Thursday, June 30, 2005
Thanks, Virginia!
Next week we celebrate our 229th year as a nation. Until the last few years, much like when a child, I had no thought of this nation's demise. But recently, with the great division among the populace, and the disregard by many of history, I worry!
I just want the state of Virginia to know how very grateful I am to it! As an elementary student, I was able to go on field trips to wonderful places like:
Jamestown-where the true birth of a nation took place! Because it was not only AMERICAN history, but also VIRGINIA history, I got a sufficient dose! I walked where fledgling commerce took hold and blossomed into the most powerful economy in the world! I tread on ground walked by those who sacrificed everything to make a life for themselves!
Williamsburg-Where under the grip of a tyrannical king, men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson championed revolutionary ideas that would throw off oppression and allow liberty to all citizens!
The McArthur Memorial, in Norfolk-Where, as a young Arkansan, I saw the brilliance and patriotism of a man, born in my state, who was one of the greatest leaders in our history!
NAS, Norfolk- For the amazing opportunity to see, as a 9 year-old, at an airshow headed by the Blue Angels, the brand new (at that time) F-14 Tomcat swoop in and make a couple of passes in its public debut! How that memory has stayed in my mind.
St James River- Where I saw the actual place the Merrimac and Monitor squared off and traded blows in the world's first ironclad battleship battle!
These last two remind me of our nation's great need for the best in military technology!
The Whole State Itself-For standing strong on your principals (whether right or wrong) on so many battlefields, under the full weight of the opposing view!
Arlington-Where my Uncle lived and worked. On a visit he took me and my family to the Smithsonian Air/Space museum! I walked, in awe, down the streets of Washington DC, and saw the monuments to our great leaders of the past! And, of course, the cemetery, where so many of our brave citizens lie buried, after giving their lives (voluntarily, I might add) to protect fellow Americans' interests!
There are many other places in Virginia I'm thankful for- the beaches, the natural beauty and so forth, but they pale in comparison to my patriotic appreciation which has molded much of my view of the world today!
So-Thanks, Virginia!
I just want the state of Virginia to know how very grateful I am to it! As an elementary student, I was able to go on field trips to wonderful places like:
Jamestown-where the true birth of a nation took place! Because it was not only AMERICAN history, but also VIRGINIA history, I got a sufficient dose! I walked where fledgling commerce took hold and blossomed into the most powerful economy in the world! I tread on ground walked by those who sacrificed everything to make a life for themselves!
Williamsburg-Where under the grip of a tyrannical king, men like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson championed revolutionary ideas that would throw off oppression and allow liberty to all citizens!
The McArthur Memorial, in Norfolk-Where, as a young Arkansan, I saw the brilliance and patriotism of a man, born in my state, who was one of the greatest leaders in our history!
NAS, Norfolk- For the amazing opportunity to see, as a 9 year-old, at an airshow headed by the Blue Angels, the brand new (at that time) F-14 Tomcat swoop in and make a couple of passes in its public debut! How that memory has stayed in my mind.
St James River- Where I saw the actual place the Merrimac and Monitor squared off and traded blows in the world's first ironclad battleship battle!
These last two remind me of our nation's great need for the best in military technology!
The Whole State Itself-For standing strong on your principals (whether right or wrong) on so many battlefields, under the full weight of the opposing view!
Arlington-Where my Uncle lived and worked. On a visit he took me and my family to the Smithsonian Air/Space museum! I walked, in awe, down the streets of Washington DC, and saw the monuments to our great leaders of the past! And, of course, the cemetery, where so many of our brave citizens lie buried, after giving their lives (voluntarily, I might add) to protect fellow Americans' interests!
There are many other places in Virginia I'm thankful for- the beaches, the natural beauty and so forth, but they pale in comparison to my patriotic appreciation which has molded much of my view of the world today!
So-Thanks, Virginia!
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
LL's Filesharing Apology!
Yesterday's ruling against filesharing got me to thinking! At one time, I had a collection of vinyl LPs over 500 strong! Over the years I have lost many of them to moving, scratches, theft, etc.. I spent a lot of money, as a young man, on my collection! Much of my lost archives are either no longer available, or impossible to find. I have longed for years to hear some of it again!
A few days ago I downloaded software that allows me to find some of those lost "treasures"! I made a commitment to myself that I would only download and keep items which I have purchased in the past. In this way, the software would enable me to get back that which I have lost, while allowing me to explore music and artists that I might never encounter. Already I have found music that I intend to find and buy!
What rights do I have? If I have paid for a studio LP in the past, shouldn't that give me the right to have and listen to that music for the rest of my life? If I continue going to concerts and financially support the real owners of "intellectual property", shouldn't I be forgiven for downloading a file which contains samples of their work?
I have replaced many of my old albums by finding versions on Compact Disc. I intend to restore a small portion of my lost collection by downloading it from others who are willing to share it with me!
Prosecute me if you MUST!
A few days ago I downloaded software that allows me to find some of those lost "treasures"! I made a commitment to myself that I would only download and keep items which I have purchased in the past. In this way, the software would enable me to get back that which I have lost, while allowing me to explore music and artists that I might never encounter. Already I have found music that I intend to find and buy!
What rights do I have? If I have paid for a studio LP in the past, shouldn't that give me the right to have and listen to that music for the rest of my life? If I continue going to concerts and financially support the real owners of "intellectual property", shouldn't I be forgiven for downloading a file which contains samples of their work?
I have replaced many of my old albums by finding versions on Compact Disc. I intend to restore a small portion of my lost collection by downloading it from others who are willing to share it with me!
Prosecute me if you MUST!
Monday, June 27, 2005
Rummy Is Game!
I watched a replay of the "war progress" hearings, a couple of days ago, on C-SPAN. Actually, I turned over there while Robert Bird was wrapping up his baloney! I watched as Bird made a complete fool of himself by continuously undermining the progress in Iraq, as he has since the beginning. I watched as he gave the "insurgency" a "leg up" while degrading the defense secretary's (and the overwhelming majority of U.S. troops agree with him) arrogance. I watched a calm (as always) Donald Rumsfeld sit and take abuse from who I consider to be a TRAITOR!
Rumsfeld is game! I LOVE to watch him field the questions of liberals! I LOVE to hear him when he gives precise, articulate and accurate answers! I LOVE to see how the left HATES his guts, because he is so VERY professional!
He is Game! This VERY smart (and sly) patriot is NEVER flustered unless you count his obvious disdain at the questions from an idiotic media! He is well prepared to meet the harassment of an enemy that is both in awe and in bitter battle with him!
In my lifetime, there have been few who impress me the way that Donald Rumsfeld has. Ronald Reagan was, indeed, a great man.....(who amazingly was picked as the greatest American by the Discovery Channel's audience). I believe that history will one day put our present Defense Secretary on that lofty pedistal, as well!
Originally Posted Club 100 Message Forum by (liberal loather)
Rumsfeld is game! I LOVE to watch him field the questions of liberals! I LOVE to hear him when he gives precise, articulate and accurate answers! I LOVE to see how the left HATES his guts, because he is so VERY professional!
He is Game! This VERY smart (and sly) patriot is NEVER flustered unless you count his obvious disdain at the questions from an idiotic media! He is well prepared to meet the harassment of an enemy that is both in awe and in bitter battle with him!
In my lifetime, there have been few who impress me the way that Donald Rumsfeld has. Ronald Reagan was, indeed, a great man.....(who amazingly was picked as the greatest American by the Discovery Channel's audience). I believe that history will one day put our present Defense Secretary on that lofty pedistal, as well!
Originally Posted Club 100 Message Forum by (liberal loather)
LL has a HOME!
Hello, everyone! Just to let you know, my bark (blogname) is worse than my bite(personal opinion)! As I experience the awesome happenings of today's world, I hope to offer my opinions (however lame you may think they are), and share with you my view on things. Hey, teach me yours! I might LEARN something! Or, maybe YOU might learn something! Anything is possible on this wonderful web!
Hope you enjoy!
Hope you enjoy!
