Rants and Raves, Opinions and Observations by a "Cranky Old Guy" in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Why the name - Always-A-Comment? Because a long time ago . . . back in high school, I always had a comment about everything . . . thus the name. I encourage and welcome your comments and responses to my posts. The opinions expressed herein are mine and mine alone. "I approve this message." Copyright 2013, All Rights Reserved. (not that anyone cares).
I can't believe how 'lame' the 2012 Congressional session was in accomplishing the tasks which the country needed to progress. Actually, it was the lack of accomplishments, compromise and bi-partisanship. This lack of any positive action has truly increased my production of acid reflux. I am so angry at what has evolved from Washington, that my bride shakes her head at my verbal political rampages directed at our 'representatives.'
I am so frustrated at the constant bickering, finger-pointing and tantrums (much like an infant) coming from our nation's capitol, that I really would like to do a nose-to-nose confrontation with some of those IDIOTS who say they are working for the good of U.S. citizens. HOGWASH (or insert the appropriate expletive of your choice here). Their actions, or inactions, have p****d me off! I am inflamed by their downright STUPIDITY and selfishness.
History will show, I'm sure, that the 2012 Congress has been the most least productive session of Congress in my lifetime, if not longer. The petty bickering and self indulgent actions of many legislators is embarrassing and shameful. I think it is time to seriously consider a recall campaign for many of those folks who claim to be working for us, but instead are working to benefit themselves and screw the taxpayers. Once those (insert an expletive here too) individuals have been dismissed, maybe forward progress can begin again for the future of our country, not for the 'Haves' but for the 'Have Nots.'
It's been just over a year since I last blogged, and much has happened. I'm resurrecting the blog as it's time for me to remark again about topics which may or may not be appropriate in a forum such as Facebook or Twitter.
2012 is now behind us. A year in which chaos ensued everywhere. My personal life erupted in many ways as my lovely bride and I approached, tackled and overcame many obstacles which popped up in our journey together. On the national scene, I was affected in many ways as we observed tragedy, turmoil and stupidity.
I pray we learn from what occurred last year and use those experiences to make 2013 better.
I have mixed feelings about 2011 now that 2012 is just two days away.
It was a good year because I reunited with a Vietnam War buddy after 43 years. I had been trying to locate Bob for most of that time, when out of the blue I got an email from him. It was great meeting up with Bob and Sherrin in Chicago in April.
It was fantastic for us to travel out west for six weeks this summer (June and July) with a brief stay to see the wonders of Yellowstone National Park as we traveled to our main destination of Fort Collins, Colorado. We took many trips up to Estes Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park. The only downside, if you will, was that when we returned home we felt we lost six weeks of summer, since we weren't home in Michigan (if that makes any sense).
In October we celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary with a five day trip to Toronto, and saw the Cirque du Soliel presentation of Michael Jackson - The Immortal. Wonderful.
It was a very bad year health-wise, as the middle of May on a weekend trip to Mackinac Island, Mary came down with a serious illness which ended up with a five day stay in the hospital in St. Ignace.
Then came the worst scenario one could imagine . . . on September 1st, Mary was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer - Angiosarcoma. Which is a cancer of the soft tissues, such as blood vessels. The prognosis is grim - 1 to 5 years on the average. But we are taking it one day at a time. Mary says "I am not a statistic." So we move on together, appreciating each and every day as it arrives.
After what we experienced in 2011, I wonder what 2012 will bring us all.
We've just 'celebrated' Thanksgiving, a time to reflect upon the blessings which have been bestowed upon us. But . . . .
I have two points to consider: 1) Health and well-being on a personal level. 2) The over commercialism of a very holy day.
The first issue, I have a great deal of difficulty being thankful for, is what is happening to my wife. Being thankful for a serious medical diagnosis? NO! I do not have anything for which to be thankful. My heart is cold and hard to be grateful for this situation.
Yes, I know that we are 'fortunate' to have an idea of how much time we may have left together, but it makes it all the more difficult to comprehend that we will be apart. I do believe in Heaven, and Jesus Christ IS my Lord and Savior, but that does not make it any easier to accept the outcome of this prognosis.
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The second issue - I am offended and somewhat disgusted with retailers forcing upon us the idea of holiday lights, decorations, gift 'bargains' and door-busters as early as August and September, all in the name of "Commercial-mas." I believe that the world, all of us, have forgotten the true purpose of which we celebrate.
Personally, I am glad that I am the age which I am. It means that I won't have to put up with all this for too many more years. I'm aware that 65 is still young, but I think I see the 'hand-writing on the wall,' the world is going to hell in a hand basket on a greased track.
Do I sound depressed? Well, I am!
However, I am not going to let all this drag me down. As is said in A.A. "One Day At A Time.'
As I was viewing the mundane TV fare this evening with the mediocre attempts at advertising, I came to the conclusion that perhaps it is true . . . I am old . . . and I am cranky.
I deduced this fact because I'm disgusted with the fact that retailers have been pushing the idea of Christmas and shopping for some three months, and that I am no longer excited about getting up before dawn has even considered cracking, just for the sake of getting a 'bargain.' Nah!
Combine the above with how nothing is getting done 'of the people, by the people, and for the people' anymore. All this along with GREED and the potential of economic chaos . . . YUCK!
I'm glad I'm old (and cranky), because I won't be around for the collapse of civilization and the planet which appears is the direction we all might be heading.
I am sorry for our children. They have to live with what we have done.
I have just learned a very valuable lesson - Do not blog your feelings, journal them.
I had recently created a blog to deal with some feelings of a personal nature, as a catharsis, to reduce stress over a situation.
Bad move.
My comments were taken as a 'plan of action' instead of a verbal vomiting of stressful thoughts. I violated one of my prime directives, which is to stop and think before clicking the 'publish / post' button. Now I regret my action, which has created quite a stir with some. So now my private thoughts will remain private.
With outrage, shock and disbelief, We have felt the thrust of the coward’s blow. We have seen it, but cannot comprehend How our fellow man could stoop so low.
A sneak attack by a nefarious foe, Who took innocent lives by a vicious deed; Who had no regard for human life; Who was willing to die for his cause, his creed.
We have buckled and staggered, racked with pain; In our hearts we feel the sadness grow. We have been stricken, and our wounds are deep; How many thousands lost? Will we ever know?
We have felt the rage surge in our breast, And we will find the means to retaliate. We will put an end to the terror caused By those whose hearts are so full of hate.
Yes, we hurt, and we cry, for loved ones lost, As we suffer through these trying times, But Liberty’s Light will not be dimmed, By those who commit such loathsome crimes.
Listen, World, do you hear our voice? United we speak out... clear and loud. America’s Spirit and Resolve will forever be: Strong and proud... unbroken... and unbowed.
Frank J. Montoya Poet Laureate, City of Fountain, CO
My lovely wife, Mary and my beautiful daughter, Sarah. My wonderful stepsons, Brian and Kerry. My late parents, Robert and Beverly. My fantastic Mother-In-Law, Vivian. All my relatives, scattered near and far. My best friends, John and Greg. All my friends and acquaintances. My life experiences, good and bad - they made me the person that I am today. And, God, my creator, for life and continued guidance. I pray that I continue to listen and hear.
A special day comes but once each year; A day whose history we should know. A day to reflect on our way of life. And pay homage to those who made it so.
One summer day so long ago, five daring men did meet.; Their goal: to be free from the Tyrant’s sting. They formed a plan known as the “Rights of Man”. Would they be so brash as to defy the King?
Our forbears boldly signed that document, That declaration that still survives And so committed, they did bravely pledge Their honor, their fortunes, and their very lives.
A historic announcement was made that day; A proclamation which they all believed Would shed the shackles from across the sea, And thus our nation was conceived.
As the word was spread both far and wide The Liberty Bell rang out for all to hear. 'Twas heard with pride throughout the land; Its timbre crisp, so loud and clear.
Had this day not dawned back then in time, Would our lives be the same in every way? There are countless millions in far off lands That seek what we take for granted every day.
Our freedom has been threatened thru the years, But patriots have turned back every foe. Our precious rights have been preserved And Liberty’s light has never failed to glow.
Fly our Flag today, let your pride be seen, This bright and glorious summer morn. It’s a day to honor, to feast and celebrate; It’s the day the USA was born.
On this Memorial Day we pause to reflect, to remember and to pay homage to those valiant souls who made the final sacrifice, those who heeded Liberty’s call in time of need and who bravely went forth in defense of Freedom.
We remember those who served on the Western Front, in the hedgerows and in the trenches of the First World War, and who now rest in peace in Flanders Field.
We remember the millions who served and the tens of thousands who did not return from the hot and dusty deserts of Northern Africa, the muddy roads of Southern Italy, the bloody beaches of France, the frozen mountains and timbered groves ofAustria, Belgium and Germany, and from the myriad islands and steaming jungles of Asia and the South Pacific as they and their gallant comrades from allied nations confronted our country’s enemies on land, in the air and on the seas during the Second World War.
We remember the grieving Wives and Mothers who tearfully placed Gold Stars in the windows of so many homes in cities, towns and villages throughout our country as they mourned for Fathers, Sons and Husbands who, at their country’s call, left home and family and all they held dear and, tragically, did not return.Sadly, today that page of history is being repeated as casualties mount in our present conflicts.
We remember the unsung heroes of the “Forgotten War” in Korea and those of our most unpopular war, in Vietnam, who served proudly and died for causes that were largely misunderstood and who were, sadly, maligned and subjected to indifference, abuse and scorn, both here at home and abroad.
We remember those who served and bravely died in our efforts to promote and keep the peace in a number of foreign countries including Lebanon, Somalia, Bosnia and Kuwait, just to name a few.
We recall that dreadful, grim September day, the day the Towers fell and thousands of innocents from many nations perished at the hands of radical, fanatical extremists. That was the day that terrorism showed its ugly face, the day that Lady Liberty bowed her head...and cried.
We remember our latest heroes, those newly fallen in Iraq and in Afghanistan as we resort to a different kind of war; a conflict that knows no fronts or bounds, waged by an enemy that has no regard for innocent human life; that despises our “Western Ways” and for reasons we find difficult to understand, is fanatically committed to destroying our very existence and our American Way of Life.
We remember the Prisoners of War, confined in cages, pits and bamboo huts, starved, debased, degraded, tortured and tormented, both in body and in mind.Their strength and courage reflect the American Spirit.
We remember the thousands whose fate is still unknown, who have been officially declared as Missing in Action.We must make every effort possible to account for them and to determine their final destiny.
We remember all who served and, thankfully, are still among us. They stand proudly beside us as vibrant, living monuments to remind us of crises past, ofcountless battles fought and won during those terrible times of adversity.
We remember and honor each and every one who served, who fought and who died that we might live in a Free Democracy without constraint, without hindrance, and without fear of bondage or subservience.
