No registration for Texas roofers.

I have no idea why this can not get done because everyone seems to want it, but the bills to require roofer registration in Texas failed to even get out of committee. So, once again, evil roofers are free to prey on gullible property owners (key sarcasm) at least for 2 more years.

Roofguy Said: Who among us is not forced to tap their foot or rock their leg when Kodachrome comes on!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLsDxvAErTU

Or Rocketman.

I stray from Country to Rock, to Hard Rock. I nearly always come back to Rock that is toward the hard side but not completely there. My favorites these days: * Five Finger Death Punch * Hellyeah * Skillet

Who among us is not forced to tap their foot or rock their leg when Kodachrome comes on!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLsDxvAErTU

Or Rocketman.

I stray from Country to Rock, to Hard Rock. I nearly always come back to Rock that is toward the hard side but not completely there. My favorites these days: * Five Finger Death Punch * Hellyeah * Skillet

There's a lot in that, but I think the work that bdub and Pattern X are doing...that's their song. The work Copperman does, the work Old School does, that's their song. So even if there is economic or utilitarian value connected to something, it is not the economic or utilitarian value that defines it as a song. Advertising jingles that utilize memorable bits of music have a lot of utilitarian and economic value but nothing that carries us into a higher realm. I'd like to think that it is the pure, honest expression of our existence that has the power to move us to tears. Knowing full well that one day we will be gone, we stand up and sing our song anyway. Marking the place where once we stood in the living world, regardless of any economic or utilitarian considerations. But the man or woman who provides a livelihood for multiple families, building something that supports other people's songs...that can be a song too when you look back on it if it was a valiant effort and done for righteousness. Just my guess, really.

Tim, you trying to drag me down memory lane?

Simon and G: "Hear my words that I might teach you,Take my arms that I might reach you. But my words like silent raindrops fell, And echoed In the wells of silence..."

Dylan: "...He said, "I never engaged in this kind of thing before But yes I think it can be very easily done" We'll just put some bleachers out in the sun And have it on Highway 61"

I could not get enough of those guys back then. Simon and Dylan are now pretty universally regarded as genius alright, but then there is Merle Haggard and etc. One of my absolute favorite songs back in the heavy roofing/drinking days was Hank Williams Jr. singing Superman Blues. Ian and Sylvia. George Jones. The Shirelles singing "Soldier Boy," There was so much great music all across the social map it was mind-blowing. When Rock and Roll got rude, even invading Country and Western, I pretty much tuned out.

Conjuring up all these things just about brings tears to my eyes. Limbaugh, if he were to live for a thousand years could never come close to achieving that. Just not enough heart in him. Whenever I hear that voice of his blathering away as you put it, I have to get out of earshot.

There is a profusion of titillating ideas, fragments of ideas, personal experiences, vague hunches, and mental images that come to mind while perusing this thread and they all show some promise of somehow bearing on the subject(s) at hand, but I am looking at a busy day in front of me and so for the moment, as regards "sheeple" I only have the wherewithal to offer this: Most of us who take the time to participate in this "roofer" forum have a lot more going on in our hearts and minds than simply measuring, cutting, and fastening things while hopefully making money doing it. We have a diversity of interests, "other" interests, and those interests always pose the potential threat of dissipating our concentration on grabbing the Prize, however that may be defined and by whomever is doing the defining. The bottom line is it's a lot easier to draw a Royal Flush if you can just ignore those three other annoying suits and eliminate complexity in the deck. Sheeple take great comfort in that process.

Bdub, the problem is you have far too much common sense to be a roofer. Egg and Mike suffer that malady as well.

Admittedly, I haven't enjoyed this for 25 years - it's all I know how to do.

Tom I agree with most of that. I too would prefer no police, but others are not prepared to defend themselves and need their help.

We live in the country and I know from 2 experiences that when ADT detects a break-in, it takes the Sheriff deputy 25-30 minutes to get here. We are prepared to deal with the bad guys ourselves and are completely comfy with that - in fact, I am quite sure that I am better equipped and better trained than most cops. In fact, the local chief of the PD caught me one day and said "Hey Tim, if we run low on .223, can we buy some from you?" :-) Seriously, that was a real conversation.

I am just so burned out on ineffective government. Much of our work is in Amarillo, Tx which has a very strict building inspection department. The head of that department is a certified clown that is clueless about how commercial roofs work. Typical inspector, he is a failed contractor who revels in making things hard for the successful contractors he is jealous of. He has cost us around $250,000 in the last 12 months.

bdub - The simpleton I am, I'm going to need to re-read your reply a few times......I think I like it. Some might call you a narcissist.....

I have a like episode at my sons' middle school graduation ceremony. There was a line 1/4 mile long, (I'm not kidding), of parents, siblings, grandparents, outside the amphitheater gates, all awaiting that specific 5PM gate opening.

Not accustomed to the "big city life" & it's inherent protocols, my wife, son & daughter simply strolled past all the "sheeple", up to the gate, where my wife asks the gate keeper; "Is this a line to get in?" We stood around a few minutes until the gate was opened whereby we simply walked in among the first few, ed our premium seats right up front and had a wonderful time.

I suppose it was the social engineering I've been exposed to as a youth I was battling, but I couldn't help feeling uncomfortable, (selfish?), about walking past all those people. My wife has undergone several back surgeries over the past three years & is in constant pain - There was no way she could've stood in that line - So I suppose I was justifying our actions.

On the other hand, I couldn't help commenting/confirming the prime example of herd mentality on display.

Do we think we're somehow smarter or more deserving than the herd? Maybe we're the the miss-informed ones. What if everybody "herded around" the gates, instead of having the self-discipline of waiting in a self-organized line?

I wish people would drive that way, (have some self-discipline in heavy traffic), - We'd all get to where we're going much quicker.

Hey, I get it - I agree - I'm absolutely against big gov't. I would rather the gov't go away. But one has to be realistic; It's not going to go away.

I know this will get a lot stirred-up - I think we might be better of without police - Keep some gov't & laws, but do away with the police officer. Give every citizen a badge! Image how polite everyone would become. That crazed/road raged maniac that ran you & your family off the road - If he jumps out and attacks you/family - No need to run - Dispatch him - carry-on - one less idiot to house/feed at the Grey Bar Inn.

What I have a problem with is those that capitalize, (no pun intended), on the fact there are laws - using them to perpetuate there so-called "freedom fighter" image, when in fact, if the laws were dismantled, they would perish.

To expand a bit; Sheeple or not, most fair-minded individuals will for the most part, operate their lives/businesses within the parameters of laws, if not for the simple reason to avoid conflict with their very existence/freedom. This is easy picken's for those unscrupulous types - Which, the construction/roofing industry is chock full of, especially in states w/o licensing, where anyone with a pulse can simply hang a shingle out.

"Freedom fighters" have been duped by wanting to live free? That's a little like Obama saying "Yes Ron Paul I agree with you completely, we need way more government in our lives."

The enemy of big government is not "still big but less big government." We often disagree on the minutia but I'd wager, Tom, that 95% of the people on this forum are not for more government intrusion in their lives. Secondly, you cannot pronounce yourself as being against big government, and at the same time espousing more government regulations and restrictions. I can proclaim myself to be a giraffe but that does not make me a giraffe.

Those truly opposed to big government grasp that it defeats the purpose if you grant an exception to yourself with additional government involvement because that particular item benefits you or because you have convinced yourself that it protects the innocent.

I know we have to have some rule of law. I get that. But we long ago passed "some." We are so inundated with laws and restrictions on freedom that the average American commits 3 felonies every day and doesn't even know it. It is no longer about protecting the innocent, it is now mostly about growing government, and creating bigger government budgets.

TomB Said: clvr & CRFG; No offense guys, but I dont believe the licensing you have in Ill. is worth the expense your govt squanders on it.

No offense taken, I agree. Only thing different is that I think I'd rather NOT have a licensing system if it would save me and the consumer money. I can't say for sure, because I've not worked in a non-licensed state except for when I get calls from MO to fix horrible work over there.

I think that freedom is a word that is up for interpretation. Roofguy says that Texas is the only free state, whereas bdub seems to say none of US are free. I live up a 100 yard steep driveway leading to my 38 acres of freedom. I hunt deer in my "backyard" shortly past the sweet watermelon patch and the wild berries. I've pissed on every square foot and light fires bigger than my home.

The only problem I have is unlicensed guys doing commercial work whereas I play ball and pay a 42% work comp rate. I don't complain much though, I'm too busy. I decided to do a home show this year, and talked with a local contractor who was complaining for me about work comp rates and roofing licensure. He acted like he left roofing up to me, to get in my good graces(I suppose?) but I knew otherwise. I walk over to his booth, open up his pamphlet, and half of it is dedicated to roofing.

bdub; I like it. I agree, (I think), we all just simply need to make our way, as we feel fit, in this mess of a society &/or environment we've decided to live & work in. Also staying cognitive/coherent enough. As my Dad told me once "If you swim in poop, some's bound to rub off on you".

Some might construe that as head-in-the-sand, submission, antithesis - whatever. The sheeple are the gov't, as the gov't is the sheeple; The sheeple are herded/controlled via many dynamics. There is a predominant "herd mentality" among most any collective group, be it geographical, religious, economic, political, etc.....

I, myself am not a fan of big gov't - Quite the opposite. Trying to stay on-topic; Could it be, in some cases, the self-proclaimed freedom fighters, have in actuality, been duped - Only to be playing right into the hands of those powers at be? Ever wonder why these wealthy/ivory tower types are proponents of the democrat/left agenda? That's for another topic however, and I must get back to my own little happy place in the world, lest I will need a handi-wipe or a complete shower.

egg Said: Its important to try to keep your wife happy and its important to keep your energy positive. Cant deny that. Wouldnt deny that. Hate to have you disappear because I enjoy your posts. Maybe this is part of the weeds that make you stronger you were mentioning. Biting the top off a beer doesnt, even though it usually feels like it does. In the end, it always returns the favor.

Every environment has its downside. Every opinion has its blind side. We need a clear view of our opposites the way a catamaran needs outriggers. I havent owned a television in thirty years, but I keep my finger on the pulses around me. It was a hard lesson, but by staying true to my heart I carved out an existence I can believe in and take comfort in. It was an even harder lesson, but I discovered that even at the pinnacle of my own brilliance there is a lot of dumb in there. Humble exuberance is the only way to go. That and hard work. Think like a king, work like a slave. Be willing to do the best that you can and able to let the world take care of the rest by itself, even if its wrong.

Egg it's funny you typed that at this time. I was telling my wife the other day that in the last month I have been tuning the XM satellite radio in my pickup to 50s, 60, 70s and 80s music, rather than letting Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, and Fox News blather in my ear all day. Funny, I feel less like the world is coming to an end, and more like Simon & Garfunkle and Bob Dylan were really weird, but genius.

bdub Said: Man i cant help but lurk rcs cause somewhere inside me i guess im just hoping there would somehow be some sort of something relative to real roofing but instead its starting to feel more and more like i have a gross smell on my hand but i just keep smelling it. I need help. I know. My wife even tries to keep me from here cause it lowers my vibe.

Anyway now that ive lost most of yall. ( that happened at Man i...) ive responded to this post and erased it then did it again, and again. Anyway here goes again lol

Roofguy i feel you bro, trust me. I left that awful place and never looked back. I wont even go on that soil anymore. I felt like you back then. Exactly like you. Would you believe yrs ago, one of the zombies from this site who didnt like how i spit truth looked me up, found out i wasnt licensed, blasted me on this site then the rest of the zombies turned on me. I know, i sound like W right now was it screw you twice? No screw me? Uhhh? lol

I can tell you this, if you just get away from it, it all goes away. It takes years to get every last nasty little stain out but believe it or not it does. Your testosterone levels will increase making you more calm and in charge. True freedom is exhilarating, life changing, a feeling of life from death.

Once there you soon realize this freedom was available to you all along. Infact once enlightened and empowered you will realize that you are the good crop. The weeds that you have felt choking you were actually strengthening and building you. If you so chose, you could now re-enter this weed patch and triumph over it.

Me, i choose not to watch jerry springer. I havent seen or heard american news in years. Im more concerned with the tides and the fishing reports. It all goes away. There are numerous places to go. I can say this, if you put yourself in a wealthy environment, when you come across americans they will be conscious ones, the ones taking a little time off from managing the weeds, they know too.

Look how lost roofers are about roofing. Bro its not the gubberment its the sheeple. Dont let this nonsense bring you down. I know how tuff it is im doing it myself right now. Get away from it and ill bet 100% if you return you will vote democrat and be all for licensing, wellfare, green, etc... Shoot, matter of fact the only reason anyone would return is to do exactly that. Play the game, its a means to an end.

Ive said way too much but thats the thing about freedom and testosterone, i no longer live in fear. I get off work, jump in my truck, no seatbelt, tail light out, men in the back, bite the top off a beer, hail the cop driving by with my beer ( gotta keep the other hand on the wheel ) drive through the hood, drop off my men and head back to my compound that you really wouldnt want to find yourself in if you werent invited.

Roofguy if theres anyone still reading its you. Read between my lines bro, theres so much more. Just keep searching the exact same way you got where you are, just dont stop thats all. Everything im saying sounds counterintuitive, i know but for real, the people in charge know exactly what theyre doing. Gimme a 10-4 so i can erase this. Again not from fear but cause its useless information really. No one cares. Anyone wants to keep in touch with me get at me cause im shuttin down my rcs account. The vibe thing is real aint got time for this anymore its just nonsense. Booyakasha!!

Now back to your regularly scheduled plastic, foam, caulking, oppressive gubberment, pat your head while rubbing your tummy program!

Bdub, I'm not sure what you said, but it was a lot of fun reading it. :-)

TomB Said: I cant speak for Texas - But, I do know that consumers pay considerably less for same products/roofs in CA. as compared to Colorado.

Another interesting fact, is that piece-work rates are much lower in CA. as compared to Colo., yet hourly wages in CA. are much higher than Colo.

Another interesting phenomenon, is that roofers, in general, are much more proficient from CA. as compared to Colo. In the mid-90s we had to bring most of our roofers from CA., as the Colo. roofers demanded insane piece-rates, and were lethargic to boot!.....CA. boys came out and worked for far less pc-wk prices, ran circles around em made waaayy more $! Go figure!

Not sure what or if licensing has anything to do with it - But, could be that since CA. demands such stringent standards, that the overall effect is proficiency, rather than glutinous behaviors, such as what hail storm & the absence of licensing affords.....just a thought..... ;)

I assure you, roofing costs far less in Texas than in Colorado, and probably less than any state I know of. Adding layers of red tape always does that.