"What has America become..? 'Chester "Unc" Lau (Source)

Dakinetalk's good friend Chester "Unc" Lau 
 a retired former U.S. Army Master Sergeant 
and original Hawai'i Five-O cinematographer
living the naturist lifestyle on the island of Oahu. Unc 
shares a heart-warming story about man's best friend...
This is a keeper... Enjoy!

The following is a transcript of a letter to the editor that first appeared on June 9, 2010, in the Iosco County News Herald. It is attributed to someone by the name of Ken Huber from Tawas City, Michigan. I feel that is equally relevant 6 months later and maybe it can be a barometer for how the Republican Congress is doing at making inroads into changing the current state of ship in the U.S.

What has America become?

Editor,

Has America become the land of special interest and home of the double standard?

Lets see: if we lie to the Congress, it’s a felony and if the Congress lies to us its just politics; if we dislike a black person, we’re racist and if a black person dislikes whites, its their 1st Amendment right; the government spends millions to rehabilitate criminals and they do almost nothing for the victims; in public schools you can teach that homosexuality is OK, but you better not use the word God in the process; you can kill an unborn child, but it is wrong to execute a mass murderer; we don’t burn books in America, we now rewrite them; we got rid of communist and socialist threats by renaming them progressive; we are unable to close our border with Mexico, but have no problem protecting the 38th parallel in Korea; if you protest against President Obama’s policies you’re a terrorist, but if you burned an American flag or George Bush in effigy it was your 1st Amendment right.

You can have pornography on TV or the internet, but you better not put a nativity scene in a public park during Christmas; we have eliminated all criminals in America, they are now called sick people; we can use a human fetus for medical research, but it is wrong to use an animal.

We take money from those who work hard for it and give it to those who don’t want to work; we all support the Constitution, but only when it supports our political ideology; we still have freedom of speech, but only if we are being politically correct; parenting has been replaced with Ritalin and video games; the land of opportunity is now the land of hand outs; the similarity between Hurricane Katrina and the gulf oil spill is that neither president did anything to help.

And how do we handle a major crisis today? The government appoints a committee to determine who’s at fault, then threatens them, passes a law, raises our taxes; tells us the problem is solved so they can get back to their reelection campaign.

What has happened to the land of the free and home of the brave?

- Ken Huber
Tawas City

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"How to determine whom to vote for..?" 'James "Kimo" Rosen

Hawai'i Governor Neil Abercrombie, Obama Da Dog
and James "Kimo" Rosen talk story on how to determine
whom to vote for... Michael Herr our regular Aloha Friday
Guest-blogger is on sabbatical for a few weeks. we wish him                    
and his wife safe journeys and look forward to his return!

Aloha, Check out my opinion article in the 10-30-12 edition of the  Kaua'i Garden Island news,"How do you choose to vote?" This article was published from this blog!
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-tuesday-oct/article_b6caf9fe-2252-11e2-8a59-0019bb2963f4.html

How does one determine whom to vote for?  There are debates, conventions, advertisements and  rallies where you become familiar with candidates.

Sometimes you personally know someone, or that candidate once did you or a family member a favor. Maybe you just like the looks of one candidate over another, maybe the candidate is the same religion as you or has the same skin color as you. You may even like the political  views of the candidate.  There are as many ways of determining who to vote for as there are fish in the sea.

My method is somewhat unconventional, being a news junkie and a huge fan of late night comedy I enjoy the candidates that  makes news for controversial things and are easy to make fun of. Remember George W. Bush? The Late night comedians had  their hey day when Dubya was in office. He was easy to impersonate and make fun of as was Sara Palin.

With that said I like being entertained and really don't believe one man  or woman will make a difference. Therefore I vote for the candidate that is most easy to mock, make fun  of and ridicule. The ones that always make news with something stupid they did, or the ones that are easy to make jokes about.

How I long for the days of Dubya, Clinton and Jimmy Carter.

Aloha, Check out my opinion article in the 10-30-12 edition of the  Kaua'i Garden Island news,"How do you choose to vote?" This article was published from this blog!
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/mailbag/letters-for-tuesday-oct/article_b6caf9fe-2252-11e2-8a59-0019bb2963f4.html

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"A law for everything, and for everything a law..." James "Kimo" Rosen



"There's a law for everything and for everything a law..."

 It seems everyday there's a host of new laws being approved, locally, statewide and nationally.

There are laws against possessing toy guns in some states, laws against smoking even in ones home, laws to protect fruit flies and many other animals, there's even laws against oral sex in some states.

There's seems to be a law for everything and for everything a law.

 What's next, a law to say I cannot fart?   ;D)


Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"If They Lose The Good Book..." 'Bettejo Dux' (Classic Wedensday)

Guest-blogger Bettejo Dux is one of Kauai's most delightful  people, she has lived on the cosmic island of Kaua'i for over 40 years... She is an animal lover, people lover and enjoys life to the fullest. Today she talks about the age old subject  of God, Religion, the Bible  and her good friend Kurt Vonnegut Jr. Enjoy..!   www.bettejodux.com

IF THEY LOSE THE BOOK

I think it’s time we addressed the forbidden subject. The good Book. The Bible. The Christian fundamentalist quotes the Book-that’s the Old and the New Testament- constantly. It’s the word of God. He wrote it. He is it. Without it they have nothing. Lose the book and you lose the God.

Now Jesus Christ, if there was such a person, is another kettle of fish. Kurt Vonnegut-one of my favorite non believers – seated here beside me at the bar,  said, “If Christ had not delivered the Sermon on the Mount, with the message of mercy and pity, I wouldn't want to be a human being. I’d just as soon be a rattlesnake.”

I nodded, “He’s another of my favorite human being.” We drank to that. “I really liked him. Didn't much like his mother. Constantine hauled her ass off to heaven on my birthday.”
He nodded. “August 15th,” he took a swig.  ”The Assumption. Not certain of the year. Never bought the story.  Got diddled by a God? Doubt it…”

“The Jehovah’s don’t have a problem with that. According to  Rutherford he was the son of god but not god. Still stuck with big daddy, tho.”  I pondered and took a bite of cheese and crackers.
‘…yep,” Kurt went on. “They’re stuck with that. Stuff came gushing outta him.”
“If my assumption, not hers, is correct. You gotta buy the whole deal. No book. No God.”
“… you got salsa? I feel armless without  salsa on my cracker. “
I nodded. “Careful. It’s hot as hell.”

“No book. No god. No hell…”
“..won’t miss it.”
“They can fart balderdash about whether he’s real or not. Deal is who’s he belong to?”
“Why’s he always a he? If  a lady wrote the book…”
“…terror to wake up one morning and find your high school sweetie wrote it…”
“…would he still be a he? Would he still hate women?”
“…Good stuff.” He took another glug.
“…friend brought it. Costs 125 buck a bottle.”
We were sloshing. “Which one’s him?”

“… The tenor in the room next door. Gunslinger. He’ll pass out pretty quick. Or get thrown out. Or knocked out. Or come in and try to drain the bottle.”
“So it goes. Do Be Do Be Do. Sometimes I have the disease. Alcohol.”

The telephone rang.
“That too.”
“Maybe it’s him.”
“Ask him over. Sounds like the party’s gettin’ rough. What’s that they’re singin’?”
“A friend of mine wrote it. ‘Humping the thumpers.’ Give those guys a itch and their dirty minds take over,” and away I went.

The gunslinger was as shnoozoled as Kurt and me, but polite. He could be charming. I asked the Mick to join us. He shook his head. The thumpers were humping. The humpers pumping. The guy on the drum was beating the canvas.
“In a mood to debate?”
“Always in a mood to..” he hiccuped, “…debate.”
“Lost your book?”
“Nope. Got it. Right here.” he waved his arm.
“You’re really snookered,” I giggled “That’s not a book that’s a catcher’s mitt.”

  Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

Bettejo  also  publishes her own blog column.

You can check it out at ;  http://www.bettejo.wordpress.com .   Besides her blog she recently published and authored the humorous fiction book, "The Scam," check it out at(www.bettejodux.com) or  on Amazon.

http://www.bettejodux.com/

"Master of Debates,Obama Lacks Testosterone ...‏" 'Obama Da Dog'

Testosterone was definitely lacking in the
recent Presidential debate. Next debate we recommend
The President sleep alone the night before the debate.
Football players, baseball players and Prize fighters stay
away from their wives and girlfriend's the night before
any big game or fight to save the Testosterone for
when it's needed most...

President Obama was clearly lacking in his masterful debate skills of years past in  the October 3, 2012 presidential debate with Mitt Romney.

President Obama is known as a great debater and he just crashed seeming not interested and lacking emotion. They say if you turned the sound off during the debate, the facial expressions and body language alone won it for Mitt Romney. Body language and expressions is 90% of winning an audience.

It was also the presidents 20th wedding anniversary that night  and folks are saying that  it's quite possible the Obama's celebrated  with some marital relations before the debate thus mellowing him and dropping his testosterone level.

Professional football  and baseball players along with prize fighters and other male athletes are many times told the night before the big game, or big fight to stay away from your wives and girlfriend, do not have sex because it can relax  you too much.

For the next debates, I recommend the President  stay in  a separate room from Michelle  the night before the debate and to come full of testosterone  and some good zingers. 

 If all else fails Viagra and Androgel could  bring a win for the Democrats to the next debate.

 Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"FALL HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED..." 'Judith Whitehead' (Inspiration Monday)

Guest-blogger Judy Whitehead is back talking about the beauty of
Fall on the east coast of the United states. Judy lives in Amherst N.Y.
 and has worked in the medical profession for over 30 years...

photo courtesy of Judith Whitehead

FALL HAS OFFICIALLY ARRIVED


WHEN THE MORNINGS ARE IN THE 50’S AND THE NIGHTS DROP DOWN INTO THE 40’S…YOU KNOW THAT FALL HAS ARRIVED FOR SURE.

 No longer are the flowers blooming; the leaves are all changing now and falling to the ground. There is a certain beauty to fall with all its brilliant colors as the life drains from the sap in the trees and one last burst of color surrounds us.

 It is a photographers delight to take a drive into the country as we did this last week. We spent the day taking pictures hoping to get the most perfect one for our collection.

The days still are sunny but at night  dampness surrounds us and the furnace has to be put on to take that chill out of the air.

It is also count down time as my son will be getting married in 5 short quick weeks; last minute things are being arranged and checked off and now the wedding can take place since my outfit is complete to wear to their wedding, lol. My younger son is still enjoying 100 degree days on the other end of the united States and still able to wear flip flops. Better pack some warm clothes for next months event.

Hana Hou, (Encore)  Shared from Facebook...

"A Daughter, A Father, And a Dog... 'Chester "Unc" Lau' (Source)

Dakinetalk's good friend Chester "Unc" Lau 
 a retired former U.S. Army Master Sergeant 
and original Hawai'i Five-O cinematographer
living the naturist lifestyle on the island of Oahu. Unc 
shares a heart-warming story about man's best friend...
This is a keeper... Enjoy!

A Daughter, A Father, And a Dog - A true story by Catherine Moore

"Watch out! You nearly broad sided that car!" My father yelled at me. "Can't you do anything right?"

Those words hurt worse than blows. I turned my head toward the elderly man in the seat beside me, daring me to challenge him. A lump rose in my throat as I averted my eyes. I wasn't prepared for another battle.

"I saw the car, Dad . Please don't yell at me when I'm driving.."

My voice was measured and steady, sounding far calmer than I really felt.

Dad glared at me, then turned away and settled back. At home I left Dad in front of the television and went outside to collect my
thoughts..... dark, heavy clouds hung in the air with a promise of
rain. The rumble of distant thunder seemed to echo my inner turmoil. What could I do about him?

Dad had been a lumberjack in Washington and Oregon . He had enjoyed being outdoors and had reveled in pitting his strength against the forces of nature. He had entered grueling lumberjack competitions, and had placed often. The shelves in his house were filled with trophies that attested to his prowess.

The years marched on relentlessly. The first time he couldn't lift a heavy log, he joked about it; but later that same day I saw him
outside alone, straining to lift it.. He became irritable whenever
anyone teased him about his advancing age, or when he couldn't do something he had done as a younger man.

Four days after his sixty-seventh birthday, he had a heart attack. An ambulance sped him to the hospital while a paramedic administered CPR to keep blood and oxygen flowing.

At the hospital, Dad was rushed into an operating room. He was lucky; he survived. But something inside Dad died. His zest for life was gone. He obstinately refused to follow doctor's orders. Suggestions and offers of help were turned aside with sarcasm and insults. The number of visitors thinned, then finally stopped altogether. Dad was left alone..

My husband, Dick, and I asked Dad to come live with us on our small farm. We hoped the fresh air and rustic atmosphere would help him adjust.

Within a week after he moved in, I regretted the invitation. It seemed nothing was satisfactory. He criticized everything I did. I became frustrated and moody. Soon I was taking my pent-up anger out on Dick. We began to bicker and argue.

Alarmed, Dick sought out our pastor and explained the situation. The clergyman set up weekly counseling appointments for us. At the close of each session he prayed, asking God to soothe Dad's troubled mind.

But the months wore on and God was silent. Something had to be done and it was up to me to do it.

The next day I sat down with the phone book and methodically called each of the mental health clinics listed in the Yellow Pages. I explained my problem to each of the sympathetic voices that answered in vain.

Just when I was giving up hope, one of the voices suddenly exclaimed, "I just read something that might help you! Let me go get the article.."

I listened as she read. The article described a remarkable study done at a nursing home. All of the patients were under treatment for chronic depression. Yet their attitudes had proved dramatically when they were given responsibility for a dog..

I drove to the animal shelter that afternoon.. After I filled out a
questionnaire, a uniformed officer led me to the kennels. The odor of disinfectant stung my nostrils as I moved down the row of pens Each contained five to seven dogs. Long-haired dogs, curly-haired dogs, black dogs, spotted dogs all jumped up, trying to reach me. I studied each one but rejected one after the other for various reasons too big, too small, too much hair. As I neared the last pen a dog in the shadows of the far corner struggled to his feet, walked to the front of the run and sat down. It was a pointer, one of the dog world's aristocrats. But this was a caricature of the breed.

Years had etched his face and muzzle with shades of gray. His hip bones jutted out in lopsided triangles. But it was his eyes that caught and held my attention. Calm and clear, they beheld me unwaveringly.

I pointed to the dog. "Can you tell me about him?" The officer looked, then shook his head in puzzlement. "He's a funny one. Appeared out of nowhere and sat in front of the gate. We brought him in, figuring someone would be right down to claim him. That was two weeks ago and we've heard nothing. His time is up tomorrow." He gestured helplessly.

As the words sank in I turned to the man in horror.. "You mean you're going to kill him?"

"Ma'am," he said gently, "that's our policy. We don't have room for every unclaimed dog."

I looked at the pointer again. The calm brown eyes awaited my
decision. "I'll take him," I said. I drove home with the dog on the
front seat beside me.. When I reached the house I honked the horn twice. I was helping my prize out of the car when Dad shuffled onto the front porch... "Ta-da! Look what I got for you, Dad !" I said excitedly.

Dad looked, then wrinkled his face in disgust. "If I had wanted a dog I would have gotten one. And I would have picked out a better specimen than that bag of bones. Keep it! I don't want it" Dad waved his arm scornfully and turned back toward the house.

Anger rose inside me.. It squeezed together my throat muscles and pounded into my temples. "You'd better get used to him, Dad. He's staying!"

Dad ignored me.. "Did you hear me, Dad ?" I screamed. At those words Dad whirled angrily, his hands clenched at his sides, his eyes narrowed and blazing with hate. We stood glaring at each other like duelists, when suddenly the pointer pulled free from my grasp. He wobbled toward my dad and sat down in front of him. Then slowly, carefully, he raised his paw..

Dad's lower jaw trembled as he stared at the uplifted paw confusion replaced the anger in his eyes. The pointer waited patiently. Then Dad was on his knees hugging the animal.

It was the beginning of a warm and intimate friendship. Dad named the pointer Cheyenne . Together he and Cheyenne explored the community. They spent long hours walking down dusty lanes. They spent reflective moments on the banks of streams, angling for tasty trout. They even started to attend Sunday services together, Dad sitting in a pew and Cheyenne lying quietly at his feet.

Dad and Cheyenne were inseparable throughout the next three years. Dad's bitterness faded, and he and Cheyenne made many friends. Then late one night I was startled to feel Cheyenne's cold nose burrowing through our bed covers. He had never before come into our bedroom at night.. I woke Dick, put on my robe and ran into my father's room. Dad lay in his bed, his face serene. But his spirit had left quietly sometime during the night.

Two days later my shock and grief deepened when I discovered Cheyenne lying dead beside Dad's bed. I wrapped his still form in the rag rug he had slept on. As Dick and I buried him near a favorite fishing hole, I silently thanked the dog for the help he had given me in restoring Dad's peace of mind.

The morning of Dad's funeral dawned overcast and dreary. This day looks like the way I feel, I thought, as I walked down the aisle to the pews reserved for family. I was surprised to see the many friends Dad and Cheyenne had made filling the church.. The pastor began his eulogy. It was a tribute to both Dad and the dog who had changed his life.

And then the pastor turned to Hebrews 13:2. "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."

"I've often thanked God for sending that angel," he said.

For me, the past dropped into place, completing a puzzle that I had not seen before: the sympathetic voice that had just read the right article... Cheyenne's unexpected appearance at the animal shelter .
...his calm acceptance and complete devotion to my father. . and the proximity of their deaths. And suddenly I understood. I knew that God had answered my prayers after all.

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