RANDOM THOUGHTS

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Greetings and Salutations to All my Kith and Kin and All the Ships in Outer Space:

As I watched the news on television just a short while ago, there was a story about a serial murderer in Phoenix, Arizona, known as the "Baseline Killer", or something like that.

The news described Phoenix as a "city in fear".

Why?

In Arizona, any private citizen who wants to is permitted to wear loaded firearms, and permits are only required for CONCEALED weapons (which, by definition, are hidden from view - - - so why bother getting a license?).

In other words, folks in Arizona don't need to be afraid, because the law allows citizens to exercise their inalienable right to defend themselves.

I reckon this is another one of those news reports that is being sensationalized and where we're not being told the entire story.

The composite drawing of the suspect(s) make the crimes appear somewhat racially motivated - - - are black sociopaths deliberately ambushing white victims?

Well, I'm dealing with the harsh reality of having become old, fat, and physically weak.

My hair and beard are now gray, with a bald spot on top.

I hurt all over, have crooked teeth, my eyes and ears aren't as good as they used to be, I rely on bunches of assorted pills, and I have to stay close to the bathroom.

So, although I have been blessed with talent in singing, strumming guitar, composing music, writing lyrics, memorizing scripts and acting on stage, and even making up short stories, my idle daydream of fame and fortune as a star performer on stage and screen will obviously not be happening.

Yes, I watch the movies and television, and I envy those who are young, good looking, wealthy, and surrounded by beautiful females.

But, then I stop and think how lucky I really am.

Those young actors are only pretending to do what I and many others did in real life.

Would I rather be a mere actor, or a genuine macho adventurer, someone who actually took part (however minor) in historical events?

So, I'll go alone into my uncertain future.

Yes, I wish I had a pretty girl to smooch with.

But, I ain't no Hollywood actor who's just playing and pretending.

I'm the real thing.

I lived a real life in a real world.

As a youth, I endured and survived unbelievable and inexcusable horrors, deprivation, torture, and terror, and as an adult, I travelled the entire globe, went to war, fought the bad guys, helped folks in trouble, and saved lives.

As an ordained minister of the Gospel, I even tried to teach folks about Jesus Christ, and I've tried to imitate Him, although I fail abysmally.

But, I keep on trying.

So, I don't reckon I should feel too bad that I'm just a washed up old geezer, because when I was young and good looking, I chose to serve my country, my God, and my fellow man.

There was little or no opportunity for discovering, developing, and promoting personal talent, even if I knew how, or possessed the necessary resources, wherewithal, and connections.

Yes, I once was married, but we couldn't have children, and since I never had a job earning enough income, nor was I wise in managing our finances, we were not able to adopt.

Our dogs and cats were our "children".

No, even though we're divorced, I never really got over her.

Ah, but she inspired a bunch of songs.

So did a lot of other girls, girls who wisely chose to marry someone else.

I reckon I've been infatuated with every young and pretty female I ever met, although I've generally been too shy to dare speak.

Maybe it's a "guy" thing - - - we men need to be attracted to young and pretty females in order to perpetuate life, for men do not experience menopause, but remain potent throughout old age, right up until we exit mortality.

That partially explains the rationale of plural marriage, as it ensures provision for females who are past the age of child bearing.

No, the eternal doctrine of plural marriage, as implemented by the ancient Hebrew patriarchs, is not currently taught, practiced, or condoned in the Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints (i.e., the "Mormon" church), and any member caught doing so is immediately excommunicated.

But, it remains a true and eternal principle of the Gospel, and I look forward to the day when it can again be properly restored to the sons of God dwelling in Earthly mortality.

Maybe I can do some good writing my thoughts down in this journal.

Growing old and being alone is pretty bleak.

Maybe reading my thoughts can help some other washed up lonely old geezer feel a wee bit better about himself.

Maybe it might even stop him from jumping off a building?

We have quite a bit of that here at the Old Soldiers' Home - - - lonely old guys committing suicide - - - guys who were decorated combat heroes and responsible citizens back in their younger days.

Yeah, I'm glad I did what I did, and I can't believe how fortunate and blessed I truly am!

Aren't we all blessed to be living on the Earth at this particular time, with all the great discoveries and high technology, including the divinely inspired development of personal computers and the World Wide Web?

Isn't it wonderful to have this means of freely expressing our deepest thoughts and emotions, and possibly give each other moral encouragement?

God bless us all, each and every one.

Thank you.

John Robert Mallernee, KB3KWS
Official Bard of Clan Henderson
Armed Forces Retirement Home
Washington, D.C. 20011-8400

NOTE: "My unpopular and controversial personal opinions are independent of my Scottish clan."

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