Tuesday, November 03, 2015

Volume 90 - The Most Important National Election in the History of this Great Country


Sometimes it is just difficult to understand how we find ourselves in such harm’s way. Unfortunately it appears that there is still a majority of people  working under some kind of ‘Alice in Wonder Land’ illusion but this isn't Kansas and we better somehow crawl out of the rabbit hole and grasp the understanding of how important this National Election is to our salvation as a Nation, a Republic and a Democracy.   

This isn't about "Blue" and "Red"...it is about the ACTUAL survival of this country as a Republic and as a Nation. You have to understand and comprehend that within the next decade or two there will be no Israel nor an UAE nor a South Korea and the world will be thrown into turmoil never seen before.  The flight of refugees presently taken place into Europe is only a preview of coming attractions on the world scene.

But I’m jumping ahead of my point, so a closer view starting with our Great Country.  Economically there’s no question that our economy (as well as the world economy) has been shaky at best since the crash of ’08.  Yet, politicians and central banks regularly announce that “things are picking up.” And we, one year after another, witness the continued economic slump. Few dare call it a depression, but, if a depression can be defined as a period of time win which most people’s standard of living drops significantly, a depression it is regardless of the color of lipstick one paints on the pig, a pig it is. 

Why is it that our elected officials are surprised that no amount of stimulus and low interest rates has not resulted in creating more jobs or more productivity?  A few basic economic principles applied and one would understand that when debt reaches the level that it cannot be repaid, a major re-set of some sort must take place.  This is a systemic problem and cannot be “papered” over with printing presses.  There will be some combination of a major forgiveness of debt, a default, or an economic collapse taking place as we already see in various European economies.

Aside from Economics lets simply discuss values, attitudes, acceptance of consequences, simple concepts now void and distinct…..what has happened with simple concepts such as the ‘melody’ out of music, the ‘pride’ out of appearance, the ‘courtesy’ out of driving, the ‘romance’ out of love, the ‘responsibility’ out of parenthood, the ‘togetherness’ of friendship, the ‘learning’ out of education, the ‘service’ out of patriotism, the ‘Golden Rule’ from rulers, the ‘nativity’ scene out of cities, the ‘civility’ out of behavior, the ‘refinement’ out of language, the ‘dedication’ out of employment, the ‘ambition’ out of achievement, the ‘patience’ and ‘ tolerance’ from personal relationships and interactions from others?………..

The upcoming National General Election and the recent ‘debates’…….really?  Anyone with an IQ above a ‘head of lettuce’ must look at the recent MSNBC commentator’s attitude and subsequent questions and  shook their heads realizing that Marco Rubio’s response (in addition to Chris Christie and Ted Cruz) “I know the Democrats have the ultimate super Pac. It’s called the mainstream media.”……We are a people from ‘legal’ immigrants.  We are a people that understand that our success or failure is based on our ability not on the ‘Government.’….My success or failure is based on my ability or lack thereof…My responsibility is based on ‘ME’ not on the Government. Jobs are created by the Private Sector and not by the Government….It is time to for ‘Government’ to get the hell out of the way….It is time for Banks to be ‘Banks’ for small business and not the legalized ‘loan sharks’ that small business must go too to get funding………I don’t owe my neighbor anything other than my good wishes, my thoughts, my goodness NOT to be interpreted as equalization of wealth; for if this is the case, then there exist no incentive for anyone who takes risks with unknown results to make any decisions…..help small business but don’t get in the way with your pretentious advertising campaigns espousing your concern for the community…..

On a Global Scale, I’m not sure that we can reconstruct the destruction done over our past history but specifically over the past eight years.  This isn’t a question of whether we, as a nation, should have gone somewhere or not have gone somewhere but one of if that decision is made, via the Constitution and for the protection of our country, then we should have done it with resolve to win, to honor our commitments and to lead as we should lead and not to apologize for the greatness of our young country.  No wonder we can’t be trusted even by our Allies on the foreign scene.

At the close of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Ben Franklin was asked if the delegates had formed a republic or a monarchy.  “A republic,” he responded, “if you can keep it.” 

To that end, as a warning for future generations to beware of “cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men,” George Washington wrote, “A just estimate of that love of power, and proneness to abuse it, which predominates in the human heart is sufficient to satisfy us of the truth of this position.”

Daniel Webster wrote, “Good intentions will always be pleaded for every assumption of authority.  It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the People against the dangers of good intentions.  There are men in all ages who mean to govern well, but they mean to govern.  They promise to be good masters, but they mean to be masters.”

John Adams cautioned, “A Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored.  Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.”

 

 

 

 

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Volume 89 - On Monday I went to a wake....


On Monday, I went to a wake…..


It is quite easy for me to write/rant about politics, especially with the circus of the last decade, or business, since our economy has never recovered from 2009, or even that of writing fictional stories with the biggest problem simply of finding the time for such endeavors.  However, when it comes to very personal matters the difficulty is painful and most of the time put off with some made up justification for not writing.  Nevertheless, on Monday, I went to a wake.

It seems that I go to wakes and funerals more frequently now.  I think wakes and Funerals are important as they will let family and friends know that everyone shares the loss that is being experienced.  This particular one was difficult.  It was difficult not because the deceased was an Icon of the community. Not because he was a really Good person. Not because it was moved from the Funeral Home to a Church to accommodate the mass of people. Not because of the seven children, twenty six grandchildren, and thirty four great grandchildren.  And, certainly not because the deceased was ninety-four years old.

It was difficult because his older brother, another friend of mine for over fifty years, was sitting in a pew a few feet away from the casket of his brother, attended to by two of his sons, and didn’t recognize me, nor anyone else.  It was difficult because one realizes very quickly that time passes extremely quick and then, in some cases, slows to almost a stop, a crawl that is a  period of time both inhumane and intolerable not only for the elderly but for those close enough to touch but not feel the imminence of death. 

Difficult because those, regardless of age, that are full of life suddenly suffer a fall that puts them into an assisted living experience that they despise to even the extent of attempting escapes; make numerous phone calls for help, want to be anywhere other than where they find themselves.  Difficult for if not a physical fall the insidious disease of Alzheimer’s and somehow the difficulty of care becomes choices that no one wants to make for there is no good answer.  Difficult because the emotional stress to family and especially friends can’t be exhausted but burns daily and ignites at unexpected times.

The admission that time never stops.  The recognition that preparations must be made for unlike large families described, one best do some self-preparation.  The realization that another day will bring another wake….

Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Volume 88 - Mystery "Italy" (continuation of Volumes: 82-83-84: excerpts unpublished novel)

...(Continuing from Volume 84 -Part 3 of Unpublished Novel Excerpts)

...The secured telephone conversation between Tony Tuscono and Francesco DiGiuda, Captain with the Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard (Guardia Svizzera Pontificia) concerning the kidnapping of the God-Son of Pope Paul II who was very good friends with Pope Francis concludes.

Tuscono gets up from his desk, within the soundproof/telephonic glass enclosed studio, ready to start the checklist of details necessary for he and the Shanghai office Team 3 unit to video conference when Jonathon Carpenter (GST's IT guru) clicks the speaker and advises both Tuscono and O'Brian that there is a second call coming in from Francesco DiGiuda. Tony instructs Carpenter to put it through the same secure line as previous call and motions for Maggie to sit back down as obviously his friend Francesco forgot to mention something from the call of only a few minutes ago.

(Golds, Sachs & Thomas - GST, the business name, and security firm used by Tony Tuscono and the members of a unit designating "Gold 6" only for Presidential access.  An access initially ordained by a former President while the architect of this unit was heading up spook headquarters engaging in some rather dicey dealings especially in the Middle East.  The main headquarter office is located in the newly renovated Victor Hotel, 1001 Ocean Drive, Miami with satellite operations in New Orleans,  1104 Toulouse Street across from the Maison Dupuy Hotel and Shanghai, China, 2 ChangDe Road,  each with a skilled over achiever running day to day operations. 

The Victor Hotel was a dilapidated structure and part of Gianni Versace's real estate holdings that went into receivership and located only a few short blocks from his opulent residence which was taken over by his family and will undoubtedly be served up to some group with more money than brains.  This renovated Hotel had some serious union construction problems which was solved by GST, who at the time was looking for space as well as living quarters in Miami for Tuscono.  In return for the problem solving feat and all future security, GST acquired 2,600 square feet with an additional 2,150 square feet of residential space blueprinted into the plans with secure entrance off the main lobby.  A four foot wide by eight foot high eight panel solid oak door opening with a state of the art i.2 series G16X7 iris/voice scanner built into the locking mechanism esthetically consisting of only two four inch in diameter holes was part of the lobby construction less than twenty feet away from the main elevator banks.  This i.2 device has the capabilities to measure the human characteristics of the Gold 6 Group separating out the hundreds of people using the lobby on any given day.  This State of the Art technology continued through this secured section of the building with full hand-print scanners, facial recognition devices and keyless pads and proximity sonar all trailing from this door through the twenty-two foot enclosed narrow hallway to the next set of doors that led into the office complex with all product specifications and installation directly involving the i.2 Shanghai group, another division of Gold Sachs & Thomas, including their research and developmental arm.  The mix of privacy, security, secretiveness all within public scrutiny was truly the stroke of genius, and to some degree a point of humor, that permitted the integrity of the group to function. 

The residential entrance was off the original garden of Versace's building patio and kept for the most part in-tack with the renovation of the Hotel.  A relatively plain, non-descript metal door, bullet resistive, artistically painted to blend with surrounding décor with grade 1 six point keypad locking mechanism, i.2-series 1790, combined with a 5-point fingerprint access on outside, viewer and i.2's newest security exit trim opens to a 6' x 14' x 12' high foyer. The foyer is scanned with three remote HD CCTV units and heat sensors working in conjunction with the proximity sonar to allow a specially equipped MRI type reading access control for entrance.  At the far end was another 4' x 8' door, blast resistant, designed by Mega-Met company.  It was their model MRB-2S, a medium range swinging blast door on five stainless ball bearing hinges, i.2 series 1101 and lock/unlock sensors tied to the main control panel.  Upon passing through this 3" thick opening an ordinary steel stairwell two flight up onto a balcony and a pair of French doors lead into Tuscono's residence.)

It didn't take but a few seconds for Tuscono to feel uneasy as something was missing from this conversation and the previous request for assistance.  He looked through the glass separation at Carpenter who motioned that something was different technically with this secure line. Turning his head slightly he motions to Maggie, who was also involved in listening to the conversation to not contact J. Hymon, Operations leader of Team 3 Shanghai office, as he previously ordered.  His gut instinct didn't disappoint as Francesco apologized but said that he had forgot some specific instructions and requests from the Church Hierarchy concerning this kidnapping situation. Tuscono turned his head slightly in his usual manner when taken aback with something unexpected as he looked at Maggie while DiGiuda stated, "Mr. Tuscono, sorry for this call back to you but His Eminence Cardinal Angelo Baptista is very concerned not only with the safety of Karol Jozef Stephenson  but with the political fallout of this kidnapping; therefore, he does not desire the end result ending in some type of public trial; and, to that end his request is that your team put  the final end to these kidnappers so please be prepared accordingly."

A long pause occurs as Tuscono simply looks at Maggie (Maggie O'Brian, VP of Operations GST Miami, former Olympic Shooter,  SIS - UK's secret intelligence service - the only member who had duel citizenship due to her father being English, M15 - UK's military intelligence unit specializing as Sniper Captain, and a stint working on special assignment to the Masada with degrees from Athens University.) 

After what seems like several minutes DiGiuda starts to apologize again for the second call but is interrupted by Tuscono saying "my friend, our friendship goes back to your father and we have had a mutual respect for a number of years but I'm afraid that we now have a problem with your request." With his voice taking on a growing intense tone by the second, Tuscono continues, "GST is noted for doing a variety of assignments with not only people of various reputations throughout the world but also with many diverse countries some of which have no diplomatic relations with this country.  We run the 'rail and the edge' on what is legal and what is moral but we don't kill people simply for the sake of keeping someone quiet.  It appears from what you stated in our previous communication that you have good intel on the alleged kidnappers as well as the cooperation from Interpol to the extent that you seemingly are even convinced of their general location.  Your objective of rescuing a God-Son of a former Pope is your assignment to which we wish you all the good fortune in that pursuit.  But if our assignment is simply to kill the alleged perpetrators  in this matter I suggest you find some independent mechanic and please advise Baptista that we recognize the political fallout and understand his concern.  I will continue to wish you the best and feel free to keep us informed but this is something that we cannot be involved with.  Good-by DiGiuda."  Tuscono ends the conversation.

Before Tony could say anything Maggie simply says, "What the Fuck was that about and why the attitude to Francesco? Isn't he a friend of yours?" And, as Maggie is about to say something else Tuscono simply raises his hand, a jester of his that means 'Stop' but is also a very irritating motion that everyone at GST is sadly aware of. Maggi just rolls her eyes and becomes silent.

Tuscono hits the speaker and instructs Jonathon to play back both of the phone transmissions and says, "Do your digital magic on both calls. Something is wrong.  I need those calls gone over with your sweep programs as well as your new 'truth' technology that you patented last month and I need to know immediately what you find. I spoke long enough that it should give you a larger playing field to cover all background sounds as well as to compare this call from the previous.

 He looked at Maggie, who's expression was now not of surprise but the beginnings of understanding, and said  "we'll find that both calls are technically different and I'm sure Carpenter will find that out,  to some extent or another.  Secondly, and most importantly, our friend is in trouble.  He has never referred to me as 'Mr. Tuscono' and knows full well that we would turn this request down because of the requirement that didn't exist previously.  'Political fallout' aside the mere mention of Baptista makes me think the worse and thus much more to this kidnapping with possibly something that goes back to the Vatican Bank, but more importantly Francesco and maybe even the Pope are in serious trouble.  Remember Cardinal Baptista  was banished from the advisory group not long after Pope Francis took office."

Thursday, April 09, 2015

Volume 87 - A Nation of Complainers seduced by the welfare punch bowl and leftiest philosophy ...

...so much so that the massive flow of subsidies has taken a rising toll on the character of the recipients. The longer any group or class of people receive money that they didn't earn the worse their social condition.  There was a time no long ago that we never took anything from the government.  We never whined about our suffering and our struggles.  Where our Republic became a nation of legal immigrants  who had a strong moral fiber, good character and high integrity.  They made there own way, worked hard, suffered, served this country and often somehow knew happiness and peace of mind.  They came from many nations and knew discrimination, bigotry, and what it was to work  to care for their family.  Regardless of heritage, fought in the World Wars with courage in the most devastating of conditions.  Everybody worked at something and we never heard anything from 'activists' because they didn't exist.

Now we view the news with suspicion as 'news' is broadcast and accepted as the truth when factually only a 'ratings' story as "Hands Up Don't Shoot" totally false yet viewed and accepted as the truth without apology.  The UVA alleged rape with condemnation of a fraternity and over reaction by an University President yet nothing but terrible journalism with no accountability to the source of this falsehood nor to the broadcasting by leftist news networks and a overreaction of a University official that couldn't operate a Dairy Queen.  The whining of homosexual rights activists that forces a small pizza business to close because they express First Amendment rights that differ from the activists.  It seems now that  Politics, Government and the Media have become the most important things in America.  The news organizations dwell on the utterances of the Chief Executive as if he were Moses.  It's as if our government, the bureaucrats, the politicians,  news anchors and activists have become our saviors.  The "Kool-Aid" unfortunately has been consumed by the majority even though a growing government threatens to diminish our freedoms and exterminate our prosperity.  We are so far down the rabbit hole to socialism there appears no turning back.

And yet, it will get worse as not only have we taken up second place to China as the most productive nation on earth our educational system is as bad as our foreign policy.  According to the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2012 the U.S. in Mathematic literacy ranked 29th in the world behind China, Korea, Japan, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Finland, Canada, Poland and 21 other countries.  In Science Literacy there were 22 other countries ahead of the United States.  In Reading Literacy 19 other country educational systems ranked ahead of the U.S.

Our foreign policy would be better if it didn't exist; as arguably, it doesn't.  Within the last decade we have abandoned and forsaken our Friends and now suck up to our enemies.  It is not beyond comprehension that unless this lack of substantial policy and understanding is reversed within the next few years there may not exist the State of Israel and Saudi Arabia.  The Middle East will not only drastically change in territory realignment and culturally destroying anything in its path for a new world order under maniacs that will be compared to Hitler and Stalin, both in ambition and savagery.

The 2016 Election will be the most important in the history of this country.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Volume 86: 2015 Outlook as 2014 passes in rearview mirror

Every writer of every genre has something to say about the great events, deaths, and crises of 2014 and the expectations of the New Year 2015 whereas I have much more concern for the trends involving Freedom, Failure, Success and Responsibility during this coming year.

It only took us less than seventy years to go from ‘simple flight’ to landing on the moon yet our high school graduation rates continues to worsen as well as our educational systems as compared to the rest of the world. Since 1961 the amount of food we produce has increased 25% and now we produce enough food to fill the bellies of every single person on earth with 2800 calories per day yet we have millions of people within our great country going to bed hungry. Our ‘athletic high school superstars’ are admitted into prestigious universities with ‘adjusted’ ACT scores while “A-B” students struggle to get acceptance. Respect levels for grandparents are at a all time low with teenagers today not being educated with respectful understandings to those that would move the earth for their success...and the oceans continue to wash ashore as if all is well.....

Maybe I just yearn for the days when kids played till dark, rode bikes and played ball in the street. Where actions were our own and consequences were expected. Where not everyone made the ‘team’ and therefore learned to deal with disappointment. Where third, fourth and fifth place teams weren’t given trophies. Where parents baling us out for our bad choices were unheard of as they took the side of the teacher, the police officer and others in supervision. Somewhere after the ‘greatest of generations’ and present generation a serious gap has emerged within our society. With each passing year the number of Americans jumping on board ‘the safety net’ continues to grow rapidly, and a great many of these people should be able to take care of themselves; today, the American people collectively receive more money from the government than they pay in taxes. The ‘Great Society’ social programs have in effect enslaved generations of black men, women and children on urban poverty plantations. The race hustlers and race baiters like Sharpton, Farrakhan and Jackson only reinforces the fact that the dreams of Mr. King will only remain a dream.

Globally it is even worse as new data reveal that China finally overtook the United States as the world’s top economic powerhouse. This marks the first time America has relinquished this ranking since Ulysses S. Grant occupied the Oval Office. Barack Obama and his colleges have fundamentally changed America as well as our international standing. We unfortunately are no longer a world leader but follower incited and motivated by 'spin' and reaction rather than leadership. Nevertheless, and regardless of the professional politics of the beltway, the responsibility of Freedom Failure Success and Responsibility rests solely on the proper parenting of parents today without which this decay continues.

Love has no color AND Life has responsibilities and consequences. Race will not be the issue of 2015 regardless of the last few months (and, bless our men and women in Blue) but ill-conceived notions of Religion will, and the senseless slaughter in the name of a ‘God’ will be our year forward....