Goodbye Facebook

I have debated doing away with my Facebook account for some time now, but after last night. I'm done with it! It has become a big waste of time for me... besides, I have far better things to do with my time.

Why after last night? Last night was the State Of The Union address, which I did not watch, because I was unable to (driving a truck does have quite a few disadvantages). The political barrage that I was inundated with during the post-SOTU just became the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back". I respect an opinion that one may have, I may even enter into a discussion on the matter, but to see some of the most venomous vitriol being spewed from BOTH sides of the political spectrum was all I can take. I have friends on Facebook, but, for the most part, the majority of people I have on my "friends" list are merely just acquaintances. The Liberal side applauded the SOTU and what the President had to say. But let's put some things in perspective...

*Many Liberals mention how there is so much hate toward Obama, yet anybody that says the slightest thing against him or his policies is labeled a "racist" - which, that label, in and of itself, is "hate". Remember, it was Hillary Clinton herself that said it was patriotic to disagree with the President (remember that, just before the campaigns leading to the '08 election?). Those same Liberals will say the the Republicans are "blocking progress". That's why there is a two-party system! Our Forefathers - if you recall - escaped from a one-party system... it was called a Monarchy.

* Many Conservatives have done more harm than good to this country, but when you step back in order to view a "bigger picture", you'll notice that there are few Democrats and Republicans that really ARE making a positive difference. For the majority of both parties have erased the dividing line between the two, where it's more and more difficult to tell the difference... this majority have morphed into one of the Socialist agenda. People like McCain, Hagel, and Boehner.

* In light of the previous two points, it is we, the people, that suffer the most, because we are the ones that have been played into this fake battle of left vs. right ideology. Those in power maintain the facade of said battle, and do NOT bring unity, but , division, among us.

Because I do not like Obama, I am labeled a "racist". I could care less about what his skin color is, it's his policies I am repulsed by. I was open-minded upon his election, I sincerely hoped he could do some good. He lost my respect when, in his first year, in the midst of economic turmoil, he felt it more important to speak to the IOC of his support for the Olympics to be held in Chicago.

Historically, we are repeating one of the darkest times in the world, right here in America.

I once posted that there were too many similarities between Obama and Hitler for it to be "coincidence". A "Facebooker" said that was an absurd notion, something like that would NEVER happen here. A little reminder: people of Germany said that same thing in 1938. Another thing, not only WILL it happen here, but it has already begun. Most of you are still so enamored in your unwavering support for Obama, you are too blind to see it... just like Hitler's staunch supporters.

Will it take a Reichstadt incident to wake you up, or will you then propose to canonize him as a saint?

There are so many Democrats that loathe the Tea Party, but you seem to forget, it's their forerunners (you know, the ones with the tea in Boston Harbor?) that led America to what it is now... or, more accurately, what it once was.

In relation to Facebook, I will leave it open for the next few days. If any of you wish to maintain contact, either send me a message or email, though I'm sure the majority of the comments I will get will be hate mail (ironic, since the "party of tolerance" seems to be the most hateful).

By the way, I am absolutely sure, if either McCain or Romney had been elected, we would still be in the same position we're in now.

Year 2, Day 294 (My Post-Election Fear)

It's been about a week since I last posted anything, mainly due to being quite busy. But here goes...

This next Tuesday is Election Day for the office of The President Of The United States. As I had mentioned in previous posts, it has gotten ugly... VERY ugly. So many people are not supporting the American ideology, but a person. Nearly 4 years ago, I thought Obama would have been good for this country. The fact of the matter is, he delivered exactly what he promised: change... but he never specified what that change would be, nor whether it would be a good change. Though I'm not a big fan of Romney, we do need somebody different, since whom we have at present has done more harm than good. There is a common phrase that we all know: choosing the lesser of two evils; or as former Minnesota Governor, Jesse Ventura, once said, "we can choose the lesser of two evils, but the point is - we are still choosing evil." He has a point, but choosing the lesser could be a good thing. Recently, I came across this very good, historically based, article on this very subject.

Going in another direction, there is the Benghazi debacle. As much as I've veered away from FOX news, they seem to be the only network we have currently reporting on it. If Obama had been a Republican, you can bet EVERY network would have covered the story - non-stop - until he had been impeached, removed from office, and tried for dereliction of duty, or treason, or both. A few days ago, an op-ed piece came out where the journalist was harshly criticizing the MSM for their involvement in burying this story. Here's the shocking part: it was published in the San Francisco Chronicle - a newspaper that has traditionally leaned to the left. Black voters, newspapers, and various other news sources are not only turning away from Obama, but also endorsing Romney... can you see the trend?

I mentioned in my parenthetical title about a certain post-election fear, which I'll get to momentarily. Back during Hitler's rise to power, there was an incident in which the Reichstag (Germany's Parliament) had caught fire in the middle of the night. About 4 weeks prior to that, Hitler had been named Chancellor, answering only to President Hindenburg. During the course of the fire's investigation, Hitler said it was caused by the Communists and strongly suggested a decree be passed, which, inevitable, suspended all civil liberties throughout Germany. Thus began the era of The Third Reich. It had been long suspected Hitler was indirectly involved with the fire, inasmuch as he gave the orders for agents of the SS to carry out. Why do I bring this up? My fear is that, should Obama lose the election, there could be a possibility of a similar incident taking place right here in America. I could be way off base (and I hope I am), but after the aforementioned Benghazi debacle, I wouldn't put it past him or the other radical Socialists to attempt. I don't think it would happen immediately after the elections, but sometime before Romney's inauguration. With the "doomsday-er" fear of December 12... that may be an opportune time to exploit such tactics. But if Obama wins, America continues its downward spiral... either way, we're screwed.

I really hope I'm wrong on this one!

Year 2, Day 280 (Another Weekend Is Upon Us)

After getting unloaded yesterday in Conklin, NY, I made my way to Allentown, PA to get this load, which is heading to Robert, LA. It took longer than hoped to get loaded, so I didn't get to cover as much ground as I had hoped. I haven't been to Louisiana in over 2 1/2 years, though that doesn't hurt my feelings in the least.

In less than 3 weeks will be Election Day, more importantly, it will be the day that the impending decision is made whether we keep the Socialist (Obama) in for another 4 years, or if we get the Socialist in sheep's clothing (Romney) for a term. Obviously I'm none too thrilled with either of them. I can honestly say we have absolutely nobody worthy to choose from this time around. The sad part is, too many people are voting along party lines, and the sheeple from both sides are running with the current "catch phrases", such as "War On Women". There's a "war on women" really?! Use a little logic and common sense! I've never seen military troops combing the streets looking for women to place in custody for interrogation; I've never seen women grappling with soldiers. What I have seen is woman, like many of their male counterparts, spewing vile comments in line with the talking points of the day in whichever direction the political winds happen to blow (i.e. spitting on a soldier in an airport, calling them "baby killers", reminiscent of Viet Nam).

Men and women need to open their eyes and wake up to what is going on in America... we are being handed a broken claw hammer and being told it's a power drill. It's interesting how we have either Obama or Romney to choose from, when people like Ron Paul have garnered some major support, yet haven't even gotten coverage from the lame stream media (I'm not a Ron Paul supporter either, so don't take that as an endorsement of his campaign). It's outright pathetic that people support Obama just because he's a Democrat, or Romney just because he's a Republican. If you take to the streets based on your gut (your inner convictions) and demand that our voices are heard, and that we choose the candidate, NOT some polls or Electoral College, then - and only then - can we get the candidate, and, ultimately, President that this country deserves; one that will do the job demanded of him.

With Sabbath approaching, I bid you all farewell, until the morrow.

Year 2, Day 278 (What Is To Become Of Us?)

Last night was the last of the three debates for the upcoming elections, the second between Obama and Romney. I had not seen any of them, nor did it break my heart to miss them. I am utterly annoyed and appalled at the candidates and the "sheeple" voting for them. Here is why: neither "candidate" has offered any real, tangible solutions for this country, nor have they any intention for setting policies that are designed to push for country first. I do find it interesting that there has been an exodus of the black population leaving the Democrat party.

A fellow Marine whom I served with during Desert Shield/Storm shared with me a quote that another Marine had painted on a wall when he was in Afghanistan:

"America is NOT at war... America is at the mall - the Marines are at war!"

That sums it up. While the majority of Americans are "too busy" going to the mall, or watching their "reality" shows, politicians are eradicating our way of life under our very noses. The people have passively accepted this. Instead of seeing these political "policies" for what they are, Socialism in disguise, they accept them wholeheartedly. What is going on in America is VERY much like Jesus' parable of the wood splinter; the people point out the "lies and deceit" coming from the other party, while there is an abundance of the same in their own political party. We are being manipulated into doing exactly what they want us to do, and we do it happily. We no longer serve as followers of the One True Living G-d, let alone being one nation under Him.

If we were, then why is it "politically incorrect" to put up a manger scene in the public square during christmas?

Year 2, Day 262 (Take Time To Think)

Today I'm very hesitant to even log onto Facebook, for the simple fact that with the Presidential election to be upon us in a little over a month, I'm sure the avid supporters of both sides are "kicking it up a notch." Let's face it, if you have an ardent passion to see your candidate win just because he has the same party affiliation as you, then you really are a clueless loon. If you step back and take a look at the broader spectrum, we have played right into their hands. Is Romney the best candidate for the job? No! Is Obama doing a well enough job that he should be given another term? No! What is clear is Democrats and Republicans have joined together and accomplished two goals: they have blocked other parties from getting any footage in the election process, and they have created a massive division in the American people. Not to mention that I've seen the "race card" thrown out more times these past 3 1/2 years than I have ever seen before.

Long ago, black people were seeking to attain a right to vote. During the process, they were intimidated, persecuted, even murdered by members of the Ku Klux Klan in order to keep them from getting that right. Many of those KKK members were also involved in local, state, and federal governments, aligning with, you guessed it... the Democrat Party. Yet throughout the past several decades, the majority of the black population have been Democrats. Until recently. I have seen, especially the past year, an exodus of blacks leaving the Democrat Party.

At one time, the Republican Party had aligned with big business and corporations, but over the past decade - perhaps two - the party ideologies have been reversed, so now the Democrats are for big business. Think about this for a moment: this Administration talks about the jobs they have "created", yet when you look at the new jobs that have actually been created, they have been either within the unions (which has become as equally corrupt as the federal Government), or more government jobs. The President cannot force businesses - large or small - to create jobs. What he can do is offer them enticing incentives, such as tax breaks - the very same thing they accuse Republicans of doing. Both sides have been stringing us along, mainly because Socialism has been infiltrating both sides of the aisle. Would we have been better off 4 years ago is McCain was elected? No! We would have been going down the same path. Will we be better off if Romney gets elected? No! Many of the policies in place now will continue. The only difference between our present "choice" is Obama, if re-elected, will bring America to the brink of destruction quicker than Romney. What we need to do is seek out somebody that can make a difference, but yet somebody who doesn't want to run for office. It played out that way for this country's founder, right? He made a difference for the whole of the America that existed then, yet he also didn't want to be President... the people wanted him. For us to reach that point is long overdue, and we need the action NOW!

The fringe group known as "Anonymous" have done a few positive things, but have also engaged in radical activity, as well. This video could bring about a positive change that we - as Americans - desperately need, while simultaneously this video could also be the work of wackos. Either way, think of the potential... if we come together as a nation.

Year 2, Day 247 (Look Beyond The Smokescreen)

Some interesting developments have occurred over the past few days. It's no secret that rioting and attacks upon our embassies and missions have been taking place in the Middle East. Somehow, this furor has been in "protest" over an anti-Islam movie on the internet. A few interesting facts:

1) this "movie" - which is actually very low-budget - was uploaded onto YouTube back in July, by its director, who goes by the pseudonym of Sam Bacile;

2) The present home of this director is in California;

3) Those who are "protesting" have, in the past, shown to be, not only well organized, but also computer savvy... so why such a delay in the "uproar"... such as to "coincide" with 9/11?

Another point to consider is that, in the aftermath of the attacks (and subsequent murders of diplomats and embassy staff), President Obama was quoted as saying,

"As we mourn their loss, we must also send a clear and resolute message to the world: those who attack our people will find no escape from justice. We will not waver in their pursuit. And we will never allow anyone to shake the resolve of the United States of America,"

Yet, last night (as reported by The Guardian) a man named Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, who is thought to be the director (or as the article says, the writer & producer) behind the aforementioned "movie" (a.k.a. Sam Bacile), was brought in for questioning by police in California. Not arrested, just brought in for questioning.

Voluntarily.

At around midnight.


Going back to the President's comment:

"Those who attack our people will find no escape from justice. We will not waver in their pursuit."

Last I checked, Nakoula did NOT "attack our people". The only crime that he can be charged with at this point is violating parole, for using an alias (he had been on parole stemming from previous charges of bank fraud). The article from The Guardian was also reference in a shortly followed blog post by Glenn Reynolds on the InstaPundit website. What I find very eerie - and some of you may call me paranoid - is that the photograph (shown in both of the above links) is of Nakoula being escorted by the police, whom, ironically enough, were wearing brown shirts (reminiscent of the Nazi regime). That may be a coincidence, but there have been too many coincidences with this administration, linked to Nazi-era Germany. If this develops into the direction I suspect, Nakoula could face more serious charges, or be extradited to the Middle East... which gives rise to the thought that Sharia Law may be one step closer to being embedded here in America. Again, so much for "separation of Church and State". Granted, the talk is that Nakoula filmed the "movie" in a way that its cast "didn't know what the film was about" and there were times of obvious overdubbing of some lines, but if what I mentioned earlier, that would set a new precedent... one we DON'T want... punishment for what can be perceived as blasphemy, especially if those offended are of ONLY one religion: Islam. We've seen the deteriorating of all other religions/faiths, while, at the same time, the building up of laws protecting Islam and Muslims.

Another blog of note on this subject is the recent posting by Mark Steyn of The National Review, which is quite scathing, but very much on target (both blogs were brought to my attention by the Facebook postings of Kevin Jackson of The Black Sphere website).

In closing, my wife - and a mutual friend of ours - posted something on Facebook that is right on the money:

"They will burn our flag, but they won't burn our currency."

Year 2, Day 242 (Remembering A Tragic Day)

11 years ago today tragedy struck our nation. It was on this day in 2001 that we all heard the terrible fate that had befallen the Twin Towers in New York City, and most importantly, the innocent lives that were lost as a result, both from the attack on the towers, and the ongoing war in the Middle East that followed. We all know this is the day memorialized as 9/11, but, sadly, many still need a reminder. Should we have sought out those parties responsible? Yes! Should politicians have been given a say in military operations and tactics? Absolutely not! The late Senator Ted Kennedy, early on, referred to our Middle Eastern military operations as "George Bush's Viet Nam." That (in my opinion) inevitably set the ground work for what became the Viet Nam of our generation. Just take a look at the similarities: both wars were ripe with political influence and agendas; both lasted longer than was necessary, and - more importantly - both told the military forces what their jobs were, then prohibited them from doing that job. The difference between the two is that we lost far more troops in Viet Nam than we have in the present cycle.

What should have started as retaliation with righteous indignation has become nothing more than socialist politicians using the military troops as pawns in their sick little game, then blaming others because their agendas didn't pan out the way they wanted, or their pockets didn't get lined as much as they hoped. It's also unfortunate that the socialist leaning politicians come from both "sides of the aisle". It seems that the only time Democrats and Republicans truly work together is to block another political party from getting into the game.

We have a Presidential election coming up in a few months... one in which we really don't have a qualified candidate to choose from. Romney hasn't released his tax statements? So what... Obama has sealed important government documents that prove an injustice had been done ("Fast & Furious" ring a bell?). Obama won't release his college transcripts? Big deal... "RomneyCare" was the basic model for what is now referred to as "ObamaCare" (do you really think Romney would overturn something that pays homage to his own "brilliance"?).

Thomas Jefferson once said, "A revolution every 50 years makes for good government." When was the last time we had a viable revolution? This coming from the same man that also said. "When the government fears the people, there is freedom... when the people fear the government, there in tyranny."

Tyranny is upon us... most just haven't opened their eyes to it.

Year 2, Day 178 (Heading To The U.P.)

John and I finished the deadhead trip to Milwaukee, WI where we picked up this load. Yesterday, Monica (my Fleet Manager) said if we were unable to deliver this by 1600 (ET) tomorrow, then she would have us drop the load at the terminal in Gary, IN and get another driver to deliver it on Monday. Since we were loaded at a relatively decent time, I told her we would be able to deliver tomorrow, so the route we are taking will bring us through the Upper Peninsula (or U.P. for short). In all the years I have driven a truck, this will be my first venture into that region.

The word is out all over the media sources about the Supreme Court's decision concerning the "Affordable Health Care Law"; as of this morning, the AHCL IS constitutional. Many of us can banter and argue the positives or negatives (depending on your viewpoint) of this controversial law until we are blue in the face, or until the cows come home (whichever you prefer), but the fact of the matter is, now it's set in stone. One thing that is ever more set in stone is that G-d is bigger than ANY government entity... PERIOD! We can whine and cry, argue and debate, even throw a temper tantrum, but none of that will change what has been decided. What we can do, however, is pray. At this point, that's all that is left. Prayer can do what we cannot. History has shown what power lies in prayer (this is the part where you begin searching it for yourself). This country was started by men who feared - and loved - G-d... let's get ourselves back to those roots.

Year 2, Day 177 (One Week And Counting)

John and I left out of the North Little Rock terminal at about 2215 yesterday, having had the problems with my truck taken care of. While we were at the terminal, we took care of a few things, then waited around for one of the company vehicles to become available. While waiting, we engaged in conversation with a couple other drivers, both of whom were also waiting for a vehicle. The 4 of us ended up going together to Whole Hog Cafe to get some barbecue (of course, I had the beef brisket). When we left the terminal, I did some driving, since John - being "fat & happy" after dinner - felt a bit of drowsiness setting in. I didn't go too far, only making it to Bald Knob, AR, about 60 miles away. I only went there because I knew there would be some parking spots available. As of this writing, we are about 4 hours from the customer in Rochelle, IL. From there we will head to Milwaukee, WI to get a load going to Petoskey, MI (wherever that is).

By now, you may have heard about the bankruptcy filing of the city of Stockton, CA. This is truly sad news, mainly because of the people that will be affected, though the politicians I don't really have any remorse for. The reason I say that, you may be able to extract from the articles... I am linking two: one from the Los Angeles Times, and one (which is more of a blog post, but credits Reuters as the source) from the American Thinker. I chose two different sources due to the fact that they may each get the main body of the article from the same news service (Reuters), but they may spin it differently, depending on their own bias. Feel free to peruse the internet for other stories to compare with, but I just chose these two as an example.

I blame a lot of the city's leaders for this due to the fact that they squandered taxpayer money on many "projects" that were no doubt frivolous. I also blame state leaders because they set the example of such irresponsible practices. Most of which, these "projects" were put into motion in order to bolster their own image, with the image of the city and/or state and the welfare of the taxpayer coming in as a distant afterthought. We can see here that all politicians do NOT get behind a project proposal because it benefits the taxpayer, nor America, but because it benefits their political agendas. There are a few politicians that truly do look out for the American people, but they are either quickly swept away by the tides of greed and corruption, or they don't enjoy a fruitful career in politics for very long because they actually have scruples. The point being, we need to stand up and end the greed & corruption where it lies - in government! It's time we clean house and start from scratch!

Year 2, Day 169 (When Will America Wake Up?!)

As we draw closer to the Presidential elections, the talking points of each party are being parroted by their hard-lined minions, like ravenous wolves on the hunt for a victory. Personally, I'm getting nauseous by all of it; what the politicians are telling us can only be likened to audio ipecac. You want talking points? Take a moment and think about these for a moment:

*Politicians (from both sides) are trying to get you to believe that it's wrong for people to be rich, while each of them lavish in 6 figure salaries and don't pay for their own healthcare.

*The Democrat party preaches against corporate greed, while their own "golden child" gives billions in "stimulus packages" to corporations, unions, and federal programs (all designed to feed personal agendas).

*Republicans rally behind their "golden child" who has already allegedly claimed he would NOT overturn the universal (albeit unconstitutional) healthcare, mainly because his own law passed for Massachusetts state when he was governor was the model for what was forced down our throats.

*If Democrats are so "pro-Union", why are there states, with a Democrat governor, that still have "right-to-work" laws, which limit the power that unions have in relation to their corporate employers?

*If Republicans are so "pro-Military" (not that Democrats are any better, they are far from it), why have our veterans been tossed to the side like an old shoeshine rag?

*Why do both sides - and the media - paint Israel as a "villain"? Last time I checked, it was not Jewish people that pose a violent threat to us, but Muslims! Jewish people have given THE WORLD a long list of technological and medical advancements/breakthroughs, while the Muslim nations mainly seek to destroy Israel... then US!!


The answer to all of the above is pretty simple: our Republic is quickly eroding due to the actions and policies of those, whom WE elected, who do NOT serve the American people, but themselves. They all point fingers at the corporate "elite" while they themselves fit that very same description AND accepting donations from the same "evil" corporations they are vilifying. Liberals (as distorted as their ideology is) and Conservatives (as politicians, they are just a bunch of pansies) are fading away from existence, as Socialism gradually takes over. If you doubt me, think of all the key words used today: "Social" programs, "Social"equality (the "No Child Left Behind" program - everybody is equal, started by George W. Bush and Ted Kennedy - see the pattern yet?).

America, stop playing patty-cake while the battle rages on around you!

Year 2, Day 158 (The Deception Of Perception)

Some time back, during the week of Passover, some fellow bloggers filled in for me while I took a brief hiatus from the aforementioned Holy Day. One of whom was Natali, a single mom from Wisconsin, and she offered up an excellent - and rather transparent - post.

Today, Natali posted something on her own blog, Life In Monkeyland. In fact, her post speaks of not only the opportunity that was before her in getting her dream, Uber Dork Cafe (with an official website in the works), another step closer to coming true, but also to get it a little more local exposure, and possibly a little media coverage... at least state wide. As I understand it, there was a competition for local entrepreneurs, with the winner receiving a $10,000 prize.

This is where the story and event become a bit shady.

As Natali posted in her blog, the organizers were "on the hunt" in Milwaukee for local start-ups, yet, of the eight finalists (unfortunately, Natali was not one of them), only 3 were from Wisconsin... the rest were from out of state... one even being based in Chile. How is a company based in Chile going to be good for American business?! The winner? A company who had direct ties with the organizers themselves! THAT was uncovered by Natali herself! Then, to make matters worse, the journalist who covered the event, Kathleen Gallagher of the Journal Sentinal, not only took Natali's comments completely out of context in the article, but added the devious connection THAT NATALI uncovered - which is supposed to be the journalist's job - AS AN AFTERTHOUGHT.

This totally reaks of personal agendas, politics, favoritism, and whatever other thing you wish to come up with!!

Year 2, Day 132 (A Full Weekend)

Dillard and I made it to our employer's terminal in Gary, IN where we shut down last night (early this morning). Because of the delay with getting dispatched on Wednesday, we were going to be late for our 1445 appointment today in Tomah, WI. When we arrived in Gary, I sent an updated ETA to be in Tomah at 1600... we arrived at 1535. Since I was familiar with the route - and Chicago - (plus being pressed for time), I drove us in. It's a good thing I did since Chicago traffic was its usual cacophony of mayhem (no, not the one from the insurance commercial). We were given a pre-plan to pick up in Cornell, WI delivering Monday in North Little Rock, AR. I'm hoping we can cover some ground tonight, then finish it up tomorrow, then get a re-start on our logbooks.

Lately I've noticed that the general dialogue getting the most attention is that of the upcoming Presidential elections. Personally, I've lost my interest in the matter, and, frankly, have become very sickened by it. We DON'T have a real leader in office (that includes Congress), nor do we have any viable candidates anywhere within sight. Our society AND country has digressed into a nation "for the elitists, by the elitists." Yet there are the minions from both parties that will debate the trivial, and sidestep facts. Don't tell me how your party is better, or why your nominee should get elected (or re-elected) when BOTH sides have failed the people whom they represent! Look closely at which legislations have been passed into law and tell me if it's good for THE PEOPLE... chances are, they benefit the politicians and their bank accounts - first and foremost.

Have a blessed and peaceful Sabbath!

Year 2, Day 108 (How Easily People Forget)

As some of you know, I have been driving a truck for many years. I travel around the country, to many different cities, and meet people from all walks of life... with a myriad of viewpoints. I could post for months on these viewpoints, whether they be sound in their logic, or off the charts kooky. One thing I have noticed is how forgetful most people are. How they will spout off "talking points" as if they were indisputable facts, set in stone, without regard to actual truth, or even their own personal experience with a given subject matter.

For example: "Don't Ask, Don't Tell". Just a few weeks ago someone had shared on Facebook a photo taken of a list of why we, as Americans, should support Obama. One of the reasons listed was that he "overturned the military policy of 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'" For the record, when I enlisted in the Marine Corps (don't ask when that was, because I won't tell... it would show my age), one of the questions asked was "Are you now, or have you ever been involved in a homosexual relationship?" (or something to that effect). That was a standard policy back then. In 1993, shortly after assuming office, Bill Clinton passed the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy upon the United States military. This new policy prohibited the asking of the aforementioned question, or anything remotely related to it.

Fast-forward about 19 years. President Obama's administration brought forth legislation overturning this policy... which passed. The point I'm trying to make is the same political party that put it in place, was now erasing it from the books. If you notice from above, this was, in essence a military policy, but one that they were forced to adhere to by the then-Commander-In-Chief whom implemented it, NOT one that was initiated by the military itself. Ironically enough, the same politicians who supported it in 1993, were also the same ones wishing to have it overturned. This further proves that our political process is no longer about Democrat vs. Republican, Liberal vs. Conservative, but instead the slow, gradual takeover of those in BOTH parties pushing us into a Socialist society.

Comments anyone?

Year 2, Day 33 (Shutting Down In Joplin)

After a couple changes yesterday, Lou and I had our next dispatch sorted out, which loaded this morning in Wabash, IN (about 30 miles from Gas City, where we unloaded), and delivers tomorrow at 1100 in Bentonville, AR. This load does buy us some time, since our original dispatch had the same pick-up & delivery locations, but the delivery time was for 0600 tomorrow (which, at 638 miles, would have been a hard push). I am grateful and blessed that we were able to find a parking spot at the Flying J in Joplin when we did... as I compose this, the lot is filling up rather quickly. I did, however, get us both started on the right track... with some fresh coffee.

It's a little cool outside right now, though last night in Wabash was the coolest I've felt the weather in the past couple of weeks. With the way the weather has been fluctuating this Winter, it tends to make me wonder if we can expect snow this August.

On another topic, picture, if you will, the days of when in school, and part of our required reading was to take on the classic literature that we, at the time detested, but now we embrace - even discuss with friends. For example, a friend (whom also works for the same employer as I) were discussing a few of the classics. One that he had never read was 1984 by George Orwell. I had explained that within the story, was a society with a language known as "Newspeak". A language which has removed any negative syntax or connotation (for example, instead of exclaiming that somebody just had a "terrible idea", the proper term would thus be, "an idea that is double-plus un-good"). If you think about it, our own society has embraced this "newspeak", also commonly referred to as "politically correct" - a fine example is that we no longer call them "illegal aliens", they should be referred as "undocumented immigrants". Perhaps if we all went back and read some of the classics, we may have our eyes opened to the atrocities that have been foisted upon our culture beneath our very noses. But if you want some of those classics in your personal library, you need to act fast... when schools start banning Shakespeare, it's only a matter of time when we may not find them in print any longer. With the recent resurgence of book burning ceremonies (reminiscent of the practices in Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury), our society is devolving - with a not-so-subtle nudge by our "elected cockroaches - into one of a dystopian culture.

Just some food for thought.

Day 300 (Are We Being Deceived?)

Recently my wife and I had a discussion regarding the Occupy Wall Street situation. There have been many other similar protests that have started around the country as well, but I'll try to put some focus on this OWS. Over time we have seen the erosion of our economy and our culture - some over a period of time, so as not to be noticeable; others more overt. One thing is for sure, I no longer think our current leaders are reliable nor trustworthy. When you look back in history, British economist John Maynard Keynes held an economic theory that, basically, believed a government could spend its way out of an economic slump... much the way our politicians are doing now - also the way Roosevelt did before... as did Mussolini.

When it comes to OWS there are so many facets to the web (source of funds raised, support groups, etc.) that it's becoming increasingly difficult to keep them all in line. Recently there were a couple young men from Cairo that joined, "in solidarity", the OWS movement. This was recently reported by Israel National News. They were part of what became known as the "Arab Spring" - the trouble is, most of those Middle East protests had The Muslim Brotherhood backing them. Also reported by INN back in early September was on how the "Arab Spring" could end up being bad - very bad - for Israel.

This also hold true when Marwan Muasher , a Jordanian, is speaking in support of the Muslim Brotherhood - and also is endorsed by George Soros. According to Matthew Vadum in his article on the Human Events website, Soros provides funding for the Open Society Institute and the Tides Foundation, as well as the Alliance For Global Justice... the organization that is now (coincidentally enough) handling all the donations that are coming in to support OWS.

In this day and age (and with the rampant corruption in our government - in ALL parties) I support the idea - as well as the actual execution - of protests... as long as they are truly against what has been going on. To protest against Wall Street is the same as protesting (nowadays) the government. The only difference is your expecting one facet of the entity to come to your aid to battle the other facet of that same entity! What it comes down to is this: certain people (inside AND outside our government) are pulling the strings in order to get the masses to do what they want, a.k.a. Hegelian Dialectic. If we don't take a real stand against ALL politicians, the result could be a grotesque Socialist/Communist/Fascist hybrid - trust me, the fuel economy on that hybrid really sucks.

Day 282 (OWS = Socialist Inaction)

For a couple weeks now we have seen this Occupy Wall Street (OWS) movement playing out in the media... kind of. For the most part, what has been publicized about this "protest" is the police brutality. What is talked about were these cases of brutality, mainly from videos posted on YouTube, but how much credence can we really put into such videos? With current events being what they are, even YouTube videos that "document" social unrest have to be taken with a grain of salt. Keeping that in mind, U2's Bono was way ahead of his time when he wrote, "when fact is fiction, and TV a reality" (from the song "Seconds" on the 1983 album War).

Though the OWS movement doesn't have anything "official", they do, however, have certain "proposed" list of demands that some would like to see met. An acquaintance of mine, whom I know through Twitter (now no longer an active account), Facebook, and the posts on her website, Jillian gave her view on yesterday's post, which, unlike most of those actually taking part in the OWS "protest" in NYC, was thought out... well thought out.

However, what makes me shudder is how OWS - should they succeed in whatever it is they want - will affect the Dagny Taggarts, Francisco d'Anconias, and Hank Reardons of today... even more chilling is how the work of Ayn Rand has become almost like an outline or a blueprint for this "new and improved" society which they have envisioned... only for them to (once they get what they want) propel it to one that's an Orwellian perversion. Though we have a plethora of media sources (not just network news) to refer to, we must still scrutinize most of what we see. For example, yesterday there was an article in the U.K.'s Daily Mail which tells of how OWS has created such an increase in the accumulated waste on the streets (it was Sunday, so sanitation workers and garbage trucks will not be running), even showing images... to include a picture of a "protestor defecating on a police car." Is this a legitimate story? Are the pictures authentic, or have they been "doctored"? Too many people take what is in the print media, or on the evening news as fact... If you don't believe me, try arguing the existence of UFO's with someone who gets their news from the magazines found in the check-out isle at Walmart. What has become fact is that a large portion of the news that is "fed" to us has some sort of slant or bias already "pre-loaded" (at this point, you may have those words of Bono's echoing through your head). When we lost the likes of Walter Cronkite and Edward Murrow, we also lost true, unbiased reporting. I could still take issue with this, but I'm going to leave this picture at face-value:













- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 267 (Just Waiting It Out)

We are still parked here in Bentonville, AR just waiting it out until we make our delivery at 0500 tomorrow, which, as some of you already know, I really don't care for those early morning deliveries - especially when I can't park closer to the customer than what I am now.

Last night, while hanging out here at Starbucks, I was fortunate enough to engage in some real conversation - intellectually stimulating. The gentleman whom I conversed with (mostly) was named Sherman, from Palm Beach, FL (not very far from my birthplace & "stomping grounds" of Hollywood/Ft. Lauderdale). Our dialogue ran the gamut, spanning about 2 - 2 1/2 hours, when we parted ways 1 1/2 hours after Starbucks closed. We did share the same view concerning the recent Palestinian Authority bid for statehood, in that the whole media coverage of it is a farce. First of all, it's interesting how there are so many that seem to "forget" that the breakdown in the peace talks between the PA and Israel was not due to PM Benyamin Netanyahu refusing to negotiate, but PM Mahmoud Abbas! For one thing, Abbas is now talking about calling for a renegotiation of - which could very well bring an end to - the Oslo Accords.

Second, it's interesting that there is such a push for Israel to revert back to the pre-1967 borders. During that war Israel was outnumbered, yet were still victorious. Therefore, the message that is being sent by the Arab world is, "it doesn't matter that we lost the war we initiated, as well as the land (*note* also referred to as the spoils of war), if we cry "injustice" long enough and loud enough, the rest of the world will pressure the victors to give it back to us." Palestine doesn't exist as a country, but that's the "title" given to them ever since the British Mandate in 1920. Also interesting, that one of the terrorist organizations within the PA is Hammas. If you do a little biblical research, you'll find that G-d called Noah to build an ark, because "The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence." (Genesis 6:11)... but when you look at it in the Hebrew text (this excerpt is taken from the Hebrew Today website):

וַתִמָלֵּא הָאָרֶץ חָמַס (בראשית, ו, יב)

“. . and the earth was filled with violence” ( Genesis 5,11 )

The word “חָמַס “ ( chamas ) is translated into English as “violence”. The Hebrew word for “ violence” is “ אלימות “ ( alimut ). So what is the difference between the two? חָמַס is a much more severe type of violence. Violence which contains injustice. It does not have to necessarily contain physical violence. Theft , embezzlement and fraud are all considered “חמס “.

Both the Hebrew word AND the terrorist group name are pronounced the same! Just some food for thought.


What are your thoughts?


- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 253 (Remembering 9/11/2001)

Ten years ago a terrible tragedy took place - the attack, and subsequent destruction - of the Twin Towers of New York City. Many of us have our own story to tell of what we were doing that day. I do as well, but here I will NOT share it! The reason being is this day shouldn't be remembered by memories of what we were doing, but by how it has affected our lives, communities, and most importantly, our nation. Ten years ago, I was living in Hemet, California. The night of 9/10/01 things were as I would expect them to be: people in a rush to go nowhere, and every once in a while, a motorist might show a little courtesy to either a fellow motorist or a pedestrian. 24 hours later brought a turn-around: people would yield their right of way at intersections, using their turn signals, even allowing somebody to cut in front of them during peak traffic hours... and miniature copies of Old Glory flying from just about every vehicle that drove down the street, Sadly enough, things reverted back only one month later.

As time has gone on (and after going back out on the road, I was able to see a broader spectrum of this complacency), the slogan, "Never Forget 9/11" always seems to pop up everywhere a week before the annual memorial. The truth of the matter is, we have many entities to blame for this tragedy happening. The Muslim world, for one. After all, seeing the footage of the celebrations and the dancing in the streets shortly after the towers fell... they certainly weren't having a block party! They call us "infidels" and despise our way of life... yet never give a second thought about about using Western technology (cell phones, computers, automobiles, etc.). They are truly cowards when they hide behind black hood, store their arms & ammunition in their own mosques, even attack and kill their own fellow Muslims, just so they can instill fear and control over them. I can almost bet that the "peaceful" Muslims would not be peaceful any longer if there were an actual Jihad called upon the Western world.

Another entity that we can put blame upon would be our own government. Before 9/11, the Twin Towers had already been attacked once before, just 8 years earlier. I remember this because I was in the Marine Corps, and all of Camp Pendleton was locked down when it happened. When you start looking a little closer at events and how they tie in with one another, you begin to see a pattern. The attack in 1993 didn't work, so the Muslim radicals began to explore other methods, also referred to as "trial and error." Since 9/11 there are other similar patterns. There was an attempted bombing several years ago in Oklahoma City. OK, during an OSU football game. It was an "attempt" because the security officers were diligent and refused to let a patron in because he refused to allow his backpack to be searched. The device went off in a field outside the stadium killing only the potential bomber. This was an event that wasn't reported on any of the mainstream media outlets. FOX didn't cover it because then it would have sent the message that Conservatives didn't want to get out: "we are not as safe as we led you to believe"; ABC, CBS, NBC, and CNN didn't report it because it would have sent the message, "perhaps Muslims are not as peaceful as we want you to believe," and that would have contradicted their ideology as well.

Then there is the post 9/11 activities. Throughout the past 10 years we have succumbed to the "Politically Correct" ideology that has been force-fed to us, using the military as the test subjects. In 1993 was when the military began the "Stress Card" program - recruits were issued a "Stress Card" at boot camp. If any recruit felt he or she were getting too "stressed out," they held the card up, and the Drill Instructors could not do their job (i.e. build up discipline, create camaraderie/integrity, in short, an environment that a soldier or Marine must endure in a combat situation). That was probably just the stepping stone which allowed for the shooting in Ft. Hood, TX to take place. Because of the practice of being "politically correct," Maj. Hassan couldn't be disciplined despite the fact that he had made comments of his extremist views in a forum of his fellow Army officers. He is a Muslim, I get that, but if you make Jihadist remarks, then you should be disciplined! He wasn't even confronted by his superiors when he made anti-America comments... that is NOT the military I served in, but, apparently, it's the military that our elected morons have created. The Ft. Hood debacle is just another example of the radicals "testing the waters" to see what their next plan of action will be.

In closing, let's not honor the fallen just on 9/11, let's treat everyday as if it's 9/11. Muslims threaten Israel on a daily basis. They despise Israel AND America; both the Jewish AND the Christian. Israel is surrounded by Muslim countries, yet they still exist and survive. If Muslims succeed in "wiping Israel from the face of the Earth," then how much easier will it be for them to attack us again (after all, they live among us all over the country). Be alert, be diligent, and, most of all, be persistent. We can't afford to be "Politically Correct" any more!

Above all, PRAY! Pray for our protection, for our leaders, for our troops... and for Israel!

- Another rant via BlogPress

Day 247 (Labor Day - I'm In The Mood To Rant)

I sit here in Tulsa, OK, at the Flying J where Chuck and I parked yesterday evening. Not much by way of activity here, and there's not much for amenities or shopping that are within walking distance. We deliver about 3 miles from here tomorrow morning, a place which does allow for truck parking, but I made the call to park here, as the Flying J does have a driver's lounge (a.k.a. a t.v. room). I did a little perusing of the internet earlier and found, to my disgust, that Jimmy Hoffa, Jr. made a bit of a scathing speech earlier in Detroit, more or less lashing out against the Tea Party:

“We gotta keep an eye on the battle we face: the war on workers. And you see it everywhere, it is the Tea Party. And you know, there is only one way to beat and win that war. The one thing about working people is we like a good fight. And you know what? They got a war, and they got a war with us. There is only going to be one winner and it’s going to be us.”

It's so interesting how a grass roots movement - who calls both Democrats and Republicans into accountability - is such a "threat".

Interestingly enough, Zara Golden did a story on it at the Media-ite website. What's even more interesting is that on the CNN website, they spoke of The President's speech there, and gave Hoffa's remarks a whitewashed fleeting appearance in the article... which is more than what the ABC News website gave (which was not even coverage of the rally). This goes to show how slanted and biased our "media" has become. If those exact works were said at a rally hosted by the GOP or the Tea Party, you can GUARANTEE it would have been immediately splashed along the networks, and the parties responsible would have been accused of making "terroristic threats". It seems that whoever supports the current "regime" can do and say whatever they wish, but whoever speaks out against will be run through the mill and ostensibly scrutinized and discredited. If you do some research, you will find that these very tactics (of discrediting the opposition) were often employed - even through violent acts - by the National Socialist German Workers Party... most commonly referred to as the NAZI Party.

What I am seeing is a transformation of this country - and not in a positive way. Those of you who may see current events unfolding, and see how it is reflective of past history - even when consulting in Scriptural context (as I do) - can see that the only possible good that could come out of what transformations have been occurring, is for us to turn to prayer. By that, I don't mean in whatever religion you follow, but by seeking the One True Living G-d in prayer. Things around us won't change until we first change things within us.


"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"
-George Santayana



- Another rant via BlogPress