havananights's journal

Good 'ol Pat Robertson, the village idiot, the new version of the American religious extremist leader. As you can well see, I've never ever cared for Pat Robertson. In my mind, he is the type of human being haunting this precious earth since the beginning of religion, continuously spinning the word of God into his own meaning. Since the first religion started there has always been someone out there who was entirely out there.

Now Pat Robertson has come off back to back idiotic comments, starting with him calling for the assassination of Venezuela's president. Then he recently topped his rant with a statement that God was punishing Sharon for moving settlers out of the Gaza Strip.

I personally wonder if before every show Mr. Pat Robertson secretly throws down a few shots of Mexican Tequila maybe even eating the worm. Tequila can make even a gentle warm hearted person lip off at the mouth saying ridiculously stupid things without hesitation and when they sober up the damage has already been done. The only consolation is the fact they never remember saying those vicious statements so in their mind it never really happened. He definitely looks hopped up on some substance. Didn't Viagra have a recall warning out on something?

Back to these comments, especially the assassination comment. This raises an eyebrow on how scary these religious extremists can be. This is what frustrates me most about some religions. They honestly believe they are the best and everyone else will burn in hell. Pat Robertson is a prime example of why God is being pushed out of everything in our lives. I’m not a church or religious buff; however I see this as another reason why nowadays more and more people are growing tired and fed up with the way religion is practiced. When there is an individual with a religious “talk show” calling for someone to assassinate someone else, that individual isn’t playing with a full deck of cards, easily missing half. I wonder how these poor bastards operate.

When America allows an extremist to continually say these comments for years and years and nothing is done, yet the phrase In God We Trust may be entirely struck down, the Ten Commandments cannot be shown, or the saying of Merry Christmas may be banned and replaced with Happy Holidays because of Christ, there is something seriously wrong with our society. Our leaders focus on being so politically correct, they miss the real problems like Mr. Pat Robertson.

So who is Pat Robertson? He is just a man of flesh and bones, with skeletons hidden in his closest just like everyone else. What makes him better than these extreme religious terrorists or fundamentalists? Nothing. He is just as bad as any of those other groups because he twists the word of God. He brings in "believers" to follow his version of the truth just like these other groups. Since the bible, Koran or other biblical guide books leave room in the texts for assumption, extremists weave the meaning into their own belief. They heavily recruit and brainwash others into the same belief.

Like my cousin says; never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Back to my main point, I believe throughout the bible, it talks about knowing God spiritually not as much religiously. When someone forms a religion instead of focusing on God spiritually, they push other people away with their righteousness. In my humble opinion; I believe God and Jesus were against that.

I'm not attempting to be an expert on what God and Jesus were for or against. No matter how righteous some of us believe we are, no person will ever truly know until they make that walk up those stairs. If they knock knock knockin on heavens door and God doesn't answer, well then maybe better luck next time. The bible was written by man, handed down by man. Anything done by man is flawed any way you look at it. This article as a prime example of flawed material, yet somehow it rings truth somewhere. I believe in God, I just don't believe in the way some of these so called messengers of God are practicing his word. In truth, they turn me away from him instead of towards him.

This post was edited by havananights on Jan 08, 2006.

I think the vast differences in compensation between the victims of the September 11th casualty, and those who die serving the country in uniform, are profound.

No one is really talking about it either because you just don't criticize anything having to do with September 11th. Well, I just can't let the numbers pass by because it says something really disturbing about the entitlement mentality of this country.

If you lost a family member in the September 11th attack, you're going to get an average of $1,185,000. The range is a minimum guarantee of $250,000, all the way up to $4.7 million.

If you are a surviving family member of an American soldier killed in action, the first check you get is a $6,000 direct death benefit, half of which is taxable. Next, you get $1,750 for burial costs. If you are the surviving spouse, you get $833 a month until you remarry. And there's a payment of $211 per month for each child under 18. When the child hits 18, those payments come to a screeching halt. Keep in mind that some of the people that are getting an average of $1.185 million up to $4.7 million are complaining that it's not enough.

We also learned over the weekend that some of the victims from the Oklahoma City bombing have started an organization asking for the same deal that the September 11th families are getting. In addition to that, some of the families of those bombed in the embassies are now asking for compensation as well. You see where this is going, don't you? Folks, this is part and parcel of over fifty years of entitlement politics in this country. It's just really sad.

"Patriotism is not a short and frenzied outburst of emotion but the tranquil and steady dedication of a lifetime," --Adlai E. Stevenson, Jr.

Every time when a pay raise comes up for the military they usually receive next to nothing of a raise. Now the green machine is in combat in the Middle East while their families have to survive on food stamps and live in low rent housing.

However our own US Congress just voted themselves a raise, and many of you don't know that they only have to be in Congress one-time to receive a pension that is more than $15,000 per month and most are now equal to be millionaires plus. They also do not receive Social Security on retirement because they didn't have to pay into the system.

If some of the military people stay in for 20 years and get out as an E-7 (Enlisted Sergeant equivalent) you may receive a pension of $1,000 per month, and the very people who placed you in harms way receive a pension of $15,000 per month. I would like to see our elected officials pick up a weapon and join ranks before they start cutting out benefits and lowering pay for our sons and daughters who are now fighting.

Consider this.... Our Senators/Congressmen do not pay into Social Security, and, therefore they do not collect from it. Social Security benefits were not suitable for them. They felt they should have a special plan.

Many years ago they voted in their benefit plan. In more recent years, no congress person has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. For all practical purposes, their plan works like this: When they retire no matter how long they have been in office, they continue to draw their same pay until they die, except it may be increased from time to time by the cost-of-living adjustments. For example, former Senator Bill Bradley (New Jersey) and his wife may be expected to draw $7,900,000.00 over an average life span, with Mrs. Bradley drawing $275,000.00 during the last year of her life. Their cost for this excellent plan is "0," nada, zilch.

This little perk they voted in for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. Our tax dollars at work! Social Security, which you and I pay into every payday for our own retirement, with an equal amount matched by our employer, we can expect to get an average of $1,000 per month. Or, we would have to collect our benefits for 68 years and 1 month to equal the Bradley's benefits.

Imagine for a moment that you could structure a retirement plan so desirable, a retirement plan that worked so well, that Railroad Employees, Postal Workers, and others who were not in the plan would clamor to be included. This is how good Social Security could be, if only one small change was made. That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan out from under the Senators/Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us. Watch how fast they fix it!!!

If enough people receive this maybe a seed will be planted, and maybe good changes will evolve.

Don't forget, our girl, Hillary Rodham Clinton, thanks to the infinite wisdom of New York State voters, now comes under this Congressional Retirement Plan. Talking about the Clinton's, it's common knowledge that, in order for her to establish New York State residency, they purchased a million + house in upscale Chappaqua, NY. Makes sense. Now, they are entitled to Secret Service protection for life. Still makes sense. Here is where it becomes interesting. A residency had to be built in order to house the Secret Service agents. The Clinton's now charge the Secret Service rent for the use of said residence and that rent is just about equal to their mortgage payment, meaning that we, the tax payers, are paying the Clinton's mortgage and it's all perfectly legal.

Interesting how Social Security is constantly threatened to cancel out, yet nothing is said about the governments personal plan being erased. Government is where the problem exists.

This post was edited by havananights on Dec 26, 2005.

STORY ONE

Crime boss Al Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie". Eddie's skill kept Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. Eddie lived the high life of the mob but gave little thought to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie had a son that he loved DEARLY. He saw to it that he had the best of everything. Despite his involvement with organized crime, he tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. He decided to go the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. He knew the price he would pay. Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago street. However, he gave his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he would ever pay.

STORY TWO

Lt. Commander Butch O'Hare was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific during WWII. One day, his squadron was sent on a mission. He soon realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. He reluctantly headed back. As he was returning, he saw a squadron of Japanese aircraft speeding towards the American fleet. The American fighters were all gone, and the fleet was defenseless. There was only one thing to do: divert the Japanese fighters from the fleet. Laying aside personal safety, he dove into the Japanese planes, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. He fired until his ammunition was gone. Then he dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible. Finally, the Japanese squadron fled. For his bravery, Butch became the Navy's first Ace of WWII., and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later, Butch was killed in combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WWII hero to fade, and today, O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.

.................Butch was Easy Eddie's son.

This post was edited by havananights on Oct 29, 2004.

I returned last night from a wonderful vacation in Cabo St. Luca Mexico. The culture and people are nothing like my experiences in the States. My family is originally from Cuba, so the Latin culture soothed my soul. Cabo St. Luca Mexico is incredible and I highly recommend taking a trip to this special area.
However prior to my flight out, I had a premonition that I might not make it back home. For some odd reason, strong feelings of death due to plane crash blanketed my thoughts. The weird part is the fact that I get these premonitions or dejavu’ situations regularly, this was not my first “vision”. More disturbing is the accuracy of my premonitions. So when this premonition of death flashed in my mind, I did not take it lightly……….
My flight to Mexico arrived without a hitch. Okay I thought, so far so good. Time to party like a rock star!
Four days later...
I am at the Mexican airport ready to board American Airline flight 864 to Dallas. My buddies and I wait and wait. Tick tock. A one hour delay turns into a two hour delay, then a five hour delay. Soon after hearing of the five hour delay, we receive word that there is a 24 hour delay because of engine failure. (See my gift isn't too far off). As a result, my friends and I stay one more night at the resort. Bada Bing!
While we are enjoying a free night in paradise, American Airlines is flying mechanics and parts from Dallas out to Mexico, so the plane can be repaired. Now I am definitely taking this premonition seriously……
Well, the mechanics fixed flight 864, and as you can see through my words, I made it back safely.
“Now ladies and gentlemen, let’s give a cold, I mean warm welcome to Death!”
We all meet Death. Death is inevitable, with Life there is Death. During my flight to Mexico and back to the States, I thought long and hard about Death. I hold this gift of being able to sometimes predict a situation with my life, and then there are times when, thank God, I am wrong. It’s hard to explain. I get these dreams or visions, months or years may pass before these visions become dejavu’ situations. I cannot always recall the dreams. Yet, when the dream enters reality, I can at that particular moment predict what will happen with my life.
What I thought about on my way to Mexico and my return home, was the fact that many people do not get the opportunity to see a glimpse of Death before Death arrives. So in essence when Death knocks, many individuals are not physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally ready. My bags were packed, literally. I was ready.
How many people can truly smile in the face of Death? Don't get me wrong, I still wanted to live, yet I wasn't afraid of dying. I reflected about my life. Throughout my trip, I savored every waking moment. I really never did that before. I cherished every song I heard, every meal I ate, and every beautiful woman I saw. Since that vision, I enjoyed Life, not because I went on a vacation. No, I savored Life because through my premonition, I realized that Life is a one time thing. I always knew it is a one shot deal. Still I often forgot how valuable Life really is; priceless. One day you are here and the next day you’re gone. Sometimes you never get that chance to fully understand how precious a goodbye can be. How sentimental is a hug or an; I love you when you are facing what could very well be your last moments? I embraced, said goodbye and I love you to those that mattered most in my life.
When I flew back, I thought about the blessings I received in my life. Many times those blessings are difficult to see when the troublesome moments are present. I didn't want to die at that particular moment. No, I wanted to live. There was more to life that I wanted to discover and so many more people I wanted to say hello to and not have to say goodbye.
I guess my life flashing before my eyes was a little longer than most.

I have an ongoing issue with a friend of mine. Actually she is the wife of a good friend of mine. He and I share a brotherly kind of bond. Her and I became closer through my buddy. I remember hanging out with him before the both of them were even married. I was there with him when she gave him "problems". Don't get me wrong, I enjoy her friendship. Yet, there are times when she can be somewhat testing. Let me explain our growing up situations, and then that will bring me to my issue with her.
We will call her Jane. Jane and I grew up in similar situations as children. I grow up with a father that was physically and more so emotionally abusive. Jane grow up with an alcoholic father and a mother that peddled drugs. In my humble opinion, God blessed me with a wonderful mother straight from the heavens above. My mother struggled financially throughout my childhood. My father started a new family and it seemed easier for him to lay me by the waste side. At one time, my mother worked three jobs to support me. Jane and I both came from divorced parents, and we both lived with our mothers. Jane and I stopped seeing our fathers at a young age. We both came from a financially lower class home, and we grew up rough around the edges. Nothing came easy for either one of us.
When Jane was in her early teens, she moved out and lived with her loving grandparents. When I was in my early teens, I spent the majority of my youth in juvenile or boys school institutions.
When I turned eighteen, I moved out. I started working and lived in a small one bedroom apartment. I found a pride in independence. Jane starting stripping at one of the best, high class highly known strip clubs. I cannot remember the name something Hard Bodies. As we matured, both of our parents started to find their own financial success. Jane developed a relationship with her father. Soon, I started selling cars at a dealership. As a result, I began making more money than I ever made before. Jane also was involved with more money than she was accustom to making.
Jane went through a few damaging idiotic relationships, before she met my buddy. Let me say this for the record, we will call him Jack. Jack is one of the best individuals I have ever met. She is lucky in finding someone like him.
Jack came from some wealth later on in his childhood. However his father instilled values of earning his own keep. Jack wasn't given everything. He developed responsibility. His family owns the dealership I am employed through. However he isn't a big spender. Jack is more frugal with his earnings. Sometimes he is teased by Jane for his tight money mentality.
Now, I will share my main issue I hold towards Jane. Jane and I came from the same type of backgrounds, yet with money we are completely different. She throws money away. I try and watch myself. Sometimes I get a little out of control, but for the most part I watch myself. Jane has a tendency in acting better than most financially. I will speak for myself: The way she acts, results in me feeling less worthy because I don't spend money like she does. She seems to size up others financially and tends to try and outdo them as much as possible.
We are all flying out to Mexico tomorrow. Our resort is all inclusive, so I do not see the need in bringing too much money with me. Plus at this time, much of my earning are already pre-spent on my lifestyle. All the food and drinks are covered, why bring a butt load of money? Well Jane doesn't share the same sentiment, and she definitely made sure I knew about it.
In essence, I am just tired of being put in the spotlight about Dead Presidents. She would be financially lost if Jack wasn't married to her. Her lifestyle would cease to exist. She feels that she is better because she spends money on dumb expensive things. I on the other hand have a house payment, car note, utilities, insurance, and all the other expenses that come with independency. I cover them all by myself. There have been a few times where my mother has helped me out, but for the most part I handle everything. I am not married, nor do I have a roommate, so I am my own sole provider.
Much of Jack and Jane’s arguments stem from his "lack" of spending, or her willingness to throw money away on anything.
I am basically irritated by her indifference.

This post was edited by havananights on Oct 20, 2004.

Well, what can I say. I took a youthful leave of absence from work that lasted on and off for close to a year. I tried the labor industry, changing tires, but after three months I truly began to miss the sales industry. Oh and yeah, not just any sales industry. I am bred into the car sales business. I know some people out there hold a certain belief about the typical car salesman. Before being hired to sell cars, I too held a picture in my mind of what this unique creature of sales was like.
Eighteen and full of confidence, I walked into a big dealership. I walked out the youngest car salesman they employed. Only a few things thrill me as much as selling a car. I do not lie to my customers, I do not treat my customers poorly. I am everything people do not expect when they walk into my place of business. I am good at what I do.
Then about a year ago, after five years in the field, I grew tired of responsibility, so I quit. I vowed I would not return to the car industry. I swore up and down I retired from the business. After a failed attempt in the home financing business, I wanted to do just enough to pay my bills. Let me say this. Nothing wears someone out more than working sixty hours a week, six days a week, at $8.50 an hour changing tires. I was beating myself up and just barely getting by.
I started contemplating a comeback in the car industry. I remember saying at one point that no matter the field, all the great ones come back. They cannot stay out of doing what comes naturally. Look at all the boxers, basketball players, football players, and other athletes that have retired and then came back. It is honestly quite difficult to leave what you love doing. Forever is a long time to wait.
So on September 28th, of 2004 I walked back into the dealership I quit less than a year ago. I walked out a young man that now holds more respect for responsibility. They promoted me into management as part of the agreement. When I entered through the front door, I thought I heard the Ma$e single Welcome Back playing in the back of my mind. I guess to an extent, at that moment I felt great.

This post was edited by havananights on Oct 04, 2004.