Sunday, December 18, 2011

Christmas Break

My human, Candi, says that since "regular" children and puppies get out of school for Christmas break that I can have a break, too!  How cool is that?

Shasta said that last year we had white stuff that fell out of the sky and that it was really cold.  She said we should pray really hard for it to happen again and that we should ask Santa, too.  When Candi found out...she was NOT happy!  She put us in "timeout" and that was not fun.  So now, I'm going to make that a silent prayer.  You won't tell her, will you?  I really don't want to be in timeout again!

Merry Christmas, everyone.  And if you have time...could you put in a good word to Santa for me?  I'd really like some shiny new shoes to chew on.  Everytime I even look at Candi's shoes she says, "Don't even think about it!  Unless you want to be in timeout again!"  Help me out...I really, really, REALLY want some shoes to chew on!

Big puppy kisses for each of you,
Patton

Monday, December 12, 2011

Peace On Earth?

I've been asking my human exactly what "Peace on Earth" means.  She gave it a lot of thought and then suggested I ask some friends what they thought it meant.

Julian, Emma, Nathan, Nolan and David all said the same thing basically.  Peace on Earth means no more wars, people getting along and spending time with friends and family...especially during the holidays.  I asked Candi if they were right and she said, "Those are some very smart kids, Patton.  They're right.  Peace on Earth is about people of all faiths, ethnic and economic backgrounds getting along.  It's about NOT forcing what you want on others, but accepting them for who and what they are."

This made sense to me.  Then I wondered if there would ever be peace on Earth.  Once again, Candi suggested I ask my friends again.

Julian said there would be no peace on Earth until the world ended.  Emma thinks there will be peace on the new world that God creates after blowing it up.  Nolan said there wouldn't be peace because we're all sinners and the hate from various religions will keep us at war with each other.  Nathan said no because the world is getting worse and will just end in a fireball.  But David...he said that we couldn't have peace on Earth, only peace in our hearts.

I went back to Shasta and Candi to ask them about what my friends thought.  Candi said, "I think that they are all correct, Patton.  It's sad that our children are growing up in a world feeling that there can never be peace.  However, David is right that we can only have peace in our hearts.  But...if we each strive to have that peace in our hearts, I think we can have peace on Earth.  Having our hearts at ease and peace will give us the patience and tolerance that is needed to achieve that peace."

I'm not sure what to believe.  I do know that Candi tells me constantly to never lose my childlike wonder and to keep the spirit of Christmas in my heart all year.  Maybe that's what everyone needs to do if we're going to have Peace on Earth.  Well, that and NOT chewing on Candi's shoes or Shasta's tail.

Monday, December 5, 2011

What Happened To Christmas?

My human and I have been talking a lot about Christmas and what it really means.  She says that Christmas is actually something that we carry in our hearts.  It isn't supposed to be about presents.  Candi says that it is supposed to be about sharing of ourselves like God shared his Son.

This past week, Candi has been sharing her Christmas traditions with her nieces.  They went to Magical Nights of Lights at Lake Lanier Islands, Christmas In Lights at Callaway Gardens and A Stone Mountain Christmas.  Her ear infection got worse because of being out in the night air to view the various displays, but it was important to share these special things with Rachel, Stephanie and Elizabeth.  They didn't spend a great deal of money.  Instead, they shared laughter and just enjoyed each other's company while looking at the world with awe through little Elizabeth's eyes.  She says that is what Christmas is really about.  Sharing of ourselves.

I'm a little confused by my human's idea of what Christmas is compared to what I've been seeing on TV.  Candi seems to be happy and even more patient than usual with others.  Yet, the news reports people spraying each other with pepper spray or trampling on each other to get a good deal on a game console.  Not only that, but there was one lady that yelled at my human and her nieces when Elizabeth and Maggie got a little loud on a trolley ride through Christmas lights.  It doesn't make sense to me.  If Christmas is supposed to be about love and sharing...why are people being so selfish?

Can anyone tell us what has happened to Christmas?  Where did the spirit of Christmas go?  Have we all been put on Santa's naughty list and as a result choose to keep behaving badly?  Can we get Christmas back?  These are the questions I have.  And although Candi says I have nothing to worry about, I can't help but wonder if Santa will bring me a pair of shoes to chew on.  I don't want to be left out on Christmas morning just because everyone else has lost their Christmas spirit.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Explain It To Me

A couple of weeks ago, I "occupied" Shasta's food bowl while she was eating.  I ended up hurt.  Now, I learned a valuable lesson from that.  DON'T TRY TO TAKE WHAT DOESN'T BELONG TO YOU!  So maybe someone can explain to me WHY the "occupy" L.A. crowd doesn't have to learn a lesson?  Instead, they are being offered office space for $1 a year and farm land for those who want to farm.  Doesn't really seem fair to me.  After all, they didn't earn it.

Candi read the story to Shasta and I last night after listening to the Tony Katz Radio Spectacular on AllPatriotsMedia.com.  Tony was really mad about Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa making this offer to the protestors.  Apparently, so was Candi.

"They arrest Lindsay Lohan every other month for not sticking to her probation terms, but they won't arrest these people who have illegally occupied city hall and prevented people from doing their jobs or getting to work in a timely manner," Candi said.  "Instead, they offer them office space for $1 a year and farm land.  I'm just wondering who will be displaced to appease these people."

We've been looking at the constitution and we understand that everyone has the right to peacefully assemble.  But, according to Candi, they don't have the right to interfere with others going about their business.  Obviously the mayor of LA doesn't understand this.  No...instead he wants to GIVE them something they haven't earned just to get them out of the way.  Can he not just arrest them?  They'll make bail, so it isn't like they'll take up room in the county lockup for long.

My perspective comes from my human and I understand that she is NOT on the side of these "occupy" people.  So...I'm asking my friends to read the article from the LA Times and tell us what they think.  Maybe you guys can explain to us exactly WHY the elected officials in this country are refusing to uphold the laws and just arrest these people.  You can read the article here:  http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-1122-occupy-la-move-20111122,0,1592348.story

Oh...Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.  I'm going to go ahead and give thanks today.  I'm thankful my human didn't catch me chewing on her high heels this morning.  I would have been in BIG trouble if she had.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Media Would Be Having A Field Day

My human has been discussing the constitution with me.  I now know that it is the supreme law of the land and that the first ten amendments are called the "bill of rights".  Of course the discussion led me to questions about the first amendment.  So I'm going to post the amendment here and then we can talk about my questions.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. 
My first questions to my human was, "If our government can't make any laws prohibiting the free exercise of religion, why does the ACLU constantly file lawsuits against individuals who choose to uphold their personal religious beliefs?"  After a considerable amount of time, Candi returned to answer.  "Patton, the ACLU is trying to create laws through litigation.  If they can file a lawsuit against a church or business because of an offense to one person, they will.  It has become apparent, to me at least, that the ACLU is in support of anything that is non-Judaeo/Christian in nature.  The very nature of the lawsuits they've filed on behalf of individuals has made it apparent that our beliefs should be suppressed while the beliefs of others are upheld.  But that is MY opinion," she said.

My second question to hear was why our government doesn't do something about the "occupy" people that have gotten violent.  The first amendment give us the right to "peaceably assemble".  Those people aren't peaceable.  Candi showed me videos of various politicians, including our current president, supporting the "occupy" movement.  That right there explained WHY our government won't do anything.  I know that my human is a TEA Party supporter and has gone to many rallies.  Shasta told me that they always start with the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.  Shasta also told me that the police present are always walking around with a bored expression or laughing and chatting with the attendees.  To me, it sounds like the rallies my human attends are the kind of rallies they are talking about in the first amendment.  I think I'd rather go to one of hers over one of the "occupy" things.

While discussing my second question, I notices that the media isn't really reporting on the violence at these "occupy" things very much.  I asked Candi about it and she told me that the mainstream media is on the side of the politicians who support those people.  She then showed me footage of various "msm" coverage accusing the TEA Party people of violence and hate speech.  Shasta says you don't see that kind of thing at TEA Party rallies and that if the TEA Party was guilty of such behavior, the media would be having a field day covering it.  According to her, we'd never hear the end of it.  There would be stories reported on it 24 hours a day.

I hear Shasta and my human talking about the "occupiers" not being too smart.  If that's the case, it might be just the place to chew on some shoes since Candi won't let me chew on hers.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

BigDawg's Music Hour Salutes Veterans

This morning Candi logged us in to our new addiction.  BigDawg's Music Hour on Liberty Bell Radio.  After their debut show last week, we made the conscious decision to NEVER miss the show.  And today, we were especially glad to be there.  You see, today's show was all about honoring our veterans and the sacrifices they've made on our behalf.  There was no way we were going to miss this tribute!

BigDawg himself led us into the show with a beautiful medley of the theme songs of all the military branches.  Immediately Candi's eyes filled with tears and she ran to get her dad, a Vietnam vet.  His eyes filled with tears and he told her to crank it up so that everyone in the office could hear.

Matthew Vermillion and Reese Ccup selected 5 beautiful songs honoring our veterans for the first half of the show.  They Are America, by Michael E. Smith beautifully recognizes each generation that has fought for the liberties we currently enjoy today.  American Girls, by Sherry Marquelle paid tribute to the awesome women of our military and the sacrifices they've made to preserve freedom.  Don't Forget Me, by Brian Futch was next with an awesome tribute to those serving on that wall between us and evil.  Honor, by Chip Murray tells the story of a man who stood valiantly for those not able to stand up for themselves. And last but not least, Just In Case by Joe Merrick expressed a soldier's desire to tell his loved ones how he feels and how much he misses them.

Reese and Matt talked to Dave Bray of Madison Rising during the second half of the show.  A veteran himself, Dave talked of the inspiration behind the music and the message.  All we can say is, we were fans before but now...now we are Madison Rising addicts.  Good music is always a wonderful thing, but to have the men putting the music out be TRUE role models for others...well that's just icing on the cake!

Each of the songs and the guest featured this week expressed the sacrifices made by those who have served and are currently serving.  They truly understand what it means to serve and what their families go through while they are away protecting this great nation.  In our humble opinion, it is a sentiment that is sadly lacking in pop culture today.  We are honored that we were allowed to participate and share in today's awesome expression of thanks to ALL of the men and women who have and are serving in the greatest military on Earth.  Please take a little time and visit the profiles of the artists on bigdawgmusicmafia.com.  You'll come away with a greater appreciation of what it means to be American and for the sacrifices made by those standing on the wall between you and evil.

Don't forget to tune in each week for BigDawg's Music Hour on libertybellradio.com.  The show start at 10 a.m. EST each Saturday and again on Sunday's at 11 a.m.  Pull up a seat next to Candi, Shasta and I in the chatroom on bigdawgmusicmafia.com each week to be inspired by patriots from across this great land.  We'll see you there!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Culture Warriors & The Fan Jam

Tonight Candi decided we were going to stay up late to support conservative artists and listen to a brand new show on ftrradio.com.  Our friends, Lisa Mei Norton and BigDawg (Andrew), debuted Culture Warriors & The Fan Jam.  We logged into the chatroom shortly before midnight and were welcomed with open arms and smiles from fellow patriots as we settled in to listen.

It was explained to us that tonight's debut show would be different.  You see, they chose to honor veteran's with their very first show.  Coming from a family whose members have served, this meant a lot to us.  We were moved to get up and dance to a few songs.  And some of the songs brought tears to our eyes.  Throughout it all, we had Lisa's smooth voice leading us from song to song and applying a soothing balm to our ears that had been battered by the left's non-stop assault.

We chatted and laughed with fellow patriots who came out to support these wonderful artists.  We discussed the importance of song and how it shapes our lives.  You see, when you feel like giving up and that it just isn't worth the fight, music can renew your spirit.  It can pick you up off your knees when it reminds you of what it is that you're fighting for.  This is what bigdawgmusicmafia.com and the artists there provide my human.  Their music soothes her troubled mind and renews her strength to continue her fight in taking back our country from the forces seeking to destroy it.

The show will air every week and the normal format will be a countdown of songs most requested by the fans.  So, if you get a chance, drop by bigdawgmusicmafia.com, join the site and support Conservative Culture Warriors in their fight to take our country back one song at a time.  Also, don't forget to tune in to FTRRadio.com to hear the show and find out if your favorite is on that weeks list.  Candi, Shasta and I will be waiting for you in the chatrooms.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Lesson Plan

OK...so Candi has decided that I need to hear from a wide variety of sources if I am truly going to grow up to be well-informed.  She has come up with a tentative lesson plan.  It is only tentative because Candi said we would tweak it by adding to it if needed.  Here are some of the things that we will be joining in on.


America Akbar with Gadi Adelman on blogtalkradio.com
BigDawg's Music Hour on libertybellradio.com
SmartGirlNation on FTRradio.com
OKforTEA Radio on blogtalkradio.com
The Tony Katz Radio Spectacular on AllPatriotsMedia.com
Kira Davis' The Dark Side on blogtalkradio.com
Culture Warrior & The Fan Jam on FTRradio.com
CRF (Conservative Republican Forum) Weekdays w/Steven Rosenblum on blogtalkradio.com
SGP 101 on sgpaction.com


Those are just SOME of the things we will participate in.  We will also be listening to podcasts from The Heritage Foundation, Americans For Prosperity, The Leadership Institute, and many more. We are also reading articles and books on history.


Now, I ask you...has Candi done enough to help me learn about our history and about our government?  Is she instilling patriotism?  I think she's doing all she can and that when she comes across something else that can help...she'll be adding it to the list.  Maybe you can guys can join in on some this and learn with me.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Lesson In Patriotism Through Music

Three weeks ago when my human brought me into her home, she made it clear that love of God, family and country were not only encouraged, but expected!  To that end, she has started educating me in history and civics.  Sometimes it is through reading or lectures, and sometimes it is through the arts.  This morning was a lesson through music.

For those of you that know my human, you know what a fan of music and movies she is.  She especially loves music and movies that promote the spirit of patriotism in America.  This morning we had a golden opportunity to be part of the debut of a new show on LibertyBellRadio.com.  The debut of BigDawg's Music Hour hosted by Reese Ccup and Matthew Vermillion was AWESOME!  We got to listen to some great music by conservative artists and they interviewed my human's friend, Lisa Mei Norton. 

For the last few weeks, Candi had been somewhat discouraged about the direction of this country and what the future holds in 2012.  BigDawg's Music Hour seemed to lift her spirits and renew her determination to make a difference.  She told us that in today's world it is easy to get discouraged and just give up.  That's why she often visits BigDawgMusicMafia.com to listen to conservative artists that promote REAL hope through their music.  Today, she was able to chat with other patriots in the chat room and talk about the music.  She said it helps when you can interact with others who are just as determined to put the country back on the right track.

So...GREAT JOB, Reese Ccup, Matthew Vermillion, BigDawg and Lisa Mei Norton.  Keep it up, because the music inspires those just finding a voice and renews the spirit of those who have been fighting a while.  Candi has made it clear that listening each week is going to be part of my weekly lessons.  I look forward to it already.  Oh, and the best part of today...I got an extra treat when I stood up to do my puppy boogie to the music!

Friday, November 4, 2011

A Lesson To Share With OWS

I'm only eight weeks old and I have a great deal to learn about life.  Last night, I learned my very first life lesson.  It may be the most important lesson I will ever learn.  It is a lesson I think we all could learn from, so....I asked my human to help me tell my story.

Every evening my human feeds Shasta and I.  She makes sure to keep our food bowls very far apart.  I don't handle adult dog food very well.  Anyway, I had finished mine but Shasta wasn't done.  I decided I'd go help her finish her bowl.  BIG MISTAKE!!!!  I ended up bloody and crying in my human's arms.  Candi even called a friend to come over because she thought we might be going to the vet for an emergency visit.  It hurt really bad.  REALLY BAD!!!!!!

Here is the lesson I learned.  If you try to take something that doesn't belong to you...you're eventually going to get hurt!  That's right.  You see, I hadn't earned the right to eat big dog food yet but thought that I deserved more than what I was given.  Shasta saw that as my taking away her right to a full belly and defended her right to eat it herself.  It was my fault for trying to take something that did not belong to me and I had not earned. 

So, all you OWS people out there...what is it you THINK you deserve?  What is it that you THINK you've earned?  Why do you think that those who have worked and earned what they have belongs to you as well as to them?  I think you should keep in mind someday and somewhere you're going to try and make someone share and you're going to get hurt.  Take it from me...just because it's there and it appears to be available doesn't make it yours!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

November: A Time Of Thanksgiving AND Remembrance

Candi has informed me that the entire month of November will be devoted to lessons in America's founding and remembrance of those who have served in the military. 

Since Veteran's Day will be first, we are going to be watching a lot of documentaries and movies about wars.  We will also be doing a lot of research on the subject via the internet.  I asked Candi if we could do some research on my namesake, General Patton.  She told me that we absolutely would...lol.  I'm glad, because I'd like to learn more about him.

Thanksgiving Day is next and we will be doing a lot of research on the early settlers and Pilgrims.  Candi says that it is important to know the TRUE history of the holiday and what it means to Americans.  I'm only eight weeks old, so I have to take her word for it.  Besides, I haven't learned how to use my paws to type yet.

At any rate, if anyone out there has any suggestions or links to websites we should visit...drop us a line.  We welcome all the help we can get.

Monday, October 31, 2011

What I'm Learning From Movies

My human loves movies.  She REALLY loves movies!  Part of my education process is to watch movies with her.  As a result of this "movie fest", I've learned a few things about America.

One, patriotic movies were once the norm in Hollywood.  That's right, you were considered "uncool" if you weren't patriotic!  Candi told me the story of how Bette Davis and John Garfield started the "Stagedoor Canteen" for soldiers during WWII and how actors/actresses suspended their careers to enlist in various branches of the military.  She told me of how Frank Capra, an immigrant, loved this country so much he made movies about its greatness.  Not only that, but Americans were pro-family too!  We didn't see dad's being the butt of jokes or moms running around scantily clad.  No, we saw family units that loved one another and had a moral compass that pointed due north.

Two, thrillers didn't need blood and guts to make them scary.  Some of the most frightening scenes just hinted at the suggestion of violence.  For some reason, that makes them more scary in my mind.  Alfred Hitchcock was a master at suggestion and knew that he didn't have to show the actual murder to make it frightening.  Too bad today's directors don't understand that simple concept.  Rather than being scared, we're more likely to be grossed out!

Three, politics haven't really changed that much.  There is still corruption in politics, the media still plays an important role and special interests groups will stop at nothing to get "favors".  As demonstrated in movies like "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington", "Primary Colors",  "The Manchurian Candidate" and many more, there are people in this world that will stop at nothing to gain power.  And although Hollywood is quick to make movies and documentaries regarding corruption in the GOP, very seldom will you see them putting out anything against the Democratic party.  Just telling you what I've noticed so far.

So Candi is using movies as one way to educate me.  When something comes up that we want to clarify or understand better, we research the subject on the internet.  The important thing is, I'm learning something and I'm NOT bored to death.  It's far more entertaining to watch a movie than a documentary or listen to a lecture, even if they don't get everything right.  So, I'll continue to watch the movies and do my research.  I was just wanting to share what I've been doing so far.

Oh...and since Veterans Day is just around the corner, we'd like to recommend one of our personal favorites...To Hell And Back...it's based on the true story of Audie Murphy, one of America's greatest heroes.  The man was amazing!

Friday, October 28, 2011

PETA Scares Me

"Candi, why does PETA want to take away the killer whales?  Will they take me away from you?"

"No Patton, no one is ever going to take you from me.  And PETA is run by a bunch of liberals who think of animals as humans.  They claim that Sea World is using the killer whales as slaves," Candi said.

I know I'm just a puppy, so correct me if I'm wrong.  I have four legs, a lot of fur and I don't have the capability to reason.  Candi has two legs, no fur and the ability to reason.  I have no hands and no fingers or thumbs.  Candi has two hands, eight fingers and two thumbs.  Shasta says, that because we're exceptionally smart, we were able to learn how to read and write but that MOST animals can't.  So how can we be anything like humans?  I love my human and I don't think of myself as a slave.  I don't think any animal thinks of itself as a human or slave.  Why does PETA want to take us all away from what we know and love?

It scares me to know that there are people out there pretending to be friends to us animals, but in reality want to turn us loose in a world where not all would treat us well.  Shasta is right I think.  PETA is NOT a friend to animals.  I think I'm going to stick very close to Candi and bite every PETA person that comes near me!

A Lesson In Corruption Via The Movies

My human loves movies.  She especially loves movies about politics.  So...while discussing corruption in politics with Shasta, I asked her to explain what she meant by that.  She did and then decided that I needed to watch some movies with her that would give me an idea of what she was talking about.

First, we watched Mr. Smith Goes To Washington starring a man named Jimmy Stewart.  It was quite telling how he had to fight the very people responsible for his appointment to the Senate. Candi said that the movie represents what one honest person can achieve if he is willing to take a stand and do the right thing.  I asked my human if things like that went on today.  She said, "Yes, Patton.  It does.  Unfortunately, most of the people in Washington that are there through a "special appointment", don't have the character that Jimmy Stewart's character had in the movie."  That is something I couldn't quite understand.  As a dog, I want to do the right thing.

So, then we watched Primary Colors starring John Travolta.  Candi said the similarities to President Clinton were eerie.  Not sure what that means.  I am only a puppy, after all.  Anyway, the movie revolves around a candidate running for President and the lengths he goes to in order to secure the election.  Lying, trickery, hiring people specifically to dig up dirt on the other guy just to hide his own dirty deeds, and the list goes on.  These are things dogs would never do!  I expressed concern about this and Candi told me not to worry.  "There are people like me out in the world who are always on the watch for things like this," she said.

We're going to be watching more movies over the next few days.  Some are black and white and some are in color.  Candi says that even though they are "fictional", we can learn something about the way campaigns are run, the strides people will take to get elected and also, how the media plays a role.  Our next two movies are going to be, Meet John Doe and Swing Vote.  One is about a political movement started by a false story run in a newspaper and the other is about a little girl who takes civic responsibility seriously.  Maybe I'll learn something I can share with you guys.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The House of Representatives

As part of my education, Candi has been discussing our Founding Fathers and the Constitution.  We've been talking specifically about the House of Representatives this week.

So, I've learned about the discovery of America, the different reasons people came here and the importance of the Revolution.  I find it most amazing that George Washington was a reluctant leader.  Being president was not something he actively pursued.  He wanted to go back to his farm after the war and live a quiet life.  I think Candi may have it right when she said that reluctant leaders make the best leaders.

Taxation without representation is the number one reason we fought for independence, according to Candi.  She says that King George taxed the colonies in America and that they had no representation in government in England.  The Founding Fathers were not anarchists, they just wanted fair representation in government in direct relation to the taxes being sent over.  When King George refused us representation, we revolted.

One of the core principles of the Constitution is that no one shall be taxed without directly being represented in government.  In each congressional district, a person from that district is sent to D.C. to directly represent the needs of the people in that district.  We have a census every ten years to make sure that each state has the correct number of districts and therefore, the correct number of elected officials in Washington.  That's why all appropriation and taxation bills must originate in the House of Representatives.  It is not the job of the Senate or White House to impose taxes or spend said taxes.  Now I know that I'm just a puppy, but who better to protect the interests of me and my neighbors than one of my neighbors? 

If we're wrong, please let us know.  We have been studying the House specifically, but we may have gotten it wrong.  I don't really think so, but just in case I thought I'd ask if anyone has a different perspective.

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