OUR BEST HOPE

This morning, as we powerup our ubiquitous devices to consult our chosen media, we find the very foundations of civilization tested at home and abroad. Our choice is to recognize these threats or deny and ignore them. In any case, what influence do we as individuals have over world events? Our best hope is civil discourse and our determination to be one more stitch in the tattered fabric of civilization, as opposed to one more tear. Our best hope is peaceful participation in the prayerful pursuit of truth, justice, democracy and peace. Our best hope is our respect and support for the time-tested institutions of our American government, and compassion, mercy, and tolerance for one another. Our best hope is our own realization that there are daunting challenges ahead, and our only hope for success is to face them together. SC

Good news about death

Many of my friends are getting old and facing death. I've spent twenty years volunteering at a nursing home. I've seen a good deal of death. There's money to be made in the field of religion. Religion is lucrative, and faith can be rewarding, but there's nothing scary about being dead. There are actually only two options, and neither one is scary. Either the stories of God's mercy are true, and we go to a better place, or they're not, and death provides release into the most peaceful, carefree sleep we've ever experienced. In either case, death is release from our aching hearts and tattered robes of flesh. Relax and enjoy life while it lasts. SC

Mark Twain would be deliriously happy!

They've banned Huckleberry Finn again! Mark Twain would be deliriously happy! I still have no Literary Agent for my three historical novels. I'm desperate to have them published, because it should be great fun when they're each banned for their historically accurate content! SC

I've been asked if I'm a Democrat.

I've been asked if I'm a Democrat. I'm a person of faith and an American. My beliefs and convictions are those of the Bible, America's founding documents, and our Constitution. I believe in doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with my God. And I recognize your right to walk with yours. I believe in freedom, to the full extent freedom is possible, without infringing on the rights of others. I believe, as Americans, we have a responsibility to protect these liberties for ourselves, others, and future generations, and to defend our republic against all threats both foreign and domestic. I believe any threat to our democratic republic is a threat against me, and as such, I advocate for quick and certain justice for anyone who threatens the peace, the rule of law, or the peaceful transition of power. And I believe to do otherwise is inexcusable. I believe liars and convicted criminals should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. And I intend to vote accordingly. SC