Happy New Year and Other Stuff

It's New Years Eve, 2009. Have you made any resolutions? If you're like me and a billion others, you probably have made a few that will last about a week. My resolutions this year include more time in The Word and continue with my fitness regimen. I'm satisfied with everything else. Spending more time in The Word will improve the soul, mind, and spirit, and the fitness regimen will improve the body. I'm not looking to get "pumped up," but rather just keep things healthy as I get older. As it says, "What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (1 COR 6:19-20) This temple cost our Lord a lot, so I'm merely doing preventive maintenance.

Nevertheless, as 2010 approaches in just a few hours, I can't help but contemplate what the new decade will bring. Yes, a new decade! It's funny, because I have yet to hear anyone mention the new decade. I pray that the American people will wake up and create some REAL changes in the House and Senate. I was never interested in politics on any level until this last presidential election. Since then I have become interested. The battle cry has been, "Change!" Frankly, we DON'T need change! The Constitution has worked quite well since our country started operating under it on March 4, 1789. We need to right the wrongs and fix what has gone amiss. Do that and it will become apparent that no real change is needed. Furthermore, what is wrong with the Ten Commandments or looking to the Bible? If the atheists don't like it, then too bad. Why should they feel threatened by something they don't believe in? I don't believe in Santa Claus, but you don't see me trying to get laws passed to keep him away. As for the Ten Commandments, just look at what they say. Even if I weren't a believer, I would feel they are an excellent guideline for day-to-day living. If people lived by just those, there would be fewer problems.

And since I'm ranting, those "individuals" that complain about Christmas trees in government buildings need to get real. To begin with, the government is NOT promoting or endorsing any religion. They're just allowing a Christmas tree to be placed in a place where people will enjoy it. Look at the statistics and you will see that the MAJORITY of those people want the tree, and the MAJORITY of those are Christians of some sort. At what point did the motto become, "The wants and whining of the few outweigh the desires and beliefs of the MAJORITY."?

Another thing that has my shorts in a bunch is how they are trying to afford protection under the Constitution for the terrorist that tried to bring down that plane recently. The Constitution, which I served in the Army to defend, was written for Americans by Americans. Just read what it says, "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." It does NOT say, "We the people of Nigeria . . ." He is not a citizen, so he is NOT entitled to the same protection under our laws. Apparently our leaders have forgotten this.

And finally, an update on my "conflict" with Walmart. They have not made restitution. As anticipated, the store manager, Tom Statum, passed the buck to one of his underlings. The fellow called me a few nights ago and acted as though he didn't have a clue. In fact, he even accused me of writing the president of Walmart. I must have a label on my forehead that reads, "ACCUSE ME FALSELY." The gentleman in question said he would send me a refund via mail, but I have yet to receive anything from him or the Walmart Corporation. I sent them another message today through their system, so we will have to see what happens. I will keep you posted on this.

Anyway, in closing, I want to wish everyone a Very Happy and Blessed New Year. Keep in mind that "change" is NOT the answer, but rather remember what it says in Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and for ever."

The Day After: My Rant against Walmart

Ah yes, the day after Christmas. This is usually the day when people return the unwanted or ill-fitting items to whence they came. Chances are they will return most of those items to a Walmart store since they are the largest retailer on the face of the planet. Frankly, I, for one, detest Walmart. Yes, it's sad that I shop there considering how much I detest them, but that's the nature of the beast. They're convenient, affordable, and have what I need under one roof. However, they are also crooks! Let me share with you my experience in the Madison, AL Walmart.

On December 10, 2009, I spent $290.42 there. I chose to shop there because I like it better than the other Walmart stores in the area. My experience on that date was very negative. The checkout clerk, Tommy (with the two earrings and cell-phone), scrutinized every item I was purchasing and not paying attention to his job. He made either snide remarks or questioned why I was buying said items. After bagging the last item, he shut off his light and walked away. I had to load the cart myself. When I expressed my concerns to the Customer Service Manager, she told me, "Oh, he's young, just barely 18." When I was eighteen, I was in the Army. That's why they need to bring back the draft! Anyway, she walked away not bothering to address my concerns!

When I got home, I went over my receipt and compared it with what I had. I was upset to see that Tommy had charged me twice for a turkey and twice for ant bait. Since it was late, I chose not to return or call the store. The next morning I called the store and explained what had happened. They told me, "There's nothing we can do about it." I asked to speak with the manager and was put on hold for twenty minutes! Someone came on and said, "Who are you holding for?" I said, "The manager." The individual said, "He's not here," and hung up!

I sent a letter to the store manager, Tom Statum and explained what had happened. I even included a copy of the receipt highlighting the errors made by Tommy that totaled $18.18 less tax. That was on December 13. I have NOT heard anything from him; not even a postcard acknowledging my letter. Apparently he does not care if the clerks are "ripping off" the customers. I used Walmart's online system to lodge a complaint, but I have not heard from them either. I do not want an apology or phone call. All I want is the money that I gave to Walmart for items I did not receive.

So, have you had a similar experience? Walmart is big, but so was Goliath. They are not invulnerable. If enough people voice their concerns and stop shopping there for one day, one week, or even one month, it will hit them where they live. Think about it the next time you are going through the checkout and paying for their substandard wares.

Merry Christmas

Well, it's Christmas morning 2009. It's interesting how Christmas has changed over the past fifty years for me. I was raised with the firm belief and understanding that Christmas was a celebration of the birthday of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. However, it has since changed. We can't say "Merry Christmas" lest we offend someone. Regardless if you believe in Jesus Christ or not, it does not change the fact that Christmas is Christmas. If it were not for Jesus Christ, there would not be a Christmas. December 25 would merely be another day. So, Merry Christmas to everyone regardless your race, creed, religion, or whatever! If you don't like it, then find another blog to read, because I acknowledge Christmas here!!!

Let the Comments Begin

It seems the whole world has something to say about everything, so I figured I'd jump on the bandwagon. I have thoughts and feelings on many subjects, but I don't believe that I'm the only one who thinks and feels the way I do . . . contrary to popular belief. Because of this, I have decided to start my own blog where I will post on everything from Harley Davidson motorcycles to my faith in Jesus to political incorrectness. You're apt to find anything here.

Since I am just getting started, it will take some time to figure out how to do this "blog thing." So bear with me while I get set up and start posting. Comments are encouraged, but keep the verbiage clean and the "hate speech" to a minimum. Selah.