A festive visit to the Republican Convention

Last night we were treated to a festive visit to the Republican Convention.  Mrs. Romney was clearly passionate and well rehearsed in her insistence that, despite all appearances, her husband is a human being.  I for one am convinced.  I wish the Romney family all the best, and remain convinced that, given the opportunity, the Romney family is entirely willing and well prepared to repopulate the entire planet should that prove necessary.          Personally, I found Mr. Christie less convincing, although I agree, Mr. Christie is not easy to love.  Mr. Christie suggested that, in his opinion, the civic minded teachers and professional service providers of our country are entirely satisfied with stagnant, insufficient salaries, and that they’re entirely content to continue providing their services well past the age of 70, and that, in any case, they don’t do it for the money anyway. That seems unlikely to me, but we will take Mr. Christie at his word.  Mr. Christie further suggests, that the senior citizens of our country are also extremely civic minded, and would gladly work at some fast food place or on Wal*Mart’s third shift, without insurance or benefits of any kind, well into their 70s, in order to see to it that multimillionaires can receive additional tax relief.  Again I am skeptical, but who am I to argue with Mr. Christie?  And finally Mr. Christie insists it doesn’t really matter how we got here. And this too may be entirely accurate, if it’s also true that the entire country is too ignorant to learn from a series of gross miscalculations which have bankrupted the country for generations and left a huge portion of the population homeless.  SC

The very last thing they want!

The most dangerous threats to our country today are not the few controversial issues that divide us, but the bigots and hate mongers who deliberately inflame those issues for that very purpose. By definition, issues are divisive as a result of varying viewpoints. In a free society, such matters are reconciled through reason and compromise.  In today’s polarized political climate, these issues become invaluable weapons in the hands of those who intend to win at any cost. For their purposes, the peaceful resolution of these passion infused issues is the very last thing they want.  SC 

Choose one. It couldn't be more simple.

On one hand, the upcoming election is wildly complicated and unpredictable, turning on a poorly turned phrase here, an unexpected stock market bump there, and all variety of unforeseeable circumstances.  On the other hand, it couldn’t be more simple. We’ll either elect people who will continue our recovery, investing in our country, rebuilding the middle class, and  reinforcing the American ideals of liberty and justice for all; or we’ll elect people who will write off the middle class entirely, sucking the last dime from our economy and squirreling it neatly away in their own offshore accounts.  This election can be about a few hot button issues that rarely affect most of us, or it can be about our vision for our future. We can elect people who reach out in civility in search of constructive answers to the difficult questions which confront us, or we can elect those who deliberately widen the growing abyss, finding fault, promoting hatred, and accumulating unimaginable power and wealth.  Which would you prefer?  SC 

Hail the incomparable TEA PARTY

Well, not entirely incomparable!

It’s your choice, but ask yourself,

 “would I buy a used Cadillac from this man?”

The pure, unadulterated facts as I understand them

The following represent the pure, unadulterated facts as I understand them.  Of course, it’s a sad fact that’s impervious to improvement.

   First of all, assuming just for a moment, that I’ve gleaned some bit of wisdom from my long, illustrious career as a vagrant, I’ll share a few thoughts on living a satisfying life. First of all, set aside a bright, roomy section of your mind and fill it with all your best memories.  Visit it often and never enter without first removing your shoes.  Keep it immaculate and it will serve you well. Share it with your Deity, whatever you perceive him to be.

   Sharpen your awareness of the natural wonders that surround us, and encourage it’s appreciation in others. Be cognizant of life’s cycles, appreciating each new season in turn, while realizing fully that despite our best efforts, time is resolute, and with time, each season will pass. Embrace each new season with hope and optimism, while retaining all that’s best of seasons past.

   Do not be drawn into meaningless, futile, debilitating debates with loud, obnoxious people, especially on Facebook. Just consider the source and when possible avoid their venting. Their noise is a noxious vapor, and repulsed silence is often the appropriate response. I have good news.  Your loudmouth neighbor, your loudmouth in-law, and the loudmouth in your Sunday school class, all have one thing in common; they don’t know squat!  They’re just noisy!  Relax and ignore them, and don’t encourage their clamor.  Be mindful of your example to others; it’s your most effective testimony.  Value truth and consider the cost of deceit. 

   Cherish and reverently exercise your right to vote and keep this country free!  Many people have given their lives in order to secure the freedoms you enjoy today.  Honor their sacrifice.  Honor our veterans and all those who choose a life of service. Honor individuality, revere tolerance and exhort all those who lift up the cause of freedom. Confront ignorance, and be diligent in the advancement of knowledge.  Ignorance and intolerance are almost inseparable, and despite what some will tell you, neither one is a virtue. Positive outcomes are never achieved through negative actions. Respond to others, as you’d have them respond to you. 

   Be open to affection but wary of unwholesome pleasures. And do not be deceived. Deceit is ephemeral; lies and indiscretions will eventually come to light. Every action has a consequence.  When considering any action, before proceeding, think the scenario through to its logical conclusion.  You can never undo a thoughtless deed, and carelessly sewn seeds produce a ponderous harvest!

   Anything that you are unable to do in good conscience and moderation, do not do!  Eat nutritiously and judiciously, consistently burning more calories than you consume, until you’ve achieved your ideal weight, and you will be healthier, more industrious, more prosperous, more popular, profoundly gratified, and gut wrenchingly contented.  It’s what all the ages have striven for.

   In all things, promote liberty for all, and justice tempered with mercy.  In this country, everyone has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

   Celebrate ethnicity; take pride in your heritage, but value the traditions of others.  Our country’s greatest strength is diversity; honor diversity and keep America strong. While I am generally conservative in my own actions, I am passionately liberal in defense of the choices of others. Personal choices, that’s what freedom is. Remember always that you are as good as any and better than none. Be just, merciful, humble, and be happy.

   Am I happy?  Why, I’m happy as a bug on the bow of a boat!  Have you ever watched a grasshopper at the bow of a boat, when the old steamer is churning along at a good clip, the hull is pounding the cobalt blue water into a fine spray and the shore is sailing by; and that old grasshopper is clinging to the railing for dear life, his little antennae are trailing in the wind, his molars are all catching sunlight, his eyes are glazed over and glistening in grateful satisfaction, and the tobacco juice is streaming out the corners of his mouth and collecting in his whiskers and his ears?  Now that’s happy!  SC

Four essential human freedoms

"We look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.... freedom of speech and expression...freedom of every person to worship God in his own way...freedom from want...freedom from fear."  Franklin Roosevelt