Danny's Deep Thoughts

Feelin' Bad for Obama Supporters...

2011-09-16T11:41:00.001-07:00

The "Jobs" bill he has been touting since he he got done with his rest time after his Martha Vineyards "working man" vacation has really got to be throwing some very conflicting feelings towards the fans of Obama. Let me tell you why. Obama is pressing for a tax CUT in the form of social security tax. Everything I say here can be confirmed at the DNC's http://www.americanjobsact.com/ website.
"Tax Cuts to Help America's Small Businesses Hire and Grow" and "Cutting Payroll Taxes in Half...put more money in the pockets of every American".
This sounds a lot like tax cuts for businesses and the workers actually help the economy grow.
Now I thought democrats and liberals in general were opposed to less taxes, as it does nothing to help and economy when tax cuts are implemented. So why is Obama touting this? I don't know, but any reason one examines is a strike against him.

Reason 1: If you are one of the Obama supporters that think that Obama is the smartest, most intelligent and eloquent person to ever walk this Earth, then he is using his intelligence and is admitting that tax cuts stimulate job growth in an economy. And if the smartest guy in the room is saying this, it must be true so you can't argue against it.

Reason 2: Or Obama has just given in to the right wing wackos that want to line rich people's pockets and allow them to buy corporate jets*. If this is the case, then Obama is a spineless coward that was all talk and no action.

Reason 3: He is touting tax cuts because Wall Street is pressuring him to. If this is the case then Obama has brought no change to the way Washington does things (special interest groups). So instead of changing the way Washington does things, he has merely given in and in now another puppet president of the fat cats in Wall Street.

No matter how an Obama supporter looks at how Obama has handled things this summer, you all come out with the short end of the stick. There is no spin on this that makes Obama look good for his supporters.

*Every time a billionaire buys a corporate jet and runs around the country in it he is creating jobs- the jet did not spontaneously appear out of the air, and it certainly does not fly or maintain itself. A list of jobs the billionaire just created by buying a jet: Engineers who designed the plane, engineers who design electronics and avionics gear, engineers who designed the engines. Workers (probably union) who build all the things that have been designed. Pilots, stewards, mechanics both engine and electrical to maintain the aircraft, air traffic controllers, rent to airports for hangar space, fuel delivery personnel. I haven't even mentioned the web of jobs created as secondary to the need for all of this, like people who train pilots, construction workers who build the facilities, plumbers for toilets, administrative personnel for file paperwork, workers who build small components, gas companies that make aviation fuel, etc, etc. Maybe it is not a good idea to attack the one thing the uber rich actually do that creates jobs.

ATTACK WATCH 2012!!!!!!!!!!

2011-09-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

My Gun Wish List...

2011-04-24T07:23:00.000-07:00

While reading another blog, I got the idea to list what guns I hope to acquire some day. I won't put anything on that is unrealistic like a Bushmaster 20mm cannon, but guns that I might actually end up owning one day.

1. An Ar-15 or variant thereof. Nothing fancy with all sorts of doo dads attached, but a plain, functional AR. Why? Because I can.
2. An AK variant. Cause you can't have chocolate with out vanilla, yin without the yang. If you have an AR, you need an AK. Once again why? Because I live in the US and I can.

3. A Stoeger Coach gun. I have always wanted one of these, a double barrel shotgun. There is just something about them that makes me want one.

4. An M1 Garand. Don't think I need to explain why, but it would be cool to own a gun as uniquely American as apple pie or baseball.

Enough for now, stay tuned for my next installment of guns I will own one day...

My impression of beating dead horse redux...

2011-04-19T16:29:00.000-07:00

To finish up this rousing exercise in futility, I would like the last word (since it is my blog after all).

A few points-

HOW we get rid of the insurance companies is a moot point because this is more of a philosophical debate than an actual policy debate. But if you must know, neither Spencer or I believe in a pure capitalist system. Look up Adam Smith, the father of modern economics and you will see the kind of system we are talking about- one where the government does regulate business to certain extent to prevent monopolies, cabals, and collusion. When companies or businesses worry about their own business, they will innovate and find ways to keep costs down to attract customers. When a group of businesses get together and decide how much they are going to charge (i.e. insurance companies and doctors) then you have collusion and cabals. This does in fact hurt the consumer by eliminating competition in the market place.

So you would break up insurance companies with anti-trust suits and regulation. In some areas you would deregulate such as eliminating State License boards and Clinical License who protect only those doctors and insurance companies in their own state, or those they have a relationship with eliminating competition from Nurse Practitioners or other health care professionals who would like to offer a low cost alternative to the doctor.

As far as a safety net is concerned- yes, expand medicare and medicaid for those that need it, those that cannot afford to pay for their own health care, poor people. If you have a chronic illness, then I think that would fall under the auspices of a catastrophic (maybe we should call it a long term insurance plan) insurance plan, as the costs to constantly get medication and medical care would be higher than someone who has the sniffles every once in a while.

And if you tell me that Medicare/Medicaid (and yes, I know that medicare is a program for seniors over 65, and medicaid is a federally funded, state administered program for low income or needy people) are not good programs, then you would need to convince me how a single payer system would be administered any differently from these two government run health systems.

The problem with this whole discussion is there is a lot of assuming going on- just because we don't like Obamacare or a single payer system does not mean that we are fine with the current state of events, or that we are raging libertarians that want something to the right of anarchy in this country.

We just happen to think that our ideas are feasible ideas that would accomplish the same goals that anyone else wants- to improve the healthcare system and allow EVERYONE to take a part of the same quality as anyone else. My believing in a free market solution does not mean that I hate poor people, or somehow lack compassion for those that are needy and unfortunate with afflictions that they have no control over. I also don't believe that anyone who advocates a single payer or government run option loves Marxism and is lazy.

Does our free market plan have flaws? Sure. Does a government run, single payer system have flaws? It sure does. They both have their fair share of flaws, and I guess it comes down to which flaws you are willing to live with.

I entitled the post "beating a dead horse" because I have had many discussions with numerous people on this very same issue over the past few years, and yet I have not been convinced to change my mind on the issue, nor have I changed anyone else's mind. I suppose discussions like this are good for getting the blood flowing a little bit, or perhaps revisiting your beliefs- but beyond that they are of little value.

That being said, I do enjoy a good discussion every now and again, and rarely do I get frustrated with people to the point where I am mad at them. Spencer is still my brother and my homeboy, and Jon is still a great friend who makes sitting through Elder's Quorum bearable.

P.S. If I had to pick the current Obamacare system (which I believe wholeheartedly has benefited insurance companies more than people) and a single-payer system, I would choose the single payer system. I suppose if I was really honest with myself I would rather have crappy, horrible, cheap, Dr. Nick style healthcare in a single payer system than have this Obamacare travesty which has just managed to put more money in the insurance companies pocket.

PEACE- I'M OUT!

Part 2

2011-04-13T18:31:00.000-07:00

Now that these two myths are resolved, what are my problems with obamacare. There are two big reasons that make the whole obamacare stink like a pile of German Shepherd diarrhea in August.

Problem 1: The individual mandate. My very good (but very misguided) friend says he does not mind it because everyone uses healthcare, so everyone should have to pay for it in some way. This is a good point if we lived in Europe, or some other continent or country where we did not have the Constitution. We have certain fundamental rights in this country, and I have not read anywhere in the constitution, nor in relevant case law that says the Federal Government can decree that we the people have to purchase something. The government is overstepping its bounds. If they would like to provide healthcare, fine, but when we allow them to have the power to mandate that we buy something, where will it end? “Oh, but Obama is so benevolent and virtuous that he wouldn’t possibly think of exploiting that power”, lets pretend that is true, what about 5 years from now when another Evil Republican gets into the Whitehouse- what do you think he will do with that power? It is not a right I am willing to give up, it is too easily exploitable by evil men with evil designs.

Problem 2: Who is going to pay for this? Who? Right now there is no way to pay for it. Sure we can raise taxes, but we all know that is an uphill battle even in good times, much less a recession. Basically, congress acted like the guy who decided to buy a Lamborghini in the hopes he would get that big promotion he deserves in order to pay for it. I would be more ok with this Frankenstein mess if they at least had the means to pay for it. But they don’t, they have just managed to borrow more money from the Chinese in order to pay for it. Now we have a debt, and we all know that debt is never good, even if it is for a "noble" cause.

Lets pretend I am in charge, what would I do to fix it? Everyone just expand your mind a little bit, and recognize that there are other ways to fix the healthcare system than just Obamacare.

1. I would expand Medicare to cover the 44 million people who don’t have healthcare. Out of a country of 300 million (less than 15 percent of the population by the way, which means 85% do have health insurance), I think we could expand and reform Medicare, cut the waste, make it more efficient, and make it a good program. It would certainly be cheaper than to try to cover the 85% of people that can pay for it on their own.

2. I would get rid of the insurance companies. They are the real problem here, as they inflate the costs of medical care. And just something to chew on- if Obama really is the champion of the little people to save them from the evils of industry, then why did he just give a huge freebie to the health insurance companies with the individual mandate?
I think if we could get the insurance companies out of it, then healthcare would be more affordable to those who could pay for it on their own, while still providing a safety net for those that cannot pay for it themselves.
One last thing, I have heard from many people that ObamaCare is better than nothing, and so we should just shut up and take it. To that I say I don’t care if you sprinkle skittles on a turd, I still won’t eat it.
There are other things that bother me, but they are too numerous to mention, these are the main sticking points with me. And please, if anyone reading this disagrees with any of my points, feel free to tell me why and try to convince me otherwise.
Peace- I’m Out!

My impression of beating a dead horse...

2011-04-11T19:43:00.000-07:00

So a very good, but extremely misguided, friend brought up Obamacare the other day. It was not my choice, I have not wanted to discuss poitics for a little while, but I suppose I just can’t get away from it. So in an effort to clarify my standing on obamacare, I offer the following essay:

Why Danny does not like ObamaCare
By Danny

First, let me clarify some myths surrounding my position.
Myth 1: Danny hates poor people. Although I do find their lack of hygiene and social skills disturbing (just kidding people!), I do not hate them. In fact, I find it appalling that their access to medical care is stymied because they do not have insurance. I think poor people do not get the same quality of healthcare as people who have health insurance. I further believe that everyone should have access to good medical care no matter what your income is. Just because I don’t like ObamaCare does not mean that I don’t think that poor people should not be able to have healthcare.

Myth 2: Danny loves the current healthcare system and does not want it to change. On the contrary, I think the current system stinks. I think the costs are artificially inflated due to having to go through a middle man for healthcare (insurance companies). The current healthcare system needs some serious reforms, but Obamacare is not the only option for reform out there.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of my essay...
Peace- I'm Out!

2011-03-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Just so you know, at this point I could really care less about what Obama does. Personally, I think we should have stayed out of Libya only because we are already fighting two other wars that Obama promised to end to get elected. But I have heard people at work spout this same stuff as the video singing Obama's praises for freeing the oppressed people of Libya. A little consistency in your thoughts is all I am asking for.
Peace- I'm out!

politics bores me right now

2011-03-24T19:07:00.000-07:00

the title says it all, but before I sign off for the next 6 months or so, I would like to get a couple of deep thoughts out there on politics.

1. Libya- so all you anti-war protesters that took time out from smoking the reefer and playing tetris to get out and vote for Obama, what is going through your minds now?
He seemed to run on a pretty solid anti war platform, and what has he done so far to make good on his promises- pull the troops out of Iraq - didn't really do that, the 2012 timetable was actually Bush's agreement . He pulled the troops out of Afghanistan...no, wait, he actually sent more troops to Afghanistan. Well, he may not have done that stuff, but he did shut down Guantanamo Bay... he didn't? I'll be, he didn't. Well, surely he got rid of all that icky stuff that fascist Bush put into place like the PATRIOT Act and wiretaps and all that stuff- right? No, I guess he didn't do that either. I am just wondering what everyone who was so passionate about old Obama's antithesis of Bush's warmongering are thinking now?

2. Government spending- it is outrageous and out of control. It makes me literally sick when I see how little congress is concerned about how much they spend and what it is doing to this country. I think everything needs to be cut- EVERYTHING- that includes military spending. Get out of Iraq and Afghanistan now and lets tend to our house first, then we can go over to the neighbors and dig in their yard. I know some say the answer to the deficit is to raise taxes. Especially on businesses. Guess what, tax a business, you are really taxing the customer. If you don't believe me, just look at the gasoline industry. The federal, state and local fuel taxes are passed straight to you. You think the donut shop down the street is any different. The Feds start taxing them an extra .10 for every bagel they sell, I guarantee every bagel you buy will go up .10. And for all you moaning about the tax cut extensions, and how the republicans rammed it down our throats, take a look at the democrats who are staunchly unwilling to cut ANYTHING. I would be willing to pay higher taxes if congress would cut 42% out of the budget. Why 42%, because they borrow .42 on every dollar they spend.

3. Gay marriage- here's something for you guys, gov't should NOT be involved in marriage AT ALL. It is a religious institution and should therefore be left to the religions. I think all the government should be able to do is make two people legal partners that have rights to property. The partners do not need to be in love, it could be two old ladies, a guy and his grandma, a woman and her dog, business partners, I don't care, if you want to enter into a legal contract to be able to make decisions for people and inherit property when they die, then you should be able to no matter who you are or who they are. But leave marriage alone, especially the government, it is a religious matter and so you should separate yourself from it. The government is in no condition to start inflicting moral values on its citizens. Cause quite honestly, their moral values conflict with my moral values.

Anyhoo, there are a couple of my deep political thoughts to tie you over till summer.
Peace- I'm OUT!

Childhood movies RUINED!

2011-03-23T16:21:00.000-07:00

Remember when you were a wee lad of perhaps 10, and you saw that really super awesome Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie? Do you remember wondering why Ninja Turtles was looked over at the Oscars that year? Maybe you don't, but I do. Yes, I thought the TMNT movie was awesome. But then again I was an adolescent so what did I know? I realize now that TMNT is NOT an awesome movie, and is in fact one of the worst movies I have ever seen. We all grow up and realize that our tastes as kids were probably pretty bad.
Occasionally, however, we remember a movie from our childhood, and looking back cannot find anything bad to say about it. It has withstood the test of time and is still awesome. Or so we think. I had one of these moments earlier this week when I saw the 1989 Batman was on Netflix. Remembering fondly how great this movie was, and not thinking of one reason why it would even be in the same league as TMNT, I pressed the play button. I then proceeded to ruin one of my favorite childhood memories.
Where to begin? The dialogue alone made me cringe throughout the whole movie, it sounded like it was written for a High School drama class. I know it is a cartoony movie, but it just felt like it was a movie waiting to be rifftraxed. (Note to self, check RiffTrax and see if Batman is available). Other than a very weak script and plot, perhaps the worst part of the movie is Jack Nicholson. He didn’t play the Joker, he played Jack Nicholson. Anybody ever notice he plays the same character in all his movies? In this one he just wore some makeup and had a crazy laugh. I suppose this could be chalked up to wanting to beat my head in with a hammer whenever Jack Nicholson is on the screen, but I think it is because Nicholson is not a very good actor. NO HE DIDN’T!!!!!!!! Yes I did, he is a terrible actor that just happens to be one of Hollywood’s flavors of the month, much like Snookie is on whatever tv show she is on.

As a side note, there are very few really good actors, most of them become popular because they are easy on the eyes and can speak in complete sentences. Most of the really popular actors only play caricatures of themselves. If you don’t believe me, just watch a few of your favorite actor’s movies back to back- I can almost guarantee that the performances and mannerisms are all the same. Just look at Tom Cruise or Mel Gibson, perhaps you could watch a Harrison Ford movie, and then pop in some Denzel Washington and Glenn Close movies. If any disagree, feel free to point out my error!

In the same vein, Michael Keaton was Michael Keaton, not Bruce Wayne. We got the character from Mr. Mom and Gung Ho! and threw in a little more Tim Burton and we have Bruce Wayne.
This movie was simply awful. The only thing I liked about it was Batman’s costume. I still think it looked waaaayyy cooler than the costume in the new movies.

And before you think that I am comparing Batman to Batman Begins or the Dark Knight, I’m not. They are incomparable. They are apples and oranges. I would not compare these movies just like I would not compare the cheesy 1966 Batman to any of these others. And before anyone mentions the Joel Schumacher Batman movies, I refuse to acknowledge that they even exist, I believe that the rumor that these movies exist is a cruel joke perpetuated on the human race.

Anyhoo, enough about that, it is not a good movie. Maybe that is too harsh, it is a good movie for 10 year olds, and has found a great place next to TMNT in my mind.

politicians...

2010-11-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

Do you know what irritates me most about politicians? I mean ALL politicians- republicans, democrats, blah, blah, blah...

Their weird justifications whenever they lose an election. What might that be, you ask?

We lost because our base wasn't motivated to vote. We lost because people didn't get out and vote. We lost because we didn't explain ourselves well enough, and people weren't motivated to vote.

Maybe you lost because people disagree with you and your policies.

And before anyone fires back at me with Obama and the democrats, let me make myself clear- ALL POLITICIANS DO THIS.

In 2006, the republicans lost- and they did the same thing. It wasn't that their base did not turn out to vote, they were tired of how they were running things.

To the democrats that lost this year- it was not because your people did not turn out to vote, it was not because you didn't get your message out, and it was certainly not because us dumb citizens just don't understand what you are trying to do.
You lost because people do not like the way you are running things. Period.
End of rant.

Peace- I'm out.

My silence is broken...

2010-10-15T23:31:00.000-07:00

After a hiatus of about 4 months, I have decided to break my silence. What will I talk about? I bet you cannot wait to get a glimpse into my soul, the deepest thoughts a redneck like me can conjure up...

Probably not. Because I am in school, and we are trying to expand the living area in the house that my posts will continue to be sparse. It is because I am on vicodin right now for an abscessed tooth that I am up at 1:30am and am writing this now.

Just some random thoughts-

Some may think because I am a black hearted conservative that I don't believe in social safety nets. Quite the contrary, actually. I am not opposed to welfare, medicare or medicaid, food stamp, WIC, etc, etc. I am opposed to the fraud and waste that poor MANAGEMENT of the programs produce. I am opposed to politicians using social programs as a bribery tool for votes. I think unemployment benefits are good. I like the idea that if I lose my job, I don't have to starve, or my family does not need to starve.

I recently had to read a book for one of my classes called American Dream by Jason DeParle. It is a book about welfare reform in the 90's. Although I didn't agree with many of the conclusions of the author, it was a very informative book I thought on the limits of government. After the welfare reform under the Clinton administration cleaned up most of the fraud and abuse, it shed new light on the legitimate cases of welfare. For some, being on welfare was needed because they were in-between jobs, or were single parents that felt they needed to raise their kids- in my mind perfectly legitimate and good reasons to be a welfare recipient. Others couldn't keep jobs because of mental illness and drug addictions.
What struck me most in the book (my class is on public policy) was how the policies implemented never quite got to the root of the problem. The policies in the welfare reform focused on job skill training, interview training, etc. All great things, except the majority of people still on welfare were there because of addictions and mental illness. How is interview training going to help someone on crack become a contributing member of society?
The issues that seem to cause people to be on welfare are not things the government can help with- they are issues of morality and values. This may surprise some of you, but I don't think the government is in a position to dictate and educate us about morals and values. Morals and values is what is going to help prevent teenage pregnancy. Morals and values is what is going to help prevent drug abuse. Not the government. I also think that Sex ed should not be taught in schools, even abstinence programs- that is something parents should be teaching.
We do need Separation of Church and State, but we don't need insulation from churches. That is the problem now days, religion has become something to be mocked. Moral relativism is what rules the day. Until we can change that, no amount of money spent in government programs is going to stop teen pregnancy, drug abuse, or any other moral or values based activity.
This is why I see the government as a lumbering impedance to society. They often have to stick their hands in places where they do not belong. They try too hard to be a paternalistic entity. In my opinion, it does more harm than good.
And just to show that this in not a right left issue, I will criticize the right for a moment. In the 90's, the prevailing thought was that the cycle of welfare could be broken by kids seeing their parents working, or that by working, adults would gain a sort of spiritual satisfaction out of it that they would magically become better parents. Now, conservatives also postulated that if a work requirement was introduced into welfare, the rolls would be reduced. They also postulated that if block grants were given to the states, and the states were allowed to administer it as they saw fit, the rolls would be reduced. Liberals said that both these ideas would increase the homeless population and kids would be sleeping in alleys.
The liberals were wrong, welfare reform did not produce more homeless families, it did reduce the number of people on the rolls, cause most figured they could just go out and get a job and make more money, since they had to work anyway. Also, states administered the programs more effectively and helped more people. So the conservatives were correct on that point, but they were wrong that it could break the cycle of welfare. They were wrong because they attempted to fix a moral and values problem with government policy- it doesn't work.

Anyway- after that long post that most people probably won't care to read, and may have fell asleep halfway through- I thank you for reading it and getting to this part, sadly there is no reward, only the knowledge that you know some of Danny's innermost special thoughts...

Peace- I'm Out.

Clarification on guns

2010-07-03T11:23:00.001-07:00

I am ok with certain regulations on guns, just as I am on cars. Allow me to elaborate:
I am ok with age restrictions on owning firearms.
I am ok with background checks.
I am ok with outlawing straw purchases (although it really is just the honor system at play here.)
I am ok with one private citizen selling a gun to another private citizen.
I am ok with the tax stamp for owning an automatic weapon.
I am ok with having to take a training class before you carry a firearm.
Beyond that, there are not many more things I am ok with. A gun is dangerous. So is a car, an arc welder, a table saw, a nail gun. Cars kill far more people than guns do, so why have we not banned cars yet?
Just some facts that I found- in 2004 the number car crash fatalities was 42,636. The firearm fatalities (which includes all types of deaths from firearms- accidental, murder, etc.)was 29,569. http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/01/Autos/nhtsa_death_stats/index.htm http://washingtonceasefire.org/resource-center/national-firearm-injury-and-death-statistics

Also on more interesting fact- in 2008, according to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, the firearm of choice for murderers was a handgun, not a rifle by a 2 to 1 margin (an AK-47 is classified as a rifle). Leads me to believe the only gangstas who use AK's are in the movies. Besides, how many times do you here about 10 or more people getting shot at the same time? Has it happened, maybe, I can't find anywhere in the US where a gang member rolled up with an AK and took out a rival gang at the same time. If it does happen, it is rare. and AK's are legal to buy and own. Where is the mass killing from all the non-banned assault rifles?

more guns part 2...

2010-07-01T10:13:00.001-07:00

To continue the theme of yesterday: arguments against guns and my responses to them.

I don’t have a problem with people owning guns, I just don’t see why you need to have a _____________.(fill in the blank with a scary gun, such as an M-16 or AK-47) I’ll let everyone in on a little secret- how the gun looks or how many rounds it holds does not make it more dangerous then a pink, bolt action rifle. ANY gun in the hands of an irresponsible person is capable of severely injuring or killing a person. It’s like taking a stick of dynamite and painting one yellow with flowers on it, and another one black with flames and demons on it. Is the yellow one with flowers any less dangerous than the other? I think this argument comes from a lack of knowledge of guns. People will say that these types of guns, especially the AK-47 have a more dangerous caliber of bullet than other guns. This is simply not true. The AK-47 fires the 7.62mm round, which is a relatively small round. Most hunting rifles fire a far larger and more powerful round, such as the .30-.06, a far larger and much more common hunting round. The M-16/AR-15 shoots an even smaller round, the 5.56/.223 (they are not the same, they are slightly different rounds). In fact, this round is sometimes referred to as a “varmint” round, cause it’s mostly good at killin’ ground critters, like rats, prairie dogs and rabbits. Others will say that what makes them dangerous is the magazine capacity- sometimes 30 rounds. I honestly don’t understand too much of why this is a big deal, something about being able to fire more without reloading… I’ve got news for you- if it takes you more than 2 seconds to throw another magazine in the firearm you probably wear a helmet and ride the short bus to school. So the amount of ammo it holds doesn’t really ring true to me as sufficient basis for a ban.

Well, I had more written, but to be honest this subject is boring me for now…since this is my domain I will cease writing about guns. I have not really read any comments any have made, so perhaps I will.

On the other hand, Sharel and I might be getting a dog here in the next couple of weeks. It is a big dog, one that will eat small children and skinny people. (I am just kidding, the dog has no taste for adult, skinny humans). Any way, she is a chocolate color and about 7 or 8 months old. We are not real sure that we are going to get her, but we are going to check her out. We are excited. She was picked up by animal control from the owners who were moving and didn’t want to take her with. The good news is she is young enough to still socialize and have it benefit her. Like I said, it is up in the air right now, but we would sure like to get her if she fits with us.

Peace- I’m out.

More on guns...

2010-06-30T08:28:00.001-07:00

Just in case any of you don’t know my stance on guns- I like them. I like them a lot. Sure, some may say it is an unhealthy obsession. Mom thinks it is because I watched violent tv shows like CHiPs and Hunter as a very small child. Perhaps it was the Christmas that I got a Red Ryder bb gun from Santa that set me on this path of firearm love. Whatever the case may be, I do enjoy shooting guns. Please don’t mistake this for some sort of apocalyptic end of the world stance on life, where I stockpile guns and wait for zombies to rise so I can shoot them and live in a world with no electricity and no government and no…well, you get the picture. I would call myself a gun enthusiast (not really, ‘cause then I would have to kick my own rear end) in the same vein as people are enthusiasts about cars, or golf, or musical instruments, or model planes, or chess. Get the picture? It’s a hobby that I find no weirder or strange than the aforementioned hobbies.

That being said, as far as gun control, I have heard all the arguments for it, and it has yet to change my mind. There are some common arguments that I hear, and just so we do not repeat ourselves here, here are my responses to them.

Guns kill people. So do knives, cars, baseball bats, tire irons, fists, feet, piano wire, rope, electricity, water, heat, cold, bungee jumping, mountain biking, horses, tigers, bears, dogs, viruses, hammers, nail guns, lakes, boats, airplanes, bricks, rocks, cliffs, trees, skydiving, scuba diving, sharks, repelling,, etc. If you don’t get my point- lots of things kill people, but we do not outright ban them.

Guns kill people part 2. No, they don’t. I can set a loaded gun on a table and at no point will it kill someone. It can’t. it is not alive, it is not capable of manipulating itself, it is not capable of aiming itself. It cannot kill. A person could pick up the gun and use it to kill another human. A person can pick up a baseball bat and use it to kill someone. A person can pick up a knife and use it to kill another person, but there is no crusade bellowing “Knives kill people!” In my scant 30 years of life, not once has a knife from the kitchen ever killed me or someone I know on its own. It is the same with guns. It is a tool, one that people use for a variety of purposes from sport to hunting to fighting wars. Someone has to use it to kill. Blame the person, not the tool.

Crazy, evil people use a myriad of things to kill or hurt other people. I don’t think it is going to make much difference what they use, the point is if they want to kill or hurt someone, they will find a way. Banning guns ain’t gonna stop them.

But, you say, guns are more dangerous and deadly than a lot of things you just listed. I would agree. But any of the things listed above, especially automobiles can be deadly in the hands of an irresponsible person. We do not ban cars, and I know more people personally that have been killed or severely injured in a car accident than killed or injured with a gun.

That is probably a long enough post for now. I will post more arguments I have heard and my responses to them.

Peace- I’m out.

My silence is broken...

2010-06-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

SCOTUS rejected Chicago’s handgun ban. I know most of you will say “boy, Danny is probably ecstatic right now, that loveable, cuddly lump of right wing angst!” But, you would be wrong. Well, not too wrong, just a little. Lemme ‘splain, before some think I have lost my mind.

First, I am very happy with this ruling. I think bans like this are bred out of an illogical fear knee-jerk reactionism. These types of bans do not address the root cause of crime, but rather symptoms of crime. It is like going to a doctor with an infection, and instead of treating the infection, he prescribes Tylenol just to keep the fever, the symptom of an infection, away. I could go on and on about what the underlying causes of crime are, but that is another post. Anyway, I think this ruling does give back some of the freedom that we should have.

I am hesitant with this ruling for another reason. My states rights/libertarianism is showing on this one. I think states should largely be left alone from Federal intrusion. If a state wants to ban guns, give out socialized medicine, have exorbitant taxes, dictate what kind of car you can drive, when you can run your A/C, then you can move to California and see how well you do. Hey, maybe spend, spend, spend, tax, tax, tax will create a successful economy and a wonderful place to live, just like California.

If you want to live in a state with the opposite philosophy, then you can move to a place like Texas. If you want to live someplace in between, then you can choose from 48 other states.

My point is, I think if you let states run themselves with whatever philosophy they choose, it will be apparent what works and what doesn’t. I know some will say that it can’t happen that way since states and their economies are tied in to each other, and it wouldn’t be practical, but hey, I can dream can’t I?

I know some, like Spencer will argue that states cannot trample on fundamental rights laid out in the constitution. I would agree as well. That is why I am very, very happy about this ruling, and only slightly, very slightly unhappy about it.

Now, everyone feel free to comment and express their own views, but let me say I may or may not respond, as my time is very limited on looking and updating the blog, and also because with gun control I am very stubborn and already have made my mind up. There is little that anyone could say that will make me think any differently about my views. So nah nanana booboo.

Peace- I’m out.

response to Spencer

2010-06-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

I do not disagree with you. You are addressing the clean up phase of the spill. In that area Obama is failing horribly. I am referring to the actual leak and the many people who wonder why Obama hasn't stopped the leak yet. I am referring to the people who are screaming for Obama to kick BP out and take over the efforts to stop the leak.

I think what we have here is a large segment of the population that when disaster strikes, they are waiting for Uncle Sam to kiss the booboos and make everything better immediately. they did it with Bush and Katrina. They wondered why Bush didn't evacuate New Orleans. Now they are wondering why Obama didn't plug the leak. I am quite confident that the government would take 8 times as long to fix the leak than BP will take.
This is the point of my post. the cleanup efforts are a whole other discussion.
So there.

On a somewhat related note, the EPA brought together the best minds they could find to figure out how to stop the leak. One of the "experts" they called in was one James Cameron, the mega intellectual director extraordinaire. Given who this administration is running to for ideas, I think it is a good thing for humanity that they are letting BP fix the leak.

a brief foray back into the seedy world of politics...

2010-06-03T09:02:00.001-07:00

Just a potpourri of thoughts…

I just have to ask all those that loathe George Bush- 20 years from now am I still gonna have to listen to everything being blamed on Bush? How long is the Obama Administration going to keep blaming Bush for things? At some point enough policies will be in place that the current administration will have to own it. For now it sounds like a lot of people have loser’s elbow. (to demonstrate what ‘loser’s elbow’ is, first point your index finger out, like you are pointing at somebody. Take your other hand and cup it under your elbow. Now jab your pointing finger hand towards something [may I suggest a picture of George W.] whilst repeating “it’s your fault, it’s your fault!”. Do that enough and eventually you will have to see a doctor as you will have a condition similar to tennis elbow, but its called ‘Loser’s Elbow’)

The Oil Spill…

First I would just like to say that this is not Obama’s fault. I would also mention that BP is not some evil, sinister corporation that is not fixing this because it hates the inbred shrimp fisherman of the Gulf and the environment.

I think a little logical thought would help- first, this spill is going to cost BP an enormous amount of money and reputation. This could likely put BP into a serious financial problem. What evil, profit worshipping corporation is going to purposely endanger their profits like this? In that same vein of thinking, with BP knowing what a huge disaster this is for their bottom-line, does it not stand to reason then that they are doing everything they can to stop the leak? It was an accident. Lets get the leak stopped first, then we can evaluate what went wrong and see if there is any culpability on anyone’s part.

Further I would like to go on record as defending Obama a little (shocking, I know). Really what can he do? Don a scuba tank and a teleprompter and go down there and inspire the pipe to stop gushing oil? Perhaps we could hook his enormous brain up to a computer and use it to come up with a solution to the leak? Better yet, why don’t we just follow the solution he has already given to “Plug the damn hole!”. He can do no more to stop the leak than Bush could to stop a hurricane.

I do however think the people who blamed Bush for Katrina should go ahead and blame Obama for this spill. You guys wouldn’t want to be hypocrites, would you? You see, I didn’t think there was a whole lot Bush could have done to get people out of New Orleans (state and local sovereignty issues), and I don’t think there is a whole lot Obama can do in the current situation. So I am consistent.

Now just so you don’t think that I have suffered brain trauma, here are my criticisms of the administrations handling of this disaster- as I said before, lets concentrate on fixing the problem, rather than wasting time and effort trying to find someone to blame for this. After all, did Obama not run on the promise to change the status quo of politics? What is the status quo of politics when it comes to disasters? Assigning blame early and often. Instead of sending Holder down there to investigate criminal activities, focus on the problem. As Sharel pointed out, it is a little like an ER doc trying to figure out who hit who before working on the car accident victim. Beyond that, I think it helps little to start threatening everyone associated with this effort with criminal charges. It is counterproductive.

Peace- I’m Out.

Enjoy...

2010-05-24T22:57:00.000-07:00

Conclusions

2010-04-14T09:56:00.001-07:00

I grow tired of the healthcare discussion…it displeases me. So this will be the last post on healthcare for a while. We have had a rousing discussion, and points were made on both sides, but in all seriousness, I think we are all intelligent people that have already made our minds up. We could spend months going back and forth on this issue, and since this is my totalitarian blog, I choose to move on after this post.

But first, a few last thoughts on the bill. Sharel’s post sums up nicely what the philosophical opposition to this bill is. By mandating that we have to do something, we are being deprived of a choice to make. Like it or not, this diminishes our agency. I feel, and Sharel does too, that we have an obligation as a disciple of Christ to help the poor and the needy and the sick. The key word is WE, not the government. When the government takes over, it too diminishes our ability to take care of the poor and the needy. Agency in this life means suffering and unfairness abound. Opposing this healthcare bill does not mean we don’t care about the poor or the needy. It doesn’t mean that we like the way the system is run right now. It doesn’t mean we are ok with people going through bankruptcy because from no fault of their own, they became ill. These are things that need to be addressed, but I don’t think this bill addresses any of this.

In fact, I think this bill is going to really hurt me and my family. We are the people stuck in the middle that make too much for help, but not enough to cover all the proposed costs. Sharel and I have worked hard to manage our finances, and we have less going out in money than we have coming in not because we make a lot, but because we have gone without a lot of things such as cell phones, or flat screen TV’s, new clothes, etc. I would bet that I make less than most people reading this blog, and if you want to know how much I make, just ask, and I will shoot you an email. All that hard work is being threatened by rising health care premiums to meet the government mandates. And that is not me speculating what is going to happen, that is an acknowledged fact. I don’t want to break the law, but if it is the difference of having to go on welfare because I can’t afford to pay my bills, or Sharel having to go to work or pay the $695 penalty, I will pay the $695 penalty. I will take my chances with not being obedient to the laws of the land. And if we get sick, we will sign up for insurance. It sucks, and I won’t be proud of it, but I will not make Sharel work outside the home, it is too important that she raise our kids, not a daycare.

So that being said, I will move on. And what will amuse me in the future? Shall we talk about current political events? Perhaps. But probably not. I think I will turn back to a rousing discussion of guns. A few upcoming debates- .223 vs 7.62. Glock vs. FNp. AK vs AR. Perhaps other debates, such as Courtesy flushes, who do they really help? ’68 Camaro vs. ’76 Camaro. K5 Blazer or Bronco? Maybe I will have some more venting posts, such as what frustrates me about Boy Scouts, or working in an office full of women with only two toilets, one of which is a ladies room, the other a unisex restroom. Or why Newsradio was the funniest sitcom ever on television. Whatever I desire…

Peace- I’m out!

Thoughts from Sharel on the current discussion of healthcare...

2010-04-13T21:17:00.000-07:00

From Sharel in answer to comments from the previous post:

Yes, WE the Lord's disciples are supposed to take care of the poor and needy, not the government. There is a difference as well between being compelled to give and giving of our own free will.

“It is the responsibility of every Latter-day Saint to work and so impart of his substance, regardless of the shifting standards of this world. We must uphold these principles and oppose every derogation of them. We must be careful not to adopt the commonly accepted practice of expecting the government or anyone other than ourselves to supply us with the necessities of life.”

– Marion G. Romney

All things to be done in the Lord's way and as we can see the government never does things in the Lords way.

We are supposed to take care of the needy and poor, but we should be able to do that without punishing others. Our whole purpose in helping the poor is to teach themselves how to help themselves as well. As history has shown us well that once you are in a welfare state, there is no incentive to go back. We should not just give stuff away and the church never just gives stuff away. Whenever help is given the gospel teaches the person who has been given something, to help out in return, to give back.

I guess it all comes down to a basic belief in what the governments role is. When we look beyond the health care bill there are fundamental beliefs about freedom and government.

I want to really reiterate how I DO NOT LIKE THE SYSTEM THE WAY IT IS, I keep getting from you how I must love how things are and that is not the case! We just don’t like this particular bill the way it is.

President Henry D. Moyle talked on this subject in these words:

“All we have to do is … examine any movement that may be brought into our midst … and if it … attempt[s] to deprive us in the slightest respect of our free agency, we should avoid it as we would avoid immorality or anything else that is vicious. … Free agency is as necessary for our eternal salvation as is our virtue. And … as we guard our virtue with our lives, so should we guard our free agency.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1947, p. 46.)

President Marion G. Romney, when he was a member of the Council of the Twelve, gave this advice:

“One of the fundamental doctrines of revealed truth is that … God endowed men with free agency (see Moses 7:32). The preservation of this free agency is more important than the preservation of life itself. … Everything which militates against man’s enjoyment of this endowment persuades not to believe in Christ, for he is the author of free agency.

“Now the world today is in the throes of a great social and political revolution. In almost every department of society laws and practices are being daily proposed and adopted which greatly alter the course of our lives. Indeed, some of them are literally shaking the foundations of our political and social institutions. If you would know truth from error in this bitterly contested arena, apply Mormon’s test to these innovations [as recorded in Moro. 7:16–18]. Do they facilitate or restrict the exercise of man’s divine endowment of free agency? Tested by this standard, most of them will fall quickly into their proper category as between good and evil.” (Speeches of the Year, Brigham Young University Press, 1957, pp. 10–11.)

“In this modern world plagued with counterfeits for the Lord’s plan, we must not be misled into supposing that we can discharge our obligations to the poor and the needy by shifting the responsibility to some governmental or other public agency. Only by voluntarily giving out of an abundant love for our neighbors can we develop that charity characterized by Mormon as ‘the pure love of Christ.’ (Moro. 7:47.) This we must develop if we would obtain eternal life.” (Conference Report, Oct. 1972, p. 115.)

The difference between having the means with which to administer welfare assistance taken from us and voluntarily contributing it out of our love of God and fellowman is the difference between freedom and slavery.- Marion G. Romney, “Church Welfare Services’ Basic Principles,” Ensign, May 1976, 120

P.S.- I still want the crepe and fruit sauce recipe.
Sharel

Help me understand...

2010-04-09T12:14:00.001-07:00

We heard over and over again that the insurance companies had largely created the current healthcare “mess”. I have heard from many people how much they hate their insurance companies. I would agree as well. I think the insurance companies have created a middle man that has inflated costs of healthcare. It may have been unintentional, I don’t believe in a grand conspiracy to inflate costs, but it has happened. Why just a few weeks ago, a doctor had prescribed dad a powerful antibiotic to combat an infection he had. The insurance company decided it was unnecessary, and would not pay for it, so dad had to settle for a less powerful drug. Thankfully, it seems to have done the job, and he can continue on in his cancer treatments. So I have no love for insurance companies. They can be very frustrating, as sometimes it seems they do anything and everything they can to keep from paying.

We heard from members of congress, and even President Obama himself that the insurance companies were at fault. So their solution- make everyone buy insurance from the health insurance companies.

Can someone please explain this to me? And I am serious, I have racked my brain trying to figure this out. Seriously, please someone tell me how this makes sense at all?

Serious thoughts on Healthcare...

2010-04-01T20:03:00.001-07:00

So, I was thinking what my objections are to this new healthcare plan. I think there are 3 things that have bothered me so much about it, and most of it, at least two of the things have very little to do with what was actually in the bill.

1. The way it was done. This is my biggest gripe, and if anything "scares" me about this thing, it is how it was done. Or, perhaps to clarify, it was congress seeming to completely ignore us, there constituents. It was deal making to buy votes, rather than representing the people. I feel like I was totally ignored, that any hesitations or reservations about the bill were ignored as well. It was almost like a "we know what is best, so stop bothering us with your opinions." I firmly believe, and I think most polling will back this up, that people did not want this bill to pass, whether you thought it went too far, or not far enough, most people tried to tell their "representatives" (and I use that term very, very loosely) to reconsider and vote against this bill. But, a few promises of money to states, and some heavy peer pressure helped congress to forget who they answer to, and it is not Nancy Pelosi.
2. The cost of the bill. Does healthcare need to be reformed? YES. I said it, it does, despite what people think, I oppose this bill, but also think reforms need to be made in healthcare. But to be this drastic about it at a time where the national debt has tripled in one year, more than Bush ever thought of spending, is disconcerting. I have heard arguments that if not now, when? When we have money. Basic budgeting guidelines for businesses and regular people dictate that if you cannot afford it, you do not buy it, no matter how much you want it. You make do. I am just asking that we be able to pay for it now, not print money to do so. We just can't spend money we don't have, and the government shouldn't either, because ultimately they are spending our money. One day the debt will have to be paid, and that will come through our kids and grandkids having to pay over 50% of their money in taxes to clean this up.
3. I think this bill just made things worse. I am already paying a lot in premiums, and my premiums are going to get higher. If I had a million bucks, fine, so be it. But I don't, and am scraping by as it is. Higher premiums is going to take more money that I don't have out of my pocket. Also, I don't want that much government intrusion in my life. Mandates? Forget it, I don't like the government telling me I have to buy something. Merely telling everyone they have to buy insurance does not solve the problem of unaffordable healthcare any more than telling homeless people to buy a house solves the homeless problem. All this was was a big shoutout to the insurance companies, so they wouldn't fight against the bill.
I think ultimately the problem we have with healthcare is not the doctors and nurses, it is not the hospitals or clinics. It is the insurance companies. They have become a middle man, inflating costs and burdening health workers with extra paper work. I think that if we were to get rid of insurance for routine and basic things, such as checkups, colds, small infections, a lot of money could be saved, and more people would have access to care. If you absolutely can't afford a $20 dr.s visit, then perhaps there could be some help there. But I personally think entirely waay too many people go to the doctors every time they get a sniffle, and that costs the insurance company a lot. Now, let's have insurance for serious illnesses, and expensive surgeries and procedures. I am ok with that, but I think the first step would be to stop covering routine checkups. Let's get some tort reform in there to lower the doctor's costs of having malpractice insurance and the habit of ordering every test known to man to avoid potential lawsuits. That would help lower a doctors overhead, while also cutting down on frivolous procedures. Deregulate some prescription drugs. There are plenty of harmless medications out there that are unnecessarily regulated. Remember claritin? used to be prescription only, but now OTC. Why was it prescription only? if you can self diagnose and buy it yourself now, why couldn't you then? Amoxicillian? can you die taking amoxicillin? Sure. But you could also with OTC Claritin. Some of us are big boys and know our limitations. Why do I need to waste a doctors time, and my money so I can have them prescribe antibiotic eye drops for pinkeye? I know what pinkeye looks like. Is the .4ML in the eye drop bottle really enough for someone to ingest and die? Perhaps it is habit forming? I think making a lot of these prescriptions OTC could help lower costs as well.
Well, lookee here, I just lowered the costs of healthcare without adding to the national debt or degrading the quality of care anyone receives
Peace- I'm Out!

How to respond to treasonous rhetoric challenging the Great Healthcare Bill

2010-03-29T10:15:00.001-07:00

Many of us taking part in the glorious revolution for the implementation of a truly fair and equal system of communism have been confronted with facts and logical arguments against healthcare. They are correct in their theories of massive government debt, massive takeover of private industry and a mandates that are wholly unconstitutional. Although they are correct, they fail to see that we just don’t care. This does not matter in a communist form of government. They will not persuade us.

In order to counteract these arguments, and prevent them from swaying the naïve and the independents in this country, I have compiled a list of Central Party approved comebacks. These are to be used on forums, comment sections, and in conversations around the soon to be obsolete water cooler.

“Why don’t you want people to be able to go see a doctor when they are sick?”

“Why do you want people’s health insurance dropped when they get sick?”

“Why should only the rich get to see a doctor?”

“Why do you want the child with cancer to be denied the best healthcare because the insurance companies decided he has a preexisting condition?”

“Why do you hate poor people?”

“Why are you racist?”

“What is wrong with having a black president?”

These comebacks are just a few of what you can use. Be creative, and feel free to use these whenever a logical argument comes up.

Now, we need to realize that the opponents of healthcare know that the insurance system in this country needs a serious overhaul. And many of them want everyone to be able to get affordable healthcare. But we cannot let others know that this is what they think. We must paint them as uncaring people who hate poor people and minorities, and like the healthcare system the way it is because it makes them rich. If they counteract your comebacks with more fact-based logical arguments, then it is time to pull out the race card. Feel free to use the race card liberally.

Latah!

Unfounded Facist Claims Addressed!

2010-03-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

I have heard a number of claims that this new Healthcare Bill is unconstitutional. Really!? Why, it is not unconstitutional, it falls right into the bounds of the Venezuelan Constitution. And really, I think people do not give it enough credit, it is not a nationalization of healthcare. It is more conservative than that. The democrats had to make a lot of concessions to the bigwig fatcat rich republicans and that is why it does not reflect the values of the Cuban constitution. We after all are a melting pot of nationalities each with it's own special values and culture. Why not add a little Cuban here, and a little Venezuelan there. Perhaps if you do not think so, you are racist.
Another issue that concerns me is when the rich fatcat racist that oppose this bill talk of mandates. Of course state governments have forced people to buy car insurance! What is the difference?! And before you say- well, if you don't own a car, or if you do not drive, you are not required to buy car insurance- I say "Don't confuse me with facts!"
Das Vedanya!

Welcome to the new Workers Paradise!

2010-03-23T06:37:00.000-07:00

Change has happened! A glorious revolution has taken place! Let us all rejoice and bask in the light of a new workers paradise! Sunday night the people spoke! All 219 of them! We are now fighting back against the facist businesses that oppress the worker! We can now take money from the fatcat rich and give it to the rightful heirs- the 219 people of the United States. From now on the masses of facist drones will no longer be able to tell the 219 citizens of the United States what to do. We have won! Embrace the change!

2 questions for our congresspeople

2010-03-19T11:45:00.001-07:00

I just want to ask all of the elected officials in Washington 2 questions-

1. Is the current Healthcare bill before you an issue of “moral principle”?

2. If yes, then is the moral aspect of the legislation important enough to bypass democratic principles for the greater good?

The answers to these questions would be very telling. I have a suspicion that democrats have convinced themselves that this is an issue of morality, and therefore should not be subject to Constitutional guidelines and principles, not to mention basic representation of elected leaders in this Republic of ours. Which brings up another important point, one that is greater than the healthcare bill, it would confirm at least to me, the disdain liberals have for the Constitution, not to mention fundamental human liberties.

I have to admit that I have been fairly optimistic the last few months, that common sense will prevail. That democrats, especially those in the House, would push back against Pelosi for their own political future. It is clear that a majority of Americans do not want this bill passed. It is also extremely clear that less than 1/5 of Americans think what congress is doing is good. Less than 1 out of every 5 people do not like congress. That means even that one person still has a right arm that disagrees with congress. Now I am convinced that the democrats just plain don’t care. More importantly, Obama and Pelosi DO NOT CARE what we think. All of you that voted for Obama- do you realize that he has treated you like a cheap prostitute? You have been used, and promptly tossed aside. What’s worse is he didn’t even pay. He has shown that he does not even want to waste his time listening to you. Now think back to the past year. Over the summer recess with all the town halls, I was convinced that healthcare was DOA. Wrong. Even after getting yelled at, they still passed it. Scott Brown was elected, and they lost their filibuster proof majority- once again, thought the issue was over. Obama in his State of the Union told us he was focused too much on healthcare and 2010 would be the year of Jobs, Jobs, and Jobs. I thought, ok, this is his way of trying to bow out without egg on his face, and perhaps he will wait until after the midterm elections to start it up again. Wrong. This whole thing is spiraling out of control, and quickly. I believe they are prepared to do what is ever necessary to get this bill passed. Mark my words, and I hope I am wrong, but if this thing does not pass Sunday, it is not the end of it. This is going to go on and on, until finally I fully believe the Constitution and all legislative precedent will be thrown out the window, and this will become the law of the land. I don’t know how they could do it, but I have no doubt it will at least be attempted. And when that happens, I think we are going to see the so called “populist rage” come to a boiling point. For the first time I am really quite concerned about what the future will be. I am not scared, just concerned. Things will get ugly. Things will get hard.

We read in the Book of Mormon that at one point the people would “contend warmly” with each other, and eventually that turned into blows. Physical fighting over things. We are not there yet, but I think we are close.

Now that I have sounded very alarmist- let me tell you that although I am concerned, I really have no fear. We are prepared, not physically, but spiritually. We are not perfect, far, far from it. But we are doing the seminary things, and I can attest to the comfort that having the gospel be the center focus in your life reaps some amazing benefits. I hope and pray that some cooler, calmer heads will prevail in all of this. That those around us, those we elect will recognize what this is doing to this country, and put a stop to this fever pitch. But, if not, we will make it through. I have always told Sharel that all we really need in life is to be able to make and keep covenants. The world can fall apart around us, but as long as we can make and keep our covenants, we will be ok.

Anyway- PEACE, I’M OUT!

a confession...

2010-03-18T08:28:00.001-07:00

Joe Biden. I have to admit I like him. Now, I know he is part of the Obama administration, but I just can’t help but to like him. I wholeheartedly disagree with his politics, but he seems like the kind of guy I could sit down to dinner with and have a good time. All of these gaffes he makes- they are funny, and mostly harmless. And he knows what kind of idiotic things he says. I don’t hold it against him, heaven knows Bush wasn’t the “great communicator” either.

Personally, I don’t think Biden is part of Obama’s inner circle. He seems to be much more of a Harry Truman to FDR, than a Cheney to Bush. For those unfamiliar, FDR appointed Truman for pure political points, and the two never spoke much and Truman was largely left out of the loop on matters. I almost get the feeling that Obama was advised to get Biden, precisely because Biden is such a likeable, friendly guy to counterbalance Obama’s robot heart. But, it’s all speculation. If I find out that Biden has the same designs as Obama, I will be terribly upset.

An open letter...

2010-03-17T08:18:00.001-07:00

Dear Nancy Pelosi,

I understand where you are coming from. I understand that you live in and represent the people of the San Francisco area. I understand that most people living to the east of the great intellectual bastion of San Francisco resemble at best the Beverly Hillbillies, and at worst the deviant mountain folk portrayed in “Deliverance”. And perhaps, somewhere in the middle, we mostly resemble the people in Patrick Swayze’s epic “Next of Kin”.

I know that we are not as smart as you, that our inferior thinking and logic make it difficult to understand what is best for us. I know such outdated ideas such as religion, the Constitution and free will really stand in the way of you doing what is best for us. So I understand why you would want to circumvent voting on something as important as the Healthcare bill. If I thought the way that you do, I wouldn’t want to let something as insignificant as allowing representatives of the people to vote on this legislation either. And, I certainly don’t blame you for wanting to remove accountability from the process. Us dumb rubes out here in flyover country are sure to not re-elect anyone voting for this bill. So why not try and shield them from it? It seems perfectly reasonable to me. After all, we are too dumb to really know what is good for us. And to hell with the idea of a representative republic. As your esteemed colleague Thomas Friedman pointed out- a two party system, and a system of representatives really hampers the government from doing what is important and best for their citizens. So, I say why stop here. Who cares about rules, who cares about voting? Why not just pronounce the legislation passed, even without enacting the ‘deem and pass’ rule. That way everyone in the House can say with a certain amount of technical honesty that they did not vote for it. Imagine 435 representatives each announcing that they did not vote for what has become the law of the land. Wouldn’t that be great? Talk about change, LOL! That way us dumb hillbillies would still re-elect them. Furthermore, I think that whoever is there now, (not republicans of course) should just announce that they have been appointed to represent their district for life by you, the Speaker of the House of Representatives. That way they wouldn’t even have to run for office ever again! I really think you should get together with Harry Reid and Mr. Obama on this. Feel free to run with it. Eventually the dumb-dumb’s of middle America will forget about it, and think that is the way it has always been. Perhaps you could get some of your friends in Hollywood, like Matt Damon and Tom Hanks, to do a movie about the constitutional convention of 1787. In it you can tell the real story of what is in the Constitution. Why you could do this in one of two ways- first it could be a film about a bunch of angry white men who wanted to preserve their dominance and power of women and other people who “didn’t look like them”. The second way you could do this would be to tell what “really” happened at the convention (wink wink). How the founding fathers and the constitution do not talk about a representative republic at all, but a government that had the power and ability to do what is best for people, even if they don’t know themselves, like the government of Cuba! But, I am sure you already know all this. I guess I am writing you show my support for a fundamental transformation of our country from a republic to a totalitarian form. I am with you. Good luck in you endeavors.

Yours truly,

Danny

P.S.- when you have a movie made about your greatness, might I suggest Cheri Oteri to play you. She does the wide eyed, creepy hyper thing well.

2010-03-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

"One’s life, therefore, cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free. Therefore, how can you and I really expect to glide naively through life, as if to say, “Lord, give me experience, but not grief, not sorrow, not pain, not opposition, not betrayal, and certainly not to be forsaken. Keep from me, Lord, all those experiences which made Thee what Thou art! Then let me come and dwell with Thee and fully share Thy joy!” - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp

more gun talk

2010-03-04T09:40:00.000-08:00

Spencer- I agree with your assessment. I was reading the arguments made, and I know, who wants to do that, but I find reading opinions and what not interesting. Anyway, the arguments being made are not being made under the 14^th amendment- the due process clause. The argument is about “ordered liberty”, or rather is this a fundamental human right that does not derive it’s authority from the constitution? Not all amendments in the bill of rights are applicable to the 14^th amendment. For example, States do not have to adhere to the trial by jury clause. There are many states that have different standards as far as trials go. Most states do have trial by jury, but they are not required to under the constitution. Up until the early 1900’s, searches and seizures were only applicable to the Federal Government and Federal law enforcement. I am a firm believer that the framers of the constitution set it up to limit Federal power, not necessarily state power.

The idea of “ordered liberty” is that there are some rights that are more fundamental than others, and because they are more fundamental than others, they apply to the states without the need for justification under the 14^th amendment. Reading the arguments, it seems the Court is not too happy with the argument, they would have rather had it argued under due process.

I think they will eventually shoot down the ban, however. I am looking forward to reading the majority opinion.

An interesting observation- each judge seems to be prodding the counsel to argue the way they want it argued. It’s almost like they are trying to lead the lawyers with stuff lie- “but aren’t you really trying to say…, wouldn’t you agree…” Just interesting.

Some Obamamama news-

I can’t decide whether his administration is suffering from amateur hour at the White House, or rather the arrogance of the Supreme Leader is on display. My emotional gut feeling is that it is arrogance, but my logical synapses’ are telling me it is Amateur Hour at the White House.

- The administration telling us not to pay attention to the job numbers coming out, because the snow storm is likely to skew them.

- State of the Union- “2010 the focus is on jobs!” January to April 2010- “focus on Health Care!”

- Robert Gibbs. Nuff said.

- Health Care Summit-Obama to Republican congressman who had the 2400 page health care bill “stop with the props.” Yesterday white lab coats behind Obamamama as he discussed healthcare (props, anyone?)

- Contracts from the “stimulus bill” on green jobs is going to create 3000 new green jobs- in China.

- 2007- reconciliation on major policy allows one party to be totalitarian in nature, it is not what the framers of the constitution had in mind. 2010- use reconciliation to have this large piece of policy legislation passed. (that was Obama, BTW)

You tell me- arrogance that he can say or do anything and no one will either a. notice or b. care? Or is it a complete lack of professionalism and an overwhelming dose of amateur hour- and I mean not only Obama but his staff.

Peace-I’m out

The right to bear arms...

2010-03-03T07:40:00.000-08:00

So…the Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday in McDonald v. City of Chicago. For those of you who haven’t the faintest idea of what I am talking about, this is a very prominent 2^nd amendment case. The previous famous case of a year or two ago, Heller v. DC was landmark in nature, as the Court found that the 2^nd amendment articulated a fundamental right to self defense. But, the decision only applied to the Federal gov’t. This new case asks the Court to apply the Heller ruling to the states, something in legal mumbo jumbo called incorporation. Chicago has a total ban on all handguns, and Mr. Otis McDonald challenged the ban under the Heller ruling. So, now you know what I am talking about.

Believe it or not, I am not sure how I feel about this case. I further submit that this case has given all parties involved a severe identity crisis.

Lemme’ ‘splain- fundamental brass tacks- this case has nothing to do with the 2^nd amendment, but rather states rights. Conservative peoples who favor a fundamental right to have guns and shoot stuff also tend to favor a Federal govmint that stays out of states bizness. Liberal peoples who quake at the very sight of a firearm tend to favor a large central Federal govmint that has its hands in all sorts of nuances of everyday life. Here is where the identity crisis is rearing it’s confused head- the liberal I-just-peed-my-pants-I-saw-a-gun are arguing for the Federal gov’t to stay out of state and local gov’t business, while the lets-watch-NASCAR-and-then-shoot-stuff crowd wants Federal intervention into State issues.

While I completely agree that the right to self defense is a God given right, and so in that light it should be applied to the states just as the Due Process rights are, I do pause however at the notion that a state cannot enact it’s own laws. I would be a hypocrite if I said it was ok for the Feds to force the states to allow handguns under the 2^nd amendment, but on the other hand say the Feds should stay out of the whole marriage thing and let the states decide for themselves. If you don’t like California’s restrictions on guns, then don’t live there (and for a myriad of other reasons, you should move out anyway), same thing with Chicago. Let these liberal bastions of…liberalness, uh…reap what they have sown. It seems plain to me that these areas are falling apart rapidly- Detroit, Chicago, DC, etc. These are cities that are run by people just to the right of Karl Marx, and they have extremely high crime, high taxes, and are on the verge of bankruptcy. Let them fail. Let their crime rates increase to the point of no return. Please, please let them fail. If you value your life, and want to be able to keep a firearm in the home for self defense- don’t live in these cities. Let them implode like the Soviet Union.

Even with the same sex marriage issue, I don’t like the idea of a constitutional amendment. I think every state should decide for themselves. And in almost every state where it has been put to a vote, the voters have rejected the idea of same-sex marriage. In most of the states that allow it, it was the decision of a handful of people on the courts- which is very wrong for a plethora of reasons.

I too am torn, I suppose after thinking about it, I would rather have the Heller decision incorporated into the states, than allow places like Chicago to be a little authoritarian society. Especially if I believe the right to bear arms to be a fundamental right. But I am still very confused…

What do you think? I am actually curious to hear what the 3 people who read this blog think…

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

2010-02-26T10:03:00.000-08:00

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

According to climate scientists, January was the hottest January ever…. http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/160556

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHHAAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, they say they know this because of satellite data… hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha hahahahahahhahahahaha

Are we so reliant on computers, that all common sense has gone out the window. This is like looking at one of those bank signs- you know, the ones with the time and temp, and seeing that it says 80 degrees, yet there is snow on the ground. Well, apparently climate scientists would believe the sign over their own need to wear coats and mittens.

Good times, good times…

just a thought...

2010-02-15T14:01:00.001-08:00

How come heat waves, hurricanes, and thunderstorms are evidence of global warming, but massive snow storms and extreme cold snaps are just “weather”?

I am sure there is some intellectual Poindexter out there who can educate me…but I think I already know the answer. Because heat waves are hot, this is a great excuse to point out global warming, because it is really hot outside. Hurricanes and tornadoes are evidence because they are destructive and scary. If they are linked to global warming, then more people will want to do away with global warming, because it doesn’t play nice with the rest of the group. But cold spells, such as the one we had in January, this is just an isolated weather event, that neither proves not disproves global warming- it is just weather, and weather can fluctuate. The massive snow storms is just an isolated weather event as well.

Now, I am not here saying that because it has been really, really cold and there has been lots of snow that global warming does not exist. My point is, to have a legitimate point of view, then you have to be consistent in your arguments. You cannot brand a type of “weather event” such as a heat wave as evidence of global warming, but then dismiss another “weather event” – cold snaps, as having nothing to do with climate and global warming.

I for one am consistent in my arguments- I don’t believe in global warming because it is dumb and Al Gore is a poopoo face.

Peace- I’m out!

Car Kit of Doom...

2010-02-08T10:12:00.000-08:00

Now, on to the car kit. Most people think of the car kit as a kit kept in the car- with things such as jumper cables, tools, blankets, food, and water. That should be in your car at all times, and what I am talking about is different from that.

Our Car Kit will first include you BoB. The Car Kit is put together to enable you to take more things with you if you a) have more time to get out, say 20 minutes, and b)are able to drive your vehicle out.

So, with those two requirements in mind, let’s discuss the car kit.

The car kit should be portable, that means plastic tubs, or foot lockers, suitcases, even cardboard boxes- just as long as you can grab it. When putting one together, think of how much space you will have in your vehicle to put this stuff. In our minivan, we could probably fit 4-6 tubs in the back, with an extra 2 up front. If we have time, we could even fit more on the roof of the van, as we have a luggage rack. Evaluate what you can fit. Also what scenarios would you most likely need the car kit for-

Zombies are coming into you city, you have 20 minutes to leave. You decide to leave and drive to family in Utah. That means at least a 16 hour drive and who knows how long until you can come back. What would you need?

Well the first is food, and you could probably pack a good 3 or 4 days worth of food in your car. Water- you probably would not be able to fit gallons and gallons of water, but a couple of 7 gallon containers of water would not be unreasonable.

A couple of days worth of clothes

Tent, sleeping bags, tarps, propane stove with propane, rope, more rope.

Tools- folding shovel, saw, hatchet, car tools

More ammo, perhaps even a .22 survival rifle, or a Mossberg 12ga that can easily be broken down to fit in a storage tub.

A Comprehensive first aid kit- a large one, one with everything- if you have the scrilla, get a First Responder Bag, can get them off of Galls. (Ask Korynn and Bryan what to get for a first responder bag, that would be a good FHE).

Any number of things can and should be included in the car kit above and beyond what is needed for basic survival. It just really depends on your family, what you are comfortable with and without. The Car Kit could actually be your 72 (ahem, I mean 96) hour kit that everyone talks about. It just needs to be portable enough to grab and throw in the vehicle.

Bug Out Bag

2010-02-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

So, I talked about the Year’s Supply, and was going to move down the list, but it occurred to me that I should start with the bug out bag first, and then move up the list, as things added to the bug out bag will constitute the car kit, and things added to that will constitute the 72 hour kit and so on.

Bug out Bag- In order to explain the bug out bag, I will have to talk for a moment about the 72 hour kit. Many people confuse the 72 hour kit, with the bug out bag, but they are not the same thing. The bug out bag is not designed to sustain you with food and water for 3 days, nor is it used to haul around some sort of mini cabin and the comforts of camping. Of course, if you google Bug out Bag, you will find many variations that are intended for the wearer to run into the woods and wait out the zombies for a few days. Realistically though, how many of you are planning on running straight into the woods in the event of anything? Probably very few of us. Most likely we will be moving to another shelter, a place to get food and water. Most disasters in this area that will necessitate an evacuation of your house will not leave you without someplace to go. We have no hurricanes, no earthquakes that will wipe out huge swaths of city such as Katrina or Haiti. It is very likely that small areas will be affected, but there will be places to go if you are not able to stay in your own home.

The Bug out Bag is used when you have to get out of your house, and get out QUICKLY. I am talking 2 minutes quickly. This is especially true for those that live close to train tracks (chemical spills) or cemeteries (zombies). What is needed in a BoB? It needs to be tailored to your specific needs, and this will involve a little bit of talking with your spouse about what needs to go in there. The BoB assumes that you can get somewhere where you can have water, shelter and food, such as a Red Cross shelter or family. So if you tailor the bag around this scenario, it will be a lot easier to figure out what you want to put into it. For example- My BoB is tailored around having to a) go to a public shelter on foot or b)go to family on foot. Both of these scenarios is going to assume that whatever shelter I will get to will have food and water and perhaps even medical care. So really the BoB is full of important items and a change of clothes, not so much on survival items. Of course, you may want to tailor your bag to fit other scenarios such as the nearest family member is 2 days walk away- so we will need food and water and shelter to get us there.

Remember that it is impossible to plan for every variable. All we can do is plan for the most likely variables, and move on from there. This is why a good knowledge of skill sets could be invaluable to us. Do we know how to get food without packing it along- such as edible plants, or hunting? Do we know how to purify water without purification tablets or filters? Do we know how to build a shelter if all we had was a tarp, 4 feet of rope, a tire and a pallet? How do you stay warm without a sleeping bag? These are skills that can make up the deficit in unplanned variables.

Generally though, here are some absolutes:

Important documents (THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO HAVE!!!): either hard copies such as Social Security cards and birth certificates, other important pictures and documents such as bank account info, insurance info, etc. stored electronically on a thumb drive. (this is probably the most important thing you want to take with you- here is a more in-depth website for more info on this http://www.theplacewithnoname.com/blogs/klessons/p/0006.html there is a small amount of cursing, nothing real bad, no f-bombs- but he has a great list of things to have on in a BoB)

Money- probably at least $100 in small denominations, including change.

Medications- I would include daily things like Tylenol, Tums, maybe some anti-diarrheal stuff.

Small first aid kit- nothin’ fancy, just enough to treat some small injuries

Scriptures

Consecrated Oil

Phone numbers for family

Hygiene kit (small bath towel, soap, sanitizer)

Toilet Paper (or disposable towelettes would be better)

As for other things- I would have

Change or two of underwear and socks, perhaps even a change of clothes

Some snack food such as granola bars, candy

A few bottles of water- remember on the food and water- this is not meant to keep you in food and water for 72 hours- although if you want to pack some MRE’s- they are gross, but will provide food in a small package and you could probably fit 2 or 3 days worth. Mostly the food and water would be if you had to walk a few miles to get where you need to go- like to Mom and Dad’s house, to the church, or other shelter set up.

Flashlights- the LED kind as the battery lasts forever

Water filter- the LDS distribution center sells them for $22

Good Leatherman type tool

100’ rope

Trash bags- can be used for all sorts of things from purifying water to shelter

Poncho

Matches, candles, flint and steel, or other firestarting items.

Good pair of work gloves

Spare batteries

The crank power radio and cell phone charger mom and dad gave us

A large tarp

Space blanket

Knit hat

Hand warmers

Compass

Maps of the area

Water purification tablets

Metal canteen cup (one that you can boil water in)

A good knife

100 rounds of ammo for a firearm (not only to mow through waves of zombies, but also for hunting)

Duct tape (a million and one uses for this)

Special Forces Survival Guide- a small booklet with tons of info from shelter to first aid for trauma and sicknesses.

We have small kids, so we have two BoB, and mine is much heavier than Sharel’s, as I can carry more. Having kids means a little less space to pack things you may want, as you are packing stuff for the kids, such as clothes, some entertainment for them, baby food, diapers, etc.

Your BoB should not weigh anymore than 50 pounds- if it does, then you need to get rid of some stuff. It should also be in a place that is very easy to grab on your way out, such as next to the door, or in a coat closet. In order to be effective, you should also practice getting out of your house in under 60 seconds, to see if you need to adjust anything- an evacuation plan.

Year's Supply

2010-02-03T07:14:00.001-08:00

The Brethren have always advised us to have a Year’s Supply on hand. This means much more than just food, but also necessities such as soap, toilet paper, etc on hand. A good way to try and figure out what you would need is to imagine that you couldn’t go to the store for a month. What things would you run out of? Could you prepare and eat what is in your food storage? Many of us store wheat, but have no way of preparing it; or if we do, have we actually prepared it into something edible?

Sharel’s parents had a great example of stuff to store. They had soap, deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and all sorts of other things. The main idea behind the Year’s Supply is to be as self-reliant for a year as possible.

Most people may imagine the scenarios of needing a Year’s Supply as being out of work, or a local disaster where the Bishop asks for donations of food to care for the needy, or some other collapse such as an economic depression. Another reason, one that threatens every year is a major Flu pandemic. We have not had a bad outbreak of the flu since the 1960’s, and the worst one on record was in 1918. Public Health officials fear a 1918 like flu outbreak more than anything. Why? The 1918 flu killed more people between the ages of 30 and 60 than it did the old, or the young. More than 675,000 died in the US alone within 18 months. To this day, scientist and medical professionals are still at a loss as to what exactly in the virus killed so many relatively healthy adults. When we see the panic over the swine flu, or other flu outbreaks, it is mostly concern that we will see another strain that is going to kill relatively healthy, young and middle aged adults.

With all of our great advances in medicine and a far deeper understanding of viruses than ever before, still the only effective mitigation (stopping the spread) strategy for viruses is quarantines and isolation. Because of the speed at which we can travel, the virus could become pandemic before anyone even shows any symptoms.

A study done by the Dept. of the Navy shows that a viral pandemic of great enough proportions could halt transportation of goods and services on a monumental scale. Most large stores such as WalMart, or even local grocery stores get all their stock from just a few distribution hubs scattered throughout the United States. For instance, HyVee gets all of its goods from a distribution center in Iowa. Most stores only have about 4 days worth of goods actually in the store. That 4 days worth in an emergency panic mode would probably take less than 48 hours to clear out the store.

It would probably take at least a week to open up necessary transportation lines, depending on the speed and effectiveness of any anti-virals that could be delivered to the workers in the transportation industry. And this is only if the quarantine is government mandated. What if the majority of drivers get sick, or self quarantine out of fear? Estimates show that it could be at least a month to have transportation and delivery up to where it was previously.

Would you have a month worth of supplies in the event you couldn’t leave the house? We are assuming with this scenario of course that you still have running water, gas and electricity. Most communities will have a plan to keep essential services running, beginning with health care workers, emergency responders, and utilities.

I hope that has given a little perspective on the importance of a Year’s Supply, and the need to make sure we are constantly working to build it up.

I am not saying to get into debt over it, or to be impatient with thinking you need a Year’s Supply now, but as President Hinckley advised us- every time we go shopping, just get something extra to add, it needn’t cost a lot, just an extra can of fruit, or perhaps an extra tube of toothpaste. I have full faith that as we are working on it, in the event anything happens before we have completed it, that the Lord will make up the rest.

Zombie Preparation

2010-02-02T07:57:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows that the only thing you really need to be prepared for the impending Zombie Doom is a good, reliable 12 gauge pump action shotgun, with plenty of 00 buck shot and perhaps an axe. If you have that, you’re set. But, let’s suppose you want to prepare for just more than the Zombie Apocalypse? What might you need? Your needs and preparation will depend on a few different factors.

Where do you plan on surviving?
How long do you plan on surviving?

In answer to question 1, there are a really 3 options. The first is staying at your home. This is probably the best scenario that you can hope for. If you house is not unsafe to remain in, and there is no evacuation order, then this is probably you best bet for survival. What situations might require you to remain home? In Missouri, an ice storm, flooding that has not affected your neighborhood, tornado damage that has not affected your home, a flu or other virus outbreak, riots, or zombies that don’t know how to open doors.

A second option involves needing to leave your home, due to damage, or a general evacuation order and go to a shelter for a few days. This can happen for a number of reasons, including all the ones mentioned above, but has most consistently been a factor in chemical spills. Often a neighborhood will be evacuated for a time to allow cleanup. In this case, if you don’t have family you can stay with, or you are put in a quarantine situation, a red cross shelter is the most likely place.

The third option is evacuation, but having to leave the state, or to travel a fairly long distance to reach a safe area, or family.

Each one of these scenarios will necessitate a different amount of time needed for survival. Unfortunately it would be almost impossible to plan for each eventuality and have a different stockpile prepared for each. Instead, there are some general preparation strategies that will meet most of the elements needed for survival.

There are 4 different stockpiles needed to minimally survive most scenarios.

Year’s Supply
72 hour kit (really more like 96 hour kit, but I will explain later)
Car Kit
Bug-Out Bag.

Each one of these kits can be a part of the kit above it, for example a car kit can be part of your 72 hour kit, and the 72 hour kit part of your year’s supply. So really it is a matter of organizing things into groups depending on how much time you have to either survive or leave your home.

Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse...A Series by Danny's Deep Thoughts...

2010-02-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

As most of you may know, my brain is growing bigger day by day with the invaluable knowledge of a Graduate School education in Disaster and Emergency Management. One course that is glaringly missing from the catalog is “The Zombie Apocalypse: Mitigation, Preparation, and Response Strategies for Dealing with the Undead.” It’s quite disappointing really, to not have that course offered. But, I will be writing up a proposal and presenting it to the Dean, and perhaps even the Board of Directors for the school, in an attempt to have this course added to the curriculum. So, in preparation for the proposal, I will attempt to educate the three readers of this blog on the Zombie Apocalypse.

First- what is the Zombie Apocalypse? May I suggest watching “I am Legend” with Will Smith, or perhaps “The Omega Man” with Charlton Heston? Other films that will educate you on the Zombie Apocalypse are (disclaimer: I have not seen these, so I cannot verify that the content is suitable for an active, faithful Latter Day Saint to watch.) 28 Days Later, Zombie Land, Night of the Living Dead.

My purpose is to discuss the three strategies mentioned previously, Preparation, Mitigation and Response. I will tackle each one of these topics in the upcoming weeks.

In all seriousness, I will be writing about Emergency Preparedness, because a lot of the info I have seen coming from numerous sources, including what has been presented to us on a ward level are out of date. Recent disasters such as Katrina, and more recently Haiti, have presented us with invaluable information that has not been used to update the current thinking, your ward may be different, so perhaps you already know some of these things.

State of the Union Cliff notes...

2010-01-28T10:43:00.000-08:00

For those of you that didn’t sit through the 1 hour and 10 minute long State of the Union Address, here is a brief synopsis of what was said:

“Blah blah blah blah, I, my, I, Bush’s fault, Bush’s fault, blah, blah blah blah, I, my, mine, Bush’s fault, Bush’s fault, blah blah blah, Republicans fault, blah blah blah blah, listen and obey me, I’m great, welcome your ideas, as long as they are mine, blah, blah, blah, blah, Bush’s fault, don’t blame me, evil Bankers and Wall Street, blah blah blah blah blah, Bush’s fault, blah blah blah blah blah blah blah blah, I’m great, my ideas are infallible, have the courage to agree with me without question, blah blah blah blah, blah. Once again, my fellow Americans- everything bad happening is Bush’s fault, some of it is Wall Streets fault. Don’t be mad at me. I have the best ideas ever, and you are welcome to share your ideas, but just as long as they are really my ideas- it’s the only way I will consider them. To you democrats that are listening to your constituents- stop, stop right now, have the courage to stand by me, even if you don’t get re-elected. Stop listening to your constituents. Republicans- if none of you will vote for my ideas, rest assured, if my ideas fail, we will still blame you for the failure anyway. I am great, I am relating to the common man out there, because I have a low level staff intern read your letters, and then creatively tell me what I want to hear. One time, I also stopped at a McD’s to take a kingly deuce. Now after that experience, who can tell me I don’t relate to the common man. And because I relate to you- the common man, or woman- I know what’s best for you, because I am smart, I went to Harvard, smoked dope and even cocaine once. But don’t worry about that, I could explain, but your feeble, common minds wouldn’t understand. Allright, I suppose we are finished here- oh, one last thing- congress- stop perpetually campaigning, no one likes it. There you have it folks, vote for me in 2012…I mean that is the State of our Union!!! PEACE!! I’M OUT!!!”

just for fun

2010-01-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

A classic:

a few thoughts

2010-01-07T08:48:00.001-08:00

So Obama had a closed door meeting with his top security people the other day. News sources tell us that Obama was quite blunt about the failure of security on Christmas Day – here is what is purported to have been said- http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dc/2010/01/obama-dresses-down-his-intel-a.html

I have it on good authority that the meeting went something more like this (the unreported comments are in italics):

“This was a screw up that could have been disastrous to my image and presidency” Obama told his war council and national security advisers in the Situation Room meeting. “You dodged a bullet but just barely. If that plane would have been blown up, my political future would be in serious jeopardy. As it stands, this little failure on your part disrupted my vacation, disrupted my golfing, and has made me very cranky. This is not acceptable. Now I have to get up and give a speech on my vacation. Now look, I agree with the next person that the plane did not get blown up, so what is the big deal? Right? Wrong- it’s a big deal because it is making me look bad. Now we were successful in convincing people the Ft. Hood shooting was the work of a deranged, lone gunman, instead of a terrorist attack. I tried in my speech I gave a few days after the attempted bombing to blame this on the work of a lone, isolated individual, but that has not worked. I am trying to get large portions of the private sector under government control before I lose the majorities in the House and Senate, and this little episode is distracting me, and it is distracting the proletariat. On top of all this, some of my most ardent supporters are criticizing me for my detached, unemotional speech about this attempted attack 3 days after it happened. You would look unemotional too, if you had to get out of your golf shorts, and into a suit, and go and talk to the media instead of relaxing. This attempted attack has really hurt my image, and that is not acceptable.

“While there will be a tendency for fingerpointing at me, I will not tolerate it, I will throw all of you, and your families under the bus if I need to. Mark my words, if something like this happens again, I will ruin each and every one of you. I cannot stress enough how important I am, and what people think of me. This type of stuff is the stuff that makes me look bad. Now, just to clarify- I know that I promised an end to terrorism when I was elected. I know we blamed terrorism on Bush, and it worked. This is what the people that voted for me thought. The truth is that terrorism began long before Bush, and will probably continue long after. I know this, and you should know it. The American people, however, should not know this. It is your job to quietly prevent things like this from happening so I can be the great savior that stopped terrorism because I am not Bush” Obama also said.

The leaders of each administration agency and department took responsibility for failures to make Obama look good at their respective organizations.

Now- a few predictions for the Red Dawn remake-

America will be to blame for getting attacked- probably in the form of our greed causing the economic recession, or some other such nonsense.

The Wolverines will secure firearms from criminals, as only criminals have guns.

None of the wolverines will know the first thing about handling a firearm, they will all need to be trained by Jed, who in this version is a Marine Veteran from Iraq.

Somewhere in the film, the terrorists who plant roadside bombs in Iraq and Afghanistan will be painted as simple freedom fighters, trying to drive foreign occupiers out of their land like the Wolverines, rather than foreign jihadists who entered Iraq for the sole purpose of killing American Troops.

Somewhere in the film, the Middle Easterner will be portrayed as intellectually and culturally far more advanced that the brutish Americans, despite the treatment of women and only wiping their rear end with their left hand.

Towards the end of the film, we will be introduced to the sympathetic invader, who only had our best interests at heart, and could really help us.

Mark my words, most, if not all of these will be elements in the upcoming Red Dawn remake.

Peace- I’m out!

Snowacalypse 2009 update...

2009-12-08T14:19:00.001-08:00

We are going into hour 8 of this horrible wintry-mix storm here in the Kansas City Metro area. This storm reeks of evil, it is sneaky and smart. We all need to be on alert for the impending doom. So far, it has only rained, but there is no telling what this storm will do. Don’t let down your guard for a second. There is just no telling what is going to happen over the next 24 hours.

By some miracle, we are still alive. What our fates will be over the next 24 hours- no one knows. I just hope that I will see another day here in the epicenter of the Great Wintry-Mix Storm of 2009.

WINTRY-MIX APOCALYPSE 2009!!!!!!!

2009-12-07T14:13:00.001-08:00

I HOPE ALL IN THE KANSAS CITY AREA HAVE PREPARED FOR THE INCOMING WINTRY-MIX WE WILL HAVE TOMMORROW. ACCORDING TO SOME METEOROLOGISTS WE MAY GET INCHES OF SNOW, INCHES!, LIKE BETWEEN 1 AND 2 INCHES! MIXED WITH PERIODS OF RAIN!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Seriously though, I hope everyone is prepared, because it will take FEMA at least 96 hours to get to your house to save you from this epic wintry-mix storm that is about to vex us. I warned you and so have all the networks and their weather guys throughout the Kansas City area, so don’t come trekking to my house to take advantage of our 96 hour kits. Why, KCTV 5, the local “Hard Hitting, Investigative” news program had a live report from a hardware store that was being overrun by an old lady getting ice-melt for her steps. The horrid sight of that old bag running amok through the hardware store was almost more than I could take. I mean, even though employees outnumbered the one customer at a 10:1 ratio, it was still horrifying to see the panic on her face as she quickly scooted her walker up and down the aisles. That is a scene that will haunt my dreams for years to come. I just wish I could get a bullhorn and shout “CALM DOWN!!” to everyone who is frantically stocking up for the snow/rain mix we are going to get tomorrow. I think December 8, 2009 will go down in history as one of the worst wintry-mix storms of the last two centuries. To the Tennessee Olsen’s - don’t ever forget us, ever. Keep our memories alive, our souls lit bright in the memorials of your memories. And, if by some miracle we make it out alive, we’ll be sure to keep the flame of life memories burning for those that were not so fortunate. Remember…I love you all, and hope to be able to write again…only time will tell if I can make it through this wintry-mix.

A purpose...

2009-12-02T06:47:00.001-08:00

There are some who read my blog that may wonder what my purpose is in writing. Is it to inform, to persuade, perhaps to educate? Nope, it is not any of those. The 3 or 4 people who read my blog I am sure agree with the things I say, and the others who may stumble here now and then may wonder why anyone cares to read my deep thoughts. So, what is my purpose? It is purely for selfish reasons that I write this blog. I write first of all to vent my frustrations with things going on around me, not so people know, but just for therapeutic reasons. The second reason I write is to have contact and communication with my extended family. Knowing they read my blog, and I theirs helps to keep me feeling close to them. These are really the only reasons I write, in case you ever wondered “who cares?” when reading my blog.

And by the way, Grant is being potty trained (finally!) and is confusing “poop” and “pee”- he thinks they both refer to the act of urinating. We had to come up with another way to describe the act of the bowel movement, and somehow what he landed on to describe a BM is “stinky brown”. Just thought everyone should know…

Gotta go and make a stinky brown- Peace, I’m out!

P.S. On a side note- we had better make sure we don’t feed Grant any Fruit Loops, as then he would be really confused as to why what is supposed to be stinky brown is now stinky green.

Things I learnt listenin to the radio

2009-11-13T13:24:00.000-08:00

This morning on my way into work I learned two things I had not known before- I learned that being shot in a drug deal gone south and then having your body burned in a house fire to cover up the crime “could happen to anyone” and the other thing is too long and drawn out to sum up in a sentence.

Back to the first issue- a very sad story, and I not trying to make fun of what happened, merely what was said about it. Apparently one of the morning shows around here had interviewed some girl who was an “escort”. They found out over the weekend that this lady’s body was found in a house fire. The investigators have ruled it a homicide, as the bodies were shot and then the house set on fire to try to cover up the crime. They had an acquaintance of this lady on to see if there were any new developments, and in the course of the conversation, the acquaintence mentioned that because this happened to her friend, it just goes to show that it “could happen to anyone”. I suppose that is technically true, but I imagine you drastically lessen your odds this happening by taking certain small measures, such as not dating a drug dealer. As I said, this is an unfortunate story, and no one deserves this fate, regardless of what your life is like, it was the flippant way in which the chuckleheads on the radio discussed this as if it was a car accident, rather than a homicide.

Minutes after this story, the shock jocks had George Carlin’s daughter on, who is promoting the last book Carlin wrote before passing. If we all remember correctly, George Carlin was Rufus on “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure”, to others he was the comic who became famous in the 70’s for his bit about the F-word. He was quite the social commentator, much the way Bill Maher is now, always pointing out the sheer ignorance and stupidity of religion and capitalism. As his daughter related, he was always trying to point out our ignorance, and he happened to do it through comedy. Ok- so they were discussing his disdain for capitalism, and his awe of socialism, and then all of a sudden the conversation turned to how he made millions and millions in the 70’s, and didn’t pay taxes on it, so the IRS came in and cleaned him out, forcing him to work well into his later years, all the wealth gone, just making ends meet. Now, Isn’t there a certain irony to someone who abhors those “selfish” capitalists, sings the praises of a socialized everything, yet neglects to pay his taxes?

Bryan's 80's musings...

2009-10-26T16:04:00.000-07:00

A funny thing happened this morning...

2009-10-09T10:59:00.001-07:00

Jimmy Carter, Al Gore, and Yasser Arafat (I know he’s dead, but pretend he is alive so this will be funny) were sitting around the Super Friends headquarters when they received a cryptic message from Oslo, Norway. The message told of an old legend regarding their Noble Peace Prize medals. The spirit of Nobel had forged three Medals in the fires of Mount Obtuse. This gave the medals great power, to someday be able to summon a star child, who would unite a world fallen in shambles from the great evil triumvirate- Religion, Capitalism, and Personal Responsibility. The message went on to state that now was the time to summon the Star Child. Universal Healthcare was on the verge of collapse, US Troops are on the brink of not being killed in Afghanistan by being reinforced, and people everywhere were beginning to complain about enormous government programs. Only the Star Child could bring hope and peace, and change of hope and peace to an otherwise lost world. The three medals of legend were now with three chosen for their different virtues- Carter, the Peace Maker, Gore, the Protectorate of the Environment, and Arafat, the Killer of Jews. “Unite the medals! Unite! For the time of the Star Child is at hand!”

Carter, Arafat and Gore stood and thrust forth their medals- “I bring the spirit of peace!” “ I bring the spirit of the environment!” “I bring the spirit of Jew hating!” “With our powers combined we get…” Well, you know the rest of the story. (if you stop playing online poker and read the news!)

PWN'D

2009-10-02T13:50:00.001-07:00

Looks like Obamamamama just got pwnd by the rest of the world. Or, perhaps it is much more like Glenn Beck described it- EPIC FAIL. Whatever it was, I am filled with warm fuzzies inside at the thought of how all the media was just so sure, so giddy, that Chicago was to win. After all, it only could be a slam dunk since the Ego-in-Chief flew over there. And then, to come in the very last place- why not even in the top two. I guess the media got pwnd, too. Either way- I laughed out loud, and then laughed some more. Do you think SNL will make fun of this?

Hilarious

2009-10-01T20:26:00.000-07:00

"I feel like I'm taking crazy pills!"

2009-09-30T08:10:00.000-07:00

News flash! Apparently as long as you win an Academy award, it is ok to drug and rape and sodomize a 13 year old, or so thinks the “finger on the pulse of everyday Americans” Hollywood Mafioso. Hasn’t he suffered enough- living in Paris as a free man for 30 years, making movies, making money, living in the lap of luxury? Don’t we all feel the same as actress Debra Winger, who said “We stand by him and await his release and his next masterpiece.”?

I never thought I would see the day- even the New York Times and NPR don’t agree with Hollywood. They have both come out in support of the arrest. I am truly baffled that anyone, ANYONE, would think what he did isn’t a big enough deal to warrant punishment. I can make two conclusions out of all of this- that most of Hollywood have zero morals- as long as you make “masterpieces” such as the satanic “Rosemary’s Baby”, or Harvey Weinstein and the rest of Hollywood dream of the day when they can do the same to a 13 year old and get away with it.

Deep thoughts

2009-09-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

“Now obviously, the worst thing that can happen to a Socialist is to have himself openly identified with the work of the Communists who are generally feared and despised. The Socialists know they cannot seize property and power by “due process of law” unless they are politically popular, therefore, they try desperately to avoid the taint of the Communists and present their program so that it appears “moral,” “democratic,” “peaceful,” and so “gradual” that people will not resist it.” – Ezra Taft Benson Church News 12/23/1961

“History teaches that when individuals have given up looking after their own economic needs and transferred a large share of that responsibility to the government, both they and the government have failed. At least twenty great civilizations have disappeared. The pattern is shockingly similar. All, before their collapse, showed a decline in spiritual values, in moral stamina, and in the freedom and responsibility for their citizens. They showed such symptoms as deficit spending, excessive taxation, bloated bureaucracy, government paternalism, and generally a rather elaborate set of supports, controls and regulations, affecting prices, wages, productions, and consumption.” - Ezra Taft Benson, BYU 2/28/1962

Overheard tidbits of truth? from Hollywood...

2009-09-18T14:15:00.001-07:00

From the movie “State of Play” –

Russell Crowe’s character explaining some evidence found at a crime scene-

I’m paraphrasing here- “The shooter used reloads; untraceable. He also used heavier bullets he cast himself, twice the weight of bullets you can buy at the store. That means the shooter intended to kill.”

So, in Hollywood’s proverbial wisdom, light bullets in an assassins gun are not meant to kill, while heavier bullets are for killing. And also because the guy was shot in the back and the head, that means only ex-military. Cause no one else with a gun could possibly shoot a guy twice- once in the head and once in the back. Remember- this was the movie that had Brad Pitt cast as the lead, but the script was so bad he bailed ship.

Excuse my nerdery, which is still cooler than Spencer’s nerdery.

Peace- I’m out.

BEHOLD!!!

2009-09-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

And what fine piece of machinery do your eyes behold? Why only the finest off-road vehicle ever conceived by the mind of man! A Chevy K5 Blazer. Why do I bring this up? Well, my truck is about kaput, and so Sharel and I have been shopping around. Due to the distinct lack of anything for $1500 that will run, we have decided to wait until we get our tax refund, and then pool some of it with the $1500 and buy me a new vehicle. Well, I saw one of these the other day, and an old flame was rekindled. I have wanted one of these since we lived in Utah and I was the ripe old age of 4. Since then I have seen these around and yes, I lust after them. I know they are horribly prone to rust, horrible gas mileage (but my truck gets terrible mpg, so I figure it is a lateral move) not to mention other problems, but parts are cheap and plentiful, as well as knowledge pools from a host of people who have rebuilt these from the ground up. Sharel is all for it, especially since I can pick up one that has had the engine rebuilt and a new tranny in it for around $3000. So, Bo, and Spencer, eat your heart out! Not only do I have guns, but I will also round out my redneckness with the ultimate vehicle, cause nothin says "clingin' to guns and religion" more than a 1987 Chevy K5 Blazer with a 6 inch lift.

Reflections

2009-09-11T12:24:00.000-07:00

Today is Sept. 11. I had completely put it out of my mind what the significance of this day was until I was on my way to work and heard a reminder on the radio. It brought back a flood of feelings and memories, where I was when I first heard the news, what I thought, the day spent in front of a little black and white television in the office, the reports of gasoline being sold for $5-$6 a gallon, and the shock of that day. I recall standing on the Phelps Road bridge over I-70 with Sharel watching the sunset. It was an absolutely beautiful day, the temperature was perfect, the sky was a very vibrant blue. Things seemed very surreal for the next couple of weeks. I remember after a week wishing that they would stop showing the hole in the ground in Manhattan on the TV- I wanted some sort of distraction from what had happened.

People say that something fundamentally changed that day, and I guess I would have to agree. I am not sure what it was, but perhaps we all were a little more humble, a little more aware of the important things in life, especially after the relatively carefree days of the 90’s. There was certainly a lot of anger, calls for vengeance were strong. But most of all, I think there was an air of love and support. We were kinder to each other, took time to understand. My generation felt a sense of duty, and many of my friends and people I went to school with joined the military. Politics were set aside for a while, and everyone at the time agreed on the course of action.

But time seems to have destroyed all of the fellowship we had with each other. It appears we live in a completely different world. We are less tolerant of others views we snipe, and feel hatred and anger every day we listen to the news. There is a power struggle going on, and things have reached a fever pitch, there is no discussion, but rather name calling and denigrating from every one. Don’t misunderstand; there are serious things going on right now that will have serious repercussions for our nation, things we must stand up to. I guess I just yearn a little for the smiles from strangers that have been replaced by paranoia and cynicism. But we must fight, figuratively speaking, for the rights we have been given.

In writing this, I am reminded of President Lincoln’s Proclamation establishing Thanksgiving. While speaking of the many temporal blessings and things to be thankful for, Lincoln said:

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.

We do live in a perverse and wicked time, a time when our nation is divided, when sin is rampant all over. Reading the Book of Mormon we see that we, too, are in a pride cycle. The Lord saw fit to compel us to humility, and for a season we were. Now I fear what is next, as we have forgotten the many blessings the Lord has given us. Thanksgiving no more is a day where we remember blessings from Heavenly Father, but rather a day where we are thankful to the Indians for giving the Pilgrims food, we are thankful that there are 23 football games on the TV to choose from, or we are thankful that we can glutton ourselves on ham and pie. I wonder what it will take for us as a society to be humble. I think I can predict with some certainty that whatever it is, it is going to hurt. Abraham Lincoln called on the American people to repent during the civil war, and we have a modern day prophet who has called on us to do the same. President Hinckley told us in October of 2001 that “Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God.” The last part of his talk was so very good, and comforting:

Now, brothers and sisters, we must do our duty, whatever that duty might be. Peace may be denied for a season. Some of our liberties may be curtailed. We may be inconvenienced. We may even be called on to suffer in one way or another. But God our Eternal Father will watch over this nation and all of the civilized world who look to Him. He has declared, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" (Ps. 33:12). Our safety lies in repentance. Our strength comes of obedience to the commandments of God.

Let us be prayerful. Let us pray for righteousness. Let us pray for the forces of good. Let us reach out to help men and women of goodwill, whatever their religious persuasion and wherever they live. Let us stand firm against evil, both at home and abroad. Let us live worthy of the blessings of heaven, reforming our lives where necessary and looking to Him, the Father of us all. He has said, "Be still, and know that I am God" (Ps. 46:10).

Are these perilous times? They are. But there is no need to fear. We can have peace in our hearts and peace in our homes. We can be an influence for good in this world, every one of us.

May the God of heaven, the Almighty, bless us, help us, as we walk our various ways in the uncertain days that lie ahead. May we look to Him with unfailing faith. May we worthily place our reliance on His Beloved Son who is our great Redeemer, whether it be in life or in death, is my prayer in His holy name, even the name of Jesus Christ, amen

I don’t know, I am rambling, just putting to words what is going through my head. But my thoughts keep running back to our military men and women. They have so valiantly fought for us here, for our freedoms. I am sure we take them for granted, I know I do. Sometimes I wish I had the courage they have, to volunteer to participate in what Elder Hartman Rector, Jr. called “the greatest evil known to man”, war. Someone sent a photo essay out. The photos showed a Marine Officer who had the unenviable position of notifying next of kin of fallen soldiers. I almost couldn’t get through it here at work. I hope I never forget the sacrifice that not only the soldiers have made, but also their families, have made.

For me, this September day has been a thoughtful and reflective day. The anger I have felt in the past few weeks at those who run our government have faded a bit, as I have tried to remember the blessings I have. Perhaps more than getting angry, I should pray, pray for forgiveness, not only for myself, but for the country. Perhaps I should pray for Heavenly Father to help us love each other again, to be able to, as Lincoln put it, ‘”heal the wounds” we have. I have never seen the level of hate we have right now in my short life, and I know I am guilty of it as well. I think we all need to take a moment and reflect, and rather than a “National Day of Service”, we need a day of prayer and fasting.

Anyway- Peace, I’m out.

Photo Essay http://www.time.com/time/photoessays/iraq_war_families/

2009-08-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

Hahahahaha...

2009-08-26T19:08:00.000-07:00

Which one are you...

2009-08-18T12:32:00.000-07:00

In regards to the recent brouhaha over healthcare, the media attempted to throw a label on those opposed to ObamaCare. At first we were just “fake angry”, then we were “ignorant” hillbillies (although they dropped the hillbilly part so as not to offend hills). Now we are racists. This whole debate has very little to do with resistance to a brilliant plan that would put us on the path to European socialism, but more to do with white people upset that there is a black man in office.

Spencer blogged about the dude in New Hampshire open carrying, and now it seems more and more people are exercising their rights to legally carry firearms to these rallies. In Arizona, on guy decided he would sling his AR-15 across his back and carry that as well. Now, I know some of you squirmy readers of my blog may be a little shocked, and may think that these people carrying are being stupid, but I say to you that they are perfectly within their rights to do so, and the more people that exercise those rights, the more we show the aristocracy in this country that we still care about the constitution. Anyway, the media used this example to show that racists are protesting, and carrying a WMD on their hip is a not so subtle threat to the president. Well, they failed to point out that the gentleman with the rifle was himself, black. Newbusters has a great piece on this- View article...

Well, now that we have that out of the way, which one are you?

Are you fake angry, just upset that your guy didn’t get elected (I am not sure if McCain was anyone’s “guy”).

Or are you just plain old ignorant, too dumb to know that this healthcare bill is really, really, really good for you?

Perhaps you are a racist, upset that the white power vacuum in the US has been breached by one of “them”?

Now I know you are saying that there should be a fourth category, the one in which you are none of the above, but actually have valid concerns and disagreements over ObamaCare. But come on, that is just plain silly, and I don’t know if I want to entertain that idea in my blog.

Also, I don’t want my blog to be reported to flag@whitehouse.gov and have Rahm Emmanuel “straighten” me out on ObamaCare. So, please, no criticisms of the plan.

Peace- I’m out.

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-13T11:36:00.001-07:00

Please say it ain’t so…please…please…

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20211215,00.html

They are remaking Red Dawn.

Why? Why? They are sure to ruin it. My life is over…

An epiphany...

2009-08-13T06:45:00.000-07:00

Sharel and I have been shaking our heads the past few weeks, and to a lesser extent for the past few years over how our democrat party politicians treat their constituents. I was flabbergasted when Claire McCaskill admitted on a local radio show that although the majority of the calls coming into her office urged her to vote against the stimulus bill, she would ignore it because it did not represent everyone in her district. It never computed in my mind why you would ignore the majority of your constituents. After all, this is a representative republic, where we send representatives to Washington that will articulate the majority views of their districts. I have spent many an hour trying to wrap my head around this break in logic.

But, today I had an epiphany. A staple of the Democratic party is sticking up for the minorities, and I am not talking ethnic minorities, but the minority thought, the ideas that a lesser part of the people believe in. This is how they can justify it. When you combine the liberal elitist thinking that majority thought is uninformed, sheep-like thought, then it is easy to see why they will still support things that most of their constituents don’t want. Look at any hippie, or any college student, and their big thing is to be a “non-conformist”, by conforming to a group with less membership. This explains why the dope smoking, Elvis Costello hat wearing, indie-music listening college student abhors the oppression of Tibetans, but is A-ok with the oppression of the Iraqi people. Just look at him- drinking crappy overpriced coffee, his hatred of Wal-Mart and Jews/Christians, while working on his macbook listening to an indie-band (which is code for crap band). Everything he does is to deliberately avoid the appearance of being part of the majority crowd.

Liberal politicians are really just old hippies. Plain and simple- they do not like to be identified with anything resembling the majority in this country. Or, more than likely, they can’t stand the idea of people making choices and decisions without them. After all, I’ve never met a liberal who wasn’t smarter than everyone else in the room (for proof, just watch an episode of “Whale Wars”, or just go down to the Westport Coffee house and strike up a conversation with any one).

On a side note, it is funny to see some of the liberal sites and the outrage they are displaying because their tactics have been hijacked. Yes, there has been an organized effort to oppose healthcare, but big deal, what’s wrong with that? After all, Premier Obama himself was a young community organizer before the party apparatchik noticed his commitment to freeing the oppressed peoples of the United States from the infernal system of democracy currently in place. So why are the great unwashed so upset now that conservatives are doing the same thing? Once again, I will refer you to “Whale Wars”. I know only 4 people read my blog, and I am sure all have seen whale wars, but just in case- Whale Wars is a show on Animal Planet consisting of a group of young, environmentally conscious activists on a boat in the Antarctic harassing Japanese whalers. The head of this ragtag group of know-it-alls is a founding member of GreenPeace, but is such a monumental a** that GreenPeace voted unanimously to kick him out. The entertainment value that lies within the show is watching a bunch of liberal, hippie, elitists epically fail at everything they do. Seriously, if it wasn’t a documentary, it would most certainly be a comedy on the scale of 30 Rock or Scrubs. As I mentioned earlier, just watch the show to see how they all think they are smarter than everyone else, and how they cry and are honestly offended when the Japanese whalers use the hippies tactics against them. Exactly what is happening now on a grand scale with these townhalls. After all- Bush+Hitler= Free Speech, but Obama+Hitler=racist, hate speech that must be stopped. To end- forget all the holocaust stuff, and look at who the Nazis were- National Socialists. Now, which side of the political spectrum does this most closely relate? I think the democrats at this point should pay Pelosi’s Doctor next time she gets a Botox injection to stick it in her vocal cords and shut that woman up. (Pelosi is the one who brought Nazis into this whole debate)

Summary of my post:

1. Liberals abhor the thought of any idea that is shared by a majority of the populace.

2. Liberals think they are the smartest in the room

3. Whale Wars=Fail (watch this Friday because they totally get pwned by the Japanese)

4. Liberals=hypocrites of monumental proportions

5. Most oppressive governments have been to the left of the political spectrum (they would most certainly have to be, since less government means less chances for authoritarian and totalitarian governments, and the Nazis were no more right wing extremists than Arlen Spectre is a conservative.)

Peace- I’m out.

first politics, then movies...

2009-08-10T12:59:00.000-07:00

According to the media- I am fake angry over healthcare (shout out to Glenn Beck). I guess I am really fake angry, and all those videos of people protesting are all fake angry, too. In fact, we are soo fake angry that Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Steny Hoyer have just about had enough of our childish fake angriness. We had better watch out, because they are telling us to simmer down and stop being fake angry. Or else. We need to stop being fake angry, because we are ruining their healthcare bill. EVERYONE STOP BEING FAKE ANGRY OVER THIS!!!!!!!

In related news, Claire McCaskill is so worried about our fake angriness that she has canceled some of her meetings with constituents, although to give her some props, she did acknowledge that the fake angry people did have some legitimate questions. (Although, I think she is just saying that to try to appease our fake angriness, as she has no intention of listening to childish fake angry tantrums ). The HONORABLE, REVEREND, IMMACULATE Emmanuel Cleaver IIIIIIIIVXXIIXC, has foregone the public forum route, and has instead opted for a “teletownhall.” For those not familiar- it is a giant conference call where an operator will decide whether or not to allow you to ask questions. This is a lot better than a public forum because Cleaver’s staff is able to shush up all those fake angry people that are ruining healthcare reform. You know, we should stop being fake angry over this, we are starting to make our politicians sweat a little bit, and that might ruin their $400 shirts. Please, I beg and implore everyone to stop being fake angry over this. Please. For the love of Pete, STOP BEING FAKE ANGRY!!! AND STOP DISSENTING WITH THE MAJESTIC, LORD POWERFUL, HIS HIGHNESS THE EMPEROR LORD PRESIDENT BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA!!!! It is giving the appearance that people disagree with him, and he cannot do the work of Lenin with all these fake angry people out there.

Instead of being fake angry, we need to remember this next November, and be Real Angry, and get these chuckleheads out of office.

Now on to movies.

Sharel and I were convinced that the worst sequel movie we had ever seen was National Treasure 2. We were wrong, so very wrong. The worst sequel movie we have ever seen is now the Mummy 3. Like National Treasure, The Mummy was a good entertaining movie, that did fairly well. The Mummy 2 was not as good as the first one, but still quite enjoyable to watch. First the upside to Mummy 3- no Rachel Weisz. That is the only upside I can think of.

If any of you have seen this, do you get the impression that the writers watched the Indiana Jones series before writing this? If any of you saw Indian Jones 4: the Painful Death of a Beloved Franchise, do you recall what Indy did during the war? Espionage. And do you recall what Rick O’Connell and Not Rachel Weisz did during the war? You guessed it, espionage.

Was there a secret society guarding the Chinese Mummy, sort of like the secret society guarding the Chalice in Indiana Jones 3: Indy Made More Awesome with the Addition of Sean Connery. Also did you notice that Rick O’Connell got stabbed, and the only thing that could save him was the pool at Shangri-La, just like only holy water from the Cup could save Indy’s dad?

Or the Chinese Army that wanted the eye of Shangri La to become invinvicible, like the Nazis throughout the Indy Jones Franchise.

The father son conflict?

Anyway, even considering all these are just coincidences, it still is “The Mummy, Redux”. Nothing original in it. A few Sharel Observations:

Why put a curse on him, why not just strike him dead with a disease?

Why after putting an insane curse on him, would you give him an out where he becomes almost indestructible? (after dipping in the pool of Shagri-La he can turn into anything he wants, but mostly a dragon, some sort of hoofed beast, and Al Gore.)

How come he “partook” of the waters of Shangri-La, but was still not technically immortal, since a dagger through the heart made him throw up fire and disintegrate?

Yetis? Really?

Why does Rick and Not Rachel Weisz find it so unbelievable that a magic dagger is the only thing that could kill the walking clay pot? Think about it.

Not Rachel Weisz has a pure heart because she doesn’t want her husband killed? Really?

After that, Sharel fell asleep, so she didn’t have many more observations, and I watched it with the Subs on in 2x fast forward mode. I was able to read the subtitles and got through the movie in half the time. Which, if you happen to see it at all, is the only way to watch it.

Peace- I’m Out!

i am soo sad...

2009-07-28T09:17:00.001-07:00

Sharel and I were watching videos on youtube last night, and we came across movie trailers. I watched two incredibly awesome trailers, but they left me with a lonely, hurt and wounded feeling in my heart. They are rated R. I won’t be able to see them, in all their splendid splendidness. Anyway, the two movies in question: “Moon” with Sam Rockwell, and “District 9”. I don’t know who is in “District 9”, but youtube both of these trailers.

Sharel made an astute observation- have you ever noticed that for the last couple of years, Hollywood has been making some great action movies that are not rated R? Now it seems that all these trailers we watched were R rated.

Some other notable mentions of movies coming out-

“the Surrogates” with Bruce Willis- R rated, but as Sharel said an interesting concept.

“The Book of Eli” with Denzel- it is not rated as of yet, but it looks awesome- but only to me, Sharel thought it looked dumb. Think Mad Max meets I Am Legend with Denzel carrying a sawed off shotgun and some weird machete/sword.

Patton Oswalt- of King of Queens- is breaking out in a dramatic role. It looks very dark, and I think he will do good in it, because even his funny characters are pathetic. The movie is “Big Fan”. It too is R.

And, one I am actually looking forward to seeing, “Where the Wild Things Are”. Looks like it will be a great movie, although I think the monsters will give our kids nightmares. (if you watch this on youtube, make sure to look for a video response called “Everyone Poops”, you won’t be disappointed, I promise. Well, if you are an Olsen with an inbred sense of potty humor, you won’t be disappointed.)

And if you like the Johnny Depp/Tim Burton super duo of weirdness, then wait no further- “Alice in Wonderland” with Captain Jack playing the Mad Hatter. What a surprise. Really. (Honestly, it looks like Willy Wonka just in a different movie).

And a plug for the movie Sharel wants to see- “Julia/Julia”. I must admit that it doesn’t look too bad as far as chick flicks go, at least she isn’t gonna make me watch “Twilight”.

Hope you enjoyed this break from politics.

One more thing- Glenn Beck is totally awesome- he made liberals all over squirm when he said he took a gun to a movie theater last week and didn’t shoot anyone. I wonder what kind of gun he carries…

There is a discussion on a board asking this question- so far half think it is some sort of Sig, the other half some sort of 1911. I don’t know where I lean, probably towards a 1911 commander model.

Peace- I’m out

2009-07-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

Grant has begun to call Winnie the Pooh, Winnie the Poop.

It had no prompting from me whatsoever. He just one day said he wanted to watch Winnie the Poop.

Carry on.

Peace- I’m out.

Here's some hope and change for ya...

2009-07-22T11:11:00.000-07:00

It seems the American people are just not buying the socialized healthcare routine. Finally, people are starting to wake up and are not afraid anymore to tell pollsters they disagree with the One. And this is having some frustrating results for the President.

First, though, I would like to give some shout outs to some republicans that have finally grown some hair on their chest and are willing to fight back-

Jim Demint- Matt Lauer interviewed him the other day, and said "People are saying that you are playing pure politics with this issue," and pressed "Are you rallying conservatives to the cause of health care reform? Or are you rallying conservatives to the cause of breaking a President?" obviously trying to paint this fight as some sort of personal vendetta against Obama.

Kudos to Demint for responding- “we need to put the brakes on this President. He's been on a spending spree since he took office. And we need health care reform. Unfortunately, when the President was in the Senate, I've probably offered more health care reform proposals than anyone in the Senate. And the President voted against every proposal that would have made health insurance more available and more affordable to people. His goal seems to be a government takeover, not making insurance more available. So I do think we need to stop the President on this. We need to stop his policy, because if we allow him to continue to ram things through Congress before we even get a chance to read them.” Can you imagine two months ago if this had been asked to a normal republican- his response would have been conilliatory and apologetic to the president, followed with a vow to stand with the president no matter what.

Second shout out goes to Michael Steele, who came out and called the plan “socialist”. Finally calling a rose a rose and a turd a turd.

Now, politicians have an incredible sense of self preservation, to the point of pushing women and children out of the way to get to the life boat. The Democrats are starting to feel this, and it is evident in their reactions. Charlie Rangel was overheard to say that no one has the guts to tell Pelosi to slow down, and certainly no one will tell the president that. Seems to me that some democrats are not too happy with the way Pelosi and Obama are playing with their political futures. Obama had a private meeting (so much for transparency in govt.) with the Democrats that are pushing back against him, and one congressman, Chuck Grassley of Iowa says he heard that Obama told these democrats they were going to “destroy” his presidency.

Finally, as communist as we think the Networks are, money still speaks- Obama wanted to have a press conference (and I use the term press conference very loosely) on Tuesday. But, NBC said no, because they were going to air a Susan Boyle interview that night and are expecting massive ratings. Obama is probably crying in his cheerios, or should I say Obamaeeos (after all, they are little letter O’s, so Rahm Emanual told Obama they were named after him.)

Peace- I’m out

Some Random Thoughts

2009-07-17T10:42:00.001-07:00

It sucks being sick- especially stomach related sickness, as I have had all week.

Why do we put up with this, I am not talking liberals or conservatives, but on a whole- why do we tolerate this type of behavior from our elected officials- apparently the Dems in the House are not allowing debate and forced votes on amendments to occur on this massive budget proposal. Their reasoning- they don’t want to be forced to vote on one item in the budget- such as handing blow out to junior high school kids- so their vote cannot be used against them in their upcoming elections. Now to be fair- when the republicans were in charge they tried to do the same thing. But why do we just let this pass, them basically telling us they don’t want us to know where they stand. So when they are criticized for voting in the 2009 Coke Distribution Act of 2009, they can lie and tell us that although they didn’t agree with the amendment, the pros of the rest of the bill necessitated a yes vote. (No, there is not an amendment to hand out cocaine to teenagers, but there is an amendment advocating and sanctioning the financial rape of anyone making over $350,000 a year.)(and rape is not too strong of a word to describe what they want to do.)

New GI Joe movie? Looks awful. And a tell tell sign it will be awful- the only ads I have seen for it are on Nickelodeon, usually the commando hamster trailers follow the GI Joe trailer. If it was meant for anyone old enough to have actually seen the cartoon and owned the action figures, they would not be advertising it at the beginning of iCarly. You think they promoted the Dark Knight between bouts of the Penguins of Madagascar and Spongebob?

Kurt Russell in “Soldier”- Awesome sci-fi movie. I know some will disagree. But I have placed it in my top 5 sci-fi movies. Intellectual and artsy fartsy alert (Maybe Merilee will be the only one to appreciate this)- Kurt Russell did an awesome job in his character- especially since his character had less than a dozen lines. Very deep.

Reign of Fire- Matthew McCougnahysfyyheyyyysf (too lazy to look the spelling up) in by far his best, pot addled, character ever. HIS LEATHER BOMBER JACKET GOTS NO SLEEVES!!!!! Truly magnificent- especially in the portrayal of Americans once again having to save the world from imminent destruction.

Sons of Provo still makes me laugh like it is the first time I’ve ever seen it.

100 round of .45 ammo- $32.00

1,100 rounds of .22lr- $34.00

Shotgun trade for a Sig Mosquito- priceless.

I can now shoot way more often.

Tendonitis/carpal tunnel sucks big time- now I don’t get to shoot as often.

One final thing- and this is a broad statement- not meant to single anyone out, no one take offense please- but you guys who have Facebook accounts- and you know who you are- are in serious jeopardy of losing your man card. Just sayin.

Peace- I’m out!

Example of more Government Idiocy

2009-06-18T06:44:00.001-07:00

Why can’t government ever do the most obvious and simple thing? Is lack of common sense a prerequisite for elected office? Or even bureaucratic service?

There is a park in Johnson County, KS that has an overpopulation of deer. (for those unfamiliar with Johnson County, just think “Rich, White Guilt.”) Anyhoo, the deer are becoming a nuisance to the residents around the park, destroying their landscaping and carrying disease ridden ticks. Just so you don’t get the impression the park is the size of a playground- it’s not. It is a county park that is quite large 1250 acres. Well, I think anyone reading this would see the most obvious and simple solution to thinning out the herd. If you don’t see the most obvious and simple solution- stop reading my blog!

After months of hearing from hippie liberals about doing things like using a Star Trek transporter to beam the deer to a different location, the Parks Board and the county elected officials have come up with a brilliant plan. For a mere cost of over $100,000 they will recruit police officers and park rangers. They will then send them to receive specialized training in shooting a deer. Then after the newly formed S.W.A.T.S.D.D.U. (Special Weapons Advanced Tactical Sharpshooter Deer Disposal Unit) receives it’s training, they will put food out, sit in a deer stand, and when Bambi starts eating his last meal- BLAM!. Brilliant, just brilliant. After killing the deer, they will then pay at around $100 a deer to have the deer cut up and sent to local food pantries- the ones who will actually accept the deer meat. They plan on killing about 350 deer. Do the math. $35,000.

Of course, they could do this- have a controlled hunt where they have a very limited number of bow hunters come out, charge them $35 for a tag, and a $50 hunting fee. They kill the deer, they take the deer home, they process the meat. They could actually make $29,750 off of the whole thing. In fact, from the response I heard on the radio, hunters would be willing to pay quite a bit more for the opportunity to hunt. There is another park on the Missouri side that does this exact thing. You pay a $20 application fee. They draw a limited number of names. These people attend a safety training class. During a two week period of time, they can take as many deer as they can- but for each deer they kill, they have to buy a $20 tag. This park makes money.

Seems so simple to me. But then again, I am not an elected official.

A few observations

2009-06-03T08:05:00.001-07:00

Just a few things I have noticed in the political realm:

1. Everyday the media’s love affair with Obama gets worse and worse. I see a few cracks here and there, but for the most part, the media, or should I say the propaganda arm of the government, is holding strong in their joyful glee over Obama.

2. Robert Gibbs has got to be the worse press secretary ever. And it is just further evidence of the above point that the media tolerates the diarrhea that comes out of his mouth on a daily basis. Example #1- Warning the media to be “exceedingly careful” about what they say about Comrade Sotomayor. Example #2- When asked how much the NY date night cost, Gibbs stalled and finally evaded by accusing the media of picking on Obama. I just don’t know how long the “journalists” in that room can take it, but they have surprised me up to this point. I give it 2 more years.

3. Brian Williams being awed and impressed that he saw Obama eating M&M’s in the White House. Can it get any stupider than this? Really? I wonder how Brian Williams would feel if he saw Obama dropping a deuce in the Oval Office bathroom?

4. The George Tiller murder. When I first heard about this, I was genuinely shocked and sad. No one, even a guy like Tiller, deserves to be murdered. We have a justice system, and when that doesn’t work, he will be judged in the eternities. I also think this is going to set back the Pro-Life movement a good decade, just when more people believe in life than in killing babies. I have been far more shocked and disgusted with the reverence that most media types are using when discussing Tiller. Some almost seem on the verge of tears contemplating where women will go to have a late term abortion. It is sickening. It almost is making me lose my faith in humanity. Well, at least the liberals out there who I am now convinced have no soul.

5. Harry Reid’s face makes me want to punch someone. There is something about it that makes me want to drive my fist into someone’s pie hole. Weird, huh?

a funny

2009-05-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

What did Mr. Sulu find in Captain Kirk’s lavoratory?

The Captain’s log.

2009-04-10T08:28:00.001-07:00

In order to distract myself from the, as Spencer so eloquently put it, “America Sucks Tour” I have been thinking once again about all the awesome movies I have seen. I love movies. But sadly some of them I will not see any more unless they are on TV because of their R ratings. What movies do I long for? Well, here is my top-ten list of movies that tempt my natural man.

10. Blackhawk Down

9. Predator

8. Dirty Harry

7. The Untouchables

6. The French Connection

5. Saving Private Ryan

4. Terminator

3. T2

2. Die Hard with a Vengeance

1. Die Hard

And finally, the best definition of liberalism I have seen.

“Yes, something very ugly has surfaced in contemporary American liberalism, as evidenced by the irrational and sometimes infantile abuse directed toward anyone who strays from a strict party line. Liberalism, like second-wave feminism, seems to have become a new religion for those who profess contempt for religion. It has been reduced to an elitist set of rhetorical formulas, which posit the working class as passive, mindless victims in desperate need of salvation by the state. Individual rights and free expression, which used to be liberal values, are being gradually subsumed to worship of government power.”- Camille Paglia 2009

Obama and his teleprompter

2009-03-25T06:20:00.001-07:00

So, Obama was getting some heat for relying too much on a teleprompter. So he got rid of it. Sort of.

I am so dumb I think no one will notice this.

2009-03-24T19:25:00.000-07:00

2009-03-20T06:34:00.001-07:00

Now Obama can make fun of retarded people, I mean handicapable, or intelligently challenged…or whatever they are calling the people that participate in Special Olympics. It’s ok, because he is The One.

P.S. I could really care less, I thought it was a funny comment, but then again I am an intolerant conservative middle aged male.

AIG, Bonuses, American Idol, and other things I don't really care about...

2009-03-19T06:41:00.001-07:00

Now, don’t get me wrong, I could care two licks about AIG and the bonuses. Why? Because I am a capitalist, and don’t really care what a private company does, or doesn’t do. Bonuses? Puhlease. This is something that has backfired in the face of the democrats (and three republicans.) who rushed through a stimulus bill that no one read. So, now they are trying to paint AIG as a bunch of Cheney-like Blackwater Evil Corporation Conglomerate to take attention off of their lack of attention. In case you have been asleep, our favorite financial guru Chris Dodd shoved an amendment in there ok’ing bonus packages for companies receiving bribes, err, uh, bailout money. It is even conveniently called the ‘Dodd Amendment.’

Now, I suppose everyone would think that someone in the current administration would have to fall on the sword in order to protect ‘The One.’ Not so. That oldest of old political instincts have kicked in, and this little gem of a story is now out there.

I think the only thing AIG is guilty of is, well two things, Executives that ran the company into the ground, and taking money from the Gov’t. I am also truly surprised that Dodd, a democrat, is challenging the Premier, er, I mean President. Any bets on how long it takes for Dodd to turn up dead (politically)?

Peace- I’m out.

Children and small miracles

2009-03-18T07:47:00.001-07:00

It is always heartwarming to see one of your kids working through a problem on their own. You can really get a glimpse of what they are truly capable of without any parental help. It is amazing to see these moments, and nothing makes a parent more pleased than to witness such situations. Just the other day, Eryn read a random title out loud from the tv. She didn’t need any help. Nor did she hesitate even a second in trying to figure out what the words were. To watch Grant try to figure out how the remote works, or how to open some sort of contraption is nothing short of watching a genius at work. This may sound trite to some, but when you witness your own offspring and see their potential it is a miracle in and of itself. Just this morning another one of these small miracles occurred, and Sharel was able to witness it unfolding. Rachel had just gone into the bathroom, and after a few moments Sharel walked by the door and heard Rachel talking to herself. “You can do it!” Rachel declared through a strained voice. “You can do it!” Seems Rachel had a stubborn turd and was pep talking herself to expel the aforementioned turd. As I said, there is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing one of your children become more independent and take matters into their own hands.

P.S. everything came out ok in the end.

I know, I know...

2009-03-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

I know I said it was going to be an Obama Free week, but this is just too much to keep quiet on. Seems Obama wants to charge wounded Vets for their healthcare, specifically charging the soldiers private insurance companies for wounds received in combat. Does this a-hole have no shame?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnw/20090316/pl_usnw/the_american_legion_strongly_opposed_to_president_s_plan_to_charge_wounded_heroes_for_treatment

According to the story, the American Legion president asked to meet with Obama to discuss this idea the Obama people had to crap all over our soldiers. Obama has said they plan to move forward with the plan.

Anyway, I highly suggest you post this story on your own blogs, so people can know that this is happening. It was on the top of Drudge today, and last night, but I think the media is going to be silent on this one. I for one hope he tries it, and by doing so commits political suicide. There are a lot more people in this country that support the troops, both conservative and liberal, than the 10,000 hippie, commie, code pink anti-war idiots out there.

I now return to an Obama free week…

Obama free week...

2009-03-16T08:50:00.001-07:00

So, I was thinking that while Obama is still a fart head, I grow tired of ranting about all the dumb, communistic things he is doing. I also believe that for the 4 people that read this blog, I am preaching to the choir.

HEAR YE, HEAR YE! Henceforthe the Grand Earl the Most Wise of Rockwood of Independence grants and declares this blog to be Obama free for the next week! (Of course he will retain the Obama/Lenin graphic because it amuses the Grand Earl the Most Wise of Rockwood of Independence.)

So now I will be sharing an amusing and thought provoking blend of my deepest innermost fears and desires. For example:

Innermost Fear: A return of Captain Planet to brainwash my kids.

Innermost Desire: A couple of more guns.

Innermost Fear: Running out of TP after eating at Supertown China Buffet.

Innermost Desire: Bidet

Peace- I’m out.

Random Thoughts and Musings...

2009-03-13T14:46:00.001-07:00

ABC’s ‘Lost’- Sharel and I are like crack addicts when it comes to this show. At times we question why we are even wasting our time watching it, and vow to not watch it again, yet every Wed. night at 8pm, we plop our rear ends on the couch, grab the remote and another night of self-loathing commences.

Ammo- They can’t make ammo fast enough to keep it in stock. Anywhere. Sure wish I worked in an ammo factory. Maybe the economy is bad because people are pulling money out of the stock market to stock up on guns and ammo.

Speaking of ammo- I just read a book called “The Bias Against Guns.” By John Lott, Jr. It is obviously a very one sided book, meant to balance out the mountains of anti-gun books out there, but it does paint quite a picture of selective reporting from the media when it comes to guns. A few fun facts…

1. Car accidents are the number 1 killer of children under ten. Where does accidental shooting fall? Well, I don’t have the exact number, but kids under ten drowning in 5 gallon buckets was far greater than kids accidently getting shot with a gun. Methinks we need some 5 gallon bucket control.

2. The statistic that accounts for “children” being killed with a gun classifies “children” as anyone under 21 years old. 90% of the gun deaths found in this statistic are 16-20 year old gang members being murdered with guns.

3. A news story about a gunman who opened fire at the Appalachian Law School was very skewed. Seems a gunman opened fire on campus and 3 students, according to media reports “tackled him, and disarmed him.” What 99% of the media did not report is 2 of the students ran to their cars, retrieved firearms and confronted the gunman. They pointed their weapons at him, told him to drop his weapon and then 2 others ran up behind the gunman and tackled him. When a reporter was asked about the missing pieces, he replied that he did not want to even give the idea that a gun could be used for good to the public.

There are quite a few other facts in there. If anyone has an indoctrinated aversion to guns, guns in the home, etc, I would recommend this book. I didn’t happen to agree with some of what he said, but he backs up all of his arguments with cold hard facts, something that the media seems loathe to do. Why, for those of you who know how to decipher statistics, he has raw data in there for you to pore over and crunch your own numbers. Let me clarify, the one thing I did not agree with was his argument against keeping a gun locked up in the home. While I agree it should not be a mandatory thing to keep your gun locked up, and he makes some compelling arguments against keeping a gun locked up- backed up with cold, hard, facts, -personally I will keep my guns locked up, although quickly accessible. Just really more of a personal preference, but it is hard to argue against the facts he presents.

60 years ago, a ten year old could walk down to the hardware store with $25 and buy a WWII surplus 1911 and a box of ammo. If there wasn’t a hardware store nearby, $15 and a Sears Catalog and he could have a rifle shipped right to his door. Schools in NYC had shooting ranges in their basements, as every high school had a rifle team. Kids carried guns into school every day without a problem. Certainly things have changes, kids seem to be more detached from society, and less responsible, but the culture with the media’s help have equated guns in most of our minds with small pox or the plague. Something to be scared of and avoided at all costs. It really has become an irrational fear in our society.

Music Guy knows my stance on guns, and he says he can respect that, as his dad and intellectually inferior brothers are all gun owners. But, he has fallen into a common trap that the powers to be have set. He fully believes he is an advocate for gun rights, except he thinks that evil, black, assault rifles are well, evil and should be banned. Of course, he is the same type of guy that thinks no one should be able to buy SUV’s. See, this is just the type of thing that infuriates me. Liberty, as far as I can tell, enables us to make choices. Restricting and banning really does take away our liberties. Most of the 2^nd amendment people are trying to preserve some individual rights, its more symbolic of our rights as people rather than it being about guns.

The socialist, or ‘progressives’ try to convince people that they are still retaining freedom of choice, but in reality are taking it away. What they give you is this-“You can choose this chocolate candy, or you can choose this sugar-sweetened cocoa confection.” Wow, I have can choose chocolate, or…chocolate. Progressive liberals seem to be very good at this. Many good, intelligent people often fall for this. We see it with trucks, guns, food, etc. The prevailing argument seems to be “Insert noun here is not really necessary. People don’t really NEED insert noun here.” When did the American Dream become attaining only what we need? It is just more collective, populist thinking of the good of the many outweigh the good of the few. Spock really was a communist, wasn’t he.

Peace- I’m out.

2009-03-10T20:35:00.000-07:00

Now for something completely different...

2009-03-09T10:22:00.001-07:00

I grow tired of politics, so I will be switching gears and talking about movies. I love movies. Here are some of my favorite movies in no particular order of favoriteness.

Red Dawn

Equilibrium

Good, Bad and the Ugly

For a Fistfull of Dollars

The Dark Knight

Batman Begins

Rocky I, II, IV

The Patriot (not the steaming pile of dog doodoo with Steven Segal, the one with Mel Gibson)

Sons of Provo

Cinderella Man

Copland

Tombstone

Braveheart

The Hunt for Red October

Patriot Games

Roadhouse (Only because it is soooo incredibly bad.)

Dirty Harry

Kelly’s Heroes

There are more, but time runs out, so more later.

BREAKING NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-05T14:59:00.001-08:00

Obama’s hair is going grey! GREY!!!!!!!!! Tune in at 6 for this urgent news bulletin as we discuss the possible reasons why his hair is going grey and what this means to you and your family.

CNN Headline News in progress:

Karl the anchor: We have Professor Rosefart with us from Wedon’tstink University here to discuss this fascinating phenomenon.

Rosefart: Thank you for having me on. There are really only two reasons why this is happening. To understand more fully, we need to look back to the change that Moses went through when he received the 10 good suggestions. As he spoke to God, or Allah, or anyone or all of the Hindu gods, or perhaps even the Native American Half Coyote, Half Penguin God , his hair turned grey. Now we all know Moses is a myth, but often times these types of folklore do in fact have half truths. Moses was a very wise and revered leader, smarter than all the Israelites and he saved them from their slave masters. Obama is much the same as a modern day moses, saving us all from the slave masters of Capitalism. If anyone has any doubt about this Moses-Obama connection, just look at his hair. This is a consensus and the debate on that point is now over.

We really don’t even need to discuss reason number two, as it involves a strictly physiological explanation of as a person gets older, and sometimes with added stress, hair can turn grey. But, this can quickly be refuted as Obama is young still, and has parties every Wendsday night at the White House. This means the only possible explanation is Obama is so incredibly wise and smarter than all of us that his brain power has turned his hair white, much like Moses, or whoever the figure was that Moses was based on.

Karl: There you have it, the science is settled, the debate is over. Obama is smarter than all of us and will free us from being wage slaves to capitalism. All Hail Obama!!!!! And before we let you forget it, Rush wants our dear leader to fail!!!!!

RE: Yesterday's Post

2009-03-03T06:59:00.001-08:00

A few things:

Yes, I resorted to the lowest possible form of humor- the fart joke.

No, I am not ashamed.

Yes, there will be more Obama Fart posts.

Why? Because it amuses me. And I think Obama is a fartface, and it just so happens that many photos of him depict him with a post fart expression.

To more serious deep thoughts-

I just read a book about the Marines in Fallujah. It was called “No True Glory” I believe. After reading the book, I am fully convinced the US Marine Corps is the most fierce and awesome fighting force known to man. But what really struck me is some of the stories of their General, General James Mattis. They had some photos in the book, and one was of Mattis. He is old, and looks like an old farmer grandpa. He has gray hair, droopy neck fat, and huge saggy ears.

So, this old guy kicks rear-end. Here are some stories out of the book:

While driving to Baghdad for a meeting with the Provisional Government, he hears over the radio that there are some Marines engaged in a firefight nearby. Most Generals would probably make a note of it, and see if they could send some help. What does Gen. Mattis do? He directs his driver and his 12 vehicle convoy to the fight. He spends the next three hours in battle gear directing his troops and calling in airstrikes.

The next story takes a little background, so bear with me.

Fallujah is the Arkansas or West Virginia of Iraq. The people there are mostly illiterate and the rest of Iraq despises them. It also happens to be where Saddam recruited most of his worst thugs to enforce his iron fisted ruling. So, they enjoyed a certain amount of being feared by the rest of the country. You can imagine what happened after Saddam was ripped from power. Fallujah is also known throughout Iraq as gangster central. Many competing tribes in that area make their living through extortion, intimidation and outright theft.

When the Americans came in, they shut down all these “enterprises.” Well, that did not go over so well, and so Fallujah was one of the most dangerous places in Iraq. To make a long story short, the Marines were told to take the town, sieze it. When they were halfway done, political pressure came down and they were ordered to stop, and pull out. Eventually they turned security and responsibility to quell the violence over to an Iraqi National Guard unit made up of some of the very people fighting against the Marines. So, Americans were told to stay out, that Iraq would take care of the city on its own.

This created a lawless safe haven for every insurgent and terrorist who wanted to come and fight the Americans. Kidnapping became the de facto sport of the city and most of the stories we heard about Americans being kidnapped took place in Fallujah. The mayor of the city was also one of the biggest insurgent leaders in Iraq at the time.

Back to Gen Mattis. Mattis wanted a meeting with the mayor in order to work out some sort of agreement to stop all the terrorism that was emanating from Fallujah. The mayor agreed but wouldn’t come out of the city, he wanted Mattis to meet him. The stipulation was that Mattis could only be accompanied by 9 vehicles, humvees only, no tanks or Bradley Fighting Vehicles. Mattis’ staff urged the Gen. not to go, fearing an ambush, as at that time Mattis had a price on his head from the insurgents. Mattis pulled macho stunt number one:

He said he was going to go, and hoped that he would get attacked, so the Marines would have an excuse to level the town. He positioned most of his Marines just outside the city ready to fight. Then he went into the city.

Nothing happened. He got to the meeting with the mayor just fine. Now came macho man stunt #2: While in the meeting he kept expecting his men outside to be attacked, after all they were 30 Marines in the middle of a a very hostile enemy controlled city of tens of thousands. He said that he figured that the second he heard shooting outside, he was going to pull his sidearm and put two bullets into that “SOB mayor’s head” before he was shot.

Fortunately, or as Mattis felt- unfortunately, nothing happened. He was hoping beyond all hope that someone could do something because he needed a valid excuse to take out the city.

Anyway- I just thought this grandpa guy is a huge bad***. Which makes the Marines that much cooler.

A Photo Essay...

2009-03-01T22:20:00.000-08:00

Insights into Presidential Flatulence

It is a little known fact that President Obama is quite fond of his flatulence. My, how he loves to let a good one rip amongst his fellows, oft times surprising them in the process. Presidential photographers have been lucky enough to catch his reactions to his own gas and in doing so have opened up a never before seen side of the Chosen One. Now let us glimpse into the magical world of Presidential Flatulence.

"Mmmm, nothing like a cold glass of beer."

"BEER FARTS! Always funny."

"Yes, that was me..."

"Play it cool, man. Play it cool."

"Note to self: there is nothing funny about bratwurst and sauerkraut. Everyone loses"

"Did I just do that? Don't act like you're not impressed."

"Savor it, every little ounce of it. Close your eyes and let it become part of you."

"Wow...um...wow. Oh...thats potent. Uh...sorry...wow. I promised myself I wouldn't go with the brats and kraut. My bad."

"I gambled...and lost."

"I really need to stop with the brats and sauerkraut."

I'm done with the Republican Party...(you should be, too)

2009-01-29T07:47:00.001-08:00

So all 176 republicans in the House are patting themselves on the back because they stood up to Democrats and excessive government waste. I feel so much better now. It reminds me of the good old days of the original TARP legislation when all the republicans stood up and voted against that piece of legislation. Wait a minute, that was a dream I had, because 91 republicans voted for the original legislation in October. Did you know in October the original TARP bill would have been defeated if all 91+108 republicans had voted against it? In fact they defeated the first version of it. But they gladly switched their votes when $50 billion in additional pork spending was added to it. So let’s all pat the 176 house republicans on the back for standing up for their principles and voting against this new round of useless government spending. Funny that they weren’t so principled back in October.

To be fair some of those 91 original republicans are out of a job now, but not all. What a crock of crap, they should not be getting kudos for adhering to republican values for once. I don’t know why they didn’t start acting like republicans 5 years ago. I am done with them. I will no longer lend any support to or vote for another republican until they can get their act together. What a bunch of sniveling cowards they are. Cowering in the corner like a whipped dog underneath the watchful eye of the all powerful benevolent leader Obama. This was a pointless stand that they took. Rush Limbaugh is correct in saying the republican leadership is impotent. They can start to prove to me that they are capable of acting like republicans if they put aside this silly feel good word bipartisanship. Bipartisanship is acting like a liberal- voting for liberal causes and moving our country in a socialist direction. The whole republican party is a joke. Until they start voting against everything the democrats bring forward as a group showing solidarity and unity they are dead to me.

So, where is my support going? Why to the Libertarian Party of course. I can get over the whole legalization of drugs thing, especially given the option of the republican party. Other than the drug thing, everything the Libertarians support of think I agree with whole heartedly. It is time for everyone who is just as disgusted with the way things are going is to get behind and support a true opposition party. I will give money to and campaign for and lend just as much time and support to the Libertarian party.

‘Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"’

Conservatives have been exiled from the republican party. We need a new home. Let conservatives everywhere migrate to the Libertarian Party.

Peace- I’m out.

First Congratualtions

2009-01-29T07:16:00.001-08:00

Congrats to Bo and Andrea! I saw Maggie last night and must admit she was cute as a button. Here’s hopin’ you guys get just as little sleep and rest for the next 10 years as the rest of us! Seriously though, she is absolutely beautiful, and congrats to you.

Some actual deep thoughts...

2009-01-23T07:47:00.001-08:00

Seems Mom, Merilee and Sharel were out getting their nails done and they had a discussion about the HPPV vaccine. Sharel wanted to discuss with me this vaccine and make sure we were on the same page. We are. Not saying we are right about this and everyone else is wrong- just that this is what we feel is right for our family.

Sharel and I won’t be giving our girls this vaccine until they are 18 for the following reasons: (My info is from the CDC here- http://www.cdc.gov/std/Hpv/STDFact-HPV-vaccine.htm)

1. It is not a cervical cancer vaccine, but rather an HPPV vaccine. HPPV is a sexually transmitted disease that is one of the causes of cervical cancer, not the only one. According to the CDC, no sex=no virus.

2. While mom and Merilee made a good point that one could acquire it after marriage, therefore the vaccination should be given- it does not need to be given to my 13 year old- the vaccination is proven effective and safe up to 26 years of age, hence my statement above that we will give it to them when they are 18.

3. Sharel and I do have certain expectations from our kids, and one of the them is being moral. We will teach and explain the reasons why, and we will hope they choose to do the right thing. Just personally, we don’t want to shield them from the consequences of their actions. I know that may sound cold and heartless, but it really isn’t. It would be just as hard for us as it will be for them should they get sick or pregnant- but we can’t protect them their whole life as much as we want to. Like I said- not saying our way is right, and everyone else’s is wrong- just that for our family it is right.

While Sharel and I were having this discussion, another one popped up about what we would do if one of our kids did get pregnant while a teenager. First- we would love them, that will never change. We would strongly suggest they give the baby up for adoption through LDSFS, as that is what the Brethren have taught us is the best thing not for us, or for the mom, but for the baby to be able to enjoy the blessings of a two-parent household and the wonderful blessings that come through the ordinances of sealing. I know it would be extremely difficult not only for our daughters, but for us as grandparents. But a life is not something we can be selfish about.

In the situation where she does not want to give the baby up, then Sharel and I talked about what the best way to help her would be. We came up with the following ideas- first as much as we love her and want her to be happy, she has chosen an adult lifestyle and so now she needs to become and adult- that means no more high school- go get your GED and enroll in college, and a job. We are not babysitters, but would be more than happy to watch the baby while you are at work or school (although with online classes one need not actually go to school). Your income from the job will pay for most of what the baby needs,. If there is any leftover it can go for rent to us. (sharel and I didn’t talk about this part, but we would probably put the “rent” money away in savings for her). I am sure there are other things we would do, but those would be the core aspects, and above all those harsh conditions we would give her unconditional love. We would do everything in our power to make sure she succeeds, without doing it for her.

I think this is a good discussion to have with our spouses. If we kind of have an idea of what we would do in certain situations, then when and if those situations arise we will be able to make a more informed decision not solely based on emotion. WE also like an idea we heard from Mom. She was watching a talk on the BYU channel about telling our kids what the rules are while they are young. This way we can have this talk with our kids when they are old enough and tell them what the consequences would be and what we would do in any of these cases.

That brings me to one last point- sometimes I get the impression that people think Sharel and I are like German school administrators with our kids- cold, harsh and intolerant. We are not. I think what people see is us enforcing rules and consequences that we have already taught our kids. We try not to bend rules, or not follow through with consequences. We don’t believe that counting to 10 is effective with our kids. We don’t believe in telling or asking them to do something 3 times before we follow through with the consequences. We also don’t believe in making empty threats- if we tell them if they don’t do something they will go to timeout- and they don’t do it, we put them in time out. I think it has worked out since our kids behave for the most part. We also know when they are actually hurt, or when they are merely being dramatic. But with that we can tell when they are acting hurt for some desperately needed attention, and that is when we give it to them, and cuddle with them and tell them how much we love them. People don’t see the long nights spent up holding them because they are sick, or the 3 on 1 wrestling matches with the kids, or sometimes those days where the kids just want to be held to feel safe and content. We are not perfect, we yell when we shouldn’t, occasionally we spank out of anger and frustration, and sometimes we aren’t as compassionate as we should be. Our kids, not just ours, but every child needs to be told they are loved every day, they need to be shown they are loved and wanted. Sometimes that involves us sacrificing what we would rather be doing and read the same annoying book over and over to them. Sometimes that involves us getting down on the floor and playing with them, sometimes that involves holding back our frustrations and annoyance when they want to follow us around the house. Sometimes that means making a big deal out of their hurt finger which we are sure doesn’t hurt nearly as much as they are acting. The thing that sick to my stomach is that one of my kids would be afraid of me. I want them to look forward to the time when I come home from work. I want them to feel safe around me. I want them to know without a doubt that above all else I love them, and that it is not merely a given, but that I have shown them I love them and will listen to them. It is an everyday effort to make sure that I am accomplishing these goals, and some days are better than others, but as long as I am having more better days than bad, I think I will be ok.

Sorry for the ramblings. But it was quite therapeutic to be able to say all that. In case anyone feels like I am on a soap box- I’m not, just sharing what we are doing and what we feel will work for our own family. Every family is different, so different ways of doing things abound.

Peace- I’m out!

Office amusements

2009-01-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

I figure I have a year’s worth of head shaking stories involving the two previously mentioned products of modern education, so I figure as often as possible I will post stories involving them. It is important to note that I am not embellishing or exaggerating in any way. The following stories are true, only the names have been changed to protect the naïve.

So, Music Guy thinks computers run on magic. He reminds me of an 82 year old man who cannot wrap his mind around even the most basic workings of a computer. This is surprising since he has a college degree and was born in the computer generation.

Maybe only Spencer and Mark will understand the utter stupidity of this – but he pulls out his laptop one day and gets a very confused look on his face. He messes around for a few minutes and frustrated he comes over and wants my help. Seems he cannot get onto the internet. Not surprising since the company is not wireless, and he does not have a CAT5 cable stuck into his computer. He wants to know why, and I tell him there is no wireless signal, so he cannot get on the internets. Once again, a very confused look passes on his face, and he asks how come we can get on the internet from our work computers if there is no wireless internet. I bend down and show him the cables and explain those are wires, they plug into the wall which provides the computers with the internet, and the company does not provide wireless internet. Then the kicker- he says- “oh, so wireless means there is literally no wire hooked up to the computer, but an antenna like a radio!” Right, Sherlock. “I thought wireless was an internet company.”

It's a magical day...

2009-01-20T07:21:00.000-08:00

So, today is the grand coronation of his High Magnificence the Great and Infallible, Most Kindly and Benevolent Grand Poobah Barack Obama!!!!!!!!! Change is in the air, the birds are singing, animals playing together. Does anyone think it a coincidence that this year has been one of the coldest years in a lot of years, that now experts are saying that in fact instead of the planet warming it is now cooling? It is because Barack Obama has reversed Global Warming!!!! I think we should all be so grateful that we have been graced with the leadership of Barack Obama. He is not merely a president, but an ambassador of change, who flies around with his magic fairy wand making right what once went wrong, hoping someday that his next leap- will be the leap home… (sorry, been watching Quantum Leap lately).

So my loony coworker who watches Charlie Rose (yes, someone actually watches Charlie Rose) said there was a guy on there who was discussing the differences between Bush and Obama. In essence- ‘Bush was selfish and did not want to unite people or play as a team. That is why Iraq is Bush’s War, not the American peoples war. Obama has ushered in a new age of collective ownership- meaning we all have a vested interest in Obama succeeding, so therefore Obama’s failures are everyone’s failures. If he loses, it is because we have all let him down.’

I kid you not, this is what my coworker was excited about and what this idiot was spouting in Charlie Rose.

So many socialist and communistic ideas presented in that little synopsis, I don’t even know where to begin. Let’s start with the obvious political spin- If Obama fails, don’t blame him, it is your fault. Very subtle, yet very obvious what his people are trying to do- make Obama not accountable to us. “Obama’s plans actually made the economy worse? Not his fault- it is your fault, our fault. Not sure how, but we all need to accept blame because if he fails, we all fail.” Think about that and what someone could get away with. Kind of reminds you of Battered Woman Syndrome – “Stage two of battered women's syndrome occurs when a battered woman truly recognizes or acknowledges that there is a problem in her relationship. She recognizes she has been the victim of abuse and that she may be beaten again. During this stage, most battered women will take on the blame or responsibility of any beatings they may receive. Battered women will begin to question their own characters and try harder to live up their partners ‘expectations’.”

Now the subtle varieties of Socialism and Communism espoused in the explanation- collectivism. For those that are not aware- collectivism is a fundamental tenet of Socialism and Communism- that is there is no individual rights, only group rights and collective rights. Once everyone starts being lumped into one group and we all have to take the blame for failure it seems to me that we are being subtlety groomed and led down the road to Socialism. Individual responsibility. That is the essence of Agency.

I am not sure what the next four years have in store for us, I hope it will be more like a Clinton presidency and Obama will do nothing at all. I do think that we will have another attack on US soil, hopefully not on the scale of 9/11, but it will happen again. Obama will either do nothing and want to talk with the terrorists about it, or he will go on the offensive like GWB has, except people will applaud Obama for protecting us. I think we will see more of our individual freedoms be taken away. We will see another shift in the courts to a more liberal stance that focuses on the so called ‘rights’ of the offenders rather than the justice for the victims. The UN will play a greater role in all of our lives. The things Obama promised but that he cannot do he will blame on Bush. Bush will still be a catch all for blame for the next generation or so.

On the bright side I also see things that will bring me slight amusement- things that are already happening- Venezuela will still hate us, as will Iran, Russia, North Korea, and most of the muslim countries. The French will continue to be arrogant buttholes. Radical Islam will still want to destroy us. The Obama administration will not be any different politically from any other politician. There will still be steep divides ideologically. Congress will continue to fight like little children. There will be no new tone in Washington.

Peace- I’m out!

A few things...

2009-01-13T08:44:00.001-08:00

This last week has been rough- Rachel and Grant both had the little kid stomach flu (rotovirus), and not the 24 hour kind, but the 7 day kind that is extremely contagious. So, there were many sleepless nights, load after load of laundry to do, and the constant cleaning of vomit. On top of all this, Sharel found out she had a sinus infection. Friday night I took Grant to Children’s Mercy for dehydration. Children’s Mercy is awesome! They got an IV in him, and within two hours he was up playing around and being semi back to normal. He is almost back to normal now, although he lost about 5 or 6 pounds from this whole mess. Rachel did much better and was over it a few days before Grant. A huge blessing for us is that Eryn never did get it. I owe all that to the priesthood. Eryn received a blessing when Rachel and Grant first started vomiting that she would be immune to it. There is real power there. All of us seem to be getting back to normal, even Sharel.

We are not too far away from our due date- Feb. 22, just a little over a month away. No, we have not really decided on a name yet, but we will be sure to let you know.

Bigger news- as you might have guessed, I finally acquired a new handgun. A very powerful one- a Charles Daly 1911 in .45acp. I am super excited, and just bought a box of ammo for it, so I can’t wait to get out and shoot it. Get ready, Bo, I just need to clear a day and we can get our shoot on! Spencer- too bad you live in Tennessee. Sucks to be you, bro.

Political Front:

It is so sweet, and tickles me to no end that the congressional democrats and Obama are having a little tiff. It all seemed to start when Obama failed to consult with Diane Feinstein over the selection of the CIA chief. After all, Diane is the chair of the senate intelligence committee, a very high power democrat, and she was not even informed of what was going on. This started a little chest thumping amongst the two camps. Now it seems that the congressional democrats are telling obama- “look, you are not king, we got you elected. You need to remember where your bread is buttered buster.” Seems Obama’s gotten a little too big for his britches. Stay tuned for the media to fall next- it will take longer- but I think within two years the media will not be as kind to him as they are now. We can see some journalists already taking offense as evidenced in this article- love affair crumbling?

Peace- I’m out

A day in the life of the newest member of the Olsen Family...

2009-01-11T20:22:00.000-08:00

I'd like to introduce the newest member of the Olsen clan- Chuck D.- through a pictorial entitled "A Day in the Life of..." or "Chuck D's Routine"

Enjoy.

"Rise and shine, Chuck!"

"Shake those groggy cobwebs off with a nice shower"

"Looks like a good healthy breakfast, Chuck!"

"Time to check some email!"

"You'll never get ahead without hittin' those books!"

"A few phone calls..."

"Can't miss 'Gilmore Girls'!"

"Chilaxin' and playin' some GameCube!"

"Getting tired, time for a bedtime story."

"Brush your teeth good, Chuck!"

"Shhh, he's already asleep."

Hope you enjoyed the pictorial.

Peace, I'm out!

Batman and Superman Part 2

2009-01-02T07:33:00.000-08:00

First- Response to Spencer: Your super comic book nerdery should be a shameful secret that no one knows about.

Second- you are right, Punisher is the greatest comic book hero of ALL time.

Well, I guess my in depth discussion of the Batman and Superman is over. Thanks for ruining it Spencer.

Korynn- Bruce Wayne does not give money to Law Enforcement because there is only one honest cop on the Gotham City PD. Booyah!

Merilee- Mark doesn’t count until he has a comic book and stops a crime. You just got served! (He does have awesome sideburns.)

Brian- Ghostrider, the undead and a flaming head on a motorcycle? Yup- Awesome x5.

Stay tuned to my next roundtable discussion where I discuss the merits of a company that haunts liberals dreams and makes them soil themselves- Blackwater USA.

Response to Spencer...

2008-12-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

Politics then entertainment.

2008-12-30T12:57:00.000-08:00

So I was listening to the Rush Limbaugh show today, and they were tralking about the teachers unions. I don’t need to bore anyone with the details, but they were discussing universal pre-K, basically instead of K-12, it would be pre-K-12. Some “enlightened” graduate student called and said that we all know liberals believe, but usually tap-dance around it or disguise it. This guy said it point blank- we need pre-k because there are most of the parents out there don’t make the right decisions.

So- once again Liberalism = you’re too stupid to do anything on your own, the Gov’t must help.

Batman and Superman

Now, I know that this a debate that still destroys more basement-dwelling nerd friendships than forgetting to bring the Mountain Dew and Pizza Rolls to an all night game of Dungeons and Dragons, but it warrants some consideration on my blog for one reason.

Sharel showed me a slightly amusing video on the internets (I cannot post the link now, but google “how it should have ended” and look for the Superman video). On this particular video, Superman is sitting in a diner with Batman and is making fun of him and his tool belt. For some inexplicable reason Sharel has found it funny to rehearse this segment to me time and time again, knowing my somewhat disturbing love for the Batman.

First- Both Superman and the Batman are awesome. But comparing the two is like comparing apples to steaks. They are not even in the same food group. Superman has super powers, Batman does not. This alone separates them into two incomparable categories. But, since Sharel thinks it is soooo hilarious to rip on my boy, I will explain to her, and to you, why Batman is better.

As mentioned before, Superman has super powers. He is, for all intensive purposes (if you ever watch King of Queens you will get this), invulnerable to just about anything except for kryptonite. Does that make him cool? I suppose, but it also kind of makes him an A-hole, too. Why get all excited about someone you know is gonna win? We all know nothing can stop him, so where is the suspense, the anticipation, the wondering what is going to happen next? It is not there. We see guys with guns, we know Supe is going to be ok, so we laugh at the retards who think shooting him will do anything. That brings me to my next point- people in Superman’s Universe are really, really dumb.

1. Glasses for a disguise, and no one recognizes him? Really? Sometimes at home Sharel puts on her glasses and I freak out because I think some other woman has broken into our house. No, I don’t, because I have a brain, something the people in Metropolis don’t.

2. The villains- are really extra dumb. Why? Why would you shoot a gun at Superman? Do you not know who he is? That isn’t it- it is because they are really dumb.

3. Lex Luthor- really, the only villain with even a slight chance of ever doing anything to Superman. Why, Superman could bring peace to himself and the rest of the world if he would just sling LL out into the vast darkness of space. That explains why Superman is himself, dumb.

4. Metropolis- could there be a dumber name for a city than this? Yes- Smallville.

Next point- I don’t really have anyother points- moving on to why Batman is more awesomer than superman.

1. Batman wears an almost full face mask. This is what is called a disguise. He also moves at night, in the shadows, to promote an air of fear into the common criminal of Gotham. No one gets a long enough look at him to put two and two together.

2. Batman is human. This generates suspense. We all know Bruce is a world-class MMA fighter, and wears a certain amount of body armor and other gadgets to give him an edge, but there is always the chance, and a good one, that he is going to lose. A well placed shot, or enough bad guys, or even Jet Li could be the end of the Batman. It’s kind of like watching Rocky get the snot beat out of him, but then at the end he reaches deep inside his heart and takes out the other guy.

3. Batman’s background is tons better than Superman.

Superman- “Boohoo, my father died of a heart-attack and even with all my super powers there was nothing I could do to save him, waah!”

Bruce- “My parents were savagely murdered right before my adolescent eyes by a two-bit mugger. All because my father tried to valiantly defend my mother. I grew up parentless, with only my faithful man-servant Alfred to raise me. I’m not crying about it. All it has done is cause severe emotional scarring that causes me to be a borderline psychotic who feels a never-ending pull to punish criminals by dressing up in a suit whose mask resembles a bat and running around at night scaring the s*** out of them, followed by beating them brutally and then going home and getting stitched up by my faithful man-servant Alfred, changing into an Armani suit and spend my days trying to convince people I am a selfish aristocratic brat who cares nothing of my fellow man while enduring the pain of not only a thousand stitches but numerous broken bones and bruises.”

Superman “What does actual physical pain feel like? I don’t know, but if I ever felt it I would probably cry for my heart diseased dad to come and hold me.”

Stay tuned for part two of my in depth discussion of why Batman is cooler than Superman…

Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary!

2008-12-29T16:55:00.000-08:00

Spence- Happy Birthday Bro! Miss you, hope all your wildest dreams come true.

Spence and Roxann- Happy Anniversary!

Good Year End News- From England

2008-12-29T06:34:00.001-08:00

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/comment/columnists/christopherbooker/3982101/2008-was-the-year-man-made-global-warming-was-disproved.html

A few musings...

2008-12-22T12:14:00.000-08:00

Global warming causes global cooling, or wait a minute, global warming will cause drought and famine because it is so hot, or maybe it causes the earth to heat up so fast it actually feels like it is -2 outside. Well, don’t worry about it, much smarter people than us are saying it happens- like Al Gore and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, so we need to believe.

Who listened to Aaron Neville and thought- “Why, he needs to record an album!” Or for that matter the following artists- AC/DC, Axel Rose, Vanilla Ice, etc. ect.

Right now, even as I am typing this, someone is making copies and singing “Little Drummer Boy.”

Why is it that kids can be sleeping just fine until you crawl into bed and get comfortable? It doesn’t matter if it is 9pm, or 12am. As soon as you get in bed, one of them cries, or screams, or comes out of their room wanting something. If your kids are so quiet that you have that nagging thought (and every parent has it) wondering if they are still breathing, just crawl into bed, and they are sure to confirm that they are in fact breathing.

How come the classroom where the High Priests meet always smells like farts and Aqua Velva?

What is the medias obsession with the Kennedys? Especially JFK? Sure he was a good president, but he was president less than 3 years, hardly enough time to really do anything of substance. Other than that- he didn’t really seem like a stand-up guy. (the whole adultery thing is less than steller.) Ted Kennedy is a drunk, and now we can confirm what we have always known- there is something terribly wrong with that man’s head. And now Caroline- daughter of John and Jackie. She has Kennedy blood coursing through her veins, and to liberals that is something akin to having Superman blood or being Aragorn from “Lord of the Rings.” Say hello to the Aristocracy of America.

Elf Spencer- please stop giving me nightmares. Please… please…please…sweet mercy, please…

Dear Spencer and Roxann...

2008-12-19T18:13:00.001-08:00

I really enjoyed your little elf videos. The kids were awesome and cute, as well as your elf, Roxann.

Spencer- your elf peered through my soul. Thank you for haunting my dreams for the next week or so.

Danny.

A green vacation...

2008-12-17T13:22:00.001-08:00

A couple of months ago the KC Star ran a whole series on “going green.” One of their installments was about having a “green” wedding. They had a plethora of stupid suggestions along with a huge, dumb article. As I was reading through their suggestions, I came upon a box entitled “The Honeymoon” and read this fine gem- “research cruise lines to see if they have a history of labor infractions.”

100 pesos to the first person who can tell me what labor infractions have to do with the environement.

Well, I will answer my own question- nothing. Nada. So why should we be concerned if the janitor on the boat is part of a Union? Because 60 years ago, going green would have been called going “red.”

For those of you that don’t understand, which I think the three people who read my blog do understand, its because being green is a mask for marxism. Evil, big bad corporations that exploit the workers. That is why, if you are going green, you need to make sure that not only are you aware of environmental concerns, but also the plight of the proletariat.

Hippies suck.

Peace- I’m out!

Out of the mouth of babes...

2008-12-15T06:54:00.001-08:00

Last night we had just finished reading our scriptures and Sharel asked the girls who the President of the Church is. Rachel answered President Monson. Eryn asked if Obama was President of the church. We explained to her the difference, that Obama was president of the US, and President Monson is the prophet. Eryn then said she can’t wait for another contest to pick out the king of the country.

Then Eryn explained to us that she was afraid of Barack Obama because he is a bad man and he might break into our house at night. I told her he wouldn’t do that because he has lots of money and there is nothing in our house he would want.

Eryn: I know why he has lots of money.

Me: Why?

Eryn: Because he steals it from people!

I promise we did not teach Eryn to strongly dislike or be afraid of Obama. In fact we have told her that he will be the president and deserves a certain amount of support and respect.

So, that must mean that ‘out of the mouths of babes…’

A Little Funny...

2008-12-05T17:31:00.001-08:00

Everyone feel sorry for me

2008-12-04T06:32:00.001-08:00

Here is the dealy-yo-

On or about the sixth day of November, I placed an order with a certain company for one (1) Sigarms P6. They informed me they would be getting a shipment of these pistols in about 4 weeks. Good, sweet awesome. This is the 4^th week. I have been waiting like a kid the night before Christmas. I dream about getting a call from my firearms dealer informing me the pistol has arrived. Literally, these are the actual dreams I dream at night. I check my account a couple of times a day just to see if they have taken the money out, for when they do, it means they have shipped my precious.

This week I went out to their website to see if they have received the shipment yet. At the top of their website, they had a wonderful little note-

“Due to high order/back order volume we are currently experiencing a delay in shipping. Please allow for up to 3-4 weeks for us to process and ship your order. We are currently shipping orders placed on the 15th of November. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We at AIM and others in the firearms industry are experiencing an extraordinarily high demand for the products we sell. Although we will do all we can to insure the fulfillment of your order(s) in its entirety, we are experiencing product shortages that may result in backorders or delays of specific product from your order. We ask for your patience as we work diligently to process orders, answer phone calls and respond to the thousands of emails requesting information about orders placed and product status.”

So what does this mean and why should you feel sorry for me? Because I don’t think they will even start to process my order until they receive their shipment of P6’s. That means another 3-4 weeks of waiting, like a child, for my pistol. I don’t know if I can wait that long- maybe I will freeze myself. Of course I could wake up to the Otter People. (If you know what I am referencing here, then shame on you, that episode was wrong, plain wrong, and you shouldn’t be watching it!)

A typical exchange at work...

2008-12-02T00:54:00.000-08:00

So, we get an email from payroll that says "As of Jan. 1, 2009 employees will be automatically enrolled in our 401(k) profit sharing plan unless you opt out."

So, my great friend and co-worker Linda, stands up, peers over our shared cubicle wall and says "So now they are forcing us to participate in the 401k?"

"No, you can opt out of it if you want, they are just saying that unless you specifically tell them you don't want to do it, then they will go ahead and enroll you."

"Sooo... we have to do the 401k now?"

"No, you don't have to, you just need to sign a form and tell them that you don't want to participate."

"But what if I don't want to do it?"

arrggghhh "Then fill out the form and check the box that says you opt out of the profit sharing plan."

"So... I have to fill out a form if I don't want to do it?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes."

Sometimes I want to stick a screwdriver in my ear and pound it in with a hammer.