"Wisdom from the Northwoods..."
(and other such nonsense)
(and other such nonsense)
If you have read this far down on the home page, odds are this is your first time checking out my website, rather than a 'regular' who comes here to read the latest DAILY blog. I have no sponsor, no ads, and no hidden agenda. My writings are simply because of strong core values and a love of writing, coupled with the time and desire to do so. And I welcome you as a new reader.
The words are based on truth as I FIND IT, not on truth as I SEE IT. My 'rants' are honest opinions and are presented as OPINION. Ex-sailors tend to use strong language on occasion. It often helps get a point across. If you offend easily, this website is not for you.
If you prefer hype and bullshit, those type sites are all over the internet.
The words are based on truth as I FIND IT, not on truth as I SEE IT. My 'rants' are honest opinions and are presented as OPINION. Ex-sailors tend to use strong language on occasion. It often helps get a point across. If you offend easily, this website is not for you.
If you prefer hype and bullshit, those type sites are all over the internet.
Send Cap
an email
an email
The HEALTH CARE "SUMMIT"
(Bullshit and Bias aside.)
I watched the spectacle called the "Health Care Summit" on TV the 25th of February. It was a rare and unusual moment in the political history of our country. Few surprises, but I have still waited a few days to post this column. Wanted to let the dust settle, read what (the few) respected pundits had to say and write, before weighing in with my thoughts.
'Truth' was almost as hard to sift out of the seven hours as were the facts. But after measuring what I saw and heard against what has gone before on this issue, and for what it is worth, here is my humble opinion on both the 'summit' and what we can reasonably expect to actually happen. With a bit of luck I should be able to step on the toes of just about everyone with my observations by the time I finish writing. As the old saying goes, "The Truth Hurts." And I would add my own wee homily, "It Hurts Equally."
First: There were THREE ... not just two ... agendas here. The GOP, the Demos, and Obama's PERSONAL agenda... something that has been either overlooked or deliberately ignored by the liberal media. If there was any 'winner' in any sense of the word, it was Obama and his agenda to seek re-election in 2012. He came out of it with a win-win situation.
He can now claim (if not falsely, with gay abandonment) that he sought out bipartisanship on the matter. If the bill is passed, in ANY small form whatsoever, he will lay claim to the fact that he brought the two sides together to make it happen. If the bill is NOT passed, he will be able to say it was not his fault and that he gave it his best shot and then pass the blame off on to the recalcitrant GOP. I rarely, if ever, have seen a more skillful, ballsy, and adept political ploy than what I saw on the 25th. His imperious and condescending control of the forum was masterful.
But when the surface of his performance is scratched, there is nothing but lead beneath the gold gilt. And those who buy his gold ingots are in for as big a disappointment as they are now experiencing in the difference between what he SAID before the election, and what he has DONE since he was elected to office.
On the GOP side it was basically politics as usual with one big exception--the loud cry for tort reform. And the Demos skillfully danced around that matter while saying nothing. On the DEMO side, Sen. Harry Reid was disgusting. No other word fits him. While Nancy Pelosi proved under pressure exactly and precisely why she (along with Reid) NEED TO GO. Both need to be voted out of office.
I was greatly impressed with several Senators on both sides of the aisle. They understand the issue and honestly want to do something meaningful for American citizens. If left alone THEY could, and likely would, come up with something worthwhile. And they are among the few members of Congress who should NOT be voted out of office. We NEED them in their job. They have earned their stripes.
But along with Reid and Pelosi, the misfits and rabid partisans who were exposed all need to go. And that clown Biden? What a joke. Will bet a dollar to a donut that when Obama runs for re-election in 2012 (which he will, if he is still around) that he will have a new running mate. Biden is basically a 'good-guy' ... a worthwhile VP he is not!
CAP 3/1/10(Bullshit and Bias aside.)
I watched the spectacle called the "Health Care Summit" on TV the 25th of February. It was a rare and unusual moment in the political history of our country. Few surprises, but I have still waited a few days to post this column. Wanted to let the dust settle, read what (the few) respected pundits had to say and write, before weighing in with my thoughts.
'Truth' was almost as hard to sift out of the seven hours as were the facts. But after measuring what I saw and heard against what has gone before on this issue, and for what it is worth, here is my humble opinion on both the 'summit' and what we can reasonably expect to actually happen. With a bit of luck I should be able to step on the toes of just about everyone with my observations by the time I finish writing. As the old saying goes, "The Truth Hurts." And I would add my own wee homily, "It Hurts Equally."
First: There were THREE ... not just two ... agendas here. The GOP, the Demos, and Obama's PERSONAL agenda... something that has been either overlooked or deliberately ignored by the liberal media. If there was any 'winner' in any sense of the word, it was Obama and his agenda to seek re-election in 2012. He came out of it with a win-win situation.
He can now claim (if not falsely, with gay abandonment) that he sought out bipartisanship on the matter. If the bill is passed, in ANY small form whatsoever, he will lay claim to the fact that he brought the two sides together to make it happen. If the bill is NOT passed, he will be able to say it was not his fault and that he gave it his best shot and then pass the blame off on to the recalcitrant GOP. I rarely, if ever, have seen a more skillful, ballsy, and adept political ploy than what I saw on the 25th. His imperious and condescending control of the forum was masterful.
But when the surface of his performance is scratched, there is nothing but lead beneath the gold gilt. And those who buy his gold ingots are in for as big a disappointment as they are now experiencing in the difference between what he SAID before the election, and what he has DONE since he was elected to office.
On the GOP side it was basically politics as usual with one big exception--the loud cry for tort reform. And the Demos skillfully danced around that matter while saying nothing. On the DEMO side, Sen. Harry Reid was disgusting. No other word fits him. While Nancy Pelosi proved under pressure exactly and precisely why she (along with Reid) NEED TO GO. Both need to be voted out of office.
I was greatly impressed with several Senators on both sides of the aisle. They understand the issue and honestly want to do something meaningful for American citizens. If left alone THEY could, and likely would, come up with something worthwhile. And they are among the few members of Congress who should NOT be voted out of office. We NEED them in their job. They have earned their stripes.
But along with Reid and Pelosi, the misfits and rabid partisans who were exposed all need to go. And that clown Biden? What a joke. Will bet a dollar to a donut that when Obama runs for re-election in 2012 (which he will, if he is still around) that he will have a new running mate. Biden is basically a 'good-guy' ... a worthwhile VP he is not!
A FULL CENTURY!
It is now a century since the Boy Scout movement was first started in the USA by a WILLIAM BOYCE in Washington, DC on February 8, 1910. The man who is reputed to have been the very first Scoutmaster in the Upper Midwest in the very early 1900's is my Grandfather the Rev. John Kroonemeyer (shown in the below picture). Well over 75 years ago in LaCrosse, Wisconsin he so inspired me about the Boy Scout movement, that 52 years ago when my first son became old enough to be a Cub Scout, I served as Cubmaster for what was said to be the nation's largest Cub Pack (#207), with at the time 124 seven to ten year old boys, comprising 16 Dens in the pack.
My first cousin Robert Jenks, following his Scouting experience, joined the ministry, and as an Episcopalian Priest shortly after the end of WW 2 he established the first Narcotics Anonymous in South Chicago, spending years there until he burned out from the stress of what he had created. And then he was assigned to the church on Martha's Vineyard, where he served as the Priest until he passed away. The values of Scouting became his whole life.
After my son graduated from Cub Scouts and went on into Boy Scouts (eventually earning his Eagle Badge) I then served as the Round Table Commissioner for over 40 Cub Packs in the Viking Council for three years. My grandsons were Scouts. My two GREAT Grandsons age 8 (also shown in the below picture) are Cub Scouts. We all agree that Scouting is not only one of the finest places to both learn and practice core values, it also is a glue that helps to bind family and community together in positive ways.
It is now a century since the Boy Scout movement was first started in the USA by a WILLIAM BOYCE in Washington, DC on February 8, 1910. The man who is reputed to have been the very first Scoutmaster in the Upper Midwest in the very early 1900's is my Grandfather the Rev. John Kroonemeyer (shown in the below picture). Well over 75 years ago in LaCrosse, Wisconsin he so inspired me about the Boy Scout movement, that 52 years ago when my first son became old enough to be a Cub Scout, I served as Cubmaster for what was said to be the nation's largest Cub Pack (#207), with at the time 124 seven to ten year old boys, comprising 16 Dens in the pack.
My first cousin Robert Jenks, following his Scouting experience, joined the ministry, and as an Episcopalian Priest shortly after the end of WW 2 he established the first Narcotics Anonymous in South Chicago, spending years there until he burned out from the stress of what he had created. And then he was assigned to the church on Martha's Vineyard, where he served as the Priest until he passed away. The values of Scouting became his whole life.
After my son graduated from Cub Scouts and went on into Boy Scouts (eventually earning his Eagle Badge) I then served as the Round Table Commissioner for over 40 Cub Packs in the Viking Council for three years. My grandsons were Scouts. My two GREAT Grandsons age 8 (also shown in the below picture) are Cub Scouts. We all agree that Scouting is not only one of the finest places to both learn and practice core values, it also is a glue that helps to bind family and community together in positive ways.
Equally important is the Girl Scout movement, where young girls begin as 'Brownies'. Who hasn't seen these smiling little charmers selling Girl Scout cookies door to door? I am a 'Cookie-Monster' when one of these little angels ring my doorbell, cookies in hand. They can always count on me for buying SEVERAL boxes. Not just one box!
We are what the past has made us, for better or for worse. We have core values, work ethics, love of family and devotion to country and God in direct proportion to what we were taught. What we learned when we were young and still impressionable youths. To one degree or another, most of us grew up with the right thinking, having learned right from wrong, willing to work hard, do our best, and stay out of trouble.
But our educational system can do only so much. Our churches can do only so much. And even well meaning parents can do only so much. Like it or not, they ALL are, and may well be, in direct conflict with some of the peers of these young people...(a few of those 'peers' have no values, no goal in life, are only a negative influence.)
Never, ever forget or lose sight of the fact that absence the peer pressure and exposure they experience in Scouting, they could well be attracted to, look up to, and learn street smarts from the school drop-outs, drug users and petty criminals ... boys that too often fell through the cracks simply because no one cared enough to help keep them on the straight and narrow.
Support The Scouting Movement!!! It is (and will be) the future of our country long after Obama is a footnote in history, in all likelihood remembered best for his fumbling four years in office.
Cap 3/2/10
But our educational system can do only so much. Our churches can do only so much. And even well meaning parents can do only so much. Like it or not, they ALL are, and may well be, in direct conflict with some of the peers of these young people...(a few of those 'peers' have no values, no goal in life, are only a negative influence.)
Never, ever forget or lose sight of the fact that absence the peer pressure and exposure they experience in Scouting, they could well be attracted to, look up to, and learn street smarts from the school drop-outs, drug users and petty criminals ... boys that too often fell through the cracks simply because no one cared enough to help keep them on the straight and narrow.
Support The Scouting Movement!!! It is (and will be) the future of our country long after Obama is a footnote in history, in all likelihood remembered best for his fumbling four years in office.
Cap 3/2/10
THE THRILL OF SPRING!
If I could put into written words the almost indescribable smell of an early spring day when the sun is shining, temps are above freezing, and the icicles are getting long, know that it would be a best seller! The mental elation, the uplifted spirit, the eagerness for the days that lay ahead after a too-long cold winter. A winter that was welcomed when it arrived, that shared a white Xmas with us, gave us the beauty of fresh snow, the zing of a frosty breath of icy air. That then proceeded to far over stay its welcome.
But because I don't have that ability (if indeed anyone has) today, I will share my feelings with you the best I can. Feelings that the full time swamp-habitants of Florida, nor the desert drought-dummies of Arizona and the cliff-hangers of California (who are waiting to one day slide into the Pacific Ocean) know naught about. All those poor simpletons gathered together in sweaty clumps of humanity. Enough to give me the shudders just to think about them.
The foot thick blanket of snow on the roof does its best to provide eaves with constant drips during the day, so that the still below freezing nights can harden them into longer and longer icicles for us to marvel at. (Our standing record of some years was one gorgeous work of nature that almost made it to become a four foot icicle until gravity took over.)
There is something almost magical to those of us who can tell the difference in the humidity supplied this way. As opposed to that of a rainstorm, or the disgusting and cloying, mosquito-laden humidity of the tropics or the sub-tropics. Think that I will call it an "Aphrodisiac Of The Human Spirit", something that only those of us in this world who are willing to turn our lives over to cohabiting with the FOUR seasons of nature can know, understand, and experience.
Hope this short trip to the boonies of NW Wisconsin as we begin our delightful (and muddy) way to spring has taken your mind off all the crap and negative things that are going on in the world these days. Sure did the job for me, just writing this to share it with you!
CAP 3/3/10
If I could put into written words the almost indescribable smell of an early spring day when the sun is shining, temps are above freezing, and the icicles are getting long, know that it would be a best seller! The mental elation, the uplifted spirit, the eagerness for the days that lay ahead after a too-long cold winter. A winter that was welcomed when it arrived, that shared a white Xmas with us, gave us the beauty of fresh snow, the zing of a frosty breath of icy air. That then proceeded to far over stay its welcome.
But because I don't have that ability (if indeed anyone has) today, I will share my feelings with you the best I can. Feelings that the full time swamp-habitants of Florida, nor the desert drought-dummies of Arizona and the cliff-hangers of California (who are waiting to one day slide into the Pacific Ocean) know naught about. All those poor simpletons gathered together in sweaty clumps of humanity. Enough to give me the shudders just to think about them.
The foot thick blanket of snow on the roof does its best to provide eaves with constant drips during the day, so that the still below freezing nights can harden them into longer and longer icicles for us to marvel at. (Our standing record of some years was one gorgeous work of nature that almost made it to become a four foot icicle until gravity took over.)
There is something almost magical to those of us who can tell the difference in the humidity supplied this way. As opposed to that of a rainstorm, or the disgusting and cloying, mosquito-laden humidity of the tropics or the sub-tropics. Think that I will call it an "Aphrodisiac Of The Human Spirit", something that only those of us in this world who are willing to turn our lives over to cohabiting with the FOUR seasons of nature can know, understand, and experience.
Hope this short trip to the boonies of NW Wisconsin as we begin our delightful (and muddy) way to spring has taken your mind off all the crap and negative things that are going on in the world these days. Sure did the job for me, just writing this to share it with you!
CAP 3/3/10
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE...
...The Power And Strength
Of Someone On A Mission!!
NEVER, EVER.
Especially when he (or she) is highly intelligent, personable, driven, with a firm agenda, and who has a superior skill of communication.
History is loaded with such people...some good, some bad. Some noble, some were charlatans. History also has a way of sorting them out, properly defining them. But with full truth, only long after the dust has settled; and, after the individual has returned to dust.
In the modern history of the USA, in my estimation, there have been only four such men who served as our President: Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Nixon, and Reagan. And now we have Obama who fits this category. A highly exceptional individual, and like him or hate him, we must "give-the-devil-his-due." The skill he displayed at the recent 'Health Care Summit' (which ONLY served HIS agenda while accomplishing little else) was nothing short of brilliant. Even his naysayers admit this, albeit grudgingly.
And this is where the rub comes in. Only Obama knows his true and inner agenda. Do not be fooled or misled by anyone, either party, who is so presumptuous as to state that he or she "knows it." You can be certain that those who fit THAT category have an agenda of their own which, some of whom...like that of Obama, will only be exposed with time.
There is no question whatsoever that Obama is highly unusual. Bi-racial, tri-national, bi-religious, a single-child product of two failed marriages, and to a great extent raised by grandparents in Hawaii. Then on to achieve an advanced education at some of our nation's most liberal colleges, and to learn street smarts in the cesspool of Chicago politics, rising from 'nowhere' to national recognition on a fast track. So unusual as to be 'one-of-a-kind'. This kind of background breeds ONLY liberals, and most often far-left liberals.
At this point in time, and after his first error-prone year in office, as hard as I have studied the matter, the hours spent thinking about everything, his "TRUE" agenda still escapes me. There is no question that he is a liberal with socialistic thinking.., and an adaptable one. (This can either be the path of a fool, or a sign of self-control and deviousness rarely seen.)
My impression at the end of the day is this: He is either 100% committed to changing the fabric of the USA because he feels that "he-knows-best"; OR ... he has a dark, dark side that may never see the light of day until it is too late. Either way, if the national polls are to be believed, the voters are fast becoming disillusioned and his support is fading even faster.
Meanwhile Sarah Palin and the Tea Party are becoming powers to watch. The true test of the effectiveness of both will be seen after the election next November. The true test of Sarah Palin (who is a striking opposite of Obama) will be seen after the 2012 November election. We live in an unusual and highly interesting political time in the history of our country. Dull, it is not!
CAP 3/4/10
...The Power And Strength
Of Someone On A Mission!!
NEVER, EVER.
Especially when he (or she) is highly intelligent, personable, driven, with a firm agenda, and who has a superior skill of communication.
History is loaded with such people...some good, some bad. Some noble, some were charlatans. History also has a way of sorting them out, properly defining them. But with full truth, only long after the dust has settled; and, after the individual has returned to dust.
In the modern history of the USA, in my estimation, there have been only four such men who served as our President: Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Nixon, and Reagan. And now we have Obama who fits this category. A highly exceptional individual, and like him or hate him, we must "give-the-devil-his-due." The skill he displayed at the recent 'Health Care Summit' (which ONLY served HIS agenda while accomplishing little else) was nothing short of brilliant. Even his naysayers admit this, albeit grudgingly.
And this is where the rub comes in. Only Obama knows his true and inner agenda. Do not be fooled or misled by anyone, either party, who is so presumptuous as to state that he or she "knows it." You can be certain that those who fit THAT category have an agenda of their own which, some of whom...like that of Obama, will only be exposed with time.
There is no question whatsoever that Obama is highly unusual. Bi-racial, tri-national, bi-religious, a single-child product of two failed marriages, and to a great extent raised by grandparents in Hawaii. Then on to achieve an advanced education at some of our nation's most liberal colleges, and to learn street smarts in the cesspool of Chicago politics, rising from 'nowhere' to national recognition on a fast track. So unusual as to be 'one-of-a-kind'. This kind of background breeds ONLY liberals, and most often far-left liberals.
At this point in time, and after his first error-prone year in office, as hard as I have studied the matter, the hours spent thinking about everything, his "TRUE" agenda still escapes me. There is no question that he is a liberal with socialistic thinking.., and an adaptable one. (This can either be the path of a fool, or a sign of self-control and deviousness rarely seen.)
My impression at the end of the day is this: He is either 100% committed to changing the fabric of the USA because he feels that "he-knows-best"; OR ... he has a dark, dark side that may never see the light of day until it is too late. Either way, if the national polls are to be believed, the voters are fast becoming disillusioned and his support is fading even faster.
Meanwhile Sarah Palin and the Tea Party are becoming powers to watch. The true test of the effectiveness of both will be seen after the election next November. The true test of Sarah Palin (who is a striking opposite of Obama) will be seen after the 2012 November election. We live in an unusual and highly interesting political time in the history of our country. Dull, it is not!
CAP 3/4/10
WE ONCE HAD...
... a Wisconsin Senator by the name of Joseph McCarthy. He was a liar, a hypocrite and a demagogue, and brought great shame to both the US Senate and our beloved State of Wisconsin. When truth and facts finally brought him down and he was exposed for what he was, it was the end of the line for him. And he lived out his life as a pariah.
Then almost as though it were poetic justice and an act of contrition and penance, Wisconsin elected Sen. William Proxmire to take his place in 1957 when McCarthy died. This man shone in Congress as someone who truly cared about truth. So much so, that a number of years before he retired in 1989 after 32 years of service, he introduced in the Senate his top-ten 'Golden Fleece Awards' that each year he awarded to the bills and programs that had done the most egregious job of wasting the taxpayers money.
He 'awarded' them for the years of 1975-1988. Proxmire holds the record for the most roll call votes cast (10,252) with Margaret Chase of Maine a distant second with 2,941. He was there to take care of the business the voters hired him to do ... and he did it in spectacular fashion. Compare that to the records of certain liberals who vote only when needed.
While he became feared in Congress (con men & thieves hate to be exposed), in Wisconsin he became a legend within his time, winning each re-election in a landslide. If you never heard of what follows, grab a seat. It will blow you away. In his final bid for re-election in 1982 he accepted NO public money, declined ALL financial support and returned all unsolicited money to the donors. He ran NO ads on TV or radio, or in the newspapers. Gave out no handbills or posters.
The ONLY money he spent for his re-election came out of his own pocket and amounted to $200--the cost of filing for his re-election and for the return postage on unsolicited donations. His landslide win was a real blowout. (Compare that to the $23,000,000 that a certain liberal spent to become a Senator.)
And now we have serving our State of Wisconsin in the House of Representatives a John Ryan who was a participant in Obama's self-serving phony 'Health Care Summit'. Rep. Ryan (if you watched the spectacle as I did) did his homework; he read and brought along a copy of the bill, all 2,400 pages of it and stacked it in front of himself. (Think on that number of pages a bit.) And then he had the audacity to question Obama on costs. When it became obvious that Ryan knew the facts and Obama did not (and did not want any further discussion of those painful facts), Obama cut Ryan off with a snide remark about his 'props' (the actual 2,400 page bill). Read more about this story in yesterday's edition of the Wall Street Journal. Truth sure hurts.
CAP 3/5/10
... a Wisconsin Senator by the name of Joseph McCarthy. He was a liar, a hypocrite and a demagogue, and brought great shame to both the US Senate and our beloved State of Wisconsin. When truth and facts finally brought him down and he was exposed for what he was, it was the end of the line for him. And he lived out his life as a pariah.
Then almost as though it were poetic justice and an act of contrition and penance, Wisconsin elected Sen. William Proxmire to take his place in 1957 when McCarthy died. This man shone in Congress as someone who truly cared about truth. So much so, that a number of years before he retired in 1989 after 32 years of service, he introduced in the Senate his top-ten 'Golden Fleece Awards' that each year he awarded to the bills and programs that had done the most egregious job of wasting the taxpayers money.
He 'awarded' them for the years of 1975-1988. Proxmire holds the record for the most roll call votes cast (10,252) with Margaret Chase of Maine a distant second with 2,941. He was there to take care of the business the voters hired him to do ... and he did it in spectacular fashion. Compare that to the records of certain liberals who vote only when needed.
While he became feared in Congress (con men & thieves hate to be exposed), in Wisconsin he became a legend within his time, winning each re-election in a landslide. If you never heard of what follows, grab a seat. It will blow you away. In his final bid for re-election in 1982 he accepted NO public money, declined ALL financial support and returned all unsolicited money to the donors. He ran NO ads on TV or radio, or in the newspapers. Gave out no handbills or posters.
The ONLY money he spent for his re-election came out of his own pocket and amounted to $200--the cost of filing for his re-election and for the return postage on unsolicited donations. His landslide win was a real blowout. (Compare that to the $23,000,000 that a certain liberal spent to become a Senator.)
And now we have serving our State of Wisconsin in the House of Representatives a John Ryan who was a participant in Obama's self-serving phony 'Health Care Summit'. Rep. Ryan (if you watched the spectacle as I did) did his homework; he read and brought along a copy of the bill, all 2,400 pages of it and stacked it in front of himself. (Think on that number of pages a bit.) And then he had the audacity to question Obama on costs. When it became obvious that Ryan knew the facts and Obama did not (and did not want any further discussion of those painful facts), Obama cut Ryan off with a snide remark about his 'props' (the actual 2,400 page bill). Read more about this story in yesterday's edition of the Wall Street Journal. Truth sure hurts.
CAP 3/5/10
No website sponsor. No ads. No pop-ups. Nothing to sell. Nothing to buy. No hidden agenda. No one pays my way. I write from the gut and with truth seasoned by humor. A new essay here EVERY day. No guarantee you will like them. Just read and enjoy!
THE SNOW IS MELTING,
And That Means
Only One
Thing. Fishing
Is Just
Around The
Corner And
So Cap'n Dee
Bought A New
Landing Net
To Be Ready!
And That Means
Only One
Thing. Fishing
Is Just
Around The
Corner And
So Cap'n Dee
Bought A New
Landing Net
To Be Ready!
The WINNING RECIPE.
And I sincerely wish that somehow, in some manner, through some form of communication, that one single thought and observation from this 83 year old geezer makes it to the attention of Sarah Palin. That one of her close advisers, confidantes, and/ or political handlers who has her ear will plant this seed in her mind. (It may already be there... I hope it is.)
I am on record since she first appeared with Sen. McCain at the Republican National Convention, that I am in her corner. One of my early essays about her has been all over the internet ever since I wrote it. Have since stated on my website, my newspaper column, and any number of other writings, that I will support her 110% in 2012 IF... (and only if) I can see clearly that she has both 'matured' and gained an in-depth understanding of how our NATIONAL political system works and has a thorough working knowledge of international affairs. In my opinion, when that time comes, she will be invincible at election time.
But the thought I am referring to today has nothing to do with the above. It has to do with the inner Sarah Palin that I feel exists, but so far has barely shown itself. The 'hard-as-steel' and 'tough-as-nails' that takes no prisoners. The 'iron-fist' in the velvet glove. That has so far only been exposed in a certain set of her jaw that pops up far too rarely. Maybe she is much wiser than I give her credit for, deliberately keeping it hidden and under control, while the charm she exudes controls the picture. Gives the desired impression. If so, I salute her! If not, SOMEONE get this message to her! Starting in late 2010 let's see some downright mean and nasty FIRMNESS. And in 2012, no more 'Ms. Nice Gal.' Our country needs TOUGH LOVE.
Think of that 'iron-lady' Margaret Thatcher. Or back to the tough, rough and ready Golda Meir who 'took-no-prisoners', the school teacher from Milwaukee, who single handedly created Israel after Britain drew the boundaries of the new country. These two ladies not only were firmly in charge, you knew it the minute they said anything. They (like a couple other women leaders) got things done and done right. And that is precisely what the USA so badly needs now. It is time for a tough lady to be our next President ... and Governor Palin could well be the one to take on what may be the world's toughest job. Give the country a caring mother's TOUGH LOVE.
CAP 3/6/10
(Your catch phrase: MSG ... the flavor enhancer. "Margaret-Sarah-Golda"!)And I sincerely wish that somehow, in some manner, through some form of communication, that one single thought and observation from this 83 year old geezer makes it to the attention of Sarah Palin. That one of her close advisers, confidantes, and/ or political handlers who has her ear will plant this seed in her mind. (It may already be there... I hope it is.)
I am on record since she first appeared with Sen. McCain at the Republican National Convention, that I am in her corner. One of my early essays about her has been all over the internet ever since I wrote it. Have since stated on my website, my newspaper column, and any number of other writings, that I will support her 110% in 2012 IF... (and only if) I can see clearly that she has both 'matured' and gained an in-depth understanding of how our NATIONAL political system works and has a thorough working knowledge of international affairs. In my opinion, when that time comes, she will be invincible at election time.
But the thought I am referring to today has nothing to do with the above. It has to do with the inner Sarah Palin that I feel exists, but so far has barely shown itself. The 'hard-as-steel' and 'tough-as-nails' that takes no prisoners. The 'iron-fist' in the velvet glove. That has so far only been exposed in a certain set of her jaw that pops up far too rarely. Maybe she is much wiser than I give her credit for, deliberately keeping it hidden and under control, while the charm she exudes controls the picture. Gives the desired impression. If so, I salute her! If not, SOMEONE get this message to her! Starting in late 2010 let's see some downright mean and nasty FIRMNESS. And in 2012, no more 'Ms. Nice Gal.' Our country needs TOUGH LOVE.
Think of that 'iron-lady' Margaret Thatcher. Or back to the tough, rough and ready Golda Meir who 'took-no-prisoners', the school teacher from Milwaukee, who single handedly created Israel after Britain drew the boundaries of the new country. These two ladies not only were firmly in charge, you knew it the minute they said anything. They (like a couple other women leaders) got things done and done right. And that is precisely what the USA so badly needs now. It is time for a tough lady to be our next President ... and Governor Palin could well be the one to take on what may be the world's toughest job. Give the country a caring mother's TOUGH LOVE.
CAP 3/6/10
A Strange Contentment.
Stay with me to the end of this writing. And you will be able to use what you read as a baseline for what appears here with frequency between now and the first Tuesday of next November.
Will start by mentioning that it is my intent to sell my fishing shack, boat-motor-trailer, and all equipment at my place on Dogtooth Lake in Ontario. This after 61 years since discovering this paradise of trophy size fish in 1949. NOT because the fishing has dropped off (it is the best ever); or because I have lost my interest and enthusiasm for it (THAT will never happen).
It is because my body is simply and totally worn out, and now that I have hit my mid-eighties in age, figure that I would be a danger to myself fishing alone on this far-flung lake; and, a danger to myself and others on the highways driving back & forth each fall & spring. I won't be quitting with bitterness or regret, but with a smile on my face when I recall all the years of bliss on this lake.
This is how it has been over the many years, as one by one my other interests have been put aside for one reason or the other (golf, hunting, skin diving, island hopping, hiking, building, etc., etc.). Each time mostly because one body part or the other told me that particular activity was over. And each time I accepted it with good grace and moved on to other things with a positive outlook on life, reaching for something else. So it now is with Canadian fishing.
I have been blessed. As each part of my body has worn out, it has left my mind clear and sharp, if anything, constantly improving with age like a fine wine. Leaving me these days with a strange feeling of contentment. All my life being a 'doer' and a problem solver, I now have endless hours to sit and think, ponder and reason, analyze and then fact check. With the beauties of the Internet in its ability to cough up tips from the collective experience of humanity, that can shake up a lifetime of learned acts.
And understanding completely that mixed in with the truths and facts to be found there, that there are also cleverly disguised OPINIONS posing as facts to further the agenda of an individual or organization. And it is at those times I am able to turn to the dozens of book shelves in three rooms of my home that include hundreds of volumes of non-fiction, books of reference on almost any subject, a full set of Encyclopedia Britannica, and maps & atlases of every corner of the world.
PLUS my collection of National Geographics that go back to 1914 and are fully complete from about 1940 to date. I consider them the FINAL word on almost anything of importance about the world as a whole, the one single publication that has always held itself above the fray while presenting truth and facts often found nowhere else.
The many newspapers and magazines that I read daily for current events, I always take with a grain of salt. And when some East Coast pointy-head attempts to impress the hoi-poloi with rare never used multi-syllable words, I have my trusty huge Webster's UNABRIDGED Dictionary that allows me to pierce the smoke and mirrors and poke holes in his/ her attempt to confuse an issue.
All the foregoing is to help the thousands of readers of this website fully understand that TRUTH is and will be the mainstay. Bullshit and hype we leave behind, and if the day's column is OPINION that will be so stated. And when indicated 'both-sides-of-the-coin' will be brought out. Between now and November when it comes to politics you can feel safe referring the website to others who want a bit of help in making a decision. And I am ALWAYS open to honest debate, and meaningful honest input. Just click on the top link to write me.
If it is good for country and family, it WILL be here. I have no other agenda than that. If it is good primarily for government/ politicians/ bureaucrats (of either party)... you will be forewarned. And thus, forearmed when you visit the voting booth.
CAP 3/5/10
www.capndee.com
THE website
for TRUTH!
Stay with me to the end of this writing. And you will be able to use what you read as a baseline for what appears here with frequency between now and the first Tuesday of next November.
Will start by mentioning that it is my intent to sell my fishing shack, boat-motor-trailer, and all equipment at my place on Dogtooth Lake in Ontario. This after 61 years since discovering this paradise of trophy size fish in 1949. NOT because the fishing has dropped off (it is the best ever); or because I have lost my interest and enthusiasm for it (THAT will never happen).
It is because my body is simply and totally worn out, and now that I have hit my mid-eighties in age, figure that I would be a danger to myself fishing alone on this far-flung lake; and, a danger to myself and others on the highways driving back & forth each fall & spring. I won't be quitting with bitterness or regret, but with a smile on my face when I recall all the years of bliss on this lake.
This is how it has been over the many years, as one by one my other interests have been put aside for one reason or the other (golf, hunting, skin diving, island hopping, hiking, building, etc., etc.). Each time mostly because one body part or the other told me that particular activity was over. And each time I accepted it with good grace and moved on to other things with a positive outlook on life, reaching for something else. So it now is with Canadian fishing.
I have been blessed. As each part of my body has worn out, it has left my mind clear and sharp, if anything, constantly improving with age like a fine wine. Leaving me these days with a strange feeling of contentment. All my life being a 'doer' and a problem solver, I now have endless hours to sit and think, ponder and reason, analyze and then fact check. With the beauties of the Internet in its ability to cough up tips from the collective experience of humanity, that can shake up a lifetime of learned acts.
And understanding completely that mixed in with the truths and facts to be found there, that there are also cleverly disguised OPINIONS posing as facts to further the agenda of an individual or organization. And it is at those times I am able to turn to the dozens of book shelves in three rooms of my home that include hundreds of volumes of non-fiction, books of reference on almost any subject, a full set of Encyclopedia Britannica, and maps & atlases of every corner of the world.
PLUS my collection of National Geographics that go back to 1914 and are fully complete from about 1940 to date. I consider them the FINAL word on almost anything of importance about the world as a whole, the one single publication that has always held itself above the fray while presenting truth and facts often found nowhere else.
The many newspapers and magazines that I read daily for current events, I always take with a grain of salt. And when some East Coast pointy-head attempts to impress the hoi-poloi with rare never used multi-syllable words, I have my trusty huge Webster's UNABRIDGED Dictionary that allows me to pierce the smoke and mirrors and poke holes in his/ her attempt to confuse an issue.
All the foregoing is to help the thousands of readers of this website fully understand that TRUTH is and will be the mainstay. Bullshit and hype we leave behind, and if the day's column is OPINION that will be so stated. And when indicated 'both-sides-of-the-coin' will be brought out. Between now and November when it comes to politics you can feel safe referring the website to others who want a bit of help in making a decision. And I am ALWAYS open to honest debate, and meaningful honest input. Just click on the top link to write me.
If it is good for country and family, it WILL be here. I have no other agenda than that. If it is good primarily for government/ politicians/ bureaucrats (of either party)... you will be forewarned. And thus, forearmed when you visit the voting booth.
CAP 3/5/10
www.capndee.com
THE website
for TRUTH!
I SAT.
For ten minutes at noontime, on the step of the portico. In my tee shirt. The outside temp had shot up to 38 degrees. There was no wind, the sky was clear, and the sun was blazing. But still too far South in the sky to melt the huge pile of snow on the North side roof of the garage. On the South side the melt was pouring off with steady drips.
My cat was inside by the partially open door, yowling and complaining because I seem to have upset his daily winter routine. Guess I forgot to tell him in advance that I wanted to feel the warmth of the sun on my winter-weary body and that I would be AWOL for awhile. (Or, most likely, he is just hungry.)
During those delightful ten minutes I listened to silence. Our migrating song birds haven't yet returned, and those that wintered over must be enjoying a noontime siesta. While our half-mile driveway is a morass of mud in the low spots, the freeze-drying effect of our still zero night time temps have made the snowless higher areas normal, even though the frost has not gone out of the ground.
And as I look around and see every place other than the driveway still covered with at least a foot or two of snow, with a few six foot drifts, can't help but think the frost likely is not very deep this year. Mainly because the snow that started to fall in early November is still there. Part of the 'blanket' that prevented the frost from going real deep. This is our first decent thaw since then.
Out front I can see water flowing in the river. That started in spots a couple days ago, but now it is flowing in a narrow channel in the middle of the river ice. Telling me exactly where the force of the current is the strongest. Also telling me where I can most likely expect to see river bank erosion in a couple months. Once we get into the full-fledged spring thaw, considering the amount of snow nature left us with, reckon this could be one of the years when our little river goes way out of its banks.
Few years ago when that happened a couple of our regular Canada Geese pairs that had not built their nest high enough, were forced to see nests and eggs wash away. Made us a bit sad as we watched that all happen. Last couple years, no nests in those same spots, guess they weren't going to be fooled twice by mother nature.
That's about it for today, just wanted to share these thoughts. Figured we all need a break now and then from the nonsense that is going on in Washington D.C. Now you can go back to fretting & fussing about those nincompoops in Congress and the Oval office.
CAP 3/8/10For ten minutes at noontime, on the step of the portico. In my tee shirt. The outside temp had shot up to 38 degrees. There was no wind, the sky was clear, and the sun was blazing. But still too far South in the sky to melt the huge pile of snow on the North side roof of the garage. On the South side the melt was pouring off with steady drips.
My cat was inside by the partially open door, yowling and complaining because I seem to have upset his daily winter routine. Guess I forgot to tell him in advance that I wanted to feel the warmth of the sun on my winter-weary body and that I would be AWOL for awhile. (Or, most likely, he is just hungry.)
During those delightful ten minutes I listened to silence. Our migrating song birds haven't yet returned, and those that wintered over must be enjoying a noontime siesta. While our half-mile driveway is a morass of mud in the low spots, the freeze-drying effect of our still zero night time temps have made the snowless higher areas normal, even though the frost has not gone out of the ground.
And as I look around and see every place other than the driveway still covered with at least a foot or two of snow, with a few six foot drifts, can't help but think the frost likely is not very deep this year. Mainly because the snow that started to fall in early November is still there. Part of the 'blanket' that prevented the frost from going real deep. This is our first decent thaw since then.
Out front I can see water flowing in the river. That started in spots a couple days ago, but now it is flowing in a narrow channel in the middle of the river ice. Telling me exactly where the force of the current is the strongest. Also telling me where I can most likely expect to see river bank erosion in a couple months. Once we get into the full-fledged spring thaw, considering the amount of snow nature left us with, reckon this could be one of the years when our little river goes way out of its banks.
Few years ago when that happened a couple of our regular Canada Geese pairs that had not built their nest high enough, were forced to see nests and eggs wash away. Made us a bit sad as we watched that all happen. Last couple years, no nests in those same spots, guess they weren't going to be fooled twice by mother nature.
That's about it for today, just wanted to share these thoughts. Figured we all need a break now and then from the nonsense that is going on in Washington D.C. Now you can go back to fretting & fussing about those nincompoops in Congress and the Oval office.
MY TURN ON The HEALTH CARE BILL!
For a long time, probably ever since all the hype/ B.S./ fire and furor of the so-called "health-reform" has become the stuff that makes media salivate about all the juicy ins and outs, drippings, droppings, and droopings that emanate, thus giving them headlines such as "Just In!", "Breaking News!", "Flash!", ad nausea in an effort to draw the boobs-to-the-tubes ... ever since then I have wanted to have my say on the matter but haven't done so in simple plain words. I now do so.
For a long time, probably ever since all the hype/ B.S./ fire and furor of the so-called "health-reform" has become the stuff that makes media salivate about all the juicy ins and outs, drippings, droppings, and droopings that emanate, thus giving them headlines such as "Just In!", "Breaking News!", "Flash!", ad nausea in an effort to draw the boobs-to-the-tubes ... ever since then I have wanted to have my say on the matter but haven't done so in simple plain words. I now do so.
As a beginning: Erase ALL of this Obamacare crap thrown at us in the form of an unreadable 2,400 page bill and begin with facts, truth, and a whale of a lot of common sense.
Not that it would make a whit of difference, and would likely cause BOTH sides of the issue to holler in loud voices how heartless, unthinking, cruel, and callous I am for even thinking such a thing! (Plus it would cause thousands of unnecessary government workers to shake in their boots in fear someone would listen to common sense, causing them to have to find REAL work.) But here goes.
DON'T DO A DAMN THING! Leave things exactly as they are! Must I tell/ remind/ gag down their throats/ that right now the uninsured and unemployed in the USA are getting medical attention for free at hospitals and clinics and from caring medical professionals? Yes, they may have to wait a bit longer, not get a doctor of their choice, or tests they don't need, have to (horrors!) be in a four-bed hospital room or ward, instead of a private or semi-private room. While these caregivers either eat their costs or pass them on to those who can pay.
Tell me about how much worse that kind of care that we presently have is, than the horror stories that I hear about the health care in Canada or England where they have Socialized GOVERNMENT dictated health care! Or the great health care in pre-earthquake Haiti. Maybe Bangladesh. Or Indonesia. Africa perhaps ...
And if all these damn do-gooders, sob-sisters, socialists, and far-left liberals want to do something meaningful to help keep health care costs in line ... start with what I have been screaming about that needs to be done for the past four years ... TORT REFORM. If someone would boil down the 2,400 page bill they are so desperately trying to jam down our throats into ... get this ... ONE page in very simple language, detailing the INDISPUTABLE "good things" it provides, and will do them better than what we now have; and, at the same or less INDISPUTABLE cost we now experience ... I will be happy to eat crow.
If I haven't offended someone with what I have written who needs a bit of common sense drilled into their heads, do let me know who I missed. I will go after their sorry ass in my next attack on stupidity.
Cap 3/9/10
Not that it would make a whit of difference, and would likely cause BOTH sides of the issue to holler in loud voices how heartless, unthinking, cruel, and callous I am for even thinking such a thing! (Plus it would cause thousands of unnecessary government workers to shake in their boots in fear someone would listen to common sense, causing them to have to find REAL work.) But here goes.
DON'T DO A DAMN THING! Leave things exactly as they are! Must I tell/ remind/ gag down their throats/ that right now the uninsured and unemployed in the USA are getting medical attention for free at hospitals and clinics and from caring medical professionals? Yes, they may have to wait a bit longer, not get a doctor of their choice, or tests they don't need, have to (horrors!) be in a four-bed hospital room or ward, instead of a private or semi-private room. While these caregivers either eat their costs or pass them on to those who can pay.
Tell me about how much worse that kind of care that we presently have is, than the horror stories that I hear about the health care in Canada or England where they have Socialized GOVERNMENT dictated health care! Or the great health care in pre-earthquake Haiti. Maybe Bangladesh. Or Indonesia. Africa perhaps ...
And if all these damn do-gooders, sob-sisters, socialists, and far-left liberals want to do something meaningful to help keep health care costs in line ... start with what I have been screaming about that needs to be done for the past four years ... TORT REFORM. If someone would boil down the 2,400 page bill they are so desperately trying to jam down our throats into ... get this ... ONE page in very simple language, detailing the INDISPUTABLE "good things" it provides, and will do them better than what we now have; and, at the same or less INDISPUTABLE cost we now experience ... I will be happy to eat crow.
If I haven't offended someone with what I have written who needs a bit of common sense drilled into their heads, do let me know who I missed. I will go after their sorry ass in my next attack on stupidity.
Cap 3/9/10
Yesterday on 3/09/10 my loved one took this picture of our river out front breaking up, huge blocks of ice being swept away. As I looked at the picture, could not help but think what a story it has to tell. So will share it with you.
This great recession we have been living through can be called our winter of discontent. The river represents the ebb and flow of humanity, the work it does, the energy (tax money) that flows from it keeps the river flowing in an orderly fashion.
As the winter set upon us, ice formed on the river. We will call that ice 'Congress', a covering and 'umbrella' over the flow of humanity. And as the recession worsened (winter got colder) the ice got thicker and thicker (thick ice we will call expanding 'Government') using up the river's energy (tax money) that flowed beneath, until only a trickle flowed under the ice as government got thicker and denser, demanding more and more energy (tax money).
Then one day about a week or so ago, a small black hole appeared in the ice. Water started to flow ON TOP of the ice as the sun warmed it. We will call that top water the 'Tea Party', and as the water for the 'Tea' started to boil, it cut an open channel in the middle of the river, leaving huge ice shelves (government) sitting idle on both sides of the river.
But it quickly became obvious that those ice shelves were HANGING ABOVE the water level a good 7 or 8 inches with nothing supporting them, because they had already sucked too much water (tax money) out of the river to create themselves. And now the channel widens as the Tea Party boils over, and with no support the non-productive, inert and motionless ice shelves (Congress) suddenly break off and fall into the river. To be forever swept away in the now rising river (a tide of unhappy taxpayers).
Warm days arrive (voter discontent mounts) and now it is their turn to melt and sweep away those useless ice shelves in a frenzy of common sense called ELECTION DAY. So only one question remains:
Will YOU be an ice-breaker on election day?
CAP 3/10/10This great recession we have been living through can be called our winter of discontent. The river represents the ebb and flow of humanity, the work it does, the energy (tax money) that flows from it keeps the river flowing in an orderly fashion.
As the winter set upon us, ice formed on the river. We will call that ice 'Congress', a covering and 'umbrella' over the flow of humanity. And as the recession worsened (winter got colder) the ice got thicker and thicker (thick ice we will call expanding 'Government') using up the river's energy (tax money) that flowed beneath, until only a trickle flowed under the ice as government got thicker and denser, demanding more and more energy (tax money).
Then one day about a week or so ago, a small black hole appeared in the ice. Water started to flow ON TOP of the ice as the sun warmed it. We will call that top water the 'Tea Party', and as the water for the 'Tea' started to boil, it cut an open channel in the middle of the river, leaving huge ice shelves (government) sitting idle on both sides of the river.
But it quickly became obvious that those ice shelves were HANGING ABOVE the water level a good 7 or 8 inches with nothing supporting them, because they had already sucked too much water (tax money) out of the river to create themselves. And now the channel widens as the Tea Party boils over, and with no support the non-productive, inert and motionless ice shelves (Congress) suddenly break off and fall into the river. To be forever swept away in the now rising river (a tide of unhappy taxpayers).
Warm days arrive (voter discontent mounts) and now it is their turn to melt and sweep away those useless ice shelves in a frenzy of common sense called ELECTION DAY. So only one question remains:
Will YOU be an ice-breaker on election day?
