General Conference Weekend... a few weeks late

I tagged along with my family for general conference in Salt Lake a few weeks ago and just found some pictures of it on my Dad's computer.As you can see, there were some protesters but they were just the regulars. Most of them were almost more docile than I've seen in the past. Maybe they're getting bored with their own act, I know I am. They're such losers. (notice the only prop 8 sign was actually a "thanks for voting yes" sign. not a prop 8 hater in sight.)

Spring is here but we got to some skiing/boarding on that world famous Utah snow. (the snow was not great that day though, very spring-like conditions. but still fun!)

Don't Tread on Me!

In the past couple days many in the media and government have called us hateful, Tools for Fox News, anti-tax, angry, radical, mobs. Those same snobs who cherish their power can sense ours and it scares them. That is why they try to dismiss us. 

Despite our unprecedented showing at hundreds of rallies in all 50 states, many newspapers (ie. NY Times) somehow forgot to mention the story or if they did it was buried on page 18. Some reporters were even openly hostile in their interviews and reports. They would say anything they could to make us seem insignificant and stupid.

When I looked around at the people gathered, chanting "No New Taxes." I didn't see any career protesters, like one might see and an anti-war rally. I didn't see "radical right-wing extremists." I saw neighbors, I saw normal looking people with their kids, I even saw people I knew, people that had never been to a rally before in their lives. These were regular people trying to send a message that enough is enough. 

We're sick of the government spending money faster than they can print it. We're sick of them arrogantly telling us to pay our fair share while they don't even pay their taxes. 

I was there. This was not a group of "mindless Limbaugh republicans" angry at democrats. We are fully aware that the republicans had their shot to make a change when they were in power, instead they spent our money like drunken sailors. There was as much chanting and booing directed at the elephants as the donkeys. 

We were simply a group of people who cherish freedom more than a free ride, who are concerned about the future we're creating for our children, and who fear what our government is quickly becoming. 

5,000 celebrate 'Tax Day Tea Party' at Capitol Park - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee

I Heart New York

My dad and I went to New York for fun a few weeks ago since I had a free ticket there that I had to use. Here are some of the highlights if you're interested...

Can you spot me? We were there for the oldest and longest parade in America, the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It's like ten years older that the Declaration of Independence. This is a picture from the viewpoint of my dad who was actually marching in the parade with some other firefighters from Hayward.

These NY firemen each are holding a flag for a man lost on 9/11, there were about 343 of them.

Dad and I met up after he finished marching. I was so proud.

Down in the Battery Park area we found this sculpture that used to be at the World Trade Center. It was pulled from the wreckage and is now on display to show a piece of the destruction from that day. 

One of the coolest things I saw was this little tavern. Its the place where George Washington himself said farewell to his men after the Revolutionary War.

We saw all of the city thanks to this awesome hop-on hop-off bus tour. It was a little chilly on top though.

We stayed with my cousins who live in Harlem just down the street from the world famous Apollo Theater so we went there for Amateur Night which was definitely an experience. We got to boo a few people off stage. I felt kinda bad about that but it was too fun to stop.

For a 360 degree view of the city we went to the Top of the Rock, it was FrEEEzing!

In conclusion, I really love New York. Everything that happens, happens in this City. There's always places to go, people to see. I really don't know when people sleep there, but I love it.

Were else do you get to hear such acts as the Ebony Hillbillies, only in New York.