Humpday Happenings...

Welcome to the middle of the week, and while the light rain left something to be desired, the gusty winds have taken it's place.
Our Hoosierland weather will have us enjoying a mostly mild day with temps rising into the low 60s, and then dropping during the day with some clouds and rain showers coming along for the ride (keep the umbrella handy). After that, things start to change for the seasonal, and that means cooler temps and the possibility of some of the dreaded "S" word - SNOW in the near future. Could be worse, like that snow (4-16 inches total)  that all but crippled traffic in the Denver area yesterday.
So, let's get that morning drink filled (or re-filled) and set about to see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First off the ski lift is our WHO SAID THAT? quote of the week:
"Liberty cannot be established without morality, nor morality without faith."
 In times where liberty seems on the brink of being pushed aside for other agendas, we'd be remiss not to recall words such as these. So, WHO said that?
The answer at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back at the Second Republic...
*** It's also time for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
November 18 -
---Today is NATIONAL VICHYSSOISE DAY

And, in case you're wondering WHAT this stuff is, here you go:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vichyssoise
(Actually sounds kinda tasty.)
--- It's also the BIRTHDAY OF MICKEY MOUSE

Looks pretty spry for being 87.

So, here's the WIKI on MICKEY:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_Mouse
---And, it's NATIONAL EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS DAY

Sounds pretty self-explanatory, doesn't it?
*** Next up, Seems the number of governors AGAINST having Syrian refugees sent to their state is GROWING. Here's the latest:
http://www.npr.org/2015/11/17/456336432/more-governors-oppose-u-s-resettlement-of-syrian-refugees

Yeah, we're up to THIRTY with one, lone but BRAVE than her fellow democrat governors added to the list.

And now YOU know the TRUTH.

The ACLU is trying to put some sticks in some eyes saying this is unconstitutional, but the states argue that having the FEDS mandate such things removes the sovereign aspect OF the states, which really IS unconstitutional.
The ACLU needs to STFU and STFD ASAP, period.

A remedial course at THIS "college"?

Our new Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan is urging a "pause" in the refugee program.
This is sure to piss off the "Whiner-in-Chief", but I don't really care. It's all about protecting AMERICA and HER PEOPLE first.
*** Next, THIS story gets me both scratching and shaking my head, because I thought ALL people had CIVIL RIGHTS, as set down by our Constitution. Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/indiana/LGBT-bill-draws-swift-criticism-9974390

So, if I get this correctly, Indiana state lawmakers are seeking to EXPAND the civil rights of the LGBT crowd.
The counterpoint to this are people supporting religious freedom.
I dunno...a lot of this sounds "contrived" in nature, and besides, if you expand the rights of SOME, what about the REST? Do they get "their" rights expanded in a similar manner, or do we have some people MORE equal than others?

Naturally, the state DEMS are leading this charge, because the smallest number of "different" people need to ALWAYS be so much MORE equal than the vast majority...remember that.

When you have to have LAWS that tell people that a group has the same rights as everyone else, that doesn't track right to me. We are all ENDOWED with God-given rights first, and then, human rights through our founding documents (again, based in Godly values and principles).
To me, anything else becomes a PRIVILEGE, and we ALL know how RIGHTS and PRIVILEGES become erroneously intertwined when people think with their glands and emotions, rather than their brains.
The story's a good read and tells both sides of the issue well enough.
I think it should be left the hell alone. Why base any new "rights" on what goes on in a bedroom, right?
*** Next, our own Fort Wayne City Council takes another step to separate city workers from everyone ELSE in the working class in Fort Wayne. Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/Council-might-end-residency-mandates-9977824

The city of Fort Wayne and Allen County USED to have "residency restrictions", but waived that for FWPD officers. Same goes for the FWFD personnel, as well as dispatchers and supervisors working at the city's emergency call center.
NOW, the restrictions have been lifted for ANY and ALL CITY EMPLOYEES.

They do NOT have to live WITHIN the city limits. They can live outside the city in ANY county that borders Allen County.
How nice is that?
They won't have to deal with the vicissitudes of this city 24/7, and as city employees, I feel they SHOULD. They should be the EXAMPLE, and not the exception.
Used to be a time back in Philly, when a PPD officer not only had to LIVE in the city , BUT, often had to live in the area he patrolled or was assigned to.
That made for a better overall KNOWLEDGE of that area, and that tactic worked out pretty damn well...UNTIL Philly decided to change that policy to something similar to what Fort Wayne (and Allen County) has.

When officers and even firefighters do not acclimate themselves well enough to an area of coverage or patrol (by living in it, for example), things don't go as well intended as many would like to believe.
But, that's just what I saw in another city. I'm sure we'll not go the same route here (he said sarcastically).
I still think if you "represent" the cit (or county)y, you SHOULD live within it's confines. To NOT do so sends the wrong message to those of us that DO live here...it's like a form of city-worker "privilege", isn't it?
But it DOES open a door to something we called (back in Philadelphia) a CITY WAGE TAX.
You pay it when you WORK in but don't LIVE in the city/county...has some future possibilities to shore up that tax base in Fort Wayne, hmm?
*** Last back to the lodge...we're fast approaching that time of year where we give thanks, hence the term "Thanksgiving".

And that should be something we take to heart.
We have SO much to be thankful for, and yet, in our "hurry up" world of technologies, as well as constantly  changing social and political climates all around us, when do we find the time?

Well, it doesn't take that much from our busy days to spend a few moments to think about why we should be thankful, as well as appreciative for what we HAVE, and who we've BECOME in our lives.
We become consumed with consumerism as the holidays near - not the best way to give thanks.
We spend less time writing letters, talking face-to-face, and less time taking in the enjoyment of life.
Sure, many of us chase after that latest fad or seek to feed our "habit" when it comes to our passions, and that's fine, as long as we keep such things in the proper context.
All this "stuff" is the icing on life's cake and NOT the cake itself.
To be truly thankful should mean we take into account a higher authority who is the reason we are able to think, and to love, and to reason, and to be allowed the opportunity to give thanks.
If we never come to appreciate what we are permitted, allowed, or given, we never know what giving thanks is all about. It doesn't take much effort, but it DOES take SOME effort on our part.
And being thankful for that effort alone, is as good a place to start as any, isn't it?

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.