In an earlier post https://successnexcess.com/2022/12/18/saying-goodbye-to-shelby/ I noted how tough it was to say goodbye to our Labradoodle of 15 years.

So there is an ongoing conversation about another one. And not just us, lots of pressure from the kids (41 and 44 — still kids) about getting another pupster. They like big, like a Bernedoodle, 80 pounds would be on the small side! They do not live at our home so big is OK with them as they are not here to suffer through puppy-hood. If they were home I’m sure they would be missing in action most of the time when it came time to care for the mutt.

And we want another pup but I thought I’d use the blog to write down just some of the reasons why, NOT YET!

When we pull the trigger on a pup, it will be another doodle of sorts. It’s got to be a pup.

Why not (in order of importance)?

• Travel restrictions
• Time with mutt
• Surviving puppy-hood
• Property damage (Teething)
• Indoor accidents
• Vet costs

I’m not listing all the reasons why we should go get another doodle as it would only be cannon fodder for running out and getting one. : < )

***** S&E *****

Get it together (literally) and elect a Speaker.  Do your jobs and lead the country.  Want some ideas of who should be Speaker?

List the names in the house in order of best LEADER, just select the name on the top of the list!

What was  that?  You can’t find one.  The list is a straight line (no vertical order – no leaders).  We understand, that is not new to us. 

C’Mon DC! There has to be one in there somewhere….

***** S&E*****

I have mentioned to several friends over the years that US Corporations should take an aggressive stance in cleaning up the mess and corruption in Washington DC.  Corporations are huge, powerful, and command tremendous resources.  But no one, executive, or board member, takes a stance and makes the case for making the change and cleaning up the swamp.  The government beats them mercilessly, regulating and controlling many of their policies, practices, and financial operations*. But, maybe it is time corporations return the beating!

Here’s an opinion that suggests that it is time!

https://www.fastcompany.com/90803202/most-americans-think-democracy-is-at-risk-heres-6-ways-corporations-can-combat-that?utm_source=newsletters&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FastCompanyCompass-Oct%2031,%202022&leadId=754620&mkt_tok=NjEwLUxFRS04NzIAAAGH0f7gaGgcQAed_txjScjW1c4qmlALf4aU3pBpywxyjAIJG8QbE_AYDqUn9yrNmKKqfwvxctNR2sGQiSVEGxIL9E-TGlrinrzQHdJk8Q

I happen to think the corporations have as much riding on having an honest, transparent government as the USA’s citizenry.

***** S&E *****

*Corporations have in some cases caused that.

… or being influenced without processing the information through your personal judgment.

A few days ago I listened to a nationally televised news program that highlighted the influence of talk radio shows. In recent years I had never given radio much thought. Most of my exposure to radio was/is while driving — music and some news broadcasts. The show went on to highlight significant talk radio personalities who remain highly influential with millions of followers.

The above is just and example of people who use the power of the media to sway and influence public opinion — people — individuals. And there many other people and forms of media that also influence opinion. And depending on your view that media content can be valuable or junk — either can be influential!

The point of this post is I feel far, far, far too many people are influenced with out looking at multiple sources that offer varied views on the subject. Far too many are influenced without doing their own research. Followers. With the internet widely available today, research is easy.

Influence absent personal Judgment — formation of mindless opinions often leading to bad decisions.

***** S&E *****

Does this look familiar… both terrorizing free democratic countries.  Well, the world took care of Hitler…is it not time to rid the world of a second one.  It’s time! Here’s the letter to Putin, to be shared simultaneously with the Russian people by using whatever communications vehicles/media necessary.

President Putin,

The world has met and is giving you one week to withdraw from the Ukraine. Failure to do so? The world will drive you out of this free country.  Threaten us with a nuclear attack, the world will attack Russia and drive it into non-existence.

Maybe “Rocket Man” might see this too and take a step back to re-think his role in the world.

We sympathize with the Russian people who are losing family members at your behest.

You have one week.

The World.

***** S&E ****

Unless you live in a rabbit hole, consider from a high level view, the wayward condition of our country, the USA. When a country lacks leadership it is like a sailing ship without a sail.

High level views are very valuable.  It enables a  person or group to step up out of the mire, the confusion, the mess, to view the issues, conflicts, and factors causing the problem and search for solutions to set a course of correction.

So ask yourself: who is going to set a course correction for the country and its many throbbing issues.

 Who is going to fix it ?  It is not Washington DC; they got us here, in addition to an apathetic citizenry.

So who is going to fix it ?

***** S&E *****

As a side note … if you want a better economy, and you are not working, and you’re able to work, you need to get out there and take one of the 100’s of 1000’s open jobs / positions.  Here are your opportunities. Here are the industries.  Make a contribution !

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/jolts.t01.htm

(apparently some elected officials believe we need more…)

Here’s a Forbes article summarizing this horrendous situation in the USA.

https://www.forbes.com/sites/joewalsh/2022/07/04/us-mass-shootings-hover-near-record-breaking-levels/?sh=4a8871dc5f62

Media — 6/13/2022. They agreed on background checks for buyers of guns between 18 and 21 years of age. Should have been all buyers. More funds for mental health. That is he sleeves out of their vests. Help the states with red-flag processes. Pass the issue off to the states. YOU KNOW THE NRA IS THRILLED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR PUPPETS!

Here’s what they did not do:

Media — 6/13/2020. A few major reforms were left out of the proposed deal, including a provision to expand background checks. Also absent is a ban on military-style assault weapons. Plus, there will be no change to the minimum age to purchase guns, which is 18 years old. And no mention of bans on high capacity magazines.

Apparently, courage is not a behavioral competency required of most elected officials in Congress.

Here is the answer (and you can still keep your firearms!):

Anyone who purchases, any age, is subject to a background check. Minimum waiting period, 30 days. AK15 style attack/assault rifles or similar are banned from the USA (except law enforcement and the military). High capacity magazines are outlawed.

And another solution (my preferred):

https://successnexcess.com/2022/05/15/gun-violence/

Holding weapons manufacturers legally responsible for use of weapons by owners/others is absurd!

***** S&E *****

On May 17th, North Carolina will hold its state wide elections.

One candidate, running for the US Senate, features media ads showing him with a shot gun; another ad with a pistol shoved in his belt near the front buckle. Clearly an NRA puppet. The majority of NC congress people are pro-NRA receive campaign contributions from the NRA ranging from $1000 to $9000+.

https://archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/12/19/us/politics/nra.html?ref=us

Over the last few days media sources report shootings and killings in neighborhoods, malls, and public gatherings. An individual or family today can be in danger anywhere.

I am a gun owner. I support gun ownership to a point, with the exception of AR15 type automatic rifles and similar. However you just have to ask yourself what message this candidate sends to adults and young people.

Is this the leadership the country needs in US Congress?

https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/reports/mass-shooting

The NRA’s contributions to senators are not insignificant:

https://elections.bradyunited.org/take-action/nra-donations-116th-congress-senators

The laws need to change!

***** S&E *****