Snowbird Study???

Saturday's Spokesman-Review revealed that fact that a WSU Assistant Professor recently received a grant to, get this, spend the Winter in Arizona! He is according to this article, studying the interplay between permanent residents and snowbirds.

This educator shows his elitist side when stating, "I'm an expedition-type backpacker." and "have never been in an RV, much less slept in one."

OK, he is to be admired for admitting up front, that he has actually no qualifications to study RV folks. None at all. Turns his nose up at those that don't camp out in a sleeping bag on the ground at 30 below. Probably shops at all the "In" outfitters, you know, L.L. Bean and such. Anyway, I digress.

This smarmy, unqualified individual just got PAID to do what the rest of us can't afford to do, because not all of us can afford $3.00 per gallon gas, and 6 miles per gallon on our firmly parked RV's.

The source of this magnificent grant wasn't revealed, and a good thing. They then avoided the ridicule that I would have heaped on them. Am I envious? Bet your ass I am. The only way I'm going to get anyone to pay my way to Arizona this winter, is to piss off so many people that they take up a collection to get rid of me.

In case you haven't guessed yet, this is my first installment on the aforementioned plan...

From Under The Rocks

Well, It's started, and even before the newly elected Congress is seated. It would appear that the far left and moderate wings of the Democratic party are already in full battle for party control.

In an unbelievable attack, Robert Scheer, from the ultra-left, is attacking the Dems for not supporting the Pelosi choice for Majority Leader of the house. Disregarding both the overwhelming vote for Hoyer, and reality, he hacked away with generalities, slogans, vitriol and essentially, threw down the liberal gauntlet, declaring the war for control to be on.

My take on this new war, is that more casualties will ensue from this internal dispute than our "Occupation" of Iraq. I use the term occupation, since "War" denotes uniformed official troops fighting on the battlefield.

All this, before these newly elected leaders have even taken their seats. As I read the editorial page of our Spokesman-Review, it occured to me that the Republican Party has to do nothing. Attack nothing. Let the Democrats self-destruct. They don't need any help...

Auctions, Indeed!

It has come to my attention that an auction has recently been held, for the goal of having lunch with several minor officials. Hey, don't get me wrong... If these folks need sponsors so that they don't have to buy their own lunch, far be it from me to interfere...

On the other hand, (do I sound like a one handed economist?) If we are going to start sponsoring lunches for good causes, I am willing to volunteer myself for the good of the community. There are several very good reasons for this, the first being that I am cheap.

I must assume, while we are at it, that someone other than the aforementioned big wheel picks up the tab. Should that not be the case, I humbly withdraw my name as a volunteer er...Victim, ah..."Blogstar."

North Idaho Says Goodbye

Sunday at the Captain's Wheel was all about saying goodbye to Jerry Berry, principle owner of the Wheel, friend to all and a great guy.

A potluck dinner, a celebration of Jerry's life, and a bunch of deranged musicians, doing what Jerry loved the most, performing music 'till the cows come home. Over thirty musicians crowded into the Wheel to pay respects to one of the great Inn Keepers we've known.

The crowd, estimated at over four hundred, staged through, sampling the food and the many memories of Jerry Berry. There were never any strangers in the Wheel when Jerry was present. He would come over, throw an arm around you and make you feel like a million dollars.

He would have looked at the festivities, then probably use his favorite expresion, saying it was "Hoodakai."

At this hour, the party still goes on...We'll miss you, Guy...

Hate Crimes...Over The Top, Or Not?

I have mixed feelings over this issue. There are really good arguments for both sides of this.

First, It looks like the Sand Point Judge abrogated her duty, in slapping the hand of the man, (not boy) that criminally assaulted a minor girl.

Secondly, is the issue of hate crimes. The debate can swing to and fro, but it appears to me that mebbe the pendulum has swung too far again.

To attach a "I hate you because," (choose your own category)to the crime, in many cases raises the level of what normally would be a misdemeanor to the level of a felony.

Not because the injury was egregious, but because your motives were politically incorrect.

In the case of the injured teen, the charge should have been aggravated assault, a felony.

To re-classify this to a federal hate statute, might or might not fly. Definitely, an appeal, or civil suit is in order.

For the higher purpose of designating simple assault as a hate crime, elevating it to felony status, needs a very lot of discussion...

Election Aftermath

Democracy spoke loudly yesterday. Many issues were out front from corruption to the occupation of Iraq.

It does not surprise me that the Republican Party lost both houses of Congress. It would, however surprise me if the Democrats prevailed two years from now.

I believe that the overturning of the Bush doctrine was President Bush's own fault. Once he formed an opinion or direction regarding most of his policies, he became rigid in support of them. Perhaps he felt secure with control of both houses of Congress. Many mistakes, including the disbanding of the Iraqi Army, and many other miscues that showed poor planning, became evident as events played out.

Our political parties and their supporters have become so polarized that the vast majority of middle America can no longer identify with either the radical left, or the radical right. Bottom line, most Americans are not radical. Only during the nomination process does the radical element rule, leaving us with the choice of one radical or the other.

What happened yesterday should be a wake-up call to both parties. "Your success depends on the people that hired you.

In perusing the comments tonight, I ran across a comment from a person that I had previously respected, although he was of the opposite political persuasion.

In one sentence, he lost all of my respect, because he chose the low road in commenting about the personal life of a winning candidate that he was opposed to.

Crapping on our fellow men/Women doesn't add anything to our lives. It just shows how shallow we can be...

Jerry Berry 1935-2006

O CAPTAIN! my Captain! our fearful trip is done;
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is won;
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring:
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

O Captain! my Captain! rise up and hear the bells;
Rise up—for you the flag is flung—for you the bugle trills; For you bouquets and ribbon’d wreaths—for you the shores a-crowding;
For you they call, the swaying mass, their eager faces turning;
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You’ve fallen cold and dead.

My Captain does not answer, his lips are pale and still;
My father does not feel my arm, he has no pulse nor will;
The ship is anchor’d safe and sound, its voyage closed and done;
From fearful trip, the victor ship, comes in with object won;Exult, O shores, and ring, O bells!
But I, with mournful tread,
Walk the deck my Captain lies,
Fallen cold and dead.

Poem by Walt Whitman...

Jerry Berry has left us feeling a great loss. Those of us that knew him as a friend, as an employer and as a guest. His greatest legacy was that we heard repeatedly, "he made us feel welcome, whenever we came in." No Innkeeper could ask for a better epitaph.

There will be a celebration of his life, and his deeds at the Captain's Wheel, Sunday, November 12, at 2:00 PM. This will consist of a potluck dinner, and what we assume will be a rambunctious jam session consisting of the music and musicians he loved so much...

RAPE

Bayviews has discovered evidence through folks that were both there, and have talked to the rape victim since the attack.

There is now, not any doubt that a rape took place. The Idaho State Police are investigating, which is as it should be. There are whispers that the Sheriff Department attempted to sweep this under the rug, even to the point of intimidating the victim. That accounts for the story about the victim not wanting to press charges.

I gotta call bullshit. This Asshole lured a woman that had been drinking into a situation where there were no witnesses. She has since then left town, feeling that North Idaho doesn't serve justice.

How, can a government expect the citizens to respect law enforcement, when some of the officers approach Nazi like attitudes. We have Kootenai County Deputies that are Bullies, invent reasons to stop motorists, and even, according to one attorney I talked to, lawyers are afraid to oppose in court, for fear of reprisal.

When I grew up in the forties and fifties, law enforcement officers were revered and honored as those that protected us. We waved to them, and they waved back. We always knew that as kids if we were lost, stranded or otherwise in trouble, we only needed to call a cop.

Now look at us. How could we have allowed our honored officers to become depraved monsters, looking for busts, and harrassing our citizens. More interested in arrest stats, than justice. The sad part of this whole thing, is that the "code of silence" prohibits those good guys that serve, and know why they serve, and who they serve, to speak up.

Perhaps we should rename them "Piece Officers, rather than Peace Officers. I am Herb Huseland, and if you Piece officers want to screw with me, go for it.

Sheriff Deputy Shamed

In new developments, Bayviews has learned that the sexual adventure featuring an unnamed deputy and an unnamed partner have some interesting features.

First, it is unclear whether the partner was a victim of rape through intimidation, or willing. Secondly, it happened here in Bayview.

State Police investigators have been prowling the local businesses, taking statements from involved witnesses. We will bring you more, as information develops.

We are unwilling, at this time to speculate too freely about this, as a possible victim should be able to keep their identity secret.

Bayviews has learned, however that the Deputy was known to this person. It was also learned that they went to high school together.

Apparently, this Officer, whose beat did not include Bayview, met the woman outside the bar to give her a ride home. What happened after that is pure conjecture.

Milestone Reached

I installed Site Meter around February 1, of this year. Today, I passed 10,000 page views. Thank you all for your interest in an old Codger's rants...

VISITS

Total 5,248
Average Per Day 36
Average Visit Length 1:15
Last Hour 1
Today 20
This Week 249

PAGE VIEWS

Total 10,030
Average Per Day 51
Average Per Visit 1.4
Last Hour 2
Today 66
This Week 358


Navigation

Worst of the Best

What should be one of the most beautiful times of the year, what with the leaves turning to gold, The air is clear and winter approaches is not this year.

This year, the fall beauty is marred by the shrill voices of political extremes and bottomless discontent. I haven't seen many recently that have stepped back to observe the mayhem that is taking place.

The saddest part of the whole scene is that these idiots that sling mud, (and worse) don't even have a clue as to how many people they are turning off. Many people that I talk with just simply ignore the political process these days. They don't believe in either of the major parties, or for that matter, the minor ones either. They are drop-outs.

How much further can we go, before the majority of the population turns off, and then what? Isn't that a recipe for dictatorship? If serious candidates don't step up soon, we will have only the choices of extremists from the left, and the right, with nothing in between.

What I mean by serious, is those office seekers that have more depth than a few sound bites in a commercial. Candidates that look for consensus, rather than a way to bury the opposition.

I despair...

Halloween at the Wheel

Hilarity reigned at the Captain's Wheel last night. As usual, the costumes were original, great, and on occasion, very popular.

One celebrant walked into the main Bar carrying a sign that brought down the house with cheers, whistles and the occasional signal that the subject of the sign was number one, using an alternate finger, of course.

The subject of ridicule was "Bob". One can only wonder which Bob he was referring to. Could it be that Bob Holland of Waterford Park Homes was the one?

Holding the sign was Chad, former employee of Waterford, and yours truly, Bayview Herb.

Inappropriate Endorsement

This Morning, October 28, I received an automated phone message from a man whose first name is Drew, last name unheard. He represented himself as from the Idaho Department of Fish & Game, and urged me to vote for Brady for Governor.

I believe that it is inappropriate, and possibly illegal for a State employee to actively campaign for or against a political office seeker. My blog is down, so I am sending this to Huckleberries,and INWBA, in the hope that it will get out...

Halloween @ the Wheel

Most Bar/Restaurants consider New Years Eve as the biggest nite of the year. Not so, the Captain's Wheel in Bayview, Idaho.

Halloween Nite brings out costumed people from miles around to party at this Bayview location. Tonite, the customers will stand four deep at the bar, looking over a vast array of very carefully thought out costumes and makeup.

I am working, thank you Lord, in the kitchen until probably 10:30, and will miss dressing up with the rest of you. I will, however, come out long enough to hoist a drink to you ghouls and other weird characters.

Happy Halloween Y'all

Yuma, Arizona

Several of my friends...Maybe most of my friends, are wintering in Yuma. Today, while perusing my site meter, I noticed that I got a visit from there. This cannot be a random hit. Someone down there, has decided that they needed to find out what was happening here in Bayview, if for no other reason, than to gloat about the difference in weather.

I noticed this morning when perusing the Spokesman-Review, that the temperature in Yuma was 99 degrees yesterday. I can only say to you guys, were you perhaps a little quick about going south? On the other hand, ( sound like a one handed economist don't I) I am going to join you all for a couple of weeks this winter, when you least expect me.

HJR 2

HJR 2 is a proposition to be voted on here in Idaho prohibiting same sex marriage and other same sex partnerships. Idaho already has a law prohibiting same sex marriage. That leaves the other, more subtle items. Civil unions or contracts between same sex partners would also be illegal.

Some consequences of this proposed law might prohibit me from hiring or appointing an attorney-in-fact, or granting a power of attorney to another of the same sex. I might be prohibited from co-owning real estate or other property with a male business partner.

While I am in full support of the current law prohibiting marriage between members of the same gender, civil unions and/or contracts, rights of inheritance, etcetera, are none of our business.

This proposal is bad law, full of unintended consequences, and overkill. I recommend a no vote.

Duncan Trial

At last they got it right. Joseph Edward Duncan, kidnapper, child molester, mass murderer, plead guilty this morning. For weeks, the majority of our area's citizens, family members of the victims, and County Commissioners have begged the prosecutor to plea bargain this case for the sake of 9 year old Shasta Groene not having to face her molester in court.

Based on the previously leaked agreement that was rejected, and the announced provisions today, it would appear that the defense caved on an important issue. That being following the federal trial upcoming, the right of Kootenai County to re-impose the death penalty is retained. As it is now, three consecutive life terms without possibility of parole were handed down.

Bayviews applauds the attorneys involved for doing the right thing, even if belatedly. While some surviving relatives still wanted the death penalty, Shasta Groene was the only one that personally had to go through the entire experience, and her interests should be paramount.

It now appears that if the federal trial does not convict, or doesn't opt for the death penalty, the County will. Kudos also, for the great coverage by Tayrn Brodwater of the Spokesman-Review, who should be considered for a Pulitzer prize...

Idaho Proposition 2

Proposition 2 here in the State of Idaho sounds wonderful. Protects private property owners from unreasonable taking. What isn't so wonderful, is that through the smoke screen of hyperbole, this law, if enacted would essentially eliminate zoning laws.

The part of this proposition that deals with land use, holds that the State, or subdivision thereof, cannot limit what you do with your property. If the highest and best use is a wrecking yard, or slaughterhouse, then you can built it, even if your property lies within a residential area.

Passage of this proposition would visit anarchy upon us. It's simply bad law.

Veterans Hospital Death

Swimming against the current, as I tend to sometimes, I have to disagree with the majority of folks that are chastising the V.A. for not reviving the elderly vet that collapsed in the parking lot, recently, in Spokane, Washington.

Like most government installations, when quitting time comes, it is sudden and thorough. The V.A. emergency room had closed a few minutes earlier than the man's arrival.

Where the criticism is unwarranted, is that every Vet, including me, got a letter a few weeks ago, announcing the closure of the ER at 4:30, PM. This was due to budget constraints, and a lack of after hours use.

If there is blame here, it belongs to Congress, which has consistently underfunded the VA, even while processing hundreds of Iraqi injuries. I read this morning, where a Congressman, McMorris was going to investigate. If this is the case, I suggest that this congresswomen use a mirror.

Oktoberfish

The two day Oktoberfish tournament kicked off in Bayview at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant last night with an auction and fishing derby rules and sign-up.

Over two hundred liars, (oops, make that fishermen and women) which made it kind of crowded. We have no numbers as to how many well intended fisherpersons didn't make it out on the water, but it was a hell of a party, anyway.

Yours truly made his first attempt at making German Potato Salad for the event, which apparently was successful. Winners and such will be posted as I get the information...

Bayview
10/09/06

The winners of the Oktoberfish derby were as follows:

First place, winner was Frank Whitney, of Chatteroy, Washington. His fish was a Rainbow, 10 pounds eleven ounces. He won a prize of $3809.00 and possession of the traveling trophy, the "Golden Trout."

Second place, was taken by Dan Covey, Post Falls, with a 'Bow weighing in at eight pounds fifteen ounces, for a prize of $2285.00.

Third, was taken by Bill Rogers of Hayden, with a rainbow weighing in at eight pounds fourteen ounces for a prize of $1524.00.

The derby was a great success. Special thanks go to Ralph Jones, who organized the entire affair for the Bayview Chamber.

Political Warrior

I have been reading an exciting biography this week. It's the Life and Times of L. Keith Bulen. He was a king maker in Indiana, creating careers for such luminaries as Senator Lugar, and the current Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels.

Later, Bulen became the convention coordinator for the 1980 Republican Convention, held in Detroit, as well as holding the position of Eastern Regional Coordinator for Reagan/Bush.

It brought back memories of my own early years as a Young Turk in the Reagan campaigns of the sixties. So many parallels exist, that I felt like I lived in this biography myself. It is an extremely well written book, but then I may be prejudiced. You see, it was written by my brother, Stan Huseland. I'm very proud.

I can even arrange for the purchase of this book, if anyone is interested...

Oops...Again!

I wrote this yesterday, and posted it, but google apparently lost it. Essentially, what I had to say is that Waterford Park homes is in the deep doo-doo again. It seems that they bought a float home to remodel for an office, having given up their previous space to condos that don't have occupancy permits.

Well, it turns out that they don't have one for the float office either. Something about commercial use permit for a float home in a residential setting. As a result, no sewer hook-up is available to them. The employees are having to walk up and out of the marina to use the public toilets at the Boileaus Condos.

It has been pointed out to me that occupying a building without plumbing is illegal, yet there they are.

One employee that I talked to yesterday, said that all of the hourly employees were laid off, including him. When I asked him why, he replied,"The County shut us down."

I'm not quite sure what that means, other than the previous info that we have had, but it sounds like Waterford Park Homes, LLC and the local projects are starting to crumble a little. Could it be that the bankers are getting nervous too?

Breaking all the rules is bad, even when you have friends at court. Breaking them when you have made enemies of practically everyone, can be a disaster. Shape up or ship out, guy...

Fish & Game Biology

A recent article printed in the Coeur d'Alene Press, Idaho fish and game expounded on the fight to save the Lake Pend Oreille fishery. Aside from the we will never stop fighting and don't give up this ship rhetoric, the finger of guilt must point toward Fish & Game, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Kokanee survival is the key issue here, but first we have to visit the food chain.

Algae is the basic food, eaten by phytoplankton, which is eaten by Kokanee which is then eaten by all the rest of the fish. Several issues affect the survival of the Kokanee, among them, the accursed Mackinaw, or Lake Trout.

The most damaging of the cases of this fishery demise, however, is not the predators. It's the management by the aforementioned agencies. For the first two or three years, phytoplankton is the source of food for these vanishing fish. Every fall, the Corps of Engineers flush the majority of algae and phytoplankton down the Pend Oreille River, as they rush to lower the lake level before the Kokanee spawn.

That sounds pretty good, if it weren't for the fact that to save the spawn, they are flushing the food source through rapid draw down. Picture your bathtub. Pull the plug. The swirling water will take anything light that will float down the drain. So it does on our lake.

Another factor, and possibly the more important of the two, is the 1968 introduction of Mysic Shrimp by Idaho Fish and Game. In an apparent attempt to provide more food, they failed to realize that shrimp avoid light, and only feed close to the surface during the hours of darkness, sinking to several hundred feet down during daylight, the periods that the fish are feeding, thence the twain don't meet.

The latest, and most ridiculous plan is to hold off on the draw down until after the Mackinaw spawn, hoping that they will spawn in shallow water, then drying the spawn with the draw down. Immediately following that, the lake will be flushed at an even faster rate, so that low pool will be reached in time for the Kokanee spawn.

It doesn't help to spawn more Kokanee, if there isn't any food for their survival. Will they never learn? Or is it all about Bonneville Power, and the water needed downstream, and politics as usual.

Greed Has Many Forms

Controversy flared yesterday, when the Idaho State Supreme Court rendered a decision regarding the high water mark on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

For those of you that are from out of the area, or unfamiliar with the issue, lakeshore residents along an area called Sanders Beach, have had trespass problems for years, as a street separates their houses from the strip of beach in front which they own.

For many years, the property owners have had problems with trash, loud parties and such in front of their homes, and in clear violation of property rights.

Because some prior owners, certainly not all, allowed public access, suggests that they were guests. Some have taken that as a public right to free access.

My position here, is that if the public good needs to be served by owning this beach, the public, through either City or County auspices, must purchase it, by either voluntary sale, or condemnation. The public must never be allowed to take property without compensation.

Recently, a local judge ruled that the high water mark denoting public/private ownership boundaries, was 2130 feet. This is two feet above the Summer high water level, excepting floods and such. The historical high water mark was several feet lower, prior to the building of a dam, which raised the level to it's current 2128.

The Supreme Court ruled 5-0 to overturn the local judge, and established 2128 as the true high water mark. It is sad, because some disagree with their ruling, they have cast aspersions as to the intelligence, or integrity of these justices. A unanimous decision suggests that the decision was based on good law, not emotion.

It would behoove those in opposition to look inside themselves, and ask if it isn't emotional attachment, rather than legal right that has formed their positions.

The Fiver

I recently posted an(I thought)innocuous comment on Huckleberries, a Spokesman-Review on-line blog. It was about an actual experience I had, on a night off at the "Wheel."

I had an occasion to sashay into the Men's room, (Beer had been flowing) when I happened to look down. Behold! I was peeing on a genuine five dollar bill. I stopped and thought. Then, gingerly, and by the tips of my thumb and finger, extracted said bill from it's nest.

I quickly walked it across to the sink, where it underwent a vigorous scrubbing. I then pressed it between two paper towels, and returned to my table. After great thought, and recognizing that I was going to owe my waitress a tip, I generously donated said fiver to the cause. (Later, I told her of the source) She laughed and accepted it.

Unbeknownst to me, and after an abbreviated remark to this effect on a comment segment of "Huckleberries", a feature of the Spokesman-Review, it hit the funnybone of the blogmeister of the S/R, Dave Oliveira. He posted it on the S/R blog. Then again, and then to add to the indignity, printed it the the paper.

I hadn't time to finish the paper this morning, so I didn't catch the print part. I went to the Post office for my mail. One friend was in there laughing about it when the postmaster ran out to tell me she would never eat my potato salad again.

Well, ma'am, unless another fiver shows up in my lifetime, I have great doubts that your health is in jeopardy...

Blogfest IV

I can't think of anything to say that hasn't already been said by Mari & Stebbijo, except to ditto the great time part.

I haven't been heard from for a few days, due to another communications blackout. I'm half-installed for Adelphia broadband, and my phone line went dead again. I personally think it's the Navy Base and of course, the black helicopters at work.

But I digress. We had a rather small but lively blogfest, with surprise guests, Spencer, and the newlyweds, Sam Taylor & bride.

Sue Turner showed up and was a delight. She ended up in a spirited but civil discourse on growth with Spencer, which is kind of like trying to train the fox, as he is entering the hen-house. Spencer being a developer, and Sue appearing to be no-growth. I politely struck up a conversation with another at that point.

We missed all of the folks that sent regrets. We would rather have had them with us, than regret missing it.

Meetings & Stuff

Busy day for me today. I ventured into the big city. Coeur d'Alene. Got a haircut, caught the hearing at the Courthouse between plaintiff C.A.R.E., which is a large citizen's group in and around Bayview, vs: defendants, Idaho Fish & Game.

The issue was a summary judgment barring development of the WW11 rifle training range into a world class range, where hundreds of sportsmen attend competitions, and the addition of a skeet/trap shooting range, all on property deeded to the state for the purpose of wildlife enhancement. It failed.

The true issue seems to be who runs out of funds first, the State, or the volunteers from Bayview...Duh!

After picking up Chinese over on 4th St, I met with our group of bloggers at the Kootenai County Courthouse, where we held a "Meeting in a Box. Dan English provided the meeting room. I'm convinced that he attended just to make sure we returned the pens in the kit.

I got to meet two other guys that are very interesting, and well informed. Thom George, and Mike Kennedy. Bill & Lisa McCrory also attended. Onward to Athol, where I croaked out two or three tunes at a Karaoke session, thence home.

These days off are going to kill me yet. Don't forget the Blogfest this Saturday, at 2:00 PM at the Captain;s Wheel in Bayview. Some new and interesting folks plan to be there. You plan on it too.

Making Waves

I met two wonderful Ladies this afternoon. They had just met, after 61 years of separation. You see, not all of the sailors at Farragut Naval Traning Base were Guys.

Phoebe DeGree of Bend Oregon, and Donna Lee of Portland, Oregon came to their first, and probably last reunion of Naval Personnel that trained here during the forties.

It turns out that they were bunkmates during 1944-45. Both were clerical Waves, serving the permanent party, or as they were known, "Ship's Company".

Donna had the upper bunk, Phoebe the lower. Fast friends for the last two years of the war, they separated to go their various ways. Phoebe married a sailor from the base. Both widowed now, they were charming company for an hour or so before it was time for them to leave. You see, they were both going out dancing at the Athol American Legion Post.

Oh, if I could only keep up with the likes of them.

Tapps

This weekend marks the 20th reunion of the WWII Navy Veterans that cycled through Farragut Naval Station, during the war. The Greatest Generation, and I have no problem in using that name, is aging and has announced that this is it, the last reunion.

Sixty three years ago, a huge effort was put forth to establish a Naval Basic Training Facility. The base was built, literally, from the materials onsite. Trees were cut down, milled onsite, then the green lumber was used to construct the entire installation, except the brig.

Today, the brig, built with concrete blocks, is the only building that was saved. According to the several vets that I interviewed, none of them were residents of the brig.

The organizers of the annual trek back to where they suffered the indignities of the Drill Instructors, have grown old, and tired, and unless younger Navy Vets come forth this will be the last one.

This week-end, we are enjoying the last great visit. Our lunch crowd at the Wheel was so great that I was asked to give up part of my day off tomorrow to help with the crowd. I am honored to help, and we here at the Captain's Wheel are honored by the visit of these, our heroes of another era.

Blogfest IV

Blogfest IV is on. We will meet in a social setting at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant in Bayview, Idaho, Saturday, September 16 at 2:00 PM.

All bloggers and blurkers are invited. It probably goes without saying, but for the few, only friendly non-combative folks are invited. Leave the on-line hassles at home, and you are welcome. We would like to see some of our friends from Spokaloo Falls show up, too.

This blogfest is not to be confused with the "Meeting in a box" gathering that some of us are putting together for Wednesday, September 13 at 6:00 PM. That group is for Kootenai County residents only, but is going to be mostly bloggers and blurkers. This meeting will be at the Kootenai County Administration Building on the floor adjacent to the Drivers Licence office. We have been specifically invited, as the planning people think we have something special to contibute.

I would appreciate an RSVP on both gatherings. hhuseland@aol.com

Planning & Zoning

For those that I haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet, I was recently asked by the Kootenai County Planning Dept. to conduct a "Meeting in a Box." This essentially, is a small group, 10-20 people in a forum, from which opinions about future growth will be discussed.

This is especially noteworthy, since I don't think I've ever heard of Government doing this before. That tends to make Kootenai County the for-front of citizen participation. My specialty, it turns out, is to gather up those ornrey Bloggers, corral them in one room, and ask them to put up or shut up...

I have accepted this challenge, and I hope that you do too. All Kootenai County, Idaho Bloggers, Blurkers, and ner' do well's are invite to this citizen input group. Who knows, a County official may show up to show you that they care...

This meeting will be held in the Kootenai County Administration Building. Lower level parking adjacent to the drivers licence office, and humorously, next to Planning and Zoning. Straight down the hall to the end, in meeting room A-1.

The date, September 13, Wednesday, 6:00 PM. Several very interesting people have committed to attend. If you want to get up off your dead *** and be counted, this is your chance.

The meeting room was graciously offered by County Clerk Dan English, who will be our host.

I ran into County Commisioner, Rick Currie and his lovely wife at the Captain's Wheel in Bayview the other night. I remarked that we would be holding this meeting, and when...

When he was about to leave, I suddenly had a thought. I walked up to him and exclaimed, wait a minute...If we do this, how can we complain about everything you do, if we become part of the process...He grinned, and said, now you are catching on.

A big cheer for the only incombent Commissioner, and a pretty nice Guy.

In an era that has spawned many politicians, with varied agendas, it is very refreshing to meet a guy who just wants to "Git er done".

Justice Trembles

It has come to our attention that in all, Waterford Park Homes, LLC has had eleven projects red tagged by the County. According to my sources in Building & Planning, all have been ignored, none have been lifted. When we were about to invite all residents of Kootenai County to build without permits, we hear that the Kootenai County Prosecutor is planning possible criminal charges.

When respect for the rules is flagrantly ignored, government must act, or forever be insignificant. We are happy that belatedly, the enforcement end of things will be protected.

Jim Wilson

I woke up to a nightmare today. Every Friday, at 4:00 Jim Wilson showed up at the Captains wheel. He had one drink, then asked, "Is there any of Herb's Potato Salad left? I always had a go box full of potato salad for him.

I made potato salad Friday. Jim showed up on schedule. Before clocking out, I made a go box for him, like always. I brought it out to him, and thanked him for his loyalty. He left with good wishes, and he thanked me for the Potato salad, and left, after buying me a beer for the courtesy.

Jim died in his sleep last night, and I find myself breaking into tears, and I don't know why, except my keyboard keeps getting blurred.

God Bless you, Jim...

May you have a safe journey to what is beyond. I loved you Man...

Bayview Disappears

As I looked out over the bay this morning, I realized I couldn't see across it. Smoke billowed down to lake level, smelling like a forest fire. I thought at first that it was one. It is hard to believe that the grass seed farmers were that callous.

Apparently they were. Traffic on Highway 95 between Chilco and Athol slowed to a crawl, as visibility lowered down close to zero. People in Bayview were choking with the air close to unbreathable.

Silverwood Theme Park, a tax machine that pays much more in taxes to the County than farmers, was obliterated by the clouds of smoke. Usually in these conditions, one or more guests or employees are rescued by ambulance.

Hopefully, the EPA will change this. That the fields were burned even though forest fires were already smoking up the sky was criminal. Recently, the EPA ruled that they were going to tighten up the rules.

It is terribly unfortunate, that our elected state officials didn't care enough to make these changes. Now the Federal government will. It's about time.

Comprehensive Plan

The Kootenai County Planning Department has held out an olive branch to those that oppose growth. This doesn't mean that growth won't happen, it just means that we are being asked for our opinions as to how to control it.

I applaud the Department for it's forward thinking idea of "Meetings in a box."

This is an informal way of collecting opinions from many different sources. I was honored to be selected by the staff, to conduct, host, and produce the results of such a gathering, consisting, but by no means eliminating others, bloggers. It amazes me that someone from the County would think that we bloggers are opinionated, but there it is...bloggers throughout the County that have opinions are invited to attend.

This is not a substitution for the blogfest earlier announced. That will occur in late September or early October. The purpose of this exercise is vital. It will form the master growth plan that we will have to live with for years. Done right, we shouldn't have to deal with a flurry of conditional use permits, or exceptions, as is now the norm...

Since this is a business meeting, I will attempt to hold it in Coeur d' Alene, date and time to be announced. The meeting must be held before September 29, as that is the deadline for comments. I need RSVP from those that are interested in attending. Please direct these to me at: hhuseland@aol.com...

Army vs. National Guard

I pretty near choked when I read the article in the Spokesman-Review about 550 soldiers from Ft. Lewis being assigned to fight fires in Central Washington.

That is the job of the Washington National Guard. If they are not available, where are they? Iraq? If the Guard is in Iraq, while regular army troops are hanging around in garrison, it makes me wonder if we have this backward.

Guard troops are to be used only in case of National Emergency. Other that that, their contributions to the community are riot control, flood and firefighting...

These are under trained citizen soldiers helping out in their own states. I don't like what I'm seeing, what with Northern State Guardsmen and women being assigned out of their own states for border patrol, or foreign duty, while the Army sits in garrison and trains.

Dog Days of Summer

There is a mystery about August. One day, people are swarming into the resort areas like ours, the next day they are gone. The weather is great...Maybe the greatest week-end weather we have had in memory.

Is it the cool nights that have descended upon us? The shopping trips for school clothes/supplies? Who knows. All I know, is that the seasonal heat has disappeared, the nights are cool again, and my tomatoes are ripening a month earlier than usual.

That brings us to another subject. Tomatoes. I have raised tomatoes as a religion for many years, both on the coast, and here. This year, with slightly modified methods, and great weather, I hit the jackpot. I have ripening tomatoes. Big ones. Blossom -end rot is still a problem, but not as bad as previous years. If I could find a place to buy calcium foliage spray, I would win that battle.

Labor day week-end is almost upon us. I've worked hard this Summer, which was good for me. Dropped from 200 pounds to a svelte 179. Anyone of you that knew me in my youth would wonder where I put 200 pounds. I do too. Hopefully I will keep it off.

I am still contemplating a blogfest, probably one or two weeks after Labor day, but need to consult DFO before setting a firm date.

Hollandville, USA

I am posting this as a community service, as requested by a great friend and community stalwart. For those of you that don't know, a moratorium on new float homes was put into place by the State of Idaho, several years ago. Apparently, they figured out that the float home owners didn't represent enough votes to form a dissident group. Fighting from behind for years, the Float Home Owners Association was created for the purpose of keeping the marina owners from totally controlling the price of moorage. Moorage that they can't leave.

"To all Bayview float home owners,

As some of you may know, Randy Ragan and I have been meeting with Bob Holland to push the dockominium concept forward. After several discussions, we have an outline of the anticipated program, which has been substantiated by Mr. Holland. I have attached it to this email in both MS-WORD and PDF format. Both documents read the same.

We are organizing a meeting with all Bayview Marina float home owners for this Saturday (Aug, 12th) @ 10:00AM. We have arranged with Steve from the Buttonhook restaurant to open early for this private meeting. Mr. Holland will not be attending this meeting.

Hope to see you there.
JR



John Ragan

MOR Manufacturing, President

5676 E. Seltice Way

Post Falls, ID 83854"

Bayview Chamber

Tuesday evening will be the usual chamber meeting at 7:00 PM. What won't be usual, is it will be followed by a potluck. I am about to trek down to the Captain's Wheel, where I have been commissioned to make a huge bunch of potato salad.

We expect around 70 or 80 folks to attend, so it will be a huge bunch of potato salad. Unlike the splinter group, numbering 15 by their own count, we have a large membership mostly comprised of individuals, with great support from local businesses.

I hope to see all of you there...

Patience

I learned something of value this week. Actually, I learn something of value every week, but this one was special.

I had just posted my last,"Whacko." I was in the process of copying my first paragraph for the purpose of pasting it to INWBA. Bad things began to happen. In three tries, I failed to highlight the offending three lines.

Every time I tried, the whole article would turn blue. I couldn't get the @*&%#@@ lines to highlight separately. I turned blue. I decided, (I had a few drinks prior to this decision) to punish my computer.

Never try to punish your computer. This mass of chips and garbage invented by that #@%*@# guy Bill Gates, is in charge. I head butted my screen. Nothing. Then I slammed my mouse down hard on my pad. That got my computer's attention alright.

The mouse was broke. The moral of this story is, of course, never try to outsmart the ugly gnomes that inhabit the mysterious computer. I was out of touch for three days, until I could run to town, get Office Max to recommend a new mouse, (I am now the proud owner of a Microsoft mouse) and then streak back to Bayview to install it.

Actually, remembering the 70's, streaking might not be the correct terminology. Bottom line, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DISCIPLINE YOUR COMPUTER. IT WILL RETALIATE.

Whackos

I have heard about, and actually experienced people that were a bit left or right of center, but this one took the cake.

I'm sitting at a neighborhood bar, having my first beer of the afternoon. It's a nice day, the sun is out, maybe a little too out. I was introduced to a man that was representative of all the answers.

I was awed. A man that had all the answers. I've looked for someone like that all my life. I listened carefully. Here is what he said, paraphrased.

The 9-11 Twin Towers debacle? CIA." Didn't you know that the navigation systems in modern jets can be flown anywhere remotely? "

His whole theory was that our own government attacked the twin towers to use as an excuse for attacking various other countries.

This jerk-off had maybe one or two problems with his analyses. First I am a qualified pilot. His idea that a commercial airliner could be made into a guided bomb was flawed in several ways.

First, The flight was a regularly scheduled flight, booked days in advanced. Secondly, the idea that an airliner could be remotely controlled, to crash into the twin towers is bullcrap.

This particular conspirator theorist, was an idiot. What is scary, is that someone might listen to him or his ilk.

For your information, should someone try to tell you an airliner can be directed to any target, here is the truth. Category three aircraft have on board radar, capable of zeroing in to fogged in airports, or those runways that are below normal minimums. In order for a commercial plane to land using this precision system.
You see, the target airport must also have the same equipment, thereby electronically controlling the descent and landing of that aircraft.

When idiots get just a little information about advances in navigation aids, they tend to idiotise. I confess, I had never actually run into one of them until now.
It is to me unbelievable that an otherwise intelligent person could get lost in this stuff. You tell me...I can't figure it out...

Heatwave

Blistering heat has descended upon us. The last several days have been especially uncomfortable if you work in a restaurant kitchen. It has been 120 plus degrees at the Captain's Wheel kitchen lately. Many diners visit us because it's too hot to cook at home. Don't forget to show your appreciation for those that do it for you.

Customers and employees alike have taken to jumping into the lake clothes and all, to beat the heat. No end is in sight though the nighttime temps will start down soon. Alas, I am preparing to go to work tonight. It's not much fun in this heat. Fortunately for the customers, the rest of the building is air conditioned.

The Real Story

Yesterday, I posted a rebuttal to the article by Maghann Cuniff of the Spokesman-Review. In it, I pointed out that this small group of dissidents are not representative of the vast majority of residents.

Today, I'm going to get more specific. This morning, I was contacted by a Bayview Water & Sewer board member, along with the patriarch of Bayview, Jim McDonald.

I stopped over at McDonald's Marina to chat with him. This is a man who feels heartbroken, that his work, and that of others since he and a few adventuresome souls started the Bayview Chamber in 1954 is being dragged in the dirt by some easterners and other recent emigrants.

These people invariably, after moving here for the peace, tranquility and ambiance in our area, settle in, then pine for the things they left behind. One of the officers, Tom Lloyd, moved here from Vermont one year ago. Bob Moore, another recent move six years ago.

We even had the so-called president, or whatever, state that they didn't want Bayview to become a party town. Well, let's see. We have around 750 permanent residents, and several hundred folks that recreate here in the Summer. We have seven resorts, five watering holes, two major restaurants. People have been partying here since the Navy held the big camp-out in Farragut back in the forties.

You people didn't have to move to a resort community, and hey, it's still not too late for you to leave.

Since the chamber was established in 1954, modeled more after a community Club than a chamber, and definitely not controlled by business only many public services have been brought forth by this chamber that you are dissing.

Establishment of the Bayview Water and Sewer District. The formation of a fire district, now merged with Athol to become Timberlake Fire District. Sponsorship of the 4th of July fireworks, and many other public services too many to name.

A small group of radical thinkers came forth, tried to take our chamber away from us last year and was rebuffed. Whether rank and file of this cell are all the same bunch is arguable. We here in Bayview have a very democratic forum in our Chamber of Commerce/Community club.

Bayview is small, and doesn't need splinter groups claiming the right of representation of our community. Especially people that are so new here, that they don't have a clue as to who has accomplished what. Visit with people that have made a difference in this village before you mouth off.

Summer Time

The lyrics to "Summer time, and the livin' is easy" crosses my mind today. Between vicious Thunder storms, we have had what I have never seen here in North Idaho.

All of our bad weather has happened in mid-week. Every week-end has been gorgeous. What's up with that? Tradition has it that all bad weather happens on week-ends, and good weather starts on Monday or Tuesday, ending of course on Friday or Saturday.

Bayview has been somewhat quiet recently, unless you count the remarks of disidents starting up their very own community club, because they couldn't control the Bayview Chamber of Commerce.

Well, that brings up another subject. A staff reporter working for the Spokesman-Review, interviewed several people that, I've never heard of, that stated the Chamber is representing business only, and not the community. Not true. While there are about five businesses that have membership in the Chamber, about 90% of the membership is are individuals.

The problem is in the quality of reporting. If all you interview are of the opposition, then what you have is a newsroom editorial, instead of information. I realize that "If it bleeds, it leads" does dominate, slanting opinion by either not trying to interview others, is not news...It's just the opinion of a very few.

I'm sorry, but I just can't ignore this...When I ran spell check, it stopped at newsroom. It turns out that the alternative they suggested, was"mushroom."

Almost Tragedy

As happens every Summer, a boater got in trouble in bad weather. A sail boater in this case. It wasn't just bad weather, it was a severe thunderstorm that swept through the south end of Pend Oreile Lake, late Wednesday Afternoon...

Weather can change in an instant, but in this case, the weather was apparently ignored. For at least one hour, it was obvious that a severe thunderstorm was tracking toward Whiskey Rock, and south.

According to officers on site at the Kootenai County boat ramp, the boaters were rescued by Bonner County Rescue crews.

I question why, with all of the electronic aids we have, such as weather radio, radar, why boaters that have no more qualifications than the money to buy a boat they are not qualified to operate are allowed to go forth upon this lake of ours, with the knowledge that we will rescue them if they get in trouble.

Impropriety in Bayview?

Recently, allegations of egregious flaunting of the County and State building codes have surfaced. According to the parties that have complained, Waterford Park Homes, LLC is the suspected culprit.

A long list of items, such as permanently setting park model mobile homes in a flood plain, illegal filling of portions of the lake, building showers and rest rooms in the Vista Bay Marina, all without permits.

Two of this companies' R.V. Parks are alleged to have sewer and water lines in the same ditch, no backflow prevention installed, all done without licensed plumbers or permits.

The list goes on. If these charges are true, one has to ask, since regulatory agencies have been complained to, where is the enforcement? It seems that the water district, EPA, Building and Zoning all have been informed, yet rumor has it that red tags have been torn up and ignored, and business as usual with arrogant references to the local folks as "local yokels."

Sources

I have a site meter on my blog that tells me what area my hits come from. giving the fact that some are accidents, such as through googling, etc., others are not.

I truly hope that some part of my content pleases, informs, or otherwise entertains you. What drives me nuts, (Not a long trip) is the repeats that occur over and over. What started me up on this, was that I got another hit from Friday Harbor, in the San Juan Islands. I spent many wonderful times on that Island in my youth.

If it pleases you, please, stop to comment on the posts that you read. Tell me what you like, and what you don't like, but TELL ME!

Shasta

There are many out there that have preconceived notions of what is right and what is wrong regarding the public Shasta Groene. I am no Child psychologist, and neither are the others that seem to always know best. My experience is as a Father of four, Grandfather of sixteen, and Great-Grandfather of three.

My memory of both my own childhood, and that of other children, including my own, is that Kids like to fantasize. Carnivals, Circus', parades, make-believe playmates.

While escapism is frowned upon in adults, it is accepted in children, even encouraged. What Shasta dreams about in the middle of the night, we'll never know. Escaping reality is sometimes healthy. The applause of the many parade watchers, waving back at them, I'm sure gives her a feeling of being loved by many.

I don't think anyone can do better than that.

Bayview Survives Again

I am writing this at what I consider my bedtime. Right! It's not even late yet, right? Well, it's 10:40 PM, the fireworks have gone off. (Incidentally, :30 duration for those that have been wondering)

We got slammed. I'm thinking that next year,I will be more careful. No longer will the Herbster invite strangers to our town. I will only invite single older women to town, and then only with references.

Ex's are not necessary for the references. We had a great time, I think. Sam Taylor introduced himself to me, which was a great pleasure for me. I misled him, unintentionaly, about Karaoke, which turns out to be one of his fun things, along with mine. I was misinformed about the date. Turns out that Karaoke will take place Sunday night.

I didn't get a chance to meet Tayrn Brodwater, rumored to be in town, but I suspect that I will have that pleasure tomorrow. In case I don't make it through the weekend...This Is my epitaph. Go, Bayview...

Bayview Craze

Here we are at last. This Saturday will usher in the 4th of July activities in Bayview. Festivities start at 11:00 AM, beginning with the street parade. If you aren't in town before 10:30 AM you will be subjected to a wait, while the parade goes by.

We have stocked up on your favorite beverages, and expect the usual unbelievable crowd. After an afternoon of food and beverages, take in the very good fireworks display that will take place around 10:00 PM.

I'll be at the Captain's Wheel. I hope those of you that attend our celebration, stop by to say hi to me.

Bachelors Rebel

The recent ad for single ladies, seen in the Nickle's Worth has everyone talking here in Bayview, Idaho. Mostly it's the female population that is all agog with curiosity.

The burning question of the day is, "who placed the ad, and who are the Batchelors of Bayview. As to the author, I am sworn to secrecy. I might possibly be a spokesperson for the group, except we never have meetings, don't have a clear idea of who is one, and don't have officers to appoint a spokesperson.

In the eleven years I have lived here, many conversations have hinged on the lack of single adult women here in Bayview. It seems that the choice is, move to Bayview and remain without a partner, or stay in town where they hang out. We like it here in Paradise. We go without. Now, with this grass roots rebellion, it is clear that at least some bachelors are unwilling to have this continue.

The core group seems to hang out at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant, but they can be found all over town, from well off business people, to blue collar workers, and of course we single retirees.

The new motto it seems is, "We are damn mad and we aren't going to take it anymore."

Bachelors of Bayview

Today's issue of the Nickle's Worth, included a rather different plea than the ordinary ad.

In today's issue, a plea for single ladies, rang out over the land. It seems that where we have many very fine ladies that come up to this spa on the lake, most are unfortunately accompanied by a male partner.

The anonymous author of this ad cries out for all of the ladies, that feel left out, neglected, or otherwise ignored. We want you right here in Bayview.

With the upcoming Bayview Daze celebration prior to the fourth happening the weekend of the 1st, it is apparent that the Bayview Batchelors are tired of being ignored. In a recent interview, one such replied, "sure were Rednecks, but were friendly."

My view of this whole affair, is that the adventuresome, fun-loving ladies, just don't know we are here.

Bayview Daze

Most normal communities celebrate the fourth of July on, of course the fourth. Bayview is different. Tradition in Bayview, is to have fireworks and the major celebration on whatever Saturday falls nearest to the fourth. This year, it is Saturday the 1st of July.

This is a great bonus. It allows you to experience two 4th of July celebrations, and two sets of fireworks. Our fireworks here in Bayview rival any other venue, and you don't have to give up the traditional 4th, since Coeur d'Alene has there's on the 4th.

From Saturday morning, the 1st, at around 10:30 am, (watch the clock if you are driving into town...You will be stopped at road blocks on both sides of town. You will sit there until the street parade breaks up, about an hour later. One can either fume at the delay, as some out of towners do, or dismount, and enjoy one of the last traditional small town fourths.

Following the street parade, we have craft booths galore, three restaurant/bars to lubricate the dry throats that always seem to sprout up. I'll be at the Captain's Wheel, ready to welcome you all. If you do stop in, be sure to ask your server to find me. I will stop and greet you.

Toward evening, around 9:00 PM, we will have a lighted boat parade, followed by fireworks at around 10:00. (Subject to the degree of darkness)

By the 4th of July, hopefully, we here in Bayview will return to what passes as normal, whatever that is...

For parade information, call Liz @ 683-4108...

Guantanamo

I recently re-read the constitution of the United States. I paused at length when I read the Thirteenth amendment, section 1, which I will record here.

"Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

The last seven words of this article seems to me to be very clear. Guantanamo is subject to our jurisdiction. We are holding prisoners there that are not convicted of a crime, or war crime. We have not given them prisoner of war status.

If one turned the situation around, it turns out that right or wrong, most of these people would tell us that they were defending their country from invasion. From their standpoint, that makes them patriots, not criminals.

I believe that the time is overdue to separate the true criminals from those that were simply captured in combat. Try the guilty in a tribunal such as was conducted at Nurenburg, and send the rest home.

We cannot scrap the constitution just because it is more convenient. It's there in writing for all to see. We must obey.

Verizon Rains..Er, Reigns

You all may wonder where I disappeared to. Well my phone has been out of order. Since I use dial-up, so has my computer. Yesterday, I called from the Captain's Wheel. 1-800-483-1000.

I get this nice lady who starts asking me questions. It soon became apparent that instead of a nice lady, I was having a conversation with a computer. This is not easy. (I wonder if they have an area at Hewlett-Packard that manufactures nice ladies for the phone company?) Well, I digress... This is what took place.

Q: Are you calling from the phone that you are having trouble with?
A: No! If the damned thing worked well enough to call you on it, I wouldn't have bothered you.

Q: I did not understand your answer. Please answer yes or no.
A: No.

Q: Do you have a dial tone?
A: No.

Q: If we have scheduling problems, can we reach you at this number?
A: No, I told you It's broke.

Q: We will have someone out to fix it tomorrow between 8:00 AM and 12:00 NOON. If it is our wiring it will cost you nothing. If it is yours, the first :30 will cost you $91.00.
A: Say What??

Q: I'm sorry, I didn't understand your answer. Please answer yes or no.
A: OK, fine, thank you...

Obvious to me are two things. One, a computer has more patience than I, and is much more polite. It was their wiring, and I was not charged.

The fact that the outage was coincidental to my try-out of the new weed eater I bought was not brought up. Anyway, I'm back...

Weather, Whether Or Not

Is it me or have we had more intense Thunder Storms this Spring than usual. Last week-end, we had a short but intense rain storm that was of tropical dimensions.

Last night we have a fantastic light show. More flashes and booms are forecast for our immediate future. What I'm seeing though, is more intensity. Down blasts and tornados that were very rare, are coming more commonly.

Is it time to build an Ark? Is this going to be the pattern all Summer? If so, our fire season will be interesting.

Free, Free, Free at Last!

It probably isn't a secret that I thoroughly enjoy working at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant, here in Bayview, Idaho. What many don't know, was that I became more and more disenchanted with my new job at Silverwood. Two things happened that changed everything.

One, The management at the Captain's Wheel showed appreciation for the work that I have done with the salad bar, and other duties. Two that appreciation took the form of offering me more shifts, more chances to make even more potato salad.

I grabbed that like a drowning man. I quickly resigned my position at Silverwood, and am now preparing even more gastronomical delights, which will be available on week-ends. No longer will you have to go out for dinner on a week-night to experience these wonders. Herb's salad bar will be available all the time.

Your cup doth runneth over, I know. Hold back, take a deep breath, and come on down...

Blog Power

As this area's bloggers churned the bits & bytes out over the lame duck county commissioners ban of Huckleberries, and we honored our country's fallen, peace fell over the area...Until Tuesday, when the bloggers and blurkers of our area, inundated the County Courthouse with indignation.

By Thursday morning, it was all over. Two of the commissioners saw the light, or perhaps the political darkness that their actions were creating.

On a lighter note, I had a visitor during the week-end. Green Libertarian was in town, and stopped by for conversation and a brew or three. We had a great time, and decided that people of different political persuasions would probably get along with each other better, if they could meet from time to time, face to face. I appreciated the visit. More of you should come up. It's a great place to spend a day or so.

Huckleberries Banned

While it is no longer a secret that Kootenai County computers have locked out the Spokesman-Review blogs, and more specifically, "Huckleberries on line", Bay Views has a solution.

For you frustrated county employees. Just comment on Bay Views. HBO will pick up the comments and anonymously repeat them. If I'm blocked, check the blogroll, and just rotate through them. At some point, they'll get tired of looking ridiculous.

Kootenai County Repels Juvenile Losers

While elections seldom cause the losers to celebrate, there is usually a period where by the losers become adjusted to the fact that they have been fired. Unfortunately,here, in Kootenai County, Idaho, that's not the case.

Two out of the three incumbent County Commissioners that were up for re-election were defeated last Tuesday. Rather than gracefully exit,(they have seven more months to pout), they have shut out all public communications from the County Administration building. Open government has come to a halt, while the exiting Commissioners lick their wounds.

I'm ashamed to admit that I voted for both of them the previous election. Had I only known that they were children, that couldn't accept disappointment, I would have saved us the trouble, by not electing them to start with. Apparently, all contact with the press, or at least the press that isn't in bed with them, has been prohibited.

What we have now, is a county without a government that cares.
Folks, don't expect either of these defeated commissioners to be elected Dog Catcher in the future. They blew it.

This could get interesting, with commissioners that just want to get back at their detractors.

"Voters Won"

"Voters won", is a quote I shamelessly stole from a statement Larry Spencer, of Athol,Idaho made, after receiving election results that brought all his horses in first.

What struck me, was that in that statement, made at the pinnacle of victory, the meaning goes much further. Even the voters, who's candidate lost is still a winner. Why? Because every time we vote, we re-establish democracy.

The only losers yesterday, were the people that were eligible to vote, and didn't. They, of course, will be the ones we will have to listen to for the next two years or so, about how our government has gone straight to hell.

Bayview Survives

As dusk lowers over Bayview, this Sunday night, not a sound is heard. Perhaps the ripple of a fish rising in the bay. A dog barks. Someone kicks the dog. A robin sings it's evening song. All is quiet.

The Annuals have left. Bleary eyed, and shaken, the Annuals, a group of men that have been coming to Bayview for 23 years, or more, showed up with three generations of revelers This week end. It was fun. These guys come from all walks of life. From heavy equipment operators, to doctors, lawyers and such.

They congregated at the Wheel, where the lawn party began, Friday night. By Saturday night, I'm sure some were wishing they were back home, where sleep was normal, and the garden needed weeding. But, no, this group of stalwart fellows, are fearless.

When I left the festivities, I can only say this. Wives and sweethearts can breath freely. These guys were way too plowed to get into trouble. Hopefully, they all got home safely. We look forward to the Annuals invasion next year.

Male Bonding

Much has been said about ladies getting together for quilting bees, and such. Here in Bayview, we have another phenomenon. Actually, we have several, but this week-end, we play host to the "Annuals".

These annuals are not of the flower garden variety. Back about 23 years ago, the Peck brothers, made a trek to Bayview to party one week-end. The next year, they invited friends. From there, it kind of got out of hand.

Twenty -three years later, these 25 or so friends, congregate in Bayview, to sample a few beverages, spend a week-end male bonding, and generally having a great time.

We have no information on what the wives and significant others are doing to mirror this tradition, but then, I'm not their reporter. To this date, we are informed, none of the above mentioned friends have ended up in jail. This is either due to immaculate behavior, or they have paid off the cops.

Let the party begin. Reporting from the Captain's Wheel, this is Bayview Herb

Breaking News

Bill & Lisa McCrory were seen yesterday in Bayview. It seems they were checking out the salad bar at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant. Braving the twists and turns of our famous "Goat Trail", otherwise known as US 95, they risked life and limb to catch a glimpse of Herb's Salad Bar Groupies, but alas, they were missing.

It is not known whether the McCrorys survived this trip. The drive, certainly not the gourmet meal they experienced. Nevertheless, these brave people deserve the admiration of us all, as they took huge chances, hoping that Bayview Herb's salad bar was all it was advertised to be.

That none other of our loyal readers dared to be great, (sorry, borrowed that from some other scam)to be the first to experience the modest greatness of Chef Herb, is to be expected, after all, we all know that Bill was trained to throw his body in front of a bullet, if his president was threatened. This act, coming to Bayview, of course, held similar risks.

We await further developments, breathlessly.

Unintended consequences

Last night, during a comment session in the "Huckleberries" on line Spokesman-Review, the subject of older trailers came up. One anonymous commenter called them "Slum Trailers". While I'm certain that many trailers are of slum quality, we here, in Northern Idaho have thousands of people living in pre-1979 mobile homes.

I chose the year 1979, because that's the year the federal government passed a building code, requiring copper wiring, 40" snow roofs, etc. The reason I titled this post as unintended consequences, is that while the county is merrily taxing us at a ficticious value, the state is refusing permission to move any of these older homes. That essentially, brings the value down to zero.

While many folks think like the commenter last night, that we that live in these homes are, trailer trash, blights on the neighborhood, well, you get the picture.

As property values have increased, more and more trailer parks are throwing these homes out into the streets, of which they are forbidden to use. Without either the right to move them, or compensation from the park owners, we, who live in these homes are living on borrowed time. Soon we will be homeless. Many of us are seniors, living on limited incomes.

We have no protection from eviction, or from the state who tells us we can't relocate them. It's a classic case of condemnation and confiscation. Recently, here in Bayview, Idaho, Waterford Park Homes is and has already evicted home owners that have had homes here for decades. Many are being torn down as I speak...More will follow, since they bought out the main trailer park here in town.

If lawmakers want the respect and support of their citizens, then they had better legislate a solution. Otherwise most of the trailer trash will continue to not believe their government is here to represent and help them, and injustice will continue to triumph.

Currently, the only due process we get is, "don't let the door hit you in the ass."

Mother's Day

My mother is long passed away. However, there are two ladies that were my wives, and bore me children. I would like to honor them today. They, in way different ways, affected my life in a very positive manner, and of course, brought me children.

Dolores, my first wife, and mother of my first three children, and April, the mother of my fourth. Both fine people, and great mom's.

I salute you today, as well as my daughters, which are also moms, and very successful ones. Bless you all on this special day.

Posse Comitatus

In the news, currently, is exploration into the idea of using U.S, troops to guard our international borders. It seems that both the defense department, and governors of the border states are looking for authority and funding for such a venture.

The Posse Comitatus act of 1878 has been mentioned as a possible barrier to such a plan. After reading the act itself, then the mission of our armed forces, it seems obvious to anyone that doesn't have his or her head buried in the sand, that this is constitutionally the primary function of our military.

Our Army, etc. is commissioned for the purpose of protecting us from all enemies, foreign and domestic. Perhaps the most basic of this principle is the protection of our borders from invasion. Invasion doesn't have to be battalions or divisions, it can be 20 or 30 people walking across the border at night. Some to find work, others, I'm sure for more serious purposes.

If an uneducated peasant from Mexico can successfully infiltrate our borders, it should go without saying that terrorists can do even better.

This blogger believes that not only is using the military legal, but vital to our security.

Salad Chef

Just a quick note...I have been hired, along with my other job, as Salad Chef at the Captain's Wheel Restaurant, in Bayview. I only work Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so if you want a salad bar, where everything is made from scratch, mouth watering home made potato salad, and many other favorites, I'm back after several years doing other things.

Stop by in mid-week to a great dinner, topped off with the best salad bar in town. Don't forget to say hello when you come down.

Bayview Herb

Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts

Just when a hint of sanity occurs, something new crops up. It seems that the State of Idaho, which participates in "Lotto", recently put out bids for a new vendor. Apparently, the State doesn't have the knowledge necessary to do this themselves.

Just down the street, we have the "Coeur d' Alene Tribe", clearly experts at gambling enterprises that we could have recruited, but no...

The two bidders, were a company in Rhode Island, and the Greek firm, Intralot. The Greeks won the bidding by allegedly promising better service...From Greece? We can't do powerball by ourselves, but by crossing the Atlantic, and the Aegean Sea, we will get better service...

O.K., now I get it. In a flurry of righteousness, the State of Idaho, rather than banning gambling, has hired the Greeks, in a subtle attempt to hint that gambling is almost the same as bending over and...

Wait a minute! I promised myself I wouldn't get into ethnic stereotypes, and here I go. Anyway, I don't like it, but then I'm a buy local guy, myself.

When I have to fly somewhere, I make sure the plane was built by Boeing.


Why, with all of the expertise we have in this Country, can't we manage our own ports, own our own beer companies, and run our state owned gambling dens. We are selling off our Country like a corporate raider. Let's stop being fair, and start supporting our domestic businesses.

Mexican Take Back

Recently much has been written about Mexicans taking back the Southwest. It ain't gonna happen. First if the Mexicans wanted to be a part of their backward country, they would stay there, not immigrate to the United States, legally or otherwise.

Let's start with Texas. When Santa Ana attacked at the Alamo, 50 or so of the Mexicans fighting that day, were behind the walls, defending the Alamo with their fellow Texans. What is overlooked, is that the vast majority of the Texans fighting for liberty were Mexicans.

The Californians were mostly Mexicans as well. True, the influx of Anglos were apparent, and of course, the gold rush that came later provided more emigrants from the States. The facts, however, were that Mexico ruled California from afar, with appointed Governors that didn't represent the people. Mexico City was a huge distance from the Californios, who suffered under the tyranny of the Mexican dictators.

California was given to the United States by the people that lived there. The streets of Los Angeles are, for the most part, named after influential Mexicans such as Alvarado, and many other wealthy Mexican merchants and landholders.

Communities such as Irvine, and others are still owned by the descendants of the Grandees that held Spanish land grants. Land grants that were honored by our government when California petitioned for entrance to the U.S.

The Gadsden Purchase was worked out amicably between governments, so as to connect the Texans to the Californians, adding southern Arizona and Southern New Mexico, which was under Apache control, not Mexico's. We paid 15 Million for it.

No, we won't loose it back for the same reasons that we got it in the first place. The residents chose to be in this country. Other so called historians have altered the facts for political purposes. Most legal citizens and residents of Mexican descent don't want uncontrolled immigration either.

Screaming Egos vs Civil Discourse

Probably the biggest hit that blogging takes, is over the bad behavior of many bloggers and those who don't blog, but are permitted to comment. "Blurkers." Recently, I dropped out of a local "Chat Room", for those reasons. When the inmates take over the asylum and name calling, sarcasm and vitriol take over, egos win, the well behaved leave.

The reason I am writing about this today, is that I saw a letter to the editor which, on an unrelated subject, said, "Don't patronize me. That proposal is insulting and condescending, and clearly reflects their pompous mentality."

When I saw that, I clearly realized why I became so upset at the blurkers that didn't feel it was necessary to behave, or the moderator that became condescending.

When I criticized the poor behavior, I was attacked as being old, and out of date with reality. I was being patronized. It was the acts of marginalization that was the more upsetting.

That one could be attacked for trying to uphold standards of good behavior and civil discourse, in favor of those that were the worst malefactors, then essentially told, don't let the door hit you in the ass.

The door didn't, and I am Bayview Herb. Old, out-of-date with reality, and firmly satisfied with the position I have taken.

My World Travels

1956...What a year. I graduated from Renton High School, in Washington State. Entered the US Air Force in Mid-June of that year. After basic training at a no longer existing Air Base, Parks AFB in the Bay Area, and completing technical training in Texas, I was transferred to Casablanca, Morocco...

I spent two weeks in New York City. I and a friend, wandered around the city rubbernecking. We happened onto a television network studio. I don't remember which one. In those days, videotape didn't exist. All network programs were live. A rehearsal was in progress for the Andy Williams Show. He had a popular female singer there, I think Patti Page, and the star attraction, Jackie Robinson, retired from the Brooklyn Dodgers. I collected his autograph while we were there.

Casablanca...What a place...What a culture shock for a country boy. Beaches with topless beauties, (the French influence) and an international experience that probably can't be topped anywhere else.

Dating back to the early 1900's, Tangier, was a free port, meaning that you didn't have to have a passport to enter, or to establish residency. Later, Tangier became part of Morocco.

The huge melting pot of Europeans and North Africans was amazing. We had many White Russians, fleeing the Bolsheviks after the revolution in Russia, Italians, Spaniards, a large Hebrew community, perhaps the only friendly place in the Arab world for Jewish people to live. Also, some of the restaurants and bars were owned by expatriate Americans, that had accepted their discharge from the occupying U.S. Army, after WW11.

While stationed there, I had the opportunity to visit Spain several times, including a visit with Tony Culebras, an exchange student at Renton High School. Also Germany, mostly around Frankfurt-an-main, known to us all during the Berlin Airlift as Rhein-Main AFB.

I also got to England, where I visited London, and also a trip to Mildenhall AFB near Cambridge, of great renown as an educational center. A side trip to Lisbon, Portugal was also enjoyed during that time. Ireland, France, and Labrador finished off the places I visited. I just wish now that I had taken more time to see what was really important in these places, but alas, I was only 19 or 20.

I could,however, give you a lecture on German Beer, the Fischerstube, and other great tourist joints in Frankfurt...

My Travels

create your own personalized map of the USA

Recently, I came across an interesting site, "World 66." You can create a map showing the States you have visited. I decided to try that. I was amazed that, over the many years, I had visited so many. Maybe I'll make it a point to visit the rest, after all, I didn't miss many.

I first visited Oregon, then California as a teen, during Summer vacation back in 1953. For a Seattle kid, the constant sun was a glorious experience. Palm trees lined the streets and everyone lived mostly outdoors.

I went back there to live for a while, after I left the Air Force in 1960. During my Air Force days, I visited California, Texas, Oklahoma, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho and back to Washington, where I was raised, in the little town of Renton.

More on another occasion.

Boats That Kill

A few years ago, prior to when pleasure boat builders designed for the streamlined look, you could walk completely around your boat, on a flat stable walkway. These boats were designed for safety, not the illusion of speed while stationary.

Now, everywhere you look, boats have curved surfaces. Surfaces that when wet, or waxed, are traps. No longer are boat designers concentrating on the ability to move about your water craft with ease and safely. One only has to look at the picture of the Fox boat briefly, to see the curved side decks. These are not walk-ways, but when putting out fenders, one has to try to navigate them anyway.


Everything about the newer class of cruisers is cabin comfort, and roomy below decks spaces. The open rear cockpit of a fifty footer is about the same size as a 24 footer. The difference? Lots of cabin space, and a deck consisting of curves. Curves that kill.

The next time you walk past a modern cabin cruiser, check it out. Would you want to try walking around the outside perimeter of the deck in slippery, wet, or waxed conditions?

Rufus Mourned

Sadly, newspaper reports have recently reported the sudden and brutal demise of Rufus, the pet turkey in Jacques, Idaho. Incidentally, I live in Idaho, and haven't a clue where or why Jacques is. Wild Turkeys tend to be very opportunistic when it comes to eating, and will gladly line up for donations.

But enough of that. We are here to investigate fowl play! Yes. In this great land of ours, we have at least one harvester, (I won't call him a hunter) who was too lazy to actually go hunting. With the vast surplus of wild turkeys in this part of the nation, he went to a fast food outlet for his bird. Boy, is that ever symbolic.

I recall, many years ago, in an area near St. Maries, Idaho, a man had a pet deer that had been castrated. As a result it didn't grow antlers. This deer resided for many years in this man's front yard. Someone finally shot him too.

Sheesh! If you are to freakin' lazy to hunt properly, go to the store...Buy beef...Buy domestic turkeys...They are better tasting anyway...Sell your guns...Well maybe not sell your guns. You may need them for protection from real hunters.

This morning, in the Spokesman-Review, Steve Banks, a professor of psychology & communications for the University of Idaho, was quoted as saying, "Were talking about cross-species interaction."

Let me explain something to you, Prof. Most wild animals will come to the sound of the dinner bell. Here in Bayview, we have vast flocks of ducks, geese and such. You know, wild birds. Guess what! If I feed them regularly, and that includes wild turkeys, they will open the front door, sit on my couch and attempt to read the paper.

Interaction? There is no interaction here. Do they feed us? Nope! This poor creature thought he had found a free chow line. Well, it was, right up until the last, where he did indeed feed a human. I sincerely hope that when this harvester tries to eat this bird, that he chokes on it.

Incidentally, while most wild animals and birds will adapt to human aids to eating, it is not recommended that you try to hand feed any of our recently re-introduced predators, such as wolves, grizzlies or the occasional cougar.

Runaway Development

The last couple of years have seen unprecedented growth in our region. That's to be expected. We have the climate and the room to grow. What is disturbing, however, is the wealthy developers that have moved in to our area, not to be a part of us, but to build luxury developments for the rich to move in and supplant us.

With Black Rock, Rickel Ranch, and others, the development is for wealthy folks from elsewhere to move in and take our place. No law, of course is against that...Still, a way of life is coming to an end.

Here in Bayview, Bob Holland, of Waterford Park Homes,LLC, has not only moved in with the purpose of developing here, he has what could be construed as a monopoly. Vista Bay Marina, bought by Holland...Being broken up into purchased lots and boat slips.

Bayview Marina, bought by Holland for the purpose of breaking it up for individual condominium and moorage ownership...

Boileau's Marina and restaurant, bought by Holland for the purpose of breaking it up for individual ownership and condominiums...

Scenic Bay Motel, bought by Holland, purportedly with the plan for high rise condos.

Bayview Trailer Park. Long a large part of our town, Holland bought it. Will it stay a trailer park? Or will they, like others Holland bought, be ordered to leave. This more serious than some of the other transactions, because most, if not all of the mobile homes there are older than 1976, when the building codes were changed. The significance of that is that the State won't allow them to be moved, rendering them worthless.

McDonald's Marina, Scenic Bay-J.D.'s, and Bitter end are the only resorts not owned by Holland. It is alledged that Waterford Park Homes has developed retirement communities in Arizona for the wealthy, then pulled up stakes for new adventures.

What will be left behind in Bayview, when he next takes a hike. More importantly, who will be left in Bayview. It appears that what will take place is a gigantic people transplant. Wealthy in...The rest, well, find another place to live. After all, we are just "local yokels."

Judicial Race Heats Up

Most of my life, Attorneys and Judges weren't allowed to even have yellow page ads asking for business. It was considered bad ethics. That policy was changed a few years ago. We have finally arrived, I guess, at the natural end result of that change.

Here in North Idaho, we have a race between an appointed incumbent district Judge, John Mitchell, and his challenger, Rami Amaro. Much has been written about the various qualifications of each, with Amaro's lack of experience being a large issue.

We have what I think is a first in this race, insofar as it has become bitter, with mudslinging , accusations of foul play, and various other high crimes and misdemeanors. It would be entertaining if it weren't so sad. One would think they were running for Congress or something.

Here is a position that requires judicial solemnity, restraint, and unblinking neutrality. The very life and liberty of those facing the courts is at stake.

I don't know, and don't want to know what political party either belongs too, or what political philosophy each believes in. This, I believe gives me an non-prejudiced position to comment from.

It would seem that the candidate challenging, has limited experience as an attorney. It also becomes obvious that Amaro has exhibited what I would consider immature behavior, and has developed a shrill defensive attitude about the various criticisms that she has received. One area pointed to is various bloggers and blurkers, (blurker being the non-blogger commenting from anonymity) on line that have issues with her candidacy.

Ms. Amaro should remember that the public opinion that she is dissing, is the same public that she wants votes from. Shrill, defensive behavior is not the way to convince the voters that you possess judicial qualities.

One should always remember that when digging yourself a hole, the best policy is to drop the shovel before you get deeper.

Predators

Once again I feel the need to rant about both Federal & State Fish & Game MIS-management.

A while back I commented about the regional director of the U.S. Fish & Game Department, when he was Quoted as saying about Wolves, "You can call them anything you want, but don't call them predators."

This week, we find the State of Idaho and Feds negotiating on how many Wolves to kill, so as not to loose the herds of Deer and Elk in the Clearwater basin. An ongoing argument as to the future of Mountain caribou in Idaho blames snowmobilers for their demise, ignoring that hunting laws restrict the killing of Cougars, and prohibit the killing of Grizzlies and Wolves.

It seems that these political knuckleheads didn't know why their numbers were reduced in the first place. Herds of grazing animals, such as Elk, Moose, caribou, deer, cows, horses, sheep, goats, well, you get the picture, are no match for any of these Predators. There! I used the forbidden word.

Our ecological extremists want us to stop cutting trees down. Not slow down, but completely stop all harvest of what is a renewable resource. With little or no thought, we have turned our government over to nut cakes that want to stop civilization, and return it to the pristine shape it was in at the beginning of time...

But what about us? Are we next going to see forcible population control or elimination from these people? How long is it going to take before some extremist nut decides to poison our water supplies, or worse.

We need to take back our government and allow our elected officials and those that are appointed under them, run our country, instead of allowing nuisance law suits to freeze all activity these unelected self appointed jerks have assumed with no authority but court injunctions that are overturned, but too late to help, as is with the harvesting of burned trees while they still have value.

We are in the position of having to cut live trees to replace those that are already dead. If that isn't proof of the total lack of common sense, tell me what is...

Tasers Revisited

The recent death of Otto Zehm, an alledgedly developmentally disabled man points once again, not to the Police Officers, but the methods used.

Many people are screaming, "Police brutality." In most of these cases, I don't believe that the officers set out to do great harm to the people that are being subdued. A few years ago, pepper spray mixed with tear gas was used. Now we have tasers, which have been connected to many such unintended deaths.

Originally, the thought was to not have to use lethal force, such as a gun to apprehend a suspect. A noble thought, but perhaps the used of Tasers needs to be tested out by an agency other than the manufacturer, which continues in denial.

Otto might have been a peace loving young man, but something triggered aggression. The police in Spokane, Washington aren't known for abusive behavior, but when approaching a stranger they know nothing about, caution is the rule.

That a very high voltage shock can cause a heart attack is a no-brainer. Lets investigate the manufacturer, not the user.

The police don't want to hurt the suspect, but they also have to fear harm to other innocents, and themselves. I blame the instrument, not the operators.

Since I originally posted this, I read this morning in the Spokesman-Review, that 150 people have died from taser use. Last week, Police trying to keep an escaped cow off the freeway, tasered this 1200 pound animal to death. If they can kill a cow, people are Duh!! Also in danger.

Friendship

For years, I have tried without success to define the word "Friend." We all know people that we like, and those that we don't. Sometimes it's easier to eliminate those that we don't like.

But what about the ones that we do like. Are the helpful bloggers that we interact with friends? Or just friendly acquaintances. How about those people that you run in to at the local watering hole. You know, the ones that you enjoy, but don't visit in their homes, or hang out with them.

Is a friend only someone you would make a great effort to help if they were in trouble? Is a friend a person that you have known for years and stay in touch with?

What is a friend?

Immigration Revisited

Back in the early years of this Country, we created a motto that went something like this. "Give us your poor, your starving, your huddled masses". In perspective, what we were doing was asking for settlers for the vast Western United States, which had been purchased by Thomas Jefferson, the Louisiana Purchase.

We no longer have those needs, or that much in the way of usable wide open spaces. While I believe that this country, like most, should have modest immigration, control of our borders is paramount. For every hundred poor Mexicans just looking for work, there could very easily be ten terrorists, carrying not clothes and water, but vile weapons of mass destruction. There exists in our own inventory, "backpack nukes." A weapon that is small and light enough to be carried by one man.

Biological weapons are even easier to conceal, and to spread.

The issue of exclusion or not is only one aspect of the problem. We must be able to control our borders. Building a wall is not that bad, as long as we remember to install gates. We do that here all of the time. If we have an installation that is subject to trespass, we build fences with razor wire on top, and that is within the Country. Can we do less at our border?

Many other Counties, such as Great Britain, do not automatically grant citizenship to those born there, if the parents are not legal permanent residents. We should explore that option. Pregnant Mothers that cross our borders an a day visit, just to birth here are a major problem. How do you keep the Mother of a citizen out of the Country?

Mexico has had within it's power, to control migration through universal education, and job training. Eternal poverty is the cause of illegal immigration, and education is the escape. Perhaps building a wall, AND some foreign aid directed specifically toward education is the answer.

Pardoning illegals that sneak across the border is not even close to an answer. That false promise, bandied about in the press has accelerated the masses that want to get here before the amnesty.

As we start to draw down from Iraq, it might be useful to stage training maneuvers along our southern border, rather than having troops go back into garrison, to begin training in the art of painting rocks.

Welcome to the 20th Century

After either mastering several computer challenges recently, or enlisting friends that aren't as dense as me, I paused, looked at my blog and thought, "This is good." I have a picture now, I learned to upload pictures to the blog, and finally have linked to all of those nice folks that had links to mine without reciprocity.

But that wasn't enough. My daughter, Debbie, innocently asked me if I had a webcam/mike. I said yes, but I don't know how to use it. Two days later, I have yahoo instant messenger, voice and picture capable. I gotta tell yah, a lot of cussin' went on throughout the process.

Now I'm set to video talk to anyone with yahoo. Before I'm done I may wish I'd never gone there. It is exciting. It's like Buck Rogers...Oh, you folks are all too young to remember Buck Rogers? Oh well...

What! This isn't the 20th Century anymore? #&*@##%*&. Now what am I going to have to learn...

Illegal Immigration

This really isn't about illegal immigration, it's about the attitude about it. Recent large demonstrations have taken place where apparent Mexicans have massed in protest about restricting others from entering this Country illegally.

Large crowds of people that haven't learned our language, wave the flag of another country, protesting that they as Americans don't like our attitude. Immigrants, legal or not, that don't bother to assimilate, as others have throughout our country's history. They don't want to be a part of us. It's our money only that these people aspire to.

By waving the flag of another country, they loudly proclaim their loyalty to their previous home, not this Country. Why should we coddle them, educate their children,grant citizenship to their offspring?

Back to the attitude thing. Friday in Colorado, students at Skyline High School in Longmont, were banned from waving the American flag because it upset the Hispanic demonstrators that were waving foreign flags. Keeping them separate would have been enough. The ivory tower Wackos that can't let patriotism be demonstrated explain much of the lack thereof by our young people.

I just can't believe that in this country, people are being punished for flag waving. Not the Mexican flag...Just ours.