READING THE POLITICAL SIGNS

The signs are popping up everywhere–political signs, that is. Here in Alabama it’s campaign season for the primaries. The signs are popping up faster than buttercups this time of year. And all of them are telling us that they have read the signs of government, and that they are the ones to correct the mess. Forget that politicians created our hot mess, still there will be more who will promise to fix the political messes. I’m just a country boy, but isn’t that like hiring the fox to guard the chicken house???

Spin is the trade word they use. Just recently our POTUS declared that the economy is stronger than it’s been in over 4 decades. Excuse me, Mr. President, but nearly double digit inflation, supply chain problems, tons of people who are content to be paid by the government to stay at home rather than work, and gas prices that are rising more than homemade cathead biscuits doesn’t sound like a strong economy. But if a politician declares our economy to be stronger than the past 4 decades–then it must be so, right?

Apparently politicians have a problem reading the signs. They obviously have problems comprehending what is happening. But it’s not just politicians who can’t read the signs. As much as I would love to blame the politicians for this hot mess–the real cause is the voters. After all, they are the ones who put these knuckleheads in office, at least the majority of the voters. Many voters allow the news media determine who is the best poitician. And many simply don’t vote. And now EVERYONE is reaping the whirlwind of leaders ineptitude at reading the signs. As bad as this sound, there’s something even worse–now that ought to scare the you-know-what out of anyone.

Voters will not take the time nor effort to research the candidates for themselves! Folks, stop listening to the dribble of the news media and learn to read the signs for yourself. And all you folks who will NOT go to the polls? Get off your duff and get involved. Support and vote for even that candidate whom the news media has declared doesn’t stand a snowball’s chance in hell! Friends, we have before us the opportunity to right this ship known as the good, old U.S. of A. And if you don’t like your choices at the primaries, then next time become one of those candidates, or encourage someone you think is a great alternative to the sewage that is out there. Only God keeps His promises! And do politicians keep their promises? Well. . .just read the signs!

Advertisement

The Blue Line!

• 

• 

What prompted these thoughts is this news. https://whnt.com/news/shoals/2-muscle-shoals-police-officers-shot/

Two more police officers have been shot, this time it was in my former hometown, Sheffield, Alabama. Every time I see or hear of an officer, deputy, or agent being shot, my heart aches and breaks. I hurt for them and for their families, their departments, their friends, and all those who wear The Badge. The suspect had already shot and killed one person earlier that afternoon. And here’s the thing that sticks in my crawl: He was arrested in 2011 for killing his father over an owed debt in Tuscumbia. He was released from prison in May 2016, according to police. He had already been convicted of killing his own father, and a plea deal ended in his conviction of manslaughter. And it gets worse: he served only 3 years of a 10 year sentence.

You see, I am a very proud Dad of a Deputy Sherriff, my son Matthew. And I understand, better than most, that this incident could have involved him. Matthew is also a 22 year plus veteran. I worried about him when he was deployed in Bosnia, Africa, and multiple times in the Middle East. But I also knew that in those hell-holes when someone pulled a weapon on him, it would be the last time they pulled a weapon on anyone. But now my concern for him is even more. He’s had a drunk pull a gun on him in recent months. And because of all the hype and BS about law enforcement, he has to think twice about how to respond. That second thought has cost the life of many law enforcements officers–and it could cost him his life.

And what I want to know this morning is an answer to a very simple question: “Where is the public outrage?” Why aren’t people rushing into the streets to protest this heinous act? Where are the demands that the neighborhood of this suspect be forced to go through sensitivity training, and that those who don’t or who fail to successfully complete the training be kicked out of town and have 24 hours to pack their belongings and leave? Where are the counselors and social workers who should be talking to this man’s family and friends about prejudice against The Blue? Where is the outcry that people who kill other people should not be let out of jail? Why aren’t people who don’t wear the badge held to at least an equal standard? Why aren’t people in other towns, cities, and states flooding the streets crying out for justice for those who wear The Badge?

Thinking about such questions makes me angry and my blood boil. Not at just the man who caused this carnage. But mainly at those who so quickly run to judgement against The Badge, but ignore the sin at their own door! Please pray for Sgt. Nick Risner, his family, fellow officers, and his friends. Pray for those self-serving cretinous, moronic, witless idiots who cry out against The Badge–but never support those who wear The Badge when they are out there protecting and serving.

Postscript: The second picture is the banner picture on my son’s Facebook Page. This is how 98% of those who wear The Badge feel when they put on The Badge.

We need more leaders like Sheriff Grady Judd in Polk County Florida!