Like Minded

Last Saturday morning we went to Washington D.C. to the Restoring Honor rally hosted by Glenn Beck. It was amazing to be there in many ways. I felt like I was taking part in a significant historical event. I think it's clear it was a historical event even though some would dismiss it as a sham or hijack of MLK's historic significance. It's like the kinds of events you grew up reading about in history books or seeing on some History Channel episode. But this time instead of watching or reading about "those people" who attended, I was actually one of them; someone actually taking part in history. I keep thinking about what my part in it is. Just being there and adding one more body to the crowd count at a minimum. But is there more to it? I ask myself: "what more can I do?" as if I had all this spare time to do things (like write a blog at 6:00 am).

Several co-workers, upon realizing my family and I went to the rally (mostly because I have a picture of the crowd on my computer wallpaper) ask "what was it about?" or "why did you go?". I find it hard to answer the question on many levels. For one I think "don't you see what's happening?" but then I realize they don't. Not many people have "awakened" to what's happening in our country, except the 30M+ of us who are now paying attention. But the question still rolls around my head: Why was I there? At a simple level I was there because I felt I had to be. My awakening to the realities of what's happening in our country drove me to seek out others who see the same things going on and feel the same way I do about them. I certainly found those people Saturday, August 28, 2010 in Washington D.C.. The place was full of people, 500K+ in my view, all like minded individuals who share the same concerns, hopes, values, fears, and convictions that I do. Much of the theme was centered on God and restoring that component to our nations values. So how does an atheist fit into that group of people, in that venue and still claim to be "like minded"? I think it's easy (speaking from experience): We agree on the message of values and pricipals Even though I don't believe in divine providence or an invisible hand, I don't degrade or think less of those who do. If having faith (in anything) makes it work for you, gives you peace or direction, or strength then by all means go for it. Glenn certainly has been helped by his faith to turn his life around (an inspiring story actually).

Why do some (atheists, progressives, on the left, etc.) have a problem with the concept that our Founding Fathers (many of them) felt that man's rights came from God and that our countries founding principals were inspired by God? I don't have a problem with it. Just because I don't believe in God doesn't mean others shouldn't. I don't think they are deluded in some way by their faith, just like i'm not deluded in some way by my lack of it. To me it's a personal choice: It's part of who you and I are and why (in some cases) I like you. What works for me may not work for you, and that's OK. I respect the faith and convictions of others, even if I don't share them or for that matter agree with them.

All that said: I think it's completely valid to consider God's role in our nations values and founding principals. While I don't agree on the source of them, I do agree on the content and intent of them. To me, the author/source/inspiration is a matter of intellectual debate for some other place and time and I honestly don't mind personally accepting that some guy named God (who was a man or represented the best thoughts and intents of man) was the source of those values & principals. We do need Faith, Hope and Charity. Faith that we can make a difference. Hope that more poeple will share those values. Charity for helping our fellow man (and yes women) in all ways. Those principals apply regardless of who you are or what you think. I completely agree our rights do not come from the government or any man. The Left calls them "human rights" and that works for me. Again the author isn't the issue for me. Unfortunately they (some on the Left) only see those rights as a tool to leverage more power over those same humans so they can ultimately take those rights away from individuals in the name of "the greater good" of scociety. That's what makes blood shoot out of my eyes.

So while you may not find me in church with you praising the deity who inspired those values and principals we both agree on; you can certainly count on me to be there with you applying those values and principals in order to restore honor to our country and our lives.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Chippoke State Park, Day 4 camping

It's the fourth night of our summer vacation. I'll be with my family the first week as we drive up to Virginia to visit my brother David. While I fly back to FL on the 5th, Linda and the Kids will continue up through Boston, New York and other places to visit key historical sites where we (she) can show our kids the places, people and events that were significant to the founding of our country. With all the "hope & change" going on we felt it was important for them to learn the real history of our nation, what was going on at the time and how that led to the founder's taking the huge risks they did to create a new nation. The kids have journals to take notes and write down what they've learned along the way. I'm putting my thoughts and notes down in this blog and Linda's keeping her journal as well.

We are all setup at the campsite for our 4th night camping. Chippoke State Park is a beautiful place, Situated along the James River near one of the 40 odd spots John Smith of Pocahontas lore landed as they sailed their ships up the James River. We went down to the river shore and we were the only ones around. The red sunset lit the sky orange-pink against bright blue. Schools of small fish made small ripples along the surface of the lake as the only disturbance to the otherwise glassy surface. We broke the rules and jumped the fence of a closed trail down the to the river's edge. Along the water we found thousands of shells from scallops, oysters, clams and other mollusks. I found scallop shells as big as a lions paw! (Eventually I'll figure out how to get pictures into my iPad from the camera and post them with my blogs).

Sleeping tonight will be much nicer. It's in the 70's here which makes nice sleeping weather. Monday and Tuesday night we spent at Edisto State park near the beach in South Carolina, south of Charlston. After sunset the wind died down and the humid mid-80's air wasn't the best sleeping conditions. Any movement drew a sweat so I slept in my cool-max sheet (basically a sleeping bag made from light tee shirt material) in my boxer shorts. The MSR Mutha Hubba tent is awesome with a fully screened enclosure to keep even the gnats out but let the air flow. There wasn't much fishing around. The campsite backed up on to a salt marsh. I walked out to a small pool of water left by the receding tide which seemed to be low water the entire time we were there. Thousands of fiddler crabs scurried out of the way as I walked, trying to avoid being crushed by my feet. The kids spent most of the time in a nearby tree, climbing like monkeys and playing all kinds of games. The water at the campsite was slightly salty so we ended up picking up a couple of gallons of fresh water on the way back from our Charleston visit.

In Charleston on Tuesday, we went to Patriots Point and took a tour of the USS Clamagore, a Diesel WWII Submarine and the USS Yorktown CV-10 Aircraft Carrier. The Yorktown was awesome. We spent 4 hours (9:00am to 1:00pm) walking the decks and stairs throughout the ship. We ate lunch in the main mess area. Lunch was cooked in the ships kitchen and served on the same stainless steel food trays the crew used when the ship was on active duty. It was really cool.

After the Yorktown, we drove to downtown Charleston, and visited The Old Exchange, the last building built by the British before the revolutionary war. The building sits on top of the half moon battery which was situated on the East wall of the old city wall. When built, Charleston was a walled city along the river. We took a self guided tour of the upper floors of the Old Exchange and then a guided tour of the dungeon. Timothy was our tour guide, a young blond man who worked as a park ranger at Lexington and Concord (as I recall) so he knew a little history. He told us the story of Charleston during before, during and after the revolution. During a part of his talk, he asked the audience about what we knew of the Boston Tea Party. Nicholas was the only one to answer and explained the Boston Tea Party was a protest about taxes on tea, and how the men dressed as indians, boarded East India ships and dumped the tea into the harbor. Timothy was completely impressed. He told Nicholas that he has been the only person who knew those three facts and details of the event. He explained that the people of Charleston had a similar tea party incident after the Boston event. The British however locked the tea up in the cellar of the Old Exchange to protect it from being dumped as was done in Boston. The Sons of Liberty in Charleston however did better than the Boston group: They managed to break into the Old Exchange, steal the tea and sold it. The proceeds went to purchasing arms for the fight against the British.

We also learned that one of the cash crops of the area at the time was Indigo, used to make blue dyes for clothing. Because of it's expense, blue material, especially deep blue, was reserved for only the very top ranks of the British military such as Admirals and such. Knowing this, the American patriots decided to outfit their troops in Blue uniforms as a dig to the British. They were basically flaunting the fact that a new privateer in the American military wore a uniform more expensive than the top brass of the British Army! Overall the tour was excellent and we learned more about the history of this country and how the founding of our nation came to pass.

Sunday Night we stayed at Ft. Clinch at the very Northern most tip of Florida right across from Cumberland Island GA. In cooler weather that is a very nice campground. The fort there is awesome. I lived in Jacksonville Beach growing up and through High School and yet never went to that park. :( We will definitely go back there with the kayaks and/or the boat to spend some quality time on the St. Mary's river fishing and adventuring. Next time we visit there I need to remember to reserve campsite 39 or 40 which is right next to the river.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Chippokes Park Rd,Surry,United States

Did Kagan Compare the NRA with the KKK? - Robert VerBruggen - The Corner on National Review Online

Did Kagan Compare the NRA with the KKK? - Robert VerBruggen - The Corner on National Review Online

Interesting bit of insight into her thought process.

The new computer...

A few weeks ago my 10 year old, made from spare parts desktop system, running Windows 2000 finally bit the dust. As you can tell from the state of my last machine, I'm not much of a "latest and greatest PC" kind of guy. Which is actually strange because I am a bit of a gadget guy with GPS, iTouch, HAM radio and such. I've been using an old emachines laptop with a thermal shutdown problem (watch a youtube video and the fan goes turbo before the entire system just drops dead). After some consideration of what I actually do on a computer at home (most of the time) if figured all I need is a system that does email, browse the web, edit/create word documents, spreadsheets, and maybe a drawing or two (with Visio if possible). I didn't think of the iPad until I talked to a guy with one at the Austin airport flying back last week. I asked a few questions and decided that it may do most of what I want. This weekend I took the plunge and purchased an iPad with 3G and 64G of memory. Signed up for AT&T's unlimited data plan and mobileMe (cloud computing stuff).

I've downloaded a few apps to let me access the files on my NAS storage disks (Filebrowser), use the device as a car GPS (motionX), and an office document suite (Office2 HD). I must say the email in the iPad isn't the greatest. I tried sending an email with an attachment but wasn't successful. Apparently since the iPad doesn't have the concept of a local file system, there's no "attach file" option. I was able to go into the file browser, copy a file from my NAS disk to the iPad and then "send as an email attachment". That didn't work to well with a .pdf; I couldn't read the attachment on the copy I sent to myself as a test. A quick search didn't reveal any alternatives to the built in email on the iPad....

I tried to edit a word document with Office2 HD but strangely, the application doesn't work with the blue tooth keyboard I picked up for the iPad (to make typing easier). Using the BlogPress app (free) I can create blog posts like this one (I'm typing it now with the keyboard) and it seems to work pretty well. I sent an email to Office2 HD to tell them about the issue and hopefully they will fix it soon and I'll see an "update" when I hit the app store soon.

The Apple/Mac style keyboard takes a little getting use to. I can't figure out how to page up/down/home/end. I have no idea how the option and command keys work (if at all) but for basic typing with some tactile feedback, it's pretty nice.

Now for wireless: It is awesome to be able to browse the web from anywhere (almost). I have yet to find a place I can't get a 3G signal. After getting home from Best Buy (where I purchased the iPad) I hooked it to my laptop and started a sync in iTunes. I took quite a while, mainly because I chose to restore my iTouch stuff to the iPad (which worked fine). As soon as the sync was done we jumped in the car and headed to the beach. I played with the iPad, setting up the 3G account with AT&T as my wife drove us to the coast. Setup was quick and I was online browsing, setting up email accounts and downloading apps basically in the middle of nowhere. It was sooooooo cooool (still is).

Right now I have the iPad in a docking cradle on my desk with the keyboard right in front. A nice little setup for typing emails, blogs and other stuff. And portable: no wires at all!

I'm hoping I find the right combination of apps to let me edit and create MS documents, spreadsheets and such. I also need to find a good app to enable printing to my wireless printer. All-in-all it seems to be working out. There are a few kinks (when using Goodreader for PDF's, the unit forgets my wi-fi network security key!) Apple claims the "closed" OS and all is robust but so far I can't see it being much better than a PC with some of the bugs in apps I've seen.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

This kind of article just makes the blood shoot out of my eyes. Read it if you can keep from vomiting...

Mayors: Fight Gun Scourge Through Courts

The premise that the availability or existence of a thing is the reason for it's misuse is absurd. Suing a gun maker for the "damaged caused by their product" assumes that the fact a criminal using a gun to kill someone is somehow a defect in the gun itself. It makes no sense. It would be like saying bottled water companies should be sued if the water quenches your thirst and re-hydrates you, Duh:  *thats what it is suppose to do!* If you happen to water board and drown someone with the bottle of water, would that lead to "water control" laws? These misguided people focus on the device as the cause of the problem, not the people using it.

Show me that place where you can flash your US drivers license and walk out, with as many guns as you can carry with no BATF background check or waiting period. That statement is a prime example of the bold face lies that these people are allowed to get away with.

Is Truth Stranger Than Fiction?

A story about Thai Soldiers caught my eye this morning. Reading the article was eerie, I couldn't help but imagine a slightly different version:

In the U.S. capital Washington hundreds of soldiers and riot police have taken up positions in a main commercial district popular with tourists.  The heavy security was mobilized to prevent anti-government protesters, who have been demonstrating over a month now, from marching on the area.

Soldiers armed with assault rifles and police in riot gear massed early Monday morning on Pennsylvania Ave.

They spread rolls of razor wire across parts of the sidewalks and took up positions on the street and overpasses, and briefly blocked traffic.

Anti-government protesters threatened to march on the area, which the government says it will not allow.

But by mid morning only a hundred or so red-dressed protesters danced and cheered in front of barricades while traffic flowed normally and businesses were open.

Ben Gleck, the international spokesman for the protesters, known as the TEA Party. He says they called off the march.

"There will not be a march on Pennsylvania Ave today. But, we reserve that option to do it other when we feel like," he said. "We want to exercise our freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of movement, and we feel like … but it's not a need to risk anybody hurt or killed over this."

Although the march was called off, soldiers and riot police did not immediately pull back and razor wire remained in place.

The military presence raised concerns of another violent clash in Washington.

On April 10, 24 people were killed and hundreds injured when soldiers tried, and failed, to clear protesters from the city's historic district.

Both sides have blamed the other for the violence.

The Tea Party protesters are mainly from the countryside and have been demonstrating for weeks demanding new elections.  They have occupied a major commercial district, blocking traffic and forcing shopping malls and hotels to close their doors.

They say Washington elites overthrew their democratically elected leaders in the 2009 Elections.

A series of politically charged court rulings and legislative actions diluted or eliminated Constitutional protections and expanded executive powers in 2010 after the current administration took office.

The government offered to hold elections in nine months and says it is willing to negotiate with protesters. But, protest leaders say they are done negotiating and will continue pressuring the government to immediately step down.

Certainly this is a fictional scenario. But how far away from this are we?

Now we are talking! The Florida Congress is doing all the right things!!!

In addition to HB 21, the Florida House and Senate are working on several pieces of legislation to protect the state's citizens from the federal takeover taking place in our country today.

• CS/HJR 37 - Health Care Services 
• HM 17 Congressional Term Limits
• SCR 10 - Balanced Federal Budget
• CS/CS/SB 8 - Medicated and Public Assistance Fraud

There are others (2468 at last count). For a full list check out this link.  Be sure to encourage your senator and representative to vote for passage of these bills, and resolutions.

Support Florida HB 21

Florida has joined the ranks of several states in proposing legislation to protect the rights of Florida Citizens. Check out HB 21 and let your representative know that you want them to support it. Here's the preamble of the bill:

Regulation of Firearms: Creates Florida Firearms Freedom Act; provides legislative findings & definitions; provides that specified firearms, firearm accessories, & ammunition for personal use manufactured in state are not subject to federal law or regulation; provides that importation into state of specified parts & incorporation of such parts into firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition manufactured in state does not subject firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition to federal regulation; provides that certain basic materials are not subject to federal regulation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition under interstate commerce; provides that specified firearm accessories imported into state from another state do not subject firearm to federal regulation under interstate commerce; provides legislative findings with respect thereto; provides exceptions; provides applicability; requires that firearms manufactured & sold in state must bear indicia of manufacture by specified date.

There is a companion bill in the Senate; SB 98 sponsored by Carey Baker.

The House bill is sponsored by the following representatives:
O'Toole (CO-SPONSORS) Adams; Adkins; Ambler; Carroll; Coley; Crisafulli; Dorworth; Drake; Eisnaugle; Evers; Flores; Ford; Fresen; Glorioso; Grady; Hays; Holder; Hooper; Hudson; Hukill; Kelly; Kreegel; Legg; Mayfield; McBurney; Murzin; Nelson; Patronis; Plakon; Planas; Poppell; Precourt; Renuart; Robaina; Schenck; Schultz; Snyder; Stargel; Tobia; Weinstein; Williams, T.; Wood; Workman

Please be sure to contact your representative and express your appreciation for their efforts to protect your freedoms. 
 

The Reality of the new Health Care Bill

We are starting to see the affects of the recently passed health care bill and it's impact on the economy:

• AT&T Plans $1 Billion Charge
• Insurers give up as Investors

And of course this goes against the claims of the tyrants in charge. So now they are going to "investigate" these "claims":

• Companies Charge prompts hearings

 The Dems are succeeding in their plans to wreck the economy so they can say "See! Bush and the policies of free markets and capitalism just don't work, we have the answer and need more power to fix it"

Improving the US image in the world

One of the things I hear supporters of the current policies state is that Obama is improving the image of the US in other countries. That certainly seems to be happening, especially in places like Cuba, Venezuela, and others. I'm sure Michael Moore and Fidel Castro are thrilled with the latest passage of Health Care Reform. This news story shows that Castro clearly thinks its a positive move.

A sad day

Looks like we now have health care and another $1.8T in taxes to go with it. In a bazaar twist: it was this day in history the Stamp Act was passed by Parliament imposing a new tax on the colonies, eventually leading to the revolution and split of the colonies from the crown. Lets hope history doesn't repeat itself.

WSJ: ObamaCare at Ramming Speed...sigh

What part of "NO" do some people not get? After years of trying and failing to get "health care" passed, now BHO and the Dem controlled congress is ready to shove it down everyone's throat anyway. It makes you wonder why they could want something so bad that they are willing to destroy their careers for it. Must be lots of $$$ involved, the intensity of the effort is just a bit too much to be "looking out for those who can't afford health care" (14 to 50 million depending on who's counting). Let's see, at $900B+ for 50M people comes to 18K per person...that's better than my work provided HC. I wonder if that will be considered a Cadillac plan...

Concealed carry bill passes Wyoming House - KIFI - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Jackson WY - Weather News Sports-

Concealed carry bill passes Wyoming House - KIFI - Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Jackson WY - Weather News Sports-
Now this is the way it should be everywhere. Rep. Lorraine Quarberg has the right perspective on this. Hope she decides to go to washington some day!

One person can make a difference

In a post entitled Common Sense Legislation in Utah, I told you about  H.B.78S01 that's pending in the Utah House. I decided to contact my Florida State House Representative Sandy Adams to ask her to support making similar changes to Florida's laws. Here's my original email:

 02/04/10 12:18 AM

To the Honorable Sandra Adams;

Please consider sponsoring, or promoting with others in the Florida House and Senate, Legislation in the Florida Senate that is similar to the current legislation the Utah House is working on. Here is a link to an article in the Salt Lake Tribune that outlines some info on the legislation: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14295960

As a CCW permit holder and gun owner, I feel this type of common sense law will help protect law abiding firearms owners and CCW permit holders and provide us with more legal options in the event we are faced with potentially violent encounters. Providing options to de-escalate these encounters without the need for drawing a weapon makes sense to me. As always, gun owners should take every opportunity to take training on how to deal with these situations to achieve the best possible outcome: the situation is quickly terminated and no one gets hurt or killed. 

Responsible firearms owners and CCW permit holders are a valuable asset to law enforcement and the general public. I feel the state should support its citizens who take on this serious responsibility in order to protect themselves, their families and in some cases, other citizens who are unable to do in those critical times.

Best Regards,

Tom Trocine

To my surprise: I got a phone call from Representative Sandy Adams! After some voice mail tag, Sandy called my cell phone and we had a short discussion about my request, the process in Florida for this kind of thing and steps that Sandy would take to follow up, including working with the NRA folks.

I must say, I am still surprised and impressed that little 'ole me could actually stimulate positive action in the halls of government with a simple email. I very much appreciate Sandy taking the time to contact me about my request to learn more. I've contacted other Senators and Representatives, received the boiler plate reply with their on the fence position about whatever drop-down menu issue I contacted them about.

The fact that Sandy called me directly to find out more tells me there's at least one person in government that should be there and truly cares and takes an interested in what the people want and need. So there's a huge lesson here for all of us: Take Action, it does make a difference.

• Find the others like Sandy and support their campaigns
• Vote out the slackers and ones like Grayson
• Continually contact your Commissioners, Senators, and Representatives to tell them how you feel about issues important to you. This includes positive feedback to them that they are doing the right things.
• Do what you can to help educate your friends and neighbors on the issues so that they can add their voice and support.

Being Prepared

Today marks 29 days since the 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti. What would you do if it happened here? People look at me funny when I mention the idea of stocking food and supplies just in case. Do you really think it can't happen to you? What about Katrina, Andrew, the wild fires in FL, GA and CA? How are the people handling the record snow fall along the eastern seaboard today? Lucky for those folks in Chicago this morning the earthquake was only a 3.8...

Are you willing to bet you and your family's life on FEMA, the red cross or the government coming to the rescue in time if the unthinkable happens?

John Boehner's & Eric Cantor's letter to Rahm Emanuel....

House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) wrote a letter to Rahm Emanuel (you can find it here) challenging the President's statement that he's "Open to ideas from all sides". Even the Dem's are taking issue with Rahm's contribution to the health care debacle Take a look for yourself...

Another example of why government...

Looks like Alan Grayson is busy wasting everyone's time (and taxpayer $$). He's proposed a bill in the house, H.R. 4431: the "Business should mind it's own Business" act.

"To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to impose
a 500 percent excise tax on corporate contributions to
political committees and on corporate expenditures on
political advocacy campaigns."

There are so many problems with this thinking. It certainly gives us insight into Mr. Grayson's point of view. How does anyone think it is legal or legitimate to use the power of the government, via the IRS, to restrict free speech? Corporations and businesses are legal organizations consisting of people. I'm curious to know if this applies to P.A.C.s, unions, and other "legal entities". What defines a "business". Is a lobby group a business? Am I as an individual business owner, who is incorporated for legal protections no longer allowed to support my favorite candidate's campaign by providing a donation to help him/her get the word out about their position on the issues?

Money certainly helps candidates become "viable". Does money buy elections? I don't think so. Certainly the more $ you have as a candidate gives you options for getting your message out but in the end it's the voter at the booth that decides. Every election has a winner and one or more losers, all of them spend a lot of $ in the process and like business, most of them fail to achieve their goal (to get elected).

Vote this guy out and replace him with someone better qualified to serve the country.

Common Sense legislation in Utah

Utah's Senate is working to pass a bill that adds some common sense aspects to legal carry rights. The Salt Lake Tribute article states:

"A House panel on Friday OK'd a bill clarifying that the legal carrier of a concealed weapon may reveal it or mention it in an effort to keep a quarrel from escalating. "

Steve Gunn (how ironic) of the Gun Violence Prevention Center testified:

"...that the bill raises the question of who in Utah may carry a gun openly without a permit. The law appears to allow any non-felon older than 18 to do that, he said, and he believes lawmakers should specify who has that right."

I agree with Mr. Gunn. The lawmakers should specify: Any non-felon older than 18 should be able to carry openly (or concealed) as the 2nd Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees.

Where's the balance?

I'm afraid to look at the news. BHO released his budget proposal today $3.8 trillion. The 2009 budget (proposed by GWB) was $1.182 trillion. The Wall Street Journal online has a good summary you can find here. I like the interactive graphs, especially this one which I've annotated with some other data:

The red horizontal line represents a -3% deficit as a % of GDP threshold. Most economists consider a deficit below this line to be unsustainable. Inflation, skyrocketing interest rates and high unemployment are expected results of large deficits.
At the bottom I put 3 horizontal colored bars, showing (top to bottom) the party of President, House majority, and Senate majority. blue is democrat, red is republican. Note that even under Clinton ('97 to '01), congress was controlled by the republicans. With the 2000 election, Bush takes office, the senate switches to Democrat control and the events of Sept 11, 2001 take place, leading to the wars in Afghanistan and then Iraq. Notice in 2003 when the senate is reclaimed by the Republicans, the deficit begins to head back to zero, then in 2007, both the senate and house switch to Democratic control which reverses the direction of the deficit. 2008 starts the housing meltdown and the bottom falls out in 2009.

One other note: the "recovery" in the projections of 2011 to 2015 are all based on the assumptions that unemployment will go back to ~5%, the economy recovers, healthcare reform passes and Cap and Trade kicks in. It also includes increase revenue from higher taxes on corporations and "rich" households making more than $250K adding $1 trillion to the feds income stream.
What happens when more companies and those with the means to do so, move off-shore to evade the increased taxes. Many couples with combined income over the $250K limit may decide that one income to get below the penalty line is the way to go.

The Republican Response...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeSLVnAQSYo&feature=featured

SOU, Tums & the Hour of the Wolf

I don't know where to start. It's 3 AM and I can't sleep. The State of the Union speech rolling through my head, stomach is churning...sigh.

"Change hasn't come fast enough..." It's been plenty fast for me thanks...

I thought is was interesting when he stated that we were "past the storm" of the economic crisis which would have been worse had it not been for the decisive actions he and congress took to save us from a certain second economic depression.  Things were looking up: the worst is over, employers are starting to hire again, Americans are feeling hopeful...yet over the next year "a million people will lose their insurance coverage". How? Well...the people loosing insurance coverage are people who loosing their jobs. That was the basis earlier in the year for the statement that 14 thousand people a month lose their insurance coverage. Conclusion: more jobs will be lost over the next year driving unemployment up past 11%. Of course a Jobs Bill will fix all that.

I thought is was very revealing when he stated he was issuing an executive order to bypass congress because they couldn't pass a piece of legislation he wants. I guess it's good to be king.

Exactly what are the tax "incentives" for companies to move overseas? When he talked about eliminating the tax incentives, I don't think he's referring to some part of the tax code that provides incentives to move jobs and facilities overseas. I think this really means creating new penalties for companies that are moving jobs and facilities overseas and using the tax system to enforce it. But I'm not tax expert...:)

I'm curious to know where these 25 tax cuts were made.. I guess I need to watch Less FOX news and more MSNBC to get the real story...LOL

PEBO just doesn't get it: Republicans don't block legislation he wants "just be cause they can" It's because their constituents want them to. We disagree with his (and the progressive) view of more government taking a role in peoples lives. Reagan was right when he said:

"Government is not a solution to our problem, government is the problem."

I'm convinced more than ever that we need to do all we can to support, promote, fund, and vote ALL of these guys out of the whole system (from city councils to congress) and replace them with fresh people who:

• believe in less government in our lives
  
• don't know how the current system (read corrupt) works but do know how government should work.
• understand the constitution and the balance of power concept
• believe in capitalism and the free market system that has worked well for us over the last 200 years.
• doesn't "know better" than we do.
• will restore a working 3 branch system of government with checks and balances.
  

Interesting Health Care Statistics

Posting from an email

Very interesting.

Article from the "Investor's Business Daily.."  It provides some very interesting statistics from a survey by the United Nations International Health Organization.

Percentage of men and women who survived a cancer five years after diagnosis:

U.S.            65%

England       46%

Canada        42%

Percentage of patients diagnosed with diabetes who received treatment within six months:

U.S.            93%

England       15%

Canada        43%

Percentage of seniors needing hip replacement who received it within six months:

U.S.            90%

England       15%

Canada        43%

Percentage referred to a medical specialist who see one within one month:

U.S.            77%

England       40%

Canada        43%

Number of MRI scanners (a prime diagnostic tool) per million people:

U.S.            71

England       14

Canada        18

Percentage of seniors (65+), with low income, who say they are in "excellent health":

U.S.            12%

England       2%

Canada        6%

I don't know about you, but I don't want "Universal Healthcare" comparable to England or Canada .

Moreover, it was Sen. Harry Reid who said, "Elderly Americans must learn to accept the inconveniences of old age."  WELL, SHIP HIS ASS TO CANADA OR ENGLAND !   (with a one way ticket)

Gun Bans now...Butter Knife Bans later...

Here is another politician that need to be shown the door out of government service. Thanks, and don't let the door hit you on the way out: According to an article in the Seattle Times, Sen. Adam Kline, D-Seattle (state senate) who is sponsoring gun ban legislation in Washington State. Fortunately, Sen. Pam Roach, R-Auburn is fighting Kline's gun ban legislation and seems to be winning.
Some notable quotes from the article:

• "We're trying to protect the police, we're trying to protect the youth and this is one step to prevent gun violence," [Ralph] Fascitelli said. I'm sure *this* law will protect these people considering the existing laws weren't able to.
• Owners of weapons affected by the bill would be able to keep them if they allow the local sheriff's department to inspect and make sure they are stored "safely and securely." The weapons can still be used at firing ranges.nothing like giving up your rights against illegal search without a warrant. How will law enforcement be able to tell the difference from "legal" banned guns and the "illegal" banned guns? I guess they will just need to keep a list of names and serial numbers...

 Why is it that fools focus on the equipment used in the crime instead of the criminal? If that's the case then these cases are going to lead to a "butter knife ban":

• http://www.kptv.com/news/15874196/detail.html
• http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2009-08-04/news/shooting_1_butter-knife-depression-man-friends
• Of course it's nice to see the schools are taking action against these dangerous weapons: http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=54832
• I hear using a butter knife in the commission of a crime is pretty serious too: http://www3.signonsandiego.com/news/2009/jun/29/us-odd-butter-kniferobbery-062909/

If you think this is nuts...just take a look at what's happening in Great Britain.

Rights vs. Privileges

We accept the idea that we need permits without even thinking about it. To drive a car, you need a license. To have a business, you need a business license. To carry a firearm you need a permit. The list goes on and on. On one hand, it seems to make sense that a permit or some kind of license should be required for certain things. After all, if your going to drive a piece of heavy equipment around, you should demonstrate you know what your doing right? To drive a car, it seems reasonable to expect a person to demonstrate they know some commonly established rules of conduct to follow when driving a car. Of course, that's the idea behind the Concealed Carry Permit requirement most states impose on residence that want to have their emergency equipment ready and close by in the event they get caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. So why do some people get all fired up when it comes to the idea of requiring a permit to own or carry a firearm?
 
In my view it's reasonable to require someone to meet a certain standard in order to carry a firearm. Personally, I like the idea of most people having the right and capability to defend themselves as well as others (potentially) if and when things go bad. But I also think it's a good idea for those same people to demonstrate a reasonable level of competency when it comes to handling something that, if misused through ignorance or incompetence can maim or kill another (think car, gun, forklift, airplane, etc.).  On the same token, I think the standard of compliance, duration of certification, and general acceptance of the certification that someone has demonstrated the "right stuff" when it comes to a particular permit should be equal to other forms of accepted certification. That was a little confusing so let me clarify what I mean:

When I obtained my drivers' license, I had to demonstrate my knowledge of the traffic laws, rules of the road, and how to drive safely, Once in my life for sure. I took the driver's test when I turned 16 and got my license. Since then it's been a pretty much automatic renewal, with no re-testing of my knowledge, even though some traffic laws have changed. I am a safe driver as demonstrated by my record so it's reasonable to renew my license every 10 or so years (I think). Now no matter what state I travel to, my driver's license is accepted as proof that I know what I'm doing and can "legally" operate a vehicle in that state.

Now we get to Concealed Carry Permits. Why in the world are these treated the same way as a drivers' license? Somehow a gun is considered more dangerous than a car. Clearly the statistics show otherwise. It's true that car's are not designed to kill people, but in many cases they are the weapon of choice for some nut jobs who are hell bent on racking up a body count for some whacked out reason. Just imagine with me for a moment, if CCW's were treated like a drivers license is:


When I obtained my CCW, I  had to demonstrate my knowledge of the proper firearms handling, laws for when I can and cannot carry, and when it's legal to use my firearm for sport, hunting, practice and self defense, Once in my life for sure. I took the CCW test, had a federal background check to make sure I was a Good Guy (TM)  and got my license. Since then it's been a pretty much automatic renewal, with no re-testing of my knowledge, even though some traffic laws have changed. I am a safe firearms owner as demonstrated by my record so it's reasonable to renew my license every 10 or so years (I think). Now no matter what state I travel to, my CCW is accepted as proof that I know what I'm doing and can "legally" carry a gun in that state.


So what's different between a driver's license and a license to carry a firearm? Well...the constitution doesn't guarantee my right to drive, but it does guarantee my right to own a firearm. Maybe not carry it, but certainty to own it.

Now imagine for a moment if you had to have a permit to say something. Clearly the first amendment allows us "freedom of speech" and we don't need a permit to exercise that right...or do we? Clearly a threat spoken about certain people is considered a felony. Hate speech is against the law...but what is it exactly? Yelling "fire" in a movie theater is illegal..unless there's really a fire.

At what point will you need a permit to exercise other rights like "the right to remain silent" or "the right of protection against illegal search and seizure" or even "the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"?

Something to think about...

Looks like people are starting to recoginze the obvious...

Crime rates are falling. Politicians and Law enforcement (some of them) seem perplexed as to why. Of course many of us know why: Obama is leading the way to lower crime, murder and violence. How is that possible you ask? Well, as I said: it's obvious:

Since BHO was elected, firearms and ammunition sales are through the roof . Permit applications for concealed carry permits are swamping state workers who are scrambling to try and keep up with the wave of applications. People are afraid the administration will push for a new gun ban and tighter gun controls so the react like anyone would: they run out and buy the thing they think won't be available soon. In this case guns. Now I'm sure BHO, the Brady camp and other gun grabber groups (GGG's) are freaking out. Several bills have been introduced in the house and senate to expand and protect gun rights as well as apply more limits. Most have been hidden behind the health care debate, bail outs, and other "high profile" legislative activities.

All the while something interesting has happened and now people are starting to notice: crime rates are dropping. A recent article in the Washington Post spells it out: Increased gun ownership is directly resulting in a reduction in murder rates. At least there's a correlation here but as we know, correlation doesn't mean causation. In other words, it doesn't mean that the increase in polar bear populations is a direct result of a decrease in chia-pet sales. But when it comes to more guns = less crime, I have to think there's a pretty good chance there is a strong correlation. I see more and more stories in the daily new stories in the local paper with titles like: "Home owner defends his family against home invaders...". Clearly people who are equipped (and trained) to defend themselves are demonstrating that self defense works much better than relying on someone else (the police) to do it.

So, as much as it hurts to say, I must say "Thank you Mr. President: Your being in office has helped to reduce crime."

A simple trowel for the ultra light backpacker.

A while ago I was trying to find a replacement for my back packing trowel. My old orange plastic one had broken and I was into the ultra-light packing gear. I saw all kinds of titanium trowels and plans on how to make one. As i was reading some instructions on how to form a sheet of titanium around a pipe to shape a trowel, the idea flashed in my head: Why not just cut a piece of PVC pipe into the shape of a trowel. Thus the PVC pack trowel below was born. Simple, cheaper than the dirt it scoops, I made a couple of these pretty quickly with the bandsaw and some old 2in PVC pipe. I hand drew the shape on a piece of paper (1/2 the profile) folded it over to make the mirror image and then cut it out. Tape the paper to the pipe, outline it with a sharpie and cut out the shape on the saw. All in all it took about 15 min to make. Works great too.

PVC pack trowel

Local Politics goes national...

With the Scott Brown win in MA this last week, people are coming to the realization that they can help candidates who's platform/position they agree with get thier message out by donating over the web. While we can't vote someone in another state into office, we can help them get thier message out so the people in the state or district can make the final decision at the voting booth.

 

So now I'm looking at several candidates in other states & races that I'm throwing a few $s in order to help them get out thier messsage. Here are some candidates I'd suggest you look into. This is a mix of local and national level races. By my thinking, we need to get people who reflect our views and believes into every level of government, not just the federal level...

• Brian Miller (http://brianmillerforcongress.com/)
• Jay LaSuer (http://sheriffjay.org/)
• Carey Baker (http://www.careybaker.com/)
• Jesse Kelly (http://www.votejessekelly.com/)
• Terri Proud (http://vote4proud.com/)
• Marco Rubio (http://marcorubio.com/)

I hope you look inot these and find a reason to support them Like I did. Please also share candidates you find worthwhile with me. 

 

-Tom.

Shameless promotion of rental property....

Looking for a vacation rental in florida? Checkout our waterfront vacation home at http://www.vrbo.com/275356

 

To see more pictures go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/redfish_hunter/sets/72157623096931959/

Hey...It's my blog right?

The Nutnfancy USK

Watched nutnfancy's youtube videos (3 parts) on the urban survival kit. With the events in Haiti, Katrina a few years back, the 3 hurricanes that hit us here in Central Florida,Hurricane Andrew, and now the growing possibility of government-over-spending-driven economic collapse in the U.S., I took out the urban survival kit I put together a few years ago (after Hurricane Charlie) and decided to do some updates.

Nutnfancy (as usual) has done a great job in his videos and the USK series is no exception. I did a quick google search and found that "thegogetter222" posted the written BOM (bill of materials) from the video on the www.huntingpa.com wilderness/survival forum (http://www.huntingpa.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1565934 ). Thanks dude!
Here's the post (with some format fixes):

From Nutinfancy – Urban Survival Kit, Level 1, Level 2 first aid kits

http://www.youtube.com/user/nutnfancy#p/search/5/Q-f7PCGOI7A

Urban Survival Kit

CARRY CASES

• Small day pack (Kelty "Cadence") zipped organization pouches, Columbia® Toiletry Valet.

COMMS

• Survival crank or small transistor radio (AA variety like Sony Panasonic RF-P50, Sony ICF-S10MK2,Grundig Mini-300 are good options)
• 2-way AA cell-capable radios (Motorola #MR351R shown) with 550 cord lanyards
• Mini polycarbonate signal mirror (Gerber shown)
• Flare pen or gyro jet with extra flares (optional; also hand held compact signal flares)
• 2 loud whistles (options: Fox, WindStorm, NRS Storm Safety-brand whistles, 'Ray Gonia' dog training whistle)
• 2 fine tip black Sharpie® markers, Post Its®, index cards, waterproof paper (Write in the Rain)
• Fenix L1D and LD20 AA multi-mode flashlights with light cones (red, white)
• Fenix light headband, Streamlight Stylus Pro penlight, 8 (min) lithium AA and 4 (min) AAA batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium shown)

PROTECTIVE GEAR

• Heavy leather gloves (Petzl rapelling gloves shown, any high quality can work)
• 4 pair disposable Nitrile exam gloves
• Safety glasses/sun glasses
• Dust masks (2 min)
• Foam ear plugs (3 pair)
• Respirator if SAWC permits (AO Safety® model shown)
• Sunscreen & chapstick
• Disposable plastic poncho or rain suit
• Skull cap and/or sweat band
• Adventure Medical Kits Thermo-Lite 2 Bivy bags (1 small, 1 large)

TOOLS

• Leatherman Super Tool 300 (or equivalent)
• Pry bar (options: Stanley "Wonder Bar II," 10'/25cm "Claw Bar")
• Multi-bit drivers (like Stanley #68-107 Fiberglass Screwdriver)
• Gas shutoff wretch (not shown)
• Heavy wire
• Heavy duty aluminum foil
• Gorilla® brand duct tape
• 3M® electrical tape, mini hacksaw (like Stanley MiniHack #20-807 shown)
• Spring loaded punch
• 100 ft 550 nylon cord wrapped on tempered hardboard winder
• 25 ft heavy duty nylon cord (on exterior to case belay and lashing)
• Portable saw if SAWC permit
• Dedicated wire snips
• 1 small can WD-40
• Stanley Stanley #10-16 Utility knife with extra blades (or Gerber EAB model, reviewed)
• Dedicated mini-scissors (Gerber shown)
• Flint and steel (like "Light My Fire" brand shown)
• 2 packs Trioxane fuel bars
• Adjustable lighter, REI "Lifeboat" matches

SELF DEFENSE

• Large OC pepper spray container (as big as SAWC allow; UDAP® brand 8 oz bear spray excellent)
• Folding tactical/utility blade (Buck Vantage Select shown, many other great options reviewed)
• Kel-Tec P3-AT .380 auto pistol with extra mag, 50 rds minimum 90 gr Federal HydraShok® ammo
• Uncle Mikes Size 10 ankle holster & belt holster (Fobus also good), spare mag case ("RIPOFF" brand shown)
• mid-size survival knife (options: Ontario SP-17, CS SRK, KaBar Combat, Fallkniven A1, Randall RC-5,etc)

MEDICAL

• Level 1 Nutnfancy First Aid Kit (see review & list below)

WATER

• Katadyn Hiker water filter
• Nalgene folding Wide-Mouth Canteen 96 oz #2595-0096
• Coffee or paint screen pre-filters
• Collapsible backpacking bucket

FOOD

• As many energy/candy bars (solid chocolate store best) that SAWC allow
• 2 freeze-dried meals
• MSR "Pocket Rocket" stove
• Propane fuel cartridge
• Tin can/canteen cup/titanium cup with lid
• salt packets in plastic baggy

MISC

• Miniature playing cards
• Thermo compass
• Alcohol swabs
• Scott-brand blue shop towels
• Kleenex®
• Kirtland-brand Household anti-bacterial wipes in baggy

PRE-POSITION-ABELS

• Xootr scooter in travel bag (compact, fast, maneuverable escape vehicle, 5 times faster than walking)
• Rappelling gear (Blue Water brand 150' kern mantle rope preferred)
• US Army 120' surplus rope ok too; good for 9 or so story escape only though)
• Rescue 8
• Carabineers
• Rappelling seat
• Sport Parachute, strap adjusted

LEVEL 1 First Aid – Mobility - 5.5 ounces very slim profile - blood loss, disinfecting, minor pain, and bandage exchange

• Surgi-pads – soak up blood (Johnson & Johnson 5”x9”) (Maxi-Pads for level 2?? – too bulky for Level 1)
• Non Adhearing bandages
• Band Aid bandages – small, medium, large, pads
• (3) Gauze Pads
• Cotton Swabs
• Burn Gel w/ bandage
• Alcohol Pads or even Iodine Swabs
• Advil, Tylenol, Antacid, anti-diahrea in same small baggy – pills with the writing on them or describe on a label
• Neosporine

Space Permitting:

• sharp REI tweezers
• scalpel or razer blade (new)
• surgical gloves
• moleskin
• Gorilla-brand duct tape (unless carried elsewhere in system)
• superglue vials (for wound closure)
• ACE bandages??
• Salt and/or electrolyte drink mix (to revive dehydrated hikers)
• Transport tubes – Peroxide & Iodine
• Suturing kit
• Medical Tape
• Vaseline

LEVEL 2 First Aid - ROL (Rule of Law) situations to stabilize patients & transport to better care. Gun Shot Wound care

• 5x9 Kendall-brand Abdominal Pad (1),
• 4x4 in J&J-brand Topper Sponges (4),
• 4x4 in J&J Surgipad thick gauze pads (6),
• 4x4 in J&J All-Purpose sponges (gauze pads) (6),
• 3x3 in J&J (or other brand) Gauze Pads (8),
• 3x8 in Oil Emulsion adaptic dressing (4),
• 2x2 in J&J (or other brand) Gauze Pads (6),
• 2 Equate-brand tampons,
• Kendall-brand 4.5 in x 3 yd gauze roll,
• 10cmx12cm Tegaderm® transparent dressing (4),
• 6cmx7cm Tegaderm® transparent dressing (8),
• 1 roll Nexcare-brand microspore medical tape,
• ¼ inch 3M-brand Steri-Strip (4),
• 1/2 inch 3M-brand Steri-Strip (4),
• BandAid-brand (or Nexcare-brand) large bandaids (15),
• BandAid-brand (or Nexcare or 3M-brand) large elbow/knee adhesive bandages (5),
• 2x2 in non-adherent pads (Telfa-style) gauze pads (4),
• latex tourniquet,
• military compressed triangular OD bandage (1),
• Polymem® (pending addition),
• mini super glue tubes in baggie;

TOOLS

• Streamlight Stylus Pro penlight with AAA lithium batteries,
• Fiskars general purpose scissors, hemostat (1),
• Size 11 Scalpels (4),
• REI-brand sharp tweezers,
• LaCross-brand Tini-Tweeze tweezers (small, flat bladed),
• Benchmade-brand Rescue 5 cutting tool,
• 4x6 in Bagettes-brand plastic bags (2),
• 1 US Military Document Envelope (NSN 8105-00-334-4120),
• wooden cotton swabs (10),
• large sewing needle on index card material,
• single edge razor blade (1 maybe 2),
• Gorilla-brand duct tape wound on hotel key card,
• latex gloves (2 pair),
• folding magnifying glass,
• 35mm film container for eye washing;

DISINFECTING

• k1/2 oz mini bottle of Povidone-Iodine solution,
• 30ml BandAid-brand antiseptic wound rinse (others ok too),
• PDI-brand 10% Benzoin Tincture swabs in foil package (5),
• BD-brand Alcohol Swab (16),
• PDI-brand Povidone-Iodine prep pad (medium size, 10),
• Neosporin NeoToGo spray,
• Neosporin-brand antibiotic ointment (1 tube, 6 single use packets),
• 4 oz Swift-brand Eye wash,
• 4 oz Hydrogen Peroxide,
• 1.5 oz hand sanitizer gel;

COMFORT

• Chapstick,
• GoldBond-brand single use antiseptic wipe,
• itch relief cream,
• Benadryl-brand itch relief stick,
• ½ oz Clear Eyes-brand eye drops,
• 10ml transport tube of Burn Free or Medi-Burn relief gel,
• Adventure Medical Kits-brand compact Emergency Bivy sack,
• 6 in ACE bandage (1),
• 4 in ACE bandage (1),
• moleskin sheets (2);

PHARMACY:

• salt packets in baggie (6),
• Extra-Strength Tylenol (lots), Advil (lots), Loperamide (lots), Benadryl tabs (20), large antacid tablets (5), heavy duty pain killers (your choice, use with care), antibiotics (10 days worth);

MISC

• oral thermometer in case,
• cotton balls,
• CPR MicroShield,
• flexible finger splint,
• suturing kit (includes syringe and 1% Xylocaine local anesthetic, not shown),
• BlackHawk-brand medic roll;

NOT ENOUGH ROOM BUT NICE IF YOU CAN FIT

• Quick Clot, flexible splints, emergency dental kits

Now I'm a blogger...what next?

My first blog post! wow..feels strange. I suppose now I have to come up with clever things to write and share with the world (if anyone cares).

Mainly I started this as a way to document some things and share thoughts that randomly fall out of my head.