VIEW: 17-17: Uncivil Society

VIEW FROM HERE
By Bob McDowell (Born Neil Carson) Number 17-17
UNCIVIL SOCIETY Week of 2017/04/24
On Tuesday, April 11, Jim Bridenstine, Oklahoma First District Congressman hosted a
"Securing America Town Hall" at 6:30 P.M. in the Maybee Center at ORU (Oral Roberts University
for those few who haven't heard of it). The meeting had been advertized for a few weeks and
the Congressional office had advised there was substantial Internet communication among the
'professional disrupters' (protesters) to show up prepared.
Being a staunch supporter, and very proud constituent, of the Congressman it was
compelling for me to be present. In addition, because of previous disruptions of his speeches
to private groups, it seemed incumbent on me to make plans and obtain approval to video the
meeting. His staff very supportive and courteous allowed me to set up next to the audio
control panel box on the middle ramp around the arena. Thus my position allowed me to pan to
all sides below me, as well as the stage.
It was appalling to me to see the lack of consideration and rudeness shown by the
"pink shirted", and probably paid, protesters toward those of us who really wanted to hear what
the Congressman had to say. After reviewing the video it reinforced my feelings of being
offended. When operating the camera one is often so busy keeping it in focus that things are
not committed to memory. They had concentrated in groups scattered around the arena so that
they could make more interrupting and insulting loud shouts, and some standing up to block the
view of those sitting behind them. They really roared in objection and 'boos' when Cong. Jim
said simply "no" when asked if he would vote to 'fund Planned Parenthood'.
Unfortunately, I was not able to notice if they stood for the 'Pledge of Allegiance',
but would not be at all surprised if they did not. The music program before the opening
included the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" and "Stand Up For America", the latter of which the
ones around me did NOT rise out of their seats. Thus a question about their actual loyalty and
patriotism toward the USA
During thoughts in the days following, the question has risen in my mind about what
appears to be a total 'double standard' in treatment of different groups that may be
demonstrating. One of my friends, a USAF retired Major, has advised me that when he goes to
participate in a protest over abortion, the group is required to stay across the street from
the 'clinic'. That being true, it bugs me that these far more aggressive and rude 'protesters'
are not required to stand across the street. It the last case, the venue was the Maybee Center
on the Oral Roberts Campus, so they could, and should, have been required to stay across South
Lewis Ave. or East 81st Street South and NOT interfere in any way with the movement of the
attendees in or out.
At least in the case of the Bridenstine 'Town Meeting' no violence was observed by me,
other than the verbal attacks on him. A news story on the meeting stated that he had thought
about asking them "if you hate me so much, why didn't you have a candidate against me last
year". That would have been very favorably received by those of us fully approving of his
service, both Navy, OK Air Guard, and Congress. Because the Navy would not allow him flight
status while serving in the Congress, he transferred to the OK Air Guard (to avoid 'cloud
fatigue'? as is affecting me).
It is strongly hoped that the new Administration will take a strong and more even
handed attitude and aggressive action on these situations as soon as the new administrators are
settled in and have the attention of their inherited 'bureaucrat' staffers. I can't wait to
see the results with no more of the destruction and trashing of property that has been common
the last decade. Each persons 'Constitutionally guaranteed civil rights' ends at the 'air
space' of each of the rest of us.
Composed April 18, 2017 End
© 2017
Robert W. McDowell, Jr. 841 Lynwood
Lane
918-451-1051 Broken Arrow OK 74011-8608
Email: abdmcfpi@localnet.com

Fw: the conservative view

    Another 'direct hit' from Russell.  FYI, when I was Rep. Co. Chair from 1999

to 2003, he was same in Adair Co., adjoining us on South, then later was

elected Adair Co. Commissioner and the first day in the office found evidence

of major corruption in the form of County computer being used for Democrat

voter information and campaigning. 

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Russell & Teresa Turner

To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;

Sent: Friday, April 14, 2017 7:36 PM

Subject: the conservative view

THE CONSERVATIVE VIEW

BY RUSSELL TURNER

PARANOIA AND CASH COWS

        I have had some people accuse me of being paranoid; I can only say that I disagree with that statement. I am definitely not paranoid, but it is a simple fact that there is always someone out to get me. Whether we want to admit or not the main entity out to manipulate and control our lives is none other than our government be it state, county or local. I was recently informed about a bill that is making its way through the legislature; those of us who are currently paying taxes are growing tired of the continual efforts of our elected political class to relieve us of more of our hard earned money.

        House Bill 1374 would make it possible for cities to increase your property taxes. HB 1374 creates the Oklahoma Public Safety Protection District Act to allow municipalities to create such districts by resolution. The district would be allowed to levy an assessment no greater than five mills on the dollar of assessed value of the types of property in the district with the proceeds to be used for the operation and maintenance of the public safety district, including equipment, salaries and benefits of employees who provide law enforcement or fire protection services.

        The measure provides authorization for a municipality to create a Public Safety Protection District upon adoption of a resolution and subsequent approval by voters of the municipality.  Costs of an election for the establishment of a district would be paid by the municipality, including special election costs and necessary notices. Establishment of a district will involve the levy of no more than five (5) mills against taxable property within the district. The actual costs associated with the election and revenue derived from the ad valorem tax levy will depend on the size of the municipality and the tax base upon which the ad valorem levy is accomplished.

        Those of us who must work for a living don't have the time to lobby at the state capital every day to insure that we are not pitched on the altar of big government. Our elected officials are supposed to be watching out for us while they are in office, but I have found that far too many of them are corrupted by the prestige and power of the office they occupy. In the state of Oklahoma the republicans control the House, Senate and the Governor's office. We are led to believe that elected republicans are conservative and will bring those values to the legislature, sadly that is not always true. There are some very conservative lawmakers in our state capital, but there are many who do not subscribe to those beliefs.

        When it boils down to it the voters are the ones to blame. We have been electing individuals who refuse to debate their beliefs on the issues of taxes and spending. They will hire slick marketing companies that tell them to not debate or talk about the pressing issues of the state, they are instructed to only talk in generalities and old worn out clichés. These marketing companies are only motivated by winning at any cost; the whole idea of truth and conservatism is a casualty of political war. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to elect someone who refuses to do the homework and do the heavy lifting to get our state out of the gutter, but for some strange reason that is exactly what we have been doing.

        In reality a little bit of paranoia can be a healthy thing, House Bill 1374 is just one of many bills. This bill has passed the House but it can be stopped in the Senate, if you are tired of being a cash cow call your senator and voice your opposition. One last thing to think about, counties and cities across our state have constantly raised sales taxes to the point of rebellion from the taxpayers all in the name of public safety. They know that the sales tax is about maxed out; HB 1374 is just another fund raising ploy.

 

Fw: the conservative view

        FYI.  I was not aware of the bill mentioned in this column of Russell's.

It seems he describes the down-side quite well, and so this needs to be

disemminated widely.                                Bob

 

----- Original Message -----

From: Russell & Teresa Turner

To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;

Sent: Friday, April 07, 2017 8:28 PM

Subject: the conservative view

THE CONSERVATIVE VIEW

BY RUSSELL TURNER

MORE KOOL AID

        All of us know the need for our children to be well educated in today's world. Every day we are continually bombarded with news stories that claim that more money needs to be spent on education. While some additional funds can make a difference, we do not need to blindly follow the assumption that money is the only answer to our education needs. Recently I read about a bill that is making its way through the legislature, the proponents of House Bill 2155 are promoting it as a cure all to the education system in the state of Oklahoma. Before we start to drink the Kool Aid we need to remind ourselves of some facts of where we are and where we came from as a free nation.

        HB 2155 claims to prepare students for the challenges of college and high-skill industry certification through the use of Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs). HB 2155 would phase in ICAPs over a three-year period and become a graduation requirement beginning for 9th-graders in the 2019-2020 school year. School wide implementation would be coordinated among a team of educators, including counselors and teachers. The supporters of ICAPs claim they will ensure all students are given opportunities to explore and plan for postsecondary career pathways that reflect their emerging strengths, passions, and college and life goals. The supporters also claim that ICAPs will ensure every student has a personalized plan to build the necessary academic, technical and employability skills to meet their career and academic aspirations. While all of claims sound good, there are some things we need to think about.

        From what I have read this new idea will increase the bureaucracy in our education system and consequently the cost. What will be the cost of hiring more counselors and people to run the system? The program is supposed to begin with children in the 9^th grade; I have found that most 9^th graders don't have the maturity to know what their life's career will be. In my day the purpose of the education system was to help children form the foundation of basic skills that will serve them whatever profession they choose to enter. If you plan to attend college, enlist in the military, or learn a trade the skills of reading, writing and arithmetic are essential. It is a sad fact that here in Oklahoma many of our high school graduates must take remedial courses in reading when they enroll in college, also students graduating from high school no longer have to pass the End of Instruction (EOI) test in order to graduate.

        In the former Soviet Union at a very early age children were sorted out to what careers they would have throughout their lives, history already shows how successful that experiment was. In a free society it is the duty of the parents and their children to make that decision. Ask yourself a simple question, how did this country ever obtain the greatness we once had without the government being involved in making cradle to grave decisions for our citizens? I believe if we provide the basics and stress their importance our citizens have the ability to live their lives without constant government involvement. Before we take a big gulp of the Kool Aid we need to see what is in it. 

 

 

VIEW: 17-16: Mediterranean Pirates Return

VIEW FROM HERE
By Bob McDowell (Born Neil Carson) Number 17-16
MEDITERRANEAN PIRATES RETURN Week of 2017/04/17
Most of us, at least those over 50, were taught in school about the 'Barbary Pirates'
that operated out of Tripoli (Lybia) in the 18th - 20th centuries. Yes, they preyed on
merchant ships, capturing them and demanding ransom money for their release. They were not
reported in history to have been the murderous butchers now evidenced by the ISIS thugs. They
were put to a stop by a US president who dispatched the Marines to shut them down, hence the
words in the Marine Hymn: "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli".
Well, some things we were not taught included that they were followers of Islam and
were using piracy to make a living, after the slave trade was shut down.. It was disclosed to
me some years ago that those operating the slave trades, including the ships to bring the
slaves to England and the USA, were all Muslims from North Africa who later became the Barbary
Pirates. Sounds logical from information we have received about the dictates of the Quoran in
dealing with 'Infidels' to recruit, enslave, tax heavily, or kill all such people.
Now, in 2017, it seems that they have 'risen again' as the headline in the daily paper
of March 15, on page A-4 read: "Somali pirates hold oil tanker, crew" with a sub-head reading:
"A ransom demand is expected in first such seizure since 2012". The only by-line is Associated
Press.
The story stated that a statement from the EU Naval Force had finally made contract
with the ship's master (captain) aboard the "Aris 13", flagged in Comoros. These pirates had
been kept out of operation by 'navies of NATO countries, as well as China, India, and Iran'.
Also NATO had ended its anti-piracy mission off Somalia in December. So much for "keeping the
guard up".
It is fairly easy to understand the motives behind these pirates. Somali is, like
many nations in that part of the World, a very poverty ridden nation and this is a way to
generate income, despite it being risky and uncivil. In my memory the only incident of
deliberate murder during pirate action was some decades ago when pirates captured a cruise ship
and promptly rolled overboard a US citizen who was in a wheel chair. This ship was reported to
have a crew of only eight, all from Sri Lanka, thus being an easy prey for the reported 'over
two dozen' raiders. The story indicated that the ship was being operated under contract by a
company officed in the United Arab Emirates. Thus we have a situation of Muslims taking on
Muslims.
All this should further point out that no matter where we are, we all live in a very
dangerous World, with it being necessary to each be aware of what is going on around us, and be
prepared to take evasive or defensive action at any time. But then we should by now be aware
of the situation even here in the USA where violence can raise its ugly head at any time and in
any location, even our own homes.
It seems, if continuing reports from sporting goods merchants are accurate, that an
increasing number of our citizens have gotten the word and sales of guns and self defense
courses are enjoying a booming economy. All this despite the continuing loud attacks in
legislatures and courts against the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment for us to "keep
and bear (carry) arms". Almost every state has statutes limiting that right by the requirement
of having a 'permit' to be so protected. My concern of those is that a wayward government
would go first to the lists of these permit holders in their quest to confiscate said
protective arms. In Oklahoma it is, if my understanding of the laws is correct,
required to have any firearm in a vehicle unloaded, with the ammunition in a separate place
from the weapon. An unloaded weapon, of any sort, is no defense at all. It is my opinion that
those laws are unconstitutional and those enacting them should be so prosecuted.
End
Composed April 1, 2017
Robert W. McDowell, Jr. © 2017 841 Lynwood Lane
918-451-1051 Broken Arrow OK 74011-8608
Email: abdmcfpi@localnet.com

VIEW: 17-16: Mediterranean Pirates Return

VIEW FROM HERE
By Bob McDowell (Born Neil Carson) Number 17-16
MEDITERRANEAN PIRATES RETURN Week of 2017/04/17
Most of us, at least those over 50, were taught in school about the 'Barbary Pirates'
that operated out of Tripoli (Lybia) in the 18th - 20th centuries. Yes, they preyed on
merchant ships, capturing them and demanding ransom money for their release. They were not
reported in history to have been the murderous butchers now evidenced by the ISIS thugs. They
were put to a stop by a US president who dispatched the Marines to shut them down, hence the
words in the Marine Hymn: "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli".
Well, some things we were not taught included that they were followers of Islam and
were using piracy to make a living, after the slave trade was shut down.. It was disclosed to
me some years ago that those operating the slave trades, including the ships to bring the
slaves to England and the USA, were all Muslims from North Africa who later became the Barbary
Pirates. Sounds logical from information we have received about the dictates of the Quoran in
dealing with 'Infidels' to recruit, enslave, tax heavily, or kill all such people.
Now, in 2017, it seems that they have 'risen again' as the headline in the daily paper
of March 15, on page A-4 read: "Somali pirates hold oil tanker, crew" with a sub-head reading:
"A ransom demand is expected in first such seizure since 2012". The only by-line is Associated
Press.
The story stated that a statement from the EU Naval Force had finally made contract
with the ship's master (captain) aboard the "Aris 13", flagged in Comoros. These pirates had
been kept out of operation by 'navies of NATO countries, as well as China, India, and Iran'.
Also NATO had ended its anti-piracy mission off Somalia in December. So much for "keeping the
guard up".
It is fairly easy to understand the motives behind these pirates. Somali is, like
many nations in that part of the World, a very poverty ridden nation and this is a way to
generate income, despite it being risky and uncivil. In my memory the only incident of
deliberate murder during pirate action was some decades ago when pirates captured a cruise ship
and promptly rolled overboard a US citizen who was in a wheel chair. This ship was reported to
have a crew of only eight, all from Sri Lanka, thus being an easy prey for the reported 'over
two dozen' raiders. The story indicated that the ship was being operated under contract by a
company officed in the United Arab Emirates. Thus we have a situation of Muslims taking on
Muslims.
All this should further point out that no matter where we are, we all live in a very
dangerous World, with it being necessary to each be aware of what is going on around us, and be
prepared to take evasive or defensive action at any time. But then we should by now be aware
of the situation even here in the USA where violence can raise its ugly head at any time and in
any location, even our own homes.
It seems, if continuing reports from sporting goods merchants are accurate, that an
increasing number of our citizens have gotten the word and sales of guns and self defense
courses are enjoying a booming economy. All this despite the continuing loud attacks in
legislatures and courts against the rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment for us to "keep
and bear (carry) arms". Almost every state has statutes limiting that right by the requirement
of having a 'permit' to be so protected. My concern of those is that a wayward government
would go first to the lists of these permit holders in their quest to confiscate said
protective arms. In Oklahoma it is, if my understanding of the laws is correct,
required to have any firearm in a vehicle unloaded, with the ammunition in a separate place
from the weapon. An unloaded weapon, of any sort, is no defense at all. It is my opinion that
those laws are unconstitutional and those enacting them should be so prosecuted.
End
Composed April 1, 2017
Robert W. McDowell, Jr. 841 Lynwood Lane
918-451-1051 Broken Arrow OK 74011-8608
Email: abdmcfpi@localnet.com

Fw: the conservative view

        Today's great one from my fellow County Chairman, '99 to '03, and good

friend Russell Turner.  Too good to let lie here.                Bob

THE CONSERVATIVE VIEW

BY RUSSELL TURNER

GETTING THE CART BEFORE THE HORSE

        One of the oldest sayings that I can remember is the one about getting the cart before the horse. I have found that those old sayings have a lot of common sense ingrained in them. When my grandparents were young it was a far different time than we are experiencing today. They lived in the rural areas, and for a lot of their lives they didn't even have the luxury of electricity. At that time horses and wagons were the mainstay of transportation and a means to make a living. They learned logical ways to accomplish their needs. If you needed a cart or wagon to haul your items you needed to obtain a horse first, until you had a horse to pull the wagon it was foolish to buy a wagon. Our lawmakers in Washington DC could learn a lot from our grandparents when it comes to dealing with the healthcare issue.

        While the mainstream news media would like to lay all of the blame of the failure of the repeal and replacement of the Obamacare law on President Donald Trump, I do not agree with that assessment. The mainstream media and its liberal cohorts are doing all they can to discredit and demoralize our president. I have seen presidents come and go, and I can say without a doubt that President Trump is keeping his campaign promises better than any president in my lifetime. Immediately after the election in November of last year Trump did not take any time off, he went to work interviewing people for his various cabinet positions and getting ready to govern this nation. I just wish that our leaders in the Senate and House would have got into gear and worked out the differences that have divided the Republican Party.

        For over seven years our nation has been burdened with the failing Obamacare law. For years Congress has approved multiple repeal bills to Obamacare knowing full well that former President Obama would veto them. The leaders in the House of Representatives and the Senate knew, just like the rest of us, that Trump was going to be our next president and he stated that one of his main objectives was to get rid of Obamacare. My question is very simple; why didn't they get off of their backsides and go to work like Trump did, hammer out their differences and put forth a bill that would come closer to satisfying the different factions of the Republican Party?

        Our lawmakers need to stop listening to the constant drumbeat of the liberals and their minions in the mainstream media. The American people are the ones that will suffer because of their inaction on the healthcare issue. I can think of another good analogy to what happened. If you are going into battle when is the best time to sharpen your sword? The best time is before you go on the battlefield. Timing is everything whether you are going to war, passing new laws or making financial deals. Fortunately we humans do have the ability to learn from our mistakes and lousy timing; I just hope for the sake of the average hard-working American our lawmakers stop getting the cart before the horse.    

Fw: The Lion's Cage

        This is hilarious, but pathetic in its accuracy of today's media.  It was

forwarded by the co-founder of our World War II Vets of Tulsa.  I laughed so

hard at the punch lines I just had to send it on.                        Bob

 

---

                    THE LION'S CAGE

         A little girl was leaning into a lion's cage  Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the collar of her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, all under the eyes of her screaming parents.

    A biker jumps off his Harley, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch.  Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl and the biker brings the girl to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly. A reporter has watched the whole event.

    The reporter addressing the Harley rider says, "Sir, this was the most gallant and bravest thing I've seen a man do in my whole life"

    The Harley rider replies, "Why, it was nothing, really.  The lion was behind bars.  I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right."

    The reporter says, "Well, I'll make sure this won't go unnoticed.  I'm a journalist, you know, and tomorrow's paper will have this story on the front page.  So, what do you do for a living, and what political affiliation do you have?"

    The biker replies "I'm a U.S. Marine, a Republican and I voted for Trump".

    The journalist leaves.

    The following morning the biker buys the paper to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on the front page:

    ** U.S. MARINE ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT & STEALS HIS LUNCH. **

    And THAT pretty much sums up the media's approach to the news these days.