April 17, 2013

Bubbles, Wine and Chocolate

There are a few things I find relaxing and stress relieving, a bubble bath, a glass of wine and chocolate, dark chocolate.  The only thing that makes it better is to combine all three. 

I never know how an idea for a column is going to come together.  The news, of course provides the basics.  It’s the everyday conversations and experiences that have a way of tying it all together.  The thing about a peaceful bubble bath is that it allows the mind to wonder.  It can be very therapeutic.  The mind jumps from one thought to another, looking at the past and thinking about the future.  There has been laughter and tears but both have provided reflective thought that has been both intense and light hearted.  When we force ourselves to just think, it’s amazing where the mind can travel.  Thinking and going about your daily routine isn’t the same as placing yourself in a confined space with nothing but your thoughts to ponder.

Last week I spent some time revisiting the past.  Boxes that have been sitting in storage since I left a bad situation needed to be organized.  I went from one end of the emotional scale to the other.  I found both good and bad memories.  I revisited childhood memories and traveled through young adult friendships.  Photographs pulled at the heart strings.  This is why I didn’t want to open boxes, not so much for the bad that I would see but for the good that I lost.  The mind adjusts and goes into survival mode.  Dealing with the bad becomes just another day.  Being reminded of how good life once was makes you wonder how and why.  

Looking at objects and pictures from the dark years was difficult.  Realizing that certain pictures held no meaning was comforting.  I don’t regret what I did to secure my freedom.  Reading journal entries was most difficult.  I was trying so hard to survive that I didn’t realize what was taking place.  It was at this moment, after a sip of wine, that several events from my week came together. I was able to tie up the loose ends.  I read my history; interaction with others provided insight and ideas.  

What seemed insignificant at the time had an alarming impact on my life.  There are consequences for bad decisions even if we make them with good intentions.  I was defending and denying something that I couldn’t quite acknowledge but it was there and I knew something wasn’t right.  I tried to pretend everything was fine.  

I dealt with my share of smoke and mirrors, double talk and the general feeling that no matter what I did I was wrong.  Making decisions became a tricky road to navigate.  I knew no matter what I decided it would end up being the wrong decision, so I stopped making them.

I smiled to hide the pain.  If I allowed my true feelings to show, it caused problems.  There were too many distractions.  I wasn’t able to focus on just one issue because another issue would pop up.  I was overwhelmed and drowning.  I had all the basics I needed and even a few extras.  I was however, lacking a couple key components, freedom and independence.  My servitude provided luxury for the one in the elite category.  

I fear that Americans are on the same path.  We’ve been so busy trying to survive that we haven’t been paying attention to what is happening around us.  When an entity wants to provide and protect you, it comes with a hefty price tag.  Freedom is an absolute right.  But with freedom comes responsibility.  Americans have been free to live their lives as they choose, but we haven’t always been responsible.  The government has now decided that we aren’t capable of making the right decisions.  They are stepping in and making them for us.  Our government is enslaving the people and the people do not see what is happening.  Our government is trying to convince us we need protection from ourselves.  We need to realize this before it’s too late. 

I see boxes being opened sometime down the road with evidence of the way life used to be for Americans.  The evidence will be hidden because it’s too difficult face.  We will somehow adjust to the transformation by going into survival mode.  The memories of the good will come back to haunt us.  Looking back we will see when and how it happened.  The picture will be clear once the smoke and mirrors have disappeared.  Out of fear we accepted things that didn’t seem right. We were too busy trying to survive.  The government convinced us that it knew best.  We were no longer capable of making the right decisions.  We smiled out of fear.

“Independence is happiness”

Susan B. Anthony

April 10, 2013

Reality and Mystery

By Tammy Derouin

I was involved in a discussion where reality and mystery collided.  I listened to the frustration of several people.  Sadly, the aggravation has only just begun. The impact will be great as every employer, every person will be affected.  I’m curious, how many will take comfort in the fact that it was done for our own good?  The reality of, “How is this fair?” combined with the mystery of, “They can’t do that, can they?” will be a wake-up call that will be taking place many times over across our nation.  As I listened, I found myself jotting down a quote from a very surreal moment in American History.  The moment was when then Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi said, “We have to pass the bill so that you can find out what is in it…”  I am referring to the Affordable Health Care Act, also known as Obamacare.  Obamacare is far from affordable, as we are beginning to find out.  There is so much more at stake than just the financial cost.  We are losing more of our freedoms. This bill was relentlessly pushed, deals were made and Americans will now suffer.   Congressmen admitted they didn’t read the bill, yet they passed it.  It shouldn’t have even come to a vote without being thoroughly investigated, yet Congress passed it.  Congress betrayed the American people. 

I would like to say that Americans have been deceived but that’s not entirely true.  Yes, the Dictator in Chief is a wolf in sheep’s clothing but we didn’t investigate the sheep.  Our first line of defense is the press.  Perhaps if they weren’t salivating over this over-grown, too good to be true sheep, they would have noticed the zipper, the imitation wool, and the eyes of a predator.  The press is supposed to be skeptical yet they’ve bought into this larger than life image. What kind of hypnotic spell did the wolf put them under?  Maybe, after they are done feasting on the steaks that were tossed to them while the wolf jumped the fence, we can ask them.  Some have called him perfect, others have called him our savior; more dangerous behavior.  Just remember under the imitation wool there is a wolf leading the real sheep to slaughter.

When did Americans become so gullible?  Would you sign a contract without reading it?  How would you respond to a banker or a sales person who told you, “I don’t know what’s in the contract.  You have to sign it so we can find out.”  No person in their right mind would agree to such an outrageous demand.  If we as responsible individuals wouldn’t fall for such a scheme, why do we accept it from those in Congress?   Why are we allowing our elected officials to act so recklessly?  They have done, many times over, what responsible people would never do.  We don’t commit to something unless we fully understand the commitment we are making.  We try to weigh all possible outcomes and then decide if it’s still worth the risk.  A day of reckoning is a guaranteed occurrence after money is spent recklessly and foolishly.

We are just beginning to realize the consequences of our actions.  Americans freely and willfully elected a president that stated exactly what he intended to do, fundamentally transform America. Obama is only fulfilling the promises he said he would fulfill.  We heard what he said, we saw what he did during his first four years, yet we re-elected him.  There will be consequences for our actions.

The American people have forgotten what makes America exceptional.  While so many applauded the end result, the means, Americans disregarded the “way” of achieving the means.  By turning a blind eye, we’ve created the trap that the rest of the world is currently struggling to escape.  We were warned to not venture down the path that other countries have found themselves traveling.  We didn’t listen.  We ignored the warning signs and we didn’t think it could happen to America.  While we were busy trying to make ends meet, unlike our government, our very own president dishonored us and diminished our standing in the world.  In four short years we went from super power standing to being bullied by the world bullies. 

What happened?  We stopped paying attention.  We stopped questioning things that didn’t make sense.  We stopped being responsible and began to demand support.  We stopped being productive and bought into excuses.  A “can do” American attitude became a “give me” nation.  We’ve accepted the excuses, finger pointing, and lack of responsibility by this administration and Congress.  Now we have to deal with the reality, which is getting less mysterious.

“Government exists to protect us from each other.  Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves.”

Ronald Reagan

 

April 3, 2013

Extinguished

By Tammy Derouin

I’ve never been a big fan of Jim Carey but I’ve enjoyed a few of his films.  In his recent video, Carey mocks Americans who believe they have the right to bear arms.  Oddly, he doesn’t mock the criminals or those in Hollywood who push gun violence, himself included.  This is hypocrisy at its best.  Carey belittles those who know and understand their Second Amendment Right.  Mr. Carey wants to disarm law abiding gun owners.  Apparently he doesn’t feel American citizens have the right to protect themselves.  Most people would rather not use a gun against another individual, unlike those on the big screen.   How very hypocritical of you Mr. Canadian born, came to America to strike it rich, became a member of the Hollywood elite to insult American liberties, Carey. 

I wonder why Mr. Carey came to America.  Was he looking for success?  Why couldn’t he find it in Canada?  There are a lot of talented actors/comedians that come from Canada.  I wonder why?  He used the American system, free enterprise and capitalism to find his fortune and glory.  Now that he has obtained the elite status in the entertainment industry, he has decided to mock an American freedom.

Those who think socialism and communism are so great should go see it in action.  In fact, I dare anyone who is pushing the progressive agenda to live in China, Russia or North Korea.  You must live as an average citizen, not the elite.  The only ones who benefit from socialism and communism are the elite.  They live off the servitude of the citizens.  In order to be successful, you must have life, liberty and the ability to pursue happiness.  Mr. Carey fed from the extravagant feast that only America can offer but he chose to dine and dash.

I would offer Mr. Carey, or anyone in an elite category, political, entertainment or otherwise, who pushes for gun control a challenge. Live in Chicago without a security detail.  Chicago has disarmed their population.  I guess you could call it a gun free zone.  I’m going to guess somewhere in the hypocritical city, there are also drug free school zones.  Imagine how safe and secure you will feel.  Oh, one more thing, Chicago is the Murder Capital of the United States.  How is that possible?  I bet it won’t take long for you to figure that one out. 

The elites don’t play by the same rules.  Mr. Carey now joins Mr. Michael Moore with “don’t do as I do, do as I say.”  They don’t want law abiding Americans to have guns but it’s perfectly fine for them to have a  gun carrying security detail.  Either Mr. Carey is part of the progressive problem or he truly doesn’t understand that which he mocks.  Much like many well-meaning Americans, they don’t understand what they are doing when they call for gun control.  The Progressives in power however, know exactly what they are doing.  The proof, “Nothing we’re going to do is going to fundamentally alter or eliminate the possibility of another mass shooting or guarantee that we will bring gun deaths down to a thousand a year from what it is now.”  Vice President Biden provided those insightful words.  Senator Charles Schumer admitted to MSNBC that the goal is “universal registration” of guns and gun owners.  Now why would they be interested in knowing which citizens have weapons?  Mayor Bloomberg of NYC states, “I do think there are certain times we should infringe on your freedom.”  I don’t think so.

The Progressives in power are using the entertainment industry, the press and uninformed Americans to do their dirty work.  If the government is successful in convincing the population that disarming the citizens is for “their protection,” what will stop them from convincing you that freedom of speech must be regulated too?  Why stop there, how about the right to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures?  Maybe they will convince Americans that due process, trial by an impartial jury, the right to an attorney, or be deprived of freedom without due process are no longer important, if it’s for the greater good.   Executive Orders have already struck these rights.

The government has already attacked and is now beginning to shred our Constitution.  Should we get to a point where there is civil unrest, which I feel the President wants, he will actually use the Constitution as his guide.  A knock-out punch which will be delivered by our elected President and Progressives in Congress.  Don’t worry it will be for public safety.  The last beacon of hope will be extinguished, as Americans smiled and applauded.

“The privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”

The Constitution: Article 1, Section 9

March 27, 2013

Progressives Paint An Illusion

By Tammy Derouin

The apology tour continues in the school curriculum.  My daughter read a statement followed by a question that was part of her homework.  I became just a little unglued when she began to read me her response.  The statement included information about the amount of money that is spent on American children compared to an eastern country.  The question was, do American children have too much?  As she began to read her answer, I could feel the anger stirring in the pit of my stomach.  She didn’t understand why I was upset.   

The answer she began to read was exactly what the progressives want her to think. She stated, in her original answer, that American children have too much.  I began a lesson in American History. Americans do not have too much. Generations of Americans have worked hard to make America a very successful country.  Taking from the haves and giving to the have-nots doesn’t solve the problem.  It makes it worse.  Those who have become successful used to be the example to follow.  In today’s world they are seen as evil and greedy.  There is a growing mentality that successful people don’t deserve everything they’ve earned.  This is very dangerous thinking.

Americans should never apologize for what they have accomplished. Success yields rewards.  Financial success is usually a product of hard work and determination.  We live in, or should I say lived in, the world’s most prosperous nation.  When you compare the age of our country, 237 years, to the age of other countries, we are very young.   It’s absolutely amazing how many improvements and advancements have occurred during our nation’s short history.  We didn’t achieve this lifestyle by sitting on the couch waiting for a government check to arrive.   We are, or were a nation of determination.  We didn’t sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to fix the problem, especially the government. We are a nation of ingenuity which breeds invention and innovation. Why have so many of the world’s greatest minds come to the United States?  It wasn’t for hand-outs.  It was because the United States provided a unique opportunity.  It’s what made the United States exceptional.  

By nature, we compete.  We want to do better. We want to improve.  As humans we are never satisfied.  Progressives feel they can satisfy everyone’s needs by providing everything for everyone. Everybody gets the same regardless of skill or ability.  You can’t regulate happiness.  They are however, doing their best to regulate life and liberty.  Oppressive governments paint pictures of gray for everyone.  Everyone is expected to be satisfied because everyone has been subsidized with the same tools and benefits.  The hope for so many people who came to the United States was the opportunity to succeed.  They weren’t promised success.  It was up to their ability and chance.   Social safety nets didn’t exist.  They were motivated to succeed because they needed to survive.  Even though success wasn’t a guarantee, they still came.  They saw America as the land of opportunity.  They could push their limits and try new ideas.  They were free to succeed or fail.

Our Constitution gives everyone the opportunity to paint as many individual colorful pictures as you desire.  You have to be willing to obtain your own canvas and paint brushes.  It’s not the government’s responsibility to provide you with your painting supplies.  The amount of painting you do is up to your individual talents and determination.  Socialism and communism limit an individual’s aspiration.  Everyone is given a canvas, brushes and a palette of gray.  Everyone’s picture captures the same bleak future.  If the government provides all the tools, where’s the excitement and adventure?  Where’s the incentive to improve?  There is no longer a will to paint as much as you can because no matter how much you paint, it all looks the same. 

I want my daughters to understand the evils of socialism and communism. I want them to be able to identify a lie when it’s being told to them.  Progressives paint an illusion.  At first glance it may look pretty but without substance, without freedom, color doesn’t exist.  A nation that was once bright and vibrant now looks as bleak as the rest of the world.  We can be equally miserable with the same government issued canvas, palette and gray paint or we can demand our elected servants follow the Constitution.  Without the Constitution and Bill of Rights, we have no future; we have no color in our lives.

“The [U.S.] Constitution is a limitation on the government, not on private individuals…it does not prescribe the conduct of private individuals, only the conduct of the government…it is not a charter for the government power, but a charter of the citizen’s protection against the government.”

Ayn Rand

 

 

March 20,2013

How Dare They

By Tammy Derouin

Senator Feinstein and the Progressive members of Congress feel they know what’s best.  How dare they attempt to regulate my weapon of choice.  How dare they assume they can tamper with my rights.  They are disarming law abiding American citizens but they are very aware of that fact.

I applaud those in Congress who are willing to stand up to the Progressives.  It’s refreshing to know there are some in Congress willing to use the Constitution as a guide.  Progressive politicians have betrayed the very basic principles of our nation.  They will state they have great respect for the Constitution yet they attempt to dismantle it. 

Studies have shown that gun violence in America has increased dramatically with increased violence in the entertainment industry.  If they were truly concerned about the massacres that have taken place they would take aim at Hollywood, not the American people.  Massacres like we witness in today’s society didn’t take place when every household had a gun over the mantle or when every cowboy or townsmen had one strapped to their waist.  Violence has increased dramatically in entertainment and so has violence in our society.

We have reduced the value of human life to points per kill.  We have allowed degrading lyrics, images and gestures into music and music videos.  So it’s okay for a “musician” to make the gun gesture with his hand but a kid on the playground is subjected to being expelled and humiliated?  We are going to freak out because a kid shows a picture of a B B gun or a fourth of a Pop Tart is missing?  Have we really become so dimwitted?   The entertainment industry and irresponsible parents share much blame.  Progressives won’t  sever a hand that has fed them so well. They won’t consider anything except gun control because that is exactly what it is, control.

Senator Feinstein stated she didn’t need a lecture on the Constitution.  How about a lesson in history?  History is why we must follow the Constitution and The Bill of Rights.  If our elected officials truly believed in the founding principles of this nation, they would follow the guide they’ve sworn to uphold.    

History teaches very clearly that when a government wants complete control, it disarms the population.  The people are told it is for their protection.  Once the population is disarmed, the government swoops in and scoops up people they find dangerous, to be determined and amended as needed.  Once the people have no means of protecting themselves, tyranny claims its throne. 

The European Jews, German Jews, are a prime example in history.  The Jews were blamed for Germany’s problems.  They too were disarmed.  They were labeled and segregated.  Their placement in the ghettos was for their protection.  Once they were defenseless and had no means of information or communication they were moved once again.  The final move didn’t end well for six million. This was Hitler’s Final Solution.

The Communists disarmed the population in the Soviet Union.  Under Stalin, 20 million people were rounded up and exterminated.  History proves that the people suffer when a government becomes too powerful and turns to Communism.

American History has examples too.  The mass exodus and what I call genocide of the Native Americans.  Japanese internment camps during WWII and when the government prohibited the black population to own guns after slavery was abolished.  These are just a few examples.  I do believe it can happen in America because it already has happened.  Once we give up our rights for security we are no longer free.  We will become just like Europe; on the road to serfdom.

I will not apologize for being concerned when my own government attempts to disarm the population.  I will not apologize for the concern I have when my government takes control of the news media.  The government is trampling over the Constitution and The Bill of Rights.  I grew up learning that our government was different because of its structure.  I learned that Americans were exceptional because we had the Constitution and Bill Of Rights.  I will not apologize nor will I allow Progressives to demonize me or anyone that stands up to defend our Constitution. 

Progressives are all about control.  Mayor Bloomberg of NYC is an excellent example.  He’s the mayor, not your parent!  People that want to build a utopia are very dangerous.  History is full of examples of those that wanted to rule the world.  Their path of destruction impacts millions as they try to build a perfect society.  When did Americans become the sheep? 

How dare they claim to respect the Constitution. 

“No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms.  The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.”

Thomas Jefferson

 

March 13, 2013

It Happened For A Reason

By Tammy Derouin

I read an article that suggested Americans are reacting to Obama and his administration as battered wives react to their abusers.  I was part of a conversation where the wife beater T-shirt was mentioned.  I wondered if anybody heard the gears turning.  I was all set, what else did I need?  Right on cue, my Nemesis the Narcissus wanted to flex some muscle.  Really, I was doing great with the first two experiences.  I can always depend on the Narcissus doing what he does best, confirming why I left.

I could curse the day I said, “I do” but what good would it do?  I wouldn’t have grabbed a bucket of popcorn, a soda and propped up a chair to watch my life go from bright to dark though either.  It happened and it happened for a reason.  Similarities do exist between my personal experiences and what I see taking place in our country.   I’ve experienced the wrath of a controlling narcissus.  I’ve had a real problem with Obama’s smug and arrogant attitude from the beginning.  Besides the fact that it’s just plan irritating, it reminds me of darker days.  When I feel like I’m being watched, followed too closely, or I need to simply voice an opposing opinion, I go back.  The overwhelming feeling of dread and fear cannot be forgotten. 

The similarities between the Dictator in Chief and my nemeses are eerie.  The worst thing you can do to a narcissistic control freak is defy their presumed authority and leave them.

What do power hungry controllers do?  They figure out what’s important to you.  This allows them to manipulate and control your behavior.  Controllers watch and monitor your every move.  They make sure you become financially dependent on them.  They limit your mobility; making it difficult or inconvenient to freely move around.  They carry out unreasonable searches and seizures.  It doesn’t matter that what you have is legal.  They try to limit information.  Information they don’t agree with is mocked and belittled.  They will falsely accuse you and will attempt to discredit you.  A controller wants to be able to scoop you up, shut you up and remove you from sight if you threaten authority.  The controller becomes accuser, witness, judge, jury and executioner.  What was once acceptable is criminal.  What was once freedom is servitude.

The victim will usually protect the abuser.  If defending an abuser makes life somewhat easier, you do what you must to survive.  The ultimate threat is eventually made.  Would the Controller really follow through?  Have your really become irrelevant?  The controller has the ability to eliminate you but would he, really?  It would have to be such an extreme, hypothetical circumstance for it to even be considered, he states.  Out of fear you do everything you can to keep the peace. 

The controller makes and alters the rules for his benefit.   Rules change without notice leaving you vulnerable for attack.  The controller has removed all obstacles for the impending and complete takeover.  All of your defenses were removed for your protection.   All safety nets and backup systems were made obsolete.  You even welcomed the controller’s reasoning for removing the security system and accepting the controller’s protection. 

Does any of this sound familiar?  A controller abuses power whether it’s in your personal life or it’s affecting our nation as a whole.  Our freedoms and liberties, our very existence is being extinguished.  Why do we go back for more?

The office of president has been abused beyond recognition.  The presidential seal is only an image.  We have a dictator.  He was cheered when he said he would take more power.  Congress and Americans smile and applaud his abuse of power.  It’s terrifying to stand up to a controller but it must be done.  We must wake up from this hypnotic spell that has fallen over our nation. 

How much must we endure before we realize what is happening?  Why do certain events take place?  Misery kept me determined to avoid children.  So why, after so many years did children come about in what would become the final years?  What possible wisdom was there in taking the last little piece of control I had away from me?  They saved me.  I couldn’t do it on my own.  Apparently I needed to experience even more control to identify the situation.  I needed time to build strength and courage for the upcoming battle.  Everything happens for a reason.

Maybe the state of this nation has to get worse before it gets better.  Maybe we have to suffer and loose more of our freedoms before we are willing to admit we have a problem. 

“We, the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow men who pervert the Constitution.”

Abraham Lincoln

March 6, 2013

War on Americans

By Tammy Derouin

In the months leading up to the election I stayed away from a topic the Progressive propaganda machine was generating.  They engineered a phrase that would become a battle cry.  I will give the Left credit; they have a flare for producing and selling an idea no matter how unfounded and fictitious it may be.  The battle cry became The War on Women.

The Progressive war on women was absurd.  By making contraception a government issue the government in turn created a war on religion, free speech and free enterprise.  This isn’t a government issue.  If an insurance company doesn’t provide a service of interest, you take it up with the insurance company.  If an employer doesn’t provide a service of interest, it’s their choice.  Neither insurance or employment is a right.

What the Progressives have created is a false sense of entitlement.  I was reminded earlier this week of how Karl Marx felt capitalism could be destroyed.  Destroying the currency, extending social services, more taxation and government regulations would naturally increase the power of the government.  The purpose was to make a slow transition from a free society to an enslaved, collective society.  Surely Americans would never fall for such a scheme.  

The Progressives war on women has become a war on Americans.  Our Constitution is under relentless assault.  The main stream media may have had a wakeup call this past week.  Bob Woodward reported that a senior White House official threatened him.  Woodward expressed what he felt was behind the upcoming budget cuts.  He was told, “I think you will regret staking out that claim.”  Lanny Davis has also come forward and said he too was threatened by a senior Obama White House official.  This official phoned Davis and stated that he didn’t like some of his columns.  According to Davis, his editor informed him that if the Washington Times didn’t stop running his column, “We’re not going to treat you so well-and the implication was we’ll even take away your credentials.”  How interesting, the press is all of a sudden interested in free speech.  When it affects an issue of importance to them, they take notice.  This administration will leave you alone until you wipe the sleep out of your eyes and start thinking for yourself.  Once you begin to question a tyrant, those privileges that you once had disappear.

The war on Americans continues with the Second Amendment.  Interestingly, a war on women could be made here but the Progressives are silent.  It doesn’t fit their agenda.  Congressmen, Biden and Obama have all made ridiculous comments and suggestions when it comes to the Second Amendment.  We have a right to defend ourselves with as many bullets as necessary.  Do you think the criminals are going to carry the legal limit? Oh, that’s right, they won’t have guns.  The Second Amendment is about protecting ourselves from a runaway, tyrannical government.  Those in power either don’t know the Constitution or they are trying to dismantle it. 

There are those in Congress who think a whistle, call box, safe-zones and gun-free zones will keep you safe.  Criminals don’t play by the rules.  The only ones that obey the rules are law abiding citizens who may become victims because they bought into the false sense of security.  How believable are all those “Drug Free School Zone” signs?  Exactly!  At least those doing the drugs can see the lunacy in placing such a sign, unlike the government.

Maybe a gun wouldn’t help every person in every situation who is being victimized but it isn’t the government’s responsibility to determine how we protect ourselves.  You can’t regulate criminals.  They will never play by the rules.  The government fears the law abiding gun owners and that’s why they are under attack.  They do understand the Constitution. 

There is no such thing as a safe zone. You will never be completely safe.  Nobody and no government can guarantee such security.  The government will try to convince you they have all the answers.  They are trying to wrap each one of us in bubble wrap.  Security that tight is suffocating.  The government now has a vested interest in your health, another example of the war on Americans.

There is a movement underway in NYC that would allow people to trade their firearms for Beyonce concert tickets.  It could also lead to possible mentorships for some.  Good role models and values need to be instilled in children from day one, before they turn to gangs.  Criminals know where to get replacement guns; much like our criminals in office know how to print more money.  Is a concert ticket equal in value to a Constitutional right?

“He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself.”

Thomas Paine