...I'm thankful for Opportunities.........

As some of you know, I have been writing commentaries for the Seneca News Dispatch (Seneca, Mo.) and the Midwest Times (Diamond, Granby, and Eastern Newton County, Mo.) - this weeks column follows:

 

            I wonder if we have lost sight of the true celebration of Thanksgiving.  Like you, I have read many articles and commentaries from people over the years noting how “thankful” they are for such a variety of “things”.  I, too, am thankful for my Family and their health, for having a good job at a time when many people do not, and for living in a Country where I can believe and act pretty much the way I want to.  The last item, “being thankful for the Country where I live”, is what made me pause to think.  I did not want to write about the “same old stories” we all hear at Thanksgiving, so I want to focus on the one thing for which I am truly thankful.

            Many of our neighbors have lost their jobs and homes during this economic crisis.  People wonder when our Nation will return to prosperity.  Some people even go as far to say – it won’t.  During a speech given in April of 1959, John F. Kennedy said, “The Chinese use two brush strokes to write the word 'crisis.' One brush stroke stands for danger; the other for opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the danger - but recognize the opportunity.”  This Thanksgiving, I am thankful for having “opportunities”.  You should be as well.

            We have so many opportunities all around us, every single day.  Maybe someone offers you a new job, or you meet a new person, or you have a great idea pop in your head for an invention.  All of these situations present an opportunity.  It is up to you to decide which ones are worth acting upon and which can be allowed to slip on by.

            Our Society is truly unique in the opportunities we all have.  We can be born poor, into a family who has never had a member graduate from High School, yet we may become rich and educated.  It all depends on how we take advantage of the choices and opportunities laid out before us.  Everyone, in America, had these same opportunities – don’t let anyone tell you different.

            In 1839, a child was born to a salesman who travelled a great deal and was rarely home to savor in the joys of his off spring.  The family was not at all wealthy.  This young child grew up and could have been bitter for the card life had dealt him, but instead he chose to be creative and find ways to occupy his time.  He worked hard and got a job as a bookkeeper.  He was frugal with his money and saved all he could.  As his savings grew, he took his money and partnered with some other investors to purchase some oil refineries.  In 1870, he incorporated his holdings into a little company called “Standard Oil.”  Because he was savvy and acted wisely on the opportunities presented to him, John D. Rockefeller, was worth nearly $1.5 Billion, when he passed away in 1937.

            Like Mr. Rockefeller, American’s Henry Ford, Ronald Reagan, Harry Truman, and our Arkansas Neighbor Sam Walton all took advantage of some form of “opportunity” to advance their lives and make them known to us all.  Now, even though these men were wealthy when they passed away; don’t mistake the point I am after here – it has nothing to do with money.

            The point I wish to make to you and your family this Thanksgiving is this…..take advantage of all opportunities thrown your way.  We live in a rare place, while not without its flaws, that shines above all others on Earth because of what is available to each of us.  We have freedom to date and marry the person of “our” dreams.  We can think freely and outside the box to make crazy inventions – even when others say we are going to fail and we’ve lost our minds!  These are all great things to be thankful for. 

            As I sit down to partake of the wonderful feast in front of me, I am going to pause and thank God for “the opportunities”.

...Might be a redneck if there is a horse in your car.....

You MIGHT be a Redneck - IF you drive down the Highway with a Horse in your CAR!  

Check out this video - which was shot last week - just outside of Osage, Kansas!

...TSA Pat downs - DON'T let the Media get us killed!!!.........

As I look at the photo above, I can not understand those protesting the full body scan machines OR the intensive pat down searches being employed, by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

Americans are so Naive!!!  Don't let CNN, ABC, CBS, or ANY news outlet get you to believe these pat downs are "intrusive and unnecessary"!!!!  For the last few days, this is all I have heard - story after story about this traveler being searched in some "rude" manner.  One flier made headlines by being video taped, while telling a TSA Screener, "I will have you arrested if you touch my junk".  This is irresponsible for anyone to say and its irresponsible for the media to report!

There is another video circulating, which shows a TSA Screener patting down a three year old child.  I listened as News Anchors and Commentators have said how "ridiculous" and "out of line" this was to search a "poor" little child.  

PEOPLE, we are at war!  Look at the picture above again!  I realize MOST people are trust worthy and honest, but how do the Screener's know who is good or bad?  As a police officer, I am placed into similar situations everyday.  I have found guns hidden by adults underneath infants in car seats and I have recovered Methamphetamine from a baby's diaper - where his "High" mother put it to keep me from finding it.  Now, if these "dumb" street level crooks can think of these things - what about a highly educated terrorist?

I agree 100 percent, the Screeners must be polite and respectful, but because of some rude employees there is a push on to scrap this level of security altogether.  We are naive!

Below is a news video from today (11-17-2010), which I copied from MSNBC.  Featured is the TSA Chief discussing the new procedures and defending them.  We must join him in keeping this new measures OR more Americans will needlessly die at the hands of terrorists!

After that video is a very graphic video of People JUMPING from the World Trade Center Buildings on September 11, 2011.  This compilation of videos was censored in the United States and not shown to us.  If you still question the need for the improved security measures - watch this video.  

CAUTION THE SECOND VIDEO CONTAINS GRAPHIC FOOTAGE OF FELLOW AMERICANS DYING.  IT GRAPHICALLY SHOWS BLOOD STAINS AND BODIES AT THE BASE OF THE WTC.  IF THIS OFFENDS YOU, PLEASE DO NOT OPEN THE SECOND VIDEO LINK.

 

As always if you don't agree with my point of view - that's fine - leave your opinion in the comments section below - "If we can't agree - let's at least be Civil!"

.....Car crash, DWI, urine, and lots of laughs!!!!!.....

 

After serving the City of Neosho, as a police officer, for many years, I am left with many great memories and just the other day, I was reminded of a couple by some of my friends.  I decided to share this story on my blog and while it is a situation where you "had to be there" to get the full effect - I hope you will get the idea and smile!!!

In the late 1990's, I was working a night shift with my friend Mark Wohlwend.  Now, Mark and I - like most cops - had an unusual sense of humor and we laughed at many things most people would not see the humor in.  We had a lot of fun working together and made the most of every situation.  This night shift, would be no different.

Things were slow in Neosho - not much going on - so I met Mark at a local Convenience Store called Fastrip.  This is located at the corner of Coler Street and N. College Street.  We parked our fully marked police cars at the front of the store.  I went inside and got a cup of hot coffee.  Mark was enjoying a refreshment of some sort, so we stepped outside onto the sidewalk and were enjoying a peaceful night in the Ozarks.

As Mark and I talked, we were looking towards the gas pumps and saw a white older model Cadillac pulling up.  There was a woman driving.  She steered toward the concrete barrier protecting one of the gas pumps and all of the sudden - CRASH!!!!  She drove right into the barrier, with two cops standing there watching.  Mark and I looked at each other and could not believe what had happened.  We rushed over to make sure the woman was not injured and then..............

The rush of the alcoholic beverage odor came smashing towards our noses.  I mean this lady was not drunk, she was wasted!!!!  She was an older lady, so Mark took care in assuring she was not hurt and then getting her out of the car, which was not too badly damaged.  Mark then explained why he thought she was intoxicated and asked her to do some field sobriety observations, which she agreed to do.  As Mark arrested the woman for Driving While Intoxicated, we discussed what to do with her car.  The clerk at Fastrip said we could park it on their lot and the woman's family could come get it later, so it would save her the expense of a wrecker.  Mark asked the drunk woman if this was acceptable and she said it was, so she handed me her car keys and asked if I would kindly park her vehicle away from the gas pumps.  

.....Great Football Plays.........

I love football.  Every winter, as football comes to an end - I begin thinking about next year and the great plays to come!  Here are some of my favorite plays................

....When you call 9-1-1...Is help coming???............

When an Emergency happens, people all across America are taught to dial 9-1-1.  When 9-1-1 is dialed, what do you expect to happen?  Will you get the help you need?  


On September 4, 2010, a man in Mashpee, Massachusetts dialed 9-1-1.  His girlfriend had choked on an item of food.  The man frantically screams for help and desperately attempts to save his girlfriends life, while he is on a recorded 9-1-1 line. 

Take the 12 minutes to listen to this call, but be aware this is disturbing as you will listen while a woman dies and a man goes through a living hell - by himself!

(A newspaper article on the events of this specific case - maybe read by clicking here) 

As citizens, we must be aware of the failings and shortcoming of our emergency response network and be prepared to act, when we are abandoned.  However, for people like myself, who are emergency responders we MUST strive for perfection, because anything less and people die!

In Missouri, there are still areas without enhanced 9-1-1 service.  So, when you call for help a dispatcher will not know where you are calling from, unless YOU tell them.  Also, Missouri is the ONLY State, in America,  without a 9-1-1 tax on cell phones.  In Newton County, for example, there is no tax on cell phones for emergency services.  Yet, in Newton County and ALL across Missouri - a majority of 9-1-1 calls now come from Cell Phones and not hard wired phones.

As you know, I am not a fan of increased taxes, but I also know we must pay for basic services and 9-1-1 is something we ALL expect to be there when we need it!!!  We Must demand 9-1-1 calls become part of public record in Missouri, so there is an automatic check and balance.  We must prevent and dissuade situations, like you just listened to!  9-1-1 must be an avenue to save lives, not take them.  We need to persuade the County Commissioners and State Legislators to allow a vote on the imposition of Statewide 9-1-1 cell phone fees.  If it cost you $2.00 more per month on your cell phone and you knew help would be available in an emergency - would it be worth it to you?

Now, the above call where the woman died in Massachusetts, had nothing to do with the lack of a cell phone tax.  Instead, according to the local Sheriff, the Dispatcher errored and offered no pre-arrival medical advice. But, this can and does happen here in Missouri and a lot of our problems are due to a lack of proper funding.

The next time you dial 9-1-1 in Missouri, from your cell phone, be mindful of the pain endured by Brent MacFarland in the above video.  Help keep any of US from suffering such hurt and lobby for improved 9-1-1 Cellular Service ALL across the Show Me State!!!

......Are Animals more important than People?........

The recent passage of Missouri Proposition B, has caused me to pause and ask - "Are Animals more important than People?"  This is such a sensitive issue to so many people and stirs so much emotion, some people can not even rationally discuss the issue.  Remember, before you read any further, "If we can't agree - let's at least be Civil!".

I have long been concerned with the balance between peoples needs and animal welfare.  I believe in the humane treatment of animals, but I also feel animals are a "resource" humans should be able to use.  Obviously, this statement is inherently conflicting, so please allow me to explain - as briefly as I may.

I feel people should not harm animals "for entertainment", for example dog fights, cock fights, etc.  These acts, to me, are wrong and inhumane.  

I have no problem with a family going out to hunt their favorite "game", as long as they are responsible and use the meat, pelts, etc. gained from the hunt.  I find it disgusting when I come across a dead animal, who has been shot for the "mere fun of it" and left to die.  I see this as a waste of food and fur, which could have been a valuable resource to a person in need.  

I pause when animal rights come into conflict with economic benefits of people.  This is a huge issue and one of the most controversial.  For example, I love my dog, Dharma.  She is a Boxer and is one of my best friends.  I got her from the City of Neosho Animal Shelter ten years ago.  I saved her from being euthanized.  No one benefited economically from me getting her.  However, if a dog breeder raises a puppy and a person wishes to purchase this dog somewhere - I see no problem with this - as long as the puppy is properly cared for and humanely raised.

I have no problem with Farmers raising pigs, goats, chickens, cows, etc. for human consumption.  Animals were placed on Earth by God, for his "people".  The Bible has many references to animals being consumed by man.  I see this as a natural layer on the food chain.

I hold another controversial position, in that I have no problem with animals being used in research that can and most likely will save human life, even if some pain is inflicted on the animal.  Now, with this said, I am not advocating "unnecessary" pain be placed on any animal.  Rather, my position is this: if a person has cancer (for example) and this cancer could be cured by injecting an animal with the disease to find ways to defeat it - I find that acceptable.  This must be done in a valid scientific manner, by properly educated individuals.  Many people would disagree with me here, but I ask you to be totally honest - if giving a disease to an animal could save YOUR sick child - would you feel differently?  If you would feel differently - were it YOUR child - deep down - you agree with me!

I could go on about this topic for a long time, but for now........I will pause here and encourage you to leave your comments below.  I am particularly interested in opposing view points.  Heck, I will even publish a post from someone with PETA if you are brave enough to accept my reply!  BUT, as always - there is one RULE here - IF WE CAN'T AGREE - LET'S AT LEAST BE CIVIL!

......We MUST Act and SAVE America.....

As I stated in my blog entry, "Do we have Honor and the Will to save America?" (posted November 5, 2010) , we must be willing to make tough choices to solve our Nations Financial mess. 

To my Conservative friends, if you realistically believe we can balance our Budget AND erase the Deficit without any tax increases - show me your plan. 

To my Liberal friends, if you realistically believe we can balance the Budget AND erase the Deficit without cutting Social Programs - show me your plan.

In the November 11, 2010 edition of The New York Times, there is a decent article presenting the concerns of BOTH sides and why it is likely the effort to solve our deficit will fail.  CLICK HERE for the Times Story.

We are ALL going to have to compromise and come together to solve this issue!  We must stop putting it off.  Let's deal with it now!  Have the courage and the will to do what is RIGHT and not necessarily politically correct.  For once, let's all join together and fight as one for AMERICA!!!!

....Roy Mercer is always good for a laugh.............

....Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover.......

Have you ever heard the term, “Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover”?  Sure, you have probably even said this yourself.  We all know we should not make this mistake, yet we all do!  We see some person dressed in dirty worn clothing and think they must be poor or we see a person drive by in a brand new Escalade and imagine their wealth.

How silly can we be to know we should not think this way - Yet, we do everyday.  We all look at people and make judgments.  Some are more innocent than others.  As a law enforcement officer, I have to make judgments about situations or I may end up injured or worse.  While making these situational judgments, I have trained myself to avoid making them about people.  I enter a situation and immediately judge the risk to my safety, but not specifically the people nearby; because if I were to make a mistake in my initial judgment it could be costly. 

Several years ago, I failed myself and judged a person based on the situation and although it was not “costly”, it was “educational”.  I was working the midnight shift, for the Neosho Police Department.  I saw a middle aged man carrying a back pack along U.S. Highway 60.  As I stopped and asked if he was alright, he told me he was heading east toward “Grandby” (I did not misspell Granby).  Hearing the incorrect pronunciation of my neighbor on the eastern horizon, quickly allowed me to judge this poor soul as not being from “these parts”. 

I asked the man where he was headed and he said he had no destination.  He said he was walking across America to see what he could find and where he would end up.  He looked as though he had little to his name and I judged him as being a homeless man, whom like so many others had most likely been cast aside by time and trials.  I offered to take him to get something to eat and he accepted.  As we drove off in my police car, he asked if there was an automatic teller machine nearby.  He explained he had money in an account and while he appreciated my offer of food, he would rather pay his own way.  This was unusual and I began to reevaluate my judgment of his situation. 

After going to get money, we drove through the only place open in the wee hours of a Neosho morning, Taco Gringo, and got some burritos.  He offered to buy me one for my kindness, which again made me re-think who this man really was.  The man savored his food and the air conditioning in my car, as we headed to Elwood Junction.

On the way, I offered to take him to the Neosho Crosslines Homeless Shelter.  I explained there were storms off to the west in Oklahoma and he might be better off there.  He was concerned about his safety in such a place.  I explained I held a position on the Board of the Shelter and I assured him it was safe and clean.  He respectfully declined and said he just wanted to get walking toward “Grandby”.  I wished the man well and he asked for my business card, which I supplied.  I bid him a safe journey and went on about my shift. 

I did think about this man several times, both that night and over the coming days, as storms rolled through and I wondered how he might be faring.  A few weeks went by and a letter came to me.  As I opened the envelope, I found a note from my homeless friend.  The note said he had walked away from his life due to mental pressures and he was searching for himself.  He went on to say how he had been an Executive with a computer software company in Washington State and was worth a great deal of money.  However, he said money did not bring him happiness – he said he found happiness by meeting people like me along the back roads of America. 

Inside this envelope was an even bigger surprise, a money order for $1,000, which he asked I cash and use to help the people of Crosslines.  This money was “anonymously” donated, per his wish.  Not all people wandering our streets are truly homeless or unable to care for themselves; some actually seek an ultimate freedom they were unable to find in a structured society. I misjudged this “book” and became educated about humanity and the goodness of others.

.....Tim Hardy a Hero I remember and Respect.....

Today, November 7, 2010, marks five years since the tragic line of duty death of Neosho Firefighter Tim Hardy.  There is nothing I can say that will add to this great man's legacy, but to say, "Thank You" and pause in reflection as I remember his sacrifice.  Please join me in a prayer and a moment to recall Tim Hardy, an example and Hero to all.  God be with him.

....Race is NOT the cause of every "wrong" in America.........

I have previously addressed issues of Race in America. Friday's Court Ruling in Los Angeles, sentencing a white police officer to two years in prison for a deadly shooting; which left a young African American dead, has once again raised tensions on this issue.

I have a problem with those who say this shooting was racially motivated.  As I stated in my October Post, "Do you say the word "Nigger", Do you allow your kids too"; I understand the tension between law enforcement and Americans of Color.  However, those who advocate for real change in race relations do nothing but harm their cause by making everything an issue of race.

There is no doubt in my mind this shooting was a tragic accident.  There was zero evidence presented making this a "racist" incident.  The only issue of "race" here was the Officer being White and the victim being African American.  Had the victim been White, would people have rioted in the streets????  Actions like this minimize and harm the real issue so many activists wish to change.

More leaders in the African American Community must demand a change in this philosophy and advance their cause.

The video below shows the original shooting:

.....Do we have Honor and the Will to save America???........

As I look back on Tuesdays election results and see the change in members coming to the House of Representatives, I can't help but wonder - is change really coming to America?  Do "we", as Americans, "really" want change?

I hear so many people speak about the budget deficit and our National Debt.  People gripe about waste in Washington, like the famous $600 toilet seat.  But as people complain, what solutions do they offer?  What are they willing to put on the table to save America?


As I write this morning, the United States National Debt is soaring and nearing $14,000,000,000,000!!!!  That is FOURTEEN TRILLION DOLLARS!!!  As of today, this equates to $124,155.00 per taxpayer!!!  The median yearly income for an American Citizen, in 2010, stands at $32,140.   

THE AMERICAN TAXPAYER WOULD HAVE TO WORK 3.86 YEARS, YES YEARS, TO PAY OFF THE DEBT - ASSUMING ALL OF THEIR INCOME WENT TO THE GOVERNMENT! 

As you know, I am a fiscal conservative and I believe strongly in a balanced budget and erasing our National Debt.  A lot of Americans say they agree with me, but when it comes time to axe things from the budget - people begin to scream.  People complain about cuts to military spending, social programs, highway spending, space exploration, etc.  I could go on and on.  As an example, if the Congress really became serious about balancing the budget and erasing the National Debt and they suggested closing the Neosho National Fish Hatchery to save money - people in Neosho would go nuts!!!  (For the record, I am a huge fan of the Hatchery and that is why I am using this as an illustration) BUT, we ALL must be willing to give up something in order for our Nation to prosper!

Candidates talk about fiscal responsibility, but when they get to Washington, they seem to get bogged down in the day to day politics and no change ever happens - well that's not true - the Debt changes - it gets bigger!!!  I want to advocate some real change and see the Debt go away, so here are just a few of my suggestions:

1.     If you really want to see fiscal change, the only way it will happen is if you join me in forcing Congress to be fiscally responsible and the ONLY WAY to do this is to support me in starting a real push for THE 28TH AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION - THE BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT.  If we pass this amendment, we would force Congress to cut spending, but we would have to be willing to sacrifice some of our favorite Government programs and services!!!!  We must pass this Amendment!

2.     We must pass a law giving the President of the United States the Line Item Veto!

3.     We must be willing to sacrifice parts of the current Social Security and Medicare programs, for the overall good of society.  Older voters, tend to vote in higher numbers than other citizens, which has placed Social Security off limits.  I know how controversial this is, but we must change it!

These are only a few of my ideas, but I hope to stir debate and discussion.  If we don't act soon, we will kill any chance we have of regaining American Financial Dominance in the World. 

For information on where the Debt stands RIGHT NOW - click HERE - and follow this link to the U.S. National Debt Clock.

God Bless America!

.......Sparky Anderson passes away today...........

 

Sparky Anderson, the first manager to win World Series championships with teams from both the National and American leagues, died on Thursday in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He was 76.

For more on the story, click here to the New York Times Article.

......Proposition A is passed.......

As you know, I was against this Proposition, because I felt so strongly about local control, but it passed.  It passed Statewide, Big time!  This does not mean I will stop my advocacy of what is in Missouri's best interests, in my opinion! 

There are several interesting things to note about this election, on the Statewide Ballot questions.  I hope my conservative friends and local neighbors will take heed and maybe, just maybe, I will be able to influence someone on the NEXT election..............................

First, for Proposition A - the only jurisdictions effected by this tax are the only two who voted against the initiative -  THAT IS - THE ONLY TWO LOCALITIES PAYING THE TAX CURRENTLY VOTED TO KEEP IT!!!!!  I feel that proves we meddled in someone else's business.  Kansas City Voters were against the issue by 55% of the vote, while in St. Louis a whopping 68% of voters were against it!!!!  Now, I know some of you will say they can keep voting to have the tax and this is true, but thanks to us "outstate" voters - Both Cities will not be able to do any long range planning, because they will have to renew the tax every five years.

Now, on to the flip side - most people in our area were against Proposition B - but it passed Statewide thanks to Kansas City and St. Louis voters - with a little help from the rural counties of Pemiscot and Dunklin (they form Missouri's Bootheel).  The point I am trying to make is this - with the noted exception of the Bootheel Counties - the urban areas just passed a law that will cost our communities jobs!!!!  BUT, we just passed a law that will potentially cost them long range planning and local services!!!

Missouri must stop fighting the US Versus THEM battle of Rural Versus Urban.  All Taxes are NOT bad and All Dog Breeders are NOT running Puppy Mills!  Wake up Missouri!

....The right to vote - even if you are a cop!!!.....

Election Official Dismissed After Refusing Armed Officer His Right to Vote

Bangor Daily News
November 02, 2010

BANGOR, Maine — A city election official who refused to allow an armed, uniformed Bangor police officer to vote last week will not be working at the polls for the remainder of the 2010 elections.

Bangor City Clerk Patti Dubois, who is in charge of staffing the city’s lone polling place, the Bangor Civic Center, confirmed Monday that Wayne Mallar, a longtime election warden in Bangor, has been asked to stay home.  Dubois said she planned to contact the officer later Monday to apologize and ensure that he has another opportunity to vote.

Additional details associated with Mallar’s long-term status as an election official or the reasons behind his dismissal for the rest of this election cycle are considered a personnel matter, interim City Manager Bob Farrar said.

The incident in question happened late Friday afternoon. Officer James Dearing, who was patrolling his assigned beat near the civic center, decided to stop in and cast an early vote. He walked into the polling place in full uniform with his firearm holstered and stood in a short line with other voters.
Mallar, an election warden, approached Dearing and requested that he turn over the weapon to another officer stationed at the polling place or he wouldn’t be allowed to vote.
Dearing refused, but Mallar stood his ground.

The officer said Sunday that he felt insulted but did not protest further. Bangor Police Chief Ron Gastia said Monday that his officer did the right thing.  “In speaking with the clerk’s office this morning, her position is that officers are certainly permitted at the polls, in uniform or out of uniform, armed or unarmed,” the chief said. “It’s been a history to allow police officers on duty to vote when it’s appropriate. The police department has always allowed officers to do that.”

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap said he couldn’t remember an incident like this ever happening in Maine.
“I don’t know what [the warden] was thinking,” he said. “There is no reason why a uniformed officer under any circumstances should be questioned.”

.....Thomas Hart Benton and his Art.......

Thomas Hart Benton is one of Neosho's most famous Son's

Here is a tribute to some of his art work

Thomas Hart Benton's The Sources of Country Music portrays 17 nearly life-sized figures and illustrates the various cultural influences on country music, including a train, a steamboat, a black banjo player, country fiddlers and dulcimer players, hymn singers and square dancers. The painting memorializes entertainer Tex Ritter as the singing cowboy on the right.

 

 

......Funny wording by Referee in NFL Game!!......

This is a great way to explain a call! Too bad all penalty calls are not this exciting!!!