The ABCs of Intentional Living...

This year has been a busy one for me, specifically because my first book made it through the publishing gauntlet and became available to the public earlier this year. It is called "The ABCs of Intentional Living" and is a book on how to get more out of our daily lives, how to break free of living in a rut and enjoy life more. It is an easy read, not long, and available on Amazon in either print or digital format. It is also available at Barnes and Noble in print or nook format. Help me out and buy a copy!
My second book is now in the publishing stage, set to be released sometime around Thanksgiving or Christmas of 2018. It is a book on a number of issues that Christians often ponder and puzzle over and offers some new and unique insights, some serious, some fun, and some outside our mental boxes. It is called "Tackling the Toughies: Christian Issues We Ponder and Puzzle". I hope you will support me and check it out too!
Thanks to all who have followed and supported me in the blogosphere!

Hamburger or Steak?

Sometimes we find ourselves faced with a decision- a life-altering decision- and the choice we face is, do I step out in faith that making a change could ultimately be so much better, healthier, and fulfilling for me, or do I fall back to what is known, what may have been comfortable in the past? All too often we are cowards, defaulting to the known, even though it has become unhealthy, either physically, mentally, or emotionally, because something is better than potentially nothing.
What we don't factor in, especially those of us who claim to be Christ-followers is that He has our absolute best at heart, and what we've chosen to pass on in favor of the "known and comfortable" may be abundantly greater for us had we just had the faith.
I know that in my past I have been guilty of choosing the known over the possible. I remember many years ago when I was relatively young at the business, my old boss offered me the choice of a salary and small commission or a much healthier straight commission. I had a family and I chose the salary because I could count on it. It turned out that I was the best salesman he had ever hired and he saved tens of thousands of dollars on my decision. I was a coward. I chose the known.
I know there have been times relationally that I should have walked away from a bad relationship, yet I persisted in it because it was a known quantity, rather than trust God had someone better for me- or even no one at all, if that was best for me at that point in my life. I guess my whole point is, that we need to brave potential new frontiers in our lives, that if our past has been unhealthy then we shouldn't "settle" just because it's a known quantity. Why settle for hamburger when God is waiting to serve you a steak?
Food for thought...

ONE NATION-UNDER GOD?

“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United Stated of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” Under God- really? In this day, in our society we have removed God from almost all aspects of our society. We deny Him in our schools, we segregate Him out of our government, and we even try to remove Him from the celebration of His birth on this earth. We try to pigeon-hole God into “religion”- confine Him to the Church, then label those who believe “right-wing” or “bigots” or “fringe”. Yet I don’t believe this is the belief or desire of main-stream America.

Our country was founded on the principal of freedom of religion, the belief that each person or group should be able to worship God in their own way. Our founding fathers were men of faith, and God played a prominent role in the establishment and structure of our country. And our Republic has lasted longer than any other, our Democracy a model that other free nations have tried to emulate. And yet we have placed our Democracy in peril, because we have listened to the voice of the few over the silence of the many. Our apathy has removed God from the very institution He played so prominently in establishing.

We wonder today why our Congress is so inept, with approval ratings in the single digits. Perhaps it is because we no longer look to God for direction or instruction. We were created to be social beings, to live in community with God and each other. However, when we stripped God from the equation – the creator of that desire for community- and we rely on our own means to get along we fail miserably. We need God in our government; we need God in our schools; but most of all we need God in our homes, for that is where revival will have to start. God has been removed from the home, the grassroots of our society, and when we choose, as individuals, as families, that we want God back it will start in the home.

Food for thought…

Relationships- Sometimes it's All About Timing

I've often said that relationships can be difficult, and for a variety of factors. Sometimes relationships have run their course, the shared desire to make one work is gone, or perhaps distance has strained it, or one side has allowed the relationship to become inequitable in an unhealthy way. There are many other factors that could lead to the termination of a relationship, but what affects the beginning of a new relationship?
One of the most damaging things to the life of a new relationship is wrong timing. If one party is not really ready to enter in then the relationship could be in trouble. Let's say, for example, that I was just in a long-term relationship- one that I invested several years in- and at the end I was the one who decided to walk away. I still need time to grieve over the loss of what was a very prominent part of my life. I am not ready to just start pursuing  a new relationship. And then there's my ex-partner, who may still desire to try and fix the dysfunctional relationship, so there will be attempts to talk, to reconcile, before final acceptance is achieved-if ever.
My first relationship after my divorce was with a woman who divorced her husband, despite his desire to try and make their marriage work. She was done, but he wasn't. During our four-year off-and-on relationship he was constantly in the picture, for she continually allowed him to do work around the house, build her a deck, et al., because he desired to be close and she was willing to use him. It caused a serious strain on our relationship. When it comes to romantic relationships one needs to be finalized- on both sides- before beginning a new one if one wants a chance at optimal success.
If you don't allow time for healing then what does that do to your new beau? He or she becomes a "rebound" relationship, a filler that helps alleviate the pain and aid in the finality of the previous one. Now, it's possible that a relationship with this beginning can survive, but it causes unease for the new beau. (Add to that the game-playing that seems to permeate the dating scene nowadays and it's a wonder we have healthy relationships at all today).
Personally, I have become accustomed to being alone, and am perfectly comfortable being single. Being single is not a sickness. Yet there are times I remember the beauty of a good and healthy relationship- the sharing, the love, the memories. I would welcome being in relationship again, but I will refuse to play the stupid dating games. I'm too old for that. I don't want to be a rebound, I don't want to be used to teach someone a lesson. I want to pour love and attention out on someone special, and have that love reciprocated. I want to know what my mate expects, what they want in a relationship. I have so much to offer, but I need to know their expectations to see if it's viably possible to achieve. I am willing to make that monetary commitment to a relationship, and the time commitment that relationships require- most are willing to do these- but I am also willing to make that emotional commitment, which is laying my heart out there to be vulnerable to hurt and devastation if my mate chooses not to protect it. Being emotionally available is perhaps the most difficult element of new relationships.
So timing is important if we want optimal success. I know a woman, a beautiful woman, inside and out, and was attracted to her from our first meeting some several years ago. At that time she was engaged in a long-term relationship, which recently she left. Now the temptation is to move in and sweep her off her feet with romance and attention, but that's not healthy for her or me. I'm sure there will be residual contact and effects from her last relationship that need time to be dealt with. I'm sure that she needs to lay that relationship to rest, and that takes some time. she needs to recover emotionally so she'll be able to give her best to the next relationship. Now I risk losing the opportunity to ever develop a relationship with her, to her old beau or another new one, by allowing her time to heal, especially if she wants to move forward immediately- but I only want the best- for her and for me, for we deserve nothing less. Sometimes it's all about timing.
Food for thought...

I have been absent from the blogging scene for a while now, and extend my apologies to anyone who had been interested in reading something new. It is not without reason however, and I'd like to explain my absence. Since even before my retirement several years ago my daughter had encouraged me to write a book- she even said she'd read it!- (which, I figured, meant two sales anyway!). Well, after a long and sometimes laborious process things finally came together and I wrote a book, submitted it to a publisher, and had it accepted. After a few rewrites, editing, and corrections it finally made it through the process and into the cover artwork and design. I'm happy to say that it is now in the"hard printing" stage and will be available in about six weeks!
The book is entitled, "THE ABCs OF INTENTIONAL LIVING" and is a practical, Christian-based book on how to live within your means, make the best use of your time, and how to be more productive and happy with your time and life. It should be available at all brick and mortar stores, like Barnes and Noble ,etc., and also from Amazon. The book is $12.95 and the e-book is $9.99. I really appreciate the years of support and if you think it may be a help to you please pick up a copy!
I'll continue my blogging and hopefully be more diligent in the future! Thanks to all who read....

~Bud

Take a knee...

This past Friday in a political campaign speech in the Alabama primary President Trump made a comment to the effect that it would be nice to see an owner of an NFL team fire a player who kneels during the National Anthem.... Immediately there was blow back that Trump was being racial, because the players began kneeling (or Kaprenick did) in protest to racial inequity.
Let me first address Kaprenick's protest- he lives the American dream- a marginal, or at best average NFL quarterback who had part of one good season- making millions of dollars to play a kid's game, who never has to work again if he manages his millions right. How is he being put upon? He's a hypocrite, for he didn't take his money and help those black downtrodden people around him. He takes a knee and calls it protest...
But let's look at the issue- he is disrespecting our anthem and flag, which represents the men and women who shed their blood to protect our freedoms- to protect his right to protest- men and women of all races and colors. I don't object to his right to protest; our constitution gives him that protection, but I do object to disrespecting the very country and its flag and anthem that provide you those freedoms. It isn't a matter of color- I don't care what color you are- if you disrespect our flag and country, if you don't like the country that gave you everything you could ever hope for, then get the heck out. Go to a country that will torture and kill you for disrespecting the state.
I suggest that, if you want to protest, find a medium that isn't disrespectful or incendiary. As a fan I'm offended by these athletes' actions, and I for one will not spend my money going to games, or buying their jerseys or endorsed products, as long a s they disrespect mt country, and I don't care what color they are. It's not a color issue with me, it's about respect.
Food for thought...

Social Civility...

As a Christ-follower I believe it is time to take a stand, to do what small part I can to begin to unite the divide in our country, right down to my own little community. I am an Independent, but have friends who are both Republicans and Democrats, who are also Christ followers. Yet I have seen such bitter, rude comments from both sides- attacks that have gotten down right personal, over political issues. I think it's time we stop hiding behind the anonymity of the internet and, as, Christ followers, step up and show those we disagree with the respect and love that our Lord does. The proper response to an inflamed situation could make all the difference in diffusing anger and hostility. Perhaps if we step up as Christ followers we might be able to enact change...
Note that I say Christ-followers rather than Christians, because in today's society many claim the title of Christian for political or societal expediency without the slightest clue what being a Christian means. An example: I heard a lady say that she was a Christian, but if you want to try and convince her that the narrow minded way of thinking that Jesus is the only way to heaven then move on. She believed that there are many paths to God. How do you explain to that mindset that the whole foundation of Christianity is the belief that Jesus, and his sacrifice of his life on the cross is the basis of our faith. No, to her Christianity is a religious designation, as it is to many others, rather than a way of life. So I designate, use "Christ followers", because  it's more specific, more accurate than "Christian".
So brothers and sisters, let's begin to make a difference. Let's fight anger and hostility with love and respect. Let's allow the pans of ignorance to be diffused by our humility. Let's begin to live together again. It no longer matters who you voted for, because we're now past that; what is important now is that we are all in this together. I like the analogy that it's like we're all on a plane together, and half the plane is hoping we crash while the other half hopes we don't. Bottom line is tho, if we crash we all die-both sides. What good does that do? Instead, let's work together to make the best of the situation, dispute what differences we may have, and in the end we may all may safely arrive at our future destination together.
Food for thought...

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE...

Middle children have issues all their own. They aren't oldest, who get to experience things first, who never really had to deal with hand-me-downs, and are often doted on as the responsible one. Nor are they the baby, who seems to get away with everything, and are coddled and not held responsible for anything. And the middle child is - there. I was number two out of five, but was the oldest boy so much of my experience reflected that of the oldest. But today's post is about a middle child- a very special, much loved middle child...
When I was young I had an uncle- Uncle Mac- who was the favorite of all us kids. He just resonated on our level, always knew what was fun for us, and sometimes engaged in activities with us that pushed the boundaries that our folks had established. But it was okay, because we were with Uncle Mac. Unfortunately, he died young, around fifty years old if I remember correctly, and there was a huge void in our extended family. As I grew older I heard different family members comment that I was like Mac, that I was filling that role for the next generation. However, I knew I fell far short of filling Uncle Mac's shoes, for he was effortless fun,,,
This week my kids all traveled to Florida's east coast for a cousin's wedding. They spent a couple days with me prior to going to the east coast, and will return for a couple more days. Three kids, two kids-in-law, and five grandkids all in my cozy home. So lets take all these divergent threads and pull them all together...

I relived my Uncle Mac this week, reincarnated in my middle child, my son Ryan. I have watched him parent his boys with great love and discipline, but watching him interact with all the kids was living Mac all over. Ryan so seamlessly, so effortlessly interacted with each, taking time to teach, to explain, to play with his nieces and nephew- Uncle RyeRye is definitely loved by all the kids. Now I love all my kids, and am proud of each, for who they are, for what they've accomplished, but this week I'm feeling especially proud of my middle child, for giving selflessly into the little lives around him, for going that extra mile to make my grandkids feel so important... Thank you Ryan. Keep up the good work. I love you, and am proud of you...

Food for thought...

Wiser Choices...

I believe in truth. However, I believe that there is more than one truth. There is absolute truth, truth that doesn't change irrespective of time or circumstance. God is absolute truth. Then there is is conditional truth, or truth that may or can change due to changes in our situation or circumstance. Often times conditional truths in our lives can change at the whim or directive of those who impact our lives. Conditional truths are often a matter of perspective and can be unreliable and damaging.
I began pondering this after reading an actual account of four people fishing out on the ocean in small boat. There were three men and one boy, the son of one of the men. Somehow the boat capsized and sunk, and the four began to swim for shore. However, there were fierce riptides, and the four struggled to make land. Finally two of the men made it ashore, but the father and son still struggled. The father was a strong swimmer- strong enough to make shore on his own- but he refused to let go of his son in order to save himself. The two were swept out to sea, and never found. The father loved his son enough to die for him. It made me think, to evaluate relationships in my life, and the question arose in my thoughts, "How many people in my life, people that I would be willing to die for, am I also willing to live for?" You see, if we are willing to die for someone then why do we all too often fail to live for them? Who do I live for today?
I came to the sad realization that I am in some relationships that I try to live for and would gladly die for, but if I were to die today I suspect that I would not even be mourned- or minimally at best. It may not have always been that way, but the relationship over time has evolved into an inequitable relationship, where my time and effort to nurture it are unrequited. I  recognize that these situations are conditional truths, for the very nature of these relationships could change at the whim or desire of  another, changing the dynamic and the truth as I experience it. Conditional truths change because we change, others change, because we are unstable in our abilities to control our feelings. Absolute truth never fails us though, for it doesn't rely on feelings or change. God is absolute truth. God is Love. God is just. God is merciful. These are and always have been God's attributes- attributes we can rely on.
So as I pondered those who may only be inconvenienced at my passing I was reminded of an absolute truth. God loves me, and He already proved that love by sacrificing His only son to pay the price for my sin, my shortcomings, and it that Jesus met God's justice through God's mercy- for me! I am a treasured child of the Most High God, secure in His love and grace. To those who fail to return my love, or friendship, to those who refuse to invest of themselves- I forgive you, and please forgive me if I change my choices and time investment to better enhance those relationships that are more equitable in my life. The dividends are far greater, and much more satisfying.
 Food for thought...

Relational Success...

I'm nearing sixty years old, and I'd like to believe I've learned a little along my life's journey. If I could only pass on one tidbit of information to my children, and even those close to me it would be this:
Learn to be successful in your relationships.
At the end of your life "things" won't matter one iota. New cars, a fancy house, boats, motorcycles, any kind of "toys" we tend to want to collect won't comfort you or keep you warm. Personal relationships will be the source of your comfort- whether it be your spouse, children, siblings, or friends and relatives. Memories will be a source of comfort- memories of good times with others, not things. And the most important aspect of developing successful relationships is learning the art of compromise.

Within the context of a relationship we often find that our idea of doing something varies from our counterpart in the relationship. Ideally the we should talk it out and reach a compromise that both sides find palatable, and move forward accordingly. Yet if one insists on doing it his way, and makes a compelling argument for his desire to do it his way, he isn't wrong- nor is his friend- for they each have their own perspectives, and differing perspectives doesn't make one right and one wrong. It just means there are different ways to accomplish the same goal.
Now, if a compromise isn't reached, then one side will have to give in or the relationship reaches a loggerhead. So what happens to the side that gives in? Even if they "bury" it, there's resentment. One party will have a good measure of the joy they should experience together tarnished by the fact that they "caved" in to the other's will- usually under the pretext of trying to keep the peace, yet in the end they are left with deep seated resentment. Going forward that will create a wall, or a stumbling point in the relationship because they won't want to cave again- even though they may never say a word. It creates an animosity, and creates distance between the two.
But what happens if a compromise is reached? Neither side may get 100% of what they wanted, but both sides get something, and that allows both to feel that they're important, that their desires have merit and consideration within the relationship. Even if one side only gets 10%, or 20% of what they wanted they will still appreciate the gesture and the compromise. Now in this example I've been using one side clearly gets more, but both sides come out winners. It's all about being willing to compromise...
On a personal note, I've had to learn this lesson, and it pains me to admit it took far longer than I wish, for I am very much like that one who can make the compelling argument, who could convince others to do it "my way",  You see, often times my intelligence derailed my relational success. So what if  I do something less efficiently, if it means making someone I care about happy? Do I need to be right, or do I need to be considerate? Most of the time it is impossible to be both. I've learned it's far better to be considerate. I hope it is a lesson my kids and grandkids learn much quicker than I did. Perhaps they won't be as relationally challenged as their Papa...

Food for thought...

Where Does God Come From?

I am often amazed at how our finite minds try to tackle infinite concepts. God, in His very nature, is infinite, and we are unable to even begin to comprehend Him, aside from those attributes that He chooses to share with us through his Word, the Bible...And yet, people still ask questions like, "If God can do anything then can He make a rock so heavy that He can't lift it?" And the answer, of course, is yes. My God, the Infinite Creator of our universe, can certainly do something so mundane. Don't ask me how, for my finite mind cannot grasp it, but because He can do anything then that is certainly within the scope of His power. Recently I watched an interview of a man, (who I cannot remember his name so as to give him proper credit for his answer), and one panel member asked him, "Where God comes from?" Now I wish I could give his answer verbatim, but I cannot, so the gist of the answer will have to do.
He started out by saying that we live on a continuum, and thus are bound by time, space, and matter. These things define our existence. God however, is not bound by any of these things, for He exists outside our continuum, and indeed created them. He is not bound by them, and if He were, he would be finite also, and certainly not worthy of our worship. Then he explained what, when, and where God created the continuum that defines our existence. The what (matter), the when (time), and the where (space) are all found in what he called God's trilogy of trilogies
Let's look at the very first words God gave us in His Word. The first ten verses of Genesis chapter one read, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth". When? In the beginning, the start of time, which consists of past, present, and future-one trilogy. Where? The heavens- defined by specific length, and depth, and width- the second trilogy. And What? The earth, consisting of solids, liquids, and gases- God's third trilogy.
As Creator, God is clearly outside theses boundaries that He created, much like a parents are outside the boundaries they create for their children. Children may not understand their boundaries, and often test them, but a good parent knows they are there for the protection and well-being of the child.In the exact same way our Heavenly Father does not explain all to us, but we can rest in the assurance that He has only our best interests at heart. If we could explain God then there would be no mystery to Him, no reason for our adoration and worship. Someday, for those who believe in Him, and call Son Jesus Christ their Lord and Savior, someday  the Apostle Paul tells us we will know fully, even as we are fully known. Now we see in part, and prophesy in part, but one day we shall see clearly, and understand fully this Infinite Creator, but only after the shackles have been removed from our finite minds.
My response to those who try to think up paradoxes and contradictory puzzles and statements to try and trip up believers, I say to you this- try and picture in your mind complete nothingness- the total absence of everything. If you can do that I can answer any and all questions you have pertaining to God. (However it is impossible, for even a vacuum is "something", a void is still space). You see, absolute nothingness is an infinite concept, one which our finite brains try to understand, but can only come up lacking, for we are shacked by our finite limitations...So one day, when God had healed this broken creation and believers share in eternity with the Uncreated, we will have our answers. Until then, God comes from that which no man can understand, before the constraints of time and forever more to be.
Food for thought...

SOCIAL SECURITY REFORM...

I was enjoying a cup of coffee at a local bistro this when a potential, and somewhat innovative solution to our social security funding problem came to mind. We need to first dispel the notion that social security is an entitlement program, for it is not. An entitlement program is one where people get something for nothing. Welfare is an entitlement. Social security, on the other hand, is funded by hard-working Americans who entrusted their monies to the government, who in turn promised to save and invest those monies so Americans would have an income in retirement. Government failed us all, however, by raiding the social security coffers to pay for other government programs. It was, in essence, stealing from the American people. So here's two ways to replace those monies taken from social security...
First, we pay millions out every week to retired and past politicians who were either responsible for the raiding of the coffers or kicked the can down the road, if you will, for others to deal with. They clearly didn't perform their jobs in the best interest of Americans by stealing from social security. I suggest that we immediately stop paying those past congressmen senators, presidents, and staffers their pensions  and put those monies directly back into social security until the principle and  interest on that principle is repaid. After all, why do they deserve to get a pension, that they contributed nothing to, when  they embezzled the hard earned retirement monies of their constituents? Let them go without, and have to rely on social security, until the debt they caused or propagated is repaid.
Second, as social security is not an entitlement, but a trust with the government that the government has violated, it should never be in danger of insolvency ahead of entitlement programs where we give out monies to those who've done nothing to earn them. I've never heard a single politician claim that welfare is running out of money- a program by its very nature gives something for nothing- but social security has been in trouble for years because of government mismanagement. Government needs to first honor the promise of social security to its aged and infirmed, then spend what is left on entitlements like welfare. We might just find that, if free monies stop flowing, many of those receiving them might just find work, and that would also increase monies being paid into social security...
Just a couple thoughts on how to bring solvency back to a program that should never have been placed in jeopardy in the first place. Wouldn't it be refreshing if our politicians decided to put partisanship aside and find ways to work together, applying common sense solutions to years of mismanagement?

Food for thought...

The Independent Healthcare Solution

The Democrats tried to fix healthcare and it is imploding and costing Americans a fortune. Republicans brought their plan before Congress and couldn't muster the necessary votes to pass their flawed plan. So let an Independent give it a shot...

First, we need to nationalize the insurance industry's standards and regulations, so that we remove the borders that keep some companies from being able to compete with others. Leveling the playing field is just common sense to encouraging competition, which encourages a lower premiums.
Second, we need to invite the top insurance companies to the table to help craft this bill- perhaps the top 6 or so. We need to get them to agree to a basic insurance policy, catastrophic coverage, if you will, with a reasonable deductible and coverage for pre-existing conditions and allowing kids to stay until age 26, for an affordable price for about anyone. Then, if people want additional coverage for things like maternity, or drug counseling, etc, they can pay for those additional services. Think of it like ordering a pizza- everyone can afford the small cheese pizza, but if you want sausage or pepperoni, peppers, onions, etc you pay an up-charge. Crafting a bill without insurance carrier input is like creating a pizza recipe and then telling Papa Johns, Pizza Hut, and Domino's they all have to use it. Not a very smart way to do business with the pizza industry, and likewise, it's not a very smart to craft insurance policy without the provider input. Once there's agreement among the big carriers to supply basic coverage other companies would have to tailor plans and adapt or lose market share. The onus is on the insurance companies, not the government to be creative in lowering premium costs.
Even with this type of plan there will still be some who cannot afford it, and in such a case the government might consider a credit, much like the earned income credit to help offset costs. There could be tiered help, which increases in the case of the aged or the infirmed, However, I am not a believer in giving out credits or subsidies to able-bodied people, so my suggestion is those who fall into this category should be required to perform some community service or something like to offset their subsidy. (Just giving to those who can earn strips people of their self-esteem).
Finally, there should be no mandate to have to purchase. Proponents of the ACA bragged that they gave 20 million previously uninsured people insurance, however in 2015 some 14 million people chose to pay the penalty rather than be forced to buy insurance. There will always be uninsured because not everyone believes in it (until they need it).
So this is the outline of how to produce a plan that could be accessed by everyone who wants it. So how to pay for it? First, it will take about one tenth of the bureaucrats to oversee it, so billions will be saved in shrinking the HHS department. Second, the 38 new departments that would have been created under the ACA will not be needed and those costs are saved. The billions of taxes under the ACA would no longer be necessary, because the onus is on the industry to be competitive. Those who already get subsidies may continue, but those able-bodied will begin to give back for their subsidies. I'm sure that the cost of such a plan will be far cheaper than either the ACA or the Republican plan, for again, the suppliers have an input and the onus is on them to remain competitive, not the Government.
So, that's healthcare. Perhaps one day I'll tackle other entitlement reforms. Until then, may this be food for thought...

(PS. Mr. President, feel free to call me to expand on this if it helps.)

THE GREAT DIVIDE...

The election is over, the final numbers are in. America was divided almost equally before the election, it seems to be just as equally divided after the election of Donald Trump as our 45th President. The difference is this though- prior to the election the Democrats were making a HUGE issue out of whether Trump and his supporters would accept the results of the election when Hillary Clinton won. They said the only way to heal our country and move ahead was for the loser to graciously accept the will of the people and recognize the results as true and valid.
Oops. Hillary lost, and these same people who condemned Trump before the election for actions not yet committed are now guilty of the very thing they condemned Trump for what they thought he would do. It turned out that Trump showed humility and graciousness in victory, while Hillary's followers violently protested, refused to recognize Trump as president, cried all over social media, and threatened to leave the country. I guess the Bible was right again, when Jesus asked those critical of others how can they see the speck of sawdust in their brother's eye when they have a plank in their own?
I want to say this, to all those so upset with the election results: first, to those average Joes, like me- we have survived, as a nation the terms of 44 presidents prior to this new one, and we will survive the term of Donald Trump. Do not let the emotion of a dirty, mud-slinging, corrupt election define who you are or what you are. Do not allow an election to separate you from family or friends, those whom you care about and those who care about you, just because there were political differences. You still need each other, you need the support we can give each other to work through the tough times we face. Let's move forward together.
Second, let me say to all those celebrities out there who have threatened to leave the country if Trump won- please go. Your over-blown sense of importance is grating to me. You see, you exist in your ego inflated life for one reason- to entertain me, to entertain people. You plat act for my pleasure, or sing songs for my pleasure, and when I'm done you go back in your little plastic case until the next time I think you can entertain me. I think all too often your playacting extends into your reality and you seem to think you're above the rest of us. Well. you're not. As fast as your fame comes it can go, so if you don't want to live in the greatest country in the world, where you're free to pursue your dreams, then by all means go! We existed before you and will be here long after your star has faded. So until then, make good on your threats and leave, or start doing your part to help heal this great country.
As for the media, they can play the most critical role in aiding in the healing of our country, or the continued divisiveness. Our media exploited every opportunity to defame Trump prior to the election, because, for the most part, our media is far left leaning and the overwhelming majority clearly favored Hillary and wanted her to win. Allegations against Trump were reported as truth, and when later debunked as lies we heard nothing about it. Hillary's pay-for -play actions while Secretary of State netted her and her foundation hundreds of millions of corrupt dollars; Hillary destroyed subpoenaed evidence and devices, her husband interfered  in the FBI investigation, and the Justice Department protected her by refusing to impanel a Grand Jury which would have given teeth to the investigation, yet the media covered these crimes with the barest of detail. Still, their favored child lost. Now it's time for fairness, for our media to step up and offer support to our new president rather than seek to tear him down/ If they do, it could set the tone for healing. If they don't we can expect more protests and divisiveness- only from the left, not the right.
As a registered Independent, a fiscal conservative and a social moderate, I say to my fellow Americans, both on my left and my right- let's step up together, arm in arm, shoulder to shoulder, united in these next four years, and make this country whole once again. It's time to stop being defined by elections, by parties, and be defined as Americans!
Food for thought...

The Big Con...

A good con has several key elements to it; first you plan, then you pitch, then you take, and last you deny. You never give up the con. You just keep denying any wrong-doing and never give up the con.

Let me start out by saying that I am a registered Independent, that I believe I'm moderate on social views while being a fiscal conservative. In my time in business I've supported those I thought were good people, regardless of their political party affiliation. However, in this 2016 campaign, with so much mud and name calling, without a candidate that appeals to the majority, I decided to dig a little deeper into our two political parties and see just what they were built upon. 

I was surprised at what I discovered, and further wondered if Republicans and Democrats today are even aware of heir party roots. The oldest party, the Democratic Party, today claims that they are the party of economic opportunity, social justice and racial equality, however let's examine that claim in the light and facts of history... they were formed out of a political rift of Jefferson's party, the Democratic Republican party, and out of that split the Democratic party was born. In the 1820's Andrew Jackson was elected and was championed as good for the common man. How did he do it? In violation of treaties, he slaughtered the Indian, the native Americans, forced them onto reservations, and confiscated their lands, which he sold to poor white men for next to nothing with their promise to vote for him. He was responsible for the infamous "Trail of Tears". The National Republican party, later to become the Republican party under Lincoln, fought the Democrats, trying to uphold Indian rights, but to no avail. 

But the injustice doesn't stop there. Jackson, who called Indians "inferior humans" in his 1833 speech to Congress, felt the same about blacks. Jackson was a major slave holder, owning hundreds of slaves, and a proponent of slavery, believed in "ruling with the rawhide". Jackson once placed ads in Northern newspapers for the return of a runaway slave, offering $50 for his return, and a bonus of $10 per one hundred lashes, up to 300 lashes, which was, in essence, a death sentence... Jackson was also infamous for his trysts with his young black female slaves... 

As the country grew more and more uneasy over slavery, and with the election of Lincoln, it looked like the political winds were shifting. Lincoln's original stand was to curb the growth of slavery, and not to allow it to spread west, however, with the growing unrest, and subsequent civil war, he emancipated all slaves. The Democrats were violently opposed to it, both southern and northern Democrats. From physically attacking Republicans who spoke out on the Congress floor, to the formation of vigilante groups, the most common being the KKK, the Democrats fought against the rights of the black man. As a matter of record, not one Republican ever owned a slave. You could say that the Civil War was every bit a fight of Republicans against the Democrats as it was the North against the South.

It is interesting to note that it was not  the Democrats of the 1960s who championed civil rights, rather the Republicans of 1860s. The Republicans championed the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to our Constitution, forever banning slavery, defining citizenship, and giving citizens the right to vote despite race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Of these, only the 13th garnered a couple Democratic votes- the 14th and 15th were carried by strictly Republican votes, with no Democrat voting for these rights. The Civil Rights Acts of the 1960s, signed by President Johnson, merely guaranteed the rights already afforded blacks under the Constitution would be enforced. 

As previously mentioned, the KKK was formed and became the enforcing arm of the Democratic party. General Nathan Bedford Forrest was the first Grand Wizard, as well as a Democratic representative. What also is interesting is that the very first meeting of Planned Parenthood, founded by Margaret Sanger, was pitched to "The Wives of the KKK".Her pitch was that humanity could be improved via selective breeding, and killing weaker or lesser ones was actually a blessing... that should be an affront to all who hold humanity precious. But it was a plank of the Democratic party... 

Now I checked all this, because I hear all the politicians calling Trump and Republican followers racists, among other things, and it turns out that it is the Democratic party that has its roots and platform deep in racism. However, they have somehow pulled off one of the biggest con jobs on the American people- making them believe they are the party economic opportunity, social justice, and racial equality, when their entire history has been to subjugate or destroy minorities. Plan, pitch, take, and deny. We've seen the plan and pitch, and they're currently taking with both hands, and the denials have begun. But some are seeing through them. Recently Quanell X, leader of the New Black Panther Party, said blacks need to re-examine their relationship with the Democratic party that they've had for decades because "for 54 years we have been voting for the Democratic party like no other race in America. And they have not given us the same loyalty and love that we've given them... we are being pimped out like prostitutes, and they're the big pimps pimping us politically, promising us everything and we get nothing in return". Take and deny... but truth is truth. 

One last claim... Democrats claimed that "racist" leaders switched to the Republican party, mainly to appeal to blacks to get them to switch allegiances in the 1930s, when many were looking to the Democratic party promises during the great depression. Of those leaders of the KKK and other racist organizations, Democratic Congressmen and Senators, from 1860 to 2000, all those who voted against the Civil Rights Act of 1964- over 1600 total people, and less than 1% switched parties from Democrat to Republican (12 people). Plan, pitch, take, and deny. Truth has no place in a con. Never give up the con. Fact checked and verified...

Food for thought...

Gun Control...

Perhaps one of the most divisive issues facing our society today is the issue of gun control. Those left of center cry out for bans on everything from assault weapons to total ban on all guns. Those right of center demand their 2nd amendment Constitutional right to bear arms... so who is right, and who is wrong?
Let me start by saying I am not a gun owner, and aside from owing a BB gun I've never owned gun. I don't hunt, or shoot for pleasure, nor do I have any affiliations with the gun industry. I  have friends and relatives who own guns and staunchly defend their rights to them, and I have friends and relatives who are dead set against them. I am trying to view this controversy objectively and put forth an informed opinion.
With that said, I'm not going to bore you with statistics- they are well-documented and all over the internet. But this is what I've found... With shootings in Michigan, Dallas, Baton Rogue, et al, the focus of our MS media is on the need for gun control. Yet if we take the total deaths by all rifles, not just assault rifles,each year, they are far fewer than deaths causes by hand, by hammers or other blunt force instruments, by knives, or screwdrivers... we see the benefits of hammers and screwdrivers, so we don't scream for a ban on them, tho they be far deadlier to our population...
Further, it is well documented that societies than ban guns have far higher violent crime and death rates than those who do not ban guns. Even in the United States cities that ban guns show this trend, while cities allowing concealed carry have a far lower violent crime rate. Why? Clearly criminals are more apprehensive in a society that is armed. This is the exact opposite that those left of center falsely claim. Statistics don't lie... Personally, if I'm in a crowd and someone starts shooting, it would comfort me to know that there could be one or more people in that crowd who could stop a random, crazed shooter than having to wait for police to arrive, and have numerous more deaths occur in the meantime... just a thought...
In a broader sense though, what has history taught us about gun control? No one denies the existence of Hitler, nor the atrocities he inflicted on Jews and the world. What was the first thing Hitler demanded of Germany when he came to power? Total gun control. Everyone turn in your weapons and allow the State to protect you. He realized that to bend the people to his will he first needed to remove their power to resist. And look what happened. Are we to repeat history? I think not. The promise of security is never again worth the price of our freedom.
We've all heard the slogans, Guns don't kill people. People kill people." Or, "When guns are outlawed only outlaws will have guns". Those left of center decry these as false, yet they are grounded in truth. The truth is that those who are willing to violently break the law will find another means to create fear and enact their unlawful acts. Guns are a convenience for these people, and outlawing them will not force them to willingly relinquish them. Our issue isn't guns- it's the mindset of those wielding them. We need to focus on the social depravity that leads to these acts of violence. I'm all for background checks, mandatory classes on how to care and handle firearms, and registration of firearms. All are good ideas in themselves, and law abiding citizens would not be offended by them if allowed to keep their arms. However, lawbreakers will not, and do not, follow the law. We have many laws on the books regulating guns, yet most are not enforced. Instead of trying to force more regulations on the country wouldn't it make sense to first enforce those already on the books? And if those left of center just can't agree that this is a fair compromise then the way to change is through a Constitutional amendment repealing the second amendment. However, if they don't have the votes then it means they don't have the majority. And if you're in the minority in a free country, please learn to live peacefully with the majority, who want differently than you, or perhaps you become the problem...
Food for thought...

To Thine Own Self Be True...

A very good friend passed away a few years ago, and before he passed he asked me to keep a helping eye on his wife after he was gone. This past week was the our most recent connection. I stopped by and we chatted for about an hour, just reminiscing and catching up on life. Then, as I prepared to go, as we stood by the door, she said to me, "Bud, I'm not ready to be with someone else." I knew then that this was the real reason for my visit...
When my friend was alive he often used to walk into my office and ask me "life questions", as I liked to think of them. Mostly they were "Why shouldn't I..." questions. And mostly, I'm sure I never told him anything he didn't already know. But my answers validated his beliefs, despite his feelings at the time. Feelings can be fickle, but our core beliefs, if built on a solid foundation, can sustain us through any of life's storms.
I got a similar feeling when she made her statement. Nothing I was going to say would be new to her, but it would validate her beliefs. And I told her, if she's not ready for someone new in her life, that's okay. It takes time to grieve, and each person is unique in their own way. But it is healthy to continue to move forward, to continue to live, rather than merely exist day to day in our grief... One day, if God has someone special for her, he will cross her path, and at that time she will realize it's okay to enter another relationship, to allow her emotions, her heart, to belong to another, even as she holds the heart of someone new. In the meantime, it's perfectly acceptable to remain alone, complete in oneself. There is nothing wrong with being alone, with being single. And society is beginning to accept that status too... Be true to yourself, your feelings...
Food for thought

A New Chapter...

Last week I completed the sale and transfer of my business to my second son, and have begun closing that chapter of my life. Thirty one years at the same job; once a common story in years past, but a rarity in this generation where the average stay at a job is less than five years. But then, I think I'm an old fashioned guy, born about two or three hundred years too late. i would have loved to ride to the crest of a hill and look over land unviewed or untouched by another human being...But alas, I'm here and now..

My future no longer lies in the northern Midwest, but I migrate south, to that peninsula that divides the Atlantic ocean from the Gulf of Mexico, the land of citrus and sun, Florida. Somewhere in this magnificent state Juan Ponce de Leon was convinced was the location of the magical Fountain of Youth, that reversed aging and cured sickness... I'm happy if the process just slows a bit!

This new chapter in my life may be my most difficult, for I am focusing on correcting all the stuff I did wrong to myself these past fifty-some years, I need to lose weight, to get in shape, regain my tennis form, start bicycling again, If I get in decent enough shape I may even play softball again, but I have lots of work to do before that happens. I need to get my  new house the way I want it, although I'm well on my way, I have a whole yard waiting to be converted from weeds to lawn...My yard was always my stress relief, and I can't wait to plant and prune and trim my stress away. I'm giving myself one year from the time I finish consulting and get to Florida full time to focus on me physically.

Next I need to focus on my inside. My daughter has encouraged me to write, or put much of my past blogs into a book form. She assures me that she'd buy it, so that's at least four books sold, for I'd buy three and give one to each of my boys... A cheap and unique present that they'd feel guilty returning... I have done a lot of genealogy work and would like to flesh that out more. I find history is exciting and comes alive when i know I'm related to some of those characters... And perhaps I'll counsel a bit, for that was always a love of mine, and perhaps my formal education will finally be put to proper use...
It's a new day, a new chapter, a new life. Wish me luck... For this may be my toughest yet!
Food for thought...