My thoughts on the Newtown tragedy

I have been relatively silent on the shooting in Newton, Connecticut.  I wanted to give myself 24 hours before putting my thoughts down here.  Let me start with the most important words.

My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to the town of Newtown and the Sandy Hook families.  I cannot imagine the horror and pain being felt throughout your community right now.  From the bottom of my heart, I express my deepest sorrow for your loss.

Now, as much anger as I have towards the individual responsible for this sick and cowardly attack, I am even angrier at the anti-gun zealots.  These degenerates couldn't even wait until parents had been informed their children had been murdered.  Minutes after this shooting occurred, these idiots were out there wiping their collective asses with the Second Amendment.  People, more gun control isn't the answer.  It's the problem.  

Imagine if you will, what Friday, December 14th would have been like if a couple Sandy Hook teachers had been armed.  I understand no one believes a tragedy like this could ever happen in their community,  but with 31 school shootings in America since 1999, it can.  The high school I went to had unarmed security during my years there.  Let's be realistic, unarmed security in a best-case scenario is a witness.  I'm sure you all know what the other scenario would be.  That high school now has walk-through metal detectors and police officers on site all day.  Now, for a smaller community, that may be a bit much.  Which brings me back to my original point.

What if school teachers were permitted to be armed?  If teachers with a legal permit and proper training were present in all school, school shootings would all but disappear.  These shootings occur because criminals know ahead of time no one in that building can shoot back.  (The same is true of most American malls, a place where other mass shootings seem to occur most often.)  This country must allow law abiding and handgun trained individuals to have their weapons in as many places as realistically possible.  I do understand in some places, such as airports and courthouses, it's not realistic and that's fine.  Those  places have armed personnel on site.  But a mall guard with pepper spray and a walkie-talkie isn't going to be a match against someone with a Glock.  However, a shopper with a Smith & Wesson most certainly will be,  The same is true of schools and universities.  We must have more good people with legal handguns and proper training to have them available at all times.  It is the only way to prevent future tragedies like Newton.

Now a few words about the gunman.

I am glad that bastard is dead and I hope Satan and his minions are developing a very special place for him in Hell.  It doesn't matter how unstable or psychotic a person is.  They know the difference between children and adults.  And if your intention is to commit suicide, why kill other people first?  Wake up in the morning and just get it done.  (However, I'd suggest a breakfast with some bacon.  The bacon may give you what you need to keep living.)  There is no punishment Satan can create which would be strong enough for this person.

And finally, I must acknowledge the actions of Victoria Soto, a 27 year-old teacher at Newton.  She gave her life to protect her students.  Miss Soto was approached by the shooter after she hid the children in closets and cabinets.  She told him they were in gym class and he shot her.  This kind of bravery, heroism and sacrifice is far beyond what any words can describe.  There is no greater love a person can have than to give their life for those they care about.

There are many lessons to be learned from this tragedy.  Limiting freedom and liberty does not make us safer.  Criminals and crazy people will always exist.  The best we can do is make sure the decent and good people can stand up to them.  Heroes come in all shapes and sizes and you just never know who they are and when they will be called for duty.

Again I offer my condolences to the Newtown community.  May all of your loved ones rest in peace.

Rainy night randomness

Raising taxes on the wealthy will not grow the economy.  It will not lower unemployment. And it sure as hell will not prevent the government from spending like drunken college kids at spring break.  It will only grant some false gratification to the bitter, jealous, whiny crybabies infesting this country.  John Fitzgerald Kennedy's approach to taxes is the only way to approach this: Cut everyone's taxes and the economy will get better. And when the economy is strong, the government collects more tax dollars.

The liberal hypocrisy rears its ugly head again in Michigan.  It seems the loony libs are only pro-choice when it comes to baby killing.  When it comes to joining a union, then you don't deserve a choice.

I hate the song "Little Drummer Boy" and it seems to be following me.  That song has played in the last three stores I have entered.

Italian dressing is a great marinade for both pork and chicken.

A lot of talent was born on my birthday, December 9.  There are two Olympic medalists, an Oscar winner (who is also a Golden Globe and Oliver winner), another Golden Globe winner, an Emmy winner, a Grammy winner and two NFL Hall of Famers with whom I share a birthday.  Additionally, there are also two Oscar nominees, a Grammy nominee and and Emmy nominee in the group.  Hopefully one day, I achieve something worthy of mentioning on that list.

Now, I am a former union member.  (SEIU1199P)  I hated my time in a union.  It pissed me off that just because of some stupid contract the most incompetent and lazy people in my department were not only able to keep their job, but received the same raise as me. ALL raises should be based upon job performance.  People who show up late twice a month with a hangover or can't follow a written recipe should not be allowed to remain employed.  I understand not all union employees are apathetic and lazy.  But what motivation is there to go above and beyond or become better  when you are guaranteed a raise just for showing up and doing the bare minimum?  The bottom line is unions have outlived their usefulness.

Everyone involved in this NHL labor dispute needs kicked in the ass.

Labyrinth is still great each time I watch it.

No NBA team should be called the Pelicans.  That's a name for a Division II school's team.

The best part about this time of year is all the peppermint flavored stuff you can buy.

Goodnight everyone.  And remember, if you cannot be a poet, be the poem.