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!