Save America

Oh, the shame!!

2010-08-07T16:18:00.003-05:00

I feel the shame! Several of you have emailed me about my ineptness at keeping this blog up to date. Mea culpa, mea culpa!

My life has become a cauldron of conflicting schedules. The article writing must continue in order to keep the wolf from our door, and the newspaper columns are a commitment. In addition, my third book is well underway since the interviews I had at the WWA conference in June.

Needless to say, that all leaves little time for the blog, which is purely for pleasure, not profit. Thank you for your interest, though, and I will - again - try to do better.

The Western Writers conference in Knoxville was a great experience. Several of the authors I have read for years were there and I managed to get autographed books, and even got some to sign my hat!! We had a great time and learned a lot.

Two publishers expressed interest in the new book, and it is well under way. The plan is get it submitted to Kensington this month. If - (Oh No) - it should be rejected, then it will be submitted to the next.

Audio books liked the concept, but could not handle a first person book. The next will be a third person account so they may be in line also. This story just came to me through the eyes of Jonathon, the main character, so I wrote it that way. Oh, well... next time maybe.

Keep in touch and check back - I'll try to be more available as soon as this book is finished. Until the next one, that is. (big smile)

Live, laugh, love... and keep an eye on those who don't! Roger

Lesson learned?

2010-04-22T11:49:00.001-05:00

This is a long post, but worth the read fi you care about the future of America.

Free Home

I was in my neighborhood restaurant this morning and was seated behind a group of jubilant individuals celebrating the successful passing of the recent health care bill. I could not finish my breakfast. This is what ensued:

They were a diverse group of several races and both sexes. I heard the young man exclaim, "Isn't Obama like Jesus Christ? I mean, after all, he is healing the sick." The young woman enthusiastically proclaimed, "Yeah, and he does it for free. I cannot believe anyone would think that a free market would work for health care. They are all crooks and thieves and don't deserve all of that money." Another said, 'The stupid Republicans want us all to starve to death so they can inherit all of the power. Obama should be made a Saint for what he did for those of us less fortunate." At this, I had had enough.

I arose from my seat, mustering all the restraint I could find, and approached their table. "Please excuse me; may I impose upon you for one moment?" They smiled and welcomed me to the conversation. I stood at the end of their table, smiled as best I could and began an experiment.

"I would like to give one of you my house. It will cost you no money and I will pay all of the expenses and taxes for as long as you live there. Anyone interested?" They looked at each other in astonishment. "Why would you do something like that?" asked a young man, "There isn't anything for free in this world." They began to laugh at me, as they did not realize this man had just made my point. "I am serious, I will give you my house for free, no money what so ever. Anyone interested?" In unison, a resounding "Hell Yeah" fills the room.

"Since there are too many of you, I will have to make a choice as to who receives this money free bargain." I noticed an elderly couple was paying attention to the spectacle unfolding before their eyes, the old man shaking his head in apparent disgust. "I tell you what; I will give it to the one of you most willing to obey my rules." Again, they looked at one another, an expression of bewilderment on their faces.

The perky young woman asked, "What are the rules?" I smiled and said, "I don't know. I have not yet defined them. However, it is a free home that I offer you." They giggled amongst themselves, the youngest of which said, "What an old coot. He must be crazy to give away his home. Go take your meds, old man." I smiled and leaned into the table a bit further. "I am serious, this is a legitimate offer." They gaped at me for a moment.

"I'll take it you old fool. Where are the keys?" boasted the youngest among them. "Then I presume you accept ALL of my terms then?" I asked. The elderly couple seemed amused and entertained as they watched from the privacy of their table. "Oh hell yeah! Where do I sign up?" I took a napkin and wrote, "I give this man my home, without the burden of financial obligation, so long as he accepts and abides by the terms that I shall set forth upon consummation of this transaction." I signed it and handed it to the young man who eagerly scratched out his signature. "Where are the keys to my new house?" he asked in a mocking tone of voice. All eyes were upon us as I stepped back from the table, pulling the keys from pocket and dangling them before the excited new homeowner.

"Now that we have entered into this binding contract, witnessed by all of your friends, I have decided upon the conditions you are obligated to adhere to from this point forward. You may only live in the house for one hour a day. You will not use anything inside of the home. You will obey me without question or resistance. I expect complete loyalty and admiration for this gift I bestow upon you. You will accept my commands and wishes with enthusiasm, no matter the nature. Your morals and principles shall be as mine. You will vote as I do, think as I do and do it with blind faith. These are my terms. Here are your keys." I reached the keys forward and the young man looked at me dumb founded.

"Are you out of your mind? Who would ever agree to those ridiculous terms?" the young man appeared irritated. "You did when you signed this contract before reading it, understanding it and with the full knowledge that I would provide my conditions only after you committed to the agreement." Was all I said. The elderly man chuckled as his wife tried to restrain him. I was looking at a now silenced and bewildered group of people.

"You can shove that stupid deal up you're a** old man, I want no part of it" exclaimed the now infuriated young man. "You have committed to the contract, as witnessed by all of your friends; you cannot get out of the deal unless I agree to it. I do not intend to let you free now that I have you ensnared. I am the power you agreed to. I am the one you blindly and without thought chose to enslave yourself to. In short, I am your Master." At this, the table of celebrating individuals became a unified group against the unfairness of the deal.

After a few moments of unrepeatable comments and slurs, I revealed my true intent. "What I did to you is what this administration and congress did to you with the health care legislation. I easily suckered you in and then revealed the real cost of the bargain. Your folly was in the belief that you can have something you did not earn; that you are entitled to that which you did not earn; that you willingly allowed someone else to think for you. Your failure to research, study and inform yourself permitted reason to escape you. You have entered into a trap from which you cannot flee. Your only chance of freedom is if your new Master gives it to you. A freedom that is given can also be taken away; therefore, it is not freedom." With that, I tore up the napkin and placed it before the astonished young man. "This is the nature of your new health care legislation."

I turned away to leave these few in thought and contemplation and was surprised by applause. The elderly gentleman, who was clearly entertained, shook my hand enthusiastically and said, "Thank you Sir, these kids don't understand Liberty these days." He refused to allow me to pay my bill as he said, "You earned this one, it is an honor to pickup the tab." I shook his hand in thanks, leaving the restaurant somewhat humbled, and sensing a glimmer of hope for my beloved country.

Use reason,
Clifford A Wright

Note: Many small businesses have decided they would rather pay the small tax the government will impose, rather than offer coverage to
their employees. It's far less expensive for them, and they don't like the fact that the government now dictates the terms of the coverage, which
can wildly affect their costs.

This means millions of workers currently covered will be forced into purchasing their own insurance to comply with the new law. They have no choice except to, themselves, be fined if they don't. Many will be forced onto Medicaid rolls, increasing the costs to the fed, and the states, for cost share and administration. Inevitably, this will lead to higher state and fed taxes.

The 'free' care will only be for the very poor, who are already eligible, and immigrants. Anyone with the 'ability' to pay - determined by the feds - will have to do so. The 'benefits' don't kick in until 2014, so people are being told to stop calling their congressman, hospitals, and doctors to request their 'free' care. It seems they didn't really understand the law, and just thought they were getting something for nothing.

Pres Obama recently said he would not take the VAT (Value added tax) idea off the table. A VAT, of course, equates to a national sales tax, as high as 29% in some countries. Such a tax would seriously affect the purchasing power of ALL Americans...especially those with low incomes.
Sounds like the possibility of another tax on the less fortunate, doesn't it? Oh, the promises of campaigning.

Media Madness

2010-03-26T11:58:00.002-05:00

Howdy Folks, Sorry I've been remiss in posting (again) but life sometimes takes control of our best intentions.

My rant today? Why the hell would ANYONE choose to get their "news" from msnbc, nbc, the NYT, or any of the so blatantly biased news orginizations?

You never get the full story, seldom get the truth, and are expected to just sit there and listen to their leftist propoganda. Their hypocracy amazes me, but they continue to fall in ratings while offering up the same old crap.

Tea Party folks are a microcosm of America. I've seen young and old, black and white, dems and reps, and, mostly, independent voters who just don't want to lose the freedoms we have earned at such a high cost.

Yet, the lamestream media continues to demonize them while totally ignoring any story that paints the leftists in a bad light. They accuse Tea Partiers of violence, racism, and anti-Americanism, when, in actuality, it's the left that most times resorts to violence and beats down anyone they don't agree with.

Educate yourselves, Folks, before you decide to swallow the progessive pill. While you may not agree with him, I challenge you to record and watch Glenn Beck for just one week. He highlights what is REALLY going on in YOUR country. I dare you!!!

Have a great day! Roger

2010-03-06T12:33:00.002-06:00

Original Articles. Constant-Content.

At last! Offices are done and we've moved everything in. I was amazed at the amount of 'junk' accumulated in the last 5 years. :)

Most of it was tossed, and the rest again resides in my cabinet, where it will probably languish another 5 years before I clean it out again.

The link above, and on the left, are supposed to take you to my articles on constant-content. Hope it works this time. Bear with me while I get these things working.

If you haven't yet, go to www.rogerhaley.com and get my books. You owe it to yourself to see what the fuss is about. Have a great day, all! Roger

Almost There!

2010-02-18T12:30:00.002-06:00

Well, it shouldn't be long now before I get to work in my new office. Whew! At least the framing, flooring, and drywall are done, so it's quieter, but I went to investigate today and stepped in a big pile of drywall mud that had been dropped on the floor. Hard to get off your shoes!

Things are going well with the books. Had some sales, and the husband of a very famous author bought KIAMICHI TRAIL, and emailed me about it. That was interesting, to say the least.

More news!! I'm now a member of Western Writers of America! My info should come up on their website soon, and it's a real honor to join the best western writers in America in this prestigious group.

My plate is full, and my cup runneth over, but I'm in the beginning stages of a new project which (I hope) will be huge. More on that as it develops.

The widget I mentioned before did not work! I messaged the web admin, and hope they can correct the problem so I can get it posted. Have a wonderful day!

Another day hard at work.

2010-02-12T21:31:00.002-06:00

This has been a killer day. We're having an addition built on and today was the day they cut through the wall and knocked out the framing for a doorway. The problem is, that doorway is from my present office (a spare bedroom) to the new rooms which will be my new office (ONLY), and my wife's sewing room.
What's the problem? Only that I had three children here, was trying to complete a new article for sale, and was handling phone calls in the midst of very loud noises. Whew! Finally it was over, the kids went home, and I got the job finished and posted.
The blue tab at the top left of this page is the link to the article site where I sell my work. It's a new widget they provided, and I haven't tested it yet, but will as soon as I finish here.
Tomorrow's a new day, more hammering, sawing, framing, and sheetrocking on the way, but I think I'll call in sick. :))
Since NASCAR is on Sunday afternoon, I won't get any work done this weekend. Oh, well, it'll all be worth it when it's done and we move everything into our new rooms.
Best to all, and have a great day. Roger

Great winter day in Northeast Texas

2010-02-11T22:25:00.003-06:00

Wow! One of our best and largest snowfalls in years, and I love it! I'm one of those who gets a case of winter doldrums when there are too many days of bleak weather. This snow covered scene really is beautiful and raises my spirits.

Having said that, I do have a gripe today. WHEN will the leftists leave Sarah Palin alone. Another unfounded attack about her wearing a bracelet commemorating her son's service. The idiot attacker gave her hell for wearing what he called a black bracelet, reserved for those killed in war. Problem, Jerko! The bracelet is BRONZE, and only appears black in the video shot!

It turns out, the organization that gave it to her also gave one to VP Joe Biden for his son's service. Now, do you feel like an ass?? Probably not, none of you can take it when you're wrong.

Oh, well. I won't let this spoil my better mood. My books are doing well, plan to hold book signings when the weather warms up some. Thanks to all who bought them.

If you haven't seen them yet, check my website at http://www.rogerhaley.com/. Night all!

Obama saving our economy...NOT

2010-01-27T10:25:00.002-06:00

I'm sorry I've been remiss in posting lately. Please understand it has been VERY busy lately. I now have TWO books available on my website at www.rogerhaley.com, and have been keeping up with my newspaper columns and articles.

I expect KIAMICHI TRAIL to be a big seller. The first review was excellent, and I'm starting the sequel. Many of my articles can be found at: www.Ezinearticles.com/?expert=Roger_Haley
if you'd care to read some of them.

There are others scattered throughout the web at other article sites, but this is the best, in my opinion. It carries virtually all of them, and lists me as an expert. (But, I wonder why the ? mark) Maybe they aren't so sure. : )

Thanks for visiting, and come back soon. I'll try to keep up better since the newest book is finally out. It will be in Ingrahm's new catalog, for bookstores and libraries, but with thousands of books listed, it may not be in your bookstore.

You can buy a signed copy at my website. See you there. Roger

GREAT NEWS!!

2010-01-13T16:16:00.005-06:00

Great news today! My first book, Money Smart Moves is now available! This book is a blueprint to a brighter future, and a better, more peaceful life today. Learn to manage your money so that you live the best life possible, without stress.

Here's the link to the publisher's website, where you may download the e-book, or buy a print copy. I'll leave you today with these words from Ronald Reagan:

"Always remember that you are Americans, and it is your birthright to dream great dreams in this sweet and blessed land."

Let Money Smart Moves help you achieve yours!

http://www.moneyhelper.net

Facebook Frenzy

2009-12-30T22:36:00.002-06:00

Just a few words about this Facebook thing. It's new to me because I've been busy, didn't see the point, and whatever. I was wrong!
I finally got onboard and, very soon, connected with some people I'd totally lost track of, in addition to some family members I don't get to see often enough.
If you're not on, get started, I'll be you first friend if you want! Just click my facebook link on the left.

Update on book one, Money Smart Moves: It has gone to the printer!! It takes time to send it back and forth to the publisher (thank God for email) for changes and additions, etc. I can imagine how long it took with snail-mail.
The historical western novel is finished, also! Long, long time from start to finish, but finally got it done. I especially want Gene Boyd to read it.
Anyway, MSMoves should be available by Mar (or sooner) and the other, Kiamichi Trail is getting final polish before its first trip to the publisher. Later all!

More Memories

2009-12-24T15:29:00.004-06:00

I received a comment on my website http://www.rogerhaley.com/ from a fellow sailor and future friend. He said he enjoyed my columns at www.theparisnews.com/guestcolumns.lasso and the reminiscing of my Navy days. Watch for a new column about January 3rd. ( I never know for sure, but they usually publish them soon after submission.) There are usually 3-5 of my columns at this link at any given time.
In this column, I break from the norm and talk of growing up in Paris, TX. I think you'll find it interesting, at least, I hope you do. To get notice of new posts here, just click on 'follow' on the left.
My childhood was an interesting time. Most children were expected to, or had to, work, either on the farm or ranch, or at a paying job. Rather then feeling punished, most of us accepted it as a way of life. Perhaps that's why a large percentage of the students from our small country school went on to become successful entrepreneurs.
My book is now in the hands of the publisher. I will post the link here as soon as it's finished. Thanks for your comments and support, and please sign my new guestbook at my website (above)
Merry Christmas to all! BREAKING NEWS: Right this moment, it's snowing here. The first white Christmas in years, and the grandkids are ecstatic!

A New Life

2009-12-18T09:34:00.002-06:00

You are sitting on your deck, watching the glow of orange, red, and purple as the sun sets across the dark blue of the lake. A bass jumps nearby, the dying rays reflecting brilliantly from it before it falls back with a splash. You reflect quietly, as you sip your frosty drink, on the path that brought you here.

There was a time when this was only a dream. You were buried in debt, struggling to make ends meet, and looking at a bleak future. You could see no way out; bills were piling up faster than you could pay them, and it seemed unlikely to change.

Then, one day a friend sent you an email telling you to check out a book. You ordered it and it changed your life! This book showed you how to manage your debt, get the most out of every dollar, stop the waste, and how to save and invest.

It was a struggle, and took you 2 1/2 years, but you did it! Now, as you sit peacefully here at your lake house, watching the sun set, you have to admit....it was worth it.

This story is fictional, but it doesn't have to be. Find this book at: www.moneyhelper.net and start your journey to a better future, today!

NOTE: I'm giving you advance notice of Smart Money Moves, for the average family, and will let you know as soon as it's available. Blessings, Roger

Live Debt Free

2009-12-12T10:30:00.003-06:00

With our government putting every American deeper and deeper in debt, we now have to protect ourselves from the hard days ahead. I recently finished a book that will help you do just that. The title is "Money Smart Moves for the average family". I'm currently getting it edited and ready to publish. I'll let you know as soon as it's available. This book offers timely advice on how to manage money, squeeze the value from each dollar, and stop fearing creditors forever.

Love freely, laugh often, and keep an eye on those who don't! Roger

Can we survive as a nation?

2009-12-06T12:15:00.002-06:00

Would you like to see something truly frightening? Go to www.usdebtclock.org and watch the numbers. See how much you, your children, and grandchildren, owe on the national debt, and how fast it's climbing. If you time it, you'll see it's growing at over $1 million every 30 seconds. How long can this continue?
Even though this administration, and the Democrats in Congress, know all of this, they bury their heads in the sand and continue to pile on more spending. If the president's agenda passes, the health care bill, Cap and Trade bill, and the pro-union Card Check bill, will bankrupt us. Think it can't happen? Neither did the people in the Myanmar Republic.
The Myanmar (formerly Burma) government thought the way to handle debt was to just print more money; this administration seemingly concurs. With the printing of money, the value of each note becomes less, but they didn't understand this concept, or chose to ignore it, and inflation nearly destroyed their economy. Other countries, and the world bank, managed to stave off a total collapse.
Our problem is that our economy is so huge that we provide support to others, there's no one to bail us out! We, the people, must unite to stop the insanity and the mad rush to disaster. Tell your Congresspeople to STOP!

Are we in trouble?

2009-11-24T14:17:00.002-06:00

Thought you might like an updated pic of me and my lovely wife, Georgia. Yep, a lot older and, I hope, wiser. So many people like the Navy pic that I put it up to please the family; this is the new (older) me.

I sure hate to seem to constantly be down on our new Pres, but he, and the Dems, are pushing us rapidly down the road to major problems. If you think the recession is bad, just wait until they push through the rest of their agenda.

Only 38% of Americans now approve of the health care bill, but the Dems are dead set on pushing it through anyway. We just aren't smart enough to know what's good for us; they have to take care of us stupid people, whether we like it or not.

It seems they are hell bent on making us accept their view of what we need, even at the expense of political suicide. A doctor friend told me, "This thing is so full of loopholes, they can do whatever they want." If this passes, we will have lost control of our health care. The government will decide what is best for us, and I, for one, don't want that. Has any government program stayed within budget? EVER? Can you really believe this one will?

I fear we are headed full steam toward the chasm of bankruptcy, and the bridge is out. With the ever falling dollar, and congress' desire to spend, spend, spend, we are in dire trouble. We must make our voices heard. If they keep refusing to hear our bark, then it's time we bite! Get out next year and actively support the opponent of any member of congress who supports this. If they refuse to listen, they must be fired, and WE are the boss, even if they don't believe that.

QUESTIONS AND...MORE QUESTIONS

2009-11-14T15:40:00.003-06:00

How did we, as Americans, get to this point? We have, until now, lived a life of plenty; even the poor of America have a refrigerator, a TV, a car, and a roof over their heads. The homeless usually have a place they could go for a bed, soup kitchens to feed them, and the chance of getting out of their situation, if they want to.
Now, so many Americans look to the government to feed and clothe them, to give them "free" money to "help" them, and to provide for their every need. The following is a transcript of an actual interview in Detroit MI, where people had lined up for blocks to get some "free" money. Granted, Detroit has been hard hit, but is this where we are as Americans?

Q: Why are you here?
A: To get some money.

Q Where did the money come from?
A: Obama money.

Q: Where did Obama get it?
A: I don't know..from his stash.

Q: Where did he get his stash?
A: I don't know, but he's gonna' give us some, to help us. That's why we voted for him. (chant) Obama, Obama, (crowd joins in) Obama.

Have these people ever paid taxes? Do they, in any way, understand government? Why, why, why, are they even allowed to vote? Is it really democratic to allow people who don't understand any part of our government, or even speak the language, to vote?
Call me an ideologue, a racist, a ..whatever you wish, but answer the question using your MIND, not your liberal 'heart'. God save us from the people with the power of the vote, but not the conscience to even try to understand what they are voting for.

Where are we going?

2009-11-12T12:03:00.002-06:00

This is a critical time for America and we, the average men and women, have to really be aware of what is happening. I see the current administration as a real threat to our freedoms. The Bush admin doesn't get a free pass, either; they started some of the financial problems and started the trend of spending, spending, spending. The Obama admin has just taken it into warp speed.
Have you ever asked yourself why everything they are trying to push on us is a "crises" and must be done "now"? He can take months to discuss the request of his leader in Afghanistan, but his spending programs must be passed immediately. They keep putting more and more in the pipeline, hoping to keep us confused and uninformed, while meeting behind closed doors to push their agenda through.
I wish we could get a law passed which would prohibit congress from adding totally irrelevant addendums to huge bills so they can sneak them through without any discussion or transparency.
As for freedom under attack, when Humana put out a letter to their senior policy-holders explaining how the health care bill could affect them, the administration issued a cease and desist letter to Humana, basically telling them to shut up. When Fox News broke stories about Acorn, and Van Jones (a self described communist) being high in the administration, the Obama machine attacked Fox, saying they aren't a "legitimate' news agency, and cautioning CNN and others from following Fox' lead with stories deemed harmful to the administration. The truth about issues is not important to them, they seek to curtail free speech in order to keep their image shiny so Americans won't wake up to what is happening.
There are so many things wrong that I could fill a newspaper with articles. What I will try to do is keep you informed here, and with my columns in The Paris News. You can read them at www.theparisnews.com

My World

2008-11-18T10:14:00.005-06:00

Well folks, another great day in America. After serving this country for 20 years, I have a deep love and respect for our country. I have personally seen so many places where the farmers plow their fields with water buffalo while children ride on the skid behind, to add weight.
A one room bamboo hut, on stilts, is home. Mama-san, Pop, and the youngest children sleep inside; the other children sleep underneath, on the ground.
A years income may equal $50 American, and people eat what they can grow or barter for. The young girls leave home early, many to barter themselves for money to send the family.
I've taken cold showers under a barely running open pipe (no shower head), and this is in one of the 'better' hotels.
In Africa, women could be seen walking for miles along dusty roads with heavy clay pots of water, or huge bundles of firewood, balanced on their heads. I know the distances were great because we traveled for miles between any signs of habitation.

The worst part of my travels was seeing so many of the "Ugly Americans" who seriously hurt our image in the world. So many felt 'entitled' and looked down on the people whose homeland we were visiting. Disdain was evident, and the arrogant way they spoke to these people was appalling to me. Simple courtesy and kindness seemed beyond them.
Not all, of course, acted this way, but far too many. You could see the resentment they caused, but the native people usually took it without saying anything, at least not in English. I learned first hand how we got our negative image in many countries.
In Sasebo, Japan, where many places still had only one restroom, to be shared, a young sailor tried to urinate on a girl in the toilet. The Mama-san was outraged.
When I asked her the cause, she told me and my friends and I "escorted" the lad and his friends out the door. Mama-san bought the next round.

I made many friends in my travels, and I still fondly recall so many of them.
There was MOM and POP from the Seventh Fleet club in Olongapo, PI, who invited me to their home for Pop's birthday party. A whole pig, large, was roasted in a pit, and the food and beer were plentiful. Pop took me into the back of his house and showed me many bottles of liquor which he said I was welcome to enjoy, but not to tell everyone about. He gave me his trust, which was, to me, a great thing. Later, I realized there were only two or three Americans there. Again, it was a good feeling to be counted among their friends.
Then there was Tatsuko Chiwata in Japan, who gave me a pair of Japanese leather slippers and took my friends and I to see the atomic bomb center in Nagasaki. We also went to see a Dragon dance, which was awesome.
I'll never forget the lasagna or fried calamari at Mama Louisa's in Naples, Italy where I first tried a local wine, Lambrusco. It was terrific with the food. Mama Louisa used a cane, and would gently tap your head or arm with it if you didn't finish your food, telling you to, "Eat... make you strong." Mama was the stereotypical Italian Mama, large, loud, and full of laughter. She was also fiercely protective of her daughter, who worked with her. I can imagine the cane put to other uses if one got out of line. A local would bring his guitar, and play sometimes.
So many memories. Far too many for this blog, but I'll do more later. You can click on 'follow' to follow my musings, or click 'comments' to leave a comment.
Love deeply, laugh often, and keep a close eye on those that don't................Roger