Here is a copy of my letter to the Jamie Durie and the casting directors for HGTV's show The Outdoor Room
Dear Jamie,
I have been a huge fan of yours since you have made it on to the scene here in America. I know you are a true ambassador for the worldwide revolution focusing on the issues concerning our planet. I have come up with an idea for your show, CBS, the Price is Right, WalMart corporation, and and many other potential investors. I think it can change the world and I'm looking for a voice. My blog address stating my motivations and details of the plan is:
http://2ndchancebordercommunityhomestead.blogspot.com/
I have presented my plan to America via my own personal facebook campaign over the past day or two as I've been developing it. I feel that it can change the entire Global economy as well as reforming the way we view social issues. I share all my ideas openly as I feel this needs to be done to accomplish a worldwide goal. I have many specific questions for you in particular, regarding innovative products and techniques in landscape design, and reforestation. Please read the blog and evaluate the idea on it's merits. I would be proud to have you in front of the biggest issue in the whole world.
Sincerely,
Craig Michael Crawford Sr.
Friday, July 16, 2010
My American Story Part 2 (cont)
Here it is my detailed plan for the first Border Community Homestead.....stay tuned for part 2 of part 2
My American Story Part 2 (cont.)
by
Craig Michael Crawford Sr.
My specific plans for the San Diego and Imperial counties will be covered in 2 parts:
Part 1 will clarify my homestead's actual plan and business model addressing concerns of safety, security, technology development, environmental awareness, sustainability, local economic growth, and community development.
Part 2 will cover issues explaining why the San Diego and Imperial counties are pivotal to the future success of our state. It will also describe what the benefits are of ensuring the successes of these two counties on a local, state, national and international levels.
Part 1:
Like I have stated before the best place to start any large scale plan is at the beginning. The safety and security of my family is my primary concern. It is now and always will be. The first step before I would put my family anywhere near the California/Mexico border would have to be building an effective, safe, secure wall dividing my homestead and my accompanying neighbor's homestead to the south. After this is complete American workers can safely begin the process of development of my property.
My 10 acre homestead's dimensions will be 250ft x 1700ft. The remaining 42.4 ft in width would be used for a shared roads /surveillance stations with my next door neighbor. The area in front of my homestead before the already constructed border wall (see “My American Story Part 1) will 50 ft x 1700ft. This area will include (from the wall to my property line) 30 ft of newly planted California Fan Palm trees. My inspiration for the selection of this tree specifically comes from the States largest state park, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and specifically it's Borrego Palm Canyon Trail(California 3rd largest palm oasis, located not far from the entire border area. I have never been there, but I watched a PBS special recently, featuring HGTV's Outdoor Room host Jaime Durie, called Living Gardens which inspired me greatly. Jaime Durie is an strong global advocate for preserving our natural surroundings and environmental future. He also is an ambassador for Planet Ark's National Tree Day and sits on the board of the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation in Sydney. He is undoubtedly the man I would want for the job of promoting a natural, eco-friendly solution to my small 1700 ft landscaping problem. I would use his expertise in landscaping in general on the entirety of my project. With an expert like this and the associated media coverage there would be no way I could act irresponsibly towards the environment. I believe his services would come free and am not factoring the costs of wall landscaping into my business model. After the beautiful sustainable 30 ft California Palm oasis, would come 20 ft of American Border Road (US Route 0). This road will further ensure my security by providing the now inept Department of Homeland Security with a road to travel on and police our borders. It will give them the ability to monitor and control traffic instead of fighting to hold it back.
Now that I know my business interests are protected I will be able to implement my own plan to realize my American dream on my homestead. My specific plan draws it's inspiration from my father(aka Santa Claus). When I saw my father for the first time in a few years and he had changed his whole appearance I was shocked. Then I saw how happy he really was playing Santa Claus for children all December long. For the real OC Santa the money was not bad for the time spent either. Many people have said if you want to be happy find something you love to do and do that for a living. That is what I intend to do.
I am going to grow 9 acres of choose and cut Christmas trees. I originally wanted to reforest the Julian, CA area with these trees on the burnt out sections affected by wildfires which are common here. Wildfires are much more common in areas without development and proper environmental practices. We can change this for the entire Cuyamaca forest area, and bring a brand new agritourism industry to San Diego. This industry is one of the fastest growing industries in America. Just ask the neighboring Temecula Wine country. I bought my house in Temecula for 132,000 in 1999. It was a sound investment at that time. My ex-wife and I lost it to foreclosure in 2001 when it quickly was resold by the bank for 183,000. It sold again for 328,000 near the peak of the housing boom. It is currently on the market for 135,000. Imagine what a turn around in the value of this one house could have if development and agritourism returns in force to Southern California. We have all the natural resources available and the experts in their fields to implement sustainable, environmentally friendly growth and prosperity.
The remaining one acre will be my house and family gathering area. My house will be a modest 4 bedroom 2 bath energy efficient, self sustaining modular home. The factory installed cost of a house like this per sq ft is just over $100. Imagine what the cost could be if produced in massive numbers. The current average home price per sq. ft. in San Diego county is $340. Immediate real estate gains would be made. In my yard will be the most well thought out innovative home garden the world has ever seen, because the proven world leader in Landscape Design is designing it for me and my family. I'm not sure how this will affect the value of the land or my property taxes???? In addition to my home and landscaping my final acre will be outfitted with a small wind turbine, small photo voltaic solar power generation system, and a back-up propane generator so I can ensure my family would never be without, or pay for power again. (I personally priced a system like this and found the cost to support an average 2000 sq ft homes needs would be in the range of $25,000 - $30,000 installed by the manufacturers with a 25 year warranty, but I would defer to the experts in this particular industry, and let them design the system that would be the most efficient.) All of this could be built in a matter of months.
If America chooses to adopt my attitude toward activism and social reform it will have a much greater economic impact on all of us as individuals, communities, states, nation and the world. We could again remember what hope feels like, and want our neighbors to see us and what we are doing. It is time for America to be the world leader, shun the politics, and
“look toward the future without the haze of the hatred towards all things loved and lost around them corrupting their vision.”
Craig Michael Crawford(2010) American Patriot, lover
I was taught by my 11th grade US History AP teacher to include quotes of famous individuals in my essays because it makes the words you use more powerful. I am ending Part 1 of My American story with the most important quote in American history:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
United States Constitution (Preamble)
Learn it....Love it!!!!
My American Story Part 2 (cont.)
by
Craig Michael Crawford Sr.
My specific plans for the San Diego and Imperial counties will be covered in 2 parts:
Part 1 will clarify my homestead's actual plan and business model addressing concerns of safety, security, technology development, environmental awareness, sustainability, local economic growth, and community development.
Part 2 will cover issues explaining why the San Diego and Imperial counties are pivotal to the future success of our state. It will also describe what the benefits are of ensuring the successes of these two counties on a local, state, national and international levels.
Part 1:
Like I have stated before the best place to start any large scale plan is at the beginning. The safety and security of my family is my primary concern. It is now and always will be. The first step before I would put my family anywhere near the California/Mexico border would have to be building an effective, safe, secure wall dividing my homestead and my accompanying neighbor's homestead to the south. After this is complete American workers can safely begin the process of development of my property.
My 10 acre homestead's dimensions will be 250ft x 1700ft. The remaining 42.4 ft in width would be used for a shared roads /surveillance stations with my next door neighbor. The area in front of my homestead before the already constructed border wall (see “My American Story Part 1) will 50 ft x 1700ft. This area will include (from the wall to my property line) 30 ft of newly planted California Fan Palm trees. My inspiration for the selection of this tree specifically comes from the States largest state park, the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and specifically it's Borrego Palm Canyon Trail(California 3rd largest palm oasis, located not far from the entire border area. I have never been there, but I watched a PBS special recently, featuring HGTV's Outdoor Room host Jaime Durie, called Living Gardens which inspired me greatly. Jaime Durie is an strong global advocate for preserving our natural surroundings and environmental future. He also is an ambassador for Planet Ark's National Tree Day and sits on the board of the Royal Botanic Gardens Foundation in Sydney. He is undoubtedly the man I would want for the job of promoting a natural, eco-friendly solution to my small 1700 ft landscaping problem. I would use his expertise in landscaping in general on the entirety of my project. With an expert like this and the associated media coverage there would be no way I could act irresponsibly towards the environment. I believe his services would come free and am not factoring the costs of wall landscaping into my business model. After the beautiful sustainable 30 ft California Palm oasis, would come 20 ft of American Border Road (US Route 0). This road will further ensure my security by providing the now inept Department of Homeland Security with a road to travel on and police our borders. It will give them the ability to monitor and control traffic instead of fighting to hold it back.
Now that I know my business interests are protected I will be able to implement my own plan to realize my American dream on my homestead. My specific plan draws it's inspiration from my father(aka Santa Claus). When I saw my father for the first time in a few years and he had changed his whole appearance I was shocked. Then I saw how happy he really was playing Santa Claus for children all December long. For the real OC Santa the money was not bad for the time spent either. Many people have said if you want to be happy find something you love to do and do that for a living. That is what I intend to do.
I am going to grow 9 acres of choose and cut Christmas trees. I originally wanted to reforest the Julian, CA area with these trees on the burnt out sections affected by wildfires which are common here. Wildfires are much more common in areas without development and proper environmental practices. We can change this for the entire Cuyamaca forest area, and bring a brand new agritourism industry to San Diego. This industry is one of the fastest growing industries in America. Just ask the neighboring Temecula Wine country. I bought my house in Temecula for 132,000 in 1999. It was a sound investment at that time. My ex-wife and I lost it to foreclosure in 2001 when it quickly was resold by the bank for 183,000. It sold again for 328,000 near the peak of the housing boom. It is currently on the market for 135,000. Imagine what a turn around in the value of this one house could have if development and agritourism returns in force to Southern California. We have all the natural resources available and the experts in their fields to implement sustainable, environmentally friendly growth and prosperity.
The remaining one acre will be my house and family gathering area. My house will be a modest 4 bedroom 2 bath energy efficient, self sustaining modular home. The factory installed cost of a house like this per sq ft is just over $100. Imagine what the cost could be if produced in massive numbers. The current average home price per sq. ft. in San Diego county is $340. Immediate real estate gains would be made. In my yard will be the most well thought out innovative home garden the world has ever seen, because the proven world leader in Landscape Design is designing it for me and my family. I'm not sure how this will affect the value of the land or my property taxes???? In addition to my home and landscaping my final acre will be outfitted with a small wind turbine, small photo voltaic solar power generation system, and a back-up propane generator so I can ensure my family would never be without, or pay for power again. (I personally priced a system like this and found the cost to support an average 2000 sq ft homes needs would be in the range of $25,000 - $30,000 installed by the manufacturers with a 25 year warranty, but I would defer to the experts in this particular industry, and let them design the system that would be the most efficient.) All of this could be built in a matter of months.
If America chooses to adopt my attitude toward activism and social reform it will have a much greater economic impact on all of us as individuals, communities, states, nation and the world. We could again remember what hope feels like, and want our neighbors to see us and what we are doing. It is time for America to be the world leader, shun the politics, and
“look toward the future without the haze of the hatred towards all things loved and lost around them corrupting their vision.”
Craig Michael Crawford(2010) American Patriot, lover
I was taught by my 11th grade US History AP teacher to include quotes of famous individuals in my essays because it makes the words you use more powerful. I am ending Part 1 of My American story with the most important quote in American history:
“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
United States Constitution (Preamble)
Learn it....Love it!!!!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Securing the Texas Mexico Border Through Reforestation and Agritourism
Securing the Texas Mexico Border
Through Reforestation and Agritourism
by
Craig Michael Crawford
I do not claim to be an expert on Texas and it's current economic and social problems. I do however firmly believe that the answers to all these far reaching problems lies within the people who live and work in Texas and Mexico. We were born a nation of states committed to our states rights to govern their citizens. We have known since the birth of our nation that the people who care most about the health, welfare and quality of the lives of it's citizens are the states in which they reside. We know that the successes and failures of individuals or individual states, will indeed be realized by their immediate neighbors. Our current form of government limits states rights in enforcing the laws which they are allowed to create for themselves. We are currently seeing this in Arizona everyday. No state is more motivated right now to change the way they govern their own state. This country is calling out for innovative leadership, willing to take bold progressive steps to ensure the future of our once great country. I know these statesmen exist just as they always have here in America. Texas has always been and can continue to be a leader in economic growth, states rights, social reform, and patriotism. With these known attributes I am confident that Texas will formulate a smart plan to secure their border and provide an example of how hard working, honest , entrepreneurial individuals can change the state of Texas back into a leader in all aspects of American life as it has once been.
This is just an idea for a smart plan for Texas to rebuild itself, Mexico, and the central US one homestead at a time. Like I said before my focus is on myself and California. Anyone willing to use it is free to do so:
The unique geography of the Texas/Mexico border provides the perfect solution for the enforcement of border security, and opportunity for development and growth along the border areas. The Rio Grande river runs along the entire southern border. This provides the necessary transportation device for goods as well as an easily secured boundary line between our 2 countries. The same type of border wall mentioned earlier could quickly and easily be constructed in a manner that takes into account the uniqueness of this particular border area. There are many concerns along the lines of environmental impact to land/wildlife and flow of goods and labor across coutry lines. The Texas/Mexico border is also designed to be completely porous. That is because the goods and services as well as labor have been shared resources between Mexico and Texas. Unfortunately short sighted legislation and flimsy enforcement of said legislation, regarding immigration and drug laws, coupled with the usurpation of the Mexican people by our American government, American companies and American people has created the economic situation Texas and Mexico now find themselves in. Mexico's per capita income and living conditions especially in the border areas are near third world counditions. The state of Texas and it's people are guilty of using Mexico to get rich quick a million times over. It is time for strong forward thinking Texas individuals to stand up, remember the Texas that they loved, admit their wrong doings, and rectify their problems with thoughtful solutions one at a time, that can be beneficial to Texas, Mexico, the environment, and the world economy. Texas is full of big dreamers and strong fighters. They can create their own path to economic recovery, and with them the nations of the world will follow.
My plan for the border would include a similar wall and similar homesteads as mentioned in my previous essay “My American Story Pt. 1”. This wall however will be placed 100 yards back from the bank of the Rio Grande on both sides of the Border. This will allow for 200 total yards plus the width of the river separating Texas and Mexico. The 100 yards on each side can be planted with various pine/fir trees that are currently grown in large numbers by members Texas Christmas Tree farmers association. On the state sides of the walls the homesteaders can choose if they wish to continue in the work of the Christmas Tree Farmers and continue to farm Christmas tree crops, and eventually be able to spread these profitable self sustaining forests across what was once the great plains of the central U.S. And possibly the entire northern border. Along with the numerous positive environmental affects, wholesale sales of Christmas trees as well as potential retail sales for smaller more profitable agritourism based Christmas tree farm sales could drive Texas tourist revenues to unheard of levels. This would provide a perfect opportunity to continue the hard work now completed by the four pivotal southern states in securing our entire southern border through sound social and economic development with the interests of the individuals and their communities as the focus for all development.
Potential investors/supporters for the redevelopment of Texas through reforestation and agritourism would be one of the smartest, most recognizable and patriotic companies in America and one of the most recognizable and thoughtful artists in Country music. The artist I am referring to is Taylor Swift, who grew up on a Christmas tree farm, is an emerging social leader as well as proud supporter of America and it's values. She is personally an inspiration for my two little girls and I would be proud to have her represent this cause. The company I was referring to already retails Christmas trees bought on the wholesale market by the millions every year and would only be able to expand their own market share in this billions of dollars a year business. Being behind this cause would propel the WalMart corporation as the retail chain store leader in America and the world. Growth of this magnitude may not have even thought possible by Sam Walton himself (but it probably was). He like many men of his generation understood the value of paying his workers proper wages and treating them they way valued members of their communities deserve to be treated. He also echoes my sentiments that strong leaders create strong communities, and honest, hard work will always create success, and drive progress. He would not cheat his employees, or try to pull the wool over their eyes. WalMart is now, always has been, and probably always will be a strong example of how businesses should operate to ensure the strength of their companies are rooted in the strength of their employees and communities. I would be proud to have WalMart become a leader for this cause of rebuilding America one homestead at a time.
I was saving this idea for my father, who has transformed his own appearance to match the spirit of his heart, and now looks like Santa Claus all year round. He performs as Santa during the holiday season to supplement his teacher salary, and loves every wonderful minute of it. He was the inspiration for a large portion of this plan, but feel free to run with it.....he will understand.
P.S. I used the figure on 100 yard treeline beacuse the Department of Homeland "Security" has aquired the right to utilize land along all border lines and 100 yards to the American side of those borders in what ever way they see fit. Regardless of environmental or local land protection laws which exist. this is their mission statement taken from the DHS website:
"II. Vision
A secure America, a confident public, and a strong and resilient society and economy.
III. Mission
We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the Nation. We will secure our national borders while welcoming lawful immigrants, visitors, and trade."
DHS you are not doing your job properly and you are costing every taxpayer millions of dollars every day to not enforce the will of the people. We no longer need departments of the federal government controlling the most important aspects of each individual states safety, security, and overall well being.
Through Reforestation and Agritourism
by
Craig Michael Crawford
I do not claim to be an expert on Texas and it's current economic and social problems. I do however firmly believe that the answers to all these far reaching problems lies within the people who live and work in Texas and Mexico. We were born a nation of states committed to our states rights to govern their citizens. We have known since the birth of our nation that the people who care most about the health, welfare and quality of the lives of it's citizens are the states in which they reside. We know that the successes and failures of individuals or individual states, will indeed be realized by their immediate neighbors. Our current form of government limits states rights in enforcing the laws which they are allowed to create for themselves. We are currently seeing this in Arizona everyday. No state is more motivated right now to change the way they govern their own state. This country is calling out for innovative leadership, willing to take bold progressive steps to ensure the future of our once great country. I know these statesmen exist just as they always have here in America. Texas has always been and can continue to be a leader in economic growth, states rights, social reform, and patriotism. With these known attributes I am confident that Texas will formulate a smart plan to secure their border and provide an example of how hard working, honest , entrepreneurial individuals can change the state of Texas back into a leader in all aspects of American life as it has once been.
This is just an idea for a smart plan for Texas to rebuild itself, Mexico, and the central US one homestead at a time. Like I said before my focus is on myself and California. Anyone willing to use it is free to do so:
The unique geography of the Texas/Mexico border provides the perfect solution for the enforcement of border security, and opportunity for development and growth along the border areas. The Rio Grande river runs along the entire southern border. This provides the necessary transportation device for goods as well as an easily secured boundary line between our 2 countries. The same type of border wall mentioned earlier could quickly and easily be constructed in a manner that takes into account the uniqueness of this particular border area. There are many concerns along the lines of environmental impact to land/wildlife and flow of goods and labor across coutry lines. The Texas/Mexico border is also designed to be completely porous. That is because the goods and services as well as labor have been shared resources between Mexico and Texas. Unfortunately short sighted legislation and flimsy enforcement of said legislation, regarding immigration and drug laws, coupled with the usurpation of the Mexican people by our American government, American companies and American people has created the economic situation Texas and Mexico now find themselves in. Mexico's per capita income and living conditions especially in the border areas are near third world counditions. The state of Texas and it's people are guilty of using Mexico to get rich quick a million times over. It is time for strong forward thinking Texas individuals to stand up, remember the Texas that they loved, admit their wrong doings, and rectify their problems with thoughtful solutions one at a time, that can be beneficial to Texas, Mexico, the environment, and the world economy. Texas is full of big dreamers and strong fighters. They can create their own path to economic recovery, and with them the nations of the world will follow.
My plan for the border would include a similar wall and similar homesteads as mentioned in my previous essay “My American Story Pt. 1”. This wall however will be placed 100 yards back from the bank of the Rio Grande on both sides of the Border. This will allow for 200 total yards plus the width of the river separating Texas and Mexico. The 100 yards on each side can be planted with various pine/fir trees that are currently grown in large numbers by members Texas Christmas Tree farmers association. On the state sides of the walls the homesteaders can choose if they wish to continue in the work of the Christmas Tree Farmers and continue to farm Christmas tree crops, and eventually be able to spread these profitable self sustaining forests across what was once the great plains of the central U.S. And possibly the entire northern border. Along with the numerous positive environmental affects, wholesale sales of Christmas trees as well as potential retail sales for smaller more profitable agritourism based Christmas tree farm sales could drive Texas tourist revenues to unheard of levels. This would provide a perfect opportunity to continue the hard work now completed by the four pivotal southern states in securing our entire southern border through sound social and economic development with the interests of the individuals and their communities as the focus for all development.
Potential investors/supporters for the redevelopment of Texas through reforestation and agritourism would be one of the smartest, most recognizable and patriotic companies in America and one of the most recognizable and thoughtful artists in Country music. The artist I am referring to is Taylor Swift, who grew up on a Christmas tree farm, is an emerging social leader as well as proud supporter of America and it's values. She is personally an inspiration for my two little girls and I would be proud to have her represent this cause. The company I was referring to already retails Christmas trees bought on the wholesale market by the millions every year and would only be able to expand their own market share in this billions of dollars a year business. Being behind this cause would propel the WalMart corporation as the retail chain store leader in America and the world. Growth of this magnitude may not have even thought possible by Sam Walton himself (but it probably was). He like many men of his generation understood the value of paying his workers proper wages and treating them they way valued members of their communities deserve to be treated. He also echoes my sentiments that strong leaders create strong communities, and honest, hard work will always create success, and drive progress. He would not cheat his employees, or try to pull the wool over their eyes. WalMart is now, always has been, and probably always will be a strong example of how businesses should operate to ensure the strength of their companies are rooted in the strength of their employees and communities. I would be proud to have WalMart become a leader for this cause of rebuilding America one homestead at a time.
I was saving this idea for my father, who has transformed his own appearance to match the spirit of his heart, and now looks like Santa Claus all year round. He performs as Santa during the holiday season to supplement his teacher salary, and loves every wonderful minute of it. He was the inspiration for a large portion of this plan, but feel free to run with it.....he will understand.
P.S. I used the figure on 100 yard treeline beacuse the Department of Homeland "Security" has aquired the right to utilize land along all border lines and 100 yards to the American side of those borders in what ever way they see fit. Regardless of environmental or local land protection laws which exist. this is their mission statement taken from the DHS website:
"II. Vision
A secure America, a confident public, and a strong and resilient society and economy.
III. Mission
We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the Nation. We will secure our national borders while welcoming lawful immigrants, visitors, and trade."
DHS you are not doing your job properly and you are costing every taxpayer millions of dollars every day to not enforce the will of the people. We no longer need departments of the federal government controlling the most important aspects of each individual states safety, security, and overall well being.
My American Story Part 2
Here is the beginning of my plan to save America and myself............(specific details to follow shortly)
My American Story Part 2
by
Craig Michael Crawford Sr.
My Father has always been the wisest man I have ever known. The things he has taught me through a lifelong examples ring true through the ages as the best advice from all of mankind. Like many of you I was lucky to be born to a red, white and blue blooded, patriotic father who was always available for examples of the proper way to live life. He worked hard everyday, we had 7 children in our family, there was always work to do. He loved his family and made sure each one of them always knew it. He always held firm to his beliefs, no matter what the consequences were to him. He taught us that education was the most important tool in our tool belt. He never left his obligations behind and ran for the hills. He dealt with his problems head on and admitted his mistakes openly. He encouraged generosity even when there was very little or nothing to give. And when there was no one else in the world who was there you always knew he would be there no matter what. America was born from fathers just like mine. Unfortunately many of you(just like me) have forgot the lessons we learned from our fathers. I am making it my personal challenge to myself to rectify my mistakes as a father to my son who turns 13 in exactly one week. I hope I can be an example to my son and show the country how to be an example to their own sons.
I have always wanted to appear on a game show. It started when I was young and I tried out for Double Dare with my sister Lisa. It is one of the items on my list of things to do before I die. I have been to the Price is Right 8 times, with no luck. My father was a marine just like Drew Carey the host of the Price is Right. The game show format allows for 9 contestants during the course of a show, including myself that would make 10 winners of a life changing prize bigger than any cash prize ever awarded on television. The 9 selected individuals will be chosen the same way as they are always chosen: through interviews prior to the taping from a audience of about 325 people if I remember correctly. They will compete for prizes that will support the ability to complete each individuals own new homestead. The contestants must provide during the interview a plan to earn profits from and encourage support for my 2nd Chance Border Homesteads. My plan, which will be spelled out specifically below, includes (10) ten acre homesteads along the southern border of California just after the Otay Mesa fencing ends. Costs for these homesteads will be funded completely by the investments of CBS media and any affiliates they will bring in. Together the first 10 will cover the first 2 miles of what is an almost 2000 mile long road to recovering our economy and our neighbors along the way. This small percentage (0.1%) will be an example to America of what can be done in record time with low costs in an environmentally friendly manner, to secure our borders and ensure our social and economic success for our sons and daughters. At worst it will create massive media attention to major issues affecting all of America and change the lives of 10 lucky individuals.
My American Story Part 2
by
Craig Michael Crawford Sr.
My Father has always been the wisest man I have ever known. The things he has taught me through a lifelong examples ring true through the ages as the best advice from all of mankind. Like many of you I was lucky to be born to a red, white and blue blooded, patriotic father who was always available for examples of the proper way to live life. He worked hard everyday, we had 7 children in our family, there was always work to do. He loved his family and made sure each one of them always knew it. He always held firm to his beliefs, no matter what the consequences were to him. He taught us that education was the most important tool in our tool belt. He never left his obligations behind and ran for the hills. He dealt with his problems head on and admitted his mistakes openly. He encouraged generosity even when there was very little or nothing to give. And when there was no one else in the world who was there you always knew he would be there no matter what. America was born from fathers just like mine. Unfortunately many of you(just like me) have forgot the lessons we learned from our fathers. I am making it my personal challenge to myself to rectify my mistakes as a father to my son who turns 13 in exactly one week. I hope I can be an example to my son and show the country how to be an example to their own sons.
I have always wanted to appear on a game show. It started when I was young and I tried out for Double Dare with my sister Lisa. It is one of the items on my list of things to do before I die. I have been to the Price is Right 8 times, with no luck. My father was a marine just like Drew Carey the host of the Price is Right. The game show format allows for 9 contestants during the course of a show, including myself that would make 10 winners of a life changing prize bigger than any cash prize ever awarded on television. The 9 selected individuals will be chosen the same way as they are always chosen: through interviews prior to the taping from a audience of about 325 people if I remember correctly. They will compete for prizes that will support the ability to complete each individuals own new homestead. The contestants must provide during the interview a plan to earn profits from and encourage support for my 2nd Chance Border Homesteads. My plan, which will be spelled out specifically below, includes (10) ten acre homesteads along the southern border of California just after the Otay Mesa fencing ends. Costs for these homesteads will be funded completely by the investments of CBS media and any affiliates they will bring in. Together the first 10 will cover the first 2 miles of what is an almost 2000 mile long road to recovering our economy and our neighbors along the way. This small percentage (0.1%) will be an example to America of what can be done in record time with low costs in an environmentally friendly manner, to secure our borders and ensure our social and economic success for our sons and daughters. At worst it will create massive media attention to major issues affecting all of America and change the lives of 10 lucky individuals.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
My American Story Part 1
My American Story
by
Craig Michael Crawford
Someone is bound to ask, so I might as well get my side of my American story out in the open first. I am trying to continue the current story of my life as an American in a more honest manner than I have in the past. I have mentioned my previous wrong doings in the past and the specifics of these instances are for me and the persons affected to deal with and sort out. I also am in desperate need to complete an inventory of my current situation to identify what is necessary to rectify my life.
All life stories start at birth, so that is where mine should begin. I was born November 3rd, 1979 in Fontana, California. I was the 6th of what would be 7 children and my parents were two of the hardest working people I have ever known. I'm sure that is where my strong work ethic was also born. We grew up in Rancho Cucamonga for the first decade of my life. My father worked hard for Albertons distribution company for many hours a day for many years to support us all.
My mother suffers from manic depression (now called bipolar disorder). Her condition caused my life as well as my siblings to be extremely erratic at times. I would find out later on in life bipolar disorder affects me as well. At the age of 10 my family moved out of the inland empire seeking larger, more affordable housing just past the inland empire in the up and coming high desert. Shortly after this my mother had another breakdown, only this time it was different. Maybe because I was old enough now to see what was really happening, or maybe because her manic episodes had been getting increasingly worse. After many long nights not knowing where our mother was, and even worse nights where we did know where she was, every child left in the house gave up on her ever being a mother to any of us again. That is when I started hating lots of things. Hate is one of the worst emotions I can hang on to as a person. Luckily I still had a strong family who is always and will always be there for me.
I became a driven teenager and young adult. As a teenager I held any job I could find in the floundering desert economy, knowing there would always be a job for someone who works both hard and smart. Towards the end of high school I considered the Marine corp like my father and the Navy like my grandfather. I chose to accept the allure of the open seas entering the United States Navy. Being an intelligent young man and excellent student I was accepted to the Naval Nuclear Power generation program. I signed up with my fathers permission the day after my 17th birthday. I graduated high school early, and left for boot camp almost 2 months later. I found out just prior to leaving that my ex girlfriend was now pregnant and I was to be a father at the age of 17.
Like all of the challenges I had faced in the past, I was determined to deal with this one as a responsible adult and marry my ex girl friend and be there to raise our son. I went off to boot camp, then nuclear machinist mate “A”school in Orlando, FL, where my now wife and and son would come live with me. I completed “A” school and nuclear power school finishing high in my class. We then moved to Charleston, SC for the last leg of my training in nuclear power. While there I finished the entire self directed training program first in my class and even got a part time job delivering pizzas before my 6 months was up. Now being a fully licensed nuclear reactor operator I was stationed to my first permanent duty station, the USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716). We were stationed out of San Diego, CA. I left on deployment 2 days after reporting to my boat. I enjoyed parts of my deployments, but for the most part it involved a lot of depressing wasted time.
After spending a unexplainable 123 straight days under the water during this first deployment I was acclimating to life aboard my submarine. I did love my job and was very good at it. I qualified every watch station earlier than my peers and was instrumental in numerous projects. I have always taken the initiative to learn all I could about all aspects of my assigned tasks. I was a valuable member of the nuclear submarine community. I was early promoted twice, and after almost 2 years on board I decided to make this my career that I would retire from at the age of 37. I had a wife and a son who I loved very much, and now owned a home in Temecula, CA. I always operated within the bounds of the law and was adamant about supporting this kind of behavior. I was a productive, patriotic, hard working, tax paying American. That was the year 2000.
Since the year 2000 my life has taken a dramatic turn. Late in the year 2000 I was on my second deployment, when I met a woman in Australia. I tended to have extreme emotional swings every time we would enter port, and had some trouble with drinking in previous ports. Australia was no different, except this time I met a beautiful amazing person. She and I were born on the same day and she was everything I thought I wanted. I almost didn't even go back to my ship, she had to convince me. I was resolved to leave my wife and son and marry this woman I had known only for about 3 days. Needless to say this was out of character for me. I did however move out of my house and got an apartment in San Diego. During this time I also became convinced of several different methods I devised to become rich gambling. I let this consume me for several years after. I wish I never walked into a Casino. Needless to say I was on the verge or in the midst of a severe mental break...how am I supposed to know.
Just after Christmas time I began realizing what I was doing and became extremely depressed. I started not being able to get to my boat on time and actually missed a day. There is no allowance for missed days in the military. I know that, I was never one to condone these types of actions which I was now performing. I used cocaine a few times on the advise of my shipmates..... good advise. But it did get me to work a few more times before I decided to go AWOL and drive to Washington. I spent almost 30 days AWOL and returned to San Diego and checked in at Balboa Naval Medical Center. After diagnosis of bipolar disorder and about 3 weeks of inpatient care, I was released from the Naval Hospital with a treatment plan of sedation by Lithium. I was then transferred back to my command for disciplinary actions, and processing for medical discharge from the military. I was ordered to participate in 8 weeks intensive in-patient drug and alcohol treatment. I disagreed with this treatment and refused that I had any problems with drugs or alcohol. I was told I would be processed for discharge ASAP. I had not had any follow up treatment or even a doctor assigned to take my blood work, just a Lithium prescription and orders to take 500mg twice daily. I soon ran out while waiting for something to happen and had another episode where I left and went AWOL for about 6 days. I don't remember much of this one. But when I got back I was out of my medication which allowed me to at least get an appointment with a doctor at 32nd st Naval Station.
During this appointment, the doctor who was assigned to me asked me about 15 questions, and it lasted no more than 10 minutes. Most of which he was writing. At the end he informed me I no longer needed lithium treatment and I was not bi-polar. Also since now I had no medically disqualifying conditions I would be processed for discharge expeditiously under other than honorable discharge. The only service I gave my country was not other than honorable. I always gave my country more than 100% up until the time I needed some help to deal with my mental illness, and the problems it created in my life. When that time came and I was dropped by the service that I loved, I began to hate a lot more things. Things that I once loved passionately. Most importantly myself and my country.
I have since been diagnosed several times and there doesn't seem to be any doubt I do suffer from bipolar disorder with sometimes extremely rapid cycling. I believe this illness was not created by my extremely stressful time I spent serving my country aboard the USS Salt Lake City. But spending months at a time with no natural light, in closed confined quarters, hundreds of feet under the water, with decreased oxygen levels sometimes as low as 16% could not have aided in healthy proper brain function.
From that point(Apr 2001) to now almost 10 years I have slowly slipped further and further away from society. These are the times I am most ashamed of because I knew I needed help, knew how to get help, but was unable to do what it took to put myself on a path to recovery. I guess I just had to wait another decade, and wander the desert like a madman looking for answers until they finally came to me.
That is where we are today. I am a once hopeless, recovering everything trying to deal with my mental illness in a way that I see fit for my own body and mind. I like most of our state governments am broken. I am penniless much like many Americans and Mexican all across this nation. I do not have the legal right to drive a vehicle. I do not carry insurance. I have not filed taxes since the year 2000 and owe the IRS a considerable amount of money. I have an extremely large amount of unpaid debts. I have not spoken to my only son in almost 2 years. I know of one warrant but there is probably 2 right now because I have not been able to pay my child support obligations. Given the weight of all these problems (theres more I'm sure but these are the main ones), it would be easy to lose all hope that the future will hold anything positive for me. That is why now more than ever my plan to resurrect the American economy will work.
I am not alone in my feelings of hopelessness. Too many Americans and Mexicans have no idea of what hope feels like. I guess that is what makes me a little different, I came from a family where hope, faith and love were always plentiful resources.
It is time for all of us that call ourselves patriots to stop accepting the fact that our government has stopped looking after our best interests. We all know that we are in this economic situation by our own doing. We made the policies which drove the Mexican economy into almost 3rd world conditions. We used illegal labor to complete our home construction projects which we flipped for millions of dollars. WE DESERVE TO HAVE THE HOUSING MARKET CRASH!!! We let the financial sector and private interest groups control governmental policies and drive our economy straight to the toilet, then let the CEO's who blatantly stole millions from Americans off the hook. We continue to deny or delay the ability to install a border fencing system that effectively secures our borders. We let drugs, drug dealers, murderers come into our country daily and we cannot do a thing about it. Our American way of life will not continue to exist if Americans don't realize this. It's time we did the right thing for America, and the right thing for the world and secure our future as a world leader.
2nd Chance Border Community Homesteads
My plan will have a complete(1951 miles) secure border fencing system and monitoring systems in place by spring 2011. In addition to a secure safe division of our two countries, each country will be taking the necessary steps to ensure their citizens basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. None of us are happy right now. With my plan we can turn hate and anger into hopes and dreams. My plan will also alow our governments to receive the tax dollars and the political support necessary for long term stable growth and transition into a new “green” world economy. I can't imagine the president of the United States can argue too many of these points with me because he himself has made most of them at one point or another.
My plan will begin at the beginning where you should start. I am a native Californian and American patriot. I like most my family members have served or are serving in the military. I am focusing my research on the san diego and imperial counties of California. I was stationed on Point Loma Naval Subbase where I could see the beautiful Coronado Islands in the distance every morning when I would PT out on the point. As a topside linehandler I sailed in and out of the point countless times. I am very familiar, as is most of my immediate family with this area. I have loved this area for a long time and truly desire to see what it could be. We already have the Border Field State park, the Otay Mesa 14 mile stretch and of course the Tijuana border crossing. We all know this tiny amount of protection will not keep out the millions of dollars of illegal drug trafficking and all the associated problems that go along with it.
If our border is completely secure they will not journey through the desert because there will be nowhere to go when they get to the border. And even if they do decide to try when they get close there will be 10000 eyes on every mile of land. So how do we save our future generations from the devastating effects of this drug economy we have created?
WE MUST START WITH A WALL!!!
The LA Times reports the estimated number of people who have died in drug-related violence in Mexico since the start of 2007 is 22,700. The drug cartels have corrupted every facet of life in Mexico especially in border towns. We are still fighting a war over oil that has cost trillions more dollars and has had less deaths since 2007. Are we going to let Mexicans keep dying and let Americans keep killing themselves because we can't build a wall.
If the government won't, I will!!
Let's figure out what it costs to build a good wall:
Number of miles of border: 1951
Cost per mile: here's where it gets tricky
(Bloated government cost for a wall: $49 Billion est. & only 700miles of rinky dink metal fencing)*
Actual costs necessary for my wall: $3 Billion for 1951 miles of tilt up precast concrete walls 20 feet high. Add another $3 billon for a second wall on the Mexico side and add $1 million per mile for survelance equipment makes it close to $8 Billion dollars.
How can they make everything cost so much?
(My cost estimate was taken from an independent cost comparison for common commercial wall systems. I used the figure of $15/sq ft which is pretty close to average for the study of the regions of the southeast. We could put Americans to work making these walls tomorrow.)
http://www.gobricksoutheast.com/CostComparisons/WallCst3.pdf
*The Dec. 12, 2006, nonpartisan congressional report said the corps predicted that the combined cost of building and maintaining the fence over a 25-year life cycle would range from $16.4 million to $70 million per mile, depending on how heavily and how often the fence is damaged by would-be border jumpers. At $70 million per mile, a 700-mile fence would cost $49 billion.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-01-08/bay-area/17225174_1_border-fence-border-patrol-arrests-san-diego-border
My 2 walls would be made of “6 inch thick 100% Recyled concrete made in America. Precast systems are competitive with other foundation walls, particularly when costs are examined as an assembly that includes footings and sub-slab drainage. Precast walls can be installed quickly in any weather. Because the concrete is cured in the factory it is installed quickly on site when it arrives. Construction times are further increased with onsite work being performed in advance of wall section delivery. Concrete wall systems will require virtually no maintenance and will last longer than any metal fencing system.
This was taken from the US DEA website:
Drug Situation: Due to California’s diverse culture and unique geography, there are many issues that affect the drug situation in California. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana are smuggled into the state from Mexico; however, methamphetamine and marijuana are produced or cultivated in large quantities within the state. San Diego and Imperial Counties remain principal transshipment zones for a variety of drugs – cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine – smuggled from Mexico. Most drug traffickers/organizations that are encountered by law enforcement continue to be poly-drug traffickers rather than specializing in one type of drug. Since September 11, 2001, greater emphasis has been placed on carefully screening people and vehicles at all California Ports of Entry into the U.S. from Mexico. This has forced traffickers to attempt other means to smuggle their contraband into the U.S., including the use of tunnels that run underneath the border and more sophisticated hidden compartments in vehicles. Los Angeles is a distribution center for all types of illicit drugs destined for other major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. as well as locally. Increased security measures at Los Angeles International Airport continue to deter drug traffickers from traveling through the airport. Although the northern half of California is awash in methamphetamine in more rural areas, heroin remains the number one drug of abuse in San Francisco, heroin and crack cocaine continue to impact Oakland, and methamphetamine continues in and around Sacramento.
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/state_factsheets/california.html
The DEA recognizes the problems but their hands are tied in some respects. California especially needs to clarify their position regarding drugs and the drug culture and economy it has created. We must once and for all make a decision regarding the production and sale of marijuana. If we really think as a state that it has medical uses, then we must have serious studies at the university levels throughout California. Without a doubt this is our biggest potential revenue point. Many states across the union have indeed passed medical marijuana laws. I have my own personal views but for purely economic reasons we can not let an $18 billion a year industry that is already rooted here in California go untaxed and poorly if at all regulated.
by
Craig Michael Crawford
Someone is bound to ask, so I might as well get my side of my American story out in the open first. I am trying to continue the current story of my life as an American in a more honest manner than I have in the past. I have mentioned my previous wrong doings in the past and the specifics of these instances are for me and the persons affected to deal with and sort out. I also am in desperate need to complete an inventory of my current situation to identify what is necessary to rectify my life.
All life stories start at birth, so that is where mine should begin. I was born November 3rd, 1979 in Fontana, California. I was the 6th of what would be 7 children and my parents were two of the hardest working people I have ever known. I'm sure that is where my strong work ethic was also born. We grew up in Rancho Cucamonga for the first decade of my life. My father worked hard for Albertons distribution company for many hours a day for many years to support us all.
My mother suffers from manic depression (now called bipolar disorder). Her condition caused my life as well as my siblings to be extremely erratic at times. I would find out later on in life bipolar disorder affects me as well. At the age of 10 my family moved out of the inland empire seeking larger, more affordable housing just past the inland empire in the up and coming high desert. Shortly after this my mother had another breakdown, only this time it was different. Maybe because I was old enough now to see what was really happening, or maybe because her manic episodes had been getting increasingly worse. After many long nights not knowing where our mother was, and even worse nights where we did know where she was, every child left in the house gave up on her ever being a mother to any of us again. That is when I started hating lots of things. Hate is one of the worst emotions I can hang on to as a person. Luckily I still had a strong family who is always and will always be there for me.
I became a driven teenager and young adult. As a teenager I held any job I could find in the floundering desert economy, knowing there would always be a job for someone who works both hard and smart. Towards the end of high school I considered the Marine corp like my father and the Navy like my grandfather. I chose to accept the allure of the open seas entering the United States Navy. Being an intelligent young man and excellent student I was accepted to the Naval Nuclear Power generation program. I signed up with my fathers permission the day after my 17th birthday. I graduated high school early, and left for boot camp almost 2 months later. I found out just prior to leaving that my ex girlfriend was now pregnant and I was to be a father at the age of 17.
Like all of the challenges I had faced in the past, I was determined to deal with this one as a responsible adult and marry my ex girl friend and be there to raise our son. I went off to boot camp, then nuclear machinist mate “A”school in Orlando, FL, where my now wife and and son would come live with me. I completed “A” school and nuclear power school finishing high in my class. We then moved to Charleston, SC for the last leg of my training in nuclear power. While there I finished the entire self directed training program first in my class and even got a part time job delivering pizzas before my 6 months was up. Now being a fully licensed nuclear reactor operator I was stationed to my first permanent duty station, the USS Salt Lake City (SSN-716). We were stationed out of San Diego, CA. I left on deployment 2 days after reporting to my boat. I enjoyed parts of my deployments, but for the most part it involved a lot of depressing wasted time.
After spending a unexplainable 123 straight days under the water during this first deployment I was acclimating to life aboard my submarine. I did love my job and was very good at it. I qualified every watch station earlier than my peers and was instrumental in numerous projects. I have always taken the initiative to learn all I could about all aspects of my assigned tasks. I was a valuable member of the nuclear submarine community. I was early promoted twice, and after almost 2 years on board I decided to make this my career that I would retire from at the age of 37. I had a wife and a son who I loved very much, and now owned a home in Temecula, CA. I always operated within the bounds of the law and was adamant about supporting this kind of behavior. I was a productive, patriotic, hard working, tax paying American. That was the year 2000.
Since the year 2000 my life has taken a dramatic turn. Late in the year 2000 I was on my second deployment, when I met a woman in Australia. I tended to have extreme emotional swings every time we would enter port, and had some trouble with drinking in previous ports. Australia was no different, except this time I met a beautiful amazing person. She and I were born on the same day and she was everything I thought I wanted. I almost didn't even go back to my ship, she had to convince me. I was resolved to leave my wife and son and marry this woman I had known only for about 3 days. Needless to say this was out of character for me. I did however move out of my house and got an apartment in San Diego. During this time I also became convinced of several different methods I devised to become rich gambling. I let this consume me for several years after. I wish I never walked into a Casino. Needless to say I was on the verge or in the midst of a severe mental break...how am I supposed to know.
Just after Christmas time I began realizing what I was doing and became extremely depressed. I started not being able to get to my boat on time and actually missed a day. There is no allowance for missed days in the military. I know that, I was never one to condone these types of actions which I was now performing. I used cocaine a few times on the advise of my shipmates..... good advise. But it did get me to work a few more times before I decided to go AWOL and drive to Washington. I spent almost 30 days AWOL and returned to San Diego and checked in at Balboa Naval Medical Center. After diagnosis of bipolar disorder and about 3 weeks of inpatient care, I was released from the Naval Hospital with a treatment plan of sedation by Lithium. I was then transferred back to my command for disciplinary actions, and processing for medical discharge from the military. I was ordered to participate in 8 weeks intensive in-patient drug and alcohol treatment. I disagreed with this treatment and refused that I had any problems with drugs or alcohol. I was told I would be processed for discharge ASAP. I had not had any follow up treatment or even a doctor assigned to take my blood work, just a Lithium prescription and orders to take 500mg twice daily. I soon ran out while waiting for something to happen and had another episode where I left and went AWOL for about 6 days. I don't remember much of this one. But when I got back I was out of my medication which allowed me to at least get an appointment with a doctor at 32nd st Naval Station.
During this appointment, the doctor who was assigned to me asked me about 15 questions, and it lasted no more than 10 minutes. Most of which he was writing. At the end he informed me I no longer needed lithium treatment and I was not bi-polar. Also since now I had no medically disqualifying conditions I would be processed for discharge expeditiously under other than honorable discharge. The only service I gave my country was not other than honorable. I always gave my country more than 100% up until the time I needed some help to deal with my mental illness, and the problems it created in my life. When that time came and I was dropped by the service that I loved, I began to hate a lot more things. Things that I once loved passionately. Most importantly myself and my country.
I have since been diagnosed several times and there doesn't seem to be any doubt I do suffer from bipolar disorder with sometimes extremely rapid cycling. I believe this illness was not created by my extremely stressful time I spent serving my country aboard the USS Salt Lake City. But spending months at a time with no natural light, in closed confined quarters, hundreds of feet under the water, with decreased oxygen levels sometimes as low as 16% could not have aided in healthy proper brain function.
From that point(Apr 2001) to now almost 10 years I have slowly slipped further and further away from society. These are the times I am most ashamed of because I knew I needed help, knew how to get help, but was unable to do what it took to put myself on a path to recovery. I guess I just had to wait another decade, and wander the desert like a madman looking for answers until they finally came to me.
That is where we are today. I am a once hopeless, recovering everything trying to deal with my mental illness in a way that I see fit for my own body and mind. I like most of our state governments am broken. I am penniless much like many Americans and Mexican all across this nation. I do not have the legal right to drive a vehicle. I do not carry insurance. I have not filed taxes since the year 2000 and owe the IRS a considerable amount of money. I have an extremely large amount of unpaid debts. I have not spoken to my only son in almost 2 years. I know of one warrant but there is probably 2 right now because I have not been able to pay my child support obligations. Given the weight of all these problems (theres more I'm sure but these are the main ones), it would be easy to lose all hope that the future will hold anything positive for me. That is why now more than ever my plan to resurrect the American economy will work.
I am not alone in my feelings of hopelessness. Too many Americans and Mexicans have no idea of what hope feels like. I guess that is what makes me a little different, I came from a family where hope, faith and love were always plentiful resources.
It is time for all of us that call ourselves patriots to stop accepting the fact that our government has stopped looking after our best interests. We all know that we are in this economic situation by our own doing. We made the policies which drove the Mexican economy into almost 3rd world conditions. We used illegal labor to complete our home construction projects which we flipped for millions of dollars. WE DESERVE TO HAVE THE HOUSING MARKET CRASH!!! We let the financial sector and private interest groups control governmental policies and drive our economy straight to the toilet, then let the CEO's who blatantly stole millions from Americans off the hook. We continue to deny or delay the ability to install a border fencing system that effectively secures our borders. We let drugs, drug dealers, murderers come into our country daily and we cannot do a thing about it. Our American way of life will not continue to exist if Americans don't realize this. It's time we did the right thing for America, and the right thing for the world and secure our future as a world leader.
2nd Chance Border Community Homesteads
My plan will have a complete(1951 miles) secure border fencing system and monitoring systems in place by spring 2011. In addition to a secure safe division of our two countries, each country will be taking the necessary steps to ensure their citizens basic rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. None of us are happy right now. With my plan we can turn hate and anger into hopes and dreams. My plan will also alow our governments to receive the tax dollars and the political support necessary for long term stable growth and transition into a new “green” world economy. I can't imagine the president of the United States can argue too many of these points with me because he himself has made most of them at one point or another.
My plan will begin at the beginning where you should start. I am a native Californian and American patriot. I like most my family members have served or are serving in the military. I am focusing my research on the san diego and imperial counties of California. I was stationed on Point Loma Naval Subbase where I could see the beautiful Coronado Islands in the distance every morning when I would PT out on the point. As a topside linehandler I sailed in and out of the point countless times. I am very familiar, as is most of my immediate family with this area. I have loved this area for a long time and truly desire to see what it could be. We already have the Border Field State park, the Otay Mesa 14 mile stretch and of course the Tijuana border crossing. We all know this tiny amount of protection will not keep out the millions of dollars of illegal drug trafficking and all the associated problems that go along with it.
If our border is completely secure they will not journey through the desert because there will be nowhere to go when they get to the border. And even if they do decide to try when they get close there will be 10000 eyes on every mile of land. So how do we save our future generations from the devastating effects of this drug economy we have created?
WE MUST START WITH A WALL!!!
The LA Times reports the estimated number of people who have died in drug-related violence in Mexico since the start of 2007 is 22,700. The drug cartels have corrupted every facet of life in Mexico especially in border towns. We are still fighting a war over oil that has cost trillions more dollars and has had less deaths since 2007. Are we going to let Mexicans keep dying and let Americans keep killing themselves because we can't build a wall.
If the government won't, I will!!
Let's figure out what it costs to build a good wall:
Number of miles of border: 1951
Cost per mile: here's where it gets tricky
(Bloated government cost for a wall: $49 Billion est. & only 700miles of rinky dink metal fencing)*
Actual costs necessary for my wall: $3 Billion for 1951 miles of tilt up precast concrete walls 20 feet high. Add another $3 billon for a second wall on the Mexico side and add $1 million per mile for survelance equipment makes it close to $8 Billion dollars.
How can they make everything cost so much?
(My cost estimate was taken from an independent cost comparison for common commercial wall systems. I used the figure of $15/sq ft which is pretty close to average for the study of the regions of the southeast. We could put Americans to work making these walls tomorrow.)
http://www.gobricksoutheast.com/CostComparisons/WallCst3.pdf
*The Dec. 12, 2006, nonpartisan congressional report said the corps predicted that the combined cost of building and maintaining the fence over a 25-year life cycle would range from $16.4 million to $70 million per mile, depending on how heavily and how often the fence is damaged by would-be border jumpers. At $70 million per mile, a 700-mile fence would cost $49 billion.
http://articles.sfgate.com/2007-01-08/bay-area/17225174_1_border-fence-border-patrol-arrests-san-diego-border
My 2 walls would be made of “6 inch thick 100% Recyled concrete made in America. Precast systems are competitive with other foundation walls, particularly when costs are examined as an assembly that includes footings and sub-slab drainage. Precast walls can be installed quickly in any weather. Because the concrete is cured in the factory it is installed quickly on site when it arrives. Construction times are further increased with onsite work being performed in advance of wall section delivery. Concrete wall systems will require virtually no maintenance and will last longer than any metal fencing system.
This was taken from the US DEA website:
Drug Situation: Due to California’s diverse culture and unique geography, there are many issues that affect the drug situation in California. Drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and marijuana are smuggled into the state from Mexico; however, methamphetamine and marijuana are produced or cultivated in large quantities within the state. San Diego and Imperial Counties remain principal transshipment zones for a variety of drugs – cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamine – smuggled from Mexico. Most drug traffickers/organizations that are encountered by law enforcement continue to be poly-drug traffickers rather than specializing in one type of drug. Since September 11, 2001, greater emphasis has been placed on carefully screening people and vehicles at all California Ports of Entry into the U.S. from Mexico. This has forced traffickers to attempt other means to smuggle their contraband into the U.S., including the use of tunnels that run underneath the border and more sophisticated hidden compartments in vehicles. Los Angeles is a distribution center for all types of illicit drugs destined for other major metropolitan areas throughout the U.S. as well as locally. Increased security measures at Los Angeles International Airport continue to deter drug traffickers from traveling through the airport. Although the northern half of California is awash in methamphetamine in more rural areas, heroin remains the number one drug of abuse in San Francisco, heroin and crack cocaine continue to impact Oakland, and methamphetamine continues in and around Sacramento.
http://www.justice.gov/dea/pubs/state_factsheets/california.html
The DEA recognizes the problems but their hands are tied in some respects. California especially needs to clarify their position regarding drugs and the drug culture and economy it has created. We must once and for all make a decision regarding the production and sale of marijuana. If we really think as a state that it has medical uses, then we must have serious studies at the university levels throughout California. Without a doubt this is our biggest potential revenue point. Many states across the union have indeed passed medical marijuana laws. I have my own personal views but for purely economic reasons we can not let an $18 billion a year industry that is already rooted here in California go untaxed and poorly if at all regulated.
Illegal Immigration Crisis in America and My Solution
Illegal Immigration Crisis in America and My Solution
by
Craig Michael Crawford
I was driving down the street yesterday and saw protesters on the side of the road, angry about illegal immigration, and it's devastating effects on our once great country. Being a lifelong patriot I noticed what they were there for, acknowledged them, gave a couple honks, went to the grocery store and didn't think much about it after that.
Illegal Immigration affects every American whether we chose to take a side on it or not. Our elected leader President Obama recognizes the need for “comprehensive reform”. I think we could all agree comprehensive reform would be an accurate term to describe what is necessary to fix our current immigration laws and solidify our border securities. What type of reform is the question and the answer to why nothing ever gets done?
Later the next day I was thinking about my own issues, joblessness, financial hardships, family problems, the standard usual everyday American family problems. Unfortunately I have been affected like many other American families by the devastating economy crippling our entire nation. It is especially bad in California where there seems to be little hope for our States economy as a whole. I would be happy to spend a year or two working for the government building a wall, I work hard, don't complain too much, I probably know a few other guys who might help.........
I thought to myself how easy it should be for a nation of people who all agree we need “complete reform” concerning the security of our borders, to implement a plan to secure these borders. Shouldn't we stop the inflow first, protect our security, then squabble in congress and the house about the proper path to legal citizenship. That is what everyone wants right?; legal, law-abiding, tax paying, hard working, honest American citizens. Wouldn't Democrats and Republicans both spend legal immigrant tax dollars just as ineffectively as they spend ours. Mass deportation is neither logical or ethical.
Most importantly we must have a secure border where there are no questions about whether or not there is a line in the sand, or if there is a possibility of making it across illegally. All illegal immigration into this country will be stopped. Until this happens we will never be able to get an accurate estimation of the entire situation. I bet there is no way to calculate the amount of money the government has spent trying to figure out how many illegal immigrants are in this country. But by my calculations 100% was wasted because it changes every day.
We have plenty of technology to make this become a reality. They say good fences make good neighbors, and thats what I believe America could be: a good neighbor. In the grand scope of governmental budgets it wouldn't cost that much to completely secure our border. The problem then lies in our government. When the government no longer is supporting the needs of the people they represent it is each individuals responsibility to change the way the government operates. Thats when I realized what those people were standing outside for.............
President Obama said “We do not deputize the American people to do the job that the federal government is supposed to do. So as president, I will make sure that the federal government does what it’s supposed to do, which is to do a better job of closing our borders, have much tougher enforcement standards when it comes to employers, and create a pathway of citizenship for the 12 million people who are already here.”
Source: 2007 Democratic radio debate on NPR Dec 4, 2007
He hasn't done this and probably wont do this. Now it's our turn to tell him he hasn't, maybe he'll listen and do something about it.....
So now my thoughts are completely geared toward how can we as Americans persuade the government to take action to secure our borders and our economic future. Protests don't seem to have the effect that they once had in our country. I believe the best way to show the government that you believe they are not doing their job, is to relieve them of their duties until they can figure it out. If every American who stands on a street corner protesting or writes a blog complaining about illegal immigrants would come down to a border town and stand some watch, or farm some land supposedly only capable of being farmed by illegal immigrants we as Americans could stand together and start a Border communities watch.
This Border communities watch program should be privately funded and focused on building not only a strong patriotic presence all across the southern border of our country, but infrastructure to support the development of properties along the southern borders of the entire country. Development on this scale will create numerous job opportunities for hundreds of thousands if not millions of currently unemployed/underemployed tax-paying Americans all across the country.
By privatizing the development we will ensure governmental budget approval problems and bipartisan lobbying won't slow the development or make it cost exponentially more than is necessary. If the group of investors was large enough, we could build lines of small productive American farms all across the entire southern border. Hopefully with the development dollars already spent on the infrastructure necessary to support almost 2000 miles of roads, farms, and homes with hard working Americans farming land close to their home and our border, Mexican business development investors will have the opportunity to utilize the technology and the shared infrastructure to rebuild their own economically devastated country through their own hard work.
My goal would be for the Mexican government would be able to accept the fact that we can no longer continue to support their failing economy as well as ours. Also I hope with the right encouragement they will also realize the importance of a strong secure border for the economic future of Mexico. We will however continue to act as ambassadors and neighbors and assist in the development of strong national policies concerning free trade and commerce with Mexico as long as they become self sufficient and most importantly law abiding as a result.
This should breed a new generation of Mexican statesmen, innovative entrepreneurial persons willing to act honestly with genuine desires to make Mexico a great country and a vehicle for change in the world. To rebuild their own nation and become global leaders in a new “green” world economy. Then we would have no need to fight about immigration. Quality jobs will always be available for persons of any nationality who work hard and believe in the idea that hard work and honesty will always pay off in the end.
No where in the world do two bordering countries have such large difference in pay or quality of life. Neither of our countries economies can survive this large gap in wages and quality of life. For better or worse our countries are indeed linked together and our successes will be shared along with our failures.
The reports indicate an average illegal Mexican immigrant will make 12 times the amount per day in America versus the same work day in Mexico, if they get any work at all. Anyone I know who has had no work for an extended period of time would gladly move a couple hundred miles away to make 12 times as much money with a higher quality of life and many more opportunities to do so. Anyone who lives in California knows we support this type of unbalanced economy by allowing it to continue. Every time I pass Center street park here in heart of Victorville, CA (almost 200 miles from the border) I see the effects of our illegal immigration woes. I have never taken my children to the park where I hit my only little league home run as a child. I had some fond memories at that place where the entire high desert now drives by everyday to see at least a hundred of the saddest faces waiting to be picked up and used for cheap illegal labor. I blame the governmental systems not in place to deal with the issue that is in front of every California community. I don't blame the guys waving me down on the corner, they are trying to feed their kids.
But....I can barely feed my own children why should someone who is breaking the laws set forth by the people of these United States be allowed to steal from our government and take food out of my kids mouths? Why do we allow wages to be earned in plain sight by these workers and taxes not be taken from these workers or their employers? I know if I am lucky enough to find a job in todays economy, the IRS will be there first collecting on me(I know they already send me bills for what I haven't been able to pay in the recent past). That is what happens to legal Americans when they mess up , they have to pay their little debt to society to become part of that society again. The American government needs these wages taxed.
I don't think anyone can argue that we all want America to be a place where everyone in the world would like to be. It is not going to become that place again until we as Americans remember that this is a place where all immigrants want to go because we are so successful and the opportunities here are endless. Right now we are far from successful and unfortunately opportunities for honest hard working Americans are scarce at best. We don't have enough opportunities for legal law abiding citizens, let alone 12 million illegal aliens(potential current number...no way to actually tell!). I think Americans forgot that is what America is about, opportunity for success!
We as a country full of leaders have the opportunity to take back our own economy through control of our southern border. In addition to our own safety and security we can change the face of the American economy and provide our neighbors with an opportunity to pull themselves out of their own hole right along with us. It is time we as Americans remember where we come from and show the world why we are always going to be a perpetual world power. When things don't work quite right America will change them. Now is the time for solutions and bold thoughtful actions, not more talk. I am tired of listening!!!
Our elected leader was asked 2 years ago about his vote to build border fencing:
Q: “Do you think your vote on the border fence or the implementation of it was wrong?”
A: “The key is to consult with local communities, whether it’s on the commercial interests or the environmental stakes of creating any kind of barrier. The Bush administration is not real good at listening. I will reverse that policy. There may be areas where it makes sense to have some fencing. Having border patrolled, surveillance, deploying effective technology, that’s going to be the better approach.”
Source: 2008 Democratic debate at University of Texas in Austin Feb 21, 2008
Mr. President we the people do not feel you are real good at listening......
Technology has come a long way since the homesteading days. We now have ways to grow fruits and vegetables almost anywhere in the whole world, plant trees with no irrigation in any climate, capture energy from the sun and the wind and geothermal sources to power all of our countries growing energy needs for many lifetimes to come. We can build miles of roads in a matter of days. With our American modular home production line technology we can build complete energy efficient homes in a factory providing hundreds of Americans with jobs. Then transported and installed in a matter of days, providing thousands more taxable income jobs. And the end result would be extremely high quality energy efficient homes, far surpassing most site built homes. This is a feasible economic solution to a number of problems which face our nation as well as our neighbors and a sound investment into the future of the global economy.
It's time for Americans to start putting their money where there mouths are. If you feel we need secure borders and tougher immigration, come on down and stand watch. Houses will come with small farms growing what will grow best in your local area to subsidize the costs of your house and land. Watch standers will be expected to improve their property, help farm their land, keep watch over our borders and report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of any of their assigned areas until the time when the government decides to listen to the American public and build a wall secure enough to protect America from foreign threats, now and for future generations to come. Our elected leader has indeed voted for a bill that would create a wall along the southern border. He did this knowing it would never pass, but would show him as a tough supporter of immigration reform. This is the kind of activity which is useless in our current form of government. Every party is always posturing for appearances knowing full well no real actions will be taken. Until we as America show all the bureaucrats in the government the will of the people can be as strong as any political force, we will continue to waste all of American's time and money trying to revive a collapsed outdated economy we have created here America. Most importantly our success here will undoubtedly be shared by the entire world.
Investors in this idea would see long term gains in both real estate development and agriculture, as well as sweeping changes in the entire way our two countries economies operate. I know if I was able to move my kids into a brand new home here in southern California, I would be glad to learn how to farm my land from experts in the industry, raise patriotic American children and call up the local border patrol office if I saw someone illegally crossing the border. We would each be individually responsible for the safety of our children and our grandchildren for years to come. It could become the largest community watch program in the world.
by
Craig Michael Crawford
I was driving down the street yesterday and saw protesters on the side of the road, angry about illegal immigration, and it's devastating effects on our once great country. Being a lifelong patriot I noticed what they were there for, acknowledged them, gave a couple honks, went to the grocery store and didn't think much about it after that.
Illegal Immigration affects every American whether we chose to take a side on it or not. Our elected leader President Obama recognizes the need for “comprehensive reform”. I think we could all agree comprehensive reform would be an accurate term to describe what is necessary to fix our current immigration laws and solidify our border securities. What type of reform is the question and the answer to why nothing ever gets done?
Later the next day I was thinking about my own issues, joblessness, financial hardships, family problems, the standard usual everyday American family problems. Unfortunately I have been affected like many other American families by the devastating economy crippling our entire nation. It is especially bad in California where there seems to be little hope for our States economy as a whole. I would be happy to spend a year or two working for the government building a wall, I work hard, don't complain too much, I probably know a few other guys who might help.........
I thought to myself how easy it should be for a nation of people who all agree we need “complete reform” concerning the security of our borders, to implement a plan to secure these borders. Shouldn't we stop the inflow first, protect our security, then squabble in congress and the house about the proper path to legal citizenship. That is what everyone wants right?; legal, law-abiding, tax paying, hard working, honest American citizens. Wouldn't Democrats and Republicans both spend legal immigrant tax dollars just as ineffectively as they spend ours. Mass deportation is neither logical or ethical.
Most importantly we must have a secure border where there are no questions about whether or not there is a line in the sand, or if there is a possibility of making it across illegally. All illegal immigration into this country will be stopped. Until this happens we will never be able to get an accurate estimation of the entire situation. I bet there is no way to calculate the amount of money the government has spent trying to figure out how many illegal immigrants are in this country. But by my calculations 100% was wasted because it changes every day.
We have plenty of technology to make this become a reality. They say good fences make good neighbors, and thats what I believe America could be: a good neighbor. In the grand scope of governmental budgets it wouldn't cost that much to completely secure our border. The problem then lies in our government. When the government no longer is supporting the needs of the people they represent it is each individuals responsibility to change the way the government operates. Thats when I realized what those people were standing outside for.............
President Obama said “We do not deputize the American people to do the job that the federal government is supposed to do. So as president, I will make sure that the federal government does what it’s supposed to do, which is to do a better job of closing our borders, have much tougher enforcement standards when it comes to employers, and create a pathway of citizenship for the 12 million people who are already here.”
Source: 2007 Democratic radio debate on NPR Dec 4, 2007
He hasn't done this and probably wont do this. Now it's our turn to tell him he hasn't, maybe he'll listen and do something about it.....
So now my thoughts are completely geared toward how can we as Americans persuade the government to take action to secure our borders and our economic future. Protests don't seem to have the effect that they once had in our country. I believe the best way to show the government that you believe they are not doing their job, is to relieve them of their duties until they can figure it out. If every American who stands on a street corner protesting or writes a blog complaining about illegal immigrants would come down to a border town and stand some watch, or farm some land supposedly only capable of being farmed by illegal immigrants we as Americans could stand together and start a Border communities watch.
This Border communities watch program should be privately funded and focused on building not only a strong patriotic presence all across the southern border of our country, but infrastructure to support the development of properties along the southern borders of the entire country. Development on this scale will create numerous job opportunities for hundreds of thousands if not millions of currently unemployed/underemployed tax-paying Americans all across the country.
By privatizing the development we will ensure governmental budget approval problems and bipartisan lobbying won't slow the development or make it cost exponentially more than is necessary. If the group of investors was large enough, we could build lines of small productive American farms all across the entire southern border. Hopefully with the development dollars already spent on the infrastructure necessary to support almost 2000 miles of roads, farms, and homes with hard working Americans farming land close to their home and our border, Mexican business development investors will have the opportunity to utilize the technology and the shared infrastructure to rebuild their own economically devastated country through their own hard work.
My goal would be for the Mexican government would be able to accept the fact that we can no longer continue to support their failing economy as well as ours. Also I hope with the right encouragement they will also realize the importance of a strong secure border for the economic future of Mexico. We will however continue to act as ambassadors and neighbors and assist in the development of strong national policies concerning free trade and commerce with Mexico as long as they become self sufficient and most importantly law abiding as a result.
This should breed a new generation of Mexican statesmen, innovative entrepreneurial persons willing to act honestly with genuine desires to make Mexico a great country and a vehicle for change in the world. To rebuild their own nation and become global leaders in a new “green” world economy. Then we would have no need to fight about immigration. Quality jobs will always be available for persons of any nationality who work hard and believe in the idea that hard work and honesty will always pay off in the end.
No where in the world do two bordering countries have such large difference in pay or quality of life. Neither of our countries economies can survive this large gap in wages and quality of life. For better or worse our countries are indeed linked together and our successes will be shared along with our failures.
The reports indicate an average illegal Mexican immigrant will make 12 times the amount per day in America versus the same work day in Mexico, if they get any work at all. Anyone I know who has had no work for an extended period of time would gladly move a couple hundred miles away to make 12 times as much money with a higher quality of life and many more opportunities to do so. Anyone who lives in California knows we support this type of unbalanced economy by allowing it to continue. Every time I pass Center street park here in heart of Victorville, CA (almost 200 miles from the border) I see the effects of our illegal immigration woes. I have never taken my children to the park where I hit my only little league home run as a child. I had some fond memories at that place where the entire high desert now drives by everyday to see at least a hundred of the saddest faces waiting to be picked up and used for cheap illegal labor. I blame the governmental systems not in place to deal with the issue that is in front of every California community. I don't blame the guys waving me down on the corner, they are trying to feed their kids.
But....I can barely feed my own children why should someone who is breaking the laws set forth by the people of these United States be allowed to steal from our government and take food out of my kids mouths? Why do we allow wages to be earned in plain sight by these workers and taxes not be taken from these workers or their employers? I know if I am lucky enough to find a job in todays economy, the IRS will be there first collecting on me(I know they already send me bills for what I haven't been able to pay in the recent past). That is what happens to legal Americans when they mess up , they have to pay their little debt to society to become part of that society again. The American government needs these wages taxed.
I don't think anyone can argue that we all want America to be a place where everyone in the world would like to be. It is not going to become that place again until we as Americans remember that this is a place where all immigrants want to go because we are so successful and the opportunities here are endless. Right now we are far from successful and unfortunately opportunities for honest hard working Americans are scarce at best. We don't have enough opportunities for legal law abiding citizens, let alone 12 million illegal aliens(potential current number...no way to actually tell!). I think Americans forgot that is what America is about, opportunity for success!
We as a country full of leaders have the opportunity to take back our own economy through control of our southern border. In addition to our own safety and security we can change the face of the American economy and provide our neighbors with an opportunity to pull themselves out of their own hole right along with us. It is time we as Americans remember where we come from and show the world why we are always going to be a perpetual world power. When things don't work quite right America will change them. Now is the time for solutions and bold thoughtful actions, not more talk. I am tired of listening!!!
Our elected leader was asked 2 years ago about his vote to build border fencing:
Q: “Do you think your vote on the border fence or the implementation of it was wrong?”
A: “The key is to consult with local communities, whether it’s on the commercial interests or the environmental stakes of creating any kind of barrier. The Bush administration is not real good at listening. I will reverse that policy. There may be areas where it makes sense to have some fencing. Having border patrolled, surveillance, deploying effective technology, that’s going to be the better approach.”
Source: 2008 Democratic debate at University of Texas in Austin Feb 21, 2008
Mr. President we the people do not feel you are real good at listening......
Technology has come a long way since the homesteading days. We now have ways to grow fruits and vegetables almost anywhere in the whole world, plant trees with no irrigation in any climate, capture energy from the sun and the wind and geothermal sources to power all of our countries growing energy needs for many lifetimes to come. We can build miles of roads in a matter of days. With our American modular home production line technology we can build complete energy efficient homes in a factory providing hundreds of Americans with jobs. Then transported and installed in a matter of days, providing thousands more taxable income jobs. And the end result would be extremely high quality energy efficient homes, far surpassing most site built homes. This is a feasible economic solution to a number of problems which face our nation as well as our neighbors and a sound investment into the future of the global economy.
It's time for Americans to start putting their money where there mouths are. If you feel we need secure borders and tougher immigration, come on down and stand watch. Houses will come with small farms growing what will grow best in your local area to subsidize the costs of your house and land. Watch standers will be expected to improve their property, help farm their land, keep watch over our borders and report any suspicious activity in the vicinity of any of their assigned areas until the time when the government decides to listen to the American public and build a wall secure enough to protect America from foreign threats, now and for future generations to come. Our elected leader has indeed voted for a bill that would create a wall along the southern border. He did this knowing it would never pass, but would show him as a tough supporter of immigration reform. This is the kind of activity which is useless in our current form of government. Every party is always posturing for appearances knowing full well no real actions will be taken. Until we as America show all the bureaucrats in the government the will of the people can be as strong as any political force, we will continue to waste all of American's time and money trying to revive a collapsed outdated economy we have created here America. Most importantly our success here will undoubtedly be shared by the entire world.
Investors in this idea would see long term gains in both real estate development and agriculture, as well as sweeping changes in the entire way our two countries economies operate. I know if I was able to move my kids into a brand new home here in southern California, I would be glad to learn how to farm my land from experts in the industry, raise patriotic American children and call up the local border patrol office if I saw someone illegally crossing the border. We would each be individually responsible for the safety of our children and our grandchildren for years to come. It could become the largest community watch program in the world.
A Love Letter
A Love Letter
by
Craig Michael Crawford
My entire life one could describe me as a lover not a fighter. I guess I have too little left to love and now I'm angry and ready to fight, to prevent losing what there is left to love.
Due to my current mental illness, I guess that I have lost the hope of a long lasting love in my life, or the possibility that one may be on the horizon anytime in the future. The things and people I have loved deeply in the past to me are now almost all gone, a great deal of those memories associated with those people and things gone with them. That is the single most important thing affecting my mental health and stability as an adult male here in Southern California.
I do not feel a need to blame anyone or anything. I personally have made the bed in which I now lie. That being said I now realize that now is the time for me personally and men like me who have once loved and lost to stand up, look toward the future without the haze of the hatred towards all things loved and lost around them corrupting their vision.
I have not always been honest with myself or others who were very close to me (family, friends, loved ones, general population). I have lied, stolen from and cheated people whom I loved. Several different times in my life I have experimented with illegal and legal drugs used in an illegal manner and have experienced first hand the counter culture it creates. I am completely and totally ashamed at some of my actions over the past 9 years or so. I am no different than the state of California and much of the entire population of legal or illegal Americans.
Every day we hear one more story of one more person having problems with different drugs, or mental illnesses, and these people overcome them at great odds. We applaud them in our heads, praise them over the Internet blogs, then think why not me? Unfortunately thats as far as it ever goes with too many Americans. Not all but the many who are already beaten down a little bit are easily susceptible.
Our new job as Americans needs to become restoring hope to people like me who are affected every day with the sobering reality of their own choices over the last number of years. My hope can be restored, like many of yours, a little bit everyday through a lot of hard work performed by me. I have finally realized this and am ready to accept my own personal challenge. I am not going to let every naysayer I see affect my thoughts or actions any longer.
To realize my own dreams I'm starting a new company called 2nd chance border homesteads. Soon I will be hiring, I will have two types of jobs available:
The first will be for patriotic individuals willing to invest in one persons dream. I have not completed my job descriptions because it will require lots input from many different sources and hopefully will evolve into more than a crazy persons rant......Give hope to that one person, make them dream again and show them one at a time their dream can and will come true through hard work. The requirements for this job will be to support both Mexican and American homesteading and transformation of the face of our entire southern border area. Must be committed to a life free of drug dealing, law breaking, murdering criminals. Must also become a citizen of and love their country and want to see it turn back into a great nation. Please apply ASAP.
The second position will definitely be more labor intensive and will involve lots of hard work, personal sacrifice, dedication, commitment to excellence in all facets of life especially including abiding by and enforcing the laws of our land. The requirements for this job will be simply have an idea about making profits from and the legal ability to homestead our southern border between Mexico and America. Willingness to learn from experts and transform the face of our entire southern border area. Must be committed to a life free of drug dealing, law breaking, murdering criminals. Must also become a citizen of and love their country and want to see it turn back into a great nation. Please apply ASAP.
We have the technology, ability and foresight to perform exactly this with little to no governmental bureaucratic intervention. If we can decide to stop blaming everyone and everything for all the things once loved and lost throughout the entire continent of America. Once we stop blaming and start helping find individual solutions to individuals problems, those individuals will quickly repay their debt to society as a whole. Exponential growth and prosperity is one thing that I truly do love about the unique American spirit. It is always there to help.
With donation monies that are already currently already being spent we can easily, transform our entire border area (California to Texas) into a thriving, environmentally stable, economic powerhouse for generations to come. Currently it is well known that the majority of this area is a wasteland. It is populated by drug traffickers and murderers. Those who actually are willing or trying to still work for a living and have values (both sides Mexico and America) are facing crippling economic conditions which are causing severe effects on the living conditions of individuals on both sides of our borders. No two neighboring countries are currently farther spread apart on living conditions and per capita wages. We live in a global economy people......We have to recognize regardless of how you feel about the Mexican people, they are vital to our success as a nation.
Now is the time for like minded individuals, entrepreneurs, lovers, patriots, and loyal American/Mexican statesmen to invest in the safety and future of our people and our countries. I am tired of hating people and things that are wrong (including myself). I am ready to rectify my personal mistakes. Is California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas ready to do the same. I am ready to see what kind of big ideas are out there from a nation of the biggest lovers and biggest fighters there is in this entire world.
I hope you enjoyed reading the rant of one hopeless romantic!!!! I always like to include quotes which affect me in any letter I write which incites emotion. Other people seem to be much better writers and can express the ideas I feel more eloquently.
“To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.”
Bertrand Russel (1872-1970), Marriage and Morals (1929) ch.19
“Perhaps the feelings that we experience while we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be”
Anton Checkov (1860-1904)
“There is always some madness in love. But there is always some reason in madness”
Fredrick Neitzsche (1844-1900), “On Reading and Wrting”
“There is no remedy to love but to love more”
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), Personal Journal July 25, 1839
“Passion makes the world go round. Love just makes it a safer place.”
Ice T, The Ice Opinion
There is a million more to be written............
by
Craig Michael Crawford
My entire life one could describe me as a lover not a fighter. I guess I have too little left to love and now I'm angry and ready to fight, to prevent losing what there is left to love.
Due to my current mental illness, I guess that I have lost the hope of a long lasting love in my life, or the possibility that one may be on the horizon anytime in the future. The things and people I have loved deeply in the past to me are now almost all gone, a great deal of those memories associated with those people and things gone with them. That is the single most important thing affecting my mental health and stability as an adult male here in Southern California.
I do not feel a need to blame anyone or anything. I personally have made the bed in which I now lie. That being said I now realize that now is the time for me personally and men like me who have once loved and lost to stand up, look toward the future without the haze of the hatred towards all things loved and lost around them corrupting their vision.
I have not always been honest with myself or others who were very close to me (family, friends, loved ones, general population). I have lied, stolen from and cheated people whom I loved. Several different times in my life I have experimented with illegal and legal drugs used in an illegal manner and have experienced first hand the counter culture it creates. I am completely and totally ashamed at some of my actions over the past 9 years or so. I am no different than the state of California and much of the entire population of legal or illegal Americans.
Every day we hear one more story of one more person having problems with different drugs, or mental illnesses, and these people overcome them at great odds. We applaud them in our heads, praise them over the Internet blogs, then think why not me? Unfortunately thats as far as it ever goes with too many Americans. Not all but the many who are already beaten down a little bit are easily susceptible.
Our new job as Americans needs to become restoring hope to people like me who are affected every day with the sobering reality of their own choices over the last number of years. My hope can be restored, like many of yours, a little bit everyday through a lot of hard work performed by me. I have finally realized this and am ready to accept my own personal challenge. I am not going to let every naysayer I see affect my thoughts or actions any longer.
To realize my own dreams I'm starting a new company called 2nd chance border homesteads. Soon I will be hiring, I will have two types of jobs available:
The first will be for patriotic individuals willing to invest in one persons dream. I have not completed my job descriptions because it will require lots input from many different sources and hopefully will evolve into more than a crazy persons rant......Give hope to that one person, make them dream again and show them one at a time their dream can and will come true through hard work. The requirements for this job will be to support both Mexican and American homesteading and transformation of the face of our entire southern border area. Must be committed to a life free of drug dealing, law breaking, murdering criminals. Must also become a citizen of and love their country and want to see it turn back into a great nation. Please apply ASAP.
The second position will definitely be more labor intensive and will involve lots of hard work, personal sacrifice, dedication, commitment to excellence in all facets of life especially including abiding by and enforcing the laws of our land. The requirements for this job will be simply have an idea about making profits from and the legal ability to homestead our southern border between Mexico and America. Willingness to learn from experts and transform the face of our entire southern border area. Must be committed to a life free of drug dealing, law breaking, murdering criminals. Must also become a citizen of and love their country and want to see it turn back into a great nation. Please apply ASAP.
We have the technology, ability and foresight to perform exactly this with little to no governmental bureaucratic intervention. If we can decide to stop blaming everyone and everything for all the things once loved and lost throughout the entire continent of America. Once we stop blaming and start helping find individual solutions to individuals problems, those individuals will quickly repay their debt to society as a whole. Exponential growth and prosperity is one thing that I truly do love about the unique American spirit. It is always there to help.
With donation monies that are already currently already being spent we can easily, transform our entire border area (California to Texas) into a thriving, environmentally stable, economic powerhouse for generations to come. Currently it is well known that the majority of this area is a wasteland. It is populated by drug traffickers and murderers. Those who actually are willing or trying to still work for a living and have values (both sides Mexico and America) are facing crippling economic conditions which are causing severe effects on the living conditions of individuals on both sides of our borders. No two neighboring countries are currently farther spread apart on living conditions and per capita wages. We live in a global economy people......We have to recognize regardless of how you feel about the Mexican people, they are vital to our success as a nation.
Now is the time for like minded individuals, entrepreneurs, lovers, patriots, and loyal American/Mexican statesmen to invest in the safety and future of our people and our countries. I am tired of hating people and things that are wrong (including myself). I am ready to rectify my personal mistakes. Is California, Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas ready to do the same. I am ready to see what kind of big ideas are out there from a nation of the biggest lovers and biggest fighters there is in this entire world.
I hope you enjoyed reading the rant of one hopeless romantic!!!! I always like to include quotes which affect me in any letter I write which incites emotion. Other people seem to be much better writers and can express the ideas I feel more eloquently.
“To fear love is to fear life, and those who fear life are already three parts dead.”
Bertrand Russel (1872-1970), Marriage and Morals (1929) ch.19
“Perhaps the feelings that we experience while we are in love represent a normal state. Being in love shows a person who he should be”
Anton Checkov (1860-1904)
“There is always some madness in love. But there is always some reason in madness”
Fredrick Neitzsche (1844-1900), “On Reading and Wrting”
“There is no remedy to love but to love more”
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862), Personal Journal July 25, 1839
“Passion makes the world go round. Love just makes it a safer place.”
Ice T, The Ice Opinion
There is a million more to be written............
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