CHARITY VERSUS PANHANDLING

CHARITY VERSUS PANHANDLING For a LONG while, this was one thing, which I had much trouble with. Turning down people, who asked only for small amounts of money. This, while these same people spent their days on street corners, either just sitting around, or holding up signs, begging for charity. Since I was raised in a family, where kindness was rewarded, I will admit that, for quite some time, I felt guilty, over the fact that these other people had neither food, nor shelter. That is, until certain events happened. For one thing, the people, in our neighboring building (where the rent was only $300.00 per month), could be, and were, spotted, first by my neighbor, then by myself, on several paydays. My neighbor and I watched as the same people, who brought in cases of beer, and name brand snacks, from a convenience store, on payday, were, later, pursued, by management, over past due rent. Personally, I did not want it to be true, until, during one, weekend, payday, my neighbor and myself, sat on his porch, and watched a neighbor bring in an entire cart load, from the convenience store. (The person, actually, BOASTED, of having spent hundreds of dollars, at the store, on the cart load.) When my neighbor asked the person "You have THAT MUCH left over, after your rent is paid?" All the person had said was "Dont worry about my rent." As to HOW such a person kept their unit, without paying much rent, neither myself, nor my friend could understand. What my friend and I had become "experts" at was knowing which new renters, in our own building, would be the shortest timers. Our original landlord was well-known, across the city, as a man, who was willing to give people the "one, final, chance", to prove they COULD pay rent. In fact, it is estimated that the man signed over 200 leases, only to have each broken, within 60 days. The process was simple: Local, social, services, paid the landlord the tenants deposit, and first months rent, then left the rest to the tenant. When the tenant did not pay, the landlord used the deposit money, and evicted the tenant. Word, around town, was that "Anyone, who could not make it, here, was headed either for homeless shelters, or life, on the street." My friend and I watched dozens of these people move, IN, then right back out. I think that what soured me, the most, were the people who just did not care. The people were the kind who, while they did not care about going without electricity, come payday, they wanted to know which stores sold beer, the earliest in the day. While, during the warmer months, some of these people sat, on street corners, on payday, asking passers by "Why do you bother breaking your neck, to pay rent? Your landlord couldn't care less. Here, have a drink." This, from people, whose only "belongings" were the clothes on their backs, and whose "roof" was any shelter, where they could sleep, at night. My neighbor, and I, were as crafty, with dealing with these people, as my neighbors, at a previous, high rise, were. The seniors, in the building, had a well-thought-out answer, to the homeless panhandlers. Since anyone, with any BRAINS, had all of their benefits, secured by "plastic", when the panhandlers came, asking for money, we told them the truth. We did not have a penny on us. The total truth, since we, never, carried cash. There was, however, some suspicion, over the reason why a homeless woman was giving $10 blows, in front of a store. While some said that the woman was too "fried" from drugs, and booze, to understand her actions, there were those who held a different view. A friend of mine informed me of what the media said, after the womans arrest. It was verified that she had been ejected, from almost every shelter, in town. This, for having sex, with any shelter man, who would hand over any money that he had. Since the woman was barred from shelter, the media hinted that she performed, in public, in order to BE arrested. While she did earn $50, before the police arrived, the woman put up no defense, and was sentenced to prison. Ofcourse, it was not just people, OUTSIDE the building, who did such things. When her rent was due, one Negress actually walked the halls, of our building, offering sex, for hire. Another woman, a white woman, who drank, and smoked, her money, away, spent the last part, of each month, walking the halls, begging for anything tenants would offer. I followed my friends line of reasoning, though. Like he said, the reason why WE had food, and shelter, is because we paid bills, FIRST, then used any left over cash, for "other things". (In fact, the very same philosophy my parents had furnished us kids with) Granted, our lives were not the most exciting, but we DID have food, shelter, and power. Yes, thats right. There were some tenants who, whenever they could get away with it, they told the power company where to SHOVE its payment demands, and, instead, plugged extension cords into the buildings electric outlets. For one tenant, this worked, but only until a new owner DID, in fact, call in an electric engineer, to review any problem, with the units electrical panel. When the engineer found out that the power was cut, at the METER, NOT due to faulty installation, the extension cords were removed, and the tenant packed up, as well. This is why I stopped feeling bad, about not giving money away. I figured, as my friend did: If we can make it, without charity, then so can anyone else. When a review worker, asked me WHY I visited a convenience store, on payday, I told them "Money orders, to pay rent with." When asked if I, ever, panhandled, or asked for money, I asked the worker to specify the question. When asked "Do you, ever, BEG people, for money?" I gave an honest "No way!" I KNOW why the worker asked if people gave me money. It was because another client, a few seats down, said that people GAVE him money. That was all the answer that he would give the worker. Never a flat "No, I never!" This is why, when the worker asked me "Do people ever give you money?" I told them "Yes." When asked if I thanked the people, I said "Of course.. It would be rude not to." I think I was asked, three, more, times, about panhandling. The reason, however, soon became clear. It would seem that one panhandler was taking the phrase "aggressive", to a whole, new, level. Whether people felt sorry, for the man, and gave him money, or told him to "Get Lost!", it seems that the man attacked the people, stole wallets, then left victims to call police. Now, healthcare workers were reminding clients that panhandling was dangerous. Using the example of the so-called "subway vigilante" (a white man, who had shot five, Negro youths, while the Negroes were in the process of robbing him, on a subway), workers reminded clients that not all victims are defenseless. As for me, I just accepted information, and kept to myself. If I could not live on what I had, then I was in trouble.

THE DISPUTE OF 2020

THE DISPUTE OF 2020 It was when Mr Trump learned that only his "hard core" supporters endorsed the new Berlin Wall, that the real estate developer "created" a "new angle". An angle, which would take root during the second shutdown, of 2019. Ofcourse, it was well-known, in the business world, that Mr. Trump was both ambitious, and determined, when it came to getting his way. What successful businessman developes such a fortune, without being determined, and set, FIRM, in ones idea's. It would not be until day 50, of the second shutdown, that the polls, from all sides, showed Mr. Trump "losing ground", to the Democratic Party. Since Mr. Trump had come from a family, dedicated to caring for its members, he had no concept of the impact, of his actions, upon Americans, whom the man did not even know existed. Mr. Trump, only knew that the best way to make a good deal, was to stand, FIRM. Just as he had done, in his business life. By standing FIRM, in his resolve, the man had purchased properties, for a fraction of real value. Such was what came to be known as the ART, of the DEAL. What Mr. Trump had, never, taken the time to consider, before entering Decision 2016, was how DIFFERENT running a nation is, from running a real estate empire. In the business world, the idea, of "waiting out the competition", had made more than one land owner rich. The problem the man had was the fact that, in Washington D.C., occupying the Oval Office is NOT like being the chairman of a corporate board. There is no "JUMP, when I say JUMP". No, the Oval Office is more of a supervisory role. It is more about meeting foreign officials, and offering compromises, when Congress becomes "grid-locked". It is more like a parent, managing disputes, between children, while managing household budgets. This, in fact, was the inspiration, for finding a way out of the showdown, between the White House, and Congress. Without even bothering to check with Congressional leaders, "Team: Trump" began working on a way to bring some sort of "small victory", to the White House. The idea was to be that, in return for closing the detention camps, Congress would agree to fund the government, and let Mr. Trump take credit, for proposing that foreign nation-states be allowed to apply for state-hood. There was just one, "tiny" problem. An American citizen had, already, contacted Congress, with this same idea. An idea which, almost, predated the first government shutdown. While Mr. Trump DEMANDED authorship rights, to the plan, the problem was that the original plan had been submitted to both Democrats, and moderate Republicans. People, who had been discussing HOW to carry the plan out, for months, before the White House announcement. It would seem that when "too many" Republicans admitted prior knowledge, of the plan, Mr. Trump would order the government shut down "until further notice". (He was not about to let anyone steal his "thunder") As the shut down DRAGGED into month number two, and the media tried to portray government workers as "victims", the public responded in a most un-expected way. While government workers expected to be given "preference" at places, such as food pantries, the very people, whom the workers had treated like garbage, in the workers offices, refused to allow preference to be given. If government workers wanted the front of the line, they would have to arrive, EARLY. When workers TRIED to portray themselves as "victims", as cars, and homes, faced foreclosure, due to the shut down, the public was not buying it. Government workers would find themselves facing the same animousity, from the public, that the workers had been "dishing out", for years. Just as workers had taken pride, in insulting clients, by saying "There are plenty of jobs, out there. Come back, and see me AFTER you have applied for atleast six of these. Not before." Now, the workers were LEARNING how the REAL victims felt, as workers were turned away, from loans, and threatened with foreclosure. As the media reported, however, the government shut down could last, for YEARS, and not touch the multi-billionairre, in the White House. Perhaps the only "good news", to come out of the second shut down, was that, with the government shut down, and contractors NOT being paid, construction equipment sat, idle, since even construction workers have bills to pay. Not with "promises", but with CASH. The time, when the public KNEW that government workers were coming to understand how the PUBLIC felt, was when federal workers unions pulled resources, and held a public auction. An auction which, workers HOPED, would generate enough income to last until government re-opened. There was cheering, galore, when auction buyers paid just pennies, on the dollar, for property, valued in the tens of thousands, or hundreds of thousands, of dollars. One government, worker just slumped her shoulders, as she left the auction, having auctioned $10,000 worth of jewelry, for just $10.00. It would take Congress almost three months, to line enough votes for an override. When the call did come, Mr. Trump, of course, threw another fit. The policy of "waiting out the opposition" did not work, in the government. Of those government workers, who had sought "temporary" jobs, the end, of the shut down was of no comfort. This, when the White House was found to no longer hold the trust, of the American people. In fact, of those, lucky enough to find work, families agreed. Until either Decision 2020, or 2024 meant that Mr. Trump was leaving office, people were holding second jobs, as a precaution. At the border, even when workers were offered double normal wages, the main question, which the union had was "What happens the next time the government shuts down? Our workers have families to FEED." What good was offering double pay, when it could be shut down, at any moment? The stalemate would last until the 2020 primary. I would be when Mr. Trump had to face SEVERAL challengers, all of whom promised to do more to work WITH Congress, and to use shutdowns only as a very LAST resort. If only Mr Trump had humbled himself, to voters, he might have stood a chance at a second term. Since he stood, FIRM, saying "I will continue to do what MUST be done." His name would not appear, on the Republican ballot, for president, in 2020. Mr. Trump would be left to return to his real estate empire (while crying foul! that his wall had been cancelled.) As for government workers, most would be happy, just to return to work. Still, many had HEARD the voice of the public. Federal, and state, agencies would begin altering policies, once their OWN got a taste of how victims felt. How long would this new mind-set last? Who can say? Maybe only as long as the next Democrat remains in office?

THE CONVENIENCE STORE CONTROVERSY

THE CONVENIENCE STORE CONTROVERSY From the very start, Heather explained the reason why LeMar was, always, so short of cash. A reason, which even **I** could understand, even if it did make very little sense. the reason, for the controversy, which lead to the investigation. Many times, my neighbor and I had watched, from his porch as, each payday, too many people took LINK benefits out, to name brand stores, and convenience stores, buying cases of booze, as well as name brand snacks. Heather told me that she watched, from her porch, as well. The problem, which the feds were investigating, was the question of HOW people, receiving LINK benefits, of $150.00 per month, could be LINK "bankrupt", after just one week. When Heather wondered why the feds began calling LINK clients in, I suggested "Maybe, it is to find out about purchasing choices." Heather would say that "In that case, my boyfriend is in serious trouble." Serious trouble, indeed. From what Heather, myself, and my friend, learned, it would seem that the feds were confused. With the exception of a microscopic few, just about everyone, on LINK, had gone through budgetting classes. (Of course, I had taken nearly ten YEARS, worth of English classes, yet I can not tell the difference between a past, present, and future, participal.) No, the people, who were at the heart of the investigation, were those, whose LINK cards showed extensive purchases, made the first week of each month. Now, while most of the convenience stores used the motto of "No one is required to shop here", one store had been cagey, indeed. In order to draw in more low-income business, one convenience store operator had customers agree to sign credit lists. (Like the old, coal mining towns) The operator kept a list of all credit purchases, then had the person pay up, the next month. Even more cagey was the fact that the store allowed people to rack up debts, which would take months to cover. That is, until the federal review came to town. When the store owner claimed "No one is forced to shop here. They come, and I serve them." The feds used a court order to shut the place, within 72 hours. The rest were not so easy to shut. After all, NO one is REQUIRED to shop, anywhere. While convenience store regulars were put back into budgetting classes, my friend, Heather, and myself, wondered if it would make any difference. After all, Heather said that her boyfriend shopped at the convenience store, for the "prestege". While the feds were reviewing her boyfriend, Heather and I took some of his receipts, which Heather had saved, and visited one of OUR favorite, discount, grocery, stores. While we found the name brand version, in a container 2.5 times the size of that, at the convenience store, for the same price. When we looked at the generic, we found real savings. Normally, the man spent $125-150, per trip, to the convenience store. This for, at most, two bags of groceries. At the discount store, Heather and I verified that we could fill 1.5 shopping CARTS, with the same amount of money. While Heather had told me that she would prefer to shop less often, and stock more, her mistake was in believing that her man had been honest, in saying that he would not abuse his access to her benefits, or her apartment. This is why Heather was not certain if she had just misplaced her things, but, only until she looked at a local pawn shop. When she had asked her landlord to replace her unit lock, the landlord had quoted "$200.00, plus tax" An amount which Heather could NOT afford. This is when I asked "What about your parents house?" Heather had said "You haven't met them, yet." When I did meet them, and proposed the storage agreement, her mother had said "Fine by us. Just make sure it is during the day-time." Heather would tell me "My parents, and the day-time. Like life stops at sun-down." It was a few days later when Heather received the visit. While she thought it would be HIM, to say when he would be available, again, it turned out to be the police. Heather was told "Maam, he skipped town. If you hear from him, call us." Heather agreed. When we returned to bed, Heather would say "I am not surprised. You know, baby, one time, he spent two years, skipping states, just to avoid a two year prison term". Now, while Heather was certain that she, or I, would be next, in the investigation, Heather was baffled at how many other people were called in, ahead of us. When I was called in, it was to be asked about my two visits, per month, to the convenience stores. When I mentioned that each visit, on the first, of each month, was for my rent money order, and that a second was for medications pick-up, the feds just scratched their heads. Heather admitted a monthly visit as well. At her store, however, the counter not only handled money orders, but allowed her to pay her phone, and electric, bills. The problem the feds had was that our stories were fact-for-fact the same as the record. We made the MOST of what little we had. Still, there were nearly 500 people, who enjoyed the thrill, of shopping convenience stores. These were the people who, no matter how many classes they were compelled to take, they would just go right back to the old way. Result, the very case-management units, which had been ordered cut, to avoid deficits, were under federal order, to EXPAND, and provide more services. When some agency directors would resign, saying "There is NO more MONEY, in the budget, for workers", the feds offered a compromise. Either more workers, or return the people to controlled care. This, because there was no, legal, basis, for shutting down the convenience stores. When Heather would hear some friends talk about "removing temptation", Heather would remind these people "No one is required, to shop the convenience stores." How would this "controversy" end? Who was at fault? Questions. Questions, Questions.

THE BEST OF TIMES

THE BEST OF TIMES No question. These were the times that we would remember, fondly, for the rest of our lives. Shanice was my first and, some say, my longest. My "in", with her was that her boyfriend was demanding more, and more, sex, from her, even for "everyday" chores. Shanice even told her friends "I hate to even ask him to help with the dishes, since I KNOW that he will demand either a blow, a pump, or access to my breasts." When I heard her speaking, to her friends, about HIM, I decided to ask if she would be willing. When Shanice asked what I would charge, I told her "I will let YOU set the payment." While the same friends, who INSISTED that I was a homo, insisted that Shanice was becoming a lesbian, since she would not let her man have what he wanted, these people were shocked when I began spending time, with Shanice. And, yes, it did begin with reading her mail. The difference was that I never tossed things aside, saying "junk". Instead, I showed her that I valued her intelligence, by telling her what each piece of mail was. My reward, for doing this, was the first, of MANY, DEEP, french, kisses. Soon, in return for my aiding her, with household chores, she began giving me beautiful, oral, sex. It was when I began advising her, on purchases, as well as aiding her, in assembling kit furrniture, which she had bought, that Shanice began sharing her bed with me. Man, how I LOVED Shanices, slim build, and those "B" cups. In fact, Shanices friends not only began to wonder, when Shanice began to smile, after my visits, that Heather became interested. Heathers man was acting just as Shanices man had been acting, when Shanice allowed me to take his place. When Heather asked Shanice, privately, what it was like, having me around, Shanice described a scene, from a romance novel. Shanice did warn Heather "Be careful, when he gets near your breasts." When Heather asked, Shanice would say "He nurses so beautifully that, at times, I have to remind myself that there is more to sex, than nursing." When Heather smiled, saying "I am sure I can take care of myself". Heather wondered, when Shanice said "Dont bet on it." Within the next two months, I had my choice, at any time, of which woman I wanted. Even better, when one was busy, she would send me to the other. Both women, however, had a problem. A problem, which had nothing to do with my exercise routine, or my diet. Un-like their other men, who sat before televisions, watching sports, while drinking beer, and eating snack foods, both women found a different problem with me. While both women heard that I was a writer, of short story fiction, both had thought that I was just a "wannabe". That is, until I used meal, and other, preparation, time, to work on my latest story. That, and the fact that I drank as much water, and iced tea, as their men drank beer, and both women began to wonder. Funny thing was, while in school, while both women learned the alphabet, neither cared about reading. As a result, upon reaching legal age, schools let the women leave school, but without graduation. Besides, WHAT did the women need reading for? They had people who would read, FOR them. This is why each was on disability. Functional Illiteracy was the NAME, of their "condition". For the past, few, years, it did not bother them, not being able to read. Besides, what good was reading, anyway? Just more of the same "news", about people bickering about what none could control. It was not until I began sharing their beds, that the women began wondering why their friends had begun reading my work. Now, granted, I am NO literary artist, but what people had come to like, about my work, was that my stories were relaxing. People could read, just to pass the time. This is why first Heather, then Shanice, decided to take adult reading classes. I had to agree with them, that adult education was better than public education. Public education just went to fast, for so many of us, and, with teachers not willing to answer questions, public education was becoming more of a WASTE, of tax-payer money, everyday. Even under pressure, from "No Child Left Behind", and "Race to the Top", schools were not doing the job they were established for. The job, of teaching children how to UNDERSTAND the INFORMATION, that they were studying, in order to turn information into KNOWLEDGE. As for me, I made, and kept, my promise, to help the women, in every way. (Even when that meant less sex, for study time) I think that what surprised my ladies reviewers was the fact of how MUCH my ladies had learned, AFTER leaving school. While both Shanice, and Heather, had left school, with just a second grade, reading, level, it would seem that, just by living life, each had advanced reading reading levels to fifth grade. Now, while the women were in class, learning to read, I was busy, not just writing, but with a national campaign. A campaign, which defeated the new Berlin Wall, and which was replacing this with encouraging other nations to apply for state-hood, in the U.S. While some politicians were, passionately OPPOSED to the very idea, they found themselves in a dissolving minority. While Shanice finished reading class, well ahead of Heather, in truth, it was as much MY fault, as Heathers. Simple fact was, when I noticed that Heather was getting the same "burn out" that so many other people get, when they need a break, when I asked what I could do, for her, Heather did not bother wasting words. She took down my pants, and got a good hold, even as I got very aroused. I dont know how but I "read her thoughts" about "I want it, NOW!" I just could not believe how aroused she was. Not until after "round one", when she went, and filled her breasts. Despite her mothers warnings, Heather did enjoy nursing me, with the erections, which followed. She "filled", and "drained", my "tank", three times, before she realized the time. When I realized the time, Heather told me "You were worth every moment." After I left Heather, I went to Shanice, asking my number one "I hope that I did not mess anything up, for her. She just wanted it." When Shanice asked "Did you force her?" I told her "Of course not." Shanice would smile as she said "Its not on you, then." Later, Shanice and I were just snuggling, and sharing some deep kisses, when the call came. After the call, Shanice smiled at me as she said "First, Heather says NOT to blame you. She needed it, and you gave it." When I asked "But?" Shanice would say "Heather says you were worth every moment, and the two week suspension." While, on Shanices "graduation day", she admitted "You would not believe me if I told you how HOTT I am, for you, right now." When I suggested "AFTER the ceremony?" She smiled as she said "For DAYS, after the ceremony." This is why Shanice graduated a full two WEEKS before Heather did. While I expected the same kind, of passionate, victory, celebration, with Heather, that I shared, with Shanice, what I did not expect was what I got. It seems that Shanice had not wanted a simple "repeat" of our celebration, when Heather graduated, my ladies invited a third, ivory, woman, to join in the "festivities". Shanice said that Caren wanted to know what it would be like, to graduate, to a good man. (It seems that Carens current man was the kind who enjoyed calling women dumb.) Now, Shanice was telling the woman that I was her chance to decide if she wanted to "risk" finding a better man. For the next week, I had my choice, of two ebonies, or an ivory. I just could not believe how exhausting sex could be (even when I was on the bottom.). After a week, of me, Caren told her "man" where to go! She began making plans. Starting with learning how to read. Still, I am not one to complain. I mean, I, now, had three women, any time I wanted them. I just dont know which was better. Trading drives home, with groceries, or trading drives, from appointments. As for my "plan", with these women, it was simple. Each of them had a pact, with me. Until they found their "Mr. Perfect", I would be their man. This way, with me, to fulfill their sexual desires, the women could make more informed decisions, about their men. What no one bothered to tell ME was that, with me, to keep them happy, the women could set their "Bar" very high, indeed. Why should they "settle" when they had ME. If I found anything STUPID, about these times, it was the guys, who stood around, "doing" themselves, while waiting for me to "croak". Their rationale: Most, of the men, that they knew, who were in their forties, were, either in wheelchairs, or dead. The "victims" of too much booze, and fast food. Men who, in their teens, had been lean, and fit (while in high school). Men who, years later, could, barely, stand up. The stupid guys were the jocks. The guys who, never, stopped trying out, for sports. (The main reason why none could go either Pro, or Semi-Pro, was due to drug testing) Of course, these guys were dumb enough, not just to not understand my diet, but the fact that I rode a bicycle, almost every day. The guys were annoyed that I kept smiles, on all three, of the womens faces. Yes, for years, these were the very BEST of times. Caren was the first to depart. While she had THOUGHT that she wanted an education, in order to improve her life, and chances, for better, marital, prospects, eventually, her "clock" began "reminding" her that "time was of the essence". She ended up with a man, about whom her biggest compliment was "He is a good, steady, worker." Shanice, and Heather, strove to improve their lives, and did so, in a very "under the counter" way. To protect their benefits, they only hired on, for cash. They did the best that they could. At least until regulators came into each "business", and shut it down. As for me, my very "Best of times" came when I became the "leader" of the new, state-hood, project. I just never dreamed of how busy a persons life could be, when charting the future of a nation. While I, eventually, lost all contact, with both Shanice, and Heather, I was able to locate Caren. She was living, alone, in a trailer. When I asked, she told me "My EX-husband is in prison. Refusal to pay child support." When I asked "The children?" Caren would say "Somewhere in the foster system. It seems that the feds decided that I was an un-fit mother." When I asked "Plans?" She whispered "Only this", then lead me to her bed. Later, after she said "Not bad", she told me that her long term plan was just to stay "below the radar", and wait for retirement. She was finished with the world. Still, all in all, these had been some of the very BEST TIMES, of my life. Times I would not have traded for gold. The very BEST of TIMES.

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE 19

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 19 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 19, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. While remaining on-site, to conclude my notes, on the womans unusual, psychic, condition, I have agreed to review the case of one Benjamin Hamilton. According to the mans file, he was quite the "pioneer", in his own way. Prior to his mental lapse, the man had been working on diagrams, for off-world colonies. He had, also, been working on a version of Warp Drive. The question was: Was it his work, with colonial design, or his work, with Warp Drive, which had caused his collapse. All that the clinic had learned, so far was that, when not heavily sedated, the man had an incredibly debilitating fear of some, coming, change. During my initial wait, to see the female patient, I had noticed, moments later, the nurse would return, saying "Doctor Rhoades, Doctor Milton will see you, now." As Doctor Rhoades would enter Doctor Milton's office, he would notice a medicated man being lead away, by orderlies. When Doctor Milton would notice Doctor Rhoades looking after the patient, Doctor Milton would call out "Doctor Rhoades. How good of you to come. Please, have a seat." When Doctor Rhoades would take a seat, Doctor Milton would notice the doctors gaze, saying "Do not be concerned. We keep Benny sedated, between our meetings, for security reasons." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "May I ask for what reason?" Doctor Milton would say "Benjamin Hamilton. Such a sad case. He WAS a great mind, with the science, and space, programs. He was working not just on colony designs, but on the very engines, which would cut travel time, by 90%." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What caused his break, with reality?" Doctor Milton would say "I wish we knew. If we knew the cause, then we could treat him." "All that we know is that, one day, his co-workers found Benjamin on the floor, of their work space, talking of the end of the world." Doctor Rhoades would ask "End, as in destruction? Or, end as in to change?" Doctor Milton would suggest "If you have time, after reviewing the primary case, maybe you can discuss it with him." After resolving the reason why the young woman had been seeing a skull, in her mirror, instead of her face, Doctor Rhoades began reviewing Benjamin Hailton's case. IF it were true that the man were working on designs, for colonies, and faster-than-light engines, why would such research cause a mental lapse. (Or, had it?) Doctor Rhoades would tell his recorder "According to his file, the man has been working on these plans, for YEARS. If he were mentally un-stable, then what was the reason why the condition waited until now to set in?" While interviews, with Mr. Hamiltons co-workers, all but verified that the man had been sound, and sane (If a bit of an oddball), why did the condition not manifest, earlier. "To date", Doctor Rhoades would tell the recorder "The closest thing that I have, to a clue, is that Mr. Hamiltons employer was being pressured, not for theory, but for RESULTS. Results, which would be presented to some group, of "investors"?" While Doctor Rhoades would be following proper protocol, in requesting information, regarding Mr. Hamilton's work, he was coming to suspect such surprises as the one he received, just after his "Permission for Access" was denied. When a woman approached Doctor Rhoades, saying "I know what information you seek. I know they wont give you access. This is the best that I can do." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Miss?" The woman would say "If you dont know my name, nothing can be traced. Understand?" Doctor Rhoades would say "Agreed. Just tell me this..." The woman would say "No, Doctor Rhoades, Benjamin Hamilton was NO "head-case". In fact, if he were any MORE qualified, he COULD have been the HEAD of the whole program." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "If that were true..." The woman would say "Ben Hamilton loved Research, and Design. That is why he was working the labs, and not the offices." When Doctor Rhoades shifted his attention to some on-coming car headlights, for a moment, then turned back, the woman was gone. Now Doctor Rhoades was puzzled. Back at his office, when Doctor Rhoades plugged the flash drive into his laptop computer, he was surprised at how LONG it took the laptop to upload the drive. Was it, REALLY, a 1 terrabyte drive? On the drive, Doctor Rhoades found not only drawings, and notes, but video files. Files, in which Ben Hamilton had gone from suggesting "What if we land, on a planet, which has, already been claimed? Do we shoot it out, with the owners?" and "While I have been trying to explain to people, that we need ships which can not only travel to, but away from, planets, which might be inhabited, the powers that be say that my designs are too expensive. In short, it is my belief that, when the ships are built, they will be like the classic Kamakazi. A one-way do-or-die trip." Doctor Rhoades, soon, noticed how frequently Ben Hamilton had mentioned "contengencies". Not like he was EXPECTING danger, but that he wanted travellers to be prepared. But, prepared for what? What was of such concern that Benjamin Hamilton had "lost his way"? Through a series, of hypnotic trances, Doctor Rhoades began digging into what had caused Ben Hamilton's condition. At the start, the man must have been totally normal, yet something happened. Something, which changed the mans perception of life. It was not until Doctor Rhoades began the trances. The ones in which he JOINED his patients, in reviewing past events. This would be when the first clues would come forth. Clues, such as overheard conversations, regarding what steps would be taken, if colonists found themselves in "enemy hands". Conversations, which included phrases such as "It is our job to send them on their way. NOT to provide for their security." Phrases such as "Once they are off, if they enccounter hostile forces, it will be up to the settlers, themselves, to defend themselves." Now Doctor Rhoades was beginning to understand. Ben Hamilton was not being "paranoid". He was considering what should be done, to protect colonists. This, and the fact that someone did not care if the colonists survived, or not. As Doctor Rhoades reached the end of the memories, Ben Hamilton, himself, showed the doctor a memo, which stated that Warp Drive would NOT be used, on the ships. The ships would be sub-light speed, and each trip was projected at taking 500, to 700 years. With carrier wave radio equipment, on-board, the message of "We have arrived", might not arrive at Earth, for 2,000, maybe 3,000 years. It was when Ben Hamilton was prepared to go to the project leaders, and protest this action, that Ben Hamilton/Doctor Rhoades, would feel a pin-prick, on their neck. After that, an unknown voice entered the conversation. Something like a ghost. Soomething casting the image of "This is what will become of the Earth, if we do not make sacrifices". It was as Doctor Rhoades viewed the images, of dragons, laying fire on the land, and knights, charging one another, that Doctor Rhoades would ask himself "What do these images have to do with modern times?" When Doctor Rhoades, psychically, linked, with the patient, asking If these images are true, then WHAT, and WHY, are they?" Ben Hamilton's sub-conscious would suggest "Let us try this." As if tuning a knob, for a clearer picture, on a classic television set, doctor and patient wouuld work, together, to clarify the image. Not surprisingly, the dragons turned into some of the 1950's jet-powered, strategic, bombers, of the day. The knights, on iron horses, turned into soldiers, inside tanks. The message seemed to be "Either reduce the population, of Earth, NOW! Or it will be reduced, by force. Any amount of violence, which, dramatically, reduces population, will be approved." Now, Doctor Rhoades understood. Ben Hamilton had ben drugged, then given images, of a terrifying future. A future, which, someone felt, could only be avoided if humans were dispersed to other planets. Once Doctor Rhoades departed the session, he reviewed the drive, and realized something else. Something, which might terrify anyone. The ships were not to be supplied with planetary probes, to judge conditions, prior to landing. Once a ship landed, its passengers were stuck. If an atmosphere turned out to be poisonous, the humans would just have to DEAL with the poison. No wonder Benjamin Hamilton had been trying to design better ships. He wanted to give settlers an even chance, at survival. A chance, someone else did not want the settlers to have. Someone, who was determined enough to destroy a mans life. While Doctor Rhoades actual access, to the facility, where the work was being done, remained hampered, Doctor Rhoades did the next best thing. Using hypnosis, the doctor helped Benjamin Hamilton to build a wall, around the nightmare. This way, while the man might remember the images, he would, no-longer, fear them. That, however, was the "easy part". Trying to help the man understand that he could not be held responsible, for the actions, of others. That was a more difficult task. Mostly because he UNDERSTOOD the risks, better. By the time Doctor Rhoades sent out word, that he wanted to speak to some of Benjamin's co-workers, the doctor met with a man (this time). Since Doctor Rhoades knew that the man would not give his name, the doctor "Is there any way that the project will abandon Benjamin's designs? Some way of relieving him of the responsibility, of the project." The man would say "Been in work, nearly since the morning that Ben was found." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "SO, a NEW design is being developed." The man would say "I wouldn't call it "new". More of an updated version of a design, which was shelved YEARS ago." When Doctor Rhoades would clarify "So, the current design is NOT Ben's?" The man would stifle a laugh as he said "No, sir. Cant have the public thinking that we have "looney tunes" designing our rockets, now can we?" The man said, with a smile. When Doctor Rhoades would pass this information on, to the patient, Ben seemed even more at ease. As Ben said "While I will, still, worry, for the safety of the passengers, atleast I know that I am not responsible for anything that happens to them." Just prior to closing out the case, I would receive a visit, from a second, unknown, woman. A woman, who would promise "While the first lift off is just a couple of years away, you can relax doctor. By the time that ship reaches its destination, everyone we know, on Earth, will be centuries dead." Doctor Rhoades could only say "I wish I could find comfort, in those words." The woman would say "Try this, then. You have succeeded in restoring a brilliant man to competence. Take the victory lap, on that." Doctor Roades would say "I will, thank you." Closing case notes: While Benjamin Hamilton has been fully reviewed, and found mentally fit, onne thing just doesn't add up. How could a man, with such keep, mechanical skills, not notice that his cars steering had been tampered? According to both the clinic, and my own, observations, the cliff the car drove off, is not hidden. The warnings can be seen, from a mile away. Question: Did Benjamin Hamilton drive off that cliff, of his own, free, will? Did he have "assistance"? All that can be concluded is that the first launch is just over 18 months away.

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE 18

THE NEW SIXTH SENSE # 18 Doctor Johnathan Rhoades, medical doctor, and licensed psychiatrist. A man who DARES to look PAST the obvious, and discover what is at the HEART, of patients conditions. The following is case-file number 18, of Doctor Rhoades highly unusual approach to treatment, of mental disorders. As reported, this case is bizzarre, indeed. What I find baffling is the reason WHY a young woman has not only requested admittance, to a private, psychiatric, clinic, but why the same woman has asked staff to make sure there are no mirrors in her room. What, young, woman does not want to gaze upon her own beauty, from time to time? The womans condition stumps clinic doctors, who are at a loss to understand her condition. This, it seems, is why I have been called in, to evaluate the woman. Her doctors want to know if she is delusional, paranoid, or showing signs of other illnesses, of the mind. All of the information, which I have been provided, so far, states that the woman seems to have a fear of something to do with mirrors. Upon my arrival, I take note of the fact that this clinic is, obviously, new, and modern. Designed to look inviting, and soothing, yet I would wager a months pay that, if a patient tried escape, the property could be locked down, in seconds. Security mixed with serenity. The new goal of healing the human mind. Upon arriving at the reception desk, the dcotor would say "I am Doctor Rhodes. I am expected." The nurse would check the I.D., then say "Of course, Doctor Rhoades. Dr. Milton will be with you, momentarily. If you will just have a seat, I will inform the doctor of your arrival." A few moments later, the nurse would return, saying "Doctor Rhoades,, Doctor Milton will see you, now." As Doctor Rhoades would enter Doctor Milton's office, he would notice a medicated man being lead away, by orderlies. When Doctor Milton would notice Doctor Rhoades looking after the patient, Doctor Milton would call out "Doctor Rhoades. How good of you to come. Please,, have a seat." When Doctor Rhoades would take a seat, Doctor Milton would notice the dctors gaze, saying "Do not be concerned. We keep Benny sedated, between our meetings, for security reasons." When Doctor Rhoades wouldl ask "May I ask for what reason?" Doctor Milton would say "Benjamin Hamilton. Such a sad case. He WAS a great mind, with the science, and space, programs. He was working not just on colony designs, but on the very engines, which would cut travel time, by 90%." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "What caused his break, with reality?" Doctor Milton would say "I wish we knew. If wee knew the cause, then we could treat him." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Symptoms?" Doctor Milton would say "His employers believed that he was on the verge of solving one of the most important components, regarding reducing travel time, between planets. His co-workers came in, one day, and found him looking at something, which only HE can see. He has become fixated that the world is coming to an end." Doctor Rhoades would ask "End, as in destruction? Or, end as in to change?" Doctor Milton would suggest "If you have time, after reviewing the primary case, maybe you can discuss it with him." This is when Doctor Rhoades would mention "Your contact mentioned that the patient is having trouble, with mirrors? Would you have any further information, on the case?" Doctor Milton would say "Its a strange case. The patient insists that, anytime she looks at a mirror, it is not her reflection that she views." When Doctor Rhoades would say "Still, pretty un-enlightening. Anything more to go on?" Doctor Milton would suggest "I did not want to bias your judgement. I want you to interview the patient, yourself." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "How soon would be convenient?" Doctor Milton would suggest "She will be finishing lunch, soon. I suggest you talk to her, once her meal is finished." Whenn Doctor Rhoades would say "Agreed", he would step out of Doctor Miltons office, and visit the patient records section. Once his I.D. was verified, the clerk would ask "How may I asist you, doctor?" Doctor Rhoades would indicate the very thin file, in his hand, and ask "The patients contact information. Family, friends, etc. None of it is in the file. May I ask why?" The clerk would say "Family request. They made it clear, in WRITING, that they dont want any one knowing that the woman is here." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "The patient is not violent, is she?" The clerk would say "You need to speak with the orderlies, about that. I just handle the paperwork." After departing the Patient Records sedction, Doctor Rhoades would visit with the orderlies, asking the routine information, including the patients state of mind. All that the orderlies would report is "As long as she stays away from mirrors, she seems fine. Sedated, when they brought her in." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Any reason given?" The orderlies would say "No clue. We should tell you, though, that, when she gets near a mirror, its like Jekyll and Hyde." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "I wonder why?" The orderlies would say "We were hoping that you could tell US." About this time, the nurse would bring out the womans tray, telling Doctor Rhoades "You may enter any time doctor." While Doctor Rhoades found the woman lucid, and willing to converse, the one subject she seemed terrified of was the suubject of mirrors. When Doctor Rhodes would ask "May I ask why?" The woman would say "I dont like what I see, in the mirror. Noot any more." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "When did you start not wanting to look into mirrors?" The woman asked the current date, then said "Its been three months. A month, of Hell, at home, and two months, here." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Do you remember what happened, three months ago?" The patient would say "Nothing out of the usual. Some bad food, and some nightmares." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Do you remember what KIND of food?" the patient would say "Something a friend sent me. Something I, never, tried, before." When the doctor would ask "Any details? What kind of meat? Rice or potatoes? Vegetables?" The patient would say "Not really sure what was in it. I only took two bites, and felt sick. The rest, I dumped in the trash." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "The friend, you said, sent the food. Do you recall their name?" The patient would say "Relax, doctor. We have been friends since our school days. We send one another gifts, from time to time. A way of stying in touch." Doctor RRhoades would say "I see. Did any other gifts make you sick?" The patient would say "My friends do not try to poison me, if thats what you think. I think that thhe food went bad, beforew it was delivered." When Doctor Rhoades woulld suggest "Okay, for now, we put the food aside. Tell me of your nightmares." Doctor Rhoades saw the un-mistakable look, of a person, terrified, by a subject. This is wehn he calmed his voice, saying "Remember. It is only a memory. It is part of the part. It cannot harm you." This is when the patient would turn, slowly, to Doctor Rhoades, saying, in a low voice "You are WRONG! We are REAL!" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Why am I wrong. Who are "we"?" In the same, low, voice, the patient would say "We need help. Trapped. Cannot escape." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "WHO are you, and WHY do you need help?" The voice would say "We need help!" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "If you need help, WHY are you preying on THIS woman?" The voice would say "She is in TUNE!" When Doctor Rhoades would ask "In tune with WHAT, or WHOM?" The voice would say "MIRROR!" When Doctor Rhoades would un-coverr the bedrooms mirror, then lead the patient too the looking glass, asking "What do you want me to see?" The voice would say "THIS!" as a growl. As if shoved from a cliff, Doctor Rhoades would feel himself travelling, between dimensions, at such a rate of speed that, were it not for his psychiatry training, he might have died, of sheer fright. Finally, after travelling who-knows-how-far, Doctor Rhoades would find himself dumped out of that thing, and standing in a location, which he had no memory of. When the doctor closed his eyes, and whispered "Tell me why I am here. What am I to do, or see. If you want my help, you need to meet me, half-way." While the doctor was ready for almost anything, what he was not ready for was not what he found. This place, whereever it was, was in the modern day. Doctor Rhoades saw landmarks, which proved that modern technology was in use. When Doctor Rhoades asked "Why have you brought me here?", the voice would say "Look about you. Tell ME. WHAT do YOU see?" Doctor Rhoades would say "I see grass, small hills, power lines, tree's." When the voice would ask "What do you HEAR!" Doctor Rhoades would close his eyes, and listen. At first, he heard nothing, then he heard a cry. A young persons cry. Someone in distress, or injured. When Doctor Rhoades summoned the voice, saying "Tell me where they are." The voice would say "I cannot. You must find them." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "WHY? What are you not telling me?" The voice would growl "Follow the sound. It will lead you to them." When Doctor Rhoades followed the sound, he found what could not, possibly, be legal, in the America's. In one cabin, a young girl was strapped down, to a table, obviously in labor, and being watched by something like "Quakers". They watched the girl, silently, as she cried out, in labor. What puzzled the doctoor, however, was what the person, with the whip was doing. Each time the girl cried out, in labor, the person thrashed a whip at the woman. While he feared he would lose his stomach, over seeing such obvious torture, the doctor remembered his medical vow. This is why he remained, until the infant ws delivered. Once the delivery was finished, the mother was clubbed, uun-conscious. The hooded person would tell the others "Let this serve as a lesson. Women are to be SEEN, and NOT heard." When Doctor Rhoades turned away, wondering HOW a woman in labor is not supposed to cry out? Doctor Rhoades thought that the ancient saying of "Women shall be seen, and not heard", was in regard to public speaking. This is when the voice growled "THIS way!", and Doctor Rhoades followed the lead, to another cabin. Doctor Rhoades hoped that what he saw, in this cabin, was a nightmare, or a mirage. What he saw would get any man arrested, in North America. What the doctor observed was a young woman, tied to a wooden table, with straps. She was naked yet what was odd was the ritual. While the woman screamed, on the table, someone, like a priest, stood over the woman, reading what Doctor Rhoades thought was a version,, of the gospel. Yet a different version. As the "preist" read from the "scripture", a man was "having his way", with the girl. This, while the priest woulld say something like "This union, consumated in the sight of the Lord." This was something Doctor Rhoades, seriously, doubted. What bothered the doctor, even more than the rape, was that the man, who was performing, with the girl, did not seem happy, or enthused, about the act. It was more like he was performing a simple duty. What Doctor Rhoades asked "WHY are you showing me this?" The voice would say "You need to understand the reason WHY we have reached out. You need to LEARN what is happening. You need to understand." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "I understand rape, when I view it. What I dont understand is why the woman was whipped, repeatedly, while in labor." The voice would say "You need to understand." When the Doctor would suggest "What else do you have, to show me?" Doctor Rhoades would find himself dragged to a well, or pit. Inside, were chained girls. The voice would growl "Victims! Trespass! VIolation!" Now, Doctor Rhoades was beginning to understand. This group was kidnapping young women, probably starving them into submission, then using the scriptures to justify raping the girls. Victims, whose "lives" would be governed by the term "Seen, and NOT heard." Until this day, Doctor Rhoades had thought that the Salem Witch hunts were the worst twist, on holy writ. Now, the doctor had a new horror, to overcome. Focusing all of his mental reserves, Doctor Rhoades would command the voice "WHY have you tortured my patient, with this? Speak up! I command it!" This is when one of the women, from the pit, would appear, beside the doctor, saying "I have been trying to reach another soul, for months. I want people to know where we are. We are NOT dead. We are prisoner. Your pateint has been my first, real, connection. She MUST be made to SEE the truth." When Doctor Rhoades would suggest "What if I deliver your message. Would that free the patient, of your desires?" The woman would say "All we want is to be free." When Doctor Rhoades would ask "Where is this location?" The woman would project the information into the doctors mind. With that, Doctor Rhoades would say "Help is on the way. Just hang on." On the return trip, Doctor Rhoades could feel the urgency abating. This time, he was floating, not falling. Floating, like on a stream, of clear water. When he found himself back, within him own body, he would excuse himself, fromthe patient, for a moment, to inform staff of what he had learned. Once state, and federal, law enforceent were enroute, Doctor Rhoades would return to the patient, who would ask "What happened? I feel different." Doctor Rhoades would use his soothing voice to whisper "Lets look in the mirror, and see." Suddenly, the woman no-longer seemed afraid of the mirror. When the pair stood before the mirror, even Doctor Rhoades would see the skeleton face looking back at the woman. When the woman would ask, Doctor Rhoades would say "Be patient. It might take a moment." Sure enough, before their very eyes, the skeleton face would dissolve,, into that of a young woman. A woman, whoo would smile at both viewers, then fade, as soft as a whisper. When the patient would ask "Did we really?" Doctor Rhoades would say "Yes, they are safe, now. The torment is at an end." By the time the patient signed out of the clinic, three days later, the Department of Justice was engaging in a battle, with the courts. Since local courts insisted that religion had the right to exist, free from government mandate, the Justice Department had taken the case, to federal court. The "clans" members would be charged with dozens, if not hundreds, of cases, of rape, as well as torture. Not even the excuse "Our actions are protected by God's will." could save the "clan". A young womans torment was at an end. Now, while I am on location, I have agreed to stay on, long enough to see if I can help Benny. What did the man, truly, see?

RACE AND RELATIONSHIPS

SHUT DOWN! 2019 Boy was that a time, in America. After, passionately, shouting, for months, that the new Berlin Wall be built (and a new congress denying any funding) Mr. Trump actually thought that, if he shut down the federal government, until he got his way, and that Congress would "cave", to his demands, what would follow would shake the very foundations, of many government agencies. After losing any chance, at his "precious" wall, Mr. Trump had declared that the Texas/Mexico border be declared "hostile territory", and be turned into a "police state". When Congress held FIRM, Mr. Trump would have to carry out his threat. Shutting down enough, of the federal government, to cripple Congress into kneeling before him. What the multi-billionaire real estate developer could not understand was that, by shutting down government resources, he was not only hurting Congress, and the public, but tens of thousands, of government employees, as well. Employee's who, normally, look DOWN their noses, in contempt, at those who come, seeking assistance. Now, thanks to Donald Trump, federal workers would begin to see life, from the "other side, of the desk". Instead of the normal attitude, of saying "I have a job, so I dont CARE how bad things are, for you." During the shut down, the government employees would find themselves, as well, waiting in lines, at food pantries, and soup lines, begging for charity hand-outs. Now, government employees would learn how it felt to not know if they, and their families, would have a roof, over their heads. Thnakfully, Congress would reject the so-called "shut down" loans, which Mr. Trump suggested be offered, to federal workers. Congresses response, to these loans, had been simple: If peoples ability to pay bills is so important, to the White House, then WHY were the U.A.W., and other, union, workers denied such help, with Caterpillar, Keystone, Fiat-Allis, and other manufacturing employees needed the same assistance, in the 1980's, yet had been told "Get a good pair of walking shoes, and hit the pavement!" What made federal employee's such a "superior race"? This authors main hope is that, by the time the shut down is finished, that, MAYBE, just MAYBE, government workers will stop treating applicants like the people are "gutter trash". After all, we are ALL human. Are we not all created EQUAL? It is not this authors intent to be a "voice of terror", but I do think that a few months, without government paychecks, and with homes, and cars, going into foreclosure, that government workers might begin having more RESPECT, for fellow Americans. Especially after government workers must wait in line, at food pantries, begging for help.