It’s become apparent to me that the only way to keep from offending someone is not to have an opinion. And I have many opinions so it seems I’m destined to offend everyone sometime. I’ve been called racist, hateful, sexist, hypocrite, homophobe, unpatriotic, communist, ect. These words are thrown around like catch-all shields against opinion people don’t like. The true meaning of these words is lost as those who use them, paint their meaning with a seemingly endlessly wide brush. My wife lives in fear of who she might have to apologize to every time I speak or write something. I think she worries too much, but I love her all the same.
But who I offend is my problem. If I was really worried about offending I would just not speak, or write. I live in a world of opinions and I’m entitled to disagree with them. I am perfectly happy to have others disagree with me. If everyone agreed with me, what would we talk about? Everyone is welcome to disagree with.
So a few examples of how I’ve rubbed people the wrong way.
Racist ~ it seems anyone who sees the negative impact the civil rights movement and welfare (social programs) has had on the poor (and blacks in particular) is a racist.
Sexist ~ apparently believing what God says about women and wives is sexist
Hateful ~ it is hateful to challenge someone’s religion apparently, even though mine is challenged constantly
Homophobe ~ to call sin a sin and oppose sinful behavior is offensive, even though I have many relatives and friends who are gay. We are all sinners. I can love you without agreeing that your sinful behavior is right.
Selfish ~ Apparently all conservatives are selfish and uncaring for believing in personal accountability, and self-reliance. Selfish for thinking a person has a right to his or her property.
Unpatriotic ~ apparently because I think it wrong to send our boys to die for unjust wars, I’m unpatriotic. Even though I served 6 years in the Navy and fully support those I know who are still serving. How dare I want them to be safe from harm unless actually defending our country?
There are probably countless way I don’t know that I’ve offended people. Life is too short to worry about the little stuff. If you know me you know I have opinions. I’m happy to debate anyone about just about anything. Offense is rarely intentional. Knowledge and truth are typically the goals. If the truth and or my opinion is offensive to you, so be it. I think the truth is worth defending.
So to those whom I’ve offended, my apologies. To those who enjoy sharpening their wits and knowledge in healthy debate and discussion, I welcome your engagement.
To everyone else, you are welcome to enjoy the show and laugh, cry or scream at me along the way.
I will soon be the proud owner once again of a desktop computer. Hopefully that means I can re-ignite my blogging, though the reason I'm buying it is for school, which will be eating up my time. We'll see what the future holds for me and my "proverbial pen".
Monday, October 15, 2012
Gun Control
I was recently on a political debate show. The topic was changed at the last minute to ‘Gun Control’. Now I’ll start by saying I’m not the best candidate for a good defense of Gun Control. I own no guns. I’ve not fired a gun since I was married over 7 years ago. I’m not in the NRA, nor do I spend countless hours delving into the innuendos of gun control laws. But alas the discussion continued.
Having been expecting to discuss a different topic I had to shift gears. At one point the moderator asked a question, that quite frankly I didn’t have a good answer for. The questions roughly equates to this: If the purpose of gun ownership as defined by our Founding Fathers is to be able to defend against ourselves against any invader including tyrannical gov’t, bringing that line of thinking forward, in today’s world of nuclear weapons, where do you draw the line? At what point is it fair to say, he shouldn’t own THAT?
Having spent some time since the debate thinking about it, I have a few more thoughts on the topic, though I wouldn’t say a clear answer yet.
If we ever reach the point where our gov’t is threatening its own citizens with nuclear destruction, we have much bigger problems than who owns what weapons.
That being said, I feel we should be able to equip ourselves with the ability to defend ourselves with extreme prejudice. Certainly we all hope we never have to actually defend ourselves with a gun ever, but we should be allowed to arm ourselves to the teeth if we so choose in preparation for a “S!@# Hits the Fan” (SHTF) scenario. Whether it’s the starving looter (pick any riot in the last century) or the gov’t (er go WACO Texas / Ruby Ridge), or simply a robber breaking into your home, you should be able to defend yourself be any and all means necessary to survive with weapons adequate to the task.
We live in a world with little protection. It’s a far cry from the days when cities had moats and walls and forts and garrisons: When ordinary citizens formed militias to defend themselves when needed. I think it a great mistake to dismiss the notion of local militias. An unarmed America is a vulnerable America.
Weapon ownership is not inherently dangerous. There are millions of American’s who own weapons and rarely do you hear of anyone getting hurt. I believe it safe to say the great majority of weapons owners have never injured another human being with them (unless deliberately, such as in time of war). In fact when you do hear of someone being shot it is usually at the hands of a criminal or a Police Officer. The criminal most likely did not obtain said weapon legally, and the cop hopefully is only shooting in self-defense (as we all have the right to do).
Of course there is the notion of “I was cleaning my gun and it just went off”. It is a physical impossibility to discharge a gun you are cleaning. To clean a gun you must disassemble the weapon. At which point it is just a funny looking blunt object. If you “accidently” shoot someone (please note the sarcasm) you have either deliberately fired your weapon, or you have violated the first and most sacred rule of gun ownership, “Treat ALL WEAPONS AS IF THEY ARE LOADED”, followed closely by “NEVER POINT A WEAPON AT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE YOU DON’T INTEND TO SHOOT”. And of course both of these are followed by, “DO NOT place your finger over the trigger until you are ready to pull it”.
I guess my answer is this: I should be able to arm myself with whatever weapons I’m inclined to purchase. And in self-defense I should be able to discharge said weapons at those who threaten my life or the lives of my family. And since our gov’t other gov’ts of the world see fit to build massive OFFENSIVE WEAPONS, we may all need some pretty hefty arsenals.
As for nuclear weapons, the sad truth is the only winner of a war that uses nuclear weapons are those that don’t play. Lord willing we will never see a nuclear war. If we do, I’m not sure I’d want to see the world that remained. It is a weapon that not only kills immediately, but continues to kill for years to come.
Having been expecting to discuss a different topic I had to shift gears. At one point the moderator asked a question, that quite frankly I didn’t have a good answer for. The questions roughly equates to this: If the purpose of gun ownership as defined by our Founding Fathers is to be able to defend against ourselves against any invader including tyrannical gov’t, bringing that line of thinking forward, in today’s world of nuclear weapons, where do you draw the line? At what point is it fair to say, he shouldn’t own THAT?
Having spent some time since the debate thinking about it, I have a few more thoughts on the topic, though I wouldn’t say a clear answer yet.
If we ever reach the point where our gov’t is threatening its own citizens with nuclear destruction, we have much bigger problems than who owns what weapons.
That being said, I feel we should be able to equip ourselves with the ability to defend ourselves with extreme prejudice. Certainly we all hope we never have to actually defend ourselves with a gun ever, but we should be allowed to arm ourselves to the teeth if we so choose in preparation for a “S!@# Hits the Fan” (SHTF) scenario. Whether it’s the starving looter (pick any riot in the last century) or the gov’t (er go WACO Texas / Ruby Ridge), or simply a robber breaking into your home, you should be able to defend yourself be any and all means necessary to survive with weapons adequate to the task.
We live in a world with little protection. It’s a far cry from the days when cities had moats and walls and forts and garrisons: When ordinary citizens formed militias to defend themselves when needed. I think it a great mistake to dismiss the notion of local militias. An unarmed America is a vulnerable America.
Weapon ownership is not inherently dangerous. There are millions of American’s who own weapons and rarely do you hear of anyone getting hurt. I believe it safe to say the great majority of weapons owners have never injured another human being with them (unless deliberately, such as in time of war). In fact when you do hear of someone being shot it is usually at the hands of a criminal or a Police Officer. The criminal most likely did not obtain said weapon legally, and the cop hopefully is only shooting in self-defense (as we all have the right to do).
Of course there is the notion of “I was cleaning my gun and it just went off”. It is a physical impossibility to discharge a gun you are cleaning. To clean a gun you must disassemble the weapon. At which point it is just a funny looking blunt object. If you “accidently” shoot someone (please note the sarcasm) you have either deliberately fired your weapon, or you have violated the first and most sacred rule of gun ownership, “Treat ALL WEAPONS AS IF THEY ARE LOADED”, followed closely by “NEVER POINT A WEAPON AT SOMETHING OR SOMEONE YOU DON’T INTEND TO SHOOT”. And of course both of these are followed by, “DO NOT place your finger over the trigger until you are ready to pull it”.
I guess my answer is this: I should be able to arm myself with whatever weapons I’m inclined to purchase. And in self-defense I should be able to discharge said weapons at those who threaten my life or the lives of my family. And since our gov’t other gov’ts of the world see fit to build massive OFFENSIVE WEAPONS, we may all need some pretty hefty arsenals.
As for nuclear weapons, the sad truth is the only winner of a war that uses nuclear weapons are those that don’t play. Lord willing we will never see a nuclear war. If we do, I’m not sure I’d want to see the world that remained. It is a weapon that not only kills immediately, but continues to kill for years to come.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
In loving memory of my favorite Kraut..... Gunther, you will be missed...
Yesterday my Father lost one of his oldest and best friends. My Dad is one for telling stories and almost all of them involve Gunther. In fact, if you know my Dad, you must know Gunther (even if you’ve never met him).
He seemed too young to die. Always lively. The quickest old Kraut I’ve ever known.
For a short period of my life Gunther lived with us. It was a rough time in my life. At a time when I often felt alone, he was there. His listened without judging. His advice never seemed condescending. He gave me confidence when it seemed the world was trying to take all confidence from me.
Yet he was a hard man. He seemed to always be smiling, but rarely feeling. His affection shown through in his “pain therapy”. It’s what he called wrestling. Only usually it was more like desperately trying to defend myself against a very skilled man. It’s strange to admit, but “pain therapy” is a fond memory of the time I spent with him.
I never saw him have an ill intention towards anyone. He was always trying to help, to lift you up. The man I knew was always trying to give what little he had.
He took a job not far from Dad’s house where he worked for many years. I made it a habit to swing by and visit him there. We would spend the time catching up and discussing life. In retrospect the conversations seemed to always lean towards my life or my parents. He never revealed anything about himself that wasn't directly related to Dad. Many afternoons were spent talking with Gunther.
I’m glad I was able to introduce him to my wife. He seemed to like her.
The last time I saw him was shortly before he moved out of California. I’d talk to him on rare occasions after that, but more often we would IM or talk on Facebook. I always planned on seeing him again, but it seems life had different plans.
Gunther will be missed by many. He never had much of a family of his own, but he lived through the families of his two best friends. He seemed to bless all those he touched. He was blessed himself to find his own family whom he got to spend a few short years with.
I’m thankful that many moons ago a little Kraut (Gunther) stood up to a bully (my Dad) and began a lifelong friendship.
I can’t begin to understand what Klaus and my Dad feel at the loss of their lifelong friend. But if how I’m feeling is any indication, there is a hole inside of them that may never be filled again.
Gunther will live on in our memories and in the ongoing stories of my Dad who can tell Gunther stories like no other.
I will miss you sir. I thank God for making you a part of my life and my family.
He seemed too young to die. Always lively. The quickest old Kraut I’ve ever known.
For a short period of my life Gunther lived with us. It was a rough time in my life. At a time when I often felt alone, he was there. His listened without judging. His advice never seemed condescending. He gave me confidence when it seemed the world was trying to take all confidence from me.
Yet he was a hard man. He seemed to always be smiling, but rarely feeling. His affection shown through in his “pain therapy”. It’s what he called wrestling. Only usually it was more like desperately trying to defend myself against a very skilled man. It’s strange to admit, but “pain therapy” is a fond memory of the time I spent with him.
I never saw him have an ill intention towards anyone. He was always trying to help, to lift you up. The man I knew was always trying to give what little he had.
He took a job not far from Dad’s house where he worked for many years. I made it a habit to swing by and visit him there. We would spend the time catching up and discussing life. In retrospect the conversations seemed to always lean towards my life or my parents. He never revealed anything about himself that wasn't directly related to Dad. Many afternoons were spent talking with Gunther.
I’m glad I was able to introduce him to my wife. He seemed to like her.
The last time I saw him was shortly before he moved out of California. I’d talk to him on rare occasions after that, but more often we would IM or talk on Facebook. I always planned on seeing him again, but it seems life had different plans.
Gunther will be missed by many. He never had much of a family of his own, but he lived through the families of his two best friends. He seemed to bless all those he touched. He was blessed himself to find his own family whom he got to spend a few short years with.
I’m thankful that many moons ago a little Kraut (Gunther) stood up to a bully (my Dad) and began a lifelong friendship.
I can’t begin to understand what Klaus and my Dad feel at the loss of their lifelong friend. But if how I’m feeling is any indication, there is a hole inside of them that may never be filled again.
Gunther will live on in our memories and in the ongoing stories of my Dad who can tell Gunther stories like no other.
I will miss you sir. I thank God for making you a part of my life and my family.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Survival Training... it's easier than most people think.
Survival. As a single guy I never much worried about survival. I rolled with the punches and lived the nomadic life never much caring where I ended up. I remember sleeping in my car on more than one occasion, waking up through the night to run the engine long enough to bring some heat back to my bones.
When I was young I was a boy scout. I had a great leader who taught me some really great skills. The problem is I grew up and never used any of them.
For the last 8 years I've been wrapped up in Urban Survival trying to keep my head above water, a roof over my families head and food on our table. In doing so I have further removed myself from the knowledge I once possessed.
Now I'm actively engaged in a "Survival" course hosted by the same great boy scout leader. It's a much different experience this time round as I am re-learning with the knowledge of how bad it can get. My wife is going through this journey with me as we both learn basic skills needed to survive when the benefits of modern day are gone.
Now this may come from the collapse of our fragile economy or some natural disaster, or simple our car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. But, the goal is to "Be Prepared". You never know when the worst will come.
As we've gone through this course I've been vividly reminded of how unprepared we are. Good practices which I've known, I haven't followed in years.
I hope I never have to use anything I'm re-learning, but I'm glad I'm taking the time to do so.
Survival goals:
- Learn more about the plants of the wilderness
- Spend time camping with the family to practice and learn basic techniques: Starting Fires, building shelters, gathering food, fishing, ect
- Put together and keep at the ready a basic survival kit
- Practice wood widling and net making and trap making so they become second nature
- Ensure my family is trained to survive with or without me
- keep a ready supply of h2o.. you can never have too much water
- take up and practice the art of repelling.. to overcome my fears and to have the know how to use it when needed
- buy a gun (many guns actually) and retrain myself in their safe and effective use. I plan to waste as much ammo as I can afford.
I'm sure this list will grow and be more detailed. this is just the kick-off list. Some may call me paranoid, but just last year my friends brother went missing in Yosemite and was never heard from again. The SHTF scenario can happen at anytime to anyone just about anywhere. Best to be as prepared as you can. Not to mention, this stuff is fun. So if you can have fun while preparing for the worst, why not.
When I was young I was a boy scout. I had a great leader who taught me some really great skills. The problem is I grew up and never used any of them.
For the last 8 years I've been wrapped up in Urban Survival trying to keep my head above water, a roof over my families head and food on our table. In doing so I have further removed myself from the knowledge I once possessed.
Now I'm actively engaged in a "Survival" course hosted by the same great boy scout leader. It's a much different experience this time round as I am re-learning with the knowledge of how bad it can get. My wife is going through this journey with me as we both learn basic skills needed to survive when the benefits of modern day are gone.
Now this may come from the collapse of our fragile economy or some natural disaster, or simple our car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. But, the goal is to "Be Prepared". You never know when the worst will come.
As we've gone through this course I've been vividly reminded of how unprepared we are. Good practices which I've known, I haven't followed in years.
I hope I never have to use anything I'm re-learning, but I'm glad I'm taking the time to do so.
Survival goals:
- Learn more about the plants of the wilderness
- Spend time camping with the family to practice and learn basic techniques: Starting Fires, building shelters, gathering food, fishing, ect
- Put together and keep at the ready a basic survival kit
- Practice wood widling and net making and trap making so they become second nature
- Ensure my family is trained to survive with or without me
- keep a ready supply of h2o.. you can never have too much water
- take up and practice the art of repelling.. to overcome my fears and to have the know how to use it when needed
- buy a gun (many guns actually) and retrain myself in their safe and effective use. I plan to waste as much ammo as I can afford.
I'm sure this list will grow and be more detailed. this is just the kick-off list. Some may call me paranoid, but just last year my friends brother went missing in Yosemite and was never heard from again. The SHTF scenario can happen at anytime to anyone just about anywhere. Best to be as prepared as you can. Not to mention, this stuff is fun. So if you can have fun while preparing for the worst, why not.
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
God Providence... who would have thought I'd be happy to be stuck in LA for a while longer
Tonight I feel like writing and since I don’t know what I plan to write about, I’ll just wing it.
Life has been busy. My oldest turned 12 and is developing all the bad habits of a pre-teen. My middle child just turned 5 and my little lady will be 4 soon. Winy, overly sensitive and openly rebellious: Gotta love my brood.
For the last 2 years I’ve been actively seeking to “Escape From LA”. Every seemingly good door has been soundly closed. The path out seemed so clear when I started. But it wasn’t to be.
But God has used me for much in that time. I’ve been able to help friends and family in much need of various kinds of support. Everything from planning a funeral to marital counseling; How I fell into these rolls, I can’t say, but God knew I would be needed and ensured I would be here to help. He then placed me in positions I couldn’t have expected to be needed in.
A few more amazing paths God has placed in front of me.
I’ve been given every opportunity one could want from his job. For the next 2-3 years I will be heading up a major restructuring. The real world training this will give me you can’t get from any college. I have the backing and support of not only my Manager, our Plant Manager, and various corporate managers. I am being guided and mentored by some of the brightest and most experienced minds in my corporation.
Of course this means I’m stuck in LA for a few more years. But the opportunities and blessings that are literally falling into my lap are immeasurable.
This year the burden of debt will be lifted as we finally pay off the last of our debt. For the first time in our marriage we will be financially stable with a rapidly growing savings account and not debt looming over our heads. Total financial freedom.
My former Scout master is back in my life and leading me and my wife through basic survival training. At the same time we are leaning towards enrolling our oldest in the Scouts under the tutelage of the same Scout master.
My wife is developing good Godly friendships with the locals. And I continue to be drawn in to various responsibilities in church and among friends.
In short it seems that God wants me right here for a while. Wish I knew why, but I guess I just have to trust that God’s plan is perfect.
I’ll get out of LA eventually, but apparently not yet. At least the weather is nice here.
Life has been busy. My oldest turned 12 and is developing all the bad habits of a pre-teen. My middle child just turned 5 and my little lady will be 4 soon. Winy, overly sensitive and openly rebellious: Gotta love my brood.
For the last 2 years I’ve been actively seeking to “Escape From LA”. Every seemingly good door has been soundly closed. The path out seemed so clear when I started. But it wasn’t to be.
But God has used me for much in that time. I’ve been able to help friends and family in much need of various kinds of support. Everything from planning a funeral to marital counseling; How I fell into these rolls, I can’t say, but God knew I would be needed and ensured I would be here to help. He then placed me in positions I couldn’t have expected to be needed in.
A few more amazing paths God has placed in front of me.
I’ve been given every opportunity one could want from his job. For the next 2-3 years I will be heading up a major restructuring. The real world training this will give me you can’t get from any college. I have the backing and support of not only my Manager, our Plant Manager, and various corporate managers. I am being guided and mentored by some of the brightest and most experienced minds in my corporation.
Of course this means I’m stuck in LA for a few more years. But the opportunities and blessings that are literally falling into my lap are immeasurable.
This year the burden of debt will be lifted as we finally pay off the last of our debt. For the first time in our marriage we will be financially stable with a rapidly growing savings account and not debt looming over our heads. Total financial freedom.
My former Scout master is back in my life and leading me and my wife through basic survival training. At the same time we are leaning towards enrolling our oldest in the Scouts under the tutelage of the same Scout master.
My wife is developing good Godly friendships with the locals. And I continue to be drawn in to various responsibilities in church and among friends.
In short it seems that God wants me right here for a while. Wish I knew why, but I guess I just have to trust that God’s plan is perfect.
I’ll get out of LA eventually, but apparently not yet. At least the weather is nice here.
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