PRE-AUGUST HODGEPODGE

1. Share one way you think the world has changed for the better since you were a kid?

     In one word, technology. The level and sophistication of technology that is available to the average citizen is most remarkable. For example, the level of computer power that powered the Apollo Space Program is available in a simple Mac Book Pro laptop computer. Not to mention smart phones, international video chatting, photoshop, and on and on and on.

2. How 'bout one way it's changed for the worse?

     In a word...technology! With all out gadgets and gizmo's that were designed to improve our ability to communicate with one another has, ironically, done the exact opposite. Many modern folk are incapable of conversing with another human being unless there's a keyboard involved. The art of conversation is dying. So sad...

3. Starlight, starfish, starling, Starbucks...your favorite 'star'?

     There is nothing better than looking into a cloudless night sky on a crisp, cold winter night. The billions of stars, the constellations, and the far way galaxies are breathtaking. So, Starlight...definitely!

4. Name a song that's overplayed, but you love it anyway.

     Earworms...those songs that you hear and just cannot get them out of your head. No matter what you do you are consigned to hear them bouncing around inside your head for the duration of the day. One such song for me that I do like is Kelly Clarkson's "Stronger."

5. When did you last have home made ice cream? Your latest favorite flavor?

     It has been years. I think we were at a church ice cream social and several members brought their ice cream makers and we had a party. My favorite ice cream is watermelon sherbert.

6. What do you think is the best way to inspire or motivate people?

     Al Capone is alleged to have said "More is accomplished with a kind word AND a gun than with just a kind word!" People are motivated and inspired when you lead by example. When people see you live out in your own life what you profess to others what you believe, that can inspire and motivate others to do likewise. The most notable example is Jesus Christ. 

7. When was the last time you were without power?

     I've been without power since July 1, 1972. I married SWMBO and apparently lost all power to her at that time. If you mean electric power, we lost power for a few days last winter. Thank God we have an auxilliary generator!

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     "You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) These words were spoken by Jesus Christ to His disciples more than 2000 years ago. While He was praying in the Garden before His crucifixion He prayed to His Father "Sanctify them in your Word. Your Word is truth." (John 17:17)

     Our Lord tells us that there is such a thing as "truth." He further asserts that God's Word is "truth." 

     I believe that there is such a thing as objective truth. I further believe that our national leaders have failed miserably to tell us, their constituents, the truth on a host of issues. I am becoming more disenchanted with our elected representatives.

     I further believe that if "WE THE PEOPLE" don't begin to hold them accountable then the further existence of this grand experiment, our constitutional republic, is in dire trouble.

     When the president refers to scandals as being "Phony" rather than honestly addressing the problems that gave rise to these scandals and holding the people responsible accountable, then we are in serious trouble as a society. I am becoming more disenchanted with my president.

     There is a Christian Hymn that keeps going through my mind these days. "This world is not my home, I'm just passing through." The song speaks of an eternal home that is our promised destiny. The implication is that we ought not concern ourselves too much with the affairs of this world. We ought to focus on our eternal home in Heaven.

     My prayer today is that God will raise up God-fearing, ethical, men and women who love and respect truth to take up places of leadership at all levels of our society. I pray that respect for the truth would once again become important across this great Nation. God Bless America!

     

"DEPORTED HODGEPODGE" WEDNESDAY!

1. July 24th is Amelia Earhart Day.  Earhart was the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.  What's something you've recently accomplished solo? 

     I have taken excellent care of SWMBO, driving her to work, picking her up again (very important!), completed some of the house cleaning chores, etc. 

2.  What's one product you use that never ever fails?

     This question is easy! Duct Tape of course! It never fails!

3. Have you found your place in the world? Where is it?

     I think that I have. I am pleased to be able to devote so much time to taking care of SWMBO. I also am privileged to be able to serve the church. I am remarkably content with where I am at this point in my life. I'm with SWMBO....everything else is gravy!

4.  Worst movie you ever saw?

     "Speed 2" comes to mind. Also, "Star Trek IV, The Voyage Home" was more tree hugging propaganda than entertainment. It is tied for that dishonor.

5. What's the last fun thing you did?

     SWMBO and I went to a local "fine dining" restaurant called the Bedford Village Inn to celebrate our wedding anniversary. That was a really good time!

6. The month of July is named for Roman Emperor Julius Caesar...ever been to Rome? What's your favorite Italian dish?

     I have never been to Rome. I did take two years of Latin in High School, but that's as close as I ever got. My favorite Italian dish is Sophia Loren! If you mean food...I love lasagna!

7. What is one piece of advice you'd offer new mom Kate Middleton?

     I would advise her to allow the new prince to be a boy. The burden of being a member of the royal family will come upon him way too soon. Let him enjoy the carefree nature of childhood for as long as is humanly possible. Try to keep him out of the limelight of the too invasive Press for as long as possible!

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     Last week I mentioned that SWMBO and I got kicked out of Canada during our trip to Niagara Falls. Several people commented that they wanted to hear the story of how that happened.
     Well here is what happened. During our trip I wanted to visit a Duty Free Shop that can be found at several of the border crossings between Canada and the United States. There was such a shop on the U.S. side of the Friendship Bridge in Buffalo, NY. What I didn't know is that once you drive into the parking lot of the Duty Free Shop you could not exit back into Buffalo...you had to cross the bridge and enter Canada.

     So what's the problem? I'm glad you asked! First, neither SWMBO nor I had passports. All we had to identify ourselves were our NH Driver's Licenses. Second, we had the dogs with us and we did not have their shot records. Third, I was armed with a loaded .38 caliber revolver. (I generally carry a revolver with us when we travel, for protection)
     So we drive across the bridge and stop at the Canadian Customs Booth. The Customs Agent asked a series of questions that were quite innocuous, like..."Where were you born? Where do you live? Are you American citizens? Where are you going? What is your purpose in coming to Canada?" We had no problem with these questions. I explained how I mistakenly came to be at his customs booth. But then, he asked the 64 thousand dollar question, "Do you have any firearms with you?" Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding! Houston, we have a problem!
     I told him that I did have a loaded .38 caliber revolver. He paused...got this look like he didn't believe what he just heard...and repeated the question. I repeated my answer! He got this frightened look on his face, spoke discreetly into his lapel microphone and told me to drive to a parking space where several custom officials had just gathered in a tactical formation of sorts.
     Being the compliant sort, and noticing that the customs officers were well armed, I complied! Upon turning off my engine, a supervisor came to my window asked if I had a loaded firearm. I said "yes!" He asked why I was armed? I told him that I was an off-duty police officer and that I generally travelled with a loaded firearm. He asked me if I was aware of Canadian gun laws. I said I was generally familiar with them and that had I intended to come into Canada, I would have left the firearm secured at home but I had no intention of entering Canada.
     He asked me to surrender the firearm to him, which I safely did. He unloaded it and went inside the Station, presumably to speak with his supervisor and to conduct a records check on yours truly. While he was gone the other officers maintained their tactical positions keeping their gaze fixed upon me and my beloved SWMBO.

     After several minutes the supervisor returned to me and handed my revolver and the five rounds that were formerly loaded into the gun back to me. He said that I was not to reload it until I was back in the United States. He then kindly directed me back across the bridge towards the land of the free and the home of the brave.
     So that's the story about how I got kicked out of Canada! I'm sorry that it's a long story, but you asked for it! Enjoy your week!

MY TAKE ON THE GEORGE ZIMMERMAN / TRAYVON MARTIN CASE!

    Unless you have been living in a cave, someplace off the grid, you must have heard about the verdict in the case of the State of Florida vs. George Zimmerman. Mr. Zimmerman was charged with 2nd Degree Murder and Manslaughter. After a very contentious trial before a jury of six women, Mr. Zimmerman was found "NOT GUILTY!" In my humble opinion, the verdict was the correct one given the state of the evidence, or the lack thereof, that the State Prosecutors presented.  

Let me emphasize at the outset that this whole incident is a tremendous tragedy. There is a seventeen year old boy who is dead. I cannot conceive of the pain the parents of Trayvon Martin must be feeling. Parents should not have to bury their children! I sympathize with the Martin family because they are the truly innocent victims in this whole affair.

Also tragic is that George Zimmerman's life is forever changed. He was forced to defend his life from what he reasonably believed to be a potentially lethal assault. Mr. Zimmerman shot and killed Mr. Martin in self defense. The evidence bore that fact out! As a result, Mr. Zimmerman will have to live with the fact that he took a human life, one that had barely begun to mature. This will haunt him for the rest of his life. Additionally, if he is wise, he will have to be looking over his shoulder for the rest of his life. 

This tragedy is not without its villains. In no particular order of contempt, the first inductee into the Villain's Hall of Infamy...
The so-called Fourth Estate, more commonly known as the "News Media," conducted themselves without honor or fairness. The press should report the facts of a given story fairly and without bias. When this incident occurred, a certain national news network deliberately edited the tape of the 911 call that Mr. Zimmerman made in an effort to portray him as a racist. Most of the Media Cabal, with few exceptions, followed along in lockstep. 
As far as the media was concerned, George Zimmerman was a racist, cop wanna be, who carried a gun and was looking for a reason to use it. They also portray Trayvon Martin as pure as the driven snow who was profiled and victimized by a racist cop wanna be. 
Neither portrayal was correct, considering the facts. George Zimmerman was not the racist, cold blooded monster that he was painted to be. Trayvon Martin was not the squeaky clean choir boy that he was described to be. They are two people who by a confluence of unwise choices, made by each of them, resulted in the untimely death of one of them.
        The press should be ashamed of itself, but sadly to their discredit, they won't be!

        Next, in my Villains Hall of Infamy, are the so called race baiters. Men like Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and others of their ilk who have seized upon this tragedy to inflame passions, rush to judgement and exacerbate this tragedy to further divide the races in this country.
       These people have a vested interest in perpetuating the perception of racism despite any evidence to the contrary. That is how they earn their living. They perpetrate lies when the facts are against them. They yell and scream and incite their crowds to see injustice where there is none. 

      In this particular case, the Sanford Police conducted a thorough investigation. The FBI conducted a thorough investigation. Both agencies concluded that the evidence showed that there was NO RACIAL ANIMUS in this case. The Sanford Police ruled that Mr. Zimmerman acted in self defense in compliance with the laws of the State of Florida. In short, as tragic as the incident was, no crimes were committed.
      That was not good enough for the race baiters. They yelled and screamed and ginned up their crowds to such an extent, demanding that Mr. Zimmerman be arrested, that a special prosecutor was appointed. 
      Mr. Zimmerman was arrested and charged, that is to say over-charged, with 2nd Degree Murder. Once the facts came out at trial and we all saw for ourselves the truth of what happened between Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Martin the egregiousness of this prosecution became clear.
     Mr. Zimmerman was prosecuted, not because he committed any crime, but because the State of Florida wrongly bowed to the pressure exerted on it by these vile people.
     
     The third inductee into the Villains Hall of Infamy are the State Prosecutors who perpetrated this outrageous prosecution. Having been a prosecutor myself, it is the duty of every prosecutor to fairly evaluate the facts of any case that comes before them and to correctly apply the law. They are bound by their code of ethics to not prosecute a case if the facts and the law does not warrant such a prosecution. In this case the facts clearly did not warrant such a prosecution. 
     These spineless public servants kowtowed to the race baiters and the protesters and violated their code of ethics to their shame and cowardice. These men and women are trained lawyers and must have known better, but failed miserably in the discharge of their responsibilities. Public opinion must not play ANY part in the decision of whether to prosecute or not.

     In closing let me just say that if the U.S. Department of Justice institutes any federal prosecution against Mr. Zimmerman, they will become my fourth inductee into the Villains Hall of Infamy. 
     The FBI has said that this case is NOT about race. The State Prosecutors have said that this case is NOT about race. Mr.Martin's grieving parents have publicly stated that this case is NOT about race. THIS CASE IS TRAGIC, THIS CASE IS NOT ABOUT RACE, THIS CASE IS NOT CRIMINAL!

     I pray for Gods blessings on the Martin family. May He grant them some measure of peace and comfort during their time of sorrow. I pray for God's blessings on the City of Sanford and the State of Florida. I pray for God's blessings on Mr. Zimmerman and his family. I pray for God's blessings on the entire Nation that the healing will begin!

HEAT WAVE HODGEPODGE!

     Well, here's another set of thought provoking and fun questions. I don't know where Joyce comes up with these, but they are fun to answer. Won't you join in?

1. Picture postcards were first printed back in the mid-1800's and deltiology is the official name for postcard collecting. When did you last send a postcard?  Receive one? Do you save postcards sent to you? Do you collect and/or send postcards when you travel?

     A couple of years ago SWMBO and I took a trip to Niagara Falls, NY. We were thrown out of Canada on that trip, but that's a story for another time. I think we sent a postcard or two during that trip. I don't remember the last time that I received a postcard. I do not collect them, however, I do on occasion send them when traveling to a place of interest.

2. What treat do you most like to indulge in while on vacation?

    SWMBO and I have a sort of unofficial rule when we're on vacation..."All Diet Restrictions Are Off!" That means that while we are on vacation we might eat  or drink something that is not on our normal eating regimen. My list might include an ice cold beer, corn on the cob, watermelon sherbet "anything", or some decadent, cream filled pastry thingy, just to name a few!

3. Are you good at hiding your feelings?

     I am with most other people. Sometimes I am with SWMBO, but if something is really bugging me, she usually knows.

4. Does your town/city/county still deliver telephone books to your home? Do you check the yellow pages when searching for a local business number or has the internet replaced the phone book in your home?

     We do get a phone book now and then. In our town it has morphed into a business directory of sorts. A lot of people have done away with their "home phone" and rely exclusively on their cellphones. The internet has practically replaced the telephone directory.

5. Would you rather be first or last?

     When we have a potluck meal at the church I generally will go last. I think that it's only fair to give everyone else a fair shot at getting their food before I attack the buffet like Grant took Richmond. I don't think that I have ever had a burning desire to be first at anything. I am more than okay with waiting for my turn, in fact I prefer it that way.

Yosemite National Park

6. July is National Park and Recreation Month (in America, but everyone can still play along)...where and when were you last in a park?  Did you participate in any recreational activities while you were there?

     Several years ago, SWMBO and I flew out to San Diego to join our son and his family on a trip to Yosemite National Park. That was one of the best vacations that we have ever had. We all took a raft ride down the Merced River. That river had the coldest water that I have ever been in, including Hampton Beach, NH, and the North Sea off the coast of England. 

     Yosemite is one of the most spectacularly beautiful places on the entire planet. I highly recommend it to you.

7.  What was one of your worst ideas?

     Only one? On that Niagara Falls trip that I mentioned earlier, I figured that I would leave the interstate and take a shortcut across upstate New York to get to one of the ferry crossings  to cross Lake Champlain into Vermont. Well, I got lost and dragged SWMBO and the dogs with me. She was okay with it for the most part, but it was not my finest hour.

      Another time, I ate some Indian Pudding that my mother in law made and....

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

        We are in the throes of a typical New England heat wave. The temperature has exceeded 90 degrees and the humidity is somewhere in the 60 percent range for a few days now. It is so hot and uncomfortable that most "normal" people are longing for the cold of winter. 

        Interestingly enough that's the way it works up here in the northeast. A Yankee by definition is a person who in the winter complains vociferously about the snow and the cold and in the summer complains as forcefully about the heat and humidity and when you ask him "Well, if you're so miserable, why don't you move?" Their answer is "Because there is no better place on earth to live!"  I'm a proud New England Yankee. It doesn't have to make sense, people, that's just the way it is!

       Oh by the way, when I talk about the so called "normal" people, that excludes SWMBO. That's right, my beloved SWMBO is not normal! When the temperatures are so hot and the humidity is so high that the simple act of breathing brings sweat from every pore, SWMBO does not sweat...period! It's amazing, no matter how miserably hot it gets, she basks in it like a turtle on a warm rock.

       The other side of that coin is that during the winter months I seldom, if ever, get cold. My whole existence is dedicated to keeping SWMBO warm during those times. Such is the Yin and Yang of our existence. You see, opposites truly do attract. God bless you all!

AFRICA HOT - HODGEPODGE!

     The temperature in New Hampshire has been in the high 80's and low 90'w with tropical levels of humidity. In short, it has been miserably uncomfortable for all, with the singular exception of my beloved SWMBO who doesn't even break a sweat in this weather.

     Our friend and fellow blogger, Joyce from "From This Side of the Pond" has come up with some more thought provoking and fun questions. Don't just sit there, play along and answer the questions yourself.

1. What's something people might ask you for help with?

   
     I am willing to help out in almost any way that I can. People may ask me my opinion on a question of law because of my law enforcement background. People ask me to help with rides to medical appointments or to church. I also am well versed in the contents of the Bible so I am asked to help out and preach a sermon or teach an adult Bible class from time to time.

2. What's something you might ask someone else for help with?

     I do ask for help and/or guidance with repairs around the house. I am not the most gifted when it comes to the building trades. I also might ask for financial counsel because I don't have the greatest business acumen either.

3.  Did your family take summer vacations when you were a child? If so, where did you go? If you're a parent, did/do you plan summer vacations with your own family? Did/do they resemble those you took as a child?

     We didn't take vacations per se when I was a kid. My dad had a brother who lived in Quebec, Canada, so we'd all cram into the car and drive up to Canada to visit him for a couple of days. 
     When my kids were little, we'd take day trips. One year we spent a few days at a resort in the White Mountains. Another year we spent a couple of days in Quebec City, Canada. Most of the time we would take day trips to the beach, to a lake, or someplace else as our work schedules and finances permitted.

4.   Pool-lake-ocean...which one is most appealing to you on a hot summer day?

     I'd  love to spend a week or two in a cabin on a reasonably remote lake. That appeals to me alot. A close second would be to spend a few days by the ocean.
     Anyplace is acceptable as long as SWMBO is with me. Nirvana would be having SWMBO, our kids and our grandkids in the same place at the same time for a week.

5.  Have you ever justified using the expression, 'you gotta be cruel to be kind'?  Was it really necessary or were you rationalizing?

     I don't know that I have. There are times as a parent when you have to be "brutally" honest and that sometimes causes pain to your loved ones. You don't like to do...but you do it, but only if it is in their best interests.
     As a devout Christian it is sometimes difficult to tell the unvarnished truth about someone's possible eternal destiny if they choose to reject the grace and salvation that God freely offers. We are called to make disciples of all people teaching them everything Jesus taught while He was on earth. One of the the things that He taught was about Hell. Not a very happy or positive topic, but a necessary one if we are to fulfill the "Great Commission!"

6.  The Journal of Psychology recently mentioned the results of a survey identifying the ten most hated foods as-liver, lima beans, mayonnaise, mushrooms, eggs, okra, beets, brussel sprouts, tuna, and gelatin.  Of those foods, how many do you actually hate? Anything you'd add to the list? 

     I hate liver! I don't like okra. The rest of the list are perfectly palatable, as far as I'm concerned. One food I'd add to the list is "Indian Pudding." That stuff is poison!
     

7. What's your favorite book or movie set in a beach or lake town?

     I like the "Jesse Stone" movies based on books by Robert Parker which is set in a seacoast town called Paradise, Massachusetts. There's a number of movies where Tom Select plays the title character which are well worth watching.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

     The Obama Administration recently announced that they were going to postpone enforcement of the "Employer Mandate" of the Affordable Care Act which President Obama signed into law a couple of years ago. The law calls for enforcement of the mandate to go into effect on January 1, 2014. He wants to put if off for a year, until January 1, 2015.
      I have a couple of problems with the President's decision. First, the President does NOT have the authority to unilaterally change a law that was duly passed by the Congress and that he signed thereby enacting it into law. Congress may certainly amend the law and the President may sign the amendment enacting it into law. However, the President cannot legally change the law by himself.
     Second, the president took an oath to "...to faithfully execute the office of President of the United States. To preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States"
     Article II, Section 3, of the U.S. Constitution specifically requires the President to "...take care that the laws are faithfully executed." 
     The Constitution is clear that the president "MUST" take care to execute the laws that are enacted. A cynical person may conclude that the President is trying to put off the pain that is "Obama Care" until after the mid-term elections in 2014.
      Whatever the reason, what the President is doing is clearly wrong! What the President is doing is clearly illegal! What the President is doing is clearly unconstitutional! The law was duly passed by both houses of the Congress and he duly signed it, enacting it into law.
      Thomas Jefferson would call what the President is doing "TYRANNY!" I fail to see where Mr. Jefferson is wrong! 

INDEPENDENCE DAY HODGEPODGE!

1. What's one simple small pleasure on your summer 'to-do' list? 

     I love Watermelon Sherbet so sometime this summer I hope to partake of some. Dunkin Donuts used to have a Watermelon Coolatta. Thankfully they don't anymore, I don't need to sugar!

2. Do you have strong feelings or opinions regarding the immigration debate in your home country? Feel free to share your thoughts, but please play nice.

     I believe that illegal conduct should not be rewarded. I believe as a sovereign nation the United States must secure its national boundaries. I believe that any person here in violation of the law is NOT entitled to welfare, college tuition, food stamps, driver's licenses or any other services that are paid for with tax dollars for the benefit of legitimate citizens. I suppose that makes me a neanderthal, but that is my opinion.

3.  What's something in your home or wardrobe that could be described as 'star spangled'?

     I don't have anything that is "star spangled."

4.  Is your house set up for a party?

     We have a back deck. We have a gas grill. We have furniture! We have music players. So, yes, I guess that we are set up for a party.

5. What one never-before-visited city in America, would you most like to see?

     I would love to see the lights of the Las Vegas strip. However, my choice would be Denver, Colorado. I'd love to see the Rocky Mountains.

6. Your favorite red food? White food? Blue food?

     My favorite red food would be watermelon. My favorite white food would be vanilla ice cream. My favorite blue food would have to be blueberries...only because I can't think of any other blue foods.

7. What freedom do you value the most, and why?

     Freedom of Speech! I really appreciate the freedom to say whatever I want about anything or anyone I want, no matter how obnoxious or unpopular, without the government being able to silence  or retaliate against me.

8.  Insert your own random thought here.

     I really admire the genius of our founding fathers. They created an entirely new paradigm of government where the "just powers" of government are derived from the consent of the governed and not by might or divine right!

     I admire the genius of the U.S. Constitution that they created for the purpose of securing the blessings of liberty for them and their progeny, that is, us! The three branches of government were designed to keep any one branch from becoming too powerful or oppressive. The founding fathers believed that the natural inclination of government was growth in both power over and control of their citizens.

     We are far from perfect, but within the system the founding fathers created are the tools to make those corrections that may be necessary to bring our government back to the founders original intent without violence, by peaceable means. Happy 237th Birthday, America! Happy Independence Day Everyone!