Friday Follies...
Here we are - the FIRST Friday of the new year, and we haven't had ANY more homicides (yet).
But, we've plenty of year left, as well of plenty of criminals with the intent, so don't count them out.
*** First up, today is EPIPHANY (6 Jan), and that means that all our Christmas decorations can OFFICIALLY come down (in our house).
It's just something that my late Mom used to ascribe to...don't ask me why.
Mom wasn't even Catholic...she was (like I am) a "shouting" Methodist.
Traditionally, this Christian festival commemorates the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi.
It also is the day immediately following those other "Twelve" days of Christmas (which ends on the 5th).
But hey, you don't need me bending your ear on this...so, here's the WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphany_(holiday)
So, I get to UNdecorate the house, and I'm probably not the only one that gets a bit "down" while putting it all away for the next 340 or so days.
At least I won't be leaving outdoor lights up until late Spring (or later)...like many often do. And that is just SO damn tacky.
The tree comes down tomorrow (sigh).
Still, like they say...as one door closes, another one opens...right?
*** Next on the agenda, hundreds turn out to say goodbye to Aliahna Lemmon.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20120106/LOCAL07/301069970
Now, if this tugs at your heart strings a wee bit...GOOD...it's supposed to.
I will never live long enough to figure out WHY young lives are snuffed out LONG before their time, while others continue.
If I were to venture a guess, it would be so that those of us that DO continue on will not forget those lives, and be bold enough to stand up for such young lives, allowing them the opportunity to enjoy a life where they can grow into adulthood and prosper, and not have to endure such evils so early in those lives. Maybe that's asking too much, or being too idealistic, but hell, we've got to start somewhere and be the voice of our future in their stead.
Personally,. I don't believe that IS asking too much...of any of us.
*** Next up, a nice LONG sentence for a murdering thug.
Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20120106/LOCAL03/301069966
Roderick Vandrell Lewis won't be practicing his particular brand of "getting to know people" for quite some time.
With his VERY checkered background with drugs, gangs (Gangster Disciples), and crime, you have to remember that he is still a "GOOD BOY".
Sorry, but a good boy is one that keeps his damn nose clean...or a dog that fetches when you toss a ball.
This piece of human waste isn't fit to breathe the same air as the rest of us.
But he DOES have the balls to say to the families who lost teenagers at HIS hands that he's a "good person".
Yeah, right...and everyone WAS really born yesterday, too.
Lewis says he is a changed man because of religion.
Well, I got a feeling he's gonna be shouting the Creator's name should he ever drop the soap in the prison shower.
The house that Lewis shot the two teenagers at was a PARTY HOUSE for youth and drugs.
Gee, don't we have a few MORE of them down here in the crotch of Fort Wayne?
I know there are several that get higher than usual "traffic" both by vehicle and on foot.
The families of the slain teens took exception with the media for portraying their sons as gang members (well, if you HANG with gang members, some of THAT crap's bound to rub off...don'cha think?). Isn't it the whole "lying down with pigs" thing?
Some people MUST like the SMELL.
*** A followup on homicide #2 for this year.
Here's the link to the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20120106/LOCAL07/301069914/1002/LOCAL
I find it ODD that the FWPD will not disclose the LOCATION where they found that 2005 blue Impala (which belonged to the shooting victim).
Maybe they found it DOWN HERE (like I said was a distinct possibility)?
The car was unoccupied at the time police found it, and believe it might yield clues in the ongoing investigation.
I'll try and stay on top of this one, should more information become available.
*** Lastly today, is anyone just a wee bit confused as to WHO the GOP candidate will be (who will or can) defeat Obama?
I know I sure as hell am.
I already mentioned to several other bloggers (and Wifey) that NONE of them have the "complete package", because each of them is deficient in some area somewhere.
Now maybe, I'm looking too hard for the PERFECT candidate...so what's wrong with that, other than the fact that they probably don't exist?
Doesn't hurt to set HIGH standards when it comes to the highest office in our own government, right?
I mean, I want the BEST-QUALIFIED person for the job...period!
(and not an empty suit that practices Chicago politics with ties to Kenya and wants to turn the USA into some socialistic adjunct of China...or worse...sound familiar?)
Whenever I deal with someone on a professional level, I would hope that they KNOW what they're doing...that's why I choose to deal with them.
Could be a mechanic, a home repair specialist, a TV repairman, plumber...doesn't matter WHO it is...as long as they exude confidence in their job, because they KNOW their craft (and they better know it BETTER than I do, because I'm paying them to do something I can't...lol)
Isn't that the way it SHOULD work?
Now while I freely admit that there are some doctors who play a mean game of golf, I wouldn't exactly want a golfer to be performing whatever critical SURGERY that's required on me or a loved one...
Should be the SAME way in politics.
Yet, I don't want a staunch "politician"...I want someone who has worked their way UP, has experience dealing with as many problems as possible, and being able to think accordingly (and creatively) to SOLVE those problems.
I want someone looking out for THIS country, and NOT every other country.
I want someone who won't be apologizing FOR this nation.
And I want someone who knows WHAT our Constitution is all about and chooses to stand BY IT...no matter what.
I know, I'm asking a helluva lot, right?
Each of the GOP candidates has one thing going for them, but I'm not willing to toss them all into a blender, and then pour out the contents of that "perfect" candidate. I would hope that they are all LEARNING from one another, and that they DO have the best interest of the people of this nation, as well as the nation ITSELF in mind.
Gonna be an interesting election year...that's for sure.

In the meantime...
Have yourselves a nice, politics-free weekend.
Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay safe out there, America.