Random Rant Thread (no moto content)

Sierra1

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No one is getting rich on public assistance. We hear about this case and that case, but the truth is that it's a pretty small amount of money. Everybody's situation is unique. . . .
It never crossed my mind that they were getting rich. But, when you're not working. . . . because you don't want to work. . . . and you're living as well as a person that's working two jobs..... I've been in the situation, that I "make too much money" for government assistance. . . . but, I don't make enough money to pay all of my bills on time. I have to decide what bills get payed late. . . .and have to figure a way to pay for Christmas for my kids. . . . and when I go to the grocery store and watch somebody get two baskets full of food, and pay for it with their Lone Star card. . . . and then put it in a car that's five years newer than mine. My first child as soon as I started working my "career" job. The insurance called him a pre-existing condition. No coverage. Took me years to pay him off. When we were registering at the hospital for son #2, the person signing us in, asked if we had Medicaid. Come to find out, I didn't make enough not to qualify. Pretty sad. But, the good news was that between my insurance, and Medicaid, he was practically free.

I was raised that everybody needs to carry their load. I worked extra hours for years, to make sure we had necessities. I don't care what job a person has. If they're working, to support themselves, and/or their families. . . . I respect the hell out of them. I'm getting tired of seeing and hearing people trying come up with a gimic so they can use social media to make money.
 

fac191

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I saw an article today. . . . that made me madder than I've been in . . . . well, a minute or two. Does anybody, including our brothers from another mother-land, see anything RACIST in this photo?
View attachment 67163
Apparently, in California, there have been protests over this picture because of it's racist content.

This 23 year old woman . . . . is a murdered police officer. She was working a crash, when a man rode up on a bicycle. . . . and shot her. He was not involved in the crash, or anybody in the crash.

The article goes on to say that the black & white flag, with the blue stripe. . . . is becoming associated with racism.

In a somewhat associated article, it was revealed that the San Francisco Chief of Police. . . . Bill Scott . . . has issued an order that no officers, on duty, will wear a face mask in the image of the black & white flag, with the blue stripe. He is worried that the symbol may be perceived as "divisive and disrespectful".

:mad:
Just so i can understand why the black and white in the flag. I can only think it relates to Police vehicles.
 

Sierra1

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Well, now that you mention it. . . . not 100% sure "why" for the color choice. I've always assumed that it was due to the somber nature of displaying it. I have seen full color, red/white/blue, with the blue stripe also. I've never considered it to have a racist "hidden meaning". The article said that young lady had been aspiring to become an officer for years. She finally realizes her dreams, and was so new, that she was still with a training officer.

The article I read, went on to say that the reason that it is considered racist, is that the "Blue Live Matter" movement/flag. . . . is considered offensive, and an affront, to the "Black Lives Matter" organization. I don't know if the p.o.s. that shot & killed her, had seen the picture and was "getting even" or what.
 

fac191

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Well, now that you mention it. . . . not 100% sure "why" for the color choice. I've always assumed that it was due to the somber nature of displaying it. I have seen full color, red/white/blue, with the blue stripe also. I've never considered it to have a racist "hidden meaning". The article said that young lady had been aspiring to become an officer for years. She finally realizes her dreams, and was so new, that she was still with a training officer.

The article I read, went on to say that the reason that it is considered racist, is that the "Blue Live Matter" movement/flag. . . . is considered offensive, and an affront, to the "Black Lives Matter" organization. I don't know if the p.o.s. that shot & killed her, had seen the picture and was "getting even" or what.
You could also assume it represents black on one side white on another with the police in the middle protecting the white. Imagery is very very powerful and influential thats why there is so much money in advertising.
 

EricV

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It always amazes me how people fall for advertising. It's all lies, for the sole purpose of generating profits.

But, the basic nature of people is to be stupid and HOPE for something better, w/o ever actually making an effort to work for something better.

We are all human beings. Until that's the first thing we see, there is no possibility of equality. You can't try to individualize yourself and then ask for equality too. FU all, lives matter. The rest is a lie.
 

Chris Gale

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In the county I live in the call takers and controllers are civilian and have been for years . There are some officers there and the head person is a senior officer who takes the big decisions in pursuits and serious events. Having been a regular visitor to the US , as my wife used to work for Delta airlines , I got to notice some real differences between there and here . I say the next bit with with a proviso as I know some wont like it it......i am a retired police officer and a gun owner but I do wonder how the States puts up with the amount of gun deaths . When we had a school shooting in Scotland hands guns were banned full stop .The govt paid market price to the owners and that was it . Your police have to act like they are going to b shot at every time they stop someone and that becomes systematic. We watch police patrol over here and the thought of stopping someone with an ak47 in the car makes me weep . Some will say well the bad guys will still have guns , well they do here too but you have to start somewhere....
 

fac191

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Maybe YOU could/can. 'Cuz that's the first time I've heard that bullshit.
I am just saying why people may think it because people were asking. Its not my opinion. I don't have an opinion because i really dont know what it means. So please dont get upset with me. I wanted to know why people thought it racist. It was only when i keep looking at it that i made my assumption. Its an observation.
 

EricV

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I'm sorry you felt threatened by the guy in the golf cart. Clearly his tone and demeanor changed quickly from friendly to uncomfortable. Do you have a feeling of what the trigger was for him exiting the golf cart? Some point in the conversation or topic change?
 

Sierra1

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I'm thinking that your neighbor is just an asshole. I'd be surprised if the weed was inspiring his aggressiveness. It usually has the opposite affect.

Back when I first started working, I never "carried" off duty. Nowadays, you won't find me without one of my pistols. It's not me that's changed, it's the world around us. But, not everybody should be "carrying". It takes a lot of practice, and planning to be walking around with a firearm on your hip. You will be held responsible for everything that happens with/to that weapon. Texas allows for "open carry". I think that's ridiculous. Just because you have one, doesn't mean you need to show it to everybody. (just like your junk, keep it hidden)

Personal opinion: for home defense, for non-enthusiasts, shot guns are your best bet. Simple, and effective. Since you have experience with shotguns, the learning curve will be easier. Remington & Mossberg are two reliable brands. Both make legal, 18" short barrel versions. I prefer Remington, due to the ease of modification. My son has the short barrel version, and shoots skeet very well with it. He also installed a collapsible, AR style stock on it. Extremely versatile weapon. If your wife is going to be using it, I would recommend a 20ga model instead of the 12ga. My brother/sister-n-law wanted a home defense. They took my advise, and got the short barrel 20ga. She actually enjoys shooting the weapon, because it doesn't kick the crap out of her. It's also more than enough weapon with the right ammo for home/self defense.

If you are an enthusiast, find one that you enjoy, and can operate safely, and accurately.
 

Sierra1

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You could also assume it represents black on one side white on another with the police in the middle protecting the white. . . .
Found an older picture. Your assumption doesn't carry through. The blue line is not separating/protecting the "white" from the "black". It's just a very thin line separating order and chaos. :)
american.JPG
 
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fac191

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In fact whilst I was an officer I had a black girlfriend and no one cared......except at work parties cos she was six foot and wore tight leather trousers .Have no idea what so ever why she was with me lol
So no one can say why the American Flag which is held in such high esteem in America has had it colours changed then.
Found an older picture. Your assumption doesn't carry through. The blue line is not separating/protecting the "white" from the "black". It's just a very thin line separating order and chaos. :)
Lets remember its an observation not an opinion or assumption. I am just trying to work out why people thought what they thought not trying to offend anyone.
 

fac191

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We live in worrying times and tearing everything apart will just mean having to rebuild it and the lesser off will pay for it. I think if your on the other side its easy to think white people are better off or come from a better place. This is a photo of my dad 1 of 6 kids from a tiny flat in London. He wouldn't have looked out of place in Dolly Partons family home.IMG_0051.jpg
 

fac191

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Conceal carry. Personally I am not a fan. But with that said you either get the guns off the street and control them or you arm everyone Allowing the fear of being shot keep everyone in line. When you get down to it this is police do for us. Now before someone goes bat shit crazy by quoting the constitution and treating it with religious infallibility reserved for the Pope. The Constitution has been changed. It’s a document created by men and was flawed. We changed it to get rid of slavery. We did it again to get rid of alcohol. That was a big mistake. I believe it gave rise to organized crime. Then we changed it again and brought back alcohol. So I don’t want to hear it can’t be done. We just currently lack the will power.

Now with that said my wife won’t fly. She is not all that sociable but people who she works with or get to know her thinks she great. She has a form of stuttering. Hence she is not sociable. There are only two things she requires dogs and every cable channnel on the planet. Hell I am getting off cheap. And allows me to explore the world on my motorcycle. Well I could not take another day of life time for woman. Every time I turned around some man had done some woman wrong and was dead by anti freeze. The white trash Shows Like Honey Boo Boo were bad to. So I blocked Life Time For Woman with the parental block. Then I told her Life Time for Woman was in contract disputes with Direct TV.

I had 6 month of peace. Then I came home my wife had an evil demonic look to her. She was pissed, God she was like Spock on Startrek pulling us sub menus on my tv I had never sheen with Data like speed. And on this date you ordered a porno, if you ever block a Chanel again I will never cook for you again.

Had to get out of the dog house. Time to reach deep and get creative. Rented a RV took her and the dogs to the Great Smokey MT Nat Park. While parked in a little lions club park that was beautifully maintained just smaller than a state park, the old man in is late 70s early 80 flys in the parking lot. There is one other car. Parks his
crown vick all diagonal blocking us from exiting the lot. He opens the door. I have two of my three dogs on their leash. Swings his legs out. A wooden box hits the ground and opens up. It was in his lap. Out come the biggest revolver you ever saw. We both froze. I was waiting to see if he did anything threatening. If he did I was going to drop the leashes and bum rush him. If I retreated he could have easily shot me. With two dogs and me coming I was hopeful it would buy me the time I needed. The trance was broken he snatched up the gun and put in the box. Got back into his car and left as abruptly as he came. Looked at my wife and said I may need to rethink my position on guns. Things have changed. 300k on bikes not a scratch and every one I meet was nice charming and interesting. I was always treated well. Now this.
You sure it wasnt the cable guy and he recognized the wife ?
 

Dirt_Dad

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Looked at my wife and said I may need to rethink my position on guns.
You're not alone. There are a lot of people changing attitudes about guns. Stores are sold out of guns in many locations.

I have conceal carry licenses from multiple states. I rarely carry, but I want that to be my decision, and not something imposed on me by a politician. It's a tremendous burden of responsibility, and always an option of last resort when there is no other possibility available for survival. I also live in an open carry state. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. I think it is counterproductive to cause people intentional discomfort over your display of a weapon. Keep it hidden, keep it a non-issue. Don't inspire those uneasy people to hire more pandering politicians who promise to take away your rights.

It sucks the country has come to a place where all of a sudden people have realized the police can't always be there when needed, and ultimately everyone is responsible for their own defense and safety. Fortunately enough people in the country always knew that, and did everything possible to keep those pandering politicians from from making that defense and safety much more difficult.

Welcome to all the new gun owners, and carriers. Please get training, learn about and live gun safety, practice, and take time to understand the responsibility you have just assumed. Do understand your defense and safety is dependent on how you vote. Next time you hear a politician say "common sense gun control" ask if he cares more about your vote, or your safety. Vote accordingly.
 
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Mak10

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On the gun note. I found a terrific item that has really helped with getting familiar with a weapon. This really helped my wife get used to the pistol she has. It doesn’t cost much and saves countless rounds at the range. 701B0C5E-CA06-4DAE-BDA4-A2F9F018F622.png
 

Sierra1

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. . . . I think it is counterproductive to cause people intentional discomfort over your display of a weapon. Keep it hidden, keep it a non-issue. . . .
I whole heartedly agree. And, on the topic of causing discomfort in people. Leave your dogs at home. I love dogs. But, there are a huge amount of people that don't, and can very upset by being close to one. I understand that there are legitimate service dogs. I haven't seen one in years. But, I have seen "signs" of dog visits in W-M, and Home Depot on a regular basis; not blaming the dogs. . . . just the humans.
 

EricV

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More appliance fun. GE Dishwasher died for the third time in 8 months. This time it's a control board, so time for a new unit. Did some research, wife wanted to stick with GE because the rest of the kitchen is GE. We're super happy with the Profile range, and honestly the DW worked fine, was quiet and we had no issue, other than it just stops working and has no power to the control panel. And it's done the same thing three times now. It's about 4 years old, fwiw. Some research shows this model has a history of burning out control boards and it may just repeat. No water leakage at the board area though. Cause unknown.

So fine, identify a GE Profile DW that's a bit nicer/quieter and locally it's in stock at HD, BB and Lowes. Lowes has the least expensive install fee. Off to Lowes I go. Oh, in stock doesn't mean HERE, it's at the Distribution Center, (DC). Great, how long to get it. Sales guy checks the computer and says there are 7 in stock at the DC and one is already sold, should be no problem. 7-10 days to get it to the store and the installer contractors should call you w/in 2 business days of it arriving to schedule a date. Not awesome, but ok. I do the deal. That was on 7/15. Sales guy tells me if I don't hear anything by the 22nd to call and check with installation services for an update. (In the glory of hindsight, I should have walked out and paid a little more for one of the ones in stock at a different store.)

7/22 - No call. 7/23, I call the store, automated menu, get to installation services and give them the info to look it up. Your DW is being delivered to the store tomorrow, 7/24. Cool. That's Friday and who knows when it will show up at the store, so I pretty much assume it's going to be Mon/Tue before I get a call from the installer.

7/28 - No call. I call the store and get to installation services again. Query WTF. Now I'm told that my DW is "out of stock" and has been ordered directly from the manufacturer, not from the DC and that the DC has zero stock on hand. I gather the paperwork and off to the store I go. Sales guy pokes the computer and it shows the last one received was in April, it's sold and sitting in the warehouse waiting for pick up. No, I can't steal that one.

Computer also shows a stock change on 7/24 when my unit was supposed to be delivered. Sales guy doesn't know for sure, but suspects that means it wasn't on the truck. I suspect maybe it was, but arrived damaged and the warehouse receiver refused it as un-sellable. Regardless, no bueno and no more in the DC. Now I'm a bit aggravated. I just want the DW I paid for. I tell sales guy to find me one. He wants to give me a different unit that's in stock and a discount or work something like that. There are a lot of Lowes stores so I suggest he checks to see if another store has one. 3 in MS do, at least on the computer. I leave him to find me a DW and tell him to call me before he leaves that day. All the sales end that day, so if I have to try and get one from another retail outlet, it needs to be done that day.

No call. I call at 4:45 to see WTF. So far he's struck out, but is waiting for the last store to return his call. That store is notorious for not calling back, or so I'm told. Says he will call me before he leaves for the day. Just after 6pm he calls, says he still hasn't heard from the last store and is handing me off to his supervisor, whom doesn't come in until 1 pm the following day.

7/29 - Sales all done, current price at a store that has one is $291 more than what I paid already for the same unit. After lunch I'm heading down to the store to speak with the supervisor and see what we can work out. I really don't want to have to spend the extra cash elsewhere on an already over priced DW. I have identified a couple of alternative units from Kitchenaid and Maytag, but I'd really just like the one I bought already, but I'm not sure if they can get it any more and if they can, how long it will take. The wife will not be happy with us hand washing dishes until Sept, for example.

I'll try not to leave you hanging and will post an update. I might have a much more fun post next week, if things pan out well on other fronts.
 
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