The Cost of Crime

In recent years, the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing retail theft has become a subject of growing concern. Despite the traditional adage that criminal activities are ultimately futile, some argue that current policies and practices have inadvertently created an environment where shoplifting and property crimes seem increasingly consequence-free. Challenges in the judicial system, including expedited release processes and potential limitations on law enforcement’s ability to respond, have raised questions about the deterrence of such criminal behaviors.

Now, there are complaints. It’s no wonder there is an increase in prices. It is but one of the costs of crime. It is a price the public pays when they encourage crime, such as bulk shoplifting, also known as theft. When done in mass, it becomes a major cost of doing business.

Retail theft extends far beyond the immediate financial loss of stolen merchandise. Businesses are compelled to invest heavily in enhanced security measures, often with minimal deterrent effect. Moreover, the broader societal cost manifests through increased law enforcement expenses, ultimately borne by taxpayers in an ongoing cycle of economic burden.

As retailers evaluate profitability, grocery stores often become the first casualties of economic shifts. Gradually, one store closes, then another, until an entire neighborhood transforms into what urban planners call a “food desert.” This systematic withdrawal creates a predictable cycle of economic decline, leaving communities bewildered by the sudden lack of essential services. The consequences are clear, yet those responsible seem perplexed by the outcomes they themselves have engineered.

Today, one of the big complaints in polls is increasing prices. Wake up, folks. An increase in prices is but one of many when lawless theft is permitted to run wild. Yet the Democrats have seemed to encourage the theft. Now they are the first to complain, blaming it on those trying desperately to put a stop to the fire originated by the Democrats.

Put the criminal in prison, which will decrease crime and help to control peace.

By the way, it will also make our cities much safer too. That is kinda important too.

A Man Used

Every year about this time, the networks are busy extolling the actions of Martin Luther King. Honestly, I can’t say a whole lot about him one way or the other. During his active years, I had just joined the Marines and was soon bound for Nam. My mind was occupied by many other things.

However, there were a few undeniable things I did notice because they were so obvious. Yet, it seemed to me that no one else noticed them. If they did, they kept their mouths shut in fear of what the world would think of them. To be sure, anyone who spoke the wrong words in public soon wished they had swallowed those words instead.

During the rise of political correctness, individuals became increasingly cautious about their internal dialogue, fearing potential scrutiny and judgment for harboring thoughts that might be deemed inappropriate. The pervasive atmosphere of social surveillance created an unspoken anxiety that even one’s most private musings could be exposed and condemned.

Frankly, I even became careful of how I say things, even though I have said a thing or two that are strictly out of bounds. Mostly, I believe I get away with it because I have the undeniable facts behind me. Besides, who is going to listen to an old man near death.

Martin Luther King was a peaceable man. I don’t know to what extent, but clearly he wanted to settle the true and tragic segregation without violence. This certainly made him a very respected man by both sides of the problem. He was, to be sure, making great strides. His sound words found the ears of many.

On the other hand, there were those who had no desire to keep it peaceful. I guess there were and are a number of groups that wanted equal rights to take more violent efforts. That put them at odds with Martin Luther King and his efforts.

Then, Martin Luther King , Jr was assassinated, and it all changed overnight. It forced me to come to some conclusions. The conclusions are not politically correct, but they are difficult to outright deny.

I cannot help but wonder if Martin Luther King was being used by factions that wanted violence. Perhaps it is not a stretch to suggest that he was being used and aided by communists. They might have been helping in coordination and financing.

Okay! There, I said it. Am I wrong? Can you prove it? Do you even have any proof that I am wrong? Let me add one more question. In light of the fact that it was the design of the Soviets to overtake the US without war, it was and is stupid for them to stand in the way of anyone or anything that is helping them. So, why not help Martin Luther King any time he had the same or similar goals?

The communist’s problem was, they were ready to take it to the next level. They wanted riots. They wanted to threaten. They wanted violence. It is the way the communist operates. In case you don’t know, they have written it down for all to read. It is fact, not speculation.

So, suddenly, on one day, the biggest problem standing in their way is gone. He has gone on to his reward. Personally, I believe he has gone on to be with the Lord.

Then suddenly, there is violence. There is no one or nothing to stop it.

If you truly like Martin Luther King, if you really want to celebrate his life and what he stood for, you might want to take a few minutes to stop and truly study and understand his goals and not those who likely engineered his death.

As I said, he was a man of peace, not violence.

Most Remarkable

In the annals of maritime history, the SS Edmund Fitzgerald remains a poignant reminder of nature’s unforgiving power. Fifty years have passed since the legendary freighter succumbed to Lake Superior’s treacherous waters, a tragedy immortalized by Gordon Lightfoot’s haunting ballad. Though time may have dimmed memories, the ship’s dramatic sinking continues to captivate those who learn of its final, fateful voyage.

Stumbling upon an unexpected article during an unrelated research session, memories of a distant event and its accompanying melody flooded back. The passage of time became strikingly apparent, and the details within the piece struck me as both remarkable and astonishing, casting the past in a new, remarkable light.

In the century preceding this account, six thousand documented incidents were recorded, a statistic that initially seemed implausible. Despite initial skepticism about potential numerical errors, the reported figure remained consistent. Notably, since the referenced event, no further occurrences have been observed. This is is reported on YouTube, PBS News Room by Anna Nawaz.

Gordon Lightfoot, the renowned Canadian folk singer-songwriter, potentially transcended the realm of musical artistry through his legendary ballad “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.” Beyond his celebrated musical contributions, his haunting narrative about the tragic shipwreck might have raised maritime safety awareness and commemorated the lives lost in one of the Great Lakes’ most infamous maritime disasters. His song not only preserved historical memory but potentially influenced maritime safety protocols and public consciousness about the dangers of nautical travel. The profound impact of his musical storytelling extends far beyond mere entertainment, potentially serving as a memorial, a cautionary tale, and a tribute to the brave sailors who faced nature’s unforgiving power. Lightfoot’s artistic narrative transformed a tragic maritime incident into a lasting cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with generations, highlighting the potential of music to document, remember, and potentially prevent future tragedies.

And, at the time, I just liked the song.

Why Pro Trump

When Trump announced his presidential run, I was skeptical. His character seemed questionable, and his pro-choice stance typically would have been enough to make me oppose him.

As I examined the candidates’ positions, my perspective gradually shifted. His resolute approach to border security particularly resonated with me, aligning closely with my own views. Among the contenders, only he and one other candidate shared my stance. Though Senator Cruz remained my preference, especially regarding his pro-life position, I found myself increasingly drawn to the alternative candidate’s platform.

Reflecting on Trump’s account of his personal experience, I found his explanation initially convincing, yet lingering skepticism persisted. His past behavior and language further undermined my trust. In retrospect, I often contemplate whether Ted Cruz might have been a more suitable presidential candidate. Ultimately, the full truth remains elusive, and we may never fully know.

In the face of a polarizing election, my initial choice felt stripped away. Confronted with Trump, a relatively unknown quantity, and Clinton, whose public persona was exhaustively familiar, I felt politically cornered. As the campaign unfolded, my perspective subtly shifted. Trump’s candidacy began to resonate more strongly, while the alternative grew less appealing. Though momentarily tempted to protest by writing in my own name, I ultimately found myself gravitating toward a clearer electoral stance.

During the election, I found myself strongly aligned with Trump’s rhetoric, yet I harbored deep reservations about his character and credibility.

Throughout my years of observation, I’ve consistently maintained that individuals advocating for pro-life positions tend to demonstrate greater authenticity and moral courage. In today’s complex social landscape, embracing a pro-choice stance has become a convenient and socially acceptable narrative, which I characterize as fundamentally endorsing a culture of termination. The genuine commitment to protecting innocent life requires a deeper ethical stance and personal conviction.

Trump’s unwavering commitment to the pro-life movement demonstrated a principled position that demanded respect. His apparent sincerity on this issue suggested a deeper integrity that could potentially extend to other aspects of his political platform. By taking a clear and potentially unpopular stance, he showed a willingness to stand by his convictions, which was noteworthy in the complex landscape of all the political discourse.

Looking back, it was clearly true. No other modern president can claim such close adherence to his promises. While he couldn’t completely follow them all, it is not for lack of effort, even to the point of pushing the Constitution to the very edge. Also, this was not without opposition, even from Republicans. Might I remind one and all of the number one rino giving the thumbs-down during the effort to withdraw Obama Care. (I was never a fan Sen. McCain, who was the only Republican member of the Keating five & should have gone to jail)

President Trump is the only modern day president who enforced immigration laws, which were already on the books. He did this though there are even Republicans who opposed his actions. This likely was one of the main reasons he was elected. The Republicans only paid lip service to it and the democrats openly refused to enforce those legal laws. During the primary, he and Cruz were the only two that spoke of enforcing the law. All the rest of the Republican candidates got all mushy mouthed when asked about it.

Trump is constantly referred to as Hitler, this in light of all he has done for Israelis. No other president, whether he have a R or D after his name has hired more women in higher positions. No other president, except maybe Reagan & Kennedy, has done more to help our economy. Few have hurt in all of these categories as Old Joe. (For this reason Old Joe does not deserve to be called president, or even by his last name. Better to forget it completely)

President Trump has made a believer out of me.

Country Clubbers, as Bad for the Economy as Democrats

Rush Limbaugh frequently critiqued the affluent, establishment-oriented wing of the Republican Party, referring to them as the “country club segment.” Many Republicans likely dismissed his characterization without fully comprehending its deeper implications. Moreover, they seem unaware of the significant and potentially detrimental impact their political and economic approaches could have on the broader national landscape, particularly in terms of financial policy and societal economic dynamics.

One of the big reasons we had problems stopping illegal immigration is because the illegal aliens drive the wages down drastically. I hope I don’t need to explain why that is so beneficial to rich Republicans; as well as rich Democrats too. Naturally, many of the rich Republicans had as much of a desire to open the borders as the Dems did.

Though I don’t know the reason, this group also seemed to be in favor of making the killing of unborn children legal. My best guess is that they didn’t want to lose elections and their power.

Donald Trump’s political rise disrupted traditional Republican Party dynamics, challenging the established country club elite by appealing directly to a broader base of supporters. His unconventional campaign and messaging resonated with voters beyond the typical Republican establishment, potentially attracting disillusioned Democrats and working-class constituents who felt overlooked by mainstream political figures. Trump’s ability to connect with a diverse range of voters fundamentally transformed the Republican Party’s, especially those who wanted to stop illegal immigration as well as the traditional power structure and electoral strategy.

As you might have noted, many of those country club crowd have left the Republican Party and began opposing the Republican Party and Trump. No one told me why but I think I have a good guess. You will likely have a good guess too when you realize the drastic decrease in inexpensive illegal labor.

There was a reason, right? Right??!

After a decade and a half of reliable performance, our trusty washing machine finally succumbed to wear and tear, grinding to an unexpected halt. Its sudden breakdown was a testament to the inevitable aging of household appliances, a reality many homeowners understand all too well.

After careful consideration of repairing our old appliance, we ultimately decided to explore newer models. During our search, we were immediately struck by the modern design of top-loading washers, which notably lacked traditional agitators.

I wondered why engineers across the industry had simultaneously abandoned agitators. Surely, they must have conducted extensive research and had compelling technical justifications for this widespread design shift. Despite my personal reservations, their collective expertise suggested a well-considered decision.

Despite initial reservations, I bought a washing machine with an appealing design. In hindsight, I should have immediately returned it or requested a replacement within days of delivery. During the spin cycle, the appliance exhibited alarming instability, violently shaking and shifting position. To compound the frustration, the machine’s design prevents users from manually adjusting the load balance, trapping owners in a cycle of potential damage and inconvenience.

In the quiet moments of reflection, I’m haunted by my hasty decision to discard the aging machine, a faithful companion that, despite its worn exterior, had never threatened the stability of my home’s foundation with violent tremors.

Intrigued by the evolving design of modern washing machines, I embarked on a research journey to understand the industry’s shift away from traditional agitator models. After conducting a preliminary online investigation, I discovered a rationale that, while informative, did not entirely convince me. Despite lacking formal engineering expertise, my hands-on experience with agitator-free machines has provided invaluable insights. Consequently, when purchasing a new washing machine today, I opted for a front-loading model, acknowledging its higher cost, but valuing its apparent advantages.

I desired a top-loading washing machine, but the design engineers had eliminated that configuration from the available models.

Contradictions of the Liberals

Several years ago, I wrote a post about people being let across the border. You might think it was during the early years of Trump’s presidency, but it was earlier. Actually, I was speaking out against open borders even before Trump decided to run for president.

During the presidential campaign, the border policy debate revealed a surprising consensus among candidates. While Democrats generally supported more open immigration, many Republican contenders also showed varying degrees of support for less restrictive border policies. In the early stages of Trump’s initial campaign, Senator Ted Cruz stood out as a notable exception, consistently advocating for stricter border control. His principled stance resonated with voters who prioritized immigration enforcement. For this voter, Cruz and Trump were the only candidates worthy of support. I would have abstained from voting any others at all.

Apparently, I wasn’t the only one with that view. Near the last of that primary, Cruz was the only one who gave Trump any competition at all. The rest dropped out. Still, there were Republicans who continued to give Trump grief over illegal aliens, fighting for them from the “humanity” concept. However, to them, humanity had little or nothing to do with it. They wanted the lower illegal wages. It contradicted with the fighting by both the Democrats and the liberal Republican concept of minimum wages. To be sure, hiring illegal aliens is the easiest way around minimum wages. Those who ran hotels and restaurants commonly hired illegal aliens at a fraction of the minimum wage, a financial advantage for businesses (rino Republicans) To some degree, this is still true. The dems fight to keep wages down by encouraging illegal immigration while at the same time, fighting for ridiculously high minimum wages. This has two results. It squeezes rightful American citizens out of the job market while permitting the rich to hire low cost labor.

I very strongly disagree with minimum wages and allowing the employment of illegal aliens. I can at least understand it, as selfish and wrong as it it is. However, lately the liberals have started another contradiction. They fight to require vaccination, especially in schools while continuing to fight to allow diseased and infections aliens across the border without even checking for any disease such as AIDS, measles, TB, etc, etc, and so forth.

I have no clue why we haven’t had breakouts of various diseases when President Biden opened the borders and invited one and all with a public speech. And now, the pro vaccine people complain about a few cases of measles and say nothing of the disease infested flooding over the border. We should count ourselves fortunate that we haven’t had an outbreak of antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis. Or, perhaps something worse. We have dealt with measles, smallpox, and many other outbreaks throughout US history. When the border was opened, I had both concerns and curiosity about what diseases might have been permitted entry. Perhaps even a disease not yet seen inside our border.

To be sure, contradiction is the way of the Democrats. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll see them. Then again, there is none so blind as those who refuse to see, even that which is obvious.

Did it Ever

During my time repairing computers, chance put me in the city of Detroit, about 1980 plus or minus. I suspect the city is not what it was then. The Dems have driven a lot of jobs out of the city since then. It is the sort of thing they like to do.

Anyway, I had never been to Canada and decided to go across the river just to be able to say I had been there. I entered Canada via the Ambassador Bridge and returned through a tunnel.

For the short time I was there, I parked in a lot under the bridge and looked back at Detroit. As I did, I received quite an education. I met a Canadian who filled me in on some history my teachers never told me.

The Canadian city of Windsor stood as a pristine Canadian gem, worlds apart from its neighboring Detroit. The city exuded an almost cinematic charm, with immaculate homes and meticulously maintained streets that seemed too perfect to be real. Unlike the gritty urban landscape across the border, this tranquil locale appeared carefully curated, as if designed by a meticulous set director rather than emerging organically from urban development.

The Detroit River, a remarkable waterway spanning approximately 30 miles, connects Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie. This international boundary between the United States and Canada is surprisingly compact, narrowing to just over a quarter-mile at its most constricted point. During the harsh winter months, the river’s surface transforms into a solid sheet of ice, creating a stunning and dramatic landscape that showcases the region’s extreme seasonal changes..

While this topic might seem mundane at first glance, history enthusiasts may find the upcoming details surprisingly compelling and engaging.

During the Prohibition era, both Canada and the United States banned the consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, Canada distinguished itself by allowing the production and sale of alcohol, creating a lucrative opportunity for cross-border trade. The strategic decision was likely motivated by economic potential and the desire to capitalize on the United States’ restrictive policies.

Ambitious Canadian winemakers faced a significant challenge: transporting their carefully crafted wines across the international border, with the imposing river presenting a formidable logistical obstacle to their cross-border business aspirations.

How-some-ever, given the profit and given the lack of morality, they would and did find a way. During the warm weather, all it took was row boat, a pair of oars and the courage to run the gauntlet of the law at night. During the winter, it was easier. They put treads on pickups and just simply drove across the ice, lights off.

Now, everyone knows that if guns were made illegal in both Canada and the US, guns would go away—until making them became legal in Canada again.

Do you suppose someone, anyone might want to make them and sell them to American criminals? Then, of course, only the police and criminals would be armed.

That is… until the Dems decide to take the guns from the police, too.

Improbable, you say. May I remind you, they once wanted to do away with the police?

As for me, if this were to happen, I just might decide to go to Detroit and invest in a rowboat. I suspect I would have some company. There just might be a few gun shops set up business close the the worlds shortest river.

and not so much as one of the guns would be serialized.

It’s The Premise, Stupid

In the political landscape of 1992, James Carville coined the memorable phrase “It’s the economy, stupid,” which became a pivotal campaign slogan. Inspired by his linguistic prowess, I aspire to craft an equally impactful statement in 2025, though the odds of achieving such widespread recognition may be slim. Nevertheless, hope springs eternal in the realm of memorable catchphrases.

Let me share an illustration I previously used, which remains relevant and insightful. While some time has passed since its initial presentation, the core message continues to resonate. Even if you’ve encountered this example before, a refresher can often reveal new perspectives or nuances that might have been overlooked.

On the cusp of legal adulthood, a 21-year-old embarks on a predictable rite of passage, venturing into a local bar with curiosity and youthful naivety. Eager to explore the newfound freedom of being able to legally consume alcohol, he decides to experience the atmosphere and get drunk, just to see what it’s like.

After several Scotch and sodas, he collapses, and his friend is tasked with escorting him home. A familiar scenario for many, he awakens the next morning, suffering from a pounding headache and overwhelming nausea – the dreaded consequences of excessive drinking.

Now when I heard this story, the teller really drew it out. I’ll save you the repetition. I’ll simply say that he gets drunk again on the following two evenings. However, he decides he does not like the hangover thing. So, each time he changes what he mixes with the soda.

After three days of heavy drinking, he realized the allure of intoxication was overshadowed by the brutal aftermath. Determined to solve this dilemma, he made a decisive choice to remove the source of his morning misery. Ergo, he decided to eliminate the common element.

Initially, I found the statement amusing, but upon deeper reflection, I recognized it as a poignant critique of political dysfunction. In modern urban landscapes, citizens repeatedly cycle through elected officials, believing each new leader will miraculously resolve complex systemic challenges.

The fundamental issue lies not with individual politicians, but with the shared ideological framework that underpins their collective approach. The prevailing political narrative fails to deliver meaningful solutions, instead creating a cycle of diminishing returns and increasing societal frustration. Each successive political iteration seems to compound the ineffectiveness of its predecessors, resulting in a progressively more dysfunctional system.

As urban centers continue to decline, a pattern emerges reminiscent of an individual’s struggle with addiction: recognizing the problem only when circumstances become dire. The ongoing exodus from major metropolitan areas signals a potential watershed moment for political understanding and urban transformation, challenging the long-established trajectory of population concentration that defined the industrial era.

Rights and Courtesies

As Americans, we have rights. When we go outside the US, we lose those rights. Many of those rights are converted to courtesies. However, many people get the idea that they have rights in other countries too, some of which the citizens of those countries don’t have. Consider the right of freedom of speech. Most countries have no such right.

It is but one of many reasons why I am so hesitant to leave our wonderful country. Moreover, there are some things we know we can do here that you cannot do elsewhere without being arrested, prosecuted, and imprisoned.

Green card holders often misunderstand the extent of their legal rights in the United States. While permanent residency provides significant privileges, it does not equate to full citizenship. To prevent misconceptions, it would be beneficial to implement a comprehensive orientation program that clearly outlines the responsibilities and limitations associated with green card status. Such a program could include a detailed briefing and signed acknowledgment that emphasizes the importance of adhering to local, state, and federal laws, and clarifies that certain constitutional protections may differ for non-citizens. This approach would help ensure that immigrants fully understand their legal standing and obligations within the United States.

Recently, a person with a green card led a protest on Columbia University. He had not that right. More important, as a foreigner, he was trying to run our country, which is blatantly wrong. Now that they are in the process of pulling his green card, the news broadcasters are again on the wrong side. Because they like what he was preaching, they came to his rescue and said he should not be deported.

Foreign nationals should not attempt to interfere with or manipulate the internal affairs of a nation where they do not hold citizenship, regardless of their geographical location or political stance.

Moreover, they should not at all be surprised when their green card is revoked and they are put on a plane home. And by the way, it is not likely that they will be welcomed back.