Memorial Day Weekend 2014

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same."~ Ronald Reagan

Freedom is a special thing.  It does not mean being able to do what ever we want, but being free to do what is right, and that freedom is never free.  A terrible price has been paid for us to enjoy that freedom, and I fear we have become a nation unwilling keep up on our payments.

I spent Saturday at the range with my two younger sons.  The youngest used a 10/22 and a Buckmark pistol.  The older one and I used a Springfield Armory M1 Garand and a FNX45 pistol.  While trying to reload an en bloc clip, I though of those men during the Korean War doing the same task with the imminent threat of being overrun.   It gave me a new appreciation for detachable magazines and stripper clips.

The Garand came to me through a co-worker.  His brother had served as a Marine in the Korean War, and in the brother's words was a "gun nut".  He passed away in 1982 and all his firearms went to his brother (my co-worker) to keep in trust for his children.  The children are of age now, with children of their own, and have no interest in their father's firearms.  This seems sad to me.

Along with the rifle were several en bloc clips and a canvas pouch to hold two loaded clips.  The clips were loaded with blanks.  His brother had apparently been a part of an honor guard, rendering Military Funeral Honors.

So this Memorial Day, I did do some BBQ, but I also taught my children what the day is about, and why it was started.  To see and hear people wishing each other a "Happy Memorial Day," doesn't seem right.  To me, they just don't "get it."  To those that do "get it", please teach your children well.


PS.  The ribs were delicious.

USDA Swat Team?

When I think of USDA, I think of meat inspectors.  You know,  guys in white coats and hard hats walking through a processing plant holding a clipboard and checking temperatures.  Sort of like Paulie.  You know, Rocky's brother-in-law.

I guess inspectin' the cow punching business has gotten much more dangerous.  How else to explain the USDA's solicitation for submachine guns?

Solicitation Number: USDAOIGWEA-5-7-14
Notice Type: Sources Sought
Added: May 07, 2014 2:03 pm
Synopsis:
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General, located in Washington, DC, pursuant to the authority of FAR Part 13, has a requirement for the commerical acquisition of submachine guns, .40 Cal. S&W, ambidextrous safety, semi-automatic or 2 shot burts trigger group, Tritium night sights for front and rear, rails for attachment of flashlight (front under fore grip) and scope (top rear), stock-collapsilbe or folding, magazine - 30 rd. capacity, sling, light weight, and oversized trigger guard for gloved operation.  NO SOLICITATION DOCUMENT EXISTS.  All responsible and/or interested sources may submit their company name, point of contact, and telephone.  If received timely, shall be considered by the agency for contact to determine weapon suitability.

Contracting Office Address:
1400 Independence Ave., SW, Room 40-E J.L. Whitten Fed Bldg
Washington, District of Columbia 20250
Place of Performance:
USDA, Office of Inspector General - Investigations
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, District of Columbia 20250
United States
Primary Point of Contact.:
Linda F. Josey,
Chief, Procurement Management Branch
linda.josey@oig.usda.gov
Phone: 2027208337
Secondary Point of Contact:
Desiree Clayton,
Contracting Officer
desiree.clayton@oig.usda.gov
Phone: 202-720-5931
Fax: 202-690-1282

Are cattle being held hostage?  Is there a corn field in crisis?  What is the pressing need for a USDA swat team?  Why Linda?  Why Desiree?  Dear Lord, for the love of beef, why?

The Boy Scouts Miss Me.

Got this in my inbox today:

Dear Parent,

According to our records, your son did not renew his Scouting membership this year.  We are glad for the time he spent with us and hope it was a positive experience for him and your family. 

The purpose of this email is to let you know that your boy is welcome to rejoin Scouting at any time.  There are some exciting outdoor programs available this summer, and we don’t want anyone to miss out!  Visit http://www.michiganscouting.org/UpcomingEvents for more details.

Please select the best response for your situation, and please provide any additional feedback you feel would be beneficial:

q    I received this email in error; my son is still active in Scouting.

q    My son would like to rejoin his previous unit (please give unit #).

q    My son’s former unit was not a good fit.  Please send me information on
        other units in my neighborhood.  (Please provide school district name.)

q    My son is no longer interested in Scouting.

Thank you again for your time.  If we can be of further assistance, please contact Kevin Huffman or Leon Bell at 313-897-1965.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA
Great Lakes Field Service Council
1776 West Warren Avenue 
Detroit, MI 48208
P 313.897.1965
glfsc.recruiting@scouting.org

My response:

Dear Recruiter,

I am raising my children to have principles and morals.

I do not want my children to comprise their morals or principles because of peer pressure.

BSA's failure to remain stalwart to its own oath in the current climate of political correctness is not an example my children should follow.

Good luck with your moral relativism.

-A Parent No Longer Sending You Money.