Saturday, November 20, 2010

Consequentialism?

Summed up Consequentialism is that the ends justify the means. Basically as long as the end result is what we want, who cares how we get there. Our government, not only today but of generations past also, seem to thrive on this "theory." I think about this often as I evaluate my purpose and worth as a man, and as I try to guide my sons.

Definition of END
a-cessation of a course of action, pursuit, or activity

The end, as most people see it, is as defined above. I tend to look at a larger, broader picture. To me there is but one end, my death. Just as nothing before my birth could I control, nothing after my death will I be able to either.


Definition of MEAN(S)
2-plural but sing or plural in constr : something useful or helpful to a desired end



Once again most people look at a singular event to a singular end. My paycheck justifies my "worth", and the means to my home, car, etc...

Throughout life we all have the means to create change, positive and negative. To put my opinion bluntly the ends NEVER justify the means. To believe so is looking at the picture, and life, backwards. The means justify the end...if you are lucky. Among warriors of old, they dreamt of a warriors death, one of honor and bravery. To die in a service to a value, larger then your own. When I look at the world around me and learn of lives past, it is not the "method" of death that brought a justified end, but their actions in the end justified their lives. In many a movie, most recently 300, there is the scene where brothers in arms make a statement about "honored to met you" or some such.
From 300:
Stelios: It's an honor to die at your side.
King Leonidas: It's an honor to have lived at yours.

My basic point in this drabble is to say, that from the moment you took your 1st breath, the end has been coming. Make the journey to that end as pure and honorable in every aspect of your life, justify your end by the way you live your life. For some direction on how to achieve this, look to your articles of faith, or to "The Code of the Samurai."

Live a good life, and you will be a good man.
Stay safe,
Jason
III

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Semper Fi Devil Dog, 11/07/2010


You will be missed, you have had an impact on my life greater than you can imagine. RIP
Since this entire blog is pseudonym, I will only say this man was not my father, but as close as one could be to filling that role. For all my life a man of honor has been there, and now he is gone.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

WTF?


"After announcing that it would buy $900 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds in the next six months, Fed Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said in an opinion article that the move was aimed in part at spurring a stock rally so as to increase the wealth of businesses and stock owners." Full article HERE

Call me crazy but this is once AGAIN the wrong direction. Just 2 weeks ago Bernake boy toy Geitner said "It is very important for people to understand that the United States of America and no country around the world can devalue its way to prosperity, to (be) competitive,It is not a viable, feasible strategy and we will not engage in it."
Getting froggy, hope we can survive a few more years.
Jason
III

Monday, November 1, 2010

An Open Letter to Sheriff Paul Babeu

Attn: Sheriff Paul Babeu
With all of the current media reports and claims, why can we not bring together the Sheriff’s Department and citizens that want to be active? There are many people in the community that wish to take an active role in the establishment and security of their homes outside of a full time commitment. While I understand the department’s reluctance to endorse and support citizen patrols of the desert regions, this is done at a time that the Sheriff’s Office says “We find our deputies are being outgunned and clearly the violence has increased recently.” (From your site HERE) Has thought been given to providing training or guidelines to citizens that want to, need to, participate in their community and its defense? Many of those I have spoken with would appreciate a more open dialog. To paraphrase them, “if you lead, we will follow.” While some out there are looking for publicity and or attention, many more just want to help. If this means providing water, emotional, spiritual, moral, and in the extreme case tactical support; we will. But keep in mind that as you ask for donations to increase your departments arms supply, many citizens have the equipment, means, experience and desire; why can this not be utilized with the co-operation of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department? Money is the one thing many citizens do not have at this time. From another article on your site it states “What this incident does show is the lack of manpower in Pinal County. Deputy Puroll was alone and outgunned. There is one deputy for every one thousand citizens in Pinal Co., and Sheriff Babeu says it's time for some border help”.(Emphasis mine original article HERE) Having simple limits, background checks or requirements can filter out some of the negative traits of volunteers that may be frowned upon. Require a combination of prior Police/Military/EMS service and/or current AZ CCW, with an interview and/or background check provided by the Pinal County Sheriff’s Department. I do realize that there is a liability to involving citizens; but claiming a lack of resources, and denying a major resource of your constituents and willing volunteers seems against your goal. If you feel you cannot endorse a group, any group, is there a way to set up a route to open the dialog and/or communication for persons who will participate independently? Thank you very much for taking the time to consider these questions as I know your time is very busy right now.

Jason XXXXX
Pinal County Resident