Mad_Man

Still Grinding

Mad_Man — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:13:00 GMT

Currently working my A$$ off in Texas struggling making $10 per hr. Believe me it is not enough to make it. Looking for work non stop though. Logistics/Warehouse and offshore/on land oil field work also. I would prefer something that makes a little money so that I can get on my feet. I think the hardest is life's temptations in the US. There is a lot here to hold you down once you are there. So I manage to go to church at least once a week and pray on the daily(or every other day). But I am still hopeful. I will be moving the Mississippi in a few weeks to try and find a job there. It's hard for a man in this world but I sure as hell aint going to quit. Got to get back on my feet and take care of things. Got to stay strong minded and not let the weak minded people drag me down where they are at. And if you and hating on me, the hate away. I need that. And if you think I won't make it, continue thinking that. I have my support and this is not the first time that I was down and out. I will ride this until the wheels fall off. While others are complaining about I don't have this and he's a sucker cause he has it first, I am doing something about my situation. And I won't quit. Quitting is for the weak minded, if everyone quit when times were rough and bad we wouldn't have anything. So one day when I have things togather, you can ask me for a loan, yeah I'll help out haters and nonhaters alike. But until then I'm still grinding.

Back on the Grind

Mad_Man — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:03:00 GMT

A few weeks left here in the states as I struggle to find money before I go back to work. This time I am working in Afganistan and hope to be there for the next 3-5 years. I am hoping that things will work out at home and that God will bring peace to my heart. But, after reading a comment that was on a previous post about me being soft, I felt that I must comment on this. Am I soft for loving my wife and showing her compassion? Am I soft for giving my wife money so that she can better our lives? Am I soft for believing in her? Or is all of this considered weaknesses that I have and the cause of the hardships that I have? Should I beat my wife when she doesn't listen to me? Should I disfigure her children when they yell as kids because they disturb me? Should I burn to the ground the construction that I paid for on her property? Should I replace the kindness in my heart and take on an evil approach towards life, putting myself and only myself as the sole benifiter of my labor? Would it make more sense? Or is this just what the people want, for me a white american that fell in love with my wife to give the papers and media a story so that they talk it over and condem me for being ignorant and allow this woman to take everything because she is african and me american. I have a good heart, it's not my fault, God gave this heart to me. Will I allow myself to be punished for having a good heart, I can say yes. Because just maybe one person will see my actions of compassion and selfless service and do the same to help others. And when I am done with the suffering, and I've done all that I can to have things work, I will end the relationship. When the relationship is over, I'm back on my grind. What does this mean "Back on the Grind"? To me, it means that I will be put as the number one concern and do anything that I need to survive. And I don't take it lightly. If it is me, then needless to say, I don't give a ____. If you are in my way from me accomplishing my goals then I will remove you or go around you. I am an American, and in America the people do what they need to, regardless of laws and morals. If you want something, you take it. If that person is causing you problems then you take out that person. And it all goes back to the streets, and the law of the streets. "We don't talk to police. We deal in the streets. There isn't any snitching, and if there is, snitches are dealt with as a common dog and put to sleep. And the only one you can trust is yourself. Get your MF Paper!"

A Tired and Weary man I am

Mad_Man — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 09:43:00 GMT

I am currently in the states trying to get another dangerous job to work after being in Uganda for almost 3 months. It was a hard time for me because of issues that I have with my wife. I don't know if it is because I am a muzungo (sp) or what but there is a unshaking feeling in the back of my head that says that I am being used and will leave uganda a truely broken man if I care so much. We have both did things in the past that the other can now question how faithful each other is. And both understands that the marriage is on fragile grounds. I think it may be the end soon. But I will push through. How is Uganda other than that? The same, and even once again, I had food poisioning for about a month and lost like 10-20kg during this time. How could I have had it for so long, didn't take any medicine. May be it was also because of the stress and conflict at home. The roads look the same in Kampala, I did go to KK Beach and was disappointed in the even. You can't have a beach hidding behind the slumms and expect business. There is clearly too much drinking and driving going on. Almost died twice riding to and from the discos with people who had drank and felt that drivnig fast and near cars was the thing to do. Thankfully I have a football team of angels that watches out for me. I did ride alot of Boda Bodas this time. And I started venturing out on my own. I seen and meet some interesting people in Aura Park in Kampala, I saw Weezle (sp) and Bobbie Wine at Liddo Beach and Angie Noir's. I spent alot of time at Garden City this time. Or should I say at Simba Casino. I am very wariy of eating locally prepared food now because of the food posiioning. Nothing is on purpose to hurt someone, but don't let money get in the way, because business is business. That is it for now. (more to come)

Signing off

Mad_Man — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:34:00 GMT

I am headed to Uganda in two weeks. I have given the two week notice to my job and going home to relax for a little while, so I shouldn't be expected here for some time. I had fun on this forum and learned alot. So to everyone have a good day.

LRA (part 2)

Mad_Man — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:39:00 GMT

After writting my story a while back I see that sadly I was right on my assumption that the LRA was only using the time for the peace negociations (sp) as a build up time and to regroup and spread to other areas. It is sad that this problem has become 4 countries home and that the U.N. peace keepers (what peace have they ever kept) are sitting idly by waiting on may be a sign from God to react. The U.N. and ICC are always stating that countries should react to the rebel groups. But what is the U.N. peace keepers for? If anyone can answer that I would be greatly thankful. But Kony spends his time with his now surplused amount of food and supplies, thanks to the U.N. and other donors of his cause, where ever he is relaxing. I wonder, he has a sat phone, does he call the sex chat lines that are everywhere around the world with it. I know that he has X number of wifes and then camp girl friends and things of this nature to keep him busy. Also he has the daily task of planning to stay one step ahead of his enemies. But what does he do to fill his boring hours. Read books, watch movies, quality time? And then he has to worry about the dead line of the U.N. saying that he "WILL BE ARRESTED" by the end of the year. And another question I must ask, who from Uganda would sponsor this man who has killed and left homeless so many? Why, because the dislike for M7 is so great? Because they are in another country other than Uganda and don't feel the direct involvment with the crimes that he has commited? Or is it because they are just bored and have nothing better to do with their money? If the last is the case then I can give plently of way to spend your money, namely on me, and I can be just as wasteful of it as he is. And may be I will become bored and help others. Or may be I will horde it until I have enough and then start selling fish. Crazy talk of a crazy man. Well good luck on things Mr. Kony. I can't wish the man bad, Karma has a way in catching up to us all. And God is the only judge.

A little Bio of the MM

Mad_Man — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 08:09:00 GMT

I am an American, originally from Vidalia, Louisiana. Not far from my parent's house that I grew up in is the Mississippi River. At this point of the river the bridge is a mile long, and there are two bridges, one for traffic to Mississippi and the other to Louisiana. I attended lower level schools there until I was on my second year of the 11th grade (total of 12 grades for a diploma). And then after being suspended from school yet again (school was boring and being a delinquet(sp) was more funner) I quit school. After a few months at the age of 17 I moved from my parents home to live with a girl friend and her mother. It was an interesting and very much a life experience. Her mother connected me to get a job in the lumber mill and I began hard labor for pennies. At around 9 months of working there I had the joy of having my foot trapped under a log and the metal chain conveyor belt ripping my foot, which left me with a week in the hospital and 3 months on crutches. Ah but the crutches didn't stop me and nether did the time to walk without either. At six months from the accident I joined the U.S. Army. The girl friend was dropped, mental stability issues. During my time in the Army (6 years) I went to Germany and Kosovo and met my first wife there in Germany. After the Army I attended a University to attain a degree in Computer Engineering, but due to my inability to juggle work, family, school, National Guard and personal time (several addictions - computer games being a number one) I finally dropped school and now work as a contractor in Iraq working the logistics field. I met my second wife (first wife was divorced - I'll leave the reason off, a bit personal) and have finally started the hard learning process of settling down. I've been here in Iraq for 3 years, had mortar dropped very close, and saw bombs dropped here and there. But that is the life when chasing the dollar. I've tried to give out good information and stay informed. I've decieded to live in Uganda for many reasons. My wife is from Uganda and I rather enjoy it there. I like the weather and the laid back enviroment. So Uganda is now home to me. I am hoping to finish up my time here in Iraq in the next few years and spend my life on a fishing boat during mornings (for personal use) and the evening with my family. I have no kids but look forward to the time when they come. (not for lack of practicing). Yeah, I'm 30 years old and very adventurous and business minded. I'm not flashly, and think just because I have some money I shouldn't bother with showing to others, what is the point, cause envy. And just because I get more money doesn't mean that I should eat it. I do enjoy some Uganda foods but most to me needs more spices. I also like Malwa and can eat grasshoppers. I've talked often with the Ugandans that work here in Iraq and sometimes on a daily basis, I've been coming back and forth from Uganda to here for around two years and have done my research about Uganda as to have as much information about my new home. I'm not too political or religious, but my wife brought me to the church and I've been content with this and now pray almost nightly. (THANKS MUKALA WANGE(sp)) I love my wife and I think that we complement each other. We are both very supportive and protective of each other so even though I am white, there is no chance for others to take me from her.

And that is it for now, may be I'll add more later. A bit more detailed as time goes on.

A little something Special

Mad_Man — Sat, 17 May 2008 14:06:00 GMT

So here is something personal from the Mad Man files

The Good Fight or The Long Day

Mad_Man — Fri, 16 May 2008 14:00:00 GMT

It has been a few weeks since last I've written here because of the coming and going of my Amin styled manager. He says to make things happen but doesn't give me the authority to complete the task or any help what so ever. So every day now we have been going at it and to tell the truth, this was one of the reasons that I was going to quit and head to Uganda. But I've gotten my second wind and have a firm resolve on the issues at hand. I am not going to quit and give anyone the satifaction of having an easy day at making everyone's life that I leave behind hell. I've grounded my feet and prepared for the daily war of the minds and words. I'm not even sure on who is going to win this fight or if both of us is going to get the short end of the stick. But my mind is made. Everyday I will come to work with the cold steely look in my eyes and for better or worst have it out with him. I do have some weaponery with me that is helping out. I have experience of the job and experience of age. I have played these political games so often that I know when to go in for a kill or back off when the line becomes crossed. Always a push and pull of this power struggle. I know that I've written before that I've tried to be humble, but humble doesn't stop the antagonizing position that I am put in. So in the words of one American Army General "If war is hell, then let's give them hell!!!!"

A new Chapter

Mad_Man — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:09:00 GMT

Today a big choice was made. That was the decision on resigning from my job and going home. I've been in Iraq for over 3 years and the time has worn me thin and my wife if tiring of the worries of watching the news and seeing the amount of death that is on the TV. I have been struggling on the idea of staying here and continuing working for the great money, but for the last few times of going home it is harder and harder to leave to come back to work. I can say that I am a bit nervous about going home to Uganda. I have a few issues about citizenship, work, life and things of this nature. How is it going to be living in a different country than the U.S.? How is the work going to be? Can I be as adaptable to the environment as I think I can? These are questions that I need to answer. But I am going to make it. I am going to be with my wife and be successful. I am starting to make arrangements and start making contacts to do what I need to. So I have 3 months to do what I need to. Wish me luck.

Learn to Follow to Learn to Lead

Mad_Man — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 04:46:00 GMT

Have you ever heard the phrase "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians", this is the case of having no leadership structure in place in a working environment. Everybody to some degree feels that they can do the job better and that the person that is in charge doesn't have a clue on what they are doing and should be part of the work force. I know that i have in some cases the same mentality when it came to work that I was doing and I wasn't the boss. When this happens, the whole operation suffers.

The hardest thing for anyone to do is to humble yourself and do what you are told and support your leadership, right or wrong but make sure that it is ethical. I am currently dealing with this issue and feel that others can benefit from my experience. I had a foreman that was working for me and just recently I went on my vacation. I learned on my return that he is now my manager. How does this guy skip supervisor position and become a manager? How did I get passed up for the promotion? How, how, how, why, why, why??????? Oh the resentment was there and is still here, what can I do but deal with the issues at hand. The guy doesn't have the experience in the management area and hasn't developed the people skills to deal with issues at that level. So what did I do, I went against the grain. The internal politics of the work area was in full effect. This caused distrust and now we are working against each other which means that the operation is suffering. Every day instead of dealing with work, I am dealing with the he said this, he does that, why does he get away with this. It makes me sick that I've let myself go this far into the petty bullshit and not being more mature to do what is write.

So I am making the changes that I know have to be made in order to succeed. I am humbling myself and becoming a mentor to this new manager. I am doing what needs to be done so that my manager learns how to be a manager and molding him into a big picture person. The overall responsibility falls on him and I am going to do what it takes to help him. But still . . . . . I know, I know that I will learn what I want in a supervisor when I become a manager, but first I have to do what is expected of me and even some of what is not expected of me so that my leader shines, besides it's his time and my time will come.

And the Management?

Mad_Man — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 20:34:00 GMT

I'm returning back to work from a 3 day conference and I can tell you, the dear readers of this bog, that I wish that I was spending my time washing an entire village's clothes. I work in the field of logistics; shipping, receiving, storage, transportation, inventories, etc. The conference was lead by so called Subject Matter Experts dealing with the departments in logistics. So for myself, I understood the conference to be about standardization and how better communication through department heads could help with efficiency and common problems that the departments may have. There are six cities that have the same operation as mine, but there is little to no communication between us. So back to the conference, my hopes were dashed when I arrived and found that it really had nothing to do with my department but was really about logistics as a whole and how the other departments are affected by our operations. So it was a 360 degree change and was sadly disappointing. I feel that in order to be in the position that most of the participants were in, we would have to know about logistics. Sadly, the so called subject matter experts labored away with slide shows and briefings about the grand scheme of things. I also found to my disappointment that these sad SMEs had little to no knowledge on our departments and could shed no light on our operation. These people are suppose to be the most experienced member of our work force. I beg to differ on the meaning of Subject Matter Experts. From what I've seen, they are just cronies that were put in a position just to suck money away from the operation a pretend that they know what they are talking about. Although all of this sounds like . . . . MPs in Government. A little Uganda while I am working, how nice.

My travels in the East

Mad_Man — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:17:00 GMT

Here is one of the Falls located at Sipi

Every Day Frustration

Mad_Man — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 06:20:00 GMT

Good morning world, I'm writing today to discuss the topic of communication. There seems to be problems with communication, points coming across and being understood and the other problem. The lack of communication is another problem in which I even suffer from. This communication is what the world needs to develop and have a relationship with the residents of the land. Without communication everything slowly comes apart and a certain amount of chaos ensues. If we push together to have a better communication with each other, then the world will be a better place.

I read the news every day, and some people would say a bit too much, but this is how I stay informed with the world and what is happening. In Uganda currently there is a land bill that is being reviewed, so let me discuss what I see on the daily. The land system in Uganda is in question and due to the lack of landowner and tenant laws there has been many misunderstandings and advantages taken. Many people who have lived on this land for some time and being evicted, for development or none payment or what ever reason. Some land owners are having their land taken by the users of their property because of questionable titles. And some land owners feel that they have their land taken from them, being that the land is their heritage right. Enough people are complaining about these issues that the government has stepped up to do something. And now everyone is coming out to discuss how they feel about the bill and if it is good or bad. I have read all sides to the issue except one. The people that are being evicted have not told their story. The Baganda Kingdom say that the government is taking their land, but it is know that they are the largest land lords in Uganda. So my question is, "Is the Baganda Kingdom more interested in managing it's land, or doing what is right for the people of Uganda?" I hear a certain word coming to mind when writing this, and that word is GREED. Because when I read about the Baganda Kingdom and the issues that Mengo brings forward about the government taking Baganda land, not once is it mentioned "FOR THE GOOD OF UGANDA AND UGANDANS" From what I understand, Mengo only cares about TRIBALISM and the benefit of THE BAGANDA KINGDOM. Ah, I can just feel the eyes of the freedom suppressors on my back now. But please let me finish. Not only is it the Baganda Kingdom that feel this way, there are a few other kingdoms that have the same opinion also. I have read that some of the Northern tribes talk about walking around Kampala naked if this and that is done with the land bill. Walking around Kampala naked, if this is a way to express your opinion and it gets things done, there is much that I have to learn about Uganda. Others have said that the MPs that do not support the land bill have leaked information out to the public about what is being done in Parliament. But in his defense he has said that he was doing it for the people he represents. I would think that if he was doing something for the people he represents then he would read the bill throughly and make advisements on what to change with the bill for "THE GOOD OF UGANDA AND UGANDANS" So this is what I am understanding on the kingdom side.

The Government side of things . . . The government has heard the people that are being evicted and are trying to make some changes that would help more Ugandans with their lively hood. And the lack of communication about the land bill has caused many problems about understand what and how the changes are going to affect all people. I think that the pushing of the bill has also brought up questions of how the government is being run, and if it is for the good of Uganda or if it is for the good of the government. Sometimes this communication can not be as simple as saying "We are the government and what we do is good." The government has to explain why it is good in so many details and just the facts please. I think that this is one of the major problems that is being faced right now is not telling why this land bill is a good idea in details. So the lack of this has given a chance to others to question the motives of the government. And it is understandable, look at the amount of corruption that is at all levels of government. I've read of town mayors being arrested for it, MPs being questioned and arrested for inciting the public and so many others. When there is corruption everywhere you look in the government the people have to question the motives, is it for the people or is it for the pocket.

So my frustration of the entire communication is the following. Tribalism and corruption are two of the largest problems that are faced in Uganda that hinders both development and harmony of the people. Which tribe you come from should come second to your national standard. Be Ugandans first and before anything. Traditions are a big part in any society, keep the traditions if it helps to educated people but traditions that are against the common good, be rid of these things. Corruption is rampant throughout the government levels from the lowest LC to the highest MP. If the government is wanting to be taken serious then leaders in all levels should show by actions that they are not corrupt and are working hard for the people and country of Uganda. There should be progress of development in Uganda's infrastructure that the common man can see and not half completed projects. The leaders should show their people the improvements that they have made and not the new car that they drive because of being in the position. We are all leaders in our own ways, and the GREATEST LEADERS LEAD FROM THE FRONT. If you say that you are against corruption, then do not be corrupt yourself. Be examples to the people you lead, show the people that integrity is more important that the shoes that you wear.

LRA

Mad_Man — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 04:37:00 GMT

I've been reading about the LRA for some two years now. I have to apologize that the American news doesn't care so much about other countries and in doing so I had no chance of learning about the bullshit that Kony and these others were doing to Uganda. I say Uganda and not the north because what happens in the north, south, east and west affects the whole of Uganda. Over these two years I've been reading about this peace plan with the LRA. Over these two years I have also read about something very interesting with the peace process, one of the requirements is the for LRA to assemble in two areas. I have also read that there is a cease fire and no movements or attacks from the LRA to include rearming should accrue. At the beginning of these talks I've read that some of the LRA went to the assemble areas. Since then, I've read that those that have assembled have went back to the bush or Congo. I have also read that there are reports of LRA movement to Central Africa Republic. I've read of reports that the LRA have attacked villages in Congo and South Sudan. I have read that Kony has denied reports of any negative actions by the LRA and says that this is all propaganda from the government to discourage peace talks. I have read North Uganda leaders talk that the government should do more to facilitate the peace talks. I've read about the many extensions that the government has given the LRA on the peace plan. I've read about the walk outs from the LRA due to disagreements with the government. Even this morning as I write this I read again about the government rejects LRA demands to remove ICC indictments.

You may ask yourself, and if you were able to ask me, where the hell am I going with this. I am stating the facts about these peace talks that have lasted for so long after a conflict that has lasted some twenty years. Now I add my opinion to this, so be prepared . . . . . . .

From what I see and have studied, the LRA is as committed to this peace process as the day this BS began. And by BS, I mean the war that Kony started to over throw the government. The LRA have attacked villages in the north of Uganda and along the way killed and kidnapped many Ugandans. They have also made thousands of people that live in the North fearful of their lives that they walked miles to sleep away from their villages and most moved to camps to live in the illusion of safety. Children are fearful of being kidnapped and forced into the LRA army as combatants or slaves and wives. Body parts cut off or burned. Houses and villages destroyed. Families killed, kidnapped, forced to kill, rape and pillage. From all of this I can see that the LRA was never for the betterment of Uganda or it's people. I can see that the LRA is lead by a mad man with no reasoning skills or morals. I am a person that believes in action not words. And the actions from the LRA over the years tells me that they are only killing and destroying Uganda.

I've said what the LRA has done, what I can't understand is the level of support that Northern leaders are giving the LRA and the level of discontent shown to the government. I know that there are things that the government has done during these twenty or so years that are questionable and some actions that are not questionable and are clearly heard in the language that the Northern leaders use. The government should reconcile with the north. The government should secure the northern borders to prevent any further violations against the people and their property. The government should give peace to the families of Uganda so that they should not have fear of being killed or kidnapped. The government should develop the northern part of Uganda and encourage investment in this area, providing jobs and security. But at the same time, and I know that the leaders of north Uganda are tired of this conflict that they just want it finished, the leaders should stand up and gather support from the people to support the government in doing what is right. The local leaders have more than enough reasons to stop any and all corruption in government offices to speed up development in the north. It is time for the local leaders to LEAD.

Finally, I can not believe in these peace talks simple for the reasons given by the LRA. The LRA has failed to assemble in the areas agreed upon by the peace talks. There have been several reports of LRA movement to CAR against peace talks. There have been several attacks in Northern Uganda and Southern Sudan supposedly by the LRA. Members of the peace team from the LRA has been killed or prisoned by Kony or directed by Kony and then lied about, denied and even said to know nothing of and any and all negative reports about the LRA is propaganda from the government. The LRA is still in the Congo. The LRA are asking for unreasonable request from the government for peace. How can you kill and kidnap some many and ask for government positions and money because you finally want to end the war? How can you demand the ICC to drop any charges against the leaders of the LRA? How can the LRA not leave the Congo to the designated assembly areas? How can all these things happen and still be taken serious. You can't.

I fear that the peace talks are for nothing. I pray that I am wrong. But everything points to me being right. I think Kony will never disband the LRA, and if he is forced out of the Congo he will move to CAR or Southern Sudan. Nothing that the LRA has done has showed me that they are committed to the peace talks. Asking for extension after extension, demand after unreasonable demand. I would hate to see all this effort for nothing. I pray that I am wrong.

Anger Issues

Mad_Man — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 09:43:00 GMT

I am returning before my vacation to start a small mission. Enlightenment.

I am going to be talking about corruption and laziness.

Not only are these above things going to be discussed, I am not only going to be talking about the problems that surround us, but sollutions to those problems. I feel that people talk, and I do mean talk, about problems too much without any action that would have a positive out come towards a solution to the problems that we are facing. There is also not enough personal accountability, and there are too many excusses, and there is too much passing of blame. This is just the introduction to a life long mission. And I am not going to hold back, so if you have a valid complaint, fine I'll look into it, but if not get you facts straight. I am in dealing with facts not opinions, screw opinions, anyone can have an opinion, even myself.