My Brother from a different Mother (War is Hell)

Those of us who have been in the Military, gone through basic training, spent day after day in grueling conditions, know the bond that exists between Soldiers. It is a bond like no other. When you are in a War zone that bond becomes a necessity. You must put your life in the hands of those around you. I will always feel a kinship to my brothers and sisters in Arms. I support them, I respect them, and I am so proud to know them. I hope that one day we the people of the world can put aside that which drives us to that most horrific act, the act of war. Saying that, we all agree that if we are attacked, it is our duty to answer the call. War is unforgiving!

Today, this strikes close to home. My friend and co-worker is training, preparing for forward deployment. It is his third deployment since our paths crossed seven years ago. His first in Afghanistan, then Iraq, then back to Afghanistan. His family, torn between their pride in his service, and the gut wrenching pain they feel saying goodbye to him once again. I too feel the pain. Not the same as his parents, his wife, and his children of course, but as that Brother who has shared in the service of our Country. In his last tour he was responsible for convoy security, one of the worst jobs in Iraq. Driving all over the war zone delivering supplies where needed. Improvised Explosive Devices, shook their convoy six times. Only his leadership and his men's training allowed all but one (in his support group) to come home. War is Merciless!

I was standing at his work station at 0615 when he received his latest orders and I could tell right away something was wrong. I was asking him how his wife and kids were doing. He turned his computer screen towards me and as I read the email I wanted to scream. Is this some cruel email joke? No! No one could be that evil. Every day, I am thankful for how blessed I am, and when I see my children I hug them tightly, not just for me, but for his children. To have your Father leave, not once, not twice, but three times without the possibility of knowing if they will ever see him again. I know that feeling. Not because of war, but because I lost my Father at a young age. It proves again the resiliency of children. Their ability to adapt, to set aside their feelings, never relinquishing them, but keeping them for their quiet times, when they are alone, and can bring them out without fear of showing their pain, their sorrow, their tears. War is Heartless!

Once again my American Flag flies in his honor, and the honor of his soldiers. Rain or shine, day and night. It will fly until his return. I hope that all who read this will pray for my friend, all of our Soldiers and their families who share in the ultimate sacrifice, who accept the call of duty. And I hope you celebrate the honor of their service. Regardless of why they were sent, they were called, and they answered yet again. To my Brother from a different Mother, stay Frosty, keep your head down, and most importantly come home soon. War is Hell! BigBlogAlphaDog

California Schemin (Such a price to pay)

Our Governor recently stated he is a more fun loving guy than his predecessors? He posted a picture of himself with a big knife jokingly talking about the state budget, (which was way late again). He says he is having fun in the job, then realizes how bad that sounds and quickly back tracks. Is this the same guy that claimed he would deliver a balanced budget on time while helping to get the last Governor out of office? We all know about California and the state of our economy now. We have a credit rating lower than Mississippi. WHAT! Nothing against Mississippi but aren't we the seventh largest economy on the Planet? When did our elected officials get the idea they could not do their job and keep getting paid? Doesn't work anywhere else that I know of.

No skin off their noses if services are cut, no furloughs for them that I have heard. Still have the Government vehicle and the gas card? It seems that the politicians elected to public service are only interested in what they can do for themselves. When did public service become "Serving it to the Public"? All the cuts, all the posturing, all the in fighting, all the lies. They simply won't or can't get the job done because most don't seem to give a damn about the people they were elected to serve, (until election time rolls around). You have cut thousands of jobs which may save money in the short term but what about those family's? Are they putting into the system now or just pulling from it? Not seeing how that is helping to stimulate the economy!

Government has gotten so large it is no wonder that they can't agree on a budget, much less anything else. How about voting on reducing Government. I imagine that would take longer than passing the budget. The budget hmmm... did we fix it? From what I hear it is more of the same shell game, borrowing, moving, passing the buck onto the next in line to Sacramento. And thanks for sneaking in the ten percent (but not a tax increase) grab from our paychecks. How about voting out the two thirds vote that seems to stifle budget reform and many other items up for passage? While we are on the subject can you explain why if we are so broke, we would spend so much money to vote on propositions you knew had no way of passing? Just an idea but how about let's not put anything to a vote that we have no way of ever passing or funding.

Then there is the prison system. Have you all noticed that more and more people in our state are living in worse conditions than our prisoners? No medical, no food, living under a bridge somewhere. Seems there are many things that all that money could do for the law abiding citizens of our state. How much more can we the taxed give? Have you seen the latest polls on your approval ratings. Not so good. That would tell me to take a hard look at what is going on. People want change. They want innovative thinkers who are looking out for the best interest of the people, not the politicians. When I think of what our fun loving, having a good time in the job Governor has done, I can only come up with one thing. Indian Gaming. Don't get me wrong, I am happy Native Americans are getting their due. They were the first to be "Governed".

So to all our politicians, there is still time to make your mark, time to live up to the promises you made while trying to get elected. And although it was a nice gesture for the Governor to work for a dollar, we all know of his riches from his previous career. Mr Governor, I am a big fan of your movies, (I even liked Running Man) but as a leader, a public servant, as an innovator, I must quote one of my favorite of your movies, (Predator) when Dutch says to Dillon, "It's all Bulls--t, all of it" Such a price to Pay. MyRantasaurusRex

Work Ethic (Don't get me started)

My frustration with much of what is going on at work, with the economy, politics, well just about everything these days was my initial reason for starting this blog. I don't enjoy starting on a negative subject but some things can't be helped. In the future I will be sharing some day to day adventures, some ranting, on any number of topics, but mainly today I just wanted to vent. I am a working dad who has worked since the age of 14. I started in the Grape fields of the San Joaquin Valley with my uncle. I grew up without a Fathers influence as he was killed when I was just five in a tragic auto accident on Thanksgiving Day. My male role models were my Grandfathers, whom I saw only during the summers when I visited. My moms dad was in construction and traveled often to what ever job site he was working. When he was at home he had a propensity to enjoy the spirits from the Gallo Brothers. Most of the time he would be chasing my Uncles and I out of his old Army Barracks. My Fathers dad I saw only occasionally, usually for a couple of days each year. Both taught me about work ethic, both did what they could to keep me on the right path. I gleaned what I could from them in our limited time together and I loved them both while they were alive.

After high school I joined the Military and spent 3 years in various locations across the US. My years following service for Uncle Sam I spent learning a Construction trade in a four year apprenticeship. Following my Grandfathers advice I stayed with it for fifteen years. Both the Military and the skilled trades required a strong work ethic. In the Military you either had it or you did allot of push ups, sit ups, etc. In the trades you worked based on the reputation you build as you came up.

Then came my current job. A new brand of work ethic was introduced. I started as a worker, then a leader, then I moved to Management. It wasn't so much that I was trying to climb the ladder, but more a natural progression one would take if they had a strong work ethic and spent many years in one place. Like many I spend my days sharing time between work and home. At home I have a wife and four children and they are my joy and my inspiration. At work I have my other children, my workers, all with unique personalities, and skill sets. They belong to a union which will remain nameless. Let me just say that I am not against Unions, I was in one for the fifteen years I was in construction. I believe unions have done allot for workers rights and I am in favor of doing the right thing.

What I don't understand about this particular Local is their willingness to back their members even when they are wrong. For example, sleeping on the job, complaining about every assignment, drugs, and the biggie, absenteeism. Why would you back members that only weaken you as an organization, weaken your position? Their reps come in and make out like the company is in the wrong no matter the infraction. How can this help them? It is the thought of most that their main interest is to get the members vote at election time, not the good of the Union. Their many factions clutter the cafeterias with leaflets berating the opponent, blaming them for any number of things, all of them ending with "In Solidarity". Are you kidding me?

Endorsing bad behavior, and poor workmanship is only hurting the membership, giving them a reason to accept poor work ethic. It festers, it grows, and it becomes ingrained in them. In nature, the weak are culled from the herd. It strengthens them as a whole. It prevents complacency, ensuring the herd will survive. I don't get it! In this day and age with our economy in shambles, one would think everyone would be going the extra mile to maintain their jobs, and present the strongest possible position. Nothing is guaranteed in this world, and all job markets are flooded with applicants. We have been witness to the biggest collapse of our economy in history and to think someone making thirty plus and hour would complain about anything and then be told it OK, is ludicrous. Where did they go wrong? Your membership represents you.

I hope that these Union leaders realize how lucky they are to have a job at all in this economy, I hope for it every day. Before it's too late. Before we all start spinning after the flush. Instill pride in your members, remind them there are consequences for their actions. It feels good to truly earn what you have. Your predecessor's fought hard to gain what you have. Don't lose it for your members and their family's. Promote a strong work ethic in all of them.This is my first rant, a mild rant, (thanks Mom) I told you, don't get me started. BigBlogAlphaDog