Thursday, March 05, 2009

I'm Tired by Robert A. Hall

Robert A. Hall is a Marine Vietnam veteran who served five terms in the Massachusetts state senate. He blogs at www.tartanmarine.blogspot.com

I'll be 63 soon. Except for one semester in college when jobs were scarce, and a six-month period when I was between jobs, but job-hunting every day, I've worked, hard, since I was 18. Despite some health challenges, I still put in 50-hour weeks, and haven't called in sick in seven or eight years. I make a good salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, there's no retirement in sight, and I'm tired. Very tired.

I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth around" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy or stupid to earn it.

I'm tired of being told that I have to pay more taxes to "keep people in their homes." Sure, if they lost their jobs or got sick, I'm willing to help. But if they bought McMansions at three times the price of our paid-off, $250,000 condo, on one-third of my salary, then let the leftwing Congresscritters who passed Fannie and Freddie and the Community Reinvestment Act that created the bubble help them-with their own money.

I'm tired of being told how bad America is by leftwing millionaires like Michael Moore, George Soros and Hollywood entertainers who live in luxury because of the opportunities America offers. In thirty years, if they get their way, the United States will have the religious freedom and women's rights of Saudi Arabia, the economy of Zimbabwe, the freedom of the press of China, the crime and violence of Mexico, the tolerance for Gay people of Iran, and the freedom of speech of Venezuela. Won't multiculturalism be beautiful?

I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honor;" of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers;" of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage rape victims to death for "adultery;" of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.

I believe "a man should be judged by the content of his character, not by the color of his skin." I'm tired of being told that "race doesn't matter" in the post-racial world of President Obama, when it's all that matters in affirmative action jobs, lower college admission and graduation standards for minorities (harming them the most), government contract set-asides, tolerance for the ghetto culture of violence and fatherless children that hurts minorities more than anyone, and in the appointment of US Senators from Illinois. I think it's very cool that we have a black president and that a black child is doing her homework at the desk where Lincoln wrote the emancipation proclamation. I just wish the black president was Condi Rice, or someone who believes more in freedom and the individual and less in an all-knowing government.

I'm tired of a news media that thinks Bush's fundraising and inaugural expenses were obscene, but that think Obama's, at triple the cost, were wonderful. That thinks Bush exercising daily was a waste of presidential time, but Obama exercising is a great example for the public to control weight and stress, that picked over every line of Bush's military records, but never demanded that Kerry release his, that slammed Palin with two years as governor for being too inexperienced for VP, but touted Obama with three years as senator as potentially the best president ever.

Wonder why people are dropping their subscriptions or switching to Fox News? Get a clue. I didn't vote for Bush in 2000, but the media and Kerry drove me to his camp in 2004.

I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia use our oil money to fund mosques and madrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in America, while no American group is allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia to teach love and tolerance.

I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. My wife and I live in a two-bedroom apartment and carpool together five miles to our jobs. We also own a three-bedroom condo where our daughter and granddaughter live. Our carbon footprint is about 5% of Al Gore's, and if you're greener than Gore, you're green enough.

I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses while they tried to fight it off? I don't think Gay people choose to be Gay, but I damn sure think druggies chose to take drugs. And I'm tired of harassment from cool people treating me like a freak when I tell them I never tried marijuana.

I'm tired of illegal aliens being called "undocumented workers," especially the ones who aren't working, but are living on welfare or crime. What's next? Calling drug dealers, "Undocumented Pharmacists"? And, no, I'm not against Hispanics. Most of them are Catholic and it's been a few hundred years since Catholics wanted to kill me for my religion. I'm willing to fast track for citizenship any Hispanic person who can speak English, doesn't have a criminal record and who is self-supporting without family on welfare, or who serves honorably for three years in our military. Those are the citizens we need.

I'm tired of latte liberals and journalists, who would never wear the uniform of the Republic themselves, or let their entitlement-handicapped kids near a recruiting station, trashing our military. They and their kids can sit at home, never having to make split-second decisions under life and death circumstances, and bad mouth better people then themselves. Do bad things happen in war? You bet. Do our troops sometimes misbehave? Sure. Does this compare with the atrocities that were the policy of our enemies for the last fifty years-and still are? Not even close. So here's the deal. I'll let myself be subjected to all the humiliation and abuse that was heaped on terrorists at Abu Ghraib or Gitmo, and the critics can let themselves be subject to captivity by the Muslims who tortured and beheaded Daniel Pearl in Pakistan, or the Muslims who tortured and murdered Marine Lt. Col. William Higgins in Lebanon, or the Muslims who ran the blood-spattered Al Qaeda torture rooms our troops found
in Iraq, or the Muslims who cut off the heads of schoolgirls in Indonesia, because the girls were Christian. Then we'll compare notes. British and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear.

I'm tired of people telling me that their party has a corner on virtue and the other party has a corner on corruption. Read the papers-bums are bi-partisan. And I'm tired of people telling me we need bi-partisanship. I live in Illinois, where the "Illinois Combine" of Democrats and Republicans has worked together harmoniously to loot the public for years. And I notice that the tax cheats in Obama's cabinet are bi-partisan as well.

I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of both parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.

Speaking of poor, I'm tired of hearing people with air-conditioned homes, color TVs and two cars called poor. The majority of Americans didn't have that in 1970, but we didn't know we were "poor." The poverty pimps have to keep changing the definition of poor to keep the dollars flowing.

I'm real tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination, or big-whatever for their problems.

Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 63. Because, mostly, I'm not going to get to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my granddaughter.

87 comments:

christian soldier said...

Perfectly stated-
C-CS

Anonymous said...

Coincidentally, I just forwarded this from my e-box before coming here. Apparently it represents the concerns of many conservatives. It was forwarded to my e-box by Walid Shoebat, an apostate ex-terrorist.

Anonymous said...

I'm tired of old farts whining about what they are tired of. I feel sorry for your granddaughter too. Also your wife, children, friends (if you have any left) or anybody who has to be around you on a regular basis.

You are one miserable SOB but on the bright side, you're old and gone soon. Good riddance.

thomschuyler.com said...

Courageous of you to post such a mean-spirited response anonymously. My goodness.

Anonymous said...

I'm tired of people NOT realizing that Obama would only be a footnote in history if Bush had indeed done a better job in office.

Clinton, with the help of a Republican congress left Bush an economic surplus. The rest, as they say, is history.

Sgt. Reyes USMC
S.E. Asia 1970

Anonymous said...

The Anonymous comment regarding old farts is sad and pathetic. Does he/she not know that they will also be "old" one day. I am a proud 72-year old woman who shares your values, Mr. Hall. I am not so worried for myself and my husband, but for our beautiful grandchildren who will never know the wonderful life we enjoyed before these nutcases came to power.

Pastorius said...

I'm a middle aged guy. I work with a lot of older people. Most of the older people I know feel the same way as you do. My 85 year old mother is appalled by what has happened to the world.

She came from the depression era and the WWII generation. Having been raised by my father and her, I know that, generally, the values of their era were superior to what we see in front of us.

That being said, there are an awful lot of people of my age and younger who take their faith, their marriages, and their families very seriously. I think there has been a rebirth of these values.

However, this rebirth is not represented in the media, and the people who make up this subculture are, in a way, hidden from everyone else.

We walk among everyone, but they don't notice we are here.

They might notice, if they paid attention, that we don't cheat on our wives, we don't get divorced, we don't go out for drinks with the boys after work, we don't go on Vegas weekends, etc.

Oh yeah, and we don't talk about Keeping Up With the Kardashians and stuff like that.

But, they are so busy living their bizarre lives (because they truly are the bizarre ones) to even notice all the things we do not do.

Anonymous said...

Dear Young Fart,
a.k.a. "I'm tired of old farts" ~ Anonymous March 14, 2009.

How old are you? Unless you're under 20, there's an entire generation out there who thinks you're a whinny Old Fart with antiquated ideas. That said:

What are YOU tired of?

What is or will be YOUR contribution to the world?

Which particular statements do YOU take issue with in Mr. Hall's letter?

I'm always open to learning from others, so I look forward to reading comprehensive, forward-thinking, innovative, original ideas from YOU....the current "In" generation.

Texas Born. American Made.

Jollyroger said...

Thank you Robert Hall - you sound like a real Gunny. As a Marine who fought in the Solomon Islands a long time ago so these whining assholes now speak English instead of Japanese, I can tell you America is going down the tube with this political correctness. However, These Americans are bleating sheep who asked to be shown and then cried and begged the Messiah to come and make it all well. Obama did come but will he make it all well for those unwilling to work for it? They deserve what they will get. A WWII Marine vet.

Tim Love said...

While I certainly agree with a few points made here (notably those regarding entitelment-handicapped kids, bipartisan bums, bailouts for over-indulgent property flippers, and the naiivity of putting so much power in the hands of our historically inept government), I must say to Mr. Hall, that...

I'm tired of tired old-guard curmudgeons couching their bigotry and anti-Islamic propoganda in so-called critique of the "current state of the country today" as they moan on and on about how hard they've worked and why no one should be able to call out America on the things she does not do well. Michael Moore annoys me too, but at least he shows us our world through a different lens. If you don't like what he peddles, don't buy it, but please don't censor him just because he shows you some realities that make you uncomfortable.

Speaking of which, poverty, hunger, need, lack of access to higher education (and from there, other opportunities), lack of affordable health care, and hundreds of years of institutionalized racism, sexism, and religious prejudice are very real, current issues in America -- regardless of anyone's work ethic -- but how dare anyone express compassion or even attempt some real policy changes to address these human issues if it means I have to sacrifice anything at all?

I'm grateful to every veteran who has fought for the freedoms we enjoy and every serviceman and woman who spent even one day of their life giving of themselves for our great country, and I honor their selflessness every chance I get. I just don't understand when someone can say, in the same breath, that our country and our military are so amazing for all our ideals and virtues, and oh, by the way, Abu Graib was no big deal. If human dignity and respect for all people are really values we care about, than why is it so hard for us to take the high road and say that regardless of what other countries and militaries have done, that kind of conduct is below our standards, and for that we are truly ashamed?

We are still and will remain indignant, however, at the prospect of global warming or any other "threat" to our precious way of life (the same way of life that had people buying the McMansions on maxed-out credit, by the way), unwilling to consider that maybe drinking less bottled water, recycling a bit more, capping our toxin output in our large industrial factories, buying fair-trade products from developing countries, investing in our homes to make them more energy efficient, or even choosing to take a bus or (God forbid!) a Trek will help maintain a cleaner planet for generations to come -- unless, of course, the case is made by showing some economic benefit for those who do so. What happened to Grandpa's old-fashioned reasoning, "because it's the right thing to do?"

Please, please keep on rolling, curmudgeons of the "tired" far right, with the over-used "liberal media" critiques, as they make your camp look all the more ridiculous. Any educated person realizes there is no such thing as unbiased media in our country, but please keep tauting the virtue of Fox News as an unbiased source for information. Please keep reminding us that we all think Obama is god and savior. It makes it so much easier to dismiss your rants as absurd racist commentary.

Your letter, Mr. Hall, in a nutshell is just, well.... tired.

- Tim Love

Barbara said...

I know a lot of people who feel the same way you do, what can we do? I hear what can we do about it all the time, but no answers. I feel if the people would all get together and stand up to our civil servents, maybe something will be done, but how do you get the people together?. If you have any ideas please let me know and I'll be the first in line. Thanks

Hayward said...

My reply to Mr. Hall:

I'm in my 60s. I have worked, full-time or part-time, since I was 16 years of age, including when I attended college and law school. Despite my health challenges, many weeks I work over 50 hours. I am self employed, unlike you, who have been elected by citizens of Massachusetts and who therefore enjoys the perquisites and benefits of holding political office. Even without the economy tanking, as it did under former President Bush, I had no hope of retirement. Now, of course, retirement may never arrive. But I am not complaining because I am one of the lucky ones who still has work available to me.

I am tired of people like you, Robert A. Hall, people who whine about those of us who think it right and the moral thing to do to assist those of us less fortunate, those who have encountered misfortune and misadventure. I am tired of people who constantly whine about "people too lazy or stupid," most of whom have encountered circumstances which might have daunted even you, Mr. Hall.

As much as you are tired of being told that Islam is a religion of peace, I am heartily sick and tired of so-called Christians who believe that charity begins -- and ends -- at home, Christians who do not at all reflect any of the teachings of Christ, Christians who are so self-righteous that they can sin again and again and still pass judgment on those who do not believe exactly as they believe.


As for wanting Condolezza Rice in the White House because she believes "less arrogantly" than President Obama in an "all-knowing government," spare me this homily. I can only suppose that you were and are a supporter of George Bush, who together with his vice president, arrogantly assumed powers in abrogation of Congress' powers, began a war in Iraq that had nothing to do with Al Qaeda or Osama bin Ladan, ignored the advice of many generals regarding the troop levels required to secure that country, thrust Iraq into chaos, allowing Al Qaeda and bin Ladan to flourish in Pakistan/Afghanistan for YEARS, ran up a monstrous deficit because of that ill-thought-out and ill-prosecuted war [until Petraeus was put in charge], sent prisoners caught on the battlefield to other countries for torture -- the list is quite extensive and this enumeration is only a short list of Bush's arrogant and "all-knowing government."

I am tired of the rage and anger of the crazy right-wingery of this country, those gun-toting, frothing-at-the-mouth enraged individuals who feel that their rights have been trampled on because a non-Caucasian is in the White House. They should put their guns away, check their anger at the door, and practice their Christianity doing unto others as they would have others do unto them.

I'm tired of people driving Hummers and other humongous vehicles that get 8 or 10 miles/gallon who are too stupid to understand that every drop of oil they consume helps keep regimes in power that are not friendly to us or who actively plot against us. This issue is way beyond global warming and is instead about patriotism.

I am tired of people like you, Mr. Hall, who compare atrocities committed by our enemies to those committed by us and then say, "See, we're nowhere as bad they are!" That's not the point, Mr. Hall. We have always prided ourselves on being the guys in the white hats. So it cuts no ice with me to say that we're not as bad as our enemy is. I know that we make mistakes and sometimes lose control. That's understandable. But deliberate cruelty is not what we have been about as a country.

I don't care if you have or have not smoked marijuana. I, too, am tired of illegal immigrants who, by definition, should not be in our country. I think we should bill the government of the country whose citizens we have educated, provided medical care to, etc.

And, finally, Mr. Hall, I would like you to acknowledge the benefits you have received from us taxpayers while you were in the legislature. I'm tired of people who aren't grateful for what they have.

Pastorius said...

Well written, Hayward.

You should start your own blog.

I will not bother to express my disagreements with you because, though some other forum has linked to this article, and your friends keep showing up, this is a dead thread from March 5, 2009.

I will say this: Your comment about the Iraq War having nothing to do is spot on, if Iraq itself was all the Iraq war was about.

And, the way the Bush Administration handled the Iraq War has turned it into a useless, pathetic waste of lives.

Bush really fucked it up.

brenpd said...

Sir,

You've managed to put into words how this poor,old cop has been feeling for years very eloquently. Thank you so much! I also posted a link to your essay on my facebook page... I wish I could put it on a billboards all over the country. You are a true patriot sir. Thank you.

Brendan
US Army Medic
Desert Shield/Storm
12/1990-04/1991
18 Year Veteran Police Officer

Anonymous said...

30 year old Burlington Vt.
well well well MR. Hall this is some story. I was always told, from as far back as i can recall, "you can be part or the problem or part of the solution, but bitching about it doesn't fix anything". Mr Hall when life looks like shit, chances are you need to pull you head out of your ass!

Mohawk Chieftain said...

I'm not surprised this last guy wants to remain anonymous; most assholes prefer it that way.

Anonymous said...

I am appalled at the way my fellow Americans speak to each other. To the younger folks, I would like to say this: There was a young bull and an old bull grazing at the bottom of the hill. The young bull looked up and saw a bunch of young heifers at the top of the hill. He says to the old bull, "Let's run up the hill and get us one of them heifers!" The old bull said, "Let's just walk up there and get them all!" That's called WISDOM.

You don't have wisdom when you are young. It's takes time to become wise. So as we "old farts" sit here and tell you stuff, just slough it off. Don't listen. Don't think about what an old man says. How could he possibly know anything? Remember how stupid your parents were when you were a teenager? I guess they will always be stupid. When you get closer to the Omega than the Alpha, see how wise you become.

The day will come when ALL of your freedoms are gone. You can then sit with your grandchildren and tell them about the good old days.

As for Signing "Anonymous"....it is one of the choices.....It's the only choice if you don't have or don't want the first three accounts.

Try debating these issues nicely. It could do a lot to change America. [I wonder who will be the first with a nasty comment for me. There will be someone who just cannot resist. Mark my wise old words.]

Pastorius said...

Anonymous,
Funny thing is, most young people could not even begin to understand why walking up the hill is wisdom.

I'm not going to explain it to them either.

I'm 46. It took me until I was 39 to figure that one out. My life has been better since.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Hall. I am not nearly as old as you but I too am tired of the way things are shaping up, I am 38 years old and like you have worked for everything I have and feel that people that think they are entitled to anything they want should get off of their dead asses and make it happen for themselves, instead of waiting for a hand out like a pack of stray dogs. I would also like to thank you for your service to this great country and remind all of the people that have been speaking badly of you in these comments that the reason they have the right to do this is because of the sacrifices you and many other brave folks have made on their behalf bless you and all of our soldiers past present and future!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Hayward, you are horribly confused if you do not understand the difference between charity and government. Why don't YOU do something about the many problems, instead of demand that your fellow citizen be forced at gunpoint to contribute to the welfare of those who have not (and often do not want to earn what they have)? Government welfare programs are not charity, in fact, they steal the right to perform charitable acts, they generally make the problem worse (how many people have been lifted out of poverty since we started the so-called war on poverty?) and they make people dependent on the will of those in power i.e. enslave them.

So, you advocate legalized robbery, disregard for fellow men, and slavery. Way to go!

As for the rest of you who are criticizing the "old fart", what does that make you? Whiney spoiled brats who have never faced a hard thing in your lives.

Maybe, just maybe, you should listen to those who have lived longer and experienced more. Maybe they went through some things you have never dreamt of and know where this is leading. Anyone who lived before WWII, or who has actually studied the issue, knows that Germany did not wake up one day and decide to become Nazis; it was a decades-long process that is strikingly similar to the one America is undergoing. Read some history.

Frankly, I'm tired of young men who spend their time at Democratic Underground and think they hold some moral high ground. Oh, yes, those Christians are bad because they dare tell you to stop impregnating unmarried girls, or not to rip a baby out of a womb, and they are the real danger, not some Jihadist who cuts off the heads of journalists! Oh, right wingers (people who think like that radical John Kennedy, say) are bad because they won't embrace socialism, government control of everything, and lies. Oh, those who want to own their own cars are evil because they won't kowtow to a hoax called global warming.

You loath and fear wisdom, Hayward. Why is that?

Timothy Birdnow

Anonymous said...

Oops; didn't mean Hayward at the end, but the youngsters I was addressing after making my point to Hayward.

WesTexan said...

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I have found a solution to our problems. I request you investigate and join in. We need many good men and women. (Several Marines involved.) Go to GOOOH.COM; (GO) for information. I hope you can and will join in. This is going to be an overhaul of the National political system... TEXANS ARE LEADING AGAIN!!usmc.txvet@sbcglobal.net...
210-685-4469
WesTexan

Anonymous said...

I'm 63 and tired too. I was proud to be part of the Apollo 8 recovery team. I was proud to be in the Navy's nuclear power program in the late sixties. I was proud to serve in Vietnam. I was proud to pay my taxes and help keep this a great nation. Then it pendulum started swinging again and it all changed after Reagan. I never voted for Reagan. I was a staunch Democrat. If I could do it over again, I would have voted for Reagan. Also I would not have voted for Perot if I had it to do over. What's left of Hope I fear is blowing in the wind.

I want to be a proud American again. Michelle became proud of America after her husband won. I want that feeling too.

Where can I sign up? I want to help. I want to know what hope feels like again. Tea parties aren't doing the job. We need change and hope and we need it now.

We need to look at our candidates more than skin deep. Being a President has to be more than having command over a teleprompter. Mission accomplished has to be more than 10.2% unemployment. Mission accomplished has to more than reaching Baghdad.

Someone, tell me with candor, what will America look like when all of Obama's agenda is a success?

I want Americans to come together with common purpose. John F Kennedy did it with the Space Program to the Moon. We seem to be blowing apart at the seams! We need a leader that gives us a common goal that we can all believe in. I can only hope someone will come along that can do that? We need to come together.

Brad said...

@Hayward - I don't think anything Mr. Hall mentioned precludes you, me, or anyone else from being compassionate and helping those less fortunate. In fact, if everyone who considered themselves progressive thinkers gave as much to helping the poor, disadvantaged, and needy as they gave to moveon.org and other "progressive causes" there wouldn't be much to talk about.

The issue that I, and apparently, a large segment of our population, have an issue with is having the government tell us who "is needy." That, @Hayward is not the role of our government. Our constitution does not guarantee me, you, or anyone else a job, a handout, health care, or anything else. It only guarantee's an environment where the government gets out of the way and gives us a fair chance to make it. That's all I ask for and that's all I expect.

Thanks Mr. Hall. Blog on. I'm with you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Hall,
I subscribe to every single word you wrote. I wish it makes it's impact wherever it is needed. I follow American politics and statesmanship since 1961, and have never observed it in such miserable state. I wait to see another America. Will I live that long? I am 73 now. God bless your bravery.
Avraham Pisanty, Israel

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Hall,
I am 36 and currently serving in the military. I have deployed to Iraq twice, AFG once and will be going back for another 6 mo - 1yr very shortly. I am willing to die for the Constitution and the freedoms it grants us. Thank you for taking advantage of them to the fullest and thank you for what you had to say. I too am tired. I am tired of being amazed every time I return at all the fat people and kids in the US. I am tired of listening to people whine about dirty silverware in a restaurant when the people I just left with were glad to have something to eat and four walls if that. I am tired of having to apologize for being American and for having to "be sensitive" to Muslims who have killed 12 of my friends and continue to attempt to attack us here at home....but we still can't profile. I am tired of hearing "freedom of religion" only to find out that that is the case for everyone but Christians these days. My neice can go to school and learn about Islam and make a prayer rug and take on a Muslim name but if she wears a t-shirt that has something Christian on it she gets in trouble...what happened to freedom of speech and religion for everyone? I guess what I really was looking for on this blog was not small minded people cussing each other out but hope that regardless of our differences in religion, politics, race, sex, etc we could at least find some common ground under the banner of fighting for our freedoms. It's my job to do that overseas....but it's every American's job to do that here at home. And if we lose what we have here I can tell you this: it will be lost from the world forever because there is nowhere else on this planet that has what we have. I hope we don't get so wrapped up in bashing each other that we lose sight of the bigger issues and in the process lose it all.
V/r,
An politically independent USAF active duty officer who is unapologetically American and will fight for your right to speak, worship and believe as you will even if I don't speak, worship or believe the same.

Anonymous said...

Yes! I agree, I am tired too. Why don't you quit your complaining and do something?

Do you think that you can actually go live in another country and pick up the language in 3 days? Be expected to find a job and take care of your family?

Anonymous said...

You are tired at you age and I am disgusted at 31. Yes I agree with your points doll but if you would like to watch something that may light a fire under your ass to help us all in our movement then here you go...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1070329053600562261#docid=-1656880303867390173

Anonymous said...

And furthermore feel free to contact me if I can be of any assistance. I am not comfortable on here.

Jenny said...

People get tired when they’ve spent their energy placing blame. I fall on the left side of the political spectrum, but have nothing but respect for the men and women in the armed services. I worry that the government doesn’t always take care of them as well as they could.
I agree that entitlement results in many people’s failure.
I believe that poverty is self perpetuating. It’s not just about families of “lazy welfare bums” that stay on from generation to generation. It’s about bad neighborhoods where the housing is “affordable” and the schools are violent. It’s about a tragic normal and lost hope.Teachers spend more time playing social worker and parole officer than teaching. They’d rather teach in the more expensive neighborhoods with the intact families. With parents who were better prepared to become parents. Kids that are raised to believe that they matter. That their hard work will pay off.
Addiction does start with a lousy choice, but it does become a mental illness. It does require treatment. It may not be society’s job, but it is society’s problem. No amount of complaining will change that. Yes I am in favor of harsh drug laws.
It galls me when people don’t appreciate what a gift they were given to understand and respect the value that their hard work has in the world. This is a true American value that needs to be brought back to our children.
I know that values SHOULD and sometimes still do come from parents. We can’t waste what little energy we have left bitching about the way things ought to be and work with what we have.
It seems that at some point we forgot everything we once treasured about character in favor of entitlement.

Pastorius said...

Jenny,
I agree with everything you wrote.

Good stuff.

Anonymous said...

I really appreciate the frustration of this man. I agree with most of what he has said. However; I am tired of hearing Republicans staying loyal to George W. Bush a man who destroyed the Republican Party losing us the House and the Senate and the White House because he chose the path of Treason and corruption selling America to the Chinese in the name of "Free Trade" while he saw fit to prosecute a trade war against his own citizens by taxing them heavily while allowing the Chinese and other aliens unlimited tax free access to US Markets. We are no broke and deeply in debt due to his treason and we still see idiots running around our party thinking he was great. Wake up! Seeing him for what he was is not nor ever was an endorsement of Democrat misbehavior. If a man holds you up and steals your wallet you don't excuse off the behavior because he is from your political party. If the Republican Party wishes to get real support from America it needs to apologize and repent of the Bush evil. Then the leaders of today need to answer one question. Just what about "Preserve, Protect and Defend" is not protectionist and when did it become a bad thing to protect the USA?
I am so tired of fighting over silly issues that never will be like "Abortion" (all do respect intended to the strong feelings of some) when my country is sold to foreign interests and my people are locked in the chains of economic slavery. I quite Patrick Henry. "The chains of our slavery are already forged... I care not what others may say but as for me and my house, give me liberty or give me death!" He wasn't talking in figurative terms. They were unloading the chains at the dock at Jamestown as he spoke. I am not being figurative either. The economic plans of both Bush and Obama administrations (No change between them on this folks) is totally slavery for all Americans and the chains are forged already. You will in days see California reduced to taxing its citizens heavily beyond belief while at the same time being unable to even pave the roads or run the schools all to support Chinese Bonds. America the Chains of your slavery were forged by George W. Bush and now Obama is unloading them at the dock. Imagine a great State reduced to slavery! This is all 50 states soon. Wake up this must end. The bonds must be defaulted on. The payments to the tyrants who built up this debt by fraud must be stopped forever. The alternative is forever slavery for our children and all of America. There is no paying it off!

Questarsun said...

It is not bitching when the people speak out. If we do not say anything then we agree with what is happening. That has been going on far too long. That is why the people are starting to speak out and the new administration wants us to just be quiet and do as we are told. If we did then we are not a democracy!
I am of the people who are voted to office to represent the people and they change their stance when presented with a special amendment (bribe, payoff, pork)whatever they call it. They are suppose to represent the people. They did not ask them to take special amendments.
Tired of paying the government to give it away to the so called poor. They need a help up not down. Have these educated people ever heard of the saying "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach him to fish and he will eat for a life"? They want to keep the poor down so they will have someone to vote them into office.
The WORKING POOR can pay for it,those who cannot make it to the paycheck but will not quit working for free benefits.
Just fix the insurance program we have. The wheel does not have to be reinvented! If the people who are not insured wanted health insurance they would get it. They are just looking for another government program the WORKING POOR and MIDDLE CLASS can fund. When this country becomes completely dependent upon the government they will be asking what happened to their freedoms!
ANSWER: They voted them away! They stayed quiet and did what they were told!
Our churches and true volunteer groups could be supported by the people with the money that is paid out to the government in excessive taxes to support lazy people and illegal aliens, and those willing to have several children just to avoid work. That is not a comment made out of ignorance. I have worked with several housing authorities and I have relatives and friends who work for food stamp and welfare offices. The people of this country appear to be better qualified to know who truly needs help and are not fooled by false documents to get government support to live on.
If they had to stand in line for a box of commodities every week instead of food stamps/card, by the way this helps the American Farmer, they would find a job real quick.
It is the choice of the individual to not pay out money on health insurance. If the people on welfare worked for the money they spend on their medical they would not be sitting in the emergency rooms that cost 10 times more than a walk in clinic and they would not go every time they get the sniffles or an ache. They go to work.
Tired working so someone else does not have to. That is not cruel. The government is an enabler.
In an age when your neighbors helped to care for each other this was made us a unique country now we are going broke letting a government do what we as caring people should and want to do.
I want to say that if you do not get out and vote then you do not have any rights to voice your opinions. It is my duty as a citizen of the United States of America to vote.

Glynis Peters said...

With you on this one. In 2005 DH and I got so tired, we stuck our fingers up at the UK and sold all we had. We live in Cyprus off our savings interest. We are stress free and happy. We were fed up of being middle aged, working all hours and handing it over. Then watching folk who arrived overnight from another country getting handouts. In Cyprus we had to prove we had income and could support ourselves,we had to buy health insurance, no freebies for us.
We now wait for our stressed out kids to arrive for a two week break, jump in our pool and have quality time together.

Anonymous said...

It's not enough to sit and debate, looking to find error in the other side. To honor the service men/women that defend our speech, to provide examples to our children on how to demonstrate commitment, to begin to hear our anger and frustration...all the energy and brainpower in this blog needs to turn to action. There are examples around (altho too few) of business/government/education/citizens focusing on a common goal and reaching consensus to attain it. Let's get off the blogs and into the lives of others to make a difference. For that's what is truly American....and we'll all be better off for it. Irishgirl

Anonymous said...

Reading Mr. Halls rant and the comments of those who support him makes me think about the native Americans who I'm sure at one point were saying "The pale faces came and took without asking and killed without a conscience. This land is going down the tubes." What goes around comes around motherfuckers. Your time is over. Can you deal with it?

Pastorius said...

You think so, huh?

If you're right, then have fun living in a third world hellhole. If the rules of the United States and the Western world are not honored, then you'll live like the people in places like Venezuela, Mexico, and the Philippines.

Anonymous said...

Yes I do Pastorius. You're a prime example of the type of neanderthal who's time is up. You immediately assume that because I don't think like you I must be from some third world country. I am an American and I live in America and I love America. I'm just happy that fossils who bitch about the turn the country has taken which basically means they hate that we have a black president and that whites no longer have all the power are starting to see the beginning of their demise. This is the land of the people not just white people. And no I'm not black I'm Caucasian. I just detest bigotry, especially when it's disguised as patriotism. You've received your measles infected blanket; sweet dreams.

Pastorius said...

Anonymous,
You said: I am an American and I live in America and I love America.


I say: Good, then I have no problem with you.


You said: I'm just happy that fossils who bitch about the turn the country has taken which basically means they hate that we have a black president and that whites no longer have all the power are starting to see the beginning of their demise.


I say: Well, first off, not only did I not write this post, I didn't even post it.

Second, the dream to which we aspire as a nation is that, as MLK said, people will be judged not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character. As long as we stick to our founding principles, that all men are created equal, that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, that those rights include the ideas enshrined in our Bill of Rights, then we should be just fine.

It might interest you to know that my kids are not white, and my wife is a first-generation immigrant from a third world country.

That being said, every college campus in the U.S. has a MECHA chapter, and MECHA preaches hatred of the white man, and of his culture, and the re-third-worldization of the American Southwest (and I'm sure that's only the beginning).

I mistook your seeming anger at white people as being of the MECHA type.

Anonymous said...

BRAVO Mr. Hall!
AEG

Tom W. Dorr said...

If you want to see "A DEMOCRAT'S RESPONSE TO ROBERT A. HALL'S '63 and Tired'"

visit this website:

http://tomwdorr.blogspot.com/2010/03/democrat-responds-to-robert-halls-63.html

You may think differently about good old Bob after you read it.

Anonymous said...

Wonderful!!! Why doesn't someone list (a long list) of all the great things this country has done for the world. If this country is so bad, then why do so many want to come here? It is our Technology that has the greatest food production, the finest medicine, Why does the world want our military technology, If we are so bad, then why does the world want what we have? Instead of protecting this way of life, we have people who want to destroy it!
GREAT letter Mr. Hall!!!

Anonymous said...

Robert Hall:
TO WHOM have you sent your article/comments titled: I AM TIRED? I appreciate what you wrote. But, have you sent it on to the President? or to a Senator/s? I'm a Senior Citizen - a Korean Vet (USMC - 1st Marine Division) and have served 50 years as an ordained minister/missionary (Africa 30 years). I too am tired - but at 78 I'll not be around too much longer ... my concern is for our kids, grandkids & our 4 great-grandkids.

Anonymous said...

Terrific Mr. Hall.
Sgt. Reyes you are dead wrong. Clinton did not leave a budget surplus, besides it being "illegal" to have a surplus, Clinton just stole from Social Security to cover the mystical budget deficit and called it a payoff and a "surplus." Get your facts correct before mouthing off.

Captain, USMC '65

Unknown said...

People wake up!!! The issues we face today are not something that have sprouted up overnight, this is from years of abuse and mismanagement by our so called government (for the People). Both democrats and republicans have made bad decisions over the years, and it will continue to happen unless they are all held accountable for the decisions they make and are made to also abide and live by the laws they make us live by. And you serve your country (I am speaking of politicians) you are insured while you are serving, and after your gone so our all the perks and benefits. Things need to change in respect to what laws and rules Government has to abide by before they will ever really care about us.

coastierox said...

Mr. Hall,
I salute you. I'm only 31, I have two wonderful children, with number three on the way, I have a beautiful wife who is legally immigrating from New Zealand, our parents both instilled work ethics and common sense on us and I can only hope to pass that on to our children. I have been working since I was 12 (no lie, milked cows on neighbors dairy), I have served this great country and I am saddened deeply by the direction our current government is pushing us. This is uncool. But WE THE PEOPLE can send them a message! Get them out of office on the mid-term. Get them out of office in 2012.

coastierox said...

Mr. Hall,
I salute you. I'm only 31, I have two wonderful children, with number three on the way, I have a beautiful wife who is legally immigrating from New Zealand, our parents both instilled work ethics and common sense on us and I can only hope to pass that on to our children. I have been working since I was 12 (no lie, milked cows on neighbors dairy), I have served this great country and I am saddened deeply by the direction our current government is pushing us. This is uncool. But WE THE PEOPLE can send them a message! Get them out of office on the mid-term. Get them out of office in 2012.

RobWoods said...

I am 21 a business owner and a full time college student. I did business in 12 states last year. I Have to be on site personally to do the work and i am in the classroom five days a week. To say the lest i bust my butt. I fear that when i get to the point of were i can enjoy what i have earned America will no longer be hear. How can we stop America from going sown the path of socialism that we have paved and that we are driving our little hybrid cars down????

intelekt said...

I love the underliying racism in his paragraph about Obama, How he wants Condaliza running things lol, a person from the administration of handicapped people...

I am tired of hearing Ignorance, that is what this article promotes, exclusion, hate, and close-mindedness.

You slam islam and muslims when it is an extremist portion of the religion that does any of what you listed. Christianity has The Crusades, Witch Burnings, Rape of both women and children, and many other horrible acts in its history, so before you proudly tote your jesus loves everyone bumper sticker across the us, surely in this case above your Semper Fi bumper sticker that every ex marine seems to need to make their genitals feel bigger; think about the fact that christians have no moral high ground over muslims, people who subscribe to religion are simply lost to those of reason. There is absolutely no room for "faith" in science or reason, they require concrete solutions.

All this article does is show how Greedy Mr. Hall is, he only talks about his and his families needs here, you claim moral high ground then throw the principals of the religion you base it on out the door, common and expected christian right wing behavior.

The other bit of hilarity is that the article is either extremely biased or Mr. Hall is a LIAR; He states he has worked his entire life in the U.S. yet has no hope of retirement, if he truly is 63 he can collect social security very soon if not currently... Is this guy a tax evading criminal? He also makes no mention of ever setting up a 401k 43 years ago as he should have if he was so career and finance driven.. HIS personal responsability, low risk is still a gain. He also claims to rent an apartment to live in yet purchased a condo for his child and grandchild, why did the father of the child not provide? Is the mother single because if so she is granted subsidies from the "socialist" government he is complaining about.

Your statements are contradictory and seem to be regurgitated Fox News dribble, unverfied facts and talking points taken directly from Extremist nutbag Glenn Beck.. and thats fine, I for one am extremely glad that this generation of Ignorance is dying off, yes of course they will write garbage like this because they are still pissed off that the union beat the south.. They don't want change.. they want the "other" people to stay poor and the rich, rich. What these ignorant right wingers dont understand is unless youre a millionaire, none of the republicans have your interest at heart whatsoever, but they allow the flag burning, gay marriage, and abortion talking points to determine their party line.

You're 63, and you wont be around long.. but you can rest assured your grandchild will have a great quality of life if the current trend keeps up. By that time yes you will be dead, it will take enough of your generation dying off for the younger generation to allow for free and open though without blaring ignorance coming from the other side simply due to distate for change.

Maybe you should sell that 250k condo and get yourself a house.. maybe teach your daughter how to contribute to the economy.. instead you claim people like that are bums? So your daughter living in a house she does not own is a bum.. thats your logic not mine. I think its hilarious, again I cannot expect much from ex-military, I have yet to meet many from your era who are anything but stubborn arrogant right wing extremists, the ones who werent went on to be sucessful...

Dwayne said...

He forgot one major one:

I'm tired of this type of pathetic DRIBBLE that is posted all over the internet, broadcast via nonsensical news commentary shows, spouted out on radio & television by people who make millions on public negativity and do not believe half what they tell you, distorted by radical idiots within our country who have no clue what economics really means, embraced by racist people who understand nothing more than anger and dissension and discussed openly by people who truly do not have the TRUE facts, when we really should be bucking it up, working together in true partisan fashion, coming up with positive next generational amazing ideas, catching up to the progressive Global countries ideals and direction of this new millennium and turning our beloved country around on all fronts for ALL people regardless of class, color, chance or choice!!!!

Anonymous said...

I am not 50, I am simply 25. I work two jobs and go to school. I look around to a lot of "peers" my age that don't work, aren't looking for ways to work, but are definitely looking for all the handouts they can get. They feel entitled to keep up with the same lifestyle as their peers (cars, air conditioning, vacations, a wii and DS for their 6 year old, etc) but employment is not their way to obtain these things. I do agree that we have a lax work ethic and many living on the hard work of others.

Chuck said...

Its telling the someone spelling intellect "intelekt" would produce such drivel.

There is not much hope for us when there is so much ignorance and hate on both sides.

Hubert said...

This guy has THREE colleges degrees and turn down a Second Lieutenat commission while in the Marines?
His wife is a profession computer person.
He shouldhave saved some money.

Anonymous said...

You whine about Muslims being intolerable yet Christianity, which I assume you are, Mr. Fox "News" guy, is about as intolerable as it gets. I really hope you are just trolling the sh*t out of people and don't really believe the garbage you are spewing.

Yes both political parties have done bad, but if you would get off of Fox News's d*ck for one day maybe you would see that you are the one that is f*cked up. And how the hell are you that old and have never even smoked pot? It's LIFE dude. Experience it instead of bitching about stuff you have no control over.

Anonymous said...

I too am 63, I wasn't drafted into the Marines, I JOINED in '66 after failing physical twice, Nam '67-68 with 3rd Anti-Tank. I also have worked all my life for every penny I have and I live very, very well due to that hard work. Like you I'm damn tired but you put it so well. Semper-Fi Brother.
MBH

Anonymous said...

Thank you Robert A. Hall. I am just 3 years older than you however, I understood every single letter, word, phrase and paragraph you wrote and couldn't agree with you more. The generation that is coming up will have a very sad world. I see it already on everyday newspapers, on local and cable television networks, and in person in my own state, own neighborhood. They have no comprehension of their future to come but I do. And like you, I too am tired. Thank you.

Unknown said...

Wow.. my mother just sent me "I'm tired".. Good for you for telling the truth about exactly what is going on. I am right there with you and will soon be 59, and then ....63... It is time that we who tell the truth starting telling the truth and not be shut down by the people who call themselves liberals and are just plain mean spirited..

Anonymous said...

Sounds good! except for the queer part.Like the druggies,no one held them down and stuck a dick in their mouth.

Anonymous said...

I feel as though Robert Hall is showing that he is extremely close minded by his thoughts and views with this. It was very well written, I'll admit to that (have to give credit where credit is due.) But, I found that most of what he said was nonsense, just a conservation christian state of mind. I guess he forgot that Christianity has caused many wars and many deaths -- history is an amazing thing to study. I guess he also forgot that we're all immigrants -- if you're born in America, with a family that has lived in America for a long time, you probably have European blood running through your veins, and that, my friends, is because our country was founded by Europeans... but, I guess he forgot that one too. And, of course he's going to slam Obama and praise Bush - forgetting that Bush got us into our messed up economical state, and Obama has to deal with the aftermath of that. But, he would stick up for Bush, because he's made it so very obvious and clear that he's close minded, and will obviously only defend anyone that's conservative and christian.

And, I won't even start with his comment about switching over to Fox News. If you're watching that extremely weighted propaganda station, you need the clue - not the people that are getting their news from sources that don't just expose one side.

We're all in this world together, regardless of political views, religion (which in my mind, is just a way to control the masses - and it has, for centuries), race, gender, etc - we're all here together. instead of stereotyping EVERY single person by what he/she may seem to represent, I'd like to believe that there are some people out there that have their minds opened enough to not succumb to that ridiculousness and actually give each human a chance.

Pastorius said...

Anonymous,
Could you explain to me what wars Christianity has caused, and could you tell me the Biblical verses which were cited by leaders to start these various wars?

Anonymous said...

Mr. Hall,
Not that I could ever articulate with such clarity, but in thought, I could have written this article. I have told my husband how I felt a source of pride that we had our first black president, but that I wish it were Condi Rice. I do not dislike Obama because he is of color, I dislike what he is doing, and how he does it. I appreciate your article. Very well done.

Anonymous said...

oh great, another angry, uninformed white guy who was asleep during the bush years and was fine when bush increased the sizes of the government and our deficit and wrongly invaded iraq causing over 1000,000 civilian deaths. but, now that "his guy" isn't in office, he's suddenly concerned? what a hypocrite. the only good thing is that you're old and you'll soon be dead along with your crazy thoughts. your kids must hate you.

Pastorius said...

What does this have to do with color?

Robwoods said...

Why are so many people wishing death to Mr. Hall if they don't like what they are reading grow up and wright their own paper on how life is great for them now that obama is in office. I love controvercy give me concrete evedence of what has happened and why, history does not lie. Plus that paper would kind of be hard to wright because america is a business and business's go in cycles obama cannot just step in and change life overnight (that is a fact no aguement can oppoose that). In all fairness anything that happens while Obama is in office shouldn't be blamed on him,after all he is just a puppet. It started long before where i am going to start but i am going to keep it simple for people to understand, our problems started with soc security (FDR) welfare (LBJ aka the assassin) Community Reinvestment Act (Carter)not keeping fairness in trade in our capitalist economy between american citizens and the oil industry(bush) bailing out ignorite Americans that don't have enough brains to only spend what they can afford (bush-obama) and now the next step to socialism national health care. Way to go lazy Americans pretty soon the government will remind us when to breath (obama). We need to listen to Mr. Hall, more importantly we need to listen to the ones older then him who lived through the great depresstion and lived through everything that i just talked about. I am only 21 one and i understand this, why is it so hard for others? LEARN OUR HISTORY AND THE HISTORY THAT CAME BEFORE OUR HISTORY. Any one that is recieving supplements from the government should no longer be able to vote period no exeptions. That will stop our problems in its tracks, kill socialism, and reinstate our capitailistic democracy the way is should be.

Jenny said...

Anyone who is receiving supplements from the government shouldn't be allowed to vote?
Such a vague concept would silence disabled war veterans, retired government employees and countless others as if they were convicted felons.
I work Hard and I take care of my family. I don't have much money, but that doesn't mean that I don't help people with acts of service. Life happens either way.
We're all in this together.

Danielle said...

Mr. Hall has a very one-sided, un-explained hatred. His hypocrisy is blinding, and I wish he could back up his angered feelings with some facts.

I support the military, in more ways than just having a bumper sticker that says I do. I'm also a democrat-- a proud one at that. I have a brother in the military and I'm very proud of him too.

Mr. Hall needs to learn not to generalize groups of people, to not criticize those who hold feelings that contradict his, and that whining about people harassing you over never smoking pot is not really marine-like if you ask me.

Grow up Mr. Hall. At 63 I would imagine you'd have better wisdom to pass on to the younger generation. Instead you are instilling fear and irrationality. How counter-productive to whine instead of take action...

Anonymous said...

Semper Fi Brother, THANK YOU!

Heidee said...

I agree with just about everything he says except a few.Illegalls,what if you yourself were Mexican and your daughter couldn't go to school because of the danger of being in the streets.You can't find a job because there aren't any.But a few miles away there are jobs,schools,and food for your family.Wouldn't you go?Of coarse you would.And drug addicts,they don't set out to become addicted and some drugs like marijuana aren't even close to being as dangerous as alcohol.Look at all the family's that are ruined because of alcohol.What if your daughter against your judgement was seeing a guy she saw the world in and he got her hooked on heroin.The withdrawl from heroin is as bad as the worst ever case of the flu,with the added extreme angziaty and she thinks she is dieing.What would you do throw her away and tell her its her own fault so instead of just laying there and taking it she kills herself because the pain was just too great.People do things for reasons you will never understand.And if we didn't have a government that took care of its people the way it does you wouldn't be able to go to sleep peacefull in your own house.There would be some drug addict that can't quit,there to take it all away.I hope I made my point.I feel as if it were all in vain.

Anonymous said...

I am tired of ignorant people that do not realize that drug use is usually related to mental illness. I am bipolar. I am now stable but when I did not know that I was ill, drugs (including crack) took me out of the hell I lived in, even for just a brief. I was raised conservative and in a Christian home. I was ashamed of being a druggie. I tried to quit. I was because of the help I received for my illness that I know longer need to numb my pain.
My father shot himself in the heart because of the pain of mental illness, bipolar. I watched my father die. 18% of people with bipolar commit suicide, name another illness that has that high of a suicide rate. I would bet any amount of money you cannot do so. I no longer use drugs. I believe that every addict that wants to quit should be given treatment. I believe that every addict that does not be given free dope, no medical care. If that kills them, they are finally at peace. Sounds harsh, but given the choice to go back to that world I would rather be dead. Research what you write before you write something in your blog. Words are powerful and when people read them they can be taken as the truth. You have your right to your opinion but you don't seem to grasp what it is like to be a druggie and not want to be. Do you really think a person grows up wanting to live that lifestyle. The percentage is small I can assure you. This is one area that if tended to would lower healthcare costs, increase productivity, empty prisons, reduce crime and the costs associated with crime. I like your writing style, I just don't think you think things through.

Anonymous said...

America has a problem... the world has a problem...
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=tCAffMSWSzY
What are you doing with a pro Islamic president?

Anonymous said...

I don't understand why the 7 billion people in the world can't all agree on everything and get along with each other.

Pastorius said...

Put on your pajamas and brush your teeth. It's time for you to go to bed, Anonymous.

J. Pruitt said...

I am 45, I grew up in a lower income military family with no thought of ever going to college. I went into the military, got married and worked my way through college as a police officer. From there I went to grad school and got an MBA. I am now the President and CEO of a large corporation that does over $200/year in Net revenue. No one gave me any thing. I worked hard and made choices to make life better for me and my family. I do not like being forced to give away so much of what I have worked hard to get.
I couldn't agree more with what Mr. Hall said. I pray that our country wakes up before it is too late and we all sit around and wonder what happened.
People can use a hand up every now and then, but when they expect the hand out because I have worked hard and made tough choices to get what I have, I get angry.
I have friends and family members that have died defending the freedoms so many take for granted. so be sure to remember that when you crap on the freedoms you enjoy!

J.C. Pruitt

J. Pruitt said...

My bad....should say $200 million/Year. Not $200. But hey, if things keep going the way they have been, it might turn into that......

Mike M said...

So what was the high end tax rate when all of you Horatio Alger's were clawing your way to the top? Did you attend state schools that 80% of the cost was provided by tax payers? Certainly not public high schools. Of course no one here has ever taken a tax deduction for home mortgage interest, GI bill benefits or any other kind of welfare have you?

Unknown said...

Well put Mr. Hall....thanks!

Anonymous said...

Posted by Richard C.
And they restrict names so much you have to be anonymous unless you give them your password.

I liked what Hayward said. I got this rant The one by hall, in e-mail and I couldn't believe it when i discovered this guy was ranting in March of '09. Talk about having your mind made up before seeing what's what. The only thing I would like to add, is that with George Bush and Sarah Palin, the Republicans have turned stupid into a Virtue. The only other virtue they hold dear is loyalty, and those two kind of go hand in hand. The only assaults on the Constitution have come from the right wing, that wants to eliminate Freedom of religion, Freedom of speech, and Freedom from unwarranted search and seizure.
My name is Richard C. but they wouldn't let me put that on unless I was using a Google account

Natsumi A said...

You want to know something Richard C.? Nothing has changed since 2009, unless you are an Obamanaut! I am neither a Republican nor Dem, neither party does anything good for this country. What happened to the peoples government?

I for one do not like that fact that my taxes are used to help people who cannot and will not help themselves, whether they are white, black, or hispanic. For a fact, my husband is latino and he tries very hard in life, holding a single job since 15 and he is now 31.

He has family members who work but also rob the tax payers by being on all kinds of state aid. They drive $30,000 dollar vehicals, go on trips three times a year, and make over $35,000 a year under the table. How? There are corrupt bosses out there who are willing to pay under the table, even to US citizens.

That is what needs to be fixed before government can even have the right to take tax payers money and use it for assisting others. I don't mind helping those who really are trying to better themselves, but I refuse to help theives. Under the current Obama, and previous Bush, it's all the same, my money is going to help losers.

Lesley said...

Although not an American, I agree with the sentiments expressed by Robert A. Hall, as the same lunacy is alive and well in Australia.

However, I would have liked to see Australia added to this list...

"British, Canadian and American soldiers are the only troops in history that civilians came to for help and handouts, instead of hiding from in fear."

Australia ALWAYS responds the same way too. We send our troups to back up our allies and fight side by side with them. We always have and always will.

Mike31B said...

Way too many people posting comments here who've either never served, successfully, in the military, never gone outside to US to a place other than Club Med, Sandals or other resorts or been off the beaten track which tourists are LED. We ALL have a right to an opinion, but you owe it to YOURSELVES to be more educated, informed and a little less biased when you post comments to such websites. As for anonymous postings, well, it could indicate a gutless wunderkind, or someone who is afraid he or she will be verbally or in writing, attacked, or there might be another issue they just don't feel like acknowledging. The most salient criticism threaded through most of the supportive and non-vindictive comments, is how we will ALL eventually be old, unless you take the cowards way out and end your miserable(apparent by the vitriolic comments) life. Part of the problem with this issue, and related issues, is not people who smoke pot, not people who drive Hummers, not people who think Abu Graib was REALLY significant-it was symptomatic, it is the attitude that we must kowtow to those who are Social Justice, Liberal, Progressive and atheists. These kinds of perspectives are in minority numbers FOR A REASON! Your perspectives, as entitled to them as you are, are contrary to everything which allowed you to be born, to live and to hopefully die in a country were, yes, even though we've made mistakes and will make them in the future, is free and has the greatest POTENTIAL for good. Name one country in the WORLD where people are coming to be legal immigrants by the thousands, one country which has and will continue-economics allowing-to be charitable and extend financial aid, food, medical, and physical aid to those peoples and countries in need. When was the FIRST time substantial, non-political or non-showmanship aid was actually sent to THIS country by any other country? Some of you younger people, and I'm 52 and have spent over 20 years teaching and coaching teenagers, need to open your eyes, and hearts, to the fact you DON'T have the requisite skills, knowledge and abilities YET to be criticizing those older than you. I'll tell you what I've told countless students, you can't take the experiences and observations of 20 or 30 years and stack them against 60 or 70. Now, this doesn't automatically mean the elderly are geniuses or have carte blanche on the truth, but, you should lean a little less hard on what they HAVE experienced. This does NOT mean your experiences are invalid, but must be measured with more caution, more awareness of bias, intended or unintended, than those who've been around awhile longer. Oh, and it's a good idea to pay more respect to your elder, and wiser, teachers by proof-reading or at least using Spell Check before airing your comments. This would show you value something other than volume of criticism! And as a final note, if you really think any ONE president is a paragon of excellence, you are indeed a fool. It takes more than one person to run a country, and the attendant responsibilities for the success or failure of an administration might just shock you into silence!!

cjsmolich said...

Greed, More Greed, and Bigger Greed is the problem. Whatever is had on top is not enough. I work in corporate America and I see GREED and what it has done first hand. I have worked since I was 9...I started with a paper route. Had a lack of parents...literally, therefore, kept working to keep a roof over my head and food on the table. But in the last 20 years GREED has gotten in the way of a better life. Corporate America didn't give me a raise for 2 years...(and believe me, I don't ask for much...50 cents an hour would be nice on my just above poverty hourly wage)...upped my insurance rates and told me to be 'happy to have a job' while the Corporation went from in the red to in the black while giving the CEO's and close to CEO's millions in bonuses and 20% raises every year. And nobody seems to do anything about it. Us, the Working Poor ARE the Working Poor when we can't seem to get ahead. I don't live high on the hog. I live in a tiny house with all vehicles made before 2000 and my engery bill just went up! But my WAGES NEVER SEEM TO! The starting pay here is the same as when I started many years ago but the Salary and Bonuses up Top Just keep Getting Bigger! And what is being done about it? NOTHING! Because the forces that are trying to rule this world have us WORKING POOR Exactly where they want us. The gap grows bigger all the time. If Rich Corporations would quit outsourcing, such as my company has done to hundreds of jobs in the last few years there would be more Americans working and less need for handouts. But nothing stops them. I have to keep cheering my kids on to keep going when I don't feel like going on myself. It's a sick, sick, sick world we live in. and I'm really SICK OF THE GREED!

Jack said...

May God Bless you and your Family Mr. Hall.

Anonymous said...

It's a hoax letter.
http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/dubiousquotes/a/robert_a_hall.htm

Pastorius said...

Yes, I found that out sometime in the past six months.

However, the point is still the same, no matter who wrote it, though people care free, of course, to question the motives, as they always are anyway.

Anonymous said...

Mr. Hall and fellow Americans, I thank you for expressing accurately all that is so sadly happening here in our great nation.
It is unfortunate, that there are those who choose to degrade and mock others rather than being honest about the issues. Kudos, Mr. Hall!

Julian Turner said...

Robert I hear you are tired.
Possibly you might think about how tired the world is.
The planet is tired of been abused by people. – hence global warming
The world is tied of the US Government of masquerading under the auspices of the world peace keeper
In order to secure oil deposits for their oil addicted nation.
The Muslims are probably tired of having a constant military presence in their back yard
The American people should be tired of their politicians having links to private security companies
and oil prospectors (Haliburton incl) and their tax money been spent on hand outs to secure contracts
from which only they will benefit. They should also be tired of losing their sons and daughters for the greed of others
The World is tired of been flooded with American and European weaponry that decimates their populations.
The animals are tired of losing their habitat to fuel the needs of America’s rampant consumerism.
The Africans are tired of having their mineral deposits stolen from underneath them.
The Native Americans are tired of living in under funded reservations and not been compensated for their land.
Nations are tired of American companies playing God with their economic power to influence developing nations
Stock exchanges and profit hugely from it.
Earth is tired of America being the biggest polluter of all.
Most importantly however I hope God is tired of abuse of power by the American culture.

John Allen said...

I recently received an email with the post saying it was written by Bill Cosby. When I saw the term "national service" red flags went up and when checking I found myself at your site. I fully agree with the post. I see the wide range of opinions here and rejoice that we are all able to express ourselves freely. Its a great country we live in.