Merry Christmas to my Heroes

Christmas time. As always, I'm digin it.

This year, as with each of the last eight, my thoughts have gone out to our military and civilian sheepdogs - the men and women on the job keeping the rest of of safe and at peace and, in doing so, missing their own families and the warmth of those moments steeped with aromas of good cooking, good cheer and good times.I wonder sometimes if they wonder, sometimes, if we truly appreciate what it is they do.

Do we take for granted all they give us - or have we come to "expect" it from our public servants. Having been on the job myself for 20 years, this is one guy who clearly understands their risk and the sacrifices they make. Seems I remember making them myself a time or two. Today, in my retirement from "Copland," I miss my firends terribly; friends who happen to be the men and women on the job. I proudly say now what I could not say to their faces then - for fear of their sometimes harsh but always good natured teasing.

They always were my heroes--and always will be. Always.

Going into a dark building or some one's backyard at three in the morning to look for an intruder or prowler; stopping a suspected, armed felon driving a stolen car; charging into a burning building ahead of the fire department to rescue anyone inside. These things happen every day in America. Do you truly appreciate the skill and devotion this takes? I hope so, for their sake.

And the military. Their risk and the price they pay, goes without saying. Each who has served has earned my lifelong respect and thanks. Each who has fallen, will live in my heart for as long as it beats. With each day I draw a breath in freedom and peace, I send out a prayer of thanks to all in uniform

.And so, may I share my wish for the heroes among us? It is a simple desire for a peaceful and uneventful season full of all of the good things we so look forward to this time of year. The hugs from children, the joy of giving or the thrill of receiving a special gift.

Whatever it is - may they have it.God bless them all.

It's time. I have started on a new book.

This time - for the first time - it won't be about cops. At least not directly. While I will and do, often look back on my career as a state trooper for inspiration and anecdotes, this time I want to write about just being. An American. A dad. A husband. The master of two labrador retreivers.

I want to write about being a regular guy.

So stand by. It aughta be interesting ....

Obama - Lying Liberal in Chief

It seems I sold Barry Hussein Obama (might as well be Osama) short. He is not an angry black dude. It goes far beyond that...

He is a lying, angry America hating socialist. Of course, I know I will now join the distinguished group now known as racists for criticising the man, but I'm cool with that. While I am loathe to be considered a racist, I would hate worse, to be called a hypocrite.

He is what he is ... and I am, what I am. I'm good with that.

Peace.

Barry Obama (might as well be Osama) - an Angry Black Dude

While I had suspected it for quite some time, my suspicions are now confirmed - our president - is an angry black dude, stuck in a mentality too familiar to me now. An anger, if you will, toward a world he sees as black and white. He has virtually no background of strife nor, any "keeping the black man down," but he has now shown he strongly sympathizes toward suck ilk. A weak and gutless attitude.

Never before in American history has a black man been in such a grand position to make good change for all. Yet, Barry Obama (might as well be Osama) chooses to steep even longer in the distrust, disdain and disadvantage of hate, bigotry and attitude. I knew he was without leadership skills, but this is sad. This guy is no leader - he clearly falls into step with his militant forefathers. What a terrible waste of a golden opportunity.

I speak of course, of Barry's recent, "I don't know the facts, but the Cambridge police acted stupidly," statement of support for another angry, belligerent and racist man - a Harvard professor - arrested for causing a disturbance when the police where only trying to protect his property.

Barry Obama (might as well be Osama) was correct - he didn't know the facts. He should have ended his statement right there. But no - his inept and clumsy arrogance came through as it has so many times already and his mouth ,overrode his brain.

My God, what has happened to my country. My president, is a tool; a cop-hating tool. We already have plenty of those. We needed something more.

Thank you, George Bush

Dear Mr. President:
In a few short weeks we will say goodbye to you and your family. As you return to a semi-private life and a retirement you earned so completely, I just can't let you leave without saying, "Thanks," from one American patriot who is very, very grateful for all you did for us in the face of incredible pressure, unjustified insults, attacks and blatant treachery by some of your countrymen to include the press, members of congresss and our intelligence services.

It wasn't yet a year into your first term when the world--and you--were changed forever. Within a breath, you were no longer the leader of a peaceful and worry-free world but instead; found yourself thrust into what were to be some of the hardest most gut wrenching and heartfelt decisions ever made by a United States president. Sadness, fear, uncertainty and bewilderment were the words describing the feelings of your countrymen. With each day, the fear became closer to anger. Then the anger, demanded justice. They turned to you and you came through.

As you said, those who ran from justice, would have justice, brought to them. You warned us it would a be a long struggle and the cost would be hard to bear. You knew what we would learn--that freedom, would not be free. I know you felt it deeply when you sent our military into the fray but I also know--as they did--it was the right thing to do. As the days turned into years you faced immeasurable pressure to concede--to surrender--to give up the fight. Thank God you stood firm and did the right thing.

Your leadership of our nation--not just the military but all of us--has been remarkable. You were not afraid to show your emotion. Your determination was not thwarted for a moment or by an inch--by the many detractors who saw a political advantage in second guessing virtually every breath you took and every thought or decision you and you alone, had to make on behalf of us all. Their methods were clearly cruel, unjust and transparent for what they were--simply attempts to elevate their own agendas regardless of the national security or our national image. News publications became enraged and in fact, treacherous, when you wouldn't do their bidding. I was, and am still, amazed, at your spine, your stalwart resolve and your humanity through it all.

You have been a president for whom I was and am still, very proud to have voted twice. You surrounded yourself with the brilliance of minds and depth of expertise one rarely sees in a single administration. While you were not afraid to delegate, you never once hid behind it. Unlike others who wanted to blame, you accepted your failures on your own chin; with your head held high just as humbly as your triumphs. You took time on many occasions to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of your fellow citizens and made those with whom you spoke privately, feel as though they were the only person who mattered to you at that moment.

I saw you interact with children on many occasions. Your love of kids is genuine and a precious site. As a father myself. it was easy to see genuine love in your eyes. You always showed this, Sir, not only to your own girls, but to any child who captured your attention. When the news of 9-11 was whispered as you sat in front of a kindergarten class, not a child in the room was frightened or startled because of the smooth, measured and courageous way in which you responded. I was very impressed and proud at your maturity and conservative, measured response.

Your relations with our soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors has been equally heartfelt and genuine and one could always see the admiration and love in your heart for your military.

I have seen you laugh, weep, think deeply and rarely, scold harshly. All, with the flesh and bone of a human being; remaining presidential and a true leader in doing so. While so many of us butcher our language daily, you took immeasurable grief for all of us when you did--always with a smile and self-effacing admission.

Finally, you did the one most important task we ever ask of our president.

YOU KEPT US SAFE!

Not one more attack. Not one! No more invasions of our homeland security have occurred under your watch. Through your leadership, dozens of future attacks have been discovered in their planning stages and have been stopped cold. With each occasion, I have offered a silent prayer, thanking God you were our president at this time against and this enemy and not, those who ran against you.

You, Mr. Bush, were the exact right man at the exact right time and one day, history will give you a special place among the few past presidents who really did, make a difference.

I offer this not simply because it is the right thing to say, but because very few, have actually earned it.Sir, I wish you peace, love, rewards and mostly, the joys a hero, deserves.

Thank You Mr. President. God bless.

Our Day - Our Heroes

There, among the pillars of marble and polished stone; among the hoards of commuters, workers and tourists; among the sightseers, visitors and residents; among the judges, the juries and the witnesses coming and going from Judiciary Square in Washington D.C, stands a quiet courtyard. It is a vacant space between two busy buildings – adorned with perfectly manicured trees and flowerbeds, pools of cool water and the statuary of a lion and lamb, lending a peaceful and serene backdrop to the starkly cold slabs of marble, embracing all visitors. These walls are engraved with the names of good men and women. Thousands of them—moms, dads, brothers and sisters; kids, coworkers and friends—all of whom, having died for their country. Having given us, the ultimate sacrifice. Are they soldiers? No. Marines ? No.

They are cops. State troopers, deputies, municipal police officers, federal agents. Every name on the elliptical walls—each placed without regard for rank, geography or title—gave you everything they had, to keep your community at peace and to keep your family free from harm. This is hallowed ground for American law enforcement. The National Law Enforcement Memorial. Someday, if you get the chance to visit Washington D.C., I implore you to take the time to go there. To stand there. To reflect on the peace and tranquility you enjoy there. And, to pray there.

I have visited this national memorial and have taken part in the ceremonies held there twice in my days as a state trooper and have seen the names of over 60; also engraved, on our own memorial at the Wyoming State Law Enforcement Academy, at Douglas. Three, were friends of mine. I am so proud to have known them. They gave my beloved Wyoming all they had. I often write of the valor of police officers in part, to honor these Wyoming sons and to honor the others I have known across the country who likewise saw a need, took the job and gave their lives to it. Completely.

Like Tina Kerbrat—the very first female Los Angeles Police Officer killed in the line of duty—she, a friend and the wife of a high school classmate who happened be a Los Angeles Firefighter. Tina was still in training when she was shot and killed.

Or Skip Fink, an Arizona state trooper who when last I saw him, had me laughing so hard I nearly had an accident. A wonderful and decent man who did not deserve to die. Yet he did so, for you. Hit from behind on a traffic stop by a drunk driver.

Or, Wyoming state trooper Chris Logsden—who when last we spoke, shared his love of flying with me—both of us pilots for hobby and cops, for fun, Chris, after locating a wrong-way driver about to collide with a school bus full of children, took evasive action and in doing so, crashed and was killed as his patrol car rolled. He is gone now and he is one of the thousands on that wall. Like Tina and Skip, Chris will live forever in name and in spirit. Heroes like these deserve eternal remembrance. As long as new, young heroes take the oath of office, those lost, live on forever.

May 15^th is National Police Memorial Day. Flags fly at half-staff on this day on government buildings and I pray, everywhere else where flags are flown. You will see police officers around the country wearing mourning ribbons across their badge. Now you will know why.

The week of May 15^th inclusive, is National Police Week. It is a time for honoring my former comrades. While I enjoy the comforting pension I receive for my service, they still patrol our streets, highways and alleys, still offer themselves as a thin blue line between you and the pervasive evil, greed and violent anger that exists in the society we all share.

I ask you to salute them. Thank them. Honor them—by simply obeying the law, offering a kind waive or handshake or, perhaps with a prayer. And on May 15^th, remember them all. Both those you can see and the many standing watch over us all.

In the warm and safe protection, of God.

Alternative Hose Job - And No Kiss

Did you ever feel like a victim? Slapped—without so much as a kiss? Overloaded, abused, kicked around and beaten like a rented mule?

Say hello to the Alternative Minimum Tax! This year for the first time—because finally; at our “distinguished ages,” myself and “Mrs G” have attained the enviable income level of “middle class.” We have no more little boys from whom we can glean a child tax credit and so instead, we get to be hosed an additional $1,400 above and beyond the tax tables provided in the tax booklet! All the while, we proudly pay for college to the tune of $20,000 per year—along with millions of other “middle income” folks in the same situation. Man….what a country! No wonder the democrats in congress keep fighting the repeal of this gold mine. IT’S FREE MONEY!

Once I realized I would be afforded this special opportunity to step up and pay more than my fair share—I just sat back on the couch and stared at my computer screen in utter disbelief. My first reaction, was, “Huh? What, the hell? I am certain these are words uttered ad nauseum, in the collective privacy of millions of homes. This, is this Alternative Minimum Tax. I silently wished I had back the 30 minutes or so it took to compute the boy’s limited, small tuition write-offs. What was the point?

So I researched. Apparently, instituted in the 1960s, this brainstorm was actually conceived in the spirit of fair play. Contrived so that the very wealthy having a myriad of tax write-offs they could take advantage of and in doing so, actually pay less tax than “normal folks,” they would still have to pay a “minimum amount.” And it worked—BACK THEN. The problem, was that it was never indexed for inflation, so that now, forty years later, middle income levels having approached what were then, high-income levels, now fall into the range where the AMT comes into play!

Now I am no accountant. I am not tax professional of any kind. I’m just a regular schmoe—a retired Wyoming state trooper as it happens, who picked another job after retirement. Hardly anything more than middle-class next-door neighbor material. I mow my own lawn and everything. And, in just one direction!

Well, wait a minute. How dare I! I am, after all, fortunate enough to be considered middle class nowadays. I should be proud, to pay an extra little tidbit, so that the less fortunate United States Government will not have to do without. After all, the Congress is people, too.

Among the many “Bush Tax Cuts” I was so proud to support, was a temporary raising of the income level to qualify for this tax, but it wasn’t raised nearly high enough. Now, if you approach $70,000 or so, stand by and be sure to do the worksheet provided—you may be next in line to see the hose monster magically come alive and chase you down! If they think I supported those tax cuts before; you ain’t seen nothing yet! Sign me up for the camp to completely abolish the AMT. What a rip off!

For now, I sit and lick my wounds from doing battle with the IRS tax forms for another year—stunned, that I work every year until April, to pay my taxes. Then, smiling in irony, I think back to a day not too long ago where my liberal-leaning son suggested higher taxes were a good thing—that people should have to give even more, to pay for all of the finer things our government wants to bring us.

So I tossed in some logic he could relate to. How would he like it, I asked, if, (as he usually gets straight “A” grades and works very hard to attain them) he had to give two of his “A”s every semester, back to the school. They would then give him a “C” and give those perfect grades to a less studious, less fortunate youngster who “deserved” their help. My son’s GPA would suffer a 20% hit. His 4 point would become a 3.2! Shouldn’t he feel thankful the school would use his grade to help someone they felt needed the help, more than he? After all, he already had plenty!

“That’s different!” He exclaimed.

“How so?” I asked, puzzled.

“Because I worked very hard, for those grades!”

“Indeed, my boy. Tell me about it.”

Wyoming's Castle Law - The Last Laugh they Hear

In the debate of the Castle Law currently being considered in our legislature, is the core question: Does the head of a household have the right to protect with deadly force if need be; his home, property or loved ones within. It amazes me that there would be anyone available to actually argue against this.

When in our nation’s history—much less Wyoming’s history—did we ever agree to acquiesce to the criminals among us? When did that happen? While in some circles of upper crust, liberal mindset it is true that some, have suggested that criminals are victims. That criminals are only evil, foul, violent and selfish—because our society has somehow dropped the ball and let them down. Hogwash!

The reason you, I, or most other folks have anything of value, precious artifacts we collect in our lifetimes and the human blessing in our lives—is because we’ve worked hard for them. Sacrificed for them. Waited for them. Earned them. Created them. For the most part, few of us had much more than the shirt on our backs when we started out making a life and acquiring those things of value to us. Now, some would argue, we must simply hand over these things—including the lives of our loved ones—to these poor, misunderstood souls. I don’t think so.

As a retired Wyoming state trooper, I once lived the life of a peace officer. A cop who, like other cops, understood all too well, the vial realities of the criminals among us here in Wyoming. Yes, we are few in population my friends and we all like to brag about keeping our doors unlocked to our homes and cars, because after all, Wyoming is such a friendly place. That is true. It is the most wondrous land in all of America in my opinion. But splash a little ice water in your face my neighbors—Wyoming—as good as it is—has no exemption from evil.

Understand clearly, that if you call 911 at 3 a.m. to report one of these animals forcibly breaking into your home while your children sleep just a few feet from the window you just heard get shattered, a police officer just a couple of miles away, will take precious minutes to respond. The intruder, will take but a few seconds, to find you all, kill you, steal your things and be gone—into the night. Yes—they are that bold, that fast and that ruthless.

And so now our legislature debates whether you should be allowed to defend your life and the lives of your family, against these thugs. Whether you should be required to bow down and surrender, at the feet of the evil and depraved living among us.

There are, living among you in virtually every tiny hamlet from Wamsutter to Casper; Story to Cheyenne and everything in between—very bad, very mean and very violent criminals who laugh, at the well-intentioned but far removed liberal judges, legislators and citizens who come to their defense. They are waiting; these self-gratifying parasites, laughing at us, as we argue this bill. They laugh also at the police, who must try to protect you when they cannot be in two places at once. They are waiting.

Please, contact your legislator and ask them where they stand on this issue and tell them that it is you—and your good, Wyoming neighbors—for whom the last laugh, is reserved.

A Straight beats 3-of-a-Kind

In the world of poker, there is a hierarchy of hands - the final collection cards one is left to play, after the deal or draw. There are essentially 9 possible collections, from high card to a Royal Flush; a nearly impossible hand to attain. Sometimes, a player needs to bet when he is unsure of the opponent's hands. Or, when he wishes he had a better hand. And, while every poker player wishes for a Royal Flush every time, they are quite rare. We usually win pots full of money, with hands as low as a Straight, much more a common man's hand. And, it beats 3-of-a-kind, every time.

In the presidential race, we are going to be left with a choice, baring an independent spoiler, of "3-of-a-kind," B. Hussein Obama or "Straight" shooter, John McCain. The primaries aren't over yet, but we all know that's whee it is going to end.

In Obama, we have 3-of-a-Kind, or 3 great traits. We have an excellent public speaker, motivator and by all measure, a simply exciting candidate to young, first time, perhaps less politically educated and mature voters. He moves them--that much is plain to see. The problem, is that no one seems to know to where, he moves them. No one, can tell me what, exactly, Obama has specifically stated he will do, to bring this "hope" into something tangible. Something we can see, touch, hear taste or even smell.

Will the promise of "hope," prevent more attacks on our homeland? Will "change" keep our borders secure? Will saying "yes we can," translate into "and we did.."? How? When? Where? Will plagiarizing the meaningless speeches of other, more experienced candidates for public office, keep the economy flowing and thriving?

All I hear, is an empty echo in the canyons. And, it's just my voice, bouncing back.

With McCain, what we have, is a Straight. Nothing pretty. With McCain, quite candidly, we have a not so good public speaker. In fact, to watch him read his "heartfelt" speeches in the teleprompter is maddening. But he is straight shooter--no wild cards. No jokers. This, is an honest man. We see a partially crippled hero, left scared and in pain, from years of torture, malnutrition and emotional stress one can only imagine, from his seven years in captivity as a prisoner of war. I physically hurt for him when I watch him try to lift his arms to waive at a crowd. This man gave up his very body and health and probably some lingering emotional troubles, for me, my family and my country. I owe him deference, for that alone.

That Obama did not serve in the military does not disqualify him. That he doesn't understand it, embrace it or support its mission, does. He has no business being Commander in Chief of the entire United States Military. His statements and actions tell us that. Not, his lack of service.

While I have been an ardent detractor of John McCain for his liberal bent in certain issues, I am pleased he has "gotten the message" about the borders and has pledged to secure them and not, grant amnesty to millions who did not respect our laws when they entered our nation. Moreover, he realized that securing our borders will help immensely in protecting us from terror.

In regard to tax cuts, not only has he seen and announced the error of his ways when he came out against them; he now supports and offers more in the future. How cool is that? Because of W's tax cuts our economy (up until very recently) thrived and it will again once we get past this bump. McCain has seen this and now embraces the concept of less tax, translating into more revenue for the government.

As to the awesome responsibility of the war against terror very much still in progress--only part of which having anything to do with Iraq--this is by far and away, the most important duty and responsibility of our president. John McCain gets this. John McCain isn't embarrassed by his patriotism and will wear a flag on his lapel, place his hand over his heart and proudly recite the pledge of allegiance along with the rest of us.

B Hussein Obama, left me doubting his patriotism in a huge way, by refusing the symbolism involved. His wife; our would-be first lady, up until one week ago, had never been proud to be an American! And, she repeated it twice more! The Obamas know nothing of the powerful emotion and drive of patriotism--nothing of symbolism--and B Hussein knows nothing of military tactics or keeping peace through power--other than to threaten to bomb our allies! That comment alone was frightening if not laughable in its ignorance. This man grew up in the age of entitlement - everything has always been peachy in America in his lifetime--with no threat from outside our borders of having it taken away.

John McCain grew up with full knowledge of the nuclear threat of the Soviet Union. At any time, that communist enemy could have attacked us and John McCain, chose to enlist in the United States Naval Academy an fly fighters in Viet Nam. He chose this service, knowing he might die in doing so--and nearly did. John McCain understands the threats against our peace and security all too well and is clearly ready and able to give the hardest orders imaginable--to send Americans into war for all the right reasons.

B Hussein Obama, hasn't got a clue. How could he?

Many of my friends know I was not for John McCain--I was a Fred Thompson supporter. When Fred stepped down, our choices were simple. An astute businessman; a Mayor; a former governor / bass player / preacher; and a senator, with crippling injuries, emotional scars, age and his very career in the sometimes failing United States senate all working against him--save for one, final, undeniable, abiding truth....

His valor. His selfless, tested courage while under painful, physical and emotional attack.

He won that battle. He deserves the big desk. He's earned it.

While not a Royal Flush and clearly not the Full House we all wanted, he is, an ace-high straight.

A Family Tradition

Today I received a text from Cameron, my youngest son - a freshman at the University of Wyoming. If I may brag a moment, he is brilliant and almost as good looking as his ol' man. He is as liberal as I am conservative and yet, somehow, we still love each other, complete with hugs - even if he sometimes tells me, "C'mon Dad, this is gay."

While he and I have had intense and heated debates - to the point where Mrs. Geeting was ready to throw ice water on us both and our Labrador Retreivers were howling - we still have the unqualified love of a father and son. God, I am so lucky.

Cody; a junior, is equally awesome, but this piece, is about his younger brother.

In his text, Cameron said, "Well, Dad, I think I just screwed myself out of an A. One of my teachers said today that 'most cops are racists.' I called bullshit to defend your honor and soon, she and the whole class, were on me."

It is popular, he said, to be against the cops these days and suddenly, it was a shark frenzie - all of them against me. I know you once told me just to agree with my professors - no matter how ludicrous they are - and this was a dumbass thing to do. I did it anyway.

Having been the victim of a professor with a chip, I learned that lesson years and years ago, only after it cost me dearly. "Stand for something later, I told him, after you have the degree! Until then, be meek, mild and sheepish, but hold your principles tightly. Quietly, but tightly."

And that, was just like my dad; he, a cop in Los Angeles, told me. So, when my professor called cops, "pigs," I blew my stack and defended my dad's honor - just like my own son. I completely disregarded my dad's council and told that professor just what I though of his opinions. He, then, with the power of the pen, suddenly found a way to award me a C, when my work had been spot on and perfect.

If this is the result of my son standing up for me - his complete disregard of my council - I will hug him tightly and kiss him and he, will call it "gay." Then, I will tell him I love him and like my dad, I will welcome him to a long line of proud Dutch - German men and women, who share something very, very special.

The name, Geeting.

People, who against some good advice, will always stand for something...

THE GOOD GUYS!