Being A Dad

Being a Dad
The hardest part about being a Dad
And Getting Old
Is That One Day You realize
You can't fix it anymore

A Note To MySpace Friends

I spent some time going through my space profiles, mostly women since I'm a straight man and really prefer a womens company. And have tryed to get some people to become my friend here on MySpace. I really enjoy it when people are happy. God knows at 53 Ive seen alot of unhappiness, I walk the streets sometimes and I can just feel how miserable some people are. It used to be in America that people seemed happier. They had more fun in life and it just seemed easier. Now with the rise in cost of just about everything, the need for most families to have two working adults, life isn't as fun for many. People are far more afraid of strangers thanks to instant news about every concievable horrid thing sick people can dream up. And the simple acts of kindness and courtesy that used to be commonplace are now frowned on.

I decided that I needed to reach out and try to find some of the fun and happiness life can offer, but is seldom opened up to anymore. I have searched my space for people who have some love in there souls and some kindness in there being. I started to write to some of you, I am willing to listen and correspond. I found that many of the people here are really very nice people.

After looking at the photos of friends and family and some of the excerpts about some of you, that there are still really beautiful people out there. Not just the beauty of a young women, but also the inner beauty of someone who has matured and grown to be a genuinely kind and caring person. The kind of people we all need, to feel that life is worth livng and that not everyone is ready to feed on someone elses remains.

I hope that everyone who has become my MySpace friend will continue to write. And maybe with a little luck one of these foxy ladies might become more than just a penpal in my life.

Your all special-Thanks

A Great Day-Today

Why I had a great Day Today
It started out fairly normal, I went to get my usual super caffinated coffee at the Texico station across from where I work. The manager/owner-Im not sure which was in a fromp and I asked him why. He said my security system isn't working and the company wants $100 to come out and make it work. He was certain it was something simple. It was a computer setup, so I told him Id be happy to look at it for him. Sure enough it was as simple as installing some drivers for his video capture card and I put a viral scanner on his machine, something he didn't have. When the system booted and worked his eyes went so crazy wide. And the grin was great. His life might one day depend on that system or at the least the apprehension of a violent crimnal. I didn't charge him because I get coffee there everyday and he and I have slowly become friends. I need money just like everybody else. But sometimes helping your neighbor produces far more than money could ever buy. I left feeling good and he now feels safer.
Have a Great Day!-Gary

To Do It Over Again

If Only I could do it over again

Change the things that caused me pain.

Rectify the hurt I have caused others

Fix the things which are still broken

Rise to a higher level of being

Help create a better world

Love more and hate less

Rise to the level I am capable of

Be more than I am

Only one chance was offered

If Only

Note to a Gold Digger

Hi ,I will say you are very pretty. Ok so I will bite. What do you think you and I have in common?. I have lots of things which go on in my head about the past,present and future. I have endured and prospered and failed both. I have a genuine love of people in general and at the same time hate them for the stupid things they sometimes do. Sometimes I hate myself for some of the stupid things I have done. I believe in God and a higher power. Mostly because of the things that have happened to me in life. I have almost died 3 times, yet I am still here. I wonder why. I have been no saint, I have done things some consider wrong. But at the same time I have tryed to be the best Man I can and gone out of my way to ease the pain of others. I have a nature of I don't care what others think or believe. I am me and proud of it. I am thought of by some as being gifted. But at the same time do not feel very special at all. Just a man trying to do what he can in an insane world. I wake up everyday with a need to accomplish something. It doesn't have to be specular, just something which has some sort of meaning to someone. I write,do digital photography,am a web master, and have been called Dad by many. I believe in the equality of man and treat everyone with respect and dignity. Even the "bums" on the street. If they ask me for something I give it to them . I am not afraid-I do some things most people would not.-Not to say I'm stupid, if a man points a gun at me-I fear his intent. But I have and do try to talk him out of taking my life. If only for the sanction of his own soul. So the ball is in your court-be open, honest and tell me what makes you tick. Are you a leader or a follower. Are you open to new things and ideas. Do you have a nature of open mindedness or do you close your mind to things. Tell me about yourself.
This was a very fast reply to someone wanting to get to know me. it probably is the most accurate thing Ive written-Thankyou to the Friend who wrote me.
Gary

More Global Warming Bad News

A Vindication is Nice, starting to solve the problem would be better. I love my children. I love my grandchild.
For 10 years people like Rush Limbaugh and other leave things alone types have poopood Global warming. They have used there powers of communication to convince millions that the world is ok and wearing blinders is acceptable public policy. George Bush has demonstrated that the future doesn't matter, only the present. Protecting us from a few terrorists at a cost of millions of dollars and trying to justify the slaughter of thousands of innocent victims. And we still do not have the perpatrator. This is not just a political or social issue. It is about survival, the same kind as if someone held a gun to your head. We do not have the industrial or social networks in place to even start dealing with global warming-yet we where warned long ago by those we typically put our trust in, to create forward moving technology and a better world. It is a function of human greed. The desire to have what I want at any cost because what I want matters more than anything. I will not give up the convinience or the material wealth I have grown accustomed to because I matter more than you do. We talk about equality of man, the right to survive. Our constitution guarantees the right to the pursuit of happiness and the right to exist. But no one seems to be willing to give up any of there personal material wealth so that our species as a whole can survive. What kind of logic is this?
Our nature is complex. We have risen above the animals of the earth in thought and deed. We are the guardians at the gate. But we are failing miserably. Our children and their children will suffer for our lack of restraint and moderation.
We have looked the other way for decades. We have allowed those who care more about there own pocket book to sway our thinking into ignoring reality.
Will it all end in a giant cataclysm of mother nature balancing the act and destroying not thousands, or millions-But billions?
Are we mankind to go the way of the dinosaurs because we could not rise above the animalistic desire of pure self gratification.
When will you start to take responsibility for your own behavior?
Some suggestions to help stop global warming before it is to late.

Move closer to where you work-Drive your car out of need only.
Take public transportation whenever possible-Do it out of concern for your children!
Turn off the lights when not in use.
Buy eco friendly products
Stop purchasing products which disintegrate into ever mounting piles of methane generating waste.
Temper you lust for material items which only produce momentary pleasure and then wind up in the garbage.
Teach your children the differance between need and unmitigated greed.
If you have to make a sacrifice to better the enviroment, instead of viewing it as an inconvience, picture in your mind the happy and playful continued existence of a young child. One you know and care about.
Change your way of thinking to include the needs of all-not just I
I do not write like this often-I have been ridiculed repeatly by people for trying to get others to see that their choices are what determines our continued existence as a race. You or your neighbors choices individually may not make much of a dent. But as a group of millions those choices become truly substantial.
I beg of you-Help save our planet-Let my grand child have a world and a right to survive. Please

From CNN
In the week that the U.N. Under-Secretary General for humanitarian affairs warned that the world is already in the grip of a climate change "mega-disaster,"

An Inconvinient Truth-The trailer
By Al Gore

The New Horizon

I don't often get political, politics usually bugs me because Ive found it to be mostly phoney. But this year is a little different than most. A women and a Black both running for president. That gives me hope. Hope because I have walked down the streets of america for 53 years. When I look at most blacks,orientals,hispanics,asians-They Look away.
They look at the ground or throw me a look of discust or disdain. I am white-the perceived enemy, the racist, the bigot, the hypocrite. The symbol of racial inequality in America. I am not rich or powerful. I am a simple man with open minded ideals. The personnification of a true belief in racial equality and justice. But they do not know that. I have had good friends in every race. They do not know that. They only see the color of my skin and a sterotype. Maybe this year, the year when color and sex meet a political struggle, that real equality will begin to rein. That I can start walking down the streets of MY Country and see a change, a difference, in the way we all look at each other. Maybe America is finally growing up and truly becoming One Nation Under God,Indivisable, With Truth and Liberty for All. As an American I hope so.-Gary Graefen

A note To Howie

Hi Howie,Thankyou for the note. The problems in our country started when I was your age. They predicted that we would run out of gasoline in 100 years. No one paid attention. 15 years ago global warming was being studied by scientists. A short time later they told the world what was taking place. No one paid attention. We fought a war for many years in vietnam, freedom was the moral justification-many years earlier president Eisenhower warned about the military industrial complex. We are still in Iraq and still support a giant military industrial complex-no one pays attention.For me at 53 if the world survives another 10 to 15 years I will probably be dead. It won't matter to me. Thats the problem-people die and do not seem to care enough about what will happen after they are gone. People like you have to make the choices which either allow you a life like mine or non existence.As an Entrepeneur-something I have been most of my life-You need to make money. It is the foundation of capitalism. But if the cost of economic growth is at the price of the entire planet. If personal freedom becomes the end of all things. Than none of the idealism or rhetoric means anything. And you will never be able to one day write a young man and say good luck!-Because there won't be anyGood Luck Howie-I wish you the best life can offer, I hope your journey is a full one. I will read about Ron PaulThankyou for writingGary

Oh The Scam Artist

Everyday,
I get letters from Africa, Russia, Germany and England.
Dear Friend,
I am the manager of a bank here in Nigeria. Someone here died last week who had 18.6 million dollars in our bank. As manager I cannot touch this money so I am seeking an honest individual such as yourself to claim this money as the deceased's next of Kin. I am willing to give you 30% just to present yourself.
I will need your name,address,phone,and pertainent bank infornmation.
Sincerly,
I really think you are a dumb ass and want to rob you blind.


I really don't know how a swindler who wants to rip off a bank for 18mil can think that I would be so honest as to take this money and then give him 60%.
Do I have ZERO stamped on my forehead-No don't answer that!

I should be worth about 18 billion by the time I die.-I will leave none to charity
I want them to bury me in all that cash.
LOL-Have a Great Day
Gary

Good Bye Anita!

I found myself crying today,
Not something I do very often. I had a friend named Anita. We were friends for over 20 years. Our children played together growing up. We had a bond that transcended the physical, we were never intimate. But Anita and I could spend hours talking about people, our lives, space, time and the continuum. She was the antithesis of everything I thought I wanted in life. She was very dirty, refusing to clean her home. Sometimes not taking a bath for days. She was an ugly woman. But she was intelligent, often times with an insight into life which astounded me. She was very poor. Never really wanting much in the material world. Many times she would run out of money and show up at my door in her 60's and peek her little head in and say, Gary, how about a steak-I haven't eaten for a while. I'd laugh and say a steak huh-what ever happened to chicken. But I really want a steak, Gary. Ok, Anita come on in. We'll go get a steak.
We would sit and cook and talk.
Near the end Anita contracted cancer, it was a horrible spread.
Tumors and lumps started appearing everywhere. She asked me one day if I would go away with her and take her and her two horses off on a ride through the mountains. I remember saying one last hurrah huh Antia. She giggled and said Your the only one I would ever ask this of. I refused, I was afraid of what might happen to her alone in the mountains. I was afraid she might die and I would have to explain to everyone why.
The end for her was very near and I was asked by her daughter to go see her. I went and could tell she was doing her very best to be presentable for me. We talked for a while and I found myself starting to break down. I left after kissing her on the forehead and giving her a hug. I couldn't go back.
I was a coward and let my friend die without me. After 20 years I could not bring myself to watch her die.

I'm sorry Anita-I'm sorry I was so weak, I miss you horribly.
Forgive me.
Gary

Why Won't You Represent Us President Bush

Dear President Bush,
I keep reading in the news about you chastising congress for not giving you what you want. Comparing the war we are in to the beginings of World War 2. Mr. President Osama Bin Laden is one man. He does not have an entire country or countries behind him. He has no manufacturing capabilities. He has no work force. He has only managed to damage 2 buildings in the entire U.S. and that was several years ago. The public does not support your war anymore. The congress does not support "YOUR" war anymore. Your pleas to continue to the tune of trillions of dollars into the future is catagorically rejected by most people in this country. Do you hear the people of your country Mr. President? You lied to us about weapons of mass destruction. You lied to us about the anticipated costs. And you continue to go on apparently oblivious to what we the people want. And seem to be readying for a declaration of war on Iran. In a normal work environment you would be asked to resign.
Mr President you where elected to represent US!
Why won't you do your job.

Upward Mobility The Great American Myth

I've often times felt like opportunity has become a myth in America. The concept of credit and how it functions seems to limit the possibilty of getting ahead. The way our taxes are exacted also seems to tax the poor disproportionally. Which limits the ability to accumulate any form of personal wealth. In my reading today I found a website with a study done in 2005 which shows this to be true. I've always told my kids do not expect life to be fair. Just one more example about the ever increasing myths about freedom in America.

Mobility

For most of its history, especially from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, the United States was exceptional in its occupational and physical mobility. America is known as the "land of opportunity" and in this sense, it prided and promoted itself on providing individuals with the opportunity to escape from the contexts of their class and family background. Examples of this social mobility include:

Occupational - children could easily choose careers which were not based upon their parents' choices.
Physical - that geographical location was not seen as static, and citizens often relocated freely over long distances without barrier.
Status - As in most countries, family standing and riches were often a means to remain in a higher social circle. America was notably unusual due to an accepted wisdom that anyone - from impoverished immigrants upwards - who worked hard, could aspire to similar standing, regardless of circumstances of birth. Birth circumstances were not taken as a social barrier to the upper echelons or to high political status in American culture. This stood in contrast to other countries where many higher offices were socially determined, and usually hard to enter without being born into the suitable social group.
However, regardless of the past, the United States no longer has exceptional social mobility. A 2005 study showed that children born into poverty in Europe and Canada were more likely to find prosperity than children born into poverty in the United States



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_exceptionalism

From the wikipedia encylopedia

The Myth of Economic Inequality

By Danielle Kurtzleben | U.S.News & World Report LP – Thu, Feb 9, 2012 5:22 

The gap between the rich and the poor is growing in the United States
and has been for decades. The topic came to the forefront of the national
debate last year with the rise of Occupy Wall Street. However, a growing
 income gap may not be the problem that some make it out to be.

[See how a more dominant
 Chinese currency could help the U.S.]

The evidence that growing inequality hurts the middle class and poor is
 weak, as Scott Winship, a fellow at Washington-based think tank the
 Brookings Institution, testified to the Senate Budget Committee today
 at a hearing about inequality and economic mobility. "There is very little
 evidence to suggest that the gains at the top have come at the expense of
other Americans," he said.

Without question, income inequality has grown substantially in the
 United States. According to an October report from the Congressional
 Budget Office, a nonpartisan agency that provides economic data to
 Congress, real income for the top 1 percent of the population grew by
 275 percent between 1979 and 2007. Meanwhile, household income
 for the middle 60 percent of the population grew by just under
 40 percent, and for the bottom 20 percent, it grew by just 18 percent.
 That's a wide disparity, but explosive income growth for the richest
Americans isn't necessarily detrimental to the poorest Americans.

As an example, Winship pointed to Mitt Romney, who made
 $22 million or so in 2010, and Mark Zuckerberg, who could
make $5 billion
 off of his stock options this year. "Should we be concerned about
 the poorer man?" asked Winship. In other words, extreme economic
 inequality isn't always problematic; it's simply a fact of life as some
 Americans get fantastically richer and skew the numbers even further.
This means that the income gap within the bottom 99 percent has grown
 much more slowly than that between the 99 percent and the top 1 percent.
This means that a tiny segment of the richest Americans has an
 increasingly large impact on measures of inequality, though the
 negative impact on other Americans may be minimal.

"How will the typical American end up better off if the Facebook IPO
 were to fall through so that Zuckerberg could not exercise his options?
" said Winship in his opening statement.

While the problems of inequality can be deceptive and
 perhaps overstated,
growing income disparities can point to larger economic problems.
 For example, the CBO has cited a lack of skilled labor as one contributing
 factor to inequality, as demand and pay grow for rare skilled workers.
 Better education, particularly in STEM fields, could mean a better
chance at a better life for many.

Likewise, while income gaps continue to grow, economic mobility--
the ability to move up (or down) the income ladder--is very limited.

[Read about how the prop 8 repeal could
 help the California economy.]

Even while a vast majority of Americans are earning more than their
 parents did, many Americans find it difficult to move from their places 
on the economic ladder, says Erin Currier, project manager at Pew's
 Economic Mobility Project, which studies economic opportunity in
 the U.S. Many Americans, particularly the richest and poorest, tend
 to "stick" at their parents' places on the ladder: "65 percent of kids
 raised in the bottom 20 percent never make it to the middle class
 as adults," says Currier.

In part, this is again a question of education;
the cost of higher education
 has increased faster than median family income in recent decades.
 Post secondary education, says Currier, quadruples the chances that
 a child born in the bottom fifth of the population will make
 it to the top fifth.

Some inequality is good, as Winship told the committee members today.
 "In a world of perfect equality, there would be no rewards for hard
 work or risk," he said.
 The worry may instead be that those rewards are diminishing.

The Smell Of Fear

Today I was again reminded of the unfairness of life.
I was leaving the Safeway grocery store alone. Minding my own business humming a tune. Suddenly a women I do not know who was walking in front of me blitzed for her car like a frightend rabbit. Nothing in my stride or demeaner ever means any harm. I have never hit or assaulted a women. Knowing full well that if I did, one I would go to jail. But more importantly I would hurt that women badly. This is not the first time I have inadvertantly found myself walking behind a single women who was on there way somewhere and decided that because I was behind them I was up to no good and planned an attack. I have to blame this in part on our media. Every time someone is injured in a street assault or rape it is in the news. It can be 1000 miles away but people act like it happened right next door. I have no doubt that there are many men in the world who cannot control their temper or who might commit a street assault. But the majority of we men are law abiding citizens who find rape and assault repungnant and would go out of our way to kick the ass of any guy we saw doing these crimes.
I realized that another part of the problem is relationships in which arguements take place and men hit their women. They just don't seem to be able to walk away. So naturally these women assume that all men are like this. They react sometimes fearfully to normal human occurances. I find this disturbing mostly because I do not like being judged by the actions of others.
But also because it creates a world in which women do not feel safe just walking down the street.
I would suggest that if you are a women who fears for her safety even in public places. That you take a self defence course and learn to protect yourself so that you will not be so afraid of normal life.
True predators feel fear, the same way an animal does.
Learning to defend yourself and not showing fear will make you safer from them. Cowards attack the fearful but tend to shy away from the confident.

Gary

Government The New Drug Dealers

It is truly amazing to me how the State and Federal Government work. As citizens we are bombarded with ads about how smoking is bad for your health. How it causes disease and creates millions of dollars in damages. Yet at the same time because smoking is so addictive the millions who smoke are being "Forced" to pay for every little item which voters seem to think is a necessary social item. Cigarette's used to be about $1 a pack. In most states they now are over $5. This is mostly tax added on by States,Cities, and the Federal government. We put drug dealers in prison for selling addictive drugs. Yet the governments have seen fit to add taxes to "The Legal Addictive Drug" and seem to find no moral issue with it. They want to finance everything from child insurance to hospital expansion on the backs of the addicts they allow to propagate throughout society. Somehow I can't help but find the Moral decay in the way our government works and yes the people think to be repulsive. If smoking is truly the evil thing that government makes it out to be-IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL. I challenge a lawyer out there to take on the concept that it is the governments responsibility to protect its citizens. Not profit from helping to create addicts and then tax them into poverty. However lofty and socially beneficial the goals might be.

Denial-The Everybody Syndrome

I have always been a keen observer of human behavior. Ever since college, the reasons people do what they do or why they do things has fascinated me. Recently I started looking at my own behavior and comparing it to others.I came to a strange conclusion about one amazing facet of human behavior; the concept of denial. I have always been pretty much a people person. Though I've had periods of seclusion I get real satisfaction in fairly strong personal relationships with those I know. I spend a great deal of time talking with friends and acquaintances and look at what I hear to see if I can find clues about why people do certain things. I started to think about the concept of denial and what it really means and how it seems to affect all of us.Cigarette smokers, drug addicts, sex addicts, individuals with strange quirks to their personality's, we all expect to have forms of denial for the continuance of there self destructive behavior. But I thought what kind of denial do people have that we all perceive to be normal? Is denial just restricted to those who have problems or does John Doe down the street with 5 kids also use denial as a form of escapism in his life. I decided that yes indeed John Doe is in denial and so is everyone.As a society we all tend to deny that anything horrible or bad will ever affect us as individuals. Though the 911 event affected directly people in New York the rest of us looked on from a far thinking, that wouldn't happen here. No that certainly couldn't happen in my town. Young drivers oblivious to the danger of driving recklessly or intoxicated religiously think-nothing bad will happen to me, I'm almost like superman. Young women out shopping in the malls spending money like water always seem to feel there will always be more income and I could never get fired-I'm indispensable at my job. Saving for bad times or a rainy day isn't necessary- Nothing bad will happen to me. Maybe it just helps us keep going everyday

Death and Dying-And Life After Death

The day started out like any other. Slightly groggy, downing my coffee, shower, dress and off to get water.
I lived in the desert, In a place where you do everything yourself. Water, Electricity, Sewage. Everything.
A far cry from city life, though with time you grow and learn and conquer.
You become self-sufficient in a way which most people would never understand. You hear about power failures and floods. Read about street crime. Then satisfactorily think-Not me.
But you still need money, that's one thing that you can only get from others. Ways to earn an income in the vast oceans of sand and heat and sun are difficult to find. But there are old people. Castoffs from society, poor, some illiterate but life sponsored by the State. They get a check and government benefits. One of these benefits is home care. Help with shopping, trips to the doctor, cooking, cleaning, and most of all companionship.
Dry Gultch as he liked to be known, was my friend for 17 years. He had a run in with a fellow desert rat and was imprisoned for 6 years at the age of 59. Shot the man in the leg for pulling a weapon on him. Shouldn't have gone to jail, but did. He didn't deal with prison well, he was used to the outdoors. When he was released his health was not really good. His hands shook and he started suffering the ailments of old age. So I agreed to let him live nearby with me and I became his home care helper.
It was a satisfactory symbiosis for both of us. I got money and he got help.
After a while his health started to take a decline, trips to the doctor started becoming frequent. He was told he had a thyroid problem and given more pills.
I walked by his door to retrieve the week's supply of water, he was sitting in his red chair reading, as usual, I looked through the screen door at him and said I'm off to get water, I'll be back soon. "Ok," he replied and smiled.
I got into the truck and started off towards town, thinking boy he smiled at me-he hardly ever smiles. I filled up the tanks came home, and unloaded. Walking back to my place I passed his door and he was gone. I peeked in to check on him and he was in bed asleep. So I went back to my place and read awhile, then some computer stuff and went to nap.
I woke up around 4pm and thought I better start dinner. So I walked over to Gultchs place peeked in and he was still in bed. I thought this odd and came in to wake him. I Loudly said they wake up its dinner time-nothing. I went to give him a shake and when I touched him realized he was hard as a rock. He was dead. At first, I was in shock My friend was dead, what would I do.
After a little while, I realized I had to go call the paramedics and coroner. They arrived and confirmed he had passed on. They asked me what time I thought he died. I said well I saw him this morning sitting in his chair and spoke to him so it had to be after 10am sometime.
I was informed that was impossible. The rigamortis was far to advanced and that he had to have died sometime the night before. I was shocked. I looked at them and said but I talked to him this morning! He smiled at me and said ok.
After they loaded his body into there vehicle I started to cry, it was an overwhelming response. I couldn't control it. I had never grieved before.
The coroner came out and looked at me with pity in his eyes, looked off into the beautiful expanse I laughingly called my 50-mile backyard and said, "it sure is a beautiful view here Gary". Then left.
Until this time I have had doubts about a life hereafter. But upon reflection, I realized my friend waited in his usual place where he knew he would see me.
His message-Its ok Gary, there is something later, I'm happy and OK.
This is not logical, it is a message of hope, one that only my friend could leave.
Merry Christmas
Gary

To Be a Webmaster

It is difficult to describe what it can be like to be a Webmaster. As a computerist for well over 30 years now I have realized what the power of color and sound, music and words can do. I can generate emotional reaction. I can affect people with writing. I can try to get people to see things in a way they perhaps never thought of. Or entertain them with witty comments or funny things people have created. I do not have a boss to dictate what I write or "can it" if he doesn't like it. The political structure of our country has been built on the powers of persuasion on television. The many wars we have fought and are still fighting, have gathered support because of the power of media. Mega billions of dollars spent in the destruction of human Life. I am awed sometimes by this power...and frightend by it.
There are always some people who close their minds to the possible. Only define there thinking to the probable or the provable. But you try.
The one thing I cannot do on the Internet though, is reach out and touch someone. I cannot shake your hand or give you a warm smile. I cannot give you a hug or chuckle at something funny you might say.
So this note is a way to say to you-Yes I am real. I do care about people. Even those I do not know or have not met. The only tool I have is a note to tell you, yes I do care. The ability to use some color and song to try and brighten a moment in time. I can give you small pieces of me on the vast electronic plane we call the Internet. And hope that somehow I made a difference in your life-A good one.
I wish each and every one of you a wonderful New Year with Joy and Happiness, Prosperity and Grace.
Your Friend,
Gary

Global Warming

This was truly disturbing news today, ABC News-The arctic ice could be gone by 2012.
4 years and the worlds giant cooling system could be gone. The polar ice reflects massive amounts of the suns rays back into space. Without it, the earth will retain all that heat. Pushing global temperatures higher,more quickly, and to hotter temps than ever recorded.
It has been suggested to me that these occurances could be natural events. That man does not really have an effect on this.
This is IRRELEVENT!
If the temperatures are going to rise, no matter what the reason the end result is THE SAME-Hurricanes,floods,fresh water loss,species loss.
There is no time left to constrain the issue. It has to be now.
As an individual without the force of government or world leadership you as an individual must start making hard cold choices in your everyday life, or start suffering the consequences directly in as little as four years.
The denial you have been effecting will not save you from your own life choice.
Business as usual might kill millions-the time table for global energy reduction in emmisions is way past 2012.
Make your choices now-wait and the end might be sooner than you think.
This is data from the scientists you have put your faith in to make things better.
Observations made daily in the arctic
It is time to change or die-Please, do it now.

Some Good News!

Hello Charlie,Yes sadly the world is replete with more doom and gloom. It is extending to every facet of human life and every nation. from economic hardship to the very serious problems of global warming. I have been writing for years trying to get people to open there eyes. My blog is full of messages written as much as 15 years ago, trying to get people to take action.
But in this holiday season there are some reasons for hope.
Today a global warming conference has taken significant steps towards addressing the problem.
With a new presidential election soon to take place we have a real opportunity to elect someone who is willing to make sacrifices for the greater public good. And the candidates to fullfill the promise.
Technology is advancing at record breaking pace to try and solve the current and future issues we face as a species.
Awarenesss and the desire to "do something" is gaining momentum
Hundreds of thousands here in America are demanding a return to the fundamental principles of the constitution and American democracy.
The protection of global animal species has taken on a renewed interest, and action is taking place instead of just talk.
Though the path is still unclear the american and foreign auto makers are desperately working for solutions to american dependance on foreign oil.
Green technology is growing, and the uses expanding.
The message about human rights and dignity expands with the ever increasing functionality and spread of the internet.
The internet has provided a forum for people like you and I, bypassing the political restraints and negative capital issues which affect free speech, the right to know, and political agenda.
So there is HOPE Charlie, a form of hope I havn't felt in a very long time.
I wish you and your family a wonderful and Joyous Holiday Season!And a prayer that 2008 will be the year history records as the year the world woke up.
Gary

An Open Mind and Open Heart

The tenants of being a good person are pretty clear. Obey the law, treat others with courtesy and kindness, respect others rights.
When it comes to religion things start getting muddy. If you are a buddist,christian,jew,hindu,muslim or any of the other 1000's of religions you are taught to believe that this way is the only way. Follow the tennets of "OUR" brand of faith and you will have everlasting life, or be reincarnated, or what ever else it teaches.
The problem becomes this. We are all unique-even twins become different over time. Each of us has our own experiances and values. So it becomes almost impossible to expect that each of us might have the same spiritual experiances, or be able to look at faith the same way. Though the teachings of the given religion are pretty clear, the way the believers follow those teachings becomes as unique as they are.
This is why we have some muslims out murdering in the name of jihad. The Christian crusades, and thousands of other historical references to "genocide" in the name of God.
If it is my Gods way-murder and rape is ok If its your Gods way you are a criminal.
In my life and on this blog are things I think, experiances which are true and that I have had. At 54 I do not apologize for what life has revealed to me. I have no need to lie about it or to create fiction I am not getting paid for this.
Some read what I have to say and decide that I am irrelvant because I do not fit into there narrow minded view about the universe and what it entails. I truly believe that all of us are here for a reason.
So what ever my purpose might be-It must entail who I am, how I got there, and one day I hope to be revealed why.
If you come to my profile I promise 3 things.
1. You will be responded to with courtesy and respect
2. You will read the truth about what I think, why I think it, and if autobiographical as close to the way it was, as I can remember.
3. If you write I will respond, and I will, as I can, post comments on your profile and on your blog as I have time. The right to a comment of your choice so long as it is not vulgar or in poor taste. I do have children which read my profile and my blog.
What you will not get from me is an identical view of the universe, ideas just like your own, a similar religious point of view, or really anything like you at all.
Because I am unique in experiance and life. Just Like you are!
Some of the friends I have here you might not approve of. They are friends because I saw something interesting in there profile. From being creative,attractive,witty,forceful,socially aware,politically correct, and politically incorrect,kind,thoughtful, and any number of hundreds of things. I as an individual am very open minded about almost everything.
You do not have to be-Just don't visit them if you don't like what you see.
The point is that if you want to be a friend here-READ about me, Open your mind some. And choose because you would like the little things I can send your way.
I only have cut two people, 1 because he was insanely narrow minded the other because I was getting myspace virus from there profile. "I had to change this policy because of lots of requests from unchild friendly" profiles. Don't take it personally. The world is hard enough for a young teen.
If you are a lady and somehow feel like I have neglected you, I apologize.
Let me know-I tend to favor those who choose to write me. I am not a magician, I need input to give output.

Help Make The World Smile!

This Christmas do me a small favor:

Choose 3 and Do It!
Hand the man or women begging at the freeway off ramp a $5
Turn off the unneeded Lights in your home
Walk somewhere instead of taking your car
Take $25 and donate it to your favorite charity
Kiss and hug your kids 3 times this week-minimum
Tell your spouse you love them
Tell someone how nice they look
Plant a tree somewhere and don't tell anybody
Send a message of love to everyone in your e-mail list
Pass on 3 favors
Call your Mom and Dad
Call a friend you havn't spoken to for years
Visit an old person
Buy your wife or girl friend flowers
Donate a couple hours at the local charity
Adopt a homeless cat or dog
Smile at someone you do not know
Visit a sick friend
Help someone change a flat tire
Teach a young person something you know
Give a teenager a job at home or at your work
The holiday season no matter what religion you follow is about Love and the renewal of Life, salvation and kindness, generosity and hope.
Give a little and watch the world start to smile.Thanks!-Gary

P.S. Save this image if you like-Spread it around, I like smiles :)

Life and The Young and Stupid

Women and men do not understand each other well. The biological differences between us create a I don't get you feeling, all the time. I have realized though that as time goes on, we do start to understand each other better. Women lose estrogen, men lose testosterone, and we start meeting in the middle. Older people have a kinda I understand feeling between them.
Young men in particular are handed a horrid thing by nature, constant thoughts of sex. Dynamic and powerful bodies which when taken care of can move hundreds of pounds. Intelligence blinded by the need to procreate.
Sometimes this "gift" of nature finds itself misdirected at those who have lived awhile. We older and more experianced men who have seasoned with time, learned to control our nature, and grown to be "better" people.
This is a story-True, about a younger man who decided to challange me one day. He will never live it down, but I'm sure is far more careful now.

I was driving down a back road in a small town on the border of california called mohave.
The street has one stop sign. I know this stop sign is there and "always" stop at it.
This particular day I was going to the market to pick up some items and stopped at the stop sign. A younger man suddenly appeared in his truck at the corner, doing a "california" roll through at a high rate of speed. I saw him, and dutifully hit the brakes. He suddenly stops and screams out his window at me, You stupid @@@@ watch the @@@@ stop sign. I looked at him with the begininng of an anger only men understand, and hit the gas driving past him.
This in turn really pissed him off. The street is double wide but only 1 lane. There are cars lining the curb and children playing out on the front yards. But there is enough room for a car to fit between the median line and the parked cars.
Our young hero decides to come blazing up next to me between me and the parked cars oblivious to everything but his rage and starts screaming explitives at me. Ending with the phrase: Do You Wanna Fight?
Normally I would have just kept driving, but the dangerous disregard this "man" had for the property and lives of others really ticked me off.
So I looked him in eye and said yea-pull over right there.
He parked, I parked
What he didn't know was that after the death of my friend I had decided it was time to start excercising more. I had been lifting weights,working a stair stepper,running, and returning the muscle mass I was so proud of in my youth.
I had played Football, was a wrestler, hockey,basketball,and a life guard . I worked hard labor jobs in my late teens that had me unloading salt trucks, 80 lb bags-50 tons at a time. You never really lose your strength-it just gets flabby. But with exercise it comes back very quickly. So I was in good shape.
After climbing out of his car he stood there staring at me. I was a bit taller than he but much older. He was in his late 20's. He hestitated.
I looked at him and said "Well fat mouth bring it on" gesturing with my arms to come forward. He complied, walked up to me and swung at my face. He punched at my check. I turn my head with the punch and his fist grazed my check bone.
After his "assault" I simply reacted with a wrestling move. Grabbing him in a head lock and rolled him to the ground. He went down like a bowl of jello. deciding that since he hit me first, I would hit him back I raised up a fist into the air and crashed it into his lower abdomen. He reacted with moderate pain.
Suddenly from out of no where, we were surrounded by 30 or 40 people all screaming fight, fight. I was distracted and released my grip. Somehow he managed to get me around the neck and started to choke the daylights out of me.
Realizing in a split second that this dude is serious and trying to kill me. I kicked off the ground as hard as I could . Rolled over him. Hit the ground butt first, swung around and grabbed him by the neck between my legs. Locking hard and squeezing enough to hurt I looked at him and said.
You see all these people dumbshit-In 3 minutes or so you and I are going to jail. I am going to let you go , get back into my car and leave. Do not attack me again. I released him, started to walk back to my car while the gathered crowd started screaming way to go old man. You sure showed him.
Several youngsters followed me to the store to congratulate me and wondered where I learned the moves.
I wasn't real proud of my behavior that day. But I'm certain this young man will never be so stupid again. The embarrassment must have killed him, and he learned a valuable lesson.
Never judge a book by its cover.

Gary

50 lessons in life

~ * ~ 50 Lessons in Life ~ * ~01. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
02. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
03. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
04. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
05. Pay off your credit cards every month.
06. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree
.07. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
08. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
09. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Life is too short for long pity parties. Get busy living, or get busy dying.
17. You can get through anything if you stay put in today.
18. A writer writes. If you want to be a writer, write.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else
.20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: "In five years, will this matter?"
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood. Make it memorable.
38. Read the Psalms. They cover every human emotion.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back
.41. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
42. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful
.43. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
44. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
45. The best is yet to come.
46. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
47. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
48. If you don't ask, you don't get.
49. Yield.
50. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift.* Author *~ Regina Brett ~* The Plain Dealer *Cleveland , Ohio

My response to The Text Below:
I like this alot-it is true. Sadly truth has no meaning unless there is a response to the truth. The world will not change even though the lessons of history dictate that it must. Why, because people do not care unless they are directly affected in their daily life. Until that time, most will not change. Most will not listen. This has always been true. It will be true until the end. I am convinced of this as much as the water I drink or the air I breathe. It is the sadest facet of human nature. Your people lived a different way. They saw a different light. Today most see the white way-That way is doomed. But it will be just that. The end-many will die. But perhaps with the death of this way-a new light will arise-One with the ability to last.One with harmony renewed,One that will continue.I wish you luck in your quest.Gary


The Sadness Of Our Time
There are many people who claim to care about the issues facing our People. Some are pure blood, some mixed blood, and some with no blood of our People at all. They talk a good talk. They speak loudly of what should and shouldn't be done to make changes for the better. They offer advice. They offer what they feel are solutions. Everyone has an opinion. Some are good ideas. Some are pure nonsense. Most mean well, at least they claim to. But answer me this. What good are words if no one listens, or I should say, what good is it if people listen....but they do not hear? What good are even the best ideas, the best plans, the best solutions....if no one puts them into action. I'll tell you what they amount to. They amount to nothing more than just dust in the wind. They matter not untill someone cares enough to take hold of them, to realise their value, and to put them into action. Only then is their true value realised. Only then do they gain substance that we can see and touch and reap the benifit of. Some people are better at this than others. They see the value in an idea and are willing to put forth the effort to make it a reality. Sometimes they do so with great sacrifices to themselves, but do so for the greater good of others. These are the true warriors. They fight many battles on many levels. They ask nothing in return but understanding and may be a lending hand now and then to see the battle to it's end. There is a great battle going on at this time. It might surprise some that this battle rages right here at home on this very soil. It has raged since Columbus first set foot on this soil. It is a battle of understanding, of equallity, of the very survival of a people. We recently lost a very great warrior in this battle, in the passing of Floyd Red Crow Westerman, but he left others behind who still continue the fight. There are many ways of fighting a battle. Of course there are the violent ways but there are also the ways of reason, of understanding. I want you to think about something that not one of you can deny. How many have preached that we need to find understanding, we need to all just get along? Well something is going to happen very soon now. Something that takes the words, floating on the wind like so much dust, and gives them form and substance. This thing is The Longest Walk II. It not only comemorates the original Longest Walk of 30 years ago, but it takes the words and ideas, floating on the wind, and snatches them out of the air. It builds upon them so that they are no longer just words. No longer just ideas. It makes them real. Something you not only can hear, but can see, touch and realise the benifit of. Those behind the walk are doing more than just talking about changes. More than just talking about solutions. More than just talking about what needs to be done. THEY ARE DOING IT! But what good is their sacrifices, their actions, their blood and sweat if no one cares? They are willing to lead the way but they are only a few in the scheme of things. They are people of great conviction and people of action....but they are not miracle workers. They need people to stand with them. They need people to help. They need people who don't just claim to care but who truly care enough to be a part of the sollution instead of settling for being a part of the problem. Are you one of those people? Are your words more than just dust on the wind? There is simply no excuse for not helping. None at all. Why? Because you can do so in many ways that count. You can do so by actually going on the walk, by donating what you can, or by simply spreading the word to those more able to help. In short, if you truly care. If you are more than just empty words.....you will find a way to help. You can read about the walk at www.longestwalk.org To offer help or services contact Graywolf at graywolftrading@sbcglobal.net This is your chance to proove you are more than just words. This is your chance to truly make a differance. To be more than just dust on the wind! So says Spirit Hawk ^i^

For Those Who Survived The 40s,50s,60s and 70s Current mood: breezy Category:
Makes so much sense!

THOSE BORN 1920-1979

READ TO THE BOTTOM FOR QUOTE OF THE MONTH BY JAY LENO. IF YOU DON'T READ ANYTHING ELSE---VERY WELL STATED

TO ALL THE KIDS WHO SURVIVED the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!!

First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank while they were pregnant.

They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.

Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paints.

We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.

As infants &children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.

Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.

We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.

We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.

We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because,

WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!

We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the streetlights came on.

No one was able to reach us all day.And we were OK.

We would spend hours building our go-carts out of scraps and then ride down the hill, only to find out we forgot the brakes After running into the bushes a few times, we learned to solve the problem

We did not have Playstations, Nintendo's, X-boxes, no video games at all, no 150 channels on cable, no video movies or DVD's, no surround-sound or CD's, no cell phones, no personal computer! s, no Internet or chat rooms.......

WE HAD FRIENDS and we went outside and found them!

We fell out of trees, got cut, broke bones and teeth and there were no lawsuits from these accidents.

We ate worms and mud pies made from dirt, and the worms did not live in us forever.

We were given BB guns for our 10th birthdays, made up games with sticks and tennis balls and, although we were told it would happen, we did not poke out very many eyes.

We rode bikes or walked to a friend's house and knocked on the door or rang the bell, or just walked in and talked to them!

Little League had tryouts and not everyone made the team. Those who didn't had to learn to deal with disappointment. Imagine that!!

The idea of a parent bailing us out if we broke the law was unheard of. They actually sided with the law!

These generations have produced some of the best risk-takers, problem solvers and inventors ever!

The past 50 years have been an explosion of innovation and new ideas.

We had freedom, failure, success and responsibility, and we learned HOW TO DEAL WITH IT ALL!

If YOU are one of them CONGRATULATIONS!

You might want to share this with others who have had the luck to grow up as kids, before the lawyers and the government regulated so much of our lives for our own good .

While you are at it, forward it to your kids so they will know how brave (and lucky) their parents were.

Kind of makes you want to run through the house with scissors, doesn't it?!

The quote of the month is by Jay Leno:

'With hurricanes, tornados, fires out of control, mud slides, flooding, severe thunderstorms tearing up the country from one end to another, and with the threat of bird flu and terrorist attacks, are we sure this is a good time to take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance?'

For those that prefer to think that God is not watching over us...go ahead and delete this.

For the rest of us...pass this ON!

Let me See Your Papers Please!

I have been convinced that 911 was a setup due to the video and investigations of 911. Even Rosie ODonald was shutup and canned about it. The videos are undeniable.
Now because of 911 we are losing our rights-All in the name of OUR SAFETY
This is no different than the totalitarian changes that have occured through out history. We are slowly under attack. It is a slow and steady process, a little here-a little there-You barely notice till one day-You start calling everyone comrade.
It took me a month to get my washington drivers license because I didn't have "there proof of address"-at 54 years of age and a born US citizen. After these new laws below go into effect-Lord Knows.

Yahoo-news
Not some little right wing publication
WASHINGTON - Americans born after Dec. 1, 1964, will have to get more secure driver's licenses in the next six years under ambitious post-9/11 security rules to be unveiled Friday by federal officials.

The Homeland Security Department has spent years crafting the final regulations for the REAL ID Act, a law designed to make it harder for terrorists, illegal immigrants and con artists to get government-issued identification. The effort once envisioned to take effect in 2008 has been pushed back in the hopes of winning over skeptical state officials.
Even with more time, more federal help and technical advances, REAL ID still faces stiff opposition from civil liberties groups.
To address some of those concerns, the government now plans to phase in a secure ID initiative that Congress passed into law in 2005. Now, DHS plans a key deadline in 2011 — when federal authorities hope all states will be in compliance — and then further measures to be enacted three years later, <"what measures?" according to congressional staffers who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because an announcement had not yet been made. DHS officials briefed legislative aides on the details late Thursday.
Without discussing details, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff promoted the final rules for REAL ID during a meeting Thursday with an advisory council.
"We worked very closely with the states in terms of developing a plan that I think will be inexpensive, reasonable to implement and produce the results," he said. "This is a win-win. As long as people use driver's licenses to identify themselves for whatever reason there's no reason for those licenses to be easily counterfeited or tampered with."
In order to make the plan more appealing to cost-conscious states, federal authorities drastically reduced the expected cost from $14.6 billion to $3.9 billion, a 73 percent decline, according to Homeland Security officials familiar with the plan.
The American Civil Liberties Union has fiercely objected to the effort, particularly the sharing of personal data among government agencies. The DHS and other officials say the only way to make sure an ID is safe is to check it against secure government data; critics like the ACLU say that creates a system that is more likely to be infiltrated and have its personal data pilfered.
In its written objection to the law, the ACLU claims REAL ID amounts to the "first-ever national identity card system," which "would irreparably damage the fabric of American life."
The Sept. 11 attacks were the main motivation for the changes.
The hijacker-pilot who flew into the Pentagon, Hani Hanjour, had a total of four driver's licenses and ID cards from three states. The DHS, which was created in response to the attacks, has created a slogan for REAL ID: "One driver, one license."
By 2014, anyone seeking to board an airplane or enter a federal building would have to present a REAL ID-compliant driver's license, with the notable exception of those more than 50 years old, Homeland Security officials said.
The over-50 exemption was created to give states more time to get everyone new licenses, and officials say the risk of someone in that age group being a terrorist, illegal immigrant or con artist is much less. By 2017, even those over 50 must have a REAL ID-compliant card to board a plane.
Among other details of the REAL ID plan:
_The traditional driver's license photograph would be taken at the beginning of the application instead of the end so that should someone be rejected for failure to prove identity and citizenship, the applicant's photo would be kept on file and checked in the future if that person attempted to con the system again.
_The cards will have three layers of security measures but will not contain microchips as some had expected. States will be able to choose from a menu which security measures they will put in their cards.
Over the next year, the government expects all states to begin checking both the Social Security numbers and immigration status of license applicants.
Most states currently check Social Security numbers and about half check immigration status. Some, like New York, Virginia, North Carolina and California, already have implemented many of the security measures envisioned in REAL ID. In California, for example, officials expect the only major change to adopt the first phase would be to take the photograph at the beginning of the application process instead of the end.
After the Social Security and immigration status checks become nationwide practice, officials plan to move on to more expansive security checks, including state DMV offices checking with the State Department to verify those applicants who use passports to get a driver's license, verifying birth certificates and checking with other states to ensure an applicant doesn't have more than one license.
A handful of states have already signed written agreements indicating plans to comply with REAL ID. Seventeen others, though, have passed legislation or resolutions objecting to it, often based on concerns about the billions of dollars such extra security is expected to cost.

Oh by the way-when social security numbers where first used-We where promised they would not be used to identify us!-Only for record keeping. Guess what folks-Amazing another promise broken.

911-Fact and Fiction

I have had several conversations with people concerning my distress over the increasing news about 911 and the end result -The Iraq war. The Link Below will take you to over 250 "experts" all engineers,architects, and demolitions experts. They ALL agree that the twin towers were professionally demolished.
911blogger.com-Watch The DVD Movie!
Fema has "LOST" all evidence-Kinda like all the e-mails lost in regard to the cia leaks.
Some people get a notion in there heads that questioning the government is unpatriotic.
It tells us in our own constitution that we as citizens must remain vigilint. That it is our duty as citizens to vote. That we must question any impropriety.
Why?-because our freedom as Americans depends on it!
All the evidence points to a small group of people pulling some strings and trying to make people who question it, look like they are somehow against the government.
Bull Hockey-The government is composed of hundreds of thousands of people. Questioning A small group does not make one against the government.
Nixon resigned from office over a small break in-BUT HE DID COMMIT A CRIME-as president of the U.S.
No one is immune from corruption. So we as Americans
HAVE TO QUESTION
If you watch the movie above I guarantee you, you will have no doubts what so ever.
The Fact that Sadam Huesan was selling oil for Euro Dollars in and of itself would be enough of an economic incentive to go to war.
So for any of you who think that questioning the methods and motives of our government is unpatriotic
GO READ THE CONSTITUTION
Gary

Certain Death and Dying

My wife and my children had decided that we needed to go to on a picnic. As usual with five children it was quite an ordeal. After bundling everybody up and loading the car, then stopping at the store to pick up food, we made our way to the freeway. As usual it was bumper to bumper all the way to Malibu Canyon Road. We finally arrived at the park after about one hour. After unloading the car and setting up the picnic table we decided to take a hike back through the mountains of Malibu Canyon. On our journey we found a small ghost town. This ghost town had been created for an old movie set; they used to do westerns here. We spent a couple of hours wandering in and out of the buildings and playing cowboy with children. The kids decided they were hungry, so Kathy left with them back to our picnic table. I decided that I wanted to continue up the canyon and see what was ahead. I walked for at least two hours, and came to a large part of canyon wall that had a giant cliff. The only way across was to cross the Cliff. By now it was about 6:00 p.m. and starting to get dark. I realized that if I tried to go back the way I came, it would be dark and I might get lost in the canyon. So the intelligent human that I am, I decided to cross the Cliff. I decided that in order to do it safely I needed to be on my back and crabwalk across the Cliff. Approximately half way across my foot slipped. I started to slide, I knew that if I fell off the Cliff I would be killed. The drop was at least 50 feet and covered with boulders at the bottom. One never really knows how frightened you can be until you're faced with what appears to be certain death. I screamed at the top of my lungs God help me I cannot die now I have five children to care for. My concern at that moment was really not about myself, I genuinely was worried about how my family would get along. I was struggling madly to try and slow my descent. Suddenly 1 1/2 feet before the edge of the Cliff I just stopped sliding. It was as if a giant hand reached out and grabbed me to keep me from going over the edge. My belief in God the Almighty was completely reinforced that day. I never questioned my belief in God again.
We live a world of scientific proof. I only believe if it can be repeated. People even doubt what they see with their own eyes. Many stories are told through centuries of time. But if I didn't see it or it never happened to me I do not believe. Faith is about belief from the heart-not the head. God answers when the heart is in the right place. And not until then.

Ron Paul

The republican candidate Ron Paul, has attracted a giant following of younger people who respond to his message of semi isolationism and the end of the IRS. I do not believe he stands a chance. Not because of his message but because I have never seen a dark horse win the nomination in the 44 years I have been "sentient". Though his concepts seem good at first, if you examine them closely they will not hold water. What most people do not get is that our money is NOT REAL. When the US left the gold standard our money became an IOU. It is a promissory note. It is worth what the government calls $1. On any given day that $1 buys different amounts goods and services. It is subject to the whims we call inflation. Today my dollar buys me a thin sliver of gold-last week it bought me a bigger sliver. And then we have the concept of price. I will price my item to make me a profit. That could be 50%,40%,30% or in the case of groceries as little as 2%. So when I say-this is ON SALE-you think your getting a deal. When in actuality you might be giving the store-20% instead of 50%-but they are still making money. You are agreeing to pay x for y apples. If no one will pay x-then I have to price at a value they will pay. So what is money then-It is an agreement between you and someone else-I think that your widget is worth $10 and that is what I will give you. If I do not think your widget is worth $10 and no one else does either than you will have to lower your price. The point here is that the IRS is a function of inflationary control. If people have too much money-The prices go up to compensate because you will be willing to pay more. By the government taking some of your money back, which they print at, will now, it helps to stabilize prices. The wealthy are taxed far less because if they have capital, they can invest it to create more dollar flow or profit. The average citizen does not have capital investment. By taxing him more-it reduces inflation. So we have a system, which is considered Unfair. And the reality is that it is unfair. But it works, without having a standard to tie our money to like gold or silver. If we eliminate the IRS, we will see more inflation. Your boss will say, well no more taxes so now I can pay you less-because you will actually have more money. And you might actually have to take a pay cut. So even if Ron Paul did manage to get rid of the IRS, there is no guarantee that you will actually have more "spending power". May be more dollars, but they might buy less. The other issue with Ron Paul is that he wants out of the United Nations. Though it might help us temporarily, in the long run we become isolated because we don't know what the rest of the world is doing. Our leaders might not make choices, which are informed. That could have very bad consequences...
Ron Paul has a great vision for the average man, but the practicality of it is in severe question.