I wish to join President Trump with his congratulatory sentiments. CONGRATULATIONS to the great State of Kansas on the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl Championship!
Say what??? Kansas City ain't in Kansas? Well, where is it? In Missouri?
Get your Sharpie Pen out and change that on the map, Mr. President.
Monday, February 3, 2020
Saturday, February 1, 2020
America's Storm Clouds Gathering
I have great concern for my grandchildren and great grandchildren against the political and social backdrop in this beloved America. The growing intolerance for one another in our land of free is picking up momentum.
The relationship between law enforcement and many Americans becomes more frayed each day especially in our cities. The very stability of America's democracy grows weaker and more suspect daily. The finger-pointing ugly political discourse ignores leadership responsibility and instead nullifies our better angels.
Seemingly there was a backlash to the election of America's first black man, Barrack Obama as this nation with the help of Russian interference, elected Donald Trump who offered angry rhetoric, ugly bullying and unmasked prejudices toward all ethnicities. Trump's voice gave revitalized energies to hate groups, i.e., White Nationalist and the KKK. That comment is not arguable.
The scars of America's only previous civil war was exposed when many Southerners recently fought back against the removal of Confederate statues and the Confederate flags from public places. This only suggests that the unresolved issues of race-relations lie beneath America's thin social skin.
Many will dismiss this writer's notion that another civil war looms in America's future. Those folks have that head-in-the-sand embracing naivety. Their unsophisticated thinking and lack of wisdom along with poor judgment gives even greater for concern.
In the year 2045, America's racial population percentages will have shifted and 'white' people will be in the racial minority for only the second time since the Pilgrims met the Native American Indians. This will occur at a time when America's citizenry is equipped with more military assault weapons than ever and an unfortunate sick itch to pull triggers.
Obviously, my journey will have ended long before the aforementioned happens. Meanwhile, I shall continue to petition my Lord in prayer to bring our country back to that pride in our melting pot of, which we once boasted and the Christian love we proclaim.
Perhaps this nation just needs calmness and a drop of love from each.
(Touch)One Drop of Love
The relationship between law enforcement and many Americans becomes more frayed each day especially in our cities. The very stability of America's democracy grows weaker and more suspect daily. The finger-pointing ugly political discourse ignores leadership responsibility and instead nullifies our better angels.
Seemingly there was a backlash to the election of America's first black man, Barrack Obama as this nation with the help of Russian interference, elected Donald Trump who offered angry rhetoric, ugly bullying and unmasked prejudices toward all ethnicities. Trump's voice gave revitalized energies to hate groups, i.e., White Nationalist and the KKK. That comment is not arguable.
The scars of America's only previous civil war was exposed when many Southerners recently fought back against the removal of Confederate statues and the Confederate flags from public places. This only suggests that the unresolved issues of race-relations lie beneath America's thin social skin.
Many will dismiss this writer's notion that another civil war looms in America's future. Those folks have that head-in-the-sand embracing naivety. Their unsophisticated thinking and lack of wisdom along with poor judgment gives even greater for concern.
In the year 2045, America's racial population percentages will have shifted and 'white' people will be in the racial minority for only the second time since the Pilgrims met the Native American Indians. This will occur at a time when America's citizenry is equipped with more military assault weapons than ever and an unfortunate sick itch to pull triggers.
Obviously, my journey will have ended long before the aforementioned happens. Meanwhile, I shall continue to petition my Lord in prayer to bring our country back to that pride in our melting pot of, which we once boasted and the Christian love we proclaim.
Perhaps this nation just needs calmness and a drop of love from each.
(Touch)One Drop of Love
Friday, January 31, 2020
Just How Much Flesh is Enough?
Recently the highly conservative Florida Supreme Court ignored the desires of sixty-six percent of its people who had voted and approved an amendment, which would have allowed ex-cons the right to vote without financial repayments for committed crimes. Evidently it's not enough to 'serve time' for your crime but when you get out of prison the felon, who will have difficulty getting a job must make financial re-payment.
My question is similar to that of William Shakespeare's in his play 'Merchant of Venice.' "Take thou thy pound of flesh," said Portia to Shylock. But later in the play Shakespeare's suggests that the law can establish unreasonable recompense. How vengeful, bloodthirsty and inflexible must society be in seeking the 'pound of flesh?'
In the late 1990's seven Decatur, Illinois African-American boys got into a public altercation at a high school football game. You may have seen video clips of the incident because the story went nationwide due to the school districts implied 'zero tolerance policy,' which resulted in some of the youngsters being suspended from school for two-years and Rev. Jessie Jackson getting involved. By the way, it wasn't a very good fight; mostly running and kicking at one another. East St. Louis fights at Parsons' Field Football Complex were much more memorable.
As a parent and a high school coach, I punished wrong-doing quickly, briefly, sufficiently and got the youngster back on track. I suppose the hard-nosed folks out there are chopping at the bit to toss that 'liberal label' my way. Well, you all have at it but understand the book I read on this subject tells me to execute true judgment showing mercy and compassion to every brother and sister.
I have two questions: How much flesh is too much? And...Are we not happy that Jesus-Christ does not have a 'zero-tolerance' policy?
Footnote: Regarding the Florida Supreme Court's decision to keep 10,000 felons from voting...well, those conservative folks fear that most would be voting for Democrats. Never mind 49% of Florida voters found forgiveness in their hearts for the many immoral and fraudulent indiscretions of Donald J. Trump in 2016.
My question is similar to that of William Shakespeare's in his play 'Merchant of Venice.' "Take thou thy pound of flesh," said Portia to Shylock. But later in the play Shakespeare's suggests that the law can establish unreasonable recompense. How vengeful, bloodthirsty and inflexible must society be in seeking the 'pound of flesh?'
In the late 1990's seven Decatur, Illinois African-American boys got into a public altercation at a high school football game. You may have seen video clips of the incident because the story went nationwide due to the school districts implied 'zero tolerance policy,' which resulted in some of the youngsters being suspended from school for two-years and Rev. Jessie Jackson getting involved. By the way, it wasn't a very good fight; mostly running and kicking at one another. East St. Louis fights at Parsons' Field Football Complex were much more memorable.
As a parent and a high school coach, I punished wrong-doing quickly, briefly, sufficiently and got the youngster back on track. I suppose the hard-nosed folks out there are chopping at the bit to toss that 'liberal label' my way. Well, you all have at it but understand the book I read on this subject tells me to execute true judgment showing mercy and compassion to every brother and sister.
I have two questions: How much flesh is too much? And...Are we not happy that Jesus-Christ does not have a 'zero-tolerance' policy?
Footnote: Regarding the Florida Supreme Court's decision to keep 10,000 felons from voting...well, those conservative folks fear that most would be voting for Democrats. Never mind 49% of Florida voters found forgiveness in their hearts for the many immoral and fraudulent indiscretions of Donald J. Trump in 2016.
Thursday, January 30, 2020
The Era of Lunatic Parenting
I have been fortunate in so many ways and one major way was growing up in the 1940's & 1950's under my parents roof. In that home, I knew I was loved but not worshiped. In that home, I developed a a sense of expectations as the result of explanations, perhaps a scolding and if needed a swat on the butt. In that home, I wanted to please and make my parents happy. I was told the rules of engagement for me when Company came calling: "You're to be seen and not heard unless you're asked a question...and don't interrupt people talking."
When I branched out from the homestead during teen years, I had curfews and a list of 'no-no' activities with well-defined consequences. I did not push that envelop...I knew better. I was told my teacher was right and bad behavior resulting in school punishment would cause greater reinforcement punishment at home. I experienced that once in the third grade...never again. I was encouraged in my sport participation but cautioned not to show a poor attitude or complain about anything. If I did not like any situation in my sport world, I was told to do something to change things to my liking.
I pretty-much followed my parents 'parenting blueprint,' when I became a parent, yet my children's generation adopted a whole different set of permissive-parenting rules and the generation after that seemingly have but one rule: 'What can we do to insure Junior & Missy's happiness?!'
A few years ago, I was giving a lecture at an East coast private high school, which had an annual tuition price of $30,000.00. During a post speech social hour a well-spoken couple approached me offering this question: "Should we telephone our son's college football coach and ask him to praise his reserves more when interviewed by the media?" I told them to run that idea by their 20-year old son first. Parents of children involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities live in La-La Land wearing blinders. Most are completely incapable of stepping back and seeing the larger picture of these experiences and the developmental benefits. Instead, many parents want their child to be the team's captain, leading scorer and top award winner...screw everything else!
This week a Southwestern, Illinois high school Superintendent opened her email and read the following: "Last night our school played your school in a boys' basketball tournament. While one of our players was shooting a free throw, your cheerleaders were doing a loud cheer, which likely broke the shooter's consecration. This is not good sportsmanship." I'm going to take an educated guess here:
1) It was the emailer's son, 2) the boy's mother was in daddy's ear about this abuse directed towards her offspring, 3) their team got beat and their son has his own auto, does no chores but gets a nice weekly allowance.
Thanks Mom and Dad...thanks.
Excuse me, I must take a walk.
When I branched out from the homestead during teen years, I had curfews and a list of 'no-no' activities with well-defined consequences. I did not push that envelop...I knew better. I was told my teacher was right and bad behavior resulting in school punishment would cause greater reinforcement punishment at home. I experienced that once in the third grade...never again. I was encouraged in my sport participation but cautioned not to show a poor attitude or complain about anything. If I did not like any situation in my sport world, I was told to do something to change things to my liking.
I pretty-much followed my parents 'parenting blueprint,' when I became a parent, yet my children's generation adopted a whole different set of permissive-parenting rules and the generation after that seemingly have but one rule: 'What can we do to insure Junior & Missy's happiness?!'
A few years ago, I was giving a lecture at an East coast private high school, which had an annual tuition price of $30,000.00. During a post speech social hour a well-spoken couple approached me offering this question: "Should we telephone our son's college football coach and ask him to praise his reserves more when interviewed by the media?" I told them to run that idea by their 20-year old son first. Parents of children involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities live in La-La Land wearing blinders. Most are completely incapable of stepping back and seeing the larger picture of these experiences and the developmental benefits. Instead, many parents want their child to be the team's captain, leading scorer and top award winner...screw everything else!
This week a Southwestern, Illinois high school Superintendent opened her email and read the following: "Last night our school played your school in a boys' basketball tournament. While one of our players was shooting a free throw, your cheerleaders were doing a loud cheer, which likely broke the shooter's consecration. This is not good sportsmanship." I'm going to take an educated guess here:
1) It was the emailer's son, 2) the boy's mother was in daddy's ear about this abuse directed towards her offspring, 3) their team got beat and their son has his own auto, does no chores but gets a nice weekly allowance.
Thanks Mom and Dad...thanks.
Excuse me, I must take a walk.
Wednesday, January 29, 2020
A Tragedy on Many Fronts
"Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And the scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman who had committed adultery; and they said to him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what shyest thou? Jesus lifted himself up and said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast the stone at her."
John Chapter 8
I open with this biblical scripture for my brothers and sisters in Christ but I invite my brothers and sisters who may be non-believers to consider the simple logic advanced in answering the question posed, which obviously speaks to the issue of judging others. I am NOT an authority on scriptures, however I have searched the Bible over looking for the Christ quote that charges his followers to judge one another in His absence and until His second coming.
I offer these opening words on the heels of a recent tragedy that has inspired and promoted the comments of many Americans especially those tethered to sports. I speak of the helicopter crash, which took to lives of former professional basketball great, Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter and seven other young people. A stunned populace is moved to express sorrow in the face of such devastation extols the accomplishments of Kobe Bryant pointing to his glossy basketball career and his humanitarian acts. Balance of opinions always occurs when such events happen and thus we find some voices who quickly point out the 2003 alleged sexual assault of a young woman by Bryant. No criminal charges and no trial resulted but a financial settlement ended the story to the satisfaction of parties involved.
On a personal note, I have given 19-eulogies at family requests. On each occasion, I remind myself of two things: 1) There are people listening to my words who knew the departed individual better than I, therefore be cautions with liberties and 2) Don't make the deceased lager in death than in life.
Kobe Bryant obviously had many extraordinary skills along with a respected work ethic commitment to his profession. That's a fact. We witnessed such. Beyond that we would speculate on other aspects of his life. Safe to say, Kobe Bryant like me, like you was not perfect. He undoubtedly was not without 'sin,' like me, like you.
My grandmother, Mammy Bennett often told me that if I couldn't say something nice about a person say nothing. Of course, I've failed that 'Christian litmus test time and time again.' There is a beautiful Hymn called, "By Or Love," which holds a line, '...they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love..." I say PERHAPS! Why? Because I know some professed Christians by other traits
(Touch)By Our Love
John Chapter 8
I open with this biblical scripture for my brothers and sisters in Christ but I invite my brothers and sisters who may be non-believers to consider the simple logic advanced in answering the question posed, which obviously speaks to the issue of judging others. I am NOT an authority on scriptures, however I have searched the Bible over looking for the Christ quote that charges his followers to judge one another in His absence and until His second coming.
I offer these opening words on the heels of a recent tragedy that has inspired and promoted the comments of many Americans especially those tethered to sports. I speak of the helicopter crash, which took to lives of former professional basketball great, Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter and seven other young people. A stunned populace is moved to express sorrow in the face of such devastation extols the accomplishments of Kobe Bryant pointing to his glossy basketball career and his humanitarian acts. Balance of opinions always occurs when such events happen and thus we find some voices who quickly point out the 2003 alleged sexual assault of a young woman by Bryant. No criminal charges and no trial resulted but a financial settlement ended the story to the satisfaction of parties involved.
On a personal note, I have given 19-eulogies at family requests. On each occasion, I remind myself of two things: 1) There are people listening to my words who knew the departed individual better than I, therefore be cautions with liberties and 2) Don't make the deceased lager in death than in life.
Kobe Bryant obviously had many extraordinary skills along with a respected work ethic commitment to his profession. That's a fact. We witnessed such. Beyond that we would speculate on other aspects of his life. Safe to say, Kobe Bryant like me, like you was not perfect. He undoubtedly was not without 'sin,' like me, like you.
My grandmother, Mammy Bennett often told me that if I couldn't say something nice about a person say nothing. Of course, I've failed that 'Christian litmus test time and time again.' There is a beautiful Hymn called, "By Or Love," which holds a line, '...they will know we are Christians by our love, by our love..." I say PERHAPS! Why? Because I know some professed Christians by other traits
(Touch)By Our Love
Tuesday, January 28, 2020
Truth Denied becomes Truth Died
On February 3, 1959, an airplane crashed in Clear Lake, Iowa. On the ill-fated flight was rising music stars, Buddy Holly, Richie Valens and JP (Big Bopper) Richardson along with the craft's pilot. They were barnstorming through the Mid-west. According to Wikipedia, the tragedy later became known as 'The Day The Music Died,' after song writer, Don McLean referred to it as such in his song "America Pie."
This week the U. S. House of Representatives impeachment articles, which are in the hands of the
U. S. Senate for a trial will find 100 United States Senators voting on the question of witnesses that could either totally exonerate President Trump from any wrong doing or confirm his alleged wrong doing. This question 'to vote or not to vote' is not rocket science! This matter is one begging simple logic void of the political games, i.e., "Who's on first...What's on second..."
Make no mistake, should U.S. Senators vote to deny witnesses, you can mark that date on your calendar as 'The Day Truth Died and Democracy was placed on Life Support.'
This week the U. S. House of Representatives impeachment articles, which are in the hands of the
U. S. Senate for a trial will find 100 United States Senators voting on the question of witnesses that could either totally exonerate President Trump from any wrong doing or confirm his alleged wrong doing. This question 'to vote or not to vote' is not rocket science! This matter is one begging simple logic void of the political games, i.e., "Who's on first...What's on second..."
Make no mistake, should U.S. Senators vote to deny witnesses, you can mark that date on your calendar as 'The Day Truth Died and Democracy was placed on Life Support.'
Monday, January 27, 2020
Taking Stock Of Living
Death touches every life's journey. Death comes to all life. Although we hate to see the aged die, we perhaps accept it as life's longing for renewal and thankful for the departed one's long life. When tragic death occurs, we are troubled in understanding and coping. Tragic sudden death and death of the young can create a myriad of unanswerable questions. We are simply stunned.
All kinds of death happens daily; the expected, the unexpected, the young and the old, the rich and the poor and people of all colors, nationalities and faith. When those notable celebrities die we are inundated with news-outlet stories as was the case in the death of former National Basketball Association great, Kobe Bryant and his daughter. Keep in mind that there were others who died in that helicopter crash and many people who on the same day all around the world died. We are saddened for Kobe's family and likewise saddened for other families who are dealing with similar heartbreak this day.
On the occasion of family deaths, tragic deaths and deaths of the famous, we perhaps pause more reverently with greater reflection as it touches us in a personal manner with the messages of life's frailty and unpredictability. I am reminded frequently of 13-former basketball players I coached who died at very young ages. Some left life's journey plagued with physical maladies, others were tragically taken in unexpected accidents and few lost hope due to various reasons and took their own lives. These many years later, I hurt and pray for those families and cherish my time with each.
With today's uncivil discourse gripping our culture and the ugliness of divisive hateful rhetoric, we become divorced from our appreciation of living and fail to cherish one anothers' journey and struggles. This is sad, however any change begins with me.
Life is precious, my friends.
All kinds of death happens daily; the expected, the unexpected, the young and the old, the rich and the poor and people of all colors, nationalities and faith. When those notable celebrities die we are inundated with news-outlet stories as was the case in the death of former National Basketball Association great, Kobe Bryant and his daughter. Keep in mind that there were others who died in that helicopter crash and many people who on the same day all around the world died. We are saddened for Kobe's family and likewise saddened for other families who are dealing with similar heartbreak this day.
On the occasion of family deaths, tragic deaths and deaths of the famous, we perhaps pause more reverently with greater reflection as it touches us in a personal manner with the messages of life's frailty and unpredictability. I am reminded frequently of 13-former basketball players I coached who died at very young ages. Some left life's journey plagued with physical maladies, others were tragically taken in unexpected accidents and few lost hope due to various reasons and took their own lives. These many years later, I hurt and pray for those families and cherish my time with each.
With today's uncivil discourse gripping our culture and the ugliness of divisive hateful rhetoric, we become divorced from our appreciation of living and fail to cherish one anothers' journey and struggles. This is sad, however any change begins with me.
Life is precious, my friends.
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