Americans (period)

Last week, I was blasted by referring to a certain group as "black."  As I explained to this person, who was supporting BLM, that is how my friends in that group prefer to be described. One friend points out, African-American doesn't apply: they've never even been to Africa, and have no connections there. They are American.

After processing this some, I came to the question of "What if I had to describe myself using the ethnic or region + American?" I'm German, Swedish, Irish, Native American (tribe unknown due to lack of records) and Scotch/Irish/Celt.  Usually, I describe myself as being a mutt. So what does that make me? A mutt-American? Do I list all of the countries? No, that's ridiculous.   If I were to stand in front of  you, would you go through all of those countries to put a label on me? Most likely, not. That's not what we do as a society. 

This brings us to: Why do they want to be referred to as African-Americans then?  To me, it sounds divisive.  If they don't want division, why don't they refer to themselves as Americans? 50 years ago, they were fighting to be included.  Now they want segregation.

What if we were to drop the labels? Not Democrats. Not Liberals. Not Conservatives. Not Republicans. No colors. No industry related labels. Working or not.  College-educated or not. We are all Americans. Reach out and shake hands instead of raising fists.  That is the only way we are going to start healing.

A bunch of whiners!

If you scrolled through Facebook in the last day or so, you probably saw a meme denouncing the Keystone and Dakota pipelines.  In the same meme is a black man holding a sign regarding the water pipes in Michigan.  Of course, the left are just sharing this thing over and over.  What they don't think about is the left has been in control of Flint, Michigan the entire time there's been a drinking water problem.

Another one pointed out that "45" is dumb because he put a hiring freeze in place at the same time he expanded the Border Patrol.  Again, not paying attention to the details, the fact that the military is exempt from the hiring freeze covers this action.

Then there's the meme of the Boston Tea Party, eluding to the "crybabies" not wanting George III to control their country.  Once again, ignoring historical facts.  The Patriots were mostly businessmen tired of paying extreme taxes. (you know the line..."taxation without representation.")  The revolution was to take away government overreach.  While today's "crybabies" are upset about a government trying to create a smaller government.

Planned Parenthood and beyond

One would think the sky is falling with all of the screaming about Planned Parenthood being defunded.  The "Mexico City" laws are (back) in place.  The left acts like it's the end of the world. Yet, this law is enacted and retracted with every president since it came into law.

There are finally voices speaking out against the marches and PP.  These are not politicians, but everyday "Big Joe's."  (Google "Big Joe's" video clip.)  This man was simply riding his bicycle through a group of women marching, when a woman decided it was her duty to verbally assault this man.  Instead of hiding tail and running, he addressed her.  Not only did he address her, but fully stated the truth behind PP's existence: to eradicate the poor and blacks, or any other "undesirable" group.

Then today this article pops up on Facebook:

http://www.cheriberens.net/womenrsquos-march-towards-islam.html

The article is written by a woman living in Egypt, and is a real eye-opener!

If you were to take the correlations between the Women's March and the Muslim Brotherhood, it should scare the living crap out of you! Yet it makes sense.

When reports started to appear stating that Muslim groups were behind the marches, it didn't make sense.  Yet, the Muslim Brotherhood, and other organizations like it, is promoting these activities for the same reason Planned Parenthood was started by Margaret Sanger: to eliminate the undesirables.  

So who and what would the Muslim Brotherhood want to eliminate? Infidels, of course.  This includes the LGBTQ groups that are being used to promote these marches.  Think about it: Muslims pushing abortions and homosexuality, and supporting women "rights."  Doesn't make sense, does it?  But to look at the two going hand-in-hand, it does make sense.  Encourage the undesirables not to produce offspring, then there will be fewer of them to deal with in the future. 

So if you want to really march for Women's Rights, fine.  Next time, you might want to look a little deeper into who is really promoting the event and what the true motive is behind it.

Hypocrisy much?

One would think Christians would be rejoicing over the number of prayers said during Trump's inauguration.  Instead they became secular and marched against him. According to the Oregon Synod of the ELCA's Facebook page, followers were encouraged not to watch the inauguration or even be on social media.  Some of their pastors even held safe-zone type vigils.

Then came The Women's March, which was for the left-leaning women only.  Groups that supported pro-life were not allowed to "sponsor."  Some were even attacked physically.  If you were a white (privileged,) heterosexual, pro-life/anti-abortion female, you're not included in the all-inclusive group of women. According to a snippet on The Blaze's Facebook page, pro-lifers were not allowed but sex workers were.

Along came the pink pussy hats.  These were supposed to be a backlash against a comment Trump made years ago, on a hot mic.  Some reports even stated some showed up in costumes of full female genitalia. If men were to have worn hats representing their genitalia, they'd be called dickheads.

This group was protesting violence and vulgarity while dropping F-bombs and saying they thought about blowing up the White House (now that Trump is in it.)

Then there's the irony of the reports stating one of the organizers has connections with a group called "American Muslims for Palestine," which has ties to Hamas.  So this woman is organizing a march against violence against women, yet she supports Sharia Law.  Sharia Law is the epitome of oppression of women.

So what was this march really all about?
Abortion? That's protected by Roe v. Wade.
The right to birth control? That is available at any women's clinic, or condoms can be purchased at a nearby Walmart.
LGBTQ rights? There's already laws protecting that.
Equal pay?  Those laws were passed years ago.
Race equality? Again, those laws were passed years ago.

The only reason to celebrate these marches is to celebrate the freedom of speech and the freedom to gather.  The irony is, some would burn the Constitution in which those freedoms are declared.

Hypocrisy much?

Where's the real news?

Instead of focusing on the first FLOTUS being a Nationalized Citizen, the majority of coverage is on the "protesters."  For the fear-mongering crowd that states President Trump is going to shut down immigration need to really look at who stands beside him.  His stand is on ILLEGAL immigration...basically follow the rules in place. If you go to other places, Mexico for example, and don't have the proper paperwork, you would be imprisoned or even killed.

At the writing of this blog, a picture was posted on Facebook of weapons being confiscated in Seattle at the "protests."  A protest with weapons isn't a protest, it's a riot.

Instead of focusing on the plans to get people back to work, (note: Ford, Carrier, etc.) the media is focusing on losing welfare payments and subsidies.

Both Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow stated in their post-inauguration responses that making "America First" represents Nazis and Hitler.  (Really!?) Could someone please explain how being the best at something (unless it's evil) is a bad thing.  That's what happens when everyone gets a participation trophy.  Surely, every athlete plays their sport to come in second.

Then there's the protesting going on.  How is burning and looting going to change who's in the White House?  How is wearing a pink hat going to change what is going on in DC?  It's sad that this energy and effort couldn't be used towards March of Dimes or breast cancer marches--something that is good for all women, not just the left.

It's going to be interesting to see and hear what people say in four years.

Like using a cloth?

"Like using a cloth?" Sorry to use a line from Killery, but it just seems to fit.

Once again, the left is in need of smelling salts.  This time it's thanks to The House voting to repeal the ACA.

Back in the day, when teachers used chalk boards, the boards were wiped clean before starting the next lesson.  This is what Congress has to do, if we are going to create a bigger and better healthcare plan.

No where does anything state that what was originally on that board couldn't be rewritten. For example in math, we wouldn't have been able to go back over previous lessons to build up to algebra or even calculus levels.  That being said, if Congress is going to do this right, they have to use what was working and build upon it.  If they're smart, this is what they'll do.  Otherwise they'll be looking for work in 2-4 years.

Can't wait until Trump starts to drain the swamp.  There might be a spike in smelling salts' manufacturing companies' stocks.

Taxes and funding Planned Parenthood

Since when is it the government's responsibility to cover your ass' actions?  The left is all up in arms about the defunding of Planned Parenthood.  "We're going to lose our abortions and birth control!," etc., etc., etc. ad nauseum.

First off, if they would research the reason the founder of Planned Parenthood, Margaret Sanger's  true intent of the organization, the left would run like hell away from them.  Her intent was to do away with the poor.  In theory, if they didn't have any more children, there would be fewer of them to contend with.  The race she was trying to eliminate? Blacks.  Of course this is an inconvenient truth.

Who should really be responsible for your reproductive system? You? or the government?  Roe v Wade has already established that the right to those services is legal.  Not anywhere does it say that it should be provided for by the government.

PP or health insurance?  Everything that is provided to a woman at Planned Parenthood is now covered under the (not-so-)Affordable Care Act.  That being said, doesn't PP lose it's niche?

It's bad enough that a woman in menopause has to "select" birth control coverage on her insurance plan, and PAY for it, knowing full well it will never be used.  (Don't even get started on the pediatric coverage. That needs to be saved another rant.)

What happened to consequences?  Oh yeah, that went out the door when Participation Trophies were invented.

The Real Deplorables

This is the 3rd night of protests.  Protests of people who state "not my President."  So far, in Portland, Oregon alone there has been close to a million dollars in damages.

Sadly, this is all media driven.  These news sources are owned and run mostly by liberals.  They have created such fear in non-Trump supporters, that riots are now happening.  ("Peaceful protests", my ass.)

The mayors of Portland and Seattle have continued to feed the fire, by inciting riots.  At the very least, by telling officers to stand down, until it gets so out of control it takes hours to disperse.

Upon further observation, it appears the majority of these protests are in democratic run cities.  Coincidence? Doubtful.

Of course, the reporters that have been brave enough to ask the protesters what they really don't like about Trump, have not gotten a straight answer.  Psychologists would look at this and declare it to be "mob mentality."  They are just there, following the crowd.  Sure there are the few that really were there to march against the results of the election, but the rest are a different story.  There are those who use these events as an excuse to vandalize.

It's sad to read and hear about motorists in downtown Portland who have not only been threatened with bodily harm, but also (at least) one carjacking.  How is stealing another person's car or threatening the driver going to resolve your beef with the government.

What are these people really afraid of?  Change?  Isn't that what they voted for 4 and 8 years ago?  Maybe it's the fact they will actually have to find a job, instead of living in mom and dad's basement for the rest of their lives.  (Disclaimer: not all liberals live in their parents' basement.)

According to Yahoo News (at least an article posted there,) Women should fear Trump's presidency for 7 reasons. 5 of which involved their reproductive system.  But that's for another post.

God Bless America!

The Day After

To those who are dealing with a political hangover, my sympathies.  Grief is part of the process.  It has been this way for over 240 years.  Just like the Cubs and the Indians, there had to be a winner and a loser.

In response to the doom and gloom responses seen on social media, let's be logical here.  (That may be difficult for those who think with feeeeeelings instead of their brain.)  LGBTetc crowd: Your marriage is not being threatened.  It is the law, just like Roe v Wade.  Secondly, your opponent was taking money from organizations that throw gays off of buildings.  Please tell me

If you fear you will be losing your health plan, do not fear.  The GOP has stated all along they want to take what IS working with the ACA, such as including pre-existing conditions, while ditching the rest.

For those who are unemployed or underemployed: businesses hire and thrive under a GOP presidency.  Look at the stock market's reaction.  It dropped 800+ points overnight.  Only to rebound, ending up on a record day the following morning.

These are just a few quick, gut-check, responses.  More to come, as Living Right On the Left Coast continues...

The banner yet waves...

Earlier this week Colin Kaepernick's stunt of not standing for the National Anthem hit the media.  As an NFL fan, it should piss me off that they allow this sort of behavior.  Then again, what do I expect from an organization that turns a blind eye to wife beaters and animal abusers?  It's not going to make me give up watching the game.  After all, this was pre-game at a pre-season game, not some shenanigans on the field (i.e.Tom Brady.)

This could be a total blog about all of the hypocrisy surrounding C.K.'s stunt.  That's already been done, ad nauseam.

In between all of the teasers about this stunt was another teaser.  This one advertised an upcoming program for the 15th anniversary of September 11.  

Of course, that brings back the flood of memories of that day.  One of which involves a football game.

It was a chilly Saturday in October.  The first home game at Memorial Stadium, in Lincoln, Nebraska, post-September 11.  The Huskers were playing the Iowa State Cyclones. It was an early 35th birthday gift from my parents, who had bought the tickets at the beginning of the season...not knowing how important this game would really be.

Even though I'm a womb-to-tomb Husker fan, this was the only time I'd been to a live game.  All of the tailgating and hoopla that one would normally expect at Memorial Stadium seemed to be somewhat subdued.  The crowds ebbed and flowed, but the energy wasn't quite up to the normal rowdiness that would have been considered normal.  Mom and I found our seats in the east section, just under the over-hang.  

Not much later, the announcer asked us to stand.  First for a moment of silence for those who lost their lives in New York in the attacks.  Then band started to play the National Anthem.  Many fans, myself included, had tears in their eyes.  

Life was finally getting back to normal. The Star Spangled Banner continues to play.  The United States had taken a massive hit, on our own soil.  We had been attacked by outsiders for the first time since Pearl Harbor.  The strains of the National Anthem signified and unified the patriotism spreading throughout the nation.  The US would not be brought to her knees.

At first, hearing of Kaepernick's "sit down" irritated me.  What arrogance!

Now, I just feel sorry for him.  Sorry that he doesn't feel the pride of a unified nation.  Sorry that he doesn't feel the unity the US had held for most of his young life.  Sorry that he doesn't gratitude for what has been given to him, through the talents he has been granted then developed.  

Whether he or other players stand, or not, is insignificant.

"The banner yet waves..."

Smoke and mirrors

Smoke and mirrors.  That's all the RNC has been about.  You have someone who has the image of being an outsider, who really isn't, being embraced and endorsed by the establishment. Layer after layer of hypocrisy and masks.   One night voting your conscience is a bad thing, and is booed.  The next night, just because the speaker is "one of them," it's accepted with applause.

In an effort to show diversity and love for all, the RNC staged every bit of it.  A closing prayer by a Muslim.  Democratic (Ivanka, at least) speakers.  Rubio and Walker doing their half-hearted endorsement, one of which was taped and not live.

While one speaker is on stage, the cameras pull away to watch the nominee walk into the room.  Not via backstage, but through the back door.  Said speech is accepted with applause, until the nominee walks in, then all of a sudden there are boos.  This is supposed to give the image that everyone should be accepting the nominee.  The irony of this is the speech was layered with what FREEDOM is in the United States.  Then when said speaker uses his freedom to not endorse the candidate, he's the bad guy.

It's sickening to watch all of the people (not just politicians) get in line behind a candidate just because they have been chosen by the party.  Think about it; your friend is part of a highly dysfunctional family.  Instead of being a part of the dysfunction, the friend decides to depart from the family and be independent thinking.  Would you expect them to go along to get along, or walk away?

Sadly, the Republican Party is now fully RINO: Republican In Name Only.

Lives that matter

Martin Luther King Jr. has got to be rolling over in his grave.  The solidarity he marched for is being divided by the same group of people he was fighting on behalf of.  His dream was for all to march together, arm-in-arm, in peace.  Instead we have division; an "us vs them" attitude.

What happened to the goals of being color (of skin) blind?  As the Rev. King preached, it's not the color of a person's skin, but the integrity within.  This is how I treat others, and believe it's how it should be.  You could be green and still be an asshole; making me turn away from you in disgust.  One example of this is Asian/Indian (usually older) men.  (surprise!  it's not blacks!)  Why? Because of their culture and how women are treated oppressively.  Again, if you disrespect me, you will get the same treatment.

BLM claims disrespect by those who are sent to protect them.  Some in this camp don't want to hear "white" logic: If you don't break the law, the law will not come after you.  If you are hostile towards someone, you are going to get that same hostility back.  Although this makes sense to me, those who have been raised to disrespect, or even hate, law enforcement will not understand this concept.

Just like the cultures who are taught to hate Christians and Jews at a very young age, grow up with hate in their hearts. There are those in our own (American) society that grow up with anger and hate in their hearts--just as they were taught the anger and hatred.

Welcome to the United States of Trump

No, this is not a Bernie or Clinton supporting blog.  This is the voice of the heart of a (true) Conservative.

Yesterday, it was revealed (personally, heard on FOX News) That a lot of Trump's campaign expenses are paid to Trump owned companies.  This brought a slew of issues to mind, the top one being conflict of interest.

Of course, it's his campaign, he has the right to spend his money however he wishes.  What sort of precedent is this going to set for future Presidential hopefuls?  Does this mean only billionaire business(wo)men would be able to run?

What if he were actually POTUS?  Would only Trump affiliates be used for products and services?  Will the WH have "TRUMP" branded on it? Or, will the WH move to Trump towers?  Soon, you'll be seeing sign on the highways stating "Highway maintained by Trump Inc."  Food Stamp recipients would be allowed to only use "Trump Products."  Considering in his books (at least the excerpts I've seen) focus on how to brand your business, we could easily be "The United States of Trump."

Then there is the issue of who is really advising him. Recently, he fired his campaign manager, at the insistence of his children.  This brings up the question: Who is going to be his advisers if he becomes POTUS? his kids?  It would be a ready-made dynasty!  Considering the two children that have been rumored to have his ear are both registered Democrats, should raise some red flags.

These are just a few reasons I cannot, in good conscience, vote for Trump.  A protest vote seems to be the only option, at this point.

Fraud vs felon

  What has the US become?  The (presumptive) candidates for the Presidential candidates are either being sued for fraud or under FBI investigation.  If this is the cream of the crop, and the best we can do, what does that say about the US?
   So much for conservatives.  What choice do we have?  We can be like sheep, drink the Trump Wine and drunkenly follow the head sheep to the slaughterhouse.  The only benefit of having Trump in the White House over the next 4 years will be (supposedly) protecting the Supreme Court from being a court of Liberals.
    A vote for Hillary would guarantee she will never be held responsible for the (illegal) actions of the last 7 years.  Thus we would be teaching our children some are above the law. Four more years of Democratic control will remove what few freedoms are left standing.  (Living in a Democratic controlled state (Oregon) gives me a glimpse of what a nation would look like under that kind of control, and it's not pretty.)
    So, what is the alternative(s?)  A third party candidate?  Ok....who?  Honestly, there are too many to choose from.  One would have to be so outstanding they would have to take out both of the other (evils.)  Write in the candidate you've been supporting since day one?  Same problem.
    The Founding Fathers of this country have got to be rolling over in their graves!  This nightmare is what their dreams have become.

Minority Rules

Once again the minority is taking over the normalcy of this nation. A group of people that is less than 1% of the US population, according to multiple sources, is now telling the rest of the citizens they should be able to stomp their feet and use whichever bathroom they feel most comfortable in.

To put this into a greater perspective: A grown man is allowed to dress as a woman, because he chooses to do so.  The same man is now uncomfortable in using the men's restroom, because of how he CHOOSES to dress.  So he uses the women's restroom.  In that same place is a young boy, because he is not old enough to choose where to use the restroom.

Of course the scenario can be changed to the opposite gendered scenario, however this is more likely the case.  A woman looking like a man in the women's room may get a second glance. However, it's not likely for this woman to be assaulted by the rest of the women.

Instead of bowing down to the minority, we should be standing up to them! Let them deal with the consequences of their choices.  These are grown adults, acting like toddlers, stomping their feet to get what they want.  In the meantime, the rest of us have to be uncomfortable with their choice.

The next time I go to a sporting event or concert, I'm just going to waltz into the men's room.  Use the stall (scrub my hands) and waltz out. I know I'll be back in my seat a lot faster than waiting for the women's rooms' lines.  Maybe I'll just sit in whatever seat I choose, because my nosebleed seats are just too uncomfortable.  That should go over nicely, I'm sure

US v them

Yes, I'm a Christian.

Yes, I have compassion for those fleeing war.

To those who say "You're mean, because you want to close the boarders," why do you lock your house and car doors?  I'm guessing there's also a password on every electronic you own, as well.  If you are so compassionate, open your own doors.  If these people are such great examples of society, invite them into your own community/home.  For every government official who claims these are such innocent and trustworthy people, open your own doors.  When will their mansions and (taxpayer provided) homes be used to house these refugees?

Do you remember the story of the Trojan Horse?  That is really what (some of) these "refugees" will be.  There is no way to prove these people are who they say they are.  The young man standing in front of you may or may not be fighting a Jihad or he may be running from one.  How are we supposed to know?  Would you allow your children to be placed into a pit of snakes with the promise "there are only a few poisonous ones in there?" Personally, I'd rather error on the side of safety.  It's called self-preservation, regardless of how selfish it may be.

You can call me a hypocrite, because I'm a descendant of immigrants.  The difference between my ancestors, except for the Native American lineage, and these refugees is assimilation.  My (Swedish) great-grandparents were so set on being Americans, they didn't teach their own children to speak Swedish.  From what I've been told, the only time Swedish was even spoken in the house was when it was something the children didn't need to know or hear. Many of these (new) immigrants come into our country, then throw a hissy fit because we don't follow their culture.  No, I'm not covering my head.  F-you if you think I'm giving up my driving privileges!  If you think I'm giving up my guns and Bible, you're dead wrong!

Jesus says to accept the sinners to the table.  That I can do.  If  you come to the table with a sword and the intent to kill me because of my belief in Jesus, then you are not welcome at the table.

No religion in school?...hmmm

A FB friend of mine posted the following:

"Yesterday my sons class celebrated day of the dead. There was an altar, or altars, and each of the kids stood up to tell of someone who had crossed. All of the kids cried. And they offered each other caring and kindness as they cried themselves. "

It just sickens me!  I am so tired of having to "accept" whatever anyone else decides to shove down my kid's throat.  If I were to bring a cross, altar and Bible to my daughter's school, I wouldn't make it past the front door. (Even though the Superintendent is a member of my church.)  

This is another example of keeping God out of schools.  I guarantee God is in schools, though.  Every time a test is passed around a classroom, there is a child in that room praying to do well.  

On a much larger scale, during a catastrophe like the tornado that hit Moore, OK last spring, God was in the halls.  Some would say "where was He when those children and teachers died?"  He was bringing them home.

The sky is falling!

No, this is not in reference to any meteors or asteroids heading towards Earth.  There are members of the Federal Government that are claiming that (already hurting) parts of the government will be hit by the required cuts, which are due on Friday.  For example education and healthcare for children.

This bullying, all-or-nothing, stomping feet tactic is juvenile.  Adults not only know WHAT a budget is, they also know how to write and follow one.  If something is over budget in one spot, the funds need to come out of another non-necessary area, such as entertainment.

It's my opinion that the first cuts should be in the paycheck of those who are responsible for not having putting together a budget in over 4 years.  Then start looking at the waste of the government, starting with overlapping departments.  Let's not forget to look at what we "give" to other countries.  Those fighter jets that were sent to Egypt would have been a good example.

As the employer (aka taxpayer) of these people, I challenge them to do what is right, not what is easy (i.e. pointing fingers.)  Do what the rest of the citizens of this great country are forced to do.  Instead of milking us  closer to dry, do with what you already have been given.  Get the budget written, and in place.  Then, like the rest of us, live within your means!

Anti-Valentine's Day

To most men, this is the most dreaded day of the year.  To most women, this is one of the most anticipated days of the year.  Personally, I think it is an over-rated, over-commercialized, biggest piece of bunk there ever was created.
Yes, this is written by a woman.  No, I'm not some scorned and bitter woman who hates all romance.  Quite the contrary; I'm contentedly married to a wonderful man. So why am I anti-Valentine's Day?  The short answer is: "If you can't say/do it the rest of the year, don't bother simply because the calendar says to."
When my husband and I were dating, we hardly ever said "I love you" to each other.  There really wasn't or isn't a need to, when actions speak louder than words.   It means more to me when he randomly, and sometimes secretly, refills my Starbucks card.  Why? Because he knows how much of a treat a latte is to me.  Although I can't speak for him, I'm sure there are little things I do that mean the world to him as well.
Why is it people think that a particular date on the calendar is the ONE day to express your love to someone?  Because the media tells you so.  That being said, I encourage you to walk away from the brainwashing.  Don't pay two to three times more for those flowers than you would any other time of year.  Don't buy a box of chocolates, that most of us women will admit we don't need anyway.  However, so as not to hurt your loved one's feelings, simply make a card stating your feelings, but end the card with a "to be continued..."  Just remember to do those little things throughout the year!

This upside down world.

It makes absolutely no sense to me that a nation is (slowly) allowing marijuana to be openly used, but (the government) wants to take our defenses (guns) away.  It's ok to self-medicate, but not defend our property and loved ones?
It makes absolutely no sense to me that my kids can start any sort of group at their school, as long as it's not a Bible Study.
It makes absolutely no sense to me that the state/city I live in allows (frequent) naked bicycle rides, but is against building a casino/entertainment center.
It makes absolutely no sense to me that people want to ban guns, but will pay for violent movies and video games.
It makes absolutely no sense to me that the ones who are the biggest advocates of gun control are the same people who benefit most by gun protection through body guards (or Secret Service.)
It makes absolutely no sense to me that a government can expect it's citizens to budget until it hurts, but it can't agree on a budget.