Tag Archives: United States

16

Apr. ’23

In Retrospect

We are in the age of retrospect, or we are quickly on our way there. All we must do is look at what is happening and what was happening not too long ago. This is happening across the entire spectrum, especially here in the United States. I will not investigate every facet of the situation because I am sure I will miss something, but the handwriting is on the wall. Let’s look at some of this.

               The biggest item in the news is about abortion. Looking back, women did not have a way to have an abortion and had to carry the baby to term. The man always wanted a male heir and most female babies were killed. Women did not have a say into anything, and they were not educated. This is still found in most Muslem countries, and their religion wants it to spread to all the other cultures. The woman must stay home to cook, clean, care for the children, and do whatever the man tells her to do. The USA have not taken away ways for the man not to have children but have caused ways for women to have children. This is a regression, not a progression.

               Then there is a caste system among the have and have not. Congress refuses to do anything about the millionaires and billionaires paying their fair share of taxes. They even get better treatment in the judicial system. The middle class cannot afford or barely afford food, housing, vehicles, gasoline, or time off to recharge their bodies. The country that has a large caste system is India although most countries have it in some way. Everything costs more and more because the wealthiest of people want more and more.

               Many years ago, most people could not read or write and what was written had to be approved before it was released into the public realm. Now they are saying there is too much sexuality in books and people should not be exposed to it. Does that mean the Bible? In the Bible you’ll find incest, homosexuality, murder, etc. Will the Bible be banned next? Children can read and the Bible is not hidden from sight. Some of the most well-known books in the world have some form of forbidden material in them. It is ludicrous to rewrite well-known material, cover well-known statues, remove works of art because someone think it is vulgar.

               We are a people that supposedly abide by laws written by and for the people of this country. These laws are to apply to all the people however there are some people (in the highest caste?) that feel as if it doesn’t apply to them. When I look at the Federal Government (including the Supreme Court) I see quite a few believing the laws do not apply to them. This was the way it was for untold centuries. They make the laws for us, and the courts and law enforcement enforce them upon us and not upon them.

               These are just a few things (and there are a lot more) that come to mind when I think how we are going backward instead of forward. Modernization means nothing. I’m gonna get on my horse and wagon and move on down the road. I’m too old to fight this any longer. I fought for civil rights and now I’ll let the younger people take over. I hope they are up to the task.

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07

Aug. ’22

Higher Education

I have been told I would not amount to anything nor have a good job without a degree. I have been told that a degree is the only way to success. A degree will ensure a comfortable senior life. A degree will, after a good job, guarantee a good pension. I was also told that it is the people with degrees that have made the finer things that have been invented. I say, not necessarily so.

               The Great Pyramids were created by people that were versed in the construction of such things. The labor, as in many things before that and since then, was done by slaves and common people. Some may have been versed on the subject, but the overall majority were not, maybe none. Those structures still stand after thousands of years yet today we have structures that fail after a few years of wear.

               I am going to tell a story of facts that happened to me while I was in the military. I only have a high school education because, at the time, I did not have the money to attend college and the draft was looming. When I became the kennelmaster at a base in Germany, I had my own budget to care for the kennels. My budget was separate from the squadron’s budget. The squadron’s budget was maintained by a sergeant that was college educated in finance and an officer. My budget was a few hundreds of thousands of dollars and the squadrons was, of course, much more than that. The yearly money was broken into four quarters, yet each quarter they came to me to borrow from my budget. I maintained a well-balanced budget for a few years and the squadron decided to replace me by putting me in another section of the squadron and putting a college educated sergeant in my place. From what I heard; the kennels was never the same. There were always problems, and both the squadron and kennels were always in trouble with the money.

               It does not take a degree to do everything. Look at the British military. In the United States Military, a person must have a college degree to even be considered to become an aircraft pilot. In England a Warrant Officer, who is not a full officer, can fly. I have met a few. If that is not enough, look at the pilots that are in high school and can fly.

               One last example about education. Back in the day, the days of slavery in the United States, just about everything was done by the slave. Without the slave, America would not have been built. The slave worked hard and to make his labors easier, the slave invented ways to ease the situation. Since the slave was denied applying for or having a patient the slave owner acquired the patient for himself. Everyone knows the slave was not educated and, in most cases, neither was the slave owner.

               These were just a few cases that say a higher education is not needed for success nor to get anything of value done. All that is needed is a good brain, volition, and wherewithal for any endeavor. Never say never nor that something is impossible to do. Just say, no one beats a failure but someone that never tries. Higher education is great, but it is not everything.

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10

Apr. ’22

War Crimes

Although the United States have tried to do the right thing when in battle, occasionally there is a hic-up, a rogue combatant that does the wrong thing. However, when these things come to light the United States government comes down on them with a heavy hand along with our justice system. War crimes are not tolerated, no matter who commits them. Not so in some other countries and Russia have joined that list.

               Our adversary has done many things that we consider wrong but not bad enough to stop talking to them nor co-operating with them on many projects. To the Russians we are made to be taken advantage of and they have done it to us for many years. When caught the Russians will try anything and everything to bribe their way out of the situation, i.e., they do not like what is being said about them in Ukraine, so they threaten to use nukes, they want oil products paid in rubles, they tell lies, etc.

               The Russian military is not as good as I thought they were. In fact, they have shown me the opposite although I have suspected them not being so good for many years. Every now and then I would hear about planes crashing for no reason or ships sinking and submarines going down and never coming back up. However, I never thought about the military being so untrained as they are. I even thought their commanders were more capable than they are. We can not forget about their logistics and equipment which leave a lot to be desired. They even had a few of their newest and best fighter aircraft shot down by the Ukrainian army.

               Getting back to the war crimes, Russia has denied them and have said there is no proof that it even happened. Well, because of poor equipment we know the truth. Russians use unencrypted communications plus open channel communications to talk to each other. One thing overheard was how to get information from captured Ukrainian forces and civilians and then shoot them in the head. They even talked about raping women and children, then razing the entire city, killing everyone that they can. This is proof that can not be denied. They even say the pictures of mass graves, the dead civilians lying all around for days, even in the middle of the road, is fake (where have I heard that word before) and have banned the media in Russia.

               I learned many good things when I was a kid and one of them was to never fight someone in their own back yard, you will never win. The United States found that out in Viet Nam, Afghanistan, and a few other places. Russia has, or should I say suppose to have, every piece of modern war equipment the world has to offer. The Ukrainians did not have much until the world started helping them with equipment plus teaching them how to use it. The Russians, who started a fight in the Ukrainian’s back yard is moving backward. Now the Russians want to holler about war crimes being committed on them. They are the invaders and should have never invaded but Putin wanted to make Russia larger and thought Ukraine was a pushover. He is responsible for everything that have happened, war crimes and all.

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20

Feb. ’22

The Harlem Hellfighters

I will do an article for ‘Black History Month’ and may include it in the April issue (March has already been written about Bass Reeves) of the magazine I write for (www.albemarletradewinds.com). Occasionally I come across people that I have long ago forgotten, and today’s youth do not know about, this is one of those times. I will give you a little insight into THE HARLEM HELLFIGHTERS.

               The 369th infantry regiment, originally formed as the 15th New York National Guard Regiment before being reorganized as the 369th upon federalization and commonly referred to as the Harlem Hellfighters, was as infantry regiment of the New York National Guard during WWI and WWII. The regiment consisted mainly of African Americans, though it also included men from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Guyana, Liberia, Portugal, Canada, the West Indies, as well as American White officers. With the 369th Infantry Regiment, it was known for being one of the first African American regiments to serve with the American Expeditionary Forces during WWI.

               In April 1917 the United States declared war on Germany, and the following month the 15th New York reported to Camp Peekskill, New York, for a short course of rifle training. The regiment was officially mustered into federal service in July and ordered to Camp Whitman, outside of Poughkeepsie, New York, for basic training. It soon became clear that the 15th would be held apart from the rest of the army. The men of the 15th would face even worse treatment where they were ordered to Camp Wadsworth in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and harassment and verbal abuse became a matter of routine.

               The regiment was named the ‘BLACK RATTLERS’ after arriving in France by its commander Col. William Hayward. The nickname ‘MEN OF BRONZE’ was given to the regiment by the French after they witnessed the gallantry of the Americans fighting in the trenches. Legend has it that they were called the ‘HELLFIGHTERS’ by the German enemy. During WWI, the 369th spent 191 days in frontline trenches, more than any other American unit. They also suffered the most losses of any American regiment, with 1500 casualties. The regiment was also the first of the Allied Forces to cross the Rhine into Germany.

               The 369th bought their music to Europe. The 369th ‘Hellfighters Band’ was relied upon not only in battle but also for morale. By the end of their tour, they became one of the most famous military bands throughout Europe. While overseas the 369th Regiment made up less than 1% of the soldiers deployed but was responsible for over 20% of the territory of all the assigned to the United States. During the war the 369th band introduced the until-then unknown music called ‘JAZZ’ to British, French, and other European audiences.

               All African American US Army units were renamed as ‘Colored’, and the 369th served in WWII as the 369th Artillery Regiment (Antiaircraft) (Colored), with its successor being the 369th Infantry Regiment (Colored). At some time, postwar, the 369th was re-formed into the present-day 369th SUSTAINMENT BRIGADE.

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17

Jan. ’21

Together We Stand

Many times, I have heard the words ‘together we stand, divided we fall’. Those words are truer than most people think. In any combat situation it takes all members of the operation to come together as a unit to survive. If a member decides to go it alone the entire unit is in jeopardy of dying. With the unit fighting as one, there is a good chance that the unit will survive.

               There are two major situations before the citizens of the United States, and both need our immediate attention. COVID-19 and The President of the United States. There are people that do all the precautions, up to and including wearing masks to prevent and stop the spread of COVID-19. The other is the present man in the White House inciting the siege on the U.S. Capitol. In fact, both concerns greatly involve the President.

               The President have told everyone that listens to him that the virus is a hoax, bleach and other things would clean the body and cure the virus, stimmed information on what is happening and what to do about the virus, not to wear masks because he was not going to wear a mask, and many other untruths about the virus. Those people that reported the truth or leaked truthful information were fired. This was from our President and the Republican party, his underlings, and his followers did as they were told and did not try to stop nor correct him. Everything that is happening is on them as much as it is on him.

               Sedition and conspiracy against the United States of America is the worst thing I have ever seen and heard in my lifetime, except in third world countries. I saw and heard the President tell his base, that were present for his speech, to go to the Capitol. He knew what they were going to do, and he encouraged them to do it. They had inside help, I am sure. The Capitol was lightly manned with protection and the warnings that was conveyed was disregarded. While grocery shopping, I heard two men talking, not loudly but slightly louder than normal. They were talking about a civil war and how the election was stolen, etc. I did not confront them, my wife and I got what we were in the area for and walked on. I noticed others looking at them and they also walked on.

               Our country is divided and if that seam of contention is not sewn together, we will fall. It reminds me of the book ‘The Fall of the Roman Empire’. Looking back at history and, in most cases history can and will repeat itself, I find that the downfall of the nations is done through division. Like in a combat situation, divide and conquer. Because the President can not be a dictator or supreme ruler, he wants to take the nation down and his followers can not see this nor do they have sense enough to care. His followers, especially those in government (Congress, staffers, etc.) should be investigated, fined, and jailed as soon as possible.

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03

Jan. ’21

Caste System

Most of us mean well but we are only human and at times dislike this or that causing hurt upon our fellow human whether at the time we realize it or not. Our feelings are fragile, and we tend to look down our nose at those not in our group, our status. Most of the time we do not realize we are doing this and when we do realize it, we attempt to correct the situation, the wrong that we have inflicted.

               Everyone know of the Hindu caste system, well, a lot of us know of the system but, in a minor way, caste is everywhere. Here in the United States, it is said that everyone is equal but, like a lot of people, I disagree. Like the Hindus we have a caste system also. Maybe not as strict but we do have the system and the last four years have recently put the spotlight on it.

               Caste is nothing but social and/or hereditary groups. Like the television program it is the ‘Have and Have Nots’. There is the CEO and then the others. There is the office worker and the others. There is the homeowner and the maid. I could go on and on, but I believe you understand what I mean. Their rankings on the ladder of success or the higher you are on the ladder the less you would speak to or rub shoulders with the people on the lower rung of the ladder.

               The caste system is definitely imbedded in skin color, race and nationality. The darker the skin the fewer chances there is for a person to advance except in sports or something that entertains the people on the upper rungs of the ladder or to make them more money. Nationality will put you into certain jobs that the people on the upper rungs need. If, by chance, a lower rung person get money, the distain for the person is hidden when outwardly there are smiles. Listen to the words of the song ‘Smiling Faces Sometimes’ recorded by The Undisputed Truth (1971). Lower rung, caste people, are not to have much money unless it benefits the higher rung people.

               But the more money a person has the more they turn their back on the people on the lower rungs of the ladder. The upper crust people will throw a little money to the lower people if it is a tax right off. They will interact with lower rung people for the photo op and then go home thinking that they did their civic duty for a while.

               Look at the United States structural system and most people think the head person is the President. However, he has a boss, and it is the citizens of the United States. It is a large circle, a never-ending circle where everyone has a boss. It would take a book to explain the workings and all that is involved. The people in the government were sent there to labor for us but today they are among those on the upper rungs of the caste system and they are for themselves. Our government is a large part of the caste system and they are flaunting it.

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18

Jul. ’20

I Am Neither Stupid Nor Dumb

Am I stupid or dumb to believe the President of the United States when he repeatedly says the less testing that is done for COVID-19 the less there is?  He says if fifty percent less people are tested there will be fifty percent less of the virus. Not my words, it is his. You don’t believe me, check it. He said a while ago he did not want more testing so that there would be fewer virus cases. Am I stupid or his supporters that believe in him saying that is smart?  

There are people that say they have a right not to wear a mask or facial covering, whether it is to protect themselves or anyone else. Many people attended COVID parties (parties where known people with COVID attend, and they want to show that it is ‘fake news’ to say it will spread to others) and jam overcrowded emergency hospitals when they contract the virus. I may be crass, but I would put them at the back of the line because of their stupidly, they bought the virus upon themselves willingly. It is like someone jumping off a bridge into a raging river then they want someone to risk their life to save them. Like the person on the bridge, they were told not to do it. Don’t sue me because I did not jump into the water (or attend to your virus emergency) to save you. 

Why is it not attempted murder or attempted bodily harm to go without a mask when you are told it is dangerous not to? Or, intentionally cough onto someone because being told to wear a mask is store policy to shop there. When HIV first started and the same thing would occasionally happen, the person was charged. Why not now? Why is it so hard to understand wearing a covering will in some way abate the spread of the virus? Sure, people have a right but not a right to endanger others. You have a right to walk wherever you please but not in the middle of a roadway or highway, etc.  

The President is not a doctor. If I had a bodily ailment, I would ask the opinion of a doctor, not a mechanic. The President says he knows better than his Generals, Dr. Fauci, etc. He cannot prove that to me.  I am not stupid nor dumb therefore I do not believe what he has to say. I will not do as he says and drink bleach, etc. to rid myself of the virus. His supporters may do as they wish and believe everything he says. Just remember, he is only for himself and want his people to believe he knows everything. 

He surrounds himself with people that is loyal to only him, believe what he says, will do what he says without question and, when they do not, he replaces them with someone that does. Look at his cabinet and Congress. Look at the party, governors and others. Look where the virus is spreading. Those areas that have taken a strong stand against the words of the President are seeing a reduction in the spread of the virus. We will not get a firm grip on this virus until the current President is gone with his Congressional supporters in tow. I want to live, not die, and this President is killing thousands with his words and actions. I am neither stupid nor dumb. I can see what is happening.  

 

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03

Jul. ’20

Commander-in-Chief

When you think things cannot get any worse, they do. Never believe your situation is as bad as it can get because there is always someone that have it worse than you. When I was stationed in Thailand, during the Viet Nam war, I was a dog handler and was informed the Viet Cong had a bounty on our lives. There was a bounty on the life of the dog handler and a larger bounty on the life of the dog. Why? It was almost impossible for them to penetrate the base perimeter with the dog teams deployed to protect the base. That made us dog teams extra alert and, while I was there, there was not one base penetration or loss of life although they tried.
I am thankful we were informed about the bounty because to not have known could have meant loss of life, my life. To have a Commander-in-Chief knowing there is a bounty on the lives of our military, not raising hell about it, and loving up to the enemy that placed that bounty is disturbing. This only says to me that the military life means nothing to the Commander-in-Chief and make me wonder why we call him that. Make me wonder why we fight for him, put our lives in danger for him and the country, when he doesn’t love us but loves the enemy more.
There have been many traitors in every conflict the United States have encountered but it has never been from the top. These are troubled times. Not only does the people fight in-country turmoil but those in the military have to not only concentrate on their duty and attempt to save their life but wonder if the orders given to them are valid and it is not aiding the enemy.
All of us that have worn the uniform and those that are presently in uniform depend on our commanders to have our best interests in mind. We know that they would never intentionally do anything that could bring us harm, or do they? We also knew that they would tell us anything and everything that would help get the mission completed and prevent the loss of life, or is that still true?
The Russians have never been our friend. They have always been our enemy and history bears that out. Trying to get along with them is one thing but to love them and trust them is another thing. Putin can never be trusted. He has tried everything he can to disrupt everything in every country. And, being ex-KGB, knows every trick in the book. I cannot respect a Commander-in-Chief that will publicly show love for this enemy and will do his bidding. I cannot respect a Commander-in-Chief that is willing to sacrifice his military because he is loyal to and love the enemy.
This Commander-in-Chief have bowed to every dictator in the world and I cannot think of any that love the United States of America. Like our Commander-in-Chief, they only think of themselves and not their people. They eat and drink good, party and live good while their people are very poor and are dying. They, as so our President, want it all and want to be glorified. The only difference is the other countries care for their military and our Commander-in-Chief does not.

 

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06

Jun. ’20

Marching Again

A lot have been going on since the death of George Floyd and I want to insert my input. I have witnessed and felt racism all my life, including the present time. So, people have said on television that this have been going on for four hundred years. Yes, in the United States that is true, but this have been going on for thousands of years. Black people, all over the world, have been harassed and killed by White people as far back as written history will show.
Moving to more recent times, I find a correlation between Civil Rights marches and the most recent ones. However, the difference between the two is huge. Foremost are the marches/demonstrations being peaceful and well organized in the era of Civil Rights. I took part in the fight for our Civil Rights and can attest to that fact. In my area of marching we did not walk in a mass, unorganized group, we marched single file on the sidewalk and talking was not allowed. Yet, we were met by police with night sticks, snarling dogs, electric cow prodders and the fire department with fire hoses. We walked from point ‘A’ to point ‘B’, obeying all pedestrian laws and we were beaten, bitten, shocked, tear gassed and hosed down from high pressure hoses. I still have the memories and marks to prove it.
Another huge factor that is evident, is that most of the marchers, then and now, are young people that are leading the way. It is not that older/senior people are simply standing by, hoping this will go away, but most can not endure the walking and survive the outcome they may meet. The older generation can not withstand the gas or beatings.
There is a big difference between yesterday and today. Today, there are factions that want to conjure a sense of unrest. These groups want peaceful demonstrations to look bad for them to say Blacks are wrong and should be beaten and killed every chance that is afforded them. They have their own hateful agenda which is shouted from the White House and is echoed through whichever separatist group will listen and act. These groups jump in and out of the marching crowds causing damage and, at the same time, trying to stay hidden. Those Black people that are looting are taking advantage of this simply because they are at the bottom of the social ladder and is in want. Yes, they are wrong, however, they did not start it either.
There have always been Black and White and, as I have said in my blogs, history repeats itself and always will. It is better today than it was yesterday, it is just the circumstances that have changed. No matter how peaceful Black people are, there will always be White people that stir the pot and cause unrest. Black people try to work with White people although there is that under the table group that is resisting. In case you have forgotten, we had a Black President and an untold number of people vowed to resist everything he was trying to do, no matter if it was good or bad. Even today, the things he accomplished are being dismantled, including nationwide medical care. On many issues, he never had a chance. Oil trying to work with water. I pray for the USA.

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23

Nov. ’19

The Constitution

The basis of our political systems is the right of the people to make and to alter their constitutions of government. But the constitution which at any time exists, till changed by an explicit and authentic act of the whole people, is sacredly obligatory upon all.  George Washington

The first President of the United States had that to say about our constitution and that all people had an obligation to abide by its rules. He also said if something in it was not liked, the people could change it. Until it was changed, all people must adhere to its rules.  In other words, no person can disregard the constitution and do what they want to do.

Most people have not read the constitution, they only know a few key phrases. The key phrases that people know only pertain to what applies to them. The parts that pertain to them are only a few words of the entire clause. A few words versus the entire clause can, most of the time, give two completely different meanings. That is why legal interpretations go to The Supreme Court. Their word is final until overturned by later Supreme Court rulings.

If everyone did whatever they chose to do, there would not be a democracy and living conditions as we know it now. We would have either a king or dictator and complete lawlessness. I can not comprehend our Congressmen and women walking down the trail of being ruled by our enemies. To lose our democracy is to be ruled by whichever enemy get to us first.

Because of my age, my life has become short, it’s my grandkids and great grandkids that will live in the lawless society, if it happens. If what is happening to our executive, judicial and congressional officials do not change, our democracy is gone. The Romans went through it. Remember, The Fall of the Roman Empire? Looking back at all great ruling countries and they all fell at some point. Look at the British Empire and the Turkish, to name just two more. Our demise is coming but I don’t want to see it in my time on earth.

The founders of our constitution knew there will be people against it and people that attempt to tear it down or get around it. They gave us a starting point and left room for adding to it and to make changes. But what have not yet changed is that no one is above the law, it applies to everyone regardless their station in life. The stakes are high, and the time is now. We either accept what we get or legally fight for justice. That will ensure our future generations a strong democracy and only they can keep it and improve on it.

Currently, we have a very weak democracy and we are on the cusp of losing it. There is so much corruption and secret dealings that we will only know a fraction of the total. My only wish is that I could help, other than by voting, in some way. I must leave the fight for our democracy to the younger generation. I love my country but there are so many that only love themselves, country be damned. Remember, the constitution is for all of us.

 

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