Successful and happy retirement includes, among other activities, daily rigorous physical exercise. In my case, this takes the form of stretching, weight lifting (lifting for tone; definitely not for body building contests), abdominal exercises, and cycling. Road cycling to be precise, usually 2.5 to 3 hours each and every morning. On this particular morning, it came to me that cycling is a metaphor for life in America.
First, no one gave me the carbon fiber road cycle I ride each morning. An relatively expensive machine, I worked part-time to earn the funds for its purchase. I did not disadvantage my wife, nor did I shirk my other financial obligations to acquire the bike. I did not start a GoFundMe project. I did not go on Facebook demanding friends, relatives, and acquaintances open their wallets to buy the bike. In other words, I worked and earned the money for the purchase.
Next, each morning I enjoy the absolute freedom of deciding my goals for the day, the route to be ridden, and the amount of effort to be expended. I do not expect, nor do I even desire, some government office to issue a decree telling me where to ride, when, how far, or at what pace. This freedom is quintessentially American.
I choose to face each new day, without expecting or asking someone to take my place, pay my way, excuse a day of sloth, or disadvantage themselves. Sometimes it is difficult to rise for the day's ride, but individual perseverance and determination prevail.
Each morning I join the overwhelming majority of my fellow citizens in obeying the laws essential to creating and maintaining a safe environment, as we move along the roadways. Relying upon their willing obedience, as I cycle through an intersection. I rely on them, just as they rely on me. The essential element of a civil society.
The results of this rigorous exercise are directly proportional to the effort I put in, so don't put in a half-ass effort expecting great results. I don't look to the government to take someone else's hard earned results and give them to me. Thus the achievements each morning are my own. And as such, of greater personal value.
I do not interfere with fellow citizens pursuing their objectives, nor do they (as a rule) interfere with me. This is more than just obeying the laws, it is letting others pursue their own objectives and follow their own dreams. Each of us enjoying the same freedoms, by not putting obstacles of any kind in each others way. If they are being more successful, riding farther and faster, I don't set out to block their efforts.
Among the freedoms is choosing the hills and their associated challenges. It is not taking the easy way, nor is it avoiding challenges, like so many in government and academia would have us do. Is every challenge overcome in exactly the desired manner? Of course not. Some days the hills seem a bit steeper and longer than other days. But even when the day's challenges are daunting, giving up is not an option.
Unlike many activists, so-called journalists, academics, and politicians who preach that challenges can't be overcome, my morning cycling demonstrates they can be. On those challenging days, sometimes what seemed like an exceptionally arduous outing actually produced new personal records. Surprising myself with greater than expected achievements. Again, these are my achievements, not "free" gifts from some government. But if the results are less than desired, there is no penalty for trying. Just the opposite.
Just like days in our lives, there is coasting along in some areas, balanced with pressing hard in others. Some parts of each day's ride are relatively easy, just as some days at work are easier than others. Again, some days require more effort, just as is the case in life generally. At work. At home. It doesn't matter, some days are just harder than others. But that does not provide reason to fail to show up and try. It does not justify sitting on one's arse complaining, let along expecting the government, school administrators, or others to make the day easier. There is fulfillment when overcoming adversity. There is joy of achievement when excelling.
That fulfillment and joy are only possible if we engage life, if we put forth effort, if we display determination, if we just simply work hard.
Yep, all of that is what I experience each day when cycling. And all of that is what life in America is all about.
Friday, August 31, 2018
Friday, August 24, 2018
#29aday
In the San Diego region, a report by Pauline Repard in the San Diego Union-Tribune tells of a special unit, "the District Attorney’s DUI Homicide Unit, created four years ago and led by Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright."
Definitely a good start, even if belated.
The piece continues reporting on recent convictions. Following is the listing of the convictions from the article. Emphasis is mine.
For the other four, the average sentence was 8.75 years. Let that sink in, less than 10 years for killing someone. To put it in perspective, the maximum penalty for a first-degree burglary offense is six years.
The District Attorney's office is to be applauded for their reported aggressive prosecution of those accused of causing death while DUI. But more aggressive prosecution of all DUI, with much stiffer sentences, just might prevent some needless loss of life. In the above, one-third of those convicted of killing someone while DUI had previous DUI convictions. That is a pretty good indicator.
In the above cases, maybe two of the victims would still be alive.
Definitely a good start, even if belated.
The piece continues reporting on recent convictions. Following is the listing of the convictions from the article. Emphasis is mine.
- Marco Antonio Pastor, 31. On Aug. 1, a jury in a re-trial found him guilty of second-degree murder for an Oct. 12, 2015 head-on crash that killed Joseph Howard Crews, 77, on East Mission Road in Oceanside. Pastor had two prior DUI convictions. He faces 15 years to life in prison.
- Ricardo Vargas, 33, pleaded guilty on Aug. 2 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for a March 27 crash on state Route 78 that killed his passenger, Martha Zulema Martinez Arambula. He faces six years in prison.
- Felix Ruiz Bazan, 26, pleaded guilty on Aug. 6 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for being under the influence of meth when he veered into a bike lane on state Route 76 in Oceanside on Aug. 31, 2017, killing record-setting endurance cyclist Paul Cornish, 70. Bazan has agreed to a 10-year prison sentence.
- Chloe Gordon, 20, pleaded guilty on Aug. 7 to gross vehicular manslaughter for speeding and crashing her own SUV on state Route 15 on May 8, 2017. Another driver, Chi Ho Michael Lee, 42, smashed into the SUV and died. Gordon faces four years in prison.
- Michael Gray, 50, pleaded guilty on Aug. 9, the day of trial, to second-degree murder with two serious felony priors. He killed tow truck operator Fred Griffith, 55, on the shoulder of state Route 52 near Santee in a hit-and-run on Feb. 23, 2017. He has three DUI priors and faces 25 years to life in prison.
- Joshua Ness, 33, pleaded guilty Aug. 14 to gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated for the hit-and-run death of Michael O’Rourke as he walked across East Second Street in El Cajon on Oct. 10, 2017. He will receive a stipulated 15-year sentence.
For the other four, the average sentence was 8.75 years. Let that sink in, less than 10 years for killing someone. To put it in perspective, the maximum penalty for a first-degree burglary offense is six years.
The District Attorney's office is to be applauded for their reported aggressive prosecution of those accused of causing death while DUI. But more aggressive prosecution of all DUI, with much stiffer sentences, just might prevent some needless loss of life. In the above, one-third of those convicted of killing someone while DUI had previous DUI convictions. That is a pretty good indicator.
In the above cases, maybe two of the victims would still be alive.
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Tuesday's view
This article about details concerning the multiple count indictment against Congressman Duncan Hunter and his wife is the source of considerable anger.
If he is found guilty of the charges, mad as hell won't even cover it.
The source of the is not just that a member of Congress is alleged to have expended campaign funds for personal use. Hell, it's likely lots if not all of them have.
What angers me most is that a fellow Marine Corps officer is accused of these crimes. It is insulting and embarrassing!
Officers of Marines are held to higher standards of integrity, ethics, accountability, and responsibility. It is simply a basic job requirement.
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
The brotherhood of officers of Marines should be sore, angry, pissed off, and just plain mad.
If Hunter and his wife are convicted, they must go to jail.
Update: Now Hunter blames it all on his wife. What kind of a poor excuse for a man throws his bride under the bus?
If he is found guilty of the charges, mad as hell won't even cover it.
The source of the is not just that a member of Congress is alleged to have expended campaign funds for personal use. Hell, it's likely lots if not all of them have.
What angers me most is that a fellow Marine Corps officer is accused of these crimes. It is insulting and embarrassing!
Officers of Marines are held to higher standards of integrity, ethics, accountability, and responsibility. It is simply a basic job requirement.
Once a Marine, always a Marine.
The brotherhood of officers of Marines should be sore, angry, pissed off, and just plain mad.
If Hunter and his wife are convicted, they must go to jail.
Update: Now Hunter blames it all on his wife. What kind of a poor excuse for a man throws his bride under the bus?
Monday, August 20, 2018
Gray Beard Monday
Alas, Sturgis 2018 is now history. Speaking of the annual biker migration with a fellow rider earlier today (neither of us joined the festivities this year), the shortest route from San Diego to the Black Hills is riding up I-15 through the desert.
It might look picturesque to some, but it definitely isn't when the triple digit temperatures make it feel like riding through a blast furnace. Mile after mile in the heat isn't ideal by any circumstances. It actually sucks big time. And riding at night is risky, due to the critters out on the pavement. But I drift off topic. Sturgis has passed and the annual summer road trip has yet to be accomplished, so some serious planning is in order.
Maybe up one of the perennial favorites, the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) into Oregon?
Now that's more like it! A truly marvelous ride, heading north or south, particularly with a buddy.
Wait a minute, though. I haven't checked, but the wildfires might exclude large sections of this near perfect route.
It might look picturesque to some, but it definitely isn't when the triple digit temperatures make it feel like riding through a blast furnace. Mile after mile in the heat isn't ideal by any circumstances. It actually sucks big time. And riding at night is risky, due to the critters out on the pavement. But I drift off topic. Sturgis has passed and the annual summer road trip has yet to be accomplished, so some serious planning is in order.
Maybe up one of the perennial favorites, the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) into Oregon?
Now that's more like it! A truly marvelous ride, heading north or south, particularly with a buddy.
Maybe with a stop for a bite at the Whale Watcher Inn.
Wait a minute, though. I haven't checked, but the wildfires might exclude large sections of this near perfect route.
Keerapp! Guess I shouldn't plan on riding the PCH this year.
Back to the map to plan something adventurous for this year's ride. Stay tuned for updates.
Before finishing this post, it's only appropriate to offer a bit of humor to fellow bikers, with a big shout out to the V-twin crowd. Check out this link, turn up the speakers, and prepare to chuckle.
Friday, August 17, 2018
Standing for one who stood for us
A picture is worth a thousand words, as the saying goes. In this one, military veterans from the SoCal Patriot Guard Riders serve as pall bearers for a homeless Marine Corps veteran who was killed by a hit-and-run driver, while he slept on the sidewalk.
Standing for one who stood for us.
Standing for one who stood for us.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Thursday gray beard views
It might be taken from this New York Post story that Colin Kaepernick was more interested in money than his protests. By passing on a job offer, admittedly for less money, he also passed on being able to continue his protest on field. Of course, one might compare less money to no money.
Thinking of his protest, he's my take. He can and certainly did choose to "take a knee" during the playing of the National Anthem. And teams have chosen not to hire him. To those who scream First Amendment, that actually prohibits the government from "abridging the freedom of speech." Private entities are not so constrained, unless specific black letter law or court opinions refer. A private, read business entity, can assign consequences to employees for their speech (which courts have determined includes some actions). The actual First Amendment wording: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Mr. Kaepernick, there are consequences for our actions. Some pleasant, some not.
On another hot button topic, this Washington Post photo story looked at teachers training to carry firearms on campus. From limited experience on three school campuses (a middle school, a university, and a combined middle/high school), after a 30 year active duty military including an assignment in providing physical security, I have concerns. From the limited experienced previously described, I'd fear arming the wannabe, weak willed, hesitant in a firefight, unwilling to take a life (those thinking just pointing a weapon ends the gunfight), and general teachers and staff. To be sure, there are some that could/would do that which is necessary to protect the students and end the threat, those who would march to the sound of gunfire and react appropriately. But they are a small number at each site. Of course, others most likely would not seek to arm themselves. But there may be those seeking to impress or believing a gun safety course properly prepares them. Further, site administrators are not qualified to decide who should/should not be armed. RIGOROUS, scenario based, realistic CQB (close quarters battle) training and evaluation, qualification, and regular re-qualification run by law enforcement is the right protocol for districts considering arming teachers. As a fellow veteran observed, shooting holes in paper targets that do not shoot back, all the while wearing ear protectors, isn't all that hard. Engaging a gunman intent on killing you and others is dramatically, drastically different.
Regarding an earlier blog about #29aday and deaths from DUI/DWI, thought it might be useful to note that on average, 3,287 people per day died in motor vehicle incidents in 2016. That exceeds the entire population of Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Union, Connecticut; or Blue Ridge, Georgia.
On a positive note, according to this story, the university of Memphis is offering free tuition to the children and spouses of fallen service members. Well Done! And it demonstrates that Congress or state legislatures do not have to be the source of helping others.
Thinking of his protest, he's my take. He can and certainly did choose to "take a knee" during the playing of the National Anthem. And teams have chosen not to hire him. To those who scream First Amendment, that actually prohibits the government from "abridging the freedom of speech." Private entities are not so constrained, unless specific black letter law or court opinions refer. A private, read business entity, can assign consequences to employees for their speech (which courts have determined includes some actions). The actual First Amendment wording: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Mr. Kaepernick, there are consequences for our actions. Some pleasant, some not.
On another hot button topic, this Washington Post photo story looked at teachers training to carry firearms on campus. From limited experience on three school campuses (a middle school, a university, and a combined middle/high school), after a 30 year active duty military including an assignment in providing physical security, I have concerns. From the limited experienced previously described, I'd fear arming the wannabe, weak willed, hesitant in a firefight, unwilling to take a life (those thinking just pointing a weapon ends the gunfight), and general teachers and staff. To be sure, there are some that could/would do that which is necessary to protect the students and end the threat, those who would march to the sound of gunfire and react appropriately. But they are a small number at each site. Of course, others most likely would not seek to arm themselves. But there may be those seeking to impress or believing a gun safety course properly prepares them. Further, site administrators are not qualified to decide who should/should not be armed. RIGOROUS, scenario based, realistic CQB (close quarters battle) training and evaluation, qualification, and regular re-qualification run by law enforcement is the right protocol for districts considering arming teachers. As a fellow veteran observed, shooting holes in paper targets that do not shoot back, all the while wearing ear protectors, isn't all that hard. Engaging a gunman intent on killing you and others is dramatically, drastically different.
Regarding an earlier blog about #29aday and deaths from DUI/DWI, thought it might be useful to note that on average, 3,287 people per day died in motor vehicle incidents in 2016. That exceeds the entire population of Provincetown, Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Union, Connecticut; or Blue Ridge, Georgia.
On a positive note, according to this story, the university of Memphis is offering free tuition to the children and spouses of fallen service members. Well Done! And it demonstrates that Congress or state legislatures do not have to be the source of helping others.
Wednesday, August 15, 2018
#29aday
I noted the following in an earlier post, "According to the NHTSA 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2016, up 1.7 percent from 10,320 in 2015. Per the CDC, that means approximately 29 people are killed every day in alcohol-impaired accidents. This is a preventable tragedy."
Social media activity seems to drive the news cycle, with the main stream media citing this or that from various social media platforms. Terms like trending, posts, hashtag, etc. now are commonplace in news reporting. Indeed, the impact of social media cuts through all sectors of society, to the point of casting near guilt on anyone caught up in one of the countless movements.
If that be the case, why not a #29aday campaign?
Why hasn't this cause been picked up by social justice warriors and activists? Why aren't one or both political parties making this a major issue for the upcoming elections?
29 people a day die in DUI/DWI incidents (is is not an accident when someone chooses to drink then chooses to operate a motor vehicle), yet the social media bubbles appear to ignore it. Of course, that really means the people addicted to social media, including those choosing to weaponize it, don't seem to care about the 29 lives lost each day. Lost in preventable incidents.
Why not a #29aday firestorm across social media?
Social media activity seems to drive the news cycle, with the main stream media citing this or that from various social media platforms. Terms like trending, posts, hashtag, etc. now are commonplace in news reporting. Indeed, the impact of social media cuts through all sectors of society, to the point of casting near guilt on anyone caught up in one of the countless movements.
If that be the case, why not a #29aday campaign?
Why hasn't this cause been picked up by social justice warriors and activists? Why aren't one or both political parties making this a major issue for the upcoming elections?
29 people a day die in DUI/DWI incidents (is is not an accident when someone chooses to drink then chooses to operate a motor vehicle), yet the social media bubbles appear to ignore it. Of course, that really means the people addicted to social media, including those choosing to weaponize it, don't seem to care about the 29 lives lost each day. Lost in preventable incidents.
Why not a #29aday firestorm across social media?
Tuesday, August 14, 2018
Have they thought this through?
A recent New York Post story contained this interesting tidbit, "Empire State law has been turning markedly softer on younger criminals, driven in part by Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s theories that under-21s’ brains are still developing." An extension of Heastie's logic is that under-21s should not be allowed to vote, if they can not be held accountable for their felonious acts. Has Heastie thought this through?
There there is the Tampa Bay Times story about the candidate for the Florida State House who falsified her college degree, including posting what has been characterized as a doctored diploma. After being caught, "I would like to apologize to my family and my supporters for this situation," Howard said in a statement. "It was not my intent to deceive or mislead anyone. I made a mistake in saying that I completed my degree. What I did was wrong and set a bad example for someone seeking public service. I am staying in the race and intend to win and lead by example from now on." A mistake in claiming to have graduated? Hmmm? Let's see, the portion where she says she will, "lead by example from now on" leaves one wondering what she was doing before her misrepresentation (a six syllable word for lying) to the voters? Has she thought this through?
Moving on, a Wall Street Journal story reported "Democratic Socialist congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said last week that 'unemployment is low because everyone has two jobs' and 'people are working 60, 70, 80 hours a week and can barely feed their family.' Yet, according to the story, the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate last "month 7.6 million, or 4.9%, of the 155.5 million working Americans had multiple jobs." Certainly seems Ocasio-Cortez didn't think it through. Of course, according to the piece in the Washington Examiner, she said a report "shows that 'Medicare for all' is actually much more – is actually much cheaper than the current system that we pay right now,” flying in the face of reports of a $32T increase for her Medicare for all proposal. Apart from being less than verbally adroit, it's clear she didn't think this through.
Kind of reminds one of the oft reported Darwin awards for just plain stupidity.
Sunday, August 12, 2018
Seems to be downplayed or just plain ignored
Yet another story of an allegedly impaired driver killing someone. In this case, the incident took place in New York, after a cyclist "swerved to avoid an Uber that went into the bike lane, police said." And then was hit by a garbage truck driven by an allegedly impaired driver.
Another innocent life needlessly taken by an individual who chose to drink alcohol and then operate a motor vehicle.
One aspect that seems to be downplayed was a significant contributing factor in this accident. Specifically, the report that of an Uber driver choosing to encroach on a marked bicycle lane. The story reads as if the Uber driver's illegal action started the fatal chain of events leading to the death of the young lady.
An avid cyclist, it is virtually routine for me to observe daily the operators of motor vehicles swerve in and out of marked bicycle lanes, oblivious to the danger created for cyclists. It is also worth noting the number of joggers and pedestrians who walk in marked/posted bicycle lanes, with their back to bicycles and motor vehicles, when all the while perfectly good sidewalks just to their right. (Of great concern are the joggers and walkers in bike lanes, wearing earbuds and completely unaware of the bikes and cars coming up behind them. A bicycle makes very little sound, so I holler "Heads Up" as loud as possible if coming up on joggers or walkers, only to discover they can't hear warnings due to listening to their music. For crying out loud, just use the sidewalks!)
Back to the main point. The carnage caused by people choosing to drink and subsequently choosing to drive an automobile is horrible. According to the NHTSA 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2016, up 1.7 percent from 10,320 in 2015. Per the CDC, that means approximately 29 people are killed every day in alcohol-impaired accidents. This is a preventable tragedy.
But enforcing the laws seems to be downplayed. And the sentences for the convicted, particularly those for repeat offenders and those causing bodily harm, seem rather lax and absent deterrence. This should change.
The loss of an innocent young life normally results in public outrage, sometimes serving as the genesis for demonstrations and social justice campaigns. Yet that does not appear to be the case. Nothing could be found demanding "justice for Madison," the young lady killed by the allegedly impaired driver.
All in all, it seems the report of another needless, preventable death has been downplayed or just plain ignored, just like the other 10,000 similar deaths likely to occur this year. Politicians downplay/ignore it. The media downplays/ignores it. Social justice "warriors" downplay/ignore it.
There is no 29 Campaign to recognize this carnage.
It seems society in general downplays or ignores the report of another death caused by an alcohol impaired driver.
Another innocent life needlessly taken by an individual who chose to drink alcohol and then operate a motor vehicle.
One aspect that seems to be downplayed was a significant contributing factor in this accident. Specifically, the report that of an Uber driver choosing to encroach on a marked bicycle lane. The story reads as if the Uber driver's illegal action started the fatal chain of events leading to the death of the young lady.
An avid cyclist, it is virtually routine for me to observe daily the operators of motor vehicles swerve in and out of marked bicycle lanes, oblivious to the danger created for cyclists. It is also worth noting the number of joggers and pedestrians who walk in marked/posted bicycle lanes, with their back to bicycles and motor vehicles, when all the while perfectly good sidewalks just to their right. (Of great concern are the joggers and walkers in bike lanes, wearing earbuds and completely unaware of the bikes and cars coming up behind them. A bicycle makes very little sound, so I holler "Heads Up" as loud as possible if coming up on joggers or walkers, only to discover they can't hear warnings due to listening to their music. For crying out loud, just use the sidewalks!)
Back to the main point. The carnage caused by people choosing to drink and subsequently choosing to drive an automobile is horrible. According to the NHTSA 10,497 people died in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2016, up 1.7 percent from 10,320 in 2015. Per the CDC, that means approximately 29 people are killed every day in alcohol-impaired accidents. This is a preventable tragedy.
But enforcing the laws seems to be downplayed. And the sentences for the convicted, particularly those for repeat offenders and those causing bodily harm, seem rather lax and absent deterrence. This should change.
The loss of an innocent young life normally results in public outrage, sometimes serving as the genesis for demonstrations and social justice campaigns. Yet that does not appear to be the case. Nothing could be found demanding "justice for Madison," the young lady killed by the allegedly impaired driver.
All in all, it seems the report of another needless, preventable death has been downplayed or just plain ignored, just like the other 10,000 similar deaths likely to occur this year. Politicians downplay/ignore it. The media downplays/ignores it. Social justice "warriors" downplay/ignore it.
There is no 29 Campaign to recognize this carnage.
It seems society in general downplays or ignores the report of another death caused by an alcohol impaired driver.
Friday, August 10, 2018
They stand for those who stood for us
Why do they gather most Tuesday mornings at Miramar National Cemetery to pay honor to virtual strangers?
The names, ranks, and branch of the Armed Forces of veterans, previously unknown to them, are solemnly read off. An American flag is ceremoniously opened then refolded exactly 13 precise times to form the triangular shape reminiscent of the three cornered hats worn by General George Washington and the first American Army. Those assembled raise their flags or render a military salute.
Veterans for the most part, patriots all, they voluntarily perform this important duty, believing individually and collectively that a military veteran should never be laid to rest without someone standing for him/her.
So they stand for those who stood for us.
They are Patriot Guard Riders.
Thursday, August 2, 2018
More Gray Beard Views
Dang, but the summer is passing all too quickly. Egad, Sturgis is upon us. (If you don't know what Sturgis is, look up the Black Hills Motorcycle Rally).
Summer and Sturgis provide meaning to motorcycles of all makes and models rolling along virtually every roadway in the nation. Some riders are on day trips, while others roll along on weeks' long journeys. Another quintessential aspect of American life and freedom: the motorcycle road trip.
Summer and Sturgis provide meaning to motorcycles of all makes and models rolling along virtually every roadway in the nation. Some riders are on day trips, while others roll along on weeks' long journeys. Another quintessential aspect of American life and freedom: the motorcycle road trip.
It matters not the destination. Solo or with friends. What matters is riding.
For me, the more time off freeways, the better. Side roads and highways offer the best experience. Eschew the chain restaurants in favor of the mom and pop diners. (Hint: if there are lots of pick-up trucks in the lot, it will be a good place to grab a meal.)
Miles and smiles. The biker's objectives.
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