tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77063139562428305482024-03-18T21:42:12.213-05:00Whiskey. Tango. Foxtrot.The often random musings of Chris from Racine.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.comBlogger369125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-89921319593442676742014-04-29T15:45:00.001-05:002014-04-29T16:41:16.078-05:00Voter DisenfranchisementWell my friends, it's happened. Wisconsin's Voter ID law has been <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/04/29/federal-judge-strikes-down-wisconsin-voter-id-law/?intcmp=latestnews">struck down</a>. Quite frankly, I'm not very surprised given that our judges have been doing their damndest to steer Wisconsin slightly left of California. No, I'm not surprised...I'm pissed. <br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.5px;">U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman sided with opponents of the law, who argued that low-income and minority voters aren't as likely to have photo IDs or the documents needed to get them.</span></blockquote>
This is SUCH a load of male bovine excrement. If that is the case, then pray tell HOW do said low-income and minority folks accomplish anything? As we well know, a valid ID is needed to:<br />
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<li>Drive</li>
<li>Apply for a job</li>
<li>Get prescriptions</li>
<li>Get certain OTC medications</li>
<li>Transact in pawn shops</li>
<li>Pick up a letter from the post office</li>
<li>Mail a package </li>
<li>Acquire a fishing/hunting license</li>
<li>Board an airline</li>
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The list goes on and on and on. But wait CFR!!! Low-income and minority citizens don't DO some of those things, do they? Well, I don't know about that, but I DO know that one needs a valid ID to do the following:</div>
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<li>Apply for/receive welfare</li>
<li>Receive unemployment</li>
<li>Apply for/receive food stamps</li>
<li>Qualify for government assisted housing</li>
<li>Qualify for/receive Medicare</li>
<li>Cash a check.</li>
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As a matter of fact, in North Carolina just a few short weeks ago, the NAACP was holding a protest against Voter ID laws. And guess what one needed in order to participate? You guessed it! <a href="http://dailycaller.com/2014/02/08/naacp-requires-marchers-protesting-north-carolina-voter-id-law-to-show-photo-id/">A VALID ID.</a> </div>
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Striking down this law has nothing to do with the disenfranchisement of low-income and minority voters. If that were the case, then why does just about everything we do in our everyday life require a valid ID? This action has everything to do with the disenfranchisement of all LEGAL voters - not just in Wisconsin, but across the country. For every vote a dead person casts, your vote is obliterated. For every ballot cast by someone who has voted in another county or state, my ballot is negated. </div>
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I'm sure Wisconsin hasn't seen the end of this fight, for it is a fight for the very integrity of the election process in this country.</div>
Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-56909506851644818082014-03-29T08:49:00.000-05:002014-03-29T18:06:17.306-05:00Bite Me™ GwynethMost of you have already heard about Gwyneth Paltrow's condescending comments about how difficult it is to be a movie star mom. To refresh your memory, here it is:<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f4f4f4; color: #222222; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25.5px;">"I think it's different when you have an office job, because it's routine and, you know, you can do all the stuff in the morning and then you come home in the evening," she said. "When you're shooting a movie, they're like, 'We need you to go to Wisconsin for two weeks,' and then you work 14 hours a day and that part of it is very difficult. I think to have a regular job and be a mom is not as, of course there are challenges, but it's not like being on set."</span></blockquote>
As many of you know, I am a working mom. Admittedly, it's easier now that the Boy is pretty self-sufficient. I do, however, remember the earlier days. They went something like this:<br />
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I would wake the Boy up and make breakfast, make sure he had all his stuff in his backpack (he IS a boy after all - his organizational skills left something to be desired...and STILL do) and get him off to school (cuz, ya know, I didn't have a nanny). In between that, I would shower and get ready for work.<br />
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Off to work I go. During my lunch hour, I would usually run errands (cuz, ya know, I didn't have a personal assistant) then wolf down my lunch with whatever time I had left. Back to work I go. Of course if the Boy got sick, I would have to LEAVE my job to care for him (cuz, ya know, that no nanny thing). I can't tell you how many days of PTO I had to use for doctors appointments, a sick kid, whatever. And I'm very fortunate I HAD PTO. Many don't. Those of us who live in the real world know these things.<br />
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Then off to pick him up from day care. With no nannies on staff, we regular people have to pay outrageous amounts of money to have someone look after their children while we finish our work day. After work I cooked dinner (cuz, ya know, no personal chef in my house), cleaned up and then settled in to coax and argue the kid into doing his homework. By the time we were done and he got showered and in bed, it was usually about 9:30. Add to that cleaning, doing laundry and all those pesky little responsibilities that fall on us common folk with no household staff. <br />
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And THAT, my friends, is with only one child. Many parents have to juggle more than one. And as they get older some get into sports, after school clubs, what have you. So you juggle those schedules as well.<br />
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Yep - being a working mother (as opposed to a "movie star") is a breeze! I'm so glad she pointed that out! How silly of me to think that she had it so easy! In closing, I have one thing to say...<br />
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BITE ME™ Gwyneth!<br />
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Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-84000861352519467412014-01-18T19:11:00.000-06:002014-01-18T20:01:13.033-06:00Lone Survivor - A ReviewI'm not really a movie person. I don't go to the movies for a few reasons. First, it's outrageously expensive. I know good and well that I'll be able to see it for free or minimal cost soon enough, and there's usually nothing important enough to me to necessitate paying movie prices. Secondly, I have a hard time sitting for 2+ hours without the benefit of a pause button. I just don't have the attention span. Thirdly, and most importantly, inevitably there will be someone who needs a good smack upside the head. In case you are unaware, I'm not much of a people person. ;)<br />
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Having said that, I've seen a multitude of interviews with people involved with Lone Survivor. The actors, the families of the brave men who gave their lives in that mission, and the Lone Survivor himself. Based on those interviews, I decided to see it. I experienced quite a few emotions, but surprisingly the one that is most prominent is anger.<br />
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There was nothing remotely political about this film, contrary to what some liberal "reviewers" would say. It was the story about a mission that went bad and the brotherhood of the men involved. It was very well done, with no political over OR undertones whatsoever. What I took from the story was how incredibly brave and loyal these men were. They fought, and when they were backed into a corner they fought harder. When it seemed they couldn't fight anymore, they continued. The bonds displayed were awe inspiring. The mental, physical and emotional strength demonstrated was beyond imagination. It was humbling to watch.<br />
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Now - to the anger. In what was the pivotal scene in the movie for me...the scene in which "the decision" was made...I saw the pussification of our armed forces. It had nothing whatsoever to do with the men - it had to do with how the MSM has such influence as to water down our rules of engagement overseas. The character even called one particular "news" outlet out by name. SPOILER ALERT! They discussed the rules of engagement, the fact that there were patriots who were in Leavenworth as a result of doing what these men and women are TRAINED to do, and went back and forth about how the headlines would read should they make certain decisions.<br />
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My friends - this is BULLSHIT!!!! The fact that the pussy assed media in this country can influence life and death decisions overseas is wrong...WRONG!!!! HOW many of our men and women have died because they have to stop and think rather than just acting on instinct? Seconds can mean the difference between living and dying. These brave warriors should NOT have to wonder whether or not they will be prosecuted. They should NOT have to worry about what headlines will be splattered on the masses. They should worry about one thing and one thing only - doing their jobs. That's it. Nothing else should enter into the equation. As I was pondering the movie on the drive home, I got angrier and angrier. Some might not even catch the reference in the movie, but it really hit home for me. <br />
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I humbly thank the men and women who serve and have served this once great country. And I pray to the Lord above that it's not too late to save her.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-6392720748658005962013-09-11T06:00:00.000-05:002013-09-11T06:00:01.172-05:00Never ForgetI realize I haven't been posting and I'm hoping to rectify that. In the meantime, I cannot let this day go by without a tribute. <br />
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God Bless the victims, their families, and ALL the troops who have and are defending this country. I pray for you all.</div>
Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-78448150683433893492013-02-06T20:57:00.000-06:002013-02-06T21:24:17.679-06:00Well Hell.Well my friends, I have been reminded Oh So Kindly from the <a href="http://olbroad.com/">Ol' Broad</a> that I haven't posted since...well...last year.<br />
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Those of you have been facebook friends or have read this obscure blog for awhile might remember that two years ago we had an<a href="http://chrisfromracine.blogspot.com/2011/02/thank-you-for-miracle.html"> issue with my father-in-law</a>. Thankfully, everything turned out well. That time. He is once again ill and any prayers or good thoughts would be welcome.</div>
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Combined with that is the death of someone I called my brother. It was very sudden and very unexpected. AB was - well - something else. He was larger than life. That man lived a life one wouldn't be able to imagine, except he was SUCH a good story teller that you felt like you were there with him. He was a man who was a tough sonofabitch on the outside, but a big ol' teddy bear on the inside. He will be missed - by SO many. He touched SOOOO many lives. Mine included. </div>
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God Bless You Steven R. Fucking Hering (those who know, know). You will always be AB to me. Rest in peace my friend and know that we love and miss you. </div>
Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-24992808948624221802012-12-25T00:05:00.000-06:002012-12-25T00:05:55.665-06:00Merry Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here's wishing everyone a Blessed Christmas</span></div>
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Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-41393521024421009152012-12-14T17:16:00.000-06:002012-12-14T17:16:31.961-06:00Tragedy in Newtown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The shooting in Newtown, Connecticut today seems more tragic than most as it involves young children. As I was watching the coverage while at work today, I couldn't help but shed tears. None of us know enough about the particulars to make any judgments except that the loss of life is horrific. What PISSES me off is that <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/12/14/Menino-gun-control">people</a> are already <a href="http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Government/2012/12/14/Bloomberg-politicizes-shooting">politicizing</a> this massacre. To be sure, I have a definite opinion on gun control and I may or may not get into it here, but not now. Not today.</div>
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For the moment, can we PLEASE keep politics out of this devastating tragedy and keep our hearts and our prayers on the victims and their loved ones? Is that even possible in this day and age?</div>
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Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-74663710377489135712012-12-13T20:16:00.000-06:002012-12-13T20:16:03.975-06:00Screw the War on ChristiansThis is one of my absolute favorites. It gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.<div>
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It's the reason for the season.</div>
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Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-4998555912900633452012-12-11T06:14:00.000-06:002012-12-11T06:14:43.660-06:00Bears v. Packers - Food Pantry FootballWell my friends, it's that time again. What time you ask? Well, my friend <a href="http://www.bootsandsabers.com/index.php/weblog/permalink/packers_vs._bears_food_pantry_football">Wendy</a> and I started a little tradition awhile back...Food Pantry Football. As you may know, this weekend the Bears will be playing the Packers. To make the game even MORE fun, I, as a Bears fan, commit to donate one non-perishable food item to a local food pantry for every point my team scores. Wendy will do the same for each point that other team scores. We encourage you to join in and make that commitment. As more and more people are in need of assistance, our food pantries are suffering. This is a fun, easy way to help your community as the holiday season grows near. <br />
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Let's hope for a HIGH scoring game, and GO BEARS!!!!<br />
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<br />Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-73031884038861630992012-12-03T12:12:00.000-06:002012-12-03T12:12:56.944-06:00Visiting the Elder & Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In <a href="http://chrisfromracine.blogspot.com/2012/01/elder-update.html">this</a> post I shared the good news the the Elder was done with his first tour of Afghanistan, and was back home (in Germany) with TSC and Wiggleworm. Well my friends, I'm happy to share even better news - they're back on American soil! They are stationed in the good old U S of A for now. Naturally, I couldn't WAIT to see them...after all, it had been over two and a half years! I practiced an amazing feat of self-restraint and let them settle in a bit before I descended upon them. Early last month I got a chance to spend a few days with my lovely family.</div>
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Mommy & Daddy with Wiggleworm</div>
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He's grown up SOOO much!</div>
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Grape scented bubbles :)</div>
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Will you LOOK at those eyelashes</div>
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Grandma Crazy and Wiggleworm</div>
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To say that I enjoyed this visit would be a gross understatement. My little Wiggleworm is, dare I say, the cutest damned kid EVAH...such a joy to be around. And the Elder & TSC are such awesome parents. I can't WAIT to go visit them again...and I'm determined to do so as soon as it's feasible with my work & home schedule. I'd like to get at least one more visit in before the Elder deploys again. The only consolation to that is TSC and Wiggleworm will remain in the States. </div>
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Again I thank you for all the prayers you sent while he was deployed and they were overseas. I hope these pictures bring at least a little smile to your face. :)</div>
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Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-79090388282842352952012-11-30T21:14:00.001-06:002012-11-30T21:14:41.175-06:00The PaintingI know there's a lot going on, and I will speak on much of that later. This is a very personal post.<br />
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When I was a child, my family belonged to Grace Lutheran Church in Bensenville, IL. My mother was VERY involved in the church. If there was a committee, it seemed she was on it. Sunday school? Of COURSE she was a teacher. It was an integral part of her life. In fact, when my brother, sister and I all had chicken pox at the same time, I remember the pastor coming over. Whether that was to talk to her about church business or keep her from killing us, I'll never know. ;)<br />
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When Mom drowned in 1976, it truly sent shock waves throughout the community. Since she was not only involved in church, but also in girl scouts, boy scouts, the PTA, etc., MANY people knew her. I vaguely remember there being lines outside of the funeral home. So many came to pay their respects.<br />
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I have a dim memory of someone in the church painting a portrait of Mom not too long after that. It's a very hazy memory. I once asked some family members about it, and they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. I chalked it up to the false memory of an 11 year old child. We moved shortly after that and joined a different church.<br />
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Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. A bunch of friends who I've reconnected with from my childhood got together to watch football and to celebrate a birthday. In an attempt to make a long story short, the birthday girl's sister-in-law just happens to be the daughter of the pastor from my childhood. In talking with her it turns out that not only does the painting exist, it's still hanging in the church. It also turns out that it's not just my mom in the painting, it's also my brother, my sister (who is also no longer with us) and me. While the painting belongs to the church, I was able to go down to the church to take some pictures. To say that was emotional is an understatement. The painting, in my opinion doesn't quite depict the beauty of my mom, but that's not the point. That it was "discovered" after several decades - PRICELESS.<br />
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My friends - I cannot even begin to express how much this means to me. A shout out to Vanessa for not only the connection, but for being right beside me when I saw the Bible verse and broke down.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-54789606481179815742012-11-11T09:00:00.001-06:002012-11-11T09:00:35.503-06:00Veterans Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Thank you to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country.</h3>
Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-6082630003001413002012-10-10T11:17:00.000-05:002012-10-10T11:17:44.634-05:00A Letter from the CEOThis is a letter written by David Seigel, CEO of Westgate Resorts, to his employees. I normally don't post something like this in its entirety, but this is good. It's a rather long read, but it sums up what just ONE business owner is dealing with. And you know there are likely plenty more out there.<br />
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<em>Subject: Message from David Siegel</em><br />
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<em>Date:Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:58:05 -0400 (EDT)</em></div>
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<em>From: [David Siegel]</em></div>
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<em>To: [All employees]</em></div>
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<em>To All My Valued Employees,As most of you know our company, Westgate Resorts, has continued to succeed in spite of a very dismal economy. There is no question that the economy has changed for the worse and we have not seen any improvement over the past four years. In spite of all of the challenges we have faced, the good news is this: The economy doesn't currently pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is another 4 years of the same Presidential administration. Of course, as your employer, I can't tell you whom to vote for, and I certainly wouldn't interfere with your right to vote for whomever you choose. In fact, I encourage you to vote for whomever you think will serve your interests the best. </em></div>
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<em>I started this company over 42 years ago. At that time, I lived in a very modest home. I converted my garage into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company, which by the way, would eventually employ you. We didn't eat in fancy restaurants or take expensive vacations because every dollar I made went back into this company. I drove an old used car, and often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business — hard work, discipline, and sacrifice. Meanwhile, many of my friends got regular jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a nice income, and they spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into this business —-with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford to buy whatever I wanted. Even to this day, every dime I earn goes back into this company. Over the past four years I have had to stop building my dream house, cut back on all of my expenses, and take my kids out of private schools simply to keep this company strong and to keep you employed.</em></div>
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<em>Just think about this – most of you arrive at work in the morning and leave that afternoon and the rest of your time is yours to do as you please. But not me- there is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have that freedom. I eat, live, and breathe this company every minute of the day, every day of the week. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. I know many of you work hard and do a great job, but I'm the one who has to sign every check, pay every expense, and make sure that this company continues to succeed. Unfortunately, what most people see is the nice house and the lavish lifestyle. What the press certainly does not want you to see, is the true story of the hard work and sacrifices I've made.</em></div>
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<em>Now, the economy is falling apart and people like me who made all the right decisions and invested in themselves are being forced to bail out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed 42 years of my life for. Yes, business ownership has its benefits, but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds. Unfortunately, the costs of running a business have gotten out of control, and let me tell you why: We are being taxed to death and the government thinks we don't pay enough. We pay state taxes, federal taxes, property taxes, sales and use taxes, payroll taxes, workers compensation taxes and unemployment taxes. I even have to hire an entire department to manage all these taxes. The question I have is this: Who is really stimulating the economy? Is it the Government that wants to take money from those who have earned it and give it to those who have not, or is it people like me who built a company out of his garage and directly employs over 7000 people and hosts over 3 million people per year with a great vacation?</em></div>
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<em>Obviously, our present government believes that taking my money is the right economic stimulus for this country. The fact is, if I deducted 50 percent of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? Who wants to get rewarded only 50 percent of their hard work? Well, that's what happens to me.</em></div>
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<em>Here is what most people don't understand and the press and our Government has chosen to ignore — to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Instead of raising my taxes and depositing that money into the Washington black-hole, let me spend it on growing the company, hire more employees, and generate substantial economic growth. My employees will enjoy the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But that is not what our current Government wants you to believe. They want you to believe that it somehow makes sense to take more from those who create wealth and give it to those who do not, and somehow our economy will improve. They don't want you to know that the "1%", as they like to label us, pay more than 31% of all the taxes in this country. Thomas Jefferson, the author of our great Constitution, once said, "democracy" will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."</em></div>
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<em>Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate business, not kill it. However, the power brokers in Washington believe redistributing wealth is the essential driver of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change they want.</em></div>
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<em>So where am I going with all this? It's quite simple. If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, as our current President plans, I will have no choice but to reduce the size of this company. Rather than grow this company I will be forced to cut back. This means fewer jobs, less benefits and certainly less opportunity for everyone.</em></div>
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<em>So, when you make your decision to vote, ask yourself, which candidate understands the economics of business ownership and who doesn't? Whose policies will endanger your job? Answer those questions and you should know who might be the one capable of protecting and saving your job. While the media wants to tell you to believe the "1 percenters" are bad, I'm telling you they are not. They create most of the jobs. If you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the "1%"; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country.</em></div>
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<em>You see, I can no longer support a system that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, so will your opportunities. If that happens, you can find me in the Caribbean sitting on the beach, under a palm tree, retired, and with no employees to worry about.</em></div>
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<em>Signed, your boss,</em></div>
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<em>David Siegel</em></div>
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Any questions?<span style="display: none;"><em> </em></span></div>
Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-65841424014014951112012-09-11T05:54:00.000-05:002012-09-11T05:54:10.669-05:00I Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-26979611558318143012012-09-05T20:16:00.000-05:002012-09-05T20:16:22.677-05:00Food Pantry FootballThe Bears play the Packers one week from tomorrow. My friend <a href="http://bootsandsabers.com/">Wendy</a> and I have found a way to make this rivalry benefit many. As you know, I am a Bears fan. Wendy is a Packers fan (along with most others I know around these parts - it's a rough life I tell ya). Soooo, Bears fans - for each point we score, please donate one item to your local food pantry. Packers fans - for each point the Pack scores, please do the same. Our food pantries are suffering these days, and with the price of food rising as a result of the drought I fear it will not get better soon, so you don't have to limit your donation to one item per point. If I'm not mistaken, both Wendy and I donated an item for total points scored last season.<br />
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Please join in - it really DOES make the game a little more fun, especially if it's a high scoring game! <br />
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Thanks! And <span style="font-size: large;"><b>GO BEARS!!!</b></span>Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-8460575651523711292012-09-04T09:53:00.001-05:002012-09-04T09:53:05.100-05:00EXCLUSIVE: WTMJ Blew It. I've often criticized WTMJ for some of their personnel decisions. Yes, I know, they make their decisions for their own reasons, but keeping listeners happy doesn't seem to be taken into account. I believe the most egregious lapse in judgment on the part of the station was letting <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jtharris2">James T. Harris</a> go to Tucson. In a way, I guess I understand their thinking...after all, the station is a pretty bland, vanilla type station, and James T. was a VERY outspoken voice. His personality is a little larger than life and though that may have frightened the powers that be, many of us LOVED the refreshing difference. His style of conservatism was a breath of fresh air in a sea of rather staid voices.<br />
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James got an opportunity at <a href="http://www.1041thetruth.com/">104.1 The Truth</a>...weekdays from 10-12 (12-2 central time). He ROCKED it. So much so, that as you read this, they are announcing that our friend, James T. Harris, is starting his gig at DRIVE TIME!!! He will be on 3-6 p.m. (5-8 central time) weekdays. I want to be the first to say<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>CONGRATULATIONS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>FROM</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: xx-large;">WISCONSIN</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I'm am tickled pink for him. Milwaukee's loss is most definitely Tucson's gain. Make us proud.......nevermind. You already have. :)<br />
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Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-90190982828942682292012-08-13T08:51:00.000-05:002012-08-13T08:51:23.798-05:00Field of HonorI had the privilege, and I use that word quite literally, of attending the<a href="http://starsandstripeshonorflight.org/events.php"> Field of Honor event</a> at Miller Park on Saturday. A record breaking crowd attended...no really...Guiness was on hand and confirmed that we set the world record for a feature length movie premier. The previous record was 27, 022 people. Over 28,400 were in attendance on Saturday. That was just icing on the cake.<br />
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Friends, I'm not sure I have words to describe this event. When I read about it or try to tell people about it, I can't help but get choked up. MANY tears were shed. We were there to see the world premier of the movie Honor Flight and more importantly, to honor our World War II veterans. The movie is a documentary about how the Stars & Stripes Honor Flight came to be. In this process, two WWII veterans became key players. Their stories, along with a few others, are highlighted in this film. And what stories they have to tell.<br />
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Every Day is a Bonus. This phrase was coined by PFC Joe Demler a/k/a the Human Skeleton, pictured above, who was captured by enemy forces during the Battle of the Bulge. I won't be so presumptuous as to tell his story, but suffice it to say that he was in attendance at Miller Park for the event to honor his service. I thank you sir.<br />
<br />
And then there was Harvey Kurz. A loveable, prolific flirt who nonetheless is madly in love with his wife, this brave man fought at Iwo Jima. And yet he does not think of himself as a hero. In his words, the ones who didn't come back are heroes. Word to Harvey - YOU are a hero.<br />
<br />
There were several others profiled in the film. You can't help but fall in love with these men. In their eyes, their country called them up, they did their duty, and then returned home to resume their lives. Nothing more, nothing less. Their humility is astounding. They really do NOT understand our gratitude for guaranteeing every one of us...you, me, our parents, our children, our grandchildren, and on and on and on - the freedoms that we take for granted in this beautiful country. It was their sacrifice that allowed us to live in freedom. They truly are the greatest generation.<br />
<br />
My friends - I've never experienced anything like the atmosphere that enveloped Miller Park on Saturday. When the Color Guard came out, there were 28,000+ in the stadium and yet you could have heard a pin drop. It was an atmosphere of complete and total awe and respect. <br />
<br />
I suppose I could go on and on about the experience, but unless you were there, you really won't get it. I just want to take this opportunity to say thank you to all of those who made this event possible. I urge all of you to see the move Honor Flight...not only will you not be disappointed, I dare say you won't be the same after. I seriously doubt there was a dry eye in the stadium...before, during or after the movie.<br />
<br />
And most of all, a heartfelt thank you to the WWII vets, and those who have served and continue to serve this great country. There are no words to express my gratitude to you. You are ALL heroes.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-18054962027583582722012-08-03T08:40:00.000-05:002012-08-03T08:40:06.198-05:00Fast Food FarceI didn’t think I was going to post on this issue, but I simply had to vent. I won’t be including links in this post because this is merely an opinion piece.
This whole Chick-fil-A business has, in my opinion, gotten out of hand. <br />
<br />
Racine has Southeastern Wisconsin’s only Chick-fil-A restaurant which is located in Regency Mall. I normally don’t patronize the establishment because 1) I don’t do malls, and 2) if I’m having fast food for lunch it usually involves a drive-thru. On August 1, however, I got my butt in gear and went to the mall to participate in the Chick-fil-A appreciation event. I stood in line for 45 minutes for a yummy chicken sandwich and waffle fries.
<br />
<br />
Now, many would have you believe that this was an anti-gay movement. Others would have you believe that it was a stand against same sex marriage. While that may be true for some, it had nothing whatsoever to do with why I and many of those I spoke to were there. For me, and for those around me, this was about supporting the First Amendment protection of freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Sure there were some ignorant bigots amongst the hundreds and hundreds of people standing in line. Overall, it was a very friendly bunch of people who were supporting one man’s first amendment rights.
<br />
<br />
Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-fil-A, said in an interview that he believes in the biblical definition of marriage. He most certainly has the right to believe what he wants, and to express those beliefs. If you don’t like it, don’t patronize the restaurants. Easy, right? Well, not so much. In a knee jerk reaction to Mr. Cathy expressing his views (which were well known for quite some time), politicians across the country decided to spout off and state that they would do what they could to (illegally) ban franchises from opening up in their city/district/ward.
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<br />
Think about that friends. A person in authority deciding that because he/she doesn’t agree with someone else’s beliefs, they will “punish” the offender. That’s quite frightening and doesn’t sound like the United States of America I know and love. Not only that, these are privately owned franchises. Is it okay to make one individual suffer because of the words of another?
<br />
<br />
I understand that various LGBT groups are staging a “counter protest” today – they’re calling it a kiss-in. To those participating I say this…if it’s as peaceful and courteous as the appreciation day was, more power to you.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-22287627264664525322012-07-20T07:59:00.000-05:002012-07-20T08:02:43.283-05:00Colorado Movie Theater Massacre - First thoughtsBy now I'm sure you've all heard about the <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/07/20/several-reportedly-dead-injured-after-shooting-at-colorado-movie-theater/">Colorado Movie Theater Massacre</a> which so far left 12 dead and 50 injured. I realize that everything we're seeing and hearing on the news are preliminary reports, and that much more information will be shared as the investigation continues. These are just a few initial thoughts that popped into my head while driving to work.<br />
<br />
First of all, this was not the usual massacre (if ANY massacre can be labeled "usual") in that the alleged shooter did not blow himself away or commit suicide by cop. This guy was captured, is in custody, and reportedly talking to the authorities. Could it be that we'll actually be able to bring the person responsible for this unfathomable crime to justice? Hear the reasoning behind it? One can only hope.<br />
<br />
Secondly, in this day and age, how in the world did someone get into a movie theater with the following:<br />
<ul>
<li>A gas mask</li>
<li>A bullet proof vest</li>
<li>At least two cannisters of tear gas (or some sort of gas)</li>
<li>Two handguns</li>
<li>One rifle</li>
</ul>
Seriously? Fortunately, since they were expecting large crowds for this movie premier, they had police around to handle any crowd control issues that may arise. I believe this is the reason the gunman was captured. But HOW was he able to get into the theater armed to the teeth? I imagine answers will be forthcoming.<br />
<br />
I heard a report that one of the injured was a 3 month old baby. This is wrong on SO many levels! What the HELL kind of parents/guardians would bring an infant to a midnight premier? a) it's a very LOUD action movie - infants should not be exposed to that level of noise; and b) it's FREAKIN' MIDNIGHT!!! Were these parents actually that selfish that they brought their child to the movie because they couldn't find a babysitter? I hope child protective services takes a look at this.<br />
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Friends, my heart is heavy. The world is a very scary place. Usually we go to the movies to escape the outside world with its many atrocities. The fact is, there is nowhere we can go and be truly safe. We hear of shootings in restaurants, places of employment, schools, malls, and now this. <br />
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These are sad, sad times. Sigh.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-41295412980468032012-06-17T08:53:00.001-05:002012-06-17T08:53:18.855-05:00Happy Father's Day<div style="text-align: center;">
To all the dads out there</div>
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<br /></div>Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-24681297620782779022012-06-07T08:19:00.000-05:002012-06-07T08:19:36.009-05:00It's The End Of The World As We Know It!!!Well, according to this dude it is...<br />
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<script src="http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?height=326&video_pcode=Q2cHA61kNSkkZTQQ6grpeuAc28Oq&deepLinkEmbedCode=c5aGV5NDoA6ce1rjC1bw0mS3Rsg--pIY&embedCode=c5aGV5NDoA6ce1rjC1bw0mS3Rsg--pIY&width=580">
</script><br />
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Seriously people??? I'm guessing it's people like him who are also responsible for <a href="http://twitchy.com/2012/06/06/kill-scott-walker-angry-libs-flood-twitter-with-death-threats-after-wisconsin-recall-defeat/">this crap</a>...<br />
<br />
Some choice examples:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
KILL SCOTT WALKER KILL SCOTT WALKER KILL SCOTT WALKER KILL SCOTT WALKER KILL SCOTT WALKER KILL SCOTT WALKER! Ole Bitch Ass Pig Ass Nigga!!!!</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
Ima fuck Scott walker up. I been wanting to for the longest anyways lowkey.— <br />
`Marques.Scoot. (@__SupaMcNASTY__) June 06, 2012<br />
<br />
Scott walker will die within the next week ive already payed for the hit— <br />
AHH FACK IM BASED! (@caleb_white) June 06, 2012</blockquote>
This is but a small example of how "other side" reacts. We won in November, 2010. That wasn't good enough. After a year and a half of HELL, we won fair and square - again. The FBI and State Department of Justice claims they will look into this, but I won't hold my breath. Elected officials and conservative talk radio hosts have been getting death threats since the beginning of this debacle, and as far as I know, nothing's been done.<br />
<br />
To be fair, there are people on the other side who have been, if not gracious, at least accepting. It's these tools who give all the decent people a bad name. And I hope EVERYONE will call them out.<br />
<br />
People - it's OVER. Deal with it!Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-59921959573577988252012-06-05T23:28:00.000-05:002012-06-05T23:28:26.068-05:00Dear WisconsinFirst of all, let me say that I'm not going to gloat. While I'm THRILLED that Governor Walker defeated Mayor Barrett, this whole recall cycle has been a travesty. In the past year and a half we've had protesters occupying the capitol, Senators fleeing the state to avoid a vote, teachers walking off the job, so-called doctors forging notes for said teachers, death threats, physical assaults, and the list goes on and on. THIS is what the Republicans have had to deal with as a result of simply attempting to do the job they were elected to do. It resulted in a cost to taxpayers - yes...YOU AND ME...in the tens of millions. Between the cost of the actual recalls, the damage done to the capitol building, overtime for capitol police (who really did nothing to stop it) and various and sundry other costs, WE are paying millions and millions of dollars.<br />
<br />
Why? Because the democrats and the unions just couldn't let go. They couldn't face the fact that the voters decided that we wanted to change the way Wisconsin does business. We were sick and tired of the unions owning the governor, and therefore the state. We were sick of the country realizing that Wisconsin was for sale to the highest bidder. We were sick and tired of Wisconsin being one of the least favorable states for business and one of the most favorable place for trial lawyers. So we elected a governor who we believed felt as we did. And he did. And he changed things.<br />
<br />
As I was driving to my monthly gathering of conservative friends/bloggers, I heard a comment on the radio...someone was saying that this recall election was good because it gives the voters a chance to be heard. NOTE TO ALL THOSE OUT THERE...the voters WERE heard. We were heard in the November, 2010 election. This recall was nothing but your attempt at a do-over. Guess what - you got your second bite at the apple and you lost. Not only did you lose, but in many ways the state lost. We have been divided since Governor Walker won the election fair and square. We have taken taxpayer dollars which could have been well spent elsewhere and instead is being spent on this farce.
Hey Wisconsin. Let it go. Leave it alone. Let Governor Walker get back to actually governing. If you don't like what he's doing, vote him out in the next election. But enough of this shit...I would hope you care more about the future of Wisconsin than you do about continuing this losing battle.Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-20243643047016672902012-06-04T15:31:00.000-05:002012-06-04T15:48:31.808-05:00Get Out and VoteI've been asked by a few people why I've been so quiet regarding the (now) infamous recall election.
<br />
<br />
If you are my facebook friend (and once again I ask...if not, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ChrisfromRacine">why not</a>?) you know that this has been quite a year at work. We moved out of our old building into temporary offices and FINALLY moved into our new building last weekend. To say it's been quite "challenge" working in the temporary place would be an understatement.
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<br />
More importantly though, is that I don't know quite what to say about all the garbage leading up to this election, which is dominating not only local airwaves but national airwaves as well. The hypocrisy I've seen from every avenue is enough to make me physically ill. I've NEVER seen double standards the likes of which I've seen in the past year. There are people and/or organizations who have sunk lower than I EVER thought possible, and that's saying a lot. I'll not get into details, because I'm sure you've been reading them <i>ad nauseum</i>. Suffice it to say that there are some out there who have resorted to unfounded rumors that even their own side refuted.<br />
<br />
I will simply leave you with this...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1r3Qlk1DCQCB1skbIchIiaUiChOQ6hAzF6jz9e_46h45Tuqkr7oLAZxjnI9Mwb8Fd37Im6jusqsoAM1jIU1Yb28SQZx1TLAAWnwY8JSfCiopi4BDAdmG9abjv7gycmJoLT1oiqinnt4/s1600/recall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1r3Qlk1DCQCB1skbIchIiaUiChOQ6hAzF6jz9e_46h45Tuqkr7oLAZxjnI9Mwb8Fd37Im6jusqsoAM1jIU1Yb28SQZx1TLAAWnwY8JSfCiopi4BDAdmG9abjv7gycmJoLT1oiqinnt4/s320/recall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-32595305867544520922012-05-28T08:50:00.000-05:002012-05-28T08:50:04.688-05:00Memorial Day 2012<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">When you go home,
tell them of us and say </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">For your tomorrow,
we gave our today.
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you.</span></div>Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706313956242830548.post-39378723317471651192012-05-19T08:17:00.000-05:002012-05-19T08:17:22.574-05:00National Armed Forces DayThank you to all the men and women who served and continue to serve our country.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoJJBi5sfRcLPtBXDYc2BEJgafJQ7CK9QzAPGRMwl6-RDXywMpYoGSmHj0JPi6iybfMe4o2NSbRCd2zpeKq0YnrZGdpgyCWdFB0a1FEcE0xR6KLsQqzK3BEyI7s5lsMbCdD2CyJUMey8/s1600/armed+forces+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="161" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoJJBi5sfRcLPtBXDYc2BEJgafJQ7CK9QzAPGRMwl6-RDXywMpYoGSmHj0JPi6iybfMe4o2NSbRCd2zpeKq0YnrZGdpgyCWdFB0a1FEcE0xR6KLsQqzK3BEyI7s5lsMbCdD2CyJUMey8/s400/armed+forces+day.jpg" /></a></div>Chris from Racinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17560905403833094758noreply@blogger.com0