Been waiting to see the comments begin after Don and Chris came into the running for the next Republican President. Have long enjoyed their banter, full of truths that no one will come near to discuss. Their desire is strong, their character more open and upstanding than those so quickly to either attack or walk away from their statements. I am not so dim that I do not see they are in need of speech writers who are cut from the same cloth. Not everyone in this fair democracy has the ability to give thrilling speeches full of a meat and potatoes agenda that Don and Chris speak about. Most of those vying for the possibility of being president tell stories of past presidents, and their failures, of poorly fought battles in years past, and then go on to say how well they will handle the same.
Don and Chris speak of what exactly is failing in these United States. We all know the borders are open. We all know that people flow freely. We also know that within a few days or months, a new plan for a safer place to live, can be in place. If you know it and I know it, and there are laws in place to address it….you get my picture.
Americans are just tired…..and the reason they are tired, is that they are smart. They listen, they learn, they discuss, and they know what is going on. It is refreshing to hear Don and Chris acknowledge what we know….as a problem. And, even more importantly, they want to do something about it! They even have plans!! They even tell you exactly what some of them are and how easy they are to implement!
Shame on NBC and Univision, etc. for being so chicken as to not stand up for what is true….even tho it is not popular. Truth is sometimes not popular and these two men don’t really care. Tell your shareholders you really don’t like the plight of illegals inside the United States and that the country’s hands are tied by the current administration. Where is your character…..your backbone…..Where are your true colors? It is time you changed your minds….and stood for the people you represent and present to…..those Spanish speaking people who come to hear they are indeed welcome, and are well thought of……when they work under the rules and freedom afforded them by these United States. It can’t be one way for some and another for others…..and that is exactly what is going on.
Be brave Don and Chris……we are counting on you……(but look in to the speech writers)
Today we are experiencing what it is to be an American and enjoy the wonderful fruits of freedom. Don’t ever believe EVERYTHING you see on TV….
We see an Obamacare advisor being scrutinized under oath…not under the fear of being jailed or murdered. That is the way freedom works.
We see children and small adults damaging storefronts in Berkeley…not because of the lack of freedom but because OF freedom.
We see the same in New York City and in Ferguson, Mo…..and although we may not agree….it is because OF freedom that we do see it.
We see police departments acting with restraint 99% of the time, and we see the ugly 1%, not because of the lack of freedom, but because OF freedom.
When I say to not believe everything you see on TV…it means ‘sensation’ sells…..Those who only see the United States on overseas television or on laptops, u-tube, or phones…..see only what is going on in a few square miles of this country.
When in doubt, ask those who have been robbed, carjacked, or beat up and how their police force (99% of the time) have provided care, understanding, hours of work, and successful jail terms, for those having been violated.
When in doubt, ask those who escaped Southeast Asia during the Vietnam, Iraq, those who escaped ISIS’ grip, as well as those from Central America why they chose to leave there and come here… It wasn’t because of the freedom they left….it was because of the freedom they were willing to die for, that they came.
My America is not perfect, but it is the best for me. The US Armed Forces watch over my country, the town government I live under give me electricity, and gas, and schools, and good roads. My state cares for my towns and county, my food, my drinking water, and the police system,( local, state, and federal), show me gratitude, fairness, and keep me safe.
In response to what my government, my state, and my town offer me, it is my responsibility to be a good citizen of same. Just because I may be allowed to act stupid, say stupid, or live stupid, doesn’t men I should be stupid.
Didn’t remember to purchase a new flag for the 4th, so the one we had is on display. It joined all the others proudly flying in our cul-de-sac.
I began to think what it has meant to live in such a neighborhood….for all these years. Most of us have been neighbors since we all moved in…1986, in the same week. We came from varied walks of life and different parts of the US. We were moving from the ‘city’ (Orange County, Ca.) to the burbs…or the ‘country’ as our kids called it. Some moved to begin retirement, a new doctor to begin his practice, a newly retired Marine moved is family here from Hawaii, and on and on.
The kids ages were new to 15. Schools were bulging with new students and churches were meeting in condo meeting rooms, day care centers, and offices. The town had one stop-light and the nearest Home Depot and Mall was 30 miles away.
But there was promise…..new beginnings. It was exciting and scary at the same time….New homes, new town, new work, new bills, and yet we all were gloriously happy to be here (except for the teens who longed for South Coast Plaza).
Now we are ready to celebrate another July 4, 2014….in this cul-de-sac. A few have moved, many have grown and married, and the youngest is now in college. We have survived…the move, the job change, the lay-offs, and a couple of recessions. Our little area is a lot like the world…..New people, backgrounds, varying beliefs, shapes, sizes and ages….and we became united. None of these differences or backgrounds mattered…. we became a family because of it. We had our differences, with our priorities, and in our politics, but it didn’t matter, we were united.
This morning, when I looked at our flag. it looked a little weary… I know it is because it has not been retired from service, and that is my fault. However, as I felt the guilt of its appearance, I wondered if the whole country is not just a little weary as it begins to celebrate this most important of holidays. The wind of anger and war has made my flag a little frayed. Her citizens are working so hard to end distress within the her boundary and do so in the best possible way, by referring to her laws. Yes, we are sometimes very fatigued as we test drive the roads of freedom. Some of our citizens are irked at the happenings in Congress, while some think the roads to a better society are better for all. And yes, from time to time, our flag looks tired.
But not to fear, for even one second, because it has been weary, even shredded and burned before…..it will survive. Our flag flies at this moment to represent freedom, democracy, good laws to provide for all, and the opportunity to believe without fear. It stands as an open door to all who come in fairly, with an understanding that we are the UNITED States of America, and not about to change.
I’ll bet that some of you are weary….as is my flag….but no worry. We are, as my cul-de-sac is, united, united to care for one another, to stand for what is right, to live as good neighbors, and devoted to protect our country. Happy 4th
Ever wonder how the ‘founding fathers’ would look at the presence of AK-47s in our homes? I’m sure they would look at the proud owners and ask quizzically, “why?” Now before you fly into a rage and demand your rights….let’s just look at this little scenario and wonder why ourselves.
How many people on our block have the same equipment? How many times have they used it in the last week, or month? Is it kept locked up for the safety of others in the home? How quickly can one get to this machine, if the need arises?….1 minute, 5 minutes, 20 minutes? How much longer does it take if it is 4AM?
Did all your neighbors start with guns and musket balls, as was the norm when the ‘fathers’ created our ‘rights’? Did the right to bear arms include cannons and flaming oil shot from catapults? Hey.don’t get upset, I’m just ask’in……
If we need to hunt for a living or for sport, do we do so with a revolver, and a gun using hundreds of rounds a minute? If we use pelts and skins for beauty and survival, do we like them with bunches of holes?
Well, these questions and answers can call for good discussions in many households as well as government buildings.
Defense, yes.But, of course, it is my right….but to what extent. The ‘founding fathers’ did not fathom 47s…..they did not imagine clips that allowed killing indefinitely. They really had no idea what type of weapons the future would hold, and to what end their rules would be expanded.
So here we are…way past the point of no return. California is expected to sell 100,000 rifles this year. Can’t imagine how many more of what, both on the legal and illegal market. Remember too, there are different rules for different states and even cities. Paperwork by the ton to try to keep records of all who apply and are back-ground checked. And yet, we die, we maim, we hurt the innocent,by mistake….and yes, it is our right to have the equipment to do so. I’m sure if 99% of those shot in the US were guilty of something where they NEEDED to be shot,we wouldn’t having this discussion however that is not the case.
I’m just asking for a fair playing field…..when it comes to guns and pain in America. How about let’s go back to the musket ball. It’s killed plenty of people, so no one can deny it isn’t a weapon. Our country became our country ….. and let’s see, isn’t that the reason we were allowed to carry arms in the first place. Seemed to have worked to help a bunch of mismatched men and women come together to be the USA!
So let’s just go with the gun/musket ball plan. Good guys and bad guys alike. Hunting for sport will be more fair to the animals. One shot, reload, one shot, reload…..in fact, I think it would help one really think about the situation he was in, as he was in the reloading part. Maybe, when thinking it over, it would be better if everyone were to just quit, go home, and solve the problem in a more sensible and humane manner.
Dueling would be good too…..again, planning the time and place and thinking over the problem vs the pain could deter some snot nosed idiots to go on to duel another day. That would also make it safe for those not involved, thereby solving other problems.
I cringe when listening to the 6 o’clock news… I am sad people cannot solve problems without shooting one another. No, in this day and age, I am appalled! Does it sound more stupid to have a place to go kill one another, than the way it is now? People don’t allow the death penalty in their state, but it sure seems to be fine to kill one another in the street. The people we are killing are not enemies of the state….they are us. Sure there are countries making plans for another 9/11, however, today we have watchdogs in place to make it very difficult to do so. I know, we can argue all night about how good the defense is, but not now Other countries survive without the daily bloodshed we have here……you wouldn’t hear a word from me, if those who had guns, used them in only a matter of defense of their home. It is an argument heard time and time again…to defend my home and family. However, how many of us shoot intruders on our street, in our town….weekly…..monthly…..yearly?
Just say’in…..just talk’in…..just think’in….just wonder’in. why……
learn good life lessons in reading about others…..especially those who have just departed. A job well done by them, thru feast and famine….another chance to see just what it takes, in the lives of most of us ordinary folks.
As one ages, their perspective of life, in general, tends to become mundane and then intense in a matter of moments. When once Christmas came every million years, it now comes every three months. When the difference between a 2nd grader and a 4th grader was, like grandparents and kids, it is now the age difference of people we befriend,date, maybe and marry.
And, as we age, we lose lots of things, including a firm body, naturally blond hair, the ability to wear a 2 piece anything, chemistry formulas, and friends.
For this reason, I’ve begun reading the obituaries. I no longer live in the same town where I was born or raised, however, I to cling to many wonderful memories and friendships. It still is a surprise, however, to see friends die. I am 68…..and, as one once stated, “68 when I look in the mirror, and 28 when I look away”.
Today, I see the obituary of one gal I never knew personally, however, it would have been a pleasure to meet. Her name is Joan and she was born in Pittsburg, Pa. on a wintry day in December. She grew up loving softball, tennis and the outdoors. She was married to Alan for 58 years and together, they ran a honeybee business. Joan laughed and cried. She loved and forgave. She learned and blossomed with her kids, cherishing the opportunity to work in her community.
Then there was Al, who died at age 91 after a brief illness. Al formerly lived in Akron, Ohio before retiring. He served in the Army and was in Vietnam for 9 years with the 101st Airborne where he earned many badges and medals. He loved his wife Sarah and they were married for over 42 years.After his tours, he became a policeman and was very very proud of his work there.
Helen passed away having lived the wonderful profession of being a housewife and professional in small midwestern town. She and her parents and siblings had grown up during the depression, farming their land next to her grandparents. She became a nurse and worked until her children were born. After the third one was in school, she went back to her beloved nursing and worked for another 20 years. She was active in her church, in scouting, and dedicated to husband and children. She left children, grand and great-grand children, and many friends.
All of these wonderful, ordinary people, touched more wonderful and ordinary people, to make this life better. They may have had gardens, they may have volunteered at church, they may have done bake sales, and they may have invented what you use today. And now they are a memory.
When I was a kid, I believed my parents, and grandparents, would live forever. Now I know….they do live forever, only here in my heart, and in their heaven together. So as my heart aches for family and friends, theirs are rejoicing as they are, once again, reunited with family and friends. Who knows,…….they may talk about their abundant gardens, or how they made it out of the war. They may remember the depression, and also the Christmas of 47, as their children waited for Santa. And, I hope they remember us…….
I’ve been on a jury at least 4 times in my life….starting in Indianapolis, Ind when I was in my mid twenties….I’ll never forget what it was like and how I felt. A guy was on trial for burglary and attempted murder of a store owner. The owner had survived and was healing in the local hospital. The defendant had a long list of people who came forth to say he was nowhere near the scene….they included friends and family and former girlfriends and current girlfriends, etc. All of these people made statements under oath that were full of holes and none could keep their stories straight to even coincide with others. Still they needed to be heard. The defendant was found upstairs hiding in a closet, above the store, with the gun. The injured storekeeper was to testify, but suddenly the case finished and he was not there. A jury only can use the information it is given…..and so the judgement was guilty considering all the other information provided sans the poor man who was shot. (later, after we were excused, we found that the storekeeper had taken a turn for the worse, and was not allowed to come to court)….However, we did our job, and based upon what we heard and discussed he was found guilty. He did yell and scream and threaten us, but he was hauled off to prison anyhow.
I tell you this story, not because it was totally exciting or because everyone got a star, but because we were asked to be part of a jury in a democratic society that says you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. We all know that it doesn’t work perfectly….but being a juror does make it work compared to courts in other countries. Think of the girl who disappeared in the islands….think of the two going to court for murder in Italy…. then think of our jury system. Yes, it is tedious. Yes it takes away a few days from our wonderful jobs. Yes, we’d sometimes rather be doing something else, BUT THAT IS ALL BESIDE THE POINT!!
A juror is part of freedom…..a juror is an honorable way of being free. A juror is part of a fair and unbiased search for the right for people who have been wronged….on either side of the table in front of the judge. I am appalled at the excuses and statements I hear from those who receive the call for jury duty. (We’ll talk excuses later) Why do people creep away and hide with all kinds of excuses, when they look in the mirror every day and acclaim what fine upstanding citizens they are. They are the first to discuss right and wrong, politically miss-managed funds and departments, the lack of morals or being honorable in daily business people they deal with, and the way the ‘world is going’ because of unscrupulous people. BUT….when the call comes……they almost become the people they are asked to be a jury for. They are too old, they can’t get the bus, they work nights, they have a cold, they dislike anyone of color, they have a family member who influences them, and on and on. What a pity…….
And the courts have to listen to this every day….the courts, the servants whose job it is to give anyone a fair trial….continually have to endure these types every day. When did ‘responsible’ become such a dirty word? When did ‘slinking’ out the door after lying to the judge become such an honorable thing to do? I am appalled and amazed at the statements I have heard when some says they received a call for jury.
The courts have always treated us graciously….In California it is one day or one trial. You don’t even have to go to the court house unless your group number is called, and you can stay at home and check, every morning and evening. There are nice rooms to wait in, there are TVs and books and games, and food. You are given at least an hour and maybe two for lunch and have breaks. One is treated with great respect as a possible juror, not to mention in the court room. The judge is gracious, he/she explains fully the trial time and dates and length. Valid excuses are readily accepted and there is always a ‘thank you’.
When in court, you are the ‘chosen’…you are there to listen, to reason, to understand, to take notes, to ask questions of the judge, and to deliberate as a unit of fairness. There is no one more ‘looked up to’ than you, the jury.And still prospective jurors scoff .
Now we’ll discuss excuses……real ones……and some we have no control over….1. My job gives me a rough time…..what a shame, but true. Employers need to be fined for messing with their employees when it comes to jury duty. Pay is full, for as long as it takes, period.
2. The state doesn’t pay enough for me to leave work…..true…and that needs to be addressed….maybe by combining work and state payments.
3. No one else can do the job but me……I wish, but it ain’t true. I once sat by a fellow juror who mathematically helped plans fly full of baggage, people, and fuel, each and every flight. Someone did his job, when he was gone…(and I thought that was dang important)
4. I have a problem with people of color……GET OVER IT! and learn that right is right and wrong is wrong regardless of color. You might learn a lot from our fellow jurors on that!
Now school finals, and working each and every night can be valid, but don’t plan your vacation during your jury duty…..just to get out of it. AND, if you do have valid reasons, they court will be more than happy to give you another date that works for you!
So, in closing this soapbox one-sided discussion, I repeat, with all honesty. I have never felt more proud than to serve as a juror….to give the guy who is in the right, a reward for being right, and to serve a dose of “guilty’ to the person who wronged him. Maybe it doesn’t make everything perfect again, but it is the way Americans try to do what is right, each and every day, in court rooms all over this land.
You are so cute…..your little blond curls bouncing in the sunlight….Yes, you are a little guy, but at 1 1/2, who cares about a few curls. You bounce when you walk, and have a short high pitched outburst, when you don’t get your way…you are bright and healthy and have lived thru some unpleasant times in your short life….still, you are sound in heart and soul and things will be just fine. I saw you today……
be there or be an embarrassment….a juror keeps your freedom alive and well. Will you wish for a juror like yourself, when it is your turn to be treated fairly according to the law? (or will it be ewwwwww)
lent came from the word length or lengthing…when the longer days ment more time for doing important things…like devotions,etc. Lent is a good time to prepare.
seriouslyscorpio 