Don't come to Arizona!

I am sure, you have heard about Arizona Senate Bill 1070, "The Immigration Bill" which has made front page news across the nation. It never amazes me how we always get stuck with the stupid Governors. But back to the bill.
At first glance, it seems to be a great bill to stop illegals from coming into Arizona. But in detail, it will hurt Arizona worse than the poor economy. It gives law enforcement the right to kick in your door (if your neighbor reports you to authorities) for harboring anyone who looks Hispanic. I KNOW our Sheriff Joe will jump on this and like a true ass, will take it to the limits of the law. Already, this law has cost Arizona millions in conventions and tax dollars, not to mention the jobs that will NOT get performed because white folks will not perform some tasks only Hispanic/Mexican folks will perform.
Now wait...I am not against enforcing border restrictions and immigration laws. I understand there is a definite problem along the border and Arizona is a major entry point for most Mexicans coming across illegally...BUT this is NOT the way to solve that problem. More Border Patrol agents, tighter restrictions, and a wall is better that SB 1070.Our governor just cut her AND our throats, and will not help the situation. Why should each state have to enforce a federal law anyway?
I don't know what the final outcome will be, but until it comes, you may want to go to Idaho or Kentucky or maybe Maine for your vacation this summer. It too hot here in the summer anyway.

What is a Fire Fighter?

Yeah, I know...a dumb title, but is it really? If you know Nancy and I at all, you'll realize, I was a paid Firefighter in Phoenix AZ. for over 25 years. A GREAT 25 years. I loved my job and going to the fire station EVERY SINGLE DAY (or shift).
I do not believe Fire Fighters received the respect they deserved until AFTER September 11th, 2001. 343 Firefighters dead attempting to rescue people from the burning and collapsing Twin Towers. They literally had to push their way up the stairs through the flood of folks scrambled down the stairs. I have FDNY retired friends who drove for three days (straight) to NYC and dug out the bodies and body parts of their friends and co-workers. Some of them are now sick from the dust the inhaled in the rubble.
The Fire Service is a VERY tight family. And we do almost everything for each other. Sometimes it is tighter than your own family.
Firefighters, and Police, are a breed to themselves. I put them on the same level as our military. Are they normal? I think so. I believe they have a sense of obligation and responsibility to their community. Are they crazy? Maybe, a little. Who runs into a burning building while everyone else is running out? Are they afraid? I think they are somewhat, but with the right training and equipment (and I emphasize TRAINING) they can perform their duties in a superior manner. Firefighter don't run into burning buildings because they want to tease death, it because they want to save your possessions and/or your life. They are not out to be a hero, or receive an award. It's their job. No matter if they are paid or volunteer...they still are doing their job. More than 70% of America's fire fighters are volunteer. Explain that... 70% of America's firefighter run into burning buildings for little or no money? Does that make you feel humbled? It should!
Firefighting is the second oldest profession in the world, and least paid for their tasks. We all know what is the first.
But today, firefighter battle a different devil. Today it's TB. More firefighter test positive for TB than ANY other profession. When firefighters began taking over the EMS in the USA, their rate of TB rose 700%. In most communities, firefighters are paid less than the neighborhood garbage man. I would never take anything away from the garbage man, but do you think that is right? I am sure putting up with that odor all day is pretty bad.
My point, you ask? Show the firefighters and the Police some respect. They ARE our first line responders in ANY diseaster and the ones who put their lives on the line daily and sometimes hourly for you, me, my family and your family. Some get paid for that, some don't. At least you can do is say...THANKS! They will appreciate it and tell you...IT'S MY JOB.
Pictures are: Me coming out of a mobile home fire after falling through the floor and my graduation in 1977 from the academy and my Nancy pinning my badge on.

The "Media" shapes us.

Whether you admit it or not, we are what we listen to. I once heard a reporter stating, 'people listen to the news cast about stuff they already believe'. Think about it, we don't listen to news agencies we disagree with. Whether it be FOX or MSNBC, you already believe what they are going to tell you.Even a weather report, you watch the one who delivers it the way you like, with maps and graphics you find appealing.
The media says they TRY to always tell a truthful report or the news. But, we all really know they bend it somewhat. It may to the left, or to the right, but they all have their bias. We believe what they say or print. And sometimes they lie, or at least fib. Sometimes they twist the truth so it looks totally different than the real truth. Each person looks at an incident in a different angle or aspect, and then interprets it the way THEY see it. This may sound like common knowledge or common sense, but when people says, "JOE BLOW DID THIS...." Check it out first before you blow your stack. Joe Blow may have done it to save a life or because he was forced. So always get the REAL truth...the underlying reason for his action.
We quit watch the TV news a number of years ago. I got tired get a slanted view and hearing only the 'bad stuff'. I guess people in general, are drawn to the gory and gross. That is why folks slow down when they pass a wreck with injuries. We use to call those folks "Rubberneckers" or "Lookie-Lous". And typically, there is always a rear-ending accident due to the slowing and looking. Later, you get the opportunity to review the accident on the evening news and hear their slant.
The Media gives us the news. We don't research it, unless you are personally there. The Media could feed us crap and say it's good for us or that flying saucers are landing in New York, as Orson Wells did in the 30's. People believed him and some killed themselves because they did NOT really research it. Mr. Wells stated it was an April Fool's joke.
So, don't be a "Chicken Little", check thing out before you pull the trigger. Get more than one source to verify a fact. Try listening to the other side and be a little more open minded, no matter what your believes may be. At least then, you can argue you view more sensibly and with more knowledge of the whole situation.