6-9-2022

Midterm Politics

Do you know what irritates me to no end, politics and politicians who make all kinds of promises with no means or intention of keeping them, but fully expecting to influence your vote? Here we are in the midst of midterm elections in this state. On the one hand Democrats are billing themselves as the party of the people. On the other hand Republicans are calling themselves the party for the people. In reality politicians on both sides of the isle by their actions are bent on destroying the very people they represent.

We’ve gone from the massive toilet paper shortage of 2020 to the baby formula shortage of 2022. Where has it all gone? Plus we have a gas shortage, massive price hikes and a mass marketing campaign for electric vehicles, solar panels and going green to save the planet. It seems to me we are in a self-destruct mode which includes the battle on killing off our inheritance – our offspring.  Then we have INS, CBP, HLS and other law enforcement agencies seeking out peace loving citizens while turning the other cheek to this influx of illegal aliens, and going one further by facilitating their insertion into our cities by the dead of night, unnoticed and without care. US Immigration law says anyone aiding aliens entering illegally are guilty of violating federal statutes. So who’s minding the store?

It irks me greatly when someone says President Biden is on our side. Biden has never been on anyone’s side but his own. In fact rarely are politicians on anyone’s side. Look at those currently in office (both sides of the isle in both chambers of congress) and then look at how long they’ve been sitting in their elected office versus what have they done to make this country better? Look at the bills that are being considered, voted on and passed on to the president for signature and tell me what pet pork projects are hidden between the lines or in subsequent amendments?  A number of those in office today went in when they were barely out of high school or college and have never had a real job. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again here – why does public service have a retirement plan?

RTM

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-30-2022

Don’t thank me for my service, honor me with a free meal or render special attention my way because it is Memorial Day.

This is a day to honor those who died wearing the uniform of the United States military.

Let that sink in.

Go to a local cemetery search out the names of those lost in or preparing for battle. Read their names, note their age accompanying information when given.

They did not die for country but for the idea that men should be free.

Whether in distant lands or homeland soil they paid the price for me.

No freedom isn’t free.

⁃ RTM

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-27-22

In 1967 I joined the army as a truck driver because I didn’t want to be infantry. That being said for the next 20+ years I tried to teach my drivers that everyone is infantry first and their job skill second. When you breakdown you become a foot soldier real quick.

During my career I was assigned to infantry, armor and transportation units, but almost always as a truck driver.

So imagine my surprise when our transportation unit was bused out to the army airfield in cattle cars (transport vehicles), loaded onto CH-47 helicopters and then dropped off in the mountains above Colorado Springs for a two day hike to Victor Colorado.

We carried everything in our backpacks and slept that first night among the trees.

The next day we limped into town into the park to await extraction by a helicopter that never showed up due to bad weather at the airfield. We waited a couple of hours for trucks to arrive and rode back to base. We were sure glad we didn’t have to walk back the way we came in.

I think they call that “adventure training”. No I’ll stick to driving or just staying home. No more camping with the guys. That’s been 24 years ago and I ache just thinking about it. – I am the Realtruckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-26-2022

Before you begin I know that “You can please some people some of the time but not everyone any of the time” (unknown), so let me tell you why I feel this writing is important.

In Exodus 20:2-17 God gave Moses the Ten Commandments saying what to do and what not to do. They were very clear – Have no other gods before me; do not kill, do not slander, do not covet, do not lie, do not steal, etc. etc. Basic common sense commands according to the Creator.

In fact back in Exodus 15:26 – He (God) said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

But don’t let me get ahead of myself what really matters is what God said. Case closed.

Down the road in time man began creating religions with traditions and practices that were not always consistent with God’s commands or the law of nature. Religion has its own rules.

I try not to be a religious person, but a follower of Jesus.

Man has one huge flaw and that is his sinful nature. God knew that even before he created Adam and that is why he sent his son Jesus to pay the price for sin, once and for all, on that cross on Calvary.

Jesus was born of a virgin (Mary) and lived a sinless life. Jesus died on the cross for our sins and rose again on the third day and then ascended to the right hand of the Father as our intercessor (for those who are saved).

Jesus told us to believe he was who he said he was (God), recognize we have sinned, and ask him to forgive us of our sin, and then turn away from sin and follow him.

How do we do that?

First only God can change a sinful heart through conviction by the Holy Spirit.

We must recognize that we have sinned.

We must repent of our sin and ask God for forgiveness.

We must believe God has heard our prayer.

We must forgive others as God has forgiven us and we must love one another (love our neighbor as we love ourselves – Mark 12:30-31).

Forgiveness is not from anything we have done or can do or think or speak.

Forgiveness is freely given by the grace of God, to all who ask.

Baptism is publically declaring your commitment at becoming a new creation, a follower of Jesus Christ and symbolizes the casting off the old nature and exhibits a new beginning (my words).

Religion tends to insert or inject itself between what God has commanded and man.

I mean man must satisfy the “law” of religion in order to be “cleansed” of sin – say a traditional prayer, invoke the name of sinful men and women and do it enough times and you are “forgiven” this time. Religion becomes the “authority” of God to keep man compliant and subservient to the “church”.

This attitude of “do as I say, not as I do” spills over into every area of our lives when we do what we feel is best, rather than measuring our actions, words or deeds against what God said.  Often what the “church” says drowns out what God said. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-25-2022

It is nature’s way to thin the herd so that only the strongest survive. Sometimes it is through disease, famine or petulance and other times it’s through attrition, succumbing to other species (lions, tigers or bears) or from humans. It has never been nature’s way for animals, fish or birds to kill their young simply because it is inconvenient.  

Can you imagine the possibilities that are cut short when someone dies prematurely?  Future scientists, teachers, presidents, corporate executives, workers, inventors, mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts or uncles gone forever without realizing their potential.

What if Einstein, Washington, Ford, Lincoln, Johnson (take your pick), Gore (who invented the internet) or someone like Churchill everyone with potential, created by Almighty God with a purpose, they had been aborted by today’s societally acceptable standards pre-born in the womb or shortly after birth?

The world would be a totally different place.

Politically motivated factions are fighting against the rights of millions to draw their first breath, the right to life as ordained by God and protected by our founding documents – The right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness all in the name of women’s rights to choose.

It was God who created mankind – one man and one woman, told them to go forth and multiply and have dominion over the animals on the land, fish in the sea and birds of the air. Nowhere in the book of Genesis do I read that killing another human being is a God-given right or acceptable in his sight.

The bible teaches us there is nothing new under the sun. In fact life goes around in a circle. Back in the days of the bible people sacrificed their children to Baal as we do today only calling it Convenience.

Have we learned nothing?

There is no right side to the argument for justifiable abortion, not even when it threatens the life of the mother. God creates life. Every life has a purpose. Not one life is replaceable or irrelevant. No life has less value than another. We are each created equal and in the image of God.

The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.

Man has no business thinking or acting as God. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, unless of course that action is sinful (willing disobedience to God). In that case the reaction or wages of sin is death. Without God death is eternal separation from anything good. Only God is good – All the time. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.bog

5-24-2022

The Sacrament Politicized

I read the tweet by Bishop J. Strickland headlined “Archbishop Cordileone in San Francisco bars Speaker Nancy Pelosi from taking Communion until she ends her abortion support” and let me say this as an outsider (non-Catholic) that taking communion is a personal matter between the individual and God.

1 Corinthians 11:27-30

²⁷ So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸ Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. ²⁹ For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves. ³⁰ That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep.

Yes we are warned to search our hearts to insure we take communion in a worthy manner. I read nothing in scripture that places religious doctrine or politics between the individual and God when it comes to communion.

As repulsive as politicians like Nancy Pelosi can be when it comes to a number of issues, including abortion, like it or not without a personal relationship with God, having our sins forgiven and walking in the footsteps of Jesus as best we can, we are all sinners just like her.

In my view exerting religious pressure for political purposes is just as wrong. So don’t high five Bishop Strickland or pat Archbishop Salvatore Cordileone on the back for having the courage to do the right thing in your eyes. Instead pray that Almighty God will move in his heart and that of Nancy Pelosi to come to the salvation knowledge that only God provides.

There is a difference between calling oneself a Christian and living the life of a true follower of Jesus Christ.

John 14:6 Jesus answered “I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes unto the Father but by me”

We are given but one life to live and then we die. When that time comes and you expect to enter the pearly gates of heaven and head over to your religious denomination section you will be greatly surprised to find there is none. And should you find a religious denomination section rest assuredly that it will not be heaven where you will be spending eternity.  – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-15-2022

It is my opinion that over time Congress has become the problem of its own making. It is not the fault of any one individual but the resulting byproduct of power hungry individuals elected to public office.

Congress as a whole is run by a combination of antiquated procedures and rules that would stifle nature.

Congressional political action committees called caucuses solicit members who are then held procedurally to the decision of the caucus chair.

Legislators who join multiple caucuses incur multiple political loyalties, preventing them from doing the will of the people who sent them to congress in the first place.

Currently there are over 260 Caucuses and each one is taxpayer funded. Caucuses are established by and for religious and racial causes, and have been known to exclude potential membership requests due to race.

Caucuses have been known to instigate political and racial disruptions to our American way of life. They have organized political attacks on political opponents, institutions and corporate America when it serves their purposes.

Caucuses have attacked every Republican president since Nixon with the most egregious attacks in the history of our nation against Trump.

How do we change the congressional narrative and bring congress back to the will of the people?

1. Voting for elected officials who have not been tainted by the quest for power.

2. Defunding all caucuses.

3. Disbanding every caucus.

4. Prohibiting establishing new caucuses.

5. Establishing new rules and procedures with require legislators to work together for the common good of American citizens.

6. Treating immigrants with respect while modifying immigration laws to establish a clear path to residency and citizenship.

7. De-establishing the tainted Democratic Party and it’s variations.

8. De-establishing the tainted Republican Party and it’s variations.

9. Outlawing political doctrine that goes contrary to the Constitution or Judo-Christian biblical teachings.

Many are either confused or content of spreading misinformation on the founding of our nation as a place to worship God without government interference.

Some contend that our nation’s rise to prominence on the world stage was man’s doing instead of by divine providence.

Professional legislators act as if they alone are able to act in our interests while browbeating and bullying our citizens into submission. It’s time to let the old guard go. – I am the Realtruckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-15-2022

It’s Sunday morning and our trip to Thailand is coming to an end.

We braved the waters and made the best of a bad situation dealing with a family crisis that makes “Dallas” look like a school play.

The stay at home in Cha Am was relaxing, as was the drive into northeastern Esan country.

For sure the “pandemic” scare has changed many things that make the Thai people who they are. It has not however taken away their smiles.

Walking through the fresh markets, malls or along the beach the uncertainty is replaced by smiles.

I enjoy going into a 7 to buy a scaldingly hot cup of coffee and my favorite Potango or a Pepsi and an I cream bar, without breaking the bank.

In fact it seems that there is a 7-11 on almost every street corner. I believe there are around 20 such 7s along the main beach road in Cha Am alone.

Not to be left out are the Lotus’s, Big C Minis and Other popular stop and shop-type stores to get just about anything you could ever want or need.

Although it’s hard to see, but I suspect that under every facial covering is that infectious Thai smile.

Will I be coming back? Definitely!

My hope is that the world comes to its senses and focuses on living life to the fullest, not on what might happen. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-11-2022

What do you call Thai food? Hot and spicy? Good or bad? Delicious or not just my cup of tea.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re in Thailand eating at a fine dining establishment, a street vender or at home the dish or meal is dependent upon who the chef is.

My wife cooks delicious Thai food as attested by our kids, grandkids, great grandkids and a number of local Thai women. Instead of going out to eat she’s rather cook at home.

I’ve eaten Thai food in Thailand, the US, Europe and Japan and the food depends on whether it is Esan (northeastern), Bangkok or other regional-style food.

The ingredients are important, but it all comes together with a chef who knows how to bring out the flavors of those ingredients. But when traveling in Thailand I love picking Thai food from street venders.

Truly not all a Thai food is created equal. As my great-grands will tell you, “That’s not Nana’s Lop” unless of course it has been made for them by Nana. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog

5-11-2022

Back in the day I was an 18 year old army trucker in Southeast Asia I was stationed so far in the sticks that everywhere we went was in the boonies.

We were envious of those boonie hats issued to and worn by select Air Force and army units.

Our unit wasn’t authorized to wear them. We all wanted a cool hat to wear on the road so I took matters into my own hands by picking up a felt hat downtown which I removed the band and punched up the top and pinned one side up so it looked like the boonie hat.

After clearing the gate fatigue shirts came off and boonie hats or bandannas magically appeared as we were officially headed into the Boonies of northeastern Thailand to a place called Nakhon Phanom (NKP) which we couldn’t say or spell so everyone called it Naked Fanny.

We just had to remember that when going south to Camp Friendship we had to arrive in proper uniform or command was anything but friendly.

After getting our cargo unloaded we obtained billeting for the night and headed for the enlisted club to unwind. My beverage of choice was and still is Pepsi. – I am the Real Truckmaster!

Realtruckmaster.blog