Road rage - updated

By now, most bikers have likely seen the recent video of a purported road rage instigated accident on a California freeway.

video 

After I originally posted these comments, the San Diego Union-Tribune ran a piece containing an interview with the individual who made the video.  Following is part of that article, which described events leading up to the scenes shown in the video.


"In an interview with The Times on Friday, Chris Traber, 47, of Santa Clarita, said both men appeared to play a role in the harrowing incident.

It was about 5:45 a.m. Wednesday when Traber was in the passenger seat of his coworker’s car as they drove to work at a utility company in Burbank. They were headed southbound on the 14 Freeway, and driving in the No. 1 lane, when the man on a Harley Davidson-type motorcycle passed them on the left, riding close to the double-yellow lines that separate the general traffic lanes from the HOV lanes.

About 150 feet ahead was a Nissan sedan driving in the HOV lane, Traber said. Just as the motorcyclist was passing the sedan on the right-hand side, the sedan tried to exit the carpool lane and enter the No. 1 lane. That’s when the car bumped the bike.

“I’m sure he didn’t see the motorcyclist,” Traber said of the driver. “He scared the living daylights out of the motorcyclist. He almost went down. That guy can really handle his bike.”

Traber said that after the motorcyclist regained control, he pulled up to the car’s passenger door and began gesturing at the driver. Traber said he appeared to be saying something too, but Traber couldn’t hear him. He said he figured the biker was “saying something like, hey, you almost hit me! Watch out!”
Traber said it looked as though the driver was yelling something back at the biker, and that it didn’t help matters, because that’s when the motorcyclist started kicking the passenger door."

The ensuing accident speaks for itself.

Making no excuses for the biker, however, a case could be made that the sedan's driver intentionally and violently swerved into the bike after the door kick, setting off the crashes.  Unintended consequences.

Road rage taken physical, by a biker or cage driver, is plain wrong.  No excuses.  Just wrong.

When a bike and a cage tangle, the bike almost always loses.

Yep, been there when some cage driver pulled a boneheaded stunt that endangered me or a fellow rider.  Yep, it got the blood boiling.  Yep, cursing and hand signals followed.  But I didn't pull up and kick a door or otherwise take it to a level of physical confrontation.  In another well publicized case in San Diego, after kicking the door of a car, the biker was subsequently chased by the car's driver, deliberately run down, and killed.

Again, when a bike and a cage tangle, the bike and biker are bound to lose.  It's not worth our lives.  I'd rather be able to tell fellow bikers about the dummy, than have them roll for my funeral.

Fellow bikes, let's play it smart.

Ride safe and live to ride another day.

Rolling into summer

 

Summer is officially here, so every self-respecting biker is planning the annual road trip.  Solo.  With friends.  To a rally.  New roads.  Old destinations.  It really doesn't matter, as long as the biker rolls into summer.

Depending on the route and destination, weather will be a consideration.  For example, the current heat wave in the southwest or the rains near the Gulf.  But that is all part of the adventure.

After thousands and thousands of miles over the years, I have learned that less is more when it comes to packing.  Yes, take into account the weather (rain suit, leathers, cold weather fleece, etc.), but don't over pack.  For example, one pair of jeans to wear when riding and one pair for heading out to a meal after checking into the nightly accommodations.  (For those advocating camping, by all means, have at it.  For me, after 30 years in the Marine Corps, camping has lost its allure.)  Skivvies, socks, long sleeve Ts, and the like in small quantities.  If the road trip is going to be over an extended period, pack some laundry detergent packs and plan on washing clothes periodically.

Shave kit, charger(s) for the electronics, sun block, chapstick, meds, zip lock bags to keep the important stuff dry, extra boot laces, camera (unless the smartphone is all you need), spare pair of glasses, and ID tags or a RoadID wristband (just in case - also an emergency contact card in the wallet).  Of course, the biker necessities: tools, spare spark plugs, zip ties, spare fuses, maybe a quart of oil, and cleaning gear.  With proper planning, the load can be pretty small. 

Working from a check list developed in advance can prevent arriving at that first fuel stop and discovering you left the credit card on the dresser.  Use the checklist when packing the day prior to departing can make it a breeze.

With the route and destination planned, packing complete, bike clean and serviced, and proper hydration and eating, you're ready for the next adventure.

Keep rolling America. 

RIP Civility

If the recent presidential election campaigning did not convince us, then surely actions in 2017 must.

RIP civility.

Whether on college campuses or during televised programming.  Whether so-called activists or elected officials.  Whether purported leaders in political parties or rank and file members of organized labor.  It matters not, because the coarsening of language belies its content.  And it is not only in language.

In Congressional hearings, members rudely interrupt those attempting to answer questions.  On talk programming, self appointed commentators are equally rude in their behavior.  Alleged news panels make outlandish statements, stepping on the comments of others.  And it is not only rudeness.

Purported entertainers employ graphic images, then are shocked at the outrage they evoke.  A director of a stage play mangles Shakespeare by advocating killing a sitting president, then is shocked when sponsors pull their funding.  A television entertainer boldly uses the "N" word and is surprised when many object.  And it is not only in the so-called arts.

Throughout the nation, civility has been closed down by activists, college instructors, elected officials, entertainers, political hacks, and others, under the guise of First Amendment protected speech.  Perhaps it is protected, but that does not mean it is appropriate.   

If one can not civilly provide a message or entertainment, then its content is not of any value.

Though perhaps hard to prove, anecdotally it does seem certain that the greatest number of abusers are from the progressive sector of society, though there are those on the right who are equally offensive.

Above all, no one even had the decency to declare the death of civility and hold a fitting service.   

Rebuilding our military

There many available articles describing our underfunded and overworked military forces.  Machines and the manpower operating them are tired, worn out, and in precariously low raw numbers.

We face the tyranny of time as it impacts correcting the problems from the past decades and multiple administrations.  

How to reduce the time it will take to rectify all the material challenges, let alone personnel readiness, seems to rest on massive budget shifts.  Away from social, pork, and nonessential programs and into national security.  This requires smart reallocation of resources, without increasing the size of the federal budget.  

A secondary benefit to this shift will accrue from the need for more workers to rebuild the material elements, as well as more people in uniform, increasing employment.  

Now the question becomes one of political will and national leadership.  Unfortunately, the political will appears absent.  And White House/POTUS national leadership are lacking.  Unlike Reagan's ability to work with Congress and communicate with the American people and the world almost four decades ago, Trump has not measured up.  Furthermore, with significantly fewer military veterans in Congress, understanding and appreciating the critical dilemma in which we find ourselves are missing or drowned out by hyper-partisanship.  

POTUS needs to step up, as does Congress -- specifically the GOP -- to invest in our national security.  The goal, as a fellow military retiree so aptly put it, is to have "the most lethal fighting force on the face of the earth by an order of magnitude."  

It is time to take out the red pen and identify the waste in the budget failing to support the entire nation, not the minuscule yet multiple special interests that fund elections and re-elections.  Some of what we read prior to the latest budget deal provided some hope.  For example, eliminating/severely reducing funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and other line items.  Nice-to-have, not crucial need-to-have for the survival of the nation.  Across the federal budget, billions can be shifted without increasing the bottom line.  If done well, the annual budget can actually be reduced.  Sadly, it comes full circle to the issue of political will.

Other crucial actions, beyond just making funds available, include fixing the military procurement system; reducing/eliminating unnecessary elements in DoD (personnel reductions and associated O&M funding); streamlining the war fighting structure; and otherwise correcting the lopsided tooth-to-tail ratio.  Once more, political will and national leadership are needed.

Let us hope the leadership will step up and work to create the political will necessary to solve the problem.       

Postmortem

As the election postmortem continues ad nauseam, two points are irrefutable.

HRC deliberately chose to exclusively employ an unauthorized, unsecured email server for official government business, contrary to policy and regulations. 

The hacked and released DNC and HRC campaign staff emails were not altered in any way.  Thus, the contents must be taken as factual.

   

Oldies Rock and Roll, Hot Rods, and Muscle Cars

On Waring Road in Allied Gardens on Sunday, oldies rock and roll music filled the air, mixing at times with the distinctive rumble coming from the engines in a variety of hot rods, muscle cars, and motorcycles. Filling the parking lot in front of Pal Joey’s, shining paint, sparkling chrome, and love of horsepower were the order of the day.
It was the 2nd Annual Eye Candy Car and Bike Show, touted as the “Sweetest Car Show in Town.” Hosted by Pal Joey’s and the Friends of Braille Institute of San Diego, all proceeds benefited the Braille Institute of San Diego. A constant stream of people walked among the cars and bikes, with many more cars and trucks than motorcycles. 

Admiring the customization, detailed engines, and glossy paint, many of the spectators were of an age that the muscle cars reminded them of their teenage years. Signs describing the work done and listing its high performance enhancements were displayed in front of several cars. In response to one gray bearded gent’s comment that it would help if the print on one sign was a tad bit bigger in deference to the older set, another gent about his age replied that he always brings his magnifying glasses.

Walking among these works of mechanical art on this sunny, warm afternoon, one couple was spotted with an ideal spot in the shade from which to enjoy the event. Sitting in his hot rod, Orlando Chavez said, “It’s fun.” A semi-truck driver, he has had it about six years, explaining, “The reason I have this hot rod is that I was ready to buy a Harley, a nice Fat Boy. But I have too many friends who have been hurt really bad and two who were killed [on motorcycles]. At my age I can’t afford to get hurt, so I bought the hot rod.” He also admitted he had ridden a friend’s motorcycle, exclaiming, “It scared the hell out of me.” Whatever the motivation, Chavez obviously enjoyed being out in his hot rod, joining other enthusiasts for a worthy cause.

Orlando Chavez

These works of mechanical art take countless hours to build and maintain. And keeping them show ready, even when on display, is a constant process. This was evident by the buckets of cleaning gear staged behind some of the vehicles. Cleaners, waxes, polishers, cloths, brushes, and all sorts of gear spoke to the effort required to make that shine dazzle folks on a sunny Sunday.

Muscle cars. Hot rods. Street rods. Custom pick-up trucks. Fords. Chevys. MoPar. A small sports car. The ubiquitous Cobras. Even a three wheel (you read correctly – three wheel) BMW. 

When your husband said he was getting you a red BMW, this probably isn't what you had in mind.

Something for everyone, as long as automobiles and horsepower make your day. What could be better than listening to oldies rock and roll music, sipping on a Coca Cola, and walking among these fantastic machines!

Father Kapaun

"In recent years the same thing has happened.  Christian people who tried to practice their faith and remain true to it found themselves persecuted and ostracized by people opposed to the Christian faith.  We can surely expect that in our own lives there will come a time when we must make the choice between being loyal to the true faith or giving allegiance to something else which is either opposed to or not in alliance with our faith."  

If one did not know otherwise, it could be taken these are contemporary words from current day America.  Actually, they were spoken in April 1950 over the Far Eastern Army [Radio] Network by Army Chaplain (Captain) Emil Kapaun, who later died a Prisoner of War. 

Sadly, Father Kapaun's words ring all too true in today's America, although he was speaking of the oppression and persecution in Communist countries, like China and what we know today as the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (aka North Korea).  Religious freedom, as it applies to Christianity, is under assault and has been for some time in our nation.

We are asked, even expected by some, to give accept, support, and embrace progressive views that run contrary to Christian values and beliefs.  Some standing for those values and beliefs have been attacked by the leftist, liberal media and punished by the state.

But now, the state includes American city, county, state, and federal governments, not those of Communist despots and tyrants.

Father Kapaun could deliver today a very similar sermon, exhorting fellow Christians to stand firm, resolved in their faith and beliefs.    

Special trust and confidence

The certificate of commission for officers in the armed forces of the United States of America reads, in part, "Know ye, reposing special trust and confidence in the patriotism, valor, fidelity and abilities of __(Full Name)__, I do appoint __Him/Her__, __Rank__ in the [branch of the military]."

It seems that special trust and confidence is being sorely abused all too often of recent, with two recent illustrations: Major Thompson USMC in the sex with Naval Academy students scandal and Captain (formerly Rear Admiral) Gilbeau USN of the "Fat Leonard" scandal. Are these outliers or are they indicative of deeper, more serious problems within the armed forces' corps of officers?

I would like to think these are separate, disgusting aberrations. But additional evidence argues against this hope: Air Force officers cheating on nuclear weapons proficiency exams; Army former Lieutenant General Lewis (aide to SecDef) using government credit cards at strip clubs; Army Major General Haight misusing government resources (and having an extramarital affair); and the reports that  hundreds are being investigated in the "Fat Leonard" scandal.

Something is seriously wrong.  For those of us entrusted with the moral and physical responsibilities of leading our men and women in uniform, the special trust and confidence stated in our certificate of commission means we must be held to a higher standard. When a commissioned officer fails to meet that standard, then the punishment must be - say again - must be commensurate with that higher standard.  Punishments seem all too light, meaning senior leadership is failing.

And all the services must critically review applicants  to ensure only the right type of individuals are considered for commissioning; train them in and demand of them the expectations and demands of the highest levels of behavior and performance of duty; advance only those meeting the highest of standards; and require them to self police their fellow officers, adjudicating and severely punishing those who fail to live up to the special trust and confidence granted them.

Only the best must be commissioned and entrusted to lead our men and women of the military into combat.  Anything less fails to meet the standard of special trust and confidence.

Increase in California taxes

Well, there is good news and not-so-good news associated with California's significant tax increases on fuel, vehicle licensing, and even zero emissions vehicles.

The good news is that the legislature, though in near secrecy and on a fast track, finally passed something to benefit the entire state, not just those special interest donors and social reformers legislators love so dearly.

The not-so-good news comes in two parts: certain and assured. 

It is certain that the cost of living will increase dramatically across the entire state, as the added fuel costs for businesses will be passed on to the consumers.  Every element of life will now cost more.  Thank you so much.

It is assured that some of those special interests to whom the legislators are beholden to for donations will find some way to reap extraordinary rewards.  Union demands for construction contracts, awarding of the contracts, and selecting suppliers will all benefit those connected to the legislators.

It is also assured that at some time in the not too distant future, the legislators and governor will siphon funds away from the infrastructure they are intended to fix.  California's history is all too replete with these shenanigans.  

Protests or anarchy?

Interesting, isn't it, that published pictures from the recent clash during a pro-president demonstration at Berkeley show the anti-Trump instigators of violence are wearing masks, while those supporting the president are not.

It is also interesting that published reports indicated the anti-Trump protestors came with bats and other implements to use as weapons.

Interesting as well are other anti-government, anti-conservative, and anti-Trump so called protests are characterized by violence in published reports.

From this perspective, a trend is developing.  A scary, negative trend.

These so called protests are no where similar to the civil rights protests of the 60s.  They are more like the violence associated with the Democratic national convention in the 60s.  These so called protests are the sources of property damage, physical assaults, and lawlessness.

Moreover, the recent report that Berkeley has cancelled a speech by conservative commentator Ann Coulter highlights the deeply disturbing practice by universities and colleges of denying free speech.  This practice is particularly onerous when it occurs on taxpayer funded campuses.

The combination of the trend of violence perpetrated by those against conservative views and denying free speech by universities and campuses refutes all that for which the civil rights movement stood.  The combination sounds more like something that would happen in a despotic country than in America.

Peaceful protests - yes.

Anarchy - no.     

Tremendous support from across the nation

Though about seven and one-half months away, the 4th El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) Toys for Tots Ride is indirectly showing that many in great our nation really do have their priorities lined up correctly.  Specifically, the responses to solicitations for items for the opportunity drawing, which is used to entice bikers to join in the event by paying a nominal $10 fee and contributing (at least) one new, unwrapped toy, have been tremendous.  Business after business, many with no association with the military or bikers, are stepping up.

Of course, the children who will be supported by the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program in San Diego are the ultimate beneficiaries.  Christmas.  Kids.  Toys.  A natural combination.  Just the following image generates smiles for this worthy undertaking. 

 

Added is the well known generosity of the biker community.  Hardly a weekend goes by that a fundraiser or charity ride is not hosted somewhere in our region, renowned for the near perfect year around motorcycling weather.  In this case, the El Cajon HOG Chapter is stepping up to plan and host the ride.

Based on the success and media coverage from the 2016 ride, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club reached out and is partnering with the biker club, by providing the ride's destination, as well as exclusive use of the Red Star Bar, special parking, and special seating in the grandstand.  Topping it off, there will be a special horse race, the Toys for Tots Ride.

With all that is challenging in the world, it is inspiring so many unconnected folks are stepping up to help others help the children of the San Diego region enjoy Christmas.  

Another day, another funeral

Middle of the month.  Middle of the week.  Early afternoon on a typically sunny day in San Diego.  Just another day, with another military funeral.  This time at the Miramar National Cemetery, adjacent to Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.

The breeze was up, as usual, causing flags to flutter.

Soon the family arrived with their Marine Corps veteran, escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR).  Awaiting them at the Commitment Shelter were the members of the Marine Corps Honor Detail, including a Marine bugler.

At the shelter, as the hearse pulled up, the PGR stood a flag line, coming to Attention and Presenting Arms as the casket was moved into position by the Marines.  The pastor spoke eloquently.  The family and friends of this departed Marine veteran nodded and offered some, "Amens."  His daughter stood and offered her appreciation in a shaky voice, speaking of her "Daddy" and playing song "I Will Always Love You" in his honor.

Military Honors were presented, earned by this Marine by his honorable and faithful service to his nation.  All stood while the rifle salute was fired.  The veterans and active duty military saluted and and PGR raised their flags to the Present Arms while Taps was played.  Eyes welled with tears and it mattered not that some had never met this Marine.  One of the PGR leaders explained the symbolism of every element of the military honors, from the 13 folds of the flag, the three rifle volleys, and the playing taps.  With the permission of the family, the PGR members offered one last Present Arms.  As each member departed, he placed his hand on the casket, offering a final prayer or thought.  For me, it was, "Semper Fidelis, brother." 

If you had been there and looked around, one aspect should have been obvious.  Race and ethnicity do not matter to those who came to help honor this Marine.  The Marines resplendent in their Dress Blues were there in a duty status.  The older, grayer bikers from the PGR were there as volunteers.  An African American Marine Corps veteran was honored by "old white guys" and a Filipino-American on motorcycles, led by an Asian American.  

All those there, regardless of race or ethnicity or age, were helping a nation recognize one of its warriors and his race mattered not.  

Were that it was the same throughout our society.    

 

Paying respects

I don't know how many bikes showed up, but overheard others say it was between 80-100.  On an otherwise quiet Saturday in Ramona, California, a (really) small town east of San Diego, California, the distinctive rumble of Harley-Davidson motorcycles filled the air.  

As distinctive as was the sound, equally noticeable were the countless American flags, large and small, proudly flying from the bikers.  (Contrast this with a high school in Iowa that apologized where its students wore patriotic attire to a recent basketball game.)  Looking at the bikers, military insignia, patches, and service ribbons adorned their vets.

These bikers (more on them later) were gathering on a Saturday morning to pay their respect to US Army soldier PFC Simmons.  They lined their bikes up by the mortuary, preparing to escort PFC Simmons to the church where services would be held.  And then on to the cemetery where he would be laid to rest with full military honors provided by the US Army.

The bikers were predominately military - active duty, retired, and veterans.  From oldest to youngest, the ages spanned five decades and multiple wars.  Some are known to have been awarded the Purple Heart medal for wounds received in combat.  Regardless, they came together in solidarity to recognize a brother none had met.

Looking around, I did not see one elected official.  I did see active, veterans, and military retirees giving of their personal time to ensure this soldier would be shown the respect he earned as a member of our nation's military.  

The elected officials may not think it was important enough to give of their time, but these military (active duty, retirees, and veterans) certainly did.

After Taps and a final salute, some of the bikers gathered to break bread at a local establishment.  During the routine post mission banter, serving as a release from the high emotions of standing for the fallen, one retired sailor exclaimed that when Taps played, there wasn't a dry eye to be had.

20 somethings and 70 somethings shared a moment this Saturday.  Several hours of their time contributed to paying their respect to a fellow warrior, gone before his time.  All the while cognizant there are other fellow warriors currently going in harm's way.

With less than one-half of one percent of our nation serving in uniform, all too often their sacrifices are unknown to the majority of the nation.  Today these bikers made sure the family of Army PFC Griffin knew his sacrifice was not and never will be forgotten.

2017 Toys for Tots

For all my biker brothers and Marine comrades, let me plant the seed for the 2017 Toys for Tots Run hosted by the El Cajon Harley Owners Group (HOG) on 19 November. 

The goal this year is 5,000 toys.

Check out the website for more info.

https://o6rider.wixsite.com/elcajonhogtoys4tots

One angry Marine

The Gunny told me there are two simple rules for being a Marine.  Rule Number 1: never let a fellow down.  Rule Number 2: don't forget Rule Number 1.

Learning recently of the scandalous behavior of a few who call themselves Marine caused my stomach to turn and my jaw to tighten.  Absolutely maddening!  Infuriating!  Disgusting!

An essential element, perhaps THE essential element of being a Marine is accepting, believing, and embodying that "once a Marine, always a Marine."  Earning this title bestows upon the recipient a moral responsibility to all Marines - past, present, and future.  Not only when in uniform or on active duty, but every moment of every day from that point forward.  This moral responsibility transcends time and place, carrying with it an obligation cherished and shared by those few who have earned it.

The title Marine means vastly more than those who have never earned the eagle, globe, and anchor can ever know.  That is evident when meeting Marine veterans, of any era.  They earnestly believe there are no former Marines, because once a Marine, always a Marine.  So when one Marine tarnishes the reputation of our Corps, it hurts all Marines.  That shared responsibility to one another critical to combat teamwork permeates all aspects of our lives.

So I sit here, mad as hell at the individuals who belittled their fellow Marines.  Who acted without respect for fellow warriors.  Who cheapened the title Marine.  Even 15 years after retiring, reading of the disgraceful actions causes my blood to boil.  How dare they do this?  They have brought discredit upon me and my fellow Marines. 

In today's tumultuous world, the citizens of our nation have consistently stated they hold the military, in general, and their Marine Corps specifically in the highest esteem.  Actions by some have threatened that esteem.  But I also want to believe the nation knows with certainty that its Corps of Marines will not stand by idly, but will aggressively and assuredly attack this matter.

This is the message explicitly stated in CMC's video.  Implicitly, he told those involved that they will soon no longer be Marines.