Way back in the 1940s, Will Rogers cautioned that the 1% consistently increase their wealth because money doesn’t trickle down; money gushes up.

Ignorance is virulent, injurious and extremely contagious, but generally relieved by a patient application of facts. SC

THE DAMAGE WAS ALRESDY DONE

Yesterday I was lounging contentedly in the Corolla, patiently awaiting the arrival of my spouse, as instructed; when a remarkably well fed young lady ambled by.  She was gaily bedight in a two-piece swimsuit which, despite what I’m certain had been a valiant effort, was rapidly abandoning all hope of containing her.  Her plentiful form was an entirely unrestrained celebration of unbridled undulation, and displayed a propensity for self expression, independence and extravagant fluidity of motion well beyond anything I’d previously imagined or ever hoped to see. I quickly averted my gaze and began a frantic contemplation of the cosmos in a desperate attempt to unsee the demonstration, but the damage was already done.  SC

CELEBRATE DIVERSITY AND KEEP AMERICA STRONG

Lately I’ve heard numerous concerned citizens pose the following question: What has gone wrong with this country and how did it get this way? They believe our best days are behind us. I, of course, can only offer my own humble opinion. I disagree. I believe this great nation suffers today from the same malady that has, from its inception, made America the wonder of the world. Today, as always, we suffer from growing pains, unprecedented prosperity and a desire on the part of sincere and compassionate Americans to promote and manage this remarkable achievement in a way that is sustainable, fair and equitable for all our citizens. We’ve gotten this way because, as a democracy, when we vote, we elect leaders who reflect and represent a voting populace whose views are as diverse and varied as one would expect from a population comprised of every faith, heritage, ethnicity and nationality on the planet. As a result, today the principles that made America great are stronger than ever, our ideals increasingly resolute, our future brighter and our liberty the envy of the world. The vast, moderate, middle of our electorate may not be prepared to march for the advancement of justice. But, once advanced, the majority will recognize and sustain it. The American ideals of Liberty and Justice are forged in the fires of scripture and tempered by the ages.  Many people have dedicated their lives to the freedoms we Americans enjoy today.  Honor their sacrifice. Honor our veterans and all those who choose a life of service.  In all things, promote liberty for all and justice tempered by mercy. Take pride in your heritage, but value the traditions of others. America’s greatest strength is diversity. Celebrate diversity and keep America strong. SC

Christianity & Partisan Politics

Christianity today is too often complicated by partisan politics. Partisan Christianity tends to fall into two general groups.  On one hand there are those who see service to God as a daily struggle to live, advocate and enforce when possible a strict adherence to archaic Hebrew legalism.  On the other, there are those who believe the gospels were intended to spread the good news that Jesus loves each and every one of us, even when our best efforts fall short, and that Christ is best served by humbly offering his nail scarred hand to anyone who’ll have it.  SC

Celebrate achievements and boldly strive ahead

For many of us who remember the 1950s and ‘60s, our memories of those times are reflected in and rekindled by the music of that period.  Much of that music had a common theme.  People sang of a new day coming.  Lyrics told of a future in which all people would be united in a peaceful recognition and acceptance of the fact that we are each different and unique. Popular songs encouraged love and tolerance and conjured up pictures of a time when peaceful coexistence would be the order of the day and all mankind would join in the common cause of freedom and justice for all; a time when mankind could be relied upon to assist those who needed assistance and value the best efforts of each and every individual who did their best, even when their very best fell short. Over the decades since the ‘50s and ‘60s, many have dedicated themselves to achieving the romanticized goals of our youth, the goals of liberty and justice, as contained in America’s historical documents, and the pursuit of goodness, grace and mercy in the eyes of God. Despite the polarization which plagues our nation today, much has been achieved. We stand today at a crossroads, on the firm foundation those dedicated efforts produced. We live now in that new day foretold in our youth by dreamers, songwriters and poets. Some would take us back to a dark, divided past, where ignorance and mistrust were the order of the day, and intolerance and bigotry were celebrated. For the rest of us, we see about us the realization of the dreams and ideals of our youth, the remarkable advances made by a nation inspired by dreamers, united by song, and faithfully dedicated to liberty and justice for all. For us, despite the many challenges we face, we celebrate achievements and boldly strive ahead.  SC

EVENINGS

I always miss you most in the evening,
When sun goes down and memory’s embers glow,
When darkness overcomes the light
Becoming one with shadows,
And faith becomes the only light I know. SC