Homeland Savagery

Savage behavior is THAT behavior undomesticated, untamed and uncontrolled. You will remember the savagery at the 1978 Jonestown massacre. You recall Tianamen Square, China. How about the Holocaust? And how can you forget the South African scenes of rape and murder of innocent women and children.

These days Americans need not look abroad to find untamed, undomesticated or uncontrolled savage behavior...it's in our backyard.

Gang rape on a Panama City, Florida beach. Police officers shooting unarmed blacks without reasonable cause; Ferguson, Missouri and South Carolina. We watch Blacks throwing rocks at law enforcement and burning their own community buildings in Baltimore as the untamed, and out-of-control behave in savage mannerisms running threw stores stealing goods and prescription drugs as if they are entitled.

Make no mistake, today's television scenes encourage more American gun sales than all those pitiful farmland rhyme-signs dotting America's country side.

Helping Hand and Iron Fist; Respond!

A response is needed. The current television news is filled with visions of human suffering as over four thousand Nepal citizens have died under the recent earthquake devastation. The pain and suffering spills from overcrowded hospitals into the make-shift tents, which shelter shattered lives.

People world wide need to heed the humanitarian call for relief.

A response is needed. Today's television news is likewise filled with another human tragedy. That would be the disgusting behavior of many Baltimore 'Blacks' who seize phony-bogus reasons to fill the streets 'pretending' to support Freddie Grays' terrible death at the hands of police. These store looting scum bag thugs are a stark contrast to those people of Nepal.
The response of American local and federal law enforce the should be swift in Baltimore.

A Shameful Horse Race

Two recent news stories keep returning to my thoughts with disturbing images:

Story #1...

A young college coed, inebriated lay helpless on a Panama City, Florida beach being sexually assaulted by four punks while many onlookers watched with varying attitudes of apathy. How sad for that young woman. How sad for the victims family. How shameful for our Nation's conscience.

Story #2...

The Federal health insurance program is barred from negotiating with pharmaceutical companies in a effort to lower the astronomical costs of cancer treatment drugs. Therefore, doctors and hospitals reap huge financial benefits while a small leukemia-inflicted child without the financial wherewithal dies. Another sad story for any Nation, especially one founded upon Judea-Christian principles.

It appears that America's apathy and greed is one shameful horse race!!

Hypocritical? You Think?

Much debate has recently arisen regarding Union protection and its perceived higher cost versus 'right to work zones,' which permit the use of non-Union workers at lower costs. Obviously, if you are the union wage-earner, you don't cotton to this economic theory but if you're the consumer guy the notion holds money-saving promise. Regardless, which side of the fence you Find yourself on this issue, you must agree there becomes a nebulous money earning factor for the corporations.

One anti-Union argument is the payment of union dues. If you were to ask the opinions' of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker or Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, they would suggest that it is wrong requiring people to pay union dues for the opportunity to work...therein the birth of 'right-to-work-zones;' the hiring of the non-union guy at lower wages. And there goes union bargaining strength and voice in numbers.

If our honorable elected officials perceive these union dues as 'dirty money,' which must be removed from middle class workers' unions why not also address the 'dirty money' donated to politicians which gives a voice and strength to corporations and the wealthy? Wealthy as defined by Illinois Governor Rauner, who at one time was reported to own nine homes, a New York penthouse and paying nearly $140,000.00 per year to belong to the Napa  Wine Club.

Mr. Rauner needs never worry about some road construction worker sitting alongside him at the Napa  Wine Club.

Hinckley, Horses and Hardy

Weekday mornings, I head to the fitness center about 9 o'clock. During my drive, I listen to KMOX (St. Louis, Missouri). As a native of East St. Louis, listening to KMOX was a habit in the 1950's and 1960's. Back then 'Total Information' was both total and unbiased. The Various hosts had the incredible skills and moral compass to present topics, invite telephone comments and play the devil's advocate often to stimulate conversation and deeper thinking. I never truly knew the politics of those radio personalities, Rex Davis, Ann Keith or Bob Hardy. I did know Hardy personally, not the others.

These days, I only listen to KMOX during the morning show with Charlie Brennan and Debbie Monterrey; they are 'throwback' talk show hosts. Yesterday, Charlie and Debbie were offering interaction opinions on John Hinckley, Jr. the guy that attempted to assassinate President Reagan. It appears Hinckley is 'up' for release from a mental hospital and that creates varied opinions. Another topic on the Charlie / Debbie hour was the debate about the treatment of horses used to pull carriages along the St. Louis streets.

 I did not make a telephone comment but I do have opinions. Fine the horse owners who do not properly care for their animals but for goodness sakes recall history; horses have pulled more load under greater stress than pulling a buggy with two giddy lovers aboard.
Regarding Hinckley, he  needs to be monitored in some mental facility setting...the guy tried to kill our President to impress his fantasy girlfriend, Jodie Foster. His act ruined the quality of James Brady's life and hastened its end.

Since the likes of Ann Keith, Rex Davis and Bob Hardy disappeared from KMOX, I stop listening at the 11 o'clock. At that time KMOX begins its downhill spiral as a quality radio station. Instead KMOX at 11AM begins its radio impression of TV's Fox News.
I turn on Sirius radio and listen to oldies music...of course, from the '50s and '60s.

She's The Devil in Disguise

I have noticed that ever since Hilary Clinton announce her candidacy for President, the Republican wannabees Rand Paul, Ted Cruz, Jeb Bush, Chris Christy and Scott Walker have held numerous news conferences, at which none of them speak to issues or primary opponents but keep slamming Hilary on the same old same old; email transparency, Benghazi and her so-called baggage.

Boys, you need to throw away those old Hilary Clinton news clippings and read up on her recent scandalous activities. Jiminy Cricket boys, can't you GOP meatheads put two & two together. Look, Hilary Clinton was in Iowa, right? Within five days after her departure what happened in Iowa? The 'bird flu' hit thousands of chickens...last report nearly 100,000 chicks had to be destroyed. I'm telling you flip flop fellas, Hilary caused the chicken catastrophe!

Like Mother, Like Daughter

My Chicago Northwest Suburbs daughter telephoned a few days ago to inquire about a July date availability when my St. Louis Cardinals visit Wrigley to play the Cubbies. My son in-law has offered this treat on prior occasions. Now that the Cubs' immediate future is looking promising, I'm anticipating he may 'anticipate' his Cubs beating up on the 'Redbirds' and I would be available to suffer his gloating. Works for me...I'd be at the game. I appreciate the generosity.

The date looks open to the Decatur Roustios so it's a tentative 'Go.' My son in-law did ask his 11-year old daughter that if Nana and Boompa could NOT make the game would she be willing to go. She said, "Yes." Wishing to check her baseball knowledge, he requested his daughter to 'name' just one Cubs player. When the child failed to do so, he then asked her to name 'ANY' baseball player. She thought for a moment and said, "Jackie Robinson," however immediately she withdrew that name and shouted, "No-No, Nelson Mandela!"

The reality of the forthcoming July game is this: the little girl will not attend the game but instead, my daughter will go to the game and she'll be looking for this player, 'Nelson Mandela.'

Just Wanna Do What's Right

A few days ago, my wife spoke aloud a wishful thought, which we all have embraced. She said, "I wish that I could ask my mother about a dumpling recipe." I have often had those longing desires to ask a question of love ones who have departed this journey. We wish to 'ask' advice, directions and/or opinions from a wiser more knowledgeable person, however they are no longer in our midst.

I thought about this human aspiration this past Sunday morning as I opened the Church's bulletin. On the prayer request page, I read this: 'Please pray for the Illinois Governor and legislators as they strive to bring our State into financial balance with services offered to our citizens.'  Personally, I have no problem praying that request. I do believe a Christian should be tuned to the needs of God's people with regards to the monetary wherewithal of others to financially support the needy. I have often said, we can run out of money long before we run out of worthy causes.

Just as I wish to ask more questions of my deceased parents and grandparents, I surely wish that I could ask 'many' questions of my Heavenly Father. Here is one question that I would ask of my God: Where is the moral responsibility for Christians on matters of faith and the secular realities found in society. I wish I could ask my Almighty Father that recipe.

Meanwhile I'm going to ask someone at Church who makes out the prayer request list and why I never read a request to pray for the United States President and the cooperation of Congress to offer affordable healthcare to people without healthcare. Just wondering.

Freedom Exposes Stupid

Female CEO, Cheryl Rios of Dallas, Texas is in the center of a hot debate on the heels of her statement that "A female should not be President of the USA and if a female is elected, I am going to move to Canada." Rios had nothing to say on this matter when Sarah Palin was John McCain's VP running mate. (Are you connecting any dots here?)

Rios has more Gibberish:

Rios contends that 'women and men have different hormones and consequently women could not START a war.' (Wrap your brain around that comment for a moment).

Rios continues, "The President of the USA should be a good, strong and honorable man." I guess goodness beyond that of Mother Teresa, strength beyond British Prime Minister, Margret Thatcher or Rosa Parks and honor exceeding nurse / social reformer, Florence Nightingale or United States Congresswoman, Tammy Duckworth who lost both legs serving her country in the Armed Forces. (Please refer to the word 'gibberish' again...it means
unintelligible and nonsensical talk...a perfect depiction of Cheryl Rios).

Rios maintains that Biblical scripture supports her anti-woman in the White House position. I cannot find such relevant scripture. I did run across 1st Timothy, which speaks to women dressing modestly and 1st Corinthian, which discusses women 'covering' their body. But then you all know about scripture referencing...we ALL tend to be self-serving when quoting The Holy Book.

Does it not bug you when I give you readers homework...now you are wondering 'why' Timothy and Corinthians? What does that have to do with ....anyone?

Pickin' & a Choosen

President Obama met with and shook hands with Cuban President Raul Castro thus ending a 50 year hiatus with the communist nation. Of course, Obama has been catching crap from Obama-haters as if he is leading our 'pure' USA down some dirty despicable road to Hell.

Never mind that except for North Korea and Cuba, the USA trades with the very other communist country in the world including, China, Russia and Vietnam. Oh, by the way as you read this blog we have an American astronaut sharing a spaceship with Russians.

For those who refuse to let the past go regarding differences with Cuba, we USA folks are reminded of Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor and killing thousands of young American kids. Today, we buy autos from Japan at a staggering rate. The Brits and Colonists had a hell of a bloody battle back in the day. Today, we American colonists can't get enough of British Royalty pageantry. And who can forget those nasty Germans and the Holocaust? Evidently George W. Bush forgot about those terrible historic transgressions when he gave a shoulder 'massage' to the Chancellor of Germany.

Actually, I really don't believe most Americans dislike Cuba as much as most Republicans simply hate President Obama. How pitifully UnAmerican and UnChristian.

Games People Play

Living on the North Side of Decatur, Illinois, I am not usually offended by strong 'ordors' rolling across the landscape from the Southeast. Most often the aroma signals soy bean process-cooking.
Yesterday morning the stench was different; it held a familiar social insensitive stink generated when an individual is wronged and a silent majority of folks lack courage to stand for goodness.

A high school basketball coach who compiled a winning percentage of  82% while capturing numerous IHSA regional and sectional titles was fired after a marathon school board meeting. When a school board meeting last three plus hours to discuss a young high school coach's performance you can bet on the following conditions: (1) Some parents are pissed off about their kid's lack of playing time and or recognition. (2) The school administrators lack power to act effectively. (3) There is at least one or more school board members with vendettas. All the aforementioned people will be found Sunday morning at a nearby house of worship.

I imagine the firing of the coach went something like this: 'Coach, many parents have called most board members pointing out the fact that you yelled at their sons, expected too much from them and often times played the wrong kids. Based on this information the board of education is going to dismiss you. We'd like to discuss this matter more but time is of the essence and we still have to address parents' concerns about two other teachers; a math teacher giving low grades and an English teacher giving too much homework.'

Matter a Fact; Who Can You Trust

It appears the Republican talking-points during the 2016, Presidential campaign is going to be, 'You cannot trust Hillary.' Really? Okay, shall we all agree we cannot trust Hillary. Now let's take a closer look at 'why.' I suppose the lack a trust issue around Hillary finds traction in previous dealings: there are 'clouds' around Hillary, I.e., Whitewater, Benghazi, emails, campaign funds and staff underpayment.

Previous Presidents' trust issues: President Jefferson 'playing' house with female slaves and fathering a child. President JFK playing games with actress, Marilyn Monroe. Richard Nixon spying propensities. Resident George H.W. Bush telling the country, " Read my lips, No New Taxes!" President George W. Bush's lie about WMD and then he destabilized the entire Middle East by toppling Saddam Hussein.

Other Illinois untrustworthy politicians: Rod Blagojevich, George Ryan and Aaron Schock.

If the Republican Party wishes to take back the Executive Branch, they need not talk about the trust issue because, who has truly met a politician to be trusted?!
If I was a Republican, I would encourage the party to get over the culture war...and begin treating gays, women and people of color with the same love they have for the NRA. Cooperate with Democrats and resolve the illegal immigration issue at our borders. Hold equal hate for outsourcing jobs, which profits corporations as the hate for American 'Unions,' which disadvantages the middle class.

I know, I know, if Republicans held those views they would 'vote' Democrat.

Give This Advice Some Thought

I appreciate the many college people who read my blogs. I have received comments and communications from numerous students. With these readers in mind, I post today's blog; non-college students should also read the post for obvious benefits to the 'family.'

The rant today focuses on whom you should marry, when you should marry and 'why-hell' you should NOT own a automatic dishwasher! Pay attention, there could be a 'test' conducted at your local divorce lawyers' office in the near future!

Here are my random rants on matrimony:

(1) If you are an 'only' child don't marry an 'only' child. (If you need an explanation on this rule then you are likely on academic probation or a successful cheater).
(2) Youngest child to youngest child is also a marriage-mismatch whereas oldest to oldest is a good 25th anniversary bet.
 (3) Most certainly same religious backgrounds likely insures marriage success although too many exceptions to the rule cloud this notion. Note however... If a Jew marries a Muslim and they celebrate a ten year anniversary, that couple should write a book and have a book signing in the Gaza Strip.
(4,) Both the man and woman should take a cooking course together.
(5) A young couple should share one plastic credit card for identity needs and credit establishment; use it once per year.
(6) Don't eat out more than twice a month.
(7) Agree to visit in-laws no more than three times per year.
(8) Men should make sure their kids will know that dad loves mom more than anybody and kids must understand they cannot end run dad using mom as a 'blocker.'
(9) Both the young lady and young man MUST know twelve nursery rhymes.
(10) Never have an automatic dishwasher for two reasons...first when a couple shares nightly dish wash and towel drying chores they will undoubtedly share meaningful moments and that love will grow; secondly, your damn dishes will be cleaner...guaranteed!!!

Shout out to EIU Panthers and to Kristen...a happy 21st birthday and stay sober with her.

Connecting Moments Through The Years

Most grown men can recall those special youth-moment-memories shared with their Dad. I suppose the 'Field of Dreams' movie scene where Kevin Costner's character finally has that (baseball) 'catch' with his deceased father tugs at the heart of many men as they remember similar times with their Father.

No different from millions of others, I too recall endless sports' moments with my Dad. At age eight and nine, I waited eagerly for Dad to get home from work so we could head to the backyard for 'catch' and shooting hoops. Growing up so near St. Louis, I guess it was inevitable that the Roustio's would be either St. Louis Cardinals or St. Louis Browns fans; Dad favored the Redbirds and naturally, I followed suit.

I remember the first Cardinals game that my Dad took me to in 1945. I do not recall the Cardinals' opponent that day nor the game's outcome. However, I will remember until I die what my Dad pointed out to me (seventy years ago) as we sat together in Sportsman Park. Dad said, "I want you to pay attention to one ball player as much as you can today. His jersey number is '9' and his name is Enos Slaughter." My Dad continued, "Enos Slaughter will sprint fast to his position in right field and when the inning is over, he will sprint fast to the dugout. He will 'hustle' at all times. If you ever play on a team, I want you to play the game like Enos 'Country' Slaughter."

I thought of that moment yesterday morning when I got a text-photo from my grandson who plays baseball at Eastern Illinois University. He wanted to show me a Cardinals jersey he recently purchased. The jersey's back sported # 9 and the name, 'Slaughter.' It is so strange the things that cause burning tears to form so quickly in an old man's eyes.

Oldsters Need Regularity

I'm somewhat a creature of habit. I am up at about 6:30AM. I shower, get dressed and go downstairs to have coffee. I post my blog, read the newspaper and check out the Today Show. Yesterday, I had a disruption in my routine. Old farts don't handle disorder / interruption well. We become confused and perplexed. Understand, we generally don't know if we are coming or going thus when things get out of order / when things are not 'in place;' it becomes chaotic.

Yesterday's disruption?...My morning newspaper was not delivered. It is a local Decatur newspaper. Back in my youth, I recall the newspaper boy walking down the East St. Louis streets late evening hawking the morning news as he called out, "PAPER, Morning Globe!" Today, modern technology allows a later news-print cycle thus more updated news come mornings. Modern technology also requires more from me when the 'paper delivery boy' forgets my stop.

I telephoned the local newspaper (Decatur) number and after punching a few keypad numbers, I am given an 800 number to telephone (Peoria, IL., which is 84 miles from my front door. I  am then required to punch- in more telephone keypad numbers telling a computer that I don't have the morning paper. The computer request that I verify my home telephone number and then my house number. Finally, an electronic voice assures me that I did good and my information has been sent somewhere.
Here's the problem...My newspaper arrives at nine o'clock and I am experiencing my morning constitution ( reading the paper ) when I am normally on the stationary bike at the fitness center. It's all screwed up!

The Letters Will One Day Droop

When I was a 1950's teenager growing up in blue collar, East St. Louis, there were two kinds of guys sporting tattoos; World War II vets, mostly Navy fellas and an inner city white gang called the
' Pa-Chewks.'
The military men's tattoos were all patriotic in theme, whereas the greasy-hair punk-gang sported a Christian cross tattoo with three dots above it and was on the back of the hand. I suppose the gang guys thought that cross tattoo was a scary calling card.

Today's tattoo culture is over-the-top with designs of kinds covering every inch of the male and female body; these are tattoos with hefty price tags. I saw a cousin three years ago and she was pretty proud of a new $250.00 yellow colored rose tattoo at the top of her left breast. I just saw her this past June and she has recently had breast enlargements. That little yellow rose tattoo now looks like a large sunflower growing from her clavicle.

Last week while attending a college baseball game, I was seated behind a coed who had numerous limericks tattooed all across her back and around her sides. The limerick 'punch lines' were all hidden discreetly under clothing. I was very tempted to ask her how the one limerick ended..."There once was a monkey named Spunky who..."

Thin Blood/Thick Heads

I usually arrive at the Fitness Center around 9 AM. There is always a handful of people working out and I finish my business in about 35 minutes. I'm there for a little cardio biking.

I'm not big on chatter with other participants but I do pick up on some nearby conversations. Yesterday morning, I could not help but hear two gents about my age walking side-by-side on treadmills. Their conversation began with respective health concerns. It seems that both fellas are having a difficult time regulating their blood thinners.  One guy said he takes a baby aspirin in the morning and another baby aspirin in the evening. He is considering going to adult aspirin AM and PM. His buddy thought he'd try the same.

Soon their conversation topic changed when the television channel they were watching had a news brief, which  focused on some drug babies' birth problems. The old farts' comments touched on these opinions: (1) too many out of wedlock births, (2) social programs encourage multiple pregnancies  (3) too easy to acquire link cards, (4) deadbeat fathers and (5) drug dealers. The two senior guru-philosophers finally came to agreement..sterilization...these criminal offenders should face mandatory sterilization.

I wonder if there is a correlation between thin blood and thick heads?

Really?

My prayer is that God will bless and assist The State of Missouri as its political leaders continue to lead the 'Show Me Folks' deeper into the intellectual wilderness. Missouri has long struggled with its identity crisis as it never could figure out which side of the fence insured the future.

Consider recent Missouri leadership fumbles:
In 2012, United States senate Republican candidate, Todd Aiken strongly infers that he doubts most rape cases are legitimate, suggesting that women could actually stop most rapes from occurring.

2015, Republican Governor candidate, Tom Schweich shoots and kills himself because of a 'whispering anti-Semitic campaign' targeting him. More recently, Schweich's publicists and friend also commited suicide with speculation of depression over the circumstances.

Most recently, Missouri lawmaker, Shane Roden sponsored a bill that would require Missouri public school children to recite the Pledge of Allegiance in (only) English because it is Missouri's official language.

Does it occur to anyone in Missouri that they have bigger fish to fry than the recitation of a a pledge, which by the way was not burned onto rocks by our God in front of an amazed Mosses. The Missouri politicians need to spend less time debating pointless legislation and turn attention to the problems in Ferguson and the blight around St. Louis, not to mention the nation leading homicide rate in North St. Louis.

Furthermore, there are a lot of places in America where 'English' is Never spoken: You will not likely hear English in inner city East St. Louis, Chicago or Philadelphia. Won't hear English spoken throughout most of the South or The back hills of Missouri.
Personally, I am honored if someone pledges allegiance to America in a foreign language. Likewise, I am grateful for the many non-English speaking soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World Wars.

We Americans Should Share Our Kool-Aid

Every once in awhile, I will go off on a rant about guns and the fact that I believe we have too many guns, too readied for use in America. When I go off on such rants some of my gun-loving readers give me the dickens; those gun lovers begin quoting second amendment rights and manufactured statistics about fighting 'bad' gun-toters with 'good' gun- toting citizens.

Okay, I surrender to you second amendment pontificating wannabe Minutemen. Now, using YOUR logic, why the Hell does NOT Iran have the SAME freaking right to arm and protect their country men as do we Americans?? Who the hell made America 'key keepers' of the gun cabinet?

Put On a Happy Face

I have two sayings for you: (1) 'Money talks and bullshit walks.' (2) Smiling like a possum eating shit.'
Last Friday when all hell broke loose in Indiana over Gov. Pence signing into law that 'freedom of religion law' which opens the discriminatory door against gays and lesbians, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchison boasted publicly that he could not wait until he got a similar bill on his desk because he would absolutely sign the bill. That was last Friday. The beginning of this week, Gov Hutchison strolled to a podium and said he would veto that bill. Smiling from ear-to-ear, Hutchison said his son even signed a petition to veto the bill. The phony ass politician failed to mention that the CEO of Walmart (Bensonville, Arkansas) telephoned the Gov and suggested what he should do with the controversial bill.

Please refer to sayings (1) & (2)

The Legacy of Hate

Indiana Governor, Mike Pence is the target of great criticism over the recent legislative bill he signed into law, which allows 'religious freedoms' among businesses to withhold service based on 'their' religious beliefs. Most people see this new law as a pathway for discrimination against gays and lesbians. This means that the cake baker who receives a request to place two male figure atop the wedding cake can say 'No,' because the life style offends his religion.

Governor Pence is not the villain in this story. Pence is simply a politician who believes their is a large enough contingency of 'Hoosiers' voters that WANT such a law and therefore will re-elect him if he delivers.

Here is the crux question: 'Who are these folks making up that contingency?' Let me help you identify them. They are people like the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, who protest at military funerals because they are anti-war. They are people who 'think' like that guy, Scott Roeder who opposed abortion so he shot and killed abortion Doctor George Tiller as Tiller sat in a Wichita, church worshiping. This Indiana anti-gay group contingency is of the same mind set as the Ku Klux Klan.

We should be alarmed at this thinking but not surprised. Our 'Founding Fathers' were lobbied by similar narrow-minded thinkers who asked the framers of the Constitution to allow ONLY white males who owned land the privilege ( right) to vote.
 Actually, there was another fella who had this superior this attitude; you all recall, Adolf Hitler.