Onion Creek 100th Birthday

Braving the massive heat wave that descended upon us in record breaking form, I ignored the heat and traveled 150 miles and 83 years to the 100^th year that Onion Creek School District has educated the area children. It was Saturday, June 27 and it was hot.

The 150 miles represented the distance I traveled to get there. The 83 years represents the time that has passed since my Mother, Nina Huseland taught all eight grades in a one room school house. Her first school was Lead Point, a mining town that like many others is now a ghost town. But still standing is the school she taught at in 1929. Her stint at Onion Creek as the school year 1932-33. But I digress.

Arriving at Onion Creek School after 3 hours of hot pavement, the campus opened up to over 100 former students, teachers and former school board members. Choosing to call their own shots, School District 30, has only one school. Still in the spirit of the plethora of the one room school, the original school building, having been added to and supplemented to by a large modernistic building next to the original, as well as a free standing office building. Even the original teacher's cottage is still in use as the Kindergarten.

An Unfortunate mix-up caused me not to be introduced, which would have then made possible for those that remembered Mom, or members of those families such as the prolific Lotze family, of which Emma Lotze taught a few years after Nina Huseland and during her one year at Onion Creek, mentored her. Gone was the opportunity for each to meet, but the confusion was not purposeful, and must be considered an unfortunate omission. But then, I won't be around for the next centennial, a missed opportunity. In a search for the ultimate rural school, this certainly would be a candidate for such designation.

Many were honored for their service to the school over the years. Current and past school board members were introduced along with several large families that produced students over the long history of Onion Creek. Congresswoman Cathy McMorris and many others sent congratulations. Unfortunately, I hadn't planned on writing this or would have done some interviews. But I did hear some disappointment that the Spokesman-Review hadn't responded, possibly because nobody told them. As a former correspondent, I felt it my duty to pinch hit.

Lunch was served on a donation basis and music provided by local artists. A great time was had by all, and the several large families that are from them thar hills had a monster reunion. In attempting to find the elusive 1933 student, I missed by only 2 years as one lady announced she was class of 1935.

HINGES OF HELL

Arriving in the middle of an early heat wave, people should note that even though Bayview fireworks are on the 4th, Saturday, not everything is the same. Two differences between Coeur d'Alene and Bayview are, ours are better, and the temperatures will traditionally be 5 or so degrees cooler. The street fair starts Friday the 3rd. Any last minute booth requests will be considered, by calling the Scenic Bay Marinas at: 208-683-2243.
jdscenic@scenicbaymarina.com

There will be a street parade Saturday, followed by the traditional street fair that has become very popular. The will be food galore, at Ralph's Cafe, The Buttonhook, Floating Patio and last but not least, The Captain's Wheel. Both alcoholic beverages and food will be available in most locations.

For information on the parade, call Norma Jean at 683-1980 or Marcy at 683-3276

With the Buttonhook opening recently, there will be more choices for dining but with the huge crowds expected, count on delays in service. No staff, regardless of their normal good service can stay ahead of a once a year crowd that will exceed several hundred. Be patient, or arrange to eat early before the dinner rush. Last year, all hands on deck, the Wheel had to stop taking customers on their waiting list after 1 1/2 hour waits. Everyone hopes they can do better, but second guessing the restaurants is churlish and out of line. Capacity is capacity. The kitchens can serve a maximum, then you get long waits.

Early arrivals for both the parade and fireworks are the answer to traffic problems. Bayview isn't near as bad as Coeur d'Alene, but bottlenecks occur. There will be ample law enforcement to forestall those that wish to abuse our hospitality. Shooting off fireworks privately is prohibited. Shooting roman candles and the like is dangerous to the large crowds and a severe fire danger to the boats in the marinas. There are security cameras throughout Bayview and count on them being actively monitored throughout the week end.

The Confederate Flag

The demagoguery that is in the news is sweeping fair minded people into believing  that all cops are racist, and America is just as bad as it was 100 years ago. Well, many individuals are, of course. But it appears that the Rabble Rousers like Sharpton and others that appear on television are actually fomenting a race war. Some of you may even think the civil war was about slavery. It wasn't. Not until well into the war did President Lincoln declare the first Emancipation Proclamation and it only covered slaves that were in Northern army hands. It was all about farm country not having anything to do with he industrial NE. The importation of new slaves stopped many years ago, after we chased the British slave traders.


Back in those days, states were battled with the new national policy that remains to this day. The states were considered Sovereign to the US Government

These so called black patriots are in fact inciting rioters, up to and including the president of the United States. The riots over burning businesses and neighborhoods. These slime balls proceeded to burn down their own neighborhoods.  Why? because it worked in Watts during the 1960's. Of course the neighborhoods never came back, as they won't in Baltimore.

I'm betting that the city police and county sheriff department are applying anywhere else for continued employment, but where they are. Baltimore police commissioner, a black man along with all the rest of the pecking order, are all black. Police chief, prosecutor, the whole bunch. Even though 3 of the six officers are also black, they have still manages to make it a racial issue.

I hate to say this, but it appears that given the great strides in equality, it has created a we are free now, (more) so we can follow Sharpton  and his demagoguery ilk for power, following that the white governments are backing off, not even prosecuting those who commit crimes, fearing the :racist"
label. (except of course)those not black.

Our cities, full to the brim with  apologetic politicians, like they themselves in the deep south, feel the guilt that has be thrown down with the gauntlet like they were there 200 years ago.

That the pride over election our first black President, is foundering under poor leadership and even the president has spoken against the police in the various venues before the facts are known. My opinion of this situation is that Obama himself will trigger a race war. Look for police officers to abandon their post and go to work under better leadership. Burn another neighborhood? No police will show up.

Back in Birmingham, Alabama, during the 1960's blacks and their supporters marched across a bridge with police and dogs to fight off the marchers. A governor blocked the entrance to a school, and at last the US government  intervened. A democratic regime. We must declare ourselves as  Supporters of Equality, not of any "except" in the language.Equal means for everyone, not just the rioters and their ilk.

The confederate flag is not a symbol of slavery,  but a part of our country's southern heritage that they living there have a right to express their state heritage as many of our states do. You don't agree? You don't have to. Our Constitution spells out the right to free speech, not with standing the war against that freedom with the left wing "politically correct" stuff that contradicts that freedom. Those of you  that do not believe this stuff, sorry, lean more into investigation. You won't it on MSNBC, nor the wacko  blogs.


There are so many contradictions of our rights, I really don't know where to start, bur let's take hate crimes. Our government's, both states an federal have codified a difference between a punch in the mouth due to a disagreement, a misdemeanor, or a white on black (it doesn't work in reverse.) which is a felony. This is bending over backward o the point of ignoring the equality portioned of our constitution.

We are slowing giving up our heritage, our freedoms by the courts meddling in our lives in an attempt to right past wrongs. Our leaders are a captive to minorities that are working hard to become the majority so they can then right the wrongs of a nation that in 200 years, they did without coddling, just hard work.

I have a cousin that lives in cotton country in central South Carolina that I visited a few years ago. They took me on a tour first, a black community that according to history started a slave quarters. My cousin-in-law was born and raised in the  south.  He was bragging about how the blacks of this area,   helped by a black Sheriff made them clean the area up. I was when informed that  but for him it wouldn't have happened. We don't see many neighborhoods here, even close to how Those homes and yards appeared.

DEATH OF RESPECT

While hindsight is reviled much of the time, without it we would have no ties to the past history of man, of countries and of families. I have reconstructed some evidence that the death of respect for country and even for elders, with many side paths to truth.

It all started in the mid Sixties with what was sometimes called the Beat generation and sometimes Hippy culture. The anti war movement was in full swing with slogans chanting, Hell no, we won't go." Veterans of combat that returned from Viet Nam were reviled with wild charges of baby killing and many other vilification's.

By 1980, those that were adult hippies had raised their children in their own culture, breaking the string of generations past, bringing up their children to disrespect the government and authority in general. My childhood which started in 1938 and hasn't yet ended, was filled with lectures on honesty, virtue, honor, respect for others, etc.

No longer have we the formula for decent living. Kids misbehave in School and playgrounds because their parents didn't teach them different. Rules are in opposition to authority, which even reaches into our court system. A child can no longer be disciplined in school and god forbid should a teacher touch, let alone spank an unruly child.

This brings us to the present crop of adults that for three generations were not taught right from wrong. Kids stayed away from church because the education taught by their parents didn't include respect for God, Country or even each other.

When I was a child we played outdoors when weather permitted and entertained ourselves without the Internet, of TV even. Television in it's infancy was made up of wholesome family oriented situations. Dr. Weldon, the Brady Bunch, and all of this with just one channel in the Seattle area, King TV and NBC. We played cowboys and Indians based on those days, B movies with the Lone Ranger, Hopalong Cassidy and many others. We didn't hate Indians, we just didn't know any. We had cap pistols, but none of us grew up to be killers.

While there were extremists around, they lacked the support of their communities. Fast forward to the present, where gun control activists are still trying to eliminate ownership of firearms in the face of the Supreme Court ruling that ownership of guns is a constitutional right. Families have been ripped apart by divorce, or even having babies out of wedlock.

We are a society of people untrained in decency. We have explosive movies and computer games that make killing others entertainment. Our families do not dine together, or even do any family outings.

The entire detailed story is too long to tell, and those who need to read it don't read. Our children are being raised by Facebook, not parents. We have the contradiction of free speech, but under politically correct rules primarily set by leftist journalists, no ability to exercise it. Start a conversation about racial issues and you are immediately accused of being racist. None of our problems today will likely be solved. As in Rome, the British Empire and other societies, we are hell bent down hill in full destruct mode with no moral compass and religious people reviled by atheists.

I'm glad I won't be around to see the end. It all came unraveled by an unpopular war which separated the people from the government. The majority of our eligible voters don't participate, leaving the field to Wackos from the left and right. I see no cultural swing back to respect.

Tomorrow the sun starts it's journey  away from us. Just as people are deserting their heritage, It too is leaving us.

Button Hook Opens.. kinda

After liquor license difficulties, the Buttonhook Restaurant and Bar is open again. I dropped in to find the bar packed, Wednesday, only to find that the dozen or so sitting at the bar and tables were all employees.

Noting the linen table cloths, it took me back to  the last time the 'Hook went first class. It was a disaster which lost big time money. Checking the menu, I noted that Steaks ranged from top sirloins at $18.95 up to a humongous 24 ounce Rib Steak costing $35.95.

My experience at the bar was that the owners redefined the term, "soft openings." I was offered a  warm beer, not my usual brand. They were in the process of displaying various wines.  What is a puzzler, is that my sources indicated that none of the suppliers, food, beer and wine  distributors have yet to open an account or receive an order from the Button Hook.I guess that they shopped at Costco.

Anyway, the folks were friendly and promised that the beer would be cold next time I dropped in. I didn't ask the prices for wine, but my warm beer was $3.50.

As always, the people in Bayview will give them a chance, but at these prices, shouldn't expect much local support. While high food prices are common in Spokane, that isn't the case in Bayview.

The target I assume, is the out of town tourists, who are used to paying more for their food and drinks.The liquor license has not been issued yet, so food, beer and wine will be the available menu. 

Anyway, welcome to Bayview and good luck to you.

Visiting The Past

Many of you after reading my blog have noticed the picture of a woman shoveling snow. The location was Lead Point, Stevens County, Washington. The year was 1929. The woman was my Mom teaching her first year of school in a one room school house, grades 1-8

Farm communities seldom found students attending high school, but most managed to get a pretty good education from an eighth grade  graduation. My Mom taught in four different schools before she started a family, of which I was the second baby.

By that time, in 1938, My father, Amos Huseland and mother, Nina Huseland had moved to the Foster area of King County. We moved to Kennydale, in 1943, a then suburb of Renton, where we stayed through our school years.

My son Brian and I and then brother Stan toured the area of the Huseland homestead, Lead Point School, Aladdin School, Onion Creek School and finally Spirit School, just two miles from the farm where Dad &and Mom lived, having inherited the Stepfather's homestead upon the death of his mother.

All but one, Aladdin are still standing. Spirit School is now a residence, Lead Point has been used as a community meeting place and is still in good shape.Onion Creek is still a school, having been added on to and is still educating kids. The original bell is still operational. I got to ring it when I visited a couple years ago.

The reason I chose now to share this with you is that June 27 the Onion Creek School is holding a 100th year centennial, which I have been invited to. My Mom taught there in 1933 or 34.

I will try to attach some photos of these schools, plus the 1910 requirements for an 8th grade diploma. 

Here's a fun link to an 8th grade exam in Washington in 1910:

http://www.eagleforum.org/educate/2004/july04/1910.html

Tribal Ties that Bind

In every in depth story about Afghanistan, Libya, well any country ending in stan along with sub-Sahara Africa one common denominator is the word, "Tribe," Did I mention Iraq?

Any region that is driven by tribal loyalties and power cannot sustain a central government unless the leader is a Saddam Husein type dictator. Remove the leader and bingo it reverts back to tribal politics leaving the entire country divided into tribal enclaves.

When European powers collectively pulled out of Africa and the middle east, it left a vacuum of tribal warriors with little or no education to try to form a government. If any of you can name one that succeeded, I sure can't.

So here we are, attempting to build nations from tribal domains. Ain't gonna happen, folks. Then throw in religious differences and you have the classic anarchy waiting for the first hungry neighbor to feast on them. We need to rebuild and redefine Kurdistan. They are the only power block that can stand in the way of ISIS or Iran.

Iraq is no more. The president of the United States is throwing it's Arab partners under the Iranian bus. It now is too late to unscramble the Syrian mess with several different sides fighting each other for few if any results. Iran is poised, with it's army already in Iraq to take everything south of Baghdad. North will be ISIS vs. Kurds, with the middle belonging to the savages.

Leaders that only control neighborhoods, are tribal leaders. Nothing good ever came of government by rabble.

20 Years, A Bayview Resident.

 

 Picture courtesy of the Spokesman-Review                                                             

It was 20 years ago this Memorial Day weekend, that I uprooted from Dalton Gardens and moved into my elite single wide mobile home. I call it elite because very few trailer trash get the view I have. Chan, when he converted back to RV's was kind enough to allow me to live out my days here on the hill.

For me it is amazing that it happened so quickly. I suspect to others it passed to slowly, but hey, you can't be everything to everybody.

My first experience with Bayview was a summer commute to Coeur d'Alene. As I returned home that day, I found a long line of RV's stopped at the Kiosk which still stands at the entrance to Farragut State Park. The other lane was coned off. When at last it was my turn the bright young blond girl  greeter had charmed three tourists. Unfortunately it was at my expense. Here it was happy hour at the Wheel and I was late.

Having an extensive background in both Real Estate Sales and Mortgage lending, I immediately knew that the Park was in violation of several laws, the most serious being blockading a state highway. Now it is legal to do that temporarily for street  repairs or emergencies. I pointed this out to the young lady, who promptly said, "Not in a state park it isn't. I promised her she would hear from me soon.

The following day I called the State Police office in Hayden to file a complaint. The area commander was at the time, Captain Powell, now commandant of the department. Always the politician, he did the guppy thing and finally said you'll have to put this in writing, so I can forward it to Boise where they will address the problem.

After lunch, I typed out a criminal complaint charging the park manager with a deliberate crime. I then suggested that the park was no better than an individual and that it was blatantly illegal to block a state highway.  When I submitted it that afternoon, I asked how long he thought it would take for this matter to be addressed. He wisely allowed for Government sluggish habits, and promised at least 2 weeks.

The next day, sitting in my office, the phone rang. It was a conference call which included Captain Powell, the Boss men at IDT and the parks department. It turned out that when the captain faxed the letter to Boise, a sh*t storm happened. The competition between state agencies was in full swing and I had given ammo to the Highway Department.

These worthies immediately asked me what it would take for me to back off. I thought about it for a few seconds and said,"keep one lane open for through traffic at all times."They quickly agreed. That afternoon, a little sign painted black with white letters and arrows pointed to park lanes and through lanes. The sign was painted in the  ITD maintenance shop that afternoon. The paint couldn't have been dry long.

The thing that hit me was apparently a couple of state legislators had appealed to the park's better nature. They don't have one. Here I was, a resident in Bayview that essentially knew nobody in town and I was making decisions that really I didn't have the power to make. However I was the nail that was sticking up and they accepted my lead. Later they rerouted park traffic to where it is now, leaving the highway clear. Afterward, I called a spy in the transportation department who told me, "The Parks Department thought they had more horsepower than us. They were wrong."

The parks department tried to hedge on this but I insisted that they state in writing that they would never block the road again. I got a hold of one of the officers of the Bayview chamber, and gave them the letter for safe keeping. It is still filed under 1995 documents.

Not all of my 20 years have been so interesting, but hey, what an introduction for a new resident. From time to time I take issue with things, but by and large, I just try to live my life, not others'.

Here is the story by Susan Drumheller:

 https://mail.google.com/mail/#inbox/14d929081008f1b7?projector=1

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.