I've Got Nada

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.
Proverbs 17:28

Does this apply to blogging?

Picked up a new client for my property inspection work. Much studying, organizing and updating computer programs involved. 

After twelve years at the same address, moving next month a few miles North. Eating up a lot of time.

Maybe something new in a few days.

Democratic National Committee Running Scared?

As a long time Blue Dog Democrat I have yet to tell the Democratic National Committee to pack sand. Hence, I’m still on their mailing list. Don’t know why, haven’t given them any money in years.  They recently sent a mailing piece. It was an oversized legal style envelope with, in the upper left corner, large font, PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.  Centered on the envelope were the words Do you still have my back? Below that in small letters my name and address. The contents are shown here, should you have the stomach to read them.

To me, this letter reeks of fear. Of course, that is a motivator in many a fund raising letter, and stump speech, but this seems more strident than usual.

Since they enclosed a prepaid envelope, I will send it back empty and without the stamp.

The small gift mentioned in the P.S. will find a home on the bumper of someone I dislike. Yes, I’m mean and petty that way.

Proud Father

Received word today the Medic qualified Expert with his M4. Makes him the third generation to earn one; fourth if you count a great, great uncle.

Always knew he could do it with a decent rifle and an honest scorer. Way to go son, proud of you!

The Mighty Goose Hunter

The Service Manager at the dealership I spent several years with was a fanatical bird hunter. Our dealership, while along side the Interstate, was rural with a lot of farmland to our East and lakes and rivers to our Northwest. Geese flew low over our lot on a regular basis. Their honking would drive him nuts.

“Look Doug”, we would say. “They are giving you the finger.”

One day he snapped, got his shotgun out of his truck, and dropped a goose. The goose fell on top of a 53’ long haul trailer we used for storage, and then bounced behind the trailer, out of Doug’s sight. Leaving his shotgun, Doug walked out to and around the trailer to get his goose, only to be confronted by a large hawk who got there first.  The hawk wasn’t going to give up his free meal, and Doug wasn’t going to give up his goose. He came back with the goose but wouldn’t tell us how he got the goose away from the hawk. We suspected urine was involved.

Great guy, even is he did have bad habits, like being an old Chevy fan and restorer.  Not a current events guy, he drove around for two weeks with a rainbow sticker we put on his truck’s rear bumper before someone told him the significance. 

He had a great sense of humor, and was always willing to laugh at himself. One day he and his senior mechanic were trying to solve a difficult repair. Always helpful, I suggested, “Why don’t you send it out to a real mechanic?” Yeah, that was well received!

Captain Will Swenson, American Hero, And Our National Disgrace

A brave soldier is finally recognized. The reasons for the delay?  I suggest reading a report in MilitaryCorruption.com.

http://militarycorruption.com/

Another brave soldier, the late Colonel David Hackworth, often spoke out about the “perfumed princes” that infest our armed forces. A typical post.

http://www.hackworth.com/9aug99.html

Over and over, we see men, and now women, who rise to the top by never seeing a conflict between the good of their service, and the good of their careers.

I’m so very happy to see Captain Will Swenson recognized for his achievements. It is deplorable the rotten command structure needed to be exposed for it to happen. As always, your mileage may vary.

A personal note to any of the officers and senior NCOs who were involved in "losing the paperwork", should any of you happen to read this, FUCK YOU VERY MUCH! You are a personal disgrace to your oath and the Army.

Silly Question? Maybe Not

I wonder how many adults who are all for gun control were, as children, bullies or "mean girls"? Just from my own youth, I can think of a few.

Think they miss the delicious feeling of power over others? Now, the once powerless have the means to balance the power? That enrages them?

Nah, WSF, you are getting dotty in your old age.

When WSF Got Schooled

For those who like stories about me stepping on my pee pee.

One fine Colorado Springs morning, on a sales call at an auto repair facility for an engine remanufacturer, I received  about the best “schooling” ever.

At the counter, I introduced my self, product, and firm. To the side, I saw a man’s head snap around, and he came over to me. He was the owner. 

“XXX Engines”, he said? “Won’t ever do business with them again.”

“Oh”, said I. “Did you have and unsatisfactory experience with us”?

His staff started gathering around. They knew what was coming. He related a story, of a few years ago, of receiving a defective remanufactured six cylinder engine head. Called customer service/warranty desk wanting to return the head for a refund. He was told, rather emphatically, that he must properly package the return with enough padding so that there would be no damage. This irritated him, as he was already irritated that he was shipped a defective part.

He chose to use a large quantity of dried horse manure for packing material. Having told me this, he went silent, and stared at me.

I started laughing. What else could I do? It was damn funny. He stated laughing, his staff started laughing, and everyone ended up with a big smile on their face.

After a few minutes of further conversation, I went on to my next call. Guess I wasn’t that good a salesman as they didn’t buy from us after my call.  

Somehow, I don’t think even Zig Zigler could have salvaged that call.

Meanwhile, In Utah

With apologies to my LDS friends (if I have any left).

Things That Make You Go Hmmmm.

Taken from a Facebook posting this morning.

Did anyone besides me wonder how they got all those signs printed and distributed far and wide, including to all the national parks and cemeteries overseas only eight to ten hours after the government shut down? Take a look at this from someone who wanted to remain anonymous.I have worked in the government on and off for 40 years. During that time I became quite familiar with requisitions, bidding, awarding contracts etc. It is a time consuming process with bean-counters and pencil-necked bureaucrats every step of the way. The simplest request takes months not days or hours.

In less than 8 hours of the shutdown, miraculously, professionally printed 3X4 foot signs appeared all over the country in the tens of thousands saying-“this [park, facility, etc. with custom logos] closed due to government shutdown. There has not been a government shutdown in 17 years. These signs were designed, specifications were determined, signs were then requisitioned, bids were posted and vetted, government contracts were awarded. The materials were then ordered and the signs manufactured then distributed U.S. Mails or freight companies.

This shutdown was orchestrated and planned well in advance at least 6-8 months ago. Millions of tax dollars were appropriated and spent in this process. There is a paper trail a mile long leading directly to the White House.

My idea of a hero who is still serving!

Wish I Was There

Three cheers for all the Veterans in D.C. today. Wish I could be there with them.

As I don’t have TV, don’t know if they are broadcasting anything. Zero online by MSNBC. Google news has a few links.

Read a few accounts of “riot police” and Swat teams deployed. Doubt if many of the Veterans are intimidated.

Interesting times!

Doubling Down on Arrogance

Having lost two members in a recall election, Colorado Democrats doubled down on arrogance by electing the two most polarizing members of their caucus as Senate President and majority leader.

From the Denver Post (who doesn’t proofread) left wing propaganda rag.

http://www.denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_24272124/colorado-senate-democrats-tap-morgan-carroll-next-president?source=rss

Given the level of damage the state has experienced from the recent epic floods, perhaps an olive branch for bipartisanship might have been extended. You know, to help the people most hurt? 

Nope, they still have a majority, so on with their agenda. Too bad many of the people living in the foothill areas impacted typically vote Democrat. Wonder what their outlook will be come the next election cycle?

Bad Political Analogy?

Progressive and Liberals are scattered about in my extended family, and among many of my friends. I’m beginning to see something akin to a bad marriage coming apart.

They finally got one of theirs elected, much like they might have met and married the spouse they always dreamed of. It is slowly dawning on them they made a huge mistake; he wasn’t anything like they thought he would be, but they have too much invested. Hurts too much to admit they were mistaken about their dream candidate. Can’t criticize him, because that would be racist, and their white guilt burden lurks in the background. There is their belief the country needed a black president. Like someone defending their spouse against outside criticism, they defend the spouse fiercely, loyal to the end. But inside, what are they feeling?

I don’t doubt the patriotism or love of country of these people, and certainly don’t expect them to always agree with me. Somehow, we keep our disagreements civil and respectful. Again, these are people I’ve known for many years.

I feel for them over the next three years as their emotional marriage to this stuttering clusterfuck comes apart, but not too much. I reserve my feelings for the damage done to this country, the wasted opportunities, and the human costs they have foisted off on the rest of us.

Bushes fault?  Anyone that thinks I was ever a Bush supporter need only read my blog entry #300.

Ain't This Special - Obama Care Edition

Received today October 3, 2013. Note the date, October 7, 2013.

Seems I'm covered by Obama Care. Wonder how soon I'll get a bill?

I enrolled with the VA as a precaution. I don't use them for health care; I have other ways. Mainly, I'm looking at very old age and senility; long term nursing care.

I've instructed my children, should/when the day comes, to take me to the nearest VA Hospital. There, park me on the front steps with my DD 214 in my pocket, then drive off.  I'm deadly serious, that is what I want done.

Pisses me off I'm somehow enrolled in the "Affordable Health Care Act" that my grandchildren will inherit as a debt.

Maybe, in the years ahead, hubris will bite me in the ass. If so, don't mean shit, drive on.

Mean Pleasure

Rev. Paul posted about his youngest getting her driver’s license. http://www.mooseintheyard.com/2013/09/stay-off-sidewalks.html

That brings back memories. My oldest can’t drive. The middle and youngest learned to drive in a 1979 Subaru Station Wagon. Some of my fondest memories are of teaching them to drive on the back roads of the Pacific Northwest.

The youngest got his license first. He is a natural. The middle son struggled. His mother, living out of state, told him he would never be able to get a license. Way to go Mom, build his self esteem. Grrr!

I bought another “vintage” Subaru Wagon with an automatic transmission. Middle son spent hours in front of our house practicing parallel parking; what he failed on his first attempt to pass the driver’s test. In addition, used my demo, on days off, to take two to three hundred mile road trips with him driving to build confidence. On his next try, he passed.

I then took a few Polaroid pictures of him standing by his Subaru holding his newly minted drivers license.

I took exceptional mean pleasure in mailing the ex one of the pictures. No note, no explanation; just the picture. Yes, I’m of low and vicious character.

This post is mainly for family members. Others may like it.