Ultimate Surrender

Speaking at a Konrad Adenauer Foundation-sponsored event titled “Parliamentarianism Between Globalisation and National Sovereignty”, Angela Merkel urged countries to surrender sovereignty and allow a common, shared body to govern. She supports a "One World Government".

Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Chancellor of Germany, Angela Merkel: "In this day, nation states must today – should today, I say – be ready to give up sovereignty." She continued by chastising countries who think “they can solve everything on their own” are simply nationalistic and not patriotic because they “only think about themselves.” (13 NOV 2018)

Her comments echoed those of French President Emmanuel Macron, via Twitter, "Patriotism is the exact opposite of nationalism. Nationalism is a betrayal of patriotism." (11 NOV 2018)

We have seen how UK Prime Minister Theresa May has done everything within her power to thwart the British Exit from the European Union, BREXIT.

President Emmanuel Macron

Back home in the US, the Liberal Left has established "Sanctuary Cities" protecting Illegal Aliens and other lawbreakers. They want an easy path to citizenship and essentially no borders. We lose our border, we lose our identity and sovereignty. What does "sovereignty" mean? Autonomous. Self-rule. Self-government. Freedom.

Our Country, a Republic, was founded on the premise that our Sovereign Creator, the one true God, gave each of us inalienable rights. Inalienable means non-transferable, indefeasible, and sacrosanct. These Rights are not given to or even granted to us by man or by any function of man, i.e., government, and therefore the

government cannot void or limit these Rights. Only one's actions can cause a limitation or revocation. If we willingly give up or surrender our sovereignty, then "they" determine "our" rights.

God established Nations, and each had marked boundaries. He also told us to obey the rulers of those nations. (Acts 17:26, Romans 13:1-5)

Some, like Merkel, Macron, and May, push the globalist agenda even when they clearly see the negative impact on each country. Each supports "no borders" and, as such, has suffered multiple terrorist attacks. They posit that true patriotism is only attainable when you reject nationalism and embrace globalism.

Paris 2024, XXXIII

Imagine the games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris, France, in 2024, where the five interlocking rings are no longer assorted colors but one single color. All the athletes walk en masse, no longer separated by Country, wearing their Country’s National Colors. Instead, all are dressed alike. They march in under a common flag, a flag like their uniforms, containing all the visible colors, White—a White Flag. Quite symbolic because it would indicate the Ultimate Surrender.

White Flag

We must never yield to the globalists, even if, in the eyes of Merkel et al., it makes us unpatriotic.

From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. Acts 17:26 (NIV)

Auburn, Arnaud’s, and New Year's in New Orleans

For the 1988 Sugar Bowl, my wife, along with her older sister & husband, the youngest sister, and parents, arrived three days before the game that was on New Year's Day. We were excited to see our 6th-ranked Auburn Tigers take the field in the Super Dome against the undefeated 4th-ranked Orangemen of Syracuse. We had rooms at the Sheraton overlooking Canal Street and enjoyed all the sinfully fun activities the Crescent City offered. The daughters took the parents to all the required food stops. There was the obligatory “Breakfast at Brennan’s”, a leisurely beignet at Cafe du Monde, dinner at 

54^th Annual Sugar Bowl.

Commander's Palace, and the night before the game, Arnaud's. What could be more exciting than Auburn, Arnaud’s, and New Year's in New Orleans?

New Orleans, Louisiana.

For those few who have not heard of Arnaud's, it offers the quintessential New Orleans fine dining experience featuring a French and Creole menu. They offer several signature dishes and are renowned for their table-side presentations. We were having Bananas Foster prepared for us, and the table behind us was having Café Brûlot. Preparing Cafe Brûlot table-side is an event unto itself. Steaming hot strong coffee, lemon strips, cloves, peel of one orange in one intact strip, etc. All are prepared with the finest silver service, and of course, the lights are lowered for the flaming finale. The server drizzles flaming brandy into the coffee bowl by way of the long, spiral orange peel.

Entrance to Brennan's.

Entrance to Brennan's.

Since we were having Bananas Foster, which also required flame, these two guys were back to back. For the first few minutes, all was going well. All eyes from both and other tables were on our servers. The noise of the room also appeared to quieten as if the light dimmer also controlled the room's volume.

Cafe du Monde.

Now, before I continue, I must tell you my Father-in-law has sinus and allergy issues and is prone to sneezing attacks. His sneezes are loud, but they are "sensed" before they happen. Much like the way a tornado sucks the air from around you, he inhales a moment before the cocaphonous concussive and violent expulsive explosion. Many of his neighbors have jumped from their recliners with quite a startle on still, summer evenings when he commenced to sneezing.

As fate would have it, the spices tickling his nose were more than he could handle. For some of us at the table, time slowed down. When I replay this in my mind, it is much like the Zapruder film of the JFK assassination. Blurred images, jerky movements, all in silent progression. In my heart, I know he tried to stop but could not. The first sneeze caught nearly everyone unaware. Our server, whose head was facing the opposite direction from my father-in-law, jumped, spilling Bananas Foster on the floor. He turned to face my now-horrified father-in-law, who was now on his way to another sneeze when the server scrunched his head and neck as if receiving an impact. I believe to this day he said, "I'm Hit!". Perhaps it was some spittle or “some magic loogie”. The impact knocked him into the server behind him, who, at the precise moment of the initial sneeze, lit the brandy-laced orange peel as he began his ladle pour. Our server slams into the other's back, causing him to drop the flaming orange peel into the bowl of spiced brandy while also sending the lit ladle into the air. The ladle and its contents were last seen traveling towards the kitchen, with a flame following behind as if it were rocket-propelled. By now, a server, laden with a tray full of entrees, exits the kitchen to find the smoldering ladle with his foot. He slips and falls, causing the server behind him to do the same. Somewhere across the dining room, a woman screams, "We're all going to die!". Although later, when pressed on her outburst, she claims she said, "We're all going to see Coach Dye!"

Entrance to Arnaud.

Entrance to Arnaud.

Café Brûlot ladle pour.

By now, my father-in-law has stopped sneezing. His face is a lovely shade of purple; part huckleberry blue from lack of oxygen and part strawberry red from embarrassment. For a moment, there was complete silence throughout the restaurant. No one moved. Time stood still. Then, as if on some unseen cue, busboys, servers, front-end managers, and hostesses all appeared and cleaned the mess, tended to the diners, and offered heartfelt apologies. Our server managed to salvage the Bananas Foster, and we even ordered Café Brûlot. However, we told him we preferred he hold on to the ladle. He forced a smile.

When our check arrived, we scrutinized it looking for any charges unrelated to our meal. We decided to pay cash, so we broke out the Benjamins—we did not want our full names known to management. I could not resist and wrote on the check, "Best Dinner Theater in NOLA!" signed "Orange Nation—SU", in hopes they would think we were "Damn Yankees" from New York.

Auburn Coach Pat Dye autographing Ties.

Auburn Coach Pat Dye autographing Ties.

What a wonderful way to ring in 1988. It was a fun night. One that gave us many laughs, even during times of duress or mourning, memories of that evening always brings a smile to our faces.

As for the game, it was a Tie, 16-16. In response, Syracuse sent hundreds of ugly "ties" to Coach Dye. (Tie Dye. Get it?) In return, Auburn fans sent "sour grapes" to their coach. To have the last laugh, Coach Dye autographed each tie, then sold them for $100 each. More than 2000 Syracuse fans unknowingly became Auburn University donors, with the proceeds going to the General Scholarship Fund. Those “sour grapes” were sweet as Sugar. War Eagle!

MOORE, MOORE, MOORE

Could the Alabama Senate run-off election beeee MOORE Strange? (Okay, re-read that sentence in your Chandler Bing of "Friends" voice.)

Judge Roy Moore and "Big" Luther Strange

We have "Big" Luther Strange who received a basketball scholarship to Tulane, appointed by the "Luv Guv" Robert Bentley--former Alabama Governor who was forced to resign for sexual misconduct--to the Senate seat vacated by Jeff Sessions. His opponent is the (Dis)Honorable Roy MOORE, twice removed as Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

Steve Bannon and Sebastian Gorka

Senate Majority Ldr. Mitch McConnell (R-KY)

Each has its own list of supporters. On Senator Strange's "team," we have President Donald Trump, who like Santa Claus is "coming to town" tonight. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) who was born in Alabama, Senator Richard Shelby (R) Alabama's other Senator, Senate Leadership Fund, and The National Rifle Association. In Judge MOORE's "court," we have gun-totin' Momma Bear Sarah Palin, former Trump inner circle members Steve Bannon and Sebastian Gorka, Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks, former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee (R). Hold on, there's MOORE. Political commentators, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity (his wife is from Montgomery and he had the afternoon talk show on WVNN in Athens, AL), Laura Ingraham, Family Research Council founder Tony Perkins, Duck Dynasty Patriarch Phil "Happy, Happy, Happy" Robertson, and the person depicted on Super Man's pajamas--Chuck Norris.

Chuck Norris

Not since the "Seinfeld" finale has a MOORE eclectic and Strange group of people come together for an event. None of it makes sense. Trump ran as an anti-establishment outsider, yet he is backing an establishment-backed candidate. FurtherMOORE, many Alabamians are angry with Trump for his comments and treatment of his favorite son Jeff Sessions--the man's seat we are filling. Judge MOORE has anti-establishment written all over him.

While the attention has been on the Republican run-off, the Democrats are licking their lips. They smell blood in the water. The winner will face Doug Jones, a Democrat who once worked for Senator Howell Heflin. They have to decide who they want to run against Jones. In Alabama, we allow cross-party voting. There could be MOORE Democrats voting next week than Republicans. That would be Strange.

Sarah Palin

I do not know who will win, but in the short term, the USPS might just operate in the black with all the political fliers they are delivering. This week, I received 12 pieces of mail. Yesterday, five pieces; three for MOORE and two for Strange. Read the fliers if you want, but please research the issues then go out and Vote. If you want to bitch, grip, complain about politics, you have to buy a ticket. You get that ticket at the Polls in the form of a sticker--I Voted. I do not care if you are funny lookin', good lookin', or just plain Strange lookin' I want to see MOORE people voting. In this election, we do not use the Electoral College to determine a winner. Whichever candidate receives MOORE votes, wins.

Hold on a moment. Got to turn the volume up. One of my favorite songs is playing. "How do you like it? How do you like it? MOORE! MOORE! MOORE!"

As Chandler would ask, "Could I beeee MOORE subliminal?"

...Then Sit Down

Dixie Chicks in London, England, 10 MAR 2003

Colin Kaeperncik taking a knee, 01 SEP 2016

Dear Actors, Actresses, Recording Artists, Entertainers, Sports Figures, et al.

I do not have any desire to hear your thoughts or opinions on any subject other than your specific field of work when I invest my time and money to watch and listen to you ENTERTAIN me. It does not matter if you agree with my positions and views, whether you are Conservative or Liberal; sing your song, play your game, act your part, then go home. If you are accepting an award, express your gratitude, shut up, then sit down. Preferably before they play you off the stage.

Save your comments for your social media, late-night shows, and media interviews. For those that continue to do the above, please know, I shall not buy your music, movies, or memorabilia.

I do have one question for you. Why is it acceptable for you to turn down a paying customer who wishes to pay for your services, such as the 45th peaceful transfer of power, because you disagree with PEOTUS views, but a Christian Baker/Florist/Wedding Planer cannot turn down a paying customer because they disagree with their sexual preferences based on religious beliefs? They, like you, have the right to choose where they want to use their talents and services.

Your inability to recognize the hypocrisy of your actions continues to speak volumes well after you are played off the stage.

I remain, Semper Fidelis.
#1AngryMarine

For What It's Worth

I have been asked a couple of times, why “For What It’s Worth” as a blog title? So, I thought I might take a moment to explain and also give a few insights into some of the symbology I use within it.

First, every blog must have a title or name. It should be something catchy, memorable, and provide an idea of the content. Based on the purpose of my blog, I wanted to share “my thoughts on current events and items of interest to me”. I did not want anything like “My Two Cents” or any cute variation, such as “.02” or “2¢” or even “$0.02”. Also, I did not want my name or moniker to appear in the title, such as “Eddy’s Views On…” or “A Marine’s Take”. I did consider for a while naming it “A Redneck Marine’s Guide To Life, Love, and Liberals”. I thought I might attract the wrong crowd, so I decided against it.

After a bit of thinking, I remembered a phrase my Dad used to say when he wanted to voice his opinion, normally in an unsolicited manner. He would say, “If it means anything,” then add his comment. People tended to listen when my Dad “added his .02”. At times, Dad must have felt like E. F. Hutton. If you do not recognize the name, then you probably need to read my blog so I can help fill your brain housing group with useful information. To that end, E. F. Hutton was a brokerage powerhouse. Commercials and advertisements had the phrase, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen”. In other words—also an idea for a blog title—produce something that people will stop what they are doing and “listen to what you have to say” or, more literally, in this case, read what I have to write.

"For What It's Worth" cover in 1967.

While kicking around a few ideas, I was listening to a Spotify station playing music from the '60s and '70s. I heard a song by Buffalo Springfield, a Folk-Rock band. Buffalo Springfield had several well-known musicians. Richie Furay, who went on to form the Country-Rock band Poco. Stephen Stills and Neil Young would get together with David Crosby and Graham Nash to form Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. Jim Messina would later partner with Kenny Loggins, forming Loggins and Messina, and Jim Fielder moved on to Blood, Sweat, & Tears. Needless to say, there was a lot of talent in this group.

In the mid-60s, they wrote and recorded a protest song that was untitled. When Stills gave it to the band’s agent, he said, “I have this song here, for what it’s worth, if you want it”. Based on the phrasing of the sentence, the agent believed the title to be “For What It’s Worth”. They cut it as the A-side to a single. For those inquiring minds, the B-side was “Do I Have to Come Right Out and Say It?”. However, the song title of the A-side song is nowhere in the lyrics of the song. You might assume the protest song was about the Vietnam War, which was just getting in high gear in 1967. Well, you would be wrong. While it is a protest song, it is not about war. If you want to learn about this, do a little research. It won’t hurt.

When I heard the song, I recognized it and I immediately knew this was my blog title. The band had something to say, “Hey what’s that sound?” it got everyone’s attention. Like E. F. Hutton, people stopped and listened. Having decided on my blog title, I was going to do something different. Every individual post or entry I publish to my blog will have the title of that post appearing somewhere in the text.

Except for “The World Is Black, The World is White” published on 24 AUG 13, the blog title For What It’s Worth, and the first letter in each post is purple. I chose not to use any color in the aforementioned post because it is about race relations between Blacks and Whites. The post is all black and white except when referencing bloodshed and violence. Here, I use red in an attempt to illustrate that we may have different skin colors, but we all bleed red. Back to the reason for using purple.

Purple is my favorite color. It is the color of royalty. However, that is not why I chose it. I have a wonderful, sweet friend whose favorite poem is “When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple” by Jenny Joseph. She encouraged me to write years ago. She reminded me of my gift and that I need to share it with the world. This is my homage to her; my way of recognizing her impact on and importance in my life. To this person, PEAS.😉

Because of my health, my writing is sporadic. Trying to think in a coherent manner when all you want to do is yell, makes it difficult to capture your thoughts. This situation is compounded by the dulling effect of pain meds. Regardless, I try to write something each week. Most of what I write is never published; never read by anyone but me.

I write a lot of political posts or entries, but have a fair amount of military stories as well. I have tried to tag or label each published post with pertinent identifiers to aid readers in finding a post or something to read. Posts that are not political, historical, or about the military are what I call “Fun Zone”. These are posts, much like this one, that allow the reader to escape reality for a moment and mentally check out. Maybe a ten-minute break while having a cup of coffee. Fun Zone posts include “Cheers!”, “Battle of Ed’s Shed”, “Where Dreams Come True”, “LabCorp Comedy Club”, etc. Just use the drop-down list on the top left, “All Labels.”

If you have read this far, I hope by now you are interested enough to read some of my other posts. If you like it, disagree with it, or just have something to say, please let me know. Don’t be surprised if you come across some EDDYoms (idioms). I have made several, such as NERDvana—a mental or emotional state of Utopian bliss as a result of doing anything “nerdy”; Palate Party—a tasty bite of food that is a “taste bud treat”; Premature Exclamation—being in such a hurry to reply, you fail to fully compose your idea before you speak or hit Send/Enter; Electronic Erection—sort of self-explanatory, but any form of excitement brought about by electronic gadgets. To clarify, it is far short of NERDvana.

Who knows, you might read something here and find yourself in a conversation later in the day beginning with, For What It’s Worth…..

It's A Waffle House Christmas

Waffle House logo.

I went to Waffle House on Christmas Eve morning. I was hungry and ready to strap the feed bag on. A few employees holler'd 'GaMornin'—that is a one-word Southern contraction of 'Good Morning' as I made my way to a booth listening to "Christmas in Dixie" by the boys from Ft. Payne. The windows were fogged and had condensation running in rivulets because of the temperature differential. It was unseasonably warm with the temperature over 65 degrees F at 0600, with a slight drizzle. Inside, well, it was hog-killing time. Perhaps, they wanted to make it feel "a lot like Christmas". You could hang meat in there and not worry about spoilage. To be blunt, it was a bit nippy. I suddenly became self-conscious and felt like a girl wearing a white bathing suit stepping out of cold water, only it was a rain-dampened white Guy Harvey t-shirt in a meat locker.

In addition to the temperature, I noticed I was customer number three. Not too many people hankering for the "Steak-n-Eggs, $7.99 Special". The girl waiting on me was in her mid-30s and, for clarity purposes, henceforth referred to as 'Smitten 1'. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she asked, "Are you on the radio?" I inferred she was asking if I was a radio personality and secretly hoped she did not ask because she thought I had the perfect face (and body) for radio. I clarified by asking, "As in a DJ?" She shook her head in affirmation. I told her no. She then said, "You have the BEST voice. It's nice and deep, and whew!" She was now fanning her face. Red streaks and blotches were appearing on her neck. Perhaps she was standing too close to the grill. No. That doesn't make sense; the grill was empty. She looked too young for hot flashes. Having eliminated ambient temperature, I concluded she enjoyed the quality of my voice. Or, needed extra tip money to buy Christmas gifts.

To prevent any sort of embarrassment, I gave her a smile and a wink along with my order. For some reason, my voice is now an octave deeper than Barry White’s and a bit more velvety than an Elvis Presley painting leaning against a pink Cadillac at a roadside flea market in South Georgia between a boiled peanuts vendor and a '70s Hippie selling "Keep On Trucking" t-shirts. She moved to the 'mark' just right of the grill, called out my order, then brought my black coffee and water. After thanking her, she rejoins her female coworkers. I notice them looking towards me, causing me to cross my arms over my chest. Why did I wear white?

Soon, my order is up, and she places it in front of me. A coworker, let's call her 'Smitten 2', refills my coffee and asks, "Hun, can I get you anything else?" "No, thank you." Smitten 2 asks how my holiday is going and what I have planned. After a few more questions, she exclaims, "You DO have a sexy voice."

Me: "Oh, you are too kind. It is just my voice."

Smitten 2: "No. I am serious. When Smitten 1 told us, I had to come over and see for myself." I am sure she meant "hear" instead of "see". Anyway, I exhaled a sigh of relief realizing they weren't talking about my chestal region.

Me: "What makes a voice sexy?"

Smitten 1: "The way it sounds."—[My bad. I should not have asked such a difficult question.]—"I could listen to you talk all day."

Smitten 2: "Please say my name-just once." As she said this, she thrust her chestal region towards me, presumably to allow me to read her name tag. For fear I might see signs of her being cold, I chose to look her in the eye. I felt it only polite to do what she asked, so I said, "My name-just once." With this, both Smittens 1 and 2 started laughing and walked away.

While finishing my breakfast, I smiled, thinking something about my old, broken body--albeit, nothing external--was attractive to a couple of girls. I was not interested in reciprocating their flirtations. I was tired, and the neuropathic pain down my legs was demanding my attention. Regardless, it was flattering and made me think of the number of times women had the reverse experience. Guys flirting with them. Complimenting them. Perhaps even ogling. This exchange was nowhere near any of those. Just two girls complimenting my voice.

Album Cover "It's A Waffle House Christmas", 2001.

Their compliments, while concealed in flirtatious banter, lifted my spirits. For a moment, I did not feel the pain in my back and down my legs. I stood without my usual deep breath and made my way to the cash register, paid my bill, leaving a 35% tip. For the Christmas gifts. I picked up my cell phone, and wished all a Merry Christmas as another song was playing, "It's A Waffle House Christmas". With a chuckle in my throat and a smile on my face, I walked to the door with a bit more pride in my stride, a newfound pep in my step, my head held high, and my chest puffed out. I opened the door to allow a couple to enter. She looked at me, then cast a sidelong glance at her husband, remarking, "It must be cold in here".

Why did I wear white?

Big BANG!

Well, this week went out with a "Big Bang". We all witnessed and engaged in coitus.

"The Big Bang Theory"? Oh, no. Well, yes. Amy has longed for the moment when Sheldon's "force awakens". Shamy finally decided to go "where no man has gone before". They forego Star Wars worldwide release for foreplay and a release of their own.

While the world was distracted by the new Star Trek movie--Star Wars, what's the difference? New Speaker Paul Ryan led a Republican-controlled House and Senate to pass the $1.1 TRILLION Omnibus Spending Bill.

Amy thoroughly enjoyed Sheldon's birthday genitals. For the most part, "experiencing coitus" is pleasurable. Except when it is forced upon you by a trusted friend. Yeah, we were screwed. I believe reciprocity is in order. Ryan and the other 315 House members plus the 65 Senators that voted for this Bill should have a lightsaber inserted deep into their black holes.

That is a "Big BANG!" I could get behind

A Rose By Any Other Name

"It's not surprising, then, they get bitter, they cling to guns or religion or antipathy to people who aren't like them or anti-immigrant sentiment or anti-trade sentiment as a way to explain their frustrations."

Barack H. Obama (11 APR 08)

Obama, San Francisco, APR 2008

Most of us remember this quote by then Senator Obama to a group of Democratic supporters at a fundraiser in San Francisco, referring to the hardworking, middle-class workers of the mid-West. It angered honest, hardworking, gun owners, and people of faith. The words he chose were specific. This man does not throw words around haphazardly. He is a skilled orator, that understands the impact of words. He chooses them like a builder who chooses material for a home. He then assembles them to construct an image he wishes to portray. In this one statement, he outlined, in my opinion, his agenda for his presidential term. Guns. Religion. Anti-immigrant. Anti-trade. It illustrates a spiritual, philosophical, ideological, and anthropological change to this great Country. Let's examine it a bit closer by looking at the words he chose.

Guns. Do we really need to expand on his anti-gun stance? He is on record numerous times voicing his desire for new "common sense" gun laws, i.e. restriction, registration, and recovery (seizure and confiscation). His remarks yesterday, while the scene was still hot, called for gun control measures. "There are some steps we could take--not to eliminate every one of these mass shootings--but to improve the odds that they don't happen as frequently. Common sense gun safety laws, stronger background checks….What we do know is that there are steps we can take to make Americans safer and that we should come together in a bi-partisan basis on every level of government." He essentially wants to rewrite the Constitution. Just a thought, but should we not be more interested in the motive of these killers and not dwell on the means they used to accomplish their mission?

Religion. The USA was founded upon Judeo-Christian beliefs. We are known around the globe as a Christian nation. Obama sought to change this. In a CBS interview in 2007, he said, "Whatever we once were, we are no longer a Christian nation." In 2009, while holding a press conference in Turkey he said, "(we Americans) no longer consider ourselves a Christian nation." While speaking at the Summit to Counter Violent Extremism--Obama-speak for Islamic Terrorists--earlier this year, he "fabricated" this statement: "Islam has been woven into the fabric of our country since its founding." I guess his history books were no better than his geography books; remember his answer about hoping to visit all 57 states?  In the same speech, be "spun thus yarn". "As I've noted before. Thomas Jefferson once held a sunset dinner here with an envoy from Tunisia--perhaps the first Iftar at the White House, more than 200 years ago. And some of you, as you arrived tonight, may have seen our special display, courtesy of our friends at the Library of Congress---the Holy Quran that belonged to Thomas Jefferson. And that's a reminder, along with the generation of patriotic Muslims in America, that Islam---like so many faiths---is part of our national story," It is almost like the feel-good movie of the Summer, but it is not true. None of it is. The first mosque was not erected until 1913. There was a meeting between Sidi Solima Mellimelli regarding the pirates of the Barbary Coast. I am sure you recognize the lyric "...to the shores of Tripoli". Yep, the Barbary Coast. We were fighting "violent extremism" even then.

Let's not forget the attacks on Christianity. Forced contraception in healthcare. Religious beliefs trumped by same-sex marriage. Preventing military chaplains from praying in "Jesus" name or reading from the Bible. Misinterpreting the Crusades by equating them to acts of "violent extremism". To this Redneck, it is clear to see the "writing on the wall" (read Daniel Chapter 5), this President and by extension, progressive liberals, want to limit your right to worship as you want.

After the Umpqua College shooting, President Obama said, "Our thoughts and prayers are not enough." The cover of New York Daily Post says, "God Isn't Fixing This" mocking the Christians that offered prayer. It is funny, I believe a hashtag making the rounds on social media just a few weeks ago read #PrayForParis. I guess prayer is acceptable for others but not here in the US.

Anti-Immigrant. For the longest, if an individual was not in the US legally, they were called "illegal aliens". This administration forced a narrative of referring to them as "undocumented immigrants". In the last few weeks, they have evolved into referring all immigrants, legal and illegal, as "pilgrims". Words are important. This administration has not done any measurable amount of work to seal our borders. Instead, they give illegal aliens a free pass. Sanctuary cities. Kate Steinle was shot and killed by an illegal alien in San Francisco, a sanctuary city.

Anti-trade. Here we see his administration opening up relations with Iran and Cuba. Then we have the TPP, Trans-Pacific Partnership. This, like the Iran deal, was done in secret. Both sides of the aisle had supporters and detractors, but no one knew what was in it. Yet, Obama wants this deal before he leaves office. We have to "pass it to see what's in it". The political equivalent of Schrodinger's Cat. It is both Good and Bad until you open it up. Most free trade agreements are political kryptonite. Good ones make US companies more profitable. Bad ones put many blue-collar workers out of jobs. Those that lose their jobs would then need some sort of government assistance to help make ends meet. More government dependence. The trade agreement would allow for more H-1B Visas, essentially allowing companies to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis, 3 to 5 years. Disney was doing this for some of their tech workers, but public outcry forced their change of mind.

 

Of course, no trade agreement discussion would be complete without mentioning the Keystone Pipeline and Climate Change. This president was against the Pipeline simply to satisfy his Far-Left environmentalists and friends that own railroads. Read up on that.  Climate change, specifically the man-made variety is a farce. Regardless, this president believes it is the single largest threat to our national security. Mr. President, Climate Change did not kill people in San Bernardino, CA. It did not kill people in Paris. It did not kill people in Chattanooga. It is not the reason Christians, Jews, homosexuals, and anyone that is not the right type of Muslim to be killed by horrific manners in the mid-East.

Mr. President, I am a God-fearing, Bible-believing, Gun-Loving, Redneck Marine, that believes in American exceptionalism, but sadly, it has lost its way. Too many people want something given to them--that they are entitled to it--and do not want to work for what they have. We have turned our backs on our Creator and allowed immoral behavior to direct our path. This great country was founded on the beliefs of common to Judaism and Christianity. The Bill of Rights, rights conveyed to us by our Creator, is not a list of privileges granted to us or earned from by a central government. You appear to have taken on the role of a Muslim apologist. What are your motives? Another of o

ur presidents had a different take on Islam. John Quincy Adams: "The precept of the Koran is perpetual war against all who deny that Mahomet (Muhammad) is the prophet of God. The vanquished may purchase their lives, by the payment of tribute; the victorious may be appeased by a false and delusive promise of peace; and the faithful follower of the prophet may submit to the imperious necessities of defeat: but the command to propagate the Moslem creed by the sword is always obligatory when it can be made effective. The commands of the prophet may be performed alike, by fraud, or by force."

Mr. President, you chose your words carefully. You are a crafty wordsmith. Choosing to call Islamic Terrorists anything other than what it is, is merely an attempt to minimize the impact. You are trying to transform this great country into a weaker, government-dependent, nation. It is like you want to knock us down a bit. Your words have foreshadowed this. I remind you of another crafty wordsmith, the Bard of Avon, and his words, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet." I will use my words and deeds to stop you.

"Such is the spirit, which governs the hearts of men, to whom treachery and violence are taught as principles of religion."

John Quincy Adams

My Dad Can Fix Anything

Growing up with two younger brothers, we broke a lot of things around the house. We did not worry too much because we believed our Dad could fix whatever we brought to him. Dad did his best to repair or "fix" them. One time, Dad was repairing a broken bicycle frame that involved welding. He explained how the weld, when done correctly, is actually stronger than the parent metal.

Stock Photo. Welding a bicycle frame.

I was too young to understand, but I simply believed Dad.

It was not until my junior year of college in a "Property of Materials" class, I learned why and how this is true. Without being too technical, the weld material has different properties yielding greater tensile strength, shear strength, and enthalpy of fusion (heat) melts the materials and “fuses” them together. The heat also anneals the surrounding parent metal, making it stronger too.

This is a perfect example of how God, our Father, heals. This past week I could not escape reading of people writing of broken trust, broken hearts, and even broken bodies, due to illness or injury. So many people needing some form of healing or restoration in their life.

God tells us in Jeremiah 30:17, “But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds.” The Hebrew word for heal means to “repair thoroughly…to make whole”; and restore means to “make perfect”. In 1 Peter 5:10, we are promised, “But the God of all grace…will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.” I prefer the way The Living Bible phrases this verse. “…He personally will come and pick you up, and set you firmly in place, and make you stronger than ever.”

Whatever you have that is broken, just believe and take it to God, because My Dad Can Fix Anything.

Strongs Definitions

Heal -  אֲרוּכָה 724 arukah

Greek Lexicon

Restore - 2675 καταρτίσει katartisei

Strong - 4741στηρίξει stērixei

Firm - 4599 σθενώσει sthenōsei

Steadfast - 2311 θεμελιώσει themeliōsei

"What marvelous love the Father has extended to us! Just look at it—we’re called children of God! That’s who we really are."   –1 John 3:1 (MSG)

Colorful Colorado

Animas River, 09 AUG 15, South of
Durango, CO.

By now most have heard of the EPA disaster on the Animas River in Southwest Colorado. When I saw the news reports, videos, and pictures Friday morning, a part of me was saddened; another part was nostalgic. I naturally preferred nostalgia.

One of the best vacation decisions my dad made was a family vacation/hunting trip to the Centennial State, Colorado, in the late summer of 1973. We left early one morning driving to Denton, TX, making for a long first day. The next we drove through Amarillo on the way to Raton Pass, New Mexico. It is in Amarillo where the Big Texan Steak Ranch is located; home of the 72 oz steak. The trip from Dallas to Amarillo takes forever. I could not imagine crossing this barren land on horseback. I have no idea how George Strait thinks he could make it 'by morning up from San Antone'. Perhaps he was traveling light.

Welcome to Colorful Colorado sign from Raton Pass, NM into
Las Animas County, Colorado.

On the third morning, we crossed the Colorado State Line, and I felt at home. We traveled the entire state and on subsequent trips, ventured into neighboring states. The first left a lasting impression on me and I would travel back a total of 13 times. As a family, we made multiple trips, one with grandparents plus an aunt and two cousins, another trip with family and aunt, and various combinations thereafter. In the summer of 1988, my middle brother and I added our new brides to the family trip. We are quick learners and have not made another inclusive trip. Since then I have visited multiple times sans family, the last in 1994. It was during that trip while rafting the Class IV and V rapids on the Arkansas River, my health changed. In some manner, I guess it fitting that a river in my favorite state would play a role in changing my life.

I love our natural resources. God has richly blessed us from the beaches and waterways of my Florida Panhandle to the mountains and waterways of North Alabama, to my beloved Colorado. It was here I experienced a "Rocky Mountain High". A high more addictive than any plant, powder, or pill offers. The majestic mountains topped with their white crowns, and wildflower-covered meadows—my favorite flower is the Colorado Columbine—streams from the ice-cold snow runoff, to the fast-moving rapids of major rivers. You can raft, float, kayak, fly fish, or simply stand in awe of God’s creation. There is nothing more peaceful than to sleep on a moonlit, crisp, cool night beside a stream gurgling over stones smoothed and polished by centuries of moving water abrading their surface; the scent of evergreen mixing with the smoke of a smoldering bonfire; the call of a lone animal in the distance. A favorite campsite was SouthMineral Campground, just West of Silverton on the opposite side of a mountain that separates it from Telluride. A pass so rough, that the town got its name from a contraction of “To Hell You Ride”

Clear Lake, three miles North of South Mineral Campground.
Elevation: 11,940 feet. Photo credit: Author's father, 1983.

It was in Southwest Colorado, that we as a family left our troubles behind, grew closer—admittedly, sometimes a bit too close—and enjoyed what I call God's handiwork. In His infinite ability, He took a nano-milli-second longer to create a place more beautiful than man can even imagine. We love the area between Silverton, Ouray, Durango, and Telluride in the San Juan Mountain National Forest. Between Silverton and Durango, you travel US Route 550 which is part of the San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway. And you thought ‘Sally sold seashells by the seashore’ was a tange tongluar. Just say “San Juan Skyway Scenic Byway” several times. A shorter section between Ouray and Silverton is known as the “million-dollar highway” because of the breathtaking million-dollar views afforded by driving along the high peaks. The entire trip from Silverton to Durango runs parallel to the Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad. Both travel alongside the Animas River. The Spanish explorer San Juan Maria de Rivera of Santa Fe was the first to explore the area and named the river Rio de Las Animas—the River of Souls. The trip affords you ample opportunities to view the river and even cross it several times. I have seen the river full of summer activity, bustling with life; kayakers slicing gracefully between the rocks, fisherman lining the banks casting their flies in the perfect eddy. This is contrasted to the winter scene, although the river is moving, there is a stillness, a tranquil peace. The unmarred, fresh snow frames the river, which is now even bluer. Winter normally represents death, but it is this scene that makes me feel more alive. It is this scene that made me want to preserve this river even more so. My soul belongs to God, but my heart belongs to this river and Colorado. Another river that had a lasting impact on me.

Railroad bridge over Animas River.

No matter where we hiked, camped, hunted, or fished, Dad always made sure we packed out what we packed in. We even picked up trash left by others. The natural resources should be cared for and managed, as God charged man to do in Genesis. Leaving them pristine for future generations to enjoy. From my early 20s, I always thought I would retire to Colorado where I could enjoy these scenes year-round. I knew for that to happen, I had to do my part in taking care of my corner of the world. No throwing trash out windows (rarely did this before—the commercial of the Indian, er, Native American crying really got me), picking up trash when I see it, throwing it all in trash cans. I thought, if I did my part then someone in Colorado would do theirs, and when I returned to Colorado in retirement, it would still be pristine. Kind of an ecological karma thing.

Before and After spill pictures.

When I close my eyes and visualize “Colorful Colorado”, I see the bluish-green hue of Blue Spruce trees, the white, cool bark of Aspen trees, the blues and purples of Columbines, the white of snow-capped mountains, the red in the soil and rocks, the olives and browns of the Eastern Plains, and the blues of the streams and rivers like the Animas. Of all the visualizations, I do not see mustard-colored waterways. Sadly, mustard yellow is now the color of the Animas River. Colorado has over 107,400 miles of waterway divided between 158 rivers and 72 streams. All but two rivers originate within the state borders. The rivers east of the Continental Divide travel to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. The rivers west travel to The Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. Until last week, only 1,300 miles of streams were polluted by acids remaining from gold mining. Now, we must add to that figure. Thankfully, the volume of water that flows in the river has pushed the yellowish water to the south of Silverton. The water north is beginning to run “blue” again, although some pools of yellow remain. As does many of the heavy metals released last week.

I have no idea how long it will take to reclaim the river. In the interim, I empathize with the residents of Southwest Colorado. It was a little over five years ago, that the Gulf Coast experienced the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Some alarmists warned the Gulf Coast is lost. It will never be the same. Thankfully, it is returning to its former glory. So too, will this river. The earth has a way of reclaiming that which belongs to it. Just as wood rots, iron rusts, and grass claws its way through asphalt and concrete, God made a way for the Earth to survive man. We too will succumb to this; ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Plains of East Colorado
looking West.

The state of Colorado got its name from the tint of a river. The name, Rio Colorado, the Colorado River. Colorado is an adjective for red, like blushing. If the state were named after the current color of a river, the Centennial State would be called Amarillo. If that was the case, I don’t think George Strait would have made it by morning.

ABC Report on Animas River spill. 10 AUG 15

Phrogs Phinal Phlight

CH-46 Helo-Casting US Marines.

On 01 AUG 2015, the United States Marine Corps ended its yearlong transition and bid “pharewell” to one of the most storied and historic airframes in all of USN/USMC aviation. The CH-46, “Sea Knight” known affectionately as the “Phrog” "phlew" its last official flight. The Phrogs Phinal Phlight. In a retirement ceremony, a Sea Knight of the Reserve Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 744 flew its last hop to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA, where it will remain on loan from the National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Marines rappelling from CH-46.

In another AUG, back in 1961, I entered into this world. The following AUG (1962), the Phrog took its first flight. It entered service in 1964. The 46 has served aboard LHA/LST/LPD and deployed to FOBs in every conflict since Vietnam. Last year, Phrogs flew their last combat missions and returned to CONUS. Many confuse the 46 with the much larger US Army CH-47, also a tandem rotor helicopter, or “banana” helo. Because of its counter tandem rotors, there is no need for a tail rotor, and it can land on ice without sliding. Skilled pilots can land the “ass-end” of the Phrog on a building or mountain while keeping the forward part of the helo in a hover.

For the past 25 years, most of the men and women who piloted/crewed the helo had not even been born when the last helo rolled off the production line. The last 46 entered service in 1971. During its nine years of production, 524 units entered service in USN/USMC. The most current model is the 46F.

Marines perform Static Line Jump from CH-46.

Marines using SPIE under CH-46.

Marines "roping" from CH-46.

During its service life, the 46 supported several mission types. From disaster aid and relief to humanitarian operations to search and rescue, to the basics of movement of supplies, transporting personnel, and vertical replenishment (VERTREP). It also served in the most solemn of roles by removing the wounded and dead from the battlefield. During my time in USMC, I jumped/rappelled/roped/cast/SPIE’d out of UH-1s, CH-46s, and CH-53s. Because of the size of Force Recon teams, we normally used Hueys (UH-1) and 46s for our training missions. Typically, the 46 was crewed by a pilot, co-pilot, and crew chief/gunner, allowing for 22 combat-loaded Marines. I have made all types of static line jumps from a 46; “Hollywood” (no equipment), Equipment, Day, and Night. I have helo-cast into water (pilot travels at a “20 and 20”—twenty feet above the lowest point between crests, and 20 knots—we then push our Zodiac out the

CH-46 v CH-47 Profile View.

CH-46 v CH-47 Front View.

CH-46 v CH-47 Bottom View

lowered the ramp, then followed after) and performed wet recoveries (driving Zodiac into a helo that is hovering with ramp awash); rappelled from both the “hell hole” and off the ramp; “roped” (fast-rope) insertion, and SPIE’d (Special Patrol Insertion-Extraction). This is probably my favorite. You attach yourself to a rope that is affixed to the helo and you hang underneath while in flight, traveling up to 10 miles at 130 knots. I have a lot of fond memories of the Phrog.

Like old Marines, even equipment must leave active service and pass the torch to someone or something else. The 46, replaced is the dual tilt-rotor MV-22 Osprey. Much has been said about this airframe, but I think she will prove to be a force multiplier and will save a lot of Marines.

Author. 1987 at 29 Palms.
About to SPIE insert under CH-46.

I, like the 46, represent the Marine Corps' past. Our time in service is done. The current Devil Dogs and MV-22 represent the Marine Corps' future. To these Marines, I charge you to take care of your Marines, and always in ALL Ways, Charlie Mike.

Bravo Zulu Phrogs. May you always have Phair Winds and Phollowing Seas. (I could do this Phorever).

I shall remain, Semper Fidelis.

Marines Helo-Cast from CH-46.