In the four years that Donald Trump was President, there was a constant drumbeat of the rise of fascism ushered in by his administration. His followers were compared to mindless groupies. If not groupies, we, and I’m part of that group of supporters, were also described as White Supremacists that hated anyone or anything other than us. As for me, I’m not white and I’ve never been a groupie.

I liked the fact that President Trump stood for Americans who were not part of the pop-culture. The Americans who are thought to be passé. We love our country – warts and all. We believe we are the good guys. We accept the fact that we are a Western Centric, Christian nation that is open to anyone who is an atheist, agnostic or of a different faith and comes from a different culture. We ask however, that if someone chooses to make this their home, that they, as they say, – “when In Rome, do as the Romans do.”

In the first place, people, other than the slaves and they were not all black, have come here voluntarily. No one has forcibly removed anyone from where they were, brought here and forced to work and stay. So, if you choose to stay participate in the dominant culture and respect its customs. That doesn’t mean that you are prohibited from practicing your culture at home or celebrating it publicly with people that share the same. Just don’t try to replace what existed before you got here.

We celebrate and say Merry Christmas. We revere our Thanksgiving and We Honor Our July 4th!

Most important of all, We uphold and defend our Constitution! That was and is what makes us different from the rest of the world. As the late Justice Scalia has stated, and I agree with him, I’m paraphrasing, – in the history of humans contributing greatly to the betterment and accomplishments of the species, Our Founding Fathers contributed The Constitution of The United States.

All the things I mentioned are under attack. The enemies of our way of life use our way of life to gain power then completely change it. They have said so – plainly!

Now, even behemoth platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter and Amazon, censor speech they don’t like. They keep the speech of leaders that have shown pure hatred for us, and other peoples, ACTIVE. Who? Leader of Iran – who called for the annihilation of Israel. Leader of North Korea – who openly threatens the United States. Louis Farrakhan – who refer to Jewish people as termites and Satan. On the other hand, Make America Great again is considered “threatening” and is banned! If you believe the election to be stolen, you are also banned. The four years Trump was called illegitimate and a Russian conspiracist, that was “apparently,” ok.

In the four years of Trump, no speech was ever censored or banned. He gave as good as he took! He said – Fake News! He was brash and unashamed! BUT not once has he shut anyone down. A dictator, which he was called regularly, WOULD HAVE!

So, if you feel…. correct that…. more accurately – Yes, You Are Being Censored!

If this can be done to a President, then you know that they can and have done it to you!

What to do now?

I truly believe that there are millions of enterprising patriots that can, at first, locally fill the void that these billionaire behemoths (who made their billions within the the framework they now seek to destroy) created.
Keep in mind that there are at least 74 million of us in all corners of the country that can start this, Trump won over 80% of all the counties in the country. That’s a HUGE area! (Trumpian 😉)

We are still a Republic and have “Independent States.” Let us welcome and encourage people to push for the revitalization of our Constitution in our communities. Let us make the impact of the Federal Government, minimal. That was the original intent. Those colonies that just fought a war against a centralized government, would not have ratified The Constitution only to end up in the same situation they died fighting against.

Let us encourage a Convention of States. This way, they can have whatever monkey administration and elite class they want in Washington, or centers of pop-culture like LA or New York, but we could live our lives the way we choose to. We are indifferent of ones sex, color or creed. We are aware there are differences and they are what they are. We don’t seek to change them nor do we force anyone to accept anything they wish to exclude. We adhere to the American statement that says – Don’t Tread On Me!

We will actively participate in defending our way of life and we will pass it on proudly to our progeny. As President Reagan has said – It’s The American Thing to Do! Be proud of it!

Whether you’re here just for a paycheck, as I said in my last post, or you truly call this “your home,” the time has come to defend her again.

Why again?

Again, because America‘s haters, and there are many, both foreign and domestic, are at the proverbial doorstep. In recent past, they were concealed by their words. Now, they’re tearing down institutions, picking at scabs and purposely re-injuring old wounds.

This current enemy is more insidious. Not that we haven’t seen its kind. It’s insidious because it primarily comes from within. It does not have a nation per se, but it seeks to carve one from ours.

These enemies NEVER let anyone acknowledge our progress, nor allow us to build on them. They ALWAYS minimize, or outright defame and discredit them. Not to mention, most of these enemies have had a direct hand in the injuries, but they shout the loudest so as to conceal their sin!

So, they’re at it again, they use every type of imagery and trickery. We’ve heard and seen them. The good thing is, they’re out in the open. They’re the ones that claim we’re rotten to the core, and we live in a system that’s the same.

They’re the ones that have hijacked almost all of the forms of enjoyment, our temporary escape from the hardships of everyday living, and insists that we can’t enjoy them, unless we listen and agree with their cause.

To these malcontents, it is not enough that we have our own shortcomings, they have even indicted us for sins and evils that we didn’t commit.

They’re the ones who, when we have some success, want to take more of what we’ve earned and give it to someone else. Often, through the force of law. Then, when we protest, we are libeled as thieves, for wanting to keep our own, for ourselves and our families.

We know them and we know them well. All we have to do is look around us and listen.

So what do we do?

First, we continue to live the lives we’ve led, with our families, friends and co-workers. We’ve done it day in – day out and we’ve been the envy of the world for it.

Then, with a firm stand and a swelling in our chest, proudly acknowledge, that although life is hard, we live in the greatest country on earth! That we are the answer, and how we’ve lived, is the model the world should emulate.

Then, we collectively take a deep breath, and with ALL OUR AMERICAN STRENGTH AND CONVICTION, completely and unequivocally denounce ALL their libelous accusations!

We take back our cities and neighborhoods! We support law enforcement and punish ALL law breakers of ALL COLORS! White, black, blue etc. We re-establish peace and order. Allowing for people to go about their lives without being interfered upon.

Then, with our boots on the enemies necks, so that they understand that good doesn’t tolerate any form of evil, and that good is in charge, and make no mistake WE are the good ones…

We show them what it’s like to be productive, and what it takes to make that happen. We show them, that nothing is free and if you want it, then go work for it. We make them understand that the only way to get their needs met, is to be of use to others.

We show them that’s it’s been done before, and that they can learn to do the same. How? By first being respectful to the ones who came before them and have traveled the beaten path. We make them understand that everyone starts at zero, even the rich babies, and that only through working and learning from others can they move ahead.

We show them that life, in and of itself, will punch the hardest, and that you have to get up, make no excuses, learn from it, get up to go at it again, knowing that you may get punched even harder.

Show them, that when you father someone, it’s your responsibility and not anyone else’s. If you decide to be a mother, same thing. That the greatest privilege to have is the privilege of good, responsible parents.

All of this is needed to defend our way of life. The American Way Of Life. The greatest in the world and we don’t apologize for it. We do not seek to lord over any people, but we do not shy away from our achievements.

We are humbled only by the knowledge that they were forged by the blood of patriots, through the darkest times in our past. As a people and nation, we survived and became stronger. The scars proudly remind us that we have always fought for liberty.

We are defiantly confident, because we know our true history. We are ready for this and any fight because our ancestors have shown us the way. That way, is to pledge our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor in the defense of America. Our Way Of Life!

(Featured photo by: The Stream)

I don’t give a rats rear end for the smart asses who say that we’re all immigrants. You know who you are and you know if you were born here.

Majority of new(er) immigrants migrated, legally or otherwise, for a better paycheck! Let’s not kid each other that it’s anything other than that. That’s the extent of America they wanted. They were not down for the whole Stars and Stripes thing.

Now, for those of you who know you never transplanted yourselves here, a lot of you think the same way.

How do I know this?

Because you don’t give a crap if you’re being called all kinds of vile names. You don’t give a damn if your traditions and culture are being taken down before your very eyes and ears. As long as that paycheck continues and you get to watch your sports, your show – you get to shop and all the rest of it. The rest can all go to hell, as long as those others I just mentioned, are, for the most part – intact.

Being concerned of how all those things you care about are made possible, and why of all places, here? Well, those are for pointy headed philosophers.

Yes, that’s cold and sad at the same time, but here’s the rub – the other pointy headed philosophers who’ve been doing all the tearing down and cursing – their philosophy will, to some degree already does, run your life.

Again, how do I know? Because history has seen these play out in all parts of the world, and it’s never been pretty!

Curious thing is, there was – is, a group of people, a nation if you will, that has stood, fallen, stood up again to fight these pointy headed philosophers with their pointy spear/gun or oppressive edicts backed by the same.

But, you’re too busy to be bothered. Why should you? It’s just a job.

Who fights and stakes their lives, their fortune or their sacred honor for a paycheck?

You’ll do it for your home – maybe? Your family – maybe? But a paycheck? A job? Nah! That’s for suckers! Right?!

From The Pearl of The Orient Seas…

How does someone who wasn’t born, didn’t grow up in The United States, learn to love and appreciate everything she’s about?

Born in the Islands of The Philippines, to a lawyer and a businesswoman, I grew up in a middle class family with modest means. My family was not necessarily religious, but we were Catholics, and like 90% of the country at the time, we observed all the traditions of the country.

My parents were open to us reasoning out (answering back for some) but always made sure we knew who was in charge. I don’t really remember a sit-down father and son talk in my early years. Neither did my mother share words of wisdom. What I remember, and now realize, is that they taught us by example. I believe most families establish their family culture this way.

I attended a Catholic School right from the get go until I graduated from High School. I could say, that’s where I spent my formative years. I pretty much had the same set of friends which I have to this day.

In school, our Catholic Faith was strengthened. There is no other way to describe it but beneficial. In no way did my learning teach me to be judgmental, as it is popularly portrayed, but it taught me that there was a clear right and wrong. (Well, you might say, there you go.)

I was not, in any way, a model student. Far from it. I’m sure I was a headache for many a teacher. I can remember one year during High School, I was asked, more like ordered, to sit right next to the teacher so that I can be better “handled.” These days, that would have been considered some kind of mental torture or some kind of infringement on my rights to be a royal pain in the a$$.

Now, I’m not going overboard, to say that I was a terror. I’ll just say, that I would not give myself as an example of a good student.

Uncle Sam

In 1987, when my maternal aunt’s petition was approved by the United States, my parents made the decision to migrate.

I wasn’t really enthusiastic about the move. All of my friends were in Manila. In my studies, and paying attention to current events at the time as well as popular culture, most of what I knew about America was good. Still, I wasn’t thrilled about leaving everything I knew and starting anew.

Young, wide eyed and adventurous, I was completely fine with being left in Manila, but it was not a decision I could make for myself at the time. I didn’t have the benefit of knowing what I know now.

Arriving in Minnesota in October, was a climate shock for someone who felt that 70 degrees Fahrenheit was cold. After 33 years, a few blizzards, one that broke records for the state, I’ve acclimated to Minnesota weather. (Somewhat)

My Minnesota friends will remind me that 1987 was the first World Series win for the Minnesota Twins – simply referred to as Twins. (Professional Baseball Team for the sports challenged 😜)

Choices

Right from the start, I’ve been providing for myself in various jobs I’ve held. At one point I even hit a personal high, in terms of income, and a personal low in the same year. I won’t bother you with the details.

Another aspect of my life, is when I spent time on the other side of the law. It wasn’t long, but I did pay for my crime.

What I’d like to pass on, and is certainly not unique to me, is that as the song says, I picked myself up, I dusted myself off, (many times – just like others) and I started all over again.

Summary

I narrated all that for context, because I didn’t want to be simplistic in saying, that it’s all about upbringing and choices, that gets you moving forward and ahead in life. However, it is!

More importantly, it’s choices. It’s learning from and asking others, who’ve done it before you, and then cherishing it. All of it! The good the bad and the ugly.

Structure – Foundation – Constitution (They are all synonymous)

Those traits will move anyone ahead in life in almost any place on earth, but those traits and a system that fosters it, is even better. A system where freedom is King! Where individual rights are vigorously protected. How? By enshrining it, so that others wishing to do it harm can be checked, even punished, if they act on the wish.

As James Madison said in Federalist No. 51

“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

It would be beneficial to read the whole passage. The link is found on the right side of this page. Click on The Federalist Papers and go to No. 51. It’s a free download on iBooks.

I’m a modest man with modest means, but I know my situation is far better here, than any other place on earth. I know that because I’ve lived it and continue to do so. Here, I continue to be beneficial to others in turn it’s beneficial to me and my family.

Today is July 4, 2020 and I’m not going to make it an Independence Day narration. I just thought and felt, that sharing a grateful immigrants’ perspective, can, in a little way, explain why millions try to move to the United States and why Millions more want to keep, cherish and protect the unique American way of life.

As I have said in a previous post, yes, America is imperfect, with imperfect beginnings, but it is the Greatest imperfect nation with its brave, kind imperfect people on earth – Americans.

So…

Stand beside her, and guide her … God bless America, my home sweet home!

Happy, Proud 4th of July to all!

We have much more in common than what is portrayed. There is a growing movement that seeks to destroys us. They do this by poking and burying a stick at our disagreements. They say they’ve been silent for a long time. Bullsh1+!

They’re leftist agitators! They are the same everywhere history has seen them. They pretend to oppose violence but are the most violent and controlling ideology man has ever known. Their ideology has killed millions! Much more than any heinous war man has ever waged.

They’re using our common outrage at injustice and are trying drive a wedge between us to start a revolution. Don’t take my word for it, they’ve said it themselves. Plainly, at a TV interview, one of their leaders said that “if we don’t get what we want, we’re burning the system down.” Then he said it’s up to us to interpret what he meant.

Sorry, it’s not up to me whose been peaceful, working my tail off and spending time with my fellow Americans that needs to figure it out. You sir, need to check yourself and your group, or you’ll unleash the silent majority that will put a stop to your childish tantrums.

We’ve been at the so called table. We’ve participated in the larger society. It’s time for you to put on your grown up clothes, take the nipple out of your mouth and be productive. If it’s dirty cops or politicians, I’m with you, we’ll change them. But I mean you better be serious about changing them. If you’re going to vote for the same people that has been in charge of those cities for 50 years, then you’re not serious.

America Is Imperfect! So f’in what?! It’s the greatest imperfect nation the world has ever known. You disagree? Then you are the problem! This country doesn’t stop you from leaving for your utopia. When you find it, STAY THERE! Oh, send for the ingrates too! We may even pay for them to join you in your paradise on earth.

(Featured Photo from notsalmon.com)

I’m still clumsy at embedding Tweets. The above tweet with its link, was re-tweeted by someone I follow, Justin Hart. The link takes you to a study that has not been peer reviewed. However, when it does get reviewed, it should change the way we, and by that I mean the entire species, deal with COVID-19 in the immediate sense as well as moving forward.

Again, if reviewed to be true, exposure to the common cold may have given people immunity, or at least a better recovery path, from this “current culprit.” This also means, according to the virologists in the study, vaccines, therapies or simply – “ways,’” to deal with COVID-19, can possibly be achieved, by harnessing our body’s current fighters, from having had the common cold, instead of just the specific fighters, (antibodies) from recovering from COVID-19. (Clumsily explained, I know)

Here’s an article that narrates the above study in more layman’s terms.
(Featured Photo from sciencemag.org)

By now, most have seen the reporting on this couple in St. Louis, who decided to go out with their guns, to protect their property from “peaceful protestors,” who opened a gate to enter the neighborhood this couple lived in.

According to reports, the protestors were on their way to the Mayor’s house, which was in this gated neighborhood. Clearly, you can hear verbal exchanges between the couple and the protestors.

Should the couple have done what they did? Do they have any reason to believe their lives, their family or property could be in danger? Should they have called the police? If so, when? Should the police respond? Why? If this was your situation, what would you have done?

Here’s a short video of the couple courtesy of 850wftl.com

(Featured Photo from dailymail.co.uk)

I thought and felt that Justin Hart’s article on March 18th of this year was so straightforward and eye opening, that I decided to link to it as a separate post. While you read and look at the graphs he created, you will give yourself a chance at those moments when you say – Ah! I get it!

(Featured Photo From Justin Hart’s article on Medium.com)

Recently, Justin Hart, a data expert, tweeted a simple graph that puts the reported numbers of new COVID-19 cases into context. You can follow him at @justin_hart on your tweeter account. You will be able to read through all his work on analyzing the raw numbers about this particular virus.

With just aggregate numbers being reported by the media, having your own data expert to parse the information, makes you a contextually informed individual.

In his latest tweet, Mr. Hart showed a chart using the June cases in Florida. He discussed his new findings and how he got there in his latest interview with Daniel Horowitz on Mr. Horowitz’s podcast.

Context or Truth is always good. What we do with it, or how it makes us feel, is up to us. But, it’s good to juxtapose it with our own biases. Here’s another helpful article from Justin Hart that he wrote on March 18 of this year, just when this particular coronavirus was starting to engulf the world. Mr. Hart dove into the numbers to explain to us what was ahead of us then. His article also showed past panic driven narratives that we’ve been exposed to.

The image below shows deaths per 100K population. The US is a BIG country and you can see the virus has had a heterogenous effect. Ask yourself why we have a homogenous approach to it.

(Featured Photo From CBS Philadelphia)

Walter E. Williams writes about his friend, Thomas Sowell. In it, he tells Mr. Sowell’s all too familiar American story, but one in which Marxism was the first driving ideology. In one interview, Thomas Sowell explains why he was first a Marxist and then how he later changed his mind. He has been writing and teaching the opposite of Marxism since that conversion decades ago.