GUN OWNERSHIP:
The gun controversy brings up deep-rooted cultural differences. I have studied and thought and spoken to people throughout the nation. I have yet to find an elected politician who says they want to "take sports guns" or personal weapons from us. They, as do a vast majority of Americans, think that "military type assault weapons, machine guns and sniper rifles" should be monitored with preference for the police and our soldier's use. Now if that is what the American people want and what most politicians want, what is the problem? This is a democracy isn't it? Majority rules...not the loudest or the most effective gossip. Majority=Democracy. The problem, is as usual, a few radical ideologues. I always worry about those people who say they believe in "Brotherhood" and yet practice bigotry and hatred in every aspect of their lives, from their jokes to their actions. I met a brother Freemason one day, and he hated a politician so much, he simply spewed out hatred...yet tears came to his eyes when he spoke of the love he had for his "fellow man". Hmmmmmmm What is going on in our culture that we have eliminated ethics from our actions. Let's remember who we are brothers and sisters, especially on the gun issue.
My dear father, 55 years ago taught me the joy and beauty of the hunt. We went out at sunrise, drove to a far off ranch and he taught me the beauty of nature. How to track, He taught me how to love and appreciate nature. He showed how to keep it clean. He showed me the joy of watching live, wild animals and holding back, that we didn't have to kill them to enjoy a hunt. How to watch and observe nature opened a new world for me. Today, I still can tell you every animal trail or track within a mile of my cabin, where they sleep, what they eat, even where they have their offspring. My dad taught me how to use a gun, but only to do so if there was a valid reason. He was a decorated Marine hero, had decimated a Japanese troop and he was not proud of the lives he took. At our campfires he taught me more about peace, and not killing than killing. He taught me to shoot so well, that as a 12 year old, if I could see a bird, I could 'hit' it. After a while, it occurred to me, that I had already mastered the physics of shooting, the hard part was to master the ethics of respect for life. That is where my dear father, who rescued many Marines on Iwo Jima taught me the best and the most valuable lessons of "the hunt" of life.
I learned love, reverence, discipline, observation, and appreciation. Today I am 65 and to this day, I have hunted deer, elk, bear, and all kinds of small game and birds. I can outshoot many a marksman. But, I also have not killed a deer in over 30 years. Often I track them, I have seen them give birth, I have watched a buck oversee his doe and two fawns eat and water at sunrise. I have climbed into caves to sit with a mother bear and her cubs and watch them come out of hibernation.
I have had these beautiful animals in my gun-sights and then snapped photos of them, saying "Gotcha". My father taught me that the "hunt" was not about guns or politics; it was about nature, discipline, responsibility and reverence. The hunter of those days is not the typical NRA leader of today. The real traditional hunters of the NRA let radicals take the helm of that organization. Unfortunately the radicals of our world have co-opted the "hunt", with politics and extreme viewpoints. Those Parents of Sandy Hook's murdered children, have good reason to walk the halls of Congress, because they are reminding us, that the right to bear arms must be balanced with a legitimate philosophy of life, respect and reverence for life. Today's macho man who has to spend $6,000 on a 50 caliber sniper rifle is not the same 'hunter' and does not share the same respect for life or love for nature and our fellow man, those ideals that my dad, the war hero taught me. Does your right to own a machine gun trump the right of a mother to know that her child is safe in school?
No, we will not be sheep, but neither will we be radical red-necks. My dad taught me a basic that I appreciate, and that is if my family, home or property is attacked, I will never be helpless. We will live in peace and enlightened thought. But, The old "Alamo" flag, of "Come and Get It" (the Alamo Canon), suggests that we are not helpless sheep. But neither are we mindless, macho, red necks. We simply, like the old attorney in "To Kill A Mockingbird" have a quiet strength and resources to back up our words. But, to make this political radicalism or to manipulate "gun" ownership into an extreme political fight, is below main stream or enlightened America.
We can only hope that our leaders of this great nation will come with balance and perspective, to respect the lives and traditions of America.
99.9% of us don't need a $1200 assault weapon to live productive, useful and contributory lives. It that is what it takes to make a person feel like a "man" something dreadfully is wrong in our culture. My father, was wounded numerous times, and yet, while behind enemy lines, did his duty. But once I asked him how to deal with conflict and would he teach me Karate and the ability to fight some thugs in our town. He told me: "Ben, learn to deal with conflict with your mind. Fighting and killing takes you to a lower level. I have taught you to use a gun, keep that deep and quiet within and only use it as a very last resort. But live your life with ideas, with love, with respect. Don't let anyone turn you into a killer."
I have tried to live by that advice and it has blessed me. I am surprised that so many affluent and educated people in the USA never got that kind of teaching.
On gun control, you must see this little video. It may bring a smile to your face.
GUN APPRAISALS: By the way, if you have a gun collection worth $50,000 or more, we can do a certified inspection and valuation on your collection, with our new associate who is an experienced buyer and seller of guns. It might be a good idea to have your collection of guns, swords, art and collectables appraised and we have the people who can do this for you. It will require a complete listing with serial numbers and photos and inspection, all confidential. Our fee is typically 5 to 6% of the value of the collection with a minimum of $2,000. But for insurance and estate purposes, this should be an essential basic for those who collect quality items.
ECONOMICS:
The economy in Albuquerque, New Mexico is picking up nicely with many new projects underway. Agricultural sectors are doing well, as are the oil and gas mining areas. Other areas with water shortages, no agriculture, no energy or mining are suffering and some towns are dying.
We were observing a strong economy, led by areas such as Houston, Atlanta, Dallas, as well as Phoenix, Miami, Chicago and others. Many of the strongest economies such as Houston, are hotter than the rest of the nation, fueled by energy, shipping, medical industry and defense spending. Virginia, Georgia, Texas, California and the Carolinas enjoy almost 40% of all of the federal military spending of the nation. The "Sequestration" cuts are slowing coming into effect, and it is impossible to ascertain the impacts on those economies, but it certainly will be bad and lead to more people out of work.
WE RECENTLY OBSERVED ONE SMALL TOWN THAT HAD NO WATER, NO INDUSTRY, NO MANUFACTURING. WITH ONE MAN, THE MAYOR, WORKING THE PHONES AND A CHAMBER TRULY DEVOTED TO HELPING HIM, HE SINGLE HANDEDLY BROUGHT IN NEW INDUSTRY. THE TOWN GREW FROM 18,000 TO NEARLY 28,000 OVER A 7 YEAR PERIOD. THEY SIMPLY MADE THE TOWN GOAL TO BRING IN MANUFACTURING...AND DID IT. NOW I UNDERSTAND WHY SOME TOWNS ARE GROWING AND PEOPLE ARE MAKING MONEY, WHILE OTHERS ARE CONTENT TO DRIFT AWAY.
We still point you to cities and areas that have the following characteristics excel in economic growth:
- Energy industry whether it be oil, gas, wind, solar, coal, hydroelectric production.
- Medical and health care industry presence
- University and educational institutional presence.
- In the past we always included military and federal government presence, but now that is a question mark, until the radical elements of Washington agree to compromise and eliminate these sequestration cuts.
- Food production and agriculture
- Manufacturing
In our appraisal business we are seeing the following signs:
- Banks are again lending on commercial construction
- Banks are lending for new homes, purchases and construction
- Home prices are higher now than they have been in 6 years
- Foreclosures are largely absorbed, or stabilized
- Hotel and hospitality industries are growing
- Hospitals are expanding
- Oil, natural gas and other energy industries are hiring and booming. The wind industry is charging back and solar energy is expanding as prices and effectiveness have improved.
- Retail and mall locations are being purchased, renovated and upgraded as new modern investments
- Condominiums are again in favor.
10.The prison industry is in realignment, but we see many new creative uses for prison facilities that have shown increased vacancies, as rehabilitation, educational, and social service facilities.
11. Communities that promote farming and agriculture are an essential part of production and growth.
12. Communities that have industry or manufacturing continue to create jobs and economic growth.
Remember, we now have licenses and representatives in a number of states, with offices in Arkansas, New Mexico, Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and we can go coast to coast for independent work on your behalf. Our new "Appraisal/Environmental Report Package" offers a goal of a 7 day turnaround and discounts if both the appraisal and environmental reports are done on the same commercial project. Our pricing and timing is extraordinary and we have both MAI, engineers, Brokers, and Environmental specialists in our team. Contact:
www.benboothe.com and remember us for these items.
With over 40 years experience in banking, finance, valuations, and economic and environmental issues, we are at your service and as always appreciate the loyalty of our client base. You are our extended family.
Ben B. Boothe, Sr.
President
BBAR Inc.
817 793 1484
LOAN PACKAGING AND HELPING YOU FIND THE RIGHT LENDER (2 of our associates have banking experience, one as a director, the other as a former President).
PERSONAL PROPERTY VALUATIONS (examiners and lenders are requiring better appraisals on equipment and personal property. We have an associate who specializes in personal property equipment).
This is my SWAMP MONKEY, I GO HUNTING WITH MY GUNS AND CAMERA
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