The Liberty Nickel

The Liberty Nickel, officially known as the "Shield Nickel," is a coin that was minted by the United States from 1866 to 1883. It holds historical significance as one of the first five-cent coins produced by the U.S. Mint.

The need for a new five-cent coin arose during the Civil War when the price of silver rose significantly. The previous five-cent coin, the Half Dime, was made of silver, and its intrinsic value exceeded its face value. This led to hoarding and melting of the coins, creating a shortage in circulation. To address this issue, the U.S. Mint began exploring the possibility of a new coin made of a different composition.

In 1865, Congress authorized the creation of a new five-cent coin that would be made of copper and nickel. The design of the coin featured a shield on the obverse (front) and the number "5" surrounded by stars on the reverse (back). This design, created by James B. Longacre, became known as the Shield Nickel.

The Shield Nickel was first minted in 1866 and continued to be produced until 1883. Throughout its production, the coin underwent a few modifications. In 1867, the rays between the stars on the reverse were removed due to striking issues. In 1883, the coin's design was replaced with the iconic Liberty Head design, which features a left-facing portrait of Liberty on the obverse and a large Roman numeral "V" on the reverse.

The Liberty Nickel has a few notable variations and rarities. In 1880, a few coins were mistakenly minted without the word "CENTS" on the reverse, leading to the creation of the rare and highly sought-after "1880 Shield Nickel No Cents" variety. Additionally, in 1912, a five-cent coin was released featuring a portrait of a Native American on the obverse and a buffalo on the reverse, which became known as the Buffalo Nickel.

Overall, the Liberty Nickel played an important role in the history of U.S. coinage. It marked a transition from silver to copper-nickel composition for the five-cent coin and paved the way for subsequent designs such as the Buffalo Nickel and the Jefferson Nickel, which is still in circulation today.

The Franklin Half Dollar

 The Franklin Half Dollar is a coin that was minted by the United States Mint from 1948 to 1963. It was designed by John R. Sinnock, who was the Chief Engraver of the Mint at the time. The coin was created to commemorate one of America's founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin.

The Franklin Half Dollar features a portrait of Benjamin Franklin on the obverse (front) side of the coin. Franklin was a polymath and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was known for his contributions as a writer, inventor, scientist, and statesman. The obverse of the coin also includes the word "Liberty" above Franklin's portrait and the phrase "In God We Trust" below.

The reverse (back) side of the Franklin Half Dollar depicts the Liberty Bell. Above the bell, there is the phrase "United States of America," and below it, the denomination "Half Dollar" and the mint mark.

The coin was minted in 90% silver and 10% copper, with a diameter of 30.6 mm and a weight of 12.5 grams. It was struck at several U.S. Mint facilities, including Philadelphia, Denver, and San Francisco.

The Franklin Half Dollar was introduced to replace the Walking Liberty Half Dollar, which had been in circulation since 1916. The design of the Franklin Half Dollar was chosen through a public competition organized by the Mint. Sinnock's design was selected, although it faced some controversy and criticism due to the portrayal of Franklin, particularly the resemblance to a Communist leader, which was alleged by some.

The coin was first minted in 1948 and remained in production until 1963. In 1964, the Kennedy Half Dollar was introduced following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the Franklin Half Dollar was phased out of circulation.

Today, the Franklin Half Dollar is highly sought after by coin collectors and numismatists. Its design, historical significance, and limited mintage make it a popular choice for collectors.

Full Bell Lines

The term "FBL" in relation to Franklin Half Dollars stands for "Full Bell Lines." It is a grading designation used by coin collectors and experts to describe the condition and quality of the coin's design on the reverse side, specifically the lines on the Liberty Bell.

When examining a Franklin Half Dollar, collectors pay close attention to the horizontal lines on the Liberty Bell design on the reverse side. A coin with Full Bell Lines (FBL) exhibits complete and unbroken lines across the entire width of the bell, including the clapper. These lines should be sharp and distinct.

The presence of Full Bell Lines is considered desirable and adds value to the coin because it indicates that the strike was strong and the details of the design are well-preserved. A Franklin Half Dollar with Full Bell Lines is generally considered to be of higher quality and more visually appealing than those without.

The designation "FBL-64" specifically refers to a Franklin Half Dollar graded as "Choice Uncirculated" (CU) or "Mint State-64" (MS-64) by a professional grading service, such as the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) or the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC). In this case, it means that the coin is in excellent condition, with minor imperfections visible under magnification. It retains a significant amount of its original mint luster and has a strong strike, including Full Bell Lines on the Liberty Bell design.

Collectors often seek out Franklin Half Dollars with Full Bell Lines, especially those graded as FBL-64 or higher, due to their aesthetic appeal and numismatic value.

Coin Grading

The coin grading system is a standardized method used to evaluate the condition or state of preservation of a coin. It helps collectors and dealers determine the value and rarity of a coin by assigning it a grade based on its physical characteristics. The most commonly used grading system is the Sheldon Coin Grading Scale, which was developed by Dr. William Sheldon in the late 1940s.

The Sheldon Coin Grading Scale uses a numerical grading system ranging from 1 to 70, with 70 being the highest grade. Each grade represents a different level of wear, damage, or overall quality. Here is a brief overview of the different grades:

1. Poor (P-1): Barely identifiable features, heavy wear, and damage.
2. Fair (FR-2): Major details visible but mostly worn flat.
3. About Good (AG-3): Design outlines visible with some lettering and major features discernible.
4. Good (G-4): Basic design details visible, but heavily worn.
5. Very Good (VG-8): Major features clear, but moderate wear overall.
6. Fine (F-12): Design details sharp, with moderate wear on the higher points.
7. Very Fine (VF-20): Minor details visible, moderate wear on the higher points.
8. Extremely Fine (EF-40): Design elements clear, light wear on the higher points.
9. About Uncirculated (AU-50): Traces of wear on the highest points, with most design details sharp.
10. Uncirculated (MS-60 to MS-70): No signs of wear, with varying degrees of mint luster and possible surface imperfections. MS-70 is considered perfect.

In addition to the Sheldon Scale, other grading systems, such as the numerical system used by the Professional Coin Grading Service (PCGS) and the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC), also exist. These systems may have slight variations in grading standards and terminology but generally follow a similar approach to assess a coin's condition.

It's important to note that coin grading is a subjective process, and different graders or grading services may have slightly different interpretations of a coin's condition. Therefore, it's recommended to consult reputable grading services or experts when determining the grade and value of a coin.

How to Stop Monsters From Broadcasting Live Carnage

It makes international news a couple of times each year and happens much more than we are made aware.

Live feeds through social media sites like Facebook of real human tragedies.

We can’t stop all monsters, but at the very least we can curtail the amount of human carnage pushed directly into our phones and monitors.

Each company that allows for real-time video feeds through their platforms can create a licensing mechanism, a course that individuals must attend to allow them to do live feeds.

Licensing can also have different levels. The lower the level, the fewer ‘end points’ (internet content servers) that can stream the video.

The goal is to put hurdles in front of monsters.

The licensing mechanism can also help content monitors at the social media sites to track the live feeds and check the content. It will also keep the government from solving the problem for them.

This is an easy fix and a potential revenue stream (pay to attend the courses).

Just my two cents….

Why I can't vote for Beto O'Rourke

In 1998 Robert Francis O'Rourke, (@BetoORourke) then age 26, was charged with a DWI.

This was no ordinary DWI. It wasn't because a keen police officer noticed he crossed the center line or as a result of a holiday safety check, not even close.

At the age of twenty-six, an age where one should know better, he overserved himself on his birthday, was driving at least 75 mph, lost control of his Volvo, hit a truck, crossed the median into oncoming traffic before he came to a stop.

It was another citizen who called the police.  When they responded 'ol Robert was arrested and his Volvo was impounded.

Since the incident Mr. O'Rourke has lived an example life. The incident was adjudicated and he has apologized over-and-over. He has served his community as a part of their City Council and now represents his area of El Paso Texas in the U.S. House of Representatives.

His apology has been accepted.

But now he is running for the U.S. Senate, this is a game changer.

First, if Mr. O'Rouke wanted to server in the military he would be rejected. He could apply for a waiver however considering his age at the time and the fact that he put other lives at stake the waiver would be denied.

Now he wants a job where he can oversee the activities of the military.

Just a few weeks ago (August 17, 2017) the commander of the 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade (a unit I use to be a part of) at Fort Bliss (El Paso, TX) was relived of her command after receiving a DWI. The reason you see military leaders, both senior enlisted and officers, relieved of command after a DWI is because they loose their security clearances.  Even if they are not convicted their clearance is suspended.

Let's say for a moment that Mr. O'Rourke does get elected.

He will be one of the two individuals representing the State of Texas in Congress. Unlike what the talking heads on late night TV want you to believe about the U.S. Senate and how it is unfair that each state gets equal representation regardless of the size of the population that sent them, the Senate is designed to uphold the rights of the State and not the people (the whole 10th Amendment thing comes into play).

Because of the decisions he made at the age of 26 he will never have a security clearance above Public Use or Confidential. You may think this not to be true but as our friends on The Young Turks (

@TheYoungTurks) might advise, "Goggle It".

Mr. O'Rourke as a representative of the State of Texas will never be able to serve on committee of any consequence.

In a state with the largest military installation in the world (Fort Hood), air bases still operating B-52s and A-10s, the largest military hospital state-side he will never be in a position to make sure those installations and resources (and civilian support jobs) are secure.

My final reason is maybe splitting hairs a little, but it bothers me just the same.

His nick-name is "Beto".

Advertisements to the English speaking audience it is pronounced "Bee' - to".  To Spanish speaking: "Bay' to".  Most of those with the "Beto" yard signs don't know who Robert O'Rourke even is. He is playing to the lowest common dominator and treating people as if they are uneducated and stupid. If you can't run for office using your name then don't run.

My two cents….

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Preamble

Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world,
Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people,

Whereas it is essential, if man is not to be compelled to have recourse, as a last resort, to rebellion against tyranny and oppression, that human rights should be protected by the rule of law,

Whereas it is essential to promote the development of friendly relations between nations,
Whereas the peoples of the United Nations have in the Charter reaffirmed their faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person and in the equal rights of men and women and have determined to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom,

Whereas Member States have pledged themselves to achieve, in co-operation with the United Nations, the promotion of universal respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms,

Whereas a common understanding of these rights and freedoms is of the greatest importance for the full realization of this pledge,

Now, Therefore THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY proclaims THIS UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations, to the end that every individual and every organ of society, keeping this Declaration constantly in mind, shall strive by teaching and education to promote respect for these rights and freedoms and by progressive measures, national and international, to secure their universal and effective recognition and observance, both among the peoples of Member States themselves and among the peoples of territories under their jurisdiction.

Article 1.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.

Article 2.

Everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or international status of the country or territory to which a person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self-governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty.

Article 3.

Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.

Article 4.

No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.

Article 5.

No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.

Article 6.

Everyone has the right to recognition everywhere as a person before the law.

Article 7.

All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination.

Article 8.

Everyone has the right to an effective remedy by the competent national tribunals for acts violating the fundamental rights granted him by the constitution or by law.

Article 9.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.

Article 10.

Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial tribunal, in the determination of his rights and obligations and of any criminal charge against him.

Article 11.

(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law in a public trial at which he has had all the guarantees necessary for his defence.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence on account of any act or omission which did not constitute a penal offence, under national or international law, at the time when it was committed. Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.

Article 12.

No one shall be subjected to arbitrary interference with his privacy, family, home or correspondence, nor to attacks upon his honor and reputation. Everyone has the right to the protection of the law against such interference or attacks.

Article 13.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each state.
(2) Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

Article 14.

(1) Everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution.
(2) This right may not be invoked in the case of prosecutions genuinely arising from non-political crimes or from acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 15.

(1) Everyone has the right to a nationality.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his nationality nor denied the right to change his nationality.

Article 16.

(1) Men and women of full age, without any limitation due to race, nationality or religion, have the right to marry and to found a family. They are entitled to equal rights as to marriage, during marriage and at its dissolution.
(2) Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.
(3) The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State.

Article 17.

(1) Everyone has the right to own property alone as well as in association with others.
(2) No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his property.

Article 18.

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

Article 19.

Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.

Article 20.

(1) Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
(2) No one may be compelled to belong to an association.

Article 21.

(1) Everyone has the right to take part in the government of his country, directly or through freely chosen representatives.
(2) Everyone has the right of equal access to public service in his country.
(3) The will of the people shall be the basis of the authority of government; this will shall be expressed in periodic and genuine elections which shall be by universal and equal suffrage and shall be held by secret vote or by equivalent free voting procedures.

Article 22.

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Article 23.

(1) Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favorable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.
(2) Everyone, without any discrimination, has the right to equal pay for equal work.
(3) Everyone who works has the right to just and favorable remuneration ensuring for himself and his family an existence worthy of human dignity, and supplemented, if necessary, by other means of social protection.
(4) Everyone has the right to form and to join trade unions for the protection of his interests.

Article 24.

Everyone has the right to rest and leisure, including reasonable limitation of working hours and periodic holidays with pay.

Article 25.

(1) Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services, and the right to security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.
(2) Motherhood and childhood are entitled to special care and assistance. All children, whether born in or out of wedlock, shall enjoy the same social protection.

Article 26.

(1) Everyone has the right to education. Education shall be free, at least in the elementary and fundamental stages. Elementary education shall be compulsory. Technical and professional education shall be made generally available and higher education shall be equally accessible to all on the basis of merit.
(2) Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. It shall promote understanding, tolerance and friendship among all nations, racial or religious groups, and shall further the activities of the United Nations for the maintenance of peace.
(3) Parents have a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children.

Article 27.

(1) Everyone has the right freely to participate in the cultural life of the community, to enjoy the arts and to share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
(2) Everyone has the right to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author.

Article 28.

Everyone is entitled to a social and international order in which the rights and freedoms set forth in this Declaration can be fully realized.

Article 29.

(1) Everyone has duties to the community in which alone the free and full development of his personality is possible.
(2) In the exercise of his rights and freedoms, everyone shall be subject only to such limitations as are determined by law solely for the purpose of securing due recognition and respect for the rights and freedoms of others and of meeting the just requirements of morality, public order and the general welfare in a democratic society.
(3) These rights and freedoms may in no case be exercised contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.

Article 30.

Nothing in this Declaration may be interpreted as implying for any State, group or person any right to engage in any activity or to perform any act aimed at the destruction of any of the rights and freedoms set forth herein.


Source: United Nations

11 rules for debating a Leftist from Ben Shapiro

11 rules for debating a Leftist from Ben Shapiro

1. Walk Toward the Fire

“The left knows this is war. And they know you are the enemy. You will be castigated. You will get punched. That’s the way it will go because that’s how the left wins: through intimidation and cruelty. You have to take the punch, you have to brush it off. You have to be willing to take the punch.”

2. Hit First

“Don’t take the punch first. Hit first. Hit hard. Hit where it counts. Mike Tyson used to say, “Everybody has a plan ‘til they get punched in the mouth.” That’s exactly correct. But throwing the first punch requires game-planning. Walking through the door, you have one shot – one! – to put someone down for the count from the beginning of a debate. If done properly, any debate on a single topic can be over within the first 30 seconds.”

3. Frame Your Opponent

“I have argued that the left’s entire playbook consists of a single play: characterizing the opposition. It’s incredibly effective. And the only way to get beyond character arguments is to frame your opponent – make it toxic for your opponent to slur you. Then, hopefully, you can move the debate to more substantive territory. This is the vital first step. It is the only first step…There is no way to convince someone that you don’t hate him or her. You can convince him or her, however, that your opposition is a liar and a hater.”

4. Frame the Debate

“It’s important that you neuter those buzzwords quickly, because otherwise you will be arguing against nonsense terms that can be used against you. You can’t argue against empty terms. So don’t accept the premises of their arguments, which are largely buzzword based…It’s important that you neuter those buzzwords quickly, because otherwise you will be arguing against nonsense terms that can be used against you. You can’t argue against empty terms. So don’t accept the premises of their arguments, which are largely buzzword based…As a general matter, the left’s favorite three lines of attack are (1) you’re stupid; (2) you’re mean; (3) you’re corrupt. Sarah Palin is supposedly stupid; Mitt Romney is supposedly mean; Dick Cheney is supposedly corrupt. Take away those lines of attack and watch the discomfort set in.”

5. Spot Inconsistencies in the Left’s Argument

“The left’s arguments are chock full of inconsistencies. Internal inconsistencies — inconsistencies that are inherent to the left’s general worldview. That’s because very few people on the left will acknowledge their actual agenda, which is quite extreme. Leftists prefer to argue half-measures in which they don’t truly believe…There are almost invariably unbridgeable inconsistencies in the left’s publicly stated positions that are at war with their actual fundamental principles. Your goal is to make the left admit once and for all what they believe about policy by exposing those inconsistencies.”

6. Force Leftists to Answer Questions

“This is really just a corollary of Rule #4. Leftists are only comfortable when they are forcing you to answer questions. If they have to answer questions, they begin to scratch their heads. The questions they prefer to ask are about your character; the questions they prefer not to answer are all of them. Instead, they like to dodge issues in favor of those character arguments.”

7. Do Not Get Distracted

 “You may notice when arguing with someone on the left that every time you begin to make a point, that leftist begins shouting about George W. Bush. It’s like Leftist Tourette’s Syndrome. “Why did Obama blow out the budget?” “BUUUUUUUSHHHH!!!!!” Don’t be fooled. You don’t need to follow the idiotic rabbit down into his Bushy rabbit hole…Arguing with the left is like attempting to nail jello to the wall. It’s slippery and messy and a waste of resources. You must force them to answer the question.”

8. You Don’t Have To Defend People on Your Side

“Conservatives get trapped in this gambit routinely, because they figure that the enemy of their enemy is their friend: if the left is attacking someone, he must be worth defending. But that’s not true…Don’t follow people. Follow principle.”

9. If You Don’t Know Something, Admit It

“Don’t get caught in the trap of believing you have to know everything about everything. Your opponent will undoubtedly know something you don’t. It’s fair to simply state, “I didn’t know that, but I’ll be happy to research and get back to you.” Another side-note here: don’t bring up a topic with which you aren’t passingly familiar.”

10. Let the Other Side Have Meaningless Victories

“Leftists prize faux moderation above all else; by granting them a point or two, you can convince them that you aren’t a radical right-winger at all. After all, everyone can admit both parties are terrible!…If the left engages you on immigration reform, your answer should be that you are for immigration reform. Now, how do they define immigration reform? That’s the key question. But because you’ve always granted the premise that you like the idea of immigration reform, you don’t look like a naysayer off the bat…The conversation is meaningless until you force the left to define terms. Until then, we can all agree on useless platitudes.”

11. Body Language Matters (Not on video)

 “The Left is expert at imagistics. The right is not, because the right falsely believes that shallow imagistics can be beaten with substance. Which has worked out fabulously for every great actress who is 300 lbs. in Hollywood — all two of them who are working…Leftists prize faux moderation above all else; by granting them a point or two, you can convince them that you aren’t a radical right-winger at all. After all, everyone can admit both parties are terrible!”