Today was Thanksgiving day. Late morning I drove through downtown Franklin and marveled at the beauty of Liberty Street heading toward the courthouse with all the Christmas decorations. Then my attention was drawn to the fact that every downtown store and restaurant was close. And I was thankful!!! Owners, employees and their families were together today. Our town closes on Thanksgiving. You will see the same on Christmas. YEAH!!!!
There have been years I was traveling on those days to get home. I felt bad when I stopped for gas or paid the toll and realized that person was working instead of being home with their family. While in the Air Force, there was only one holiday spent with family and only because my sister happened to be in the same state at the time with a husband in the Army. It was painful at times.
So, today, I am thankful for perhaps an odd thing - town was closed today. Yes, there were a couple of gas stations open. One place was serving Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, the hotel was open. But everyone else paused for a day of giving thanks and time with family.
There is a slippery trend to start "Black Friday" early with large stores starting Thanksgiving eve or sooner. As a small business owner, I can understand the temptation to reach for opportunity where it may be but this small business owner will focus on a day of giving thanks and being with family. There is something worth much more than a dollar. And I will celebrate seeing a quiet street on family days as I imagine togetherness.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Stop Poking!
People of all political persuasions are expressing weariness with the tone of discourse in the country. It's draining. We're not exchanging ideas or thoughtful discussion. It's more like eye poking and taking sucker punches. It's full of soundbites and one liners intended to provoke rather than provide a forum for contextual information exchange. It's emotionally charged rather than fact based.
How do we stop it?
We stop poking and sucker punching. WE stop.
In recent days there have been silly "poke in the eye" memes that crossed in my feeds. You know the kind; a graphic with a tiny body and big head and some statement that groups a bunch of people in that group as being something or other. Another patting themselves on the back for not being mobs or rioters like that group. The temptation is to poke back with equal venom and stereotyping. Maybe say something like "no, your group just sends bombs and shoot people in churches or synagogues." And that's how we keep things going. Punch - counter-punch.
If we really want to stop all this, we have to stop. First, don't post provocative graphics. It doesn't help to try to walk back the tone in later post discussion. We already poked somebody in the eye. They are looking at the walk back with one eye now and it's seeing red.
Don't poke back when a post annoys you. They don't need to know it annoyed you. If everyone ignores them, it will stop eventually. Get thicker skin.
Finally, if you do have fact based information that isn't emotionally charged, consider sharing it on your own page - not theirs. Let their snarky posts inspire you to be educated about the related subject. Check a variety of sources. Focus on facts. Be ready for a possible discussion - in person. It's quite likely that person is not seeking greater context than what they saw on Facebook or heard from their favorite commentator. If it becomes a discussion someday, be ready to name sources and provide valuable information that may cause them to think about the issue differently. Be sure your position is fact based and logical. If it doesn't change their mind, let it go.
Once in a while you will discover a person of opposing view who has actually done their homework. That's cool. Be open to it and take it in. That's how we resolve differences; by learning to understand and hear each other. We solve problems by looking at them from all perspectives. When we can get to a point where we want to solve problems together, we make America Great Again.
How do we stop it?
We stop poking and sucker punching. WE stop.
In recent days there have been silly "poke in the eye" memes that crossed in my feeds. You know the kind; a graphic with a tiny body and big head and some statement that groups a bunch of people in that group as being something or other. Another patting themselves on the back for not being mobs or rioters like that group. The temptation is to poke back with equal venom and stereotyping. Maybe say something like "no, your group just sends bombs and shoot people in churches or synagogues." And that's how we keep things going. Punch - counter-punch.
If we really want to stop all this, we have to stop. First, don't post provocative graphics. It doesn't help to try to walk back the tone in later post discussion. We already poked somebody in the eye. They are looking at the walk back with one eye now and it's seeing red.
Don't poke back when a post annoys you. They don't need to know it annoyed you. If everyone ignores them, it will stop eventually. Get thicker skin.
Finally, if you do have fact based information that isn't emotionally charged, consider sharing it on your own page - not theirs. Let their snarky posts inspire you to be educated about the related subject. Check a variety of sources. Focus on facts. Be ready for a possible discussion - in person. It's quite likely that person is not seeking greater context than what they saw on Facebook or heard from their favorite commentator. If it becomes a discussion someday, be ready to name sources and provide valuable information that may cause them to think about the issue differently. Be sure your position is fact based and logical. If it doesn't change their mind, let it go.
Once in a while you will discover a person of opposing view who has actually done their homework. That's cool. Be open to it and take it in. That's how we resolve differences; by learning to understand and hear each other. We solve problems by looking at them from all perspectives. When we can get to a point where we want to solve problems together, we make America Great Again.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Where will it end?
All around us, there are truly remarkable stories about people who care. There is much love in this world. In hours of darkness, we need to hear their stories and lift those values of compassion, dedication to humanity, and service. These stories are not fewer but the ugliness has grown larger.
What have we become as a nation?
Instead of being a nation of innovation and moral leaders, we are becoming a nation of defenders - warriors.
In the 70's a deranged person tainted a bottle of medicine. As a result, every container we buy with consumable product is now double sealed.
Shoplifters steal millions of dollars worth of items and now we have product packaging that requires heavy duty scissors to open.
Deranged people used airplanes to kill masses and now flying requires body scans, luggage scans, shoe removal and long lines at check points.
We've suffered through dozens of mass shootings in multiple settings. Now, public buildings, schools, and hospitals have guards and scanners. Worst, is a call for armed guards in places of worship.
The nation once viewed as the world example of compassion and welcome for immigrants - exemplified by the image and words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty - has a leader calling for building a giant wall and who continually attacks immigration.
What have we become?
Where will it end?
We cannot get angry enough to overcome the forces of evil.
We cannot build big enough walls or fortresses or weapons to overcome it.
We cannot react as defenders to change it.
We have to stop magnifying dangers to a point of ridiculousness.
We have to start thinking differently, speaking differently and acting differently.
The answer is to think bigger, talk softer and determine to understand deeper. What we need to build are broader relationships not bigger defenses. We need to be better problem solvers not bigger, louder bullies.
What have we become as a nation?
Instead of being a nation of innovation and moral leaders, we are becoming a nation of defenders - warriors.
In the 70's a deranged person tainted a bottle of medicine. As a result, every container we buy with consumable product is now double sealed.
Shoplifters steal millions of dollars worth of items and now we have product packaging that requires heavy duty scissors to open.
Deranged people used airplanes to kill masses and now flying requires body scans, luggage scans, shoe removal and long lines at check points.
We've suffered through dozens of mass shootings in multiple settings. Now, public buildings, schools, and hospitals have guards and scanners. Worst, is a call for armed guards in places of worship.
The nation once viewed as the world example of compassion and welcome for immigrants - exemplified by the image and words inscribed on the Statue of Liberty - has a leader calling for building a giant wall and who continually attacks immigration.
What have we become?
Where will it end?
We cannot get angry enough to overcome the forces of evil.
We cannot build big enough walls or fortresses or weapons to overcome it.
We cannot react as defenders to change it.
We have to stop magnifying dangers to a point of ridiculousness.
We have to start thinking differently, speaking differently and acting differently.
The answer is to think bigger, talk softer and determine to understand deeper. What we need to build are broader relationships not bigger defenses. We need to be better problem solvers not bigger, louder bullies.
Friday, October 12, 2018
I don't get it?????? Please explain.
If you heard your neighbor bragging about groping women, you knew he paid off women with whom he had an affair to keep them quiet, and you knew he cheated on 4 previous wives, would you take your children next door? Would you hold your neighbor up as an exemplary example of behavior for your daughters and sons? Really? Would you?
Would it matter how much money he claimed to have in his bank account?
Is that the measure of esteem for you? Really?
If your neighbor was known to lie thousands of times, would you choose to believe his words? Really?
If you knew your neighbor was aiding and admiring local bullies who harassed, tortured and even killed those with dissenting views, would you endorse them? Really?
Are your ethics tied to your personal pocketbook and ego? Really?
Do you think the line of subjection will not touch you? Really?
If that is really what you believe, please explain it to me in terms that make some sort of sense. It makes no sense to me at all.
I see folks proud to be introducing children to this frame of ethics. It makes no sense. If the words of this one were in the mouth of anyone labeled in the other party, there would be great outrage and rightly so. But somehow this "brand" is accepted and I don't get it.
I've even seen that "God" ordained all this madness. Really? Explain this God to me.
I see love of subjugation, exploitation, greed and a level of dishonesty/corruption that rivals no previous administration. I see absolutely nothing resembling any teaching of Jesus - NONE. No humility, no truth, no compassion, Nothing!
The money changers are enabled and protected. Those throwing stones at the under protected are rewarded and applauded. Those challenging the powerful are stifled and/or silenced. The "least of these" are dismissed. Those seeking asylum are driven away. I see absolutely nothing resembling any teaching of Jesus - NONE. No humility, no truth, no compassion, Nothing!
i don't get it. If you believe you can, please explain it. It cannot be simply that you believe it would be so much worse if, if, if. I need to hear what you believe is actually working to anyone's benefit. Surely, you believe something more than THIS and must think THIS will SOMEHOW lead to that SOMETHING better. Please. Please. Please. Explain how this will happen.
Would it matter how much money he claimed to have in his bank account?
Is that the measure of esteem for you? Really?
If your neighbor was known to lie thousands of times, would you choose to believe his words? Really?
If you knew your neighbor was aiding and admiring local bullies who harassed, tortured and even killed those with dissenting views, would you endorse them? Really?
Are your ethics tied to your personal pocketbook and ego? Really?
Do you think the line of subjection will not touch you? Really?
If that is really what you believe, please explain it to me in terms that make some sort of sense. It makes no sense to me at all.
I see folks proud to be introducing children to this frame of ethics. It makes no sense. If the words of this one were in the mouth of anyone labeled in the other party, there would be great outrage and rightly so. But somehow this "brand" is accepted and I don't get it.
I've even seen that "God" ordained all this madness. Really? Explain this God to me.
I see love of subjugation, exploitation, greed and a level of dishonesty/corruption that rivals no previous administration. I see absolutely nothing resembling any teaching of Jesus - NONE. No humility, no truth, no compassion, Nothing!
The money changers are enabled and protected. Those throwing stones at the under protected are rewarded and applauded. Those challenging the powerful are stifled and/or silenced. The "least of these" are dismissed. Those seeking asylum are driven away. I see absolutely nothing resembling any teaching of Jesus - NONE. No humility, no truth, no compassion, Nothing!
i don't get it. If you believe you can, please explain it. It cannot be simply that you believe it would be so much worse if, if, if. I need to hear what you believe is actually working to anyone's benefit. Surely, you believe something more than THIS and must think THIS will SOMEHOW lead to that SOMETHING better. Please. Please. Please. Explain how this will happen.
Monday, October 1, 2018
The Path of Democracy
The greatest threat to our democracy is the loss of balance of power between the three branches of government; executive, legislative and judicial. The three must work independently to ensure that the democratic process remains intact, to ensure that the minority and less fortunate are protected, and to ensure that the greed of the powerful remains in check.
We're watching a giant shift tilting toward the executive branch with the legislative and judicial branches aligning with a primary focus of protecting the executive no matter what the action or activity may be. Ethics, protocol, standards of practice, decorum, transparency and issue focused debate are sorely lacking and falling by the wayside.
The erosion of this balance of power has not happened overnight. And it's actually not the first time in our nation's history that power and greed dominated the legislative branch of government. Following the civil war and into the early 1900's senators openly claimed affiliation with the powerful industries that bought their votes. Newspapers of the day were full of stories about scandals and, as is true today, relentlessly reported on political misconduct. It was statesmanship that helped shift the balance.
What seems different this time is the depth of influence in both the legislative and the judicial branch. It's reported that our legislators must spend as much as 30 hours a week "dialing for dollars". An enormous amount of money is required to gain and retain office. Where there are large sums of money involved, a system is rife with corruption and potential corruption.
Now many of our prisons are privately owned. An entire industry has been built around incarcerating people. That drives a need to support the "business" of incarceration. We've seen an unbalanced increase in the number and types of people being jailed. A 15 year old poor kid from a particular neighborhood who steals a lawn mower, will likely serve more time than the top executive who embezzles tens of thousands of dollars.
As all three branches of government align to protect the rich and powerful, the power of people's voices will continue to diminish. It's disturbing that millions of people are willing to overlook and excuse corruption, rudeness, hostility, and crude behavior because they believe that person will do good things for them. However, they would never accept these from someone coming from another population.
If democracy is to survive, we need to ensure that the three branches are co-equal and serve largely independent of one of another. Loyalty must be to the country and the democratic process not to a person or party. This requires open and issue based discussion. It requires input from all corners with protections for the least powerful. It requires long term focus and educated decision making. It requires thoughtfulness and reserving judgement until all voices are heard.
Read. Study history. Learn what has happened before that relates to the issue at hand. Check your personal bias that may lead you to overlook details. Focus on the long term good for the country as a whole. Seek a path of clarity, integrity and honor.
We're watching a giant shift tilting toward the executive branch with the legislative and judicial branches aligning with a primary focus of protecting the executive no matter what the action or activity may be. Ethics, protocol, standards of practice, decorum, transparency and issue focused debate are sorely lacking and falling by the wayside.
The erosion of this balance of power has not happened overnight. And it's actually not the first time in our nation's history that power and greed dominated the legislative branch of government. Following the civil war and into the early 1900's senators openly claimed affiliation with the powerful industries that bought their votes. Newspapers of the day were full of stories about scandals and, as is true today, relentlessly reported on political misconduct. It was statesmanship that helped shift the balance.
What seems different this time is the depth of influence in both the legislative and the judicial branch. It's reported that our legislators must spend as much as 30 hours a week "dialing for dollars". An enormous amount of money is required to gain and retain office. Where there are large sums of money involved, a system is rife with corruption and potential corruption.
Now many of our prisons are privately owned. An entire industry has been built around incarcerating people. That drives a need to support the "business" of incarceration. We've seen an unbalanced increase in the number and types of people being jailed. A 15 year old poor kid from a particular neighborhood who steals a lawn mower, will likely serve more time than the top executive who embezzles tens of thousands of dollars.
As all three branches of government align to protect the rich and powerful, the power of people's voices will continue to diminish. It's disturbing that millions of people are willing to overlook and excuse corruption, rudeness, hostility, and crude behavior because they believe that person will do good things for them. However, they would never accept these from someone coming from another population.
If democracy is to survive, we need to ensure that the three branches are co-equal and serve largely independent of one of another. Loyalty must be to the country and the democratic process not to a person or party. This requires open and issue based discussion. It requires input from all corners with protections for the least powerful. It requires long term focus and educated decision making. It requires thoughtfulness and reserving judgement until all voices are heard.
Read. Study history. Learn what has happened before that relates to the issue at hand. Check your personal bias that may lead you to overlook details. Focus on the long term good for the country as a whole. Seek a path of clarity, integrity and honor.
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Who are "they"?
Who are "they"? And how are "they" sending us rapists and criminals?
I've been pondering those questions since the first time I heard the then presidential candidate, say it and now he's repeating it in current rallies.
If "they" are sending these people, shouldn't "they" be the focus of efforts to stop it? How do "they" get people to walk for months to cross our border? Or is there some other method "they" are using that's not reported?
If we build a wall, will "they" stop?
I keep trying to imagine how we could take rapists and criminals and force them to go to another country. It makes no sense.
Forget the rapist and criminal part of the statement and use a little logic in this. If you really believe there is a problem and you want a solution, focus on "they". Who are "they" and how are "they" doing this?
If "they" are powerful enough to force people to flea (rapist, criminal or not), after a wall wouldn't we have to secure all water access and tunneling possibilities? What about the Pacific coast, Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes? "They" must be very powerful and very dubious.
Who are "they" and what are "they" capable of doing?
Why are "they" unnamed and not the priority?
I've been pondering those questions since the first time I heard the then presidential candidate, say it and now he's repeating it in current rallies.
If "they" are sending these people, shouldn't "they" be the focus of efforts to stop it? How do "they" get people to walk for months to cross our border? Or is there some other method "they" are using that's not reported?
If we build a wall, will "they" stop?
I keep trying to imagine how we could take rapists and criminals and force them to go to another country. It makes no sense.
Forget the rapist and criminal part of the statement and use a little logic in this. If you really believe there is a problem and you want a solution, focus on "they". Who are "they" and how are "they" doing this?
If "they" are powerful enough to force people to flea (rapist, criminal or not), after a wall wouldn't we have to secure all water access and tunneling possibilities? What about the Pacific coast, Atlantic coast, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes? "They" must be very powerful and very dubious.
Who are "they" and what are "they" capable of doing?
Why are "they" unnamed and not the priority?
Thursday, July 5, 2018
No, I am not your liberal enemy
"Are you a liberal?"
These days I'm not sure if that is a question or an accusation. Recently after having it again directed at me, I decided to give a new answer next time.
'I like to view everything through a spiritual filter. How will this action/policy affect the spirit of those affected? How will it affect my spirit if I support it?"
Much of what is happening today is hardening hearts. It's guiding us toward caring less about one another as we apply labels to one another. We need a spiritual filter.
Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Toaism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Native Teachings, - all have common threads within. Where they all intersect lies truth. There lies the spiritual path that will resonate universally. That's the spiritual filter.
Universal truth IS universal. It's not about doctrine or the right book or the right ritual. It's just true - universally. It is true when it sustains. It is true when it creates something better. It's true when it grows love and is based in love.
No, I am not your liberal enemy. I want to see your spirit lifted with mine. How are your positions affecting you spiritually? How are the actions/policies you support affecting others - spiritually? We cannot hate each other to spiritual well being. And the world problems cannot be solved without spiritual understanding.
No, I am not your liberal enemy. You are not my enemy. If we can be spiritually focused, we can challenge one another in a way that lifts us both. That's what I am seeking. Are you?
These days I'm not sure if that is a question or an accusation. Recently after having it again directed at me, I decided to give a new answer next time.
'I like to view everything through a spiritual filter. How will this action/policy affect the spirit of those affected? How will it affect my spirit if I support it?"
Much of what is happening today is hardening hearts. It's guiding us toward caring less about one another as we apply labels to one another. We need a spiritual filter.
Christianity, Judaism, Muslim, Buddhism, Toaism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Native Teachings, - all have common threads within. Where they all intersect lies truth. There lies the spiritual path that will resonate universally. That's the spiritual filter.
Universal truth IS universal. It's not about doctrine or the right book or the right ritual. It's just true - universally. It is true when it sustains. It is true when it creates something better. It's true when it grows love and is based in love.
No, I am not your liberal enemy. I want to see your spirit lifted with mine. How are your positions affecting you spiritually? How are the actions/policies you support affecting others - spiritually? We cannot hate each other to spiritual well being. And the world problems cannot be solved without spiritual understanding.
No, I am not your liberal enemy. You are not my enemy. If we can be spiritually focused, we can challenge one another in a way that lifts us both. That's what I am seeking. Are you?
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