was the calm reply.
'And you are still not afraid?' asked Satan.
'Nope,' said Bill.
More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, 'Why aren't you afraid of me?'
Bill Clinton calmly replied, 'Been married to your sister for over 30 years.'
'And you are still not afraid?' asked Satan.
'Nope,' said Bill.
More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, 'Why aren't you afraid of me?'
Bill Clinton calmly replied, 'Been married to your sister for over 30 years.'
Ride 'em
As a city boy, I'm not sure if this is normal activity on the farm. But it sure looks pretty weird.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Unequal Justice
Saw the article copied below on the net. Now first let me fully admit it's from a right wing site. They have a particular slant, as do their counterparts over on the left. And inserting Obama into the mix is just rabble rousing. I'm pretty sure the President didn't have anything to do with this.
But...I did a little Snopes check and the story is essentially true. The EEO did take the case and the truckers did receive compensation. Now I agree that people shouldn't be required to do something that is against their religious beliefs. So how is it that when Christians assert this same right, all they hear from the US Government is...nothing? This is so fundamentally unfair that it's pretty mind boggling...
After Muslim Truckers Refuse to Deliver Beer… Obama Does the Unbelievable
by Top Right News on October 27, 2015
by Bill Callen | Top Right News
Barack Obama just sided with Muslims to enforce Islamic Sharia Law on an American business, leaving many outraged and two FoxNews anchors absolutely stunned.
Two Muslim truck drivers — former Somali “refugees” — refused to make deliveries of beer to stores for their employer. So they were understandably fired.
They claimed it was a violation of their religious beliefs — even though Islam bars only the consumption of alcohol. And, as the employer pointed out, the workers knew they would have to deliver alcohol before they took the job.
So guess what Barack Obama did.
He SUED the employers it on behalf of the pair, Mahad Abass Mohamed and Abdkiarim Hassan Bulshale, claiming religious discrimination.
Obama’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) represented them in the case, providing tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars in legal support, judicial filings and court appearances against the employer who was hopelessly outgunned by the Federal government.
And this week the Muslims were awarded a stunning $240,000 by a jury, presided over by an Obama appointee who stunned analysts by allowing the case to go forward at all.
Fox News hosts Megyn Kelly and Andrew Napolitano were flabbergasted:
“The Obama administration actually represented the two Muslims in this case. But has sometimes taken a very different position in the case of Christians trying to assert their religious beliefs.”
She then said to Fox News senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano:
“So in the case of the Muslim truck drivers, the Obama administration through the EEOC is all in. This is what they said:
‘We are proud to support the rights of workers to equal treatment in the workplace without having to sacrifice their religious beliefs or practices; it’s fundamental to the American principles of religious freedom and tolerance.’
But when it comes to the Christian bakers, it’s not as fundamental.”
Napolitano was equally perplexed:
“That’s correct. It’s unfortunate when the government interferes in a private dispute over religious views, and takes sides, and chooses one religion over another.”
To their point, the Christian owners of “Melissa’s Sweet Cakes” were fined $135,000 by the state of Oregon for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple. And Kentucky clerk Kim Davis was jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
Napolitano offered an explanation for the administration’s interest in the Muslim truck driver case:
“The way the feds intervened … they wanted this case because they wanted to make the point that they’ve now made.”
The U.S government and the courts can’t legally have one set of laws for Christians and another set of laws for Muslims and other religious groups.
But now they do. Obama’s actions and this court’s ruling throws into relief that not all Americans are legally recognized as possessing religious liberty and freedom of conscience.
As George Orwell might put it, Obama has now established that Muslims are more equal than Christians in America.
But...I did a little Snopes check and the story is essentially true. The EEO did take the case and the truckers did receive compensation. Now I agree that people shouldn't be required to do something that is against their religious beliefs. So how is it that when Christians assert this same right, all they hear from the US Government is...nothing? This is so fundamentally unfair that it's pretty mind boggling...
After Muslim Truckers Refuse to Deliver Beer… Obama Does the Unbelievable
by Top Right News on October 27, 2015
by Bill Callen | Top Right News
Barack Obama just sided with Muslims to enforce Islamic Sharia Law on an American business, leaving many outraged and two FoxNews anchors absolutely stunned.
Two Muslim truck drivers — former Somali “refugees” — refused to make deliveries of beer to stores for their employer. So they were understandably fired.
They claimed it was a violation of their religious beliefs — even though Islam bars only the consumption of alcohol. And, as the employer pointed out, the workers knew they would have to deliver alcohol before they took the job.
So guess what Barack Obama did.
He SUED the employers it on behalf of the pair, Mahad Abass Mohamed and Abdkiarim Hassan Bulshale, claiming religious discrimination.
Obama’s Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) represented them in the case, providing tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars in legal support, judicial filings and court appearances against the employer who was hopelessly outgunned by the Federal government.
And this week the Muslims were awarded a stunning $240,000 by a jury, presided over by an Obama appointee who stunned analysts by allowing the case to go forward at all.
Fox News hosts Megyn Kelly and Andrew Napolitano were flabbergasted:
“The Obama administration actually represented the two Muslims in this case. But has sometimes taken a very different position in the case of Christians trying to assert their religious beliefs.”
She then said to Fox News senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano:
“So in the case of the Muslim truck drivers, the Obama administration through the EEOC is all in. This is what they said:
‘We are proud to support the rights of workers to equal treatment in the workplace without having to sacrifice their religious beliefs or practices; it’s fundamental to the American principles of religious freedom and tolerance.’
But when it comes to the Christian bakers, it’s not as fundamental.”
Napolitano was equally perplexed:
“That’s correct. It’s unfortunate when the government interferes in a private dispute over religious views, and takes sides, and chooses one religion over another.”
To their point, the Christian owners of “Melissa’s Sweet Cakes” were fined $135,000 by the state of Oregon for refusing to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple. And Kentucky clerk Kim Davis was jailed for refusing to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
Napolitano offered an explanation for the administration’s interest in the Muslim truck driver case:
“The way the feds intervened … they wanted this case because they wanted to make the point that they’ve now made.”
The U.S government and the courts can’t legally have one set of laws for Christians and another set of laws for Muslims and other religious groups.
But now they do. Obama’s actions and this court’s ruling throws into relief that not all Americans are legally recognized as possessing religious liberty and freedom of conscience.
As George Orwell might put it, Obama has now established that Muslims are more equal than Christians in America.
Monday, November 2, 2015
Naptown Funk
This video has gone viral over on FB. The Midshipmen really outdid themselves with this. Great job!
