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.

Way Back When

In high school, it was common to see a few dozen pickups in the parking lot, with shotguns in the back window. Duck hunters would make a morning hunt before school, or leave in the evening to load the boat, and grab the decoys.

Everyone carried a pocket knife. It was a tool, like any tool, and a young man was expected to keep one handy.

Now? None of these things happen. Schools are day care centers, nobody is expected to step up to adulthood, and the results are weak, inefficient wannabe adults, that will find any physical activity daunting.

I don't know about you, but if there was a plan to prepare the United States for subjugation, it's getting close to fruition.

Change the Wording, and it Still Fits

I wrote this a few years ago, when some special snowflakes decided Wall Street was evil. It still fits, and makes me think of those snot-nosed young adults that don't realize their opinion isn't relevant.

Enjoy

***

Father: "Son I saw you on the news with a sign protesting Wall Street."

Son: "Yeah Dad. It was cool. We sat around, told them how we feel and let them know that Wall Street won't get away with what they're doing. In fact, I'm calling from the protest. We're going to stay until they listen to our demands"

Father: "It looked more like you were eating pizza and texting"

Son: "I had to let my girlfriend know I would be on television."

Father: "Well, Son. I have something to discuss with you."

Son: "And, what's that Dad?"

Father: "A group of investors recognized you from last years Christmas party and transferred their portfolios to another firm."

Son: "So, what does that have to do with me?"

Father: " That account was about 20% of my annual income, which prompted your mother, and I, to hurry our plans."

Son: "And, what plans are those, Dad?"

Father: "First thing: Your mother and I are moving. We discussed this last month at Sunday dinner and would have liked to tell you then, but you didn't show, or call."

Son: "Well, I was real busy with school and the time slipped away."

Father: "Speaking of school, a counselor called last week to ask why you didn't respond to the letter they sent. I told them I didn't know of any letter, which apparently, pertains to you failing all the classes you took this semester. They called again yesterday. We discussed your grades and the tuition check I sent last month. They wanted to know if they should send it back, or just run it through the paper shredder. I told them the paper shredder was fine. They thanked me for saving them the cost of a stamp and asked about your dorm room. I was a little confused until they explained they haven't seen much of you, needed a place for an Indian pre-med student, so we worked out a deal. They'll pro-rate the time it was used and send me a check for the difference. Since I'm cutting costs, it was too sweet of a deal to ignore."

Son: "So, I guess I'll have to come stay with you and Mom.

Father: "I think we have a little problem, Son. Jim at the office has been bugging me for months to sell him the house. To sweeten the deal, he agreed to persuade a friend to move on selling his town house. Long story short, the movers will be through by Friday, your things are in storage and we'll be in our new  town house by the end of the weekend. It has two bedrooms, but we need one for my office. I'm afraid we don't have room for you."

Son: "So, where will I go?"

Father: "I knew you'd ask, so I talked to the youth minister at church. He said he remembers you from high school and you'd remember him, since he used to work the counter at the chicken place by the mall.  We had real long conversation and he suggested the YMCA. He lived there while he was working on his degree. He said they'll work with you on the cost and offer counseling. What's really strange is that when he told me his degree was in accounting, I suggested he send his resume to human resources. They must be interested. He has an interview tomorrow and from what I hear, it's almost a sure thing, since he's going to school at night to work on his masters degree. Give him two years and he'll be a CPA."

Son: "I guess I can go stay with my girlfriend."

Father: "Isn't she the Debbie from the country club?"

Son: "Yeah. That's her."

Father: "Hmmm. That's strange. I could swear I saw her name in the bridal announcements last Sunday. It must have been a mistake, although I thought I saw her the other day having dinner with an older fellow. Then again, the hair wasn't the same."

Son: "Well, she has lighter hair now and she keeps it shorter."

Father: "Sort of an ash blond?"

Son: "Yeah, I guess."

Father: "It probably wasn't her. Anyway, I have to take this call. It's a new customer that I've been calling for over a week. Bye Son."

Son: "But Dad!"

**Click**

Crowd of Stupidity

A large crowd of protesters gathered in the capitol to demand gun control. They're exercising their First Amendment rights, while never realizing if it was so easy to remove the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment, such activities would probably lead to many in jail, or just treated as enemies of the state, and mowed down as they protested.

Many school children were included in the crowd. I hope their lives lead them to understand what dumbasses they were at their young age. We can only hope, and keep our firearms well maintained.