2016 Five Days Old

2016 arrived in my home town just behind a record snow storm.  I did not really celebrate on New Year's Eve as my bride was out of town, so I did not imbibe in intoxicating beverages.  Fate must have had a hand in it because the next morning (while getting ready to leave town) I was summoned to work; therefore, it was a good thing that I had no hangover on New Year's Day.

I worked all day then came home and quickly loaded my car with the duffel bag and other things I would take with me.  I was headed for Central Texas to visit my folks and to meet my lovely bride on Saturday, when she returned with her sister from visiting our relatives on the Third Coast. 

On the five hour trip to my mother's abode, I had plenty of time to think - to ruminate about my life, the events of the newly departed year, and what was in store in 2016.  Along with all the things going on in my personal life, there are many things going on in the political world, the world news scene, the gun-grabbing, executive order-obsessed person holding the White House just now, the War On Terror (WOT, and so many other things that make great blogger fodder.

The political scene in this state (Texas) and this nation (the United States) is quite volatile.  The division in this nation at this point in time seems no less than that going on in the United States of 1860.  So many things are going wrong in this nation and around the world.  The WOT has been raging now for much longer than our "police action" in Viet Nam, with no end in sight.  Along with the endless war is the never-ending erosion of our rights and freedoms at home.  People across this nation are suspicious of our government and fearful of our law enforcement agencies.

On the other hand, so many things are going right as we head into a new year.  I am speaking of personal things and family things, mostly, but also of things going on in the nation and the world.  A new granddaughter in the family has brought many of us closer together.  The parents of the granddaughter are blessings in our lives as well.  We did not lose a daughter...we gained a son.  Those words are so true.  And we have spent more time with our son during the past year or so than at any other time since he left high school.  Our family was blessed with the new baby not so long after we said goodbye to my bride's mother and to my sweet grandmother.  Sad as we were, we were so happy to have the little girl.  I am certain that the granddaughter and so many other things will bless our lives even more as the year goes on.

As I blog this year I hope to focus on positive and good things more so than on the negative and the gloom.  There are so many things that concern me, so many things that threaten the freedom of this nation, but there are also so many things that bless us (all of us) and I hope to feature these things as well.  I will continue also to honor the heroes of law enforcement as I have done in this blog for over five years.  But one thing I would like to do differently is also to honor heroes of our nation who are not members of law enforcement.  I have seen so many times that heroes can be ordinary people as well as our brave public servants, and I will feature some of these in my blog.

A mistake (or an intention) of our United States government is to use the awesome power (legal and illegal) at its disposal to "protect" American citizens from "terrorists" as well as from the government's perception that we do not know what is best for us in our personal and collective lives.  I intend to continue to write about government over-reach and the unconstitutional acts of our leaders when I feel that such actions warrant a little "coverage."

Finally I hope to write about things that will be of interest, things that may be a little obscure, and things that are close to my heart...hopefully to yours as well.  I look forward to blogging through this year and on into the next, or for as long as the Good Shepherd allows me to do so.  And I would like to say before I am finished with this first blog of 2016 that I am so happy that so many of you take the time to read my feeble words.  I am more excited than I can say when I see that there are readers not only in Texas, not only in the United States, but also in so many nations around the world.  I know you could choose to read anything, but you chose to honor me by giving me a few minutes of your life by reading my blog.  Not every blog will be Pulitzer Prize worthy, but every blog will be straight from my heart and hopefully will be interesting, thought-provoking, or even controversial.  Thank you all for your readership and your support.  Happy and prosperous New Year to all of you.
 


 

Ms. Lynch Just As Dishonorable As Mr. Holder

I had truly come to believe that the Obama Administration COULD NOT get any worse, could not sink any lower, could not become any greater an enemy of the United States and the Constitution.  Guess what.  I was SO WRONG.  Obama Care, the continued sacrifice of soldiers in an endless War On Terror (WOT) that this President promised to end, the continuance of the USA PATRIOT Act, the constant war on the Middle Class, particularly the White Middle Class, the forcing of Islamic authority and values on this Christian nation, the ever-growing spying and information collection on US citizens, the ever-increasing abuse of Executive authority.  I honestly thought it could not GET ANY WORSE.  Well, I was wrong...enter Loretta Lynch, stage left.  Ms. Lynch is the latest Constitution-shredder appointed to the office of the Attorney General.  Did we think Eric Holder had no regard for the Law of This Land?  Ms. Lynch has the gall to say that she will prosecute anyone who utters hateful speech towards Muslims.  REALLY MS. LYNCH??!!!

ARE YOU SO IGNORANT, MS. LYNCH, THAT YOU REALLY BELIEVE YOU HAVE SUCH POWER?  DO YOU REALLY, IN YOUR MOST DELUSIONAL MIND, BELIEVE YOU HAVE THIS AUTHORITY??

Ms. Lynch, I reside in Midland, Texas, United States of AMERICA.   I am relatively easy to find.  Lots of people know me here, so your agents will not have any difficulty finding me at all. With one thirty second search of the Internet you can find me, Ms. Lynch.  Now, my dear lady, please pay close attention to the following:

I am opposed to the Syrian immigration program, because I believe you and the others in power in the Executive Branch intend to use this potentially humanitarian gesture to allow Islamic extremists into this nation.  I believe that more Muslims in this nation hold extremists beliefs than you will admit.  I believe that there are many Islamic extremists already in this nation, both lone agents and cells of terrorists.  I believe you, Ms. Lynch, join President Obama in his march to destroy this nation.  I believe you know that there are so many dangerous terrorists already in the nation and you, as a terrorist sympathizer, will do nothing about these people, while you will continue your predecessor's mission of injustice in the most racist Attorney General's office of all time.

I believe that Islamic terrorists intend to bring more and more trouble to this nation, with the blessings of the White House and of your office, Ms. Lynch.  I do not believe Islam is the "religion of peace," because if it were there would not be terrorists here and abroad killing people in the name of Islam. In the event of an act of terror perpetrated by one or more jihadists, I will use whatever means I have at my disposal to defend Americans and to stop the act of terror or capture the perpetrators, if that can be done.  I will use deadly force as I am allowed by state law in defending myself and others from Islamic acts of terror.  I have a right to free speech even if it is offensive to you, Ms. Lynch.  I have a right to be free from illegal search and seizure (read national spying).  I have a right to keep and bear arms, a well-regulated militia (body of free, armed citizens) being necessary to the security of a FREE STATE, this right shall not be infringed by the government.

That is all, Ms. Lynch.  If you think you can, please send someone to arrest me.  In the meantime, please know that you are an embarrassment to this nation even in the short time you have been in office.  Please do the honorable thing (if you have any honor left) and resign your office now.

And GOD (NOT allah) BLESS AMERICA
 

When Suddenly Nothing Else Matters

Before the Thanksgiving Dinner had even settled well in our bellies, Black Friday started - on THANKSGIVING DAY.  Although many of us did not partake in Black Friday, many others did.  It was SO IMPORTANT to get to the store, get in that line, and get that thing before everyone else did!  Oh my, what if they run out before I get MINE!!

Media hardly took any time out at all for Thanksgiving, nor did the fighting and atrocities around the world slow down very much.  Syria is being torn apart by insurgents and by world powers either supporting or opposing the insurgents.  Meanwhile, in many nations people are violently opposed to any Syrian immigration in light of the recent events in France, Lebanon, Israel, Germany, and who knows where else.

But for one couple in West Texas, suddenly nothing else mattered except that their little boy lay on a bed while doctors and nurses worked feverishly to save his life.  Minutes later, nothing else mattered as they were led in shock to a small family room.  Nothing else mattered as a grief stricken father comforted a grieving mother as best he could, knowing that their child was with them no more. 

Those parents would have given anything, paid any price, taken all their treasures back to the Black Friday brokers, whatever it took, to get their little boy back.  They looked at me, totally lost, not knowing what to do next, not knowing where to turn.  And hurting so much more than they had ever hurt before.  Nothing else mattered just then.

But something, one thing, does matter.  The Good Shepherd is holding their child in His arms tonight, and has been touching them with His gentle hands all day.  The Good Shepherd carried them when they were in despair and thought that they were walking alone.  In fact, the Good Shepherd held them up and gave them strength to hold and care for each other while grieving for their baby. 

By now family and friends have come to this couple's side, another thing that matters.  Loved ones and friends sharing in the sad and hard times as well as the good times.  Of course these parents and their family and friends are sad, but soon the Good Shepherd will begin His healing, using the sad to comfort the sad...and soon both are comforted. 

May God bless this couple.

Two Outrageous Things Our President Has Done This Week

The President of the United States has done two things in the past two days that are both outrageous, one even more than the other.

First, even after the events in Paris, even after the Boston Marathon bombing, after all the many other atrocities perpetrated by ISLAMIC terrorists (who are seeming less and less the minority of Muslims, by the way), he has called on US to take in Syrian refugees (although we have no way of knowing whether they are actually FROM Syria) even after we have seen what such refugees have done in Europe, where they were welcomed with open arms and lots of government aid.  But the President cannot, through the various alphabet soup agencies, check the backgrounds of the refugees and certainly cannot guarantee that not a single one of them is already a fully trained and seasoned terrorist.  But he wants us to take these people in.  Fine, Mr. President.  Why don't you be the example for the rest of us, and take in a bunch of them, Mr. Obama?

Second, and even more outrageous to me, was your asinine statement that Americans should be ashamed because we fear "widows and three year old orphans."  I am certain that this is the most insulting statement an American president has ever made to the American people.  And it is one of the stupidest.  But it is also one of the most revealing.  You see, it reveals THIS PRESIDENT'S true feelings (CONTEMPT) for the American people, INCLUDING THOSE WHO VOTED HIM INTO OFFICE, TWICE!  Mr. Obama and the First Lady have nothing but contempt for the American people, including even the Black Americans who supported him...except those Black Americans who also happen to be either virulently racist or Muslim.  Before you jump on me for the previous statement, remember if you will the fact that Obama had to leave his church congregation during the 2008 election season and distance himself from Reverend Wright.  AND, witness Obama's appointment of Muslims to advisory posts, his dumping of the National Day of Prayer, while instituting the celebration of Ramadan ceremonies...as done by NO OTHER president.

No Mr. Obama, we are not afraid of widows and three year old orphans.  In fact, we are not afraid of terrorists, just aware of the danger they pose.  But we, at least those of us with a little common sense left, are afraid of your treasonous attitude and actions.  We are afraid you will continue to use more unconstitutional power while you remain in office to do as much damage to America as you possibly can.  We are afraid that our worthless Congress will not finally gather itself and impeach, then remove, you from that highest office that you have desecrated.  Richard Nixon tarnished the office, but at least he did it for crooked and personal gain...with no ill will toward America.  You, Mr. Obama, are America's WORST ENEMY at the moment, and I fear you and the havoc you can still wreak over the next two years FAR WORSE THAN I FEAR ANY MISGUIDED TERRORIST.   Terrorists can only kill us....we have been fighting for America and freedom since the Revolution, and not all people in the United States are afraid to fight for this nation and our way of life.  But you, Mr. Obama, can truly send this nation into chaos, at least for awhile.  So, no I am not afraid of refugee women and orphans...just the fact that you are STILL president after six years of your treasonous actions.

But, after you are gone and someone much better than you repairs what you have destroyed, your memory, your "legacy," will be just as noticeable as when a person pulls his finger out of a cup of water.  The hole that is left in the water will be bigger than your "accomplishments" as President of the United States.  God help you, Sir.

And God Bless America 

 

End of Watch: Chief Darrell Allen, Marlin Police Department, Marlin, TX

Chief Darrell Allen of the Marlin Police Department was killed doing what a lot of other officers do in their spare time - working a private security assignment to supplement his regular income.  While officers understand that danger is just as close whether they are working their assignments or working an off-duty job, most of the time these off-duty jobs go rather uneventfully.  Yet a number of officers are killed or injured each year while working these assignments.

Chief Allen was working in the company of one of his patrol officers when he was shot.  The other officer and a Temple police officer subdued the suspect.  Chief Allen spent the next ten days fighting for his life in a Temple hospital.  Yesterday he lost that fight and is now part of that thin, blue line in Heaven.

Chief Allen, thank you for your service and your sacrifice.  May God comfort your family and your colleagues as they mourn your loss.

World War II Meets West Texas Hospital

Today while I was at an un-named hospital west of Abilene, I chanced to see a little old man barely making his way through the hospital cafeteria with the aid of a walking cane, which he leaned very heavily upon.  The gentleman was trying to balance a breakfast tray while using both hands to hang on to his cane.  A very thoughtful employee came to this man's aid, carrying his breakfast to the table for him.  The elderly man was very thankful and appreciative to the hospital employee for this little kindness.  As I walked by I noticed that the man was wearing a baseball cap which had the words "World War II Veteran" embroidered in gold letters.

At my own table, I set my food down then approached this gentleman, who was obviously in his nineties.  I asked him if he had served in World War II, and he said he did.  He described briefly his tour of duty overseas and then told me of his pride in his fellow soldiers, and in America, as everyone came together and defeated the true world threat, Adolph Hitler and the Nazi Army.  I listened to him, then told him I was proud of his generation and thankful for their service to America.  He shook my hand and I left him then to his breakfast.  But he was a joy to speak with, and he is one of the last of those great men and women.

One thing I expressed to this brave man was my own regret that I had never volunteered to serve in the armed forces, and I expressed to him my gratitude for what he had done.  But especially I told him that I truly believed that his was America's greatest generation.  I told him that, knowing myself, I did not believe I could have survived in the conditions he endured.  He just smiled and said he thought I and Americans of my generation would have stood strong just like his generation did.  As I left him to his breakfast, I thought to myself how blessed I was to have met him and talked with him.  Veterans of World War II are mostly gone now, but what great people they were.  We should be very proud of this man and others like him.

God Bless America

Jade Helm Over - What Next Conspiracy?

Consider the following verse from the Good Book, Isaiah 8:12-13
12 Do not call conspiracy

everything this people calls a conspiracy;

do not fear what they fear,

and do not dread it.

13The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy,

he is the one you are to fear,

he is the one you are to dread.

 

God, through Isaiah's mouth, has just taken the wind right out of my sail.  I mean, do not call everything a "conspiracy"?!  C'mon!  Many of us THRIVE on conspiracies!  Jade Helm kept me going for MONTHS!!  The "Government" was about to take over, martial law on the threshold, and football season was coming, to boot.  July 15th was the day it was supposed to start, and it did.  There were some minor troop movements around Big Spring, which is about forty miles east of my humble abode.  Over in Bastrop, the special forces did their thing, but over all it was pretty quiet.  If anything, the usual summer movement of National Guard troops and assets was less than usual. Down in Houston, way out west in El Paso, and at many other points across the state, troop maneuvers could be seen, but only barely. 

 

Soon it was August 15th.  I was STILL waiting for those dang Government troops to come and get me.  I had even made arrangements with one of my police friends (not joking!) that if I were to "disappear" he could have my trusty little AK-47 and ammunition for said weapon.  I can tell you that he, for one, was hoping that it was not just a "conspiracy theory."  My police friend had his eye on my little rifle.  And I was still reading the news, reading things on the Internet, and watching "uncensored" news on Youtube, and waiting for that knock at the door or that bang in the night, when "they" came to get me. 

 

Then, one Sunday in September, the preacher started his lesson with the above scripture.  I could not believe it.  I was familiar with some of Preacher Isaiah's words, but not particularly with Isaiah Chapter 8:12 and :13.  And I was dumbstruck.  There went the air right out of my sailboat.  My preacher said, "Do not even pay attention to those conspiracy theories.  People are always afraid of something, always predicting the end of the world."  Sure, people were doing that here in the good ol' US of A in 2015, but it turns out the "Children of Israel" were apparently doing the same thing several hundred years before the birth of our Savior.  Who would have thought?  Conspiracy theories and predictions of gloom and doom way back in the Ancient Days! 

 

You know what?  The answer was the same back then as it is now.  Don't call "conspiracy" what everyone else is calling conspiracy, and don't fear what others fear.  Those "others" are people who either don't have hope or who have let this world choke down their hope.  I think I am in the latter category.  I find that I enjoy a good conspiracy as much as the next guy.  And, on a more serious note, I am concerned, along with many other people, about the direction our country is taking, which in my opinion, is straight down hill like a "snowball headed for Hell" ala Merle Haggard.  Then along comes the preacher preaching Isaiah Chapter 8.  That preacher just flat took all the fun out of being a conspiracy theory fan.  But the preacher, and Isaiah, had another message.  Do not fear the things people who are OF this world fear.  And do not fret about conspiracies and other such ideas.  Instead, fear (respect and revere) God; otherwise, do not fear at all, as worldly men fear.

 

Rats.  As hard as it is going to be for me, I am going to have to let my conspiracy-believing, gloom and doom mongering, underground-news and video subscribing, pessimism-oriented personality fade away into the background and come back into the sunshine.  Yes, many things ARE going bad in this nation, but many things are going good, too.  Yes, the economy is in a mess, but it is not unsalvageable; neither is our nation lost...yet.  Maybe our nation will make a great awakening, a great turn-around, and we will see the best times we have ever seen.  OR...maybe the nation will continue its slide downward from a democratic republic to a fascist dictatorship.  I will do my part as a citizen to promote the continuance of this nation as a free republic, but, no matter what may happen, the thing to remember is that we should not fear "the Government," the "secret ruling elite," or any other man-made problem, but instead we should rely on God and trust in Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

 

So...the wind is gone from my conspiracy sailboat...but actually it is not so bad.  I can switch back to mundane worries, like "dang, I forgot to pay the bills on time again" and that sort of thing.  It is good, though, to know that we who may have been worried about conspiracies and takeovers and that sort of rot, are actually in good company.  Even the direct, by-blood, Children of Abraham had their conspiracy theories. and their fears that their nation was about to collapse.  

 

Jade Helm, the Operation, is over.  It appears that the United States survived this three-month ordeal.  Do I think that it is possible that the "Government" may someday swallow up this nation and declare martial law?  Could it be sooner than later?  Of course.  Anything is possible.  And, unfortunately, many of our leaders and the other world leaders as well, are power hungry and may well be trying to set up a mechanism to subjugate the United States and other nations into a "one-world" government.  But, will I continue to dread it, to fear it, to waste more time on trying to unravel these and other conspiracies?  No...I will not.  Life is too short.  Jade Helm is over.  What next conspiracy?  I think..none for me this time around.  Just trusting in the Good Shepherd, and living in fear (respect and reverence) of God should keep me busy enough (and content enough!) so that I have not enough time to worry about the next conspiracy.

 

God Bless America.