Brotherhood!

Brotherhood! It's not just a word. It is an age old term used by those who were put together as strangers and weeks later that stranger was often all that stood between them and death. They had to trust each other so they could fight together without fear of the other being there when shit got to it's worse, trusting without question, doubt, or hesitation. Soldiers who trained side by side to fight, endure, survive, and conquer together to achieve victory. Their loyalty was earned by their actions, commitment,loyalty, and honor to their Country, and fellow soldiers. They had to depend on each other minute by minute, unselfishly assuring that not only did the mission get accomplished, but every man walked away at the end. If they saw the need, they would lay down their life so the other would live. To each other there were no hero's, only Brothers. That dedication was carried on and off the battlefield. It lasts' a lifetime, not just a battle. And no, you didn't have to be on the same battlefield, or even the same war, because it was a respect and honor given to each his own by the others that knew the hell that was there, the terror and mayhem each had experienced. And should they fight together in the future they knew that the loyalty of Brotherhood assured them of a personal unsaid trust so they could fight together without the worry of who they could trust. That Brotherhood is a bond that few will ever break, and none will ever forget. You live to fight another day because you have Brothers to fight with you, and they know you are there for them as well. Every soldier and Veteran will tell you the importance of Brotherhood as well as the honor it holds to be a part of it. They will also remind you of how strong and enduring a Brotherhood is.

All that said, Brotherhood is also referred to when motorcycle riders commit to being true “BIKERS” !

(The debate of that term will be reserved for a different blog!) It should not be any surprise that they share the Brotherhood title. Most early Motorcycle Clubs in the 40's, 50's, and 60's were soldiers who didn't adjust well, had no family, and just sought recognition, and rode bikes. Common past started the trust, and in time you earned it or you were basically banished from the club. This Brotherhood is as strong for many of the same reasons as the Soldiers. Bikers who label themselves BIKER depend on that Brotherhood as a means of survival. This brotherhood, like the military, is a bond. You earn your way in and live the lifestyle. Honor and loyalty to each other is expected and often demanded. Break that code of Brotherhood and it will be banishment or more. The commitment is still the same as are the conditions. If a fellow biker is in need, you help without hesitation or question. And you can expect the same.

Now many are confused or at the least curious as to why all the need for the commitment, loyalty, honesty, etc. Well here is my opinion from experience. Both soldier and biker are often ridiculed, mis-judged, and treated like an outcast. The lives they live are by their own choosing, and are significantly alike, and those who choose to look down on them do not and probably will never understand what it means to these Soldiers and Bikers to be a part of this thing called a Brotherhood. It is their life, their pride, and their family. They will honor each other with the loyalty and respect deserved. And never take lightly the term, “I will lay down my life for my Brother!” Because they truly mean it if they are truly in the BROTHERHOOD!

Comments welcomed and urged! Please be respectful of others when making remarks to their comments. It is an open forum so ask or state what you wish! Thank you for reading and please share this link!

THE SYSTEM NEEDS AN OVERHAUL

OK,  for the few that have read my post (very few) over the years, I rant, offer suggestions and fixes, and ask for comments.  I actually get very few comments.  That of course may be a good thing.  Anyway, this post is a general post about common folk like myself who have worked hard all thier life and struggle now and then.  If any have managed to put away for retirement, or prepare for the later years, this will apply to you as well as those like myself who are "NOT" ready for whatever reason.  So please take time to read and comment.  I REALLY care about what others thing and actually appreciate another perspective.  Just be nice!  My granddaughters read this! (or at least they claim to lol)

I AM NOT READY FOR RETIREMENT FINANCIALLY ... ARE YOU?

I find myself at 55, and NOT where I wanted to be at this stage of my life.  I did have a plan but an accident derailed that, and I am also guilty of carelessly living in the NOW rather than putting back for the future.  After a few years of Physical Therapy, Doctors and a lot of determination.  I decided to get started with plan #2...  School, new job and retire at 65... that was in 2014.  DID IT!  MMI for Harleys.  Ended up a machinist afterward (Not a Harley mechanic) but smarter, and earned a good job  fair pay, good people, and benefits that were better than most. was there a year and a half. 
That is where My RANT has to take over.  I shall explain....

After over a year my back was giving me continuous problems, haunting me from past injuries, as well as hips, neck and shoulders.  Doctors care was a necessary so I could work. Boss was lenient and allowed me to take whatever time for appoints with notice.  There in begins the ultimate dilemma!  The plant boss, recognised the regularity of visits to doctor and inquired as to my "AILMENT"?  I  explained honestly.  1st mistake but I was honest.  He explained that after all is said and done, MY DOCTOR needed to sign a release stating that I was 100% medically and physically able to do all prescribed duties as per my job description as a machinist/mechanic.  Well, needless to say, she would NOT!  So I was presented with an ADA paper to sign and explained by both bosses that I was a liability and was being released until I had surgery  or healed, and was cleared to do "ALL" my duties. 

They have allowed Unemployment... it is under half and in Florida only lasts 13 weeks.  Now they say I have to be ABLE to work, and were sceptical enough to review my claim.  I explained I could accept a job provided I kept within a certain scope of work.  I did not tell them I wasn't going to put under doctors care on applications either. 

My rant is this  HOW THE HELL CAN I LIVE ON $275.00 a week.  My rent is $900!    I am making a disability claim, but God know when that may or may not come through.  Adding that if it does, In Florida, my SSDI would only be $1278.00 per month, and 2 years before medicaid kicks in.  How the hell do I live then?  AND I CAN WORK EVEN ODD JOBS LEGALLY!

The government I have served over the years (Veteran 8 years).... paid social security to for 42 years,.... as well as Taxes for 39 years, is leaving me to be homeless or at best in a bad living situation.  I do NOT, nor does ANYONE else deserve to be put/left in this position.  It is a damned shamed that there are not suitable monetary funds for Disabled, Elderly, etc. 

I have questions for those reading....PLEASE ANSWER/comment

1.  What can be done?
2.  New programs?
3.  How do we FINALLY get this LONG OVERDUE PROBLEM solved?
4.  Can we, this generation (50 to 70 YO) do ANYTHING?

PLEASE take time to answer some of these questions in a comment, and then SHARE with a friend or two.  I seriously want any input and promise I will get something or someone on it.  I WILL get  it looked at at least.

THANK YOU ALL WHO READ THIS!  Remember ... PLEASE SHARE THIS LINK!

TRUMP...So Far

Well....  It has been quite some time since I have written ANYTHING!  But with the rising controversy, constant political uprisings, and misrepresentations of the truth, I felt the need to at least express my 2 cents worth of truth.

First I want to state a few facts that I am basing my writings on.  Let me start with President Trumps accomplishments.

• He’s canceled TPP (The Trans-Pacific Partnership) that would have caused more jobs to go overseas.
• He met with Tech giants like Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook and Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos along with many others all at once to discuss the future with them. Obama never did that.
• He’s starting the wall along our border in March and appropriated funds for it.
• He’s appropriated funds and signed into law funds to build up our military and take care of our vets. Our military is now at pre ww11 levels thanks to the cuts made by Obama and Obama fired many officers.
• He’s started funds for the Keystone and Dakota pipeline and told them to buy only American steel for the pipeline.
• He’s putting together a health care law that will be fair to everyone including buying across state lines and health care savings accounts among other factors that will be cost effective for everyone. Remember Obama said if you like your plan and doctor you can keep them? Five million people lost their plan and doctor under Obamacare and plans and doctors are dropping out of it. Also releasing buyers from having limited choices by In-State only companies, which are limiting competitive pricing, and increasing Insurance companies profits
• He plans on lowering taxes by seven points for the middle class and lowering business taxes down to 15%. Hillary planned to raise taxes on small business up to 43% and raise the inheritance tax to 61%.  As well as structuring a new Tax Reform(Hate that phrase by the way!)
• The stock market has been rallying like never before for over 20 days now because Trump got in office.
• He’s convinced companies like Ford, Chrysler and Carrier Air Conditioners to manufacture and build plants over here and cease operations outside of US

These are just a few, as there are many we are NOT aware of.  He IS doing what he said, and doing a good job of it.  Also, I would like to remind people that through all of my searches, on Google and other search engines, I cannot find a single President who has dealt with the multitude of harassing (and my untrue) news articles.  

Also, if you recap the "Months" since Trump office;

• Four Hurricanes devastating Texas, Louisiana, Florida, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and more
• Las Vegas Shooting which claimed the lives of 59 and wounded 24

Still, President Trump has remained calm, handled "ALL" situations with Tact, Diplomacy and Compassion.  He has insured that what has needed to be done has been, and with efficiency and speed.

I will be writing more, and hope that those who read this take time to ask questions or make comments.  

We can fix this!

I hear the news the same as everyone else.  I know that Black Lives Matters and other groups which are being "GLORIFIED" by the media are pushing their point of view hoping for a little attention and picture opportunities.  First let me say that I defend everyone's right to speak what they feel, and they also have the right to stand their own ground to defend whatever cause they believe in.  Where BLM and others go wrong, is that they take their point of view, personal beliefs, and so called "Causes" into the faces of others in a public display of disorder.  THAT is not the way a real group represents a cause.  That is where I want to start my little piece of information and personal statement!

Are there racist people in the USA?  Yes, and as long as there are people there will be racist, bigots, hypocrites, and just plain ignorant assholes who think only they are right.  That said, I believe that only a fraction of the population really care about other races being around.  All in all we co-exist very well, and if the CAUSE people (who only make up less that 1/10000 of a percent of the race each represents) are counted, they are less than 5000 per cause.  For black lives matters, there are 47 Million Blacks that they supposedly represent.  That means that each BLM member represents about 9400 African Americans each.  Now I personally do not know 5,000 African Americans personally, though I do know a lot and have no problem with any of the ones I do know or associate with.  Using that word "Associate", I would like to point out that there have been some people in my life of all races, religions, and creeds that I choose not to "ASSOCIATE" with.  I recommend  every person do that!  It is okay to not like someone, and dis-associate yourself from them, it isn't racism, it is personal like or dislike.  My main point is, if you look at the numbers, there really are not a lot of racist out here, and those who are bringing it out, are just as racist as the ones they are pointing out!

That all being said, let's cut to the chase.  Each and every person needs to reach out and be a little kinder and a little more hospitable to others around the.  We all need to revert back to when we lived in a town and knew others around us.  Get to know the ones who live in your neighborhoods.  Get to know the parents of the kids that your kids hang out with.  If your son tells you about someone who  or any thing suspicious. help at school or on the street. take your child to that person and offer help.  Be vigilant around your city and assist the law by reporting drugs, dealers,  Spend a little time with your children that is technology free.  Also get involved in your child's tech life and monitor how they act.  Show them that it is good if you use it that way.  Also remind them that their future could lay in the words they print on social media.... Colleges and workplaces monitor all social media now and you ARE responsible for everything your child does.

You may or may not go to church....that is also a right afforded you by our Constitution.  Whatever your beliefs, spend time with your children and educate them or seek knowledge with them and get involved in community outreach or charity programs.  Get involved "WITH" them.

I will be writing more, but I want your input!  PLEASE reply and let me know what you think and what you suggest! Thank you for reading this and please share the link and spread this blog!

Platform Issues For Trump

Platform issues and answers which will get TRUMP the RIGHT voters to assure his winning the GOP candidacy and the overall election!

1. Trump needs the lower to middle class 18 to 26 year old vote. Guarantee them a paid for education using private sector money from fortune 500 companies. These companies assure the funds for a college education through a 3% contribution out of the GROSS company profits with tax advantages. WIN-WIN for the younger voters and the companies. Allow the companies to contractually bind the recipient to a 2 year contract for graduate degree students in agreement prior to getting the funding. Much like the ROTC who require an officer serve a minimum tour in one of the branches of the Armed Forces once the Cadet has completed their education. The Government should also reward students in Cyber Security and other related areas with guaranteed job placement in exchange for tuition compensation after a contractual letter of intent.
2. Trump needs the MEXICAN vote. He needs to assure that children of properly documented Mexican -Americans receive priority consideration for "NO INTEREST " loans and Federal Grants, as well as the same consideration for properly documented "ADULTS"! “REFER” all of those who doubt your statement of Mexicans being rapist, murderers, and drug dealers to statistics which show MS13, Mexican Organized Crime, and illegals which use those factions to enter the US ILLEGALLY ....The statistics show you are correct. One such fact is that 25% of the illegals captured are in the process of carrying 25 to 75 lb bundles of Marijuana. Another 15% of vehicles crossing check points are transporting either drugs, weapons, or cash going in “BOTH” directions. That is not counting the Rail cars, Planes, Cargo Ships, and Storage containers, which are used to transport larger quantities of Marijuana, Cocaine, Meth, etc..
3. The “WAR ON DRUGS” while it does not end with MS!#,Cartels, Etc., it does remain that the vast majority comes from our southern bordering countries and below. We know that the Mexican Government is somewhat corrupt, so, we need to take an offensive stance and assist the Mexican authorities by using whatever means possible and cleaning up the cartels, gangs, as well as the growers. Once cleaned up we assist the country in improving the economical growth of the country. Once that task is accomplished, the people will no longer have a reason to flee their country. They are only leaving because of the lack of wages, jobs, and education. That is why they are so desperate as to risk lives to get across the border.
4. WOMEN need to be a priority. Promise to make Federal job positions available on a priority listing for females with equal pay as male. The appointments for the positions will be guaranteed much like the "AFFIRMATIVE ACTION" for minorities. Also, find a few of your major corporations with female employees who are making equal pay as their male co-workers. If they are not, make it a point to "CHANGE IT" and publicly "THANK" Hilary for bringing this to your attention.
5. Assure "ALL" Americans that once elected you will appoint a special committee which will screen licenced weapons dealers making sure that they are not in any way connected to the selling of firearms to felons or "ANYONE" who uses their purchases for illegal activities. Screening can actually detect arms dealers who neglect to use moral and ethical practices in order to profit by selling to gangs, organized crime,terrorist, or racially motivated killers.
6. Propose to set up a committee of religious leaders,scholars, and citizens of high moral fiber, and of all different races and religions, which will work with appointed state leaders, Senators,Governors etc., to come up with answers to resolve the nations community, and business problems such as poverty, homelessness,racial division, etc..
7. Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability (SSD) Recipients, and applicants need to be addressed by making sure that they are getting enough money to actually "LIVE" without being in poverty from the start. Pointing out that an SSI recipient only makes $734 per month and The average SSD recipient is making less than $1400.00. "NO ONE" can live on that small amount. There should be an “IMMEDIATE” increase to assure that a Proper standard of living can be reached. There should also be cost of living raises guaranteed of at least 2.5% per year minimum. Also, anyone receiving standard disability should also be guaranteed a matching amount to assure their standard of living. The Government has a responsibility to “ALL” citizens. Also, the approval process should also be shortened. A large percentage of Disability applicants loos all they have saved and worked for while waiting for Social Security Officials and Judges put them off. Many waiting as long as 5 years without income and loosing their homes, cars, etc., and often being left homeless. The process should be cut to a maximum of 6 months for the first answer and no more than a year total for appeal answer.
8. MENTAL HEALTH should be addressed by Doctors having to submit names of "ANYONE" deemed dangerous to society if they possess a firearm. These people should be placed on a check list and further scrutinized should they apply for a weapons permit. Also assuring “PROPER” treatment to these individuals.
9. “GUN CONTROL” should actually be simplified to make it more effective. Instead of starting the background checks at the purchase with the Federal Govt., It should start with purchasers local Sherrif Dept. Example; I want to purchase a firearm. I take my ID to my County Sheriffs office and apply for a permit to own a weapon. At that time, I am registered to take a class given once a week by that Sheriffs Dept.. While I am waiting for the class, the Sheriffs Dept is starting the Background Check by them and the local State Patrol. Once I have completed a Firearms Safety Class and Concealed weapons class (optional), I take the documentation of class completion to the State Patrol. They in turn submit my application, documentation of proof I completed the classes, proper ID, and Mental health check documentation to the Federal branch. At this time I will be instructed to come back in 48 hours for my permit. I will then possess a permit which will allow me to take my ID, and Registered permit to any registered dealer or private individual, and purchase a weapon. The permit number will then be registered to the purchased firearm and recorded in a Federal Database of firearm owners. This permit should be issued on a 3 year basis and allow the permit holder to purchase up to 4 weapons without re-applying for a special permit for an expanded amount of firearms.
10. ANYONE with any  continuous Social media contact, Phone contact, or other regular communications, should be "RED FLAGGED" and thoroughly screened before any weapons permits are issued. ANY religion or race is suspect within the confines of these communications.

#AmericanIgnorance

American Ignorance to me is the continual ability of certain citizens of America taking a situation and twisting its circumstances to meet their agendas.  This ignorance is not particular to any race, religion, nationality,creed, nor sexual preference.....anyone is susceptible to jumping onto the bandwagon, for lack of a better way of putting it.  One of the many unfortunate things about this American ignorance is that with social media and electronic media being as powerful and "AT HAND"  as it is, way too many people are sucked in too quickly and rage along with carelessness are fueled and people start getting hurt, both physically and emotionally, minds get set without proper evidence of proof, character assassinations begin blindly, and "OUR" justice system from the Constitution of these United States is automatically blemished for "ALL PARTIES INVOLVED"

Lets break this down a little bit.  Officer gets a call about a crime being committed, arrives and see man running from address given on radio fitting description of suspect.  Officer gets out of car and runs behind suspect and yells "Stop, Police"!  Jumps on suspect and suspect fights back resisting, but, officer pins suspect face down and hands bend him cuffing him.  While cuffing him the suspect is resisting and struggles which causes officer to break suspects arm.  While cuffed, officer reaches down and grabs suspect by the broken arm and lifts him up breaking it further.  Suspect has not said anything other than "Hey pig, that's hurting my arm asshole"! Now this is a simpler case but is the officer wrong? Did he do anything he should not have, or that was not necessary to prevent a thief from harming an innocent bystander?   In this case it could be misconstrued and blown way out of proportion or as the case was proven by camera, left as a good arrest.  Point being, If American Ignorance had taken place here and no witness or camera available, the wrong person could have started a situation equivalent to Baltimore. All they had to do was accuse the cop of brutality, and say that he was in a bad mood when he came to work that day....."THE HEADLINES BEGIN AND TWITTER FEEDS ARE TRENDING WITH #ALLLIVESMATTER"

Please feel free to comment and I am asking everyone to pass this along to all your friends so they can assist us in ending #AMERICANIGNORANCE

Dealing With Your Past?

First let me say, “I am not a therapist”! This is just something that helps me and I hope it may help you or someone you know cope with whatever situation you may be having trouble getting through. I will keep this short and to the point. I know I have struggled with conventional methods due to my hard headed independence and have searched within myself for relief from inner struggles and so called “Demons”. Hopefully this will help!

What would you say? Pick a moment in time you are having trouble with and usually there is another associated with that time or moment. As they say, “Misery loves company”. It is true and memories control our lives more than we would like to admit (it doesn't take a shrink to tell us this). I know that as I think back, every thing that is significant to me more often than not involves another person, whether it's a loved one, friend, co-worker, etc.. What would you say to them if you could go back and change that moment? Would you say anything? Would it make a difference if you did? Why didn't you say what you would like to say now? Reflecting on a moment can never change the outcome, and can never right a wrong, or bring back what may have been lost, but, by asking yourself the question and exploring the options, you may just see that the results would have been the same. They may have been even worse after closer scrutiny. Point is, revisiting the moment and facing the situation with an inquiring mind and letting your mind explore it rather than just pondering over it is healthy. It keeps your mind from getting depressed, at least it does mine, and allows it to react analytically  instead. For me, this allows me to get through thinking about it and getting past it. For instance, I think about about a buddy getting shot beside of me. What I would have said to him is that “I am so sorry that it happened, and I would have taken his place if I could”! We were long time friends and had I not persisted that we switch sides, he may not have gotten shot. After going over the trajectory and other data, as well as running through our own conversation a thousand times in my mind, I came to the conclusions that no matter which side we were on, he would have been fatally shot, the only difference would have been that the other position would have put me in the line of a fatal shot also. That does cause another issue for me to deal with, but I am doing just that. It took a lot of hours talking this trough with myself, writing it down and answering my own questions, but in the end, it was all worth it and I worked through it!

This may or may not help. But please try it. Just ask yourself “What would you say”? Then sit down with a pen and paper and answer it with as many answers as you can come up with. Work it through till you can think about it without it being a problem to you. Let it just be a memory! There is nothing wrong with memories, that's what your life is made of, the good and bad. Just do not let the bad erase the good, and may the good fill your dreams!

Please, If you have questions or comments, I welcome and appreciate any/all! Thank you and please pass this on to others!