tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-653557702025436952024-02-22T00:52:37.675-08:00Musings From The Man CaveBadglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-77185403746999611072016-09-26T02:31:00.000-07:002016-09-26T02:31:31.993-07:00For Jervas<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyGGtH9_MwpXU126C2fW0rHjjSWG0Zl1PHGwrwRkqDiBHVAoP7KXNsacqiFyIxKV08onPvaZQjz9TGx7xqmk5_JF_YSa0rrJK92xncH_Pk0eVFWjCVXwUkbM-tQg9yqlNnFTpLdN4zqY/s1600/Dad+%2526+jervis.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUyGGtH9_MwpXU126C2fW0rHjjSWG0Zl1PHGwrwRkqDiBHVAoP7KXNsacqiFyIxKV08onPvaZQjz9TGx7xqmk5_JF_YSa0rrJK92xncH_Pk0eVFWjCVXwUkbM-tQg9yqlNnFTpLdN4zqY/s320/Dad+%2526+jervis.tif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Jervas at the shop - 2002</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Jervas found himself incarcerated at Sangamon County Animal Control when his owner found himself incarcerated at the Sangamon County Jail. It was there that my wife found him. He was thought to be between two and three years old. He appeared to be half chihuahua and half pug. We told folks he was a chug. The wife often volunteered at the center and adopted more animals over the years than I can count. Most were brought back to good health, and then a permanent home would be found. Jervas found himself in a home with cats, dogs, fish, and two teenagers. From the minute he crossed the threshold he made it clear; this would be his permanent home. He settled right in. He was smart and well behaved. He got along with every animal he was ever around. We had a shop dog that no one could get near but me and the wife. Anything in his area was fair game, and he made that apparent anytime he was challenged. Jervas was the exception from day one. No explanation to be found; it was Jervas. He was the same with people. He greeted each customer when they arrived at the shop. Each was greeted with a wagging tail and that goofy grin. His smile was undeniable. Jervas went everywhere that the wife did. He loved to ride in the car with her. A few blocks or a thousand miles, it didn't matter as long as he got to go. He spent his evenings in someone's lap and slept with me and the wife. He was a constant source of love and devotion.<br />
<br />
He was with us for five or six years before moving to his last home. By this time Jervas was part of the family. We were not seeking a new home for him, but his services were needed elsewhere. My wife's parents, John and Carol, had recently lost their longtime companion. John had always liked Jervas, and when we offered him to them, they gladly accepted. Their last dog had really bonded with John, and Jervas was to help fill the hole that loss had caused. Jervas did a magnificent job in doing that, but Carol was his favorite. He settled in with them like he had always lived there. He also continued his insistence of going everywhere they did. This included wintering in Florida. John and Jervas visited with many neighbors and friends on their walks both at home and in Florida. Many kept treats handy for Jervas; their walks almost became a trick-or-treat route for him.<br />
<br />
As the years passed he lost a few teeth and had to go on a special diet, but he continued to enjoy life. He began to lose his sight and hearing a couple of years ago. In the last year he lost both completely. He began to have a seizure every now and then this summer. At an estimated age of 16 - 18 years, he had lived a long, full life. He saw the doctor last month to confirm what we already knew in our hearts. His body was beginning to fail him, his time was drawing near.<br />
<br />
This week the seizures have become more frequent and his organs are failing. There is nothing more to be done, but to help him pass pain free to the rest he has so greatly earned. Today is that day.<br />
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Thank you Jervas for your years of love and friendship. You touched more lives than most, and left each one better for it. See you at the Rainbow Bridge.<br />
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<br />Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-44649155132911174602014-12-17T14:43:00.000-08:002014-12-17T14:43:08.460-08:00The Affordable Care Act Part III - EndgameSuccess has been achieved! My wife is the owner of a brand new shiny health insurance policy. In my last post I was waiting for the phone to ring in order to gain access to the website. Those that know me personally know how patient I am, so yes, I called them back yesterday. A real person answered the phone!<br />
<br />
In working with her to solve the problems that kept me from logging into the website it became apparent that the people who are there to assist, really try very hard to do just that. She was pleasant and apologized repeatedly for the problems I was having. Several times during my time on the phone with her, she had to put me on hold while she worked through a problem. Each time she explained what she needed to do and apologized for putting me on hold. Every time she came back to the line, she thanked me for holding. We had been at this for about an hour when she told me she would put me on hold one more time, we were almost there. The hold music played about three notes before the line disconnected. To say I was unhappy would be a very large understatement.<br />
<br />
I called back, and after a short wait I was explaining what had happened to a new person. I was hoping to get back to the woman who had been helping me; we were almost done. There is no way for that to be done. Worse yet, the computer system had crashed. I was asked to wait several hours and try calling back. I did learn one more piece of information during this call that helps me to understand just how difficult these representative's job is. The reason the phone disconnected is because the phone system is part of the same computer system used to enroll people in healthcare.<br />
<br />
As I stated earlier, I am known for my patience. I called back after waiting about ten minutes. It seems my luck was changing. After explaining the problem yet again to another representative, she happily informed me that the computers were again in working order. No, she had no way of getting me back to representative one, but would be happy to help me finish getting the problems resolved. Within 15 minutes she had all of the concerns fixed and confirmed that I now had access to the website. She also generated a code that would allow me extra time to choose a policy and still have coverage on January first.<br />
<br />
After shopping the various policies, my wife and I picked one that would allow my wife to retain her current doctors, without breaking the bank. Made that sound simple, didn't I. It can be very confusing to try and pick a policy based on coverage. What the website shows you is your deductibles and co-pays after any subsidy is applied. When you look at the plan benefits they don't match up. The plan benefits are shown at the retail prices. Not well versed in insurance plans made this a confusing journey for me.<br />
<br />
I was directed to the insurance company website to pay the first month's premium for the chosen policy so coverage could begin on time. Upon completing the payment, I was emailed a receipt and the promise of a policy and an I.D. card arriving shortly in the mail. My wife was insured!<br />
<br />
Four days of fighting the website, three phone conversations, three very helpful representatives, and I finally have insurance for my wife. My thoughts after this experience are mixed. The A.C.A. does make it possible for me to be able to have health insurance for my wife. Without the subsidy that would not be possible. The people who answer the phone must have halos. They spend their entire day trying to help people with a system so complex that lawyers do not understand it. They accomplish this task with a computer system that has done nothing but crash for more than a year, and yet all three people I dealt with were cheerful and polite.<br />
<br />
I'll leave you today with this thought. You are the first representative I talked to. You have spent the better part of an hour fixing all the little glitches so that I can access the website. You are almost done, last step. The system crashes and the phones go dead. You have no way to reconnect with me and even if I call back, I cannot be reconnected to you. Let's be optimistic and assume this only happens twice a day. Could you remain cheerful and polite?<br />
<br />
It would seem to me that as frustrating as this is for the consumer, it has to be a stress filled nightmare for those who deal with this every day.<br />
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<br />Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-43365757625933639432014-12-16T01:01:00.000-08:002014-12-16T01:01:38.435-08:00The Affordable Care Act Part IIAnother year has come and gone. Last year about this time I posted about my problems with trying to follow the law and sign up for the A.C.A. The end result last year was applying for an exemption due to the un-affordability for my family.<br />
<br />
Here is this year's update. They have fixed some parts of the web-site. Creating an account went smoothly enough, although it refused to retain an address for my wife. After 5 attempts, I assumed that could be fixed at a later date. I completed the rest of the application without incident. The last step of the process is to review and electronically sign that you are providing true information.<br />
<br />
Once this step completes, you find out what type of subsidy you qualify for, and begin to shop the available plans. I had done my research, discussed it with family and knew which plan we were hoping to afford. Was I disappointed or surprised? There is the question that cannot yet be answered. On more attempts than I can count, every time I reached the step that would provide the answer, the website displayed an error code. Same code, over and over. I'm two days into the process and stuck exactly where I was last year and the deadline was midnight yesterday. Now what?<br />
<br />
Fear not! Displayed on the error code screen was an 800 number that is live 24/7 to help with this or any other problem. Just like last year, I could receive phone assistance. After last year's experience, I knew the hold time could be hours. I was prepared, a snack, fresh drink, and the phone fully charged.<br />
<br />
This is where I can proudly tell you about yet another improvement to the service. You no longer need concern yourself with being on hold; it is no longer an option. Leave your name and number and someone will contact you in 5 to 7 days. By leaving the message you are meeting the midnight deadline.<br />
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Maybe I'm an optimist, but I would have thought given the problems that were apparent in the launch last year, and a year to get it fixed, it would actually work. The fact that it still does not work well enough to actually purchase insurance without support that is not available, has me wondering if it can be fixed. Maybe a better question is, should it?<br />
<br />
If anyone needs me, I'll be waiting for my call for the next 5 to 7 days.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-74216951013029658972014-03-16T22:55:00.000-07:002014-03-16T22:55:01.031-07:00Random Thoughts<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been a long cold winter for most of us. The snow and
temperatures have kept me from writing because my focus was absorbed in the
pain this winter brought. Now that some semblance of warmth has begun to return,
I find myself wanting to see if the fingers are willing to pound around the
keyboard. The problem is what to address. There are so many things that can be
talked about. So, tonight will just be random thoughts on what’s going on in
the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In an earlier post I addressed the ACA and my experience
with trying to get signed up. I finally logged on and found the policies that
would fit our needs. The premium for a scaled down plan was $174.00 a month
with a $12,500.00 deductible. How is this a better plan than no insurance? The
whole idea was that no one should have to go bankrupt to have adequate health
care. Am I the only one that would have to go bankrupt to meet that deductible?
The ACA has some very good programs that would help those that need them, but
the mandate that I buy insurance to prevent financial disaster, that in itself
would cause the same disaster is ludicrous.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s move to money for a minute. It now costs more than 2
cents to produce a penny, and a dime to produce a nickel. I’m not talking
profit margins; I’m talking to actually mint them. We are spending twice the
face value of the coin to produce it. This would seem an easy problem to solve
and save millions of dollars a year. Why can none of our elected officials
recognize and fix such an obvious waste of money?<o:p></o:p></div>
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It would appear that Russia is no longer the ally we
thought. I don’t know about you, but I’m shocked; Not. When the US discontinued
its space program and announced we would depend on Russia for transportation to
and from the ISS, I believed it to be a huge mistake. If Putin pushes further
into the Ukraine and we impose the sanctions that are being discussed, we as a
country will no longer have a way to reach the ISS and Russia will control the
space station we built. How could that be bad? I do not think it is in the best
interests of our country to try and police what Putin is doing. This has to be
a problem that our European allies address. It’s their backyard, it should be
their lead.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then there is that corrupt president we put in power in Afghanistan,
Mr. Karzai. He was willing to play along with democracy until his term limit
approached. He has had years with us backing him, while he focused on making
himself powerful and wealthy. He has avoided signing a continuing agreement
with the US, while at the same time eagerly coming to terms with Iran and the
Taliban. He now wants all US troops out of the country by years end. I have no
problem with that. As we are leaving we can use unused munitions to destroy
anything we built that may be of use to him. I believe that we should also warn
him that we will not tolerate, but obliterate anything within his borders that
would support terrorism. We do not need boots on the ground to do that. Let's make that our policy for all countries that harbor terrorists.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A quick note about our continuing agreement with Afghanistan;
the tribal councils and leaders of Afghanistan met and ratified this agreement
in ONE weekend. Karzai has refused to sign it. The point I’m making is that
this group of leaders who primarily live in what can only be described as just
above Stone Age conditions, discussed it, made compromises, and agreed to it in
a weekend. Our representatives in Washington should be ashamed. The Afghan
representatives put their country before their personal wants or needs and
moved forward in the best interests for the people, something our
representatives have forgotten how to do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It would seem the Middle East is in complete turmoil again.
We took out a brutal dictator in Iraq, occupied the country so they could form
a government and learn to protect themselves, and then left. The result is
worse than before we went in. Afghanistan seems to be heading the same
direction quickly. Did I mention that Libya finds itself in the same predicament?
How many times do we as a country have to repeat the same mistakes before we
figure out that some of these populations require a dictator to control all the
factions within the country? Are they typically brutal? Yes. Is there a better
way? Apparently not. Until the people of these countries rise up and gain their
own freedom, they’ll not have it. We as a country need to understand that you
cannot give or enforce freedom for a people that are not willing to fight for
it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Malaysians seem to have misplaced a very large airplane,
its passengers, and cargo. After days, they now believe it to have been
hijacked by someone with a vast knowledge of that airplane. We've all seen the
many theories that are discussed endlessly on the news networks. The latest
baffles me somewhat. Agreeing with the assumption that it was hijacked, I am
stumped as to why officials think it was flown south, only to crash into the
ocean. Why commit a terrorist act by hijacking the plane and then fly it into
the ocean where no one will know it happened? If it was flown north it could
easily have reached a Middle East destination. I would think that route would
be the most scrutinized for obvious reasons. I hope the officials are correct.
I shudder to think of the many ways a plane the size of a 777 could be used as
a weapon in the right hands. If terrorists have indeed pulled this off, they
already have the right hands to weaponize the plane.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll finish with a positive note. It was reported today the
Fred Phelps Sr. is on the edge of death. As founder of the Westboro Baptist
Church and its endless hate campaigns, his eminent demise can only bring a
smile to my face. Sadly, I also have to report the he was excommunicated by his
own church last fall which leads me to believe the church’s hate campaigns will
continue. It has been repeatedly stated by folks commenting that his funeral
and burial receive the same type of protest that he and his church gave to our
honored dead. I hope that no one stoops down to the same level as the Westboro
group. It is my hope that his death does not make news anywhere. It won’t
happen, the news organizations will be all over it. Wouldn't it be nice if they
just refused to report it, thus giving his death and the church the amount the
amount of attention they truly deserve? <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Rant Over! <o:p></o:p></div>
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Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-1829159565032358032013-12-22T23:50:00.000-08:002013-12-22T23:50:09.834-08:00The Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. Obamacare
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The goal was admirable, but like much of what our
government tells us, it is not as advertised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no intention of getting into the specifics of whose fault this
mess is, or all of the half-truths and misrepresentations that were used to get
this law passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The talking heads have
been pointing fingers and placing blame ad nauseum for months. What I would
like to share is my experience with trying to abide by this new law.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Like many of you, I found trying to access the
website in the early days impossible. I tried several times in the first few
weeks, but the site just did not work. It was a never ending loop back to where
you started because the site kept crashing. From the news reports it was clear
that the site was not ready and never should have been launched.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After it was announced that the site was repaired, I
tried several times to get through the first step; registration. After several
attempts it became obvious that the government’s definition of repaired must be
different from mine. Same loop as before, but they had added error messages. I
assume the repair crew must be the same crack staff that designed the site to
begin with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, with one day left to try and get this done, the
wife and out set out to navigate this labyrinth and make one more attempt to
comply with the new law. Great news!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Things have improved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After only
an hour and several website crashes, we succeeded in getting an account set
up. Things were looking better! Now it’s time to log in and find out what types
of coverage’s are available. After completing the account set up page we were
automatically redirected to the log in page. The big moment was here; entered in
the login information and clicked login. Oh good, yet another error message. An
account that was just created was somehow locked and/or disabled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two options; live chat or call the 800
number.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I started with the 800 number. No surprise that it
is all automated. It first will tell you that they are experiencing a high
volume of calls and wait times could be long. To reinforce this it goes on to
tell you that if you are on a cell phone, make sure it is fully charged. They
should also tell you to pack a sack lunch. I gave up after more than an hour on
hold.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I decided to go ahead and waste the rest of my day
with trying the live chat option. I actually prefer it as most of the time it
is the quickest option on a competently built site. This is much like calling
the 800 number. You receive a greeting message telling you they are
experiencing a lot of traffic, but someone would be willing to help me shortly.
After waiting for someone to chat with for exactly 81 minutes, I again through
in the towel and closed the chat window. How did I know I waited 81 minutes? The
chat window logs what time you requested help and then sends you a message
every 90 to 93 seconds asking you to be patient while they are helping others. I’m
assuming the clock is one of the repairs they are so proud of, as it seems to
be the only thing on the entire fucking site that works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">According to the HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius “We
the People” have spent 319 million dollars through the end of October 2013 and
are obligated to spend a total of 677 million dollars to build this website. I
assume this had to be a no bid contract that apparently required no proof of
competency to get. If the company was properly vetted you would think the
legacy of poor work would have shown up. Maybe someone should send those in
power a link to Angie’s list, or better yet Go Daddy. How about a conversation
with a successful web operator like Amazon? I know these are simple suggestions,
but I find you get the best information from those who have proven experience,
not political connections.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The other question I keep asking myself is this; how
can a website that cost so much and works so poorly not have cost someone their
job? I can’t think of one private sector job where you could spend 319 million
dollars on a project that is a complete and utter failure, and still keep your
job. Is no one accountable for what is done with the people’s money?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll close with this; if you are going to force the
American people to buy a product they do not want, the least you could do is
make the website they have to use work, especially as you have spent millions
of “our” dollars to build this site.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the meantime, I’ll be spending the day on hold,
hoping that a Christmas miracle will occur and someone will answer the phone or
the live chat. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-65314811032868625632013-11-05T22:07:00.000-08:002013-11-05T22:07:07.186-08:00For BobShortly after receiving my driver’s license I took
a job driving a tow truck at Ernie Schmidt Standard. The man assigned to train
me was named Bob Shirley. Despite the difference in age we became fast friends.
We had many good times working together, but as time passed, we both moved on
to other things. Over the next couple of decades we kept in touch; sometimes
just through his brothers Kim and Jay, but that connection remained.<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
During this time, I became a Corvette expert and Bob fell in
love with Corvettes. The first one he showed up with was a race car with
headlights. A 3<sup>rd</sup> generation Corvette is not easy to get in and out
of, nor does it offer much in creature comforts. Bob didn't care, it was loud
and fast. My job was to keep it maintained and/or repaired. As we began to see
more of each other, the friendship continued to grow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
He bought a 96 Corvette when he sold the beast. Still not
easy to enter or exit, but creature comforts it had. Bob had all the
accessories and enjoyed taking it on the Hot Rod Power Tour several times. As
before, I maintained and repaired it for him. It also became a winter resident
in my garage to ease parking at his home. Bob became a good friend to my
grandson Kael when the car started wintering in the garage. Kael made a deal
with Bob to keep the wheels clean, for which Bob paid him $5. When Bob showed
up Kael could not wait to tell him of his latest adventures, and Bob would
patiently listen as Kael rambled on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
When my health problems began, Bob was constantly checking
in. I can’t remember a period in the last three years that he didn't call or
drop by to check on me. The last couple of years he was always trying to get me
to go out; lunch, a car show, anywhere. Last fall I had a 2010 Corvette in the
garage and Bob fell in love with it. The owner decided to sell it, and the
asking price was right. I called Bob and he ended up with the Corvette of his
dreams.<o:p></o:p></div>
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When the weather broke in the spring, it was time for Bob to
get his new Vette out. He wanted me to follow him home so he could have the
Vette and his truck at home. I agreed assuming I'd be in the truck. Nope, he
wanted me to follow him in the Vette. I assumed he’d drive me back home. No
again. He had me drive the Vette and explain how things worked. Typical Bob, he
left plates and insurance on the 96 and left it at my disposal. When I had a
good enough day to get in and out of it, it was mine to drive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was about this time that Bob noticed my roof was in poor
shape and asked me about it. I had the shingles, but I was no longer capable of
putting them on. He said he’d take care of it; he had a nephew that did roofs.
About a month later Brian and friend show up to do my roof; Brian is also a
longtime friend and a past employee. They made short work of it, did a great
job, and their labor was taken care of by uncle Bob. Bob just shrugged off my
thanks as no big deal, but to me and my family it was a very big deal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As summer began to come to a close, Bob was still doing his
best to get me to a car show. He knew I missed going from the many
conversations we had. He found out through a chance meeting with my wife at the
gas station that the reason I did not go to shows was because I could no longer
walk the distances most required. By the time I parked and walked to the show,
I was spent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About a week later Bob showed up and announced he was taking
both Vettes to the Mother Road Festival, and that I would be attending. Before
I could raise an argument, he announced that he had rented a mobility scooter
for me. He would meet me where I parked to help me load and unload the scooter.
He left no room for an excuse. Bob asked Kael what he was doing with all of that
wheel cleaning money. Kael told him he was saving for a skateboard. Kael also
explained at length why he needed one as Bob patiently listened.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I met Bob and Carol at the show on my rented scooter. I had
not been to a show in four years; I had a blast. I thoroughly enjoyed the day scooting
around looking at the cars and talking with Bob and Carol. I couldn't thank him
enough. We all had a good time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The week after the show, Bob started looking for a scooter
to buy. He sent link after link for me to look at. Some of them were more than
5 hours away, but he didn't care. I told him to be patient, a deal would turn
up and I wouldn't need it until next show season. I also told him he did not
need to buy me a scooter. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bob dropped by to see Kael. He had bought him a
skateboard and all of the knee and elbow pads that were recommended. I can
still see his smile as he watched Kael ride the skateboard. If I had to guess
whose smile was bigger that day, Kael or Bob’s, it would be Bob.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found a scooter the following week that was a really good
deal. Bob came by and picked me up so that we could go get it. It was in great
shape and made for outside use. Bob had me try it out and then he bought it. We
hauled it home that night and talked about the car shows I could now attend. We
planned to go to Bloomington Gold and several other shows next season now that
I had “wheels”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I spoke with him last week about getting the Vettes parked
for the winter. We made plans to get them put up last Sunday. Typically Bob
would call to confirm plans when he got back to town on Thursday nights. I
still had not heard from him by Sunday night, nor was he returning my calls.
None of this was in character for him. Something must be wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I learned that Bob passed away November 1st. He had a
massive stroke the Thursday he was to call. I was devastated. Bob had become one of my closest
friends in the last couple of years. A friendship that felt more like family
than just friendship. I've spent the last few days grieving for Bob and his
family’s loss, but I have found peace in several things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bob was home when he had his stroke, not on the road in his
18 wheeler hundreds of miles from home. He was surrounded by those he loved most in his
last days. His suffering was not long. He had a great summer in the Corvette of his dreams, doing the things
he loved with the love of his life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will miss you my friend. Your visits and our conversations
helped me through a really rough time. I will attend the shows we planned to
attend together next year without you, but because of you. Every time I sit on
that scooter I will be reminded of your kindness, compassion, generosity, and
most importantly, your friendship. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rest in Peace Bob. You've earned it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-49312887669446469322013-09-20T23:10:00.000-07:002013-09-20T23:10:18.314-07:00My Colonoscopy at Springfield ClinicAs I mentioned in a previous post, I have had some health problems in recent years that have left me disabled. In that post I spoke very highly of the care I have recieved from my doctors, but failed to mention them or the institution they are affiliated with. I would like to correct that error and share my recent experience.<br />
<br />
My relationship with Springfield Clinic began in 1959 under the care of Dr. Eveloff. He was the only doctor I saw until the age of 18. I was a healthy child, so most visits were for routine check-ups. Then as today, the staff were always friendly and helpful. Dr. Eveloff and Springfield Clinic had earned my trust through the quality of care that was consistently delivered at every visit.<br />
<br />
I met the man who would become my primary physician when he was a resident at SIU family practice. Dr. James Stegeman has been my primary physician for my entire adult life. I will admit that we hit it off the first time we met, and over the years we've become friends. He knows my quirks and has always been willing to help despite them. My trust in him is implicit. His support staff is top notch in every aspect from the receptionist to the nurses.<br />
<br />
I went in for my annual wellness visit last month which is discussed in an earlier post. Two days after my visit I received a call from one of Dr. Stegeman's support staff; if I had not yet had a colonoscopy, one needed to be scheduled. These were the words I had been dreading.<br />
<br />
I was sent to see Dr.Brad Paris for a consultation. The consultation was short, but very thorough. My first impression was very good. If you have to have this done, the least you could expect is a likeable doctor. Dr. Paris was this and more.<br />
<br />
The day before the procedure I started the cleansing process. I had heard all the nightmare stories of having to drink a gallon of the worst tasting liquid ever invented and spending all day and night on the toilet; this has changed. Dr. Paris had prescribed SUPREP, two 6 ounce bottles of fluid taken with water. The first bottle was mixed with water at 10:00 AM and consumed. It had to be followed by two additional glasses of water in the next hour. By 1:00 PM it had done its job, and I no longer worried about my distance from the toilet. A liquid diet for the day; a list of permissible fluids was provided at the consultation. At 8:00 PM the process is repeated. By 10:00 PM the cleansing was complete. Nothing by mouth after midnight. Not a pleasant day, but not nearly as bad as it had been described by others.<br />
<br />
My wife and I arrived at the clinic at 5:45 AM the next day. I am not a morning person by any definition, but the clinic is full of them. Happy smiling faces greeted us at every turn. The check-in was painless; the wife was provided a pager so that she did not have to sit in the waiting room. They would notify her when I was in recovery.<br />
<br />
After a short wait we were called back to a prep room. Much to my surprise there was a large recliner with a blanket for me to sit in and a TV (remote included) to watch. The nurse went through a few questions to make sure all my information was current. She then provided a gown for me to put on as well as socks. As you know, you wear nothing under this gown. When the wife helped me to put it on, I was surprised to find it was almost as thick as flannel. We cracked the door to let her know I was dressed and in minutes she was in the room with warm blankets. She started an IV and attached the patch to my back that would monitor my vital signs. The anesthesiologist was in to visit and ask a few questions. Dr. Paris then stopped in to make sure we had no further questions before we got started.<br />
<br />
A few minutes later the nurse was in to walk me down to where the procedure would be performed. The dreaded walk down the hall with your backside exposed and cold, but wait! As soon as I stood, another nurse was there with a warm blanket which she held over my backside for the walk. They helped me onto the bed, and you guessed it, another freshly warmed blanket. The nurse chatted with me during the short wait for Dr. Paris. When he arrived she told me she was going to start the anesthesia. I watched her push the plunger, and the next thing I know, I'm looking at my wife wondering when they would start. The recovery nurse was waiting with cookies and a soft drink for me while we waited to see Dr. Paris. He was in promptly to explain what was found and to recommend a boost in my fiber intake. My visit ended with a gentle ride in a wheelchair to my car.<br />
<br />
The care I received at the clinic for this procedure would rival a first class resort/spa. The staff are friendly people who go above and beyond to make your experience as pleasant as possible. The doctors go out of their way to make sure you understand, and are comfortable with the procedures being performed.<br />
<br />
I received a call the next day from Dr. Paris's nurse to check on how I was doing, and to make sure I had no further questions.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure when I'll have to go back, but when I do I can rest assured that I will receive the best care available in Central Illinois. Thank you to all involved for making my experience a pleasant one.<br />
<br />
Ron KaneBadglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-7482713797805076422013-09-04T02:03:00.000-07:002013-09-04T02:03:26.841-07:00Syria<div class="MsoNormal">
Why are we even considering any intervention in Syria? If we
listen to the talking heads we will learn that if we do not intervene it
threatens our national security. They just can’t seem to tell us how. Most now
lean towards telling us how badly our credibility in the world will be damaged.
Others will tell you it has to be done for moral and humanitarian reasons. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s take the last one first. Moral and humanitarian
reasons; morally the murder of innocents is reprehensible, and the use of
chemical weapons on women and children does invoke empathy for the victims and
their families. As compassionate people we would want to help them under the
definition of humanitarian reasons. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many organizations that can provide humanitarian
relief; isn’t that something the U.N. is supposed to handle? So, we are left with the immoral acts being
committed on the Syrian people, by the Syrian people. Realistically, the morals
of the Syrian people seem to be different from those traditionally held in
America. When did “we the people” decide to be the morality police for the
world? Whose morals are we enforcing?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our President drew a red line and warned Syria not to cross
it. They ignored that warning and have crossed it more than once, if news
reports are to be believed, and we have yet to act. Our credibility is already
damaged. If the administration were serious they would have put a plan in place
that could be put in action immediately if that line were crossed. Instead, we
now openly debate the President’s decision to intervene in both houses, on TV
for the world to see, at the President’s request. We’ll probably televise the
decision and tell Syria what day and time to expect us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The argument that our national security is threatened by
Syria baffles me. Yes, they have tons of all types of chemical weapons,
probably biological weapons as well, but they have no method of delivering such
a weapon against our country. Yes, these weapons could fall into the hands of
terrorists, but that has most likely already happened. The final point for this
argument is that it threatens our allies. Look at a map of the region. How many
countries in that part of the world are really our allies? If we were not
sending billions of our tax dollars to them in aid every year, would they still
be allies?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It seems that somewhere in the past our representatives
changed the reasons we would make these sacrifices and “we the people” let that
happen. We got involved WW I because our allies were attacked. We were attacked
which led to our fighting WW II. Both of these wars were supported by the people;
we sold war bonds and we rationed many consumables in order to provide what our
soldiers needed. We fought Korea and Vietnam to slow the spread of communism
when the cold war with the Soviet Union threatened our country. After that it
seems the reasons to go to war became less significant.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We defended Kuwait at the request of Saudi Arabia when Iraq
invaded. I believe time will show this as the first mistake America made in the
region. It was this decision that empowered the Jihadists. The Saudi leadership
chose the U.S. over the Arab fighters who had freed Afghanistan. This was a
huge insult to their pride, and it would allow infidels onto Muslim holy
ground.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After the attacks of 9/11 the government declared a war on
terror. We would bring these terrorists to justice at all costs. I believe
every American agreed with this decision. We went to Afghanistan to destroy the
Taliban and the terrorists they supported. Then we had to invade Iraq again to
stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction, which turned out to be non-existent.
We spent billions of dollars and thousands of our brave warriors’ lives in
these campaigns. We continue to do so ten years later in Afghanistan. We
brought democracy to both of these countries and the talking heads point to
free elections and elected officials now governing these countries as our success.
This led to the Arab Spring, which toppled dictators for elected governments,
and each time the talking heads went out of their way to tell us how our
intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan were the spark that ignited this movement.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, where does that leave us? Iraq is still experiencing daily
sectarian violence, and innocent people continue to die. The freely elected
government is so corrupt it makes our politicians look good; not an easy task. Afghanistan
is no better off. Egypt is a hotbed of violence which was caused by a military
coup which has led to sectarian violence, as well as what appears to be ethnic
cleansing. Libya suffers from similar
problems. Now we have a civil war in Syria which finds its roots in religious
sectarian differences and we want to get involved? To what end?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Every survey I have seen, regardless of network or party
affiliation, shows “we the people” do not want this fight. Why then are our
representatives and senators even considering a vote to intervene in Syria?
What in the history of our recent interventions in the Middle East makes them
think this is our job, or that the end result will be any different from the
above examples?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s say for the sake of argument we decide not to
intervene. The next decision will be whether or not to arm the rebels. Can
anyone tell me who they are? What are the rebels end goals? Will the resulting
government be an ally, or more of the above? Let’s not forget, it was us that
armed Osama Bin Laden and his Taliban fighters when they were fighting the
Soviet Union in Afghanistan. It was us that armed Saddam Hussein when he was at
war with Iran. This is a trend I think we should end.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both sides seem to be led by men that place little value on
human life. Basher al-Assad has proven his disregard for his people for more
than a year. He is more than willing to use any weapon in his arsenal to hold
onto his position, against rebel forces and innocents alike. There seem to be
several rebel leaders, but the most well-known is a rebel commander named Abu
Sakar. A Google search brings up some history about him, including a video of
him cutting out the heart and liver of a dead soldier and eating the heart. This
is who we want to arm?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a country we are seventeen trillion dollars in debt. Our
military has been at war for more than a decade. The cost in American lives and
the billions spent cannot be justified by the results of these actions. It’s
time we took care of ourselves and our country. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe that we should have the strongest military in the
world. If our country is threatened by any entity, I believe the full force of
our military should be brought to bear. I also believe the key to any such
action should be to crush the enemy to such a degree that no one would dare attempt
it in the future. The knock it down, and then rebuild it at our expense is
ludicrous. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mr. President, tell the world we are no longer their
policeman; they’ll have to settle their differences on their own, just as we
did in our own Civil War. Tell them that when you drew a red line in a country
that is not yours, it was a mistake. After careful consideration you've decided
that if the other Arab nations are not willing to step up while Assad continues
to kill his own people, it is not our place to get involved. The U.S. will
change its focus to defense of its borders and the continued hunting down and destruction
of those that would do us harm. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“We the people” need to contact our representatives and tell
them to sit this one out. If we do not take the time to make our voices heard,
we have no right to bitch when we find ourselves at war again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Final note: There have been several posts recently of people
in full military dress holding up homemade signs in front of their faces that
all have a similar theme; I didn't join the Service to fight the Syrian civil
war. If you are truly members of our military, you should be ashamed. When you
took your oath, you wrote a blank check to the people of the United States up
to and including your life to defend this country. If that means fighting in
Syria, whether you agree or not, you fight in Syria. Soldiers don’t pick the
battles they fight, their commanders do. You should know that. Vietnam was not
a popular war, but our brave men and women fought it just the same. More than
50,000 gave their lives because it was deemed by their commanders to be in the
best interests of the country. You dishonor them and all who came before them
in defense of our nation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-84031558924029890812013-08-28T01:09:00.000-07:002013-08-28T01:09:12.315-07:00The Fort Hood Shooter<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s talk Nidal Hasan, the Fort Hood shooter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would like to start by saying that his crime being
classified as workplace violence is ludicrous. It was by his own admission an
act in defense of Taliban soldiers that might be killed by the men and women of
this country, that were his fellow soldiers. It was an act of terrorism, plain
and simple. The only reason I can fathom for this not to be called terrorism is
to limit the benefits of those affected by his actions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why was a trial held? Why did he not just plead guilty? He
admitted his crime at the beginning of the trial. Many thought he would use the
trial to make a case for the Jihad he decided to support by killing and maiming
his fellow soldiers. In fact, he offered no defense at all. He cross-examined
only one witness that I'm aware of, and then asked only one question.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now in the sentencing phase, his tactics have not changed.
He offers no defense and sits quietly listening to the people whom he wounded
and the families of those he killed. He still has a couple of opportunities to
speak, but at this point I do not think he will use those opportunities. His
only goal can be martyrdom. He hopes for the death penalty so that he can be a
hero to the cause he betrayed his fellow soldiers for.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am not against the death penalty for those cases where
there can be no doubt of guilt. If there was ever a case that screamed for the
death penalty, this is it. I believe the punishment should fit the crime, but
this is a unique case. As a country we have the chance to send a strong message
to those who would follow in this man’s footsteps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His crime is horrendous; his punishment should be the same.
He wishes for death, for martyrdom, a hero to his cause. By sentencing him to
death, we give him what he wants. So, I hope he is sentenced to a life of hard
labor at all costs. When not performing labor, he should be kept in solitary. If
he decides to hold a hunger strike, tube feed him; the goal should be to keep
this terrorist alive as long as we possibly can. To Hasan this would be the
ultimate punishment; exactly what he deserves.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once a year we get a network to take those he injured, or
the families of those he killed to visit him in his new life and produce a documentary
on how would be martyrs are treated for their actions. Air the special a couple
of times a year so that the images stay fresh in the minds of those who would
harm us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a country we should wish him a long, lonely, painful life.
His only visitors should be his victims, a constant reminder of his failure to
break the spirit of “We the people.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those who would harm “We the people” deserve the ultimate
punishment, but in a case like Hasan’s that means life, not death. <o:p></o:p></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-68381538510023661842013-08-22T01:26:00.000-07:002013-08-22T01:26:29.997-07:00Gun Control and Concealed Carry<div class="MsoNormal">
Let’s start at the beginning, with the 2<sup>nd</sup>
Amendment.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">“A well-regulated Militia,
being necessary to the security of a Free State, the right of the people to
keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So what is all the argument
about? It boils down to two interpretations of what the founding fathers meant.
So as </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">we begin this journey we must realize that both sides of the argument use
the amendment’s wording to support their arguments.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To people who support gun
rights this statement protects the right of the individual to keep and bear
firearms, period.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">To those who support gun
control this statement was meant solely for the purpose of forming militias in
defense of the country or state.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Stipulations of the
Amendment protect the right of the individual to keep and bear arms. This was a
personal liberty that would deter oppressive government or invading forces. The
American people wanted to ensure that never again would they fall under unjust
rule such as the British Parliament had imposed on colonists.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">We made adjustments to what
a citizen could own with the National Firearms Act in the 1930’s. Mainly aimed
at weapons favored by gangsters, it sought to regulate the sale and movement of
machine guns and other short barreled weapons. It also addressed the use of
silencers and destructive devices, such as bombs or grenades.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The Gun Control Act of 1968
further revised not only what a citizen could own, but it also laid out the
rules for citizens that would be barred from owning firearms due to criminal
history or mental illness. The Federal Firearms Licensing System was adopted to
further control the flow of firearms and to provide a paper trail as firearms
were bought and sold. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The adjustments made in the
30’s and again in 1968 were all met with resistance. It is still argued today
that the Gun Control Act of 1968 was and continues to be unnecessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">So, where does that leave
us? We’ve outlawed fully automatic weapons, silencers, grenades, and bombs. We
have to purchase our firearms through a licensed dealer and pass a background
check. We are now allowed concealed carry with Illinois finally joining the
rest of the nation. In most states it requires a training certificate for
concealed carry, but that seems to be a reasonable requirement. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">For those in favor of
stricter gun control, please pay attention; <b><i>the above statements apply only to
law abiding citizens. The criminals do not care, nor do they abide by these
rules</i></b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This leads us to concealed carry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The reality in America is
that our love of guns and the right to own them has led to more than 100
million guns within our borders. This a best estimate; it could be many more.
Include the black market and that number could land anywhere. We now find
ourselves in an era of budget cuts across the nation. Many of these cuts were
made within law enforcement, thinning the number of officers on duty and
forcing them to cover more and more territory. Despite the best efforts of our
officers, response times have increased. Worse yet, many times they find themselves
outnumbered and outgunned. A recent article stated that response time in
Detroit could be as much as an hour. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">This is today’s
justification of the 2<sup>nd</sup> amendment. Because the 2nd amendment has allowed gun ownership for centuries, we now need its protection to defend ourselves, Law abiding citizens cannot afford to give up this right and leave ourselves helpless to those who would commit crimes against us. We have to protect ourselves
from those who would do us harm. In many areas of the country “we the people”
have no choice but to protect ourselves. Not all crime happens at home, thus
concealed carry. A criminal is less likely to risk a robbery if he or she doesn’t
know how many citizens are carrying. Do we need military style assault weapons?
The honest answer is, we might. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Shouldn’t the law abiding people of this
country be as well armed as those who would harm us? The only reasonable
adjustment to current gun laws would be to make the owner of a gun responsible
for its use. If it’s used to commit a crime, you are an accessory. If it is
stolen or sold, it is your responsibility to report it as such. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Having carried a gun while
working at a gun store, there are a couple of things that should be pointed
out. Carrying a loaded weapon is a huge responsibility. Proper training is a
must for anyone carrying a gun in public. Pulling and/or shooting that weapon
should always be a last resort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">The second point is to plant
a seed for those of you who choose to carry a weapon. Assume the worst case
scenario; you are down to your last resort. Are you truly capable of shooting
another person? If you cannot answer with a confident yes, leave the gun at
home. Hesitation could get you killed and put others in harm’s way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Let me finish with this. To
those of you who think your weapons can protect you if our government becomes
too oppressive, I wish you the best. If you want to take on an M1 or a
Blackhawk with your M4, make sure your affairs and funeral arrangements are in
order. To those of you who choose to own and carry firearms to help protect
your family, neighborhood, or country, Thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-73031212543465356172013-08-19T01:33:00.001-07:002013-08-19T01:33:14.702-07:00Driving is a privilege, not a right.<div class="MsoNormal">
Too many times in my life and the lives of my friends we have experienced the loss of a loved one in an automobile accident. Some of these
are under circumstances beyond anyone's control. Others fall into a couple of
different categories; driving under the influence and distracted driving. These
are not new facts, but the loss of a friend’s aunt and uncle last week started
a thought process that required venting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here we go. We'll take them one at a time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Driving under the
influence</b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I said, this is not a new problem, but our efforts to
prevent people from driving under the influence do not seem to be working. The
police are doing their job in finding people who are too drunk to be behind the
wheel and arresting them. I believe it is in the court system that we are being
let down. Part of the reason for this is that the general public refuses to see
this as a problem that affects them. None of the measures taken to date seem to have grabbed
their attention. We see reports of accidents every day that maim and kill
innocent people because someone decided to drive drunk, and still we remain silent
and the penalties remain wanting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As Americans it seems that in order to get everyone’s
attention, we need to declare war. So we'll have the War on D.U.I., complete
with mandatory sentencing depending on the crime. We also need to be able to alter
the process that allows someone found driving under the influence to continue
to drive awaiting a court date.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, surprise, I have a few suggestions.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Any person who blows above the legal limit is guilty. It
does not take a judge to figure this out, nor can a defense attorney change
this fact. So why are we wasting the court’s time and our money. The penalties
need to be put on a level that would make a drug dealer squirm. The penalties
could still be progressive dependent on each case, but no one should be allowed
to keep a driver’s license or license plates after arrest for DUI. They should
be confiscated at the time of arrest and only returned after their sentence has
been served.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What gives the police the right to take the license and
plates? Because in my plan anyone who drives under the influence will have no
need of them for at least a year. That should be the minimum sentence along
with a very large fine for what I'll call the accidental drunk. This would be a
first time offender who blows no more than 10% above the legal limit. In
Illinois that would be .08 to .09 blood alcohol level, and there is no accident
or injuries involved. The in car breathalyzers have been an option here, but
they only work if the offender drives that vehicle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the blood alcohol level rises, so does the obvious irresponsibility
of the driver. The judge can use an escalating penalty scale based on the blood
alcohol level of a first time offender. Assume the driver blows a 2.3 at the
time of arrest. Up to 5 years no license or plates, and let’s make the fine
five times the minimum sentence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The part of my plan that every person who owns a car needs
to realize is this: If you allow someone whose license is revoked to drive your
vehicle, you lose your license and plates for a year and you too get to pay a
large fine. You are an accessory, guilty of everything the driver is and
subject to the same punishments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If while serving one of the above sentences, you are caught
driving, your sentence should double. If you are caught D.U.I. while serving
one of these sentences, your sentence should become a lifetime ban on driving and
ten times the original fine. If caught driving a friend’s vehicle, that friend
will receive the same sentence.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A third offense should result in confinement as determined
by a judge, but let’s not fill our prisons with these folks where we have to
support them. Let’s improve the ankle bracelet house arrest system beyond its
current level. Currently these bracelets are monitored and when someone leaves
the authorized perimeter, law enforcement is notified. Many times by the time an
officer arrives the person is in the wind, and we have wasted more money. Let
the ankle bracelet work like a dog’s shock collar; try to leave your house, you
get tazed by the bracelet. Like the current ankle bracelet program, leaving the
assigned property requires advanced notice and the permission of the court.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know it seems pretty harsh, but it does keep the streets
safer by making the penalties draconian. The shocking ankle bracelet may seem
cruel at first glance, but give it some real thought. Is society better served
with putting a drunk in prison with hardened criminals where we will support
them, or by agreeing to stay at home with family and letting the family support
them and suffering a shock if they should stray? Is not the drunk also better
served?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If while D.U.I. you cause property damage, injure or kill
someone, the penalties need to be even stiffer. We as a society must demand that
these laws change to protect the innocent lives lost on a daily basis. My personal
opinion is that anyone who causes a loss of life while D.U.I. should never
drive again, as well as facing all other appropriate charges.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Distracted Driving.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a tough one to address. Most states have now passed
or soon will be passing legislation that bans the use of handheld cell phones.
Penalties vary from place to place, but most laws only allow a fine. I’m not
sure these laws will have much effect unless the penalties become painfully
expensive. This is another area where repeat offenders need to face draconian
penalties. Like someone caught D.U.I. and having caused property damage,
injury, or death, similar penalties should apply as well as any other
appropriate charges. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bluetooth phones remain legal, although how less distracting
they are is debatable. Newer vehicles have complex entertainment and
communication systems that will continue to distract drivers, and these systems
will become more complex exponentially through necessity every year. One thing
the handheld ban will curb is texting while driving, until voice texting
becomes standard equipment on newer vehicles. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I do not think there is a way to approach this problem other
than sticking with the bans and making the penalties painful. People will continue
to use new technologies in ways that were not considered, and we as a society
need to adjust our laws to keep up with these changes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last couple of generations have been raised in an age of
technology that older generations only dreamed of. Because of this they are
born multi-taskers. They can surf the web while having multiple chat sessions, and
a phone conversation all while texting three friends at the same time. To them
the addition of driving to the list seems irrelevant. We need to help them
understand that adding driving puts them and all those around them in danger.
Not an easy sell, but we must keep trying and providing a good example.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One note on distracted driving; when all of this started I
thought it was ridiculous. I considered what the driver of a Model T Ford had
to do to operate the vehicle. You had a parking brake/shifter on the left next
to the seat. You have clutch, brake, and gas pedals. On one side of the column
you had a lever to adjust fuel mixture; on the other side you had a lever to
adjust timing, and you had to work all of these as you drove down the road.
Talk about distracted driving! But my reasoning was flawed because cars today
are more powerful, and the streets are much more crowded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, what’s the bottom line? As a society we must insist that
penalties for D.U.I. offences be made so painful that even the worst drunk won't
risk driving, and if they do, justice needs to be swift and the penalties
severe. I think the same should hold true for distracted drivers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And most importantly; driving is a privilege, not a right. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-30815357522099317462013-08-14T01:27:00.000-07:002013-08-20T00:01:11.683-07:00545<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today’s topic will be our government. So why is the
title 545? </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">We'll</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> get to that. It is obvious to anyone living in America that
our government is broken in more ways than can be counted. There are many
things one can point to, our tax code, our crumbling infrastructure, what seems
to be unending unemployment, and our legal system rarely seems just anymore.
Worse yet, as a country we are swimming in debt, but cannot seem to find a way
to reduce spending while refusing to pay debts we have already incurred. Our government
continues to be </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">gridlocked</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> on almost every issue, each side pointing to the
other to lay blame. The general public seems to be apathetic about these
problems and the ability of anyone coming into office that might have answers;
Real answers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">So who’s to blame for this mess; Republicans,
Democrats, The Independents, or all of the above? The answer is none of them. We
the American people are at fault. We elected these men and women to protect the
interests of all of us and even when they fail miserably, we re-elect them. Why?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It comes down to choices and the only ones we have
are already tied to an agenda. We have a two and a half party system; the
Republicans on the right and the Democrats on the left. The few Independents
available, trying to find the middle, lack funding, and candidates to challenge
the big two. Campaign financing laws have become a joke, with special interest
groups spending millions to get their candidate elected. Do any of us think
this support comes with no strings attached?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">don't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> have all the answers as to how we fix the
system, but I have a few suggestions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Eliminate the Electoral College. With today’s
technology it is no longer needed. As long as it exists it is always possible
that the election can be won through the Electoral College, even when the
popular vote would give a different result. The popular vote would be us, we
the people. That is the vote that should count.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Establish term limits. This should have been done a
long time ago. Our founding fathers imposed these limits on themselves. Their
vision was not a country run by career politicians.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Establish recall procedures that do not require an
act of God. They are our employees; if they are not doing the job, we need to
be able to fire them and replace them, like in the real world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Adjust the salaries and benefits of our
representatives to the median American household income, and those salaries and
benefits end with their term just like the rest of us when we lose our jobs.
Adjustments should also be made to their expense accounts which many times
exceed the salary they are already drawing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Foreign aid needs to be cut drastically. We continue
to send our tax dollars to countries that hate us and everything we stand for.
Why? What benefit have we gained from this practice? We have been at war for
almost 15 years. We destroy the country to free their people at a cost in dollars
that can be measured, and a cost in American lives that cannot, only to spend
millions more to rebuild that country, and they still hate us. As long as
Americans are homeless, hungry, and out of work, our money should be spent here
to help Americans. Humanitarian aid where required should continue only when
that aid is guaranteed to reach those it was intended for. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Adjust military spending to reflect the world we
live in. We continue to build a military that is designed on cold war enemies
and being the policeman for the world. Let’s turn in that badge and let other
countries do what we had to do. Let them earn their own freedom; we of all the
people on the Earth should realize that freedom must be earned. The freedom of
Americans has been earned by the blood of their countrymen. When we won our
independence it was not handed to us, nor were the supplies we needed furnished
to us. We borrowed money to support our cause and repaid those loans. Name a
country we have freed from dictatorship that has reimbursed us for the cost.
Anybody? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Our membership in the United Nations seems neither
cost effective nor beneficial to our country. Its recent decisions are comical
and we the American people are the only teeth they have to enforce these
decisions. This organization seems even less successful than its predecessor,
The League of Nations, and I </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> think that was possible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">We need to stop trying to make things equal for all
where it damages our </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">competitiveness</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> Make no mistake, I do not mean the equality
between race, creed, sexual orientation, or color that we have worked so hard
to achieve. I speak of the generations we are raising now. Our schools teach
children the same curriculum regardless of ability. The problem is that instead
of lifting those that might be a little behind up, we insist on slowing others
down. It carries over into sports; there are no losers, everyone gets a trophy.
How does this prepare them for the real world? This is the equality that is
killing our competitive edge.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We the people need to stop buying products made in
countries that are not our allies. We need to focus on buying products made in
America by Americans. Many of the jobs we have lost have moved overseas because
labor costs are so much less. Large corporations need to stop focusing on
billion dollar profits and bring their jobs back to Americans. It means a
little less profit for them, but would quickly help the economy recover, which
can only have a positive effect on all. We the people can force this issue; buy
American or not at all. Call it an expansion of the Buy Local Program.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The bottom line is, it always has been and continues
to be we the people’s decision. This is our country and we should elect people
who support the view that our people will always come first. When we have repaired our infrastructure, when
we have the finest schools, when our people are no longer hungry and living in
the streets, then and only then should we be rebuilding other countries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When the next election rolls around we need to end
this grid lock. We need to elect people who put country before party, those
that are willing to compromise to begin to fix the problems we face. If this
type of candidate cannot be found within the existing parties, we can only hope
a strong third party will emerge. In the past this would have been almost
impossible to achieve. The money to compete was just not available. The internet
has the ability to change this. A grass roots party with the correct platform
could keep costs at a minimum while reaching more people than any media
campaign in history. The only question is do we have the type of courageous
people left to mount this type of campaign?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">This is America, sure we do!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Now why is the title 545? A man named Charlie Reese died
in May. Charlie was a writer for the Orlando Sentinel; his column was
syndicated and read world-wide. He explained this better than I could ever hope
to. Here is Charlie’s article. I wish every American could read it, maybe then
we would be willing to change those things that need changing.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">545 vs. 300,000,000 People</span></b></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">Politicians are the only people in the
world who create problems and then campaign against them.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">Have you ever wondered if both the
Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">Have you ever wondered if all the
politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and
high taxes?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">You and I don't propose a federal
budget. The President does.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">You and I don't have the Constitutional
authority to vote on appropriations. The House of Representatives does.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">You and I don't write the tax code,
Congress does.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">You and I don't set fiscal policy,
Congress does.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">You and I don't control monetary
policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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? (John Boehner. He is the leader of the majority party. He 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. [The
House has passed a budget but the Senate has not approved a budget in over
three years. The President's proposed budgets have gotten almost unanimous
rejections in the Senate in that time.]</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">It seems inconceivable to me that a nation
of 300 million cannot 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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">If the tax code is unfair, it's because
they want it unfair.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">If the budget is in the red, it's
because they want it in the red.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">If the Army & Marines are in Iraq
and Afghanistan it's because they want them in Iraq and Afghanistan.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">There are no insoluble government
problems.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow"><span style="line-height: 115%;">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.</span></span><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">Those 545 people and they alone, are
responsible. They and they alone, have the power.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="yiv310603316textexposedshow">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!</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-21446784833518627842013-08-13T00:12:00.001-07:002013-08-13T16:02:57.579-07:00I saw the Doctor today<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">I saw the doctor today, and he saw me. It’s an
annual ritual that has been going on since I was nineteen. I’m fortunate to
have known this man for most of my adult life, especially the last ten years. This
is a man I trust implicitly, and in turn, the others that he would send me to, which
leads us to the topic of this blog.<span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Most of my friends know that I have been having
health problems for several years. I kind of fell off the planet for several years;
rarely left the house, still don’t. At the same time I stopped going out
because getting around is tough, I realized part of it was I just got tired of
trying to explain the problems. An explanation always brought a sympathetic
response, which even well intentioned, was not something I cared for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">So to answer the question; “What the hell is wrong?”
This will be the answer I will refer all askers to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">In 2005 I experienced excruciating pain that radiated
through my right shoulder and chest. It was like a hot ice pick constantly
being twisted. My right arm and hand became useless. It was at this point a prominent neurologist
was brought in to run tests to determine if there was a neurological reason for
it. The testing confirmed that the nerves were not functioning correctly, and a
medication was recommended. I spent most of 2006 in bed, as much from the
side-effects of the drug as the pain. In 2007 I took a desk job and learned to
deal with the pain and slowly rid myself of the medications. In 2009 the pain
became body wide, non-stop, and the level went to indescribable levels. I also
suffered from a lack of strength and stamina, and my hands would tremble
uncontrollably. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">The 2009 visit to the doctor would be the one that
changed my life. I was not going to be able to work. Until we could determine
what was wrong, continuing to work could cause irreversible damage. They recommended
I apply for disability. Applying for disability is a subject for another blog. At
this point the medical procedure to diagnose the problem is by trying different
drug regimens until something works. First you build them up in your system, and
then if they are ineffective or the side-effects are intolerable, you back off.
Sounds like fun so far, right? So what happens when nothing works? This is
where it gets interesting; you start taking drugs whose side-effects may be
beneficial to your condition. Same drill, ramp up, then back down. In 2011 I
made the decision to stop the medications. We had tried everything, improved
nothing, and learned very little.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">I would spend some time on side-effects, but I’ll
make this easy. Most of the drugs came with an information pamphlet to tell you
about the drug. The first page will tell you what it treats; the next ten will
list possible side-effects. An important note here: many of these listed death
as a side-effect. When did death become a side-effect? In honesty it might be preferable
to some of the other side-effects these drugs cause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">So, to answer the question; the pain falls under the
heading of Neuralgia and can be referred to as idiopathic neuropathy. The lack
of stamina is caused by Myasthenia Gravis. Neither will kill me nor shorten my
life expectancy. What they have done is cause me to make drastic changes in my
daily life. No more buttons or zippers. Shoes and socks have been replaced with
sandals and slippers. Research is used as pain management instead of drugs. On
the really bad days, pain management is to stay in bed. Everything has to be
taken in small steps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">I continue to have an active life, just at a much
slower pace. My best weapon to combat the pain is to exercise daily, with a
goal of increasing the level of exercise over a few months, possibly years. The
goal is to return to work. I miss working, I miss the people. Maybe it’s just that
I miss feeling useful. Maybe it’s a combination of them all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today’s visit doc and I reviewed the progress over
the last two years, and we both agreed that some progress has been made. This
is what I’d been hoping for; a glimmer of light at the end of this horrific
tunnel. I </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">wasn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> willing to wait any longer; I needed the answer to the one
question that haunts me daily. So I asked. “Do you think I will ever be able to go back
to work?” I wanted the truth and knew I would get it from Doc. He knew there
was no need to pull punches with me. His answer you might have guessed was not
what I had hoped for. He </span><span style="line-height: 18px;">wouldn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> rule it out, not impossible, but very
unlikely.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">Something new to come to terms with, but in reality my
research has given me a head start on how I want to spend my time. The family
research has led to enough information for a book. This can be the legacy I
leave for my descendants. On the good days, I’ll write the book. Suddenly I’m
feeling useful! My other immediate goal is to attend a car show. I miss going
to the shows, but by the time I walk from parking to the show, I’m spent. The
Route 66 show is in September and I plan to attend. I may not see it all, but I’m
going.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">One last thing and I’ll end this diatribe. If you
see me out, know that I neither want nor need sympathy or pity. There are many
people in this world who are much worse off than I am, and I have outlived many
of my peers. I’m on top of the grass, surrounded by family and friends, sucking
air and taking nourishment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;">What more could a man want?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-18340645421986717442013-06-15T23:23:00.000-07:002013-06-15T23:23:08.565-07:00Happy Father's Day<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Today we celebrate those men among us who chose to
procreate. Every one of us has a father, but the lucky among us call him Dad. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">For me the difference is easy to define, a father
makes a baby and thinks his work is done; a dad helps to raise the child he’s
made and is there to watch that child grow. He spends the next 18 years helping
to protect, mold and shape his child into a responsible adult. He continues to
advise his child and help in whatever way he can, long after the child has
become a woman or a man. A dad’s commitment is for life. Not an easy job, but
one I highly recommend.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I’m a lucky guy; I have my dad, who perfected the
art, and the dad who took me into his family when I married his only daughter
almost 30 years ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">No one had to teach me how to be a dad; I spent 18
years watching an artist at work. As I look back, I am amazed at how dad
juggled everything he did. I know at one time he worked three jobs and still found
time to coach baseball and help with homework. Summer trips to damn near every
state park that existed; sometimes before they actually did. He managed
vacations to Florida, Baltimore, and D.C., a lifetime of memories that reside
within me. We saw every small town in central Illinois, if they had a softball
diamond and a team to play. Watching dad play softball in all of these towns
was how summer weekends were spent; dad was the catcher, and man could he hit. He’s
helped to raise his grandchildren and now great-grandchildren are here, and dad
is still teaching me, mine, and theirs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now we look at dad number two, who for 30 years of
my life, has been there for me too. The childhood memories are not part of this
dad, but his counsel and advice have left an indelible mark on a large part of
my adult life, as well as my heart. Like dad number one, he raised three
children the best that he could. All became the adults that he knew that they
would. The job that he did is obvious to me; I’ve spent 30 years with his
daughter as my wife, a woman with morals and values, who knows how to live
life. Like dad number one, he’s still teaching life’s lessons to me, mine, and
theirs, a commitment they continue year after year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So, to both of my dads, I’d like to say; “Here’s
wishing you both, a Great Father’s Day!” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I should point out that both have wonderful wives,
who helped to raise us as well. I was gone over Mother’s day, their blog was
not written. I would be remiss not to mention the moms’ contribution, but its
Father’s Day, so they both get an honorable mention.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Love you all!</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-43316044007569165172013-06-05T23:55:00.000-07:002013-06-05T23:55:15.716-07:00It's the Little Things....<div class="MsoNormal">
Spending every day and night in pain is not a pleasant
thing, nor is it easy to do. You make adjustments, and move forward. Retirement
by disability has allowed me the time to reflect on many things; using family research
as pain management has allowed me to realize that it is always the little
things that matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I knew long before I became a father, that I would never be
the father my dad was, and is. He set the bar at heights I could only hope to
come close to. Upon reflection, it was always the little things that mattered
the most, and he and mom made those happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I did a fair job with my kids, they are all adults I can be
proud of, but I can’t help but think about some of the little things I might
have done better. No regrets, I did the best I could knowing I would never
equal my mentor.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enter the grandchildren. Kael, now 6, and his mother Nicole
have lived with my wife and I since he was 6 months old. Kael is Autistic;
specifically he has Asperger’s Syndrome. Highly intelligent, socially awkward; most
of his days are pre-planned by him, and breaking that schedule can create
havoc.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kael’s cousin Hadley is Jesse’s 2 ½ year old daughter. She
is also very intelligent for her age, and loves spending time with Kael.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Hadley last visited, she went to Kael’s toy box, picked
out a book, and took it over to Kael. She asked him to read it to her. He
dropped everything and sat down next to her and began to read her the book.
Nobody else on the planet could get Kael’s attention that quickly. She had
picked a doozy. The top paragraph on each page was to be read, the bottom
paragraph was to be sung. Kael read and sang the entire book, much to Hadley’s
delight, and mine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s the little things….<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Kael graduates kindergarten this morning. He is at the top
of his class. In fairness, I don't think there was much new to him in
kindergarten. He had a very good year, but towards the end, during review,
boredom led to some behavioral problems. I made him a deal; 10 good days at
school and the year would be over. Give me 10 good days and I'll have a big
surprise for you. He stuck to our deal and brought home awards in reading and
math to boot. So tonight, he got his surprise early; a new android tablet. He
was very pleased and excited. And then it happened….<o:p></o:p></div>
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I received a spontaneous bear hug and he said “You're the
best grandpa anyone could ever have.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s the little things….<o:p></o:p></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65355770202543695.post-79991836375736749702013-04-09T22:40:00.001-07:002013-04-09T22:40:56.146-07:00
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Election in
Southern View<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to start
by congratulating the trustees elected to office in the election.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The outcome of the election was no surprise,
as there were three candidates for three seats. I’ll get back to the outcome;
because it turns out it was not what would be expected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A few things
should be pointed out before we analyze the results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the first time that anyone can remember,
there was no announcement in the village bulletin letting residents know when election
packets were available, nor when the deadline was to turn in the packet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no mention of the election in the
last bulletin, no reminder to vote, nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There was however a recipe for some type of baked goods that was so
memorable, what it was, slips my mind. I checked the village web-site to see
what information was available; nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The election is not even on the village calendar. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The point being, it was almost like the
village board didn’t want us to know about the election.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fairness, the
election board does not require the village to publish this information in the bulletin,
or even post it in the office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
suggested that they do both, but not required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The question is why they changed the policy of including this
information in the bulletin.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, let’s get
back to those election results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
three candidates running unopposed and two are incumbents.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are 1263
registered voters in the village. Of those, 148 or 11.21 percent cast ballots. Let’s
break down those votes and see what we find.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">James Foster – 102 votes, 46 under
votes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Greg Bourland – 104 votes, 44 under
votes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Gregory Hashman – 102 votes, 46
under votes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Total under votes – 136<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is an under
vote?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here is where it gets interesting;
an under vote means that the voter did not vote for anyone in the race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their choice, given the candidates, was none
of the above. That is a message the board should not ignore.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The real question is; will any of them
understand it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wonder if it
makes the win less gratifying knowing you were all beat by none of the above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
Badglashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01572078470858342871noreply@blogger.com0