Why I have always like this man

What a class act Mr. Selleck is. View the video and see how a conservative man can address a liberal woman with respect. He is just a class act, listen! 

Respect for Horses

Below is a long overdue, common sense letter and approach to the government attack on the horse industry. I could go on for hours about this subject but this letter sums it if much better than my rant.
Read it and understand that we all love our horses, that is why we want the best for them!

To: The AHA Board of Directors and Executive Committee

From: The APAHA Board of Directors

Dear Friends,

The Arabian Professional and Amateur Horsemen's Association voted, with unanimous approval, to thank the AHA Board for continuing your support for the re-opening of the equine terminal marketplace, and to join with the AHA in support of the reinstatement of equine processing in the United States. While we appreciate that this subject can be a sensitive one to those who are not intimately involved in the horse industry, there is no question that it is an integral component for the continuation of the horse's survival into the 21^st century, as well as to any and all breed associations.

The simple fact of the matter is that for the horse to continue to survive and contribute to mankind, as it has done for the last 5000 years, the equine terminal marketplace must be reestablished in the United States. Equine slaughter for rendering and consumption is a necessity in the equine livestock industry, in order to allow horses at the bottom of the pyramid a humane, dignified, and contributing end. The bold words are the important points of this referendum, not the emotionally exploited ones of slaughter, rendering, or human consumption. Without a terminal marketplace, horses today are left trying to survive, for the first time ever, after their usefulness as a work-mate to man has passed. Regardless of whether you like the idea of equine slaughter, the vast, documented increase in equine suffering throughout the US since the close of the slaughter houses should be enough in and of itself for all people who truly care about horses to stand up and demand that those of us who have invested our lives in horses be the ones responsible for making the decisions about the marketplace that surrounds them.

Some people were affronted when the AHA stepped up last year to support the reopening of the equine processing plants. We contend that as breeders and current caretakers of the world's oldest breed of horse, we have an obligation to our Arabian horses to support the reopening as well. It affects breeders and the breed in a singularly unassailable way; simply, that the free and low price market for the “pet quality” horses, if you will, is simply no longer available. The bottom tier of every breed and breeder's marketplace, that for family riding horses, has been eaten up by the “rehoming” of over 300,000 horses since 2007, many of whom have huge medical issues, training issues, psychological issues, and on and on. Often, the people who take on these horses are novice horse lovers whose heart-strings have been played by emotional, fact-less advertising paid for by lobbying groups that never invest in shelters and rehoming at all. Once saddled with an adopted horse that by contract cannot be sold or bred, these horse lovers find the difficulty of dealing with the myriad of issues draining financially and mentally. Needless to say, these experiences are not good at building repeat, long-term business for the horse industry.

We spoke recently with four different breed associations in order to research registrations since the ban, and discovered that every one is down by over one third in new registrations from 2006 to 2010. Quarter Horse registrations dropped from 150,000 in 2006 to less than 90,000 last year. Paints fell from 39,357 in 2006 to 17,835 in 2010. The Morgan Horse Association registered 3461 horses in 2006, with only 1835 in 2010. We are all aware of our own registration decline, from 10,311 in 2006 to 6660 in 2010. All these breeds weathered a similar economic downturn in the ‘80's without this kind of drop in registrations, and rebounded accordingly, the difference being that when economically strapped owners could no longer afford feed for their horses, they had a way to reduce numbers until the economy changed, after which their breeding business could rebound.

By reopening the equine processing plants, we are simply restoring to horse owners and breeders the option that all other livestock breeders and owners have, and that horse owners and breeders had until the last four years. We will still retain the option to care for our horses after their usefulness is done, and we will still retain the option to rescue horses from the terminal marketplace. And people will still have the option to make horse meat available to some of the 25,000 people on earth per day who are dying of starvation, allowing horses a chance to give back and be useful to humans, as they have done for centuries, even after they have passed.

There are issues to address, certainly, and many different options available to improve the terminal marketplace, among them mobile slaughter units and live web monitoring of plants. As horsemen, breeders, and horse lovers, we are the ones responsible for dealing with these issues, making sure that the terminal marketplace becomes ever more humane, with a quick and dignified passing, without undue stress, and where the horse can go on to be useful to man after his demise, just as he has been for the last 5000 years. This is not a job for politicians, lobbyists and animal rights people to define; it's a job for us, so that the horse that has brought so much to our lives will survive and evolve to bring much needed help to the people coming after us.

In closing, APAHA would again like to commend the board of AHA for joining horse-industry leaders in the fight to protect the future of the Arabian horse breed and the horse in general.

Sincerely,

The Arabian Professional and Amateur Horsemen's Association Board of Directors

Why do I carry a gun?

PEOPLE ASK WHY? Why Carry a Gun?

My old grandpa said to me 'Son, there comes a time in every man's life when he stops bustin' knuckles and starts bustin' caps and usually it's when he becomes too old to take an ass whoopin.'     I don't carry a gun to kill people. I carry a gun to keep from being killed.     I don't carry a gun to scare people. I carry a gun because sometimes this world can be a scary place.     I don't carry a gun because I'm paranoid. I carry a gun because there are real threats in the world.     I don't carry a gun because I'm evil. I carry a gun because I have lived long enough to see the evil in the world.     I don't carry a gun because I hate the government. I carry a gun because I understand the limitations of government.     I don't carry a gun because I'm angry. I carry a gun so that I don't have to spend the rest of my life hating myself for failing to be prepared.     I don't carry a gun because I want to shoot someone. I carry a gun because I want to die at a ripe old age in my bed, and not on a sidewalk somewhere tomorrow afternoon.     I don't carry a gun because I'm a cowboy. I carry a gun because, when I die and go to heaven, I want to be a cowboy.     I don't carry a gun to make me feel like a man. I carry a gun because men know how to take care of themselves and the ones they love.     I don't carry a gun because I feel inadequate. I carry a gun because unarmed and facing three armed thugs, I am inadequate.     I don't carry a gun because I love it. I carry a gun because I love life and the people who make it meaningful to me.  Police protection is an oxymoron. Free citizens must protect themselves. Police do not protect you from crime, they usually just investigate the crime after it happens and then call someone in to clean up the mess. Personally, I carry a gun because I'm too young to die and too old to take an ass whoopin'.....author unknown (but obviously brilliant)  ********************************************** A LITTLE GUN HISTORY In 1929, the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, about 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ In 1911, Turkey established gun control. From 1915 to 1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1939 to 1945, a total of 13 million Jews and others who were unable to defend themselves were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ China established gun control in 1935. From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Guatemala established gun control in 1964. From 1964 to 1981, 100,000 Mayan Indians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Uganda established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ------------------------------ Cambodia established gun control in 1956. From 1975 to 1977, one million educated people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated. ----------------------------- Defenseless people rounded up and exterminated in the 20th Century because of gun control: 56 million.   ------------------------------ You won't see this data on the US evening news, or hear politicians disseminating this information. Guns in the hands of honest citizens save lives and property and, yes, gun-control laws adversely affect only the law-abiding citizens. Take note my fellow Americans, before it's too late!  The next time someone talks in favor of gun control, please remind them of this history lesson. With guns, we are 'citizens'. Without them, we are 'subjects'.      During WW II the Japanese decided not to invade America because they knew most Americans were ARMED! If you value your freedom, please spread this anti gun-control message to all of your friends.   The purpose of fighting is to win. There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either. The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.  SWITZERLAND ISSUES EVERY HOUSEHOLD A GUN! SWITZERLAND'S GOVERNMENT TRAINS EVERY ADULT THEY ISSUE A RIFLE.  SWITZERLAND HAS THE LOWEST GUN RELATED CRIME RATE OF ANY CIVILIZED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD!!! IT'S A NO BRAINER! DON'T LET OUR GOVERNMENT WASTE MILLIONS OF OUR TAX DOLLARS IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE ALL LAW ABIDING CITIZENS AN EASY TARGET.  I'm a firm believer in the 2nd Amendment!

"Lifes tough...even tougher if you're stupid.."

John Wayne

 ....

Horses under Attack in Oregon

All across the Nation animal rights activists are attacking the right to own and use livestock, dog and horses in a traditional manner. These Neo-Nazi  left wing crazies have no idea what is involved with the raising and caring of livestock and yet they are the very ones introducing legislation in this country that harm all kinds of animals!

They (the urban activists) are directly responsible for the slow, agonizing starvation of thousands of horses.

They are the reason 10s of thousands of beautiful horses are penned up in jail cells to live out their lives, un loved and un cared for until they die from the effects of old age and or injures suffered in such close confinement,  all at tax payer expense. They suffer because of laws passed by ideologue organizations with the support of feel good citizens that (misled with video clips or sound bites) lack knowledge of the reality.  These people must be stopped or made to suffer the same conditions their misguided ideas inflect on noble animals who deserve a much better life or at the very least, a useful and quick death. None of Gods animals should be forced to live angry unproductive lives.

These well intentioned but very naive city folk are trying to pass laws that have a huge impact beyond their original objective.

They purely lack the understanding and experience necessary to make informed and educated decisions. Problem is, they don’t seem to care about the impact as a whole of their agenda, they just wish to get behind a narrow minded idea that makes them feel good, like they are improving something’s life. I think this stems from the probability that they are miserable in their own life and wish that someone or something could make it better for them. As pathetic as that is, I do feel sorry for them. But in order to protect Animals, dogs and cats, cattle/horses and more, we must collectively stand up and defy their agenda!

PLEASE pay attention to your states laws and new laws as they pertain to citizens rights and animals. Government has failed to improve the lives and condition of citizens, (responsible citizens improve their own conditions and then others around them) why would we think new laws would do nothing more but cause suffering of animals?

Leave the care of and regulation of animals to those who depend on them as they do a member of their own family. There is no law that can improve on the care of any animal from owners/citizens that daily protect, care for and love them!

OCA and interested parties,

SB 613 is scheduled this week on Thursday 2-24-11 at 3:00 in Senate

Environment and Natural Resources.  This bill is on a fast track and now

includes an amendment that excludes from regulation any rodeo event

activities recognized as appropriate under Professional Rodeo Cowboys

Association rules, policies, or programs.  The amendment will not help the

smaller non-sanctioned rodeos.  The bill sponsor will not concede to

canceling the bill for a hearing.  So, we need some testimony for Thursday

from ranching and rodeo. Any phone calls or emails to the Committee members

urging them NOT to support this bill will also be very helpful. 

Comments can be sent to the Senate Environment & Natural Resources Committee

at

Membership:

Jackie Dingfelder, Chair - sen.jackiedingfelder@state.or.us 503-986-1723;

Alan Olsen, Vice-Chair - sen.alanolsen@state.or.us 503-986-1720; 

Mark Hass - sen.markhass@state.or.us 503-986-1714; Floyd Prozanski -

sen.floydprozanski@state.or.us 503-986-1704; Chuck Thomsen -

sen.chuckthomsen@state.or.us 503-986-1726

Staffing:

Beth Patrino - Beth.Patrino@state.or.us or 503-986-1813

Feel free to call or e-mail me with comments or questions.

Jim Welsh, Lobbyist

Oregon Cattlemen's Association

541-935-1504 Hm & Bus. 

541-554-8043 Cell

jdwelshco@msn.com 

Mad American on Gun Control

Things that I found helpful by living this long.    

The purpose of fighting is to win..
The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either... The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.

1.  Don't pick a fight with an old man.  If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

2..   If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck. 

 3.   I carry a gun because a cop is too heavy.
4.   When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.
5.  A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers.  The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45?'  The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'  
6.  The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm.  'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble?' 'No Ma'am.  If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my shotgun.'
7.   Beware the man who only carries one gun..  HE PROBABLY KNOWS HOW TO USE IT!!!
But wait, there's more!
I was once asked by a lady visiting if I had a gun in the house.  I said I did.  She said 'Well I certainly hope it isn't loaded!'  To which I said, of course it is loaded, it can't work without bullets!' She then asked, 'Are you that afraid of someone evil coming into your house?' My reply was, "No not at all.  I am not afraid of the house catching fire either, but I have fire extinguishers around, and they are all loaded too".  

Smile, and the whole world smiles with you

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, "I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week." The florist was pleased and left the shop.

When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a "thank you" card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a police officer came in for a haircut and, when he tried to pay his bill, the barber again replied, "I cannot accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week." The officer was happy and left the shop.

The next morning when the barber went to open up, there was a "thank you" card and a dozen donuts waiting for him at his door.

A Congressman came in for a haircut and, when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, "I can not accept money from you; I'm doing community service this week." The Congressman was very happy and left the shop.

The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen Congressmen lined up waiting for a free haircut. And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

________________________________________


Stories about children and their views of the world are always touching.

A father watched his young son playing in the yard, and he smiled as he reflected on how sweet and pure his little boy was. Tears formed in his eyes as he thought about him seeing the wonders of nature through such innocent eyes. Suddenly he just stopped and stared at the ground. He went over to him to see what work of God had captured his attention.

He noticed he was looking at two spiders.

"Daddy, what are those two spiders doing?" he asked.

"They're mating," his father replied.

"What do you call this spider?" he asked, pointing.

"It's a Daddy Longlegs," his father answered.

"So, the other one is a Mommy Longlegs?" the little boy asked.

As his heart soared with the joy of such a cute and innocent question he replied, "No son. Both of them are Daddy Longlegs."

"The little boy, looking a little puzzled, thought for a moment, then lifted his foot and stomped them flat.

"Well," he said, "that may be OK in California, but we're not going to stand for that sort of behavior in the high desert country of Central Oregon!"

...

Happy 4th of July

Living the Western Lifestyle

'WEST' isn't just a direction on the map. It is also a frame of mind. No matter where you are on the map, you can have a piece of the west. Whether you are a "been there, done that" old cowboy / cowgirl, or a streetwise urban cowboy who loves the rustic look and relaxed feel of the Old West, you will find something here to enhance your western lifestyle.

Ahhh, the western lifestyle. Heck no, it ain't easy! The hard work starts before dawn and lasts long past sundown. It all goes back to the days of pioneers and settlers riding west to claim a stake of land on which to raise cattle and crops, to produce food to live on. So much has changed, but in all things western you can still see a shadow of the history of the American Cowboy's lifestyle. For many living the western lifestyle in this day, it means getting up at 2:00 in the morning during calving season to go out to the pasture to check heifers - even if it's raining and cold, yes even in a blizzard! In other seasons, the western lifestyle means mowing, raking, and baling hay in the blazing heat of the summer days, or riding a horse across a pasture of 100's or 1,000's of acres (or larger) to gather calves on a cold windy fall day, to be transported to the sale barn for the next auction. These seasonal chores are just a small portion of the usual year-round duties performed by the cowboys, ranchers, and farmers of the West. Another seasonal duty includes helping neighbors out during the branding season, who in turn reciprocate the favor. While an extensive amount of work goes into each day of branding cattle at each different locale, each event generally turns into a great social time for all. At the end of the day, after all of the calves are branded and vaccinated, and the bull calves have been casterated, participants come together and discuss the top issues in the headlines of the world. This time of social comradery is one of the rewards of living a western lifestyle.

What's so great about a western lifestyle? It is the romantic vision of the attitudes, work ethics, manners and morals along with the history of the American Western Cowboy and his culture. Life in the country, out in the wide open spaces. Time alone on the prairie, or in the desert, or up in the mountains. Some time to think. Watching a beautiful sunset. Peaceful and relaxing.

The cowboys/cowgirls and ranchers who live a true western lifestyle take care of business with their own regions western tack, style of dress and supplies. But even those who will not be riding out to check heifers, or living life on the rodeo trail, can still have a piece of the West with western furniture and home decor. A western theme will accentuate your lifestyle. Please visit and browse our site at www.everythingwestern.net to explore all that is available if you desire a western lifestyle.

Happy Trails!