Fear is UnAmerican

Listening to the speeches from the Democratic Convention, I believe that they are striking a chord with the people, not only Democrats but the rest of this country.

I grew up in Canada. Americans impressed me always and even today with their swagger. They had that confidence. There was nothing that could not be done and no challenge that could not be met. They were in my eyes, totally unafraid. I have begun to develop that American swagger. I fight my instincts and do my best to rise to any occasion. I became unafraid, I became an American. I fly almost weekly. Do I worry about it? No, not at all. If someone decides to blow up he plane, there is very little I can do about it. I have a belief that the system and the diligence of the American people would not allow that to happen. We are, after all, Americans. I remain unafraid.

I do not wish to offend anyone. I wil never forget how I felt on September 11, 2001. I remember hoe I felt the weeks, afterwards, the months afterwards. But what impressed me is how the nation rebounded. How the people took on the task of chasing and catching the terrorists. They beging the task of restoring business. The people were resilient. Americans will never forget but for the most part, they have moved on and restored the swagger. Everyone, except the Republican government and the President. They insist on reliving 9/11. They periodically inject fear into the poplulation. After what happened in Spain, is there any doubt that a group of terrorists may try something. Of course they would. Do the people need Tom Ridge reminding  usof this fact? No.....especially he has no details as to where this would happen or when...that is a waste. It is fear mongering.  How foolish do you feel today having bought plastic wrap and duct tape. Or looking at bunker plans and safe rooms.

So here is the Republican party. the party that represents individual rights and claims to trust the people more than the government having news conferences to spread fear. The message is we are looking out for your back. Living in fear does not allow one to "think the think". They have used 9/11 to sent us into survival thinking, reactionary thinking. America is a country of ideals and the greatest thinkers and minds in the world. These minds. all the minds of the American people need to be nourished not sent into fear. That is exactly where the Republicans would like us to be. Instead of swagger, the Republicans chose to be bullies. Americans do not need to be bullies. Bullies rule by fear but are afraid themselves. American ideals are what impressed the world. Communism was destroyed by the ideals of democracy. A shot was never sent in the direction of Russia. Somewhere, sometime, the neocons forgot the greatness of this country that was fostered by the greatest presidents. including Ronald Reagan.  

Well. my friends,isten to the what the Democrats say. They have impressed me. They are the true patriots,the true Americans in this election...they have the swagger.

Update:

I cought a summer cold and my hockey games this weekend have been cancelled. I have a feeling there are factors conspiring against me...or maybe I just have a cold and the rink is being repaired. In otherwords, life. The threat level has not been reased as a result of ice repairs at the arena. Thought you would like to know.

Walmarted,....yet again

This past Saturday, I was Walmarted. What is being Walmarted? Being Walmarted when you either lose all control of your senses or you accidentally wander into Walmart. This ususally happens in a moment of weakness. well, at least in my case. My wife asked if I would join her going to Walmart. I needed a new razor, why not. My wife had to return the Waterpic she bought. Apparently, our dentist suggested the model we purchased did not have enough pressure. Instead, we were getting the Waterpic Powerwash. This is the one that features micropulverized diamond dust which acts to blast the plaque in between teeth and sandblast the enamel on the teeth. Of course, the first few times you use it your gums will bleed profusely as they are shredded. However, over time your gums will build enough scar tissue that you will barely feel diamond dust. Hey, anything for pearly whites.

I digress, So, in this moment of weakness, the offer of a drive in the minivan, I went to Walmart. I hate the place. All I needed was a razor. I could have gone to the local pharmacy. Unfortunately, Walmart has driven all these places out of business. What is my problem with Walmart? It is their arrogance and flat out misrepresentation.  Where do I start? Let's start with the flags they wave. Have you ever seen anything made in this country sold in a Walmart. Their TV ads where a father discusses the great health plan Walmart provides. Of course, none of the clerks who work in the store can afford the costs to be in the plan. But why bring up that fact. They treat their employees poorly. They beat on their suppliers. Unfortunately, the suppliers have little choice but to cave. Reason being Walmert was allowed by the government to simply become too big.  Also, those ads where they proved those lovely stores about how at Walmart you can start working below the poverty line and aspire to well, get above the poverty line.

All this was bad enough but then I discovered a more shocking fact about Walmart. In Canada, yes Walmarts have invaded Canada, you can buy a hockey stick at Walmart. I was dismayed. There they were wooden sticks and the new fangled two piece composite sticks. Is anything sacred to these people in Bentonville, ARKANSAS. They do not play ice hockey in Arkansas. Well, at least, I know of no pro player from Arkansas. Hockey sticks should be bought at the ice rink or a specialty sports store. I don't care if Walmart sells Golf Clubs, balls, baseball or football equipment. They do that in Arkansas...But not hockey. That is where I have to draw the line.

My plan is to behave with a clearer head in the future. Walmart will be followed by a No, Thank You...leave me at Borders, please.

Update on the hockey team......I missed the game Sunday. I am not sure but we probably lost. I had to travel..business....I would rather have been playing ice hockey.

Thanks for reading

Introduction

My wife has suggested that I invest enough time with this laptop that I should consider doing something useful with it for a change. She is right. So, at her behest, I have become a blogger. I really never really aspired to such dizzying heights in my life, so I am here now.

(I also happen to enjoy writing...Commenting on the human condition.  I will attempt to be light and funny. There is too much serious stuff going on anyway.)

A little about the name...hockeycestmoi....Well, I play ice hockey. Let me correct that I love playing ice hockey. I try to play as much as twice a week. If I could, I would play three times a week. How long I will play really depends on well how long my knee can take it. I am middle aged but that does not stop me from lacing it up with the kids. I was drafted this summer to be a team captain...So far, we are 0 and 3 and have been outscored about 40 to 3. My team was assembled from players who had no team. Now, here is the thing about hockey players. They love the game. My teammates save for two are in their forties and one fifty year old. (That guy is my hero.) Even though we are getting killed, now, we will be there every Sunday, ready  to take on these kids. I do expect a turnaround though.  Did I mention my optimism?

Last two seasons, I played on the championship team. I say play..But really I got to watch these guys fly n the ice and every once in a while score a goal or make a great pass. That was great. This season is a challenge. We will do it.

Aside from hockey, I have a serious job. You need to do something to pay the bills. I may express my opinions on the the corporate world later and the hypocrisy of it all. I reside in the Northeast US. Ok..I live in Jersey.....Well that at least is where I have been sentenced by my carrier. There is more to New ersey than just Atlantic City, the shore and the Newark airport. At least that is what the guide says. When I find what else there is, I promise to let you know. And, yes, I am not from New Jersey. I am a foreigner. My status is a resident alien. Thus, I cannot vote in this country. So my politics are not important...Yeah, right. I am a proud liberal and not afraid of it. I wish more liberals would stand up and say that.

Hey, my first post. I did it. I guess now I have to fill in such nonsense as template, profile and settings. I guess that officially makes me a blogger. I can't wait to tell my mother.