Thursday Words

There has been a lot of discussion since the Terrorist strike at Ft. Hood about the Muslim Extremist who initiated the strike. Into the discussion comes 'combat stress syndrome'. As an ex Marine I would like to say that I agree with Generals Patton and Puller of the Second and Korean wars. There is no such thing as combat stress. There are people who don't belong in the military, there is a lack of training in combat situations and there is cowardice. I believe it was General Puller who said about Marine Corps. training, "If the first time a Marine faces live fire and a death experience is in combat then we have failed to train him for the experience." At Ft. Hood we see a good example of someone who should not have been allowed in the military much less trained as a doctor and promoted to a field grade officer. In the aftermath we have numerous examples of political correctness that has stifled the words of Generals Patton and Puller and many others who have followed and the common sense approach to war that made them among the elite combatants of our history. When one faces an enemy in combat it is essential that one is tougher, meaner and better trained than his adversary if he is to carry the day. I wonder where our Pattons and our Pullers have gone?

Wednesday Words

I heard about a bumper sticker that said, "If you can read this, thank a teacher and since it is in English thank a veteran!"

Happy Veterans Day to any who might read this and many thanks for your service.

Monday Words

The best advice I ever got was in a Sunday School class when I was a young teenager. It was from a man named Buck Burrow's, who was a great educator in the public school system in Texas who loved the Lord. Buck said to be careful of the friends you make as you will be influenced by them and your reputation will be formed by those you hold dear.

When you think about that it explains a lot of what is going on in our lives today. When we are choosing what we believe and who we will trust we should remember there is no gray area, there is only right and wrong. What may seem right to the mind of man and justified by his reasoning must always in our minds pass the test of is it right or wrong.

We must as individuals have a strong base of accountability. Hold our beliefs and answer for them and remember that our beliefs are in great part shaped by others. That makes Buck's advice all the more important. Not only should we choose our friends wisely, and our truth very carefully we should apply them to those who we would choose to place trust in. I believe God's Word puts it this way, by your fruit you will be known.

Fridays Quote

Take my will and make it Thine,

It shall be no longer mine;

Take my heart, it is Thine own,

It shall be Thy Royal Throne.

Frances R. Havergal

Our hearts go out and our prayers go up for those who lost loved ones and suffered injury yesterday at Fort Hood Texas. Father let Thy spirit protect those who protect us in our military. In the air, on the sea and on land keep them strong to their creed, the Constitution, Your Word and keep those in harms way safe in your Spirit. Amen.

Thursday Words

I remember when we were living in North East Texas and I was working at Lone Star Steel. The plant was about 30 miles from where we lived and the drive home was a good time to settle down from the stress of the work day as an electrical foreman. On this particular day it was a slow drive as we were having the first snowfall of the season (a semi rare event). I was in a long line of 18 wheelers and others as we slowly made our way over the hills.

It was the days when everyone was a CBer so we were carrying on a steady chatter as we creeped along. I remember one trucker and I were having a great time sharing tales but there was this one guy in front of me driving a big Buick with Michigan tags that kept butting in about how slow the traffic was and how none of us "rednecks" knew how to drive and we would not know what to do if we really saw some bad weather.

As we approached Linden, Texas (where I lived) there was a small Toyota Road Grader working to clear the road. The guy from Michigan couldn't pass up the chance, "No wonder the roads are in such bad shape, look at that miniature grader."

Over the CB came a call, "Break for the Tree Frog (that was my handle) this is the Big Hammer."

I replied, "You got the Tree Frog come on Big Hammer."

Big Hammer asked, "Tree Frog do you know the difference between a Yankee and a hemorrhoid?"

I replied, "Know I don't Big Hammer come on."

Big Hammer, "They are both a pain in the ass and neither one of them will go back where they came from!"

I replied, "Ten-four good buddy."

The rest of the trip was made in silence.

Wednesday Words

Our future home, if Washington doesn't start listening.

I watched the returns last night from Virginia, New Jersey and New York on Fox News. I listened to the talking heads, Republican and Democrat as they analysed what I was watching. A referendum on the Obama policies, a comeback of the Republican party, and omen of things to come.

At least on that last thing they were right but they still don't get it.

The average hard working, tax paying American (that leaves out about 40% of the people who have been reduced to living on government hand-outs) are mad and aren't going to stand by and watch America be destroyed.

Let me say it again, although I know no one in politics will listen, it is not about Democrats or Republicans. We are mad about the lack of representation in Washington, stop sending money you don't have, stop blaming everyone for your failures, stop expanding government, stop doing anything that puts us deeper in debt. Become responsible, honest legislators and quit being idiotic demagogues. If you can make it better without spending what you don't have and you can by reducing regulations that inhibit competition and the freedom of Americas free market.

In short start reducing government and taxes and do only those thing the Constitution explicitly sets forth, restore checks and balances and stop special interests.

What you saw last night was no matter who you are; president, senator, representative, democrat or republican if you don't do right We the People will find someone who will.

Tuesday Words

I can't understand people who feel like they are entitled to this or that.

I can't understand how what happened to others in the past entitles someone to entitlement just by virtue of who they are.

It seems to me that those who get something at the expense of others (isn't that what entitlements are?) neither appreciates what they have or respects those who sacrificed for it.

I remember when I as a young man how proud I felt when I finally got what I could call my own bedroom. For all my young life I had either shared a bed, or a room with a sibling or kinfolk or just slept on a couch or pallet in the living room. It didn't seem to matter much at the time as I always had clothing and don't remember ever going to bed hungry. But boy that first room of my own! What a thrill!! And as a bonus I got to share it with a new bride!!!

That was a long time ago and it may seem like a little thing but it was a source of pride and achievement to me as no one gave it to me or made it easy, I got there on my own. Somehow I feel too many in our society are being cheated out of the pride of accomplishment by the feeling of entitlement.