Growing Up With Corporal Punishment: My Experience

Recently, a co-worker and I had a conversation about children and discipline.  I don’t recall exactly how the topic came up, but he mentioned something he observed the other day when he was in Wal-Mart.  He said that there was a man there with three young children, approximately 4, 6, and 8 years old.  The children were misbehaving, running around and literally sweeping items off shelves onto the floor.  Opening containers of things and dumping out the contents, among other things.  The man, who seemed to be the father of the kids, said or did nothing to them about their behavior.  Then, a bit later, he happened to be behind them in the checkout line, where they continued to act up, being loud and obnoxious.  The man never once admonished the kids, at least, not in the store.  He may have done so once out of the public eye.  However, it sounds as if it was very apparent they had no respect for him as a parent, much less simply as an adult.

The conversation continued, moving forward with our own experiences in raising our children, and with discussing the discipline we ourselves received when we were children.

I was raised by my parents to respect my elders and to behave in a socially acceptable way.  Not that I always did, mind you.  But if I did not, there were consequences, some light, and some much harsher, depending on my behavior.  My brothers and sisters would attest to this fact, as it applied to them also.

From the time I was about 8 until around age 14, we lived on a farm.  In one of the pastures, where our two Shetland ponies were kept, there was a small pond.  That pond was ringed near completely with willow trees.  Folks, if you’ve never been disciplined with a switch from a willow tree, I highly suggest you try it, just once.  If I did not act appropriately, the discipline administered would vary, depending on my parents’ moods and the severity of my offense.  That discipline, if it was physical, would vary from one of the Hot Wheels racetracks from my toy collection, a wooden spoon, my father’s belt, or his or my mom’s hands, or a switch.  If it were a switch, it was normally determined for me where to get that switch from.  It wasn’t always from the willow tree, but if I was instructed to cut a switch, rest assured that I had better come back with one sufficient to do the corrective action desired.  If it wasn’t, then I would be remanded to cut another one, and the ensuing discipline would be substantially stronger than it would have been, had I come back with a decent tool in the first place.  I don’t recall ever having tested that particular theory, but somehow I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that would be the case.

There were always clues that I had done wrong, which I always picked up on before the punishment was applied.

The process usually went as such:

1. My unacceptable behavior…. Followed by….
2. That ominous foreboding feeling… deep in the pit of my stomach, of “Oops…. I really messed up this time”, which led to….
3. My first name being spoken, or yelled sometimes, followed by my middle name:  “David SCOTT!!!”
4. Insert the all-to-familiar ominous, foreboding feeling again.
5. The obvious clue, which might be along the lines of “What did I tell you to do?”  (Or NOT do, as the case may have been)  or “Where were you?”, “What happened to (fill in the blank)”, “Where is my (fill in the blank again)”.  Pick one, or I’m sure if you try, you could replace the phrase with something from your own imagination, and it would probably have applied as well.
6. More ominous foreboding feelings churning my stomach.
7. If Dad was not home, sometimes Mom would take care of things herself, or if the offense was major enough, the phrase ….. and I hated hearing this one:  “Just wait til your father gets home!”
8. More stomach churning, sometimes lasting for hours, until Dad arrived home, and/or until the proper admonishment was decided upon.  Usually, the more serious the offense, the longer the wait, intensifying the stomach churning.
9. FINALLY…. The expected punishment.  If a switch had to be cut, that was the longest walk EVER…. with my Dad’s pocketknife in hand, to that tree or bush and back to the house.
10. The cool down and talking to.

If I may digress for a bit, a quick story about my Dad’s discipline technique:

If our family went on a trip somewhere, Grandma and Grandpa’s for Sunday dinner, for example, would usually be 45 minutes in the family station wagon.  You know the scenario, maybe you’ve experienced it yourself:  5 kids, (I was the youngest by 8 years, so during those years my brothers and sisters were teenagers… 15-16 years old), if there was discontent between us kids, this was the general course of events:

1. The dispute.
2. No words from Dad.
3. Car pulls over to the side of the road, at which time there would be complete silence in the car.
4. Dad stops the car, gets out and walks to the tree line, cuts a switch and returns to car.
5. Switch is laid upon the dash, car put in drive and we continue down the road.
6. Not another word spoken by any of us kids.

Now back on track…..  You see, each step of the process was more important than the previous, and each was critical to the ultimate success of the corrective action.  It was imperative that I was so nervous about what was coming to me.  It served to reinforce the coming punishment, and that whatever I had done, was wrong.  I was apprehensive because I feared my parents out of respect.  In the end, very shortly afterward, each punishment was always followed by a talk, a hug, and a sincere “I love you”.  Let me make this perfectly clear, I was absolutely NOT abused by my parents, in any way.

….(I make sure to specify my parents, because there was an incident from my older sister Pam, having to do with me, at about 4 years old, being set outside in the snow for about 2 minutes, which she SAYS she doesn’t remember….. oh suuuure, Pam, HAHAHA!  I kid her all the time about that, but to be honest, I probably deserved it.  I was known from time to time as a child, to have a temper tantrum or two)

Sure, I had a few welts (on my backside, of course) from a switch, or a hand or something.  But it was never anything that didn’t disappear within a few hours.  Each time was a lesson well-learned, increased respect for my parents and others, and a good reminder to think before I spoke or acted.

I do vaguely remember a few incidents where I was properly disciplined, sometimes it was my parents, sometimes other members of my family….. my aunt, my sister…. Ironically I don’t recall ever being spanked by my Grandma or Grandpa, although I’m sure I probably was at some point.  I don’t recall ever pushing their authority at all, maybe I did and don’t remember it.  I just remember always having the utmost respect for them.  I have no idea why I ever challenged my parents, since I always respected them, too.  My Aunt Sarah, may she rest in peace, would tell you about the time I was staying with them because my parents were out of town or something, and I needed to go to the doctor.  I was terrified of getting a shot for whatever I was sick from, and crawled up in the back window of her car, refusing to come out.  There are other stories, I know.

One Christmas I even had a stocking full of switches from Santa!  THAT was an eye-opener!

A few pictures of my babygirl, then read on!

I raised my daughter (she’s now 22) with the incredible support and assistance of my parents and the rest of my family.  I believe I can count on one hand the number of times I spanked her.  That’s because the first time, I believe was when she was probably around two years old.  Nothing harsh, just a firm smack on her behind.  Not hard, just enough to get her attention, and it shocked her and let her know that I meant business.  There were just a couple more times over the next year or so, and soon enough, she got the message that I was in charge, she was to respect me.  After that, all it took was “The Look”.  You know, the raised eyebrow, stern face that says “Excuse me?”  Generally, if she questioned me as to why she should or shouldn’t do something, the conversation went something like this:

“But do I have to, Daddy?”

“Yes, Baby, you do.”

“But why?”

“Who am I?”

“My Daddy.”

“And that’s reason enough, right?

“Yes.”

“Ok then.  I love you, sweetheart.”

“I know, Daddy.  i love you, too.”

Cute story about her:  Once when she was about 2 1/2 or 3 years old, I gave her “The Look”, and verbally reprimanded her…. nothing big, just something she had said, temporarily questioning my authority.  She said, with a pouty face and a sad, sweet voice, “Daddy….”.  Me: “Yes sweetheart?”  Her:  “You’re breaking my heart.”  It was so hard to keep a straight face, I had to look away, and even when I looked back at her, I had to cover my mouth to hide my smile.

Bottom line is, corporal punishment for your child, done correctly and within reason, is perfectly acceptable.  it’s not horrible, mean or abusive,  Done correctly, it teaches respect and reinforces desirable behavior.  The key is to stay in control of yourself emotionally and physically.  Don’t overdo it, and be sure to wrap it up with a good strong hug, and a heartfelt “I love you.”

Now go do something nice for someone.  Smile.  Tell your loved ones “I love you”.

Until next time…..

Open Letter to ALL Restaurant Owners: Cease and Desist Immediately.

Dear Restaurant Owners Throughout the Nation:

We have a problem.  I ask you, on behalf of overweight people across our nation, to immediately cease and desist operation.  Please, close your doors and shut down.

We, the people of America, have a serious general problem with obesity.  Obesity is a major factor, in many cases, in heart problems and diabetes, ultimately leading to our decreased quality of life, and our premature deaths.

You are obviously to blame, for allowing customers to come in, sit down, and order the most unhealthy foods you offer, and this is impacting our health.

How many more of us need to die as a result of this, before you finally realize your fault and take responsibility???  You should all be ashamed of yourselves.

Please though, do not feel alone and targeted solely in this cause.  We will also plead with manufacturers of all eating utensils (for providing the means to transport this unhealthy food to our mouths), grocery store owners (for also selling unhealthy food), farmers (for growing and harvesting the prime sources of these foods), and truck drivers (for transporting said foods).

Respectfully,

All Overweight and Unhealthy People of America.

Richard Sherman and Sportsmanship

This past Sunday evening’s NFC Championship game yielded plenty of entertainment for those of us who enjoy watching the game.  Two excellent football teams battling it out for the chance to play in this year’s Super Bowl.  The game was full of outstanding highlight reel plays and lots of trash-talking and on-field scuffles.

The Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman is without a doubt, one of the best cornerbacks in the game today, and made THE play of the game.  In the last seconds of the game, the 49’ers quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, threw up a long pass to the right side of the end zone in a last ditch effort to score a touchdown for the win.  It would have been the play of the game and, with the extra point kicked, would have almost certainly sealed the deal, sending the San Francisco 49’ers to New York for the Super Bowl.  Richard Sherman, being the elite cornerback that he is, read the play perfectly, and put himself in great position to defend the pass.  He deflected the ball to another player, who was able to make the grab for the interception and shutting the door on the 49’ers bid for the Big Show.

You may have heard about the post-game interview of Richard Sherman by Erin Andrews.  Here is a link to the clip of that interview.  It’s only a few seconds long, so if you haven’t seen it, go ahead and watch it.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24415819/erin-andrews-on-richard-sherman-interview-i-loved-it

Full of emotion and adrenaline, fueled by constant trash-talking between himself and 49’ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree, he was approached by Fox Sports sportscaster Erin Andrews.  He immediately went over a cliff, screaming at the top of his lungs, sounding like an insane psychopath, ranting about how he is the best corner in the game, and how Crabtree is a mediocre receiver at best, and implied that they should not even be on the same field together, they are in such different classes of players.

The facts and opinions of Crabtree’s abilities as a player do not matter here.  What is at issue with many people here is Sherman’s antics in that interview.

Where do you stand?  Is it ok, because, as Erin Andrews put it, as quoted in the link above “You expect these guys to play like maniacs and animals for 60 minutes,” Andrews said. “And then 90 seconds after he makes a career-defining, game-changing play I’m gonna be mad because he’s not giving me a cliché answer, ‘That’s what Seahawks football is all about and that’s what we came to do and we practice for those situations.’ No you don’t. That was awesome. That was so awesome. And I loved it.”  Many of his supporters are saying that it’s really not a big deal because of the adrenaline rush and hyped-up emotions.  Their reasoning behind this is that it’s so hard to control yourself after such a game.

Is it really?  How about Marques Colston’s post-game interview in this link?  Just watch the first few seconds, that’s all you need.  Go ahead, I’ll wait.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIYNzM9O2JM

Need more proof?  Here’s Barry Sanders, Jr, son of THE Barry Sanders: (this is the best one!)  This one is only 34 seconds, so it’s quick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yjhug6bN_s

If you need more examples, they are out there, just Google it.  You can find  plenty of clips of players in post-game interviews, still on the field, minutes after the game is over, where they are not screaming like an insane crazed lunatic, disrespecting and trashing their opponents.

It’s really about sportsmanship.  Sportsmanship is not just being a good loser.  It’s also winning with grace, humility, and dignity.  Think of it this way:  Would you want your child acting as Sherman did in that post-game interview, or would you rather see your child exhibiting the gracious, humble attitude that Mr. Sanders did in the link above?

I know where I stand.

Professional athletes, upon accepting their contract to play a sport on a level with as big a stage as the NFL, Major League Baseball, or any other sport in similar standings, assume the responsibility of projecting the type of attitude that children should be able to look up to and admire.  Granted, it’s ultimately our responsibility as parents to guide our children in developing positive character traits, but like it or not, many children still look up to and idolize professional athletes as the type of people they want to become.  If they don’t want to take on that responsibility, they should not accept a contract to play professional sports.

I will acknowledge that Sherman did in fact, issue a personal apology to Crabtree and his own Seahawks teammates for his conduct during that interview.  Duly noted.  And as such, the debate is now really a moot point.  However, the attitudes of those supporting Sherman’s outrageous behavior, in my opinion, still need adjusting.  Those attitudes are only a small part of why our nation’s children, in general, act the way they do.

What do you think?  Justified and acceptable?  Or could he do better?  I would love to hear your thoughts.  Comment below, like and share my post, if you desire.  And don’t forget to subscribe and follow me!

Until next time, my friends, take care, love one another, and be nice.

Gun Control. Consider this… (revisited/additional thoughts)

Please read the previous post also.

A coworker just read my previous post and made the point to me that it seems that some people carry a weapon just waiting for something to happen, looking for an argument.  Just so they can say “I felt threatened by this person”, in order to have a chance to shoot someone, and claim self-defense.

I believe that’s true, and there again, it just goes back to the point I made in the previous post. Teaching responsibility to our children so that they become responsible, moral adults capable of making ethical decisions.

I also began thinking more about the part where I made this statement:

“To choose to end another person’s  life, I believe, is the ultimate transgression.  To do that, then take your own life, takes it a step further, for in doing that, you  refuse to take responsiblity for your actions, and makes you even more of a coward.”

I initially said that in December 2012, when Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Jovan Belcher fatally shot his girlfriend and mother of his child, then immediately drove to the team practice facility at Arrowhead Stadium and in front of then head coach Romeo Crennel and Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli, took his own life.

I still stand by that  statement, however, as a person who myself has dealt with the grips of depression for nearly half my life to this point, can understand how one might take his/her own life after intentionally taking another person’s.

It wouldn’t in any way make it right, and I’m definitely not saying that this would apply to each situation, but I’ll explain:  I can see how one might, in a fit of uncontrolled rage, an otherwise normal, good person may intentionally kill someone.  Then that person realizes the gravity of the act they committed, and decides that they cannot live with the guilt of that act.  I can understand the fear OF living with that guilt for the rest of your life, and deciding that you simply cannot live with that.

You see, I had a friend a few years ago who did just that, and I believe that may have been the case with him.  Justin was really a good person, to my knowledge.  He had several very good friends (a few of whom happen to also be good friends of mine) who, like myself, were completely shocked when they got word of this.  We really had trouble grasping the idea that our good friend Justin would be capable of murdering someone.  And then to take his own life, was incomprehensible to us.  I do not know the full details of what exactly transpired that night, but I do have trouble fathoming the idea that Justin was not a good person.  I truly believe he was, and from that, can only believe that is exactly what happened with him.  Regardless of what exactly did happen, it was a tragic event in which 2 men lost their lives.  They both had friends and family who loved them, and the tragedy touched many lives in some way.

Final thought:  Please, tell those you care about that you love them.  Pay attention to how they are acting, what they are saying.  Be sure they know that you are there for them, to listen without prejudice.

I would love to hear your thoughts.  As always, please click the “like” button, “share” my page, and feel free to comment.

Love y’all!

Gun Control. Consider this…

Another sad day.  There was another school shooting today in Roswell, NM.  A 12 year old boy shot and wounded two of his classmates.  As I write this tonight, the most recent update I could find (CNN) said that an 11 year old girl was in stable condition after one surgery, and a 13 year old boy is critical.  The motive is not yet clear.   And one in a theater in Florida yesterday when a 71 year old retired police officer fatally shot a man for texting his daughter during the previews of a movie.  Really.  Killing another human being over texting during a movie.

Before I explain my opinion on gun control, allow me to pose a scenario to you.

You and someone you love are in your favorite restaurant, about to enjoy a nice meal.  Another person whom you do not know happens to be seated at the table next to you.  You exchange pleasant smiles, cordial hellos.

Just as you’re beginning to take the first bite of that delicious meal, some crazy man bursts in, armed with a firearm…

(Which he would be able to get anyway, gun laws be-damned… hey, heroin is illegal, and addicts can still get that if they want it, right?  Why would guns be any different, if made illegal?)

…and point-blank shoots the hostess in the face.  POP POP POP… 3 more innocent people down.

You and the person you are with dive behind a table, flipping it on its side between you and the gunman.  Just so happens that the person you chatted with earlier, is right next to you, behind that table.  The gunman begins walking your direction, looking directly at your feet sticking out from behind the table.  He’s only 8 or 10 ft away from you by now.  That person next to you reaches under his jacket, pulls out a firearm of his own.

What are you going to do?  Ask him or her to put it away?  Or are you going to beg him to save your life, and take the gunman out of commission?

My honest guess is that 99 out of 100 people would opt for the latter.  I have no idea what the 100th person might have in mind.

There have been mass murderers since the beginning of time.  Yes, before guns.  They used knives, blunt objects, fire.  Guns or no guns, there are still going to be people who “lose it” and do horrible, heinous things, to many people, in a short period of time.

Which brings me to my main point:

It’s NOT about gun control and gun laws and making them less available to would-be criminals.

It IS about our right, as Americans, to preserve our own well-being, and that of our fellow man.

It IS about having the free will, to, if we choose so, hunt wild game as a food source for ourselves.

It IS about having that liberty stripped from us.

It IS about teaching gun safety to our children, and teaching them common sense.

It IS about, as parents, being responsible parents and teaching our children discipline, morals, and ethics.

It IS about teaching our young ones, as we raise them, to love and respect their fellow man.

We all have people… family, co-workers, acquaintances, etc…. whom we don’t get along with, personality conflicts.  We don’t respect the way our supervisors “run the show”.   Lord knows I’ve been as guilty of that as anyone.  But that’s not the same thing, not what I’m talking about.  I’m talking about common decency…. holding the door for the person entering QuikTrip just behind you, saying “please” and “thank you”, just being a good person, a NICE person.

Just because (hypothetically) I do not respect my supervisor and do not like some of my co-workers, doesn’t mean I want to take a gun and blow them away.  For all their faults (and I do have plenty of my own also…. not saying I don’t) they are human beings. They are people, with souls.  With lives of their own, troubles of their own.  They are fathers, sons, and brothers.  They are mothers, daughters, and sisters.  They have family and friends who love them, and whom they love.

To choose to end another person’s  life, I believe, is the ultimate transgression.  To do that, then take your own life, takes it a step further, for in doing that, you  refuse to take responsiblity for your actions, and makes you even more of a coward.
My thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all those affected by all of these terrifying events, and my heart goes out to them.

Teach your children well.  Be a good parent.  Be a good person.

Thank you for reading my post.  Like, share this, and feel free to comment.  Now go have a nice day, smile, and do something nice for someone.

What Are YOU Doing?

I wrote this bit some time ago, the week of the end of the Mayan calendar, when the world was supposed to end, shortly after the Sandy Hook school shooting.

Been doing a lot of thinking the last several days.  And I think this applies to all of us…. whether you are Christian, Catholic, Muslim, Agnostic, Atheist, gay, straight, black, white, yellow, purple, fat, skinny, athletic, or otherwise.  Or if you’re a fish. Ok, that might be a stretch, LOL.

Just consider…. What if…. the world DOES end this Friday?  What if… it all comes to a crashing halt tonight?  Or ten minutes from right now?  I personally don’t believe it’s going to happen this Friday.  If you are a religious person (or even if you’re not, you might), you know that the Bible specifically says that “no one knows the day or the hour”.  To that end, my personal belief is that if/when it does happen, it will most definitely NOT be this Friday.  Maybe this Thursday or Saturday, but for sure not Friday.  Then again, that whole reverse psychology thing might figure into it (shrugging shoulders).

My point with my ramblings here is this: We all know about the recent tragedies in Newtown, Ct., among too many others.  I believe the world is just too full of hatred, too many rude people.  Inconsiderate jerks.  I do my best, and usually, in my honest opinion, fail miserably, to counteract this.  I have my issues dealing with rude people.  I have a temper, and sometimes it gets the better of me, despite my efforts to keep a level head.  But I try.  And I ask this: What have I done, what have you done… to make this world a better place during my/your time on this planet?  I’m not talking about curing cancer, or starting some well-intentioned charity, or being a missionary for a worthy cause of your choice, be it religious or otherwise.  What I’m talking about is just making a day, or just a few minutes, a little bit better for someone you come into contact with.  Hold the door for the lady who happens to be entering the doctor’s office at the same time as you.  Tip the nice, hard-working server an extra ten or twenty bucks, if you can afford it.  Check on the older person who lives next door, and offer to pick up something from the store for her or him.  Smile! Even if you don’t feel like it, even if you feel completely ticked off at anything and everyone in the whole universe for no good reason at all, (I feel this way much more than I wish I did) … smile at someone!  They might look at you like you’re crazy, or maybe they’ll just wonder what you’re up to.  But every time you do this, I promise you will feel better, even if it’s just a little bit.  Add them up, smile at the next person you see.  And the one after that, and the one after that.  It will add up, and next thing you know, you’ll feel much better about things, even if only for a little while.

How about your friends and families?  Talk to them.  Pay attention to them, know if they sound like their moods and attitudes are changing.  If they sound like they are having issues, problems, let them know that you care.  Tell them that you love them.  Let them know that you are there for them.  Don’t judge, just listen.  Don’t advise, unless asked, just listen.  Be encouraging.  Be positive.  Be a friend.

Maybe if we all try just a tiny bit harder (myself included, I’m not judging, I need to do better also) to make our own little circles around us a little bit better, we’ll have a few less of these tragedies.  Wouldn’t that be a good thing?

Feel free to comment, if you like.  And of course, if you like what I write, please subscribe and follow me.

Somewhere Over Dwayne Bowe

I follow a Facebook group called Kansascity Chiefs fans all over the world!.  The playoff loss aftermath in the group includes substantial talk of retaining the services of one Dwayne Bowe, the star wide receiver.  The opinions of the group vary widely, from keeping, to cutting, and everything in between.  I kinda think of him like the genius kid in school who is more interested in partying than studying. Gets solid B’s without cracking a book. But if that kid would study, he’d be getting straight A’s and someday may cure cancer.

Today I commented “Resign him, but put it in his contract that if he doesn’t run his routes better, his salary gets cut in half!”

A gentleman named Rodney replied “The contract is as is, David. Would you like a demotion after they guaranteed and gave you a raise already?”

Noted, Rodney.

I replied “Rodney, my comment was sort of tongue-in-cheek. My point was that he is not performing to his potential. He is certainly very talented, as he has shown. However, it’s well agreed by many that his route running could stand substantial improvement. If he would run his routes crisper and not get lazy and cut corners, he should put himself in better position to catch more of the passes thrown his way. This would increase his production, thereby increasing his value and having him closer to earning his already mega-salary. At any job I’ve ever held, if I showed great potential then slacked off to the point that it was apparent I was lazy and not trying to perform my best, I could kiss any kind of pay raise or promotion goodbye. But then again, I never have been a union guy. As the saying goes, everyone has an opinion, and that is mine. Sorry that it doesn’t agree with yours, but that’s the way it is. Oh well.”

I apologize, Rodney, for sounding a bit “snarky” in that comment.  Your argument is valid.  “His new contract was based on his past achievements and assuming he would continue to produce in the same fashion. But obviously he did not live up to that THIS season, but it is a 5yr deal. He shouldn’t be docked or dumped to his 1 and a half years for not meeting his higher standards he set himself in the past years. I do believe he is over paid, but most of them are. Let’s hope he steps it up to a high level next season. And that’s how I see it.”

Rodney, myself, and others continued for a bit, exchanging thoughts on Bowe.

Another guy, Mike (admin of the Facebook group KC Chiefs Sports Talk), made this comment:  “Well Bowe IS one of the best blocking WR in the league. He is a monster for the run game. It’s one of the reason’s I think putting him in a Slot would benefit the run…Set him standing next to a TE… That means you have to drop a safety on him because a LB won’t be able to cover him 1 on 1…Would help with the play action … would leave someone 1 on 1 every time”.

The three of us agreed that this sounded very interesting, which I took a step further.

To wit:  What about making him a tight end?  He’s got the size and strength, without a doubt.  In that regard, he resembles (get ready for this, hold onto your hats, and please don’t mistake my respect or acknowledgement to the great #88) Tony Gonzalez… please… arguably the greatest TE of all time?  Really, think about it.  He’s blocking more, as asked of him, and does it VERY well when he applies himself.  Anthony Fasano and Sean McGrath have certainly emerged as competent at the position, so in a 2 TE set, would open the door more for either one of those.  It would fit great with the offensive scheme that Alex Smith has shown is his best. (dink and dunk low-turnover game-manager)  Yes, we would need the big play WR to fill the spot, but they are out there.  They can be acquired.  With the TE tandem of Bowe and McGrath/Fasano available for short passes, and helping more to block for JC and Knile Davis, that could open things up downfield for the WR’s.

My only issues with Bowe are three things, in no particular order:

1. His route running.  Got to be more diligent on that.
2. Pointing to the back of his jersey every time he scores.  THAT has GOT to change.  That takes away from the team and newfound mantra “Chiefs Family” first.
3. The pot incident.  Really, Dwayne?  You’re not in Colorado, or Washington State.  It’s illegal in Missouri.  Plus it’s against team AND NFL policy.  C’mon, man!

I believe all of those will improve in short order, through his maturing and through the urging of coaches and teammates.

Dwayne Bowe.  Tight End.  Could be something.

Andy?  Andy?  No answer.  Ok.  Anyway, it’s a thought.  I like it.  Coach Reid, if you’d like to enlist the services of Rodney, Mike, or myself, let me know, ok?  I’ll have my people talk to your people.  Got that, my peeps?  Response:  “Yep, got it, Dave”.  There ya have it.

Your thoughts?  Anybody?  Bueller?  Ferris Bueller??

Thoughts From a Plane

I am currently working in the Dallas area and flew back home for Christmas.  Looking down through the window at the clouds below prompted me to ponder something and I wrote this.  Just now getting around to editing it to post.

Sitting here on the plane and looking down at the clouds and just marveling at how beautiful they are.  So I sit here and I think of Jason Aldean’s song “Fly Over States”.  If you don’t know it, even if you don’t like country music, you should look it up.  Read the lyrics.  Never mind, I’ll save you the trouble of the looking it up part, but read, and here’s a link to the video if you’d like to see it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1GZzucDMlQ

Fly Over States

Jason Aldean

A couple guys in first class on a flight

From New York to Los Angeles,

Kinda making small talk killing time,

Flirting with the flight attendants,

30,000 feet above, could be Oklahoma,

Just a bunch of square cornfields and wheat farms,

Man it all looks the same,

Miles and miles of back roads and highways,

Connecting little towns with funny names,

Who’d want to live down there in the middle of nowhere,

 

They’ve never drove through Indiana,

Met the man who plowed that earth,

Planted that seed, busted his ass for you and me,

Or caught a harvest moon in Kansas,

They’d understand why God made those fly over states,

 

I bet that mile long Santa Fe freight train engineer’s seen it all

Just like that flatbed cowboy stacking US steel on a 3-day haul

Roads and rails under their feet

Yeah that sounds like a first class seat

 

On the plains of Oklahoma

With a windshield sunset in your eyes

Like a watercolor painted sky

 

You’d think heavens doors have opened

You’ll understand why God made

Those fly over states

 

Take a ride across the badlands

Feel that freedom on your face

Breathe in all that open space

Meet a girl from Amarillo

You’ll understand why God made

You might even wanna plant your stakes

In those fly over states, yeah

 

Have you ever been through Indiana?

On the plains of Oklahoma

Take a ride

So what this song is about, folks, is America.  This nation in which we live, OUR nation.  Founded and built on principles long since forgotten by too many people.  Fought and bled and died for.  And for what?  To keep us free?  Just so that we can take those liberties for granted and throw it back in the faces of our founding fathers and those who have paid the ultimate price to preserve our nation’s integrity?

How dare us!  How dare we spit in the faces of those heroes!  And what do we do about it?  We rob each other.  We fight each other.  We rape and kill each other.  We argue and fight over things that  we can’t agree on.  Political correctness has become a crutch. An excuse for people to whine and get attention to make ourselves feel important.  To make someone… anyone… pay for wrongs transgressed against our great-great-great-great-great great-great grandparents.  Or someone… anyone… pay for something that happened to us when we were in 5th grade.  We seriously need to grow up and get over ourselves.

I was raised in a Christian home.  My political views are primarily Conservative.  I have many friends.  Some are white, some are black, and some are Hispanic.  Some are gay, some are bisexual.  Most are like myself, and straight.  I cannot, nor do I even try to understand the “hows and whys” of homosexuality.  But ya know what?  I don’t judge anyone for their sexual orientation.  It’s not my place to do that.  What I believe about it, on a personal level doesn’t matter.  Doesn’t mean I agree with it or disagree with it.  That’s neither here nor there.  It doesn’t matter because we have more important things to worry about.

If you’re a Christian, and think homosexuality is wrong, here’s a bit of advice:  if you want to reach that group of people, be a friend first.  Don’t judge.  You can let those people know how you are and what you believe by your actions, by being their friend, first and foremost.  They are smart enough to figure out where you stand on the issue, and smart enough (if you’ve shown by your actions) to figure out your spiritual/religious beliefs.

I don’t treat anyone any differently.  I treat people how I like to be treated.  Be nice to me and I’ll be nice to you.  Be nice to your elders and give them respect.  Hold the door for the person behind you.  You know what I mean in all this.  Now that being said, I’ll quote one of my favorite movie lines.  From Patrick Swayze’s character in Roadhouse:  “Be nice… Until it’s time to NOT be nice.”

Another Chiefs season finished

So the Chiefs lost. True, it was a phenomenal year, especially considering being 2-14 last year. That doesn’t change or dissuade the pain of this loss. Should have had it. Blame the coaches for not making adjustments, or the players for not executing the plays properly. Or the officiating (this game was not nearly as bad as some of the others). Or you can blame the injuries. They happen and it is what it is. I blame all of those. However, one thing has not, and will not change. That is my affinity and loyalty to this team. I will be a Kansas City Chiefs fan til I die. The Chiefs Super Bowl bandwagon is merely back in the proverbial garage, and will come back out in August of next year.
My thoughts: No one on the team SHOULD be “happy” or satisfied with 11-5, UNLESS they’ve reached the ultimate team goal. For different teams, every year, that goal may be different, and may change as the year progresses. This year, for our team, I think for many, that goal was initially to be .500 or better. I believe the SB. They were certainly capable of that, and would have, I believe, with just a few different things. So, I would say, after yesterday, “NO”. NO one should be happy with 11-5. A certain satisfaction in the truly remarkable progress that was made this year, yeah, absolutely… and should be very proud of THAT. But not happy with 11-5 given what could have been.
You do NOT blow a 28 point lead. Ever. Particularly in a playoff game. As the game progresses and the opponent makes changes, you have to do the same and counter those changes. Bob Sutton did not do that. Maybe he wasn’t the whole problem, or maybe not at all. Maybe it was just players being out of postion and/or not making plays. Whatever the case, there is obviously some tweaking that needs to be done, defensively AND offensively.
#ChiefsNation forever!