Quintessentially American

Freedom, in all forms, is quintessentially American.  It is the foundation upon which this great, even unparalleled, country has been built.  When the first settlers arrived centuries ago (no, they did not "discover" a continent already home to indigenous populations of what we now call Native Americans), they came seeking freedom from government oppression.

Then, as the documents declaring and forming our country were written, freedom was the core value.  The Bill of Rights could just as easily be called the Bill of Freedoms, so imperative is the very sense of freedom.

Yes, much has changed over the years.  Industrialization.  Technology.  Medicine.  Transportation.  Flight.  Communication.  Just some of the facets of American life to have changed.  In each area, freedom can be seen.  Freedom from illness.  Freedom from manual labor.  Freedom from bigotry and racism.  Freedom to speak and write.  Freedom to openly communicate across great distances.  Even freedom from the very bonds of gravity.  Freedom from, and freedom to.  Essential elements of the American way of life.

Freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Yet, from this vantage point, it seems the lessons of our rich history of freedom have been lost on all too many.  Particularly those inclined to seek elected office and, recently, inclined to pose as journalists and activists.

Rather than embrace the concept of unique American freedom, they seek to restrict it.  Every aspect of our lives is impacted by some level of government working at  limiting our freedoms.  And the main stream media and activists bay loud and long wanting to limit someone else's freedoms.  How we got to this point is unclear, but it is certain we are there.

Fortunately, common sense and American values are beginning to turn the tide.

For example, one of the basic freedoms involves being a child.  Yet some have convinced themselves and others that parents can't safely raise their children without government mandates.  Without excessively restrictive government oversight.  

When a child is not be allowed to walk to the store without his/her parents being accused of child abuse, then our nation is in serious trouble.  The overly controlled child of today will be an ineffective adult tomorrow. 

Fortunately, Utah has seen the error of this approach and recently corrected its laws in what is termed "free range parenting."  

Applaud this move, because it both embraces American freedom and works at ensuring children grow up to become productive adult members of society, not so-called snowflakes that can't care for themselves.

Unbridled generosity, unabashed patriotism

Motorcyclists (aka bikers) are some of nation's most generous folks.  Every weekend, across the country, bikers come together to ride for a cause.  

Some rides support recognizable causes, like "the cure."  Other rides are local poker runs to support individual needs.

For a few dollars, the biker usually has the opportunity to win or get a little something -- maybe a t-shirt -- while enjoying a ride in the company of like minded motorcyclists.  The proceeds from the run go to the designated cause or purpose.  But it much, much more than simply dropping some dollars into the collection bucket.  

Sharing the American born and raised love for independence embodied in the biker culture, they come out on their rides to be part of an experience.  Maybe a few dozen riders.  Maybe a few hundred.  Maybe a few thousand.  Maybe along country roads.  Maybe on freeways and highways.  All part of the experience of a charity run of one type or another.  Occasionally the run provides an opportunity to show the larger community their generosity, like a toy run prior to Christmas.

In addition to their incredible generosity, bikers are extremely patriotic.  Indeed, many are veterans.  Each May, one large group of bikers leaves Los Angeles, heading to the nation's capital, in a massive demonstration that patriotism never goes out of style.

The destination for Run to the Wall is Rolling Thunder.

From across the nation, tens of thousands of bikes roll through the streets of Washington DC to pay homage to those lost in Vietnam and those missing in action.  And to our servicemen and -women.  Flags flying in testament to the very freedoms embodied by riding a motorcycle.

Whatever some may think, the overwhelming majority of bikers are known for their unbridled generosity and unabashed patriotism. 

School security

Caring not about predictable comments from teacher union leadership, why have not the billions and billions of dollars pumped into public education provided for adequate school security?

It is criminal that public K-12 schools are not fully protected, with tight perimeters, limited and fully secured entry points with metal detectors, and armed law enforcement personnel who continuously patrol each campus.

Columbine. Sandy Hook. And most recently Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.  Reasonable physical security could have prevented or significantly mitigated the tragedies.

The teacher union leaders shout long and loud for increased budgets for salaries and pensions, and now shout out for "social justice" initiatives. But nowhere in the National Education Association (NEA) NEAToday on-line report of the 2017 NEA Representative Assembly was there any mention of school security.  Indeed, the report stated, "NEA Executive Director John Stocks celebrated the student advocacy, member solidarity, and recent victories by NEA state affiliates."  The usual union leadership tripe.

Yet, from my time employed at a school site, I am confident the teachers and staff were absolutely concerned about safety for their students, as well as themselves.  Too bad the union leaders do not display that concern, as they focus on political matters and their own large salaries, benefits, and pensions.

It is not only the union leaders that must be held accountable.  State legislators who approve funding, school boards that approve budgets, and district administrators who manage are equally if not more at fault.  They are responsible for establishing and maintaining the physical environments in which the education is to occur.

Looking into the proverbial crystal ball, do not be surprised if all of the aforementioned begin a resounding chorus demanding more money for public education to increase security.  Would they care to reallocate already provided resources to security?  Highly doubtful.  Sadly, if it plays out like California's history, more funds might be approved, but then used for teacher pay and benefits.

At the end of the day, we know who is to fault for the lack of adequate physical security in our K-12 schools.       

Summer road trip

Wahoo, we received rain overnight and it has been cold by San Diego standards.  Heck, around here, if it is in the 40s and 50s, people break out the parkas, gloves, and watch caps.  Might be wearing long johns too.  Having lived around the world, including areas suffering from snow and frigid temps, as well as cold rain, this really ain't that bad.  But as an old and wise biker, riding in the rain is something to be avoided.

Consequently, the Harley remained in the garage today.  Not a wasted day, because it was time to tackle the taxes.

But, all day, in the back of my mind were thoughts of the summer road trip.




My buddy and I have been talking about the options for this summer for the past several months.  

Due to a variety of factors, we weren't able to hit the road for anything by short day rides over the past year, when he and his bride were in the area.  So the need for a new adventure has been uppermost in our minds.

We've done Sturgis.

We've done Hollister.

We've done back roads in Oregon.

And we've done the PCH, including stopping at the ubiquitous Whale Watcher Inn.

At the dinner table, over a beer, with our brides listening, we last discussed doing some of the less traveled roads in Oregon.  That's a good destination for a variety of reasons, not the least of which being it is the state between the two of us.  I'm in the San Diego region and he is on the Washington coast.  Furthermore, we grew up together in Oregon and are partial to the terrain and natural beauty.

In years past, we have met in northern California to begin an adventure.  Doing the same this year, we could head up the PCH from Eureka to Newport and then head east on Route 20, maybe as far as Ontario.  Maybe hooking south at Bend on Route 97 to Klamath Falls, with a side trip to Crater Lake.  Unparalleled beauty.

 

Sitting here at the computer, it is very easy to envision rolling along those roads, side-by-side with my buddy of 60 years.  Two grey beards in the prime of their lives, enjoying the freedom and independence of the open road.

Ah, yes, the summer road trip.
 

A new bike

Why is this even a thought running through my head?  Ducati or Harley-Davidson?  (Listed alphabetically.)

As written about before, these two 2018 bikes are attractive, interesting, and on the short "if I had the money" list.  The Ducati Mutlistrada 1260 and the Harley-Davidson Heritage.  One Italian, the other American.  Each has a base MSRP of around $19K; the Heritage complete with saddlebags, while adding side cases on the Multistrada means opening the wallet wider and deeper.  The Multistrada seat height of 32.5 inches is higher than the Heritage's 26.3 inches.  A significant point for a 5'8" rider.  Then the Heritage weight of close to 700 pounds is quite a bit higher than the Multistrada's approximately 520 pounds.  If thinking horsepower, the Multistrada handily outclasses the Heritage.   The numbers provide advantages for both bikes.

Comparing the rides means comparing the intended riding.  Short and long touring must figure in, from 250-300 miles per day for a weekend overnight run, to 400-500 miles per day over a two week extended road trip.  In between, riding several times per week, with a nice outing on the weekends, solo or with friends.  So extended saddle time must be considered.  And the configuration of the bike to carry all the wherewithal taken on an extended road trip.  For this consideration, in my view the Heritage (with optional sissy bar, pad, and sissy bar pack for about $425) has a distinct edge over the Multistrada with side and top cases (roughly $1,590 [plastic] to $2,900 [metal]).

There is one notable feature unique to the Ducati.  The computer select able riding modes: touring, enduro, sport, urban. 

Next, the type of riding figures in greatly.  It is canyon carving on technical roads, thrilling at maintaining speed at the edge, or taking the curves and corners more sedately, as part of the journey, rather than the trill of leaning into the road?  What is that picture in your mind of riding the new bike?  

I see portions of the Pacific Coast Highway in Oregon and California, plus Spearfish Canyon Highway in South Dakota, as well as stretches of I-15 south of Provo, Utah and I-80 west of Cheyenne, Wyoming.  I also see Route 3 between Yreka and Weaverville in northern California.  And Route 22 in Oregon.  (The vision definitely does not include congested traffic on I-5 in Los Angeles during rush hour.)  And the ride  on Routes 28, 89, and 50 around Lake Tahoe in the summer is absolutely compelling. 

Touring.  Cruising.  Just riding.  Comfortably rolling along solo or with a buddy.  These are the types I enjoy the most.  If one accepts the various first ride impressions and other reports available online, either bike will take the rider comfortably over the above roads.  Yes, one riding position sits noticeably higher than the other.  But the other provides foot forward controls.  Again, depending on how you personally weigh the various factors cited earlier, it might be a toss up. 

In the end, there are the intangibles.  The essentially personal decisions meaning so much to a biker.  After all, being a biker is just about the ultimate expression of freedom, so choosing a new bike is an extension of that expression.  It is at this point that Harley-Davidson steps ahead of Ducati for me.

Yes, the unique rumble from that V-twin Milwaukee 8 is part of it.  But it more than the sound.  When attending biker or biker related events at which veterans are prominent, the H-D brand dominates the staging points.  Perhaps it is because the bikes are American made.  Perhaps it is the marketing.  Perhaps it is the image created over the decades, from post WWII through high school years, to Run for the Wall and Rolling Thunder.  

Whatever it is,  the intangible scorecard goes to Harley-Davidson.  If I had the money for one bike, it would be the Heritage.  (Of course, if I had the money for two bikes, the Multistrada would be parked next to it.)



   

So True, Charlie Brown, So True

As famously, if not infamously exclaimed by Charlie Brown, "Good grief!"

Perusing Internet (so called) news sites leaves one thoroughly dismayed.  For example:

• Pelosi declared her six year old grandson wished he were brown.  
• A woman was denied aircraft boarding because of an "emotional support hamster."  
• Two school principals were arrested, one for failing to report six year olds had filmed themselves committing sex acts, and the other for failing to report a sexual assault by a seven year old.    
• A university professor told his class he wished the President were dead.
• POTUS wants a military parade in Washington, DC.
• Opinion writers, who never served in uniform, posing as journalists make categorical declarations about what it means to be in the military.  
• The Dow Jones drops more than 2000 points.
• Congress passes spending bills that deepen our already unfathomable sink hole of national debt.
• Self important "celebrities" declare this and that are horrible, yet strive for the most air time and "news" coverage.
• A bankrupt city wants to provide residents $500 per month, no strings attached. 

Good grief indeed.

Spending other peoples' money.  Narcissism running amok.  Avoiding personal responsibility.  Failing to perform the duties of the office to which elected.  Extending victimology to unheard of and unwarranted areas.  Ascribing sexual awareness where none exists.  Claiming unearned expertise.  Wanting to use the military as potted plants in shameless self-promotion (see footnote).

Good grief.   

That supposed intelligent people are involved in each and every (and vastly more) illustration is disturbing.  From this vantage point is seems as if reason and tolerance have been replaced by absurdity and bigotry.  And it continues unabated.

Good grief.  

The list of examples is virtually endless.  Has the nation gone mad?

Charlie Brown and his fellow characters could certainly do better than those involved in the illustrations.

------------------------------

Footnote: lest one think this is unique to the current White House, do not forget that First Lady Obama appeared on the broadcast of the 2013 Academy Awards, with uniformed military officers as set decorations and dressing.    

Building upon success

Though January still has a couple of days to go, it is not too early to mark calendars for 18 November, the date for the 5th Annual El Cajon HOG Toys for Tots Ride.

For the second year, El Cajon HOG will partner with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club for this worthy event.  Starting at El Cajon Harley-Davidson, the ride destination will be the Del Mar Race Track.

It is an opportunity to support the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program in San Diego.

Let's surpass last year.

More bikes and more toys.

It is liberating

The phrase "it is liberating" most certainly captures the unique freedom experienced on the open road while piloting a motorcycle.  This experience is heightened when the open road is far from crowded urban areas.  

Rolling along, astride the motorcycle, through magnificent scenery liberates the soul.  The rushing air and sound of the rumbling motor peel off the concerns of daily life.  At one with machine and the environment.  It is liberating, but this not about which I write today.

Even more liberating, and not requiring a bike, is a self-imposed news blackout.

It came to be that reading and watching so-called news were simply sources of aggravation.  Journalism has been overcome by thinly -- if ever -- disguised opinion drivel.  Conservative or liberal, it does not matter.  News has been replaced by largely unfounded expressions of personal views.  And, much like elected officials seeking fame and fortune, the purveyors of these opinions seek not to enlighten, but to receive clicks, calls, tweets, posts, and the other currency of an opinion crazy, narcissistic social media driven society.

The more inflammatory, the better.  The more rabid and outrageous, the better.  That this phenomenon occurs without integrity or principal matters not.

It finally dawned that by reading and watching these opinion hucksters, I was giving credence to their offerings.  I was part of the problem, and in the process I was allowing myself to get riled up, day after day.  Enough!  Why go thorough the day  upset by some opinion piece masquerading as journalism?  The solution is the self-imposed "news" blackout.

Now several weeks into this approach, I am much happier.  So not to mislead, let me explain.  I scan on-line headlines from conservative and liberal sources, gaining an appreciation for the stories of the day.  But I do not read them.  There are some topics motivating further examination, such as military and veteran stories.  Sadly, however, I am finding all too many of these infected with the opinion bug, leading to reducing the number of pieces I read on these topics.  I also read pieces about sports events, primarily to learn the results, not the off field goings on by the over paid professional athletes.  And lots of motorcycle pieces.  Finally, I watch NO televised news.  ZERO.  NONE.  

It is truly liberating.

Apart from saving lots of time, I avoid the aggravating, ignorance-based, opinion driven drivel passing for journalism.  The day starts and ends on a much more positive note.  

Caring not a whit about the goings on by self-appointed celebrities, with ego maniacal internal views, why provide them entry into my life?  Out, out damn fools I say.

Now I can spend time planning the next family gathering or next motorcycle outing, playing tennis with my bride, cycling, and riding the Harley.  I rest more comfortably and enjoy time with friends without discussing the latest "crisis" some idiot had proclaimed.

It is so liberating.         

Into the New Year

One could certainly understand that a pervading sense of pessimism is bemoaned by others, as the calendar is about to change from 2017 to 2018.

Doomsayers, naysayers, conspiracy theorists, extremists (from both political parties), self appointed social activists, university and college professors, union leaders, male, female, public school teachers, journalists, media commentators, elected officials at all levels, non-elected government officials at all levels, red staters, blue staters, people of all races, people of all ethnicities, rich, poor, urban dwellers, farmers, straight, gay, questionable, and almost every other imaginable group are portrayed by the widely divided media as angry about something or everything.  Whipping their bases into a frenzy, the various factions and individuals claiming to represent one view or another seem to be working overtime to sow and fertilize  mistrust and division throughout the nation.

It is all too easy to answer their siren songs, regardless of an individual's core beliefs.

But as we move into the new year, let us urge resistance to the sirens of division.  Why?  Because far more examples of people coming together exist, in spite of what the naysayers and doomsayers preach, regardless of what we would have expected to believe.

Delving into the news, bypassing the sensationalism put out to inflame, and you will find stories of incredible kindness, generosity, and brotherhood.  Average citizens literally running into the flames of a burning house.  Individuals plucking an unknown person out of the way of certain death or serious injury.  Strangers standing up to defend someone being abused.  The stories are as endless as they are inspirational.

Look and you will see for yourself that the naysayers and doomsayers are way off base.  

Sure, there are challenges.  And hard work is needed to address them.

But the average guy and gal, just working day-by-day, is usually ready and willing to help out when the need arises.

Thankfully that is what the new year holds for us.        

Contrasts

Dictionary.com defines contrast, in part, as "to compare in order to show unlikeness or differences; note the opposite natures, purposes, etc."

What took place a week ago in El Cajon and Del Mar, California displayed a strong contrast between what some people might believe or assume about those who ride motorcycles; bikers, if you will.   It is likely many average Americans think of bikers in the image of Marlon Brando in The Wild One,

   

or so called gangs of today.  Leather, chrome, Harleys, loud pipes, denim, patches, and on and on.  But that is where the contrast comes into play.

On November 19, bikers came together to give to the community.  Specifically, the San Diego community via the U. S. Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program.  

Beginning with registering and staging at El Cajon Harley-Davidson, they rode to the Del Mar Race Track, joining with track patrons to ultimately provide an estimated 2,300 toys and $8,600 in cash donations to the Marine Corps Reserves 4th Tank Battalion, so that some children in the San Diego region will have a piece of Christmas this year.

Hundreds turned out for this most worthy of causes.

If that isn't a contrast, I don't know what is.

San Diego's Largest Toys for Tots Event

Four days until the Toys for Tots Ride on 19 November.  Help support the Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots program and make a difference this Christmas.  

You do not have to be a biker to join in.  Go to the Stretch Run Gate at the Del Mar Race Track, where each individual donating a new, unwrapped toy will receive free admission.  Gates open at 11:00 AM.  Join us in the Red Star Cafe and for $10 donation for Toys for Tots, come on in and buy some tickets for the opportunity drawing benefiting Toys for Tots.  The drawing starts at 11:30 and runs most of the day.  More than 80 prizes.  And check out the silent auction.

If you are a biker, register at El Cajon Harley-Davidson that morning and join the group Ride from El Cajon to the Del Mar Racetrack.  Or just head to the track, make your way to the Red Star Cafe, and register there (gates open at 11:00).

For more details, go the website.

Toys for Tots Ride

Gearing up for the largest Toys for Tots event in the San Diego region, the 4th Annual El Cajon Harley Owners Group Toys for Tots Ride on 19 November.

El Cajon Harley-Davidson to the Del Mar racetrack.

Should be awesome.  Check it out here.

Marine Corps Birthday

Tomorrow is the Marine Corps birthday, a special day for all of us. As this picture shows, many deploy and are deployed around the world. What caught my attention in the picture, taken when the PGR welcomed home Marines from deployment, is the #10 in the lower right hand corner of the window. As we raise our glasses to celebrate the birth of our Corps, let us also remember fellow Marines are going in harm's way.