Get It Together

Our nation is no longer in its' infancy. I am sickened every time I see rioting going on in the name of racial justice. People need to start understanding that every time people act out in protest, in some way, they are justifying the actions of those in charge.
The time has come and gone, for us to accept one another. We are all different, from color to creed.. We need to understand that no ones leaving or going to change who we are. Something else to think about: There are people all over the world who want our civilization and country dead and buried... we shouldn't help them along... Wake Up America... Stop your foolishness...

            REVERENCE


So, I've been watching TV. Most of you know that I really at heart am a news junkie... In the last couple of months I've been noticing news stories involving AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS and their hatred for AMERICA. THE UNITED STATES, to be more specific. There have been scenes on the news of AMERICAN COLLEGE STUDENTS protesting the presence of THE AMERICAN FLAG on college campuses. All or perhaps some of these students must be getting GOVERNMENT STUDENT LOANS... at least I would imagine that to be the case.
So, BITING THE HAND THAT EDUCATES YOU.... I think that this is sickening! If these were my kids, I'd be extremely embarrassed. They're not my kids and I'm already extremely embarrassed! It would appear that the next wave of Functioning American Adults will be very different from the generation that built and maintained this great country for decades.
Someone told me that every civilization falls. I know that this is true, but I would imagine that it would be in the best interests of all American Citizens to work toward a society that gets along and works together toward a common goal of building a strong, financially secure civilization that can ward off terrorist, foreign and domestic. At least that's what one would hope for..
I say this: let's rally around the flag. It is the one icon of our country that we can all protect. Despite which party is residing in the White House or is controlling the Senate and Congress, let's take the opportunity to build up a National Pride that we can all support and get behind. Put a flag out on your lawn, wear an American Flag Lapel pin, wear a funky Stars and Stripes pair of sunglasses, just do something to let each other know that we have a sense of American Pride. For all her faults, she is still the greatest country in the nation!
AC

HIGHER EDUCATION?!?

I just viewed this video of these idiots on a bus singing an offensive what would appear to be a white supremacy bar song; what idiots! What is even more surprising is that these individuals were a University Fraternity! What is even more shocking is, SOME IDIOT RECORDED IT ON HIS CELL PHONE!!!! 

I for one, am thankful for cameraphones; they continue to provide material for media outlets and late night talk show hosts; what a bunch of @$$holes….

Be nice to everyone, folks.. It’s a lot easier than being offensive and stupid!! 

The loss of an Icon..
Anyone who has ever spent any time at Walt Disney World in the last ten years, would be surprised should they visit Disneys' Hollywood Studios today. The Sorcerers Hat, which graced Hollywood Blvd, and loomed off in the distance welcoming guests magically at the gateway to the different zones of the park, is now gone. The loss of the great big, beautiful blue hat donned with sparkling stars has now given way to the Hollywood style theater of The Great Movie Ride. TGMR is an attractive building, but it is in no way an icon. It is the building of a ride, a good, but it is still not an icon.
Things change all over. This change saddens me, because it was my favorite icon. Sure the Castle at the Magic Kingdom is beautiful, as is the Tree of Life at Disneys' Animal Kingdom. Spaceship Earth at EPCOT is awesome, in all of its' futuristic glory.. but the Sorcerers Hat was greater than them all. Maybe that was the problem. Perhaps it was too great. In my opinion, it did outshine The Castle, The Tree and perhaps even Spaceship Earth.. It housed the pin trading store, was a backdrop to the Entertainment Stage during ESPN weekends, Star Wars Weekends, Super Soap Weekends and of course on New Years Eve. The stage placement there now, I believe, will be less spectacular.
As I have heard it, the Sorcerers Hat was never supposed to be there permanently, it was a loaner from Disneyland Paris; a gift to the park which showcases the magic of Film-making and animation. After all, The Sorcerers Hat was the star of Disneys' Fantasia! But it has, alas, been cast aside, not to enhance the image of a major theme park, but to perhaps make it a bit more dull. I think it is a shame.
True, change is a part of life, I for one, don't really like it. I think that change at times is over-rated. There are those that would think that I am incorrect in my thinking, but that's okay. People have different opinions. Mine surely aren't always correct. I own it. Opinions are those amazing things that can be expressed in almost any situation, i.e. "Coke is way better than Pepsi!", arguable, but in my OPINION, true. A wise individual once stated, "Opinions are like     @$$holes, everyone has one.." Once again, true. Not nice to say, but; it gets ones point across.
I am quite saddened to see the Sorcerers Hat leave Disneys' Hollywood Studios, I will miss it looming off in the distance when I enter the park. I hope that Disney finds a place of honor for its next home.















A.C.

I have as of late been reminded of childhood memories. It could be that I have reached middle aged-ness, It could be that I am not sure where my future is heading.. In ones youth, that really isn't a concern, but as one gets older, the thoughts in ones mind turn to stability, a time when ones health and abilities may not be in the shape that one would hope that they should be in.
In my youth, I grew up in California. In the San Fernando Valley. It was a safe place to grow up and live in. I received a great education, had good friends and had a supportive family. I still have great friends and a supportive family.
I did most of the things that a boy would do growing up in such a place. Went to the movies and malls on the weekends. Rode my bicycle in packs with friends to late in the night(on weekends and non-school nights of course!), walked to McDonalds' on Saturday afternoons. The usual stuff. I was fortunate to have a great set of parents who made sure that we had clean clothes, food and all the extras that one should grow up with. We took family vacations a few times a year, I went to Disneyland quite a bit, as well as the other theme parks in Southern California, like Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, etc.
On the weekends, we would occasionally take our boat or camper out and enjoy the outdoors, Yosemite, The Grand Canyon, The Sequoias and camping on the beach were some activities we enjoyed as a family. I made great memories that I still enjoy today. I am glad that I have those memories to fall back on when things get jumbled and too intense in my now deteriorating mind. I don't think I have thanked my mom enough for all the great times. I wish I'd have told my father how much I appreciated everything he did for us when he was alive. Regrets. Regrets; something that I guess we all carry with us. I don't think that anyone has the foresight to know when the right time to tell ones loved ones all the things that they have bottled up in their heads.
In some situations, you do. Like when you're watching your father slowly pass away in a Terminal Ward in some hospital, dying of cancer when you weren't even aware that he had the disease. The things that your parents hide from you to protect you; no matter what your age may be.
I find that it is during these times, your positive memories are most helpful. My dad, used to take me fishing, boating, camping, amongst other things. There are times that I miss him terribly. I often wonder what he'd think of my life choices. I don't think he'd like them.
I was able to see J.K. Simmons OSCAR acceptance speech; he made a great comment: "If your parents are alive, don't text them; call them. Call them everyday!" He is right. I am fortunate to see my mom everyday, for I still have her. I am so blessed to still have her in my life. There are times, to my failure, I sometimes am irked with her way of thinking.. but that is not her fault. It's mine; mine for not being more understanding. I frequently ask the Lord to help me; to give me patience and understanding. He usually does...
Hug your parents and loved ones everyday. If you can, kiss them good night and tell them how much you love them... everyday and everynight! If you are fortunate to still have loved ones in your life; you are indeed blessed; Thank the Lord and be appreciative. Everyday.

Going Back

I think it's interesting when I watch the news, read TIME or any other periodical, where the topics read, despite the content, ____ -control... This sentence relays to me that something, no matter what it is, has been allowed to grow, OUT OF CONTROL. We can put many words into the blank,  
such as gun, spending, immigrant, drug, birth, just choose almost any topic; chances are, it will fill in the blank.
The news as of late, short of KOREA, has been filled with the term GUN-CONTROL. I think that this is a crock of fecal matter. Listen to this, America; THERE IS NO GOING BACK! I know that many of you have heard this comment before. Guns, drugs, illegal immigrant guests whom have overstayed their welcome, teen sex, tobacco, any of dozens of concerns to our citizens.
Let's choose; oh, I don't know, gun control... 
We, as americans, have the RIGHT to keep and bare arms. Our founding fathers carefully scripted this RIGHT into our Constitution to enable us to protect ourselves from an over-zealous, tyranny filled government with the intention of inhibiting the rights of its citizens.
Should we ever find ourselves against a government focused on shaving down our rights, like controlling the types of arms we keep, the accessories that go with them, we, would have a way of defending ourselves against these people who have access to military type assault weapons. 
So, for all of you people who run around the country to any individual with a camera, THAT is why we should be allowed to have these types of weapons.
IMAGINE(if you can), how easy it would be for an army or National Guard Unit, to move in to a town protected by a bunch of people trying to protect it's city or town with shotguns, and LOW CAPACITY magazine taking rifles! Not very fair; even with high round capacity magazines, it still wouldn't compete with assault rifles being yielded by government troops, that happen to also have grenade launchers, mini guns and air support capabilities.
Do you want proof of what a nation held on leash would be like? Take a look at NORTH KOREA, where her citizens receive no outside news, information or entertainment. Citizens whom are FORCED to have a photo of their leader up in a place of prominence for all to WORSHIP! Literally. WORSHIP!?! Really?!?! I can think of an AMERICAN leader who would love to give himself GOD status. It might work except for the people who may despise him and are able to defend themselves against anyone who may be able to defend against a move like this... 
DON'T THINK, that he wouldn't fancy this for himself... There are already HOLLYWOOD NUTJOBS who refer to him as "OUR LORD AND SAVIOR__________ __________". I think he would need just a nudge to move him into DICTATOR status. More on this later....

Let's look at IMMIGRATION CONTROL...
Amnesty is a tricky thing. It would allow illegal guest immigrants to stay, without having gone through any of the LEGAL steps it takes to become a citizen of our quickly deteriorating country.
I know, and I hope you do as well, that without immigrants, our country would not exist. We'd literally be many nations of NATIVES, still running the prairies and living as one with nature(sounds like an improvement already!), not ever imagining a world filled with cars, airplanes, internet, video games and politicians who do the most asinine things in the name of democracy and humanitarianism. 
I know that our illegal immigrant guests give back to our country in purchases and such, but they also cost our nation in health care, food subsidies and border security. At last count there were 
over 10 MILLION illegal guest immigrants in our nation. In my opinion, that is at least 10 Million too many. 

I grew up in Southern California, where you can't throw a rock without hitting an IGI. They provide much to our culture; food, music, and let's not forget lawn care and dish-washing. Most, that I was acquainted with anyway, were very nice people who wanted nothing more than to live and work, and be able to provide for their families. 
At one time, in Southern California, you could pull up to any street corner intersection, especially if there was a HOME DEPOT or any other hardware giant nearby and pick up a few guys who were willing to come work at your home or location for $40 dollars a day. They were called day laborers and would do anything that you needed doing. As inflation grew, their price moved to $80 dollars a day. Now, one could argue, that these people were taking jobs from HARD WORKING AMERICANS; but, in truth, they performed the tasks that no american would want to do. So, in reality, they really aren't hurting anyone. I think it would be nice if they payed taxes.
They don't. Most live off of the grid, not known to anyone except the families they live with and sometimes to their local clergy, for these individuals are very religious. 
So, on a daily basis, these individuals to to work, come home and eat. Some do go to the CANTINAS to blow off some steam, but many, those with families in their home countries, live on a diet of beans, cheese, tortillas; maybe some rice, different juices. They survive on the bare minimum so as to have funds to send home on payday.

Our elected officials want to send them back. My only question is, HOW? 10 MILLION IGI's in our country. Know this, America, no one is going anywhere. There are too many to send back. 
Find a way to document them and have them pay taxes. Charge taxes to those who employ them and exploit them. Of course, once they can legally work and deserve a higher wage, employers will stop employing them and they'll be unemployed, thus having no other recourse but to go home or elsewhere looking for employment.
To our elected officials trying to tackle this endeavor, good luck. More on this at a later time.

There are many topics/issues that need to be addressed. I don't see us going back to the good ol' days where we were the land of promise, milk and honey, or whatever phrase you would like to use to describe us. That time is over. There is no going back; but we do have to look forward; forward to living together in harmony, with respect for the cultures and lives of one another. In this country, in some places, that's no easy task. We have to look at what we're doing in the middle east and why are we still there. We must decide on what America wants to be, the worlds police(not to mention largest borrower) or does she want to be a country that truly cares for her citizens and provides them with a wonderful country to live in. So many choices. I know that deep down, americans know what is right; they just want to do what's easy. That time will end and probably soon. The main question then will be, WHAT NOW?

Thougths and Ramblings..

A Few Thoughts Before Bed...
I have a few ideas running through my mind right now. I am really tired. It has been a great week for me, but yesterday the cold just kicked my butt. I am glad to have the next couple of days off. There is a lot going on in our nation, not to mention the world.. I think I will take my own advice and just focus on our nation for now…
1. I don’t care who you choose to marry, spend your life with or love; I don’t think the Government should either. We live in a time where things must change. It is no longer just vanilla, chocolate or strawberry; we have new flavors! I don’t think that it matters who or what you choose to love; I think that the important thing is that you CHOOSE to LOVE. May the SCOTUS find it’s courage to make the right decision for our nation at this time of transition and growth.
2. That Nutjob in Colorado who took all those lives of the individuals watching the BATMAN movie has decided to join the real world and communicate his desire to plea bargain to save him from the Death Penalty! Isn’t that convenient? He has somehow found his sanity to save his pitiful life! I personally, DO NOT BELIEVE in the Death Penalty; I have my reasons for that. Perhaps it stems from my religious upbringing or the fact that I just don’t believe it is our job to take the lives of those incarcerated. HOWEVER; I believe that this individual should be dipped in a tank full of hungry piranha, limb by limb…. That’s All.
3. I saw our illustrious leader on television the other day, at a ceremony naturalizing new American Citizens. Amongst these newly naturalized citizens were a dozen or so Military Personnel. 
Good for them! Congratulations and welcome to our country!
HOWEVER, with the sequestration affecting every other aspect of our country’s daily operation; shouldn’t Barry have waited to bring in new Citizens until all of this SEQUESTRATION drama has been settled??? After all, we have Air Traffic Control Towers that are currently unmanned. We have school children being turned away from The White House after planning months in advance to visit the domicile of the President and his Family; because of the SEQUESTRATION…. Really, Barry? You couldn’t put this photo op on hold for a few weeks or months?
I guess the SEQUESTRATION only affects what Obama wants affected. I saw on CNN that his family had a very nice vacation in the Bahamas! Couldn’t they, shouldn’t they have vacationed domestically to save a few TAX PAYER DOLLARS?!
I mean, what’s wrong with Walt Disney World? Universal Studios? Skiing in Aspen? Maybe even touring New York to see a Musical, some museums and maybe even touring the still un-repaired areas that were devastated by Super Storm Sandy, last year? It could’ve been educational as well as relaxing!
Just wanted to get my thoughts out before I lost them somewhere in DreamLand.