Why do they want to liberlize and interpret our Constitution? What is their agenda? But, We The People aren't buying it.

It’s rewarding to read and listen to people who refuse to allow the liberalized faction in this free America to deprive us of ANY of our God-Given and Constitutionally guaranteed rights. Yep, that’s what I said. The rights are not given to us by man. But, they are guaranteed by the Constitution that some of the smartest men ever born wrote more than two centuries ago. Those rights have stood the test of time, but are being ever-challenged by agenda-driven liberals who think they are wiser than our founding fathers.

I read a recent compilation of comments and historical quotes in an article on the DC Clothesline, posted by Bradlee Dean. I found them interesting, to say the least, as they centered around one of our most basic rights, the Second Amendment.

“A well-regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed”.  

And, in case you have fallen into the trap of the liberalized sect that claims the militia is actually our military, and the Second Amendment does not apply to the average law abiding American, read the words of Tenche Coxe, Delegate for Pennsylvania to the Continental Congress, in The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb. 20, 1788:

Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American. … [T]he unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but, where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people.”

Still not convinced of the intent of our founding fathers?

From John Adams:

“Arms in the hands of the citizens may be used at individual discretion for the defense of the country, the overthrow of tyranny or private self-defense.”

And, from Thomas Jefferson:

“The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.”

From the writings of George Mason, described as a patriot, a statesman, and a delegate, among the first to call for such basic American liberties as freedom of the press, religious tolerance and the right to a trial by jury. These are some of the more powerful and insightful words I've seen written about the Second Amendment.

“When the resolution of enslaving America was formed in Great Britain, the British Parliament was advised by an artful man, who was governor of Pennsylvania, to disarm the people; that it was the best and most effectual way to enslave them; but that they should not do it openly, but weaken them, and let them sink gradually…

“The people have a Right to mass and to bear arms; that a well Regulated militia composed of the Body of the people, trained to arms, is the proper natural and safe defense of a free State.”

And, from a real president, George Washington:

“From the hour the Pilgrims landed, to the present day, events, occurrences and tendencies prove that to insure peace, security and happiness, the rifle and pistol are equally indispensable … the very atmosphere of firearms everywhere restrains evil interference – they deserve a place of honor with all that is good.”

Perhaps Americans are waking up. Those Americans who were once the Silent Majority. Seems that a lot more of us are less trusting of the government than ever before. And we are, by the millions, letting it be known.

In 2012...in spite of the antics of the liberalized uninformed and confused segment of our society, the gun manufacturers produced more guns than ever before. Why? Because we asked for them. Recent stats show that more than 8-million guns were produced for sale to the American PUBLIC. Not to the police, not to the military. But, to us. We The People. Those guns represent an increase over 2011 by some 33-percent.

That dreaded AR-15, the gun that Barry Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Dianne Fiend-stine, and Harry Reid list as public enemy number one...well, production doubled in 2012 over the previous year. We The People are not buying your Bravo Sierra, Barry. You and the rest of the Un-American crowd need to get a grip on life. We The People cannot be fooled forever, and we won't be controlled. It's not in our DNA, Barry. Perhaps it's in yours, but it is NOT in mine.

Are we Lima Charlie, Mr. President?

-30-

We came "this close" to international gun registration and future gun seizure. No joke.

U.N. Resolution 2117 lists 21 points dealing with firearms control, but perhaps of most interest is point number 11: “CALLS FOR MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT WEAPONS COLLECTION, DISARMAMENT ---”

HOORAY - 53-46 vote - The U.S. Senate voted against the U.N. resolution.

 

Oh, and get this. Ex-US Senator, and current Secretary of State John Kerry…you know, Obama’s kiss-butt, yes-boy…signed the treaty last September. In doing so, he said:

 

“This treaty will not diminish anyone’s freedom. In fact, the treaty recognizes the freedom of both individuals and states to obtain, possess, and use arms for legitimate purposes. Make no mistake, we would never think about supporting a treaty that is inconsistent with the rights of Americans … to be able to exercise their guaranteed rights under our constitution.”

 

Know how to tell when the likes of Kerry, Clinton, Obama and countless others are lying…yep, their lips are moving.

 

I am glad that 53 senators have at least some degree of common sense.

 

Get this. Item 11 of that UN Resolution calls for MEMBER STATES TO SUPPORT WEAPONS COLLECTION, DISARMAMENT…

 

As writes the DC Clothesline, the U.N. Small Arms Treaty, championed by the Obama Administration, would have effectively placed a global ban on the import and export of small firearms. The ban would have affected all private gun owners in the U.S. and would have implemented an international gun registry on all private guns and ammo.

 

That’s gun AND ammo registration, by any other name.

 

In other words, if the US had signed on to this UN resolution, then your privately owned guns and bullets would have to be registered with the United Nations, and the registration lists would have been available for any member nation to examine. Those nations include Russia, China…did someone check common-sense at the door? What brilliant idiot thought of this?

And, though our Senate turned thumbs down, it was not by much of a majority. 46 idiots, all democrats save for two independents, voted to support the ban!!!! Thank goodness that a few democrats voted with the republicans or we would have been going to war inside our borders. Can you imagine the death and destruction that would have resulted when UN troops came knocking on Bubba’s door and told him he had to register his guns and bullets? That would have been bloody funny. Literally.

 

Now, for the 46 idiots. If you are registered to vote in any state other than North Carolina, you would be very wise to find out how your senator voted on UN Resolution 2117. It will be up to you to do the right thing. Some of those senators are up for re-election this year.

 

You can bet that this sneaky Obama end-run around the Second Amendment is not the last attempt this excuse for a president will try. After all, he has the rest of this year with a democratic-controlled senate, plus his mighty pen and phone, to put another nail in the Constitutional Coffin.

 

Biltmore Estate, Gorgeous Flowers, in Asheville

I've heard of the Biltmore Estate all my life. A bit over a  hundred years old, it's a huge house in Asheville, in the mountains of North Carolina. I've heard of it, but I've never, ever been there, even though I've been to, and passed through, Asheville and the surrounding area many times.

My wife, Robie, and I had the opportunity to spend a couple days and nights at the Inn at Biltmore recently. Expensive, most definitely, but given our service and amenities, the relaxation (did I mention a "couples massage"?), it's definitely worth the time and money. You might want to indulge yourself some time.

All that aside, being a photo buff 24-7, I was duly impressed by the gardens. A couple wows! are in order. Unfortunately, we didn't have enough time to take in everything I would have liked. Needless to say, there's a good chance, a very good chance, that we'll be going back.

At any rate, I'm attaching a few pictures that I liked. Hope you do, too.

Looking Tall



                                                                                                Statuesque

 

Stairs to Up There

 



                            Majestic Tree

 

 

 

  Vivid Color

                                                                                                 Busy Bee

 Nature's Framing        

 

Robie is Planning Something                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Photo Blog. The Chesapeake Bay. The Intracoastal Waterway.

I had the distinct privilege and pleasure of accompanying my brother-in-law, Steve, on a run from Lexington Park, Maryland to New Bern, North Carolina aboard his boat, Nighthawk I. The 47-foot cruiser was our home for a few days, as we motored down the Chesapeake Bay into the Intracoastal Waterway, winding our way to New Bern. The photo possibilities were limitless, from before sunrise to post sunset. And, I took advantage of the opportunities. So, here are a very few of the images I grabbed as we made our way south.

Interesting Naval ships in the Bay

Yep. That's a submarine.

I want one of these.

 

 

 



The Chesapeake has a variety of vessels, many headed for the Port of Norfolk

Carnival Cruise Ship in Norfolk

Captain Steve at the helm

Meandering on Norfolk's waterfront

Naval ship in port

Flattops in dry dock

New friends, Ted and Chris, aboard Christine heading for sunny Florida for the winter

Close quarters

                      There's a lot of barge traffic in the ICW

Crabbers working their pots

Time for a fuel stop and some seafood

Net fishermen

 

There's a "lock" in the ICW, where the water levels differ by a foot or so

We thought this lady at the Great Bridge lock was collecting money. Nope, she was handing out candy. Halloween was about a week away.

 

The "locked" boats take off on cue

 

A busy place, this lock.

 

I love sunrises and sunsets. I don't know a photographer who doesn't.

  Flaming sunrise

Ahhhh.

 

Sailing Reflections

Looking for breakfast

In search of breakfast

 

New Bern Dead Ahead!

 

 

Duck!

 

Welcome to New Bern!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Last Bridge

Suzette and Steve. 

Dockside in New Bern

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are we just stupid? Gullible? Not because of what we're doing, but because of what we're not doing.

This government shutdown, caused by those evil republicans and a few evil democrats in the US House of Representative, has certainly rankled POTUS and the US Senate majority,

The House Members, to cut to the chase, voted to fund everything requested save for Obama Care. They wanted to postpone it's implementation for a year. The US Senate voted against that proposal, saying they would rather see the entire government shut down than to continue operating normally while both houses worked to make sure that the Affordable Care plan would actually work. A growing number of citizens, a majority by most polls, showed that Americans oppose the forced health care mandate.

The president went on record stating he would oppose the House plan, even if the Senate approved it. The democrats in the Senate didn't want to irritate the president. That's why they would not agree with the People's Congress.

Ok, so it now stands that all non-essential federal employees are furloughed. That means they aren't working, that the work they do is not necessary. And, they're not getting paid. That's got to be tough for the workers. No paycheck. And, unless they have been saving for a rainy day, it could get pretty rough.

Of course, that's pretty much the same challenge that every non-federal worker faces when non-federal companies lay people off, or shut their doors.

But, Congress has voted to pay all of those furloughed federal employees their lost pay once the shutdown is over. What? Let me get this straight. Furloughed employees, those deemed non-essential, are not working, but will get paid anyway. It will be a little late coming, but they WILL get paid. Meantime, they're not working, and non-essential services have been stopped.

How does that make other federal workers feel? Those who's jobs are essential, the guys who are working, getting paid for the work they're doing. I think, given a choice, that I would rather get paid, even if it's a little late coming, and not work. Great opportunity to go fishing, catch up on household chores, read a little, or just nap.

Is there something wrong with our legislators? How does any of this make sense?

Please don't get me wrong, and let me be perfectly clear.

• I totally support the effort to defund Obamacare.
• I don't understand why the Republicans in the House are being blamed for the shutdown, when they voted to pass the budget, but excluded funds for Obamacare.
• I blame the Senate and president who said they would rather shut down the entire government than defund Obamacare.
• I feel bad for the furloughed federal workers. Unfortunately, as it is in private business, those things can happen. There is no lifetime security in any job any longer.
• I feel awful for the citizens in this nation who enjoy fishing along the Outer Banks because the National Park accesses have been closed. I resent the fact that the president and his henchmen have picked areas to close that will impact the pleasures of so many Americans. What a disgusting way to make a point. At our expense.
• I believe that if the House and Senate cannot come to a resolution, then the legislators should be furloughed. Apparently, federal law requires that our legislators get paid. Why don't they vote to change that law?
• I believe that Air Force One, the president's helicopter service (HMX-1), presidential vacations, and other POTUS perks should be defunded. The number of secret service agents could be reduced during the furlough, because the president won't be needing as much security if he stays in lockdown.
• I think that furloughed government employees should be eligible for unemployment benefits, just like any other employee who loses his job because of short term shutdowns, plant closings, and the like.
• I think that enough is enough, and that if our elected leaders can't do the jobs we hired them to do, then they should be replaced. And, we should not have to wait for the next election. If, in the real world, an employee fails to show up for work, then the employer declares that the employee has abandoned his job, and he moves on with a replacement. I think that our leaders have abandoned their jobs due to a lack of RESULTS. It's time for us to move on.

 

Glock or Beretta? Typical Journalistic mis-reporting.

You might wonder why I'm a stickler for such details. In an earlier blog, I questioned initial reports that a "Glock 9mm" pistol and an "AR-15" were used by the Navy Yard shooter, Aaron Alexis. I had no information to the contrary, but I know how reporters think. Too often, they don't.

"Glock" seems to have become the commonplace name for any semi automatic handgun. Never mind that there are countless other brands, one of which is the standard issue handgun for the U.S. military, the Beretta M-9 (the civilian version is the model 92F).

It was only a day or so before police confirmed that the shooter did NOT use a rifle of any kind, including the AR-15. He came armed with a pump action shotgun, one that the FBI now says was "modified" by cutting off a length of the barrel and some of the stock. Presumably, this was done to make it easier to sneak it aboard the base in a bag.

And, pretty much as I expected, the pistol he took from a security officer he shot was, indeed, a 9mm Beretta. Not a Glock.

So, again you may ask, what's the big deal. Or, like ex-Secretary of State Clinton said, what difference does it make. Not much, really. Except, to people like me, who question credibility. Many of us have growing concerns over our president's credibility. A lack of that essential element makes some of us wary of anything the president says. It's becoming increasingly difficult to trust him, and that makes me sad. That is the apparent reasoning behind the negativity coming from the U.S. House of Representatives. And, I understand it. Journalists, those folks we should be able to trust to bring us facts, those we depend on to maintain some balance in this world...well, let me say that it's becoming ever more difficult to believe what they say when obvious factual mistakes have become so commonplace. What difference does it make, indeed.

I've yet to hear those network reporters "clarify" (they'll never "correct" anything) their rush to report misinformation about the AR-15 they were so quick to jump on. And, I don't recall hearing any journalist take Rep. Feinstein to task for her never ending assault weapons ban plan, even while the still warm bodies of 12 people lay in Building 197 at the Navy Yard.

Shame on one. Shame on all. Though I expect nothing less from pundits like Feinstein, I certainly expect a higher degree of factual professionalism from our journalists. You should be more than glad that you're not working for me. Your careers would likely be cut very short.   

POTUS, Mr. Obama. It's high time you listen to We The People, and stop being a jerk.

Sometimes, it’s hard to read people. Sometimes, that’s because what those people are saying is neither loud nor clear. We’ve all dealt with wishy-washy folks, those who just can’t say what they mean. Often, they speak “mush”. Maybe, just maybe, it’s because they’re not actually sure what they mean.

That certainly wasn’t the case with the President’s desire to send “warning missiles” into Syria. The people spoke, Congress heard what they were saying, and apparently POTUS picked up on our wishes and called off the air strikes. He said he would take his case to Congress, claiming that was his intent all along.

Uh. Right.   

So, why is it so difficult for President Obama to understand that We The People do not like his forced health care plan, better known as Obama-Care? Can you imagine how Obama-Care would have changed the course of history had it been scheduled to take effect in October 2012, a month before the election? I dare say that there would be a different man sitting in the White House today.

Congress is threatening to defund the program, something that for some reason I don’t understand is suppose to shut down our government’s business. I’m not sure that would actually be a bad thing. But, realistically-speaking, is there anyone out there who actually believes that our government will cease operating? That just won’t happen. What’s irritating is that Obama and his democrat hoodlums are already blaming the republican-controlled congress, hoping that strongarm Chicago tactics will work.

You can bet that, by the 11^th hour, someone will give. Likely, there will be either a compromise plan presented, or a delay for implementing the current plan. Either way, We The People are not likely to win. And, either way, we will likely never understand the plan. It is somewhat akin to IRS tax laws. No one seems to understand them, but we all know what the penalties are if we don’t pay up. And, you should all be aware that the IRS will be hiring an additional 16,000 agents to enforce Obama-Care. Oh, goody.

What part of We The People does Obama and his goons not understand? We are speaking out, we’re loud and we’re very clear, but our desires are falling, apparently, on deaf ears. Or, perhaps there’s an ulterior motive that We haven’t discovered. Yet.

Congress is forcing the issue. Thank goodness for that. The problem, once again, is that regardless of what Congress decides, POTUS can overrule their actions with a stroke of his veto pen. And, Mr. Obama is threatening to do just that. He has, for one reason or another, decided that he knows what’s best for us. His experience, you’ll recall, is that he was a community organizer, an Illinois state senator, and a US senator representing Illinois. One that voted, most of the time, as present, taking no stand on the issues on the table. What’s even worse is that he has surrounded himself with people who have pretty much the same level of inexperience.

We The People are getting tired, Mr. President. We don’t want a dictator. We want you to listen to us, pay attention to our needs and desires. In other words, Barry, stop being the pompous jerk that you appear to be.