WASHINGTON D.C. THE IDEAL AND REALITY

Washington D.C. is probably the worlds most powerful seat of government and it is a town of unique dimensions.

The federal district is a grid of powerful stone buildings set amid a leafy and watered landscape of immense beauty. Its imposing block structures house incredible museums and centers of governmental power. Immense green spaces and trees create a calming influence amidst all the traffic, memorials, and thick architecture. Washington D.C. is a place that vibrates with national pride and world class importance. It is among the globes leading tourist destinations and is a rite of passage visit for millions of young students.

But, this beautiful chunk of geography is so much more. It may be "the shining city on the hill" that Martin Luther King prophesied in his " I Have a Dream" speech. The city represents the essence of our Founding Father's best ideas for liberty. Concepts born and debated in our early history from  Philadelphia, Boston, Williamsburg, New York City and other cities and villages were hammered into history changing documents. Over the years the great laws of the land have been made more inclusive for women, all races, and ethnic groups. The three branched government of the USA has wisely provided for its citizens the most personal liberty and economic opportunity of any major nation in the world. For nearly 250 years our republic has survived numerous rogues and fools in The White House, Congress, and Supreme Court because we have a remarkable Constitution and set of laws. The classic "melting" pot of legal immigrants and engaged citizens has worked remarkably well. The District of Columbia embodies the ideals of the United States of America as reflected in The Constitution and Bill of Rights. This great city is a display and example which the world admires and many nations seek to copy.

However, it has a troubling and darker side.

The legions of bureaucrats that fill the halls of government have taken over too much governance of our daily lives. Because of their numbers and tons of annually generated regulations, the personal and economic freedom of everyone has been diminished. The government's highly unconstitutional goal to give "everyman" an equal share of the nation's treasure has produced mind boogling levels of micro management and a morass of laws counterproductive to everyones common good.

Feeding, clothing, housing, transporting, medicating, and caring for our poorest and neediest citizens was never a constitutional mandate, and has been a costly and failed federal project since the first  days of Social Security. Additionally, the governments intervention has destroyed the traditional family in many communities, and diminished the legitimate role of churches, families, charities, neighbors, and civic organizations.  Personal problem resolution and responsibility have been replaced by a government which can never be a father, mother, or "village" of concerned friends and neighbors despite trillions of dollars in social engineering schemes.

Managing education from Washington has resulted in a consistent decline in achievement within our elementary and secondary schools. Our international ranking is dreadfully low as federal education czars and their union allies universally resist decentralization and diversity in the ways we teach our children. For college students the federal loan system is a shameful disaster. The federal government sends money directly to the universities on behalf of students. This results in soaring tuition increases since Uncle Sam will pay anything and is unaccountable for its spending. Tuition inflation enriches colleges while bankrupting needy students. Many federal loan students leave school with crushing lifelong debts and degrees which in today's marketplace are often worthless.

From education, taxation, public transportation, veterans care, infrastructure, commerce, energy regulation, welfare, health care, and so many other pursuits the federal government has a consistent pattern of overspending, over regulation, and mission failure. National defense which is the principal and legitimate duty of the federal government per The Constitution is often subject to cutting to divert more funds to unconstitutional social programs. The darker side of Washington DC is its need for ultimate power in the lives and activities of its people. Unfortunately, this phenomena has grown over the decades by too many complacent, unaware, and non voting citizens. Drastic reform is needed to change and reduce the power and reach of many federal agencies. Additionally, individual states must recover the right and responsibility to manage many of their affairs without long distance mismanagement from Washington.

Another bad side of Washington D.C. is its ugly fringes where poverty, ignorance, and crime thrive and grow. The seedy seams surrounding the capital are ugly and dangerous places. Every city and town has its attractive face and nearby poor and crumbling fringes. Unfortunately, their existence might be a direct result of a Washington D.C. full of bureaucrats and politicians that believe programs sponsored by endless tax payer funds and tax hikes will solve deep seated social problems. We need city and town leaders strong enough to reform and educate individuals and support strong families rather then insist that more money will cure every community crisis. We need new national leaders bold enough to acknowledge past failed systems and procedures. We need these talented men and women to design and implement new schemes which will make America an exceptional nation again.

Washington D.C. will always reflect an image and certain reality that is the envy of many other nations of the world. However, looking past the marble monuments there are real problems with our federal government and in our communities. Unaddressed these ills will bruise and endanger the American brand and dream. In my opinion, it is about time we retire many incumbent politicians, fire incompetent civil servants, and take a chance with daring new national leaders.

     

BLUEBIRD AND THE BOY.

As he entered the dark enclosure, Anthony was bleeding sweat despite the chilled air of the stone chapel. He knelt and started, "bless me father for I have sinned ..."

The old priest behind the screen grunted, "OK, go ahead. " "I killed a bird and feel awful bad about what I did." "Did you shoot the bird to eat or because it was attacking you ?" " No father I shot it by accident. I was pointing for practice and I always miss, but this time I didn't."
"Are you sorry for what you did ?" "Oh yes father I am very sorry !"

Old Father Michael knew it was Anthony in the confessional. He knew the boy was a good kid despite the two times he surprised him and two other altar boys sipping altar wine in the sacristy. His confessions usually consisted of the typical sins; impure thoughts, lying, cusswords, and fighting  confessed by twelve year old boys. Father Michael could tell by Anthony's tone that this incident carried a heavy burden of hurt and guilt so he decided to take extra time before dispensing any advice or mandatory penance.

"So will you shoot birds again ?" " No, I was so upset I threw my pellet gun in the water when the bird died this morning." "What ?" "Well when I shot the bird and picked it up it's little eyes were fluttering and it was warm. Since I didn't see any blood I hoped it was just stunned. I took the bird home and placed it in a little box.  I thought if it was left in a dark quiet place it might come back to life. But, this morning I found the little thing was stiff and cold so I buried it and made a little cross for it's grave. Then, I threw my gun in the creek. " "Did you look at the critter before you buried it ? " "Yes". "What did you see ?" "Well the little bird was several shades of blue with a chest of orange and a belly of soft white feathers. It's wings and tail were perfectly shaped for flying. It's tiny legs ended in claws that were just right for picking seeds or berries, and its beak was smooth and sharp. It was very light so I knew it was a good flyer. Did my little bird go to heaven Father ?" Anthony was now weeping.

"Son, God makes many wondrous creatures. Each flying, swimming, walking, and creeping thing has  a unique set of traits and things to do in our natural world. The good Lord is the most perfect architect. He engineers and imagines all the birds, beasts and crawly things. However, his greatest creation was you and I. God made us with brains to reason and make decisions. And, he will forgive our errors and give us another chance to do good when we goof up, Are you are truly sorry ? I don't know if the bird you killed went to heaven. But, I do know God will forgive you. You've confessed your terrible mistake, expressed genuine sorrow, for killing, and promised to never harm another of God's creatures. Do you sincerely pledge to cause no harm to other creatures unless you are attacked or need food ?" "Oh yes Father I do." "Well then in the name of God I absolve you of this sin. "

"OK now get outta here and behave yourself." Anthony stammered, "but Father what is my penance ?" " Anthony, you learned an important lesson today so you don't need any Hail Mary's to recite. But, I do need you to fill in for Joey at the 10AM Mass tomorrow, and no drinking my wine !"

Anthony stepped from the confessional darkness with a red face realizing that Father Michael recognized him. But, he also felt the coolness of the church sanctuary, relief of his terrible sin being forgiven, and the hope the blue bird was happily tweeting in heaven.

   

REPUBLICAN TURNCOATS.

At the first Republican debate all the candidates were asked to raise their hand if they would support the eventual party nominee. The hands of all candidates immediately shot skyward except for Donald Trump. He wavered, but after scorn, badgering, and second thoughts finally agreed to support the party's selection.

After many debates and speeches Trump emerged the winner. 

In my opinion, it is disgraceful that past party luminaries such as McCain, Romney, and President Bush the Younger have publicly announced their plans to not attend the convention. If any of the failed Republican nominees withhold their support of Trump or do not attend the convention it will forever smear their reputations with dishonor.

Trump won the nomination without much help from establishment elephants or the likes of George Will and other snooty country club republicans. Trump simply won because he got the most votes of the American people and he worked harder and smarter than the other contenders.

While Democrats of every flavor including Bernie will support Hillary and bring all their graveyard and illegal immigrant votes to the polling stations, it's a damn shame republicans work so hard to defeat themselves. I wonder if too many republicans are more interested in being liked by the media and the Washington elites than supporting Trump.

Despite his continuing uphill battle, Trump will win for two important reasons.

First, a majority of Americans will chose the man with positive plans, a solid record of success, a sterling education, and a great family. Second, Hillary Clinton is the most dishonest and greedy nominee ever presented by any political party. Despite being a women, a majority of Americans will reject her plans to extend the Obama regime. Our Fall election will perfectly mirror the BREXIT vote in the United Kingdom in that all the media and self described experts will pick the incorrect outcome. Trump will win because Americans are fed up with failed domestic and foreign policy schemes and an executive that has divided the nation.

Republican turncoats will not change the outcome of the coming election, but simply reinforce the fact they were sore losers and more interested in their damaged pride than the best path forward for the nation.

BLM NEEDS A FEW "REAL" MEN

The Black Lives Matter organization misses it's message by a mile failing to recognize the thousands of black on black homicides which outnumber the isolated police related cases they choose to celebrate. Why don't they demonstrate in favor of the children, old people, and youths slaughtered night after night on the streets of America ?

Focusing on the very small number of white policemen killing black people is a tiny part of the violence plaguing the African American community. Despite the pre investigation proclamations of Obama, Holder, Jackson, Lynch, Clinton, and Sharpton, many of the racial bias charges against cops have proven to be bogus. However, the delicious race baiting scenario of white police officers at war against black men is a much easier cause then addressing the complex problems plaguing so many urban communities. Racist politicians love the BLM movement because it is a simplistic approach to a set of deep and complicated social problems. A few lousy cops along with a few lousy people from any profession or trade will always do evil. However, their actions cannot be made to represent the efforts of all policemen, lawyers,  politicians, doctors, retail workers or any other group of workers.

For too long black boys have been raised without good men to lead them from childhood to adulthood. In a disturbing number of situations, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, and sisters have been abandoned by black males unwilling to assume their parenting responsibility. Sadly, in some cockeyed federal assistance programs, financial incentives are even offered mothers without husbands. Until more good black men assume their role as fathers and mentors, a large number of  young black men will enter adulthood without the good influence of a father. Young men without fathers learn all the "traits" of being a "man" in the mean streets and from other misguided youth or gangbangers. The pattern of misguided young black men is truly an American tragedy.

Also, its time the Black Lives Matter people change their name. All Lives Matter includes policemen slain by deranged individuals and our military personnel killed and maimed doing their duty. All Lives Matter should include the lives of every life lost to violence and evil.  In my opinion, the BLM movement has undertones of racism and segregation when it excludes other American lives lost to violence.

A long time ago, over 600000 Americans of different races and national origins were killed in a Civil War. A chief reason for the terrible conflict and loss of life was to end human slavery. Their lives should matter as well as African Americans who suffered and died during our dark days of slavery, Jim Crow, and segregation. Also, the lives of Native Americans and Asian Americans should matter to everyone.

Black Lives Matter is a liberal political movement designed to highlight and profit from a small problem in our society. Those politicians and activists who live and profit from racial tension will support BLM because they are lazy and lack the courage to frankly address the deep seated problems within huge segments of our inner cities.

Don't look for any progressive politician to tell BLM and democrat big city mayors to address the heavy homicide rates within their communities when they can cheer on the narrowly focused  Black Lives Matter outfit.  As usual, their liberal progressive solution will be to shovel more money to corrupt politicos and agencies which specialize in wasting tax payer monies without any problem resolution. Also with roaring approval from BLM, racist pimp politicos, social preachers and other demagogues will blame white folks for all the ills of minorities while looking for a financial windfall.  
If black leaders national leaders and the BLM have a legitimate concern for black people, let them demonstrate with great emotion and fervor within the communities where black people are murdered night after night by other black people !