What Marks a Leader?

I have been watching several politically oriented TV segments recently in which people keep saying that President Obama should change course in light of the midterm elections.  How sad!  A true leader does not always do what is popular, but stands firm for what he/she believes to be right.  Is it more important to do what is right or to get re-elected?  If what Mr Obama is focusing on is wrong, time will bear that out.  If it is simply unpopular, too bad.  When did we ever get to the point in society that the boisterous majority sets the course and determines policy?

If popluarity reigned, women would not be voting, gays would not be getting married, African Americans would be living is slavery and using separate facilities, the outcome of World Wars I & II would have far different, and the list goes on.   These irritants and deterrants to a healthy society were (or are being) eradicated because leaders led rather than followed.

It is time that we stopped allowing elections to be decided by popularity or by the amount of mud being slung, and elected leaders who will stand for right, regardless of the political cost.

And that, friends, is my rant for today.

Just Checking In

Hey everyone!  There's not much happening at the moment, but since I haven't posted in a few days, I thought I ought to let you know that I am still alive.  I have been feeling a little bit useless of late -- down to working three days a week and no particular church responsibilities.  That means that, for the most part, I have four days a week to do as I please- the problem is that I haven't quite figured out what "do as I please" means.  I can sit and watch TV and play on the Internet all day, but then I feel as though I haven't accomplished anything.  I can clean, do laundry, or cook -- fun for a bit, but those things quickly lose their appeal.  I can go shopping -- but I don't need anything and I surely can't afford a lot.  I could travel, but that too costs money.  I think I may look at volunteer opportunities for a day a week or so, but I haven't quite decided where or what.  Sometimes I wonder if semi-retirement was the right choice -- that question is quickly settled every week when I hit that first work day -- wishing that retirement was total which also is not feasible right now.  Part of the reason for semi-retirement was to have more time to accomplish the church tasks, but that role changed a month ago.  I'm not really complaining here, just rambling, and searching for direction and renewed purpose.  Stay tuned for updates.   And that is the way it is today.  Have a good one.

The Morning After

Well, election night 2010 is over, even though there are still a few results to come in.  It was not a pretty night for the Democrats, but we still woke up today and, God willing, will wake up tomorrow as well.  Now that this bloodbath election is behind us and the 2012 bludgeoning has not begun in earnest, it is time to put parties and animosity aside and to work together to address the challenges that are before us -- jobs, economy, wars, the environment, DADT, same sex marriage, and the list goes on.  This cooperative spirit is needed, not only in Washington (though it is certainly essential there if there is to be improvement), but on every street in every town in every state.  We each need to remember that it is not about what is best for ME or my party or businesses or the poor or the rich or __________, but it is about what is best for the country and what is right.  That means the inclusion and the dignity of all people regardless of religious beliefs, sexuality, or any other matter that actually has nothing to do with governing.   Thankfully, most of the candidates who put forth hate or far out policy points LOST.  We are not a Christian nation nor are we a theocracy nor are we a heterosexual nation.  We are a nation, and we need to remember the phrase, "We the people".  We also need to stop saying, "I want my country back!"  My country, governed by Republicans and Democrats (and some Tea Party folks -- whatever exactly that means) is still here as it has been for more than 200 years.  There have been problems, challenges, failures, victories, advances, wars, peace, and all those ("my country" things) throughout our history, and I believe that if we are true to our founding principles (which were not exclusively Christian), we will persevere and be around for a very long time.  My challenge to you all today is this:  What are YOU doing to make it better?  And that, my friends, is the way I see it today!

Where's the Dignity?

This election cycle is nearly over -- thankfully.  I would like to suggest to future candidates that they pledge to restore dignity, statesmanship, common decency, and professionalism to the election process.  I am so tired of candidates (or others in the political fray) calling others "corrupt bastards", "whore", "facist", "socialist" and so on or telling the President of the United States to "shove" his endorsement or using words like "that sucks".  Is this high school, the bar room, or even the water cooler crowd?  No, these are the people who are being considered for positions of extreme importance in the future of our nation and world.  These people want to govern?  They even even practice decency and decorum!  I wish one candidate would rise above the onslaught of mud, vulgarity, insult, and childish petulence and stand on his or her positions on issues -- not demeaning the opposition, but telling us what he or she (the candidate) will strive to do if they are elected.  What a change and what a positive example for the young people of the US.

Did you ever wonder where the bullying in schools is coming from?  Read the above paragraph!  If we say it's okay to be vulgar, to insult and demean, and to disrespect even the highest office in the land, is it any wonder that kids think it's okay to do that to their peers?  Add to that the rants of the religious right which do nothing but heighten the fears and bigotry that run so deeply in society.  Folks, it's time to reclaim some human dignity here, and I call upon every person who holds or hopes to hold a position of influence or authority to model the common decency and respect that they would like to experience.

And that's the way it is on this Election eve!

Greetings

Happy November; happy Monday; happy All Saints Day; happy "day before election" day.  Don't forget to go vote tomorrow.  And, of course, vote for the correct candidates -- we need to move forward not backward.  Things ARE getting better!!!  Let's not let it go back to the Bush years -- it was NOT better!