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.

Happy Holidays, Now Pay For My Vacation!

During a time when the economy is still struggling, unemployment is still at an unacceptable level, workers are staging protests for better working conditions and restaurants are cutting hours because of Obama's so-called signature legislation, he and his family are planning a Hawaiian vacation which will cost an estimated $4 million. Really, Mr. President? You can't tone it down a bit? What is wrong with a quiet family vacation to Camp David? I can't even buy Christmas gifts this year and you and your family are going to leave taxpayers with a $4 million vacation tab. So much for caring about regular Americans. We all know where you truly stand now.

Happy Thanksgiving

Shall We All Be Cursed?

For behold, in those days and at that time,

When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem,

And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

And I will enter into judgment with them there

On account of My people, My heritage Israel,

Whom they have scattered among the nations;

They have also divided up My land. (Joel 3:1-2)

This is just one of the many Biblical passages dealing with the future of Israel and the fate of

those who stand against that great Nation.  The treatment of Israel by the mainstream media is 

not surprising to me.  Two of the most notable "journalists" (and I use that term very loosely 

here) to focus on blaming Israel and sympathizing with Hamas are Anderson Cooper and 

Rachel Maddow.  I had no doubt many in the mainstream media were closet anti-Semites, but 

for them to so brazenly utter it during coverage of the news and the reporting of death and 

devastation  is sickening.  And there is much the mainstream media isn't reporting.  Yeah, big 

surprise.  And other reporters are refusing to acknowledge Jerusalem as Israel's capital.  

History lesson: Israel established Jerusalem as its capital in 1950.  Get your facts straight 

and report accurately.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have taken the loss of civilian life seriously.   Through the use 

of text messaging and leaflets as well as using "roof knockers" (loud but non-lethal explosives), 

the IDF have tried to warn citizens of Gaza of potential missile attacks.  Hamas has done 

nothing to warn or prevent the loss of human life.  Even as a ceasefire was being discussed, a 

bomb went off in a bus in the middle of Israel's main business hub, Tel Aviv.  So, with which 

side do you truly wish to stand?  Those who stand against Israel shall be cursed.  It's time for 

America to stand up and openly and fearlessly stand with Israel.  It's not just the right thing to 

do, it's the only thing to do.

Uninspired lately...

I haven't had the inspiration to write lately and it bothers me.  I don't want to write about politics.  Frankly, I'm sick of politics.I do think every day about what to write.  I do want to write about music more often since it is one of the things I love.  Hopefully I will be able to move in that direction here soon.  I have all the ideas, it's just a matter of getting it from my mind to the computer screen.  I will get there, I promise you all that.  And when  it finally clicks, you won't be disappointed.  I will make up for the recent lack of activity here.  I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

Remember, remember...

Yes, remember, remember the NDAA.  Remember, remember all the horror stories of the TSA. Remember, remember the Patriot Act.  Remember, remember the near passing of SOPA.  And remember, remember We the People stopped SOPA.  

Happy Guy Fawkes Day.

And keep those two lines above V in mind when you vote on November 6. 

What is worse?

New employee menu -- part time job & no healthcare

ObamaCare mandates any business with 50 or more full time employees must offer basic healthcare to those employees.  (ObamaCare defines full time as 30 or more hours a week.)  This is not leaving a good taste in the mouths of the restaurant industry as many ownership groups and chains plan to slash full time jobs to part time and eliminate others altogether if the installation of ObamaCare proceeds as planned.  In other words, if Barack Obama is re-elected, restaurant employees will lose hours and jobs.

Darden is the world's largest casual dining company and owners of Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Longhorn, Smokey Bones and Bahama Breeze. They have already announced plans to trim as many full time jobs as possible to part time on a nationwide level to avoid qualifiying for the 50 full time employee mandate set by ObamaCare.  They are already doing test runs on this method in undisclosed areas to make any necessary adjustments before expanding.

Now, also consider 42% of Darden's employees are minorities.  So once again, the party which claims to champion minority rights and causes has once again caused more stress and hardship for these families and communities.

Denny's restaurant chain has an even high percentage of minority employees at 61%. 

Fast food chains will also trim their full time employees and operate primarily with part time staff.  McDonald's is leading the way and has already started this in many restaurants.  Peter Bensen, McDonald's Chief Financial Officer, believes ObamaCare could cost $10,000-$30,000 per franchise annually and reach approximately $400 million in annual costs.  For a fast food chain which heavily promotes its dollar menu and exrtra value menu, keeping costs down is a must and the cost cutting will be making sure individual franchises do not exceed 50 full time employees.

White Castle is another fast food chain which has announced plans similar to McDonad's and Quizno's and Burger King have discussed the option of slowing expansion because potential owners now believe it will no longer be as profitable or cost efficient to open a franchise. 

Papa John's has the most interesting approach as they claim it might be cheaper to simply pay the fine for not offering health insurance than to actually offer health insurance.  They would raise prices on all menu items 11-15 cents to cover the cost of paying these fines.  (All restaurants will use ObamaCare as an excuse to raise menu prices regardless if they qualify for the mandate or not, you can believe that.)

Some critics of the restaurant industry's tactic believe the lack of full time employees will hurt quality of service.  That is not true.  As as a former restaurant employee, I can assure you a staff made up of almost entirely part time employees will not change quality of service.  It just means there will be a more frequent rotation of employees throughout the day.

The potential changes for restaurant employees is just another negative result stemming from the government sticking its nose where it does not belong.  Within the restaurant industry, ObamaCare will only accomplish smaller paychecks for hard working people. 

This election is very important for those within the restaurant industry.  I will never be pompous enough to tell anyone how to vote, but I do ask all of you who work in the restaurant industry or have family who works in the industry to carefully evaluate who you plan to vote for on November 6 because your family's menu is at stake.

What Scares You?

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A Big WTF & STFU to CNN

So, I walked into the cafeteria today to get a soft pretzel and a sweet tea.  CNN was, as it always is, on the TV.  And after about 45 seconds, my brain wanted to oooze out of my ears.  I walked in on the most jackasinie coversatrion I have heard yet during this political season.  A panel of half-wit libertards were discussing...no, wait a sec, it's worth it...CELEBRITY PRESIDENTIAL ENDORSEMENTS!  Really?  No, I mean really?  The worst part about this was their combined IQs would still be lower than mine.  OK, be honest with me.  How many Americans really give a Snooki's ass about for whom Bruce Springsteen is voting?  He's been voting democrat for three decades, people!  Oh, Jayonce is supporting Obama?  *Shocked face.* Didn't see that coming.  Let me tell you this: Jay-Z wouldn't know an intelligent political thought if it was sucking his dick.  (And yes, I will be skipping the Super Bowl halftime show again!)  Do celebrity endorsements sway anyone's opinion?  Does George Clooney convince you to vote for Obama?  Does Kid Rock make you look more favorably at Romney/Ryan?  Do crybaby, washed-up 80s bands inspire you to fight the power and vote for Barack?  I mean seriously, who gives a shit about what celebrities are voting for which candidate?  Does Madonna whoring herself for Obama get you fired up?  (I sure as hell hope not!)  Did you dust off an old Jenna Jameson dvd after her endorsement of Romney? (I don't really want to know so keep it to yourself.)  I hate to break your egos Hollywood and music industries, but we don't care who you you vote for.  If you feel the need to make it public, wear a t-shirt. 

America Needs A Big Johnson

The best candidate for president in 2012 does not have a chance to win and that is shameful.  The filthy, corrupt, power-hungry two party system is providing a slow, torturous death to America.  Gary Johnson (who has been endorsed by Ron Paul) could change that.  But sadly, he'll never get the chance.  I know my little blog doesn't mean much to the nation, but I am officially endorsing Gary Johnson for President of the United States.  Here is a look at Johnson and where he stands on some of the most important issues.

Gary Johnson started his own business in 1976, Big J Enterprises, and built it from a one-man venture into one of New Meixco's largest construction companies.  When he announced his candidacy for governor in 1994, he used $500,000 of his own money to start his campaign.

Johnson won the election for governor in 1994 campaigning on regulation of govenmet spending and growth, tax cuts and job creation. During his first 6 months in office, Johnson vetoed 200 of 427 bills. (By the end of his second term the veto total was 742.) His first term did include a few stare downs with the democrat controlled legislator. The only tax cut he was able to get passed was a 6-cents per gallon decrease of the gasoline tax and battles over the state budget cuased near government shutdowns on multiple occasions.  However, by the end of his second term, Johnson had managed to cut taxes 14 times without a single increase.  And during his time as governor, New Mexico had the highest job growth in America.

Johnson won a second term over challenger Martin Chavez, 55%-45% in a state with a 40% Hispanic population.  (This means many Hispanics voted for Johnson in that election, just to make that clear.)  His second term consisted of a continuation of the practices from the first term but did bring some daring proposals.  Johnson became the first governor to propose a state-wide school voucher system and he also prosoped the opening of two privately operated prisons to eliminate millions of dollars from the state budget.  Neither plan passed.  But neither did the democrats request for $93 million in EXTRA funding for the public school system. 

Johnson's presidential platform includes a 43% cut to Medicare and Medicaid and converting both into block grants with control of the spending given to the states.  he also favors a 43% cut in the military budget with the biggest cuts coming in the form of closing most overseas bases, civilian personnel and the nuclear weapons program.  He would also bring the troops home from the Middle East and would not support any aggression towards Iran.  Johnson also supports a state bankruptcy law, removing any possibility of a federal bailout of fiscally irresponsible states.

Gary Johnson supports the decriminalization of marijuana, calling the war on drugs "an expensive bust".  Johnson was a user of medicinal marijuana after a paragliding accident left him near death.  He believes too much money is being wasted on trials and incarceration of marijuana offenders.

Gary Johnson is a strong supporter of gay marriage and a  Johnson presidency would see the proposal of a Constitutional amendment protecting ALL marriage rights. 

Among the legislation Johnson would repeal is the Patriot Act and the National Defense Authorization Act. Johnson would also repeal Obamacare believing the government in way can reduce costs while increasing access for the people.  Johnson would also repeal the perscription drug subsidies bill signed by George W. Bush.  He also believes it is up to the insurance companies to decide whether to cover the costs of birth control, not a government mandate.

He also would abolish the TSA and the Departments of Education (He believes the federal government has no business in education.) and Housing and Urban Development. 

When it comes to taxes, Johnson would establish a 23% national sales tax to replace the income tax and would eliminate the IRS.

Johnson has a limited pro-choice view on abortion. He believes a woman should have the right to an abortion up until fetal viability.  He also supports parental notification for minors and the non-use of public funds when it comes to abortion.

Eliminating the corporate income tax to enourage business growth and hiring and simplifying the tax code to prevent rewarding special interests and regulation behavior would also be on Johnson's agenda if elected president.

There would be no foreign aid provided unless to protect American interests.  Johnson believes America has enough building to be done here and should not be sending billions of dollars overseas.

Johnson believes the process through which immigrants obtain work visas should be simplified.  He wants to encourage legal immigration and also make certain the proper taxes are being paid.

On a lighter note, Gary Johnson is also an avid athlete who has been in several ironman competitions and has climbed four of the Seven Summits. 

This election day, if you are sick to your stomach with the two Big Evils, vote Gary Johnson for President.

Dear Neal Huntington

I've been a Pirates fan for 30 years.  So please pay attention to this.  These are the things I want accomplished before spring training begins.

Decline the option on Rod Barajas.  There is no debate on this. It must be done.

Sign Garrett "GI" Jones to a multi-year contract and announce he will be the every day right fielder.  His performance this year has earned him both of those things.  Give him what he deserves and give the Pirates a clean-up hitter for the next few seasons.

Re-sign Jason Grilli.  He earned a new deal just as Jones did.

DFA Charlie Morton.

Find a veteran left handed bat to come off the bench.  One of the Pirates biggest weaknesses was the lqack of a solid left-handed stick coming off the bench.  Jeff Clement is not the answer.

And now, for the big one.  Are you sitting down?  Trade Joel Hanrahan.  A closer of his talent and consistancy could bring you the two pieces lacking in this organization: a shortstop and a catcher.  Yes I like The Fort, but he is not suited to the the every day backstop.  And Clint Barmes may be a good defensive shortstop but he is a rally killer at the plate. One area where the Pirates do have depth is pitching.  The team's next closer is already on the 40-man roster.  You just have to decide who it's going to be.

Thanks, Neal.  I appreciate your time.  Can't wait to see them team agian in 2013.

Your change sucks.

Coming in November