Should Not Stand For It

Just the other day, I pulled up alongside a gasoline pump and as I reached for the handle a intercom voice said, "Sir, you are at a pre-paid pump, you'll have to come inside and pay first." I placed the handle back into the saddle and headed inside the store to leave my credit card. I returned to my auto and proceeded to perform the following tasks: (1) pumped gas, (2) cleaned windshields, (3) checked oil and tire pressure and (4) returned pump handle to saddle and walk back inside to sign off on my credit card. The young teenage cashier, who was sitting on a stool eating a candy bar and drinking a Mountain Dew, said nothing as he handed me my receipt. I turned and walked out.

As I settled back into the driver's seat, I got tickled.  My spontaneous chuckle came suddenly as I thought of my two grandfathers who left this journey many years ago back in the late 1950's. I can imagine the reactions of Grandpa Frank Roustio and Grandpa E.V. Bennett engaging today's 'filling' station scenario.

These were men who grew up negotiating hard work, large family responsibilities, depression era poverty, oil lantern lighting and walking through winter's snow to use an outhouse and wiping their butts with catalog paper. One worked the Kentucky coal mines as a young man the other fought the city factory dirt and stench. Hard work and hardships 'honed' the character of their generation. They grew up in times in which they gave much in service and demanded the same service. They expected a 'filling-station attendant(s)' to do all the aforementioned auto attention duties plus wisk-broom sweep their floorboard and bring change back to them sitting in their auto.

That generation is no longer; nope, dummies like me 'do the service work of others and pay them for the privilege to do so.'

Heavens, I'm ashamed to admit it but I even ate lunch at a 'Tea Room' recently.

Hardly Christian 'Vibes.'

Let's break this 'stuff' down for fourth grade mentality. We shall call this 'Evangelicals' Logic.'
'Gels' want a Constitutional President but turn around and wish for the Ten Commandments placed in the public square in spite of our Constitutional mandate to separate Church and State. 'Gels' wish to overturn Roe v. Wade but anytime either political party held the Congressional votes to 'do that' they failed to do it. Somehow, the evangelicals point the finger at Hillary for a law, which neither party wants to change.

'Gels' that will vote for Trump next month obviously give him a pass on the following: (which fly in the face of Christian teachings): Trump cheated on wives during three marriages. Yet 'Gels' want to blame Hillary for her husband's infidelity.  Trump has demeaned women with numerous derogatory statements and claims. Trump has made negative comments and gestures about the disabled. Trump boasts about gaining financial (housing crisis) advantage at the expense of minorities and poorer people. Trump pats himself on the back for financial gains 'as good business' when he admits to avoiding tax payments and outsourcing his businesses. Trump claims he does not know David Duke, the ex-Grand Wizard of the KKK. Don't tell me Trump's speech is a Christian's speech.

Just yesterday some evangelicals from a local church came to my door asking me to sign a petition to encourage our city government to limit casino parlors in our city. They got into an auto sporting a Trump bumper sticker for President. THINK ABOUT THAT...doesn't Trump own casinos?

Dear Jesus, forgive those who claim your Name but reject your message.

I would suggest the Evangelicals may wish to return from the November 8 voting booth and 'take a shower.'

A Dagerous Man

A couple of days past, someone said to me that they believed Donald Trump is the most 'dangerous' person ever to run for the office of President. The person continued making his case with reasons like the following:

Trump has said he will deport children of undocumented immigrants. That means he deporting U.S. Natural born citizens, unlike Trump's wife. He would also stop all Muslims from entering the United States and have law enforcement surveillance of all Mosques in America. This means imposing a religious litmus test, which is unconstitutional.

He will take oil fields from sovereign nations. This is illegal. Should other Nation's naval military make 'gestures' towards United States naval people, he will order those people "Shot out of the water." This would be equivalent to shooting another citizen for 'flipping you off.' This appears to be an act of war and certainly a crime. Trump believes North Korea should have a nuclear weapon while thinking the nuclear disarmament agreement with Iran is a bad agreement made by America. Square that logic. Trump thinks that Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin is a good leader. Folks, it is documented that Putin has Russian citizens executed should they strongly oppose the leader.

Trump believes Hillary Clinton is a crook for hiding emails and activities within the Clinton Charity Foundation while dismissing his refusal to disclose his personal tax returns. Add to these documented positions his demeaning posture towards women and people of color, intolerance of some religions and personal attacks on anybody disagreeing with him, one can readily understand why Trump admires Putin.

If 'dangerous' still means treacherous, I would go farther than my friend's premise. I would say, Donald Trump, in the position of a world leadership role could be one of the most dangerous leaders in 'that' world.

Follow Directions

The fifteen years since my retirement from coaching, I have coordinated the annual week long Thanksgiving boys invitational basketball tournament for the Decatur School District. Nearly ten thousand fans attend this event. I few years ago, I approached a group of African-American men who advocate for the public schools as they regularly mentor young Black children of all school ages. This organization is known as 'Caring Black Men.' I requested that these guys help me with their interactive presence at the tournament. Believe me when I tell you that their service is most positive.

I asked one of the members if he could summarize the 'message' they communicate to young school age children. He quickly responded, "Easy, Follow Directions!" He then went on to elaborate rather passionately: "If Michael Brown (Ferguson, Missouri) had followed directions when the police officer told him to get out the street, he'd still be alive today."

Reflecting on the far too numerous 'polic shootings' most if not ALL would not happened if directions were followed. Now, we can bull crap one another with endless poppycock debate but it boils down to one simple truth...parents fail to demand that their children follow directions. Kids don't fear their parents, don't listen to their teachers and ignore the police directives. Generally, I said GENERALLY, these police shooting incidents are the fault of rouge-behaving individuals who thumb their noses at law enforcement and create an unsafe climate.

Follow directions!

Political Shell Game

Come on now, we truly and honestly did not expect an intellectual and high moral-ground debate from these two Presidential candidates...did we? Never mind that... One-in-four American children will go to bed hungry after tonight's debate....OR that our middle-class families continue to be short changed in an economic culture that sends their employment opportunities abroad...ignore the fact that Americans are randomly murdered as they shop in city malls...and while the unimaginable continues to plague our law enforcement officers' abilities to protect and serve, we have Black citizens asking questions about why some Blacks dying at the hands of police... Pay no mind to North Korea as they race towards nuclear weapons and continue to be blase' about Russia's hacking-havoc.

Certainly, an imbecile can observe these erosion's of our beloved American way of life as the nation prepares to watch Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump debate tonight. It is reported that over 100 million television viewers will tune in.

Ah, but the day and hours before this much anticipated verbal square off, the pundits have more important 'chewy' salacious garbage to report. It's a poker game. Hillary bet one Mark Cuban (ring side seat) and Trump bet a Gennifer Flowers (up front in your face location) and raised her one deleted email. Hillary bets a third wife love affair and raises the Trumpster two bankruptcies and one Trump University unemployed student. Trump raises one Bengahzi mourning mom and Hillary calls bet with a 'Gold Star' family. Tell you what, if the debates conflict with the 'Big Bang Theory' re-runs...'BET' me missing the debates.

The American public is so gullible and stupid they are embarrassing.

They've Made a Comeback!

I'll bet you remember a few years ago when we were told that if we telephoned a certain number, we could request our name be taken off the 'tele-marketing' call list. It seemed to work for a time but it appears to have made a comeback. Most of the telephone solicitation calls buzz me from mid-afternoon until early evening.

Local senior living residences and funeral homes are calling more frequently, which is both sobering and un-nerving. I still get those Lake of the Ozark and Branson, Missouri free weekend invitations. I pass on those as well as those free cruises. My Daddy told me a long time ago that it will cost you more if you buy it at your front door and 'free' will cost you.

The police fund people are telephoning more often these days; almost as much as that dadgum, 'Rachael' with that credit card deal. St Jude's Hospital calls often but my wife donates to them regularly through those return address labels. You know, stop and think, most of us would run out of money before folks run out of 'good causes.'

 I sometimes tell the callers that I'm walking out the door for an appointment or I have company or Mr. Roustio is not 'in' at the present time...yes, they are fibs...sue me. Once in awhile, I feel a little ornery and I'll tell the caller that I receive telemarketing calls between 2PM and 3PM on Tuesday and Wednesday's.

In the past few years, I also notice the door bell ringing more often. Reminds me of those 1940's door-to-door salesmen. The vacuum sweeper who took out a little bag of dirt to toss on mom's floor only to demonstrate the power of his product. Then there was that Fuller Brush guy and those Insurance hustlers. Today, my wife has a regular weekly door bell ringer in the Avon lady. The Schwan's man rings the door bell every other week. Seems as though schools and scouts never tire selling magazines, candy and discount cards.
I never personally answer the door. If my wife is busy, I just let the folks eventually walk away. I have my fear that one day the door bell will ring and that obnoxious Jerry Bradshaw will be standing there holding disgusting photos of old people with shingles.

Join Me October 9th

On Sunday, October 9, 2016, I will have the privilege to speak at the Bobby Hoffman Memorial Celebration dinner at Hamilton's downtown Jacksonville, Illinois.

The dinner and my presentation entitled, "Wishing and Willing," precedes an 'auction,' which benefits  the Jacksonville Public School Foundation's Bobby Hoffman Scholarship Fund, FCA and JHS Boys' Basketball Program.

On October 9, the Doors open at 6 PM and dinner is at 6:30 PM. The dinner cost is $25.00 per person. Hamilton's is located at 110 N. East.
                                                                        For more information contact:
                                                                        Todd Sweatman @ (217) 370-2008

I hope to see many old friends and meet new friends on Sunday, October 9.

K-I-S-S Philosophy

I was never one who enjoyed reading directions. I don't care for complexities. Never did like a lot of rules. I guess you could say that the 'kiss philosophy' was designed for the likes of me...you know 'Keep It Simple Stupid.' I suppose that's why I subscribed to that philosophy in my coaching career and parenting / grandparenting roles.

As a prep basketball coach, I explained to my teams that the school district had rules and conduct codes, which they would enforce that were beyond my control. As their 'Coach,' I had only four rules:
 (1) Be on time (2) Pay attention (3) Play hard or go home (4) Respect All Fear None.

As a parent, I explained to my children that they would follow my rules or there would be consequences. I explained the difference between trust and love. That was to say, as their father, I did not trust their 'teen years' and that demonstrated my profound love for them...only a parent in denial or a fool trusts a teenager.

As a parent and grandparent, I have preached relentlessly for the children and grandchildren to pursue a work profession for which they have a passion and during life's journey seek opportunities to 'serve others' as commanded by our Lord. I told them that following those two objectives would insure a life filled with joy and happiness.

Checking? You're on a roll, keep it going kids.

K-I-S-S Philosophy

I was never one who enjoyed reading directions. I don't care for complexities. Never did like a lot of rules. I guess you could say that the 'kiss philosophy' was designed for the likes of me...you know 'Keep It Simple Stupid.' I suppose that's why I subscribed to that philosophy in my coaching career and parenting / grandparenting roles.

As a prep basketball coach, I explained to my teams that the school district had rules and conduct codes, which they would enforce that were beyond my control. As their 'Coach,' I had only four rules:
 (1) Be on time (2) Pay attention (3) Play hard or go home (4) Respect All Fear None.

As a parent, I explained to my children that they would follow my rules or there would be consequences. I explained the difference between trust and love. That was to say, as their father, I did not trust their 'teen years' and that demonstrated my profound love for them...only a parent in denial or a fool trusts a teenager.

As a parent and grandparent, I have preached relentlessly for the children and grandchildren to pursue a work profession for which they have a passion and during life's journey seek opportunities to 'serve others' as commanded by our Lord. I told them that following those two objectives would insure a life filled with joy and happiness.

Checking? You're on a roll, keep it going kids.

A Humbling Honor

This morning, I shall drive from this Collinsville Drury Inn to the historic Old Cathedral on the St. Louis banks of the Mississippi River where I will speak words of remembrance of my beloved brother-in law, Jerry Coyle. I have given more eulogies than I dare wish to recall. There were only two that I wanted to give, which were my father and mother's. Those were simply musts. Others caused me great feelings of inadequacy.

When you are called upon to serve as a eulogist, you must keep in mind a few critical realities. First, there are likely those in attendance who knows the deceased one better than you. It is too easy and wrong to make someone larger in death than in life...be cognizant of that pitfall. Well ahead of time organize your thoughts and assemble your words. Share the reading with a spouse or trusted friend. When the draft is finalized go off into a secluded place and read that eulogy over and over until you void yourself of raw emotional tears...this is a must!

Try to avoid reading the eulogy but refer to your papers and paraphrase those sentences...stay on script. Understand that your audience will likely remember how you began and ended that eulogy. On that note there is no debating the fact that most of us entered this world as a baby kicking and crying while those around us were smiling and celebrating. Likewise most of us leave this journey in a personal midnight hour while others around us are crying in sadness. It is not how we enter or leave, which defines our life but how we 'shared our journey' with others' that really counts.

Finally, reassure family with these parting words, "Precious memories will sustain those left behind." Never stop sharing those memories...for when our name is no longer uttered, we die a final time.

Through Little Eyes

Processing this marriage 'thing' through the brain of the five year old sister of the bride must certainly be challenging if not down-right confusing. The bride, Lindsay at (26) is the eldest of the seven O'Keefe children and five-year old Ashlyn is the 'caboose kid.'

The wedding day excitement was non-stop from early morning late into the night. Ashlyn watched closely as her older sister was doted over by bridesmaids, ushered here and there with some urgency by photographers, wedding planners and mother of the bride. The scene must have presented puzzling thoughts for the youngest one. The ceremony hoopla and pronouncement of "Mr. & Mrs Reid Mitchell perhaps gave pause to the possible disappearance of Lindsay as Ashlyn knew her these past five summers.

No surprise that little girl refused to budge from the wedding reception and take leave with the pre-arranged babysitter...no mam, this little child was going to keep sleepy eyes 'locked-on-Lindsay.'
Since the bride and groom showed up Sunday at Ashlyn's home apparently all appeared normal.

Well, unknown to Ashlyn, when Lindsay left for her Polo, Illinois home Sunday evening, she inadvertently left several personal items back at the Barrington house...namely a much needed driver's license. The next day husband Reid drove to Barrington to retrieve his (new) wife's belongings. While there, Reid excused himself to use the restroom. Five year old Ashlyn seized the moment to grab her mother's arm and urgently beg he question, "Mommy, what did Reid DO WITH LINDSAY?"

Forever Thankful

Late Saturday evening at Lindsay and Reid's wedding reception, I found myself taking a break from the dance floor and took a seat 'Courtside' with my daughter Pam's husband, Tim. We were simply watching folks on the dance floor having fun. Suddenly, I scanned the crowd and almost as if they came towards me in 3-D, I noticed one group closely together. It was my children and grandchildren having the time of their life because they were enjoying and laughing at the dance moves of their mother and Nana, my bride of 56-years. I leaned toward my son-in law, Tim and as I grabbed his arm, I said, "Tim. I hope you live to be an old man and one day see the blessing I am seeing this moment."

Gerry and I dated for seven years before we married in 1960, at ages twenty and twenty-one respectectively. You would know that during the seven year courtship, we spoke about and vetted every possible subject a couple could imagine. I suppose in retrospect it was a 'do it yourself pre-marital counseling.' Here we were sixty-three years later after sharing our first teenie-bop kiss, enjoying the wedding festivities of one of fifteen grandchildren...a blessing, indeed!

As I watched these grandkids laugh with one another, I thought back to the summer of 2002 when the first of six consecutive 'Naboo Camps' was held at Nana and Boompa's Decatur, Illinois home. For a solid week that grandparent's camp served to nurture and instill a family cousins' bond of unimaginable depth. They shall forever recall the costumed-theme dinners, talent shows, miniature golf, motor home excursions and certainly untold happenings kept secret from Nana and Boompa.

It is a wish often uttered aloud by parents when they say, "I hope my children are not alone when I am called to leave this world." How very blessed is Mel and Gerry. We can rest in true peace knowing our three children and their spouses are so connected in loving-caring relationships and 15 grandchildren plus two great grandchildren share the 'Naboo' bond...YES!

Still Head Scratching

Our second oldest granddaughter, Lindsay O'Keefe married Reid Mitchell this past Saturday afternoon in Hoffman Estates and it was indeed some kind of extravaganza.  I will share more about the wedding later when I recover from some bizarre occurrences.

I am still trying to understand just why I was required to be formally dressed at 10:30AM for wedding day (pre-ceremony) photo-taking when my picture was taken at 2:15PM. Then there was the shocking trauma of entering a very elegant reception hall dining room only to locate my personalized seating that was 'flagged' with a well designed 'Trump for President' sign.

After dinner, I was informed that my wife, Gerry had been introducing a very married 'straight gentleman' to people as the partner of a Gay gentleman. Discovering that bit of 'feathers-in-the-wind' episode, we spent several minutes looking up folks untangling that ball of string.

Towards the end of the evening, I thought I'd ask a nice 84-year old lady if she'd like to dance and she accepted my invitation. Two bars into the music the old girl pinched the check of my butt. I hated what I did next but I thought I had no choice. I located her son and "told" on his mother....I mean after all the lady lives with her son and he needs to know these things. He needs to have that 'talk' with his mom, again.

Life Longs for Itself

This is a bitter-sweet time in my personal journey. My wife and I leave Decatur today and travel to the Nortwest Chicago suburbs where we will embrace family and friends to witness and celebrate the marriage of our granddaughter, Lindsay O'Keefe to Reid Mitchell. On Sunday we shall return to Decatur and prepare for a departure to the St. Louis area where more family and friends will gather to bid an earthly farewell to our dear brother-in law, Jerry Coyle.

Lindsay and Reid begin a journey as they learn to walk together with one another and hopefully their Lord. Jerry Coyle died on his wedding anniversary September 12. He was married to my wife's sister, Lois for 55-years; she died eight years ago.

I pray that God will bless our granddaughter, Lindsay and her new husband Reid as He richly blessed Jerry and Lois who will now reunite in Christ's promised eternity.

Marks Left; Message Lingered

A recent cedar chest lid-lift exposed some school papers of years gone by. I noticed a third grade report card from Charles L. Manners School, (East St. Louis), IL. Wow...I was some kind of mediocre. I've stated many times that I have slightly above average intelligence and I have documentation from 1948 to prove my claim.

In the teacher's comment section of the report card this notation...'needs to use time to good advantage.'
My third grade recall is vivid. That was the year that my teacher, Miss Spayheart gave me three swats with a wooden paddle because I punched some class mate. I cannot remember why I hit the kid but I do remember why the teacher hit me...three times. The story doesn't end there. Nope! As luck would have it, I had screwed-up parents. Miss Spayheart gave me a note to take home explaining my paddling and I was to have a parent sign the note and return it to the teacher.

Actually, I had this figured out pretty good. Timing is everything...right? I got home from school at 3:30PM and my father did not get home from work until 5:00 PM. I would have mother sign the note as soon as I got home, put the note back in my book bag and it's all GOOD. Ah, hell no, mom and dad had some kind of crazy parenting notion about 'sharing,' which was news to me. I said sweetly,"Mom, would you sign this note, please?" She replied, "Oh, your dad will want to do that."
Immediately, I thought, this ain't gunna go well.

Dad read the note and signed it without a word spoken; I'm thinking, this is good. Then he spoke, "Go to the back bedroom." In the back bedroom, I got three belt whacks across the seat of my pants and he spoke again, "Don't bring anymore notes home from school."

Later, looking in the mirror at my bare butt I realized just how belts leave welts! Where was DCFS ?

Anyway, I never got into school trouble again. I suppose that was the pivotal point of 'using time to good advantage.'

Ignoring Fairness

Definitions:
     'Fair'...In accordance with rules or standards...just or appropriate.
     'Balanced'...An even distribution.

Yesterday, I observed comments from Fox News personality, Bill O'Reilly as he appeared of the NBC Today Show with Willie Giest and Savanah Guthrie. O'Reilly was there to promote his new book.
Interestingly, O'Reilly is on record stating that NBC is part of the 'drive-by' media with "liberal-leanings, sad and pathetic." The 'interesting' part is O'Reilly's principles apparently fly out the window if he finds it financially beneficial.

O'Reilly was asked if Trump should release his tax returns. Bill's response, I paraphrase, 'Well Trump's many business dealings and huge number of enterprises makes it problematic. I think he will not and should not release his tax returns. Okay, this is the same guy that screams nightly about 'The Clinton's' lack of transparency. He wants more information about the Benghazi attack and Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton's role. He wants details about the Clinton Global Charity Foundation because he suspects fraud on the part of the Clinton's. Ah, but according to Bill O'Reilly, Donald Trump should get a pass on demands that he release tax returns. Never mind that traditionally, Presidential candidates do release tax info. Evidently, Trump is exempt from that kind of scrutinizing.

Note: You can see Bill O'Reilly's Show week nights at 7PM central time on Fox News...
That's the 'fair and balanced' news station where the 'spin stops.'

PS. Hillary Clinton was wrong stating that "half of Trump's supporters are deplorable" If she was suggesting that most of Trumps supporters are racists, homophobic, xenophobic and embracing religious intolerance then that number is NOT 50%; it is factually calculated to be around 42%.

Don't you just hate it when people exaggerate?

Many people 'walk by truth' to get to food for hate. It satisfies an attitudinal appetite.

This One Stands Without Debate

One positive thing this younger generation has done is institutionalize the phrase, "It is what it is." I believe that phrase supplants that rather vulgar phrase, " You s*^t your friends and I'll s*^t my friends but let's not s*^t one another." That said, let's speak of America's trade unions, which have been more brutally attacked that Christmas or religion.

We constantly hear concerns about and read of wage decline or stagnation. Of course, it's the quick  explanation from the far right is to suggest it's Obama's fault. Why not?  This guy (President)  Is a foreign born Muslim. If that's not enough, we are told to consider blaming wage stagnation on globalization and technology as the primary reasons for 'blue-collar' Union guys and gals seeing their pay checks treading water while Bernie Sanders' one-tenth of one percent get financially fatter!

Americans need to open their eyes and understand that 'busting' trade unions and out sourcing jobs is THE major causes of wage stagnation along with poor educational attainment. If you do a quick check of State governors trying to bust the trade unions, you get a clear picture of which political party is pushing the 'bust.' It's the same party that denies scientific conclusions regarding global warming.

And yet a disproportionate percentage of stagnated, blue-collar, union family wage earners have sons and daughters in military uniforms fighting our conflicts and protecting our nation.

Sadly, 'It is what it is!'

Never Fails

I don't shop often and that's a good thing. When shopping, my disposition changes as my attitude goes South. Actually, it's because I seem to make bad choices at the checkout lane; invariably, I select the wrong lane. Just the other evening, I went to the CVS pharmacy at the nearby Target store and made the wrong lane check out decision.

What is frustrating is my conviction that I truly believe I have the correct game plan. I first determine the shortest lanes and then I do a quick survey of basket items per cart at the 'two shortest' lines. Okay, at the recent Target experience, I chose the lane with only three people in line with fewer items compared to three nearby lanes, which had four people deep in every line...turned out to be a bad choice.

What a revolting development. First, the cashier at my lane was a young lad who was obviously smitten by the young attractive teenage girl cashier at the adjacent lane. The hormonal chemistry between the two could cause a store wide power outage. Finally, I'm third in line when I realize the woman first in line has three items without attached price tags. You guessed, we waited for another clerk to round up prices. That sale completed, I'm now number 2. Great Scott, the next elderly lady has a total bill of $18.96... She is paying with cash and come hell or high water, she is going to 'find' the exact change in her coin purse; when that fails she dives into her hand bag, which us the size of an army duffle bag, searching for two more pennies. Lord forbid that she break a twenty and have excess coins to tote. Next in line, I realize that the lady in front of me is one of those gals who questions most items regarding 'sale prices' and coupon discounts. After the cashier finished, he said, "Your total is $72.41. The lady tried two credit cards, which were both denied.

I'm just glad I hadn't purchased ice cream.

Ain't What it Used to Be

More than occasionally, I'm one of those old farts that talks out of place with my children. I recall having a conversation with one of my children a few years back when I spoke 'stupid stuff.' My daughter was bemoaning the fact that one of her son's college classrooms did NOT have air conditioning. Of course, my retort lacked empathy and therefore my daughter lectured me. Her comment, "Dad, your generation did not have air conditioning everywhere but your grandkids know 'only' air conditioned comfort." She was right; I was wrong.

On the other hand, I've noticed some generational differences between my youth and the grankid's youth. Seems to be a greater number of fat kids these days. Perhaps because they sit in air conditioning comfort playing electronic games and their mommies give them bogus notes to get out of taking physical education classes where they'd likely sweat.

We shall never be able to verify but I'd bet had Americans had Air conditioning and select comfort mattresses back when our civil war broke out 'that war' would have lasted about two or three weeks...somebody would have surrendered quickly...too damn hot.

A Bit of Understanding

I wrote and posted a blog (Roustio Rants) a few years before I began posting it on FB. Naturally, the readership number increased significantly once it was available both ways. The 'Rants' are mostly my opinions, experiences and observations about life events; some personal and others general.

This 'Rant' thing came about as an off-shoot of 'Letters from  Boompa.' My 15 grandchildren call me 'Boompa.' That's the name I chose when that first grandkid came along. (Note: This is the only time one gets to choose their own name). If interested in the origin of the name, Boompa, you might Google the movie, 'Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation.' I wrote these Boompa letters for a number of years. I wished to warn my kids of coming events. Mostly, I had opinions about parenting, politics and life's current issues that I wanted to speak to on a weekly basis. Actually, I often mailed three letters a week. Look, I'm an eternal optimist who believes my kids listen. I suppose I believe that you readers are also 'listening.'

I have had as many as 400 hit on the blog in one day but I average nearly 200 blog hits daily. Thank you!

When I post a blog, I am often aware that some folks are going to be irritated by my opinion or comments. I'm never offended if they respond in disagreement and, in fact, I may go back and forth with them on comments.

Occasionally, I note others reading the Roustio Rants' blog also exchange differing opinions. Most of the time the 'conversational give & take' is refreshingly fun and sometimes enlightening. Frequently, I find two or three people becoming openly angry with others with a different view. When that happens the exchanges can turn mean spirited and personal. That saddens me and I'll explain why.

In each of our recent pasts, we requested or confirmed a Facebook friendship. That's why we are sharing 'stuff.' I cannot control others' opinions, feelings or expressions. Just keep in mind that each of you are my friend. Obviously, I have friends of every persuasion and that is gratifying. If those friends become verbally insulting to each other with personal attacks it saddens me.

I Don't Remember Doing That!

My kids are truly caring. They frequently telephone to check on mom and dad. Add to that, they also come for visits and invite the folks for informal gatherings at their respective homes. They also have been known to include the oldsters to go places, even on their family vacations. Like I said, they are very caring.

Just two days ago, our son telephoned and and when I said, "Hello." He asked, "What are you doin'?"
Not to alarm him or cause him worry, I did not tell him 'exactly' what I was doing. Actually, I told him, "Having a cup of coffee." Truth be known, I was removing the box of Cheerios from the refrigerator and placing it in the cabinet where we keep all cereals. I am not sure if it was I or my wife who had placed the cereal in the fridge nine hours earlier after breakfast.

Look, I'm not that alarmed over some slight forgetfulness or memory loss. Sometimes, I believe it has benefits. I know that the past several weeks have been the midst of the television re-run season and my wife and I will swear we are seeing our favorite sitcom episodes for the first time.

Oh buddy-boy, this train ride gets more interesting with each passing day.

Two Dirt Bags

Yesterday's newspaper read informed me that ousted Fox News chief, Roger Ailes has neither a formal or informal role in the Donald Trump presidential campaign. You all recall, Roger 'the Cogger' Ailes; he's the handsome fella who sexually harassed several female news persons at Fox News. Gretchen Carlson finally blew the whistle on the horny old bastard and then more women came forward to tell their story and bingo, Roger is out the 'fair & balanced' news spin door. Of course, Roger's legacy remains at the perverted news network as we continue to observe a plethora of female political pundits arranged on a couch showing their legs up to their butts. This distracts viewers from their inept crappy reporting.

Roger Ailes, according to several sources is now chief debate advisor for Mr. Trump. Trump has always defended Ailes claiming that he "really a good guy." These two are no doubt 'birds of a feather." They both have 'used' and demeaned women. (Note: I can hear some idiots rebuttle saying, "Well, what about Hillary enabling Bill," which demonstrates terrific logic.)

The GOP, which makes many comments suggesting the highest political moral ground has some explaining to the American women.

Packaged Differently

One day last week, I was finishing up front yard grass-cutting when two young fellas dressed in black trousers, white shirts and ties approached the driveway. I shook hands with the young men and assured them I had a salvation game plan as they smiled and departed. Those fella's were fulfilling missionary obligations to their Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. I know very little about the tenets of that religion but I do surely admire their missionary commitments.

The yard moment gave cause for me to reflect a bit on my own lifetime Methodism journey. What I am about to share is in no way criticism of the Methodist faith or those who have accepted the ministry calling; these are simple change observations, which I'll leave for others to judge as good or bad. These are views of a seventy-seven year relationship with John Wesley's 'heart felt' faith.

Based on my attendance experiences at other churches, I've concluded that Methodist folks sing the loudest and most Methodist preachers have great appetites...especially for fried chicken after Sunday services.

Changes over the years...Yesteryears many sermons focused on hell's fire and eternal damnation without repenting and accepting Christ. Today, I note more feel good messages. Seemed as though my Methodist churchmen of the past had a greater passion for pot lucks, ice cream socials, tent revivals and house calling either for memberships or tithing pledges. I heard lots of folks call out 'Amen' in support of the preacher's pulpit comments years ago. Funny how today, we embrace casual church attire but behave conservatively. Back in the day, folks dressed up' for Sunday Church...not so much these days.

One thing kinda remains the same. All too frequently, I hear of churches breaking up or people leaving to go to or form another church. I'm guessing that is driven by Christians judging Christians. Dadgummit, I've looked the scriptures over and over searching for the passage where Jesus tells us to judge each other until His return; can't find it anywhere!

To Think We Survived

That's just the way it was during those 1940's-'50's, East St. Louis.  I'm speaking of the significance of the Labor Day weekend. I believe most East St. Louis natives would concur that Labor Day tied for third with July 4th, behind Christmas and Easter as the most important celebration. Why not, we were a blue-collar hotbed of proud people representative of a known 'melting pot' of diverse ethnicity.

Labor Day morning thousands of workers representing various union trades marched through East St. Louis streets behind and in front of decorated floats and monster machinery ending at the huge Jones Park where a day long celebration ensued. The day, however held a bittersweet taste for school children because Tuesday after that Monday marked the beginning of the school year. Summer, for all practical purposes was at an end. Those comfortable summer togs of torn t-shirts and ratty jeans gave way to fashionable uncomfortablness. Those heavy-stiff-unyielding 'new' Levi's jeans were torturous to a boy sitting in a non-AC third floor classroom of East Side High located in the Mississippi River valley. Sweat? I should say! Impossible to take a study hall nap until mid-October.

I always survived the first month of oppressive heat and humidity. What I shall never understand is how those egg salad sandwiches I put into my metal school locker at 7:30AM with heat hovering around 90 degrees did not kill me considering the fact that my lunch hour was at 12:30PM. No, I didn't eat egg salad every day...mother often made Tuna salad and ham salad sandwiches. I'll tell you how hot that school locker was in September. Sometimes mother fixed a hot ham sandwich for the school brown-bag. Well, actually it was a 'Spam' sandwich; I asked her to fry it just to get rid of that freaky jell substance.

I never told my mother that I saved the two dimes she gave me for the city bus ride to and from school. I bought snacks instead. I wonder if she would have worried knowing I hitchhiked both ways.

Proud of Freedoms

Sitting in Best Buy's parking lot one morning this past week awaiting its opening,  I was listening to a talk radio program. The topic was centered on that NFL quarterback who refuses to 'stand' during the playing of the American National Anthem. Several people called- in to take this fella to task over his protest method in behalf of what he believes are social injustices directed toward people of color; especially taking issue with what he calls 'rogue cops.'

One caller was particularly angry. This gent was a military veteran and he felt his patriotic service to America was under attack by this protester's disrespect. The caller ended his comment saying, "If that football player can't show respect by standing during the National Anthem, he needs to get out of MY country." Personally, I see irony in the veteran's thoughts and subsequent comments. Now before you readers get all up in a tizzy...RELAX and take a deep breath. I'll shall make my point in the most simple terms.

 First, I sincerely and deeply appreciate all vets for their service to our nation. All America is absolutely indebted to our military of yesterday and today. I find daily prayer time to petition our Lord to bless and protect those who protect America and insure her freedoms.

Having said that, we all must realize that every military persons' service to our nation not only protects but the service men and women also insure the right's of an individual to not stand for the anthem...those military folks guarantee those rights to disrespect; it's called First Amendment freedom of speech.Therein lies the great uniqueness of the United States. Secondly, whereas I truly appreciate this caller's love of country to the extent that he references it as 'MY' country but in fact it is 'OUR' country, including the guy sitting on his butt during the anthem!

On a personal 'take,' I think that one who elects not to stand during the anthem is a disrespectful jerk but I'll argue and defend his American freedom to do so!

My Kinda President

When it comes to peoples' desires to know 'stuff' about Presidential candidates, I just don't jive with most folks interests. I'm not interested in their income or tax returns. I could care less about their married life or if they smoked pot in college. However, I do wish to know about their college GPA and I want it confirmed that this person never knew there was a Homecoming football game but was identified as that only student seen in the campus library at kick-off time.

I want my President to be a top of the line first class 'cerebral-nerd.' I hope my President is like that kid I sat behind in high school chemistry class. That boringly studious twerp who memorized the periodic table the first day of class while the teacher was taking attendance. I want this President to be remember by classmates as the guy to worked calculus problems in his head while others reached for a calculator.

This 2016, election year, people are worried about Hillary's honesty and Donald's nearness to the nuke-button. I recall a few elections back when the big political question was, "Who do you want answering that daunting 3AM White House telephone call?" Hell, I can tell you who...I want some intellectual-nerd-blossom who is already awake, sitting up in bed working a Rubik's Cube and completing crossword puzzles while watching television re-runs of Jeopardy. I really don't care if he goes to the Synagogue on Saturday, Church on Sunday or neither. Just as long as he doesn't golf or fish or know people who do.

I want my Commander-in Chief to be someone who is super smart. This intellectual nerd will care less about lobbyists or interests groups. Why? Because he / she has never been exposed to group dynamics or social acceptance.

Make it Count

There is a time not of our choosing that we enter this world crying while those around us are celebrating, joyfully laughing and smiling. We live out our earthly journey and then another time not of our choosing comes and we depart this life while those around us are sad and crying. It is neither the 'act' of entering or leaving that defines God's marvelous plan or His gift of time; instead it is the manner in which we apply our gifts, and serve others in our allotted time that matters and defines.