I have to go easy on this attempt.

The last time I quit drinking it for any length of time, there was a nosedive of their stock value, and I just can’t be responsible for that much money being lost again.

Yes, my loving wife, I have one in front of me, and I think one day at a time is a pretty good idea.

Next week I will try again.

I have been BlogExlposion surfing and I have noticed a “theme,” if you will, on the Liberal leaning blogs about how to improve the “American Democracy” or words to that effect.

We don’t live in a democracy. Your vote is not directly tabulated on election day. We live in a Representative Republic (I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the REPUBLIC for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all).

Your vote is counted toward the electoral college, which then casts a bloc vote for your area. That is how you can win the “popular” vote and still lose the election. One area with 10,000 voters has 8,000 votes for person A and 2,000 votes for person B will file an electoral vote for person A; two other areas of 5,000 voters each has 3,000 votes for person B and 2,000 votes for person A will file one vote each for person B. Yes, A had 12,000 popular votes and B only had 8,000 popular votes, but the electoral votes were 2 to 1 for B.

You want my respect? You want me to consider your point of view? Get your facts straight, and then write. Calling the USofA a Democracy is not having your facts straight.

After much trial and many errors, over in the left column you will see a listing for the Preface of “The Wisconsin Cartters” written by my paternal Grandfather, which has an update from me. I am waiting for permission from Rural Life Press (provided they are still in business), but I don’t foresee any problems, since it is my Grandfather’s work, and he has since passed away.

Anyway – check it out.

In the July 2005 issue of Wood & Wood Products (I did tell you I work at a Big Cabinet Shop, right?) there is an article that illustrates a perfect economic circle – unfortunately.

From the article:

“A petition for Trade Adjustment Assistance filed by employees of Broyhill Furniture Industries’ corporate offices in Lenoir was certified June 13 by the U.S. Department of Labor.”

(quick note – the TAA provides funds for retraining of employees who lose their job because of import competition)

“According to the Lincoln Tribune, under this certification, all employees of the corporate office who lost their jobs or incurred a reduction in hours on or after April 18, 2004 are eligible for TAA benefits. (…)

Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-NC) asked the DOL to expedite the petition, filed by employees on May 4, and another petition filed for employees of the two Lenoir plants that will close as a result of consolidation plans announced last month by company officials. (…)”

Here’s the interesting part – as far as I know, Broyhill merged with an overseas competitor in April of 2004. Broyhill’s operations have been “consolidating” with those of the overseas offices and plants ever since, thus causing the state side plants to be shuttered and the offices to be closed.

So – by becoming import competition WITH THEMSELVES they have incurred governmental benefits. Instead of helping Broyhill, the government should be making the company pay for the retraining themselves. But no, Broyhill gets a free ride on this one, keeping their “American Made” name, and importing the majority of their product line from overseas factories.

What a load of cow manure.

But such a perfect circle, don’t you think?

The speed limit on the surface streets along my morning commute route is 40 miles per hour. Forty. Four. Zero.

I will be traveling at a speed between 40 and 45. I have allowed for plenty of time, taking into consideration the variables of stop lights and trains, for my commute, so I don’t have to rush while I am driving.

By the way, I will also be in the lane I need in order to make my next turn. I used my turn signal to get here, and you will know when I plan to turn next by virtue of the same set of turn signals.

You do not impress me by swerving around me at a high rate of speed, cutting back in front of me, flipping me off, and then slamming on your brakes to make the turn from the wrong lane. You make me wish I had the power of the law behind me to pull you over and arrest you for aggressive driving. And reckless operation. And failure to control your speed. And failure to signal lane change. And failure to obey posted traffic laws. And general stupidity. Wait – that last one’s not against the law.

Yet.