Open Mouth-Insert Foot

Republican pundit, Ann Coulter has a well-established track record making asinine statements; she has done it once again. Coulter's target this time is America's excitement and fan-growth over soccer. I must admit that I am not a big soccer fan and I too have a theory why the sport has grown rapidly on the American youth sport scene. Let me dispense with that 'slant' and move to the comments coming from Coulter.
My theory: the ability to 'track' an object does not develop until around the age of 8 or 9; this is why little league baseball programs have tee-ball at the younger age. It is easier to strike a ball 'sitting-stationary' than time the pitched ball coming towards you as the child deals with a fear-factor of being 'hit' by the baseball. Soccer requires the under 8 sport participant to simple run after a rolling ball and kick it when you are close enough. The advanced levels of soccer play require equally prolific skill as any other sport, certainly at the elite level such as the World Cup.
Coulter, never at lost to attempt tying liberalism conspiracies to anything, suggests soccer mom-mania is just another attempt to dumb-down, praise mediocrity and heap unwarranted praise on 'do-nothing' folks like all you Democrats ! Coulter misses the entire driving-impetus behind all American sports' fanatics...Americans are on a never-ending mission to find any reason to gather, overeat and consume excessive amounts of alcohol while wearing painted faces and obnoxious clothing and chanting USA, USA, USA. This  behavior is not unique to only America's sports. I offer the Mardi Gras Parade. This annual event is a New Orleans' tradition, however it has gotten traction throughout the United States. Many American cities conduct their OWN Mardi Gras Event, which provides folks the opportunity to overeat, get smashed, urinate in public and be accommodated by females when asked, "Show us your boobs !"

Making The 'Grade'

A new study reveals that kids believe that their parents value good grades more than kindness and the child being a 'good' person. (You may want to read that again to truly grasp the full impact).
I have pontificated to school district audiences' across the nation where parents attend beginning of the year sports orientation program nights. Parents 'want' four (4) things for their kids: (1) health, (2) love, (3) happiness and (4) success. The reality is these 'desires' are out of the control and beyond the reach of parents. Children will pick up on the subliminal messages sent by parents. It would appear that our nation, which beats the 'Christianity drums' talks out of both sides of its mouth while their 'actions' speak volumes to the young people.


Kids sense a celebratory attitude emitting from mom and dad when the child gets straight 'A's' or scores the winning goal or makes the varsity team. It seems less glorious and parents do not send the same praise message when the kid shows love and assistance for others. We Americans may like to believe that the Ten Commandments should be posted in the public square but in fact, those parents do not even preach the message and glorify loving actions in their own home; a sad fact according to the children.


In the 1950 movie, 'Harvey,' Jimmie Stewart plays the lead character, Elwood P. Dowd, an eccentric middle-aged gent whose best friend is an imaginary six foot three rabbit named, 'Harvey.' In the movie, Elwood shares a bit of his mother's philosophy: when she told Elwood the following: "In this world , Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant."  Elwood then adds, "Well, for years I was smart, I recommend pleasant. You can quote me."


If you are not a movie fan perhaps you like the things Jesus said, "That which you do for the least of my people, you do also for Me."
Matter-of-fact, there are 19 Bible verses addressing kindness; obviously not many American children are encouraged by parents to read and abide. Too bad because the happiest people in this world are those engaged in work they love and serve others during life's journey.

Helping Others Always Risky

I remember when back problems, gout, arthritis, cataracts and incontinence were things absolutely foreign to my thoughts. Today, I count back issues, hip pain, joint arthritis (knees, hands, lower back and cataract surgery of left eye); given time, I am sure I will 'run-the-table.'
My warning signal to the younger readers is not to dwell on that which lurks around the corner but elevate awareness of your opportunities to help others already under 'body-pain-siege. I jumped in to give aid to two people recently. I was at Walmart about four days ago and an elderly lady who was shopping from one of those motorized carts needed assistance to get three different food-items from top shelves; I obliged her request and even offered to go into other aisle if she need me.


Just yesterday, I was pumping gas at a nearby convenient store when a gentleman about my age pulled alongside. He motioned to me and explained that he recently had knee replacement and asked if I'd be good enough to pump $30.00 bucks of gasoline for him. I was delighted to assist the fella. Immediately after replacing his gas cap, I walked toward the driver to get his money and pay the inside attendant. The would be recovering knee-surgery gent 'put the peddle to the metal and sped off ! A voice bellowed from the outside speakers, "Drive off, Drive off and there may be an accomplice...holy crap, that would be ME!

Once Upon A Time Is Now

I am 'doing' a first posting this blog. I am suggesting that a specific age-group read today's blog. The age group that should read are those over 65-years old; folks under 65 may read but you will likely not 'GET-IT' and I just hate that !


Okay, you oldsters, here's the deal, as my son likes to say; There are specific awareness's, which build in our lives that cause us to become ready to board the 'out-bound-glory-train.' These occurrences, listed below, manifest and causes mental dizziness rendering us clueless. If you are like me, you begin talking to yourself saying things like: 'Did others notice THAT?' 'Holy crap, has everybody gone nuts?' 'What the hell are the parents doing?' 'What is anybody thinking?' 'Why have we allowed this to happen?'


Consider the following: Those sixty-five and older people grew up in the 1930's, '40's and '50's. Check it out...
                                                                        THEN & NOW
Then..  noticed an occasional tattoo on a male; Now.. both males & females have bodies that look like finger-painting
Then..  watched 'others' serve us; Now.. wait in lines to 'serve ourselves'
Then..  told the kids to pick up toys and take a bath; Now.. ask the kids 'if' they think it's time to pick up toys and bathe
Then..  wore "Sunday' clothes to interviews, (shirt-tie / skirts); Now;  wear shorts & jeans to interviews, which is 'Sunday" clothes
Then..  ate home cooked meals; Now.. checkout any restaurant parking lot any day of the week
Then..  did chores for allowance; Now..  parents get 'second' job so kids get a higher allowance                                                     
Then.. occasionally used family auto; Now.. checkout the high school student parking lot in your town
Then.. boys paid the 'way' for the girl on a date; Now girl calls boy & pays own way
Then.. a boy's expected a goodnight kiss on first date; Now.. both boy & girl anticipate sex first week of dating
Then.. widowed Grandma lived w/ children until she died; Now.. the 'Home' telephones children to tell them she died
Then.. preacher told us we had to repent (publicly) to be 'saved;' Now.. preacher hints all going to heaven & can take their smart phones
Then.. little leagues kept score / not everyone got in game; Now.. everyone plays and gets a trophy & we don't care who wins
Then.. family doctor came to your house; Now.. see a medicine advertised on T.V. & tell doctor to give us some
Then.. American workers bragged about how good they were at job; Now.. workers brag about how much they are paid for how little they do
Then.. discreet about out-of-wedlock pregnancy; Now.. appear on Maury's T.V. show to find out who is the daddy


                                                                                                  
Then.. singer, Marv Johnson wore a suit & tie as he sang, 'You Got What It Takes.' Now.. male singers wear baggy-pants, 'jerk on their Johnson' and chant bad rhymes demonstrating they DO NOT have what it takes


"ALL ABOARD !"

Takes Tough Guys to Win and Build

I mentioned my father in yesterday's blog; one more thing about the man and then I'll move away from the topic. My Dad was  one of 'those self-made' fellas that folks speak about when they advance that wonderful USA notion...'The American Dream.' Like many from his generation, my Dad quit school (formal education) at the ninth grade. He went to work and got married by age twenty.


My Dad was a 'blue-collar' guy until he was in his forties. He had years working as an operating engineer; mostly operating bulldozers and large cranes. Later he became a lead burner, which was a trade that was closely connected to corrosion protection. Many uses for lead was replaced to a great extent by the development of plastics.


My father was a very 'old' selective service draft in World War !!. he was 26, when he got that 'draft-letter;' I recall the day. The Father of two boys served this country for two years under General Patton.
In time, my Dad became a successful sales person in the corrosion-protection-plastics industry. He became President of companies in St. Louis and Dallas.  My brother relates a great story about our Father. It seems Dad's Dallas company had a multi-million dollar job with an Air Force Base. The head-dog at the Air Force facility was a retired USA military Captain. At a meeting regarding the specs and job plan, this bigger than life Captain, who had not lost his pompous posturing, was insistent that Dad's company's plan was flawed. As Dad attempted to justify his plan, the Captain told my Father that HE (Captain) had been IN on the planning of the Normandy Invasion and thus the Captain 'knew' his business. Dad looked the Captain in the eyes and said, "With due respect, I fought that Normandy Invasion and that plan was f*#^d-up!"


I always appreciated my Dad's ability to state much in a few words...I remember my East St. Louis teen years as I left the house of an evening. "Hey boy, be home before the shallow hours and while your out-in-the-streets, don't let your mouth overload your ass!"

A Dying Legacy

I've been thinking about my Dad a lot lately. I suppose the memories are prompted by the upcoming 65th Annual Roustio-Family Reunion. I recall vividly that first 'family-reunion' at Grand Marias State Park back in 1949, I was ten years old. I think on those days and remember what excitement filled the heart; we were going to spend the entire day with aunts, uncles and cousins. We'd eat some terrific food and spend about two hours playing the annual Dad's against kids softball game. There would be laughter, story-telling, bingo games and flowing soda and beer the day long. Frank Roustio (my grandfather) usually umpired the softball game and his beer consumption did little to aid his judgment. Most of the clan arrived at the Park early morning and stayed well after the evening supper hour. I would imagine in our reunion-attendance heyday, we averaged well over 150 people. It was customary that young dating teens brought their dates; never kept track of the number of potential spouses the clan ran-off.


Through the years, the reunion numbers have declined significantly. Perhaps our ever escalating mobility was a significant cause; after all back in the 1940's and '50's most of the Roustio clan lived on 56th street Washington Park, Illinois. Maybe with our mobility and sophisticated social networking along with so many entertainment opportunities has also contributed to the lack of family-reunion interest.


Many staples of my past have dissipated. I seldom notice neighbors visiting of a warm summer evening. Few folks engage in those family backyard games; hell, most of my grankids and their parents seldom sit down together for a meal even once a day...lot going on these days that separates and erodes the family unit.


I was responsible to contact family and encourage attendance for this 65th gathering. I have had great help from my son and daughter in-law and two cousins. I hope we can notice a bit of renewed interest.


All of my father's generation has passed and many from mine are no longer with us. I am the third oldest of the gang. Yep, I've been thinking about my Dad a lot lately...what a blessing he was and what a legacy he and his people left for which, I thank God daily.


The renowned journalist and retired television anchor man, Tom Brokaw wrote a book ( The Greatest Generation) about my parent's generation. Too bad we have allowed our young people to lose touch. Dadgumit, if my grandkids ever put their cell phones down, I'm gonna tell them a thing or two about our Roustio-family legacy.

Some Are Just Jerks !

When you elect to coach a sport team, you should understand 'all' the criticism and second-guessing that comes with the job. Always, hindsight is a perfect 20-20 and most certainly the easiest thing to 'do' is coach the 'other guy's' team. When one 'runs' for public office, one should likewise assume that the same criticisms and second-guessing is forthcoming...and as it was once stated, 'You're damned if you do and damned if you don't."


On a personal note, I took the blows and I stood by my decisions. President Obama is taking 'heat' over every thing imaginable: the economy issues (jobs), Syria, Ukraine (Russia), Iraq and a sundry of lesser problems. He campaigned for the job, he was elected by his countrymen and thus he is fair game.


Now, when it comes to second-guessing the coach, I ask but one consideration: those who think they could do a better job should get a coaching certification (easy to accomplish) and 'take-a-seat-at-the-helm.'


When it comes to second-guessing the President you can take similar steps: vote YOUR guy IN next time and or run for public office. However, if you are former vice-president, Dick Cheney, you have been in that Executive Branch position. Since you and your outfit 'started the Iraq War' predicated on falsehoods and lies about weapons of mass destruction, you are NOW and forever disqualified from offering any opinions about wars and foreign affairs; you are a known impotent screw-up! Take a seat in the back of the room facing the corner.

Unfathomable

I suppose I paid little attention to the 'hard-news' the first 20-years of my life but I believe the last 55-years, I have likely read a newspaper and listened to or watched a newscast once per day. That said, it is reasonable to suggest that I have digested over forty-thousand news moments.


Unfortunately, most news stories tend to have an element of sadness; tornadoes, hurricanes, accidents, crime and other human tragedies. Occasionally, we delight in happy news items; the 'feel-good' story. Often, we Americans see some international news that portrays third world countries and unbelievable blight or unacceptable human activities or behavior. We shake our heads and think, 'my God, how barbaric!'


Yesterday, I saw one of the saddest news stories IN MY LIFETIME and shook my head in disbelief; how sick, how shameful; how disturbing. The story is all about our beloved United States of America; the omnipotent Christian Nation. We (Americans) are now manufacturing and selling 'bullet-proof back-packs' for elementary school children. The great free society will celebrate its 238th independence day in a couple of weeks.


 To imagine that in a Nation of such freedoms, our grade school kids need a damn bullet-proof back-pack along with a ruler, crayons and lunch box is unfathanable! Folks, this is THIRD WORLD crap; how dare we look down on other countries with our pompous brag!!  This July 4th, we Americans should hang our heads in disgrace when we consider the sacrifices some made for this Country and our willingness to  believe that we are 'leaving' a better Nation behind for our children.

But Who Cares?

I was sitting on the backyard swing yesterday afternoon pondering the ways of life and I began to think about some 'what-if's.' Perhaps if some of the things that happened had NOT happened or some of the things that have happened would happened to others, how might things be different?


...'what if....'


 (1)   Martin Luther had not broken away from the Roman Catholic Church?
(2)   Walking and jogging were NOT beneficial to your health but simply a myth perpetuated by shoe companies?
(3)   The Chicago Cubs won the World Series?
(4)   Baseball players whose team finished in last place received a teacher's average pay of $40,000.00 and a teacher whose class all    met testing standards received the minimum baseball salary of $500,000.00.
(5)  Masturbation 'really' caused blindness....fewer auto sales but less Fourth of July traffic!
(6)  All people tithed to their respective churches as scriptures mandates.
(7)  Policemen were championed as are firemen.
(9)  All elected officials had the same term-limit as the President.
(10) Elvis was alive.....say what?
(11) Our government always told us the truth.
(12) Oswald was the 'lone assassin....whoops, I got carried away with the previous 'what if.'

Is The Doctor 'In' or 'Out?'

If you're paying attention things are rather inconsistent on the American landscape. Perhaps that which I am about to put before you falls under one of two categories: (1) life ain't always fair or (2) money talks and bullshit walks. Okay follow my slightly above average thinking. I am encouraged by numerous public signs that I should 'start seeing motorcycles.' My first thought, strapped into to my seat belt, is I am always on the lookout for the helmet less motorcyclists who are dodging in and out of highway traffic ignoring most rules of the road and all common courtesies. Of course, I do understand 'why' I am required to wear a seat belt and the cyclist is free to go without head-protection...Harley-Davidson is the largest worldwide sport logo and their lobbyist have deep enough pockets to own most politicians.


We may suspect some professional athletes taking performance enhancing drugs but at least major pro sports leagues have some type of drug-testing policy. Why? Because the paying sport nuts wish for their heroes to be legitimate. Those over-the-road truck drivers must log hours behind the wheel and stay under lawful-limits. Likewise these truck-drivers must be periodically drug tested; all this for the public safety.


The aforementioned digested, have you heard that a recent survey of medical doctors discloses that 1-in-10 American physicians are 'stoned.' Yep, it is estimated that one out of ten American doctors whom we trust with our lives and the lives of our love ones could not pass a drug/alcohol test...but doctors are not required to takes a drug test; go figure!! I must have a heart-to-heart with my health care providers and my dogs Vet.

It's All Good

A family member recently asked me, "Would you do anything differently if you could live your life over?" My answer, "Absolutely, however you could count those do over things on one hand and not use all fingers."


I grew up in the forties and fifties and was raised by a 'village' of loving people; my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and even neighbors who cared and protected. Even the music of those days gave anchors to our emotional growth and perspective on God, country and family as well as romanticizing 'love.' I once read an opinion of a psychologist who theorized that few couples growing up in the fifties get a divorce and one reason was the 'pop' music indoctrination. Perhaps he is on to something...just listen to a CD by a group called 'The Platters.'


I played my sports with a degree of success, which provided a free college education. I married my high school sweetheart and I am  blessed with three wonderful children. The children married terrific spouses and those unions have produced fifteen delightful  grandchildren and soon a second great-grandchild. I embraced my work-passion of coaching for thirty-nine years. A couple of coaching books that I penned were purchased by thousands and speaking engagements from around the nation followed. I worked in television and radio for several years and to this day, I serve as a sport education consultant for a couple of school districts. A friend of mine once told me that I was lucky...perhaps...I like to believe I am blessed.


I would wish to 'do over' only those times when I hurt someone. Perhaps those whom I hurt will find it in their heart to forgive. I am aware that my Lord has forgiven me just as he has forgiven each who read these words. So.........if there is a divine plan to 'do life over,' I'm good to go! If there are no do-overs, I'm still good to go.

Long Ago, Yet Crystal Clear

Several years ago, I was tossing and turning in bed trying to find sleep. I began thinking about my Father who had died a few years earlier; now he has been gone from this journey for twenty-years. As one memory after another flashed through my mind, I stopped for a bit and focused upon a recollection when I was perhaps eight or nine years old. For some odd reason, I could not abandoned that one memory. I was compelled to get out of bed and 'frame' my unrelenting thought...I wrote these words:


                                                                           Catching Up With Dad


                                                             I raced down the alley to a telephone pole,
                                                             I gave it my all seeking that coveted goal.
                                                             My opponent, my Father, my hero no doubt,
                                                             Would this be the day I win and then shout?                    
                                                             The races, shooting baskets and backyard games,
                                                             I competed against my model desiring the same.
                                                             Just once to win against this giant of a man,
                                                             To prove to my Dad I will and I can.
                                                             Once very close and another so near,
                                                             Was the edge his age or perhaps my fear.
                                                             Then one day it happened, victory over Dad,
                                                             Oh, yes the sweetness but why the sad.
                                                             Many years now passed and I race no more,
                                                             My Father is gone; no need to keep score.
                                                             I stroll the park and notice others at play,
                                                             I watch the young Father and his son this day.
                                                             They huddle and chat and point to a sign,
                                                             'Ready set,' and they are off to that line.
                                                             The lad tries so hard  but he is not up to the task.
                                                             Yet time changes all and soon Dad places last.
                                                             Our changing roles all part of a plan,
                                                             The secret, you know, is to race while we can.








                    Happy Father's Day...may your precious memories of Dad warm your heart.
                                 


                                            
                                               

Most Valuable Person

Fifty years ago, I was a twenty-four year-old basketball/baseball coach and athletic director at Mason City high school (Mason City, Illinois). The year was 1964 and the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees were  locked in a dandy World Series, which came down to a deciding seventh game at old Sportsman Park in St. Louis. The day before the seventh-game, my Dad telephoned me to tell me he had tickets to the championship game and wanted to know if I could make the game. That was a no-brainer. I took a personal day and headed to the Mississippi River city anticipating sitting with my hero (Dad) watching my first ever World Series; WOW!


It was somewhat strange for Dad to request me and brothers Tom and Marty to meet him down on Broadway not far from Sportsman Park...why not meet him at the game-site. When my brothers and I arrived at the suggested meeting place, Dad handed each of his three sons a cherished ticket.  Dad said, "You boys are driving yourselves,; I could only get three tickets...I won't be going."


The Cardinals behind the brilliant pitching of Bob Gibson beat the Yankees to claim the Championship. Hero and MVP of the day was a selfless Father. What a guy!

Some Things Are So Predictable

There cannot be one person 'out-there' that is surprised by the recent events of Texas NRA advocates who carried 'long-guns' into public restaurants. Obnoxious behavior and an arrogant disregard for the good-of-the-order defines the State of Texas. At first the NRA said that carrying long-guns, i.e., rifles and shotguns into public venues was  weird behavior, however, a few days later they recanted and now support the demonstration.


In 2009,  Texas Gov. Rick Perry threatened to secede from the union.  Of course, he was pandering to a Tea Party crowd when he made the ridiculous comment. We all know that Texas would never secede from the Union because this would eliminate them from potential  college football bowl bids. Additionally, Texas refuses to support any immigration reform bill because the politicians in that State fear that most Hispanics would be Democrat voters.


Pause, if you will and consider the following: Every State has a slogan and or motto. Here in Illinois we talk 'Land of Lincoln,' Missouri asks the question, 'Show Me.'  Minnesotans boast their 'Land of a Thousand Lakes' and Florida teases us with its 'Sunshine State.'  The State of Texas WARNS the countrymen, 'Don't Mess With Texas.' You readers do understand that such a  confrontational threat to 'not mess with Texans' plays to the State's plethora of Bubbas speeding along country roads, flying Confederate Flags and throwing beer cans out of mud-covered pick-up trucks... these dummies believe in their redneck minds that such behavior is some God given right.
I cannot imagine sitting in a McDonalds' (Texas) restaurant with my grandkids and have two sleeveless-ball-cap wearing  buffoons sit down next to us with shotguns and rifles strapped across their shoulders...I'm not lovin' it!


I liked it when we had 48-States. Don't get me wrong, I wish to keep Alaska and Hawaii but let's dump Arizona and Texas.

Family Economics is the X-Factor

I notice the two standard morning television shows are focusing all week on Dad's and their changing role as we approach Father's Day. I don't doubt for a minute that Dad's parenting role has change, certainly during my lifetime. I can only speak to 'my' experiences and family observations as it pertains to a Father's role in parenting.


My Dad played a lot of sandlot baseball catch and basketball shooting competition with his sons.  He did not attend all our  little league baseball games and later during my high school sports-play he seldom missed a basketball game but did not attend baseball games. Let me cut straight to the chase; my Dad was busy 'making-a-living' for our family: he did not follow me around as a little league coach nor did he and mother 'helicopter' over my organized-youth play. My parents 'had-a-life' of their own...I was not the center of their universe. My dad's attitude was you boys go do your thing and don't embarrass yourself or family...His three sons did okay and turned out reasonably well-balanced and productive adults.



I observe my son and son-in-law's doing much more with our grandchildren. I am happy for them. I am proud of them. The jury is out on the end products.


The determining factor allowing or disallowing Dad's contact with kids is traced to 'income.' I was the sole income provider for our family unit as we opted to have 'mother' stay-at-home. Aside from my teaching day-job, I was gone with those late evening coaching charges and during the summers, I work industrial jobs and umpire college and high school baseball games to 'hustle that extra dollar.
I would not change a thing.

Shameful Intolerance

A Salt Lake City police officer has been placed on leave after refusing to work his assignment at a gay pride parade. This is not the first time that I have noted professionals, who take an oath to serve and/or protect, then dig their heels in and refuse to do that which they swore to do. A few years ago a medical doctor out West refused his emergency services because the woman patient had piercings.The doctor quoted scripture to support his reasoning. Leviticus 19:28...'You shall not make cuttings or markings upon your body.' I have seen some well designed tattoos of praying hands and scripture quotes. I am not one to get a tattoo or piercings but I refuse to judge those who have such body alterations.


I understand the five basic freedoms guaranteed under the First Amendment but does not the oath taken by physicians, policemen, and firemen trump our personal beliefs ? And should we not be cautious taking 'Old Testament' scripture verbatim? The Book of Acts records the beginning of the Church as the 'Body of Christ.' Those who stand in the public square pontificating specific scriptures to support an opinion should be 'fair and balanced' as one television network. Acts 10:28..."And God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean." Remember the Lord going into the lepers colony to 'serve' those in need!!!


The police officer should report to his sworn  'duty'  to serve as should the physician. As for me I just hope the Catholic firemen answer the call from this old Methodist should my house catch fire.

Simmer Down;Good Advice

In the late 1940's our family would gather in front of the large  Philco  Radio and 'listen' to mystery and comedy shows just as folks do today watching the television programs. Only difference, back in the day one had to use more imagination staring at a console radio. I recall the radio program, The Life of Riley; William Bendix played the lead character role of Chester Riley. He would always work his way into a difficult predicament or circumstance and soon he'd shout out in an exasperating voice, "What a revoltin' development this is!"
During retirement, I am discovering a plethora of 'revolting developments.


If you will follow my thinking, which can be challenging considering my line-repetition in yesterday's blog.
 There is one down side to these retirement years. I now have more time to read the newspapers, pay attention to politicians and observe the activity (or shall I say the 'inactivity) of my government. When I was a young man, I was too busy making a living and dodging crazy-parents who thought their kid was a better athlete than this coach believed.  Yesterday, I found myself on the backyard  swing after cutting the grass. I began allowing my thoughts to meander; I note one area of the Nation is either experiencing devastating mud-slides or wilderness fires while another portion of the country experiences sink-holes swallowing homes. Our elected officials are  either incompetent or unwilling.  They fuss and fight over the Benghazi event and now the release of a POW, who may have deserted his post while on duty. Neither political party wishes to resolve our broken borders problem because in their heart of hearts, the politicians fear re-election backlash.  Our government leaders cannot balance budgets or fund programs. Officials  become consumed  with fund-raising and posturing for re-election  more than addressing the Nation's blight, hunger, obvious global warming or job creation concerns. We debate abortion rights while hundreds of toddlers across the country go to bed alive but hungry.


The late Supreme Court Justice, Byron White once said, "When I get up in the morning I read the sports page to note man's accomplishments the past 12-hours; then I read the front page observing man's failures." That statement will not fly today in light of the steroid abuse, NFL players facing murder charges and the numerous arrests of professional athletes.


I'm telling you it's a mess out there. It causes me that affliction that Mammy Bennett would have when she'd say, "It's making my head swim." Grandpa  E V. Bennett would tell his wife, "Now Mary, you need to sit-a-spell and simmer down." Good advice in these retirement years. Of course, it was my sitting-a-spell that caused my head swimming yesterday.

Say What?

Recently, Pope Francis commented that a marriage 'needs' children to achieve complete and ultimate happiness. Before I continue may I say the I am not a Roman Catholic but my respect for all religions is one of my greatest personal-belief anchors. Particularly, I have the utmost respect for the Catholic Church for its commitment to the decaying inner-cities. The Catholic Church's staying power to serve the poor is unrivaled. When 'other' faiths see the city blight coming they fold tent and go to the burbs; this is not the case with the Catholic Church. That said, I must question the practical experiences of the Pope and his boldness to suggest 'children' to be the key to marital bliss. That's just plain poppycock. This logic implies that childless couples may just as well go separate ways if they cannot 'have' kids.


I understand that the Pope's reflections are driven by recent statistical numbers, which show a declining birth rate among Catholic couples. It would appear that the modern-day practicing Catholic couples are ignoring one specific Church belief as they are making birth decisions predicated on financial abilities. If the Pope is concerned about this birthing trend within the Catholic faith then he(Pope) should speak to the followers about the use of birth-control practices and products.


I find it most amusing and disingenuous for people of faith to argue against a health care plan, which  offers birth control products  while they use the same preventive method.  It would appear to me those folks are preaching one side of an argument while in reality they embrace and practice the other side.


May I go on record agreeing with Pope Francis on one thing: Our three children, fifteen grandchildren and one great grandchild brings the absolute greatest joy, happiness and blessings. However, the many dogs we have enjoyed over fifty-four married years were ALL lower maintenance than our children and caused less angst. On this latter-opinion, I believe I am more qualified to speak than is the Pope.

Make The Pain Go Away

Sorry about that. I was down with shoulder pain and unable to sit upright at my typing-machine; consequently no blog yesterday. The shoulder pain is a chronic condition and always finds a way to surface when this 'old' mind and aged body views a yard project through youthful eyes. Enough of my problems.


As with most people 'grounded,' I watched a lot of television shows. Actually, I watched one news program after another and noted two things about our 'Christian Nation:' (1) We judge others at every turn and have a quarreling intolerance towards others with opposing opinions. I understand that it is a 'healthy' America with two different political platforms and philosophy. Good for us with guaranteed freedoms to have differing points of debating views. That noted and stated, when we can compromise differing methods for the common good.  I do become confused listening to the two sides lock horns on foods provided to our public schools. My goodness, surely we are shameful in this refusal to agree on 'what is healthy.'


Recently, a war prisoner was released in a trade-off. Folks are arguing about that decision, circumstances surrounding the incident and making personal-attack comments while debating.
Another recent mass-murder shooting 'flushes-out' the two quarreling sides to point fingers never coming together to resolve the issues of mental health and gun availability.



I can say with certainty that viewing television news at length was nearly as painful as shoulder tendinitis and bursitis.

A Bonus Bond

I will state openly that which most parents think privately; 'I hope when I am gone from this world, my children have caring love-ones in their lives.' I recall when we had our first child, a good friend once commented, "Don't raise your first child alone...should some thing happen to you and your wife it would be so important for a child not to be left without a sibling." Certainly a profound thought .Since my wife and I were blessed with three children, we are most pleased to note that those married adult children have strong-loving ties with each other. Each of the three satellite families have two or more children thus no grandchild (young or old) is 'alone.'


Several years ago, my wife and I held five consecutive week-long summer gatherings of grandkids. We called these experiences, 'Naboo Camp; a combination of our grand parenting names, Nana and Boompa. Those cousin get-together days were fun for everyone and had some lasting relationship impact.


This past school year, Loren (Roustio) and Erica (Howell) were Illinois State University freshmen dorm floor-mates and will live together next year in the same sorority house. I dare conclude that these two young ladies have a sealed life-long sister-cousin bond; they shall never walk alone. A truly comforting reality.