GOP Convention and Hurricane Gustav

With all the democrats leaving Denver and heading back home to stump the cities and northern states for Obama, here is a photo of some of the right wing gun loving religious GOP nuts in the rural southern areas who will converge on St. Paul this week. They look like some of my Jasper and Newton county relatives now that I take a closer look.

Everyone stay safe, Hurricane Gustav could easily drift to the west and cause us havoc, so have your generators and supplies ready.

Bob

Army Wins National Pistol Title

USAMU’S Service Pistol Team beat 100 of the best pistol teams in the nation, repeatedly hitting a bull’s eye the size of a silver dollar half a football field away, to win the National Pistol Team Championship.

The National Pistol Matches include the National Rifle Association National Pistol Championships and the Civilian Marksmanship Program National Trophy Matches. The NRA Championships consisted of Center Fire, .22- and .45-Caliber Championships. The CMP matches featured competitions with pistols such as M-1911, .45-caliber pistols and M-9/M-92 9 mm pistols. Firing includes slow fire stages at 50 yards and timed and rapid fire stages at 25 yards.

With 101 of the country’s best teams competing, the USAMU Blue Team of Staff Sgt. James M. Henderson, Staff Sgt. Robert S. Park II, Staff Sgt. Lyman P. Grover and Sgt. Michael S. Gasser not only won the National Pistol Team Championship, but was the first USAMU team to win in 23 years. The USAMU Blue Team won the championship with a score of 3,480 points out of a possible 3,600 and 152 X’s out of a possible 360 (X’s are bull’s eyes that are used in tie-breaking).

Those X’s were critical in determining the national winner, as the USAMU Blue Team tied the USAMU Gray Team with identical scores of 3,480 points, with the Blue Team taking the championship with 35 more X’s. The USAMU Gray Team of Sgt. 1st Class Gregory S. Wilson, Staff Sgt. Jason R. Sargent, Sgt. Timothy M. Barber and Sgt. Sean P. Watson beat the third-place team by 13 points. This was the first time in 35 years that the Army had taken both first and second place in the championships.

Henderson took second place overall in the NRA National Individual Pistol Championship only nine points behind winner Brian Zins, the national manager of the NRA Competitive Shooting Division’s Pistol Programs; Henderson was also the National Service Champion and won the .45-caliber National Championship.

Watson took second place in the .22-caliber National Championship and third place in the Center Fire National Championship. Henderson finished second in the NRA Preliminary Pistol Championship and USAMU’s Staff Sgt. Adam E. Sokolowski was third.

For the fifth time in his shooting career, Henderson won the President’s Hundred Match with a score of 386 points and 12 X’s. Henderson set the National Record for this match in 2005 with a score of 389 and 10 X’s and has won it more times than any other shooter in history.

In a tradition started by President Theodore Roosevelt, winners of the prestigious President’s Pistol Trophy Match receive a letter of congratulations from the president of the United States. The President’s Pistol Match is conducted every summer at Camp Perry in which the top 100 shooters are awarded the President’s Hundred Tab. The match consists of 20 shots slow fire, 10 shots timed fire and 10 shots rapid fire; a perfect score is 400.

Henderson said it takes good coaching, a lot of good practice and great determination to become a great shooter.

“You have to be determined to be the best,” Henderson said. “This year, we really believed that we were good enough to do it. I always wondered what it would be like to be the dominant team and now I know. When we walk up to the line, we know that we are the team to beat.”

Shooting their M-9 pistols, the USAMU Team of Henderson, Park, Gasser and Barber won the National Trophy Team Match; the team was coached by Sgt. 1st Class Jason M. St. John and the team captain was Grover.

Park was awarded the U.S. Forces Command Trophy for being the highest active duty Army finisher in the National Trophy Individual and National Trophy Pistol Team matches. He also won the General Mellon Trophy, which is awarded to the highest scoring Army shooter in the National Trophy Team Match.

Henderson, Park, Watson and Barber were named to the U.S. Mayleigh Cup Team, whose scores will go up against those of other countries in the Mayleigh Cup International Postal Team Match, which the USA has won for the past five years.

The Civilian Marksmanship Program and the National Rifle Association have been running the National Matches for over 100 years. More than 5,000 people from across the country vie for these annual national championship titles at Camp Perry’s ranges on the banks of Lake Erie. The National Matches and Small Arms Firing Schools were established by Congress and the president in 1903.

The USAMU Service Pistol Team competes in Conseil International du Sport Militaire - known as CISM and the Military World Games - the Armed Forces Skill at Arms Meeting, the Interservice Small Arms Competition, the Interservice Championships and the National Championships, as well as conducting the Small Arms Firing School at the National Pistol Matches for the Department of Defense.

This year, nearly 400 civilian and military personnel from around the country attended the school that included training in M-9 pistol marksmanship.

(Paula J. Randall serves as public affairs officer for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, Accessions Support Brigade.)

Groves Politics Heating Up

Politics will be alive and well in Groves come November. There will be plenty of signs in yards for national and local candidates. Things will be heating up in Groves with two mayoral candidates running so far. Groves current mayor, Brad Bailey, has filed for re-election as well as recently defeated former mayor Billy Job. Brad Bailey has served us well the last eight years after Billy Job did his damage for the four years prior to Brad coming into office. I don't know why Job wants the office again unless it is for political gain but he went down in defeat to County Judge Ron Walker two years ago. And I'll admit that I voted for the Democrat Walker in that race. Brad has a tough decision to make right now, talk is a 1.7 cent increase in the current tax rate, which will add about $8 per year to the average homeowner in Groves, but with increased fuel cost, it may not be avoided. I know Job will use that against Brad as I know Job's tactics.

In the Groves City Marshal position held by Jeff Wilmore, no one has filed against Jeff, who has done a fantastic job for the citizens of Groves.

I'll keep you posted.

Bob

Can You Feel The Love?

Looks like the Democrats are united and ready to go. Or it looks like a swingers party down the street.

Bob

Time For A Diet

Words of Wisdom

The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. (waiting for attack)

The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.


1. Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just shoot to kill you.

2. If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.

3. I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.

4. When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

5. A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'

6. The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm.
'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?'
'No Ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'

Bob

Criminals Want Gun Free Homes

Here is a good video to watch, especially with the Democratic National Convention cranking off in Denver this week. I give credit where credit is due, I stole this video from TexasFred but I'm sure Fred wants everyone to watch it.

What's in Your Dad's Wallet?

It has been a hard weekend, as all of my friends know, my dad is in a nursing home. He has been there for 3 years, at first he was aware of his surroundings, where he was and knew all his loved ones, family and friends. Now things have progressed for the worse, it was a matter of time but today it was necessary to place him in the Alzheimer's unit. Dad always kept his wallet after going into the nursing home, guess it was one way he still had control over certain things in his life.
Though he only keep a couple of dollars in his wallet along with his expired drivers license, and old photos of the grandchildren, it was something he carried for years. Today I took his wallet since there was no need for it in the new unit but as I was thumbing through it, I came upon this poem that he had cut of the newspaper some years back. Before I place it into my wallet, I'll share it with you.

YOUR NAME

You got it from your father
It was all he had to give
So it's yours to use and cherish
For as long as you may live.

If you lose the watch he gave you,
It can always be replaced
But a black mark on your name, Son,
Can never be erased.

It was clean the day you took it
And a worthy name to bear
When he got it from his father,
There was no dishonor there.

So make sure you guard it wisely,
After all is said and done
You'll be glad the name is spotless
When you give it to your son.

Bob

What? Joe Biden Endorsing John McCain

In The News & My 2 Cents

I'd like to be on the jury for this one. Joshua Bush has a bullet stuck in his head after he tried to rob a used car dealer. I salute the owner of the business and give this advice, PLACEMENT, PLACEMENT, PLACEMENT. Don't know the caliber of handgun the business owner used but a .45 Colt should have been used or AR-15 chambered in .223. We reap what we sow as I've heard all my life. Joshua should count himself lucky on this one, maybe next time Buddy you won't be so lucky. Again this is a good reason to have your concealed handgun license when someone sticks their nose around the corner.

Jasper restaurant gets busted for drugs. And they bust the FedEx delivery man too, one would think he would be buying speed the way they drive. Will need to watch Bill Leger Restaurant Report to see what the health inspectors rate the BBQ place.

Indian tribe scalps attorney for $22 million. You have to root for the Indians on this one since the lawyers have been scalping people for years.

Beaumont cop fighting for his job after working undercover in sex sting operation. It's HARD being a cop, no pun intended.

Close to my house, Groves Marshal shoots a pit bulldog after responding to a family disturbance. Don't need pit bulldogs in our neighborhood anyway.

Everyone have a safe weekend. Be careful, the bad guys are waiting for you.

Bob

2008 Democratic National Convention Events Schedule

Schedule of Events For Democratic National Convention in Denver

7:00 pm OPENING FLAG BURNING

7:15 pm PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE U.N.

7:20 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

7:25 pm NONRELIGIOUS PRAYER AND WORSHIP - Jesse Jackson & Al Sharpton

7:45 pm CEREMONIAL TREE HUGGING - Darryl Hannah

7:55 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

8:00 pm HOW I INVENTED THE INTERNET - Al Gore

8:15 pm GAY WEDDING PLANNING - Rosie O'Donnell

8:35 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

8:40 pm OUR TROOPS ARE WAR CRIMINALS - John Kerry

9.00 pm MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR SADDAM AND HIS SONS - Cindy Sheehan and Susan Sarandon

10:00 pm ANSWERING MACHINE ETIQUETTE - Alec Baldwin

11:00 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

11:05 pm COLLECTION FOR THE OSAMA BIN LADEN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT FUND - Barbara Streisand

11:15 pm FREE THE FREEDOM FIGHTERS FROM GUANTANAMO BAY - Sean Penn

11:30 pm OVAL OFFICE AFFAIRS - William Jefferson Clinton

11:45 pm Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

11:50 pm HOW GEORGE BUSH BROUGHT DOWN THE WORLD TRADE TOWERS - Howard Dean

12:15 am TRUTH IN BROADCASTING AWARD - Presented to Dan Rather by Michael Moore

12:25 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

12:30 am SATELLITE ADDRESS - Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

12:45 am NOMINATION OF BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA - Nancy Pelosi

1:00 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

1:05 am CORONATION OF BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA

1:30 am Ted Kennedy PROPOSES A TOAST

1:35 am Bill Clinton asks Ted Kennedy to drive Hilary home.

Punching Small Holes In Pieces Of Paper

Punching small holes in pieces of paper with your firearm may be a thing of the past if Barack Obama gets his way. The man singing is Joe Bethancourt and I saw him perform when I was in Arizona last year. You can go to his site and order a music CD.

Bob

Common Sense

Thomas Paine and a little common sense.

Texas School District Letting Teachers Carry Guns

HARROLD, Texas (AP) — A tiny Texas district will allow teachers and staff members to carry concealed firearms to deter and protect against school shootings when classes begin this month, provided the gun-toting employees follow certain requirements.

The small community of Harrold in north Texas is a 30-minute drive from the Wilbarger County Sheriff's Office, leaving students and teachers without protection, said David Thweatt, superintendent of the Harrold Independent School District. The lone campus of the 110-student district sits near a heavily traveled highway, which could make it a target, he argued.

"When the federal government started making schools gun-free zones, that's when all of these shootings started. Why would you put it out there that a group of people can't defend themselves? That's like saying 'sic 'em' to a dog," Thweatt said in a story published Friday on the Fort Worth Star-Telegram's Web site.

Barbara Williams, a spokeswoman for the Texas Association of School Boards, said her organization did not know of another district with such a policy. Ken Trump, a Cleveland-based school security expert who advises districts nationwide, said Harrold is the first district with such a policy.

Trustees approved the policy change last year. For employees to carry a pistol, they must have a Texas license to carry a concealed handgun; must be authorized to carry by the district; must receive training in crisis management and hostile situations; and must ammunition designed to minimize the risk of ricocheting bullets.

Officials researched the policy and considered other options for about a year before approving the policy change, Thweatt said. The district also has other measures in place to prevent a school shooting, he said.

"The naysayers think (a shooting) won't happen here. If something were to happen here, I'd much rather be calling a parent to tell them that their child is OK because we were able to protect them," Thweatt said.

Texas law outlaws firearms at schools unless specific institutions allow them.

It isn't clear how many of the 50 or so teachers and staff members will be armed this fall because Thweatt did not disclose that information, to keep it from students or potential attackers.

On the Net:
Harrold Independent School District: http://harroldisd.net/

Houston PD Car Chase

You have to applaud when the bad guy gets caught. Rule of thumb, do as your mother always told you, look both ways before crossing the street.



Too bad it wasn't an 18 wheeler coming down the street.

Bob

In The News & My 2 Cents

Interesting items in the news this week. Here's my 2 cents.
East Texas Swingers Club, well I guess it is different strokes for different folks. Mama and I are happy with each other and would only embarrass myself if I went to one of those swinger parties. But Groves would be the place to have one if one does exist.

Missing Nederland woman found in Taylor's Bayou, and now the manhunt is on for an ex-con. Folks, use some common scene when going out to the bars. Don't get drunk, don't leave with strangers, be aware of your surroundings and always stay in a group. Another good reason to have a CHL, but you can't pack inside of a bar, so you are stuck in that situation. Sad, my condolenses to the young woman's family.

Dallas attorney gives money to pretty boy John Edwards' girlfriend. Support for the argument that lawyers make too much money.

Tax Free Holiday this weekend in Texas. One good reason to stay away from the retailers and malls, you will get trampled by the mob.

Victoria Osteen will probably never fly Continental Airlines again but lucks out in civil court. Stupid lawsuit, where are the lawsuit abuse people when you need them?

Everyone have a safe weekend. Spend it with family and have fun doing it.

Bob

John Edwards - Cheater and Liar

Uh, well, duh, now John Edwards is saying that maybe he did have sex with that woman. Yep, here we go again, another politician admits after denying from the get go that he was doing the down and dirt thing with a woman. Rielle Hunter just had a baby girl, though Edwards claims the child isn't his. Bill Clinton probably wants to meet the woman and give her some advise and a cigar. Did John Edwards read Newt Gingrich's how-do book, "How to Leave Your Cancer Stricken Spouse". And it isn't just the democrats with the zipper fly open all the time. Remember McCain was doing his current wife while married to another woman. Is it the air in Washington D.C.? Could we bottle D.C. air and sell it as a sex enhancement drug. Cause it seems everyone in the place is getting caught with their zipper down.

I guess monogamy is a thing of the past.

Bob

Walking Eagle Obama

Whether you are a Democrat or a Republican, you might enjoy reading this...'Walking Eagle' Senator BARACK OBAMA was invited to address a major gathering of the American Indian Nation two weeks ago in upstate New York.

He spoke for almost an hour on his future plans for increasing every Native American's present standard of living, should he one day become the President. He referred to his career as a Senator, how he had signed 'YES' for every Indian issue that came to his desk for approval. Although the Senator was vague on the details of his plan, he seemed most enthusiastic about his future ideas for helping his 'red sisters and brothers'.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Tribes presented the Senator with a plaque inscribed with his new Indian name - Walking Eagle. The proud Senator then departed in his motorcade, waving to the crowds.

A news reporter later inquired to the group of chiefs of how they came to select the new name given to the Senator. They explained that Walking Eagle is the name given to a bird so full of crap it can no longer fly.

Bob

Sky King Series

"Out of the clear blue of the western sky comes... Sky King!"

Do you remember hearing those words on Saturday mornings? Sky King and his niece, Penny, fighting the bad guys from the air in his twin engine Cessna, Songbird, while based out of their Flying Crown Ranch. As a little one, I loved the 'Sky King' show. Somewhere tucked away in a box, I have an autographed picture of Penny. She was at the Gibson's store on 11th Street in Beaumont signing autographs.

Here is a link to watch all the old episodes.

Bob

I Need This BBQ Pit

In October I'll turn 58 years young. If you were thinking about getting me a birthday present, I would love to have one of these BBQ pits.

Bob

Old People Can't Get Any Respect

Back from vacation and now I need a vacation to rest up from vacation. Nothing worse than driving 8 hours a day and trying to see everything. One thing I found out traveling through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Kentucky again, Arkansas and back to Texas, some people are nice and some people are A**holes. When you cross into Ohio, which doesn't have a reciprocity concealed handgun agreement with Texas, we had to unload the firearms and put them in the car trunk. The only reason we went to Ohio was for my wife to visit her cousin in Cincinnati. We stayed one night in Ohio and went out to eat, ending up with the worst waiter in Ohio. Couldn't get water, couldn't get extra napkins, couldn't get food on time, it is times like this when you wish you had Augustus "Gus" McCrae with you so you can get a little respect from pi** poor servers.



Now, that is one way to gain some respect.

Bob