The Black Friday Phenomenon

Every year American witness the Black Friday news coverage of a massive crowd of shoppers waiting at the doors of a major shopping outlet to get the best "deal" on their Christmas purchases. Who can blame them for wanting to avoid the constantly rising prices of products these days?

The second the doors are opened, the inevitable crowd crush happens and some who fall, or are pushed down, get injured, or worse yet, crushed to death.

Once inside, we often see footage of shoppers in the store pushing and shoving to get to the discount bin with some actually grabbing a box of the item out of another shopper's hands.

Why? In my mind, somehow this doesn't reflect the spirit of the holiday season. Has our modern shopping culture been so conditioned that they see the event as an annual post-Thanksgiving ritual? Why would any sane person want to subject themselves to such a situation? 

Our modern suburban shopper has become so fixed on getting the latest gizmo or gift for the lowest price that many of us have completely lost the whole point of the season. It would be interesting to conduct a survey to learn just what percentage of gift givers actually make something to give for the recipient.

While cyber shopping for those deals certainly helps to alleviate one from participating in much of those scenarios, it has definitely enhance the consumer mind-set of materialism over keeping the focus of the season on the original purpose of the holiday. What, in the old days, was originally known as holy days. On top of it all, there's the misguided notion, or more likely assumption, by the cyber shopper that their action is helping to "save the planet".

After all, they're not driving to the shopping mall and increasing their "carbon footprint"; the newest label assigned to every individual of our modern culture. But, that package which comes to their doorstep is transported by a huge fleet of delivery vans. They pollute just as much as any other vehicle on the road.

What's even more disturbing to me is that, because of our incredibly diversified mobility today, many will simply purchase an item online, have it shipped to the individual in some other city or town, and it will show up on their porch to retrieve; if some porch thief doesn't spot it while they're at the office or business working first.

Today's modern Christmas holiday is focused on getting, not giving, which originated as a Christian act of generosity, emulating the three wise men from the east to present their gifts to the baby Jesus. If we are to turn around our modern culture of getting, it will only be from those individuals returning to their churches and reminding themselves of the actual reason for the season.

Thanksgiving - 2019

Ingratitude seems to be the prevalent thing these days.

The younger generations are getting all kinds of attention about their outrages views and demands. I needn't repeat the litany of grievances here. It is a totally foreign world from my perspective and life experience. They'd most likely claim that I was privileged, or something like that.

Why so much hatred? Where did this come from? One might assert that it is because of the actions, responses and views held by our previous president. Another might say that such things have been going on forever and that he's only the latest to have sown division across the nation.

Personally, I believe a major reason for the lack of gratitude in our nation is a few major things.

One would be the attitude promoted by today's media in general. The 24/7 news cycle now is constantly harping on murders, fires, lawlessness, corruption, cataclysmic events, etc.

Another reason would be that over the past thirty to forty years, our nation's gone through a rapidly developing culture of affluence. The advent of technological development has fostered an attitude of growing dissatisfaction as to the general feeling in the public about their lives.

Over that same period, our nation has gone through a shift away from religion and the consequential loss of the moral standards which guided us. Part of that shift away from religion has been the demands from various factions in society that demanded the old be made "modern" because the concepts in the Bible were too antiquated and didn't apply to a modern culture; as though modern men/women were somehow different than then.

Our national focus through our news outlets rarely, if only on this day of the year, ever expose us to reasons for which we have a reason to be grateful. 

We can only hope that our future will not progress into a greater darkness of tyranny and oppression, the likes which mankind has not seen in centuries.

I am grateful that I've had a full and prosperous life I would wish on everyone else, but only they can make decisions and choices which will determine their future.

Who's Been True to Their Word?

Since when did we as a nation, founded on the principles of freedom, liberty, and taxation with representation, abandon these principles?

How is it that we the people, under an economic system which allows anyone who exerts the effort to prosper in America, have said, "Sure, go ahead and take as much of my hard earned income as you see fit, government."?

Some claim it's the gradual "progressivism" of the left, or the proverbial "frog in the pot" scenario.

After Tim Eyman announced that he would be running for Governor of Washington, David Horsey, the well known Seattle-Times cartoonist, wrote an op-ed about Eyman's declaration. "Eyman has been a perpetual nuisance to the political establishment for decades, running anti-tax, anti-government ballot measures that appeal to angry, alienated and often misled voters."

Nuisance to the political establishment? I think what Horsey means is, he's the one person in this state who's had the courage to stand up against the pollitical establishment - a Democrat dominated legislature - who for decades has consistently increased taxes on the people who either live here, or come here from other places, to try and make a living while enjoying the state's unsurpassed beauty. And they don't like being lied to about their car tabs to support a transportation boondoggle.

And why has Eyman been so successful? Because he understood well the attitude of those same hard working people and their frustration of how their political representatives were not listening to their input. That's why Horsey claims that he appeals to angry, alienated, and often mislead voters. If there's any mislead voters, it's because their representatives say "sweet honeyed words" in town halls, then go to Olympia and do the opposite.

Despite accusation of impropriety with funds in the past and the state's A.G. suing him to try and ban him from any future political activity completely, Eyman states:

The establishment is freaking out because they'[v]e hit me with everything they had and I'm not only still here, but stronger than ever. They now know there are millions of voters who've shown themselves to be independent, discerning, and unwilling to succumb to their threats, lies, and scare tactics.

They're scared and they're lashing out because they're starting to realize they can't control millions of voters who want their voices heard.

I don't know about you, but compared to this state's current Governor who promised no new taxes during his election campaign eight years ago, I would rather have someone who's fought against increased taxes for twenty years, than one who's not even kept his campaign promise.

If Horsey's prediction for liberals comes true...

So, if you are a Democrat, just imagine waking up the morning after Election Day in 2020 and realizing that, not only has Trump been reelected, but Tim Eyman is your new governor. I believe that’s what is called a nightmare scenario.

... it will be because the rest of the state outside the one high density spot called Seattle will finally have come together behind a man who means what he says and says what he means. That's the kind of candidate this nation wanted in 2016 for president, and I believe will re-elect and send Jay Inslee packing in 2020!

The Senate's Decision

For the first time in U.S. history our nation has been subjected to the most absurd and farcical political "kabuki theater"  in the form of the Liberals' "impeachment hearings" these past two weeks.

For those who've been following them and know the details behind the facade and what's not being divulged by the Media (D), this whole process is a joke and a sham.

If you boil it down to the essence of what's really happening, it is the Democrats who are accusing the Republicans of the very things the Democrats have been doing during the Obama Administration.

At this point, most everyone is assuming the Democrats are going to vote before Christmas on four articles of impeachment and send them to the Senate.

The real issue, in my opinion, is whether an impeachment trial in the Senate should, or will, happen.

When it comes to the point of "should", I say absolutely! Why?

First, because Pres. Trump's already declared he wants it.

Second, because it will put what will actually be a trial into the hands of a Republican lead Senate where not only will cross examination be allowed - "Shifty" Schiff didn't in his secret proceedings in the basement of Congress - but, witnesses who will provide a perspective which has not been provided by the Democrats.

A lot more information, such as that provided by top notch investigative journalist John Solomon, will come out to a public who's got little to no idea just how corrupt and deep the network of conniving devotees to protecting Pres. Obama are.

When it comes to "will", is a matter for the Senate to decide under the Leadership of Sen. Mitch McConnel (R) NC. They can either vote to hold the trial, or not. If they decide to honor the president's wish to expose the level of corruption of many of their "colleagues", as they prefer to address their opposition members, then it will an interesting winter and spring.

Joe Vs. Jose'

JOE vs. JOSE 

You have two families: "Joe Legal" and "Jose Illegal". Both families have two parents, two children, and live inCalifornia ..

Joe Legal works in construction, has a Social Security Number and makes $25.00 per hour with taxes deducted.

Jose Illegal also works in construction, has NO Social Security Number, and gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table".

Ready? Now pay attention....

Joe Legal: $25.00 per hour x 40 hours = $1000.00 per week, or $52,000.00 per year. Now take 30% away for state and federal tax; Joe Legal now has $31,231.00.

Jose Illegal: $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week, or $31,200.0 0 per year. Jose Illegal pays no taxes. Jose Illegal now has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays medical and dental insurance with limited coverage for his family at $600.00 per month, or $7,200.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $24,031.00.

Jose Illegal has full medical and dental coverage through the state and local clinics and emergency hospitals at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal makes too much money and is not eligible for food stamps or welfare. Joe Legal pays $500.00 per month for food, or $6,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $18,031.00.

Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for food stamps, WIC and welfare. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays rent of $1,200.00 per month, or $14,400.00 per year. Joe Legal now has 9,631 ..00.

Jose Illegal receives a $500.00 per month Federal Rent Subsidy. Jose Illegal pays out that $500.00 per month, or $6,000.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $ 31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays $200.00 per month, or $2,400.00 for car insurance. Some of that is uninsured motorist insurance. Joe Legalnow has $7,231.00.

Jose Illegal says, "We don't need no stinkin' insurance!" and still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal has to make his $7,231.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, etc..

Jose Illegal has to make his $31,200.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, and what he sends out of the country every month..

Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part time job after work.

Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.

Joe Legal's and Jose Illegal's children both attend the same elementary school. Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches, while Jose Illegal's children get a government sponsored lunch. Jose Illegal's children have an after school ESL program.Joe Legal's children go home.

Now, when they reach college age, Joe Legal's kids may not get into a State School and may not qualify for scholarships, grants or other tuition help, even though Joe has been paying for State Schools through his taxes, while Jose Illegal's kids "go to the head of the class" because they are a minority.

Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same police and fire services, but Joe paid for them and Jose did not pay.

Do you get it, now?

If you vote for or support any politician that supports illegal aliens... You are part of the problem!

We need to keep this going--we need to make changes ASAP!

It's way PAST time to take a stand for America and Americans

A.G. Bill Barr's Views on Constitutional Separation of Powers Today

Those who share the concerns about where our nation's political process is heading in light of the current Congressional actions and Judicial maneuvers should watch this recent speech given by Attorney General Bill Barr at this year's Federalist Society's annual convention.

It will provide the viewer with greater insight into just how much the left has used one branch to gradually strip Constitutional powers from the Executive Branch.

Such observations shared by the A.G. make this writer suspect that the left's current machinations to conduct a "kabuki theater" charade in order to find a crime with which to impeach the Executive, is their last best chance to not only neuter him completely, but to nullify the will of the people while making the Legislative Branch the sole executor of power and policy in their new socialist utopia.

How We Can Help Our Children With Climate Change

There's nothing like helping your child walk the talk about an issue they feel is critical and they're committed to, right? I provide here a missive which is currently making the rounds on the Internet by someone who put their head to the issue of teaching our youth how they can actually walk their talk about saving our planet from the ravages of climate change.

After all, according to the girl from Europe who chastised us all at the United Nations recently, and A.O.C. - our smartest and most forward thinking congresswoman - said our planet has ONLY 12 years before we're extinct from climate change. Yea, it's sort of long, but once you get started, you'll appreciate the innovative approach to this plan.

Most of us have children – this is how you can help them address the “Carbon Footprint” problem.

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After our daughter of fifteen years of age was moved to tears by the speech of Greta Thunberg at the UN the other day, she became angry with our generation “who had been doing nothing for thirty years”.

So, we decided to help her prevent what the girl on TV announced of “massive eradication and the disappearance of entire ecosystems”.

 

We are now committed to give our daughter a future again, by doing our part to help cool the planet four degrees.

 

From now on she will go to school on a bicycle, because driving her by car costs fuel, and fuel puts emissions into the atmosphere. Of course it will be winter soon and then she will want to go by bus, but only as long as it is a diesel bus.

 

Somehow, that does not seem to be conducive to ‘helping the Climate’.

 

Of course, she is now asking for an electric bicycle, but we have shown her the devastation caused to the areas of the planet as a result of mining for the extraction of Lithium and other minerals used to make batteries for electric bicycles, so she will be pedaling, or walking. Which will not harm her, or the planet. We used to cycle and walk to school too.

 

Since the girl on TV demanded “we need to get rid of our dependency on fossil fuels” and our daughter agreed with her, we have disconnected the heat vent in her room. The temperature is now dropping to twelve degrees in the evening, and will drop below freezing in the winter, we have promised to buy her an extra sweater, hat, tights, gloves and a blanket.

 

For the same reason we have decided that from now on she only takes a cold shower. She will wash her clothes by hand, with a wooden washboard, because the washing machine is simply a power consumer and since the dryer uses natural gas, she will hang her clothes on the clothes line to dry.

 

Speaking of clothes, the ones that she currently has are all synthetic, so made from petroleum. Therefore on Monday, we will bring all her designer clothing to the secondhand shop.

 

We have found an eco store where the only clothing they sell is made from undyed and unbleached linen, wool and jute.

 

It shouldn’t matter that it looks good on her, or that she is going to be laughed at, dressing in colorless, bland clothes and without a wireless bra, but that is the price she has to pay for the benefit of The Climate.

 

Cotton is out of the question, as it comes from distant lands and pesticides are used for it. Very bad for the environment.

 

We just saw on her Instagram that she’s pretty angry with us. This was not our intention.

 

From now on, at 7 p.m. We will turn off the WiFi and we will only switch it on again the next day after dinner for two hours. In this way we will save on electricity, so she is not bothered by electro-stress and will be totally isolated from the outside world. This way, she can concentrate solely on her homework. At eleven o’clock in the evening we will pull the breaker to shut the power off to her room, so she knows that dark is really dark. That will save a lot of CO2.

 

She will no longer be participating in winter sports to ski lodges and resorts, nor will she be going on anymore vacations with us, because our vacation destinations are practically inaccessible by bicycle.

 

Since our daughter fully agrees with the girl on TV that the CO2 emissions and footprints of her great-grandparents are to blame for ‘killing our planet’, what all this simply means, is that she also has to live like her great-grandparents and they never had a holiday, a car or even a bicycle.

 

We haven’t talked about the carbon footprint of food yet.

 

Zero CO2 footprint means no meat, no fish and no poultry, but also no meat substitutes that are based on soy (after all, that grows in farmers fields, that use machinery to harvest the beans, trucks to transport to the processing plants, where more energy is used, then trucked to the packaging/canning plants, and trucked once again to the stores) and also no imported food, because that has a negative ecological effect. And absolutely no chocolate from Africa, no coffee from South America and no tea from Asia.

 

Only homegrown potatoes, vegetables and fruit that have been grown in local cold soil, because greenhouses run on boilers, piped in CO2 and artificial light. Apparently, these things are also bad for The Climate. We will teach her how to grow her own food.

 

Bread is still possible, but butter, milk, cheese and yogurt, cottage cheese and cream come from cows and they emit CO2. No more margarine and no oils will be used for the frying pan, because that fat is palm oil from plantations in Borneo where rain forests first grew.

 

No ice cream in the summer. No soft drinks and no energy drinks, as the bubbles are CO2. She wanted to lose some pounds, well, this will help her achieve that goal too.

 

We will also ban all plastic, because it comes from chemical factories. Everything made of steel and aluminum must also be removed. Have you ever seen the amount of energy a blast furnace consumes or an aluminum smelter? Uber bad for the climate!

 

We will replace her 9600 coil, memory foam pillow top mattress, with a jute bag filled with straw,with a horse hair pillow.

 

And finally, she will no longer be using makeup, soap, shampoo, cream, lotion, conditioner, toothpaste and medication. Her sanitary napkins will be replaced with pads made of linen, that she can wash by hand, with her wooden washboard, just like her female ancestors did before climate change made her angry at us for destroying her future.

 

In this way we will help her to do her part to prevent mass extinction, water levels rising and the disappearance of entire ecosystems.

 

If she truly believes she wants to walk the talk of the girl on TV, she will gladly accept and happily embrace her new way of life.