Thoughts For Thursday...

Okay, so we might not see a sunrise this morning here in the Heartland, but we're not supposed to get any rain, either.
Doesn't exactly seem like a loss, does it?
Our Hoosierland weather will see us with mostly sunny skies (a little later on) with temps reaching back into the mid-70s.
Sure is good sleeping weather, too with the lows dropping into the 50s.
If you're careful, you might be able to save some money on utilities bills...and wind up spending it on healthcare premiums...lol.
That's the way things work these days, unfortunately.
In any event, let's get a nice soothing cup or glass of that morning drink poured, as we see what else is going on...
*** First out of the library stacks is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"My dream is of a place and a time where America will once again be seen as the last best hope of Earth."

This is attributed to the 16th President of these United States - Abraham Lincoln (12 February 1809 - 15 April 1865).
And here is his (lengthy) WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham_Lincoln
Many forget that Lincoln's MAIN objective was the preservation of "The Union" (our United States), and he stated it thus:

"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union ... I have here stated my purpose according to my view of official duty; and I intend no modification of my oft-expressed personal wish that all men everywhere could be free."
Kinda says it all, hmm?
The real shame to all this is that after all this time, and the passing of the Civil Rights Act, there are still those who have chosen to remain in another form of "slavery", be it via illiteracy, illegal drugs, criminal activity, or outright ignorance.

Wonder how Lincoln would view that?
Moving on...
*** Next, we bring to you our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
July 2 -
---Today is I FORGOT DAY

Apparently , the BEST day of the year for what I call "Selective Amnesia".
This is something that is a CHRONIC condition in our nation's capital, if you haven't guessed by now.
---And, it's WORLD UFO DAY

Those Earthling crack me the frack up.

That's the ONLY reason those little green men stop by our planet - COMEDY RELIEF.
So, if you happen to SEE one of those buggers, thank him for not vaporizing the Earth...(the Democrats seem to be doing that already).
*** Yesterday was a decent day to mow the backyard (again), and the rest of the ground cover around our "Fortress" gets a haircut over the next couple days, as the weather will be nice enough (the onoy rain coming hit here around Monday).

Another job well-done.

And, since I'm not a spry 25 years old any longer, I choose to "pace myself". That means I get to clean out the gutters in front of the house (the only other one that really needs it)....oh, joy.
That shouldn't be that big a deal, so I'm not expecting any "surprises" along the way.
You'll love this one...yesterday, we had a STREET SWEEPER roil through.

Well, that's ONE guy with job-security.

But, it's not like we didn't NEED one. Hell, the THESE primates toss trash from their paws, we could have a sweeper come through several times a WEEK, and we'd barely break even with the accumulation of litter along our streets.
(must be a "cultural" thing with these people?)
Still, a clean street looks better...until the next mook starts tossing litter, and begins the cycle anew.
Wifey and I are wondering how SOON that will occur...LOL.
(My guess...LESS than 48 hours)
*** Next, there is only ONE thing I have to say about the recent White House "lighting" gig:

Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot

You said it, Buster.

And there you go...no other words are necessary.
*** Next, several new laws go into effect in Indiana as of 1 July. Here's the story link:
http://wane.com/2015/06/30/several-new-driving-laws-go-into-effect-july-1/
I read them...not a biggie to me, and nothing I have to fear.
1) If you're going too damn slow in the passing lane (I hate that, and you people know who you are), you HAVE to move over to allow faster traffic to pass.

Who needs "roads"?

Just remember, Indiana roads are NOT the frigging German Autobahn, got it?
2) If a teen has a probationary license (we used to call them LEARNER'S PERMITS) they cannot use a telecommunication device (smart phone) IN their vehicle until they are 21. (sounds good to me) Only exception - an EMERGENCY!
3) Drivers UNDER the age of 18 w/ a "learner's permit", cannot be on the roads UNSUPERVISED (accompanied by a REAL driver) between the hours of 11 PM - 5 AM - Sunday through Thursdays. Saturdays and Sundays no drive time is from 1 AM - 5 AM.

(and you guys out here are JUST getting around to this NOW???
We had such laws in Philly back in the 1970s...LOL)
---I also hear that you can now have a SAWED-OFF SHOTGUN...but there is a proviso:
It cannot be "modified" into a sawed off weapon.,..that is STILL a federal offense.
So, I guess they're gonna be SELLING them?
Isn't that a bit ridiculous?
Who wants to shell out (pun intended) good money for LESS firearm?
Most sawed-offs tend to be coach guns (double-barreled, side-by-side).
A pump would be dumb - maybe have 3-4 rounds TOPS in the tube (because that is also shorter)
*** Last back to the holding cell...is anyone else getting as pissed off as I have become over ALL this "control" being enacted against our FIRST AMENDMENT?

Some people really NEED to read this.

This is becoming a critical sticking point these days.
I used to think we were getting way in over our heads with frivolous lawsuits, but alas, such lawsuits are not longer the realm of the inconsequential.
In fact, they are becoming MORE common, rather than less.
The ACLU, which USED to stand for and promote CIVIL LIBERTIES for everyone, are now the cherry-pickers for the trivial and mundane.
They will fight like there's no tomorrow for the rights of ONE person (or a small group) instead of protecting the SAME rights of the vast MAJORITY.
Seems they made a "180" here, and that is becoming a HUGE problem in this country.
The thinner your skin, and the easier you become "offended" by something or someone, the faster these new-age "ambulance -chasers" come to the rescue, and damn our Constitution along the way.

Where we ONCE had majority rule, we now have control by the minority OVER the majority.
When did one person's right trump everyone else's because they FELT offended?
Hell, I'm offended every damn day, but you don't see me launching lawsuits hand-over-fist, so I can "feel better".
As Americans, we used to be much more able to "suck it up" and move on with LIFE, because it's short enough as it is.
Today...not so much.
Rather than allow such insignificant things roll off our backs like water off a dunk, we choose to take to task those not in agreement with a particular mindset, however wrong that notion might be.

We see the evidence daily, and this is setting a bad precedent for this nation.
We used to be a country full of people with a much STRONGER resolve, and a better belief system.
I would sure like to see THAT come back in vogue, because what we have in place now, serves too few for the wrong reasons and denies too many under similar circumstances.
We should remember that as we approach the anniversary of our INDEPENDENCE.
Just a thought.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.