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Sic Semper Tyrannis!

I just finished paying our taxes.  It never fails to amaze me how much our “fair share” comes to every year.  Unsurprisingly, my politics take a decided anti-tax, small government turn (OK, it’s not that big a turn) after I fill out those forms.

But, DaddyBear, the government needs that money to pay for the things it provides to you!

No, it doesn’t.  The only things the government provides to me that I really care about are national defense and a teeny pinch of public safety (some law enforcement, air traffic control, that sort of thing).  The rest is, in my humble taxpayer’s opinion, cruft that has glommed onto the taxpayer’s pocketbook over the years.

  • Public Schools – Close ’em.  Reopen as private schools.  Don’t want to pay for your kids to be educated?  Then do it yourself and quit asking the rest of us to do it for you.  And don’t give me that “I pay for schools because I don’t want stupid people” crap.  Public schools don’t prevent people from being stupid.  Heck, we’re lucky if they prevent people from just being ignorant.  Stupidity is both hereditary and learned behavior, and it cannot be cured.  Quit wasting time and money trying to educate the portion of the school-age population that doesn’t care.
  • Law Enforcement – You know, I’ll take a nuanced approach here.  Sheriffs departments and federal marshals can stay. Maybe a few other specialists can as well, but not many, and on a case by case basis. Citizens become responsible for their own security again.  Take the money you save in not paying taxes for police and get yourself the tools and training you want to use to take care of yourself and your family.
  • Fire and EMS – Privatize them.  Either insure yourself against their use or just pay a fee to use their services.  Don’t want to pay the monthly fee to have fire coverage on your house?  Then I suggest JiffyPop and StayPuft marshmallows.  It also might cut down on frequent flyers in EMS if it hurt your pocketbook to keep calling Ambulance Driver over to take care of your boo-boo.
  • Roads – Privatize them or just quit worrying about it.  Seriously, a 4×4 with knobby tires would be cheaper than this.
  • Courts – Since we got rid of the police, the amount of criminal proceedings should go way down, so we can eliminate most courts, judges, and prosecutors.  Of course, we’ll still need courts for civil proceedings.  We do love to sue each other, don’t we?
  • Welfare – I don’t think my position on so-called “entitlement programs” is much of a secret.  Get rid of unearned benefits for those who are capable of finding work.  The world needs ditch diggers and sewer scrubbers, and I’m tired of paying child support for kids I didn’t make.  Now, ask me politely for charity, and you might just be surprised.  It’s the whole “Pay this or we shoot you and your dog” aspect that gets under my craw.
  • Prisons – I’m a big fan of Judge Roy Bean, myself.  Of course, if someone really just needs a time out from society to think about what he’s done, then I suggest tent camps, leg chains, and work crews, in either Arizona or North Dakota, take your pick.  Concrete walls and roofs are for law-abiding citizens, not convicts.
  • Finally, I reserve the right to condemn and push for the elimination of anything that seems superfluous.  This is my fantasy, so I get to make the rules and change them as I see fit.

I’m going to go grumble over a tumbler full of something strong and smoky.  I hope my mood gets better as we get further and further away from April 15.

by daddybear71 on April 13, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in grumbling, Politics, silliness, taxes

Posted by daddybear71 on April 13, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/13/sic-semper-tyrannis/

Musings

  • The sound of someone’s voice on the phone when they’ve been told they won a safe and 12 guns is priceless.
  • What is it about the sound of a mini-gun or an M-2 machine gun that makes grown men smile and giggle?
  • When I grow up, I’m going to own a Ma Deuce and name her “Tinnitus”
  • Just for the record, there are no decent places to get a cup of coffee on I-65 between Franklin, Kentucky, and Knob Creek Gun Range.  I was considering breaking into my truck’s emergency kit and chewing on the instant coffee.
  • I do so love being in a 30 minute traffic back-up because everyone wants to have a good look at the truck that went off the road ON THE OTHER BLOODY SIDE OF THE FREEWAY!
  • There are few things in life better than having your little boy run down the driveway to greet you when you get home.
  • Today was a good day to have a big cup of dark, thick coffee.  Or three.
  • At some point, you have to just look at your old, tired push mower and say it’s time to get a new one.
    • We’ll look at how much Uncle Sugar wants after we do our taxes tonight and see if there’s any money left for food and lawn implements.
    • I must point out, though, that a few gallons of industrial strength herbicide would be cheaper in both time and money.
by daddybear71 on April 13, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Thought for the day

Posted by daddybear71 on April 13, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/13/musings-130/

Musings

  • If only life could forever consist of looking at guns and gear, meeting new people, talking to old friends, eating good food, and listening to good music, then I would be a truly happy man.  Oh well, back to reality.
  • On a happy note, I’m leaving the NRAAM early tomorrow so that I can go to the Knob Creek Machine Gun Shoot, so it’s not all bad.
  • Look, I don’t expect people to automatically pop to attention and put their hands over their heart when they hear someone singing the National Anthem, but could you at least be respectful and pause your bullshit session for a few minutes?
  • There is a certain satisfaction in finding a parking spot that is only a couple of blocks away from a large event on a beautiful spring morning.
  • Note to self – When trying to attend a seminar given by a popular author and lecturer, show up early.   Standing in the back for an hour and a half gets tiring.
  • I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – the crowds at the NRAAM are the most polite I’ve ever seen.  It can be asses and elbows in the exhibition hall, and everyone is excusing themselves when they bump into someone or making way when they see someone who wants to cross their path or needs a little extra time to get from here to there.
by daddybear71 on April 12, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in musings, NRA Convention

Posted by daddybear71 on April 12, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/12/musings-129/

NRAAM 2015 Speeches

This afternoon and this evening, I watched the speeches given at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum.

To me, as a gun owner and NRA member, this is a chance for politicians to get their 2nd Amendment opinions and positions front and center at a large gathering of gun-owning voters.  When they stray from that core subject, it is distracting and annoying.  I sort-of grade the speeches, at least partly, on how well they keep to the core subject of gun rights and the 2nd Amendment.

One thought – Rand Paul was conspicuously absent.  I’m not saying that kissing the ring of the NRA is mandatory, but not taking advantage of a chance to get your point across when it comes to the 2nd Amendment and gun rights says a lot to me.  By the time the next NRAAM happens next May, we will probably know who the Republican candidate is.  Paul should have been here today.

Here are my thoughts on the speeches given today.  Please note that I left out several speakers who didn’t seem to be cogent to the political nature of the gathering.  If you’d like to watch all of the speeches, they have been posted to YouTube.

Wayne Lapierre

  • Pro-gun Democrats, Libertarians, and Independents should be welcomed at the NRAAM, not just Republicans.
  • “Somewhere along the line, the political class and the media class stopped giving us their best.”
  • Spending a lot of energy on Hillary Clinton.  Wonder if he’ll mention other Democrat possibles.
  • OK, we get it, the NRA doesn’t like the Clintons.  Can we talk about guns and the Second Amendment now?  Seriously, stay focused on your core subject.
  • Since he brought up a pay difference between men and woman in the Clinton Senate office, does the NRA have data on their own pay rates?
  • “Hillary Clinton has more “Gates” than a south Texas cattle ranch.”

Bobby Jindal

  • Goes off the rails and plunges right into the culture war
  • Takes shots at Obama on executive orders
  • Claims to have written the law that restricted seizure of guns in a disaster – research
  • “The National Rifle Association is the most effective civil rights organization in our country”
  • Making about a 50/50 mix of first and second amendment rights
  • Jindal gets a star for being the first to say that 2016 is a history making election.
  • Calls for national right to carry legislation
  • The republican party stands up to big government?  Really?
  • Nice stump speech from someone who isn’t officially running.

Scott Walker

  • Doesn’t speak from behind podium.  No jacket.  Sleeves rolled up.
  • Goes for points by honoring military and veterans.
  • Staying on topic about second amendment.  Mostly.
  • Good populist talk about American values of work and prosperity and opportunity
  • Mentions April 15.  Reminds me I need to finish our tax return.
  • Tried to get the crowd going at the end, but they didn’t seem to respond.

David Clark

  • Thanks the NRA for their support
  • Does good job speaking to the base.
  • Stays on point about second amendment
  • “Don’t trust politicians.  Trust the National Rifle Association.”
  • Talks about national reciprocity.
  • Very plain spoken, down to earth.
  • “I don’t blame the gun.  I blame the subhuman behavior of someone who would shoot another human being without justification.”
  • Suggests that members upgrade their membership and look to get new members.

Rick Perry

  • “We do not believe that the Constitution is a cafeteria plan.”
  • More polished than other speakers.  But then, this isn’t his first rodeo.
  • Goes over his 2nd Amendment accomplishments.
  • Goes off topic when talking about national security and foreign affairs.

Jeb Bush

  • First speaker to mention, obliquely, Operation Choke Point
  • First to tell us how long he’s been a Life member (1986)
  • Lays out his 2nd Amendment record as governor of Florida
  • $5 million fine for creating a gun registry In Florida – wow.
  • 8:40 – Says that the 2nd Amendment creates the right, as opposed to protecting it.
  • Kind of a rocky start, and had to refer to notes very often, but a well-delivered speech.

Marco Rubio

  • Goes right into the 2nd Amendment and arguments that it is outdated.
  • “American strength requires leaders and presidents who execute their responsibility to protect our nation, and a people who exercise their right to protect themselves.”
  • Goes after President Obama over reaction to Islamic terrorism.  Agree with him, but off topic.
  • Does a good job tying foreign terror into the right to self defense.
  • “The sins of the evil to not justify restricting the rights of the good.”
  • Brings up his efforts to force Washington DC into better recognizing gun rights.
  • Says that he will announce in three days whether he will run for President, reelection to the Senate, or to be commissioner of the NFL. (He was the one to be most definite about this)

Lindsey Graham

  • Relatively polished speaker, but consults notes often.
  • Thanks Democrats who support the 2nd Amendment.  That’s kind of refreshing.
  • Shows a sense of humor.  Even pokes fun at himself.  I kind of like that.
  • Personalizes the conversation by talking about the 4 guns he owns that mean the most to him.
  • “You may not like the fact that I have these guns.  You may disagree with the fact that I own these guns.  But all I can say to you is that I have a right to own these guns.”
  • “I have a duty to be responsible with these guns…. With every right comes a responsibility.”
  • Goes a bit off topic by bringing up foreign affairs and Israel.

Ted Cruz

  • Starts off with a joke.  Connects with the audience.  Does speech away from the podium and delivers it well.
  • Brings up the Fort Hood shootings and that the Purple Hearts were awarded to those who were hurt or killed.  Cruz was involved in legislation to award the Purple Heart in this case.
  • Stays off topic by talking about Israel and the Iran nuclear negotiations.
  • Discusses his role in 2nd Amendment litigation.
  • Makes a point that there are a lot of people who say they support gun rights, but can’t point to any concrete actions to back that up.
  • Talks about his role in stymying post-Sandy Hook attacks on gun rights.
  • Does a bit of marketing for his campaign (mentioning website, asking that people identify themselves by sending a text.)
by daddybear71 on April 11, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in NRA Convention, Politics

Posted by daddybear71 on April 11, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/11/nraam-2015-speeches/

NRAAM 2015 Initial thoughts

  • NRA is estimating that 70,000 people will attend this year.  I’m pretty sure that’s a low estimate.  Friday is normally the slowest day, and the exhibit hall is packed.
  • The Glock 43 feels slightly bigger than Irish Woman’s Kimber Solo, but weights a lot less.  I’d definitely have to shoot one before passing judgement.
  • Looking at the slate of politicians scheduled to speak, and interestingly, I’m not seeing Rand Paul.  If he doesn’t speak this year, I’m hoping he does next year in Louisville.  I’m not exactly a single issue voter, but being nebulous about gun rights is not going to move me to vote for you.
  • Is it a bad thing when a major gun company doesn’t have any guns to display in their booth and have prominent signs explaining that the reason is that the freight company lost them?
by daddybear71 on April 10, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Guns, NRA Convention

Posted by daddybear71 on April 10, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/10/nraam-2015-initial-thoughts/

Today’s Earworm

For those of you who are going to be locked in an airplane or a car to travel today, this one should be good for about 18 hours of pinging around inside your skull.  For the rest of you, results may vary.  If this makes your ears bleed, mind boil, nerves frazzle, or if you’re still hearing it in your head 24 hours from now, consult a physician.

by daddybear71 on April 9, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Earworm

Posted by daddybear71 on April 9, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/09/todays-earworm-624/

Coming Soon

Here are the movies that had posters in the theater and previews on the screen tonight:

  • Max – Old Yeller meets American Sniper.  I will not cry.  I.  Will. Not. Cry.  Might make a good date night movie.
  • Terminator Genisys – In yet another reboot of part of my childhood, Kyle Reese tries to harvest more money from the past before we all pass Judgement Day on this franchise.  Pass, unless the studio can guarantee that Schwarzenegger is lowered into a real vat of molten steel this time.
  • The Peanuts Movie – 3D rendering of Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of Charles Schultz’s gang.  I’m hoping this is worth the wait until November to see it.
  • Hotel Transylvania 2 – Count Dracula and his rat pack of monsters are back, and apparently he has a grandson.  Trailer looked funny, and the original has grown on me.  Probably worth the matinee.
  • Minions – The backstory of Gru’s little yellow sidekicks from Despicable Me, in which they travel to Orlando to meet the most evil woman to be found in 1968 (My ex wasn’t born until 1971).  Looking forward to this one.
  • Inside Out – Pixar’s summer movie for 2015.  A young girl moves to a new school, and her emotions, which are apparently a large part of the speaking cast for this movie, start having problems.  Since the character of “Anger” is voiced by Lewis Black, I’m definitely looking forward to this one.
by daddybear71 on April 8, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Uncategorized

Posted by daddybear71 on April 8, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/08/coming-soon-16/

Movie Review – Home

Alternate title – But other that that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?

Home is the spring kid’s movie from Dreamworks, and is based on a children’s book which looks more interesting than the movie.  The movie revolves around an alien named Oh, who is something of a screw-up.  His people, the Boov, come to Earth to hide from their ancient enemy.  After sequestering the entire human race on a reservation in the Australian outback, they move into our apartments and begin doing Boov business.  Oh meets Tip, a young human girl whose name I thought was short for Stereotip, but is really named Gratuity.  Anyway, these two crazy kids go on a mission to find Tip’s mother and save the planet.  In the end, lessons are learned, love is shown, and we are treated to dance moves by alien creatures who are just taken over by the rhythm.

Gad, I really wasn’t in the mood for a cute movie.

Oh is played by Jim Parsons, who turns in an excellent portrayal of a creature who talks with the same syntax as an email from a Nigerian prince.  Tip is voiced by Rihanna, who has that squeaky, vaguely New York accent that we all expect from a child character who claims to be from Barbados.  Steve Martin, Jennifer Lopez, and Matt Jones round out the principle speaking parts of the movie.  Overall, the voice acting was pretty good, and the actors did a good job of matching their acting to the roles.

The animation in the movie is oustanding.  The Boov, which if you’ve read Mother of Demons will seem somewhat familiar, are rather cartoonish, while the humans were less so.  The backgrounds were pretty breathtaking, and the outlandish things that the Boov do to the Earth are well done and rather humorous.

The music in the movie was a mix of R&B pop and semi-orchestral mood music.  The orchestral pieces were forgettable enough that I rarely noticed their presence, and the poppish dreck set my teeth on edge.

On the other hand, Boo sat still through the entire movie, and laughed at a lot of the sight gags and fish-out-of-water jokes.  The little girls sitting behind us were laughing out loud throughout the movie, as was their mother.  Irish Woman thought the movie was at least worth the cost of admission.

So, maybe I’m not the target demographic.

It’s a cute movie, but it just didn’t appeal to me.  If you have small children, they will probably enjoy it.

by daddybear71 on April 8, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in movie, Review

Posted by daddybear71 on April 8, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/08/movie-review-home/

Musings

  • If you refer to Bradley as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1943, and Patton as a Major General while showing him with three stars on his helmet, then I reserve the right to mock you, both verbally and on the streaming service you use.
  • Also, if you’re going to narrate a series of documentaries about Nazi Germany, then it might behoove you to learn how to properly pronounce some basic German words.  The German army was not called the Vrrmacht, the Germans did not have a battleship called the Prinz Yugen, and “Bund” is not pronounced as if it were a cake.
  • When President Obama came to Louisville to give a speech last week, we had torrential rainstorms, flooding, burning factories, and at least one baby being born in the traffic backup on I-65.  When Senator Paul came to Louisville to announce his candidacy for President, we got thunderstorms, heavy rain, and maybe a tornado or two.  It would appear that politicians bring the wrath of God onto our heads.
  • I was writing a scene today where a military leader has to tell a group of soldiers that they have been given an assignment that was going to suck.  I had to go back and rewrite it so that the phrases “opportunity to excel” and “embrace the suck” were not included.  I don’t think Romans would have used that exact phrasing.
  • Subjects you should not research on a gray, drippy day include warfare on the Eastern Front in World War I and the Roman slave trade.
by daddybear71 on April 7, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in Thought for the day

Posted by daddybear71 on April 7, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/07/musings-128/

Vacation Rules

I’m taking a few days off while the kids are on spring break.  I’ve been informed that my plans for a free-flow, do what feels good week of relaxation are probably not going to come to fruition.  Here are the rules for the week as I understand them:

  1. I am not allowed to spend the week smoking cigarettes and watching Captain Kangaroo.
  2. Yard work will be done.  Rain is not an excuse.  I am not made of sugar, so I will not melt when I get wet.
  3. Not all animation is appropriate for watching while the children are awake.  Neither are all television shows involving puppets.
  4. Going to the NRAAM for the weekend means that I really don’t need to spend a day at the range this week.
  5. I may not spend the week watching documentaries about Stalin and Hitler and make fun of the interpreters and narrators.
  6. I am not allowed to make a fort out of my poncho liners and the dining room tables and set up a defensive perimeter against the estrogenical foe.
  7. I am not allowed to refer to my wife as “the estrogenical foe”.
  8. I am not allowed to subsist on a diet of beer, coffee, easter eggs, and jelly beans.
by daddybear71 on April 7, 2015  •  Permalink
Posted in silliness

Posted by daddybear71 on April 7, 2015

https://daddybearsden.com/2015/04/07/vacation-rules/

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