… is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, ’cause it’s gonna put up a fight. It’s gonna say “You want free speech? Let’s see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.
It’s a Mad, MAD World we live in. Walk down any street, show 5,000 people at random a picture of our original flag, and ask them what it means. 5,000 of them will tell you it is the original USA flag. None of them will tell you it represents slavery. None! It is not in the hate symbol database. It is not known as a hate symbol by those who study and track such things. It is only when someone like ‘he who shall not be named’ want to stir their personal agenda, and a company like ‘shoes that shall not be bought’ give him a platform, does anything besmirch this symbol. And the Mad, MAD World, loses its’ freaking mind. Loses all common sense. Starts wringing its’ hands and saying “Oh my!! Am I being a racist because I like the original symbol of our Country?!” STOP IT! Work on fixing what is actually wrong, not actively looking for ways to be offended! The KKK has used it? Yes, I am positive you can find a KKK picture with a Betsy Ross Flag in it. You can also find Obama pictures with the same flag. Get, a, grip!
If we are going to go down this road, well, then you need to stop using the peace symbol. You know the one, the one that looks a bit like a birds foot in a circle. Well, guess what? The fact you, and everyone else recognizes it as a great goal, peace, not war, love, not hate, doesn’t matter. There is a super small subset of the world that think it is Satanic. ( ref: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dutch-school-peace-sign-satanic_n_3915627 ) So, stop using it. And take it off everything, right now! And, the other peace symbol? The one where you hold your fingers in a V? Well, this one is even worse, it did not mean peace, it meant many different things before the 60’s. ( ref: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V_sign )
It’s a Mad, MAD World we live in. Stop actively looking for reasons to be mad.
I’ve sat back on this one, and other than checking on the well being of friends, stayed pretty much out of it. But, I have read so much FUD surrounding this incredible tragedy, that I need to set some of the record straight. Who am I to address this? In case you did not know, I spent 11 years working in Casino Security on the Las Vegas strip. A huge chunk of my friends include past, and current Security Officers, Supervisors, and Chiefs. For 6 years of that, I worked with, and trained The Best Security Force in the world, at Circus Circus, where we dealt with a volume of calls that would make most departments turn pale. I not only worked in this environment, I along with many of my friends, opened two of the worlds largest casinos, and wrote a very significant portion of the manuals, procedures and training’s that are still in use by the Security Professionals in Las Vegas. I worked day in and day out with the incredible first responders in Vegas and am still good friends with many of LVMPD’s finest. You could say I have a bit of perspective on this one.
“How did he get so many guns, and so much ammo, into his room?” – I keep hearing this one, often in the tone of it has to be a government conspiracy, some in the tone of he had to have help, and some that the Hotel Staff did not do their job. Conspiracy? Seriously? Up your meds or move somewhere else. Seriously, if you think the Government is this corrupt, why would you still live here? Had help, sure, it’s possible, only time will tell. But needed help? No. And, the Hotel Staff did not do their job? I honestly do see how people think that. I do. But, they are wrong. So far, the pictures of the weapons he had that I have seen, most collapsed and disassembled, fitting into non-descript cases. Thousands of rounds of ammo? While kind of heavy, not unreasonably so. Keep in mind, many people travel to Vegas and stay in these Hotels, for conventions. Not just the attendees, but the vendors too. Seeing people go into the Hotel with large, heavy cases, is in no way unusual. I personally have done it myself, checking in with three large wheeled trunks full of the computers, etc for the mobile classroom. Those three cases would have easily held all his armaments. Is this how he did it? I don’t know, and neither do you. But, I do know this is one of many ways he could have done this. He was there for several days before he killed so many. He could have easily made a couple of trips a day out to his car and carried in a gun case or 3 at a time. No one would raise an eye as hunters and gun enthusiasts commonly travel and carry their weaponry. Should someone have noticed he did it more than once? The Mandalay Bay has 3,300 rooms. With an average of more than 2 people per room, that is over 7,000 people moving around all day, just in room guests. Then, people in and out to gamble, visit the restaurants, shows, etc and you are talking north of 20,000 people moving around on a normal day. And the days leading up to this? A lot busier than ‘normal’. Good luck noticing the habits of one guest.
“Why didn’t the Cops, Security or someone carrying concealed fire back?” – EGADS!! Seriously? 32nd floor. Average over 10ft per floor. That means just vertically you would be shooting over 300 feet. It is of course a lot further than that by the time you are a couple hundred of feet from the Hotel. No way, anyone, would have hit anything they were aiming at. And, really? You want people shooting towards a Hotel full of occupied rooms? I know if I had been there, and I would have been armed. And, there is zero chance that I would have considered returning fire! If anything, this is an argument for gun carry. I promise you there were a lot of guns in that crowd, and not one was stupid enough to return fire from the ground.
“We need more gun laws” – I’m going to keep this section short because, well, I talk about it enough in general. Do we need more gun laws? It is already illegal to kill people. It is already illegal to use a deadly weapon against a person, to shoot near structures, etc… None of these laws stopped this guy. And so far it does not sound like mental health laws would have either, as so far there has been no indication of prior issues. No, what we need is gun laws that are effective. I am 100% in support of that.
“The MGM/Mandalay Bay is responsible … ” – Well, you can argue this one all day long. Who is really responsible? This piece of humanoid garbage who did this is. But, will MGM be held responsible in a Civil Action? Probably to some degree. There are already numerous suits filed. I am sure LVMPD and CCFD will also see the inside of a courtroom for liability trials. It is the way this all works, and has for years. As early as the 70’s we started bypassing holding the individual responsible, and started courting a legal system that goes after deep pockets, and big numbers. Right and wrong got lost along the way a long time ago.
There is a lot more about this topic that I could address, but, mostly I just feel sick to my stomach. The biggest chunk of that is because there is evil in this world, and they do things like this. But, a not insignificant part of my dismay, is because we the people, seem more hell bent on pointing fingers, wringing our hands, looking for conspiracies, and chasing compensation, than addressing the ills that are making this an increasing occurrence.
If you read this post, and think I am looking for an attaboy, you 100% missed the point.
The other day I was on my way home after a 10 hour day ‘in the orifice’. The orifice (office) is draining. Not physically, but mentally. I was wiped. And, as much as I love driving, driving in traffic, is the worst. I am north-east bound, getting off Exit 9 of the Northway. The arm pit of traffic. Where Rt 146 crosses Rt9 is always bumper to bumper, 7 or 8 lanes, dead stop during rush hour. Like everyone else sitting at that intersection, I just wanted to get home!
As I sit at the intersection east bound on 146 I look over and a guy is walking west bound on the west bound shoulder. Walking is not accurate. He is stumbling. His feet are dragging, he is swaying side to side, and almost going into traffic on one side, and off the steep shoulder on the other. And he is holding his chest. He is grabbing his chest in the classic “I’m having a heart attack” pose.
I jump on the hands free to dial 911 (I LOVE! my Sync in my new truck) and suddenly, he is down. Laying on the shoulder of the road, 7+ lanes of traffic bumper to bumper, and who do you suppose gets out to help him? NO ONE. Not one person on that side of the road makes any move to help a man laying on the ground.
So, screw this! (yes, for those of you from ‘back in the day’ Wolfie did say something a bit stronger than screw this!) across 2 lanes on my side and 3 lanes of oncoming traffic I force my way. I get in behind the guy and block traffic with my truck and finish talking the dispatcher through the details. By now, the guy is sitting up, and as I finish, he gets up and walks over to my truck. Long story short, I think alcohol was much more in play than his heart was.
But seriously, that doesn’t matter. What matters is, WHAT IN HELL IS WRONG WITH PEOPLE?! How do you watch someone drop and not try to help? Even if that help is nothing more than call 911 and block cars from running over him while he lays there? To be fair, I have no way of knowing if anyone else called 911. But not one, of the hundreds of people at that intersection, pulled over to assist this guy. Why? Some did not notice. Pretty sad, but, people live, work, and drive in a bubble. Some, a small group, probably had somewhere very pressing to be, or had precious cargo (read little kids) and really could not stop. But most didn’t stop, because they don’t want to get involved. Either they don’t care, or they are afraid.
What ever the reason, it SUCKS. Much has changed over the last couple of generations. We are slowly getting more tolerant of different life styles and working towards better human rights. (We do still have a LONG way to go!!) But, over the last couple of generations we have also stopped being involved. We have stopped caring for our neighbors and those in need. We’ve stopped getting involved. We have stopped lending a hand.
This is never an easy topic. How do we balance our need to provide security for our families, friends, and loved ones, with our need to help those less fortunate than ourselves? My Facebook feed, and the news, are hugely polarized over this topic. People are being very vocal in both directions. Pro refuge people are drawing parallels between this and the pilgrims escaping religious persecution to come to this continent, to tavern keepers turning away a pregnant traveler in Jerusalem. Non-refuge supporters are drawing parallels to the Boston Marathon bombers and of course, the Paris attacks.
I think we can all agree, we would like to help others, when ever we can. We would gladly feed, cloth and shelter people fleeing war, famine, disease.
I think we can all agree, we would do anything to prevent terrorists from entering our borders and getting close to our loved ones, placing our loved ones in grave danger.
Where is the line?
What level of risk are we willing to accept in order to help others? We cannot ignore the fact that it is likely that ISIS and others will insert zealots into the refugees in order to get them into the US. Our Intelligence professionals are warning us of their inability to vet the refugees. Safety is an illusion. Our borders are a sieve. Our intelligence community and and judicial system are wholly unequipped to handle terrorists in the rare instance we catch one of these bad guys.
What level of suffering are we willing to turn away in order to feel safe? If the people fleeing were your mom, or grandmother, or child, wouldn’t you want the US to make a home for them? Doesn’t your own belief system, including the religion of many of you, promote charity and helping the down trodden?
Also, could the money be better spent on our own homeless and veterans?
I have no answer to this moral quandary. I know I don’t like either option.
Tense Troy Rally Memorializes Thaddeus Faison (Watch Report)
It sucks that this person died. He was someone’s son, cousin, friend. I get that, and I think pretty much everyone thinks it sucks he died. But, he died by his choices and actions. He led a live filled with crime. He died committing several crimes. And not the least of which, is he was trying to KILL, not one, but two Police Officers. No one is so naive as think there are not some problems in the policing profession that have to continue to be improved upon, but these two Officers are out there every day, risking their lives to try and make life better for all of us. And they are sons, cousins, friends of people too. This person (I refuse to call him a man) does not deserve any outpouring of support. The Officers do. He died for himself. They came close to dying, for us.
It is such an upside down world we live in. A ‘star’ who has several overdoses and it finally kills them, gets huge amounts of support/respect/press (Amy Winehouse,Whitney Houston, countless others) because they can sing, a professional athlete can beat his wife, buy and sell drugs, fight dogs, and they are revered, and paid millions all because they can throw a football, or hit a baseball. And yet the real heroes are nameless and faceless. On a train in France, 3 young men, at great personal peril, subdued a terrorist before he could carry out his plan to kill innocent people. Do we know their names? Next week will anyone remember them? Daily we are protected by Police, Military, Firefighters, Nurses, Doctors, EMTs, etc and yet, we vilify them and promote that very small percentage of people who are causing the vast majority of the crime and keeping our society hostage.
It should to stop. It needs to stop. It has to stop.
I found this on a site, author unknown. I modified is slighty (mostly fixed a few typos).
1. There are plenty of ways to enter a pool. The stairs is not one of them.
2. Never cancel dinner plans by text message.
3. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it.
4. If a street performer makes you stop walking, you owe him a buck.
5. Always use “we” when referring to your home team or your government.
6. When entrusted with a secret, keep it.
7. DON’T underestimate free throws in a game of HORSE.
8. Just because you can doesn’t mean you should.
9. Don’t dumb it down.
10. You only get one chance to notice a new haircut.
11. If you’re staying more than one night, unpack.
12. Never park in front of a bar.
13. Expect the seat in front of you to recline. Prepare accordingly.
14. Keep a picture of your first fish, first car, and first girl/boyfriend.
15. Hold your heroes to a high standard.
16. A suntan is earned, not bought.
17. Never lie to your doctor.
18. All guns are loaded.
19. Don’t mention sunburns. Believe me, they know.
20. The best way to show thanks is to wear it. Even if it’s only once.
21. Take a vacation of your cell phone, internet, and TV once a year.
22. Don’t fill up on bread, no matter how good.
23. A handshake beats an autograph.
24. Don’t linger in the doorway. In or out.
25. If you choose to go in drag, don’t sell yourself short.
26. If you want to know what makes you unique, sit for a caricature.
27. Never get your haircut the day of a special event.
28. Be mindful of what comes between you and the Earth. Always buy good shoes, tires, and sheets.
29. Never eat lunch at your desk if you can avoid it.
30. When you’re with new friends, don’t just talk about old friends.
31. Eat lunch with the new kids.
32. When traveling, keep your wits about you.
33. It’s never too late for an apology.
34. Don’t pose with booze.
35. If you have right of way. TAKE IT.
36. You don’t get to choose your own nickname.
37. When you marry someone, remember you marry their entire family.
38. Never push someone off a dock.
39. Under no circumstances should you ask a woman if she is pregnant.
40. It’s not enough to be proud of your ancestry, live up to it.
41. Don’t make a scene.
42. When giving a thank you speech, short and sweet is best.
43. Know when to ignore the camera.
44. Never gloat.
45. Invest in great luggage.
46. Make time for your mom on your birthday, It’s her special day too.
47. When opening presents, no one likes a good guesser.
48. Sympathy is a crutch, never fake a limp.
49. Give credit. Take Blame.
50. Suck it up every now and again.
51. Never be the last one in the pool.
52. Don’t stare.
53. Respect everyone that carries a firearm professionally.
54. Stand up to bullies. You’ll only have to do it once.
55. If you’ve made your point, stop talking.
56. Admit it when you’re wrong.
57. If you offer to help don’t quit until the job is done.
58. Look people in the eye when you thank them.
59. Thank the bus driver.
60. Never answer the phone at the dinner table.
61. Forgive yourself for your mistakes.
62. Know at least one good joke.
63. Don’t boo. Even the ref is somebody’s son.
64. Know how to cook one good meal.
65. Learn to drive a stick shift.
66. Be cool to younger kids. Reputations are built over a lifetime.
67. It’s okay to go to the movies by yourself.
68. Dance with your mother/father.
69. Don’t lose your cool. Especially at work.
70. Always thank the host.
71. If you don’t understand, ask before it’s too late.
72. Know the size of your boyfriend/girlfriends clothes.
73. There is nothing wrong with a plain t-shirt.
74. Be a good listener. Don’t just wait your turn to talk.
75. Keep your word.
76. In college always sit in the front. You’ll stand out immediately. Come grade time might come in handy.
77. Carry your mother’s bags. She carried you for 9 months.
78. Be patient with airport security. They are just doing their job.
79. Don’t be the talker in a movie.
80. The opposite sex likes people who shower.
81. You are what you do. Not what you say.
82. Learn to change a tire.
83. Be kind. Everyone has a hard fight ahead of them.
84. An hour with grandparents is time well spent. Ask for advice when you need it.
85. Don’t litter.
86. If you have a sister, get to know her boyfriend. Your opinion is important.
87. You won’t always be the strongest or fastest. But you can be the toughest.
88. Never call someone before 9 AM or after 9PM.
89. Buy the orange properties in Monopoly.
90. Make the little things count.
91. Always wear a bra at work.
92. There is a fine line between looking sultry and slutty. Find it.
93. You’re never too old to need your mom.
94. Ladies, if you make the decision to wear heels on the first date commit to keeping them on and keeping your trap shut about how much your feet kill.
95. Know the words to your national anthem.
96. Your dance moves might not be the best, but I promise making a fool of yourself is more fun, and makes more friends, than sitting on the bench alone.
97. Smile at strangers.
98. Make Goals.
99. Being old is not dictated by your bedtime.
100. If you HAVE to fight, punch first and punch hard.
Ok, lets all get on the same page. I am very happy with the path my daughter is now on. She does not need to go to college at this point. She has a better job now, than many of the college bound kids in class of 2014 will have in 4 years. And she is making money, not racking up huge student loan debt. She is happy, healthy, and a productive member of society. If later on she decides to go to college, great! If she never decides to go to college, that is great too!
When did we start to think ‘everyone must go to college’ ? When did we lose sight of being a working stiff, is not only ok, it is great?!
The cause of this rant? Several times lately when I have been asked “what is she going to major in?” “where is she going ?” etc and when I respond with “She is working at Skidmore, a job she loves with a great future” , the response has way too often been “Oh…” in the exact same voice reserved for “So how is your cousin Bob?” “He got locked up again, they threw away the key this time.” “Oh…” type of conversations. Not going to college, is not a negative thing!
Seriously, knock it off! My filters are currently set to low, and most of you are well meaning people who don’t realize just how wrongly judgmental you are being, but one of you is going to ‘be that way’ on the wrong day and it is not going to end well for you. Be happy for her. She is happy, she is a productive member of society. WINNER!
Love the irony (I have better words for it, but I am behaving) of life. Spent my life hearing how it is not so much what I say, as how I say it. The tone, and words used. Now, the shoe is on the other foot, and ‘society’ is joining my world. The world of the geeks, those of use that have been on the internet for more than 20 years. And, when I try to let people know that how you say something, matters, nope…. Nothing but excuses and push back. ( and no, I am not making it up, use your own source for etiquette on the internet http://networketiquette.net/core_rules_do_not_use_all_caps.html )
What a total crock of crap, perpetuated by the phone companies on the American public. To my knowledge this is the only industry that cannot provide you an actual amount you will be paying for a flat rate service, before you buy it! I am not talking about a mechanic who does not know what parts may be needed or how many hours it will take. I am not talking about a pay as you go phone, or pay for minutes or text. I am talking about X numbers of phone on an unlimited plan = $XXX.XX . Seriously! They can figure out how much I have to pay them every month when they bill me, so how does it make any sense at all that they cannot tell me that number before I enter into a contract? Yes, I understand it varies state to state. But, come on! They are using a computer, so how hard is it to look it up? It appears obvious to me that they do not make the effort to be able to do this because more people will buy the contract when it is $170/month than when it is $200/month. And once they have that shiney new IPhone, when the bill comes in, they don’t want to give it up so they justify it with ‘I was told $175, but it is $200, oh well, that’s only $25 extra’
I truly believe that this is one more shining example of Corporate America, screwing Public America, right into financial ruin.