It is time to show your power

Today is November 1st. Only two days from now you can show your power by voting. As a citizen, you DO have the power of saying who will run this great country.

Voting is the strongest voice in our country. The people are the force that dictates what happens. Commercials and social media can influence you in many ways, but only you can cut through the 'fake' information to the real truth. 

It does not matter where you live, where you went to school, what your parents or friends think, that vote is yours and ONLY YOURS. Do your homework, research the issues and you will realize the true for yourself.

I don't vote along party lines. I vote for the best person to keep our country strong and free. I served in our military like all of my family males have ever since 1775 to keep us free. I DO NOT like a country or individuals to hack into our system trying to sway the results of OUR election. And I know you do not either. 

The rumor of mail in ballots will corrupt the election is false.  If you're afraid, then vote in person, but vote your consensus, not someone else.

Lies are being thrown from either side of the political isle. Look for the truth and VOTE.

Generalization

 When you speak about a group of people, do you group them all together? For instance, "Those black people" or "Those Democrats" or"Those people in the South side". If you do, you are generalizing that ALL 'those' people are bad or good. Categorizing a group of a certain group, religion, color, race or affiliation is wrong. What you are saying is ALL people in that particular group is bad or wrong. That is usually not true. Yes, there are radials in every group.

Nancy and I have trip all over the world meeting many cultural groups from Muslims, to Indian to Orientals, to Blacks, browns, to LGBT and, yes many whites. We have many good friends in ALL of these groups. Anytime we have been with people from any of these groups, we have always been treat with friendly open arms and kindness. We have been offered and excepted an invite to stay in their homes, and share a meal with them. In turn, we have offered them to do the same.

I believe each person should be judged on their own characteristics and personality, not the color of their skin, religion or political believes. Determining whether you want to be friends with them or not in a personalized 'gut feeling'. Just because the other person does not like the present politician, or share your views on religion, or who should be your team's quarterback, does not mean you can not be friends, or feel passion for their efforts.

So many times I hear a reference of "those people in the MOB" or because someone has many tattoos you automatically think they are in a gang or a biker. Get to know the person before making up your mind. Preconceived opinions often come from childhood and escalate as we get older. Parents or friends may have convenient you to believe the way they see the world and people. Most people naturally believe opinions that see a group or person in a bad light. Just watch the political commercials. They always show someone's mistakes or find something bad about that person or group in hopes of turning you against that person or group.

You must be better that, and do your homework or research to find the true facts. Just following someone else lead does not show well on you. Be that fact checker before you decide if they are good or bad. One of my favorite quotes is, "Opinions are like butts, everyone has one. Some smell and other are clean." Also we all hear, "Never judge a book by its cover." 

And finally, just because you associate with someone, does not necessarily mean you share the same ideas, opinions or philosophy. So beware of others grouping you in that crowd. Association does not mean your are guilty, unlike you are.

The bottom line is, just because you are black, brown, Muslim, Republican, Democrat, or whatever, you can make your own determination about groups and individuals. You ARE SMARTER than the per-judging people.😏

I invite you to comment.

What is your REAL age?

 Yesterday was my birthday. Yup, another year older, 74. Scary huh? I am getting closer to the three quarter of a century mark. What worries me, and I am sure, most people is that I can't do what I use to do when I was 30 or 40 or maybe 50... well maybe 30. 

Anyone that is around me lately knows I still do a lot of stuff I did when I was 40 or 50. I don't know if most people can say that. Some think they can, and when they do, they are hurt for the next week. I am not bragging. I am just saying I am fortunate and driven to be active and have the drive to do things.

I see men younger than I who look and act ten years older than me. So when I am down on myself, I think 'That is what I COULD look like'. 

I truly believe staying active, both physically and mentally is how you keep yourself young. Not sitting around watching TV or just being lazy. I will admit there are times when I am hurting and just have to sit and do nothing. But when I can, I am up and going (mostly in my shop working on cars or trucks, or maybe building stuff, hiking or on my gym equipment).  I will also admit, there are people who can not be that active because of injuries or health issues. That is a given. There are 74 year old men and women that can leave in their dust. I have seen them in action, and they are awesome. They are truly driven in a sport, or working.

My point is, being 50, 60 or 74 does not give you permission to be a couch potato. We live in a very privileged country which has a lot of distractions from participating in physical activates such as running, hiking, walking, biking, softball, swimming or volunteering. 

Our country, on an average, is one of the most overweight countries in the world.  The advantage to being active, it is good for your heart, it is good for your lungs, it builds muscles, and you'll lose weight. Some people actually get a 'high' from exercise, especially if they push themselves. But don't push TOO hard. Just a brisk walk in the morning as far as you can go, then try to increase it a little more each day.

Before you do any exercise, stretch your legs, back and arms. loosen those muscles first, and drink water during and after your exercise.

You'll feel better about yourself mentally and physically. But as always, consult with trainers, and or with your doctor if you have health considerations.

Just one little brag on my part, when I was 15 years old I weighed 178 pounds... I still do. But gravity has shifted some parts around, unfortunately.

Take care, stay safe and go out there.

Your vote IS your voice

 In 37 days, we, as a nation, will be electing the next President of the United States, Senators, Federal and State Representatives, and many other officials. It's not an easy job to sort out the best to lead us, or represent our views. That is your homework, to research each candidate and see where they stand on the issues you cherish, or don't cherish. You want someone who loyal to the people and not out to boost their ego, or gain money by sucking-up with big corporations and extremists, no matter which side of the isle they sit. We saw enough of extremists on 9-11. Someone who thinks like the people about major issues, like discrimination, climate, women's rights, getting alone with other countries, gun rights, law enforcement, believes and follows professional scientific advise, diplomatic issues, and most of all, ACTING like a President. I am sorry to say, we do not have many that do those officials. 

NEVER, EVER think your vote does not count, because it does. Voting is a privilege you have as a US citizen. Whether you vote by mail or in-person, you are the voice of America stating what you want and who you want to represent you and this country. Yes, you are one drop in an ocean, but remember the ocean is a powerful force as many millions of drops. So think of your vote as part of the ocean, not a drop.

You have to be blind and deaf to not see and hear the unrest our country is in today. You see it in daily newscast on TV, in the newspaper, in magazines, on racist radical blogs, everywhere. We need leaders who are strong and determined to turn the rage into peace. A leaders to break out of the traditional political ways of double talk and be straightforward. A leader who actually listens to the popular vote, not a bunch of electorates. The electorate college DOES NOT represent the majority of the voters. And popular vote DOES NOT match the person who gets elected. That is NOT "For the people and by the people", as the Declaration Of Independence and Constitution states.

Both political parties have their faults and people who are not what this country needs. Those leaders need to retire or start listening to the people, and quit arguing about what the other party does and does not do. Insults does not do anything except draw more insults and bickering.

By now, you probably know where I stand. I don't like Trump or the leaders of BOTH houses. But I DO believe it all starts at the top. As in any company, the C.E.O. or president is ultimately responsible for any mishaps or consequences. All that 'crap' rolls down hill and affects us all, one way or another.

Believe it or not, the United States is always dependent on other countries for things we don't produce. To survive, you have to create a community of countries. For some reason, we have dismissed that philosophy by telling other countries and organizations, "We don't need you" is like slowly cutting our own throats for the future.

We live in (what use to be known) as the most powerful country in the world. Can you honestly say that now? I can not. Our President has turned this country into a rebellious solid brat that thinks shooting Police and killing innocent people with rogue troops is acceptable.  Where you can call a person who serves there country in the military 'losers' if they get killed. Where a president insults a woman who accuses of improper sexual acts. Where the president refuses to leave office even if he loses. And when he does lose, he'll claim the election was rigged. If it was rigged, it's because of his friend in Moscow. THAT is the president we have now.

If you are wondering, I am registered as an Independent, neither right nor left. I vote for what is right for all.

I URGE you to register to vote, if you have not, and then VOTE your conscience. No matter who you vote for...VOTE!!! I invite your comments.

We need to stand up and speak out!

Years ago,I attended a Black cultural expo. I did that because I wanted to know more about my black brothers and sisters, understand their stories and history. I was born in central Alabama where black folks were not allowed in town after dark and in some businesses. As a child, I saw many discriminating actions against blacks. Black people knew not to push the issue in that and so many other towns and cities in fear of further repercussions. Even as a child, I knew that was just not right. 

Today, we say we have progressed from those times. I many ways I don't think so. The recent shootings of black men and women is just sicking. Yes, black DO have a right to protest and hopefully in a peaceful manner. The looters are not part of that. They are just taking advantage of the event, and that is not right. They are the criminals and make things worse for the peaceful protesters. 

As for the Police, well, the police departments across the nation need to teach their officers correct tactics when confronted with protesters. The PD department are still using the tactics from the 60s, and we all know that does not work. 

And then there is the present administration who sends in "storm troopers" to make things even worse. Hate feeds off of hate. When the leader speaks out, or gets angry about certain things that are happening in the country (that he just does not get), his staff members may take inappropriate measures to please the leader. Of course the leader may be brain dead and lashes out at people who do not agree with him.

Criticizing a person for being female, African-Americans, Latinos, the medical experts about COVID 19, the physically impaired or handicapped, is NOT the way ANY leader of a country should act, talk, or be seen by the public. I seldom watch the news. But when I do, I am appalled at his incompetent remakes and actions. His own family has said he should not have been elected. I can agree with that.

I vote for the best person, not down party lines.  I am registered as an Independent. I would be the first to admit the Democrats have not had the best candidates running. But they better than Trump. Joe Biden is the country's hope for now. Some of Trump's "want-to-be's" do their share of "hate bashing" against their revivals in their interviews and political commercials. That attitude feeds of to the public, and before long, the stories have evolved into lies. And people remember the lies more that the truth, unfortunately. Time to clean up the Police departments, clean up the campaigning bashing, and time to clean up the White House.

You have the power to do that by voting and vote your conscience, search your soul, do your research, vote WITHOUT prejudice. Vote for the truth. VOTE!!!
I invite you to post your comments too. Take and stay safe.

Are you bored?

 It's been five month since we went into hibernation and had to limit our travels and staying out of groups of people. It has been tough on many of us. People have lost their jobs and some lost their businesses. Being together is in our nature and essential to our well being. We get depressed if we can not go to a movie, hug each other, shake hands, or church and even go out to eat. I know, me too. But, I have not been bored for a lack of something to do. As I will show you in a moment.

The worse part of this whole COVID 19 thing is the TV show AND ADS we are forced to watch. Yeah, I could just turn the boob-TV off, but I can't. That is my rest time before dinner. Unconscious relaxation. But I have to endue the ads about attorneys, medicare, insurance companies and pharmaceutical drug products. I really hate those. I guess I may watch too much mid-day TV, but it helps me relax my mind from other than engine RPMs, torque values, headers and tire sizes.  

Speaking of that... here is what Nancy and I are doing. She is so very talented. Not only does she hike at 5 AM when it's only 85 and nobody but creatures are out (that is cool for us. Usually it is well over 100 degrees during the day), but she is an accomplished quilter. She surprises me often (which is not hard to do) when she shows me her latest work of art.

Me, oh... I have a couple projects going on too. Not as artistic as Nancy's, just dirtier.

From the top. 1955 Chevy 1st series 3/4 ton pickup I bought from a retired firefighter and I am keeping it totally stock, 6 volt, engine, everything, except electronic ignition. My project.

Then a 1974 International Scout for a client. I am fixing a lot of things the previous owners screwed up including carburetor, suspension, new interior, exhaust, stereo, wiring, and so much more.

Then there is the 1962 Ford Ranchero which belongs to a friend and he is helping with the total rebuild, engine, transmission, suspension, rear differential, interior and so on. really a TOTAL rebuild.

But back to being bored, I am not. Nancy and I do go out and practice social distancing, wear mask (that she made, of course) and don't get into large crowds. Maybe at the grocery. We both wash our hands often. People would look at me funny if I didn't wash my greasy hands.

I truly hope you are doing the same, and I'd love to hear what you are doing to keep your mind off the present things. Comment, call (602-390-6265) or email me at cruisin36@gmail.com

We miss you all, and someday we get together with hugs and hand shakes. Take care and stay safe.

When will we all get out?

For the last 4 or 5 posts I have made, the topic, or at least some of the post, has been about the Covid 19 Virus. I apologize about that because it seems that many of our individual conversations ARE about the Covid 19 virus. I spend the majority of my days in my shop working on cars or trucks and seldom go out unless it is for parts that are not delivered to the shop. But today was different. Today, I went out to a restaurant and had lunch with 4 of my friends and retired firefighters. Guess what the main topic was? And then it turned over to another hot topic, politics. Both which I hate to discuss with friends and family. Why? Because I have my own views and I hate to argue with my loved ones about my views opposed to theirs.  Most times I just bite my tongue and change the subject, or move the topic to the side. 

Today was different because these guys sucked me in with options that I just could NOT agree with. I love these guys like brothers but I REALLY hate to debate "GODS" of other religions as opposed to my believes. Just like I hate to debate the current president as opposed to upcoming presidential candidates. No one is going to change anyone's mind or opinions. 

Same about the Covid 19. Some believe it is a hoax, and other think it is a true threat.There are MANY theories on Covid 19 and I rely on the scientists to figure out what is what, BUT I do know the stats we are all given are not quite accurate. I know of 5 nurses who went to get tested, and never were tested because of the lengthy wait. They ALL received results of POSITIVE. So I believe the stats are askew. 

The second point I want to make is the restrictions we are all given by our governors and the federal government are not inline. One says open-up and the other says close everything.

My thoughts are: 1. Mask up when in public. 2. DON'T go into big groups. 3. If you have the symptoms the CDC has announced (and there many), stay home, and away from people. It's common sense. Americans are stupid when it comes to this stuff. They think, "Oh I am not going to get this." And then they do and die. I don't think this will go away soon, but it will go away sooner if we all try harder. 

As far as my hard core ... I don't even know what to call them, I love them and I'll deal with it. 

I love you all, stay safe, stay in touch.