Guns and Growing Up!

Guns and Growing Up!

Got to thinking about shootings in our society and here's what I came up with.  When I was a boy we had shootings also; after school it was watching the good guys take the bad guys on the television set.  It was Roy or Matt or the boys from Laredo.  And each time there seemed to be a life lesson in the stories relating how we can get along if we try and if each side wants to work it out.  But the good guys didn’t back down or play wimps; if it took a gun to make it right then so be it, but they didn’t just use the gun they used their common sense, as well.  

If you disagree with any of this go read about Alvin C. York or Audie Murphy; two farm boys from Tennessee and Texas respectively, who went on to become World War 1 and World War 2’s most famous heroes.  Read about what they thought about guns and how Alvin abhorred the use of them for killing people but understood it took a gun to save lives sometimes from the hands of deranged bad people!  Guns aren’t the problem; they aren’t the full answer either but, without them bad people will allow bad things to happen to good people.  Read about Hitler in W.W. II or any of the other nations in the world who worked hard at disarming their populations through the centuries, then caused great harm on those societies because the people had no arms to defend their own selves or their loved ones.

As young boys it didn't ever cross our minds to take our guns to school or out into society and run rampant like a bunch of idiots........real men worked out their problems; without guns if able, but with if it was called for.  I wonder what the correlation is between these generations of now and what they are being fed on television to what our generations were from the 50's and 60's on the values they watched from the television?  Now I’m not for Hollywood, but certainly the shows we watched in earlier years had some ideas of planting better ideas into the heads of the young than what we have on the tube today!  Besides, my dad and mom were always there to take care of me and they taught me many of the values, ethics, morals, and ideals that I’m passing on today to my generations following behind me!

It does make you think…..if you’re not a complete idiot! (No Political Correctness here)

Billy Ray

Things I've Learned in this Lifetime!

For those of you who give a dad-gum........from my trove of life-lessons;

Never, Never, Never.................say Never to anything!

Little babies make me cry like a beat-up 7th grader!

Nobody ever really wins...........life is a continual event and the so-called winners are the ones who just happen to be damn lucky at that point in time!

Every successful person I've ever gotten to know has told me to never, ever, ever quit dreaming!

We all have a purpose, just some of us really should stop at digging ditches and cleaning toilets!  Judgemental but true!

Dumbasses are a dime a dozen and I was purchased in someone's grocery list years ago!

Dirt, soil, organic matter, and dust.......it's where we came from and it's where we will eventually end up at!

Whether you see the glass at half-full or half-empty, some son-of-a-buck will always be against you!

Only idiots say, "perception becomes reality" when really "reality becomes perception"!  Think about it!

I can actually say; two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun in my sleep and nobody gives a damn........but me!  In other words.....there are some things in life I've learned that nobody but me really ever cared about!

Ok......I'm done until next time!  

Wake Up America!

First off.....I'm going to start off by saying if you don't believe in gun ownership or gun rights just stop reading this right here.  I have listened to so much crap about gun control over the last few days….I am ready to jump on my horse and grab a rope……if you know what I mean!  What has happened to our nation?  Do people really believe that a government can control something that has been in our heritage since before we were a nation, and is woven into the world's greatest document......our U.S. Constitution?  I've taught history for a few years in the public school system and have been an avid reader of World, United States, and Oklahoma history longer than that.  If you don't learn history, you are bound to repeat the mistakes of others who have preceded you!

I have personally had the unique opportunity to travel this world a bit.  I have been to Israel where when I visited in 2001, the entire country was on active reserve.  Everyone had either a pistol on their hip or an Uzi-Machine gun on their shoulder........and I don't mean a few people, I mean everyone!  When I would go to the hotel people had guns, when I would go to the restaurants people had guns, when I would go to the Ag Embassy and work.......people had guns. Matter of fact about every 30 minutes or so a helicopter gunship would hover around the embassy just keeping an eye on things.  I was there for around 7 days or so and it impacted me profoundly!  The young Israeli men I worked with told me that this is the way it is; they have to be ready at a moment’s notice.  They also related how without guns, Israel would be at the mercy of their mortal enemies who are within a few miles either which way of their homeland.  Guns meant protection, safety, and a relative feeling of being able to operate in their society while at the same time being subjected to hostilities all around them.

In South Africa, you can own a gun but it is a long and drawn out process.  And then, you can only have 200 rounds of ammunition, period.  I have been to South Africa 6 times since 2001 and have witnessed through the lives of several farmers the way life is there.  Guns mean protection, matter of fact; over 250+ (according to some sources) farmers have been killed by roving bands of the native peoples since Apartheid ended in 1994 in that country.  I have been running, literally, on some paths throughout the countryside whereas I would come upon 5 or more native peoples and later wondered what I would have done if I would have not been able to outrun them….not that they chased me, just what the heck was I thinking at the time.  The farmers relate to me how our country, the United States of America, is the last bastion of democracy in the World.  If we fall, then this world is in for some serious issues for future generations!  They’ve also related to me how as an American we are tolerating too much outside and inside pressures to give into the rest of the world.  This could very well be our downfall if we don’t stop with all this infighting! 

Do not misunderstand me, I am 100% for gun ownership and rights……but again let’s go about this in a manner that’s consistent with what our heritage is.  Remember, the winners always…….not sometimes, but always write the history books!  Don’t just believe something just because it’s in print…..study it out…..learn what other sources have to say about the topic.  I do not consider myself a conspiracy theorist, just someone who will give the gun grabbing, goofy-ass dingbats something to think about if they step onto my land someday thinking they can take my heritage from me.  I honestly never thought in my lifetime that we would be having these conversations about one of our most precious of American rights!

Besides the fact, have any of the news agencies reported on the number of stories in this country whereas a shooting was stopped by someone WHO had a gun?  Not very many, but they are out there……..I beginning to believe some folks when I hear that the majority of the news media have an outright agenda, and the way it’s looking that agenda isn’t in many Oklahomans best interest!  Thank God above I live in the Great State of Oklahoma!  I’m proud to be a God-believing, gun-toting, country-boy from this part of the world!

Amen………and pass the ammunition! J

Billy Ray 

Wisdom from our Older Generations!

As I get older I talk to as many older generation folks as I possibly can.  I always ask them what they attribute their longevity to? Their answers have been, not necessarily in this order; 

·        anything you do........do so in moderation,

·         learn what you love to do....and do it,

·         don't stop dreaming,

·         set goals.....then set more goals,

·        don't ever give up on what you want to achieve.....no matter how many times it takes, 

·        care for people, 

·        teach someone how to do something someone older taught you as a young person,

·         work physically or at least exercise regularly, 

·         read and don't stop learning,

·         be open-minded but no so much that your brains fall out the side of your head, 

·        of all the books you read and learn from, the Bible should always be at the top of the heap,

·        exercise keeps you in shape, but a vehicle always gets you further down the road,

·        what comes around, goes around 

I'm always intrigued by visiting with our older generations, there is so much wisdom and good advice.....if only we would take the time to understand it.  Recently I was overseas and I visited with a gentleman and our conversation revolved around the instantaneous access we all have to information through the computer technologies of today.  He relayed how there is no reason why anyone with a computer and Internet access today shouldn't have the equivalent of several PhD's in a few years time, dependent on how much time they spent researching topics.  That led to just how much information is enough information without going into information overload.  

Well, needless to say, we didn't agree on everything........because I am of the old adage from above.........anything you do, do so in moderation.  By the way, the person who gave me that answer.......an 80 year old man who was a 2x past President of the University of Florida and who has hiked to the top of Mount Everest once.  I got the privilege to sit beside this gentleman on a flight from Tallahasse, Florida to Milwaukee, Wisconsin some years ago.   He did not look a day over 60 years of age, needless to say, I had an enjoyable flight learning everything I could from his experiences in life!  And this same gentleman told me to never stop learning, keep your brain active.....but find time to enjoy the things you've learned along the way!

My grandpa's taught me quite a bit about life, as well........matter of fact three of the answers above stem from their words of wisdom.  My grandpa Howell used to say, "be open minded but not so much your brains fall out the side of your head".  As I attended Oklahoma State University working on my educational endeavors through the years, these words kept coming back time and again!

I also remember the words of my grandpa Richardson, he would remark at times..... "that guy is not smart enough to pour piss out a boot with the directions written on the heel"!  So, sometimes it's not that we have the information, it's that we need to know how to use it!  I wish that at times I could have these older generation guys back just to answer some of life's questions without having to live them out!  But, perhaps that's what we are here for......to help each other out as we walk life's pathway!

Enjoy life,

Billy Ray Richardson

Of Cowpies and People!

I wrote this some time a while back, just never shared it until today!

Of Cowpies and People!

In my pastures on my farm, I’ve got cowpies everywhere. Some are fresh, some have been there awhile, and some are in the state of drying up and blowing away. As I literally run around on my farm………..I often think of people who are obstinate, mean, or just flat hard to get along with in relation to the cowpie! Oh, I can jump right into the middle of the cowpie, if I’m not careful………but it stinks, and I stink for it! Takes a while to get it off of me and the only thing I really get out of it is, a smell that’s disgusting!

Some people are a lot like that! If you jump in with em’ you’re gonna get stinky, and if you’re not careful you’ll find yourself wishing you had never stepped into the cowpie in the first place! Fresh cowpie especially in the spring and summertime draws looooooots of flies and other pests! Oh they are annoying, and so are some people! I’ve learned to avoid the cowpies altogether, because over time they dry up and blow away anyway! So the next time you’re bothered by someone who’s rude or mean, just think of the cowpie………..and go around em’! Or better yet, jump right over the top of em’!!!!!

Billy Ray ---

I can't be the Only one!

A copy of one of my Facebook Notes in April, 2012...........

In October of 1983, I weighed around 190 lbs.......felt like crap and went to the doctor who told me to lose about 25-35 pounds.  So, on February 1st 1984, I started running in full plastic sweats to lose the weight, (wrestling for 12 years at Perry, Oklahoma pounded that idea into my head) and by June 2nd......when our second daughter was born I had lost 63 pounds!  I felt like a new person and was running upwards of 50 miles a week.  I learned to eat right and cut down on so much of the junk food that I had friends and family thinking I had turned anorexic!  I hadn't, what I had done was start a fire in me that to this day still burns............if you want to do something in life.........go do it!  Talk is cheap, now you need advice and wisdom from friends and loved ones......but at some point, dig in, bear the weight and get it done!  Nobody can keep you down but yourself!..........Lesson #1 for me.....if you want it, go for it, nobody can get it done but you yourself at the end of the day.......yes you need help in life, but the drive comes from within yourself!

I had always dreamed of finishing a college degree, but because my heart wasn't in it.......it didn't come to fruition!  I had went to NOC at Tonkawa for two years after high school and came within 6 hours of finishing an A.S. in General Agriculture.  At the end of that time I started at OSU but quit after 2 months and went to farming full time.  In December of 1980, Shonna and I got married and we began growing our farming operation.  Over the years I tried 2 more times, unsuccessfully, to finish school at NOC.......again, my heart wan't in it!  But I hadn't stopped the dream of attaining a college education and by the fall of 1987 I could see the handwriting on the wall for our family in agriculture.  Within that time-frame we had to sell everything we had; now let me tell you something, to see you life's endeavors go on the auction block was something I will not ever, ever, ever forget!  Our equipment, our land, our home, our sweat and toil over the years......let alone the fact I was the oldest son and one of the first in my generations that was no longer going to be able to raise my family on the farm!  That fire within me I had talked about earlier, some people figure out what they want to do when they're little, andl I had...........I wanted to farm, but now that was gone so I had to figure out what else to do!  By the grace of the Good Lord above and a wonderful wife and at the time 3 precious little ones I started back to school at OSU at 29 years of age.  They told me it would take 3 - 5 years!  It took me 2 years and and 1 semester to finish a B.S. in Secondary Education with an Minor in Geography.  And then, I got hired on to teach in my hometown of Perry, Oklahoma..............that same place where in 4th grade a teacher I won't name told me I wasn't worth much in life and wanted my dad to put me on tranqulizers!  Tranqualizers........at 9 years of age, my dad told the teacher that he would take care of that, and he did.........my little butt worked so hard over the next several years that I didn't have time to get into trouble anymore!  My tranqualizers were hard work, being honest, being respectful, and doing what was right, fair, and just the first time around!  But I'm digressing..........I had achieved a University degree by 1991, me.....someone who could never speak in front of anyone or teach anything, me..........................me.....this was happening to me!  Lesson #2, no matter what takes place in your life.......the only one that keeps you down is yourself......try once, try two times, try three times and fail each time................that doesn't make you a loser!  Thomas Edison tried creating a light bulb over 1000 times, that's 1000 attempts before he was successful!  And, remember Winston Churchill's words, "never, never, never give up"!

Running...........back to the running, I had tried to complete a marathon 3 times before I finally finished one in the fall of 1989.  I was so down and frustrated when I had to drop out of the 3rd one, then I remembered the first time I had tried to run when I weighed 190 pounds.  I had Shonna take me 1 mile from the house on a country road and drop me off, then I ran back to the house.....if you want to call it that, then laid on the sofa and whined for hours how I would never, ever run again in my life!  It HURT so much!  I don't ever want to forget that, it is embedded in my memory!  So, when I toed the mark for the Tulsa Marathon in the fall of 1989, I was a little more than apprehensive about finishing.  But I did, and I won the race.............matter of fact, I ran a 6:18 a mile pace and finished in 2:47:02!  Now, this is not bragging, this is about life...........it doesn't matter how many times it takes, don't give up, keep pushing, eventually you will get there!  So this Sunday I am running in my eigthth OKC Memorial Marathon.......last year our son Heston, and I ran it and finished in 3:31:05!  My son.............and I..........together..........you can't have it any better as a dad than that! This year I'm hoping to run a sub-3 hour, not because I want to do it only for personal reasons, but because of what it takes to get there and for all those people who perished in the terrible tragedy of the bombing.  I run to remember them.....I run to honor their memory and to say, " we won't forget"!   Lesson #3, running, an education, personal goals are something that takes an internal drive from within yourself, but also other people helping along life's pathway!  You should always take time to recognize and remember those who have helped you throughout your life!

I've gotten to the point in my life whereas I really do not care about what anybody thinks about me anymore!  Not saying that disrespectfully, I'm just saying that I've attended enough funerals, seen friends and loved one's suffering through illness and sickness to realize that life is way too short to not tell your friends and loved ones, I love you and care about!  Now don't take me wrong, I'm not just a warm and fuzzy farm boy, I'll still give some people on this earth a good ole' fashioned black bear creek bottom butt whoopin' from time to time, but for the most part..........it's about taking the time to care for others.  I wrote this in response to visiting with a friend yesterday, he told me that shares as much as he can with people to help them overcome obstacles in their lives.  I got to thinking about that, it takes each of us............we aren't just living here on this planet by mistake, I believe, it takes us all...............and through that there is nothing that is impossilble!

Shonna and I now have 4 children, 3 married, and 3 grandchildren and life is good!  I am a blessed man!

Respectfully,

Billy Ray Richardson

Guns and Liberty!

Regarding all the rhetoric we are hearing in the news and such regarding gun control, please go read your United States Constitution and it's Bill of Rights. We as Americans, are unique in this world....in this respect.  Not many countries allow it's citizens the right to keep and bear arms.  This is one of the greatest rights we have; it allows us to own, maintain, and use our arms as is fitting (within the constraints of the law) to ensure our own safety and that of those around us. Our United States Constitution in the Bill of Rights declares:

Article [II]

[A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.]

I highlighted the last part just to show emphasis on how I feel.  My heart goes out to the folks in Connecticut, especially those who lost a loved one. For me, I cannot imagine a more horrifying thing than to lose a little one due to some crazed individual's loss of connection with reality.  Personally, I'm for arming some of the teachers, not all of them......just the one's that could pass the highest levels of certification for that honor, and to me that's what that would be....an honor to carry a weapon to protect our kids!  

I could paste a slew of quotes into this Note but you all can read, go Google "history of gun control around the world" and you will be surprised on what you read!

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The following was taken from a page from Paul Harvey's site, not exactly a nutcase, in my books!

CONSIDER: In 1929 the Soviet Union established gun control. From 1929 to 1953, approximately 20 million dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

In 1911, Turkey established gun control.   From 1915-1917, 1.5 million Armenians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Germany established gun control in 1938 and from 1938 to 1945, 13 million Jews. gypsies, homosexuals, the mentally ill, and others who were unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

China established gun control in 1935.   From 1948 to 1952, 20 million political dissidents, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Guatemala established gun control in 1970. From 1971 to 1979, 300,000 Christians, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

Cambodia established gun control in 1956.   From 1975 to 1977, one million "uneducated" people, unable to defend themselves, were rounded up and exterminated.

That places total victims who lost their lives because of gun control at approximately 56 million in the last century. Since we should learn from the mistakes of history, the next time someone talks in favor of gun control, find out which group of citizens they wish to have exterminated............

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Read and educate yourselves, it's one of the most powerful tools we have to not allow our government or some segments thereof to take away what we as law-abiding United States citizens have as a right!  It may seem silly or even way overboard to some of you all, but I'm sure if any of the citizens from the aforementioned countries could come back and give us any wisdom; it would be "fight like hell to not let them take your guns away"!  That's my quote, my words, but I feel very strongly about it.  And besides the fact, many of us, including members of my own family have had loved ones fight for that honor and to do away with that would be to spit upon the blood of our county's heroes!  

Be prepared, but be educated about what you're fighting for!  Passions have achieved many great things in world history, but just the same......they've started every damned war we've had since the dawn of time!

Thanks for listening!

Billy Ray Richardson