So that I repented, counted my blessings, and backed away from the edge.

I’m often struck by the parallels between my life and that of Jimmy Stewart in his role in “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I’ve had much the same triumph, much the same joy, and much the same failure and debilitating despair. Probably most noteworthy are the many occasions when my Heavenly Father, in some form not unlike Clarence, has interceded on my behalf, so that I repented, counted my blessings, and backed away from the edge. SC

Wake me when it's over.

 

Cut each other some slack.

Each and every one of us is a distinctive product of our gene pool, our environment, our life experience and our faith. Our beliefs, our convictions, and our partisan leanings are inherent in the unique and singular individual which, through time, we each become. As a result, some of us lean blue, and others red. It’s not simply what we choose to believe. To a large extent, it’s what we’ve become. We need elected officials and government policies that recognize and allow for those differences. We need to accept that we’re different and cut each other some slack. There's a term for it; it's called "liberty and justice for all." SC

TRUTH or CONSEQUENCES

The presidency of the United States of America is no place for senile, old men who have a vendetta, a personal agenda, and an insatiable appetite for power. While partisan politics is an inescapable element of elections, once elected, in order to be effective, our president must govern with the sole purpose of serving the best interests of all Americans, regardless of party and partisan agendas. The foremost responsibility of our President is promoting the unity of our citizens and behaving in a way that is worthy of the respect of all Americans and the world. Our President is essentially the personification of America, our unwavering pursuit of truth and justice, and our determination to persevere as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. If and when our president proves incapable of acting responsibly and serving the best interests of all Americans, our Constitution provides means for his peaceful and timely removal. As citizens, it falls to us to act in the best interests of all our fellow citizens and the unity and prosperity of our nation. SC

A MORE PERFECT UNION

America’s ideals of liberty and justice for all have been a work in progress for a long time. Progress has been tediously slow, but steady. Mistakes have been made. Setbacks have been painful and frequent. Progress has come only through determination, dedication, and constant struggle, but it has come. Democratic government requires pursuing the greater good and addressing the needs of a greatly diversified electorate, comprised of frequently opposing and passionately held beliefs. It’s a volatile and uneasy accord, which is achieved only through compromise and concession. Make no mistake. The decisions we make as we deal or fail to deal with the current kerfuffle will shape our children’s future for decades to come. Our democracy works as intended only when each of its three branches demonstrate a healthy respect for Truth, Justice and its fellow branches. Events currently unfolding will literally determine whether our democracy survives and whether our government of, by, and for the people will continue its time-honored pursuit of liberty and justice for all. Embrace the future, be civil, and participate in the essential process of democracy. A perfect union is a mighty lofty goal, but a more perfect union is attainable when we work together. SC

Years ago, I self-published a little book called GLAD DAYS LONG AGO. On the back cover I wrote the following. I believe it's true.

"Each and every day, each and every one of us, regardless of our circumstances, has a choice. We can squander our time fingering old welts, second guessing past decisions, and tormenting ourselves over the poor choices of others; or we can embrace a new day brimming with opportunities for doing justly, loving mercy, and building foundations for a bright new tomorrow. Time is precious; choose wisely." SC 

Suffering and deprivation of biblical proportions

The current administration, for whatever reason, seems determined to defund, deregulate, and dismantle all America's essential institutions and any safeguards against government overreach. I want you to imagine America without taxes, Social Security, Medicaid, Medicare, affordable health care, worker’s protection, environmental protection, Public Schools, civil rights, coordination between states, repairs to our infrastructure, a reliable electrical grid, road and freeway repairs, or anything resembling a functioning democracy. It's not a pretty picture. It’s a scene of incomprehensible suffering and deprivation of biblical proportions. It’s terrifying. But it’s absolutely essential that you think about it. And then act. SC