Thoughts

I don't know about where you live, but there is some serious stuff going down in my old hometown.

I grew up in a small community in southwest Washington state. That little sleepy community is now a hotbed of tension and turmoil regarding some labor disputes.

EGT, a Canada-based company built some grain terminals at the docks where I grew up, and has now staffed them with employees from a Tacoma-based union. The local union here ILWU, is protesting this by blocking trains, barricading and blocking access to the site, and basically throwing a world-class tempertantrum.

This last Monday, the president of the San Franciso-based union turned himself in, but only after trying to get the local police chief and county sherrif removed from office. His reasoning? That these men were applying "undue" force in trying to dissolve this strike. They were arresting men at their homes, and "harrassing" others under suspicion of causing mischief.

I don't know about you, but from what I know of police work, they tend not to arrest folks until they have the evidence they need to bring you in. Thus, they would arrest people once they had probable cause to get them. Sorry if that inconveniences you, but if you do the crime, don't expect some kind of medspa treatment. If you are planning on doing something stupid, don't you think the folks who are tasked with keeping the peace would be watching to make sure you don't cross a line, or maybe do something that could make things worse?

By this rationale, I could go rob a bank, and then when they close in on me I could turn myself in if only the people who are trying to arrest me are fired. Why? Because they caused me undue stress for breaking the law, and should be punished for it.

What kind of crap is this?

In my outspoken opinion, these labor guys need to grow up. They need to figure out that when you break laws, you pay for it. When you decide to buck the system, things tend to break loose, and folks pay a price.

Grow up, grow a pair, and move on.

Thank you!

More thoughts...

I have decided to become a more active parent.

Since my divorce, the kids have been living with their mom. I have been quite busy with my classes and work, and somewhat neglecting my time to spend with my children.

As of now, I resolve to change that.

To be an effective parent, you need to spend face-time with your kids, and show them that you not only provide for them, but that you want to take an active and vital role with them as well.

I am going to be there for my kids. I am going to provide for my kids. I am going to show to them that regardless of my situation or problems, they are going to take precedence in my life, and that because of them they are helping me to change my life.

My kids are my life. They are my muse. They are my reason.

How about yours?

Trying this writing thing again..

Well, I've decided that I need to practice my writing more.

Don't ask. I'm just ready to write.

I have so many things that I want to rant and rave about, I don't know where to start...

First off, I have problems with my lack of motivation to find yet another job.

Second, I have issues with my seeming lack of motivation to keep working hard at my classes for schooling.

Then there's the issue I have with myself and how I seem to be short-changing my kids.

I have a problem with the lack of follow-through in paying back my parents and best friend roommate.

I've got problems in learning to open up and trust others again.

I just don't know where to start..

I guess the place to start is with me.

Wouldn't you agree?

Rememberance

I recall that I got up late that morning.

I recall that my kids weren't wanting to get dressed, and that my wife wasn't wanting to travel.

I remember listening to the radio on the way to my parent's house, and hearing how something had happened in New York, that details were sketchy, but everything seemed to be under control.

I recall getting there to see my mom and dad glued to the television watching as the first tower burned, and watched firemen running into the building to try to get folks out.

I recall watching in disbelief as the second plane plunged into the second tower, and the feelings of shock and horror that someone could do this to innocent men, women and children.

I recall watching folks jump to their deaths from the buildings instead of stay inside those buildings to burn to death or be crushed under the tons of rubble.

I remember how angry I was upon learning who had claimed responsibility for the attacks, and the immensity of the operation.

I recall wondering just how many more attacks were going to happen, and how long it would take to get all the potential security leaks out of the airlines.

I recall the mass terror that gripped this nation and the racial angst that got even worse once these attacks happened.

Now? I see a nation that was seriously divided that has come together more, and has been more focused than it had ever been before.

I see a nation who refused to lay down and give up.

I see.... HOPE.

What do you remember about that day?