4:54 PM - To Drink or Not To Drink
Current mood: cheerful
Fox News had an interesting, non-headliner story this morning. One that The Bull found to be way overdue...
College presidents from about 100 of the nation's best-known universities, including Duke, Dartmouth and Ohio State, are calling on lawmakers to consider lowering the drinking age from 21 to 18, saying current laws actually encourage dangerous binge drinking on campus.
The movement called the Amethyst Initiative began quietly recruiting presidents more than a year ago to provoke national debate about the drinking age.
"This is a law that is routinely evaded," said John McCardell, former president of Middlebury College in Vermont who started the organization. "It is a law that the people at whom it is directed believe is unjust and unfair and discriminatory."
[snip]
McCardell's group takes its name from ancient Greece, where the purple gemstone amethyst was widely believed to ward off drunkenness if used in drinking vessels and jewelry. He said college students will drink no matter what, but do so more dangerously when it's illegal.
The statement the presidents have signed avoids calling explicitly for a younger drinking age. Rather, it seeks "an informed and dispassionate debate" over the issue and the federal highway law that made 21 the de facto national drinking age by denying money to any state that bucks the trend.
But the statement makes clear the signers think the current law isn't working, citing a "culture of dangerous, clandestine binge-drinking," and noting that while adults under 21 can vote and enlist in the military, they "are told they are not mature enough to have a beer." Furthermore, "by choosing to use fake IDs, students make ethical compromises that erode respect for the law."
Finally! :mrgreen: People whom the 'sheeple' of this Nation just might listen to are on the right track!
I have never been a drinker. (Nor do I claim to be a tee-totaller.) My very first beer was opened on the New London Submarine Base in Groton, CT some four months after I had enlisted in the US Navy. For whatever reason, The Bull has never developed a taste for alcohol to any large extent. To this day my drinking is limited to about a half-dozen Guiness Stout spread over a year. Now that that is said, I've got to tell you that the worst feeling I ever had towards the government of any state was when I found that though I was old enough to die for my Country the State of Virginia had decided I was not old enough to have a beer with my shipmates.
Talk about a kick in the gut! :shock:
It wasn't the beer. It wasn't even the lost companionship. It was the fact that the State, (back then it was still a state-by-state thing), considered me to be untrustworthy. Mind you, Virginia was my home state, too. Do any of my readers remember Audie Murphy? In 27 months of combat action in World War II, Murphy became one of the most decorated United States combat soldiers of World War II. He received the Medal of Honor, (the U.S. military's highest award for valor), along with 32 additional U.S. medals, five from France, and one from Belgium. Later he enjoyed careers in both acting and country music. One of America's greatest heroes would not be allowed to drink were he of today's generation.
There is far more to this than just the military angle, though. There is the voting age issue. There is the issue of peer pressure as well. Exactly why is a 21 year old a better person than a 20 year old? a nineteen year old? 18?
That's right, there is NO magic age! Not for drinking, voting or fighting. After all, Audie Murphy himself developed a problem with both drugs and alcohol - but not until he was about 40 years old, and not when he was a kid in the military.
Common Sense. That is all that is required here to see that the National drinking age should be lowered to 18. Simple, everyday, Common Sense.
Even the 'Dims' should be behind this change in the law for in Europe the folks don't have such a draconian view of alcohol, and Democrats love Europeans.
Check out the Amethyst Initiative and see what they are all about, then make up your own mind. I believe that you will agree with The Bull on this one.
"Tweak" would make someone a very wonderful pet. He is one of five Green Iguanas in the Chaos & Critters Exotic Animal Rescueat this very minute. Contact the rescue at the email address found on our webpage for more info or to make a Tax Deductible donation.
0415... Seems I slept longer than usual. Perhaps that has something to do with the state of my dreams. Maybe not. Since I was a kid The Bull has been the "go to" guy when it comes to dreams. I've got a knack for seeing what is crawling about in a person's head, what is the root of a particular dream. Never for myself, though. Tonight's dream was not terrifying. No, my nightmares are based in reality, never in my sub conscience. This dream was merely strange. A jumble of strange imagery - persons, places, animals, & things that seem to have no correlation.
Persons:
Fred Thompson
Queen Elizabeth II
Ronald Reagan (on a television screen)
my beloved wife, Lady Beth
two lost friends: Cathy & Melody
a dear friend: Malece
one dead uncle: Jeff
Places:
my home
Windsor Castle
the southern bridge over the Big Eastatoe River
Dragon Hills, near Carrollton, GA
Animals:
house cats, (not mine)
my Great Danes
a Bald Eagle
Things:
a HUGE staircase
an ancient elevator, (in good working order)
Odd, yes? Even now, as most dreams do, the details are becoming a bit fuzzy around the edges. For example, I can not recall what 'Uncle Ronnie' Reagan was saying on the television, just that he had my undivided attention. (What a great man. May he rest well.) I had been asked to feed those cats. Just after, and because of, successfully chasing down Jeff. Fred Thompson was where ever I was after that chase, almost as a narrator. The eagle was always in the sky above making the occasional cry. Where ever Lady Beth stood she was being guarded by our Danes. No one could get too close - save for me. Malece sang song after song and each one relaxed me more. I also never seemed to be able to choose between the stairs and the elevator. Mostly I took the stairs.
The rest was even more peculiar. I'll keep that to myself for now, methinks.
9:20 AM - The "Universe" has Peaked
Current mood: relaxed
Male Chauvinism Warning!!
The World just might be on a decline.Why do I think so? Well, the Miss Universe contest peaked out in 2007. In my opinion unless they start allowing my wife to compete there will never again be a Miss Unverse contestant that can match Riyo Mori of Japan.
..
Stunningly beautiful, but I can't help but wonder what her personality is like...
1:44 AM - Friends... of all types.
Current mood: content
Category: Life
I awoke at my usual 0300 to let the dogs out and to start my day. I hit the computer, checked on my daughter, Kelli, (she's in the Navy now & doing very well). Then began looking at the MySpace sites of my friends.
All of them.
Well, all of them that still claim me, that is.
It shouldn't bother me that there are those who hold mysterious grudges against, who refuse to talk to, who refuse to even acknowledge someone that they claimed to Love so deeply - not for weeks or months, but for years.
Yet, somehow, it does.
Because what does that say about them, the people that once called me "friend" or "lover"? What does it say about me, who chose to share my Life and Love with them? And what does it say about us as a species, that we can so quickly turn on those we cared so deeply about?
Perhaps I shoudn't care.
After all, I have a very good and happy life. Sure, my health could be better, but other than that things are great. My kids are ALL doing extremely well, Lady Beth loves me deeply just as I love her, and even our pets are in good shape. (Well, Zoey is a few pounds overweight but I'm not one to throw stones about that!) Moreover, I still have many times more friends than the very few that have turned away.
So why fret?
Because I still believe.
I still believe in Friendship lasting a lifetime, I still believe that Love never really dies - just changes, I still believe in Forgiveness - both ways, I still believe that we are not alone in the Universe, and I still believe in those lost friends - regardless of whether they still believe in me.
Life, of course, will continue to move along and I will remain happy and content. I finally found that anchorage within myself that allows me to do so. Regrets? Sure, I've got a few. I've found that they are a great fertilizer for personal growth.
11:05 AM - Earth Day: 2008
Current mood: happy
Category: Life
Happy Earth Day, folks! I'm going to spend mine in my car, or in my yard with a gas-powered weed-eater trying hard to remove some of the greenery. "Global Warming"… What a crock of shyte. Yes, take care of our planet. It is, after all, our home. However, do not let yourself be fooled. Any warming the planet is experiencing has nothing to do with humans. Even better, the 'increase' in temperature over the last century was wiped out by the 'reduction' in temperature over the last 12 months! So sorry, Al Gore, (moron).
On another note, today is The Bull's birthday! I am 46 years old today. More importantly, it is also the 4th anniversary of my marriage to Lady Beth. It is hard to believe that so much Love could be stuffed into such a short time span. Oh, we've faced issues. Ex-spouses, child custody, finance, and identity theft. Through it all we've had each other for support and together we have succeeded despite any threat. How this 'old guy' got so lucky as to meet and marry such a wonderful woman, I'll never know…
I love you, Beth!
Now, one more bit of news…
One of my daughters, Kelli, called today as she boarded a plane from Boot Camp on her way to Texas for training as a US Navy "Seabee". That makes The Bull one proud papa!
6:36 AM - Non-Use of the Code in the Fight Against Pedophiles
Category: Blogging
Nothing on this planet bothers The Bull as much as sex offenders - particularly, pedophiles. (Towel-headed terrorist come exceedingly close, but not quite...) In our fight against the monsters our State legislatures have given the local law enforcement guys plenty of tools. The problem is that due to many things, including plain and simple ’non-concern’ on the part of those same local law enforcement personnel, those tools are not being used. Let me give you an example...
Code of Alabama 1975, Title 15, Chapter 20 - Sex Offenders
Section 15-20-25 Adult criminal sex offender - Community notification procedures.
(a) Within five business days after the responsible agency provides notice of a release or intent to transfer residence of any adult criminal sex offender, the following procedures shall apply:
(1) In the cities of Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville, and Montgomery, the chief of police shall notify all persons who have a legal residence within 1,000 feet of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender and all schools and child care facilities within three miles of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender that the criminal sex offender will be establishing his or her residence.
(2) In all other cities in Alabama with a resident population of 5,000 or more, the chief of police, or if none then the sheriff of the county, shall notify all persons who have a legal residence within 1,500 feet of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender and all schools and child care facilities within three miles of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender, that the adult criminal sex offender will be establishing his or her residence.
(3) In all other municipalities with a resident population of less than 5,000, and in all unincorporated areas, the sheriff of the county in which the adult criminal sex offender intends to reside shall notify all persons who have a legal residence within 2,000 feet of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender, and all schools and child care facilities within three miles of the declared residence of the adult criminal sex offender, that the adult criminal sex offender will be establishing his or her residence.
(b) A community notification flyer shall be made by regular mail or hand delivered to all legal residences required by this section. In addition, any other method reasonably expected to provide notification may be utilized, including, but not limited to, posting a copy of the notice in a prominent place at the office of the sheriff and at the police station closest to the declared residence of the released criminal sex offender, publicizing the notice in a local newspaper, or posting electronically, including the Internet, or other means available.
(c) Nothing in this article shall be construed as prohibiting the Department of Public Safety, a sheriff, or a chief of police from providing community notification under the provisions of this article electronically or by publication or periodically to persons whose legal residence is more than the applicable distance from the residence of an adult criminal sex offender.
(Act 99-572, p. 1283, §3.)
OK. Let’s look at this more closely...
Note that by the Code, Law Enforcement has five (5) days to follow through on the notification process, (Section 15-20-25 para.(a)).
In several cities specifically listed, (including Mobile, AL), the chief of police must make notification of sex offenders moving into a neighborhood, (Section 15-20-25 para.(a)(1)). This doesn’t appear to be happening. I have asked around and have yet to find someone in the city that was notified in any way that a scumbag was moving in down the street. It is possible that I have not spoken to the right person yet and the Police Dept. has refused comment.
As for the rest of the Code, and how it applies to the rest of Mobile County, The Bull spoke with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Dept. and was told that the notifications do not happen. Why? Well, I was given several reasons including lack of time and lack of manpower. In order to help out both my Community and local law enforcement, The Bull offered to volunteer his own time to handle the notifications. I was informed that it would not be possible because I might get hurt doing the job.
I never knew that operating a copy machine and placing postage on mailers was so hazardous!
When I questioned this logic I was told that I’d have to be sworn-in to do this notification job. "Well, OK! Let’s do it.", says me. "We don’t have the money and you have to go through the Academy", says the deputy. "I’m VOLUNTEERING - no pay", I reply, "and I don’t need the physical training to make flyers and lick stamps."..>And he said, "Sorry."
So ended that conversation with the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office.
Do you get the feeling that someone is stonewalling me? I do.
I would recommend that you, Dear Reader, contact your State legislators and demand that these notifications, which are already required by Alabama law, be sent out by whatever means necessary. Overtime, new deputies, volunteers, retirees, or disabled Veterans. I don’t care!
Let’s get this done, Alabama! If you are reading this in another State, check and see what is going on with your notification precess. Do not assume that just because you have not been notified that there isn’t a predator living right next door. You may be surprised...
12:00 AM - What The Heck Is Going On Here?
Current mood: curious
Category: Life
I’m sitting in the dark as I type this and listening to the music I grew up listening to… and I’m seriously wondering who ever reads this stuff. (Oh yeah, this is going to be a real rambling rant!)
When did it happen? When, exactly did The Bull grow old? When did that ’devil-may-care’ lifestyle and attitude fade, and when exactly did the habit of considering my mortality at night begin? Oh, it’s true that I lived a fast and furious lifestyle for many years. I’ve left many memories behind me. Many good, more fantastic, and a few bad. I’ll even admit to a few regrets. I never have been into drugs or alcohol. Never needed them because I was constantly high on Life. Something always had me spinning. Living history, trout fishing, serving my Country in the Navy, deer, turkey, fighting for fun, and most of all - women. You’d never guess it to meet me now, but I nearly never slept alone, unless I wanted to - and often not even then. I worked hard and played even harder. I made a lot of money in a profession I loved for my employers and made a lot of other people very happy in other ways for as long as they wanted me to do so. It was all quite a ride. One that it seemed would never end, even after I had decided I wanted off!
To quote from an old movie, there came a time ’when the gold lost its luster and the gems ceased to sparkle’. Time and hard use had taken its toll on my mortal body and eternal spirit. Much of my former physical strength was lost and pain became a constant companion. I looked around and saw that while I had in hand a life most men only dream of, all I wanted was to be able to rest and be truly loved by one woman. I thought that with all I had already been through that accomplishing such a thing shouldn’t be any trouble. Heck, I even had an idea who ’The Woman’ might be, (for no other knew me as well or complimented me better). The Gods, it seems, were willing to give me my rest, but they had other plans for who was the better mate. Their choice was, of course, perfect; (enter Lady Beth). There had to be a twist, though, and my new-found Life came at the cost of friends, loves, and acquaintances I had long held dear.
The Bull now is almost five years down the line from that change. Never have I had even one reason to doubt how it all turned out. I couldn’t be more in love with anyone than I am with my wife. Some of my strength has returned and I can move with a little more freedom. Pain is still with me and will always be so, but we’ve come to an understanding that holds fairly well. Most of the ’lost friends’ remain lost to me to this day. I miss them terribly, but perhaps one day the rift will be healed. I truly hope it will happen before I cross though the Veil. On the other hand, there has been a reunion with members of my Family that I thought gone long ago. That has brought me much pleasure.
There is a ’fly in the ointment’ though. I can’t quite put my finger on it, nor exactly when it began. There is that mortality thing I mentioned above and more. I seem to spend too much time in my old memories rather than making new ones. I keep worrying that I’m not passing on my knowledge fast enough. I fret constantly over the state and security of my Country and the basic American Freedoms than seem to be flowing away on the evening tide. I worry about what will be left for my children and grandchildren. It is always on my mind that my beloved wife will need help if I go before the children are grown. I think of my friends and wonder what memories of me they will hold - if any. At times there seems to be an essential part of ’me’ missing. Too many times of late I’ve let things slide that never would have before. Here’s a ’for instance’ for ya…
A while back a young dope-headed, thug wanna-be made some seriously derogatory comments about my daughter - a young woman he has never met. Same bit of crap made slanderous comments about The Bull. Well, time was when I would have hunted him down and extracted satisfaction immediately. The instance would have went as far as the little ass-hole wanted and I’d have come out on top. Some lucky ’gator might have got a free meal but, hey, they’ve got to eat same as worms. I know that leaving no enemy standing is a good rule to live by, as is making an example out of each one that comes along just so that fewer try you later on. Never once has that concept let me down. Today that little turd is still walking along and I haven’t had my apology - yet. (He made a half-assed apology to Lady Beth via email, but since when can you count something like that?) Seems I’m getting weighed down with ’rules’ like not kicking his ass at any family function. Damn. Sooner or later, though, this will have to be settled one way or another and the longer it festers the worse it will be at the end-game. Meanwhile, the little turd now has a kid of his own on the way - and worse, everyone thinks I’ve forgotten about the entire thing. Double-damn. The Bull never forgets such things. Never.
This is just an example, but it shows that something has changed, or is wrong, with The Bull. I just wish I knew what is going on. It isn’t the day-to-day things like paying the bills or septic tank troubles that are bothering me. It is something all together more subtle. Well, it is said. I haven’t got a clue if anyone will read it, much less have an answer. (Except for that new-born Pagan "prophet" out there in the Ether - who can keep his thoughts to himself, thank-you-very-much!) It all might be cured with an evening on the beach with my wife or a night shooting the shyte with a friend. Who knows?
2:06 PM - Returning from the cyber-grave
Current mood: amused
Category: Blogging
Ok, look. Our computer totally crapped out and required a complete re-build. I really can’t complain considering how many hours this thing is expected to run or considering how many people use it every day. We lost TONS of info, like all of our friend’s email addresses and phone numbers.
Please, send me your email addresses and phine numbers via a private message or email me.
2:20 AM - Rest now, sweet sister
Current mood: sad
Category: Life
My eldest sister, Lynda, passed through the Veil yesterday at 3 PM (Central).
She awoke for the first time in a week, acknowledged those in the room with her, (her husband, her son & daughter-in-law, and our sister Paula), and then peacefully passed on 10 minutes later.
In my Life I have never known a sweeter soul than that of my sister Lynda. Life will, of course, go on. But for now my heart is crushed that I have lost such a wonderful person.
cheerful
relaxed
content
happy
curious
amused
sad