THOUGHTS!

You know, when a person hasn't written for a long time it is really difficult to try to decide where to begin when going back at it. It sure isn't because of a lack of things to write about because with all that is going on around us I feel overwhelmed by it all.

No sense starting at the bottom and working up. No, I resumed my writing today by first penning a letter to our president and then to resuming my activities on this blog. In my letter to the president I tried to outline my formula for moving this nation out of this gutter of despair. I suggested that he do the following:

a) immediately work to ensure the enactment of HR 25 (Fairtax) and the accompanying repeal of the 16th amendment.

b) use the unspent portion of his stimulus to issue debit cards in the amount of $1,000 to every US citizen and ensure the cards could only be used for the purchase of new goods and services.

With the elimination of capital gains taxes, estate taxes, payroll taxes, etc. it goes without saying that business would have a very inviting atmosphere in which to accelerate. By restricting the use of the government issued debit cards to new goods and services people couldn't use the money to pay off existing bills but would use the money for new goods and services; thereby new tax revenue would be guaranteed immediately. Using the $1000 per person figure I noted above, that would yield about $70 billion in taxes as the populace began spending their money. Hey, it's better than building a tunnel for turtles, frogs and any other assortment of little wee-beasties. I believe there is at least half of the original stimulus money that is unspent. If my math is right that would be 300 million persons times $1000 for a grand total of about $300 billion. I also explained that the enactment of HR 25 would immediately initiate a prebate program that would help some families with their medical costs and would enable many to enroll in a catastrophic coverage insurance program further reducing mandates and financial burdens on America's already overtaxed citizens.

Since I'm throwing all those figures around, let me share one more with you. There is so much talk of the trillions of dollars of debt this nation has. Most people have no concept of what a trillion is. Congressman John Linder of Georgia once described a trillion dollars on the House floor in the following manner: (sorry, but I have to paraphrase here)

If you would have started a business on the day Jesus Christ was born and began losing a million dollars per day, each and every day, from that point in time until right now (2010), you would have to go another 700 plus years before reaching a trillion dollars. How's that for putting things into perspective??? Give you a better idea of what a trillion really is?? It did for me!

How time flies. It was a year ago this month that Rick Santelli first broadcast the notion that perhaps we should have a "tea party". Do you remember that? He was in Chicago. Who would have thought that the "tea party movement" would have grown to what it is so far. Talking about watching history in the making!!! I'm glad to have been involved from the onset and to have attended some of the events. At times I'm sure we all feel despair and hopelessness, but this provides us all the opportunity to be involved....and I strongly encourage it.

I'll tell you what.....if and when I get a response from my letter to the president I'll let you know here...just don't be holding your breath in the meantime.

UPDATE

I guess if you stay in law enforcement long enough you come to the realization that it really
is in your blood. Before I retired I told my wife many times that my career, law enforcement, was my mistress. In keeping with that notion I have added a feed that you can find about
half way down the left column. That will keep you updated about current events in the law enforcement community. It is constantly updated by officer.com and if you want to check
out their site just CLICK HERE!

One of my buddies that I was in Vietnam with evidently read this blog and saw my note above about growing my own tobacco. He could also remember the cigarettes that we received. Here is what he emailed me:

"Fast Freddie-

I remember.  I believe they were called SP packs and had 10 cartons of cigarettes,
candy, shoelaces, toothpaste, pen and paper, soap,etc in them.   We got them in the
mountains.  None of us smoked menthol so we traded the KOOL and Salems for rice,
nukmam (??), fish, etc.; whatever the ARVNs had to trade with us.  It made the
C-Rats taste better with that stuff in it.  I remember leaving cans of C-Rats                                             
open so that the real rats would eat them and leave us alone.  I always                             
slept with something on my face so the rats wouldn't bite me.  Folks would not
believe how big those rats were.                            
 
Later.  Oh, I have not smoked in 30 years.  We used to take the powder out of our
M-16 rounds and put the nose of the bullet back on and shoot the rats in the bunker.

God bless<><> Rory

Well, within the past hour I was out in my
greenhouse  transplanting some of my little baby tobacco plants.
I was so meticulous that I was giving them water as I
transplanted them one spoon at a time.
                               

All the while I kept drifting off to a news article I read two
nights ago.  That article indicated that there may be another
two dollars per pack of tax coming.  I swear it has no end.            
For all you non-smokers, you need to be concerned as well. 
No one will be escaping this madness that is swirling around                               
us all.  I feel sometimes as though I am in a beaker and                    
this mad scientist government is conducting one giant social
experiment with us all.
                              
The same night I read about the likelihood of additional
cigarette taxes I also read that millions of our tax dollars
are being used studying alcohol use by Chinese prostitutes                               
and training the prostitutes to drink responsibly on the job. 
Read the complete article by going to the following link:                


http://www.cnsnews.com/public/content/article.aspx?RsrcID=47976


Every time I decide to post something and initiate a little
research some new decision by our leaders propels me in a
different direction. I started researching the SCHIP                     
program the other day and particularly was interested in how I                  
am now, through that program, providing health care for some                         
illegal aliens.  Where does it all end?  My research was                    
ended as I got caught up in the Pelosi v CIA mess.  If our                   
direction does not change soon, we are all doomed for an          
existence that we never imagined for Americans.

I can recall someone telling me years ago, "To know and to not
do is to not know".  Well, isn't that where we are?  Our
president speaks and says that we can not continue living               
with debt and yet he is taking us all down a road of debt              
and despair that we will endure for years.  It's the old                                   
Elmer Gantry thing ...you know,"Do as I say,not as I do"!                



Washington politics exhausts me.  As I've said on numerous
occasions, they are so far removed from middle America that
they can no longer represent middle America.  I sometimes                         
am not sure if I can afford a pound of hamburger and they           
have no idea of the cost of that hamburger.  Or my electric        
bill.  Or student loan. Or the exorbitant taxes.  Or the lumber                
for a repair job.  Or a six pack of Bud Lite.  Or the car                       
repair. Or the dentist bill. Or a new pair of shoes.  I could    
go on and on but alas, there is no point in it, is there?                   


The government (if it were responsible) should see to it that
people are able to keep more of their earnings so that people
could
manage their own affairs.  The government needs to rein in its
spending habits.  Quit spending money that is not there!!  I
have needed to get a load of gravel for my driveway for                     
several years but have not done so.  Why?  Simple. I have to                        
prioritize based on the money I have available to me.                      


If I have to do that, then I think it is reasonable that others
do the same.  Individuals as well as government entities.                              

Government should lift up its people by providing opportunity,               
not giving a hand-out.  My congressman sends out a little                     
newsletter that must make him feel really good about his efforts              
in Washington.  He brags about how much money he was able to                 
secure for our district and I damn near vomit each time I read                  
those newsletters.  I don't think he is wise enough to realize                  
he is really stripping the spirit from the soul of his                 
constituents.  I think some really want to keep people down                                              
so they can feel good when patting themselves on the back              
and declaring what a great job they have done.

Our founding fathers warned us that we would have to protect
that which they created for us all.  I urge everyone to stay                
involved and to communicate with your representatives, even                  
if they are not representing you.  People, en masse, is the                  
only hope to preserve that which was begun more than two                      
hundred years ago.

FLOOD WATERS RISING!

There are different types of floods that one can encounter; largely dependent on one's geographic location. The larger river basins accumulate water from many tributaries and while the rising water can be devastating one usually has a warning of the threat. A second type of flood is the flash flood where the water can rise fast and move with great speed and force. I have experienced both types of floods while serving as the county sheriff. The destruction of the flash flood to humans, in my experience, has always been greater than the slower rising waters of larger rivers. I'm not speaking of property damage... I'm addressing the toll on human life.

We are experiencing a flash flood of a different type in our country. Suddenly, we are facing a rushing wall of government growth unlike that we have ever seen before. This wall of rushing current is ripping at the foundations of our society. As with the menacing flash flood of water, how do we contain it? It creates its own meandering path and anything in the way is pushed aside.

No wonder so many people exercised their right last week with the tea parties all over this nation. The flood has to be contained and no one knows how to stop it at this point in time. The frustration compels people to express their fear, hurt, dissatisfaction and anger.

We attended a tea party event in Wheeling, West Virginia last week with another couple. Wheeling has a population of about 25,000 and I was surprised to see so many people in attendance there. A light rain was falling and I thought that would really stop a lot of people from coming out. It sure didn't dampen anyone's spirit or desire to get out and take part. Estimates of the crowd size ranged from 1700 to 2500. That's pretty amazing for a town the size of Wheeling. To see photos of the event follow this link:

http://www.wethepeopleov.com/Pictures.html

The local paper (Wheeling Intelligencer) had an article and that can be viewed by going to:

http://www.theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/522951.html?nav=515

I don't believe the frustration of the people has been relieved. I would imagine these types of events will continue, and if necessary, will continue until the next election when people will have an opportunity to express themselves at the ballot box.

Small Safety Valves

In my last post I touched on the issue of states' rights briefly and used an example of voting for a local school district issue and how the federal government is stripping voters of the right to make local decisions. I have addressed the issue on other forums and questioned the government's involvement in this arena and suggested there may be a tenth amendment violation. It seems I am not alone in this concern. Many states are making concerted efforts to ensure their sovereignty and the following is just one example: http://tonyphyrillas.blogspot.com/2009/03/rohrer-folmer-set-rally-to-defend-pa.html . I assure you Pennsylvania is not alone on this issue.

You know my sentiments with the likes of Charles Schumer. I wrote earlier of the his arrogance and disrespect for the American people ... and now comes Charliie Rangel. We can not allow these people who are making decisions affecting all our lives to continue with their separation from the people whom they are elected to serve. Examine here Rangel's compassion and concern for the American taxpayer: http://michellemalkin.com/2009/03/11/mattera-it-is-our-goddamned-business/ . What is it with these people??

I'm telling you the pressure is continuing to rise. The sentiment in this country is growing more angry and more and more concerned. The average "Joe Shit the Rag Man" feels like everything around him is spinning out of control. The natural balance in the scheme of life will swing the pendulum and balance will be restored but the means to attaining that end could be very turbulent. It is gratifying that more and more people are becoming involved. Part of the reason we have reached the point where we are is that too many have for so long been so complacent. We are a unique people and should treasure what we have. We should learn from our forefathers, not ignore their wisdom. At least some pressure can be released as people step out of their comfort zone and mail in tea bags and the like: http://michellemalkin.com/2009/03/12/tea-party-update-revolution-is-brewing/

The sensation of a little more pressure being released was witnessed on Friday, March 13 when Glenn Beck hosted his special "We Surround Them". Many of us have been feeling the strange notion that something is going on around us, but I think Glenn Beck's program made that a much more visual image and reality...he actually began putting a face on the feeling. Maybe it is the right thing to ease a little of the pressure at a time because the pressure has risen so much that if it were to go all at once it could be devastating.

One last thing before I go is to remind all to tune in to C-Span this Tuesday, March 17, 2009 at about 6:00PM. Congressman King from Iowa has requested a "special order" hour discussion of the Fairtax (HR25). Please tune in and encourage others to do the same. This proposal, while not perfect, far exceeds any other and gives us all the opportunity to put some power and control back into the hands of the citizenry. Our current tax code is often used as a means to reward and/or penalize.

Government Monologue is NoTwo Way Street

In virtually all relationships communication should flow in multiple directions or, at the very least in two directions, if only two are engaged in the conversation. This is true if the relationship is between marital partners, parent and child, employer and employee, and in our country it should be true if the relationship is between a citizen and his representative in government. As I have noted before, many elected officials (particularly at the federal level) are no more interested in engaging the citizenry as the man in the moon. They prefer the insulation they have and consequently become more concerned about ensuring their electability. As a young man I can remember my father telling me, " There is a certain amount of respect in fear"! Now before you conjure up the notion that dad was a madman always carrying an instrument of death and destruction in his hand let me explain. His point was as simple as his humility and faith. What he was talking about was the fear of consequence. It seems this simple view has been lost in our ever-expanding world of knowledge and information. A child has to understand there are consequences of acts and as we mature and continue through life that notion should remain and guide us in our decision making process. Now it seems many of those that govern are not cognizant of that simple principle. They are insulated, not engaging in two way street communication and yet expecting the respect of the people. Remember, "there is a certain element of fear in respect". The consequence (or the fear thereof) seems to have been lost by many of these officials. The fear or consequence that I mean is the loss of an election. They strive to maintain their electability even while snubbing many who put them in office in the first place. If we want or expect respect from these officials we need to remind them of the ballot box and take action to remind them there is a consequence for their actions.

Let me give you an example: congress just approved a massive spending bill that encompasses more than I can write about at one sitting. Billions of dollars are dedicated to education funding including construction and maintenance. Now let's assume for a minute that in my local school district the voters rejected a school levy at the last election. Let's assume further that the levy was intended for construction and/or maintenance. The federal government in one swoop has taken away my (and your) constitutional right for local control. I didn't want my tax money to fund the project, but it is going to anyway. I'm very concerned that the federal government is not "Big Brother" but is more like "Daddy". The only way the government can continue on the road to corralling us all is for us to continue to yield and not show them that there is, in fact, a certain element of fear in respect. In the above example there is no respect for the will of the majority. The majority then needs to take action to demonstrate the consequence of the disregard of that will.

I am not opposed to education and the above paragraph is only to demonstrate how actions of our elected officials are more far reaching than what is immediately apparent. I am still of the belief that the best solution for our economic woes would be through a massive transfer of power from congress to the people of this country, and that will be accomplished when HR 25/S296 (the fairtax bill) becomes the law of the land along with the elimination of the IRS. And again, I qualified my comments by not saying all politicians ... I did, however, say many. One exception is Congressman King from Iowa and I believe his head and heart are in the right place. It is lengthy but I strongly recommend reading his statement from the house floor in February and that can be found via the following link:

http://api.ning.com/files/ijX8C*O32jq4mDON8LHH14tvsaeWToPz7zZFOBYHZTfyKMHFNFlTHcPjrdmiDeJQVcsMhu*HdI8bd*1yqMbAJ938U9Oaqybq/howtodealwiththeeconomiccrisis.txt

Well, at least Spring is coming!!

TEA PARTIES AND THE SUCH

I imagine one facet of our retail economy is flourishing and that is the sale of tea and tea bags. There seems to be a stir and people seem to be more willing than ever to express themselves and voice their opinions. Tea parties and full page ads such as the one on display at the Americans For Fair Taxation website ( fairtax.org ) seem to be reflecting the public spirit these days. I'll tell you what; it is refreshing to me. There seems to be something in the air and it is really hard to grasp it but I know it's there. I don't believe that people are willing to be ridiculed, snubbed and treated as though they don't matter by the public servants who are supposed to be representing them.

About a week ago Senator Schumer said that we don't really care about these issues. Watch the video at /www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEfICUoWKBw . If this doesn't bother you, then I just don't understand. Who in the hell does he think he is. These people are so far removed from the rest of us that they are incapable to relate to the "joe shits" of America. How condescending!! These people insulate themselves from the majority of America. How can someone in his position neglect the true responsibilities of his position? How can an elected public servant set himself aside from the public. Why does he believe he is in a position to decide what I think and feel. He is wrong! This American does care and it upsets me that few seem to listen to what people are saying. So, yes, it is good to stimulate the tea sales ...I just hope more and more people take the opportunity to say, "Whoa, wait a minute, if you are truly representing me then listen and watch as the tea sales rise".

The whole tea party idea was born in Chicago in a spontaneous interview and has now grown to have quite a following. See www.newamericanteaparty.com . In the last couple days full page ads from fairtax.org have begun to appear in major cities. Follow this link www.fairtax.org/site/News2?news_iv_ctrl=-1&page=NewsArticle&id=10339 and read a letter written on February 23, 2009 by Ken Hoagland who is the National Communications Director of fairtax.org.

I do not want to relinquish the control of government to anyone but the people. We can not allow this to happen. I understand fully the whole concept of rule by the majority. There are two ways to affect politicians and that is (1)through money and (2) by numbers. I really believe the latter is becoming very restless. I do not advocate an armed revolution but I do believe there comes a time when people need to revolt and protest actions of a government when that government does not act in the best interest of its citizenry.

TAXES ARE MONEY TOO!!!!

02-17-09 13:14

Are you as worried and as concerned as I about the state of our economy, our way of life and the direction in which we are going?? Let's see...if a person gets a tax benefit of $400 spread out over the course of a year, that means that person stands to take home about $7.69 more per week. That translates to about $30.00 per month. I can't see myself making many changes because I now have $30 more per month in my pocket. I don't believe that will do anything to stimulate the economy.

I never want a hand-out from the government. I only want to be guaranteed to have an opportunity...I'll take it from there. Last year when I had foreclosure proceedings begun on my home I didn't ask the government or someone to give me money to make payments. I did everything I could to change my situation. I hauled scrap metal, painted oil well tanks, etc. and was able to catch up on all my payments. I got into the situation not of my own negligence or disregard. I had to take a disability retirement from my job. I had planned to work several more years but fate decided otherwise. Suddenly I found myself bringing in less than half what I had when working. The bills kept coming in so....again, take a bite of the shit sandwich and do what you have to. My payments are now current but the struggle continues. All I desire from our government is opportunity and not a hand-out.

If the government was sincere about an economic stimulus, then the government would provide us with opportunity and not hand out borrowed money to create an impression of economic growth. Do you know that a bill has been introduced in Congress that would quickly jumpstart the economy and help us all at the same time? That bill is HR 25 which is also called the Fair Tax.

If the Fair Tax would be implemented all workers would take home their entire gross pay...not a net pay. For a lot of people that could cover there rent or mortgage. The Fair Tax does away with all payroll taxes, estate taxes, corporate taxes, capital gains taxes, social security and medicare taxes. The Fair Tax plan also provides for a prebate check sent to each individual or family every month to defray costs associated with the national sales tax that would be implemented. That sales tax would be on the purchase of new goods and services. There would be no tax on used items. That puts one's self in a position where the individual can control their financial destiny with greater certainty. I believe we all should pay taxes for services provided and this system basically creates the same amount of revenue as our current out-dated system and at the same time does away with the IRS.

Studies demonstrate that there is about 12-15 trillion dollars sitting in offshore accounts because there is no real incentive for that money to be in US banks. If the Fair Tax was implemented, that money would return to our shores and would immediately jump-start our economy. The underground economy would also have to pay taxes that they now avoid....individuals engaged in narcotics trafficking, prostitution or any other under the table money would pay their fair share when they purchase a new car or gold chain or any other commodity. Tourists to this country pay no taxes but if the Fair Tax was implemented they would. American businesses could compete with and actually lead the world in trade instead of being at the disadvantage that we currently are.

This proposal also helps address the illegal immigrant issue. The prebate check would only be disbursed to US citizens. The sales tax rate in the proposal is 23% inclusive...some argue that is the same as 30% exclusive. Studies indicate that there is already 22-25% increase of cost of goods and services because of imbedded taxes. If the embedded taxes are removed from the cost of goods and services and the fair tax implemented, would we really notice much difference in the costs of goods and services...probably not, and personally I would rather pay 23% of items purchased in taxes when I choose than to have the government charge me a greater amount on the money I earn.

It would be nice to see April 15 as just another Spring day. Not the dreaded day it has become. I would love to see several hundred thousand people in Washington DC this April 15 to support HR 25.

I encourage all to go to www.fairtax.org and read for yourself. This has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats, but has everything to do with the direction and prosperity of our great nation.

Back After a Near Two Year Absense

02-11-09 17:28

OK, where do I go from here? And why did I choose the category LIFESTYLE? We can make a conscious decision to engage in a certain lifestyle but life's uncertainties can quickly derail our intent. Such is the case with me. Within days of having written my first post and talking about resiliency I recieved the bad news from my employer that they were altering my position. I had to take my own advice and move on. As an interrogator I often told suspects that "life is like a shit sandwich, take a bite and move on"! I took my bite and find myself in a position where I am now exploring more lifestyle changes.

With the current economic crisis we are all in I would expect that there are many who are, at this very moment, taking a bite of that sandwich as well. My pay was cut in half and the bills coming in have remained pretty much the same so there will be continuing lifestyle changes. I am looking at this as an opportunity. I always told my children that overcoming obstacles was what built character. The situation is what it is and my only recourse is to ask myself how I am going to adapt.

This past year, for the first time ever, my wife and I planted about 70 tomato plants, we planted sweet potato plants, and potatoes and squash and corn. We made our own spahetti sauce, tomato juice and froze a lot of our crop. Talk about a lifestyle change!!! There it is! I am beginning to think that this, as an alternate lifestyle, may not be such a bad idea. We are now considering marketing plants and produce and my wife has really been very active in expanding her crafts business.

As with so many facets of life, one can not live on expectations of a lifestyle alone. There are too many uncertainties in life and we all are better off if we put ourselves in a position whereby we can adapt readily and quickly. Lately I have listened to so much political BS that my head is swimming. The president tells everyone they should be able to live the American Dream and to be able to have a college degree, and a home, and health care, and so and so on. I think the American Dream should be to be resilient to all the changes that have been and always will be thrown at us.

Even at 61 years of age I have dreams. I don't think any of us should ever forfeit their dreams. A dream is more valuable than any lifestyle. Maybe I will even decide what I want to be when I grow up.

There are a lot of topics that I want to discuss here and will try to do so over the coming months. I hope people will comment and share opinions. Life is a learning experience for us all and we can all share in the varied experiences of one another and the varied opinions of one another.

Upcoming will be thoughts of Spring's arrival, the current state of our economy, the Fairtax proposal in Congress, planning the garden, maintenance on the house... isn't every facet of our life, our lifestyle, impacted by everything in our life's experiences?

Resiliency Equals Strength

If I were a boxer in a ring and life's obstacles my opponent I would surely have spent much of my time on the mat. Just as surely as having spent time on the mat I have spent equal time ensuring my getting up from the mat. I hate losing. If it is inevitable I try to accept it with grace, consider it as temporary and move on but I try to avoid the prospect of losing at all costs. If I were to be knocked down it would be just as certain that I would rise to continue the fight. When life knocks us down and has given us its best punch it is imperative that we stand and fight again. We learn through our struggles and obstacles to become stronger and to rapidly adapt to our circumstances at the moment. It is our resiliency, our ability to bounce back, that creates our greatest strengths in life's arena. With each negative experience in life we learn something of tremendous value and it is that which makes us smarter and better in the next of life's rounds. The challenge then internalizes and one begins enabling oneself to continue the struggle. Determination is borne of struggle as is resiliency and all three notions feed on one another. Struggle is the real life's experience and the elements of determination and resiliency are of the mind and spirit. Those elements of determination and resiliency cannot be seen, felt or heard but are mighty in their net result.