Religious Fact

In this long-season of political ugliness and hateful language, I thought you might wish to digest the following:
The Jews believe that Jesus was a prophet 'not' the Messiah. The Muslims believe that Jesus was a holy man, prophet of God and the only person who ever lived without sin. Of course, Christians accept Jesus as Lord and Savior. It would therefore seem reasonable that all three Faith's with these views about Jesus would believe Jesus' words matter...Like these words:
                                                             "Love one another as I have loved you."

Peace on Earth comes from good will toward man."  ---no matter what he may or may not believe. Let the way we live and treat ALL people put Jesus' words in practice.

Question: In your opinion, which three (3) 2016 Presidential candidates embodies the above philosophy stated by Jesus?

America Should Expect Better

Last night's Republican debate in Houston, Texas resembled an elementary cafeteria squabble amongst self-centered immature children with no adult nearby to call out the unacceptable behavior. CNN moderator, Wolf Blitzer was pitifully inept controlling conversation tone and tempo.

As a parent, I insisted that my children stand up for 'their rights' but understand that 'getting-it-right' is more important than 'being right.' At a time in our society when rude behavior and bullying is rampant and parents, police and school leaders are forming coalitions to address those issues, our nation watches those exact disgusting behaviors on display by candidates seeking the office of President.

The only laughable moment during the debate was hearing the voice of the lone 'black' candidate (off camera) pleading to four 'white guys,' "Somebody attack me." His cry would thus require an opportunity to respond therefore giving him air-time.'

Sad.

Show & Tell Gone Too Far

I suspect most Americans know that February is 'Black History Month.' I would believe that few countrymen are aware that February is also 'National Weddings Month' and 'An Affair to Remember Month.' The latter celebration is a spin off from the movie of the same name. The American Film Institute considers the 1957 movie, 'An Affair to Remember' one of the romantic films of all-time.

The principal actors in the movie were Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. They were in relationships with other people when they met on an ocean liner and fell in love. During the voyage it is strongly implied that they had a torrid love affair, yet they never shared a kissed on screen. Given today's romantic movies one would wonder how An Affair to Remember is held in such high esteem by the American Film Institute and celebrated as part of Valentine's month?

Well.........
Once upon a time 'romance' was guarded. People used discretion as they concerned themselves with behavior and speech as a way to protect women and not offend. Unlike today, we also guarded private information.

Stop by, I'll be in the Backyard

The late great baseball pitcher, Leroy 'Satchel' Page was once quoted saying, "Sometimes I sits and thinks and sometimes I just sits." At seventy-seven, I epitomize Satchel's stated life-style. Therefore, to avoid the pending likelihood that the 'just sits' will soon consume more time than the 'sits and thinks,' I'm contemplating taking-up whittling. Why not? My Grandpa E. V. Bennett was a dedicated whittler. Perhaps it's in my DNA.

Let me clarify the difference between 'whittling' and 'wood-carving.' A wood carver begins with a block of wood, carving tools and a blueprint pattern or preconceived notion for a finished product. A whittler picks up a stick or chunk of wood and with his trusty pocketknife begins trimming away the exterior and continues the brain-dead activity until the whittling object is reduced to shavings. Come to think, I must acknowledge 'the carver' is required to 'sits-carve-and-thinks' while the whittler just 'sits & whittles.'

I need to buy a pocketknife...and band-aids.

Screwed up Design

America's Founding Fathers made a mistake; most committees do. It happens to the best. Our government design is screwed up! We all buy into the 'checks and balance' of the three-branches of government; executive, legislative and judicial. Where the institutional design jumps the tracks is requiring term limits on only the executive office and that is the result of the twenty-second amendment to the Constitution passed by Congress in 1947 and ratified in 1951.

The sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia brings greater attention to the fact that without judicial term limits there is the possibility that senility could impact our lives. People born and raised in the 1940's are required to wrap their diminishing brain-power around issues, which have to be foreign to their thinking. Beside, the very fact that these Justices have a 'life-time' job is a ridiculous concept. It's no different than certifying an 82-year old brain surgeon. Stupid!

Finally, we must admit that 'no term limits' in Congress creates fertile grounds for greed and government corruption. Surely, you have noticed?

I hear politicians using the phrase, " We are going to take back our country." If Americans truly wish to 'take back their country,' they must first 'take it away from politicians!'

When I was teaching and coaching, I found it so damned amusing when politicians would get on some 'kick' about merit-pay accountability for teachers or the tenure protection for teachers. Every coaching position I held required me to put a good product on the floor or I would be fired.

Grown-ups Say The Darndest Things

I am not Roman Catholic, therefore the ensuing comments should not be interpreted as some parishioner defending his Church's leader. Last week, Pope Francis said (and I paraphrase) 'people who build walls instead of bridges are not Christian.'

The obvious target of the Pontiff's lecture was GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump who has maintained if elected, he will build a wall along the Mexican border to keep illegals out of America. I suppose the Pope, who is obviously a compassionate man and wishes Christian love to conquer evil was simply speaking in metaphoric ideals. Come on folks, we all know what the Pope was attempting to communicate...'love thy neighbor....'

On the other hand if those bloviating political pundits wish to get all in dither over Pope Francis' comments then please consider the following words and thoughts by 'other' men of God...

 Pastor Robert Jeffress (First Baptist Church-Dallas) said "Obama's re-election will lead to the anti-Christ."

Pastor Mike Bickel (International House of Prayer) states that Oprah is the forerunner to the anti-Christ.
                   
 Pastor John Hagee (Cornerstone Church) San Antonio, TX.) said, "Obama's treatment Benjamin Netanyahu will cause God to destroy America."

Bob Jones III, President of Bob Jones University has publicly questioned President Obama's Christianity. He has also stated that the Catholic religion is based upon a Satanic system. Let's not give an ear to critics of the Pope's 'walls-bridges' comment in light of the many truly false prophets running around speaking for God and judging folks willy-nilly. And come to think of it, how could anyone in their right-mind offer Oprah as a forerunner to the anti-Christ before that of Rush Limbaugh? Oops, I sound like a television evangelist.

Just as Well be in Florida

The past few winters, we have spent January and February in Miramar Beach, Florida. Miramar is adjacent to Destin, which sits halfway between Ft. Walton Beach and Panama City in the Florida panhandle. We stay in one of the thirty 2-story cottages on a culdesac located perhaps eighty yards from the beach.

The winter residents are referred to as 'snowbirds' and based on all the activities and perks offered by local organizations and businesses, we old farts are apparently a financial windfall for the area. One recent perk by many rental companies is permitting renters to bring pets. On our culdesac alone, twenty-eight of the thirty occupants have dogs. The dogs serve several purposes for old-timers. The dogs cause exercise. Consider the fact that owners walk their pets for potty purposes and then people who would never bend over to do toe-touches must bend to pick up poop or run the risk of being the 'talk' of the neighborhood. Of course, another advantage forthcoming from man's best friend is memory assistance. Most of us seniors can't remember what day it is much less every body's name, however I have been successful making dog-owner name association. 'Cotton's' parents are Mike & Barb.

There is one downfall to this 'snowbird-life.' In a brief three year time period, I notice one couple did not return from last year due to a spouse's death. Another gentleman returned for a weekend with extended family to sprinkle his wife's ashes in the gulf. And...too often I hear some NOT so good health stories via-the-grapevine. I'll just put all that in God's hands, embrace each morning and get out of bed to find joy in picking-up Poodle-Poop.

A Birthday Reflection

On this date seventy-seven years ago, my mother gave me life. Over the years, I came to realize that she was my greatest earthly gift while my father would be my greatest mentor. I was fortunate to have  in my journey brothers Tom and Marty. Tom became a true supporter and trusted friend in my efforts and Marty allowed me a special nurturing opportunity of a sibling 16 years my junior.

My youth was anchored by an extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I always had a sense of being loved but not worshiped. I married a good girl who was a product of a fun-loving family. I met that girl when I was 14 and she was but 13; that history is special. Our marriage some 55+ years ago resulted in three loving children who enjoy happiness shared by terrific spouses.
Fifteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren permit my wife and I to truly embrace God's love and life's longing for itself.

As a young boy, I was blessed with some athletic talent. I was helped along the way by many coaches. That young athletic-life afforded me an education and set me upon a career path that remains viable this day.

I was permitted to live a life doing that which I wanted to do and 'feel' joy in the opportunity to serve others. I have said many times that I was blessed with three children but a thirty-nine year coaching career allows me to 'count' many as my boys and there's a few stat girls who remain special. Along the journey some special friendships were developed, which enriched my life.

As in the case with us all, I know not the amount of time that remains in my personal journey. I will continue to do as much as I can and look for chances to serve others. To borrow a quote from the late Jack Buck, "If I should be so fortunate to meet my maker, I will ask Him; Why were you so good to me?"

EXTREMES

Who woulda-thunk that one day in the good old USA, a presidential race would (possibly) offer the choice between a rich fascist Republican and a Jewish socialist-Democrat? Hello, Donald & Bernie.

Ever since Ronnie Reagan convinced the Southern Bubba's and Belles that "government is the problem," we observe a continuation of the far right demonizing government programs in a Carte Blanche manner while the Democrats never notice a circumstance that couldn't 'use more tax monies.' Let us acknowledge that many right-wing voters are anti-government programs, which appear to assist people of color because the perception is 'those folks' will not work. However, you never hear GOP voters complaining of the enormous government 'handouts' given to 'white' farmers allowing them to make money for NOT working. Go figure...15 million American kids will fall asleep tonight hungry. And...any time hurricanes hammer Southern States the 'government' is their with the National Guatd and monies. It's the same old same old, we are all Democrats when WE face 'needs.'

The right also continues to seek avenues to make minority voting a non-factor with ID demands and moving polling places to areas void of public transportation. Strange as it would be, I think the Jewish candidate is acting more like a Christian than the Party claiming to know Jesus best.

If you feel disenfranchised just think...things could be worse. We could be completely privatized.

Ps. To my blog reader who believes that I often make 'race' a central theme...I humbly suggest that the biggest issues facing America today, in no particular order are: economy, terrorism, global warming, nuclear proliferation and race relations.

I Know THAT Ain't Right

It is stated, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' The same can be said of 'tastefulness,' that showing of good judgment and appropriate behavior. We obviously notice examples of changes in fads, fashions and folkways with the passage of time. Take for example the female swimsuits. The magazine, Sports Illustrated will soon be out with its latest swimsuit edition. Examine that publication and then Google swimsuit styles of the decades beginning with the 1920's.

"I know it when I see it" is a phrase famously coined by United States Supreme Court Justice, Potter Stewart (1964) when faced with the prospect of defining 'pornography.' Predicated on our personal experiences, nurturing and teaching we develop certain guidelines and parameters to apply to the world about us. We thus seem to view that world with our own moral compass. We may not be able to always articulate a coherent definition but we nonetheless know acceptable behavior as opposed to the distasteful...in 'our eyes.'

I attended a Bible Study class recently where the lesson centered on the 7th Beatitude, 'Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God.' The preacher claimed that 'we' should never be offended. He went on to state that only God has the right to be offended. Therefore it is sinful for us to assume that Deity level. I disagreed with the preacher's premise. I thought my suggestion that being offended calls us to 'caring action.' I quickly discovered his mind was having none of it. Therefore, I stifled my opinions before I said something that would offend the Good Lord if not the pastor.

If I'm seated at a sporting event with young grandchildren and a nearby group of men are inebriated and using vulgar language, I would find that offensive and thus 'act' upon it.

Leadership Decay

In the early 1960's, high school sport conditioning was intense and physical education classes were militaristic with calisthenics and running. Part of the P.E. regimentation was a dress-a-like uniform code. End of class showers were expected. Over the years, students began wrangling parental complaints to school administrators about the physical education structure and by the late1980's the physical education class resembled more 'free play.'

 Today's academic classroom integrity and instructional atmosphere is challenged and compromised by the 'cell phone.' Parents insist on kids' having cell phones for convenience and overstated safety concerns. Young students are thus delighted and why not? We have all noticed the insatiable appetite for cell phones demonstrated by all ages. Can you possibly imagine the percent of American teens that take cell phones to bed nightly? And we wonder why our public schools are perceived as failing.

In defense of school administrators, they also have pressure from the local Board of Education. When parents run into school administration opposition they quickly attack school board members. My experience, on that front, if two parents telephone board members ' the issue is a concern.' If five people telephone, 'it's a crisis!'

Cell phones should be deemed unacceptable in the classroom along with those 'earbuds.' If the BOE and the school administration cannot enforce such a plan then every classroom teacher should stand at the doorway and as students enter 'their' room require the students place cell phones in a basket and pull the earbuds out. Those phones are retrieved by students upon departure from class.

Anybody Paying Attention

Vaudeville entertainer, Al Jolson (1919) well into his singing performance would occasionally call out to his frenzied audience, "You ain't heard nothin' yet."  As many Americans scratch their heads disbelieving the rhetoric spewed from the 2016, presidential campaigners, I would ask the reader to digest and process the following:

Recently, an Illinois lawmaker proposed a legislative bill making it a crime for a by-stander to video-record fights and then place on the Internet. It has become a common practice amongst teens to encourage fighting and then film the violence on their cell phones. (Note: I will venture a guess that over 98% of teens and 85% of adults are clueless about that seventh Beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God").

This teen generation will produce tomorrow's leaders and President.

You ain't heard (seen) nothin' yet!

Cry Me a River

Cam Newton's post-game Super Bowl media interview lasted 3-minutes before he walked out apparently with a bruised psyche. His second media interview two days ago lasted four-minutes longer and portrayed him as an even more immature individual affirming his less than desirable role model status for American youth.

In his second interview, Cam explained to anyone wishing to listen that he IS who he IS and he is not about to change to fit others' expectations. Therefore, all should understand that this athlete (Cam Newton) is the first athlete in the history of sport that DOES NOT like losing...this is 'why' he is a jerk after losing. On winning occasions he is a cool dude who can spew clever quips and be charming. However, when Cam's opponents win, he prefers people (especially media) let him alone and understand HIS pain.

I stated before and will say again, Cam Newton is a terrific talent. He has the stage to send some wonderful messages to millions of young people. We can only hope he will come to embrace this opportunity.

I can only conclude that Cam Newton is a very temperamental person with an rather inflated view of his importance.

It's No Secret

As a parent, I had definite expectations of my three children. I expected them to be well-mannered showing respect to others and particularly to elders. No alcohol, cigarettes or drugs was preached to them. Curfews and taking care of school business was a priority. When each kid turned sixteen they were expected to have summer jobs. I would be delighted to underwrite four-years of college but not one day at 'spring break.'

Whereas my children were not without fault and had a few bumps along the way, they were good kids at home and turned out to be terrific adults.

As a grandparent, I take a much different approach. Since I am not responsible for shaping their behavior, I need not bother myself establishing expectations...that's their parents' job. However, I do have a responsibility with those fifteen grandchildren and here's what it is in simple terms: I must constantly remind each how they can achieve 'happiness.' Therefore, I preach the following: Make sure your 'work' is your passion because you will be doing it for forty years. Secondly, make the opportunity to find ways to 'serve' others during life's journey. These two living-objectives insures 'happiness.'

I believe that if a person loves their vocation and can help someone as they pass along the way then they will have lived gloriously.

I know my three kids believe THAT...now working on the fifteen grandkids.

Harry Said It Best

Watching the 2016 Presidential race for the 'White House' unfold, I am reminded of the very worst of the human species. The debates seldom focus on policies or suggested solutions but more often turn to middle-school-like fussing and name calling. Many Americans ask the question, 'How can these candidates represent the best this Nation of 320 million has to offer?

After watching every Republican televised debate, I am reminded of former President Harry S. Truman's quote: "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a house of ill repute or a politician. And to tell you the truth there's hardly any difference."

Matter of Fact

It's kinda strange but interesting how 'things' shake out over time. In a couple of weeks, Coach Mike Waldo takes his Edwardsville 'Tigers' basketball team into Granite City to play my son's (Steve) 'Warriors.'  Drawing on my personal experiences playing basketball at East St. Louis Senior High and coaching Edwardsville from 1970-77, I can relate to the tough wars in that Southwestern Conference.

Now, here is the strange but interesting side bar. Next season, Granite City will be leaving the Collinsville Holiday Tournament mainly for the purpose of facing different opponents from the conference teams found in the Collinsville Classic. Also next year, I understand Edwardsville will be entering the Collinsville Tourney. (I won't speculate on those reasons).

Let's go back to the early 1970's when this blog writer was coaching the Tigers. I began a 16-team Edwardsville Christmas Holiday Tournament. We secured teams the likes of Larry Graham's Madison, Pick Dehner's East Side,  Ralph Sackett's Bloomington, and Duncan Reid's Lincoln. If you are any kind of basketball fan, you thus are aware that the aforementioned coaches are Hall of Fame icons.

May I state with great certainty that if Edwardsville still had that holiday tournament the local businesses would see their community making additional money at the holidays. If they still had this tournament the school district would be crying all the way to Bank of Edwardsville. (Note: This is not an overstatement. The past thirteen years, I have coordinated an 8- team Thanksgiving Basketball Tournament for the Decatur School District. The annual profits average seven thousand dollars, which is used to support programs).

Unfortunately, back in the '70's I had to fight an apathetic and sometimes oppositional administration to keep the tournament going year-to-year. As the late Paul Harvey would say, 'And NOW you know the REST of the story.'

The Way We Were

"January to December we'll have moments to remember..." The Four Lads (1955) sang out those lyrics and young teens of the decade were indeed 'Lost in the 50's (those) Nights. It was the best of times. It was a moment-in-time that would become encapsulated in our minds forever. The laughter we shared removed any possible thoughts about our tomorrows.

'Blackie,' 'Smitty' and 'Moe' entered East St. Louis Senior High after completing their respective  ninth grades at three different junior high schools, which were representative of the river city. The following three years, we would make strong sports contributions to our beloved 'Flyers' Alma mater while forging lasting social friendships.

After high school, we would each go our separate ways but every five years a class reunion caused our paths to intersect again. Retirement years slowed the pace and more frequent telephone conversations seemed to negate the mileage distances. We'd reminisce but frequently we compared grandkids' stories and recent aging challenges. 

'Blackie' died this past fall and two days ago 'Smitty' died. I am glad that I spoke with each just days before their deaths. We recalled a few stories and parted with I love you exchanges. The rest of my life I am left with our stories. Stories I shall not speak of again but recall only in my midnight hours.

'Hail to Orange & Blue.'

Heeeeeere's Sarah !

Dadgumit, Sarah Palin is a gift that keeps on giving. Palin is back on the national political stage with her presidential endorsement of Donald 'Archie Bunker' Trump. Take it to the bank, Palin may help Trump in the short term but she will be to Trump what she was to McClain...an albatross around the neck.

For me and likely millions, Palin's shrilled voice and inept articulation of the English language will once again bring great laughter with the re-emergence of Tina Fay. Actually, Palin reminds me of a comedian from the mid-1960's...Norm Crosby. Those readers old enough will recall Crosby's uncanny ability to offer a lengthy stand-up comedic dialogue with misapplication and placement of words and phrases in the most nonsensical English language.

Sarah Palin could have been a regular on the television show, 'Hee Haw.'

And The Sky is Not Falling

I become weary hearing all the nonsense rhetoric regarding 'socialism' emitting from the right-wingers who should damn well know better. With the strong Democratic Presidential challenge coming from Bernie Sanders, we can expect more 'ooh, he's a socialist.' It's gibber jabber !

'Socialism' defined: A political & economic theory of social organization that advocates means of production, distribution and exchange should be owned by the community at large.

Shall we look at a few things 'produced, distributed and exchanged' that is owned by the community at large. These would obviously be facilities and services, which the individual (alone) cannot provide, produce and distribute. The masses were therefore TAXED and the collective monies were distributed to agencies for desired facilities and services. The masses made a production, distribution exchange.

How about...public education, police/fire protection, roadways/highways and the maintenance thereof. Water and sewer systems, public libraries, civic center's, sports stadiums, Medicare, Medicaid and on and on...

It is unfortunate that special interest groups use 'labels' that tend to negatively brand someone or some thing. Capitalism in and of itself is not a perfect social/economic design as it plays out in America; neither can socialism stand alone.

That stated, I wish hard core right wingers would open their eyes and stop denying the undeniable.

Not Smart

They were serious! 'Pairing wine to Girl Scout Cookies.' Last Friday morning while reading the newspaper and sipping coffee, I looked up from my reading to watch a Today Show segment. There Tamron Hall, Natalie Morales, Savanah Guthrie, Willie Geist and Al Roker were each holding a glass of wine and delicately 'dunking' Girl Scout cookies into their drinks.

After a little research, I discovered that there are endless articles written on this 'alcohol-girl scout cookies pairing' Perhaps I am naive. God only knows that I am not a  prude. Nevertheless, I am left wondering if some Girl Scouts with a little bit of imagination just might get into the old man's wine-cabinet and tear open a box of 'Do-si-dos' at the next slumber-party-sleepover?

Many parents do their children a great disservice while some parents have their head so far up their derrière they could count the polyps. Point>> the years I was a high school athletic director, I made sure that all athletes, coaches and parents were aware of the athletic code of conduct, which spoke to alcohol consumption and punitive consequences if violated.

One year just before the school's Homecoming, I intercepted a well designed invitation from a group of parents that profiled a post Homecoming party for students at a specific residence. The note went on to explain that alcohol would be permitted but the students must surrender their automobile keys and spend the night.

As some readers digest this blog they are thinking, well what's wrong with that scenario. Those parents are making sure no student drinking will get injured or killed. And I say to you what I said to those dumb-ass parents, 'you are circumventing the athletic-code-contract between athletes/parents and the school. You are also breaking the law providing alcohol to minors.'

Stranger in Paradise

"Take my hand, I'm a stranger in Paradise
All lost in a wonderland,
A stranger in Paradise."...
Those are the opening lyrics to the song, 'Stranger in Paradise' from the 1953 musical, Kismet. I find those lyrics coming to mind more frequently in these, my twilight years. And why not? More and more I recognize less and less of America's core values not to mention common sense.

This past weekend, I read a news report that Florida State University's higher education leaders have agreed to begin selling beer at Florida State baseball games. Let's quickly connect the 'common sense dots.' All 50- States established the legal drinking age at 21. Approximately, three-fourths of college age students would be under the age 21. Nonetheless, FSU is going to dangle alcohol temptations in front of their students attending athletic events.  Of course, beer at $7.00 a bottle will 'line' some pockets. Stranger in Paradise? You bet! In 1959, I squeezed the hell out of $15.00 a week for food.

A recent survey suggests that nearly 60% of college students drink alcohol monthly. Please consider the following yearly numbers on American college campuses:
(1) 1,800 alcohol related deaths, (2) 700,00 alcohol related assaults and (3) over 90,000 sexual assaults/rapes.

The NCAA, which has by-laws protecting the heritage of Native Americans concerning the use of 'Indian-mascots,' and yet is conspicuously absent protecting the young lives of university students regarding the serious alcohol issue on college campuses.

..."All lost in a wonderland
A stranger in Paradise.