Practical Thinking

Loss of Virtue and Integrity

George Kiessling, Sr. — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 05:26:16 +0000

Happy New Year to you all! I’ve survived the holidays and starting to come out of the post-election hangover.

YES, that’s right, I said post-election “blues”. I guess it’s something akin to PTSD. The shame of so many of my countrymen falling for the lies of a ‘Snake-Oil Salesman’ or being just plain selfish and havung to “get me some…”

Maybe it was the 3 hour ‘fall’ over the Fiscal Cliff that snapped me out of my stupor or the 2% jump in FICA on the ol’ paystub but we have awakened resolute.

Question: Who said this: “A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of a common enemy.” [$5 Starbucks card to the 1st correct answer in comment section]

The thought continues as they state: “While the people are VIRTUOUS they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their VIRTUE, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the 1st external or internal invader.

This reminds me of a discussion I had with a colleague at work. We were debating ways to improve our country and government from the opposite sides of the fence, so to speak, and I stated something to the effect of what we needed in Washington, DC were people(elected officials) of honest and integrity, “You know good, upstanding folks.” Well, he seemed frustrated and upset stating that they were all ‘crooks’ and ‘backroom dealers’ just looking out for themselves. As he walked away I said, “Then we are doom and the house of cards will soon collapse”

Virtue: particularly efficacious, good, or beneficial quality.

Are there enoughvirtuous and honestpeople left in our country to save us from the internal invader?

1. Are there enough unselfish people who will do the right thing?

2. Can we bring God back into the conversation and honestly look at why the founders deferred to our Creator?

3. “How necessary then is it for those who are determined to transmit the blessings of liberty as a fair inheritance to posterity, to associate on public principles in support of public virtue”?

What do you all say; virtue, integrity, honesty, is there any left in our country?

5.Is it important enough to change our direction to provide the blessings of liberty to our children?

6. Are we strong enough to hold the politicians “feet to the fire”?

Step in to the discussion.

I’m going to Law School!?!

George Kiessling, Sr. — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 05:25:15 +0000

I called my Congressman just the other day…to see what he might say.

As expected he wasn’t in his Fresno office but I had the pleasure of talking with his assistant , Curtis. He was unaware of the 3 pieces of legislation I was calling about, HR 693, HR 2164 and the HALT Act. After expressing my expressing my strong concerns that Rep. Denham has shown a distinct lack of action with respect to securing our borders he said he’d pass the message on to Washington.

When I arrived home that evening I found that I’d received a letter from the congressman on the subject in response to a few faxes I’d sent on the legislation. I’ve faxed him on several occasions before on sevral issues; Obamacare, raising the debt ceiling court appointments, etc.

His response was, “Please be assured that if H.R. 100 or related legislation comes before me on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, I will give your comments thoughtful consideration before casting my vote.”

My return response. This, IMHO, is far to passive. get off your…hands and help move legislation forward. Get out of the wagon and push, pull or anything! Bulldog PT.”

So, feeling under-represented and thinking I could do a better job I’m planning a second career in politics. Since almost all politicians are lawyers I should prepare by attending Law school.

In the meanwhile, help my understand my congressman’s inaction. Is it:

1. It, Border Security, is not a priority for him. He seems more interest in Veterans affairs and water issues, both of which are important but not core issues for me.

2. Scared to go against GOP leaders and take a chance on losing his job.

3. Scared to rattle his agricultural voter base that seems to be dependant on most of the estimated 2.25 million illegals immigrants that are here in good ol’ California.

4. Feels inaction is better than unpopular action. That is not why we sent him there in the first place. Coach Dorr always said,”Kiessling, Knock somebody down! Even if it’s the wrong guy!”

While it’s true that we can’t see eye to eye on all things and “perfect is the enemy of good” I feel this core issue needs his support.

So, tell me you guys, what do you think? Am I being to harsh? Give me yours thots and ideas.

They will be easier than and much less expensive than going to Law School!

Dain Bramage-Welcome to My New Blog; July 9, 2012

George Kiessling, Sr. — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 06:09:56 +0000

To blog or not to blog? That has been the question rattling around this old noggin’. I’ve been trying to figure a way to communicate with family, friends and colleagues that are here, there and everywhere.

After thinking and reading “How to” info I’ve found, I decided to give it a go, a blog that is, not Brain Damage. You may ask why or at least why now.

Here are a few reasons:

1. It is a familiar medium. We’ve all posted, commented in some fashion or another, so it’s understandable to all. I’ve had fun posting and commenting on others blog and posts and have found it to be easy, which is important if I’m commiting to weekly posts.

2. It’s an easy way to get feedback from all who are interested…quickly. All YOU have to do is add your “2 cents” and you can even do it anonymously if you like.

3. It serves as an archive of thoughts and communication. This allows you to review and/or catch up if you’ve missed some of my posts and others comments. This should allow new followers to read items of interest at their own pace.

4. This may encourage you to start your own blog. It’s inexpensive. A little tedious to those of us who are not great with computers.

Well, here’s what I hope to do with this blog. I plan to write a new post regularly. It may be weekly, monthly or more frequently-as the Dain Bramage leaks out-and I’ll attempt to send out an email to let you all know when I post a new entry. From there it’s up to YOU!

Categories that I am considering: Sports, Politics & the Law, Physical Therapy and ‘The Way’.

Please provide me with feedback. This is suposed to bea collaborative venture. I want to hear from “all y’all.” The good, the bad and the ugly. If you disagree with my opinions or want to give an alternate view, go for it. If you agree with me please expand on the topic or thoughts that I’ve expressed. If you are uncomfortable using your real name, feel free to use an alias or post/comment anonymously. The most important thing is to tell me what’s on your mind.

So, as I’ve said before, “it’s up to you.” What do you want to talk about in upcoming posts? What categories should we include?

You all know the drill…get involved. Have fun and share your thoughts and ideas.

As Freddy “Frederico” Flintstone once said…”everybody into zee pool!”

P.S. Another reason to start blogging today. It’s grandsons’, Dallas and Damion, 7th birthday today! Great day to start if I do say so myself.