Out with the OLD!

I went to shoot at Wade's Designated Appleseed Range in Castle Rock Washington, the third December I have been there, and today the weather was perfect (forty something and dry) for shooting. I even saw Mount Saint Helens from the road as I drove out, very interesting.

My M1 Garand was right on, and for a bit I tightened up my groups and enjoyed the instructors and other shooters. I helped coach a bit and tried to work out all the kinks and little aches. Didn't work and I started to get tired, but I wanted to try one AQT, and I started on the first stage, ten rounds, loaded two, loaded eight in clip and finished the ten. Then looked at what I had shot. Three were okay, but I was getting tired and started to hit low, and suddenly hit the target of the shooter next to me. Not just wild shots, probably was not aware of which target I was engaging. That is the time to stop shooting and go get rest and healthier.

It was a great day, since one of my younger shooters, that I have talked to much and coached and taught, got it all together today and made his Rifleman with a score of 212. He got his patch from his grandfather, the guy that built the range. I met his sister, seven, too. Loaned her some hearing protection and talked with her, made sure she noted that her brother had earned his patch. She will be back with a little growth, she is interested.

Well, y'all have a happy and Safe New Year, and work on getting out of that recliner and onto the streets and ranges. Take back your American Heritage, Liberty and the Lord. I will have to work on my marksmanship since much of it needs a healthy body and mind - and Country.

Earls Year

What time is it?

The end of the month creeps up on me, I need to get the garbage out today, need to pay bills and start the NEW YEAR, and pay some more bills. I was reminded to answer the telephone, since it could be a call from California about a new grandchild. The calendar stops on the 31st and my mind has trouble leaping onto a new page until the day for the roll over. I hope the Winter and Summer Olympics will be good, I will be watching on the Canadian Broadcasting. American coverage is just fluff, just fluff. So there will be some great things happening next year.

Now, having competed at the grassroots, fun run level (yes, I am laughing) I know how much the athletes are training in preparation for their events - for Olympic medals you get one chance every four years. Enjoy the Games. The best, most uncovered by press and media will be the little sports and events. In America, they won't even televise the shooters getting medals, no matter what country they are from, unless it is Woman's Biathlon in the Winter Games. In the Summer Games China will crush the Americans every chance they get. Get used to it... If China can't do it, maybe Japan and Korea will.

I wonder why the Presidential Hopefuls aren't running a strong campaign, because they want to be loved? When I watch Mitt Romney I see all that I saw in Obama - just a successful kind of guy, not a Chicago style politician. Which to me means not a choice. The media thinks they can sell ad space on his run and future years in office. I notice the media doesn't cover any important stuff, you have to go to the search engines to find out what the plans are for each candidate - unless you want to laugh at Ron Paul, he thinks we should return to the Constitution, and EVERYONE knows that won't work. The media covers the sound bites, the attacks, the polls and surveys. Why anyone doesn't set up a vote counter, where you log in and vote daily so they can measure the candidates potential base.

Of the six hundred and some bills sponsored by Ron Paul only one in twenty some years as Congressman got passed. So that is an indication of how far out he is -- and means I don't have to blame him for the mess America is in now. I think we need a simple tax code, flat works for me, and we need to get rid of government gifts, and close any association between the government and the Federal Reserve Banks. Congress and the Treasury can take care of money. But then I am very like Ron Paul, not going to sell well on television... not controlled properly... not Mainstream enough. Guess it is Mitt and continued destruction of America by well intentioned folks.

Ah, I have an answer...

Springfield Armory, the repair portion, has answered my request for help with a quick reply and warranty replacement. The parts aren't here yet, but I think it will be exactly what I need. You have no idea how frightening it is go out without something to conceal. I was thinking of getting the regular size Colt 1911 out, but didn't. When I went to get my new improved prescriptions I stopped and dropped off two of my carry knives. There is an old guy there (yeah, he is probably younger than I) sharpening most knives at three dollars a blade. He has a pretty nice set up, will engrave your name on your knife, but I figure that NCIS & Abby could find your DNA on you knife without your name. Doesn't everyone cut themselves when they sharpen the blades?

I picked up "That Used to be US" by Thomas L. Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum, hoping to see if they had the solution to the disappearance of America. They don't and they are sure, more tax money and lower debt will work... if I didn't know better I would lump them with Bill O'Reilly on Fox News, hoping the Federal government would fix Detroit. I laugh every time I think about that. It is like common sense Gun Control - which is only well aimed shots, not banning firearms (that doesn't work in Europe, really). I have always held that if you wanted a most perfect Earth the planet, you must get rid of humankind.

I will read on, they may have something I really haven't noticed, and I like stirring the blood by basking in stupidity. If I were in charge, there would be lessons in Correct behavior and manners in schools, there would be lots of children left behind until they caught up to the level they were to be at. My first college class on children was that they don't LEARN or GROW at the same rate. I also think it is very important that the conflict between control of the sexual attitudes of the people stop. One man and one woman committed to each other for their lives to have a family and live responsibly is a winner. anything less than that is an adventure into possible failures. Now, I think you have to have your chance to fail -- really. But this media foolishness about zombies and werewolves and vampires and lustful love? It goes right along with the government's protection of the single parent not being able to make it without monthly checks, counseling and cuddling by agencies of pity. If you really believe in the science of Evolution, all forms of human dynamics should be tried, the ones that don't work -- die. Half of all marriages don't end in divorce, although more divorces happen if encouraged by custom and culture, fewer might happen if two adults were committed to making it work, kind of a life goal. But then that isn't taught in schools anymore is it?

Velva Ara Dungey born Chickasaw County, Iowa

Kind of neat while worried about my health too much, to know that I have an aunt that today is one hundred years old and family has gone to help her celebrate and be with her in Rochester, Minnesota. She has been reported to have wondered why she has been so blessed with all those years and my opinion has been that she is a wonder and a wonderful person and I wish all elder people were so gracious and thoughtful of others. That is her on the left of the table when she and my mother came to spend Christmas and New Years in Y2K. Happy Birthday!

I didn't know too much as a child...

I felt sorry for football and basketball players that had to play games in black and white on holidays, when I thought everyone should be at home and hearth. I was also the young fellow that thought the Soviet Union with cradle to school childcare was evidence to their foolishness about what really counted in life. Now my wife is a part-time professional grandmother at the Childcare Center, and my grandson has daycare, too. Watching Green Bay struggle to beat Chicago in color and the cold, I know that they wouldn't rather be doing something else, and they are compensated.

I am still stuck in being Earl, reading about long ago warriors and long ago wars, always trying to figure out why my government hated me enough for Vietnam, never realizing that there are fools everywhere, being in government just clumps them in bunches. I have received Ken Burns film, The War: 1941-1945 and just finished the first disc this morning. Interesting, current Historians trying to explain the life and culture of long ago and far away... without jumping up and down about the real reasons many things happened. They almost always make the mistake of carrying our current cultural norms back to compare against and highlight - and the people from back then, didn't have those and wouldn't have considered them as meaningful. Which pretty much leaves us as lost, as to what was really going on. General Douglas MacArthur becomes Gregory Peck, and my father who had him as a far away commander once - never ever regarded him well. But to many stay-at homes, and media fed fools he was a hero. for three wars, trust me, he was just a man often caught beyond his capabilities trying to win the current battle, complete the mission. And he was never Gregory Peck.

And "War Horse" is on, at the Regal, another silly old thing, doing something so un-holiday like as seeing a film about sex, war or criminal behavior... sad that is fits my mood, and I will go to see all the errors in weapons, tactics and cultural norms done very artistically.

Twas the morn after Christmas and all through...

I missed two episodes of the current Korean Historic Drama, I know his mother is dead, he has accepted the opportunity to become the 19th King, urged by his father (the 18th King) and trusted advisers. Don't know what happened to his wife and their child, and I am sure all the enemies are still plotting. Still, Christmas was fine and will be dining with my cousin and his wife today.

I have sent off to find out how to get my packing pistol repaired, since it is the holiday vacation period it may be a bit. In shooting goodness I have my ticket to attend the last Castle Rock Appleseed of 2011. Just one day for me will be enough. I am muted, kind of like a trumpet with something stuck into it, the medicines have muted my tone.

I have finished "Battle Leadership" by Captain Adolf Von Schell, good read if you have never done S.L.A. Marshall about WWII, Korea and early Vietnam. He wrote Pork Chop Hill, and many others. Chapter VIII really stood out for me, since it was talking about the development of the German Army since the Great War, when they were only allowed a 100,000 in uniform. That is the chapter that he quickly explains the Revolutions, Communists, Unions, Freikorps and the almost destruction of Germany as a nation, internal strife, inflation and well meaning pacifists in charge.. looks just like Libya now, tribalism and no one in charge. Less than a hundred years ago.. three generations?

So why didn't I go shopping today for that gift?

It is Christmas Eve, and I didn't go shopping, there isn't a tree inside the house, although the Christmas tree my mother sent us in 1994 is still growing well outside the home, there are no lights on it. The neighbors across the street and to the East and many others have decorations out and nicely lighted up.

In 1971, in the bunker in Vietnam, I wrote a letter to all my far away family and friends, and then sent President Nixon one of the same, since I knew his Christmas Eve couldn't be like mine - so I shared. I was surprised but in January I got a reply from the White House, with a mention of his service in WWII, away from home.

We will be going to church tomorrow, combined service, and I will hear that wonderful question 'What did you get for Christmas?' and my answer is a Savior that was more than I will ever be worth. Don't I like all the traditions? Yes, but not at the cost of my health or sanity, and most of them work best with children to enjoy, family and friends. Then I might, having done so in the past, spend time money and effort to make the season bright.

I guess if I have to make an excuse for not having a gift for my wife, I will have to tell her that I got "The Notebook" and I sat and watched it with her and enjoyed the story, the time and the message. She knows that I will give her almost anything she wants, except to change from cheap procrastinator.

I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year, and I hope that you put your trust in God. How did that go, two people in the stable having a baby - no midwife? no emergency room? Only hanging on to the real certainty that angels had given each of them a message that matched their religious beliefs. Sent by Caesar Augustus to pay the tax... all the World. Somethings never change, luckily God loves us even if our governments don't.

What am I reading, too much, but love it...

I picked up Battle Leadership, by Captain Adolf Von Schell, to add to my A Rifleman went to War, by Herbert W. McBride from Indiana. World War I is well covered on the small unit fronts. I recommend for real readers "A Soldier of the Great War" you have to get by a hundred and twenty pages before you are ready to enjoy finding out how Italy fought the Great War, which might explain how easy it was for the opportunists to take over after Victory.

World War I was a cold shock to the Imperialist world, the elites weren't big enough, the colonies had to provide tons of cannon fodder, and Steampunk was justified before it was born. Exciting times in warfare, killing lots of people and animals in all the most modern ways, aircraft, armor, far reaching tube artillery, almost unlimited submarines, gas of various toxins (and you wondered why the high leadership stayed so far behind the lines, it wasn't just the radio or telephone). What a wonderful war to only read about.

Okay, your assignment for the coming year..

The PROBLEM isn't Republican or Democrat, the problem is you don't understand the problem. Yes, I said "YOU"! If you understood the problem none of the agents of that problem would survive - it is like giving your child total control and keep nodding off and nodding your head that they are such wonderful children and they are succeeding in keeping the family safe, together and healthy... as they do all the stupid things you did before you actually assumed the responsibilities of an adult and a family.

So, since my health has now been given medicines and a green light. So I should quit watching the trying real hard politicians that can't seem to get it right, they will be fodder for comedy shows for years to come. So, don't worry be happy.

But as an intellectual exercise which might have political applications in the coming NEW YEAR, I think I should design a government system that would be better, since this one is going to collapse from FEAR, GREED, POWER STRUGGLES. There certainly isn't the teamwork and sacrifice that a unit in combat has... even the dirt bags will charge machine guns for people they love - politicians seem to only love the image in their mirror or their mind, or some shameful sexual fantasy.

So, I throw the challenge out to you, design a government for 330 million Americans. Okay, too big for little guys? just design a tax code - the only tax code for every person and corporation in America. Just one, because there is only ONE tax payer for all those levels of government... one of the first problems you should look at and solve. Yes, you can do it, you are not stupid, you are not greedy, you are not power hungry... you aren't a politician. It is a worthy exercise, even if you won't publish it, you will be ready with some answers for those running the country into the RED, or the GROUND. They have no idea where the Landing Gear lever is... no plan for failure of government. Sigh. Have a very Happy Holiday, and thanks to Republicans and Definitely the Democrats you get two months worth of less on your FICA payments, don't go wild and crazy. God bless us everyone, Amen.

Just another cup of coffee...

And my wife will tell me not to drink too much, it will leach the calcium from my bones. I will say okay, and know that she says that because she loves me, and somewhere she heard that it was so. I will admit to drinking warm water most of the afternoon, too lazy to even drop a tea bag in, just the warm water seems to work - of course I have to have it in a black mug, so I don't see that it is only water.

I am up early for and adventure into the world, taking my wife's car in for services. I will not take a laptop, but will take my current reading "A Rifleman Went to War" by Herbert W. McBride, veteran of WWI in the Canadian and American Forces. Got it as a Print on Demand. Oops, just found that I have a game on my other computer that is waiting for me, well, it will wait. Like the Trusty Triumph in the garage, just waiting until I can get back at it. I did have a motorcycling dream a few nights ago, the biggest part of it was not having all the power I wanted going up a mountain, but I was still going up. Don't read too much into that and I won't either.

Just in case you think I have given up on fool politicians - look at your pay stub, look at what your with holding was before the decrease for economic stimulation, and then laugh at how hard the Houses in Congress are looking out for you in making sure you 'might' have ALL that money they feel will make you buy a better clunker... Gee, there isn't much money there at all by paycheck, is there? If I were working I would wish they would take the money and put it in a bank at more interest than they could get from non-marketable government bonds. Have a great day and try to do everything for and with others with Love, and a smile.

Should we have only blue ink or black in Congress...

Understand that the House can't figure out as a body, which is better, two months of Payroll tax decrease or a year's worth. Not many are saying that permanently lowering the rate might be best.... that would mean that raising it was a bad idea... and there would be more problems down the road, because you, citizens, might figure out that it is almost a Ponzi scheme or just ineffectual governance. This is from a government that can't balance its book now - no matter it just doesn't have the GUTS!

There are in this country a lot of scurrying little people, hiding from the light, afraid of the cat that can't be belled, that say they don't believe in the LORD or bothering Him, that still for some reason think everyone else is as frightened as they are, or SHOULD BE... So sorry, I know that none of it matters.

Take 9/11, the government couldn't stop the terrorists, only in one aircraft were the passengers able to die bravely. No country sponsored this attack on America, but the United States attacked its citizens and two other countries and encouraged everyone to be afraid with it. Fear, that was the excuse, but the truth is that the people in government don't boldly attack enemy machine gun positions. Government policies had made it very easy to take over aircraft and use them as weapons, and the passengers were mostly sheeple - waiting on someone in authority to take care of the bad men with bloody hands.

I was sure that 9/11 was a crime, but nothing to start a war over, unless you really wanted to try and destroy all those of faith in Mecca. To prevent another attack I was sure you needed to figure out what makes them hate us, enough to attack in that manner.

And the real fear mongers, are the media in frenzy, something to fill their airtime, so someone will pay for their pap. So, is it a surprise that the next election cycle is based on how bad the different candidates will be for America? How the Left will destroy American Greatness? How the RIGHT will starve the poor, make education only for the intelligence species and bring gold back as currency... FEAR.

Instead of learning how to shoot safely and accurately the anti-gun goofs want the firearms banned. Instead of teaching our citizens about drug and alcohol abuse and its dangers -- the banning of the substance is an answer that doesn't work... hmm, one from the Left and one from the Right. And it doesn't work, and both are working from FEAR of the guns or the substances. They have that fear because they actually believe that people can't help themselves. Fear, based on the sure knowledge that no one is smarter and better than I, and I know I have my weaknesses and faults.

There ought to be a law... is part of the problem, too easy to make a regulation, law or give an executive order... and no review, no sunset clause and no way over that fence, just another brick in the wall.

So, don't worry, you can get all those bad drugs, drink yourself to coma, carry a gun and shoot up a school where you know you are the baddest dude in the place. You too can prove you are smarter than those in charge, and feel as badly as you deserve if you live through the experience. Mostly you don't, on the gun issue so many are killing themselves after the blood fest I wonder if they haven't been taking drugs for their problems and sober up in the middle of their confusion -- ashamed.

I have tickets to ride an airplane, and expect it will be a fine trip - except for the Government intrusion into my life (TSA), but then I am going to California and we KNOW that they are running around naked in San Francisco, and only so everyone knows they aren't carrying firearms concealed... or some such thought. I am not afraid, and looking forward to the visit and the difference. But then I don't think the payroll tax hike or cut would have any affect on my holiday, certainly doesn't on my Holy Days.

Why do we put up with government out of control? I am not afraid of it, they don't love me, but then government isn't human and has no love, it is an institution without pity. Thank God.

Sleepless night, we get up for tea and honey, talk...

I have been ignoring the signs of my coming collapse, and I find myself making excuses - I am older, I am fatter, my doctor is not doing everything he can, I am more alone and irritated over the slights to my pride and position, don't have the position that I once held, and fifty excess pounds is a measurable problem of my making, the no longer able to jog for lack of breath. Hmmm... gives me something to dwell about in my anxious anxiety. It could keep me up at night.

Now, with little problem I can transfer my coming death with the one the United States of America faces. Too easy to compare the excess pounds of weight with the burdensome regulations strangling innovation, enterprise and risk. Really, risk. I have to confess I don't owe anywhere near the amount of money that the Federal, State or local governments do -- but then I don't pretend to be much more important than I really am, which is why the term SUPER POWER will never be mine. For a Super Power to leave the Republic of Vietnam in defeat (don't tell me we won there) - we left and didn't learn the lesson that it could have taught us about arrogance and our true strengths and our weaknesses. I have heard many politicians thinking that we can Restore America, trying to bring back the greatness of America after World War II, and in some ways that was a good goal, take us to the '60s and the Space Race. But we defined ourselves in little ways, little comforts, little victories and turned inward like the ancient Chinese civilization - oh, we still walked proudly upon the World stage, posturing, and beating up the neighborhood punks, but we were no longer willing to risk exploration, exploitation and example of better behavior. We don't try hard enough, as a country, individually we do... until the government decides that we need to be watched, or supported, or just given a safety net.... I wouldn't think too much parental supervision is good for children to grow into adults, not if you want them to be strong and still meek. Never have met a meek bully. Anyway, the government and the culture and the people are in stress and conflict -- the best solution to the problems is stop making more problems, cut back on excess and fool infringements and allow the millions of people and ideas to grow solutions and strengths as they will. The future is not in returning to the old ways, the old ways (this week's wonders) will continue to build cages, chains and push off for political expediency the rust and gunk killing America. I hope the coming elections help clean house and a smaller government and massive cuts in services shows up. Lower taxes, less regulation and more LIBERTY to risk and fail. Don't know why the education system teaches everyone will always succeed, and no child will be left behind. That is a funny way to run a race, play a game, build an empire or peace on Earth.

Well, that is two cups of tea with honey, and I can feel sleep calling me. I am not as close to falling totally apart as I think the country is. If I can't run for want of breath I can walk. If the pains in my chest were significant my doctor would tell me when I see him on Thursday morning, they aren't that bad that it has stopped anything in my life, just seem to be an indicator that they weren't there years ago when I was younger and foolish. Foolish, now isn't that a nice thing to have constant in one's life or government? No, I don't think so either. Start and end your days with a prayer of thanks for being able to make the Lord's way straight. And don't be too proud of only being a pilgrim on passage to glory. Its our job, dude.

Do the Christmas cards go to the range reward...

A beautiful Saturday, blue skies and Gleaming White Glory of Mount Rainier watching over us. I got the Christmas letter, addresses on all the cards and postage and made it to the Post Office, so sometime before the New Year everyone will know what we have been doing if they haven't been watching me waste time on facebook games or note what I have said in this blog. I was off to Range 15 on Joint Base Lewis McChord (only a newbie would like that improved name, JBLM).

I was only going to exercise my packing pistol, a Springfield Armory Micro Compact 45 APC, and only the shooting of it. One can't carry concealed, even with a permit, on post. The Commander says so... he/she never has a name. And on Range 15 you can't draw from a holster and shoot, like you might have to in the darkness of the time you need to defend oneself or loved ones. You can practice in the safety of you own home - but isn't that part of the warning on many of the marvelous things one sees on television (professional driver on closed course, expert shooter in controlled area -- don't try this at home)? Okay, I was there to shoot and see. What do I see? The fine firearms, family and friends shooting together. Lots of ARs on the Rifle side, lots of Sigs on the pistol side. Red Case sale buyer shows me his and explains - the price seems right.

I shoot, talk, meet, admire and learn while I take some pictures (always record the targets, get a video to watch for errors and stupid mistakes - like a private coach). I meet Fred, who will come and talk to me as I am reloading, he didn't anchor the bottom of his target and the wind presented it to his position on edge (a very narrow target). As I reviewed the video, I noticed how perfect the safe handling of the pistol I demonstrated - muzzle stay on target, fingers not on trigger, and I turned to the rear to point out the range house. Then I went back to my target, chamber a round and engage.

I went down and gave my forty-five brass to Fred, he casts his bullets and reloads for his own shooting. He allowed me to shoot three rounds from his pistol, and says that the three bullets on top of each other on the lower right arm of the X were mine. I believe him, a beautiful pistol and only a pound and a half on trigger pull. It was a very good day in the Great NorthWest.

Happy Boston Tea Party Day!

I wander the time remaining, before Christmas, trying to get it together. No lights, no tree, no stocking hung yet... what is going on? Well, I am not sure, I am distracted by fine sea stories and knights of old, and facebook calls constantly, reloading goes well. None of that seems Christmas-like. I did send a digital Christmas card from me in CastleVille, so sad.

There are eight real Christmas cards from family and friends they brighten the bookcase. Which meant I went and got some, did the annual letter, and am stuffing envelopes to mail. Then I discover the addresses needed may not be there, I haven't been keeping a good address book for years - everyone is on email now, until you want to send them something in the mail. Ugh! You haven't seen how bad my email address maintenance is, four or five for some constant movers - I could delete but which ones?

For sure something I can handle waits me outside in the frosty morning, the moles decided to fill the water meter cut-off in the front yard again. Why don't they get the neighbors?

They really aren't listening, sigh... Boycott TSA protections...

Response to Petition on the Abolishment of the Transportation Security Administration
By John Pistole, the Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration
Thank you for participating in the We the People platform, we respect the right of the petitioners to be heard and value the feedback we receive from travelers who share their experiences – good or bad – with us. The men and women of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have a challenging, but critical mission, and they take their jobs very seriously. TSA understands that the terrorist threat remains real and continues to evolve, as evidenced by the attempted terrorist attack on Christmas Day 2009 and the disrupted air cargo bomb plot last year.
Why TSA Exists.
TSA was created two months after the September 11 terrorist attacks, when Congress passed the Aviation and Transportation Security Act (ATSA) [.pdf] to keep the millions of Americans who travel each day safe and secure across numerous modes of transportation.
Over the past 10 years, TSA has strengthened security by creating successful programs and deploying technologies that were not in place prior to September 11, while also taking steps whenever possible to enhance the passenger experience. Here are just a few of the many steps TSA has taken to strengthen our multi-layered approach to security:
Establishing an Intelligence-Driven Approach.
TSA uses intelligence in real-time to strengthen security and share key information with state, local, and international partners, to ensure they can respond to evolving threats.
Vetting of Passengers and Transportation Workers.
Today, 100 percent of passengers flying to, from, and within the United States are prescreened against terrorist watch lists under TSA's Secure Flight program. In addition, employees with access to airports and ports, and those who transport higher risk materials, are vetted to ensure a secure environment.
Screening for Explosives.
TSA screens 100 percent of carry-on and checked baggage for dangerous items including explosives. TSA has also deployed explosives-detection canine teams. The teams are used to detect explosives and deter terrorism in aviation, mass transit, and cargo environments.
Deploying Advanced Technology to Detect Evolving Threats.
As part of its multi-layered approach to security, TSA uses Advanced Imaging Technology and Automated Target Recognition software to detect metallic and nonmetallic threats, including weapons and explosives concealed under layers of clothing on passengers. Using Advanced Technology X-ray, Bottled Liquid Scanners and Explosives Trace Detection (ETD) Technology, TSA can more efficiently and effectively screen checked and carry-on bags for potential threats.
Covert Testing.
Covert testing provides TSA with valuable information that can be used to modify security measures, improve training and inform the development of future technology. The statistic cited in the petition was from testing performed nearly eight years ago and doesn't reflect the current security environment. Since then, TSA has implemented new security measures and deployed enhanced technology to address evolving threats to aviation.
Strengthening In-Flight Security.
Hardened cockpit doors and the Federal Air Marshal Service serve as additional layers of security against an act of terrorism.
Establishing a Professionalized Workforce.
Transportation Security Officers (TSO) working at 450 airports today are hired through a rigorous vetting process and go through extensive training that did not exist prior to September 11. Today's TSOs have an average of three and a half years of experience on the job and have a turnover rate of approximately 6 percent. This compares to an average of 3 months of experience and a turnover rate of 125 percent for screeners prior to the creation of TSA.
TSA's Next 10 Years.
TSA is working to enhance its risk-based, intelligence-driven security initiatives to strengthen security while continuing to improve the passenger experience whenever possible. Current efforts include: changing the way TSA screens passengers ages 12 and under, evaluating the expanded use of behavior detection techniques, and piloting expedited screening for known travelers. Efficiencies gained by implementing more risk-based security methods allow us to make the best possible use of the resources to secure air travel.
Additionally, new software has been deployed to further strengthen privacy protections by eliminating passenger-specific images on Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) machines. The new software has been installed on all millimeter wave AIT units currently in airports, with plans to test and deploy similar software for backscatter units in 2012.
Our Nation is safer and better prepared today because of these and other efforts of the Department of Homeland Security, TSA, and our federal, state, local and international partners. TSA is constantly identifying ways to continue to strengthen security and improve the passenger experience and appreciates the feedback of the public.
We invite you to stop by TSA's blog to continue this discussion.
Check out this response on We the People.
Stay Connected
Stay connected to the White House by signing up for periodic email updates from President Obama and other senior administration officials.

Wasn't my goal to throw stones...

Charlize Theron Dior commercial, on television only thirty special seconds, on YouTube much more. The best part, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and Charlize still make the cut, Madonna doesn't - she is only worthy of the Superbowl halftime show. Isn't it wonderful what you can do with computers? No, I am not buying the perfume, don't want to meet the models, and am only going to allow you to know that I really hope their beauty was matched by the goodness of their heart and soul.

A South Korean Commando was killed by the Chinese Captain in a fishing boat dispute. Now I don't think it was reported on MSM, so I like watching other news sources and the Internet and the Canadian Broadcasting on cable. But we are still worried about the War in Afghanistan, and who Iowa will choose you won't see the hundreds of deadly confrontations around the world until the LAST SUPER POWER decides to notice and do something about it. Remembering that they are making sure you know what kind of medicine and all its side effects would lower your risk, they are not ready to keep you informed of anything beyond our culture, unless it is Discovery, PBS special, or National Geographic or the Travel Channel. Ron Paul is right.

"He who is without sin cast the first stone." and the older men left first. Never was that the accused wasn't guilty, only that the punishers were not worthy.

Okay, there is class warfare out there - and in order to win it we have to reduce the tensions. All you RICH people making over a million dollars, give it all to the government and die quietly in the corner. All you richer than I people over there, those making more than fifty thousand a year, give up half of all you made to the government, all you people over there that can't take care of yourselves the government will give you a non-marketable US Bond of fifty thousand every year. Then no one will try to make a million dollars, everyone not making money will get a non-marketable US Bond, and those making more than I will not be that much ahead of me in my declining years.

Actually, if Everyone making money would just give it all to the really smart people in government for the protection of the Snail Darter and Spooky Owl, the world would be a much better place. Then there will be enough Snail Darters and Spooky Owls for the homeless to harvest and eat.

This rant, because it isn't much worth reading, is brought to you because I am getting tired of hearing the same lies repeated about how tax cuts make being poor difficult, being poor should be rewarding I guess it the implication. And how does anyone know that the government does anything correctly? Is there any proof? Governments rise and fall around the world, the poor are always with us, and in case you really aren't paying attention -- little countries that offer no more than private banking and post office addresses make a good living hiding the money from the governments. Because Kings have all those expenses with their mistresses and the palace buildings.

I want two things to make it all equal, one flat tax rate for everyone - no deductions no special trust fund hideouts, all corporations (profit and non-profit) get taxed at that same rate. All citizens of the United States will serve in government jobs in uniform for two years, at minimum wage without benefits except basic food and shelter and medicine. After completing the two years of service they would be issued a voter ID card. That is all.

Shut it down...

I am tired of Chicken Little running around crying, I like the story of the Little Red Hen so much better. Must be because I love homemade bread from the oven and slathered with butter. Get a life, politicians, you have no money but approve a COLA for Social Security and the Military Pay. If I don't have enough money coming in, I can't honestly spend more than I have - that is just trying to steal from Saint Peter to pay Saint Paul (the Churches in London).

Shut the government down, kind of like a little heart attack, wake up!

Sunday Sermon...

I went alone to church, which if you really understand is impossible, you can be the only human in sight and never alone in a house of God. Then thinking even deeper realize the most beautiful religious building is nothing when compared to the Universe that God builds... and that could mean you are never alone, just blind and deaf to all that is Holy and inside you.

As I departed the service and sanctuary I was peering over the crowd, and heard someone calling my name - not my real name. My Korean name. "Gideon's Apogee! Gideon's Apa-ji!" It was my wife's friend Moon. In Asian cultures one is known by relationships. One of the reasons I know not any of the real names of the people my wife hangs with - they are all somebody's mother or father, and I would hardly pay attention to the little ones unless they called my attention for assistance. I brought and transferred the regards of each lady, Moon and my wife to and for each other. Then went to get my coffee and be with the guys.

We gave into the temptation of half a doughnut, one waiting to be charmed by another's daughter before he fell into sugary sweetness. May all one's sins be small. Men's Bible Study at my home last Saturday of January. I should take them to the range in the Summer for shooting, Bible study and the fine feast that seems to follow because our wives care... I am sharing a short video of Christmas Carols from Moscow, Idaho. Some real friends of mine in that fine group, but then most strangers are friends you haven't met yet. Happy Holy Days and a Prosperous New Year.... and that is all up to y'all. For God has blessed us with all that we need. Amen!

Didn't sleep at all last night...

I was the boy, sneaking a book to bed to read by the street light far outside our home. I spent my first semester in college reading all night and sleeping in class most of the day, and didn't notice the coeds (had my priorities right). Sure enough, bad habits don't disappear - especially if you don't get a chance to sit around waiting for something to happen next like you once did (long lines at Disney Parks are great for reading fat books). So last night I had a book that I had read long ago, that I just wanted to do another couple of pages, and another couple and finally it was over - and I was happy and it was time to allow the body to rest for the mind was in the zone.

What would you do to improve the government? "Ignore it" come immediately to mind. If they didn't try to scare you all the time, pretend to be your protector, and give you stuff for nothing or just your support in the next elections -- would you care much about the government? Family and friends are more important, real work and producing and harvesting and caring for your life is all more important than the government - by type or anything else. God is the same in all the nations, so there is much that is critical that the government doesn't do.

If I were to change the American government, I would have a balance budget amendment. Government gets money three ways - it creates it, taxes the economy, or borrows it from somewhere. It doesn't really think it into existence from future earnings (although I think that is the current ploy).
I would have automatic reviews of all laws at the level of enforcement (yes that means regulations from Agents of the government) every other year. Odd years would be spent reviewing the existing laws - if they don't apply they get repealed, if they are never enforced - they get repealed (if they get repealed the people convicted under those laws are released from punishment for that crime, which isn't any longer). A whole year for destroying, or pruning the laws - things change you know.

The last most important thing is to keep the government flexible, and able to meet new challenges. So, no person may serve at the Federal Level of government in any elected office for more than twelve total years. That is it, twelve years and you are out. No retirement beyond Social Security, no pay beyond ten percent of the National average. All staff works for twice Minimum wage, housing and food provided, no more than twelve years in government service in one location.

Now health care, it isn't really a good thing for the government to be engaged in, like the government controls space exploration and nuclear power - and this country isn't really going anywhere that way is it? So if they get in charge of medicine, nah. But let us have exactly what we have in education. Public Health Service like Public Education, government hospitals, training certifications, and honest competition between real doctors trying to heal and make lots of money and those government hospitals where you sit and wait to be seen and cared for. Yes, the Mayo Clinic will still be better than the Crow Reservation Medical facility - but there will be health care. Those with money will go to private schools, have tutors, or continue to build Home Schools. So those with money will continue to get the best care they can buy, plastic surgery and mind numbing medicines to feel better, and the remainder of us will just get the required immunizations to protect the population.

Now that was an interesting exercise, but the truth is that I am not smart enough to design a fine functioning government - but that the government at all levels isn't smart enough (putting more computer systems and humans brains together don't always produce the best of anything) to make my life safe, happy and productive. If the market were free then you could design a country that people would flock to (duh, 19th Century America?), or flee from (Eastern Germany of the 1970's). As we design a free market economy, a participatory government and define public service better - but a real key is ability to adapt. Tsarist Russia, fine nation and empire for a long time - was built on repression, Russian had the potential of the United States but didn't know how to change and allow the people to grow. One of the things that troubles me is the idea of the media that a Czar of Education, Drugs, or anything is an improvement in making something better.

Honest I will get better by learning all my life, not using drugs that make me stupid or numb, by not drinking to excess, by moving more than is minimally required, and a bit faster. Do I need a government to make me understand what a great life is? Oprah would bring a guest on, Doctor Oz will tell me about organs and health, do I need the government conducting a survey of results? the media polling people instead of reporting the vote count on election day? Hmmm, should sleep through more of these thoughts. The book was really great.

Okay,, I won't answer the telephone anymore...

I don't like interruptions of my day, especially from the telephone. Now I do like to hear from my family, old friends -- and my wife thinks one has to answer even if you don't feel like communicating.

But the very helpful Congress persons had a great idea, have a no Call List -- just so I wouldn't be answering during dinner and such. So I jumped on that bandwagon. A better idea is a number I could have dialed after answering that would have charged the caller for use of my phone service and time. Yeah, I like that. Still it was a move in the correct direction, but charities and political problem children were exempt from denying me an opportunity to slam the telephone down in disgust.

Well, Newt Gingrich called me today, I answered but he didn't ask how I was or catch my name. When he started telling me about 'one who loves America' I hung up, gently - I did pay for that telephone. I have little regard for a man that doesn't know what real love is, I hope in his third marriage he has found it, I really hope that his life is wonderful and full of love. Honestly, but I don't trust someone that I know isn't trustworthy, and I know that about him.

The Constitution is not the rules of the House, and I don't think he is my choice for President. I hope that the Republicans can find a better candidate - there are hundreds of thousands of them out there - they just aren't running for office (they don't seek power or fame).

Stopping to catch my breath... seems to go faster than I...

You have to go, when you have to go... and walking your heart may be all that you can do, make sure you do it. There is a world out there, as I pondered that I don't go as fast as I once did. But if you dwell on what isn't there, the fear builds and you may not appreciate what is there for you.

As I walked I noticed an apple tree, from back in the day when we took care to grow our own food sources close to home. It has seen many better years, and the bugs and weather have beaten the fruit till what hangs now is not worth harvesting, but we are spending our great-grandchildren's money at Safeway for Apples from Chile. I know they aren't born yet, but no one has figured out how to turn the existing politicians off, and clean house on laws and regulations that are going to kill the economic engine.
If you looked through my blog roll, I like people that take care of the land, plant and harvest. That tree is on property awaiting a developer to add forty more housing units and cut down the fertility of the former farm.

Everyone does the best they can, and are diverted from really important things while they have their best earning years. There are also pressures to conform, just get along, and what makes you special? Envy and coveting your neighbor's stuff, there are so many traps out there, and you think if you are crossing the Donner Pass or something similar, that if you get stuck you can call 911 and the Park Rangers will save you from the flies looking for dead flesh to feed their babies...

I have to thank God for all that I have, it wasn't some President, a political party, a public education system that I was ready to drop for boredom at fifteen or so. I was given to the right parents that had dreams and values, I was actually part of their dream -- I was wanted. Brother and sisters were wanted. Not expected to be perfect, but always expected to be trying and trusted. Lying is so easy, unless you betray trust and fall short of your parents' expectations. I could have been a very similar man with the same parents in many of the former British Empire's now independent nations. I am an American, which doesn't sit well with those folks that think they are a lot better than I, and want me to live their way - with themselves in charge. Sorry, I am one of the People, and that means Liberty. Putting a leash on me to control my behavior won't work.

I have often noted that the laws against something have never really made much difference in my life. I was drinking underage, but most of my years as an adult I just didn't drink - if you changed the drug laws - I wouldn't use drugs - I do get smarter as I learn, but I am engaged in learning as an adult which means to question everything except gravity.

Everything you need to know about firearms within a civilized nation is shown in Israel and Switzerland and America (where there is still FREEDOM!). Everything you wanted to know about real money (pardon me, I am shouting at a Democrat justifying the Payroll tax cut, but not thinking that every income should be taxed at that rate -- instead of cutting it off just above a $100,000) is in the Swiss Franc. That country makes the Dollar look like Monopoly Money... but I mentioned that long ago and far away. Gutless wonders! UGLY! UGLY! Why am I watching politicians lie?

I don't think I have that much time left, but I have been wrong before. I am having lots of trouble breathing well enough to work a little harder. If I am not working, I have no problem. Oh, I am not working. The need to stop going up the hills, to stop at the top of the hill, to enjoy talking to a younger old guy, because he remarked I look like Moses with my staff, to enjoy the young woman with Evergreen Wreathes in her car that stopped and wished us a Merry Christmas (neither of us recognized her), the neighbor lady that stopped to tell me I wasn't going to stay warm at that slow a pace. Stop to catch one's breath is a good thing, the stress level is lower and the oxygen burn controlled. Thank God for His goodness, love and my life at any speed, remember there are snails slower than I.

Light fare today...

A well known commercial actor was making waves throughout the aviation industry and regulatory agencies yesterday. He twittered about it, but then he is just all a twitter, isn't he? Not as worthy a breakdown as Charlie Sheen, but he is probably on real medication not self abuse. He was working on becoming a much better person but the media wouldn't get out of his way and kept asking fool questions, and he had all the fool answers.

There is a lady in England that the media thinks has had six months to get a baby bump, and isn't she carrying her purse funny trying to hide it? Well, I don't know about the media, but what one does with one's hands and purse have more to do with what one is going to do with one's day than what the cameras are going to catch. Really working that aren't you?

I was glad that the Newt and the Mitt and the other seven dwarves are still waiting on Snow White's return from the clutches of the Huntsman. A girl has to do what a girl has to do.

The Department of Agriculture (?) wants rural children protected from earning their way into maturity. They would like them to be like the inner city Lost Badboyz, never growing up. Some bleeding heart liberal thinks they will die under tractors and other machinery (has happened before) and wants them to die by drug over dose, drive by shootings or getting stomped in the restroom at the excuse for a public school. I am sure there are statistics up about where the young die fastest. Aside from their trying to be race car drivers which could wait until sixteen. How is that working for you, Sex Ed at eleven or twelve and education about work, business and the economy about sixteen or even later? Sometimes it looks like they will have to go into the military to learn about work and the real world...

Inconceivable...

Why is it that what the founding fathers wanted for the United States of America, is nothing like what the media and current political parties and fools want now?

Ron Paul is correct, you can shrink the government back. Perry is right, send Congress home for longer periods of time, make them stay in their district or state when not in Washington, DC.

But mostly they are ALL WRONG, there is a COLA pay raise for the military - hasn't anyone noticed they are out of money? If they can't cut the waste, then they can't raise pay and benefits. They aren't honest.

Honest doesn't seem to count in the government, one part lies to another part and no one ever goes to jail - okay, some of Nixon's guys went but none of Holder's are going, ever.

They say (MSM) that Newt is going to be the Republican. He couldn't keep promises to two different women, how could he keep his oath of office? Oh, we already know he doesn't follow the Constitution, silly question.

I play games on facebook, I know they want me to spend real money buying their virtual tokens for buying better stuff in my game worlds... and it doesn't take a genius to realize the games are based on stupid citizens that don't care how something is paid for.. it is all virtual, relative to the moment and so much foolish fun. The games depend on a large population that defines the worst of America, the relatively unimportant part -- unless you want to get rich and powerful. Then the game designers, like our politicians and media, want to control the citizens and the game's outcome.

I don't buy, I plod along one thing at a time, gifts from some friends and plod on, destroying those that get in my game and try to plunder me...

More of something I know nothing about...

Have mentioned that I am not a social person, touching is taboo.

So, I go to shoot and someone thinks they can help me. Talk to me gently and catch my attention first -- I came to place bullets on target and everything behind me (including the Commander in Chief and Lady GaGa) are only distractions. I have six steps to making that shot, and don't want your interruption. A good time to tell me I am a fool, have a happy finger or could do with a little tightening of the sling which is no longer snug -- is after I clear my firearm and have placed it on safe. There are another six steps to making my rifle safe (if you are seven years old and have been to an Appleseed you know them by heart - if you are seventeen you will try and bluff your way through it).

Now if I am accepting of your coaching, you can almost whisper in my ear your observations - I can't hear well with hearing protection and the entire high frequency range is no longer registering - but that is the point where we are working as a team to make that shot. If you are a man, and a young man at that - you might call me something jokingly terrible that my mother should never have heard in relation with me -- don't forget I am an old man, my mother is watching from Heaven, and you might get marked by your foolishness - which take a lot good deeds to erase. If you are of the finer gender, treat me like an old piece of china - drop me and I break, shattering my ego all over the place. Remember I think I am forty years younger than I act.

I once was a Drill Sergeant, and I adjusted a lot of attitude and equipment on other soldiers learning to be better than I, it is better to ask or demand permission to fix something by touching than to touch and set off the bomb inside of a frightened or paranoid human in a stressful environment. No one is prepared for that. As an instructor on the firing ranges I have tried to make sure everyone around me understood that touching is a LAST resort, and should be done only when the shooter is prepared for assistance.

Help clean up before you shoot, clean up after you shoot and keep smiling confidently and others will think you are nice or nuts, but will certainly treat you better. Bring more manners than you have to to every interaction with other people. Although Heinlein said an Armed Society is a Polite Society, he grew old when manners were fraying already - and go with the more manners than necessary.

This rambling is brought to you because someone somewhere touched someone on a range, and many places I haven't been are dirty and not nice to shoot areas now that the savages have done their little war dance. The First People had more appreciation for the ceremonies of passage.

From Cave to Cybersphere...

Shelter, so simple, keep the rain off, keep the warmth in, a place to sleep, work and rest. Cave, it does provide. Then we wanted mobility, follow the prey, make them into herds and husband them, with yurts, wagons, teepees. Or settle and build the hut, plaster over wattle, plaster board over frame, whole trees - still providing shelter from the elements, the predators, the enemies - a place to make babies, birth babies, and raise babies in love - we can only hope.

One had to venture out for food, females and frolic. Sure, you could bring them back to the home (if your parents approved). But public life was outside, and your private life was inside, you were safe there. Now, not so sure.

You bring signals in - radio, television and such, and now they send signals out - radio, televison and such. As you become more immobile, you spend more time putting yourself out, and gathering what you want in... and it isn't LIFE, but it is close? Hmm, time for church - more shelter to contemplate the meaning of so little life inside the shelter, Earth is shelter from the spans of the Universe. Homes brighten with Love, and laughter, and family and friends... why are you bringing in the reporters and commentators with crimes against humanity? Shelter, from those things that bring pain.

Okay, Lord, the will is made, now it is Thy Will...

Americans, we are not as smart as we should be, we don't study History and Cause and Effect enough.

I went and got my LAST WILL and TESTAMENT done today, on the cover of the original is the Staff Judge Advocate symbol and a scroll with 1775 on it. 1775 was a very good year.

It was the year the citizens of New England decided that the British Army had done too many bad things to good people. Are you listening BATFE? So they drove them back into Charleston and then to Boston and then out of the colony. A very good year, but then a Congress sat around and talked, and didn't talk, and dithered time away. Men in badly run camps, got sick and died, wounds didn't get treated well and more died and have I mentioned that Congress talked? It is difficult to build and train an army, but Congress comes where ever there are politicians with a point of view to make things right...

It took them, in Congress, until July of 1776 to formalize what had been going on in New England and New York, although there were some backwoods boys that had declared independence much earlier (they had no gold, no ports and no possibilities - but attitude, a Bible and a rifle will take you far from reality).

Y'all be good out there, I noticed they are selling firearms in the Post Exchange, had some good ones there. I have enough already, but like good folks it is always to be admired and commented upon. Is Congress still talking?

I feel like a prophet of old, no one listens...

I don't need a Savior, I have a living one and will hope to be worthy of the price he paid for his government's justice and religious community's fears and scorn. The city of Jerusalem was sacked and destroyed, not long after and the Roman empire fell, and didn't rise again, who is the biggest loser? I can carry all the Love, give away all the Love and grow more as needed...

But it does seem like it will take a real President to save US from the coming collapse of America, and the Western World business/government model. I looked it up, there is no leadership required of the President, the title of savior is also not there. This country was founded by The People and I have only a passing thought that The People will save themselves, correct the course of the nation and get on with what they can do so much better without government RULE. Remembering that I am not the smartest man in any room unless alone.

I have no hope in the 2012 elections improving the members of Congress, House or one third of the Senate. Both the Republicans and the Democrats as parties like the idea that they are in charge and control the destiny of over three hundred million Americans - that sounds pretty powerful... but then they have to hire bunches of people to suppress the illegal drug trade, the attacks by fanatic terrorists, the threats from far countries and different dreams. You haven't seen many politicians going to war recently have you? And they are afraid, secret closed door meetings -- special rules for themselves, and just more lies when in public. That is as a group, as individuals some of them are wonderful people, mature, thoughtful, kind and perfect examples of humanity's best. No, I can't name any - they are lost in the herd, the party, some subcommittee.

So, what needs to happen is The People must wake up and fix the government, ask the questions, demand the changes, elect REPRESENTATIVES (not a ruling elite, we are all in this life and some of us aren't better than the others every day, in every situation). We have to do this, at the same time we are securing our LIBERTY, as we prepare for the end of the world as we know it. Time is running out, but then some of us will die before the end.

The People are not subjects of a King or President or The Congress or the Government, The People are Americans. They consume, and are loved for being consumers but that isn't their purpose in life. They work, and are loved for being workers but that isn't their purpose in life.

I suppose that many of The People don't know the purpose of their life, and hope that media will announce it on Oprah or Fox Business News (you don't get it? demand it!). But life is a long journey and you should know your goals. One of the reasons that the Federal government got so far from the Constitution is that the political players worked on little personal goals. The National government should only work on NATIONAL goals, the STATE work on State goals, and THE PEOPLE work on personal goals. Education is a personal goal, a great education is a better personal goal, no child left behind is a slogan.

If The People don't get this election right, and their Representatives don't get it right, it will all be over too quickly although there will be examples of valiant efforts to stem the wave of destruction... but it is difficult to see how far you have fallen through the trash and slime in the ditch your drunken excesses have produced. Look around, there are many great people out there, and not one of them is running for President, opening up new businesses employing thousands, or betting on a better future -- most are betting on failure, greed, terror, foolishness.

There is a better way - for the individual, for the family, for THE PEOPLE, for their future. It does not center on Government, it centers on Awe of the Lord and the value of His Love. No greater treasure.

I AM, I do exist, even if you don't know it...

Update the Driver's License, only fifty dollars for five more years. When one isn't certain that one will live that long and what is the joy of that mechanical marvel sitting dirty in the drive... should I? Wait, they are offering the Enhanced Driver's License for only fifteen dollars more. With that one can enter the United States faster! WOW! Okay, when was the last time I entered the United States from Canada, 1967? And I do have an American Passport good until 2015. Just for the new, I will go renew and get the superior upgrade.

Fifty dollars is for driving a car for twenty five, and twenty fire for the endorsement for motorcycles. It doesn't mean that I won't lay it over, hurt myself or others but I do have the State's permission to try and ride it safely. I went Tuesday, and found that I couldn't get the enhanced version, since the computer with the address verification was down that morning. Okay, I would go back on Wednesday.

I went back on Wednesday, and pushed the green button for a number and found I had failed the first test. Can the individual read the number generating machine? not Earl. I liked the green button, it was the one I had pushed yesterday. I was supposed to push the lower one with the flags. Okay, they still took my number and passport and current driver's license and punched it so I can never again use it. Then the mental test, what was my name? address? date of birth, place of birth, My MOTHER's MAIDEN name (???) her birthplace (?), My FATHER's NAME, his birthplace, sure enough the computer did verify my address. Then the tough part, put my forehead in the eye test machine until it turns on, read the top line (first four letters are interesting probably the left eye alone) the last eight easy (four for both eyes, four for right eye only), the color test my father wouldn't have passed, and the blinking lights for peripheral vision - cool, still have it, paranoia rules! So have a seat until you are again called. I brought a book, been here before.

Another clerk, calls for William (as we built a relationship he would change it to Bill) and he asked all the questions again - to insure that what he had was what I thought should be there. Then he asked for my Social Security number (???) He asked me sign a card with a yellow box, putting my signature inside the box. Then I get another seat, called to face the machine and I get my picture taken. Facial recognition (you will have to take major damage to change it all) and a radio replier chip (Radio Frequency Identification) are going to protect the United States from those foreign terrorists and tax cheats. They give me a paper copy of the final finished product, and a protective sleeve so no one can scan my new improved Enhanced Drivers License. The card won't hold all that information, that will be on a computer - duh, probably linked to the Federal folks everywhere - but it will have MY unique individual number. Now I can wait up to thirty days for the real license to arrive at my mail box. Until then I will have to use my passport to enter the United States.

As I departed, to find an out of print book and pick up some reading from the library, I thought about my paper trail. I have a credit history (don't ask me my score - I don't care), I have an education history, a military history, a birth certificate on file in Freeborn County, Minnesota, a wedding certificate in West Virginia, a file with the Passport Agency (have actually picked one up on my way to a flight to Germany), I have an employment history with different libraries. I have a medical history, very extensive with the US Army, a bit dropped off at Veteran's Administration, a local doctor and some dental records somewhere. That is the public records of my passage from the Twentieth Century to the Twenty-first. The financial records are huge! The family and some friends have letters, pictures and stuff that we shared. Oh, I think the insurance companies have some record of me, I have been paying them and they me over the years periodically. Law enforcement, hmm, speeding tickets, one. Stopped by German police for lack of working light on my bicycle, I fixed it. There are probably Historical figures that have fewer words written permanently about them than I do, and just think about their little people that did the kind of work I did in their era - if they even lived as long. No, I don't have a copy of all that paperwork (supervisor evaluations I do have) but it is all out there somewhere.

Now, you do know that Microsoft, Yahoo, facebook, Blogger and lots of other little cyber-spheres have a taint of my passage... and I paid some of them for the privilege. I exist, until the Lord closes my final chapter. I can be Googled long after I will have stopped touching a keyboard or screen... why? oops, that would be philosophy and there isn't that much time.