So, the election has been over for 5 days and Hillary conceded. Officially we won't know anything until canvass later this week, and finally the electoral college vote in December, but ultimately, Donald Trump won the election. I predicted a long time ago, that he would win by a landslide. In regards to the electoral college, I was pretty much right. The popular vote was much, much closer. We still don't know what the outcome of that will be, but it doesn't matter because our founding fathers devised a way to ensure everyone has some say, and the little guy doesn't get bullied.
The electoral college was designed to ensure the big guy didn't walk all over the little guy. Some have called for the end of the electoral college, that it is no longer relevant, because it was designed when there was not widespread information and access. That is not what it was for. It was designed to ensure that everyone's vote had importance. How does that matter today? Well, for instance, if we eliminated the electoral college, then we would have a democrat in office forever. When the majority of people live in highly populated areas, and rely on the government to subsidize them, they vote predominantly democrat. In areas that are less populated, and generally more self serving, vote conservative. When you look at the map, even at the county level, most of the US is red. Only the populated areas like LA, Detroit, New York and Chicago are blue. Thus, supporting the argument.
Not so surprising is the disdain for the outcome of the election. Generally a portion will be disappointed with the outcome. I'll admit, after the 2008 election, I was very disappointed. I was also very worried about what would happen here in the US. Most of what I was worried with, happened. Healthcare is becoming a shambles because more and more people can't afford healthcare insurance, because of the "Affordable Care Act." Also, because of the ACA, more people are out of work. The easiest way for an employer to meet the ACA requirements and not go broke paying for insurance was to cut employee hours or numbers. Thusly, people are making less wages. We are no longer respected and feared in the world. We are viewed as a bunch of pansies. What is worse, is that we are letting those that seek to destroy us, in. The current, and thankfully leaving administration has done everything to pander to those that despise and hate us. This administration has bragged about what they have done with "women's rights" by denying children's rights; well, at least while in the womb, but once they are born, they don't have to listen to parents, because parents' rights are moot. They have actively tried every way to disregard and alter the Constitution in any number of ways. First and foremost is the 1st Amendment if you are Christian. If you are any other religion, do what you want. Then lets go to the next amendment. The second amendment, "the right to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed" has been attacked at every turn since January 20th, 2009. Then there is the military. It has been decimated, the budget has been cut, and good, strong commanders have been fired because they didn't meet Obama's agenda. Good or bad, that was very valuable experience that dedicated generally 30 years of their lives to the defense of our country. With all of this, and I expected it would all happen, we didn't riot. Not once did anyone mad about losing to Obama, did we riot. We simply took up our tools, went to work, and made the best of the time. That doesn't mean we simply stood by though. We exercised our rights, we planned for the worst and prepared to be able to survive if necessary, no matter how bad it got.
Those that didn't like that Trump lost, are not so civilized. Now, there are some that voted for Hillary and have accepted that they didn't win. They don't have to like it, but they are grown people with self respect and can just deal with their situation like we did for 8 years. But sadly, not all of them have been that way. There have riots, vandalism, destruction, temper tantrums, and every sort of non-productive ways of showing their ire. What purpose is it serving to tear up everything? I remember when I was a kid and threw a temper tantrum and destroyed something, that I didn't it replaced, or I had to spend my hard earned money to replace it. These people have also called for not only the murder of the President-Elect, but also anyone that openly states they voted for Trump. Hey, read up a few lines, remember the part about the 2nd amendment. Most of those that voted for Trump believe in the second amendment. Pick a fight with someone that voted for Trump very, very wisely. They have means for self protection.
So, why did Trump win? Because of everything that I have said in the last few paragraphs. While the numbers say unemployment has gone down, the overall household income has dropped. More jobs are going overseas. People are tired of illegal immigration. Illegal immigrants are getting free handouts from the government while everyone else is suffering. The hard working American is tired of busting theirs for everyone else to sit on theirs. Trump is a business man who knows a thing or two about business. Sure, he bankrupted on 4 businesses, but the fed is 20 trillion in debt. No business would have ever gotten that far without declaring bankruptcy.
Since he won the election, Israel has already stated they are ready to repair the relationship that Obama destroyed. The DOW made a record high today. That's a positive sign for the economy. Syria and Russia have already said they are willing to open talks to ensure peace. That sounds vaguely familiar from 1980/1981. Mexico is willing to re-negotiate NAFTA. Trump said he could make Mexico pay for the wall. If Mexico is willing to negotiate NAFTA, then Trump could actually make Mexico pay for the wall. So what didn't Trump do? He didn't stand on a platform that he couldn't do. All the past elections had platforms like Abortion, Parents' rights, fixing the budget etc. but that is all stuff that would require Congress and the SCOTUS to be on board. What the President can do, is set foreign policy. Seems to me, in 5 days, he is already working on that. Actually, just by winning, others are coming forward to help with that. Now, can he do anything about Abortion and other things like that, well surprisingly, Congress and the SCOTUS are conveniently Conservative, at least for 2 years. So, maybe he can get some things done.
What surprised me, however, was people that were seemingly intelligent acting the way they have been acting. I've heard comments like, "know when you walk into somewhere with your best friend, and you get attacked and they don't help, well that's how I felt by all of the people that voted for Trump." Really!? So, you can have an opinion and a vote, but I cannot? Who is the intolerant bigot now? Or people want to believe everything that the media said about Trump, but completely disregard everything Hillary has done? Wow, that is simply amazing. So Trump did say some nasty things in his past. He didn't try to hide it, he owned it. His daughter, when she found out, didn't condone it, or try to write it off. She said it was bad. That didn't change her thoughts on him though. So he is crass, he is not well versed in political speak, but he doesn't speak out both sides of his mouth, like most politicians do. Hillary has openly supported abortion up to birth, then wants to take my guns so I can't shoot babies. I don't understand that. Actually, she probably could care less about those babies, but if there is no armed society, then the government has nothing to fear. That is ultimately why they want our guns. She left people to die in Benghazi, some even support a conspiracy that she sold them out. The theory was that she was funneling weapons through Libya to the rebels in Syria to fight the Syrian government. However, those rebels quickly defected to ISIS, thus, we were arming those that were doing everything to kill us all. So, how do you hide that? You get rid of the witnesses. I've never heard of so many people associated with any one person to commit suicide, short of Dr. Kevorkian in the 80s and 90s.
I have good friends that voted for Hillary, and I have good friends that voted for Trump. Those that voted for Hillary have their reasons, and I have my reasons for Trump. I'll not try to explain why they voted for Hillary. That is their decision. However, they have yet to try to tell me I was wrong, and I haven't told them why I am right. They respect my ability to vote, and I respect their ability to vote. What I can't respect is all of the whiners, complainers, criers, vandals and mouths that want to degrade me. Sadly, those that do that, are the first to cry foul when they feel they have been prejudged, or discriminated against.
Now, I guess, if you're interested in why I voted the way I did, here goes:
1) He said he could fix the budget, and I believe it
2) He said he would strengthen the military, which it needs.
3) He said he would strengthen our borders, which we desperately need.
4) She said she supported abortion, the murder of children, all the way up to birth
5) She already proved that she has no concern for Americans. "What difference does it make?"
6) She is a bigot, and hypocrite. She hangs around with white supremacists
7) He has more diversity in his companies than anything in the federal government now.
8) He probably won't utilize terrorists as advisors, like the current administration
9) She has shown a complete disregard for the opinion of the American people by blatantly lying.
10) She utilized methods to transmit sensitive critical information endangering American lives.
Sunday, November 13, 2016
Friday, March 11, 2016
"Let's Lock Daddy in the Bathroom"
I guess I should finish this post. I started it half a dozen times, but never finished it.
One day, several years ago. In a galaxy, far, far away, there was a jedi....
Oh wait, wrong story.
About 10 years ago, the girls were 2ish. We lived in a single wide trailer, yes a single wide, with myself, my bride and 3 two year olds. My old EMS shift captain used to kid around that they had me on suicide watch, and I always reminded him that they let me have the narcotics keys at work.
On that fateful day, Audrey decided to let Calgon take her away. I was up, it was middle of the day, and I was doing something in the kitchen. The kids were playing in the living room.
So, lets build a little history here before we go any further. The doors in the mobile home did not have round door knobs, but had lever style handles. Basically, you had to pull down on the handle and the door would swing in. NOT very child proof, in case you are wondering. So.......
In my infinite wisdom, we placed screen door latches and hooks about eye level for me on all the interior doors that the girls had access to. Their room, the spare bedroom, and the spare bathroom, to be exact. After I spent hours on the front porch with the toilet on its side trying to pull Tigger, Pooh (not poo) and piglet out of the Poo (not pooh) pot, I decided that I was NOT going through that again. Another issue that we were having was that the kids had a GIANT box of legos that they played with. More importantly, they were scattered quickly every morning and then were not played with all day. My math was poor at that time. I couldn't put two and two together.
So you're asking, where is all this going? Standby, it's coming......
So, back to that fateful day. Audrey is having an intimate date with Calgon and whichever musician/singer was playing loudly on the computer in our bedroom. I was doing something, and the kids were playing. The baby gate was up. No danger of them getting in the kitchen. The front storm door is locked, cabinets had baby proof locks and all the interior doors were latched. All is good in the world. Then my stomach had other ideas. As a matter of fact, turtling was a good analogy. I figured that 10 minutes in the bathroom was not dangerous. After all, they're 2. Nothing could go wrong. So, I head for the mighty throne of all dads. Unfortunately, there are no magazines, no papers etc in that bathroom. So what do I do? I do what all good adults do in that situation, I read the label on the air freshener can. Then it happens. The hand wave under the door. Being the loving and caring dad that I am, I threw not one, but two towels at the door. Ha! Privacy! I'm deep into the active ingredients when I hear, (in the best little 2 year old voice) "lets lock daddy in the baffroom"
I think to myself, "whatever" and continue to read the rest of the ingredients in Glade 'Clean Linen'. Then what do I hear? A loud thump, then what sounds like a "chink" and then giggling, then, "let's go hide" then more giggling. I shrug it off. But then I hear another thump, and then quiet. Now, if anyone has ANY experience with toddlers, you will know that, while you seek quiet, when you get it, you DON'T want it. After a couple of minutes, I start thinking. I had better investigate this. So, I finish my business, wash my hands, and then open the door. But...... It doesn't open. The handle turns fine, but the door isn't opening. I pull a bit harder, nothing. Then it clicks, that chink I heard may have been that screen door latch. No.... Can't be. That thing is 5 feet high. There is no way. I yell, for Audrey. I yell, for Audrey, again. Oh yeah, she is on a romantic date with Calgon, and whichever music is playing. Her and I are not even on the same plane at this moment. I am locked in a bathroom, with three toddlers loose in the house. Did I mention? They are quiet. So quiet, that it is deafening. I decided, I will get out regardless. I turned the handle, and with gentle but firm pull, I pulled the screen door hook out of the door jamb. When I gained my freedom, I almost fell over that giant green box that is the container for legos. I didn't even notice it though. At least not then. The door to the girls' room was closed, no latch though. The latch didn't register you see, because this wasn't an unusual occurrence. Periodically, we would find a door unlatched. Audrey would blame me for forgetting to latch a door, and I would blame Audrey for the same. We would get aggravated with each other about it, accusing each other, and refusing to accept the blame when we were accused. So, I proceeded to find my kids. Not in the living room. Not in the kitchen, not in the spare bedroom, obviously not in the bathroom, because I was just in there. I kicked the green box out of the way (hasn't registered yet) and go in their bedroom. Three little toddler beds lined up neatly, but no kids. I retraced all my steps. Still nothing. I started looking in closets and cabinets. Now I'm getting worried. I went outside and looked around. They were not in the fence, no where to be found in the yard. Panic is on the way. I really don't like panic, he never produces anything good. I try to ban him from the house. So, I walk back in the nursery one more time, and stand there with my hand on my hip. Curious. "Where did they go?" Suddenly and very quickly I see a leg dart out and back under a toddler bed. The gig is up! Ha Ha. "Alright, I know you are under the beds! Come out." They emerge laughing hysterically. Two year olds got the best of dear old dad. Now, I ask you, would you ever guess 2 year olds to be conniving and jokesters? Not me. I am an adult, I am smarter, older, more experienced. You can't get the best of me. I've had some of the best adults try to play jokes. Two year olds got me. Two year olds.
So, as we walk out, I'm trying to figure out how they did that. Then as I kick that lego box out of the way, it finally clicks. Them rats have been dumping those legos for weeks, so they could use that box as a step stool to open those door locks. The ones that we have been accusing each other for weeks about forgetting to latch back. It was then, that I discovered that I was woefully under-matched, and out-numbered. Ever since, they have kept me on my toes.
Oh yeah, Audrey was still oblivious as she enjoyed her date with Calgon. She didn't even get to watch or participate....
One day, several years ago. In a galaxy, far, far away, there was a jedi....
Oh wait, wrong story.
About 10 years ago, the girls were 2ish. We lived in a single wide trailer, yes a single wide, with myself, my bride and 3 two year olds. My old EMS shift captain used to kid around that they had me on suicide watch, and I always reminded him that they let me have the narcotics keys at work.
On that fateful day, Audrey decided to let Calgon take her away. I was up, it was middle of the day, and I was doing something in the kitchen. The kids were playing in the living room.
So, lets build a little history here before we go any further. The doors in the mobile home did not have round door knobs, but had lever style handles. Basically, you had to pull down on the handle and the door would swing in. NOT very child proof, in case you are wondering. So.......
In my infinite wisdom, we placed screen door latches and hooks about eye level for me on all the interior doors that the girls had access to. Their room, the spare bedroom, and the spare bathroom, to be exact. After I spent hours on the front porch with the toilet on its side trying to pull Tigger, Pooh (not poo) and piglet out of the Poo (not pooh) pot, I decided that I was NOT going through that again. Another issue that we were having was that the kids had a GIANT box of legos that they played with. More importantly, they were scattered quickly every morning and then were not played with all day. My math was poor at that time. I couldn't put two and two together.
So you're asking, where is all this going? Standby, it's coming......
So, back to that fateful day. Audrey is having an intimate date with Calgon and whichever musician/singer was playing loudly on the computer in our bedroom. I was doing something, and the kids were playing. The baby gate was up. No danger of them getting in the kitchen. The front storm door is locked, cabinets had baby proof locks and all the interior doors were latched. All is good in the world. Then my stomach had other ideas. As a matter of fact, turtling was a good analogy. I figured that 10 minutes in the bathroom was not dangerous. After all, they're 2. Nothing could go wrong. So, I head for the mighty throne of all dads. Unfortunately, there are no magazines, no papers etc in that bathroom. So what do I do? I do what all good adults do in that situation, I read the label on the air freshener can. Then it happens. The hand wave under the door. Being the loving and caring dad that I am, I threw not one, but two towels at the door. Ha! Privacy! I'm deep into the active ingredients when I hear, (in the best little 2 year old voice) "lets lock daddy in the baffroom"
I think to myself, "whatever" and continue to read the rest of the ingredients in Glade 'Clean Linen'. Then what do I hear? A loud thump, then what sounds like a "chink" and then giggling, then, "let's go hide" then more giggling. I shrug it off. But then I hear another thump, and then quiet. Now, if anyone has ANY experience with toddlers, you will know that, while you seek quiet, when you get it, you DON'T want it. After a couple of minutes, I start thinking. I had better investigate this. So, I finish my business, wash my hands, and then open the door. But...... It doesn't open. The handle turns fine, but the door isn't opening. I pull a bit harder, nothing. Then it clicks, that chink I heard may have been that screen door latch. No.... Can't be. That thing is 5 feet high. There is no way. I yell, for Audrey. I yell, for Audrey, again. Oh yeah, she is on a romantic date with Calgon, and whichever music is playing. Her and I are not even on the same plane at this moment. I am locked in a bathroom, with three toddlers loose in the house. Did I mention? They are quiet. So quiet, that it is deafening. I decided, I will get out regardless. I turned the handle, and with gentle but firm pull, I pulled the screen door hook out of the door jamb. When I gained my freedom, I almost fell over that giant green box that is the container for legos. I didn't even notice it though. At least not then. The door to the girls' room was closed, no latch though. The latch didn't register you see, because this wasn't an unusual occurrence. Periodically, we would find a door unlatched. Audrey would blame me for forgetting to latch a door, and I would blame Audrey for the same. We would get aggravated with each other about it, accusing each other, and refusing to accept the blame when we were accused. So, I proceeded to find my kids. Not in the living room. Not in the kitchen, not in the spare bedroom, obviously not in the bathroom, because I was just in there. I kicked the green box out of the way (hasn't registered yet) and go in their bedroom. Three little toddler beds lined up neatly, but no kids. I retraced all my steps. Still nothing. I started looking in closets and cabinets. Now I'm getting worried. I went outside and looked around. They were not in the fence, no where to be found in the yard. Panic is on the way. I really don't like panic, he never produces anything good. I try to ban him from the house. So, I walk back in the nursery one more time, and stand there with my hand on my hip. Curious. "Where did they go?" Suddenly and very quickly I see a leg dart out and back under a toddler bed. The gig is up! Ha Ha. "Alright, I know you are under the beds! Come out." They emerge laughing hysterically. Two year olds got the best of dear old dad. Now, I ask you, would you ever guess 2 year olds to be conniving and jokesters? Not me. I am an adult, I am smarter, older, more experienced. You can't get the best of me. I've had some of the best adults try to play jokes. Two year olds got me. Two year olds.
So, as we walk out, I'm trying to figure out how they did that. Then as I kick that lego box out of the way, it finally clicks. Them rats have been dumping those legos for weeks, so they could use that box as a step stool to open those door locks. The ones that we have been accusing each other for weeks about forgetting to latch back. It was then, that I discovered that I was woefully under-matched, and out-numbered. Ever since, they have kept me on my toes.
Oh yeah, Audrey was still oblivious as she enjoyed her date with Calgon. She didn't even get to watch or participate....
Normal, everyday crazy...
It has been a long week at work, and I decided after putting 80 hours of crazy into 32 hours, (took Monday off) I had had enough about lunch time today so I decided to come home to enjoy the rest of the pretty day. I came home to an untidy house, in a yard littered with leaves and branches from various storms over the last couple of months. The kids were with Grandma, so I went and had lunch with my bride. Then when I got back home, the kiddos were back.
I sat down in the chair, and button in my butt was activated which caused a siesta for about 30 minutes, until someone from work called. It is turning out to be a decent end to the week from Hades.
Everyone is settling into their routine for the evening, winding down for the night. Audrey is the bath, and I walk in there to talk to her for a minute. The dog pokes her head in the door and we both look at her, and she cocks her head and looks at us. She has that look that says, "what are y'all doing?" I looked at her, and asked if she wanted a bath. It took her all of about 3/100ths of a second and she was gone. She ain't dumb. She hates a bath.
I told the girls to get her ready for a bath, and the dog runs to the bedroom to hide. Natalie is chasing her, because she is heading for Natalie's bed, to climb way under and get away. Juli and Becca join in the chase, and I all can do is laugh. Now as I type this, Becca is playing matador with a wet dog, in the living room and the dog has that look on her face, saying, "hahahaha, come get me." Some days I come home from work, and I am just aggravated and don't see the humor in things, or realize how good I have it. Maybe I need to leave work early, a little more frequently, so that I can enjoy life more. Today was a refreshing day. It may seem like little simple stuff, but sometimes, little simple stuff add up to much greater things than little stuff. And..... the dog just passed out from the festivities of a bath, and playing with matador el Becca.
It is never ending here at the house. I wouldn't have it any other way. I guess we need to really stop and smell the roses once in a while. Not sure that is roses though...... sniff sniff sniff......
OK!!!! Who farted?!?!?!?!
Oh my.... where are the matches?
I sat down in the chair, and button in my butt was activated which caused a siesta for about 30 minutes, until someone from work called. It is turning out to be a decent end to the week from Hades.
Everyone is settling into their routine for the evening, winding down for the night. Audrey is the bath, and I walk in there to talk to her for a minute. The dog pokes her head in the door and we both look at her, and she cocks her head and looks at us. She has that look that says, "what are y'all doing?" I looked at her, and asked if she wanted a bath. It took her all of about 3/100ths of a second and she was gone. She ain't dumb. She hates a bath.
I told the girls to get her ready for a bath, and the dog runs to the bedroom to hide. Natalie is chasing her, because she is heading for Natalie's bed, to climb way under and get away. Juli and Becca join in the chase, and I all can do is laugh. Now as I type this, Becca is playing matador with a wet dog, in the living room and the dog has that look on her face, saying, "hahahaha, come get me." Some days I come home from work, and I am just aggravated and don't see the humor in things, or realize how good I have it. Maybe I need to leave work early, a little more frequently, so that I can enjoy life more. Today was a refreshing day. It may seem like little simple stuff, but sometimes, little simple stuff add up to much greater things than little stuff. And..... the dog just passed out from the festivities of a bath, and playing with matador el Becca.
It is never ending here at the house. I wouldn't have it any other way. I guess we need to really stop and smell the roses once in a while. Not sure that is roses though...... sniff sniff sniff......
OK!!!! Who farted?!?!?!?!
Oh my.... where are the matches?
Saturday, September 26, 2015
A Family Reunion
When I was a kid, from kindergarten to high school, I remember looking forward to the family reunion at the farm every Memorial Day weekend. Then one year it didn't happen. It was almost as if someone turned a switch and it was off, never to be turned back on. I'm not sure that's the way it happened, but that's the way I remember it. A couple of times, the family tried to have a gathering over the years, and a few times it was pretty good, but nothing like the old reunions. I remember time where there was a table that was a hundred yards long, covered in food from end to end. As a 10 year old, that table seemed that long. It would be covered in field peas, 5 or 6 different bowls, and all cooked differently. Some would be just field peas, some would have fatback in the pot, others would have bacon and even others would have snap beans in the mix. ALL were to die for. Just like the peas, every other dish on that table had multiple offerings. There were sweet potatoes, green beans, corn on and off the cobb, ham, fried chicken, white potatoes, casseroles for every vegetable ever grown in the south, 172 variations of mac and cheese and just about any other food concoction from the south that would cause you to overeat, and then want to sit around the rest of the afternoon in the shade of a huge pecan tree. Speaking of that pecan tree, that is pe with the long e sound and can with the short a sound. pee-can, not pecahn. Yes, pecan pie. Oh yeah, nanner puddin', chocolate pie, lemon crème pies, cakes of every shape, size and flavor. There were brownies, cookies, and multiple other dessert pastries to be found. None of which were bought from Food Lion, or the A&P from those days, every morsel on that table was from somebody's kitchen. You're thinking, as you read this, that I am exaggerating, but that table was 40 feet long by 4 feet wide. I remember my Grandpa making a set of stands to make that table. It was 5 or 6 sheets of plywood long. That was just for the food being provided. If you wanted to eat, there were other tables, or you just held the plate in your lap. I remember at the height of the reunions, there were commonly 125 to 150 people at the reunions. I remember all my Aunts and Uncles, my Grandparents, my cousins, and tons of people that I had no clue who they were. This was on the farm, where there fields, yards and ditches to run in. In the back part of the back yard, there was badminton and horseshoes to play. In the backyard near the house were chairs, chairs, and more chairs for the "old" people to sit and tell stories. I was able to play with my cousins all day, and didn't have to worry about my Mom and Dad trying to keep up with me, or yelling at me about running barefoot in the fields or ditches. Of the memories my cousins and I made. I never thought I would relish those times like I would come to as I type this tonight.
About 3 years ago, one of my cousins, the one that I spent many days in those very ditches running with; got together and started talking about trying to get these memories back. We decided on having an old fashioned pig pickin' on the farm, but for what occasion? My aunt suggested doing a get together for all the cousins and doing the pig pickin' then. Last year we did one, trying to revive that nostalgia, and boy, lemme tell ya, did it work. There were people that I didn't know again, at the farm. My cousins were there, although we were not running the ditches this time. Aunts and Uncles were there, but this time they were the "old people" sitting around in chairs telling stories. It was such a success that we wanted to make this an every year occurrence like it used to be. Today, that happened. The hundred yard smorgasbord wasn't there, but there was food for yards. There was pig on the grill. There were chairs everywhere. There were kids running everywhere, in the ditches too. This time, those kids were mine. My kids, my cousin's kids; cousins playing where I played with my cousins. Admittedly though, I was feeling a bit nostalgic. When I was a kid, I was not allowed to sit with the "old people" but today, myself and my cousins were sitting with the "old people" although we are not the "old people."
The "old people" were telling war stories of their days on the farm growing up, and of course we listened. Amazingly, my Aunt's and Uncle's shenanigans were no better or worse than ours, just different. My cousins and I talked about the shenanigans we did on the farm when we were growing up. The "old people" spoke of slamming the door in the kitchen when Grandma was baking a cake, so they could eat the cake that fell when the door slammed. We talked about shooting each other with BB guns, and having to dig a well while the Aunts and Uncles watched us dig. We talked about wrecking go karts, and jumping through the ditches. It is a good thing that the "young people" were busy running through the ditches while we were telling war stories. We sure don't need our kids learning bad habits from us. Did I mention that some of them were barefoot in those very ditches that we were not supposed to be running in. We did it, and were told not to, and our kids are now doing it. Makes me wonder if the "old people" did it with Grandma and Grandad telling them not to.
Today was a great day, we didn't have the 150 people, but I'd estimate well over 50. Not bad for only the second year. I know it was good day, when my kiddo was feeling the sadness of having to wait for another year to do it again. I remember those days, and I hope that my kids get to feel the same nostalgia in 30 years.
About 3 years ago, one of my cousins, the one that I spent many days in those very ditches running with; got together and started talking about trying to get these memories back. We decided on having an old fashioned pig pickin' on the farm, but for what occasion? My aunt suggested doing a get together for all the cousins and doing the pig pickin' then. Last year we did one, trying to revive that nostalgia, and boy, lemme tell ya, did it work. There were people that I didn't know again, at the farm. My cousins were there, although we were not running the ditches this time. Aunts and Uncles were there, but this time they were the "old people" sitting around in chairs telling stories. It was such a success that we wanted to make this an every year occurrence like it used to be. Today, that happened. The hundred yard smorgasbord wasn't there, but there was food for yards. There was pig on the grill. There were chairs everywhere. There were kids running everywhere, in the ditches too. This time, those kids were mine. My kids, my cousin's kids; cousins playing where I played with my cousins. Admittedly though, I was feeling a bit nostalgic. When I was a kid, I was not allowed to sit with the "old people" but today, myself and my cousins were sitting with the "old people" although we are not the "old people."
The "old people" were telling war stories of their days on the farm growing up, and of course we listened. Amazingly, my Aunt's and Uncle's shenanigans were no better or worse than ours, just different. My cousins and I talked about the shenanigans we did on the farm when we were growing up. The "old people" spoke of slamming the door in the kitchen when Grandma was baking a cake, so they could eat the cake that fell when the door slammed. We talked about shooting each other with BB guns, and having to dig a well while the Aunts and Uncles watched us dig. We talked about wrecking go karts, and jumping through the ditches. It is a good thing that the "young people" were busy running through the ditches while we were telling war stories. We sure don't need our kids learning bad habits from us. Did I mention that some of them were barefoot in those very ditches that we were not supposed to be running in. We did it, and were told not to, and our kids are now doing it. Makes me wonder if the "old people" did it with Grandma and Grandad telling them not to.
Today was a great day, we didn't have the 150 people, but I'd estimate well over 50. Not bad for only the second year. I know it was good day, when my kiddo was feeling the sadness of having to wait for another year to do it again. I remember those days, and I hope that my kids get to feel the same nostalgia in 30 years.
Friday, September 18, 2015
Quotes, Quotes, everywhere are Quotes
What are quotes? Why do they evoke certain feelings in us? Better yet, why do some mean more to others than some? Who knows, but I have a few favorites. Some are inspirational, some are just plain dumb, but still hold some connection. One of my favorite quotes is by Theodore Roosevelt. It reminds of why, when I lose, that it is still a good thing. It in itself is what is wrong with society today, we don't appreciate a hard fought loss.
Friends, brothers, a fellowship of bonds stronger than any other. A speech for people that have shared sacrifices, bloodshed and suffering together, and truly understand victory and defeat at the same time.
So I often wondered why I liked these so much. Was it because of their eloquent speech that on one speaks like anymore. Was it the romantic notion of noble victory or defeat? I could never figure that out, until yesterday when I saw a simple picture and quote on Facebook; yes, facebook, that dreadful social media application. It was a picture of a little girl in a fairy outfit. It had that beautiful sepia tone that is part of all phone apps, picture editing software, and of course, Instagram. It was a cute picture of a little girl imagining some fairy tale. What was most interesting about the picture was a quote attached to it. "What if I fall?, But, Oh my darling, what if you fly?" I imagine my girls at that age, scared to try something and them asking me, as their Dad, their safety; "Daddy, I'm scared to fall." I have seen this quote many times before, but this one had the word 'fly' italicized. It dawned on me then. Fail or succeed, its a crap shoot, but 'fly' is not to succeed, it means to succeed so greatly that it could only be dreamt of. I realized with just that little quote, several things. One is that, we can live normal, boring lives everyday, by failing to try. It is safe to do what is normal. It is safe to travel the wide road and avoid the road less traveled. One can be good without effort, one can even be great with minimal effort, but those that really tried, those that failed once but never quit often finished strong. Some finished Mightily. Thomas Edison once said something, "I've never failed, I've only found a 1000 ways not to do something." Imagine if he had given up, or never even tried because of fear of failure.
So, again, that final short quote, what was it that evoked such emotion? Why did that quote mean so much in so few words? Why does it fall into the category of such works as Shakespeare and a great President?
It is all because of one common thread. They strike us at what we all wish we would be, instead of what we choose to be. We choose the easy path, we choose to do what we know works. Most of the time, we are hesitant or scared to make that leap into the unknown. All it takes is that little bit of encouragement. As I sit here and write this, the realization comes to me that it isn't the quotes themselves, or even what the quotes, but who said them. A President, Shakespeare through King Henry V, and simply, a Dad. Whoa! That is three very different people, but all are figure heads. Everyone of us have importance to someone. Everyone of us can influence someone. President Theodore Roosevelt could influence a nation, King Henry V could influence his nation, and a Dad can influence a child. So who has more power? I dare say, the answer is a Dad or a Mom. Because if a Dad or a Mom can influence a child, that child could be inspired to greatness. That greatness could be the next light bulb, or to pursue a career in politics. Maybe as a Dad, I could inspire one of my girls to be those that try to fly. Maybe their flight could take them to the Presidency one day. By inspiring one, I inspire many.
Ultimately, I think quotes often inspire us because of who said them, what the quote mean to us on a personal level, but mostly because they evoke in us, what we often want to be. I find myself in the company of greatness, by knowing what I say could have as much, if not more influence one day than some great leaders of the past. I want my kids to have more, do better, reach higher and go farther than I ever will.
Maybe, when they fly, they'll fly to the stars. Who knows, maybe one day, I'll be quoted. I'm sure I already am, but I'm not sure they are always ground-breaking, earth-shattering or inspiring words.
Today, not many think this way. I see people afraid to try for that victory because they are worried about failure, or more importantly, they have gotten accustomed to the mentality that everyone wins. Everyone gets a trophy for succeeding. Why even try to win? It reminds of the major league sports, when they all went on "strike" because 472 million dollars a year wasn't enough to pay their bills. I would much rather go to a high school, or college ball game. I particularly like the summer baseball leagues. Those guys are fighting in the dirt to win, they are giving it their all, it may be their only shot at the majors. If they fail, they fail, but they tried. They won't live their lives wondering, could I have made it to the majors. However, if they make it, they can say, I came out of the mud, the trenches, the very bottom to get where they are. They know the struggles, they appreciate the determination. Most of the time, they give deeper value to their accomplishments than if it were given to them.
Another quote that I like isn't really a quote, it is an excerpt from one of William Shakespeare's plays. The king from Henry V and his speech on St. Crispian's Day.
What's he that wishes so?
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
My cousin Westmoreland? No, my fair cousin;
If we are mark'd to die, we are enow
To do our country loss; and if to live,
The fewer men, the greater share of honour.
God's will! I pray thee, wish not one man more.
By Jove, I am not covetous for gold,
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear;
Such outward things dwell not in my desires.
But if it be a sin to covet honour,
I am the most offending soul alive.
No, faith, my coz, wish not a man from England.
God's peace! I would not lose so great an honour
As one man more methinks would share from me
For the best hope I have. O, do not wish one more!
Rather proclaim it, Westmoreland, through my host,
That he which hath no stomach to this fight,
Let him depart; his passport shall be made,
And crowns for convoy put into his purse;
We would not die in that man's company
That fears his fellowship to die with us.
This day is call'd the feast of Crispian.
He that outlives this day, and comes safe home,
Will stand a tip-toe when this day is nam'd,
And rouse him at the name of Crispian.
He that shall live this day, and see old age,
Will yearly on the vigil feast his neighbours,
And say 'To-morrow is Saint Crispian.'
Then will he strip his sleeve and show his scars,
And say 'These wounds I had on Crispian's day.'
Old men forget; yet all shall be forgot,
But he'll remember, with advantages,
What feats he did that day. Then shall our names,
Familiar in his mouth as household words-
Harry the King, Bedford and Exeter,
Warwick and Talbot, Salisbury and Gloucester-
Be in their flowing cups freshly rememb'red.
This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispin Crispian shall ne'er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembered-
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;
And gentlemen in England now-a-bed
Shall think themselves accurs'd they were not here,
And hold their manhoods cheap whiles any speaks
That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day.
Friends, brothers, a fellowship of bonds stronger than any other. A speech for people that have shared sacrifices, bloodshed and suffering together, and truly understand victory and defeat at the same time.
So I often wondered why I liked these so much. Was it because of their eloquent speech that on one speaks like anymore. Was it the romantic notion of noble victory or defeat? I could never figure that out, until yesterday when I saw a simple picture and quote on Facebook; yes, facebook, that dreadful social media application. It was a picture of a little girl in a fairy outfit. It had that beautiful sepia tone that is part of all phone apps, picture editing software, and of course, Instagram. It was a cute picture of a little girl imagining some fairy tale. What was most interesting about the picture was a quote attached to it. "What if I fall?, But, Oh my darling, what if you fly?" I imagine my girls at that age, scared to try something and them asking me, as their Dad, their safety; "Daddy, I'm scared to fall." I have seen this quote many times before, but this one had the word 'fly' italicized. It dawned on me then. Fail or succeed, its a crap shoot, but 'fly' is not to succeed, it means to succeed so greatly that it could only be dreamt of. I realized with just that little quote, several things. One is that, we can live normal, boring lives everyday, by failing to try. It is safe to do what is normal. It is safe to travel the wide road and avoid the road less traveled. One can be good without effort, one can even be great with minimal effort, but those that really tried, those that failed once but never quit often finished strong. Some finished Mightily. Thomas Edison once said something, "I've never failed, I've only found a 1000 ways not to do something." Imagine if he had given up, or never even tried because of fear of failure.
So, again, that final short quote, what was it that evoked such emotion? Why did that quote mean so much in so few words? Why does it fall into the category of such works as Shakespeare and a great President?
It is all because of one common thread. They strike us at what we all wish we would be, instead of what we choose to be. We choose the easy path, we choose to do what we know works. Most of the time, we are hesitant or scared to make that leap into the unknown. All it takes is that little bit of encouragement. As I sit here and write this, the realization comes to me that it isn't the quotes themselves, or even what the quotes, but who said them. A President, Shakespeare through King Henry V, and simply, a Dad. Whoa! That is three very different people, but all are figure heads. Everyone of us have importance to someone. Everyone of us can influence someone. President Theodore Roosevelt could influence a nation, King Henry V could influence his nation, and a Dad can influence a child. So who has more power? I dare say, the answer is a Dad or a Mom. Because if a Dad or a Mom can influence a child, that child could be inspired to greatness. That greatness could be the next light bulb, or to pursue a career in politics. Maybe as a Dad, I could inspire one of my girls to be those that try to fly. Maybe their flight could take them to the Presidency one day. By inspiring one, I inspire many.
Ultimately, I think quotes often inspire us because of who said them, what the quote mean to us on a personal level, but mostly because they evoke in us, what we often want to be. I find myself in the company of greatness, by knowing what I say could have as much, if not more influence one day than some great leaders of the past. I want my kids to have more, do better, reach higher and go farther than I ever will.
Maybe, when they fly, they'll fly to the stars. Who knows, maybe one day, I'll be quoted. I'm sure I already am, but I'm not sure they are always ground-breaking, earth-shattering or inspiring words.
Tuesday, September 15, 2015
Civic ignorance
Tonight at a meeting, well, after the meeting, some friends and I were outside talking. To be honest, it was more like I walked into a conversation. I'm not even sure the topic, but eventually it turned to the lady in Kentucky who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. While the discussion was about the woman not issuing licenses, the conversation quickly turned to ignorance of law. She chose to stand her ground, good on her. She had no law that stated she had to do it. Had there been a law that required her to issue the licenses, then "they" would have the right to incarcerate her.
The point here, is that people assume something is law because "they" said so. We went back and forth about the law that "they" said was there. There are no laws in Kentucky that recognize the marriage of two people of the same sex. However, there are laws on the books that state the exact opposite. The Supreme Court of the US states that those laws are unconstitutional. Ok, so they are unconstitutional. That in itself, does not make it law. It only says that laws that prohibit it, are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court didn't really rule marriage laws unconstitutional, insomuch as they ruled that rights cannot be infringed. Basically, that says that laws can't prevent it. What it does not do, is make it law to provide it.
The Constitution is very clear, the legislative branch makes the law, the judicial branch merely interprets law and the executive branch is to enforce the law. So, lets break that down, when it comes to this case. The Supreme Court basically said that the legislative branches of federal, state and local governments merely cannot make a law prohibiting it. That DOES NOT mean it is law to provide it, that is still the responsibility of the legislative branch.
This means, that the lady in Kentucky has broken no law by not issuing these marriage certificates. Now, that is not a discussion I am going to have with anyone, about whether she should or shouldn't.
My point for this blog post is that, just because "they" said it, doesn't necessarily mean it is so. This person has knowledge of the law because a law student told them so. Where did this student get his/her information? Was it a law book? Was it some high ranking lawyer that interpreted the law, or wants to put his/her spin on the law and push an agenda? I really don't care, but what really irked me in all this, was the comment of, "Lawyers say so, regardless of what the law says." That is the whole crux of society today. Everyone bows down to lawyers, because they can interpret the law, and the normal everyday person cannot. That is a load of excrement. Anybody of any intelligence should be able to read the law and understand it. If you can't understand it, then you need to learn how to understand it. That is your civic duty. By letting lawyers and the like be the ones who read and interpret the law, they gain power over us. More importantly, we lose our freedoms.
They see a precedent set by the Supreme Court and think it is law. I am an ordinary citizen and know that is not how it works. The problem, however, is that most don't see this, or don't care to see this, and the lawyers, politicians and the like can do what they want.
Then further in the conversation, the comment was made, it doesn't matter what state law says, it is up to the District Attorney to decide the law. That is, I am sorry to say, ignorance at its finest. These politicians and lawyers and the like, can do what they want, because attitudes like that, let it happen.
When the other person was trying to make a point, my question back every time was, "what law mandates that she issue a marriage license?" The response every time, was "she is a federal official and has to do what the federal government says." What do "they" say? There is no law that requires her to do it. Again, "they" said she had to.
We as normal citizens, should know how to read law, and should know the basic laws. If there is no law enforcing something, then there is no law to break.
The point here, is that people assume something is law because "they" said so. We went back and forth about the law that "they" said was there. There are no laws in Kentucky that recognize the marriage of two people of the same sex. However, there are laws on the books that state the exact opposite. The Supreme Court of the US states that those laws are unconstitutional. Ok, so they are unconstitutional. That in itself, does not make it law. It only says that laws that prohibit it, are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court didn't really rule marriage laws unconstitutional, insomuch as they ruled that rights cannot be infringed. Basically, that says that laws can't prevent it. What it does not do, is make it law to provide it.
The Constitution is very clear, the legislative branch makes the law, the judicial branch merely interprets law and the executive branch is to enforce the law. So, lets break that down, when it comes to this case. The Supreme Court basically said that the legislative branches of federal, state and local governments merely cannot make a law prohibiting it. That DOES NOT mean it is law to provide it, that is still the responsibility of the legislative branch.
This means, that the lady in Kentucky has broken no law by not issuing these marriage certificates. Now, that is not a discussion I am going to have with anyone, about whether she should or shouldn't.
My point for this blog post is that, just because "they" said it, doesn't necessarily mean it is so. This person has knowledge of the law because a law student told them so. Where did this student get his/her information? Was it a law book? Was it some high ranking lawyer that interpreted the law, or wants to put his/her spin on the law and push an agenda? I really don't care, but what really irked me in all this, was the comment of, "Lawyers say so, regardless of what the law says." That is the whole crux of society today. Everyone bows down to lawyers, because they can interpret the law, and the normal everyday person cannot. That is a load of excrement. Anybody of any intelligence should be able to read the law and understand it. If you can't understand it, then you need to learn how to understand it. That is your civic duty. By letting lawyers and the like be the ones who read and interpret the law, they gain power over us. More importantly, we lose our freedoms.
They see a precedent set by the Supreme Court and think it is law. I am an ordinary citizen and know that is not how it works. The problem, however, is that most don't see this, or don't care to see this, and the lawyers, politicians and the like can do what they want.
Then further in the conversation, the comment was made, it doesn't matter what state law says, it is up to the District Attorney to decide the law. That is, I am sorry to say, ignorance at its finest. These politicians and lawyers and the like, can do what they want, because attitudes like that, let it happen.
When the other person was trying to make a point, my question back every time was, "what law mandates that she issue a marriage license?" The response every time, was "she is a federal official and has to do what the federal government says." What do "they" say? There is no law that requires her to do it. Again, "they" said she had to.
We as normal citizens, should know how to read law, and should know the basic laws. If there is no law enforcing something, then there is no law to break.
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