Rants and Ravings of a Journeyman Citizen

Brauts and Mac and Cheese Pizza

2011-02-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
I chatted with an old friend the other day about the budget problems within his home state.
We were stationed together forty years ago in the military and still keep in touch.
When we talked he was joking about the situation i.e. lawmakers leaving the state, no compromise from the Governor, school closed.
My friend was worked into the family business as vice president after his service time and now is the president of his Corporation. While growing up he had all the benefits of, if not wealthy, a well connected upper middle class family.
He supports the newly elected government in his state.
The one problem that crops up from time to time, still, is his total disregard for opinions that differ from his. Because we were his friends we would laugh off his pronouncements in the old days.
Now, the union members, even the teachers, protesting his state budget are "thugs".
Minority politicians are now Damn Dems.

"We have taken 50% of our population off the Fed income tax system, thus they don’t have a clue of taxation economics." He told me, "I wanted to ask if it were just Union workers, teachers and Damn Dems (those gravy trainers) that got off from paying fed taxes."...If so I wanted in on it. I have been a union member, a teacher and a Damn Dem at one time or other but I still pay taxes.

"Teachers make a good living," he insisted.

After working out the figures a starting teacher, now, makes and my friend and I in 1970 made about the same in monies.

Of course we got free health care.

Be well

A journeyman citizen

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Happy new Year '11

2011-01-04T12:31:00.000-08:00

Well Dear Citizens
We are back and we have health care.
Don't let anyone take it from you.

Recently into law

1.No child can be denied insurance coverage because of a preexisting condition.

2.Coverage can no longer be canceled when the policyholder gets sick.

3.Insurance companies can no longer impose annual or lifetime limits on payments for care.

4.Adult children can remain on their parents' policies until they turn 26.

5.Policyholders cannot be charged extra for seeking urgent care at an emergency room that is not in the insurance company's approved network of providers.

Last Saturday into law

1.Insurance companies spend a certain percentage of the premiums they collect on care.

2.A discount on prescription drugs for some seniors covered by Medicare.

3. Seniors get free screening for cancer and other diseases.

And so far-- no grandparents have died from death panel rulings.

Be Well, we will talk soon

A Journeyman Citizen

Mars hoax

2010-08-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens

This just in from NASA

August 25, 2010: It spreads, it mutates, it refuses to die.

For the seventh year in a row, the Mars Hoax is infecting email boxes around the world. Passed from one reader to another, the message states that on August 27th Mars will approach Earth and swell to the size of a full Moon. "NO ONE ALIVE TODAY WILL EVER SEE THIS AGAIN," the email declares--always in caps.

News flash: It's not true.

Here are the facts. On August 27, 2010, Mars will be 314 million km from Earth, about as far away as it can get. Mars will shine in the western sky after sunset like a tiny red star of ordinary brightness. If you didn't know it was there, you probably wouldn't notice.

Be well

Journeyman Martian

Dog Daze

2010-08-24T14:37:00.000-07:00

My Dear Citizens:
Finally the dog days of summer are over. The romans were right. All goes a bit nutty during this time. Here are just a few of the silly things that I observed. I am sure you have noted more.
1. Some Muslims want to build an exercise and cultural center in lower Manhattan. Not a big issue before this summer--now all Republicans or, so it seems, have gone ballistic, 1st Amendment not withstanding, about the issue and want the center banned.
The usual cast of characters have gone off the rails about this issue.
2. Dr. Laura, the radio advice lady, was naughty to a caller on the radio. The usual cast of characters have gone off the rails about this issue too.

3. Franklin Graham said "I think the president's problem is that he was born a Muslim, his father was a Muslim. The seed of Islam is passed through the father like the seed of Judaism is passed through the mother. He was born a Muslim, his father gave him an Islamic name,"

4. The summer heat causes old spam dressed in new packaging to reappear on your computer. Same old political and religious diatribes beginning with "Now is the time to take back our country, continuing with a message usually about prayer, attributed falsely to Gandhi, Paul Harvey, or Andy Rooney, and always ending with a picture of soldiers praying and the admonition to "pass this on to eleven of your closest friends". See how many friends you have after doing that!

All in the town were still asleep,
When the sun came up with a shout and a leap.
In the lonely streets unseen by man,
A little dog danced. And the day began.

Be well

A Journeyman

happy 4th

2010-07-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens
It has been some time since we have met.
Today a fragment of a letter from John Adams to his wife Abigail.
"The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more."

The second day of July was when Congress voted to separate itself from Great Britain.
We now celebrate the 4th--when the explanation of that separation .was voted on.
Said explanation is known as the Declaration of Independence.

Be well

a Journeyman

A Problem?

2010-06-22T09:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:

Is the General in trouble or not ?

Uniform Code of Military Justice: 888 Article 88 — Contempt Toward Officials:

Any commissioned officer who uses contemptuous words against the President, the Vice President, Congress, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of a military department, the Secretary of Transportation, or the Governor or legislature of any State, Territory, Commonwealth, or possession in which he is on duty or present shall be punished as a court-martial may direct.

Be well

V for Vindictiveness

2010-05-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens
Confederate History month is finally over in the Ol' Dominion but not forgotten. As long as we celebrate those golden-eras that weren't quite as shiny as we dream them we will be stuck watching the repeats. Time moves on.
A few new thoughts for the Lusty month of May.
The Virginia A. G. is becoming P. C. -- Yes, our boy Ken has passed out lapel buttons of the great seal of Virginia that feature a breast plate on the Amazon warrior.

(That small change got the attention of the person she is standing on.)
The Republican Governors Association is sponsoring a new web-site that equates the government with Guy Fawkes and the movie "V". The web-site is so mean spirited that you will have to look it up on your own.
The timing is not exactly right to bring out their hate filled Video while asking for aid from the same government during this BP oil crisis.
And then there is the Toyota in Time Square. Bet you a dime to a donut the perpetrator of that would agree with the Governor's Video.
But there is some good news--
I watched 75+ " i " generation teens package 10,000 meals last Saturday for Stop Hunger Now.
"And a child will lead them."
Be well
A Journeyman

Taxing Times

2010-04-15T06:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
I have been very quiet recently enjoying the proclamations set forth by our new Governor and his AG.
It is that time, Taxes are due, again... and this year they are lower.
Please, Democrats, liberals and independents pay your taxes. All others can do as they wish.
But remember no state has seceded yet--so you still owe federal tax.
A few helpful reminders about the rest of the month
Fox News will have the best coverage of the Teabaggers today and Monday's Hatriots followed by the Republican National Committee web site. Both have paid exorbitant amounts to insure coverage.
Two rally marches are scheduled this next week. Today, tax day in D.C. and 2nd amendment day next Monday containing two rallies one in northern Virginia. If you see guns that will be the Virginia group.
DC law prohibits open carry.
NO UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF FIREARMS, ammunition (including empty cases), or magazines (including empty). There is no reciprocity with any states to speak of, no recognition of licenses issued by other states.

one quick note to my Texas friends--don't return your Census forms.

Good Luck and be well.
A Journeyman
PS While the inmates are out of the Asylum it is best to keep a low profile.

The McFoxes

2010-04-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
April 1st
In order to find out more about my more conservative friends I visited Francis and Marion McFox who live at the end of the block. Their two story house is neat and tidy with a yellow "Don't tread on the McFoxes" snake flag flying from the porch. Their house is set back almost in our local swamp..
I rang the doorbell but no one answered.
"Psst", whispered a voice from their back yard, "We are here."
(The rest of this interview was held in the McFoxes bunker in the swamp)
"Hi folks why are you hiding in this bunker?"
"Dark times my friend" Both Francis and Marion said.
"Why is that, no candles?"
"They have stolen the country and we must get it back."
"What?"
"Did you notice the word God has been taken out of the Constitution?"
"Well I never thought it was there in the first place."
"Oh Yes, all through it and we want it back in." cried Francis.
"We have started the 1st Patriotic Confederate--Union Zouaves Militia." said Marion, "They will have to listen to us now!"
"Nice uniform, I like the red pantaloons." I said.
"We got a deal on 100 pair of them at a army surplus store." Said Marion, "We will add blue and grey tunics and then we can march into Washington on April 15th."
"Can we count on you?"
"Not today, I have to go to a tea party or finish my taxes."
"Be careful out there--they are all around.' They cautioned as I left.
"You're absolutely right about that."
A number a little men in white coats carrying nets where coming down the street as I left.
"Which house belongs to the McFoxes?
"The one on the right!"

Be well and careful out there
A Journeyman

Be well

2010-03-27T10:06:00.001-07:00

The Big Lie

2010-03-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
An interesting article by Michelle Goldberg today.
"This isn’t really a debate about numbers, though. Republicans have long seen themselves as synonymous with America, and everyone else as deviant and marginal. This article of faith is impervious to evidence. Surveys show that a majority of Republicans believe that Obama stole the election with Acorn’s help, a conviction that allows them to deny a political reality they find intolerable. More subtly, conservatives have long derided the Democratic Party’s “dependence” on minority voters, as if these voters are somehow less valid. The GOP’s belief in their right to rule has an unmistakable racial aspect; hence the racial slurs hurled against black congressmen last week, and the right’s repeated comparisons of health-care reform to slavery. This is, in part, white men reacting in furious disbelief that they can no longer rule as a majority, because they aren’t one."

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2010-03-23/the-biggest-republican-lie-of-all/

Enjoy it or get upset, but above all
Be Well --it is now your right.
A Journeyman

"Among the most formidable of the obstacles which the new Constitution will have to encounter may readily be distinguished the obvious interest of a certain class of men in every State to resist all changes which may hazard a diminution of the power, emolument, and consequence of the offices they hold under the State establishments."
Mr A. Hamilton

Why all the hate?

2010-03-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

My Dear Citizens:
Recently A question (Why all the Hate and Anger?) was asked.
Here is one response, well meaning, I hope, but flawed.
"I think the issue of anger is based in with being forced to trade individual freedoms (mostly thought increased taxes, but in this case also through insurance mandates) for government-run benefits (most recently, social entitlements). Those who don't perceive that trade-off as beneficial (socially or individually) do have a sound basis for their anger. I'm not sure if anger itself is beneficial, but it makes as much sense as anti-war demonstrations or human-rights advocacy."
Could it have been tainted by any of the following
John Avlon of The Daily Beast quotes from a soon to be released Harris poll--

67 percent of Republicans (and 40 percent of Americans overall) believe that Obama is a socialist.
57 percent of Republicans (32 percent overall) believe that Obama is a Muslim
45 percent of Republicans (25 percent overall) agree with the Birthers in their belief that Obama was "not born in the United States and so is not eligible to be president"
38 percent of Republicans (20 percent overall) say that Obama is "doing many of the things that Hitler did"
Scariest of all, 24 percent of Republicans (14 percent overall) say that Obama "may be the Antichrist."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Non of the above five beliefs are true--sorry , it is Hate speech and if you believe any of them you are now defined as a "Hatriot".

Puerto Rico Rush is a Hatriot. The protesters who spit and called out the "N" word on black congressmen and women are Hatriots. If you pray that lawmakers will die you are not a Christian you are a Hatriot.

Glen Beck is telling his viewers and listeners to run from churches that preach social reform or

"human-rights advocacy" .

Leonard Pitts explains it from left of center--

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/21/1539820/the-fierce-urgency-of-now-justice.html

Kathleen Parker, from the right, laments about the Independent's voice in all this.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/03/19/AR2010031903702.html

Citizens ---we must stand up with Leonard and Kathleen against this hate speech--condemn it in all its ugly forms and then we must remember the poor, the sick, the lonely, and those in prison.
The disenfranchised need our help.

"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."

Citizens: Please Be well It is your right!
and I will finish that great first Unconstitutional Mandate--my taxes (a little humor)

A Journeyman

One addenda to some friends--England and Switzerland are not socialist states.

That pesky CBO

2010-03-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

This just in From Ezra Klein on the cost of the Health care bill----
According to a Democratic source, CBO has finished its work and will release the official preliminary score later today. But here are the basic numbers: The bill will cost $940 billion over the first 10 years and reduce the deficit by $130 billion during that period. In the second 10 years -- so, 2020 to 2029 -- it will reduce the deficit by $1.2 trillion. The legislation will cover 32 million Americans, or 95 percent of the legal population.

My Dear Citizens:
The poor CBO has been used by friend and foe alike to justify their arguments concerning Health Care reform. In the next few days it will be interesting to see the spin opponents of Health care reforms will say about this latest analysis.--I will bring it to you if I can.
Be well
A Journeyman

Text-as

2010-03-16T05:09:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
This just in from Texas and the Huffington Post
Texas State Board of Education member Cynthia Dunbar championed a vote changing a standard having students study the impact of Enlightenment ideas on political revolutions from 1750 to the present. She dropped the reference to Enlightenment ideas (replacing with “the writings of”) and to Thomas Jefferson. She adds Thomas Aquinas and others. Jefferson’s ideas, she argues, were based on other political philosophers listed in the standards. She added John Calvin.

Teachers in Texas will be required to cover the Judeo-Christian influences of the nation's Founding Fathers, but not highlight the philosophical rationale for the separation of church and state. Curriculum standards also will describe the U.S. government as a "constitutional republic," rather than "democratic," and students will be required to study the decline in value of the U.S. dollar, including the abandonment of the gold standard.

The Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom

Thomas Jefferson

"Well aware that Almighty God hath created the mind free; that all attempts to influence it by temporal punishments or burdens, or by civil incapacitations, tend only to beget habits of hypocrisy and meanness, and are a departure from the plan of the Holy Author of our religion, who being Lord both of body and mind, yet chose not to propagate it by coercions on either, as was in his Almighty power to do; that the impious presumption of legislators and rulers, civil as well as ecclesiastical, who, being themselves but fallible and uninspired men, have assumed dominion over the faith of others, setting up their own opinions and modes of thinking as the only true and infallible, and as such endeavoring to impose them on others, hath established and maintained false religions over the greatest part of the world, and through all time; that to compel a man to furnish contributions of money for the propagation of opinions which he disbelieves, is sinful and tyrannical; that even the forcing him to support this or that teacher of his own religious persuasion, is depriving him of the comfortable liberty of giving his contributions to the particular pastor whose morals he would make his pattern, and whose powers he feels most persuasive to righteousness, and is withdrawing from the ministry those temporal rewards, which proceeding from an approbation of their personal conduct, are an additional incitement to earnest and unremitting labors for the instruction of mankind; that our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions, more than our opinions in physics or geometry; that, therefore, the proscribing any citizen as unworthy the public confidence by laying upon him an incapacity of being called to the offices of trust and emolument, unless he profess or renounce this or that religious opinion, is depriving him injuriously of those privileges and advantages to which in common with his fellow citizens he has a natural right; that it tends also to corrupt the principles of that very religion it is meant to encourage, by bribing, with a monopoly of worldly honors and emoluments, those who will externally profess and conform to it; that though indeed these are criminal who do not withstand such temptation, yet neither are those innocent who lay the bait in their way; that to suffer the civil magistrate to intrude his powers into the field of opinion and to restrain the profession or propagation of principles, on the supposition of their ill tendency, is a dangerous fallacy, which at once destroys all religious liberty, because he being of course judge of that tendency, will make his opinions the rule of judgment, and approve or condemn the sentiments of others only as they shall square with or differ from his own; that it is time enough for the rightful purposes of civil government, for its officers to interfere when principles break out into overt acts against peace and good order; and finally, that truth is great and will prevail if left to herself, that she is the proper and sufficient antagonist to error, and has nothing to fear from the conflict, unless by human interposition disarmed of her natural weapons, free argument and debate, errors ceasing to be dangerous when it is permitted freely to contradict them.
Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion, and that the same shall in nowise diminish, enlarge, or affect their civil capacities.
And though we well know this Assembly, elected by the people for the ordinary purposes of legislation only, have no powers equal to our own and that therefore to declare this act irrevocable would be of no effect in law, yet we are free to declare, and do declare, that the rights hereby asserted are of the natural rights of mankind, and that if any act shall be hereafter passed to repeal the present or to narrow its operation, such act will be an infringement of natural right."

It is amazing how well Jefferson answers Ms Dunbar
Be careful out there teachers--those conservative thought police are watching.
Be well
A Journeyman

Show me your guns.

2010-03-13T06:26:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens
Jim McClosky of Staunton, VA drew a great cartoon recently.

Be well
A Journeyman

I'm Giving Them Up For Lent and (maybe even after that)

2010-03-10T12:51:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
I am late in this confession and this Lenten resolution so please forgive me.
I have a "thing" about blondes. Whether on TV or the news or meeting them in person I am always infatuated with ladies with golden tresses. I start to sweat, I stammer and basically operate like an idiot around all of them. My brunette lady friends have questioned why I will give a pass to conservatives like Laura, Liz, Megan and Mika but will soundly fuss with Moaning Joe and even Miss Maddow, a liberal, when I am not pleased with their views. I really don't know the answer. My dark haired pals repeatedly have told me in no uncertain terms that --all the good things in my life are because of brunettes. They are right. I admit it.
So, today, I am promising to give up most blondes for Lent. My daughter in law, the singer in Pistols and Pearls and my Chesapeake Bay dog are excepted during these excruciating days.
No more Liz keeping America safe from lawyers, bye bye to Jihad Jane, anyway, both of these peas seem to come from opposite ends of the same scary political pod. I, now, bid a fond fare-thee-well to you, Mika on Morning Joe and a big so long to Miss McCain.
---Laura, after all these years, I treasure you and your red alerts the most, but it is time to say goodbye.---

So there it is. I hope that with a little help from my friends and family, music from Reba and maybe, on feast days, a column or two from Kathleen Parker I can make it through this difficult period of my life.
After all, Lent is about self examination and denial is it not?
Be well
A Journeyman

Wake up and smell the Sanity!

2010-03-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens
Finally a rational alternative to The National Mad Hatter and March Hare's Tea Party
The Coffee Party--meeting near you this week end...

http://coffeepartyusa.com/
be well and keep laughing.
A Journeyman

The Doctor is out.

2010-02-26T09:21:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
After watching the health care debate yesterday and the American Idol result show last night I drifted off into a fitful sleep and dreamed I went to a tea party.
All I remember is a large table with many important people around it--
"You are very late you know, very naughty, we must start over." A small man in a large hat yelled at me.
"Well, I'm just here for a cuppa' tea." I said.
A mouse popped up out of a tea pot and whined. "No Tea, No, No, No, NO!"
"And, Mr. President," one sober gentleman said to the other end of the table, "when you say, with catastrophic plans, they don't go for care until later, I say sometimes the people with catastrophic plans* are the people that are best consumers of health care, in using -- the way they use their health care dollars.
Because a lot of people come in and say, you know, my knee hurts; maybe I should get an MRI. They say -- and then they say, "Will my insurance cover it?" That's the first question.
And if I say yes, then they say, "OK, let's do it." If I say no, then they say, "Well, what is it going to cost?"
And "What's it cost?" ought to be the first question. And that's why, sometimes, people with catastrophic -- catastrophic health plans ask the best questions, shop around, are the best consumers of health care."
A voice rang out "Did someone say The President--off with his head."
"That's not nice." I said.
"Off with your head." somebody else shouted. Many nodded.
A cheshiric smile appeared next to my shoulder and said. "Don't worry, we will put your head right back on--we have the best health care in the world--you do have health insurance?"
"Well, yes, but in a perfect world, I could use a better plan."
A young man seated next to me became agitated and sang out. "We just can't afford this. I mean, that's the ultimate -- that's the ultimate problem here, is in a perfect world everyone would have everything they want."
"Excuse me," I said, "I will keep what I have."
"Start Over, no one likes it. Start Over, no one likes it. Start Over, no one likes it." A chant went up from about a third of the table.
"Wait, I like it!"
A sleepy eyed rabbit with a healthy tan glared at me and the gentleman with the hat came running down the length of the table, china crashing all around him. "It does not matter. You are too late, we must start again." He yelled at me. "Naughty! Naughty! Naughty!"
"Why are they doing this?" I asked the smile on my shoulder.
"I thought you understood that --- they all want to be invited back to this tea party next year."
"Let's get some coffee."
"I'm with you." The big grin said. And I woke up. Thank the Good Lord it was only a dream.
Be well
A Journeyman Citizen

*About High Deductible Health Plans

Under a high deductible plan, you pay out-of-pocket for most medical bills until the total of your payments reaches the amount of your annual deductible. After that, the catastrophic health plan will cover most medical expenses, although you usually have to pay co-insurance until you reach your total out-of-pocket maximum amount. If your catastrophic health plan is eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use the HSA funds to pay the deductible and out-of-pocket expenses. Even if you don't use an HSA, it's smart to set aside some money each month to pay for future medical expenses that you may incur. If you never need the money, it's a bonus.

Answers to the quiz

2010-02-24T05:19:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
Here are your answers
Answer to #1--John Wayne
Answer to #2 --Rush Limbaugh
Answer to bonus Question --The Junior Senator from Massachusetts Scott Brown.

Interesting
Be well
A Journeyman

Question for the day.

2010-02-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
While I work on the railroad here is a short quiz
1.Who said ? (about a former President)
"I didn't vote for him but he's my president, and I hope he does a good job."
2. Who said? (about our current President)
"I hope he fails."
Bonus Question
What new Senator, according to some commentators, will have a positive influence on the Jobs bill and health care?
Answers tomorrow.
Be well
A Journeyman

Training Daze

2010-02-17T13:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
Pardon me for not writing recently but I have been busy working on the Railroad. Not a simple full sized prototype but the 1/48 variety. I've been building a Lionel empire.
At my age some men buy a fast car or seek the company of even "faster" women. It is said they lacked something in childhood or adolescence or early adulthood. Not so with me --I had fast cars, and wild lady friends. Come on, in order to settle down, I married Elizabeth Taylor and so I was astounded when the urge came to dig out that old three rail equipment in the attic, update it and buy something new.
New, Lionel certainly is, and expensive also but what a kick. The engines now do things that we, in the fifties, only dreamed about. So pardon me while I return to the little town of Philloch (pronounced Pill-Ick) and work through designing a rail yard and some out buildings. I get back to you during this Lenten season on the progress.
Be well
A Journeyman

Long Lunch

2010-01-23T06:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizen:
More from my lunch guest.
"Seems like we have been eating lunch for a few weeks, colonel?"
"We have, but I have not been idle--I am looking at news and taking the political temperature."
"Have you read the latest polls and analyzed the statistics?"
"I have but I feel like Mark Twain when it comes to statistics." He laughed, "There's lies, damn lies and statistics!"
"One poll says the our country is fed up." I responded.
"Check out this poll." He smiled.
http://www.aflcio.org/issues/politics/upload/mass_elections.pdf
I passed him more lunch.
Be back soon
Be well
A Journeyman

A Guest for Lunch

2010-01-12T13:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
Yesterday as I was firing up homemade chili for my lunch there was a knock or more like a pounding on the back door. Those of you who know where I live know that my backyard adjoins a large wooded area so a guest from the woods is a rare occurrence. I opened the door to President Theodore Roosevelt. (Those of you who also read my blog remember I've met the former President before.) He smile his big toothy grin and announced in a loud voice, "I smelled those chili peppers and meat from far away and decided I needed some."
"Please come in Colonel," I said taking his coat.
"What do you want to talk about?" He sat down at the table.
"Pardon me sir, you showed up here to eat my Chili."
"Bull feathers, son, I would not be here unless you wanted to talk about some topic."
"Well'" I hesitated, "Racism in american politics has always bothered me."
"Its troublesome but not your number one problem now."
"What is worse than that?"
"The lack of civil deference in the governing bodies of the Congress." He looked up from his bowl, "Unfortunately we will always have some racism on something close to it, it seems to be be built in to us, but we don't have to act in such an unkind way toward each other. You have an opinion, I have one, we discuss we vote, we go on."
"That seems simple enough. A very Jeffersonian way." I said.
"Federalist, Whig, Democrat or Republican, the bottom line is we are all citizens." He took a last spoonful of chili. "Put the verbal theater behind us and solve the problems."
More tomorrow

Happy Birthday you all

2010-01-06T07:45:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
This week we celebrate a number of birthdays. Last Sunday was my grandson's and next Sunday is my son's. Today is Epiphany and the birthday of a wise lady I work with and the birthday of Mr. Sherlock Holmes. I have any number of wise people to rant about but today I have chosen Mr. Sherlock Holmes.
The new movie Sherlock Holmes shows the detective from a refreshingly different viewpoint and I enjoyed it. Nothing in the film was non-canonical except possibly for the gas lamp with 221b on it. (b meant upstairs, 221 would have been the correct address)
Play the game with me a moment--Holmes was a expert boxer, a single-stick fighter, a practitioner of Baritsu (a variant of Jujitsu), a violinist, a partaker of drugs and fair pistol shot all shown in the film.
Most of his adventures were chronicled by his friend Dr. John Watson. When he seeks to leave Mr. Holmes with a client the detective replies: "Stay where you are. I am lost without my Boswell." Holmes knew a good Boswell when he saw one even though he chided in the Red Headed League. “I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.”
My point is that Watson could create and embellish a Holmes in the stories that was taller and neater, etc, than we saw in the film and Holmes counted on his Watson to do just that. For a few hours or days let us all "Play the Game" and create something a bit better then we find it.

221B

Here dwell together still two men of note
Who never lived and so can never die:
How very near they seem, yet how remote
That age before the world went all awry.
But still the game’s afoot for those with ears
Attuned to catch the distant view-halloo:
England is England yet, for all our fears–
Only those things the heart believes are true.

A yellow fog swirls past the window-pane
As night descends upon this fabled street:
A lonely hansom splashes through the rain,
The ghostly gas lamps fail at twenty feet.
Here, though the world explode, these two survive,
And it is always eighteen ninety-five.

– Vincent Starrett

play the game even if it is for only a few hours

and be well

A Journeyman

11th Day

2010-01-04T09:00:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
I need more down time this year, so I will continue to celebrate Christmas through Epiphany.
(Sometimes I get the counting of the twelve days of Christmas all mixed up--so forgive me if today is not the 11th day. Tuesday is the twelfth day and Wednesday is Epiphany (Sherlock Holmes birthday) if my holiday accounting system is up to snuff.)
I just could not, for the life of me, work up a good rant today. Too many new toys, movies and goodies to play with--
Had Lunch with the wife.
aaahhh
Just finished putting up the train around the Christmas tree.
And I read this
http://edgeofthewest.wordpress.com/2009/12/22/some-notes-on-tr/
Be well
a Journeyman

Happy New Year

2010-01-01T07:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:

Happy New Year

Be well

Quick check--

We've had a new administration for almost a year.

Please note

None of my guns have been confiscated, my Federal taxes look to be the same or possibly less and my Country has not been stolen from me.
Maybe my conservative "NO" friends misjudged the situation.
Forgive them and Be well
A Journeyman
PS--remember to eat your stewed tomatoes and black eyed peas--it will keep you from harm and having your guns confiscated. Trust me.

Bye Bye Naughty Noughties

2009-12-31T11:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
I tried to sleep the long winter's nap to 2010 but I woke a few days short of my goal. With a day or two to spare I put together a list of helpful don'ts for the future.
(It is somewhat an old tradition to bemoan the passing decade and hope for a new and better next ten years.)

1. Please do not Catch-Phrase an event, an idea, a program, a group or an Administration. e.g. Wingnuts, Obamacare, Bushleague, monicagate.
Please call by its real name. Catch-Phrasing only demon-izes. Watergate was enough--make the press work. This includes Fox News and The Wall Street Journal.
2. It is bad form to call the President of the United States Obama. Acceptable are the following: Mr. President, President Obama or The President. Insist on it for all presidents. Using only a last name diminishes the office and sounds like a slur. This applies to Senators and Congressmen also.
3. If a phrase fits on a bumper sticker it is not necessarily true. e.g. Mission Accomplished. It is just catchy and short or just short. Although, I kinda like: Jesus would not own a gun or vote Republican.
4. With the number of firearms in our society it is best to speak civilly especially in a public forum. If you call someone a liar on the street you might get shot. Sorry, change that to will be shot.
5. Screaming "Give me back my Country!" at a catch-all rally makes no sense. Please explain further.
6. This nation, although founded on many Judeo-Christian principles, is not a Christian country and we Christians have no more rights or privileges than the friendly neighborhood Atheist down the street. Sorry.
7. If number six bothers you, someone has been feeding you a bill of goods--please read up on your history.
8. Read the Constitution, you will notice that the phrase "Life, Liberty and The pursuit of Happiness." does not appear and the Declaration of Independence has no Amendments to it.
9. Be nice.
10. Play fair.
And be well
A Journeyman

Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-24T05:08:00.000-08:00

Twas the days before Christmas and all thru the House

Not a creature was stirring, not even ol' Joe the mouth.

But in the Senate there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to the internet to see what was the matter.

Good Lindsey was fussing, Senator Reid said "Now, now!"

A vote was due soon on whether health-reform They'd allow

Some said "to stop this" will come down to prayer

Others chimed "to the many uninsured we must be fair!"

The Capitol was digging its way out of snow

While Senators had their say--such a blow

When what on my old Lap-top then would appear

But an old Senator with a voice quite clear

He was wheeled into the Chamber, he looked quite able

The prayers, "Oh No, the've helped," God is Good! Teabaggers moaned to Fox Cable

The spirits of two Teddy's then helped him say AYE

Bless you Senator Byrd, I'll save you some mince pie

But I heard someone exclaim thru all that pall mall

"Happy Christmas to all and to All be well."

The World overrun by Oysters?

2009-12-23T08:38:00.000-08:00

"I insist upon your dining with us. It will be ready in half an hour. I have oysters and a brace of grouse, with something a little choice in white wines.–Watson, you have never yet recognized my merits as a housekeeper.”
Sherlock Holmes (The Sign Of Four)

Dear Citizens:
To celebrate the new Sherlock Holmes Movie.
This Recipe is for Mark from the U.K. and Quincy, just around the corner. No wine for Quincy.
Oysters: Altheney Jones
1. Poach 1 large jar of Oysters -1Qt- in their juices. (Quincy-dump the Oysters and their juices into a frying pan and heat) When the Oysters start to curl on the edges remove them and clean and slice up some big mushrooms.
2. Alternate on a metal skewer Oysters and Mushrooms.
3. Drizzle the mess with melted butter and Italian bread crumbs --grill under the broiler.
Eat up and be well
A Journeyman .

Christmas Cheer

2009-12-22T07:18:00.000-08:00

Photo by Mandel Ngan

Dear Citizens:
This is the second of two recipes for this festive Christmas season and is dedicated to the Slugg and the Wasterhead.
Although not as famous as Senate Bean Soup the White House Eggnog recipe has more variations.
Thirty years ago, while working at the White House and after asking for the recipe, I was invited to watch the stewards prepare this concoction. (The printed recipe given out at that time takes one hour or so to prepare--this recipe takes five minutes.)
1. 1 Gal. Eggnog Ice Cream partially defrosted in a big bowl. The stewards used Sealtest brand.
2. Add to the Ice Cream and mix --Bourbon, Rum and Brandy. One variation says 2 1/2 cups Bourbon, 1 2/3 cups Rum and 1 2/3 cups Brandy. Note to Slugg and Wasterhead I said cups not bottles. The stewards made it to taste --but always (approx.) twice as much Bourbon as the other spirits.
3. Serve in punch cups with a grating of Nutmeg on top.
This is an acquired taste so you must have more than one. You will notice after three you will really enjoy this eggnog. I did.
Be well
A Journeyman

Bean Soup

2009-12-21T07:41:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
To help insure comity in the Senate and among my friends, at this festive season, I will submit to you in the next few days three especial recipes. Today the U.S. Senate's Bean Soup.
This recipe is for Kevin.
1. Soak two 1lb. bags of Navy Beans overnight in enough water to cover them.
(You don't have to watch the beans soak but if you want to please be my guest. I suggest reading a novel (Hound of the Baskervilles) or Senator Reid's Senate Heath Care amendment.---If time is a factor--less than 72 hours to make the soup--bring the beans to a boil, turn off heat, cover and in an hour you are ready to proceed.
2. Add more water to cover soaked beans and add 1 to 11/2 pounds of ham bones with plenty of meat on them. (Country ham bones give the soup a slightly more spicy taste.)
3. Cover and simmer slowly approx. 3 hours --stir the soup frequently.
4. Saute a chopped onion, add to soup.
5. Correct seasonings.
Serve hot this recipe will feed 1/10 th of the Senate.
Some folks say there are mashed potatoes in the soup--but that is only done to the soup when served in very large quantities--and you will never taste them. Trust me on that point.
Tomorrow for the Slugg and the WasterHead--White house Egg Nog.
Be Well Citizens
A Journeyman

Christmas Retiever Fever PT II

2009-12-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

The promised day of joy came but there were only two, Paul and

I and Mollie. Mr. Barnes, not terribly pleased at

the small turnout, was kind enough to cajole

his wife into cooking us a sumptuous breakfast

and at 6 AM, on the dot and in

the dark, we were motoring out at

an obscene rate of speed on a skiff that might

have last seen service on the Mekong delta,

into the far reaches of

Currituck sound.

The blind was located southeast of

Swan Island on the Atlantic flyway.

The blind, like the hunting lodge,

was built initially by Mr. Barnes’ father

after WWI and was continually maintained

and updated by father and son.

Mr. Barnes son continues on with this legacy.

Approximately twelve foot by five the blind was

supported above the water

by six logs and contained three stools,

all the comforts of home-- if you were

a surf in the middle ages,

well, I take that back, it did not have a roof.

The ply board walls were five foot high and

this entire oblong box

plus an extension that contained the Mekong

flyer was covered with pine boughs.

To any flying creatures on the Atlantic Flyway

it must have appeared festive, indeed!

Dawn’s rosy fingered-glow illuminated the

bay and cloudless sky while

Mollie slept and Mr. Barnes set out decoys.

(What rosy finger Dawn used I know not but after

encountering very few

in-season birds I could hazard a guess.)

Decoys, as the name implies,

are set randomly next to the blind in a vain hope

of attracting live waterfowl.

Just like putting a rubber duck in the bath water

to attract all the neighborhood

one year olds for their nightly cleanings.

Both theories seem sound

at the time but as we stood in that blind

more work in welcoming waterfowl

needed to be done.

As if answering my unsaid request

Mr. Barnes sang forth, (read bellowed),

a number of vociferous duck sounds which,

coming from behind and

three inches from my left ear,

scared the absolute poop out of me and

awoke Mollie who thought we were facing

the wrath of Duckzilla and

tried to bound from our cover into the sound.

From somewhere out to the east came a

halfhearted response and then silence.

We were in for a dreaded “bluebird day”.

We encountered some birds just not any

we were allowed to shoot.

A large flock of what Mr. Barnes called

" Canadian Geese”,

landed near by. I suggested we shoot a

few and check passports—If we

found American Geese we would keep them

and let the Canadians wing it away.

No one laughed. A number of fish ducks

paid us a call and black ducks followed by

cormorants or “Watermelon Geese” honked a hello.

Alas, they were all off limits.

Our day went by with alternate long periods

of tranquility and brief

moments of panic, Mollie slept and I

drank coffee. Once in a great while

we would all stoop down while Mr. Barnes

called to an errant stray on

the horizon to come over for a visit.

Shots welcomed the newcomers but

all was in vain. We missed. A theme was

starting to play out in my mind but I

kept my council. Finally in a moment of

frustration I vowed that the next five ducks

would be allowed to pass our post unmolested.

The Mr. Barnes and Paul both

laughed and claimed they would make

no promise of that sort.

During that discussion five buffleheads,

fair game, flew over our little

cuckoo’s nest and on into the west.

Guns were brought up, too late,

but then duck with a black streak around the

eyes appeared and landed

between the farthest decoys. Paul and Mr. Barnes

blasted away but the shot

patterns were too broad. The shot fell all around him.

The duck defiantly stared

at us, raised a wing as if to say ‘is that rain/’

and then flew away into the setting sun.

“Who was that masked Duck?” I thought Paul said.

“The Lone Widgeon.” I said.

Mollie growled at me and the other two

become uncommunicative.

Later Mr. Barnes tried to console us.

“Sorry, no ducks,” He said, “But I can tell-- you’ll be back.”

Mollie glanced at Paul with that -next time just you and I, look.

I pretended not to see Paul’s nod.

2009-12-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

Report to the Commissionaire:

The Great Dismal Dawgs Retrieving and Foul Water Hunting

Alliance successfully completed its first Annual Muddy Creek

Mollie Invitational Duck Hunt on the brilliant Saturday

following Thanksgiving.

You may of heard that all did not go as planned but nothing

could be further from the truth.

Trust me, it happened this way.

If you remember Mollie’s initial Hunt Test was sponsored by

the Knotts Island /Back Bay

Hunt Club at least 150 Miles from Knotts Island and the

Back Bay.

(Knotts Island/Back Bay Hunt Club, indeed, so many of

these Clubs have affectatious monikers, don’t you think?)

Well, I was curious as to where Knotts Island

and the Back Bay were, why a Hunt Club so named tested its

dogs far from its native environs

and whether there was even hunting in said locality?

In short I’m nosey, or maybe just curious,

and you know what they say about curiosity...

I can tell you one thing I learned from that weekend,

curiosity never killed a Duck! But I digress, I googled

Knotts Island on my trusty computer and found

the Barnes Hunting Lodge and its phone number.

A grand plan, inspired by an hunter’s oil painting, had

been shaping itself in the recesses of my brain

since Mollie’s first attempt to win a ribbon.

I would hunt ducks with Mollie far from the artifice and

pretense of an AKC Hunt.

Man and his trusty companion facing and

triumphing over elemental forces of nature,

hunters from the far reaches of the country would

join me, ducks would fall from heaven

like feathered manna and Mollie would retriever every

last one of them.

She would redeem herself and me.

I called the number to the Hunting Lodge

and spoke to a lady named Kay.

“No, Mr. Barnes is not here.”

“He might be here next week, call back.”

“He only takes out parties of six hunters.”

I sensed it Kay’s job to dissuade me from bringing

the grand plan to fruition but my soul and my dog’s

heart were pure so I called back and then ventured

forth to Knotts Island to set up the hunt.

(Finding Knotts Island on a map and actually

getting there are two completely

different endeavors.

I found my innate sense of direction stymied and finally

admitted defeat, stopped and asked directions

of three ladies in a town called Pungo.

(How they carried on with winks and sly looks.

You would think those three women in the Pungo Deli

had never given directions to a man before.)

I met Mr. Barnes at his hunting lodge and finalized

arrangements.

Four to six hunters, all lined up, would make the party with
guides and food, ducks and Mollie.

All things bright and beautiful, we would have a

superb end to a holiday weekend.

But sometimes, as Burns penned,

The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men

Gang aft agley,

An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,

For promis'd joy !

More to come...

Christmas Retriever Fever

2009-12-16T08:10:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:

While I shop furiously for gifts this season I thought you might enjoy a holiday story about my Chesapeake Bay dog. This happened a few years ago.

The Education of Mollie

Report Part I

see above

Be Well
A Journeyman

Coffee in a Grand Cup

2009-12-10T15:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
This morning I made the coffee and instead of drinking it from a mug I poured it into my classiest china cup. I used its saucer also. They were remembrances from the wait staff after a bit of tom foolery on my part with them during a superb breakfast at the prestigious Grand Hotel in Oslo, Norway. That morning I also received a silver sugar spoon and a kiss. Of course, I drink from this cup on special occasions only.
Coffee in hand, I turned on the TV and watched the President's Nobel Lecture.
He was a reluctant recipient, like Wilson, and controversial, like Roosevelt, but he explained his reluctance with grace and aplomb. And he spoke of war.
"Still, we are at war, and I am responsible for the deployment of thousands of young Americans to battle in a distant land. Some will kill. Some will be killed. And so I come here with an acute sense of the cost of armed conflict - filled with difficult questions about the relationship between war and peace, and our effort to replace one with the other."
(Alfred Nobel worried about these same issues when he instigated the peace price through his will.)
It is interesting to note that only once during today's lecture did it receive applause..
"Where force is necessary, we have a moral and strategic interest in binding ourselves to certain rules of conduct. And even as we confront a vicious adversary that abides by no rules, I believe that the United States of America must remain a standard bearer in the conduct of war. "
Is it not sad that this speech will garner no political points at home with Democrats or Republicans? It comes from the heart and it makes much sense.
Be well Citizens
A Journeyman

Peace on Earth only 'Cept

2009-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
It will surprise no one that before blogs etc. I ranted and raved--sometimes not very civilly.
Here is a letter I wrote ten years ago to the News Leader, a local Staunton, VA paper, when I lived in that western Virginia community. Clearer heads prevailed and it was not published but it was my first rant that I made a conscientious attempt to be civil.

It was beginning to look and feel a lot like the holidays as I walked up Lewis Street that crisp Tuesday after Thanksgiving. The message board aside the Second Presbyterian Church proclaimed “Christmas Peace,” holiday lights were already in place on a nearby bank, the downtown was decked out for the season and Staunton’s Christmas parade was history. All this accomplished before December 1st. Our city was prepared for the holidays a week before Hanukkah and three and a half weeks before Christmas.
The residents of the city played their part also placing candles at the windows and seasonal greenery about those lovely old homes. All the symbols for our many varied holiday celebrations of peace and light seemed in place. Staunton does like its holiday lights.
At the crest of a hill rested an old anti-bellum style home. It sat high above the sidewalk and back in trees, the bushes around it’s porch trimmed in festive lights and a small decorated evergreen presented holiday joy to passersby. For me the decorations so epitomized this sense of “peace on earth, good will toward all” that I turned back to view them one last time. It was then I noticed flying from the porch a large Confederate battle flag. Now this interested me.
I will admit that, frequently, I walk downtown and back home. It is a time consuming indulgence but the walk is good exercise. More than that, it slows me down, gives me time to think and since I am new to Staunton observe the city close up. My excuse for doing so was that I needed coffee. That day I had bought two pounds of my favorite, The General’s Blend. Named for Washington and Lee, this potent aromatic mixture of light and dark beans is roasted and blended in Lexington and sold here.
As I walked home Tuesday, my coffee under my arm, I wondered if the residents of that lovely old home considered the mixed signals that Christmas trees and Confederate battle flags presented together sent to many of our citizens? How do the members of the nearby Churches view the house on the hill?
In tandem could those symbols be viewed--”Peace on earth, ---”only ‘cept”?” The caveat of “only ‘cept,” always bothers me. The “only cepts” get in the way of the peace statement, don’t they? What about “Good will towards all”? When we display holiday symbols that mean “Peace” and “Goodwill” don’t we accept a small measure of responsibility to make it happen?
I would inquire. I called the owner.
Unfortunately, I presented my case rather badly to the resident putting him on the defensive, and for that I am sorry. To his credit he was more generous than he needed to be with his explanation but he informed me: I had my opinions and he had his. At some point I recall the words "Damn Yankee" being used. End of conversation. I received a good history lesson about "our hallowed ancestors" and even better civics lesson concerning the 1st amendment of our Constitution. I love history, thank the Good Lord I did not point out his beloved Ancestors fought to be free of our Constitution, and I understand that the symbols for peace and war can get easily mixed especially in a state that celebrates a Lee, Jackson, King Holiday. I had no axe to grind, no agenda to present to the resident. I just wanted his viewpoint.
But, now, I have an observation. We celebrate our wars more than our peace. If this continues our past will cloud our future more than it now does our present. General Lee was right when overlooking the Union's preparations, before the battle of Fredericksburg, he said, “It is well that war is so terrible -- we should grow too fond of it.”
I would suggest we take a moment and reflect during this holiday season on the symbols we use to represent ourselves to others. Could we not engineer a flagless Armistice during the holiday
season? Would that not be the best way to honor all our ancestors? Staunton, the birth place of President Woodrow Wilson, our own Nobel laureate for Peace, deserves it-- And if we do come together to talk about it, let me bring the coffee.

Be well
A Journeyman

Black Friday

2009-11-27T09:35:00.000-08:00

Good Morning Citizens:
A little humor for you on this day of big sales.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSPGJ5-XAcM

Be well
A Journeyman

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-25T05:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
Thursday we celebrate one of our truly American Holidays or should I say a truly North American holiday although Canada's Thanksgiving is a few weeks earlier. Well no matter, the idea of giving thanks is not new to the world, but the American spirit has truly embraced while refining the concept of thankfulness to include all citizens in all parts of the country.
It is our oldest and most inclusive holiday regardless of who, the Jamestown settlers or Plymouth Pilgrims, Native Americans or Vikings, get bragging rights for initiating the celebration. Thanksgiving transcends citizenship, religion, race, national origin or creed and isn't that nice? For close to four hundred years Americans all have given thanks for what we have and what we have survived.
While sitting around a bounteous table with family and friends it is hard to be less than bounteous in our thoughts and deeds at least for one day. It is hard to quote Ayn Rand when two linemen unselfishly have opened a hole for the running back to score and almost impossible to fuss about your government taking money from your pocket when the government has blessed you with "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" and in many instances a job and the monies in your pocket.
We can get back to fussing next week and I am sure we all will. Take the rest of this week off from criticizing anything but the feast and remember what a former President once said.
This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Have a happy day and be well
A Journeyman

Hello Senator

2009-11-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
Many years ago the best mid-west steak was prepared and served at the Stockyards Inn located in the "back of the yard" neighborhood of Chicago. As you walked in the host and your waiter would come up to you and say "Hello, Senator." First timers either would be flattered or put off by the attention. Regardless of their reaction or yours the servers would continue to refer to all as Senator. All were treated with deference and the staff expected to be treated the same way.
There is something very special about being treated in that manner and soon your manners and speech reflect it. No cursing, no loud speech, no dehumanizing of an opponent or their thoughts just a restful repast with friends or colleagues.
Last Saturday evening the Senate of The United States of America took a vote on whether to debate the Affordable Health Choices Act now before them. The vote passed. The Senate will now debate this bill.
Since the founding of our republic the Senate's deliberations have been characterized as a cooling saucer.
“Why did you pour that coffee into your saucer?” George Washington asked. “To cool it,” Jefferson replied. “Even so,” Washington declared, “we pour legislation into the senatorial saucer to cool it.”
We have come to the time of cooling debate not raucous overheated name calling. At an earlier time in our country name calling and insults were settled on a field of honor. As a nation we have grown beyond that.
Lets prove it with a debate that cools rather than inflames. The coffee is already much too hot.
Be well Citizens
A Journeyman

Opportunities

2009-11-17T06:20:00.000-08:00

Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots - but you have to play the ball where it lies.
- Bobby Jones
Dear Citizens:
Before I was out of my teens I was offered a rare opportunity which, in my infinite collegiate wisdom, I turned down. To put myself through University I had taken a job as student cook at the athletic training tables. One day, in passing, a defensive back on the football squad asked me if I would carry his golf clubs, at certain times, while he practiced and played a few rounds of his minor sport. In payment he offered to teach me Golf. I answered no and that I was very busy with music and had my own practicing to do. Looking back I will admit I was offended that a football player asked me to be his caddy. He only asked once and I missed the opportunity to learn Golf from Hale Irwin.
Twenty years later I had the chance to take up the game again this time from a Episcopal priest who was a scratch golfer. This time I jumped at the chance.
Now I should be honest at this point and explain I am a "duffer" at the game of Golf and sometimes at life also. But I keep coming back to both and hope at the start of each round and each day to play and not pass on important opportunities.
Be well
A Journeyman
Golf is the loneliest sport. You're completely alone with every conceivable opportunity to defeat yourself. Golf brings out your assets and liabilities as a person. The longer you play, the more certain you are that a man's performance is the outward manifestation of who, in his heart, he really thinks he is.
- Hale Irwin

November 11, 2009

2009-11-11T06:09:00.000-08:00

Have a happy day !

March along, sing our song, with the Army of the free.
Count the brave, count the true, who have fought to victory.
We’re the Army and proud of our name!
We’re the Army and proudly proclaim:
First Chorus:
First to fight for the right,
And to build the Nation’s might,
And The Army Goes Rolling Along.
Proud of all we have done,
Fighting till the battle’s won,
And the Army Goes Rolling Along.
Refrain:
Then it’s hi! hi! hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong;
For where’er we go,
You will always know
That The Army Goes Rolling Along.
Second Chorus:
Valley Forge, Custer’s ranks,
San Juan Hill and Patton’s tanks,
And the Army went rolling along.
Minute men, from the start,
Always fighting from the heart,
And the Army keeps rolling along.
Refrain:
(same as above)
Third Chorus:
(slower, more freely)
Men in rags, men who froze,
Still that Army met its foes,
And the Army went rolling along.
Faith in God, then we’re right,
And we’ll fight with all our might,
As the Army keeps rolling along.
Refrain:
Then it’s hi! hi! hey!
The Army’s on its way.
Count off the cadence loud and strong; (two! three!)
For where’er we go,
You will always know
That THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG! (keep it rolling!)
And THE ARMY GOES ROLLING ALONG!

WTUD

2009-11-06T06:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
When Congressmen and Senators misstate the Pledge of Allegiance and misquote the Constitution.
When those same lawmakers refuse to read legislation and offer critiques based on their judgement.
When seemingly rational people worry about death panels and the loss of their constitutions and demand the "return of the country", what ever that means...
When all this happens, the world turns upside down for me and I take time off for a week of golf at Hilton Head.
I seek solace and advice from good conservatives on the Golf course. My fact finding trip to the bastion of conservative fairways and dog-leg rights, helps me in two ways: First, I receive the loyal opposition's political views and in so doing I ruin their games and second, well, it is pleasurable to bask in a world so devoid of reality and common sense.
See you in a week
Be well
A Journeyman Citizen, but still a duffer on the course

The Day after

2009-11-03T13:31:00.000-08:00

Dear Citizens:
Election day always follows Halloween, All Saints Day and all Souls Day and there are reasons for that. Tricks and treats are followed by prayers for the departed, the living, and then the candidates.
Please God let my candidate win! or the subtle variations on that theme: "Please vote for my Dad", "Hi, Remember Virginia vote your conscience.", "I am voting for the person who brought my child into this world."
During the run up to the election we heard the candidates described as too weak, too strong, too conservative--Taliban Ticket, too liberal-- and he stutters, Too Slick, Not Slick enough, and on and on.
The following groups have helped me decide who to vote for.
Move-Back.org and the ClubYourGrowth. Thanks folks for all your help.
Recently the conservative radio host, John Batchelor went on a rant about the right wing even I couldn't dream up.
"All together, these potentates constitute a right-wing nihilism made up of charming or churlish older males who come down from their gated neighborhoods in Olympus now and again to preach their giddy “I’ve got mine!” libertarian cant to the meek of the Earth and threaten mayhem against the Republican Party if it does not obey a Busby Berkeley kick-line of billionaire cranks. Before the concoction of the Club for Growth, a right-wing political group that advocates limited government and lower taxes and invented the "RINO Watch" list, in the last moments of the Clinton presidency, it was possible to ignore the carping of the rich and insufferable. Yet since the toxins of the Bush presidency rendered the party a taxidermist’s exhibit in the North and West–anywhere outside of the Confederacy or the Mormon Tabernacle—the Club for Growth crowd has learned to enjoy a sadistic sport—harassing anyone in the GOP who does not kiss the hem of His Rt. Hon. Tax Cut or who has fresh thoughts outside of a looped reel of Life with Father."
That is a worthy rant--a little election humor for both parties --Wow I need to find a quote like that for Move-On.Org.
BUT and here is the small print ---The bottom line comes Tomorrow, the day after the elections, who ever wins still has to find the funds to run our state government and both candidates said no to new taxes. Promises neither can keep the day after!

Be well
A Journeyman

Happy Halloween

2009-10-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
I love All Hallow's eve and
I want to wish all a worry free happy Halloween.
Please don't worry about your candy, it is safe to eat. Devils and Demons didn't pray over it as certain religious leaders claim. Those religious leaders want all the candy for themselves and they will say anything to get it. Besides most of them don't believe in All Hallows day so why are they fussing about its eve.

If you dress up like a Republican Senator or Congressman only say "No!" once to the young ones that come a rapping at your chamber door. Then you can grudgingly give out the candy. Stay in character.

Carve a smile into your pumpkin. Trust me, you will feel better.

Don't grouse if someone comes around trick or treating for UNICEF. This is not a fiendish one-world-government-plot. The few pennies you donate will not help, in the least, the funding of the UN's secret black helicopter fleet. On this point Glen Beck and I agree. FYI: the funding for that is already set aside.

OK, enough silliness, here is my little treat of a trick for you!
http://www.princeton.edu/~hammett/CardTrick/html/trick.html

Be well and Happy Halloween
A Journeyman

Trick or treat

2009-10-28T12:53:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
So many years ago- I don't remember, a small politically astute possum from the Okefanokee swamp debuted in the papers. A few years later he made a statement that is as valid today as it was in those times.

First used in 1970 on an Earth Day poster

It fits well with Health Care Reform also

As the argument against health reform comes down more and more about the defeat of one man and not the health and welfare of a great nation's citizenry we must all examine, gentle citizens, who wants all health reform to fail.

The headlines always start something like this:

I don't care how sympathetic you are to those that don't have health insurance, and on and on--

and they end---We Just can't afford it!

Doesn't sound like someone who wants any Health Care reform, does it?

This just in: Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS) offered a defense of Bunning’s amendment by arguing that the 72-hour provision was critical because it provides time
for senators to consult with health insurance lobbyists.
And this:
QUESTION: Will the Republicans put their alternative online for 72 hours as well?
BOEHNER: Uh, we’ll uh, we’ll have our ideas ready. Don’t worry.
Why won’t Bohner post the GOP plan? Because he doesn’t have one. Later in the press conference, this minor detail was revealed when a reporter pressed Boehner for a GOP alternative plan:
QUESTION: Is it your plan to have one Republican alternative that you all would get behind and endorse?
BOHNER: We have a number of ideas that we would like to proffer in this process, and we’re not quite sure
how the majority intends to proceed. And so until we understand how they intend to proceed,
it’s pretty difficult for us to have a solid plan.

It is easy to demonize Health Care Reform if those in opposition call it Obamacare or something else because they can still say they wanted Health Care: just not Obamacare. It will be a nice trick if they can pull it off. And the treat? Well, you will get that on your insurance bill next year. Better save up.

Be well citizens

A Journeyman

Scary times

2009-10-26T06:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
I have to take a quick trip to the western part of the state To converse, hob nob, and otherwise communicate with my fellow.....well you got the picture.
I will worry about some of my older readers (over 18) while I am gone and because of those worries I am setting forth a few reminders and responding to a few rumors. I should be back in a few days.
First: if you are planning to go trick or treating -dressed as a "Tea-bagger" and asking your neighbors not to raise your taxes-- be warned it is rumored-- this conduct, in many areas, is illegal.
Second: If any one approaches you dressed as a tea-bagger and demands: that you not raise his or her taxes or begs you to return his or her country. Please treat them gently* and ask for a, one time only, agreeing fee ( 1%, of their gross income). Send the collected fee to the US treasury and mark on the envelope, National debt reduction contribution.
Note to any ultra Tea Pots out there--So you will feel better in these difficult and scary times may I recommend Mr. Elwood Dowd's admonition.
"Harvey and I sit in the bars, have a drink or two, play the jukebox. And soon the faces of all the other people turn toward mine and they smile. And they’re saying, “We don’t know your name, mister, but you’re a very nice fellow.” Harvey and I warm ourselves in all these golden moments."

Be well citizens --I will be back soon
A Journeyman

*Remember: Never tease a weasel because weasels do not like it and teasing isn't nice.

Walk in the Park III

2009-10-22T08:31:00.000-07:00

Continued from Sunday
"Would you explain more about your theories of government, Colonel?"
" Dee-lighted, but my ideas were none too popular with the business community then and not much better received now. I can tell you that." He stared straight ahead at some distant point. "One leader of industry wrote to the New York Times that the rights and interests of the laboring man would be protected and cared for, not by labor agitators, but by the good Christian men that God had put in charge of the property interests of the country. What unmitigated nonsense. You see -every man of power is capable of causing trouble to his neighbor." He stopped and looked at me straight in the face and forcefully said, "I told a group of veterans if they were good enough to shed blood for the country they were good enough to be given a square deal afterwards." He chuckled to himself, "And then, everyone in the country wanted a square deal and why not?"
"It sounds a bit like now." I said hoping to calm the gentleman down.
"No, no," He spit out, "In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing. That is what many are doing now--nothing."
"I think those many are worried about the cost of government programs."
"A typical vice of American politics is the avoidance of saying anything real on real issues." He laughed and I laughed.
"Hi, what's the joke?" Three high school age runners passed me on the trail and eyed me suspiciously.
Mollie and I were very much alone. The Colonel and his dog were gone.
"An old joke," I called out to them. "Have a good run."
They waved in acknowledgement and vanished into the mist.
Be well
A Journeyman

The Parking Lot Committee

2009-10-20T05:10:00.000-07:00

Gentle Citizens:
Check out the Christian Rumors side bar.
It falls under a category called "The Parking lot Committee".
This item was brought to the attention of your blogger by a realist whose head is in the clouds-Thanks
Be well all
A Journeyman

Walk in the Park II

2009-10-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

Continued from yesterday,
"Let's first discuss the role of government." Once more the toothy grin, "When you, a citizen, threw the retrieval dummy into the water you had all the expectations of the dog retrieving it. That is her main function."
"Certainly."
"My theory is your dog became "government" in that she ameliorated the situation of the retrieval dummy and you the citizen." He stopped, reached down and took the bumper from Mollie's mouth and examined it. "We used canvas for these in my time." He looked back at me. "You do understand, that pond didn't care whether you got the dummy back or not so you had three choices. One, the dummy would appear as if by magic and float over to you. Two, you could wade in and by the time you found it you would be cold and probably catch your death or three, let the dog go in with all her expertise and training."
"That sounds a bit complicated."
"Bullfeathers man." Came the stern reply, "It was simplicity itself, you had the dog and you used her. The pond was not going to help. We have government to help the citizen not the pond." At this point he let out a marvelous long laugh. "Well, sometimes we help a pond or two."
More soon.
Be well.

A Walk in the Park

2009-10-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Citizens:
Many days I take my Chesapeake Bay Dog Mollie for a walk at the local nature park. The 450 acre park is a reclaimed borrow pit and trash area with three small lakes interspersed with extensive wetlands and forested tracts. This is as close as Mollie and I get to hunting most of the year. I toss a few sticks in the water and Mollie never fails to swim out and retrieve them.
It was cold and misty yesterday when Mollie persuaded me to take her to the park At the edge of the wetlands across from Whispering Pines Trail I let her off lead and threw a retrieval bumper into a pond. It lodged under the surface in silt and Mollie undeterred repeatedly waded back into the pond searching for the bumper. After much splashing about by the frustrated retriever the bumper surfaced and she fetched her prize up to where I stood.
"Bully, bully for her!," A voice shouted out from behind, "She kept after it until she found it. Well done!"
I turned to see a large man an inch or two shorter than me eyeing us from the trail head. A large golden Chesapeake Bay Dog sat at attention next to him. I walked up the bank and shook his hand.
"Call me Colonel and walk with me," He commanded through a big toothy grin. "Let me explain any number of things to you. Bracing, this weather, is it not?" And he strode off.
Like a good soldier and somewhat in shock, I replied, "Yes, sir." And then hurried up the trail to catch him.
More tommorrow.
Be well.
A Journeyman Citizen

Afgan Worries posted by my friend Slugg

2009-10-12T08:08:00.000-07:00

"Those demanding more combat troops for Afghanistan also avoid defining the real costs. The Congressional Research Service estimates that the war was running $2.6 billion a month in Pentagon expenses alone even before Obama added 20,000 troops this year. Surely fiscal conservatives like McCain and Graham who rant about deficits being “generational theft” have an obligation to explain what the added bill will be on an Afghanistan escalation and where the additional money will come from. But that would require them to use the dread words “sacrifice” and “higher taxes” when they want us to believe that this war, like Iraq, would be cost-free.

"The real troop numbers are similarly elusive. Pre-emptively railing against the prospect of “half measures” by Obama, Lieberman asked MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell rhetorically last week whether it would be “real counterinsurgency” or “counterinsurgency light.” But the measure Lieberman endorses — Gen. Stanley McChrystal’s reported recommendation of 40,000 additional troops — is itself counterinsurgency light.

"In his definitive recent field manual on the subject, Gen. David Petraeus stipulates that real counterinsurgency requires 20 to 25 troops for each thousand residents. That comes out, conservatively, to 640,000 troops for Afghanistan (population, 32 million). Some 535,000 American troops couldn’t achieve a successful counterinsurgency in South Vietnam, which had half Afghanistan’s population and just over a quarter of its land area."
---------------------------------------------

recommended Reading: http://fabiusmaximus.wordpress.com/2009/09/15/troops/

It'll either break your heart or enrage you. Maybe both...

All the best...

Slugg

The Prize

2009-10-11T09:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
We Americans are a contentious lot. It matters not a whit whether we are liberal, conservative, black, white or light green we must find something to argue about. That's one reason we blog.
In the paper today George Will wrote about three liberals in three Priuses and only one parking spot at a local Whole Foods. Pity the poor security guard at that store. We like to fuss and the ones with the most seem to fuss the loudest. We are the most blessed nation on earth but we do enjoy our "attitude".
I hear a good friend calling out "stop sniveling and get to the point".
Here it is. The world views The United States of America still as a place of hope and dreams and the one country whose leader can use "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples".

Columnist Robert Naiman said that "anyone who thinks this award is unprecedented hasn't been paying attention''.

"The Nobel committee gave South African bishop Desmond Tutu the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his leadership of efforts to abolish apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid wasn't fully abolished in South Africa until 1994,''

But still we will fuss. We profess "all are equal" and "life, liberty, and the pursuit of hapiness"--Come on-- we are the good guys but we prefer John Wayne in Rio Bravo to Gary Cooper in High Noon. We like Cain and Chuck Norris better than The Dali Lama and Gandhi. We like action. There it is.

Others in this world take a different view of us and what we could do. Is it possible that they want us to walk the walk as well as talk the talk as far as our ideals go? Maybe we should speak a bit softer and threaten less with our big sticks so we can hear them.

Be Well

A Journeyman Citizen

Hail to our Chiefs

2009-10-09T14:22:00.000-07:00

Sitting Presidents who were Nobel Laureates

"I am profoundly moved and touched by the signal honor shown me through your body in conferring upon me the Nobel Peace Prize. There is no gift I could appreciate more and I wish it were in my power fully to express my gratitude. I thank you for it, and I thank you on behalf of the United States; for what I did, I was able to accomplish only as the representative of the nation of which, for the time being, I am president."

"In accepting the honor of your award I am moved not only by a profound gratitude for the recognition of my [sincere and] earnest efforts in the cause of peace, but also by a very poignant humility before the vastness of the work still called for by this cause.

May I not take this occasion to express my respect for the far-sighted wisdom of the founder in arranging for a continuing system of awards? If there were but one such prize, or if this were to be the last, I could not of course accept it. For mankind has not yet been rid of the unspeakable horror of war. I am convinced that our generation has, despite its wounds, made notable progress. But it is the better part of wisdom to consider our work as one begun. It will be a continuing labor. In the indefinite course of [the] years before us there will be abundant opportunity for others to distinguish themselves in the crusade against hate and fear and war.

There is indeed a peculiar fitness in the grouping of these Nobel rewards. The cause of peace and the cause of truth are of one family. Even as those who love science and devote their lives to physics or chemistry, even as those who would create new and higher ideals for mankind in literature, even so with those who love peace, there is no limit set. Whatever has been accomplished in the past is petty compared to the glory and promise of the future."

I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee. Let me be clear, I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments, but rather as an affirmation of American leadership on behalf of aspirations held by people in all nations. To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize, men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.
But I also know that this prize reflects the kind of world that those men and women and all Americans want to build, a world that gives life to the promise of our founding documents. And I know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

Well said Gentlemen

Be well citizens

A Journeyman Citizen

Special Day

2009-10-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens

Today is a very special day in the history of Hampton, VA

I believe we can find a neo-Old Point Comfort now in the Coliseum Mall

and it is named

Five Guys

wonderful hamburgers and fries

open today

Be well

A very stuffed Journeyman Citizen

A United Methodist Bishop's thoughts on health-care

2009-10-05T06:00:00.000-07:00

Thinking like Christians about health care

By Bishop William Willimon, North Alabama Conference

Bishop Willimon

Brother Rowe Wren recently wrote to say, "I would like your thoughts on ... the present health-care bill." In my travels around the conference, I have heard much discussion on this pressing issue before our nation.

I personally find the bill being debated and proposed to be fearfully complicated. But it is an attempt to solve a complicated and expensive problem. Yet we must not be deterred by the complexity.

Above all, we are enjoined to think about this issue and any others like Christians. (If you are interested in a thoughtful response to health care by some of the leaders of our church, then log into health care <http://www.umc-gbcs.org/> .) http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/c.frLJK2PKLqF/b.2794211/k.C908/Welcome_to_The_General_Board_of_Church_and_Society.htm?sid=70706308

I'm not sure that I have special light to spread on this subject other than my own attempts to think about this issue in a Christian way. Here, for what they are worth, are some of my responses:

* I hear that most Americans are "happy with their health insurance." I sure am. Our denomination provides our elders with the most generous of health-care programs. North Alabama Conference heavily subsidizes the health insurance of our retired elders. I am deeply grateful for such support.

We can't leave it at that, however. The most underserved in our society when it comes to health care are poor children. Alabama leads the nation in the number of children who are untouched by medical care, making us also a leader in childhood malnutrition and illness.

As the church, Jesus has given us responsibility for the "least of these." Saying that "I am happy with my health care" is not saying enough. Our concern should not be to protect our entitlements but rather our Jesus-assigned concern is "Am I happy with my neighbor's health care?"

* Scripture tells us that we are "not to bear false witness." It is tough enough to have a national debate over an issue of this complexity without deliberate misinformation being put out on the airways to muddy the conversation and spread unwarranted fear.

* I am so disappointed by our state's members of Congress. Most of them have contributed nothing to this debate. They show a callous disregard for the welfare of their poorest constituents. Let's urge our elected officials to get in the debate and craft good legislation.

I'm glad that our elected representatives have health care; thousands of their constituents don't.

We have the most expensive health-care system in the world that leaves out millions because, while it is not government run, it is dominated by the insurance companies. I'm glad that our elected representatives have health care; thousands of their constituents don't.

* I fully trust the American Medical Assn. (AMA) and our doctors to worry about health care. They say we need dramatic reform. Methodists should care about those who can't get health care as much as the AMA is concerned.

I visit church after church where the congregation is having to pull together and provide funds - thank goodness! - for people in their congregation or community who have suffered catastrophic financial loss due to huge medical bills. Some of our health-care professionals volunteer every year to work in medical missions where Christians are trying to help those left out of our health-care system.

Why? We think about these issues with scripture, with Luke 10 where, in one of Jesus' favorite stories, the Samaritan says, "Take care of the wounded man and when I return I will repay you whatever it costs."

It would be great for every pastor and church to explore how your congregation can prayerfully, thoughtfully respond to this issue. Surely we can do better than the likes of TV's Glen Beck and Joe Scarborough.

Of course, they have no desire to think about this issue with Jesus, and it shows. But we do!

Read Luke 10:25-35! Then, "go and do likewise."

__._,_.___

Health-care

2009-10-03T14:03:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
Yesterday I posted this on face-book during a spirited debate.
Anyone who is a citizen deserves health-care from the government.
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
I like that part about "promoting the general welfare"
I have asked the ones who responded to allow me to post their responses and I am interested in your ideas. I myself like the single payer option.
Be well citizens
A Journeyman Citizen

a few responses
from Kevin
"Promoting" and "providing" doesn't mean government provided health care insurance is a right or entitlement. Nor does the government have the power to require individual citizens or privately owned small businesses to purchase health care insurance.
from Jay (a concerned Catholic)

It seems to me if you provide it, you have to run it. To run it you should have a track record of running organizations with a positive cash flow or run it as a non-profit. Our gov't is already 2 trillion dollars further into the hole the previous Congress left us in. Shouldnt we try to get out of the hole first, instead of diving in deeper?
The insurance companies are making a mint. Healthcare companies charge accordingly to keep up. But they charge a significantly different price if you do not have insurance. That is where it is broken. Gov't could assist there possibly rather than creating a costly alternative that looks good up front but costs future generations trillions. And quit trying to add so many 'extras', like paying for abortions and stem cell research and calling it 'health care'.

Nikki
I would love to quit my two jobs, that I have CHOSEN to work (like all the other decisions in my life), stay home and sit on my a......and let the government take care of me. Do you think the food bank has delivery??? Sorry. don't have time to finish debating this, have one of my jobs to get to!

Wow

2009-10-02T06:31:00.000-07:00

Interesting fact.
In the year 2008 The Virginia State Police processed over 250,000 background checks for purchase of firearms.
"A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed."
There are over 7.5 million residents in Virginia approx. 23% are under 18 and are not of legal age to own a firearm.
That makes 5 and three quarter million who can.

This is one reason to own good affordable health care.
Be well

Passing View 2

2009-09-29T15:06:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens:
Remember in Passing View the lady on the train.
Let's examine her question on seeing the tent city: "Why can't the government do something about this?"
While I do remember a dint of pity in her voice did she mean help the tent dwellers with aid or remove them with force?
Small but necessary first steps in essential aid --porta potties from the local governments, request from area churches for food and bottled water-- looked to be in place at that time but the problem of the displaced person still remained and to this day, six months later, still remains.

CNN reports "Tent camps once associated mainly with the "Hoovervilles" of the Great Depression are springing up in places as varied as Sacramento, California; Nashville, Tennessee; Pinellas County, Florida; Providence, Rhode Island; and Seattle, Washington."

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/09/29/washington.homeless.camp/index.html?iref=newssearch

Should we tip our teabaggedly treated tricornes, as we ride by, all the while complaining to the club car patrons that "big" government of this new "illegit" administration made this problem therefore the one solution we don't need is more interference from the government and then shouting to the tent dwellers, "Don't worry, when the economy gets back on it's feet your tent cities will go away and you will have jobs and your homes back."

Well, of course not! That would be just silly. It becomes the Laissez-faire or the Lazy Fairy approach. Pass out a few bottles of water and blame someone. I've done what I can now leave me alone. Read--give me my government back.
Too much government or not enough?
Do we help or just get off the train at the next stop?
Hard choices to make.
What would Jefferson and Hamilton say if they had been on the train?
Soon
Be Well and I am trying to be civil.
A Journeyman Citizen

Afghan notes 1

2009-09-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

Grave assessment from an old friend:

The "surge" worked in Iraq because and only because it was never designed to produce anything more than a temporary tactical advantage... which it did... but look at what's going on in Iraq now and ask yourself, "What did the surge do for Iraq and the Iraqis?"

However, since it worked so well for Petraeus [4 stars, CINC Centcom, etc.], "surge" seems to have become the current general officer answer to any counterinsurgency conundrum. Awfully reminiscent of the remedies offered by Westmorland to Johnson, ain't it?

1. Stop conflating al Qaeda with the Taliban. Focus on and eliminate al Qaeda. They're still a threat to us. Drones, a battalion of SPECOP soldiers supported by a rapid reaction brigade based in Kandahar, and patience should do the job.

2. Engage and coopt the Taliban. Any strategy that would have us oppose them militarily is a recipe for becoming mired in somebody else's civil war... and will motivate the Taliban to become more active in exporting terrorism. [They've already imported all the terror expertise they need to get their program going as is evident from the rising incidence in Afghanistan of Iraqi insurgent/al Qaeda tactics -- sophisticated roadside bombs and suicide bombers.

My concern is that the Obama administration doesn't have the expertise to formulate effective pol/mil strategy. If I'm right about that, like previous Democratic administrations the Obama administration will either rubber stamp what the generals are telling them to do... or get into a battle of wills with them.

Whatever, soldiers lose... the Army loses... and America loses. More and more blood and treasure lost... for nothing?

Pemberton

Here we go

2009-09-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Citizens
I need some help.
Please give me your input on the Afghan problem!
Your help will be published here.
Be well
A Journeymancitizen

The Afghan problem

2009-09-23T13:05:00.000-07:00

Passing View

2009-09-23T06:17:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Citizens:
Last spring I journeyed by train across country from Virginia to visit relatives in Seattle. Business in Denver made me take the somewhat circuitous California Zephyr route from Chicago to Sacramento and then up to my destination riding the Coast Starlight. Outside Sacramento near the American river the train snaked its way through mile upon mile of tent cities. When we first glimpsed the brilliant blue Taylor tarps and pricey octagon domes we assured each other a boy scout jamboree or upscale camp out was happening. On closer examination the truth became shockingly clear. These were folks like ourselves forced to live rough. It was a sobering moment.
A well dressed female traveler looking away asked "Why can't the government do something about this?"
Twenty minutes later we arrived at the station and went our separate ways.
I wonder now, six months later, about that traveler's question. Was the question a cry to help the campers or to control them? Change or status quo? More or less government? Did I imagine refugee camps of our own displaced citizens in the one state that always spelled hope and promise. Not since the great depression etc etc.
What would Jefferson and Hamilton say if they had traveled with us in that AMTRAK club car?
More next time.
Be well citizens
A Journeyman Citizen

Unter Donner Und Blitz

2009-09-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Good Evening, Citizens:

This past week in Washington reminded me of earlier times.
Years ago around this time of year I used to visit a small circus that came to my town. I bought a ticket not because I liked circuses but because I knew the band leader and I enjoyed his small but very powerful brass band. In order to get to the main tent and hear those windjammers (musicians) I had to negotiate gingerly through the midway. This was no easy proposition, even close to show time, with a daughter and wife in tow.
A cacophony of seductive cries from, hawkers, barkers and pitchmen beckoned.
"Buy a ticket for your daughter to ride the elephant."
"Candy floss for the little lady."
"Show your lady how strong you are sir, ring the bell." and if I begged off with "We want to see the show"--It came back "Two more shows today Mister, come on-- take a chance."
"Watch out for those death panels, folks." Oops, excuse me.
On and on.
The idea was to keep us occupied for a while, take a little loose change from me and if I was distracted from the main event well I could catch it later. No harm done.
Once seated inside the big top, announcers, vendors and the ringmaster took over and finally, almost as an afterthought, the show. During the acts the band, with marches, waltzes and polkas, did everything musically to control our emotions. My favorite circus music was called a screamer. This was a fast and furious double time march or polka played to an nth degree of the musicians technique. When you heard Unter Donner Und Blitz, Johann Strauss' polka schnel, something exciting was coming or happening--you just knew it from the sound. Then it was over and we walked out into the cool night air and went home.
Sound familiar?
With the Teabaggers, birthers, populists and nativists last Saturday and the Value-Voters in town this weekend it is hard to get to the main tent but persevere. March forward, gentle friends. I can hear the band warming up. Don't be distracted and don't look back My circus pals tell me that is bad luck.

Be Healthy my friends,
A Journeyman Citizen

Advise and Consent

2009-09-17T11:25:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Citizens:
   I was raised in Colorado by my Grandparents. We knew little about the workings of the local, state or federal government beyond the obvious taxes you had to pay and services the government provided us, so when the movie Advise and Consent.played locally we went to see it and believed most of what we saw.
   Now, almost fifty years later, my thoughts about the Senate and the House are still influenced by that movie. I checked out the book and although I was warned it is somewhat dated, if you mentally edit in 24/7 TV and a Blackberry per senator, which I do, it makes for a good read.   (Full disclosure--I must tell you: I do not edit in MSNBC, Fox News or Rush--after all the book is not Science Fiction)
   The book and the Movie imply, if they don't outwardly state, a set of rules for our Legislature to run and act by. I know I will be perceived by many, as naive, but those rules are still in place. You don't say "You lie" to anyone in that august body without suffering consequences, most especially to The President in a formal setting like last Wednesday. They fuss with the prime minister in the UK during question time but he is the Head of Government not the Head of State.
   Let me give you an example and it was just a minor infringement: Years ago Congressman Newt Gingrich was giving a "special orders" speech and demeaning democratic lawmakers. What you saw on TV was a congressman waving his finger and scolding the opposition and no one opposing him. You would think the rest of the body must agree. (Special Orders time is granted to all congressman usually when no one is around -before or after a session--in those days you couldn't tell the House was empty). The Speaker of the House "Tip" O Neal was furious with Gingrich for his manipulation of the TV coverage and later took to the well of the House to tell him so. When O Neal's language got personal "then" congressman Trent Lott called from the floor that O Neal's words "be taken down" and O Neal's words were gaveled down. A severe punishment for any house member to suffer but it was proper.
What Joe Wilson did was far more serious and I wonder if "Race" did not play a part.
But we will discuss that at a future time. I now must go read The Distinguished Senator from Montana's Health Care proposal.
Be Well Citizens
A Journeyman Citizen

Welcome

2009-09-15T09:09:00.000-07:00

Good Day Citizens

Let me get right to it--

Blogging is a new concept for me and this blog will concentrate on my thoughts and opinions on being a journeyman citizen of the United States of America. I have been a citizen since birth and although I am proud to be a citizen of the U.S.A I am sometimes flummoxed by the actions of my fellow citizens. Through this blog I hope to understand or as my Grandmother would say "make sense" of the political climate of these days.

A climate in which civility and good manners of many of our citizens have given way to rudeness and bad behavior can only be explained by those who do or condone such actions. Now I like to rant and rave about problems as well as the next person but apologizing after yelling "fire" in the crowded theatre or "you lie" to an elected official, for me at least, doesn't resolve that issue.

This is where you get to help.

I want your civil input on this behavior and these posts and whatever else floats your boat as long as it is related to the political climate of the day.

That's simple enough

Regards

A Journeyman Citizen