Opinion Aside…The Turkey, Family, Health, and Weather were Great

Yes I had a great Thanksgiving, Opinion aside. Since I was this year’s turkey cook, the priority and only stress was having a successfully baked turkey. I did. Next came all other and most important priorities, Grandkids, Children, wife, health and weather. Children and grandchildren arrived safely from California, my health in reasonably top form, and the weather perfect. The grandchildren witnessed one of God’s most beautiful Thanksgiving Days, with just enough snowfall to enjoy to their delight.

Having won a couple of cutthroat games of Scrabble, the Kids unmercifully took out their revenge on their dad with a humbling game of Rummy. Awe, the pleasure and joy I had humbled at the hands of my grown children as the grandchildren paraded and played around us. The house filed with the warmth and glow only family can bring.

I noticed the younger children still with us at home felt a little outside the loop as my wife and I catered to those children and grandchildren we only occasionally get to see, because of the distance apart. But within a few days the younger children will have forgiven us for this shortcoming, as my wife and I begin to address their everyday needs once again.

I Thank God, my family, and my country for a blessed Thanksgiving, I hope yours was the same…david 112708

Demagogue or a man who loves his country…

Honestly it’s not easy to tell with President elect Barack Obama, he shows little humility for a man who has achieved so much in the greatest Nation on earth. And yes that gives me reason for concern. Half America sees hope, the other half hopes that the Obama half is right. Because if they’re wrong, we are in for a roller coaster ride. And let’s not give Obama all the credit for making History, it is the great citizens, America herself that made history last night, not Barack Obama. Personally I don’t see history made with electing America’s first African-American President. Rather I see a great politician who delivered a phenomenal campaign successfully elected to the highest office in the land. I do see an American with idealism’s that concern me, and association that perplex any sensible mind.

I should as always keep an open-heart, with a sensible mind. As the dust settles and the air clears, we approach yet another New Year with a new American President I know so little of. For those of you who feel the same I close with this poem written in 1908 by Minnie Louise Haskins, an American lecturer at the London School of Economics, who wrote;

“I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’

And he replied, ‘Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!’

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God

Trod gladly into the night

He led me towards the hills

And the breaking of day in the lone east.

So heart be still!

What need our human life to know

If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife of things

Both high and low,

God hideth his intention.”

Keep the your faith first in God, Family and Country

I am david and this is, david’s Opinion…110508

God, Family, and Country…after the Election

When the votes counted and the smoke clears the three most important pieces of my life’s puzzle will still be intact, God, family, and Country. This puzzle cannot break apart regardless of whom wins the Presidential election today. For an instant I may feel dismay or jubilation. Regardless both will fade and in the end I’ll stay have all that I need, God, Family, and Country.
By putting our faith into God’s Will and surrounding ourselves with the love of Family, with a spirit of service and resolve to build a better America. When we cast our votes, we will have not Lost nor won an Election this day. Rather, kept our Pledge to America the beautiful…’I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for it stands: one Nation under God, indivisible, With Liberty and Justice for all.’
I am david, and this is david’s opinion. 110408

Beginning of the End or Just a hiccup in the fabric of the world’s only Capitalist Country

Perhaps the United States of America has outlived its Capitalistic beginnings. Capitalism argumentatively didn’t start in America until after the War between the States. I subscribe to this from the stand point Slavery can’t exist in a Capitalistic Democracy. America’s Founding Fathers were surly thinking similar to a Capitalistic Democracy. Yet it was unattainable in the form it has become now, restricted by the ‘Sins of our Fathers.”

America matured, and abolished slavery as I believed it always had intended, despite those who wish to hold America hostage with its earlier inhumanities. Capitalism by its nature opens the door for Greed, Self-centredness, Selfishness, Self-decadence, however the idealism of Capitalism simply put, individualism, freedom of will, meant to close the door to the natural characteristics. Leaving Americans to make the right choices without intervention. Intervention by Government, Religion, or Monarchy.

We can debate the moral issue anytime you wish, but for now realize the end to Capitalism is on a fast train to the Socialist Zone. And Socialism is intervention into every aspect of individualism. The question now, whose intervention will be forced on us. Ben and Jerry’s Ice-Cream co-Founder commented in a 1999 New York Times editorial rebuttal, an editorial that attacked Ben & Jerry’s achievement against Capitalism. The New York Times was dead wrong, if not for Capitalism Ben & Jerry’s wouldn’t have achieved all the good they’ve done for their employees and inspired other businesses to do the same.

“To the Editor:

Your Dec. 22 news article about our announcement that potential buyers had shown interest says, ”Some also see the battle as a last stand by hippie idealism against capitalism.” This is crazy. We set out to prove that ”hippie idealism” is the best way to reinvigorate capitalism and increase profits.

We have always believed in the value of investing in all our stakeholders: customers, employees, suppliers, shareholders and the larger community. This has paid off handsomely in increased profits, market share and shareholder value.

Many top executives have come around to the need to invest in human capital. As the president of Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities, I work with current or past chief executives of many top companies. We are trying to increase financing for education, health care and other investments in our children, paid for through cuts in needless cold-war-era Pentagon projects.

BEN COHEN

Burlington, Vt., Dec. 22, 1999 …The writer is the co-founder of Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc.” New York Times December 26, 1999

With the Bush Administration’s plan of investing into (9) of America’s biggest Banks, Capitalism as we’ve known it in America has began to collapse. No turning back whether we elect John McCain or Barrack Obama. However the timetable and characteristic for America’s new political posture will differ from who’s elected the next President of the United States. With the possibility of a Democratic Congress and President the future of Socialism will be closer than, a divided and balanced Washington lead by a Republican President, or an otherwise balanced Congress…

Senator Obama recently enlightened the citizens of America for better or worse depending on which side of the isle your on, when he commented he wants to “spread the wealth.” A Freudian slip, say it’s so Obama, but he can’t, because Obama’s chief supporters, and backers are of the Extreme-Out there far Left Zone. While we may believe Obama is an independent thinker, up to now that may have been true. But his success is due in large part to the deep pockets of the far Left loonies. And if you believe the polls Payback time is soon. The Left Loons are elitists with their idealism for a more Socialistic Democracy centered on their need to be the elitists.

Socialism is separation of Classes. Capitalism has its separation of Classes as well. But with Capitalism there’s the idealism that achievement and success be rewarded with a path to climb higher up the ladder. A Socialistic Democracy only offers two Classes, the Elitists, you and I. Heaven help you and I. Socialism from the Left, Right, and between, is wrong, separation of Classes is wrong, but with Capitalism comes what some would call the American Dream. Socialism offers no individualism, no dream of apiece of the pie, at least not by one’s own achievement. Rather by Group selection. If your an evolutionist then the coming Socialist Republic of America should be right up your alley.

The Russian Revolution was initially Socialism at the onset, then changed quickly into Communism. Obama’s, recent message of wanting to redistribute and spread the wealth of America, President Bush’s government investment plan into (9) of America’s major Banks, and McCain’s support, though reluctant. Spells the beginning of the end to America’s Capitalist Democracy, it’s liken to the Communist Manifesto written by Karl Marx, and Friedrich Engels. Their idealism and promise of Socialism wasn’t a dream, but a nightmare for the proletariat or working class of Russia. We could discuss that America is headed in this direction, but regardless of your belief, in the end American’s lose.

Now the best American’s can do is slow the pace of Socialism with hope that a well paced transition will bring about a unique form of Socialism. Socialism is around the corner, and your vote this Presidential election can either slow its pace or speed it up. When individual freedoms like that under a Socialistic Russia then Communist, begin to erode with enlarging the federal government and intervention of the group into American individualism then I have a problem. Socialism can work in a Democracy, of sorts. But doesn’t begin to come close to the same freedoms we have now in a Capitalistic Society.

There’s so much more to say, here and now I only wish to develop some thought, yours. Let me know, am I blowing smoke or do you see as I the dangerous path American Politics is headed.

This is my opinion, and I am david 102108

Snow Day with a little Deja Vu

Living in the White Mountains of Arizona with four seasons has its advantages if your a child. As with other snowbound towns across America, we have snow days. That’s where the schools find it appropriate to give the students a day or two off, because there’s reasonable safety concerns with transportation, etc. However I believe there’s a more sinister purpose, a snow play day for the staff of the schools. While the students and teachers are basking in the delight of no school for the day. As parents we are fit to be tied. Not angry, but stressed, to some degree.

    Now snow days would be grand if they could only be planned, but they can’t, not really. I and my wife still must work, and lucky for her. She doesn’t work at home, like me. Because of this fact my wife still believes I don’t work at all, so having the children at home with me, is a blessing. Sure, if I were a patron saint maybe. But alas, I am not, and the children are children, a (15) year old daughter and an (11) year old son.

     And as with all snow days, I’m behind in my writing, and the children are behind in experimenting with every possible annoyance, question, distraction, and to the max button pushing temperament they can muster against me. They’re just being children my wife says during a phone check to see how I’m holding up. And as she says this to me, I’m thinking why is she checking, if they are only being children and life is good. It’s because she knows better and is appreciating more today than any other day, the job she has. I on the other hand begin looking through the Help Wanted ads for jobs anywhere but at home. As though it may relieve my stress from this day any more so.

     The first half of the day, I’m lectured by the teen daughter on the cruelty of mankind. Followed by all the teen logic of why she should have a cell phone at school and an I-Pod for Christmas, plus the cool clothes to go with such utilities.  I’m thinking why not a marching band for fanfare as well. Joking…The son is sick and not his usual why this and why that. Not a word written for my column, and in part it’s my fault.

     I grounded my daughter last week for not completing and turning in all the assignments given her by the teachers at school. Thus, failing grade point average, resulting in no computer time or X-Box play until grade point improves.  What’s a teen to do on a beautiful snow day with no computer, or X-Box to occupy their mind. Make a snowman, slide down the mountain, clean their room, saints preserve us. They are clueless about what to do, and I’m clueless as what to write. But the day has yet to get exciting.

     After lunch I decide to give the son a dose of 1000mg vitamin C to help with his cold. Thirty minutes later he’s complaining of an extreme headache, dizziness and complaining to the max. No temperature, but pale as a ghost. Telling me he began feeling this way after the dose of vitamin C, as though I poisoned him and it’s my fault. I asked him to lie down on the couch near where I am working, to monitor his reactions. He placed a trash can by the couch in case he needed to… I knew he did and would feel much better after, I explained this to him. But this son could have won an academy award for his portrayal of a dying and wronged human being facing death.

     I began to doubt myself, rereading the vitamin C box and looking up overdose of vitamin C on the internet. But despite all, his brilliant acting caused me to put on the boots, daughter as well, in preparation he succumbed to an overdose of Vitamin C and we needed to rush him to the hospital. His eyes bugging out through his coke bottle thick glasses began to eat at me. Now I called the hospital emergency room for help, they referred me to the Arizona Center for Poison Control emergency hot line. My God, what have I done? Poison control relived my stress with what I already knew, but in a brief moment of despair for the boy’s suffering, lost my reason. The Vitamin C I gave, wasn’t an overdose and an overdose of Vitamin C isn’t going to harm most anyone.

     Son finally kneels to the porcelain god, twice (20) minutes later miracle of miracles happens. He’s on his feet claiming victory over death and asking if he can play on the X-Box. It was deja Vu for me. According to my mom, as a child I had  swallowed an entire bottle of Vitamin C, with mother taking me to the hospital emergency room only to learn, no harm done. Deja Vu or history repeating itself, as parents we can never stop being parents regardless of all the snow days we have in life. I have five children, 3 grandchildren and I wouldn’t miss a snow day with any of them.

This is my opinion, and I am david 121207

Give Me a Break… But I Know You Won’t.

There’s a misconception floating around I’d like to address briefly. It has to do with the misconception that those on the Right are the stiff neck, redneck, party spoilers of any fun in life at all. That controls and prohibitions come from the Right side of the fence and the Left is the side to liberate you. Are you with me still? Good

     The irony is that too far to the Left and too far to the right puts the Right and Left thinkers in the same bottom centralist mind-set as each other, and for the same reasons. Control. They are an Ism of the same nature whether they see it or not, they are. It’s the Left Loonies and the right Fanatics that bitch, moan and groan over a high school English teacher and Cheerleading Coach doing a Cheer in front of her class, Big deal. It’s these same Loony Birds of the same feathers that complain about assigned books with life lessons, but applaud those pushing decadent questionable moral depravity.

     Children in school should be left alone by the Right Fanatics and Left Loonies. Our children are there to learn the (3) R’s, Reading, wRiting and Arithmetic, remember those. Simple view, yes. Why does it have to be more than that? Teachers across America endlessly look and try new and innovative ways to teach our children the basics. Not an easy task when competing with the XBox, Playstation and Cable TV. Frankly, I don’t care if the English, Cheerleading High School teacher cheered every day in English class, provided my son or daughter learned from the teacher’s attention getting exploratory and provocative methods. Heck, I salute her.

     It’s the same lame brain loonies on the Left and Right who wish to screw, sorry I meant scrooge Christmas. This year the High School here at home changed the name of the ‘Christmas Program’ to the ‘Holiday Program,‘ yet fifty percent of the music sang will be religious songs. Citizens in cities across America are forced to take up their time with nonsensical City governments that wish to legislate their personal brand of moral right and wrongs. Like, no Flag, No Christmas decorations, No nativity scenes or Hanukkah symbols. No public displays of any Christmas nature, and on, and on the merry-go-round goes. What a waste of taxpayer dollars and more important, voter’s Trust in those we elect to preserve some sense of nonpartisan, non-bias judgment when it comes to the simplest of American Rights and freedoms. Expression, and a crazy Opinion now and then from a guy like me. I am david 112807

I Shopped Till I Dropped…And so much for ‘Wake-Up Walmart.’

Yes, I shopped till I dropped this Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving super sale day. Moreover I blew my entire wad at Walmart, saving little for J.C. Penny’s and K-Mart. Despite that I live in the Beautiful White Mountains of Arizona at (6700) feet, thus limiting my shopping choices. Had I been back in Los Angeles, my hometown, I’d still shop at Walmart, so sue me now, but I’d bet a dollar to a doughnut that I scored some bigger deals than you.

My wife and I finished most our shopping for each other, with some gifts for the kids and grandchildren. Since we had to stand in below freezing temperatures and wind outside the Walmart this morning, it seemed fitting we shop together for us. This way, we buy exactly what each would like for Christmas (Usually costing less than if we shopped separately for each other later) Then the worst is over. Neither my wife nor I, have to spend countless hours trying to decide what each want or need, and the right fit or style. This means all of our attention can be directed on the multitude of gifts for the children and grandchildren within our budget. More importantly, we can focus on the spiritual purpose of the Christmas Holiday.

Now before you think we spoil Christmas for each other, by shopping this way for our gifts, consider this. We know the gift bought for each other is something the other will like. The right fit and style. The gifts are usually less extravagant, saving considerably more dollars for the children, since neither wants to be seen as selfish. And we’re far from that. We know, each will receive a gift, all too often over the years neither receives a gift at all. This is because of the decision making and eventual procrastination, or lack of funds. Because we spent over our budget on the children, before deciding what to by each other. This is not necessarily bad, but hey, everyone should have a gift to open, and all too many times we’ve sat gift less, while others opened theirs. So began our Black Friday tradition three years ago, and this morning was no different. This year we even bagged a few gifts for the children.

On the budget of a freelance writer, desktop publisher, and a wife who works with infants at a local school, we stretch every dollar. Although my wife and I’s wardrobes consist of mostly high-end apparel from Dillard’s, May Company’s and Macy’s and on. I’m sure glad for the K-Marts and Walmart’s, that allow us to save the money needed to purchase, and still meet other budgetary goals. Glad to say, there were no ‘Wake-Up Walmart’ nutcases protesting, and the Walmart personnel were happy, cheerful, and helpful, in an otherwise chaotic environment this morning. The customers also were polite and helpful, offering their opinion on a questionable purchase. None of the stores that I visited showed any stress from Black Friday apprehensions, considering there were no parking spaces to be found, yes it was that crowded. Yet the shoppers and store personnel took it all in, with a great deal of patience. Me to, and patience is not one of my virtues.

This may not be an opinion, rather a reflection, and compass on life, here in the Greatest Nation on earth. I am David 112307

Have I Reason to Be Concerned

As a child I played cowboys and Indians, conquered backyard dirt mounds with charging toy soldiers of one kind or another, I had many. But unless I or another fell down and scraped ourselves while running around the neighborhood playing with stick guns, We saw no blood, no guts, no choice between what was Right or Wrong, we knew.

     As a Father and Grandfather do I have reason to be concerned with games my children, grandchildren want and do play with their X boxes, Playstations, and on the computer. Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, Halo and on, and on. With each generation of the game comes more detailed graphic gore. I’m not naive by any stretch of the imagination, but have I reason to be concerned about what exactly is rambling through the gray matter of my children and grandchildren. Moreover, your children and grandchildren. Will they not understand the difference between Right and Wrong, will they interpret the difference between reality and a game the way you and I do. Will they recklessly go off to war, believing in the false sense of glory found in a game. Have I reason to be concerned?

     I understand the attraction, and I can say no to purchasing games not rated for the age of our child, but they get to them anyways through friends, relatives, and social meeting areas. If it were just my children and I said no to such play, I could live in peace for my family. However I must worry about your children and grandchildren, will they be the one to snap, confused between what’s accepted behavior vs the behavior they have lived day after day, hour after hour in a game.

In My Opinion, I have reason to be concerned. Do I? 111407

 I am david

Honor then Celebrate

 

As a Christian I respect my neighbor whatever his or her personal conviction is regarding their spiritual or personal relationship with God. I never question nor talk behind ones back judging a person, each one of us has their way, believe, unbelief, faith or no faith. Leaving it between God and themselves. So the same is, with Veterans Day. But the common thread with all veterans living in America. Come Veterans day, it’s Honor before the Celebration.

Every American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars Post will begin the day Honoring the worth and Cost of this day. For many, the Cost is cause for celebrating frivolously, before and without the Honor. I respect and Honor them as well, for they have found what brings them peace from the pain they endured. A price all veterans pay regardless of their duty.

Both my parents were, World War II Veterans, they are both with the Lord now. Father served with General Patton during Patton’s European Tour. Mother served as one of America’s first members and Nurse in the Army’s, WAC. (Women’s Army Corp) Neither spoke much of their experiences. Father suffered occasional nightmares of the war (Mother once said so), explaining why their bedroom door seemed always kept closed, for the most part. Dad never allowed his tormented sleep to affect anyone else, nor the life he lived. It wasn’t till later as an adult I admired his character and respected him all the more, because of his quiet strength.

Our Veterans survive, or die, with Honor for their Country. Regardless how you view the struggle for which they have been assigned duty to serve this Nation. You must, as it’s your duty, Honor these men and women, survivors and those killed. Then celebrate the choices and benefits, or simply put. Your reactions from their action.

This is my opinion, and I am, david