Do We NFL?

I'm saddened to see so many people giving into the hype of what a professional athelete does or does not do during our National Anthem.

First, it's a free country, do what you will.  I may not agree with what they are doing, but I am American enough to defend their right to do so.

Second, I care that there's mistreatment around our nation, but this isn't the 1800's anymore.  Remember seeing the photos from Texas after their hurricane?  THAT is a true representation of our nation.  How easy it is for the media and us to forget kindness because that doesn't get ratings.

Thirdly, don't call out for people to "delete" you as a friend on social media sites because you have a viewpoint different from theirs.  It's uncalled for, short sighted, and it only feeds into this feed of negativity that can stop IF we let those causing constant unrest not win this delicate battle  whenever there's a whisper of unrest.

Fourth, no one should really care what a professional athlete or actor or singer thinks of any given subject.  Their job is to take us away from reality for a period of time.  They're entertainers.  We gave them value because of a skill, and just because they have more air time then you doesn't mean their views hold more merit.  Learn on your own.  Your own studying on facts can move mountains, believe in yourself and what your mind can do.

Fifth, if the NFL chooses to allow this in their business, they will suffer, or not suffer the consequences of the American consumer.

After all of that, take away this; love your family deeply and treat others with respect never anticipating anything in return.

🤘❤🤘❤

Heart, Soul, and Dagger: Millenial Parenting

     If you had an opportunity to strike up a conversation with yourself from 5 years ago, would you?  How much detail would you censor?  Initially given the choice I think, yes!  A million time, YES!  Let me talk to my past self, if nothing else than to offer encouragement.... but, wait.  Would that alter a crucial decision that I made to get to where I am now?  Is it possible that my past self could venture west, instead of continuing due north?  If that time travel would turn a life from a simple comedy of errors to an epic Greek tragedy, why is it something that I feel I might consider to put my mind at ease when it comes to my raising my son?
     Raising a child has never been a simple task, and each generation has their own obstacles to overcome, yet this is a time that no one could really have seen coming nor prepared their children for.  Children are being over-medicated because their natural urges to run and play are labeled as "ADHD".  Young girls continuously are told that they can do anything a man can do, yet we're constantly subjecting them to sexually explicit images, revealing clothing, and lack-luster female role models.  Boys are being told that being a "boy" is inherently negative and showcasing their testosterone through competition is strictly forbidden.  Then, for the first-time parents, the ever changing and increasingly confusing landscape of vaccination safety, milestone checklists, Autism worries, sleep schedules, growth charts, potty training, school choice, organic or non-organic, TV time, YouTube videos....      
     Parents today are in an increasingly demanding competition of whose kid can do what the fastest and more perfectly than others in their age group.  Added to the competition that we have silently, and willingly, allowed to be placed upon one another, is the reality that a one-person income just does not cut it with Millennial households. Now that there isn't a sole "bread-winner" and both parents have to work to make ends meet, childhood is an after thought to most just out of the need for day to day survival.
      Learning from the errors of our generation, we can prepare to save our children from future woes.  For starters, stop Googling EVERYTHING!  This is something I constantly find myself doing and all it does is add stress, anxiety, and fear into daily life that, let's face it, we don't need any more of.  If there is something amiss with your child, call your doctor; just because information is online doesn't mean it is true nor that it applies to you or your child.  Stop comparing your child to your family and friends.  Kids grow, develop, and learn on the time table given to them by God and nature.  Be their parent, not their friend; it's tough when they fight you back but you're not experiencing any temper a parent hasn't been through before.  Lastly, I want to share a piece of advice I was given by a very supportive family member: enjoy your kids.  Seriously, they are only this little once. This time, this very short window of slobbery kisses and sticky hugs, will only be here for a minute.  Trust me when I say I know you're sleep deprived and a little more pudgy than you once were, but this time is gold, so enjoy them.  Raising a child is a blessing, not a race.  Being a parent is a struggle, and when it is tough, just know that their are people aching for the life you have.
     Stay strong, parents.  

The Whipping Post

     "BREAKING NEWS" of the "Russian Investigation"  is exactly like the stereotypical younger sibling who constantly wants attention for nothing in particular.  In an investigation that feels like it has been underway for a century, we still have yet to have anything concrete linking the Russian government to "hacking" our 2017 Presidential election. In all honesty, if there was anything concrete then it would be leaked by now. Let's face that head on, there are no secrets in the Trump White House, and what we continue to have bombard us in our news feed is conjecture and hopeful wishes of Trump's demise.
     On the side of Trump supporters is the latest undercover video showing John Bonifield saying, whether in an edited context or not, that what CNN is doing with the Russian story is all about the "ratings".  It's not about bringing facts to the table, it's not about uncovering the truth, it's not about making our elections secure, it's about ratings that yield more revenue streaming into pockets of CNN.
     Argue with me if you want, but that's what politicians do as well.  Main stream media news outlets and politicians are not about truth, justice, nor American values, they're about money, power, and greed.  Money is the "truth" in politics and for those covering it.  Isn't it interesting why media outlets tend to prefer those of the Liberal or Democrat line of thought than a Conservative or Republican?  The answer will always circle back to money, greed, and ultimately power.
     The Russian story is nonsense.  The people reporting on it have no integrity. The desperation from the MSM and from anti-Trumpers on the Russian story reeks like old garbage.  As a nation and as a world, we have more actual news happening deserving of coverage, yet money remains king and what yields profit will gain the most attention.  The truth is sacrificed in the name of profit.

Oh La La, So Long Paris Accord

     After the announcement that the US was pulling out of the Paris Climate Accord I was legitimately worried about the amount of CO2 rising....  Of course this would be from the hot gaseous air spilling from the lips of Liberals and the ill-informed.  Here is a smidgen of what some are saying:

*Senator Mark Warner (VA) Twitter- "President Trump's disappointing action today places our national security at risk...."
*Bette Midler Twitter- "There's never in US history been such a destructive megalomaniac in the WH."
*Leonardo DiCaprio Twitter- "Today, our planet suffered...."
*Governor Andrew Cuomo Twitter- "New York is committed to meeting the standards set forth in the Paris Accord regardless of Washington's irresponsible actions."

     Wow!  The temperature seriously went up by 5 degrees today!  Those poor polar ice caps cannot catch a break!

     For a few minutes, save some CO2 and relax.  The news of today needs to be examined by those with cooler heads, so let's begin.  First, is this Doomsday for the Earth?  No, I don't think so.  If the Paris Agreement were actually working, then we would have heard nothing but this in the news cycle; after all this agreement was entered into being by the golden standard Obama.  Also, ask yourself this, if this agreement were working, then why are we being hit over the head consistently with "data" showing us that we're in more peril than before. 
     Now, let's look at the possibilities.  We could as a nation sit around blaming Trump, or we could actually get off of our hands, stop complaining about this, and DO something to reduce emissions.  There isn't a law insisting people utilize their heater, Air Conditioner, electricity, car, or anything else that has a "carbon footprint".   There isn't anything from stopping Congress to get our Federal buildings off grid, nor is there anything prohibiting celebrities from uprooting their luxurious lifestyles and give up their polluting yachts, dozens of cars, etc.
     As I have said before, if these elected officials, celebrities, and media outlets were truly committed to reducing emissions, they would start at home and lead by example, but they are not.  What is continuing to happen is we have so many people with large fan bases pointing their self-righteous fingers while engaging in activities they believe to be harmful to the environment; leading their fans turn a blind eye to their favorite celebrities actions all in the name of environmental preservation.  A vast majority of these environmentalists and wanna-be activists are hypocrites, plain and simple. 
     Here's some common sense approaches on how to cope with this "event" that I offer to you.  First, there is nothing proving this agreement was the best agreement for the American people nor the World.  Negotiations can and will proceed.  Secondly, just because America is not party to this agreement does not mean the Green Industry Innovations will cease.  Third, this "move" shows the world that the US is no longer going to be their doormat and just accept the garbage being thrown about our feet.  Fourth, ask your elected officials and celebrities and friends who are completely outraged tonight what THEY are doing in their own homes and daily lives to stop the threat of global warming, it should lead to a lively conversation.  Lastly, this is not the end of the World... even if the Liberals tell you so.

The Common Sense Party Of America

     Are you like me and have you had enough with politics as usual?  Has your level of disgust with career politicians and the Elite class in D.C. that the teacher from the Charlie Brown series makes more sense to you than when they open their mouths to speak?  Then you are in good company.
     With the never-ending fiasco continuation of the failure that is Obamacare, and the continued funding of Planned Parenthood, Republicans are sacrificing their souls under the guise of non-partisan politics.  It would seem that ever since Bush left office Republicans have, either consciously or subconsciously, been paying penance for his actions by means of being in a constant state of bending over for the Democrats to do whatever they feel.  This has lead to the adequate label of RINO; Republican In Name Only, and by God in Heaven, there are way too many of them. The newest term of cuck-servative has sprung, and no matter what label you give these career, slick tongued Republican, they have GOT TO GO!  I am tired of being tired of their naivete, gullibility, and general dumb-assery.
     American needs are being overlooked and cast aside for a wide variety of reasons, mostly due to the shady back door deals that most of us will never know, and I have had enough of campaign lip-service.  My child and no American should suffer because of a slick tongue.  Which is why I am now associating myself with the Common Sense Party, and all are welcome to join!  There are, however, some ground rules and basic beliefs that all must accept to be a member.
     Those who join the Common Sense Party do so knowing that you, and only you, have complete control over your station in life.  The government is not your meal ticket to sitting on your rear-end and not exploring your God given talents and potential!  This party firmly believes that whatever choice you make in your life, you have to understand, and take on the full responsibility, that there are consequences for your actions.  
     This is a party accepting of anyone from any walk of life, young or old, whatever religious beliefs you associate yourself with is fine too, the biggest thing though is that you can't be a jerk.  A member of the LGBT community?  You're welcome in the party!    In the spirit of transparency, there is a test for entry, which is a short basic American Civics test that you should have passed in Elementary school.  There ARE term limits, so leadership cannot hold lifetime appointed positions within the party.  The party's platform is firm, yet fair to all. 
     Want to know more about how the Common Sense Party is one for you?  Part two is coming with the Party's platform. 

Happy Birthday, Thomas Jefferson!

     One of our nation's most famous Founding Fathers, the author of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson, was born on 13 April 1743.  If modern science could catch up, he would be celebrating his 274th birthday this year alive and well with our nation; but I, like many, do hope he is resting in peace. 
    A representative of my home state of Virginia, Jefferson was a man whom I am certain many would agree was monumental in giving Britain the finger while nurturing the rebellious spirit that would give birth to America.  Jefferson pushed for religious freedom, sparking the then radical idea of "separation of church and state".  While it is true he owned slaves, he was an opponent of the transatlantic slave trade and proposed a gradual plan of emancipation.  
     Jefferson's work and service to the dream of American democracy is timeless and applies to our current nation and the problems we face.  You don't believe me, do you?  How can a man who would be celebrating his 274th birthday be in touch with the issues today?!  Let me show you.

1.  "The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers." 
Is it possible that Thomas Jefferson was referring to the "Fake News" of his time?  While I cannot vouch for Jefferson's views of "Fake News" accounts while he was alive, we now face a crisis with our news media.  Journalism is a dying art. Truth is now a subjective idea where ideological agendas are prevailing, leading to a population who is uninformed while believing themselves "in the know".  As someone who values information, sometimes it IS better to not know anything than to only know the slanted version of what someone else THINKS you should know.  Believing in a bed of lies is worse than ignorance.   

2.  "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." 
This one hits home.  This is at the heart of every one of our societal issues we are dealing with right now.  Let's be honest, government doesn't REALLY know what they are doing; much to their dismay that I point that out.  These elected officials are not god like entities, they have flaws.  These flaws get in the way of our government running efficiently resulting in numerous government funded programs funded on the backs of taxpayers.  And what do we have to show for this?  An entitlement epidemic where people stay in government subsidized housing from the time they are born to the time they die, living off food stamps, with no drive to contribute to society all because elected officials tell us that if they stop funding these programs, people will be homeless, hungry, and illiterate.  Lump in the disastrous health care fiasco, crumbling infrastructure, and politicians tugging at American's heartstrings and I think we can all see what our nation's third President was talking about.

3.  "Never spend your money before you have earned it."
Do I dare remind you of our national debt? 

4.  "Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on Earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude."
This is a mindset that many of our fellow countrymen and countrywomen seem to be lacking.  Being an American isn't a free ride, nor is it a hand-out to anyone in our country illegally.  When we stopped teaching our children that their work output is a direct indicator to the kind of life they will live later down the road, that their actions can have negative consequences should they choose the wrong course, we fostered and harvested a people who have the wrong idea about what it means to work towards their goals.  Even if your goal may be the same as your neighbor, the one who reaches that goal is the one who puts the work in, knowing that their reward is coming.  No amount of government funding can yield  positive growth of any man, woman, or child.  Bottom line, you have to work, and work hard, for your dreams!


      Thomas Jefferson's name is synonymous with liberty and democracy.  It's no wonder that his legacy is reverential.  While I could list more memorable quotes from him, let me leave you with one forever known as the foundation of America:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal;

 that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; 

that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

Ready, Aim, Syria

     This is bad...this is bad, this is bad, this is BAD.  That was the mantra on repeat in my brain when the word of the airstrike in Syria was announced.   This has to be the beginning of WWIII, right?!  How could President Trump do something so overly risky?  An understandable thought, right?  This is scary stuff.  This is a monumental event that has just taken place for the world, not just President Trump's administration.  There are some serious repercussions to this event.... but let's think about this for a moment.  This might not be the worst thing to happen.
      Reports began in 2012, while President Obama was in office, indicating that the Assad regime was behind the murder of his own people.  Who can forget Obama's famous "Red Line"?  A warning to Assad after reports of the attacks went viral on the international stage... a line that Obama realistically had no intention of holding Assad's feet to the fire.   It was empty an empty threat by Obama, and Assad knew it.  Assad was given a golden ticket by Obama, Assad saw this, and the world knew it, but no one put up a fight.  This lead to the great refugee crisis we're witnessing now.   Syria is in shambles now because Assad and his regime knew they could get away with anything.  Enter Trump.
     Like many of us, President Trump does not want a war.  What we are seeing from Trump is a bold action to something that SHOULD have been taken care of years ago.  The target was Shayrat air base; to help stop future possibilities of a chemical weapons attack.  Russians were warned about the strike, even though they continue to turn their heads to the deplorable attack on innocent people.
     This strategic strike is a wake up call to the people across the world that America will not stand by while innocent people are murdered by their government.  Hopefully Americans, and others around the world, who have had their heads buried in the sand in regards to the atrocities committed by Assad will see that this was a vital steps to stabilize Syria.  Perhaps some see it as an "act of aggression", but what else would a mass murderer will understand if not strength?