"I AM HE, AS YOU ARE HE, AS YOU ARE ME, AND WE ARE ALL TOGETHER"...John Lennon
It simply amazes me. I read my cousin's blog today where he references an article that shows that 81% of the people are not happy with the direction of the country...Why?
Is it because...
we're in a war? - After 9/11, everyone wanted to enter a fight. We wanted to take out the people resposible for this...newsflash...we're fighting Al-Qaida, they're in Iraq. They've told us that, they've said this is the battleground. And they know our people will get tired and leave. How sad?
our economy is in a "recession?" - Get serious...as soon as the elections are over, our economy will magically get better. My clients, my father and his clients are all in manufacturing and professional industries. NONE OF THEM have experienced even the slightest dip in profits. It's smoke and mirrors people that the Libs and main street media are giving us.
gas is too high? - Blame OPEC, they're the ones that set the price. Oil companies have maintained the same profit margin over the years. It wasn't a problem in the past. Blame the democrat controlled congress who won't pass a resolution allowing us to drill off Alaska. Get serious!
this country you can offers you endless opportunity? - Wake up people...there is not another country on this planet that gives you endless opportunities to accomplish whatever you want. The real-life stories are endless. Rags to riches, it's possible in America!!!
Unfortunately, the people in this country are developing the mindset that everyone should just be given stuff. The Chinese and Indian people are experiencing capitalist societies for the first time and their work ethic is what we had in the 30's, 40's and 50's. We as Americans need to realize we have it better than anyone on the planet. WE need to maintain the attitude our grandparents have or we will be passed up.
Ronald Reagan once said "Each generation goes further than the generation preceding it because it stands on the shoulders of that generation. You will have opportunities beyond anything we've ever known."
What are we teaching the next generation by complaining and expecting handouts?
Friday, April 4, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Lunch Time Hoops
"I read the news today, oh boy, about a lucky man who made the grade"
I do feel I'm lucky...despite this bump on the side of my head. I rec'd it while going after a loose ball in my pick-up basketball game during lunch. About two months ago, we started playing as a group of 6 people. Small 3 on 3 games but we did run the length of the mini court. The court is basically three point lines on both sides with about 10 feet seperating the two. It was a good workout but not quite the same as a full court game.
Since then, we have expanded to daily 5 on 5 games going full court on the college size courts at the Princeton Club. I have met some good players and have made new friendships. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to play as it keeps me in shape without taking time away from my personal life. The guys are great guys, reminding me of my teammates in high school.
I thank God everyday for the opportunities he's given me in life. I am very thankful for the athletic ability as well because it has given me so many experiences that most people have not had. Winning state championships, playing golf with NFL legends, and meeting solid, fun people along the way are just a few of the things sports has provided me.
Most importantly, having not had a love for sports and staying in shape, I am not sure how my fiance and I would have met. For people who don't believe in an all-mighty power, I feel bad for you. I firmly believe God had this plan in place when he gave my grandpas athletic ability, who in turn provided it to my parents and now in me.
I do feel I'm lucky...despite this bump on the side of my head. I rec'd it while going after a loose ball in my pick-up basketball game during lunch. About two months ago, we started playing as a group of 6 people. Small 3 on 3 games but we did run the length of the mini court. The court is basically three point lines on both sides with about 10 feet seperating the two. It was a good workout but not quite the same as a full court game.
Since then, we have expanded to daily 5 on 5 games going full court on the college size courts at the Princeton Club. I have met some good players and have made new friendships. I feel lucky to have this opportunity to play as it keeps me in shape without taking time away from my personal life. The guys are great guys, reminding me of my teammates in high school.
I thank God everyday for the opportunities he's given me in life. I am very thankful for the athletic ability as well because it has given me so many experiences that most people have not had. Winning state championships, playing golf with NFL legends, and meeting solid, fun people along the way are just a few of the things sports has provided me.
Most importantly, having not had a love for sports and staying in shape, I am not sure how my fiance and I would have met. For people who don't believe in an all-mighty power, I feel bad for you. I firmly believe God had this plan in place when he gave my grandpas athletic ability, who in turn provided it to my parents and now in me.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
OBAMA...Hyped by the 20-30 year olds
"George Bush, leave this world alone..." when this was sung by a favorite artist of mine (Eddie Vedder), I truly became upset, but this is what Barack Obama is running on and being quite successful.
Here's what worries me most about his success and contrary to what you may believe, it's not that he is a Democrat. It's what he stands for, and it's contrary to what oru forefathers went through to make this country great.
Issues:
1. Iraq War - He says, they never attacked us...we need to get out!
I say...in WWI and WWII we were not attacked by the Germans but we took them on their turf so we did not have to deal with it here.
Here are the similarities:
a. Hitler and Germany killed Jews. Hussien and Iraq killed Kurds.
b. Japan attacked us and was allies with Germany. Al-Queda attacks us and is Allies with Iraq (it's been proven!)
c. We defended Europe in WWII, we're defending Israel, Kuwait, Oman, to an extent Saudi Arabia Libya in this war.
Past generations were behind a military campiagn against tyrants and people who wanted us killed, my generation wants to pack up and go home...Scary! (Have we lost the stomach to fight?)
2. Negotiations with Terrorist States - Obama wants to talk with Iran and Syria.
What if Reagan would have "negotiated" with Russia? Nothing would have happened...he stood eye-to-eye, and we win!
My generation supports Obama on this...Scary! (Especially when China comes a callin')
3. Taxes - He says give more to the poor and middle class.
I say...people do your homework. Bush gave more to the poor and middle class in tax cuts than Clinton ever did. The economy is at an all-time high under his watch. What am I missing?
My generation cheers for this idea...Scary! (Are we that naive?)
I've got more coming tomorrow!
Here's what worries me most about his success and contrary to what you may believe, it's not that he is a Democrat. It's what he stands for, and it's contrary to what oru forefathers went through to make this country great.
Issues:
1. Iraq War - He says, they never attacked us...we need to get out!
I say...in WWI and WWII we were not attacked by the Germans but we took them on their turf so we did not have to deal with it here.
Here are the similarities:
a. Hitler and Germany killed Jews. Hussien and Iraq killed Kurds.
b. Japan attacked us and was allies with Germany. Al-Queda attacks us and is Allies with Iraq (it's been proven!)
c. We defended Europe in WWII, we're defending Israel, Kuwait, Oman, to an extent Saudi Arabia Libya in this war.
Past generations were behind a military campiagn against tyrants and people who wanted us killed, my generation wants to pack up and go home...Scary! (Have we lost the stomach to fight?)
2. Negotiations with Terrorist States - Obama wants to talk with Iran and Syria.
What if Reagan would have "negotiated" with Russia? Nothing would have happened...he stood eye-to-eye, and we win!
My generation supports Obama on this...Scary! (Especially when China comes a callin')
3. Taxes - He says give more to the poor and middle class.
I say...people do your homework. Bush gave more to the poor and middle class in tax cuts than Clinton ever did. The economy is at an all-time high under his watch. What am I missing?
My generation cheers for this idea...Scary! (Are we that naive?)
I've got more coming tomorrow!
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Favre...His Real Impact
March 5, 2008
And in the End...
I can hear the voices of John, Paul, and George as I type that. It is a fantastic Beatles song that does not get enough air time.
As you can imagine (another John Lennon reference) I have my thoughts on Brett Favre's retirement. He has been the one constant over the last 16 years of my life from the months of September thru December. He has given me some very nice memories in my life. Watching the Packer games each Sunday with my parents, brother and sister growing up is something I truly cherish. I remember rushing home from church, listening to the game on the radio as we stopped for Taco Bell. My dad never let the radio turn from AM 620 on our drive as we could have missed something. I learned from my father, Ashley can attest, Packer game on...radio on (if we are not yet in front of the t.v.)
Now my fiance and I have continued the tradtion. Ashley is very estute about football and it is fun discussing the games with her. I love her takes on what should be done or how we are playing. It's a different perspective from mine which is why it's so entertaining.
Brett Favre has allowed me to become very close to a cousin of mine. Three years ago, Jeff and I began talking over the phone about the Packers as I was one of his inside sources since he no longer lived in the state. Since then, we have become great friends and are talks include play/movie ideas, vacations, life, etc. Amazing how this revolves around one man.
Favre has provided me with upsetting times as well...5 int's versus St. Louis, INT versus Philly in playoffs, Favre versus Dallas, NY Giants this year!
My overall take on this subject is this...athletes need to understand and fully appreciate the impact they have on people's lives. Our entertainment schedule revolves around these people who make millions of dollars. I believe that Favre does appreciate the impact he has had on this state, I really do. I feel that if more athletes understood this, society would be better off. They have the ability to help charities, foundations, etc. in their home town but when they are leaving cities every 2-3 years, they lose that bond with the town and their opportunity to help.
And in the End...
I can hear the voices of John, Paul, and George as I type that. It is a fantastic Beatles song that does not get enough air time.
As you can imagine (another John Lennon reference) I have my thoughts on Brett Favre's retirement. He has been the one constant over the last 16 years of my life from the months of September thru December. He has given me some very nice memories in my life. Watching the Packer games each Sunday with my parents, brother and sister growing up is something I truly cherish. I remember rushing home from church, listening to the game on the radio as we stopped for Taco Bell. My dad never let the radio turn from AM 620 on our drive as we could have missed something. I learned from my father, Ashley can attest, Packer game on...radio on (if we are not yet in front of the t.v.)
Now my fiance and I have continued the tradtion. Ashley is very estute about football and it is fun discussing the games with her. I love her takes on what should be done or how we are playing. It's a different perspective from mine which is why it's so entertaining.
Brett Favre has allowed me to become very close to a cousin of mine. Three years ago, Jeff and I began talking over the phone about the Packers as I was one of his inside sources since he no longer lived in the state. Since then, we have become great friends and are talks include play/movie ideas, vacations, life, etc. Amazing how this revolves around one man.
Favre has provided me with upsetting times as well...5 int's versus St. Louis, INT versus Philly in playoffs, Favre versus Dallas, NY Giants this year!
My overall take on this subject is this...athletes need to understand and fully appreciate the impact they have on people's lives. Our entertainment schedule revolves around these people who make millions of dollars. I believe that Favre does appreciate the impact he has had on this state, I really do. I feel that if more athletes understood this, society would be better off. They have the ability to help charities, foundations, etc. in their home town but when they are leaving cities every 2-3 years, they lose that bond with the town and their opportunity to help.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Yes...Another Blog!
"Now here we are, I'm suddenly standing At the beginning with you"
"You" being you, my audience.
It may be a trend, it may simply fade out but what I can say is that reading my cousin's (Jeff, Rob and Joe) and their wife/girlfriend's blogs, I became very intrigued to write my own. Their sites are among the first I check everyday and as I began to read their's more and more, I found myself daydreaming as to what I would entitle mine. Then...in a discussion with my sister it came to me, "The Patriot's Compass." I am very loyal to my country, what we were founded on and what we should be standing for, thus a patriot. My audience, being mostly close family and friends, share the same values as well, thus you being patriots.
Now...for the compass. Well, a compass points you in the right direction. My sister gave me this idea (without even knowing it) because she mentioned she comes to me to find out information about things, especially politics. So I thought, if I point her in the right direction, maybe I will give some helpful directions to you my readers. I am not arrogant enough (even though some of you may disagree with that) to think my opinion is the right-all, end-all, but I will point you towards what I believe is correct. In every instance, I will give you reasons to support my thoughts or stances. The Patriot's Compass is born from that.
What we will cover here:
Sports
Politics
Travel
Entertainment
Basically Everything
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I will enjoy writing.
"You" being you, my audience.
It may be a trend, it may simply fade out but what I can say is that reading my cousin's (Jeff, Rob and Joe) and their wife/girlfriend's blogs, I became very intrigued to write my own. Their sites are among the first I check everyday and as I began to read their's more and more, I found myself daydreaming as to what I would entitle mine. Then...in a discussion with my sister it came to me, "The Patriot's Compass." I am very loyal to my country, what we were founded on and what we should be standing for, thus a patriot. My audience, being mostly close family and friends, share the same values as well, thus you being patriots.
Now...for the compass. Well, a compass points you in the right direction. My sister gave me this idea (without even knowing it) because she mentioned she comes to me to find out information about things, especially politics. So I thought, if I point her in the right direction, maybe I will give some helpful directions to you my readers. I am not arrogant enough (even though some of you may disagree with that) to think my opinion is the right-all, end-all, but I will point you towards what I believe is correct. In every instance, I will give you reasons to support my thoughts or stances. The Patriot's Compass is born from that.
What we will cover here:
Sports
Politics
Travel
Entertainment
Basically Everything
I hope you enjoy reading as much as I will enjoy writing.
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