Sick

Sinus colds/infections are all the rage at the Harbor these days. Both my better half and I have been battling with nasal nastiness for about a week now. Besides giving us both the usual gamut of things like lack of taste (as in food and such) and helping increase the dividends for shareholders of Kimberly-Clark, our sunny dispositions are truly frightening.

The conventional wisdom is most acts of spousal abuse and general mayhem occur as the heat goes up. I would argue if two normal even tempered folk have Major Sinus Flair Up ™ or MSFU, there is much more cause for alarm. The only reason she has not used the Fry Pan of Doom ™ on my throbben noggin, is I am sure she is incapable of picking said item up at the moment.

And as much as I think Hunter Thompson was the antithesis of a class act...especially on his choice of exits, perhaps all he was really doing was going to extremes in trying to open up a clogged sinus passage. I still wouldn't approve of the results...but could at least understand the action.

I have tried Rum and coke, rum by itself, ibuprofen, Sudophed ™ , long hot steamy showers, all meeting with limited success. Tonight is the attack of the gin in the green bottle. This needs to pass from our house before some one snaps. If there is a god in heaven, why will he allow for the frequent swelling of some membranes while others are crying out for that same level of frequency. See, this is why there has been no verbiage coming from these here parts....all the fogginess of brain with out the illicit pharmaceuticals.

I knew living too close to the nuke power plant was probably not the healthiest of options, maybe it isn't a sinus condition, maybe it's the other head nearing the end of it's gestation, ready to spring forth in to the light of day.

Hopefully this will pass in the next few days. Or you will see both of us on the next new presentation of COPS ™ . I will be the one running and slamming myself up-side the squad car, with out the assistance of the boys in blue, just to see if it loosens up any of the congestion. My loving spouse will be the one in cuffs who just had the cleaver torn from her hands, yelling something to the effect; "You want your sinuses unclogged you SOB, come here, I'll unclog em for ya!" "Where did you hide the gin you bastard!!" And the local fire marshal will also be there writing us up for having far too much flammable paper product on the premises, due to the crate of Kleenex. (Hey, they were on sale at COSTCO!)

Anyhow, the words will start flowing again, after things clear up a bit sinus wise, or when we are out on probation.

Mars and Venus

Oil and water, Men and Women. A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, we used to know and relish our differences. Heck, even the French (this was back when we officially liked each other) had a saying when men looked longingly at the female of the species..."Viva la difference!" Then came the feminists and their battle cry of we are all the same. And things were never quite the same again.

Well, Rob, everyone's favorite Acidman, is asking for submissions dealing with the Mars and Venus line of thought. Drop on by and read this post. Take a look at submissions he has already posted if so inclined, then email him your own thoughts. My thinking on this, is it should make for some interesting reading after the dust settles (or cause a slight spike in divorce filings).

Open Your History Books...

IN HIS ADDRESS to Congress...declared that "at no previous time has American security been as seriously threatened from without as it is today". The democratic way of life was being directly assailed "by arms; or by secret spreading of poisonous propaganda" in every part of the world. The President said that the assault had blotted out the whole pattern of democratic life in an appalling number of independent nations and that the assailants were still on the march threatening other nations, great and small. Armed defense of democratic existence was being waged on four continents; if that defense failed, all the population and all the resources of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia would be dominated by the conquerors.

The President defined our national policy as follows: We were committed to an all-inclusive national defense; we were committed to full support of resolute peoples everywhere who were resisting aggression and were thereby keeping war away from our hemisphere; and we were committed to the proposition that principles of morality and considerations for our own security would "never permit us to acquiesce in a peace dictated by aggressors and sponsored by appeasers".

I imagine most would be wondering where and when the President said the above. We are engaged in a world wide struggle against not only a form of totalitarianism, thinly disguised as a religion, but nations seeking to make their mark on the worlds stage at the expense of their populace and surrounding countries as well. Three of these, Iran, North Korea, and China, have the potential and the will to directly effect the destiny and course of not only the region of the world they occupy, but have a very strong potential globally.

And yet, around the world, nations refuse to directly confront or in many cases give little more than lip service to the evils growing stronger with each passing day. The President, currently finishing up his trip across Europe, has met with some positive results. But most of these appear to be little more then window dressing. For example, Germany's Chancellor Schroeder, while noting major disagreements with recent US policy regarding Iraq, has publicly stated Iran must not pursue continued development and implementation of nuclear arms. One wonders how much arm twisting was involved to generate this statement. Especially when appeasement still seems to rule the day as far as the European powers and the UN are concerned.

On the Asian front, the diplomatic dance with North Korea continues.
There are also signs China has either started or is about to flex their muscle in the region, Check out this and this written by one of the webs better wordsmiths, Varifrank.

It is my humble opinion, there is a lot of posturing going on out there. And much like in a bar before the open hostilities break out, it seems if not already being picked up, the parties involved are at least eyeing where the pool cues, or empty bottles, are.

How does all this relate to the opening "quote"? And where and when did the President say that? Well, it is a real quote...just the wrong President and different time frame. That was back on the 6th of January, 1941. The President, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. And as real and ominous the treat was back then, the words hold just as true today. History has presented us with just as clear and present a danger as she did back then.

We need to wake up as a people and a nation. There is no place, today, for the isolationistic mindset of 65 years ago or for current rotting fruit born of the socialist leanings which began to take root in academic and East coast elitist circles, back then. For good or ill, we are the strongest (and perhaps, last)bastion of freedom for the world. We owe it not only to ourselves and our children, but to future generations, to rise up and meet the evils of the world head on.

If not, then it is just a matter of time until we are required to learn Chinese and which direction Mecca is, so as to properly carry out our daily prayers. The choice is still up to us. But the history lessons are almost over. Can we pass the tests? And even of more importance, are we willing to?

Smoking Cigars, Having A Beer, And Fishing...

Dr Gene Scott, the charismatic preacher who at one time got the playboy bunny off the infant cable "airwaves", died Monday due to a stroke. He was 75. He ministry, at its height, reached round the world. He was the only one of his ilk I ever paid any attention to, if I happened to be channel surfing. Scott freely admitted to having feet of clay, and could never be called "a sweetness and light" kind of preacher. He was full of piss and vinegar, and it showed on his broadcasts.

His topics varied on any given night or show. On time it might be the Knights Templar, the next would be on his reasons for excepting Christ and his conversion back to the faith. He could be seen with a different hat on every show...sometimes he would change during the show. His controversial(for a preacher) cigar smoking and fondness of beer known to those who followed his tv broadcasts, was often done while on the air (at least the cigar smoking). He was one to make you think if nothing else and almost always entertaining.

I hadn't seen his show in years. But I remember him talking about after he died he wanted to be found fishing on a stream, with a cigar and at least a couple of cold beers waiting for him on the shore, when he made it to heaven. I hope he is doing just that. Rest in peace Doc.

"We Have Met The Enemy..."

Francis over at Eternity Road has a rather thought provoking post today on voting. The comments, as per usual, addressed the subject from a number of different angles. It also got me to thinking (gee, what a surprise).

There are any number of bloggers on both sides of the political fence who wonder what has gone wrong with this country and in particular with our government ('specially the feds).

Those on the left see The Government ™ as the answer to all of life's problems (with apologies to alcohol and Homer Simpson). Just give them enough money, control, and time. In return we will have the care we need from cradle to grave. Be it health care, education, insurance, some sort of pension, equality, diversity, along with a brighter smile and fresher smelling laundry. There will be controls on big business to conform to *standards* (and if that sounds vague it is because it is....the standards will change as often as Don Quixote's dragons...with about as much substance in the form of hard science or facts as said dragons.) But we can trust em cause they either a) know better than we do; b)have our best interests at heart; or c) "It's for the children" ™ . They attempt to appeal to ones emotions, feelings, or the child inside most folks, who still cries out at life's perceived injustices; "It's not fair!!". They don't want to be big brother, or even the parents we never had. They want to be the ones we should have had.

On the other hand (the right hand, of course), we have the conservatives. They don't want to be your parents. They are the old time neighborhood beat cop. You need to have protection from all the evils of the world (and rightly so), and he or she is going to do just that. But they are also going to be sure you are not breaking the rules as well.

They come in various flavors:

There is the old timer who has been there for years. A good strong honest man...who knows some things are better off if he just looks the other way. When you meet your maker, you can answer to him for your offences, the old timer is more concerned about keeping the neighborhood safe, and seeing that the boat is not rocked too hard one way or another.

There is the firebrand. Now they are going to make sure that not only the neighborhood is safe but your soul is as well. They usually don't last too long on the force...as they are usually found to have feet of clay before too long. And either retire to the family business, practice law, or have modest success as talk radio hosts in a mid market somewhere.

There is a new generation of patrolman currently on the scene. They are different from the others in they are not unwilling to address some of the parental concerns of the left while at the same time attempting to take out the local ponzi scam (which everyone knew about but turned a blind eye to). And due in large part to one gang which went on a rampage, they were going to attack with extreme prejudice...any and all thugs, gangs, and malcontents not only in the neighborhood but around the whole city, before the others followed in the first gangs footsteps. (Gasp, what is soooo hard to understand about preventive maintenance?)

And to be fair, we have others on this side who are on the take...and are looking out only for themselves...just as they exist on the left.

So there is a brief look at both sides. There are rascals aplenty on either side. There is wasteful spending, cronyism, egos the size of Texas, and power/control is the juice, most eventually get hooked on.

I can hear the screaming now..."That's it! Get the pitchforks, the tar and feathers!' Somebody GET A ROPE!!"

Well, in the words of that great equine philosopher, Quick Draw McGraw, "Now just hoooold on a minute thar Bubba Louie!"

The problem is not the pond scum in Washington DC (along with your state and or local governments)!! They are the result.

To quote another cartoon character (hey, I'm on a roll here) "We have met the enemy and he is us." -Pogo

And this is where the good Curmudgeon's post comes into play. For he generated a whole lot of discussion about what might be done to fine tune the voting franchise. And that is something which needs to be seriously addressed.

But I would go back a step or two from the voting process itself and take a hard look at the following:

1.What is causing such a poor turnout at the polls, be it for local elections, or national events. Even though the last presidential race produced over all higher numbers than have been seen in recent history, they still fall short of the kinds of numbers a country such as ours should produce.

2.Why are we not seeing a better cross section of the people in our elected offices? Specifically at the Congressional level? Why and how did it become the almost exclusive domain of either the rich or the lawyers (or often times one and the same)?

3.Why do we collectively bitch and moan at the quality of our leadership, when we were the ones who put them there in the first place? (And this is true for both sides.) On top of that we make it even harder for information to be introduced into the media (thanks McCain-Feingold). And then create more hoops to jump through to work around that which shouldn't be there in the first place?

Other than I know "We The People" are the ultimate cause of the mess we are in right now, I don't have the answers.

But ask yourself the following:

When was the last time you looked at the record of any given judge before either returning him to the bench or voting him (or her) in the first time? These are the ones who eventually have the greatest chance of moving up the judicial ladder (both good and bad). But at some point *most* of us had some input to them residing on a given bench.

When was the last time you participated in any sort of "grass roots effort" to seek change in your local, or state government (assuming you have some form of referendum or the like available where you are)?

When was the last time (if you have kids or are interested in the quality of your communities educational standards) you attended a meeting of the local school board?

The point I am trying to make here is, it may be alright to modify who may be part of the franchise. But if the electorate just doesn't care, or isn't willing to take part in seeking viable solutions to the concerns (or something close to them), then limiting or modifying those who can be part of the franchise...probably will not solve the problem.

Will We Stay The Course?

There has to come a time when a nation blessed as we are takes center stage. Not because we have the "right of Kings", or even because our exact way of doing things is the only "right and proper way".

If we, conscious of the benefits, responsibilities, and privileges, being free men and women allow for, fail to not only advance freedom's noble clarion call, but to provide for the ability of all peoples of the world,to answer that call, we damn ourselves. Hastening our own end, becoming but a self absorbed memory in the history of mankind.

There is evil in the world, which seeks to mute the sound of freedom. It takes many guises. Radical Islam and it's legions of terror, which pray on the ignorant and or poor to advance their malignancy. Impotent and corrupt nations and the various umbrella collations they seem to unite under. Who when faced with a clear and present danger, either choose to do nothing or elect to appease the sponsor(s) of same.

When these same governments and bodies of the self important seek to denigrate this country and all it stands for, while doing little or nothing to stem the tide of evil or advance the cause of freedom, save for hiding their collectivist heads in the sand, are we not duty bound ....nay, morally bound be it to God or at the very least to all that is noble and good within the spirit of mankind, to meet the evils head on? Instead, almost half of this country seeks to willingly follow their elitist/statist mentality.

If we allow the malcontents and appeasers to gain control of our national will. If we let those who see freedom of the individual suborned to the needs of the state. And let them deter us from our responsibility and duty as leader of the free world to lead the fight against those who seek the end of western civilization and western man. Then, we will quickly take our place in history as "a former superpower". Our grand experiment will have snuffed itself out. The clear clean air of freedom replaced by the vacuum of selfishness and self absorption. Statist mediocrity vs individuals striving for personal excellence.

So what happens if we falter, give up and let the inmates run the asylum? China (most likely) will have ascended to the throne of the worlds most powerful nation.

Taiwan will be but a memory.

Japan will shift her economic might and political ties toward the country with the most potential buying power. Or perhaps, arm themselves after 60 some years of mutually agreed impotency, because of the growing giant next to them.

The two Koreas will become one. China will *annex* them as a colony with Kim as the puppet leader. Or allow for the *removal* of Kim and the two countries to reunify with the south's economic engine being the one to bear the brunt of bringing its North Korean half up to speed. This being done while building ties to secure their (China's)southern flank.

As for Iran, if we are no longer an effective player...then look to Israel to be the ones taking out Iran's nuclear dreams in very short order. And watch as she deals with the Palestinians. If Israel feels we are no longer able to help her or willing to back her....well, the next war in that region will be far more decisive, and the clear cut victor will be Israel...or she will exist no more. And that will include the use of nuclear weapons at least at the tactical level.

The above scenario is with the presupposition the US does nothing in the short term. If we either allow our hands to be tied or become (internally) incapable of doing nothing concrete in stopping North Korea, Iran, and other players in the Mid-East, and around the world.

In the long term, this applies to China as well. They are a large enough player on the worlds economic stage and are slowly advancing toward some sort of consumer driven economy. Their current form of government will (as long as our engine is the one driving the worlds economic base) have to change sooner or later.
But, as happened during Clinton's tenure, if we give the current power brokers in China free reign and support, to advance their agendas at the expense of ours...then it is all just a matter of time.

Now Is The Time Of Our Discontent

Is Anybody There? Does Anybody Care? Can Anybody See What I See?

John Adams "1776"

I haven't posted anything of note in more than a couple of days. And I am not sure why. It is not a case of burnout, least not in the classic sense of not wanting to put another world on this electric version of paper. Nor is it a case of there being nothing to write about. Look at the antics of the MSM with their glaring disinterest on the Eason Jordan flaylex as one example. Perhaps it is nothing more then wondering if being part of the good fight is enough. Are we really "just talking to our collective selves?"

We are constantly and consistently being bombarded with the same talking heads from the camps of the Democrat/progressive/liberal viewpoint. And it seems the same stalwart voices on the right are always on hand as well. It is as if the lines have been drawn, the players know the parts they play and the words to say, they just await their cue. We seem to be beyond the point of any real civil discourse or even more then a passing glance at any sort of bipartisanship. There is no listening...for neither side cares to hear what the other has to say, and, both sides believe, with good reason.

Though this might work in the short term, one wonders if it is not the beginning of the end for our collective society as we know it. Things can only go on for so long before either the next step must be taken or it all becomes meaningless, a paper tiger. The political center, perhaps the slightly to the right of center, seems to be where the majority in our legislative and executive branches are right now. And a majority of the country is at peace with that. Despite the incessant whining of the all too vocal left and their media lapdogs, this is fact and the numbers back it up.

There are any number of folks on the left who claim to love this country. I would call them liars. What they love and cherish are their ideals and world view. If they loved this country they would honor and abide by the constitution and the laws as they have been set down. There are tools within these same laws and the constitution to seek change, and when used correctly this can be done. Working through, what over the past 140 years has become an increasingly activist judiciary (at all levels) to bring about change, is unconscionable. That the legislative and executive branches (again, at all levels) has allowed this trend not only to continue, but to flourish, damns them, perhaps even more so then the left, for they claim to know better.

And perhaps the most damning of all.....is us. "We The People". The rascals on both sides of the aisle are there because we allowed them to be. The actions of the judges across this land, if not stopped outright via the ballet box, could be addressed via referendum. Or a large (enough) ground swell of discontent directed at the local, state, and federal legislative bodies. But "We The People", especially the body of folks collectively known as the silent majority, did little or nothing.

My wife says this country has become far too comfortable. That, as long as the changes imposed by (for the most part) the left are kept at a bite sized digestible level, we will not get off our ever widening butts to change anything. I fear she is more than a little correct. And in that thought lies the second tool of those who seek to usurp and destroy this country as founded....that dirty little secret called "incrementalism". It has served the statist and their ilk for many years. The one ray of sunshine is now the party of the left is so far out there...Incrementalism is not fast enough for them any more....they want it all...and they want it all now.

I know the above is going in a couple of directions....and the next post or two may as well...there is a point to all this. The country has always been a collage..a mosaic of ideas, people, attitudes, and actions. But where in the past it was a melting pot...now it seems to be stopping short of that. We used to be Americans first, with a deference to our individual pasts and flavors second. Now we seem to be hyphenated Americans, be it an ethic tag or lifestyle, or even political bent. And this country as a whole is poorer for that.

All the above and more will be looked at....for I feel there in resides the reason I haven't posted...a denial on my part for what I feel is going on out there. For where this country may be heading...and the direction the world seems to be going as well. Are you pondering what I'm pondering?

In my mind, there is a feeling in the air, not unlike a "Czech spring". A brief respite in the affairs of men, of state, of the world...before ....I don't know....

They Answered The Call.....

Behind the curve as always....found this at Bitheads. Like he said..."Go here...now."

All Corporations Are Evil

Yeah they are...they make too much money...they don't care about the little guy, the common man. The bottom line is the important thing. Buy our product, use our service, read or watch or listen to our shows/talking heads.

Yep, they're all evil alright...

Here is a little "thank you" from one of those evil corporations.

If you fail to get a bit misty-eyed, if it doesn't move you in the least, then I submit the evil you are seeking is a lot closer to home then residing in some corporation boardroom out there. And I agree with this fella. I don't want to know you.

A Joke From A Friend

Sometimes you get lucky. Over the course of ones life you make many a friend. And over that same time, as circumstances and fate warrant, even the best of friends either loose track of each other...or just go their separate ways.

I am one of the lucky ones. A very good friend, a man I had the honor and privilege of serving with, and working for, while stationed/living in Texas, has been keeping in touch over the years. Just recently we updated our email addresses, and he sent me following. (And yes, I had heard it before, but it has been awhile. And it did bring a smile...so I thought it might do the same to any who happen to pop in here).

The burglar was creeping noiselessly through the darkened home, filling his bag with various valuables. As he reached his hand out to a box of jewelry, he heard a voice say, "Jesus is watching you." Shaken, the burglar stopped. For a full minute he didn't dare breathe. Finally, he switched on his flashlight and carefully played it around the room, but saw nothing. Convinced that it must have been his imagination, he turned off the flashlight and continued in his quest for another man's wealth.

He was busily unhooking a stereo set when he again heard, "Jesus is watching you." This time he nearly jumped out of his skin, he was so freaked out. Beads of sweat popped out on his face, and as he switched the light on again, the beam shook violently from his terror. He looked about the room, and noticed a birdcage in the corner. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a parrot in the cage.

"Are you the one that spoke to me just now?" asked the burglar. "Yes, I am," said the parrot. "Why did you say 'Jesus is watching you?'" asked the man. "Because I felt like you needed to be warned," replied the parrot. By this time, the man was over his fright and was more than a little irritated at this smart mouthed parrot that had tried to scare him.

"What's your name?" asked the burglar. "Moses," the parrot said. "Hah," the man said, guffawing. "What kind of people would name their parrot Moses?"

"The same kind of people that would name their Rottweiler Jesus," replied the parrot.

Oh, and if you are ever in the Dallas Ft. Worth area and in need of some of the best NY style pizza outside of Brooklyn, go and check out:

Isabella's Pizzeria
617 W Marshall Dr
Grand Prairie

By the pizza or by the slice it's outstanding!
And tell Howard I said "Hi!"

Sins Of The Father?

Charles Krauthammer is the only columnist I regularly read besides the conservative version of Jeanne d'Arc, Ann Coulter. His column today is right on the money. And his last two paragraphs are particularly note worthy.

Leading Democrats are discomfited by this demonstration of Iraqi support for the Bush Doctrine. John Kerry urges that we not ``overhype this election.'' At the very moment when the first seed of democracy is planted, the Democratic leaders want the United States to turn its attention immediately to withdrawal. Kennedy demands a timetable. Democratic House leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate leader Harry Reid demand a definitive exit strategy.

This might be terrifying to Iraqis who just risked their lives to get democracy under way, and who still remember the Baathist slaughter of tens of thousands 14 years ago when the United States urged them to rise against their oppressors and then abandoned them. But it will not be terrifying to Iraqis because they know that this is a different time and a different Bush. He won't listen to the Saudis. He won't listen to the Democrats. If the world knows anything about George W. Bush, it is that he does what he says. Iraq's president called this talk about withdrawal ``complete nonsense.'' Which is why the Iraqis could dance.

Some might argue our current President is just being true to his foreign policy and the guidelines set up by his advisors. Others will say, like the good Mr. Krauthammer , that he is just being true to himself. I am wondering if it is not also a case of the son learning from the mistakes of the father.

Though Bush '41 did nothing more than follow the guidelines as set forth by the existing UN resolutions at that time. One wonders (yeah, hindsight *is* 20/20) if he shouldn't have forged ahead, while in Iraq and completed what was started. Sure the world body politic would have bitched and moaned (they have had years of practice after all), but I bet two things would have happened had he done so:

1. The Iraqis would have had their freedom a number of years sooner

2. Bush '41 would have been a two term president

The first is obvious in its conclusion. But the second merits a bit more looking into. Had he committed our troops and US support in general, I don't think he would have been able to utter the one phrase which many see as his downfall to a second term "No new taxes". The monies needed to carry out freeing Iraq from the Baathist regime would have made that particular option considerably more far fetched.

Also, a "totally" free Iraq coming at the time of our elections would most certainly have been a major feather in his cap. Expanding the bounds of freedom and liberty tend to leave a positive feeling not only in the hearts and minds of those who have newly won same, but to the peoples of the country(ies) who are their enablers.

So, yes, though it may never be publicly stated as such by President Bush (43). Is some of what has transpired over the past few years, the actions of a son who learned /benefited from the mistakes of his father? Maybe, maybe not. But I would like to think so.

Fathers and Sons

From time to time I felt his presence next to me while I was driving. This was the first time dad made it to the house. I glanced up from the monitor, looked at the smoke curling up from the ashtray. I smoke cigarettes. But the odor of HIS cheroot was noticeable. He was here.

"Well, you see he is sorta spinning his wheels...you going to help em out? You know I would have talked with you, if you would have asked."

"Yeah, dad, I know....." Damn, am I talking to a ghost? Or having a 47 year old rerun, mentally clomping around in his shoes, now, like I physically did back then. Hell, in either case, my feet were/are far too small.

"Guess all I can do is try, and hope he takes it on board. Not 'cause I'm his dad, but because there are a few more rings around my waistline."

"He's my grandson."

I mentally glanced at my pater-muse. He appeared to be quite comfortable in a corner of my cobwebbed filled noggin. Staking a claim to a somewhat dusty, overstuffed chair. My Id's scotch and humidor of cigars found their way chairside, as well. Dad continued:

"He has a good enough head on his shoulders, I think he'll pick up on what really matters." (Can you sense a slight smile, from just beyond the veil? Or a twinkle, in the eye of a phantom?)

"Look, I know from his writing, and from when we talk, he is getting frustrated at what he thinks he sees in the potential dating pool he has been swimming in."

"How's that again?"

"Dad, he finds most of the women he meets to be shallow. Or they do not come even close to sharing enough of the same ideas or ideals for anything to develop. At least no further than a short term or casual relationship."

"He is looking beyond just the bars and the frat houses?"

Now, I smiled. "Yeah, he is. I don't think he wants to get married tomorrow, but I do think he is looking for someone to develop a long term relationship with."

"Has he tried meeting with people who share in his interests, hobbies, even political groups or clubs?"

"I don't know if he really has or not, dad. I will ask about that the next time we talk. He is up in Minnesota and the college environment and surrounding area are ...well..."

"Son, Look, I know where he is going to school. And I know what the social and political environment is like up there. I tend to get around a bit easier now, one of the perks on this side of the fence. What he needs to understand is in one respect things are not much different then they were when I was his age."

"You both have to realize what now is considered moderate or even to some conservative, was in some ways, rather risque at one time. For example, some of the acceptable attire worn to work by woman today, would have gotten you fired when I was his age."

"The language used by many of either sex would have only been spoken by ...well, to be honest, by any number of men in any number of situations. But hardly, if ever, in mixed company, and never by a woman with any sort of manners. Women never asked a man out. It was thought of as being too forward. So much so, we had a special day for that kind of thing. It was called Sadie Hawkins Day. It started out as a joke. A funny page put-on in the late 30's, the idea caught fire. But for the most part, men were expected to do the asking out..."

"Ah, dad, aren't we getting a tad off the subject? Your grandson doesn't care about what the rules were like back then, he is concerned about now."

At that moment, I felt what could only be described as *brain freeze*. This, due to dad grabbing an ice cube from his glass and tossing it square between my optic nerves. I instantly had an even greater respect of father specter figures...and the prowess of their metaphysical throwing arm.

"You're missing the point son! Just as your boy has got his standards, and you and your brother had yours, My generation did too. And we all looked for our ideals in the woman we wanted to seriously start a relationship with. Many from my generation (and yours too by the way), made the mistake of thinking there were two kinds of girls. Good girls, the ones you wanted to marry. And Bad girls, the ones you wanted to take out 'for a good time'. You come to find out, over time, there are just good and bad people. So if our boy goes out on a date. Hopefully there is some common ground somewhere. He finds out the more they talk and get to know each other, perhaps this young lady is worth a second date and then a third, and so on. If he finds she really is interested in getting to know him better (and if they are on the second or third date, that should be obvious one way or another). I would hope he has enough respect for himself and whomever he is out on a date with to not be too foolish...."

"Ah dad, from what he has told me, there are any number of girls out there who start to wonder if you really are interested in them, or gay, if you don't try to put any moves on them by at least the third date."

"Damn it son, that is what I am talking about!! That is part and parcel what is wrong today. Now, that gal is not a 'bad girl' but she is seriously mistaken if she thinks hopping right in the sack, is the same thing as love. Or commitment for that matter. Hells bells! That kind of thinking is what gets those same gals messing around with the poolboy by the time they are 30. Meanwhile, their husband is having an affair with his secretary. Ya got to be hitting, together, on the majority of the other cylinders. Cause if all the relationship is really built on, is how hot you are for each other....well that ain't gonna last CONSISTENTLY forever. There will be times when you can't get enough of each other. There will be other times when keeping things civil between the two of you will seem like one of the labors of Hercules. But the bedroom in and of itself, is not going to support a marriage."

"He is better off not getting involved with them...and it sounds like he sees that kind of behavior for what it is....being shallow."

"When I was his age, and I damn well know now, when YOU were his age, most of our thinking was done with the little head. That is just the way it goes. That your son has gone beyond that, and realizes there is so much more needed for a chance at a successful (long term) relationship, makes me proud to be his grandpa."

"Tell him to be patient. To be sure of himself and of what is of value to him. A woman can sense if a guy is either wishy-washy in his character...or just floating along, not caring about anything of importance. The good ones out there want a MAN for a serious relationship, especially if they are looking for husband material. Forget about all this women's lib crap. They are just blowing smoke. They may say they want a 'sensitive' fella, like what they see on tv or the movies. But in real life, whether they realize it or not, they want a fella who is going to take care of them. Someone who is going to put food on the table, a roof over their heads, and money in the bank."

"Now that doesn't mean you have to do the 'Me Tarzan, You Jane' thing. I learned almost too late, you need to talk WITH your wife. Communication counts for more than you will know. Once the lines are down, if they stay that way for too long...well the bedroom will grow mighty cold and she is bound to find another cave whose fire she thinks will warm her. And as you know, divorce lawyers are a dime a dozen."

At this point dad paused, took a swig of his scotch, pointed the business end of his cheroot toward my optic nerves, and said:

"And YOU would do well to take that advice onboard as well! I know you are doing a hell of a lot better then you have in the past. Lord knows that is one area where I should have been a better example to you kids. But can't do much to change that now. Hopefully my grandson will take that lesson onboard much sooner then either of us."

Dad paused, took a sip of his Scottish ambrosia, and a pull from his stogie. He gave me a look, and if such a thing was possible for a ghostly visage, chuckled to himself.

"Well, I see by the way your lids are drooping you have either had a bit too much rum with that coke...or you need to get some rest. In either case, I need to head back upstairs for a bit."

The man who wrestled with all the concerns of raising a family as best he knew how, who showed me the right way to toss a baseball, and roll a strike, started to fade from the chair. The glass of scotch and cigar did as well.

"Dad....I.."

"I love you too son. I'll be back soon enough...we have to give those boys the straight skinny...Lord knows the way the world is today...it's the least a grandfather can do."

An Idea ...A Dream...Whose Time Has Come.

This man has visions of being in the oval office. He is a man of passion. A dreamer not afraid to tell it like it is. A man who knows the value of a dollar. Who realizes if you are the big dog, and want to continue being the big dog, then you had better damn well ACT like it.

A man of humble beginnings. A man of simple tastes. A man not looking for the spotlight...but when fate shines it on him...not one to shy away from it. He is the picture of a southern redn...err... southern gentleman.

What makes Rob different from others who have resided at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave?

• If he has sex with an intern there will be no parsing of words...cause SHE will be telling one and all how damn good it was...and he wouldn't have it any other way.

• If there are problems needing to be grappled with HIS TEAM of men and wimmen will rise to the tasks at hand. Brooking no compromise, taking no prisoners. They will get the job done...and done right.

If our Enemies or former friends, or just the putzes with the blue flag up NYC way, get a tad too froggy or whine one more time about America taking it's rightful place as the standard barer for the free world and western man.....
He has one answer to them all....

"Kiss My Ass And Get Outta My Yard!"

I wonder if there is an opening in his cabinet? Hell, I'll even bring the booze err...adult beverages, cheese and crackers.