The Bland - Cherry Family

 

BLESS ME FATHER FOR I HAVE ....

A FRIEND'S CONFESSION:

Present Day. 

Thomas had entered the confessional booth many times, but this time was different. Since Pope Leo had declared that once a sin was forgiven by the Church, it was unnecessary to repeat the same offenses at each reconciliation session. The Pope insisted Jesus forgave forever whatever venial or mortal sin transpired and the issue was forever settled. He instructed our guilt or regret over past sins was not a new sin. I re wound the U Tube presentation to hear again this incredible news. 

Thomas thought aloud, "damn, this is confusing". 

A Long Time Ago.

From boyhood days, he always had an almost automatic list of sins to relate at confession time. Lustful thoughts, thievery, cursing, coveting a neighbor or friends possessions, missing Mass, taking the Lord's name in vain, and so forth. Father John would listen, offer advice, forgive the sins and dispense a list of prayers as penance. Easy - peasy, and Thomas instantly realized he was clear for Sunday's holy communion and another week free of guilt for his past sins. 

Thomas was a Catholic from the fifties and from his earliest days embraced the old ways of the church. The Latin Mass, the incense, the jingling bells, the often unharmonious chanting and all the old practices before the Vatican reforms. As an altar boy, he embraced the ceremonies and secretive Latin dialogue as a rock solid and ancient way of Catholicism that was superior to all the protestant religions. At times he felt he was a junior priest executing all his altar boy duties in rites that were mysterious and secret to many parishioners. It all confirmed his conviction that his religion was the true and purest form of Christianity. He was even persuaded by his parish priest and Sister Superior that he had a vocation to become a priest. This was a heavy and serious consideration for a twelve year old!

However, this all changed with the Vatican reforms and his own evolution from being a boy to becoming a young man. He was angry and disappointed with the changes. He stopped being a practicing Catholic for a long time. Like many others, he decided that his religion would become a very personal affair and he would communicate directly with God in prayer and meditations. 

Then, after decades, he realized that many of the changes within the church were for the best. He also missed the social piece of being part of something more significant than his one on one relationship with God. He thought it was good the language of the Mass was changed to the local speech of the congregation. He agreed that many aspects of the mysticism and ceremony be simplified for all to understand. He liked the priest facing the parishioners and spending more effort and time in deciphering the Bible. He also appreciated priestly homilies that were down to earth talks linking the need for religious faith and practices in our daily lives. 

However, Thomas still had questions. 

Should he now breeze into confession and declare, " Bless me father, I'm good, no NEW sins to report in the last eighty years".  

 

 

SO MANY PROBLEMS AND FEW SOLUTIONS?

Curious that so many individuals and groups offer solutions to all our problems, but few problems ever get solved.

Politicians, news readers, scientists, historians, economists, teachers, entertainers, religious, and sports stars constantly present simple and complex ways to cure the discord that prevents the social equality and peace of the world. However, despite their collective and diverse bluster, actions and avalanche of words, universal peace, social harmony or economic equality eludes mankind.

Like an endless game of whack a mole, when mankind seems to solve an injustice, too many new one's present storm clouds on the future.    

While humanity has progressed dramatically in many ways over eons of recorded history, we just can't seem to balance our passions with our mental squareness. 

The variety of religions and cultural traditions surely separate us, and our free will might be more a curse than a blessing. Will world peace and harmony be achieved when human passions and emotions are removed from our species? Would the world's condition become a paradise on earth if we allowed a future super AI device to make all our individual and collective decisions?

IS TDS A NEW MENTAL ILLNESS?

Should the serious phenomena of TDS be considered Americas newest mental disorder? 

Given the far lefts political, media and social influencers consistent hate of Donald Trump and all things Trump, is there a legitimate case to study this behavior as a disease of the mind?

In my opinion, political diversity and differences have been a consistent and healthy condition of our republic. However, the deeply seeded hate of Trump seems an unusual and unhealthy state of mind. 

No political or business leader is perfect or beyond constructive criticism, including our 47th president. 

Constantly cheering for Trumps physical harm or failure is wrong headed, and I hope serious study by scientists will uncover and assist those suffering from TDS. 

 

 

HONORING MY FAMILY VETERANS

On 11/11 we honor our living and dearly departed veterans. I honor these family members who served, sacrificed and in some cases gave their lives to defend America. Gone but never forgotten. 

Charles R. Joyner, Catherine L. Joyner, William Joyner, Donald C. Dean, Cory P. Johnson, Frank Burket, John Williams, Stevie Williams, Richard Jeffreys Sr., Lloyd Conrey, John L. Gray, Julian Snyder, Geneva Grimes Dorman, Norman Cherry, Ann Gray Hall, Dan Duncan, and my Godfather Thomas Pasquel.

These beloved family members served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam and the Mid East Conflicts. 

We should never forget or fail to honor our family members and friends who honored our nation with their military service. God bless America and these wonderful folks.

LET 11/4/25 PASS

Not surprisingly, 2 largely democratic states elected new donkey governors and NYC appointed a  commie/socialist mayor. These results should not frighten or disappoint Americans. The changes which may seem dramatic, are simply tiny blips which will be exploited and exploded by far left fake journalists and politicians. However, faith and confidence in capitalism and the constitution remain deeply embedded in the hearts of most citizens.

I firmly believe DC lawmakers will soon reach a reasonable national budget. Trump tariffs will move forward. Also, the domestic economy and international peace keeping efforts will proceed smoothly under the leadership of POTUS #47. America is more than the politics and leadership of several states or a new goofball NYC mayor. 

While absorbing these small changes, the United States will remain the worlds gold standard of legal diversity and liberty. God bless America and all it's citizens! 

VIRGINIA ELECTION DAY 2025

Another Virginia election day on Tuesday and after an endless barrage of stupid television ads, silly mail and way too many dumb phone calls, I'm ready for an end to all the lying and huffy puffy BS. 

No matter the outcome, soothsayers and political "experts" will frame the results to match their earlier predictions. Whoever wins, the victors will be acclaimed as heroes or vile criminals by a media community more interested in drama than objectivity and honest journalism. 

Virginia elections seem to follow a regular pattern. The returns flip flop in numbers and potential winners with early results, then are drastically changed as the big cities and Northern Virginia voters check in with their massive numbers. 

While I have my red hopes, its doubtful the pattern will change until more voters, including students, are wise and educated beyond the emotional foolishness and quackery of political ads and the candidates.  

 

PRAY + FOR JAMAICA

Given the horrific storm that ravaged the people and nature of this beautiful Caribbean nation, we should  offer humble prayers to Almighty God for their survival and restoration. This violent hurricane destroyed the lives, infrastructure and aspirations of our friendly southern neighbor and their full recovery will be a slow process. 

In addition to our spiritual best wishes, we should consider financial and material support. Within our individual means, dollars and supplies will help the good hospitable people of this beautiful island nation. If you can, contribute to well established and reputable charities of hospitality. This will backup our best wishes with meaningful action and help in their full restoration. 

  

AMERICAN PEACE OR COLLAPSE?

Based on recent disturbing events, it would appear our republic is collapsing from within. However, this is not the case. Beyond the heavy doses of alarming events, gloomy media reporting/commentaries and the fiery political jabbering, I believe most Americans continue to enjoy and practice peace in their daily lives.

The violence and mayhem which catches our attention is confined to a few cities and underwritten by evil forces utilizing a small number of unhappy and disgruntled individuals. Most US cities, towns and villages are at peace in the places they live, work, recreate and worship. 

If one sees the scattered chaos as a national emergency in the long view of our history, it is only a micro spasm easily survived within a healthy republic. Our nation is at peace, and we will survive and thrive beyond the limited events dramatized by politicians and the press. 

America survived a colonial war from the colonial world superpower England. We somehow remained a union after a horrible Civil War. We added the umph in gaining allied victories in WWI and WWII. We won the cold war with the Soviet Union and our nation rebounded after the awful events of 9/11. These awesome events presented truly serious threats to our peace, and we didn't collapse.

The occasional domestic flareups experienced over the last fifty years neither endanger our national peace or our collapse. The villains and supporters of all movements demonizing current events are politicians seeking attention and dividing citizens to insure their reelections. Also, most of the media and popular culture industry is too deeply devoted to subjective political views. Increasingly, many politicians have lost their respect for civility and dedication to the Constitution. Media giants explode bad news to increase their viewership and advertising revenue while abandoning the tenants of responsible journalism.

Americans are strong because of our history and stability to see beyond the jackass politicians and media puppets bent on dividing us. In my opinion, America will not collapse, lose its peace or place as the world's dominant economic and military superpower. 

  

THE GOOD OLD DAYS?

Sometimes when violence and tragedy are daily news, it is comforting to remember more peaceful times. It's OK to do so, but our remembrances naturally tend to recall more tranquil visions of the past. What we think as the good old days were also filled with unspeakable crimes, wars and assassinations. With time we tend to slowly forget the truly horrible events in our history and envision the past as a rainbow of happy times.  

Whie realizing present day disturbing events, I prefer to think today and the tomorrow as the best times of our lives. Few of us have much control over depressing daily events and the few who do fail to prevent bad things from happening. 

As an older guy, I wake every morning thanking Almighty God for another day of life and opportunities.

Rather than wallowing in dire events and placing blame on individuals or groups, I celebrate my blessings. Each day I attempt to cheer and encourage my family, friends and community in their good efforts and works.

Should we reconsider the allure of thinking about good old days and focus more on each new and following day as the best days of our lives?  

 

 

MY FIREFLY FANTASY

A few evenings ago, I decided to enjoy the breezy cool air, sunset, and soothing sounds of bird songs and bug tweets. To me, outdoors at sunrises and sunsets are special times to mediate and consume the wonders of nature. I find a quiet refreshing magic in the beauty and power from the daily ascension and setting of the sun. 

As the sun descends most daytime creatures transition to searching out nests, perches and secret places to safely pass the dark hours. Then, when the light of dawn reaches the trees and grasses, these creatures come alive and begin their daily search for food, mates and safe places to creep, crawl or fly.

On this particular evening, I saw a single lightening bug rise from the nearby woods. Seems the number of these bright little bugs has decreased over the years in my area. As a child I remember many more fireflies at my rural home in the fifties. 

Without any extensive knowledge of this specific bug, I focused on this single firefly and imagined his mission beyond its intermittent flashes of yellow and a meandering flight path. I imagined fireflies as possible secret agents of the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit. 

While the Holy Trinity has historically been presented by artists as a young Jesus and a more mature father figure as Almighty God, the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit is usually depicted as a small light or flame. Could these tiny harmless insects represent something beyond the obvious? 

After several annoying and devilish misquotes attacked me as darkness came, I retreated indoors. However, my firefly experience and imagination led me to consider that our experiences and observations of the obvious may fire us to look deeper at the spiritual possibilities.

    

DONALD TRUMP - MY 200 DAY REVIEW.

While many will forever hate and criticize DJT, after 200 days in office, some things have become very clear about this talented and complex man. He is widening his base of supporters from a diverse population and clearly getting things done. In no particular order, I've listed a few areas in which he has commanded and lead the nation.

1. Trump has been available and open to the press at every event and travel transition. Usually without a script or listening device linked to an off-screen advisor, he listens and answers straight and "gotcha" questions directly and with ease, confidence and intelligence unlike Joe Biden.

2. His strident themes of America First, Made in America and American Exceptionalism shine with a renewed freshness reminiscent of President Reagan. In signing numerous executive orders, he has explained his reasons and done so in public within the full view of the press.

3. Since the failed assassination attempt in Butler Pennsylvania, Trump has become a greater spokesperson for the traditional Christian/Judeo values which framed America's founding. While he will never attain the humility and high moral ground of President Carter, it is significant he recognizes and celebrates a Supreme Being as the ultimate leader. 

4. Given his swashbuckling and dramatic history as a mega entrepreneur and entertainer, his 2024 term has been highlighted by aggressive attempts to bring peace and order to troubled parts of the world.  As Theodore Roosevelt reminded America to speak softly and carry a big stick, Trump has carefully used the nation's military sparingly with care and pinpoint accuracy. 

5. Candidates seeking an election victory usually offer an agenda of promises to voters. In his 2024 bid Trump also followed the tradition but has demonstrated great success in fulfilling his agenda. With a national mandate from citizens and a talented blend of cabinet members he is simply getting things done on the key domestic, economic and global issues challenging the nation.   

6. With imagination and a slim majority of support from Congress and the Supreme Court, Trump has pressed a difficult plan to refresh and reset the efficiency and economy of government via the formation of DOGE. He has also declared war on a federal bureaucracy of unelected agents to limit their regulations which slow and complicate the affairs of citizens and business enterprises. With a new vision of international trade, he has boldly initiated a program of tariffs with the goal of making fairer trade deals for America. Obviously, he seeks to center more businesses in America while protecting our national treasures of industrial and AI innovations and secrets.

7. Given a history of unjust impeachments, legal challenges and a questionable 2020 election result, Trump soldiers along as a man with a long list of programs. Since shedding his association with the democratic party, he has endured endless negative and subjective press coverage. The democrat party has sustained a schedule of total opposition and hate for all things Trump since his ride down the escalator and announcement as a presidential candidate. A majority of entertainers, academia, and social influencers oppose Trump at every turn. However, Trump continues to smile and despite his fortune and fame chooses the most challenging assignment as POTUS. 

8. While he may never garner a Nobel Peace Prize, a place on Mount Rushmere, or the national and international respect he has earned, history books in a few decades will mark his time as a renaissance event for the United States and the world. 

May God Bless and protect Donald J. Trump and the USA.

   

  

MAMDANI & EDUCATION

The rise and possible election of Mamdani will further tarnish the economy and personal liberties of NYC citizens, but it also signals a deeper problem.

Too many children and adults lack an understanding and the historic failure of past societies and cultures ruled by socialism and communism. Our educational system has consistently failed, and the ignorance endangers the stability and future of a nation blessed with a free market and remarkable Constitution. 

Teach history to your children and fellow citizens and protect and preserve the promise of America!

THE SMELL OF THE TIDEWATER

 I must confess my fondness for the distinctive odor of tide waters. 

From my youth along the tributaries of the Elizabeth River to my mature and older life here in Poquoson Virginia, I find the smell of low and storm tides wonder filled manifestations of life, death and natures endless cycle of renewal.  

Within the tides and the marshlands there is the beginning of life for shelled, winged and finned creatures. Those same waters and muds also witness the demise and decay of the water borne creatures and the adjacent foliage. This endless cycle then fertilizes new life despite the fouling of our waters by harmful substances and objects.

While some may consider the smell of the tides and marshy ooze as offensive, I love and embrace the nasal experience as another glorious gift from the nature created by Almighty God.

AMERICAN RENAISSANCE

 I sense a renaissance in America today. 

Common sense, national pride and a rejuvenation of our economy has emerged since the installment of Trump as POTUS #47. While the political left and legacy media continue to flail with their siren song of negativism and TDS, most Americans recognize and celebrate the positive changes. 

May God bless America and its diverse and exceptional citizens. 

THE POWER OF PATIENCE AND PRAYER

While the enemies of DJT are working hard to manufacture a new outrage or replay a past false outrage, Trump is moving ahead with his MAGA, MAHA and DOGE projects. A "damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead" attitude energizes POTUS every day and fires loyalty and support from his supporters. 

The 2024 national elections manifested an overwhelming mandate for change. The Democrats failed miserably and easily lost the reins of Executive and Congressional power. Now, Democrats are adrift seeking leadership and allowing some of their members to seek attention with profanity and childish stunts. The traditionally faithful legacy media and celebrity pals of the donkey party are gradually falling away. Also, many congressional democrats are going "independent" or retiring.

Those afflicted with TDS don't understand or appreciate the approval of voters in November meant that attacks on Trump are also attacks on his supporters. Calling the president a Nazi, monster, fascist, dictator or oligarch is also an insult and false charge against his followers. Trump supporters are mad at the waste, corruption and ineptitude of the Biden reign and expect the president to fulfill his campaign promises and do his best. 

Rather than recognizing reality and cooperating to make America great, healthy and efficient again, many democrats are in opposition mode and it's a damn shame. Within a two party system, it seems the minority party would offer constructive criticism and help in reaching  broad goals mandated by a majority of voters. 

I believe with tons of patience and prayer, the admirable goals of President Trump and his supporters will come to pass during his term in office or the first term of his republican successor. 

    

SIMPLY BAD BEHAVIOR

Politicians and Social Influencers from the most extreme wings of the Democratic and Republican parties have convinced too many poorly educated, illegal aliens, stupid, gullible, uncivilized and disorderly citizens that any measures to stop politicians and their agendas are acceptable. 

As an example, after over ten years of outrageous and untrue allegations from relentless political and media enemies, state sponsored anti-Trump lawfare, assassination suggestions and attempts, DJT has survived. He continues to build on his goals of making America healthier, wealthier, smarter, and the world's leading constitutional capitalist country.  However. the bottomless pit of hatred for Trump is alarming. In a recent address to Congress, he claimed that there was no action or miracle he could perform that would please the opposition party. Sadly, he was right. 

The hatred of President Trump and other political leaders and movements is alarming and possibly linked to the cultural changes we've allowed and experienced over the last few generations. First, there are too many unguided children in households without fathers. Next, too many parents and guardians fail to provide children with basic training in ethical behavior and a code of religious or moral values. We have too many indulgent parents who believe substituting a lot of stuff can replace disciplined parenting. 

Our public school system has failed miserably despite massive funding and tons of political double talk. Public schools have omitted lessons in American History and Civics while emphasizing studies in DEI, anti American propaganda and bizarre sexual practices. Many among us celebrate and fail to understand the filthy lyrics of popular music and the racist, anti American tone of some entertainment figures. Also, unapologetic racist leaders and organizations have exploited rare police mistakes into uncontrollable crisis's which allow and encourage mobs to burn, loot and murder. All the while, some politicians have actually demanded less policing and legitimate law enforcement.  

Our nation thrives and improves from it's diversity and political differences. However, there must be a greater level of civility from our leaders to set an example for all citizens. Simply stated, no society can sustain and survive the level of bad behavior we currently allow.  When congress, POTUS, high level government officials, media talking heads, leaders of academia, and entertainment/sports stars practice  more civilized and reasonable means to settle differences, the general population might learn to calm the stormy waters of unrest. Our greatest national enemy could be we the people and unchecked our national bad behavior could destroy us.       

TODAYS QUESTION ?

Shouldn't an objective party expose the current financial worth of US congressional and executive branch members? Beyond their net worth when installed as members of Congress and the Executive Branch, it seems many have become exceedingly rich, WHY?

WILL CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS CHANGE?

 In the wake of Trump's clear electoral mandate and ambitious plans to execute his agenda, there is a relentless effort by congressional democrats to double down on opposing and demonizing all things Trump. Why?

Do the leading members of the donkey party really oppose making "America First" or reforming bloated government spending and draining the DC swamp of a regulation happy bureaucracy? 

Are the constituents of said democratic leaders best served by leaders devoted to universally opposing the clear mandate earned by DJT? 

While it is important that all political parties share in the responsibility of managing the affairs of a constitutional republic, shouldn't democratic opposition be reasonable and respectful? Do the spectacles of street protests and their shameful conduct during Trump's congressional speech serve the best interests and needs of the citizens they represent?

In my opinion, upcoming elections will not serve the democratic party very well. I expect some congressional members of the democratic party may change their party affiliation, retire or seek new pursuits. 

Hopefully, many democrat party leaders will abandon the false narratives and accusations used against Donald Trump over the last decade. While the far-left media, academic and Hollywood crowd's hateful rhetoric loses favor, democratic party leaders should at least join Trump and Company in sharing his optimistic goals of " America First" and Reagan's vision of " American Exceptionalism".

 

         

POST ELECTION REFLECTIONS

Thank God it's all over. Please suffer my few observations.

First, isn't it wonderful the ugly road signs will soon be gone. Isn't it great the radio and TV political ads are gone, and the biased media propaganda and fluster will fade away. Isn't it nice our daily mail will no longer contains fat envelopes full of political contribution appeals. Whether your person or party won the day, I think we can all be united with these immediate post-election results.

However, Trump won! More importantly, voters made the choice and opted for changes to how our government conducts its domestic and international affairs. 

In our system of government, many don't admit, fully understand or appreciate politics. Further, many people are unwilling to express or share their political views. Their choice. However, we must appreciate that politics touch every aspect of our lives. From the rules that govern our behavior to the prices we pay, the political beliefs of those who control the sites of local, state and federal power are critical in our lives. 

America was blessed with founders who designed a framework of laws and a constitution which wisely divided powers between executive, legislative and judicial branches. These centers of political power grant a unique balance to our system of governance and insure a system of checks and balances. Adjustments to our constitution and body of common laws have been made over the decades of our republic. Our system of government is not perfect but has a design feature which has and will endure the stresses of change.

Whatever, the outcome of the election and one's personal preferences, today is a day we should all celebrate. Our freedom to vote ruled election day. We will survive the changes and hopefully prosper as the world's superpower of economic freedom, personal liberties and military might.