Common Sense, Politics, and Reality

I'm beginning to think most people don't want an honest politician. Logic dictates a good politician will not promise anything, do everything within their power to prevent fiscal irresponsibility, and demand those that vote be wise with their decision. That's not reality, because most everyone has something the government grants they don't want to do without. It's how people are, and it will probably never change. People, typically, are selfish, and dishonest with their personal greed.

Weary

I'm weary of the media. Considering the puke-shit members that create the majority of this profession, their opinion is worthless, and their reporting is useless.

It's A Nice Change

Yesterday, the temperature reached the mid 80's. If the wind hadn't been blowing, the high humidity would have made the heat worse than it was. A front last night changed it for today.

This morning, I awoke to a temperature of the mid 50's and a strong north wind. The temperature only reached the upper 60's, so it was pleasant for working.

Tomorrow, the wind will shift to the east, the humidity will rise, and the temperature will soon rise again. Summer is coming, and these types of days will be gone until late October. I'll enjoy them while I can.

It's a Type of Madness

I've known some people from California. Most left due to the high cost of living, confiscatory taxes, an unwillingness of politicians to include rural areas in political decisions, and the influx of illegal aliens. They loved their state, but realized their basic beliefs were not welcome, or needed. They left and will not return.

People were attracted to California for the beautiful weather, opportunities, and with many during the Dust Bowl, it was the only place that might offer survival. The efforts of those that went created a state with an economy that rivaled most nations of the free world.

Unfortunately, with a climate that is rarely harsh enough to kill, those willing to skate through life, were unwelcome for their bizarre ideas, or were looking for an opportunity to practice their criminal activities, found a place where they could corrupt with impunity, and influence politics to their advantage.

Now California politics promote illegal aliens, openly ignore laws of the United States, and continue to destroy personal income. Those unwilling to continue this madness are chastised, punished with more taxes, or forced to leave, due to their inability to survive.

California loses productive citizens daily, increases the state deficit, is attempting to increase its population with more illegal aliens, and thumbs its nose at the rest of the  United States. That's a big step towards the rest of the country looking for ways to change this process.

California had the riches of a nation at one time. Not any more. The economy is crumbling, too many are living off public assistance, the gap between wealth, and poverty, is increasing; and the train wreck ahead is inevitable. The state will find an unwillingness of business to participate, those that do will be there for what they can milk from the government, and the result will be similar to the results of failed city governments, such as Chicago, Baltimore, Detroit, and New Orleans. Crime will increase, public safety will be hampered by ignorant politicians, and the infrastructure will crumble.

If California attempts to find financial assistance from the rest of the United States, I think it will find a strong unwillingness from the rest of the states. They burned their own butt, and it's only fair they get to sit on the blister. 

Honor the Vietnam Vet Today

Vietnam ended before I was old enough to be drafted, but not by much. As my day for registering for the draft approached, I had many thoughts cross my mind.

I've known a few that served in Vietnam. One had a clerical position in Saigon. His description of the bizarre city it was showed even the "safe" rear areas were far from safe.

I worked with two Marines that served in combat. Neither had much to say about their experience, but after I commented about the behavior of one, the other said he would probably never be the same, since he had been captured by the Viet Cong and escaped. He didn't elaborate on what happened during his capture, but it was obvious it was far from pleasant.

I had a friend that was in the Cavalry. He told me a few stories, which described the organized chaos he faced daily. From boredom, to sheer terror, his year in country - which included the Tet Offensive - changed him forever.

Today is the day we remember those that served in Vietnam. They were never described as the greatest generation, but they were as great as those that served before them. They're aging, many are still bitter about the way they were treated when they returned, and all deserve respect. They served without being honored, yet their service was in honor to the United States.