Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Individual Shared Responsibility

Individual Shared Responsibility
Kevin Bryant 

The title of this is a little confusing isn’t it? It was confusing to me this morning when I started my car and the first words out of the radio speakers were “Individual Shared Responsibility”. My first though….. “What The *&^% Does That Mean”. Yes I am a Christian yet I am nowhere near saintly so your imagination on what *&^% stands for is very likely accurate. Later on in the program, I got the meaning of it.  

Go ahead, Google it. The first 5 items to pop up are all about Obamacare and meaning of Individual Shared Responsibility. Obamacare and the definition was the theme of that segment of the show. 

To put your minds at ease, I will tell you now this little posting of mine has little to do with Obamacare. Let’s break down the phase “Individual Shared Responsibility” a little shall we. “Individual” = One, “Shared” = A distributed or equitable portion and “Responsibility” = having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone.  

By definition, you can have an individual responsibility, we all have them or you can be part of a shared responsibility. Everyone in the military, law enforcement, firefighting, team sports participant to band member all know well the meaning of shared responsibility. You can have an individual responsibility within a shared responsibility but only our idiotic government could come up with the term “Individual Shared Responsibility”. Could someone PLEASE send me a definition of where this term would make sense outside of ObummerCare? 

Obama talks a lot about “Shared Responsibility” and “Shared Sacrifice” but how often does he speak about individual responsibility and individual sacrifice? Shared sacrifice is a communist idea: Everything done for the collective good. America has always been a collection of individuals, but each different and that has always been what made America different. Little by little though, we are giving up our freedoms for the collective good. Remember the days when seat belts were not required? Remember the days when bike helmets were not required? Remember the days when you could ride in the back of a pickup?  

“Individual Shared Responsibility” is nothing more than a nice way to say “we are taking your freedoms for the collective good”. In reality when you think about it, who’s good are we surrendering things for? Not our own. Not our families? What are our responsibilities as Americans? Take care of ourselves, take care of our families. Educate and look out for the welfare our children. Pay a fair part of our wages to fund the government. Be a productive member of society. Educate ourselves with the individuals running for office so we can make intelligent choices when voting. Educate ourselves to the issues of government. Yes, these are our individual responsibilities but nothing on this list compares to our #1 responsibility when it concerns the government: To be forever vigilant of our government and enforce the idea that government works for us, we do not work for it. That doesn’t mean 51% of Americans work to provide for the majority of the 49% who get welfare from the government. 

What sacrifices are those on welfare who are able to work making? Why doesn’t the Obama administration call it what it really is, pay more taxes so we can buy more votes, take more vacations on the tax payers, pay back the cronies who bundled millions of dollars for his campaign. Mostly, so government can control more of our lives.  

The only sacrifices many Americans should be making are those that benefit us and our families only. Our military, firefighters, law enforcement and other public servants that put themselves in harm’s way for our protection, we owe more than just our gratitude for their sacrifices, but those that choose to not work because they think jobs are beneath them or we owe them something though they have yet to work a full day in their lives, those that choose to not be productive citizens and perform their individual duties and responsibilities as American citizens…… screw them. They chose their lives, let them live with the consequences.  

Friday, March 21, 2014

The Final Headline Is...


“The Final Headline Is…”
Ron Boat

It’s been said that you can tell a country by examining its prison population. Considering the fact that many of America’s criminals are still running loose and holding public office, I thought maybe I’d turn to the media and see what is being reported or promoted by the press in this country for either amusement or profit.

This writing will be short as I think the headlines themselves tell the story of the general mindset and moral and social direction of this country. Make your own decision.

I’ve concluded that either the media has become overly injudicious, is insentiently blind,  disinterestingly unaware or even criminally complicit in the destruction of the intelligence of the population. It’s hard to know as there are so many blatant disregards for truth and reason AND YET… in some cases they are reporting it as it appears to be – possible terrible occurrences.

As I looked through, I did not try to ferret out the worst or most absurd. I didn’t cherry pick but I just found them as they appeared on my screen through general news feeds over a course of a couple weeks. Again, make your own decision.

*Gov't Monitors in Newsrooms? FCC to Look Into Media Decision-Making
*Islam is Changing America and Not for the Better
*Common Core assignment: Remove two amendments
*Texas 6th graders assigned to design flag for new socialist nation
*Indicted: ten members of a Philadelphia ironworkers union for burning down a church employing non-union workers.
*Government Lays Groundwork To Confiscate Your 401k and IRA
*Fourth Georgia hospital closes due to Obamacare payment cuts
*Hospital kidnaps and tortures child in the name of "medicine"
*Yet Another Banker Commits Suicide. Graph Suggests We Are Headed Towards A Crash Like 1929
*American jihadis attacking homeland
*New terror compound found in heart of Texas
*IRS 'trusted partner' is Obamacare propaganda tool
*Local Police Training With Special Forces! Why?
*Obama Crackdown on Press Freedom Escalates
*Muslims attack Catholics leaving Church
*North Korea Shock: Newborn Infants Are Murdered While Mothers Forced to Watch
*Pregnant Gang-Rape Victim Charged with Adultery, faces stoning
*High School Textbook Rewrites Second Amendment–Literally
*Obama Crackdown on Press Freedom Escalates
*SEXING UP YOUR KIDS: Here’s What A School Has for Your 4th Grader
*Obama Wants to Waste a Billion on Climate Change
*Valerie Jarrett Says Americans ‘Hungry’ For Obama to Act Like an Imperial President
*80-year-old man fatally shot by police acting on bad tip of meth lab
*Child Gunned Down by Cop for Answering Door Holding Wii Controller
*WARNING: 386,000 Foreign Troops ALREADY on U.S. Soil – WHAT FOR?
*Top Admiral: Obama Conspired With America’s Enemies to Kidnap Chris Stevens
* “Fertility management” was the key to fighting global warming
*Communist Party USA backs Obama gun grab, calls Second Amendment obsolete
*Obama Appoints Hamas Adviser Robert Malley to Senior Director on National Security Council
*NIGERIA: Over 100 Fatalities in Weekend Killing Spree
*70 Protesters Killed, 500 Wounded in Kiev Clashes
*Democrat candidate for Congress calls for 'Barack Obama dynasty'
*University Removes God From Plaque Because It Might Offend People
*Why Police Lie Under Oath
*Report: Obamacare provision will allow 'forced' home inspections by gov't agents
*Water Fuel-Cell Inventor Murdered by Government
*President Obama’s Latest Excuse for Skipping a National Security Meeting on Russia - ‘March Madness’
*Illegal Aliens, Non-Citizens Caught Voting In Florida In Vast Numbers

 

One might conclude that the US and the world have all gone mad or… sensationalism is rampant and does in deed sell more ink. Hard to tell but I would like these headlines replaced by those of 40-50 years ago when our concerns were more with real Hollywood stars and movie hits, scientific and medical discoveries, trips to the moon, and more positive and socially redeeming subjects.

The world has certainly changed and the headlines with it. We find that murder has become not only acceptable but fashionable. Presidencies are not engaged in protecting and managing the country but controlling and manipulating the populous, seemingly for personal power and gain.

Everything in our lives has come under the headline of “racism,” “disadvantaged,” “passed over,” “ignored,” or “disregarded.” As a current example I went on the web and just found the first headline to pop up (3/18/14):

The face of courage: President Obama to award 24 Medals of Honor

“24 true tales of bravery and heroism that will be honored today when President Obama awards two dozen Medals of Honor to 24 Army veterans -- mostly Jewish, Hispanic or African-American -- who fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam. The Tuesday ceremony follows a congressionally-mandated review to ensure that eligible recipients were not bypassed due to prejudice.”

Now, everyone who serves is a hero; however, were these patriots really passed over for their ethnic roots? Were these brave souls’ heroism inadvertently missed decades ago through clerical, reporting or other reasons that disallowed their recognition? Or is their contribution to our freedom being just now trotted out on display for the “equality” and “multiculturalism” banner of our current socialist organizer?

This program was started by congress around 2002 but I wonder if its timing has come to fruition to support sinking poll numbers, to further divide us, or truly recognize heros of our past. I just ask the question.

While I’d like to say that this headline:

“Actor Gary Sinise treats 50 wounded warriors to Disneyland”

is indicative of the overwhelming press that people are exposed to, it’s hidden on a page under the fold of text, covered up by the notices that “Larry Basich did what he was supposed to under ObamaCare but is now stuck with $407,000 in medical bills”, or “The Net Is Dead, as the US government to ceded its last bit of control over the Internet followed heavy pressure from foreign governments.”

Have we all gone nuts? Are we all living a bad nightmare as expressed by the words of the headlines or are we just being lied to, manipulated or coddled while Jay-Z and Beyonce’ continue their  trips to the bank with the money of kids looking for mental solace and all really is well with the universe? Move along people, there’s nothing to see here.

I guess I should be glad I found some consoling peace in less dangerous headlines of; “Scott Baio's comedy show cancelled,” or “Beastie Boys reach settlement with toy company” or even that “Mr. T to be inducted into WWE Hall of Fame?”

In reality, the positive, successes of the past seem to be just that… in the past. What was the last medical breakthrough you heard of? What was the last real personal success story or “good news Joe” who raised $20 million for cancer? Oh, we’ll see the Jerry Lewis Telethon in another 6 months but shouldn’t we be living in a fun, positive and contributive world more than once a year?

Are we in fact reading the truth of how bad the world is and we should all find a hole with food and water supplies;  enough ammunition to protect our family till our own canned tuna runs out?

Absolute power may corrupt absolutely but I think that negative news affects us all negatively and we need a more positive direction, a more uplifting and forward growing nation with leaders that are here to lead and produce – not control, divide and be the down turned rheostat on our God given right to happiness.

Here’s to the fun and funny, hard hitting but encouraging Ronald Reagans of the world and others who seek truth and work toward a more positive, quality, valuable life for everyone.

And God bless Gary Sinise for the good works and all like him who make a difference.

America’s final headline has yet to be written and only time will tell us what it is…. and when it’s published. Time in here to get out your own pen, go out and make your own headline.

I continue to ponder the possibilities.

 

#garysinise   

Monday, March 3, 2014

My Past Fleet of Cars


      

 
 
 
 
Update: 2024, Never in my wildest imagination did I think this post would be read by so many people. Because of that I am now adding three vehicles I have added since. Finally I think my fleet has ended, never say never, but I hope you enjoy!

1986 Chevy C10

"Rescue Dog" Was another questionable purchase on Ebay. I had to make a 5 hour one way trip to rescue this truck in North Carolina. Everything he told me online was a lie and after returning home and 5 quarts of oil it sat in my driveway for 1 full year while I tried to calm my urge to burn it to the ground in my driveway! Finally I calmed down and embarked upon a project to turn this into a tow vehicle project. The bones were so so, it just needed some help. I replaced the tired 305 with a 350HO crate motor, had the 700R4 gone through. The interior needs upgrading but a complete front end rebuild and some new shoes and she doesn't look so bad. Today there is nothing left to tow and though she doesn't garner any awards, I still love going to show with her and just hanging with my friends.

1966 Chevy Nova Wagon

"Black Betty" One of my most regrettable purchases. Reported to be built by a reputable shop on Huntington Beach California shop it turned out to anything but true. The true story was it was bounced around to multiple shops of questionable reputation. It was visually appealing which is the reason I bought it, but once in my possession the truth started coming through.

The paint was amazing and straight as an arrow, the interior was obviously over the top, the drivetrain was non descript but that wasn't the intent to begin with. 327/ 700R4/9" Ford rear. She certainly collected lots of awards but continued to be a thorn in my side and was eventually sold after a few short years. She continues to collect awards today under the new owner. Sadly this was a money pit with no end because of the short comings of the builders.


1953 Chevy 3100 Pickup

"Farm Truck" This beautiful example is one that I purchased that was languishing on a used car lot in southern Texas. Originally built by a father and son team in Indiana I became the  latest "keeper" of register. Rescued from a field by these vehicle crafters the transformation was incredible. Powered by a ZZ-4 crate motor, 700R4 trans and 9" Ford rear with 3:25 gears this highway cruiser was a cross between show car and driver. Of course the vintage a/c system, air ride suspension, and luxurious hand crafted interior certainly didn't hurt. In 2017 Classic Trucks Magazine awarded it "Top 250" in the nation.

 



1963 Chevy II Gasser
"Casa de Nova” 1963 Nova Gasser with a Speedway drop axle front end, 327 engine, 350 turbo, 3:70 9” Ford Rear, Pro Comp Electronic Fuel Injection, Accel Gen 6 computer. Another Ebay purchase, this car was the least done of all my cars. When I got the Nova the body work and build was fresh but hardly period correct. I did the exterior in vinyl lettering, completely fabricated a red roll and pleat interior, installed a rollbar, stereo system, and finally removed the single 4BBL carb ad installed electronic fuel injection. Fun little car that ran on 87 octane!

 

 
 
 
 
1967 Chevy Suburban

“3 Doors Down” 1967 Chevy Suburban, Air Ride suspension, Vintage air, 500 watt Stereo, Train horns, tow package, wide whitewalls, 350 /220HP, 700r4 trans, 3:31 gears, vinyl woodgrain wrap. Originally purchased from Volo Auto Museum this truck was built in Florida and later sold to Volo for display. Chasing rust with an early (67-72) Suburban is a non stop job and this truck was no exception. Most of the body panels had been replaced before I bought it but it was about 6 yrs old when I purchased it, so the chase was on once again. I added the train horns and the vinyl woodgrain wrap. Very Impressive looking truck, especially when towing my gasser!

1967 Chevy Camaro

“Casper” 1967 Chevy Camaro pearl white with Ghost Flames, 350 aluminum heads, 350 turbo, 3:73 12 bolt rear, white/black hounds tooth interior, Coy’s 18” wheels. This car was purchased on Ebay and panel fitment was horrible when I received it. Unfortunately none of that was visible in the pictures when I bought it. After a full week end of panel adjustment and moving the front end sheetmetal back almost 2” the fitment had improved 100%. Drivetrain was strong in this car, and was rather quick. Impressive pearl white paint with ghost flames adorned the outside. Originally had the black Coy’s wheels but I painted them light gray.

1957 Ford Thunderbird

“Saltbird” 1957 Ford Thunderbird fiberglass reproduction over tube chassis 502/502 Chevy engine, 350 turbo, 9” Ford rear 3:70 gears, American Salt Flats wheels. I bought this car on Ebay one night after reading the impressive build sheet and consuming a bottle of wine. I was surprised to find out the next morning I was the new owner! The original owner spent over $70k on this car and bought it for pennies on the dollar. A fiberglass body was stretched 12” before being put over custom square tube lower chassis and a moly upper cage. Suspension was ladder bar A- arm front. The quality of the build was VERY nice, but it could be a HANDFUL to drive! One night had the car up to 160MPH with the existing drivetrain on REGULAR gasoline!

1971 AMC Gremlin

“Gizmo” 1971 AMC Gremlin 406, powerglide with transbrake, Dana 60 rear, heavy nitrous, Best ET 8.93@ 152 MPH. I bought “Gizzie” as a roller out of Ohio and put my original combination from my 1966 Nova. Unfortunately this car was the motor eater that got me out of drag racing, 3 engines in one year was a bit too much. So many times this car baited me back with another engine because of one impressive pass before eating yet another engine. Best ET with 406 was 8.93 with 60 ft of 1.23. Fun little car when it wasn’t eating engines!

1971 Morris Minor

“Minor Problem” 1971 Morris Minor Pro Street 350 with Dart Pro 1 heads, 350 turbo, 9” Ford 3:70 gears. This car was purchased off Ebay and was located in England and had to be shipped into this country. It was “pro-streeted” in England with right hand drive. It had many “not so common” parts by American standards. Had a foreign car strut front end and four link rear, and had originally come with a poorly done interior, that had to be immediately changed. Impressive little car that handled well despite it’s 87” wheelbase. Performance was impressive due to low weight it got 25 MPG and would run 12.0’s all day long at the track! Unfortunately it was a NIGHTMARE to get through customs and I would never do that again!

1971 VW Karmann Ghia

“Sikpup” 1971 VW Karmann Ghia 350 SBC with 350 turbo and 8 ¾ Mopar Rear. This was my first real purchase of a Pro-Street Car and the mechanical build was far from being “safe”, the bodywork was not too bad but the underpinnings were questionable. Funny little car to drive, but anything over 60 MPH could get a little scary!

 
1965 Chevy El Camino

“Lettuce picker” 1965 Chevy El Camino 327 4 spd 3:73 10 bolt rear. Purchased from a guy who wanted a street/strip car. First I removed the 4:56 gear, then lowered the suspension and added alloy wheels and vintage air conditioning. I used the car as my primary show car for about 8 years, then it took a back burner because of it’s heavy fuel use and need for high octane fuel. The project is being rebuilt right now and will soon have a new name. “Ecomino” will now sport a full low drag 87 octane 350 engine with FAST fuel injection and a 5 speed TKO transmission with the aim of being an economic (25 MPG target) well handling up to date vehicle.

1966 Chevy Nova SS

“Plant hard” 1966 Nova SS 406, powerglide, 4:33 12 bolt rear. Sadly this car was nothing like the previous owner had represented it. The 2 bolt main 400 had a weak lower end, the cam was designed for a 327 and the Powerglide was weak. Barely able to run even a 10.90 on N2O, the combo had to be redone. A new 406 was built with upgraded internals and a proper cam was picked. Later an ATI powerglide transmission was built along with a proper convertor, and the combination had improved to 9.80’s. The rollcage had to be totally replaced to conform to NHRA tech specs. Later a 440 cu in motor was built to replace the 406, and ET’s dipped to 9.30’s @ 150 MPH.