Songs for Summer's End

Labor Day weekend is upon us already, the occasion that by long tradition marks the end of summer. That seemed fast, yes? But as long as we're here, I think we should try to relax and enjoy the holiday as we were intended to do.

I thought it would be fun to put together a playlist in honor of Labor Day. It was easier than I expected. Below are my Top Ten Labor Day songs:

1. Chain Gang - Sam Cooke
2. Working in the Coal Mine - Devo (1981)
3. I've Been Working On The Railroad - Johnny Cash
4. 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton
5. Workin' for a Livin' - Huey Lewis & The News
6. Five O'clock World - The Vogues
7. Uptown - The Crystals
8. Drill Ye Tarriers Drill - Tommy Maken & Liam Clancy
9. Work to Do - The Isley Brothers
10. Let's Work - Mick Jagger

No doubt there are plenty more. You could put your own playlist together--but don't work too hard. Then kick back, pop a cold one, and celebrate the hard-working American's designated day off.

Mischief Afoot

 Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what course thou wilt.

~ Julius Caesar 3:2

Okay, so the Democratic Convention is over and done. Praise the Lord, we can all now get on with our lives without being browbeaten, shouted at, lied to, and insulted. Where else except at the Dem's self-adoring pageant can you find mega multi-millionaires ranting their list of complaints against our dark and dangerous country?

Why, who has a chance here? Who can possibly get ahead if they start "way back there?" (Hint: Ask Justice Clarence Thomas how he did it.) Of course, the Vice President who had the presidential nomination handed to her without a single vote being cast for her believes that "everyone should end up in the same place."

You mean, everyone should end up owning four mansions like the Obamas? Oh no, I don't think Kamala Harris quite meant that. "Everyone" requires their exalted ruling class; "everyone" knows that.

But the media needed to pivot away from the VP with alarm and alacrity. News cycles are fast and unforgiving these days, and the American voters quickly moved on from the smoke and mirrors of the convention to today's story of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspending his independent run for president and endorsing Donald J. Trump. 

This is a stunning and historic turn of events. The Kennedy dynasty has been solidly Democratic for nearly one and a half centuries. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is risking his extensive family relationships as well as his political career, not to mention his life. Just as Donald Trump is a target for left-wing lunatics, Kennedy now will also be. Both are men of courage, an invaluable trait sorely needed in our troubled and tumultuous times.

Although I don't agree with all his positions, I like Kennedy. He is smart, sincere, and determined to make a positive difference. He certainly made a big difference today in our presidential campaigns. It will be interesting to see where it all goes.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorses Donald Trump for president

Objective Secure

Early this summer I stumbled across Green Beret Nick Lavery's story. I think I first heard him speak on Shawn Ryan's podcast (Episode #28). Completely captivated, I found and watched the entire interview on YouTube--twice. Also, I discovered an even more in-depth interview on Jocko Willink's podcast (#347) and watched that one, too--again, twice. 

I went on to order and read Lavery's book, Objective Secure. Discovering Nick's Instagram account, I immediately became a follower and sent him an IM--which Nick promptly answered. For his birthday, my son got his own copy of Objective Secure from me; he chuckles that I'm "a groupie." That's probably an accurate description. 

It's more effective if you hear and read Nick's story for yourself, but I'll say this much: this man should be dead at least a dozen times over. In three separate combat incidents, he was wounded by shrapnel, shot in the face, and had his right leg destroyed by enemy machine gun fire. The numerous medical threats and complications that accompanied his third, catastrophic injury, resulting in an above-the-knee amputation, defy belief. 

Also defying belief is the fact that Nick was determined to return to active duty as a Green Beret--and he succeeded, as a Special Forces Warrant Officer. The obstacles he needed to overcome were staggering. He is the first Special Forces combat-wounded, above-the-knee amputee to return to the battlefield. When you learn his story, you'll understand why. It's obvious to me that Nick is meant to live, to teach, and to inspire.

It's a comforting thought to know that such men as Nick Lavery still walk among us.

An Unlikely Alliance

There have been violent street protests against the unending influx of illegal aliens into their native land in the United Kingdom, including in Belfast, Northern Ireland, this weekend.

One must know a bit of Irish history to realize that seeing the British and Irish flags flying together in protest against their government's policies was an unimaginable sight for centuries.

People can only be pushed so far until human nature triumphs over trepidation, and the firm cry of "No more!" rings out. Much of the violence is wrong, but the message is not. Those in government power have been quick to blame their own people. If they would look beyond their ideological agendas and pay attention to their native citizens that they are duty-bound to represent, they might have a line of sight to begin reaching a solution.

Ireland's tri-color flag and the Union Jack flying side-by-side?

The Globalists should pay close attention and step carefully.

Republic of Ireland's Flag

Symbolic of ancient enemies united for Northern Ireland

United Kingdom's Flag