Open Letter to Bill Lee, Governor of Tennessee

To the Honorable Bill Lee, Governor of the Great State of Tennessee:

 

I'm approaching my heart transplant's 14th anniversary. Thousands of my fellow Tennesseans and Americans currently need a life-saving transplant, but only a few will ever be fortunate to receive one. After an 11-year battle with heart disease prior to receiving mine, I know it is a tremendous blessing, and one I do not take for granted.

 

Due to my transplant, I'm required to take immunosuppressants the rest of my life to ward off rejection, which places me into the COVID high risk group along with the elderly and others with pre-existing health conditions. I have, therefore, severely reduced my activities outside my home by order of my doctors since March 17, 2019 - over 9 months. Therefore, when I do venture out, it's mostly for outdoor activities, such as walking in my neighborhood or going to a park with my wife where I can distance myself from others. I have only eaten in a restaurant once since early March. I cannot take my wife out for a "date night". I've seen my 80-year old parents twice since Christmas 2019. As a Christian, I've been going to church since 9 months before I was born, but I have now not been able to attend church since the last Sunday in February.

 

I do not share all that in order for you to feel sorry for me. I know I am fortunate, because myself, my wife, my family, and most of my good friends have avoided COVID to this point. I pray everyday we stay well and thank the Good Lord for His protection, as I know that thousands of my fellow Tennesseans and millions of Americans have not been as fortunate. Currently, approximately 590,000 Tennesseans have fallen ill with about 7000 of them losing their life to the virus (here). Nationally, the numbers are much higher as things are getting worse instead of better.

 

To this point, you have not issued a statewide mask mandate. Your position has been that you prefer to allow local officials to make that decision for the counties and cities where they are in charge. I can respect that - government closer to the people is best. However, it's not working. Most local officials refuse to issue a mask mandate, and many of the ones who have, such as here in Wilson Co., have not allowed for any enforcement action. Therefore, it's the same as not having such a mandate which makes it worthless.

 

Some Tennesseans feel mask mandates violate their freedom. Well, what about the freedom of us in the high risk group to be able to leave our homes and safely go about our usual activities? Does our freedom not matter since we're sick or old?

 

Besides, Tennesseans already have to follow safety mandates every day with seatbelt and helmet laws. Both of which are enforced by law enforcement via citations and the associated fines. So, what's the difference between those state law implemented safety measures and a mask mandate during a pandemic? All have the same purpose - enhanced public safety.

 

Some argue that masks "don't work anyway". There's been studies that support such a viewpoint, but for each one of those studies, another can be found that shows that masks do help prevent the spread of illness. If mask wearing saves the life of one Tennessean, then isn't it worth it?

 

COVID patients with more severe cases feel like they're suffocating. I have an idea of what that feels like. Do you? I spent several years battling heart failure prior to my transplant. Each night when I'd lay down to try to sleep, I'd feel like I was suffocating. It's a horrible, helpless, scary experience. So, when doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals all across our state beg for a statewide mask mandate as they continue to be overrun with sick, suffering, and dying Tennesseans, they should be listened to. After all, they are the experts.

 

Some have incorrectly claimed that you do not have the authority to issue a statewide mask mandate. While it is true there is nothing within the state constitution allowing it, there is also nothing within it prohibiting it. However, state law DOES provide you such authority within Tennessee Code Annotated section, "Emergency Management Powers of the Governor", 58-2-107(e)(11). It states that, in addition to your other powers, you may, "Take measures concerning the conduct of civilians". Therefore, you would be legally within your purview as governor to issue the mask mandate.

 

Over the last few weeks, I've learned of more and more COVID+ cases among people I know personally and their families. I have friends within the healthcare field who are exhausted and stressed. Businesses and livelihoods continue to suffer as Tennesseans can't provide for their families. The suffering and dying has gone on too long already. A statewide mask mandate should've been done months ago. In fact, you said back in July that if we'd had a mask requirement in March, we might not "have had to close everything down".

 

Governor - it's not too late, but the clock is ticking.

 

Like you, I'm a Conservative, but I 100% support President-Elect Biden's plan for masks nationwide. I have no doubt you will have opposition to a statewide mandate and maybe a price to pay at the polls. However, good leaders are the ones who have the courage to do the right and needed thing even when it's difficult and unpopular. Tennessee needs you to be that guy right now. We cannot continue to wait on a vaccine as a cure or on a large enough number of Tennesseans to voluntarily put masks on outside their homes to curtail COVID spread. It hasn't worked for 9 months. It's not sustainable, and if you continue to not issue the mandate, it will most certainly result in thousands more Tennesseans suffering and dying from this horrible virus leaving grieving loved ones. 

 

Please governor - 2021 doesn't have to be like 2020. Issue the statewide mask mandate. Also, give it some teeth with penalties for law enforcement to use to enforce it vigorously. Lives are at stake.

 

Sincerely, 

The Second Chance Sheepdog

  

Freedom Can Be a Double-edged Sword

 

The Last Growl

I started this blog over 8 years ago. Frequent readers may have noticed the number of posts has decreased during the last few years. I’ve been pondering the blog’s future for awhile, and after 719 posts, including this one, and over 240,000 page views, I’ve decided it’s time to close up shop, sign off one last time, and retire from the blogosphere.

It’s not because this heart transplant recipient’s health is failing. On the contrary - I’m approaching the 11^th anniversary of my transplant and am still doing great. God continues to bless me tremendously.

The decision boils down to one thing – The Sheepdog is weary, and he’s weary for a number of reasons.

First, Google’s Blogger platform has become unreliable. More and more frequently, something doesn’t work correctly, some font has changed, a sidebar tool has been discontinued, a plug-in has failed, or some other aggravating issue has arisen whenever I log in to write. For example. when I wrote this post, the Zemanta plug-in I've used for years had stopped working .... again. I guess I really shouldn’t be surprised, because Blogger is free. Therefore, Google has no incentive to keep it functioning at a high level. It’s the ol’ “you get what you pay for”.

Second, I’m not feeling the motivation to write the blog anymore, which is fueled somewhat by the Blogger issues mentioned above. I could switch to another platform, such as Wordpress, but I’m just not willing to build the site again, nor pay for the service. Sometimes over the last few years, I actually had to force myself to write just to keep the blog active. I’ve had enough of that, too. I’ve read a few articles and studies which have shown that blog readership is declining. Some of that is due to the popularity of Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. People just aren’t as interested in reading blogs anymore. Based upon my pageviews declining and no comments on posts, it appears these studies are correct.

Seventy-two Killed Resisting Gun Confiscation in Boston !

"Seventy-two killed resisting gun confiscation in Boston !" from Vision to America

National Guard units seeking to confiscate a cache of recently banned assault weapons were ambushed by elements of a Para-military extremist faction. Military and law enforcement sources estimate that 72 were killed and more than 200 injured before government forces were compelled to withdraw.

Wikipedia : British Army in Concord

Speaking after the clash, Massachusetts Governor Thomas Gage declared that the extremist faction, which was made up of local citizens, has links to the radical right-wing tax protest movement.

Gage blamed the extremists for recent incidents of vandalism directed against internal revenue offices. The governor, who described the group’s organizers as “criminals,” issued an executive order authorizing the summary arrest of any individual who has interfered with the government’s efforts to secure law and order.

The military raid on the extremist arsenal followed wide-spread refusal by the local citizenry to turn over recently outlawed assault weapons.

Gage issued a ban on military-style assault weapons and ammunition earlier in the week. This decision followed a meeting in early this month between government and military leaders at which the governor authorized the forcible confiscation of illegal arms.

One government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, pointed out that “none of these people would have been killed had the extremists obeyed the law and turned over their weapons voluntarily.”

Government troops initially succeeded in confiscating a large supply of outlawed weapons and ammunition. However, troops attempting to seize arms and ammunition in Lexington met with resistance from heavily-armed extremists who had been tipped off regarding the government’s plans.

During a tense standoff in the Lexington town park, National Guard Colonel Francis Smith, commander of the government operation, ordered the armed group to surrender and return to their homes. The impasse was broken by a single shot, which was reportedly fired by one of the right-wing extremists.

Eight civilians were killed in the ensuing exchange.

Ironically, the local citizenry blamed government forces rather than the extremists for the civilian deaths. Before order could be restored, armed citizens from surrounding areas had descended upon the guard units. Colonel Smith, finding his forces over matched by the armed mob, ordered a retreat.

Governor Gage has called upon citizens to support the state/national joint task force in its effort to restore law and order. The governor also demanded the surrender of those responsible for planning and leading the attack against the government troops.

Samuel Adams, Paul Revere, and John Hancock, who have been identified as “ringleaders” of the extremist faction, remain at large.

And this fellow Americans, is how the American Revolution began, April 20, 1775.

** Note from The Sheepdog - I shared the story above from Vision to America solely for the simple purpose of it being a brief, but important, reminder of a little piece of American history. I hope my readers enjoyed it and that it got them thinking about what America is about - freedom.  

Today Will Be The Last Day of My Husband's Life ...

The Sheepdog has reprinted this article via Blue Collar Muse and the courtesy of Ken Marrero. The linkback to Ken's original article is here.

Ben and I have been married for 1 year, 4 months and 2 days. Ben has just 16.5 hours left here on this earth with me. Sixteen and a half hours of time and we have no idea the end is coming … The clock is ticking.

So my friend, Nikki Goeser, begins her story. On April 2, 2009 she and Ben were operating their karaoke business in Jonny’s Sports Bar in Nashville, TN. A man stalking Nikki was asked to leave the bar. He pulled a gun and murdered Ben while she watched, helpless, just feet away.

Denied a Chance: How Gun Control Helped a Stalker Murder My Husband is Nikki’s recounting of not just the tragic loss of her husband but of her transformation into a powerful and articulate voice for gun rights and advocate for the 2nd Amendment.

Far too many respond to the shooting of innocents in theaters and schools by blaming guns for violence, Nikki places the blame where it really belongs – on the murderers.

She came to understand legislators crafting bad law bear responsibility, too. The gun used to murder Ben was in the bar illegally. Nikki, although a carry permit holder, an Intermediate Handgun Certification holder and experienced gun range volunteer was required by law to leave her handgun in her car. She obeyed the law. The murderer did not.

Nikki can’t say with certainty that had she had her handgun she could have stopped Ben’s murder. She also knows a bad law denied her the chance to try.

In the aftermath of Ben’s murder, dealing with her loss, Nikki kept a journal which became Denied a Chance. She walks us, in poignant detail, through her last day with Ben and the murder itself. She tells the story of the Marine who tackled the murderer and the cop who stayed with her for the longest night of her life.

She tells her story honestly. She sought counseling and dealt with PTSD. Ironically, it was probably this that began her transformation into an activist.

Nashville provides counseling to those affected by violent crime. Nikki didn’t think twice about being armed while taking advantage of that program. The counselor felt differently. Nikki was told she was welcome to continue the sessions only if she left her handgun outside. Denied a chance once, Nikki wisely chose not to risk becoming a victim a second time.

Nikki went beyond asking merely “What happened?” to “Why did this happen?” Squarely at the center of the problem was Tennessee state law. She began to correspond with state lawmakers regarding the injustice of her being denied the chance to stop Ben’s murder.

Nikki connected with Suzanna Hupp, the woman who watched another lunatic murder her parents and 21 others in a Luby’s restaurant while her handgun was locked in her car in accordance with Texas law. Suzanna advised her not to fear standing up for what she believed and assured her such courage would impact others.

Nikki began seeking out like minded people and groups. As her story began to spread, she received offers to speak to various groups and eventually to testify before the legislatures of several states looking at ways to keep their citizens safer. Ultimately she would appear on programs like Nightline, Fox Business with John Stossel, ABC News, CNN, the BBC and other shows. She was awarded the Sybil Ludington Women’s Freedom Award by the NRA in 2012.

Thanks to her tireless efforts, Tennessee and other states changed their bad laws and began the process of protecting the law abiding and punishing those who are truly guilty.

Nikki’s tale closes with the trial where the law victimized her yet again. Despite the “open and shut” nature of the case, it took 3 years to come to trial thanks to the circus surrounding an insanity plea. Finally, however, some measure of justice was done and Ben’s murderer is behind bars for the next 25 years.

Nikki continues her work. She remains a tireless advocate for the rights of Americans to defend themselves in an increasingly violent world. No longer a victim, she has turned her pain into purpose. She will never again be Denied a Chance.

Hers is a story which must be read by every American.

Get your copy of Denied a Chance via Amazon by clicking here. If you would like to contact Nikki for an interview or to arrange a speaking engagement, you can contact her via her website and clicking on the Contact Us link in the top right corner.

By Ken Marrero on Blue Collar Muse

From The Sheepdog ---

First, I want to thank Ken Marrero for graciously allowing me to reprint his review of Nikki Goeser's book Denied A Chance. 

Second, as I read Ken's article and thought about Nikki's story, my thoughts quickly ran to thinking about my own wife. What if she found herself in Nikki's shoes ? Or, what if I did ? I can't imagine what Nikki's been through. 

Third, Nikki's story is just more proof of why gun control never, ever works in any form, in any time in history, or for any reason. The bad guys don't follow gun control laws - only the good guys do, and sometimes it's with tragic results.

Nikki is a tough lady who now advocates for individual gun rights in hopes that no one else will have to experience the horrific loss that she did. The Sheepdog applauds her.   

Is Tenneseee's Proposed "Fairness in Ticketing Act" Really Fair ?

Back in December, I wrote a blog article about a proposed law working it's way through the Tennessee Legislature. The article was titled "A Season of Miracles" (read it here). At the time, the article's purpose was two fold. First, it contained some of my usual sarcasm in order to provide a few laughs. Second, after first learning about the bill while reading a local newspaper, I felt it was worth making others aware of it, too. More recently, I've looked into the bill even further and found that the issue is worth visiting again in more detail.

Tennessee Capitol Building at night

The bill is known as the "Fairness in Ticketing Act." Supporters of the bill claim it will curb scalping. Opponents of the bill claim it will infringe on the property rights of consumers by making it more difficult, if not impossible, to transfer legally owned sporting event and concert tickets to family members or friends. Who's right ? I'll tell you in this article.

I am a firm believer in President Reagan's mantra of "trust but verify." So, after reading various press releases, blog posts, Facebook pages, and websites applicable to the issue, I decided to go to the Tennessee Legislature's website and read the actual text of the bill. I felt like I needed to determine for myself what the bill actually did and which side was telling the truth. I want to encourage all Tennesseans who buy tickets to sporting events, concerts, etc. to do the same. A summary of the bill can be read by clicking here, and the entire text of the bill can be read by clicking here.

When I read through the entire text of the bill the first time, it reminded me of the Affordable Care Act a.k.a. ObamaCare law because of how ambiguous and complex it is. Fortunately, the bill is only about ten pages long, because I had to read it multiple times to really make any sense of it. My first impression was that it was nothing more than a progressive, big government regulatory bill, because it will require so-called ticket brokers, better known as scalpers, to register with the state of Tennessee, pay a fee (the Progressive term for "tax"), and basically get a permit to scalp tickets. I did not see the threat to regular everyday consumers, until I had read the bill a few more times and let the words sink in. I ultimately found that, like ObamaCare, the dangers with the bill are not what the legislation is saying, the devil is in what it's not saying.

There are a number of consumer-related problems within this bill. For instance, consider Section 62-45-107(2) which states :

To preserve the rights of consumers to secure tickets to entertainment events through safe and reliable means and to protect freedom of enterprise, nothing in this chapter shall prevent operators of places of entertainment, event presenters or their agents from utilizing any ticketing methods for the initial sale of tickets, through any medium, whether existing now or in the future (emphasis added).

Sounds good overall, right ? The Legislature is looking out for Tennesseans, right ? Well, hang on for a minute and let me point out what the bill says a "ticket" is. Section 62-45-103(23) of the bill states the following :

Ticket means a printed, electronic or other type of evidence of the right, option or opportunity to occupy space at or to enter or attend an entertainment event even if not evidenced by any physical manifestation of such right (emphasis added).

Now, if you're like I was when I first read these two sections of the bill, you're probably thinking, "O.k. Sheepdog. I must've missed something, 'cause I really don't see a problem here." That's exactly the problem with not only these two quoted sections but the rest of the bill as well. It's vague, open-ended, and open to interpretation.

Currently, there is a movement to go "paperless" with most event tickets. This legislation would likely accelerate that push. So then, what would we consumers use as a "ticket" to get into a ballgame or concert if it's paperless ? What type of "medium" would it be ?

Nashville Predators (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

One "medium" that might be used as a paperless "Ticket" is the credit card the ticket was purchased with. For example, let's say you buy tickets from someone, such as TicketMaster, to go watch the Nashville Predators play. You'd pay for the tickets with your credit card, then when you get to the arena for the game, you would swipe your credit card and show some form of i.d. to gain entry. Your "tickets" would be linked to your credit card. The main problem for consumers would then be if you wanted to transfer a ticket to someone else. For example, let's say you bought the tickets for someone else as a gift, or at the last minute had a scheduling conflict and couldn't make the game. Currently, you would just give the paper ticket, or maybe sell it, to someone else to go in your place. Guess what ? That ain't happening with a paperless ticket. The transfer, if even possible, will be much more difficult and potentially a real headache.

It's likely, however, that the ticket seller you bought the tickets from would be willing to help you transfer them, or perhaps refer you to an associated company who could provide that "service." In the case of a Predators ticket, currently their tickets are sold by TicketMaster. However, if, as in the example above, the tickets are paperless and linked to your credit card, you would likely only be able to transfer the tickets through TicketMonopoly .... oops, I mean TicketMaster or one of their "associates." Here's another question ? Do you think they will let you do that for free ? Of course not - just like with the airlines, everything, especially changes, costs money. No free lunch here.

Let's talk about TicketMaster for a minute. They are reportedly major supporters of this bill. I hate those guys. It's nearly impossible to buy a sporting event or concert ticket without going through them. That's why I refer to them as "TicketMonopoly." Plus, sometimes the so-called "service fee" they attach to each ticket can be nearly as much as the ticket itself. They've got a real lucrative racket going.

Image via CrunchBase

Remember my example above about the process involved if you wanted to transfer a ticket if this bill passes and tickets go paperless ? Here's something else you may or may not know about TicketMaster. They already own a "ticket broker" company called TicketsNow. TicketsNow is part of the secondary ticket market putting owners of previously purchased tickets with prospective buyers. TicketsNow basically does the same type of thing that the individual "ticket brokers," or scalpers, you see walking around on the streets and sidewalks holding up handfuls of tickets outside sporting events and concerts are doing. TicketsNow and their competitors, such as StubHub, just do it on a much larger scale. Now, can you guess who TicketMaster might use to provide the "transfer service" on those tickets you want to transfer ? C'mon guess. Ding, ding, ding. I think you're right. I'm betting it would be TicketsNow, too. Amazing isn't it ?

Back to those Preds tickets you bought. Let's say you bought those to take your family to a Preds game. This bill is law. One week before the game, something comes up and you and your family of four can't go to the game. You contact TicketMaster to transfer the tickets to a buddy and his family. TicketMaster directs you to TicketsNow who then charges you a fee to do the transfer. TicketMaster has just made money on both the original ticket purchase and the transfer. They've basically double-dipped. I'd also be willing to bet that TicketsNow would not only charge you a transfer fee but also another "service charge" like you paid on the original purchase. You getting pissed, yet ? Well, you ought to be, because you just got ripped off. If this bill passes, be sure to write the General Assembly and thank them for allowing it to happen.

Tennessee State Sen. Ken Yager

Personally, I believe the scalping problem is one that is easily fixed with a solution that is already in place - it's called the "free market." However, apparently the bill's sponsors, Sen. Ken Yager and Rep. Ryan Haynes, other members of the General Assembly, and the bill's supporters do not. They think "the gubmint" needs to step in and fix the scalping problem. They even said as much in Section 62-45-102(5) which states :

The general assembly must act to ensure a free market for tickets whereby consumers know what they are buying, artists and teams have the ability to ensure that fans have access to great seats at fair prices, and deceptive, anonymous resale and deceptive internet marketing practices are prohibited (emphasis added).

Tennessee State Rep. Ryan Haynes

They think they must protect us. Really ? I, for one, am sick and tired of the big government loving, progressives thinking they have to step in and fix everything. I also like the way they bring up the "free market" when it suits their purpose, but then quickly forget about it later when it doesn't. By the way - did I mention that both Sen. Yager and Rep. Haynes are Republicans ? Well, they are, proving once again that the GOP is not immune to the plague of progressivism, but I digress.

Personally, I think the main reason for this bill, besides enlarging TicketMaster's monopoly even more, is because is gives "the gubmit" more control. The bill will force every "ticket broker" to register with the state, pay a fee a.k.a. tax, and basically get a state issued permit to resale tickets. However, just like with ObamaCare, there is an exemption in the law regarding the resale of tickets. Can you guess who qualifies for it ? Ding, ding, ding. Man, you guys are good - you got it right again. It's TicketMaster.

Before I forget it, let me get back to the TicketMaster / TicketsNow relationship for a minute. Back in 2009, these two found themselves in the middle of an alleged scandal. It came about when some folks attempted to purchase tickets from TicketMaster's website to a Bruce Springsteen concert, but were re-directed to the TicketsNow website. There, these people found that the same tickets they tried to purchase from TicketMaster were being sold at "a premium price." Someone correct me if I am wrong, but that sounds like "scalping" to me. What about you ? Some alleged that TicketMaster did it intentionally, too. TicketMaster's defense was that it "was a glitch."

So .... let me get this straight - the General Assembly, with the support of TicketMaster, tells us that they "must act" and pass this legislation to protect "us" from the type of activity that TicketMaster and TicketsNow were alledged to have participated in ? Sounds like the fox telling the hens that he'll make them a great deal on a security system for the hen house. Hmmmm. (Read more about the alleged "scandal" by clicking here and here.) I ain't buying what they're selling. Are you ?

I've got a better, two-part solution. First, since according to Section 62-45-102(2) quoted above, "artists and teams," as well as the General Assembly, want fans to have fair access to tickets in the free market, how about if the ticket industry policed itself ? Why is additional government regulation needed ? The ticket industry could just stop selling the huge blocks of tickets to the scalpers and only sell the tickets to individuals. Plus, they could limit the number of tickets that can be purchased at one time by these individuals to maybe 4, 6, 8, etc. Doing so would give everyone wanting tickets a fair shot at getting them. Leave the government out of it. Nobody forces the ticketing agencies to sell the huge block of tickets to the ticket brokers. They choose to do so for one simple reason, and it has nothing to do with being fair to the fans - "It's all about the benjamins." They really don't care who buys the tickets as long as they get them sold and the money in their bank account.

The Scalpers Are Cheating The (Vancouver Folk Music) Festival (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The second part of this solution is where we, the fans, come in. We live in a free market with free market principles. We don't need government regulation to fix this problem. The simple law of "supply and demand" will fix it if we let it. The scalpers supply event tickets at huge markups, because we demand them. So, let's stop demanding them. Don't pay the outrageous prices. Then, the scalpers will have to lower their prices, or they'll still be stuck holding them when the game or concert is over.

Personally, I would not be surprised if it was found that many of the scalpers actually work for some of the artists, teams, and arenas. The reason I say this is because when I was attending the University of Tennessee in the late '80s, there were rampant rumors that the folks outside Neyland Stadium and Thompson Boling Arena scalping football and basketball tickets were actually hired by the UT athletic department. I do not know for sure if it was true, but other actions taken by the university led me to believe it was so.

The solution to the scalping problem in Tennessee cannot be solved with this lousy piece of legislation anymore than the meth problem was solved by a piece of lousy legislation. That one moved the decongestants behind the pharmacy counter making us "register" our purchases of cold medicine each time. You may remember that the General Assembly and law enforcement told us it was the ultimate fix. Now, that law has been such a dismal failure that they are considering passing another law which would require all decongestants to be available by prescription only. You know what that means ? Yes, you will be required to go see the doctor each and every time you get the sniffles if you want a decongestant. Most Tennesseans have allergy problems, so such legislation would result in a ton of extra doctors visits. Since they were wrong on the meth bill, why should we trust them on this one ? But, I digress, again.

In my opinion, we shouldn't trust them on this one either, especially when you consider that the bill is anything but "fair" to us, the ticket consumers, because it will infringe upon our freedom to transfer tickets we have purchased with our money. The only people it will benefit are the state's coffers and large ticket sellers like TicketMonopoly. Sorry, I did it again. I mean TicketMaster, but you knew that already. Bad Sheepdog.

I've addressed the highlights of what, in my opinion, is wrong with this bill. I could go on and on. Now, can I say for sure that the projected possibilities I've used in this post will come true if the bill passes ? Of course not. However, the supporters of the bill, likewise, cannot tell you with absolute 100% certainty that I'm wrong, either. That's the problematic part of the whole piece of crap legislation. There is so much ambiguity that we don't know exactly what it will and will not allow to occur. That's why it must be defeated. One thing I can guarantee is that it will not stop scalping. The scalpers will find a way around it.

Photograph of the Tennessee State Capitol on a sunny day, the central cupola soaring against a clear sky. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If Tennesseans want to remain free to do with their tickets what they please, then it is imperative that they contact their elected representatives. If you don't know who your State Senator and State Representative are, you can find out by clicking here. I can guarantee you that the folks with the money who support the bill, such as TicketMaster, are contacting the legislators. If we, Tennesseans, don't contact our representatives, it will be hard to defeat this bill. Plus, don't forget - this bill brings with it additional tax, ... oops, I mean fee, revenue. Politicians really like "the benjamins" and that makes the bill very appealing to them.

Therefore, we have to let them hear from us, because we have something that they like even more than revenue, and that's ....... our votes.

P.S. Here's one other little tidbit for you to think about. Section 62-45-110 of the bill states that, "A ticket represents a revocable license, held by the person in possession of the ticket, to use a seat or standing area in a specific place of entertainment for a limited time."

Tickets are already licenses, but this legislation reinforces that more. Additionally, if you flip over your sports or concert ticket, somewhere in the fine print it will say something along the lines of "no refunds or exchanges." Therefore, if this legislation becomes law, and you don't follow it to transfer a ticket purchase, the ticket can be revoked by the issuer without giving you a refund. Now, think about that the next time you buy those $100-a-piece professional sporting event tickets.

Man, wouldn't that suck if those tickets were taken away from you and no refund offered ? You might want to call your representatives now.

Related articles

• Citizen Uses Baltimore's Old Scalping Law To Give Ticketmaster A Swift Kick In The Pants (consumerist.com)

Video - "2A Today for The USA - Part 3"

Today is Firearms Friday and as promised, I am wrapping up the 3-part video series I've run this week about the 2nd Amendment and the Right to Keep and Bear Arms. If you missed Part 1 or Part 2, they can be watched by clicking here and here.

I hope everyone has enjoyed these videos and learned something from them. The main point I hope they have made clear for everyone is that the 2nd Amendment, and gun ownership, is not about hunting and target shooting. It is about F-R-E-E-D-O-M ...... Freedom. Yes, it's about having the freedom to own a gun, if you want to, in order to protect you and your family from whatever. It's that simple.

I may run additional similar videos in the future. In the meantime, Part 3 of this series is embedded below or can be watched by clicking here. More such videos and educational material is available at the website of the Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (http://jpfo.org/). Be sure to visit their site and check them out.

Also, before I go, I want to thank my friend over at "The Bullet Co." for passing these along and making me aware of them.

Video - "2A Today for The USA - Part 2"

Today is part 2 of the video series I started yesterday. The video is embedded below or can be watched by clicking here. I will wrap up this video series tomorrow on Firearms Friday.

Video - "2A Today for The USA - Part 1"

Lately, in response to the senseless Sandy Hook tragedy and other shootings across the country, there has been much talk about gun control. We've heard it from Obama, other politicians, and regular everyday Americans. Some folks think more gun restrictions are necessary. Others do not. Some think better mental healthcare nationwide could reduce and even prevent these shootings.

English: Painting, 1856, by Junius Brutus Stearns, Washington at Constitutional Convention of 1787, signing of U.S. Constitution. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Due to the varying number of opinions, and the importance of this issue, I feel like this is a great time for all of us to take a deep breath, chill out, and take a look at the purpose, history, and rationale surrounding the 2nd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

In order to do that, the rest of this week's posts on The Sheepdog will be devoted to a three-part video series put together by the JFPO (Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership). I encourage everyone to visit their website at http://jpfo.org/ to learn more about the organization. Information about the work they do can be found there.

I also want to encourage everyone to view this series with an open mind. Listen to the information provided and the testimony of the speakers. I think that if everyone does, there is a lot to be learned in each video. Today is video #1 and it is about 7-8 minutes long as are the other two. I have embedded it below, or it can also be watched by clicking here. I always make videos posted to this blog available both ways to make the reading of my posts more convenient for people who receive my posts via e-mail, through a search engine, or a blog aggregate service.

I hope everyone finds today's first video interesting, informative, and useful. I'll post video #2 tomorrow and #3 on Friday.

Inexcusable

I have a confession to make. I need to come clean. I'm sure no one will be surprised, but ... I did not watch Obama's "re-inauguration." I've heard plenty about the festivities, though, and I've seen some of the transcripts of his speech. As usual, it all sounded good, but we all know from the last four years that he's good at talking and telling Americans what many of them want to hear. His problem is that generally his follow through is either weak or turns out being something that most of us didn't want. I've also realized you really need to listen to what he's not saying when he's talking - kinda like reading between the lines. What he's not saying is what's really important.

Beyonce (Photo credit: Ana Kelston)

Therefore, nothing related to Obama surprised me in regards to his re-inauguration. My bone to pick is with something that doesn't even involve him. I know, and have heard, all about him that I need to. My problem is with something else this time. That something else's name is Beyonce. With her, The Sheepdog's a little perturbed.

When I first learned that she lip-synched the national anthem, my initial reaction was, "No way. Who would do that ?" It was hard to believe. Then, as usual, I checked into it to verify it for myself. The more I read, the more I learned that yep - she did it. I think it's appalling and un-American. She was given an opportunity that most singers, and many Americans for that matter, would love to have - singing at a presidential inauguration. So, what did she do ? She faked it. That's just sorry and unpatriotic.

I've also seen reports that Beyonce's reason for faking the national anthem was because it was too cold. Really ? Ya gotta be kidding me. Scores of singers have sang the national anthem outside in the cold at sporting events through the years. I've seen it many times during NFL games either during the playoffs or regular season, particularly in the colder northern states. In fact, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler sang the national anthem in Foxboro, MA last year before the AFC Championship. So, what's Beyonce's problem ?

Beyonce's lip syncing the national anthem got me to thinking about all the American men and women who have served our country in the military over the years in harsh climates. I've read the stories and watched the movies of the frigid winters in Europe during World War II. More recently, our servicemen and women have braved the 130 degree heat in the Iraqi desert during the summer months. What would have happened if they had quit because it was too hot or too cold ? Well, consider the following :

• In the case of World War II, we'd all likely be speaking German right now, and the Jewish race would be no more, if our military had quit due to the severe cold and deep snow.
• In the case of Iraq, we'd likely have been hit with another 9/11 type attack, if our military had quit due to the 130 degree heat in the Iraqi desert in the middle of the summer. 

Our servicemen and women can brave those conditions and tough it out, but yet Beyonce can't spend four or five minutes in the Washington D.C. freezing winter weather singing the national anthem. She had that opportunity because those brave men and women from Europe in the '40s to Iraq now have fought to protect our freedoms and way of life. Her wimping out dishonored them. It's inexcusable. We're Americans. We don't quit because the climate's too harsh. We find a way to get it done - period.

John Mellencamp (singer, songwriter, and guitarist) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas on January 29, 2007 for the official ribbon cutting ceremony of The Center for the Intrepid, a $50 million state-of-the-art physical rehabilitation facility designed for servicemembers wounded in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. Photo by Peter Rimar. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I'm not a Beyonce fan. Heck, I'm not into any of the current secular singers or bands. I grew up in the '80s. In my opinion, secular music went to pot after about 1993 or '94. Due to that, and Beyonce's national anthem lip syncing debacle, I can't help but wonder - couldn't the NFL have gotten somebody else for the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show ? Surely KISS, .38 Special, Heart, John Mellencamp, or somebody with some real talent is available. I mean ...  "C'mon man," as Chris Bermann and the guys on ESPN's NFL Countdown show would say, surely the NFL can do better than her.

I think I will boycott the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show and do something more constructive - like eating. I'll also be pulling for the Ravens to bring that Lombardi Trophy home to the AFC North and prevent the 49ers from tying my Steelers with six Super Bowl titles.    

Related articles

• Super Bowl Start Time 2013: Previewing NFL Matchup and Halftime Performances (bleacherreport.com)
• Beyoncé Was Lip-Synching the National Anthem (vulture.com)
• Beyoncé Lip-Synced To 'Save Herself' For Super Bowl Performance (contactmusic.com)

Hobby Lobby vs. ObamaCare

English: Hobby Lobby store in Stow, Ohio (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Hobby Lobby has filed a lawsuit seeking protection from the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more appropriately known as ObamaCare, mandate that will require employers to provide coverage for the so-called "morning after pill." Hobby Lobby's founder and CEO David Green feels that the mandate requires the company to violate it's religious beliefs which are in opposition to abortion. A U.S. District Court Judge ruled against Hobby Lobby back in November, but the company is appealing that ruling. At the time the company originally filed the lawsuit, the company's CEO compiled a statement ** (below), which appeared in USA Today (link to USA Today column here), to explain the company's position.

** - There are multiple versions of Mr. Green's statement floating around on the internet. However, each of them has the same basic theme.

A Letter from Hobby Lobby Stores CEO By David Green, the founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. When my family and I started our company 40 years ago, we were working out of a garage on a $600 bank loan, assembling miniature picture frames. Our first retail store wasn't much bigger than most people's living rooms, but we had faith that we would succeed if we lived and worked according to God's word. From there, Hobby Lobby has become one of the nation's largest arts and crafts retailers, with more than 500 locations in 41 states. Our children grew up into fine business leaders, and today we run Hobby Lobby together, as a family. We're Christians, and we run our business on Christian principles. I've always said that the first two goals of our business are (1) to run our business in harmony with God's laws, and (2) to focus on people more than money. And that's what we've tried to do. We close early so our employees can see their families at night. We keep our stores closed on Sundays, one of the week's biggest shopping days, so that our workers and their families can enjoy a day of rest. We believe that it is by God's grace that Hobby Lobby has endured, and he has blessed us and our employees. We've not only added jobs in a weak economy, we've raised wages for the past four years in a row. Our full-time employees start at 80% above minimum wage. But now, our government threatens to change all of that. A new government health care mandate says that our family business must provide what I believe are abortion-causing drugs as part of our health insurance. Being Christians, we don't pay for drugs that might cause abortions, which means that we don't cover emergency contraception, the morning-after pill or the week-after pill. We believe doing so might end a life after the moment of conception, something that is contrary to our most important beliefs. It goes against the Biblical principles on which we have run this company since day one. If we refuse to comply, we could face $1.3 million per day in government fines. Our government threatens to fine job creators in a bad economy. Our government threatens to fine a company that's raised wages four years running. Our government threatens to fine a family for running its business according to its beliefs. It's not right.  I know people will say we ought to follow the rules, that it's the same for everybody. But that's not true. The government has exempted thousands of companies from this mandate, for reasons of convenience or cost. But it won't exempt them for reasons of religious belief. So, Hobby Lobby and my family are forced to make a choice. With great reluctance, we filed a lawsuit today, represented by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, asking a federal court to stop this mandate before it hurts our business. We don't like to go running into court, but we no longer have a choice. We believe people are more important than the bottom line and that honoring God is more important than turning a profit. My family has lived the American dream. We want to continue growing our company and providing great jobs for thousands of employees, but the government is going to make that much more difficult. The government is forcing us to choose between following our faith and following the law. I say that's a choice no American and no American business should have to make. Sincerely, David Green, CEO and Founder of Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. It is going to be interesting to watch this case and see how it turns out. Will the courts allow the federal government to infringe upon religious freedom once again, or will the courts finally say "enough is enough" ? No matter how it turns out, I applaud Hobby Lobby for standing up for what it believes in and what it thinks is right. Too many times too many of us sit on the sidelines and take whatever is being dished out upon us no matter how wrong or how unfair it is. In my opinion, that is one reason our country is in the mess it is right now. More of us need to show some courage as Hobby Lobby has done.

Related articles

• Hobby Lobby: We Intend to Defy ObamaCare (newser.com)
• Attorney: Hobby Lobby won't offer morning-after pill (kansas.com)
• Hobby Lobby Appeals Morning-After Pill Decision (insurancejournal.com)
• Hobby Lobby to defy requirement (toledoblade.com)