I have been wearing a lot of hats (job wise) lately. They say that it is almost impossible to find work in Michigan. That to me is a rather funny statement. Because in the very short amount of time (1 1/2 months) that I have been home and off the road, I have had 4 jobs total. Even tho I have a job right now, it is not quite covering all the expenses of the house. But of all the jobs I have had in the last month or so, the one I am at right now is the highest paying and with the most hours.
I just needed to get that out... My newest trick to finding a job that you could actually like working is to take the jobs that you can get in order to fund finding the job you want.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Thoughts From Abraham Lincoln
As we go thru this year we are going to be bombbarded by politcal ads trying to sway our vote in one direction or the other. We have politicians that regard themselves as "Reagan Conservatives", "Tea Party Conservatives" and our President seems to think of himself as Abraham Lincoln reincarnated. Whether you are Democrat or Republican, I think we can all agree that this is the greatest country on the planet. Sure we have a long ways to go, but we're the best there is right now. Yes, our economy is in the toilet and good paying jobs are hard to come by. Gas prices are too high and home foreclosures seem to be the new trend. Through all this tho we must remember that it is we the people that make this country what it is. It is our own code of living and moral ethics that are being shown in mass. We have fallen away from the standards pf our grandparents and have fallen into a trap of entitlement. We want to have 6 weeks of paid vacation and then when we do work we don't put our best work into the product. There was a time when American made was equal to quality. There was a time when you wouldn't think of buying something made in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, or any other Oriental country. There was a time when if you bought something from Europe then that meant that you had accumulated some wealth. There was a time when you referred to something of great quality as the "cadilac" of that product. Now cringe at the thought of buying something that is simply assembled in America. After all most the components in your "American made" product were made over-seas.
One would almost say that I have a problem with American made products. No I don't. I would love to buy truly American made things. Unfortunatly that seems nearly impossible these days. We have out sourced not only tech support, but also, manufacturing, production, food growth, and soon even the transportation industry will be outsourced.
January 27th, 1837 infront of a young mens group in Springfield, IL. a young aspiring attorney made a speech about "The Perpetuation of our Political Institutions". It was a rather long winded speech in which he covered alot of topics. Many more than just politics. I would like to reveal some quotes of this young lawyer that we all know and most of us adore, Abraham Lincoln. You can judge for yourself if anything he said in 1837 might apply to todays world that we live in. You decide if it might show the hint of a different standard of living. I will try to present these in the context that they were meant to be in.
"At what point then is the approach of danger to be expected? I answer, If it ever reach us it must spring up amongst us; it cannot come from abroad. If destruction be our lot we must ourselves be it author and finisher. As a nation of freemen we must live through all time, or die by suicide."
In regards to a few atrocious acts of violence in the world at that time, (the hanging of gamblers, the burning at the stake of a suspected murderer, and slaves and strangers being lynched for conspiricy of running to freedom) the future president had this to say. "When men take it in their heads to-day to hang gamblers or burn murderers, they should recollect that in the confusion usually attending such transactions, they will be as likely to hang or burn someone who is neither gambler nor a murderer as one who is, and that, acting upon the example they set, the mob of tommorow may, and probably will, hang or burn some of them by the very same mistake."
And he also said, "By such examples, by instances of the perpatrators of such acts going unpunished, the lawless in spirit are encourage to become lawless in practice; and having been used to no restraint but dread of punishment, they thus become absolutely unrestrained."
He was concerned that the country that he loved was in such danger 175 years ago that he warned them exactly what would happen. His warning was worded this way, "I know the American People are much attached to their Government;—I know they would suffer much for its sake;—I know they would endure evils long and patiently, before they would ever think of exchanging it for another. Yet, notwithstanding all this, if the laws be continually despised and disregarded, if their rights to be secure in their persons and property, are held by no better tenure than the caprice of a mob, the alienation of their affections from the Government is the natural consequence; and to that, sooner or later, it must come."
Future President Lincoln had the answer to this problem tho. It was really quite simple. I think he covers the bases rather well. "The answer is simple. Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others. As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor;—let every man remember that to violate the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character [charter?] of his own, and his children’s liberty. Let reverence for the laws, be breathed by every American mother, to the lisping babe, that prattles on her lap—let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges;—let it be written in Primmers, spelling books, and in Almanacs;—let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice."
I think that these are some very fine points that he made all those years ago and I think that we are facing a similar problem with our country today. We have not been vigilant in keeping our standards high. We have lost the pride of simply being an American. When our ancestors came to this country they couldn't wait to learn to speak english. They brought their own flavors and customs to this great melting pot, but they worked long and hard to earn their citizenship. Those of us that were born here and many of the immagrants that come here today have forgotten the sacrifices that made this country great. It was the personal sacrifices that each person made for the betterment of this country. From the soldiers of the revolution, to the brothers fighting each other in the civil war, to the Rosie the rivaters that helped here at home during World War II. These are OUR people. These are the great Americans that loved liberty and sacrificed for it. What have you done to keep your freedom. They earned it for us, now we have to work to keep it. Ask yourself, "Is the country going in the direction that I want it to?" If that answer is no, then its up to you to change it. One voice among many can catch like wildfire.
If you'd like to read more of Lincolns speechs then find a copy of Abraham Lincoln, complete works, comprising his speeches, letters, state papers, and miscellaneous writings. I found it on google books and I'm sure you could too.
-Chuck
One would almost say that I have a problem with American made products. No I don't. I would love to buy truly American made things. Unfortunatly that seems nearly impossible these days. We have out sourced not only tech support, but also, manufacturing, production, food growth, and soon even the transportation industry will be outsourced.
January 27th, 1837 infront of a young mens group in Springfield, IL. a young aspiring attorney made a speech about "The Perpetuation of our Political Institutions". It was a rather long winded speech in which he covered alot of topics. Many more than just politics. I would like to reveal some quotes of this young lawyer that we all know and most of us adore, Abraham Lincoln. You can judge for yourself if anything he said in 1837 might apply to todays world that we live in. You decide if it might show the hint of a different standard of living. I will try to present these in the context that they were meant to be in.
In regards to a few atrocious acts of violence in the world at that time, (the hanging of gamblers, the burning at the stake of a suspected murderer, and slaves and strangers being lynched for conspiricy of running to freedom) the future president had this to say. "When men take it in their heads to-day to hang gamblers or burn murderers, they should recollect that in the confusion usually attending such transactions, they will be as likely to hang or burn someone who is neither gambler nor a murderer as one who is, and that, acting upon the example they set, the mob of tommorow may, and probably will, hang or burn some of them by the very same mistake."
And he also said, "By such examples, by instances of the perpatrators of such acts going unpunished, the lawless in spirit are encourage to become lawless in practice; and having been used to no restraint but dread of punishment, they thus become absolutely unrestrained."
He was concerned that the country that he loved was in such danger 175 years ago that he warned them exactly what would happen. His warning was worded this way, "I know the American People are much attached to their Government;—I know they would suffer much for its sake;—I know they would endure evils long and patiently, before they would ever think of exchanging it for another. Yet, notwithstanding all this, if the laws be continually despised and disregarded, if their rights to be secure in their persons and property, are held by no better tenure than the caprice of a mob, the alienation of their affections from the Government is the natural consequence; and to that, sooner or later, it must come."
Future President Lincoln had the answer to this problem tho. It was really quite simple. I think he covers the bases rather well. "The answer is simple. Let every American, every lover of liberty, every well wisher to his posterity, swear by the blood of the Revolution, never to violate in the least particular, the laws of the country; and never to tolerate their violation by others. As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor;—let every man remember that to violate the law, is to trample on the blood of his father, and to tear the character [charter?] of his own, and his children’s liberty. Let reverence for the laws, be breathed by every American mother, to the lisping babe, that prattles on her lap—let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges;—let it be written in Primmers, spelling books, and in Almanacs;—let it be preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice."
I think that these are some very fine points that he made all those years ago and I think that we are facing a similar problem with our country today. We have not been vigilant in keeping our standards high. We have lost the pride of simply being an American. When our ancestors came to this country they couldn't wait to learn to speak english. They brought their own flavors and customs to this great melting pot, but they worked long and hard to earn their citizenship. Those of us that were born here and many of the immagrants that come here today have forgotten the sacrifices that made this country great. It was the personal sacrifices that each person made for the betterment of this country. From the soldiers of the revolution, to the brothers fighting each other in the civil war, to the Rosie the rivaters that helped here at home during World War II. These are OUR people. These are the great Americans that loved liberty and sacrificed for it. What have you done to keep your freedom. They earned it for us, now we have to work to keep it. Ask yourself, "Is the country going in the direction that I want it to?" If that answer is no, then its up to you to change it. One voice among many can catch like wildfire.
If you'd like to read more of Lincolns speechs then find a copy of Abraham Lincoln, complete works, comprising his speeches, letters, state papers, and miscellaneous writings. I found it on google books and I'm sure you could too.
-Chuck
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
The Enemy Within.
As I sit here in my company yard in Irving Texas, I ponder things to write about. I spent my morning being productive and giving road tests to company new comers while my truck was in the shop for day number 4. I sit here and wonder why it's taking so long to fix a problem that I could literally do in 5 minutes with a screwdriver. Then I take a look at my experience this morning. I had to fail one new comer on his backing test. I had no choice. I had to suggest that he be put with a trainer for a week or two and the company decided to send him packing. After my next test period I went in to use the restroom and who should corner me... Mr. Failure. He then proceeded to "chew" me out accusing me of mistreating him because of his race. Go figure. His ineptness translates into me being racist. I would say that I was offended that he accused me of being racist, but I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I am not.
The fact of the matter is that no body seems to be willing to admit their own deficiencies. When they can't measure up to the requirements, they want to blame somebody other than themselves. Doesn't matter if it's the mechanic, the cashier, the schoolteacher, or even the President. They all want to blame their mistakes on someone else. Where does the buck stop? Why, if you can't fix a problem, would you blame somebody else? I'm sure that I've done it as well, and it's something that I'm going to have to watch out for in the future. We all need to make sure that we can handle taking the blame on ourselves. We are after all our biggest enemy.
The fact of the matter is that no body seems to be willing to admit their own deficiencies. When they can't measure up to the requirements, they want to blame somebody other than themselves. Doesn't matter if it's the mechanic, the cashier, the schoolteacher, or even the President. They all want to blame their mistakes on someone else. Where does the buck stop? Why, if you can't fix a problem, would you blame somebody else? I'm sure that I've done it as well, and it's something that I'm going to have to watch out for in the future. We all need to make sure that we can handle taking the blame on ourselves. We are after all our biggest enemy.
Monday, January 9, 2012
Am I really?
As today progressed, I cant help but wonder... what is wrong with me?
Here I sit in my home, I'm warm, I'm fed, and I am safe, and all I could think was, it is all so overwhelming!
Now, I know that I have ranted to a very select few about how irritated I was with all of these people complaining about their "normal lives." Also, in the past I have gotten down right pissed at some (I need not mention names) thinking that their problems were mountains when (from the outside) I saw them as mole hills. So now it is time for me to eat some crow. I was wrong. I was wrong because I didn't understand all the factors that go into making the problems that people face as big as they are. From the outside, we see all that could be fixed. And as outsiders, we don't understand that we can not make people see a truth that they do not or can not see. This doesn't make us wrong or them right... (or vice versa) it just means that we all see the same things differently.
I have been, since Saturday, emptying boxes of stuff. Some things I love, some things I hate, some things i can honestly say that I am in the middle. But I can also honestly say, that I went to fast. I am trying to put a house together to make a living space for my loved ones and myself, and I have created a mess! Now, please do not misunderstand me, I am doing my best not to complain about all that I have. I am learning that I am just like all the others.
Though a truely bad example, I have been watching all of my nearest and dearest of friends and family, people I love and people that I am friends with because they know people that I know and love, on facebook complain about freezers thawing for no good reason, laundry day came to soon, bills came to soon, Monday came to soon and so on and so forth while I was out over the road. Even though I thought I could empathize with them about their unique situations, I also got angry and them for not being thankful enough to have what they did. My coveted "normal life". Now I am home, I have the stress of bills... yes. I have the stress of not yet having a job... yes. I have the stress of a persnickity furnace... yes. My life is getting closer to "normal" and I am scared! I am scared of normal!
In my rush to create a normal existance for my family, I traveled into boxes and boxes of things, items and keepsakes that, though some of them do belong to me, I have no place for them. I go thru them over and over. I look at them and (sometimes even out loud) ask things where they are supposed to be... (the silence of my belongings is maddening!!!) and I say this all to bring myself back to my original thoughts. Im just like all of the rest of the people in the world!
If you understand me, you are doing better then I am...
Here I sit in my home, I'm warm, I'm fed, and I am safe, and all I could think was, it is all so overwhelming!
Now, I know that I have ranted to a very select few about how irritated I was with all of these people complaining about their "normal lives." Also, in the past I have gotten down right pissed at some (I need not mention names) thinking that their problems were mountains when (from the outside) I saw them as mole hills. So now it is time for me to eat some crow. I was wrong. I was wrong because I didn't understand all the factors that go into making the problems that people face as big as they are. From the outside, we see all that could be fixed. And as outsiders, we don't understand that we can not make people see a truth that they do not or can not see. This doesn't make us wrong or them right... (or vice versa) it just means that we all see the same things differently.
I have been, since Saturday, emptying boxes of stuff. Some things I love, some things I hate, some things i can honestly say that I am in the middle. But I can also honestly say, that I went to fast. I am trying to put a house together to make a living space for my loved ones and myself, and I have created a mess! Now, please do not misunderstand me, I am doing my best not to complain about all that I have. I am learning that I am just like all the others.
Though a truely bad example, I have been watching all of my nearest and dearest of friends and family, people I love and people that I am friends with because they know people that I know and love, on facebook complain about freezers thawing for no good reason, laundry day came to soon, bills came to soon, Monday came to soon and so on and so forth while I was out over the road. Even though I thought I could empathize with them about their unique situations, I also got angry and them for not being thankful enough to have what they did. My coveted "normal life". Now I am home, I have the stress of bills... yes. I have the stress of not yet having a job... yes. I have the stress of a persnickity furnace... yes. My life is getting closer to "normal" and I am scared! I am scared of normal!
In my rush to create a normal existance for my family, I traveled into boxes and boxes of things, items and keepsakes that, though some of them do belong to me, I have no place for them. I go thru them over and over. I look at them and (sometimes even out loud) ask things where they are supposed to be... (the silence of my belongings is maddening!!!) and I say this all to bring myself back to my original thoughts. Im just like all of the rest of the people in the world!
If you understand me, you are doing better then I am...
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Taxed Again?
I know that taxes are the way that the federal, state, and local governments pays for things. I know its because of our hard spent tax dollars that we have a great military, police, and fire department. I know that it is those tax dollars that pay for great things like the roads we drive on and sewers that keep us "civilized". I know the benefits of our government's spending. Do you realize just how often we're taxed tho? I bet most of you readers don't. Not only do we pay a federal income tax, but in some states we have a state income tax. Some states have a sales tax. In Missouri, we had to pay a tax on the things that we owned previous to that year. Then there's property taxes, license fees, plates for your vehicles, and lets not forget the mandated car insurance. If you choose to smoke or drink, then you pay a tax for that. Some cities have their own taxes as well. There's a state and federal fuel tax that we all pay at the pump, then us truckers have to pay a highway usage tax.
Alot of people say, " Well, those road taxes don't apply to me." WRONG. All these things are passed on to other people thru the price of your own goods on the shelf. Then there are also payroll taxes, medicare, social security, death taxes, inheritance taxes and so on. I think you get the idea. So if we're taxed on so many things then why is it that our country is in debt up to our perverbial eye-balls.
While some of this "revenue" is used for the true necessities I think more Americans would be surprised to hear that $10,000,000 was used to remake "Sesame Street" for children in Pakistan. Who knew that Big Bird cost big bucks? Or heres one for my fellow Michiganders, $75,000 to promote awareness about the role Michigan plays in producing Christmas trees & poinsettias. How did that help Michigans economy? While there's been rumors of $500 hammers and $10,000 toilet seats for years, we simply set by, throw our hands in the air and say "Well, that's government." How else could we possibly be more apathetic. Now Senator Coburn has put together a report of wastefull spending in the billions and we still set there? You want to complain about lowering taxes? You want to complain about Government spending? How bout we do something about it? How bout we take our bloated government back from the hands of the greedy, wastefull, legacy politicians! Why is it that you wouldn't make a better congress man or woman? Why is it you need money to run for office? This is a country where ANYONE can be a part of government! This is a country where ANYONE can make a true change, and offer true hope. We have cast our eyes on those that have led us down the wrong path. Career politicians can't offer hope, change, jobs, stronger housing, stronger economy.
WE THE PEOPLE. That's where the hope starts!
IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION. It doesn't matter if your a republican, democrat, libertarion, or independent. Lets become united! That's the change needed.
ESTABLISH JUSTICE. We need to stop focusing on what is "fair" but focus on what is just and right. It's not right that you were allowed to take out that loan that you could never afford to pay back.
INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY. Insurance does not provide, it insures against failure. You are not promised domestic tranquility, just the insurance for it.
PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE. We do have a government that is to defend its people from harm. That is why we have the military we do have.
PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE. Again this is not a gauruntee that you will fare well, it is simply to encourage it This is not a lisence to give you your needs or desires, simply giving you the means to provide them yourself.
and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
This is what our forefathers meant when they drew up our constitution over 200 years ago. This is what made this country great and what can bring it back to that greatness. But we mustn't leave this dear and great responsibility to our current politicians. We need to stand up and fill their seats with our bodies. It's time for the common man to take back this country. No where does it say you need a law degree to be a Congressman or Senator. No where does it say you have to have served in the military. No where does it say that you must make alot of money. There are simple age and citizenship restrictions. Think the founding fathers knew what the were doing when they made it so easy to qualify for the positions? This government was formed by the thoughts and ideas of farmers, soldiers, businessmen and inventors. They were normal men with grand ideas. Let's revive that grand idea. We are Americans, the greatest people on this planet! -Chuck
Alot of people say, " Well, those road taxes don't apply to me." WRONG. All these things are passed on to other people thru the price of your own goods on the shelf. Then there are also payroll taxes, medicare, social security, death taxes, inheritance taxes and so on. I think you get the idea. So if we're taxed on so many things then why is it that our country is in debt up to our perverbial eye-balls.
While some of this "revenue" is used for the true necessities I think more Americans would be surprised to hear that $10,000,000 was used to remake "Sesame Street" for children in Pakistan. Who knew that Big Bird cost big bucks? Or heres one for my fellow Michiganders, $75,000 to promote awareness about the role Michigan plays in producing Christmas trees & poinsettias. How did that help Michigans economy? While there's been rumors of $500 hammers and $10,000 toilet seats for years, we simply set by, throw our hands in the air and say "Well, that's government." How else could we possibly be more apathetic. Now Senator Coburn has put together a report of wastefull spending in the billions and we still set there? You want to complain about lowering taxes? You want to complain about Government spending? How bout we do something about it? How bout we take our bloated government back from the hands of the greedy, wastefull, legacy politicians! Why is it that you wouldn't make a better congress man or woman? Why is it you need money to run for office? This is a country where ANYONE can be a part of government! This is a country where ANYONE can make a true change, and offer true hope. We have cast our eyes on those that have led us down the wrong path. Career politicians can't offer hope, change, jobs, stronger housing, stronger economy.
WE THE PEOPLE. That's where the hope starts!
IN ORDER TO FORM A MORE PERFECT UNION. It doesn't matter if your a republican, democrat, libertarion, or independent. Lets become united! That's the change needed.
ESTABLISH JUSTICE. We need to stop focusing on what is "fair" but focus on what is just and right. It's not right that you were allowed to take out that loan that you could never afford to pay back.
INSURE DOMESTIC TRANQUILITY. Insurance does not provide, it insures against failure. You are not promised domestic tranquility, just the insurance for it.
PROVIDE FOR THE COMMON DEFENSE. We do have a government that is to defend its people from harm. That is why we have the military we do have.
PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE. Again this is not a gauruntee that you will fare well, it is simply to encourage it This is not a lisence to give you your needs or desires, simply giving you the means to provide them yourself.
and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
This is what our forefathers meant when they drew up our constitution over 200 years ago. This is what made this country great and what can bring it back to that greatness. But we mustn't leave this dear and great responsibility to our current politicians. We need to stand up and fill their seats with our bodies. It's time for the common man to take back this country. No where does it say you need a law degree to be a Congressman or Senator. No where does it say you have to have served in the military. No where does it say that you must make alot of money. There are simple age and citizenship restrictions. Think the founding fathers knew what the were doing when they made it so easy to qualify for the positions? This government was formed by the thoughts and ideas of farmers, soldiers, businessmen and inventors. They were normal men with grand ideas. Let's revive that grand idea. We are Americans, the greatest people on this planet! -Chuck
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
More Political Ranting (Pt. 1)
Today as I drove from Utah to California I had a few chances to listen to some news. One of the major topics was that Iran is now threatening our Navy about being in the Mediterainian Sea. All I could think about was the neighborhood bully that thought he could boss all the rest of us around, even when you weren't in his back yard. Since when did Iran control the entire middle east? I thought there were several other countries there besides Iran. Hearing all this brought me to a steaming point that I think our government is again failing on. So here it goes!
I believe that first and foremost we need to bring our soldiers and sailors home. We have even gone so far as to send our National Gaurd into war zones! How are they gaurding are nation when they are over seas? So, first off bring them all home. We are not the world police force. We are a sovereign nation and need to start acting like it. We need to stop meddling in everyone elses business and take care of our own. Close down 50% of our overseas bases and bring the other 50% down to operating status only. Skeleton crew. Office personal and a small (500 man) security force on said bases. All the rest of our military ground forces come home. They have work to do here.
Step two, continue training exercises thru out all military branches and make them the elite fighting force that they once were. When they're not off training they would be protecting our borders. Build barracks every couple of miles along our border and have the soldiers patrol the area between the barracks. No need for a fence, and I would love to see the looks on the faces of the drug smuggler/ illeagal trying to cross the border when they see American troops greet them on the other side. Post soldiers in every airport/ customs checkpoint and every shipping port. All the while training those not assigned to those posts.
Step three, when some foreign entity decides they want to start trouble with us or our allies, we take our entire fighting force over, filling every street, and quelch their desire to threaten us again. Then back to step one.
Let these arrogant fools know who they're messing with! We are the greatest nation in the world and we wont even protect ourselves for fear of hurting someones feelings. Tough! Israel is a nation that deals with terrorists on a daily basis and yet they have the safest airport in the world. Why? Racial profiling? Bomb sniffing dogs? Soldiers standing on every corner of the airport? Hmmm... maybe because they're not afraid of hurting your feelings when they tell you your getting your bag checked. Maybe because they don't have to strip search old women.
That is homeland security. That is standing up for ourselves. That is how we protect ourselves and prove to others that we mean business. There should be no question where we stand and who we stand with. We have no need to pick a fight. We just need to go back to "walk softly and carry a big stick". Maybe this seems a little bold to you. Let me hear your thoughts. Let me hear your feelings. Better yet, let your government know your thoughts and feelings. -Chuck
I believe that first and foremost we need to bring our soldiers and sailors home. We have even gone so far as to send our National Gaurd into war zones! How are they gaurding are nation when they are over seas? So, first off bring them all home. We are not the world police force. We are a sovereign nation and need to start acting like it. We need to stop meddling in everyone elses business and take care of our own. Close down 50% of our overseas bases and bring the other 50% down to operating status only. Skeleton crew. Office personal and a small (500 man) security force on said bases. All the rest of our military ground forces come home. They have work to do here.
Step two, continue training exercises thru out all military branches and make them the elite fighting force that they once were. When they're not off training they would be protecting our borders. Build barracks every couple of miles along our border and have the soldiers patrol the area between the barracks. No need for a fence, and I would love to see the looks on the faces of the drug smuggler/ illeagal trying to cross the border when they see American troops greet them on the other side. Post soldiers in every airport/ customs checkpoint and every shipping port. All the while training those not assigned to those posts.
Step three, when some foreign entity decides they want to start trouble with us or our allies, we take our entire fighting force over, filling every street, and quelch their desire to threaten us again. Then back to step one.
Let these arrogant fools know who they're messing with! We are the greatest nation in the world and we wont even protect ourselves for fear of hurting someones feelings. Tough! Israel is a nation that deals with terrorists on a daily basis and yet they have the safest airport in the world. Why? Racial profiling? Bomb sniffing dogs? Soldiers standing on every corner of the airport? Hmmm... maybe because they're not afraid of hurting your feelings when they tell you your getting your bag checked. Maybe because they don't have to strip search old women.
That is homeland security. That is standing up for ourselves. That is how we protect ourselves and prove to others that we mean business. There should be no question where we stand and who we stand with. We have no need to pick a fight. We just need to go back to "walk softly and carry a big stick". Maybe this seems a little bold to you. Let me hear your thoughts. Let me hear your feelings. Better yet, let your government know your thoughts and feelings. -Chuck
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Beginnings in a New Year (My political rant)
Well, another new year is upon us and with it comes a fresh start, so to speak. I am starting this new year on a new adventure that I've actually conquered a few times before, but for some reason it keeps rearing it's ugly head. I'm once again a solo truck driver. I'm hoping that by the middle of this year that will be no more. My team-mate/ wife has decided that it is time for her to spend more time off the road and with her children. I can't complain about that. It's something that we've been working toward for a good long while. Now we have secure housing, a semi secure financial statement, and she is looking for work to help improve that and hopefully get me home with her on a more permanent basis.
As this last year has gone by, I've done allot of contemplating for our future. I don't mean just for my families future. I'm talking about the future of this country. I've sat by idly watching as our politicians strap us tax payers with more national debt, our economy go completely out of control, all the while having dear friends fighting in wars that should have ended years ago. All of these circumstances have really got the grey matter whirring. The brain juices have been over flowing. I believe that I have a few good ideas that could help matters if not on a national level then at the very least a more state/ local level.
Please feel free to give feed back as I do a little to try and bring my thoughts to written word. A task that is really more daunting than many may think.
First of all, lets start on the oldest issue on the books. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
I fully understand why we went into Afghanistan. It was to flush out the terrorists that were responsible for the attacks on 9/11. While finding a 6 foot something tall man hiding in a network of caves proved more difficult than we first thought, we did capture/ kill allot of the network that he was leading. We haven't exterminated them all, for they seem to be like roaches in a New York City sewer system. Just when you think you've wiped out more than enough, a whole new colony appears. I believe that the mistake we made was declaring a war on terrorism. I said it the day it was declared and still believe it. You can't declare war on an idea. That's all terrorism is, is an idea. There have always been terrorist and always will be terrorist. When declaring that war, we set ourselves up for a war that would never end. When you cut one head off three more seem to pop up and we are not dragon slayers (no matter what the Marine Corps. t.v. ads might show).
As for the campaign in Iraq, well, who's to say there weren't WMD's there? They had been playing a cat and mouse game with U.N. Nuclear Regulatory committee for years. I personally believe that they played a great shell game and moved them else where anytime the regulators showed up. I think that most people would agree that Saddam Husein was a madman that needed to be captured and held for his crimes against his own people. I don't however think that it is the U.S. militaries role to help them form a new government put our boys in danger to bring it into order. If I have read our history books right, then freedom comes for those that are willing to fight for it. Our forefathers fought for our freedom from the English rulers and our ancestors are also the ones who protected during the wars on our own land. It is not our business to be over there training police officers, or their military to defend what they want. It's none of our business.
Now on to the economy. I think that something the people of this country have lost sight of is that it is not governments role to regulate our economy. Government cannot help the economy in any way other than taxes and their own bloated spending. I have an idea that I'm not sure would work or not and would love to hear the ideas and opinions of others. First of all, throw out the tax codes as they are. One thing all these politicians have lost sight of is that it is unconstitutional to levy a income tax. No where did are founding fathers institute that and I'm sure they would be rolling in their graves to see how out of control this government has become. What if instead of taxing ourselves on the money we make, the money we save, and the money we spend, we simply come up with a annual tax for just being an American. I'm talking about a flat, across the board tax, for the privilage of living in the greatest country in the world. I don't know what that number would be, and yes their would be exceptions for the elderly, or physically/ mentally ill. Other than that, every man woman and child would be charged a tax. For example, your average, healthy adult is expected to pay $1,000.00 a year in taxes, but for a average healthy child, only $500.00 a year would be levied to the custodial parents till that child is 18 years of age, then it would be raised to the adult tax, no exceptions. For the physically or mentally ill, it would be a lifetime $500.00 annually. And for those serving in our military fulltime home or abroad, no taxes charged for the entire immediate family (spouse and children) the duration of their chosen service. Oh and lets not forget our elders. After the age of 70 you pay no tax for the rest of your life. Consider it your consulation prize for being a great American citizen. I know this plan could use some tweaking, but that's the basis of it. Let's hear your thoughts.
Do you really expect that any president, republican or democrat is going to provide you with a job? Think again. The only thing they can do is make those that do provide jobs feel a magnetic pull to keep jobs here in the states. How do they do that? They do that by making it easier for a company to make a profit here in the states. Lowering tax rates on business is a start, but there's so much more that can be done. Temporarily close down our foreign trade lanes while we get things straightened out here in our own country. What is free trade? How is it benefiting American workers? We need to reconsider these thing and make this country a more productive, business friendly climate. You want a job Mr./ Mrs. "Occupier" then create your own business and compete in the free market. Build a better mouse trap and see what happens to your own bank account. Don't hate on the wealthy because you want what they have. Nobody gave it to them. They worked for it and earned it with their own sweat, blood, and tears. There are NO free lunches!
Now for the national debt crisis. Do you really think we can continue racking up debt with other countries and not have to feel the pains of bankruptcy? Haven't we learned anything from the "housing bubble"? How many of our congress felt the pain in their hearts as they packed up their things from their house because they over extended their checkbook? Maybe they should have felt that pain. Maybe they need to come down from their ivory towers and actually see what's happening with the people they claim to represent. How many times have you ever been called by your senator or congress person so they could explain a bill that is going up for vote and ask your opinion. I thought this was a country of the people, by the people and for the people. Instead we have given it to corporate barons and thieves. We have politicians that have never done anything but. We have "legacy" politicians. Do you really think these people are in touch with the average "Joe the plumber" or "Tom on the assembly line"? How many of these politicians have ever earned a callus on their hands from an honest days work for an honest days wage? Not many I bet.
We as a nation need to wake up from our apathy. Starting with me. We need to not care about what celebrity is doing what, or who's sports team is doing better. This was once a nation of great thinkers and inventors. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell. We have gotten slack in our ways and we are now paying the price. I challenge each of you as John F. Kennedy did, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." What are you going to do not only for yourself, but for your neighbor, your boss, the homeless at the shelter, the stranger in line in front of you? Don't you have enough stuff? Do you really need to be entertained? Do something this year, 2012, to help your community, your state, and your nation. It truly can be "One small step for man".
Please feel free to leave your questions and comments. And keep an eye out for Chuck Sherwood, he's working toward some goals. Thanks for reading. -Chuck
As this last year has gone by, I've done allot of contemplating for our future. I don't mean just for my families future. I'm talking about the future of this country. I've sat by idly watching as our politicians strap us tax payers with more national debt, our economy go completely out of control, all the while having dear friends fighting in wars that should have ended years ago. All of these circumstances have really got the grey matter whirring. The brain juices have been over flowing. I believe that I have a few good ideas that could help matters if not on a national level then at the very least a more state/ local level.
Please feel free to give feed back as I do a little to try and bring my thoughts to written word. A task that is really more daunting than many may think.
First of all, lets start on the oldest issue on the books. The Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
I fully understand why we went into Afghanistan. It was to flush out the terrorists that were responsible for the attacks on 9/11. While finding a 6 foot something tall man hiding in a network of caves proved more difficult than we first thought, we did capture/ kill allot of the network that he was leading. We haven't exterminated them all, for they seem to be like roaches in a New York City sewer system. Just when you think you've wiped out more than enough, a whole new colony appears. I believe that the mistake we made was declaring a war on terrorism. I said it the day it was declared and still believe it. You can't declare war on an idea. That's all terrorism is, is an idea. There have always been terrorist and always will be terrorist. When declaring that war, we set ourselves up for a war that would never end. When you cut one head off three more seem to pop up and we are not dragon slayers (no matter what the Marine Corps. t.v. ads might show).
As for the campaign in Iraq, well, who's to say there weren't WMD's there? They had been playing a cat and mouse game with U.N. Nuclear Regulatory committee for years. I personally believe that they played a great shell game and moved them else where anytime the regulators showed up. I think that most people would agree that Saddam Husein was a madman that needed to be captured and held for his crimes against his own people. I don't however think that it is the U.S. militaries role to help them form a new government put our boys in danger to bring it into order. If I have read our history books right, then freedom comes for those that are willing to fight for it. Our forefathers fought for our freedom from the English rulers and our ancestors are also the ones who protected during the wars on our own land. It is not our business to be over there training police officers, or their military to defend what they want. It's none of our business.
Now on to the economy. I think that something the people of this country have lost sight of is that it is not governments role to regulate our economy. Government cannot help the economy in any way other than taxes and their own bloated spending. I have an idea that I'm not sure would work or not and would love to hear the ideas and opinions of others. First of all, throw out the tax codes as they are. One thing all these politicians have lost sight of is that it is unconstitutional to levy a income tax. No where did are founding fathers institute that and I'm sure they would be rolling in their graves to see how out of control this government has become. What if instead of taxing ourselves on the money we make, the money we save, and the money we spend, we simply come up with a annual tax for just being an American. I'm talking about a flat, across the board tax, for the privilage of living in the greatest country in the world. I don't know what that number would be, and yes their would be exceptions for the elderly, or physically/ mentally ill. Other than that, every man woman and child would be charged a tax. For example, your average, healthy adult is expected to pay $1,000.00 a year in taxes, but for a average healthy child, only $500.00 a year would be levied to the custodial parents till that child is 18 years of age, then it would be raised to the adult tax, no exceptions. For the physically or mentally ill, it would be a lifetime $500.00 annually. And for those serving in our military fulltime home or abroad, no taxes charged for the entire immediate family (spouse and children) the duration of their chosen service. Oh and lets not forget our elders. After the age of 70 you pay no tax for the rest of your life. Consider it your consulation prize for being a great American citizen. I know this plan could use some tweaking, but that's the basis of it. Let's hear your thoughts.
Do you really expect that any president, republican or democrat is going to provide you with a job? Think again. The only thing they can do is make those that do provide jobs feel a magnetic pull to keep jobs here in the states. How do they do that? They do that by making it easier for a company to make a profit here in the states. Lowering tax rates on business is a start, but there's so much more that can be done. Temporarily close down our foreign trade lanes while we get things straightened out here in our own country. What is free trade? How is it benefiting American workers? We need to reconsider these thing and make this country a more productive, business friendly climate. You want a job Mr./ Mrs. "Occupier" then create your own business and compete in the free market. Build a better mouse trap and see what happens to your own bank account. Don't hate on the wealthy because you want what they have. Nobody gave it to them. They worked for it and earned it with their own sweat, blood, and tears. There are NO free lunches!
Now for the national debt crisis. Do you really think we can continue racking up debt with other countries and not have to feel the pains of bankruptcy? Haven't we learned anything from the "housing bubble"? How many of our congress felt the pain in their hearts as they packed up their things from their house because they over extended their checkbook? Maybe they should have felt that pain. Maybe they need to come down from their ivory towers and actually see what's happening with the people they claim to represent. How many times have you ever been called by your senator or congress person so they could explain a bill that is going up for vote and ask your opinion. I thought this was a country of the people, by the people and for the people. Instead we have given it to corporate barons and thieves. We have politicians that have never done anything but. We have "legacy" politicians. Do you really think these people are in touch with the average "Joe the plumber" or "Tom on the assembly line"? How many of these politicians have ever earned a callus on their hands from an honest days work for an honest days wage? Not many I bet.
We as a nation need to wake up from our apathy. Starting with me. We need to not care about what celebrity is doing what, or who's sports team is doing better. This was once a nation of great thinkers and inventors. Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, Alexander Graham Bell. We have gotten slack in our ways and we are now paying the price. I challenge each of you as John F. Kennedy did, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your country." What are you going to do not only for yourself, but for your neighbor, your boss, the homeless at the shelter, the stranger in line in front of you? Don't you have enough stuff? Do you really need to be entertained? Do something this year, 2012, to help your community, your state, and your nation. It truly can be "One small step for man".
Please feel free to leave your questions and comments. And keep an eye out for Chuck Sherwood, he's working toward some goals. Thanks for reading. -Chuck
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