The Parade

In our little people’s republic commune, there is an annual July 4th parade of golf carts.  Using golf carts makes it a holy event.  In the time we’ve been here and apparently for preceding years, everyone is encouraged to decorate their golf cart in traditional 4th of July fashion, and drive in the parade which winds  around the community.  There is a prize for the best decorated cart.  But, this year it changed.

The July 4th parade will have a ‘theme’ this year.  Participants are to decorate their cart, not to commemorate Independence Day, but their favorite movie.  How’s that for patriotism.

I’ve never participated and planned to not ever participate.  But I’m thinking about it now.  Because no one really knows what my favorite movie is, I can select any movie I want.

I’m thinking ‘Fifty Shades of Grey.’

PMO
©2016

It Could Happen

When one reads as much stuff as I do, one’s imagination can run wild.  What happens if Hillary is elected with Elizabeth Warren as VP and Hillary appoints Obama to the supreme court?

Then, when Hilldawg goes out of office and Lizzy is elected president, she appoints Hilldawg to the supreme court.  What!  You say that can never happen.

It could happen.

PMO
©2016

SCOTUS Strikes Again

The all knowing, all mighty and all something else have done it again.  They have ruled that Texas and some other states do no have the right to protect women that want an abortion.  The very idea that a clinic should meet other medical standards is absurd to the supreme ones.  Women have a right to kill babies any where and anytime they want to.  And, you the taxpayer must pay for it.

Not only has the court proclaimed, Hilldawg has piled on to be sure that this is to protect women’s rights.  It has been that long ago that she and Bill were doing everything in the name of “for the children,” and trying to build villages to raise a child.  Or, something like that.  I suppose she changed her tune on protecting folks at the little Bengazi event.

Do I sound angry?

Good.  I am.

PMO
©2016

18 Golf Balls

We made a trip to a big box store this weekend to try and find an item for our shower.  That put us in the plumbing section of the store.  While browsing around trying to find what I was looking for, I passed the display of toilets.  No, I did not use one.

What I saw amazed me and caused me to immediately have a question.  There was a toilet that will flush 18 golf balls.  Are you ready for my question?

If you put 18 golf balls in the toilet, don’t you think you really should give up golf?

I’m terrible at golf, but I ain’t that bad.

PMO
©2016

Official Grouch

Evansburg, Alberta, Canada elects an official ‘Town Grouch’ every year.  The grouch is licensed to pester,  grumble, criticize, and complain for a whole year.  Wow!  What a great idea.  I think we should do this in our little people’s republic commune, aka: gated community with a crazy HOA.

Right now we have too many grouches.  They are usually sweet little old ladies in tennis shoes.  They insist that it is still 1980 and they are in charge of everything.  If we could hold an election and have just one grouch, it would save a lot of misery for a lot of people.

Naturally, some people would say I would be the presumptive nominee.

I could show those old ladies a thing or two about being a grouch.

PMO
©2016

The Way They Think Explained

I often wonder how some people think - or not think.  Everyone does stupid things now and then, but there are some people that make it a life style.  When it comes to politicians, I believe they don’t have the ability to  truly think.  Perhaps the following story will illustrate my point.

A man stopped by the side of a road to admire a lone apple tree near the road.  A farmer was at the tree with a ladder and a little pig.  The man watched as the farmer would take the pig, climb the ladder, and hold the pig up so it could eat an apple.  He would then climb down, move the ladder over and repeat the process.

The man got out of his car and walked over to the fence and spoke to the farmer.  He said, “Wouldn’t it save a lot of time to just climb up the ladder and pick a few apples and throw them down to the pig?  The farmer answered, “Time don’t mean nothing to a pig.”

Bet you know someone just like that - Oink oink.

PMO
©2016

Brexit

British voters have approved a referendum, “Brexit,” to free themselves from the European Union.  This came as quite a shock to the world, especially the world money and stock markets.  What the outcome will actually be will take time.

It seems to me the take away on this vote is a declaration of independence.  We had one of those one time, and it worked out well for awhile.  But alas, we have allowed the “elites” to slowly work themselves back into power, so they can dictate even what we should eat.  For Great Britain to break free from a world of elites and regain power over their destiny is quite remarkable.  Again, time will tell what the implications and ramifications will be.

If the Brits keep a ‘stiff upper lip’ and hold the course, they will prevail.  It is my opinion that the U.S.A should throw them our total support.  They are our best allies.  I’m sure they would support us.

Mmmmm, the cry to “Make Britain Great Again” does have a familiar ring to it.

PMO
©2016

#73

From the official grumpy old man rules of life comes number seventy three, “Don’t let fear control you.”  Please don’t misunderstand, there are lots of times when you have fear.  And, everyone else does too.

A soldier in battle has fears.  Anyone that says they were not afraid in battle is a liar, period.  But, soldiers learn to control fear.  It’s the only way to stay alive.

There are so many people that go through life letting fear control them.  They are afraid to try because they may fail or afraid to confront someone because they fear confrontation.  Too many people never get because they are afraid to ask.

Fear is a good thing because it keeps us from doing a lot of stupid stuff, but it a bad thing when it keeps us from doing good things.

Learn to control your fears by taking time to understand what you are afraid of.

Then, take control.

PMO
©2016

It's Working

By now you should be sick and tired of all the political garbage being spewed upon us everyday.  If you’re not, then you probably are deaf and blind, or dead.  Such a revelation to politicians means one thing, “It’s working.  We have them confused, befuddled and bewildered.” All those terms mean the same thing.

With months to go, the objective of the candidates is to avoid any real substance about anything with full speed ahead on everything that has nothing to do with freedoms or the economy.

Makes me wonder what would happen if absolutely no one voted.  But, that can’t happen.

There are lots of dead people that vote in every election.

PMO
©2016

Solutions

I refer you back to yesterday’s post, especially the paragraph on changing people, not banning guns.  Changing people is the only way to put law and order back into the country.

You may or may not know, but I am a big fan of Will Rogers and Mark Twain.  Since I referred to Will the past couple of days, today I point your attention to Mr. Twain.  He said, “Every time you stop a school, you will have to build a jail.  What you gain at one end, you lose at the other.  It’s like feeding a dog on his own tail.  It won’t fatten the dog.”

In today’s world, what he is saying, that when you take away the basics of critical education from schools, you get what you don’t want.  Schools were designed to teach reading, writing and math, but also right and wrong, a strong allegiance to country and each other, and yes, all the principles contained in the Ten Commandments.  Since we have taken out all of these from schools, maybe it’s time to put them back.

And, if you add in the most important teaching ground of all, the home, with a mother and father dedicated to instilling Judeo-Christian beliefs and practices to their children, you have the two simple solutions to the problem.  You don’t even have to be Jewish or Christian to teach simple truths that are necessary for a society to survive.

Or we can just blame guns or anything else we can think of.

PMO
©2016

Gun Control Ignorance

“Everybody is ignorant, only on different subjects,” said, Will Rogers.  Boy was he right, especially when it comes to guns.  Recently I listened to a talk radio show where the host was talking to a state senator in Florida.  The senator was ranting and raving about how an AR 15 “assault” rifle can file 700 rounds per minute.  Actually the military version, a real “assault” rifle can fire automatically.  Civilian models are not automatic fire.  The magazine, which holds the bullets, will only hold 30 rounds.  This means that a shooter using a civilian model would have to carry 23 magazines, shoot them all by pulling the trigger once for each bullet, all in 60 seconds.

Automatic weapons are for military use only.  There are some few civilians that can get a license for certain firearms that will fire automatically, but they are few and require special licensing.  Again, ignorance about a subject, that obviously the senator knows nothing about.

I can’t count the number of “gun control” advocates that have no idea what they are talking about when it comes to guns.  They just want control.

If you want to stop mass shootings, don’t worry about guns.  You have to change people, by instilling in them a sense of right and wrong.  And, a sense of fear of the consequences.  When someone commits a crime, any crime, they get punished.  Really punished.

Old Will also said, “When ignorance gets started, it knows no bounds.”

I doubt he would believe how far it goes today.

PMO
©2016

Innocent Bystander

Will Rogers was thought of as a humorist, but his humor, while not intentionally mean, was meant to make people think.  And, when they laughed, they laughed at themselves.  I do enjoy reading some of his material from time to time and offer the following for you consideration.

“Another innocent bystander shot in New York yesterday.  You just stand around this town long enough and be innocent and somebody is going to shoot you.  One day they shot four.  That’s the best shooting ever done in this town.  Any time you can find four innocent people in New York in one day, you are doing well even if you don’t shoot’em.”

There’s a message in there somewhere.

PMO
©2016

Fathers Day

Fathers Day is not a federal holiday but was officially recognized by President Nixon in 1972.  No one is exactly sure when it started, but it was in the early 1900s.  Now that you know that, besides being an opportunity for businesses to sell you some stuff for your dad, it is intended to recognize the role of fathers in the lives of their children.

Despite the thinking of today, fathers have long been a critical part in the raising of a child.  If a father accepts his responsibility, he will protect and provide for his family while teaching values that will make a difference for life.  Dads are supposed to know the difference in right and wrong and pass that knowledge along to children.

There are good and bad fathers.  It is sad, but that’s the way it is.  And, like mothers, dads don’t get any instructions on how to do it right.  They have to do the best they can, and try not to make too many mistakes.

Most men can be a father, but it takes a lot of love to be a dad.

I think that’s the key to doing it right.

PMO
©2016

I Want

Have you ever sat down and determined exactly what you want in this life?  Today, I’m going to take a run at what it is that I really want.

I want to love and be loved.  That seems pretty simple, but of all the other thing we do in life, it may be the hardest.  When you love, you get hurt, really hurt.  But, you love anyway.  And, if you are loved, you cause others pain, and that causes you and them to hurt.

I want to be treated fairly.   This means I want a dollar worth of goods for my dollar.  I have always tried to be honest and I expect to be treated in a honest and fair way.  And, I want everyone else to be treated fairly, not special because of race, creed, color, religion, or sexual orientation.

I don’t want someone or some government to take what’s mine and give it someone that does not deserve what I worked hard for.  It is my practice to carefully weigh what I give and to whom I give it.

I want to make my own decisions about my life and what I do so long as I don’t violate the Ten Commandments or the Constitution.  I abide by the law, but I want everyone else to do the same.

I want to live in peace and be able to help my neighbor when help is needed.

I want to be free.  I do not want to live under tyranny, socialism, communism, or any other ‘ism.’

I want to worship as I see fit and share my God with those that are willing to receive Him.

I want to be able to overlook the faults of others and ask them to forgive my faults, while we work for the common good of the country.  The real common good - not some ‘ideal’ they have imagined.

I want honest servants that can set aside their personal ambitions while serving in public office.  This maybe too much to want for.

This certainly can’t be all I want, but you get the idea.  I just want a simple life, protecting and providing for my family while joining others of like mind to maintain a country that is the greatest in the world.

Oh, and, I want some barbeque ribs, cooked just the way I like them.

PMO
©2016

Ban Guns - Again!

Politicians and just plain stupid people love to try to ban guns.  The current battle cry is “ban guns and end terrorist attacks.”

What happens if the terrorist don’t abide by the ban?

Hint: Would work like gun free zones.

PMO
©2016

Which Is It?

I don’t listen to radio much because I only listen when I drive and I don’t drive as much as I used to.  But, when I do listen, I listen to talk radio.  One of my favorite talk show guys mentioned today that the way Obama is handling the protection of us against radical Islamic terrorist, is questionable at best.  Resident Obama does what ever he has to do or say to prevent anything negative about radical Islam from being said or done.

The radio host posed the question, “Does he do this because he is totally inept or does he do this intentional?”

Based upon what I’ve seen, I would have to go with intentional, because he wants to blame gun owners for everything.

Just asking a question.

PMO
©2016

Give Up Your Guns

Let’s just say that it would be possible to rid this country of guns.  I mean, entirely - none, nada, zip.  Would it improve anything?  The correct answer is no.

Criminals, terrorist and just plain crazy people will always find a way to get a gun, or any other weapon if they are intent on killing someone.  We can’t stop millions of illegal immigrants pouring into the country or the flow of tons and tons of drugs.  Who then can believe that banning guns would work.  The correct answer is politicians.

Okay, lets just say that everyone gave up all their guns.  There would be no need for the police to have guns.  Nor would the elite politicians have any need for armed protection.  Celebrities that rave about gun control, yet have a security force, would certainly not need them anymore.

When everyone includes everyone, I will give up my guns.

But, I have a sword or two.

PMO
©2016

Orlando

Although I had intended not to comment about the tragic shooting in Orlando, I will put in my two cents worth.  First, it is truly a tragic event and should be condemned by everyone.  But, it has already become a political point that is ridiculous. 

Resident Obama refuses to recognize that radical Islam is real, but as expected has turned his focus to gun control.  To paraphrase what he had to say, “All Muslims should not be judged by the actions of a few.  But all gun owners should be judged by the actions of a few.”

My point is, as it has always been, gun control is not the issue in this or any other horrific mass killing of people.  The Second Amendment was put into effect so citizens can protect themselves.  Unless, we are willing to provide at least one police officer per citizen, there can be no protection, not even then.

There are evil people in the world.  They want to kill other people for whatever reason.  Reality is that there is nothing anyone can do about it, but be prepared to defend one’s self.  And, even that will not always work.

Yes, we should take steps to prevent shootings like this one.  But, the answer is not taking guns away from law abiding citizens.

That’s punishing the victims for a crazed killers action.

PMO
©2016

Like A Dog

When you get old people refer to you by many names including ‘old dog.’  Well, I read somewhere that when you get old, you are very much like a dog.

The highlights of your day are scratching, peeing, and watching for the mailman.

Woof!

PMO
©2016

Drivers

I have driven in major cities, especially the DFW area for about 25 years.  In all those years I have seen a lot of crazy drivers.  But, none like what I have witnessed in East Texas.  I am not alone in my opinion.  All of my friends that drive here agree.

Recently there was a story in the local newspaper about how Tyler has the highest traffic ticket revenue in the State for a city of it’s size, about 100,000.  The paper was questioning the police.  Are they using traffic tickets as a major source of revenue?  By my observations, I would say a big “NO.”  In fact they need to use the revenue to hire more police officers and dedicate them to traffic.

Most of the drivers here shouldn’t be allowed to drive or handle sharp objects.

PMO
©2016

Dress Code

In our little people’s republic, the all knowing and all seeing folks on the board of directors have decided after 30 years or more, there is a need for a dress code for the club house.  A dress code has always existed for the golf course.

Among other things, the new code bans tank tops, short shorts, bathing suits and flip flops.  Please keep in mind that the average age in this little commune is about 180.  The General Manager will decide what kind, if any, jeans that will be allowed.

These rules seemed reasonable to me at first, but then I discovered they apply to men and women.
The fear I have is, it is a dress code.

I hope they don’t decide everyone has to wear a dress.

PMO
©2016

Bill Don't

Hillary is proclaiming she made history by being the first woman to be a candidate in a major political party in this country.  If one just watches a little (a little is all I can stand) and listens just a little (a little is all I can stand) to Hillary, the only platform she has to run on is that she is a woman.  And, there are millions that will vote for her for that reason alone.

However, I recently saw a picture of Bill with the caption: “Don’t pick Hillary because she is a woman.  I don’t.”

I’m have to go with Bill on this one.

PMO
©2016

Short Observation

The problem with Trump is that he only means what he says some of the time.  The problem with Hillary is she doesn’t mean what she says all of the time.
PMO
©2016

Raise The Blade

I hate to mow the lawn, trim shrubs, pull weeds, and anything else that involves plants than you can’t eat.  But, it mowing season is in full swing in East Texas.  And, I am trying to minimize the number of times I have to mow.

At first I would lower the blade on the mower to cut the grass really short.  That didn’t work.  So, I started raising the blade, thinking that I would not have to mow as often.  That didn’t work either.  In fact I have raised the blade on the mower so high, I now have to use a step ladder to get onto the mower.

I’m thinking about one of those signs I see along highways, that say, “This is a do not mow area.”

PMO
©2016

Not The Same

Have you ever returned somewhere after being away for a long period of time?  Most people have.  And, did you find that all your memories of the place were not exactly what you found?  As Andy Rooney would say, “I know I have.”

My financial controller knows my feelings about living in East Texas so she often asks the question, “Where would you like to live?”  My answer is always the same, “Nowhere we’ve ever lived.”  The reason is simple.  Where we were, is not the same as we remember it.

Last week my financial controller had to drive a seven hour round trip to take momma-in-law to a dentist.  Thank you for not asking why.  Any way, part of momma-in-law’s evil plan was to get to eat at her favorite restaurant.  This is a place where Walter would not eat.  Walter is a dog that will eat anything.  The few times I’ve been forced to eat there, I vote with Walter.  When asked how she liked her meal, she said the food was too salty.

Father-in-law, who is now at the stage where he remembers very little, went along on the trip.  He did not remember that he had eaten at the place literally hundreds of times.
Lucky him.  He won’t remember he did this time.
PMO
©2016

Reasons To Vote

I have predicted that Hillary will win the election in November.  There are some very valid reasons for my prediction.

First, everyone knows, or should know, by now that she is a pathological liar.  There will be no mystery  about her telling the truth.  This makes a lot of people happy.

She likes to play the old, “I have no memory” card on some really important issues.  Hey, who can blame her if she is old and can’t remember.

There is no fear of her putting on line some of our top secrets that put us all in danger.  And, she did blame others for doing the same thing.  Blaming others is always a good characteristic. 

There is nothing to fear about her making enemies of our allies or the rest of the world.  Been there and done that.

“What difference does it make?”  It only makes a difference if you happen to be an ambassador.

And finally, she may bring back all the china and silverware and who knows what else she took when she left the Whitehouse the last time.

Don’t forget to vote for Hillary.

And, vote often.

PMO
©2016

Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.

Cassius Clay, who became Muhammad Ali, is generally regarded as the most significant heavyweight boxer in the history of the sport.  He died June 3, 2016 in Phoenix, Arizona.  If one is objective, and a boxing fan, you may have loved him or hated him, but reality is that he was what he said he was, a champion.  And, he was a man of insight that had a lot to offer.

He said, “I hated every minute of training, but I said, ‘Don’t quit.’ Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.”  And, he also said, “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”  Words of wisdom from a man that believed in himself and what it takes to be more than ordinary.

Muhammad Ali also said, “Live everyday as if it were your last because someday you’re going to be right.”

From me to Ali, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”

Where ever you are now.

PMO
©2016

The Test

When I had a job, I had to make a lot of presentations about some technical matters.  My audiences often were technical and non technical.  It is critical that a speaker know the audience.  So I used a little ‘ice breaker test,” to make everyone relax. 

The little test involved three objects - a square, a triangle, and a circle.  Everyone was told not to respond, but to select one of the drawn objects.  After I had shown all three, I would explain that the square meant that someone was logical and rational in their thinking, left brain.  The triangle meant that they were right brain and were creative.  Then, I would announce all those that chose the circle, the majority every time, were obsessed with sex.

If you gave politicians the test, what would the result be?

If you guessed everyone would pick the circle, you are right.

PMO
©2016

Which Version

So Resident Obama says that he decided to force schools to allow transgender students to use the restroom and locker rooms of their choice, after reading his "Bible."  I don’t know which version of the Bible he reads, but I have read the Bible in a number of versions including an English to Greek translation and I do not remember anything that would lead someone to make such a statement.

Perhaps he got his "Bible" at Half-Baked Books.

PMO
©2016

Out To Get HIm

The “Donald” has problems.  The media is out to get him.  Hillary is out to get him.  The Republicans are our to get him.  The Libertarians are out to get him.  And, all the crazies are out to get him.

And, the way he behaves, I think that he is out to get him.

PMO
©2016