Writing a “decree” or “words to live by” is a positive action, it promotes perspective. I highly recommend it.
A friend recently suggested I write my decree backwards, “picture yourself at your own funeral, and look back on the life you wish to have led”. Well, I’m doing just that, and living that life. By doing this exercise I can assure you that despite recent events of anger and frustration, my decree certainty has nothing to do with any sort of “political” agenda.
I’ve been angry and reactionary, not positive behavior, nor the path I wish to follow. I can be belligerent and stubborn as my friends know, I strive to change this.
I assure you my days of speaking of “politics” are coming to an end and Project BlueSphere will settle into her natural energy once again.
However during this journey I’ve learned a few things I wish to share, and come across some words I must write.
My name is Alex Dorsey, an American citizen, and yes, part of the “system”.
On the front page of my American passport some beautiful words are written in attractive italic type, I used to feel protected by them:
“The secretary of state of the United States Of America hereby requests all whom it may concern to permit the citizen/national of the United States named herein to pass without delay or hindrance and in case of need to give all lawful aid and protection.”
These are good words.
However upon closer examination of my passport, and in very small print (I had to read it with my reading glasses and the help of a magnifying glass), the following is printed in bold intrusive type:
“US Government property: This passport is the property of the United States Government. Upon Demand made by an authorized representative of the United States Government it must be surrendered.”
Upon even closer examination with even smaller un-bold type (I really had to strain my eyes) I learned this goes for the non-filing of US taxes while living abroad. I am guilty of this. Even though I have not made enough money to owe anything; I am guilty of this crime and as a result my liberty and home at risk. Well the government come to confiscate Splendid, probably not? But that isn’t the point now is it? The point is the expansion of fear, and I do “fear” loosing my home/ship and having my passport taken away.
This is the way I see it.
I have the right to “citizenship” and a passport as stated in the universal declaration of human rights:
(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.
I do not recognize any “terms” or “rules” to my human rights. My passport represents a basic human right. It is my property, and I am entitled to it. My ability to travel the world as an American citizen is not a luxury or privilege, it is my absolute right! I say this as a man who also knows in his heart that he is not a criminal of any sort, nor does he owe any money to his government, the American people, and just yearn to live in peace.
I will take care of this “issue” and file my taxes yearly with honesty to protect my human “right” to hold my American passport. I do this only in FEAR that if I do not file my taxes that I will be stripped of my human rights by the very government that is in place to protect them.
I believe the American government is responsible for some of the kindest acts of humanity on the planet, I also believe we are responsible for some of the worst acts of genocide, and crimes against the human race.
I do not believe that we have the right to point fingers at anyone, nor judge them. We have not earned this right as we are responsible for much bloodshed of innocent people.
I have lain in bed looking into the eyes of a woman I cared for, she was Japanese, and from Nagasaki. Her mother told her that “Americans are a hostel people and if she was to stay with me prone to domestic violence”.
You see I must take personal responsibility for the actions of my government, as I am personally judged by them. I can’t just get lost in the “fantasy” of a television program or video game. Some people have said that I don’t live in “reality”. This is about as far from the truth as possible. It’s the other way around.
From a man on the outside looking in I can assure you much of the world sees us (Americans) like this (aggressive, greedy, and hungry for power). I deal with it every time I enter an anchorage and set my hook next to yachts of various nations of the world, and every time I sit at a table drinking a beer with my foreign friends.
I am judged on the flag I fly every day, you are not. This is why the weeks of late have been so difficult for me and I take these actions so seriously. Its one thing to be judged by foreigners for the actions of my nation, it’s completely a different matter when my own nation threatens my liberty and human rights. This is not acceptable to me.
The war in the Middle East is not about fighting for freedom, revenge of 911, or a war on “terrorism”. It is a war for oil and the propagation of our own greed. It must stop immediately!
As a result of the “Patriot act” and current state of war, it is my intention not return to my home soil until I believe I can live under the United States Constitution once again and not in a state of marshal law. I wish to return home in a time of peace, and fly the flag of which I live under honorably. I say this truly wishing to return home one day. My only amendment is I will return home if my family or loved ones need my support of any kind, as no borders can constrain the powers of love and family.
I believe “we the people” (personally (you and me)) have a responsibility as the most powerful nation of the world, to lead by great and profound example. I believe it is our “personal” responsibility to promote peace, harmony, personal sacrifice, and Love for our fellow man. Not sit on a couch watching TV, accepting our fate, and burning six times our share of world resources. It’s embarrassing.
I wish my government to respect the will of United Nations. I also hope one day they acknowledge The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and unequivocally extend these courtesies to the American people, myself included.
No Americans deserves to be thrown out of their home (paid for) into the street under any “tax” circumstance, and no women beaten in her living room by a local police force for having a “too loud” party regardless of the fact that she may have been “insolent” as her privacy was invaded. We must not accept these things and make it our personal responsibility to protect our neighbors from such evil.
A quick story:
I was in the San Blas once. There were 4 pigs eating from a trough. A Kuna went up to one of them and hit it in the head with a killing hammer. It dropped immediately. The other pigs barley acknowledged the incident “not my day”, and went on eating. I find this story appropriate to the way many of us act. Am I personally doing something? I hope so.
I also wish that my rights to privacy be honored by the United States Coast Guard and my home respected. I say this understanding that there are evil powers in the world. However I am not willing to sacrifice my freedoms or privacy as an American citizen in any way, shape, or form, in exchange for any sort of “security” supplied to me by my government. This is NOT the American way!
I believe we were once a great nation respected by the world, now I only see us as the most powerful nation, respected only by its politicians and employees who benefit from the hard work of honest Americans. Unfortunately we are governed by very small and greedy men. This is all of our fault! Voting and paying taxes isn’t enough, we must find personal ways to peacefully act.
The following is my decree, and represent my goals, aspirations, and intentions. This is how I will take action:
I will do the absolute minimum I need to protect my passport and hold “status” as a “responsible” American. I will exercise my freedom as an American citizen to travel the world. I will learn. I will act as a student and treat the people I meet with respect. I will not advocate any political or religious agendas. I will share what I see, feel, and experience through my words, photographs, and videos. I will do this with profound honesty and from my heart. I will lead my life and freedoms by example. I will try to admit when I’m wrong. I will listen more and reach for understanding. I will help those who need help, and in turn ask for help when I need it. I will only ask for what I need in life, no more, and peruse a life of minimalism, peace, and Love.
These are the things I will silently sail for. I do this in hope to inspire change and propagate freedom.
I’ve said what I need to say and may now get back to the business of dealing with my boat. I wont be blogging every day any more.
Thank you for listening.
Alex
I think you have reached a good spot with regard to all the ‘stuff’ we need to do to remain Americans. I am troubled by a number of similar things about our country.
I just watched a documentary called “How to Cook Your Life.” In it Suzuki Roshi, the founder of the San Francisco Zen Center was quoted [paraphrased] as saying “You Americans want to control everything. And that which you can’t control, you destroy.” Without wading too deep into politics, I think it is an accurate description of our reputation. Suzuki Roshi probably said that in the ’60s or ’70s.
I hope to see you out there soon. My boat, a Cape Dory 28, won’t be done this Summer, but will launch in 2012. We’ll head for warmer waters when she’s ready.
glad you found your path….fighting the man takes too much time and energy….life is getting shorter…sail on…..if you go to palmyra …. call me
Well I got into the “windlass” project. It’s only a bad solenoid. I can probably get another for around $40.00.
I’m going to hold off my trip to PC, until Wednesday in order to help my friend Roger with his haul out. I’m also going to try and get a gallon of white 2-part polyurethane for Splendid’s decks, some varnish, chip brushes, and head to the San Blas the following week. If I hang out in El Porvaneer I might be able to drum up charter work and make a few bucks. At the very least I’ll get some work done on the boat, spear fishing, and darken my tan.
Todd, unfortunately you are right and we have earned such a reputation. I know many of my readers find this sort of thing “offensive” and taking the “blue” pill is always an option. In order for me to pull up my personal anchor I had to get this off my chest. In order for me to pull up my actual anchor I need a new solenoid. These are just “realities” and I hope we (Americans) may work together to change it.
Truth and peace are quite important to me these days. I’m going to peruse them more in my reading, writing, and thinking. I’m never really looked into it much, but I really support the mission on the UN. There are many great peaceful minds that work for the UN we should all become more familiar with them.
Unfortunately not so many Americans even travel outside our own country. Actually 2 out of 3 Americans don’t even hold a passport. Usually…, and I know I’m speaking broadly, when Americans do travel it’s on a cruise ship, or in luxury accommodations. They (we) don’t usually immerse ourselves in foreign local communities. This is why Americans abroad are usually treated like walking ATM machines. Canadian and European travelers are much more apt to stay in a $10.00 a night hostel with their wife at 65 years of age and get into the real travel experience.
Someone recently pointed out to me that back in the day, children of nobility were sent off to travel for their educations. They learned languages and experience the world. This is what set them apart from the commoners and made them “noble”. Today so many sneer at such educations as they have been lead to believe that “education” and “school” are synonymous. Knowing lots of kids living on boats being home schooled I see “school” as education sprinkled with social conditioning. If I ever have the opportunity to raise a child, I will take care to do it myself.
This is the opinion of a humble man, I mean no dis-respect. Most of my friends, myself included came from a standardized school system. I just say this in the spirit of individuality.
Truth is just the tip of the iceburg, we must reach to see the entire picture.
I’m looking forward to the San Blas.
Gary,
I’m kind of bummed on the whole “Palmyra” thing. It is owned by the nature conservancy and fish & game. Lots of permission, forms, and lots, and lots of red tape. It’s not as simple as just sailing there.
Are you still in Hawaii?
I just met with a Canadian guy who sailed down the Pacific coast, and around the horn, and back up to here.
What an awesome trip.
Love to Mavis :)
yea in hawaii….rebuilding a small fishing boat,,,,has brass wheel brush that threw a shard into my eye….penetrated the cornea, but i should be ok….surgery is several thousand……colombia may be an option…g
Gary,
I’m so sorry brother. I hear eye work is good in Colombia, lots of lasic. If you go and want a place to recover with a friend you know you are welcome on Splendid.
A money saving/healthy tip.
One of the cool things about having copious amounts of time is the ability to focus on things. Looking back on my life from standing over my coffin I realize I want to eat healthier. I already eat pretty healthy but I want to reduce dairy and animal fat intake. I’ll never be a vegetarian as I could never give up the occasional steak or cheese burger, but I want my day to day life healthier. I’m starting to feel the years and this is becoming more important, I’m listening to what my body is trying to tell me. Here is an awesome product of the system and standardized education:
cgi.ebay.com/SOYMILK-MAKER-SOY-MILK-MAKING-MACHINE-W-SOYBEANS-BEAN-/350206626056?pt=Small_Kitchen_Appliances_US&hash=item5189f10908
It makes a batch of soymilk in 15 minutes for about $0.20 a gallon. I’m interested in it not only for the soymilk, but for the production of tofu. Once you have soymilk tofu is a snap to make. You just need to add calcium soleplate (coagulant) and press it.
Soymilk can also be made with a manual (hand) grinder and on the stove top. But using a machine like this I can harness the power of the sun (solar) instead of burning propane. I’m trying to weigh the pros and cons of both methods at the moment. I know a soy milk machine would be a lot easier, but which method is kinder to the environment?
If I was ever inclined to get into “business” again I’d want to do something positive for my community. This tofu soy milk machine is a bit big for splendid but what a cool business?
cgi.ebay.com/Automatic-soymilk-making-machine-tofu-production-/290515005587?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43a40b3093
Drinking soymilk now with breakfast, yummy :)
Hello Alex,
Your in a real conflict, and trying to grapple with the increasing complexity of our world. Your really no different than most who try to square with their conscience, and simultaneously deal with the practical aspects in life.
However, not sure what you mean by not promoting a political agenda. Your decree is a liberal manifesto. This is fine, but your philosophy of life as detailed in your entry is going to be very difficult to live without thwarting other peoples freedom. As an American I am free to consume as much energy as I am able to pay for. The only check on this attitude is to change the attitude, which is great philosophically, but boils down to the individual. What is the alternative? A beastly government deciding who consumes what for how long?
It is a profound mistake for you to want the U.S.A to submit to the whims of United Nations. What gives you the impression this is such a smart move? Our government is not adhering to our ratified guiding documents now, what makes you think piling on untold tasking, orchestrated from afar will advance freedom? Its seems you want total freedom with no check on behavior. Article 13 says that anyone can parachute in and out of their home country at will. U.S. citizens pretty much still have that right, but in today’s world it must be crystal clear who is who. Each country must retain the right to regulate who comes into their country. It’s simply a practical matter. If Costa Rica does not want to let Alex Dorsey into the country for whatever reason, that is Costa Rica’s absolute right. In other words, that is Costa Rica’s “private space.” Just like you retain the right to regulate who comes aboard your boat, it is your domain.
The issue I take is you seem to think what constitutes social justice is clear. It is not. I am not stoked about taxation in the least bit, not because I don’t want to pay, but because it empowers a higher authority to determine what is safe and what is not. Who gets what, and which group or race deserves a leg up and who doesn’t. Is it socially just for someone to get free medical care when they can’t afford it? Well, maybe. Depends if you believe medical care is a human right. Funny how people who believe in the right of free medical care, don’t seem to believe in the freedom to keep the fruits of one’s labors, or the fruits of one’s families labors. Is a progressive tax system socially just? Well, maybe. Right up until the point the system starts to strangle itself, and people start to loose the benefits they’ve come to believe is their right. Once everything is proclaimed to be a right, anarchy is soon to follow. I used to love the old bumper sticker, “Gas, Grass or Ass, Nobody Rides for Free.”
I love that you want to live as you are, and find the value in taking care of yourself. Others find value in making extreme amounts of money, others find value in creating the next new Gizmo, and as an ancillary benefit make endless piles of money. You are following your life’s purpose as you define it. Some may view a Donald Trump as a disgusting capitalist, but maybe he is pursing his life’s purpose with as much gusto as you. It is determined by the individual period. Most people, if they were to live your life for a period would quickly tire of the rigors, and conclude your lifestyle to be an extreme. Most people if suddenly found themselves living in The Donald’s shoes would conclude in fact his way of being is an extreme. But Alex and Donald judge their situations to be nicely balanced for their way of being.
I’m just not sure why your so worried about what everyone else thinks about America’s actions. Again, this speaks to your liberal proclivities. Liberals are very concerned about reputation, which I suppose has an element of importance, but if we were to take action based on people liking us, that would be stupid. You are in a group think situation amongst the cruising community. Just calculate the ratio between the number of cruisers with a more liberal mindset to those who would consider themselves conservative Republican types. If you want to listen and learn as you proclaim, you must acknowledge that you have been living in an environment heavily tilted to validate your already strong liberal sensibilities.
Freedom and strong liberal ideology are opposing forces. To have robust social programs, like social security, medicare, low income housing, Medicaid, food stamps, home heating oil assistance, and the like, require loss of freedom, and a culture that will tolerate said loss. It is a matter of degree. We are now required to give up more and more freedom to maintain the status quo. Just think what will happen Alex, when your mandated to buy a health insurance policy, and if you don’t the IRS will be on your ass again. And why would the government mandate such a thing? Well, because social justice demands all hands have a right to health care. Didn’t Paul Simon sing about slip sliding away? The nearer your destination…….
Kind regards,
Christian Allaire
Hi Christian, I followed your blog as well and loved it.
As I recall you are retired Coast Guard, right? I’d be interested in how you feel about having the benefit of government subsidized health care but seem to wish to deny it to others. Also you will receive a retirement for the rest of your life from being on the job for 20 years or so all on the tab of the taxpayers. A pretty good deal. Now I know that you served our country and I am grateful for that. I’m the son of a USAF retired officer and all my siblings work in the government and I have great respect for the members of our armed services and civil services. But, as a demographic your group seem to also be almost unanimously “conservative” and I find this fact to be paradoxical, that the military and civil services seem so critical of government spending when thier working lives are the product of it and also reap the benefits of government paid for of subsidized health care and characterize as freeloaders those who seek the same deal you have.
Christian,
I’m not in a “conflict” at all my friend.
However thanks for the input, I like a good debate.
You know the funny thing is you refer to my decree as a “liberal manifesto” which it is. If you look up the definition of “liberal” by its definition it means “open minded”, of which I like to think I am, and my decree is. I don’t conceder “Liberal” some distorted “democratic” label designed by a two party system.
On some list somewhere I’m still a registered American republican as I was when I left the United States nearly a decade ago. I voted for George W. Bush during his first election, my God was that a mistake! I was a stock broker at the time and didn’t have my wits about me.
I will tell you that after my travels my “political” views, along with many other views in my life have dramatically changed. I don’t consider myself a republican or democrat, and yes I like to conceder myself open-mined. I strive to learn, and when we learn, we change, or “grow”.
Any you’re absolutely right I would trade the “whimsical” nature of open mined people dedicated to peace, over the “whimsical” agenda of a government hell bent on power and destruction. I must say it is good to be an American as I have the ability to disagree with you without being shunned like the Cuban priest I met a few weeks ago. He was kicked out of his country for disagreeing and speaking out for human rights. Perhaps I should keep my mouth shut?
And you also right about “boarders”, I believe in a borderless society, and a world community of men. Boarders create “us and them”. Boarders propagate territory, and being territorial animals, we will fight over them. I have lived in communities of indigenous men, governed by a natural order. Have you? I can assure you it works, and I don’t need a policeman to look out for my best interests. Yes there are bad guys in the world, but the belief that good conquers evil is an important one, and true. People are not inherently bad.
I fully understand, and have written that I realize, and agree, that society is built with the bricks of individual freedom. My problem is when our society starts demanding how many bricks of our freedom we must invest, beating its people, throwing them into the street, and taking their ability to put food in their mouths. Pre Patriot act I don’t believe the IRS would have had been able to turn my bank card off leaving me stranded in a foreign country with no money for food, or even a bus home.
My tax issue is on an 11 year old filing, not only does it exceed the statute of limitations, it’s harassment. And personally it was the last straw for me after being harassed by various agencies and the events of the last few years of my life.
I did laundry today over at the French marina and had a long talk with an English sailor. We spoke of this and he laughed. A man in England will not be thrown out of his house for “taxes”, nor Canadian, as is the case in many “civilized” nations. I asked why he was laughing and he said “you guys left England over taxes, now you’re throwing yourselves into the street over them”. Surely you must see the irony in this. The world sees us as a rebellious adolescent in need of a spanking.
Funny, as I’m writing this Pink Floyd is screaming “tear down the wall” on my stereo!
You also say I want total freedom with no check on behavior, again, stating the obvious. I don’t need anyone to check my behavior, do you?
There is a natural order to this world and I yearn to be governed by it, I won’t fight or debate you on this one either. I am an American however and have to give a portion of it up for my passport; I will do this? I will support my “system” by making my films, using my bank, filing my taxes, and hopefully providing a little insight. Sorry but I see it as a positive action, perhaps I’m wrong?
This is my belief after seeing much of the world and living with many of its people. I don’t need a government or policeman to tell me what is right or wrong. I know this instinctually as we all do. I believe in the governing of nature, not an armed policeman, agent, soldier, or politian with his own interests in hand.
I also must apologize to anyone who thinks “I’m telling them what to do”, I am not. I’m just trying to share my viewpoint and welcome criticism as you have welcomingly provided.
If you believe you have the right to consume as much as you can pay for, then keep on keep’n on brother. I don’t share your belief, and as the “individual” I’ll strive to do the opposite. Maybe I consume 5-7 gallons of petrol a month. This includes my refrigeration, lights, fans, and propulsion. I am proud of this.
You also say “in today’s world it must be crystal clear who is who”. Again, my humble opinion don’t watch so much television, as that is a very “fearful” statement.
If you care to converse some more, please do, I like a good discussion.
Any respectfully submitted comments are welcome.
Ahhh,
your Coast Guard. Despite some bad experiences with the CG, I’ve had good ones as well. I have quite a few friends in the Coast Guard. I have great respect for yoru S&R guys.
Some time after 911 the USCG started becoming international water cops, unfortunate, not their fault, but a result of “National Security”.
I take it you were offendid by the words in my decree:
“I believe we were once a great nation respected by the world, now I only see us as the most powerful nation, respected only by its politicians and employees who benefit from the hard work of honest Americans.”
The English sailor I was talking to today was boarded at sea by the USCG a year or so ago. You guys don’t have the right to board him in international water, or when ever you just want to board people. From what he told me the Coast Guard called England to get permission to board him at sea, got it, and boarded anyway.
They are a nice elderly couple and I’m sure you didn’t have probable cause. Or for that matter even think you need it. This kind of disrespect is exactly why so many nations feel the way they do about us.
I was boarded by Panamanian Coast Guard on the Pacific side a few years back, in Panama water. They politely explained to me that they had a report a large amount of cocaine was being transported in a sailboat in the area. They politely asked if they could board. I asked them to take their boots off, they did, and wow did they have a lot of lacing and unlacing to do. They checked a few “large hold” areas, were grateful, apologized, and left. It was a good experience.
Hoyt, good point, I hope you enjoy your health care at the expense of the American citizens. We all deserve care Christian, shame on you.
Ahh, I see your cruising now on sail blogs.
ok here it is….the u.s. govt. is a bloated pig….we have been at war 40 of the last 60 years in some other country…..the coast guard is busy looking for drugs in central america, and giving less service to mariners…..our prisons are full of pot smokers that cost us $50k each per year…..it takes hours to cross the mexican boarder…..illegal imigration costs billions in social programs, and the half assed enforcement……all theses things waste tax money…..if you want to do drugs register and buy from the government…..you can not be a pilot or evan a truck driver….here is a shovel …it fits either hand, have a nice life. the revenue generated by this, and needing less prisons and boarder guards would pay for health care, education and social security. by the way i have an honorable discharge from th u.s. army and still have the right to an opinion
Right on bro, I agree with everything you said. Love the manifesto, it’s about what mine would be if I was an American citizen and lived on a boat. (The only boat I own is about 3 inches long, sitting on my bookshelf. I am a legal resident of the U.S., but not a citizen.)
Years ago I decided that I would fix up my house and sell it in exchange for a nice large boat and a small chartering business. Unfortunately my parents lost their home to crooked banks and lenders so that got put on hold for a while.
But I totally get what you’re doing and I’ll probably be doing the same thing in a couple of years. (I’m remodeling my entire house, and I’ve got a LOT done in the past year. A couple more and I’m in good shape.) Though I hope to do a charter business and be in the shining center of human activity, not out on the fringes of it.
I’m a greedy person, I want it all – lots of money, fun in the sun and no attachments of any kind to the crazy, insane hegemony of the United States. Perhaps my philosophy is not exactly like yours but I can totally understand and respect it.
Good luck and fair winds my friend!
Funny,
I was going to put the politics behind us with the decree, but as I said, if things need to be said, say them. In order to speak of freedom, we must speak of politics as they have a relevant and direct coloration to it.
My mother was an SAG (Screen Actors Guild) actress. SAG being the union. She had to make a certain amount of money each year for health care. Well it turns out she had lung cancer (didn’t smoke) and was tired the previous year and didn’t work much. She was $600.00 short of making the minimum for health care that year. I watched her die in a Brooklyn hospital with some of the worst care imaginable, she was 42. Now her brother lives in the basement of a store when he was a home owner in a paid off house. Why does a carpenter, electrician, nurse, bartender, or actress not deserve the right to healthcare while our government puts the money into military supremacy around the world and gives health benefits to it employees that American taxpayers pay for (like my mother), seems kind of crappy to me?
Christian, you know as well as I do the Homeland Security thing is a joke. You’re a sailor/USCG, any know anyone of us could bring anything we want into the USA on a sailboat. The chances of getting boarded are minimal. When I came back to Mystic CT from Bermuda I had to beg immigration to get out to the boat I was delivering. They couldn’t make it the same day and we were stuck waiting about 20 hours. The world is not a dangerous place, and everyone isn’t out to get us.
Want to talk about security. To enter Australia you need to call in from the country before you arrive, in my case it was New Caledonia. You are spotted and confirmed via aircraft as you enter. You have to bring your boat to a locked and secure compound before you are allowed to step foot on the soil. From my perspective, and God knows how many billions of dollars later, sailing into US waters is just as easy now as it was pre 911.
Napoleon said it best. To conquer a nation you must divide them (republican/democrat), and keep them fearful. I was shocked at the Obama elections; it seemed like a frigg’n football game, everyone rooting for their home team, lots of cool graphics though.
This isn’t about being part of a party, it’s about human rights, and doing what is right! And what my government tells me, or tries to “program” me with is in direct conflict with what my instinct/heart tells me what is right and wrong. Not giving people the care that they need when they are sick is wrong! Putting people on the street, wrong, beating women in their homes, wrong, consuming as much as you can pay for, wrong!
You know when I opened this discussion up I knew I’d loose a lot of my “republican” readers and as a result loose donations & film sales. And that’s cool. But what is right is right, my conscious is clear.
I like my liberal manifesto : )
Sweet dreams, I’m going to crash, goodnight.
This blog is never boring, I love it. I’m still in the Coast Guard so I have to be careful what I say. Yes, I receive health care from the government but being in the military I am no longer under The Constitution but held under the UCMJ which allows the government to do whatever the want with me and I even pay taxes. I have spent four years in the Air Force, fifteen with the Coast Guard and one with the Navy and I’ve seen many many people get hurt in the line of duty. We have a saying in the Coast Guard, “You have to go out but you don’t have to come back” and I won’t even get into what the Army and USMC have to endure.
If you want military run health care and pay taxes at the same time go see a military recruiter and join up. You’ll find out how “free” our health care is.
Great posts, topics and comments. I love it when people communicate and look at all the different angles of things. I have a hope and put together a slogan for Panacea. It’s on my shirts and coffee mugs…
“No More Boarders… No More Tan Lines.”
Maybe it’s to simple, but it’s the way I look at life. It’s my political statement and that’s about all I can say on the subject.
Thanks for keeping this thread alive and thanks to everyone that is jumping in on it. I love all the personal energy that everyone is putting in. Great stuff.
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
“our prisons are full of pot smokers that cost us $50k each per year”
The prisons are privately run companies now, you can actually buy stock in them and make money it.
investing.money.msn.com/investments/stock-price?symbol=CXW
So the more prisoners there are and the ore that people are denied parole the more the shareholders make.
Very shameful.
Mike,
By no means do you have to be “careful what you say here”, please do the opposite and speak your mind. This is about understanding bro.
And yes, our good boys in the military are just that, good boys, and are in harms way. But perhaps we should offer health care to demolition and excavation divers as well. They endure great personal risk to make our system better and provide oil to our grandparents who need a warm room to sleep in during a cold winter’s night?
I believe our soldiers are just that, good boys. And are sewn and joined together by a very special fabric because as individuals they find the need to protect us (their brothers), and our freedom against evil, this is more than honorable. But the system keeps boys in service, not men. Boy’s minds (mine included) are pliable; they are good at listening and taking orders without question. It’s just a natural fact. They are in the service for a short period of their lives and given full benefits at a young age because the “powers that be” don’t want developed thinking soldiers. And by the time our good boys are 35 to 40 they don’t want to ask any questions because they just want to retire, get their benefit package and go cruising with their families with health benefits for the rest of their lives.
And the good boys that put their life on the lines are not really being controlled by their commanding officers on the field, or their captians, but by men like Dick Chaney, who are less than honorable men, sewn by a completely different fabric, with motives of greed and power. They are the men behind the curtain.
Do I blame our boys in the Coast Guard cutters, or that are on the fields of the Middle East, of course not. I blame our politicians who are personally responsible. I just ask our boys on the Coast Guard cutters to acknowledge international law and try to show respect to the world.
My friend Owen here in the anchorage was in the San Blas a few months back. A USCG boat came into the swimming pool (an anchorage) and boarded a friend’s boat. It had been vacant for a while (the owner was on vacation) and I guess the “eyes in the sky” became suspicious. The Coast Guard boys boarded the boat with a battering ram to enter and search. Owen (American), a man well in his 70’s shouted from his nearby boat, “Wait, I have a key, it’s a friends boat”. With anger and disrespect The Coast Guard yelled “Get Back in your boat”, “but I have a key”, “GET BACK IN YOUR BOAT SIR, NOW”, and proceeded to smash their way into the boat. There were no drugs. This is embarrassing guys, you should not treat your elders this way, or anyone for that manner.
We should also ask ourselves why the “bad guys” are after us. Why aren’t they after peaceful nations like Canada, New Zealand, or Australia? Why are they so after American’s?
Mike, Christian, Chris, perhaps you could answer this question for me as you are closer to the “Evil” in the world than I am. I don’t understand this question and seek its answer.
And regarding the Coast Guard and the “war on drugs”. It is my humble opinion that the war on drugs, the brain child of Nancy Reagan (I was fond of her husband), is a war that can never be won and one that should be stopped immediately. The only frontier that the war on drugs can be won is on the battlefield of our living rooms armed with good parenting. The single income family household has to be restored to the American people (We have this in Panama, it’s a beautiful thing). We can only do this by reducing military efforts, providing health care (security), taking the fear out of loosing our homes, and giving our children their parents back.
Family values guys, less social programming, television, and video games. Love from Mommy and Daddy, and time spent with them. This propagates the natural order of which I yearn to be governed by.
Gary, good input, I agree, but less anger.
Let us converse as reasonable men.
Speaking of health care and being thankful for the advances in modern medicine, My friends Dad had a heart attack recently and is going in for bypass on Tuesday.
Sid, recover quickly so I can introduce you to the Kuna Indians as soon as possible. Good vibes & prayers are heading your way from Panama, wishing u smooth sailing thru your recovery.
Alex
To be able to balance a long stick in one hand you must hold it from the middle, too much on one side or the other and the stick will tilt heavily and you no longer have control.
The fear of falling to one side tends to put too much on the other end, and then once it starts tilting it takes a lot to bring it back to the center. It’s a very delicate task to keep it balanced.
Freedom is that stick, you can’t have it all, some control needs to be there. It needs to be balanced. Some freedoms need to be sacrificed to keep the stick level. Unfortunally our politicians today are more concerned about their side than the middle. Conservatives are so scared, yes scared, listen to them talk, of falling to the left that don’t realize they are tilting the stick too far to the right.
Christian doesn’t care what others think about what we do, that shows the arrogance in American mentality. Right? We are helping other countries whether they think they need it or not, or they want it or not. We are right, they don’t know what they’re doing, we do. So shut up and go along with us.
The truth is we aren’t there in the name of freedom, we are there in the name of “American interests”. That tilts the stick. We are not a country for the people like most like to believe, we are a “country for profit”.
People get turned down at hospitals because they can’t pay the bill. Is that America? Nobody is in the health care system to help their fellow man anymore, they’re in it to make a buck. The price of gas is not a product of supply and demand, like they want us to believe, is the product of speculators in the market trying to make a buck. Sadly that’s America. All of that tilts the stick.
I’m not against people making a profit, it just needs to be just,fair and moral. Making a profit is what motivates people to work.
Uncontrolled freedom breeds greed and that tilts the stick.
I’m not against taxes, paying taxes is my contribution to this country. But I’m against tax revenues being used to send young people to fight wars in the name of “American interests” or “Freedom” like they like to call it, and on the other hand forgetting your own people who are dying because they can’ afford health care and have to work into their 70’s or until they die to pay the bills. Nobody cares because still, as long as you can work in this country, you can survive.
But is that the point? Surviving? What happen to a family living comfortably on one income? An average family today needs two incomes and in most cases, like my family, two or three incomes to just make it, forget working hard and saving for retirement, that’s a myth, is no longer part of the “American Dream”, not for everyone anyway.
Let me bitch for a second, I work 10 to 12 hours a day, 5 days a week and then, on the side, clean houses on weekends to make ends meet, no luxuries, I work hard and try to save what I can. While my boss, who earns ten times what I make of my labor, and works maybe 4 hours a day, sits at home watching Fox News on his 50″ LCD TV in his million dollar home with the Lexus in the garage, all day and tells me about trickle down economy and how it’s working great for America. Really??
Republicans, Democrats, who gives a shit! how about Americans. It ain’t a football game boys, we all lose if one side wins, we’re all in it together.
We can’t help anyone when we are sick and broken,and we are, lets worry about fixing ourselves first, then, if we are asked and we can, we go help others.
The stick is tilting.
I’m done with politics on this blog, let’s get back to sailing talk, more fun.
I’m with you Alex.
Peace Love and Coconuts, nothing wrong with that!!
Gordo
Sorry, I am not posting on here for awhile. Nothing personal, but these seem to be loaded questions to open attacks on people that assume that since I served my country I am a republican and am there for evil. I am a registered Democrat and can proudly say I have never voted for a single Bush family member. That post by Hoyt just pushed me over the edge and my wife wants me to take a break and focus on positive things. I love being married to a hippie, she make life so easy.
Sending positive vibes,
Chris and Emily
BTY Hoyt, you are dead wrong on several of your statements. Do some research before you throw loaded questions at people. Healthcare is not free, even for retired Military people. I will let you do the research on the other statements.
sensor3, how are my ex-militery cruising friends able to recieve VA care at hospitals around the world? I dont have this ability?
Okay, I just went over to my friend Paul’s boat.
He is having problems with his neck and going into see a doctor on Monday in Panama City. He spent 182 days in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged for a medical reason. He never saw and combat, nor did he leave the United States. He doesn’t get a pension but does receive life health care. He doesn’t have much money and it looks that VA services will fly him to a VA hospital in Puerto Rico for care and put him in a hotel. I’m glad for him as he is a good guy, been cruising the same boat for 33 years, and deserves care just as everyone else.
Where can I invest 182 days of my time for this?
Ahoy,
Some great points! I should say we are likely not far from one another in terms of end state, aka peace and harmony. However, we will disagree for the most part on how to bring about that end state. In fact, the end state of peace and harmony in my opinion is simply not possible in its totality. Please do not misunderstand me, I do not mean in anyway shape or form that this is not something societies should not vigorously strive for; we should. But conflict amongst families as well as nations is something to be mitigated versus an expectation that it will be solved.
As I traveled, matured and as life left its imprints on my psyche, my political views also changed quiet dramatically. Turns out, I’ve quiet the Libertarian streak running through my veins. I became quite upset when I started to realize leading up to my cruising departure time I couldn’t easily carry a fire arm. Self protection is, in my opinion is a basic human right. As you know the hassles of declaring weapons and all the horseshit involved likely outweighs the benefits of carrying. It bugged the crap though, especially when I found many others (of a certain peaceful political persuation!) were locked and loaded. Aye, my 20 years in the service has made me a terrible rule follower, and thus I simply decided the anxiety of lying to Customs outweighed my desire to exert some nefarious right. When in Rome.
I whole heartedly understand your point that you are simply providing your point of view and philosophy of life, transmitting your unique set of circumstances and experiences. I think its great.
To your point regarding my point on a check on behavior. My counterpoint is simply that we all need a check on our behavior from time to time. The hope is that our society has developed a culture, provided an education, a moral foundation that provides the individual the tools to self correct when necessary and certainly before things start to impact others in a meaningful way. My remark on my right to consume as much energy as I can pay for stands. I clearly can’t use more energy than I’m able to pay for, that is a non-starter. I certainly have the right to use as much energy as my boat will produce. When I say I reserve the right, does not mean that I think it prudent to just turn every light on, and be irresponsible. I’m simply saying that I want to be the one to decide, and not some government official whose decided what my consumption rate ought to be. I highly suspect you would agree with that position, but it will still chap your ass when you see a Car Dealership illuminating the entire tri-county area at 3am. If someone mandates his/her consumption rate, its only a matter of time when your 7 gallons a month will be considered egregious. As far as our society training its citizenry, were failing miserably in that department. Hence, the significant surge in the home schooling movement.
I wanted to respond to my Coast Guard past. Yup, a little over 20 years and retired as a Senior Chief Bosn. Much to the dismay of my boss at the time, in my retirement speech I said something to the effect of I didn’t enjoy my service in the Coast Guard, and in fact it was an uphill slog most of the time. This is not to say, I’m not proud of my service or my accomplishments, but it is the difference between pleasure and a deep satisfaction of a job well done. Kind of like a Bikram yoga class, really no fun, substantial exertion, but afterward a real accomplishment.
I had a front row seat watching incremental policy shifts, all, and I mean all moving toward power shifting toward the federal government. I don’t just mean the CG’s interaction with the public, but the CG’s relationship with its own employee’s. I witnessed this type of behavior prior to as well as after 911, both Democratic and Republican administrations. I came to realize, that no one had some evil intention of snatching away rights or powers, but after you live under the nurturing blanket the military provides for years, many people, usually senior officers came to believe they knew what was best for everyone. This culture permeates the government. The Coast Guard is obsessed with safety, and by god it is their mission to make sure everyone is safe. A boater hasn’t even asked for help, but dammit, the Coast Guard will force their help and safety ethos on them. Who is to decide what safety is? The sad truth is the vast majority of Coast Guard people don’t have a clue about how to get a sailboat moving, but they surely will tell you how to sail safe, and mandate that you carry every invented piece of safety gear. Just revisit the tale of the Satori, and be reminded it was the Coast Guard who ordered people to abandon a boat that was not foundering, triggering the splash of a NG helo and the capsizing of a Coast Guard ridged hull. There are many instances such as Satori that gave me serious pause.
You will be proud to know, that over and over again while on the bridge of a cutter, while bearing down on some boat minding its own business, beginning the pre-boarding phase I’ve said “Captain, you need to leave these people alone.” The prevailing attitude of course is the other way. Your correct that after 911 some things changed drastically. “Maritime Domain Awareness” is the official policy, and thus was born AIS (a singlehanders best friend really). The U.S. Coast Guard has significant powers. They have the right to board any U.S. vessel on the high seas or within the jurisdiction of the U.S. If your a foreign flagged fishing vessel the CG can board up to 200 nm off a us possession, and is totally legal. The U.S has memorandums of understand with many many countries that gives us jurisdiction to board a foreign flagged vessel. If a foreign flagged vessel refuses to be boarded the CG requests a Statement of No Objection from the host country and viola now that boat is being boarded, which is what happened to your buddy out on the high seas. The CG does not need any cause, probable or otherwise to board a US boat. Why would the CG board a perfectly legal looking boat? Safety, its all about safety. The CG cannot go into any space that is considered less than “man sized” compartments during a boarding without first articulating a good reason. However, the boarding form must be checked off, including the head, engineering systems, which pretty much legally gains a good boarding officer access to just about everywhere. This power in my view, is way over the top, and remember I used to be one of the empowered ones. This was a slow realization for me, and is one of the reasons I’ve come to believe the government must be restrained versus embraced as a force for good. As an aside, if your approached to be boarded, simply repeat over and over your believe it to be unsafe to be boarded. Remember the CG is a very risk adverse organization. If its FAC, you likely will be visited.
Tis true I have subsidized health care, and would deny someone else subsidized health care, unless they have paid into it. I simply don’t believe in freebies. But before everyone gets all hurdy turdy, let me explain what I do believe. First off, I acknowledge that things are very complex, and as previously pointed out, what is socially just is not easily agreed upon. I believe in a safety net for the truly distressed. For those who cannot possibly care for themselves. I can’t abide by people with mental illness being left to their own devices bumbling around. However, people who make lifestyle choices that are counterproductive to their health should not be aloud to be on the same level playing field health care wise as someone who exerts the self discipline to make health a center piece of their life. In other words, the fella who is less concerned with said waistline should pay into the system commensurate with his access to the system. There is no incentive to stay healthy in a universal system. When a government takes taxation and uses the money to research cures, research cutting edge surgical procedures and the like, the population who paid into the research wants access to the results. Fair is fair. But when the cost of the procedures can only be afforded by the wealthy, a terrible situation is set-up. So, the so called solution must be to give equal access to everyone, which sets up the same no incentive situation which drives cost with zero reason to find efficiency. I am NOT ungrateful for my Tricare Prime Health plan. I’ve no other health plan to compare it to, but I will say it is fraught with frustration, red tape and incredibly complicated doctrine. It is not free, I pay an annual fee and co-pays. I do have access to the VA Health Care system, so in this sense I really have two health care plans. However, the VA Health Care system has means testing. Depending on your annual income will determine your rates in terms of care. Again, it is not necessarily free. Thus, you’ll never see a retired Admiral in the VA hospital (well maybe not never) but mostly low-come Vets seek care at the VA hospitals. Subsidized care results in social stratification and much bitterness. Not long ago I tried to get a flu shot outside of Boston using my plan, but was turned down because my “zone” is in the southeast. So they’d need to “pull” my “zone” to the northeast before I could get the shot. I can only “pull” my “zone” once a year. So no shot, but they did say that if I came down with the flu they’d be happy to treat me as the flu is an “emergent” situation. This is the type of craziness that occurs. In the end, I’m totally convinced the universal system will implode and I’ll lose the benefit anyway. Hence, the Health Savings Account I’ve opened.
Did I earn my universal health care and pension because of my 20 years of service? I say no way. It is the contract that I signed with Uncle Sam, no doubt, but is the benefit way out of whack? You bet. I would vote to stop these types of benefits for people who are paid via taxation. The pay and benefits should be driven by what the free market determines. Maybe then people will start joining the service again with the motivator of serving trumping the gathering of benefits. I do make a demarcation between people who are serving or have served in combat. Their sacrifice is so far above and beyond any perceived sacrifice I gave, its embarrassing to me. Those people deserve it all, no questions asked.
I do object to universal health care along ideological lines. But, if I thought the systems was sustainable I would go with it. I really would. I’ve no desire to see anyone suffer. I am not a vindictive person. I really think, that if people were interested in securing the best health care that can sustain itself, should read what Milton Friedman had to say on the topic. Cost in the US exploded as technology advanced rapidly, as our system eventually became a third party payer system, and the definition of insurance changed. Overtime, the responsibility to pay eventually moved away from the individual, and seemed to work for awhile. But eventually the sheer scale has become unmanageble. People love to point to Canada and other countries successes in the health care area. I’ve no experience in those systems, but I can say that Switzerland which apparently has a great system has a population equal to Manhattan, Canada has about 34 million people and America comes in at 310 million. Anyone knows, that when one or two boats are anchored in a cove, it’s easily managed. But when the weekend rolls around and suddenly fifty boats occupy said cove, complications ensue. It’s common sense. Scaleability is always a problem regardless of what it is. The free market should drive the entire health care system. It is the only mechanism that man kind has found to control costs in any meaningful way. Regardless of whether you have a philosophical problem with capitalism involved in these life and death issues, capitalism cannot easily be squashed out of the health care sector. I’ve found more and more doctors are refusing to take Tricare affiliated patients (aka me) because the reimbursement rates are out of whack or it just is not worth the hassle of dealing with the government. But, the free market is emerging everywhere. Cash only medical clinics are popping up all over the place, church groups and the like are pooling money within for health care, so they can keep control of their own fate. All done on a cash basis, in a customer service environment, paid for on the spot. These clinics are using the model developed by the plastic surgery and laser eye surgery industry, regulated by the government for safe practices, but no third party payer is involved. Result is price stability within these industries. Will the capitalist model leave some in the dust? You bet. But with a capitalist model, the government should (should being operative, I get it!) be in a better position to maintain a safety net for those choking on the dust. I just don’t see any other way. Virtually all Great Society programs are coming a part. Either because the socialist model sucks, or the inability and short sightedness of politicians or just plain bad luck. Likely a combination of all. Sadly I believe what has been triggered is not unwindable, and the system will have to go through a total melt-down before being built back up, causing untold misery and social strife.
I recognize the precarious situation I am in being a Libertarian, but totally on the public dole. I’m terribly conflicted by it. It is just this point, that compels me to speak out against the very situation I find myself in. When I first joined the military as a wee lad, I had no concept of pensions, health care plans and the like. I was much more interested in chasing female flesh, bar hopping and then smashing through breaking surf in a Motor Life Boat on my duty days. But after I grew up a bit, I learned my employer was like my sugar daddy. The Coast Guard beats it into your head with metals and awards, back slapping and mantras, that the “extreme sacrifice” deserves all the perks. In other words, you get hooked on the perks and then find it totally hypocritical to say to someone else you can’t have what I’ve got. Thus, the situation perpetuates to the point where the government “servants” are in substantially better shape than the actual population. People who find themselves in my position will ultimately vote to give everyone benefits almost out of a sense of guilt, but of course like I said before, when everything is a right, anarchy is soon to follow. I mean our governments budget this year is 3,500 billion dollars, and they can’t even agree to cut 61 billion out of the total 3,500 billion, of which we have to borrow 40%. The interest payment on our debt in February alone was over 200 billion. In terms of my inner conflict on my great benefits package, I am working very hard to ensure I don’t rely on the benefits I receive in preparation for their eventual removal. Would I vote to curtail said benefits? You bet I would. Should I make some kind of statement and refuse them? I’m really not sure their is a mechanism for that, but the answer is no I would not. Why? I would actually have to go out and get a job! Just kidding!
I’ve gone on way way to long. Some posts start out with the greatest of intentions and devolve into a rant. Wuups! Happy sailing.
Kind Regards,
Christian Allaire
Thanks Christian, fair and eloquent and I applaud you for your candor.
WHOA!!!
I love it, feeling, thinking, and ranting!!!
Christian,
I’ve never had the disposition for the military, never will. But don’t you guys have this “no one gets left behind” thing?
Why should healthcare be any different? Why on a battlefield would we only choose to save or help the ones that invested something, why would you deny my care and discard me because you don’t believe in freebies or that I haven’t invested something somewhere? I guess I just don’t get it, and maybe I just don’t deserve it as I am a poor man that doesn’t make enough to pay excess taxes? I do buy things, and by doing this invest in the “System”, pay taxes, and support it. What about the mentally or physically disabled who would like to work but cant? Do we leave them behind as well?
I say we don’t leave anyone behind, and care for everyone. My God, if all of our money is to be spent on anything, shouldn’t the help of our fellow man come second, only after the care of our family?
Maybe I’ve screwed up my future. I don’t have any benefits, medical, and doubtfully and social security. I’ll die in some small country somewhere with nothing but a hole in my pocket and that will be that. I will have led a good and rewarding life and that is all I really care about. Maybe I haven’t invested enough for healthcare of any kind, nor do I deserve it. I’m not trying to be sarcastic, truthfully, I just don’t know.
Good health care here is stupid cheap, and they don’t give you a bill till it’s all over. Nobody asks you for an insurance card upon arrival, they just help you if you’re sick, I actually feel safe here in Panama.
And I’m a minimalist so perhaps my participation in the system should directly correlate to the care I’m entitled to. Perhaps I’m selfish for not wanting to work every day and therefore not a good member of our system?
My mother used to say the French are very rood but the smartest people in the world because they hold their chefs and artists above their politicians in importance. Maybe artists, writers, and thinkers aren’t as important and deserve less than soldiers? The truth is we are all part of the system, and I believe what I do is equally as important as holding a gun to someone’s head or chasing down a drug dealer.
I don’t know all the answers, but I’m glad we are talking. I think we need to get rid of this “Patriot Act” nonsense, and care for the people of this earth. I think we should listen more to our hearts and stand up for things we know are wrong. I don’t like the road we are heading down; I hope as a nation we can change it, take responsibility, and fix it?
Maybe we can share an anchorage one day Christian and have a few glasses over the discussion.
Alex
Amazing…one who is actually living the life of a libertarian is called a liberal, and one who is actually living the life of a liberal and accepting the benefits that others fought and died for believes himself to be a conservative. By the way, even if you have group health insurance, no one is forcing you to use it. Next time you need medical help just pay for it in cash, or buy an individual policy. Pension money can be given to charity or government services you might want to support, like the National Park Service. Also you can pay tuition yourself for college education, the libertarian way. Just make sure it’s a private educational institution, being libertarian and all.
ALEX SORRY FOR THE ANGER…..BUT,REASONABLE MEN GOT US HERE…..G
Amazing…one who is actually living the life of a libertarian is called a liberal, and one who is actually living the life of a liberal and accepting the benefits that others fought and died for believes himself to be a conservative. By the way, even if you have group health insurance, no one is forcing you to use it. Next time you need medical help just pay for it in cash, or buy an individual policy. Pension money can be given to charity or government services you might want to support, like the National Park Service. Also you can pay tuition yourself for college education, the libertarian way. Just make sure it’s a private educational institution, being libertarian and all.
Alex,
I should have explained myself about “being careful” on your blog. We’ve been warned (by The Man) not to write on blogs, Facebook or any other social networks that doesn’t “toe the line” so to speak. I agree with what Hoyt was speaking about earlier and your response to my reply but in this “us and them” world we live in and me being a somewhat Liberal, part time libertarian and a smidgen of Conservative I usually don’t fit in.
Like you and your faithful readers I’m tired of the system and ready to get away and almost did when I was younger backpacking around Europe and Asia. But I’ll admit I got scared. I saw the 30 and 40 something’s living the life but having all kind of trouble paying their way. Medical bills, beer runs, renting small huts on the beach and even clothing themselves became an issue when their family wouldn’t send more money or they couldn’t find work. I wanted to travel and explore for the rest of my life but knew if I didn’t have a source of money I would bow out and become a wannabe like so many others and never a doer. Don’t get me wrong I have traveled extensively in the last twenty years but nothing like you’re doing. I’m still in the wannabe category. Ahhhh frustrating!
Mike
Mike,
do “they” really tell you things like that?
We truly have forgotten what America is : (
As always, I will share my thoughts.
I’m on a search for health, I’ve had a rough 6 months regarding health issues and I’m fully aware it has been my own fault (drinking and not taking care of myself).
I really want to start making tofu and soymilk (protein) on a regular basis and canning all of my own meat and vegetables. I have a really nice pressure canner and I have a good French chef friend who gave me a recipe to make, and can liver pate. Liver is the most nourishing of all meat he tells me, and I do love pate de Campagne. Spread over my home made bread would make a nice meal.
Last night I fried up some onions, canned octopus, and fresh garlic, with curry, lemongrass, and peanut butter which makes a nice peanut curry sauce. I put it over rice for dinner and poured my measure of wine for the evening.
A few bites into my meal I had a crunch, then another. After swallowing I thought there was some shell in my seafood dish but then something pierced my gum on another bite. I pulled out a shard of glass.
For whatever reason I knew it was intentionally placed. Obviously I could be wrong, but that was the energy I felt from the incident.
Obviously my first reaction was anger, then helper monkey’s words “action not reaction” crossed my mind. Why would someone do this? Because they are unhappy, stuck in a crappy canning facility somewhere with no way out, and are trapped in that life. As a result I was inspired to watch a film (yes Chuck a movie) and watch Gandhi, an old one but a goodie. I highly recommend watching it before you toss your television : )t
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, in my humble opinion, was one of the greatest men to ever walk the face of this earth. He was one simple man that changed his nation and was more powerful than any politician in England. He did this through peace, Love, and the dedication to non violence. This is a true story and in my opinion proof that good will conquer evil, and non-violence is the answer.
How we Americans have stopped demonstrating, demanding, and think we must “be exactly clear on who is who”, and “just pay what we must pay and be done with it” really saddens me. We are talking about our home guys, and the future of our children.
Then my friend sent me one of these ridiculous “Conservative blind flag waving” emails, it went like this:
SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT!!!
IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.
IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.
IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.
IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.
IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER
ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.
IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY
YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.
IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET !!!
A JOB, A DRIVERS LICENSE, SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, WELFARE, FOOD STAMPS, CREDIT CARDS, SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
FREE EDUCATION, FREE HEALTH CARE, A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY’S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON’T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.
I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION!!!
PLEASE KEEP !!! THIS GOING……FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY IT’S TIME TO WAKE UP AMERICA !!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I’m keeping it going guys and sharing it with my friends. And yes, it is time to wake up America.
Greed will lead us only down one path. If you have even the slightest education, a passport, and can think beyond the scope of your flat screen hung in your beer can laden trailer you might understand this.
You see, we asked “them” to come it still is written at the base of the statue of liberty and most likely where your ancestors entered this country.
Sorry for having to repeat myself:
The New Colossus:
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, with conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand a mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. “Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she with silent lips.
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
This is exactly why in such a short time we have grown to the most powerful nation in the world. Because of the blood, sweat, and tears of the immigrants yearning to be free. They comprise our ENTIRE nation we call the United States of America! Unless you are a Native American Indian you are an immigrant, son, or grandson of an immigrant.
So yes, wake up America, please.
I plan on killing a fish today : )
Mike,
I just got back from a 4 hour walk and lunch at Hanz’s place. I gave him my old dugout and he rents it out to tourists and pays me in beer and meals at the restaurant after people rent it.
I don’t really understand all the “conservative”, “liberal”, “libertarian”, titles. I don’t get it. There is right and wrong, pretty simple. Lots of small men squander and fight to come up with even more titles and acronyms, draw more lines, borders, laws, and build boxes to contain even more nonsense. I don’t want to be a part of it, or fall under any titles.
It’s good to have a healthy appetite for travel, and yes you do need to have a certain amount of money to do it independently. This is why Annie Hill’s book (voyaging on a small income) and the Pardie’s book (the cost conscious cruiser), and Ken Neumeyer’s book (Sailing the farm) were so important to me and got me on this whole minimalism path. And trust me its hard work doing as much as you can yourself, but rewarding. My next film will be a culmination of all these philosophies, as well as the book I’m working on.
I flounder sometimes. If I have a few extra bucks I buy bottled wine or the occasional loaf of bread but I’m not proud of it, I can get lazy. I do try and keep this behavior to a minimum. I’m sure in 5 years, and hopefully with the help of a good woman, Splendid will be producing bread, cheese, tofu, pasta, wine, beer, on a full time basis. That’s the goal at least.
It sounds like you’re in a good position though. When you retire with benefits it will be a good time to go cruising and finish your travel dreams with some security.
I’m still freaked out “they” tell you what to write/say.
Did you ever read George Orwell’s 1984, spooky?
There is also the hippy backpacker mentality that I don’t fit into either. Years ago I was spending time with a backpacker girl and after a few months she saw me as a capitalist swine. We got into a very strange argument about how deep in the system I was and how I was into owning all this stuff (Namaste), and I had to laugh. Needless to say I put her back on the land to hang her hammock in between the trees to get eaten by misquotes with no place to cook.
It’s all about perspective.
So to some, I’m actually really conservative : )
I read 1984 when I was teenager and its scary when society parallels the book but thank God were not there yet.
With my job I have to watch what I say and do so I don’t bring disrespect upon my employers. I don’t have a problem with that, I knew what I signed up for but your members who are retired can say anything they want. I just got to keep my trap shut until I retire. Think of it this way; look at all the retired Admirals and Generals who speak their mind on cable TV.
If your next film incorporates all the trials and tribulations you’ve been through since getting Splendid that would be something interesting to watch.
Mike,
I’m not so good at keeping my trap shut ;)
Weather we are there (1984) or not is questionable, at least in my opinion. I think 1984 was meant to be an arbitrary number to point out our path, and one I believe we are firmly walking.
I started reading the UCMJ:
http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ucmj.htm
Wow, I must say it gave me a headache.
I’m off to PC in the morning so wont be around much. I’m going to help a buddy with a boat for a few days. After that it is my intention to stock & fuel up and head to the San Blas for an undisclosed amount of time.
I’m going seek the help of the Kuna, the reef, and the most beautiful place I know of to put the final touches on helping me clear my brain cloud.
I’m getting more and more emails on people interested in charters so my time there may be productive on a number of levels. I’ll still have access phone & internet which wouldn’t have been the case last time I was there (5-6 years ago). Don’t really know if it’s a good or bad thing?
I like changing my blog when I feel I’m done with it, and I’m not really done with this one yet. I’m going to let my decree hang around a bit longer before I move on to another topic.
No borders, or tan lines, I like it Paul ;)
From an ‘ol song…
“May you never be sorry you traveled this road… May you find all the work that you need… May your eyes be bright, when you’re out late at night… May never your Glory be mixed up with Greed.”
Simple. Just keep it simple.
Be safe Brother…
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea
Alex…..a while back u had mentioned looking for someone to come down for a few weeks to a month and work on your boat….fiberglass, sanding, painting and whatever else …u had said something about working at least 30 hours a week (i think that was the time commitment u wanted) …..anyway’s im retired and have nothing but time …….let me know
Alex, you are 100% wrong in your opinion on what people in the service can and can’t say. I take offense to you questioning the health benifits that those in the service receive. You seem to be questioning the benefits they receive in health care…well…….they SERVED there county to receive these benefits……..you on the other hand did not. I am not going to say I am sorry for my tone but what is the matter with you?
And it is true, service member DON’T QUESTION THE ORDER THEY RECEIVE TO DO……they just do it…that is how they are trained. My son serves in the Coast Guard and has for eight years….saved many lives…allot out on sailboats, yet you want to question them on there boarding policys….that is there job and they have every legal autority to do so.
That “eye in they sky”…….thats to PROTECT YOU…….and every other citizen. Human trafficking, drugs….and other bad guys are stopped on a daily basis, so that citizens like you are not subjected to harm.
Think about this….your out in the vast ocean…you have an emergency, your boat is sinking….I can promise you 100% that the coast guard members will risk there life in weather that most people will not go out in….to save you. Think about that instead of bitching that you don’t get the health benefits that service members get….
Alex,
I didn’t take offence to your questions (Mitch, they were directed at me) but in a public forum. I do like the response from Christian Allaire although I know you don’t agree with it. I have questioned orders (Alex, remember Klauss) and my career suffered dearly for it. It was the right thing to do. Keep in mind that Government workers and Active duty people are just that, people. No one like the direction our country is going in (we can all agree on that I think) and I truly believe they will be voted out if they are doing a bad job. Just make sure you do your job and vote.
“That “eye in they sky”…….thats to PROTECT YOU…….and every other citizen. Human trafficking, drugs….and other bad guys are stopped on a daily basis, so that citizens like you are not subjected to harm.”
I love that quote!!!!!! And I promise they guy behind the eye is there to protect you, your liberties and freedoms.
These questions are form alex, Ill answer them the best I can.
sensor3, how are my ex-militery cruising friends able to recieve VA care at hospitals around the world? I dont have this ability?
Okay, I just went over to my friend Paul’s boat.
He is having problems with his neck and going into see a doctor on Monday in Panama City. He spent 182 days in the Navy during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged for a medical reason. He never saw and combat, nor did he leave the United States. He doesn’t get a pension but does receive life health care. He doesn’t have much money and it looks that VA services will fly him to a VA hospital in Puerto Rico for care and put him in a hotel. I’m glad for him as he is a good guy, been cruising the same boat for 33 years, and deserves care just as everyone else.
Where can I invest 182 days of my time for this?
The VA was set up to care for people wounded in combat or in the line of duty; you have to serve a min of 90 days or be hurt some how on the job or in combat. Each case is different and evaluated on a case by case basis. The VA is there to help families readjust to normal life when coming off active duty or a tour of duty overseas. If the VA rates you over 30% you have 100% free healthcare for the rest of your life. They also give you a monthly disability pension check depending on your rating (it’s not much). The VA offers much more than healthcare to vets, they help with home loans and of course the GI bill. These are not free handouts, let’s make that very clear. IF you use the GI Bill you paid into it and you have 10 years from when you get out to start using it, after that you paid into it for nothing. I used the VA to buy my first home; I was young and had no money for a down payment. The VA helped me and I am grateful they were there to make sure I didn’t get screwed because of my lack of experience in the housing market. There is no place that I know of that you can invest 182 days for free healthcare, but he didn’t get it for free. He is probably disabled somehow or got hurt on the job and it happened on active duty. I have a friend that lost an arm and is rated at 40%, trust me he would rater have a 0% disability rating and give his disability check up to hold his daughter with the arms he was born with. So it’s not free, it’s not a handout and there aren’t veterans out there getting something for free that anyone else isn’t getting. I hope this helps clear things up, there is 2 sides to every coin. I have heard horror stories from people about the VA and I have heard of families that have come home and used the bennies they earned to become successful. I can’t change policy, just putting out facts so no one is misinformed. Hope you don’t take this the wrong way and ask me to unsubscribe.
Cheers
Chris
Chris,
I’d never ask you to unsubscribe bro.
I don’t think people really understand your story about Klauss tho, but for that reason you hold a lot of respect in my book, not that that means anything. But when men stand up against the man, or anyone for that matter save the cost, it means something. I’m glad your not one of Mitch’s guys that “DON’T QUESTION THE ORDER THEY RECEIVE TO DO……they just do it…that is how they are trained”. There are very simple answers to very complicated questions, by going to save Klauss and his daughter, you answered that question save the cost. I won’t ask anyone to unsubscribe that brings rational views to a discussion whether or not I agree with them. I’d be a bad moderator if I did.
Sorry Mitch, I question things. If you choose to take things at face value and not question authority, that’s fine.
I’m a humble guy that tries to lead my life simply. I have this thing, I ask myself “positive or negative” when I’m confronted with decisions. As a result the truth and my path is usually quite easy for me to see. That being said I’ve obviously had a few bumps recently. But it is how I lead my life and I’m happy with it.
Mitch, I think you need to read the blog again before you start pointing your finger at people. But your right, I think Americans deserve care no matter who they are, so if you’re offended by that I don’t know what to tell you. I don’t want to take care away from your son, but I don’t want you to take care away from mine either.
“Give all Americans access to health care, Positive or negative” if you think it’s the wrong thing to do, again I don’t know what to tell you. If you believe Government agencies have the right to enter your home (or mine) without due process or permission in the search for bad guys, again I don’t know what to tell you. I find this offensive but will not tell you, “you are 100% wrong” for having an opinion. It just is what it is.
Bruce. It looks like I’ll be taking the job on a ship in April after all. They had allready bought my plane ticket and I’m kind of responsible to do it. I will let you know about “juneish” though. Thank you for the interest and offer of help.
This is a place where I hope people can rationally talk about the world around us, and question whatever they like.
I’m beat and hungry, been working on a friends boat all day.
Cheers
june or july is good for me…..as long as i have 3-4 warning …so i can get tickets …..just let me know ….
that was 3-4 weeks warning sorry
So I hear you are coming north for some time in April? We should connect while you are in FL. It would be good to get our knees under the same table again.
Good post by the way… Lots of people with lots of information. It’s good to see. People communicating on a lot of different levels. I love taking the information, doing a bit of research and then bathe in it or wipe it off my boots before I board the boat. You are getting is all.
Panacea is on the hard. New bottom paint. Got dropped from a lift, but landed in the straps. Slid back. Broke the mizen rigging and pad eyes. Transmission pulled for a leak fix. New main seal on the engine. Pulled the shaft for service. (Had to pull the rudder to get the shaft out.) New packing gland for rudder… Been pretty busy. But she’s getting better and will splash later next week. I’ll drop you a line on the email and detail things out a bit. What a week.
Take care and we’ll be talking…
Capt. Paul
s/v Panacea