NEW SLAVERY ...

Franklin Roosevelt proposed a "New Deal" for Americans back in the 1930's. His idea was to charge the federal government help it's less fortunate citizens. From it's origins and with a lot of help from Presidents Johnson and Obama, the federal government has become a big brother in too many American households. Now providing everything from condoms to cell phones, the effects of so much government intrusion has been devastating to our economy and society. Today, generations of Americans without physical or mental handicaps have been taught to live off government handouts without making any contribution to pay for their benefits.  Despite trillions of dollars, over the decades,  the only success of these welfare schemes has been to deprive people of hope and spawn more cradle to grave plans.

During February we celebrate a great minority of Americans. We recall their travels from slavery to freedom and educate ourselves about the heroes and heroines of that epic struggle. It is a good exercise for all Americans. I grew up in a segregated south and recall the injustices to so many good people. Despite the bumpy path of  Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and "separate but equal" eras, we have come to a better place in today's America.  Indeed, the idealism noted in our founding documents by our founding leaders has become reality and made us a better and stronger nation.

However, I am deeply concerned with a "new slavery" which has afflicted our society. This bondage entails all racial groups of Americans. It's a total dependence on government handouts by an increasing number of citizens. I define handouts as material or money supplied by a government at no cost or obligation from the recipient. This isn't Social Security, veterans benefits, government retirements, or any benefit for which a citizen made payments or gave service. People without disability who choose welfare over work are the "new slaves" of America. Unfortunately, as the federal government grew it's programs of giveaways,  family and social structures collapsed. Families, communities, and churches have, in many cases, been replaced by government bureaus and bureaucrats.

The expense of this "new slavery" is enormous and growing. To fund the great cost's the majority of working people are being levied heavier taxes year after year. Additionally, to justify the continuance of these giveaways, many politicians are purposefully setting social, economic and racial classes against each other.Today while there are no slave sales or slave beatings in the public square, our government has perpetuated a brand of slavery which destroys the hope and humanity of it's recipients.

Our Constitution never authorized the huge, top heavy, wasteful government agencies now needed to maintain this "new slavery". The continued growth of this scheme will bankrupt the nation and create universal  misery for all citizens. I believe Americans of every stripe who work or worked should demand an end to this "new slavery". It begins with a phone call or letter to your federal legislator. Hopefully, it ends peacefully with new legislators voting to remove the cancer of this "new slavery" from our nation.  God forbid, at the very least  protect and exercise your second amendment rights.  

GOVERNMENT SAFE FOOTBALL

Our President, Bob Costas, and other sages of our age have determined that football is a dangerous sport. Obviously, if there is a crisis, only the federal government can provide a remedy.

Given the outstanding efficiency our government has achieved with it's postal, railway, education, and health care (to name a few) systems, shouldn't we expect government run football to be safer ? 

Certainly setting up congressional hearings, blue star panels, and committees will speed us to a day of safe football. Perhaps, football can be made a touch only sport where both teams are always victorious and a Nerf ball is used. Game disputes would be settled by on field union representatives for the players, referees, and fans.

Oh what a glorious age we live in with all the good our wonderful government sends our way ! As the feds make football safer maybe they could probe the horrible dangers of soccer, badminton, sports car racing, church bingo, and horseshoe tossing.     

AMERICA'S LOST WARS ...

At great monetary and moral expense,  America has  lost a few wars over the last fifty years. First, the war on poverty has been a miserable failure. Government will never do for people what people are not willing to do for themselves. In fact a strong argument can be made that the generosity of government handouts has actually added to the problem. Next, our war on drugs continues to fail. Like alcohol, governments seeking to stop the underground existence and distribution of drugs only feeds an economy of violent gangs and  billions in nontaxable revenues. Taking drugs off the black market,  making their procurement a main street business, will eventually stabilize their quality and cost. As was shown with alcohol, this will also eliminate  the violence and a lot of unnecessary incarcerations.

Government has no business forcing it's value system on free people outside of it's constitutional limits. Making choices, whether right or wrong, is a liberty we all have. Whether it's poverty, drugs, obesity, guns or the freedom of expression; individual rights outweigh any mandate the government might conjure. As long as an individuals actions don't infringe upon the rights or safety of others it's OK for people to do things we might deem stupid or unwise.

Americans should be much wiser then to allow our federal government it's untenable wars against windmills of it's bureaucratic mind.

Avoiding Holes ...

Every day , I get older and my doctors prescribe more medicines.  Additionally, tests show I need a bunch of vitamins. Reading  the drug literature reveals a  frightening list of exotic side effects. The scripts and supplements are all very expensive. Then, there's  the TV  lawyer ads warning that many of my medications cause dreadful diseases and even death.  Do TV lawyers want to sue everyone so there clients can die rich ?

Every month,  I pore over my prescription expense report to ensure I won't fall into whats called the " donut hole ". Where did that term come from anyway ?  Quite frankly, If I had to choose falling into a hole the "donut" one sounds more tasty then the rabbit or black variety.

CELEBRATING EVIL OR GOOD ?

Since unlawfully eating fruit from the tree of knowledge as related in The Book Of Genesis, humankind has been awash with evil.

Every year, every decade, every century men singly or in groups under civic and religious banners have slaughtered their fellow humans. The killings have become increasingly efficient and cold blooded. Murder and mass homicide have been performed with sticks, stones, fire, water, vehicles, poison gas, dynamite, knives, guns, and sundry other devices. None of these items can be outlawed. If they could be outlawed, would evil and bad people obey the laws? Long periods of "peace on earth" have been sadly rare and difficult to sustain.

Was the recent horror in Sandy Hook Connecticut preventable? Sadly, I think not. Given the complexities, contradictions, and sensitivities of our culture there are no simple solutions or reasons to indicate such a tragedy could be prevented. However, do we really expect anything but simplistic solutions from our "leaders"?

In America the "Godfather" movie is often acclaimed as Hollywood's greatest film. Simply stated, it's a story of unaccountable corruption and murder. Federal lawmakers will plead for more restrictive gun laws yet never leave their homes without their concealed weapon or armed bodyguard. Our economy depends on major expenditures for our military forces and killing weapons. But, do we dare allow our adversaries to outgun us?

We gift our children video games, television, and popular films which celebrate killing and mayhem. In our modern world of  fatherless homes and more working parents we often leave our children to the fantasies of television and gaming. Years ago to protect their "civil rights" our nation unfunded and abandoned programs to isolate the mentally disturbed. Many of these lost souls are homeless, friendless, and  live in a place of dark thoughts. Also, personal accountability has become terribly passe these days. Finally, a very loud minority strives and often succeeds in removing the concept of God from our schools and public places. Yet, in the face of unspeakable horror many including our leaders publicly seek answers and solace from a Deity.

In a world of constant change we are replacing the old values of our parents and grandparents with new ideas and standards. It's a painful and disturbing transition for many. At times it seems our political and religious leaders are bending to appease the greatest number of low information people. Many are growing comfortable in a " Brave New World" beyond "1984", where its acceptable to allow government, rather then families and churches, to supply an individual or families wants and needs.

Unless our cultural, religious, and political leaders define new standards to unite people and direct our national energy into more positive directions, the fallen angels and their guardians at Sandy Hook will have died in vain. As a nation of individuals, will we continue to tolerate the conditions which allow and glamorize evil or will we demand and fight for a system that champions accountability and common sense?

TRUE SOURCE OF OUR HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS

I become angry when politicians and religious leaders tell me my rights and freedoms come from the benevolence of a government or religion. In my opinion, our liberties come directly from Almighty God. Too often political and religious charlatans restrict and prohibit the basic rights and liberty of men.

God, or whatever term you use in belief system, is the only legitimate giver of rights and freedoms. Governments and religions stand between man and God. They manipulate freemen in the name of their authority while accumulating more power and money for their institutions.

The Lord Creator of all Chaos and Order gave man dominion over this world and blessed humans with reasoning and the right of self determination. My independence and creativity must remain  beyond the reach of bureaucrats and preachers. I will obey civil laws that maintain order, but I will refuse and revolt against commands which detract from my freedom.

Nowadays, I cannot purchase a light bulb, own property, drink a glass of wine, freely use tobacco, or satirize a religion or government without danger of some church or government official possibly punishing my action. The union of  religions and governments have been brutal to mankind. Together they've brutalized and killed more than all diseases and natural disasters. Think Crusades, communists, Islamic wars, The Inquisition, Holocaust, and Jihad to name a few horrors brought to us from governments and religions.

Have too many of us surrendered our God given rights to political and heavenly promises of paradise. Is it blasphemous to reject any politician pontificating and blowing hot air about "rights given by government" or a religious leader demanding total loyalty and tithing for heavenly goodies ?

In our complicated modern world many are not self sufficient and need help. Is this the role of governments or religions or the business of families and communities ? Should religions and governments be allowed to push humanity to a place of total dependency and slavery ?

The next great revolution may happen when we simply acknowledge The Almighty and not religions or governments as the real source of our liberties. Reasonable thinking people, standing on their own two feet, must rebuke institutions that claim to be the chief source of our God given rights.

When Diversity becomes Destructive

When the word diversity was first introduced into the national dialogue it was an attractive feature of our culture. Generally, it was accepted as a strength to our national fabric. However, over time and taken to it's extreme, diversity has become a destructive element to the unity of our republic.

While millions of Europeans, Africans, Asians, and South Americans have undoubtedly added power and originality to America, their collective contribution has been demeaned over the last quarter century. We are no longer a melting pot but now a country of hyphenated loyalties. We allow too many immigrants to remain alien from the common language of English and the need to accept responsibility for American citizenship. Unfortunately, many leaders of these diverse communities call for an isolation from the mainstream of American culture while demanding all the privileges of being American.

Even some national leaders de-emphasize the importance of a standard border, set of cultural traditions, and the English language as necessary uniting elements for our nation. Celebrating diversity is a healthy exercise until it divides and isolates Americans from a union dedicated to free enterprise, the English language, common borders, laws, and our unique American culture.

Leaders insisting that diversity is more important then our unification are dangerously close to dividing the nation. Teaching more diversity then our common bonds is an education which will ultimately destroy our nation.

I am proud of the contributions of my immigrant ancestors and the diversity of the foreign born who collectively built the world's greatest economy and democracy. But, I think it is wrong to allow diversity to become a division among our citizens. Beware the political leaders more interested in dividing then uniting Americans over economic, racial, and cultural differences.

A CHRISTMAS WISH

For centuries mankind has sought peace on earth.  However, our diverse religions, philosophies, and politicians have given us too many easy reasons to mark all the seasons with war and misery.

Man seems incapable of achieving universal harmony despite touting itself as the earth's smartest creature and establishing  hundreds of different flavored religions. Indeed, men of different cultures, political persuasions, and colors have no sustained record or good prospects for achieving world tranquility.

Therefore, my Christmas wish is for an invasion of space aliens. Not the cuddly big headed ET type, but the groveling, vicious, slimy, sharp toothed monsters of our worst nightmares. These creatures should be killers and destroyers lacking any mercy and holding a warrior technology better then mankind's.

I believe such an alien invasion would unite mankind against a dangerous and common enemy. The differences in religions, cultures, and politics would evaporate in the face of a gruesome adversary. After battling horrible unearthly things, earth men would discover common ground among all it's tribes and clans.

An H.G. Wells "War of the Worlds" is what we need to truly appreciate the beauty of our tiny blue planet and all it's inhabitants.  If Santa cannot find this in his gift bag,  perhaps the Supreme God of all Gods will craft an event from outer space. We need a miracle to somehow unite all of us. Perhaps it soars from our prayers and dreams to the starry sky's and the wonders beyond our eyes. 

The Final Lap: MUSIC MINE OVER MIND

The Final Lap: MUSIC MINE OVER MIND

MUSIC MINE OVER MIND

In my time I've learned to appreciate all manner of music. The blended sounds of musical instruments and the human voice are an art and gift from God.

However, when I come home to myself, my most favorite music is Rock n' Roll.

Some say the lyrics and rhythms were simple, silly and jumbled with goofy sound effects. Others will point to themes which were soapy, self indulgent, and pointless. To some, a careful listening may confirm the noted criticisms. However, as all my boomer buddies and honeys will agree, the sounds from the mid fifties through the late seventies were the juice of our younger lives.

I think vintage rock sounds blended with raging early teen hormones did some magic. Specifically, our brains were etched to associate rock n' roll with great passion, boundless energy, lofty dreams, and love. The emotional flush we all experienced with that first date, kiss, dance, and petting session is forever linked to the music of our younger days.

When I listen to good Doo Wop, Woodstock, or American Graffiti soundtracks, I am energized. Maybe, the Rock n' Roll music reminds or tricks my mind into thinking younger thoughts. Maybe not. However, dear friends, turn up the volume and believe you can; climb "Blueberry Hill", become a "Paperback Writer", "Get a Job", or, find that "Little Darlin'" or " Duke of Earl", "At The Hop".

A QUESTION IN THE SAND

I am fortunate to live near the Chesapeake Bay and Ocean. One beach I love to hike is rarely crowded. This stretch of sand provides a little exercise and a few hours of the natural sounds of lapping wavelets and chattering sea birds. This setting also allows my imagination a good work out. Today was a glorious day to breath the sea air and ponder that great "final lap" we're all traversing.

Consider the tiny shards of sea glass which I love to collect.

These colored pieces were born as a molten mix of sand and oxides. Shaped by the ancient trade of glass blowing or in modern kilns, glass vessels of various colors and shapes were fabricated. These were used to hold beverages, medicines, foods, chemicals, and other commodities. After use these containers were discarded into the sea. Smashing and tumbling along the sea's bottom the bottles and jars shattered. The sharp pieces of glass spent years, decades, possibly centuries, rolling along the oceans floor. In the tidal ebb and flow the sharp edges were gently smoothed by the sand. Finally, these small relics were washed ashore. Left alone these pieces of glass, buffeted by winds, slowly dissolved again to sand granules.

I wonder if these inert bits of flotsam so neatly sent back to their place of origin mean anything beyond the obvious. Dust to dust - sand to sand.

Is it possible that a Supreme Force, beyond our comprehension, designed this wonderful recycling of sand grains ? Could this God of the Universe have another existence for us beyond our mortality ? However, since we have the unique thinking ability to wander, beyond the course of everything else in nature, do we get another time beyond our " final lap" ?

"WANTS & NEEDS"

Today I sifted through 3 pounds, one and one half ounces of Thanksgiving Day ads in The Daily Press. A glorious mass of colored paper designed to excite me into buying things. Advertising that might even tempt me into queuing into shopping lines at ungodly hours of the late night or early morning.

Sadly or happily, I'm not sure which, I found nothing of interest in all the creative commercials.

I'm reminded of a sales idea about gaining a sale by appealing to a customers personal agenda of " Wants and Needs ". All of us want certain things and all of us need certain things. Curiously, I found nothing in the pile of ads I really wanted or needed. Have I failed at being a consumer ?

It's easy for me to discount most of the newest electronic gizmos since I have barely mastered use of the older gadgets. Having a tiny device capable of many "applications" is also frightening. I'm beyond the time of needing fashionable clothing. I've discovered if you live long enough yesterdays fashions eventually recycle to the present. As to modern tools, I have old ones that remind me of my total mechanical ineptness, thank you very much !

It's just hard to get excited about compiling a wish list for Santa of new stuff when I've got old stuff which is overflowing every closet and storage space.

I suppose as one gets older the "wants and needs" of material things decreases. But, I still enjoy giving to others and I'll find pleasure in any gifts I receive. So, please don't take me off your gift list !

Finally, to be completely honest, I did clip one coupon from the pages and pages of flyers. It was a nifty three dollar coupon for rechargeable batteries. Enough said.

National Debt is Not ...

Seems the only solution politicians have for our growing national debt is to cut the guns or butter from our national budget and raise our taxes. In other words, the out of control spending approved by both democrats and republicans, with alarming frequency, must be paid for by direct cuts to citizen benefits. Is this the fair or correct thing to do ?

Has anyone noticed that the most prosperous and growing part of our economy is the federal government ? Pay, job & retirement benefits in government service now outclass most civilian occupations. Instead of reducing our military or the entitlement schemes, people were forced to pay into , shouldn't we look inward at the waste and fraud within the infrastructure of the federal government.

A tour around Washington D.C. is always an impressive experience. But what product or service is being produced in those massive great, grey buildings ? How do all Americans benefit from the policies & activities brewing in those huge buildings ? The correct answer is mostly none. The great scheme of the federal government is to collect taxes and use the money to fund agencies. First, these agencies must take a hefty cut for their salaries, offices, and perks. Then, these agencies find some arcane mission which either interferes with capitalism, promotes the nanny state, or seeks to influence voter blocks. Most of these agency goals are wrapped in volumes of gobble gook, legal, and government speak which have no constitutional justification. Since the FDR Administration the growth of the federal government has been practically unchecked. It seems every cockeyed idea to insure an "everyman" social and economic equality has resulted in some alphabet government bureau.

Beginning with American Indians, Americans of African descent, the poor, and illegal aliens, officials in Washington D.C. have somehow developed the myth that government can provide equality, human dignity, and correct the wrongs of history if they just spend enough money and fart out a few more laws. Despite trillions of wasted taxpayer dollars this concept has been proven wrong time after time. The idea of people helping people through family, social, charitable, and church has been displaced by the heavy hand of government interference. Actually, the intrusion of government has destroyed the basic family unit, sucked the initiative out of generations of Americans, and colored capitalism as an evil force.

How do we stem the uncontrolled spending and begin to cure the national debt ? As voters and citizens we demand an outright defunding and eventual closure of many useless federal agencies and activities. These would include; Dept. of Agriculture, Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Energy, Dept. of Health & Human Services, Dept. of Housing & Urban Development, Dept. of Labor, Dept. of Transportation, Environmental Protection Agency, (Most) Foreign Aid, The Federal Reserve Bank, Federal Trade Commission, Fannie Mae, Fannie Mac, National Science Foundation, Small Business Administration, Corporation for National & Community Service and others. What these agencies do is either downright useless or can be better handled at the state or local level of government. Very few democrat or republican federal politicos will agree to these cuts because they derive their power and prestige from these bloated bureaucracies.

The only solution politicians seem to have for the deficit is to punish citizens. They want to raise our taxes, reduce federal benefits we spent our working lifetimes to pay for, and lower the quality and extent of our national defense.

The National Debt is not the fault of it's citizens. It is the fault of politicians and a their corrupt culture more interested in the pursuit of their personal power then a responsible accounting of their misuse of the national treasure.

I would like to someday tour our nations capital and enjoy the view of museums and monuments and see fewer and fewer giant grey buildings full of bureaucrats wasting our tax dollars. The most acceptable way to effect meaningful change is the vote. Do your vote and your collective voices to seek an end to the national debt and it's root causes. The national debt is only our fault if we continue the insanity of electing and reelecting the same flavor of politicians who created the financial nightmare we are presently enduring.

DREAM CONVERSATION WITH LEMUEL LAMB

A vividly remembered dream conversation experienced 11/2/11 !



ME - Well grandfather tell me about your good old days.

LL - Son, we got more electrified in my time. Electric for heat, lights, cooking, and all manner of other gizmos. All wired directly into the houses. And, we got radio with voices and sounds crossing hundreds or maybe thousands of miles on tiny wires. And, the movies went from speechless stories to colorized talkies. I suppose things may have been a little better then my boyhood days. But honestly, we still had war and your grandmother died from some foreign flu before she reached thirty. Maybe, we think they're good old days because in those past times we were younger, stronger, faster, and had bright dreams.

ME - Any things you wish you could redo in your eighty four years ?

LL - Yes, I'd do all of it different.

ME - What do you mean ?

LL - First, I'd tell you to forget about those "good old days". You know,
thinking too much on yesterdays is not healthy, especially for the living. However, the biggest change I'd make came from a routine experience on the Seaboard. I remember leaving the rail shops in Portsmouth many times on runs to Roanoke. As we got out of town and beyond Suffolk that old Seaboard locomotive would begin to speed along quite smartly. Since I didn't have any chores, I'd relax and stare out the window at the passing scenery. Sometimes, despite the clacking of the rails, I would even catch a few minutes, maybe hours, of shuteye. Well son, on one of those runs it dawned on me that life was just a long series of Kodak snapshots like the ever changing view out my speeding rail car window. With each new second a new picture would appear out the window and I begun to think that life was maybe the same way.

ME - Whatever do you mean ?

LL - You see when I was a boy I was taught to plan for the future. Do well in school, get a good job, go to church, listen to your doctor, obey the boss, and all that stuff. Well I tried to live that way for a long time. But, after I got beat so bad by those thugs, Annie died, and her family sent all our kids to orphanages I began to think different. I thought a lot about watching the scenery flash by like a slow moving picture show and everything became very clear.

ME - I'm confused. How did you begin thinking differently and what became clear ?

LL - Simple. I made a deal with the Lord that I would live minute to minute and not get too worried about all the planning and worrying part of living. Because you see, I realized that life was like a long series of photographs reflecting every second you live as a separate picture in time. Since I had no control over what I might see speeding along on that train how could I control the good and bad things that would happen in my life. So, I decided to put on a smile, trust the Lord and know that whatever else was going to happen in my life would just happen. I'd just do my best and find the happy side of whatever happened.

ME - Is this why you lived with many different people, went to different churches practically every Sunday, and barely recognized your son, my father, or me ?

LL - Maybe. You know, a lot of folks say that after my beating and Annie died, I got a little touched in the noggin. Began to forget things and people. Maybe that's what happened. But, honestly I think I got smarter getting off the regular way most folks live their lives. After awhile I figured all I could offer anyone was myself, my smiles, and my love. Maybe that's why so many folks in Deep Creek took care of me for so long. They began calling me Lamb and Lambie Pie even though my middle initial was really for Lafayette. I did my best to be gentle and peaceful with everyone and I was blessed with kindness from everyone I encountered. Nobody ever bothered or hurt me on purpose or out of meanness over those last forty some years. I was happy and so enjoyed all the good folks, their churches, and the wonderful singing.

ME - Are you in heaven Grandfather ?

LL - I'm not sure. But, I know everyone here is calm, bright, and happy. I see my beloved Annie Mae, my beautiful children, The Culpepper's, and my old friends and neighbors all the time. It's wonderful and it gets better all the time.

ME - What advice can you give me ?

LL - First, if you're a church person it's OK. If you're not a church person don't worry. All those churches on earth have little to do with the Almighty One. The churches don't know that and most of the folks mean well. Getting past life is a place and time too complex for anyone to understand so just relax about all that. Always trust on a better world on the other side of your life. Finally, forget about planning so much and thinking about the past. Live each day as a gift and keep in motion. Make friends everyday, smile a lot, and always remember that each day is a snapshot of your short time on earth. Just as that old locomotive got faster and the scenes clipped by faster and faster as you get older each of those days will speed by quicker and quicker. Be peaceful my grandson and I'll see you soon.

HERE TODAY, GONE YESTERDAY.

I've blinked twice at the daily health news that my simple pleasure or petty vice was unhealthy or even fatal.

First, there were cigarettes. Once touted by doctors and athletes as a relaxing even healthful habit they became an early target for those who would save humanity. Then came the warnings about coffee, chocolate, coca cola, fast food, palm oiled popcorn, and a long list of other goodies.

Scientists armed with rat test subjects, prophesizing computers, and endless government grants have labeled many foods and habits as deadly. To emphasize the badness of some products, our government has required scary warning labels and even gruesome pictures on packages of fags and other deadly pleasures.

Now, new studies from Australia and Taiwan have assigned the minutes of lost life one gets from staring into a TV or computer screen. They report an hour can shorten ones life by 22 minutes which according to the experts is the exact effect of smoking two cigarettes. Will smoking and TV viewing result in sudden death ? These same white jacketed medical experts cheerfully counter that 15 minutes of exercise can add 3 years of life. Does this mean if I discontinue TV and do six hours of daily exercise I will live to be 187 ?

Even notable bureaucrats such as ex mayor Bloomberg have become experts in healthy living by limiting the size of soft drinks in their jurisdictions and railing against the use of salt.

I find the new scientific method of assigning lost or gained minutes, hours, and years of life not so cheerful. I've done some serious math. According to my calculations, and given all the eating, slurping, smoking, and video screen staring I have enjoyed over the last seventy years, I should have died in 1987.

For life's simple pleasures are we here today and gone yesterday ?

 

All Things Considered - Ballots or Bullets ?

In my opinion, the third period of our American Experience, 1932 to 2012, is about to end. All things considered during the last eight decades must be reconsidered.

In the beginning of the Roosevelt era, America was beginning to understand and flex it's industrial muscle as a world power. It had finally recognized the rights of women and was slowly progressing beyond it's "Jim Crow" days. The industrial revolution, great works of American invention and industrialization were showering citizens with wondrous gifts of material convenience, utility, and pleasure. However, in this mix of great events it became apparent that large portions of the population were slow in receiving the benefits of an advanced age. For many the divide of rich and poor became a deep wound to the national conscience.

Electrification and material gains came slow to rural areas. The power and money brokers of the great centers of commerce became giddy and embarrassingly arrogant with their wealth. News muckrakers and great writers were able to communicate these injustices to a growing population of literate citizens. Radicals of all political stripes stepped forward and demanded change. Many, at the time, perceived a cruel reverse to the American ideal of equality and the universal everyman.

To this mix came Franklin D. Roosevelt. The first great social progressive of the century with the political clout to effect significant changes. With stirring oratory and a full platter of new ideas in a time of desperate economics and world war he changed the texture of our culture. Essentially he began a new compact between the federal government and it's people.

I believe Roosevelt's really big idea and "new deal" was that the government would and could replace the church, individual, local community, and family in the care and responsibility of citizens at the middle and lower economic classes. The concept that government could guide it's citizens and businesses to an increasingly brighter future was introduced and slowly enacted. Old age income, jobs, housing, insurance, medical care, food, education, childcare, and an endless array of material and social needs would be provided by the government for it's poor and middle income citizens. These items would be paid for by taxpyers, rich citizens, and businesses. The federal government would levy a series of voluntary and involuntary taxes, payments, and fees to fund the new programs. The first great program was Social Security and at the time it seemed a reasonable idea. People would give a portion of their wages to the government. The government would hold the money in trust while the participant aged. At retirement age the Social Security participant would receive repayment of his contributions and a lifetime stipend to provide a comfortable retirement.

Over the decades, despite a variety of presidents and political changes, the basic idea introduced by Franklin Roosevelt has endured and been wildly expanded. It has become a tradition and ingrained part of our culture that the federal government holds a dominant position in the material well being of it's citizens. Over the years, this assumption has been fervently supported and defended by unions, churches, academics, lobbyists, artists, politicians, and leaders of the print and electronic media.

Although many social observers have warned that the benevolence of the federal government has destroyed the family, demotivated individuals from a sense of personal responsibility, and unjustly redistributed the nations treasure, little in entitlement programs has changed. Also with absolutely no justification in our Constitution, these welfare programs have grown to absurd levels of waste and duplicity. Over the years, these lively debates and arguments have failed to effect meaningful change or reform. Now, the situation has come to a crisis because the costs have outstripped the available revenue from taxes. Because of the countless programs and complex expensive networks of government bureaucracies our nation approaches bankruptcy. Unfortunately, most contemporary politicians fail to comprehend or admit the simple math and unconstitutional nature of the crisis. Indeed, many are content to argue continuation and expansion of these costly federal programs.

Without fail, a new chapter in American history will begin soon and with all things considered the only question will be if that change comes by way of the ballot box or a long national nightmare of bullets. Thank God we still have our votes and God help us if common sense and a return to our constitutional values fail in the next few election cycles.

Pray the Return of Phantom Fathers

As many celebrate the memory or presence of a father on Fathers Day, too many observe his absence. Not the father temporarily missing because of military service or a work schedule, but the millions of men who voluntarily ran away from fatherhood and their children.

How utterly sad for the abandoned children and what a deep wound this situation has caused for a more civil society. One can only estimate the disorder these fatherless homes have created over the last fifty years. The anger, crime, and, emotional void caused by fatherless homes is a curse on our civilization. Finally, the overwhelming stress to mothers trying to fill the void is tremendous.

While laws and social programs have vigorously addressed the problem, the results have been dismal. Rather then offering punishment or preaching, let us send this simple prayer to the heavens.

Dear God touch one man's heart every minute of every day to return home and be a father. Dear God, give these men the courage and strength to assume their role of fatherhood no matter the years, fears, and tears of the past. We ask this favor dear God knowing thy will be done.

Why the US of America is Great.

I am amazed at the failure of President Barrack Obama and his followers to recognize and respect the basis of US America's greatness. I am equally alarmed that the President, his unelected czars, and many advisers have a vendetta against the rich and a desire to promote class warfare.

From the earliest days when Europeans landed on our shores our "exceptionalism" has been our outstanding record of economic innovation and gains. The Spanish in Florida and later the English in Jamestowne Virginia came to our shores to find treasure. While gold and silver eluded the earliest settlers they found great fortune in their enterprise and hard work. In my opinion, personal liberty, religious freedom, and all the other rights and privileges we hold dear would follow the yearning to make money. In 1607 the only religion in Jamestowne was Anglican and even the Puritans of 1620 were interested only in the freedom to practise their unique religion. As British subjects, American Colonists were afforded a good measure of free speech, self rule, and most of the rights accorded other British citizens at the time. However, the opportunity to break the bonds of serfdom and indenture ship and make a lot of money were unique to those in North America at the time.

Early settlers discovered the possibility of gaining economic security without the heavy hand of royalty, excessive taxation, and regulations. While we clung to the British model of economic classes many loopholes to those willing to work hard and take chances were available. The harsh lines between the lessor, middling, and gentry groups were blurred by the initiative and industry of risk takers. A man in Williamsburg or Charleston could ascend from being an indentured servant to a skilled craftsman or shopkeeper much quicker in America then in England. Humble but hard working tobacco farmers in Virginia and traders in New England became rich beyond their wildest expectations. Unfortunately, in the main, Africans and Native Americans would be the sad exception to these early opportunities.

By the mid eighteenth century Britain demanded more tribute from it's colonies. In response to larger and more diverse taxes to pay for it's wars, the kings subjects in America became alarmed. Their alarm grew to anger when our trade was blunted by the closure of the Boston Harbor and the implied threat of closing America's other ports. Also, leading patriots grew increasingly irritated at governance from a British Parliament of non Americans thousands of miles away.

But, even as we began a revolt against the greatest power on earth, some Americans were more interested in profits then patriotism. It is recorded history that many farmers in the prosperous growing areas around Valley Forge opted to sell to the British in Philadelphia rather then the quartermasters of Washington's beleaguered troops because of payment in the more valuable sterlings of the British Crown. There are many other examples from our early days revealing, that perhaps, Americans were entrepreneurs before they were patriots.

Nonetheless, our nation was born and prospered on the combination of great personal liberty, great natural resources, and an atmosphere that encouraged and enriched the likes of Robert Fulton, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Bill Gates. Before we became the greatest military power and the most charitable nation on the earth we became the richest nation on earth.

A free population operating in a free market has given us the ability and courage to secure and maintain the many privileges of our citizenship. We have lead the world in championing liberty. We have tirelessly endeavoured to correct and compensate fellow Americans down trodden and mistreated in our early history. Though far from perfect, I believe we are a good people because we have always been a prosperous nation with the energy and resources to share our wealth.

While high mindedness has helped America to greatness, I would suggest that the root of our generosity lies in our unique economic system. The traditional American economic model has historically encouraged and enabled willing people to get rich, provide jobs, and set an example for more creative, intelligent, and risk taking entrepreneurs to follow.

As we cast off the serfdom, royalty, and strict class system of a British Empire several hundred years ago we must also reject the Obama assault. In his words and actions, President Obama seeks to demonize the rich and champion a classless America totally dependent upon the federal government. Whether at the ballot box or, God forbid, with bullets we cannot allow America to abandon it's most basic claim to an "exceptionalism" which still inspires billions of people around the globe.

My New Yacht

Over the years and being blessed with waterfront property I have enjoyed boating. Spanning thirty years and 6 or 8 boats I must report a very interesting phenomenon.

Despite the crude urban legend about the size of a mans boat defining his manliness my experience has been different. Every succeeding boat I've owned has been smaller then it's predecessor. The diminishing size of each watercraft may have something to do with the expense of repairing the endless list of boat thingies that break. Or, the trend towards smaller boats may reflect a late in life spat of common sense (this is Peggy's favorite explanation). Or, perhaps swimming my final laps, the question of size, in all matters, is less important !

Now, as you admire my newly purchased yacht atop my old car realize the lack of moving parts and eventual expenses. Indeed, while I cannot entertain any overnight guests or socials, I will save all those Franklin's disappearing down the porta potty. The only real mechanical challenge will be managing my diminished muscles. According to the Wallmart Nautical Instruction Manuel, it seems one must properly smack the waters surface with the oars to cause the damn thing to move.

Wish me luck and bon voyage !

"Day Dream Believing" about Richard, Tommy & Jeff

Recently, my world was shaken by death. In just a few months a first cousin, a boyhood friend, and a current friend were taken from this life. As I travel my final lap it seems as though others are finishing their run a bit earlier than me. I don't like it and I propose a solution.

I find no sense in death and little comfort in the place or space where Richard, Tommy, and Jeff have gone. Also, I have difficulty understanding any deity that would allow a life to flower and mature and then take it away in an instant. How can anywhere so far from familiar friends and experiences be a better place ? My thoughts may be selfish but it hurts to lose loved ones knowing their demise also steals part of my life.

My mind is too simple to cipher answers in the great philosophical questions of life and death. However, a positive outcome is possible in a phrase from a rock and roll song of long ago. Sometime in the sixties, the Monkees recorded a song with the line "Day Dream Believing". This "believing" was something "Day Dream Believers" could do to achieve their most happy goals. In the spirit of these three words one can imagine a better world untouched by disease and death. A place where, if one runs or travels far enough, or dreams hard enough, death can be evaded. I believe seriously conjuring the good images can make it happen.

Therefore, I propose that in the reality of losing a loved one we consider "day dream believing". To hold all the good memories beyond the grasp of death celebrate their lives as ongoing adventures that will live as long as we sustain our ability to day dream believe. Relax and let the heart and mind drift to a consciousness that denies the grim reaper his collection of our fondest friends and memories. If an extra spirited beverage or toke is required to get there, then let it happen.

I refuse to say goodbye to Richard, Tommy or Jeff and I will endeavor to become a "Day Dream Believer". Will you join in keeping the best memories of your loved ones in your day dreams ?