Old Friends

This post is sort of a dedication to a few friends of mine. These guys have been friends with me since I was in High School, towards the Senior Year of it, and we've been good friends ever since. Girlfriends came and went. One friend's father died, and another lost his mother. One of us went into the army, another into the marines, now another two are joining (marines and navy).

I just would like to dedicate this blog space for electronic eternity to our unique friendship, and what its meant to me.

I dunno if you guys will read. I just wanted you guys to know that you've each profoundly affected my life.

What is Rich?

I was just cruisin' around on the internet, looking at information on taxes. When I came across this...post...blog...whatever...

250k

So apparently, in the Bay Area 250k is still middle class? If anyone is from the SF Bay, please, lemme know how this is.

I mean, hell in Georgia, you begin middle class at about 25k; and end it somewhere towards 100k. If you make 60k a year, your pretty set.

In this lady's argument, she makes the point that living expenses, housing, childcare, etc can firmly put 250k a year firmly in the realm of middle class. And unless the average starter home is worth close to a million, I just don't see this as realistic.

I do however, think that more stratification of 'higher' incomes needs to be done. There is a definite difference between 250,000 USD a year and 25,000,000 USD a year. I mean, whats a factor of two between friends? But I would like to reiterate, if your at the 250,000 USD level, you shouldn't expect a break when it comes to taxation, in my opinion.

I would also like to note that the brackets are cumulative. Every dollar you make below 250,000 will be taxed at its appropriated place. Every dollar above, will be taxed at the new level. So given this, I don't see any reason why the taxes on 250,000+ shouldn't go up.

Just Saying. I made 30k a year going to Iraq, and there were plenty of people who made 25k or less getting shot at over there.

Hey Folks

Man, I read over the stuff in this blog, and I can't believe I'm the same person, sometimes. Its funny how in the blink of an eye, you feel like you've changed very quickly. However, when you think about it, you realize that it wasn't so much a blink of an eye, nor was it really a change. Who we are really will beat out who we think we should be.

Where to begin?

I suppose I'll update my life as it is segmented, into civilian and military sections.

Military Life?

My military career is going no where. However, I don't feel bitter about that, I know that if I needed to, I could do what I need to do to get it jump-started. I've settled into the idea that my ETS will be my ETS. I want to move on to writing and working in film (see next section).

I love all of my military buddies, and will miss them so dearly. They've been with me through some of the worst times in my life, and some of my best. They never really stop trying to help you (sometimes too much); and my goal is to give back whenever I can to them. Right now, this mostly involves giving gas money, or helping somebody find somewhere to live in a Jam.

However, I think once I become stable, the USO will become one of the primary charities I give too. I won't say more on that, because I don't believe anyone should be high and mighty because they give. However, I think this is what the military has brought out most in me.

That being said I can't wait to be done. :)

Civilian Life?

Where my military side is lagging, my civilian side is picking up steam. I'm doing great in school, and I've finally found a major that really fits me like a glove. I decided to do film, and no...you cant talk me out of it. :)

I mean I recognize fully, that statistically, I'm more likely to end up doing something only arbitrarily related to film, but it never hurts to have dreams. I was always pretty good at setting goals and meeting them in the past, with only a few disastrous examples of when I didn't.

School is great though. I enjoy being back in Academia. I'm reading prolifically. This is noted by my use of the word prolifically. I use what I learn to spin of blogs (no, these aren't my only ones), specific niche blogs that I detail anything and everything that interests me.

So, when I'm not studying film or doing homework, I'm on the computer, working on my blogs, increasing monetization, hiring writers, all of that good stuff. When I run out of things to update for my domains (and its more like 'When I forget what I got online to Update') I switch over to a word document, and start blazing away on a series of short story projects that I'm working on, before I write my first novel & screen play.

Overall, life is good. I'm eating well. My studies are progressing in good manner, and I've gained a more manageable grasp of my finances. I expect to eliminate most of my debt with this year's tax return. At least going to wipe out 1000 USD of it (if my estimates are correct; thank god for earned income credit via tuition).

Personal Life?

Definitely an area that could need improvement. I've gone out with one girl since all began, and I quickly realized we didn't mesh. I've been talking with an awesome girl at school, but such is the case, she already has a boyfriend. :(

Generally though, they sound decent together, and I've never been the type to break up a couple. But she is a great friend in general, plus I talk to a few other girls who I can't remember right off the bat. Effie just sticks out because she is a cool girl, whom I can talk to about Aliens. :)

Now I wouldn't say my hang-ups with my previous failed relationship are resolved, I wouldn't go that far, but I can now say that they really no longer affect me on a daily, weekly, I might even say monthly. This came with a bit of a sad realization on my part about six months ago, when I was still talking to my ex-fiance.

I stumbled upon enough information to realize that at the beginning of our relationship, she was incredibly focused on another person. At the end of our relationship, she was cheating on me. I feel like a fell into a pit trap, and I was just too far down to realize it wasn't normal.

Either way, after I discovered this, I tried to remain friends with her on some grounds. But its very funny. In the same way she did what she did to me, she does the same to other people, I think. It's not cool, and not healthy/safe for her. I came to a point where I realized I didn't like the person she is (and I think, always will be), and I really didn't care one way or another for her anymore.

Thinking about it like that, it made all too much sense to stop talking to her, and I've done good on that for a few months now. I can honestly say I don't want that to change.

Summation?

Wow, I realize now that this is probably my most personal blog. Yeah. I think thats because I find it easier to confide in my brothers in arms than I do anyone else.

Summary? Life is great! I really hope (and genuinely mean) that all of your lives are going well too! If they aren't; don't fret about it. Don't worry, just keep your heads up!

Update

Finally, back in school. Things are going well for me.

I might be buying a vending business to; so...things are looking really up. My company is shooting a short film, and this may or may not be the project that launches me to fame. At this point though, I just enjoy making amatuer film. Next semester Im taking a class on screen writing.

After some insecurity, I've decided my best option is not to continue in the Guard. I have some issues with credit that will make it hard to maintain my security clearance; and I may work to fix them up, there are other issues which will probably cause me to lose it.

So I'd rather go out on a good note, than have something bad happen. So I think I will just let it slip away next year.

I will keep this blog up for the last year of my enlistment, and continue posting. However, my last post, I promise you, no matter where Im at, will be on January 11th; 2012. After that, I'll be through.

But hey, we still have a year (plus) worth of me ranting about crazy drivers, the Army, and remembrances of the little part I played in our nation's history. I hope you guys enjoy it.

Ft Stewart

Awesome TDY times at Ft Stewart Georgia. And by awesome I mean alot of driving, a few overdrafts (my own fault), and general disappoinment. But its alright, just trying to get some extra promotion points in. And this was the reason I haven't posted in a few days.

But either way, everything is starting to turn around. Going to get some major travel pay, a good tax refund, and still deciding what I will be doing for my last year before leaving. I've decided though, if I do leave, I will leave for good (barring a huge war or whatnot). If I do stay, I will stay for good. I'm either in or out, because I want to either go ahead and move on, or keep cranking out points to retirement.

I plan to discuss it with a friend of mine over the next year. Within six months of my ETS date, Ill know for sure. Anyhw, off to the library for now! Peace!

Another Drill Down...

Something like 22 Drills left. I suppose it won't really sink in until I have less than five. I'm gonna miss the people, most definately. But I wont miss the BS work; or being skipped over for promotion many times since I was a PFC. Even when everything was in order, it seemed like the ball was dropped.

Needless to say, I am gad tha I am eligible for the Post 9/11 bill. I've got a goal set to raise my PT score, so that I can make E5 before I leave. But that probably wouldn't even keep me in. Though the investment so far as that its my only current retirement....

It really makes me think.

Either way; Im still fairly young. 23. Its still early enough in life to decide upon a totally different route, and persue that. Who knows, maybe my writing career will take off? Maybe, twenty years from now, I'll take a look back at this point in my life wit something like nostalgia.

Who knows...

Liberal Soldier & Educaion Benefits

After months, back and forth, back and forth, trying to get all my documentation in order, I finally got thrugh, and now have my Certificate of Eligibility. Tommorrow Im riding thetrain into town to sign up for classes for this summer!

Feels great to be back in the Driver's Seat again.

Liberal Soldier & Totems

I find it funny because, I've tried so hard in my time to rationalize religion, and then later to rationalize atheism. I think I'm caught somewhere in between, in a delicate...yet comfortable balance.

One of the things I've noticed about Soldiers, and many people of the same mindset (some whom I call adventurers; and some passionate true idealists from all political and religious spectrum) is a lingering sense of Superstition, no matter what religious or rational views one might hold. And I dont refer to things that I consider shallow, for example horoscopes. Alot of people read horoscopes, not really caring one way or another as to their truth.

What I find myself, and quite a few of my friends doing, is developing somewhat complex, deep rituals. Sometimes they are only important to us, and we might not tell anyone. But for us, at least for me, it is a viable part of the mission, whether others know it or not. Whether or not I admit it to myself.

If ever I walk outside my front door, I usually pop a ciggy in my mouth. But I usually do an odd little ritual that I've developed over my years. I look up, an I see what birds are flying about. The common ones, Pigeons, Sparrows, and the like don't really mean much to me. If I see an Eagle, something in my mind rings out that this will be a good day. If I see a hawk, it is neither good nor bad, but it will be a trying day, and I may not see why for months. If I see a vulture, it doesn't stop me from doing anything, but I am much more wary and open-eyed (at least so I don't step on the carcass its trying to get to). However, for whatever reason, the Crow/Raven is most important to me. If I see one about, and don't see a logical reason for it to be about, I assume, in my mind's eye, that something important will happen today.

But its more than just that. I just suppose my avian omens are the most vibrant bits of evidence about my superstition. But smaller things play a roll. I always wear the same hat, its like a security feeling. I wear a multi-colored 550 cord bracelete on my left wrist that I made myself in Kuwait. All of my tattoos have very deep and personal meaning to me (there are only two).

Alot of the same for most of my friends. I've met people before who get Tattoos because the sun was shining on a specific day, it seems. In truth, what better reason, I suppose? But still, it seems frivilous to me.

Little things like that.

What about you guys? Got any wierd rituals or superstitions you've never told anyone about?

Swine Flu

Okay, so this weekend, while at Ft Gordon, I got my 3rd consecutive vaccination for Swine Flu. Im not sure if it is or not, but I know I've gotten three shots, and when I request to know what they are injecting in me, all the medics have been like 'Swine Flu'.

Im pretty sure I picked up Swine Flue while at Ft Stewart last summer. It was hella gay.

Anyhow, I'm a little under the weather. But thats how the Army works? Any medics able to help me with this? Are there multiple schedules of Swine Flu, like with Anthrax?

I'm up to Schedule C with Anthrax...

Meh...just saying...

Further Relationship Advice From the Liberal Soldier

Too easy. Just don't get into one until your out. *mumbles about women problems and walks off*

*Runs back* And you crazy women, I'm just trying to do the best I can. Your ruining me for the future because how you treat me now. Blah blah blah.

*walks off*

The Liberal Soldier & American Drivers

Ladies & Gentlemen

Please, take my advice, and don't break into a convoy, unless its an absolute emergency, and you are immedietely pulling off to the side, or onto an exit. Or if you can't get to the next lane.

But if you are in between two gun-trucks, and you have space to move out, please do. And don't be surprised if one or both gun trucks get on your ass for breaking into our convoy.

Then, more imporantly, don't get mad, scream out the door at us for doing that. And, especially, don't throw your soda at our windshield.

That was a quick way to a felony for that lady.

-Liberal Soldier

Happy February

...Ugh.

This weekend I get an all-expense paid vacation to Ft Gordon for three days. To roll around in the mud, qualify, and eat DFAC nastiness. Well...maybe Gordon Short Order won't be so bad, and I know exactly where to go to get the best DFAC food...

I'll keep you posted.

Have a good weekend. Weenies.

Liberal Soldier, for those deploying...

Okay, this one goes out to a specific unit of mine, that alot of friends are in, and alot of new kids about to go roll in the sand for a year, for the first time. Being deployed I always get asked stupid questions, but I dont mind answering them, and I tell my soldiers exactly what I think they should hear.

If your getting deployed, and your not married, take a break. Call it quits for the year, remain friends, and when you come home, the two of you can get together, work things out, or go seperate ways.

If you stay together, chances are one or both of you will cheat. Usually one, and the other one will be pissed as hell, and end up emotionally screwed up over it. Its what happened to me.

And I'm sorry to say ladies, its usually the female in the relationship on either side who is more likely to cheat. This isn't sexist, but rather a rational examination based on two points. Firstly, men who are in the military who are deployed have alot less opportunity to cheat than spouses do at home, unless they are homosexual. Secondly, women in who are in the Military are still a subtle minority, and probably get alot more offers than they would at home.

But this doesn't change the fact that men do it on both sides as well, so keep that in mind.

After you've deployed and come back home, then you can choose to forgive and forget, or what have you. However, it is somewhat likely that both you and your closest friend will have changed multitudes by the time you get back. Especially given the Army's minimum deployment length of a year.

For god's sakes, don't get married or have a kid just for the deployment. I will have to say though, that those who are married or are expecting a family were alot more loyal than others. Engagements were almost all, to 99%, broken in my unit while overseas though.

Another reason, is I can't imagine being married to the person I loved when I was 20, and I'm only 3 years older. Imagine how I would feel at 25???

Anywho, just some advice for you guys out there.

Any other advice, you ask? Keep your hand receipts, and for gods sakes, don't take your M9 apart past operator level! Soldiers break too many weapons.

Liberal Soldier and Moral Sentiment

"We will be judged, by how we treat those among us, whom we regard the least." Is my own quote, but is a reconstruction and paraphrase of several similiar quotes. What does it mean? You will be judged by God (if you believe) and your descendents by how you treated the most vulnerable among you. And of course, vulnerability is subjective, so you literally have to be in power or have some sort of influence over a human being for it to take effect. If you are on an equal footing with your peergroup, then you won't have the power to lessen their lives. If you are, lets say, in a lower socio-economic class, you are the 'vulnerable' group I'm referring to.

This idea and thought, while I've strayed from it more than a few times, is how I try to base alot of my decisions. Everything from how I vote, to what I believe, to the job I choose is effected by it. It is this mentality that caused me to enlist in the first place, and despite whatever policy disagreements I may have had, I am still proud of my service, because I felt that I was making a difference. Sometimes a very real difference in a single life, and at other times, as a matter of support  for my brothers in arms.

I brought this comment up today because of one person. Lt. Governor of S. Carolina, Andre Bauer. Who has recently stated that giving children food subsidies in school is akin to feeding a stray animal, allowing it to breed, and thus in his own words 'continuing' the cycle of dependency. I wiould also like to note that the associated press has stated that Bauer himself was a recipient of food stamps.

I think in an age where massive, mis-managed companies can be recipients of public welfare, that the cutting of food subsidies for the poor should be the last things on our minds. And while there is rational thinking behind it, the fact that the children are even in school, should be their ticket to eat. He has proposed requiring attendance by parents of local PTAs, and drug tests. The status of the parent as a drug abuser shouldn't interfere with an innocent's child's access to nutrition or education. Period.

It just sort of astounds me. Cut out sex education and condom education out of schools, on moral grounds. Then, say that 'they' are breeding too much, and thus to deter that, cut funding for subsidized lunches at school. Ridiculous.

Opinions?

Liberal Soldier & Work Ethic

Just a short blog post today, as I'm in the midst of writing a short horror story for submission. I've heard police work described as "Vast amounts of boredom, punctuated with short points of sheer terror." I can easily imagine that is accurate.

I think this same motto applies for the military too. However, it can be broken down into two parts, one for garrison, and one for war. "Vast amounts of boredom, punctuated by short periods of incredibly demanding work." Is how I would describe my garrison experience. And my other experience? "Vast amounts of hard work and discomfort punctuated by periods of sheer terror."

Got any war stories? Let me know.

Want to know more about joining the Army or the Guard? Email me.

The Liberal Soldier & Film

This one is a bit of more self-promotion. But its free, and wont cost you anything to watch, so why dont you take a look at my newest Short Film:

Four Roses

I shot this, after writing the script, with several certain members from my Company, Crimson Star Entertainment. Not my Guard Company or anything. Im in the 178th MP Co, for those of you who are familiar with GA Guard Units.

Anyhow, the whole film was produced on a budget of about $240, with alot of volunteer work from everyone involved. Its about a local building in Downtown Atlanta that many believe is haunted. Check it out!

The Liberal Soldier's Book

Just a little point of pride for myself. Got a copy of a book I've written, and published through a small vanity press associated with Amazon. And no, I don't consider myself 'Published' yet, this is just a spring board, hopefully giving me more notoriety so that publishers will take notice.

Anyhow, I've got my first copy of a book I made myself, and I'm quite proud of it. A small feat for some, it is important to me though. Through this maybe my sales will jump from about 10 a month to 20 or 30, that would be worthwhile.

The Liberal Soldier & Terrorism

Yet another blog post about Terrorism. I was just reading some old lady's reaction to the Christmas Day bombing attempt online. She was very concerned about the issue that he had tried to blow himself up using an underwear bomb, and how it would result in her having to get her crotch screened from now on whenever she went into the Airplane.

I dont mind that this is what she thinks about. I mean, I suppose thats expected from the American audience.

What happened to questions like the following:

How did this happen? Why did it happen?

I've read a little bit of the person's profile, and he seemed to be a young kid with alot of teenage angst, who put most of that blame on America. And sure, maybe the American media is partially to blame for alot of issues he had, as well as kids everywhere.

And don't confuse me. Still t the forefront of my mind, is how did we let this happen? How did he not end up on a no-fly list, and certainly how did the chemical compound make it through scanners?

The only answer I have to that, is that maybe at times alot of people say things that seem anti-establishment, without meaning them. Maybe the key is to figure out what profile of human being will carry through on their anger. Otherwise, he should have been on a "no-fly" list. As a rationalist, this makes sense to me. The probably is ratio for each ethic & socio-economic background, for how many comments he can say before it becomes extremely likely that he is a violent offender/terrorist.

But that comes really close to scientific management, and has a major chance of infringing on civil liberties. What are your opinions on this story? What are your opinions on bending civil liberties to profile potential terrorists?