It seems to me, up here on the Burney Mountain, that the Democratic candidates who are lately trying to distance themselves from Obama in the last days of the election season, should have been running like hell from him before they voted for the Obama Health Care Bill from hell...that they didn't read.
Why would anyone want to vote for the guy who now says he never heard of Obama when the guy has historically been doing whatever it was that Obama wanted done and regardless of what the people wanted.
I think it's a tad late to become a "Born Again" politician.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
THE POWER MONGERS ARE AT IT AGAIN
The recent activity by Bill Clinton in an effort to get a Democrat, Meek in Florida, to bow out of the Senate race there and to endorse "Republican" Independent Crist so that Crist can beat the REAL Republican, Rubio, is about as low as you can get in American politics. They want to prevent Rubio, who is well ahead in the polls, from winning regardless of the cost, even if it means throwing a fellow Democrat overboard.
These people do not deal with a square deck. These are the people who defy the public will and smile at you when they stick it up your keester. It is precisely this style of politics and this mentality that needs to be removed from our presence. For them, the power is theirs and is all encompassing, whereas for us, the power belongs to the people.
Please,,, Vote Tuesday and vote for America.
These people do not deal with a square deck. These are the people who defy the public will and smile at you when they stick it up your keester. It is precisely this style of politics and this mentality that needs to be removed from our presence. For them, the power is theirs and is all encompassing, whereas for us, the power belongs to the people.
Please,,, Vote Tuesday and vote for America.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
THINGS ARE HEATING UP NEAR BURNEY
I've been in Sacramento learning all of the great things about geothermal energy. For one thing, it's much less dangerous than one might think. Plus, after the initial investment it costs little to produce large amounts of electricity and it does not pollute.
There are tremendous amounts of geothermal resources available along the Pacific Rim, in California, Oregon and Washington. There is a lot of geothermal available in the Burney vicinity; one might recall a tremendous battle between BLM, a geothermal energy company, the Klamath Indian Tribe and the Pit River Tribe a few years ago over a proposed geothermal project at Medicine Lake. Although the tribes won in the Supreme Court, it appears that new attempts will be made by new companies in the near future. I hope that those projects can go forward without disturbing the sanctity and spirituality of the lake.
It goes without saying that, due to the fairly recent presence of active volcano activity in this geological venue, there is much geothermal exploration under way or about to be under way. Besides reducing the costs of electrical generation, one of the tremendous attributes of geothermal is the availability of a ready source of hot water into which you can toss the politicians.
There are tremendous amounts of geothermal resources available along the Pacific Rim, in California, Oregon and Washington. There is a lot of geothermal available in the Burney vicinity; one might recall a tremendous battle between BLM, a geothermal energy company, the Klamath Indian Tribe and the Pit River Tribe a few years ago over a proposed geothermal project at Medicine Lake. Although the tribes won in the Supreme Court, it appears that new attempts will be made by new companies in the near future. I hope that those projects can go forward without disturbing the sanctity and spirituality of the lake.
It goes without saying that, due to the fairly recent presence of active volcano activity in this geological venue, there is much geothermal exploration under way or about to be under way. Besides reducing the costs of electrical generation, one of the tremendous attributes of geothermal is the availability of a ready source of hot water into which you can toss the politicians.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
ADVICE TO VOTERS
I have here an epistle from the California Rifle and Pistol Association, of which I am a member. Not only does it, like the National Rifle Association, promote gun training and safety, but it also looks after the political interests of its members. So, naturally, they sent along their recommendations as to who to vote for in the coming election who will best serve the needs and desires of association members.
To be fair about it, the association sent each candidate a questionnaire to ask them about their various views regarding various things of importance to members. Here’s where it gets interesting. By my count, 221 questionnaires were sent to state-wide candidates, assembly and senate candidates and county sheriff candidates. Of those, 136 failed to respond. The nitty, gritty final result is that 62% of the candidates do not want you, the voter, to know how they stand on gun rights issues. I could break this down among political parties, but it appears to me that both major parties are equally responsible for not letting us know how they think.
It’s this lack of candor that has allowed politicians to historically give we, the people, the “snow job.” When election time comes, they shuck and duck the real issues and sling mud at each other instead.
We, however, urgently need to stand up and let the whole country know where we stand on issues that are important to us. We cannot shuck and duck our responsibilities; that path has gotten us into bigtime trouble. All of us need to vote in this election. Those politicians who shuck and duck need to be removed.
To be fair about it, the association sent each candidate a questionnaire to ask them about their various views regarding various things of importance to members. Here’s where it gets interesting. By my count, 221 questionnaires were sent to state-wide candidates, assembly and senate candidates and county sheriff candidates. Of those, 136 failed to respond. The nitty, gritty final result is that 62% of the candidates do not want you, the voter, to know how they stand on gun rights issues. I could break this down among political parties, but it appears to me that both major parties are equally responsible for not letting us know how they think.
It’s this lack of candor that has allowed politicians to historically give we, the people, the “snow job.” When election time comes, they shuck and duck the real issues and sling mud at each other instead.
We, however, urgently need to stand up and let the whole country know where we stand on issues that are important to us. We cannot shuck and duck our responsibilities; that path has gotten us into bigtime trouble. All of us need to vote in this election. Those politicians who shuck and duck need to be removed.
Monday, October 18, 2010
CONFUSED ABOUT OUR POLITICS?
Election day is just around the corner and the question I still hear most often is: "I am so confused about what is going on, I just don't know who, or what to believe." This is usually followed by "And, I don't know who to vote for."
Maybe you feel that you have some infliction, some malady that has caused your brain to malfunction. What you need to know is that what you are feeling is healthy for you.
The country has gone far too long in a vacuum of thoughtful investigation into what is going on around us. Women in this country got "dumbed down" with the thought that is was the man's job to deal with these issues. Then, men got "dumbed down" with the thought that it was the politician's job to deal with these issues; after all, isn't that why we elect them? Yes, I well remember many conversations about things going on in Washington where the other guy shrugged his shoulders and copped the plea by saying, "That's what we pay them for, to handle our government for us."
Well, look where that line of thinking has gotten us. And, we all got so very complacent about the things that really should be of major concern; after all, folks, it is OUR government. That's why I think it is a healthy sign that people are asking questions and getting involved.
What we do know is that we are not satisfied with the way things are and things got to be this way because we allowed the politicians, Democrat and Republican alike, to run things for us. The fact is that WE should e running THEM. As I have said many times in my blogs, they have now adopted their power over us into a culture of thinking that we cannot function without them. Before we can change things, we have to get rid of that culture. So, solution number one is to get rid of the incumbents. Right now, solution number two is to handcuff the President and the way to do that is to vote Republican and get rid of his power and support in the Congress.
Those two steps will stop what has been going on in our country from getting worse. We can then work together to address the systemic problems that have been allowed to flourish during our "dumbed down" periods. Those problems infest both political parties, and there is a danger that the Republicans will take their election as a mandate to go back to their same old ways. That is why step three is so very important: we need to take positive steps to restore the power to the people and to the states.
The plain simple matter is that we can no longer tolerate the situation where Congress and the President can ignore the will of 70% of the people and pass legislation that has not been read. The first two steps above will stop them in their tracks and we can then begin to hold their feet to the fire and to demand that we, the people, be listened to and that their smoke and mirrors be dismantled.
Maybe you feel that you have some infliction, some malady that has caused your brain to malfunction. What you need to know is that what you are feeling is healthy for you.
The country has gone far too long in a vacuum of thoughtful investigation into what is going on around us. Women in this country got "dumbed down" with the thought that is was the man's job to deal with these issues. Then, men got "dumbed down" with the thought that it was the politician's job to deal with these issues; after all, isn't that why we elect them? Yes, I well remember many conversations about things going on in Washington where the other guy shrugged his shoulders and copped the plea by saying, "That's what we pay them for, to handle our government for us."
Well, look where that line of thinking has gotten us. And, we all got so very complacent about the things that really should be of major concern; after all, folks, it is OUR government. That's why I think it is a healthy sign that people are asking questions and getting involved.
What we do know is that we are not satisfied with the way things are and things got to be this way because we allowed the politicians, Democrat and Republican alike, to run things for us. The fact is that WE should e running THEM. As I have said many times in my blogs, they have now adopted their power over us into a culture of thinking that we cannot function without them. Before we can change things, we have to get rid of that culture. So, solution number one is to get rid of the incumbents. Right now, solution number two is to handcuff the President and the way to do that is to vote Republican and get rid of his power and support in the Congress.
Those two steps will stop what has been going on in our country from getting worse. We can then work together to address the systemic problems that have been allowed to flourish during our "dumbed down" periods. Those problems infest both political parties, and there is a danger that the Republicans will take their election as a mandate to go back to their same old ways. That is why step three is so very important: we need to take positive steps to restore the power to the people and to the states.
The plain simple matter is that we can no longer tolerate the situation where Congress and the President can ignore the will of 70% of the people and pass legislation that has not been read. The first two steps above will stop them in their tracks and we can then begin to hold their feet to the fire and to demand that we, the people, be listened to and that their smoke and mirrors be dismantled.
Friday, October 15, 2010
WASHINGTON STILL DOESN'T GET IT
You would think they would have learned by now, but they haven't.
Here we are, just two weeks before election, and they announce that Social Security recipients will not see an annual increase in payouts for the second year in a row. That's great news. It goes along so well with the notice that my supplemental insurance bills are going up by 23% and my coverage is going down. The news goes along so well with the fact that they did not have the guts to deal with the Bush Tax Cuts, which means we will all see those cuts go away and our taxes go up in 2011.
Yes, this is such great news. But, they are quick to say,"We'll try to get the old folks another $250 bonus." And, yes, they are already planning billions of dollars in more, new spending. Maybe one of their nice little studies will finally be able to figure out the sex lives of amoebas.
To my great pals in Washington: Take your bonus and stick it where the sun doesn't shine, and don't expect my vote for you in November.
Here we are, just two weeks before election, and they announce that Social Security recipients will not see an annual increase in payouts for the second year in a row. That's great news. It goes along so well with the notice that my supplemental insurance bills are going up by 23% and my coverage is going down. The news goes along so well with the fact that they did not have the guts to deal with the Bush Tax Cuts, which means we will all see those cuts go away and our taxes go up in 2011.
Yes, this is such great news. But, they are quick to say,"We'll try to get the old folks another $250 bonus." And, yes, they are already planning billions of dollars in more, new spending. Maybe one of their nice little studies will finally be able to figure out the sex lives of amoebas.
To my great pals in Washington: Take your bonus and stick it where the sun doesn't shine, and don't expect my vote for you in November.
Monday, October 11, 2010
HARRY REID COULD BANKRUPT NEVADA
We all are aware of the fact that Nevada is hurting. Several gambling joints have closed their doors and some more are on the verge. Why?
Well, Obama's remarks that people should not be spending their money in Las Vegas had a lot to do with it. The economy is hurting as well. But, I submit that the most significant reason that Americans are not traveling to Vegas and Reno is that Nevada is home to Harry Reid.
If they happen to reelect him, I'd never gamble in Nevada again and all of their casinos could dry up and blow away, as far as I am concerned.
Well, Obama's remarks that people should not be spending their money in Las Vegas had a lot to do with it. The economy is hurting as well. But, I submit that the most significant reason that Americans are not traveling to Vegas and Reno is that Nevada is home to Harry Reid.
If they happen to reelect him, I'd never gamble in Nevada again and all of their casinos could dry up and blow away, as far as I am concerned.
Friday, October 8, 2010
WHITMAN’S A WHORE?
Jerry Brown called Meg Whitman a whore. But, as much as I intensely dislike Jerry Brown, he may very well have a point.
The word is that Meg has cut at least one deal with at least one union to ensure that their pension funds will not be touched when she has to take out the butcher knife and do surgery on California’s budget and spending habits. And, the allegation is that the deal(s) were cut in order to gain political support for the November elections.
If that’s true, Whitman IS a whore. It’s exactly that kind of political crapola that has this nation so upset with government in general.
Jerry Brown is no peach. The possibility that Whitman is a whore does not raise his esteem in my eyes one bit. The whole thing just goes to prove my contention that we need to take control of our governments, local, state and national, and we need to put an end to this style of leadership once and for all.
Are we here again, mired in a never ending conundrum of having to chose between the lesser of two evils instead of having the opportunity to choose between the best of two good candidates?
The word is that Meg has cut at least one deal with at least one union to ensure that their pension funds will not be touched when she has to take out the butcher knife and do surgery on California’s budget and spending habits. And, the allegation is that the deal(s) were cut in order to gain political support for the November elections.
If that’s true, Whitman IS a whore. It’s exactly that kind of political crapola that has this nation so upset with government in general.
Jerry Brown is no peach. The possibility that Whitman is a whore does not raise his esteem in my eyes one bit. The whole thing just goes to prove my contention that we need to take control of our governments, local, state and national, and we need to put an end to this style of leadership once and for all.
Are we here again, mired in a never ending conundrum of having to chose between the lesser of two evils instead of having the opportunity to choose between the best of two good candidates?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
WHY NOT LEGALIZE POT, AMONG OTHER THINGS?
All of us in California would certainly agree that, if you’re going to smoke pot, you’re going to do it whether it’s legal or not. When you criminalize it, nothing changes except that the smugglers make more money and you have to hire more cops. Just by legalizing marijuana, we might be able to lay off 40% or 50% of our cops and balance the state budget. It would certainly put a big dent in the need for drug wars, wouldn’t it?
Okay, maybe it would NOT stop drug wars, but if we legalized pot, coke, heroin and meth, that would certainly put an end to drug wars once and for all and we might even be able to open the borders a littler wider. It should be obvious to anyone and everyone that we have really painted a tough picture for ourselves by outlawing certain things, like drugs. We all know that, back in the old days when drugs were legal there was no crime and it only took one sheriff to run a town because everyone was on a trip.
There’s a certain excitement the bad guys get… a unique high… when they manage to successfully smuggle 10 tons of pot, 100 grams of coke and a few ounces of heroin into the country. The guys who break into empty houses, manufacture a huge kettle of meth and peddle their wares on the street in front of the police station really, really get a high. We could end all of that just by turning back the clock and legalizing all drugs.
For that matter, why is it illegal to buy some drugs in the United States when it’s legal in Mexico or Canada? Why do I have to pay such high prices for legal drugs in the U.S. that have to be prescribed for me to get them, when I can get them over the counter in Canada? Isn’t it time we dropped the charade and simply legalized everything?
Stop and think about it. Our prisons are full of people who are there only because we decided to make something illegal. What a waste of space and money. I truly think that it should be okay to shoot your neighbor dead if he allows his dog to piss on your lawn. The idiot who decided that I should go to jail for manslaughter in such a case simply made us pay through the nose for cops, judges and jails.
Legalize marijuana and loosen up the state. Let’s get rid of all of this unnecessary stress in our lives by getting rid of the damned laws.
Okay, maybe it would NOT stop drug wars, but if we legalized pot, coke, heroin and meth, that would certainly put an end to drug wars once and for all and we might even be able to open the borders a littler wider. It should be obvious to anyone and everyone that we have really painted a tough picture for ourselves by outlawing certain things, like drugs. We all know that, back in the old days when drugs were legal there was no crime and it only took one sheriff to run a town because everyone was on a trip.
There’s a certain excitement the bad guys get… a unique high… when they manage to successfully smuggle 10 tons of pot, 100 grams of coke and a few ounces of heroin into the country. The guys who break into empty houses, manufacture a huge kettle of meth and peddle their wares on the street in front of the police station really, really get a high. We could end all of that just by turning back the clock and legalizing all drugs.
For that matter, why is it illegal to buy some drugs in the United States when it’s legal in Mexico or Canada? Why do I have to pay such high prices for legal drugs in the U.S. that have to be prescribed for me to get them, when I can get them over the counter in Canada? Isn’t it time we dropped the charade and simply legalized everything?
Stop and think about it. Our prisons are full of people who are there only because we decided to make something illegal. What a waste of space and money. I truly think that it should be okay to shoot your neighbor dead if he allows his dog to piss on your lawn. The idiot who decided that I should go to jail for manslaughter in such a case simply made us pay through the nose for cops, judges and jails.
Legalize marijuana and loosen up the state. Let’s get rid of all of this unnecessary stress in our lives by getting rid of the damned laws.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
ONE OF OUR DUTIES
A reader forwarded the following information which is interesting. I pretty much suspected the content, but most people don't know how our Presidents stand on any issue, let alone the environment. Not that I'm an environmental wacko, by any means, but I am well aware of the fact that we, as individuals and businesses can and should do more simple things on a regular basis to protect and preserve our environment for our children and grand children.
The environment is a lot like our government; if you don't take care of it, it soon becomes polluted.
"I thought perhaps you'd be interested in sharing this article with your readers? After having followed your blog for a while, I feel that this one article would align well with your blog's subject matter. If interested, here's the link for your convenience:
http://www.environmentalsciencedegrees.net/blog/2010/presidents-with-the-best-and-worst-environmental-records/
"Either way, I hope you continue putting out great content through your blog. It has been a sincere pleasure to read. Thanks for your time!"
And, thank you, Ron!
The environment is a lot like our government; if you don't take care of it, it soon becomes polluted.
"I thought perhaps you'd be interested in sharing this article with your readers? After having followed your blog for a while, I feel that this one article would align well with your blog's subject matter. If interested, here's the link for your convenience:
http://www.environmentalsciencedegrees.net/blog/2010/presidents-with-the-best-and-worst-environmental-records/
"Either way, I hope you continue putting out great content through your blog. It has been a sincere pleasure to read. Thanks for your time!"
And, thank you, Ron!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
THE GEOTHERMAL SPRINGS OF AMERICA IS HOT, HOT, HOT
I've done a whole lot of different things in my lifetime and, most recently, I've become General Manager of a start-up company in the geothermal energy production business. As such, and also because of my travels, I've become aware of a parallel between us and nature.
Now, right away I suppose I'm going to be confronted in that statement by someone who doesn't understand the picture of modern day life and who will insist that we mortal beings are, in fact, a part of nature. I want to lay that argument promptly aside. There was a time in our evolution when we were a apart of nature, I will agree. But, nature has a certain order about it; in more recent years, it seems tome that we have lost our "order." Stick that in your navel and contemplate on it for a tad.
All you have to do is take a look at what is going in in Washington these days and you will have no choice but to agree with me.
Now then, there is a lot of geothermal energy around the world; we all know that. Most of us have seen the hot springs of murky water steaming up along roadsides here and there. For many years, we just thought it was hot, murky water, but we now know and understand that its heat comes from hot energy generated deep within our earth's core. Normally, that energy is contained below the surface, but it does erupt into volcanoes now and then. That same volcanic heat boils the water that we see in geysers at Yellowstone and in other places and also heats the murky water we spot in artesian springs. Once in a while, the energy shifts a bit and another volcano kicks off or water in the springs becomes super-heated.
What we see around the country right now is that our citizens have become super- heated. They're sick and tired of what's been going on in Washington and they are bound and determined to do something about it. In the past, like geothermal springs, people have cooled back down and things have gotten back to normal; not this time. Those who consider themselves to be in charge of how we live our lives are awakening to the fact that we are independent souls and we want to be in charge of our own lives; we don't need someone in Washington to tell us what to eat or when to go to bed, and we're most certainly getting sick and tired of paying people who think they have the right to do so.
The cauldron is brewing. Expect an eruption on November 2nd.
Now, right away I suppose I'm going to be confronted in that statement by someone who doesn't understand the picture of modern day life and who will insist that we mortal beings are, in fact, a part of nature. I want to lay that argument promptly aside. There was a time in our evolution when we were a apart of nature, I will agree. But, nature has a certain order about it; in more recent years, it seems tome that we have lost our "order." Stick that in your navel and contemplate on it for a tad.
All you have to do is take a look at what is going in in Washington these days and you will have no choice but to agree with me.
Now then, there is a lot of geothermal energy around the world; we all know that. Most of us have seen the hot springs of murky water steaming up along roadsides here and there. For many years, we just thought it was hot, murky water, but we now know and understand that its heat comes from hot energy generated deep within our earth's core. Normally, that energy is contained below the surface, but it does erupt into volcanoes now and then. That same volcanic heat boils the water that we see in geysers at Yellowstone and in other places and also heats the murky water we spot in artesian springs. Once in a while, the energy shifts a bit and another volcano kicks off or water in the springs becomes super-heated.
What we see around the country right now is that our citizens have become super- heated. They're sick and tired of what's been going on in Washington and they are bound and determined to do something about it. In the past, like geothermal springs, people have cooled back down and things have gotten back to normal; not this time. Those who consider themselves to be in charge of how we live our lives are awakening to the fact that we are independent souls and we want to be in charge of our own lives; we don't need someone in Washington to tell us what to eat or when to go to bed, and we're most certainly getting sick and tired of paying people who think they have the right to do so.
The cauldron is brewing. Expect an eruption on November 2nd.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
FLY THE FLAG; FLY IT UPSIDE DOWN
I recognize that there are some people out there who question the lucidity of the Burney Mountain Hermit. Over the years, I've come to determine that they are, by and large, liberal Democrats who think that those of us who want good government are less than human beings. These guys are going to have their heyday when I make my next statement; they'll think I've gone totally around the bend.
Back after 9/11, we Americans showed our patriotism and love for our country by displaying the American flag. It was in front of every business and most houses, as well as decorating cars, buses, bridges...our flag was everywhere. Slowly, over the years, it has disappeared. Now, I know that people didn't just throw their flags in the ash can. They still have them. That leads me to this pronouncement.
Every American who has a flag should fly it from now until the day after election day and they should fly it upside down.
Huh?
The upside down U.S. flag is an official signal of distress. It is not meant to be, and is not officially recognized as any type of disrespect when so displayed for the right reasons. To the contrary, here is the relevant part of the US Code of Laws regarding how to fly the flag when in distress:
THE FLAG CODE
Title 36, U.S.C., Chapter 10
As amended by P.L. 344, 94th Congress
Approved July 7, 1976 You and I both know that this country is in great distress. The only way we can resolve our distress is to vote our positions on November 2nd. Flying the flag upside down will remind people of what our government has done to us and will encourage us to show up at the polls on November 2nd to do something about it.
Back after 9/11, we Americans showed our patriotism and love for our country by displaying the American flag. It was in front of every business and most houses, as well as decorating cars, buses, bridges...our flag was everywhere. Slowly, over the years, it has disappeared. Now, I know that people didn't just throw their flags in the ash can. They still have them. That leads me to this pronouncement.
Every American who has a flag should fly it from now until the day after election day and they should fly it upside down.
Huh?
The upside down U.S. flag is an official signal of distress. It is not meant to be, and is not officially recognized as any type of disrespect when so displayed for the right reasons. To the contrary, here is the relevant part of the US Code of Laws regarding how to fly the flag when in distress:
Title 36, U.S.C., Chapter 10
As amended by P.L. 344, 94th Congress
Approved July 7, 1976
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
FDA TO REMOVE COUGH MEDICINES WITHOUT PRESCIPTION?
When I heard that, I emailed them the following:
"Why do you insist on punishing the masses for the sins of a few? Taking OTC cough medicines off the shelf and making them by prescription only because 1% of the users abuse them is an example of misguided thinking. If that's what you believe, take ALL OTC medicines off the shelf because someone, somewhere, will abuse them. Bye-bye aspirin."
To which they imperiously replied:
"Thank you for writing the Division of Drug Information, in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
"The FDA appreciates the time you have taken to submit your comments. Please be assured that they have been noted.
"This communication is consistent with 21CFR10.85(k) and constitutes an informal communication that represents our best judgment at this time but does not constitute an advisory opinion, does not necessarily represent the formal position of the FDA, and does not bind or otherwise obligate or commit the agency to the views expressed"
Gosh, gee whillikers. Doesn't that just warm the cockles of your heart?
"Why do you insist on punishing the masses for the sins of a few? Taking OTC cough medicines off the shelf and making them by prescription only because 1% of the users abuse them is an example of misguided thinking. If that's what you believe, take ALL OTC medicines off the shelf because someone, somewhere, will abuse them. Bye-bye aspirin."
To which they imperiously replied:
"Thank you for writing the Division of Drug Information, in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research.
"The FDA appreciates the time you have taken to submit your comments. Please be assured that they have been noted.
"This communication is consistent with 21CFR10.85(k) and constitutes an informal communication that represents our best judgment at this time but does not constitute an advisory opinion, does not necessarily represent the formal position of the FDA, and does not bind or otherwise obligate or commit the agency to the views expressed"
Gosh, gee whillikers. Doesn't that just warm the cockles of your heart?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
PATRIOTIC WEEKEND
Tomorrow morning, (Sunday), is the regular monthly breakfast in Burney put on by the American Legion. It is from 9:30 AM till 11:30 AM at the VFW Hall and includes a full breakfast for just $4.00. Food costs are generally donated by a local business or a Post member and the profits are used for youth activities which the Post sponsors during the year.
I mention this because this is the weekend anniversary of 9/11, that infamous day when Americans were shocked into the reality that we are not invincible against attack on our own soil. Over the course of over two hundred years, we had become somewhat complacent in the belief that no one would ever dare to do such a thing to us.
In the hours, days and weeks following 9/11, we depended on our servicemen and servicewomen to come to our aid, to re-secure our nation and to chase down the enemy. Like millions of Americans had done before. these young men and women stepped right up to the task at hand. While too many have lost their lives in the pursuit of the goal, tens of thousands have come home safely and many of those have joined worthwhile organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW.
We shall forever be grateful for those who risk their lives to keep our country strong and free.
See you for breakfast.
The Hermit
I mention this because this is the weekend anniversary of 9/11, that infamous day when Americans were shocked into the reality that we are not invincible against attack on our own soil. Over the course of over two hundred years, we had become somewhat complacent in the belief that no one would ever dare to do such a thing to us.
In the hours, days and weeks following 9/11, we depended on our servicemen and servicewomen to come to our aid, to re-secure our nation and to chase down the enemy. Like millions of Americans had done before. these young men and women stepped right up to the task at hand. While too many have lost their lives in the pursuit of the goal, tens of thousands have come home safely and many of those have joined worthwhile organizations such as the American Legion and the VFW.
We shall forever be grateful for those who risk their lives to keep our country strong and free.
See you for breakfast.
The Hermit
Sunday, September 5, 2010
POINTS TO PONDER
Have you ever considered that, if you were in an automobile traveling at the speed of light, there is not a cop in the country who could catch you except, of course, in Bend, Oregon?
Did you know that more than 68% of the people drawing Social Security benefits are American citizens?
Has it ever occurred to you that a politician can change his opinion on any given subject in the same sentence; really skilled ones can change their positions several times in just one word?
Have you ever wondered what a famous politician would be doing alone in a hotel room with a masseuse at 2:00 AM?
If 2 million or more gallons of oil can leak from a well in the ocean for 100 or more days, how can you make it disappear overnight? Haven’t you ever heard of Houdini, the President?
You know why Hurricane Earl skipped Washington, D.C.? Blowhards don’t like to be seen with blowhards.
Since you may have to make the choice, would you prefer a Mosque at the site of the World Trade Center or the holding of the trial of Khalid Sheik Mohamed there?
If the Muslims want to take over this country, all they have to do is close all of the gas stations and convenience stores.
Once you get everybody onto unemployment, the numbers of people signing up for unemployment will decrease.
Don’t you wonder how you can tie your shoes or send text messages without the benevolent help of Nancy and Harry?
Those are important questions which arise when you live on a mountain.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
CHANGE ON THE MOUNTAIN
One always supposes that life as it is today will always go on forever. One is never geared for change and change usually comes when you least expect it. Such is the case on the Burney Mountain.
I had settled into a routine that I could see lasting for many years when, out of the blue, things changed. I've been shanghaied back into a full-time commitment which wile likely last for several years. I'm taking over as General Manager for a geothermal energy development company that is on the verge of taking off and running.
I'm excited, of course, to have the opportunity to participate in a venture that is environmentally friends and that will help to decrease America's reliance on fossil fuels. But, I have less time to devote to blogging and other things I have come to enjoy. With five blogs, I had to make a cut somewhere and this, a daily blog, seems to be the most effective spot from the standpoint of time.
In the future, I will post here from time to time, but not on a regular basis. Of course, I will regretfully have to drop the response to reader's questions and to change the format.
The important thing that absolutely must be considered by all readers is that we, the people, have to keep our eyes and ears open and we have to pledge to make changes in Washington with our votes in Washington. We have to continue to question everything that we hear and to dig for the truth, because there are few in Washington right now who have the courage to tell it to us. They are all going in their own direction, a direction which we have come to learn is leading this country over the cliff.
My sincere wish is that we will rout them all out in November and send a loud and clear message that we we're sick and tired of their cavalier attitude toward us, their employers, and that we are not going to put up with "business as usual" any longer.
Be well.
The Hermit
I had settled into a routine that I could see lasting for many years when, out of the blue, things changed. I've been shanghaied back into a full-time commitment which wile likely last for several years. I'm taking over as General Manager for a geothermal energy development company that is on the verge of taking off and running.
I'm excited, of course, to have the opportunity to participate in a venture that is environmentally friends and that will help to decrease America's reliance on fossil fuels. But, I have less time to devote to blogging and other things I have come to enjoy. With five blogs, I had to make a cut somewhere and this, a daily blog, seems to be the most effective spot from the standpoint of time.
In the future, I will post here from time to time, but not on a regular basis. Of course, I will regretfully have to drop the response to reader's questions and to change the format.
The important thing that absolutely must be considered by all readers is that we, the people, have to keep our eyes and ears open and we have to pledge to make changes in Washington with our votes in Washington. We have to continue to question everything that we hear and to dig for the truth, because there are few in Washington right now who have the courage to tell it to us. They are all going in their own direction, a direction which we have come to learn is leading this country over the cliff.
My sincere wish is that we will rout them all out in November and send a loud and clear message that we we're sick and tired of their cavalier attitude toward us, their employers, and that we are not going to put up with "business as usual" any longer.
Be well.
The Hermit
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
MORE DREADFUL ECONOMIC NEWS
Tuesday, the government announced that the sales of existing (used) housing fell to its lowest point in recorded history, sometime in the early 1990’s. Yesterday, news came that new housing sales are at their lowest in recorded history going back to 1963. More bad news is expected when the latest unemployment figures are released.
A. Well, I’m saddened, but it’s really none of my business.
Q. Will Huckabee run for President again? (Anthony ~ Trinity, CA)
A. If you’re asking for my best guess, yes. My initial concern is what is going to happen in November.
Q. Do you really think Iran will invade Iraq? (Wally ~ Redding, CA)
A. They’re just waiting for us to get all of the way out. In the meanwhile, they announced yesterday that they are prepared to start selling weapons to Lebanon. Obviously, they are gearing up for something to do with their nuclear plants and military hardware, and I don’t think they’ll be heading to a Mexican restaurant, either.
COMMENTS:
I just heard Sean Hannity ask on national T.V., “How many more jobs must be lost before this President wakes up?” I’ve got news for you, Sean: This President IS awake. Given that scenario, what must you conclude about his actions? That they are deliberate? Or, do you think that those of us who grumble and shout about the things he does are lunatics? TODAY’S QUERIES & ANSWERS:
Q. What do you think of Tiger Woods and his imminent divorce? (Juanita ~ Milwaukee, WI)A. Well, I’m saddened, but it’s really none of my business.
Q. Will Huckabee run for President again? (Anthony ~ Trinity, CA)
A. If you’re asking for my best guess, yes. My initial concern is what is going to happen in November.
Q. Do you really think Iran will invade Iraq? (Wally ~ Redding, CA)
A. They’re just waiting for us to get all of the way out. In the meanwhile, they announced yesterday that they are prepared to start selling weapons to Lebanon. Obviously, they are gearing up for something to do with their nuclear plants and military hardware, and I don’t think they’ll be heading to a Mexican restaurant, either.
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“The people themselves, and not their servants, can safely reverse their own deliberate decisions.” ~ Abraham LincolnTODAY’S VIDEO:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3OVRZVOWNA&feature=ytn%3Amptnews
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
HOME SALES: LOWEST IN HISTORY!
Sales of used homes plummeted 27.2% in July to its lowest level since they started keeping track over a decade ago. Fewer housing purchases translates to fewer purchases of housing-related consumer products and means that consumers might spend less overall, even if their income rises. The report is a strong indicator that the economy is again faltering and the fact that sales have reach a historical low, coupled with other recent downward trends in other sectors of the economy is ominous.
A. Maybe they’ll make it easier to contact their customer service department with complaints about their lousy tech support?
Q. I get so much email in the form of advertisements and other garbage that it takes me all day to read my email! How can I stop this? (Raven ~ Compton, CA)
A. You need a minimum of four email addresses: (1) one for merchants that you normal like to do business with, (2) for businesses and others you never really want to do business with again, but that demand an email address when you are ordering something, (3) for personal family and very close friends, and (4) for all others. I have nine email addresses. Every once in a while I’ll quit using one until the spam dies down. One merchant was obnoxious and simply refused to remove my email address; I finally changed it to barack@whitehouse.gov and I’ve never heard from him since.
Q. Why no news about that Sherrod woman who worked for the U.S.D.A. and got forced to resign? (Ilene ~ Blythe, CA)
A. You’re timing is good. She was just offered a new position at the U.S.D.A. and turned it down. It’s ironic, but I guess she’s become one of those people Reid says are getting unemployment and just simply don’t want to work anymore.
COMMENTS:
Hold on to your girdles and jockstraps; things are about to get even tougher than they were last year. This is not the time to be buying anything that you do not absolutely require. TODAY’S QUERIES & ANSWERS:
Q. I hear Dell is getting into the phone cellphone business? (Alvin ~ Mound House, NV)A. Maybe they’ll make it easier to contact their customer service department with complaints about their lousy tech support?
Q. I get so much email in the form of advertisements and other garbage that it takes me all day to read my email! How can I stop this? (Raven ~ Compton, CA)
A. You need a minimum of four email addresses: (1) one for merchants that you normal like to do business with, (2) for businesses and others you never really want to do business with again, but that demand an email address when you are ordering something, (3) for personal family and very close friends, and (4) for all others. I have nine email addresses. Every once in a while I’ll quit using one until the spam dies down. One merchant was obnoxious and simply refused to remove my email address; I finally changed it to barack@whitehouse.gov and I’ve never heard from him since.
Q. Why no news about that Sherrod woman who worked for the U.S.D.A. and got forced to resign? (Ilene ~ Blythe, CA)
A. You’re timing is good. She was just offered a new position at the U.S.D.A. and turned it down. It’s ironic, but I guess she’s become one of those people Reid says are getting unemployment and just simply don’t want to work anymore.
TODAY’S QUOTE:
"I've had many, many requests from around the country from people who want to hear from me. "I'd like to hear from them, because I'd like to know about efforts that are being made in communities that are dealing with racism and discrimination, and I'd really like to highlight them. ... That's what this country needs. We're a great country, and there are people who care. We're hearing too much from those who would want to point out the negative right now, and I really would like to concentrate on the positive." ~ Shirley SherrodTODAY’S VIDEO:
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
IRAN BUILDING ADVANCED TACTICAL WEAPONS
The word coming out of Iran is that it is developing a drone aircraft capable of delivering a nuclear warhead over significant distances.
COMMENTS:
What is notable in this revelation is that Iran is relying less and less on the technology of other countries as it builds its weapons program. In doing so, it becomes less susceptible to sanctions; who cares if they can’t get aircraft parts if they can manufacture their own? This is an ominous sign and does not bode well for the future. But then again, neither does the fact that this country chose to allow Iran to progress with its nuclear program.
TODAY’S QUERIES & ANSWERS:
Q. Isn’t it dangerous for Americans to be in Mexico right now? (Benjamin ~ Johnson Park, CA)
A. Yes, and it’s not just the water.
Q. The tenor has changed dramatically in recent weeks. Now I hear openly that certain factions within this country have joined those who claim that the United States bears significant responsibility in the 9/11 hijackings. Where do they come up with this stuff? (Carolyn ~ Salt Lake City, UT)
A. The fact that our government has frequently done dirty deeds over the decades lends some credence, on the face of it, to such speculation. One such fact is that very heavy steel beams in the towers were melted by the heat of burning jet fuel, which is essentially kerosene; such fuel does not burn at high temperatures. This has not been adequately explained away and conspiracy theorists have been coming out of the woodwork. The problem with this line of thinking is that it would put us in collusion with Osama and his pals to bring down the Trade Center, and I find that difficult to believe, even after being into the scotch.
Q. You keep saying the economy is going to tumble again, and it will be a disaster this time. Has your position changed? (Lance ~ Redding, CA)
A. No. I don't like being the harbinger of bad news, either. Don’t pay any attention to what the liars and manipulators in the White House are saying; learn about economic indicators.
TODAY’S QUOTE:
“Concentrated power is not rendered harmless by the good intentions of those who create it.” ~ Milton Friedman
TODAY’S VIDEO:
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