To cislunar, and beyond!

"Most other countries do not have the "scandal de jour" which we are experiencing. They are headed full speed ahead into the future. As should we be. Accept Donald Trump as a great businessman with no political acumen."

Meanwhile, back in realville. While the nation holds it's breath (satire), to see what the next revelation is about Donald Trump, the world is moving on. Big time. How so? Last week after the Golden Gophers took car of the Purdue Boilermakers, I started to think about the Big 10's most famous engineering school. Like, what are they up to these days. So I did some real heads down research. Well, not really. I just went on their website. The stuff you can learn these days, by just visiting web sites.

One of the initiatives at Purdue, is to establish a fifty (50) year blueprint how to cultivate, through discovery and research, cislunar space. If this is a new term for you - relax. It is for most people, including me. It is the region of space between the Earth and the Moon. If you have been reading the recent tech blogs, that is where most of the action will be in the 2020's. 

I will paraphrase this from Purdue's website on what they plan to focus on with this cislunar initiative:

• Better access to cislunar space for more frequent travel there.
• Establish a strong university-government-industry team to pursue cislunar exploration.
• Identify and utilize space resources and materials.
• Lead in the area of space policy, economics and space defense.
• Initiate K-12 educational programs and courses,...for the future leaders in cislunar development.

Whoa! What just went by? Did you see that? Purdue just laid out part of the future for the next generation and those who follow. Notice what I put in bold. Lots to unpack there. Space defense is going to be HUGE in the 2020 decade and beyond. Hello, US Space Force! Space economics - the same way. Plus the opportunity to train the young ones coming up with REAL skills for the future. Not ask how they feel, and which bathroom do they want to use. This is back to reality folks - big time!

One of the most crowded neighborhoods on Earth in the next decade will not be on Earth. It will be between the Earth and Moon. And on the Moon. Think this is nuts? It gets better. If anyone has seen the new science fiction movie Ad Astra, they have seen a space elevator. Guess what? It is more science than fiction. Both Japan and the US are working on ways to make this a viable way to get into low Earth orbit. Stay tuned on this one - this story has legs. Whoever comes up with a space elevator, using the right materials to make it safe and durable, will rule the cislunar world.

Most other countries do not have the "scandal de jour" which we are experiencing. They are headed full speed ahead into the future. As should we be. Accept Donald Trump as a great businessman with no political acumen. He is doing good work, although lousy at being a politician. That is okay with his base - we wanted that. Focus on the future. It is coming fast, and we need to be prepared for it. 


 

And at the end of the day...

"After the endless pounding they have inflicted on this President, most of which is undeserving, scars run very deep. How deep? If a socialist somehow wins the White House in 2020, our government could come to a screeching halt."

I am sure I am not the only one who has had this thought. It is a confusing thought for sure, with no easy resolution. I am wondering where this country is headed right now. At the end of the day, where will we be? Where will Nirvana be? Will there be a Nirvana? Or will there be a civil war? The world is a mess right now, with many souls worldwide looking to the US of A for guidance. For stability. Well guess what? It ain't here right now. We are a mess, just like the world is.

First off, one the things I have reconfirmed in some deep thinking is this - our current fall from harmony has very little to do with Donald Trump. Why do I say that? It really is simple. Donald Trump represents a large swath of people in this country, from a large swath of the land they dwell on. Take away Donald Trump via impeachment or early retirement, guess what? That large swath of people living on that large swath of land will still be here. Those people will find another torch bearer to represent them. After the Presidency of Donald Trump is over, the freedom loving people of this country will know exactly what type of leadership we need. Sorry Mitt. Sorry Jeb. Sorry establishment RINOs. It ain't you. We have seen what real leadership looks like.

I bring this up for a reason. The fracture in our country might be too big, too wide, to heal. The socialists have devolved into a mind set that sees this country as only zero sum. If I have something, and you do not - it is unfair. Proper governance and taxation will fix that inequity. These are people who love serving at the behest of the government. In government, they find their peace. Often times, their god. For sure, their master.

Patriots on the other hand, still believe on what the Founding Fathers knit into our Constitution. They believe in the rule of law. They believe in private property. The believe in a merciful and just God. They believe in freedom. And they believe in equal opportunity, not equal outcomes.

We tried eight years of Barack Obama. We tried the lead from behind, everyone gets a participation trophy. We tried to make America not the shining city on the hill, but just one of the global citizens. We tried it all, and the socialists and globalists in the world loved it. The UN loved it. The patriots hated it. If we had taken that stance in World War I or World War II, who knows what the world would look like right now. I just know it would not look like the one we have.

Donald Trump on the other hand, got elected for one reason only. He spoke for the men and woman in this country who had no voice under Obama. He spoke for freedom. For prosperity. For strength. And dare I say it? For making America great again. He spoke for the millions who did not want to surrender this country to the globalists. He gave us hope. After being sworn in, that hope transitioned into action, and our long slumbering economy started to roar.

We have now circled back to the end of the day. One day, Donald Trump will no longer be our President. What then? The patriots will not put up with another eight years of Obama, or worse. The socialists will not want another freedom loving capitalist running the country. So then, how do we knit this fabric? Become whole again? Or are we around the bend? Where there cannot be any healing. If so, then what?

One thing more the folks on the Left need to know. After the endless pounding they have inflicted on this President, most of which is undeserving, scars run very deep. How deep? If a socialist somehow wins the White House in 2020, our government could come to a screeching halt. Something to ponder as we go forth. It is not yet the end of the day, but we can see it from here.   

"Little de Blasio" of Minneapolis

"Cops are trained to be cops, and want to get into the community to protect and serve. City leaders on the other hands, want the cops to be more like "Bobbies". No guns, limited authority, minimal presence. And Little Jacob, has fallen right into that trap." 

Well - once again we (the City of Minneapolis) has arrived. In the national spotlight. Unlike the old days, when people knew of Minneapolis as a cold place with a warm heart, the home of Mary Tyler Moore and Lou Grant, it is now quite different. Who do we have to thank? The Democrats of course. The Democrats who have evolved into progressives, and then devolved into total socialists. And the people who are now running this joint? Don't get me started on the City Council. Plus - Minneapolis has its own version of Bill de Blasio. Only this Mayor, is about a foot shorter.

Can I just cut to the chase? Minneapolis has turned into a sewer. Fact. Crime is up, and the number of cops is coming down. Many on the City Council want to focus on "community relations" rather than good old policing. The cops hate that, and the criminals love it. Right now, it is a field day for roving gangs of youth to look for victims of opportunity to do a "beat down" on. Just the other day, two of our finest teenagers in this city, took a couple of "Nice Ride" bicycles, found a man in a wheelchair, beat him, and robbed him. Made national news (again).

But besides the fact few want to wander into this "belly of the beast" anymore, President Trump is honoring Minneapolis by letting it be his next Minnesota visit. How does the Boy Mayor, "Little de Blasio" welcome the President? He does not. He shows his east coast roots. How so? He put out an official memorandum telling the President he was about as welcome in Minneapolis as morning breath. 

Then to really add to this kerfuffle, Boy Mayor instructs the police union there will be NO cops allowed at the rally in uniform. What is really odd about this directive, is Minneapolis, a historic DFL (L as in Labor) town, has always had the cops supporting the Democrats. As such, they were ENCOURAGED to show up in uniform when a Democrat came calling. HOWEVER - as of late, when the Democrat Mayors seemed to eschew their own police (like de Blasio of New York), the cops have been supporting Republicans. And cops LOVE this President!

Minneapolis has now joined many other large Blue cities which has the most curious example of leadership. The cities police force is at variance with the vision of city leadership. Cops are trained to be cops, and want to get into the community to protect and serve. Period. City leaders on the other hand, want the cops to be more like "Bobbies". No guns, limited authority, minimal presence. And Little Jacob, has fallen right into that trap. 

One of Robert Heinlein's most famous books was "Stranger in a strange land". That is Minneapolis today. There was a time when I was younger, that to travel into Minneapolis was no big shakes. In fact, I drove through the Twin Cities twice a day to get to work and back. Today however, going into that city does make many patriots feel like a stranger in a very strange land. Unsafe. Unwelcome. Unnatural.

Nice job Jacob. You have failing schools in your city. Rising crime rates. Gangs. Drugs. Thugs. Pockets of insularity which leads to tribalism. Now you show how rude this city has become. "Minnesota Nice" has been replaced with "stay the hell out of here if you are conservative."

Well Jacob, we will abide by your wishes. Although we will come into your town en masse to welcome OUR President on October 10th. Why? Because we love and respect our President. Oh, and one more thing Jacob. We also love and respect your cops.   

Behind enemy lines

"Even Arne Carlson (a mega RINO), said for the Boy Mayor to snub the President was in the poorest of form. The Boy was suppose to man up, and act like an adult. But when you a young one, and a socialist, there is not much 'there, there'."

Once again, we have two views of the same issue in America. On October 10th, President Trump is coming to Minneapolis, Minnesota for a campaign visit. Normally, this is a big deal to have a sitting President visit your fair city. In the eyes of Donald Trump, visiting Minneapolis is just part of this great sprawling land called America, a land of which he is President. The socialists who live in Minneapolis however, don't see it that way. This is their turf. Only "like minded" weirdos are welcome here! Certainly not a Republican President nor his followers. The "Boy Mayor" has made that crystal clear - all are welcome here - except people like you.

Minneapolis is after all, the adopted city of the Somalian Ilhan Omar (or whatever her name is). She does not recognize Donald Trump as her President; most of the time she gives the impression she does not recognize the United States as her country. So, she has helped establish a "Little Mogadishu" in the heart of Cedar Riverside. Passing through that part of town, is like being on the Horn of Africa - not America.

None of that phases our President. He is still coming here, right in the belly of the beast, to address the Minnesota faithful. Why? He wants to turn Minnesota Red in 2020. He has had it with Omar and her "Squad". Enough of all this runaway socialism BS.

The anarchists are already planning their attack on October 10th. It could be a world class mess on that day. The Boy Mayor has already made it known he does not want ANY of his men and women in blue to attend the rally in uniform. Why not? That would give the wrong impression. It might look like cops support this law and order President. Well - they do. And if the cops are told to stand down a measure on October 10th, all hell could break out in the streets of Minneapolis. 

Even Arne Carlson (a mega RINO), said for the Boy Mayor to snub the President was in the poorest of form. The Boy was suppose to man up, and act like an adult. But when you are a  young one, barely old enough to shave, and a socialist, there is not much "there, there". That is okay Jacob. The people are watching. This is one of the reasons why normal people want NOTHING to do with your city. You have ruined it. And Thrive 2040 will take it from bad to worse. It will go from a city to a collective, with "group think" everywhere. In the Minneapolis of 2019, diversity of thought, diversity of politics, has gone the way of the Dodo Bird.

October 10th will come and go. Will this be the "Battle for Seattle", phase 2? Or will it be a nothing burger. Time will tell. I do know this however - the nation will be watching. Here is your chance Minneapolis to show your stuff. Are you a nest of vipers and Antifa nut balls? Or do you still have a modicum of "Minnesota Nice" left in you. Time will tell.  

Grifters galore...

"Trump is a threat to the swamp. To the grifters. Get rid of Trump, and the sleaze can continue. And why won't the media help expose it? Because they are part of it."   

What is the difference between a Democrat law maker and a two bit hustler? Answer = not much. One often wonders how in the world these "public servants", who were to go to Washington to conduct the people's business - can home out of Washington fabulously wealthy. How in the world can that happen? It happens because these people are shameless. And they are grifters. I thought the Clintons were bad, John Kerry and Joe Biden are equally as shameless.

A wee bit about Hunter Biden, Uncle Joe's kid. He is a piece of work. Growing up in a house of privilege, his daddy sent him to Ivy League schools to get his undergrad and JD. He gets married, has a few kids, and then divorces his wife. Why? He wants to play footsie with his dead brother's widow. Yes, I know it is hard to believe, but it is a fact. Meanwhile, he is in a drug haze most of the time. He is a officer in the United States Naval Reserve. He FAILS a drug test, and gets the boot! In all my years, I know of ZERO naval officers who failed a drug test. None of them were that STUPID!

So dad feels sorry for junior and takes him on some rides on Air Force Two. Call them "buss man's holidays" as Hunter was trying to do business in Ukraine and China. Joe, as Vice President at the time, was more than happy to shine some influence down on those deals. Then all of a sudden, this guy who is in a drug haze, becomes very wealthy in an energy deal in Ukraine, and a banking deal in China. Who is investigating that? Nobody. Everyone is too busy trying to manufacture ANOTHER fake news scandal against the President.

How about the two biggest grifters of them all? The Clintons. A real rags to riches story. Somehow, on the trail from Arkansas to post Washington, they amassed a fortune via the Clinton Foundation. This "front" was nothing more than a money laundering organization for the massive influence peddling both of these sleazy people practiced. Who is investigating that? Nobody. Everyone is too busy trying to manufacture ANOTHER fake news scandal against the President.

How about Ms. Nancy? Seen her checkbook balance as of late? She is a multi-millionaire. And so is Senator Di-Fi. They both say it is because they married "brilliant" men who could make lots of money. I cry BS at the top of my lungs. They are just two more grifters who influence peddle. And yet, the MSM could give a hoot. They are too busy working over the President.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is the swamp. Live and in color. Donald Trump came to Washington to drain the swamp, and the swamp has been fighting back ever since. Why? Trump is a threat to the swamp. To the grifters. Get rid of Trump, and the sleaze can continue. And why won't the media help expose it? Because they are part of it.   

Walz gets sucked in - again...

"Gas taxes are so yesterday. CAFE standards is something we should only discuss in a history book. What Walz should be concerned about now is standards on batteries. Like, how far can a EV go on a charge when it is twenty below."

Taxing Timmy. Hard to believe he was a school teacher. Even harder to believe he served in Congress. Why do I say that? He is not very bright. Has shown that time and time again. Showed it to us with his stupid 20 cent gas tax increase, which went nowhere. Now he wants Minnesota to join the lost state of California in pushing for stronger CAFE standards starting in 2025. Sounds good Timmy - only one minor problem. Electric vehicles (EV) don't use CAFE standards.

Let's look at Ford just for a second. This did not take a sleuth to figure this out. It has been on Ford's website for over a year. Ford is sinking 11 billion dollars into the biggest gamble of this historic company's life. Starting in 2021, Ford will be all in for EV and hybrid cars and trucks. 40 models, coming to the American (and global consumer). The CEO of Ford believers strongly the future is electric, so Ford is all in. How will the 20 cent gas tax work on these cars, Taxing Timmy? And how about your CAFE standards?

What about GM? Are they going electric? GM admits they got caught a bit "flat footed" out of the gate. That being said, they are in a hurry to catch up with Ford. They will start with the Cadillac. That will be their first EV car. Then by 2023, they will have 20 new EV cars to choose from. Will some of those be hybrid instead of total EV vehicles? Unknown at this time. Stay tuned however - GM does not like to be left in the dust.

How about Jeep? The Wrangler, which is their most popular model, is going EV in 2020. When you are out driving, take note of the number of Wranglers you see. They are very popular in the north country.

Here is the long and the short of it. If you love the idea this country is going EV crazy, or hate it, this is becoming our reality. Therefore our government, if it were run like a business, would be planning for the future, rather than living in the past.

Tim Walz is a relic of the past. He can't help himself. Be it education or transportation, he is lost in the maze. Gas taxes are so yesterday. CAFE standards is something which should only be discussed in a history book. What Walz should be concerned about now are the  standards on batteries. Like, how far can a EV go on a charge when it is twenty below outside. And how many charging stations will we need by 2020? By 2025? But that would be powerful thinking for this carpet bagger from Nebraska.  

Since it is still 2019, and I still have a V-8 truck in the garage, I will do some driving around today. Why? Because I can. This is after all, still America.   

Next up? Nothing...

"Some wonder if we have now become ungovernable. I don't blame them. I wonder that also. But I do know this - if we are ungovernable, it is because the socialists who practice Alinsky type tactics to bring this country down."

Yesterday, my bride and I took a short trip up to the North Shore. Even though the leaves were not as "turned" as we would have liked, it was a lovely day for a drive. We listened to some news going up, we listened to some news coming home. By the time the wheels pulled into the driveway, I had just about had it. Enough already, with this impeachment BS!

This morning, I had recovered enough to turn on the news to see if the world had blown up last night. Nope, but the impeachment talk was still front and center. Just as I was about to turn the TV off, some pundit was interviewed about the path forward. His words, "Nothing will get done in Congress. Impeachment will be item one, item two, item everything." Then I started to think - what happened to the GFY 2020 budget? That is not done yet. Will the government shut down? What about the USMCA (US, Mexico, Canada) trade agreement? That needs to be ratified. There is no more NAFTA. Now what?

How about fixing our broken heath care system? Most Democrats ran on that pledge. Just this morning, I read a story that the first health premium costing $20,000 a year is on the horizon. So much for ObamaCare. What about the simmering war in the Middle East with Iran and the Saudi's? This could explode at any minute. Will Congress will do anything to authorize any US support of the Saudi's? How about the trade war with China? That still has most of the world on edge. Will Congress support the President in staking our position? Will this impeachment BS just play into China's hands?

Then there is the southern border. How are we doing with fixing our immigration system? Fixing our "sanctuary cities"? Fixing "catch and release". How about the President's offer to discuss deeper background checks with Congress? All of a sudden, Congress has no interest in guns. So then - what does Congress have an interest in? The same thing it has had since Inauguration Day. Their seething hatred of Donald Trump needs an outlet. And that outlet is to get rid of this man who beat Hillary. Any way possible, just get rid of him.

All the Democrats are doing right now, is painting their own future. They really are. Whatever they are doing to this President, will be done to the next Democrat (or socialist) President - in spades. We let so many things slide under Obama. Never again. Oh, if we could live those 8 long years over again.

If somehow, the Left were to land a lucky punch and did get Donald Trump to leave office, there is not one beating heart that I know who thinks President Pence would get left alone. None. No way Jose' - the Loons will be all over Pence like white on rice. And when they do that, it will just dig the hole deeper for the Democrats.

Some wonder if we have now become ungovernable. I don't blame them. I wonder that also. But I do know this - if we are ungovernable, it is because the socialists who practice Alinsky type tactics to bring this country down. Shame on all of them! If I could deport them to Diego Garcia, I would in a heart beat!







    

Shot with their own gun...

"This fall will be the most interesting season. Fires, football, cool nights, and high drama in Washington. What the Bidens did in the Ukraine and China was only a bit of the swamp." 

Question? What is one thing both the socialists and conservatives have in common? Both were hoping that Nancy Pelosi would get round heels, and start the impeachment process against the President. However, that is where the similarity ends. Beyond that, the socialists wanted it as they thought it would be the end of Donald Trump. The conservatives on the other hand, thought it would be the end of the Democrat Party - for a long time.

The sleazy Al Green has been begging for impeachment to begin before Donald Trump's hand came off the Bible. Soon he was joined by the Squad, and then a host of other socialists. But Ms. Nancy stood strong. That voice in her head kept yelling, "No! It's a trap!" So impeachment stayed off the table for a long time. Knowing the President committed no impeachable offenses, mattered not to the chattering class. Their seething hatred of this man who beats them at every turn, was too much. Yesterday, in the middle of another "nothing burger" scandal, Ms. Nancy finally pulled the trigger. She should have kept listening to that voice in her head.

What next? If I were Hunter and/or Joe Biden, I might want to get lawyered up. Trump may have not done impeachable things, but the Bidens did. Okay - they can't be impeached as they don't hold public office. But it is a slam dunk fact neither of them ever will again. Might even be some fines and disbarment in the offing. 

Once again, Donald Trump is playing chess while the socialists and media play checkers. This was the biggest gift that Donald Trump could have ever expected to receive this far from Christmas. Now it is true, he is upset because of what harm this could do to the country. But he would not shed a tear if if the path became littered (politically) with the bodies of Democrats. And the beauty is this - Donald Trump did not have to do a thing. Nada. It was all socialists. They literally shot themselves with their own gun. Boo hoo. 

Meanwhile, many Trump watchers think the President gave the best speech of his presidency yesterday at the UN. I have to agree. I watched and listened to every word. And then cam Ms. Nancy's presser.

This fall will be the most interesting season. Fires, football, cool nights, and high drama in Washington. What the Bidens did in the Ukraine and China was only a bit of the swamp. Before his first term is up, Donald Trump will have exposed much more of that messy goo which sits on the Potomac. Stay tuned.   

Immigration and Climate Shaming

"Stop shaming everyone, and just go live. We live in the best country during the best time in history. Enjoy it. Be grateful for it. As the song goes, 'It is a wonderful world.'"   

First question - what does immigration and climate change have in common? Answer: Should be nothing. But here is what they do have in common. Lecturing and shaming. I don't think I have been lectured and shamed as much as I have been by both advocates for immigration justice and climate justice - ever. In fact, I don't think (even as a youth), I have been lectured this much. I have been lectured more about immigration and climate, than I have about reparations (and that is a bunch). All in all, I have now determined I am just a bad person with a bad past. 

Yesterday, some little teen from Sweden got up in front of the UN and told them I (along with many others), have not only stolen her childhood, but also her future. Like, what the heck did I do? I recycle, mulch, use cloth bags when shopping, and don't drive very much. I have energy efficient everything in my house. And yet - I am a villain. All because of some George Soros funded hoax. So I am shamed.

Immigration. It is because of people like me, who for some reason, believe in the rule of law, that we have "children ripped from their mother's arms" down at the southern border. I am shamed as I do not advocate free healthcare for all illegals who come here. Giving them better benefits than what we give our veterans. I am shamed, as I don't believe in open borders. For some goofy reason, I believe we will lose the country if we open our borders. But never the less, for every immigrant who drowns in the Rio Grande, or dies of thirst after getting lost in the Arizona or Texas desert, is my fault. I have their blood on my hands.

Back to sweet little Greta just for a minute. That Emmy award winning speech she gave at the UN will now be played from here until the 2020 elections by the Left. Most, if not all, of the remaining candidates for President on the Blue Team are saying the same thing now - "Climate change is an existential threat." Okay - I will bite. What then are we suppose to do about it? Live like we did in the 1800's? Ground all airplanes and beach all ships? Ditch our cars? Stop using natural gas in the wintertime and freeze? Or just shame the sun for also being responsible for weather and climate.

Meanwhile as most of this silliness continues, the world marches on. Medical research continues. Newer and better electronics are being developed. Space is about to be explored by a host of nations. Whether we like it or not, we are going head first into the 2020 decade. This is the decade which will change just about everything, for everyone. And no - the world is not going to end in 2031 like the "greenies" have told us. Many futurists believe that the 2030's will be even more wondrous than the 2020's will be.

So - go ahead and shame me for stuff I either did not do, nor stuff I cannot control. I no longer care. I have been shamed into apathy. I am focused on the future - not the past. Heck, 50 years ago I was told I would be frozen stiff by today due to another ice age. Never happened.

But in those 50 years, I served my country, did a career or two, got married, had kids, traveled, built our house, became a grandparent, and so forth. In other words, I did not cocoon like a snowflake, and blame everyone older than me for the impending ice age. I just lived my life.

Greta - I suggest you do the same. Go live your life. You will be fine. ICE protesters up in Elk River - ditto. Get back to your lives. Stop blaming and shaming everyone, and just go live. We live in the best country during the best time in history. Enjoy it. Be grateful for it. As the song goes, "It is a wonderful world."   

2024 - forty years after "1984"

"Now, with the Democrats selling out to the socialists, the choice in the next election is America, or post America. Yes, the choice could be that stark."

Good morning. I am talking to you from the future. It is now 2024, and we are coming up on the four year mark since the election of President Warren and Vice President Yang. It is also forty years after the mythical year of "1984", made famous by George Orwell. Only that was fiction, and what we are living today is the cold slap of reality.

The ticket which came out of the DNC convention in 2020 was an implausible one at best. A true socialist with a wacked out, self employed millionaire. Nobody thought this ticket had a chance against Donald Trump in his bid for re-election. But the powers that be which were still working in the dark state, left some traps before the 2020 election. Especially with voter ID. Some 9th Circuit judge was convinced to order a stay on all voter ID until after the 2020 election (they alleged voter suppression). This left the door open for all kinds of voter irregularities, will allowed a razor thin victory for the Democrats. 

Since the swearing in of the Warren/Yang ticket in January of 2021, things progressed quickly. In the first month, everything good Donald Trump did during his four years started to become unraveled. All business killing regulations were reinstated. Capital gains were taxed at 70%, which dried up new investment. The stock market tanked. Citizens and banks were told to start sharing their wealth, or it would be taxed, via a wealth tax. The larger banks would were also told they would be broken up.

The armed forces were cut in half. All new weapon systems cancelled.  Thanks to Vice President Yang, meat was given a 400% surtax which all but killed that part of the agriculture industry. Fossil fuels were made public enemy # 1, so brown outs and black outs became as common as thunderstorms in July. In addition, no new nuclear plants would authorized - ever again. 

Firearms were now all but illegal. Hard to find, expensive to buy, heavily regulated. All bullets had a 400% surtax put on them. "In God we trust" was ordered to be taken off all currency. An executive order was signed, making America a "secular" country. As such the country no longer had a moral compass. Abortions were now as common as going to a movie, and the distinction between abortion and infanticide, was all but erased. Due to the new "Medicare for All" health program, older folks could be put to death when they reached the age 75. It was after all, for the good of the collective. 

Okay - I am not coming to you from the future. It is still September of 2019, and Donald Trump is still our President. America remains a constitutional republic. Just about everything I listed above has been talked about by either Democrat presidential candidates, or others on the Left. This Orwellian world I painted of 2024, COULD COME TRUE. Yes, our country could change that much, with a socialist as President, along with a socialist friendly Congress. America as we know it, would be OVER. 

Some friends I have known for a long time, ask me why I am so adamant on politics these days. Why I care. Simply put, it is because I, as well as people like me, have taken the "red pill". Our eyes have been opened. We know that we could lose this county, our liberty, our freedoms in just one election. Our Founders warned us. We almost lost the country in 2016. Yes, it was that close.

At one time, the choice between having Republicans run the country, or Democrats run the country, was like choosing between vanilla and French vanilla ice cream. Now, with the Democrats selling out to the socialists, the choice in the next election is America, or post America. Yes, the choice could be that stark.

I am reminded of the quote from John Adams - "Remember, democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet that did not commit suicide." Ladies and gentlemen, in 2020, we have the chance to commit suicide as a nation. For the sake of our children, grand-children and beyond, we cannot let that happen.

The strike - the day after

"And for the kids? Best lesson of all. Being at the capital carry profane signs is MUCH more fun that being in school."

I know it is hard to believe, but yesterday, about four million heads full of mush youngins, walked out of class. They made some signs (some very profane) and then drove in carbon emitting cars to a gathering place to protest. Protest what? That they are getting three hots and a cot, unlike many people in the world today? No - this is much more important. They are protesting fossil fuels, and what those instruments of destruction are doing to Gaia (Mother Earth). Seriously.

This would have been funny, if it had not been so sad. This day told us so much about our youth today. Gullible, under-educated, and easy enough to follow a 16 year old Pied Piper. Now before I get jumped on by my climate change adult friends, let me say this. Do I think we are going through a warming period right now? Yes, I do. Do I think it has happened before in the history of this planet? Yes, I do. Do I think it is totally the fault of man-kind? Not even close. 

That being said, what do we do. One of my favorite signs from yesterday read, "The climate is changing, why aren't we?" If schools taught facts these days instead of fantasy, these youngins would know that we are changing. Every year, we are putting less carbon in the atmosphere. Can't say the same for the Chinese and Indians however. That being said, even Xi of China wants his country to become "greener".

One misguided youth carried a sign which read, "**Eff** Fossil Fuels!" Okay. Let's grant her that wish. Since she lives in Minnesota, how is she going to stay warm this winter? What is she going to use for electricity (hint - wind and solar will not cut it). How is she going to get home from the strike if she came from the 'burbs? If her Education Minnesota teachers taught facts, she would know fossil fuels are in their final days. Slowly being replaced. In fact, most new cars coming out in the early 2020 decade will be either EV or hybrid. That is a fact.

Again, what were the lessons learned yesterday? For most parents, for taxpayers, they saw once again Exhibit "A", on what a crappy job our government schools are doing today in educating our youth. Indoctrination? Excellent! Education? Nada. For many teachers, there was a sense of pride to see what they have been telling these kids is paying off. Don't ask me why. And for the kids? Best lesson of all. Being on strike, and carrying profane signs, is MUCH more fun that being in school.

Message for Greta. Go home. Now. You have done enough damage. If you want me to respect you, get in your row boat and head to China. Get up in front of the powers that be in Communist China and chide them on climate change. Then you will have a chance to see what a re-education camp looks like from the inside. After hearing your babble, President Xi and his ruling elite, will think you are ripe and ready for re-education.  

Bigger, badder, leaner...

"Whatever motto which is used, I will say this. In the 243 years this nation has had the Navy, the men and women who serve or served in it, and on it, are the finest in the world."

Time for some Navy talk. Like, how is our Navy doing right now? Compared to the Obama years, quite well - even though many ships under construction, or just constructed were authorized and/or started under Obama. That being said, this nation has a fleet right now which can kick butt and take names on most of the world's bad guys. And the newest of the bad, maybe the baddest of the bad, is the USS Gerald Ford, CVN-78.

Before I go any further, let me first apologize to the socialists and statists. Most have no time for our military, and feel the money we spend to stay safe and secure can be spent better elsewhere - like giving free heath insurance to illegals. But the patriots and citizens of this country are VERY happy, and VERY proud of our military. Also, the smart folks who come up with the best of the best equipment and weaponry, for our sailors to use. 

So what is the big deal about the Ford class carriers? After all, we have had carriers for years. True - but like anything else, when you start a new class of anything after a few decades, there are a heck of a lot of improvements. The Ford, which is now commissioned and at sea, is only the first of a class of five, with the last one being commissioned in 2034. The Ford class carriers have so many technical improvements baked in (including the first Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System), it can get by with a much smaller crew than the Nimitz class carriers it will be replacing.

The Ford class will have better nukes powering these behemoth ships. For the first time, there will be enough room on board for better living conditions, as well as a small hospital, including operating room. The new AN/SPY-3 and AN/SPY-4 radars and sensors are going to be state of the art, giving the carrier "long eyes" for any threat. A possible upgrade for the Kennedy (carrier number two, which is under construction) will be a ship board laser. That will change just about everything.

There is nothing which projects American power anywhere in the world better than a carrier task force. Not only are our carriers getting bigger and badder - so are the rest of the ships in the task force. Our AEGIS weapon system, tied into the Vertical Launching System (VLS), can do things now once thought impossible. And every year, that technology just gets better and better. 

We really needed this upgrade. While we were sleeping during the Obama Administration, China went crazy upgrading their Navy. They now have a Blue Water Navy which needs to be countered. Otherwise, we can kiss the South China Sea and Indian Ocean goodbye. They will be nothing but huge Chinese lakes (so to speak). We also still need to rope in the North Koreans, Iranians, as well as our good friends at the Kremlin.

I know, I know. I get all wide eyed and excited when I talk about the Navy. As a retired sailor, and someone who worked with the Navy as a contractor, I love what our Navy does. I love what our sailors do, day after day, after day. One motto the Navy uses is Semper Fortis - "always courageous". A more recent recruiting motto is "forged by the sea".

Whatever motto which is used, I will say this. In the 243 years this nation has had the Navy, the men and women who serve or served in it, and on it, are the finest in the world. We continue to have the best of everything in the Navy, especially the people who call themselves United States sailors.    

The rise of "They"...

"THIS IS NOT THE NORM WE HAD IN 1967! Not even close! But it seems to becoming the norm now. And for that way of thinking, our kids will bear the burden." 

Ooooo....spooky. "They" - sounds like a Halloween movie about to be released next month. But it is not. Nope - it is just another nail in the coffin of our society gone nuts. For those who have not heard as yet, the M/W dictionary has introduced "They" with a new meaning. Where the conventional definition has been they to mean plural - no longer just that. "They" also now refers to gender fluid people who really can't make up their minds which gender they are. So, instead of insulting them by referring to that person as a "he" or "she", that person can now be referred to as "They". Scottie - beam me up!

For the sake of this article, I had to walk on the wild side and try to determine exactly how many genders there are right now. It was close to being an impossible task. One source said 51; another source said 63; and another source said 71. I suppose if I had kept digging, I might have found 100 or so. 

Here is just a small portion of one list I found:

• Agender
• Androgyne
• Androgynous
• Bigender
• Cisgender

All I could think of was the Target Stores, trying to install enough bathrooms to handle all of these variations of a theme.

Not too many years ago, my wife and I did some work with the homeless youth in our country. When we were going through training, I was floored to hear the percentage of today's youth who have some sort of mental illness. It is not a small percent - it is huge. Is there any wonder why kids are so mixed up today? Look at what they are being taught. When I went through sex ed in the 9th grade, it was simple. The shop teacher told us, penis = boy, no penis = girl. Boys, keep you penis in your pants unless you have to urinate. Otherwise, you will get in a whole lot of trouble. That worked for the most part. Today however, teaching sex ed is a mess. Plus, considering the number of teen pregnancies, it is not working very well at all.

Mental illness, teen suicide, and drug overdosing has become almost like an epidemic in some areas of the country. For example, according to the Journal of Abnormal Psychology, between 2009 and 2017, the increase in depression in kids 14 to 17 went up more than 60%. The same study found that during that period, more than 1 in 8 American youth, ages 12 to 21, had at least one major depressive episode. 

Parents - be aware of what is being taught to your kids in government schools. Be aware at what age sex is first discussed. And how it is discussed. Watch for how all this nonsense is affecting your kid's mental state. It is not just the schools which are causing this gender confusion in our youth, but when they teach it, it becomes like an endorsement to young, hungry minds. Soon, some boys get so confused, when they look down at their penis, they wonder if they are a girl stuck with boy's equipment. 

I have said this many times. If we could get a time machine, and transport someone into this reality from the year 1967, that person would think he or she were on another planet. Why? THIS IS NOT THE NORM WE HAD IN 1967! Not even close! But it seems to becoming the norm now. And for that way of thinking, our kids will bear the burden. 

"High tax, high value state"

"I will finish simply by saying this. When stationed up in Maine in the early 70's, people got tired of me bragging about the Twin Cities all the time. I was very proud of where I came from. Now, I avoid at all costs telling people I even live close to them."

Most every Democrat will pontificate this catch phrase - "We live in a high tax, high value state." That is the way they deflect all criticism of the confiscatory taxes they impose on the citizens. The only problem is, many of the tax paying citizens don't see this "value". They just continue to pay the freight for those in this state who pay nothing. That being said, no matter how many taxes we are paying, according to the statists, it is NEVER enough. Never, ever enough.

What do we really get for those high taxes? What kind of value? Anyone seen the news lately? Being in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul after dark is risky behavior beyond all reason. You are nothing but prey. And to pull your cellphone out to check for messages, is tantamount to pulling a roll of twenties out of your pants pocket to flash around. Why? Our "high value" pays for broken fatherless homes in the metro area which produce young men of color who fall into the gang bang culture. And woe be unto anyone who comes across a pack of these predators when they are solo. Hint: Don't rely on the cops, because they will not help you.

Our "high value" state spends an arm and a leg of YOUR money to "educate" these criminals in the Minneapolis or St. Paul school districts. Just today, there was an article about a black teacher who won over 1/2 million dollar judgement against the St. Paul School District. Why? He was a teacher who was chided for disciplining students of color. So he criticized the district for this stupid policy of non-discipline. Let's get this straight. We have these young men, with no father figure at home, coming into schools where at one time you could get some guidance - and now, no more. It is just a free for all. There is your value.

Let us not forget our festering wound in the Department of Human Services. It is hemorrhaging cash due to  fraud and abuse. Our "high value" state has not only a national reputation, but also a global reputation for being world class patsies. "Come to Minnesota - we will pay you for doing NOTHING. We will allow you to rob our coffers. Because we are Minnesota nice and Minnesota stupid, we will allow it to continue." And yet, every time the question comes up about HELPING OUR SENIORS, it falls on deaf ears. "We just can't afford it." BULLS**T!

More and more people of common sense are telling the socialists who run this state to take their "high value" and shove it. They are leaving. We are watching the Twin Cites morph into a combination of "Little Mogadishu" and "Little Chicago" right before our eyes. The best part is, we are paying for it. We are funding it. In a few years, our once beloved Twin Cities will turn into a "no man's land" of toxic behavior and squalor. 

The old saying of "you get what you pay for" is self evident in the Twin Cities. We pay for garbage and we get garbage. Most folks I know only go into the Twin Cities for an emergency of some sort. Otherwise, they avoid it like the plague. Speaking of plague, they are expecting to start seeing some show up in the homeless camps in California. I suppose that is on our radar also.

Enough ranting for the day. I will finish simply by saying this. When stationed up in Maine in the early 70's, people got tired of me bragging about the Twin Cities all the time. I was very proud of where I came from. Now, I avoid at all costs telling people I even live close to them. I am sure I am not the only one who does so. 
   

Energy futures, anyone?

"Until the 'greenies' get the *blank* out of the way of building more nuke plants, shut the *blank* up about global warming. These brainwashed kids might want to take this country back to the stone age, but I sure don't!"

Here are some interesting stats from the World Nuclear Association, as energy pertains to these United States. In 2018, this nation produced 4178 TWh (billion kWh) of energy - a formidable amount. That amount was derived from natural gas (35%), coal (27%), nuclear (19%), hydro (6.6%), wind (1.6%) and solar and all others, the remaining percentage. What did these numbers tell me?

First off, the percentages have not changed too much in the past few years. Second, if we really want to be a prime time clean energy player, the 19% on solar needs to about double. And finally, to get to the Excel Energy's goal of 100% renewable by 2050 - there is no possible way that can happen. 

Here comes the punch to the solar plexus for the clean energy crowd. The World Nuclear Association also feels that coal will remain a large part of our energy mix until at least 2035. Hello? This is reality speaking. Without coal being a major player in our energy mix, we are not going to make it. Yet, what has been taught to our youngins, is that coal is public enemy number one. So much so, that many coal fired electrical plants have gone through the expensive conversion to natural gas. And now natural gas is also looked upon by the "greenies" as a energy villain. 

Here is the long and the short of it. We might have been able to come closer to the goal of 100% clean energy by 2050 IF we had not been so scared of nuclear fuel. That Three Mile Island scare really threw us off the tracks. After the energy embargo in the 1970's, we should have gone full speed ahead on building new nuke plants, as well as upgrading the older ones. If we had, our percentage of energy from nukes might now be 40%, instead of the present 19%. And wind? At less than 2%? That has a long, long way to go to be a major player.

I keep hearing and reading stories about our youth, and how afraid they are of man-made climate change. I would be too, if I got non-stop lies and falsehoods taught to me every day in school. With the truth taking a back seat, some of these kids are so scared (according one kid in the paper this morning), he can't even stand to think about it. Plus (here comes the real scary part) - all that fear is going to be channeled into votes for those who are 18 or older. We have the chance of voting ourselves right back into the dark ages.

Meanwhile, for the first time in forever, the United States is a net energy exporter. According to some reports, it is because of our current world wide strong energy presence, that oil futures did not go up like a Roman candle after the Saudi oil fields attack. The oil fields in North Dakota are going crazy right now, and next month could be crazier. Yes boys and girls - I am talking about the dreaded oil and natural gas. Two products which continue to make this country great. And that IS the truth.

Bottom line, what does our energy future look like? Good to very good. If we get off our collective butts, and authorize many more nuke plants, our future would look excellent. Wind will continue to be only a hobby. Solar does have a future, but not right now. For "clean" energy, our best choice continues to be solar. Until the "greenies" get the *blank* out of the way of building more nuke plants, shut the *blank* up about global warming. These brainwashed kids might want to take this country back to the stone age, but I sure don't!   

Not so much for hunting, but to right, AND a right!

"Note to Beto and the rest of the Democrats. We are on to you. We know your game. There are many hundreds of thousands of legal gun owners in these United States. We are sick to death of you trying to punish us."

Rumor has it that President Trump is going to send Beto a "thank you" card for this performance during the last debate. Why? Beto got transparent with the truth - and the truth is that Democrats DO want to take our guns away. They have been very sly and slimy in the past about what their intentions are. Actually, they lie. But leave it to Beto in a moment of weakness to spurt out that now famous line - "Damn right we are going to take your AR-15's and AK-47 away!" BTW - note the operative word in this statement - "we".

Much has been made of the AR-15. Mostly false. First, as most of us know (but not the knuckleheads on the Left), AR DOES NOT STAND for "assault rifle". It stand for ArmaLite, which was the original manufacturer of the rifle. It has been around since the late 1950's, and was made for the military. After a while, the patent was sold to Colt, but the "AR" stuck as a model designation. Today, it is sold to enthusiasts for sport and yes, some use it for hunting. 

So the question begs to be asked, why in the world would anyone want to spend a thousand dollars or so, to buy a gun which has been around for decades? What is the big deal? The "big deal" is this. We can buy a semi-automatic like the AR-15, or even an AK-47 for many reasons, but one stands out more than the others. It is our right to do so. It is NOT our right to misuse one by committing mass murder. But it sure the (I will use Beto language) hell is our right to own one.

But here once again, is the nut of the nut. The heart of the matter. The one thing many on the Left have heard over and over, and refuse to believe. The Founders wanted the citizens to have the right to own firearms, so if the government became wrong, the citizens could make it right. I know that sounds very nefarious. And most Founders tried to emphasize this would be a last resort event. But the Founders wanted to ensure before the nation fell into tyranny, the citizens had the tools needed to "right" that wrong. 

Every serious gun owner I know TOTALLY understands this. We can use our weapons for sport, for hunting, for self defense, or just to collect - but the main reason is the one the Founders made sure was in our Bill of Rights. Before the government can fall into tyranny, our weapons, our guns, were to "right" a wrong government.

History is replete with examples of societies which voluntarily or (not voluntarily) disarm, and then become subjugated or worse. Sometimes, the end of the story was genocide. With about 400 million firearms in America, that ain't gonna happen.

Note to Beto and the rest of the Democrats. We are on to you. We know your game. There are many hundreds of thousands of legal gun owners in these United States. We are sick to death of you trying to punish us. Punish the evil doers. We stand with you when you do that. Punishing the innocent is a non-starter.  

  

The rise of the drones

"Days like these, it is of great comfort to know our country is a net energy exporter, unlike the sitting duck we were in the 1970's. Thank you, President Trump!"

It was bound to have happened sooner or later. It has been predicted for some time now. And according to futurists, the amount of drones in the sky is going to do nothing but increase. Like anything else, drones can be used for good or for evil. Yesterday, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia saw the evil side of drones. A fairly small number of them, launched by their enemies in Yemen (and supplied by the Iranians), attacked the Saudi oil production site. The attack resulted in massive fires, so large they could be seen from space. And 50% of Saudi's production is now offline.

I know many of the "greenies" worldwide are cheering right now. That dreaded "murder oil" took a hit yesterday! But the world economists are not cheering. 5% of the world's production is now offline, which could spell big problems. The Chinese are not cheering, since they get 50% of their oil from the Saudis. 

Let's pull the string on this event just a bit. It is estimated that only 10 drones were used to cause this much damage. Only 10. The rebels in Yemen have made it known this attack was only the precursor. If the Saudis do not cease the blockade of Yemen, the attacks will get bigger and badder. In my mind, that leaves the Saudis with only three choices. 1) Withdraw from Yemen and call it a day. 2) Quickly find the appropriate defense against drone attacks. 3) Escalate the war, possibly involving Iran.

This is a dangerous situation for many reasons. If the attacks continue on the oil fields, the price of gasoline WILL go up. That includes here. The Saudis are still a major player in the worldwide oil supply. If the war deepens, and involves Iran, stand by. Even though President Trump HATES war (especially in the Middle East), we might get sucked into this one. As will Israel. There could be an unlikely alliance of the US, Israel, and the Saudis going against Iran. We would get little to no help from our Euro allies, nor other countries in the Middle East. Iran would get some support from Russia and China, but probably nothing militarily. 

In any event, what happened yesterday changed the playing field. Or should I say the killing field. The rise of the drones is now here. It is not just the super powers who have big fancy drones - it is also rebels using smaller, every inexpensive drones. Guess what? This could happen in this country also. Imagine drones being flown across the southern border, not to ferry drugs like they do now, but holding explosives. Going after our oil refineries. Going after downtown Houston. The evil possibilities are endless. 

This will be one to watch as the week unfolds. How is Saudi going to respond? Meanwhile, in the other hand, the Israelis are convinced the Iranians are going gang busters on finishing a nuke. Maybe using a second secret site. If war comes, the Israelis would be most happy to attack those suspected nuke sites. I suspect we would also, as President Trump has said many times publicly, "The United States will NEVER allow Iran to develop a nuclear bomb."

As for me, I am gassing up today and making sure my extra gas cans are also full - just in case the price of gas spikes. Days like these, it is of great comfort to know our country is a net energy exporter, unlike the sitting duck we were in the 1970's. Thank you, President Trump!