Thoughts On Thursday...

Well, that cool spell we had is coming to it's end. Damn shame.
The last two days were great. Good sleeping and nice enough to do anything outside.
In fact , it was nice enough to open up a window or two, and cool the "Fortress" down (didn't have to run the A/C).
Our Hoosierland weather for today might see that change.
Expect partly sunny skies to begin the day, followed by increasing clouds with a 40% chance of rain (maybe a thundershower) later on. Highs today will top out in the low to mid-70s. And we'll have some mild breezes tossed in.
So let's all get that morning drink (good old double-sweet hazelnut coffee for me, thanks) and see what's been going on elsewhere...
*** First out of the sugar bowl is the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves,  tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it. "

This was spoken by our 40th President, Ronald Wilson Reagan (February 6, 1911 – June 5, 2004). We've featured him a couple times here (and rightly so), but for those of you who want a refresher, here is his WIKI:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Reagan

Yesterday's reference to The Santa Fe Trail had to do with the 1940 film with Errol Flynn, which Reagan made after he portrayed George Gipp in the movie Knute Rockne - All American.
Never in my lifetime have I seen a better example of CONSERVATISM than with this president.
And I would advise reading the WIKI is you want to see a sterling example of the polar OPPOSITE of the last 8 years of the liberal agenda.
The major turning point in politics for Reagan was at the Republican national Convention in 1964 where he  gave his speech "A Time For Choosing".

Would this nation be THAT fortunate to have such a speaker TODAY, especially with the challenges our country now faces both here and abroad.
Moving on...
*** Next, it's time for our "What the hell happens today, Bob?" feature:
June 9 -
---Today is NATIONAL EARL DAY

(another contrived day - never met an Earl that was a legend)
---It's also NATIONAL DONALD DUCK DAY

(now HIM I HAVE heard of)
---It's NATIONAL STRAWBERRY RHUBARB PIE

(like the strawberries - hate the rhubarb aka bloodshot celery)
---And, it's NATIONAL CAREER NURSE ASSISTANTS' DAY

(helping to keep fingers on the pulse of our health)
*** Next up, lots more things happening in the Summit City, and plenty of new construction going up. (up NORTH that is)
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/-Most-spectacular--hotel-planned-13481331

Imagine that - an "upscale" hotel to be located up on Diebold Rd.
It's just south and east of the Parkview Regional Medical Center campus and Parkview family park.
Add in some restaurants, too.
(with no additional fast food venues).
But wait, there's MORE...
(more you say?)
http://wane.com/2016/06/08/hundreds-of-homes-hotel-and-restaurants-in-works-for-north-side/

Denny Worman - mastermind.

In addition to all fo the above, there will also be a 244 lot subdivision for housing to be called Fox Hollow.
Right next to that is a plan for 65 homes on another 70 acres.
And the SE side gets an old vacant school on Tillman Rd made over into senior living.
Yeah, that seems quite equitable (not).
This is becoming a city more top-heavy than Dolly Parton (and not nearly as lovely OR talented).
*** Next up, another tragedy that COULD have been prevented. Here's the story link:
http://wane.com/2016/06/08/police-respond-to-report-of-child-struck-by-vehicle/
This took place yesterday around 1600 hrs in the 300 block of Darrow St (near South Side high school).
A 1-year old was killed when her father backed his Camry up and rolled over her.
Paramedics took the girl to hospital in critical condition where she later died.
And while this WAS very tragic AND very preventable, this is exactly what I've been talking about when it comes to being irresponsible as a parent.
You NEVER let a toddler of that age OUT OF YOUR SIGHT, because they will tend to be where you don't want them to be, and at the WORST time...all by themselves.
Hell, a one-year old should be in a PLAYPEN (if they still make them, which they seem to do).

Here's one toddler NOT getting run over.

We've at least one generation that has no real parenting skills, and obviously cannot remember what it was like to be a toddler either, and that's a shame for the young ones TRYING to grow up (without being run over in their own driveway by a father not paying attention).
*** Next, looks like the FWPD budget has taken a hit of sorts. Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/courts/City-pays-man-hurt-by-police-13479315
Another "excessive force" lawsuit settled, but ONLY because it would cost even MORE to go through litigation.
Lesser of two evils time, folks.
This happens when you have to deal with people exposing themselves, driving barefoot and talking to God (not that the LAST one is a "bad" idea. I do it myself, and in this part of the ghettohood...I do it a LOT!).
*** Next up, Frank Gray had a pretty good column in today's paper. Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/news/local/frank-gray/Wheel-tax-another-sign-of-tax-creep-on-residents-13476576
He speaks about a tax "creep" on citizens, and he's pretty much correct on that one.

When the ability for any level of government to tax becomes "available", you can rest assured it WILL be levied.
And with (very) few exceptions, those taxes will NEVER go away. If anything, they will INCREASE.
With every tax we are forced to pay, it becomes evident that we, the people lose a smidgen of freedom. We didn't vote for the tax, but then again, we don't all fix roads, or police our streets, or man the airports.
You get the idea.
These are a "necessary evil", unfortunately, but they do have this tendency to get out of our control.
*** Next, Wifey returned home yesterday, safe and sound to absolutely no fanfare (well maybe some heavy kissing and hugging).

She brought back a load of chocolate from a place called "Charlie's", and it's all handmade as well as delicious. Also got some strawberries from a roadside stand. All I need now is a banana or two and we got us some SMOOTHIES (yeah, I can make those, too). Just wish that city tap water tasted like it did a month ago...lol.
*** Last back to the garage...life can be "taxing" and I don't mean that JUST in the manner in which we seem to be fleeced by any and all government levels looking out for "our best interest".

As is often the case, we not only have to deal with those financial nuisances, but also the two-legged variety.
Again, it all comes down to people, doesn't it?
Some of us "get it" and on a regular basis, while other DON'T, and possibly never will.
That is something we have to work through, and it can be a real pain-in-the-ass, when it's not being a challenge of Herculean proportions (remember those Augean stables...yuck!)
Our society is predicated upon certain values and principles, but of late, we're not seeing as much of those as I feel we should, and that is quite disturbing.
These days, it seems to be all about "doing one's own thing", and while that does have a bit of merit (practicing freedom), there are always caveats that have to be acknowledged.

The whole "do your own thing" was part of the 60s "counter-culture" and was meant to buck he "system". and stick it to "the man". I was never part of that, and I STILL don't like tie-dye apparel.
But, I still do MY own thing, provisionally-speaking.

I follow the values and principles that my parents, teachers and mentors passed along to me, and I'm no worse for wear by following them, and a lot wiser FOR following them
Be nice to see others WANT to do likewise.
It doesn't make me better than anyone else, but it DOES make me better that I used to be.
And I'll take that win ANY day...as should all of us.

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