A BETTER AMERICA???

Before I start I would like to apologize for being absent last week. I've been a little under the weather and it couldn't be helped.

THE TRIGGER: The following are just some of the things said during our beloved presidents inauguration speech on January 21, 2009.
“Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost, jobs shed, businesses shuttered.” I am so glad were doing better now. The dealership I work at is being liquidated, my friends are loosing their houses and, pretty soon we will be forced to make the choice of which little economical piece of crap to drive. The government taking responsibility, right?
“On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.” I knew that Pelosi and Ried were just a figment of my imagination.
“The state of our economy calls for action, bold and swift. And we will act, not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth.” Are these new jobs in the United States? The growth you talk about, did you mean the country's debt? Just asking.
“The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works -- whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified.” So we don’t have to worry that it seems your plan is to grow the government 300% or more, your fantasy of “saving or creating 150,000 jobs so far is out weighed by jobs lost, and retirees are being forced back to work. Goooood plan.
“And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account, to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day, because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.” Do I really need to comment on that one?

These things were great to hear, fun to think about, and I guess did inspire a lot of hope. In the long run just more political rhetoric.

Since the beginning the president has stated several times how he has inherited this catastrophic financial situation. Are we to believe president Bush told him he had to barrow a trillion dollars from China? Which part of the previous administration said he had to nationalize the banking system or the medical system? Are we really better off with the government running the automotive industry? It scares me when he nominates someone to the supreme court that even the Democrats are saying is racist.

We used to be a capitalist country but I don't think that applies anymore. States like Alaska and South Carolina which turned down the stimulus money are now being forced to take it. Now he's talking about regulating salaries on anyone who takes the money. Sounds like a no win situation to me. I don't like the direction this is going. I agree we were in a tough spot but we've been in them before and didn't have to resort to Socialism. If we keep going in this direction our children and grandchildren will be paying for it. That's not what anybody wants.

Its just my opinion but this will not be a better America for furture generations.

THE THERAPY: Today boys and girls were working on an Erma KGP68A chambered in .380.

First a little history. The Erfurter Maschinen und Werkzeugfabrik company in Germany were responsible for making th MP38 and MP40 machine guns during WWII. After changing the name a couple of times it became known as the Erma-Werke gun company.

In 1968 Erma began production of the delayed-blowback KGP-68 chambered in both .32 and .380. Also in 1968 our beloved U.S. gun control act required a magazine safety hence the KGP-68A.

OK Enough history.

When I recieved this weopon the firing pin was broken, which is a common problem with Erma's. I'm still searching for one and can use any help yall might have.

I've got bids on several metal lathes now so I should be able to replicate these small parts in the future.

In the mean time, Im trying my hand at custome grips. With a little help from Ryobi and Dremel and so far a whole lot of patients I have made pretty good progress on the right side grip. Tell me what you think.

First I started with a large chunk of Black Waulnut and made it a smaller chunk. Tricky huh?

Sanding and shaping, the thin burnt layer made by my cheep band saw fades, then things start to look like I might actually know what I'm doing.

Thats as far as I've got. I'm woundering weather or not to do the checkering on the complete thing like the original plastic one or not. I have decided not to stain it at all. Just a few coats of urathane that will bring out the grain. Since the owner is a friend and a follower Im sure I'll hear from him, but comments are anticipated from everyone else.

Thought I'd introduce my son. The pride of my life. Steven

Well I guess I'll get back to therapy.

Make sure you always take enough time to enjoy life and as always Be Safe.

See ya next week; Rick.