Classic Grand Junction Hospitality … Berkley’s Automotive

Once in a while something comes along that cannot be ignored.  When I heard of the “Free Coffee” in the mornings at a local gas station here in Grand Junction, I was fascinated.  There is always a back story… but the most important thing here is that a continuous act of kindness and hospitality is always offered at Berkley’s Automotive here in Grand Junction.  As well as really great automotive repairs service.    Thanks Guys!!!

The “Go Fund Me” Page is Launched

As the official start of the “Maverick MAK’s Living Wage + Affordable Housing Cross Colorado Horseback Ride”, I have launched a “Go Fund Me” page, as well as a Facebook Page for messaging and news. 
From Horses to tack, a canvas tent, and the various support gear one will need for this endeavor, I need help paying for all this.  Help me make a splash and get this angle on this issue recognized. 
Click on the photo to become part it. Let’s make America the Country we teach our kids it is. 

 

 

Check out my new blog, the Rocky Mountain Wrangler

It has been over a year since I posted to any of my blogs. As I have delved into the life of being a Wrangler and working cowboy, I really didn't have time.
I have seen beautiful sites and scenes, and have selfishly kept it all to myself.
I now have a new blog that is orientated to my current lifestyle and how I make my living. It will take some time to get everything set up, but for my first post, I felt this was the #1 issue we are facing now here in the High Country.
http://rockymountainwranger.blogspot.com/…/wild-horses-and-…

Wild Horses, and Land Management. Something to think about

Is Pueblo on the Brink of Change?

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Be careful what you wish for
As I prepare to depart Pueblo again, I wonder if any changes will be noticeable upon my return, if I return.  I have grown a deep feeling of home, a sense of belonging, and a connection to the People and the Land.  I have also developed a sense of frustration.  With a lack of understanding of real issues by so many of our leaders, I am often left in bewilderment upon their ignorance. Sister Adolphine would have been aghast.  The level of disconnect has risen to the point that is has begun to resemble the social ladders of many of the 3rd World Nations I have served in.  I have seen what happens when a Criminal class is allowed to rule.  It never ends well. For anyone. What is the first sign of this. 
Silence … by dictate.

And Just Who Serves Who here.
The idea of a “Depressed Wage Economy” is a simple fraud.  It’s a lie, like what a car salesman might say, and hope you don’t remember, in order to close the deal.  Like a “Political Statement” of a Politician, who may have to change his mind (due to events in the real world) anyways.  Or, a “Marketing Claim”, now thoroughly deregulated to the point that out right lies are just a method of business. 
Ever wonder where all your skilled workers went?  Oh, that’s right, you forgot to pay them, and you get what you pay for.  It is … what it .. is.

Where Do we go From Here
Throughout the Nation, many of these same issues seem to resound, as a privileged power class has evolved through the concentration of the greater wealth among a few of privileged who cannot be allowed to fail.  This is the kind of logic the economists warn us about.  The logic that seems to gut the economy every time it’s about to really get going. 
We now have one of the greatest opportunities to make change in a peaceful way. 
The other option will not be good for anyone, but change will happen, one way, or the other.
As far as Pueblo is concerned, I’ll be watching.

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A Walk through Pueblo’s “Neon Alley”

A walk downtown through one of Pueblo’s downtown alleys is a lighted museum of sorts.  Featuring Electric Neon Signs from Past and present.  
As featured recently in the Magazine Westworld, this collection of lights is the passion of a one Joseph Koncilja. 
With large electric signs not allowed on Union Street, for Historical reasons, that I agree with, they have ended up creating a unique experience.  At least not one I have ever encountered before.
Walking the alley among the lights does create a sort of authorial sense that one feels.
Check out more photos on my Facebook .
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Should Pueblo Voters be Listened to?

From my blog … The Pueblo Scout.  If you value this work, please help out and contribute by making a donation … Donate here
We have Been Through this Before
When the overall will of the voter runs in conflict with the conservative, or liberal, beliefs and/or “standards” of it’s leaders, should our leaders simply ignore the will of the people.  Should the moral and economic benefit’s to a society that other communities enjoy, be resisted to maintain our traditional local society?  For the benefit of a small but highly privileged percentage, that has always enjoyed the best, and ain’t bout to give an inch now. These are the very real sentiments of many older voters from higher incomes, and High Income “backgrounds”. 

When democracy is overruled by those who feel the need to exercise what they feel is a necessary total control over a situation, history has taught us repeatedly it rarely works out.  The Government leadership of the State of Michigan did exactly this when the elected leaders of the community were ignored by appointed managers, managers who with business backgrounds place economics and capitol as their primary concern.  The welfare of the constituents were not of first line concern, as their real constituents do not reside in Flint.  They aren’t even in government.  They are few, they have much, and yes, they desire more.  Much, much more. 
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It’s simple economics from a business viewpoint.  Continuous increase in profit margin is not only necessary, but an absolute must at all cost.  Any cost. As long as the cost is … deferred.  Doing better than last quarter is, well, if you don’t, your fired!  The benefit of the major stockholders will be the final concern for all considerations of business or management of any and all resources under said control.  All of this Business management of public resources from a business aspect has already had a massive impact upon our lives.   And and the impact upon the quality of our lives and our financial standing hasn’t been a good one, at least for the vast majority of us. 

Shall Pueblo be Left Behind Intentionally
Is it, that even though some of us who have literally fought for our freedoms and rights,  are now being insistently told that we must bow to the elite, as good Americans, must we allow them to ignore and trample on our rights and livelyhoods for the maintenance of an outdated corporate beneficiary privileged class. 
This is the same conservative (in title only) class who now again wish to hold our our society back, while all around them progress passes them by.  Oh, they don’t mind the money though.
The fact that this occurs while that same class has driven the local skilled wage base to below poverty levels.  A reason many skilled and talented workers flee Pueblo at the first opportunity.  While the flight of skilled labor occurs at an alarming rate, we are acquiring a fairly decent sized experienced and skilled criminal element moving here to take advantage of the situation.  With so many disenfranchised people in one location, it’s a Detroit like feeding frenzy on what corporate left behind after their feeding.
They seem to think even though they possess little in knowledge, experience, and or skill, they are the only ones entitled to make a fair living.  All others must now submit to the oppression of wages to the point where a full time skilled worker must be essentially homeless, or give up eating, or become dependent on handouts.  Does one wonder why some shake their heads in disbelief when others wonder why crime is on the rise.  The criminally minded have learned that financial crimes pay, and pay well.  They just don’t steal enough to get away with it … some of the time.  And worry not what say the voter, for it has been proven that if a community if given enough economic hardship, Democracy and representation can easily be taken away, especially when profits can be made by those who matter. 

Is this where we want to be?  Is this the Pueblo we want?  Really?