Keeping promises

Strange.  Very strange.

The President is stating his intent to keep his promise to illegal aliens, people who broke the law, via executive action.  Yet he has failed miserably to keep his promise to American citizens that we could keep our doctors and our health plans.

Why didn't he consider executive action to keep that promise?

Once more...intent to keep a promise to those who broke the law and are here illegally.  No intent to keep the promises he made to American citizens: health care, VA, etc.  Or the international community: red line in Syria.

And he wonders why the Democrats got thumped in the mid-terms.

Unscrupulous.  Deceitful.  Dishonest.

On the road for Toys4Tots

With the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans' Day almost upon us, today was spent in the saddle with ElCajon Harley Davidson Harley Owners Group as we supported the USMCR Toys 4 Tots Campaign.  Meeting at the dealership, we signed up, drank some coffee, and prepped for the ride.

On site was the Master Gunnery Sergeant Operations Chief from USMCR 4th Tank Battalion.  A veteran of multiple combat tours, we Marines bonded almost instantly.  Pretty soon, all Marines in earshot had gathered round and we entered into the animated conversation Marines are known for world over.  Grunts versus wingees.  Ground versus aviation.  Picking on one another in a good way, teasing each other.

Soon we headed out on the ride, with the first stop at the Miramar National Cemetery, where we paid respects to the fallen.

Then it was off for the short ride over to the Headquarters of 4th Tanks, where we delivered the toys.  For many of the group, it was their first time seeing a tank up close and personal.

As we prepared for the ride back to the dealership, I stopped for a photo with the Master Guns.  Old Corps Colonel (Retired) on the left.  New Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant (active duty) on the right.

Semper Fi, my Marine Corps brothers.

Mission complete

Though the first week of November, it was warm increasing to hot as the group of bikers gathered today.  A group mainly seen to be well north of 60 years of age, for whom gray beards and hair dominated.  Yes, there were some youngsters, but the majority of the gents who gathered today are of the Vietnam generation.  In addition to their age cohort, the majority also share veteran status.  Looking at the patches adorning the leather vests, we had Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps vets on deck.    Again, the majority are bikers, looking for shade as they parked their rides.

It's a Friday morning and these folks have rolled in from a wide area, several (like me) having ridden over 100 miles to gather for the mission of the day: to honor a 19 year old fallen Marine.  We walk around, shaking hands, acknowledging those with whom we've shared previous missions, and greeting others for the first time.  Over time, dozens arrive and stage.  Watching the parking lot, we see the Marine Corps Honor Guard arrive, as well as family and friends of the young (all to young) Marine.  By the way, none of us had ever met this young Marine, but we have gathered nonetheless to honor him.

Upon command, we stage as the services conclude, so that we can provide a flag line to honor the Marine, as he is loaded into the hearse by the pall bears, a mixture of Marines and high school friends.  In addition to we members of the @Patriot Guard Riders are the Teamsters.

Old men in their leathers, an elderly couple, a lady in a wheel chair, and some young vets are in our group.  On command, we come to ATTENTION and PRESENT ARMS, hoisting our American flags straight up, forming two lines through which the pall bearers carry the casket to the hearse for the Marine's final ride.  After he is safely aboard, we are dismissed to our bikes, with a Missing Man formation leading the hearse, followed by the immediate family, and then escorted by the dozens of other bikers, with others following in cars.

Slowly we roll over surface streets, in the now 90 degree temperatures, heading for the national cemetery.  Most cars seeing us, pull over out of respect.  Via road guard support in blocking traffic, we roll through intersections at a stately pace.  Entering the cemetery, we are now rolling at about 10 MPH.  As we pass one of the numerous commitment shelters, an Army Honor Guard on another, separate mission sees the procession, comes to attention, and salutes. 

Finally, we arrive at our destination.  Forming another Flag Line, we PRESENT ARMS as this Marine is carried in by the pall bearers, remaining at this position as family and friends walk through to the commitment shelter.  Finally, all are in place.  

Now the elements of the military funeral honors are conducted, pulling at the emotions of each of us.  Prayers from the Navy Chaplain, the folding of the American Flag, firing the rifle volleys, solo bugle playing of Taps, PRESENTING ARMS, and presenting of the flag to the Marine's mother.  No pictures here.  Just moments of reflection as the Marine NCO salutes the fallen Marine's mother, kneels in front of her, and offers these words, "On behalf of a grateful Nation...," and presents her the folded flag.

Shortly thereafter, a bagpiper plays, tears are shed, and another Marine is paid his final honors.

I eventually mount my bike and begin the long ride home.  Somber and reflective, I'll add this memory to those of other missions.

Another mission has been completed.  The majority of the nation has no idea what this group of folks did this hot November day.  But in my heart, I believe my fellow Marine knows we were there. 

Another mission

There's another Patriot Guard Riders mission tomorrow, this one for a fallen active duty Marine.  So I just spent time spit shining the bike, in order to properly honor the fallen.  (It just wouldn't be right to show up with a filthy ride.)  Some missions are joyous, like when escorting Marines back to their base camp after a deployment to a combat zone. 

But missions for the fallen are not joyous.  Respectful.  Honorable.  Somber.  Dutiful.  Important.  Yes, all of these and more. 

California cruising

Ah, yes, fall is upon us.  According to a friend and fellow biker in the Pacific northwest, the cold rains have returned.  Reading about the east coast, seems the same there.  And across the majority of the states, if it isn't cold, the rains have begun.  More's the pity.  It is probably that most of the bikers n those areas are prepping and storing their bikes for the long winter ahead of us.

Locally, however, the weather is great for cranking up the bike and taking the opportunity to enjoy the distinct advantage we bikers enjoy.

Towards the end of last week, I rolled out to one of my favorite places for a snack.  The place and the snack were just the pretense for the ride.  The weather was near perfect and, being during the workweek, the back country roads would be virtually empty.  And so it was.  The proverbial wind and sun in the face, absence the noise and congestion of the local freeways, it was a wonderful day and locale for an outing.

Arrived at the destination just as a group of senior bikers were departing.  A popular place.  Got my snack and drink and went outside to enjoy the day and peaceful surroundings.

While California has plenty of problems, at least in our area I am able to enjoy biking nearly year round.  There haven't been too many days in which I wouldn't be comfortable bringing the bike out of the garage.  A singular advantage of this part of the country.

For the die hard biker, it is a good thing.  Despite all the over regulation, higher than national average gas prices, urban congestion, wacky politics, and large number of strange folks, at least this part of California enables me to throw a leg over the saddle and get in some miles each and every week.

So, for my fellow bikers in the rest of the nation, when I hop on the ride tomorrow, I'll briefly think about your inability to do so.  I hope you think kindly, because I know if our roles were reversed, you'd do the same.

Corrupt, power hungry, and unconstitutional (UPDATED)

When an elected official, in this case the mayor of Houston, uses the government's legal enforcement structure available to her in an attempt to police and limit constitutionally protected free speech uttered in opposition to her stance, we have entered an era of which we should all fear.  The essence of free speech is the ability of the people to openly and without fear express opposition to politicians and elected officials.  In this case, the Houston mayor is seeking to  eliminate the free speech of members of clergy.  It matters not what is the topic under debate.  And, further attacking the Constitution, the mayor is attacking pastors, thus adding to the situation an attack on the freedom of religion.

Equally, if not more concerning to the entire matter, is the failure of the federal Department of Justice to immediately react in protecting the First Amendment.

Stating the obviously, when it is politically convenient for the political party currently in office, it brings to bear all the resources at its disposal.  It sends the attorney general here and there.  It releases statements to the media.  It files suit in federal court.

All too sadly, this has not happened in the Houston situation.

This speaks loudly, convincingly, and unambiguously to the corrupt, power hungry, and unconstitutional nature of both the mayor of Houston and the federal government.

====================================================

UPDATE:

It was reported today the mayor of Houston withdrew legal action against the pastors, stating, in part, she had directed "...the city legal department to withdraw the subpoenas issued to the five Houston pastors..."

A distinct advantage

Our local weather is routinely terrific-to-spectacular, making the area a motorcyclist’s nirvana.  You may be unaware that we motorcyclists hold a distinct advantage over those who routinely travel in an automobile.  Traveling by motorcycle maximizes, particularly outside of the major urban areas, this advantage we motorcyclists so passionately enjoy.  For those who don't ride, let me explain.

First, there is the exhilaration of freedom born from the wind in the face while rolling along.  Whether it is the warmth of spring sunshine, heat of summer, the coolness of autumn, or the occasional cold during our mild winters, stipulating our winters are nothing like the Midwest, Northeast, or Northwest.  No weeks on end of rain; no snow; no freezing conditions.  But we do enjoy some variations in weather, no matter how small.  And these variations are definitely experienced more by the motorcyclist.  Rolling along with the weather in your face provides the very real sense of freedom.  From this freedom comes exhilaration, visceral and intense. 

At this juncture, let me focus for the reader the type of motorcyclist to those of us who ride the cruiser type bikes.  Neither the go-faster-than-hell sports bikes (referred to by some as crotch rockets), nor the can-barely-get-up-to-speed little scooters I’m seeing way too many of on the freeways.  I’m talking the Harley Davidson, Indian, Victory, (yikes) BMW, and similar cruising motorcycles that are made for riding distances in comfort. 

And before you start shouting and yelling about “bad ass bikers” who lane split (legal in California) or those with exhausts that can shatter windows at 100 meters, I’m talking about the average rider of a cruiser style motorcycle.  One who obeys the rules of the road and simply enjoys riding, of being free in the sun and weather. 

Associated with this physical phenomenon is the requirement to pay greater attention to the overall environment, much more than most drivers of cars.  With a decidedly smaller footprint and vertical presentation (square feet) than the average car (maybe larger than the Smart car), the motorcyclist must be ever aware of his surroundings, primarily for his safety.  To ride safely, the smart motorcyclist observes more of his surroundings: the frenetic activity of his fellow citizens traveling by car, truck, semi, etc.: natural beauty of the countryside, including mountains, valleys, hills, and flora; weather, including the expected and unexpected; road conditions, like pot holes; and the general pace of life.  With the wind in your face and attention to the surroundings, travel by motorcycle is far more interesting.  I've seen sights that those in cars undoubtedly missed.

Second, by avoiding the largest and most congested of the freeways and taking alternate routes whenever possible, the surroundings are far more enjoyable.  I plan to avoid traffic -- at least to the greatest degree possible.  Being in heavy traffic is decidedly no fun on a motorcycle, especially if it is stop-and-go.  When riding a motorcycle, all four appendages work controls used to operate the bike: both hands – steering; right hand – throttle, right turn signal, and front break; left hand – clutch and left turn signal; both feet – balance when stopped; right foot – rear brake; and left foot – shifter.  Since the two-wheel motorcycle requires balance, unable to stand freely, either moderate forward motion or feet down when stopped is required.  In stop-and-go, operating the clutch while adding throttle to get forward motion, then having to pull in the clutch, engage the brakes, and preparing to put feet down are constant.  Totally different that for the driver of the car with an automatic transmission, who sits and merely touches the gas or brake pedal.  Plainly stated, operating the motorcycle in stop-and-go traffic is strenuous physical activity.  So, whenever and wherever possible, motorcyclists want to avoid congested traffic.  By doing so, a whole new experience is enjoyed. 

Based in San Diego, going north is inevitable and transiting Los Angeles is a pain; no matter what route one chooses, there will most likely be traffic congestion.  After years of experience and planning, I have learned routes to avoid the most significant areas of trouble.  Like Route 73, the toll road also known as the San Joaquin Hills Transportation Corridor, which lets me avoid the I-5/I-405 junction in Orange County.  It is a rather picturesque road, rolling through a succession of hills.  At the north end, the rider comes out in Orange County.  Persevering, the motorcyclist must simply gut it out on I-405 until either I-10 or Route 101, at which he can turn west and eventually follow the coast.  With Ventura finally in the rear view mirrors, the motorcyclist undertakes a ride that becomes very pleasant and enjoyable.  Route 101 to Santa Barbara, with the Pacific Ocean on my left, is one of my favorite sections of a trip north.  Santa Barbara provides a good opportunity to stop, refuel, eat, and stretch the legs a bit as well. 

Leaving Santa Barbara and continuing north on Route 101, the road winds inland and away from the ocean views.  Depending on the time of the year, heading up to the inland area can also result in the temperatures increasing.  I may have started out wearing a heavy leather jacket to provide warmth, as well as protection in the event of an incident.  But if, having turned inland, the temperatures climb too high, I will likely take the opportunity to stop and remove the jacket.  After packing the jacket securely on the bike, I also apply a fresh dose of sunscreen.  (A word about sunscreen: it also serves as an adhesive for the dust, dirt, and other crud flowing in the air as I ride along.  At the end of a ride, hot water, soap, and a soon-to-be filthy washcloth are definitely needed.)  Taking a gulp or two or three of water, because riding in the environment is dehydrating and there isn’t a safe way to drink water while riding a motorcycle, I remount my iron horse (another term for a motorcycle) and aim north.

At San Luis Obispo, the rider makes a decision on whether to turn back to the coast and follow the ruggedly beautiful section of Route 1 to Monterey or continue on Route 101.  On this trip, the plan is to stop for the night at Paso Robles.  So Route 101 it is.  Away from the urban areas and major cities, this route is terrific for the motorcyclist.  Cruising along, I feel at one with the environment.  Included in this environment are the drivers of the automobiles and trucks taking this way north.  It may be imagination, but just as I am more relaxed, so they also seem to be.  The aggressive, screw you, cut-you-off, every man for himself drivers all to frequently encountered on the San Diego, Orange County, and Los Angeles freeways must have stayed on those thoroughfares, because it just seems to be a more sane group of motorists with whom I am sharing the road.  Avoiding the most heavily trafficked roadways has been fantastic.

Third, traveling solo by motorcycle has been the source of wonderful interactions with my fellow countrymen and -women.  On my trips, I always meet several nice folks.  When away from the hustle and bustle of major cities and urban areas, while avoiding the major service areas on I-5, I find the folks warm and friendly.  Like the guy I encountered coming out of a restaurant where I'd stopped for breakfast.  He was parked next to me and commented on the Marine Corps license plate frame and the appearance of the bike.  For a couple of moments, after shaking hands, we just chatted.  No obligation.  Neither seeking anything from the other.  Neither in an inexplicable hurry.  Ends up he is a long haul trucker and knows lots of young Marines who have entered that profession after leaving active duty.  He's not a vet, but admires Marines.  Just two guys exchanging some words and smiles.  Had I been driving a car, we never would have shared a few minutes together.  I’ve met countless truly nice folks while on these motorcycle road trips; people from all across the country.  Young and old.  Individuals and families.  Average people just going about their days.  The motorcycle inevitably draws attention, with some just looking at it admiringly, and others making comment.  I always smile and thank them, often times engaging in short conversations.  Frankly, many of the men convey a sense of envy, looking as if they want to be sharing the open road on a bike.  Most of the encounters occur as I am walking into or out of a “mom and pop” eatery.  Speaking of eateries, I want to highlight another aspect of riding solo across our country.  Food. 

I make it a point not to stop at any of the national chains -- another reason to avoid the major highways.  (Actually, my son has taught me to avoid the fast food chains.)  Since riding a motorcycle is as much about the trip as it is about the destination, I take the time to hunt out the "mom and pop" places.  Normally the food is much better, service superb, and prices reasonable.  A good sign a place meets these requirements is a lot of pick-up trucks in the parking lot.  If you're whizzing along the major interstates, it's unlikely you'll take the time to enjoy one of these places, since they are off the beaten path.  And at these places you meet some wonderful people, like the young server who explained she was taking her mother to Las Vegas for her first tattoo.  Go Mom! 

Anyway, back to the road trip.  I was spending the night in Paso Robles and riding into town, the sign, “Big Bubba’s Bad to the Bone BBQ” caught my attention.  My mouth immediately started watering, so after checking into the motel, that was where I headed for a couple of beers and a meal.  It was late afternoon and the waitress was the only one serving a large area, adroitly managing it all with a smile.  I had a terrific meal of BBQ chicken, coleslaw, corn on the cob, and a couple of Buds, all the while listening to country/western music, and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere she helped create.  If we take the time to enjoy life, it provides plenty of smiles and memories like these.  Like the gent and ladies above, there are countless others out there, who make the road trips real adventures. 

Traveling by bike provides the opportunity to take in the feel of the country...to interact with average folks who like to smile and share a bit of conversation and a laugh...to enjoy the real, instead of the conjured up, corporate, rush-though-the-day life others would have us think is the norm and important.  It also provides opportunities to see some real natural beauty.  For example, Route 46 East from Paso Robles as the sun was rising.  Rolling through the open countryside, distinctly agricultural, as the sun colored the terrain in a golden glow.  Just gorgeous!  Post card perfect examples of why some call California the Golden State.  With sparse traffic, cool temperatures, and a comfortable bike, rides like this are utterly serene and most enjoyable.

So, even when riding in the cold, or getting sunburnt, or swallowing a bug, travels by motorcycle are vastly superior to riding in a car.  There's no climate control.  No 500-watt, eight speaker stereo.  No twelve way adjustable seat.  No aim it and go.  No windshield wipers.  No lumbar support.  Enjoying the freedom unique to riding a motorcycle out in the environment, particularly when away from the urban congestion and crowded freeways.  A motorcyclist is far more in tune with his trip, aware of his conveyance, and sensitive to the environment.  Along the way will be some great meals.  And you have the great fortune of interacting with the average, everyday folks that make this country fantastic.    

That's why a motorcyclist has the distinct advantage.

Loyalty or competency

With the recent reporting about Leon Panetta's book, perhaps we've been given some insight into the competency of POTUS.

Surely there are those quick to decry the lack of loyalty demonstrated from former cabinet members (Gates, Clinton, Panetta), by comments in their memoirs written for financial gain.  Some, but not all of this criticism is warranted.  The more sensational the comments, the greater the book sales.  But I believe we should look beyond this point to a far more troubling one.  Competency.

All three books describe POTUS as a timid, vacillating, indecisive individual, particularly when dealing with serious matters.  Further, all three books describe POTUS as ignoring advice from seasoned experts, in favor of behind closed doors urgings of a small group of political operatives (Jarrett's name must be at the top of any short list).  Delays in crucial decisions have been revealed.  Misstatements compounded by inaction have been noted.  Absence of clear cut strategy highlighted.  Unreasonable and unnecessary absolutes and "red lines" declared.  Promised actions not taken.

The more we learn from the observations by very high ranking former members of the administration, the more insight we have been given into the competency of POTUS.  Alarmingly, said competency is called into serious question.

History will judge the actions of POTUS to date.

Of greater concern is the potential for a dithering POTUS, one clearly described as incompetent (particularly when it comes to national defense, international security, diplomacy, and statesmanship), to fail the nation in these very dangerous times.  ISIS, ebola, Iran's pursuit of nuclear weapons, Ukraine, Syria, terrorism in general, China, the middle east, North Korea, and many, many other threats to our nation's security are all around us.

Instead of a tough, competent, experienced leader, we have in POTUS an inexperienced law professor who, as reported in the three books, fancies himself as supremely knowledgeable, surrounds himself with a cadre of extraordinarily influential (inexpert) political operatives, fails to grasp the seriousness of matters, evades hard decisions, and ignores harsh realities.  This is a dangerous combination that can lead to one or more disasters for our nation.

So, while granting some credence to the criticism of those who wrote about the failings of POTUS in their memoirs, the much more important matter is not one of loyalty, but one of reported competency.

Road hazards

After an absolutely unscientific analysis of road hazards for cyclists in our area, I've concluded these hazards fall into three groups of drivers: distracted young females, inattentive elderly females, and aggressive young males.

Distracted young females (all examples have been personally observed in moving vehicles):

• Talking on their cellphones.
• Texting on their cellphones.
• Fixing their hair.
• Putting on makeup.
• Listening to music with earbuds in both ears.
• Eating with both hands.
• Looking at and talking with their passengers, waving both hands in the air.
• Obliviously running stop lights and stop signs.
• Changing lanes without checking other traffic.  (Like the young woman today, who came within 2-to-3 inches of hitting me.)
• Reading a book.
• Turning right into driveways, cutting off cyclists in the bike lanes.

Inattentive elderly females (all examples have been personally observed in moving vehicles):

• Drifting across white lines, entering bike lanes.
• Driving so slowly that other drivers pass unsafely, endangering cyclists.
• Looking right at cyclists, then pulling out in front of them.
• Turning slowly and widely onto roads, impeding the bike lanes.
• Pulling through intersections, rather than stopping at the designated lines.

Aggressive young men (all examples have been personally observed in moving vehicles):

• Intentionally racing through intersections as the lights change from yellow to red.
• Racing away from intersections in speed contests with other drivers.
• Excessive speed.
• Obnoxiously loud music.
• Sitting slouched exceptionally low is seats.
• Road rage (chasing other vehicles).
• Purposefully bumping cars in front of them. 

Having cycled 5,776 miles in the past year, the depth and breadth of the data upon which this unscientific analysis was conducted is fairly significant.  So significant that I specifically watch for the drivers in these three groups.  It's a matter of self preservation.

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't highlight examples of the truly superb drivers with whom I share the road on a daily basis.

• Moving over to provide at least three feet of separation (the law in California).
• Slowing to permit cyclist lane changes.
• Allowing the cyclist to get up to speed after being stopped at an intersection.
• Not turning right from an intersection into the path of a cyclist.
• Letting cyclists pass on the right while in their bike lanes.

There are definitely road hazards to cyclists that are not related to drivers of cars and trucks.  But these other hazards are inanimate and predictable.  The distracted young female, inattentive elderly female, and aggressive young male drivers, however, present the greatest hazards to cyclists.   

Experience matters

Once again, this administration fails to recognize that experience matters.

The Director of the Secret Service is a career member of the organization.  Yet she has no field experience.  She has not served on a protective detail.  She has not served in an law enforcement role.

She was a staff member, very good at the staff work by all reports, preparing budgets and the like.

Why, then, should we be surprised that she has been unable to kick in the rudder steer necessary to correct the Secret Service?  Leadership demands experience, which she lacks in the most crucial of areas.  Unfortunately, just as does her boss.

Best way forward: fire or demote her and bring a hot charger in from the ranks of those with field experience.  Someone who will kick ass and take names.

I am not a fan of the current President, but our nation must do all that is required to protect the President of the United States, whoever it may be.

Experience matters.

 

The stakes are very important

“I think that I’m a better speechwriter than my speechwriters. I know more about policies on any particular issue than my policy directors. And I’ll tell you right now that I’m gonna think I’m a better political director than my political director.”  President Obama

 If the President knows more about policies on every issue than his staff, then why are things so very, very confused in this administration?  If he as he claims to be, why are national security policies so profoundly muddled? 

How can he simultaneously be so damned smart and so naïve?

It would be funny if the stakes weren’t so damned important.

Misplaced excitement

Reading this morning about the commencement of airstrikes targeting ISIS in Syria, we must be critical of the misplaced excitement.

Prosecution of military operations has been dragged down to a new level by this administration.  Publicly declaring (even debating) what will or won't be done, when and where, is contrary to essential military tenets.  Secrecy, swiftness and violence of action are necessary for victory.  But, of course, one has to assume the current administration actually seeks victory.

The initial tally of less than 200 airstrikes in Iraq, each reportedly personally approved by POTUS, is neither inspiring nor representative of the pursuit of victory.  POTUS has no military experience to draw upon in making  operational or tactical decisions.  More importantly, however, is the fact that it is not the job of POTUS to make these decisions.  Our history all too dramatically reveals such a process to be a failure.

Since the current POTUS has a significant void in relevant management and leadership experience, we shouldn't be surprised when he does first what he did last.  Academic discussion, opinion shaping through organizing, floating ideas.  These are the not the hallmarks of a great leader.  But these actions, the best we can expect from POTUS, are what have occurred.

After much, far too much, academic discussion, opinion shaping through organizing, and floating of ideas, this administration enabled ISIS to disperse its command, control, and communications capabilities; distribute its logistic stockpiles; hide its weapons; and otherwise relocate or conceal what once would have been primary target sets.

Assuming the current military actions will follow the model the administration recently embraced in Iraq, the results (no matter how they may be described by the administration) are no more than misplaced excitement.

Unplugged - and loving it

Recently I returned from a 2,508 mile motorcycle road trip, which included days on the road with a life long friend, a visit with our grandchildren, and others visits with family and friends in another state.  Throughout, I remained unplugged from email, the Internet, and "mainstream" news.  Frankly, I loved it.

The detachment from all forms of electronic communication was both refreshing and uplifting.  For example, when visiting with our grandchildren, we went out to dinner and then played together in the family room.  When on the road with my buddy of more than 50 years, we'd stop periodically for coffee or a meal and talk about family.  At the end of the day's ride, we'd clean up and adjourn for dinner and chats over a couple of beers.  Some of the chats were about the day's ride, with others about the upcoming reunion of our 8th grade class that we'd be attending.  When meeting with family, we'd talk about talk about favorite memories.  And, at the reunion, we talked about everything, but politics, news, or world and national issues.  One of the gals came up and said, "I remember you."  I thought, did I date her in high school?  So I asked, "Is it is a good memory or a bad memory?"  She merely smiles and walked away.

Damn, but it so great not being aware of what was happening for two weeks.  I was able to focus on the people and activities that mean the most to me.  Additionally, I was able to enjoy the awesome and majestic beauty of the Oregon coast line and mountains.  Nothing beats the natural beauty of Oregon in September, before the rains and cold temperatures set in.  We even stopped at a unique place for lunch one day.  Great fish and chips, with fresh fish.

For four of the days in the saddle, I was riding solo, which provided ample time to just reflect on my good fortune.  As I've written before, riding a motorcycle is a fully engaged activity.  No windows up, air conditioning on, stereo blasting cocoon transporting you from A to B.  It is total immersion in the environment, when means experiencing the cold, the heat, the rain, the smell of smoke from wildfires, the sounds of the ocean, the smell of the sea, and the idiotic maneuvers by some of the motorists encountered along the way.

Being unplugged is also a state of mind, as well as the electronic reality.  I found my smiles were more frequent, my laughs more robust.  The meals tasted better.  The beer was more enjoyable.  The smiles from  my wife more meaningful.  Sure, there were times I felt like the bad ass biker we seek to somewhat portray.  For example, when my buddy and I stopped in a local bakery for a nosh and cup of coffee.  The looks from the people on the street were actually humorous.  Being unplugged also felt rebellious, if you follow the theme.  A sort of, "I don't give a damn" attitude.

Certainly, there were times we interacted with strangers and which could have been tense, but weren't.  For example, the gent from Dallas, Texas we chatted with one morning at a motel on the Oregon coast.  Imagine you were him, seeing two "reprobates" walking out of the adjoining motel room in full leathers, loading up their bikes.  He could have shook his head and thought, "Damned bikers."  Instead, he said, "Nice looking bikes."  With a positive introduction, we chatted for a few minutes, smiles all around.  No Dems vs. GOP.  No Obama comments.  Nothing negative.  Such as written about earlier, I detected a bit of envy as we finally cranked up our bikes, toed into first gear, and roared across the parking lot.

Well, Bubba, you are only young once, so if you want to ride, then get a bike and do it.

Back to the main point.  Being unplugged was one of the best things I could have done.  During the two weeks family, friends, riding, places, events, and the majestic countryside occupied my attention.  It wasn't until I returned home that I learned what the idiot politicians were doing.  Nor was I aware of the news of various tragedies around the world.

Could it be the old saying is absolutely true?  Ignorance is bliss.

I long for the smell of the trees in the mountains of Oregon, the sound of my grandchildren, the touch of my wife's hand, the smile on my mother's face, the laughter of my buddy, and the rush of riding through beautiful landscape.

Unplugged - and loving it.            
  

A smart and adroit leader understands

A smart and adroit leader understands he can't possibly be expert in every aspect of the organization he leads.  He understands there are experts far more knowledgeable in the minute details of the organization's operation.  He understands the effective leader harnesses that expertise and guides it to the accomplishment of the goals he establishes.  He understands delegation of authority, but not responsibility, for the actions of the organization.  He understands the imperative of setting clear and unambiguous goals, communicating them to his subordinates, and holding them accountable for achieving them.

When an individual declares that he knows more about policy than anyone in the organization, that he is more expert than anyone in the organization, and that he is smarter than anyone in the organization, he is not a smart and adroit leader.  He is narcissistic and self-absorbed.

Such an individual is, by definition, a failure as a leader.

A 39 nine year old warning

The below article, cut from a newspaper in 1975, exquisitely highlights the warning of the day.  Carefully read the key points and ask yourself if this isn't the United States in which we live today.  Then ask yourself who is responsible; which politicians and political party?  The figure out how you'll vote this year.