As many of us know, Hilary Clinton is against guns. She will tell you she supports the second amendment but it's a lie. She and others of her ilk would remove every legal gun from the hands of law abiding Americans and still not make a dent in the illegal guns used in criminal activity.
The logic of removing legal weapons from the hands of Americans to minimize the possibility of injury or death to others is like taking cookies away from every American because some are obese. Or taking away cars because some people drive drunk. If you simply look at statistics, many more people are killed by drunk drivers than all the legal guns in the country. But little is really being done to curb drunken driving. People convicted of drunk or impaired driving will still get a car and drive. Same with illegal guns, they will always be available no matter how you try and punish the legal gun owner.
A scenario that should scare every law abiding gun owner in America:
Clinton is elected and within months of taking office she appoints another leftist liberal to the Supreme Court. Then the government submits that the Second Amendment is not constitutional and the now left leaning Court decides to abolish it or even worse, decides to "clarify it" to exclude the ownership of firearms by citizens. Note they no longer delineate legal from illegal ownership...they simply ban all ownership of firearms.
Legal gun owners submit petitions and attempt to have the decision overturned. The Supreme Court simply refuses to hear the appeals and Clinton signs an executive order to have all firearms confiscated.
The Federal and State governments use their gun owners lists to target legal gun owners and force them to surrender their firearms within 10 days. Clinton thought 30 days was too long and a lengthier time schedule might allow people to cache their guns so it was decided to force surrender quickly. When firearms are not turned in on schedule, police, bolstered by federal agents and US Marshals go house to house and remove firearms. Persons who refuse to do so are are arrested and their guns seized. Homes are torn apart looking for firearms that have not been turned in or seized.
A large group of gun owners refuse to turn in their guns and Federal troops are called in to enforce Clinton's edict. Homes are literally destroyed in the continuing search for firearms and there are armed confrontations in homes and on the streets. Clinton's puppet Supreme Court renders an emergency decision that owning a weapon is now a violent felony although no crime has been committed, except failing to turn in a legal weapon. Police and troops are given the orders that any engagement with a known armed person is reason to shoot on sight. Thousands are killed in the bloodshed following.
The hold outs still having weapons move to rural areas and establish compounds to retain their freedoms. Troops surround their compounds and move in with armored vehicles and tanks to suppress the revolt. In a few weeks, legal gun owners in America have been effectively disarmed.
The streets of our cities are in total mayhem. The illegal guns have now taken over the streets. Gangs and thugs roam free and move from house to house, taking people and property at their leisure. Resisters are shot and the gangs proliferate and grow.
Clinton has achieved her goal, the legal gun owners have lost their Constitutional right to own and bear arms. America is in chaos, and the liberals have finally turned America into a cesspool, just like a third world country. America is lost and there is no turning back. We are just waiting for the first strike from Russia or even another country now that our citizens are unarmed.
Yes, this is a fairy tale. Rather it is a nightmare that has not happened yet. What gun owners do at the polls in November may well be the reason this never happens. Regardless of what party you used to support, is your freedom enough to continue voting on party lines? Nobody can decide for you, so you decide. Will it be freedom or tyranny?
Remember what happened when Hitler told the Germans that taking away their guns would make that country so much more peaceful. Do you not see the parallel here?
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
CalTrans, lies and deceit
A residential community in San Diego's north county has been waiting for construction of a sound wall for many years. California Department of Transportation, more commonly known as CalTrans, made numerous promises to homeowners and their association on construction, timelines, scheduling and much more. The problem, is after so many years, the promises are turning out to be lies and deceit.
Way back in 2010, residents of this community were meeting with CalTrans officials to discuss the widening of Interstate 5 and the impacts it would have on residents. The specter of a new sound wall was raised, with CalTrans then designing a 14 foot high wall that would reduce the noise impact to residents of this community. So, what happened?
For six years, CalTrans has met with the homeowners and strung them along with promises, outright lies that the sound wall would be built before the freeway was widened. And, after 6 years of planning, CalTrans now states the wall is delayed due to some Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) that suddenly becomes important. They make it seem like they just found out, but then we find out they actually knew this many years ago but failed to figure this into their concocted stories. CalTrans will not admit who requires the ESA, just that it is according to "standards." The Coastal Commission was mentioned but they seem to have no idea who required this ESA. And CalTrans seems stunned that they have to construct some of the sound wall from outside the residential properties when they actually knew this for what, five or six years?
Now, CalTrans states they will build the freeway regardless of the wall being delayed. Homeowners, who have been impacted by the unmitigated noise levels of an ever growing traffic mass will now be further impacted by construction noise, dust and dirt. CalTrans even had the unmitigated gall to state they might possibly not "open the new lanes to traffic" until the wall was completed. Anyone who would believe that from the get-go is a fool.
But, that's not even the worst of the fabrications that were weaved for homeowners by CalTrans. They are going to do the freeway construction at night! That means no sleep for residents anywhere near the freeway with extreme noise, bright lights and the incessant beep-beep of backup alarms all night long. And CalTrans doesn't give a rats ass about the residents. Not at all.
Some points to know:
Once again, we cannot trust the State of California for anything. They didn't want more lawsuits over the freeway construction so they lied to get people to believe they were actually going to consider residents in their planning. Not so.
So, if CalTrans tells you anything do not believe it. They are likely telling you something just to avoid any slowing down of their steamroller projects. We pay their salaries through taxes yet once again, the taxpayer gets screwed.
Way back in 2010, residents of this community were meeting with CalTrans officials to discuss the widening of Interstate 5 and the impacts it would have on residents. The specter of a new sound wall was raised, with CalTrans then designing a 14 foot high wall that would reduce the noise impact to residents of this community. So, what happened?
For six years, CalTrans has met with the homeowners and strung them along with promises, outright lies that the sound wall would be built before the freeway was widened. And, after 6 years of planning, CalTrans now states the wall is delayed due to some Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) that suddenly becomes important. They make it seem like they just found out, but then we find out they actually knew this many years ago but failed to figure this into their concocted stories. CalTrans will not admit who requires the ESA, just that it is according to "standards." The Coastal Commission was mentioned but they seem to have no idea who required this ESA. And CalTrans seems stunned that they have to construct some of the sound wall from outside the residential properties when they actually knew this for what, five or six years?
Now, CalTrans states they will build the freeway regardless of the wall being delayed. Homeowners, who have been impacted by the unmitigated noise levels of an ever growing traffic mass will now be further impacted by construction noise, dust and dirt. CalTrans even had the unmitigated gall to state they might possibly not "open the new lanes to traffic" until the wall was completed. Anyone who would believe that from the get-go is a fool.
But, that's not even the worst of the fabrications that were weaved for homeowners by CalTrans. They are going to do the freeway construction at night! That means no sleep for residents anywhere near the freeway with extreme noise, bright lights and the incessant beep-beep of backup alarms all night long. And CalTrans doesn't give a rats ass about the residents. Not at all.
Some points to know:
CT KNEW
that there was an ESA as far back as 2006
but continued to lead us on about the wall construction.
CT KNEW from the beginning that some of the sound wall work would have to be completed from outside the property.
CT KNEW they would build the freeway lanes whether or not the sound wall was erected.
CT has absolutely no regard for the homeowners who will be impacted by the intolerable construction.
CT
KNEW they would build at night but lulled us into a false sense of
security by stating the wall would be built between 8 am and 5 pm, with
us foolishly believing they would actually adhere to the original story
of building the wall first.
CT
has avoided telling us who actually required the ESA in the first
place, rather telling us it was done in accordance with "standards".Once again, we cannot trust the State of California for anything. They didn't want more lawsuits over the freeway construction so they lied to get people to believe they were actually going to consider residents in their planning. Not so.
So, if CalTrans tells you anything do not believe it. They are likely telling you something just to avoid any slowing down of their steamroller projects. We pay their salaries through taxes yet once again, the taxpayer gets screwed.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Another Reason The U S Postal Service is Failing
It simply amazes me at the inefficiency of the United States Postal Service. The lack of training, inefficient shipping and plain idiots who handle our mail leaves little doubt on why the system is always in trouble.
For example, we have mail to be picked up and have even purchased large labels asking that it be scanned. Hmm...latest is the the idiot who picks up the mail just leaves it in the box and never takes it. We not only have to place notes that say SCAN ME but also PLEASE TAKE WITH YOU AND SCAN! WTF? And they complain that people are not supporting them. Why should we when we now have alternate means to ship most larger parcels.
I have an item coming from overseas and it arrives within 3 days at Los Angeles. Then it sits for 4 days before it moves to the relay facility who then ships it 38 miles further away from where the destination is. What? The distance from LA to here is about 90 miles but they ship it north an additional 38 miles so it is now 128 miles away. And it took then how many days to do that?
I have to laugh when Royal Mail can get things overseas in less than 3 days and it then takes the USPS another week to get it less than 100 miles to the end point. Brits, don't complain about your Post, just be glad our government is not running it and bailing it out.
Complain to the USPS and it does little to ever correct the situation. Apparently the hiring process is no better than it was over 50 years ago, with IQ absolutely not a requirement to handle or deliver mail. Every time we get a new mail carrier, we need to trade mail with neighbors. Hell, when we get a good mail carrier, they transfer them somewhere else. We just get the dregs.
Amazon can deliver in a day or two and the USPS can not. Amazon does it for free with Prime and even with Priority Mail you never know when things will be delivered. Pay 18 dollars for a large box with two day delivery and it even says two day on the label and it takes four or five. And the USPS just yawns again.
And the government, the taxpayers, just continue to bail out this archaic system. Privatize it and we will pay more they say, but maybe we will actually get timely service? I've never had FedEx or UPS fail to pick up a package so why can't the USPS do it? Food for thought.
UPDATE: The registered mail, which the USPS touts as being ultra secure and handled so carefully, was never scanned by the local post office before going out for delivery. I called in and asked if it was out for delivery and was told it must be because it is not here? WTF? That is secure?
Add to that the news this past weekend that 33 employees of the USPS either had warrants or were arrested for stealing mail and/or its contents. One person stole 199 cell phones and they found 43,000 pieces of mail at another postal workers house! One of them is the ex-president of the Mail Handlers Union! And, the news last week also showed surveillance video of a mail person dumping mail in a dumpster so she didn't have to deliver it.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-usps-mail-theft-20160827-snap-story.html
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/32765413/postal-worker-caught-dumping-mail-into-lee-co-dumpster
For example, we have mail to be picked up and have even purchased large labels asking that it be scanned. Hmm...latest is the the idiot who picks up the mail just leaves it in the box and never takes it. We not only have to place notes that say SCAN ME but also PLEASE TAKE WITH YOU AND SCAN! WTF? And they complain that people are not supporting them. Why should we when we now have alternate means to ship most larger parcels.
I have an item coming from overseas and it arrives within 3 days at Los Angeles. Then it sits for 4 days before it moves to the relay facility who then ships it 38 miles further away from where the destination is. What? The distance from LA to here is about 90 miles but they ship it north an additional 38 miles so it is now 128 miles away. And it took then how many days to do that?
I have to laugh when Royal Mail can get things overseas in less than 3 days and it then takes the USPS another week to get it less than 100 miles to the end point. Brits, don't complain about your Post, just be glad our government is not running it and bailing it out.
Complain to the USPS and it does little to ever correct the situation. Apparently the hiring process is no better than it was over 50 years ago, with IQ absolutely not a requirement to handle or deliver mail. Every time we get a new mail carrier, we need to trade mail with neighbors. Hell, when we get a good mail carrier, they transfer them somewhere else. We just get the dregs.
Amazon can deliver in a day or two and the USPS can not. Amazon does it for free with Prime and even with Priority Mail you never know when things will be delivered. Pay 18 dollars for a large box with two day delivery and it even says two day on the label and it takes four or five. And the USPS just yawns again.
And the government, the taxpayers, just continue to bail out this archaic system. Privatize it and we will pay more they say, but maybe we will actually get timely service? I've never had FedEx or UPS fail to pick up a package so why can't the USPS do it? Food for thought.
UPDATE: The registered mail, which the USPS touts as being ultra secure and handled so carefully, was never scanned by the local post office before going out for delivery. I called in and asked if it was out for delivery and was told it must be because it is not here? WTF? That is secure?
Add to that the news this past weekend that 33 employees of the USPS either had warrants or were arrested for stealing mail and/or its contents. One person stole 199 cell phones and they found 43,000 pieces of mail at another postal workers house! One of them is the ex-president of the Mail Handlers Union! And, the news last week also showed surveillance video of a mail person dumping mail in a dumpster so she didn't have to deliver it.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-usps-mail-theft-20160827-snap-story.html
http://www.nbc-2.com/story/32765413/postal-worker-caught-dumping-mail-into-lee-co-dumpster
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
The good, bad and ugly of online shopping
I have to confess that I do a significant amount of online shopping. It just is so easy to be able to compare products and prices on specific items and order them from the comfort of your home. No fuel costs, parking issues, and inclement weather never a problem either. The convenience of having the worlds' goods at your fingertips. Awesome.
However, there are good and bad shopping experiences I want to share with you. Kudos or roses to one specific site and onions to the other.
The beginning is that it is hot as Hades here and we needed a portable air conditioner. So I searched the Internet for a good price and fast shipping so we could receive something to cool at least the bedroom. My spouse and I both have cardiac issues so extreme heat is not a positive influence in our lives.
Amazon.com Everyone seems to know this site and they are absolutely awesome. Free shipping on most items over a certain threshold (free always if you subscribe to PRIME), free returns, great customer service, fast refunds on returns (Amazon will normally credit you account as soon as UPS picks up the return!) Generally quality merchandise, although you do need to be careful when choosing an item or seller where the product is not fulfilled directly by Amazon. Check their ratings and decide whether that choice is best for you. Feedback is important, just like shopping on eBay.
I ordered an air conditioner from Amazon on Saturday and it was delivered to my door in excellent condition on Monday, actually one business day later, and a day earlier than expected. And no extra shipping costs too. Product was in a sealed box, with all the required parts, no damage and was the right unit I ordered. And it operates just as intended. Success!
Jet.com Unfortunately, my high hopes for success with this company have been decimated to say the least. I ordered an air conditioner of one brand and size and was excited to see UPS pull up about 4 days later with..the wrong one! Not only was the capacity wrong, it was even the wrong brand so I sent it back with the UPS person. The return e-mail stated a refund would be issued within 7 to 10 days. What they actually mean is 7 to 10 business days after receiving the item back at the original shipping point! The item was received at their warehouse a week later and it took another week for them to issue a refund, which has yet to get to my credit card company.
Before realizing the error of my ways, I ordered a second air conditioner from Jet.com, this time opting for a different brand as the one I originally ordered was apparently not available. Again, this one arrived about 4 days later and the box was pretty beat up and looked to have been opened before; the UPS person said many look that way and it was relatively normal so I accepted delivery. Big mistake. Upon opening the box, it was clear the unit had previously been opened. The front of the appliance was dirty and the foam packaging was all broken. To further add insult to this deal, the critical parts to install the window portion of the unit were missing. Clearly this had been a return or some other product issue before I received it.
I spoke to a Michael at Jet.com and requested a return. He stated it would go back by FedEx, not UPS as it had come and he would put in a pickup for the next day. Unfortunately, FedEx does NOT provide a pickup label when they arrive to pickup the package, but UPS does. Michael failed to send me a label so the next day FedEx shows up and announces this 77 lb behemoth would not be picked up and they would have to come back another day after a label was affixed by me. Oh, crap, haul the damned box back inside again. Called Jet.com and a Natalie apologized and sent a label while scheduling another pickup. Drag the damned box outside again the next morning so FedEx can pick it up. Finally it is gone, but takes a week to reach the warehouse and probably at least another week or more for a refund.
Jet.com has some of the lowest prices on the Internet for many goods and does offer free shipping. But when they cannot fulfill an order correctly or send second rate merchandise, the old adage well applies..."The bitterness of a bad deal lingers long after the sweetness of a low price."
Jet.com never tells you where the item is coming from, just from a "Trusted Seller". Not so trusted by me for sure. Sadly, I will never order again as regardless of their hype, the only one with the top of their head popping off was me with a massive headache dealing with them.
It is "Caveat Emptor" or "Buyer Beware" when ordering online. If you think the deal is too good, it probably isn't.
However, there are good and bad shopping experiences I want to share with you. Kudos or roses to one specific site and onions to the other.
The beginning is that it is hot as Hades here and we needed a portable air conditioner. So I searched the Internet for a good price and fast shipping so we could receive something to cool at least the bedroom. My spouse and I both have cardiac issues so extreme heat is not a positive influence in our lives.
Amazon.com Everyone seems to know this site and they are absolutely awesome. Free shipping on most items over a certain threshold (free always if you subscribe to PRIME), free returns, great customer service, fast refunds on returns (Amazon will normally credit you account as soon as UPS picks up the return!) Generally quality merchandise, although you do need to be careful when choosing an item or seller where the product is not fulfilled directly by Amazon. Check their ratings and decide whether that choice is best for you. Feedback is important, just like shopping on eBay.
I ordered an air conditioner from Amazon on Saturday and it was delivered to my door in excellent condition on Monday, actually one business day later, and a day earlier than expected. And no extra shipping costs too. Product was in a sealed box, with all the required parts, no damage and was the right unit I ordered. And it operates just as intended. Success!
Jet.com Unfortunately, my high hopes for success with this company have been decimated to say the least. I ordered an air conditioner of one brand and size and was excited to see UPS pull up about 4 days later with..the wrong one! Not only was the capacity wrong, it was even the wrong brand so I sent it back with the UPS person. The return e-mail stated a refund would be issued within 7 to 10 days. What they actually mean is 7 to 10 business days after receiving the item back at the original shipping point! The item was received at their warehouse a week later and it took another week for them to issue a refund, which has yet to get to my credit card company.
Before realizing the error of my ways, I ordered a second air conditioner from Jet.com, this time opting for a different brand as the one I originally ordered was apparently not available. Again, this one arrived about 4 days later and the box was pretty beat up and looked to have been opened before; the UPS person said many look that way and it was relatively normal so I accepted delivery. Big mistake. Upon opening the box, it was clear the unit had previously been opened. The front of the appliance was dirty and the foam packaging was all broken. To further add insult to this deal, the critical parts to install the window portion of the unit were missing. Clearly this had been a return or some other product issue before I received it.
I spoke to a Michael at Jet.com and requested a return. He stated it would go back by FedEx, not UPS as it had come and he would put in a pickup for the next day. Unfortunately, FedEx does NOT provide a pickup label when they arrive to pickup the package, but UPS does. Michael failed to send me a label so the next day FedEx shows up and announces this 77 lb behemoth would not be picked up and they would have to come back another day after a label was affixed by me. Oh, crap, haul the damned box back inside again. Called Jet.com and a Natalie apologized and sent a label while scheduling another pickup. Drag the damned box outside again the next morning so FedEx can pick it up. Finally it is gone, but takes a week to reach the warehouse and probably at least another week or more for a refund.
Jet.com has some of the lowest prices on the Internet for many goods and does offer free shipping. But when they cannot fulfill an order correctly or send second rate merchandise, the old adage well applies..."The bitterness of a bad deal lingers long after the sweetness of a low price."
Jet.com never tells you where the item is coming from, just from a "Trusted Seller". Not so trusted by me for sure. Sadly, I will never order again as regardless of their hype, the only one with the top of their head popping off was me with a massive headache dealing with them.
It is "Caveat Emptor" or "Buyer Beware" when ordering online. If you think the deal is too good, it probably isn't.
Wednesday, July 13, 2016
What is Right About America
We keep hearing how America is falling apart, America is becoming extinct, Americans values are gone, and so much more. But there is a simple truth to where this country is headed....
The problem lies not with America, but with people who have something to gain, either ideologically or monetarily, and who keep voting the same people in term after term. Regardless of how they squander the taxpayers money or how corrupt they are, the idiots keep voting them in time and again.
Why? Because many people, regardless of color, are on the gravy train that never stops at a station except to collect more money and benefits. Politicians pander to those who will vote for them by promising, and giving, rewards. More welfare, forgiveness of student loans, more shelter dodges for illegals, etc. If you offered a dollar to anyone who votes for you, it would be a crime. So the politicians simply promise more "dollars" in the form of freebies and those sucking off the hind tit of society go for the politicians who give the best freebies. Thus Sanders and Clinton, whose platforms include more and more give-aways, and subservience to foreign governments. Just like the current "leader" the future will be bleak if we do not turn things around.
I am so damned sick and tired of the police being vilified because 99.99 percent do a good job and are honest, hard working men and women in a thankless job. Black Lives Matter? Sure they do, every life matters. But the same people screaming at the cops are the ones who turn a blind eye to the crime statistics of black people killing other blacks. But that does not matter to them, they won't get out and make their neighborhoods safer, they just bitch and moan and sit on their collective asses while the cops are trying to stem the rampant crime. And they complain that police are harassing them when the police are in their neighborhoods and make an arrest, no matter how righteous. Yet they want the police to be there if the crime is committed on them. Same with a minority of Latinos and others who seem to think the only time a cop should be around is when they need one to cover their butt, not to arrest illegals or criminals or gang bangers! How sad for the good people of all races.
What is really disheartening is how many great people of color there are in this world, and the small number who have nothing better to do than protest, result in much public opinion being turned against people of color in general. Factually, they have the same problem as the police; most are decent people who just want a decent life. Most work and support their families and don't have time to protest all day. But exactly what has happened to law enforcement in general has also broad brushed the black community. If you are against the activists you are called a racist. If you are against the police you are called a supporter of the activists, nothing more.
The shooter who killed police officers in Dallas was a racist, through and through. Such acts severely deepen the chasm between the races and foster hate and division. Yet some people see this act as good and praise the gunman for his vile deeds. That is patently wrong on every level. What is wrong that we simply cannot see there are bad and good in every race and broad brushing everyone is just wrong?
In my opinion, the proliferation of freebies for people on the the public dole who should be working but will not, Section 8 housing where it is not warranted, and people having multiple non-family members living in the house at taxpayers expense, mothers with multiple children from multiple fathers who walk away from their responsibilities and move on to impregnate some more women, (Black and white and every other race, color are included), scammers on the system who collect benefits they are not entitled to, and the lack of a decent justice system that actually punishes criminals, especially those repeat offenders, are major reasons we are in this mess.
Speaking of criminal acts, it is outrageous where a citizen can make an honest several hundred dollar mistake on their taxes and be hounded by the IRS and charged interest, fines, and fees, while others can owe millions of dollars and get special treatment because of who they know or are. And the same goes for claiming disability benefits when people are actually able to work a solid job, but scam the system and feign a disability while sucking off the taxpayers paychecks. And they think they are actually entitled to these benefits!! No wonder Social Security is in worse shape than ever, when money is moved to the disability fund from the Social Security Trust Fund at the expense of retirees who count on that money to survive. And, those who have to worry about their benefits being cut are the ones who actually worked and payed into the system all their working life! As a note, I am not against those who have an honest disability, just the scammers who screw us all over. And I am mad at the justice system that turns a blind eye to allow these scams to continue.
Student loans are another issue today. Why is it that if you decide to go to any school, many for way over the four years and spend the student loan money on a car, bar, vacations, dates and everything else plus your schooling, and run up a $100,000+ debt that the taxpayers should be required to pick up YOUR debt? If a citizen runs up their credit card, nobody else gets to pay the debt. Many of us actually worked our way through college, and scrimped and saved to pay the bills. We did it by hard work, those with student loans had to pay them off month by month over many years. A month on forbearance meant another months payments at the end plus more interest. Why in hell should anyone expect that their student loan be forgiven? Maybe the government will then forgive mortgages? I think not.
People who went to schools they did not fully vet before enrolling now want the government to forgive their loans because they failed to do due diligence. What? Just because some people are idiots and easily scammed by any school, especially online schools and those who advertise online, they think we should bail them out? I hope they never buy a nice car, a home or anything else of great material value because they are in for a rude awakening. Nobody is going to pay the bills for them. GROW UP and get real. You made the decision so suck it up!
Finally, the "celebrities" who are absolutely nothing make statements that the "press" publishes, as yellow journalism does. These people are not celebrities but boils on the butt of society and how can anyone even consider listening to the tripe that emanates from them? Come on. America, wake up and get real. A wanna be singer, rapper, actor, artist, You Tube maker or anything else is just that...a wanna be that means zip, zero, Nada. Everyone should aspire to greatness,but these people will never be great, just mediocre at best.
The problem lies not with America, but with people who have something to gain, either ideologically or monetarily, and who keep voting the same people in term after term. Regardless of how they squander the taxpayers money or how corrupt they are, the idiots keep voting them in time and again.
Why? Because many people, regardless of color, are on the gravy train that never stops at a station except to collect more money and benefits. Politicians pander to those who will vote for them by promising, and giving, rewards. More welfare, forgiveness of student loans, more shelter dodges for illegals, etc. If you offered a dollar to anyone who votes for you, it would be a crime. So the politicians simply promise more "dollars" in the form of freebies and those sucking off the hind tit of society go for the politicians who give the best freebies. Thus Sanders and Clinton, whose platforms include more and more give-aways, and subservience to foreign governments. Just like the current "leader" the future will be bleak if we do not turn things around.
I am so damned sick and tired of the police being vilified because 99.99 percent do a good job and are honest, hard working men and women in a thankless job. Black Lives Matter? Sure they do, every life matters. But the same people screaming at the cops are the ones who turn a blind eye to the crime statistics of black people killing other blacks. But that does not matter to them, they won't get out and make their neighborhoods safer, they just bitch and moan and sit on their collective asses while the cops are trying to stem the rampant crime. And they complain that police are harassing them when the police are in their neighborhoods and make an arrest, no matter how righteous. Yet they want the police to be there if the crime is committed on them. Same with a minority of Latinos and others who seem to think the only time a cop should be around is when they need one to cover their butt, not to arrest illegals or criminals or gang bangers! How sad for the good people of all races.
What is really disheartening is how many great people of color there are in this world, and the small number who have nothing better to do than protest, result in much public opinion being turned against people of color in general. Factually, they have the same problem as the police; most are decent people who just want a decent life. Most work and support their families and don't have time to protest all day. But exactly what has happened to law enforcement in general has also broad brushed the black community. If you are against the activists you are called a racist. If you are against the police you are called a supporter of the activists, nothing more.
The shooter who killed police officers in Dallas was a racist, through and through. Such acts severely deepen the chasm between the races and foster hate and division. Yet some people see this act as good and praise the gunman for his vile deeds. That is patently wrong on every level. What is wrong that we simply cannot see there are bad and good in every race and broad brushing everyone is just wrong?
In my opinion, the proliferation of freebies for people on the the public dole who should be working but will not, Section 8 housing where it is not warranted, and people having multiple non-family members living in the house at taxpayers expense, mothers with multiple children from multiple fathers who walk away from their responsibilities and move on to impregnate some more women, (Black and white and every other race, color are included), scammers on the system who collect benefits they are not entitled to, and the lack of a decent justice system that actually punishes criminals, especially those repeat offenders, are major reasons we are in this mess.
Speaking of criminal acts, it is outrageous where a citizen can make an honest several hundred dollar mistake on their taxes and be hounded by the IRS and charged interest, fines, and fees, while others can owe millions of dollars and get special treatment because of who they know or are. And the same goes for claiming disability benefits when people are actually able to work a solid job, but scam the system and feign a disability while sucking off the taxpayers paychecks. And they think they are actually entitled to these benefits!! No wonder Social Security is in worse shape than ever, when money is moved to the disability fund from the Social Security Trust Fund at the expense of retirees who count on that money to survive. And, those who have to worry about their benefits being cut are the ones who actually worked and payed into the system all their working life! As a note, I am not against those who have an honest disability, just the scammers who screw us all over. And I am mad at the justice system that turns a blind eye to allow these scams to continue.
Student loans are another issue today. Why is it that if you decide to go to any school, many for way over the four years and spend the student loan money on a car, bar, vacations, dates and everything else plus your schooling, and run up a $100,000+ debt that the taxpayers should be required to pick up YOUR debt? If a citizen runs up their credit card, nobody else gets to pay the debt. Many of us actually worked our way through college, and scrimped and saved to pay the bills. We did it by hard work, those with student loans had to pay them off month by month over many years. A month on forbearance meant another months payments at the end plus more interest. Why in hell should anyone expect that their student loan be forgiven? Maybe the government will then forgive mortgages? I think not.
People who went to schools they did not fully vet before enrolling now want the government to forgive their loans because they failed to do due diligence. What? Just because some people are idiots and easily scammed by any school, especially online schools and those who advertise online, they think we should bail them out? I hope they never buy a nice car, a home or anything else of great material value because they are in for a rude awakening. Nobody is going to pay the bills for them. GROW UP and get real. You made the decision so suck it up!
Finally, the "celebrities" who are absolutely nothing make statements that the "press" publishes, as yellow journalism does. These people are not celebrities but boils on the butt of society and how can anyone even consider listening to the tripe that emanates from them? Come on. America, wake up and get real. A wanna be singer, rapper, actor, artist, You Tube maker or anything else is just that...a wanna be that means zip, zero, Nada. Everyone should aspire to greatness,but these people will never be great, just mediocre at best.
Thursday, July 7, 2016
Land of the Free(bies)
Many who have served this country in the military or in positions of public service have rightfully earned benefits. Of course, sometimes they have to fight for those benefits, and the fight can be long and hard. Disabled veterans fight to have their cases handled and sometimes wait years for a determination. Sadly, some die while the bureaucrats make them go through hoops to prove the shrapnel in their back, or leg, or traumatic brain injury was a result of service to our country.
Yet, the same bureaucrats seem to have absolutely no problems giving hundreds of billions away to those who have given nothing to the country, simply existing to drain the public coffers. Generations of welfare recipients, sometimes the third and fourth generation, garnering every possible benefit known to man, sit on their collective asses while others work to provide their existence. Babies with gold earrings, baby daddies with huge gold chains, Section 8 housing for the baby mama who never worked a day in their lives., tax credits for people who never paid taxes, illegals living on taxpayers funds, And scamming the system How the hell does this happen? The government fosters this mentality and has for decades.
If you go to the root of the problem, it starts with a lack of fundamental morals and the impregnation of women by men who will never stay and support them. The government then steps in and feels a responsibility to help out so they start the welfare chain. Of course, the now baby mama has more children and the taxpayers pay for prenatal care, birthing, child care, and so much more while the baby daddy goes out and impregnates more and more women. One man boasted that he believes he has over a hundred children with many baby mamas; one woman stated she has 10 children. While the taxpayers fund Section 8 housing where the recipients pay little to nothing, the new boyfriends, soon to become baby daddies, move in. Sure that is against the rules but there are no rules it seems for these people; they just don't have rules like those who support them. And more kids end up on the way. A great number of the fathers are incarcerated as a result of their lifestyle but never pay a cent in support for all the children they have fathered.
Our government has not only allowed, but aided and abetted the abuse of this system. The liberal politicians use the freebies as a way to garner votes, because if we had elected officials with any balls to stand up and change the system, they get outvoted by those who want not only to continue the status quo, but to improve it.
A sad commentary on our society.
Yet, the same bureaucrats seem to have absolutely no problems giving hundreds of billions away to those who have given nothing to the country, simply existing to drain the public coffers. Generations of welfare recipients, sometimes the third and fourth generation, garnering every possible benefit known to man, sit on their collective asses while others work to provide their existence. Babies with gold earrings, baby daddies with huge gold chains, Section 8 housing for the baby mama who never worked a day in their lives., tax credits for people who never paid taxes, illegals living on taxpayers funds, And scamming the system How the hell does this happen? The government fosters this mentality and has for decades.
If you go to the root of the problem, it starts with a lack of fundamental morals and the impregnation of women by men who will never stay and support them. The government then steps in and feels a responsibility to help out so they start the welfare chain. Of course, the now baby mama has more children and the taxpayers pay for prenatal care, birthing, child care, and so much more while the baby daddy goes out and impregnates more and more women. One man boasted that he believes he has over a hundred children with many baby mamas; one woman stated she has 10 children. While the taxpayers fund Section 8 housing where the recipients pay little to nothing, the new boyfriends, soon to become baby daddies, move in. Sure that is against the rules but there are no rules it seems for these people; they just don't have rules like those who support them. And more kids end up on the way. A great number of the fathers are incarcerated as a result of their lifestyle but never pay a cent in support for all the children they have fathered.
Our government has not only allowed, but aided and abetted the abuse of this system. The liberal politicians use the freebies as a way to garner votes, because if we had elected officials with any balls to stand up and change the system, they get outvoted by those who want not only to continue the status quo, but to improve it.
A sad commentary on our society.
Giving Away America
It's no new realization, but rather one that haunts most working Americans that they are supporting more and more "no-loads" every day. Here's some examples on how the honest citizen taxpayer is getting screwed:
You work 40 hours or more a week, work overtime when you can get it for the extra money, pay your bills, pay your federal, state and local taxes, pay for medical, auto and home insurance, have a mortgage, live with your spouse and two small children in a two bedroom house. You worry about the next months rent, dental costs for the kids, and replacing the older vehicle you have as your only means of transportation. The electric bill is getting higher and you forego installing air conditioning because of the cost, using only fans to help through the sweltering summer months. You seldom eat out as the cost of doing so is prohibitive. Your vacations are time spent at home fixing up the house, gardening and keeping your property well maintained. The last decent vacation was 4 years ago, a five day trip to the beach for which you worked countless of overtime hours to pay for. Your kids want a large breed dog, but the costs of care exceeds what you can afford right now.
Meanwhile, down the street lives a family consisting of a mother and three children and two large dogs. The fathers of the children are missing or incarcerated, and pay zero toward the support of the children. They live in a 4 bedroom home, about twice the size of yours and are on welfare, as well as Section 8 housing. They pay only $200 on the $1800 dollar a month rent, have a newer vehicle in the driveway, do not work, and receive numerous other social program benefits such as SNAP, WIC, and an EBT card that they frequently use at the local fast food place. Their medical is paid through Medicaid or MediCal and the children under 18 receive free dental care as well. Having the babies was free through more give away programs and both pre-natal and post-natal care is covered. In addition, they received a new refrigerator, reduced electric rates, a free cell phone for the family and reduced rates on cable TV. Their house is air conditioned and it seems to run constantly. If they need to go to the doctor and the car is not available, they receive transportation vouchers. They carry no auto insurance, letting it expire after one payment, and you note the registration on their car has expired long ago. Two of the children are teens who also do not work, but hang out on the street all evening. Their yard is a mess but they have no interest in cleaning it up and the landlord is not pro-active in cleaning it up either.
But it doesn't end there. Need legal help? You will have to pay for it, but the No-Loads can get it for free. And, if they think the landlord is not keeping the home up to their requirements, they complain to Section 8 and that entity will withhold payment to the landlord until any and all issues are fixed. And if they keep complaining, they won't pay rent until they are evicted. Oh, wait, they know how to use the housing courts so they can stay in a home rent free until the case is adjudicated, usually in a stipulation where they are allowed to stay months rent free before the landlord has to try and get rid of them again. Damages to the house? What did I do is a familiar cry. No matter how bad they keep the place, it's never their fault.
The teens drive the family car and don't have driver licenses. Because in their minds the law does not apply to them. No insurance means if they hit you, they will likely run and say they were not driving. And you will get stuck with the bills. And what are you going to sue them for...their welfare payment? You're just screwed.
My dad always said if you don't work you don't eat. Simple enough. A 400 lb person who says they have to have disability because they can't breathe well or their legs are problems might lose some weight? I guarantee losing weight has a positive health effect on both of those issues. Sure there are some honest disabilities but why can these people go to the club and drink and dance and produce more illegitimate kids, but not work? Veterans injured in combat have more problem getting disability than the no-load who sits at home every day. That's because the administrative law judges blow these welfare cases off and it impacts your Social Security. Note how the politicians shored up disability at the cost of Social Security? Why...for votes! And those who payed into the system all their working lives have to contend with potential shortfalls in the future.
Time to wake up and smell the garbage. If you are sick and tired of this crap you need to dump the people who continuously add to the burden of the taxpayer and make your life difficult while supporting no-loads. You might not agree with all Trump's ideas but when you consider the alternatives it is scary as hell for the working people of America.
You work 40 hours or more a week, work overtime when you can get it for the extra money, pay your bills, pay your federal, state and local taxes, pay for medical, auto and home insurance, have a mortgage, live with your spouse and two small children in a two bedroom house. You worry about the next months rent, dental costs for the kids, and replacing the older vehicle you have as your only means of transportation. The electric bill is getting higher and you forego installing air conditioning because of the cost, using only fans to help through the sweltering summer months. You seldom eat out as the cost of doing so is prohibitive. Your vacations are time spent at home fixing up the house, gardening and keeping your property well maintained. The last decent vacation was 4 years ago, a five day trip to the beach for which you worked countless of overtime hours to pay for. Your kids want a large breed dog, but the costs of care exceeds what you can afford right now.
Meanwhile, down the street lives a family consisting of a mother and three children and two large dogs. The fathers of the children are missing or incarcerated, and pay zero toward the support of the children. They live in a 4 bedroom home, about twice the size of yours and are on welfare, as well as Section 8 housing. They pay only $200 on the $1800 dollar a month rent, have a newer vehicle in the driveway, do not work, and receive numerous other social program benefits such as SNAP, WIC, and an EBT card that they frequently use at the local fast food place. Their medical is paid through Medicaid or MediCal and the children under 18 receive free dental care as well. Having the babies was free through more give away programs and both pre-natal and post-natal care is covered. In addition, they received a new refrigerator, reduced electric rates, a free cell phone for the family and reduced rates on cable TV. Their house is air conditioned and it seems to run constantly. If they need to go to the doctor and the car is not available, they receive transportation vouchers. They carry no auto insurance, letting it expire after one payment, and you note the registration on their car has expired long ago. Two of the children are teens who also do not work, but hang out on the street all evening. Their yard is a mess but they have no interest in cleaning it up and the landlord is not pro-active in cleaning it up either.
But it doesn't end there. Need legal help? You will have to pay for it, but the No-Loads can get it for free. And, if they think the landlord is not keeping the home up to their requirements, they complain to Section 8 and that entity will withhold payment to the landlord until any and all issues are fixed. And if they keep complaining, they won't pay rent until they are evicted. Oh, wait, they know how to use the housing courts so they can stay in a home rent free until the case is adjudicated, usually in a stipulation where they are allowed to stay months rent free before the landlord has to try and get rid of them again. Damages to the house? What did I do is a familiar cry. No matter how bad they keep the place, it's never their fault.
The teens drive the family car and don't have driver licenses. Because in their minds the law does not apply to them. No insurance means if they hit you, they will likely run and say they were not driving. And you will get stuck with the bills. And what are you going to sue them for...their welfare payment? You're just screwed.
My dad always said if you don't work you don't eat. Simple enough. A 400 lb person who says they have to have disability because they can't breathe well or their legs are problems might lose some weight? I guarantee losing weight has a positive health effect on both of those issues. Sure there are some honest disabilities but why can these people go to the club and drink and dance and produce more illegitimate kids, but not work? Veterans injured in combat have more problem getting disability than the no-load who sits at home every day. That's because the administrative law judges blow these welfare cases off and it impacts your Social Security. Note how the politicians shored up disability at the cost of Social Security? Why...for votes! And those who payed into the system all their working lives have to contend with potential shortfalls in the future.
Time to wake up and smell the garbage. If you are sick and tired of this crap you need to dump the people who continuously add to the burden of the taxpayer and make your life difficult while supporting no-loads. You might not agree with all Trump's ideas but when you consider the alternatives it is scary as hell for the working people of America.
Monday, June 20, 2016
Lost America
I an so ashamed of the Republican party and all the bickering and in-fighting surrounding this year's campaign. At no other time in my life have I seen such divisiveness and lack of cohesion as this year. Add to that those who are making every effort to assure that Donald Trump is not the candidate, and it makes me sick.
Americans have voted for Trump, regardless of how any splinter group feels. The people have spoken and I'm not debating whether they are right or wrong, but they have voted him as their specific candidate. And yet some group of idiots wants to take those votes and nullify them through some process that seems to even have the go ahead bu the Supreme Court.
It proves that your vote does not matter in America. No matter all the rhetoric about getting out and vote, if a small group of political buffoons can alter the course of an election by not allowing the American People their say, it proves the corrupt system under which we live.
In my opinion, the Republicans are simply handing over any semblance of a shot at the presidency to the Democrats. It is a sick, demented way of politics in this country and those who think that it is okay don't deserve to live here. I am not taking sides with either party but what is fair is fair and unfortunately, our system has become so corrupt that there is no longer a line between right and wrong.
The Republicans never did get their act together since the beginning of this campaign. Paul Ryan has been bad mouthing trump as bad as the Democrats. Hell, why even run anti-Trump ads when the Republicans will destroy his chances of election all by themselves. And destroy all the votes cast for the candidate, regardless of who thinks it's right or wrong.
In my opinion, the idiocy of the Republican Party will assure a Clinton victory. A sad statement about American politics.
Americans have voted for Trump, regardless of how any splinter group feels. The people have spoken and I'm not debating whether they are right or wrong, but they have voted him as their specific candidate. And yet some group of idiots wants to take those votes and nullify them through some process that seems to even have the go ahead bu the Supreme Court.
It proves that your vote does not matter in America. No matter all the rhetoric about getting out and vote, if a small group of political buffoons can alter the course of an election by not allowing the American People their say, it proves the corrupt system under which we live.
In my opinion, the Republicans are simply handing over any semblance of a shot at the presidency to the Democrats. It is a sick, demented way of politics in this country and those who think that it is okay don't deserve to live here. I am not taking sides with either party but what is fair is fair and unfortunately, our system has become so corrupt that there is no longer a line between right and wrong.
The Republicans never did get their act together since the beginning of this campaign. Paul Ryan has been bad mouthing trump as bad as the Democrats. Hell, why even run anti-Trump ads when the Republicans will destroy his chances of election all by themselves. And destroy all the votes cast for the candidate, regardless of who thinks it's right or wrong.
In my opinion, the idiocy of the Republican Party will assure a Clinton victory. A sad statement about American politics.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
Memorial Day 2016
This is a repeat of a 2011 post that well bears repeating:
Memorial Day has traditionally been celebrated as the beginning of Summer. No, not the actual date summer begins, but the official day when the seasonal holidays start and the barbecues begin, beaches open, playgrounds are filled with children, parks, lakes and pools ring with the laughter and mirth of kids and adults alike. The sweet smoky smell of hot dogs, hamburgers and even marshmallows over a fire waft through the air, an odor that beckons each and every one of us to childhood memories no matter our age.
But wait, somehow, in all of the fun and frivolity, many seem to have forgotten the solemnity and sacred meaning of Memorial Day. What it should mean to every American. Memorial Day is a day set aside each year to remember the fallen warriors of our country; those who made the ultimate sacrifice to give each of us freedom, and the ability to reach out for the American Dream. No, they didn't give you the American Dream, you have to work for that yourself. But they gave their lives to assure you had the freedom to reach out for it, free from oppression, tyranny and grave injustice as is the case in so many other countries.
It doesn't matter whether you call it a war, police action, or what name you pin on combat. Or any other action that places our military men and women in harms way to defend freedom. Men and women gave all so that we might live free. They didn't do it for fame or glory, or a medal to pin on their uniform. Medals usually came too late to shine in a parade; many were laid on rows of caskets at ceremonies in such places as Arlington and Fort Rosecrans. The Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman, Air Forceman or Merchant Marine never saw the glint of the Silver Star or Purple Heart or other medal in the sun as it laid upon his casket. But the family knew the bravery that he or she displayed many days or weeks or months before this day came to pass.
Most of our fallen warriors did come home, to be interred in their beloved country near family and loved ones. But many didn't and are buried on foreign shores in huge cemeteries, marked by simple crosses and markers, the only remnants of fierce battles, where Americans shed their blood to give freedom to others in a foreign land. They didn't know the people, but knew freedom was as important to them as it is to us. Freedom, the one thing that is perhaps as much important as life itself.
In my humble opinion, the three most important things are life, love and freedom. Without them life is just a bleak and somewhat hopeless experience. With perseverance and luck, many find love, but it takes a very special person willing to lay it all on the line to fight for your freedom. When you realize the warrior doesn't know you, or the individuals they are fighting for in most cases, it makes it even more impressive that they are willing to sacrifice all for others, to give them a chance at a better life.
On this Memorial Day, I will remember my brothers who have fallen in Vietnam, as well as all those who have fallen before, and after, in every war and conflict. I will remember those who have been ravaged by the remnants of war, and who have died as a result of service-connected injuries and illnesses, those who never appear in casualty rolls, but who are casualties just the same.
And some special prayers to several brothers who are very close in my heart today and always will be. Rest well my brothers; we'll all be crossing the bar to join you some day.
And, just in case anyone ever forgets:
Memorial Day has traditionally been celebrated as the beginning of Summer. No, not the actual date summer begins, but the official day when the seasonal holidays start and the barbecues begin, beaches open, playgrounds are filled with children, parks, lakes and pools ring with the laughter and mirth of kids and adults alike. The sweet smoky smell of hot dogs, hamburgers and even marshmallows over a fire waft through the air, an odor that beckons each and every one of us to childhood memories no matter our age.
But wait, somehow, in all of the fun and frivolity, many seem to have forgotten the solemnity and sacred meaning of Memorial Day. What it should mean to every American. Memorial Day is a day set aside each year to remember the fallen warriors of our country; those who made the ultimate sacrifice to give each of us freedom, and the ability to reach out for the American Dream. No, they didn't give you the American Dream, you have to work for that yourself. But they gave their lives to assure you had the freedom to reach out for it, free from oppression, tyranny and grave injustice as is the case in so many other countries.
It doesn't matter whether you call it a war, police action, or what name you pin on combat. Or any other action that places our military men and women in harms way to defend freedom. Men and women gave all so that we might live free. They didn't do it for fame or glory, or a medal to pin on their uniform. Medals usually came too late to shine in a parade; many were laid on rows of caskets at ceremonies in such places as Arlington and Fort Rosecrans. The Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Coast Guardsman, Air Forceman or Merchant Marine never saw the glint of the Silver Star or Purple Heart or other medal in the sun as it laid upon his casket. But the family knew the bravery that he or she displayed many days or weeks or months before this day came to pass.
Most of our fallen warriors did come home, to be interred in their beloved country near family and loved ones. But many didn't and are buried on foreign shores in huge cemeteries, marked by simple crosses and markers, the only remnants of fierce battles, where Americans shed their blood to give freedom to others in a foreign land. They didn't know the people, but knew freedom was as important to them as it is to us. Freedom, the one thing that is perhaps as much important as life itself.
In my humble opinion, the three most important things are life, love and freedom. Without them life is just a bleak and somewhat hopeless experience. With perseverance and luck, many find love, but it takes a very special person willing to lay it all on the line to fight for your freedom. When you realize the warrior doesn't know you, or the individuals they are fighting for in most cases, it makes it even more impressive that they are willing to sacrifice all for others, to give them a chance at a better life.
On this Memorial Day, I will remember my brothers who have fallen in Vietnam, as well as all those who have fallen before, and after, in every war and conflict. I will remember those who have been ravaged by the remnants of war, and who have died as a result of service-connected injuries and illnesses, those who never appear in casualty rolls, but who are casualties just the same.
And some special prayers to several brothers who are very close in my heart today and always will be. Rest well my brothers; we'll all be crossing the bar to join you some day.
And, just in case anyone ever forgets:
FREEDOM ISN'T FREE!
Seat Belts Save Lives
I know many have heard the above phrase, and most people believe in the value of seat belts. But there are still many who believe that a seat belt will not save them in case of an accident. I can tell you from experience on the job, and personal experience they are DEAD WRONG!
First, let me tell you of my own experience. I was struck broadside by a loaded one ton truck moving at 55 miles per hour that ran a stop light. I had just pulled away from a stop light, and had looked left and right, but never saw her coming. It appeared the driver was distracted and had run the light before this one as well. The collision was so violent that it drove me across two lanes of an off ramp and into a light pole that sheared my vehicle almost in half. My vehicle did not have airbags, but my seat belt was securely fastened.
The impact was so great that it knocked my knees together with bone jarring force, crushed my left shoulder, my head struck the side pillar all with an almost knockout blow (air bags would have minimized that) while the vehicle continued across the road to strike the pole. My actual forward speed when the impact occurred was less than 5 miles per hour so all the force was created by the other vehicle. My vehicle, then a new Explorer, was totaled. The engine sheet metal and parts were wrapped around the top of the engine. The vehicle sustained massive damage.
But what about me? I survived and when the paramedics arrived they could not believe my injuries were minimal in light of the overall damage. I underwent surgery for a crushed left shoulder and other non-life threatening injuries, but in just a few weeks I was back on the job, albeit on limited duty for about six weeks. Had I not had on a seat belt, there is absolutely no question I would have died. The seat belt kept me within the protective "cage" of the vehicle and prevented me from flying out.
Some people think that if they were to end up in the water, they would survive better with no seat belt on. Not true. In my experience with actual crashes, people with seat belts on were far more likely to be able to get out of a vehicle that landed in the water than those who were not. A specific case comes to mind where four young people were riding in a vehicle at high speed and went off into a river. Three of the four were not wearing seat belts and perished. The only one who survived was the one passenger wearing a seat belt. After the vehicle hit the water he was able to remove his seat belt and exit the car through a broken window. The other three had been thrown around the vehicle so violently, we believe they were probably all unconscious after the vehicle hit the water.
Fire? Some people have the notion that in case of a fire following a collision they will be better able to escape without a seat belt. No, doesn't work that way since the likely injuries from not wearing your seat belt, unless you were ejected and died on the pavement, would render you unable to exit the vehicle yourself.
There is no good excuse for not wearing your seat belt. Air bags will not preclude you from being ejected, nor will it stop a rear seat passenger from being thrown so violently forward that they break the neck of the driver or front seat passenger. Or at minimum injure them to the extent they can not exit the vehicle after a crash.
And for those who think a seat belt is too confining, sit in a wheelchair for a few days and think again! You could spend the rest of your life in a confining situation.
Accidents happen and now, with more people ignoring safe driving, texting, talking on the phone or other distracted driving issues, they seem to occur more frequently and with more deaths.
Getting a traffic ticket for not wearing your seat belt might be the best wake up call you ever received. And the cheapest reminder to buckle up. After the accident and perhaps disabled for life is too late. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is now in effect and law enforcement will be looking for violations. And, hopefully you will be buckled in and enjoying life as it was intended, accident free and long!
Stay Alive. Click it every time you drive.
First, let me tell you of my own experience. I was struck broadside by a loaded one ton truck moving at 55 miles per hour that ran a stop light. I had just pulled away from a stop light, and had looked left and right, but never saw her coming. It appeared the driver was distracted and had run the light before this one as well. The collision was so violent that it drove me across two lanes of an off ramp and into a light pole that sheared my vehicle almost in half. My vehicle did not have airbags, but my seat belt was securely fastened.
The impact was so great that it knocked my knees together with bone jarring force, crushed my left shoulder, my head struck the side pillar all with an almost knockout blow (air bags would have minimized that) while the vehicle continued across the road to strike the pole. My actual forward speed when the impact occurred was less than 5 miles per hour so all the force was created by the other vehicle. My vehicle, then a new Explorer, was totaled. The engine sheet metal and parts were wrapped around the top of the engine. The vehicle sustained massive damage.
But what about me? I survived and when the paramedics arrived they could not believe my injuries were minimal in light of the overall damage. I underwent surgery for a crushed left shoulder and other non-life threatening injuries, but in just a few weeks I was back on the job, albeit on limited duty for about six weeks. Had I not had on a seat belt, there is absolutely no question I would have died. The seat belt kept me within the protective "cage" of the vehicle and prevented me from flying out.
Some people think that if they were to end up in the water, they would survive better with no seat belt on. Not true. In my experience with actual crashes, people with seat belts on were far more likely to be able to get out of a vehicle that landed in the water than those who were not. A specific case comes to mind where four young people were riding in a vehicle at high speed and went off into a river. Three of the four were not wearing seat belts and perished. The only one who survived was the one passenger wearing a seat belt. After the vehicle hit the water he was able to remove his seat belt and exit the car through a broken window. The other three had been thrown around the vehicle so violently, we believe they were probably all unconscious after the vehicle hit the water.
Fire? Some people have the notion that in case of a fire following a collision they will be better able to escape without a seat belt. No, doesn't work that way since the likely injuries from not wearing your seat belt, unless you were ejected and died on the pavement, would render you unable to exit the vehicle yourself.
There is no good excuse for not wearing your seat belt. Air bags will not preclude you from being ejected, nor will it stop a rear seat passenger from being thrown so violently forward that they break the neck of the driver or front seat passenger. Or at minimum injure them to the extent they can not exit the vehicle after a crash.
And for those who think a seat belt is too confining, sit in a wheelchair for a few days and think again! You could spend the rest of your life in a confining situation.
Accidents happen and now, with more people ignoring safe driving, texting, talking on the phone or other distracted driving issues, they seem to occur more frequently and with more deaths.
Getting a traffic ticket for not wearing your seat belt might be the best wake up call you ever received. And the cheapest reminder to buckle up. After the accident and perhaps disabled for life is too late. The "Click It or Ticket" campaign is now in effect and law enforcement will be looking for violations. And, hopefully you will be buckled in and enjoying life as it was intended, accident free and long!
Stay Alive. Click it every time you drive.
Friday, May 20, 2016
Big Pharma and the Opioid Problem
Everyone knows we have a huge drug addiction problem in this country.
Millions of pills daily misused, causing hundreds of millions, if not
billions of dollars in healthcare costs, most not borne by the abuser.
And, that pales in comparison to the toll taken by the number of deaths
and disabilities caused by overuse and misuse of prescription
medications.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, from 1999 to 2014, 165,000 people died from overdoses of prescription opiods. In 2014 alone, over 14,000 deaths were attributed to opioid prescription overdose. Today, at least half of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.
The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:
Among those who died from prescription opioid overdose between 1999 and 2014:
Overdose is not the only risk related to prescription opioids. Misuse, abuse, and opioid use disorder (addiction) are also potential dangers.
Stricter enforcement of illicit sale and distribution of opiods has again been marginally successful. Taking one seller or dealer off the street usually means there is an open spot for yet another dealer. And by dealers, I include those who receive legitimate prescriptions and then sell their pills. Grandma and granddad are not exempt from the drug trade it appears.
Big pharmaceutical companies have manufactured and promoted pain medications, including several companies who have been prosecuted for selling narcotics without approval for non-cancer pain. That promotion of off-label use has resulted in thousands of deaths, as a result of a new, and more dangerous drug coming on the market, increasing demand by and fueling the illegal usage by abusers.
That said, people who are actually in constant pain, especially where the pain is going uncontrolled, can have the propensity toward addiction as a result of their continuous use of the drug, and increased dosage to control the pain, as prescribed by a respected medical doctor. Those people will be addicted but not abusers unless they take more than prescribed. In my opinion, there needs to be some logic by the government in separating "addicts" who through no fault of their own are addicted to prescription pain medications due to unrelenting pain, and the "abusers" who simply take medications to get high or do it through illicit channels. Lumping the person who has to live with chronic pain and becomes an "addict" with the abusers is patently unfair. Go after the abusers and those with no real physical need for drugs other than the need they self-created by taking medications illegally, or more than prescribed.
I don't have an answer but I suppose tighter controls is what we all pay for a system that has allowed doctors to sell prescriptions for massive quantities of medications with virtual impunity. Nothing happens until someone screams foul. And it looks like the government, God forbid, is now calling foul for everyone, including all of the legitimate users, while the illicit drug trade will remain unabated.
Remember, one of the worst things you can ever hear is "We're the government and we're here to help."
According to the Centers for Disease Control, from 1999 to 2014, 165,000 people died from overdoses of prescription opiods. In 2014 alone, over 14,000 deaths were attributed to opioid prescription overdose. Today, at least half of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid.
The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:
- Methadone
- Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®)
- Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®)3
Among those who died from prescription opioid overdose between 1999 and 2014:
- Overdose rates were highest among people aged 25 to 54 years.
- Overdose rates were higher among non-Hispanic whites and American Indian or Alaskan Natives, compared to non-Hispanic blacks and Hispanics.
- Men were more likely to die from overdose, but the mortality gap between men and women is closing.
Overdose is not the only risk related to prescription opioids. Misuse, abuse, and opioid use disorder (addiction) are also potential dangers.
- In 2014, almost 2 million Americans abused or were dependent on prescription opioids.
- As many as 1 in 4 people who receive prescription opioids long term for non-cancer pain in primary care settings struggles with addiction.
- Every day, over 1,000 people are treated in emergency departments for misusing prescription opioids.
Stricter enforcement of illicit sale and distribution of opiods has again been marginally successful. Taking one seller or dealer off the street usually means there is an open spot for yet another dealer. And by dealers, I include those who receive legitimate prescriptions and then sell their pills. Grandma and granddad are not exempt from the drug trade it appears.
Big pharmaceutical companies have manufactured and promoted pain medications, including several companies who have been prosecuted for selling narcotics without approval for non-cancer pain. That promotion of off-label use has resulted in thousands of deaths, as a result of a new, and more dangerous drug coming on the market, increasing demand by and fueling the illegal usage by abusers.
That said, people who are actually in constant pain, especially where the pain is going uncontrolled, can have the propensity toward addiction as a result of their continuous use of the drug, and increased dosage to control the pain, as prescribed by a respected medical doctor. Those people will be addicted but not abusers unless they take more than prescribed. In my opinion, there needs to be some logic by the government in separating "addicts" who through no fault of their own are addicted to prescription pain medications due to unrelenting pain, and the "abusers" who simply take medications to get high or do it through illicit channels. Lumping the person who has to live with chronic pain and becomes an "addict" with the abusers is patently unfair. Go after the abusers and those with no real physical need for drugs other than the need they self-created by taking medications illegally, or more than prescribed.
I don't have an answer but I suppose tighter controls is what we all pay for a system that has allowed doctors to sell prescriptions for massive quantities of medications with virtual impunity. Nothing happens until someone screams foul. And it looks like the government, God forbid, is now calling foul for everyone, including all of the legitimate users, while the illicit drug trade will remain unabated.
Remember, one of the worst things you can ever hear is "We're the government and we're here to help."
Saturday, March 5, 2016
Congratulations Carlsbad, California
I have been following the Citizens Initiative and voting on Proposition A and want to congratulate the voters of that city for defeating that proposition.
A developer wanted to turn a parcel of land into an upscale shopping center while wowing the citizens with how much would be saved as agriculture and open space. The current owner/lessee of the strawberry fields was all for this new development and of course, I and so many others, believe it was all about money to him. His appearance on commercials for the developer were pitiful where he recalled his child in college and how this legacy would not be passed on if the citizens did not pass this indicative. WTF? If this kid was smart enough to finish college, and they were not going to an agricultural college, wouldn't you think they just might aspire to something other than to farm strawberries for the rest of their life. Nothing wrong with farming in any way, but there seemed to be too much cash incentive to think otherwise.
The city council and many people didn't care about the quality of life for so many Carlsbad citizens, only their own pocketbooks and the fat taxes this would bring in. In fact, one of the reasons this was fast-tracked, avoiding environmental review was because the city fathers saw about 650,000 dollars in tax revenue from allowing the project to start early. Traffic congestion and the people be damned, just let the developers have their way. Just as they have done for the thousands of new homes recently built or being built with a failing infrastructure to support them. One citizen stated they are being asked to cut back on electricity and water while new construction takes away what could be used for the rest of the current population. And what amount of water and electricity the proposed shopping center would have used is just outrageous in this time of energy and water crisis. As one person put it...the City of Carlsbad never saw a development or developer it didn't like.
So congratulations, Carlsbad voters for sending the developer back to Los Angeles licking his almost 11 million dollar campaign spending wound. And whatever he wasted on wooing the city to approve his project. Hope that next time whoever wants to develop your city does so openly and with voter approval.
Maybe it is time for an initiative to require citizen approval for new housing and industrial developments? After all, if you are being asked to suffer the shortages associated with unbridled development, shouldn't you have a say?
A developer wanted to turn a parcel of land into an upscale shopping center while wowing the citizens with how much would be saved as agriculture and open space. The current owner/lessee of the strawberry fields was all for this new development and of course, I and so many others, believe it was all about money to him. His appearance on commercials for the developer were pitiful where he recalled his child in college and how this legacy would not be passed on if the citizens did not pass this indicative. WTF? If this kid was smart enough to finish college, and they were not going to an agricultural college, wouldn't you think they just might aspire to something other than to farm strawberries for the rest of their life. Nothing wrong with farming in any way, but there seemed to be too much cash incentive to think otherwise.
The city council and many people didn't care about the quality of life for so many Carlsbad citizens, only their own pocketbooks and the fat taxes this would bring in. In fact, one of the reasons this was fast-tracked, avoiding environmental review was because the city fathers saw about 650,000 dollars in tax revenue from allowing the project to start early. Traffic congestion and the people be damned, just let the developers have their way. Just as they have done for the thousands of new homes recently built or being built with a failing infrastructure to support them. One citizen stated they are being asked to cut back on electricity and water while new construction takes away what could be used for the rest of the current population. And what amount of water and electricity the proposed shopping center would have used is just outrageous in this time of energy and water crisis. As one person put it...the City of Carlsbad never saw a development or developer it didn't like.
So congratulations, Carlsbad voters for sending the developer back to Los Angeles licking his almost 11 million dollar campaign spending wound. And whatever he wasted on wooing the city to approve his project. Hope that next time whoever wants to develop your city does so openly and with voter approval.
Maybe it is time for an initiative to require citizen approval for new housing and industrial developments? After all, if you are being asked to suffer the shortages associated with unbridled development, shouldn't you have a say?
What do YOU want, America?
Here it is yet another election year and Americans have the ability to change the course of history. Not just for the next 4 years but likely forever.
I am not advocating one candidate over another but want to ask you whether you want another 4 years of "change" and put up with the same old establishment, captained by yet another non-thinker who will sell our country down the tubes. Are you happy with the free give-away mentality of the current administration?Are you happy with the erosion of your Constitutional Rights? Are you happy with the lack of respect by other nations? Do you agree with the butt kissing by the current administration in their foreign affairs?
Veterans, are you happy with the way the VA is run? Do you think the multiple assignments to head the VA have been beneficial to you? Do you think the people responsible for the deaths and mistreatment of veterans have been adequately punished? Is your life better with the current administration or worse? Do you think your health care is no better or worse than the lowest available under "Obamacare"? Do welfare recipients have better benefits overall than war veterans?
How about it, American workers...do yo think more of your pay is going to fund those who sit and refuse gainful employment than ever before? Do you think you have another family or two to support because of the administration's give away programs? Do you think the US government resembles California's government more and more, where give-away is king and politicians advocate more and more freebies for those who do not earn them? Do you think women who rely on welfare should be required to identify their "baby daddies" and the fathers held responsible for support. If the person is incarcerated should their work stipend be used to offset welfare? Do you think people in Section 8 housing should be required to work for some of those benefits? And that unannounced inspections are in order to catch multiple adult persons living in a single adult person household that you are supporting? And how many illegitimate welfare children should the taxpayers have to support while the parents contribute nothing? Shouldn't there be a limit somewhere? Multiple generations of families on welfare with no incentive to work or get off, just excuses that they have another child. Maybe the answer is birth control or just close your damned legs??
Are you tired of the open borders and the estimated 13 million illegal aliens in our country while they are coddled by the administration. Tired of the "anchor baby" syndrome? Tired of the lack of enforcement by Immigration and the Border Patrol because they have no backing from Washington? Tired of politicians and their hacks making excuses for the failure of programs like 'Fast and Furious" while an American dies as a result? And thousands of weapons are sent to Mexico to help curb...weapons smuggling? Tired of having appointed idiots in charge of many governmental departments while those who try and do their best are sanctioned and fired.
Are you happy with our foreign policies where we buy "friendship" by sending your tax dollars to foreign countries that hate us? Are you tired of sending Americans off to war to fight battles that the administration and foreign leaders know we won't win because of their policies? And to countries that cannot deal with their own issues so we act as their police force. And Americans die for misdeeds of the administration like Benghazi?
It's time to wake up and make a decision, America. If you don't do it now you will be faced with 4 more years of "change" that seems to be leading us into a socialist society where your work, savings and gains by the sweat of your brow is divided among those who will not work and support themselves. It's not those who really need the support temporarily but the millions who game the system knowing they can get away with it.
There is no more time America. The decision is yours.
I am not advocating one candidate over another but want to ask you whether you want another 4 years of "change" and put up with the same old establishment, captained by yet another non-thinker who will sell our country down the tubes. Are you happy with the free give-away mentality of the current administration?Are you happy with the erosion of your Constitutional Rights? Are you happy with the lack of respect by other nations? Do you agree with the butt kissing by the current administration in their foreign affairs?
Veterans, are you happy with the way the VA is run? Do you think the multiple assignments to head the VA have been beneficial to you? Do you think the people responsible for the deaths and mistreatment of veterans have been adequately punished? Is your life better with the current administration or worse? Do you think your health care is no better or worse than the lowest available under "Obamacare"? Do welfare recipients have better benefits overall than war veterans?
How about it, American workers...do yo think more of your pay is going to fund those who sit and refuse gainful employment than ever before? Do you think you have another family or two to support because of the administration's give away programs? Do you think the US government resembles California's government more and more, where give-away is king and politicians advocate more and more freebies for those who do not earn them? Do you think women who rely on welfare should be required to identify their "baby daddies" and the fathers held responsible for support. If the person is incarcerated should their work stipend be used to offset welfare? Do you think people in Section 8 housing should be required to work for some of those benefits? And that unannounced inspections are in order to catch multiple adult persons living in a single adult person household that you are supporting? And how many illegitimate welfare children should the taxpayers have to support while the parents contribute nothing? Shouldn't there be a limit somewhere? Multiple generations of families on welfare with no incentive to work or get off, just excuses that they have another child. Maybe the answer is birth control or just close your damned legs??
Are you tired of the open borders and the estimated 13 million illegal aliens in our country while they are coddled by the administration. Tired of the "anchor baby" syndrome? Tired of the lack of enforcement by Immigration and the Border Patrol because they have no backing from Washington? Tired of politicians and their hacks making excuses for the failure of programs like 'Fast and Furious" while an American dies as a result? And thousands of weapons are sent to Mexico to help curb...weapons smuggling? Tired of having appointed idiots in charge of many governmental departments while those who try and do their best are sanctioned and fired.
Are you happy with our foreign policies where we buy "friendship" by sending your tax dollars to foreign countries that hate us? Are you tired of sending Americans off to war to fight battles that the administration and foreign leaders know we won't win because of their policies? And to countries that cannot deal with their own issues so we act as their police force. And Americans die for misdeeds of the administration like Benghazi?
It's time to wake up and make a decision, America. If you don't do it now you will be faced with 4 more years of "change" that seems to be leading us into a socialist society where your work, savings and gains by the sweat of your brow is divided among those who will not work and support themselves. It's not those who really need the support temporarily but the millions who game the system knowing they can get away with it.
There is no more time America. The decision is yours.
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