From E-Mail

I got this in an E-mail, and felt it was important enough to pass on. Follow the directions carefully, and send a message about your opposition to hell care.

Hey Gang:

Obama provides his people a link to contact media to support healthcare bill! We can take advantage of it!

We can use this same link to OPPOSE it. Dick Morris says we have to get 8% points in disapproval ratings to defeat it! Please follow this link, send your letter of opposition. (and continue to fax)

Barack Obamas " Organizing for America " has put the call out for people to Email their local papers and write a letter to the editor. They have created a VERY easy and fast way to write all your local papers with just a few key strokes. PLEASE take a minute to do this today and jump behind enemy lines to help kill the bill.

Here's what we need to do :

Go to : http://my.democrats.org/page/speakout/posthouseLTE

1. Put in your Zip code. You will be redirected to a page where you enter all your address information.

2. Check all the boxes for all of your local papers.

3. NOW CAREFUL THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART! DO NOT CLICK NEXT. Instead Click " 2. Compose Letter " this is in the top middle of the page. This will allow you to compose your own letter to the editor against the healthcare bill.

4. Write your letter to the editor against the healthcare bill.

5. Now click Next

6. Preview your letter to the editor and click "Send Email"

Best Regards,
Jim Buske
jimb@icaucus.org
970-325-9923

"Because YOU are the Government"

MIlitary frustrated with Hawai'i education system

Students in Hawai'i are now getting an additional seventeen days off this school year in efforts to trim the budget. For members of the nilitary assigned there, it is an additional headache. Students must be supervised and entertained on the days they are not in classes. Parents and the bases are feeling the pinch.
Hawai'i has long had a less then stellar reputation, and the military has comissioned a study to look into this.

Commanders are so concerned about the overall health of isle schools that the military is paying researchers from Johns Hopkins University $1.5 million to study military attitudes toward Hawaii public education over a three year period to see if there's any concrete data to support the unhappy anecdotes.

The researchers won't have to travel far, in fact they only need to journey to Washington D.C. and visit the White House to get confirmation that Hawai'i has the WORST education system in the nation. All that for a measly million five? Heck we deserve a refund.
Kinda casts a dim light on Ivy League Grads as well, don't it? At least George W. Bush could give a speach above the jr. high level.
It would be interesting to see how Hawai'i stacks up against other liberal strangle holds like Lost Angeles, Deadtroit, Shamecogo, and others. We know what a disaster the schools are in many inner city regions, poor schools feeds the inner city decline which feeds the welfare system which votes strongly democrat. its a vicious cycle, its a downward spirial.

Arne Duncan recently praised hurricane Katrina saying it saved the New Orleans school system. Sad thing is he may be right. Won't know for sure for a few years, but prior to Katrina The government was spending over $10,000 per student per year and turning out a crop that has a high failure rate.
maybe its time to get the government OUT of education. All they do is bungle it. How are government can win wars is beyond me, every other thing they tacle comes out a bust, and there are still folks stupid enough to want to trust them with health care.

When owning your home doesn't pay

Let me tell you folks, there are times owning rental properties doesn't pay either. This sorry economy has seen many people getting foreclosed on. There have also been a rash of evictions. You won't see it in court dockets, people who are suffering doe to this economy often can't pay to keep a roof over their heads whether they own it or rent. For the ones who rent, there is added benefit in that most states mandate that renters be treated like kings even when htey are not paying and are the ones trashing the joints.
Some folks are geting hit hard because of the econ, and they have my sympathy. Others because of health care issues, and again, I feel for you.
The ones that irk me are the folks who have $100 loafers, new DVDs, go out to movies, smoke up a storm, yet can't pay rent.
My suggestion? Bridge projects. No, I don't mean build more bridges, I mean drop some of these folks off near an overpass and they can reside in its shelter until they decide to get their life together.
The key though is knowing what you can or cannot afford. When we had the housing bubble, many people got into homes they could not afford. For some, its a painful lesson. They have scrimped and scraped to make ends meet. The part that ticks me of is knowing that when the housing bubble was created, many houses were vastly inflated and fed to people who could barely afford them. Folks might have been able to make it had the house been kept at it original price, but greed got into play (doesn't it always?) and people got hooked.
I don't want to see tax dollars thrown away. The greedy sellers should be the ones on the hook for this, not the buyers, not the banks, (maybe the banks) and definately not us tax payers.

Stimuless created or saved 7,200 jobs in Colorado

Or so trumps the headlines. When you read the article though it is clear that they are huffing and puffing about keeping government people on the pay roll.
Some of the jobs mentioned are in higher education and state prisons. Can we get a clarification? Who exactly got retained? I don't want names, job types or titles would be nice. If we are talking about excess pork positions, let them go! Government is bloated. We all know that. Often times articles like this are so vague, and they target it this way " jobs in state prisons" to earn sympathy for the pogram from the public. To be certain, prison guards are one state job that is a necessity. We don't need convicts escaping because guards were laid off as kalifornication threatened to do during their budget crisis.
Is this all smoke and mirrors? The gov should cut entitlements first. Start with foreign aid. Sure, Egypt will get mad if we sever their tit, but we need to keep or navy working. I'd hate to see a Carrier Air Wing on unemployment when there are terrorist breeding grounds needing flattened.
Next up, programs that fund stuff the general public would not fund if offered the choice. Yep, I man the National Endowment for failed Art and others. Next up, start to scale back welfare payments. If a welfare queen gets knocked up, require DNA testing and make the hobo daddy pay fr the kids.
We have a DNA data base for criminals, make one for welfare recipients and their sperm donors. They steal as much from us as any other kind of crook. What we really need is a birth control device for men. A norplant type item that can be inserted and would dispense medication rendering the sperm donor impotent. Make it mandatory for any man who fathers a child that is raised on the public dime.
Last, quite feeding us BULLSHIT about saved jobs when unemployment is over 10%. We know its crap! maybe all you are wanting to do is feed it to the liberal elite in hteir ivory towers? Some day they will pout, " How could those tea baggers revolt when every thing was going so good?"

Need something to keep a bored mind busy?

Try the Ronald Reagan memory game! This game can keep a liberal mind busy for weeks!
Maybe Barry Soetoro should try this instead of brow beating conservatives. And yes, its possible to win, just takes a while. It is followed by my favorite Reagan quote.
BTW Barry congratulations on your poll numbers plunging faster then a lead balloon in a snow storm.

Thanks For nuthin

Why I no longer shop at Lowes or Home Depot

From Brian

I went to Home Depot recently while not being altogether sure that course of action was a wise one. You see, the previous evening I had prepared and consumed a massive quantity of my patented 'you're definitely going to shit yourself' road-kill chili. Tasty stuff, although hot to the point of being painful, which comes with a written guarantee from me that if you eat it, the next day both of your butt cheeks WILL fall off..
Here's the thing. I had awakened that morning, and even after two cups of coffee (and all of you know what I mean) nothing happened. No 'Watson's Movement. Despite the chilis swimming their way through my intestinal tract, I was unable to create the usual morning symphony referred to by my exwife as 'thunder and lightning'.
Knowing that a time of reckoning HAD to come, yet not sure of just when, I bravely set off for Home Depot, my quest being paint and supplies to refinish the deck. Upon entering the store at first all seemed normal. I selected a cart and began pushing it about dropping items in for purchase.. It wasn't until I was at the opposite end of the store from the toilets that the pain hit me.
Oh, don't look at me like you don't know what I'm talking about. I'm referring to that 'Uh, Oh, Shit, gotta go' pain that always seems to hit us at the wrong time. The thing is, this pain was different. The chillies from the night before were staging a revolt. In a mad rush for freedom they bullied their way through the small intestines, forcing their way into the large intestines, and before I could take one step in the direction of the toilets which would bring sweet relief, it happened. The chillies fired a warning shot.
There I stood, alone in the paint and stain section, suddenly enveloped in a toxic cloud the likes of which has never before been recorded. I was afraid to move for fear that more of this vile odor might escape me. Slowly, oh so slowly, the pressure seemed to leave the lower part of my body, and I began to move up the aisle and out of it, just as a red aproned clerk turned the corner and asked if I needed any help.
I don't know what made me do it, but I stopped to see what his reaction would be to the toxic non-visible fog that refused to dissipate.. Have you ever been torn in two different directions emotionally? Here's what I mean, and I'm sure some of you at least will be able to relate. I could've warned that poor clerk, but didn't. I simply watched as he walked into an invisible, and apparently indestructible, wall of odor so terrible that all he could do before gathering his senses and running, was to stand there blinking and waving his arms about his head as though trying to ward off angry bees. This, of course, made me feel terrible, but then made me laugh. .......BIG mistake!!!!!
Here's the thing. When you laugh, it's hard to keep things 'clamped down', if you know what I mean. With each new guffaw an explosive issue burst forth from my nether region. Some were so loud and echoing that I was later told a few folks in other aisles had ducked, fearing that someone was robbing the store and firing off a shotgun. Suddenly things were no longer funny.. 'It' was coming, and I raced off through the store towards the toilet, laying down a cloud the whole way, praying that I'd make it before the grand explosion took place.
Luck was on my side. Just in the nick of time I got to the john, began the inevitable 'Oh my God', floating above the toilet seat because my ass is burning SO BAD, purging. One poor fellow walked in while I was in the middle of what is the true meaning of 'Shock and Awe'.. He made a gagging sound, and disgustedly said, 'Son-of-a-bitch!, did it smell that bad when you ate it?', then quickly left.
Once finished and I left the restroom, reacquired my partially filled cart intending to carry on with my shopping when a store employee approached me and said, 'Sir, you might want to step outside for a few minutes. It appears some prankster set off a stink bomb in the store. The manager is going to run the vent fans on high for a minute or two which ought to take care of the problem.'
My smirking of course set me off again, causing residual gases to escape me. The employee took one sniff, jumped back pulling his shirt up to cover his nose and, pointing at me in an accusing manner shouted, 'IT'S YOU!', then ran off returning moments later with the manager. I was unceremoniously escorted from the premises and asked none too kindly not to return.
Home again without my supplies, I realized that there was nothing to eat but leftover chili, so I consumed two more bowls. The next day I went to shop at Lowes. I can't say anymore about that because we are in court over the whole matter. Bastards claim they're going to have to repaint the store.

For any doubters, I can personally attest that his Chili is that powerful.

Trust Me said the shark in bloody Water

To the swimmers safe in the boat. Would that about sum up Barry's Shit on the Union Address?
You would think that after getting his ass handed to him that he would back off, and rethink his stupid ideas. Instead this crapper is doubling down.
Note to Republicans, This will work for you if, IF you quit spending like drunk sailors. Fiscal responsibility, so easy a congressman can do it.

The problem is, he's RIGHT!

South Carolina Lieutenant Governor, Andre Bauer, no relation to Jack Bauer, has offended a lot of politicians on the left. His choice of wording may have been the poorest possible, but simply put, he is right. I'm not taking a shot at folks who are laid off and struggling with this economy, many of us are, and I certainly am, I'm aiming this straight at career welfare recipients, generational deadbeats, grifters, call them what you want, they are like leaches on society.
The government has handed out your hard earned dollars to lazy folks for generations now. Attempts to put limitations have been thwarted by corrupt or worthless judges many times. Plans put forth to prevent people on welfare from reproducing have been labeled as inhumane. The judges doing so are wrong. Handouts are not a right. I personally have housed many needy and less fortunate families, some times for several years. When they do not make an effort to better their situation as in getting educated, looking for work etc, it wears thin on me. Many of them I see through rather quickly, a few have been genuine needy, and I continue to help them. The dead beats, the drugies, I have no use for. If you are otherwise capable of working, you should not expect a hand out. If you are a faker, and get caught, expect me to be pissed, its my money, and by your deciept you stole it. That applies whether I help you directly, or the gov does it with my tax dollars.
In my first ten years managing properties, I never saw a section 8 recipient who really deserved it. To the person, they were playing the system, and when they showed their hands, I got them booted off.
Even so, if you are really in need, you don't need the extra burdon of another child. Its hard enough for able bodied parents to rais a kid.
Bauer said: "My grandmother was not a highly educated woman, but she told me as a small child to quit feeding stray animals. You know why? Because they breed! You're facilitating the problem if you give an animal or a person ample food supply. They will reproduce, especially ones that don't think too much further than that."
His comment applies to many, NOT ALL, people who are on welfare. I know there are some genuine needy folks. I continue to help them, we all should, but those who eare able but faking it, are a burdon to society.
A leach sucks off its host. It takes nutrition, and marginally slows the animal. When enough leaches attach themselves, it eventually kills the host. The animal in this case is our economy. Once healthy, it is presently weakened by the leaches, and now by a sick economy. How much more can it take? How long until it is killed by the leaches? Now more then ever its important to get the leaches off our economy. I'm not talking about hard working folks who have been idled by this recession, I'm talking about the career welfare queens.
Time to boot em.

A new supermarket

A new supermarket opened in Topeka, Kansas. It has an automatic audio/aroma system that some folks really enjoy...

When you pass the fresh fruit and vegetables, you hear the distant sound of thunder and the smell of fresh rain.

When you pass the milk cases, you hear cows mooing and you experience the scent of fresh cut hay..

In the meat department, there is the aroma of charcoal grilled steaks and brats.

In the liquor department, the smell of fresh tapped Miller Lite.

When you approach the egg case, you hear hens cluck and cackle and the air is filled with the pleasing aroma of bacon and eggs frying.

The bread department features the tantalizing smell of fresh baked bread & cookies.

I don't buy toilet paper there anymore.

H/T Waytallb aka Brian

Who is WE?

President Barrack Obama said in Turkey : "We do not consider ourselves a Christian nation or a Jewish nation or a Muslim nation. We consider ourselves a nation of citizens who are bound by ideals and a set of values."
I found this very interesting.
Do you know the Preamble for your state? . .

Be sure to read the message at the bottom!

Alabama 1901, Preamble
We the people of the State of Alabama , invoking the favor and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish the following Constitution..
Alaska 1956, Preamble We, the people of Alaska , grateful to God and to those who founded our nation and pioneered this great land.
Arizona 1911, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arizona , grateful to Almighty God for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution...
Arkansas 1874, Preamble We, the people of the State of Arkansas , grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of choosing our own form of government...
California 1879, Preamble We, the People of the State of California , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom...
Colorado 1876, Preamble We, the people of Colorado , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of Universe...
Connecticut 1818, Preamble. The People of Connecticut, acknowledging with gratitude the good Providence of God in permitting them to enjoy.
Delaware 1897, Preamble Through Divine Goodness all men have, by nature, the rights of worshipping and serving their Creator according to the dictates of their consciences...
Florida 1885, Preamble We, the people of the State of Florida , grateful to Almighty God for our constitutional liberty, establish this Constitution...
Georgia 1777, Preamble We, the people of Georgia , relying upon protection and guidance of Almighty God, do ordain and establish this Constitution...
Hawaii 1959, Preamble We , the people of Hawaii , Grateful for Divine Guidance ..... Establish this Constitution.
Idaho 1889, Preamble We, the people of the State of Idaho , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings..
Illinois 1870, Preamble We, the people of the State of Illinois, grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
Indiana 1851, Preamble We, the People of the State of Indiana , grateful to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government.
Iowa 1857, Preamble We, the People of the St ate of Iowa , grateful to the Supreme Being for the blessings hitherto enjoyed, and feeling our dependence on Him for a continuation of these blessings, establish this Constitution.
Kansas 1859, Preamble We, the people of Kansas , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious privileges establish this Constitution.
Kentucky 1891, Preamble.. We, the people of the Commonwealth are grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties..
Louisiana 1921, Preamble We, the people of the State of Louisiana , grateful to Almighty God for the civil, political and religious liberties we enjoy.
Maine 1820, Preamble We the People of Maine acknowledging with grateful hearts the goodness of the Sovereign Ruler of the Universe in affording us an opportunity .. And imploring His aid and direction.
Maryland 1776, Preamble We, the people of the state of Maryland , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberty...
Massachusetts 1780, Preamble We...the people of Massachusetts, acknowledging with grateful hearts, the goodness of the Great Legislator of the Universe In the course of His Providence, an opportunity and devoutly imploring His direction
Michigan 1908, Preamble .. We, the people of the State of Michigan , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of freedom, establish this Constitution.
Minnesota, 1857, Preamble We, the people of the State of Minnesota, grateful to God for our civil and religious liberty, and desiring to perpetuate its blessings:
Mississippi 1890, Preamble We, the people of Mississippi in convention assembled, grateful to Almighty God, and invoking His blessing on our work.
Missouri 1845, Preamble We, the people of Missouri , with profound reverence for the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, and grateful for His goodness . Establish this Constitution...
Montana 1889, Preamble. We, the people of Montana , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty establish this Constitution ..
Nebraska 1875, Preamble We, the people, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom . Establish this Constitution.
Nevada 1864, Preamble We the people of the State of Nevada , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, establish this Constitution...
New Hampshire 1792, Part I. Art. I. Sec. V Every individual has a natural and unalienable right to worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience.
New Jersey 1844, Preamble We, the people of the State of New Jersey, grateful to Almighty God for civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing on our endeavors.
New Mexico 1911, Preamble We, the People of New Mexico, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of liberty..
New York 1846, Preamble We, the people of the State of New York , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, in order to secure its blessings.
North Carolina 1868, Preamble We the people of the State of North Carolina, grateful to Almighty God, the Sovereign Ruler of Nations, for our civil, political, and religious liberties, and acknowledging our dependence upon Him for the continuance of those...
North Dakota 1889, Preamble We , the people of North Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, do ordain...
Ohio 1852, Preamble We the people of the state of Ohio , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure its blessings and to promote our common.
Oklahoma 1907, Preamble Invoking the guidance of Almighty God, in order to secure and perpetuate the blessings of liberty, establish this
Oregon 1857, Bill of Rights, Article I Section 2. All men shall be secure in the Natural right, to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their consciences
Pennsylvania 1776, Preamble We, the people of Pennsylvania, grateful to Almighty God for the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and humbly invoking His guidance....
Rhode Island 1842, Preamble. We the People of the State of Rhode Island grateful to Almighty God for the civil and religious liberty which He hath so long permitted us to enjoy, and looking to Him for a blessing...
South Carolina , 1778, Preamble We, the people of he State of South Carolina grateful to God for our liberties, do ordain and establish this Constitution.
South Dakota 1889, Preamble We, the people of South Dakota , grateful to Almighty God for our civil and religious liberties ...
Tennessee 1796, Art. XI..III. That all men have a natural and indefeasible right to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of their conscience...
Texas 1845, Preamble We the People of the Republic of Texas , acknowledging, with gratitude, the grace and beneficence of God.
Utah 1896, Preamble Grateful to Almighty God for life and liberty, we establish this Constitution.
Vermont 1777, Preamble Whereas all government ought to enable the individuals who compose it to enjoy their natural rights, and other blessings which the Author of Existence has bestowed on man ..
Virginia 1776, Bill of Rights, XVI Religion, or the Duty which we owe our Creator can be directed only by Reason and that it is the mutual duty of all to practice Christian Forbearance, Love and Charity towards each other
Washington 1889, Preamble We the People of the State of Washington, grateful to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe for our liberties, do ordain this Constitution
West Virginia 1872, Preamble Since through Divine Providence we enjoy the blessings of civil, political and religious liberty, we, the people of West Virginia reaffirm our faith in and constant reliance upon God ..
Wisconsin 1848, Preamble We, the people of Wisconsin , grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, domestic tranquility...
Wyoming 1890, Preamble We, the people of the State of Wyoming , grateful to God for our civil, political, and religious liberties, establish this Constitution...


After reviewing acknowledgments of God from all 50 state constitutions, one is faced with the prospect that maybe, the ACLU and the out-of-control federal courts are wrong! If you found this to be 'Food for thought' send to as many as you think will be enlightened as I hope you were.

(Please note that at no time is anyone told that they MUST worship God .)

h/t Rick R Manhattan Kansas

Strange laws somethings to brighten a gloomy Monday

In Lebanon , men are legally allowed to have sex with animals, but the animals must be female. Having sexual relations with a male animal is punishable by death.

(Like THAT makes sense.)

In Bahrain , a male doctor may legally examine a woman's genitals, but is prohibited from looking directly at them during the examination. He may only see their reflection in a mirror.
(Do they look different reversed?)

Muslims are banned from looking at the genitals of a corpse. This also applies to undertakers. The sex organs of the deceased must be covered with a brick or piece of wood at all times.
(A brick?)

The penalty for masturbation in Indonesia is decapitation.
(Much worse than 'going blind!')

There are men in Guam whose full-time job is to travel the countryside and deflower young virgins, who pay them for the privilege of having sex for the first time
Reason: under Guam law, it is expressly forbidden for virgins to marry.
(Let's just think for a minute; is there any job anywhere else in the world that even comes close to this?)

In Hong Kong , a betrayed wife is legally allowed to kill her adulterous husband, but may only do so with her bare hands.
The husband's illicit lover, on the other hand, may be killed in any manner desired.
(Ah! Justice!)

Topless saleswomen are legal in Liverpool , England ~ but only in tropical fish stores.
(But of course!)

In Cali , Colombia , a woman may only have sex with her husband, and the first time this happens, her mother must be in the room to witness the act.
(Makes one shudder at the thought.)

In Santa Cruz , Bolivia , it is illegal for a man to have sex with a woman and her daughter at the same time.
(I presume this was a big enough problem that they had to pass this law?)

In Maryland , it is illegal to sell condoms from vending machines with one exception: Prophylactics may be dispensed from a vending machine only in places where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption on the premises.'
(Is this a great country or what?
(Well,.... not as great as Guam !)

My kind of song!

Shamelessly swiped from Don Surber.

Are you ready to enter the twilight zone?

 Sitting out on the back deck plinking at cans gets a little boring after a while. Granted, with each successful shot the area of the can is some what deminished, but I have yet to totally obliterate one with my 22.

Here is some thing you can do to make shooting a challenge. First make a rake. this is a simple device, a piece of 1x4 with 1/2 inch pegs spaced 3/4 inch or slightly more apart. You will want to paint it, one side a dark color and the other a lighter color.
Don't glue the pegs in, they are expendable, and you might very well replace a lot of them. See illustration.
Next cut up a 3/4 inch dowel rod into 1 inch lengths. These you will want to paint as well, I'd suggest red.
This is intended to be an intermediate range target, some where arround 75 yards, but closer if you need. Now here is the fun, at 75 yards, this is a minute of angle target roughly equal to 1 inch at 100 yards, It should make for a good competition for your Sunday plinking.
Now for the next step, and why I said twilight zone. After you have anhilated a few plugs, the next step is to practice low light shooting. begin at sundown, and shoot one target dowel. Every five minutes, shoot another. Use as many shots as it takes to get the target. and do so until you can no longer discern the targets.
We are so used to living with light, even in the middle of the night our city streets are aglare from street lights, signs, porch lights and auto lights that we no longer consider how well we can see at night.
In the military, we always prepared for attacks in the early morning hours. First call or stand to was an hour before dawn. That allowed the troops time to prepare for any attack. Any light will screw up your night vision. Keep that in mind and try this next time you ae in the woods late. Set out a small red light and see just how far away it is visable. You might be amazed.
So if you want to try this, let me know how you fare. I plan to do it soon my self. If you want, send a pic of your target to me at kansasredneck@gmail.com and I will post them here.
Happy shooting, be safe and have fun.

Upping the Ante

I recently traded off two of my AR-15s. I know some of you say who can ever have too many? But the truth is you can only shoot one at a time, and while they are light, ammo is lighter. One of them was a DPMS sportical. One feature I liked was the flat top A-3 configuration, pefect for a scope. It did not have a dust cover, forward assist, or forward sling swivel. It was actually a cheap gun. Nice for a starter, but not something for a serious collection.
The second was a A-2 configured rifle with full stock and 20" barrel. A nice over all gun, but it was nearly identical to another, and since its twin was my first, first place won out.

Their replacement is an L-243. This rifle is manufactured by DPMS, and is a very nice rifle. mechanically identical to a Remington R-25, this fine piece of machinery lacks the messy oak paint skeme. The R-25 is offered in .243 Winchester, 7mm-08, and 308 aka 7.62x51. DPMS differentiates bt calling them L-243, L-308 etc.
For tonight, it is topped with my old Tasco 3x9. Eventually it will get a serioius upgrade to something with illuminated reticle, and interplanetary optics and magnification.

I had several choices between Remingtons in 308 and 243, and this one. Cost was a bit of a consideration, but I'm not that hot on the Mossy Oak camo. To me its a waste of money. if I need camo, I will make my own with burlap etc. It will get seriously gillified when needed.
I opted for 243 over 308 for several reasons. Cost of ammo and availability were not two of them. 243 is harder to get, and more expensive. What it offers though is a faster round with less drop. The 100 grain Remington rounds hold velocity very well, bullet drop is thirteen inches less at 500 yards then comparable 308 rounds.

DPMS and Remington together with Bushmaster are now owned by the same corporation. Thus these fine arms share commonality. The R-25 series was designed as part of the Army's sniper rifle competition eventually won by Knights. These rifles are the latest development of Eugene Stoners original AR-10. The Military wanted a new sniper rifle to replace the M-21s M-24s and others, and this bad boy was runner up. it is a great step forward, and is intended to have greater range then the M24s do.
This fellow is not a hundred yard plinker. It is intended for dropping Antelope at 500 or more yards, or Taliban wannabe's where ever they may roam.

What if he is right?

Take the three minutes to read this.
Maybe he is wrong.
What if he is right?

David Kaiser is a respected historian whose published works have covered a broad range of topics, from European Warfare to American League Baseball. Born in 1947, the son of a diplomat, Kaiser spent his childhood in three capital cities: Washington D.C. , Albany , New York and Dakar , Senegal .. He attended Harvard University , graduating there in 1969 with a B.A. in history. He then spent several years more at Harvard, gaining a PhD in history, which he obtained in 1976. He served in the Army Reserve from 1970 to 1976.

He is a professor in the Strategy and Policy Department of the United States Naval War College . He has previously taught at Carnegie Mellon, Williams College and Harvard University . Kaiser's latest book, The Road to Dallas, about the Kennedy assassination, was just published by Harvard University Press.

Dr. David Kaiser

History Unfolding

I am a student of history. Professionally, I have written 15 books on history that have been published in six languages, and I have studied history all my life. I have come to think there is something monumentally large afoot, and I do not believe it is simply a banking crisis, or a mortgage crisis, or a credit crisis. Yes these exist, but they are merely single facets on a very large gemstone that is only now coming into a sharper focus.

Something of historic proportions is happening. I can sense it because I know how it feels, smells, what it looks like, and how people react to it.. Yes, a perfect storm may be brewing, but there is something happening within our country that has been evolving for about ten to fifteen years. The pace has dramatically quickened in the past two.

We demand and then codify into law the requirement that our banks make massive loans to people we know they can never pay back? Why?

We learned just days ago that the Federal Reserve, which has little or no real oversight by anyone, has "loaned" two trillion dollars (that is $2,000,000,000,000) over the past few months, but will not tell us to whom or why or disclose the terms. That is our money. Yours and mine. And that is three times the $700 billion we all argued about so strenuously just this past September. Who has this money? Why do they have it? Why are the terms unavailable to us? Who asked for it? Who authorized it? I thought this was a government of "we the people," who loaned our powers to our elected leaders. Apparently not.

We have spent two or more decades intentionally de-industrializing our economy.. Why?

We have intentionally dumbed down our schools, ignored our history, and no longer teach our founding documents, why we are exceptional, and why we are worth preserving. Students by and large cannot write, think critically, read, or articulate. Parents are not revolting, teachers are not picketing, school boards continue to back mediocrity. Why?

We have now established the precedent of protesting every close election (violently in California over a proposition that is so controversial that it simply wants marriage to remain defined as between one man and one woman. Did you ever think such a thing possible just a decade ago?) We have corrupted our sacred political process by allowing unelected judges to write laws that radically change our way of life, and then mainstream Marxist groups like ACORN and others to turn our voting system into a banana republic. To what purpose?

Now our mortgage industry is collapsing, housing prices are in free fall, major industries are failing, our banking system is on the verge of collapse, social security is nearly bankrupt, as is Medicare and our entire government. Our education system is worse than a joke (I teach college and I know precisely what I am talking about) - the list is staggering in its length, breadth, and depth.. It is potentially 1929 x ten...And we are at war with an enemy we cannot even name for fear of offending people of the same religion, who, in turn, cannot wait to slit the throats of your children if they have the opportunity to do so.

And finally, we have elected a man that no one really knows anything about, who has never run so much as a Dairy Queen. All of his associations and alliances are with real radicals in their chosen fields of employment, and everything we learn about him, drip by drip, is unsettling if not downright scary (Surely you have heard him speak about his idea to create and fund a mandatory civilian defense force stronger than our military for use inside our borders? No? Oh, of course. The media would never play that for you over and over and then demand he answer it.

Mr. Obama's winning platform can be boiled down to one word: Change. Why?

I have never been so afraid for my country and for my children as I am now..

This man campaigned on bringing people together, something he has never, ever done in his professional life. In my assessment, Obama will divide us along philosophical lines, push us apart, and then try to realign the pieces into a new and different power structure. Change is indeed coming. And when it comes, you will never see the same nation again.

And that is only the beginning..

As a serious student of history, I thought I would never come to experience what the ordinary, moral German must have felt in the mid-1930s In those times, the "savior" was a former smooth-talking rabble-rouser from the streets, about whom the average German knew next to nothing. What they should have known was that he was associated with groups that shouted, shoved, and pushed around people with whom they disagreed; he edged his way onto the political stage through great oratory. Conservative "losers" read it right now.

And there were the promises. Economic times were tough, people were losing jobs, and he was a great speaker. And he smiled and frowned and waved a lot. And people, even newspapers, were afraid to speak out for fear that his "brown shirts" would bully and beat them into submission. Which they did - regularly. And then, he was duly elected to office, while a full-throttled economic crisis bloomed at hand - the Great Depression. Slowly, but surely he seized the controls of government power, person by person, department by department, bureaucracy by bureaucracy. The children of German citizens were at first, encouraged to join a Youth Movement in his name where they were taught exactly what to think. Later, they were required to do so. No Jews of course,

How did he get people on his side? He did it by promising jobs to the jobless, money to the money-less, and rewards for the military-industrial complex. He did it by indoctrinating the children, advocating gun control, health care for all, better wages, better jobs, and promising to re-instill pride once again in the country, across Europe , and across the world. He did it with a compliant media - did you know that? And he did this all in the name of justice and .... . .. change. And the people surely got what they voted for.

If you think I am exaggerating, look it up. It's all there in the history books.

So read your history books. Many people of conscience objected in 1933 and were shouted down, called names, laughed at, and ridiculed. When Winston Churchill pointed out the obvious in the late 1930s while seated in the House of Lords in England (he was not yet Prime Minister), he was booed into his seat and called a crazy troublemaker. He was right, though. And the world came to regret that he was not listened to.

Do not forget that Germany was the most educated, the most cultured country in Europe . It was full of music, art, museums, hospitals, laboratories, and universities. And yet, in less than six years (a shorter time span than just two terms of the U. S. presidency) it was rounding up its own citizens, killing others, abrogating its laws, turning children against parents, and neighbors against neighbors.. All with the best of intentions, of course. The road to Hell is paved with them.

As a practical thinker, one not overly prone to emotional decisions, I have a choice: I can either believe what the objective pieces of evidence tell me (even if they make me cringe with disgust); I can believe what history is shouting to me from across the chasm of seven decades; or I can hope I am wrong by closing my eyes, having another latte, and ignoring what is transpiring around me..

I choose to believe the evidence. No doubt some people will scoff at me, others laugh, or think I am foolish, naive, or both. To some degree, perhaps I am. But I have never been afraid to look people in the eye and tell them exactly what I believe-and why I believe it.
 
I pray I am wrong. I do not think I am. Perhaps the only hope is our vote in the next elections.


David Kaiser
Jamestown , Rhode Island
United States

545 People

Some E-mails are just too dang good, and instead of hitting forward, I post em here.

545 PEOPLE


By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them.

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does..

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason.. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash.. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall.. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker, who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits.. The president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million can not replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair..

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ , it's because they want them in IRAQ

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power.

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees.

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

Charlie Reese is a former columnist of the Orlando Sentinel Newspaper.

What you do with this article now that you have read it........... Is up to you.
 
This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.


Be sure to read all the way to the end:
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.

Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.

Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.

Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.

Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.

When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid..

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge T ax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Ser vice FeeTax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge=2 0Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
And I still have to 'press 1' for English!?

Money well spent IMHO

Nughin But Crap is saying buh bye to Conan. I know a lot of folks like the guy, but I'm not really one of em. Leno is ok, certainly better then Letterboy. Conan just wasn't up to filling the shoes of a real late night host.

Walmart to offer Wine? Somebody tell Denny!

Walmart announced that, sometime in 2010, it will begin offering customers a new discount item ----


Walmart's own brand of wine.

The world's largest retail chain is teaming up with Ernest & Julio Gallo Winery of California to produce the spirits at an affordable price, in the $2 - $5 range.



Wine connoisseurs may not be inclined to put a bottle of Walmart brand into their shopping carts, but "there is a market for inexpensive wine," said Kathy Micken, professor of marketing at the University of Arkansas .



"But the right name is important."



Customer surveys were conducted to determine the most attractive name for the Walmart wine brand.

The top surveyed names in order of popularity were:

10. Chateau Traileur Parc

9. White Trashfindel

8.. Big Red Gulp

7. World Championship Riesling

6. NASCARbernet

5. Chef Boyardeaux

4. Peanut Noir

3. I Can't Believe it's not Vinegar

2. Grape Expectations

1. Nasti Spumante

The beauty of Walmart wine is that it can be served with either white meat (Possum) or red meat (Squirrel).

P.S. Don't bother writing back that this is a hoax. I know possum is not a white meat.

Campaign Finance Deformed

What else can we call it? They had the audacity to call McInsane Findgold Campaign reform.
In a long expected decision the conservative side of the supreme court, joined by Justice Kennedy tossed out campaign laws that limited corporate participation in political campaigns. This also clears the way for unions to freely throw money.
I'd like to see some limitations on how money is thrown arround by groups who are trustees instead of owners of the cash. To me the simple way is to require every corporation and union to vote on which party or candidates are funded. Let the rank and file and the individual stock holders decide who and when. That sort of thing needs to be done from the ground up though. Stock holders and union members vote on it and impose it on the bosses. Having congress regulate campaign finance is like letting lawyers regulate the courts.
Both are very bad ideas. And yes, I mean judicial reforms are needed especially here in Kansas. Presently a panel, half chosen by the gov,and half by the liars err lawyers make recomendations. Then the governor choses which of the recommended scum to elevate to the stench.

Scott Brown concedes?

Oh wait, that was Martha Coakley. With margins at the comercial break at 53%/46% she might as well. It will only get worse as the night wears on.
Tonight the dems are indeed blue. If a liberal bastion like Ma$$atwo$hits can flip, what does that say for the rest of the nation? Tomorrow Nancy P Lousy will be making excuses. She will not pony up and acknowledge that the communists in her corral are out of touch with America, out of touch with reality, and in danger of being out of office.
Whether they make admissions behind closed doors is another thing, maybe they will, maybe not. America had their fill of hope'nchange. Twelve months of failed programs, broken pledges, back door BS, and all that has us mad. A horendous increase in hte national debt to pay off croneys has a pissed, and atempts to take over 1/6th of the economy and gut the remaining has us furious.
Note to republicans, get a clue, voters were pissed at you guys the last four years. Tonight is not a return to your old ways. Chart a new path, restore government to what it should be, put burocracy on a crash diet, and you might get back in power for a while. Screw us over and you will be obsolete by 2016 and the tea party conservatives will rule the day.

Trijicon sites, can you think of a better choice?

So Trijicon is putting Bible verses on their sites, and a few liberal wooses are upseeeeet!, Whaah! The verses, John 8:12 and 2 Corinthians 4:6 make strategic refrence to light, and since the sites rely on natural light which they optimize, it is indeed propper, at least to me.
Trijicon products are top notch. their CQB offerings make target acquisition in a fight much easier. they are not cheap, no Tasco comparable pricing here.
So, if you want a product that will put the fear of GOD into the hearts of the Taliban, what can I say? Fear of GOD or a bullet, their choice.

NOTHING

A young fellow was sitting at the bar sobbing quietly yo himself. When a lull in the action finally came, the concerned Bartender went over to offer him some words of comfort.
"Seems your're having a rough night htere fella" He said.
"two weeks ago, my dad died. Left me three million bucks."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. You must have been close to dear old dad" consoled the bar keep.
"Hated his guts. haven't talked to him since I was a teenager."
"Well, you sure seem torn up there."
"Last week, my uncle was killed in a car wreck. Left me $600,000 bucks." Sobbed the customer.
"So were you real close with your uncle?" queried the Barman.
"Never met him."
"so, why so sad?"
"This week..."

"Nuthin!"

Some Folks get it

Thats right all you liberals, preach it to Al-Queda, Hamas, Iran and the homicide bombers.
Frankly your pissant message has as much meaning today as it would have 65 Years ago. The thing is folks were a tad smarter back then, they understood that singing kumbia would not get Tojo and Adolph to play nice. The only thing that would cure hostile action was stronger hostile action.
And thanks to the owner of this fine SUV who proudly put it out there so you fucktards could see it.

Chief Disappointed? I'm disgusted!

For those of you not familiar with this story, let me be brief. A group of Topeka police officers went out drinking. After making the rounds of the bars, they headed for the home of one of the officers. Neighbors were celebrating, it was St. Patty's day, and these IMHO drunk idiots went over there and started an incident. In short order, one of the trespassing cops drew his gun to ward off a much needed and desperately deserved ass kicking. One of the residents goy a gun, but it was not loaded. Assole with a badge shot the resident, then shot his brother.
The cops and DA went into mega cover up mode. After a long investigation, charges were dropped against these badge carrying criminals. The department completed their internal investigation, but are not telling what was done to this group of thugs. The chief says he's disappointed. I say fire him, the chief. If the city council won't, start a recall election and remove the council and mayor until a group is in place who understands that the citizens of Topeka are not subjects. Recall the worthless DA as well. Saddly, the DA outsourced this to Kansas City, so the bad apple will get away.
Finally, Kansas has elections for judges. My motto has always been when in doubt, throw them out, and in this case there is no doubt. Topekans are voicing their anger and disgust. Judge Nancy Parish , your carreer needs to perish. You need to go the way of Carter. Voters of Topeka, do your selves a favor and boot this idiot. Demand better, and if the governor won't appoint better, keep them packed and gone. Its your city, its our state. Lets demand better treatment from these elected scoundrels in whom they appoint to lord over us.

Sending in the Chuckwagon

Does anybody else find it oddly amusing that our flagship in the aid effort to haiti is nicnamed the chuckwagon? How appropriate, if you want to feed a million people, you're gonna need a huge chuckwagon. To the men and women who proudly serve aboard it (and all our fine vessels), my hat is off to you for your efforts.

Haiti, what next?

I'm sure we are all shocked at the news coming out of Haiti. The island nation has certainly had it fill of disasters which coupled with human problems make for possibly the worst scenario for aid workers and the survivors.


Haiti is a crime haven. Local gangs terrorize the populace. It makes LA look tame, and whether you want to compare LA Calif., or LA the state makes no difference, both are tame.

Haiti is the poorest of poor. income is only around $1700 a year, lower then what many Americans make in a week. Crime reduces that amount by a sizable chunk. They are in a way condemned to poverty. This is only the latest to add to their despair. The nation is a big bulls eye for hurricanes.

Aid will flood in from around the world. Food, medicine, clothing, the list is endless. Workers will pour in as well coming from the US, Canada, and every nation on the globe. The obstacle will be the gangs.

just as with Somalia, the culture is poisoned. Not dead by any means, but tainted baaad! We want to help, it is in our marrow, it is part of our DNA. It is what we as Americans do!

If we help, and we are, lets make it a worth while effort. Our nation is in the throws of an economic problem not unlike what occurred in the thirties. back then, thousands of workers went abroad for work. All things considered, its not a bad idea. Congress could increase the size of the military for this.

Here is my plan. Authorize an additional 250,000 troops for the military. target them into engineer, transportation, medical, military police and cooks. create an army to rebuild with. (I have been in favor of conscription for years, a draft. Keep the combat arms all volunteer, but set a two year commitment for all people regardless of ability.)

Form them into battalions of aid workers for times such as these. Workers to go in, administer aid, treat the injured, dispense relief supplies, and facilitate the rebuilding of impoverished disaster areas.

IN Haiti, our mission should not end when the walls are back up. If we are to do this right, we need to occupy the island for several decades. quell the gangs and define the culture.

many of the worst parts of the world were once colonies. Prior to colonization, they were independent free people, but with the colonial influence, they lost their right to governance, and with that the knowledge of how to govern. We do not want to be governors of a territory, but we want to build a free nation capable of sustainment. We can do it, its what needs to happen.

Colonies that gained freedom have not fared well. In fact, I believe we are the only such colony to prosper with freedom. India has struggled. With the second largest population, they have vast untapped reserves of man power. It is only enterprises from America, companies wanting to do it cheaper that have created growth there. Iran, Iraq, Vietnam, the list is long and sad of once free people, dominated by "benevolent" countries, who gained independence but not freedom. In the end, they have fallen into despair, poverty communism, and worse.
AM I crazy? Yea, but...

What time is it?

According to the doomsday clock, five minutes to midnight. But all that is about to change. The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists announced that the hands will be changed at 10A.M. on Jan 24th. it will be done at a press conference at the New York Academy of Sciences Building in New York City.
Where it will move has not been announced. My prediction, it will move backwards. Lets face it, these jokers are in Chicago, home to our imposter in cheap. My expectation is that since so many academics trend liberal, that this move will be to support Barry. After all, he just got a no balls Piss prize for his accomplishments, nothing.
If it was me, and if these scientists are truly non partisan, the hands should move closer to midnight. I'd say between three and four minutes till.
Why you ask? (ok, you didn;t ask, but if you're still reading you might want to know) I would move them because Barry Soetoro has been weak in the face of international terrorism. that weakness has emboldened Iran, and they are a major player in the support of international terror.Another factor in my thinking is the debunking of glow bull warming. Yup, its a factor. Many regimes were counting on this farce to inject Capital and jobs into their economies.With it falling apart, they must reevaluate their means of existence.
The last reason I see is one child families in China.WHAT? Seriously, WTF Jeremy? China's one child policy has run amuck. With early DNA testing, families could identify sex on unborn children. This led to selective abortion destroying daughters of many and leaving a disparity of millions of men wo will not find wives.
Seriously, I'd kill for some good pussy, What guy wouldn't?
All in all, I expect the mad scientists will back off the minute hand to around the twelve minute mark. I could be wrong, and in the sceme of things, its just a cheap political tool, nothing more.
Barry, get set for more fake acolades to distract from your failed leadershit.

New churches springing up all over.

While I was traveling over the weekend, I caught a little gem, twenty new denominations spring up every week among evangelical Christians. Its useless data, just something that stuck from an hour long show. In fact, I think it came from a comercial.
Today, via Don Surber, we learn that Amish are exempted from the hell scare take over abomination. There are over thirty branches of the Anabaptists and Mennonites of which the Amish are only a small part. The Amish have split several times, and their commitment to simple living and avoidance of many earthly pleasures is well known.
Its time for a Reformed Amish Church. One that embraces the best parts of Amish Society, shunning of government practices like Social Security, with a realization that GOD's gifts of advancement are truly gifts which he intended for our betterment.
Heck, what is there to lose? We agree to not accept social suckery and in exchange are exempted from Obambi care.
As transitional Sr. deacon of this new order, I welcome one and all. Church elections will be scheduled once we have three members, and a permanent Deacon selected.

Lets stick to the issues

A lot of the blogosphere is in a whirl about Dingy Harry. So the guy made some comments about Barry that might be construed as racism. Let it go. Stuff like that rallies the dems. learn the rules, If a dem makes a facist comment, no matter how bad, its OK! The black dems sold out long ago. republican harping on this is only circling the wagons.
Better to stick with what offends most people, the blatant attack on personal freedom and our wallets known as hell scare reform.
people have taken note and ae angry. lets keep them angry. many moderate and even a few left leaning folks don't like health cae in government hands. Those folks will desert back to hte party if we keep on about dingy Harrys potty mouth.

Snow on the level

Snow on the level three foot deep
Oh Lord how the wind is blowin
Weve eaten our packs and suspender straps
And darn if it still aint snowin'.

We made a mulligan stew today
Of old tobacco and bits of hay
Some dried up leaves and small pine blocks
A wood rats nest and a couple of rocks.

Tomorrow morn at the break of dawn
We're gonna leave this shack
A trail to seek o'er the mountain peak
Adios if we don't come back.

And if in the spring when all nature sings
You chance on our trail to track
And find a couple of skeleton things
Don't fret, its just me and Jack.

That poem was found scrawled on the wall of a hunting cabin in Canada many years ago. Given the weather, Thank you Al Gore for glowbull warming, I thought it appropriate.

Whats wrong with America?

Now, I'm a big sports fan. I can waste an entire weekend watching college football on Saturday, and the pros on Sunday, so this is hard to say. We have become a society dependent on entertainment.


Whether its sports, movies, NASCAR, music or what ever, we demand that we be entertained. Presently, over twenty million people are without jobs. Factory workers, construction workers, truck drivers, the people who make America great, and they are benched. As our nation struggles to right our economic woes, and congress is on the wrong side, WE still want to be entertained. How many football players were laid off by the NFL this season? Any? Didn't think so.

Athletes, coaches and actors are among the highest paid professions in our country, and they contribute not one iota to our greatness. They add nothing to the GNP, nada, yet they demand outrageous salaries.

Mike Leach, late of Texas Tech, was to receive an $800,000 bonus. That's wages for twenty blue collar Texans, yet hardly any one complains. His annual compensation? Roughly 2.7 million. Coaches like Urban Meyer command 4 million or more, yet they will never make a scientific contribution, medical breakthrough, or life changing invention. All they will do is entertain us.

We buy movies and music every day to do what? entertain us. Pornography is the biggest business on the internet, and all it is is entertainment. Entertainment is a huge business in America. I don't really mind that. Seriously, I don't.

What I do mind is when it is done on the public dime. The NEA, National Endowment for the Arts gives away our money by the bucket to entertainers and artists who suck. That money was taken from the hip pocket of a hard working American, and handed to an entertainer who apparently, no one in the private sector felt needed a dime.

I'm also irritated that millions every year is spent giving scholarships to athletes who will eventually be making millions entertaining us. Sure a lot of these guys will wash out and not make it in the draft, but why do we need to pay for that?

It peeves me even more when its guys like Michael Vick. After that fiasco, he should never be allowed on the field again. Instead, he is back up for the Eagles. Two teams to cheer for these days, the Minnesota Vikings, and whom ever is playing against Philly.

Times are tough in America. Ford, GM, and a host of other companies who have laid off scores of workers are still funneling funds to sports for what? Entertainment.

Half times over, back to the game. Sigh.

Update: Zach, I consider creating art a profession whether it is painting, singing, acting, sculpture, or any other form. Furthermore, I understand fully what types of artists are funded by the NEA from chamber music to dance. What I don't like is funding them with my money. I don't support any type of public charity whether the government is propping up GM, a hobo, or a foreign regime, its not right to take our hard earned dollars and give them to any one. research Davy Crocket and his commentary on government largess. Tax money should only be spent on things that are necessary, and Chamber Music really isn't. Those who want chamber music can fund it from their own pockets, not mine. In fact, a certain document outlines as follows, "To promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries;" Which to me limits congress' actions regarding the arts to copyrights and patents as they apply, nothing more.

That very same document provides as follows;

"To declare war, grant letters of marque and reprisal, and make rules concerning captures on land and water;

To raise and support armies, but no appropriation of money to that use shall be for a longer term than two years;

To provide and maintain a navy;

To make rules for the government and regulation of the land and naval forces;

To provide for calling forth the militia to execute the laws of the union, suppress insurrections and repel invasions;

To provide for organizing, arming, and disciplining, the militia, and for governing such part of them as may be employed in the service of the United States, reserving to the states respectively, the appointment of the officers, and the authority of training the militia according to the discipline prescribed by Congress;"

Six paragraphs for the military which you so despise. All of that by the way comes from article 1 section 8 of the constitution.

By the way, our national defense budget is in excess of $515 billion, and like you I do not like waste in it. What you and I consider waste would likely differ, although most of what I consider waste you probably would as well.

To refresh your memory, on 9-11-01, we, the United States, were attacked by rogue thug jihadists. We are not perfect, that is for sure. Many mistakes, serious ones have occurred over the decades of my life. Our government has propped up corrupt regimes everywhere from Panama to Iran. We have turned a blind eye to atrocities by shallow allies in pursuit of global ambitions that benefited no one. At least no common American. In WW2 we took sides with Russia against Germany. Both were purist evil, Stalin killed millions more then Hitler. George S. Patton, when he Met the Russians in Germany famously asked for permission to continue the attack. He recognized evil. Douglas McArthur wanted to press the attack against China during the Korean war. Truman chose to bench him instead. Mao's purges killed an estimated 38 million, some estimates are as high as 100 million. Truman, the man with the courage to nuke Japan, failed in the face of a powerful enemy.

What in all that though justifies the slaughter of nearly 3,000 people by these Islamic thugs?

At least our military attempts to protect us, chamber music and offensive art don't, even when it is offensive to Jews or Christians and therefore allowable to these jihadists.

As for giving back to the tax payers, I call bullshit on you. The vast majority of the defense budget goes to purchase and maintain equipment. Those F-16 fighters, KC-135 tankers, Arleigh Burke Destroyers, Abrams tanks and such are all built by tax paying American workers. Guys who contribute roughly 35% of their gross wage to Federal, State, local and school taxes. Grant money given to artists isn't taxable, or is it? Even if it is, they are in the lower tax catergories. I did my research Zach, why didn't you do yours?

Three Rednecks

Seems a regional builder hired three rednecks to bolt together beams on a high rise building. One was from kansas, one from Nebraska, and one from Oklahoma.
At lunch time they would hoist thier lunch boxes up and eat on the beam since gettign down required unharnessing and a lot of effort.
The first day, the Kansan open his lunch box, looked in and groaned, "Spaghetti. There is nothing in the world worse then cold spaghetti."
The Nebraskan opened his lunch and groaned, "Cold stew, I'd rather eat dirt."
The Okie opened his lunch and also groaned, " Tuna fish sandwiches. If I have to eat another tuna fish sandwich, I'm jumping off this building."
The following day found the three again high over the surrounding town, and at lunch time again hoisted their meals up.
The Kansas open his and exclaimed, " pork chop sandwiches! there is nothing better cold then a pork chop sandwich."
The Nebraskan opened his lunch and exclaimed, "Chicken! I could eat cold chicken all week long."
The Okie opened his and groaned, "Tuna fish sandwiches. Thats it." he then unhooked his safety harness, threw his lunch box down, and jumped.
As the Nebraskan stared down, he exclaimed, "The poor guy."
"Yeah," said the Kansan, and he packs his own meals.

Do not adjust your monitor

The gun really is green.
This is a Springfield Armory 1911A1 in 45 ACP. Springfield released a version in olive green and to original military specs about five years ago.
The 45 has been a durable weapon for the US military, carried as the standard side arm for over 70 years. It was replaced by the 9mm Baretta, but still remains in service with some units, and for good reason.

The U.S. Military used a wide variety of side arms in the late 1800's. Most were 38 caliber Colts and Smith & Wessons. While fighting the Moro's in the Philippines, The 38 was found to be unsuitable, and the Army briefly sent 45 caliber single action revolvers to the troops. Hiriam Maxim had designed a self loading pistol in the 1880's, and this sparked interest in semi auto side arms by many nations. The US military initially tested guns from several foreign manufacturers, and evaluated a Lugar in 7.65 which was found to lack stopping power. An improved version of that was tested, the 9mm Lugar aka 9x19mm NATO.
After tests conducted in 1904, it was determined that any cartridge would need to be at least 45 caliber, and design tests continued with designs from several manufacturers. The tests eventually narrowed the field to two, Colt and Savage, and in 1911 the Colt model was selected. The deciding factor was a grueling 6000 round test in which the Colt performed flawlessly while the savage design had 37 malfunctions.
Following WW1, the pistol was modified to become the 1911A1. Changes were minor, and included a shorter trigger, cut back frame behind the trigger, and an arched main spring housing.

With those changes, the mighty 1911A1 soldiered on. Its accuracy became the thing of legends. many soldiers claimed that after firing the seven rounds in hte magazine, you then beat the enemy soldiers to death with the thing. That was not the case though. With little practice, most people can group effectively at ranges beyond fifty meters thanks to the well thought out design of John Browning.
WW2 saw the production of nearly 2 million 1911 from a variety of companies. The 1911 was even made in Norway by the Germans, and a Kongsberg Colt with Waffenamt stampings will fetch a small fortune.

Preasure from NATO for conformance was to spell the end of the 1911 though. As the pistols began to wear and break, the Army Arsenals repaired them by taking parts from other guns. By the late 1970's, the end was fast approaching, and field tests confirmed its successor, the M-9. Many units retained the 45 though. USSOCOM, and delta Force in particular were not satisfied with the 9, and in 2004 a new generation of 1911's known as the 1911A2 began testing. the 1911A2 design incorporates a variety of sights, finishes and features that are a full family of weapons adaptable to a wide variety of missions.
With that change, the 1911 will continue to soldier on well past the century mark, an impressive feat for a military arm, especially when you consider that prior to its adoption, the military was testing and adolting several new side arms a decade.
How long will the 1911 series remain in service? your guess is as good as mine. Its hard to beat perfection.