Oh boy, "Reflections by Ginsue"

[theGinsue]

So, I was really in a mood this evening and just posted this to my Facebook page but I thought I'd let you folks share in the rantings of an old man.

CAUTION: Rant Ahead - If you don't want to risk being put into a gloomy mood, don't read this.

As I type this msg I'm in a melancholy mood. A few minutes ago I was sitting outside looking up at the white clouds filled with the light of the sun now hidden behind the range of the Rocky Mtns. As I was enjoying the glorious sight of Pikes Peak and those clouds I reflected back on the times in my youth where I did the same thing. Then I asked myself if, as a child, is THIS what I thought things would be like when I grew up and I knew immediately the answer was a resounding NO.

As a child I remember going with my family to the lake or wherever and sitting around a campfire with a lot of folks I didn't know and singing old folk songs and having a feeling that you could trust others. I was filled with a sense of hope and a belief that people were ultimately good and that, if I worked hard enough, I had a chance to make an amazing mark on this world. Listening to those songs, images formed in my mind of the lessons I had in History classes, and, inversely, when I was older, the lessons in History were accompanied in my mind with the tunes of those old folk songs like "This Land Is Your Land".

As I've grown older I've become considerably more cynical. I now believe that mankind is inherently evil and lusting for power. I now understand that if I work hard enough, someone will come along and take what I have earned to give it to someone who has put forth no effort for themselves. I'm sickened from getting told "You can give to any charities that you desire, but we're still going to take from you to give to someone who needs it more than you do". Instead of getting to decide who to help with my hard earned income, I have to let someone else decide for me.

I'm also sickened when I see that those who have chosen to be nothing more than leeches to our world are held in higher esteem than someone such as myself who honestly puts forth an effort to make something of themselves that provides some value to society.

I believe that we've allowed a minority to recast our beliefs into something less clear and concrete in the name of "political correctness". Should we try to resist, we are labeled "intolerant", "racist", "elitist", "homophobic", or worse.

We've handed over our freedom to those who've promised us "security". We've granted power to those whose desire isn't to improve things for the sake of all but to weild their power over us and subjugate us into peasants. We've become a society looking to have others take care of us instead of accepting the responsibility of caring for ourselves. Those wearing the overcoats of friendly, helpful politicians later reveal themselves to be nothing more than wolves in sheeps clothing - doing their damnedest to be our lords and masters.

Somehow, what was once considered good and right has been perverted into being considered vile and wrong. The fruit of freedom hangs on the tree of liberty as a rotting corpse of what it once was and we're expected to pick of that fruit and consume it all the while exclaiming how juicy and wonderful it is.

We've been indoctorinated to accept mediocrity; from ourselves and from others. We don't have to be the best that we can be, we just have to be "good enough". I consider this whenever I eat a tomato I purchased from a grocery store. Where they were once only available in volume during short seasons, they were at least vibrant in color and bursting with sweet juicy goodness. Now, we get them in quantity all year log but they look waxy and taste much like cardboard. Mediocrity, but at least there is plenty of it. For so long I accepted mediocrity too. I remember as a kid my dad would buy a tub of hot cocoa mix in the winters. It might be a month before he got more so what we had, we had. I wanted the cocoa to last longer so instead of using 4 heaping spoonfuls of mix per cup I would only use 2 rounded spoonfuls. It was okay, but it wasn't great.I harbored resentment against my brother for so long because instead of stretching out the cocoa mix, he dug in and used 4 heaping spoonfuls for every cup of cocoa he drank. a mediocre cup of cocoa wasn't good enough for him. He would rather have had fewer cups that he could really enjoy than settle for something less. Boy did he enjoy that cocoa. It took me years to understand why he did what he did and is a lesson I'll always remember.

We have an election coming in a few months where we are given the choice between a new bad candidate or the existing worse candidate to take the reins as our leader and it isn't looking any better for our other elected representatives either.

If you feel like me and are tired of settling for mediocrity then stand up and shout and make the ears of those chosen to represent us ring with the cry "This land is OUR land and WE are the PEOPLE!" We can restore this nation to the glory it once knew if we insist on only the best and not accept what is getting spoonfed to us.

This isn't a pity party where I'm crying for myself, my fear is for the future our children can expect.

You've got a choice and not just in the elections, but in life as a whole. You can settle for more mediocrity and allow someone else to shape your destiny, or grab the reins and make your own.

[BigDee]

This is the best thing I've read in as long as I can remember.

Ginsue for President!!!!

[jackthewall81]

Good read. Very true, and I share many of those feelings.

[BPTactical]

Very well written Thomas.[Beer]

[BushMasterBoy]

15 years ago I tried to explain to my friend in Colorado Springs who owned an Army Surplus store the " Law of Diminishing Returns". He said to me in his Alabama accent "You mean in the end, it just ain't worth a shit?". I told him you understand it perfectly...

[ray1970]

Hmm. I can't believe you posted something that long on your Facebook page. [Coffee]

[Scanker19]

Good thing I wasn't taking a bath and enjoying my evening toast. :)

[wctriumph]

Amen Brother!

I try like heck every day to live my life by what my Lord and Savior said:

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you"

But always in the back is a little voice that comes from my late father, may he rest in peace:

"People are no damned good!"

Every day I try to fight the good fight and some days I feel as though I am wasting my time and efforts and no good comes from it. Then once in a great while I get through to someone or someone does for me and I keep fighting.

Don't give up my brother, keep up the good fight, teach others by your good deeds and we will eventually win out. It might not happen in our lifetimes but I am passing it on through my daughter who at only 23 gets IT. We are Americans and we owe it to those that come after us to do the best we can for them, not for ourselves, for them.

I will stand with you any time and any where.

God Bless America.

TEA

[islandermyk]

Thank you Thomas for sharing this... it was beautiful [Beer]

[J]

Really want to read, way too tired to appreciate fully. Tagging to go over tomorrow when I can apply the brain power it deserves.

[theGinsue]

Thank you all for the kind words. I was expecting a fair amount of lambasting but knew that most of you share similar beliefs about the state we currently find ourselves in.


Hmm. I can't believe you posted something that long on your Facebook page. [Coffee]

I'm a bit surprised Facebook allowed something so long myself. It used to be that I had to break my rants into multiple segments to say all that was on my mind.

[SNAFU]

Great read,,have had the same thoughts.

[Irving]

This sounds like a conversation that you should have with some close elders. I suspect that they will share with you that they went through a similar change as they grew older and learned more about the world. I think we can all relate to realizing that our views of the world as children and young adults will be different than our perception as we become more familiar and established with the world.

[palepainter]

I am thankful you took the time to share your thoughts and observations. Sometimes the entire cynical mood can blind us from the opportunity to see the great things around us while we wallow in the reality of the change around us.

You are not alone. I am thankful I have my family to remind me of what is right, today.

[asmo]

Wonderful!! Well stated. Thank you!

[Mazin]

AMEN!

[lpgasman]

Really want to read, way too tired to appreciate fully. Tagging to go over tomorrow when I can apply the brain power it deserves.

Sooooo, your gonna get your wife to read it and explain it to you? Sorry I just had to.

Ginsue, I know how you feel, I feel the same way.

[GilpinGuy]

Wow. This was a real "get down to earth" post for me. I was just freaking out about my wife's Jeep not working right, and how I worked my ass on it all day long and spent $150 and got NOWHERE. She got pissed and we had a bit of a tiff. Just made up with her and now I can continue. In the grand scheme, petty stuff really.

Now I have bigger things to think about.

Ginsue, I mean you no disrespect at all. This was a great post and true in so many ways.

But I chopped up your post below to note there a lot of "we's" and "we've" and "our's" in there. While many of the American people have "allowed" this or "accepted that", you and I and most of the members on here certainly haven't. That's important to note.

Not EVERYBODY is falling for this bullshit. Maybe "they have allowed" this or that is a better way to put it. I didn't vote for the asshole who championed "ObamaCareless", so I didn't "allow" it. It just happened without my consent. I haven't "accepted" it. I freaking hate it! I DO have to tolerate it now, though, if I wish to remain a US Citizen. And that sucks.

All we can do is VOTE and hope for the best. Unfortunately, I feel that you are correct in your assessment that this nation is headed down the wrong road, regardless of who is voted in next.

I understand that you're meaning of "we" is the American people in general, but there is a significant number of us who do not prescribe to the bullshit handed to us day in and day out. That is one reason I am on this forum. Most here are true AMERICANS at heart, IMHO. The firearm thing is secondary to me really.

Personally, I originally came on here to find out about AR's and decide if I wanted to just buy one or build one, that's it. I ended up making friends and now have a place to share thoughts and ideas with like-minded folks. So cool.

Chin up bro, November is only a few months away. Maybe (just maybe) things will look better then if the GOP takes the Senate and Romney takes the prize. Romney's not a God, but he's certainly better than the alternative for now. At least the "siding down the shit slope" will slow a little. Maybe.

Plus, keep looking at the clouds and the sky man! There's no politics there. That's just between you and God. [Angel3]




I believe that we've allowed a minority to recast our beliefs into something less clear and concrete in the name of "political correctness".

We've handed over our freedom to those who've promised us "security". We've granted power to those whose desire isn't to improve things for the sake of all but to weild their power over us and subjugate us into peasants. We've become a society looking to have others take care of us instead of accepting the responsibility of caring for ourselves. Those wearing the overcoats of friendly, helpful politicians later reveal themselves to be nothing more than wolves in sheeps clothing - doing their damnedest to be our lords and masters.

We've been indoctorinated to accept mediocrity; from ourselves and from others. We don't have to be the best that we can be, we just have to be "good enough".

[Troublco]

Well said, Thomas. I have had many of the same thoughts in the last few years. One of the reasons I like this venue so much is that despite the differences we have here, we share many of the same values and convictions. I think GilpinGuy has some good thoughts on it too. I originally came in here looking for AR info, and found so much more!

Thanks for sharing, brother!

[JohnTRourke]

Claire Wolfe was wrong.

but yeah, pretty good rant.

[sniper7]

Very nice! I agree!

[roberth]

Terrific write up by theGinsue. Thank you, your thoughts reflect my own.

People are not inherently good. Good people are that way because their parents and teachers instilled those values in them. This used to be the rule but now I think it is the exception.

[Goodburbon]

+1 Ginsue, good show!

[theGinsue]

GilpinGuy - no offense taken, but..

My choice in using the "we" and "us" variations was intentional.

While I agree that most of the folks on this site and others that share the same ideologies aren't directly responsible for the condition we find ourselves in, I believe we've played a role - by NOT taking action to stop things before they got this far.

We've rolled over and taken what "they" have dished out to us. I still believe that folks like us are still the majority but we've become the SILENT majority. We may now be outgunned (so to speak) but we are not outnumbered and we CAN take back control of this ship. If we hurry, we even have a chance to keep this "ship" from cascading over the falls but if not we can at least guide it over the falls and then steer it into safer waters.

I know that you understood that what I was saying is that life is not meant to be merely tasted but truly savored (much like a nice chianti with fava beans).

I sit here and in my head I'm repeating a line from Star Trek: The Motion Picture where "V'ger" asked "Is this all there is? Is there nothing more?". I want more damn it!

Ultimately, I chose the "we" and "us" because I wanted to make this personal. I wanted to walk away from the standard accepted attitude of passing fault onto others and claim personal responsibility for this. I'm hoping others feel the same. Until enough of us do this and we take personal responsibility, it can not change.

Just my thoughts.

[theGinsue]

Terrific write up by theGinsue. Thank you, your thoughts reflect my own.

People are not inherently good. Good people are that way because their parents and teachers instilled those values in them. This used to be the rule but now I think it is the exception.
I agree. we were all taught how to be good and we were given a set of guidelines and those became our values (I'm NOT talking religion here. Simple stuff like "treat others as you wish to be treated", value human life, take responsibility for your actions, work for what you get...).

Those who didn't share those values continued to whisper into the ears of the rest of us that we were too narrow-minded and these values were too restrictive. Along the way, enough of us started to believe it and helped to remove the "restrictions" of those values. Now we find ourselves HERE (the ethereal "here"). I'm not happy being HERE.


ETA after re-reading my posts in this thread: Whodathunkit? Ginsue actually has some deep thoughts. And you'z guyz just thought I was a simple-minded baffon.

[scratchy]

Thank you all for the kind words. I was expecting a fair amount of lambasting but knew that most of you share similar beliefs about the state we currently find ourselves in.


I think most of us will agree that the situation is circling the bowl waiting for the flush. Good read.

[StagLefty]

Well said Ginsue !!

[roberth]

I agree. we were all taught how to be good and we were given a set of guidelines and those became our values (I'm NOT talking religion here. Simple stuff like "treat others as you wish to be treated", value human life, take responsibility for your actions, work for what you get...).

Those who didn't share those values continued to whisper into the ears of the rest of us that we were too narrow-minded and these values were too restrictive. Along the way, enough of us started to believe it and helped to remove the "restrictions" of those values. Now we find ourselves HERE (the ethereal "here"). I'm not happy being HERE.


ETA after re-reading my posts in this thread: Whodathunkit? Ginsue actually has some deep thoughts. And you'z guyz just thought I was a simple-minded baffon.

I enjoy posts like yours, they help me sort my own thoughts, clarify and sometimes share them. It is an on-going process and subject to change.

The "whispering in the ear" is the incremental erosion of values and look where that incrementalism has brought us. We have a president who violates his oaths daily, we have a society that doesn't do it's fair share and expects to be carried by the efforts of the few. Isn't it wonderful.

I don't know where in American history this started. I'm sure entitlement minded folks have existed for eternity and they were properly vilified in the past, it is just in recent history that their selfish ideas have been promoted as the "common good". I think the ball really started rolling with the advent of unions and social security.

I say unions because generally they promote mediocrity and apply the same pay scale to everyone regardless of effort or talent, this is collectivism more commonly known from its root in the commune (communism). You simply cannot deny this, these negatives far outweigh anything positive derived from the union movement.

I say social security because social security removed the need for the common man to think about his financial future after his career. Advances in human longevity weren't a factor when social security was started which shows us how short-sighted humans really are.

I'm not happy being HERE either, people who 'think' they know things are put into high positions where their incompetence and evil is exposed on a daily basis. These exposures are covered up by their cronies, not unlike the US government and it's lackeys in the media.

What are the solutions?

[Ranger]

Good read, thank you!

[Tinelement]

Thanks for the read! Well said.

Actually calmed me down this morning! Was in a pissy mood cause I've been at the shop for a week straight trying to get things done. Missing my family and all the holiday events taking place.

Your read made me remember the little things that keep us going and why us blue collar folks work like we do. Even if we do get screwed in the end.

Thanks man!!! [Beer]

[BlasterBob]

There are some really great posts in this thread started by theGinsue. Really makes a guy think and reflect on what we have experienced and now we can see many of the things that we wish we had done differently.
Since I am most likely the oldest of the old farts on this great web site, I can assure you guys that I have seen a LOT of both good and bad....
Over my 75 years, I have seen a lot of shit happening but still a whole lot of good things also happening here in our Country, just have to look kinda hard to see all the good stuff.
One of my biggest complaints is the way work ethics have taken a serious tumble. Quality of so many of the products that we purchase with our hard earned money are now classed as a poor grade of crap. The warranties on those products are then meaningless too. Too many folks arrive late for their jobs, if they even show up at all. Responsibility has been tossed out the window. Oh, there are still a lot good workers with great work ethics but the bad apples do spoil the lot.
Finally, I have to say that although I do receive a Railroad Retirement check (the RR version of Social Security) I have paid in each month for 34 years to be able to collect my little monthly check. I burns my ass to have someone being critical of my "taking" those monthly checks and they would like to have us older folks just kick off so we no longer receive that "entitlement".....
I could go on and on but most readers have probably advanced to the next post rather than read more than a line or two of this gabby post of mine.
Thanks Thomas for getting the ball rolling on this matter.[Beer]

[Ronin13]

Thomas- words exist to describe this, but I figured this picture would be more profound:
http://www.blackathlete.com/artman2/uploads/1/hitnail.jpg
I'm glad we're on the same sheet of music! [Beer] I agree with everything you said, and I fear I was among the last generation to be instilled with those kind of morals- My father raised me to work hard for what I have and that handouts are only good when they are a temporary step to reach the top.

[Sharpienads]

That was a nice read, Thomas. Lately I've been wondering if a society once founded in freedom can remain free. In other words, can the public, as a whole, really handle freedom. It's not just the poor/lazy/suck at life people that want for free what others have worked so hard for. There's plenty of well-to-do people that want to give what you have to people who do not have, and want government to do it by force. I'm constantly reminded of Thomas Paine:


What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value.


There are some really great posts in this thread started by theGinsue. Really makes a guy think and reflect on what we have experienced and now we can see many of the things that we wish we had done differently.
Since I am most likely the oldest of the old farts on this great web site, I can assure you guys that I have seen a LOT of both good and bad....
Over my 75 years, I have seen a lot of shit happening but still a whole lot of good things also happening here in our Country, just have to look kinda hard to see all the good stuff.
One of my biggest complaints is the way work ethics have taken a serious tumble. Quality of so many of the products that we purchase with our hard earned money are now classed as a poor grade of crap. The warranties on those products are then meaningless too. Too many folks arrive late for their jobs, if they even show up at all. Responsibility has been tossed out the window. Oh, there are still a lot good workers with great work ethics but the bad apples do spoil the lot.
Finally, I have to say that although I do receive a Railroad Retirement check (the RR version of Social Security) I have paid in each month for 34 years to be able to collect my little monthly check. I burns my ass to have someone being critical of my "taking" those monthly checks and they would like to have us older folks just kick off so we no longer receive that "entitlement".....
I could go on and on but most readers have probably advanced to the next post rather than read more than a line or two of this gabby post of mine.
Thanks Thomas for getting the ball rolling on this matter.[Beer]

I read your entire post [Awesom]

[BlasterBob]

I read your entire post [Awesom]

Great but you failed to indicate how many times you dozed off while reading my epistle.[Tooth]

[yankeefan98121]

good reading, thanks

[Sharpienads]

Great but you failed to indicate how many times you dozed off while reading my epistle.[Tooth]

Only twice.

[crashdown]

A "rant" for the ages....
Ginsue for prez!

[kuench]

Wow that was deep, definetly made me reflect a bit. Thanks Ginsue [Beer]

[theGinsue]

I'm pleased that I was able to have such a profound impact on so many of you. I'm surprised this effect could come from me (no, honest).


I could go on and on but most readers have probably advanced to the next post rather than read more than a line or two of this gabby post of mine.
I read the entire thing. Not nearly as long as my OP so it was an easy read.

Regarding your Railroad Retirement ("entitlement"): I receive a government pension for retiring from Active Duty USAF. I don't look at things like the RR retirement or military retirement as "entitlements" at all but EARNED benefits. You worked to achieve your retirement and because my brother is a former railroad locomotive engineer I KNOW you earned it. Don't let anyone tell you it's some sort of handout or entitlement without giving them a good smack in their yapper!

[sellersm]

Well said, the sentiments are shared, apparently, by many of us. Makes me wonder if it isn't these kind of sentiments that started our Country in the first place?

[Sharpienads]

Well said, the sentiments are shared, apparently, by many of us. Makes me wonder if it isn't these kind of sentiments that started our Country in the first place?


More Thomas Paine for ya:


We have it in our power to begin the world over again.

[waxthis]

I am thankful you took the time to share your thoughts and observations. Sometimes the entire cynical mood can blind us from the opportunity to see the great things around us while we wallow in the reality of the change around us.

You are not alone. I am thankful I have my family to remind me of what is right, today.

Well said. I agree completely.

[ruthabagah]

Probably the best post for a while. This one should be a keeper.

Do we have a "Best of AR15.co" category anywhere?

[theGinsue]

Do we have a "Best of AR15.co" category anywhere?
No, but I'll save it to add to my memoirs. You'll be able to buy it in hard copy when I get enough material to get it published.

So far I have enough for the Introduction. [Flower]

[Akyla]

Probably the best post for a while. This one should be a keeper.

Do we have a "Best of AR15.co" category anywhere?

Agreed. Thank you Thomas for putting so many of the same thoughts and feelings many of us on this forum and elsewhere are having into a coherent readable form. Its difficult to write these types of posts, statements, etc and keep them from becoming a ramble, which your's doesn't feel like at all. Thanks a lot! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to write this and post it for us.

[20X11]

The sentiments and seeds of revolution abound. Oh to be a younger man with not so much to risk and so much more to gain. Thank you Ginsue.

[theGinsue]

I need to make very clear to all that any "revolution" that I, or this site will support or encourage would be NON-violent political revolution.. As in a revolution at the polls.

Discussion of anything beyond that is the quickest way to get threads locked/removed and possibly even get members suspended/banned. None of us wants that.

[Monky]

So no punch and pie?