Republicans Prefer To Lead From Behind?

 I'm convinced that the Republican establishment prefers to lead from behind.  Why, you might ask?  I've been voting for the past 50 years.  During a great number of congressional elections during that time, it seems to me, the Republicans have run such a weak group of candidates which are chosen because they will show fealty to the establishment instead of really wanting to move the United States of America back to its founding principles.  

This current cycle is no different.  Mr. McConnell is made of this same cloth.  He was not inclined to support candidates who wanted to return to our founding principles and gave not one cent of his millions of dollars of campaign funds to candidates such as Mr. Masters of Arizona.  He gave not one cent to Ms. Tshibaka of Alaska, and gave very little to Mr. Laxalt of Nevada.  

I'm beginning to think that establishment Republicans (read RINO) do not WANT to win.  Rush Limbaugh years ago said that Republicans prefer to be the opposition rather than the majority party.  I think Rush was right again.  

U.S. Federal Government Stretches To Find Answers to "Mass Murder"

 So the great minds of gov't overreaching circles, both Republicrats and Democans are having trouble understanding why there are so many violent mass killings in the "Land of the Free and Home of the Brave". How can it be and why now? Along the way we learned last week that the majority of citizens of the United States in the demographic of 17-35 describe themselves as not affiliated with any religion whether it be Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or any other religion. May I explain my thoughts on the subject?

In the post WW2 recovery period (and before that time, I'm told) the United States had what was known as Blue Laws. Blue laws were found in the entire United States to one degree or another. Blue laws were set in place to set Sunday up as a "Day of rest". Labor unions did all they could to continue that tradition as did nearly all religious leaders. However, greedy company owners and stock holders of businesses large and small pressured their legislators to repeal blue laws. Legislators began to loosen blue laws in the late 1950's and throughout the 1960's. As businesses began to run on Sundays just as any other day of the week, activity in churches began to decline. The influence of churches in moral activity began to wane.

Along the way, in 1946, Doctor Benjamin Spock, a pediatricion, penned a book he named "Baby and Child Care". "Baby and Child Care" sold 500,000 copies. In that book he instructed parents that they should never say "NO" to a child. That children should be allowed to do whatever they want without restrictions. (Admittedly this is my own take of his intention.) Social Scientists in the United States began to preach Dr. Spock's doctrine to the masses. As a result of Dr. Spock's book state legislatures began to codify his teachings as state law giving children the right to charge their parents with child abuse when disciplined.

"In the United States, the Supreme Court upheld blue laws as constitutional, recognizing their religious origins but citing secular justifications that have resulted, most notably the provision of a day of rest for the general population." (McGowan ET AL. v Maryland, May 29, 1961). However, state legislators have largely gutted blue laws since 1961 until Sunday is now just another day of work.

Because of Dr. Spock's influence in Social Science and with state legislatures codifying his doctrine, and because activity in churches began to wane, children growing up in the 1960's became more unruly and hard to manage. By the turn of Y2K states largely told parents they had no right to discipline their children. Parents were unfairly charged and convicted of child abuse often without evidence and based solely on a child's testimony.

Now, today, we see the fruits of history. Lower activity in churches where morals and citizenship are taught to parents and children, and resulting lack of control by parents of their children for fear of being charged with child abuse.

And we wonder why we have a problem?

Reaching 70 years old!

 Tomorrow I will celebrate my 70th birthday, but tonight some of my family and I enjoyed a birthday party.  My Princess-Bride asked my children to bring 70 of an item to give me.  So...

70  pennies - with inscription - 70 pennies because our love for you just makes cents!

70 kernels of popcorn - with inscription - 70 kernels of popcorn for your corny "dad jokes" that you never know when they will pop up!

70 goldfish crackers - with inscription - 70 fishes cuz I can't give you wishes, but these aren't the kind that you fry!

70 paper clips so that I can keep it all together.

70 lighted marbles to replace my "lost marbles".

70 glass pebbles with inscription - If found please return (to my address) $$ reward $$.  The jar is labled, "Grandad's Marbles".

70 loose screws - Hmmmm - makes me wonder.....

70 M&M candies

70 Color Coding Lables - so I can get organized?

A chocolate bar of 70% cocoa.  I love dark chocolate! 

plus various notes and cards.

I had a marvelous birthday party thanks to my bride and children.