Bipartisan Corruption

Bipartisan is used to describe an imaginary cooperation of political opponents. They aren't opponents, most of them have the same questionable investments in companies that use money to corrupt politics, and they all laugh on their way to the bank. The peons have no clue, because they allowed the corruption of education through political leveraging. 

The Lack of Force

I haven't found any reports of anyone being forced to take the jab. Coercion, duress, ridicule, and the other mind game methods of attempting to make someone do something are used, but not force. That's where the strength of the United States is most evident. If someone used force, the backlash would be so terrible, few involved would live to see another day. 

The Supreme Court refused to block a vax mandate for health workers in Maine. The reason by those that refused the injunction is best explained as procedural problems. Otherwise, if it isn't wrapped up in all the glitter, bows, and fancy paper, a basic right guaranteed by the Constitution is ignored until the present is what they like to see. This leaves many workers two options: take the jab, or lose your job. In a perfect world, all those taking the jab would stand for the rights of others and, too, refuse to work for a tyrannical employer. This would remove the need to seek relief at the Supreme Court. Maine's health system would shut down, and the mandate would be rescinded. 

It's all coming down to which states are best to live in. Those that embrace the Constitution will be the best, and those that don't, will find they only attract those willing to live in poverty, and seek security through public assistance. Otherwise, a parasitic society will become entrenched, only the most incompetent will become the most important, and citizens will be at the mercy of what the dregs of society can provide. Those that don't will have the best society can offer. Liberty allows many things, and the best thing is autonomy without tyranny. They will flourish, while the other states will fail. 

Reality shows the majority of U.S. citizens want liberty. Reality, also, shows there is a huge scourge of ignorance eroding at what was envisioned by the founders, and what keeps the nation healthy. Blame can be found, but solutions are many times ignored. In the situation of vax mandates, the solution is not allowing the mandates, the demand those involved with the apparent subterfuge be exposed, and a strong effort by all citizens to prevent this from happening again. Will this happen? That's to be seen, but when entire states have citizens willing to bow to a few politician's whims, it's not looking very promising.

Gnarly Weather

Yesterday morning, a front passed through; bringing near hurricane force winds, at least one tornado, and about three inches of rain in a short period of time. One local video of a tornado passing across IH 10 made the national news. Damage was relatively light, but enough to severely change a few people's lives. No injuries, which is good. 

Right before the worst of the storms hit, power went out. A call, and some reports, revealed a power pole snapped and put over 600 customers out of service. That's when it became interesting.

My electricity is from a local co-op. Instead of a huge corporate money pit sucking up the revenue, the money is used to guarantee good service, which includes line clearing and necessary upgrades. Responses for problems are quick, and repairs fast. The bad part: they don't generate electricity, so they have to wait for the large electrical generating corporation to repair their equipment before they can restore our power. 

It took twelve hours for power to be restored. Up until dark, the pole laid on the side of the highway, with a cone marking the spot. At dark, and realizing power might not be restored until late tomorrow, I uncovered the generator, fired it up, and brought the refrigerator back down. Nothing had thawed, but I wasn't taking a chance. 

With power, I soon had the pot brewing and coffee to share. My sister-in-law came over for a cup, and we visited wile enjoying the coffee. As we were discussing, the power came back on, which relieved everyone. I turned off the generator and went back to line power. 

Plugging in the refrigerator demanded pulling it away from the wall. This revealed dust, and dirt. This morning, my wife and I cleaned behind it, I cleaned the coils, we pushed in back to the wall, and then tackled the stove. After all, if you pull the refrigerator out to clean, you might as well do the same behind the stove. 

So, the power outage was inconvenient, but inspired us to do some necessary cleaning. That's a good thing. Now, we'll spend the afternoon doing little, and listen to the wind roar outside. It came through with a vengeance this morning, and hasn't let up since.

What Fate Brings

 I've been reading the multiple reports, and opinions, on the incident where Alec Baldwin accidently fired a shot from a loaded revolver on a movie set. The final result was the death of the director of photography, and an injury to the director. The response is across the board, and opinions sometime unbridled demands for retribution. 

It all boils down to what the law directs for this incident. Does the law address all the evidence? Does the evidence demand prosecution for the act? Is it the prosecutors responsibility to bring all the evidence to a grand jury? Regardless of opinion, that's what a good legal system will examine, and charges brought if necessary. 

If I had to guess how this will turn out, Baldwin, and others, will be charged with involuntary manslaughter, they will appear before a judge, they will be released after pleading guilty, and the final punishments will be very mild. In the end, the civil liabilities will be the biggest punishment.  None of these things will be nearly as severe a punishment as knowing their negligence killed someone only doing their job. A person with a conscience will spend the rest of their life wondering what they could have done differently, and agonizing over their mistake.

The circus is now in town, tort attorneys will have millions in free publicity, and the circus will last for years.

No Mercy

Genocide is the best way to describe the Covid pandemic, and attempt to kill more with an untested inoculation. The death toll would eliminate the population of large cities. The gain of function research is the work of sadistic rulers and their scientists. The response of public officials, such as the nursing home deaths in New York, is as evil. 

Capital punishment is the best way to punish those involved. Start with Fauci, then all the public officials that used their power to isolate helpless people in an environment that guaranteed exposure and death. It's the only method that guarantees those involved can never prey on helpless people again.

Something We Need to Address

After the Alec Baldwin fiasco on a movie set, it's apparent you can't let liberals have firearms, and more important: Never allow them to run any form of government. 

The Dream of Home Ownership

My wife showed me a comment on one of her young relative's social media page. The commenter stated they wish the housing bust would happen soon, so they can afford a home. It made me think. 

I know some people that are comfortable paying rent for the rest of their lives, and avoiding the demands of owning a home. I understand their opinion, but my experience says they are in the minority. The majority of people want their own home, and with today's market, it's out of reach for the young, and not looking too promising in the near future. That's what led to the comment. 

In my opinion, and it's probably shared by many, the high cost of a home purchase is not sustainable. The prices are inflated for many reasons, but regardless, the lack of young home buyers will lead to innovation, if not the opportunities afforded by a severe drop in real estate prices due to a lack of buyers. To make things worse, those paying the inflated price will find they're underwater, and with monetary inflation, find their risk is more than they can pay.  Will lenders take a loss? Can lending institutions handle the loss of income, while waiting to complete foreclosures?

One thing I've noticed is the demand for larger homes. I've seen it with people I know, and on the remodeling shows. That, and the demand each child has their own bedroom, with another room for their play, or study. It's as though the outdoors is something to be avoided. Like a zoo, the "enclosure" needs to have everything, which comes at a cost. Although it's nice to have such things, how many stop to think of the later years, when stairs are insurmountable, the large areas can't be cleaned as necessary, and the cost to condition the large unused spaces become burdensome?  What about the tremendous amount of income used to pay the interest for the mortgage? With a smaller home, and the realization it will be more than comfortable after the children have grown, wouldn't the money be better spent on retirement?

It's a mess, and unrealistic expectations led to the mess. How it ends up is to be seen, but it sure appears it will be as bad as the financial crises of sub-prime mortgages.

The Answer is "No"

This administration, as much as they're trying to push their agenda, is finding the answer "no" becoming common. While some states, cities, and basically brain dead supporters of the madness have the media to push their propaganda, enough are realizing the subterfuge, unwilling to take part, and showing their displeasure. 

This is an inspiring article. In a polite way, a member of the House told Biden, and his minions, what impolite stadium fans already chant. It's a good thing, and shows there is no middle ground between liberty an tyranny. 

The Sinking Ship

 The current administration has what can best be described as nitwits in high positions. While some may ignore the fact, the fact is the administration is a sinking ship, and when the rats start leaving, the problem will be obvious.

Things Change

Back in the late fifties, and early sixties, my early years were accented with days that went on forever, and were filled with exploration. They're mostly lost, but moments are preserved forever. 

We were barefoot during the warmer months. Our feet were as tough as leather. Walking across a shell parking lot, or hot asphalt, was only a minor inconvenience. Stone bruises were the same, and a cut was forgotten, until a blade of grass found its way into area that no bandage could secure. 

In the evening, when supper was over, the light had finally faded, and we knew to go in, unless we had permission to wander with flashlights to find frogs, we'd take our bath to wash away the sweat beads. Although washed, our calloused feet were still deep brown; like permanent moccasins; a testament to long days of exploring.

In the late Summer, with the grass high, we'd lay in the yard, watch the clouds pass over, and listen to the drones of high flying airplanes. Jets were few, and the deep rumble of large rotary engines was comforting; almost mesmerizing. A few moments of in activity would have led to a nap, but there was so much to be done, so we'd be off to take advantage of every moment available. School was soon to start, and the next real time of being free was the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving was arriving at my grandparent, turning their doorbell ringer, and walking in to a house almost too warm. The small space heaters would be on low, the kitchen almost unbearably hot, and the glorious aroma of the soon to be enjoyed feast was intoxicating. We'd say our hellos, scamper through the den, where my grandfather would be watching football, and head out the back door; my grandfather's pipe smoke following us as we left.

Outside rewarded us with a brisk breeze, the light smell of burning leaves, and an azure sky that almost hurt our eyes. We only had a little time before the meal, so our wanderings were close. We'd look at the garden, now full of winter vegetables, and go look at the burning barrel; now almost empty, with only a few wisps of the smoke of leaves. We'd look, but not venture, down the alley. The neighbors had two territorial Siamese cats that wouldn't hesitate to attack. It only took one event to determine a cat was as dangerous as any dog. 

We'd be called for dinner. The turkey was surrounded with dishes of mashed potatoes, Kentucky wonder beans, sweet potatoes casserole covered with marshmallows, cornbread stuffing, hot rolls, cranberry jelly,  and a gravy bowl filled with a deep brown gravy swimming with giblets. There was always homemade preserves for the rolls. My grandmother would announce: "Save some room for desert", and we'd ignore the advice to insure our afternoon would have moments of being so full, we'd have to slow down for a few minutes to avoid discomfort. 

Desert was apple, pecan, and pumpkin pie. That, a blueberry cheesecake, homemade cookies, and fresh brownies. Whip cream was in a bowl in the middle to for those that wanted the extra touch. How we managed to eat more is unknown, but we did. We'd finish, be shooed from the kitchen, and outside we'd go again.

The afternoon was lazy. The ancient swing my grandfather built in the thirties was still well used, and if that didn't satisfy our play, we'd drag out the stilts he built for my mother and her sisters. The short ones were soon an easy task. The taller ones were only for those willing to take a chance. The afternoon would end, when he were called for supper. We'd eat again, containers were filled with tomorrow's meal, and we'd soon be leaving in the twilight; the deep orange in the west a brilliant announcement of the approaching night.

They're all gone, except for my sister. Age took my grandparents, and mother. My father, and brothers, all passed away too soon. The hole they left is partially filled by my wife's family, who honor me with their acceptance, but the memories tug at me, almost like scars that lead to an ache as they pull. Things change, and leave only memories. I cherish mine, and pray I never forget. 

Off To South America

Last week, the hummingbirds crowded four feeders, which led to me filling them twice a day. I had the feeling some were only passing through, had been feeding at other feeders, and after replenishing their energy, were off with their migration.

Early this week, I noticed they were lasting more than a day, so I removed one, and only filled the others halfway.  The feeders lasted through the day, and yesterday, I noticed they weren't completely empty at sunset.

This morning, I removed another one, and filled the other two, with one only a small feeder about the size of a jar of baby food. I haven't seen any hummingbirds this morning, so it's obvious most have gone toward South America, where they spend our winter. 

It's a beautiful morning. Azure skies, with wispy cirrus to the east. Our first strong cold front passed through during the night, and the high temperature will only be in the low seventies. This will really start the leaves to turning, and it won't be long before most are on the ground; swirling in a stiff north wind.

 I'll leave one feeder up. There may be stragglers, and a warm winter may bring some species that are native to the Mexico border area. I hope they come. I like hummingbirds. They brighten up a day.

Military Justice?

According to this report, the Navy will discharge anyone refusing the jab. According to many of the comments at the bottom of the article, this is an acceptable practice, and those serving should suffer the  consequences. This makes me think of where the line is drawn for unconscionable, dangerous, or mission failure decisions by a senior officer. What are the recourses for those that disobey for any of the reasons above? Is there any real military justice? Is there any method for junior officers, or enlisted troops, to relieve those endangering lives, demanding unconscionable actions, or placing the mission of defending the United States at risk? 

If someone knows, the comments are open.

Ignorance and Incompetence

If you look at the abysmal people in the capitol, think of their actions, and listen to what they say, they're ignorant and incompetent. They are the epitome of EEO madness, university indoctrination, and isolation from the rest of the United States. To add insult to injury, the President is a doddering old man, unqualified to run a lemonade stand, and only is in office because of deception, with criminal activity. When you add the treasonous activities of some of the top military officials, it doesn't take much logic to realize the United States is under attack by it's own officials. 

The rest of the world are not our friends, although too many in the capitol want us to believe they are. At best, they're friendly business partners, but when it comes right down to it, they'll pick through the bones of the United States, when the opportunity arises. Regardless of their appearances, most foreign nations only want the wealth of the United States, and how they achieve some of this isn't stopped by integrity. The simmering war of aggression is always right below the radar, and when the opportunity arises, they're ready to strike, and cause damage.

From my perspective, the influx of foreign money, influence, and corruption of our education system led to most of the problems we now face. Our founders suffered the same things, established the Constitution to throttle the government, and never envisioned the corruption the United States now faces. Time will tell how this all works out, but if you dig through the daily media garbage, you find the majority of citizens have had enough.

Bad Commerce

Commerce requires money to stay in the local economy. That's the impetus for investment, growth, and the ability to increase income by increasing the demand for the location. That's not what is happening in my home town. The majority of new citizens have no intention of investing in the community, much of the income they make goes back to their country, and they save for retiring in their home country. They don't want to assimilate. They want all the free things they can find, and abuse the resources they basically steal.

The result of this activity? The city is dying. Home values are dropping, tax revenue is falling, businesses are closing, and there is very little to attract U.S. citizens. Without the local petrochemical industry, the city would have never survived the initial development, and now the only thing that keeps the city afloat is what little of the service industries are still willing to stay in the city limits. There are taxes to be collected from the petrochemical facilities, but they fight what are sometimes unreasonable assessments, and have won huge amounts of money in court. Still, it's not enough, and the incompetent local government is far from being fiscally responsible. 

In the grand scheme of things, my hometown is expendable. Those that really cared moved away years ago. The best of property was reduced to crap real estate by the Obama mandates to put Section Eight housing in the only real areas that could attract those willing invest in the city. Those that can't move will probably live out their lives where they are, but their children will have no desire to stay. This type of environment attracts crime, and those willing to survive on public assistance. Neither have a dog in the hunt, and accept what a healthy neighborhood would never allow. Large sections of homes have already been purchased, and razed, by the large petrochemical facilities. This prevents law suits, and provides a buffer. 

How will this end? If I had to guess, I'd guess the city will eventually go bankrupt, a larger adjacent city will annex it for additional tax revenue, and the area will continue the downward plunge. Industry will take in large sections for its purpose, and the homes left will be inhabited by low income families. History will be the only reference to what was, and the heritage will cease to exist. 

It Takes Getting Used To

Retirement, or age, sure changed my sleep habits. I stay up all day, feel like I could sleep for days, go to bed early, and snap awake in the middle of the night. Rolling over doesn't work, so I get up, go pee, and make a cup of coffee. That's when I go on the porch to observe the night. 

I've worked nights for extended periods of time. Night is when you see what hides during the day. That, and the people that probably only go out at night. While some fear the dark, I know it's usually just neutral. Something that can startle me will probably startle the something just as much. 

Working on the interstate at night was probably most interesting. The drunks start wandering through around midnight, and this would continue to about an hour after closing time. Some would hit a barrel, which usually only was an inconvenience, unless you were in the path of the flying barrel. That hurt, and would leave a bruise.  I'd watch the traffic more closely, so I could warn the crew if the oncoming car was having a hard time staying in its lane.

One night, a group of college girls stopped, flashed their boobs, and sped away laughing like hyenas. the crew took about a half hour to settle down, but considering how mundane the work could be, the memory for them probably lasted as long as mine. Such "Did you see that?" moments aren't forgotten. 

Cats were interesting to watch. The feral ones were easy to spot. Where a domestic cat would saunter through a parking lot, smell everything to be smelled, and poke at a dying bug, a feral cat darted with purpose, and used the shadows, while it paused to survey the surroundings. Considering the shape of some I saw, such behavior was probably the only reason they weren't laying bloated to be the meal of scavengers.

Working at night led to an entirely different mindset. Flashlights were demanded, and a headlamp was a necessity. The little things you set aside while working are now carefully placed in a set location, or conveniently placed in a container. One wrong move, and something necessary could become lost by rolling only a few feet. Light towers would help, but even then, the light only shined on what wasn't in the shadows. Some tasks were nearly completely by feel, since trying to see with a headlamp led to positions that were uncomfortable. 

Given my proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the nocturnal thunderstorms would put on a light show. They'd start out with an occasional flash, grow larger, and the lightning soon to come would turn the clouds into bulbous, angry masses of constant bright flashes. Bolts would streak from the clouds, spread, and the mesh of lightning would be dazzling. Morning light would reveal the remainders of these storms; anvil heads of cirrus on a column of virga.

What I most remember is the humidity. Regardless of the temperature, there was no relief. Sweat would pour from my hard hat, and run into my eyes. With the temperature not dropping below the upper seventies, and humidity near 100 percent, the work at night was as draining as working during the day. The only difference was there was no bright sun to burn your skin, but the mosquitos would fill in with their misery.

It's time for another cup of coffee. I think I'll go outside, sit on the porch, and try to determine why the neighbor's dogs are barking. That, and to relish the quiet of the night.

Highway Construction Woes

The local section of interstate is under construction for dozens of miles. It's necessary, since what is being replaced was built in the late fifties and early sixties. It's a mess, and with what we call the walls of death, with the lack of a service road for miles, a fender-bender can shut it down for hours. 

A local news report told of the frustration of  those taking a busy exit, the huge number of tire-busting potholes, and made me think of my experiences in the past. It, also, made me wonder who's watching the contractor and insuring safe travel. 

In Texas, highway projects have a bid item for detours. There are also force accounts, or change orders,  that are used to take care of unforeseen problems. All only require a little extra paper work, and the dreaded demand for more money by the contractor. 

Before I retired, my experience with TxDot wasn't that good. There were a few inspectors, and engineers, that were what I considered qualified, but not enough. With the invasive micro-management so rampant, the loss of good people by attrition, and budget concerns due to plans sometimes assembled without good review, too many problems that had easy solutions could shut a project down, while waiting for a change order. Where in the past, many change orders only required a handshake on the project, now the unwillingness to pay for the work leads to additional costs, and claims, until an official piece of paper finally makes it through the bureaucracy. 

As for the pothole problem? I have a feeling there is a demand to fix the potholes, and the paperwork is in the works. That, or the contractor, and inspector, really don't care. Either way, the problem could be fixed by a crew with a backhoe, and a few tons of cold mix asphalt. The project is so large, the cost to do this is inconsequential to the final total cost. How it reached this point is beyond my comprehension, but that's how it is, and one of the reasons I retired. 

Back to Bailing

A neighbor is having a pond dug. It's, from what I know about how it works locally, is free. The contractor digging the pond sells the dirt to cover expenses and profit. This can take some time, unless there is a high demand for the dirt. Eventually, my neighbor will have much less grass to cut, have a large deep pond to enjoy, and can enhance their property value, which the county will tax accordingly. 

About a week ago, we had ten inches of rain over a three day period. The pond, which was about half excavated, completely filled with water. Since the contractor appears to know their craft, they were excavating, and shaping, their way to a single point. This allows the better material a deeper depth to be excavated. This material, which is rich in clay, is the best material for structural strength, and can lead to firmly compacted soil only requiring a spread footing for a building. The problem is the amount of water that can accumulate in the pond during a rain event. 

After years of construction, and watching the contractor, I was a little amazed at their method of bailing out the water. My experience told me a 4 inch pump was the minimum amount required to pump the water in an economical time period. A six inch pump would be even better, but the cost of the pump can make the prospect too expensive for a small contractor only excavating small ponds. 

The contractor, a little to my dismay, only had a 2 inch pump, which would take days to remove the water. He supplemented the pump with his half yard excavator, which he ran all day bailing. He'd dip, swing, and dump the water to where it would drain. He did this for over a day, and made me wonder if he really understood costs. His time, which has to be worth something, and the cost of fuel for the excavator were much higher than the cost of a larger pump; even if he rented one. 

So, with the three inches of rain this morning, he'll have a full pond again. This, if he follows his past method, will give him over two days of down time with expenses, and long hours to haul dirt to make up the loss of revenue...if there is a customer for the material.

It's looking like the wetter season is here, rain will fall at least once a week, and some might be heavy, with large accumulations of water. My neighbor, who hasn't had to cut nearly as much grass, will probably have the rumble of machinery and trucks for most of the next six months. In my opinion, it's a win for him, unless the contractor runs out of money, or just gives up. Time will tell, and I'll sit on the porch to watch the show.

Hard Way; Easy Way

The easy way to tyrannize a nation is to create emergencies, take away firearms, force the people to do things against their conscience, and eventually create complete control. The hard way is to do all of the above, except not succeeding in convincing them to give up their firearms. 

It's a Bizarre World

 Apparently, Pfizer uses aborted fetal tissue in making their potion for the jab.  Otherwise, they have to kill unborn babies to peddle their potion, furnish the money to pay off politicians, increase their profits, have no legal liability, and laugh all the way to the bank. 

A less polite society would have heads on staffs at the town gates.

Owls in the Night

I went to bed early. My sinuses have been affected by the dryer weather, which led to some lethargy and a demand to rest. It's a good thing, but sometimes - like tonight - I awake, and a cup of coffee calls for me to go sit on the porch. 

It's quiet. The early Fall air doesn't have even the slightest stir of a breeze, all the air conditioner units are not running, and the chilled air is invigorating. Looking at the heavens bring the reward of a dark sky filled with stars that hang like jewels on black canvas.  

The owls are busy. A hoot owl calls. Another call brings the answer of a female. Their conversation is interrupted by the trill of a screech owl. Another answers in the distant, and the night becomes a haunting cacophony of owl songs. To those unfamiliar, their hair would stand up on the back of their necks, as the sounds used to add fear to a scary movie become real in the night.

These are the moments that could last forever. That's probably why I like this time of the year best. The heat of Summer is broken, the night insects leave, frogs become dormant, and the only sounds - if there are sounds - are those of the night birds and maybe: the low stirring of a light wind in the pines.

A Lot of Plastic

Our car developed a rattle on Sunday. Inspection revealed a cooling fan with a wobbling blade. A little research of costs, lack of availability of the part from the parts house, and how a dealer waits for such opportunities, led me to taking on the task of replacement.

I found the fan on the internet, but was suspicious of buying from the sources. Two things crossed my mind:

    One was knowing the third party manufacturer could unload what they know as substandard parts onto the market at a reduced price.

    The other was the time for delivery and how the wrong part could lead to a long time of an inoperable vehicle.

I disassembled with a little help from a online video. I wasn't complete, but insured my effort to do the job myself prevented a huge cost from a mechanic. The factory recommended replacement called for evacuating the AC system, and the additional costs to replace a dryer, with the refrigerant. One bolt that required a little ingenuity to reach was the reason for the extra step.

After finally removing the fan, I inspected the blade. The bearing in the motor was completely worn, or the housing for the bearing failed enough to prevent keeping the bearing in place. Regardless, removing the blade, and replacing the motor, was out of the question. It's all plastic, the blade is pressed on, and any attempt to remove either would probably destroy the housing, if parts were available. 

A call to the dealer for the part led to a few moments of trepidation. The first words from the counter man was: "It's been on backorder. Let me see if it's available." After a few moments, he continued: "I have four, and can have it here tomorrow." He told me he would send me a text with a link for payment, and he would order the part as soon as I completed the transaction." 

I paid for the part ($448) and called to confirm the order. After confirmation, I went on to other tasks and hoped the man at the counter wasn't telling me a fib to sell a part. 

Tuesday morning, I called the dealer to ask about the status of the part. He told me he was about to text to tell me the part was in. A 20 mile trip to the dealer, a little over an hour of my time, and I was ready to put the car back together. 

I was slow with my replacement to guarantee not forgetting the order of reassembly. After completion of the task, starting the vehicle, a short test drive, and some relief, the car was back in service. All in all, it took about five hours of my time, but with skill and knowledge, a good mechanic could do it in less than two hours. 

I was a little amazed at how much of the vehicle was plastic and held together by push clips. It seems flimsy, and I wonder if the plastic will age as badly as plastic parts in the past. It is what it is, and the demand for lighter vehicles had led to where we are. 

So, another major/minor problem is handled. Onward I go through retirement, and thank God for the ability to do some of the things that can bankrupt those on a fixed income. It's my blessing and gives me peace.

Ignoring the Petitioners

The first amendment of the Constitution guarantees the right to petition the government for redress of grievances. Unfortunately, all petitions are basically ignored, since there is no meat to any petition, unless there is a government required amount of signatures, which is then suspected of being fraudulent, until all signatures are verified. To make things worse, the petitions are used to gather the names of dissenters, become public record, and the dissenters can become harassed by the same government that is the reason for their petition. It was a good thought, but was easily subverted by the profession that's least restricted by the Constitution.

An individual can petition the government, but in reality, it's a futile effort. The supreme rights of the individual are basically gone, since individual liberty is in the same position. It's a sad thing, but what everyone now faces. Regardless of how much someone is wronged by the government, they have no recourse for an equitable solution, unless they can afford to pay for what can be a futile effort to sue in court. 

There is a moral responsibility for any government employee, whether elected of hired, to correct any wrong, make a diligent effort to keep public costs to the minimum, and understand they are subservient to those that pay their wages. Unfortunately, moral responsibility is something that can't be legislated. Government officials realize this, and over time abandon any effort to be responsible for insuring every individuals has the rights of the most powerful of government official. It's always been this way, but if integrity is demanded, and practiced, the opportunities for corruption, or incompetence, are reduced.

Social Confusion

Facebook was down, it appears the DNS was the problem, and the best description is all servers "forgot" on how to find Facebook. Whether it was malicious, or just an error will probably never be known. What is known is that millions couldn't get their fix. 

Oh the horror!

Adding to the Network

I've had a blog for around 10 years. I started it when someone with a blog told me I should have a blog. I followed their advice, and after time, people would start visiting and commenting. At first, the lack of visitors was disconcerting. I would check, and the lack of traffic was making me wonder if I was wasting my time. Eventually, after someone with a lot of daily visitors linked me in a post, I was rewarded with a huge amount of visitors in one day. The result was somewhat astonishing, and added many more daily visitors. 

I'm writing this post to give a new blog what little head start I can add. They might not have as much time as they'd like, and having a network of people to share their thoughts is more than necessary. They blogged in the past, quit for awhile, and now want to accomplish a goal they've had for 30 years. Go visit. You might like what you find.

Writing With Cancer

They Won't Cover This Up Forever

 According to witnesses, Capitol Police bludgeoned Roseann Boyland continuously until the damage was terminal. To make matters worse, some of the witnesses have been held without bond since their arrest. That, to me, is a clear sign the police state is out of control, and those allowing it to continue, or deliberately not making an effort to report this,  are traitors. A curse on those involved, and may they burn in Hell.

A Reason To Stay Away

 A few decades ago, Austin was a place to go. Plenty of good restaurants, live bands by more than talented musicians, and surrounding sights wonderful to see. Things are different today. The police have decided to not respond to non-emergency calls.  That means most crimes that an officer doesn't feel involves the threat of immediate harm will not be answered. When you really think about this, shoplifting, petty theft, muggings, burglaries...etc., become mostly just paperwork shuffling, and those affected are left to deal with it themselves. 

I've avoided Austin for years. The decline has been notable, and from my perspective, the lack of judgement by the local officials, and citizens, only reinforced my belief the most dangerous places to be are where politicians gather. There are too many people scrambling for the fat, and there's a tendency of local politics to be infiltrated by outsiders looking for power, with mostly ill gotten fortunes. To add insult to injury, the economy is corrupted by people that really don't produce anything. When multiple generations of these people are too much of the citizenry, the fact they exist only by the will of those that produce is ignored. They feel their tasks of producing legislation, and bureaucracy, are more important than producing the goods that keep their sorry lives intact. 

It is what it is, but the surrounding communities of Austin are inhabited by hard-working folks that are not the same as those that waste their resources. They will be more prepared for their visits to the city, well armed, and many arrogant criminal will find their crime has a capital punishment.