Fact or Fiction / Truth or Liar

A political party, which ignores scientific evidence of global warming, bigoted expressions, demeaning comments about women and the disabled by its Presidential nominee is an intellectually and morally bankrupt political party.

I am sure someone will be quick to point out the Democratic party's support of a woman's choice to abort as immoral.  Keep in mind that while Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was alive, the Conservative party had a 5-4 edge to overturn Roe vs. Wade and the Supreme Court did not.

Adding insult to Americans is Donald Trump's contradictory comments. He is on record denying that he even knows Russian 'dictator,' Vladimir Putin. This was a recent comment on the heels of the hacking of DNC email records. Of course, Trump's purpose for this denial is an attempt to distance himself from 'requesting' the Russian government to 'hack' and release DNC records.

Now this fella, who is quick to call others' liars, is also on record stating that he spoke with Putin years ago when Trump was sponsoring a beauty pageant in Russia. Trump said that he found Putin to be "very nice." So, what up Trump?

Hypocrites

Soon those college campuses will liven up with a full compliment enrollment. Of course, a few students have been on those multi-sidewalk pastures during the summer. I know some freshmen to be students, mostly athletes have been enrolled in the U. Of. I. Summer 'Bridge Program.' That's an academic transition program from high school to college for those NCAA scholarship athletes who posted a 17 or less ACT score. Never mind that hundreds of non-athlete students who scored perhaps a 26 on their ACT was told by Illinois and other schools that they were not 'good enough' to be accepted at their institution.

This philosophy is mind boggling. Many of these questionable student-athletes are absolutely embarrassing when giving a post-game interview...they can't put words together making a comprehensive sentence. Others will beat up their girlfriends, be arrested for a variety of illegal behavior and place coaches and athletic directors in uncomfortable situations explaining how and why these people were recruited.

The so-called big time universities and the NCAA cow-tow to these questionable characters for the sake of NCAA tournament and Post -Season Bowl 'paydays." However, the NCAA is a caring organization...they will bar schools from post-season tournaments if they don't dump their 'Indian Mascots.' Gee, just imagine had the NCAA had been around when we were killing many Indians during the Westward Expansion; the 'Redman' might have more than just a casino cut these days. On the other hand, I gotta believe the Seminoles of Florida have a sweet deal.

The NCAA functions much better than the United States Congress but is equally disenginous.

Capturing Yesterday

This past week, I did shoe shopping, which I don't do often. While browsing, I recalled my youth and those adolescent years when one pair of 'dress shoes' was designated as 'Sunday shoes.' You did not wear those shoes any place but to Church. I saw a fella in Church last Sunday wearing shorts and flip-flops. Of course, Jesus wore something similar to flip-flops did He not?

I remember as a teen when it was a must to own a pair of leather thread-needle wing-tip shoes or a pair of leather plain-toed St. Louis 'Orange' shoes. We bought those shoes at Famous-Barr or Stix Baer & Fuller stores in St. Louis. Those shoes were made of real leather unlike many synthetic shoes today. Real leather shoes require polish maintenance. It was challenging learning how to give your plain-toed leather shoes a military style 'spit' shine. However, it was more enjoyable to pay a quarter and have the Collinsville Avenue shoeshine boy make his 'rag pop' on those shoes.

This twenty-first century America finds most peoples' feet buried in some type of athletic shoe. I believe it's fair to say that Americans these days dress more for comfort, which equates to a dress down from the more formal attire seen in years past. Back-in-the-day, you would always see men in coat and tie and women in dresses with heads covered when you surveyed the Church crowd. Even America's pastime sport saw a plethora of men in baseball stadiums wearing their prized Fedoras.

I should tell you that I bought a pair of shoes...I bought a pair of leather wing-tips. I likely won't save them for just Church. I plan to wear them at granddaughter, Lindsay's 'I Do' ceremony with fiancé, Reid, which is coming up this September. By then, I should have one terrific shine on those kickers.

'Cause' of Me?

Have you ever noticed how a 'cause' is often devoured by the very people who intended to serve it? Let me explain. During this 2016 Presidential campaign, Bernie Sanders, the Independent Vermont Senator turned Democrat, gained great traction. Sanders' revolution message resonated with the very progressive wing of the Democrat Party. Subjects such as wages, free college tuition, universal health care and trade, although suggesting socialism, propelled Sanders and his political revolution. He became a formidable opponent for Hillary Clinton.

As things would eventually shake out, Sanders would fall short of the winner's circle. In an impassioned speech at the Democratic Convention, Sanders made his push for Hillary Clinton's presidency and his plea to his supporters to back Hillary because several of their 'progressive causes,' which have been implemented in the Democratic platform.

After the speech, several Sanders supporters were asked if they could 'now' vote for Hillary. Well, they weren't sure or said, "No." Obviously, those folks are not very smart turning their backs to their passionate agenda or perhaps they fed on a 'cause' and became obese with self-importance. These people are actually weak in commitment. If you truly believe in something, you don't pack up and go home when things get difficult. Those are the times to cinch it up and push on.

The greatest 'cause' and movement in the history of humanity saw its leader put to death on a cross. Those believers, those followers continued with His message.

More On The Way

I am going to step back this morning and cut a bit of slack for GOP Presidential nominee, Donald J. Trump. Donald Trump is NOT the only self-centered, me-me, egotistical ass showing immature behavior under pressure or scrutiny. Let me offer the name Chris Sale. Since you may not be a baseball fan, Chris Sale is paid nine million dollars this year to pitch a baseball for the Chicago White Sox. Considering the outlandish salaries paid this 21st century to American professional athletes, Sale's talents likely will demand more in the immediate future; he is talented.

Pro sports is one work place where the 'grunt employees' see greater financial compensation than do their immediate supervisors, I.e., manager and coaches. Many of today's athletes grew up as did Trump. They were pampered and cowtowd to and exonerated from normal standards of expected behavior. Consequently, in the adult world these spoiled people stand out with temper tantrums, general assinie comments and childish behavior. They are pampered and exempt from fault.

Trump has demonstrated a litany of spoiled tantrum actions, vicious attacks on minorities, women, the disabled along with a frivolous passion to discard marital commitments and creditors. Chris Sale recently was scheduled to pitch a baseball game that had long been promoted as a 'throwback' uniform game. That's a game when the participating teams wear uniforms styles, which were worn back-in-the-day. I suppose the marketing target is nostalgia.  Chris Sale, for whatever reason balked at the notion and got into a verbal confrontation with management...he decided he was not going to wear some item of the uniform attire. Sale ended up being sent not to the pitcher's mound but to his home when he 'cut up' several uniforms.

I'm sure Chris' family was at his side to assure him 'it is not your fault son.' Must have felt like old little league days. Get ready folks...there's a whole bunch of these brats on the horizon.

His Words; Not Mine

On the heels of my repeated comments, which suggest that Donald Trump's rhetoric and the mindset of followers smells of racism has some friends and others challenging those perceptions. I am aware that I have irritated a few people. I don't apologize for those remarks but I acknowledge some people don't like them or agree with them and their opinions on the matter may be correct. God only knows, I do wish I was wrong.

This past week, white supremacist David Duke registered for the Louisiana's U.S. Senate race, stating that his motivation to do so is driven by "the climate and direction of the country."  He continued, "The people of this country, the patriotic, decent, God fearing people of this country are now right with me." NOW PAY CLOSE ATTENTION: Duke said that the principles he has promoted over the years are now the theme of the Republican Party that are supporting Trump's campaign.

Those are not MY words, those are the words of the former leader of the KKK, David Duke. It would be reasonable to conclude that many other Trump supporters think & reason as does the former Grand Knight of hatred.

A Key to Happiness

I am humbled to acknowledge our rich family blessings. Our three adult married children embrace Christ in their respective lives and are married to equal God loving spouses. Those relationships have blessed my wife and I with 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

When we gather as a family, I am always asked to give a prayer-blessing before meals. I am sure this is out of respect for the old-timer as opposed to any other notion. My prayer always contains a theme-message, which I have imparted to my family and those across the country with whom I've shared speaking presentations. I continue to remind the young and the old that my personal experiences and observations support the notion that the happiest people I know are those people who find themselves in a work-profession they sincerely love and find time and energies to serve others during this journey.

The true joy in one's life will not be found in the amount gathered and spent on self but rather the amount of self spent on others.

Christ-like?

I say without reservations, shame on evangelical Christians that chose to support a man running for the Presidency of the United States who wishes to 'ban Muslims' from entering this Nation of Freedom. Christians, above any religious group, should well know the documented history of their 'own' religious persecution.

However, this posture should not surprise us. More often than not today, we observe believers 'cherry-picking' application of Biblical scriptures to drive a political agenda or ease some personal anger. We hear the voices anchored in the sanctity of life calling for the cessation of abortion while favoring capital punishment. Christians claim some inalienable right to have their religious documents posted in the public square and whispered pray in public schools. And all the while these evangelicals will call for the protection and enforcement of ' Constitutional laws' but ignore the protection of other faith-believers guaranteed in that very document. How selfish; how blind.

We Christian-evangelicals would do our Lord great honor to simply consecrate on His final commandment:
"Love one another as I have loved you."

And the Beat Goes On!

I read in the newspaper where the State of Texas is attempting to stiffen their voting ID laws, which I suppose are directed at folks who are not legally eligible to vote. I guess that would be people who are not citizens or perhaps don't live where they say they live. I would not imagine there could be any other reasons.

The sad thing about America's voting tendencies is that we don't vote in great numbers. It seems every State would be recruiting voters and making the process as easy as possible. It has become apparent that many States attempt to disenfranchise minority citizens using identification laws and placing polls at sites inaccessessible to public transportation.

I am one of the very fortunate. I was born in St. Clair County, Illinois and first registered in that County as a voter. This means that long after I am dead someone will still be casting a Democratic vote under my name back in East St. Louis. That's a gratifying feeling knowing My liberal voice lives on at the ballot box.

What have you done for 'ME' lately?

I note new study-findings indicate that American 'road rage' is on the increase. Well, I'm afraid it will likely get worse before getting better. Look, American people have evolved over the past few generations to assume and expect instant gratification. We have arrived at a Utopian belief that 'ME' IS UNO NUMBER ONE! We should be first in line, first to be served and satisfied.

 Here's the good news: Over the next decade, the American public is going to be teased with the promise and development of the auto-pilot vehicle; the driver-less automobile. The driving-machine that will re-define the leisurely Sunday afternoon family outing. Yes sir, this car is going to switch lanes, speed up, slow down and do whatever else is needed based upon surrounding traffic.

Here's the bad news: Americans are depending upon the same auto industry technology that brought us vehicles, which sped up when brakes were applied. Cars that have airbags deploy without cause...And autos with faulty ignition switches causing fires. Now, the operative theory is design and manufacture a headless, brainless missile that travels at high speeds through a maze of human life on auto-pilot. All for the glorification and service of 'ME!'

While the automakers are at the 'drawing board,' they would well serve the public by creating 'robot fighting-men' to deploy from the auto to engage in road-rage confrontation, after all you cannot blame mishaps on the humans riding in auto-pilot vehicles. The young kids were watching television, the teens were texting while mom and dad were playing Pokemon Go.

Perhaps crude but we need to fish or cut bait.

The phrase, "Cut the bullshit," is a crude way of saying stop beating around the bush saying things that are not true or unimportant and get to the point and or solution. In my old neighborhood you might hear that comment in ordinary conversation frequently; those people had a knack calling out crap.

Well, if you don't mind, I'll suggest that's what we Americans need to do to straighten out some of the messes we've made over the years. I recall on the heels of the Sandyhook massacre of twenty grade school children, we had liberals clamoring for stiffer gun controls and conservatives suggesting we needed a conversation about mental illness. When congresswoman, Gabby Gifford was shot the same cries from the same groups were heard. The Aurora, Colorado theater gunman had the NRA calling for every citizen to arm themselves so they can shoot back at these mad gunmen and interrupt the victims' count. Those calls were again offered in the aftermath of the Gay-night club massacre. With the on-going, difficult to explain, killings of Blacks by law enforcement and the heinous sniper shootings of policemen, we hear the plea by politicians, clergy and others to 'have a National race conversation.'

I say 'cut through the crap.' This Nation can have a conversation about mental health but before you waste time with such gibberish-jabber, read a history timeline on America's attention to mental health care and you will discover things began 'going -to-hell-in-a-hand-basket' in 1981 when the federal government's budget began cutting mental institutions' funding and grants. Today the hundreds of thousands of America's mentally ill are either in prison or living in half-way houses and walking the streets mostly under medicated. You wanna take care of the mental illness problem? Re-establish institutions and open up your wallets to pay for it.

I say 'cut through the crap.' Ninety percent of Americans want greater gun control legislation and yet we have a growing number of citizens with guns in their auto glove compartment and our police officers are routinely confronting assault weapons. Wanna fix it? After the government enacts tougher gun laws then Americans need to open wallets and pay for two officers per squad cars in high crime rate cities. Let's have enhanced police academy training and equip every officer with taser guns and have those tasers drawn when officers approach any vehicle. And one more thing..."If" Black Lives Matter then dammit ALL Black Lives Matter! 2,000 Black lives killed on the Chicogo streets this year at the hands of other Blacks should matter big time...so protest THAT. Seventy-two percent of Black babies born to unwed mothers find their 'lives' compromised from the beginning...where's the protest on that injustice to Black children? We can have race conversations from sea to shinning sea. The conversation won't hurt but know it will not end in resolutions because most conversations have strong talkers and weak listeners and most Americans want 'something for nothing!' Let's cut through the crap and do some common sense stuff to protect our people, people of all colors because all colors matter.

Higher Expectations---Now.

If the reader this morning can hold on to my premise just perhaps they'll get the proper read of this writer's thought and commentary intent. Then again, you may jump to the conclusion of your heart's desire.

I'm tired of observing the on-going abuse of young Black male athletes. I talking about the youthful Black athlete...the Black boy in middle school and high school, which even carries over into college if they get that far. Okay, let's identify those abusers: Often, they are Black mothers, mentors (teachers) and athletic coaches.

 I just upset some folks. Well, chill out Mommies, I want what us best for your child.

Generally speaking, most mothers (white & black) have a tendency to be enablers in so far as making lame excuses for their children for not measuring up to some standard of expectation. Due to the frequent absence of the father-figure in the Black family, this enabling tendency is magnified by African-American mothers. The explanation for this is for another blog, another day.

Too often the coaches and mentors of the young Black male athlete makes the academic road easy in the attempt to 'keep the kid academically eligible' and that's abuse. If that's not abuse, I don't know what is!

As a sport consultant, I have proposed to the Decatur School District that it implement a 'athlete-academic-tutor-tracking program.' It would work as so: when a freshman enters high school with sport aspirations, he or she must attend an informational meeting with a parent. That meeting will explain the academic tracking  philosophy and process. The student-athlete must sign an agreement that they will attend a minimum of once-a-week study tutoring table where their grades have been assembled weekly and tutor help is available. Failure to meet this standard keeps the athlete from participation. More frequent study table attendance will be required if grades are below expectations.
No longer will the District allow sport play without academic tracking. This will likely eliminate the all too frequent scenario, which finds the skilled athlete at the end of his high school experience unable to attend College due to academic shortfalls for meeting college entrance requirements.

My vision is having more Black athletes going to college to enhance their employment opportunities versus Black athletes going to the streets and then to prison as they get caught up in the drug pit.

Hands Down...The Best Love Song

My East St. Louis high school graduating class of 1957, has held a Class Reunion every five (5) years. Next year, we will assemble (God willing) for our 60th anniversary...oh, my! Talk about some old farts.

As I recall reflecting on those early class reunions, the fellas had a good 'dapper-looking run' for reunions 5-10-15 while the ladies were fighting the physical and mental onslaught of child bearing and work. Then beginning with reunion #20, the gals started making 'Dolly's Back-In-Town' come back looks and the cool cat fellas were loosing their hair and letting their trousers out a couple of inches.

My wife graduated one year behind me and her class has also kept up a five year reunion pace. I particularly enjoy her reunion equally as well as mine. She attended an all girls Catholic school, which reunion-co-ops with an all boys Catholic school. Since all those Catholic kiddos went to several different grade school Parishes in our city of 85,000. When the reunion photo call for each Parish is offered, I slip into most photos sessions. I know, I know, I'm the uncouth 'Protestant outsider' that rustled away the best-looking from their flock.

At one of my wife's class reunions, I was asked by their organizing committee to DJ the Reunion. With over 600 classic 45's, 259 LP's and an untold CD count, I could cover such a program. I remember during that evening, I received many love song requests. I was delighted to oblige. Near the evening's end when most people's 'glow' was resembling zombie-like expressions, someone shouted out, "Hey, Roustio...let's hear the song that you THINK is the greatest love song of all times. I immediately cued up Carly Simon's rendition of "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." There was some loud laughter from the crowd along with a boo or two. If asked the question today or next year and I'll state the case again, "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." I ask you, close your eyes right this moment and recall, if you will, the look on a young child's face when you ever sang that song showing the accompanying hand movements...you remember the excited joy in that trusting and believing face? I stand by my love song choice..."The Itsy Bitsy Spider." Post Script: Circumstances prohibits me from walks down my East St. Louis memory lanes. Therefore, I do the next best thing. Between those reunions, I telephone old classmates just to check in and let them know that I love them.

It's Scary!

The general population's 'dot-connecting-thinking-abilities' would be humorist if it was not so bizarre. I'm speaking of those people who embrace and advance the notion that President Barrack Obama is some how responsible for increased strained relations amongst the races in America. Apparently, these mental giants assumed that electing a 'Black Man' President would somehow solve America's longstanding prejudices, hate language and discrimination. How simple can a mind be in a body that walks upright?

These baseless charges are driven along political party lines. This language rolls off lips of those that refuse to accept a reality that Saddam Hussein kept stability in the Middle East, therefore when he was toppled by our troops all hell broke loose in a region, which continues to be in chaos.

On the heels of any American gun massacres these same minds think quickly to blame the problem on mental health issues or not enough civilians armed with weapons...never is the problem too many guns, too many assault weapons or lacking gun-control background checks...but hey, we have a Black President therefore we should have no more race problems. Wow!

Ps. Dare not challenge these 'deep thinkers' who believe 'global warming' is a liberal conspiracy hoax.
      What do they say about urine in a boot...?

A Classic Goose & Gander

She (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) is a Supreme Court Justice. He (Donald Trump) wishes to be the leader of the free world. Both appear to be significant gigs carrying much prestige and expected dignity, eh?

Well...GOP presumptive Presidential nominee, Donald Trump wants an apology from Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg for her blistering negative comments about Trump. Without question, Ginsburg is out of profile character as a Supreme Court Justice with her partisan attack remarks against Trump's candidacy. I said she was out of character but she is NOT off base. Let me explain...

On the flip side of this fresh political quarrel are three points to be considered. Well, considered if one has a desire to examine two-sides of an issue. For those folks who dispise considering other opinions they can file the debate with their denial of Global warming evidence. That would be filed under, 'Don't confuse me, my mind is made up the world is flat.'

Okay, consider:
(1) Justice Ginsburg's comments break no laws and breaks no rules. (2) If Trump's charm and appeal to his followers is that he rebukes 'political correctness' with his off-the-wall statements and his unconventional push-back against 'the establishment' then Ginsburg gets a pass...she's like Trump.

(3) Until Trump apologizes to the disabled man he mimicked, apologizes for demeaning Carly Fiorina's facial looks, apologizes to Megan Kelly for publicly suggesting she was menstruating and retracts the lies he's stated about Muslims and Hispanics he should 'go pound salt' while waiting for ANYONE to ever apologize to him.

Playing 'your hand."

Two weeks ago, I met with Springfield Clinic Nurse, Jill who is my Wellness Coordinator. She is the medical facilitator who assembles all my various Doctors' visit summaries, test results information and then explains interpretations, answers questions and updates a personal portfolio, which I take with me on trips.

Nurse Jill reviewed my family history, which I am sure is a head-scratcher for most people. My mother's people, siblings etc., all lived well into their late eighties and nineties some pushing the century mark. On the other hand, my father's clan found journey finish lines in the late sixties to mid-seventies...DNA is indeed nature's crap-shoot game, eh?

My mother died at age 93 and one of her sisters lived to age 99. I recall both making comments in respective latter-years how they were 'ready to meet the Lord.' Selfishly, I wanted them to be around forever. Today as years pass and I say goodbyes to family and friends I've come to understand my Mother and Aunt's loneliness on earth.

My Father was much different in his life participation view. He was always looking forward to the next family gathering or event. Understand, this man grew up poor in Washington Park (East St. Louis).
He served in General Patton's 3rd Army and returned to work his way into the business world and become one of those self-made successes...realizing that American 'dream.'
At age 54, he suffered a massive heart attack and nearly died as he spent thirty days in Barnes Jewish Hospital. Cutting edge medicine of the day and his absolute faith in his God and Doctors kept him going for 21 more years. It was periodic heart failures that eventually eroded the ability of his heart to sustain life. When I take note of my brother, Tom's LVAD heart pump surgery, I think how our Dad would have jumped on that option had it been available back in the day as did his son.

I could blabber on with Dad stories in some attempt to suggest my Dad was the best but I'll close with a story regarding his final day. In late May, when he entered Barnes Hostipal for the last time with another heart failure episode. This time their would be no shock treatment to stabilize 'rhythm' and there was no more 'wonder drugs' to do magic. As they broke that news to my Father with family gathered around, he commented, " I must play the hand dealt to me." And , Oh, how he played it! In a show of professional care and concern for a cardiac patient well-known, several Doctors and Nurses stood outside my Father's hospital room that moment as an orderly guided his gurney through the open door on the way to the third floor where he would be made comfortable embracing death. These medical people shook Dad's hand and expressed their sorrow that no more could be done. The 75-year old warrior consoled THEM as he smiled and thanked each for their "wonderful care." On May 27, 1994 my Father left his earthly journey and also his final act of class and dignity.

No time for hobbies

Coming out of church last Sunday, a gentleman walking beside me commented, "Beautiful afternoon, I'll bet you're headed for the golf course later." I answered, "Nope, don't golf since three back surgeries." I suppose he felt the need to pursue the inquiry and added, "What hobbies do you have?" Obliging, I began with an answer when the fella's wife beckoned him to carry something. Therefore, left holding my answer this past week, I thought I'd unload it with you readers.

In a nut shell, I read, I write, I listen to '50s / '60's oldies, I watch baseball games and I sit quietly for 20-minutes each morning in the bright sunshine with a cup of coffe on one side of the swing and Toy Poodle, Yodie on the other side. Mid afternoon, I head to Snap Fitness for a light workout provided I'm not engaged in yard chores. I find another 20-minutes to sit with a bottle of Ale while barbqueing...yep, Yodie is nearby. The past 2 1/2 years I have assumed 85% of the cooking responsibilities. My wife is happy to allow me the adventure into the world of gourmet vittles preparation...I love it!

Two times a week, I spend about an hour in my office 'burning' 45 oldies vinyl record songs onto CD's to mail as a surprise gift to friends...some whom I have not seen in years.

I usually wake up each day between 5:30. & 6:00AM. I post my blog, read the local news paper, check through Internet news and local weather. I take my wife breakfast each morning to our bedroom where we check signals for the day and watch some Today Show.

I mentioned that I write. I never miss a day without putting thought on paper for at least one hour.
My writings are frequently shared with children and grandchildren but most efforts have focused on the challenges of coaching and parenting the athlete. I have written two extensive documents, which chronicle my life's journey with my wife, Gerry. Our children have these documents.

I have had the honor of presenting 16 eulogies for friends and acquaintances. My eldest daughter, laughing but half serious said, "Dad, write your own eulogy and give it to me." I suggested to her that never works...using the words of another when expressing the heart.

Fearing for America

I fear that the violent behavior playing out in America and the growing divisive rhetoric spewed by our elected officials is indicative of what 'giving up hope' may look like.

Everywhere we turn we see and hear negative finger-pointing blame usually along ethnic, racial and political lines. There is a constant verbal-barrage from media pundit extremists who ignore common courtesies while pretetuating a self-serving agenda as they communicate innuendos and half-truths. Many times their rhetoric is loaded with fear-mongering language.

At the core of all this evil is the ever factual quarreling between the haves and have nots. The uneducated is manipulated with false promises and blame for their sad plight is placed on their nearest totem-pole brothers and sisters. This is done by the wealthy elite who smugly tell their stories of success over Yacht Club martinis.

This behavior dates back to the colonial settlements. The only difference is that the ugliness travels more quickly through Twenty-first century social media.

I Would if Only I Could

Often times when our entire family gathers, I look around surveying fifteen grandchildren and a feeling of guilt enters my thoughts. I know in my heart of hearts they have been denied living in tranquility. Let me explain my feelings.

St. Louis, Missouri ranks #1 in violent crime in America. The East St. Louis, Illinois neighborhood from Caseyville Avenue to City Center is the ranked # 1 as the most violent crime neighborhood in America where 100.2 violent crimes per 1,000 people occurs. My wife and I grew up in East St. Louis. I lived near the intersection of Caseyville Avenue and Kingshighway (Washington Park) and my wife at 43rd & Caseyville Avenue. We walked to neighborhood theaters in 1953. We rode bikes all over East St. Louis in the 1940's and '50's. Young boys in little league baseball uniforms were always seen hitchhiking to the Central City Jones Park. Walking through downtown East St. Louis at night and across the Eads Bridge over the Mighty Mississippi River into St. Louis gave young eyes a magnificent view of city lights flickering on the river's muddy waters. On sweltering summer nights with no benefit of air conditioning, we slept by unlocked screen doors with no fear but only hope for a cool breeze.
As we aged, we became aware that there were some unsavory people in our midst but good was always triumphant. Fears, anger and divisiveness was not constantly driven by 24/7 television reporting. We knew that policemen had guns but the thought of a neighbor having a military-type assault gun was unimaginable. We lived in a tranquil environment. We felt strong family love and a truly caring neighborly love.

Our American neighborhoods no longer hear the evening voices of children calling out: "1-2-3 on Terry, hiding behind Ms. LeRoy's garage;" no longer the admonishment from a young girl's voice "You forgot to say Mother May I." No longer do adolescent boys hang out under street lights singing the pop hits and telling exaggerated stories. No, those young voices are driven inside behind walls for fear of the unsafe neighborhood...and with that the tranquil joyous youthful spirit is diminished in the "Land of of Free and the Home of the Brave."

Yes, when I look into the beautiful faces of 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren, I feel guilty...with all the love I have for them I cannot give them yesterday's peace and tranquility.

Convenient Denial

A few days ago, one faithful blog reader, Karen, made an excellent point. She asked the question, 'Why did so many vehemently clamor for Obama's birth certificate when Donald Trump led the charge to uncover Obama's illegitimacy to be President and yet today we don't hear the same voices insisting Trump release his tax filing information?'

It appears to be a sad disingenuous reality that the GOP is frequently chasing and calling for investigations of some wrong doing or conspiracy from those bastardly liberals while rationalizing Trump's hateful, bigoted and insulting-bullying behavior by simply saying, "He's better than Hillary."

While the GOP faithful chase down the horrible lies from the lips of Hillary Clinton, regarding her now infamous emails, that same group of self-proclaimed moralists will ignore the combined six marriages and documented infidelities of Donald Trump and Newt Gingrich. But as the honorable James Dodson states, 'Trump is a baby Christian.' Therefore, judge not The Donald...just judge Hillary.

Yesterday, a bogus 'Congressional hearing' was conducted by politicians that own the worst public approval-ratings in the history of our government. Democrats in that hearing support Hillary Clinton for President. Republicans in that hearing oppose Hillary Clinton for President. In other words, both groups are biased...and their respective questioning reflected their bias. For several hours these two groups grilled an unbiased, objective and highly regarded FBI Director. The GOP attacks on the FBI Director were shameful. The audacity of such an impotent job-performing-group calling into question the integrity and performance by the FBI Director was disgusting and mind boggling.

To be determined in November.

Smart? Not too!

It appears the smarter we become the dumber we behave. It is irrefutable that technology has brought many positive things to our American way of life. That said, I believe it is factual that this technology
can and has produced negatives. Whereas online shopping offers great 'stay-at-home' conveniences it has also contributed to the reduction in retail sales employment and store closings.

More disturbing is the problematic safety and death events arising from auto-industry technology. In recent years, we have documented one auto-maker that had serious death causing acceleration problems while another auto manufacturer saw ignition switches causing deaths. Of course, I have checked my vin number three different times to make sure my own vehicle is not re-called due to an airbag that may explode while tooling down the Interstate.

Hey, but never to be discouraged and always seeking new ways to reduce any effort, we now notice on the horizon the 'autopilot' automobiles. That's correct! We Americans will soon be able to pack the family in the car and head out for that Wally World vacation and not have to steer the vehicle. We can put both hands on our super-sized cheeseburger, play internet games and even take naps while speeding down the highway. I'm sure this will cause untold accidents and deaths. But never mind, we are entitled!

And just think, I'm required to wear a seatbelt.

As Ray Charles sang: "Tell The Truth."

Well surprise, surprise! Once again the institutional message is being sent to women: "You gals are just not smart enough to make informed decisions." Therefore, we will decide for you. That is exactly what the medical society is saying to child bearing women.

Recently, a growing number of American hospitals have done away with the newborn nursery units. Oh, they state noble reasoning. Hospitals sight studies indicating a quicker and stronger bonding between mother and newborn if the child is placed alongside mom's hospital room bed. Also, hospital administrators will tell you that the mother is more likely to breast feed if the crying new baby is next to her side immediately after birth. Of course, that has been a constant subliminal message to new moms... you are 'less' of a mother if you don't breast feed. Hogwash! This is nothing less than 'smoke and mirrors.' When are we truly going to give women full authority over their bodies and mothering. The next thing you know these so-called family experts will be telling parents never spank a child but instead be concerned about the child's 'feelings.' Oops, that horse already left the barn.

I personally don't remember home birthing as the norm but I heard many stories from grandparents about the woman giving birth at home with assistance from a mid-wife. I have also read many statistics about infant mortality rates coupled with mothers' deaths related to home birthing. It was due to these health and death concerns that expecting moms began heading to the hospital where professional intervention would be available should the need arise. After birthing, a mother should have some thinking time to sort through options, digest some advice and make informed and personal choice decisions while the nursery staff rotates baby care responsibilities for a day in two.

 By the year 2017, it is estimated that more than 500 hospitals will no longer offer nursery assistants.

I Suspect this idea for doing-away with hospital nurseries can be traced to some pencil-pushing bookkeeper. Make no mistake, this is all about cutting nurse staffing and salaries.

'You Gotta Wanna'

As the old Pekin high school football coach, Joe Ventura used to say back in the late 1960's, "You gotta wanna!" That's what some family members embraced last Saturday.

Grandson, Connor O'Keefe's Barrington Legion Baseball Team was playing in a Bellebille, Illinois tournament. Barrington and Belleville are separated by about 5 1/2 hours driving time. Connor, who was slated to pitch a 9:00AM Saturday game elected to spend Friday night at his Aunt Pam & Uncle Tim's house, thereby being only 2 hours from the game site.

Connor left Jacksonville for Belleville early Saturday morning using his cell phone-device as a GPS. Evidently, his cell service was incapatible downstate and the lad realized he was not going in the right direction as he neared Decatur. Connor called his baseball coach to let him know of his driving mistake. The coach told Connor that he would pitch another at 9AM and Connor would be re-slated for the 1:00PM game.

This fact was unknown to Grandparents, Mel and Gerry who left Decatur at 6AM, Pam & Tim who departed Jacksonville shortly after their nephew and Uncle Steve & Aunt Kathy leaving Granite City all with plans to meet at Whitey Herzog Field on 44th street Belleville. Soon the word comes to the Connor family-fan club. The wait game begins as we all meandered in and out of downtown Belleville stores.

Planning to have an early lunch before the one o'clock game, we headed towards a restaurant when suddenly a text message from Connor says, "I'm pitching in twenty minutes." We hurried to autos and headed to the Herzog Field only to discover that the game was moved to a field in neighboring Fairview Heights. Now the race and periodic stops for directions begins.

Finally, we arrived and watched Connor's strong winning performance. As they say, "All is well that ends well," eh?

Ahhh,... I wish folks felt about attending the Family Reunion as some do about attending a family member's ball game, but 'you gotta wanna.'

Thoughts From a Christian American Liberal

On this July 4th 2016, I am thankful for all those who made great sacrifices, some the ultimate sacrifice, to guarantee the freedoms enjoyed in our Nation. Among the many freedoms is the  privilege for people to freely express opinions in speech, writings and other forms. We are a fortunate  and richly blessed people.

Perhaps on this Independence Day, we would celebrate the fact that we must respect the differing views and opinions of our neighbors. Let us embrace each other as brothers and sisters in this great Nation; proud in our heritage and humble in our blessings. May we always strive to look upon one another as family.

To those who read my daily blog, I thank you. If in the past or future, my comments offend, they are not intended as a personal attack. Truly, I wish for you to know that placing all those political opinions aside each night, I pray to my God and ask (every night) that His hand and His will would factor into to this 2016 American Presidential Election...and that is my sincere hope and wish.

Happy Birthday, my fellow Americans. Be glad and live gloriously in good health.

Dumb & Dumber

Lets not deny it, there are some real dopes on your block. Oh, come on, that's not surprising news, admit it. Let's just take two scenarios and document the wholesale stupidity.

We constantly hear people talk crazy stuff about a perceived war on Christianity. Goofy conspiracy theorist earning a paycheck from Fox News tell us that evil people are taking Christ out of Christmas by saying "Happy Holidays." Absolute poppycock! These same numskulls want prayer in public schools and the Ten Commandments in the public square. Now, follow the dots because some  dimwits in your church are incapable. You cannot have it both ways. By that, I mean you cannot boast about America's freedoms, which insures a secular society and then insist that Christianity is THE main religion above all others. American People have a constitutional right to follow any religion or no religion on equal terms with YOUR favorite religion. If you cry about prayer in school or the Ten Commandments posted at the Courthouse, I ask, which prayer and which religious document?

(The above paragraph was penned by a loud singing Methodist who invites you to his Church...the best church in the world...although the Catholic Church in my backyard looks inviting for a 5:30 PM Saturday Mass, which would permit me a Sunday morning sleep-in.)

In addition, we also have the seemingly never ending fear and real concerns about terrorists. Regardless where ISIS strikes with it's heinous crimes of bombings and killings there are those who wish to blame the American President. Really? If ISIS attacks in America and that's Obama's fault then every time ISIS attacks in another nation, is that not the fault of that Nation's so-called 'head man?' (Note: Is it my imagination or do more Americans get upset over ISIS killing people in foriegn countries than 'USUS" killing one another in America?)

The growing stupidities found in our society is alarming if not frightening, which causes me to believe not only has public school education failed but it appears private schools ain't done so good either.

Put Up or Shut Up

Let's pretend this morning, Okay? ...You have a financial worth estimated at ten billion dollars...that's 'illion' with a 'B.' This likely means you can live a very 'large life' in a secular-materialistic society...
If you want it-buy it!

Donald Trump Is THAT individual. Donald Trump has stated repeatedly that his worth is in the neighborhood of 10- Billion Dollars. Donald Trump also states that he can 'Make America Great Again' if elected President of the United States.

Now, we Americans all know that "money talks and bullshit walks," therefore the Presidential candidate with the most money has a distinct advantage over the opponent. Recent reports indicate that the 'Evil One,' Hillary Clinton has about 40 million dollars in her campaign treasure chest whereas Trump holds less that 2 million.

Remember, we are pretending that you ARE Trump. Why don't you truly self-fund, as you state you do and use, oh shall we say 500 million and 'Make America Great Again?'

Actually, I believe Trump has exaggerated the 'size' of his bank account like he has exaggerated the 'size' of other things.