
welcome to my blog
I’m Larry Beck but I use the pen name of lb woodgate for my blog.
This blog allows me to express views, often socially progressive in nature, to discuss an array of issues. Some serious, others not so much.
I hold an B.A. from the University of North Texas (big whoop) where I majored in Sociology and minored in Political Science. Yes, I have “palled around” with academics.
I served a stint in the Marine Corps back in the latter part of the 60’s and did a tour of duty in Vietnam, getting there one month before the Tet offensive exploded. I saw the best and worst of people as a Marine and value the time, comradery and experiences I had but knew before my first and only enlistment was up that I was not meant for such a regimented life. I am grateful that after going in as a kid I came out a bit more mature.
Pretty much everything interests me but I tend to focus on political and environmental science, religion, and elder issues.
I welcome any and all who share similar concerns and even those who don’t. All I ask is that you keep it civil. Respectful conversation, tolerance and a willingness to learn outside the box is what strengthens us as individuals and as a people. Or at least it seems that way.




Terrance H.
I love the new look, woodgate. Much more appealing than before!
lbwoodgate
Thanks.
Mike Oberg
I am also surrounded by conservatives (or, at least, Republicans) in Kansas, although there is a pocket of intelligent life in Johnson County, where I live.
Kathleen Noble
You should try moving from Seattle to Phoenix, AZ! Talk about culture shock!
Hansi
Greetings brother.
lbwoodgate
Hey Hansi. Welcome to my blog.
TotallyTawn
Hi Larry! I nominated you for the Sunshine Award
Check it out: http://totallytawn.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/the-sunshine-award/
masker1028
I love what you write! Thanks,
Mary Ann
Fort Worth, Texas
lbwoodgate
Thanks Mary Ann. I hope to hear your thoughts on my points of view to help me get a fuller picture of the subject matter I write on.
makagutu
Greetings Larry,
lbwoodgate
Greetings to you makagutu. Thanks for stopping by and am looking forward to your comments on my posts. What country do you hail from if you don’t mind me asking?
makagutu
I come from beautiful kenya and thanks for the welcome. you can stop by as well
lbwoodgate
Will do. Thanks
R. L. Culpeper
Hi Larry. I came across your comments on John Zande’s page. It seems we share similar views on multiple fronts, so I popped over here. Great stuff. I look forward to reading your work. By the way, Semper Fi, Devil. Good to see a fellow Marine on WordPress.
lbwoodgate
Thanks R.L. Will be checking in on your site too.
Where were you stationed and when?
R. L. Culpeper
I was stationed in North Carolina from 2003 to 2008. Served in Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. No direct combat. I was a huey / cobra mechanic.
lbwoodgate
“I was stationed in North Carolina”
Cherry Point?
R. L. Culpeper
New River. Spent some time up in Cherry Point though.
lbwoodgate
New River eh? Not familiar with that one. I am familiar with New Berne, N.C. which was the samll town just outside of Cherry Point MAS
I was in Cherry Point as part of the now defunct 3rd Light anti-aircraft Missal Bn. in 1967 Surface to air missals. I was a radar operator. Was with the 1st LAAMB in Vietnam, “A” battery, 25 miles north of DaNang.
R. L. Culpeper
Well, it’s nice to meet you, Larry. I thought I was the only liberal Marine alive.
lbwoodgate
Good meeting you too R.C. Yes, liberal Marines are probably as scarce as hen’s teeth
R. L. Culpeper
Where were you stationed?