What’s To Love About Fishing?

Fishermen, sometimes total strangers, love to brag and engage in lofty philosophy. Some get almost spiritual and say things like, “I feel close to God when I’m fishing.” Or, “If a boy fishes he’ll become a fine man.” Or, “It doesn’t matter whether I catch anything.” If that were true, why use hooks!

I got snookered by the enthusiasm of some of my friends and started fishing. Now they think I expect too much. Perhaps I do. But so far, adjusting from diving in Mexico to fishing with a pole is like trading my red Mustang GT for an old gray golf cart.

Photos of me in Speedos holding spear-shot 30-pound beauties, lobsters, and scallops, are pleasant reminders of my more primitive way of obtaining luscious seafood. Thank God my sustenance now doesn’t depend on what I bring home. I’d be eating leftover worms!

A friend caught 4 big catfish at the aqueduct while I pulled in 8 pounds of moss. After 2 whole days I finally landed a meaty 17-inch bass. The minimum is 18 inches! After releasing him I only fooled a 5-inch blue gill. Three trips to the lake were even less productive and I got skunked at Pyramid. Our algae-filled lake yielded one small trout after 2 days. I’ve spent $300 on stuff called “Super Duper”, “Rooster Tail”, “Needle Fish”, “Squid Gravy”, “Wild Eye Shad”, “Jerkin Minnow”, and a really nasty-looking one called, “Robo Worm”. Some models even buzz, glow and stink!

I’ve also tried worms, cheese, corn, chicken liver, mackerel, Power Bait, sprays and dips, and on the advice of a friend, pepperoni. I even up-graded my cheap Walmart rod and reel to a Sports Chalet combo that looks and works great! My expensive polarized sunglasses are supposed to reveal fish deep in the water (where they remain). Yes! I fished from a boat. Yes! I listened to expert advice of friends. No! I wasn’t drunk. I was sober and focused!

One morning while dunking worms at 6 a.m., I concluded that I succeeded at spear fishing because I didn’t leave the decision-making to the fish. I saw – I dove - I shot! Of course I held my breath to avoid drowning. Now, while fishing, I hold my breath to avoid cursing. Being dumber than a fish injures the ego, exhausts patience, and wastes time better spent cleaning toilets.

And that’s just the emotional part. A sore back, sunburn, insect bites, and a numb butt are my usual physical rewards. I barely felt the treble hook I sat on. And my wife says my car is beginning to smell like forgotten anchovies.

If fishing is so noble and relaxing, why do enthusiasts rip across the lakes in fancy, $50 K, 250 hp boats, to beat others to the best spot, and then grumble when another boat gets too close?
Well, I’m still trying. Tell me your best fishing secret and I’ll keep it to myself! You might find a boat and fishing gear priced for quick sale. Maybe I’ll buy salmon at Costco, stay home and watch “Get Wild With Cindy” on ESPN. She always catches fish. And that’s The Way I See It!

NJ

THE WORK ETHIC

Webster defines the “work ethic” as, “A belief in the moral benefit and importance of work and its inherent ability to strengthen character”.

Four of the Geezers ( average age 67) were completing the “Beautification Project” at the Community Center. Between wiping our brows and shoveling rock in the 90-degree plus heat, we were each describing our most physically demanding job, why we were willing to do such painful, exhaustive work in our youth, and more puzzling, why we had now volunteered to punish our “mature” bodies again?

Perhaps it is because we shared a “work ethic”. We could each recall feeling lucky to be employed at even a demanding, low paying job at some time in our lives, and we would jump at the chance to work overtime.

Have you heard from younger people such comments as: “I’m not working overtime. I’ve got social activities for the weekend.” or “I’m quitting this job because it’s too hard.” Even some mature adults don’t believe in the benefits of hard work. Recently a 60 year old man said, “By the time you put all the effort into learning a vocation, get up every day and go to work, pay for clothes and a car and other expenses, it just isn’t worth it.” And he is one who criticizes one of the strengths of America – Capitalism.

So many people are envious of those who can afford to buy and do whatever they please. When someone says, “ Bill Gates has no right to earn so much money when I earn so little!” they should be reminded that the opportunities are there for anyone, regardless of status, race, religion, or other distinction, to be whatever they might choose. It’s mostly a matter of how badly they want it, and how hard they are willing to work. One must wonder whether those who feel somehow deprived, have a work ethic, and were willing to sacrifice personal pleasures to raise them above the multitudes.

To most of the Geezers, “socialism” is still a dirty word; one not respected by our founders when they created the basis for the most powerful, productive, and benevolent country on earth. It’s a socialistic principle to believe that those who are able, but unwilling, to work hard at a promising vocation should have as much as those who do.

If this wonderful society is to survive under the onslaught of criticism from envious people here and around the world, our youth must understand this.

We need to put a “work glove” on every hand extended for a share of the wealth and opportunity our society provides. And in order to be charitable to those who simply can’t work, we must make sure not to give a “free ride” to those who can! Work is good for the pocketbook, the character, and for our country!

This is just my opinion, but “That’s The Way I See It!”

NJ

TRADITIONAL VALUES ARE UNDER ATTACK!

Our freedom to raise our children in the manner most believe is morally correct is under attack! Based solely on their choice of sexual practices, others are depriving us of that parental right.

Under the guise that society should be more open minded, we are being hammered with philosophies that our parents, churches and previous laws, taught us are wrong. These attackers are not demure, “Don’t ask and don’t tell” gay folks. They are sexually obsessed people aggressively trying to discredit our beliefs while asking for special consideration for their own “alternate” lifestyles.

While it was reasonable for the Supreme Court to strike archaic laws (such as the Texas sodomy statute) which criminalized same-sex behavior in private, that doesn’t seem to be enough. Well-organized homosexual and lesbian groups lobby for specific hate crime legislation, same-sex marriage, and other special benefits under the contention that current laws and standards deprive them of basic needs. That isn’t factual! Any special needs, created by their sexual proclivities, can now be met by contracts, wills, or other legal procedures. Our governor just quietly signed another bill broadening benefits to “domestic partners”.

A recent U.S.A. TODAY poll revealed that Americans are backlashing against open homosexual aggressiveness. Most want to raise their families without seeing sexually disoriented people stalk others on TV shows, and flamboyantly celebrate in parades.

“Gays” aren’t alone in this assault against decency. Pornography, sadomasochism and images of child sexual abuse are common, especially on the Internet. In our own community a 12-year-old girl reported to our Sheriff receiving downloaded “hard core” material in the mail from an acquaintance her own age.

At a time when the Ten Commandments must be removed from view on government premises, and The Boy Scouts are criticized for protecting children by excluding homosexuals, liberal thinking professors in some schools are brainwashing our youth with ideas such as “alternative life styles” and “sexual diversity”.

For a real shock, get a copy of author Tucker Carlson’s article in Reader’s Digest, March 2003, titled “Porn 101”! Carlson describes how schools of higher learning, Berkley, San Francisco State, Arizona State, Univ. of Mass. and others, are exposing our children to on-stage nudity, pornography and sex, even prompting them to participate. What kind of grade would they get if they refused? Be careful in mixed company not to ask your child who attends one of these colleges, “What did you learn in school today?”

Most of us believe in being tolerant of someone who is different, but should the majority have to allow the destruction of dignity and morality, the justification of sexual behavior we find repugnant, and see it taught to our children at our expense. If objecting is hateful, I’m guilty! You may disagree, but “That’s the way I see it!”

NJ

“Viva la Difference!”

“Viva La Difference” probably had some physical meaning, but there are other differences to consider when trying to make relationships last. As Valentine’s Day and our 55th anniversary approaches, my wife and I frequently discuss with friends how we all made marriage last.

Laughter usually erupts when someone says, “It’s because we agree on everything.” We find that ludicrous! If love is the most important factor in marriage, compromise and forgiveness must be close seconds. One couple we know disagree about everything! They yell, argue, insult the other’s judgment, and then laugh and make up. They are truly sweethearts.

In the best of marriages, arguments about trivial subjects are inevitable and usually not worthy of hostility. But when they happen, another serious difference in the sexes emerges. Men recover more quickly and don’t understand why their sensitive mates remain angry and silent. Disputes would be less damaging if ladies would quietly explain and men would at least validate their feelings and if necessary the two can agree to disagree. Tender apologies and forgiveness can erase a lot of bitterness and get life back on track.

Someone wrote, “Learn to love your mate because of your differences.” Easier said than done? Absolutely, but with enough thought and effort, it is possible.
In another book famous people made derisive remarks about marriage while only a few seemed to praise the virtues. But then why would anyone take Elizabeth Taylor, Warren Beatty or Jennifer Lopez seriously about lasting love? For valid advice go to someone who has made marriage work. Lust, money, and fame are okay, but not the best foundations for lasting relationships.

Men! Don’t keep those loving feelings inside! “Crown her” with sincere praise and listen to her heartstrings. At dinner with close friends recently, a husband of 44 years said nonchalantly (out of his wife’s hearing), “I don’t care where we live as long as I can live with her.” A hush fell over the table as my wife told his astonished wife. She looked tearfully toward her husband and said, “That’s the most beautiful thing any man ever said”. Really! Then it occurred to me that my wife has chosen the location of every home we’ve owned! I could easily have stirred her with those words 4 times over the years!

Come on men! Why are so many greeting cards sold? Because we macho-male creatures won’t express our love. This Valentine’s Day try putting your own love-note with the flowers or heart-shaped candy. And then don’t just leave it on the kitchen counter. Look into her beautiful eyes, tell her she’s wonderful, and celebrate your differences.

“Viva la Difference” in every sense! At least, That’s The Way I See It!

NJ

Presidential Election

With all the media and Internet confusion over the November election, this ol’country boy is not confused!

Some republicans vow to vote for Barack Obama because John McCain seems too liberal; bitter Hillary supporters threaten to vote for McCain; and lofty-headed idealists would probably blindly vote for anyone who can pronounce “change” often enough.
It’s exciting that for the first time, a woman might have become president and an African-American man is the democrat candidate. But common sense and my well-honed instincts for recognizing phonies tell me to look deeper.

Before you respond to my first openly political opinion for the Yodeler, some ground rules please! Don’t rehash Bush, Bill and Hillary or anyone but the two candidates and don’t use costly space for personal attacks on “sensitive” me.

Seriously, considering the most fundamental duty of any president, to protect our country against foreign and domestic threats, there just is no contest! John McCain has an overwhelming advantage based on prior service to America, his military acumen, and his unquestioned belief in ideals that make America # 1. Most Americans strongly agree.

As our country’s protector, Obama’s voice decibels seem to be his strongest asset. He could easily sell “snake oil.” But his absence of military or leadership experience is appalling. His well-substantiated associations with racists, and radical America haters are downright frightening! Even if Barack Hussein Obama really perceives himself as a unifier, his family’s Muslim background and his own exposure to anti-American zealots is bound to have rubbed-off and makes his judgment perilous for a Commander-In-Chief. Israelis must be trembling while terrorists are hoping he will be elected!

Core values? The Christian church Obama attended asks God to "damn America", harbors divisive anti-white attitudes, and honors devout racists as if shameful past inequities, including slavery, were still with us. Get over it!

Obama’s evasiveness about Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers, Bernardine Dohrn, and Weather Underground taints his basic integrity. His best flip-flops won’t dispel doubt and according to his own book, Audacity Of Hope, everyone should be judged by their past.
Race card? Not a single Republican has chosen to attack on the basis of race, so “victim” Obama himself is pointing out his color.

Oil independence? McCain wants it all; immediate exploration, nuclear power plants, and alternative sources to provide quick relief and move America toward oil abundance and security.
Obama on the other hand, wants development of only alternative energy sources that by his own projections would not provide relief for 20 or more years (now he says 10 years). Polls are forcing him to edge closer to McCain’s energy plan and drilling. By election time what will he favor to win?
Taxes? McCain promises further tax relief. Obama promises to load us with tax increases that will trickle down to everyone, but especially he wants to break the backs of dynamic producers who have made us economically robust and who employ millions right down to the most menial workers.

Don’t get snookered by Obama’s favorite trigger-word “change.” Constructive change is essential but more taxes, universal health care, and more social programs, would send us bankrupt into that bottomless pit called socialism, where ultra-liberal Obama and some democrats surely want us.

America leads the world in opportunity for those who strive and believe in individual responsibility. Let’s not change that!

It’s true that “we just don’t know Obama!” But he is known and favored by the American Communist Party, Hamas, and leaders of our middle-east adversaries. We know what the liberal media have shown of his “best” side. What else might be in the shadowy recesses of his character? Hillary was scary but Obama is terrifying!

Is there anything attractive about him? Yes! He’s a handsome, young, silver-tongued smoothy. And for him to be our first black president would destroy the hateful racial facades “Rev” Jesse Jackson and “Rev” Al Sharpton try to pass off as religion.

So think it over and vote sensibly! I apologize if I haven’t made my preference clear but that’s “The way I See It!”

NJ

Where Are the Cops When You Need Them?

Have you ever heard someone say, “Why aren’t the cops around when you need them?” Often they are present, to deter crimes, capture violators, or protect someone from injury. Here are some examples.

Our Resident Deputy, while driving to briefing recently, recognized a bandit in the car ahead who had beaten a woman unconscious and robbed her the day before! He captured the robber who is now awaiting trial. Nice work!

I was working shoplifters in plainclothes in downtown L.A. when two molesters crowded up against 2 pedestrian women and began fondling the girl’s buttocks! Not only was I there but a uniformed beat officer was approaching. We took appropriate action.

Deputy A. also told of receiving a radio-call in West Hollywood at night about a fight. He and his partner were just around the corner from where 4 men were viciously beating another. They had already broken his arm and may have killed him if not for A’s timely arrival. The suspects went to jail, and the victim ultimately recovered.

Two North Hollywood detectives entering the Bank of America to get their paychecks cashed, met a seasoned bank robber exiting with a gun in one hand and a bag of money in the other. He instantly surrendered, explaining later, “I wanted the news to say, bandit caught, not bandit shot!”

C.G. at our local Hair & Nails Shoppe told of an angry motorist coming after her husband with a baseball bat. Just in time an off-duty officer in his own car stopped, cranked a round into his shotgun and arrested the suspect.

On another occasion, Deputy A. noticed a stranger passing the local bar.. A short time later a resident appeared and told A. that a rape had just occurred. A. found the stranger nearby and linked him to the rape and a Val Verde gang.

Have you been cut off in traffic by a drunk or reckless driver and suddenly a police car appeared and caught him? There are many such incidents that the public doesn’t hear about, but our sheriffs are spread too thin. The ratio of deputies in L.A. County is 1 for 1,115 citizens and that doesn’t account for those who are necessarily assigned to station, court and other inside duties.

The population of our town is about 3000 and our communities are spread out so that travel time for deputies is significant. That’s why citizens must get involved, but Deputy A. cautions residents not to physically confront suspects.

When you see a traffic accident or learn of criminal activity, stop, do you call the sheriff and identify yourself? Wouldn’t you hope to hear from a witness if you were the victim? Deputy A. is well trained and alert to criminal activity, but he is only one deputy.

He said, “We don’t have a Sheriff’s Station up here, so I try to park near local businesses for a few minutes every day to make myself available. People stand in line to discuss everything from barking dogs to felonies. Good information and high police visibility are two reasons crime is so low in the Lakes & Valleys.” A. added, “Don’t wait until you see me to report a crime. I may respond but if I’m not available other deputies will be dispatched.”

It’s great if the police are there when you need them, but why not make a “New Years resolution” to get involved in protecting ourselves. I hope you agree because “That’s The Way I See It!”

NJ

How To Speak!

In my town, some of our speech is quite colorful. Labels I have heard include, “flatlander”, “redneck”, “hillbilly”, “tweeker”, “skank”, “dirtbag”, and worse. Recently a friend made a comment to me using the “N” word for shock value, but not hatefully. The next day he and a Black friend enjoyed coffee one-on-one.

We should all speak respectfully of those who deserve respect. But I’m more concerned about the hysterical, politically correct crowd depriving others of their freedom of speech and thought? When they find a flaw in our established vocabularies and deep-rooted opinions, they label us hateful. We are then expected to adopt their more sensitive words and beliefs. But haven’t they gone too far?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines hate speech as: “Bigoted speech attacking or disparaging a social or ethnic group or an individual member of such a group.” The U. S. Supreme Court has said that unless even truly hateful speech is intended to evoke an immediate violent response, it’s protected under the First Amendment.

My late Uncle Wally often offended us with derisive terms. Not for Armenians because he was one! Wally was fond of his grandson’s wife Lupita, but he always addressed her as “Damned Little Mexican”. He wasn’t hateful and she thought it was funny.

Isn’t it ironic that the standards change when the pious, politically correct use similar terms, or label someone a redneck, racist, bigot, or hate-monger. We defensively soak up their criticism, and try not to offend further. But still they go on tirades at the slightest ill-chosen bit of speech or humor.

My habit of calling a waitress “Hon” makes my wife cringe. And many years ago praise was an integral part of my managerial style! But God forbid today that a boss would “sexually harass” his secretary by saying, “You look very nice.”

Words such as boy, fat, short, loud, ugly, phony, bad, all skin colors, sexual preferences, and other descriptive terms may soon be off limits. It’s already professionally fatal for radio or TV hosts, even shock-jocks, to imply that people jump, run, look, speak, eat, think, or act differently.

Three ill–conceived words knocked repulsive talk show host Don Imus’ right out of his lucrative job! And hypocritical, racial agitators such as “Reverend” Al Sharpton hoped for eternal banishment. How hateful was that? And more recently Dog the Bounty Hunter used the “N” word during a private phone call. Private! Not on TV or radio! He lost his TV show over that!

Both men denied being racist. Demanding that they grovel publicly only drove any actual racial hostility even deeper. Their apologies were motivated by lost money not contrition.

A couple of my critics labeled me “Gestapo”, “bigot”, “brutal” and “insensitive”, so I recalled the grade school rhyme I used against verbal bullies. “Sticks and stones can break my bones but names can never hurt me!” Childish perhaps, but the sensitivity of some has reached the ridiculous stage. We all need to relax, and appreciate the true intent behind the words. Stupid but protected verbiage isn’t nearly as divisive as the radical reactions that always seem to follow. Feel free to disagree but that’s “The Way I See It!”

NJ

Happy New Year To Patriots!

A patriotic friend suggested, “Norm, why don’t you write about the proper way to display the American flag?” Patriotism in general is a great subject for 2008, an election year.
Patriot: “One who loves, supports and defends his country and its interests with devotion.” That might include most of our officials, many of the rich and famous, and most ordinary Americans. But there are those who piously contend to be patriotic while condemning our military, our form of government and our country and who pander to anti-Americans here and abroad. They do this while enjoying the freedom and protection of the most powerful, affluent, and benevolent country in history. Hollywood’s latest betrayal of America is said by critics to be the film Redacted. No! I won’t see it.
Don’t get me wrong. Constructively criticizing our government’s policies is patriotism at its best. But when we are at war and the survival of our troops and country is at stake, real patriots put that aside to collectively defend America until we win!
Perhaps a little Grade School Government - 101 will help. Organization (government) is necessary to avoid chaos and get us all going in the same direction. Those chosen by the majority are never perfect, but until the next election (2008), we are supposed to civilly debate how to improve, whom to remove, and who will lead us next.
In the interim, even if they disagree the “loyal minority” should support and defend our leaders and our country. Patriotism is demonstrated by patience, sacrifice, and loyalty, not political tantrums that endanger everyone.
The way I see it: 1. YOU CANNOT BE AN AMERICAN PATRIOT IF: 1. You lie and talk trash about our government, country, or our troops. 2. You are an elected American servant, but what you do and say appeals to those who would destroy us. 3. Capitalism made you rich and famous but you advocate socialism and use your status to embolden our enemies by spewing anti-American hatred. 4. You fail to vote, or you use unlawful, disruptive tactics to make your point. Those folks can pretend if they wish but such traitorous activities have nothing to do with the betterment or preservation of America.
True patriotism also includes proper display of Old Glory. A synopsis of the voluminous U.S. Code (rules for display) might suffice: Fly our flag only from sunrise to sunset unless it is illuminated at night. Use an adequate pole and don’t let the flag touch the ground, get soiled or tattered. Don’t wear it, use it for advertising, or other disrespectful decoration. Even a part of the flag falls under these rules, so I’ll take back the Stars and Stripes banner I gave to a patriotic friend for her auto antennae.
One phone call to American Self Storage of Palmdale resulted in replacement of a tattered flag in time for Veteran’s Day. We salute them and those of you who are true patriots!
“Change” seems to be the theme of at least one party for the coming election. Constructive change is good and necessary but remember, we have been doing a lot of the right things for a long time and they have made us great!
This is The Way I See It!

NJ