While sitting out on the patio, in the warm sun no less, yesterday, I was profoundly struck by the good fortune my bride and I have enjoyed. In matters large and small, momentous and inconsequential, long-term and fleeting, we've had and continue to enjoy that which life in our country offers.
The ultimate bit of good fortune was our meeting in high school. Her family had recently relocated to Oregon from Texas, and she began her senior year in high school where I was attending. One Friday in January, my best buddy suggested we go to the high school basketball game. As we walked into the gym, he spotted "his girl." Pointing to her girlfriend, he turned to me and said, "You get the other one." 45 years later, 43 of which we've been married, my good fortune remains at my side. If I stopped here, the post about good fortune could be completed, because far too many people don't view marriage as the life time commitment it is meant to be.
But I'll continue.
Sitting in the warm afternoon, chatting with my bride and our son, my mind reflected back on all the positives our life has presented. Every bit of the good fortune was the result of our efforts. No one gave us anything. Whatever material comfort we enjoy was earned through our hard labors. Trust that we are by no means wealthy, but neither are we indigent. We invested wisely in our children, paying the vast majority of the costs associated with their undergraduate education. Our employment provided the opportunity to work hard, save, and enjoy a nice lifestyle. Again, all of this was possible because of our hard work. No one provided anything that we didn't earn. I worked my way through college, working a full-time job and carrying a full load of classes. During the middle of our junior year, we married, so my pay not only covered my college education, but also permitted us to establish our home together. Upon graduation, I depart university with zero school debt. Again, this was achieved by hard work.
Over the next forty plus years, there were times my bride wasn't in the commercial workplace, but was a stay at home mother, running the household and raising the kids. Another bit of good fortune for me. As an active duty Marine, I worked long hours in a demanding profession. Additionally, there were weeks, months, and years spent away from my family. Throughout, our two children benefitted from the rock solid child raising of their mother. So the continuing good fortune is that our off spring are phenomenal adults, working hard to earn their way through this world, choosing their own paths and making their own good fortune. This results from the lessons learned from their mother more than me.
Now, as parents and grandparents, the good fortune earned from a lifetime of hard work generates a warm smile. We have security earned by our own sweat. We have a family that gives love. We have friends who are sources of smiles. We are very, very fortunate.
Thankfully, we are also intelligent. Therefore we don't accept what all too many politicians, academics, and members of the media are pushing. The government isn't responsible for our good fortune. We are not responsible for those too lazy to work hard for themselves. We are not responsible for "sharing" our good fortune. The opportunities were there for people to succeed. Far too many believed what politicians, academics, and members of the media were selling - that the government "owed" good fortune; that the "rich" had to be punished to provide their "fair share."
Those who believe what the politicians, academics, and members of the media are selling are not able to sit on their patio, with family members, and recognize their good fortune.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Political Correctness
The previous post "Profound words at the National Prayer Breakfast" addressed and highlighted the comments of Br. Benjamin Carson. His words still echo in my mind.
Dr. Carson was eloquent, direct, respectful, and (without a doubt) profound. Of the many topics he touched upon, I keep coming back to his words on Political Correctness (PC).
"But PC is dangerous. Because, you see, [in] this country one of the founding principles was freedom of thought and freedom of expression. And it muffles people. It puts a muzzle on them. And at the same time, keeps people from discussing important issues while the fabric of this society is being changed. And we cannot fall for that trick. And what we need to do is start talking about things, talking about things that are important."
PC is indeed dangerous. Agreeing with Dr. Carson, when we fear opening our mouths to voice concerns about important matters, it is telling. It is telling in that the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction. Surely, we don't want a nation in which invective and hateful language is thrown about carelessly and without regard. But equally surely, we need a nation in which difficult, challenging topics and issues can be openly discussed without fear of persecution, without fear of being labeled (in any way), without fear - period. Alas, that does not seem to be the case.
Whether the "right" or "left," conservative or liberal, "mainstream media" or talk shows, editorials or blog posts, we have sunk to abysmal lows in our national and local dialogues. Challenge views on gay marriage and one is labeled a homophobic. Raise a concern about one topic and one is labeled a racist. Question policy and one is labeled as anti-(fill in the blank). The labeling is incessant, as every side in an issue shouts at those who display the temerity to disagree. Consequently, voices are drowned out by the so-called PC Police. Ideas and matters are not discussed. One personal memory is quite vivid in this area.
While working at a major public university, my small staff and I sent a group photo under the words "Merry Christmas" to the offices with which we most regularly worked across the campus. One self-appointed "PC Policewoman" raised a hell of an lot of consternation, taking it upon herself to declare that doing so violated the Constitution's separation of church and state. (By the way, no where in the Constitution does it state that Christians can't wish people a Merry Christmas.) Ironically, university academia demands, in no uncertain terms, the "right" to express whatever they want in the name of academic freedom. But woe be to the member of the university staff who has the temerity to wish someone Merry Christmas. While this anecdote doesn't rise to the level of critical topics and important matters that need to be discussed in our nation, it nonetheless illustrates that there are those who take it upon themselves to dampen expression of free speech in our great nation.
One might inquire how I can make this posting and be positive in tone and content?
Quite simply. Dr. Carson's comments are uplifting. Simple, straight to the point, and on target.
Folks, let's start talking about what is important, without fear of some self-appointed PC Policeman trying to shout us down. If we keep speaking, eventually the matters will come to the surface and honest dialogue will follow. I don't care how many elected officials attempt to manipulate words to suit their political leanings. Nor do I care about those who would attempt to smear those who raise questions. Whether in professional or personal situations, talking it out is the best approach.
Dr. Carson was eloquent, direct, respectful, and (without a doubt) profound. Of the many topics he touched upon, I keep coming back to his words on Political Correctness (PC).
"But PC is dangerous. Because, you see, [in] this country one of the founding principles was freedom of thought and freedom of expression. And it muffles people. It puts a muzzle on them. And at the same time, keeps people from discussing important issues while the fabric of this society is being changed. And we cannot fall for that trick. And what we need to do is start talking about things, talking about things that are important."
PC is indeed dangerous. Agreeing with Dr. Carson, when we fear opening our mouths to voice concerns about important matters, it is telling. It is telling in that the pendulum has swung way too far in one direction. Surely, we don't want a nation in which invective and hateful language is thrown about carelessly and without regard. But equally surely, we need a nation in which difficult, challenging topics and issues can be openly discussed without fear of persecution, without fear of being labeled (in any way), without fear - period. Alas, that does not seem to be the case.
Whether the "right" or "left," conservative or liberal, "mainstream media" or talk shows, editorials or blog posts, we have sunk to abysmal lows in our national and local dialogues. Challenge views on gay marriage and one is labeled a homophobic. Raise a concern about one topic and one is labeled a racist. Question policy and one is labeled as anti-(fill in the blank). The labeling is incessant, as every side in an issue shouts at those who display the temerity to disagree. Consequently, voices are drowned out by the so-called PC Police. Ideas and matters are not discussed. One personal memory is quite vivid in this area.
While working at a major public university, my small staff and I sent a group photo under the words "Merry Christmas" to the offices with which we most regularly worked across the campus. One self-appointed "PC Policewoman" raised a hell of an lot of consternation, taking it upon herself to declare that doing so violated the Constitution's separation of church and state. (By the way, no where in the Constitution does it state that Christians can't wish people a Merry Christmas.) Ironically, university academia demands, in no uncertain terms, the "right" to express whatever they want in the name of academic freedom. But woe be to the member of the university staff who has the temerity to wish someone Merry Christmas. While this anecdote doesn't rise to the level of critical topics and important matters that need to be discussed in our nation, it nonetheless illustrates that there are those who take it upon themselves to dampen expression of free speech in our great nation.
One might inquire how I can make this posting and be positive in tone and content?
Quite simply. Dr. Carson's comments are uplifting. Simple, straight to the point, and on target.
Folks, let's start talking about what is important, without fear of some self-appointed PC Policeman trying to shout us down. If we keep speaking, eventually the matters will come to the surface and honest dialogue will follow. I don't care how many elected officials attempt to manipulate words to suit their political leanings. Nor do I care about those who would attempt to smear those who raise questions. Whether in professional or personal situations, talking it out is the best approach.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Profound words at the National Prayer breakfast
At brunch today, good friends asked if I'd heard of Dr. Benjamin Carson's comments at the National Payer Breakfast this week. Extolling the values and views Dr. Carson spoke to, my friends were so taken by what he said, I decided this evening to explore why there were so excited by this individual's commentary.
Fortunately, most events like the National Prayer Breakfast can be found on the Internet. And so it was with Dr. Carson's comments. http://video.foxnews.com/v/2152105947001/dr-benjamin-carsons-speech-at-prayer-breakfast/
Stunning is the first descriptor that comes to mind. If asked to characterize what I heard, words likes simple, accurate, direct, and profound come to mind.
Dr. Carson's personal story is astonishing in and of itself. From the narrative, his mother was a truly exceptional lady. Tough and determined that her sons would succeed in an environment decidedly stacked against them. No excuses. By any measurement, he is a tremendously successful man. But it is not his personal success that I found so profound. It was his observations about our nation. A flat tax. Challenging political correctness. Finding solutions. The imperative of education. Responsibility, as individuals and a nation.
With President and Mrs. Obama in attendance, he chided and criticized the leadership of our nation, challenging them to rise to the moment and find solutions.
In his closing remarks, indirectly exhorting our elected officials to do their jobs, Dr. Carson cites that the reason the Bald Eagle, the symbol of our great nation, can soar to great heights, is because it has a left wing and right wing.
This is a man who articulated, concisely and with positive intent, what our nation need do to correct itself.
I just hope our leadership was listening.
Fortunately, most events like the National Prayer Breakfast can be found on the Internet. And so it was with Dr. Carson's comments. http://video.foxnews.com/v/2152105947001/dr-benjamin-carsons-speech-at-prayer-breakfast/
Stunning is the first descriptor that comes to mind. If asked to characterize what I heard, words likes simple, accurate, direct, and profound come to mind.
Dr. Carson's personal story is astonishing in and of itself. From the narrative, his mother was a truly exceptional lady. Tough and determined that her sons would succeed in an environment decidedly stacked against them. No excuses. By any measurement, he is a tremendously successful man. But it is not his personal success that I found so profound. It was his observations about our nation. A flat tax. Challenging political correctness. Finding solutions. The imperative of education. Responsibility, as individuals and a nation.
With President and Mrs. Obama in attendance, he chided and criticized the leadership of our nation, challenging them to rise to the moment and find solutions.
In his closing remarks, indirectly exhorting our elected officials to do their jobs, Dr. Carson cites that the reason the Bald Eagle, the symbol of our great nation, can soar to great heights, is because it has a left wing and right wing.
This is a man who articulated, concisely and with positive intent, what our nation need do to correct itself.
I just hope our leadership was listening.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
The traveling American
Determined to look for and capture the positive in our American way of life, recently traveling by air to the Pacific Northwest provided an excellent opportunity to observe, analyze, and smile.
The days when air travel was a luxury have long passed, as have the days bereft of all sorts of pressure: security, airport congestion, long lines (even for the restrooms), higher costs, weather delays, and what I see as the increasingly hectic pace of life in America. Well, at least in the parts of America I have frequented. Nonetheless, there are ample opportunities to observe the smiles when traveling by air. Here are some collected during my recent excursion:
The next time you take a flight, be sure to look for the smiles.
The days when air travel was a luxury have long passed, as have the days bereft of all sorts of pressure: security, airport congestion, long lines (even for the restrooms), higher costs, weather delays, and what I see as the increasingly hectic pace of life in America. Well, at least in the parts of America I have frequented. Nonetheless, there are ample opportunities to observe the smiles when traveling by air. Here are some collected during my recent excursion:
- A lady arrived, apparently somewhat later than desirable, and was multitasking in the line at the airline ticket counters. She simultaneously was attempting to fill out tags for her baggage, direct her hapless husband, talk on a cell phone, and move forward as the line moved. I couldn't help but smile, because none of her tasks were being accomplished with any degree of efficiency or speed. Don't misunderstand, I wasn't smiling at her frenetic attempts to compress several actions into a small amount of time. I was smiling because I'd arrived at the airport with plenty of time in hand to manage the inevitable lines, thus reducing or eliminating stress from that aspect of the trip.
- After a large cup of coffee, it was equitably inevitable that a visit to the restroom was necessary. While normally unusual, there was a waiting line within the men's room. Taking my place in line, other gents entered and took their places. After a few moments, a gent entered, saw the collection of his fellow male travelers, only to ask, "Is this this waiting for the john?" I couldn't resist responding, "Naw, we all just decided to meet here." The laughter from the others in line was genuine and welcomed.
- At my assigned gate, the seats were pretty much filled up when a young couple and their two small kids arrived. Mom didn't miss a beat, finding a clear area for them to occupy on the floor. Working with the kids, they went through a positive routine of preparing them for the upcoming flight. Books and toys appeared from carry on bags. Juice and snacks seemed to appear from midair. Carry on bags were repacked and all was prepared for the flight. I smiled, because it was clear that mom had done this before and was ready for all contingencies, as well as the routine inconveniences attendant to airline travel. Let me note that this family was superb throughout the flight, no doubt due to mom's preparedness. Wouldn't we all smile if everyone was equally prepared?
- The airline on which I was traveling is the one that requires you to get a sequential boarding pass - no reserved seats. I was fortunate to have an "A" boarding pass, A-50 to be precise. At the command of the airline staff, I stood to fine my rightful place in line, much like we used to in grade school. Anyway, I found the roughly correct spot and assumed the waiting posture. A young lady walked up, looked at the line, moved to my area and asked me, "Are you 50?" As a 62 year old, I couldn't help but respond, with a smile on my face, "I wish I was!" The anticipated laugh from the young lady was a great sound.
- At last, we boarded the aircraft. I was able to board, take a seat, and watch with amusement others coming on board. Again, with a smile on my face, I noted some seemed to be traveling with all of their worldly possessions. The bags intended for the overhead storage bins looked heavier and larger than the rucksacks I carried as a Marine. Fortunately, there were enough males on the aircraft to lift these leaden weights into the overhead bins. People graciously assisting others always generate smiles. Then came my fellow Americans, on a sojourn to a place or places unknown, who were in the third and final boarding group. Most accepted their fate, if not willingly, at least begrudgingly, uttering nary a peep. A few, however, were a source of humor. Going up and down the cabin, looking for the right seat and right place to place their leaden weights, they could be heard complaining about the lack of aisle or window seats. Or three seats together. Or countless other rather trivial issues. My smiles were for the absurdity of their comments. (Fortunately, I'm not a flight attendant and don't have to put up with such banality.) We really must smile at those who find such trivial matters so important.
- Finally, I worked hard to share a comment with and smile to each of the airline staff, airport workers, concession stand employees, TSA screeners, rental car company employees, and all the others that contribute to making the air travel experience work. Undoubtedly, we've all probably encountered one or another of these folks who wasn't at the top of the competition for Employee of the Month. Nevertheless, the vast majority are our fellow Americans simply doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. Challenged by supporting the traveling public, which could try the patience of Job, these folks deserve every kindness and smile we can provide. Remember, we encounter them once per trip. They encounter all of us all of the time.
The next time you take a flight, be sure to look for the smiles.
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