EYES IN THE 'BURG - FRIEZE FRAMES

Eyes In The 'Burg has recently added Frieze Frames eyewear to their Optical Boutique and is proud to be the sole provider of the line in the Fredericksburg area. This exquisite eyewear from Mark Franchi and Jason Stanley are retro chic, touted as "Jewelry For The Eyes" and Made in the USA!

The new Presidential Line joins their Americana, Six, Era, Heritage, Strata, Jackie and the Goddess Collections; aptly named for, what else?...Ancient Goddesses!

Pictured above: the Minerva in Brown (Goddess line) Top Left, Roosevelt in Purple Crystal (Presidential Line) Center and the Detroit in Amber (Americana Line), Bottom Right.

Call for an appointment, stop by, check them out and pick out some jewelry for your eyes!  You'll be the talk of the 'Burg!

POCKET KNIVES

Recently, the bane of my existence, TSA, has relaxed its policy regarding certain items being allowed on board, specifically, small pocket knives.

The outcry from the Airline Flight Attendants Association, Airline Pilot's Association and the US Marshall's is specious and asinine, at best.

Why?

On September 11, 2001, the passengers of United Flight 93, unequivocally decided, never again will an aircraft be hijacked and used as a terrorist weapon.  Since that fateful day, we've had the Shoe Bomber, the Underwear Bomber and dozens of other disturbances while aircraft were in flight.  In each and every case, passengers have stood up, taken action and decided the issue.

With all the caterwauling  from the sheeples of the world, one would think safety in the skies, post September 11, is coming to an end.  How terribly pathetic.  There are many threats facing air travel today; pocket knives aren't one of them.

That Annoying Document Called The US Constitution

Can the President of the United States kill a US Citizen without a trial?  Well, Obama has already done so with Anwar al-Aulaqi.  Would Obama do so on US soil?  Absolutely.  So says Attorney General Eric Holder.

The US Constitution clearly states in numerous amendments that he may not.  Does it bother this President that he's violated is oath of office and blatantly rapes the document that guarantees citizen rights?  Not in the least.  To him, it is nothing more than a collection of papers which create annoying obstacles to his control.

Fifty-two men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing the consequences they might suffer.  Americans today must stand up to the tyranny that has been fomented upon them since September 2001.  I would hope, peacefully.  If that fails, then by any other means available to them.

Will they?  Most likely not.  Americans, for the most part, are sheeples who believe their government is there to help and protect them.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Most lack the personal fortitude and conviction to lay down their lives for their freedoms.  America has fallen so far from its roots, I wonder if my daughter or her children will live in anything other than a full blown Police State.

It is said "If one does no learn from history, they are bound to repeat its mistakes."  America is driving full speed down that road, ignorant to the past.  I fear for her future.  

TSA - New Uniforms

As readers (I do have readers don't I?) of this blog are well aware, I despise TSA with every fiber of my being.  So, it should come as no surprise that just before the sequestration, TSA slid in a $50M contract to purchase new uniforms for the thugs, pedophiles, bullies and thieves who happily violate the US Constitution on a daily basis.

DHS Secretary Napolitiano is quoted as saying less than 24 hours after the sequestration kicked in, there were already longer wait times at airports.  Geeze, I wonder if that $50M could have been put to better use?

However, I was able to come across not only a very good rendition of the new TSA Uniforms, and their new badges as well.  Expect to see them rolled out at an airport near you, soon.

 
 Each TSA thug will also be issued a key ring, as a token of their devotion to the abuse of their fellow Americans.

Professionalism vs Thuggery

What DHS & TSA's Sturm Abteilung thugs could learn from the Chinese.

Professional.  Capable.  Polite.

What they will learn.  Nothing.

Police Drones

The city of Charlottesville, Virginia has become the first in the nation to limit the use of Police Drones.

Acting on a resolution drafted by The Rutherford Institute, the city voted 3-2 to limit the use of spy drones.

While the technology has not yet been adopted by the Police Department in the City of Fredericksburg, I decided not to wait and sent off a letter to the Mayor and each member of city council, asking them whether they have the political courage and personal wherewithal to follow on the heels of Charlottesville, contact TRI and be the second city in the nation to limit the use of drones.

Despite the steady, inexorable desedimentation of our Constitutional Rights since September 11, specifically NDAA, FISA, The PATRIOT Act and most recently the DOJ White Paper regarding the legal basis for drones targeting US citizens, I believe this, in all likelihood, remains an intangible issue to city council.  They are unable to fathom for a single moment, the police would abuse the technology and use it for more than just crime prevention.  This, despite law enforcement's (in general) long and treasured history of abusing their powers, believing they are above accountability and answerable to no one.  One need only look at the thousands of citizens who have been detained, threatened and arrested for filming the police.  They care not one iota about court rulings which clearly state, as public servants, they have no expectation of privacy, when in public.

Will Fredericksburg City Council follow suit?  I don't hold out a lot of hope.  I am one of those lone voices in the wilderness, tolling the bell of warning.  Most of my fellow Americans are simply sheeples, complacent and firm in their belief, that the government, at all levels, is there to help them.  They may wake up.  Sadly, by the time they do, it will be far too late and they will already be in the slaughterhouse. 

COWARDS

When faced with a threatening situation, bullies and thugs naturally default to cowardice; run, hide and save themselves.  So, it should come as no surprise that TSA is providing additional training to its Sturm Abteilung workforce.

But this training is slightly different.  TSA is teaching their thugs to save themselves, instead of protecting passengers, in an active shooter situation.

In addition to being bullies, thugs, thieves and pedophiles...TSA is adding "must inherently be a coward" requirement to their list of qualifications necessary, to work for this feckless organization.

If you haven't quite figured it out yet, the government is not there to protect you.  You are nothing more than cannon fodder and they will sacrifice you in the blink of an eye.

Dr. Sandra Grossett & Eyes In The 'Burg Support EmpowerHouse

Dr. Sandra Grossett, the staff and family members of Eyes In The 'Burg were proud sponsors of the 14th annual EmpowerHouse (formerly Rapphannock Council on Domestic Violence) Empty Bowl Event on Sunday, 27 January.  The event drew approximately 400 people, who, with their donations support survivors of domestic violence.

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behaviors used by one individual intended to exert power and control over another individual in the context of an intimate or family relationship.  It occurs in families of all races, religions, educational levels and income groups.  The abuse can take the form of physical, sexual and verbal abuse, as well as emotional and mental cruelty.  Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 (Uniform Crime Reports, FBI) yet it is the least reported crime.

With their donation, each attendee peruses and anguishes over which one, of the hundreds of unique hand thrown bowls, from the dozen or so local Libertytown potters, they will eat from and take home with them.  It is not an easy decision.  With bowl in hand, they make their way to the tables to settle in briefly, before approaching the vast array of soups, chowders, bisque's and chili's to partake of.  Assorted breads are available (after all, how else do you clean out the bottom of your bowl?) as well as an array of drinks and desserts.

The next three hours are spent with family, friends, co-workers as they try the soups, buy raffle tickets, await the door prizes, listen to great music and most importantly, learn about EmpowerHouse, their mission, efforts and achievements.

I can think of few causes which so rightly deserve the support of their community.  Domestic violence is one.  No woman, child or man (yes, men can be victims of domestic abuse) should have to ever endure the pain and fear of domestic violence.  If you have an organization similar to RCDV in your town or city, I encourage you to support it in any manner you can, in an effort to end the abuse.

"Polishing The Turd"

I can't help but be amused at the BP commercials which have suddenly reappeared.  Touting what the company has done since the Deepwater Horizon debacle, the commercials portray all sorts of happy leaders from the Gulf Coast States saying "Come On Down! It's all good here."

No matter what BP does, no matter how much money they spend, they are only Polishing The Turd. Nothing can change the fact that Deepwater was a disaster of spectacular proportions and from moment one, it was a spin game to lay blame everywhere but where it rightfully belongs...at BP's feet.

I see the same type of spin, at times, in Fredericksburg.  A business will change its facade, throw up some paint, and/or put new signs in the windows in a failed attempt to polish their turd.  Not realizing or accepting the fact, the issue is not with how they look, it's how they treat their customers.  Horrible experiences force people to walk away.  Unprofessionalism, rudeness, uneducated and poorly trained staff and a lack of basic customer service cannot be overcome with paint and new furniture.

Frankly, these owners get what they deserve.  Until such time as they come to this realization, they will continue to lament their lot, blame others for their lost income and watch as their customers abandon them in search of a better experience.        

EYES IN THE 'BURG - THE SIGN

The sign for Eyes In The 'Burg was installed today.  Many thanks to Mike Harvey at Harvey Signs.  You guys did a spectacular job!

Hours of Business are:

Sunday-Monday:  CLOSED
Tuesday:  9 a.m - 5 p.m.
Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday:  8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Alternating Saturdays

Call for an appointment and stop by to see Sandra L. Grossett, O.D. and her Staff at Fredericksburg's newest, warmest and most welcoming Optometric practice.

Eyes In The 'Burg is a proud sponsor of the 14th annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser for Empowerhouse (formerly Rapphannock Council on Domestic Violence).

DR. GROSSETT - EYES IN THE 'BURG, OD

Yes, it's true! Sandra L. Grossett O.D., the Fredericksburg area's premier Optometrist (I'm somewhat biased) has returned to Fredericksburg and opened her own practice, Eyes In The 'Burg, OD.

Located at 2527 Cowan Blvd in the complex behind MWH next to Virginia Partners Bank, Fitness Studio and across from Basilico's, they are taking appointments, 540-369-EITB (3482) for new and existing patients beginning 8 January.

The practice features an incredible staff, unparalleled patient care, customer service and an Optical department that will make you see (pun intended) life like never before!

Eyes In The 'Burg website www.eyesintheburg.com will be up and running within the next day or so. You will also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

To all of her existing and future patients...Have a safe and Happy New Year!

ARMING TEACHERS

In the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting tragedy, there are calls to begin arming educators.  While I am of the opinion, had only one teacher at Sandy Hook been sufficiently trained and carrying a weapon, the incident may have ended differently; simply arming educators en mass is not the answer.

To believe for one moment, putting teachers through some rudimentary training course, giving them a weapon and then expecting them to react offensively in an active shooter situation is a fallacy ripe for future disaster.

Should States and school systems decide to arm educators, the process to do so is not only extensive, the costs are recurring.  Long term financial commitment will be required.  Each individual needs to be assessed, properly trained, trained even more and then undergo constant retraining/recertification.  Even so, you are still left with the one critical unknown variable.  Will that person have the wherewithal or fortitude to use the weapon if and when the time comes?  

I have been trained in the use of and carrying weapons since my military service in the 70's.  I have furthered those skills over the years to include Executive Protection and Personal Security, certified through the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS).  I am constantly at the range, practicing, familiarizing myself with my weapons and their operation.  I take every opportunity afforded me to train further, polish and hone my abilities, which have included real life scenarios, using Simunitions (non-lethal training ammunition), where I am presented with "shoot/no shoot" situations.  You are pointing a loaded weapon at another human being and even though you KNOW you're using non-lethal ammunition; even though you KNOW it's a training scenario, the decision to pull the trigger is still not easy.  It is however, a decision that has to be made.  Reaching beyond that tipping point is precisely why I train constantly.

I live in a Yellow OODA (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) Loop world.  It is a never ending process as I reassess my surroundings, my situation, dozens of times a day.  At work, at home, while shopping; walking, driving...constantly.  Although I carry; to this day, I've never drawn my weapon for offensive reasons.  While I hope to never have to do so, I'm prepared as well as I can be, to respond appropriately; not only protect myself and my family but also defend others and if necessary, end an active shooter situation.

It remains to be seen if the proposals to arm educators come to fruition or are just knee-jerk reactions.  I expect there are other ways to secure schools, protect students and teachers.  These avenues must also be explored, considered and if viable and fiscally practical, put into place.

If we arm teachers and school administrators, they will need to achieve the same level of preparedness and awareness mentioned above.  The world as they know it will be forever changed and viewed in a different light.  There's no waffling here.  You are asking people to do more than just lock and barricade their doors.  You are asking them reject the overwhelming human instinct to flee from danger; to go on the offensive, to purposely put themselves in harms way.  It's a lot to ask and until the time comes, if it comes, either they'll be capable of doing so, or they won't.

        

               

San Antonio NISD - John Jay High School

I read from the Rutherford Institute, that the San Antonio Northside Independent School District is forcing one student, Andrea Hernandez, out of the Magnet program for her refusal to wear an RFID tracking badge.

As the article reads, Ms. Hernandez is the only student out of approximately 4200, who has taken this stand.  I shudder with a sinking feeling in my heart that there are 4199 sheeple students and their parents who have no objection to this unlawful and blatant assault on their Constitutional Rights.

American's will one day wake up, too late I fear, to find their freedoms no longer exist.

I believe the NISD knows they are on shaky ground.  An effort was made by the administration to have Ms. Hernandez wear the badge, sans the RFID chip, to give the appearance that she agreed to the program.  To her credit, she has flatly refused to participate in the charade.

I implore every student as John Jay High School to support Ms. Hernandez.  En mass, stand up, walk out and refuse to return until such time as this program and the idea behind it are dead and buried, six feet under.

You have rights, guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States.  Rights and freedoms that men and women, for over 232 years, have given their lives to secure for every generation which has come after them.  Do not give up a single modicum of freedom for the illusion of security or big brother.  Do not let their sacrifices be in vain.   

HURRICANE SANDY AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

In the aftermath of yet another natural disaster, Americans are once again being implored by the Red Cross and other Relief Organizations to contribute funds to help their fellow citizens.  All well and good.  Americans always help their own after devastating events such as this.

My question is, where is their government?  Rhetorical question number one.  Beyond platitudes, helicopter tours of the impacted cities and towns, the promise of help and the declaration of disaster area's, I see little in the way of assistance to the thousands who have lost nearly everything.  Seaside Heights, Mantiloking and Breezy Point, New Jersey being just three of the cities having been devastated by Sandy.

As with Hurricane Katrina and the 2011 Virginia earthquake, Americans will step up and donate billions of dollars.  Most of it will be pissed away and five, ten plus years from now; cities, towns and people will still be trying to rebuild and recover their lives.  FEMA, will send formaldehyde saturated trailers or tell people that despite millions of dollars in damage incurred by the quake, they don't "qualify" for funds and remain the the feckless, bloated and useless government entity that it is.

While Rome is only partially burning, it's obvious the Federal Government really doesn't care.  $50 billion dollars is one of the estimates of Sandy's devastation.  In the grand scheme of American dollars, a mere drop in the bucket.  Would it be too much to ask that the 537 political hacks who supposedly represent the 330 million, suspend that amount in foreign aid to our  "allies" in the War on Terror, War on Drugs, War on (insert name of effort here) and instead focus those funds and efforts to help our own citizens?  Rhetorical question number two.  The money would certainly be better spent and go to those who truly need it.

While I am not a fan of hand outs or the government coming to the rescue every time someone's pier gets washed away or their car destroyed by flooding waters; portions of whole towns burned, flooded tunnels and subway systems, $20 billion dollars in economic damage and $30 billion in property destruction, create an exception.

It's about time our representatives concentrate on the health, well being and recovery of their citizens.  Sadly, that is far too much to ask of men and women more concerned and focused on bitter, vitriolic partisanship sniping.  The latter, in their small minds, obviously trumping the former, in importance. 

VOTE 2012

I read with heavy dismay an article in my local newspaper, that some Virginia residents are badly confused over what type of (or if) they need to provide and ID when going to the polls this November for the Presidential election.

Requirements to tighten Voter ID laws in other states are met with heavy opposition by the Democratic party.  Opposition, which may or may not be warranted.  They Dems do not hesitate to roll out the old chant that restrictions prevent people from voting, are the equivalent to literacy tests and keep minorities, the poor, the disabled and college students from voting.  I've often wondered how asking someone to produce an ID that confirms their identity, in order to exercise that most treasured of rights, voting, is somehow discriminatory.  But then again, I'm inserting logic into the equation and everyone knows, that's not allowed.

In Virginia, one can present many forms of ID in order to vote; a utility bill or bank statement will suffice.  What concerns me most however, is that despite the plethora of information out there to educate residents, one registrar put it succinctly when she said "You can't make people read stuff or pay attention."

Indeed you cannot.  I posit that many of these people are, in all likelihood, the same folks who drink the Kool-Aid of their respective political parties, believe everything they hear on the news and know it must be "true" because they read it on the internet.

I would never deny any legitimate American the right to vote. I question why some of them do so, when they can't or won't bother to learn what is required to cast the ballot. 

AFFORDABLE CARE ACT

The Supreme Court of The United States yesterday, upheld the constitutionality of the Obama Administration's Affordable Health Care Act.  I am fortunate enough to be in the position where NOT having or choosing to not have insurance, will ever affect me.

The Federal Government has instituted yet another tax on Americans.  How Obama and the Democratic party think this is somehow fair or warranted is simply beyond me.

Of more interest to me, is Congressman Rob Wittman's (my representative) statement on the issue.  In it he says "I have and will continue to support a repeal of this law and action to replace it with commonsense solutions that lower costs while increasing access to care. I will continue to support limiting the federal government’s reach, to protect the patient-provider relationship, and to advocate for solutions promoting affordability and accessibility of health care."

These are fine words and sentiments by the Congressman, but sadly, he is part of the establishment (i.e. Congress) that lacks the courage to reign in health care costs and make it, in any way possible, even remotely affordable to all Americans.  Congress panders and whore themselves out to those with money. Insurance companies and the Health Care industry spend millions every year in filling the coffers of politicians and ensuring the status quo.

So what is the answer?  I wish I had it.  I do know, taxing American's for NOT having some type of healthcare insurance, certainly isn't the answer.  Repealing what is known as Obamacare (why don't they call it Romneycare?  He after all was the trail blazer) might be the answer, but if successful, don't then expect the politicians to step forward and fix a badly broken system.

A Shady Deal

The Commonwealth's Attorney for Richmond, Virginia, Michael Herring has offered a deal to a group of women's rights protesters, arrested on the Capitol Square earlier this year.  The protesters can avoid jail if they stay out of trouble AND admit police acted within their authority.

This smells.  The very fact that the CA is asking for the protesters to admit Police acted within their authority, immediately tells me, they did not.  Why else would he, right out of the gate, drop all charges of unlawful assembly?  Possibly because there is no such thing.  The First Amendment guarantees the rights of Americans to assemble peacefully. In my opinion, Herring knows law enforcement violated that right.  With Capitol Police and State Troopers responding in riot gear, the only people responsible for creating an other than peaceful situation were the cops themselves.

Our brave Governor and fearless General Assembly members (insert sardonicism here) must have been quivering in their collective boots as this group of boogeymen demonstrators streamed into the Square. I have one word to describe both they and law enforcement...COWARDS!

CA Herring will be "working with the appropriate state agencies to determine whether state regulations can be revised to better accommodate state Capitol protesters."  I think not.  Herring, politicians and law enforcement have zero intention of "better accommodating" anyone who dares to question or hold accountable the status quo.  They want to amend laws in order to shuffle protesters off into areas in/around the Capitol, commonly known as "First Amendment Expression Areas," in order to keep them from the general public's view and dilute/negate their message. 

**Note to all of my countrymen....The ENTIRE United States of America is a First Amendment Expression Area!

This is yet another example of how pathetically out of touch politicians are with their constituents.  How police in general are nothing more than thug like puppets, at the beck and call of their masters, being utilized to abuse and violate the rights of their fellow citizens. Sadly and in my opinion, more often than not, with smiles on their faces. 

On A Roll

The State of Texas appears to be on a roll and not in a good way.  The Northside ISD will be introducing RFID chips into the id cards of students at two of its schools.  Not surprisingly, not only did the School Board unanimously approve this flagrant abuse of its students right to privacy, the soon to be new superintendent, Brian Woods, also defended the use of tracking; comparing the chips to security cameras. 

The chip readers on campuses and school buses can track a student but can't follow them once they leave the school campus.  Really?  The why are there RFID trackers on school buses?  Will they magically stop working once the bus departs the school?

Still, there's no need to worry as "Only authorized administrative officials will have access to the information."  Right, no school official would ever think of abusing their position and using this information in some unauthorized manner, would they?

Some parents say they understand the benefits but have reservations about privacy?  Que Ben Franklin..."Those willing to give up freedom for security, deserve neither."

And in other Texas news:  The Montgomery Sheriff's Office has its own drone.  Granted they crashed it into their BearCat SWAT vehicle (I would have loved to have seen that fiasco), but that hasn't deterred Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel, nor has the outcry from Civil Liberties organizations.  Despite violation of privacy issues, Deputy McDaniel is still planning on deploying the drone with rubber bullets and tear gas.

With DHS fully supporting the adoption of unmanned drones to police and other agencies, the Police State of America, previously known as the Sturmabteilung or Brownshirts, in the 1930's, has arrived.  DHS, POTUS and the Federal Government in general, have little to no concern for the citizens of America or any of their rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.  My elected representatives, Rob Wittman and Mark Warner, having foresworn their oath's of office to "uphold and protect the Constitution of the United States," continue to vote for laws that restrict our freedoms and, in my opinion, are traitors to their country; while at the same time, abdicating any personal honor and integrity they may once have possessed.  A somewhat harsh assessment some will say, but one I wholeheartedly believe. 

I wait in rapt anticipation for these issues to come to Fredericksburg.  Will my fellow citizens blithely accept the slow creep of tyranny that invades the country today or will they stand together when the time comes and take back the freedoms which are being erased?

Sheeples or People...which will they be?

Honoring 15,300

Here in Fredericksburg we have Marye's Heights, billed as one of the "foremost landmarks in American Military history."

This aspect of the American's Civil War, Battle of Fredericksburg, was set aside as a National Cemetery, after the war.  15,300 men are buried here.

Of this number, approximately 3,000 were formally identified.  The remainder are simply numbers on small flat stones.  Many have 3 or more on them, corresponding to the number of bodies buried below.

Every Memorial Day weekend, Boy & Girl Scouts Troops from around the area descend on Marye's Heights and place flags and luminaries at each headstone.  On Saturday evening, just before sunset, the luminaries are lit.  For the next 4 hours, every 30 minutes on the hour, a bugler blows taps.

This is a sight to behold.  Thousands of people milling about, taking in the amazing spectacle before them.  The first note comes out of the bugle and there is utter silence.  The hair raises up on your arms, tears flow and soft, muffled sobs can be heard.

If you haven't experienced The Heights on Memorial Day, it is a must for your bucket list.

TSA On A Roll

A gathering of the latest TSA abuses from the TSA New Blog. Enjoy. Weep. Be Outraged. Fear for your Freedoms. Your choice.

TSA Gropes 5 year old

No Grandmom, I'm not carrying a gun!

Naked is good

What TSA Really Stands For

Play with my junk, get a stern talking to!
Yea Congressman, that's really going to change TSA.