M & M wins

No, sorry, the Mariners are not part of this story. What is, is that for the first time since the Bayview Water & Sewer District board of directors were formed, have defeated appointees. Meyer & May have won.

This was a victory for democracy and unfortunately the appointees that ran as incumbents were beat. Not because they weren't worthy, but because they were the victims of a totalitarian cabal that was Chuck Waller's private domain.I encourage the defeated candidates to run next time on their own merits, not Waller's.

Waller, consistently claims that the board satisfied the law by publishing election notices in the legals at the CDA press. If any of you know of anyone that reads the legals Outside of  Title Insurance Companies, I'd be amazed. This however is the minimum requirement of the district under state law.

So then, could it be that the electorate became pissed off that they weren't given a fair chance at running? Bet yer ass it did. Other than the minimum requirement, no effort was ever used to clearly inform the community of an upcoming election. That will change as neither board member elect will allow another secret election where the board appoints members.

There were allegations that Chan and Spencer had a surreptitious role in this election. First, Spenser is a joke. Secondly, I doubt that Chan took an active part, and certainly Spenser didn't. This was a last minute red herring thrown into the mix in the demagogic tradition. To take a thoroughly discredited business person like Spencer and throw him into a totally unrelated role was mud slinging. Something that was beneath the slinger.

Just to clear the air, the allegation that in order to build condos from wall to wall around the bay, was actually either misinformed or deliberate attempts to draw Chan into the race by playing the developer card.

I investigated this slander by going to the source. It turns out that one, Chan could have just bought out James Darling, but it was unnecessary. Either the Water &and Sewer Board doesn't keep track of ER's or the forgot that those ER's that Holland had reverted to Chan He doesn't need any more than he already has.

It is sad that untruths in this small community are taken a face value by no growth people, even when apparently they are blatantly lies, either by the board or the persons that believed and wrote these untruths.   Misspent  loyalty has a price, and those that spread these rumors will eventually pay that price.

Water & Sewer Election

Tuesday, May 19 will be an election. Voting will take place as usual, at the community Center It is non-partisan, so political parties or affiliations are not germane. What is though, is your participation. For the first time since the department was formed, an open election is being held. This was brought about by two alert challengers to what is a wholly appointed board of directors. Both incumbents are fine people. So are the challengers. Whether you recognize the need to over turn he status quo, or favor the incumbents, at the very lease use you vote to send whatever message that you feel the need for. But please, in the interests of democracy, cast your ballot. Protect your right to elect the board members rather than leave the choice to others.

I want to go on the record that I have no argument personally with the current board members with one exception. On a board that is supposed to hold open elections, All are appointees. We must break that cycle.  If good people loose the election it is a small price for openness and democracy.

Already an e-mail has been circulated throwing Chan and Spencer into the mix. That frankly smells. I do not believe Chan has invested either money or other support for any candidates. To link Spencer, an extremist Right wing guy with candidates that are possibly left of center is ludicrous.

It appears to be a panic reaction to the possibility of wresting control of information  from Chuck Waller. If either challenger are elected, no future election will be held in secrecy. That alone  warrants a change. It is worth while to take what borders on corruption out of play.

During the candidate meeting held at the Community Center, both incumbents refused to answer any questions regarding their personal views. That to me smells of a gag rule by the chair, which is for starters, illegal and shows the contempt some members have for the community at large. All individuals have the right at all times to offer their opinions.

This isn't about personalities or even qualifications. It is a vote for openness and transparency.



 

Meyer for Water & Sewer Board

The following is a letter to the Spokesman-Review Opinion Editor. I am submitting this to my blog with permission from it's Author, Connie Hammell.

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May 14, 2015 in Letters, Opinion

Meyer for Bayview board

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Sharon Meyer is running for a board position in the first election ever for the Bayview Water and Sewer District board.
Imagine a public utility raising prices 90 percent, and no one in the small town knowing until it is too late. Imagine asking for information and being told to fill out a Freedom of Information Act form. Yep, that’s our Bayview Water & Sewer District. It reminds me of “The Da Vinci Code’s” Priory of Sion secret society.
Meyer has been a member of the Bayview Water and Sewer district for the past 37 years. She has served as secretary for several years for the Cape Horn Water Users Association, where she gained knowledge about how such a community water system works, and what is expected of those who serve at the head of it.
Her professional experience in business education, records management and customer service covers 40-plus years. She has been attending Bayview District meetings on and off for three years now and knows firsthand that change is needed.
Vote for regular treasury reports, timely audits, customer service, a newsletter or website and transparency. It’s time for a public utility to serve the public.
Connie Hammell
Bayview, Idaho

AMTRAK CRASH

Today, yet another surface transportation accident happened in the eastern U.S. This times, an Amtrak commuter train derailed. Ir is too early to speculate, except  the one comment from passengers that they were entering a curve. Recent experiences have noted  that such derailments were caused by excessive speed while  in a slow speed warning. That doesn't form a conclusion, just pure speculation.

As I write this, no meaningful information has come forth, nor has any information being disseminated about the train crew, and what they thought might have occurred. So far, 5 passengers have been confirmed dead.

As the crews work through the night, it has degenerated into using the jaws of life to extricate the last passengers, which could raise the casualty count.

This brings up a salient point. Not one common carrier, except the airlines, not only do not require seat belts, they do not even offer them to passengers the option to buckle up. I have never been an activist about belting up except for children.

This brings up another critical point. While parents are transporting their children to a school bus stop, can be stopped, cited for transporting a child without the use of restraints , the school bus has no seat belts, either mandated, or even available.

It this is not a double standard, tell me why. Is a bus load of young students less valuable than an infant or child in a private car? While I do not advocate universal seat belt laws for adults, I find no difference between family cars transporting small children, and School and common carrier buses.

Bobert Diemler R.I.P.

We lost a friend last week. Bobert was having dizzy spells and fell, hitting his head hard. A blood clot formed causing a massive stroke. He was flown to Harborview in Seattle where doctors determined that he probably wouldn't recover. He died four  days later.

His wife, Debra, is back in town and doing quite well. She has scheduled a "Celebration of Life" to be a pot-luck at J.D.'s Saturday, May 16 at 4:00 pm.

KURDISTAN, REVISITED

 

The closure of the first world war brought on some momentous changes. The enemy was conquered, and the vast majority or these territories that lay from North African to the Dardanelles. It was called the Ottoman Empire. All of the middle east including Israel, Syria, Iraq, Transjordan and  of course Turkey, the headquarters of the former empire. But Dictators, that lost wars never had control over the spoils.

The two on the winners side were France and Great Britain, both empires that owned or controlled many colonies, divided up North Africa and the aforementioned middle east. They redrew national boundaries, not to their natural locations built upon the tribes that resided there, but for political purposes.

Kurdistan, the once powerful nation that was led against the Crusaders, wasn't Arab, he was a Kurd. Al-Saladin chased the European powers out of what later became the Ottoman Empire. Some of you remember the film about the British officer that led them.

The Kurds were a war like collection of tribes that were dismembered by the spiteful British.

The reason for this history lesson has it's purpose. With several countries disintegrating in the Area, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and the other tribal areas of historical Kurdistan, this might be the perfect time to right a wrong.  Reestablishing Kurdistan would put opposing forces on the borders of Syria, Iraq, Iran and eastern Turkey, which would form a buffer against these countries that seem to have a problem getting along.

There are other factors. We hear daily in the news of this or that tribe in Iraq or the countries having tribal difficulties. Any time I hear tribal, I know that that area is not ready for a central government. This situation exists in all of Africa, many middle eastern countries as well. Tribal Jealousies, rivals and centuries long  feuds cancel out any hope of a central government. Where they exist you will find a Saddam Hussein, Assad, or a religious Junta that is trying to take over the world.

At seventy seven years old, I won't be around for the finish, but the younger generation, those that have dropped out of any interest in the bullshit that passes for government. They just don't feel empowered and just give up. Colleges consistently teach extreme liberal agendas , like they really work.

These solutions that I have listed, of course will not take place. It would probably create war with Turkey and Iran fighting back. Still, with a world in flames could the west, would the west impose what was wrongly imposed in 1920.

Jihad, Texas Style or Trolling For Jihadis

Events that occurred Sunday evening in Garland, Texas brings judgement to the table, good and bad. I have criticized censorship and reminded those that insist on political correctness that our constitution guarantees freedom of speech.

But freedom of speech isn't total. It is against the law to yell, "Fire" in a crowded theater. It is also against the law to incite a riot, though some radical ministers seem to get away with it.

The Jihadis in Garland, Texas attacked a cartoon convention that was featuring cartoons aimed at the Prophet Mohammed. What strikes me, is that though these jerks have the right to make fun of Mohammed, is it smart to grab the tail of a lion? This where the right of free speech comes in contact with deliberately baiting the known radicals that predictably retaliate.

It would seem that a small radical church showing up at funerals to debase our fallen military, is doing the same thing. One wonders how bad judgement will be viewed.

The first thing I would do for those obvious taunting groups, is yes, tell them have the right to be stupid, but they would need to post huge bonds to protect the community, in addition, hire private armed guards, rather than have a community that isn't necessarily  in agreement with the Dutch jerk who incidentally needs to be put on a no fly list, to bear the cost, which when the Police, FBI, County Sheriffs, ATF  are done, be huge.

Along with freedom comes responsibility. This situation needs some close looks at what in Moslem terms is in fact shouting fire in a packed theater. We have enough rabble raisers domestically, without inviting a predictable outcome at public expense. Freedom, yes, but with judgement applied.

For those of you that question my spelling, I spent 18 months in Morocco before the media changed the spelling to Muslim, which I think started with the American devotees that as many athletes have, adopted Arabic names and a version of the religion. Followers of Mohammed were also called Mohammedans. Webster acknowledges both spellings are correct.

Unless we form guidelines with programs as predictably spots of religious taunting, need to bear the cost in security, and the results of their folly. Pouring flammable liquids on a fire is not smart, legal or not.

Unfortunately, the middle aged Dutchman will not have to answer to anyone. It will be our young men and women who will go to battle for those that stir crap. Such as it always is, the older politicians that create the need for our youth that will go to war. Anyone other than perhaps Obama, that doesn't think we are hell bent speeding into WW111 just aren't paying attention.

Profound Quote

This profound comment was posted to my post on the Water & Sewer Board election. I just had to share it with you.

We love Quail Creek said...

"Great job! and this is only the half of it. It gives meaning to the phrase Good Old Boys Club.
Chuck Waller is shaken in his boots. The cat is out of the bag. Sorry Chuck all good things must come to an end and hey, you had a 35 year run to your kingdom."

That, I think says it all.

Bobert Deimler

Recently, A friend known by his crazy wife as Bobert, had a massive stroke, then fell and hit his head. On top of that, he was diagnosed with throat Cancer. He was flown to Harborview in Seattle, where he is not expected to  recover. The Docs told wife Debra he would not ever walk again, or talk. Essentially if he lives it will be in a vegetative state.

I talked to Debra yesterday. She is at Bobert's side, hoping for the best, whatever that might be. Please say a prayer or send good vibes to Debra. She is alone, and obviously upset. The Deimler's lived in a 5th wheel next to my single wide mansion on the hill. We did a lot of things together in those days. If you wish to call her, let me know and I'll give your phone number to her. I am at 683-9107

** Update. Debra told me minutes ago that Tomorrow, the Doctors are removing both the feeding tube and the ventilator, essentially ending the ordeal. Obviously, Debra is very upset.

** Update May 1, 2015  Bobert died on his own prior to being disconnected, which probably was better, avoiding the guilt of having to end it for him. His body will be cremated and the ashes shipped to Wife, Debra. She is returning to Bayview late tomorrow, as Sandy from J.D.'s will pick her up tomorrow.

** Debra has returned and is in the process of rebuilding her life. She is a brave person and is in better shape than most in her situation.

POLITICALLY CORRECT

I thought political correctness had finally reached it's limitation of the freedom of speech, but no. It continues to flourish with the belief that no one or group should be criticized, nor described in a way that might be hurtful. That we, the United States of America, the world leader in human rights, the freedom of speech have fallen into the bottomless pit of self imposed guilt.

Gone are all of the ethnic jokes. No longer can we tease about how many (insert national origin or ethnic group) it takes to screw in a light bulb. The (I believe this is the current correct name, African American has been renamed so often you have to consult reference material for the correct term. Some changes were good. Calling someone a Nigger or Kike, etc. wasn't nice and thinking people eschewed the terms. So Nigger was changed to Negro, which now is the second banned "N" word. Then, even though some black groups such as the NAACP which spelled out  National Association for Advancement  of Colored People, another out of use term are offended by the name they themselves  chose. The term Black isn't universally correct since people of color come in all shades of tan, brown almost black and black. Some of my grandchildren are either half Caucasian or half black. We have a black caucus in congress, but woe to a white person starting a white caucus.

My position on this matter is the only time a term is impolite is when it is intentionally used to insult or degrade. To ban the use of terms that are in context telling a story is over the top, yet the national press  and TV networks couldn't allow themselves the use of an "N" Word this past week.

Now we have additional no-noes.Some black, tan, African Americans are pissed because the term Thug is being used to describe the burning, looting, assaults. Well then what would you call it. Yesterday I wrote a comment on Huckleberries on line, the spokesman=Review North Idaho blog that discussed this topic. It was killed for the examples of the N word as a descriptive attempt. It didn't matter that it was done in a way that wasn't degrading anyone, but just recording a human condition. It didn't matter. I used two of the banned words and Discus deleted the comment.

So censorship is the new freedom that has evolved as left wing bigots once again show us the path to their brand of enlightenment. In the clash between freedom of speech and politically correct censorship, alas, but censorship has been declared the winner. No contest. We no longer live in a country that has upheld liberty and justice for all. We have allowed censors to bully us.

Before everyone jumps in with the "R" word, I don't deliberately offend anyone, but I defend the right of freedom of expression. And please, if the hyphenated people of this society would settle on  a name for themselves that is both  polite, and doesn't describe themselves as African-American when they nor their parents or grandparents ever lived there.

So then, I have figured out the formula, if it isn't changed tomorrow. These people that do thuggish things are just misunderstood, mistreated model citizens that just want justice. Burning cars that belong to others is wrong. They should burn only the ones they themselves own ... If they have one.   

DEMOCRACY, FINALLY

Last night, a candidate night was held in the Bayview Community Center. Routinely, the Lakes Highway District candidates, and not so routinely, the Bayview Water & Sewer District Board candidates. One candidate for Water & Sewer called me this morning to suggest that the evening earthquake was the result of the tumultuous battle to  open the board elections to all. The two incumbents, while fine people, were essentially appointed, as election dates were publicized only in the legal notices, which met the requirements of the law, but certainly not the spirit. If anyone out there reads the legal notices regularly, I'd be amazed.

Not so with other issues. Annual audits with transparency for the members/customers have not been performed as an annual requirement. New board members would appear as appointed, carefully choosing those that would quietly fit in opposed to free thinkers.

Not so this year A couple of enterprising educators wrote down the term dates and are now actively campaigning, not to denigrate the opposition who blatantly ask that the "incumbents," be elected, but not really reelected, as they are both quasi appointees. Most of us realize that it is the process, not the personalities that are at risk. If we are to keep the incumbents,  then let it be by an open to all election not people appointed by the president for life.

This year's example hopefully will in the future be routine. If even one new member, not a member of the supposedly clique personally advertises for each election then transparency will exist, albeit shoved down the throat of the power brokers. Either way it goes, a lot has been accomplished. Please vote, May 19 for your choice of candidate. Two are running, two hope to retain their seat. Vote for independent responsibility by all members of the board.

Good

I am delighted that the incumbents are named and that they finally have to run for office. Stand up, Let the community decide who they want rather than a closed circuit appointment

I can not find any problems with any of the candidates Finally, we have a democratic process.  That was the critical issue with me.Privatizing the water & serer department was wrong. I want to thank the brave folks that stood up to the power brokers.

SEWER &WATER DISTRICT ELECTION

An election will be held at the community center May 19. Why should you care? First, this will be the first open election since the Water & Sewer District was created. The problem comes from dedicated people that have served for a long time. The only notice that an election will be held in about two lines in the legal notices. Long time board members tend to feel ownership, which creates a lack of growth.

The reason we don't have participation is simple. No effort by the sitting board has been offered in addition to the required legal notice. This causes  apathy as long as faucets give water, and the toilets flush. I personally get the impression that input by interested citizens is considered interference rather than contributions.

The lack of timely audits,  and above all else, transparency is sadly lacking. We as resident customers have no way to see where our money is, or how much money is in reserve, if any. The bottom line is not all state laws pertaining our water & sewer district are being followed.

Other venues, such as in Athol, reminds us that regardless of the integrity of our current board members, stuff can happen.
 
Two dedicated residents are running for the two board positions. both are college professors with knowledge of how businesses are run. Sharon Meyer (you can't possibly avoid seeing her signs) is running for one position and Stephen May, a veteran entrepreneur, the other. They took the time to make sure we all are aware of this date, Tuesday May 19 at the community center.

Bayview is growing and we need some fresh ideas so that the district can move ahead with our town. You can tell pretty much who is supporting these candidates by prominent people having yard signs.  

Summertime

I woke this morning to two things. One the sun was out and I didn't have to wear a coat to fetch my paper. As I gazed out my picture window overlooking Scenic Bay, I witnessed a flock of Swallows flying in for their nesting season.

Yes, just as in San Juan Capistrano, they arrive as a group. I haven't kept track, so I don't know if they arrive on the same day or not. 

Summer people are drifting in to open up a float house or the family yacht. People are hitting their favorite restaurant or bar.  Actually, most of us stay here because we cannot afford to go south for the winter.

Still, where in this country of ours can you afford to live at or near a lake, with fishing now much better than the last few years.

So welcome back to the Summer people and come on down for the visitors.

WESTSIDERS...BAH, HUMBUG

It is always a pleasure to see the team that beat you make it to the top. Makes you feel warm all over, it does. There were several reasons that Gonzaga bit the big one.

First, one of the best three point teams in the nation couldn't hit beyond the three point line with a seeing eye dog. Guys like Bell and Pangos that could thread the needle all season  long had a bad day on the wrong night. Even Wiljer was cold.

Then there were the turnovers. Once great at ball control, Duke regularly stole the ball from the great back court of the Zags. The third thing that stuck the knife  Zags, Even though on different nights, the West Siders rooting for Krzyzewski's Blue evil Blue devils snuck a bunch of K rags into the Clink, then had the audacity to bring them into the Mariners home field  waving them wildly as they celebrated the downfall of our sainted Bull Dogs during last night Mariner's opening night victory over the cussed Angels.

First, shouldn't a last name of 10 letters have more than 3 vowels? God should have kinds helped out. After all, these Gonzaga Bull dogs had priests and Nuns rooting for them, while Duke just had the Devil. Makes you weep at the injustice.

EXPOSIMG EXREMIST LIES

I don't think that our global warming is particularly new, since the last Ice Age ended and warming started around 10,000 years ago. I am using England and Ireland as my example, since the Penguin Group published that history "from earliest times to the present day. This trend is still the same one that started 10,000 years ago. At some point, this will reverse itself. One of the more interesting aspect of rising water, it that the pressure of huge amounts of water can cause land to rise as well.

Putting this myth to death is simple. Blaming warming trends on earth's occupants is a political exercise for other purposes. For example, saving the spotted owl wasn't about saving owls, it was for the express purpose of ending logging as we know it. Using terms like "old growth" is a catchall for older trees invented in the newsrooms of those that knowingly publish rubbish for political ends.

This nonfiction history of the British Isles is giving me a great education. For those that would like the book, The Penguin Atlas of British and Irish history, published in 2001. It is a treasure trove of a record of our planet as it evolves.

Clean air, water and soil is of course important to all of us, since we share this planet too. Like any subject extremists will come out of the woodwork using "Chicken Little, " as their model. For many years this exaggeration has been the platform of choice. First scare people then blame the scare on those evil overlords that populate the right. The robber barons so glibly termed as those that rob from the poor and give to the rich. A reversal of the Robbin Hood syndrome.

Some of the extremism are opposing thinning of our public forests which then gives the remaining trees a chance of a long life. The correct non politicized terms are 1st growth (virgin forests) 2nd growth, 3rd growth and on up to the 5th or 6rg growth in present times.

Redistribution of wealth from intelligent hard workers has been around for ever. The myth/lie that all wealth was created by cheating those with less. That, my friends is known as extreme jealousy of those who are successful by those that live comfortably with the dream that does not include hard work, but just government doing their best to share those with wealth with those without. An unfortunate statistic this that there are many more without than with.

Not all forestry practices are bad, though clear cutting isn't so popular anymore.   Before you hug every tree, remember that managed well, it is a renewable resource that allows all of us to have wood in our homes.

Chicken Little is not science.

 

SEPTUAGENARIANISM LIFESTYLE

Septuagenarian ism suddenly hit me last week when I described how I arrived at a birthday, age 77. Portions of that post were described by Dave Oliveria in his Sunday column, parting shots. He said..."On turning 77 last week without a wife, curmudgeonly Herb Huseland of Bayview philosophized:"Having struck out several times, I finally decided that either I wasn't good at being a husband, or I wasn't good at picking the right woman"... 

After  reading this in the Spokesman-Review, I sat back in my recliner and mused: I may be the most eligible septuagenarian male bachelor in North Idaho. Look at all the marital experience I have and unlike most people who plod through life with only one wife, I have experienced a variety of personalities, sizes and appearances.

I visualized senior citizen speed dating. Inviting one and all old ladies to try out for the catch Herb team. Catching me is easier these days, since I'm not very fast anymore... At least fast of foot.

A couple of weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a friend, when the female bartender, all of 20 something walked by exclaiming "You think you know everything," and stomped into the kitchen. I was shocked and resentful that a twerp less than a third of my age would suggest a thing like that. I can only remember one other parallel occasion, and he too was ignorant. I don't believe I've ever heard an intelligent person making that remark.

Reflecting further in the days past I finally figured out the formula. As I grew in age and experience, I gained more knowledge on a plethora of subjects.  Now if I could just remember most of it.

Incidentally, for those ladies wishing an interview, I must point out that I have no money and I'm chubby. If you have got past that, have at it. In closing I am reminded of an old George Jones hit, "I don't need your rocking chair, no Hadacol or medicare... (if you remember what Hadacol was, put yourself in my age group) Try this for my future lifestyle (https://www.YouTube.com/watch?v=jom1n67_QOY)

VA BUREAUCRACY

Bureaucrats, are quite predictable. Where you and I might think in terms of what works, they don't do that. Getting results ranks way behind practical solutions. They find ways to dodge the issue.

Such has been the case with the VA. I get all of my medical care through them which is appreciated. Also, at the treatment level, none can compare. But the leaders, those high on the wage scale, can't seem to find their butts with both hands.

Take the new mileage rule that straightens out the distance that a vet has to travel to a VA facility. If it is more than 40 miles the veteran can ask for, and receive treatment in their own community with prior approval.

There are examples. Yesterday I drove to Spokane because my podiatrist (foot doctor) is there. My treatments every 90 days consist of finding ways to live with toe nail fungus. This involves very careful trimming of the nails. When I did it myself I sometimes got part of the toe, after which  I let the  doctor do it.

All was fine until I got ready to leave at which point he said I can no longer treat you because I'm running 90 days between appointments, so the hierarchy has limited me to only serious cases. The moral here.s rather than increase staff, and they can't seem to do it, they decrease treatment. That is their answer to delayed service. Delete the care and the waiting list goes away.

Another example, I noticed signs all of the facility stating that the emergency room will now be called "Urgent Care," the hours from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. No ambulance patients will be accepted. So rather than hire more ET doctors, which are underpaid, they cut service. There seems to be a pattern here.

Then there was the ER doctor that was discovered as a Pedophile and recently stripped of his license. He hasn't been, or can't be replaced. Ergo, reduce the need for a new doctor. So now we do not have 24 hour emergency room service, which reduces the chance of an emergency patient dying while looking for a place to put him. Many of you will remember the elderly guy who when arriving at the VA, had to be removed by an ambulance and taken to another facility because the ER had closed at 5:00pm.

The bottom line here is the higher management after firing lower management for making patients wait to long, is reducing services so that they can't be blamed for long waits. Government workers appear to have a talent for violating the spirit, if not the actual rule. Anyone want to guess whether this reaches the news media or whether they will publish it?  Everyone hears of the revolutionary changes that have taken place since a new director was hired, but without follow up, it won't be found that the changes amount to a shell game.

With thousands of vets from Iraq and Afghanistan returning with physical and mental disabilities, the system is overloaded and will not be fixed with band aids. Instead of congress throwing money at the problem, perhaps they ought to find out where it is going and how it is being used. I would much rather have them pay for a couple of doctors, rather than have higher management scarfing up the money on (non) performance bonuses.

AGING

Aging is a mysterious trip. The first rule is you've never been there before, therefor the rest of the journey is a new experience. Monday, March 23 marks my 77th birthday. I still think like a 40 year old which sometimes causes problems.

Probably the only thing keeping me sane is that I don't have a wife that nags. Actually, I don't have a wife at all. Having struck out several times, I finally decided that either I wasn't god at being a husband, or I wasn't good at picking the right women. Either way, spells loser. I am successful at being an expert Curmudgeon, which I am proud of. That and the joy have having children and grandchildren finally within commuting range.

Here is the newest superstar grandchild. Patience Huseland who first  greeted us the first day of January 1913. She is now a precocious 2 year old with an either brother or sister is on the way. I attended a high school play recently that stared three of my older granddaughters of the same family. Alice, singer and actress, 16, Mercy,ballet dancer, and Irene, wild animal trainer. As soon as I get pictures from my son I will exhibit them in a future post.

The mysterious part of attaining this age, is that like said above, I haven't been here before. I'm not as active as I used to be, but in my mind, I feel the same as always with perhaps more knowledge. Unfortunately, as in a computer hard drive, capacity is a problem. Memories are are an adventure as stuff I know can't be pulled up from my human computer.

As is, I will treat myself to Dinner, drinks and try to stay reasonably sober. I have to wake up Tuesday with a reasonable chance at showing up at the Spokane VA for two appointments. Speaking of the VA, the constant criticisms it has endured, the influx of new patients from 15 years of war and occupation, they are doing well at adjusting to a heavier workload compounded by a stingy congress that can't seem to recognize that funding these programs is a sacred promise given to our service people when they enlist. After the VA I will attend my one day late birthday party

My personal health provider, after some not so good previous ones is excellent. At the risk of overloading him, Mike McIssac of the Sandpoint office of the VA is the best. He has been working at keeping me healthy for about 5 years and as of today, well I woke up alive again this morning. I now have a reasonable chance at hitting 80 which is now only three years away.

Several problems with attaining this age though, is I have to eat my own cooking all the time, go years without a sex life and generally more opinionated which may have something to do with the previously mentioned problems.

Still, all in all, having a 77th birthday is so much better than dieing younger. 

RACISM

A lesson was learned the hard way in Ferguson, Missouri and around the nation as we suddenly realized that yes, racism is rampant but that a majority is from the Black community, jumping in with the race card anytime a dispute or even a disagreement occurs.

To no body's surprise, former president Carter unctuously announced that anyone opposed to president Obama is a racist. Here we have rather than a person of color making the charge, but a white apologist. Carter should keep his mouth firmly shut.  First he allows no political difference that isn't racist is on the face of it, absurd. Secondly, he should be grateful that after Obama's term is over, he will replace Carter as the worst president in history. For that reason he should be revered by Carter. Now that I think about it,  perhaps that is why he is cheer leading.

Recently there have been numerous examples of not only reverse racism, but inciting to riot as well. Think the name, "Sharpton."

Maybe the saddest thing about the white race defending itself is the African-American community plays the race card with impunity so that most respectable Caucasians are afraid to even have a conversation regarding the issue. I, at 77 tears old don't give a rat's ass if someone throws the race card at me. For one, those that know me know better. And secondly, at my age I do not fear idiots opinions that are knee jerks from our more radical citizens. I have long held the opinion that those that call others names or become critics feeling the need to not only voice their opinion but to also denigrate that of others as well.

Let me give some obvious examples of flagrant racism from the black community. In the U.S Congress, there exists a black caucus. Now I ask you, what would the reaction be if someone started up a white caucus? Racist, right? It would certainly be all of that, but then so is the flagrant black caucus. Apparently, integrating schools wasn't enough, so the congress, acting in defense, invented mandatory quotas in our colleges and universities. Again, not equality but superiority.

There is an organization called the NAACP, a group that has morphed into a professional money machine. Self appointed ministers making inflammatory speeches, as the chief rabble rousers such as Sharpton and others of his ilk.
 
It was just a day after an acquaintance insisted that Brown was hot in the back while trying to get away. In an unusual act our U.S. Attorney General came out saying the officer did nothing that would be outside his training and that no bullets were found to be in the victim's back. In short, all around the country, people including  professional athletes were holding up their hands, chanting "hands up, don't shoot." I wonder how many of these people feel ashamed that they prejudged the situation. I suspect not very many.

Racism is not exclusive to the white population, but even more rampant in the black community. Where is justice served here other than to foster a race war. Somebody needed to fight back, so I stepped up.

ARMAGEDDON?

Armageddon without biblical references appears closer today than anytime in my lifetime including World War Two. The difference? The Hydrogen bomb. The attack on Japan that ended the war was caused by the United States beating both Japan and Germany to development and manufacture and delivery of Nuclear bombs.

Since then many countries including ourselves, England, France, China, Russia and Israel have nuclear weapons. The defining difference between these countries and Iran is that they are civilized and understand that to use them is to destroy civilization as we know it.

The joker in the deck is that Iran is ruled by radical Islamic Imams that would consider destroying Israel and the other western countries including us as blessings to Allah. The plethora of suicide bombers tells us that to win they are not afraid to die in the process.

Let's review the world conflicts. Iraq, Syria, Kurdistan, Russia and Ukraine. Oh, I forgot the peaceful people of North Korea, who not only possess the bomb, but the rocketry to deliver it. There is very little to stop the NK's from exporting these weapons to crazies, which number themselves in the category.

Now we learn that our government, a day late and a dollar short has sent troops into Ukraine to train the indigenous army how to use something other than an AK-47. 300 strong, these  troops are combat Green Berets, boots on the ground in the line of fire. Had we done this a year ago, it would have resonated as the west backing a nation of free people. Now with firm control of much of the eastern portion of Ukraine will push back, causing our soldiers to confront Russia, or retreat from them for the first time since the European war ended with many of our troops captured and never returned to our side including pilots that while supporting naval convoys to Russia, landed in  Russia safely, were never returned either.

We today have wars being fought in more of this world than ever before. With the constant threat of China and Russia we also have a very real threat from Islam. That total war will breakout in the middle east is a given. With Obama fiddling as the Roman Emperor did while Rome burned is an exact parallel to what our country is ignoring to our peril. Once war tips over, there is not any path back to   sanity other than total victory, if after total nuclear war there will be one.

As Obama recreates the plan of Nevil Chamberlain, reducing out army and navy to prior to WW11 levels leaves us short of trained personnel when we are going to need them. I don't even want to speculate as to the job the successor will inherit, and two years from now may be too late for all of us. Never in the history of our country have we faced an administration that is like lemmings, headed for the cliff and taking us with him.

I no longer hesitate to suggest that Obama's Islamic relatives have caused him to promote their causes rather than ours. I believe it to be true.

Tonight, I watched and listen to CNN doing a special on Flight 370 and ignoring our deployment into Ukraine. I switched to Fox and they sere hammering on Hilary and the reverse racism that is apparent today but that is a subject for my next post.

One of the most serious problems that we face is the continual use of Army and Marines to the point where many if not most are mentally disabled. We are in a world of hurt and I see no easy way out other than strategic bombing, which as I mentioned would end civilization. Since we no longer have the training of the cave people, most would die without being able to find food in the supermarket.

WHERE IS HEAVEN LOCATED?

In my soon to be 77th year, I still am bugged by the passing references to Heaven without any attempt to defining it's location. Not once. Now I am sure that some of the glossed over explanations can be covered by invoking faith, a physical location cannot.

First, let me begin with references to Jesus rising or lowering bodily into Heaven. Now I don't havea problem with that incomplete statement or rhe 2000 plus years without having every addressed the question, "Where is Heaven.

Is it ghostly apparitions floating about in outer space? Perhaps in another galaxy. So after rejecting both another planet and the coldness of outer space, I have a theory that I would very much like your comments on. First I reject the ethereal location as outer space. If another planet, why not this one?

My theory is that if Heaven is a positive aspiration of the faithful, the setting surely has to be more delightful  than the above theories and evern more a mystery that the evangelic masses never question that while they don't know where, they have faith that it is a better place than today's Earth.

I think there is another possibility. Right here on Earth in another dimension.  A parallel civilization where God governs with help from Jesus and of course the faithful. A Heaven such as this if possible would solve the whole thing. You never leave, just jump into another dimension. There would be no necessity of finding 72 virgins for each Islamic terrorist that dies from battle isn't valid and isn't necessary for us Christians, which without bodies would be a waste anyway.

While some may question my logic, please offer a well thought out  alternative.

ON another subject, my well know disgust with the misuse of the word on prefacing a day of the week or a date in the future, such as The Mariners will play their first game of the season on Friday. In today's paper there was such a reference that showed how ridiculous the use of on is. It said the game with be played on today. I rest my case.

Perhaps I will come as close to figuring out where heaven is and just settle for the start of baseball season 2015.

SENIOR IN NEED

 I just picked this up from Pecky cox's blog. It turns out that ... Well, I'll let her tell it.

Priest Lake

Betsy a 71 year old woman living off the grid with no elect. water or sewage, is running out of fire wood and needs help.

Please if you have some extra wood you can spare I will pick it up and deliver it to her.

Please help Betsy stay warm • 208-443 2683. ask for Jim
Kindly share if in #PriestLake area.

If you can't reach this number, call me at 683-9107.


 

AVOIDANCE

During the last week and beyond, the press, both written and broadcast have puzzled over Obama's refusal to call Islamic Terrorism Islamic. After watching several on air interviews of Catholic Priests, Coptics,  and others dancing around the subject of Obama's refusal to label Islamic Terrorism, "Islamic."

It was pitiful and sometimes comical watching all of these religious leaders dance around the issue. Obama's father was a Moslem. He has aunts and uncles in Africa that are Moslems. Nobody really knows what his real relationship with that religion is, and if it were anyone but the president, it would indeed be none of our business.

That he stubbornly refuses to call a spade a shovel, raises questions as to where his loyalties are. I believe that his dad is the reason he won't face reality regarding radical Islam.

On top of that breaking issue, It turns out that former president Clinton, made several tips to an Island of underage young ladies, some not even teens yet, all sex slaves. His guide?A convicted pedophile. Normally I don't mix two stories on one post, but I think. if true, earth shaking news of this an other crimes are going to blow up the Clinton persona. 

It is going to be interesting to see what prominent person, religious or other wise finally brings up these and other subject One comment from Judge Judy was one of outrage regarding the pedophile allegations. Stay tuned.

TRAIN EXPLODES AGAIN

When are out friends on the left going to rectify the division for and against the Pipeline and of course the reduction of explosive tar sands oil. Both are targets from the Eco-Nazis, each is a separate issue dealing with the same dangers. Obviously, those that are zeroed into anti pipeline  rhetoric are then automatically favoring oil trains that go right through heavily populated cities.

The real mantra of the Sierra Club and other extremist groups is not the transportation of oil, it is opposition to it's end use, which if another country, is none of their business. The spotted owl wasn't to protect the owl, it was to keep loggers from destroying their trees.

Environmental extremists fight fracking. Not because they think it might cause minor earth movement, but because the oil and natural gas produced by this and other methods will be used. That is their bottom line. Stop burning/using carbon fuels.

Today, in West Virginia, an oil train full of cars that were destined to southern refineries, exploded violently, as has happened in other venues. A Pipeline would correct the dangers in transporting volatile fuels by rail.

It is way past time we recognized the hidden purpose that these people support, and stop our government to from siding with them. We need a balance between reckless behavior by mining and other causal effects of leaning so far left we forget the purpose of out journey.

HATE CRIME? OR FRAUD!

It would appear that every time a crime of violence occurs, it is immediately forced to pass a litmus test. If the violence is against black people, and especially if the police are involved, the question pops up.

I guess I'm kind of naive, but to hold the same crime to a different standard because one hates another, is not equal protection under the law. So you double the penalty if the state can prove that in your mind, you hated the opponent, which then caused you to become a berserker.

I have always thought that equality meant color blind. Apparently only if you are the wrong race. Until we get rid of the professional agitators that profit from inciting to riot, while the president buddying up to radical opportunists.

In this, the 50th year since racial issues were though over, we are going to fight another bigger battle. Between the 6o's and 'now, agitators have convinced the black community that we as a race are after them using a prejudiced police esteem as there whipping boy. At this time, and this place, no white cop vs black defendant is perceived as neutral racially.

SATURDAY NIGHT, LIVE

I just finished watching the 50th anniversary of the Show, Saturday Night Live, though it aired on Sunday for you calendar  It was, for use older people, a way to remember those skits that were far in the rear view mirror. There was one though, that stood out not because of it's originality, but for it's audacity.  they did not show it tonight, though many other memorable skits. were.

 It was a faux newscast with Jane Curtin and Dan Ackroyd. He remarked, "Jane, you slut."she then proceeded to tear the buttons off hr blouse and throwing her shoulders out,  suggesting apparently she had better credentials than he.

 Now back in the day that was shocking Actually, it would be today, although back in the 70's they had some censorship, it was nothing like what the liberal press has, with out legislation forced us to go back to the Puritans for a parallel. Still it was entertaining. for those that 50 years ago, sexuality was  a main part of the show.

The other problem was when they brought up the stars from yesterday. As I looked at them, I realized that Jane Curtin would never be able to project as she did. Nor would most of the others. Then I confesses to myself that I wouldn't either.

One of the most inexplicable skits, actually three to be precise, did characterizations of gay men. It wasn't close to being a misunderstanding. The actors were doing everything but tap dancing to prop their roles . It reminds me of when one of my black grandchildren called another a Nigger on Facebook. I unfriended him on same.

Above the glaring double standard, as a whole it as a great show. It started in 1975 and I watched it through out the ensuing years.  Fifty years of unfettered entertainment, where comedy was teasing other that aren't like us. Boy oh Boy, are the next few years going to be boring.



 

VACCINATIONS

There is currently a lot of conversations about whether or not you should have your children vaccinated. Many years ago when I was a fifteen year old, I contracted Measles. The big problem with this sort of situation is short memories. The "If it didn't happen in my lifetime so far, it won't.

Our society years ago adopted vaccinations that allowed us freedom from diseases such as Measles, Mumps, Diphtheria and many others, smallpox included. A well protected populous forgets the horror of Polio and the other aforementioned maladies. As suspected immigrants from countries that do not have a record of universal protection, now enters society that due to Religious, lesser health problems almost seriously,political objections. 

These often come from the far right reflecting what they believe is interference and government control over private issues. There is some truth to the issue of forced inoculations, but there are ways to avoid that.

If your child reports for school without proof of protection, they can be sent home.You see, there are opt out choices. You do not have to vaccinate your kids, but society has the right to keep unprotected children away from germ factories called elementary schools. Your option then is home school, private school or vaccinate.

With all medical knowledge, rests the firm belief by some that by being innocuated you can catch the desease you are trying to protect yourself from. Then there is the red herring that Autism can occurr from measles shots. None of these "Old Wives tails are true."

You have a choice to endanger your family, but it isn't your choice to endanger other kids. Vaccinate or find another way to educate your kids. The epidemic of Measles currently occurring from a stray unprotected person at Disneyland. That has spread like wildfire to all across the country and even internationally. Measles is one of the most virulent of viruses, because just a cough or two in a room with unprotected people can infect about 70% of those exposed.

TERESA'S BACK

Last year, Teresa Long followed her husband to Montana where he supervised several rock projects which has been his vocation. Leaving her position as manager of the Captain's Wheel Resort was tough for both her and her customers.

Stepping in for Teresa was Sara, one of the also well liked by customers and recommended by Teresa When Teresa moved back to Bayview, the owner chose to return her to management in a very hard decision. Sara was replaced by the person she so ably replaced herself.

Sara was invited to stay as a bartender, which was the position she came from. It is always tough to be take a management position, then returning to the job that made her Teresa's favorite. But we all hope she stays with us. If she doesn't, we all wish her the best in whatever endeavor she chooses to pursue.

  

WORLD WAR 111

Many people are becoming  worried that what is going on in so many flash points around the world will drag us into World War 111.

We have Russia becoming the trouble makers in Europe, the common market about ready to collapse, China flexing their muscles with an army and navy so large and much more muscle than back in Korea. Now they have modern weapons.

 It isn't necessary to wonder when. Word War 111 has already started with the birth of Arab Spring. Iraq has split into thirds with four different groups fighting over who will end up with what. Iran hasn't been heard from yet, but that doesn't matter. They can pick up the pieces whenever the forces battling each other run out of bullets and sabers. Libia is torn by tribal disputes, stolen weapons are being used in central Africa, having been looted from Libya.

It appears that President Obama will keep his head firmly tucked in the sand. Iran will own southern Iraq whenever they choose to act, with a likelihood of  a real Kurdistan ending up with northern Syria as well as the northern parts of Iraq. We, as the brake pedal in the middle east are not  a dependable ally any  more.

I believe that it is not only possible that some group cooks off a nuclear weapon, but probable. If our country doesn't revitalize our military which is being shrunk ala right after World war 1, when just a few years after, WW11 occurred with almost no weaponry or bodies then as is now. Listen very careful. The future is scary.

We need to become self sufficient with fuels which we are close to, refill the government reserves with oil cheaper than many years. Quit stalling over the Canadian pipe line. We did not elect the Sierra  Club to any office, so our survival will be assured if we stop letting them rule our country.

AIR BAGS

Sometimes, Big Brother tries too hard to protect us from ourselves. Perhaps the case of air bags is fixing something that ain't broke. I have driven cars for sixty years, and in my youth not all that safely. Most of my career driving  cars, we didn't even have seat belts.

Recently, it has come out that a Japanese subcontractor, which provides air bags for most of the car manufactures that not only ineffective, but actually  more dangerous than wrecks without them. Several generations live to tell about these dangers who didn't have air bag protection.

From recent news stories, and admittedly I don't have the stats, more injuries appears from the use of these over the top safety items. Just today, network news showed one driver who lost the sight in one eye, when metal parts explodes back into the driver's face. In several reported incidents, the driver was killed by these faulty bags.

The government, naturally forced a recall. Wrong move. The recalls should consist of disconnecting the systems, followed by a new federal law making them either  optional, or outright dangerous and prohibited.

I would much rather have a couple of ribs broken that dying for safeties sake.

In a very ironic example, buses, including both commercial and also school buses are not equiped with air bages, or even seat belts.I personally am outraged with this double standard. If I knew how, I would disconnect the ones in my car.

Let's contact our law makers with the request that these systems be outlawed.

PROTOCOLS

Mr President, I have some differences with you regarding protocol. I am a veteran and have a few hints for you that might, if followed keep you from showing your ass in the future.

First, just because you are president and commander-in-chief doesn't mean you can salute. It is fine when a serviceman or woman salutes you but nobody including generals salute or are saluted while in civilian clothes.

Although you sometimes act like a banana country dictator, you do not wear a uniform, nor should you. Salutes are recognition by service personal between warriors and it should never be polluted by mocking them Another  problem is while you are saluting, [see previous paragraph] You never ever hold a drink cup while attempting an arrogant act. This too shows either ignorance or arrogance, or possibly both.

Service in neighborhood political/racist groups is not service, as applies to  this lesson, protocol 101. Nor should you brief membership in the U.S. Senate count.

There are two possibilities here. Either you do not have a protocol officer, or you don't listen well. If you do have one and refuse to use him/her, then I suggest you fire that individual. On the other hand, if said officer is useful like in propaganda chief, then in order to confuse the public as you are talented with, lies, distortions and flip-flops.

All or these issues while ignored show an inability to respect the military. If you wish to look good, then bring back Retired General Petraeus in some civilian role in national security.  Not only it is a good idea, but cheating on your wife should not be a life sentence, only marriage is. Hey many of our former presidents did this repeatedly but never had to pay a price.

When you are shown departing air force one, and salute, with or without a drink cup thousands of service people and past as I am, shudder at the amateur ways.

Please do not thank me for this lesson, as I am one of the citizens that you  are representing.

That you are stubborn about defeating Islamic terrorism, shows that rather than keep our country safe, you instead kowtow to your Moslem father.

JOBS, JOBS, JOBS

It is Interesting to me, that as I watch and listen to I believe worthless clamor for more jobs. It is worthless, because it is a word that resonates with most people, especially those that are unemployed. In his state of the union address, Obama hit that subject repeatedly. The differences are one party believes that government creates jobs, while the other, Republicans, believe that business and education and training lead to  jobs.

The competition between companies that sell for the cheapest competitive prices, naturally look for the cheapest wholesale cost.  In the past several years, most electronics and other high tech items, have and still are outsourced manufacturers mostly in the Orient, but some in Mexico and other low cost labor countries are competitive because their workers in many cases are paid what we would classify as slave labor.

Another issue is lack of trained and/or educated job seekers. Due to the high price of a college degree, or God forbid  advanced degrees are simply out of reach for most families. As a result, counties like India, China, Singapore and others  are exporting their workers to us, after these countries send them to us for education. Obviously, these students get visas for the purpose of  employment in our industries, but especially in the IT fields.

Why are we so far behind that we have to import talent? We subsidize K-12, so that every child has the opportunity to hit the streets with a high school diploma. We are stuck with an educationally out of date system, while other countries realize that to compete in a global economy, they have to develop these bright young people that are chosen not because of their race or other ethnic differences, they simply invest in their most brilliant children and concentrate on the best and the brightest.

Our system is out of date. For the first time since Obama was elected, I finally agree with him in that he wants to make use of our Junior Colleges. I'll go one step further.  We should get more aggressive offering four year educations to those intelligent enough to use them.

If Obama simply wants to support those that live in poverty, then it is simply social engineering.
I propose that any high school graduate with a grade level 3.0 or higher should get a paid for opportunity to further education. This should be only for talented high school graduates.

The subject that is currently debated refers to free education. Of course there is no free lunch. But in rebuttal,   It makes more sense to educate our youth so that our own people can keep up with the third world counties. It is cheaper by far, than paying welfare and rental subsidy, food stamps and medicaid.

Let's get our kids and in my case, grand kids off the streets and into classrooms. Investing in our children and our economic future is the smartest route  and is cheap compared to continually only educate children of wealthy families.How many in the ghetto hit the streets because they believe that is is no hope for them.

The program of the 1930's is not valid anymore. importing of foreigners who have state paid education while we suffer a huge population of people who are not giving back, but are a policy of
perpetual poverty. Certainty there needs to be an income line of pay no pay. We don't need to give an education to those that are wealthy. This post suggests that we can afford this if athletes are paid to attend college, why not intellects as well.

XL PIPELINE VS OIL TRAINS

It appears that you have sold out to Obama and his ilk.Have you already forgotten the vast numbers of washington voters that are very concerned about the mile long oil trains snaking through our cities. These too are conservationists. The choice between a pipeline and trains is obvious. Safety has been ignored  so that you can continue to be a serf to the Sierra Club. .You need to remember that you serve Washington not Nebraska, or California. If/when the next derailment happens, don't duck and hide. I will remember, and I will report.

Herb Huseland

72 VIRGINS

I have read the tea leaves and have come up with some amazing conclusions. When you match the birthrate in Arab nations, divided by male/female standards  and further project the number of Jihadis, it becomes clear that there are not enough virgins to go around.

There it is guys. You who demand that women cover themselves from head to toe, do not inhabit singles bars and further, have no idea what your prospective bride looks like, feels like, well you get the picture, it is no wonder that most, having discovered the truth scatter to what ever substitution that is available.JIHAD!

What could be better? First, you leave home hoping your wife or as it were, wives, will somehow go away. Then, miraculously an Imam appears. He promises that if you give up your life for Islam, you will ascend to heaven where you will have a second chance. 72 virgins will greet you as you are fed grapes (seedless) while sprawling out on your Roman like couch. He looks back at the wives he left at home and immediately declares, "Alahu Akbar,"Bring em on.

Alas, I have the sad duty of informing you of two facts.  First, if you couldn't satisfy the wives you left at home, Mohammed will not reward you with any virgins. You see, they are running short of virgins, since for every Islamist that dies for Islam, there are only two or three clapped out Cougars looking for a good time.So, be very careful about choosing this path. You could graze goats, and if your bride offends you, there are always sheep.

Climbing the hills of scarce forage is much safer that charging into a crowded shopping center, yelling Alahu Akbar, following the instructions, pushing the button on his vest. Boom. Sorry pal, there is nothing awaiting you. Not 72 virgins, not your deceased relatives, and not Allah. Just the cold dark place where God decides where to send you. Good luck on that.

THE THUNDER BOATS ARE BACK

The Silver Cup will hold an unlimited Hydroplane race along with Sprint boats August 14-15 on Lake Coeur d'Alene at the previous locations.

From the end of the 2013 Diamond Cup, until this week, The new group of hydroplane lovers stayed in the background so as to not step over the line until previous organizers proved they couldn't handle the financial part of the race.

Owing thousands to the bus company, security people and even the EMT's that were hired for any emergencies, not to mention the bank that issued them a line of credit. It became obvious that this would play out without the Diamond Cup surviving.

The new group decided on Silver Cup for two reasons. One to dissociate from the failed group, re-branding was in order. The other, while Hydroplane racing as the Diamond Cup has some tradition, Diamonds were never mined here, but Silver developed this area. A new tradition with an old one of mining was born.

Iit became obvious to the potential backers that it was while successful to the public, a disaster financially. They soon melted away, keeping their reputations intact. There were, regardless of Denials, offers to bail Doug Miller out, essentially buying him out. Apparently from his reaction when I discussed this with him last spring, he just couldn't let go. He then, with 75% ownership, but no money invested, took down his 25% partner who alone suffered severe financial loss. Ego got in the way, or maybe he was just taken in by his own rhetoric.

Enough of the old and on with the future. The president of this, a non-profit LLC,  Pat Stroud, who tried in vain to save the old but wanted a race, regardless of who ran it.  Finally, waiting for the shoe to drop from h1, the sanctioning body for the big boats, it did. H1 divorced themselves for ever from the relationship with Miller. The ones we wanted, are back. The others may go forth to try other things.

Keith Allen, a veteran of the Tri-Cities races, is Operations Manager and most of the volunteers from 2013 jumped in as well. I however, do not yet have a title. I suggested head peasant, but that was met with a raised eyebrow. Like 2013, I will take up whatever needs doing, probably with more on my plate than before. It wasn't the loyal  unpaid volunteers that failed, it was leadership. We feel confident that the leadership issue has been solved. Not one man, but the entire community owns this not for profit endeavor.

I would like to invite volunteers from 2013 to get in touch with me through my  e-address, which is herb@cdasilvercup.com. I'll try to keep everyone informed  as we progress. Anyone wanting to invest in this, a community project, give me a shout.

I'll be holding down the office, answering phones, etc, as soon as we have them. Until then, my home phone is 208-683-9107.

Debbie Farnsworth will be handling the vendors this year, with a year's experience which will prove invaluable.

SAVE THE CRITTERS

16 INCHES OF GLOBAL WARMING

Well here is where I start cancelling appointments. My front door is blacked as is the back door. But it doesn't make much difference, since the mobile home/RV park that I live in isn't plowed out either.

But here I sit with heat, lights internet and a vast library of books. I stocked up at the Bayview Mercantile yesterday in the belief that ever so many bad forecasts, this time they might have it right. They did.

Makes you wonder how bad global warming will get this winter. First, the long range prognostication was for for a dry mild Winter. Wrong. I'm interested in how many 18 inch snowfalls we will get during this season.

It just goes to show that you can politicize weather, but Mother Nature just does her own thing, ignoring the pontificating left that believes mankind has destroyed the forests, the spotted owl and now the climate. Personally I don't much care for a society that over the last 30 years has pretty much much  regulated everything.

With my toasty toes and well stocked fridge, the only question I have is how the heck did DFO make it to work and did his bike get stuck?

Weather Forecasts

I decided that weather forecasters needed an interpreter, so here I am.

20% chance of snow. This essentially means either it will snow in 20% of places, or everywhere 20% of the time.

Flurries: This means that it is possible but not probable that a few snow flakes will drift down.

A bit of snow: This is a British understatement for: "YOU GONNA GET BURIED!

Snow at times: This is an attempt to show that they really know what is coming, but don't.

Occasional snow: Usually, this means "Look out, the sky may fall."

Snow: Snow without a qualifying preface, means You need to find your snow shovel before it gets buried.

Clear and cold: This is the interval between snow storms.

Hawaiian Christmas song

This as a remarkable song sang and played by Jesse Tinsley, a Spokesman-Review Photographer and my friend.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10205426348360784&set=vb.1312200809&type=2&theater
or this one:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0NI8o3pYpg

Christmas Eve 2014

T'was the night before Christmas quiet all around,

not a creature was stirring except at J.D.'s
The Waters of the bay were still,
but snow decorated the hill.
If it weren't for the lights it would look like a ghost town,

 but here and there, a drink went down.
A white Christmas is not to be,
 unless you look yonder at the snow covered tree.

Merry Christmas, Y'all

Eagles, Eagles N' dead fish

This picture taken by Ralph Jones of Ralph's Coffee House was taken in Echo By just around the corner from Bayview. He took another with Sharon Findlay, his guest's better camera which has been seen on Facebook and the Spokesman-Review. This kind of looks like a tree decorated with eagles for Christmas.

I talked with Ralph this morning about a visit from Scott Maben of the Spokesman-Review. They got some good pictures and shots of a lot of dead Kokanee. Ralph sez you can almost walk across the bay with the entire surface covered with spawned out fish.

The wind yesterday, drove thousands of dead fish into the harbor near the Navy Base and MacDonald's, where it is hoped they are consumed by the thousands of Seagulls which appeared from somewhere. The shore spawn comes later in the season than The one at Granite Creek.

The Granite Creek spawn is routed into Sullivan Springs where they are milked for eggs and milt. The shore spawn is heaviest From Vista Bay Marina, past the navy  into the JD's and Scenic Bay Resorts. All shore spawn is natural, as the Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer starts around the front of the Navy Base, cleaning the gravel which is prime spawning turf.Come on down with your camera, and an appetite where our three winter Cafes are. Ralph's, whose historical pictures span the walls and good food to boot. Mario's is the new Mexican Restaurant and The Captain's Wheel where food and cocktails abound.

We also regained the Bayview Mercantile, newly named Bayview General Store. Their prices are competitive with anyon so be sure to use them for some of you shopping.
after losing the stor for a year the new owners are doing a great job and if we want to keep them they need your business. 

Discrimination

It is difficult to have a balanced discussion about race relations due to the aforementioned knee jerk reactions from the far left. Thursday's post was an attempt by me to allow a balanced look at this very difficult subject. Fortunately, only one person predictably labeled me a s racist. It is these name calling events that cause many to avoid any discussion on the subject. This person repeatedly and exclusively jumped the conversation in such a way.

Balanced people will outnumber the flame throwers every time if given the opportunity by the community. I started this discussion because at my age  don't fear these hate mongers that outnumber many. As in a famous movie, "frankly, I don't give a damn." What comments were offered numbered about 18 at last count. Only the one shrill voice repeated the mantra over and over. The rest were thoughtful expressions.

There are many other ways to discriminate other than color. How many Idaho residents of the past 15 years haven't shown derision when faced with a new emigrant from California. The sad truth is most people show prejudice when another person isn't just like you. Politics, location, blond vs brunette, on and on. Even minor differences become personal. The key is to respect opinions other than your own without personal attacks.  

"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear."
George Orwell

RACISM?

Recently a chain store recalled wrapping paper because it had an intertwined design that included what could be construed as a swastika.  Lakeview, across the water from Bayview once a thriving mining town, had a Swastika Hotel. It too was pre-Nazi. The history of the hotel describes the symbol as a Greek Good Luck thing. Could our society with strict PC be floundering under inherited guilt?

I grew up during the 1940's and 50's. It was a simpler life. Your behavior was either polite or rude. We didn't have all the sub-divisions of behavior that the media invented term, "political correctness." This of course means whatever your critic says it means. No longer can we tell ethnic jokes because it might hurt someone's feelings. Heck we all laughed at jokes about our own. We were a hardy class that had much thicker skin that the societal perverts of today.

An obvious example of racism that currently abounds, like Ferguson, Missouri, is that of black rabble rousers like Sharpton and others that immediately and in lock step side with the black criminal that tried to beat an officer to death. It was alright though, because the cop was white.

None of the black community objected when the media printed a picture of the criminal at a much earlier age. None of them paid any attention to the forensic evidence that proved "hands up don't shoot," was and is a misplaced and misused lie. But hey, it was convenient as a battle cry from the hoods that live on the streets of Ghetto America.

Stop paying attention to stats showing a high percentage of blacks are stopped by traffic enforcement, or the stats that show a large majority of prisoners are black.  The assumption that this is born from cop prejudice is in and of itself racial prejudice, but from the black community and of course the ultra liberal apologists that believe the minority community is always right and we whites are automatically wrong. Could it be that there are more inmates that are minorities than whites?

Rather that make defensive excuses for their grown kids, how about if the black community police their own neighborhoods of dope dealers and such. If these habitual criminals are a statistical majority of jailed blacks or Latinos, perhaps it s because they commit more crimes. To blame the criminal justice system for jailing little johnny, they should blame the perpetrator for a change.

I am sick and tired of the guilt trip the mainstream media is inventing for shock value. Clean your own house and the police ignore you. Show a high crime area in which you live that is primarily black or any other high crime ethnicity and that neighborhood has residents that are living a live of crime.

Stop making excuses for near-do-wells. They will always choose crime if they can rationalize why they are forced to that lifestyle because of the man. Force them to get a trade, dress like they might be straight and take responsibility for themselves.

If you want to point at any group that is suffering persecution, try law enforcement which never seems to be right. The cop in Ferguson will never work in law enforcement again and they didn't even give him severance pay. All because being right doesn't protect you. The city threw the cop under the bus because they wanted to defuse the anger and weren't even embarrassed  about it.

Such is the dilemma where all of us have inherited guilt, and none of the guilty. So much for PC.

Nouasseur AFB Part 2

During the time I was stationed at Nouasseur Air Force base in Morocco, it was an historic time. On a given day in 1957, you could see B-36's, B-47's and B-52's all on the same ramp.

The B-36, easily the largest bomber we ever built, was the first long range aircraft able to hit the Soviet Union, bomb them with nukes and return. It featured six R4360 reciprocating engines and four jets, two outboard on each wing. It was configured with pusher, rather than the standard puller props.

The next SAC bomber was a radical departure from typical aircraft layout. It flew with a two man crew and had bicycle landing gear. A dual aft and another dual forward, with outriggers on each wing. When fully loaded with nuclear weapons, it needed Jato bottles to assist in takeoff. These were independent rockets which were mounted near the tail assembly, ergo, Jet Assisted Takeoff. Once in the air the bottles were jettisoned, mostly over water to protect the innocents. Once airborne she could cruise at over 600 mph.

The B-52 which was flying in 1955 was our principle vehicle for MAD, or mutual assured destruction. If Russia bombed us we would obliterate the most of their country and likewise if we bombed them, the same would occur to us.  It sped along at a cruising speed of 644 mph. Many are still flying, 60 years later. Thus while I wasn't involved with Korean or Vietnam service, we won the cold war.

 These were the primary SAC aircraft of my day in the 1950's. SAC dispersal s. which were called Reflex Alerts and were designed to move an entire wing to other countries such as Morocco for asset protection in case of attack. Yes, they were fully loaded with nuclear weapons at all times. We also had some F-86D fighters and of course my unit, 1603rd Support Squadron. Were were MATS. Military Air Transport Service. Essentially we were a military airline serving as a passenger and freight organization.

We supported SAC in their Reflex Alerts, transporting spare parts, food, ground personnel and pretty much everything needed to operate. Two of our Moroccan bases were essentially empty until SAC arrived, then the skeleton crews that maintained the facilities would open them to the sac troops.

This Howard Hughes invention and built by Lockheed was the best airliner ever built prior to the jet age. It cruised at about 360 knots and was the first pressurized aircraft in production. The prototype was built before WW11ended but didn't go into production until after the war. While most airlines were buying surplus C-54's and C-47's, a couple of forward thinking airlines like TWA and Pan American bought the aircraft, along with the Air force.  These were stationed at Charleston, South Carolina AFB. Part of Atlantic Mats, they frequently visited us for fuel and necessary repairs.

The C-124's that flew in were from Dover AFB, Delaware. On the west coast Travis AFB, California and Mchord AFB in Tacoma, Washington, where I spent the last year and one half of my four year enlistment.   We also had C-118s which were the civilian DC-6. It flew about 100 knots slower than  my favorite, the C-121, or known as the Lockheed Super Constellation  in civilian use.

                                                            C-124C Globemaster    

NO MAS, MILLER

It ain't Miller Time anymore.

In an article published this morning, David Cole of the Coeur d'Alene Press interviewed Steve David, former driver of the Oberto boat is now president of H-1, the sanctioning  body for unlimited hydroplane racing.

So that there be no mistake, I am printing precisely the words of Doug Miller,

"Miller said he and his group have a state permit to use the lake."

"If H1 wants to race on Lake Coeur d'Alene they will have to work with us," Miller said. "Our intention is to have a race during Labor Day weekend - with or without H1."

This simply not true. They have a permit from the department of lands for racing 3 years. The permit is not exclusive, excepting Labor Day Weekend. It is also subject to cancellation if the Idaho Department of Lands   deem it necessary due to the shaky financial state of the Diamond Cup.

Steve David, in an interview with Cole, stated that Doug Miller is not now nor will he ever be given another permit to race the unlimited hydroplanes.

As to the claim that they own the lake for racing, that is ridiculous and false. Perhaps even delusional. Any other organization that has the financial strength and aptitude can get a state permit to race anytime but Labor Day Weekend. They can also get the blessings of H-1. At this time it is believed that Miller's reputation with boat owners and crews will prohibit anything faster than a rowboat race.

Attorneys are lining up to sue for the debts not only to H-1, which is reported to be more than $50,000, but virtually all from the crane company to security, and bus company, much of it allegedly guaranteed personally by Miller and Kroetch. I am a friend of Keith Kroetch. I bear him no animosity. He invested in Doug Miller, withouth any control over the money. I consider him a victim even more that the vendors that were not paid. Keith has bet his fortune on a guy that alledgedly cannot find the truth with all fingers and toes. While Doug can sell refrigerators to Eskimos, he has problems with collecting the money.

The person supervising the bus transportation from the fairgrounds to the race course, swears that he transported 20,000 people with either tickets or wristbands Where did that money go, Doug?

The pigeons have come home to roost for the diamond cup committee, such as it is. H-1 has without reservation, killed off the feeble attempts at talking their way through this mine field of stiffed creditors and broken promises.

It is now open to those that held back until H-1 was heard from to organize, perhaps under a new name and on an alternative date. Interesting days are ahead for Coeur d'Alene summer activities.

If you are wondering why I am being negative toward Miller, it is simple. I was his public relations guy. When it became clear that the whole thing was suspicious, I got out, so my credibility would not be ruined.