Individual Choices

I'm kind of a nostalgia buff if you haven't gathered that from my posts. I like the old stuff. Technology is my thing day in and day out, and I have to admit that although I absolutely love my job (specifically now that I am out from under the corporate umbrella), I yearn for the simplest most free life I can create for my family.

Most summer nights I get a little of that freedom. Actually, let's call it what it is, Liberty. After the dinner hour is over and the kids are in bed, I go out walking in my little corner of the earth just to look at the trees to see if they have changed from the day before. We don't have a huge spread, but it's in the country, and it's ours.

I am pretty lucky to have this bit of liberty in today's world, and I thank God for that every day. I am even luckier to be able to take these little jaunts in a historical way. Most evenings I journey out with either a single action wheel gun hanging on my hip, or a lever action balanced on my left shoulder. It's fun to imagine that only a hundred and fifty years ago, my evening stroll may well have been taken by a person before me looking to take a little food for their family. Me, I just like to shoot at any rocks that look mean, and on occasion I even hit one.

The joy that I get out of this harmless activity is immense. To think there are folks that would take this opportunity away is hard to believe. This is an activity that I choose freely. Hmm. Freedom of choice? This pursuit makes me happy. Again, Hmmm... To keep the cliche festival going, my fist isn't touching anyone's nose, but that doesn't matter to the folks that would take my beloved treasures. I understand and believe in the real meaning of the right to keep and bear arms. That's not what this is about. This is about something more basic.

The left will talk about the cost that guns bring to society. My question to them is what is the price of liberty? This argument can be made about nearly any activity. Is the loss of individual Liberty, the very thing that America was founded upon, worth it to save what is really a small amount of damage in the big scheme of the world?

This line of thinking can and should be brought to nearly all issues. Health care. The government says you must weigh between X and Y and eat ABC or you will be a burden on society. No tobacco, alcohol, sugar, etc., etc. I know I am sliding down a slippery slope theory that is unlikely to come true, but....

Another fantastic example of this principal is motorcycle helmet laws. I don't ride a bike. Probably never will just because I think I would kill myself. I would never advocate a helmet law in our state. Folks that ride do it to feel free, and part of that experience is the wind. Why on earth would I vote to take their personal liberty? Really, what's the whole price of having or not having this type of law?

It is important to get involved and stay involved in the decisions of your government. Individual liberties cannot be allowed to be taken for the "greater good". Never, ever, should your right be eliminated because somebody else didn't stop where my nose began, regardless of whether I participate in your personal expression of freedom.

Until next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.

Czars. How Dare you profit!!!

Ok, we have Czars for everything in the Obomunism plan. As of today, we have a PAY Czar. How dare you make as much money as the market will bear. You are not worth it. I know, the folks in my audience to the left of me believe that nobody is worth more than XXX dollars. This post is most definitely not for you.
Our lawmakers are almost all worth millions of dollars. Are you as worthwhile as them? Good old Barney is estimated to be worth up to 1.8 MILLION. He has never had a private sector job. You, the American Citizen are paying for him with your hard earned dollars. Is his PUBLIC position worth more than a CEO or CFO of a business that employs thousands? Really, think about it....This guy employs NOBODY.

There are money makers and money spenders in this world. That is it! Really makers and spenders are the "bottom line" in our economy. Who is worth more? I say let the money makers have a reward for keeping your sorry ass employed.

Until next time.... Keep your powder dry and your eyes open.

What have we done??

This person is one of the select few individuals that is responsible for our nations budget. Is there any wonder things are happening the way they are? Really, really, REALLY, think about this when you go to the polls next year. I'm sure there are republican versions of the same.

It really can't be a "lesser of two evils" thing anymore. We have no choice but to throw them ALL out. With this to compete against, how can a third party or independent not win?

http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/22186/rep._brown_gradulates_gator_on_bs_title

That's all for now.

Gratitude

As we wind down this Memorial Day weekend, I am compelled to write a post. This isn't the time for my usual political speech. No right wing propaganda from me tonight.

As I sit and watch the haze move across the horizon, my mind wanders to all of the amazing people that served with me. We came from all walks, and most of us were too young to have really made a political choice that would matter. There were no life experiences that would sway us one way or another. We had the mission and each other. That was enough.

Thanks to each of you. All that fought and served by my side. To all of the families of those who fell: I cannot say enough how thankful I am for those men and women. Words cannot explain your loss, and I understand that too.

For those of you who are out there now, keeping up the fight, Hooah! Know that those of us who have been there before have your back.

Happy Memorial Day to all of you! Please, remember our nation, and more specifically, remember those that fell to keep us free.

Until next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.