A young man's journey

"However my agenda, and the agenda the Selective Service had to keep a '2S' student deferment was nowhere in sync."

I tell this story every now and again. It was 47 years ago yesterday that my Mother and Father took me into downtown Minneapolis to drop me off at the old Federal Building. I was going to be sworn into the Navy. I was the first to be dropped off. Then my Dad was going to drop off Mom at the old Dayton's, where she worked. Then it was off to work for my Dad. Just another day at the office.

I had graduated from high school in 1967. After graduation I went to North Hennepin Junior College (for one year) and then transferred north to St. Cloud State College. I really was nowhere prepared for college. I like being in plays, having fun, being with my girlfriend - now all that I was ready for. However my agenda, and the agenda the Selective Service had for me to keep a "2S" student deferment, were nowhere in sync.

Hearing the footsteps of the Selective Service getting closer in October 1968, I enlisted in the United States Navy under the new six month delay program. I could keep on with school, not worry about being drafted, and then be officially sworn in on April 24, 1969. Sounded good at the time - turned out to be a big mistake. As the song goes, "I partied like it was 1999". My grades really took a nosedive but I did not care. I have having way, way too much fun.

Once being sworn in at the Minneapolis Federal Building (yes, the one which got bombed in 1970), all us new recruits boarded a bus and headed for the airport. Some were going to Great Lakes for boot camp, myself and others were going to San Diego. We were all young and scared and knew our lives were about the change forever.

It was a bumpy ride to San Diego. Our jet blew an engine over the desert southwest and we had to make an emergency landing in Phoenix. I really did think I was going to die since I had only been on a jet once before in my life. But we landed safely (in emergency fashion), got on another jet and made it the rest of the way to San Diego. And that is where my Navy journey really began. 

Boot camp faded into "A" School, which was held down in Pensacola, Florida. From there to my first duty station in Okinawa for 18 months. Once that tour was up, it was back to Pensacola for "C" School, and then orders up to Maine. And then it was over. I was 23 and discharged (honorably). I went to college (this time I buckled down and studied), got married, graduated, and then went back into the Naval Reserve. I received a commission as a crypto officer and served as additional 17 years in the Naval Reserve, until I retired in 1992.

Many young men who grew up during that time have a similar story. The draft was like a spectre which haunted most of us. It guided or influenced most everything we did. When I graduated from high school and turned 18, the Vietnam War as well as the draft, were in full swing. Many young men went to that war. Some willingly, others not so. They went to fight an entrenched and hardened enemy who had already defeated the French. Some young men came back wounded, some came back different, and some did not come back at all. 

I tell this young man's story not to brag nor to complain. It is just one story from a place and time never to be seen again. I have no regrets for how this story went. My wife, my kids (and now grandson), and yes having in the Navy as a second career, have played huge parts in my life. Again, no regrets. I have enjoyed every part of the ride, and hope to continue for years to come. 

It always goes way too fast...

"For those of us who remain here, it is yet another lesson on how fast this thing called life can pass."

"Baby, that was much too fast." So the go the lyrics to a song sung by Prince. One of the companies took out a full page ad in the local paper with only a red Corvette and just that simple lyric. It was impactful and profound. It was about how fast this young life went. And how suddenly it ended. Not just suddenly, but for many, totally unexpectedly. 

Losing Prince in his mid-fifties was the second of two celebrities who died last week. The not as famous Chyna, died suddenly in her mid-forties a day or two before Prince died. And just like that, the party was over. The journey finished. For those of us who remain here, it is yet another lesson on how fast this thing called life can pass. And it we are not careful, we will get to the end before we even see it coming.

For people of faith, the end and the beginning are one in the same. However from a secular standpoint, once we leave here, the only thing that remains is our legacy and the memories our friends and loved ones have. When my wife's brother passed away unexpectedly a few years ago (ironically about the same age as Prince), all we had left of him was a box of ashes. All the memories, all the good times, and yes, even some bad ones, reduced to that one box of ashes. And on the news this morning, it was reported that a box of ashes is all that remains of Prince. 

Out of every good thing or bad thing that happens, I always look for the "take away". The lesson(s) learned. I think this past week the lesson was clearly taught to us once again. It (life) always does go too fast. Each day, every day, is a gift. A blank canvas. A chance to make a difference, even if it is small or minute. 

Most of us have no idea when the Good Lord will call us home. And as we age, we end up saying good-bye to more and more friends and relatives. When I was growing up, an adult in my life always ending every meeting or conversation by saying two words - "be kind". These are sage words. None of us know when our next day will be our last day.

Be kind. Be loving to each other. Why? Because it is the right thing to do. And - it (life) really does go by way, way too fast...  

And now - a time to come together

"I really don't want Aj to fade away. We need her. Even hard core Tom Emmer supporters were impressed by her." 

I am home. Fresh off the CD 6 Convention. All I can say is "Wow!". It was one of those events where there really were no losers, as everyone running was a winner. My friend (and I will say that, as I treasure her friendship) Aj, ran a very good campaign against the incumbent Tom Emmer. I will say this - Aj Kern is a quality woman. I have liked her since the first day I met her. This is not the first election where I had to make a tough choice - and probably will not be the last.

I told a friend of mine who was sitting behind me that I would love to see Aj run for senate against Amy - or even Al. She would be a solid candidate and I would sign up for that ticket in a New York minute.

Truthfully, I really don't want Aj to fade away. We need her. Even hard core Tom Emmer supporters were impressed by Aj. I know I have always been. I said in a previous post this is Tom's race. Aj's race is in the not too distant future. Tom has nothing against Aj - in fact he likes her. He has told me so. I like her. What I would really like to happen, is for Aj to help support Tom in the upcoming general election and for Tom to help Aj in her next race. I have said this many times before - the time for shooting our wounded, eating our young is over. It is time to show one face in beating back the statists.

I have talked to few people who have a better understanding of what is going on in the St. Cloud area than Aj. Aj is not a casual observer - she really pays attention. She cares. Plus her life story is about three degrees more interesting than only captivating. I have heard her life story more than once, and I could stand to hear it many more times. We need Aj - and we need Tom Emmer to continue to win.

I have addressed this before. If we are looking for purity tests to eliminate each other, it will not take long before we cull the herd. However if we try to help each other, we will all get better. Tom has told me he was glad that a candidate with the creds and desire (like Aj) ran against him. It made him better. I agree with the Congressman on that one!

I mentioned this to my friend Jack this once again today. Our bench strength is strong. The only thing that can defeat us - is us. I really want Aj to be on our side. I want her to continue to be involved. I love her perspective, I love her solutions. Most of all, I love her patriotism. By the same token, I really love the job that our Congressman has evolved into. It was a tough first year - he will admit that. But now we are on to bigger and better things.

Bottom line - this is the election as well as the one in two years we need to show our best and brightest. Today we saw two of them. We need to take our state back from the statists. Time to coalesce folks. Time to heal. And most importantly, time to show the donkeys we will fight back - and win.

    

Once again, it is Tom's race

"Tom is also not afraid of the tough issues."

I will admit it. And I am not ashamed of it. I like Tom Emmer. Have since the first day I met him. I have said this behind his back and I have said this to his face. I love having him as my Congressman - I would have loved it even more if he had been my Governor. But that is water under the bridge. Right now, Tom Emmer is representing the 6th District of Minnesota and I think he deserves another two years.

When Tom ran two years ago, he ran against a good friend of mine. Fortunately, once the race was over and Tom won the endorsement, she is still a good friend of mine. Her friendship means alot to me, and she is very talented and effective in this position she holds. This year Tom is again running against a friend of mine. Another very capable and patriotic woman. My hope is once this is over, she and I can remain being friends. That being said, just like two years ago, I think this is Tom's race. He deserves another two years.

Back in my working day, I dealt with some people on the Hill. Both Congresspeople and Senators. To put it mildly, it is a madhouse in DC. Least wise it was back then. I can only imagine the chaotic mess it is today.

Many people would go into a newly elected position in Washington and melt. Not Tom. He has spent his first part of his first term "plowing the road" so to speak. Now, during this current session, Tom is starting to show his stuff. He is already co-sponsoring bills. Plus, he is working with Speaker Ryan in getting our Government back to operating under Article 1 of the Constitution. In other words, Congress has many powers reserved that it has not been using. Or, no more Monarchy plays from the President.

Tom is also not afraid of the tough issues. Cuba is a great example. Tom feels strongly (and I totally agree with him on this one) that the time for normalization with Cuba is here. The government of Cuba is nothing more than a Cold War left over. The people in Cuba deserve so much more than they have been receiving. Some people are ticked at Tom for this position, but Tom does not duck and questions or criticism. If you are one who questions the wisdom of this move, call his office or send him an email. Tom will answer your questions or concerns.

All this being said, Tom and I do not agree on everything. We have had some interesting chats about the immigration issues in central Minnesota. And maybe we don't totally agree at the end of the discussion, I still have an understanding on why Tom feels the way he does or votes the way he does. Tom knows that not everyone will agree with him on everything, but it is important for him to know that people understand why he voted the way he did.

In conclusion, Tom is my Congressman. I am good with that. I am also good with having Tom be my Congressman for another two years. It is important that the 6th District remain in the hands of the GOP. It is also important that my Congressman learn the ropes so he or she can be effective in getting the ship of state back on Constitutional footing. And that is what I think Tom can do in his next two years.   

It is happy Gaia!

"This is the one day a year some will tell us how disrespectful we have been to this fine planet. However, you won't hear it from me."

This is it! The day pagans and greenies celebrate our Earth Mother. You might know her as Gaia. Some of us simple know her as "Mother Earth". Others call our home here the "Big Blue Marble". This is the one day a year some will tell us how disrespectful we have been to this fine planet. However, you won't hear it from me.

Hey, I am a good global citizen. I don't pollute (too much). I don't liter. I even recycle what I am supposed to recycle. Since we have bought our land, I have planted quite a few more trees than I have cut down. I do however, drive a V8 truck. I burn wood in the winter time. And I water my lawn. Finally, my biggest sin is in the summertime I eat beef cooked on a charcoal grill (gasp!).

Speaking of the trees I have planted, I am not the only one. Our country as a whole has done an admirable job. Forget all the fear mongering you might have heard from the Loony Left. That we are deforesting the country. It has been alleged (and is now a proven fact), that we have more trees in this country than 100 years ago. Now some of that is due to the fact that 100 years ago 70% of us lived on farms. We needed to cut down trees for farm land. Now 70% of us live urban. Of course the other factor is we practice proper forest management. We have become very good at it. Each year we plant more than we harvest - and we harvest a lot of wood. 

Now do we have a way to go on our stewardship? You betcha! Our need for fresh and potable water is starting to outstrip our aquifers ability to replenish. Some states are now thinking we should tap into the Great Lakes for more water supply. I say that is a bad idea. This past week, we had over 20 inches of rain in Houston alone. Most all of that went as runoff. If that water could have been captured in aqueducts or reservoirs, many of the southwest's water problems could have been helped tremendously. 

Only a fool would not agree that we are coming to the end of our fossil fuel days as our primary source of energy. I dare say fifty years from now, most of today's energy sources will only be known by what is read in history books. Oh, we will still need oil for manufacturing purposes, but there will be something better and more renewable that will be used. My betting is still on hydrogen fuel cells. And I think we are about five years away from having solar collectors which are non-invasive (meaning not too ugly) and very, very economical. Wind will never work well. Way, way too many problems.

So do I celebrate Earth Day? Absolutely! However, this almost perfect planet was created for us to dwell on. As much as we like to personify this wonderful orb, it is not a living thing. It is however, home to many, many living things. So if you want to celebrate the creation, I will join you today. Let us not however, forget who created the creation.

Chicago dreaming....

 "And guess what we did not have to worry about? That is right - being shot."

Okay. I know it is really California dreaming, not Chicago dreaming. By now, most of us know that Chicago dreaming is really nothing more than a nightmare. We are not even reached the first of May as yet, and Chicago has recorded 1,000 shootings! For those who think I am smug thinking about this (as I do not live in Chicagoland), are mistaken. This is a travesty. No matter the country. Especially if this country is our own.

Today, my grandson was home with us due to some skin infection. So his mom was also home. She went for a run with my grandson in his stroller. When they came home, he wanted grandpa to take him for a tractor ride. I took him for a ride around the yard. And guess what we did not have to worry about? That is right - being shot.

In some areas of Chicago, this is not the case. Kids are getting shot in the streets. Some in their own yards. Some are shot when a bullet comes through the walls of their house. And this is NOT okay. This is America. We should have the right to safe passage from any street to any street in any city in this country. If not, we are no better than Beirut. Or Kabul. Or any war torn city in Iraq or Syria.

Where am I going with this? Very simple. One thousand shootings in a city with locked down gun control should be a wake up call. Trust me - the shootings are not done by NRA members, nor citizens who went through sanctioned gun training. Sadly, most were done by thugs or gang bangers who illegally obtained their weapons. And that is where the focus should be.

Instead, the focus has been on the police department in Chicago. A task force has just presented its findings to the Mayor of Chicago. It seems the report points a finger at the policing in Chicago. That they are insensitive to minorities. Up to and including their stop and frisk policy. Now this is a head scratcher to me. If the city is being "over policed" and yet there have been 1,000 shootings, what is next?

I am afraid the next step is not good. If the police take more a "hands off" posture on policing, especially in the neighborhoods which need help the most, lawlessness could devolve into anarchy. Chicago is in deep, deep trouble. In the past three years (under the rule of Mayor Emanuel), 260 school children have been killed. 260! 

Wake up Rahm, and smell the coffee! Your city needs its thin blue line. Your city needs strong policing. Your city is on the verge of becoming uninhabitable. 

Another disturbing new norm

"Now these houses are not mansions, but when they were built 30 years ago, they were considered somewhat upscale."

This is not a good news story. In fact, it is pretty darn sad. And for most of us, unexplainable. The other day my wife and daughter were going for a walk around the block (where we live, that is 2/3 of a mile). As they walked by a neighbor's house, there was a sign in the front yard. It was a for sale sign by a bank. The house was abandoned and was being foreclosed on.

Why is this such a news story? It happens all over the place. For this reason. We live out in the exurbs. All lots are 2 1/2 acres or greater. In our development, there are 20 houses. Keep in mind, just to walk around half of it is 2/3 of a mile. It is a big area. Anyhow, since we have lived here, three houses have gone into foreclosure. Two of them were trashed by the owners before they left. The fourth house was sold on a short sale for a boatload less than what was owed to the back. 

Now these houses are not mansions, but when they were built 30 years ago, they were considered somewhat upscale. So 20% of the houses in this one development either went into foreclosure or short sale. This tells me two things. First off, the economy still is sick and has a way to go to fully recover. The other thing it tells me is people are different these days than a few decades ago. To go into foreclosure and trash your house is something that is way beyond my comprehension. 

Here is the irony. Truthfully, in our current home as well as our first home, we never missed a payment. Nor were we ever late. That being said, I do know this. The bank does not want your house. They are not in the real estate business. If you get into financial trouble, the bank will work with you - if you are honest with them. If it becomes evident that you can no longer afford to live in your house, they will work with you on selling it. The last thing they want to do is foreclose on a borrower. It is a lose-lose issue for both sides. 

My point is simply this. If someone asked me to explain what has happened in this neighborhood, where 20% of the mortgages did not work out, I would be at a loss. I do know this - banks are not Satan, and they not do have endless deep pockets either. If enough people default on their mortgage, we will have 2008 all over again. And that is in nobody's best interest.