ralex's Blog

The San Francisco Presidential Memorial Commission, (Didn't know they had such a commission, and shouldn't it be concerned with deceased presidents?) is considering a proposal to rename San Francisco's Ocean Side Water Pollution Control Plant after G.W. My proposal would be naming their city San Franfreako.

I'm hearing that protesters in Belgrade have attacked and broke into our embassy. It has something to do with Kosovo attaining independence. Why us? Even if the US approved their independence movement, why do the Serb's hold us accountable.  I'm sure alot of other countries publicized their opinion.

 

Made me wonder, when was the last time an American mob stormed someones embassy in Washington?  Wouldn't it be nice to see a proper mob supporting the red white and blue for a change?

I'm a person who watches the bottom line closely. So when a female voice called and said she was with SBC and I owed them 900.00 and how did I want to pay this, I at first was in dismay. She then asked for a card number and my SSN to verify that she had the right person.  During this time my mind had already processed all my past accounts and missing was one with SBC. I said this and she again asked for my information. I at this point I was mad, and said there was no way she was getting any information over the phone as she was just a voice that called and I would hang up and recall SBC.

 

I so doing this, I had to use 1411 to get SBC's number, they gave me Taco Bell. Finally reaching SBC, they of course said that any telecommunications company wouldn't need a SSN to reach a person. They have our address and name on their accounts. Well the lady hasn't called back. If she or any other scam reaches me again, *69 them and turn this number over to your local law enforcement.

The topic of Court House Security has risen since the shootings in Kirkwood Missouri. And after reading some of the Star's account of the gunmans past and legal issues he faced with the City of Kirkwood, I had to question some of what the city fined him about. All the Star mentioned was trash and the way he stored building material. An 18,000 dollar fine would seem abit steep. Now I'm not in faviour of people dumping anywhere they please, and I enjoy nice scenery as anyone. But we shouldn't be faced with the task of protecting our government from the citizens they are supposed to be serving. Something else is wrong here. Something more deep routed as I'm sure we haven't heard all of the story from both sides.

 

Metal detectors won't suffice to prevent what happened in Kirkwood.

The only way to protect government officials from the public is to isolate them, under guard all the time. We don't want this I'm sure, and who would want to pay for it. Our government should remain accessible to the people. Whats wrong isn't security, its something much more profound.

I got on the Navy's official web site to look at a picture of the USS Hopper, since in the news along with the cruiser Port Royal and frigette Ingraham. The ships news release stated that a crew member had turned up missing , last seen on Jan 3rd. Standard procedure is to turn about and retrace your coarse in hopes spotting the fallen crew member.

This leads me to wonder if they were doing this, when they ran across the Iranian boats in the straight. The Iranians tend to seize sailors at their opportunity as the Royal Navy found out last year. We may hear more about this story in the coming days.

Tcb's post got me thinking this;  There exists already known regions or states that are far more liberal in their ways. Then there is the bible belt states and some just in the middle. Leaving some of these social and domestic issues for the states to consider will satisfy most everyones opinion on how they choose to live. Who they marry, raise children, what options are available or not. After a few generations go by will tell which philosophy improved living or not. If Massachusetts passes this no spanking law, along with their gay marriage, abortion, free condoms, and even legalization of marijuana which is debated every session, a generation of kids will illustrate this merit.

Why am I not surprised? A dictator behaving like a dictator, as Musharraf has quickly arrested 3500 people that oppose his regime. Declaring marshal law, suspending anti Musharraf press. Right out of the dictators play book. The US has had many dictators in its pocket before, as this tactic seems to be the most rewarding for America other than direct confrontation to reach our aims. But this can often back fire as this case seems headed. After Musharraf , and if democracy wins over, we may have a stronger alliance placed to really go after Bin Ladin. In the worst case, an ultra islamic Iranian style government forms (with nuclear capability) that would pose direct confrontation of our efforts in Afganistan and heat up the friction already simmering with India. What will our policy be in this case scenerio?

I believe its widely recognized that secure borders is one issue that needs addressing in the post 911 era. And since the 60's civil rights movement all these special interest civil rights groups have sprung up to represent all the different cultures and creeds that make this a melting pot nation we have always been. This La raza group for instance will raise the point of race and bigotry to defend the Mexican illigal immigrants outside the possibility that this could be a national security issue. I don't see anyone acting as the concerned American. Everyone wants to associate themselfs as to their culture, althgough what is the American culture now other than consumerism? Are we not seeing the situation headed in this direction? This fracturing of the American people into their distinct groups is what led us towards our civil war 147 years ago. Meaning the southerners considered themsel'ves southern or a Virginian first, and an American citizen second. La Raza seems to represent the Mexican community over the benift of the nation as a whole.

The recent management / labor talks at G.M. have raised the issue of quality in American made auto's brought out on milesdavis recent blog. My experience is the quality has risen over the decades in most all vehicles. My first cars I owned were 60's models and it seems they required an overhaul if the mileage was over 100,000. At those miles they tended to smoke, leak and lose power. Now it seems auto's log well over 200,000 and still perform adequate. I know they have become more efficient and the horse power attained with fewer cylinders was unheard of three decades ago.

 

But, when a problem does arrise with a newer vehicle, the repair and parts costs are quite large.  I haven't driven a new vehicle off a lot since the 80's, as their costs has risen to a point that I choose to buy 2-3 year old trucks which cost half of one with no miles on the odometer. But when I see that alot of the price of a new vehicle is to pay the workers benefits, I just don't feel that much sympathy for people who get their health insurance paid after retirement, as most of us Americans will struggle for that. I understand this will be a hot issue, but lets discuss the meret of this.

The woman attacked outside the Dollar General Store in Independence probably saved her life by fighting back and scaring off this attacker. This can be a good lesson to all women who scary as it seems, might be faced with this kinda situation. Seems to be becoming common and can happen anywhere. Another aspect, is to stay aware and trust your gut feeling, as this woman was followed around inside the store before she left with him right behind her.

 

With his picture advertised and apparantly wearing a unique hat and tatoo displayed, he ought to be easy to track down. Men have a habit of wearing the same hat ,or just a few for months.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, president of Iran requested an official visit to the World Trade Center site in New York. He is here to address the U.N. general Assembly. At first the city stated they would consider the request, but after much backlash and outrage, promptly denied the request. This is after he approved the execution of two homosexuals in Terhan just before his trip to New York. They had previously suffered the lash, and apon Mahmouds decree were drug out into the public execution square and hung together.

Your walking down a deserted street with your wife and two children. Suddenly from around a corner an Islamic terrorist  screams obscenities, praises Allah, raises a knife and charges towards you and your family.

You are carrying a Glock cal 40, and are an expert shot. In a few seconds you decide to?

 

Democrat:

Well; its not enough information to answer the question.

Does the man look poor or depressed?

Have I ever done anything to inspire him to attack?

Could I run away?

What does my wife think?

What does the law say about this situation?

Does the Glock have the appropriate safety built into it?

Why am I carrying a loaded gun anyway, what kinda message am I sending my children?

Why is the street so deserted?

Could we raise taxes, have a paint and weed day and make this a happier, healthier street to discourage such behavior?

Republican:

"BANG"

Red Neck:

"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG" click click reloading , "BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"BANG"

Daughter: Nice grouping daddy! Were those silver tips or hollow points?

Son: you got him! Can I try the next one?

Wife: Your not taking that to the taxidermist!

Reporters can pick out Iraqi civilians and ask their opinions about their situation, government, American presence, and security. I just viewed an Iraqi interview where he complained about American troops, and the Iraqi government. Yeah, they are learning the American way more and more every day.

ABC putting the message out that Clinton is unbeatable because of the money she has raised. Even if she is out there more, she is only overly reconfirming the reasons I and others wouldn't vote for her. Bill stated that anti-Hillary voters are republicans anyway and she can win without them. How is it right that the amount of money can determine our next president. Can't anyone see the wrong in this?

 

On another subject,,,,,If she does get elected, whats the chances Bill gets caught with his pants down during the next four years. The democratic principle isn't the only fear we face, as their cause of American standing among other countries. I'd rather have them upset with our policy than laughing at us.

One message I have heard a few democrats concern is what other world leaders think of our policy. And our respect throughout the world with other nationalities. This week Cleaver stated this same cause in his support of MS Clinton.

 

I don't see why we need to court and make decisions on foreign policy regarding our popularity. Our elected officials should serve the American interest, not Europeans. Just gaining respect involves self discipline and fortitude. Being submissive and indulgent will breed contempt around the world.