A new Adventure to the East

On April 18th, Nancy and I embarked on another adventure to...CHINA. Yes, the country many of us grew up watching over our shoulders. The country of Mao, and the Red Army. Well, it's not as bad as I once thought. It is changing FAST! It is a beautiful country that is changing quickly toward capitalism and opening its doors to all. There is still a little of the old China visible. Maybe a little more or less than we know.
Besides the battle with an exploding population, very visible pollution problem and cooping with massive traffic expansion, China will treat you well.
Our trip was a 12 day whirlwind taste of some major cities and cultural emulsion into the Chinese history from past to present. Our guides were extraordinary. From the Forbidden City, to the enormous graves of the Terra Cotta Warriors, to the Vegas style dinner theaters, (and my highlight)a walk on the Great Wall. China was the last place I thought my lovely wife could convince me to go, but I loved it. Yes, I complained about the crowds and the Chinese food, but HELL, I was in China. Cities with 27 million people and not the flair for cooking western foods. Thank God for McDonald's and KFC spotted everywhere. Yep, commercial capitalism is doing VERY well in China. I guess we have polluted the world with that.

Rescue the Rescuers

This is not a new story. It is happening all around the country, not only in Arizona. Legislators want to cut our (firefighter retirees) pensions, cut our COLA (and we do not get Social Security), which equals to about 1/3 of my income. We did not cause the economic down-turn, but now we are the target. And we are not the only ones...teachers, Police and many other state workers. But, if a legislator serves for 4 years, they get the Medical insurance paid for life. Mine cost me $800 a month. They get a pension which NO ONE can touch. Mine is managed by the Legislature.
Maybe I should run for office.