tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-310557122024-03-06T23:46:25.594-06:00Bad Brad's BlogWritings of Wit, Wisdom, Wisecracks and Weird Stuff.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-34098410739143558512013-10-01T01:59:00.001-05:002013-10-01T01:59:21.149-05:00Thoughts on the Government Shutdown 2013<p>So, what's the big deal about the government shutting down?</p>
<p>The truth is that the Federal Government has been effectively shutdown for a decade or more. Political posturing, egos, legacies, signature legislation...... blah, blah, blah! Whatever the case might be all of these things have combined to make our federal government ineffective at best and illegitimate at worst. So, shutdown? It could quite possibly be the best thing that could happen. When something is broken, we usually try to fix it... or replace it. Maybe that is what needs to occur with the current self-centered, megalomanics on Capitol Hill and in the White House. Now I may not be the brightest bulb on the tree but, here are a few things that come to mind as I ponder the effects of limited federal government function....</p>
<p> </p>
<h3>First Things First</h3>
<p>Number one, Congress, Mr. President, <strong>SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP! THIS IS AMERICA SPEAKING!!!</strong> For far too long you have stood and told us what we want/need. Well, now we stand and tell you, you haven't been listening. So, I repeat, <strong>SIT DOWN, SHUT UP and PAY ATTENTION!</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<h3>Healthcare</h3>
<p>We really don't care what you think we need as far as health care goes. We are perfectly capable of choosing when to see a doctor and whom to see. We purchase insurance or save to make sure that we can afford any unexpected or expensive medical procedures. There are ample choices of insurance and I can assure you we are more than capable of choosing which one is right for us. There are a few less fortunate souls who cannot afford to purchase insurance and my heart goes out to them when they experience critical illness. Not only is there the burden and stress of the illness but also how do we pay for treatment.</p>
<p>I belive there should be programs - limited, temporary programs - to aid those who cannot afford traditional insurance benefits. I do not believe that any government entity has the right to tell me who or what to purchase. Nor do they have the right to determine the level of treatment I receive. I will leave that to the doctor (whom I choose), not some self-serving government bureaucrat. Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, I really don't care what you call it. It is an illegal and an illegitimate law passed only to serve as a milestone or legacy for a possibly illegal and definitely illegitimate President. <strong>GET RID OF IT NOW!</strong></p>
<h3>Budgets</h3>
<p>Now everyone should have a budget. Many don't currently have and never have had a budget to live by. If you can spend less than you earn without a budget, more power to you. But, any large organization, such as the federal government, should operate on a budget. With all the potential for corruption and theivery, a budget is a sure thing. It tells us what we expect to take in and what we expect to go out.</p>
<p>Now, our government has generally always spent more than they have taken in for any given year. I understand some administrations have kept the Countrys finances in the black but that is certainly not the case today. Tell me, if the government is shutdown, why are we still paying our congressional representatives? I mean, really, they have not done their job in passing a feasible budget so why pay them? No ,let's pay the guys who cannot work together to come up with a workable plan for the future of our country, and let's not pay the people who actually are productive in government. Why is it we have to punish the guy who sweeps the floors or the lady that directs tours of government buildings or museums? Why not punish the congress men and women who have failed in their duty to this country. At $170,000 plus per congress member, that's over one hundred million dollars annually. Surely that can be enough to fund a day or two for the ones who actually work.</p>
<p>I have an idea, let's tie congressional pay to performance. Since you are likely getting paid from some other source, we will pay a nominal salary of say $50,000 per year. If you meet your basic performance goals, those that you are constitutionally required to perform, we will give you say a 10 percent bonus. For any duties required by laws you have passed, another 5 percent. If you end a year with the balance sheet in the black, we'll give you 1 percent for every 100 million dollars under budget.</p>
<p>I could add some things about taxes in here but that is a probably a topic for another day. The bottom line is, it is not your money, it is OUR money. Use it wisely or, to make a biblical reference, it will be taken away from you. To whom much is given much is required.</p>
<h3>Foreign Policy</h3>
<p>I am by no means a world traveller but should I be afforded the resources to do so, I think it would be fun to visit different parts of the world and experience different cultures. Or, at least it would have been.</p>
<p>The current administration has caused countries all around the world to hate us, mock us, belittle us, have disdain for us, and even consider us weak. Quite frankly, I really don't care which factions are fighting each other in a civil war in another country half a globe away. Could it affect us here? Possibly. But ultimately, we don't need to be involved. I mean we typically don't get involved in the neighbors domestic dispute, so why should we stick our nose into another countries business? I know, some countries have asked for our assistance and I believe that when it is feasible, we should help countries in need that request assistance. And we should have the backs of our closest allies.</p>
<p>Now, for all of those in countries and cultures that hate us... <strong>STOP COMING TO AMERICA!!</strong> If you hate us so bad then stay where you are. And if you don't hate us and choose to come here, do not come here with it in mind to bring your culture here and change the way we do things. We will respect your culture and your right to perform any customs or rituals in your home or designated places. But don't expect us to conform to you, you left the country where your customs were accepted and normal to come here. If you want your customs to be common place then stay in your own country. This is America and we have American customs. Either learn them and live by them or <strong>GET OUT!</strong> We have enough morons in congress trying to change America, we don't need you here muddying the waters for them.</p>
<h3>A Final Thought</h3>
<p>Well, there are many other things that I could write about here. But, I think it best to punctuate the points I have previously made. WAKE UP CONGRESS!! We are Americans and we are mad. You have chosen to pervert the constitution, serving yourselves instead of your country and quite frankly we are tired of it. You are adults, so stop acting like three year olds and work out your differences and listen to the 300+ million people of this great country and do what is right to propel us forward, not stall us out.</p>
<p>I have seen posts about states seceding or another civil war and possibly another revolution. But, we really don't need any of that. We are still America and We The People have a voice, no matter how much the federal government likes to think we don't. We can make a difference. We can change the future. But we must act. We cannot sit idly by as a handful of educated idiots make decisions that affect the livelyhood and lifestyles of millions. We have been passive for too long. If you can't find time one day out of 365 to let your representatives know what you want them to do for the country, then shame on you. You are a part of the problem along with the 535 idiots on capitol hill. I will do my best to prepare myself and my family for whatever the future holds. But for those that are too weak or are too busy or just don't care enough to get involved, when the government begins to tell you you you've lived 50 years so we can't treat you and you will die in approximately three months, maybe you wil care enough then.</p>
<p>May God Bless You All and May God Bless America, Forever!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Brad Walker</p>
<p>An Angry American</p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-29104191207912593732010-07-10T00:27:00.000-05:002010-07-10T00:27:24.528-05:00The Hard Is What Makes It Great<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="font-family: arial;">I've gone through some difficult times in my life, some even very recently. In doing research for my Sunday School Lesson, I realized a few things. <br />
<br />
1. Ninety-Nine percent of life is ordinary. <br />
</span><span style="font-family: arial;">The majority of our lives is ordinary. We get up, eat breakfast, shower, get dressed, go to work, work hard till we're dead tired, hope the family is ok, come home, eat dinner, pay the bills, watch tv, flop into bed dead tired then, we get up and do it all over again.<br />
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2. Life is Hard.<br />
Even through the mundane ordinary times, life can be hard. Sometimes a major event occurs such as a death in the family, the loss of a job or perhaps the birth of a new baby. Those things can throw a kink in your plans and make things really hard but just making it through the boring everyday life can be hard too.<br />
<br />
3. Life is Good.<br />
That old, pious pontificator, Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks), from '<u>A League of Their Own'</u> said it best as he reminds Dottie (Geena Davis) how much she loves baseball.<br />
</span><br />
<div align="center"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
"It's what gets in your blood, it's what lights you up", says Dugan.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">"It just got too hard", Dottie replies.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial;">Dugan snaps back, "It's supposed to be hard. If it were easy everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."</span><br />
<div align="left"><br />
Life is supposed to be hard, even when it is dull and unexciting. A lot of people don't do life very well. They look for all kinds of ways not to live life. They move through life but they don't really live it because they try to avoid all the dull times <b>AND</b> the difficult times. There will be hard days, easy days, dull days, blah days, sad days, glad days, discouraging days, upsetting days, discombobulating days ---- and then ----- there will be some REALLY, REALLY, REALLY BAD days.<br />
<i><u>THE HARD IS WHAT MAKES IT GREAT.</u></i><br />
<br />
So, put up the whine and cheese, stop your griping, stop your complaining, stop your moaning and groaning, stop looking for the easy way out. Start living your life!!!<br />
<br />
<div align="center"><span style="color: red;"><big><big><big><i><b>THE HARD IS WHAT MAKES IT GREAT!!</b></i></big></big></big></span></div><br />
</div></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
</span><br />
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<div class="zemanta-pixie"><img alt="" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=4751820a-f9d4-8302-97a7-ec6c78f25274" /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-25222702641569103882009-03-18T02:47:00.000-05:002009-03-18T02:48:06.725-05:00A Few Things<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><small><font face='arial'>I am a bit disgusted with the news about our government these days. It may seem like I am picking on Democrats here but I am being completely bipartisan. I mean it is the law of probability, if 60% of congress is democrat and majority rules then most of the stupid ideas must be coming from the majority, but I digress. Here are just a few observations I have made on current events.<br/><br/><b>Bail Outs</b><br/><br/>Where do I start? Well, if you or I lose our jobs and we can't pay our bills, no one is going to give us a loan so we can pay our bills and get us through a tough time. We would HAVE to file bankruptcy or risk foreclosure by law. Why is bankruptcy <u><b>not</b></u> OK for mega corporations or even cities or counties, referring to the Great Sewer Debacle in our own back yard? And more importantly, did we not go through similar issues a few years back which brought us the privacy and compliance legislation known as HIPAA and SOX among others? Oh, wait!! I see it now! The government tried to legislate ethics and moral standards. What a joke! You <b><i>have</i></b> to have moral standards before you can even think of legislating them. I know a lot of those folks are good people but there have been more scandals (just select the scandal du jour) in government offices than in any Hollywood tabloid, so why should we trust them to tell us what is right or wrong. Don't get me wrong, if you do something unethical, I think there should be punishment for it. Without ethics, you cannot expect to be successful in anything.<br/><br/>Now, looking at AIG specifically, everybody says they didn't know about the bonuses. And about the bailout in general, most say the final bill is not how they wrote it. I really don't care who knew what at this point. All they are really saying to me is "I didn't read the bail-out bill". My guess is they didn't read it because it was so long and filled with all the legalese that it would have taken them a month to get through it all. And that assumes that they even understood what they read. If they would write legislation so we all could understand it maybe they wouldn't always look like a bunch of bumbling idiots everytime something like this comes up.<br/><br/>One thing I do know is that I, we America, now own AIG. As shareholders we are responsible for electing the Board of Directors, which currently is assumed to be Congress..... BIG MISTAKE!!!! Remember these are the people that don't pay their taxes, alledgedly drink and drive resulting in death, commit adultery, fraud, shall I go on?? Do you really want these people to be entrusted with the monitoring, reporting and running of corporate America? I think not. <font color='#ff0000'><big><b>WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!</b></big></font><br/><font color='#000000'><br/></font><b>Political Correctness</b><u><br/><br/></u>I am so tired of this term. There is no such thing as political correctness; it is an oxymoron. In an effort to avoid offending others, we have become an offensive nation. In fact, I am offended by those who try not to offend me, particularly our elected officials. It is time we started calling Right Right and Wrong Wrong. Tolerance is fine to an extent but tolerance leads to contentment and contentment leads to apathy. I can be tolerant of my daughter running and screming through the house..... for a little while, but at some point it has to stop. For most things there is no middle ground. Either the market is up or it is down, it is right or it is wrong, I mean we all can't be right and we all can't be wrong but there really is no gray area there. One area of political corerctness that always rubs me the wrong way is that of religous tolerance. It seems that Christians have to tolerate the criticism and bashing of every other religion but they cry foul when we make the least little criticism against them. This country was founded on the premise of religious freedom and if you don't like my choice of religions go back to the country where you came from and see if they let you choose how, when and whom to worship. This is still a free country and you are free to leave if you don't like it here. <br/><br/>It is not an alternative lifestyle, it is homosexuality and it is unnatural. Guns don't kill people, people kill people. Some animals are food, get over it PETA. You are not entitled to anything here unless you work for it. GET A JOB, PAY YOUR TAXES (Geithner), STOP MAKING ME PAY FOR YOUR DRUG HABIT AND THE 14 KIDS YOU HAD OUT OF WEDLOCK!!! The world is a rough place, if you don't like it,<font color='#ff0000'><big><b> PUT A HELMET ON!!!! </b><small><font color='#000000'>I'm not mean spirited, I am just tired of being labeled a criminal, a kook, a fanatic, a right-wing Bible thumping extremist and intolerant just because I have standards and principles and I stand by them. I am tired of being responsible for your mistakes, grow up and take some responsibility. How's that for political correctness?</font></small></big></font><br/><br/><b>The Language Police</b><br/><br/>Ok, this really ruffles my feathers. Now, Homeland Security Secretary Napolitano says we can't use the word Terroism to describe "violent destrictive acts committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands" as defined by Webster. She wants to call it 'man-caused disaster'. The lack of action by Mayor C. Ray Nagin and former Governor Kathleen Blanco to assist the people of New Orleans and Louisiana to get to safety is a man-caused disaster. An accident at an oil refinery </font></small><small><font face='arial'>due to carelessness or engineering flaws in the equipment </font></small><small><font face='arial'>is a man-caused disaster. Timothy McVeigh, Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaeda among many others are terrorists and they commit terrorism by striking fear into those they attack. The carnage they cause cannot be minimalized by changing the name. Their goal is terror and we should be afraid lest they strike again. Fear should help us to learn, to adapt, to adjust our way of thinking about how we live in relation to those that would try to wipe us off the face of the earth. Making the name less fearsome only serves to desensitize us from the urgency of possible attack and prevents us from being prepared to defend the greatest nation the world has ever known. There are probably many liberalisms we could rename or even drop from the american vocabulary but I'll save that for perhaps another post. <br/><br/><b>Conclusion<br/><br/></b>I'm pretty well educated and I am fairly good at figuring things out but I am really just a simple guy. Don't make this stuff harder than it has to be. Governance is not rocket science but it does require some common sense, which by the way, seems to be non-existent in today's world. When this country was founded it was considered an honor to serve as a representative of your state. You served your time and went back home to tend to the homestead. Now, here is where I show my bipartisanship. I think there needs to be a cleansing of the political machine; why do elected officials have to be lawyers and the like? Why can't they be ordinary people? We need to move the established politicians out and elect common everyday people to these offices. I am sure we won't eliminate special interests since we will all want to help our home towns but, we can eliminate the legalistic, self-indulgent and sometimes corrupt government we have today. It was supposed to be government of the people, <b>BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE</b>. In order to restore that balance, we need men and women of character willing to work for the common good of the people and the country not politicians who will tell us one thing and do nothing just so long as they can stay in office.<br/></font></small><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=a8246c00-a8d5-4f29-9ef4-6bf784199e41' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-44124783262356954542009-03-11T22:59:00.001-05:002009-03-11T22:59:21.840-05:00Fame and Fortune<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>They say everyone has their 15 minutes of fame, well, I got less than five but I'm not complaining since it was for a good cause. <br/><br/><div class='youtube-video'><object height='280' width='320' data='http://www.myfoxal.com/video/videoplayer.swf' id='video' type='application/x-shockwave-flash'><param name='movie' value='http://www.myfoxal.com/video/videoplayer.swf'> </param><param name='FlashVars' value='&skin=MP1ExternalAll-MFL.swf&embed=true&adSrc=http%3A%2F%2Fad%2Edoubleclick%2Enet%2Fadx%2Ftsg%2Ewbrc%2Fwildcard%5F3%3Bdcmt%3Dtext%2Fxml%3Bpos%3D%3Btile%3D2%3Bsz%3D320x240%3Bord%3D324389853559234300%3Frand%3D0%2E7403759574807176&flv=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyfoxal%2Ecom%2Ffeeds%2FoutboundFeed%3FobfType%3DVIDEO%5FPLAYER%5FSMIL%5FFEED%26componentId%3D121749823&img=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia2%2Emyfoxal%2Ecom%2F%2Fphoto%2F2009%2F03%2F02%2Fchili%5Fmar02%5F09a%5F1%5Ftmb0000%5F20090302060756172%5F640%5F480%2EJPG&story=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emyfoxal%2Ecom%2Fdpp%2Fgda%5Fpublish%2FExceptional%5FFoundation%5FHosts%5F'> </param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'> </param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'> </param></object></div><br/><br/><br/>The event was packed and The Alagasco Chili Squad came away with a third consecutive People's Choice award!! We've never been picked by the judges for 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. It kinda makes me wonder if they even know what chili is supposed to taste like. <br/><br/>If you want to check out or donate to the Exceptional Foundation you can go here <a href='http://www.exceptionalfoundation.org'/></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-39929958202875573022009-02-14T14:18:00.001-06:002009-02-14T14:18:38.011-06:00Are You A Mama's Boy?<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'><font face='arial'>In January, at the first quarterly meeting of our <a href='http://www.innua.org' target='_blank'>Alabama INNUA Chapter</a>, I was privileged to hear a fantastic </font>speaker by the name of <a href='http://www.scottswedenburg.com' target='_blank'>Scott Swedenburg</a>. Scott spoke to us from the writings of his book <a href='http://www.mamaslessons.com/content.asp?id=280349' target='_blank'><i><u>Lessons from a Mama's Boy</u></i></a>. Scott speaks sincerely and from the heart about the life lessons he has learned from his parents and more specifically from his mom.<br/><br/>We should have listened to our parents more when we were kids. I mean, after all, they really are trying to teach us how to live our lives right. We don't always see it that way as kids and our parents are the meanest creatures on the planet (something I am learning from my own 6 year old daughter). 'Don't run with scissors' and 'Eat your vegetables' are just a couple of things your mom tried to teach you. <u><i>Lessons</i></u> is filled with little tidbits we all have heard and we all really know down deep inside but it is a healthy reminder to help us recall the things our parents have taught us.<br/><br/>In his book,<a href='http://www.mamaslessons.com/content.asp?id=280349' target='_blank'><i><u>Lessons from a Mama's Boy</u></i></a>, Scott takes a much deeper look into the real life lessons our parents are trying to transfer to us to help us become successful in business, relationships and life in general. Our parents really are our biggest fans and they support us no matter where we are in life. The Bible tells us in Exodus 20:12 to "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you." God gives us a promise of long life if we will honor our parents; the first commandment with a promise. So, whether you are 8 or 80 or any where in between, if your parents are still around, show them how much you honor and respect them for taking the time to teach you lifes lessons. Perhaps one or both of your parents have gone on to be with the Lord and you never really showed them honor; you can still ask for God's fogiveness and begin to teach your children so that they understand the benefit of honoring THEIR parents.<br/><br/>Scott, thanks for sharing your mom and her lessons with us. Your presentation and your book are wonderful. For those of you needing a speaker, I highly recommend that you give Scott a call. Or, if you are just looking for a good read, pick up a copy of <a href='http://www.mamaslessons.com/content.asp?id=280349' target='_blank'><i><u>Lessons from a Mama's Boy</u></i></a>. I am sure you will find his thoughts very enlightening, just as I did. This one definitely makes my 2009 reading list.<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><div class='zemanta-pixie'><img src='http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=251850fc-8143-46b3-8d2c-3d4bb3d54ab5' class='zemanta-pixie-img'/></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-19843155198520384192008-10-02T23:40:00.001-05:002008-10-02T23:40:45.650-05:00Election 2008 - Debate #2: VP vs. VP<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Well, debate number two is in the books and I was quite impressed with Governor Palin. Senator Biden, on the other hand, was only there to discredit Senator McCain. Political pundits have already been pointing out the areas where he attempted to shed shadows of doubt over McCain but the congressional record shows Biden is nothing more than an overpaid mouthpiece for the democrats.<br/><br/>I realize Gov. Palin made several slips in not recognizing Obama as Senator Obama but, maybe those weren't slips. The thing that really stood out to me was Biden's flagrant disregard for the office of the President by refering to President Bush as simply George Bush. This man clearly has no respect for the office and should not even be allowed to address those that hold the office regardless of political affiliation.<br/><br/>I really did not capture any significant points on which to elaborate. The real differentiation I see is that Obama and Biden are nothing more than politicians taking your tax dollars without providing any real service to the taxpayer. That, in my humble opinion, is taxation without representation. Senator McCain and Governor Palin, on the other hand, appear to be real people with real concerns about the country as a whole, not just who is lining their pockets. They may not have all the answers and I am sure they will even make a mistake or two if elected. But the question I really need answered is, "Who are YOU voting for and why?". Let me hear from you and maybe the next blog will be about the American people and not the candidates.<br/></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-59108624576605495092008-09-27T00:16:00.002-05:002008-09-27T00:25:19.171-05:00Election 2008 - Debate #1<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">I have been watching the debates tonight, something I don't generally do but, I felt a need to see just who our choices are for President of the United States.<br /><br />Though the pundits are touting a "great debate", I have to disagree and I am sure there are debate coaches around the country sobbing in despair. Never have I heard one man say the same thing so many times nor have I heard some one say so much without saying anything at all.<br /><br />I'd like to comment on a few topics that caught my attention.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Topic #1 - The Real Estate Bailout</span><br />Neither candidate really stated their position. Too bad, now would be a good time to differentiate oneself by making a decision with possible reservations until all the details are clear. One standout comment by Senator Obama claimed that this was the worst financial crisis since The Great Depression. I beg to differ, the failed S&L's of the 80's, hundreds of them, was much more significant than this issue. The bottom line is a bailout is not going to help. Maybe insure the loans, extend the loans but the government has no business buying out the loans. The last thing we need is for the government to be in the real estate business. Make no mistake the government is somewhat responsible and they need to address the accounting laws that created this fiasco and demand accountability and responsibility for the financial mismanagement of these companies.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Topic #2 - Iraq/Afganistan</span><br />I have to give this one to Senator McCain. I do not feel that Senator Obama has the knowledge and experience required to even consider matters of military conflict. Whether or not we should have gone to Iraq or not has been beat to death. Give it a rest. Right or wrong we are there, let's finish the job. Enough said.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Topic #3 - Foreign Policy</span><br />Senator McCain gets the nod here also. Although he may not be the most charismatic person to be negotiating with certain leaders, I have to agree with him; There are a lot of nations out there that simply hate the United States. I do not believe you can reason with people who believe that entire countries should be wiped out of existence. Diplomacy will not work with those types, they seem to only understand strict economic policies and the threat of military force. All men may be created equal but we should be careful which countries we consider our equals without some show of good faith that they will work toward common goals as our allies.<br /><br />Well, those are just a few things I heard. No fireworks on this one. I was fully expecting one or both candidates to come out punching. I hope this isn't an indication of their prowess as the leader of the free world.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-92130142221213099372008-06-15T22:59:00.001-05:002008-06-15T22:59:46.843-05:00A Visit With Dad on Fathers Day<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Posted from Pinson, AL -<br/><br/>Dad came to see me today. No, I'm not crazy. Many of you know that my dad passed away in 2006. So, here's my story.<br/><br/>We had planned lunch for the dads at our house today. Some time in the wee hours of the morning I had a dream. In my dream, it seemed that I was carrying the food in from the grill and I looked up on the deck and I saw dad leaning on the rail, healthy and strong. He smiled and waved and I remember smiling and feeling in my dream a sense of happiness, contentment and just an overall good feeling. When I stepped up on the deck dad was no where to be found. Then I heard the alarm...<br/><br/>I really am not crazy and I don't believe in ghosts. I have been thinking about going to the cemetery all last week but I knew time would not permit. Perhaps it is my own imagination, wishful thinking if you will, expressing a desire to be with my dad on Father's Day. Or, perhaps it was God's way of letting me know that my dad is happy now and that he is proud of the son he left behind. Either way I know I miss my dad very much and it was a great feeling to see him even if it was only in my dream. <br/><br/>I've said it before, my dad may not have been the best dad but to me, there isn't a better one. I can only pray and ask God to help me be the dad He would have me to be and one day maybe my daughter will think I was a pretty good dad too.<br/><br/>Thanks for stopping by today dad, even if it was just in a dream. Whether it was of God or my own imagination, it really made my day. I love you dad and Happy Father's Day!<br/><br/></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-46320033025283468852008-05-28T23:57:00.005-05:002008-05-29T00:46:03.643-05:00The Parable of the Duct Tape<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span style="font-family:arial;"><small>Posted from Pinson, AL-<br /><br />I attended a funeral for a good friend today. He was one of my Chili Cook-off Buddies and I am going to miss him. But I didn't stop in to tell you about someone you really don't know. I did stop in to tell you about the lessons my friend is still teaching from Heaven's shore.<img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/Brad.Walker1/SD4ou9-08hI/AAAAAAAAAfw/J1Pa8laWK_k/%5BUNSET%5D.jpg" style="max-width: 800px; float: right; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; width: 344px; height: 280px;" title="Wade, Brad, Ragan, Betty and Chef Clayton" alt="" /><br /><br /></small></span><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:Comic Sans MS;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Wade, Brad, Ragan, Betty and Chef Clayton - 2007 Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook-off State Champs</span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><small>Ragan's pastor, Brother David Awtrey, of <a href="http://www.fbcpinson.org/">First Baptist Church Pinson</a> told us of Ragan's <a href="http://www.nelsonbibles.com/primes/ducttape.html">Duct Tape Bible</a>. He supplied the following Parable of the Duct Tape. (Pastor, I will try to do your message justice here because it is extremely relevant and highly noteworthy).<br /><br />When something is broken, the first thing that usually comes to mind (at least my redneck mind) to repair it is duct tape. Duct tape fixes <u>everything</u>! I recall a local morning show character, Earl Pitts, from years ago citing duct tape and a coat hanger to fix everything from a broken tv antenna to the radiator in your car. Even the NASCAR crews use duct tape to repair fenders on wrecked race cars. I mean they go to great expense to create these super fast machines yet they trust simple duct tape to hold it all together after a crash. Jesus is like the duct tape. When we are broken and beat up He can fix us. Patching us up like the duct tape on a race car, Jesus can heal the hurt, He can mend a broken heart and He can restore our sinful lives to glory through His ultimate sacrifice on the cross.<br /><br />Duct tape is also quite hard to tear. Duct tape is very durable, I mean look at those race cars. When they've been damaged the sheet metal flops around and threatens to fall off at every bump. But, once the crew starts carefully placing it on the ruptured sheet metal, the car becomes sturdy again. When we read God's Word daily, He will make us so that we don't tear so easily when the trials come. And when we have Jesus in our lives He binds us with His love and makes us sturdy again so we can weather the storm.<br /><br />Lastly, Duct tape sticks to just about everything. Jesus is this way with us; He sticks by us through the storm. He never lets go of us. He told us He would never leave us nor forsake us. If we stick with Jesus, He will guide us in every aspect of our lives. He will hold on to us through the storms of life. When the wind blows and the waves threaten to sink us, He will calm the storm. We need to put our trust in Christ and stick by Him just as He sticks by us.<br /><br />I will never look at another piece of duct tape the same. In fact I need a good bookmark since my last one is quite worn. Seems to me a small piece of duct tape should do the trick and last me a good long time. Not only will it serve to mark my place as I study my Bible but it will remind me of a dear friend and the fun we had at work and at play. So long, until we meet on that Beautiful Shore, Ragan! <i><b>I am proud to have known you and thanks for being my friend</b></i>!<br /><br />Psalm 34:8<br /></small><br /><br /><p></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-55059515392847250502008-05-26T23:57:00.001-05:002008-05-26T23:57:15.654-05:00There's a Song in My Heart<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>I was privileged to hear an <u><i><b>awesome</b></i></u> Christian group on Sunday the 25th at Cross Baptist Church. <a href='http://crossroadonline.net/'>Beyond the Ashes</a> is truly an amazing group. Their <a href='http://crossroadonline.net/music'>music</a> is uplifting, spiritual and encouraging. You can't help but clap your hands or tap your toe when these guys take the stage. They present the Gospel of Jesus with an energy rarely seen today. Through their songs, through their testimony and through their talent it is obvious that these men love the Lord and are ready and willing to serve Him... I had the opportunity to speak one on one with Justin for a few moments and you can just sense the Spirit of God working through these men.<br/><br/>So, if your church is looking for a group to come sing, I would highly recommend <a href='http://crossroadonline.net/'>Beyond the Ashes</a>. <br/></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-21572287842486417042008-02-09T21:23:00.000-06:002008-02-09T22:19:37.115-06:00Boogity Boogity Boogity!!!!posted from Pinson, AL -<br /><br />Well, it is that time of year again. NASCAR racing is back and judging by the Bud Shootout tonight, it is going to be and interesting season. Many people criticized Dale, Jr. for joining Hendrick Motorsports but Jeff Gordon may have made the most prophetic statement in NASCAR history at the end of last season. Paraphrased, he said that " Jr. fans are going to be real surprised next year when Dale Jr. is winning races with the best team on the track". As bad as I hate to admit it, I believe he may be right. Are we going to see Jr. in a championship run for the '08 season? Maybe, maybe not, I'm not going to put my money on it. But, I do believe you will start seeing him win races. Even Tony Stewart said he might even be better at restrictor plate racing that his daddy, the late great Dale Earnhardt, Sr. Phenomenal drivers who know racing and know how to win coupled with incredible pit crews and a team owner who believes in providing the best equipment for his team equals a winning combination no matter how you slice it. So, no matter which driver you hate the most, my prediction is that you will eventually have to hate the whole Hendrick Team. These guys are ready to race and they are out to win. Congratulations to Dale, Jr. and his crew for their first win of 2008 and to Hendrick Motorsports and Rick Hendrick for the uncanny ability to pick the cream of the crop. Good luck to all the drivers this year and have a safe racing season.<br /><br />Brad WalkerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-46338955264606223832007-12-23T01:44:00.001-06:002007-12-23T02:07:46.352-06:00Christmas<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>So, I have been thinking alot about Christmas this year.<small> <big>I have been listening to the protests about companies refusing to use the word Christmas in their advertising. It has been said that some companies have even told employees that saying Merry Christmas to customers would be grounds for termination. Companies say the reason for using Happy Holidays in lieu of Merry Christmas is so they won't offend those who don't believe in or celebrate Christmas. Well, I have to admit, <big><big><b><i><u>I</u></i></b><small> <small>was offended by their exclusion of Christmas. I mean, all of my life I have seen ads for Pre-Christmas sales and post-Christmas sales and Christmas one day sales. Now, it's Happy Holidays?... give me a break. But, the more I began to meditate on Christmas and study its origins and the REAL Christmas story of the Birth of Christ, I began to wonder what it was that I was offended about. I mean what is Christmas? What does it mean?<br/><br/>I did a little research on the origin of Christmas as we celebrate it today. Many of the references I found explained how Christians took a pagan festivity and adapted it to represent their Christian culture and beliefs. Perhaps much of this is true or, perhaps pagan cultures adapted elements of the story of the birth of Christ into their rituals. I am not sure how it all came about but let me explain it the way I see it.<br/><br/>First of all, no matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to find one biblical reference to the word "Christmas". I have looked in several versions, King James, NIV, NASB, NKJV, etc., there is no mention of the word Christmas; no mention of holiday trees, Christmas trees, winter festival; no seasons greetings, happy holidays or Merry Christmas. So, why was I so offended by others not using the word Christmas?<br/><br/>Now, don't get me wrong, I love my Jesus and I love the joy and festive atmosphere the Christmas season brings. I believe in celebrating Christmas wholeheartedly. But, let me tell you what I did find in my studies.<br/><br/>I found a Saviour, a baby, innocence, love, peace, joy, excitement, fear, adoration, honor, respect, awe, courage; I could probably go on with this list forever so, let me sum it up. I found JESUS!!! You see the shepherds didn't run out and buy gifts for each other and all their family and friends. The wise men didn't have a party. They immediately set out on a journey to pay homage to the King of the World, King Jesus. This wasn't a birthday celebration, it was a celebration of a promise fulfilled. In fact, I believe the only time the scriptures speak of the actual birth of Jesus is when he was born.<br/><br/>Is this a step toward removing Christ from our lives? Probably. Is society trying to remove Christ from our daily ministrations? Absolutely!! But, the mere absence of the word Christmas shouldn't be our focus. Our focus should be on Jesus. We should be more worried about whether people see Christ in us. Mas in Spanish means more. If you break down the word Christmas, Christ mas, Christ more; that's what people should see in us as Christians, More of Christ in us. Or do they see us blow up in anger </small></small></big></big></big></small><small><big><big><big><small><small>at how slow the cashier is as we </small></small></big></big></big></small><small><big><big><big><small><small>stand in the line at Wal-Mart? In Matthew 12:33, Jesus says, "...the tree is known by its fruit." What kind of fruit are you known for? As Christians, we don't need special days or seasons to remember Jesus. We should celebrate Him all year long. So, stop being offended and start <br/><br/><big><big><b>LIVING JESUS!</b><small><small><br/><br/>Merry Christmas to all and May God bless you all now and into the New Year!!<br/><br/>Brad<br/></small></small></big></big></small></small></big></big></big></small><br/><br/>Technorati Tags: <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Christmas' class='performancingtags'>Christmas</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/faith' class='performancingtags'>faith</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/tolerance' class='performancingtags'>tolerance</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-60712235962631932392007-10-14T23:30:00.000-05:002007-10-15T00:41:47.031-05:00God's Time<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><small>It has been a while since I have posted. For a while I thought there really wasn't much to write about. But on further reflection I realized there was perhaps too much to write about. Today is different. Today there is really only one thing on my mind.<br /><br />One year ago today, my dad went home to be with the Lord. I have been wondering how I would feel on this particular day. A few days ago I was reading a blog by <a href="http://www.joemckeever.com/">Dr. Joe McKeever</a> entitled <a href="http://www.joemckeever.com/mt/archives/000680.html">Before You Leave Us</a>. It talked of things that Dr. Joe wanted his parents to know. I commented on that blog as an encouragement to Brother Joe but the next day I received an email from him. He was concerned that he had made me feel bad about not saying some of those things to my dad. I have never met Brother Joe but this one little email showed me that he truly cares about people. So if you get the chance, read his writings. That blog caused me to think of the conversations dad and I had in the weeks and even just a few days before he became too sick to talk. We discussed his salvation and mine and how ready we were to meet the Lord Jesus. We talked of good times we had together, things he wished he had made better decisions on and how he wished we could go fishing.<br /><br />I wasn't always the best son but I know this, my dad knew how much I loved him. I often got frustrated when going at night to help him to bed as it took time away from my family but I believe God knew what he was doing when he gave me those times to spend with my dad. There were even times while dad was in ICU on a ventilator that God used to allow me to tell dad things I needed to say. Those were pretty good times because dad couldn't argue with me or talk back, all he could do was nod his acknowledgment of what I had told him and mouth the words I Love You.<br /><br />So how do I feel about today? I thought I would be sad; I even expected a few tears. I definitely miss my daddy greatly and there are things I would love to be able to sit and talk to him about. I have spent much of Saturday and today contemplating why, as I think of not having my dad here, I don't really feel sad or empty. It is often said that "time heals all wounds" but I am not sure that is true. Maybe for physical wounds but I believe the only thing that can heal the loss of a loved one is "God's Time".<br /><br />You see, me and my dad were close all my life. There were ups and there were downs along the way. As I got older and had my own family, I did not spend as much time with my dad or my mom for that matter. God knew he would be taking dad home soon and He provided opportunities for me to spend time with my dad. I think the one time I cherish the most is having been able to watch and Alabama game with dad in the hospital just a few weeks before he died. Now that was quality time! That was "God's Time"! I firmly believe that God has kept the sadness and hurt out of my life because there is no reason for me to fret over a loved one that is spending their time in Heaven. I know one day Dad and I will be sitting on the banks of the Jordan talking with Jesus and reeling in tons of Crappie for a Heavenly fish fry. That will definitely be "God's Time"!<br /><br />Brad<br /></small><br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Sadness" class="performancingtags">Sadness</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Time" class="performancingtags">Time</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Loss" class="performancingtags">Loss</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Family" class="performancingtags">Family</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Hurt" class="performancingtags">Hurt</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-14876654388824554872007-06-26T02:04:00.001-05:002007-06-26T02:04:51.267-05:00Time Flies By<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Posted from Pinson, AL ---<br></br><br></br>Wow!!! What a weekend!!! I have just attended my 20 year High School Reunion and it was a blast. I can't believe it has been 20 years since we graduated high school. Everyone that attended was still looking great after 20 years; as one classmate mentioned, "Time has been a friend to all of you!!". Michelle, I couldn't have said it better. But, it is amazing how time flies by.<br></br><br></br>It seems like just yesterday we were cruising the Wal-mart parking lot or the local theater. We spent so much time together not just in class but in the band, on the football field, volleyball or basketball courts, and all the sign painting parties for the pep rallies. Those were good times and times we will not only cherish for a lifetime but times that we will miss as the stresses of the day press upon us in our adult lives. Time flies by.<br></br><br></br>There were many conspicuously missing from the events of the weekend, each unable to attend due to a schedule conflict or perhaps for some other reason. But there were nine classmates who had no choice of whether to attend or not. Nine classmates taken from us all too soon. Lives cut short by disease, illness, and unexpected accidents. I'm sure other classes have lost more of their beloved friends over a twenty year period but these are different. These were <b>OUR BELOVED </b><b>FRIENDS...</b> they were the class of '87... THE BEST... and we miss them dearly. We've bid them farewell but we'll <u><i><b>'Never Say Goodbye'</b></i></u>. Boy, how the time flies by.<br></br><br></br>We are planning some more frequent events. Maybe we'll find it easier to keep in touch if we see each other more often. As we grow older we'll start to find that there are more and more missing from our ranks. So, we should try harder to keep in touch because, just as we leaned on each other through our glory days, I believe we'll need each other even more as the time flies by.<br></br><br></br>As for me, we may not have been the closest of friends in high school but each of you have played a part in my life. Even if you never uttered one word to me, you have helped to shape my life and I am thankful that I met you all and I am a better person for having known each of you; I love you all!! <br></br><br></br>And as the time flies by, we will spread our wings like the proud Eagles we are, and we will soar on the winds of time.<br></br><br></br>Erwin Eagles Class of '87<br></br>"One Hell of a Class"<br></br><br></br>Brad<br></br><br></br><br></br>Technorati Tags: <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/High%20School' class='performancingtags'>High School</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Reunion' class='performancingtags'>Reunion</a>, <a rel='tag' href='http://technorati.com/tag/Friendship' class='performancingtags'>Friendship</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-16170541339990198222007-06-20T01:02:00.001-05:002007-09-21T00:09:20.892-05:00Sick and Tired<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">***Author's Commentary - September 22, 2007***<br /> Some of you have been asking when I am going to post again. Honestly, I thought I just didn't have much to write about but, in retrospect, I may have had too many things to write about. I have been struggling with posting this blog for a almost three months now. I have thought this blog was racist, whiny, crass, angry, rambling and maybe even politically incorrect (hmmmm, who cares?). What I have finally decided is that it is probably all of these things and more but most of all it is truth. I hope some of this makes even a little sense to you all.<br /><br />Brad<br />******<br /><br />Ok, I am really getting sick and tired of hearing people say what a bad job America does in foreign relations. I mean really, what do you people want from us besides the fall of America?<br /><br />FORMER (emphasis added) President Carter, on Tuesday, June 19, 2007, accused the US, Israel and the EU of trying to divide the Palestinian people rather than unite them. Funny how everytime we try to get these two factions (Hamas and Fatah) to the table to talk one of them blows up the others territory. Why do we even bother in the first place? Here's is an idea, line the borders with troops shoulder to shoulder, don't let anyone in, don't let anyone out and shoot to kill if you even <b>think </b>someone is pointing a weapon at you. Let them kill off the bad apples internally and the people that are left will probably be fine upstanding global citizens. Ok, Ok, so maybe that is a little far fetched. Let me try this again.<br /><br />Let's not be so specific, let's take a broader approach and look at the big picture here. I am also sick and tired of hearing about how we were lied to by the current administration about Iraq and the WMD. I am sick of hearing how we should pull out and save our troops. Not a bad idea but having been in their shoes before I believe they want the sign to finish the job. Not to just maintain the peace but to eradicate the extremist factions so that the citizens of Iraq can live peacefully and without fear of being bombed by some idiot in a truck filled with explosives thinking he's going to die and receive a bunch of virgins as a reward. PLEASE!!! Don't insult my intelligence.<br /><br />Now, here's the plan. Leave the troops or pull them out, it really is irrelevant; I say let them decide. The real crippling blow -- stop all funding to these nations. And I mean all funding. Let's see who has the real power. I know you are saying the dollar is worthless. Yes, it is worthless because we hand it out like candy to any nation that comes whining and crying that they need help. We have thousands of people here in America that don't have a roof over their heads and don't know where their next meal will come from. Yet we spend billions every year on foreign aid to countries that <b>HATE </b>us. Did you get that? They hate us but they don't have a problem taking our money. The US doles out billions of dollars every year to these countries as a humanitarian effort. Maybe I am the only one that thinks this but, it seems rather funny that, in some cases, we are actually paying for the bombs, bullets and other munitions that are killing OUR troops. Is it just me or does somebody else see this?<br /><br />So, here is the total package:<br /><br />1. Stop all federal funding of foreign countries and demand IMMEDIATE PAYBACK in full.<br /><br />(Sorry, China go sell some rice or something. OOOPS!! Sorry, Palestine find your own money to pay for the bombs you are dropping on each other.)<br /><br />2. Leave the troops whereever they are for a short time to ensure that we get the money.<br /><br />3. Withdraw troops from all foreign locales and re-designate their mission as defense for the United States.<br /><br />4. Tell the UN to get out and find a country where they can perform their function (whatever that is) in complete safety and without government control.<br /><br />You want us to help? First, you had better have a really good reason for asking. Second, this is a loan with a term and interest and you WILL pay it back or we will send Tony Soprano after you. Now, shut up your whining and work out your own problems before we come over there and turn you over our knee and spank your whimpy, broke country's butt. How about all that money we are saving? Well, if we can keep congress from wasting it, we could probably find some really good humanitarian uses right here at home -- but that is a topic for another blog.<br /><br />Brad<br />http://www.Free2BMall.com<br />http://www.linkedin.com/in/BradWalker<br />http://www.myspace.com/baddestbrad<br /><br />Technorati Tags: <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/America" class="performancingtags">America</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Money" class="performancingtags">Money</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Politics" class="performancingtags">Politics</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Foreign" class="performancingtags">Foreign</a>, <a rel="tag" href="http://technorati.com/tag/Aid" class="performancingtags">Aid</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-10916521512777094082007-06-14T15:46:00.001-05:002007-06-19T19:17:26.289-05:00Who's Your Daddy?<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Composed from sunny Tampa, FL --<br /><br /><br /><br />I have been attending the INNUA Global Connect technology conference in Tampa this week and I had the opportunity to hear a very interesting and captivating speaker. His name is Frank Abagnale, Jr.. Frank spent over five years in the Sixties living under assumed identities and passing bad checks worth over $2.5 million in at least 26 countries. I would encourage you to read his ghostwritten biography <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_Me_If_You_Can">Catch Me If You Can</a> or see the 2002 Steven Spielberg movie by the same name. Or better yet, find Frank speaking somewhere and get it straight from him.<br /><br /><br /><br />As a technology professional, I was looking forward to hearing about his exploits and how he helps fight similar fraudulent activity today. Instead, he told his story in <i><b>his</b></i> words. It is a very exciting story in which he left home at the age of 16 and traveled the world on his mature looks and forging checks to survive. Finally caught, after serving time in a couple of European prisons, Frank is escorted home by the FBI and learns of his fathers death. I found the remainder of his speech fascinating and impressive as he began to speak of what it means to be, not just a father, but a DADDY!<br /><br /><br /><br />With Father's Day approaching, I found it very appropriate and that is why I am writing this today. Frank spoke of how his father, Frank, Sr., never failed to kiss his children and tell them he loved them. He said to be a man, you have to become a daddy. Anyone can be a father to a child but only a man would show the affection and care to his family and children that makes him a daddy. Frank, Jr. realized that God had given him a second chance to be a man.<br /><br /><br /><br />God intended us, as men, to be daddies. Being faithful to our families, our friends and most of all to our God. That is what makes a real man. I have many similar memories of my father. I can't remember a time that he failed to tell me he loved me. Not even when he was angry with me. Even when I had grown up and had my own family, dad always made it a point to give me a hug or a kiss on the cheek and tell me he loved me. I miss him everyday and I still see the lessons I learned from him as I act them out, most of the time, unknowingly.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, I want you to ask yourself this Father's Day, "Who's Your Daddy?". I'm not implying that you don't know who he is, but rather, do you consider him just your father or do you consider him your daddy? Being a daddy means you make sacrifices for the benefit of your family. A daddy sacrifices without questioning if it is the right thing to do. To allow a child to have things better than they had them, daddies give up many things. Many times we as children don't see those sacrifices but they are made anyway.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, if you are a father, if you have children of your own, adopted children, foster children, or if you mentor a child in any way; go be a daddy today. Start the process of positive lessons and memories for your precious children. As Frank Abagnale stated in his speech, "Children are entitled to a mother and a father." As unpopular as it may be to say we, as parents, have no right to take that entitlement away through divorce. Go be a daddy!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Children, if your daddy is still alive and you can get in touch with him, tell him how much you appreciate the things he does or has done for you. I think a man, a daddy, needs to hear that. He won't complain if he doesn't but if you realize how much he loves you, he deserves to know he's made a difference in your life. I was able to tell my dad before he passed away that he had made a difference in my life and I was still learning lessons from him, important lessons, through his illness. Even though he was unable to express himself verbally near the end of his life, he knew that he would not be with me much longer but, I could see the pride in his eyes as he realized that even through his faults, he had raised a man and a daddy.<br /><br /><br /><br />Today, I make it a point to always tell my wife and daughter I love them. Even if they are asleep, they both receive a kiss and an 'I Love You' from me. I hope they always know that if I am home, they may not have felt the kiss or heard the words, but I have kissed them good night and told them I love them. And when I travel, I always call home before they go to bed with an I love you, no matter what my schedule.<br /><br /><br /><br />Girls, I'll see you in a few hours!! Daddy loves you both very much!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Posted from Nashville, TN airport --<br /><br /><br /><br />Brad<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-84681572820617485352007-05-14T13:16:00.000-05:002007-05-14T13:25:31.899-05:00A Real Man<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,272081,00.html">FOXNews.com - Carjacker Beats 91-Year-Old Man as Bystanders Look On - Local News | News Articles | National News | US News</a><br /><br />I guess when you are 22-years old, it makes you a real man to beat up a 91 year old man and steal his car. Well, the<span style="font-weight: bold;"> real man</span> in this story is 91 year old, Leonard Sims, a World War II veteran. Not only did he survive war in foreign lands, he has survived the cold streets of Detroit and lives to testify and see his attackers convicted. I believe this is a testament to the fortitude and strength of the World War II generation. In my humble opinion, I think they should beat this young punk just before he enters the court room door and dare him to file charges.<br /><br />Thank you Mr. Sims for your faithful service and may God Bless you and your family.<br /><br />BradAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-90058434497899411872007-05-11T00:12:00.000-05:002007-05-11T23:30:53.035-05:00Politics, Guns and Money<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,271394,00.html">FOXNews.com - House Passes War Spending Bill With Provisions Bush Promises to Veto</a><br /><br />I have an idea, let's stop funding congress --- Republicans and Democrats alike. Let's see how dedicated they are to performing their jobs, as representatives of this great country, when the paychecks stop. Likewise, how do you think the troops feel when they hear us, sitting here safe in America, arguing about whether or not to give them the necessary funding to simply protect themselves, forget about winning this war. We are willing to dole out money for illegal aliens in this country but we won't lift a finger to support the men and women who dedicate their lives, and often sacrifice their lives, that others might live free.<br /><br />As a former Marine, I have my own ideas about how to end this war. Let's just say I wouldn't win any points for ethics. I am growing increasingly tired of the political rhetoric. It is time to stop thinking of our political careers and start thinking of and supporting, no matter what the cost, those who are willing to die not only for their country but for other countries, as well. It is time to start doing the right thing even if it is an unpopular thing to do. In the words of motivational speaker <a href="http://www.edisonhouse.com/">Michael Angelo Caruso</a>, <span style="font-weight: bold;">"Which do you believe more, what people say or what people do?"</span>. Making a statement doesn't prove anything but, actions speak volumes about a persons character.<br /><br />Let's get busy America, Congress..... either you are with America or you are against AmericaAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-41508690557495486272007-04-24T15:15:00.000-05:002007-04-24T15:35:49.051-05:00R-E-S-P-E-C-T<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,267181,00.html">FOXNews.com - Reid: Someone Tell Bush the War in Iraq is Lost - Politics | Republican Party | Democratic Party | Political Spectrum</a>: "'I know I was the odd guy out yesterday at the White House, but I at least told him what he needs to hear. … I told George Bush what he needs to hear, not what he wants to hear, I did that and my conscience is great,' said Reid, who was one of several lawmakers who met with the president on Wednesday at the White House. Reid added that more people need to tell Bush the same."<br /><br />Aretha Franklin had a point in her 1967 song, RESPECT. She sings "All I'm askin' is for a little respect......".<br /><br />In the FoxNews excerpt above, it appears to me that even our Congressmen and women have no respect for others. Sen. Harry Reid, D-NV explains that he told "<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">George Bush</span>" what he needs to hear. President Bush has earned a level of respect, even if not by his person. I believe very strongly in the fact that the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;font-size:130%;" >office </span>of the President of the United States, regardless of who holds that office, demands respect. Senator Reid, your political grandstanding is ridiculous. You are trying to garner respect by making a stand and I commend you for that. However, to get respect you need to give respect. If you want to call the President by his first name in private circles or even in his presence, fine. But you should <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >always </span>refer to the holder of the office as President publicly.<br /><br />We should all show respect to others whether they are the President of the United States or the janitor at the local high school. R-E-S-P-E-C-T, what does it mean to you?<br /><br /><br />Respectfully Yours,<br />Brad WalkerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-38263448151158796262007-04-17T01:22:00.001-05:002007-04-17T01:22:55.774-05:00VaTech MassacreWell, we have had another senseless mass murder, this time at prestigious Virginia Tech. So far, 32 people have been reported killed and it is suspected that the gunman killed himself. Now, it seems pretty cut and dry to me --- line every campus in America, be it colleges or primary education facilities, with armed National Guardsmen. Simple isn't it? What is not so simple is why did something like this happen in the first place? We'll get to that. <br><br>First, and most importantly, I want to express my grief for all the families who have lost their loved ones on this sad day. I want them to know that regardless of their spiritual position, I will be praying for them and the leadership of the college and community. I will be praying for strength, guidance and wisdom for them as they struggle through these next dark days, trying to find answers. <br><br>Now, down to business. I am appalled at the news media and many citizens. Everyone is trying to place blame somewhere. The blame should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the perpetrator and no one else. Not on the guns he used or the people he got them from. Not on the faculty or police for not sending out notification in any given individual's perception of a "timely manner". The shooter acquired a gun or guns and got it in his head "I am going to kill some people today" and he acted on that thought --- there is no one else to blame!!!!! <br><br>Also, the media is digging and trying to find out information that simply does not need to be published until the authorities have completed investigations and have discovered the real answers. Their zeal in being the first to report a piece of information could very well hamper or taint the police investigations. I believe strongly in the right of the public to be informed but not when it could prevent the truth from being revealed. Frankly, there are just some things we don't need to know. <span style="font-style: italic;">Quit being so nosy and tend to your own business</span>.<br><br>I have no doubt that the democrats and the anti-gun lobby will have lots to say about this. I can hear it now, "We need tougher gun laws!!". Well, let me tell you, do your research. There are plenty of gun laws on the books now that never get enforced. Perhaps if we enforced the laws we already have, we wouldn't be watching the bodies of young adults being carried from their classrooms. The Marines taught me a few things about guns. Number One, bullets are scarce in combat One Shot, One Kill! Second, gun control is hitting your target. I am certain that there are a number of young men in colleges across the country who have been trained by our fine military forces. If the laws and school policy allowed these highly trained soldiers to carry a concealed weapon, say a mini-40, in their back pocket, the carnage may have been limited to 10 or less. This guy shot 50 people not counting himself and these poor students and faculty members had no way to defend themselves. Let me break it down for you --- Let's say you had the idea to go rob the local 7-11 using a handgun you just bought from T-Bone for a 100 dollars. And lets say there are three people, including the attendant, in the store when you walk in. Would you think twice about robbing the store if there was a possibility that each of those three people had a weapon? Even if it was just the attendant in the store by himself, your only advantage is surprise. So, your chances are 50-50 if the attendant has a handgun --- are you still willing to take the chance he <span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;">MIGHT </span>miss?<br><br>Everyone is looking for a solution to how this could have been prevented. I don't know the answer. Maybe if we paid more attention to those around us than our Starbuck's latte. Maybe if we tried to get to know people and learn about them instead of just considering them somebody at my college. Perhaps if the shooter was a student and someone took the time to get to know him, maybe they would have seen this coming. Or maybe, just maybe, he might have be moved by their care and compassion and decided not to do this deed. I don't know how to fix it. But what I do know is that we get in too big of a hurry these days. Our lack of care and compassion for the issues going on today and the people we meet, maybe we are to blame for this because we just don't care anymore. We have become so apathetic about our society --- As long as it doesn't affect me I don't care --- we can't even come to agreement over the smallest of issues, much less find a reasonable answer to why this happened. One old maxim that comes to mind, If you aren't a part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Or, for all you college chemists, If you aren't a part of the solution, you are part of the precipitate. (Oh, don't give me that, you have a computer, Google precipitate.) <br><br>Let's stop blaming everybody for our actions. Take responsibility for what you do and pay attention to the world around you. Take action, don't just sit in your comfortable chair sipping tea and expect someone else you make a difference. You were put here to make a difference, DO IT! <br><br><br>Brad Walker<br>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-48805974966668334202007-02-05T22:50:00.001-06:002007-02-05T23:28:51.904-06:00Super Super Bowl XLII don't really have a favorite NFL team and aside from an occasional Fantasy football team, I don't even follow pro football at all. So, having spent my early evening in church, I didn't watch the entire Super Bowl but, I think I did see the most important part.... the post-game interview of Indianapolis Colts Coach Tony Dungy.<br /><br />This was a Super Bowl of "Firsts", the first rainy Super Bowl, the first team to appear in the Super Bowl led by a black coach (notice I didn't use the term African-American but I'll get to that later) and this was a double first; Both teams were led by black coaches. Also, it was the first Super Bowl to have the opening kick-off run back for a touchdown. Though this was a history-making Super Bowl, I have to say that the most impressive thing to me was to hear Coach Dungy explain how they got there.<br /><br />Another first was Coach Dungy's statements regarding his Christian faith:<br /><br />"I thought about just the journey," Dungy said of that now famous pre-game walk. "Where we were and how the Lord had kind of set this up with some struggles, with some ups and downs, and some hills and valleys, and just I really thought about the same way our team had persevered it would be a shame if we didn't win it."<br /><br />"I'm proud to be the first African-American coach to win this," Dungy said during the trophy ceremony. "But again, more than anything, Lovie Smith and I are not only African-American but also Christian coaches, showing you can do it the Lord's way. We're more proud of that."<br /><br />Yeah, Yeah, everybody thanks God for the win but this time it was different. I really felt like this was the way Tony Dungy lives his everyday life. Coach Dungy has had his share of ups and downs. I even questioned whether he would come back to coaching after he lost his teenage son to suicide a little over a year ago. But he persevered, he trusted in the Lord to help him through his time of trouble. I am proud of these two coaches for demonstrating their faith for millions of people across the country to see. What a great witness!!!<br /><br />Now, to the African-American comment. Ok, I admit it, I am NOT politically correct. I didn't really apply myself in high school but I do remember that Africa is a separate continent from America. And as best as I can tell Tony Dungy was born here in America, he just happens to be black.. a different color.. not white. I really do respect the African heritage but I wish he would have said anything but African-American. Maybe he could have said Christian-Americans. Tony, you are an American born and bred and in my book you are more than that, you are a Christian which supercedes <span style="font-weight: bold;">all </span>races. Jesus Christ is the King of all kings, the God of all nations not just Americans or Africans. You had the courage to publish your faith in front of millions of people so have the courage to drop the negative multi-national monikers. If this country is ever going to be one again we have to stop segregating ourselves. Instead of calling a spade a spade (no pun intended) start calling an American and American.<br /><br />Anyway, Congratulations to the Chicago Bears and Coach Lovie Smith for your success in reaching the Super Bowl and for playing an outstanding game. Also, Congratulations to Coach Tony Dungy and the entire Colts team on winning historical Super Bowl XLI. Keep walking the walk!!! <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Phillipians 3:8-14</span><br /><br />Brad WalkerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-20380497755331559862007-01-23T00:22:00.000-06:002007-01-23T01:31:26.495-06:00Who's Judging Who?I love to hunt, though I don't get to do it these days due to schedules and lack of affordable hunting lands. I have always been raised around guns and I have always been taught how to handle firearms safely, both by my dad and grandfathers, as well as, by the Marine Corps. I bagged my first deer when I was only 10 years old. Normally, I wouldn't talk politics here but I just heard something that burns my butt more than a flame three feet high. I really think this goes much deeper than the politics so try to stay with me here and see if I am making any sense.<br /><br />I was just listening to the <a href="http://www.wiat.com/">CBS 42</a> 10 o'clock news to find out all the bad things that happened today when I hear that my state, Alabama, has received an "F" rating (<a href="http://www.bradycampaign.org/legislation/state/">State Gun Laws</a>) from the <a href="http://www.bradycenter.org/">Brady Center</a> regarding laws that protect families from gun violence. Now, hearing this I just had to do some research.<br /><br />Since all of the lawmakers are in Washington, D.C., I decided to compare the crime rate in Alabama to that of the District of Columbia. Using data for 2004-2005 and looking only at Violent Crime and Murder/nonnegligent manslaughter, I found the following crime rates per 100,000 in population;<a href="http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/US_States_Rate_Ranking.html">The Disaster Center</a><br />-Alabama ranks 23rd in total population while DC ranks 51st for 2004-2005<br />-Alabama ranks 23rd in Violent Crime; DC ranks 1st (2004 and 2005)<br />-Alabama ranks 23rd in Murder/non negligent manslaughter in 2004, 6th in 2005; DC ranks 1st (2004 and 2005)<br /><br />I found this quite curious knowing that possession of a firearm is illegal inside the beltway in DC, so I decided to look to the Brady Center for the grade on the District of Columbia. <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">What a shock!!!!</span> DC gets a <span style="font-weight: bold;">"B"</span> in gun violence protection laws.<br /><br />Ok, I know that all these crimes aren't committed with guns, so I decided to search for data on specifically firearm related incidents. I did find some homicide data at the <a href="http://bjsdata.ojp.usdoj.gov/dataonline/Search/Homicide/State/">Department of Justice</a> website on Alabama but interestingly enough, there was no data for the District of Columbia.<br /><br />Now, let me get to my point. If gun laws worked as well as the anti-gun lobbyists would have us believe, it would stand to reason that the areas with the best gun laws would have the least amount of gun related crime. This doesn't appear to be true based on the limited research I have made prior to writing this article. And it even appears that the government doesn't want us to know the true statistics for gun related crimes in the DC area. The things that work for protecting families from gun violence are education and enforcement. Parents, guardians, teachers, communities, educate your kids on gun safety, gun use and the penalties for improper or illegal use. Local and State governments enforce the laws that are already on the books; don't try to make more laws that won't work or that you don't have the resources to enforce. Rethink current gun laws; Why don't they work? What would work? The only people protected by gun laws are those criminals that don't obey the laws.<br /><br />Whether you agree or not doesn't really matter. What does matter is that this is America and we have enabled Criminals to make us lock our doors, fear going to the grocery store, fear going to school or fear doing anything that makes us feel like we live in the "Land of the Free". So, Brady Center, before you start judging people/states/governments, maybe you should take a look in your own back yard. Wake up America!!! Let's start punishing the criminals, not innocent citizens.<br /><br /><br /> o<br />/|\<br />  )\ <====== (Me walking away from my soapbox)<br /><br />Brad WalkerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-12780928298929022782007-01-15T15:02:00.001-06:002007-01-15T15:02:25.812-06:00Writer's Block<div xmlns='http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml'>Since I am not writing as often as I have in the past, I wanted you all to know why. I think I have writer's block. It's not like there aren't things I can write about. I guess there are just so many topics going through my head I just can't sort it all out. <br></br><br></br>I am also trying to write a couple of books which could be keeping my mind preoccupied. I've never really considered myself a writer but I have had several things on my mind that I think others need to know. They say everyone has a book in them; maybe they are right. I just want to know one thing... Who is "they"? I've never met "them" so how do "they" know I have a book in me? Anyway, I digress. I will try to keep you posted on my writings. <br></br><br></br>I'm also thinking of writing some periodic musings to be distributed via e-mail. So, if you want to receive periodic emails from me, enter your email in the Subscribe box in the sidebar to the right. As soon as I get some interest, I'll start writing.<br></br><br></br>Well, maybe soon I'll be writing about something a little more interesting and relevant to what's going on in the world today. So, keep reading and I'll be back later.<br></br><br></br><br></br>Brad<br></br><br></br><br></br><p class='poweredbyperformancing'>powered by <a href='http://performancing.com/firefox'>performancing firefox</a></p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-31205845358777590572007-01-04T01:53:00.001-06:002007-01-04T02:39:52.338-06:00Show Me The Money!!Happy New Year!!!<br /><br />Well, the Crimson Tide now has a new coach, Nick Saban, from the Miami Dolphins. He is now the highest paid coach in college football at ~$3.75 million a year. So, was it the money or was it the love of college football that brought him to Alabama? My bet is on the money. Just for the record, I could have coached the Tide as well as Saban, or anybody else for that matter, and I'm not nearly as expensive. I don't understand why they didn't ask me if I wanted the job. (I would have taken great pleasure in telling them NO several times before they offered me more money.) With that said, I guess they were looking for experience. But, didn't Saban have a losing season with the Dolphins this year? Well, I guess experience isn't everything, but I still say my 0-0 record trumps Saban's 6-10 2006 season; but I'm not bitter. I do wish Coach Saban good luck in his tenure at the Capstone. Perhaps he might be the one to usher in a new era in Crimson Tide tradition. RIP Bear!!!<p>Brad WalkerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31055712.post-67221626200017255722006-12-18T01:05:00.001-06:002007-04-24T15:17:40.037-05:00Hard HolidaysI know I haven’t written for about two months now and some of you have been asking when I am going to write again. I have wanted to write several times and have had some interesting thoughts but I guess I just had to take a little break. Maybe it just wasn’t time for me to write. Well, I’m back and I will try to write at least a couple of times a month and hopefully more. I can’t promise that I won’t write about dad from time to time but I after this post my desire is to be more upbeat and positive in my writings. <br /><br />It has been a little over two months since dad went home to be with the Lord. It is so strange, though it has only been two months it seems like he has been gone for an eternity and yet at times I feel like he never left. I really miss him and on more than one occasion I have picked up the phone to call him and ask him a question or just maybe to talk. I wasn’t looking forward to Thanksgiving but I made it through, albeit with only few sad moments, I was dreading it at first but as Thanksgiving Day dawned, I did not fear facing the day without being able to see or talk to my dad. Perhaps it is because we had made our peace with each other long before this episode of illness and we had even confirmed our love for each other just the day before he was placed in ICU. I hear people talk about how hard it is to go through the holidays without their loved ones and I know it is true. But we have to hold on to the memory of what was and not wish for what might have been. Our loved ones have completed their journey on this earth so lets not be sad for them. We should remember the happy times of the past and create happy memories for the future. There will always be an empty spot where our loved ones used to be; there will forever be an empty spot at Christmas breakfast where dad should be but, there will forever be memories of his love for me. Though I will miss dad for the rest of my life I have no regrets about our relationship. Don’t live your life with regret, do what you know is right. Spend time with your family. Make memories that will last a lifetime.<br /><br />I hope I haven’t rambled too much and I hope you got something out of this message. If you didn’t, I’ll try better next time. After all, I haven’t written in two months, I’m a bit rusty. <br /><br />Merry Christmas!!!!<br /><br />Brad WalkerAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13505260873658853271noreply@blogger.com0