Gringos in Mexico

I know Paul is in trouble before Kelli starts yelling at him to back up.

The waves, which should have progressively gotten smaller, creep higher and swamp the Polaris 250 Trailblazer all terrain vehicle, causing Paul to hesitate, then stop.

As he struggles to rock the vehicle backward, I yell "You've got to move, now!"  

I hear Kelli telling Paul to back up, but I can see he is having trouble finding the right gear.  As the wheels start to sink into the wet sand, another wave -- this one larger and more powerful -- crashes into shore, sending a sudsy mass of salt water and sand into the ATV.

Just when the water threatens to pull the ATV -- and Paul and Kelli with it -- into deeper waters, the vehicle lurches forward, sending a rooster tail of sand and water through the air.  It roars up onto dry sand, does a tight loop and skirts around a rocky bend to safety and firmer ground.

 

"He made it!" I shout to Liz, as I position our ATV for the same maneuver.  Thirty-seconds later, my thumb gives the throttle a push and we head into the rocky gap.  "Here we go!"  As the wheels narrowly avoid the rising water I ask, "Are you having fun yet?"

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We were in Mexico for a week of relaxation and fun with two other couples -- Paul and Kelli Mundinger and Doug and Peggy Schoenfeld.  It was a trip that had been planned for over a year.

It began when Paul mentioned someone he was connected to through La Crosse Friends of International Students had stayed at a VRBO (vacation rental by owner) in Los Barrilles, Mexico.  He thought that it would be a blast to spend 7 days in sunny Mexico during the grey and cold winter month of February.  For the most part, he was correct.  Ten days might have been better.

We had rented a beautiful beach front home, located on the Sea of Cortez, about 60 minutes northeast of  Cabo San Lucas, playground of the rich and famous.

Snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, surf fishing and beach combing were right out our front door and patio.

The house was down the beach from Los Barrilles, a small town of 5,000 at best -- about half of which are locals and half are expatriates of Canada and the United States.  The local area is fueled by tourism, especially sports fishing, and you can find wonderful mangos, dates, and avocados grown in the nearby town of Santiago.

The area lends itself to a relaxing and remote Mexican experience.  Liz and I had experienced the tourist spots of Cancun and Isla Marheres a few years ago with its towering hotels, sparkling pools and elegant restaurants.   Los Barrilles was nothing like that.  Many of the buildings were very modest, with the apparent exception of the state-run Pemex gas stations.  And the roads were not paved at all and better suited for ATVs, not our rented Volkswagen Jettas with their suspensions protesting every bump.

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"Paul, I thought you were a goner," laughs Doug, taking another swig from his bottle of Corona.  

We are all sitting around a table at El Viejo, a simple little restaurant in Los Barrilles favored by the locals.  Actually, most of places in town are simple and little.  Part of its charm was its indiscriminate location, hidden behind two or three ATVs' and a beat up pick up truck.  Today's special is chile rellenos, served during lunch only on Friday's between 11 and 1.  The shop owner next door had recommended it, so we make sure to get here before they were out for the day.

"When that big wave washed up, I thought your ATV was going to stall," I add, taking another bite of my stuffed pepper.  "Somehow though, you kept it going and got out of there.  Liz and I were thinking we might have to get the tow rope."

 

Paul leans back and says, "I was trying to get it into reverse, but the water was coming up over my shoes.  When that failed I decided to keep going forward. "

"Despite that, the ride on the beach was fantastic, wasn't it?" I say.  "I can't believe how great it was."

"Yeah, with the exception of those rocks."

From across a brightly colored tablecloth, Peggy sarcastically asks, "So now that Paul knows how to operate the ATV, do you guys think you know the way to Coral Beach?"

"Rod said to follow the beach until a path takes us out of town," volunteers Paul.  "Then another path to the right that follows the coast until we reach the point."  Like most things in Mexico, we are finding things a little hard to define.  There are few street signs, and directions vary from one person to another.  A "short while" could be five minutes or half an hour depending on who you are talking to.

"Sounds like a plan," says Kelly, paying our waitress, a young Mexican girl who struggles with English.  Isabella takes our pesos and we head for the exit, eager to continue our adventure. 

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Our plan was to use Los Barrilles as our anchor, allowing us to make day trips north through the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains to the port city of La Paz, or south to the busy tourist city of Cabo San Lucas where movie stars and vacationers populate the town.  For the most part, it was the perfect location.  During the day we were able to enjoy ourselves, walking down the beach, running into town for groceries at the local mercado or having lunch and margaritas whenever the mood struck.  At night -- as isolation in the form of invading desert mice and star-lit skies exploded overhead -- we played cards and drank till laughter was running down our sunburned faces.

Driving in Mexico turned out to be an adventure none of us expected.  As our neighbor (and rental manager) said, it really isn't wise to drive after dark.  Some would say because of the possibility of vandalism and nefarious characters.  But in truth it was because of cattle roaming the highways and broken down cars running without lights.  I'm not so sure how safe it is to drive during the day either, with speed bumps the only way of controlling traffic.  Many of them are mostly unmarked.

Our weekend journey to La Paz was interesting because of the twisty, mountainous roads often missing recommended guard rails.  In town, four way stop signs were astonishing to observe.  Many drivers viewed them as a guideline, not a rule, as cars sped through them without stopping.

 

Our arrival to the city showed an ugly urban sprawl, their development outpacing the spread of paved roads and facilities.  But the town center, modernized as it was, managed to preserve something of its older colonial atmosphere.  We strolled along the waterfront malecon, observing its puerto de ilusion which included ice cream shops, discotheques, brightly colored fishing boats and sea loving statues.  The beaches were white against the gorgeous blue water of the Gulf of California.

On the way back, we stopped at a roadside stand to pick up fresh watermelon, mangoes and pastries from local farmers.  On the other side of the mountains, we passed through the small town of San Bartollo, where we passed a dozen Mexicans dressed in white cotton shirts and pants, congregating in preparation of a Sunday evening mass.

It was a wonderful, rural piece of Mexico, far from the tourist traps of lion-peddling photographers and hot, congested streets that were to come our way the next day.

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From our raised vantage point, the sparkling blue-green water stretches east and north past the few remaining houses along Coral Beach.  A resort called Hotel Punta Pescadero is just out of sight, where tourists fly in to a private air strip to vacation and fish.  The roads are so bad here that there is no other way to get to the resort.  At times it seems like we are lost.

The sun colors the water below us in bright shifting patches of green, blue and turquoise.  A strong wind creates a line of  waves that crash noisily against the beach, then retreat before gaining strength and attack again.

I maneuver the ATV around a sharp bend and cut across a remote stretch of gorgeous, white sand.  The water breaks white over jagged fingers of brownish black rock that reach out from a bend on the beach.  We have reached our destination.

"This is unbelievable!" declares Liz, as she jumps from the ATV and turns to face the others as their ATVs descend from the rocky hill and cut across the beach.

"We're finally here," I say, watching Liz strip down to her bathing suit and head toward the water.  She splashes in and out of the briny waves breaking on the shore, leaving perfect footprints in the perfect sand.

"Oh, it's cold!" she yells, backing out before a large wave crashes at her feet.  Instead, she climbs one of the jagged fingers of brown coral, looking for little pools of water.  As she looks for signs of sea life, a small crab shuffles along the edge of a rock before disappearing beneath the water and sand.

It seems unnatural that such a beautiful place is without the usual beachcombers.  But perhaps that is its charm.  Isolated, difficult to get to and rugged.  I look into the hills above us and see sparse vegetation consisting of cactus, dead brush and rock.  Lots of rock.  Such a stark contrast.  To my left, it is  barren and lifeless; to my right, it's alive with color, fish and vegetation.

"Should we go swimming?" asks Paul, as he and Doug approach.  Peggy and Kelli are off exploring a cave area further to our left.

"I think it's a little cold, but I still want to go in the water.  We can't travel this far and not say we tried it."  I look out over the stretch of perfect sand and add, "Right now in Wisconsin, they are getting snow and ice.  Temperatures in the 20's and a forecast for a foot of more snow.  What would you rather do -- swim or shovel snow?"

I don't have to wait for Doug and Paul to answer to know their response.

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Cabo San Lucas, at the gateway to the Sea of Cortez, was once the base for pirate vessels waiting to pounce on Spanish treasure ships.  Today, it is a paradise of green golf courses, multi-million dollar homes that dot the surrounding hills, an ultra-chic marina and dozens of 5 star hotels.

Along a 20 mile stretch of coastline where Pericu' Indians fished and Jesuit missionaries struggled to establish a stronghold for Spain, today is a four lane desert highway that runs through a third world urban sprawl that is San Jose Del Cabo.   By sheer luck, we pass through its congested traffic and arrive via the tourist corridor at Marina Cabo San Lucas in search of our own boat captain and first mate.

An hour later, onboard the 33-foot sailboat Alegria, our crew of Burasto and Enrique was quick to provide all the alcohol we needed.  The initial hour was spent snorkeling off the shores of Lover's Beach and Pelican Rock, viewing the famous Arch and sea lion colony at Lands End.  While snorkeling, we saw an abundance of tropical fish, including guitarfish, sea bass, parrotfish and yellowtail.  A bag of fish food guaranteed a school of fish would be directly beneath your suspended body.

 

Later, after leaving the Sea of Cortez and moving around the horn, we passed into the Pacific Ocean where we spotted three or four humpback whales.  The crew shouted Alli! (over there) with every boat-sized splash.  It was another bucket list item that we could check off our must-do list.  After a platter of fruit and vegetables, Burasto brought out some of the best guacamole on chips we had the entire week.    A shot of tequila for everyone on board capped off our sailing adventure before heading back to land.

The day was permanently stamped as estupendo with a memorable visit to Senior Frogs at the marina, where Peggy led us in celebrating another great day in Mexico.

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Outside, an explosion of stars spreads across the dark sky -- some bright and near, others faintly clustered like galaxies a million miles away.  Maybe it was the rum spreading through my body, but I mention that stars never look like this back in Wisconsin.  Everyone agrees.

"This had to one of the best days ever," says Paul as he marvels at the astral display.  "Other than the water and rocks, ATVing was great."

I wrap my arms around Liz as we lay under a blanket and look up into the sky.  Waves continued to crash ashore only a hundred feet from where we lay.   "I'm glad we found Coral Beach, I was beginning to wonder if we'd ever get there."

"It's like planning for this trip," continues Paul.  "It wasn't exactly clear what we were going to find down here in Mexico, but once we got here, it was great.  I propose that we do this again in a few years."

"I don't think I'll ever get tired of waking up to these sunrises," said Doug.  As if in response, a trail of light from a falling star races across the horizon, disappearing behind the black shadow of the nearby Sierra de la Laguna Mountains.  "Or the stars."

The Great Divide

A lot of money is spent on Super Bowl ads.  Like $4 million for each 30 second spot.  This year's Super Bowl had the usual assortment of dumb and dumber ads featuring beer drinkers, fast cars, fast food and talking babies.

There was one exception, however.   In the fourth quarter,  Dodge RAM ran an ad called "So God Made a Farmer" featuring photographs of rural America set to a narration of a speech given by radio broadcaster Paul Harvey at a 1978 Future Farmers of America convention.

 

This ad focused my attention on a growing divide, between two very different cultures: those wanting security, and those wanting freedom.  It's a culture divide that highlights what's happening to our country.  Half of our country voted for Obama last November.  Nearly an equal number voted against him.  Political debate -- which includes everything from race, religion, guns and education -- has never been more divided.

On one side you have those who favor security.  It is defined by racial equality, sensitivity training at work, removal of God from our public schools, and classes that stress diversity, public health and community service.  Unions are the enforcers of this ideology, especially when it comes to labor and education.  On the other side are those who believe the strength of our country can be found in the writings of our founding fathers.  The Constitution and related documents are to be held above reproach and should be defended -- even by death.  Private enterprise, conservative educators like Hillsdale College,  and our military (for the most part) stand guard against those who would take away our freedoms.

This distinction has been discussed on many levels, including books, radio and television.  I heard the latest discussion on the Dennis Miller radio show.  Is America headed toward the same fate as most of Europe?  The answer, according to Miller's guest, is not known yet because there remains a fight between two opposing views.  There has never been a country like America, which was founded on an individual's right to freedom and prosperity.  In that regard, we stand alone.

It has been 237 years since we declared our independence from Great Britain.  During those years, immigrants left Europe and other countries to find freedom and to chase their American dream. Where we go from here depends on which ideology wins the fight.

Look at Europe (or any socialist country) that has fully embraced the philosophy that says you can't do it without government help.  You can see it in workers reluctance to give up any of their benefits.  Several major trade unions have staged strikes, demonstrations and rallies across the United Kingdom, Belgium, Portugal, Greece, Spain and France.  These countries have bought into the need for labor rights, to the extent that they can no longer exist any other way.

For example, Bernadette Segol, the European Trade Union General Secretary recently said, "Enough is enough!  The future of Europe cannot be based on  austerity, insecurity and social regression.  Europe needs a radical change of course... (our) leaders must stop bowing to whatever the financial markets dictate."

In other words, we don't want the banks telling us what to do.  We like our benefits  --  to hell with reality. We don't care if our country is broke, causing the Euro to sink beyond repair.  We want the security of government programs so our workers can have jobs, get paid and be taken care of if disabled or retired.

Once started, this reliance on government leads to other attachments like social medicine, state welfare and free education.   Europe has been "on the other side" for much longer than the United States.  But like anything that advances, once something starts, it incrementally picks up speed.

Look at how quickly things have changed under Obama:  $16 trillion in debt spending leading to 44 million people on food stamps, 99 weeks of unemployment benefits, welfare without work requirements, and Obama Care.  The Occupy movement and asking the rich to "pay their fair share" are clear indicators that security is finding a home in America.

Now contrast it with Paul Harvey's comments in the Super Bowl ad I mentioned earlier.  The farmer in this ad represents the other side of America's great divide -- freedom.  While it may have been a bit nostalgic, the ad nonetheless featured a slice of early Americana:  self reliance, selflessness, a love of something greater than themselves, and asking nothing in return for a hard days work.

Compare the feelings this ad stirs in you with the over-zealouness of Beyonce's performance during halftime at the Super Bowl, or Alica Keys' addition of "Obama's on fire!" during the Public Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C..

This ad -- and what it represents -- is our last chance to fight back against those who would make America another Europe.

Paul Harvey:

And on the 8th day God looked down on his planned paradise and said, I need a caretaker.  

So God made a farmer. 

He said I need somebody to get up before dawn and milk cows and work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.

So God made a farmer.

I need someone with strong arms.  Strong enough to rustle a calf, yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild.  Somebody that can shape an ex handle, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tire, make a harness out of hay wire, feed sacks and shoe craps.  And ...who, at planting time and harvest season, will finish his forty hour week by Tuesday noon.  Then, pain'n from "tractor back," put in another seventy-two hours.  

So God made a farmer.

It had to be somebody who'd plow deep and straight... and not cut corners.  Somebody to seed and weed, feed and breed... and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk.  Somebody to replenish the self feeder and then finish a hard days work with a five mile drive to church.  

Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who'd laugh and then sigh... and then respond with smiling eyes, when his son says he want to spend his life "doing what dad does."

So God made a farmer.

The message in this ad inspires reflection on the history of this country's original pioneers.  Early Americans didn't wait for the government to build roads and railroads.  We didn't expect someone to pay us to farm the land or raise our family.  We went to bed tired, and sometimes hungry, but always free. 

If we are to keep America from becoming another socialist failure, its citizens must reject Obama and his handouts. Government must be reduced from its current state of provider, and return to what it does best.  A defender of freedom and democracy.

Let's hope that the upcoming sequestration cuts can be made.  These are cuts to increases, so the budget will still increase, just not as much.  And why are firefighters, police officers and military personnel always the first to lose their jobs when we discuss these cuts?  Why aren't we discussing cuts to Congressional benefits like pay and benefits?  Make them pay the price for their stupidity, and we may finally get somewhere.

Yes, our job is big.  The obstacles in front of us are huge.  Government will continue to entice a willing population into thinking that security is better than freedom.  This message is spreading its vile roots beneath our very feet -- in our schools, our courtrooms, our churches, our city governments and even in our homes.

We need to ask our children what they will chose for America's future.  And then set an example of working hard, honoring tradition, defeating political correctness and keeping religion in our lives.

Freedom must win for us to remain God's farmer.

Just Turn It Off

In the Broadway production of The Book of Mormon there is a song that contains the following verses-

"When you start to get confused
Because of thoughts in your head
Don't feel those feelings, hold them in instead"

"Turn it off like a light switch
Just go, click
It's a cool little Mormon trick
We do it all the time"

"When you're feeling certain feelings 
That just don't seem right
Treat those pesky feelings like a reading light"

"And turn 'em off, like a light switch
Just go back
Really, what's so hard about that
Turn it off, turn it off"

About half an hour into the musical production, I found myself wishing I could just turn The Book of Mormon off.  Unfortunately, I couldn't.  I was in Des Moines, Iowa watching it as part of a group outing held by my employer.

The song, "Turn It Off" is a catchy tune that highlights the struggle faced by Mormon missionaries, urging them to banish thoughts about being gay by simply turning them off.

Apparently, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, the creators of The Book of Mormon, think Mormons are consumed by conflicting messages.  Belonging to the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints requires you to deal with difficult issues like being gay, suffering from AIDS or being abused at home by simply "turning those bad thoughts off."

And therein lies the problem with the play:  if you believe in a greater power, you are living a lie.

Its message is that religion is fake --  it doesn't solve any of our problems, doesn't fill empty stomachs or save the destitute, doesn't prevent cancer or help our football team to win the Super Bowl.  But, if it makes people feel happy, then who cares if it sounds ridiculous?  In the eyes of Parker and Stone (who are also responsible for TV's South Park,) religion  is overbearing and torturous for young people (in this case it's young male missionaries assigned to Africa).  It conflicts with today's "modern world" where people are accepting of gays, adulterers and sexually transmitted diseases.

The play's religious blasphemy is front and center, with an appalling emphasis on shocking the audience through song and story.

Examples include a song featuring characters sticking up their middle fingers to God while singing "hasa diga eebowai!" (f-ck you, God), performing the act of Holy Baptism as a sexual encounter between two virgins ("We just went all the way!  I'm wet with salvation!  I performed like a champ, praise be to God!"), and performing a pageant to "honor" the story of the Mormon's founder ("Joseph Smith, American Moses") by showing him having sex with Africans and frogs to cure his AIDS and dysentery.  If that's not bad enough, there is an extended dream sequence showing Hitler enjoying oral sex with the devil, and a blown-up x-ray of a rectal blockage cause by the Book of Mormon text.

The New York Times, Washington Times and Rolling Stone (all left-wing rags) called it "courageous and fearless," "shrewd, remarkably well-crafted and wholly hilarious," and not surprisingly, "a feast of sweetness."  It makes me wonder if they saw the same play that I did.

To its credit, the play does address some very difficult issues facing a small African village -- living in appalling conditions of famine, poverty and AIDS while being threatened by a repressive, murderous warlord obsessed with female circumcision and mutilation.

And it's a very well done production.  It has fine acting and correctly captures the culture, terminology and idiosyncrasies of the Mormon church.  It won Best Musical in 2011, Best Director and seven other Tony awards, including 2012 Best Musical Theater Album.  It won, despite some stiff competition from War Horse, Catch Me If You Can and Scottsboro Boys.

Much to the dismay of a friend of mine, the play does have some redeeming aspects to it -- if you can get past the blasphemy (and I know that's not possible for some).  I read a review that compared it to The Music Man, a great Broadway musical from 1957 starring Robert Preston.  In the play, a stranger comes to town to sell a fake idea, but in the end the idea is real and it works.  It changes people's lives and buoys their spirits.  The same could be said for The Book of Mormon.

As offensive as the play is, it would be easy to ignore it if it failed miserably as nothing more than the ramblings of two sick comedians.  The trouble is -- it's drawing huge crowds on its national tour to Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Minneapolis and even Des Moines.  The show that I attended was sold out, as it has been everywhere it goes.  I don't understand how we could have moved from a society that used God in forming the Declarations of Independence and the Constitution to one where we now laugh hysterically at an actor portraying Jesus while wearing a dildo and screwing the natives.  What has happened to us?  Do we have no shame?

I think we're all familiar with the attempts the left is making to remove religion from public places and everyday life.  It's on full display in Hollywood movies, broadcast television and now Broadway.  Religious exhibits, prayer and even the Christmas holiday are regularly challenged -- and defeated -- in court under the auspices of "separation of church and state."

 

What gripes me the most though is the praise piled onto anyone attacking religion as though it's courageous and groundbreaking.  Parker and Miller's South Park is well known for lampooning Scientology, Mormonism, the Pope, Moses and the Virgin Mary.   Whether it's for the shock value or viewership, these guys have been practicing their brand of anti-religious pioneering for many years.

It's interesting to note that while claiming to lampoon all religions, South Park has pretty much stayed away from Islam.   In particular, they avoid saying the name of Muhammad or even showing him in character.  When challenged by radical Islamic groups during a special 200th reunion episode, they self-censored themselves by bleeping out his name and showing a black box with the word "censored" on it whenever he appeared.

To be truly "courageous", South Park should practice what they preach. And The Book of Mormon should have put a character on stage, representing Muhammad.  Throw in a few radical suicide bombers, lop off a few heads, and you might have something.  As it stands though, that could never happen, because these people aren't really courageous.  They're just opportunistic hacks, purveyors of anti-establishment and anti-morality.  Throw in Jesus with Hitler, Jeffrey Dahmer, Genghis Khan and Johnnie Cochran and you have a funny play.  The prophet Muhammad?  Not so much.

After the play, a group of us went out to eat at a local restaurant, which allowed us to talk about what we had just seen.  Reactions were mixed at best.  Mike, my boss from a few years ago, asked if I was offended.

"Yes!" I said.  "How could I not be?"

The look on his face was one of shock and surprise.  "Seriously?" he asked.  It was like I had just told him I voted for Obama.  

"Yes, I was offended.  What's funny about telling God to f-ck off?"

"Well...."

Mike and I have had a number of political discussions over the years, so I wasn't shocked to hear the surprise in his voice.  What is disappointing is how he can be so strongly opposed to my way of thinking on abortion, gun control and welfare, but he can't understand my opposition to religious blasphemy. I guess it's the left's way of thinking that they are always intellectually superior to us, including any belief in a greater power.  It must be beneath their pay scale, because they just don't get it.

There is a chorus line at the end of another song called "Making Things Up Again," sung by Arnold (one of the Mormon missionaries) which may someday haunt the writers of The Book of Mormon.  It goes,

"You're making things up again, Arnold 
(We're learning the truth!)
You're taking the holy word and adding fiction!  
(the truth about God.)
Be careful how you proceed, Arnold.
When you fib, there's a price.  
(We're going to paradise.)"

Whether that price is ever paid by Parker or Miller in hell, remains to be seen.  But their play has certainly added to the continuing decay of human society.  My Christian faith reminds me to forgive and forget, but sitting through this play has put it to the test.  Based on the reaction our group had with The Book of Mormon, I think that a fair number wished they had been given a chance to "turn it off." At a minimum it made some question if they should applaud a song, or stand at the end to acknowledge the musical's finish.

If the play (in the words of Matt Stone) is an "atheist's love letter to religion," then it's my opinion that it never should have been opened.

The Clinton Brand

Thank God I have a co-worker who brings sanity into an office filled with love-sick liberals who adore every syllable that comes from the mouths of President Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Last week, Pat walked into my office and asked, "Did you watch any of the testimony by Clinton over the Benghazi thing?"

To which I responded, "Not a chance I'd waste my time watching that circus."

As usual, he was fired up, air-punching my door and shaking his head.  "To show you how desperate I am, I watched her testimony on C-Span," he confessed, then added, "You wouldn't believe the lies she was telling."

"Yes, I would," I answered.  "She's a Clinton."

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Outgoing Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave a "typical Washington performance" this past week while defending her department (and by bureaucratic fiat, herself) against any criticism in the Benghazi murder of four innocent Americans.

By "typical" I mean 1) weeping, wailing, pounding the desk, obfuscating and lying, 2) taking responsibility, but denying any accountability, and 3) blaming it on unrelated factors, like 1.43 million emails, which make ignorance acceptable behavior.  When Hillary's melodramatic performance was finished we had NO new information and NO one to hold responsible for this administration's failed foreign policy.

A lot of things bother me about Washington, but one of the biggest is the pompous attitude these politicians have and the lies they are able to get away with.  Hillary has a long history of lying, beginning with her defense of her husband against numerous affairs with Gennifer Flowers, Sally Perdue, Paula Jones and Juanita Broaddrick back in Arkansas.

Her lies continued once they got to Washington, claiming some "vast right-wing conspiracy" was trying to take down her husband.  Hillary and Bill would do anything to protect the Clinton brand, often blaming others along the way.  Hillary has used it to embrace greater political advancement, including becoming a senator and now the Secretary of State.

I don't know if there was ever an honest bone in her recently expanding body, but it's clear to see that Hillaryis used to getting away with it.  As soon as someone -- insert your favorite Republic or Fox News contributor -- she becomes indignant and swoons to the press for support.  This response was on full display during her committee testimony on the Benghazi situation.

This time however, the press not only bought her performance, they reveled in it.  They rolled in it like a dog digging up dead fish in the garden -- they couldn't get enough.  Their deification of Hillary is matched only by their reverential praise for Obama.

The Washington Post unashamedly reported, "For Hillary, the testimony was a triumphant capstone on her term as the chief U. S. diplomat.  If Hillary had not dealt with the Benghazi affair before she left office, she could have been viewed as a failure and a weakling.  Instead, she came blazing onto Capitol Hill in true Hillary style, concluding the Libya drama on her terms and exiting Washington to regroup for her next adventure -- a new book, global speeches or a presidential run."

The New York Times declared, Clinton was "professional and authoritative for hours in the witness chair."  She "stood up to the raging bulls with grace and fire of her own," gushed Joan Walsh.  She "served up a potent brew of righteous outrage," breathed Dana Milbank.

Unfortunately, the Republicans questioning of Hillary only made matters worse.  The Secretary of State should have been relentlessly grilled over her involvement, yet the closest anyone came to questioning her authority came from the inexperienced senator from Wisconsin, Ron Johnson.

"What caused the intelligence failures at the State Department," he asked,  "which said the attack was initiated by spontaneous protests stemming from an anti-Muslim video?"  He then asked why she didn't pick up the phone and get some answers.

"With all due respect," Hillary sobbed, "the fact is we had four dead Americans."  Raising her voice, she continued, "Was it because of a protest or was it because of guys out for a walk last night who decided to kill some Americans?  What difference, at this point, does it make?"  Translation, "Don't question me.  I am above reproach and will not answer your question!"

For months the Obama administration, and that includes Hillary, have been obfuscating and stalling.  Let's blame the video, let's blame the CIA, or let's blame poor communication between our diplomats and Washington.  Now, because she has been delaying for months, she 's going to use the excuse that too much time has passed for this question to matter any more.

Seriously, what difference does it make?  That's her answer?  As if misleading the press and the American people isn't reason enough?

Maybe we should be asking what difference did you make when you found out the Benghazi embassy was under attack?  Isn't that the question?  What was Hillary doing to keep our citizens safe, and at a minimum -- when asked -- what did she do to help them out of a deadly situation?

Clinton claims she takes responsibility for what happened in Libya.  Really?  Has someone been fired?  Has a single person been arrested?  Does anyone have a better idea what happened on September 11, 2012?  Why were the emails voicing concerns for their safety ignored?  Is Hillary stepping down from her position in disgrace?

It's politics as usual.  In typical Washington fashion, "taking responsibility" means saying something that shows concern, but doing nothing that indicates that you HAVE taken responsibility for your actions.  Other than the Kennedys and Obama, can you think of another political family that gets a pass every time they step in it?

                                                                 *                  *                 *

Clinton's response has got me thinking.  From now on, every time the press questions a Republican on some issue, they should respond with "What difference does it make?"  Remind the press -- and those supporting her answer -- that if refusing to answer the question is good enough for Hillary Clinton, then it should be good enough for our side.

     . What's the Republican position on the fiscal cliff?  Look concerned and say "At this late date, what 
       difference does it really make?  We're screwed!"

     . Who's responsible for the shooting of innocent children in our schools?  Slam your fist on the table
       and say somberly "Well, what difference does it make?  They're dead, aren't they?"

     . What should be done with the 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the United States?  Angrily
       answer how unjust the situation is, but then say with remorse "Well, at this point, what 
       difference does it really make?  They're here, right?"

     . Don't the melting ice caps signal global warming?  Spread your arms wide and plead "What 
       difference does it make?  We can't stop it now."

Sports athletes like cyclist Lance Armstrong and Baltimore Raven's linebacker Ray Lewis could put it to good use, as well.

    . Lance, did you cheat in winning your seven Tour de France titles?  "Seriously?   And besides, even 
      if I did, what difference does it make?  That was like 13 years ago."

    . Mr. Lewis, did you use deer antler spray (HG1) to help overcome your latest injury?  "What are 
      you talking about?  I wouldn't even know where to get the stuff.  And if I did, what difference does it 
      make?  I'm better now and playing in the Super Bowl."

It gets easier the more you say it.  Try it sometime -- just not when four Americans lie dead in the streets of Libya.

America's 180

There is a grim vibe afoot in America today.  Our country is under assault by an ideology that is cloaked in class envy spun by power-hungry Washington elites and a sycophantic media that refuses to tell the truth.

The Orwellian speech given today by President Obama during his second inaugural event is in stark contrast to the one given by Ronald Reagan in 1981.  While the country faces many of the same challenges it did thirty plus years ago, the solutions presented by Obama for his second term has me thinking this country has really taken a 180 degree turn.  America has changed, thanks to a change in the American people.

This is best shown by highlighting a few passages from each president's speech.

 

President Reagan gave his first inaugural speech on January 20, 1981 when he said, "These United States are confronted with an economic affliction of great proportions   Idle industries have cast workers into unemployment, causing human misery and personal indignity."

He continued, "For too long, we have piled deficit upon deficit, mortgaging our future and our children's future for the temporary convenience of the present.  You and I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, live beyond our means, but for only a limited period of time.  Why, then, should we think that collectively, as a nation, we are not bound by that same limitation?"

"The economic ills we suffer... will not go away in days, weeks or months, but they will go away.  They will go away because we, as Americans, have the capacity now, as we have had in the past, to do whatever needs to be done to preserve this last and greatest bastion of freedom."

The president added, "In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem."

And finally, "From time to time, we have been tempted to believe that society has become too complex to be managed by self-rule, that government by an elite group is superior to government, for, by and of the people... all of us together, in and out of government, must bear the burden.  The solutions we seek must be equitable, with no one group singled out to pay a higher price."

At a time when our society was facing double digit inflation and interest rates, America chose Ronald Reagan to lead us out of turmoil and into unprecedented growth and prosperity.  We chose to embrace smaller government, lower taxes and less regulation to overcome Carter's disastrous policies.  The results were remarkable:  1) an economic boom lasting 92 months without a recession, 2) federal revenues doubling to more than $1 trillion by 1990, and 3) investments in national security ending the Cold War.

Reagan's, and America's, philosophy at that time was sharply different than the one currently espoused by Obama -- in which taxing the rich, always turning to government for answers, and "America causes the world's problems" -- are hallmarks of his presidency.

On Monday -- almost thirty-two years to the date-- President Obama called for a much different solution to our problems.  Rather than rugged individualism, he claimed no one person is responsible for their success.

He said, "Together, we determined that a modern economy requires railroads and highways... and commerce, schools and colleges to train our workers.  Together, we discovered that a free market only thrives when there are rules to ensure competition and fair play.  Together, we resolved that a great nation must care for the vulnerable, and protect its people from life's worst hazards and misfortune."

"...we have always understood that when times change, so must we; that fidelity to our founding principles requires new responses to new challenges; that preserving our individual freedoms ultimately requires collective action.  For the American people can no more meet the demands of today's world by acting alone.  No single person can train all the math and science teachers need to equip our children for the future, or build the roads and research labs that will bring new jobs..."

 

He added, "Now more than ever we must do these things together, as one nation and one people.  For we, the people, understand that our country cannot succeed when a shrinking few do very well and a growing many barely make it."

In conclusion he said, "We do not believe that in this country freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few... the commitments we make to each other through Medicare and Medicaid and Social Security, these things do not sap our initiative, they strengths us.  They do not make us a nation of takers, they free us to take the risks that make this country great."

In contrast to Reagan's belief that individuals in America could do anything, Obama's speech was a reminder of what we could not do (without government's help).

Yet, to Obama's credit, we've become a people of need.  It's now government's job to provide services (and incomes) that support minorities, immigrants, students, retirees and the unemployed.  In addition, we are now asking government to solve "perceived problems" whenever something happens.  Want safety in schools?  Get government to limit the availability of guns and bullets.  Not happy with your phone bill?  Get Washington to regulate cable companies.  Got a problem with concussions in the NFL or steroids in baseball?  Ask our senators to nominate a committee to stop it.  Not happy with your health insurance?  Allow government to devise a 2,000 page health care bill.

The trouble is that NONE OF IT WORKS.

How did we get the idea that government is a good thing?  They've bankrupted social security, medicare and the postal service, to name a few.  Almost everything they touch is a failure.  And yet, we gladly put our faith in them to solve more of our problems.

Like all great empires in the past, I think we have gotten soft.  Too many of us have gotten lazy and see an easy way out by waiting for a handout.  Being successful, owning a nice house and car, and having a good retirement is HARD work.  For decades, schools have taught the unfairness of success and hard work.  Our courts have made it easy to sue someone who has an unfair advantage over someone else.  And immigrants today receive government assistance before they become U.S. citizens.  So it's easy to see why we have more people dependent on the government than before.

Another change is the number of people working in government jobs.  It's created another type of dependency.  Like my brother who has voted for every democrat he can, because his job as MTU manager is dependent on government assistance to supplement his salary, maintenance of city buses and even offset low ridership.  Does it surprise you that we have more people working in government today than we had as American citizens during Thomas Jefferson's writing of the Constitution in 1776?  It's true that government never gets smaller, and I'm not just talking about its federal debt or deficits.

As I said earlier, America's view of small government has changed.  

Look at these comments from a web site that asked college kids "What are the results of Reagan's presidency?"

One person said:  "The positive results, if you can call it that, are that his policies enabled the rich to get richer.  The negative, during his presidency, the federal deficit increased dramatically, the gap between rich and poor increased, taxes increased for the middle class and his trickle-down policies were still used by the the two Bush presidents which led to the recession of 2008-2009."

Another said, "It would be pretty hard to write about positive results.  Negative results include the 2008 meltdown."

So there you have it.  Our children are being told nothing of the economic brilliance and success of conservative policies, including the economic power of lower taxes and higher incomes.  They now believe anything tied to Reagan's two terms in office led to the unfairness of today's harsh economy.  Instead of the truth --a Democrat-controlled Congress forced banks and lenders to make loans to people who couldn't pay them back -- they blame it on a president who turned this country around in 1981.

It's no wonder so many young people voted for Obama.  They actually believe the liberal lies he said in his second inaugural address.  Let's not focus on what made this country great -- the freedom to prosper and be free.  Let's focus instead on climate change, gay marriage and illegal immigration.

America truly has changed 180 degrees to the left.  God help us all.

I've Had it With Losing

"It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives," - Anonymous.


It hasn't been the best of times lately, with Mitt Romney losing to President Obama, the Badgers losing for the third time in the Rose Bowl, and the Packers losing to San Francisco in the NFC divisional playoff game.

There is an ache in my chest and pain in my stomach that defies description.  As someone who likes to write things down, I find it hard to put into words how it feels to accept defeat.  All I know is that I hate to lose.

Despite my best efforts, everyday I am reminded that my candidate lost the election for president.  Turn on the evening news and you hear Obama talking about how he won the election and as a result he is going to do things his way.  Don't like his agenda?  Too bad, get over it.

As a result of losing last November, I've seen those dumb-ass senators and representatives pass legislation that raises my taxes, puts me and my children in greater debt, and ignores the U.S. Constitution by proposing gun control through executive order.

The problem with losing in politics is that it keeps coming back time and time again.  And it's usually shoved in your face.  Don't like higher health insurance premiums, a record-setting number of abortions, legalized pot and a growing number of welfare recipients?   Stick your head in the sand, you lost!

And thanks to our state-controlled media, we have to listen to ABC, NBC and CBS tell us that losing is good.  Moronic shows like Comedy Central, The View, 60 Minutes and just about everyone in Hollywood remind us that they know what's best for us.  We need gun-free zones to keep our children safe.  Extend unemployment benefits through the end of 2013 because people are hurting.  Gay marriage isn't a threat to traditional marriage, just another type of loving relationship between two people capable of raising healthy children.  Quentin Tarantino is expressing his artistic freedom in "Django Unchained" because movie violence has no effect on society.  And his movies are so cool.

Ughh!  So not only did I lose, but now I have to change my opinion about why I lost.  I lost because I was wrong, ignorant, bigoted, homophobic or racist.  I think my head is about to explode.


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Fortunately, sports isn't as bad as politics when it comes to losing.

Instead of a life-altering moment, it's more of a major disappointment.  Something you can get over in a few days.  Probably because there's another game to be played (and hopefully won).

Sometimes I don't realistically think we have a chance to win, but it still hurts to lose.  Take the Badgers losing three games this year, all in overtime.  I didn't think we'd beat Ohio State, but to be so close, force the game into overtime and then lose...it SUCKS.

I remember being in Eau Claire, WI  for a school event when the Badgers lost to Michigan State on a Hail Mary pass as time expired.  Prior to knowing the score, I was enjoying myself, laughing and thinking about picking up the paper the next day to read about another Badger win.  (We were the better team, I reminded myself.)

Around 10 o'clock, a friend texts me a message about the game -- "Can't believe what happened to the Badgers!  Unbelievable!"

I felt like someone had reached inside my chest and squeezed.

"No!"  I imagined people around me thinking it's time to get away from this strange guy banging his head against the wall.

Suddenly all I could do was think about how everything had changed -- no newspaper, no checking the internet, no checking highlights on ESPN Sports Center and no watching the game on BTN the following week.  All I wanted to do was remove all discussion of the game.  My emotions were headed in one direction only to be jerked back in another.  Up and down all in a matter of seconds.

The other thing about sports is that sometimes you lose in the first quarter, other times in the fourth.  The Seattle/Atlanta football game last weekend is a prime example.  Seattle had come back from being down by 20 points only to triumphantly take the lead with 35 seconds left in the game.  All right -- what a comeback!  Atlanta has a habit of losing these playoff games, so I was imaging them feeling here we go again!

But then within 25 seconds and two long passes by Atlanta, they kicked a field goal to win the game.  I was asking my son who must feel worse -- Atlanta (who had led the entire game only to lose it with 35 seconds left) or Seattle (who was behind the entire game only to take the lead with 35 seconds left).  And then losing it with that final kick.

I think it feels worse when you get a taste of victory only to lose it again.  As in life, perhaps it's better never to have loved than to have loved and then lost it.  You can't miss it if you've never had it.

So I've had it with losing.

I go to sleep only to wake a few hours later mad as hell.  I relive the blown pass defense that allowed the other team to complete a Hail Mary pass at the end of the first half.  Toss and turn a few more hours then finally fall asleep only to wake up again thinking about the tipped pass that could have been a touchdown.

I've been known to go outside -- in the pitch dark -- to rake leaves just to vent my frustrations over a bad loss.

I hate being so nervous about a game that I won't watch it or will turn the channel when the other team gets some momentum.  I hate being down in the dumps for a day, not appreciating my wife, kids or even taking Bailey for a walk.

Some of you would say I take things too seriously.  It's just a game, you say.  Uh huh.  Or wait until the next election when the Republicans get it right.  Maybe.

The trouble is, I'm getting older and I realize that I don't have as much time as I used to.  Maybe it will take the Packers another 15 years to get back to the Super Bowl.  Do I have another 15 years?  Will I care in another 15 years?  Will I know a democrat from a republican?  Will the country be the country I love in another 15 years?  Or will Obama be in his 5th term as President?

Sometimes there is never a "next time," which is kind of depressing.  There have been some horrible losing streaks that would drain the green and gold out of any loyal fan.

The Minnesota Vikings are still waiting to get back to the Super Bowl after losing to Terry Bradshaw and the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1975.  Northwestern University of the Big Ten has never tasted the sweet nectar that is known as March Madness in basketball.  Equally depressing was their football team which finally won a game after 34 tries with a win over Northern Illinois on Sept 25, 1982 in Evanston.  The win was so monumental that the students rushed the field, tore down the goal posts and tossed them into Lake Michigan.

There's the Cal Tech Beavers basketball team who ended a 310-game conference losing streak -- a streak that spanned 26 years -- by beating Occidental College 46-45.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1976 and it took nearly two seasons for the team to win its first game.  The Bucs lost every game in the 1976 season and the first 12 games in 1977.  The team's first win came against the New Orleans Saints, who promptly fired their coach after losing to the lowly Bucs.

The Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns have never been to the Super Bowl, which isn't exactly a losing streak, but it certainly IS humiliating.

Of course the granddaddy of them all is the Chicago Cubs who have a 104-year championship drought in baseball.  Could you imagine going an entire lifetime and never see your team win it all?   Well, you could live 1.5 lifetimes and never celebrate a championship pennant in baseball if you were a Cubs fan.

So despite my recent losing streak, it could be worse.  And perhaps that's why losing hurts so much.  Because we're used to winning.  We expect to win.  We're not the Detroit Lions or Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  I've never been tempted to put a grocery bag over my head.  The objective of this post (as with most of my comments) is to provide a cathartic outlet for venting my anger and frustrations.  A chance to keep those tormenting spirits that haunt my sleeping hours at bay.

Of course the best way to get over losing is to win.  A quick smile and high five at the joyous conclusion of a game of basketball, baseball or football..  For me, it's like someone gave me a shot of adrenaline straight to the heart..  There aren't too many things that are better (Liz, you are the exception).

Earlier this year we had Wisconsin Gov. Walker pull out a win after being recalled by a bunch of sore losers and union thugs.  That was awesome.   Sometimes it's more about watching  who lost -- I couldn't wait to tune in the MSNBC to watch their sorry-ass announcers declaring Walker the winner.

Maybe my losing streak is coming to an end.  The Wisconsin Badgers basketball team just beat the Indiana Hoosiers late Tuesday night 64-58, extending the Badgers dominance over Indiana, dating back to 11 consecutive games.  During a season that was expected to be down in the dumps, the Badgers have managed to put together some recent wins, including this one which is their highest rated win over a home team -- at the time, ranked #2 in the country.

So let's hear it for the victors.  Be it those football players who walk into the locker room -- bloodied and torn -- with a victory after 310 loses, or the second string bench warmers who only get into the game with a minute and 1/2  left .

It's much harder winning than it is losing.  So even though Romney lost the election, I'm still going to fight for everything I believe in.  Let's try a conservative next time and see what happens.  And the Packers and Badgers will be back next year with a better team and hopefully a higher finish.  New coaches, new players and faithful fans will take our teams to the promised land.

You see, one of the things all losers must have is never-ending optimism.  Never give up, never back down.  Because winners always think their glass is half full -- and so do I.

"We The People"

Recent events surrounding the mass killings in Newtown, Connecticut have people responding to the tragedy in many ways.

On one side, you have politicians (mostly on the left) and the hysterical media calling for more gun controls laws.  The National Rifle Association (NRA), which represents conservatives on this issue, believes more attention to mental illness and better protection of the innocent will make a difference.

The reaction of both sides has brought to my attention something I didn't even know existed:  a site on the White House website called "We The People," where people can petition the government to take action on a whole range of issues.  If a specific petition gets enough signatures (25,000 within 30 days), the White House staff must review it, ensure it's sent to the appropriate policy experts, and issue an official response.

The right to petition our government is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, so it's nothing new.  What is new is access to this website that makes writing petitions easier than ever.  And as you might expect, you get some crazy petitions -- which brings me back to the recent discussions on gun control.

Two recent petitions have garnered my interest:  1) a petition that says "Deport British Citizen Piers Morgan for Attacking 2nd Amendment," and 2) a related petition that reads "Eliminate Armed Guards for the President, Vice-President and Their Families and Establish Gun Free Zones Around Them."  (A third petition has been written where someone is actually petitioning that we keep Piers Morgan because Britain doesn't want him back.)  How crazy are we getting here?

What's interesting in the first petition to deport Piers Morgan is the number of people who have signed it.  As of today's date, there are over 84,000 signatures -- well over the required number for a White House response, and by far the most signed petition on "We The People."  So his comments really stirred the Patriot pot.  In case you aren't one of the 84,000 plus who signed it, here's what it's all about.

Piers Morgan is a British citizen and CNN talking head (host) who has engaged in what some view as a hostile attack against the U. S. Constitution by targeting the Second Amendment.  To be blunt, Piers Morgan is a hack, a nobody on cable television who is looking for an audience.  Morgan used his position as a television host to attack the rights of American citizens to have guns.  In particular, he slammed Larry Pratt, the executive director of Gun Owners of America, and John Lott, the author of More Guns, Less Crime over a two night period.

American citizens apparently don't appreciate a Brit telling us how to defend ourselves.  We didn't appreciate it more than 200 years ago, and we still don't.  The response has been swift and in this heated case, effective.

Maybe he can broadcast his cable show somewhere in Kostroma, Russia.  I hear they might support his point of view.

The other petition (featuring the Gun Free Zone) is spot on, and in response to the left's ludicrous attempt to make schools safe by declaring them "Gun Free Zones."  You'd think the left was talking about a place where terrorists check their bomb vests, anarchists put aside their Guy Fawkes masks, and  dictators re-consider using Sarin gas on their own people.

It's the same mentality that leads the left to think they can reason with Islamic terrorists and convince them that we're not bad people.  I hear stuff like this and I think I'm watching the latest "Scary Movie."  Only the results aren't make believe.  They're as real as 9/11 and now Sandy Hook Elementary School.

Many have said that Gun Free Zones are simply announcing to would-be murderers that you will have no armed resistance to your horrific plans.

Anyway, so the touchy-feely left wants to use more gun free zones to keep our children safe.  So what was someone's response?  Start a petition on "We the People" website that states "Eliminate Armed Guards for the President, VP and their Families, and Establish Gun Free Zones Around Them."

I love it!  Anyone on the left who pushes for more gun free zones should have to practice what they preach.  Politicians who wish to strip us of our gun rights should feel sufficiently protected throughout Washington D.C. if we make it a gun free zone.  If it's good enough for our children, then it should be good enough for politicians and their ilk.

In addition, I think all the media elites and political pundits who send their children to private schools with armed security on staff, should shut up.  Haven't we had enough of these people who tell us what to do, but exempt themselves and their families from the laws they pass?  I do.  There's still time to join the bandwagon and sign that petition.

Finally, I've been thinking about some petitions that I'd like to submit to "We the People."   How do the following sound?

"All Members of Congress Must Participate in Social Security."  Congress has created their own retirement plan which allows them to continue receiving the same salary (after retirement) for the rest of their lives.  Isn't it time they join the rest of America -- who will be left without reduced Social Security benefits because Washington can't balance their budget?

"Congress Shall Not Get a Pay Increase Until our Country's Budget is Balanced."  Better yet, they will not get paid until they have put some kind of balance into effect.  For every dollar spent, they have to cut two times as much in spending.  Whatever the combination of performance tied to benefit, Congress and their performance doesn't warrant a pay increase.  They don't even deserve to keep their jobs.

I say throw the bums out, unless they do their job.

"All Members of Congress Must Have the Same Health Benefits that Taxpayers Have."  If you're a member of Congress, you have access to the Office of the Attending Physician, which is an onsite doctor's office primarily for lawmakers.  All for the low, low price of $503 per year.

Add unions to the list of people who can't exempt themselves from Obama Care   Earlier this year there were a total of 733 exemptions -- a total of 2,189,636 workers -- that had asked for, and been granted an exemption from the punitive effects of Obama Care.

UPDATE:  Strike this one from the list.  President Barack Obama just issued an executive order to end the pay freeze on federal employees, in effect giving some federal workers -- including the Senate, House of Representatives and Vice President -- a raise.  

"Congress Cannot Sell General Motors Shares Until They Break Even.."  As much as I hate the fact that Obama bailed out GM and Chrysler  it burns my butt even more to know that he wants to sell 200 million shares at a cost of $27.50 each.  To break even, our government would have to sell the remaining 300 shares it owns at a cost of $70 per share.  And that's just to break even.  But they're not worried, it's not their money!

Finally, "Hollywood Must Stop Making Violent Movies Until Mass Killings Stop."  A recent video by big-time movie stars claiming we need gun control borders on the ultimate hypocrisy.  This is excellent example of the left's pseudo-idealism that comes from a group of people who makes a living by filming Django Unchained, Pulp Fiction and Kill Bill, then tells everyone else that they need to "draw a line" on gun violence.  What chutzpah!

Too bad drafting a petition doesn't result in REAL change.  If it did, then I'd feel like "we the people" would benefit from our country's Constitution, which allows us to petition Washington for change.  Until that time comes, however, the inmates will continue to the asylum (and rule our lives).

UPDATE #2:  The Drudge Report on January 16th announced that President Barack Obama's deputies have quadrupled the number of signatures that petitioners on the administration's "We The People" website must collect to get an official response from the White House following a series of popular, provocative signature drives by his critics.

A Christmas Visit

The clock to my left read 9:48 p.m.

Liz had gone up to bed, leaving me on my own.  This was my time of night, when I could take a moment to think about the end of another busy day.  No television, no internet, no radio, no distractions -- just me and my thoughts.  Time to relax, maybe read awhile and enjoy the quiet.  In a week our two sons would be home from school to enjoy another Christmas.

I was sitting in the living room, enjoying the sweet, amber taste of a rum and ginger ale, when Bailey stirred in my lap.  I gently scratched behind her ears and adjusted the afghan, telling her to relax.  Instead of laying her head on my legs, however, she sat up and started to whine.

"Quiet, Bailey," I said, thinking she had heard someone walking past the house.  "There's nobody's there."

I glanced out the window, past the glimmering lights of our Christmas tree, to confirm that there was no one outside.  My eyes found nothing -- just the gentle drop of snow flakes drifting through the chilly night air.

After a moment of silence, Bailey lowered her head, then dropped to the floor.  She had just left the room in search of some water, when a voice I hadn't heard in over 11 years spoke from the corner of the living room.

"Hello son," said the voice.

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My father was born on May 19, 1923, one of five boys from rural West Salem.  He died seventy-eight years later on September 21, 2001 after suffering for years from Parkinson's disease and dementia.  During those 78 years, he endured The Great Depression and fought in World War II as a radio operator for the Navy.  His service would take him to foreign lands, including the Philippines, Shanghai and Ireland.

A few years later, he married a woman from La Crosse and together raised a family of two boys and two girls.  Despite wanting to find work in radio, he worked much of his early life  as a bookkeeper until poor health forced him into commercial painting.  When he wasn't crafting furniture in his workshop, he was hunting or fishing.

I don't have many memories of my dad as a child.  Vague images of riding in a fishing boat, bouncing on an aluminum bench seat as we raced through cold September winds.  We would go fishing at night for catfish in the backwaters of the Mississippi River, listening to the hiss of a gas lantern as fireflies and mosquitoes whizzed around our heads.  And I can still smell the odor of cut wood and feel the crunch of sawdust beneath my feet while watching him plane a board in the basement workshop.

As a teenager, I remember telling him "no thanks" when he asked if I wanted to go deer hunting.  My answer was in stark contrast to the interest I showed while waiting patiently at the kitchen window to see if there was anything tied to the top of his car.  He was a hit in the neighborhood as the dad who would trap snapping turtles.  I contributed to the novelty by inviting my friends over so they could watch him chop the head off with a quick strike of an ax.

As I got older, my interests turned to sports, which eventually took us in different directions.

I have a vivid memory of sitting in a darkened hospital room waiting for him to recover from surgery on a torn retina.  His body looked damaged somehow, laying on that hospital bed.  It was an image that would hold true when the news came later that he would not regain the sight in his damaged eye.  And it would appear once again, a few years later, when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Despite these setbacks, I don't remember any complaints coming from him.  I remember him as a quiet, religious man, comfortable in his own skin -- simply satisfied to provide a house and food for his growing family.  Perhaps those conversations and concerns took place with my mom (away from my ears), while they lay in bed at night thinking of what lay ahead.

Years later -- too many considering his illness -- he closed his eyes to the world he knew.  And left his son, now a grown man with a family of his own, to ponder what the future held.


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"Hello son," said my father.

The shadows from the corner of the room, like gentle arms holding him in their embrace, opened slightly and I had the glimpse of a young man no more than 25 years old.

"Dad?"  I asked, disbelief causing my hands to tremble slightly as I put down my drink.  "Is that you?"

The shifting shadows revealed a man of above average height, with a strong face, peaceful eyes and thinning hair with a curl slightly off-center.  "It is.  It's good to see you again."  His voice sounded different from the last time I had seen him, laying in his hospital bed, weak and in pain.  It was strong, confident and wise.

"Why are you here?" I asked.  "Am I dreaming?"

His young face continued to reflect the warm glow of the Christmas lights as he answered, "No, I'm here because I'm worried about you."

"Me?  Why are you worried about me?" I asked.

"Because you are my son, and I want you to know that things are never as bad as they seem."

His words were spoken by someone who had found strength as a boy in his own self-reliance during the early years of The Great Depression.   And fought through the fear of Japanese kamikaze pilots and endless days at sea to come home again.  "I've been watching, and you have me wondering if you're going to be alright."

"I'm doing... ok."  I willed my own voice to match the confident tone of my father's, but failed.  "The election has me pretty worried about my sons and our future.  But I'm... sure I'll get over it."

I paused as I tried to put into words what I meant.  "I'm just having trouble feeling positive about the direction our country has taken.   I see too many people looking toward Washington for help.  It's almost like people can't do anything for themselves anymore.  And even worse, they're tearing down many of the things that made America great -- like success, religion and freedom.  You, of all people, should be understand my concern."

As I looked up, my father's image had lost some of its youthfulness, but none of its concern.  "Well, you know I was always a Democrat -- your mother and I voted for FDR and Kennedy, because we always felt like they could take care of people in need.  And during the 30's, 40's and 50's there were a lot of people in need."

"But wasn't it President Kennedy who said, 'Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country?' "   I paused for a moment as his head nodded in agreement.  "I don't hear the government asking people to help out.  Instead all I hear about is raising taxes on the rich so others can get their fair share."

"Well, the world today is definitely a different place than when I was growing up.  Not only the politicians, but also the people they serve.  I'd hate to think that Democracy has failed."

Dad hesitated as his eyes looked around the small room.  They focused on the picture ornaments hanging from the Christmas tree, showing my sons, Matt and Sean when they were in school.  Perhaps he was thinking back to an earlier time when he and his brothers would spend all day down at the river fishing and swimming on a warm summer day.  His hand reached for the ornament showing Sean. His thoughtful eyes looked at the young boy wearing a baseball cap, glove in hand.  Then he let is swing freely back and forth.

"Family has a way of making things different,"  he continued after a moment.  "You have to worry about your children, your wife, your job -- and if you're lucky enough, you can find some time for yourself.  I used to get away from it all by going fishing or hunting.  When I had the time, I would work in the basement on something for the house."

"Let me suggest that you turn things around," Dad said.  "Take care of your own business, and you will find that you will be taking care of others that you love."

Dad's mouth hardened as he continued, "America has always faced challenges that none of us thought she'd survive. But we did.  When it was darkest during the 20's and 30's we found a way back.  And there will will always be wars -- during my lifetime, we lost a lot of good people in the Pacific, Korea, Vietnam and even Kuwait.  Sometimes you just have to have faith.  As bad as it looks, this country has always found its way home.  Now is no different, trust me."

My hand relaxed its grip on the chair's arm rest, and I said, "So, don't worry about others who are moving in another direction?  Take care of my own, put on my public face and hang on to what's important to me and my family, knowing that there are STILL others like me?"

"That's the spirit!" he said with a smile.  "Don't quit the fight -- keep working inside out, not outside in."

Inside out, not outside in.  Focus on my own success, rather than letting others dictate what my success will be.  Don't abandon my faith, my core beliefs and love of this great country.

The room became quiet, except for the muffled sound of a car engine idling outside on the street.   Suddenly I said, "I've missed you dad."   Taking a deep breath, I felt my throat tighten in anticipation of something held back for many years.  "I wish we could have had more time to talk about things like this."

The chair creaked as Dad leaned back into the shadows.  "We will, son.  We will.  Merry Christmas to you and Liz.  Remember, I'm always here, all you have to do is ask."

As his image sank into the fabric of the chair and faded from my sight, I notice Bailey had somehow found her way back onto my lap, with her head nestled among the blanket, sleeping soundly.  "Her, girl -- how did you... ?"  My hand still held the half full glass of rum and ginger ale as time moved forward once again.

Outside, the snow was falling gently as the clock clicked to 9:49 p.m..

Bert, We Hardly Knew Ya

Decades from now, parents will page through baby books in search of the perfect name for their soon-to-arrive baby boy.  They will stumble upon the name Breton, with its origin English, also spelled Brett.  In the year 1986, it was the 69th most popular boy's name in America, before sliding down the ranks.

The name's popularity took a major hit in 2008 -- at least in Wisconsin --  when someone named Brett Favre decided to cry his way out of retirement and remain the quarterback of the Green Bay Packers.

Don't cry for me, Brett

When that failed, he tried the Jets, then headed to the hated Minnesota Vikings, before fading to insignificance on a cold December night (while lying on his back staring into the face of Bear's defensive back, Cory Wooton), in TCF Stadium on the campus of the University of Minnesota.

Since that time, it's been hard to notice people named Brett.  About the only ones I can name on the spot is Brett Hume (Fox News), Brett Ratner (X-Men) and Brett Michaels (Poison).  Perhaps there are others but I can't think of any.

Ok, maybe there is one other that comes to mind.

That would be Brett Bielema.  The former head football coach of the Wisconsin Badgers, who abruptly left the team this week to coach the Arkansas Razorbacks from the SEC.  It was surprising news, considering his team had just walloped the Nebraska Cornhuskers 70-31 in the Big Ten Championship game.

Less than 72 hours after being doused by Gatorade and celebrating with Athletic Administrator Barry Alvarez on the confetti-strewn turf of Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Brett was catching a plane to Arkansas to be introduced as their new head coach for 2013.

Strange behavior from someone who confessed to Alvarez after winning the game, "We're going out there (the Rose Bowl) to win.  That's the mission, and I appreciate all the fans coming out ..."

Perhaps the combination of the name Brett and the state of Wisconsin is just not meant to be.

In fairness to Brett Bielema, he was a successful coach while at Wisconsin.  I had the distinct honor of sitting in the stands of Camp Randal during the Dave McClain era (1978-1985) when we barely broke even with wins/loses.  He was followed by Don Morton who went 6-27, who was remembered not for winning any football games, but his sports television show (when he rose from a coffin to declare, "We're not dead yet!")

It took Barry Alvarez to truly resurrect the program, winning 118 games over 16 seasons, going 8-3 in bowl games -- and most importantly--  3-0 in three Rose Bowl appearances.

It was Barry who hand-selected Brett Bielema to continue the winning tradition he started -- selecting under-rated football players from in-state, developing them into quality players and beating football powerhouses (like Michigan and Ohio State) through the run and behemoth offensive lines.

To his credit, Brett Bielema stuck to this winning tradition, recruiting talented players like quarterback Rob Wilson (all right, so he got lucky on that one), running back Montee Ball, tight end Travis Beckum, and defensive stars like J.J. Watts, Chris Borland and Mike Taylor.

In his first year of coaching, he led the Badgers to an 12-1 record.  As a result, he became the first head coach in Big Ten history to win ten games in his first season.  And the third coach in NCAA history to win twelve games in his rookie season.  And under his coaching, Wisconsin joined Michigan as the only Big Ten team to go to three consecutive Rose Bowls.

His teams were always competitive, but you got the feeling that whenever the game was close, it was up to the players, not the coach, to win the game.  And while there was no one bigger on promoting Wisconsin football, he made as many enemies as friends with his style of play.

For example, he relished the border-battle between Minnesota and Wisconsin, so much so that he attempted a two-point conversion while leading by 25 in the fourth quarter during a 2010 game.  Minnesota coach Tim Brewster never forgave him for that, and made sure the rest of the Big Ten understood Bielema's "bush league" bravado.

Not one of Brett's better days.

There was the criticism Bielema took for running up the score in 2010:  a 70-3 win against Austin Peay, a 83-20 embarrassment against Indiana and a 70-23 whipping of Northwestern.  I have a friend who repeated thinks running up the score is one of Bielema's worse traits, yet I read similar scores by Texas, Oregon, Florida and Oklahoma and no one complains.  So why do the do it when it's Bielema?  Maybe if the team won a national championship his critics would remain silent -- I don't know.  My philosophy has always been, if you can't stop them, then you should be complaining about the score.

Many of his enemies were in-state.  Wisconsin fans were some of his biggest critics.  They loved him for promoting Wisconsin football ("On Wisconsin," after every interview), for running a clean program (no Ohio State or Penn State controversies), and having well- disciplined teams (among the least penalized teams in the nation).  But fans were much quicker to criticize him for his game management, special team's play and winning percentage in big games (11-16 against Michigan State, Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State -- not to mention 0-2 in the Rose Bowl).

So if Bielema had Wisconsin on a winning path, with a strong recruiting class in place, and the distinction of being the highest paid public employee in the state, why would he leave?

According to players, he wanted to coach a team that had a chance to win the national championship.  Seriously?  After assembling one of the most prolific scoring Badger teams in history, he failed to stop two "Hail Mary" throws by Michigan State and Ohio State, and badly mismanaged his timeouts against Oregon leading to a mediocre 10-3 record.  So given all the tools to win a national championship, he still failed.

Perhaps if he was more honest, he would have told his players that he left for a bigger paycheck.  Or that he felt like he couldn't beat Ohio State and Michigan State, so he was packing his bags for greener pastures.

I don't know, but good luck winning in the SEC where you trade Ohio State and Michigan State for LSU and Alabama every year.  If he thinks SEC talent and a fatter paycheck will get him to the promised land, I think he'll need longer than 40 years to get there.  With or without Moses to guide him.

Which finally leads me to ask --what happens to Wisconsin next.   My hope is for Wisconsin to win the Rose Bowl (under the Hall of Fame coaching of Barry Alvarez), and 1) vindicating the critic's belief that Bielema couldn't coach in the big games and 2) demonstrating that leadership comes during the game, not when you're in front of recruits or television cameras.

There are lots of talented coaches that are waiting for their first chance at being a head coach.  Or who' are already successful coaches but want to move up to the "big time" in the Big Ten.  Whoever we get as our next coach, he will have to learn the lessons that Brett Bielema failed to learn.  Leadership through honesty, discipline, recruiting -- and of course, winning.

In a few weeks we'll know who's the next "chosen one" in Wisconsin football.  Let's hope it's not someone named Brett.  We can't take it anymore.