Good Morning All;
I would presuppose that we have all, at one time or another, misplaced something, only after a lengthy period of searching, began to feel as if there is a Poltergeist in our home, who mischievously periodically hides items just to feed off our frustration. My wife, especially, will take an oath on Websters Unabridged Dictionary that this is so in our home.
She frequently has to go on a "Treasure Hunt" to locate missing car keys, glasses, grocery lists, etc.
Her hunts for the T.V. remote have become so frequent that I have laughingly offered to get her a shoulder holster to keep the remote in, while she, in retaliation, has frequently said shes going to hang my car keys from my zipper tab so I'll know to always 'Zip up" before going out. But I'm afraid that would be frustrating, as I would undoubtedly spend hours looking for my Keys, before Goodwife snickeringly asks "have you checked your Zipper", the answer of course would always be....."well of Course" followed by, "How'd they get there?????"
I would guess that the above subject that is contagious will us all, especially as we age, past 21 or so.
The reason I've posted this today, is that I've just spend hours going through about 50 boxes of books, looking for a specific Title, that I've misplaced.
My wife is currently in a Rehabilitation Facility recovering from a Knee Replacement and a subsequent cerebral Event, and since she always loved this book, I thought I'd try to find it for her.
The Title of the book is, to the best of my recollection, "Dear Friend, or Dear Friends, and is a compilation of letters home from a civil war soldier. I think I remember the book is green, but thats about all the information I recall. Oh Well, I'll either find it or not. Not a crisis.
Have any of you ever lost something that really frustrated you, or found it, glaringly in sight after hours of looking, or perhaps found it (the misplaced object) years later, and been gladdened by finding the treasured object?
If so, chime in and let me know so I won't think I'm the only forgetful nut around.
Stay Well.
TOP
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Final Instructions!
Good Afternoon Folks:
I have a clipping from the News and Views of the Nat'l Assn. of Counties that was published in our local Newspaper over 30 years ago that I think you'll get a chuckle from;
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HERMAN OBELWEISS.
I am writing My Will Mineselluf that dam lawyer want he should have too much money, he asked to many answers about family. first thing I want I dont want my brother Oscar have a dam ting what I got. he done me out of Forty Dollars fourteen years since.
I want it that Hilda my sister, she gets the North Sixties Arkers of where I am homing it now. I bet she dont get that loafer husband of hers to broke twenty akers next plowing time. She cant have it if she lets Oscar live on it I want I should have it back if she does.
Tell Momma that Six Hundred Dollars she been looking for for twenty years is berried from the backhouse behind about ten feet down. She better let little Frederick do the digging and count it when he comes up.
Paster Lucknitz can have Three Hundred Dollars if he kiss the book he wont preach no more dumhead polotiks. He should have a roof put on the meetinghouse with (it) and the Elders should the Bills look at.
Momma the rest should get but I want it that Adolph should tell her what not she do so no slick Irishers sell her vagum cleaners dy noise like hell and a broom dont cost so much.
I want it that mine brother Adolph should be my Executer and I want it that Jedge make Adolph plenty bond put up and watch him like hell.
Adolph is a good business man but only a dumkoph would trust him with a busted pfenning. I want dam sure that schlemic Oscar dont nothing get. Tell Adolph he can have a Hundred Dollars if he prove to Jedge Oscar don't get nothing. THAT DAM SURE FIX OSCAR.
(The original document printed above was found in tennessee's archives by James Tipton Jr., Executive Director of the Tennessee County Services Association)
I told you you'd get a chuckle out of this>
Stay Well
TOP
I have a clipping from the News and Views of the Nat'l Assn. of Counties that was published in our local Newspaper over 30 years ago that I think you'll get a chuckle from;
THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF HERMAN OBELWEISS.
I am writing My Will Mineselluf that dam lawyer want he should have too much money, he asked to many answers about family. first thing I want I dont want my brother Oscar have a dam ting what I got. he done me out of Forty Dollars fourteen years since.
I want it that Hilda my sister, she gets the North Sixties Arkers of where I am homing it now. I bet she dont get that loafer husband of hers to broke twenty akers next plowing time. She cant have it if she lets Oscar live on it I want I should have it back if she does.
Tell Momma that Six Hundred Dollars she been looking for for twenty years is berried from the backhouse behind about ten feet down. She better let little Frederick do the digging and count it when he comes up.
Paster Lucknitz can have Three Hundred Dollars if he kiss the book he wont preach no more dumhead polotiks. He should have a roof put on the meetinghouse with (it) and the Elders should the Bills look at.
Momma the rest should get but I want it that Adolph should tell her what not she do so no slick Irishers sell her vagum cleaners dy noise like hell and a broom dont cost so much.
I want it that mine brother Adolph should be my Executer and I want it that Jedge make Adolph plenty bond put up and watch him like hell.
Adolph is a good business man but only a dumkoph would trust him with a busted pfenning. I want dam sure that schlemic Oscar dont nothing get. Tell Adolph he can have a Hundred Dollars if he prove to Jedge Oscar don't get nothing. THAT DAM SURE FIX OSCAR.
(The original document printed above was found in tennessee's archives by James Tipton Jr., Executive Director of the Tennessee County Services Association)
I told you you'd get a chuckle out of this>
Stay Well
TOP
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Words of Wisdom:
Good Evening all:
I have before me some words of wisdom (don't panic--not mine), which I think most people can benefit from:
"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbles. or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly."
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Stay Well
TOP
I have before me some words of wisdom (don't panic--not mine), which I think most people can benefit from:
"It is not the critic who counts, nor the man who points out how the strong man stumbles. or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly...who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly."
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Stay Well
TOP
Random Thoughts
Good Morning:
I read an article in the Newspaper this morning about Disc Golf. I have only the written word to call on in discussing this relatively new sport, but several things about it, as I understand it are as follows:
You don't have to wear any sort of weird costume to play said game, whereas in traditional golf, one feels underdressed if he or she is not wearing something unusual. Like for instance, bright yellow pants, a chartreuse knit shirt (Preferably with a Golf Club Embellishment on the left breast) Special shoes with spikes or cleats, in case one has to trod upon a fellow Golfer who has just won a healthy bet with you, a go to hell hat or cap, or in the case of the Professional wannabees, a visor, with the Nike swoosh upon it, and a determined or disgusted look on their faces. I tried playing Golf when I was a lot younger. My wife and I were residing in New Orleans at the time, and believe me, if you Golfers want a REAL challenge, try playing 18 holes there in July or August. If you survive that you can say that you played The Course from Hell.
I found out several things about Traditional golf, during the short time I partook of the game. For one, Mark Twain was exactly right when he said "Golf is a good walk spoiled". for another, Golf , I'm sure was invented by the same guy who invented Golf balls, knowing beforehand that Golfers would always lose at least one or two Golf balls in a round, or as in my case, six or eight, and insuring him (
The Inventor) a steady and healthy income. In Disc Golf, I would presume that few if any discs are lost, thus saving the player quite a bit of money. Also one does not have to carry around a bag of clubs, usually weighing about ten Stone, or buy a pull-around cart for said bag o clubs, or for the Inveterate (read Drunken) Golfer, invest several Thousnd Bucks in a Gasoline or Electric Powered golf Cart, in order to ride in comfort around a Golf Course, that would drive Rand-McNally crazy trying to figure out the logic of the layout.
In short, I have a simple word of advice for Golfers. To address the reason for playing the Game of Golf, try substituting the following: If you want frustration, just raise two or three Teenagers. To get rid of a lot of annoying money, buy and remodel an Old House , and for a sense of accomplishment, do something to please your Wife (and if you succeed, please notify me with your secret) . As for me, I'll continue to Prefer Skeet. At least you get to take out your frustration with shooting the little Bastards, something, I'm sure , often thought of on the Golf Course.
Now I should say, in justification for this post, that I have known quite a few Golfers in my life, and few of them showed any other signs of Insanity. To keep peace in the family, I hasten to add, one of these chaps is my Big Brother, who I love and admire. Said Brother is a Golfer, and apparently a good one, usually shooting an Eighteen hole score that surpassed any score I managed in a Nine hole effort. I will also add that I once played a round of Golf with my Boss, in a company Tournament. To say that I was under pressure would be putting it mildly. My Boss was, and I would presume, still is , an excellent Golfer, and I, on the other hand was doing my usual good job of preparing the Fairways for planting daffodils, such were the size of my divots. My boss remarked during the round (under his breath) "should have brought a few bags of potting soil with me). He (El Bosso) didn't really hurt my feelings until I hit a beautiful Six Iron shot from the Fairway, which, stunningly, landed on the Green. the Boss commented "Where did that come from". I don't remember exactly, but I think I six-putted that green.
Oh well, Golf and Golfers are just a miniscule portion of the things I don't understand, but I'll keep trying.
Fore!!!!!!!!
TOP
I read an article in the Newspaper this morning about Disc Golf. I have only the written word to call on in discussing this relatively new sport, but several things about it, as I understand it are as follows:
You don't have to wear any sort of weird costume to play said game, whereas in traditional golf, one feels underdressed if he or she is not wearing something unusual. Like for instance, bright yellow pants, a chartreuse knit shirt (Preferably with a Golf Club Embellishment on the left breast) Special shoes with spikes or cleats, in case one has to trod upon a fellow Golfer who has just won a healthy bet with you, a go to hell hat or cap, or in the case of the Professional wannabees, a visor, with the Nike swoosh upon it, and a determined or disgusted look on their faces. I tried playing Golf when I was a lot younger. My wife and I were residing in New Orleans at the time, and believe me, if you Golfers want a REAL challenge, try playing 18 holes there in July or August. If you survive that you can say that you played The Course from Hell.
I found out several things about Traditional golf, during the short time I partook of the game. For one, Mark Twain was exactly right when he said "Golf is a good walk spoiled". for another, Golf , I'm sure was invented by the same guy who invented Golf balls, knowing beforehand that Golfers would always lose at least one or two Golf balls in a round, or as in my case, six or eight, and insuring him (
The Inventor) a steady and healthy income. In Disc Golf, I would presume that few if any discs are lost, thus saving the player quite a bit of money. Also one does not have to carry around a bag of clubs, usually weighing about ten Stone, or buy a pull-around cart for said bag o clubs, or for the Inveterate (read Drunken) Golfer, invest several Thousnd Bucks in a Gasoline or Electric Powered golf Cart, in order to ride in comfort around a Golf Course, that would drive Rand-McNally crazy trying to figure out the logic of the layout.
In short, I have a simple word of advice for Golfers. To address the reason for playing the Game of Golf, try substituting the following: If you want frustration, just raise two or three Teenagers. To get rid of a lot of annoying money, buy and remodel an Old House , and for a sense of accomplishment, do something to please your Wife (and if you succeed, please notify me with your secret) . As for me, I'll continue to Prefer Skeet. At least you get to take out your frustration with shooting the little Bastards, something, I'm sure , often thought of on the Golf Course.
Now I should say, in justification for this post, that I have known quite a few Golfers in my life, and few of them showed any other signs of Insanity. To keep peace in the family, I hasten to add, one of these chaps is my Big Brother, who I love and admire. Said Brother is a Golfer, and apparently a good one, usually shooting an Eighteen hole score that surpassed any score I managed in a Nine hole effort. I will also add that I once played a round of Golf with my Boss, in a company Tournament. To say that I was under pressure would be putting it mildly. My Boss was, and I would presume, still is , an excellent Golfer, and I, on the other hand was doing my usual good job of preparing the Fairways for planting daffodils, such were the size of my divots. My boss remarked during the round (under his breath) "should have brought a few bags of potting soil with me). He (El Bosso) didn't really hurt my feelings until I hit a beautiful Six Iron shot from the Fairway, which, stunningly, landed on the Green. the Boss commented "Where did that come from". I don't remember exactly, but I think I six-putted that green.
Oh well, Golf and Golfers are just a miniscule portion of the things I don't understand, but I'll keep trying.
Fore!!!!!!!!
TOP
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Dog Shows
Good Morning:
My wife and I have enjoyed watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog Show for quite a few years, and the following are just a few of our observations.
I think the people who trim (shave) a Standard Poodle to look like a Fop, must surely be Gender Benders. I've heard that Poodles are very smart dogs (as are most Dogs when given a chance) but I wonder if they (Poodles) don't feel a little embarrassed to parade around the ring in a Dog Show, with their coat shaved and trimmed to make them look like some sort of a cross between an interrupted hair cut and a Drag Queen. I feel sorry for these dogs.The reason I've been told for Poodles being trimmed in this fashion, is that they were originally bred as hunting dogs and the hair was trimmed, leaving certain areas around the dogs joints unshorn to protect them from the Cold Waters of, say, a Duck Hunt. Bushwha say I. If this was even remotely so, why not just leave the dog alone and let him or her stay Warm all over? I also have trouble understanding why dogs are maimed, early in their lives, by having their ears cropped or their tail chopped off, in the name of Breed Conformation. I wonder how their owners would like it if they had their ears customized to look like Dr. Spock, and have one of their buttocks removed, in the name of fashion. I would venture a guess that there are a few around Soho, the Village, or San Francisco who would probably go for it, but surely no sane person would be in favor of it . But what do I know?
I think that we ought to leave Dogs just as the Good Lord intended them to be and not surgically customize them. I'm pretty sure that the Dogs would be a lot happier.
Another thing I can't help but wondering about is the size of some of the people who "Show" the Dogs. I'm speaking I guess of the "handlers" who run around the ring with the animal and pose it for the Judges. It seems to me to be a rule of thumb that the Handlers Size and Weight are inversely proportional to the size of the Dog being shown . I am pretty sure that I've seen Handlers in the 250-400 Lb range (and I guess it sounds sexist, but it seems that most of these are of the feminine gender, with a portly gent thrown in occasionally, for gender balance,huffing around after a Chihuahua, just as I've seem trim and fit people showing a Neopolitan Mastiff, for example.
In one show we watched we sat horrified as a Double-Wide Handler wiped out on one of the curves and very nearly Squashed a small rat-like dog of some Denomination. I guess the weight problem that some of these people have is due to the hectic shedule of Dog Shows forces them to eat whatever they can, and one presumes that is probably Junk Food, or perhaps the losers in the Shows.
One other thing I've noticed is that the Judge of the Best in Show Feature, seems to me to always be just this side of royalty. I guess that if you do not have a net worth of umpteen cazillion dollars, you need not ever harbor a hope of being asked to Judge this Feature.
I don't Know, all of the above are just observations and opinions, but I do know know for sure that its great fun to watch this annual event.
Have Fun
TOP
My wife and I have enjoyed watching the Westminster Kennel Club dog Show for quite a few years, and the following are just a few of our observations.
I think the people who trim (shave) a Standard Poodle to look like a Fop, must surely be Gender Benders. I've heard that Poodles are very smart dogs (as are most Dogs when given a chance) but I wonder if they (Poodles) don't feel a little embarrassed to parade around the ring in a Dog Show, with their coat shaved and trimmed to make them look like some sort of a cross between an interrupted hair cut and a Drag Queen. I feel sorry for these dogs.The reason I've been told for Poodles being trimmed in this fashion, is that they were originally bred as hunting dogs and the hair was trimmed, leaving certain areas around the dogs joints unshorn to protect them from the Cold Waters of, say, a Duck Hunt. Bushwha say I. If this was even remotely so, why not just leave the dog alone and let him or her stay Warm all over? I also have trouble understanding why dogs are maimed, early in their lives, by having their ears cropped or their tail chopped off, in the name of Breed Conformation. I wonder how their owners would like it if they had their ears customized to look like Dr. Spock, and have one of their buttocks removed, in the name of fashion. I would venture a guess that there are a few around Soho, the Village, or San Francisco who would probably go for it, but surely no sane person would be in favor of it . But what do I know?
I think that we ought to leave Dogs just as the Good Lord intended them to be and not surgically customize them. I'm pretty sure that the Dogs would be a lot happier.
Another thing I can't help but wondering about is the size of some of the people who "Show" the Dogs. I'm speaking I guess of the "handlers" who run around the ring with the animal and pose it for the Judges. It seems to me to be a rule of thumb that the Handlers Size and Weight are inversely proportional to the size of the Dog being shown . I am pretty sure that I've seen Handlers in the 250-400 Lb range (and I guess it sounds sexist, but it seems that most of these are of the feminine gender, with a portly gent thrown in occasionally, for gender balance,huffing around after a Chihuahua, just as I've seem trim and fit people showing a Neopolitan Mastiff, for example.
In one show we watched we sat horrified as a Double-Wide Handler wiped out on one of the curves and very nearly Squashed a small rat-like dog of some Denomination. I guess the weight problem that some of these people have is due to the hectic shedule of Dog Shows forces them to eat whatever they can, and one presumes that is probably Junk Food, or perhaps the losers in the Shows.
One other thing I've noticed is that the Judge of the Best in Show Feature, seems to me to always be just this side of royalty. I guess that if you do not have a net worth of umpteen cazillion dollars, you need not ever harbor a hope of being asked to Judge this Feature.
I don't Know, all of the above are just observations and opinions, but I do know know for sure that its great fun to watch this annual event.
Have Fun
TOP
Monday, October 19, 2009
Untitled
Hi:
Right now I feel like the little boy whose Dog really did eat his homework. He had spilled some Marinara Sauce on it while eating his supper and finishing his Math Homework, got up momentarily from the table, and returned to find his Dog sitting attentively next to the table, with a scrap of paper hanging from his jowls with;
Timmy Baker, Miss garpy's 3rd grade arithmetic written on it.
It really did happen, but he couldn't use the excuse, because some other little bastard named chuck or Leftie or Big Un had already falsely used it.
They say write what you know, but what if you don't know a damned thing? . I guess that's not really accurate, I do know a few things, but they are of no earthly interest to anyone, including me. The things that I do know for sure sound like preaching when I write them. I know about Good Manners, Hygiene (Never go out with a girl named Butch, who has tattos on her knuckles and a hairy mole on her nose that she calls Monica (the mole, not the nose)and uses Roach Spray for deodorant. I know about not having enough money, about being a disappointment to myself (for one) I know about the unconditional love of a Dog, and how most Dogs are better people than people. I know Cats make me sneeze, I know the person who invented the Robotic Telephone answering System ought to be Gelded and sentenced to live in Minnesota or Chicago or some such place. I know that Knit pants in any size other than 00 ought to be outlawed in any public place, such as your living room. I know that most men who wear a Bow Tie look dumb and pretentious, if you can't afford a Tux (and I can't) for God's sake don't wear a Bow Tie. I know the New Yorker Magazine is a pile of Happy Roach dung. I know that most people who go about telling the world how great a Christian they are are really just Horny little Boys or Girls who never grew up. I know that self pity is usually well deserved because you really are an asshole. I know that dealing with the U.S. Government is worse than having a case of the Crabs, and being forced to wear boxing gloves. I know that while the Computer I am currently scribbling on is Junk, but good enough for someone who Cannot Write worth a Damn. I know that I can't stand men who wear loafers without socks, or white belts, or checked pants, or who pay more than Ten Bucks for a haircut, when they usually don't have enough hair to make a Bad Toupee for a gerbil. I know an Automobile is a hole in the driveway that you throw money into. I know that Executives who make Millions of Dollars a year should be paid a Dollar an Hour, and be painted with pink and green polka dots and made to go naked except for a codpiece made from a Collander. These are the things I know, and who the Heck wants to read about them? I know I am damned tired of "Political Correctness" and Buzzwords like "thinking outside of the
box"..........whatever the heck that means.I know that Politicians and Televangelists are paid too much. I know that George W. Bush is as dumb as a box of hammers (no disrespect intended for hammers, for they DO serve a purpose. I know that in all probability our current President will probably win the Heisman Trophy because he watched a football game. I know that my Wife's Motto is probably "diminished expectations" or "oh well". I know that most Gay guys are really guys who never got a date in High School because he couldn't find a Girl as Pretty as himself . I know I never heard a Swedish guy say "Yumpin Yimminy". I know that so called "Modern Art" is the work of guys who can't paint worth a lick, and is usually collected by people with so much money that they think they have good taste . I know that Professional Athletes make a lot of money playing a childs game. I know that Shoe Salesmen (or women) are underpaid. I know that few things are as irritating as shorts that ride up . I know that most of us are luckier than we admit. I know that Child Molesters all deserve the Death Penalty, and that rapists should be neutered and forced to watch Jerry Springer day and night. I know that men who stop and ask directions are smart enough to know they are dumb.
In short, what is this strange compulsion that makes a person want to be a Writer anyway, other than a limp ego?
I also know that it feels damned good to write something no one will ever read.
So There .
Written by the Evil Alter Ego of;
The Old Professor
(I would never write anything with profanity in it, would I?) ©
Right now I feel like the little boy whose Dog really did eat his homework. He had spilled some Marinara Sauce on it while eating his supper and finishing his Math Homework, got up momentarily from the table, and returned to find his Dog sitting attentively next to the table, with a scrap of paper hanging from his jowls with;
Timmy Baker, Miss garpy's 3rd grade arithmetic written on it.
It really did happen, but he couldn't use the excuse, because some other little bastard named chuck or Leftie or Big Un had already falsely used it.
They say write what you know, but what if you don't know a damned thing? . I guess that's not really accurate, I do know a few things, but they are of no earthly interest to anyone, including me. The things that I do know for sure sound like preaching when I write them. I know about Good Manners, Hygiene (Never go out with a girl named Butch, who has tattos on her knuckles and a hairy mole on her nose that she calls Monica (the mole, not the nose)and uses Roach Spray for deodorant. I know about not having enough money, about being a disappointment to myself (for one) I know about the unconditional love of a Dog, and how most Dogs are better people than people. I know Cats make me sneeze, I know the person who invented the Robotic Telephone answering System ought to be Gelded and sentenced to live in Minnesota or Chicago or some such place. I know that Knit pants in any size other than 00 ought to be outlawed in any public place, such as your living room. I know that most men who wear a Bow Tie look dumb and pretentious, if you can't afford a Tux (and I can't) for God's sake don't wear a Bow Tie. I know the New Yorker Magazine is a pile of Happy Roach dung. I know that most people who go about telling the world how great a Christian they are are really just Horny little Boys or Girls who never grew up. I know that self pity is usually well deserved because you really are an asshole. I know that dealing with the U.S. Government is worse than having a case of the Crabs, and being forced to wear boxing gloves. I know that while the Computer I am currently scribbling on is Junk, but good enough for someone who Cannot Write worth a Damn. I know that I can't stand men who wear loafers without socks, or white belts, or checked pants, or who pay more than Ten Bucks for a haircut, when they usually don't have enough hair to make a Bad Toupee for a gerbil. I know an Automobile is a hole in the driveway that you throw money into. I know that Executives who make Millions of Dollars a year should be paid a Dollar an Hour, and be painted with pink and green polka dots and made to go naked except for a codpiece made from a Collander. These are the things I know, and who the Heck wants to read about them? I know I am damned tired of "Political Correctness" and Buzzwords like "thinking outside of the
box"..........whatever the heck that means.I know that Politicians and Televangelists are paid too much. I know that George W. Bush is as dumb as a box of hammers (no disrespect intended for hammers, for they DO serve a purpose. I know that in all probability our current President will probably win the Heisman Trophy because he watched a football game. I know that my Wife's Motto is probably "diminished expectations" or "oh well". I know that most Gay guys are really guys who never got a date in High School because he couldn't find a Girl as Pretty as himself . I know I never heard a Swedish guy say "Yumpin Yimminy". I know that so called "Modern Art" is the work of guys who can't paint worth a lick, and is usually collected by people with so much money that they think they have good taste . I know that Professional Athletes make a lot of money playing a childs game. I know that Shoe Salesmen (or women) are underpaid. I know that few things are as irritating as shorts that ride up . I know that most of us are luckier than we admit. I know that Child Molesters all deserve the Death Penalty, and that rapists should be neutered and forced to watch Jerry Springer day and night. I know that men who stop and ask directions are smart enough to know they are dumb.
In short, what is this strange compulsion that makes a person want to be a Writer anyway, other than a limp ego?
I also know that it feels damned good to write something no one will ever read.
So There .
Written by the Evil Alter Ego of;
The Old Professor
(I would never write anything with profanity in it, would I?) ©
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Made in U.S.A.
Good Evening:
I think one thing most Americans will agree on, is a deep belief in American Made Products.
Sure there are, or have been, some products we were not too fond of, or "Brand Loyal" as the Marketing Wonks are fond of saying, but for the most part this had been a matter of personal preference, but whatever brand product we ultimately purchased It (the product) was most always marked "Made in the USA" If a product was made in another country, it was viewed with suspicion.
I recall that before and immediately following World War Two, anything marked "Made in Japan" was considered junk, and more often than not lay gathering dust on store shelves, but using the same criteria, Watches for example, marked "Swiss Made" were considered the finest in the World, as were German Optics and Machine Tools.
Of Course, following the War, German products dropped out of favor for awhile, but soon began to reclaim their market share, due to their quality.
But now it seems, every Darned thing we buy, or contemplate buying, IS NOT made in the USA, but more and more often, the Product will have a made in china tag on it, or Mexico, or Venezuela, or SriLanka, or Vietnam, or Haiti, or you name it.
I'm pretty sure this mess has occasioned our "Disposable Society", for example, we used to buy a "Mr. Coffee" machine and really didn't think much about the usable life span of the device. When it gave up the ghost, usually after several years, we would reluctantly dispose of it, but keep the Carafe, as it was usable on the replacement coffeemaker purchased. But, it appears, that those days are gone forever. Now when we purchase a brand-new Coffeemaker, regardless of the name emblazoned thereupon, it is always made in China, AND it seems, that the new device seldom lasts more than a few months before it too, is ready for the scrap yard.
Also I have noticed, that with each new coffeemaker, the Carafe will not work with the old machine, so out it goes, one more item for the landfill.
But Coffeemakers are just the tip of the Iceberg. My wife and I recently purchased a new Dishwasher, Maytag by name, and were unpleasantly surprised to learn that Maytag, a name long known for, and associated with, American made quality, is now owned by Whirlpool Corporation, and was made in China. And I should hasten to add that said Dishwasher was not "Bargain-Priced", but cost around Five Hundred Smackers.
The old Dishwasher that was replaced was, in fact, really-really old. A proof of this was the "Made in U.S.A. label on it. I almost felt like having some sort of Liturgical Ceremony to mark its passing, sort of like, "So long old friend".
Maybe I'm making too much of the fact that it seems that with each passing day, less and less products are made in our Homeland, as is witnessed by the growing number of jobs that are being "Outsourced" (In other words, sent to China).
I for one am Old Fashioned enough to declare that I would rather pay more for an American Made product than cheaply buy a piece of foreign Made Junk.
And if you need further proof of the decline of our 'Business Leaders" total lack of good sense, just try calling customer service about a product, a bill, or what have you. I would wager that about nine-tenths of the time the phone on the other end will be answered by someone who sounds like Apoo, of The Simpsons fame, who will proceed to confuse you. I have gotten so tired of being put on hold, and having to listen to music from Bollywood, that now, when told to hold, I just lay the phone down for the rest of the day, or whenever I need it next. Let them experience some frustration. ( Incidently the same procedure works wonderfully when you get an annoying sales or survey call) Just lay the phone down and forget about it. You will periodically hear "hello, hello, hello " echoing from the phone. A happy sound indeed.
So, Sports Fans, Try and buy American, go ahead, I dare you . I think you will also find that "Nafta", "Cafta" and whatever other "Afta" is trumpeted by the Politicians just results in "Shafta" for we unlucky consumers.
Stay Well
The Old Professor.
I think one thing most Americans will agree on, is a deep belief in American Made Products.
Sure there are, or have been, some products we were not too fond of, or "Brand Loyal" as the Marketing Wonks are fond of saying, but for the most part this had been a matter of personal preference, but whatever brand product we ultimately purchased It (the product) was most always marked "Made in the USA" If a product was made in another country, it was viewed with suspicion.
I recall that before and immediately following World War Two, anything marked "Made in Japan" was considered junk, and more often than not lay gathering dust on store shelves, but using the same criteria, Watches for example, marked "Swiss Made" were considered the finest in the World, as were German Optics and Machine Tools.
Of Course, following the War, German products dropped out of favor for awhile, but soon began to reclaim their market share, due to their quality.
But now it seems, every Darned thing we buy, or contemplate buying, IS NOT made in the USA, but more and more often, the Product will have a made in china tag on it, or Mexico, or Venezuela, or SriLanka, or Vietnam, or Haiti, or you name it.
I'm pretty sure this mess has occasioned our "Disposable Society", for example, we used to buy a "Mr. Coffee" machine and really didn't think much about the usable life span of the device. When it gave up the ghost, usually after several years, we would reluctantly dispose of it, but keep the Carafe, as it was usable on the replacement coffeemaker purchased. But, it appears, that those days are gone forever. Now when we purchase a brand-new Coffeemaker, regardless of the name emblazoned thereupon, it is always made in China, AND it seems, that the new device seldom lasts more than a few months before it too, is ready for the scrap yard.
Also I have noticed, that with each new coffeemaker, the Carafe will not work with the old machine, so out it goes, one more item for the landfill.
But Coffeemakers are just the tip of the Iceberg. My wife and I recently purchased a new Dishwasher, Maytag by name, and were unpleasantly surprised to learn that Maytag, a name long known for, and associated with, American made quality, is now owned by Whirlpool Corporation, and was made in China. And I should hasten to add that said Dishwasher was not "Bargain-Priced", but cost around Five Hundred Smackers.
The old Dishwasher that was replaced was, in fact, really-really old. A proof of this was the "Made in U.S.A. label on it. I almost felt like having some sort of Liturgical Ceremony to mark its passing, sort of like, "So long old friend".
Maybe I'm making too much of the fact that it seems that with each passing day, less and less products are made in our Homeland, as is witnessed by the growing number of jobs that are being "Outsourced" (In other words, sent to China).
I for one am Old Fashioned enough to declare that I would rather pay more for an American Made product than cheaply buy a piece of foreign Made Junk.
And if you need further proof of the decline of our 'Business Leaders" total lack of good sense, just try calling customer service about a product, a bill, or what have you. I would wager that about nine-tenths of the time the phone on the other end will be answered by someone who sounds like Apoo, of The Simpsons fame, who will proceed to confuse you. I have gotten so tired of being put on hold, and having to listen to music from Bollywood, that now, when told to hold, I just lay the phone down for the rest of the day, or whenever I need it next. Let them experience some frustration. ( Incidently the same procedure works wonderfully when you get an annoying sales or survey call) Just lay the phone down and forget about it. You will periodically hear "hello, hello, hello " echoing from the phone. A happy sound indeed.
So, Sports Fans, Try and buy American, go ahead, I dare you . I think you will also find that "Nafta", "Cafta" and whatever other "Afta" is trumpeted by the Politicians just results in "Shafta" for we unlucky consumers.
Stay Well
The Old Professor.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Hospitals
Good Evening gentle Folk:
This will hopefully just be a short post, as I am sort of tired.
Five days ago my Wife had to go into the Hospital to replace a worn out knee joint with a new Wonderous Titanium Artificial Knee. I dreaded the operation for my wife, for I knew it was going to be a lengthy process, and a painful one. We had absolute confidence in Our Orthopedic Surgeon, for he has done hundreds, perhaps thousands of successful such operations.
He was also Degreed in Mechanical Engineering, Prior to entering the medical/Surgical field, and had whittled on me a couple of times, with great success, and was and is a Great Guy.
Everything went fine during the Operation, and for the day following, Goodwife was alert and responding well to Physical Therapy, and was conversing sensibly and easily.
That all began to change late on that day however. She began talking irrationally, reaching Autonomically ( or some such miscommunication between certain neurons and ganglia perhaps taking a left turn instead of a right)to things unseen in the air, and in general, just not anywhere near her normal self. I was worried and talked to the RN who was caring for my wife, and she told me that such behavior was pretty normal for a Post-Op patient after Joint Replacement Surgery, but I was still not satisfied and was worried.
I had scarcely gotten home on Sunday night when I was awakened by a phone call from the Hospital, telling me that my wife had been admitted to Intensive Care and requesting that I come posthaste. My Daughter and I rushed to the Hospital, and found my wife in a state of near insane behavior. She was Hysterical and accusing the Hospital personnel of dragging her down the halls, throwing her about and being mean to her..
I was then told by the Charge Nurse on that floor that my wife had suffered not one but possibly two Strokes. I was speechless with fright, and immediately began Praying that somehow she would pull through this ordeal, but I can't say I was confident in her recovery, but finally the Medical Personnel involved found that my wife's physical descent and crisis was probably caused by a lack of an essential Mineral and perhaps( their words) her receiving the wrong type of Medication.
In the interim, My Son and his Wife had come down, and both were anguished, but we are fortunate that My Daughter in law is in the Health Care Field and was able to help us become more informed as to my Wife's condition, as well as reassuring my wife, in her always kind and sweet demeanor, that she (Wifey) would be fine and reassure her . My son however, was ready to Kill whoever was responsible for his Mom's Problem. Luckily for the Hospital he and his wife had to return home the next day, as they had to work, or else there would be a smoking ruin where the Hospital used to be, (just kidding, but not much).
But as I write this she seems to be much better and hopefully will be out of I.C.U. tomorrow, and then perhaps then in a day or two will be ready to go to a Rehabilitation Facility for about three weeks of Physical Therapy, to begin her healing process.
During this process, I have struck a couple of one sided deals with God. I asked for my Wife's full Recovery, and asked that I pre-decease her by many years, as I do not and have not ever wanted to live without the Person I have lived with and Loved for over three fourths of our lives.
I trust you will forgive my interjecting this personal note on my Blog, but as I'm sure as many of you know, writing can be a therapeutic thing, even if poorly done as is mine.
(Added five days Later).....................
I will add one more thing to this post, and then I promise I'll shut up.
The first night in I.C.U. After the nurses on duty, the Anesthesiologist, and my Wife's Cardiologist had visited, I was finally told by one Nurse (in a whisper) that she had been the victim of a mistake in her Anesthesia, and that was what caused her problems. Needless to say,I was looking for someone to visit my wrath upon, and I told one little piss-ant of an Intern that he was not only a poor excuse for a Doctor, but what was probably upset, thinking that perhaps God had a Doctor Complex.
for some reason he got a little red in the face, which matched the color of my extreme lower back.
The Nurse the first Midnight shift was a godsend. She did everything she could do for my wife, and for my family and me. May she be blessed and may her tribe increase.
However on the third night, my Daughter and I were called upon by a Nurse who would give a bad name to lousy Nurses everywhere. She came in my wife's room, sat down and announced in her best Lucretia Borgia voice, "I want to know exactly what you people want me to do for you". And then proceeded to start an argument with my Wife and I.
I'm afraid I did not behave as a gentleman, escourting the Nurse into the Hall out of my Wife's earshot, and told her" DO NOT EVER ARGUE WITH A PATIENT !!!!!!
And added in my "Hit Man" whisper, "The Patient is not always right, but they are always the Patient, without which you would not have a job", and added, "But if you really want to be unemployed, with the current poor economy, I would be more than Happy to see that it becomes so!
My Daughter was there, as I said, and she has Red Hair and a temper to match. Yon Nurse does not know how close she came to Madame du Morte.
Anyway, my Wife is in a beautiful Rehabilitation Facility now, and the Personnel all seem to be wonderful, so we are looking forward to a Happy Outcome. Meanwhile I have to go help my Daughter finish the Voodoo Doll she is working on, and sharpen all the Barbs to be thrust therein. And oh yes, tomorrow is our Fifty-fifth Wedding Anniversery
Stay Well, Pleeeaaaase!!
TOP
This will hopefully just be a short post, as I am sort of tired.
Five days ago my Wife had to go into the Hospital to replace a worn out knee joint with a new Wonderous Titanium Artificial Knee. I dreaded the operation for my wife, for I knew it was going to be a lengthy process, and a painful one. We had absolute confidence in Our Orthopedic Surgeon, for he has done hundreds, perhaps thousands of successful such operations.
He was also Degreed in Mechanical Engineering, Prior to entering the medical/Surgical field, and had whittled on me a couple of times, with great success, and was and is a Great Guy.
Everything went fine during the Operation, and for the day following, Goodwife was alert and responding well to Physical Therapy, and was conversing sensibly and easily.
That all began to change late on that day however. She began talking irrationally, reaching Autonomically ( or some such miscommunication between certain neurons and ganglia perhaps taking a left turn instead of a right)to things unseen in the air, and in general, just not anywhere near her normal self. I was worried and talked to the RN who was caring for my wife, and she told me that such behavior was pretty normal for a Post-Op patient after Joint Replacement Surgery, but I was still not satisfied and was worried.
I had scarcely gotten home on Sunday night when I was awakened by a phone call from the Hospital, telling me that my wife had been admitted to Intensive Care and requesting that I come posthaste. My Daughter and I rushed to the Hospital, and found my wife in a state of near insane behavior. She was Hysterical and accusing the Hospital personnel of dragging her down the halls, throwing her about and being mean to her..
I was then told by the Charge Nurse on that floor that my wife had suffered not one but possibly two Strokes. I was speechless with fright, and immediately began Praying that somehow she would pull through this ordeal, but I can't say I was confident in her recovery, but finally the Medical Personnel involved found that my wife's physical descent and crisis was probably caused by a lack of an essential Mineral and perhaps( their words) her receiving the wrong type of Medication.
In the interim, My Son and his Wife had come down, and both were anguished, but we are fortunate that My Daughter in law is in the Health Care Field and was able to help us become more informed as to my Wife's condition, as well as reassuring my wife, in her always kind and sweet demeanor, that she (Wifey) would be fine and reassure her . My son however, was ready to Kill whoever was responsible for his Mom's Problem. Luckily for the Hospital he and his wife had to return home the next day, as they had to work, or else there would be a smoking ruin where the Hospital used to be, (just kidding, but not much).
But as I write this she seems to be much better and hopefully will be out of I.C.U. tomorrow, and then perhaps then in a day or two will be ready to go to a Rehabilitation Facility for about three weeks of Physical Therapy, to begin her healing process.
During this process, I have struck a couple of one sided deals with God. I asked for my Wife's full Recovery, and asked that I pre-decease her by many years, as I do not and have not ever wanted to live without the Person I have lived with and Loved for over three fourths of our lives.
I trust you will forgive my interjecting this personal note on my Blog, but as I'm sure as many of you know, writing can be a therapeutic thing, even if poorly done as is mine.
(Added five days Later).....................
I will add one more thing to this post, and then I promise I'll shut up.
The first night in I.C.U. After the nurses on duty, the Anesthesiologist, and my Wife's Cardiologist had visited, I was finally told by one Nurse (in a whisper) that she had been the victim of a mistake in her Anesthesia, and that was what caused her problems. Needless to say,I was looking for someone to visit my wrath upon, and I told one little piss-ant of an Intern that he was not only a poor excuse for a Doctor, but what was probably upset, thinking that perhaps God had a Doctor Complex.
for some reason he got a little red in the face, which matched the color of my extreme lower back.
The Nurse the first Midnight shift was a godsend. She did everything she could do for my wife, and for my family and me. May she be blessed and may her tribe increase.
However on the third night, my Daughter and I were called upon by a Nurse who would give a bad name to lousy Nurses everywhere. She came in my wife's room, sat down and announced in her best Lucretia Borgia voice, "I want to know exactly what you people want me to do for you". And then proceeded to start an argument with my Wife and I.
I'm afraid I did not behave as a gentleman, escourting the Nurse into the Hall out of my Wife's earshot, and told her" DO NOT EVER ARGUE WITH A PATIENT !!!!!!
And added in my "Hit Man" whisper, "The Patient is not always right, but they are always the Patient, without which you would not have a job", and added, "But if you really want to be unemployed, with the current poor economy, I would be more than Happy to see that it becomes so!
My Daughter was there, as I said, and she has Red Hair and a temper to match. Yon Nurse does not know how close she came to Madame du Morte.
Anyway, my Wife is in a beautiful Rehabilitation Facility now, and the Personnel all seem to be wonderful, so we are looking forward to a Happy Outcome. Meanwhile I have to go help my Daughter finish the Voodoo Doll she is working on, and sharpen all the Barbs to be thrust therein. And oh yes, tomorrow is our Fifty-fifth Wedding Anniversery
Stay Well, Pleeeaaaase!!
TOP
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Racism
Good Morning Good People.
As you can see, this post is on a touchy subject. I hesitated to create this post because as I am a Caucasian male, and therefore, it will be said by many that I am not qualified to comment on this subject. But I believe, and pretty much always have , that without an honest and amicable discussion, on virtually any subject, no understanding or consensus is possible. So..........Here goes.
I have to first say that I am somewhat puzzled by people of color referring to themselves as "African-Americans . My first impulse is to wonder why they want to intentionally separate (which is after all a synonym for segregate) themselves from people of other races by this self-labeling ? It seems to this old white guy that in order to ever overcome racism we must first not intentionally erect any descriptive words which become a division. How would it sound if I referred to myself as a "Scottish-Irish-French-german-British-Native-American-american"? I think I will continue to think of myself as a proud American, Period.
We also hear a lot about the "N" word. A lot more so than since the O.J. Simpson trial, when Lawyer Johnnie Cochran intentionally, he admitted, played the "Race Card".
The jury as you will recall was mostly people of color, and Cochran knew that the only realistic chance he had of a not guilty verdict was to employ this strategy.
I think you will also recall that the trial was a farce, thanks largely to a Judge who was a whole lot less than competent, and the leading Prosecutor, and I confess I can't think of her name, was also less than sharp. Even though there was clearly a huge preponderance of evidence to prove that he (O.J.) was guilty as sin, he was as you recall, acquitted.
I think this caused the biggest racial divide in this country since the Civil War, and we have the Defense Lawyers and the Jury to Blame. I also remember that very few people dared to go on Television and honestly call this a miscarriage of Justice, for fear of being labeled a Racist. folks, where are we going to end up if we as a people , do not face facts and begin to address this problem? Lets face it, most of us are Racists whether we admit it or not. I think people who admit to being so are honest and those who don't aren't.
I Think another thing that is divisive is the "Congressional Black Caucus". I feel that this intentional separatism is another form of Racism, wherein the members of said caucus find some benefit by identifying themselves in this fashion.
I have to say that I think I am fairly objective in my views, having worked with more people of color than I remember, and getting along with them very-very well.
In my previous career, I worked in a Uranium Conversion plant, as a Chemist, and was on such good terms with most of the Colored guys I worked with that they would call out my name and wave when they would see me in the far distances of the Plant. One of the smartest people I knew there was a Man of Color, and I had, and have the highest regard for this Man to this Day. He is a Minister, also, and I have frequently wished I could attend a Service at his Church, because he was so Intelligent, reasonable and well spoken.I don't think of this Man or any of the others whom I have mentioned in terms of color or race, but rather the content of their character, friendliness, and the manner in which they performed their duties. I hope that these individuals would grade me on the same fundiments.
I trust you will forgive me for using the word Colored, one that I feel and felt was respectful.
This brings one other thing to this tired old mind of mine, and that concerns the Verboten "N" word. I don't know about anyone else, But I freely admit having used that word in the past, as have, I feel, in excess of Ninety some percent of all Americans. Personally I don't find it as offensive as the 'M-F" word, which I have been called too many times without cause. Neither of these words should be used, and as one of my best friends once said to me "Not all (n words) are Black and not all Blacks are(n words) and I think that is exactly right. Perhaps we should all agree to start using the word "Trash" when describing an extremely repulsive person.
I think that over the part forty-some years too much has been ballyhooed in the Media and Government about peoples race, and too little about their behavior.
Let me be abundantly clear on one point. I have as little regard for a white fool as I do a Black, yellow, or brown fool, or any combination of those.
My family and I lived in Mississippi at the time of Lyndon Johnson's tinkering with Civil Rights. He (johnson) declared Mississippi, as a state, to be a hotbed of racial hatred. To obviate his declaration I will simply say that one of my best hunting and fishing buddies was a man of color, and I think we got along famously.
We owned a small business in the Beautiful town of Natchez, Ms, and I have never in my life met friendlier people than I did there, and I speak of people of all colors.
Once the Politicians decided they could make some political hay out of the situation. Martial Law was declared. That is when the trouble started. People of both major races began to feel as if they had to take sides, to the total detriment of most, if not all, citizens.
I was stopped at roadblocks both by the KKK and the NAACP, both of which groups were armed, and I was threatened with violence if I attempted to pierce the Roadblock. I simply followed the advice of an FBI friend of mine, and waited until the Head Grand Draggin (not a ms_) or community Organizer came to the window of my vehicle to personally give me a dire warning, and then persuaded the Threatener to accompany me through the Block with the gentle urging of a firearm which I legally had in my hand. I regret that these things happened, but they did, and I acted as I always had and do, to protect myself and my family.
It was the presence of these polar opposite groups that caused trouble in that Beautiful little Town, and not the average population.
The Government, intentionally or not, in their Proclamations, acted like a Magnet to draw these people of Ill will to that place, at that time.
How much better it would have been for the people (of all races) in Natchez, to come together in community meetings, and hash out their differences, than what ultimately ensued.
The way it turned out was that both groups of people , white and black, ended up at the least, mad at one another, and at the worst with hatred in their hearts, where there had once been a genial peace and friendship between of all races.
Folks I don't pretend to know many answers , but I don't think the answer lies in divisiveness, but rather in Education and just plain old calm common sense
To go back to the Black Caucus thing. Would it be Politically Correct for there to be a congressional White Caucus ? Of Course not. Nor would it fail to occasion charges of racism if there was a Miss White America, but apparently it is O.K. to have a Miss Black America , and how about the United Negro College fund? could there legally be a united Caucasian College Fund ? Nope!
So what we have, writ large, is a double Standard, which cannot continue to exist and even flourish, if we are ever to be a truly United Country. Personally I don't think we shall ever see such a thing, more especially not as long as there are people like Al sharpton, et al, who presume to speak for all people of one color.
I know for sure that I would resent it if anyone were to assume to someone like Rush Limbaugh, or any other big-mouthed fool of his ilk, was speaking for me. I speak for myself, not only in words, but in behavior, and in efforts to be a good citizen. I cannot speak for those of other races, but I would be willing to bet that intelligent members of whatever race would feel similiar to what I feel.
Personally I think that to give people like Sharpton a stage is a form of emotional Blackmail, catering as he does to the innermost bad inclinations of some people, causing unruly demonstrations, near riots, needless violence and arrests.
He and said Limbaugh are Jokers from the same deck, albeit a different suite.
As I said in the preamble to this post, I am as sure as I can be that I will be criticised, as a white person, for even daring to speak to such a controversial subject, but I don't really care. I think wrong is wrong and right is right, and one of the most important Rights, that of Free Speech, as enumerated in the Constitution, should apply equally to all people of whatever Color or Background, and then perhaps, just perhaps, we can finally start to sort through the minefield that is currently race Relations, and Racism.
I think that I, personally, have been as often discriminated against for giving honest answers to posed questions, rather than following Office Politic Norms and/or "Politically Correct Answers". A phrase that sickens me a little more each time I read or hear it. So if you agree or disagree with the above, let me hear about it in your comments, for it is truly said that a Man without Opinions is like a Preacher without pants, in that no one could tell you what either had to say. I will add one thing, and then I will shut up. recently my wife was in a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Facility, following Knee Replacement Surgery, and among all the nice people was a Lady of color(and I Stress the word Lady) who went out of her way to be nice and sweet to my wife. The day my wife left both she and I hugged this fine lady in gratitude for her wonderful care and loving personality and both received a generous hug in return. Nuff Said. Now, I firmly believe in the Biblical Injunction to Judge Not lest You be Judged, and I freely admit to having failed to strictly adhere to those instructions, in all cases, However , how wrong is it, when we see a fool, to call him or her a fool, when we see trash, to think of them as trash, and recognize a criminal, regardless of color . When people of this or that voting bloc begin to stress Education and Behavior as methods of self-betterment, rather than using their uniqueness to try and get something for nothing, and as an excuse for their trespasses, then and only then will their lot,and that of the American People begin to improve.
As I said in the beginning, I hesitated to broach this subject, knowing full well the criticisms I will receive, and I worked on this post for about three months before posting, to try my best to show objectivity. My efforts may not be good enough, but I will have, at least, tried. Isn't that perhaps what we all need to do?
Best Wishes
TOP
As you can see, this post is on a touchy subject. I hesitated to create this post because as I am a Caucasian male, and therefore, it will be said by many that I am not qualified to comment on this subject. But I believe, and pretty much always have , that without an honest and amicable discussion, on virtually any subject, no understanding or consensus is possible. So..........Here goes.
I have to first say that I am somewhat puzzled by people of color referring to themselves as "African-Americans . My first impulse is to wonder why they want to intentionally separate (which is after all a synonym for segregate) themselves from people of other races by this self-labeling ? It seems to this old white guy that in order to ever overcome racism we must first not intentionally erect any descriptive words which become a division. How would it sound if I referred to myself as a "Scottish-Irish-French-german-British-Native-American-american"? I think I will continue to think of myself as a proud American, Period.
We also hear a lot about the "N" word. A lot more so than since the O.J. Simpson trial, when Lawyer Johnnie Cochran intentionally, he admitted, played the "Race Card".
The jury as you will recall was mostly people of color, and Cochran knew that the only realistic chance he had of a not guilty verdict was to employ this strategy.
I think you will also recall that the trial was a farce, thanks largely to a Judge who was a whole lot less than competent, and the leading Prosecutor, and I confess I can't think of her name, was also less than sharp. Even though there was clearly a huge preponderance of evidence to prove that he (O.J.) was guilty as sin, he was as you recall, acquitted.
I think this caused the biggest racial divide in this country since the Civil War, and we have the Defense Lawyers and the Jury to Blame. I also remember that very few people dared to go on Television and honestly call this a miscarriage of Justice, for fear of being labeled a Racist. folks, where are we going to end up if we as a people , do not face facts and begin to address this problem? Lets face it, most of us are Racists whether we admit it or not. I think people who admit to being so are honest and those who don't aren't.
I Think another thing that is divisive is the "Congressional Black Caucus". I feel that this intentional separatism is another form of Racism, wherein the members of said caucus find some benefit by identifying themselves in this fashion.
I have to say that I think I am fairly objective in my views, having worked with more people of color than I remember, and getting along with them very-very well.
In my previous career, I worked in a Uranium Conversion plant, as a Chemist, and was on such good terms with most of the Colored guys I worked with that they would call out my name and wave when they would see me in the far distances of the Plant. One of the smartest people I knew there was a Man of Color, and I had, and have the highest regard for this Man to this Day. He is a Minister, also, and I have frequently wished I could attend a Service at his Church, because he was so Intelligent, reasonable and well spoken.I don't think of this Man or any of the others whom I have mentioned in terms of color or race, but rather the content of their character, friendliness, and the manner in which they performed their duties. I hope that these individuals would grade me on the same fundiments.
I trust you will forgive me for using the word Colored, one that I feel and felt was respectful.
This brings one other thing to this tired old mind of mine, and that concerns the Verboten "N" word. I don't know about anyone else, But I freely admit having used that word in the past, as have, I feel, in excess of Ninety some percent of all Americans. Personally I don't find it as offensive as the 'M-F" word, which I have been called too many times without cause. Neither of these words should be used, and as one of my best friends once said to me "Not all (n words) are Black and not all Blacks are(n words) and I think that is exactly right. Perhaps we should all agree to start using the word "Trash" when describing an extremely repulsive person.
I think that over the part forty-some years too much has been ballyhooed in the Media and Government about peoples race, and too little about their behavior.
Let me be abundantly clear on one point. I have as little regard for a white fool as I do a Black, yellow, or brown fool, or any combination of those.
My family and I lived in Mississippi at the time of Lyndon Johnson's tinkering with Civil Rights. He (johnson) declared Mississippi, as a state, to be a hotbed of racial hatred. To obviate his declaration I will simply say that one of my best hunting and fishing buddies was a man of color, and I think we got along famously.
We owned a small business in the Beautiful town of Natchez, Ms, and I have never in my life met friendlier people than I did there, and I speak of people of all colors.
Once the Politicians decided they could make some political hay out of the situation. Martial Law was declared. That is when the trouble started. People of both major races began to feel as if they had to take sides, to the total detriment of most, if not all, citizens.
I was stopped at roadblocks both by the KKK and the NAACP, both of which groups were armed, and I was threatened with violence if I attempted to pierce the Roadblock. I simply followed the advice of an FBI friend of mine, and waited until the Head Grand Draggin (not a ms_) or community Organizer came to the window of my vehicle to personally give me a dire warning, and then persuaded the Threatener to accompany me through the Block with the gentle urging of a firearm which I legally had in my hand. I regret that these things happened, but they did, and I acted as I always had and do, to protect myself and my family.
It was the presence of these polar opposite groups that caused trouble in that Beautiful little Town, and not the average population.
The Government, intentionally or not, in their Proclamations, acted like a Magnet to draw these people of Ill will to that place, at that time.
How much better it would have been for the people (of all races) in Natchez, to come together in community meetings, and hash out their differences, than what ultimately ensued.
The way it turned out was that both groups of people , white and black, ended up at the least, mad at one another, and at the worst with hatred in their hearts, where there had once been a genial peace and friendship between of all races.
Folks I don't pretend to know many answers , but I don't think the answer lies in divisiveness, but rather in Education and just plain old calm common sense
To go back to the Black Caucus thing. Would it be Politically Correct for there to be a congressional White Caucus ? Of Course not. Nor would it fail to occasion charges of racism if there was a Miss White America, but apparently it is O.K. to have a Miss Black America , and how about the United Negro College fund? could there legally be a united Caucasian College Fund ? Nope!
So what we have, writ large, is a double Standard, which cannot continue to exist and even flourish, if we are ever to be a truly United Country. Personally I don't think we shall ever see such a thing, more especially not as long as there are people like Al sharpton, et al, who presume to speak for all people of one color.
I know for sure that I would resent it if anyone were to assume to someone like Rush Limbaugh, or any other big-mouthed fool of his ilk, was speaking for me. I speak for myself, not only in words, but in behavior, and in efforts to be a good citizen. I cannot speak for those of other races, but I would be willing to bet that intelligent members of whatever race would feel similiar to what I feel.
Personally I think that to give people like Sharpton a stage is a form of emotional Blackmail, catering as he does to the innermost bad inclinations of some people, causing unruly demonstrations, near riots, needless violence and arrests.
He and said Limbaugh are Jokers from the same deck, albeit a different suite.
As I said in the preamble to this post, I am as sure as I can be that I will be criticised, as a white person, for even daring to speak to such a controversial subject, but I don't really care. I think wrong is wrong and right is right, and one of the most important Rights, that of Free Speech, as enumerated in the Constitution, should apply equally to all people of whatever Color or Background, and then perhaps, just perhaps, we can finally start to sort through the minefield that is currently race Relations, and Racism.
I think that I, personally, have been as often discriminated against for giving honest answers to posed questions, rather than following Office Politic Norms and/or "Politically Correct Answers". A phrase that sickens me a little more each time I read or hear it. So if you agree or disagree with the above, let me hear about it in your comments, for it is truly said that a Man without Opinions is like a Preacher without pants, in that no one could tell you what either had to say. I will add one thing, and then I will shut up. recently my wife was in a Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Facility, following Knee Replacement Surgery, and among all the nice people was a Lady of color(and I Stress the word Lady) who went out of her way to be nice and sweet to my wife. The day my wife left both she and I hugged this fine lady in gratitude for her wonderful care and loving personality and both received a generous hug in return. Nuff Said. Now, I firmly believe in the Biblical Injunction to Judge Not lest You be Judged, and I freely admit to having failed to strictly adhere to those instructions, in all cases, However , how wrong is it, when we see a fool, to call him or her a fool, when we see trash, to think of them as trash, and recognize a criminal, regardless of color . When people of this or that voting bloc begin to stress Education and Behavior as methods of self-betterment, rather than using their uniqueness to try and get something for nothing, and as an excuse for their trespasses, then and only then will their lot,and that of the American People begin to improve.
As I said in the beginning, I hesitated to broach this subject, knowing full well the criticisms I will receive, and I worked on this post for about three months before posting, to try my best to show objectivity. My efforts may not be good enough, but I will have, at least, tried. Isn't that perhaps what we all need to do?
Best Wishes
TOP
Monday, September 28, 2009
Religion
I have stated in an earlier blog that I don't ordinarily discuss Religion and/or politics. (Notice the capitalization and lack thereof, as a reminder of the importance of the two)
But on this one occasion, I will depart from my rule (and its really only a rule applying to face to face conversations, what I write on this mess of a blog are nothing more than opinions that I hope won't be held against me, as, after all, where would we be as a species if not for exchanges of opinion)
I really don't know enough about any Religion to comment at length on it, but over the past too many years I have been given more than due cause to wonder about the Muslim religion. I suppose I should hasten to say that the following is not a reflection on any true Muslims , but merely my opinions of some of their less enlightened brothers.
But, it seems to me that ANY religion that encourages people to kill other people for no other reason than a difference of opinion concerning one Religion vs. another is misguided, to be kind, and Bastardized, to be less kind. I speak of course, of those nutty "Mullahs" who encourage their followers to go out and blow themselves up, in order to kill anyone who happens to be in the vicinity when they act upon these crazy instructions. I have noted, as have, I'm sure many of you, that usually when some misguided follower of that Nut Mullah Omar, commits one of these unspeakable acts, upon direction, fellow Muslims are frequently killed, as well as people of a different religious persuasion than their own. These idiots, I understand are also led to believe that they will go straight to Paradise and be presented with seventy two virgins. Wouldn't it be funny if the bespoken virgins turned out to all be men just like the bomber? As Homer Simpson (A very wise man in compared to these bloodthirsty idiots), would say D`OH!!!
And all the above comments above apply equally to the men (lower case intended) who have proudly beheaded people in the name of "their God". I think I speak for the majority of all people of goodwill, in saying that I hope that the person who so proudly committed such an unspeakable act on tape, as in the case of the young Jewish boy who did nothing more than go to Iraq in hopes of erecting some communication towers, under contract, to the U.S. Government,and was beheaded on tape, it is to be hoped that the Animal responsible for this heinous act is now receiving his just Punishment, that Terrorist deserves nothing more than disdain, both for his savage and senseless act but what he has received. As for the showing of this tape on american T.V One can only try to imagine what horrors this caused the family of the young Jewish boy. Hopefully the savage who performed this atrocious act, is now wandering around Paradise, Thanks to a surgically placed smart bomb fired from a U.S. Aircraft,and his subsequent demise, is among seventy two guys with the same puzzled look of disappointment on their faces, as does the most recent arrival, all of whom, it is to be hoped, named Bruce.
Again, these are just my thoughts, and if you don't like them, I don't care. My Christian Faith says for us to practice forgiveness, that we might be forgiven, and I try to Hew to that line, but these deceased dunces of whom I write, need not think overmuch on my forgiveness, but rather that of He who will be on the Bench in the Court of final Judgement. My God is a loving God, and I assume the same is true of the God of the Islamic religion, but apparently these followers of the "mullet Mullahs" have persuaded their followers that their God wants Christian and Jewish Blood as well as the blood of anyone who disagrees with their dunderheaded views. True peaceful practioners of Islam, I'm sure, are just as disgusted as am I.
Stay Well, and allow others to do the same.
TOP
But on this one occasion, I will depart from my rule (and its really only a rule applying to face to face conversations, what I write on this mess of a blog are nothing more than opinions that I hope won't be held against me, as, after all, where would we be as a species if not for exchanges of opinion)
I really don't know enough about any Religion to comment at length on it, but over the past too many years I have been given more than due cause to wonder about the Muslim religion. I suppose I should hasten to say that the following is not a reflection on any true Muslims , but merely my opinions of some of their less enlightened brothers.
But, it seems to me that ANY religion that encourages people to kill other people for no other reason than a difference of opinion concerning one Religion vs. another is misguided, to be kind, and Bastardized, to be less kind. I speak of course, of those nutty "Mullahs" who encourage their followers to go out and blow themselves up, in order to kill anyone who happens to be in the vicinity when they act upon these crazy instructions. I have noted, as have, I'm sure many of you, that usually when some misguided follower of that Nut Mullah Omar, commits one of these unspeakable acts, upon direction, fellow Muslims are frequently killed, as well as people of a different religious persuasion than their own. These idiots, I understand are also led to believe that they will go straight to Paradise and be presented with seventy two virgins. Wouldn't it be funny if the bespoken virgins turned out to all be men just like the bomber? As Homer Simpson (A very wise man in compared to these bloodthirsty idiots), would say D`OH!!!
And all the above comments above apply equally to the men (lower case intended) who have proudly beheaded people in the name of "their God". I think I speak for the majority of all people of goodwill, in saying that I hope that the person who so proudly committed such an unspeakable act on tape, as in the case of the young Jewish boy who did nothing more than go to Iraq in hopes of erecting some communication towers, under contract, to the U.S. Government,and was beheaded on tape, it is to be hoped that the Animal responsible for this heinous act is now receiving his just Punishment, that Terrorist deserves nothing more than disdain, both for his savage and senseless act but what he has received. As for the showing of this tape on american T.V One can only try to imagine what horrors this caused the family of the young Jewish boy. Hopefully the savage who performed this atrocious act, is now wandering around Paradise, Thanks to a surgically placed smart bomb fired from a U.S. Aircraft,and his subsequent demise, is among seventy two guys with the same puzzled look of disappointment on their faces, as does the most recent arrival, all of whom, it is to be hoped, named Bruce.
Again, these are just my thoughts, and if you don't like them, I don't care. My Christian Faith says for us to practice forgiveness, that we might be forgiven, and I try to Hew to that line, but these deceased dunces of whom I write, need not think overmuch on my forgiveness, but rather that of He who will be on the Bench in the Court of final Judgement. My God is a loving God, and I assume the same is true of the God of the Islamic religion, but apparently these followers of the "mullet Mullahs" have persuaded their followers that their God wants Christian and Jewish Blood as well as the blood of anyone who disagrees with their dunderheaded views. True peaceful practioners of Islam, I'm sure, are just as disgusted as am I.
Stay Well, and allow others to do the same.
TOP
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Ramblings.
Good Morning Good People.
I was just reflecting on some funny things that have happened to me over the course of my life, so far. To be blunt quite a few things that were not so funny also happened.
I was rereading a great blog "eto22thedeadmaninyossarianstent" which I recommended in a previous blog entry, and read the Authors advance apologies to his parents for using some profanity (mild) in his writings about his ongoing Army Service(I know , I know, Service should not be capitalized in this sentence, but as I have said before, I capitalize the things that I hold to be important, and I will Always Capitalize terms regarding any one's Military Service. It is a matter of respect with me, as I feel that too many who have Served are not recognized. Now, I hastily exempt myself from that list, as I absolutely did nothing heroic while in the Army, but I should say, that one of my postings was in the Washington, D.C. area, and I, being more or less perpetually broke, I spent many weekends touring all the many tourist spots in our Nation's Capitol, including many a happy hour in the Smithsonian Institute where I also met one of the Proctors of that magical place, and thus got to see some things that weren't on display to the public. Another of my favorite places to visit was Arlington National Cemeterywhere
I spent many a Saturday or Sunday sitting on the steps of the Lee House, facing the Tomb of the Unknown, watching with respect and admiration as the Eternal Honor guard paced out his March of Tribute, back and forth, regardless of weather, with admirable precision and timing . I had the privilege of contemplating the unheard roll call of the Honored Dead who lay on these hallowed grounds. I remember thinking that anyone who has not visited this beautiful place are perhaps unknowingly poorer for not having done so. On the days when I walked among the Markers of those who lay here I tried to always pay a silent Tribute to each and every one of them, regardless of their rank, for they themselves in a lot of cases probably thought their Service to our Nation was insignificant, but no other person who views these perfect rows of Markers can possibly think such.
And that is all I'm going to write on this subject right now, for I lack the mental agility and command of our common language to properly pay Homage. My poor efforts fall much too short.
I had intended to continue this blog with some of the amusing anecdotes that happened to me, during the course of my Army term, but for some reason, I don't think I can write any more just now, as I find myself wandering a bit too much from my storyline.
I will try to continue later.
Stay Well
TOP
I was just reflecting on some funny things that have happened to me over the course of my life, so far. To be blunt quite a few things that were not so funny also happened.
I was rereading a great blog "eto22thedeadmaninyossarianstent" which I recommended in a previous blog entry, and read the Authors advance apologies to his parents for using some profanity (mild) in his writings about his ongoing Army Service(I know , I know, Service should not be capitalized in this sentence, but as I have said before, I capitalize the things that I hold to be important, and I will Always Capitalize terms regarding any one's Military Service. It is a matter of respect with me, as I feel that too many who have Served are not recognized. Now, I hastily exempt myself from that list, as I absolutely did nothing heroic while in the Army, but I should say, that one of my postings was in the Washington, D.C. area, and I, being more or less perpetually broke, I spent many weekends touring all the many tourist spots in our Nation's Capitol, including many a happy hour in the Smithsonian Institute where I also met one of the Proctors of that magical place, and thus got to see some things that weren't on display to the public. Another of my favorite places to visit was Arlington National Cemeterywhere
I spent many a Saturday or Sunday sitting on the steps of the Lee House, facing the Tomb of the Unknown, watching with respect and admiration as the Eternal Honor guard paced out his March of Tribute, back and forth, regardless of weather, with admirable precision and timing . I had the privilege of contemplating the unheard roll call of the Honored Dead who lay on these hallowed grounds. I remember thinking that anyone who has not visited this beautiful place are perhaps unknowingly poorer for not having done so. On the days when I walked among the Markers of those who lay here I tried to always pay a silent Tribute to each and every one of them, regardless of their rank, for they themselves in a lot of cases probably thought their Service to our Nation was insignificant, but no other person who views these perfect rows of Markers can possibly think such.
And that is all I'm going to write on this subject right now, for I lack the mental agility and command of our common language to properly pay Homage. My poor efforts fall much too short.
I had intended to continue this blog with some of the amusing anecdotes that happened to me, during the course of my Army term, but for some reason, I don't think I can write any more just now, as I find myself wandering a bit too much from my storyline.
I will try to continue later.
Stay Well
TOP
Thursday, September 24, 2009
New Blog
Hello good People:
I hope you are all Hale and Hearty this Day.
This will be a short posting to recommend a couple of very good blogs.
The first is: http://eto22/ thedeadmaninyossarianstent.blogspot.com
this Blog is written by a young Captain in the U.S. army. I was routed to the Blog by the Captain's Father, whose own Blog (Exactly Write) inspired me to begin Writing again after a too long hiatus (together with a few emails of encouragement). No doubt said pater familias has had second thoughts now about said urgings, but too late, the damage is done, as anyone who had read my soggy blog already knows.
Anyway, back to the Blog by the Young Captain.
This Blogger is an admirer of "Catch 22" by Joseph Heller, and he readily admits it has inspired his Blog and the style in which it is written.
I will let all of you to make your own assessments of this Blog, but I'd wager you will instantly love it, as have I. I think the Blog serves to illustrate not only the Excellence of his Fraternal (and I hasten to add, his Maternal )antecedent, and their keen insight into the human condition, but also the Excellent Education he received at the United States Military Academy at West Point. After checking out this blog I don't think many of you will disagree with my assessment.
I recently was stumped by a puzzle relating to this pitiful Blog of mine, and posted a question on Yahoo.Ask, as well as other sites, seeking an answer, and was immediately helped by a Mr. John Butler Turner. He also gifted me with the address of two of his Blogs which are Excellent and helpful. They are: http://johnbturner.blogspot.com/ and http://oldwestghosttown.blogspot.com/.
I'm sure that you will enjoy these blogs also, as have I.
Happy Blogging (even though it is hard slogging)
All the Best
TOP
I hope you are all Hale and Hearty this Day.
This will be a short posting to recommend a couple of very good blogs.
The first is: http://eto22/ thedeadmaninyossarianstent.blogspot.com
this Blog is written by a young Captain in the U.S. army. I was routed to the Blog by the Captain's Father, whose own Blog (Exactly Write) inspired me to begin Writing again after a too long hiatus (together with a few emails of encouragement). No doubt said pater familias has had second thoughts now about said urgings, but too late, the damage is done, as anyone who had read my soggy blog already knows.
Anyway, back to the Blog by the Young Captain.
This Blogger is an admirer of "Catch 22" by Joseph Heller, and he readily admits it has inspired his Blog and the style in which it is written.
I will let all of you to make your own assessments of this Blog, but I'd wager you will instantly love it, as have I. I think the Blog serves to illustrate not only the Excellence of his Fraternal (and I hasten to add, his Maternal )antecedent, and their keen insight into the human condition, but also the Excellent Education he received at the United States Military Academy at West Point. After checking out this blog I don't think many of you will disagree with my assessment.
I recently was stumped by a puzzle relating to this pitiful Blog of mine, and posted a question on Yahoo.Ask, as well as other sites, seeking an answer, and was immediately helped by a Mr. John Butler Turner. He also gifted me with the address of two of his Blogs which are Excellent and helpful. They are: http://johnbturner.blogspot.com/ and http://oldwestghosttown.blogspot.com/.
I'm sure that you will enjoy these blogs also, as have I.
Happy Blogging (even though it is hard slogging)
All the Best
TOP
Monday, September 21, 2009
Update on Ignorance.
Good Morning Gentle souls :
Just a recap and update on things I don't know, and the availability of help.
It seems that a number of folks have told me that they couldn't find my blog, so after fruitlessly trying the things I knew how to do (and I am embarrassed at their low census) I appealed for help on google, and lo and behold, I received four answers to my problem. One or two of them I didn't fully understand, being as I am, a neophyte in the world of not only blogging, but computers in general, but I received outstanding replies from Mr. John Turner, which I think have corrected the problem, and made me also probably too proud of the nice compliments about my lowly blog.
This reinforces, I think, my earlier blog on using the computer to teach ones self how to use the Computer properly.
I know in this day and age of Technology, most younger people assume that everyone knows how to use every byte of the Technology involved in/with computers. But as for me, I freely confess that among the millions of things I do not know are what most people think are basic, common knowledge, in Re computers.
So I guess I will continue to gather my rusty lance, and mount my swaybacked Dell , and joust earnestly away at the Windmills of Knowledge.
Out damned spot(s)
I greatly appreciate the kind people who have thus far responded , they have reaffirmed my belief in human nature.
On appropriately bended knee, I am:
The Old Professor (aka; the dummy)
Just a recap and update on things I don't know, and the availability of help.
It seems that a number of folks have told me that they couldn't find my blog, so after fruitlessly trying the things I knew how to do (and I am embarrassed at their low census) I appealed for help on google, and lo and behold, I received four answers to my problem. One or two of them I didn't fully understand, being as I am, a neophyte in the world of not only blogging, but computers in general, but I received outstanding replies from Mr. John Turner, which I think have corrected the problem, and made me also probably too proud of the nice compliments about my lowly blog.
This reinforces, I think, my earlier blog on using the computer to teach ones self how to use the Computer properly.
I know in this day and age of Technology, most younger people assume that everyone knows how to use every byte of the Technology involved in/with computers. But as for me, I freely confess that among the millions of things I do not know are what most people think are basic, common knowledge, in Re computers.
So I guess I will continue to gather my rusty lance, and mount my swaybacked Dell , and joust earnestly away at the Windmills of Knowledge.
Out damned spot(s)
I greatly appreciate the kind people who have thus far responded , they have reaffirmed my belief in human nature.
On appropriately bended knee, I am:
The Old Professor (aka; the dummy)
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wars and Rumors of War.
Good Day Good People.
I've just been thinking today about War. Most people of my generation have either been either a witness to, or a participant in, five wars, as well as two or more short lived military deployments, and most, if not all of our generation have an opinion on the subject of War.
My own feelings on the subject is simply this: There is no such thing as a "Good" War. There have been, as always, justifications for just about any War one cares to mention, as World War Two, for example, stopped the Tyranny and Insanity of that Devil's Disciple , Adolf Hitler, and stopped the further slaughter of the Jewish People, much too late, as over six million Jews can bear a mute and terrible witness to. And of course, the U.S. was brought into that War by the attack on Pearl Harbor, just as our Nation was brought into the current wars by the unprovoked and filthily insane occurrences of September Eleventh, two thousand and one.
I can recall vividly, after the First gulf War, when U.S. forces drove Saddam Hussein's legions of brigands from Kuwait, that many people criticized President George H.W. Bush (41) for not going on into Iraq and capturing Saddam Hussein.
But I am reminded of a quote from Sun tzu's "The Art of War" "He who wishes to fight must first count the cost" And History records Then President George H.W. Bush's statement that further pursuit and attacks would result in too many casualties.
I think that subsequent events ( The Iraq War) have proven that Bush the first was correct in his assessment. He (bush the Elder), after all, was a True veteran of World War Two, and knew first hand of the terrible price of war, first, and most importantly, the cost in Human Lives Lost, and secondly, the impact on our Economy.
I find it somewhat Ironic that in the period immediately following the First Gulf War, the President and all of his Military Leaders were cheered, and then not much later, He (Bush the First) was voted out of office. Go Figure.
This, in turn reminds me of Winston Churchill, who showed his Great Wisdom and Council during World War two, and was celebrated throughout the Civilized world, was promptly voted out of Office after the War was over,but no matter, for along with Teddy Roosevelt, P.M. Churchill remains one of my Heroes.
But, I digress (again) I was speaking of Gulf War One, more usually known as Desert Storm, and President Bush 's (forty one) explaining why he did not go onto Baghdad in pursuit of Saddam Hussein.
I recall thinking at the time, that we had proven that Hussein's military was in no way a match for our forces, and we could have easily keep that Great Fool isolated with our Air Power and strategic bombing, plus I agreed with the statement by the then President, that such an Invasion, by our forces would occasion far too many additional casualties,for as I advance in age, I have developed a greater and greater sense of the value of most human lives, including my own.
I, like many other people, completely agreed with the United States intervening in Afghanistan.
I had seen too many tapes of the brutality and ignorance of the Taliban (Beating a woman with a length of electrical cable, closing schools, etc) plus I was reasonably sure that Osama bin Lauden had his headquarters and training camps there , so the Invasion seemed reasonable, and just. I think that among the few reasons that justify going to War is to Alleviate human Suffering.
But when we invaded Iraq, I admit I did not know how to apprise the Intelligence the Government of President Bush (43) shared with the general Public, as well as with the U.N. As I look back today, and keeping in mind that hindsight is always 20/20, I have to wonder how Secretary of State Powell was fooled into making the statements he made to the U.N., in days leading up to the second Gulf War. And I think the then President Bush the second was ignorant of Sun Tzu's cautions Including" In War, let your Great Object be Victory, not lengthy campaigns"
Whatever the reason, I have to say I am heartily sick of War, and sick at heart when I think of the families of the nearly Five Thousand men and women of our Military Services who have lost their lives in these currently ongoing Wars, and mourn each and every one of the Heroic Fallen.
And promise to myself never to forget the thousands of wounded and maimed .
But, throughout recorded History it seems there have always been Wars. It seems that there has always been some despot who made war on his enemies, using one excuse or another. But I think if you really think about it, most wars were based on one simple thing: Greed. It seems that no King was ever satisfied with the extent of Land His kingdom possessed. Let us all temper our greed with Common Sense, and let not Ego ever influence our leaders again. But, it is easy to talk about War, and this or that strategy, than it is to fight one.
Stay Well, and study History, for it is truly written by george Santayana ;" Those who cannot learn from History, are doomed to repeat it" Remember our Servicemen and Women, and when you meet one on the street or elsewhere, take a few moments to say "Thank you for your Service to our Nation" It is also important, I think to remember General Wm. Tecumseh Sherman's Quote about War, he said, " There is no Hell like War, its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have never fired a shot, nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded, who cry aloud-for Blood, for Vengeance, for Desolation. War is Hell" (This is one of the few occasions I have ever agreed with anything said or done by Sherman)
TOP
I've just been thinking today about War. Most people of my generation have either been either a witness to, or a participant in, five wars, as well as two or more short lived military deployments, and most, if not all of our generation have an opinion on the subject of War.
My own feelings on the subject is simply this: There is no such thing as a "Good" War. There have been, as always, justifications for just about any War one cares to mention, as World War Two, for example, stopped the Tyranny and Insanity of that Devil's Disciple , Adolf Hitler, and stopped the further slaughter of the Jewish People, much too late, as over six million Jews can bear a mute and terrible witness to. And of course, the U.S. was brought into that War by the attack on Pearl Harbor, just as our Nation was brought into the current wars by the unprovoked and filthily insane occurrences of September Eleventh, two thousand and one.
I can recall vividly, after the First gulf War, when U.S. forces drove Saddam Hussein's legions of brigands from Kuwait, that many people criticized President George H.W. Bush (41) for not going on into Iraq and capturing Saddam Hussein.
But I am reminded of a quote from Sun tzu's "The Art of War" "He who wishes to fight must first count the cost" And History records Then President George H.W. Bush's statement that further pursuit and attacks would result in too many casualties.
I think that subsequent events ( The Iraq War) have proven that Bush the first was correct in his assessment. He (bush the Elder), after all, was a True veteran of World War Two, and knew first hand of the terrible price of war, first, and most importantly, the cost in Human Lives Lost, and secondly, the impact on our Economy.
I find it somewhat Ironic that in the period immediately following the First Gulf War, the President and all of his Military Leaders were cheered, and then not much later, He (Bush the First) was voted out of office. Go Figure.
This, in turn reminds me of Winston Churchill, who showed his Great Wisdom and Council during World War two, and was celebrated throughout the Civilized world, was promptly voted out of Office after the War was over,but no matter, for along with Teddy Roosevelt, P.M. Churchill remains one of my Heroes.
But, I digress (again) I was speaking of Gulf War One, more usually known as Desert Storm, and President Bush 's (forty one) explaining why he did not go onto Baghdad in pursuit of Saddam Hussein.
I recall thinking at the time, that we had proven that Hussein's military was in no way a match for our forces, and we could have easily keep that Great Fool isolated with our Air Power and strategic bombing, plus I agreed with the statement by the then President, that such an Invasion, by our forces would occasion far too many additional casualties,for as I advance in age, I have developed a greater and greater sense of the value of most human lives, including my own.
I, like many other people, completely agreed with the United States intervening in Afghanistan.
I had seen too many tapes of the brutality and ignorance of the Taliban (Beating a woman with a length of electrical cable, closing schools, etc) plus I was reasonably sure that Osama bin Lauden had his headquarters and training camps there , so the Invasion seemed reasonable, and just. I think that among the few reasons that justify going to War is to Alleviate human Suffering.
But when we invaded Iraq, I admit I did not know how to apprise the Intelligence the Government of President Bush (43) shared with the general Public, as well as with the U.N. As I look back today, and keeping in mind that hindsight is always 20/20, I have to wonder how Secretary of State Powell was fooled into making the statements he made to the U.N., in days leading up to the second Gulf War. And I think the then President Bush the second was ignorant of Sun Tzu's cautions Including" In War, let your Great Object be Victory, not lengthy campaigns"
Whatever the reason, I have to say I am heartily sick of War, and sick at heart when I think of the families of the nearly Five Thousand men and women of our Military Services who have lost their lives in these currently ongoing Wars, and mourn each and every one of the Heroic Fallen.
And promise to myself never to forget the thousands of wounded and maimed .
But, throughout recorded History it seems there have always been Wars. It seems that there has always been some despot who made war on his enemies, using one excuse or another. But I think if you really think about it, most wars were based on one simple thing: Greed. It seems that no King was ever satisfied with the extent of Land His kingdom possessed. Let us all temper our greed with Common Sense, and let not Ego ever influence our leaders again. But, it is easy to talk about War, and this or that strategy, than it is to fight one.
Stay Well, and study History, for it is truly written by george Santayana ;" Those who cannot learn from History, are doomed to repeat it" Remember our Servicemen and Women, and when you meet one on the street or elsewhere, take a few moments to say "Thank you for your Service to our Nation" It is also important, I think to remember General Wm. Tecumseh Sherman's Quote about War, he said, " There is no Hell like War, its glory is all moonshine. It is only those who have never fired a shot, nor heard the shrieks and groans of the wounded, who cry aloud-for Blood, for Vengeance, for Desolation. War is Hell" (This is one of the few occasions I have ever agreed with anything said or done by Sherman)
TOP
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