Good Appleseed Weekend at Douglas Ridge Rifle Club, Oregon...

  Leave home too ear
ly Saturday Morn, 0125, only 162 miles to go in the dark. Would spend about an hour waiting beside the gate to go inside. Didn't know the code, sleep just fine in Pacifica. Janer shows up and opens the gate I follow her in and park to change clothes. Kenjo comes and sets up the Appleseed direction signs, too many decision points to make choices.  We move the target stands to the line, I notice how old and worn the backers are remembering long ago when they were new. I also have my first fall tripping over my backer and feet. I try our improve and not scare anyone more. Notice! that except for Flipper and Nat the entire crew is older than the shooters.

Mike on target on time

    The morning cold slows the shooting down a bit, but we are using a great PA system, and we get the first Red Coat done and start the roll. Cliff reintroduces himself, met in 2009, and he took an IIT hat and helped a lot of early Appleseeds, he is shooting a loud centerfire, tanker rifle I call it. Two strikes of the match during lunch and the three legged stool to get the shooters back on marksmanship. New positions and we roll along. The sunshine warmed us the remainder of the day and like always goes so fast, One AQT and one new Rifleman, Michael Ross.
 I gave the Third Strike of the Match, and rolled right on into Janer's tale of the telling. We get a Cease Fire, Cease Fire, Cease Fire for wildly wandering game, two fat does that think we won't bother them. Won't see them come hunting season. They will boldly return but not when they could have added to the known distance presentation with practical exercise in distance estimation. Final Redcoat target and Flipper gives Seventh Stepping points. Everyone is safe had a good time and is coming back in the morning, we clean up and pack out, leaving the target stands under the firing line roof for possible rain.

   We all went to dinner, I found a place to sleep in too much comfort, but warm and dry. And I do. At dinner we talked about the good the bad and the ugly... trying to be prepared for the next day and the after action reports. Meal was great, I got large glass of water, then many cups of coffee. Hot Shower and sleep. Motel breakfast and to the range.

   Not everyone came back, the weather is windy and still cold, we do reviews and the third Red Coat of the weekend is shot, three by two posted and sights are verified, with more review to prepare the day. The day marches on, I get to tell the Dangerous Old Man story of Samuel Whittlemore. the After noon period is AQT grind with some peppermint popping. River delivers on a drill, and then scores Rifleman.

   Cliff scores his AQT and requests another look at it and add it up. I do start and then recalculate about three times getting the same answer, five less points because I never find that other bullet hole. That seemed to be when I was falling out of reality. Should have taken a nap. but want to be valuable. The Shootboss reminds me that I can go early, they have plenty of local area instructors.



After River gets his Rifleman patch and I catch the picture I am departing.

  Cliff tells me that it was good to see me, beating on my chest in his joy - right on  top of my pacemaker - as he says he heard I have been having some health issues. I laugh and tell him it isn't that bad. I think I have presented a wasted away appearance, causing some strange concern. Tionico says goodbye and just before I get ready to jump in and pull out Flipper comes up and gives me a hug??? She always does a great job of instruction and I think will have nailed this her first ShootBoss Progress Check. I tell Janer that her clipboard and cheatsheet were left behind and I roll off the range and out of Eagle Creek, OR.

   As soon as the first Rest Stop shows up in Washington, I pull over and sleep for about forty minutes then back on the road, one more stop around Castlerock, then on home. Safe again, unload and prepare for other things that need attention. Life is good.

Day before an Appleseed at Eagle Creek, OR (DRRC)..

  I have packed out the Pacifica, yesterday. Had to get Shooting stuff and my needs out of the way of the kitchen remodel. It has been a busy week, and there is a promise of maybe by Wednesday it will be our home again. Small job. I have to stop at the Credit Union this morning and move a pile of money, moved some myself last night then went to the YMCA and knocked out twenty more miles on the Expresso.com bicycle competition. And two of the staff that seem to be trying to promote this (which means to me that their periodic evaluation will be better if I do something) head to head competition... their voices pitched wrong and they were not paced for tired fat old men - I didn't get it. Did talk a little lightly with my heroine, She is in the lead by a bunch and was working evening clean up/maintenance crew. But I do feel I have done well, self promotion and lying to self at the same time. But if the link works just see: Earl Dungey, a couple of years older than claimed. Many years ago, when younger and sporting I was always pushing my friends to join road races and 10ks to get t-shirts and honor for the units. Finally one of the troopers said why don't we just contribute the money, and have a beer instead of the running. He knew the answer, I was there for the run.

   Goal for today, tidy (reconstruct) a functioning computer system desk and William's work area. Best get to doing, bye!

So what wakes me up in the night? a dream...

"I woke at 2;30, from a dream of parking my bicycle in a rack, looking up and seeing WlaP, tired and harried, telling me he had messaged me and I had't answered.That was when I woke up to ponder and get a glass of warm milk to help me sleep. Now I am only lightly interested in the NRA leadership, the organization is so far off of the track it will really take heavy lifting to get back in the shooting activity lines and training and the best gun folks on the planet. A lot of heavy lifting. There are real experts out there struggling to ignore that fake beacon about 'political power' and gratitude ahead that lays everywhere around the swamp. Floating endlessly around DC, just more swamp gas. I am taking this and expanding it on my blog... don't follow - only my dream started by other stuff in my life. Keep up the good work, all the heavy lifting. Our country and our passions and Rights all need our attention, but I have little left and will have to use it where gentle old men Do Not Need to be reminded of the danger of not living under the rules. Implied threats against open speech (free speech) seem to be all the rage now. I will go back to basics and leave y'all alone."

I left the above paragraph (?) on a comment string on Friends of the Second group on Facebook. Seems like I can't write to please others, I based my not getting a distinguished award in my military career on the fact I spoke freely too often and always when not wanted, so 'they' got me back. Poor CSM Underwood, we had shared the same special quarters in Korea and talked but he thought I respected his judgement and advice because of his position and title. The poor man had to wonder why I listened but not well. Respect is tough when you might not be right, or living really wrong in my face. My problem not the young CSM's.

So, we all know I have never nor expect that Wayne would message me, and I am not sure of the Wayne's on my Facebook Friends would expect better behavior, we went to high school together apart once. And I was a little bit different then too. Not enough to not be accepted as human, which seems a society reaction now on social media (unsocial more often than not)

What a terrible Appleseed, Dude, can't you keep it together?

  No I can't.... but I can feel bad and complain to myself. Great heroic day of riding the Expresso.com bike at the YMCA on Thursday 32.7 miles, getting a dime a mile and accolades from their staff. But I am in demand. Yanni, our Project Contractor for the kitchen remodel, and new flooring wants me and my wife in Seattle. I hate Seattle, stupid Liberals Anti-Gunner central. I don't want to go, but God and my wife love me and my bad attitude won't get better driving around with my imagination of the evil there. The shopping went well and Yanni wants money on Monday, put it on my to do list, get ready for the Appleseed in Redmond, this weekend. No one ever knows the burdens we bear, how old we feel or don't feel until...  Must have been hiding my hate on my face or heart, my wife flees to her friends for food and talk and I sleep on alone, big home for two living as alonely.

  So quick review of the letter from guest Green Hat, the shoot boss. He wants us in Red Shirts and presenting a professional appearance... I think he is arrogant and I add him to the list of AntiGun Leftists in the world, can't be right he is a real competitor in the rifle and pistol world, isn't he? Never met the man... Car loaded out and on the road before six will be there at seven for the instructor meeting, lots of familiar faces. I am late, they started the briefing without me, and I feel the undercurrent from others about the shoot boss, he is going to straighten us out... perceptions and expectations aren't like our normal. But he has his way of making us better. And we aren't the others, we are the ones that showed up, I toy with driving back home and signing up for helping the Appleseed in Oregon at the end of the month. I don't, because I am reminded the event isn't about me or any of the instructors, it is all about the shooters. So I get to go hand out t-shirts and help Flipper get folks signed in. There are very nice name tags laid out, so everyone has a familiar label to be called by name, pin to hats and we will all be a fine shooting community of no longer strangers.

  Some very familiar faces on the firing line, they all remember me and I get some smiles and hellos. The tension between instructors and Shoot Boss isn't noted that I noticed, but I do see waiting by the crew for the shoot boss for 'what are we doing next/' Eighteen rounds by lunch? One Redcoat and a five rounds on the sighting square?  Part of our getting our ducks in order is presentation of Pistoleer Award to two shooters and one daughter of Ben, another winner. Not cool for rifle shooters looking to earn their own awards to see something that they can't get here, by folks they don't know, but are instructors and safety folks, I would have waited on getting the shooters and instruction crew working as a team before a pleasant sidetrack for past performance. Maybe someone might die before the unit gets together again as a whole. A reason we award thanks and note valor when happening in combat, can't wait for return to Base Camp nor Star Trek Enterprise.

  I get the prehistory and the First Strike of the Match, and it was only supposed to be twenty minutes, but I get the hurry up sign from the Shoot Boss - cause I have so much to share as the tale teller. But they march out of Lexington leaving eight dead and many dismayed Rebels behind...I think I was closer to thirty-five minutes than twenty.

   I find my first weakness, I can't get up from the demo position, and not having worked with the instructor before his 'don't get ahead of the instruction' was disconcerting I was waiting for him to tell me what to model next, a demo person doesn't speak until after if asked by the instructor.  Anyway, I was being helped to my feet by a young woman and two men - how do I get so old? You know I didn't want any help just some space and my walking stick. I don't accept the young ladies help, cause I don't accept the men's much either, attitude and stupidity on my part, which I note isn't getting anyone shooting safely on target again. Sigh...

   The lunch time shows up. I wisely stay as line Boss to watch the rifles on line as everyone else goes up to the club house for the Second Strike of the Match and lunch, bathroom breaks become a chore, seems the plumbing isn't free flowing enough, going from two restrooms to one. One of our newer IITs brings me a hot cup of ramyon noodles. I thank him for his thoughtfulness and repay him later. Over all we are teaching or listening to the shootboss instruct everything at his pace and to his standards, and we aren't working well together, starting to look for his mistakes, how we are falling behind and not emphasizing safety. There are also way more instructors than normal, which should be great but we are almost in each others way, the smartest of us start shrinking back and gently correcting the shooters trying to get them to stay on process completing each step and not forgetting anything as the fire on targets. Only one AQT finally on the first day and we clean up to go home and a meal. I can't stay for the instructors dinner, where I understand the having a beer will be pounced upon as totally unacceptable. I wasn't there and don't drink beer unless I have just completed a marathon, ha, ha. That was long ago and when I wasn't drinking anything. Lot of old time memories coming back up, I did mention to the Shoot Boss the old conflict between the back East Headquarters and those of us on the line in our home country or states. He quellshed me quickly, but I have been poking headquarters and staff pukes for too long, I know when my opinions aren't needed -they already have all the answers. Just do it their way, they will go away soon enough. Sigh.

  I did make it home, my wife was talking on the phone, a lovely supper waiting for me, I could get cleaned up, check FoxNews or Japanese Public television to find it hadn't all gone to hell while I was away. Bloomberg was still promising to spend a fortune disarming the peaceful public or at least getting them down to three round bursts. Forgive them, LORD, they know not what they do.

   I do wake up to knowing I hurt and need to move, and the second day begins in the dark, did y'all see that Moon Saturday night? WOW! no cloud cover where you are. Did I mention Saturday was many downpours or steady drizzle and wet is cold. Second day has same beautiful Full moon and not clouds after the morning mist burns away, and I am sick. I pack out much Appleseed extras to give away, lots of reading and notebooks and patches and hanging maps for Will to use in instructing and advertising. Ah, my pile of stuff to move out is getting smaller at home, keep moving, get there again by seven thirty cause we are so set up already. Alexa is really working with me, Blues at night and Southern Gospel in the morning, the Lord loves me. I pick up an instructor sweat shirt to give to ctorg since he needs one to cover his arms against the cold and slingloop.

Kevin is so close but only close.

   Except for being a beautiful day, having lost a couple of shooters over night, maybe their bodies didn't take the wet cold, and weather any better than mine. I finally accepted I was ill, the day sped by and I remember I caught some shooter faults but wasn't effective since we had a round fired from a rifle into the berm, when it shouldn't have been loaded. Process and sequences were not at work, maybe because we still weren't a team going in the same direction. We did get some fine shooters making Rifleman scores, and taking up the IIT hat so I was okay going away early to get home and die quietly, or allow my loving wife to beat me back to better health. I left a shooting mat behind and Andy picked it up and messaged me.

  It is six on Monday morning here, I can go back to bed for a nap, and I will, being retired retired means no one needs me... but then Bloomberg doesn't know I and my millions exist does he? American! armed and at Liberty under the LORD. The two days of the Appleseed we had an Asian couple watching us through the wire fence, I talked to them the second day and told them what we were doing - they thanked me for the information. But I did remind them that we are Americans, we have guns and we shoot them. One of our shooters said his wife is Chinese and she had a relative that learned to shoot an AK in high school, but the rifles all get locked up by the state after the training is over. Yep, that sounds correct, and in Russia on the farms they still have their guns for wolves and lonely state agents of agitation.


 

Well, another week gone, Appleseed in Renton tomorrow...

  Don't forget folks, don't live in fear... all your worst fears will grow because you don't know the truth, or you fear what might be true, or you are too afraid to learn how you shouldn't be so. The government love fearful folks, so easy to control. And if you can, take some Anti Gun folk to a range to get over the idea that a gun makes anyone powerful and deadly. They have no idea how much gunfighters had to practice to maintain superiority... and bullets cost money. Why I swear by dry practice my marksmanship skills and then use 22 lr for perforating paper targets.

  They are going to repair my U of Maryland class ring so I can wear it again.  And today we picked out the style for the kitchen cabinets, floor and hardware. Had to drive to Seattle, for some strange reason I went but it was so stressful carrying all those ideas of liberty, guns, voting the way I want, I was sure they would ask if I minded disarming while I was in town. I have the box to send to my son for my grand or great grandsons or daughters. Of course it is one of those boxes full of stuff that will have no bearing on the world that far in the future - but it is all me and where I was when. Should I include the high school and other books? Ha, ha.

Add some more stress and I should fold up under the pressure, I keep thinking that has a lot to do with questions about me having enough insurance. Ha, ha. Be good folks, better than anything else.

Trauma... weakness piles on to increase discomfort.... it just is life at risk....

   I and my wife are a couple, of old folks with different desires and different priorities. So the first step is to keep out of each other's way, and help each other when we can. In general we had wonderful examples in our families of how to live life. For some reason my wife can't give up shoes, her shoes. They have significance I will never understand. Since she is going to be a widow, she gets to keep the shoes. I am going to empty one shelving unit, disassemble it, maybe to put it up somewhere else, maybe. But every I do bring up moving stuff she balks and wants to do something that won't work, until she thinks it through.

   My problem, almost gone now, it that I thought I had saved all the important stuff for the end of the World, or at least my world as I thought about it. With this much stuff, I need to stop worrying about it. It is not worth my trouble. Inside I want to give everything to someone for their use, beside someone making lots of money from it. I did give the history tactical gaming magazines away today. Since someone else has them, they no longer concern me. My aunt planned and worked better at it than I am, but she was a wonder. I thank the federal government for their destruction of my news addictions. I just don't care - they have been wrong before, and I expect they will be again and again.  I will make sure I have some stuff for Goodwill every day, maybe they can move it.

  Didn't work out today at the YMCA, forgot to lock my locker, forgot to have recharged my cellphone, and so I took the old Vietnamese Mister Li to coffee and we talked, about our whatevers. Well, church tonight and for me that means AWANAS. Now back to moving out before my passing over. Ha, ha... it will never get done but I will be trying.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Packed that weekend up and I did well... but getti...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Packed that weekend up and I did well... but getti...:   We had Men's Village Bible Study at our home on Saturday evening, pray, study and discuss, then pray again and then eat. Who hosts has...

Packed that weekend up and I did well... but getting old, moving to elder...

  We had Men's Village Bible Study at our home on Saturday evening, pray, study and discuss, then pray again and then eat. Who hosts has three days of search for main meats, snacks, paper plates, cups of lots of stuff to clean up. The Spanaway group was once about twelve men., now around seven faithful. What mainly happened was changing the large group of twelve to make more effective local groups elsewhere. I suspect that we got older and died off, our wives had problems, and we were distracted by current events on digital distraction devices. We have a core, each member puts five dollars in the hat/cap and we send the money to The Gideon's International, which means I get unasked for mailings from their contributor lists. I got stuff moved, helped my wife find her roaster, LARGE hiding in the garage since last year. I also was called in to find the crystal water pitcher, which I had misplaced since I put it in the wrong cabinet. I was going by my height and logic, since I could see it (TOP shelf and surrounded by other crystal items). Love being a hunter finder hero of the moment. Why don't we entertain more, my wife feels competition from other women and homes, for my sake, of course. Yes, she knows I don't really care at her professional level.
   Sunday service, adult Sunday school and members stayed around or returned for the 1330 business meeting, agenda  three items, small group of conflictors trying to muscle the church their way, we are still searching for a Senior Pastor. Meeting should have taken no more than one hour and a half, it went on to three hours. I fell getting out of my pew, alarmed too many, felt like a fool pretending I am still spry and able. I am moving to other seats, since the worship areas are not designed by the no longer needed. I will lay by the pool, hoping someone will drag me in to be cured one day.  I was not hurt, I didn't fall on the two little ladies that I was working so hard to avoid bothering. Only my self image was again crushed. No more telephone booths for changing into Superman, everyone will be exposed to gravity. It is a law.

 

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: History and I will be parting soon,

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: History and I will be parting soon,:    My America, the one I grew up in, the one I served as my ancestors did, the one they helped build and maintain is gone. Most of their, li...

History and I will be parting soon,

   My America, the one I grew up in, the one I served as my ancestors did, the one they helped build and maintain is gone. Most of their, little people with little lives will be written away by authors, reporters and nonsense spouted as truth. There doesn't seem to be an office of disinformation, a central control for changing history, language and custom or memory. Orwell thought too highly of the clerks and administrative staffing of the Empire, thinking only that total control would mean more perfection. It doesn't. Accept the flaws and fragility of humans, the variations will allow adaptation and success in addressing issues not dreamed about. Why robots and programming codes will never feel an answer.

   I was standing on the steps of the legislative building in Olympia, (17 JAN 2020) demonstrating for my right to keep and bear arms. The legislature was inside hiding mostly, and working on more infringements to them as their answer to the money flowing in from Bloomberg's Anti-Gun organizations. All aimed at controlling the good folks of the state or the nation. He will always outspend me. I just buy another gun. Well, I don't but there are some that think we all should.  I want to add some evergreen branches and needles to outline the fine animal and the caution to government. Haven't yet. One of those things on the procrastination piles in my mind.

   I was very proud of the demonstrations in Richmond, VA, where the anti-Gun goofs are earning their money from Bloomberg and folks of good intent but lots of not smarts. When wondering why this struggle always goes on, no one is charged with treason for undermining the rules of the Constitutions. No one hangs, loses office for betraying their oath, nothing happens then they come back and try it again. Then I started realizing that most Americans have spent a lifetime of only obeying the laws that fit their purpose. They speed, they drink too young, they know how to buy alcohol after hours, how to get the drugs they want when they want. According to some, they may even cheat on their taxes (because they really don't like being so closely fleeced?)

   In my personal life, I have delivered and sold two loads of books and DVDs from my excess to Half Price Books. Had I more boxes and less desire to exercise and socialize at the YMCA I could be done already. Work in progress. Not the money I am after, will never get that cost back, I had my reading and all they stirred in my mind for as long as I can remember. Thank you, Mom for giving me the joy of great stories and history and busty lasses on Historic adventure paperbacks. Those with the swords and pistols meant fine adventures.  Anyway, I want to have my books find readers and sharers. Some go to sales, some to libraries and some to others interested. Time is getting closer for the remodeling of the home, so much stuff to get moved out or away.

So I am up before reporting to the Green in Olympia, for the Pro Gun Rights Rally, and it isn't about guns.

  It is about Liberty, for I am not marching for the right to shoot anyone, I give that up to the government. They proclaim the law about murder, assault, threats and injury. Those laws need to be there to have the State bear the burden of punishing the guilty. All seems to be based on Biblical Commandments but without God just sinners in charge.  Which means it will be flawed, but it is the expected results of too much power in the hands of too little love, understood nor practiced.

  Timing is everything, the government has gone over to the evil side, the godless side and the blind leading the blind side. No longer working. Always putting more power in the hands of people not accountable to the people, seemingly not accountable to the law even, different laws for different folks, folks that think they are above the law, love, truth or justice... all those are only words, and they don't mean what you think, and we have all been wrong before and we expect we will all be wrong again.

  I am taking my camera, and my intent to keep bearing arms in liberty and love of life. I can do no less, it is like teaching the young or the ones that don't know why it has worked for so long and seems to no longer be working well, or working for tyranny and evil so easily. I think no violence is best, I think speaking up and calmly and critically is important. Just as important as to die for others to live in Liberty and love of their LORD. The pacifists are correct, don't kill just live in the spirit.

  I have questions, mostly it is why they fear folks with guns? Why have they decided that they know why I own guns, shoot guns and feel free to carry guns - it has never been for their fears, nor the strange thoughts that have no truth in their minds, hearts or speech. We need to address their fears, I can't fix stupid, and they are living on lies I can only show them truths and hope to open their eyes, ears, hearts and minds... they project their worst upon their view of life, a very sad dark view.

The last time I marched and stood for the 2nd Amendment

  I have finished my glass of warmed milk, I have thought in my mind about the huge difference in my preparations for a demonstration and Captain Parker's and his training band. No conflict here, but the fools all seem to want one, but I did mention they are fools, didn't I?



 

2020 New Year have to reorganize or just try to...

  So we have a Home Improvement scheduled and I have to organize a life around losing much of my home to workers and improvements. Along with that I want my computer cave to get some love, that project will be all mine. But Procrastination has ruled and now I am going to savagely reduce my library, I have a lot of DVDs and a couple of Blue Ray to dump, then new books to donate to a library, older books to Goodwill, and new military books (I left in 1995) to the local base library.

Slogging along....

  So I have started selling to Half-Price books, watching muted playoff football games, as I read about William the Conqueror's final years of conquest and defense against all comers. You think we really understand today's news - try readings about long ago and far away, although in your genetic and family dinner table tales. They just aren't the same stories. I never finished reading Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose, giving me all the reasons that the mission was a diverse blend of folks. Lewis and Clark took what they could and did the best they could. Kind of like Apollo Thirteen, seeing it from outside the scramble to survive with your popcorn and Coke, not the same as 'Houston, we have a problem.' in Tom Hanks voice. (I do have Undaunted Courage on my kindle, I will read it once I muffle my bias it is a fine adventure) 

    I keep wondering why my dreams keep taking back to Ft Bragg in the 82nd in the 19-whatever years, maybe I want to jog again? Don't worry, as Hal Evans told me, I don't jog... it was more slog along the road side. Probably too painful for others to watch. On a jog one morning, I got a call from the side of the road by the SF folks. It was an SF Major that was one of my fellow candidates in OCS in 1967. This was 1984 or 85. So we talked and it was cool, I was a 1SG and he was a Major. We were both Master Parachutists, ha, ha.

Year Seventy-three begins...

Grandparents visit before off to Europe, 1978

  Good Morning! Wow, lovely good wishes for my birthday - shocking to me, I am now outliving my father. Only in time spent wondering if I should have done it his way... Don't worry, I have figured out that being thankful for all the blessings I have lived is better than trying to catch up with his life - talking with my son last evening made me realize I wish I could have spent more time talking to my father. I miss my son's talking to me over the net while he was in the middle-east where ever. We must have made almost a solid hour some times. I still want to sit around a card table playing Canasta and talking, and making my best plays with my partner.
   My contacts yesterday sent me tearing into old stuff, not finding what I should have, making me realize that I was going to have to dig out from underneath piles of books and papers. New read books are going to the library, used and older ones are off to Half-price Books (but then I might stop to browse and pick some up! Ugh, I might never get out from under!)
    I was exhausted yesterday, no longer feeling ill we went to the service department to renew the wife's car. While there I read Milton Friedman, I am going to have to try him again, later when I won't be falling asleep as my mind wears out why did he say it that way. Car finally finished, washed and returned, we went off to eat steak - it is my birthday, the treat was my wife's and I think I left my NRA Cap there in the booth on the seat. Didn't get my daily dose of The Five, nor Tucker Carlson yesterday (speeds my recovery, ha, ha)  Well, have to start moving, y'all be good.

First visit to the YMCA of 2020...

  Picked up some medication and I noted that for some reason, all these sick folks gather at the pharmacy to catch each other's illness while they await their medication. Likely been doing that for centuries. Maybe home delivery is a better way to get them and control the spread of illness. I stopped quickly at the YMCA before I got my MRI.
   As a I caught up with the older Airborne elder, he told me on of his heart surgeons was looking for someone to teach his college son marksmanship before the Army got hold of him. Seems he is in Oregon in the ROTC program.  I figure he is trying to get a leg up, to be ahead of the rest of his class. So I gave the old paratrooper my card so they could contact me to talk about some familiarization. Have to see what he wants, has time for and where he would like to shoot.
   If he wants to come to Tacoma for a weekend run, I have the rifle, ammunition and local range where he can shoot. There is too much magic in shooting now days. Everyone thinks everything is licensed, regulated, or a professional expert instructors are difficult to find. Maybe it is, we don't draft everyone like in the old days, not everyone has served in the military, the military training is okay, just okay until you get to what your regular unit wants from the soldier and is willing to invest in your training, practice and skill enhancements. The military will almost always go to higher tech and more explosive rounds first. But the new qualification system looks promising.
    No telling what is going to happen about this favor. I am willing to talk, plan, execute for a day anyway, and I can always recommend learning in Oregon with an Appleseed or on a local range with a local NRA or CMP instructor. The next Appleseed weekend around here is 8-9 February, 2020 in Redmond.  Like I said too much 'magic' in how to learn, set, up and experience and practice. No one knows now, and experts are all busy turning out experts in whatever has to do with firearms. But most shooters don't feel uncomfortable sharing the knowledge, some ammunition and opinions. There are lawyers, laws, and liabilities but if the shooter can't learn and follow the four safety rules, I have nothing easier to teach him.

New Year, another chance to get it all right...

  So what is it I will do? Better, of course, just have to do better. We all do. First we have to decide who we are, who we want to be, what can we do about getting there - and always remember little victories count as much as major ones.
 
   I have concerns with the idea that government can replace God, but the government goofs love it, it does increase their power, and they are all about power. So to me, I have to get closer to God, and work on me, for I am the only one I can change to be better. Yeah, I am almost a nice guy, much better than I was long ago and far away. Still I am not happy with my best.  Not brave enough, need to stand up for what I believe and speak well - quietly enough that it may persuade them and not frighten them.

   Take the 2nd Amendment, first- a well regulate militia is necessary for the security of a free state -
That has never ever meant the National Guard, nor the professional military folks, nor the police. It has always meant the law abiding good people that are the foundation of the free state. Currently with the abundance of laws, regulations, decrees and policies, the number of armed and out of control agencies dominating our government structures - they are evidence of power projections from the ruling elite, and I don't mean the elected people, I do mean the ruling elite the folks with money and power and voice. They seem to be the doom of the Republic, and they took over so sublimely. They tell you that it is still a government of the people, by the people and for the people.... beautiful concept, it isn't true today. Find good people, make good people and trust good people. Only then can we regain the Republic.
   Second, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed... which really does mean the I can have my cannon, armed aircraft, tank or single shot .22 short. No restriction on that, the government has been established to ensure I don't kill, maim, wound, assault, or threaten my fellow men. And it is supposed to ensure justice. Don't allow the media or the political hacks project their fears upon you and your harmony with the universe - which is the only weapon the anti-gun goofs have to pretend disarming will protect everyone from death from afar. It is only true if you believe it, in your mind. Being a nice person will save you far more than having a gun or no one else being allowed to own and shoot a gun.

   I will continue to work with organizations that believe in America, its Constitution and folks. I will assist in teaching marksmanship, gun safety and history of the nation and the world. I will also work on teaching young people and discussing with old folks religion and politics and solving problems.

   Trying to become a harmless old man is easy, trying to stay relevant not so much. I keep thinking that Don Quixote and I have too much in common. Y'all have a great new year, and you don't have to start over, you just have to endeavor to persevere.

Season't Greetings... read Washington's Crossing by David Hacket Fisher....

   Day before Christmas and my wife and I stop at the Credit Union to sign for a Home Improvement Line of Credit. Interesting, I don't need to draw on it until I need to write checks, and I pay nothing until they send the money I need to my account. Okay. sounds good. Rather win the Lotto, but we all know that won't happen.

    We stopped at the Berger King for a quick breakfast, and Hal Evans, my old friend was there having breakfast with his sister, who was up from California visiting her daughter and granddaughter.... how cool is that? It became a great time, talk, eat, talk... Catching up a little since the last time we met there for breakfast. She remembered me and my Trusty Triumph from years ago. I do still have the motorcycle, just terrified to try and ride it anywhere. I do need to slow do my clicking with mouse and software. I have to regain control of my Windows 10 machine, seems like it has started to respond correctly.

     Seems cold air and wet hair combined to lower my resistance to  a cold, and I now have a stuffy nose and some sneezing and desire for hot soup, hot tea and honey.. My wife has a desire for a really clean home, in case we get someone dropping by for the holiday. The new vacuum is great, picking lots of stuff.  I try to find some meaning in what is on the cable screen, Xfinity didn't get the new components to us, but it isn't nine pm here yet. Still I have more than I need now. All the other packages and gifts arrived, and I got Merry Christmas greetings and shared some with the delivery folks, trying to make everyone's holiday perfect. So I am now on the Hallmark, fireplace, holiday music from all the eras, and kittens, cats, puppies and small dogs, and rabbits?

   PEACE on Earth and Good Will towards Men. And the angels will sing and life is best when done in the Glory of the Lord.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: It is Friday, Remember the Deployed... been there ...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: It is Friday, Remember the Deployed... been there ...: and we are still doing that.     Today a break from YMCA, I am waiting on a service repairman. I found my powder horn, just almost where I...

It is Friday, Remember the Deployed... been there and done that....

and we are still doing that.

    Today a break from YMCA, I am waiting on a service repairman. I found my powder horn, just almost where I remember it.  I think that California will have this school shooting frenzy fixed as soon as they teach the students how to live like prisoners, instead of free folks. That should fix it. They are doing so well with all their other efforts. I wish they had schools and communities like I grew up in. We didn't seem to be unduly influenced to kill others in our struggle to be important enough for love. But then I do remember starting the day with the Lord's Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance - pre-Marxist take over of education. Not that I believe in the pledge to a godless government of goofs. I do believe in Liberty under the LORD, justice and honor. Once believed that everyone did.

Dad and Mom came to Korea to visit. Reunion Tour.

  Just checked out my father's Junior Class Yearbook, 1942 TIGER, Albert Lea, Minnesota. He went to the Prom, played pool and his school didn't look that different than mine, except his was really larger. Well, my wife is up - I will have to drink my coffee and make myself useful gazing at the screens everywhere. Still working on the Procrastination Pile.   

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Veterans' Day weekend at an Appleseed...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Veterans' Day weekend at an Appleseed...:    One of the best parts of being just an old man, is sharing with those that aren't. I was signed up and went to the Appleseed in Redmo...

Veterans' Day weekend at an Appleseed...

   One of the best parts of being just an old man, is sharing with those that aren't. I was signed up and went to the Appleseed in Redmond to help. Saturday was a bit tough, the water was often falling the Sun was cloud covered but we soldiered on. I got to tell the Second Strike of the match and private Hosmer and Captain Davis died and Luther Blanchard would be wounded and the Revolutionary War hadn't begun yet, leave the audience hanging waiting for the third strike of the match, when it would.
    Will got his Shoot Boss hat, which talented man he is he had crafted to fit him. Looks very good on him. He had his family supporting, and they all had nice Appleseed sweatshirts for the day. Ben and Leanna had come up from Vancouver, WA. Good to work with them again. I will be going down to Douglas Ridge Rifle Club to learn some Pistol Seed training later this month. We picked up another volunteer, and a new Orange Hat was presented on Sunday.
     Our first day of the event was wet and cool, which to shooters that have to lay down in water is cold, no drying out possible. Sunday was better, the clouds would be fleeting and everything seemed to dry a bit, and we felt warm. Reviewed on Sunday was quick and complete and the shooters got to cranking out better groups and higher scores as the day went on.  By the afternoon, we were hollering out loud HUZZAHS! for all the Riflemen scores and Cleaned Redcoat targets. It did seem to rain success upon the shooters, made me think we must have had a lot of ringers or repeat Appleseeders, but it was just magic. Cleaned up and got to drive home in the daylight, the message of John Adams and those days shared with the shooters of our future.  All about Liberty, gentle readers.

Napping while waiting in barracks for Yom Kipper War 1973

   Today is Veterans Day, and I have been posting pictures of my military veteran moments on Face book.  It has been fun, will go back to normal and family and such on Friday probably. As I was scanning through my digital photo album I ran across this October 1973 photo, a candid shot from the upper bunk of the NCO's room. I don't remember who took it. We had been alerted and assembled to respond to the Yom Kipper War (which hadn't been named yet). Like most military gatherings, at a certain point it is 'hurry up and wait'. The rumor mill said one American Airborne Division was going to confront seven Soviet Airborne divisions in the Sinai or Egypt. I wonder if the coming end of the Vietnam War had much to do with the American response, remember talking to a Ft Sill Sergeant that got his self propelled gun ready to deploy and then lost it to the Israelis until it could be replaced by another six or more months later.  We never got to find out if the 82nd could handle all those Soviet paratroopers, thank God, and maybe there were better heads than mine? But reading the Wikipedia article reminds me 'they serve who only stand and watch' or sleep under a magazine waiting for glory.

   Lots of Veterans in my family and our history, I was really unhappy with our nation and the treatment after I came back from Vietnam, I was honored to serve and others had painted us black and ugly. Bad enough that our great grandchildren will never know how proud I was to serve, the country drove me to stay around for the next one because I couldn't really talk to those civilians. I remember telling a war story to a family audience at my mother's home and as I blurted out the f-word for effect my mind had flashing red alarm lights going off - right in front of my mother! I stopped using vulgarity in my conversation, until it would enhance my life. But nothing ever happened to me is always going to be my best war story. I wrote an essay title "Secret Hero" and read it at my father's memorial, but I figured everyone that risks everything for a cause is a hero, even when they don't pay the price. The hard part is coming home and being a gentle person, making a family and building a better future and at the end of a fine productive life you will be remembered for all your best. No medal nor marches needed, just surrounded by your good life and loves.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: So a couple days before Veterans Day weekend, we r...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: So a couple days before Veterans Day weekend, we r...:   I have an Appleseed in Redmond this coming weekend, and won't be at my church to honor the veterans, one of which I am. So I will ment...

So a couple days before Veterans Day weekend, we remember when...

  I have an Appleseed in Redmond this coming weekend, and won't be at my church to honor the veterans, one of which I am. So I will mention it at Wednesday AWANA meeting, and stress the Dangerous Old Men stories on Sunday, since they seem to have all been veterans. My wife is going with other church ladies to do their day of volunteer visit to the Soldiers Home here in Washington. Our fourth graders normally say hello on the third Sunday with a trip on the church bus. I have changed my background and my personal picture daily on Facebook. As we get closer to the event the number of posts about the dead increase although it isn't Memorial Day. But fallen comrades should always be honored and remembered more than we do normally.

   I was never as great a soldier as I could have been, but then none of them are but they are all trying. My grandfather mentioned he was in WWI, not to me ever, but he had really spent the remainder of his life being a minister and missionary and working for International Peace. My father came home and until I got back from Vietnam didn't really talk about his wartime work in the Pacific Theater. He had used his GI bill to learn how to fly, and then raised a family and flew. I often thought that America after World War II was deeply affected and moved by veterans that came back from their war determined to build a better life than that they had lived while in the service.  I do remember my father telling me that The Gallant Men and Combat on evening television were nothing like real war. I enlisted in 1967 because I wanted to be a soldier, Special Forces, having read the Green Beret and having a love of history and heroes. Luckily I didn't ever get exactly what I thought I wanted. My recruiter failed to mention that I was a year too young to enlist for Special Forces so I signed up for Airborne Infantry.

   Shipped off to the Republic of Korea, where my wonderful test scores gained me a slot in an artillery battery (needs of the service) and I talked and worked my way into the Fire Direction Center after making corporal as an assistant gunner on the howitzer.  Like I said, luckily I don't always get what I want, needs of the service, and tours in ROK x2, FRG x3, RVN, 82nd ABN x3, Drill Sergeant 3 yrs, finally retiring in Aug 1994.

Reading Kipling "the 'Eathan" which says it all.

   I was asked by a brother at church what era I was in when I served, I found the term 'era' funny, but told him Vietnam and Gulf War. His son wanted to know if we killed anyone, and did I get hurt. But you can't really tell children what they need to remember when they get older and need your advice, can you? Tell them it was important that you did the best you could while there, don't tell them how stupid and helpless you often felt. Maybe when they get older and into a service uniform and trusting you they may need your best answers - keep talking to them.

  Yes, sir! Veteran of 27 yrs, 5 mos and one day. I have been thanked for my service and I do hope all of yours has been all that the Lord would wish. Mine was.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: The End is near, Repent...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: The End is near, Repent...:   So the dramatic unCivil Was has begun, the drama and tension are quickly rising and it is all blamed upon Trump and the Media and the godl...

The End is near, Repent...

  So the dramatic unCivil Was has begun, the drama and tension are quickly rising and it is all blamed upon Trump and the Media and the godless Democrats. But really, it is me, my bad, my fault -- I did so many good and almost great things (only in my daydreams) that I can't get into the current culture, and feel so sad that so many are wallowing in it, like it is the only way to think and be. And it ain't!

   So I am the party of one, exerting some influence upon my lovely lady. And we vote soon, 5 Nov, and have deep questions to help answer. Like why can't they use simple English to write Bills and Referendums and Initiatives? Something simple like the lawyers don't need to be hired to read it for us folks.

    I have been thinking about my age, got good news on the liver, no problems. But on the two issues I vote about both are suffering from stupidity of the media and the politicians. So I am sad. I did sign up for two more Appleseeds, and one new pistolseed preview/presentation for instructors. In eleven years of Revolutionary War Veterans Associations and Appleseeds, it was only my Life Membership in the National Rifle Association that made me a domestic terrorist according to the stupid lady in San Francisco. I know she doesn't know me, and can't send the authorities against me, but she spreads ignorance and doom.

   My only defense is to continue to speak, teach, instruct, coach and love our LORD and Liberty, the Zombies and Walking Dead are on the way. The Media love the drama and build up to the climax so the fools get all the notice, my eleven years of working on the ranges with shooters and other instructors, without accidents, without terrorizing anyone, without mobilizing to stupid conflict and hate -- is no proof of anything. But it will be part of my life, since only the writers can change the history, and some of them have a message without facts just their feelings.

 

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Great Appleseed weekend... had to be there...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Great Appleseed weekend... had to be there...:    I showed up and helped out, and the shooters were awesome. So many Riflemen made and repeated this weekend that the group will be remembe...

Great Appleseed weekend... had to be there...

   I showed up and helped out, and the shooters were awesome. So many Riflemen made and repeated this weekend that the group will be remembered. Officially, 8 new, two repeats and only a few still knocking at the door or wanting to grow a few more years. Saw so many happy people both days, one would wonder why more folks aren't taking the liberty built into our country to have safe marksmanship training and firearms safety instruction and a shared with friends and family event.

Kimber Custom (Ben) presenting me the 100 event recognition

Shoot Boss DRRC. Eagle Creek, OR

    Since I never signed up for this event as an instructor or shooter, there might be no official record. But the efforts of Andy and Ben came to fruition in that they were able to present me with a 100 event pin, a challenge coin and a nice note from Rusty, the National Coordinator.  Done in front of the new shooters was I hope motivating to them.

I have to write to link to the first AAR, HERE! Not the first one I shot at, HERE!

1st IIT at Wade's DAR. Dec 2008

I am retired retired, I can go back to bed twice....

  Great weekend at an Appleseed event, you know a safe rifle marksmanship instruction and shooting event, where they tell stories about April 19, 1775 in Boston, Lexington and Concord, MA. You know the ones that keep being held and no media coverage because - it is safe, it is traditional, and not worth being afraid of.  Hard to make folks fear what they understand and can control.

   Went to the bank on Tuesday, felt a little old. I was in the line with all the others that seem to be grey or white hairs, wrinkled folks. Not trusting their fingers and digital distraction devices to do online banking, (aren't there enough ways to be ripped off in the world, someone has to invent more?) We were all patient and the tellers were kind and helpful, felt good not to be concerned with politics and turmoil of value. Watching too many commercials will do that to those not watching how misled the country has become.

   Discussions after Sunday School, about the coming collapse when Trump loses, or the otherside wins, or whatever. I had to point out that we shouldn't change one bit, still have God, Salvation, and we know the answers that will work. I would guess that unbelievers don't understand how Christians work in the world. The Chinese Communists fear Moslems, Christians, and Liberty - all things that make the individuals and their family and loves beyond the perfect mindless well behaving workers that they depend upon for service to their ideal nation.

later Friday before another Appleseed.

   Finished my liver biopsy, results next week, lots of rage and foolery on the FB feed. Find my brother has been having his first experience with cancer and doctors having to do the operation twice to get it all. But he has it out and his fingers still work, now if he will allow healing to take place at our age it isn't as quick as our imagination always wants. Instant gratification is even slowing down for more profit at Amazon.com, isn't it?

   I remain convinced that Western Civilization is in decline again. There was a fine article that I read about how we couldn't do what our fathers and grandfathers did, although we have a lot of cool toys and warm or cool homes.... but as a nation we can't, the real leaders weren't made on the anvil of failure and frustration. We are looking for heroes that will save us in the two hour max time at the movies. Don't want to know who the McCoy was of the real McCoy items. Yeah, we can google it, just can't be that effective ourselves. We were schooled to be good little students, workers, consumers... and not to get out of line... Don't give up hope, just rely on God, Grace and goodness. Nothing else works. I need to prepare for tomorrow. God bless y'all.

So what wakes me at 1 in the morning...

 Well, maybe rebuilding my life in my mind's eye, where my thoughts are wildly wandering... dusty old stuff all over here. I find myself holding my wife's hand, why? She and I know but we aren't telling, we just laughed at my mother's joyful snapping a photograph of my holding my wife's hand as we strolled among the roses in France, Paris or Lyon in my memory. Her imagination of our love was always less romantic than it should have been. She shouldn't have raised such a wall flower that thought he was just cactus or bramble bushes. Just a frightened fellow that needs a thick skin with visible signs warning of dangers if one bumps into him... lonely level one...

   Well, my monitor tells me it was going to sleep, as I listen to Up on Cripple Creek, because I scrolled across it as I checked out my Course of Instruction for this coming weekend in Ariel, WA. I was doing so much better without the digital attacks of the computers for my attention and consideration and commercial exploitation of my piles of treasure.... but I have a Pacemaker check today, see how Tracy is coming with her treatment or if I have a new tech. I will visit the YMCA after and come home to maintain my Colt AR 15A4 before Beto knocks on my door to take it away... for some reason that is on my pile of political promises I never expect to see carried out, seems they won't make any money at it. If they could gain revenue they would do it, but no money no honey....

  So I sat on a bench outside the YMCA yesterday with an older paratrooper than I, he did the jump school where they learned to assemble the gliders of his day after WWII, then off to Okinawa and Korea in year two of the war... early into Vietnam as an adviser under a just planted MACV. Before SF got hot and we started shipping Divisions over there. He is the smarter than I man that talks to all the ladies as they pass by, asking bout their lives, loves and children. Makes everyone smile. Smiling works fairly well. I went off to buy groceries, stuff I wanted but didn't really need... ha, ha. Worked for me, steak last night, a nice thick one. Now I am listening to Marty Robbins and singing along to the ones I know best, which seems to be more than I thought. Especially all the gun fighter songs. Surprises me how many romantic ballads I know, too.

  Well, it isn't even 4 am now, but I can go back to sleep. Night!

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Well. the death struggle of America continues...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Well. the death struggle of America continues...:      You know, the one that Jefferson, Adams, Washington and Franklin told us about, where the tree of Liberty would have to be watered with...

Well. the death struggle of America continues...

     You know, the one that Jefferson, Adams, Washington and Franklin told us about, where the tree of Liberty would have to be watered with the blood of patriots. Madison worked hard to make it stick with a Constitution that limited Federal government. They did all know what would happen when Americans forgot God and started to worship power and money thinking that good government could replace the LORD. Generations and time march on things change, I would guess the speed of everything from communications, thought, commerce, community the idea that 'we know' what is true. Most common thought is beginning Marxism, and not the famous brother comedy team. Can't do much about it, there aren't enough thinkers and worshipers remaining in control points. Education is done, federal and state governments and both major political parties are corrupt or just tainted with stupidity. One hates to think that anyone is intelligent and sucking up to the evil in poor government bureaucracy. That shouldn't be possible, should it?

    It becomes tiring to stand independent, alone or almost a tiny minority. Although the best examples of real resistance are in the devote religious sects. It they aren't LDS, Amish, Jewish, Quaker they may not survive the attacks by the AFT, or Federal Government Goodness goofs. Or they may also get wiped out by drinking Kool Aid under the guns of cult. Or barbarian invasions and the laziness of forgetting who the original empire maker was and his struggle, and how they lived in the old days.


 Really, our passion for learning makes it seem that the forefathers, and the great leaders/heroesalways alone in their quest for independence, good government, farming and industry. And they never were alone. They always came from a family, had a faith, an idea, could follow, lead or die in a cause, or write their posterity about the struggle and encourage the continuing evolution of a nation. But it isn't the nation that is important as the community to which they wanted to belong. that followed were

    Commonly now it is the State and the Individual, and from the NFL to the NBA, and WWE they echo the hallowed halls of learning and government there is only how well one does, how much can you make money and how much you can be influenced to the cause... whatever the most important cause is now, not asking more than obedience to authority, rule by law not living in the spirit. There was much more art, poetry, song and dance in our lives but it gets run off for the universal beige and subtle colors of the DMV and waiting areas to pacifying the mindless masses. It wasn't the real drab of grey, black and faded blues of the Soviet Workers Paradise less. When art, song, and poetry became the line item on a budget far below the cost of defense, security and propaganda to maintain the dominance of the Law, the rules and the few that never had to concern themselves again - well what was best believed is over.

   To those that understand, I will see you on the range, in the library, at the social point places along the way. Cling to your Faith, families and gentle goodness and good notions and spreading love among those that will accept if they ever know what is best for others. And stay engaged in life and the struggle to be worthy of the gift. We all are worthy, just don't seem to know it.

 

So, two emails to my Senators and my Congressman...

   Means I hope they get the message about my concerns, will do again later. Mostly I would like the government to leave me alone, I have things to do... don't we all?  Seems that my linkage to the

Not the NRA in America

National Rifle Association makes me a terrorist to be feared by the faint-hearted few. Some nice looking elected lady in San Francisco convinced her fellow fearful folks that all their alarm over AR anythings and mass shootings is the fault of the NRA, an organization that promotes the common use of military grade weapons among those evil gun goofs. Well, the truth is that the NRA isn't what she fears, but since urban myths are the stuff of horror fiction, thank you Stephen  King, and she knows that all MainStreamMedia (that includes you FOXNEWS) is truthful since they say the same things as her friends all do. And 'everybody knows' about the AR rifles. 
    Speaking of which. I took mine to the range and did some more zeroing and getting introduced to my fine AR-15A4, still haven't fired a box of fifty rounds yet. Too frugal, and still learning about my rifle. The thought I should take it to the upcoming Appleseed crossed my mind, and I might have but the Range at Redmond is tight and we had sold out attendance and only four crew. The first priority is instruction in safety, shooting, steady hold factors, Natural Point of Aim, Rifleman's cadence, and what Americans were about in 1775 around Boston. For sure they aren't like that any more... something happened since.  We don't cover what happened.
     I was called by a robot that wanted me to press a button. I don't answer to robots. Something about an appointment at a Cardio Clinic of the Franciscan System. I didn't have evidence of  one in my papers, will have to call and find out who requested it, twasn't me.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Time to quit the struggle? Why, too much stupid ev...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Time to quit the struggle? Why, too much stupid ev...: The King demonstrates he can't do it all.    The government is very clear, they don't appreciate the 2nd Amendment. And because ...

Time to quit the struggle? Why, too much stupid everywhere?

The King demonstrates he can't do it all.

   The government is very clear, they don't appreciate the 2nd Amendment. And because the gun goofs focus on the second part of the sentence and not the first (worrying about government overreach) we no longer have a secure Free State. We are just the lesser creatures and no longer really in charge of the nation and its destiny. We don't secure it, defend it, nor are we treated as important for more than our uninformed votes. The two major political parties ensure change just doesn't happen, the Justice and law enforcement seem to only worry about generating money, and holding back anyone that rumbles about the government. There is little evidence that the elites will have to be subject to criminal codes if they get great lawyers and special consideration.

   As long as they control the news and the message, there will always be fools sure that the government will be able to control everything. The truth is they never are, they may have to kill a lot of their citizens but the government, in all cases where the voters aren't engaged in making the right things happen, fails over half the time. Two examples in America, illegal immigration and drug enforcement. Why would you think firearms would be any different?

   Make sure you contact your Congressperson, often. They do note trends of emails and townhall points. They will follow the Party line, but keep trying.
 

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: I seem to have writer's block, which is causing fa...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: I seem to have writer's block, which is causing fa...: First party date, son's wedding    My mind whirls on, and on. Jumping from the NRA leadership failures, absolute power corrupts abso...

I seem to have writer's block, which is causing failure to engage in life activities....

First party date, son's wedding

   My mind whirls on, and on. Jumping from the NRA leadership failures, absolute power corrupts absolutely... etc...to Congress, the Staffing of Washington, DC. Roman History and Arthurian legends and truths in generals....

  Make eggs and stuff, drive off to a church meeting about AWANAs, get schedules and training material, start to lay out my year calendar -- always pretending that another medical adventure won't interrupt. Dennis Tabb and Daniel Oh and I met with Pastor Nathan. I next need to start engaging in RWVA Appleseed events again. But today, I am off to the range for my AR-15A4 familiarization, zero and back to repack my vehicle and help my wife with household maintenance. Local area has the LeMay Family Autoshow at Marymount. Nice place to visit today, but not for me. Today also starts the Washington State Fair. They will start advertising it as 'Do the Puyallup' later, as if the fair is not as important as the rides, food and shows.

Fire Base Phoenix, Tien Phouc, RVN 1971 

  It is all important, don't have to turn on an electronic digital distraction device for entertainment. Dennis was missing his cellphone when he showed up to the meeting, had to borrow Pastor Nathan's to call his wife and find out if it was in his computer area. She didn't answer not recognizing the calling number (way to go, telemarketeers and robocalls!) She finally picked up and I heard half of a discussion about it could have been an emergency. My own failures to answer, being slow or not wanting to answer came immediately to mind so I was on Mrs. Tabb's side. Too many years of being on the end of a radio signal, or landline and knowing the other party isn't as concerned about your wants, needs nor effectiveness as you are. Write me a letter, give me the battle plan and the resources and get out of my way. Ha, ha, ha! Next time you see Mel Gibson in 'We were Soldiers' go get the book and read the last half, about the other battalions engagements with the same enemy.. cause it didn't stop when he got on that last helicopter.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Earl's View, focus on the front sight: What is the...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Earl's View, focus on the front sight: What is the...: Earl's View, focus on the front sight: What is the fear today? Lots of them being passed ... :    How does this fool notion that you can...

Tuesday morning....

  Quiet waking, my spouse came in and went to bed finally. She has been hanging with her friends from foreign lands in foreign speak, but heart warming social needs met and warmed until she had to face the cold American reality. She will sleep for many hours.

I liked quiet stand to then

   I can't sleep after morning wakend, I get up and turn off the outdoor lighting, and walk through the humming home to find, and fill the coffee maker.  If you truly want quiet you have to cut the power. Don't do that, I am not disturbed by my wife's breathing at night, I never notice silence until I take my breakfast onto the back porch and enjoy almost nature sounds. God is good. Two well cooked thick slices of bacon, two eggs and milk whipped up to gather the grease, slice of cheese for dairy and lovers salad (lettuce alone).

  No Tucker Carlson last evening, I spent time putting my CMP all Weather Sling (synthetic brown) on the new rifle and then reading to Blues in the background. I will start positions and dry practice today as I start lying to myself (great intentions gone awry). By eight I need to be on the road to the YMCA, early start is better than later making excuses for not doing my full rehab program.. I did notice as we were picking up and moving picnic tables in the park on Saturday how comfortable I am with not pretending to be strong and dangerous MALE. 'fat old man' fits and I can wear it, it is all mine. None of the ladies dress for me and I can enjoy all they abundantly display - although the credit union doesn't seem the best place to put on the slut mode. I really don't use the word slut, except to convey the shock of seeing more than I would want my daughter, wife, mother to show the public in the public.

  Mind is rapidly moving on, from thought to thought - I need to move out. Take care out there and be better than even you expected. It will be well, it will.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: What is the fear today? Lots of them being passed ...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: What is the fear today? Lots of them being passed ...:    How does this fool notion that you can't swim exist? Everyone can swim, but breathing water never works. It does help to learn in a c...

What is the fear today? Lots of them being passed around...

   How does this fool notion that you can't swim exist? Everyone can swim, but breathing water never works. It does help to learn in a controlled environment with experts, but Hondo has been tossing kids into the water for a long time. But you can allow your fears to magnify to the point that you can't swim, and that isn't helpful, neither is getting your training from watching Hondo and the boy. Nor is it productive to outlaw unregulated swimming without a life guard present and a certification of proficiency.

   Jump to school shootings, well I never saw any in my schooling, so I never knew they existed, when I was young Blackboard Jungle and Westside story meant knives, mostly switchblades, were the weapons of choice for the bad teenage boys.  I even owned one once - cheap waste of bravado enhancement. Pen knife was of more utility and only Spics used knives in fights (stereo types that no one wanted to be like). Most of that was media narrative, there were rules about threatening folks with knives, written and otherwise. But no one worried if any one was carrying a penknife - since two or three bladed knives were standard boy gear.  Why? Because our fathers, uncles and older brothers were all carrying them through the day. Remembering this makes me sure that many men weren't carrying pen knives - no one sharpened quills anymore, the name stuck from when they still did.

   Almost all the things one fears are based on projection of possibilities, it could happen and then magnifying what you want everyone to fear with you. I find walking through the world being amazed and laughing at wonderful surprises better than cowering over someone's nightmare. I don't find joy nor entertainment in the horror movies, but enjoy a good drama or gun slinging adventure with well developed characters... but then I like puzzles, too. I am becoming very accepting of change, fools and folly. Not all those things make me happy, but real life isn't about being happy only about pursuing happiness. And that too will change.

   Time to wake my wife, we have places to be and things to do. Nice to be in this fine country where we can do the important and the pleasing without being preyed upon nor limited by government excess regulations.... oops must not be paying attention, they have a law about that - being adventurous without a license.

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Breaking free, walking away...

Earl's View, focus on the front sight: Breaking free, walking away...:    I have never liked commercials, telemarketers, computer interruptions of my viewing, door knocking salespeople and strangers out to kill ...