JMK is still here, folks. Today's food and gas prices are kicking JMK's ass. I'll post more if I have the strength. Stale bread is not the best diet.

We had a great run

I am an amateur historian, and understand the currents of time. For example, it is quite easy to recognize the fall of the great empires.  The Roman Empire fell, as its control of its territory became untenable. The same happened to the British Empire. Genghis Khan and his descendents controlled an empire larger than the current mass of the United States. None rule the world, because control was not sustainable.

The experiment of the United States of America was truly a fantastic moment in human history, where citizens had rights and the ability to choose their leaders, and to appropriately exercise the concept of free will.

As a historian, I am both fascinated and horrified to see that the experiment has been so short. History shows that no nation or no empire lasts. As much as it pains me, I recognize that the United States of America is on the road to join the Romans, the Brits, and the Mongols. I am grateful that in a thousand years that I will be able to say that I lived during the great administration of Ronald Reagan, but will also be able to unfortunately note that the President in 2013 accelerated our decline.

Essentially, the United States of America shined on the world stage for a short while, but could not defy history. It doesn’t matter if you rule harshly or try to be nice, the end is inevitable. Someday though, perhaps, my descendents will know that I lived during the final strength of the USA when Ronald Reagan expended his life to serve, and the downfall that began in 1993 and accelerated in 2009.

Politica Realitica

I never wanted to force any political viewpoint on my son, as I want him to be able think independently and make his own choices. I did, however, try to provide examples of situations that might apply to real life.

For example, I told him how socialism, while a wonderful feel good idea, actually works. Imagine a society in which everyone is equal, and everyone gets from the system a bowl of rice for dinner. It’s good, because everybody is treated equally and everybody gets the same amount. Until somebody wants more – it could be a fat guy or a lazy guy, but the bowl of rice just isn’t enough. While everybody else is working for their daily bowl of rice, the lazy guy doesn’t work but still wants rice. The “utopian” society has already distributed the lazy guy’s bowl of rice, assuming that lazy guy will produce equally to the rest.

Lazy guy doesn’t want to work for the collective effort, but he’s still hungry! So he goes and steals from the others.

Some of the people find that their daily ration is not satisfactory, so they clear a plot, toil, and grow their own rice. They not only then grow enough to feed their own family, but they have enough extra that they can sell to others.

Some of the others also found out that the daily bowl of rice was not satisfactory. They didn’t become thieves, because they realized that they could produce clothing or provide a form of sustenance by growing food, and in the meantime make a profit (no one works for free).

Lazy guy doesn’t work or contribute to the collective, and starves to death.

I am a Metal-American

Since people get so easily labeled these days, I figure that I should add our label. I am a Metal-American; I love the music genre of Heavy Metal. Many people have unfavorable views toward Metal-Americans. Please allow me to help dispel some of the biases against us: I don’t have any weird-ass tattoos, I don’t have piercings on my face, and I don’t worship satan. I’m just a regular guy that loves music that isn’t lame.

Are MY people perpetually destined to face discrimination? We are metal heads, and we deserve respect!   

Hindsight is 20/20

Hindsight is 20/20. Really? That is one of the stupidest things I've ever heard. If hindsight is 20/20, and I am obviously not able to see it myself, can someone please tell me what would have happened if Hitler conquered England in 1941, instead of attacking Russia? Since MY hindsight is NOT 20/20, I'd like someone to tell me exactly how hindsight it 20/20. Thank you.

Headbangin' Patriots

One of the greatest pleasures in my life is attending heavy metal concerts with David (my son). In our attendance at many shows, I was pleasantly surprised to get a “shout out” from the performer on stage.

In the very first show that we went to together in Virginia (2005), Geoff Tate from Queensryche made it a point to thank the troops that go into harm’s way. Although it was in the summer and hotter than you know what, I got a chill of appreciation.

When we attended Mayhem Fest in 2011, Sully Erna from Godsmack similarly made a point to thank the troops. Excellent! The follow-up band Disturbed lead singer, David Draiman, also chose to thank the troops.

Aside from being fabulous heavy metal bands (and tremendously enjoying their performances), it was quite heartening to hear their thanks for the troops.

Patriotism exists everywhere; headbangers are no different!

Bill Maher disses Tim Tebow

Bill Maher made disparaging remarks about Tim Tebow in a tweet; it's too bad that people are so offended (or threatened) by Tim Tebow's faith. Tim Tebow doesn't come out and make nasty remarks about others, and perhaps that is why they fear his faith, behavior, and existence.

Of course, Bill Maher is one of our generation's great thinkers. In fact, he was quoted for his brilliance:

In the September 16th, 2010 Rolling Stone issue, Bill Maher is quoted as saying that "Peter Griffin (Family Guy) combines being supremely confident with having his head up his ass. Maybe it's because I see him in reruns when I go to bed; No matter what stupid thing I've done that day, I can fall asleep knowing that somebody's fucking dumber than me."

Oddly enough, I get the same satisfaction from Bill Maher's existence.